Hong Kong: CE expresses sadness over murders Chief Executive John Lee said he is saddened by the murders that took place at a shopping centre last night and he extended his deep condolences to the families of the two deceased. Mr Lee made the statement following the murder case that happened at Plaza Hollywood in Diamond Hill on the evening of June 2. Apart from explaining that Police have arrested the suspect and will spare no effort in investigating the case, the statement pointed out that this is an individual case. It added that Police and various law enforcement agencies will continue to strive to maintain law and order in Hong Kong. Furthermore, staff from the Social Welfare Department have contacted the families of the deceased and the suspect and will render assistance. Noting that the people may feel uneasy and worried, especially as videos of the incident were widely circulated online, Mr Lee urged everyone in the community to stop sharing the videos. He encourages people to extend care to family members and friends. The public is advised to seek professional support if they experience any emotional distress. People may call the Social Welfare Department's 24-hour hotline 2343 2255 for assistance, which provides immediate telephone counselling, support and referral services. Those in need may also phone the Hong Kong Red Cross at 5164 5040. The department will also set up a mobile service counter near the scene of the incident to provide support for those suffering from emotional distress. The mobile service counter will be set up outside Exit C2 of MTR Diamond Hill Station, ie the open area at the Public Transport Interchange outside the entrance of Plaza Hollywood. Its operation hours will be from 11.45am to 6pm. The service counter will distribute pamphlets on handling emotional distress. The department's clinical psychologists will also provide on-site emotional counselling for those in need. Meanwhile, those in need can seek assistance from professional medical staff by calling the Hospital Authority's mental health hotline at 2466 7350. The hotline service operates 24 hours a day. Additionally, information on mental health support is available at the Advisory Committee on Mental Health's website, Shall We Talk. This story has been published on: 2023-06-03. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. China's top legislator meets president of Argentine Chamber of Deputies Xinhua) 13:53, June 03, 2023 Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, meets with Cecilia Moreau, president of the Argentine Chamber of Deputies, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, June 2, 2023. (Xinhua/Ding Lin) BEIJING, June 2 (Xinhua) -- China's top legislator Zhao Leji met with Cecilia Moreau, president of the Argentine Chamber of Deputies, in Beijing on Friday, calling for close friendly exchanges at all levels between the legislatures of the two countries. Zhao, chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, said that Argentina is China's good friend and partner, and that the heads of state of the two countries have met and exchanged letters on many occasions, leading the sustained and in-depth development of China-Argentina relations. China stands ready to work with Argentina to implement the consensus reached by the two heads of state, consolidate political mutual trust, expand practical cooperation and people-to-people exchanges, deepen inter-civilization exchanges and mutual learning, and strengthen multilateral strategic coordination, Zhao said. He expressed the hope that the legislatures of the two countries will maintain close friendly exchanges at all levels, strengthen exchanges in legislative experience, and continuously enrich the connotations of the China-Argentina comprehensive strategic partnership. Moreau said that the two countries have enjoyed the sound development of bilateral ties since they established diplomatic relations more than 50 years ago. "Argentina firmly abides by the one-China principle, and is willing to strengthen exchanges between the legislative bodies of the two countries, promote cooperation on economy, trade, and culture, and enhance the friendship between the two peoples," Moreau said. Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, meets with Cecilia Moreau, president of the Argentine Chamber of Deputies, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, June 2, 2023. (Xinhua/Ding Lin) (Web editor: Chang Sha, Hongyu) An entrepreneur in China's Fujian is dedicated to boosting agriculture with technology. Kang Yingde returned to his hometown in Xiamen City after graduating from a university in Japan, and launched a startup company. A dozen years later, Kang's company has become a leading enterprise in the industry. Produced by Xinhua Global Service SALEM Oregon Senate Democrats plan to start fining their absent colleagues amid a month-long Republican walkout, a move they hope will pressure boycotting lawmakers to return to the chamber as hundreds of bills languish amid the partisan stalemate. In a procedural move Thursday, Democrats voted to fine senators $325 every time their absence denies the chamber the two-thirds quorum it needs to conduct business. The amount reflects lawmakers average daily pay, according to the office of Democratic Senate President Rob Wagner. Oregonians work for a living every day, and they dont get paid when they dont show up, Wagner said while addressing the Senate. We have a huge stack of bills sitting right over there on that cart, just waiting for us to take them up, to debate and to vote. The month-long Republican walkout the longest-ever in the Oregon Legislature once again prevented the Senate from reaching a quorum on Thursday. But Democratic Senate Majority Leader Kate Lieber, citing an article in the state constitution, requested that the Senate compel absent members to attend and fine absentees $325 for every day a quorum isnt reached. Her request was voted on and approved by the other Democrats present on the Senate floor. The article of the Oregon Constitution cited by Democrats states that even if two-thirds of members are not present, a smaller number may meet ... and compel the attendance of absent members. Senate Republican Minority Leader Tim Knopp condemned the plan as retaliation. Most Republican senators havent shown up for floor sessions since May 3, denying quorum and stalling hundreds of bills, including ones on abortion, gender-affirming care and gun control that have sparked fierce debate in the Legislature. Knopp has said Republicans will only return to the Senate on the last day of the legislative session, June 25, to pass the budget and bipartisan bills. Democratic Gov. Tina Kotek said Wednesday that her talks to end the impasse have failed and that Knopp wants the bill on abortion and gender-affirming care to be substantially amended or dead. Kotek said negotiating on that measure, which has already passed the House, is not an option. After Republicans staged previous walkouts in 2019, 2020 and 2021, voters last November approved a ballot measure by an almost 70% margin that was supposed to stop walkouts. Lawmakers with 10 or more unexcused absences would be disqualified from reelection in the next term, according to the measures title and summary. But the text of the measure says disqualification applies to the term following the election after the members current term is completed. Republicans are taking that as meaning that boycotters who are up for reelection in 2024 could be candidates, since their current terms end in January 2025 with the disqualification coming for the 2028 election. Secretary of State spokesperson Ben Morris said the department is seeking a legal opinion from the Oregon Department of Justice and will follow its advice. The Justice Department is currently working on the legal opinion, Roy Kaufmann, spokesperson for Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum, said in an email Wednesday. Republican senators are expected to file court challenges if the secretary of states elections division bars them from registering as candidates in September. A Cathlamet man was airlifted after his vehicle went off state Route Four and into an 80-foot embankment Friday afternoon near Grays River in Wahkiakum County. At roughly 1:21 p.m., David B. Chamberlain, 38, of Cathlamet, was speeding eastbound on state Route Four in his 1992 Honda Civic, according to a press release from Washington State Patrol. Near Milepost 19, northeast of Loop Road, Chamberlain didnt negotiate a curve and crashed into an embankment 80 feet down below, the report states. Chamberlain, who was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash, had to be taken by air to PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center in Vancouver. Longview police arrested a man Wednesday outside St. Helens Elementary for allegedly assaulting a woman and two police officers before being subdued in the schools parking lot. Timothy Anthony Cain Brewer, 36, of Longview, is a parent who attempted to gain entry into the elementary school, was denied, and then began assaulting people, according to Longview Police Capt. Brandon McNew. Longview School District spokesman Rick Parrish said Brewer has a child who attends St. Helens Elementary. A court-issued no-contact order states Brewer must stay up to 1,000 feet away from his ex-wife and his underage child. Brewers bail was set at $350,000 on Friday, and he was granted a public attorney. St. Helens Principal Stephanie Teel reported she did not send a notice to parents about the May 31 incident because it happened after school hours. On Wednesdays, Longview schools have a one-hour early release. Timeline After being denied entry at the school, Brewer reportedly walked into the parking lot, where he approached a female volunteer holding books and assaulted her, breaking the bones in her hand, as he attempted to steal her car keys. According to the probable cause statement, several staff members assisted the victim by escorting her inside the school. School officials called 911 at about 3:23 p.m., with one lone officer responding to the scene. The probable cause statement says the officer confronted Brewer in front of the school. The officer gave several commands to Brewer to get on the ground, but he continued to move towards him with a closed fist, the report states. As he perceived Brewer was going to assault him, the officer deployed his department taser. On the ground, Brewer removed the taser lines, got up, ran towards the officer, and fought him, the report states. McNew said about 15 to 20 seconds later, a second officer arrived at the scene. Brewer then stopped fighting with the first officer and started fighting the second one. Both officers gained control of Brewer as backup arrived. Brewer continued to fight with officers while handcuffed, thrashing his body around and flailing his legs, as stated in the probable cause statement. Its been 13 years since 7-year-old Kyron Horman disappeared from Portlands Skyline Elementary School, spurring the largest search-and-rescue operation in Oregon history. As the anniversary of the boys vanishing approaches on Sunday, the Multnomah County Sheriffs Office has released an updated image of what Kyron might look like as a 20-year-old man, and theyre reminding the public of a $50,000 reward for information leading to a resolution of the case. Horman disappeared from Northwest Portlands Skyline Elementary on June 4, 2010, after stepmother Terri Moulton Horman took him that morning to tour a school science fair. Kyron did not report to his homeroom and has not been seen since that morning. Kaine Horman, the boys father, discovered that afternoon that Kyron wasnt on the school bus. In the days and then months that followed, the FBI, the Portland Police Bureau and the Multnomah County Sheriffs Office conducted exhaustive searches with assistance from volunteer search-and-rescue teams. Kyron has never been found. He was wearing a black T-shirt with CSI in green letters and a hand-print graphic, black cargo pants and black Skechers sneakers with orange trim on the day he went missing. He had a distinct V-shaped strawberry birthmark on his forehead. The National Center for Missing and Endangered Children produced the age-progressed image of Kyron. It depicts a young man with light brown hair and blue eyes covered by rectangle-shaped glasses. Police are asking anyone with information relevant to the boys disappearance to contact the Multnomah County Sheriffs Office by calling the tip line at 503-988-0560 or by emailing MCSOTipLine@mcso.us. Japan's privacy watchdog said on Friday it has warned OpenAI, the Microsoft-backed startup behind the ChatGPT chatbot, not to collect sensitive data without people's permission. OpenAI should minimise the sensitive data it collects for machine learning, the Personal Information Protection Commission said in a statement, adding it may take further action if it has more concerns. Regulators around the world are scrambling to draw up rules governing the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI), which can create text and images, the impact of which proponents compare to the arrival of the internet. While Japan has been on the backfoot with some recent technology trends, it is seen as having greater incentive to keep pace with advances in AI and robotics to maintain productivity as its population shrinks. The watchdog noted the need to balance privacy concerns with the potential benefits of generative AI including in accelerating innovation and dealing with problems such as climate change. Japan is the third-largest source of traffic to OpenAI's website, according to analytics firm Similarweb. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman in April met Prime Minister Fumio Kishida with an eye to expansion in Japan, ahead of the Group of Seven (G7) leaders summit where Kishida led a discussion on regulating AI. The EU, a global trendsetter on tech regulation, set up a taskforce on ChatGPT and is working on what could be the first set of rules to govern AI. In the meantime, the rapid spread of such chatbots has meant regulators have had to rely on existing rules to bridge the gap. Italian regulator Garante had ChatGPT taken offline before the company agreed to install age verification features and let European users block their information from being used to train the system. Altman last week said OpenAI had no plans to leave Europe after earlier suggesting the startup might do so if EU regulations were too difficult to comply with. 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 Stanford scientists have developed a soft and stretchable electronic skin that can directly talk to the brain, imitating the sensory feedback of real skin using a strategy that, if improved, could offer hope to millions of people with prosthetic limbs. "We were inspired by the natural system and wanted to mimic it," said Weichen Wang, whose team published its success in the journal Science. "Maybe we can someday help patients to not only restore motor function, but also restore their sensations." Much faster, larger and more sophisticated circuitry is needed before so-called "e-skin" holds promise for people. But, in a milestone, the device showed remarkable success in a lab rat. When researchers pressed the rat's e-skin and sent electronic pulses to its brain, the animal responded by twitching its leg. Scientists have long dreamed of building prosthetic limbs that not only restore movement but also provide perceptionsensing pressure, temperature and vibration, for instanceto help restore a more normal quality of life. Skin damage and amputation cause a massive disruption in the loop of perception and movement, so even simple tasks like feeling or grasping an object are challenging. "If you pick up a glass of beer and you can't sense that it's not cold, then you won't get the right taste," said Ravinder Dahiya, professor of electrical and computer engineering at Northeastern University in Boston, who is also studying the use of flexible electronics to develop artificial skin. Electronic skin also could be used to clad robots so they feel sensations in the same way that humans do. This is critical to the safety of industries where robots and humans have physical interactions, such as passing tools on a manufacturing floor. But the sensation of touch is complicated. Human skin has millions of receptors that sense when they are poked or pressed, squeezed or scalded. They react by sending electrical pulses to the brain, through nerves. The brain responds by sending information back, telling muscles to move. And biological skin is soft and can stretch, repeatedly, for many decades. The Stanford team, led by chemical engineering professor Zhenan Bao, has been working on e-skin designs for several years. But an earlier effort used rigid electronics and 30 volts of power, which requires 10 batteries and isn't safe. And it wasn't able to endure continuous stretching without losing its electrical properties. "The hurdle was not so much finding mechanisms to mimic the remarkable sensory abilities of human touch, but bringing them together using only skin-like materials," said Bao, in a statement. The new e-skin is innovative because it uses networked layers of stretchable organic transistors that perceive and transmit electrical signals. When sandwiched, the layers are only about 25 to 50 microns thickas thin as a sheet of paper, similar to skin. Its networks act as sensors, engineered to sense pressure, temperature, strain, and chemicals. They turn this sensory information into an electrical pulse. And the e-skin runs on only 5 volts of electricity. To test the system, the Stanford team implanted it into a live rat. When the rat's e-skin was touched, a pulse was transmitted by a wire to the rat's brainspecifically, an area called the somatosensory cortex, which is responsible for processing physical sensations. The rat's brain responded by sending an electrical signal down to its leg. This was done using a device that amplifies and transmits signals from the brain to muscles, mimicking connections in the nervous system called synapses. The rat's leg twitched. Significantly, its movement corresponded to varying levels of pressure, said Wang, an engineering Ph.D. and first author on the new paper. For example, the team could increase the leg's movement by pushing the e-skin harder, which boosted the signal's frequency and the transistor's output. If tested in humans, the device would not require implantation of a wire to send sensory information to the brain. Rather, the team envisions using wireless communication between e-skin and an electrical stimulator located next to a nerve. Joe McTernan of the American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association said such research encourages technological advancements that could someday provide real-time biofeedback for people who have lost limbs. "Although this skin technology is fairly new, there has been significant research and development in recent years that have focused on creating a positive tactile experience for the patient," he said. The Stanford team's closed-loop systemfrom sensation to muscle movementis "very excitingvery much a proof of concept," bioelectronics expert Alejandro Carnicer-Lombarte of University of Cambridge told the journal Nature. In the field of artificial prosthetics, most researchers tend to work on individual components, he said. "Combining those things, in sequence, is not trivial." Dahiya applauded the team's success in building flexible electronics and then making them work. "That's where they've done a nice job," he said. But he said there's still a missing piece of the puzzle: creating memory. Unlike Stanford's e-skin, human skin learns how an object feels, then can anticipate it. There's another challenge: The transmission of signals is currently too slow to be useful. The flow of information through the team's flexible carbon-based transistors is sluggish compared to more traditional silicon-based transistors, he said. Such a delay "will not allow us to get a real feeling," Dahiya said. "And without real feeling, then you have a practical bottleneck." At Stanford, the next step is to pack more and different sensors into the e-skin, to more closely replicate the many sensations felt by the human hand, said Wang. "We're scaling up," he said. "It will be more advanced. "The whole field is under development," he said. "It will take many more generations of developments to realize our target." More information: Weichen Wang et al, Neuromorphic sensorimotor loop embodied by monolithically integrated, low-voltage, soft e-skin, Science (2023). DOI: 10.1126/science.ade0086 Journal information: Science 2023 MediaNews Group, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. TEHRAN, June 3 (Xinhua) -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and his Saudi counterpart, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, have discussed issues pertaining to the resumption and development of bilateral ties. The meeting was held Friday on the sidelines of the Friends of BRICS meeting in Cape Town in South Africa, said the Iranian Foreign Ministry in a statement. The Iranian foreign minister expressed satisfaction with the progress achieved toward the resumption of bilateral relations, adding that the two sides have introduced their ambassadors to each other and the ground has been prepared for the re-opening of embassies and consulates general in the two countries. He thanked the Saudi side for making arrangements and providing facilities for Iran's Hajj pilgrims this year. Recalling his previous talks with the Saudi foreign minister about improving bilateral trade and economic ties, Amir-Abdollahian said his Saudi counterpart's visit to Tehran in the near future will provide the two sides with an opportunity to exchange views on strengthening bilateral relations in different areas. He described BRICS as a new opportunity for multilateral cooperation among Iran, Saudi Arabia and the group's member states in the areas of economy and trade. The Saudi minister, for his part, also expressed satisfaction with the "very good" progress in the bilateral ties, saying he will soon travel to Tehran. He thanked the Iranian side for the valuable assistance in welcoming the Saudi technical delegation to lay the groundwork for the opening of the Saudi embassy and the consulate in Iran. He said that thanks to their "very good" cooperation, the two sides had swiftly passed through the stages of appointing ambassadors and preparing the ground for the re-opening of diplomatic missions, and are now moving toward a new stage in bilateral ties that will safeguard their interests and those of the entire region. In March, Saudi Arabia and Iran reached in Beijing a groundbreaking agreement to resume diplomatic relations and reopen their embassies and missions within two months. On April 6, the two countries officially announced the resumption of diplomatic relations with immediate effect. Saudi Arabia cut diplomatic ties with Iran in early 2016 in response to attacks on Saudi diplomatic missions in Iran after the kingdom executed a Shiite cleric. TEHRAN, June 2 (Xinhua) -- The Iranian foreign minister said on Friday that the new "positive" atmosphere in the Middle East is in the interests of all regional states, according to a statement published on the Foreign Ministry's website. Hossein Amir-Abdollahian made the remarks in a meeting with United Arab Emirates (UAE) Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan on the sidelines of the Friends of BRICS meeting held in Cape Town, South Africa, where they discussed the bilateral and regional issues of common interest. Noting a recent visit by the UAE minister of state to Iran, the Iranian foreign minister said the two sides had agreed on holding a joint economic commission meeting to improve bilateral trade and economic relations. For his part, the UAE foreign minister underlined the necessity of expanding bilateral relations in all areas including the trade and economic fields. The UAE will invite Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi to the 28th UN climate conference it will host in November, he said. Relations between Iran and the UAE have been improving over the past months, especially after Iran and Saudi Arabia reached an agreement on the resumption of their bilateral ties in March. Iran appointed its first ambassador to the UAE since 2016 in early April, after the UAE reinstated its ambassador in Tehran in September 2022. In 2016, the UAE downgraded its relations with Iran after Saudi Arabia cut diplomatic ties with Iran. The impeachment of Attorney General Ken Paxton rocketed through the Texas House last week, when 20 articles of impeachment were overwhelmingly adopted with bipartisan support only two days after they were drafted. Expect a very different rhythm in the state Senate. The upper chamber is tasked with holding a trial on whether to remove Paxton from office, a responsibility that will take much more time and effort. The Senate plans to consider impeachment rules on June 20 and to start the trial by Aug. 28. Yet there are a lot of unknowns, and the Senate is keeping quiet. The GOP presiding officer, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, promised Tuesday that Paxton will get a fair trial but otherwise declined to give an opinion on the matter. Dont ask me any more questions because I cant answer them, Patrick said during an event with the Texas Public Policy Foundation. Look at me like a judge before a case and look at our senators like that. Be respectful of their space and time. This is very serious. There are very serious people, and the Senate is going to do our job in a professional way. The House vote to impeach Paxton was 121-23, with 60 Republicans and 61 Democrats in support. All it required was a simple majority. In the Senate, however, the threshold to remove Paxton from office is two-thirds support. That means if all 31 senators participate, 21 votes would be required for removal. And if all 12 Democrats support removal, nine of the 19 Republicans would have to join them to kick Paxton out of office. Paxton was suspended from office upon the House vote, and Gov. Greg Abbott on Wednesday named John Scott, the former secretary of state, as interim attorney general. Paxton and his allies have expressed hope for a swift resolution in the Senate. Ahead of the House vote, the chair of the Texas GOP, Matt Rinaldi, predicted the states Republicans will have to rely yet again on the principled leadership of the Texas Senate to restore sanity and reason for our state. The House leader on impeachment, Rep. Andrew Murr, R-Junction, expressed confidence Tuesday in the Senates preparations for the trial. He told reporters he understands it is a very deliberative process and will be handled in a thoughtful way to ensure that all parties are prepared for trial. Six Paxton staffers have taken leaves of absence to help defend him in the Senate trial, including the solicitor general, Judd Stone. On the other side, House Speaker Dade Phelan, R-Beaumont, has appointed a 12-member board of managers to help prosecute Paxton, led by Murr. On Thursday, Murr introduced two Texas legal legends Dick DeGuerin and Rusty Hardin who will make the case against Paxton in the Senate. Paxtons office seems to already have irked the prosecution by reportedly delivering a packet to senators office outlining his defense. Rep. Ann Johnson, the Houston Democrat and vice chair of the board of managers, said Tuesday she expects Paxton to realize that dropping a binder on your potential jurors could be considered tampering or attempting to interfere with a lawful process. After Saturdays House voted to impeach Paxton, several Republican senators issued nearly identical statements saying they were taking a vow of silence on the trial. They said they welcome and encourage feedback from constituents but added that they cannot communicate directly about the case. Senate Democrats are also staying tight-lipped. The head of the Democratic caucus, Sen. Carol Alvarado of Houston, declined to comment Wednesday. Another Democratic senator, Austins Sarah Eckhardt, noted in a statement Wednesday that during the last impeachment trial, the rules banned senators from discussing the matter with anyone beyond themselves and the Senates presiding. Please be assured that I am committed to fulfilling my constitutional duty, including my duty to act as an impartial juror in weighing the facts and merits of the case, Eckhardt said. The last public official to face a Senate impeachment trial was District Judge O.P. Carrillo, who was removed from office after a four-month proceeding in 1975-76. No current senators were serving at the time. All eyes on rules for a Senate trial Before the Senate can conduct the trial, it has to set rules for the trial and the Texas Constitution gives the chamber wide latitude to do so. The [Paxton] impeachment trial rules could be key, Ross Garber, a nationally known impeachment lawyer, tweeted Thursday. Watch, for example, to see whether they allow for discovery/depositions by Paxton or require disclosure of investigative info by the House. On Monday, the Senate unanimously passed a resolution allowing Patrick to name a seven-member committee to devise trial rules. They will present proposed rules to the full Senate on June 20, according to the resolution. It is unclear if they will vote on approving them the same day. The committee that Patrick named is majority Republican there are only two Democrats and its chair, Sen. Brian Birdwell of Granbury, is an ally of the lieutenant governor. He currently leads two other Senate committees, including one on border security. The team that will present the case against Paxton appears aware how important the Senate rules could be. I hope that as they develop [the rules] and as we go forward, we are going to have a full, public hearing that allows both sides to present the evidence that allows the public and the world to know just what happened here, Hardin said Thursday. Depending on the rules, a big question for Paxton is who should testify, including the attorney general himself. Rep. Carl Tepper, a Lubbock Republican who voted to impeach, said Thursday that trial testimony would be fraught with legal risk for Paxton. He needs to have a fair trial in the Senate but realize that in this fair trial, he gets to testify or his people get to testify on his behalf, and that is all admissible in criminal and civil cases, Tepper told Lubbock radio host Chad Hasty. Hes in a lot of trouble, hes in a big mess, because I think theres a lot there. Rife with conflicts of interest The Senate is rife with potential conflicts of interest in the Paxton matter, and it is unclear if any member will or can recuse. State law says lawmakers should step aside from matters in which they have a personal stake, but it also says all senators must be present for an impeachment trial. Patrick has not yet appeared to contemplate recusals, telling a Dallas TV station that he will be presiding over that case and the senators all 31 senators will have a vote. For starters, Paxtons wife, Sen. Angela Paxton, has served in the Senate since 2019 and currently chairs the Republican caucus. The articles of impeachment allege that Ken Paxton cheated on her and benefited when friend and political donor Nate Paul employed the woman. Sen. Bryan Hughes, R-Mineola, is also tangled up in the allegations. Paxton stands accused of recruiting Hughes to be an unwitting straw requestor for an attorney generals office legal opinion that helped Paul. A third state senator also could be caught up in the case. It has been reported that the woman Paxton had an affair with was a former Senate aide. Asked Tuesday about potential recusals in the trial, Murr declined to comment, noting the Senate will set the rules. Notably, Patrick did not name Angela Paxton or Hughes to the committee that will propose rules for the trial. Even the lieutenant governor has been singed by Paxtons scandals over the years. He received a $10,000 campaign donation from Paul in the closing days of the 2018 election, three days before Paul made his well-documented $25,000 donation to Paxton. After the whistleblowers stepped forward in 2020, a Patrick adviser told the Austin American-Statesman that the lieutenant governor does not recall ever meeting (Paul) and he doesnt know him. The adviser promised Patrick would give the money to a charity called Be an Angel. Campaign finance records confirm Patrick followed through on that promise two days later. Senate politics could play a role Then there are the politics inside the Senate. While Patrick does not get a vote in the trial, he holds powerful sway over the GOP caucus, which typically marches in lockstep with his legislative agenda. And he has already taken responsibility for key decisions ahead of the trial, like the appointment of the rules committee and the scheduling of the trial start date. Patrick has not offered a personal view on the impeachment of Paxton, but he is seen as more aligned with Paxtons wing of the GOP than Phelans. He endorsed Paxton in his primary runoff last year, when his opponent was focusing on Paxtons long-running legal problems. Patrick is also close with former President Donald Trump, who has blasted the House impeachment of Paxton. As for the 19 Republican senators, some have a more unique political history with Paxton than others. Two Republican senators already sided against Paxton in his hotly contested primary last year. Sen. Charles Schwertner of Georgetown publicly endorsed one of Paxtons challengers, George P. Bush. And Sen. Mayes Middleton of Galveston was a top donor to another Paxton opponent, Matt Krause. Middleton later put his money behind Paxton challenger Louie Gohmert after Krause dropped out. Political ambitions also could weigh on senators. Patrick has long said he would like to see a senator succeed him and it is no secret that multiple Republicans hope it will be them. Patrick initially said he would not seek reelection in 2026 but reversed himself earlier this year. 888 restated their assumes rating on shares of Baxter International (NYSE:BAX Get Rating) in a research note published on Tuesday morning, Benzinga reports. Several other equities research analysts also recently issued reports on the company. Evercore ISI lowered their price target on Baxter International from $50.00 to $48.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, April 4th. StockNews.com began coverage on Baxter International in a report on Thursday, May 18th. They set a hold rating for the company. Stifel Nicolaus increased their price objective on Baxter International from $45.00 to $54.00 in a report on Friday, April 28th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft increased their price objective on Baxter International from $40.00 to $50.00 in a report on Friday, April 28th. Finally, UBS Group began coverage on Baxter International in a report on Tuesday, March 28th. They set a neutral rating and a $43.00 price objective for the company. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, ten have assigned a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Baxter International presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $52.38. Get Baxter International alerts: Baxter International Trading Up 0.2 % Shares of BAX traded up $0.10 during trading hours on Tuesday, hitting $41.33. 3,665,283 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 6,227,830. The company has a current ratio of 1.70, a quick ratio of 1.09 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.57. Baxter International has a 1-year low of $37.35 and a 1-year high of $74.43. The firm has a market capitalization of $20.91 billion, a PE ratio of -8.47, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.26 and a beta of 0.56. The business has a fifty day moving average of $43.00 and a 200-day moving average of $45.29. Baxter International Dividend Announcement Baxter International ( NYSE:BAX Get Rating ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, April 27th. The medical instruments supplier reported $0.59 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.48 by $0.11. Baxter International had a positive return on equity of 24.29% and a negative net margin of 16.34%. The business had revenue of $3.65 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.60 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $0.93 earnings per share. The firms revenue for the quarter was down 1.6% compared to the same quarter last year. Analysts expect that Baxter International will post 2.91 EPS for the current year. The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, July 3rd. Stockholders of record on Friday, June 2nd will be paid a $0.29 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, June 1st. This represents a $1.16 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.81%. Baxter Internationals payout ratio is -23.77%. Insider Activity In related news, Director Albert P. L. Stroucken sold 3,930 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, March 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of $37.52, for a total transaction of $147,453.60. Following the sale, the director now owns 36,835 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,382,049.20. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Corporate insiders own 0.21% of the companys stock. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Valeo Financial Advisors LLC bought a new stake in Baxter International during the 4th quarter worth approximately $211,000. American International Group Inc. increased its holdings in Baxter International by 6.3% during the 4th quarter. American International Group Inc. now owns 155,451 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock worth $7,923,000 after purchasing an additional 9,259 shares in the last quarter. Van ECK Associates Corp bought a new stake in Baxter International during the 4th quarter worth approximately $386,000. Lindbrook Capital LLC increased its holdings in Baxter International by 11.0% during the 4th quarter. Lindbrook Capital LLC now owns 2,888 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock worth $147,000 after purchasing an additional 287 shares in the last quarter. Finally, First American Trust FSB increased its holdings in Baxter International by 4.6% during the 4th quarter. First American Trust FSB now owns 60,549 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock worth $3,087,000 after purchasing an additional 2,666 shares in the last quarter. 84.84% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. About Baxter International (Get Rating) Baxter International, Inc engages in the provision of a portfolio of essential healthcare products including acute and chronic dialysis therapies, sterile intravenous (IV) solutions, infusion systems and devices, parenteral nutrition therapies, inhaled anesthetics, generic injectable pharmaceuticals, surgical hemostat and sealant products, surgical equipment, smart bed systems, patient monitoring and diagnostic technologies, and respiratory health devices. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Baxter International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Baxter International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Boston Pizza Royalties Income Fund (TSE:BPF.UN Get Rating)s stock price crossed above its 200-day moving average during trading on Wednesday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of C$15.71 and traded as high as C$16.31. Boston Pizza Royalties Income Fund shares last traded at C$16.31, with a volume of 48,486 shares traded. Boston Pizza Royalties Income Fund Stock Performance The company has a market cap of C$353.14 million, a PE ratio of 17.27 and a beta of 1.67. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of C$15.74 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of C$15.71. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 43.51, a current ratio of 20.80 and a quick ratio of 17.13. Get Boston Pizza Royalties Income Fund alerts: Boston Pizza Royalties Income Fund Dividend Announcement The firm also recently declared a monthly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, May 31st. Investors of record on Wednesday, May 31st were given a $0.107 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, May 18th. This represents a $1.28 annualized dividend and a yield of 7.82%. Boston Pizza Royalties Income Funds dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 134.74%. About Boston Pizza Royalties Income Fund Boston Pizza Royalties Income Fund operates as a limited purpose open-ended trust. The company, indirectly through Boston Pizza Royalties Limited Partnership, owns trademarks and trade names used by Boston Pizza International Inc It operates as a franchisor of casual dining pizza and pasta restaurants. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Boston Pizza Royalties Income Fund Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Boston Pizza Royalties Income Fund and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Enova International, Inc. (NYSE:ENVA Get Rating) crossed above its 50-day moving average during trading on Wednesday . The stock has a 50-day moving average of $44.72 and traded as high as $47.50. Enova International shares last traded at $46.52, with a volume of 205,286 shares trading hands. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades ENVA has been the topic of a number of recent research reports. JMP Securities upped their price target on shares of Enova International from $54.00 to $61.00 in a research note on Wednesday, April 26th. StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Enova International in a research note on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a buy rating on the stock. Get Enova International alerts: Enova International Stock Up 4.5 % The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.90, a quick ratio of 16.63 and a current ratio of 16.63. The firm has a market capitalization of $1.52 billion, a PE ratio of 7.47 and a beta of 1.53. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $44.81 and its 200-day simple moving average is $43.63. Insider Transactions at Enova International Enova International ( NYSE:ENVA Get Rating ) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, April 25th. The credit services provider reported $1.65 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.45 by $0.20. The business had revenue of $483.26 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $486.31 million. Enova International had a net margin of 11.23% and a return on equity of 17.98%. On average, analysts forecast that Enova International, Inc. will post 6.7 EPS for the current fiscal year. In other news, Director Ellen Carnahan sold 6,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, March 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $43.57, for a total value of $261,420.00. Following the transaction, the director now owns 50,350 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,193,749.50. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. In related news, CFO Steven E. Cunningham sold 5,599 shares of the stock in a transaction on Wednesday, May 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $45.00, for a total transaction of $251,955.00. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer now owns 177,383 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $7,982,235. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, Director Ellen Carnahan sold 6,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, March 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $43.57, for a total transaction of $261,420.00. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 50,350 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,193,749.50. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders own 7.80% of the companys stock. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Enova International Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Ameriprise Financial Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Enova International by 13.0% during the 1st quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. now owns 179,107 shares of the credit services providers stock valued at $7,958,000 after purchasing an additional 20,653 shares during the last quarter. New York State Common Retirement Fund grew its holdings in Enova International by 10.2% in the 1st quarter. New York State Common Retirement Fund now owns 66,166 shares of the credit services providers stock worth $2,940,000 after acquiring an additional 6,100 shares during the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC grew its holdings in Enova International by 2.6% in the 1st quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 590,108 shares of the credit services providers stock worth $26,219,000 after acquiring an additional 14,996 shares during the last quarter. Portolan Capital Management LLC grew its holdings in Enova International by 30.6% in the 1st quarter. Portolan Capital Management LLC now owns 243,171 shares of the credit services providers stock worth $10,804,000 after acquiring an additional 56,910 shares during the last quarter. Finally, BNP Paribas Arbitrage SNC grew its holdings in Enova International by 100.2% in the 1st quarter. BNP Paribas Arbitrage SNC now owns 24,463 shares of the credit services providers stock worth $1,087,000 after acquiring an additional 12,244 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 91.69% of the companys stock. Enova International Company Profile (Get Rating) Enova International, Inc engages in the provision of online financial services. Its products and services include short-term consumer loan, line of credit accounts, instalment loans, receivables purchase agreements, credit services organization program, bank program, and decision management platform-as-a-service & analytics-as-a-service. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Enova International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Enova International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. JPMorgan UK Smaller Companies Investment Trust Plc (LON:JMI Get Rating)s stock price crossed above its 50-day moving average during trading on Wednesday . The stock has a 50-day moving average of GBX 267.35 ($3.30) and traded as high as GBX 271 ($3.35). JPMorgan UK Smaller Companies Investment Trust shares last traded at GBX 268 ($3.31), with a volume of 41,543 shares. JPMorgan UK Smaller Companies Investment Trust Stock Up 2.7 % The firm has a market cap of 218.40 million, a PE ratio of -394.11 and a beta of 1.34. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 8.83, a quick ratio of 0.42 and a current ratio of 0.14. The firms 50-day moving average price is GBX 268.06 and its two-hundred day moving average price is GBX 278.50. JPMorgan UK Smaller Companies Investment Trust Company Profile (Get Rating) JPMorgan Smaller Companies Investment Trust plc is a close-ended equity mutual fund launched and managed by JPMorgan Funds Limited. The fund is co-managed by JPMorgan Asset Management (UK) Limited. It invests in the public equity markets of the United Kingdom. The fund invests in stocks of companies operating across diversified sectors. See Also Receive News & Ratings for JPMorgan UK Smaller Companies Investment Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for JPMorgan UK Smaller Companies Investment Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Nevada Gold & Casinos, Inc. (NYSEAMERICAN:UWN Get Rating)s stock price crossed above its two hundred day moving average during trading on Wednesday . The stock has a two hundred day moving average of $0.00 and traded as high as $2.56. Nevada Gold & Casinos shares last traded at $2.54, with a volume of 414,700 shares changing hands. Nevada Gold & Casinos Trading Up 0.8 % About Nevada Gold & Casinos (Get Rating) Nevada Gold & Casinos, Inc, a gaming company, finances, develops, owns, and operates gaming properties and projects. It operates in three segments: Washington, South Dakota, and Nevada. The company owns and operates nine mini-casinos under the Crazy Moose Casinos, Coyote Bob's Casino, Silver Dollar Casinos, Club Hollywood Casino, Royal Casino, and Red Dragon Casino names in the Washington state; and a slot machine route operation in Deadwood, South Dakota. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Nevada Gold & Casinos Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Nevada Gold & Casinos and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Phreesia (NYSE:PHR Get Rating) released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday. The company reported ($0.70) EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of ($0.80) by $0.10, Zacks reports. The company had revenue of $83.85 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $80.64 million. Phreesia had a negative return on equity of 50.94% and a negative net margin of 53.89%. During the same period last year, the business posted ($0.99) EPS. Phreesia Stock Performance Shares of NYSE PHR traded up $1.77 during trading on Friday, reaching $32.65. 634,350 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 419,296. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $31.04 and its 200 day simple moving average is $32.42. The stock has a market cap of $1.75 billion, a P/E ratio of -9.72 and a beta of 0.62. Phreesia has a 12-month low of $16.78 and a 12-month high of $40.00. The company has a current ratio of 3.32, a quick ratio of 3.32 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.01. Get Phreesia alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets Several research analysts have commented on the company. Guggenheim raised their price objective on Phreesia from $35.00 to $40.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, March 29th. KeyCorp cut their price target on Phreesia from $45.00 to $40.00 in a report on Thursday, May 25th. Stephens initiated coverage on Phreesia in a report on Tuesday, April 11th. They issued an overweight rating and a $37.00 price target on the stock. Royal Bank of Canada lifted their price target on Phreesia from $26.00 to $33.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a report on Thursday, March 23rd. Finally, JMP Securities lifted their price target on Phreesia from $34.00 to $39.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, March 23rd. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eleven have given a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $37.64. Insider Buying and Selling at Phreesia Hedge Funds Weigh In On Phreesia In other Phreesia news, SVP Amy Beth Vanduyn sold 2,978 shares of Phreesia stock in a transaction dated Monday, April 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $30.79, for a total transaction of $91,692.62. Following the completion of the transaction, the senior vice president now owns 96,481 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,970,649.99. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link . In other Phreesia news, SVP Amy Beth Vanduyn sold 2,978 shares of Phreesia stock in a transaction dated Monday, April 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $30.79, for a total transaction of $91,692.62. Following the completion of the transaction, the senior vice president now owns 96,481 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,970,649.99. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link . Also, Director Mark Douglas Smith sold 7,000 shares of Phreesia stock in a transaction dated Monday, April 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $30.77, for a total value of $215,390.00. Following the transaction, the director now owns 16,112 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $495,766.24. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . In the last quarter, insiders sold 26,863 shares of company stock worth $834,743. Insiders own 5.80% of the companys stock. Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. BlackRock Inc. increased its stake in Phreesia by 5.8% during the 1st quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 6,359,641 shares of the companys stock worth $167,640,000 after buying an additional 349,301 shares in the last quarter. Lazard Asset Management LLC increased its stake in Phreesia by 102.5% during the 1st quarter. Lazard Asset Management LLC now owns 654,294 shares of the companys stock worth $17,247,000 after buying an additional 331,209 shares in the last quarter. Norges Bank purchased a new stake in Phreesia during the 4th quarter worth approximately $9,435,000. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP increased its stake in Phreesia by 580.9% during the 3rd quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 307,849 shares of the companys stock worth $7,844,000 after buying an additional 262,636 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Millennium Management LLC increased its stake in Phreesia by 31.2% during the 4th quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 1,096,333 shares of the companys stock worth $35,477,000 after buying an additional 260,652 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 92.23% of the companys stock. Phreesia Company Profile (Get Rating) Phreesia, Inc engages in the provision of patient check-in solutions for medical practices. The firm offers appointments, clinical support, integration, registration, patient activation, analytics and reports, revenue cycle, patient surveys, and privacy and security products. Its solutions include health systems, multi-specialty, and federally qualified health centers (FQHCs). See Also Receive News & Ratings for Phreesia Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Phreesia and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Atalaya Mining Plc (LON:ATYM Get Rating)s share price crossed below its 50-day moving average during trading on Thursday . The stock has a 50-day moving average of GBX 338.28 ($4.18) and traded as low as GBX 296.63 ($3.67). Atalaya Mining shares last traded at GBX 304 ($3.76), with a volume of 106,146 shares changing hands. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of research analysts recently issued reports on the company. Berenberg Bank cut their price target on Atalaya Mining from GBX 480 ($5.93) to GBX 450 ($5.56) and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Monday, May 15th. Canaccord Genuity Group reiterated a buy rating and issued a GBX 600 ($7.41) price objective on shares of Atalaya Mining in a research report on Monday, May 15th. Get Atalaya Mining alerts: Atalaya Mining Stock Performance The stock has a 50-day moving average of GBX 337.65 and a 200 day moving average of GBX 336.47. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 14.42, a current ratio of 1.69 and a quick ratio of 1.64. The stock has a market capitalization of 447.62 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 2,000.00, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of -2.02 and a beta of 1.70. About Atalaya Mining Atalaya Mining Plc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the mineral exploration and development in Spain. The company's flagship property is its 100% owned Proyecto Riotinto mine, an open-pit copper mine located in the Andalusia region of Spain. It produces copper concentrates, including silver by-products. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Atalaya Mining Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Atalaya Mining and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Mid-America Apartment Communities (NYSE:MAA Get Rating) had its price target cut by Barclays from $192.00 to $181.00 in a research note published on Wednesday, The Fly reports. Several other analysts also recently commented on the stock. Wolfe Research downgraded shares of Mid-America Apartment Communities from a peer perform rating to an underperform rating and set a $137.00 target price for the company. in a report on Monday, May 15th. Scotiabank downgraded shares of Mid-America Apartment Communities from a sector perform rating to a sector underperform rating and set a $150.00 target price for the company. in a report on Wednesday, April 12th. Truist Financial reduced their target price on shares of Mid-America Apartment Communities from $178.00 to $159.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a report on Monday, March 27th. Mizuho reduced their target price on shares of Mid-America Apartment Communities from $176.00 to $159.00 in a report on Friday, May 19th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company initiated coverage on shares of Mid-America Apartment Communities in a report on Wednesday, March 29th. They issued an equal weight rating and a $156.50 price objective for the company. Three analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, six have given a hold rating and seven have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $168.57. Get Mid-America Apartment Communities alerts: Mid-America Apartment Communities Stock Up 2.5 % Mid-America Apartment Communities stock opened at $150.66 on Wednesday. The firm has a market capitalization of $17.58 billion, a PE ratio of 26.43, a P/E/G ratio of 8.04 and a beta of 0.77. The companys 50-day moving average is $149.11 and its 200-day moving average is $155.95. Mid-America Apartment Communities has a fifty-two week low of $138.68 and a fifty-two week high of $190.17. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.69, a current ratio of 0.28 and a quick ratio of 0.28. Mid-America Apartment Communities Dividend Announcement Insider Activity The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, July 31st. Stockholders of record on Friday, July 14th will be given a $1.40 dividend. This represents a $5.60 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.72%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, July 13th. Mid-America Apartment Communitiess payout ratio is presently 98.25%. In related news, EVP Melanie Carpenter sold 480 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, April 4th. The shares were sold at an average price of $150.21, for a total transaction of $72,100.80. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 16,669 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,503,850.49. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Corporate insiders own 1.33% of the companys stock. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Mid-America Apartment Communities A number of institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Treasurer of the State of North Carolina increased its position in Mid-America Apartment Communities by 1.2% in the 3rd quarter. Treasurer of the State of North Carolina now owns 50,778 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $7,874,000 after acquiring an additional 620 shares during the period. Huntington National Bank increased its position in Mid-America Apartment Communities by 182.9% in the 4th quarter. Huntington National Bank now owns 3,596 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $565,000 after acquiring an additional 2,325 shares during the period. Korea Investment CORP increased its position in Mid-America Apartment Communities by 71.5% in the 4th quarter. Korea Investment CORP now owns 110,116 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $17,287,000 after acquiring an additional 45,894 shares during the period. Inspire Investing LLC boosted its stake in shares of Mid-America Apartment Communities by 16.5% in the 4th quarter. Inspire Investing LLC now owns 2,190 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $344,000 after purchasing an additional 310 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Arizona State Retirement System boosted its stake in shares of Mid-America Apartment Communities by 3.1% in the 4th quarter. Arizona State Retirement System now owns 32,675 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $5,130,000 after purchasing an additional 982 shares during the last quarter. 91.20% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Mid-America Apartment Communities Company Profile (Get Rating) Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc is a real estate investment trust, which engages in the operation, acquisition, and development of apartment communities. It operates through the following segments: Same Store Communities and Non-Same Store and Other. The Same Store Communities segment focuses on communities that the company has owned. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Mid-America Apartment Communities Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Mid-America Apartment Communities and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. For Nawid, his whole day is about supporting his family by peddling on the streets with no idea what a "normal" childhood should look like. June 1 is marked in different parts of the globe as International Children's Day to highlight the rights of children and promote their well-being. However, in war-torn Afghanistan, countless children like Nawid, unaware of their rights, have been working on the streets from dusk until dawn to support their impoverished families. "I want the U.S. government to unfreeze Afghanistan assets, pave the way for creating job opportunities because the prices of everything is sky-rocketing in the bazaar," Nawid, 12, in hushed tones told Xinhua. As the eldest son and breadwinner for his four-member family, Nawid sells shopping bags to earn meager money and buy a few naan, Afghan traditional flatbread for his mother, younger sister and brother. "I go to sell shopping bags every day. If I earn some money, I will bring naan home," Nawid, a sixth-grader, said sheepishly. Recalling his miseries, Nawid said he could hardly buy new clothes for himself and always is busy supporting his mother and family. Dreaming of completing his studies and feeling saddened by the loss of his father, Nawid recalled that his father used to bring everything from the bazaar to his family, but everything changed with his death. Thousands of Afghans had been killed or maimed during the U.S.-initiated 20-year war on Afghanistan launched with the excuse of fighting terrorism. Nawid is among countless Afghan children who have lost their parents. The United States has frozen more than 9 billion U.S. dollars worth of assets of the war-ravaged country's central bank, further worsening the already poverty-stricken nation. Nawid's mother Laila, 39, described her living condition as being extremely painful, saying her children need food but feeding them properly is very difficult, as she hasn't been able to provide square meals for months. "The prices of basic goods were low in the past. The price of 1 kg of cooking oil was 50 Afghani but now it costs 150 Afghani (about 1.7 U.S. dollars), and the prices of flour and rice have also gone up. We always go to the bazaar and return home empty-handed," Laila said. Likewise, Nawid's friend Assadullah also works on the streets to support his poor family. "I work on the streets from morning to evening and hardly earn 10 to 20 afghani to buy naan. We have no meat, no clothes and nothing at home," eight-year-old Assadullah told Xinhua. Living in a makeshift camp on the outskirts of Kabul, Assadullah, a second-grader in public school, dreams of becoming a medical doctor in the future. The head of the makeshift camp, Taws Khan, 55, expressed his fears about growing poverty, explaining that despite a drop in the price of flour, poor families cannot afford it. Khan also blamed the sanctions imposed by the United States on Afghanistan as the root cause of poverty in his country, saying the sanctions have entirely destroyed Afghans' living conditions. "The money belongs to Afghan people, including so very many orphaned children," Khan said. (1 U.S. dollar equals 87.5 Afghani). Produced by Xinhua Global Service Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX:CBAPH Get Rating) declared a interim dividend on Thursday, June 1st, MarketIndexAU reports. Investors of record on Wednesday, June 14th will be paid a dividend of 1.298 per share on Wednesday, June 14th. This represents a yield of 1.26%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, June 5th. This is a positive change from Commonwealth Bank of Australias previous interim dividend of $1.19. Commonwealth Bank of Australia Stock Performance Commonwealth Bank of Australia Company Profile (Get Rating) Commonwealth Bank of Australia provides integrated financial services in Australia, New Zealand, and internationally. It operates through Retail Banking Services, Business Banking, Institutional Banking and Markets, and New Zealand segments. The company offers transaction, savings, and foreign currency accounts; term deposits; personal and business loans; overdrafts; equipment finance; credit cards; international payment and trade; and private banking services, as well as home and car loans. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Commonwealth Bank of Australia Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Commonwealth Bank of Australia and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Eaton Vance Senior Floating-Rate Trust (NYSE:EFR Get Rating) declared a monthly dividend on Thursday, June 1st, Zacks reports. Stockholders of record on Thursday, June 22nd will be given a dividend of 0.105 per share on Friday, June 30th. This represents a $1.26 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 11.06%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, June 21st. This is a boost from Eaton Vance Senior Floating-Rate Trusts previous monthly dividend of $0.10. Eaton Vance Senior Floating-Rate Trust Stock Performance Shares of EFR stock opened at $11.39 on Friday. Eaton Vance Senior Floating-Rate Trust has a 12-month low of $10.76 and a 12-month high of $13.23. The company has a 50 day moving average of $11.30 and a 200-day moving average of $11.43. Get Eaton Vance Senior Floating-Rate Trust alerts: Institutional Inflows and Outflows Hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Captrust Financial Advisors purchased a new position in Eaton Vance Senior Floating-Rate Trust during the second quarter worth about $61,000. Baird Financial Group Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Eaton Vance Senior Floating-Rate Trust in the 4th quarter valued at about $113,000. HRT Financial LP bought a new stake in Eaton Vance Senior Floating-Rate Trust in the first quarter valued at approximately $116,000. Private Advisor Group LLC bought a new position in shares of Eaton Vance Senior Floating-Rate Trust during the first quarter valued at about $145,000. Finally, Jane Street Group LLC bought a new position in Eaton Vance Senior Floating-Rate Trust during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $175,000. Eaton Vance Senior Floating-Rate Trust Company Profile Eaton Vance Senior Floating-Rate Trust is a closed-ended fixed income mutual fund launched and managed by Eaton Vance Management. The fund invests in the fixed income markets of the United States. It primarily invests in senior, secured floating rate loans. It benchmarks the performance of its portfolio against the S&P/LSTA Leveraged Loan Index. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Eaton Vance Senior Floating-Rate Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Eaton Vance Senior Floating-Rate Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Heritage Wealth Management LLC increased its stake in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF (BATS:EFV Get Rating) by 113.0% in the 4th quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 19,066 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 10,116 shares during the period. Heritage Wealth Management LLCs holdings in iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF were worth $875,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. grew its stake in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF by 14.7% during the 4th quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 57,373,048 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,632,275,000 after buying an additional 7,374,338 shares during the period. JPMorgan Chase & Co. grew its stake in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF by 891.4% during the 4th quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 8,049,878 shares of the companys stock valued at $369,327,000 after buying an additional 7,237,924 shares during the period. LPL Financial LLC grew its stake in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF by 16.3% during the 4th quarter. LPL Financial LLC now owns 11,979,393 shares of the companys stock valued at $549,615,000 after buying an additional 1,680,250 shares during the period. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. grew its stake in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF by 18.4% during the 4th quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 6,518,831 shares of the companys stock valued at $299,084,000 after buying an additional 1,011,028 shares during the period. Finally, Resources Investment Advisors LLC. grew its stake in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF by 566.9% during the 4th quarter. Resources Investment Advisors LLC. now owns 1,168,988 shares of the companys stock valued at $53,633,000 after buying an additional 993,700 shares during the period. Get iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF alerts: iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF Stock Performance iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF stock traded up $0.78 during trading on Friday, reaching $49.11. 1,697,873 shares of the companys stock were exchanged. The companys 50-day moving average is $49.30 and its two-hundred day moving average is $48.12. iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF has a 52-week low of $49.15 and a 52-week high of $59.57. The firm has a market cap of $16.38 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.51 and a beta of 0.86. iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF Company Profile iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF (the Fund), formerly iShares MSCI EAFE Value 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 the MSCI EAFE Value Index. The Index is a subset of the MSCI EAFE Index and constituents of the Index include securities from Europe, Australasia (Australia and Asia), and the Far East. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EFV? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF (BATS:EFV Get Rating). Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Pennon Group Plc (LON:PNN Get Rating) announced a dividend on Thursday, June 1st, Upcoming.Co.Uk reports. Investors of record on Thursday, July 20th will be paid a dividend of GBX 29.77 ($0.37) per share on Monday, September 4th. This represents a dividend yield of 3.85%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, July 20th. This is a positive change from Pennon Groups previous dividend of $12.96. The official announcement can be accessed at this link. Pennon Group Trading Down 1.9 % Shares of PNN stock opened at GBX 768.50 ($9.50) on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 263.07, a quick ratio of 1.54 and a current ratio of 1.82. Pennon Group has a 52-week low of GBX 735 ($9.08) and a 52-week high of GBX 1,076 ($13.30). The company has a market capitalization of 2.01 billion, a PE ratio of 4,269.44, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 8.24 and a beta of 0.31. The businesss fifty day moving average is GBX 845.68 and its 200 day moving average is GBX 884.60. Get Pennon Group alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of equities research analysts have weighed in on PNN shares. Royal Bank of Canada downgraded Pennon Group to a sector perform rating and set a GBX 975 ($12.05) price target on the stock. in a research report on Monday, February 13th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reiterated an overweight rating and issued a GBX 1,200 ($14.83) price objective on shares of Pennon Group in a report on Wednesday, May 24th. Finally, Credit Suisse Group reiterated a neutral rating and issued a GBX 900 ($11.12) price objective on shares of Pennon Group in a report on Monday, March 20th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of GBX 1,069.17 ($13.21). Pennon Group Company Profile Pennon Group Plc provides clean water and wastewater services in the United Kingdom. It provides water and wastewater services for customers in Cornwall, Devon, and parts of Dorset and Somerset; water-only services in the areas of Dorset, Hampshire, and Wiltshire; and water and wastewater retail services to non-household customers in Great Britain. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Pennon Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Pennon Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Suncor Energy (TSE:SU Get Rating) (NYSE:SU) had its price objective cut by CIBC from C$62.00 to C$61.00 in a research note issued to investors on Tuesday, BayStreet.CA reports. A number of other brokerages have also commented on SU. TD Securities decreased their target price on Suncor Energy from C$52.00 to C$49.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, May 9th. National Bank Financial boosted their price objective on Suncor Energy from C$57.00 to C$60.00 in a report on Tuesday, April 18th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price objective on Suncor Energy from C$52.00 to C$53.00 in a report on Thursday, February 16th. Jefferies Financial Group decreased their price objective on Suncor Energy from C$44.00 to C$42.00 in a report on Monday, May 15th. Finally, CSFB decreased their price objective on Suncor Energy from C$60.00 to C$56.00 in a report on Thursday, April 6th. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of C$53.50. Get Suncor Energy alerts: Suncor Energy Stock Performance Shares of Suncor Energy stock opened at C$39.25 on Tuesday. Suncor Energy has a one year low of C$36.38 and a one year high of C$53.62. The firm has a market capitalization of C$51.42 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 6.53, a PEG ratio of 0.15 and a beta of 1.66. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of C$40.68 and a 200 day simple moving average of C$42.87. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 42.16, a current ratio of 1.11 and a quick ratio of 0.83. Suncor Energy Announces Dividend Suncor Energy Company Profile The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, June 26th. Investors of record on Monday, June 26th will be paid a $0.52 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, June 2nd. This represents a $2.08 annualized dividend and a yield of 5.30%. Suncor Energys payout ratio is 34.61%. (Get Rating) Suncor Energy Inc operates as an integrated energy company. The company primarily focuses on developing petroleum resource basins in Canada's Athabasca oil sands; explores, acquires, develops, produces, transports, refines, and markets crude oil in Canada and internationally; markets petroleum and petrochemical products under the Petro-Canada name primarily in Canada. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Suncor Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Suncor Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Temple Bar Investment Trust PLC (LON:TMPL Get Rating) crossed below its fifty day moving average during trading on Thursday . The stock has a fifty day moving average of GBX 230.81 ($2.85) and traded as low as GBX 219 ($2.71). Temple Bar Investment Trust shares last traded at GBX 220.50 ($2.72), with a volume of 839,613 shares traded. Temple Bar Investment Trust Stock Performance The company has a current ratio of 9.95, a quick ratio of 3.68 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 10.28. The companys 50 day moving average is GBX 230.87 and its 200-day moving average is GBX 231.76. The company has a market capitalization of 694.14 million, a P/E ratio of -4,520.00 and a beta of 1.17. Get Temple Bar Investment Trust alerts: Temple Bar Investment Trust Cuts Dividend The company also recently disclosed a dividend, which will be paid on Friday, June 30th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, June 1st will be paid a dividend of GBX 2.30 ($0.03) per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, June 1st. This represents a yield of 1%. Temple Bar Investment Trusts dividend payout ratio is currently -18,000.00%. Temple Bar Investment Trust Company Profile Temple Bar Investment Trust PLC is a closed-ended equity mutual fund launched and managed by RWC Asset Management LLP. The fund invests in the public equity markets of the United Kingdom. It seeks to invests in stocks of companies operating across diversified sectors. The fund primarily invests in stocks of companies across all market capitalizations, which are constituents of the FTSE 350 Index. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Temple Bar Investment Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Temple Bar Investment Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Vaneck 1-3 Month Us Treasury Bond ETF (ASX:TBIL Get Rating) announced a interim dividend on Thursday, June 1st, MarketIndexAU reports. Investors of record on Sunday, June 18th will be given a dividend of 0.105 per share on Sunday, June 18th. This represents a yield of 0.2%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, May 31st. Vaneck 1-3 Month Us Treasury Bond ETF Price Performance Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Vaneck 1-3 Month Us Treasury Bond ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Vaneck 1-3 Month Us Treasury Bond ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Union Pacific Co. (NYSE:UNP Get Rating) Zacks Research lowered their FY2023 EPS estimates for shares of Union Pacific in a report issued on Monday, May 29th. Zacks Research analyst M. Basu now anticipates that the railroad operator will post earnings per share of $11.44 for the year, down from their previous forecast of $11.55. The consensus estimate for Union Pacifics current full-year earnings is $11.33 per share. Zacks Research also issued estimates for Union Pacifics Q4 2023 earnings at $3.00 EPS, Q2 2024 earnings at $3.09 EPS, Q3 2024 earnings at $3.16 EPS, Q4 2024 earnings at $2.94 EPS and FY2024 earnings at $11.92 EPS. Get Union Pacific alerts: Union Pacific (NYSE:UNP Get Rating) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, April 20th. The railroad operator reported $2.67 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.57 by $0.10. The firm had revenue of $6.06 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $6.03 billion. Union Pacific had a net margin of 27.91% and a return on equity of 57.75%. Union Pacifics revenue was up 3.3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $2.57 earnings per share. Union Pacific Stock Performance Several other equities research analysts have also recently commented on the stock. StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Union Pacific in a research report on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. Susquehanna lowered their price objective on Union Pacific from $203.00 to $202.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Friday, April 21st. Stifel Nicolaus decreased their price objective on Union Pacific from $222.00 to $216.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a research report on Friday, April 21st. Royal Bank of Canada decreased their price objective on Union Pacific from $191.00 to $184.00 and set a sector perform rating for the company in a research report on Friday, April 21st. Finally, UBS Group upped their price objective on Union Pacific from $210.00 to $212.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, April 21st. Thirteen research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, twelve have issued a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $217.41. Union Pacific stock opened at $198.60 on Thursday. Union Pacific has a 12 month low of $183.69 and a 12 month high of $242.35. The company has a market cap of $121.20 billion, a PE ratio of 17.54, a P/E/G ratio of 1.70 and a beta of 1.10. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.50, a current ratio of 0.65 and a quick ratio of 0.54. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $197.44 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $203.21. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Koesten Hirschmann & Crabtree INC. purchased a new stake in Union Pacific during the 4th quarter valued at $25,000. NewSquare Capital LLC grew its position in shares of Union Pacific by 116.7% during the first quarter. NewSquare Capital LLC now owns 130 shares of the railroad operators stock valued at $26,000 after purchasing an additional 70 shares in the last quarter. Tucker Asset Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of Union Pacific during the first quarter valued at about $26,000. Miller Wealth Advisors LLC grew its position in Union Pacific by 108.3% in the first quarter. Miller Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 125 shares of the railroad operators stock worth $30,000 after acquiring an additional 65 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Centerpoint Advisors LLC grew its stake in shares of Union Pacific by 86.7% during the first quarter. Centerpoint Advisors LLC now owns 155 shares of the railroad operators stock valued at $31,000 after buying an additional 72 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 77.27% of the companys stock. Union Pacific Dividend Announcement The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, June 30th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, May 31st will be issued a dividend of $1.30 per share. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, May 30th. This represents a $5.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.62%. Union Pacifics dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 45.94%. Union Pacific Company Profile (Get Rating) Union Pacific Corp. engages in the provision of railroad and freight transportation services. The company was founded in 1969 and is headquartered in Omaha, NE. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Union Pacific Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Union Pacific and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Puerto Rico US Virgin Islands Armed Forces Americas Armed Forces Pacific Armed Forces Europe Northern Mariana Islands Marshall Islands American Samoa Federated States of Micronesia Guam Palau Alberta, Canada British Columbia, Canada Manitoba, Canada New Brunswick, Canada Newfoundland, Canada Nova Scotia, Canada Northwest Territories, Canada Nunavut, Canada Ontario, Canada Prince Edward Island, Canada Quebec, Canada Saskatchewan, Canada Yukon Territory, Canada Zip Code The Nebraska man who led a plot to start fires inside Walmart stores in the Gulf Coast in 2021 this week was sentenced to 18 years in prison, double the recommended prison term under federal guidelines. This sentence was based on the totality and severity of the defendants actions, FBIMobile Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown said of Jeffery Sikes, a.k.a. Kenneth Allen in a press release that followed. Sikes, 42, is appealing the sentence United States District Judge Terry F. Moorer gave him Tuesday, which included $7,295,533 in restitution, to be paid by Sikes and his co-defendants. Between Tuesday and Friday, Moorer sentenced six members of the conspiracy in all. Brothers Alexander Olson, 23, and Quinton Olson, 22, got 15 years and three years respectively; Sikes wife, Erica Sikes, 41, and Jenna Bottorff, 38, got four years; and Mikaya Scheele, 29, got two years for the parts they played in the crimes. There is no parole in federal prison. Two others, Michael Bottorff and Sean Bottorff, will face sentencing later this summer. United States Attorney Sean P. Costello said the group had deliberately endangered innocent shoppers and destroyed millions of dollars of merchandise when they intentionally and maliciously set fires in four stores in two states. Setting fire to a business isnt an economic or political argument, its a serious violent crime that has serious consequences, he said. In the indictment, Christopher Bodnar, Assistant U.S. Attorney, said the conspirators initially lived in Kearney, Nebraska, but followed Sikes to Alabama, where he fled after pleading guilty to a wire fraud in Nebraska in 2017. By 2021, they were calling themselves The Veterans Order and had drafted a manifesto making demands on Walmart related to the companys commercial practices and sent it to media outlets to draw attention to the arson attacks. First among their list of demands was a pay increase of $18 per hour for all employees, according to Fox 10, a TV station in Mobile, which posted it. They set fires at a Walmarts in Mobile, Alabama, on May 27, 2021, in Tillmans Corner, Alabama, on May 28, and in Gulfport and Biloxi, Mississippi, on June 4. And they threatened to start more if the company didnt comply with their demands. A monthslong investigation led to their arrests in February 2022, and they later pleaded guilty to conspiracy to set malicious fires. UNITED NATIONS, June 2 (Xinhua) -- Despite a tenuous Sudan ceasefire, 129 relief trucks, sometimes dodging fighting, managed recently to complete deliveries in several regions, UN humanitarians said on Friday. "The humanitarian community continues to rush life-saving supplies to destinations around the country, despite the ongoing fighting," said the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. "Since May 24, at least 129 trucks have completed deliveries to various locations inside Sudan." The humanitarian office said the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) reported flying in more than 19 tons of vaccines for some 370,000 children. UNICEF is working with the Federal Ministry of Health, supported by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, to maintain vaccination services in Sudan. The World Health Organization (WHO) said it sent about 170 tons of health supplies into Sudan by air, land and sea, although access challenges and ongoing fighting hamper deliveries. Since the conflict erupted on April 15, WHO said it has verified 46 attacks on health care. Sixteen of these have taken place since the signing by the warring Sudanese Army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces of the Jeddah declaration three weeks ago to protect civilians and achieve a short-term ceasefire to facilitate emergency humanitarian assistance. "This is completely unacceptable," WHO said. The UN Population Fund warns that fuel shortages and electricity cuts have forced many hospitals in Sudan to suspend emergency obstetric and neonatal care services. The agency is supporting some of the few functioning hospitals in Khartoum state, but says power outages and the lack of fuel are threatening the operation of those hospitals. The World Food Programme (WFP) said it procured 500,000 litres of fuel in Port Sudan and is trying to obtain more fuel and food. This week, WFP is offloading some 33,000 tons of food aid in Port Sudan, enough to feed about 1 million people for three months. Hmm, well. I don't know what's happening in the camera universe, but there seems to have been a tiny shift in the direction of my desires. First up under that heading: Nikon has issued what for the company seems like an inconsequential little lens, but which to me is anything but: an affordable 24mm /1.7 for APS-C ("DX" in Nikonspeak). Available for preorder from B&H and from Amazon. I've only been calling for such a thing, oh, since George W. Bush was President. It's a 35mm-equivalent, of course, and a medium-speed 35mm prime is the basic normal lens in my world. (There are two kinds of people in the world: people who don't divide the world into two kinds of people, and people who divide the world into 50mm people and 35mm people*.) It was one glaringly obvious omission from the Nikon lineup for the entire lifespan of Nikon APS-C DSLRs. Pretty much the entire lifespan, anywayNikon does still sell three aging APS-C DSLRs. But we're in the era of the Z-system and mirrorless now. The new lens is a Z-system DX lens. It's for the Z50, the Z30, and the Zfc, but my buddy Inscrutable Oracular Oren says the one to get is the Z50. It's a basic walkaround lens for the Z50, the one lens to have before you get any other lens, the first lens to master, the lens that will best teach you to organize the world into pictures, the lens to keep glued to the camera when you're going through life with a camera around your neck. The two are a perfect match on paper. You can do 85% of anything you'd ever want to do photographically with a Z50, and you can do 85% of anything you'd ever want to do with a Z50 with the 24mm /1.7 lens. Nikon bliss. Happy day. Details (with I guess a little editorializing added): Perfect spec : 24mm /1.7 : 24mm /1.7 Perfect angle of view : 61 (master it first) : 61 (master it first) Perfect size : 1.6 inches long (no, "pancakes" aren't better, because you want the focusing ring to be wide enough to find and grab when you're focusing manually) : 1.6 inches long (no, "pancakes" aren't better, because you want the focusing ring to be wide enough to find and grab when you're focusing manually) Perfect minimum focus distance : 4.7 inches : 4.7 inches Perfect lens hood : one of those nifty compact "innies" instead of the usual oversized "outie." : one of those nifty compact "innies" instead of the usual oversized "outie." Perfect light weight : less than five ounces, 135 g : less than five ounces, 135 g Perfect price: $276.95 (B&H price) (enough to pay for good optics but cheap enough not to hurt too large a number of wallets). (Nikon says it's drip resistant, too, which I highly doubt given the number of drips out there in the world. Okay, dad joke. Hey, I'm a dad.) Performance? Obviously I haven't used it, but I feel comfortable venturing a solid very educated guess, after having tried and tested upward of 100 (and I hope not 200) 35mm and 35mm-equivalent lenses in my long life in photography: it won't be Nikon's very very best. Not enough to get Roger in a lather. Given today's high state of refinement in the design and manufacture of traditional glass lenses, and Nikon's longtime expertise and accomplishment in lensmaking, it will only be better than 99% of all the lenses ever made in the entire history of photography since 1839, is all. And recall: you can do both incredibly crappy and incandescently outstanding work with almost any lens, if you're sensitive and creative enough. So, will it be good enough for little ol' you? Entirely yours to decide. (A plea, though: stop it down once in a while!) My advice (no one likes advice) to newcomers: get a Z50 and this lens and stop thinking about cameras and lenses and get started learning to see the kind of pictures you want to make. Back in the days when giants bestrode the Earth and photographers were heroes of the visual imagination, the iconic tool coveted by many was a Leica M with a 35mm Summicron welded** to it. A Nikon Z50 and this lens will be better in almost every conceivable way. (Except for the iconic-ness, although Nikon is a burnished and venerated name too. You'll live.) The topsy-turvy world is being put right, in this little tiny way. It's a good day, a good day, and I'm going to enjoy it. Mike *Well, I guess maybe there are a few more kinds than that. **Not literally. Original contents copyright 2023 by Michael C. Johnston and/or the bylined author. All Rights Reserved. Links in this post may be to our affiliates; sales through affiliate links may benefit this site. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. (To see all the comments, click on the "Comments" link below or on the title of this post.) Featured Comments from: Dan deakin: "Remarkable that they never made this lens during the entire time they produced so many DX DSLRs. Better late than never I guess." Howard Sandler: "I wonder if 50mm vs. 35mm people correlates to the size of print people normally make. I learned quite late in my photographic journey, from an article by R. Kingslake on lenses in Morgan and Lester's Graphic Graflex Photography, that perspective seems undistorted when a print is viewed from the same relative position as the camera had. For example, I made this photo of a Citroen with a Nikkor 35mm /2 lens, one of my favourites. The length of the hood looks quite pronounced when you view it on a monitor from 18 inches or so away. But if you get your eye six inches from it, so that it fills about the same field of view as the camera saw, the proportions look about right. Wide angle shots with close foreground tend to look less distorted when printed big or viewed close up." Albert Smith: "Back in the early DSLR days when everything was a crop sensor (before the D3/D700 Nikons), I was using crop-sensor Nikons culminating in the very professional and capable D300s. Nikon initially offered only zooms, which I hardly ever used with my film Nikons. They then came out with a very nice, inexpensive, and first-rate performing 35mm /1.8 lens which gave us a decent 'normal' 50mm-e. "And then no more general-use fast primes. They had a couple of macros, but no DX versions of the bread and butter focal lengths that we film shooters relied on. I would have killed for a fast 24mm for my D300s. I used a full-frame 24mm /2.8 on the crop sensor Nikon, but that extra stop and a half would have been great. "Fortunately, the D700 came out and I never gave the DX Nikons another thought." Paris, TX (75460) Today Sunshine and clouds mixed. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 89F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight A few clouds from time to time. Low near 65F. Winds light and variable. As the encouraging echoes of commencement speeches drift away into the summer air, its time for college and high school graduates to figure out how theyll earn a paycheck over the next few months. According to HiringLab.org, internship and summer job postings are cooling from a year ago but remain above pre-pandemic levels. Now hiring signs are everywhere for hourly worker opportunities and overall job openings surged to 10.1 million in April across the United States, according to the Labor Departments Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey. The hottest industries? Retail trade, health care, and transportation. Summer job momentum isnt just for new hires. Professionals at any level can use the next few months to channel summer vitality into a successful job search. Below are some actionable tips to help make it happen. Embrace the power of networking: Summertime is synonymous with socializing and connecting with others. Leverage this spirit by expanding your professional network. Attend industry events, virtual conferences, or local meetups related to your target industries. Engage in conversations, exchange contact information, and build relationships with professionals who share your passions. Networking opens doors to hidden opportunities and can lead to valuable connections that may help you uncover exciting job prospects. Revamp your resume: Take advantage of the longer days and allocate time to review and update your resume. No, the resume is not dead. And yes, it is more important than ever to differentiate yourself from the competition. An optimized resume can do just that. Highlight your achievements, skills, and experiences that align with the industries youre targeting. Tailor your resume for each specific role youre interested in, emphasizing relevant qualifications and accomplishments. Consider seeking feedback from mentors or career advisors to ensure your resume stands out and tells a compelling story. Polish your online presence: In the digital age, your online presence plays a crucial role in the job search process. Stop treating your LinkedIn profile like a carbon copy of your resume and start considering it your personal landing page for recruiters, hiring managers, and industry experts to browse. It should be conversational and loaded with key projects. Showcase your expertise, passions, and industry-related content. Engage in meaningful conversations and connect with influencers in your desired field. An authentic and compelling online presence can go a long way to making this your most fruitful summer yet. Leverage seasonal hiring trends: Many industries experience a surge in hiring during the summer months to meet increased consumer demand. For example, hospitality, tourism, event management, and outdoor recreation are sectors that typically see a rise in job opportunities during this time. Keep an eye out for seasonal job postings, internships, or temporary roles that could serve as stepping stones to long-term positions. Even if these opportunities are not in your desired field, they can provide valuable experience and expand your network. Above all, stay positive and persistent this summer. Job searching can be challenging, but maintaining an optimistic mindset is key. Understand that rejections and setbacks are part of the journey, but they should not deter you from your ultimate goal. Use your summertime energy to stay proactive and remain resilient. Remember that the right opportunity may be just around the corner, waiting for you to seize it. CARBONDALE A chamber music concert that celebrates the work of American composer Lionel Semiatin, along with the dedication of a substantial portion of his work to Southern Illinois University Carbondales Morris Library Special Collections Research Center, is set for Wednesday, June 7. The Lionel Semiatin Collection Dedication Concert is at 3 p.m. in the librarys third-floor rotunda. Admission is free. Excerpts of the collection, featuring a variety of chamber ensembles of Semiatins works, will be performed by 24 members of the Southern Illinois Music Festival orchestra as part of the 2023 Southern Illinois Music Festival under the artistic direction of Edward Benyas, professor of oboe and conductor. Semiatin wrote a number of compositions during the Battle of Normandy in July 1944 and created much of his American Symphony" while on battlefields. He visited Carbondale in 2014, the year before he died at age 98, to hear three of his pieces performed at that years music festival during a D-Day 70th anniversary concert. One of the compositions to be performed on June 7 are two movements from the American Septet, which is Semiatins own arrangement for two winds, four strings and piano. An exhibit documenting Semiatins remarkable life and legacy will be displayed during the reception following the concert. Working with Benyas and Library Affairs Dean John Pollitz and Associate Dean Anne Marie Hamilton-Brehm, Semiatins family donated a substantial portion of the composers manuscripts of orchestral, chamber and sacred music and correspondence to the librarys Special Collections Research Center. Semiatins daughter and granddaughter will also perform in the June 7 concert. Born in Dublin, Ireland, in 1917 to a Jewish family, Semiatin immigrated to the U.S. with his family when he was 3 and began composing music in his youth. Serving in the Army during World War II, he was sent to Normandy a week after D-Day and assigned to guard the fuel dump of the first air force fighter base there during the night. Because of his musical abilities, he was assigned to the chaplains office overseas and played the organ for troops during services for all denominations. After the war, Semiatin worked in fundraising for a Jewish organization before moving with his wife, Edith, to White Plains, where he worked at Temple Israel Center, serving as executive director from 1953 to 1982. Influenced by jazz, Semiatin studied the art and science of composition throughout his life, composing modern chamber and symphonic music that was performed by the Westchester Philharmonic, the Columbia University Orchestra, the Omaha Symphony, the Alexandria Symphony and other symphony orchestras around the United States and Canada. These remarkable students several of them in our own backyard have imagined a better future and have worked hard toward making it a reality. Thats why they are receiving the Provosts Scholarship, Chancellor Austin A. Lane said. To see the delight on their faces when we surprise them with our universitys highest honor for transfer students is a joy. Scholarships like this fit in well with our Imagine 2030 strategic plan, which includes a pillar for student success and engagement. We look forward to welcoming our Provosts Scholars to campus this fall. The old hymnals and pew bibles in Pastor Danny Mottas West Frankfort church featuring a familiar cross-and-flame insignia are gone. The church has a new logo and a new name, too. So does one of the largest churches in Williamson County, now known as Marion Aldersgate Church. These recent changes, along with those at several other churches in the region, have come about as the congregations have disaffiliated with the United Methodist Church over a variety of issues including debates on theology and biblical interpretation, as well as the recognition of LGBTQ clergy and same-sex marriages. Southern Illinois churches including Mottas former Trinity UMC (now Trinity Methodist Church) and the former Aldersgate UMC, along with several other previous United Methodist congregations in the region, have left the denomination recently following a denomination-required multi-step process of discovery and discussion leading to a vote to disaffiliate. Once they voted to leave, the Great Rivers Annual Conference the governing and administrative body for United Methodist congregations in much of Illinois signed off last month, in essence, granting the churches their independence. So far, 28 churches in the Great Rivers Annual Conference have left the UMC. Nationally, more than 4,000 U.S. congregations have received their local conferences permission to disaffiliate, according to United Methodist News Service. Some are remaining independent while others are joining the newly formed Global Methodist Church, a collection of congregations with a more conservative view. Some Methodists said the schism is about the way that Christians view the Bible and how that has been developing for some time. The United Methodist Church as a denomination has had some disagreements over a number of issues that have increased since the mid-1980s, explained Roger Smith of Murphysboro, a member of Trinity Methodist Church who has spent most of his life attending United Methodist churches in the region. Motta said, I prefer the Methodist camp of doctrine, but Im a historic, orthodox biblical Christian. To me, the issues are less about the human sexuality components and more about faithfully interpreting scripture as we understand it and how it has been interpreted more or less for 2,000 years rather than changing the way we interpret scripture to accommodate the culture we live in. Thats our camp. Bill Nielsen, chair of the church council at Aldersgate, said members of his congregation felt the United Methodist Church had not been following its own Discipline, or guidelines of doctrine for the church, in recent years. That put us in a position where we said this is an organization we no longer want to belong to, he explained. He said the church of about 400 people studied the matter for many months, doing research and inviting speakers before making the decision to disaffiliate. He added leaving the denomination was something members of the congregation did not take lightly. We spent a lot of time discussing things with our members, he said, adding the final vote was overwhelming to disaffiliate. Other than the new name and the new affiliation with the Global Methodist Church, Nielsen said there is no noticeable change in the way the church functions, worships or ministers. Im still a big believer in the United Methodist Church. Its a good organization, but the Global Methodist Church discipline is more concise and very conservative, which is just a better fit for us at this time, he said. Smith said members of the newly-named Trinity Methodist Church are sensing a sort of revival. Theres a general feeling of excitement that the Holy Spirit is moving and our spiritual activity has soared in the last several weeks, he said. Motta said he understands that many more United Methodist congregations in the region are going through the process and considering disaffiliation. Churches desiring to leave the denomination are required to declare their intent by the end of June for conference-wide approval at a gathering specifically for that purpose in December. He said churches have been told that there also will be other routes for disaffiliation in coming years. I think we will see another 20 to 40 churches in the conference disaffiliate in December, he predicted. 100 least popular jobs in America 100 least popular jobs in America #100. Parking Enforcement Workers #99. Epidemiologists #98. Gambling and Sports Book Writers and Runners #97. Ship Engineers #96. Traffic Technicians #95. Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers #94. Dancers #93. Exercise Physiologists #92. Woodworkers, All Other #91. Textile Bleaching and Dyeing Machine Operators and Tenders #89. Fish and Game Wardens #88. Artists and Related Workers, All Other #87. Pourers and Casters, Metal #86. Anthropologists and Archeologists #85. Nurse Midwives #84. Desktop Publishers #83. 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Sewers, hand #45. Transit and railroad police #44. Model makers, metal and plastic #43. Geography teachers, postsecondary #42. Pile driver operators #41. Genetic counselors #40. Medical dosimetrists #39. Historians #38. Motorboat operators #37. Fabric and apparel patternmakers #36. Sociologists #35. Makeup artists, theatrical and performance #34. Shoe machine operators and tenders #33. Crematory operators #32. Hydrologic technicians #31. Rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers #30. Animal scientists #29. Hoist and winch operators #28. Family and consumer sciences teachers, postsecondary #27. Forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists #26. Underground mining machine operators, all other #25. Rail transportation workers, all other #24. Patternmakers, metal and plastic #23. Paperhangers #22. Astronomers #21. Camera and photographic equipment repairers #19. Mathematicians #19. Models #18. Motion picture projectionists #17. Watch and clock repairers #16. Roof bolters, mining #15. Agricultural engineers #14. Terrazzo workers and finishers #13. Geographers #12. Industrial-organizational psychologists #10. Forestry and conservation science teachers, postsecondary #10. Animal breeders #9. Communications equipment operators, all other #8. Dredge operators #7. Pediatric surgeons #6. Model makers, wood #5. Cooks, private household #4. Refractory materials repairers, except brick masons #3. Farm labor contractors #2. Timing device assemblers and adjusters #1. Patternmakers, wood SUGAR GROVE A Kane County Sheriff's Office police dog killed last week during a shootout was honored by hundreds of law enforcement officers, many accompanied by their police dogs, Thursday during a funeral service in a gymnasium at Kaneland Harter Middle School in Sugar Grove. Hudson, a 4-year-old Dutch shepherd, died May 24 after he was deployed when police said they saw the man involved in the shootout with Kane County Sheriff's deputies had a handgun. Sheriff's officials said the man involved in the shootout with police allegedly carjacked a Honda Accord in Aurora. The vehicle was later spotted by deputies using license plate readers in South Elgin, according to officials. Police chased the vehicle from South Elgin to a busy intersection at Randall Road and Fabyan Parkway at the border of Batavia and Geneva. There the man exited his vehicle with a handgun and Hudson was deployed, Kane County Sheriff Ron Hain said. Hudson gripped onto the man's arm and bit him and was in an active struggle with the man, officials said. An exchange of gunfire then occurred, Hain said, during which the man and Hudson were shot and killed. Hain said Hudson acted without hesitation in the true definition of bravery and made the ultimate sacrifice. "While gunfire in the middle of one of the busiest intersections in Kane County during 3 p.m. on a Wednesday would ultimately take Hudson's life, his unwavering bravery isolated the suspect so no other citizens or officers were hurt in the encounter," Hain said. At the service, the Rev. Steve Gallaher of Christ Community Church in St. Charles said Hudson's dedication and loyalty were on display the day of the shootout, as he was "designed and eventually trained to protect and serve." Gallaher also talked about the close relationship Hudson had with his handler, Kane County Sheriff's Det. Luke Weston. A video highlighting Hudson's life was shown, highlighting some of the training obstacles he went through, some of the investigations he was involved in and time spent at home with Weston. "After Hudson was shot, he was crawling toward his partner and handler," Gallaher said. "He was a loyal warrior all the way until the end, serving and protecting." Residents also attended the event to pay their respects and watch as other police dogs and their handlers walked through the gymnasium. Kristen Leiva, of Sugar Grove, said her 10-year-old daughter asked to attend the funeral and brought flowers. "She wanted to come because she is an animal lover and wanted to honor him," Leiva said. A photo of Hudson, his collar and an imprint of his paw were on display at the front of the gym. Hudson was a narcotics detection dog working for the sheriff's office the last three years. He was utilized for over 100 tracks of criminal offenders and missing people in his short career, Hain said. He also helped locate evidence for ongoing investigations and detected and seized over 100 kilograms of narcotics, officials said. After the service, Hudson's cremated remains were escorted in a police procession to the Kane County Sheriff's Department headquarters. Photos: Chicago Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson Election 2023 Chicago Mayor Election 2023 Chicago Mayor Election 2023 Chicago Mayor Election 2023 Chicago Mayor Election 2023 Chicago Mayor Election 2023 Chicago Mayor Election 2023 Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson - 2022 Brandon Johnson - 2023 Brandon Johnson - 2023 Brandon Johnson - File Brandon Johnson - 2022 Brandon Johnson - 2022 Brandon Johnson - 2022 Brandon Johnson - 2022 Brandon Johnson - 2022 Brandon Johnson - 2022 The day before the Davenport Building collapsed, a downtown development official called 911 to say concern was mounting about the integrity of the wall. Tony Behncke, operations director for the for the Downtown Davenport Partnership, received a call from one of his employees and then called 911. Local contractor Ryan Shaffer was so concerned by what he had seen at the building previously, he frequently stopped by 324 Main Street to check. A few months prior, he was contacted by building owner Andrew Wold to provide a quote for masonry work. Shaffer's quote came in higher than Wold was willing to pay and he was denied the job. Still, he remained concerned. Sunday before the collapse Shaffer walked over to the building where he came across a worker with the Downtown Davenport Partnership cleaning up trash in the alley. Shaffer shared his concern, and the worker called Behncke, his boss. Downtown Davenport Partnership is an affiliate of the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce and not associated with the city. It is a non-profit that covers 52-square blocks. Behncke said in an interview on Thursday that he called his contact with the city first, but did not get an answer due to it being a holiday weekend. He then called the fire station directly and it went to voicemail. Without any help, he called 911 at 2:46 p.m. Sunday to make a non-emergency claim, he said. This was a little more than a day before the building fell at about 5 p.m. "(Him) telling me that story is what prompted me to have someone else look into it," he said. The Quad-City Times/Dispatch-Argus filed Freedom of Information requests for the 911 recording after learning about the warning earlier in the week. The audio recording was supplied Friday. In an interview Thursday, Behncke said he understood from the worker that the facade was crumbling and that was the safety concern. Behncke did not believe at that time the entire building was in danger of coming down. Behncke is heard saying, "Something might need checked out." He explains to the dispatcher that one of his crew members was working downtown when he noticed the wall was, "bulging out." Behncke told the dispatcher it had been undergoing repair. "Someone was there working on it and told him to get out of the way because it was not looking good. I don't know if fire might want to stop by and see," he said. "Just in case, I'd rather have someone stop and look at it." The dispatcher asked Behncke to clarify which wall he was talking about and confirmed fire would be dispatched to inspect. The call log confirms fire was on scene at 2:51 p.m. and was cleared from the scene at 2:55 p.m. The city of Davenport didn't respond immediately to requests for comment about this development. Update: This article and headline have been updated to show the correct date of the 911 call. BAMBERG -- The Bamberg County Office on Aging has received a grant for paving improvements. The repairs include a new parking lot, additional handicap parking spaces, a driveway connecting the office to DSS, and new curbs. The Office on Aging received about $311,000 from the SCDOT 5339 Transit Program to complete paving and building improvements. This particular grant was derived from the American Rescue Plan with 85% coming from the federal government and 15% from the state. Bamberg County assisted the Office on Aging with the paving bid and contract. The Office on Aging Executive Director Kay Clary said they were fortunate to secure the grant because very few South Carolina organizations did, and the paving project was most likely the deciding factor. According to Office on Aging representative Austin Collins, the projects that have been completed or that are in progress are: New sign Shed for housing buses New computers New front cabinets New front countertops Exercise room office/telehealth Landscaping, including palm trees New support poles for front awning Main parking lot improvements and new lot Driveway connecting DSS Awning over freezer Parking lot curbs New office flooring New vehicle Bamberg Mayor Nancy Foster said the improvements to the Office on Aging are exciting and wonderful, and that she is most impressed by the fact that over 150 people are driven to their jobs everyday, which not only helps them but the overall economy of Bamberg. Councilwoman Sharon Hammond, who represents District 2, said, I am so glad that participation has increased with the Office on Aging because it is such a valuable service for our senior citizens. Chairman Jonathan Goodman remarked on the positive change, growth and prosperity of Bamberg County, stating that he doesn't expect Bamberg County to be the size of Orangeburg, Aiken or Augusta, but it should maintain its small-town mystique while still growing because as science tells us, if you are not growing, you are not surviving. Board member Sam-Ella Porter said, Everything looks wonderful, and we are all very happy with the progress we see. We are thrilled to see the progress the Bamberg Office on Aging has made and proud they sought this highly coveted grant to improve the lives of our senior citizens. Our administration was happy to assist with the bidding process for the paving portion of the upgrades, said County Administrator Joey Preston. Local first responders received top honors at the Rotary Club of Orangeburg Mornings Service Above Self banquet on Wednesday. The clubs annual event recognizes outstanding area law enforcement officers and firefighters. The awards dinner took place at the Orangeburg Country Club. Law enforcement officers honored were: Orangeburg Department of Public Safety Cpl. Jeffrey Rivas law enforcement division ODPS Engineer Taylor Bonnette fire division Orangeburg County Sheriffs Office Deputy Zachariah Parham South Carolina Highway Patrol Troop 7, Post B Lance Cpl. M.R. Burgess We appreciate you, Rotary Club Orangeburg Morning President Dr. Kalu Kalu told those gathered at the event. Kalu said law enforcement is designed to protect citizens. Even when police officers stop someone on the freeway, the first thing they do sometimes those criminals is to shoot to kill police officers, Kalu said. We really thank you for putting your life out there because it is a heavy load. Kalu also thanked the officers family members for their sacrifices. It is not an easy job, Kalu said. We dont pay you as much as what you do out there, but we as a Rotary Club Morning organization have taken it upon ourselves to say thank you. Rivas Rivas is a nine-year veteran in law enforcement. He began his career with the Orangeburg County Sheriffs Office. Jeffrey demonstrates on a daily basis a strong desire to serve his community, ODPS Chief Charles Austin Sr. said. Rivas has served as the mentor and instructor for the departments Mentoring Matters summer camp. Rivas also has also served as a team coordinator for the departments crime crisis intervention program. Corporal Rivas is an officer who embodies the ideals of the Rotary 4-Way Test in that he is true, he is fair to all concerned, he builds better friendships and good will and his actions are beneficent to all concerned, Austin said. Rivas said, I dont do it for the honor. I do it because I love doing the job to help people. Bonnette Bonnette is an eight-year veteran of the ODPS fire service. Bonnette currently serves as a Hazmat technician and fire instructor, and has other duties. On Sept. 20, 2022, Bonnette responded to a Russell Street structure fire. It was determined there was a person in the apartment below where the fire was raging. Bonnette was able to locate the individual and lead the person to safety. That is indicative of the personality of Taylor Bonnette, Austin said. I watch him often as he moves throughout the agency. I have not seen a day that he has been there that he did not have something kind to say or have something positive to say. It is that kind of personality that lets me know that he certainly has the potential to be a part of the leadership of the future of our evolving professional fire service. Parham Parham has been with the sheriffs office since February after spending five years with the South Carolina Highway Patrol. He responded to an incident Feb. 12, 2023, within a week of his hiring. A 911 call came into dispatch from a man wanting to commit suicide. The caller hung up. Parham was able to find the mans address. He went to the house and upon his arrival he heard a man screaming and searched for the sound of the mans voice. Parham located the man, who was already hanging from a rope. He cut the man down and gave him some live-saving measures, helping the man survive the attempted suicide. Burgess Burgess has been with S.C. Highway Patrol for the past five years. SCHP Troop 7 Commander Capt. Quincy Brown said Burgess has a smile that was infectious and a motivation to do the job. They say negativity spreads through an organization. Well, so does positivity, Brown said. One thing about him he comes in on his day off. Most of the times unpaid to get caught up on paperwork so during his working hours he can get out there and be present and do enforcement on the streets. Brown said recruitment and retention is difficult. If you give me two Burgesses, I would take that over five troopers that really dont want to be here, Brown said. That is the type of work ethic that he has and the type of work load that he carries. Burgess is from New York and has been interested in law enforcement since his childhood. He applied for the SCHP in June 2017 and was hired in 2018. Burgess is a certified field training officer and a standardized field sobriety test instructor. Burgess is a valuable asset to Troop 7 Post B and he is very dependable, responsible and is a flexible team player, Brown said. Burgess comes to work every day and gives more than 100 percent of his efforts to enforcing South Carolina laws. During a Sept. 23, 2022 incident, Burgess was assisting the Allendale Police Department, the State Law Enforcement Division and the Department of Natural Resources and responded to a call of a gunshot wound. Burgess was one of the first on the scene and applied a tourniquet to the victim and other first aid efforts and was able to save the individuals life. I dont do it for the glory, Burgess said. I dont do it for the pay. I do it for the people of South Carolina. 2023 Rotarian of the Year Orangeburg certified public accountant and Rotary Treasurer Melissa Cain was named the 2023 Rotarian of the Year. Cain also received the recognition in 2018. Cain graduated from Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School in 1984 and then attended Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College. She graduated from South Carolina State University with a bachelors degree in accounting in 1994 and received her CPA license in 1999. She worked at a local CPA firm until opening her own CPA practice in 2013 Melissa B. Cain, CPA LLC on St. Matthews Road. She is also the treasurer of the Orangeburg nonprofit group, Into the Mouths of Babes/The Filling Station where she also volunteers. The organization makes snack bags for children in the Orangeburg school district. Paul Harris Fellows In addition to the awards presentations, Rotarians Henry Miller and Matt Way were recognized as Paul Harris Fellows. Paul Harris was among the founders of Rotary. Miller is currently the executive director at the Samaritan House in Orangeburg. Way serves as Orangeburg First Citizens Bank senior vice president/market executive. A Paul Harris Fellow is a Rotarian who has donated at least $1,000 to the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International during the time of membership. The 2023-2024 officers were also installed. They are President Carolyn Snell, President-Elect Patricia Salley, Secretary Janice Hawes and Treasurer Melissa Cain. Incoming board members-at-large include Douglas Barnes, Albert Black, Montez Haynes, Dr. David Staten, Allen Fairey, Dr. Thomas J. Cassidy and Brenda Austin. UNITED NATIONS, June 2 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations (UN) Security Council on Friday urged parties concerned in Sudan to immediately cease hostilities and facilitate humanitarian access. In a press statement, the members of the Security Council emphasized "the need for the parties to immediately cease hostilities, facilitate humanitarian access and establish a permanent ceasefire arrangement and to resume the process towards reaching a lasting, inclusive and democratic political settlement in Sudan." "The members of the Security Council strongly condemned all attacks on the civilian population, United Nations and associated personnel and humanitarian actors, as well as civilian objects, medical personnel and facilities, and the looting of humanitarian supplies," said the statement. "They called upon all parties to ensure rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian access throughout Sudan, in accordance with relevant provisions of international law and in line with United Nations guiding principles of humanitarian assistance, including humanity, impartiality, neutrality and independence," according to the statement. The council members underlined the need for strengthened international coordination and continued collaboration. They reaffirmed their firm support to African leadership and noted the African Union Roadmap for the Resolution of the Conflict in Sudan. The roadmap outlined six elements that include the establishment of a coordination mechanism to ensure all efforts by the regional and global actors are harmonized and impactful; an immediate, permanent, inclusive and comprehensive cessation of hostilities; and an effective humanitarian response. The council members also welcomed the May 11 signature in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of the Declaration of Commitment to Protect the Civilians of Sudan (Jeddah Declaration) "in recognition of SAF and RSF responsibilities and commitments under international humanitarian law and international human rights law." They called on the signatories to fulfill their responsibilities and commitments. The council members further welcomed the May 20 signature of a seven-day ceasefire, and emphasized the importance of the signatories of the Jeddah Declaration implementing these commitments in full. Two Orangeburg buildings that played large roles in the civil rights movement have been awarded federal grants. Trinity United Methodist Church will receive $750,000 for the fourth phase of the preservation and repair of the historic church on Boulevard Street. In addition, the Center for Creative Partnerships will receive $750,000 for the second phase of the preservation of All-Star Bowling Lanes. The National Park Service awarded a total of $21 million to 37 projects in 16 states last month as part of the Historic Preservation Funds African American Civil Rights grant program, which funds preservation projects at sites tied to the struggle of African Americans to gain equal rights. The National Park Service is proud to award this grant funding to our state and local government, and nonprofit partners to help them recognize places and stories related to the African American experience, NPS Director Chuck Sams said in a release. Since 2016, the African American Civil Rights program has provided over $100 million to document, protect and celebrate the places, people and stories of one of the greatest struggles in American history, he said. Trinity UMC Founded in 1866, Trinity served as the headquarters for the civil rights movement in Orangeburg. National leaders including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Thurgood Marshall and Roy Wilkins visited Trinity for events attended by people across the region. Strategy meetings and training sessions were also regularly held at the church. Students from South Carolina State and Claflin would gather in the churchs basement where they were fed and trained on how to execute nonviolent protests. Due to its prominent role in the civil rights movement, Trinity was named to the National Register of Historic Places in 1995. All-Star On Feb. 8, 1968, three students were killed and 28 others were injured when S.C. Highway Patrol troopers opened fire on a crowd of protesters following three nights of escalating racial tension over efforts to desegregate the All-Star Triangle Bowl. The incident has come to be known as the Orangeburg Massacre. South Carolina State College students Henry Smith and Samuel Hammond, along with 19-year-old Wilkinson High School student Delano Middleton, were killed. Governor of the ECCB Timothy Antoine (2nd from right) took the lead in explaining the circumstances that led to the bank being put into receivership. He was supported by (from left) Jamila Alleyne, Shermalon Kirby and Schwabach Caines. First St. Vincent Bank Ltd., formerly the Agricultural and Loan Bank, was established in 1908 and incorporated in 1909. In recent times, Vincentians referred to it as Russell Bank, prompted by the perception that its major shareholder was businessman Randolph Russell. Whatever its reference, and whatever the size of its portfolio, the First St. Vincent Bank Ltd. has been placed in Receivership as per action taken by the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB). As of today, June 2, depositors with up to $100,000 will do their business with the Bank of St. Vincent and the Grenadines (BOSVG) which uses the same core system that First St. Vincent Bank Ltd. employed. Depositors with more than that will have to deal with the Receivership to account for the excess. In a town hall type meeting convened by the ECCB last Tuesday at Frenches House, Kingstown, Governor Timothy Antoine outlined the new arrangements and detailed the reasons for the bank going into receivership. Antoine referred to a release from the ECCB informing the public that First St. Vincent Bank Ltd. was put into receivership from May 26, 2023. The Governor indicated that the ECCU had been monitoring the operations of First St. Vincent Bank Ltd. for the past eight years, including daily ongoing off-site surveillance, on-site examination in 2018, anti-money Laundering/Combating the Financing of Terrorism examination in 2019, and on-site examination May 15 to May 26. According to the ECCB, there were "significant and sustained breaches of the Banking Act 2015, especially of capital requirements. There were reports of "high credit risk and low earnings performance, poor accounting and corporate governance practices and ineffective risk management systems. The ECCB appointed David Collins of Interpath East Caribbean as Receiver to assume control of, and secure the assets of FSVB for six months. The Receiver will sell viable assets and wind up its affairs in an orderly manner to ensure the financial sector remains stable. The ECCB, in the aftermath of another bank dissolution, assured the region that "the issues which warranted the closure of Fist St. Vincent Bank ltd. were very specific to the institution, and "the banking system here remains stable. As for other licensed financial institutions here, "it is business as usual, Antoine said. Governor Antoine was accompanied and supported by Schwabach Caines - Acting Director Financial Sector Supervision Department); Jamila Alleyne - Senior Officer Legal Services Department; and Shermalon Kirby - Acting Director Corporate Relations Department. Amid speculation Glenrock could be losing its ambulance service, Memorial Hospital of Converse County says it has never considered suspending the towns emergency medical services. However, the Douglas-based hospital, which operates ambulance care for Glenrock and Rolling Hills, is working with public officials to address the long-term sustainability of Glenrock EMS, according to an announcement last week. One of the big issues, and one that Memorial Hospital is currently facing, is being able to operate sustainable Emergency Medical Services with viable funding within rural communities while also dealing with rising health care costs and reduced reimbursements, Shawna Litzinger, a spokesperson for the hospital, said in a statement. News circulated last month that Memorial Hospital could cut ambulance services to Glenrock and Rolling Hills beginning in July due to the costs. While the hospital has no plans to change its EMS operations, it has begun discussions with the two towns and Converse County officials to find a more sustainable path forward. Converse County has subsidized ambulance services for Glenrock and Rolling Hills and it will continue to do so in the interim while the local governments and hospital work together, said Jim Willox, chairman of the Converse County Commissioners. But like so many other Wyoming communities, the challenge is that EMS receives relatively few calls in the Glenrock area. Willox said first responders answer only a couple of calls each day on average. The discussion started around the financial cost of 24-hour service for limited calls, but thats not the only factor, he said. The conversation is much broader and deeper. At play is the fundamental question of how Glenrock and other rural communities and hospitals manage ambulance services. A basic ambulance costs roughly $530,000 between equipment and staffing to operate annually, requiring a minimum of about 650 paid trips each year, according to a Wyoming Department of Health. The costs are even higher for more advanced ambulances. As with many other health care professions, Glenrock also faces difficulties finding the trained first responders to staff ambulances, said Mayor Bruce Roumell, who has long worked in EMS in Glenrock and with Banner Wyoming Medical Center in Casper. We used to have close to 25 people or better that were qualified to work on an ambulance in this end of the county at one time and were down to two full time that actually live here, Roumell said. That tells you what type of predicament were in. Glenrock and Rolling Hills are not alone. The Joint Labor, Health and Social Services Committee spent hours discussing the future of EMS in Wyoming during its last interim meeting, the product of years of concern. Since 2018, seven EMS agencies have closed across Wyoming, according to an October report from the Wyoming Department of Health, double the number that closed between 2005 and 2016. At the same time that many of Wyomings rural ambulance providers stand on shaky ground, they have also had to respond to increasing calls over the last six years, data shows. EMS leaders identify staffing and funding as the most significant hurdles to sustainability, according to the task forces report. Funding is a particular problem because many ambulance agencies arent fully reimbursed for the care that they provide. Each year, 911 calls account for more than 70% of ambulance responses in Wyoming, but EMS agencies arent paid for about a third of those trips, according to the Department of Health. Lawmakers have taken some steps to address the challenges, using federal pandemic funds to shore up EMS and passing a bill during the last legislative session that allows county boards to form EMS districts. Willox said the group is listening to all suggestions as it aims to ensure a stable future for EMS in Glenrock and Rolling Hills. Creating an EMS district is one consideration, but the measure would have its own obstacles. County commissioners can pass a resolution, but funding the district would require voters to approve an increase in property taxes. There is no singular solution to steady Glenrocks EMS ambulance service, but the solutions that do exist will take time. Roumell said it will likely take at least a year to make progress. Its not something thats going to happen overnight, he said. For now, Converse County, Glenrock and Rolling Hills will continue to partner with Memorial Hospital to outline the next steps, but both Willox and Roumell were confident that the group could find a fix. Were gonna continue to work with them and see that we can still provide the level of care that everybody in Converse County deserves, Roumell said. Montanas new law banning drag reading events at public libraries has led to the cancellation of a Native American transgender speaker in a southwestern Montana city on Friday. The Butte-Silver Bow Public Library canceled its First Friday speaker, Adria Jawort, at the recommendation of county attorneys, library director Stef Johnson said in a statement on the librarys website. On Monday, Jawort posted online that she was going to do an LGBTQ and two-spirit history lecture at a library on Friday. Two-spirit is a Native American term for people with both male and female spirits. The speech might be illegal in Montana as a flamboyantly dressed trans woman, she posted. On Thursday she said her Tweet was meant to mock the law that bans drag reading events at public schools and libraries. Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte signed it on May 22, and it took effect immediately. Under the law, drag queen is defined as a performer who adopts a flamboyant ... feminine persona with glamorous or exaggerated costumes and makeup. A drag story hour is defined as when a drag king or drag queen reads childrens books and engages in learning activities. Jaworts social media post said that she would definitely have a book, that sexuality would be discussed and minors might be present. Someone submitted a complaint via Facebook, County Attorney Eileen Joyce said. Joyce told NBC Montana the county was erring on the side of caution in canceling the event. Under the law, a library would risk its public funding if it held such an event. Our commitment to promoting inclusivity and intellectual exploration remains, but not in violation of law, Johnson said in a statement. Jawort described herself as somewhat of a fashionista who dresses professionally for events, but certainly not in drag. When the bill was debated in the Montana Legislature in February, transgender Rep. Zooey Zephyr, a Democrat, said the legislation would target transgender people. House Majority Leader Sue Vinton, a Republican, stood up and said, Mr. Chair, this bill has nothing to do with the transgender community. Jawort also spoke against the legislation. The irony is I testified against this bill saying it would target trans people that would include, of course, me, Jawort posted on social media Thursday. They denied it. Now here I am, targeted. Jawort likened her library speech being canceled to the silencing of Zephyr after her testimony against a bill to ban transgender medical care for minors and Zephyrs later removal from the House floor for her participation in a protest over her silencing. One of my best defenses against bigotry ... is just educating the public and doing these speeches about the history of two-spirit people, who have long been recognized by Native American tribes, Jawort said. Butte-Silver Bow Chief Executive J.P. Gallagher issued a proclamation Thursday marking the beginning of Pride month and encouraged residents to support the visibility, dignity and equality of all people, including LGBTQ+ residents. CHEYENNE The mother of the man who killed Gabby Petito told her son in an undated letter that she would dispose of a body if needed because she loved him so much, according to copies of the note shared publicly for the first time this week by attorneys for Petitos parents. The handwritten note by Roberta Laundrie that says burn after reading on the envelope was released after a Florida judge ruled on Wednesday that the letter could be used as evidence in a lawsuit. The Petitos sued Brian Laundries parents, accusing them of knowing that their son had murdered Gabby Petito and helping him with the coverup for nearly a month before her body was found in western Wyoming in September 2021, causing mental anguish, pain and suffering. The letter reads in part: We will always love each other. If youre in jail, I will bake a cake with a file in it. If you need to dispose of a body, I will show up with a shovel and garbage bags. Whether the letter was written before or after Brian Laundrie strangled Petito is in dispute between the parents. Roberta Laundrie claims in a sworn statement in the Florida case that she gave it to her son just before he and Petito left on a cross-country van trip in early June 2021. Roberta Laundrie and her son were having difficulties in their relationship at the time, three months before Brian Laundrie, 23, killed Petito, 22, the court-filed statement said. I was trying to connect with Brian and repair our relationship as he was planning to leave home, the statement said. I had hoped this letter would remind him how much I loved him. The Petito family expressed doubt about Roberta Laundries claimed timing of her letter, suggesting it was in fact written after Petitos death. A reasonable inference may be made from the letter that Roberta Laundrie knew of Petitos demise when the Laundries issued a statement Sept. 14, 2021 five days before her body was found saying they hoped she would be reunited with her family, the Petito family said in a statement Thursday. We look forward to having a jury determine when the letter was written, the statement reads. A search for Brian Laundrie ended with his suicide and discovery of his body in a Florida nature preserve in October 2021. The letter may appear to be unfortunately worded, but that was never its intention, the Laundries attorney, Matthew Luka, wrote in a March motion trying to persuade the judge not to allow the letter to be used in the case. Along with the statements about disposing of a body and a cake with a file in it, Roberta Laundries letter tells her son she would get new guts if he said he hated hers, and watch the skies for his return if he ever flew to the moon, Luka pointed out in an emailed statement Friday. The statements were written before the van trip and demonstrably not intended to be serious because they are not events that would realistically occur, Luka said. Roberta Laundrie added Friday in a statement through her attorney: Although I chose words that I thought would be impactful with Brian given our relationship, the letter was in no way related to Gabby. Brian Laundrie and Petito were engaged and traveled by van across the U.S. in the summer of 2021, visiting scenic places in Colorado and Utah before heading north. They documented their trip in detail, in real time, on social media. Police in Moab, Utah, pulled over the van after it was seen speeding and hitting a curb at the entrance to Arches National Park in August 2021. Petito told police she and Laundrie had been fighting. Officers separated the couple for the night and didnt pursue charges. Searchers found Petitos body Sept. 19, 2021, near a campground on the edge of Wyomings Grand Teton National Park. A coroner determined shed been strangled a few weeks earlier. POWELL Alleigh Richardson had always loved the historic First National Bank building on the northeast corner of First and Bent streets. The 25-year-old loved its eye-catching location in her beloved community, the stately lines and its prominent place in Powell history. She dreamed of what she could do with it every time she saw it sitting idle. So she bought it. The owner of Bent Corner Framing immediately moved her production equipment and supplies in on the ground floor from her space at the Polar Plant. She is now moving room to room with the help of family and friends to save the historic building. Every room is in desperate need of renovation after a faulty roof and years of neglect left much of the lath and plaster walls and wood floors damaged by water and the ravages of time. The many windows of the two-story building need to be replaced, but not before the frames are stabilized and repainted. The exterior needs some tuck-pointing, but beyond the work that could take years, the building has good bones, she said, and is deserving of being saved. I had been eyeing this building for a while. I thought it was perfect, she said. I fell in love with it and its history here. Early history A 1914 fire had destroyed the entire east side of Bent St. between First and Second streets, said Brandi Wright, director and curator at the Homesteader Museum in Powell. The next big building to be built on the block was the bank building in 1917, she said. The building broke ground in 1917 and was opened on April 4, 1918. It wasnt the first prominent structure or the biggest building in Powell, but it was built with care and for many years served the Powell community. Often remembered for a bank robbery in 1939, not all of the buildings history is pleasant. Earl Durand was killed while attempting to rob the bank after being arrested for poaching cattle and hunting elk out of season, then subsequently escaping. The 11-day chase through the Beartooth Mountains and Park County communities ended at the main entrance of the bank after Durand had already killed four officers two at his house, and two who tried to apprehend him during the manhunt in the Beartooth Mountains near Clarks Fork Canyon. While attempting to rob the bank, Durand took three hostages. As they exited from the main entrance then on the south side of the building townspeople began firing. Teller Johnny Gawthrop was killed. Durand, who was wounded, crawled back into the bank and took his own life, according to Park County Archives. Changing uses The original entrance was eventually closed and relocated to the west side of the building. Now the site where Durand died is a back room in the building, painted in yellow and filled with photographs abandoned recently by Sunlight Photographics, owned by Brent and Kelly Emery. Literally thousands of photographs, from weddings and special events to family and senior portraits were left behind, now the property of Richardson. Erin Borcher-Johnson, Alleighs mother, hopes to someday host a show of the art, a benefit to return the photos to Powell families, she said. If you or someone you know is in the photos, youd have to take it home, suggested Borcher. The photographs arent the only relics Richardson and her family discovered in the building. There were still personal bank records left in the basement, Rolodexes full of clients names, a wall of audio and video equipment upstairs and even a childs handmade toy; a Texas Ranger police badge, written in a little boys handwriting in pencil and concealed in a leather wallet like a police shield signed Clarence B. Nay. Nay was born in 1905, according to census records. He was born in Virginia and was living in Powell at least by the time he was 35 years old, if not earlier. He was married to Alice M. (Weber), but there is little information available about Clarence or how his prized toy was left in the bank. Several businesses were located in the building after the bank moved to Clark Street, including an office for stock brokers C.C. Blackman and Mike Jenkins and an accounting agency owned by Harold Robirds. Next steps Not surprisingly, the building still has the bank vault. It now houses important framing equipment. Richardsons intention is to both preserve the historic building, extending its life as a community asset, and to build her home, an apartment on the top floor. She would like to eventually rent space to other stores that will serve Powell into the future. Recently, Richardson and her crew started cleaning and clearing the main floor in an effort to find out what needs to be fixed first. The potential of the building was already shining through after just a few days of labor. She gained a ton of experience in renovating distressed buildings while working with her mom and stepfather, rebuilding and remodeling Gestalt Studios at The Polar Plant. Plus, she has a lot of support. Weve been through this before. The [Polar Plant] was a huge experience-builder, Borcher said. Alleigh feels confident that she can take on the bank, because she was a big part of this remodel. She knows the process and how long it takes. The two buildings are similar in that they were both well built, Borcher said. They both have good bones, she said. It could take years to fully rehabilitate the old First National Bank, but its worth it, Richardson said. THE executive of the Fire Service Associations (1st & 2nd Division) have accepted the Chief Personnel Officers (CPO) four per cent salary. But while they may have accepted the offer, president of the Fire Services Association Leo Ramkissoon said they are not happy to have done so but they felt they had no other choice. It is a musical that has been put off too long, for one reason or the other. But on June 17, veteran theatre practitioner Rhoma Spencer will finally get to show what shes been working on since 2016the workshop production Queen of the Road: The Calypso Rose Musical. LUSAKA, June 2 (Xinhua) -- Zambia's energy regulator on Friday warned oil marketing companies (OMCs) and petroleum retail traders against deliberately holding back sales of petroleum products with a view to cause an artificial shortage. The Energy Regulation Board (ERB) said it has unearthed a scam where OMCs and petroleum retail traders were deliberately holding petroleum products especially towards the end of the month leading to monthly pricing reviews. Namukolo Kasumpa, the ERB public relations manager, said the act was tantamount to hoarding and was an offense. She said hoarding of petroleum products creates an artificial impression of fuel stocks shortages across the country, triggering unnecessary anxiety in the market and putting undue pressure on the petroleum supply chain. "Accordingly, OMCs and petroleum retail dealers are hereby warned against engaging in behaviour which amounts to hoarding petroleum products. In that regard, the ERB hereby reiterates that any license found in breach of license conditions will be subjected to the enforcement action which includes fines, suspension of revocation of their respective license," she said in a statement. She has since urged the public to report instances of suspected petroleum products hoarding to the regulator. The ERB conducts monthly reviews of petroleum product prices. 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. THE DEFENCE Force is missing one of its assault rifles and a $75,000 reward is being considered for information that will lead to the arrest and prosecution of persons responsible. The police and the Defence Force are currently investigating the disappearance of an unloaded assault rifle (an Israeli-made Galil) from the Support and Service Battalion of the Trinidad and Tobago Regiment in Chaguaramas. So, we are here with Part II of the interview with a supposed expert discussing situationships. JP: Last week we ended with the point of mens brains being able to compartmentalise better than womens. Aside from being cultured and nurtured differently, you are saying the physical make-up of the male brain by itself makes men compartmentalise better? Arizona residents continue to experience long COVID-19 at a higher rate than the national rate, according to the most recent data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. People with long COVID can have a wide range of symptoms that can last for weeks, months or even years after infection, and can go away and come back again, the CDC says. The above-average rate here makes sense, given Arizonas demographics of COVID transmission and vaccination, said Dr. Sairam Parthasarathy, a principal investigator for the Arizona cohort of a recent study on long COVID and chief of the Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine at the University of Arizona College of Medicine. The most recent CDC data shows the national rate of people who have experienced long COVID is 15.1%, Parthasarathy said. But for Arizona residents, the number is 18.5%. Arizona had the unfortunate distinction of having one of the highest acute COVID rates and acute (severe) COVID translates into long COVID, Parthasarathy said in an interview Tuesday. More people who are sicker translates to more people with long COVID. The reason for the severe cases is that our vaccination rates were lagging behind national average at one point in time, he said. The vaccination rate for older adults in Arizona was more in line with the national average, which has translated to fewer older adults suffering from long COVID, since they were vaccinated and protected earlier than the rest of the population, Parthasarathy said. At this point in time, when you look at the snapshot of who has long COVID, strangely, its the younger people with more long COVID, he said. With youth comes a sense of invincibility. So they are less likely to get vaccinated and when they get the infection, theyre more likely to develop long COVID. People of color are also affected by long COVID at a higher rate than non-Hispanic white people, Parthasarathy said, in part because of employment trends. People who worked in public transportation, restaurants, public sanitation, hotels, grocery stores and other industries were exposed to COVID-19 before the vaccine became available and were infected at a higher rate. Because many of these jobs are filled by people of color, this has translated to a higher rate of long COVID, Parthasarathy said. The long COVID rate for Hispanic patients is 2.5% above the national average in the most recent CDC data. Parthasarathy said keeping up to date on boosters is an effective way to avoid infection and a subsequent case of long COVID. While 80% of the U.S. population received the primary series of COVID vaccinations, only 17% have gotten boosters, he said. There 63% of people who originally got vaccinated who have not gone and gotten up-to-date with booster vaccines, Parthasarathy said. We need to be wise and recognize that this is something thats preventable. But if you unfortunately end up getting the infection, then we have to do the best we can to minimize the risk of developing long COVID. Arizona part of study Arizona is one of 15 sites participating in a four-year COVID study funded by the National Institutes of Health. Initial findings, showing long COVID was more common and severe in study participants infected before the 2021 Omicron variant, were recently published in the Journal of American Medicine. The study is part of a nationwide effort to understand why some people develop long-term symptoms following COVID-19 and how to detect, treat and prevent long COVID. The study included nearly 10,000 participants, many of whom had COVID-19, and uncovered new details about long COVID, a set of post-infection conditions that can affect almost every organ or tissue in the body, the UA says. Researchers with UA Health Sciences are leading one of the 15 adult cohorts contributing to the research and say the study is an important first glimpse into the complexities of long COVID. 12 distinguishing symptoms Researchers examined data from 9,764 adults, including 8,646 who had COVID-19. They assessed more than 30 symptoms across body areas and organs and identified 12 symptoms that most set apart people with and without long COVID. The symptoms include post-exertional malaise, fatigue, brain fog, dizziness, gastrointestinal symptoms, heart palpitations, issues with sexual desire or capacity, loss of smell or taste, thirst, chronic cough, chest pain and abnormal movements. Parthasarathy said its important to understand that these 12 symptoms are not necessarily the most common or severe, but rather the most distinguishing. Just because a study participant didnt end up in the group with the distinguishing symptoms of long COVID, it doesnt mean they didnt or dont have long COVID, but rather that their symptoms are more common among the general population, he said. The idea is for us to look more deeply at these people with these (distinguishing) symptoms and find those people that are missing in the other group, Parthasarathy said. There are people with long COVID that did not make the threshold or the cut and we did not put into that distinguished group. That does not mean they dont have long COVID. They could be hiding in there and our job is to go find them. Parthasarathy cautioned that researchers were not recruiting for the study and participants self-selected to be involved, meaning that people who suspected they had long COVID were more likely to sign up. Its important that researchers continue to collect information from people who were not infected with COVID-19 at all or were infected but did not develop long COVID, he said. Phenomenal endeavor He said that while this major study is an important first step, theres plenty of work to be done when it comes to diagnosing and treating long COVID. Long COVID is essentially all the damage thats happened once that infection has happened. We need to make the body heal, Parthasarathy said. Figuring out how to help the body recover from long COVID will require extensive understanding of the severity of organ damage, effects to the immune system and more, but the researchers are up to the challenge, Parthasarathy said. He said the convergence of experts in so many different fields of medicine is unprecedented, with every type of specialist working together to understand the disease. The first meeting he sat in on for the study had more than 300 participants and there are hundreds of organizations participating. SPENCER, Mass. (AP) A fire that burned down a 160-year-old Massachusetts church was likely started by a lightning strike, a fire chief said. The First Congregational Church in Spencer caught fire Friday afternoon, when a storm was moving through the area. Video showed the steeple falling as the building was engulfed in flames. Spencer Fire Chief Robert Parsons said in an email Saturday that lightning likely started the fire. He said the building was a total loss. No injuries were reported in the fire, which drew nearly 100 firefighters from close to 20 departments. There has been a church in the area since the 1700s. A church on the site was lost to fire in 1862. Spencer, in central Massachusetts, is about 10 miles (16 kilometers) west of Worcester. SPARKS, Nev. (AP) Geno Martini, the longest serving mayor in the northern Nevada city of Sparks, who helped lead its downtown redevelopment for nearly two decades with an infectious smile larger than his big frame, has died. He was 77. Local leaders on Friday praised the lifelong resident and mayor of the city neighboring Reno from 2005-2018 as a dedicated, humble public servant who helped inspire others. Geno was the rare leader with no ego, said Sparks City Councilwoman Charlene Bybee, who serves as chair of the Reno-Sparks Convention & Visitors Authority. Everything he did was for the love of his city and for all of northern Nevada. Martini died Thursday night, according to a Facebook post Friday from his daughter, Gina Martini-Gonzalez. Martini announced in 2015 that he had been living with Parkinsons disease since 2012. Im so glad hes finally at peace after a rough couple of weeks, his daughter wrote. Thank you to everyone who came to visit these last few days. Adam Mayberry, longtime Sparks city spokesman and current Washoe County school board member, was among many who described Martini as a mentor and father-like figure. He touched so many lives, Mayberry said. Sparks Mayor Ed Lawson said everyone who knew him loved and respected the man who could bring a smile to anyones face. Martini served as a city councilman for five years before he was appointed to fill the end of a vacant mayoral term in 2005 and won re-election four times, the last with 78% of the vote in 2014. As the smaller neighbor of the self-declared Biggest Little City in the World, Martini enjoyed promoting Sparks historic rivalry with Reno, often tongue in cheek. He said he was born at Renos Saint Marys hospital only because Sparks had no hospital in 1946. I had to be born in Reno. I lived there for three days, moved out and never been back since, he joked in an interview with the Reno Gazette Journal in 2017. Martini helped lead downtown revitalization efforts where the town sprung up along the railroad in 1905. He also helped pave the way for multiple regional parks, a marina along Interstate 80 and later a nearby outdoor mall where earlier this year the first casino in the Reno-Sparks area in a quarter-century opened. Martini told the Gazette Journal in 2018 he was especially proud of the downtown redevelopment efforts. Weve been trying for a long, long time to get somebody to develop downtown Sparks, he said. Over the last years from 1999 until now, we couldnt get anybody to even build an outhouse down there. BLANTYRE, Malawi June 2 (Xinhua) -- Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa has made an appeal to African leaders to promptly confront the string of climate change-related calamities that continue to afflict the region by, among other ways, embracing relocation strategy. The Zimbabwean leader, who was on a three-day state visit to Malawi, made the appeal Friday in the country's commercial city of Blantyre, one of the areas that were hit hard by Tropical Cyclone Freddy in March. Mnangagwa emphasized the need for innovative solutions, highlighting the relocation of individuals residing in high-risk areas as a potential strategy to alleviate the devastating impact of such disasters. "Due to the relentless effects of climate change, these occurrences will continue affecting our region," Mnangagwa said, "As leaders, we must proactively seek strategies to mitigate the impact of cyclones that will persistently afflict us." Accompanied by Malawian President Lazarus Chakwera, Mnangagwa undertook a visit to some of the areas ravaged by Cyclone Freddy to assess the aftermath and rally support for the affected communities in southern Malawi. The Zimbabwean president noted that climate change has emerged as an imposing challenge, disproportionately impacting developing nations across Africa, hence the need for innovative mitigating measures. "One of the strategies we have implemented in Zimbabwe is the relocation of people situated in disaster-prone areas, and we believe that our people will understand this move," Mnangagwa said. Chakwera expressed gratitude to the people of Zimbabwe for their unwavering support during times of crisis, lauding their resilience in the face of adversity. "The bond between Zimbabwe and Malawi transcends borders: It is heartening to witness the unwavering spirit of solidarity displayed by the people of Zimbabwe during disasters," Chakwera said. He added that "their continued support underscores the profound connection between our two countries." Mnangagwa arrived in Malawi Wednesday upon Chakwera's invitation and, among other engagements, the two leaders presided over the signing of a number of Memoranda of Understanding. VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (AP) Trails of Purpose, a Chesapeake-based nonprofit that uses horses to support military members, is preparing to expand its services to a new facility to accommodate a growing need for mental health resources. Roughly 30 volunteers gathered recently at One Red Maple Farm to help clean the property. Trails of Purpose began leasing parts of the 38-acre Pungo farm in early May and is going through the citys conditional use permit process to open the property to military members and their families seeking mental health counseling. Located in the heart of one of the nations most densely populated military communities, co-founder Kayla Arestivo said expanding services was necessary. Just look at the news, said Arestivo, a licensed mental health counselor and military spouse. Military mental health Department of Defense mental health is overrun right now. It is not well supported or billeted. Trails of Purpose provides therapeutic care for service members suffering mental hardships, using horses for assisted psychotherapy and mental health education. The various services, which mostly involve handling the horses on foot, are meant to help current and former military members and their families overcome the trauma, transition and trials from military service. Weve doubled our service members every year since weve been in existence, Arestivo said. I have had chiefs call me and say, Nobodys picking up the phone, Portsmouth is overrun and I have got this kid. And they literally drive the sailor out to us. That is the need. Ricky Bledsoe, a Trails of Purpose board member and retired Navy special warfare officer, purchased the property from Lynnette Bukowski, the widow of a veteran Navy SEAL. Bukowski, who owned the farm for nearly 10 years, had turned it into a retreat for veterans returning from combat. The whole premise behind buying the place was to continue the mission Lynn started, said Bledsoe, who had volunteered with Bukowski. Bledsoe retired as a chief warrant officer 3 in 2021 following a 30-year naval career. I noticed there was a lack of attention to peoples well being especially for their mental health. It was always, Go, go, go and not about the individual, Bledsoe said. Bledsoe, Arestivo and Trails of Purpose volunteers worked for three hours, ensuring the property will be available to military members and their families to rest and refit. Volunteers cleared overgrown vegetation and cleaned up animal pens, a bunk house and a barn. If you need a place just get out of the city on the weekends, we have that. If you want to just get out and be amongst nature with horses, without horses, or just sit over there and have lunch and let your kids play, Bledsoe said. It is somewhere to totally relax, for you to just withdraw from the overwhelming stuff of reality for a little bit. Trails of Purpose sees about 100 military members, veterans and their families per week in individual, spouse, family or group therapy sessions. These are people who are built for community, Arestivo said. A lot of military members dont typically have friends outside the military because they have built-in friends in the military. But when you leave the military, you dont have that anymore. When you come out to us, now you do. Now, every Saturday you can show up to groups and you can trust that somebody is going to be there checking in on you. You have a place where you belong. In working with One Red Maple Farm, the nonprofit will be able to facilitate additional groups, running in tandem with the Chesapeake location. It hired three additional licensed professional counselors and is leasing seven new horses. Opening the program at a second location has also expanded Arestivos goals. I would love for people to understand the value in civilian counselors for the military, she said. Maybe we dont need to report everything back to TRICARE. Maybe people can just go and talk about whats going on with them and it doesnt have to be reported to the command. Participating in Trails of Purpose is free and is not reported to commanding officers or military health insurance providers. A service members participation will only be reported if licensed professional counselors deem that person a threat to themself or others. Arestivos short-term goal is to see the waitlist dwindle. It is currently four weeks. But right now, if I remove three from the waitlist, three more replace them, Arestivo said. BEECH CREEK, W.Va. (AP) A state police officer was fatally shot Friday in southern West Virginia, and a suspect later was arrested, authorities said. Sgt. Cory Maynard was killed in the shooting, Gov. Jim Justice said in a statement, adding that he was absolutely heartbroken. He and first lady Cathy Justice extended their sympathies to Maynard's family. The brave men and women of law enforcement, and all first responders who put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe, are an inspiration to us all," Justice said. Officers responded to a complaint of a shooting in the Beech Creek area of Mingo County and were met with gunfire upon arrival, police said in a statement. Maynard initially was taken to a hospital in Logan. The suspect, Timothy Kennedy, 29, of Beech Creek, was taken into custody Friday night following an extensive search, State Police said later in a brief statement. No other injuries were reported, and further details on the shooting were not immediately made public. News outlets reported that nearby residents were advised to stay indoors during the search, and a Friday night graduation ceremony at Mingo Central High School was postponed. The shooting happened in the same county where Sheriff Eugene Crum was shot to death in April 2013 in a spot in Williamson where he usually parked his car for lunch. A suspect later was found incompetent to stand trial and was ordered to be committed to a state mental health facility for life. Mingo and neighboring McDowell County are home to the legendary blood feud between the Hatfield family of West Virginia and the McCoy family of Kentucky. Mingo County was dubbed Bloody Mingo during the early 20th century coal mine wars. Ten people were killed in a 1920 gunbattle known as the Matewan Massacre, between miners led by a local police chief and a group of private security guards who were hired to evict the miners for joining a union. About 60 people gathered at Woodland Memorial Park on Monday to remember those veterans who, having served their country, are now at rest. But they also came to renew a commitment to take care of those who are still alive. The Memorial Day program was hosted by the American Legions Billie A. Hall Post 17 in Sand Springs, and the keynote speaker was American Legion Tulsa Area District 1 1st Vice Commander Bob Coffey, the commander of Post 308 in east Tulsa. Today our great nation honors all the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice, he said. But we also need to remember all veterans who served this great nation. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, about 17 veterans die by suicide every day. Other organizations, including the American Legion, say the number is much higher perhaps as high as 22 each day as a result of undercounting. In 2020, suicide was the 13th-leading cause of death among veterans overall but the second-leading cause of death among veterans younger than 45. This is a pandemic amongst our brothers and sisters in arms, Coffey said, adding that the military too frequently has sent service members home from active duty with too few resources and too little time to decompress. We were failing our own brothers and sisters, he said. Coffey discussed an American Legion national program called Be the One. At its core, the campaign aims to increase awareness of the veteran suicide epidemic and destigmatize seeking out mental health counseling. And while it encourages veterans to ask for help when they need it, it also encourages veterans, service members and others to be proactive when they believe that a veteran is at risk of suicide by asking the veterans in their lives how theyre doing and listening when they need to talk. Be the one, Coffey encouraged audience members. Ask the tough questions, and dont back down. Earlier in the ceremony, Post 17 Auxiliary President Debra Bunch gave a presentation about the origin of taps, the bugle call sounded to signal lights out at days end on U.S. military installations worldwide and during patriotic memorial ceremonies and military funerals. Noting that her story was just one of many that can be found about the origin of taps, Bunch told of a Union captain in the Civil War who heard the cries of an injured soldier in the night. Not knowing the soldiers allegiance, he risked his own life to retrieve the stricken soldier for medical care. Upon returning to safety, he saw that the soldier belonged to the Confederate Army, she said. But the greater shock was to see that the soldier was his own son. The boy had gone to school in the South and had joined the Confederate Army without telling his family. The captain asked his superiors for a full military burial for his son, including a group of Army band members to play a funeral dirge, Bunch said. The superiors said no, but they offered the captain one musician of his choice. He chose a bugler, whom he asked to play a simple melody found on a piece of paper in his sons pocket. It was the tune now known as taps. At the close of Bunchs presentation, Berryhill High School band trumpet player Grace Blair played taps. Following Coffeys keynote speech, 13 wreaths including those representing the American Legion and Auxiliary, Gold Star and Blue Star Mothers, prisoners of war and those missing in action, and service members killed in World Wars I and II, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan were placed on stands. The ceremony ended with a 21-gun salute and the playing of taps. Update: The suspect in the shooting of an Okmulgee police officer was still on the loose on Friday evening, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation reported. The manhunt for Christopher Alfred Harris, who was released from federal prison in September after serving a 10-year sentence for a Tulsa bank robbery, began shortly after the shooting early Thursday. Anyone who sees Harris or knows his whereabouts is asked to call local law enforcement authorities. Below is the story that appeared in Friday's Tulsa World: An Okmulgee police officer who was shot early Thursday has been treated at a Tulsa hospital and released, a spokesman for a state agency said. The officer was ambushed when he and another Okmulgee police officer responded about 1:45 a.m. to a call about a burglary in progress at a house in the 100 block of East Second Street, according to Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation Interim Public Information Officer Gerald Davidson. The other officer approached the front door while the officer who was ultimately shot approached the rear of the house, where a person ambushed the officer and fired at the officer with what was reported to be an AK-47 rifle, Davidson said. The officer returned fire, and during the exchange of gunfire, the officer was shot once. The shooter fled on foot, Davidson said. The officer, who was stable and alert, was taken to Saint Francis Hospital in Tulsa and was later released, Davidson said. He has been on the Okmulgee police force for five or six years, Davidson added. Police and officers from multiple agencies are looking for Christopher Alfred Harris, who is described as 34 years old; Black; 5 feet, 9 inches tall; 218 pounds; and bald with brown eyes. He was last seen near Second Street and Central Avenue in Okmulgee. The suspect was known by residents of the house, but Davidson did not know whether he was a friend or relative or had some other connection. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol has issued a Blue Alert in an effort to find Harris. Authorities dont know whether he was struck by the gunfire. The Okmulgee Police Department is the lead agency in the manhunt, which involves about 30 officers from agencies that also include the Creek Nation Lighthorse Police, the District 25 Task Force, the FBI, the U.S. Marshals Service and the OHP, Davidson said. The Tulsa Police Department said in a Facebook post that some of its officers and its helicopter are also assisting in the search. Davidson said Harris had been in federal court system previously but that he didnt know whether he had a history of violence against officers. An online resource for the U.S. Bureau of Prisons indicates that Harris was released from federal prison in September. Tulsa World archives show that Harris was sentenced in federal court in November 2012 to 10 years and a month in prison for robbing a Tulsa bank earlier that year. Harris, then 23 and a Tulsa resident, was ordered to be under court supervision for three years after his release. He had pleaded guilty to robbing the Bank of Oklahoma at 3037 S. Garnett Road and to a related firearm charge. He admitted brandishing a gun during the heist, during which he stole $4,215.90, Tulsa World coverage shows. The Okmulgee Police Department asked the OSBI to investigate Thursday mornings gunfire, Davidson said. Harris is considered armed and dangerous, and anyone with any information about him or his whereabouts should call 911, authorities said. The new Tulsa World app offers personalized features. Download it today. VERDIGRIS Second District Congressman Josh Brecheen is not a numerologist, but he assesses the debt limit and spending bill shot through Congress this week in numerical terms. In an almost evenly divided U.S. House of Representatives, Brecheen said, 16 more Democrats voted for the bill than did Republicans, even though it was marginally a Republican bill. In the Senate, Democrat yea votes outnumbered Republican 33-18. Why would more Democrats vote for the agreement than Republicans? Brecheen asked a gathering of about 25 people at Harvest Baptist Church late Friday afternoon. With the leverage we were given by the American people by giving the House of Representatives to the Republicans, could we have had a better deal? I would say absolutely yes. A good many Republicans, including some from Oklahoma, disagreed. The GOP has the House majority by only nine seats, meaning four or five defections negates its advantage if the Democrats stick together. And its not unlikely that some of those Republican no votes were cast for political purposes, knowing the bill was going to pass. Democrats have the same situation in the Senate, but they also have the White House. Still, Brecheen and most of those in the room on Friday were bitterly disappointed that the agreement wasnt closer to the House budget bill that passed along party lines earlier this year. I think most of us were under the impression that the original bill that passed the House is pretty much what we were going to wind up with, said one of those in the audience. You were around all of these people that caved. What happened? Conservatives werent the only ones denouncing the agreement as a betrayal. Among the nay votes in the Senate were two of its most liberal members, Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts. The House nays included Democrats Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez, Cori Bush and Pramila Jayapal. Brecheen, though, thought the outcome was particularly disappointing for fiscal conservatives because the first-year spending cuts in the final deal are much, much smaller than in the bill passed by the House. Whens always the time to cut? Brecheen asked. Its always next year. We do all of these projections. The Congressional Budget Office, the Office of Management and Budget theyll say, This bill scores this much savings and the savings are not this much the first year but there are these incredible savings in years two, three and four. Based on the past, are those savings in years two, three and four ever going to materialize? As Brecheen noted, the battle now shifts immediately to appropriations and budget bills. Brecheen is among those insisting that the budget return to regular order, which in most years has been neither regular nor orderly. Instead of the 12 appropriations bills passed and signed by the end of the budget year on Sept. 30, Congress has repeatedly resorted to continuing resolutions and omnibus bills that combine multiple appropriations bills and usually a good deal more. Stopping omnibus bills is one of the things Brecheen ran for office on. Friday, though, he seemed less optimistic about that happening this year. As I shared with one of (House Speaker Kevin McCarthys) staffers, we expected there to be more conservatives in the room negotiating this deal, Brecheen said. We expected there to be in the negotiation more people pulling this deal closer to (the House bill). The new Tulsa World app offers personalized features. Download it today. Photos: Scenes from the debt ceiling negotiations TOKYO -- Heavy rains caused by Tropical Storm Mawar and a seasonal rain front continued on Saturday morning in a wide swath of the Japan, prompting authorities to issue warnings of damage and stranding many people as train services were suspended. Although Mawar has weakened from super typhoon status, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) urged people to be on high alert for landslides, rising rivers and flooding in eastern Japan, while warning of landslides in western Japan. People riding bicycles make their way in the heavy rain in Kochi, Kochi Prefecture, Japan June 2, 2023, in this photo taken by Kyodo. Mandatory credit Kyodo via Reuters One person has died as a result of the storm. Some 7,000 households in the eastern and western regions were without power, but restoration work was being carried out, the industry ministry said on Saturday. A woman holding an umbrella makes her way in the heavy rain in Tokyo, Japan, June 2, 2023. Photo: Reuters Shinkansen bullet trains, suspended from Tokyo to Nagoya in central Japan since Friday, resumed operation around noon (0300 GMT) on Saturday, Kyodo news agency reported. The weather was expected to improve in most of Japan later on Saturday, public broadcaster NHK said. A flooded intersection following heavy rain brought about by Typhoon Mawar is pictured from a Kyodo News helicopter in Toyokawa, Aichi Prefecture, central Japan in this photo taken by Kyodo on June 3, 2023. Mandatory credit Kyodo/via Reuters The rainy season front has become more active due to the inflow of large amounts of humid air from Mawar, which wreaked havoc on Guam earlier this week, Kyodo quoted the JMA as saying. From Friday through Saturday morning, heavy localised rain fell in many parts of Japan, marking the heaviest rainfall on record for June in some areas, Kyodo said. A view of a river overflowing due to the heavy rains in Kizugawa City, Kyoto prefecture, Japan, June 2, 2023, in this screengrab obtained from a social media video. Tom Fay/via Reuters A man found in a car flooded by heavy rain in Toyohashi in central Japan was taken to the hospital, where he was later confirmed dead, Kyodo said. Parts of Japan were slammed by torrential rain on Friday as Mawar neared, with authorities advising more than a million people to evacuate, many flights and other transport cancelled and power outages in thousands of homes. MEXICO CITY -- Human remains discovered in 45 bags in western Mexico appear to resemble the features of several missing call center employees, state prosecutors said in a statement late on Thursday. The Jalisco Prosecutor's Office said the remains found in the municipality of Zapopan were still subject to forensic tests to formally identify the bodies. "According to preliminary information, the findings...in Zapopan coincided with the physical characteristics of some of the young people being searched for," the statement said. Authorities made the discovery in a ravine on the outskirts of Jalisco's capital city, Guadalajara, earlier this week as part of a search for seven call center workers in their 20s and 30s who had disappeared. An eighth person, potentially linked to the group, is also missing. On Tuesday, security minister Rosa Icela Rodriguez told reporters that initial investigations showed that the call center workers "were carrying out some type of real estate fraud and some type of telephone extortion." Authorities have been working to determine how many individuals the remains in the bags relate to, their identities, and how they died. Local media said the remains belonged to both men and women. The state prosecutor's office said in a statement that the discovery came following a tip-off. Prosecutors added that difficult terrain and lack of sunlight had complicated the investigation. According to government data, over 100,000 people are currently missing in Mexico, where organized crime has ravaged parts of the country. Jalisco state in particular is a hotbed for major cartels, including the Jalisco New Generation cartel (CJNG), and rivals Nueva Plaza. Leaders of Vietnams southern economic hub Ho Chi Minh City are slated to visit Italy in October this year to further beef up the cooperation between the city and Italy, deputy chairman of the municipal administration Vo Van Hoan has said in welcoming Italys National Day. Hoan was speaking at a ceremony held by the Consulate General of Italy in the city on Friday to mark the 72nd anniversary of Italys National Day and also the 50th anniversary of Vietnam - Italy diplomatic relations. The citys vice mayor sent National Day greetings to the Italian Consul General Enrico Padula and his wife, and the entire Italian community living and working in Ho Chi Minh City. Hoan highly appreciated the fruitful relationship between Ho Chi Minh City and its Italian twin city of Torino, toward the goal of laying a foundation and framework to further promote the bilateral cooperation in hi-tech, education, cultural heritage conservation and tourism. Addressing the ceremony, Italian Consul General Padula recalled the long-lasting friendship relations between Italy and Vietnam, with Italy being the first Western European country to establish diplomatic ties with Vietnam right after the Paris Agreement was signed in 1973. The diplomat expressed his pleasure that the two nations ties have strongly developed over the past 50 years, not only in diplomacy and politics but also in the economic, cultural and social fields. He emphasized the significance of the cooperation for mutual development between the two countries, as well as between Italy and Ho Chi Minh City, the southern business and financial hub of Vietnam. The past 50-year ties have given both nations an inspiration and a belief in the development of their relationship in the future, Padula said. Last year, the trade value between Italy and Ho Chi Minh City reached US$780 million, while that of the two countries amounted to $6.2 billion, up 11 percent from 2021. Vietnam is currently Italys largest trading partner in ASEAN while Italy is Vietnams fourth largest EU partner. On the sideline of the ceremony were two impressive photo exhibitions, one of which depicted significant milestones in the Vietnam - Italy relations over the past 50 years, and the other featuring images representing the diversity of the Italian capital city of Rome. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Check out the latest news in Vietnam today: Business -- The number of container trucks carrying farm produce for export stranded at border gates in northern Lang Son Province reached 670 as of 8:00 pm on Thursday, according to the management board of the Dong Dang-Lang Son border gate economic zone. -- Vietnam exported US$190.5 million worth of durians in the first four months of this year, surging over 573 percent year on year, according to data recently released by the Ministry of Industry and Trade. Society -- The administration of central Phu Yen Province demanded 18 unlicensed tourism businesses whose facilities were illegally built on agricultural land or special-use forest land be tackled as per prevailing regulations. Politics -- The prime ministers of Vietnam and Australia are expected to discuss the opportunity to upgrade the bilateral ties to the next level, Australian Ambassador to Vietnam Andrew Goledzinowski told the press ahead of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albaneses visit to Vietnam from Saturday to Sunday. Lifestyle -- The Ho Chi Minh City Kids Fest 2023 kicked off on Friday evening at the Ho Chi Minh City Childrens House in District 3, offering a host of exciting, creative activities and unforgettable experiences to children in the city. -- The Da Nang International Fireworks Festival (DIFF) 2023 officially began in Da Nang, central Vietnam on Friday evening with performances by the Vietnamese and Finnish teams, the Vietnam News Agency reported. -- A five-day food festival starting from Friday in Nha Trang City, a popular beach destination in south-central Khanh Hoa Province, will feature hundreds of tasty dishes which are local food specialties in the three main regions of Vietnam. World News -- At least 207 people were killed and 900 injured when two passenger trains collided in Odisha on Friday, according to government officials in the eastern Indian state, in India's deadliest rail accident in over a decade, Reuters reported. -- Some 10,000 residents in coastal Quebec were forced to evacuate homes on Friday as wildfires engulf more Canadian provinces, in what is emerging as one of the worst starts to the forest fire season, according to Reuters. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! The Ministry of Health advised reinforcing epidemic prevention and control measures as three outbreaks of human anthrax disease occurred in northern Dien Bien Province, linked to the butchering and consumption of buffalo and cow meat. Anthrax is a highly infectious disease caused by Bacillus anthracis, a type of gram-positive, rod-shaped bacteria, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It is found naturally in soil and affects domestic and wild animals globally. Humans can contract anthrax by interacting with infected animals or contaminated animal products. This disease can lead to severe illness in both humans and animals. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of Dien Bien reported 13 cases of anthrax infections on residents at three locations in Tua Chua District from May 5 to 30. The patients are still undergoing treatment. All of them had an epidemiological history related to slaughtering and eating buffaloes and cows, which had died of unknown reasons. Another 132 people also came in contact with and consumed this group of dead cattle. They experienced symptoms including blisters and sores on the skin, headaches, abdominal pain, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, and body aches. The General Department of Preventive Medicine, under the Ministry of Health, issued an official order on Friday, urging the Department of Health of Dien Bien to promptly oversee and monitor the well-being of individuals engaged in the slaughter and consumption of the same bovine meat source as the patients. The Dien Bien health department is required to conduct environmental treatment in the outbreak area and prevent new infections. The authorities also warn people against slaughtering and eating dead buffaloes, cows, and horses of unknown origin, which is a dominant practice across much of mountainous rural Vietnam. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! LUANDA, June 3 (Xinhua) -- Countries of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) on Saturday called for an immediate cessation of hostilities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Sudan. The ICGLR member states held a summit earlier in the day in Luanda, the capital of Angola, during which they emphasized the need to improve coordination and execution of the mechanism for monitoring and evaluating the March 23 Movement (M23) ceasefire and the withdrawal from occupied territories. The communique released after the summit stressed the engagement of agreements reached in the Luanda and Nairobi processes and condemned any attempt by the M23 and other armed groups to reinforce themselves to resume hostilities in the occupied areas, reiterating the immediate disarmament and repatriation without conditions. It said that Angola will host a summit between ICGLR, the Southern African Development Community, the Economic Community of Central African States and the East African Community, with the participation of the United Nations, under the coordination of the African Union. The summit also condemned the conflict in Sudan, calling for the reactivation of the peace process in Sudan to find a lasting solution, and welcomed efforts by the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, and other African sub-regional organizations, underlying the need for Africa's leadership and coordination of efforts. In addition to Felix Tshisekedi, president of the DRC, and Edouard Ngirente, prime minister of Rwanda, the summit was attended by President of the Central African Republic Faustin-Archange Touadera. Representatives from Burundi, Uganda, Kenya, South Sudan, the Republic of the Congo, Tanzania, Zambia and Sudan were also present at the meeting, representing their respective heads of state, according to the final communique. Nines new observational series Police Rescue Australia discussed the idea of having actor Gary Sweet, who starred in Police Rescue (pictured below) for 5 seasons, as a possible narrator. But not for long. Lune Media producer Leonie Lowe said, We talked about it with Channel Nine but I think they wanted to actually move away from the drama to make it an (observational) series and not have that correlation. Because I think instantly people might think Oh, the dramas coming back?' The series centres around the instantly recognisable white-uniformed NSW Police rescue unit in Sydney and the Blue Mountains. Only the New South Wales Police rescue unit wear white and thats how you distinguish the Rescue Unit to everyone else. They often work with the New South Wales Ambulance Service and the fire department. Once they are called to the job, theyre the ones in charge. Narrating the series is actor / writer Brendan Cowell who Lune Media had worked with in the past. When we sort of spoke to him about it, he thought it sounded like a really good series that he wanted to be part of. So we were very happy with that, she continued. Lowe says Nine discussions also did not reference its 2009 drama Rescue: Special Ops (pictured below) which starred Peter Phelps, Les Hill, Katherine Hicks, Gigi Edgley, Daniel Amalm, Todd Lasance, Craig McLachlan, Libby Tanner -and Gary Sweet. No, they didnt actually. At all. I think they just wanted to talk to us about this, she said. We just talked about current stuff. Police Rescue Australia screens 9pm Monday on Nine. Carlo Ancelotti has described Harry Kane as a top player as Real Madrid step up their interest in the Tottenham striker. Reports in Spain claim Real have made Kane their top transfer target, whatever happens to Karim Benzema as he weighs up a lucrative offer to move to Saudi Arabia. Real are said to want to Kane and Benzema to play together at the Bernabeu and their interest is being driven by Ancelotti, who has identified Kane as his preferred striker. Ancelotti has now confirmed he is staying at Real Madrid in a move that could implications for Kane and his future. If Benzema moves to Saudi, that would increase the need for Real to move for Kane this summer. But the 29-year-old is out of contract at Spurs next summer when he looks set to be available on a free transfer. Asked about Kane on Saturday, Ancelotti said: Harry Kane is a top player but we have to respect Tottenham, hes a Tottenham player. I can guarantee to you that Real Madrid will have a competitive team again next season. Ancelotti has been strongly linked with the Brazil job but the Italian has said he is very happy to continue at the Bernabeu next season. On his own future, Ancelotti said: Im happy at Real Madrid. No problems with the club. Im very happy to continue and we will try to do better next season. Israeli soldiers are pictured at the gate of the Mount Harif military base near the city of Mitzpe Ramon in Israel's southern Negev desert, adjacent to the border with Egypt (AFP via Getty Images) Three Israeli soldiers have been killed after a gun skirmish with an Egyptian police officer. The Israeli army said the rare instance of deadly violence occurred along the Egyptian border. The shooting triggered a manhunt in which the assailant was killed, they added. A four soldier, a non-commissioned officer, was lightly wounded and rushed to hospital. Lt. Col. Richard Hecht, an army spokesperson, said the fighting began overnight when soldiers thwarted a drug-smuggling attempt across the border. He said several hours later, two soldiers in a guard post were shot and killed. Their bodies were found after the shooting, when they did not respond to radio communications. Hecht said the killings appeared to be connected to the thwarted drug smuggling attempt. The army said the Egyptian police officer was killed in a second exchange of fire in which a third soldier was killed. Hecht said an investigation was being conducted in full cooperation with the Egyptian army. He said troops were searching for other possible assailants. It was the first deadly exchange of fire along the Israel-Egypt border in over a decade. The army said one of the killed soldiers was a woman. Criminals sometimes smuggle drugs across the border, while Islamic militant groups are also active in Egypts restive north Sinai. Israel and Egypt signed a peace agreement in 1979 and maintain close security ties. Fighting along their shared border is rare. The exchange of fire reportedly took place around the Nitzana border crossing between Israel and Egypt. The crossing is located about 40 kilometers (25 miles) southeast of the point where Israels border with Egypt and the Gaza Strip converge. Its used to import goods from Egypt destined for Israel or the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip. China's snub of U.S. military leader highlights escalation risk US Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, attends the 20th Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore By Idrees Ali, Phil Stewart and Yew Lun Tian WASHINGTON/BEIJING (Reuters) -Brief smiles and handshakes by U.S. and Chinese military leaders at a luxury hotel in Singapore on Friday belie a deep freeze in communications between the two armed forces that is becoming a growing worry at the Pentagon. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin had sought a proper meeting with his Chinese counterpart at the annual Shangri-la Dialogue but Beijing refused. Instead, the retired U.S. Army general had to settle for a quick exchange at a dinner ahead of a weekend full of meetings among Asian military leaders. The awkward encounter is just the latest example of what U.S. officials and analysts say is a troubling disparity between how the two countries view military risks, with the United States pushing for more and deeper military communications and China reluctant to engage. Relations between the superpowers are increasingly acrimonious, with friction over issues from Taiwan and China's military activity in the South China Sea to U.S. efforts to hold back China's semiconductor industry. The U.S. military has responded by pushing for open lines of communication with their Chinese counterparts - both at senior and working levels - to mitigate the risk of potential flare-ups, something it has long advocated. China's leaders, by contrast, have been slow to establish military contacts and quick to shut them down during periods of diplomatic tension. After the U.S. downed an alleged Chinese spy balloon earlier this year the phone lines went silent and have stayed that way, say U.S. officials. This has frustrated the United States. "We have had a lot of difficulty in terms of when we have proposed phone calls, proposed meetings and dialogues," said Ely Ratner, U.S. assistant secretary of defense for the Indo-Pacific, speaking at event last week. "We ... have had an outstretched hand on this question of military-to-military engagement and we have yet to have a consistently willing partner." Liu Pengyu, spokesperson at the Chinese embassy in Washington, said on Friday in an emailed statement that communication between China and the United States was conducive to a greater mutual understanding. "However, now the U.S. says it wants to speak to the Chinese side while seeking to suppress China through all possible means and continue imposing sanctions on Chinese officials, institutions and companies," the statement said. "Is there any sincerity in and significance of any communication like this?" RISKS AND BENEFITS China had an obvious reason to push back on a meeting between Austin and China's Minister of National Defense Li Shangfu: Li has been under U.S. sanctions since 2018 over the purchase of combat aircraft and equipment from Russia's main arms exporter. Zhu Feng, dean of the School of International Studies at Nanjing University, said Beijing believed the sanctions on Li showed that the United States was not sincere in efforts to talk with China. "The main reason why China is reluctant to have its defense minister meet with the U.S. is because we think dialogue must be on equal terms," Zhu said. But other factors lie behind this, say analysts, including a different assessment of the risks and benefits and divergent approaches to negotiation. While neither country wants an accidental military clash, China believes the U.S. military is operating in its sphere of influence, including in the South China Sea and around Taiwan. As a result, China's leaders don't believe it's in their interest to use military talks to lower U.S. anxieties, said Jacob Stokes, a senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security. "China wants the United States and its partners to feel worried about rising military and security risks in East Asia and then for Washington change its operational behavior to something that Beijing views as less threatening," he said. Yun Sun, director of the China program at the Stimson Center, adds that China also sees the risks as lower than the U.S. does. "Especially given the ongoing Ukraine war, the Chinese dont quite see the danger of getting into a military conflict with U.S. as significant. Had they believed the threat is higher, they would adopt a different attitude toward the mil-to-mil dialogue, said Sun. Then there is China's view of how military talks fit into the broader U.S.-China relationship. The United States may want to keep security-related discussions on a separate track, but Chinese leaders would rather keep the focus on trade and economic issues. From that perspective, military talks are something to bargain with. "Beijing is clearly favoring the economic relationship with American business and government over the more contentious political and defense channels," said Daniel Russel, the top diplomat for East Asia under Obama, now with Asia Society Policy Institute. CIA director William Burns visited China last month and held talks with Chinese counterparts to emphasize "the importance of maintaining open lines of communication in intelligence channels," a U.S. official said on Friday. COLLISIONS AND EMERGENCY LANDINGS An accidental military clash with China is not a theoretical danger. In 2001 a U.S. spy plane made an emergency landing on Hainan island after a collision with a Chinese fighter jet. One Chinese pilot died and Beijing detained the 24-member U.S. crew for 11 days, releasing them only after Washington sent a letter saying it was "very sorry." A senior U.S. defense official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said that since 2021 China had declined or not responded to over a dozen requests to talk with the Pentagon and nearly ten working-level engagement requests. The responses vary but, as with the latest snub, the answer from Beijing is no, one official said, without offering details. "Frankly, its just the latest in a litany of excuses," the senior U.S. official said. (Reporting by Idrees Ali, Phil Stewart, David Brunnstrom, Michael Martina, Yew Lun Tian, Martina Pollard and Laurie Chen.Editing by Don Durfee, Alistair Bell and Gerry Doyle) Google Maps Avery Arden, who is transgender, was not going to return to their childhood church in Ohio just to hold their tongue as the pastor preached that the Catholic church was under attack in reference to a pro-LGBTQ+ nonprofit. Look at the Los Angeles Dodgers. Look whats happening. Defaming the name of Jesus Christ. Defaming the name of every Christian here on Earth, Rev. Timothy Gareau of St. Raphael professed in a sermon last week. It just burns a hole in my heart, angers me and embitters me. And it should you. While the priest said he didnt want to give these people a name, Arden knew he was referring to the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, and in an interview with Cleveland, said dodging the groups name felt like a dog whistle. So the 28-year-old parishioner took to the altar to share their piece. Queer and trans people also carry the Holy Spirit, and that was really painful to hear. That was really hurtful, Arden said. The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence is an LGBTQ+ advocacy group composed of a leading-edge Order of queer and trans nuns known for bright drag makeup and attire. Recently, the nonprofit was thrust into the national spotlight after the Los Angeles Dodgers invited, uninvited, and then reinvited the nuns to their annual LGBTQ+ Pride Night event. The team apologized and upheld its promise to honor the Los Angeles chapters sisters with the Community Hero Award on June 16. Patrick T. Fallon/Reuters In their confrontation of Gareau, Arden acknowledged the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence from the outside looks like they are defaming the Catholic faith, but emphasized that the spirit of God moves through all people. The idea that the church is under attack in this way that needs defending is laughable, Arden said in an interview. If I cant convince people that what [the Sisters] do is not offensive, thats fine. You can at least agree they dont actually pose a real threat to the Catholic Church. Ardens pushback drew heat from fellow churchgoers, and three members of the congregation escorted them out of the church. There, a parishioner started storming towards them, Arden shared, and allegedly even threatened to shoot us. I am a real Catholic. I go to mass every day, okay? I go to mass every day, the man yelled, according to a video obtained by Cleveland. Dont defame the Lord Jesus. Get out of here. Local authorities responded to a possible assault in progress at the church at around 10:46 a.m., a police report stated. The incident is still under investigation and information remains preliminary. A spokesperson for the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland denounced the response of the man who shouted at Arden but said in a statement to Cleveland that Catholics rightly feel outraged and violated when such a disruption occurs. The act of disrupting the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, which is the most sacred part of Catholic life, is a serious matter, the spokesperson said. In keeping with the example of our Lord Jesus Christ, virtually all present at the Mass responded to the disruption with prayers for the person who interrupted the service and for the Church. Formerly an active member in the community, Ardenwho now lives in Georgiastopped by the church while in the area to visit family. Although Gareau has witnessed the devotees baptism, first Holy Communion, and confirmation, his latest comments marked the last time Arden will step foot in St. Raphael, Cleveland reported. St. Raphael is more than this hate, they said. I truly love Father Tim, and I do believe that he didnt mean to promote violence. And I have hope that once hes able to process what happened after his homily, that he will see how he did have a role and reflect on that. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. This fund will see RMIT invest in education, research, partnerships and campus infrastructure and, as Vietnams leading international university, contributing to the countrys social and economic goals. The first outcome of this fund will be RMITs Hanoi Industry and Innovation Hub, creating a gateway between local Vietnam-based partners and international expertise. The Hub will support collaboration between Hanois communities, Government and industries on key priorities, including smart and sustainable cities, regional collaboration, emerging technologies and social innovation. In addition to RMITs renowned undergraduate and postgraduate offerings, the Hub will cultivate a higher skilled and more adaptive workforce through short-form education solutions and workforce training. Established in 2000, RMIT Vietnam is the first international university in the country and currently has over 12,000 students, 1,000 staff and 20,000 alumni. As Australias largest higher educational institution in-country and recognised as the exemplar of international education in Vietnam, were proud of the contribution that RMIT has made to Vietnam over the past 23 years, said RMITs Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Alec Cameron. Education has the power to transform lives, communities and economies, so were committed to partnering with Vietnam for the long term, to support its rise to a high-income country by 2045. In the 50th year of diplomatic relations between Australia and Vietnam, this significant investment by RMIT will play a key role in supporting the ambitions of the Australia-Vietnam Enhanced Economic Engagement Strategy to double two-way investment between the two countries. Vietnamese Ambassador to Australia Mr. Nguyen Tat Thanh said: In the past 50 years, Australia has always been a trusted partner of Vietnam in all fields, especially in education. It's great to see the impact that an Australian university like RMIT has made in Vietnam to help strengthen people-to-people relations between the two countries. I genuinely appreciate the commitment to Vietnam that RMIT has shown over two decades and believe with the significant investment fund recently announced, RMIT will continue to play a key role in supporting Vietnam to achieve its development aspirations. The MoUs include co-operation among the Tay Ninh Provincial People's Committee, the Vietnam Digital Agriculture Association (VIDA) and EuroCham on implementing the digitalisation of the production of agricultural products in the province. According to the MoU, VIDA will connect businesses and departments in the agricultural sector to easily access information on local producers and agricultural products; EuroCham will support by connecting domestic and foreign partners in the field of agriculture. The other MoU is among the province, De Heus Group (the Netherlands) and Hung Nhon Group. The co-operation will facilitate surveying, researching and investing in a number of high-tech agricultural projects in the province. Accordingly, Hung Nhon plans to invest in building projects in the field of high-tech agriculture with a total investment of about VN2.5 trillion. The project includes such items as the high-tech application of a livestock complex, a high-tech agricultural cultivation area, a livestock slaughtering and processing factory, an animal feed material area, and a breeding research centre. The third MoU is a co-operation between the province and BAF Vietnam Agriculture Joint Stock Company for the implementation of a meat processing and production complex project in Tay Ninh. The project has a total investment of VN600 billion, with a capacity of 50,000 tonnes of meat per year. The other MoU is between the province and Vietnam Dairy Products Joint Stock Company (Vinamilk) to develop a complex of dairy factories and dairy farms in Tay Ninh province. Total investment is expected to be VN1.5 trillion. The "Businesses Connection Forum to invest and develop high-tech agricultural ecosystem in Tay Ninh province in 2023" is the biggest investment promotion event in Tay Ninh province. At the forum, chairman of Tay Ninh Provincial People's Committee Nguyen Thanh Ngoc introduced the potential of the province. He also identified four strategic breakthroughs in which the development of high-tech agriculture along the value chain is one of the important breakthroughs that contribute to accelerating the process of restructuring the agricultural and rural economy towards multi-value integration, inclusiveness and sustainable development and therefore, Tay Ninh farmers can earn good incomes from agriculture. The task posed to Tay Ninh province in the coming time requires great effort and determination of the whole political system along with the effective exploitation and use of the province's resources, especially the natural resources of the province," said Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Phung uc Tien. As a co-organiser of the Forum, EuroCham President Gabor Fluit commented: Tay Ninh Province, strategically located within Viet Nam's Southern Key Economic Region, serves as a vital gateway connecting Viet Nam, Cambodia, and the broader region. Offering abundant land resources, the province presents enticing investment opportunities in agribusiness ventures, high-value crops, aquaculture, food processing, large-scale manufacturing, and much more. Tay Ninh's suitable climate also makes it an ideal candidate for large-scale solar and wind power projects, aligning with Viet Nam's Power Development Plan 8 and the Just Energy Transition Partnership. Looking towards the future, the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement promises to be a positive development for Tay Ninh. With its tariff reductions of nearly 99 per cent over the next decade, Tay Ninh is well-placed to benefit from expanded access to the European Union's consumer market of a half a billion people, he said. Tay Ninh is 99 km away from HCM City. The province has two important traffic axes: Xuyen A (National Highway 22) and National Highway 22B. Tay Ninh is considered an important gateway to Cambodia and ASEAN countries with a lot of potential and advantages. The province has six industrial zones with a total of 3,493 ha. Tay Ninh also has favorable conditions to develop tropical agriculture with a large agricultural land area. In the coming time, the agricultural sector will focus on transforming the crop structure towards increasing added value and sustainable development. With the available land area, the province is forming 20 large-scale high-tech agricultural production areas including 13 cultivation areas, five livestock production areas and two mixed planting areas of cultivation and husbandry with a total area of over 11,300 ha. The agricultural production areas of Tay Ninh will be deployed in phases. In the period of 2022-2025 there are nine regions and in the period 2026-2030 there will be 11 regions. The province plans that each production area will be certified as a high-tech agricultural area. YANGON, June 3 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar exported nearly 1.7 million tons of corn in nine months between September last year and May this year, the Myanmar Pluses, Beans, Maize, and Sesame Seeds Merchants Association (MPBMSMA) said on Saturday. The country's 2022 corn season started in September last year. During the nine months, Myanmar shipped over 1 million tons of corn by sea, while it exported nearly 600,000 tons to Thailand and about 50,000 tons to China via land borders. The Southeast Asian country has set a target to export over 2 million tons of corn in the 2023-24 fiscal year, according to the Myanmar Corn Industrial Association. Myanmar exports corn to several countries, including Thailand, Vietnam, China, the Philippines and Malaysia. In Myanmar, over 2 million acres of land were used to cultivate corn. Every year, the country produces 3.2 million tons of corn. Around 70 percent of corn is cultivated during the rainy season, while the remaining 30 percent is grown in the winter season. HA NOI Viet Nam's manufacturing sector continued a declining path in May with economists and industry insiders saying weak demand is a major contributor, according to a eport published on Thursday by S&P Global. They said output and the number of new orders have decreased sharply with companies looking to cut jobs and reduce purchases. The report said the Southeast Asian economy's Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) was reported to have fallen to 45.3 in May from 46.7 in April. It marked the third consecutive month of decline and the largest drop since September 2021. S&P Global said global demand for goods and services has remained weak, resulting in a significant drop in new orders. Revenue from export markets has also suffered for the third consecutive month. Meanwhile, companies have taken measures to scale down production since the beginning of Q2, 2023, most notably in intermediate goods manufacturing. Weak demand has been hurting business confidence with Viet Nam's PMI at its lowest level since November last year. However, it has given companies time to address some backlog orders from previous months. Despite companies reducing their operational capacity, they were able to tackle a significant portion of the backlog of work in May. The amount of unfinished work has decreased at the fastest pace since June 2021. As production decreased, companies have been reducing both purchasing activities and inventory, marking the sharpest decline in inventory level in nearly two years. Meanwhile, the operational efficiency of sellers has improved for the fifth consecutive time. Finished goods inventory has also decreased as companies adjust their production operations in line with the decline in new orders. This is the first decrease in three months. Meanwhile, demand for input goods continues to decline, relieving pressure on the supply chain. The operational efficiency of sellers has improved for the fifth consecutive year with the most significant improvement recorded since February 2015. Decreased purchasing activities also relieved some pressure on the supply chain. Weaker demand has forced suppliers to reduce prices to boost demand while input costs have decreased for the first time in the last three years. Prices were reported to have gone down for a second consecutive month. Andrew Harker, economics director at S&P Global Market Intelligence, said the current decline in the number of new orders is a warning sign for the country's manufacturing sector and the sector will likely face an extended period of contraction rather than just a temporary downturn. He said companies should be on the lookout for economic data for the coming months as they will be crucial to determine if the market is going to recover. VNS HCM CITY VietHarvest on Friday announced its national expansion to HCM City, a year after its Ha Noi launch. The announcement included agreements with Vietnam Airlines and IHG, who have both pledged to support the growth of VietHarvest through the provision of surplus food. Vietnam Airlines commits to supply excess food from its kitchens to the enterprise, ensuring that quality food is put to good use. In addition to Vietnam Airlines' commitment, IHG doubled-down on its own work with VietHarvest. IHG was one of the founding partners of VietHarvest in Ha Noi. The group inked a partnership with VietHarvest that sees this commitment expand into the southern metropolis of HCM City. VietHarvest - co-founded by long-time social enterprise advocate Jimmy Pham - works to collect quality surplus food from hotels, restaurants and other partners, and deliver it using refrigerated vehicles to underserved communities in Ha Noi and HCM City. "Around the world and here in our country, people are suffering from hunger and with the amount of food that is wasted, this is hard to justify," Pham said. There are 570,000 people in Viet Nam experiencing food shortages, while at the same time, about 8.8 million tonnes of food is going to waste. VietHarvests mission is to close this gap and provide a practical and positive solution to reducing food waste and hunger, he added. VietHarvest will organise an event, CEO Cookoff, which will pair 40 of Viet Nam's most prominent CEOs with 10 chefs from around the nation and around the world, serving 150 guests to raise money to support disadvantaged people in Viet Nam and prevent food waste nationwide. The inaugural CEO CookOff will help to raise awareness of these global challenges starting here in Vietnam, and raise funds to support the national expansion of the Hanoi-based enterprise. VietHarvest is an international expansion of OzHarvest - represented at the ceremony by its founder Ronni Kahn in 2004 - and the organisation has grown in its native Australia to cover all states and territories. VNS HCM CITY Swiss luxury watch brand TAG Heuer has recently announced that Viet Nam is one of their key markets in the Indochina region. Viet Nam is definitely the fastest growing developing market today so it is chance to invest in the market, said Cindy Lee, senior brand director exports of TAG Heuer. The company also affirmed that not only TAG Heurer but also other luxury brands now are focusing on the Vietnamese market. Among activities aimed at expanding the business in the country, the brand has recently celebrated the 60th anniversary of the Carrera. In a partnership between TAG Heuer and Swiss Master Time, five iconic Carrera heritage pieces from the 1950s to 1971 directly from TAG Heuers museum in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, were showcased at Saigon Centre alongside a Porsche Carrera 911, marking a partnership between TAG Heuer Vietnam and Porsche Vietnam. In 1860 at the age of 20, watchmaker, inventor, and entrepreneur named Edouard Heuer founded Heuer Watchmaking Inc in the small town of St-Imier, Switzerland. After moving the company to the Swiss Watchmaking centre of Biel in 1867, he patented his first chronograph in 1882, and in 1887 the oscillating pinion was born still used by many today. With its roots firmly in the exceptional Swiss craftsmanship that made these elegant mechanisms possible, the family business grew. And its continuing spirit of innovation would make the Heuer name famous both in the competitive world of Swiss watchmaking, and worldwide to the US, England, Japan, and beyond. TAG Heuer products are available online and in 260 boutiques and 2,300 points of sale worldwide. The brand came to Viet Nam in 2020 and has become a favourite brand in the country. VNS HA NOI The amendment to the Law on Telecommunications aims to promptly address requirements of the fourth industrial revolution, fulfill international commitments and ensure consistency and synchronisation with government regulations, National Assembly (NA) deputies were told yesterday. It also aims to overcome the inadequacies, difficulties and obstacles encountered during previous implementations of the law. In his report to the NA, Minister of Information and Communications Nguyen Manh Hung said the Law on Telecommunications from 2009 has significant implications for the overall economic development and integration process, particularly in the telecommunications industry. The law also marked a new milestone in the country's telecommunications legislation, especially in the face of globalisation. After more than 12 years of implementation, the law and its accompanying regulations have established a legal framework that promotes competition and enables businesses to participate in the market. However, despite the achievements, the current Law on Telecommunications has revealed limitations and inadequacies that are not suitable for the evolving context. Consequently, a comprehensive amendment is necessary to establish a suitable legal framework that aligns with the new requirements and addresses obstacles encountered during the state's implementation and management, Hung said. The primary purpose of formulating the law is to make it fully institutionalised and in compliance with the Party's policy of developing a market economy with state regulation in telecommunications activities. It also aims to develop telecommunications infrastructure and other related infrastructure to lay the foundation for the development of the digital economy and digital society. The amendment aims to address institutional issues, policy gaps, and inadequacies in the provisions of the 2009 Law on Telecommunications and other related legal regulations. These issues have been hindering the development process. The amendment also seeks to ensure the consistency, synchrony, and feasibility of the law within the legal system, in line with Viet Nam's international commitments. Moreover, it aims to simplify administrative procedures. Simultaneously, it aims to supplement regulations that align with the trends in telecommunications development, convergence, and the establishment of digital infrastructure for the digital economy. The current draft law consists of 10 chapters and 74 articles that cover regulations on telecommunications activities, the rights and obligations of organisations and individuals engaged in such activities, and state management of telecommunications. Upon reviewing the bill, the Chairman of the NA's Committee for Science, Technology, and Environment of the National Assembly, Le Quang Huy, said he generally agreed with the need to promulgate the amended Law on Telecommunications for the reasons mentioned in the Government's report. The Committee for Science, Technology, and Environment has said that, overall, the content of the draft Law is in line with the guidelines and principles of the Party and the provisions of the Constitution. The draft Law appropriately inherits the provisions of the current Law on Telecommunications while introducing new regulations and making necessary amendments to address practical shortcomings. However, it is recommended that the drafting agency continues to review the draft law and other relevant laws in the field of information and communication from a legal perspective, ensuring consistency and synchronisation within the legal system. Furthermore, the Committee proposed a thorough review to ensure uniformity and coherence between this draft law and other draft laws currently under consideration and approval by the NA, such as the amended Land Law, Law on Protection of Consumer Rights, Law on Citizenship Identity, Law on Prices, and Law on Bidding. Regarding compatibility with relevant international treaties to which Viet Nam is a contracting party, Huy said most of the contents of the draft law are consistent with the relevant international treaties that Viet Nam has ratified. The deputies earlier in the day voted to approve a resolution on the 2024 law and ordinance building programme and adjustment to a similar programme for 2023. They also discussed the draft law amending and supplementing a number of articles of the Law on People's Public Security Forces. Deputies also listened to reports on the draft revised law on citizen identification and will draft laws on amendments to a number of articles on the exit and entry of Vietnamese citizens, and of the law on foreigners' entry into, exit from, transit through, and reside in Viet Nam. Notably, the draft law amending seven articles and clauses of the law on foreigners' entry into, exit from, transit through, and residence in Viet Nam focuses on creating further favourable conditions for foreigners entry and exit and managing their residence serving the protection of national security and ensuring social order and safety. VNS HA NOI Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha yesterday presided over a meeting of the National Appraisal Council of the National Energy Master Plan for the 2021-2030 period, with a vision to 2050. During the meeting, a set of technology criteria was developed to select new energy projects. Addressing the meeting, Deputy PM Ha stressed that the draft plan closely adhered to the assigned task. It incorporated an updated construction methodology and energy sub-sector plans, such as the National Power Development Plan for the 2021-30 period, with a vision to 2050 (PDP VIII). He requested that all comments provided during the meeting be fully considered. The consulting unit, namely the Ministry of Industry and Trade, was urged to conduct a comprehensive and specific evaluation of the energy sector planning over the past ten years. Special attention should be given to ensuring energy security in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic's impact and energy fluctuations resulting from the Russia-Ukraine conflict. This evaluation should identify both objective and subjective factors, draw lessons from experience, and update data on the current situation regarding commitments to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions to zero and energy transition trends. These efforts will help in forecasting for the future. The Deputy PM emphasised that the plan should incorporate new perspectives and important tasks in determining the relationship and coordination mechanism between energy sub-sectors such as coal, oil and gas, electricity, and renewable energy. It should be consistent with other plans, including land use planning, marine spatial planning, and so on. "The planning must demonstrate a consistent approach, strictly adhere to Viet Nam's commitments on net zero, the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP), and energy sub-sectoral plans, particularly the approved Plan VIII. Additionally, it should propose solutions that maximise the economic efficiency of utilising natural resources and fossil energy sources such as coal, oil, and gas," Ha said. In agreement with the "dynamic and open" approach of the plan, the Deputy Prime Minister said that this mindset should not only apply to energy transition but also to ensuring energy security. The Ministry of Industry and Trade will take on the primary responsibility for reviewing and creating a list of key energy projects that are currently being implemented or have potential. They will also develop a set of criteria, including technology and economic efficiency, to select new or converted energy projects. "The potential for energy sources is limitless, but the projects must be specific," Ha said. He further requested that the plan should include provisions for investing in scientific and technological research on converting fossil fuels into new forms of primary energy, such as green hydrogen and ammonia. Additionally, it should explore the development of new energy sources like nuclear power, geothermal energy, wave-tidal energy, solar heat, which can be harnessed in the future. Furthermore, efforts should be made to establish several clean energy centers. According to the report from the consulting unit, the draft plan aims to ensure sufficient energy supply in the country and meet the socio-economic development goals, with an average GDP growth rate of around 7 per cent per year in the period from 2021 to 2030, and approximately 6.5-7.5 per cent in the period leading up to 2050. The share of renewable energy in the total primary energy is projected to reach 15-20 per cent by 2030, with a long-term target of about 80-85 per cent by 2050. Viet Nam intends to develop an independent and self-sufficient energy industry, building an overall energy ecosystem based on renewable and new energy sources. The goal is to establish and develop multiple clean energy centres by 2030. The production scale of green hydrogen is expected to reach around 100,000-200,000 tonnes per year, with a long-term vision of 10 million to 20 million tonnes per year by 2050. During the meeting, experts highlighted that the draft plan closely aligns with growth goals and considers various scenarios. The "dynamic and open" planning approach is designed to address unpredictable fluctuations in energy inputs and the rapid advancement of energy technology. Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Nguyen Van Tung, stressed the need for the plan to include research on new energy technologies, environmental treatment, digital technology-based database construction, and digital conversion. He also mentioned the importance of establishing a new system of standards and regulations in the energy sector. VNS HA NOI Viet Nam is a very important economic partner of Australia, Australian Ambassador to Viet Nam Andrew Goledzinowski told the press ahead of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albaneses visit to the country from June 3-4. The visit is not just an opportunity to look back on the last 50 years and look forward to the next 50 years of cooperation, he said, noting that it's also the first visit by the PM. Goledzinowski said Albaneses Government was elected only just one year ago with a strong commitment to closer engagement in Southeast Asia, particularly Viet Nam. He added that leaders will be looking at all the different areas where they are working together, and they will be discussing the opportunity to upgrade their relationship to the next level. According to him, Australia and Viet Nam are strategic partners in three pillars, including economic cooperation covering trade and investment; knowledge, innovation and education; and defence and strategic cooperation. He said that the Australian and Vietnamese PMs will talk about all these areas and how they can further develop cooperation in each of those. And I think what I've heard is that the Vietnamese side would like to add a fourth pillar, to the relationship when we move to a comprehensive strategic partnership. And that fourth pillar might be climate change and energy transition cooperation. That's an important opportunity as well. So I would be expecting that all of these things would be discussed with all of Viet Nam's four top leaders, the fourth pillar, he said. The ambassador hailed Viet Nam as a very important economic partner for Australia. This year, Viet Nam becomes the 15th most populous country globally and the fastest growing economy in Asia. Economic relations between Viet Nam and Australia have grown quite quickly. In the last few years, Australia has risen to be Viet Nam's second biggest trading partner. He said Australia is traditionally one of the first investors in Viet Nam. So the first foreign bank, the first international law firm, the first international university are all from Australia. It was Australia that helped build the electricity connection between North and South, the first satellite links for telephone calls, the first undersea cable. And that's where bilateral partnership can grow more. One area that he particularly would like to see develop is education, saying that he told the Vietnamese Minister of Education and Training that only one Australian university, RMIT, has opened a branch campus in Vietnam. He wished to develop a framework which will allow other international universities of Australia to establish their campuses in Vietnam. Asked about orientations to Viet Nam-Australia defence cooperation, Goledzinowski said Viet Nam and Australia do cooperate in a number of areas, notably in peacekeeping. In the coming time, the Vietnamese peacekeepers will continue taking mission in Africa, and Australia is very much involved in that effort. The two armies do skill training in a number of areas. And very importantly, both sides dialogued a lot on issues such as the East Sea, sovereignty, territorial integrity, the rule of law, and both countries strongly support the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982. Before visiting Viet Nam, PM Albanese will be in Singapore and delivering a keynote speech at the Shangri La dialogue, which is the most important strategic conference in Asia. He hoped that the Vietnamese Government will be listening very carefully to what he has to say. And he expected that there will be strong agreement on many of the points that he will make, because the two countries share strong views about those issues. Regarding what could be expect from climate change and energy transition, he said despite different geographies, Viet Nam and Australia are very dependent on carbon at the moment. They both made very ambitious commitments to decarbonise economies. So how that will be done will be very important. Australia is doing a great deal in this area. At the moment, it is investing in wind power in Viet Nam. We're working with Vinfast, to help them distribute their charging station network around the country. These green buses you see in Ha Noi are co-invested by Australia and Vinfast. So we're doing a lot, but we can do a great deal more. And I predict that there will be some important announcements emerging from PM Albaneses visit to Viet Nam, precisely on that area, he added. VNS HA NOI The 45th anniversary of the Viet Nam-United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) partnership for sustainable development was held on Friday evening in Ha Noi. The ceremony, co-organised by the Ministry of Planning and Investment and the UNDP, marked an important milestone in the two sides cooperation. Speaking at the ceremony, Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Tran Quoc Phuong said that since UNDP opened a representative office in Ha Noi in May 1978, UNDP has always worked side by side with Viet Nam. From a poor country which was devastated by war to a middle-income country, now Viet Nam is taking the lead in taking measures towards poverty reduction and economic growth. With joint efforts contributing to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, leaving no one behind, Viet Nam's Government always considers UNDP as one of its most important, long-term partners. We co-operate for the common interests of Vietnamese people, for peace and prosperity in the region and in the world," said Phuong. UNDP Representative in Viet Nam Ramla Khalidi said that three factors contribute to the success of the UNDP-Viet Nam partnership: trust, shared values and openness. She said that Viet Nam and UNDP have worked together to promote sustainable growth. Over the years, the trust has expanded the two sides partnership into new areas including trade, climate affairs and public governance. As Viet Nam aspires to achieve advanced country status and net zero emissions by 2050, the full support of UNDP is still needed, she said. Since 1978, cooperation between UNDP and Viet Nam has flourished with invaluable support during economic hardship. UNDP quickly responded to Viet Nam's needs, focusing on efforts to rebuild the country while establishing systems, technologies, and fundamental capacities, of which, humans are considered the centre of sustainability. A typical example of UNDP's effective support for Viet Nam is the Law on Enterprises formulation, marking a breakthrough in establishing a fair business environment and healthy competition for enterprises. Enacted in 2000, the law played a key role in promoting the rapid growth of private enterprises, creating more than one million jobs in only three years. From the Millennium Development Goals (2000-2015) to the Sustainable Development Goals (2015-2030), UNDP has worked closely with Viet Nam's other partners to ensure everyone has equal access to the opportunity to reach their full potential. VNS HA NOI Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese landed at Noi Bai Airport on June 3, beginning his official visit to Viet Nam. Around noon, he made his way to a restaurant located on uong Thanh Street in the Hoan Kiem District of the capital city. During his visit, Prime Minister Albanese enjoyed traditional Vietnamese sandwich (banh mi) accompanied by a refreshing glass of Ha Noi draft beer. During his visit to Viet Nam, from Saturday to Sunday, PM Anthony Albanese will engage in meetings with high-ranking leaders. The discussions will primarily focus on implementing strategies to enhance commerce, investment, and education. Additionally, they will explore avenues for expanding cooperation in areas such as climate, energy, and the environment. VNS Xuan Minh HA NOI Experts have emphasised the pressing need to address the housing challenges faced by migrant workers in industrial parks and export processing zones, where they often live in cramped, small houses in substandard conditions. Housing solutions for workers has become the utmost priority to ensure the wellbeing of staff and their continued dedication to their jobs, they said. Luong Tien Dung, a worker from Thanh Hoa Province, has been renting a room near Chau Son Industrial Zone in Phu Ly City, Ha Nam Province for five years. My wife and I earn an average worker's income of around VN15 million monthly. We manage to save VN3-4 million per month, hoping to buy a small apartment so we can settle down," he said. Another worker, Hoang Thi Lien, from northern Phu Tho Province, is currently renting a 20sq.m room in a boarding house in Bach Thuong Ward in Ha Nam Province near ong Van Industrial Zone. The house has a metal roof, making it extremely hot during the summer months. "At the beginning of this month, the landlord told us about an electricity price hike, leading to an increase in our living expenses," she said. "When I was single, I took advantage of overtime work to escape the heat by staying at the company where there is air conditioning. But after getting married and having a baby, I spend my time at home with just a regular fan to keep cool. Given the high cost of living in the city, Lien said buying a house is not feasible. We are considering sending our child back to our grandparents' house in Nghe An Province, she said. Dung and Lien are among numerous migrant workers who left their hometowns in search of better opportunities in big cities. Despite their efforts, most workers, with their limited financial capacity and the soaring living cost in cities, find it impossible to own a house. High demand Vu Minh Tien, Head of the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour (VGCL)s Institute for Workers and Trade Unions highlighted the pressing need for affordable houses, especially for migrant workers in industrial parks and export processing zones in Ha Noi and Binh Duong Province, as well as ong Nai, Long An and Ha Nam provinces. The institute conducted surveys in 16 cities and provinces with numerous industrial zones nationwide and found that up to 41 per cent of workers desired affordable and suitable housing near their workplaces to ensure their living conditions. However, this remains extremely challenging due to workers low income. It is very challenging for migrant workers to buy a house as only a few can afford social housing, he said. The survey also showed that about 90 per cent of migrant workers had to rent in cramped, substandard rooms. Le Van Nghia, head of the Trade Unions Project Management Board under VGCL, said the union has conducted surveys on the living and housing conditions of workers and found that many of them had to stay in tiny rooms measuring only 10-20sq.m. These rooms have no toilets or kitchens, and were extremely hot and stuffy on summer days. In 2017, VGCL proposed a project to build social housing for workers. However, it has encountered obstacles due to Land Law and Housing Law. It has also made proposals to address these difficulties. Currently, there are 35 localities that have allocated land of three to seven hectares to build residential areas for workers. "If policy obstacles are resolved, the process of project documentation and procedures will take about two-three years, and the construction process can be completed within one year. Currently, Ha Nam Province is piloting the construction of 244 apartments for workers," he said. Tran Tuan Anh, Deputy Head of the Management Board of Ha Nois Industrial and Export Processing Zones said the city has nearly 170,000 workers, but in reality, there are only around 22,000 accommodations available for them. Currently, there are four housing projects for workers in industrial and export processing zones with a total design capacity of about 22,000 housing units. These projects include the pilot project for worker housing in Kim Chung Ward in ong Anh District, which can accommodate about 11,520 workers from Thang Long Industrial Zone. The housing project in Phu Nghia Industrial Zone has partly completed with a total floor area of 4,822sq.m, equivalent to 106 apartments for about 800 workers. The Meiko Companys housing project has completed two-thirds of its construction and put into use 330 apartments, providing 2,290 housing units. The Young Fast Optoelectronics Co. Ltds housing project has completed the construction and put into use 49 apartments to meet the housing needs of experts and workers of the company. These two projects are built by businesses on land allocated to them. Anh said investors are not interested in building social housing for workers, especially projects with a payback period of 20 to 30 years due to low profitability. In addition, workers' demand for social housing is diversified. The majority of workers have a demand for rental housing as they tend to return to their hometowns when they retire. These are issues that policymakers need to carefully consider as the social housing construction must be suitable for the characteristics and lifestyles of workers and close to industrial and export processing zones. One more problem, he said, is workers income. A couple of workers have monthly salaries of VN13 million, so no one dares to spend VN3 million renting a house. Therefore, the priority is to improve the living standards and income of workers while ensuring transparency in the process of building housing for workers, and attract the participation of enterprises, he said. VNS Record number of students to take 'gaokao' 14:09, June 03, 2023 By Zou Shuo ( Chinadaily.com.cn Students at Dongmeng High School in Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, prepare for the gaokao. [Photo by Yu Xiangquan/For chinadaily.com.cn] A record 12.91 million people are expected to take the national college entrance exam, or gaokao, this year, up 980,000 from last year, the Ministry of Education said on Thursday. The exam, which takes place from June 7 to 8 this year, is one of the most important ones for Chinese students as the scores will largely determine which university they can attend and, by consequence, their future career. The ministry has asked local authorities to make the utmost efforts to make sure the exam takes place safely. The ministry has worked with the ministries of public security and industry and information technology to crack down on cheating, and any people caught cheating will be dealt will seriously. Targeted and scientific COVID-19 epidemic control measures have been taken and extra test centers and monitors have been arranged. Moreover, special arrangements have been made to facilitate around 10,000 disabled students nationwide to take the exam. (Web editor: Chang Sha, Hongyu) MANILA, June 3 (Xinhua) -- The Philippines hopes to attract up to 2 million Chinese tourists this year amid the Southeast Asian country's efforts to remove the cap for issuing e-visa for Chinese nationals, Philippine Tourism Secretary Christina Gracia Frasco has said. The Department of Tourism (DOT) is "continuously coordinating" with other government agencies to lift the cap on issuing e-visa for Chinese nationals to meet the ambitious target, Frasco said in a statement on Friday. "We hope to be able to inure, for the benefit of our stakeholders, the full implementation of the e-visa system by the end of this year," Frasco said. In January, Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos directed agencies to extend e-visa for Chinese, Indian, South Korean, and Japanese nationals to encourage tourists from these countries. According to the DOT, over 2 million foreign tourists visited the Philippines from January to mid-May this year. Some 75,000 Chinese tourists were among those who vacationed in the archipelagic country famous for world-class fine-sand beaches, limestone formations, and aquamarine lagoons. As a key economic driver, the tourism industry's contribution to the Philippines' gross domestic product stood at 12.7 percent in 2019. However, the COVID-19 pandemic dealt a severe blow to the tourism sector, slashing foreign arrivals and displacing almost 1.1 million service workers nationwide. The Philippines received over 2.65 million foreign tourists in 2022 since it eased restrictions on foreign travelers' entry, earning roughly 3.82 billion U.S. dollars in revenue. For 2023, the tourism department targets international arrivals to hit between 2.6 million to 6.4 million "in a high scenario." HA NOI Power outages that have occurred in some areas of Ha Noi are to ensure the safe operations of the system as electricity consumption has sharply increased due to prolonged, extremely hot weather. The Ha Noi Electricity Corporation (EVN HANOI) said that the demand for electricity has increased dramatically, posing many risks, even the risks of fires and explosions will be higher than normal. To ensure the safety of the power systems operation, the company has to temporarily suspend the supply of electricity in some areas for short periods of time. Statistics from EVN HANOI showed that the average daily electricity consumption across the city was 58,336 million kWh in March; 61,542 million kWh in April; and up to 75,406 million kWh in May. It means that the average daily electricity consumption in May increased by more than 22.5 per cent compared to April. EVN HANOI says it sympathises with customers' difficulties and also recommends that customers limit the use of high-capacity electrical equipment during peak times from 10am to 2pm and from 8pm to 11pm. Residents misery One resident living in Thach Ban Ward, Long Bien District said yesterday: The power cut started at 7.30am this morning. The temperature is very high, its so hot, and there is no electricity, our children and the elderly are very tired. Another resident living in Nguyen uc Canh Street, Hoang Mai District, said that his apartment complex had a power cut all day on Thursday. I feel very uncomfortable, he said. On such a hot day, the temperature is nearly 40 degrees Celsius, it is not a suitable time to cut off the power. Consumption on the rise On May 19, the level of electricity consumption in the whole country increased to a very high level of more than 924 million kWh per day. It is the highest daily electricity consumption since the beginning of this year and it is about 10.5 higher than the same day last year. In June, it is forecast that the electricity consumption of the national power system will continue to increase, the company said. In the meantime, hydropower reservoirs also recorded a serious water shortage. By the end of May, the equivalent electricity output in the hydropower reservoirs of the whole system was only 2.35 billion kWh, about 1,736 billion kWh lower than the schedule. Eight out of 12 hydropower reservoirs in the north recorded water levels near the dead water level. Some large hydroelectric reservoirs of Son La, Lai Chau, Tuyen Quang, Hua Na and Thac Ba already have very low water levels and face the risk of dead water levels if the hydro-logical situation is not improved. In addition, some coal-fired power plants have also suffered from capacity reduction or problems due to continuous high operation in hot weather conditions for a long time. On June 1, coal-fired power plants of Pha Lai 1, S6 Pha Lai 2, S2 Cam Pha, S1 Vung Ang 1, S2 Nghi Son 2, S2 Mao Khe, S1 Quang Ninh, S2 Thang Long, S1 Son ong, experienced problems. Currently, the power outage schedule has been updated by the company on the internet. Customers can update the schedule to proactively arrange work. VNS HCM CITY Cybersecurity industry executives, tech innovators and government officials discussed best practices and innovative solutions for urgent cybersecurity issues at the fifth Vietnam Security Summit held in HCM City on Friday. The annual conference, with the theme Data Security: Protecting National Digital Resources this year, was organised by the Ministry of Information and Communications, the Authority of Information Security and the city Peoples Committee. An expo running concurrently with the conference showcased cutting-edge technologies from more than 40 IT suppliers. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Duong Anh uc, deputy chairman of the Peoples Committee, said the city has focused on achieving digital transformation and becoming a smart city. Information security is a priority in digital transformation. Besides ensuring compliance with Government regulations on information security, the city regularly organises drills to improve technical capabilities and incident responses. The Vietnam Security Summit featured in-depth discussions on cybersecurity with professionals from across the industry, and knowledge and experience exchanges and helped seek partnerships, he said. The topics discussed included data and application security, cloud data security, data theft and fraud prevention solutions, identity and access management, and cybersecurity for critical assets. Nguyen Trong Huan, presales manager at Kaspersky Vietnam, said 2022 saw an increase in cyber incidents across industries with public facing apps, compromised accounts and malicious email being the key initial attack interfaces. It was worsened due to a shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals and a general lack of security awareness and urgency, he said, adding that a comprehensive cybersecurity framework is crucial in safeguarding organisations and building resiliency against future attacks. Ngo Minh Nhut, director of software engineering at OPSWAT Vietnam, said cybersecurity is an essential aspect of the fourth industrial revolution, particularly in critical infrastructure where any cyberattack can cause significant damage to a nations economy, security and reputation. OPSWAT solutions maximise threat detection with advanced multi-scanning technology, which allows for the detection of known malware using multiple anti-virus engines, resulting in a higher detection rate and minimising the risk of false negatives. VNS KEY POINTS Association of Southeast Asian Nations has what it needs to be a digital economy: a young, tech-savvy population of more than 400 million digital consumers and rising internet penetration. But there is a digital divide across nations and within nations. The reason behind this uneven development is uneven distribution of digital economy benefits. Its because the different countries are at different stages of developing their regulatory frameworks, said Kenddrick Chan, a fellow at Portulans Institute. Southeast Asias digital economy has plenty of growth potential, backed by strong fundamentals including over 460 million digital consumers, young and tech-savvy populations, as well as rising internet penetration. The digital economy across six countries within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations bloc known as ASEAN-6 and comprising Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam is projected to grow 6% annually. Thats according to the latest e-Conomy SEA 2022 report released by Google, Temasek and Bain & Company that predicted that market could reach as much as $1 trillion by 2030. But roadblocks remain. From the urban-rural divide to low digital literacy, the region continues to grapple with challenges that could hold back that growth. ASEANs digital economy is expanding, but there is the digital divide, said Anthony Toh, research analyst at S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, a think-tank within Nanyang Technological University. Singapore is the most digitalized ASEAN member. For Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, Thailand and Vietnam, they tend to be lacking in some indicators while Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia are lacking in digitalization prospects, said Toh. The 10-member bloc, a regional grouping that aims to promote economic and security cooperation, includes those countries and the Philippines. Regulatory framework Singapore and Malaysia fare well across several digital integration indicators, according to the ASEAN Digital Integration Index report. Brunei, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines and Vietnam are lacking in one or more indicators, the report said. Some indicators include data protection and cybersecurity, digital payments, as well as digital skills, innovation, entrepreneurship, and infrastructure readiness. Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar scored below average across all the indicators and have a lot of room to catch up with the regional digital integration efforts. Myanmar is going to fall further behind all the other ASEAN states, said Toh, on the worsening crisis in Myanmar. Two years since the military coup in February 2021, Myanmar is still in deep conflict that has torn the country apart. To participate in the digital economy, it is very important to have fundamental regulatory frameworks in place, said Kenddrick Chan, a fellow at Portulans Institute, a Washington-based independent research institute. The reason behind this uneven development is the uneven distribution of digital economy benefits. Its because the different countries are at different stages of developing their regulatory frameworks, said Chan. ASEAN has laid out important policies and frameworks such as the ASEAN Digital Masterplan 2025 and Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity 2025 to outline actions that guide governments digital cooperation. However, these goals will require detailed research, visionary policy-making, and substantial buy-in from regional stakeholders, according to World Economic Forum. At the end of the day, they need to at least have the same ideas or provisions for, say, cross border data transfer, said Chan. Singapore has laws that ensure user privacy, safe transfer of financial information across borders, but Cambodia doesnt have it. Regulations often lag behind innovation and there has to be new, effective laws to areas like data and privacy protection as the landscape evolves, said James Tan, managing partner at Singapore-based venture capital firm Quest Ventures. Urban-rural digital divide Theres also an urban-rural digital divide within each countries. Except for Singapore, Malaysia and Brunei, the other Southeast Asian states have over 40% of their populations located in rural areas, based on World Banks 2021 estimates. While Indonesia has seen rapid internet penetration each year, the country still experiences high urban-rural digital divide. The rapid development of digital technology raises the risk of leaving some rural communities behind, said Tan. Pre-pandemic, the urban-rural digital divide in Indonesia was 24.8 percentage points. The gap slightly decreased to 22.5 percentage points in 2021 post-Covid, according to the Asia Competitiveness Institute at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, which cited Indonesias Statistical Bureau data. Other than Singapore, some of the countries have poor digital literacy skills. Look at Cambodias population theyre still living in villages, said Toh. World Bank data shows 75% of Cambodias population are living in rural areas. While ASEAN has a high internet penetration rate of over 70% and most of its population own smartphones, it doesnt mean digital literacy. Southeast Asians dont lack of mobile phones, Chan said. To them, the internet is the mobile phone. But the main problem is that it is dominated by social media. They probably dont access a a web browser. The way that they use the internet is always through Facebook, Instagram, TikTok so getting them into the whole digital economy requires more digital literacy, said Chan. Southeast Asias digital divide is the most compelling problem for the regions digital progress, said Toh. I dont see it being elevated to a better standard. Right now, the digital divide is getting wider instead. Source: CNBC This grant offers outstanding students a unique opportunity to join the prestigious international school, renowned for its commitment to academic excellence and global-mindedness, and is not solely based on academic merits but takes into consideration the individual circumstances of each applicant. We are thrilled to offer the ISHCMC 30 Year Grant as part of our 30-year anniversary celebrations, says Kim Green, head of school at ISHCMC. This grant reflects our dedication to nurturing a diverse and inclusive community of learners. At ISHCMC, we believe in empowering students with a world-class education that fosters personal growth and resilience, and prepares them for success in an ever-changing world. T he 30 Year Grant represents a remarkable chance for students to embark on a journey of personal and academic growth within an internationally recognised institution. The International School of Ho Chi Minh City is renowned for its exceptional faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and a rich learning environment that promotes innovation and creativity. With a focus on holistic education, ISHCMC encourages students to explore their passions, develop critical thinking skills, and become well-rounded global citizens. By offering the ISHCMC 30 Year Grant, we aim to make our transformative education accessible to talented students from a range of backgrounds, says Mike Hebert, director of Admissions and Marketing at ISHCMC. We firmly believe in providing opportunities for all students to thrive and reach their full potential. This programme allows us to identify exceptional individuals and provide them with the support they need to succeed. The 30 Year Grant represents a remarkable chance for students to embark on a journey of personal and academic growth within an internationally recognised institution. By becoming part of the ISHCMC community, students will benefit from a global network of learners, dedicated mentors, and myriad opportunities to develop their talents and build self-belief. Applications for the grant are now open. Prospective students and their families are encouraged to consult the admission team for further information and guidance on the application process. Don't miss this incredible opportunity to set yourself on a path to greatness. The International School of Ho Chi Minh City is a top international school with a rich history spanning 30 years. The school provides a world-class education that nurtures the intellectual, physical, and emotional development of its students. Guided by a team of dedicated educators, ISHCMC inspires its diverse community to strive for excellence, embrace challenges, and become compassionate global citizens. To find out more about ISHCMC and our wonderful community, contact admissions@ishcmc.edu.vn or ishcmc.com Dulux celebrates two decades of ColourFutures AkzoNobel, a global paint company and maker of Dulux Paints, celebrates 20 years of colour creation, which started with the introduction of the first Colour of the Year in 2004. ADB, Switzerland grant 5 mln USD to support Vietnam improve fintech The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Switzerland have signed a cofinancing agreement of up to 5 million USD to develop financial technologies (fintech) that can help address low financial inclusion in Vietnam, particularly among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Carlsberg celebrates 175th anniversary with flagship product launch in Vietnam Over 175 years of development, Carlsberg has relentlessly aimed for the pursuit of perfection. To celebrate this milestone, the company has launched Carlsberg Danish Pilsner which is Probably The Best Beer in the World in the Vietnamese market. PORTLAND, Maine (AP) A frantic 911 call to report at least one person had been fatally shot led law enforcement to discover four bodies at a home in Maine and eventually to arrest a man who fired at vehicles on a nearby highway before confessing to police that he was behind the killings. According to heavily redacted transcripts from 30 emergency calls that the Maine Department of Public Safety provided to The Associated Press on Friday, the first sign of trouble on April 18 came with a call at 9:18 a.m. The dispatcher tells one of the voices on the phone not go back inside the property in rural Bowdoin, but to return to a vehicle and wait for police to arrive. Dispatch asks about a bullet hole in a vehicle and how many people live at the house. And who do you think is the deceased? the dispatch asks the caller. The caller's response is redacted. Authorities identified those killed as the parents of the shooting suspect, Cynthia Eaton, 62, and 66-year-old David Eaton; along with their longtime friends, Robert Eger, 72, and 62-year-old Patti Eger. The agency removed many details from the calls as well as the identities of the callers in the documents requested under Maine's Freedom of Access Act but the volume of calls points to chaos and the time stamps indicate a quickly evolving situation. Shannon Moss, state police spokesperson, said the redactions were necessary because the investigation is ongoing. A little more than an hour after that first call, a flood of 911 calls in rapid succession indicated a gunman was firing wildly at vehicles about 20 miles (32 kilometers) away on I-295 in Yarmouth. State police quickly connected the dots between the two crime scenes, even as calls were made to police dispatchers in Augusta, Brunswick, Houlton, Westbrook and Cumberland and Sagadahoc counties. The I-295 shootings left three people injured. After his arrest in Yarmouth, 34-year-old Joseph Eaton confessed to the killings in Bowdoin as well as the highway gunfire, police said. He had been released from prison just days earlier after completing a sentence in Maine for a probation violation following a sentence in Florida for aggravated assault, part of a long criminal history in Maine, Kansas and Florida. Eaton has been charged with four counts of murder but has not yet been charged in the highway shootings. Follow David Sharp on Twitter @David_Sharp_AP ATLANTA (AP) Atlanta school board members announced Friday that they're getting rid of district Superintendent Lisa Herring when her contract ends next year. Atlanta Public Schools Board Chair Eshe Collins, in a statement, didn't explain why the board decided to not renew Herring's contract after it ends June 30, 2024. So long as she is the superintendent, Dr. Herring and the board will continue the critical work that has begun, particularly the laser focus on student achievement, Collins said. We are confident that, as the superintendent transitions and the board embarks on the search for the next transformational leader for APS, the work will continue uninterrupted, and APS will remain a great place for children. Herring had previously been superintendent of the Birmingham, Alabama, school district before she was hired in Atlanta in 2020. She said in her own statement that board members had graded her work well, saying, My desire to lead Atlanta with this work is still strong and present. In December of 2022, I received my last performance evaluation, and satisfactory feedback with emphasis on the focus of additional engagement and stronger communications efforts, Herring said. I have worked diligently to honor the work and expectations of our board and community. Superintendents who are not renewed in Georgia sometimes leave before their contracts end, with districts appointing interim leaders instead of keeping a lame duck in office. A group calling itself Transparency Now had launched an online petition urging Herrings ouster and calling on people to pressure school board members to not renew Herrings contract. The group cited low test scores, insufficient attention to students with disabilities and discipline problems among the reasons. It was the same decision on another superintendent that led to Herrings hiring. Board members decided in 2019 to get rid of Meria Carstarphen. She had been hired in 2014 in the wake of a test cheating scandal that led to a number of guilty pleas by teachers, as well as 11 that were convicted following a monthslong trial. Carstarphen had wanted to stay, leading to an unsuccessful pressure campaign to retain her. Herring was hired during the COVID-19 pandemic, and Atlanta schools held virtual classes longer than most other Georgia school districts. Like other school systems, Atlanta has been trying to help students make up ground. The 50,000-student Atlanta district is Georgia's sixth largest school system and confronts the same inequalities as the city does. Less than half of the city's population is Black, compared to 72% of public school students in Atlanta. And while overall income levels in the city are higher than Georgia as a whole, so are poverty levels, reflected in a school system where nearly three-quarters of children qualify for free or reduced price meals. A McLennan County jury convicted David Christopher Boen Jr. on Friday of sexually abusing a 15-year-old boy at a China Spring wedding reception in June 2017 and sentenced him to 10 years probation, with a $10,000 fine. Boen, a former corrections officer, deputy constable and police officer, will now also have lifetime registration as a sex offender and lose his peace officers license. Taking the stand in his own defense, Boen denied all the allegations against him Thursday during his trial in Wacos 19th State District Court on a second-degree felony charge of indecency with a child by contact. Numerous witnesses including the victim, who is now 21, testified for the state on Wednesday and in rebuttals Thursday after the defense rested, that Boen had gotten the boy drunk at the wedding reception and touched the boys genitalia. McLennan County District Attorney Josh Tetens said the sentence was ten years prison, probated for ten years, meaning if Boen violates the terms of his probation, a judge at that time could sentence him to a maximum of ten years in prison. In that event, Boen would have to serve half his sentence before becoming eligible to seek parole. Boen was a licensed peace officer at the time of the wedding in June 2017. Upon his arrest in December 2018, he had been a Clifton police officer for less than a month and was fired. He had previously worked as a deputy constable in McLennan County Precinct 1 and as a corrections officer at McLennan County Jail. The Texas Commission on Law Enforcement suspended his peace officers license in January 2019 and with this conviction, will revoke it permanently. From the loss of his job in the Clifton Police Department until a few months ago, Boen worked as laborer at a landscaping businesses, Boen said on the stand. He recently became a supervisor in a restaurant and catering business, he said. Celebrating the 200th anniversary of the Texas Rangers, the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum is inducting four new honorees. This is significant not only because the last honorees were inducted 25 years ago, but also because two of the newly inducted Rangers are still living, said Russell Molina, chair of the Texas Rangers 200th anniversary celebration. All the previously inducted Texas Rangers were inducted after their deaths. The new honorees include retired Texas Rangers Sgt. John Martin and Sgt. Johnnie Earl Aycock, as well as Col. Homer Garrison Jr., who died in 1968, and Capt. James Frank Pete Rogers, who died in 1978. In addition to the inductions, Waco also hosted a celebration Thursday and Friday in the form of the Texas Ranger Bicentennial BBQ Cookoff, held at the Base at the Extraco Events Center. The events are among celebrations that started in January and are on the calendar to continue into November, when HQ Bicentennial Week is scheduled in Austin. Molina said his memories of the U.S. Bicentennial celebrations in 1976 inspired him to suggest the 200th anniversary celebration for the Texas Rangers. The Texas Rangers date their history back to the first 10 men Stephen F. Austin hired to protect the original settlers of Texas back in 1823, 12 years before the founding of Texas, so the history of the Texas Rangers is the history of Texas, Molina said. Martin Sgt. John Martin was the first active Texas Ranger in Texas to be qualified by the FBI as a criminal profiler, according to his official biography. Before the certification, Martin attended the National Forensic Academy of the University of Tennessee. After completing the forensic academy in 2003, Martin proposed to the Texas Rangers leadership to create a crime scene investigations working group and received approval, according to an article Rob McCullough wrote for the Texas Rangers Official Commemorative Bicentennial Guide. Martin created the working group and went on to create the Advanced Crime Scene Training Program, according to his official bio. The training program for all Texas Rangers also included the best crime scene processing tools, Automated Fingerprint Identification System, Combined DNA Identification System, and the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network, according to McCulloughs article. Martin retired from the Texas Rangers in 2007, his official bio says. He spent his last five years with the agency doing behavioral analysis work, after obtaining that FBI certification, McCulloughs article says. Martin was born in Georgia in 1963, grew up in El Paso and enlisted in the U. S. Air Force as an Air Police airman, his official bio says. In 1986, Martin became a Texas State Trooper and in 1996 he was promoted to Texas Ranger. Aycock Another living Texas Ranger to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, Sgt. Johnnie Earl Aycock began his career serving in the U.S. military, like Martin. Aycock enlisted in the Army in 1965 and served one year in Vietnam with the First Infantry Division, his official bio says. Aycock is most remembered for rescuing two children from separate kidnappings, Molina said. He received a DPS Medal of Valor for each rescue. In the first rescue, Aycock and fellow Texas Ranger Stanley Keith Guffey concealed themselves in a car delivered to the kidnapper on Jan. 22, 1987, Aycocks bio says. The suspect had agreed to release his hostage, a 2-year-old girl, in exchange for the car and a ransom payment, McCulloughs article says. Rather than release the girl, the suspect kept the girl and the ransom. The two Texas Rangers identified themselves, in hopes the kidnapper would surrender. Instead of surrendering, the kidnapper shot at them, McCulloughs article says. In the exchange of gunfire, Guffey was mortally wounded, and the suspect died, Aycocks bio says. After the gun smoke cleared, Aycock rescued the child unharmed, according to McCulloughs article. In the second rescue, for which he also received a Medal of Valor, Aycock, at great personal risk, exhibited extraordinary courage, skill, and judgment in negotiating with the individual and successfully rescued the 14-month-old child and arrested the individual, his bio says. Aycock became a Texas State Trooper in 1968, according to his official bio. Five years later, Aycock transferred to the DPS narcotics squad and in 1979 he became leader of the DPS narcotics squad. In 1983 he became a Texas Ranger. He retired in 2001 after 33 years with DPS, including 18 years as a Texas Ranger. Garrison One of the Rangers to be inducted this weekend posthumously, Col. Homer Garrison Jr. lived from 1901 to 1968. He became a deputy sheriff in Angelina County in 1920, according to his official bio. He became a state license and weight inspector for the Texas Highway Department in 1929, joined the Texas Highway Patrol upon its organization in 1930, and became the first assistant director of the newly founded Department of Public Safety in 1935. In 1938, he became director of DPS and chief of the Texas Rangers. Under Garrisons leadership, DPS developed numerous programs including police traffic supervision, driver licensing, vehicle inspection, safety education and disaster services, his official bio says. During World War II, Gen. Douglas MacArthur offered Garrison an appointment to reorganize and supervise the Japanese national police system. Garrison declined and continued as head of DPS until 1963, when Texas Gov. John Connally appointed him as chair of the State Defense Council and director of civil defense and disaster relief, later that year also appointing him as director of the Governors Highway Safety Commission. In 1966, Garrison was elected as a member of the steering committee of the Southern Region Highway Policy Committee of the Council of State Governments and in 1967 became a member of the National Motor Vehicle Safety Advisory Council, his bio says. Rogers The second Texas Ranger to be inducted posthumously this weekend, Capt. James Frank Pete Rogers, lived from 1922 to 1978. During World War II, he served in Europe as fighter pilot, according to Rogers official bio. In 1947, Rogers became a Texas Highway Patrolman and a DPS pilot investigator in 1951, his bio says. In 1958, Rogers was promoted to sergeant in the Texas Rangers and in 1969 became captain of Company C in Lubbock. Rogers is most remembered for helping to end a Huntsville Prison siege in 1974. During this siege, three inmates took 11 prison employees and four other inmates hostage in the library of the Walls Unit of Texas Department of Corrections. Following an 11-day standoff, Rogers, assisted by Ranger Capt. G. W. Burks and FBI agent Bob Wyatt, led the final assault to free the hostages, his bio says. Cameron Park Zoo bash Cameron Park Zoo, 1701 N. Fourth St., will celebrate its 30th birthday with a party from 6 to 10 p.m. Thursday. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for kids 3-12 and free for zoo members. The event will include music from the Morticians, games and a karaoke DJ. The animals will be out for all to see. Food will be available to purchase from food trucks. Waco history workshop The city of Waco, Historic Landmark Preservation Commission and Rapoport Academy will hold an in-depth workshop on Waco history, tax incentives, preservation credits and other programs for the preservation of historic structures, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 10, in Annex Building 200 on the Rapoport Academy campus, 1020 Elm Ave. Panel members include state and local tax credit professionals, and experts in the fields of historic architecture, urban planning, downtown revitalization and local history. Business owners, entrepreneurs, real estate professionals, redevelopment officials and others interested in preservation are welcome. The event is open to the public. Registration includes informational lectures, morning coffee and refreshments, light snacks and an optional guided bus tour of East Waco and downtown. To register, go to waco-texas.com/Events-Activities/Historic-Preservation. Same-day registration is welcome, but capacity is limited. Battle of the Burgers Battle of the Burgers is scheduled for 4 p.m. Saturday, June 10, at Warren Park in Hewitt. Food trucks will battle it out for who has the best burger or sandwich during the family-friendly community event featuring live music, vendors, a kids zone, cornhole tournament and a pepper eating contest. All online and cash donations benefit Isaiah 117 House. Sampling tickets at each truck are $15, which includes a burger/sandwich, side and drink. Parking is $5. HOTRAC community event Heart of Texas Regional Advisory Council will hold a free public awareness event, Saving Bodies, Minds and Hearts, from 5 to 7 p.m. June 15 in the Waco ISD Stadium parking lot, 1401 S. New Road. Community members will have the opportunity to get to know local first responders and emergency health care providers. Community partners will provide health screenings and information on healthy living, child abuse and neglect prevention, prevention of drownings, and more. The council is a nonprofit that assists EMS providers and hospitals with the development of trauma and emergency health care systems for a five-county region which includes Bosque, Falls, Hill, Limestone and McLennan counties. For more information, call 254-202-8740. Free legal clinic Greater Waco Legal Services will offer its monthly free legal clinic from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday in the Michaelis Academic Center at McLennan Community College. Appointments are recommended. For more information, call 254-733-2828 or email staff@greaterwacolegalservices.org. Waco airport discussion Joel Martinez, director of aviation for the city of Waco, will speak on the future of Waco Regional Airport at a Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce lunch from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday at the chamber office, 101 S. Third St. Cost is $20 and includes lunch. To register, go to ecs.page.link/eMn3z. Martinezs presentation will include the ongoing $8.8 million airport renovation and how the changes will impact the experience of travelers at the local airport, as well as an update on future plans, air traffic trends and flight options. MCAD presentation The North East Riverside Neighborhood Association will hold a general meeting at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the East Waco Library, 901 Elm Ave. The McLennan County Appraisal District will give a presentation. Opal Lee in Waco The Community Race Relations Coalition and the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority in Waco will host An Evening with Opal Lee at 5:30 p.m. June 22 at St. Albans Episcopal Church parish hall, 305 N. 30th St. Opal Lee, known as the grandmother of Juneteenth, at 89 years old walked from her home in Fort Worth to Washington, D.C., to champion the cause of making Juneteenth an official national holiday. She will be speaking on her experiences with activism in various arenas, interviewed by Delisa Smith, a member of the coalition board and Zeta Phi Beta. Lee will also be selling and signing books at the event. Reservations are required by texting or calling 254-717-7903 or emailing crrcwaco@gmail.com. People cool off in Lake Ontario in Toronto, Canada, on June 2, 2023. Environment Canada issued a heat warning for the City of Toronto from Thursday to Friday. The highest temperature reached 32 degrees Celsius. (Photo by Zou Zheng/Xinhua) A man rides a Jet Ski on Lake Ontario in Toronto, Canada, on June 2, 2023. Environment Canada issued a heat warning for the City of Toronto from Thursday to Friday. The highest temperature reached 32 degrees Celsius. (Photo by Zou Zheng/Xinhua) A woman paddles on a stand up paddle board on Lake Ontario in Toronto, Canada, on June 2, 2023. Environment Canada issued a heat warning for the City of Toronto from Thursday to Friday. The highest temperature reached 32 degrees Celsius. (Photo by Zou Zheng/Xinhua) VALPARAISO Its been 20 years since Dan Homes and the rest of the Val Days Committee decided to create a community festival for Valparaiso. We just kind of wanted to have a weekend we could call our own, like other towns do, said Homes. The schedule has grown in two decades to a three-day celebration that includes fireworks, parades, music, food, all sorts of games, cars on display and in motion and much more. Its going to be busy this year, said Homes. Back in 2003, Homes and a committee of about 10 people took the idea of creating Val Days and ran with it. In earlier times, the village had carnivals and other celebrations, and they wanted to recreate that atmosphere in some way. The first Val Days didnt have a parade, but there was a barbecue cook off, car show and ugly truck contest. Homes plans to display the 2003 schedule during the festival to compare it to this years. The 20th anniversary will be commemorated on t-shirts and koozies that can be purchased during Val Days, Homes said. The grand marshal chosen for the parade is also a nod to the anniversary celebration. Don Kobza was an original member of the Val Days Committee and he continues to volunteer for the celebration, along with other organizations like the American Legion and the fire department. Hes just Mr. Community for Val, said Homes. Val Days begins on Friday night with fireworks, food, a road rally and games. We open with a nice fireworks show, said Homes. We usually fill the town with people. People gather in Val for VFW Post 10491s pulled pork sandwiches and a watermelon feed sponsored by Jones Bank. Parents and grandparents are there at the ball park to watch their kids play t-ball. Friday will also feature a road rally that has been a part of Val Days for about four years. Participants drive to find clues in this combination of poker run and scavenger hunt. Saturday begins with the Valparaiso Fire Department breakfast and the Oak Creek Trail Bike/Run/Walk, sponsored by the VFW. Tickets are earned for distance traveled in this non-competitive event. The tickets will then be put in a drawing at 2:30 p.m. The sand volleyball tournament on Saturday looks to be another big draw for the festival. Homes said 20 teams are signed up for the event, which has not been a part of Val Days for the last two years. Were glad its back, he said. That really packs the park for a while. The geocaching event on Saturday also brings a lot of out-of-town visitors to Valparaiso. People come from all over to do it, Homes said. Saturday will also feature a car show, which has not been a part of Val Days for many years. Val Tavern has sponsored the event, which will run from 12 to 3 p.m., followed by the band Whiskey River playing at the park gazebo from 4 to 8 p.m. Barbecue has always been a part of Val Days, but in different forms. In the early years, the Val Days Committee held at barbecue cook off and fed the public that way. Now, they bring in a company to smoke pork butts and serve pulled pork as a fundraiser for the committee. A lot of people come to town for that, Homes said. A few hours after the car show is over, you may see some of the same classic and antique cars driving around Val during the car cruise. The event starts at 7:30 p.m. and follows a set route that Homes said allows the drivers and passengers to greet one another. Its kind of like a mini parade, Homes added. A movie will be shown in the town park on Saturday night. Second Hand Lion will play on a large screen built by Mark Homes, Dan Homes brother, that will be set up at the gazebo. Free popcorn will be offered to entice people to gather for the communal movie-viewing experience. It pulls the community together, Homes said. The movie may be interrupted by a second night of fireworks. Homes said they will likely schedule an intermission when the fireworks show takes place. Both nights of fireworks are being done by B&J Fireworks, a.k.a. Brad and Jean Andelt, who also own Harrys Bar in Valparaiso. I think well have two good shows, Homes commented. Some community celebrations keep the schedule light on Sunday nights. But not Valparaiso. The day begins with another breakfast, this time with an optional serving of Jaternice, a Czech sausage. Its a pretty good spread, said Homes. Well worth it. There is a trap shoot contest and a horse shoe tournament that kick off in the morning, along with saw mill demonstrations. Many will gather for bingo on Main Street. This game is organized by Mark Homes and homemade kolaches and other baked goods are some of the prizes that can be won. The Jim Kucera Band will bring polka music to downtown Valparaiso on Sunday afternoon. The fire departments rifle raffle winners will be announced at 3:30 p.m. Throughout Val Days, there will be a silent auction that raises money for the committee. The bidding closes at 2 p.m., Sunday. Homes said the proceeds are used to upgrade the village parks and keep Val Days going. All our funds are put back into the town, he added. The Kid Zone will be up and running starting at noon on Sunday. Events geared toward children include riding a mini train around town with a possible history lessons from Greg Bouc, getting a chance to ride in a fire truck, a petting zoo and balloon art from Shades the Clown. For the competitive youngsters, there will be a pedal tractor pull, Punt Pass and Kick contest and running races. The weekend ends with the 5 p.m. parade featuring grand marshal Don Kobza. Most families will stay in town to eat at a local restaurant or the VFW, where they will be serving steakettes until they run out, Homes said. LINCOLN From horticulture and dog breeding to show pigs and chickens, the passion of the winners of the Nebraska Farm Bureau Student Project Grants shine through in each of their projects. Nebraska Farm Bureau Student Project Grants, supported by the Charles Marshall Fund at the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation, were awarded to eight deserving student Farm Bureau members in Antelope, Lancaster, Saunders, Hall, Fillmore, Saline, and Merrick counties. Nebraska Farm Bureau awards $4,000 in grants for students to begin or expand their 4-H project or FFA Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAE) project. The grants are in the amounts of $250, $500, $750, and $1,000 until funds are exhausted. We are proud of the entrepreneurial spirit our student members embrace and are very impressed by the dedication they have shown with their projects, said Audrey Schipporeit, director of generational engagement. Nebraska Farm Bureau is thrilled to support these students and hopes these funds will help them achieve their goals. We look forward to watching them continue to bring innovative ideas and ventures into their communities for years to come. The grants are awarded to Nebraska Farm Bureau student members each year. This year the grants were opened up to students under the age of 15. Those applicants parent(s) must be Farm Bureau members. Applicants who are age 16 or older must be student Farm Bureau members. If selected, the student must share how they have used the grant towards starting or growing their 4-H or SAE projects. Winners were selected by a Farm Bureau committee. Area grant recipients include Morgan Kliment a member of Saunders County Farm Bureau and received $500 for her livestock project. Kliment owns Red Angus heifers and market show pigs. She plans to use the grant money to feed and grow the cattle and enter shows. On the show pig side, she will use part of the award to help pay for feed, wood chips, enter shows, and skin care products. Those interested in applying for the Student Project Grants must meet certain requirements. Applicants (or their parents) must hold a current Nebraska Farm Bureau membership. To join Nebraska Farm Bureau and learn more, visit www.nefb.org. The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command is calling out the Peoples Republic of China over the thumping of an Offutt-based RC-135V Rivet Joint flight on May 26 over the South China Sea. Indo-PACOM released a 30-second video shot from the cockpit of the Air Force RC-135 that shows a Chinese J-16 fighter pilot overtaking the slower reconnaissance jet from the right side and then banking sharply to fly close across its nose. Moments later, the RC-135 is buffeted by the fighter jets wake turbulence. The Indo-PACOM press release criticized the Chinese jets maneuver as unprofessional and unnecessarily aggressive. The RC-135 was conducting safe and routine operations over the South China Sea in international airspace, in accordance with international law, the press release said. The United States will continue to fly, sail, and operate safely and responsibly wherever international law allows. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning blamed the U.S., saying Washington should earnestly respect Chinas sovereignty and security interests and concerns, immediately correct the wrongdoing, show sincerity, and create the necessary atmosphere and conditions for dialogue and communication between the two militaries. Diplomatic tensions have risen in recent months over U.S. military support for Taiwan and the flight of a suspected spy balloon in February over the United States, including Nebraska. China has increasingly asserted sovereignty over the South China Sea. U.S. defense leaders have complained that Chinas military has become significantly more aggressive over the past five years, intercepting U.S. aircraft and ships in the region. China has put their big fat foot on the South China Sea, and theyre trying to squeeze the U.S. out, said Hans Kristensen, director of the Nuclear Information Project at the Federation of American Scientists, an arms-control group. That sometimes brings the Chinese into conflict with U.S. reconnaissance aircraft from the 55th Wing, which flies a fleet of 26 RC-135 jets from its headquarters at Offutt Air Force Base as well as overseas locations. Most of those are Rivet Joints, which are equipped to intercept radio signals and staffed with interpreters who can translate in real time. At least three Rivet Joints are currently operating from Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, primarily flying surveillance routes over the South China Sea and along the Demilitarized Zone that separates North Korea from South Korea, as they have for decades. In the month prior to last Fridays intercept, the three Rivet Joints flew at least 12 missions over the South China Sea and one over the East China Sea, according to a former 55th Wing crew member who tracks and reports the units flights on social media using the Twitter handle @MeNMyRC1. Such close encounters were common during the Cold War, said Robert Hopkins III, a Texas-based historian of U.S. reconnaissance flights who flew RC-135s for the 55th Wing near the end of that era. Pilots called it thumping, and quickly learned how to handle them. Hopkins saw the video on social media Tuesday and did not agree that it was provocative. He called the encounter plain vanilla and boring. He said in the hands of skilled pilots, flying close isnt necessarily dangerous or unprofessional. There is absolutely nothing different here than what (reconnaissance) crews have experienced for 50-plus years, Hopkins said. The only difference is the video. Now the public can see it firsthand. During the Cold War, the Pentagon didnt publicize such encounters. He thinks the Pentagon is making a mistake by calling attention to them now. They need to cut out the histrionics, he said. Theyre desensitizing the public. Theyre crying wolf over and over and over. Still, Kristensen said, these encounters can escalate into something worse, as in 2001 when a Chinese fighter jet collided with a U.S. Navy EP-3 reconnaissance plane flying off its shores. The Chinese pilot was killed, while the Navy plane piloted by Lt. Shane Osborn, a Nebraskan made an emergency landing in China. The crew was released two weeks later. And in March, a Russian jet harassed and eventually hit an unmanned MQ-9 Reaper drone flying a reconnaissance mission over the Black Sea. The drone crashed. Sooner or later, theres going to be an incident where they hit a plane, when these kind of behaviors become routine, Kristensen said. The public release of video of these encounters allows China to portray itself as assertively countering the U.S. in its own backyard, he said, while at the same time helping the U.S. paint a picture of Chinese aggression. This is what happens when you get Cold War standoffs, Kristensen said. It does help fuel the sense of animosity and crisis. This article includes material from the Associated Press. Photos: Offutt runway opens after 18-month reconstruction offuttjets-pic-cm006.jpg Offutt runway reopens after 18-month runway reconstruction 100122-owh-new-offuttjets-pic-cm007.jpg 100122-owh-new-offuttjets-pic-cm005.jpg offuttjets-pic-cm003.jpg 100122-owh-new-offuttjets-pic-cm002.jpg offuttjets-pic-cm009.jpg PRESS RELEASE The people and aircraft that develop all U.S. Air Force personnel will bring their resources to centerstage at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2023, as the USAF Air Education and Training Command (AETC) is among the highlighted units at this years event. The 70th edition of the Experimental Aircraft Associations fly-in convention is July 24-30 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The Air Forces Air Education and Training Command has a much wider reach than even most aviation enthusiasts would imagine, which makes AirVenture an outstanding location to highlight all of the commands capabilities, said Rick Larsen, EAAs vice president of communities and member programs, who coordinates AirVenture features and attractions. Those capabilities will be showcased in the air and during ground presentations throughout the week at Oshkosh. Final announcements on participating aircraft and activities will be announced as they are finalized, but will include aircraft from throughout the Air Force. Along with aircraft displays and aerial demonstrations, AETC will feature diverse elements such as critical care air transport with a C-17, military working dogs, and explosive ordinance disposal. The Air Forces Band of the West will also perform during the week. AETC is referred to as the First Command because nearly every Airman starts at AETC, and were proud to be responsible for establishing the foundation for so many Air Force careers, said U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Brian Robinson, AETC commander. Across basic military training, technical training and pilot training, our force generators are developing empowered Airmen who are advancing the U.S. Air Forces strategic advantage to defeat our competitors. Oshkosh is an excellent opportunity for us to showcase AETCs members and how we recruit, training, and educate the Airmen our nation needs. Air Education and Training Command, with headquarters at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas, was established and activated in January 1942, making it the oldest major command in the Air Force. AETCs training mission makes it the first command to touch the lives of nearly every Air Force member. Over the years, more than 25 million students have graduated from AETC training and education programs. About EAA AirVenture Oshkosh EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is The Worlds Greatest Aviation Celebration and EAAs membership convention. Additional information, including advance ticket and camping purchase, is available at www.EAA.org/airventure. For more information on EAA and its programs, call 800-JOIN-EAA (800-564-6322) or visit www.EAA.org. Immediate news is available at www.twitter.com/EAA. PRESS RELEASE Courtesy Aircraft of Rockford, IL, announced their role in helping to attain a North American AT-6 Texan for the National WASP WWII Museum in Sweetwater, Texas. During their pilot training at Avenger Army Airfield in Sweetwater, the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) trained on five aircraft: PT-17, PT-19, BT-13, AT-6, and the UC-78. The Museum was proud to have four of these five airworthy trainers in its collection. However, the collection was complete without the AT-6. Courtesy Aircraft was able to assist the museum in completing the collection. Courtesys President Mark Clark said, It was an honor to help the WASP museum find the perfect AT-6 they needed. This flying example is an excellent way for the museum to honor those who served before us and remember the contributions the WASP pilots made. About the National WASP WWII Museum: The National WASP WWII Museum is dedicated to honoring the life and legacy of the Women Airforce Service Pilots and preserving the legacy of Avenger Field on which most of them trained. Our mission is to educate and inspire all current and future generations with the story of the WASP the first women to fly Americas military aircraft women who brought honor to our nation and forever changed the role of women in military and civilian aviation. Click here to visit the National WASP WWII Museum Website. About Courtesy Aircraft: Courtesy Aircraft, Inc. was founded in 1957, by D.M. Clark, as a new Cessna aircraft dealer, and grew through the 1960s to include Piper and Champion (Citabria) dealerships. In addition, Courtesy Aircraft, Inc. was active in the sales of select used aircraft. It was in the success of the used aircraft market that pointed the way to the firms current position as a world leader in quality warbird and civilian aircraft sales. In the early 1970s, due to the knowledge and enthusiasm of the founders son, Mark Clark, today an accomplished pilot and A&P mechanic, Courtesy Aircraft, Inc. found itself heavily involved in sales of a new market Warbirds. PRESS RELEASE The B-29 Doc History Restored Tour will make a return trip to Mason City Municipal Airport in July. B-29 Doc, one of only two B-29 Superfortress aircraft still airworthy and flying today, will arrive in Mason City July 19, 2023, and will be available for B-29 Flight Experience Rides along with ground and cockpit tours during the four-day tour stop, July 20-23. The Mason City Municipal Airport is very happy to bring a piece of history to North Iowa for people to experience, said David Sims, Mason City airport manager. We welcome everyone to the airport this July to see Doc and get an inside look at this historic aircraft. B-29 Doc Flight Experience tickets are on sale now for the tour event at Mason City Municipal Airport. Information about rides and flight ticket information can be found here: www.b29doc.com/rides. We are excited to return to Mason City and Clear Lake to share the experience of getting up close and personal with a B-29 Superfortress, said Josh Wells, B-29 Doc executive director. Our mission is to honor the legacy and share the stories of the Greatest Generation while inspiring the next generation of aviators. The B-29 Doc History Restored Tour provides a unique opportunity for people to see and climb inside a World War II bomber and learn about the heroes who served to protect our freedom at home and abroad. Event Details for the B-29 Doc History Restored Tour in Mason City B-29 Doc will arrive at Mason City Municipal Airport Wednesday, July 19 and will be available for ground and cockpit tours Thursday, July 20 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., followed by ride flights at 5 and 6 p.m. Ground and cockpit tours will also be available Friday, July 21, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, July 22 and 23, from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. both days following morning ride flights. For details about B-29 Doc Flight Experience Rides, visit www.b29doc.com/rides. About Docs Friends and B-29 Doc Docs Friends, Inc., is a 501c3 non-profit board that owns and manages the operation of the Boeing B-29 Superfortress known as Doc. Doc is a B-29 Superfortress and one of 1,644 manufactured in Wichita during World War II. It is one of only two remaining B-29s that are still airworthy and flying today. The mission of Docs Friends is to HONOR the men and women who sacrificed so much for the freedom of others, including those who designed, built, maintained and flew the B-29 during and after WWII. CONNECT people with the rich heritage of the B-29 and allow aviation enthusiasts to experience the thrill of a B-29 up close. EDUCATE todays and future generations on the contributions of the Greatest Generation during wartime. About the B-29 Doc History Restored Tour and B-29 Doc Flight Experience Each year, B-29 Doc travels to cities across the United States to allow aviation enthusiasts a chance to B-29 Doc up-close and personal. Docs annual tour mission includes an average of 100 flight hours, beginning in early April and spanning through the summer until late October. Tour stops include ground and flight deck tours, as well as B-29 Doc Flight Experiences. The B-29 Doc Flight Experience will last approximately 90 minutes and includes a 30-minute ride. Prior to takeoff, passengers will experience a crew briefing and learn more about the history of the B-29 and the role it played in U.S. history. Passengers will also get to hear and see the sights and sounds of engine starts and run-ups prior to takeoff. The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force will host a T-34 Fly-in and Flyovers on June 9-10. More than four dozen T-34s will arrive at the museum on June 9 and be on display throughout the weekend. On June 10 the airplanes are expected to take to the skies for formation flyovers showing off the capabilities of this popular and successful military trainer. The U.S. Air Force used the T-34A for primary flight training during the 1950s. The original Mentor, a Beechcraft Model 45 derived from the famous Beechcraft Bonanza, was first flown in December 1948. The first military prototype, designated YT-34 by the USAF, made its initial flight in May 1950. After extensive testing, the USAF ordered the Mentor into production as the T-34A in early 1953. The first production T-34A was delivered to Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., in October 1953 for evaluation, and deliveries to the Air Training Command began in 1954. The Mentor remained the standard USAF primary trainer until the introduction of the Cessna T-37 jet trainer in the late 1950s. As they were replaced by T-37s, many T-34s were turned over to base aero clubs. In all, the USAF acquired 450 T-34As. Three hundred fifty were built in the United States and 100 more were produced in Canada under license. The U.S. Navy and 10 foreign militaries also used the T-34. Schedule below is weather dependent. All public viewing of aircraft arrival, flyovers and departures can be done at the end of Memorial Park along the fenceline. Friday, June 9 2 3 p.m. First Wave Arrival on Wright Field (behind the museum). Approx 25 aircraft arriving 5 6 p.m. Second Wave Arrival on Wright Field. Approx 25 aircraft arriving. Saturday, June 10 9 a.m. 5 p.m. All aircraft on static display behind museums Memorial Park 10:45 11:30 a.m. Formation Flyover Window 2:45 3:30 p.m. Formation Flyover Window Sunday, June 11 9 10:30 a.m. First Wave Departure on Wright Field. Approx 25 aircraft departing 1 2:30 p.m. Second Wave Departure on Wright Field. Approx 25 aircraft departing PRESS RELEASE The aircraft that led the main airborne invasion of Normandy on D-Day June 6, 1944 is returning to Europe to commemorate the 80th anniversary of that momentous occasion. The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) announced that the World War II flying museum plans to take the historic C-47 Thats All, Brother on a European Tour in June 2024 to participate in events honoring the 80th anniversary of D-Day in Normandy, France. The C-47 Thats All, Brother is historically significant to D-Day because it was the lead airplane in the aerial invasion formation of more than 800 Allied aircraft that dropped paratroopers into France on D-Day. Thats All, Brother will join other historic military aircraft from the U.S., deploying as one American contingent flying from the U.S. to Duxford Airfield in England. Once in Europe, the American fleet will join more aircraft for the Normandy events. Thousands are expected to watch the tours progress as these aircraft fly together over the North Atlantic and eventually over the beaches of France. This historic commemoration will include several days of displays and educational opportunities for the public in select European cities to honor all veterans of the Allied forces who participated in D-Day. The CAF participated in the 75th anniversary of D-Day in 2019 and is honored to return. Although it was a tremendous amount of work to bring our aircraft to Europe, it was well worth the effort, and we hoped we would have the opportunity again, said CAF President/CEO Hank Coates. Flying and exhibiting our aircraft in Europe is special. Unlike being on tour in the U.S., the people of Europe had the war in their backyards. The invasion of Normandy was a sign of hope and salvation for so many. The C-47 Thats All, Brother is regularly based at the Commemorative Air Forces Central Texas Wing in San Marcos, Texas, where a dedicated group of volunteers maintains, flies, and exhibits the aircraft at airshows and events nationwide. Thats All, Brother is one of the worlds most historically accurate C-47 restorations, said CAF volunteer and aircrewman Andy Maag. It is our honor to return to Europe with such an authentic piece of history, to pay tribute to those who participated in D-Day and remind the generations that followed how important this event was in history. Thats All, Brothers mission to Normandy will be carried out by volunteers coordinating the logistics, offering ground support, and crewing the aircraft throughout the tour. This tremendous undertaking is expected to cost over $300,000 to cover the expenses of traveling to Europe and ensuring the aircraft is outfitted with the right equipment for the month-long tour. Those interested in learning more about the CAFs D-Day 80 Tour and contributing can visit www.ThatsAllBrother.org, email info@thatsallbrother.org, or call (737) 270-9950. CEDAR FALLS A Denver man has been charged for allegedly burglarizing the Outdoor & More retail store at 2607 Center St. last month. Cedar Falls police on Friday arrested Aaron Michael Thurm, 35, of 300 E. Eagle St., in Denver for first-degree theft, third-degree burglary and possession of burglar tools in the May 23 break-in. He was arrested without incident. In investigating the burglary, officers learned that in the early morning hours a male suspect had gotten access to the property by cutting a lock on the perimeter fence. While on the property, he accessed a locked buildings and loaded boxed items and lawnmowers into his truck. The suspect left the area prior to staff reporting for work. It was determined that the suspect had stolen several items with an estimated value over $30,000. Investigators with the Cedar Falls Police Department were assisted by the Black Hawk County Sheriffs Office Investigative Unit and investigators from the Tri-County Drug Task Force. Photos: Grundy Center/Gladbrook-Reinbeck boys soccer falls to Western Christian, takes second in Class 1A State Soccer Sat GCGR 1 State Soccer Sat GCGR 2 State Soccer Sat GCGR 3 State Soccer Sat GCGR 4 State Soccer Sat GCGR 5 State Soccer Sat GCGR 6 State Soccer Sat GCGR 7 State Soccer Sat GCGR 8 State Soccer Sat GCGR 9 State Soccer Sat GCGR 10 State Soccer Sat GCGR 11 State Soccer Sat GCGR 12 State Soccer Sat GCGR 13 Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 3) The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) on Friday submitted to the National Economic and Development Authority or NEDA Board their joint proposal to upgrade the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). The proposed solicited public-private partnership project "aims to increase the capacity of NAIA and ensure safe operations while significantly improving the passenger experience at the airport through shorter waiting and processing times, more comfortable and modern facilities, and better connectivity between terminals," the DOTr said in a statement. "To achieve these, the government will require a private concessionaire to invest in modern air traffic control equipment, rehabilitate runways and taxiways, and improve existing terminal facilities," it added. Under the proposal, the private concessionaire will have 15 years to operate the country's main gateway and recover its investment. The DOTr said it is undertaking both the solicited and unsolicited modes for NAIA's modernization project with the help of the Asian Development Bank. The agency earlier said it is already fast-tracking the review of the 100-billion unsolicited proposal of the Manila International Airport Consortium created by the country's major tycoons. "Cebu and Clark have shown that when given the chance, private companies can provide excellent airport services to Filipino travelers and visitors to the Philippines," Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said in a statement. "With this project, it is our goal that travelers to and from Manila, our country's main international gateway, also benefit from the improvements in efficiency and service that world class airport operators and investors can bring," he added. WATERLOO Mayor Quentin Hart is attending the U.S. Conference of Mayors annual meeting in Columbus, Ohio. The event started Friday and continues through Monday. According to a news release from the city, the bipartisan gathering provides an opportunity for mayors to collaborate, share best practices and engage with top federal officials on the issues most important to cities like Waterloo. The meeting is focusing on implementation of recently enacted laws that provide significant funding opportunities for American cities and addressing challenges like gun violence and mental health. Mayors will also consider and vote on policy resolutions guiding the conferences activities for the next year. COLUMBIA, S.C. Nikki Haley's husband will soon begin a yearlong deployment with the South Carolina Army National Guard to Africa, a mission that will encompass most of the remainder of his wife's campaign for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination. A formal deployment ceremony will likely happen in the next few weeks, Maj. Karla N. Evans with the National Guard said. Michael Haley will be deployed as a staff officer with his unit, which will be at the core of" a task force that supports the U.S. Africa Command, Evans said, replacing a unit from a different state as part of a regular rotation of forces. It will be Michael Haley's second active-duty deployment since he joined the Guard as an officer in 2006. Nikki Haley, a former U.N. ambassador and South Carolina governor, has been highly critical of President Joe Biden's competency as commander in chief as she campaigns for the GOP nomination. She has spoken out against his administration's efforts to expand diversity in the military, complaining they were weakening the force and hampering recruitment, though the Army has said the real problem is that many young people do not see enlistment as safe or a good career path. She has also pledged to make cuts of $46 billion in foreign aid to countries she says hate America. While not directly confirming the deployment, Haley said in a statement to the AP that her family is ready to make personal sacrifices when our loved one answers the call. We could not be prouder of Michael and his military brothers and sisters, she added. Michael Haley, the candidate's husband of 26 years, has been a constant at his wife's campaign events since she became a White House candidate. She frequently mentions her status as a military wife. He made his first overseas deployment in January 2013, when his wife was midway through her first term as governor, and their children were ages 10 and 14. He left me as a single mom governor, but were still married, Haley said of her husband during a recent campaign appearance in Greer, South Carolina. She went on to critique the Biden administrations chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. Returning from his 2013 deployment just before Christmas of that year, Michael Haley told the AP that his unit worked as part of an agricultural support team, helping Afghan farmers turn from growing opium to growing other crops profitable enough to sustain their communities. At the time, his commander, Lt. Col. Todd Shealy, acknowledged there is always some danger when an individual in the public eye serves as a soldier in a combat region. It does make him more of a target, Shealy said of Haley. But there are some particular things to do to minimize that threat, he added, pointedly not defining what they might be. Asked about additional security measures taken while Michael Haley is in Africa, Evans said he would be afforded the same security as every other soldier. Here are the 7 takeaways from Kentucky, Pennsylvania and Florida elections 1. Kentucky voters set stage for biggest governors race of 2023 2. Trump wins proxy battle with DeSantis 3. Cameron could make history 4. Democrat wins Jacksonville mayors office 5. Progressives make a split decision in Pennsylvania 6. Pennsylvania Republicans go with establishment-backed candidate in Supreme Court race 7. Election denier falls flat in secretary of state race FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla. Eight months ago, chef Michael Cellura had a restaurant job and had just moved into a fancy new camper home on Fort Myers Beach. Now, after Hurricane Ian swept all that away, he lives in his older Infiniti sedan with a 15-year-old long-haired chihuahua named Ginger. Like hundreds of others, Cellura was left homeless after the Category 5 hurricane blasted the barrier island last September with ferocious winds and storm surge as high as 15 feet. Like many, he's struggled to navigate insurance payouts, understand federal and state assistance bureaucracy and simply find a place to shower. "There's a lot of us like me that are displaced. Nowhere to go," Cellura, 58, said next to his car, sitting in a commercial parking lot along with other storm survivors housed in recreational vehicles, a converted school bus and even a shipping container. "There's a lot of homeless out here, a lot of people living in tents, a lot of people struggling." Recovery is far from complete in hard-hit Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel and Pine Island, while this year's Atlantic hurricane season officially began Thursday. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts a more or less average tropical storm season forecast of 12 to 17 named storms, five to nine becoming hurricanes and one to four powering into major hurricanes with winds greater than 110 mph. Another weather pattern that can suppress Atlantic storms is the El Nino warming expected this year in the Pacific Ocean, experts say. Yet the increasingly warmer water in the Atlantic basin fueled by climate change could offset the El Nino effect, scientists say. In southwest Florida, piles of debris are everywhere. Demolition and construction work is ongoing across the region. Trucks filled with sand rumble to rebuild the eroded beaches. Blank concrete slabs reveal where buildings, many of them once charming, decades-old structures that gave the towns their relaxed beach vibe, were washed away or torn down. Some people, like Fort Myers Beach resident Jacquelyn Velazquez, are living in campers or tents on their property while they await sluggish insurance checks or building permits to restore their lives. "It's, you know, it's in the snap of the finger. Your life is never going to be the same," she said next to her camper, provided under a state program. "It's not the things that you lose. It's just trying to get back to some normalcy." Ian claimed more than 156 lives in the U.S., the vast majority in Florida, according to a comprehensive NOAA report on the hurricane. In hard-hit Lee County location of Fort Myers Beach and the other seaside towns 36 people died from drowning in storm surge and more than 52,000 structures suffered damage, including more than 19,000 destroyed or severely damaged, a NOAA report found. Even with state and federal help, the scale of the disaster has overwhelmed these small towns that were not prepared to deal with so many problems at once, said Chris Holley, former interim Fort Myers Beach town manager. "Probably the biggest challenge is the craziness of the debris removal process. We'll be at it for another six months," Holley said. "Permitting is a huge, huge problem for a small town. The staff just couldn't handle it." Then there are battles with insurance companies and navigating how to obtain state and federal aid, which is running into the billions of dollars. Robert Burton and his partner Cindy Lewis, both 71 and from Ohio, whose mobile home was totaled by storm surge, spent months living with friends and family until finally a small apartment was provided through the Federal Emergency Management Agency. They can stay there until March 2024 while they look for a new home. Their mobile home park next to the causeway to Sanibel is a ghost town, filled with flooded-out homes soon to be demolished, many of them with ruined furniture inside, clothes still in closets, art still on the walls. Most homes had at least three feet of water inside. "No one has a home. That park will not be reopened as a residential community," Lewis said. "So everybody lost." The state Office of Insurance Regulation estimated the total insured loss from Ian in Florida was almost $14 billion, with more than 143,000 claims still open without payment or claims paid but not fully settled as of March 9. With so many people in limbo, places like the heavily damaged Beach Baptist Church in Fort Myers Beach provide a lifeline, with a food pantry, a hot lunch stand, showers and even laundry facilities for anyone to use. Pastor Shawn Critser said about 1,200 families per month are being served at the church through donated goods. "We're not emergency feeding now. We're in disaster recovery mode," Critser said. "We want to see this continue. We want to have a constant presence." Cellura, the chef living in his car, has a new job at another location of the Nauti Parrot restaurant on the mainland. Insurance only paid off the outstanding loan amount on his destroyed camper and he didn't qualify for FEMA aid, leaving him with virtually nothing to start over and apartment rents rising fast. But, after 22 years on the island, he's not giving up. "I believe that things will work out. I'm strong. I'm a survivor," he said. "Every day I wake up, it's another day to just continue on and try to make things better." Photos: Aerial images show devastation left by Hurricane Ian across Florida Last night, the Russian Aerospace Forces carried out a long-range air-based precision-guided strike against enemy air defence assets covering key critical Ukrainian military infrastructure. All the assigned targets have been engage. In Kupyansk direction, aviation and artillery of the Zapad Group of Forces have engaged the units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) close to Masyutovka and Berestovoye (Kharkov region). One sabotage and reconnaissance group of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has been disabled close to Novosyolovskoye (Lugansk Peoples Republic). Up to 70 Ukrainian troops, three motor vehicles, one Grad MLRS vehicle, D-30 and Msta-B howitzers have been neutralised in this direction during the day. Moreover, an ammunition depot of the 103rd Territorial Defence Brigade was neutralised close to Kislovka (Kharkov region). In Krasny Liman direction, Operational-Tactical and Army aviation and artillery of the Tsentr Group of Forces engaged the units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine close to Kuzmino (Lugansk Peoples Republic), and Torskoye (Donetsk Peoples Republic). Over 60 Ukrainian personnel, two pick-up trucks, two Gvozdika self-propelled artillery systems, as well as one Msta-B and two D-20 howitzers have been eliminated. In the Donetsk direction, the most intensive actions of the Yug Group of Forces were conducted close to Avdeevka. The Akhmat special forces unit continue their offensive in the Maryinka tactical direction. Over 50 Ukrainian troops, four armoured fighting vehicles, two pick-up trucks, three D-20 howitzers, two Grad MLRS, two M777 artillery systems, and one U.S.-made Paladin artillery system have been eliminated in this direction during the day. In South Donetsk and Zaporozhye directions, aviation and artillery of the Vostok Group of Forces inflicted fire damage on AFU units close Vodyanoye and Pavlovka (Donetsk Peoples Republic), and Malaya Tokmachka and Shcherbaki (Zaporozhye region). The enemys losses in this direction during the day amounted to up to 150 Ukrainian troops, two motor vehicles, one Polish-made Krab self-propelled artillery system, one D-20 howitzer, and one UAV ground control station. In Kherson direction, over 30 Ukrainian troops, two pick-up trucks, one Msta-B howitzer, and one U.S.-made M777 artillery system have been eliminated during the day. Operational-Tactical and Army aviation, Missile Troops and Artillery of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation have neutralised 96 AFU artillery units at their firing positions, enemy manpower and hardware in 73 areas. Russian air defence facilities have shot down one Su-25 airplane of Ukrainian Air Force near Zolotaya Balka (Kherson region). Air defence forces shot down eight HIMARS MLRS shells and one HARM anti-radiation missile during the day. In addition, 29 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles were destroyed in the areas of Novodruzhesk, Kremennaya, Verkhnekamenka (Lugansk Peoples Republic), Novobakhmutovka, Vladimirovka, Staromayorskoye (Donetsk Peoples Republic), Sinkovka (Kharkov region), Novaya Kakhovka (Kherson region), and Gulyai Pole (Zaporozhye region). In total, 431 airplanes and 235 helicopters, 4,436 unmanned aerial vehicles, 424 air defence missile systems, 9,356 tanks and other armoured combat vehicles, 1,108 combat vehicles equipped with MRLS, 4,971 field artillery cannons and mortars, as well as 10,598 units of special military equipment have been destroyed during the special military operation. WtR Protesters gathered at the site of the collapse in downtown Davenport, saying more people are still missing and could be inside. Amid the usual mix of stop lights, house lights and streetlights beaming into the dark Thursday night, Winona was also dotted with blue in solidarity with missing woman Madeline Kingsbury. With June 1 being Kingsburys 27th birthday, her family and friends encouraged residents all over the area to place blue light bulbs in and around their homes. Kingsbury was last seen March 31 when she and the father of her children, Adam Fravel, took their two kids to day care shortly after 8 a.m. After returning to her Kerry Drive residence in Winona around 8:15 a.m., she did not show up to work at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, authorities said. Kingsburys disappearance has garnered national attention, and locally, T-shirts, signs and pins serve as constant reminders of Winonas missing neighbor. Jenni Tuschner, who installed blue lights on the front of her South Baker Street residence Thursday, said people in her life follow the case closely and discuss it daily. Something just doesnt feel right. And she needs to be found, Tuschner said. And the lights mean that theres still hope out there. The color blue was chosen because its Kingsburys favorite color and has become associated with Kingsbury disappearance. Blue ribbons were also tied up around Winona Thursday night by volunteers, organized by Kingsburys sorority sisters. Samantha Hermanson, who was placing ribbons around Winona, said the goal was to turn Winona blue for both Kingsburys birthday and to show Kingsburys family, who were scheduled to arrive in town soon for next weeks custody trial over her children, that Winona stands with them. We hope they see all the blue ribbons and know that we will not stop looking for Maddi, Hermanson said. Were hoping everyone remembers Madeline for her birthday today and remembers to keep an eye out for her. The trial regarding the custody of Kingsburys children, ages 5 and 2, is set to begin June 6. In a video posted on the Finding Madeline Kingsbury Facebook page, Kingsburys father, David, sang his daughter Happy Birthday and said that Kingsbury always looked forward to celebrating her birthday when growing up. She always said, when she was a kid, that she never wanted to grow up. I think maybe because she wanted to have fun birthday parties, David said in the video. Its her 27th birthday today and we wish she was here with us to celebrate with us. Anyone with possible information about Kingsburys whereabouts should call 911 or the Winona Police Department at 507-457-6302. To give a tip anonymously, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or go to www.crimestoppersmn.org. Sept. 13, 1980 - May 31, 2023 MARSHFIELD - (LTC) Lisa Lynn Hendershot, the former Lisa Luedtke, of Marshfield, WI, passed away at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 31, 2023. She fought all she could but succumbed to a very aggressive cancer just 10 months after diagnosis. Lisa leaves behind her husband Dan and two sons Jax (10) and Logan (8) of Oconomowoc, WI. Her loss is profound and leaves an immeasurable void in many people's lives. Our beloved Lisa preceded in death her mother, Diane and father, Len Luedtke, Sr.; older sister, Lori Elmorst; older brother, Len Luedtke, Jr.; and younger sister, Luann Stroik. Lisa was born in Shawano, WI, on September 13, 1980. Her family later settled in Marshfield where they still have strong family ties. Lisa was an energetic and daughter and top-tier athlete. She the most valuable player on her high school track team in 1997 and 1998. She was a star player on the state qualifying volleyball team in 1998 and later played volleyball for UW Oshkosh. Lisa entered military service in September 2000 and commissioned as a Second Lieutenant and Army Aviator piloting the UH-60 Blackhawk in both the continental United States and while deployed to Iraq in 2010. She had a strong aptitude for budget and finance and served in several Army National Guard (state level) budgetary assignments. In 2014, Lisa decided to leave full time employment and raise her two sons. This was the best decision she ever made. Lisa was first and foremost a mother and caregiver. Her impressive military career spanning 22 years did not compare to her devoted love of family. It is impossible to describe Lisa in a few paragraphs. She was a one of kind woman, military leader, and tenacious mother. Lisa's favorite place on earth was the Chain-O-Lakes in Waupaca, WI. Funeral service details are below but she will Laid to rest at the Central Wisconsin Memorial Veterans Cemetery just across from the chain's waterfront. Lisa's wake/visitation is Wednesday, June 7, 2023, at the Portage, WI, high school gym from 3:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. Memorial speeches commence at 7:00 p.m. and end at 8:00 p.m. The high school's address is: 301 E. Collins Street, Portage, WI 53901. Military guests are encouraged to wear the uniform of their choice. Anyone/everyone is welcome. Lisa's funeral service is at 12:00 noon, Thursday, June 8, 2023, at St. Peter Lutheran Church, 312 W. Main Street, Weyauwega, WI, 54983. Lisa spent some of her childhood in Weyauwega. A second visitation occurs at St. Peters from 10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Military guests are encouraged to wear their preferred dress uniform. Anyone/everyone is also welcome to attend. No meal or reception follows. Lisa will be buried at the Central, WI, Veterans Memorial Cemetery in King (Waupaca), WI. The burial procession will depart St Peter at 1:30 p.m. and is reserved for select family and close friends. Full military honors will accompany Lieutenant Colonel Lisa Hendershot's burial to include a UH-60 Blackhawk flyover at 2:30 p.m. As space allows, family and friends may enjoy beverages and light snacks at the Clearwater Harbor Waterfront Restaurant & Bar. Kratz Funeral Home-Portage (www.kratzfuneralhome.com) is assisting with arrangements. The Del-Bar supper club in Wisconsin Dells turns 80 on Thursday and its owners are hosting a weeklong celebration to mark the milestone. The festivities include a throwback photo contest, a classic playlist piped in to the dining room, new dishes, nightly specials and the sharing of two favorite recipes. Sisters Amy Wimmer and Anne Stoken are the third generation of owners for the supper club, 800 Wisconsin Dells Parkway, which seats 220 people. It is important to have a place thats been under the same family for 80 years, Wimmer said. She said its fun to hear the experiences of longtime customers. You can have an 80-year-old man that comes in and says, Ive been dining here since I was 5 years old, she said, and just their stories and their traditions. They come for anniversaries and birthdays. Wimmer took over The Del-Bar from her father, Jeff Wimmer, and his wife, Jane, in 2018, with Stoken joining the next year. The sisters, who were born and raised in the Dells, returned to carry on the family tradition after living and working in Boulder, Colorado. Stoken said they left for Colorado after college and spent about 23 years there working in sales for tech companies. Wimmer graduated from UW-Stout with a major in restaurant and hospitality management, while Stoken graduated from Ripon College with a business degree. Their grandparents, Jim and Alice, took a big risk in 1943, Wimmer said, by buying a roadside restaurant in a converted cabin with just six tables where business had fallen off as World War II broke out. The risk certainly paid off, she said. The cabin sat along a route between the Dells and Baraboo, which is how it got its name. Stoken said the cabin was built in 1938, and a small piece of the original building is still part of the restaurant. She said her family has added on over the years and now the building is about 10,000 square feet. She said James Dresser, an apprentice of architect Frank Lloyd Wright, was brought in during the 1950s to start the major renovations that turned it into the modern, prairie-style building that exists today. Some older customers still call it Jimmies Del-Bar, and they drive distances to get here for the supper club experience they love, she said. Stoken said theres a huge range of supper club types. We like to call ourselves the modern supper club, that continues to evolve going into our 80th year, she said. And we just try to continue to evolve and add new twists and new items to our menu, but definitely not touching the classic items. Every dressing, every dessert is made from scratch, Stoken said, adding that the restaurants wine list rivals that of a Chicago steakhouse. Featured items when The Del-Bar opened included schnitzel and walleye, which are still on the menu. Wimmer said that lobster bisque has been one of the most-requested menu additions. The Del-Bars version features Maine lobster and comes topped with a homemade cheddar biscuit. The owners decided to share for the first time two of the restaurants top recipes: the shrimp de jonghe, a casserole made with bread crumbs, sherry, garlic and herbs, and the spinach salad with hot bacon dressing thats been on the menu from the beginning. They will be posted to The Del-Bars Facebook page this week. An anniversary photo contest started in January, with one $100 gift certificate awarded monthly. People can enter through June 30 by submitting a photo from 1943 to 2000 with an accompanying short description to info@del-bar.com, or they can drop a copy of the photo and description at the host stand. GALLERY - 80th Del-Bar Anniversary Del-Bar 80th Anniversary Del-Bar 80th Anniversary Del-Bar 80th Anniversary Del-Bar 80th Anniversary Del-Bar 80th Anniversary Del-Bar 80th Anniversary Del-Bar 80th Anniversary Del-Bar 80th Anniversary Del-Bar 80th Anniversary Del-Bar 80th Anniversary Del-Bar 80th Anniversary Del-Bar 80th Anniversary Del-Bar 80th Anniversary Del-Bar 80th Anniversary Del-Bar 80th Anniversary Del-Bar 80th Anniversary Del-Bar 80th Anniversary Del-Bar 80th Anniversary Del-Bar 80th Anniversary Del-Bar 80th Anniversary Del-Bar 80th Anniversary Del-Bar 80th Anniversary Del-Bar 80th Anniversary An anniversary drink, a Ruby Jubilee martini, is being sold, and the restaurant has been decorated inside and out with red roses and geraniums to highlight the ruby theme. Last year, in anticipation of the anniversary, the owners doubled the size of the restaurants outdoor covered patio. The sisters also are using the milestone to honor their employees, many of whom have been with the restaurant for years. Five employees have worked there for more than 30 years, and bookkeeper Jeanette Parchem has been there 48 years, Stoken said. She is semi-retiring this year, but worked in all aspects of the restaurant over her 48 years, Stoken said. Eight of the restaurants kitchen employees have each worked at The Del-Bar at least 10 years, and have a combined tenure of 155 years, Stoken said. Wimmer and Stoken said their father and his wife still come in regularly for dinner. Anne and I have never had a second thought about returning home. This restaurant is just too special, Wimmer said. For reservations, visit Del-Bar.com or call 608-253-1861. 36 Madison-area restaurant, bar, bakery, coffee shop openings in 2022 Taqueria Los Atlantes Golden Nest Pancakes & Cafe Hot Lunch Zippy Lube Coffee, Donuts, and Fried Chicken Tacos El Capi Good Co. at Pioneer Pointe The Bubbling Teapot Sabores Fusion Grill Nori Sushi & Grill North Shore Pizza and Subs Sookie's Veggie Burgers Turn Key La Pollera Colombiana Restaurant Eno Vino Waunakee BigSur Cantina Amara SASS Sauce + Shells The Borough Beer Company & Kitchen Taza Swagat Sun Prairie Little John's Lunchbox AzTec Taqueria Mishqui Peruvian Cuisine Dirty Dog Taphouse Ollie's Forward Craft & Coffee Jacknife The Ready Set FreshFin Poke Hilldale Mom's Bar Prost! Tucuma Northstreet La Taguara Far Breton Bakery Dagu Rice Noodle Weather Alert ...SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS RETURN THIS WEEK... * Scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms will develop each afternoon this week. Storms will be capable of producing frequent cloud to ground lightning, gusty outflow winds, small hail, and heavy rainfall. * If you have events or recreation outdoors this week, be sure to have a storm safety plan. A top priority should be a way to quickly seek shelter in the event that a thunderstorm forms nearby. If a sturdy building is not immediately available, a hard-top vehicle with the windows rolled up is a good option for protection from lightning. If possible, consider completing outdoor activities (hiking, biking, etc) in the morning before afternoon/evening thunderstorms develop. * Streams and mainstem rivers continue to flow fast and cold. Avoid recreating near fast-running and nearly full waterways. Daily showers/thunderstorms will increase the threat of flash flooding. Have a way to receive weather alerts! Get to higher ground immediately if a nearby river or stream rises quickly, if there is debris in the water, or if the water suddenly becomes muddy. Weather Alert ...SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS RETURN THIS WEEK... * Scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms will develop each afternoon this week. Storms will be capable of producing frequent cloud to ground lightning, gusty outflow winds, small hail, and heavy rainfall. * If you have events or recreation outdoors this week, be sure to have a storm safety plan. A top priority should be a way to quickly seek shelter in the event that a thunderstorm forms nearby. If a sturdy building is not immediately available, a hard-top vehicle with the windows rolled up is a good option for protection from lightning. If possible, consider completing outdoor activities (hiking, biking, etc) in the morning before afternoon/evening thunderstorms develop. * Streams and mainstem rivers continue to flow fast and cold. Avoid recreating near fast-running and nearly full waterways or unstable surfaces by riverbanks. Daily showers/thunderstorms will increase the threat of flash flooding. Have a way to receive weather alerts! Get to higher ground immediately if a nearby river or stream rises quickly, if there is debris in the water, or if the water suddenly becomes muddy. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 2) The Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) has sought the go signal from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the rollout of a Vietnam-made African swine fever (ASF) vaccine in the country. BAI Assistant Director Arlyn Vytiaco said they have recommended the AVAC doses which have been proven "effective" following the completion of safety and efficacy trials in at least six areas in Luzon. "Napakalaking tulong nitong bakuna nito sa pag-control ng ASF kasi alam natin na patuloy ang outbreaks natin. Marami nang swine stakeholders ang naghihintay ng effective na bakuna," she told reporters Friday. [Translation: This vaccine will be a huge help in controlling ASF outbreaks. Many swine stakeholders have been waiting for an effective vaccine.] Vytiaco noted that 100% of the hogs vaccinated during the trials produced antibodies, and showed "no ill or side effects." Vietnam's AVAC is a single-shot vaccine for four to ten-week-old hogs. If approved, the BAI said the vaccines will be distributed on a "first come, first served" basis. But the administration of the doses will not be made mandatory, the agency added. Vytiaco said they are also rushing the issuance of a certificate of product registration (CPR). A CPR from the FDA is needed to allow the commercial distribution of the ASF vaccine in the country. Should the process take long, the BAI said it may consider seeking assistance from President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. who's also Agriculture Secretary. FDA Spokesperson Job Aguzar said the application for CPR will first be subjected to pre-assessment. If deemed acceptable, he said they will "facilitate the evaluation of the submitted dossier to determine the quality, safety, and efficacy" of the ASF doses. "We'll see to it na dapat affordable siya dapat maproteksyunan natin 'yung ating industriya, lalo na 'yung ating backyard hog raisers," Agriculture Deputy Spokesperson Rex Estoperez said. [Translation: We'll see to it that the vaccine will be affordable; that our swine industry will be protected, especially our backyard hog raisers.] At least 15 provinces have active ASF cases so far, mostly in the Visayas, according to the BAI. An Albuquerque man is accused of abusing his newborn child and 2-year-old stepdaughter more than once over the past year leaving the children with skull fractures and broken ribs. Gabriel Desoto, 25, is charged with two counts of child abuse resulting in great bodily harm in separate incidents that led to the children being hospitalized repeatedly. Desoto was booked into the Metropolitan Detention Center Thursday. The Law Offices of the Public Defender is representing Desoto but had no comment on the case Friday, saying it is at its very first stages. Desotos family declined to comment. The New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department reportedly put two of Desotos children and two of his stepchildren in foster care after the first abuse case in November. But that case was reportedly dismissed, according to court records, when the children were placed back in Desotos care and the abuse happened again. Court records show that, throughout the ordeal, Desoto was in a contentious custody battle with the mother of his other child alleging he abused the mother and she feared for the childs safety. Prosecutors have filed a motion to detain Desoto until trial, saying he has no regard for the safety of others not even for his own children. On Nov. 9 officers responded to the University of New Mexico Hospital when Desotos 6-week-old came in with broken ribs and a tear in his mouth, according to a criminal complaint filed in Metropolitan Court. Desoto told police he was feeding the baby when he threw up blood and turned purple. Police said Desoto told them he had no idea how the babys ribs broke as the boy had not fallen. Doctors found the broken ribs were a result of abuse and the mouth tear was likely caused by a pacifier being placed with excessive force. Doctors examined the other three children living in the home and found his 2-year-old stepdaughter had broken ribs and a skull fracture that were healing, according to the complaint. Doctors found the injuries would have required significant force and were signs of physical abuse. Police said doctors determined all four children were not safe living in the home. Detectives scheduled an interview on Feb. 15 with Desoto and the mother of the children but the couple didnt show up or answer their phones. On March 4 the 2-year-old stepdaughter was brought into the hospital after reportedly falling off a bicycle while with Desoto, according to the complaint. Police responded due to suspicions of child abuse and the girl having another skull fracture, among other injuries. Police said Desoto told them he was watching his stepdaughter when she fell off her tricycle while riding around the house. Detectives found messages in Desotos phone where the mother accused him of not liking the stepdaughter, abusing her and not wanting to bring her to the hospital. Police retrieved the stepdaughters medical records on April 3 which said her injuries were not consistent with a fall from a bike, according to the complaint. The medical records stated that the girl also showed signs of malnutrition as well as testing positive for COVID-19. Police said doctors wrote that CYFD placed the children in foster care with their grandparents after the November abuse case. The medical records said that initial abuse case was dismissed and the children were put back into Desotos care by CYFD before the stepdaughter was injured again. I am highly concerned for abuse and neglect and feel that the child is at extremely high risk of death from further injury if she is placed back with (Desoto and the mother), the doctor wrote in medical records, according to the complaint. Police said they reached out to Desoto and the mother in late April to ask if they wanted to talk. The mother reportedly declined to give a statement and Desoto told police he would let them know at a later time. The state Court of Appeals has revived a lawsuit over a 2018 incident in which a West Side high school teacher allegedly called a Navajo student a bloody Indian and cut the braid of another Indigenous student during class. The lawsuit was originally dismissed over a year after its filing by a district court judge, who found the state Human Rights Act did not apply. But after another two years of her case making its way through the appeals process, McKenzie Johnson, the student targeted by the comment, saw that decision overturned on May 23 and the lawsuit sent back to district court. Theres no excuse to cut a students hair in class and call (another one) a bloody Indian. So Id expect the court to understand that bottom line, Johnson, now 21, told the Journal. Albuquerque Public Schools spokeswoman Monica Armenta said the district is reviewing its options, including the possibility of appealing to the state Supreme Court. The Journal could not reach two attorneys listed on the case for the school board and for the teacher, Mary Eastin. On Halloween of 2018, Johnson, who is Navajo and at the time was a high school junior, was allegedly called a bloody Indian during her Advanced Placement English class at Cibola High School by Eastin, according to a complaint filed in the lawsuit. Eastin also allegedly cut the braid of another Indigenous student in the class with a pair of scissors. Johnson, sporting fake blood on her cheek, had showed up to school dressed in a Little Red Riding Hood costume for Halloween. Eastin, who school leaders were aware had displayed some off behavior, was dressed as a voodoo witch, according to the complaint. It was a day thats been traumatic to relive, Johnson said. She said she ultimately transferred out of Cibola, and graduated at the top of her class at Native American Community Academy, a charter school near the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. The incident, which was called racist, drew national attention and outcry from then-Navajo Nation President Russell Begaye, among others. Eastin later resigned. The American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico in 2020 filed a lawsuit against APS and Eastin. But over a year later, a district court judge sided with APS in its argument that Cibola wasnt a public accommodation, defined in part as an establishment that offers services or facilities to the public, and dismissed the lawsuit. Under the state Human Rights Act, people in public accommodations arent allowed to refuse the accommodations services to someone because of their race, religion, ancestry, national origin, etc. Under legislation approved by lawmakers in 2021, school districts are also not allowed to discriminate against students based on race, religion, culture, hairstyles or cultural or religious headdresses. Last Tuesday, a panel of appeals court judges overturned the decision to dismiss the lawsuit, arguing in part that because Cibola offers services to the community as a whole that it was in fact a public accommodation. New Mexicos schools obviously have a responsibility to make their classrooms a safe and welcoming space for everyone, ACLU of New Mexico Senior Indigenous Justice Staff Attorney Preston Sanchez, who works on the lawsuit, told the Journal. This court ruling establishes a clear precedent that our states anti-discrimination protections extend to students such as McKenzie. APS has 30 days from May 23 to file its notice of appeal to the state Supreme Court, Sanchez said. Whether that happens or not, Johnson acknowledged this is likely far from the end of the lawsuit though shes open to settling the case so she can move on with her life. In the meantime, shes doing all she can to do so on her own. A recent honors graduate of Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute, Johnson said she now aims to move on to the University of New Mexico to continue studying business administration. But while she cant quite close the book on what happened to her in high school, she does still see the need for seeing it through. Id like others to look back at my case and see what weve done, so that they can follow by example, pursue, keep going, she said. It shouldnt happen again. A former Albuquerque paramedic whose methamphetamine-induced paranoia led him to fatally shoot another motorist on the Big I in July 2019 was sentenced to serve 14 years in prison Friday. Donald Duquette, 55, was convicted in early February of second-degree murder and shooting at or from a motor vehicle causing great bodily harm in the death of Jose Ruben Diaz. Diaz was found shot in the head inside his work truck after it crashed against the south wall of Interstate 40. In what prosecutors described as an act of random violence, Duquette fired five times at Diazs truck as both vehicles were traveling east on the freeway on July 15, 2019. One of the bullets struck Diaz, 45, in the head and Duquette drove off. That night, Duquette showed up in tears at the New Mexico State Police office in Albuquerque to confess. He thought Diaz had tried to run him off the road, and planned to kidnap a woman he had just met to sell for heroin, according to police reports. Diaz was unarmed and investigators believe that he was merely trying to merge onto Interstate 25 south behind Duquette. The two men didnt know each other. Before the incident, Duquette told police, he had smoked methamphetamine and marijuana at a friends house and became so paranoid that people were going to kidnap his friends and sell them into slavery for heroin he went home and retrieved four handguns, ammunition and a bulletproof vest because he felt like something was going to happen. At the time of the shooting, he was on the interstate following the woman he had just met as she drove a friends vehicle. He started to believe that the woman was planning to steal the vehicle and then told police he noticed Diazs truck following him. At Fridays sentencing hearing, Duquettes attorney Raymond Maestas said his client believed he was acting in self-defense and described the shooting as a tragic accident. Dr. Simone Viljoen, a Las Vegas, New Mexico, psychologist who interviewed Duquette, told the judge that Duquette had worked nine years as a paramedic for Albuquerque Ambulance but ended that career after he had to respond to the deaths of three children, ages 3 to 8 months, in one day. She said his coping strategy was to use methamphetamines. Duquettes attorney Raymond Maestas said his client is remorseful. Nobody would have even known what happened in this case were it not for Mr. Duquette turning himself in, Maestas said. While a paramedic, he said, My client was doing great things for society, he was helping them when they needed him the most. Maestas said his clients criminal history included two DWIs and a domestic violence charge. Assistant District Attorney Lawrence M. Hansen challenged the idea that Duquette was remorseful, noting he had claimed self-defense at trial. State District Judge Courtney Weaks imposed the 14-year sentence and noted that Diaz was apparently returning home after a night at a casino. He was just trying to get home that night, Weaks said. Im certainly sympathetic about the trauma you experienced saving lives, but you decided to self-medicate with one of the most dangerous substances there is. Weaks said she was also concerned about his level of paranoia at the time and the arsenal of weapons and the bulletproof vest he picked up before the shooting. Duquette escaped a harsher sentence after a first-degree murder charge against him was dismissed because the evidence showed the shooting wasnt premeditated. You obviously are not going to die in prison, Weaks said of the term of sentence. But she added that for the rest of his life Duquette will remember that he took away the life of a human being. The Second Judicial District Court is composed of 30 judges. The judges serving in the Second Judicial District are a diverse group, who live in this community. We took an oath we will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution and the laws of the state of New Mexico and faithfully and impartially discharge the duties of District Court judge. Our decisions are to be based on the law and our constitutional and ethical responsibilities. The Second Judicial District Court has many specialty courts that seek to address specific areas of concern. One such court is the Second Judicial District Felony Repeat Offender DWI Court. The SJDC Felony Repeat Offender DWI program has had 78 graduates since its inception in March 2013, with a success rate of 98.68%. This specialty courts core team consists of representatives from the District Attorneys Office, the Law Offices of the Public Defender, Albuquerque Behavioral Health, the program manager and the District Court judge. It is the mission of the SJDC Felony Repeat Offender DWI Court to provide treatment and accountability for repeat felony offenders in the Second Judicial District. The program provides an alternative to incarceration and reduces repeat offender recidivism, in addition to offering solutions for New Mexicos unique struggles with felony DWI offenders. The Felony Repeat Offender DWI Court program follows all DWI Court guiding principles: Screening and assessment, population targeting, procedural and distributive justice, judicial interaction, monitoring, treatment, relapse prevention, aftercare and community integration. The program uses intensive supervision, accountability and long-term treatment. It requires therapeutic treatment. The treatment component of the program is comprehensive and is designed to develop self-awareness, realize self-worth and practice self-discipline, with individual and group counseling sessions. The program often assists the offender in identifying issues they may not have been aware of that can be addressed and will help them successfully complete the program and reduce the risk of recidivism. Graduation is achieved after the participant has successfully completed all assignments and time requirements for each phase of the program. The program uses incentives and sanctions as tools. The participant must demonstrate to the SJDC Felony Repeat Offender DWI Court team that the aftercare plan is fully and actively being followed. The SJDC Felony Repeat Offender DWI Court team and the specialty court judge are the final determinants of the eligibility for the participant to graduate from the program. This is a lengthy process that takes about two years to complete. This program is open for repeat offenders who are charged with their fourth through sixth DWI. The 98.68% success rate shows this program is better than just housing offenders in prison for a term and not addressing the underlying issue of alcoholism. Many DWI offenders are often self-medicating mental health issues. This program allows the offenders to learn about the underlying issues that led to their drinking and provides a way in which they can address those issues. The Second Judicial District Felony Repeat Offender DWI Court Program is a successful program that was awarded a city of Albuquerque Proclamation on Jan. 20, 2016, for interventions with New Mexicos DWI problem and efforts in making the streets of the city of Albuquerque safer. The SJDC DWI program was also awarded a Bureau of Justice Assistance federal grant in January 2016 for program enhancement. As a member of the community, I am pleased to serve the Bernalillo County community. Judge Emeterio Rudolfo is a Criminal Court judge of the 2nd Judicial District Court. Opinions expressed here are solely those of the judge individually and not those of the court. Information about the Felony Repeat Offender DWI Court Program was taken from a report put together by the SJDC Felony Repeat Offender DWI Courts program manager, Anthony Rodulfo. SANTA FE Citing her age and health, state Rep. Christine Trujillo, D-Albuquerque, said Saturday that she has submitted her resignation and plans to leave the Legislature at the end of the month. The Bernalillo County Commission will appoint a replacement. Trujillo, a former chairwoman of the Legislative Education Study Committee, said she is particularly proud of her work on education and health policy. I feel like I made a good contribution Trujillo, whos 69, said. A retired teacher, she co-sponsored legislation this year requiring free tampons and other menstrual products to be available in school bathrooms. It was signed into law by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham in March. Trujillo also has pushed for increased funding for education and domestic violence programs and to address a backlog of untested sexual assault evidence kits. I feel like my voice helped change the culture for women at the Legislature, she said. In an interview Saturday, Trujillo said its a good time to retire from the Legislature, having served for 11 years, longer than she expected. It will also help her focus on her health, she said. Its my time, Trujillo said. Im getting older. Trujillos district covers a chunk of the older Northeast Heights in Albuquerque, including neighborhoods between Carlisle and Louisiana on both sides of Interstate 40. Her resignation is effective July 1. House Speaker Javier Martinez, D-Albuquerque, called Trujillo an important voice in our chamber who has spoken up for students, teachers and working people. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) Police officers found Tony Peralta earlier this month sitting on a curb not far from the convenience store in a small southeastern New Mexico community where he borrowed a cellphone so he could call 911 and confess to killing his landlord 15 years earlier. Sweating and taking puffs from his cigarette, he told them hes tired of covering it up, tired of living with the lie and tired of being overwhelmed by guilt. He agreed to take the officers to where he buried the body before standing up and volunteering to be cuffed. Police in Roswell released the 911 recording and nearly an hour of officer body camera video in response to a records request filed by The Associated Press. The May 1 footage shows Peralta repeatedly thanking the officers for picking him up. I confess, man. I confess. I dont want to live life anymore without confessing, he said while sitting in an interview room at police headquarters. The uniformed officers and detectives who talked with Peralta peppered him with questions about when the killing happened, how he did it and why. Peralta kept answering that he didnt know or didnt remember, acknowledging that he had been drinking a lot the day he called 911. Peralta, 37, was arraigned Tuesday on a charge of first-degree murder but did not attend the hearing. He pleaded not guilty to the charge through his public defender, Ray Conley, who declined to comment after the hearing. Conley has said he will ensure Peraltas due process is respected as the case moves through court. A judge on Tuesday also set Peraltas trial for October but said that date could change. At times, the authorities had asked if Peralta was making up the story and leading them on a goose chase since he wasnt providing many details, other than saying he had killed someone a long time ago. Theres a dead body in there, dude! he told one officer while in the back of a patrol car parked in front of the home where he once was a tenant of 69-year-old William Blodgett. Peralta said hed feel better once the body was found. Investigators said they obtained a search warrant and found a boot, bones and dentures after removing plywood floorboards from a detached room on the side of the house. The dentures were compared with Blodgetts dental records obtained in early 2009 after he was reported missing and that led to a positive identification, according to police. A tearful Peralta told police he didnt know why he had killed Blodgett. At one point, police video shows him putting his head down onto a table during an interview and sobbing. Peralta told police he decided to come forward because his heart hurts and that he thought about it every day. He told an officer that Blodgett was a good man and that he took his life for no reason while high on methamphetamine. I dont have an excuse, he told police. A lot of people have an excuse. I dont have one. Blodgetts girlfriend and family had not seen him since late December 2008. She told police that Peralta, who was considered a suspect by police early on, allegedly had some sort or argument or fight with Blodgett, who had tried to evict him. Authorities at the time had talked to Blodgetts family, friends and neighbors and visited the home the two men shared, which appeared to have been abandoned with personal belongings still in place. Police found no immediate signs of foul play and Blodgetts vehicle was still there, according to the original missing person report. Detectives would periodically drive by the house but never spotted anyone. They also brought a dog trained to sniff for bodies to the property but found nothing. Police said the case went cold after investigators exhausted all leads until Peraltas 911 call. ____ Associated Press writer Rio Yamat in Las Vegas, Nev., contributed to this report. Instagram/AP Celebrity The later hip-hop legend, who passed away in September 1996, will receive his star in the recording category during a public ceremony at 6212 Hollywood Blvd on June 7. Jun 3, 2023 AceShowbiz - Boosie Badazz (Lil Boosie) was left in disbelief upon learning that Tupac Shakur hasn't received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Though the late rapper will be honored posthumously next week, the "Wipe Me Down" emcee was still unhappy with it. "Tupac ain't ON THE HOLLYWOOD WALK OF FAME?" the 40-year-old argued on Twitter on Thursday, June 1. "WTF THE DISRESPECT !! Don't worry he saying F**K YALL from the Grave." Fans were also shocked to hear the news. "Wait wait wait so Nipsey got one before Pac???!!!! They both deserve it but dang Pac was one of Nipseys influences! This is loooooooong overdue!" one person raged, while another added, "Why did it take so long? He been dead 25 years!!!!" A different person shared similar sentiment, "Should've had one yeaaaars ago." Tupac will receive his star in the recording category during a public ceremony at 6212 Hollywood Blvd on June 7. The event will be hosted by L.A. radio host Big Boy and guest speakers will include director Allen Hughes (Hulu documentary series Dear Mama), writer Jamal Joseph and Tupac's sister Sekyiwa "Set" Shakur, who will accept the star. "Tupac Shakur was a rapper, actor, activist, poet, and revolutionary," said Ana Martinez, producer of the Hollywood Walk of Fame. "This iconic artist has continued to be part of the zeitgeist for decades after his passing and will continue to be an important cultural figure for many years to come. Surely, as one of L.A.'s own, Tupac's star will be added to the list of most visited stars." You can share this post! Cover Images/Dave Allocca/Starpix Celebrity The 'Basic Instinct' star, who was rushed to the hospital in 2001 after suffering a brain hemorrhage, claims she hasn't had jobs although she recovered for seven years. Jun 3, 2023 AceShowbiz - Sharon Stone says she was frozen out of Hollywood after suffering a stroke. The "Basic Instinct" actress, 65, was rushed to the hospital in 2001 after suffering a brain hemorrhage that lasted nine days, forcing her to step away from her career for two years, which she says has led to her being out of the movies for 20 years. She told Page Six at The Hollywood Reporter's "Raising our Voices" event this week, "I recovered for seven years, and I haven't had jobs since. When it first happened, I didn't want to tell anybody because you know if something goes wrong with you, you're out. Something went wrong with me - I've been out for 20 years. I haven't had jobs. I was a very big movie star at one point in my life." Despite her being part of cinema's most recognizable scenes thanks to her leg-crossing moment in 1992's "Basic Instinct" and a 1996 Oscar nomination for best actress for her role as crazed hustler Ginger McKenna in Martin Scorsese's "Casino", she feels like she has "lost everything" since her health scare. She told Variety in 2019, "I lost my place in the business. I was like the hottest movie star, you know? It was like Miss Princess Diana and I were so famous - and she died and I had a stroke. And we were forgotten. You find yourself at the back of the line in your business, as I did. You have to figure yourself out all over again." Sharon's roles after her stroke have included parts in films such as "Catwoman", "Lovelace" and "The Laundromat". Sharon, who has an estimated $60 million fortune, told a Women's Cancer Fund event on March 23, days after the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank she had lost half her money in the recent financial crisis. She said, "I just lost half my money to this banking thing and that doesn't mean that I'm not here." Sharon has also repeatedly alleged she was tricked by "RoboCop" and "Showgirls" director Paul Verhoeven, 84, into stripping off her underwear for her famous "Basic Instinct" police interrogation scene, in which her psychotic bisexual character uncrosses her legs to briefly reveal her privates. You can share this post! Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 3) The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has condemned the killing of radio broadcaster Cresenciano Aldovino Bunduquin, citing his coverage of local environmental issues in Calapan, Oriental Mindoro. "I condemn the killing of Cresenciano Bunduquin and urge the authorities to pursue those responsible and ensure they are brought to justice," UNESCO director general Audrey Azoulay said in a statement. "The continued targeting of journalists reporting on environmental issues represents a particularly concerning trend for freedom of expression," she added. Bunduquin was killed on May 31 by two gunmen on a motorcycle. He was shot four times. READ: Oriental Mindoro radio broadcaster shot dead He was a radio program host of "Balita at Talakayan," which aired on radio stations DWXR 101.7 Kalahi FM and MUX Online Radio. According to reports, Bunduquin received death threats related to his coverage of local environmental issues. The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) in Region IV-B is investigating the killing of Bunduquin. "CHR decries this latest incident of brazen media killing," the agency said Thursday in a statement. "It is incumbent upon the State to ensure the resolution of all media killings and harassment to curb impunity and create an enabling environment for press freedom," it added. In an earlier report, UNESCO reported 86 journalists were killed worldwide in 2022. Four were from the Philippines, including Jaynard Angeles, Federico "Ding" Gempesaw, Renato Blanco and Percival "Percy Lapid" Mabasa. RELATED: Journalist killings worldwide up nearly 50% in 2022 UNESCO Cover Images/John Nacion Celebrity Nearly one month after announcing their engagement, the 'Stranger Things' actress and her model fiance celebrate their betrothal in an intimate outdoor party. Jun 3, 2023 AceShowbiz - Millie Bobby Brown turned heads at her engagement party. Nearly one month after going public about her betrothal to Jake Bongiovi, the "Stranger Things" star stunned in an abs-baring outfit as she and her model fiance celebrated their commitment to one another. On Thursday, June 1, the 19-year-old actress was joined by her 21-year-old fiance and their families in an intimate outdoor party. On the occasion, she wore a chic white lace bralet and matching long lace skirt, as seen in a series of Instagram photos shared by her hairstylist Pete Burkill. Millie's two-piece white lace set was designed by Italian designer Giambattista Valli. The young actress completed her look by styling her shoulder-length brunette hair in loose waves. She also kept her look simple and elegant by opting to wear only her engagement ring as her accessory. Her husband-to-be Jake, in the meantime, looked dapper in an unbuttoned green blazer, which came with wide lapels, and a pair of matching pants. Under the blazer, he sported a button-up white shirt to match with his fiancee. He completed his ensemble with a black belt. In the pictures, Millie and Jake could be seen posing in front of a heart-shaped decoration with a white neon sign that read, "Mr. & Mrs. Bongiovi." The decor had a bunch of white balloons on its outline. Among those, one photo in particular displayed the young lovebirds gazing lovingly at each other. Accompanying the pictures, Millie's hairstylist detailed in the caption, "Congrats to this beautiful couple! Hair by @peteburkill using: @got2b GLUED Blasting Freeze Hairspray to secure & hold the finished look & Smooth Operator to make @milliebobbybrown's hair super silky." "And the GLUED Water-Resistant Spiking Gel on @jakebongiovi for an ultra strong hold. @foxylocks tapes in shade cocoa," the hairstylist went on to elaborate. "Makeup @busterknight Styling @kittykellystyle. #milliebobbybrown #jakebongiovi #engaged #beautifulcouple #peteburkillhair #got2b #foxylocks #love." Millie and Jake threw the engagement party nearly a month after they surprised many with their engagement. On April 11, Millie let out a black-and-white picture capturing her and Jake smiling from ear to ear as she showed off her engagement ring. "I've loved you three summers now, honey, I want 'em all," she captioned the post at that time. You can share this post! Cover Images/BauerGriffin Celebrity When celebrating her 50th birthday with her loved ones, the 'America's Got Talent' judge pairs her sparkling dress with white fur outer and silvery jeweled headpiece. Jun 3, 2023 AceShowbiz - Heidi Klum has glammed up for her birthday celebration. Turning 50 years old on Thursday, June 1, the "America's Got Talent" judge dazzled in sheer gown as she celebrated her special day with a Gatsby-inspired bash. Spending her special day surrounded by her loved ones, the supermodel opted to wear an overflowing long sheer gown at her glamorous party. Sharing her bling-bling look was Evangelo Bousis, the husband of fashion designer Peter Dundas, via Instagram on Friday, June 2. Heidi's barely-there dress, which was speculated to be designed by Peter, came with sparkling silvery beads on it. For the special occasion, she completed her look with a white fur outer, a silvery jeweled headpiece on her forehead, as well as sparkling eye makeup. In Evangelo's post, Heidi could be seen posing also with husband Tom Kaulitz and actress pal Sofia Vergara. Along with the group picture, Evangelo exclaimed in the caption, "HEIDI'S ROARING 50TH!!!! Happy Birthday @heidiklum," and added a red heart emoji. During the bash, Heidi also posed for a photo with her bestie Sofia. On Friday, Sofia shared their selfie on her Instagram account. Posing with their heads close to each other, the pair of close friends could be seen wearing matching sparkling headpieces with different designs. Accompanying her post, Sofia wished Heidi a happy birthday. The former "Modern Family" star wrote in the caption, "Feliz cumpleanos to one of my favorite people in the whole wile world!! [red heart emoji] u @heidiklum." Heidi herself has offered a peek at her party by reposting an Instagram video originally shared by photographer Kristian Schuller. The clip documented the model jumping and dancing in front of a huge birthday cake. She was smiling from ear to ear and was full of energy. She captioned the clip with a slew of white heart emojis. Heidi's post was quick to receive birthday wishes from her followers. In the comments section of the post, one in particular wrote, "Happy birthday heidi klum [red heart emoji]." Another chimed in, "HAPPY BIRTHDAY HEIDI I LOVE YOU." Meanwhile, a third commented, "You had a great time on your day." You can share this post! Instagram Celebrity While he praises the 'GOOBA' rapper, the 40-year-old Baton Rouge native also supports the people who attacked the New York emcee at the LA Fitness on March 21. Jun 3, 2023 AceShowbiz - Boosie Badazz (Lil Boosie) was impressed by how 6ix9ine handled his infamous gym attack. The "Wipe Me Down" rapper gave a shout-out to the "GOOBA" spitter while weighing in on the matter in a new interview. The 40-year-old offered his two cents when addressing news about 6ix9ine attackers starting a GoFundMe page to cover their legal fees. "I like how 6ix9ine took it, bro. I ain't lying," he said on VladTV. "I like how he manned it out." Boosie, however, also supported the people who attacked the New York emcee. "We need more people like those guys around the world," he declared. "These people ratting and hurting families, breaking families up. Killing baby mama dreams. Killing kids' dreams. Taking fathers and mothers away from their children. It gotta be some kind of consequence." 6ix9ine was attacked at the LA Fitness located in the 8000 block of Lantana Road in Lake Worth on March 21. He was taken to the hospital with several injuries, but he appeared to be okay as he resurfaced in Cuba several days later. Three suspects were already arrested. They are Rafael Medina Jr., 43, Octavious Medina, 23, and Anthony Maldonado, 25, who have all been booked for assaulting and robbing the rap star. They are accused of taking 6ix9ine's $3,000 Balenciaga shoes, an iPhone and the $1,200 key fob to his Lamborghini. Following the arrest, the Palm Beach County Sheriff says the oldest of the three men arrested, Rafael, is a documented Latin Kings gang member who, for several years, has held a high-ranking position within the gang. You can share this post! Faye D'Souza, an independent journalist, has recently unveiled her news app called Beatroot News, which is now available for a limited number of downloads on the Google Play Store and iOS App Store. During an Instagram Live session where she introduced her team, D'Souza provided insights into the reasoning behind the app's name. She emphasized that news should be seen as a vital source of information, comparable to a vegetable rather than a delicacy like Butter Chicken. D'Souza acknowledged that many young individuals avoid consuming news due to its toxic nature. With Beatroot News, her aim is to deliver news without the negativity and toxicity. Faye D'Souza stepped down as the executive editor of Mirror Now in September 2019 and has since been sharing news on her social media page. She used to present a short news segment called 'Facts First with Faye' on Firework. With 1.6 million Instagram followers, she has a large following among young people. The news about the launch of Beatroot has been circulating for three years. Russia will return to full compliance new start treaty If Washington abandons its hostile stance towards Moscow, Russian news agencies reported, citing Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov. The United States said earlier this week it would stop providing Russia with some information required under an arms control treaty, including updates on its missile and launcher locations, in response to Moscows ongoing violations of the accord. Can be avenged. According to Ryabkov, the move did not come as a surprise to Moscow and Russia Suspend the New START Treaty Stands in spite of any counter-measures. Russia stands by its decision The Tass news agency quoted him as saying, Regardless of any measures or retaliation from the US, our decision to suspend the START treaty remains unshakable. And our own condition for returning to a fully operational treaty is that the United States abandon its fundamentally hostile stance toward Russia. In a fact sheet on its website, the State Department said the United States would stop giving Russia Flight telemetry information remotely collected data on launches of US intercontinental and submarine-launched ballistic missiles. Two LGBTQ Pride organizations in Florida are canceling their annual June events, and the Department of Defense is putting an end to a scheduled drag show on an Air Force Base in Nevada. In the Nashville suburb of Franklin, Tenn., the mayor broke a tie vote in April to grant a city permit to allow an annual Pride event to take place despite fierce opposition. But in conservative Alabama, none of 40 or so organized Pride events scheduled this month face cancellation despite some pockets of criticism occurring in recent weeks. City officials reached in a handful of cities hosting events say they have received minimal, if any, complaints leading up to National Pride Month, which is always held in June. Fairhope reaction The loudest of complaints appear to be occurring in Fairhope, where a group of residents spoke out against the second annual Color Fairhope with Pride event Saturday near the citys iconic pier. There is a good reason to think that what is happening legislatively is driving more interest to the local levels, said Corey Harvard, executive director of Prism United, which is hosting Pride events in Mobile and Fairhope this month. Its not something weve seen in the better part of the five years weve operated and in the seven years of doing LGBTQ youth programming. The event will go on as scheduled, but a city council member confirmed that a rally opposing the LGBTQ communitys function will occur simultaneously. Some of those opponents showed up at a recent Fairhope City Council meeting and criticized the city for not stopping the gathering or a drag queen brunch that will be held Sunday at a private venue. Residents who spoke at the councils May 22 meeting blasted the Pride events as lewd and geared toward grooming children. Another speaker said that one of the council members should do a Bud Light commercial, in reference to ongoing conservative criticism directed at Anheuser Busch over a partnership with a transgender influencer. Fairhope Mayor Sherry Sullivan said that Prism United paid for off-duty officers to work their event, and that no march was planned to be held through the city. She said she is getting a mix of calls from people complaining about the Pride event, and from those who are supporters. They have a right to peaceful assembly, said longtime Fairhope City Councilman Jack Burrell. Its a constitutional right. There are a lot of organizations people dont agree with. But its not illegal. I think people need to be very careful on trampling on these peoples rights. It might be their groups that are targeted next. Its not American to do that. Reactions elsewhere No other city is getting similar backlash, at least not as public as Fairhope. In Auburn, Mayor Gary Fuller says hes gotten some calls concerned about a Pride on the Plains event that includes a short march from City Hall to the Lee County Courthouse. But, he noted, its the same event held as in any other year. Decatur Mayor Tab Bowling said he has received only one text message from a local minister about the annual River City Pride event at a public park in the citys historic downtown. And city officials and event organizers in Florence say they have not gotten complaints ahead of a June 10 event at a downtown park. Josh Coleman, president of Central Alabama Pride, said the 45th annual event in Birmingham on June 10-11, will draw the typical one to two protesters during the parade. We always expect that and plan for it, Coleman said. He said that roughly 10,000 people attended last years parade, making it likely the largest in the state. He expects this years parade, which occurs June 10, to draw an even bigger crowd. Mobile ArtWalk In Mobile on Tuesday, resident Cathy Odom raised concerns before the City Council about a June 9 LODA ArtWalk, Pride parade and Drag show at Cathedral Square. She urged the council to have the drag show take place inside a venue and before an adult crowd. Councilman Ben Reynolds agreed. I dont think the government should play a role in the advertisement in the protected category of age, sex, or national origin, he said. If the government is making these decisions on who they will sponsor and not sponsor, its essentially (pitting) one group against another. We generally get along if the government generally stays out of it. A city spokesman, in an email, said that Mobiles Parks and Recreation Department sponsors ArtWalk, and that the citys staff sets a theme each month but that many individual activities during ArtWalk are organized/sponsored by third-party organizations. Jason Johnson, the city spokesman, pointed to several examples including the November ArtWalks theme based on Native American Heritage Month, but that one of the key features of the event was a showcase by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. Similarly, he said, the citys Parks and Recreation Department set the June ArtWalk to coincide with National Pride Month, but that the drag show at Cathedral Square is not being organized nor funded by the city. It is being organized by the non-profit group, Rainbow Pride. Previous years ArtWalk events during Pride month did not generate public opposition. Cathedral Square is a public space, and our public spaces are open to all citizens, Johnson said. There are processes that govern the use of public property and facilities, but the City of Mobile does not discriminate based on age, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or any other protected characteristic. So long as the City of Mobile owns Cathedral Square, it will be open to everyone. A Cold War relic on the site of a decommissioned U.S. Army post in Alabama is on the market. Known locally as Starships, the barracks and surrounding property is being offered for $1.5 million by The Luxe Group, according to The Anniston Star. The property consists of 30 concrete buildings with three million square feet of indoor space. There are 10 barracks with 20 rooms each, two large gymnasiums, and more than 90 acres of usable flat land on the old Ft. McClellan site. The property was sold earlier this year for back taxes. Pine Valley One, of Chicago, currently has a lien on the property. .Julie Moss, executive director of the McClellan Development Authority, said there are a few interested parties looking at the property. The authority is a non-profit public corporation made to speed economic development of the former fort. The barracks were refurbished back in 2005 in an effort to take in refugees from Hurricane Katrina, though the property only saw a few seeking refuge. Singapore (CNN) A war over Taiwan would be devastating and affect the global economy in ways we cannot imagine, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has warned, as he underlined US support for the island democracy. Conflict is neither imminent nor inevitable. Deterrence is strong today and its our job to keep it that way, Austin said in remarks at the Shangri-La Dialogue security summit on Saturday, which is being attended by representatives from dozens of countries including China. The whole world has a stake in maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. The security of commercial shipping lanes and global supply chains depends on it. And so does freedom of navigation worldwide. Make no mistake: conflict in the Taiwan Strait would be devastating. In a question and answer session after his speech, Austin added: Conflict in the Taiwan Strait would affect the global economy in ways we cannot imagine. Chinas ruling Communist Party claims Taiwan as part of its territory, despite never having controlled it, and its increasingly frequent military exercises near to and around the island have raised concerns about how far it will go to realize that claim. Chinas leader Xi Jinping has pointedly not ruled out the use of force. Austins comments come at a tense time for relations between the US and China, as China recently rejected an offer from Austin to meet at the summit in Singapore, citing US sanctions on Chinese officials and companies. Austin addressed the lack of communication in his speech on Saturday, saying that he is deeply concerned that the Peoples Republic of China has been unwilling to engage more seriously on better mechanisms for crisis management. For responsible leaders, the right time to talk is anytime. The right time to talk is every time. And the right time to talk is now, Austin said. Dialogue is not a reward. It is a necessity. Austin noted that he and Chinese Defense Minister Li Shangfu greeted each other with a smile at a banquet Friday night, but called on Beijing to do more. A cordial handshake over dinner is no substitute for serious engagement, he said. Throughout his speech, Austin listed off ways that the US is partnering with allies in the region, saying that those partnerships are bringing the region closer and making it more stable and resilient. Austin reaffirmed that the US will continue to stand by our allies and partners as they uphold their rights, and maintain our vigorous, responsible presence across the Indo-Pacific. Criticizing China for its alarming number of risky intercepts of US and allied aircraft in international airspace, Austin added that the US would support allies and partners against coercion and bullying. We do not seek conflict or confrontation, Austin said. But we will not flinch in the face of bullying or coercion. Austin reaffirmed US readiness in the region. The way that you deter any misguided decisions is by having a combat-credible military, he said in answer to a question, adding that the US will be ready no matter what happens. Drew Thompson, a senior research fellow at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore, said Austin laid out a positive and inclusive vision for the region, adding that it is a vision that has benefited Beijing for decades. The next move will be Beijings. Defense Minister Li addresses the Shangri-La forum on Sunday morning. It will be interesting to see how General Li responds tomorrow, Thompson said. In many ways the door is open for China to engage cooperatively with the US and other countries in the region to contribute to stability, he said. This story was first published on CNN.com. "Taiwan war would be devastating, warns US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin as he criticizes China at Shangri-La security summit" Joran van der Sloots extradition to the United States to stand trial on charges he attempted extort the mother of missing Mountain Brook teen Natalee Holloway is underway, according to multiple news reports. ABC News on Friday was first to report that the extradition could happen Saturday, citing unnamed sources. In the coming days, the INPE (National Penitentiary Institute) will hand over the condemned man to Interpol Peru with the goal of handing him over to U.S. authorities from the FBI, a statement from the INPE released Saturday read, according to The Associated Press. Journalist Greta Van Susteren, who was the first to share the news of Natalees disappearance with a national TV audience while at Fox News in 2005, tweeted Friday that ABC News report was inaccurate. Here is a timeline of the Natalee Holloway case This is what is wrong w/overuse of anonymous sourceswhy is ABC News publishing this? she tweeted. CNN and Fox News have since also reported that the extradition is likely underway. Efforts by AL.com to independently confirm the reports were not immediately successful Col. Carlos Lopez Aeda, the chief of Interpol in Lima, Peru told Fox News Digital on Friday evening that officials will begin taking van der Sloot from Challapalca Prison to a maximum security prison in Lima at midnight, Fox News reported. Fox News reported that van der Sloot could be back in the U.S. by Sunday. Van der Sloot attorney Maximo Altez told AP he estimated the extradition could take place on Tuesday, but Peruvian officials did not confirm this day. Altez this past week said van der Sloot was in the Peruvian prisons medical aisle after being severely beaten in a gang dispute inside the Callapalca Prison. He is imprisoned in the worst prison in the world, referring the maximum-security Challapalca prison, Altez told AP on Saturday. Any prison in the United States is a five-star hotel in comparison, he said. At the end of this, he has to be returned to Peru, Altez said. He will spend at most two years in the United States. Altez said his client denies being guilty of the crimes of extortion and fraud. In May, it was announced that van der Sloot would be extradited from Peru, where he was convicted of the 2010 murder of Lima college student Stephany Flores. Flores was killed five years to the day of Natalees disappearance in Aruba. A federal grand jury in Birmingham indicted van der Sloot in 2010 on charges of extortion and wire fraud after Beth Holloway paid him a $25,000 down payment to lead her to Natalees remains. It turned out that he lied about the location of the body. Holloway would now be 36 years old. This past Sunday was the 18th anniversary of her disappearance while on a graduation trip. A 2001 treaty between Peru and the U.S. allows a suspect to be temporarily extradited to face trial in the other country. It requires that the prisoner be returned after judicial proceedings are concluded against that person, in accordance with conditions to be determined by both countries. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Huntsville police say a motorcyclist has died and five others were taken to a local hospital after a seven-vehicle crash early Saturday morning. Police say officers responded to the area of Highway 53 and Research Park Boulevard around 2 a.m. after reports of a crash, where they found one person dead and five others suffering non-life threatening injuries. Huntsville Police Department Communications Specialist Sydney Martin said that the deceased has been identified as 57-year-old Jackie Jones, who was riding a motorcycle at the time of the crash. Martin said the driver of the vehicle that caused the wreck fled the area on foot. Anyone with information about the crash is urged to call Huntsville Police at 256-722-7100. The five other people injured in the crash were taken by Huntsville Emergency Medical Services, Inc. to the hospital. No further information was available as of Saturday morning. The man charged in the 2019 deaths of the Auburn announcer Rod Bramblett and his wife, Paula, in a wreck is facing more charges Friday for allegedly using synthetic urine to fool a drug test in an unrelated case, court records showed. Johnston Edward Taylor, who was 16 years old when he was charged with manslaughter in the deaths of the Brambletts, has been in the Lee County Jail since January for failing a drug test stemming from unrelated child pornography charges. Taylor, now 20, was granted youthful offender status in the manslaughter cases. Sentences in youthful offender status cases are not made public, although whatever punishment he received carried a three-year maximum term. On Friday, Taylor used a bottle of urine that had a hand warmer attached to the bottle, according to the complaint filed against him in Lee County Circuit Court. The complaint said the purpose of the synthetic urine was to defraud an alcohol, drug or urine screening test. The drug test was required as a condition of Taylors bond after he was charged with six counts of possession of child pornography in June 2022. Taylor is also seeking youthful offender status in the child porn cases. A hearing is set for July 18 on the request. His bond was revoked in January after failing a drug test, according to an order by Lee County Circuit Court Judge Russell Bush. Taylor was 16 on May 25, 2019 when he was traveling south in the outside lane on Shug Jordan Parkway approaching West Samford Avenue in his Jeep Laredo. The Brambletts, in a 2017 Toyota Highlander, were stopped in the southbound outside lane of Shug Jordan parkway at a traffic light. The Jeep struck the Brambletts SUV to the right of center, according to the crash report. The impact caused the Jeep to hit a pedestrian and a traffic light pole before coming to a final rest. The Brambletts vehicle was pushed into the intersection and through the opposing lanes of traffic before coming to a final rest on the curb. Taylors blood sample contained THC, which is the primary psychoactive component of marijuana, and is indicative of recent usage of marijuana at the time of the collision, records state. The teen was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. Paula Bramblett, 53, was airlifted from the scene but had to be diverted to East Alabama Medical Center due to the severity of her injuries. She was pronounced dead in the emergency room from multiple internal injuries. Rod Bramblett, 52, who was the driver of the Highlander, was airlifted to UAB Hospital in Birmingham, where he later died from a closed head injury. At the time of the deadly crash, Taylor was driving 89 mph in a 55-mph zone, under the influence of marijuana, and still accelerating, authorities said, when he rammed into the back of the couples SUV. A judge in April of 2021 granted Taylor youthful offender status in the manslaughter cases. Lee County Circuit Judge P.B. McLauchlin, a retired judge handling the case, in his order said, At the time of the accident the defendant was a 16-year-old teenager with no prior criminal history, who had smoked or used marijuana and had been diagnosed with marijuana use disorder, McLauchlin wrote. None of this justifies what happened; however, it does lend itself to treatment as a Youthful Offender. The youthful offender status eliminates a jury trial, if there is a trial, and the range of punishment goes from two to 20 years had he been tried as an adult to zero to three years maximum. Youth offender cases are sealed, so the outcome of that case is not made public. This is an opinion column It all started with a simple question. I asked her what kind of toys she had played with when she was a kid growing up in Wilcox County. At least it seemed a simple question. The only reason it was on my mind at all was becausewell, I am having a bit of the empty nest thing going on and in redoing bedrooms, one of them is decorated with vintage toys. I had shown her the room and some of the things I have recently added a Gunsmoke puzzle, a Little Lulu tea set, and a Whitman version of Old Maid. We are only about eight years apart, and even with me raised in Clarke and her over here in Wilcox, I assumed there would be some commonality as we would have been two girls from roughly the same generation raised about 30 miles apart. She laughed gently at my question, explaining that there had been no toys in her world when she was growing up, that she grew up down in Taits Swamp. She had mentioned before about being raised in Taits Swamp. She was raised by one set of her grandparents, within running distance of the other set. She had told me about how they would walk to church, even at night. She remembers summer revivals, walking back home after darkon a road that was what remained of a wagon trail. She remembers being scared of ghosts, and sounds in the night. Pledger Cemetery and its inhabitants was along the path. It still is. She said she would always run passed it because everybody claimed it was haunted. She remembers being chased by cows, as the last trek to the church was a pasture. They walked to church, because there wasnt a car. Which meant they would walk to the church every school day to meet the bus, because the school bus could not make it down the road that was the remains of a wagon trail. That changed after the new road was built. The new road is no longer new, but is still red dirt and prone to flooding. There are places where you can still see the banks of the old trail. I wanted to see this. I dont know why, but people who live in secluded areas like to go back in time. We try and retrace the steps of what used to be. Maybe it is like this in all areas, maybe it is not confined to rural areas but for here specifically, this place is different. Some places started as nothing and became something. This area is the opposite. There are remnants of what used to be, and something about walking through what remains allows you to feel the spirit of the place. So one sunny day last week, we planned a picnic in Taits Swamp. I packed a cooler. We drove into Camden and got a couple of Club sandwiches before driving back to Canton Bend, and down the road that leads to Taits Swamp. She said there was a group of about twenty of them that would walk out every morning, over two miles, and back in the evening. There is not much evidence. We stopped at where the house she grew up in used to be. It is not there. Not even a cornerstone. It was nothing more than a shack, built directly on the ground. But she found a specific pecan tree, a peach tree, and a plum. She found the path that led to the riverbank where here grandparents would fish. She was back homeat this place only 30 miles from where I was raised, but in a completely different world. Amanda Walker is a columnist and contributor with AL.com, The Birmingham News, Selma Times Journal, Thomasville Times, West Alabama Watchman, and Alabama Gazette. Contact her at Walkerworld77@msn.com or at https://www.facebook.com/AmandaWalker.Columnist. (CNN) Under the scorching summer sun at an undisclosed location in Ukraine, an almost invisible drone approaches in the distance. Difficult to spot, the remote-controlled aircraft is also nearly impossible to hear. Its very stealthy, drone maker Valeriy Borovyk says. We call this one Vidsyich (Ukrainian word for repel). The Vidsyich is what Borovyk calls a combat drone, designed to attack Russian positions. Borovyk is one of dozens of drone developers that have sprung up all over Ukraine. A first wave appeared when Russia first occupied Crimea and parts of the Donbas in 2014, and another eight years later when Moscow launched its full-scale invasion. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) were first deployed to help artillery locate Russian targets and now, many believe they are being used to hit targets well inside Russian territory. Borovyk says he and his team developed the Vidsyich for use in combination with other surveillance drones they have also built. It has a range of 40 kilometers and can carry a warhead of two to three kilograms, he says. We mostly concentrate [our attacks] on very expensive [Russian] equipment. Borovyk says his company is in the process of upscaling its production after signing a deal with a factory in Ukraine, which would increase production from 50 drones per month to over 1,000. And they have several models, of all shapes and sizes. His operation is just one small part of an industry built on Ukrainian ingenuity and survival instinct, which the countrys government and military are keen to support. An army of drones Ukrainian and foreign UAV makers rock up early at an open field in the outskirts of Kyiv, to take part in a drone competition organized by the Ministry of Digital Transformation. Today we are looking at FPV (First Person View) drone developers, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Digital Transformation Mykhailo Fedorov says, before surveying the developers. Every few weeks, we conduct various studies, see what is happening in this direction, look for new drone developers, study the results, Fedorov explains. It is very important for us to find companies that can scale, to look at new usage formats, because this is a technological war. The event puts drone-makers to the test, forcing their creations to demonstrate their capabilities in attacking ground targets, chasing fixed-wing drones and even drone dog fights. It attracts the sort of crowd you would expect to see at a gaming or tech convention: geeky, alternative and mostly way too young to have any combat experience. But age is but a number, especially when it comes to patriotism. When Russia invaded, Ukraine had fewer tanks, planes, and missiles, but drones are cheap and relatively easy to produce all qualities that Fedorov says have helped the aircraft become a game changer for the countrys war effort. FPF drones are becoming more and more relevant on the front line because its an opportunity to do a targeted strike, helping narrow the focus of artillery, he explains. So we need tens of thousands of FPV drones every month. Its part of a government initiative called Army of Drones which has relaxed import restrictions and taxes for drone technology, spurring the development of a local industry to better supply the countrys military. And many of the makers at the event are keen to take part, open to adapting their creations to military needs as they hope to secure Ukrainian government support in order to upscale production. Our drone has proven very effective, because it is quickly disassembled and you can work immediately after 5 minutes, Denis Sega, one of the operators at the event says. You can quickly leave the area of work to save the lives of our pilots. Sega says drones were a hobby before the war, then they became indispensable. They are very easy to use, especially if the pilot has flown similar drones, he adds. I think [pilots] will intuitively understand how to work with them. Thats in part what the Ukrainian military is looking for but the man in charge of drone procurement for the Ukrainian military, Brig. Gen. Yuriy Shchyhol, says drones have changed warfare and claims Kyiv can put all types of UAVs to use. Each type of drone has a completely different application, says Shchyhol, the head of the countrys State Service of Special Communications. Both cheap and expensive drones are needed. And drones with different types of communication. The more models we have, the more communication channels we have, the more efficient our work will be. Shchyhol says the ultimate goal is mass production. Around 30 companies in Ukraine are already mass-producing these drones, and our goal is to purchase up to 200,000 by the end of the year, he said. So far we have signed contracts for the purchase of 2,000, and this is only for a few weeks. Every week, this process is scaled up. Quantity and versatility is key especially as Ukraine expands the scope of its drone program as well as their usage on the battlefield. All the way to Moscow When the Moscow region was targeted by drones on Tuesday, the Kremlin was quick to blame Ukraine. But exactly who launched the UAVs, what type they were and from where they were launched remains something of a mystery. Recent attacks on Russian oil refineries and other targets suggest that Ukraine is developing models that can penetrate deeper into Russian territory, but with limited payloads. Images of the drones flying towards Moscow Tuesday, and the fragments purportedly photographed on the ground, are far from conclusive. But one model, with a distinct Vulcan wing design, appears to be similar to a drone used against a Russian oil refinery in Ilysk early in May. Ukrainian volunteers posted images purportedly showing the launch of that drone and the fire at Ilysk. At the time, Serhiy Prytula, whose foundation has raised money for new drone programs, said on Twitter: Remember our big crowdfunding campaign For revenge? Kamikaze UAVs with the range up to 1000 km. Well We cannot neither confirm nor deny, but some ru oil depots have had hard times recently. Ilsky oil refinery in Kuban for example. Other Ukrainian drone attacks, using repurposed Soviet-era vehicles, have targeted Russian air bases, causing what appears to have been limited damage. One longer-range Ukrainian drone is the UJ-22, made by Ukrjet and with a reported range of up to 800 kilometers (500 miles). A drone resembling the UJ-22 either crashed or was brought down about 100 km from Moscow in February. Russian authorities reported it had caused no damage. Posting an image of the crashed drone, Ukrainian official Anton Gerashchenko said it was more than 500 km from the border, adding: Soon Putin might get very afraid to show himself in public as drones can reach far distances. Its unclear whether any UJ-22 were among the drones sent towards Moscow this week, but with a speed of only 120 km/h (75 mph) and a modest payload, its not going to cause massive damage. Ukraine did not directly acknowledge carrying out the attack, but when asked whether Ukraines drones could reach Moscow, Fedorov said there had been some breakthroughs on that front. We are increasing the production of long-range drones, he said. I cannot comment on the details of the missions here. But in this direction, a certain revolution is also taking place regarding production scaling. Many of the developers at the drone competition acknowledge they are working on developing UAVs that can fly longer distances and carry larger payloads. Some have already been successful. Borovyk is one of them. From 15 kilometers to 700 kilometers, depending on the warhead, he says. With a 20 kilogram [warhead], we can go all the way to Moscow. This story was first published on CNN.com. Exclusive: Inside Ukraines secretive drone program In The End of History and the Last Man (1992) Francis Fukuyama argues that the end of history means the end of an era of ideological confrontations, global revolutions, and wars. The Polish writer Stanislaw Lem has pointed out several times that the concept of any ultimate stability comes from an era of utopian and mythological thinking, which has always hoped for some kind of "golden age" or other incarnation of paradise on earth. The book The End of History was a confident and decisive declaration that the ideological struggle was over, and the U.S., with its liberal values, had won this confrontation. "This triumph of the West, the triumph of the Western idea," asserted Fukuyama, "is manifested above all in the complete exhaustion of the once viable alternatives to Western liberalism. [...] What is now being observed is perhaps not simply the end of the Cold War or the end of a period of world history, but the end of history itself; in other words, it is the final point of humanity's ideological evolution and the universalization of Western liberal democracy as the final form of government in human society." According to Fukuyama, there will be no more global wars. The West has won the global war, while its possible opponents have already lost such wars, such as the Soviet Union, which lost the Cold War and collapsed. Fukuyama's historiosophy lacks elementary psychology: totalitarian countries do not recognize the triumph of liberal democracy and are not satisfied with the defeat -- they cherish revenge. The French word "revanche" (revenge) was apparently first used in connection with France's desire to regain Alsace and Lorraine, seized by Germany in the Franco-Prussian War of 1871. Revanchism is the desire to reclaim what once belonged to the bearer of the ideology of revanchism. Fukuyama did not take into account that lost wars do not necessarily lead to peace, but can be the impetus for a new war, the purpose of which is to avenge defeat in the last war. World War II was Germany's attempt to avenge its defeat in World War I. Germany was an empire and one of the central and most important players in European politics. After the war, it was no longer an empire, having suffered a crushing military defeat. Its economy sharply weakened, it lost its political and military importance, and it was reduced territorially. The feeling of defeat, the onerous conditions of the Treaty of Versailles, the reparations it had to pay, the national humiliation it had suffered, gave rise to revanchist sentiments and pushed Nazi Germany into the murderous and suicidal Second World War. Contrary to Fukuyama's assertions, the Cold War did not end with the disappearance of the USSR from the historical scene. In the 21st century, the Russian Federation is led by people who make revenge for the defeat of the USSR in the Cold War their ideology. For this reason, Russia returned to the Middle East and invaded Ukraine in 2014 and 2022. What is the Russian Federation doing in Ukraine and Syria? It is restoring the Soviet Union to its imperial scope; it is avenging lost Soviet greatness. The Soviet Union was a superpower. It disintegrated, lost its territories and spheres of influence. It disintegrated without wars. In its place emerged the Russian Federation, Ukraine, and other countries that were former republics of the USSR. However, the peaceful collapse of the USSR caused war in the attempt to rebuild it. The huge loss of territory, which Russia considers its own, causes revanchism. However, if revanchism is the desire to regain what once belonged to the revanchist, then the "revanche" of the Russian Federation has no basis, for neither Syria nor Ukraine were ever dominions of the Russian Federation, but were vassals or client states of the USSR. The collapse and loss of the imperial importance of the USSR was perceived by Russian President Vladimir Putin as a tragedy and motivation to restore Soviet greatness, the main element of which was the return of Ukraine to a position of dependence on Russia. Putin's statement that the collapse of the USSR was "the greatest geopolitical catastrophe of the twentieth century" is not a manifestation of nostalgia, but a guide to action to include Russia among the powers that control the fate of Europe and the world. The Russian Federation's war in Syria is described by Putin as a war on "global terrorism." Putin describes the war in Ukraine as a fight against "neo-Nazism." Accordingly, the Russian Federation arrogates to itself the monopoly on who is considered a "terrorist" and who is considered a "neo-Nazi," completely excluding its affiliation with the occupation of terror and its commitment to Nazi-inspired actions. Imperial ambitions lead to imperial hallucinations and fatal self-deception. The leadership of the Russian Federation has decided that their country can become the Soviet Union if it does what the USSR did, such as turning the Middle East into a sphere of its imperial influence by establishing military bases in Syria and returning by force all Soviet spheres of influence, including, above all, Ukraine. The Russian Federation does not agree with "the end of history" of the USSR and is busy revitalizing that country. The Russian Federation's "special military operation" in Ukraine is a "restoration operation" of Soviet imperialism. The Russian Federation wants to return the world to a past in which the new Soviet Union rules. The utopians dreamed of a "bright future." The new Russian imperialists dream of a Soviet "bright past." The Russian leaders turn to Russian history, to the reconstruction of a mighty "Russian world. They think in the opposite direction to the one that fascinated Fukuyama: their thoughts are not of "the end of history," but of the rebirth of Russian imperialist history. They are moving the world in the direction of world wars, taking a trip back in time in the time machine they built. They see the future in the past. Image: PxFuel Colonel Jeff Cooper, the founder of Gunsite and author of To Ride, Shoot Straight, and Speak the Truth, borrowed from JRR Tolkien's Lord of the Rings to depict soldiers of dictatorships as orcs, communist-occupied East Germany as Mordor, and violent criminals as goblins. "When three goblins broke into his house with knives, he produced his regimental sabre and gave battle." See also: "It seems that the concealed carry policy now in effect in 30 states is unfair to goblins. They cannot tell who is armed and who is not, and when their intended victim shoots back it hurts their feelings along with other things." Although I cannot give legal advice, everything I learned from armed self-defense courses taught by law enforcement professionals, and books by Cooper and also Massad Ayoob, conveys the same message. You can legally kill or seriously injure a goblin who puts you in what the law defines as reasonable fear for your life. "Reasonable" means the goblin must exhibit (1) a verbal or visual threat of death or serious injury and (2) the immediate (not future or past) means of putting that threat into effect. This means is that, when five individuals surround Bernhard Goetz on a subway and allegedly demand money, the law's hypothetical reasonable person can construe this as robbery and open fire on them. Once they flee, however, or are down and incapable of violence, they no longer have the immediate means of harming you even if they had it but seconds earlier. If you then take the law into your own hands by saying, "You don't look so bad, here's another" and shooting at a fallen and disarmed assailant, you are likely to get into real trouble. The recent attack by thirty or more (alleged until proven) goblins on three U.S. Marines in San Clemente, California underscores this concept. Thirty to three is disparity of force that the law generally equates with deadly force. I am in fact surprised that thirty or forty of the dregs of society were able to get three Marines on the ground and into fetal positions to protect themselves from a gang beating, because Marines learn martial arts techniques that do not require weapons to cause death or serious injury. As but one example, Richard Riddick, or more to the point, a trained Marine, can indeed kill you with a tea cup. "As I look around my office, I see a stapler, a coffee mug, a pencil holder, a phone cord. If I had to, I could use any of those to kill you. Marines also learn to kill with their bare hands, if necessary, said Bourgault." The rim of Riddick's metal tea cup concentrated the force of his blow into a very small cross-sectional area, and this is probably how one does this. Some have argued that the Marines were afraid they would be arrested and/or court-martialed for putting a dozen or so goblins in the hospital or in the ground; I assume the others would have scurried like rats when they saw their fellow goblins getting thrashed. A court-martial or administrative discipline against a service member for clear-cut self-defense would pretty much wipe out enlistments throughout the Armed Forces if tolerated by (ultimately) Lloyd Austin and President Biden. The Marines were in fact just reciting the beach's posted rule: "Fireworks are also prohibited." Pointing out a rule to somebody, such as the need to pick up after your dog, not litter, not smoke where smoking is prohibited, and so on does not constitute fighting words by any stretch of the imagination and does not justify the goblin's alleged sucker punch that started the fight. The Marines therefore had the mantle of innocence, which means they were entitled to use reasonable and necessary force to defend themselves against a violent felony. "[T]he attackers could face charges that include assault with a deadly weapon and/or assault and battery," and you can legally kill somebody who attacks you with a deadly weapon. If the Marines had killed or messed up some goblins, and a prosecutor had the appalling judgment to actually charge the Marines (the goblins should be charged), the instant I saw "thirty or forty against three," I wouldn't even want to waste my time listening to the defense's side of the story before I acquitted them. The decision to charge Kyle Rittenhouse despite equally compelling evidence, including video of Anthony Huber hitting him with a contact weapon while he was on the ground, shows, however, that there are in fact prosecutors who will, as I perceive it my opinion and not a statement of fact, because I can't read their minds file junk criminal charges to ingratiate themselves with the political left. Hate Crimes against Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, and Airmen Are Federal Crimes I also think the U.S. attorney for San Clemente needs to look into this, noting that aggravated assault on a member of the Armed Forces is, if done as a hate crime against the Armed Forces, a federal felony. "Whoever knowingly assaults or batters a United States serviceman or an immediate family member of a United States serviceman ... on account of the military service of that serviceman or status of that individual as a United States serviceman, or who attempts or conspires to do so, shall ... in the case of a battery, or an assault resulting in bodily injury, be fined under this title in an amount not less than $2,500 and imprisoned not less than 6 months nor more than 10 years." The Department of Justice was up to the job of locking up a lot of people who went to the Capitol on January 6, 2021, so it ought to be up to the job of caging these goblins if they are in fact guilty of this crime. If their motive did not involve hatred of the Armed Forces, a California state goblin cage will work instead. Don't Be a Goblin This incident, and also the attack on Kyle Rittenhouse, underscores just how easy it is to become a goblin when you go along with a group of irresponsible people. The teenagers in San Clemente were apparently engaged in minor misbehavior (setting off fireworks on the beach). When somebody pointed out the rule to them, one of them allegedly sucker-punched him, which escalated within seconds to a situation in which the victims could have been within their rights to use deadly force against them. Here's another situation that could have gone bad within seconds if the woman whom (Caucasian) Black Lives Matter people surrounded had had a firearm. Middle fingers; Hitler salutes; and, in this case, upraised fists from across a street are constitutionally protected freedom of expression, regardless of what you, I, or anybody else thinks of obscene gestures, Hitler salutes, or upraised fists. An upraised fist over somebody's head is an implied physical threat, multiple upraised fists are disparity of force, the skateboard a man is banging nearby to emphasize his position is a potential contact weapon capable of causing death or serious injury, and the woman is surrounded and cannot retreat in complete safety. This, boys and girls, is exactly how you can change, in the space of seconds, from an ordinary person into a goblin subject to deadly physical force from whomever you are menacing. I am glad nobody got hurt in this incident, or another in which a Black Lives Matter goblin menaced a driver with a gun, noting that you cannot retreat in complete safety from a bullet and are thus probably within your rights to floor your accelerator and run over the gunman. It is, however, only a matter of time until a similar group puts somebody in reasonable fear for his safety, and then we get the kind of headline nobody wants. Civis Americanus is the pen name of a contributor who remembers the lessons of history and wants to ensure that our country never needs to learn those lessons again the hard way. The author is remaining anonymous due to the likely prospect of being subjected to "cancel culture" for exposing the Big Lie behind Black Lives Matter. Image via Picryl. Nine-hundred and twenty-five years ago today, on June 3, 1098, a dramatic Christian victory over Islamic oppression took place: the liberation of the ancient Christian city of Antioch. In the years preceding the First Crusade, Turkish invaders were running amok in Asia Minor (today called Turkey), formerly a bastion of Christianity. An anonymous Georgian chronicler tells of how holy churches served as stables for their horses, the priests were immolated during the Holy Communion itself, the virgins defiled, the youths circumcised, and the infants taken away. Similarly, Anna Comnena, the princess at Constantinople, tells of how cities were obliterated, lands were plundered, and the whole of Anatolia was stained with Christian blood. Outraged to hear what was happening in the East, Christians from all over Europe, under the leadership of the Franks, set out on what would become known as the First Crusade (1096-1099). After entering and winning several battles in Turkic-controlled Asia Minor, by October 1097, the Europeans were besieging the walls of Antioch. For long, Antioch had resisted Islam. Even when all the East was shaken and the successors of Muhammad were subjugating by force entire provinces to their impious superstition and perverse dogma, chronicler William of Tyre writes, Antioch had as long as possible refused to bear the domination of an infidel nation, that is, until its capture by the Turks in 1084. Now, more than a decade later, its indigenous Christians were much oppressed by their Turkish master, Yaghi-Siyan, a notorious persecutor of Christians who had also converted Antiochs ancient cathedral into a horse stable. Alas! How many Christians -- Greeks, Syrians, and Armenians -- who lived in the city, were killed by the maddened Turks, lamented Fulcher of Chartres, who travelled with the crusaders. With the Franks looking on, they threw outside the walls the heads of those [Christians] killed, with their petrariae and slings. This especially grieved our people. But because the Frankish and Norman warrior aristocracy had no qualms about giving tit for tat, Bohemond, a Norman leader who would go on play a decisive role in the reconquest of Antioch, brought those [Muslims] he had captured back to the gate of the city, where, to terrify the citizens who were watching, he ordered that they be decapitated and their severed heads catapulted over the city walls. (Anna Comnena, who had met and described Bohemond as a towering marvel for the eyes to behold, added that a certain charm hung about this man but was partly marred by a general air of the horrible. He was clearly not one to be cowed by Islamic terror tactics.) Another crusade leader, Duke Godfrey of Bouillon, also performed there a famous deed worthy of remembrance forever -- to quote Robert the Monk, a contemporary -- a feat which rendered him illustrious in the eyes of the entire army. During a particularly brutal battle before the walls of Antioch, a Turkish chieftain, bolder than the rest, unusually heavily built and of greater strength saw the Duke savaging his men mercilessly. [So the Muslim] urged his horse towards him with bloodstained spurs, and lifting his sword high, he sliced through the whole shield of the Duke, which he held above his head. If the Duke had not parried the blow with the boss of the shield and twisted over to the other side, he would have paid the debt of death The Duke, ablaze with furious anger, prepared to return the blow and thus aimed for his neck. He raised his sword and plunged it into the left side of his shoulder blades with such force that it split the chest down the middle, slashed through the spine and vital organs and, slippery with blood, came out unbroken above the right leg. As a result, the whole of the head and the right side slipped down into the water, whilst the part remaining on the horse was carried back into the city. All those inside rushed together to see this horrible sight, and were struck with amazement, panic and fear, overcome with terror; here there were screams like those of a woman in labor, their voices raised in misery, because he had been one of their emirs. The terrified Muslims retreated back to Antioch and unleashed a hailstorm of missiles and arrows directly onto Godfrey, but he successfully absconded. It was a great victory and allowed the Christians to tighten the noose around the city. Even so, it had now been nearly eight months since the crusaders first laid Antioch to siege, and still it would not be breached. By now, the desperate Europeans were reduced to eating dogs, rats, and thistles. Many died of starvation, thirst, and pestilence. Eventually, a Muslim tower captain -- an Armenian Christian converted to Islam during Yaghi-Siyans persecutions -- made a deal with Bohemond. As a result, on todays date, June 3, 1098, under the cover of night, the emaciated crusaders, having clandestinely climbed over the walls into the city, were running wildly and slaughtering anyone in the streets. Those who were Christians chanted Kyrie Eleison -- the Christian mantra, Lord have mercy, in Greek -- to make it clear to our men that they were not Turks but Christians. Once recovered from their shock, these same Christians, Syrians, Armenians, and the true believers of other nations, rejoiced exceedingly over what had happened. They at once took arms and joined forces with the army. The result was a bloodbath not unlike those Muslims had visited upon Christian cities all throughout Asia Minor in the preceding decades. Yaghi-Siyan managed to escape the carnage, but local Christians tracked, killed, beheaded and hurled their former tormentors head into the view of all the Christian princes. The head was of enormous size, the ears very wide and hairy, his hair was white and he had a beard which flowed. The Europeans remained and recuperated in the ancient Christian city for the rest of the year. Bohemond was crowned prince of Antioch. The crusaders sent a letter to the pope in Rome, chronicling their tragedies and triumphs, and urged him to come in person to Antioch, reminding him that it was here that the name Christian was born [Acts 11:26]. The above account was excerpted from the authors Defenders of the West: The Christian Heroes Who Stood Against Islam. Raymond Ibrahim is the Distinguished Senior Shillman Fellow at the Gatestone Institute and the Judith Rosen Friedman Fellow at the Middle East Forum. Image: Public Domain It was remarkable news in 2021 when the Cook County States Attorney Office, run by Soros-supported Kim Foxx, refused to prosecute any of the 5 people arrested after a gang shootout on the streets of Chicago. The reason given would have in effect legalized gang shootouts from that point on. You see, both sides were firing at each other. As I wrote at the time: [H]ow many more shooting matches will start now that the word is going out that you can escape charges in a gang shootout -- even if someone is killed -- if both sides are shooting? (snip) Tom Schuba writes in the Chicago Sun-Times: Five men linked to a deadly gang-related shootout Friday in Austin were released from custody after prosecutors declined to charge each of them with a pair of felonies, including first-degree murder, the Chicago Sun-Times has learned. The brazen mid-morning gunfight, which left one shooter dead and two of the suspects wounded, stemmed from an internal dispute between two factions of the Four Corner Hustlers street gang, according to an internal police report and a law enforcement source with knowledge of the investigation. The source said police sought to charge all five suspects with murder and aggravated battery. By Sunday morning, a Chicago police spokeswoman acknowledged the suspects had been released without charges. In a statement later Sunday, Cristina Villareal, a spokeswoman for the Cook County states attorneys office, explained that prosecutors had determined that the evidence was insufficient to meet our burden of proof to approve felony charges. Police officials agreed with the decision, Villareal added. While she wouldnt specify what other evidence prosecutors needed to file charges, the police report acknowledged that victims of the shootout werent cooperating with investigators. But the report also framed the states attorneys offices decision to decline charges in a different light: Mutual combatants was cited as the reason for the rejection. Mutual combat is a legal term used to define a fight or struggle that two parties willingly engage in. If you or your gang shoots at someone or someones gang, and if they shoot back, it is a get-out-of-jail free card! Dodge City at its worst was never this bad. As the impact of the decision sank in, even then-Mayor Lori Lightfoot protested. Craig Wall of WLS-TV: Mayor Lori Lightfoot and some West Side aldermen called on Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx to reverse her decision on the case. "If they do not feel like the criminal justice system is going to hold them accountable, we're going to see a level of brazenness that will send the city into chaos and we cannot let that happen," the mayor said Monday. (snip) Lightfoot, herself a former prosecutor, believes there's evidence to make a case. "I think that there's evidence there. We've got videotape, we have a marked squad of uniformed officers who were on the scene observing it," she said. "At a bare minimum, the individuals who initiated the firefight must be prosecuted." "I think it goes beyond frustration, I'm furious about it," said 29th Ward Alderman Chris Taliaferro, who oversees the ward where the shooting took place. Soros money or no Soros money, this was too much for Kim Foxx to resist. As the invaluable CWBChicago website writes: Months later, after public outrage subsided, prosecutors approved charges against one manThomas Dean. On Wednesday, Dean pleaded guilty to three felony gun charges in exchange for a 10-year prison sentence, court records show. Judge Thomas Byrne sentenced him to three years for aggravated unlawful use of a weapon and ten years each for a pair of machine gun possession charges. The sentences will be served concurrently. Thomas Dean and a frame from the shootout video. | Chicago Police Department; Provided But in announcing the charges in early 2022, the outrageous justification for early no charges decision was completely ignored: Four months later, Lightfoot, Cook County States Attorney Kim Foxx, and then-CPD Supt. David Brown stood side-by-side to announce charges against Dean. Foxx denied that her office cited mutual combatants for refusing to charge Dean and others earlier. Foxx also said officials had secured a search warrant against another target, and she expected additional charges to be filed in the days ahead. But court records show no other defendants charged in Deans case as of Friday morning. Officials have also not announced any charges against others. Chicago police repeatedly tried to get prosecutors to sign off on murder charges against Dean. That never happened. So, four others involved in the shootout and arrested at the time are skating, despite earlier promises. Deans sentence is serious time, even with parole, although early release due to prison overcrowding cannot be ruled out. Chicagos homicide clearance rate (the percentage of crimes resulting in successful prosecution) is already low, especially in black neighborhoods where gang shootouts predominate: In 2021, there were 800 homicides counted. The clearance rate by prosecution was 21.7% in predominately Black neighborhoods, yet 45.6% in predominantly White neighborhoods. The study also found that since 2001, the rate of unsolved homicides for Black women is at 35% compared to 23% for White women. Deans plea bargain alone is not going to change the statistics. But at least one instance of prosecutorial insanity has been corrected -- for one of five defendants. Its not much, but it is a lot better than the get-out-of-jail-free card that was earlier handed out to the gangs of Chicago. Two days ago, FOX News announced a new schedule of its prime-time weekend shows. The previous lineup was on hold since the departure of host Dan Bongino from his popular Saturday-night program that was announced on April 20. Unrelated, but attracting most viewers' and the media's attention in recent weeks, was the sudden and unexpected shutdown of Tucker Carlson's number one prime-time weekday show on April 24. FOX's announcement on Thursday of its new schedule that begins tonight at 7 P.M. E.T. contained a surprise: the end of Steve Hilton's top-rated Sunday night program, The Next Revolution. Hilton, 53, born in London, is a former director of strategy for the conservative British prime minister David Cameron. On his FOX News program, which aired on Sundays at 9 P.M. E.T. with replays at 9 P.M. and 12 A.M. P.T., Hilton, who recently became an American citizen, espoused "positive populism" and was a supporter of President Trump. His FOX program premiered in June 2017 and was appointment viewing for many conservatives, including this author. Of particular note was Hilton's fearless and aggressive reporting about COVID-19, which challenged the orthodoxy that was popular early on even among many of his FOX News peers. While the publication Deadline headlined its story "FOX News cancels 'The Next Revolution,'" FOX News's press release implied that the decision to move on was Hilton's: The Next Revolution will end its 9 PM/ET Sunday run, as Steve Hilton steps back from hosting a weekly show to focus on his new California non-partisan policy organization launching next week. Hilton will remain a contributor across all FOX News Media platforms. An industry insider with knowledge of this issue confirmed that the news release described the ending of Hilton's program on Sunday nights accurately, implying that the change was indeed the host's decision and also confirmed that Hilton in fact has a future at the channel as "a paid contributor across all platforms" and "not just [as] a guest." Attempts to contact Hilton directly were not successful. His Twitter account, The Steve Hilton Show (which now promotes his weekly audio podcast on Spotify), features an 81-second-long video uploaded on Thursday in which he says: You may have heard the news that The Next Revolution will not be televised this Sunday or in the future. . . But you'll still see a lot of me on FOX and you'll see a lot more of me in California where I'm going to spend a lot of my energy now where I'll be launching a new organization next week which will be developing ideas and policies to move our state forward and to restore the California Dream. Steve Hilton announces the end of his FOX News program and his future plans. Screen shot from Twitter, June 1, 2023. Meanwhile, another Twitter account, The Next Revolution, associated with Hilton and his FOX News program, remains online (as of June 3) and includes video clips from Hilton's final cable news show last Sunday. The New FOX News Weekend Schedule Starting tonight, here is what's in store for viewers of FOX News from now on: Saturdays 7-8 PM ET The Big Weekend Show 8-9 PM ET One Nation with Brian Kilmeade 9-10 PM ET Lawrence Jones Cross Country 10-11 PM ET FOX News Saturday Night Sundays 7-8 PM ET The Big Weekend Show 8-9 PM ET Life, Liberty & Levin 9-10 PM ET Sunday Night in America with Trey Gowdy 10-11 PM ET rotating topical specials It is likely that the three-hour block of shows from 8 to 11 P.M. E.T. on both nights will be repeated so viewers in the Pacific time zone will see them at the same hour in the Pacific time zone. The Big Weekend Show, formerly known as The Big Saturday/Sunday Show, is moving to prime time after a year on Saturdays and Sundays in the 5 P.M. E.T. hour. It features an in-studio discussion of the news with four rotating participants, drawn from a talent pool of FOX News hosts, reporters, and contributors. The next new show on Saturdays at 10 P.M. E.T. is FOX News Saturday Night described by a channel representative as "a new program featuring a rotating lineup of FNC personalities offering a lighter take on the news of the week." This "lighter take on the news" perspective is appearing more often on FOX News, with Gutfeld! emerging as a stand-out hit in its MF 11 P.M. E.T. slot. Meanwhile, contributors like former cab driver, comedian, and talk show host Jimmy Failla are appearing frequently on FOX News programs like Hannity. On Sundays starting tomorrow, former S.C. Republican Rep. Trey Gowdy's Sunday Night in America is moving from 7 P.M. to 9 P.M. E.T. the heart of prime time. Two weeks ago, Gowdy had a successful run as the host for a week of FOX News's MF 8 P.M. E.T. hour, which is temporarily featuring rotating weekly hosts until a permanent replacement for Tucker Carlson is chosen. The final schedule change, Sundays at 10 P.M. E.T., is an hour that will feature different specials, many of them drawn from the extensive offerings at Fox News's streaming channel, FOX Nation. It should be noted that notwithstanding criticisms of FOX News, as always from the left and more recently from many conservatives (especially of the pundit variety) on the right, and despite losing up to a million prime-time viewers, the channel has consistently maintained its leading position in the ongoing ratings battle with its competitors MSNBC and CNN. This is confirmed by the metrics of Nielsen Media Research, the gold standard of television ratings (reported at TVNewser/Adweek). Last month, for example, FOX News had eight of the 10 most watched cable news shows; MSNBC had numbers eight and nine on the list. CNN had none of its programs among the top 26 cable news shows for the month of May. Peter Barry Chowka is a veteran journalist who has covered national politics, including a number of presidential races starting in 1972, and the politics and economics of health care, popular culture, and media for over five decades. His web page with links to his work is http://peter.media. Peter's extensive American Thinker archive: http://tinyurl.com/pcathinker. Follow Peter on Twitter at @pchowka. On June 2, the internet was filled with reports of House Judiciary Committee chairman Jim Jordan's letter of June 1 to Attorney General Merrick Garland seeking information as to the FBI's role in Special Counsel Jack Smith's investigation of President Trump's handling of classified information. That the FBI was given a role in this matter by Garland is obvious from the FBI's SWAT swoop-down on the president's Florida residence last August. Here are selections from the Jordan letter. First, the opening paragraph: On May 12, 2023, Special Counsel John Durham released a report detailing the Federal Bureau of Investigation's (FBI) failings in opening and conducting an investigation code named "Crossfire Hurricane" into debunked allegations of collusion between Donald Trump's presidential campaign and the Russian government. The extent of the FBI's bias and reckless disregard for the truth, which Special Counsel Durham laid out in painstaking detail, is nothing short of scandalous. The FBI has tried to dismiss the report's findings by claiming to have "already implemented dozens of corrective actions" to prevent similar misconduct in the future. The FBI's window dressing is not enough. The Special Counsel's report serves as a stark reminder of the need for more accountability and reforms within the FBI. Accordingly, as Congress conducts oversight to inform these legislative reforms, we write to ensure the Justice Department act to preserve the integrity and impartiality of ongoing investigations from the FBI's politicized bureaucracy. Chairman Jordan rightly described "the FBI's bias and reckless disregard for the truth" in its earlier probe of President Trump as "nothing short of scandalous" and underscored "the need for more accountability and reforms within the FBI." And to end the politicization of the FBI under Garland's stewardship, it is fair to infer. Public trust in the FBI is low. Recent examples of political bias in FBI and Department of Justice operations show that the so-called "corrective measures" the FBI instituted after Crossfire Hurricane have done nothing to address, let alone cure, the institutional rot that pervades the FBI. It is clear that Congress must consider legislative reforms to the FBI, and the Committee has been engaged in robust oversight to inform those legislative proposals. In the interim, however, due to the FBI's documented political bias, the Justice Department must ensure any ongoing investigations are not poisoned by this same politicization. Note the phrase "the institutional rot that pervades the FBI" followed by Jordan's observation that "Congress must consider legislative reforms to the FBI." On May 12, Chairman Jordan should have realized that "institutional rot" pervades law enforcement bodies beyond the FBI under the control of "progressive" prosecutors. On May 12, Mark Pomerantz exhibited bad faith when he stonewalled Chairman Jordan at a deposition agreed to by Manhattan district attorney Alvin Bragg, related to Bragg's indictment of the former president in what might be called "hush moneygate." Incredibly, the "rebuff" included taking the Fifth Amendment by the "ex-prosecutor." There is, arguably, a lesson for Chairman Jordan to learn from his experience with the Manhattan district attorney and the resistance-prone Pomerantz. Chairman Jordan is certainly justified, in the aftermath of the Durham Report, in seeking to hold to account the bad actors in the FBI. But shouldn't he first hold the Manhattan district attorney and his "ex-prosecutor" to comply with the agreement for Pomerantz to testify at a deposition made possible pursuant to a court ruling by U.S. judge May Kay Vyskocil? With Bragg and Pomerantz thumbing noses at Jim Jordan, can we expect the attorney general to behave differently? Of course not. Image: Gage Skidmore. Is TikTok lying about storing its dossiers of American users' data in China? That's what members of Congress are accusing the social media company of, and the ones with any measure of pride are angry about it. According to The Federalist: A new report from Forbes alleges social media giant TikTok stores creators sensitive personal information, such as social security numbers and tax IDs, in China, despite previous denials by top officials in the Chinese company, including CEO Shou Zi Chew. The Forbes report contradicts Chews March statement to Congress, in which he claimed under oath that TikTok keeps the personal and financial data of its U.S. users in Virginia and Singapore, and assured lawmakers The bottom line is this: American data stored on American soil by an American company overseen by American personnel. The CEOs apparent perjury prompted Sen. Marco Rubio to call for a Justice Department investigation. TikToks CEO has a lot of explaining to do, but his lies arent a surprise, Sen. Rubio explained to The Federalist. TikTok lies to everyone from creators to regulators. The user data that TikTok stores in China or makes accessible to its Chinese engineers can be weaponized at any time by the Chinese Communist Party. This new evidence, to say nothing of Chews prior acknowledgment of Chinese access to American data, refusal to guarantee protections for Americans health information, and unwillingness to condemn the companys past spying on American journalists, adds to a list of growing concerns over the threats posed by the Chinese Communist Party-linked app. Which is quite a nasty picture, and pretty well makes anyone who uses TikTok look like a fool. That would include in particular TikTok "influencers" such as Dylan Mulvaney, would-be disinformation czar, Nina Jankowicz, and Taylor Lorenz, apparently of the Washington Post, all TikTok enthusiasts who've put out extremely obnoxious and offensive videos for wide audiences. The story says that those TikTok users who've monetized the platform are the ones most significantly at risk of China misusing their data, or in other words, the "influencers." It makes one wonder if they're susceptible for particular pressure from China to, well, influence Americans. Here's a sampling of how obnoxious they are: all hail the Mary Poppins of Disinformation https://t.co/8vKHQq9RTY pic.twitter.com/1rchXIJ2Xe siraj smashmen (@SirajAHashmi) November 23, 2022 Your acting is so pathetic. You are so over the top that it is clear that you are a paid asset. Tone it down if you want anyone to believe you. Putting on Republican face makes you no more of a Republican than Dylan Mulvaney is a woman when she puts on a dress & makeup. pic.twitter.com/qA9WQNqdLN WhoKnows? (@WhootKnows) May 28, 2023 My body was more feminine than his before I ever touched estrogen, and hes supposedly been on the stuff for an entire YEAR?https://t.co/T5GhBJn4PE Dr. Ratina Filia-McWindbag (@TransRadically) May 29, 2023 Dylan Mulvaney serving flawless 60s Priscilla Presley vibes and I'm here for it. https://t.co/nAUuE8eA67 aes (@strengthtodream) June 2, 2023 Mulvaney has reportedly made $1.5 million from his social media posts and related endorsements. Then there's Taylor Lorenz, who seems to be a freelancer these days for The Atlantic, Rolling Stone, the New York Times, New York magazine, and others, according to her TikTok account. We had thought she was at the Washington Post, but perhaps she didn't consider that important enough. I have a print piece in @RollingStone this month!!! Pick up a copy now and follow me on TikTok for more updates on my stories and the behind the scenes life of a ~journalist~ in L.A. https://t.co/xJ1AdilKD8 pic.twitter.com/BF9BAvLZ80 Taylor Lorenz -- FOLLOW ME ON LINKEDIN (@TaylorLorenz) May 9, 2023 Lorenz also defends TikTok by ridiculing its critics as liars in a previous TikTok video. And don't forget the lesser lights of leftist lunacy, seen on Twitter from the account that Lorenz doxxed, called @LibsofTikTok. It's almost a question of who is worse -- these godawful TikTok "influencers," or their platform's Chinese masters, who seem to have a lot of blackmailable material on them and whose leaders seem to be telling Congress the truth about their many dossiers. What we do know is no good comes of TikTok and the world would have been a better place had this operation never happened. Sen. Rubio is right that the platform ought to be investigated for its truth-challenged statements if so much as a scintilla if evidence is true about TikTok storing Americans' data in China. The result is these internet "influencers," all of whom are offensive, and at least one of whom is a apologist for TikTok, according to this report in National Review. One wonders why. Image: Twitter screen shot Amazon is one of the largest companies in the world. Thus, its dipped its toe into several different industries over the years. While it exited the smartphone business several years ago, it might have another smartphone venture up its sleeves. According to a report from Bloomberg (via The Verge), Amazon may be in talks to offer phone service for its users. This report sits on pretty shaky ground, so you might not want to hold your breath for it. Bloomberg was able to gather this information from people familiar with the matter. However, pretty much all of the companies involved are denying this report. Amazon spokesperson Bradley Mattinger stated that We are always exploring adding even more benefits for Prime members, but dont have plans to add wireless at this time. Amazon isnt the only company denying this. The reports state that Amazon has been in talks with Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and even Dish about setting up Wireless plans for users. All four of the companies also denied the reports So, either the people close to the matter are pulling our legs, or Amazon vehemently does not want people to know about its plans. In any case, you will want to take this news with a grain of salt. Advertisement Amazon may offer phone service in the future According to the report, Amazon could possibly offer wireless phone service to Amazon Prime users. This could either be a free expansion to their plan or an additional $10. Since the report says that Amazon is only in talks with these companies, theres nothing solid to go on. What we can expect is for Amazon to offer its Wireless plan to several phones that it sells on the platform. Instead of activating it through any of the major carriers, you may be able to purchase your phone and activate it then and there. Thats only speculation, however. We dont expect to hear any details about this phone plan anytime soon (if it does come out, lets just hope Amazon calls it Fire Wireless). For all we know, it could be trashed before it even gets down on paper. Only time will tell. Be honest, you typically forget that Cortana exists, dont you? Microsofts digital assistant was not quite able to keep up with the likes of Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri. Well, according to a new report from XDA Developers, it appears that Cortana is leaving the Windows operating system. Microsofts Cortana was a useful tool to help you navigate your Microsoft products, but it just didnt have the staying power that other assistants have. Over the past couple of years, weve seen Cortana sink into obscurity. While thats not great news, Microsoft is looking to move forward and implement the GPT-4-powered Copilot into its products. Cortana is leaving the Windows operating system Microsoft has been making a huge push into AI with ChatGPT being the engine. The company introduced Windows Copilot last week, and we were all led to expect that this would be the replacement for Cortana. Out with the old, and with the new. However, Microsofts Aaron Woodman told XDA Developers that Copilot was not going to be a replacement for Cortana. He seems to have been pretty sturdy in his statement, which makes it all the funnier that a support document from the company states that Cortana on PC will lose support later on this year. Advertisement Microsoft didnt give an exact date or much of a ballpark; it said in late 2023. Since were approaching the halfway mark of the year, it seems that Cortana only has a few more months on Windows. The voice assistant isnt quite baked into the operating system. Rather, it sits as its own Standalone app. Its very out of the way, so most people might not have known about it. If you are an avid Cortana user, then you may want to say your final goodbyes over the next couple of months. However, Cortana leaving Windows does not mean that its going away completely. Microsoft pointed out that Cortana will still be available on Outlook mobile, Teams display, Teams mobile, and Teams rooms. However, were not exactly sure how long its going to be supported on those platforms either. Samsung is pushing the May 2023 Android security patch to a host of budget and mid-range devices. According to SamMobile, last months security update is now available for the Galaxy A33 5G, Galaxy A32, Galaxy A23, Galaxy A13, Galaxy A13 5G, Galaxy A12, Galaxy A12 Nacho, and Galaxy A04s in various parts of the world. Some of these devices have already received the May SMR (Security Maintenance Release) in a few markets. The Galaxy A33 5G was one of the first non-flagship Samsung phones to get the May update. The company began the rollout in the first week of May for users in Latin America. The update came with the build number A336MUBS4CWD4. The rollout reached users in Thailand last week with the build number A336EDXS6CWE3. Last months security update for the Galaxy A33 5G isnt available in any other markets. Meanwhile, Samsung is pushing a second May update to the phone in Latin America. The latest firmware version is A336MUBU5CWE1. Its unclear if this release contains a critical bug fix or anything else. The official changelog doesnt give us any clue. The Korean behemoth may release this update widely in the coming weeks. The May update for the Galaxy A32 contains added goodies, though. Rolling out in Samsungs homeland South Korea, it brings improvements to the SOS feature, including location accuracy (see changelog). The updated build number in the region is A325NKSU3DWE3. Samsung may push this update in other regions soon. The May SMR isnt yet available for the Galaxy A32 5G in any market. Advertisement The Galaxy A23 and Galaxy A23 5G, meanwhile, both received Samsungs May 2023 update in a few markets early last month. The company is now expanding the release for the former to more regions. The update bears the build number A235MUBU3CWE2 in Latin America and A235NKSU2CWE4 in South Korea. The rollout for the 5G version hasnt expanded outside of Europe. Samsungs May update is also available for the Galaxy A13, Galaxy A12, and more Joining the aforementioned mid-range Galaxy devices in Samsungs May 2023 update party are the Galaxy A13, Galaxy A13 5G, Galaxy A12, Galaxy A12 Nacho, and Galaxy A04s. All of these devices are getting the new SMR widely, though the company hasnt released the patch for the US versions of these devices (not all of them were released in the US). The Galaxy A13 5G recently received One UI 5.1 stateside. If youre using any of these phones, you can check for new updates from the Settings app. Ella Irwin, the Twitter head of safety and content moderation, has resigned from her position. News of her resignation hit the internet a few hours ago and is raising some dust among netizens. Her time at Twitter as the head of safety and content moderation didnt last up to a year. She took over from the previous occupant of that position, Yoel Roth, in November last year. Now as she exits the company, someone else would have to fill up her role, and details on that are not available. The reason behind her departure from Twitter is unknown, as she holds back from sharing with two sources of this information. These sources both confirm that Twitter is not also providing information on Ella Irwins exit from the company. But there are some similarities between Ellas exit and that of Yoel, the previous occupant of that position. Netizens are also connecting the dots between Ellas resignation and a recent issue that questioned Twitters freedom of speech claims. Twitters head of safety and content moderation leaves the company following a freedom of speech-related issue According to Elon Musk, one of his main objectives for purchasing Twitter was to grant users freedom of speech. This sounds very ideal because all users of Twitter have an opinion and what to be heard. Despite the opposition Elon got from certain groups, there were still a few people that gave their support and were confident in Elons dream. Advertisement One such person was Yoel Roth, the then head of safety and content moderation at Twitter. But after the purchase of Twitter, Yoel tendered his resignation, saying that his optimism ultimately faded. This faded optimism is a result of Elons style of doing things and his desire to take action on his own. After taking over the safety and content moderation team, Ella Irwin was firmly on Elons side. But in less than a year of her occupying her position at Twitter, she is already stepping down. Netizens are now linking her resignation to the issue involving the folks at the Daily Wire and Twitter. Ahead of the debut of their film What is a Woman, the team at Daily Wire reached out to Twitter for promotion. After initially agreeing to offer a promotion package for the film, Twitter then turned back on their words. They then informed the Daily Wire that the promotion will not pull through, and the film will be flagged as hateful content. This decision came after Twitter reviewed the film, which questions the actual identity of a woman. According to Twitter, the film misgenders girls and transgender people, hence the need to restrict its reach on the platform. This action is against the freedom of speech that Elon Musk was fighting for prompting his Twitter purchase. Advertisement Is this issue the main reason behind Ella Irwins exit as Twitters head of safety and content moderation? There is no backing to this claim, as the two events might have occurred within the same period. But the issue has raised a lot of dust on the internet, as some argue that Twitter is trying to restrict the voice of its users. (ANSA) - ROME, JUN 3 - The Archpriest of St Peter's Basilica, Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, was to conduct a penitential liturgy at the Altar of the Confession on Saturday after the act of desecration on Thursday. Cardinal Gambetti was to be joined by the canons of the Chapter of the Papal Basilica of St Peter's and members of the faithful, according to the Vatican press office. On Thursday a man of Polish origin stripped naked and climbed onto the high altar with the words "Save children of Ukraina" written on his back in English. He was subsequently detained by the Vatican Gendarmerie before being handed over to the Italian police and issued with an expulsion order. (ANSA). A teenager has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a 21-year-old man was killed in an attack. Greater Manchester Police said Salah Adam was killed on Wednesday after he was attacked on Kings Road in Old Trafford. Initial inquiries suggest that Mr Adam went to the aid of a friend who was being chased by two young men. Police said it is believed that the two men then turned on Mr Adam instead resulting in him being fatally stabbed. The force said a 19-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder in the early hours of Saturday morning and remains in police custody for questioning. Two males who were arrested on Wednesday a 15-year-old male on suspicion of murder and a 16-year-old male on suspicion of possessing an offensive weapon have been released on bail pending further inquiries. Detectives are continuing to appeal for anyone with information to make themselves known to police. Detective Chief Inspector Liz Hopkinson, of GMP major incident team, said: We recognise the impact this tragic event will have on the friends and family of Salah and the thoughts of the investigation team remain with them as they come to terms with this loss in terrible circumstances. I understand the concern an incident of this nature will cause in the community and as a result we have put extra officers in place to carry out highly visible patrols over the coming days and to offer reassurance. Whilst we have made a number of arrests, we are still in the early stages of a murder investigation and are working hard to piece together the timeline of events. We are also keeping an open mind and are continuing to appeal to members of the public to share any information they might have about this case with the police. It is believed the two offenders were riding a black mountain bike and a yellow Council Beryl bicycle. She said that inquiries so far suggest there were approximately five people in the area at the time who may have vital information that could assist the investigation. Ms Hopkinson added: If you were in the area or have any information relating to this case including if you have footage such as CCTV or dashcam I urge you to do the right thing and share it with us so we can find those responsible and get justice for Salah. Anyone with any information is asked to contact police via 101, quoting incident 3367of 31/6/2023. Details can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Police are appealing for information after a potentially homeless and vulnerable man was stabbed to death. A murder investigation was launched after the body of Ion Radu, 46, was found in a car park in Homelands Drive, near Crystal Palace, south-east London, Scotland Yard said. Officers were called at 9.24am on Thursday after a member of the public found Mr Radu unresponsive. He was confirmed dead at the scene. A post-mortem examination gave the cause of death as a stab wound to the liver. Detective Chief Inspector Sal Minhas, who is leading the investigation, said: I am very keen to hear from anyone who saw Ion in the 48 hours before he died. We think that Ion may have been homeless and potentially vulnerable. We think he was a familiar face in the area and may have engaged with local people. Did you know Ion? Did you see him recently, either on his own or in the company of someone else? If you spoke to him, was he worried or upset about anything? We are working to build a picture of Ions life and we need the public to help us. If you have information that you want to share, no matter how insignificant it might seem, please get in touch. Police said enquiries are ongoing to trace any living relatives. Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or tweet @MetCC quoting 1924/01JUNE. To remain anonymous people can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit Crimestoppers-uk.org. EastEnders has been crowned best soap at the British Soap Awards, where host Jane McDonald proved a hit after taking over from Phillip Schofield. The ceremony, at The Lowry in Salford Quays, was presented by McDonald after she stepped in to replace Schofield when he quit ITV amid a furore over his extramarital affair with a younger male colleague. Wearing a gold sequinned floor-length dress, McDonald told the audience: Ive got to say I am a massive fan of the soaps so this is my dream job. Jane McDonald took over hosting duties (Danny Lawson/PA) Welcome to you all, thank you for having me. As the awards came to a close, she said: Im off for a knees-up with all my favourite soapstars, Im so excited. Her appearance was also met with excitement by the cast members. Hollyoaks actress Nikki Sanderson said fellow cast member Ross Adams, who plays Scott Drinkwell, was particularly pleased with the new host. She said: Ross Adams is like her biggest fan ever, as soon as he found out, he was completely fangirling about it. So its really exciting for us that shes doing it but really exciting for Ross. Adams was able to get up close and personal to his favourite when she sat on his knee to deliver a link. The coveted best soap award, voted for by the public, was presented to EastEnders by actress Dame Sheila Hancock, who said: Im so deeply honoured to be asked to do this. I have such admiration for you. Accepting the award with the rest of the cast on stage, Perry Fenwick, who plays Billy Mitchell, said: From the bottom of our hearts, honestly, we are thrilled to bits. The Walford drama also claimed best leading performer for Danielle Harolds portrayal of Lola Pearce-Brown, who died following a brain tumour. Accepting the award, Harold said: This isnt for me. This is definitely for every single person whos worked with me along the way who has been directly affected by brain tumours, people who are suffering from brain tumours. Their time has been so precious to them and even more to me and I cant thank all of you enough for helping me. The soap won villain of the year for Aaron Thiara, who plays Ravi Gulati, and best young performer, which went to Lillia Turner as Lily Slater. Coronation Street won the most accolades of the night, with six prizes including for best single episode and scene of the year for the shows depiction of an acid attack carried out by Justin Rutherford (Andrew Still), who had been stalking Daisy Midgeley (Charlotte Jordan). Charlotte Jordan, who plays Daisy Midgeley in Coronation Street (Danny Lawson/PA) Ryan Prescott, whose character Ryan Connor was injured in the attack, said there had been 330 acid attacks in Manchester in the last year. He said: It was amazing to be part of something that could bring a light to something so sensitive and something that is happening way more than we actually know. Jordan won best dramatic performance, while the shows Dame Maureen Lipman, who plays Evelyn Plummer, won best comedy performer and Channique Sterling-Brown won best newcomer for her performance as Dee-Dee Bailey. The Weatherfield- based soap also went home with the best family award, which went to the Platts. Hollyoaks was awarded best storyline for a plot which saw Sandersons character Maxine Minniver targeted by incel Eric Foster (Angus Castle-Doughty) alongside her brother Mason Chen-Williams (Frank Kauer). The soaps head of casting was awarded the Tony Warren Award. Emmerdales Mark Charnock, who plays Marlon Dingle, was given an outstanding achievement award and told the audience: What a job, Ive loved every minute of it. Doctors actors Chris Walker and Jan Pearson took home the best on-screen partnership gong for their performances as Rob and Karen Hollins in the daytime soap. The British Soap Awards airs on Tuesday at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX. Boris Johnson has been warned he could lose public funding for legal advice if he tries to frustrate or undermine the Governments position on the Covid-19 Inquiry. Cabinet Office lawyers told him that money would cease to be available if he breaks conditions such as releasing evidence without permission, the Sunday Times reported. Mr Johnson has been at the centre of a row as ministers launched a High Court bid to challenge the inquirys demand for his unredacted WhatsApp messages and notebooks. This is not a good look for the Government. All evidence provided should be unfettered and not restricted by gov censorship whatever form that may take. https://t.co/bBIufEK91C Rt Hon Nadine Dorries MP (@NadineDorries) June 3, 2023 The former prime minister vowed to send all his messages to the official investigation directly, circumventing the Cabinet Office. The Sunday Times detailed a letter sent by Cabinet Office lawyers to Mr Johnson last week. The funding offer will cease to be available to you if you knowingly seek to frustrate or undermine, either through your own actions or the actions of others, the Governments position in relation to the inquiry unless there is a clear and irreconcilable conflict of interest on a particular point at issue, it said. They added that funding would only remain available if he complied with conditions such as sending the Cabinet Office any witness statement or exhibit which you intend to provide to the inquiry so that it can be security checked by appropriate officials. The Cabinet Office said the letter was intended to protect public funds so taxpayer-funded lawyers are not used for any other purpose than aiding the inquiry. Former culture secretary Nadine Dorries, a staunch ally of Mr Johnson, said it was not a good look for the Government. All evidence provided should be unfettered and not restricted by gov censorship whatever form that may take, she tweeted. Tory donor Lord Cruddas, an outspoken backer of Mr Johnson, who handed him a peerage, urged the MP not to be held to ransom by the threat. Dont worry @BorisJohnson I can easily get your legal fees funded by supporters and crowd funding, its easy, he tweeted. After the Government launched its legal battle, Mr Johnson wrote to the inquirys chairwoman, Baroness Hallett, saying he was sending all the unredacted WhatsApps he had given to the Cabinet Office. Dont worry @BorisJohnson I can easily get your legal fees funded by supporters and crowd funding, its easy. Dont be held to ransom, do the right thing for the bereaved families. Its them that matter now more than anything. https://t.co/MI74nBOprS Lord Cruddas of Shoreditch (@peteratcmc) June 3, 2023 He said he would like to do the same for the messages on an old phone he was told not to use after it emerged the number had been available online for 15 years. That device will be crucial, containing discussions before May 2021 including around the three national lockdowns he ordered. Mr Johnson told the chairwoman that he was not willing to let my material become a test case for others when I am perfectly content for the inquiry to see it. The Cabinet Office missed Lady Halletts deadline set on Thursday to hand over the requested material. But the Government department has been trying to resist the publication of messages it believes are unambiguously irrelevant. A Cabinet Office spokesman said: This letter from officials simply reiterates that taxpayer-funded lawyers must be used to aid the Covid inquiry and for no other purpose. The letter makes clear Mr Johnson has a duty to provide sincere witness to the inquiry independently and without reference to the views of the current Government. This letter was intended to protect public funds. It in no way prevents Mr Johnson from providing whatever evidence he wants to. Rishi Sunak will also come under scrutiny during the inquiry into the response to the coronavirus pandemic, including potentially over his Eat Out to Help Out scheme to encourage diners back into restaurants back in August 2020 months before the second national lockdown. John Edmunds, the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine professor who advised the Government on Covid-19 as part of the Sage committee, said the policy introduced by the Prime Minister when he was chancellor had not been discussed with scientists. Prof Edmonds told the Observer: If we had (been consulted), I would have been clear what I thought about it. As far as I am concerned, it was a spectacularly stupid idea and an obscene way to spend public money. Filmmaker Ken Loach has claimed antisemitism is being used to purge Labour of politicians on the left as he criticised the party for blocking a mayor for sharing a platform with him. The director blamed Sir Keir Starmer for what he called a dishonest move to prevent serving North of Tyne mayor Jamie Driscoll to run for the North East mayoralty. The move was linked to him speaking at an event alongside Mr Loach, who was expelled from the party amid efforts to tackle the antisemitism experienced during Jeremy Corbyns leadership. Ive been barred from standing as North East Mayor by @UKLabour. No explanation has been given.Im proud to have created thousands of jobs, fought child poverty, built affordable homes and delivered our Green New Deal. I believe in democracy. Share if you do too. More to follow. Mayor Jamie Driscoll (@MayorJD) June 2, 2023 The UKs equalities watchdog found Labour was responsible for unlawful acts of harassment and discrimination as the former leader struggled to tackle antisemitism. But Mr Loach told the PA news agency that keeping Mr Driscoll off the longlist published on Friday because they shared a platform was the lamest excuse Ive ever heard. After criticising Sir Keir for having broken his commitments during the leadership campaign, Mr Loach added: The whole antisemitism issue has been substantially revealed as a campaign that is not based on fact. Its based on political determination to do a number of things, to remove people from the left, to protect the state of Israel, which many people, many Jewish people in the Labour Party, oppose, oppose this campaign. Mike Katz, the national chairman of the Jewish Labour Movement, which had spoken out against Mr Driscoll for speaking alongside Mr Loach as hugely upsetting for the Jewish community, criticised the directors denialism. This is exactly the sort of offensive downplaying and denialism that Keir Starmer was right to say is as unacceptable as the antisemitism itself that so many Jewish Labour members went through under Corbyn, Mr Katz said. Of course, Loach has ignored the fact that the independent equalities regulator, the EHRC, found Labour guilty of breaking equalities law on antisemitism. This is staggering news. To refuse to allow a serving mayor onto even a selection long list demonstrates that factionalism in the party is completely out of control. Jamie Driscoll @MayorJD is widely credited with doing a great job. There can be no other motive for excluding him. https://t.co/uKLZwGJdPF John McDonnell MP (@johnmcdonnellMP) June 2, 2023 Mr Driscoll defended his own record tackling antisemitism after Mr Loachs comments. Described as the last Corbynista in power, the exclusion of Mr Driscoll from the longlist has sparked concern among some on the left of the Labour party. John McDonnell, who was Mr Corbyns shadow chancellor, blamed completely out of control factionalism under Sir Keir. A senior Labour source told PA that Mr Driscolls appearance at the event at Newcastles Live Theatre in March and then refusing to apologise is clearly incompatible with our promise to have zero tolerance of antisemitism. Mr Loach has long been celebrated for his socially-critical films, with 2016s I, Daniel Blake winning the Bafta Award for Outstanding British Film for depicting a mans struggle with the welfare system. But he was expelled from Labour in 2021 during what he called at the time a purge of Corbyn allies. Jamie Driscoll has been omitted from the shortlist (James Speakman/PA) On Saturday, the veteran filmmaker defended his friend Mr Driscoll as a very fine, imaginative and hardworking mayor as he criticised Sir Keir. Starmers clique revealed themselves yet again as dishonest, cunning, manipulative with no care for the people theyre supposed to represent, Mr Loach told PA. The people who will suffer from Starmers manipulative, dishonest treatment of Jamie Driscoll are the people of North Tyneside, and the people who will lose by Starmers treachery will be the people of this country. This manipulative act, dishonest act the people who suffer are the people of Jamie Driscolls constituency. Mr Loach said he was expelled from Labour for supporting campaigns to prevent some individuals from being kicked out of the party in what he described as a McCarthyite approach. Following the comments, Mr Driscoll said: Under my leadership the North of Tyne has adopted the IHRA (International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance) definition of antisemitism and references all the examples. We were the first combined authority to work with the EHRC. I work with the Jewish Leadership Council and visit local synagogues. Ive taken part in JLM training. The NEC said there was no suggestion of antisemitism against me. Being blocked from running for the new mayoral authority adds to the list of Labour politicians on the left who have lost out under the new leadership. Sir Keir has blocked Mr Corbyn from running from the party in Islington North over his response to the Equalities and Human Rights Commissions (EHRC) findings. The EHRC pulled Labour out of two years of special measures after the party improved its complaints and training procedures to protect party members from antisemitism. Former shadow home secretary Diane Abbott had the Labour whip suspended for suggesting Jewish, Irish and Traveller people are not subject to racism all their lives. Senior Conservatives were also among those backing Mr Driscoll after the decision to block him. I worked with Jamie as Vaccine Minister, he was always professional and didnt play politics, just wanted to protect the people he represents. Sorry to hear this Jamie. You are a good man. Stay strong. Nadhim Zahawi (@nadhimzahawi) June 2, 2023 Former levelling-up secretary Simon Clarke said he feels very sorry for the mayor he described as knowledgeable, passionate about the NE and refreshingly non-partisan. Having worked with him as vaccines minister, Nadhim Zahawi said Mr Driscoll was always professional and didnt play politics, just wanted to protect the people he represents. Sorry to hear this Jamie. You are a good man. Stay strong, the former chancellor added. More than 2,600 NHS staff in Scotland have been forced to take time off due to long Covid, new figures show. Freedom of information requests by the Scottish Liberal Democrats revealed at least 2,603 doctors, nurses and midwives were recorded as having taken time off due to long Covid, some for more than two years. The vast majority of absences were seen in nurses, with 2,414 taking time off, compared to 128 doctors and 61 midwives. NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde suffered worst, with a total of 1,298 staff forced to take leave due to long Covid, according to the figures. The longest recorded absence was found in the NHS Grampian area, where one member of staff was off for 957 days. In NHS Fife, a worker spent 882 days on leave, and another in NHS Highland was side-lined for 798 days. The total figure is likely to be higher as NHS Forth Valley did not provide the information, NHS Western Isles was unable to do so, and NHS Lothian provided data for the whole-time equivalent staff lost to long Covid. Scottish Lib Dem leader Alex Cole-Hamilton said the data is a damning verdict of the Scottish Governments complete lack of care for long Covid victims, calling on ministers to increase funding to help those with the condition. Long Covid is an enormously debilitating condition which disrupts and devastates lives, he said. This nationalist Governments response has been so poor that many Scots would be better off moving to England where more robust care pathways are available. Our NHS is already at boiling point and if this lacklustre approach from the SNP and Greens continues, we will see even more staff absences, even more pressure on services. Nurses and other long Covid sufferers cannot afford to be put on hold any longer without solutions. These sky-high absences must propel the Government into action. Scottish Liberal Democrats are calling on Humza Yousaf to improve funding for long Covid. We need to see dedicated long Covid clinics set up across the country and Scotland-wide access to physiotherapy and multi-disciplinary rehab. Otherwise, nurses and their patients will pay the price. Alex Cole-Hamilton demanded more support for long Covid sufferers (PA) The Scottish Government allocated 3 million from its 10 million long Covid support fund for the last financial year, but no further allocations have yet been announced. NHS Grampian said it could not comment on individual cases, but that it follows nationally set absence rules. A spokesman for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde said its workforce totalling around 41,000 people accounts for around one quarter of NHS staff in Scotland, adding: The health and wellbeing of our staff is of paramount importance to us and throughout the pandemic we introduced a number of new interventions to support staff and managers in terms of absence, health and wellbeing, and new guidance was developed to assist in managing the previously unknown condition of long Covid. Through HR and occupational health teams we have expanded resources to focus on supporting those with Covid and long Covid, while introducing specific peer support as part of our wider mental health and wellbeing action plan. A Scottish Government spokesman said: We recognise the significant impact long Covid can have on the health and wellbeing of those most severely affected and assessment and support is being provided across Scotland. We are making available 3 million from our 10 million long Covid support fund over this financial year to support NHS boards to increase the capacity of existing services, develop these into more clearly defined local pathways and provide a more co-ordinated experience. This is in addition to what our healthcare system supported by record funding of more than 19 billion is already delivering in caring for people with long Covid across our full range of NHS services. All NHS staff are fully supported in accordance with the Once for Scotland attendance policy where health impacts their ability to be at work. The Government said that for the fortnight ending May 23 2023, a daily average of 365 NHS staff were absent due to Covid-related illness 0.20% of the total workforce. A man has appeared in court in connection with numerous offences including the possession of a pistol-type weapon or imitation firearm with intent to cause fear or violence, after a video circulated on social media appearing to show a taxi driver threatening a passenger with a gun. Brian Stalford, 48, of Park Avenue, Belfast, was charged with having in his possession a pistol-type weapon with intent by means thereof to cause or enable some other person by means thereof to believe that unlawful violence would be used contrary to Article 17A of the Firearms (Northern Ireland) Order 1981 on March 26. He was also charged with unlawful assault and a threat to kill on the same date. In addition, Stalford was charged with possession of cocaine on June 1. Appearing via videolink to Laganside Magistrates Court in Belfast, Stalford spoke only to confirm he understood the charges against him. Detective Constable Campbell with the paramilitary crime taskforce told the court he could connect Stalford with the charges. He said Stalford was arrested on suspicion of numerous offences, including possession of a firearm or imitation firearm with intent to cause fear or violence. Upon arrest, Stalford was found to be in possession of a pouch containing powder and was charged with possession of a Class-A controlled substance. Mr Campbell said: This follows the widely-circulated dashcam footage which shows a male who was a Fonacab driver threatening a front-seat passenger with a handgun. The gun is pointed directly at the front-seat passenger and a threat is made: You are lucky Im not taking your effing knees out now. A number of malicious threats are made to a passenger in which he was told if the conversation in the car gets out: Ill be taking your head off. Mr Campbell said Stalford hit the passenger in the jaw with the muzzle of the weapon. And then was instructing him to work his debt off, police would say that is a drugs-related debt and this is a drugs-related matter. Mr Campbell said his role with the paramilitary taskforce is to investigate the activities of the East Belfast UVF. He said the polices position is that Stalford is an enforcer for the East Belfast UVF but there was nothing to say he was a member. He said the offending took place in an area controlled by the East Belfast UVF. The other alternative is hes doing it of his own volition and operating in the patch of an organised crime gang as a rogue. There is no charge against Stalford for any paramilitary-related offences. The firearm in the video has not been recovered by police. Mr Campbell said he believed the firearm is long gone as the video was circulating for 24 hours before the arrest. He said police had spoken to the two passengers shown in the video but they have not made complaints. The threats are being taken very seriously and understandably the two passengers are not willing to co-operate with police in making formal complaints. Mr Campbell said Stalford had accepted the footage was from his dashcam and that his briefing of the police interview was that the defendant said the video was done in jest. Stalfords defence solicitor Mark Austin said there had been no statement of complaints made. Mr Austin said Stalford was very clear in police interview that the gun was not a firearm and was instead a toy. He added that Stalford did not know where the alleged firearm was but believed one of the passengers had. He said Stalford had no intention to cause fear, intimidation or fear of violence. Mr Austin said everybody in the video knows each other and had consented to what was occurring. Mr Campbell said the two passengers had not offered a statement to confirm the circumstances behind the video. He described them as understandably frightened individuals. Mr Austin said there was a massive lack of evidence and cautioned this was going down a road of reversing the burden. He asked if police searches of the passengers houses had occurred, to which Mr Campbell said the victims houses would not have been searched. Mr Austin said Stalford did not have cocaine and the pouch containing powder needed further testing to determine it had not been contaminated. Applying for bail, Mr Austin said Stalford had no relevant convictions and the last time he was before a court was for no TV licence in 2014. The court is being asked to buy into some sort of social-media frenzy here. He said social media is littered with idiotic videos like the one in question. He added that Stalfords wife was in the court and riddled with embarrassment. He said Stalford, who had been employed as a taxi driver, was not at risk of reoffending or absconding. Police objected to the application for bail over concerns of interfering with justice, a risk of reoffending and a risk of flight. Mr Campbell said Stalford had made off from police in an incident days before the arrest. He added that Stalford had also previously interfered with justice by destroying evidence. Mr Campbell said the video was not TikTok foolery and was the enforcement of a drug debt. The bail application was refused over the risks of reoffending and interfering with the investigation. Stalford will next appear before court via videolink on the matter on June 30. An organised crime boss who had been on the run since 2018 has been jailed after being extradited to the UK from Thailand. Richard Wakeling, 55, from Brentwood, Essex, arrived back in the country on Thursday evening and appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court on Friday afternoon, the National Crime Agency (NCA) said, adding that he was immediately jailed for 11 years after being convicted in his absence. The NCA said Wakeling was found guilty of trying to import 8 million worth of amphetamine suspended in liquid in 2016, but fled the UK on the eve of his trial in 2018. Richard Wakeling following his arrest by the Royal Thai Police at a Bangkok garage (National Crime Agency/PA) He was escorted back to Heathrow by specialist officers from the Joint International Crime Centres extradition unit. The NCA said that in February 2023 officers from the Royal Thai Police arrested Wakeling at a Bangkok garage as he went to collect his car after repair. At the time of his arrest, he was in possession of a passport in another identity. The NCA began its investigation into Wakelings organised crime group after Border Force officers stopped a truck boarding a Channel Tunnel train on April 9 2016. The truck contained plastic drums carrying the drugs. The driver was transporting furniture from Italy but stopped at Ternat in Belgium, where phone evidence showed he was directed to collect the drugs. The NCA said the entire importation was set up by Wakeling, who was in contact with drug suppliers in the Netherlands and liaised with two other UK offenders to arrange the journey. Richard Wakeling following his arrest by the Royal Thai Police (National Crime Agency/PA) Officers proved the crime group had organised six other importations before the 2016 seizure. After Wakeling fled in 2018, the NCA issued an appeal for help finding him. Jacque Beer, NCA regional head of investigations, said: Richard Wakeling thought he could avoid facing justice by leaving the UK. The hard work of NCA officers both here in the UK and overseas and that of our international partners has put him behind bars for a lengthy prison sentence. This case highlights the NCAs global reach and that we will do everything we can to ensure those who commit serious and organised crime are held accountable for their actions, no matter how long it takes or how far they flee. A racegoer who filmed the moment a protester ran on to the course at the Epsom Derby has said the activist was putting the horses in more danger after crowds cheered their arrest. Applause and cheering could be heard from onlookers at the racecourse as half a dozen security and police officers dragged the demonstrator off the track on Saturday afternoon, where 31 suspected Animal Rising activists were arrested. Jack Cummins, from Cambridge, said the protester was in plain clothes disguised as a normal racegoer when they ran onto the course. Protester at Epsom in the derby! pic.twitter.com/ceV2YQE9Je Jackmack (@iamjackmack) June 3, 2023 The guy started running down the course from the hill side to be fair to security and police they grabbed him pretty quickly and dragged him off, the 23-year-old, who was stood in the front row, told the PA news agency. Pretty stupid of him to do it, protesters dont understand how well-treated these horses are theyre putting the horses in more danger than theyll have ever been in by jumping into the track. In Mr Cummins video, onlookers could be heard shouting get him off while another appeared to say Taser him. Animal Rising, who delayed the start of the Grand National by over 10 minutes in April, suggested the Epsom race should have been halted for the horses safety when the protester was on the course describing the decision to continue as a sickening display of profit over animal welfare. BREAKING!!Supporter of #AnimalRising makes it on to the tracks of the #EpsomDerby Despite The Jockey Club's claim that the horses safety is paramount, they decided to start the race DESPITE KNOWING THAT A PROTESTER WAS ON THE TRACKS. Another sickening display of profit > pic.twitter.com/Q7x0T2Dd5E Animal Rising (@AnimalRising) June 3, 2023 The group tweeted: Despite The Jockey Clubs claim that the horses safety is paramount, they decided to start the race despite knowing that a protester was on the tracks. Another sickening display of profit (over) care for animals. Kerri Waters, a PhD researcher and Animal Rising activist at the race, said: On Friday we saw (racehorse) Running Lion refuse to ride in the Oaks race, showing bravery and resistance to being used as an object and treated like property. That is exactly why weve attempted to disrupt the Derby and shone the spotlight on our broken relationship with other animals and the natural world. Were a nation of animal lovers its entirely possible for us to come together and build a better, kinder world. Humza Yousaf has accused Scottish Labour of hubris, claiming they believe they have already won the next general election. Scotlands First Minister kicked off a summer of campaigning in his Glasgow Pollok constituency on Saturday, saying the SNP would not lose seats at the next election expected next year. The SNP have suffered at the polls in recent months following the resignation of Nicola Sturgeon and subsequent bruising leadership campaign, as well as the arrest of Ms Sturgeons husband and former party chief executive Peter Murrell and then party treasurer Colin Beattie in relation to a police probe of the partys finances. Both men were released without charge pending further investigation. Labour has been rising on the back of turmoil within the SNP and the Tories in the past year. Asked by the PA news agency if his party could drop seats at the next election, Mr Yousaf said: No. Were working hard to make sure we dont lose seats, we go into every election hoping to not just hold what youve got but to try to win seats. He added: I know that Scottish Labour have already in their hubris decided that theyve won that election, but Im not taking anything for granted, hence why Im going out campaigning today. Mr Yousaf said he would be knocking on doors, making the case, persuading of the fact that independence is needed now more than ever before. Meanwhile, former first minister Alex Salmond was campaigning in Bellshill ahead of a council by-election there caused by the resignation of former North Lanarkshire council leader Jordan Linden after accusations of sexual impropriety. Joining his partys candidate in the ward John Marshall, Mr Salmond said the independence movement must highlight that the cost-of-living crisis is a symptom of Westminster rule. Scottish Labour deputy leader Jackie Baillie said: Scotland desperately needs change but Humza Yousaf and the SNP are incapable of delivering it. The next general election is a chance to boot out this disastrous Tory government and only Labour can do that. Scottish Labour is working around the clock to earn back voters trust and demonstrate that we can deliver the change Scotland needs. Donald Trumps attorneys have been unable to find the classified document described in a recording of a 2021 conversation that is now in the possession of prosecutors, CNN reports. Earlier this week, the network broke the news that a recording existed of the former president acknowledging that he had held onto a classified Pentagon document outlining a potential attack on Iran. Citing two sources, CNN now reports that attorneys for Mr Trump could not find the document he referred to when they turned over material in mid-March in response to a federal subpoena relating to the investigation. Prosecutors sought any and all documents and materials related to Mark Milley, Mr Trumps chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Iran, including maps or invasion plans, the sources say. Another subpoena was sent to at least one other attendee of the recorded meeting at Bedminster, New Jersey, in July 2021, another source told the network. Prosecutors reportedly made it clear that they wanted the specific document referred to in the recording after they had issued the subpoena, as well as any other material referencing classified documents still in the possession of the former president. The report adds credence to prosecutors scepticism that all classified materials retained by Mr Trump after he left office have been returned. Dozens of documents of varying classification levels were retrieved from the former presidents home at his Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach, Florida when the FBI searched the premises in August 2022. The recording of Mr Trump was created during the summer of 2021, approximately six months after the ex-president had left office. It reportedly captures a discussion during which Mr Trump was reacting to the publication of a story in The New Yorker regarding how Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley took actions to ensure the outgoing president issued no illegal orders. In the article, journalist Susan Glasser reported that Mr Milley was concerned that Mr Trump might set in motion a full-scale conflict that was not justified by ordering military action against Iran. The former president was reportedly recorded as he waved a document and said it would undermine what Mr Milley had said if he could legally show it to anyone. CNN reported that the audio recording contains the sound of paper rustling as if Mr Trump was waving a document around. The recording also reportedly captured laughter after the ex-president noted that he was not permitted to show the document to anyone. The July 2021 meeting took place long before Mr Trumps aides sent 15 boxes of records from his Florida home to the National Archives. That January 2022 transfer of documents led Archives officials to discover multiple classified documents among the records sent back from Mr Trumps residence, leading the agency to notify the Department of Justice about the discovery. The Justice Departments probe into Mr Trumps alleged unlawful retention of national defence information is being overseen by a special prosecutor, Jack Smith. Mr Smith has reportedly obtained other evidence which shows Mr Trump made efforts to obstruct the investigation by concealing documents from the government, even after he was served a grand jury subpoena compelling him to return all classified documents in his possession. The investigation is reportedly in its final stages and could result in charges against Mr Trump as soon as this summer. Los Angeles In May of 2022, commencement day for graduating seniors at the Otis College of Art and Design in Los Angeles came with both dreams and debt. Suhey Elias, a former student, told CBS News she was graduating with $60,000 to $65,000 in debt. Her classmate, Keila Medina Villanueva, said she had between $50,000 and $60,000 in debt. Their commencement speaker was Snapchat co-founder and billionaire Evan Spiegel, who had taken classes at Otis years before. "You've got everything you need to pursue your dreams," Spiegel told the graduates in his speech. Everything, perhaps, but pennies from heaven. What followed, however, was pretty close. Snapchat co-founder Evan Spiegel receives an honorary doctorate, as does his wife Miranda Kerr, at the Otis College of Art and Design commencement ceremonies on May 15, 2022, where graduating students learned that Spiegel and Kerr would pay off all their student loans. / Credit: Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images "And I told my friend, 'What, are they gonna pay our student loans?'" Villanueva recounted this week to CBS News. "Joking around." Charles Hirschhorn, Otis president, took to the stage and announced that Spiegel and his wife, businesswoman Miranda Kerr, would be making the largest single donation in school history through their nonprofit Spiegel Family Fund to pay off the entire student loan debt for the 2022 graduating class. The students were in shock. "They were right in front of me, and they're all gasping," Hirschhorn recalled. "My jaw dropped," Villanueva said. "I was like, what?" "What just happened?" Elias said, recalling her reaction. "I just said, 'Oh my God.'" The donation totaled at least $10 million, the school said. About 70% of college graduates owe student loans, according to the nonprofit research group the Urban Institute. Roughly half of borrowers still owe $20,000 or more 20 years after entering school, per data from the Education Data Initiative. The gift from Spiegel and Kerr allowed Suhey to focus on her painting. "I might have had to put my dream aside and just focus on the loans," Suhey said. "But now I'm able to do what I love." Villanueva had been working at McDonald's, but now she is making ceramics and selling them at art shows. With her student debt paid off, she is paying it forward, looking to teach art in lower-income communities. "The bills would be the ones deciding what I did after," Villanueva said. "Now it's me deciding." The student loan issue has taken center stage amid Washington's debt ceiling negotiations. The proposed bill making its way through Congress would end the payment pause on federal student loans that began during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, the Biden administration's student loan forgiveness plan, proposed in August 2022, is currently before the Supreme Court, with a decision expected soon. The plan would cancel up to $20,000 in student loan debt for millions of Americans. The Senate on Thursday voted to do away with the forgiveness plan, but President Biden has said he will veto that effort. Why U.S. births are decreasing The risks of taking off-brand Ozempic for weight loss, according to a doctor Trump says he has "total support" of Iowa faith leaders The FBI will let the chair and ranking member of the House Oversight Committee review a document describing an allegation that Joe Biden accepted a bribe as vice president, but will black out information that could reveal the sources identity, a senior law enforcement official said. Committee Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., subpoenaed the FBI last month for the FD-1023 form, which he and Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, claimed describes an alleged criminal scheme involving Biden relating to the exchange of money for policy decisions. Comer has said the scheme involved a $5 million payment from a foreign national in exchange for a policy outcome. The agency will bring the document to Capitol Hill on Monday and offer a briefing to Comer and ranking member Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., a committee spokesperson said. Initially, the FBI had asked the lawmakers to review the document at FBI headquarters. The senior law enforcement official told NBC News that the FBI and a U.S. attorney appointed by then-President Donald Trump reviewed the allegation when it was made in 2020, along with other information about Bidens son Hunter Biden's dealings in Ukraine. The bribery allegation was not substantiated, the official said. Former Attorney General William Barr had asked the U.S. attorney in Pittsburgh to investigate the Biden Ukraine matter. Grassley, who is also seeking the document, said this week that Republicans arent interested in whether or not the accusations against Biden are accurate or not, but rather want to make sure the FBI complies with the subpoena. Christopher Durham, acting assistant director of the FBI, warned in a letter to Comer this week that FD-1023 forms record information told to the FBI, but recording the information "does not validate the information, establish its credibility, or weigh it against other information known or developed by the FBI." Investigative reports, such as an FD-1023, include leads and suspicions, not the conclusions of investigators based on fuller context, including information that may not be available to the confidential source, Dunham wrote. The FBI has also expressed concerns that turning over the document could risk the life of the source. Republicans have said they are not interested in the informants identity, but the subpoena demands the document in full. The FBI said in a statement Friday that it had requested "commonsense protections" to maintain the confidentiality of sensitive information. Such requests are routinely made by the agency when responding to congressional requests as well as in criminal court proceedings "to protect the physical safety of sources and the integrity of investigations," the agency said, adding that it "remains committed to cooperating with the Committee in good faith." News of the briefing Monday was first reported by Fox News. After Comer issued the subpoena to FBI Director Christopher Wray for the document last month, the FBI declined to provide it, saying it had to adhere to Justice Department policy, which limits how confidential human source information can be distributed outside of the FBI. Comer then said the committee would move to hold Wray in contempt of Congress unless he turned over the document. Following a phone call with Comer, Grassley and Wray on Wednesday, the FBI said Wray had offered to allow the leaders of the committee to review the document "in a secure manner." Raskin has accepted the FBI's invitation to review the subpoenaed document, a spokesperson said. "The Ranking Member appreciates the agencys efforts to accommodate the Committee and the opportunity to review and be briefed on the Trump Justice Departments follow up on the unsubstantiated tip sheet after weeks of Chairman Comers partisan spin," the Raskin spokesperson added. A spokesperson for the Oversight Committee said that the upcoming briefing and review of the document will not dissuade Comer from moving forward with contempt proceedings against Wray. Chairman Comer has been clear that anything short of producing the FD-1023 form to the House Oversight Committee is not compliance with his subpoena, the spokesperson said. House Republicans leading key committees have pursued a series of investigations into the Biden family's business dealings since they took over the chamber earlier this year. The White House has criticized the investigations, arguing the probes are politically motivated and designed to hurt Biden's re-election chances. Phillip Vince has had an especially exciting week: the birth of his first grandchild, his wedding anniversary and a large North Carolina Powerball win. Its definitely been a great week, Vince told lottery officials, according to a June 2 North Carolina Education Lottery news release. And its a nice anniversary gift too. Vince matched four white balls and the red Powerball on May 29 , earning him a $50,000 prize, officials said. Then, the 2X Power Play multiplier hit, doubling his prize to $100,000. The Hope Mills lottery player said he picked his numbers using a fortune cookie he got from a Chinese restaurant. I have numbers I saved from my fortune cookie that I use, he told officials. Ive been playing them for about six months. Days before his big win, Vince missed the Cash 5 jackpot prize by one number, according to officials. Its crazy, he said. Vince bought his lucky ticket using Online Play on the lotterys app, officials said. After taxes, he took home $71,251. Now, Vince plans to pay some bills, save for retirement and maybe splurge a little bit, he told officials. Many people can gamble or play games of chance without harm. However, for some, gambling is an addiction that can ruin lives and families. 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. Grandma scans Iowa lottery ticket 4 times before she believes huge prize. In shock Lottery player uses penny from heaven then wins life-changing prize in Maryland Mom screams all the way to work after huge NC lottery win. Now she can retire early Roughly a month into the Hollywood writers strike, the standoff between the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) remains at an impasse. The financial impacts have already begun to reverberate across nearly every facet of the Southern California economy. From dry cleaners to restaurants and even the real estate sector, the work stoppage from 11,500 writers has jolted businesses that rely on income from the industry to make a living. And a prolonged strike threatens to spread the impact beyond the region. With the increase in different kinds of filmed productions due to all of the new demand from streaming and film incentives being a great deal more robust now than they were in the last strike, the overall impact of the strike will be felt in places like Georgia, New York, and elsewhere in ways that it was more confined to California last time, said Kevin Klowden, chief global strategist at the Milken Institute. Workers and supporters of the Writers Guild of America protest outside Warner Bros. Studios after union negotiators called a strike for film and television writers, in Burbank, California, U.S., May 2, 2023. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni A 'longer, colder' strike In North Hollywood, where Pam and Jim Elyea own a prop house called History for Hire, history feels like its repeating itself. Their business has supplied props to movie productions for nearly 40 years, including the cameras for Steven Spielbergs The Fabelmans and military gear for Platoon. The last time the WGA went on strike in 2007, the Elyeas delayed buying their own warehouse, using the money saved up to keep the business afloat instead. Pam Elyea said this strike feels longer, colder. There's not a lot of other options for us," she said. "So what we do during this time when we're shut down is we work on our stock, we maintain it, but every week we're losing money. Every month we're losing money on this. And we really estimate the strike will at least go on to the end of September, possibly the end of the year. If the last writers' strike, which began in 2007 and ended in 2008, is any indication, a prolonged strike is likely to result in significant job losses and weigh on the regions growth. The 100-day strike contributed to 37,700 job cuts and $2.1 billion in losses, according to a Milken Institute study conducted by Klowden. That accelerated the onset of Californias recession in 2008 in the midst of the subprime mortgage crisis that triggered the global financial crisis. Nearly a month into the current strike, a growing list of shows and films have already halted production. But its too early to say what the full impact will be, Klowden said. The secondary effect of the strike can often be delayed, he said. A number of those businesses were already hit hard by the pandemic, and an extended strike might force them to close down entirely. 'There are terrible costs' The proliferation of streaming services is at the core of the strike. Chris Keyser, co-chair of WGAs Negotiating Committee, said tech companies such as Netflix (NFLX) have fundamentally altered the way in which writers are paid, employing them for the fewest amount of weeks, for the least amount of money they can pay while maximizing output. A bunch of tech companies came in during the streaming era and imposed a kind of efficiency and productivity onto the creative process that doesnt make any sense, Keyser said. They pay us by the week and say, give us your great idea and go home. Doesnt work anymore. Striking writers rally in front of Netflix offices, Wednesday, May 3, 2023, in Los Angeles. Television and movie writers launched a strike Tuesday in a fight over fair pay in the streaming era. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello) Writers are seeking increases in minimum pay, along with better residuals, which are similar to royalty payments, from streaming services. Theyre also calling for strict limits on any content produced by artificial intelligence. Keyser said AMPTP has yet to come to the table on key issues to compensate writers fairly, even as Hollywood studios rack up profits. If we dont negotiate for this now, when we come back in three years, it may be too late, Keyser said. Yes, there are costs to it. There are terrible costs. We are painfully aware of those costs. The companies should come back and talk to us. In a statement to Yahoo Finance, the AMPTP said: Member companies remain united in their desire to reach a deal that is mutually beneficial to writers and the health and longevity of the industry, and to avoid hardship to the thousands of employees who depend upon the industry for their livelihoods. Stalled negotiations with the Screen Actors Guild, which has already authorized a strike, and the Directors Guild of America, which has yet to reach its own deal with the AMPTP, may complicate the timeline for any resolution. Danny Tolli, a veteran writer and strike captain, said hes hanging on to two additional jobs unrelated to the studios in preparation for the long haul. I'm facing some financial hardships, but it's important to be out here, he said from outside the Netflix building on Sunset Boulevard. Given where I was before the strike, it wasn't a dangerous gamble to go on strike. I was already seeing my career as a writer evaporate. I knew that this was important. Akiko Fujita is an anchor and reporter for Yahoo Finance. Follow her on Twitter @AkikoFujita 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 Investigators have been issued search warrants for Idaho quadruple murder accused Bryan Kohbergers social media accounts, court records show. The Latah County Prosecutors Office requested information on Mr Kohbergers digital footprint from TikTok, Strava, Reddit, Google, and Snapchat, according to documents obtained by Insider. Detectives said there was probable cause that the accounts could contain information relating to the November 2022 slayings of Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Ethan Chapin and Xana Kernodle at the girls off-campus home in Moscow, Idaho. They asked for Mr Kohbergers profiles, usernames, messages, photos, search history, and anyone he followed or unfollowed on the platforms, according to documents seen by Insider. Search warrants have also been issued for Mr Kohbergers internet activity and phone records, according to ABC News. Police also want to examine the four victims social media accounts, ABC News reported. Mr Kohberger, a 28-year-old crominology student, was arraigned on four charges of first-degree murder and one charge of burglary during a court appearance last month. He stood silent and refused to enter a plea when asked to by the judge, who entered not guilty pleas on his behalf. He is due to face trial in October. Prosecutors have not revealed whether they will seek the death penalty. Ethan Chapin, 20, Madison Mogen, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Kaylee Goncalves, 21, in a photo taken hours before they died (Instagram/Kaylee Goncalves) Mr Kohberger was arrested at his parents home in Pennsylvania on 30 December, more than six weeks after the grisly slayings had left the university town of Moscow in fear. In January, People reported that Mr Kohberger followed three of the victims on Instagram, and repeatedly messaged one of the women. Investigators told the magazine that the victims did not follow Mr Kohberger back, and the messages had gone unanswered and may not have seen them. The account has since been deleted. Details of Mr Kohbergers history of drug abuse and psychological issues have emerged from friends and former classmates. In posts a decade ago on the online forum Tapatalk, an account appearing to belong to Mr Kohberger spoke of his depression, dissociation and being able to do whatever I want with little remorse, according to a New York Times report. Top executives from JPMorgan Chase (JPM) and Citigroup (C) said Friday they are anticipating a tougher business climate through the end of 2023 and a slowdown in core Wall Street operations. "There will be a recession at some point, but I don't see, for the moment, a crisis," said JPMorgan Chief Operating Officer Daniel Pinto, who expects the Federal Reserve to hike interest rates up to 5.5% before pausing. "It's just a slowdown in the economic cycle to deal with inflation." Pinto, speaking at a conference in New York, predicted JPMorgan's investment banking fees for the full year would be 7% lower compared to last year. He is also CEO of JPMorgan's corporate and investment bank. Daniel Pinto, JPMorgan's chief operating officer. (Photo by Peter PARKS / AFP) (Photo by PETER PARKS/AFP via Getty Images) Citigroup CEO Jane Fraser, speaking at the same conference, also played down expectations for her bank's markets division in the second quarter. She noted that it earned $5.2 billion in revenue during 2022's second quarter and that Ill probably regret that at the end of the second quarter this year." Pinto and Fraser became the latest of several big bank executives this week to warn about weakness on Wall Street after a rough start to the year. Most major banks that advise on mergers or IPO underwriting reported drops in fee revenue during the first quarter. The largest decrease of 26% belonged to Goldman Sachs (GS), followed by a 25% drop at Citigroup and a 20% drop at Bank of America (BAC). JPMorgan saw investment banking revenue down 19%. Many of these banks decided to eliminate more positions this year, according to media reports. Cuts at Morgan Stanley (MS) will amount to roughly 3,000, and JPMorgan is culling roughly 500 positions. Citigroup and Bank of America are making smaller reductions of a few hundred jobs each. Goldman Sachs Chief Operating Officer John Waldron said Thursday the bank is planning for a total of $1 billion in expense cuts, including new layoffs. Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan said his bank's investment banking fees are flat, though it has gained market share. The good news is it's not moving around down much. It's just sort of bumping along that level, said Moynihan, who pointed out the bank has been able to keep employee reductions low by redeploying workers into other areas for the bank. Citigroup CEO Jane Fraser. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) Fraser made it clear Friday that Citigroup is getting more conservative by taming its expenses in a strategy known as bending the cost curve. For example, it has been working over the last two years to exit 13 different consumer markets including China, India, Korea, Poland, Russia and Taiwan. It added Mexico in January 2022. Another part of the strategy is to take Banamex, its consumer bank in Mexico, public. It halted a plan to sell the unit, which is Mexicos fourth largest bank. "I think it became pretty clear to us that the right route forward for our shareholders was to go down the dual path, down the IPO path, and we made that decision," Fraser said of the Banamex IPO. "Weve got to move on." 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 A man was caught at a coffee shop wearing the same Nike sneakers accused gang members had previously warned him against wearing. When those same accused MS-13 members saw him again, a violent encounter ensued and ultimately resulted in the man being stabbed to death on Aug. 31, 2015, in Wheaton, Maryland, federal prosecutors said. According to the rules of the MS-13 gang, the Nike Cortez shoes he had on were only to be worn by gang members, according to prosecutors. Nearly eight years later, one of the men accused of being involved in the murder is going to prison, the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Maryland announced in a June 2 news release. Jose Lopez Rivera, 27, an El Salvadoran national who lives on Long Island, New York, was sentenced to 26 years in federal prison for a racketeering conspiracy involving the murder and other charges, the attorneys office said. McClatchy News contacted his attorney for comment on June 2 and didnt immediately receive a response. MS-13 is made up of descendants from El Salvador and other nations located in Central America, according to the Justice Department. Its considered one of the largest street gangs in the U.S. and also operates internationally. More on the case For any perceived signs of disrespect, MS-13 gang members are expected to use any means necessary to force respect, such as violence, prosecutors said. On Aug. 31, 2015, Lopez Rivera and his fellow accused gang members arrived at a Dunkin Donuts in Wheaton and spotted the man with Nike Cortez shoes on that he was warned to not wear, according to Riveras plea agreement. Lopez Rivera and the others walked by the man, who spit on another accused gang member, the plea agreement says. This accused member punched the man in response, according to prosecutors. The man threw a beer can at one of them and fled the Dunkin, prosecutors said. Lopez Rivera and another person chased the man down and he was stabbed to death, according to prosecutors. After he died, it was reported to MS-13 leadership that a rival gang member was killed, prosecutors said. It wasnt said whether the victim was actually in a gang. Years later, on July 22, 2021, Lopez Rivera was discovered living in an Elmont, New York apartment where a shotgun, ammo and cocaine were found, the release said. Lopez Rivera admitted that he possessed the cocaine to distribute it and possessed the firearm in furtherance of his drug distribution, prosecutors wrote. Further, Lopez Rivera knew that he was in the United States illegally and therefore was prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Whats more is that Lopez Rivera legally took responsibility for the mans death in 2015, his plea agreement says. As of June 1, more than 30 accused MS-13 gang members and associates have been found guilty in the case and other similar cases, prosecutors said. Woman angry at man sought a hitman over the dark web to shoot him at work, feds say Kidnapped mans family pays ransom, then his body is found zip-tied in alley, feds say Husband duct-taped, shot in head in front of wife in 2006, feds say. Now, man convicted CHICAGO (AP) The Chicago Bears say they are considering abandoning their plan to build an enclosed stadium and entertainment complex on a suburban tract of land they recently purchased in favor of constructing one elsewhere in the region. Citing a property assessment they said is too high, the Bears announced in a statement Friday that building on a 326-acre site in Arlington Heights, Illinois, is no longer our singular focus. It is our responsibility to listen to other municipalities in Chicagoland about potential locations that can deliver on this transformational opportunity for our fans, our club and the State of Illinois, the team said. The Bears announced in February they purchased the site of the shuttered Arlington International Racecourse from Churchill Downs Inc. for $197.2 million. The stadium-based project remains broadly popular in Arlington Heights, Chicagoland and the state, the team said. "However, the propertys original assessment at five times the 2021 tax value, and the recent settlement with Churchill Downs for 2022 being three times higher, fails to reflect the property is not operational and not commercially viable in its current state." The Bears plan to pay for their stadium, but want taxpayer dollars to cover infrastructure costs, such as roads and sewers. The team said demolition work on the racetrack will continue. The Bears envision restaurants, retail and more on the property some 30 miles northwest of Soldier Field all for about $5 billion, with some taxpayer help. The city of Chicago proposed last summer enclosing Soldier Field and increasing its capacity from a league-low 61,500. But the Bears repeatedly insisted the only possibilities they were considering were for the Arlington Heights site. Soldier Field on Chicagos lakefront has been the Bears home since 1971. The team played at Wrigley Field from 1921 to 1970, and if a new stadium is constructed, the franchise would have its name on the mortgage for the first time since arriving in Chicago. Economic analysts have said building a Bears entertainment district would create more than 48,000 jobs and generate $9.4 billion for the local economy. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl and https://twitter.com/AP_NFL CAIRO, Egypt When fighting first broke out in Sudans capital, he only had $800 in his bank account. As the sole provider for his family of five, high school teacher Shaheen al-Sharif knew that wasnt enough to meet the rapidly rising price to escape, so he resolved to hunker down at his home in Khartoum. Going anywhere with that amount was not very feasible, the 27-year-old told NBC News by phone last month. Soon, an artillery shell had struck the roof and bullet marks scarred the outer walls as the intensifying conflict between Sudans army and a rival paramilitary group engulfed their neighborhood. Heavy fighting has left hundreds of thousands of people facing the hellish decision of whether to flee the only country theyve known as home, with cease-fires failing to stop the deadly battle for power that is fueling a growing humanitarian crisis. Missiles land behind the home of Omnia Ahmed, as Sudanese citizens flee the country for Egypt. (Omnia Ahmed; Abdel Rahman El Mahdi / NBC News) But al-Sharif had more pressing concerns: the hunt for insulin to keep his diabetic grandmother and his 12-year-old sister alive. With no power, pharmacies empty and only enough insulin at home to last them less than a week in the sweltering heat, time was running out. By the ninth day of fighting, he told his family they had to go. He managed to secure an additional $400 from a distant relative, enough for four seats on a bus to the border, with his sister, Talya, sitting on his aunts lap for the entire 18-hour ride. We realized that even if were going to be living in the streets, we need to get out. We cannot stay here any longer, al-Sharif said last month from the border town of Wadi Halfa. NBC News spoke to six Sudanese nationals who described a grueling and chaotic journey from their homes to neighboring Egypt, wracked by fear for their loved ones left in Sudan and doubt over whether they will ever be able to return to their old lives. Unlike the thousands of foreign nationals from the United States and other countries who were whisked out in hectic evacuations, vast numbers of people from Khartoum and across Sudan have been forced to navigate their own paths to safety. That has meant dayslong and even weekslong journeys over land and sometimes water past military checkpoints and through heaving border crossings while short of money, basic essentials and medical necessities. It was the feeling that life is never going to be the same slowly creeping in and the realization that things might not return the same way it once was, al-Sharif said, recounting how he felt on the long, last walk out of the neighborhood generations of his family had called home. Sudan conflict (Khaled Desouki / AFP - Getty Images) Inside Khartoum Omnia Ahmed, 26, woke up early April 15 to the sound of the first shots outside her front door. Initially she was hopeful the fighting would subside quickly, but she said things became bleak once bullets flew through her mothers bedroom and into a sofa. This is what really shook me, she said. She sits there on a daily basis. Ahmed, who had worked for the United Nations aid program in Sudan was not alone in her early optimism that the fighting would simmer down. We Sudanese always believe Khartoum is the safe haven, Zaria Suleiman, 56, a mother of four who works in international development, said about the city she had called home for more than 25 years. With a population of more than 5 million, Khartoum is not just Sudans capital and largest city, but also has long been considered a crucial economic, cultural and transportation hub that has largely escaped the sporadic conflicts focused in the west of the resource-rich country. That is, until now. Zaria Suleiman, right, with her husband and one of her daughters at a university graduation in Khartoum. (Courtesy of Zaria Suleiman) The blaring noise of airstrikes showering over Suleimans home felt paralyzing for her and her daughter, Amna, leading to sleepless nights. Stories of neighbors dying and friends missing began to circulate throughout their community in the north of the capital. It was the fear of our life, she said. I would not sleep before seven oclock in the morning out of fear that I will die in the middle of the night hit by a missile. Water, milk and other essentials in local stores began to run out. With electricity also hard to come by, families tried to ration what they could but some still joined a dangerous search for daily necessities. My heart would be beating that they might not come back, Suleiman said of her husband and sons trips in search of water. She said she saw looters in her neighborhood ransacking homes and shops for sacks of flour, sugar or valuables left behind. Assuming the house was unoccupied, a looter came to her front door while she was still there, but ran away once her husband confronted him. Others werent so lucky. With neighborhoods divided up between the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, or RSF, and the Sudanese military, civilians were often caught in the crossfire. Neighbors suffered bullet wounds as they tried to collect bread to break their fast during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. Despite the dire situation, many were reluctant to flee but ultimately, Ahmed said, the decision was made for us. As Khartoum plunged deeper into violence, prompting the rest of the world to evacuate their citizens and close their embassies, Sudanese nationals scoured WhatsApp groups and meetings at local tea cafes as they searched for a way out. One month since Sudan's conflict erupted, its capital is a desolate war zone where terrorised families huddle in their homes as gun battles rage in the dusty, deserted streets outside. (AFP - Getty Images) At times, just getting to the bus stop was a mission. Heavy gunfire made opening the front door a danger, elderly family members were forced to carry luggage while walking with canes and children became distressed at the sudden upheaval. She was crying the whole way out about leaving our cat, about leaving the house, about potentially dying, al-Sharif said of his sister. Some had to leave loved ones. The fear of not seeing them again, you just dont know, Suleiman said, about leaving her husband and adult son behind to deal with some damage to their home. Haphazard checkpoints dotting the city made every journey a potentially deadly gamble. Ahmed said that as her grandmother fled her home for a safer location across the city, her caretaker was shot and killed in the car seat next to her by an RSF fighter. While army checkpoints were seen as more lenient by locals, their locations and which faction was responsible for them was constantly changing. There is no guarantee, its just your luck, Suleiman said. Initially, chartering a bus for 48 people cost around $15,000. Now fares have skyrocketed to more than $20,000, according to locals; An astronomical price that is out of reach for most people living in Sudan, where almost half of the population lives below the poverty line. The buses are like a rare commodity, so they would have an arrangement with you and then they would be negotiating with three or four other people to get a better price, said Abdel-Rahman el-Mahdi, who runs a local nongovernmental organization. After a bus canceled on him, it took him seven days to eventually escape Sudan. Border chaos As Suleiman peered through her bus window on the drive out of Khartoum, she saw burned bodies and decimated factories. It was a horrific scene, she said. Buses leaving Khartoum for Egypt must cross two bridges into a neighboring state before continuing 14 hours north. Usually stopping overnight for fuel, they then continue an eight-hour drive to either the Argeen border or Wadi Halfa, a parallel border crossing and small town on the other side of the Nile river. Initially, most people opted for Argeen, the safer land crossing. But as it got more congested, thousands headed to Wadi Halfa, as well. I felt like I was a zoo animal, Ahmed said, referring to the scenes at the Argeen border. I just felt like everything has just been stripped away from me. Families like hers were forced to sleep for several nights on either side of the crossing. With no humanitarian groups present, those fleeing said there was no water, medical attention or bathrooms at the border as they gathered in the desert heat. Some described seeing elderly people with no choice but to do their business on themselves, while others witnessed people dying due to pacemakers failing, dehydration or lack of insulin. A shortage of workers and a complex visa process for Sudanese men between the ages of 16 and 49 forced families to split up, with some young men rerouted at the last moment. There were so many men who werent able to go through. I have never seen men so sad, Suleiman recalled. Youre already angry, youre already broken, she added. Al-Sharif and his family had been sleeping on the floor of a mosques outdoor courtyard for several nights when he convinced them to leave him in Wadi Halfa and travel to Egypt, where there was better hope of medical attention or new supplies of insulin. After crossing the border, it would take another six hours to reach Aswan, with his family having to cross the Nile by boat. Most families then try to find a way to Cairo or Alexandria, another 16-hour drive. Shaheen and his friends sleeping on the Mosque floor in Wadi Halfa as they wait for visas to be processed. (Courtesuy of Shaheen Al Sharif) Like thousands of other young Sudanese men, al-Sharif was stuck there alone for three weeks and is now trying his luck at another crossing, Port Sudan. Since the conflict first erupted, the border town has doubled in population, leaving young men sleeping on the streets as they await an Egyptian entry visa, with the backlog growing larger. Suleiman and her husband made it to Cairo, Egypts bustling capital, but her son is still stuck in the border town. As she anxiously awaits news, the uncertainty over whether she will ever be able to return to Sudan has started to set in. This is my home. I dont know where else is, she said. Everything is just blown up in the air, Suleiman added. Satnam Singh travels through Bakersfield as part of a cross-country Ride Against Hate on July 31 to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the mass shooting at a Sikh temple in Wisconsin. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times) Proposed legislation that would exempt those who wear religious or cultural headdresses such as a turban or patka from wearing helmets when riding a motorcycle has cleared the California state Senate. Sen. Brian Dahle (R-Bieber), who introduced the bill, said he was approached by bikers in the Sikh community who said they wanted the ability to practice their religious beliefs while riding motorcycles. There are no helmets that accommodate headdresses. They just want to be able to practice their faith without discrimination, and the Constitution allows us to do that, Dahle said Friday. About 211,000 Sikhs live in California, making up nearly half of the nation's entire community, according to the most recent U.S. Census data. The bill cleared the state Senate on Wednesday, and now heads to the Assembly. Eighteen states, including California, have adopted universal helmet laws since a federal safety penalty was repealed in 1995 . The California Highway Patrol enforces the universal helmet law, and violations are punished with a fine of up to $250 and/or a year on probation. Dahle said the rule doesnt intentionally discriminate against religions, but it limits how certain communities can engage in their customs. The turban I tie is about 7 meters. Its not just a head covering, a member of the Sikh community said during a Senate committee hearing . We are not able to ride our bikes and practice our religion. According to the Sikh Rehat Maryada, a code of conduct for orthodox Sikhism, men are required to wear a turban as a symbol of humility, and children wear patkas a cloth head covering secured with strings. They arent just trying to get an exemption because they didn't want to wear a helmet, Dahle said. It's very personal to them and their faith. The Automobile Club of Southern California opposes the legislation, citing concerns that it would weaken the states universal motorcycle helmet law. The Auto Club supports helmet laws because they save lives and reduce serious injuries in traffic crashes involving motorcycles, a spokesperson said in an email statement. Everyone has a right to self-expression, including while riding a motorcycle or any other form of transportation, but keeping riders safe should always remain a priority. More than 5,500 motorcyclists died in 2020, and more than 180,000 were injured in motorcycle crashes, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Helmets were found to reduce the risk of head injuries from crashes by 69%. The County Health Executives Assn. of California also opposes Dahle's legislation, Senate Bill 847. "CHEAC understands that wearing turbans and patkas are deeply important religious expressions, and we encourage innovation and equity in the design of helmets to accommodate head coverings instead of weakening existing helmet laws and risking the safety of these riders, Michelle Gibbons, the associations executive director, wrote in an email. Dahle acknowledged concerns about road safety and said motorcycles generally dont provide much protection, but said his bills focus is freedom of religious expression. Its an opportunity to give them the freedoms of their faith and let them live the American dream and ride a motorcycle and not have to wear a helmet that doesn't go over a turban, Dahle said. He said his office has discussed methods to distinguish motorcyclists eligible for the exemption, such as a mark on their license or a box to check on the driver's application. According to an analysis of the bill, Sikhs or other groups are not exempt from helmet laws in other states due to religious practices. Several provinces in Canada, including Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba and Ontario exempt Sikhs from helmet laws. Exemptions have also been granted in the United Kingdom and India. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. People walk on the grounds of Churchill Downs before the 149th running of the Kentucky Derby on May 6 in Louisville, Ky. (Brynn Anderson / Associated Press) In an unprecedented move, Churchill Downs will move its current spring/summer meeting to Ellis Park in the wake of 12 horse deaths since April 27. The legendary track made the announcement Friday afternoon after agreeing with a recommendation from the Horse Racing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) that conducting a top-to-bottom review of all safety protocols should be the first priority. Racing will continue at Churchill Downs this weekend. The move to sister property Ellis Park, some 134 miles west of Louisville in Henderson, Ky., will happen on Saturday of next week. The same races that were originally scheduled will be run. The Churchill Downs meeting was scheduled to go until July 3, all of which will now be run at Ellis Park, including the Stephen Foster Handicap on July 1. News of the move was first reported by horseracingnation.com. Churchill Downs has been the focus of horse fatalities since the Kentucky Derby when in the week-and-a-half before the race nine horses died and five more were scratched mostly because of potential health issues. Since then, three more have died. HISA called emergency veterinarian meetings earlier this week and brought in Dennis Moore, the longtime Southern California track superintendent, to inspect the Churchill Downs track. Churchill also instituted a few measures to try to mitigate the possibility of deaths. It cut the purse structure so that only the top five runners in a race would earn money, under the idea that marginal horses would not be entered. It also restricted horses to no more than four races in eight weeks, a mostly symbolic move as so few horses try and accomplish that, especially at Churchill Downs. And, it restricted horses that have lost five consecutive races by at least 12 lengths to not running unless prior permission has been obtained from the equine medical director. This is likely in direct response to the death of Kimberley Dream, who lost her last five races by 19, 32 , 14 , 31 and 33 lengths. Dr. Jeff Blea, equine medical director of the California Horse Racing Bard, did not address the situation with this horse specifically, but told The Times that horses with those past performances would be a significant concern, [and] raise a red flag. The team at Churchill Downs takes great pride in our commitment to safety and strives to set the highest standard in racing, consistently going above and beyond the regulations and policies that are required, said Bill Carstanjen, the chief executive of Churchill Downs, in a news release. What has happened at our track is deeply upsetting and absolutely unacceptable. Despite our best efforts to identify a cause for the recent horse injuries, and though no issues have been linked to our racing surfaces or environment at Churchill Downs, we need to take more time to conduct a top-to-bottom review of all of the details and circumstances so that we can further strengthen our surface, safety and integrity protocols. Churchill Downs is one of the few racetracks that refuses to allow its fatality totals to be made public through the Equine Injury Database, a flawed accounting system that only counts racing, not training or other, deaths. The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission also does not provide a website that allows the public to track horse fatalities, such as California and New York. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) Connecticut lawmakers voted Friday to tighten the state's marriage laws, prohibiting anyone under age 18 from being issued a marriage license under any circumstance. The legislation cleared the Senate unanimously, following a 98-45 bipartisan vote last month in the House of Representatives. It updates a 2017 anti-child marriage law that advocates contend created a dangerous loophole, leaving young people at risk of coercion and sexual abuse. Currently in Connecticut, a 16- or 17-year-old may get a marriage license if their local probate court judge approves a petition filed on the minor's behalf by their parent or guardian. Current state law also allows emancipated minors to marry at 16 or 17, something that will end under this new legislation as well. The bill moves to Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont's desk. A spokesperson said Friday the governor plans to sign the legislation into law. Despite Friday's unanimous Senate vote, there was criticism of the legislation in the House including whether it's needed given the small number of teen marriages in Connecticut, and the fact a probate judge can deny a license if they believe a young person is being coerced into marrying. But Democratic Sen. Herron Gaston of Bridgeport spoke from personal experience about the importance of the legislation during Friday's Senate debate. He described about how his sister was married to a 50-year-old man when she was 17 years old and living on the island of St. Lucia. Ive seen the devastating impact it has had on her physically, how it deprived her of her innocence and of her childhood, he said. She bore five children from this marriage and eventually had to flee from the island of Saint Lucia and down to Florida in order to get away from her abuser. Some advocates for the legislation, dressed in wedding gowns with chains around their wrists, watched Friday's proceedings from the Senate gallery. They noted all week how neighboring states, including Massachusetts, New York, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania and New Jersey, have already adopted the 18-year-old marriage requirement. Connecticut is one of several states across the country this year that moved to raise the minimum age to legally marry to 18, including Vermont. Bids to raise the minimum marriage age in West Virginia and Washington stalled. WASHINGTON (AP) President Joe Biden celebrated a crisis averted" in his first speech to the nation from the Oval Office Friday evening, ready to sign a budget agreement that eliminates the potential for an unprecedented government default that he said would have been catastrophic for the U.S. and global economies. The bipartisan measure was approved by the Senate late Thursday night after passing the House in yet another late session the night before. Biden is set to sign it at the White House on Saturday with just two days to spare until the Treasury Department has warned the U.S. wouldn't be able to meet its obligations. Passing this budget agreement was critical. The stakes could not have been higher," Biden said. Nothing would have been more catastrophic, he said, than defaulting on the country's debt. The agreement was hashed out by Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, giving Republicans some of their demanded federal spending cuts but holding the line on major Democratic priorities. It raises the debt limit until 2025 after the 2024 presidential election and gives legislators budget targets for the next two years, in hopes of assuring fiscal stability as the political season heats up. No one got everything they wanted but the American people got what they needed, Biden said, highlighting the compromise and consensus in the deal. We averted an economic crisis and an economic collapse. Biden used the opportunity to itemize the achievements of his first term as he runs for reelection, including support for high-tech manufacturing, infrastructure investments and financial incentives for fighting climate change while at the same time highlighting how he forestalled steeper spending cuts pushed by the GOP that he said would have rolled back his agenda. Were cutting spending and bringing deficits down at the same time, Biden said. We're protecting important priorities from Social Security to Medicare to Medicaid to veterans to our transformational investments in infrastructure and clean energy. Even as he pledged to continue working with Republicans, Biden also drew contrasts with the opposing party, particularly when it comes to raising taxes on the wealthy, something the Democratic president has sought. Its something he suggested may need to wait until a second term. Im going to be coming back, he said. With your help, Im going to win. Biden's remarks were the most detailed comments from the Democratic president on the compromise he and his staff negotiated. He largely remained quiet publicly during the high-stakes talks, a decision that frustrated some members of his party but was intended to give space for both sides to reach a deal and for lawmakers to vote it to his desk. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Friday that Biden was using the occasion to deliver his first address to the nation from behind the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office because he just wanted to make sure that the American people understood how important it was to get this done, how important it was to do this in a bipartisan way. Biden praised McCarthy and his negotiators for operating in good faith, and all congressional leaders for ensuring swift passage of the legislation. They acted responsibly, and put the good of the country ahead of politics, he said. And he made a renewed pitch for his governing style, which he described as less shouting and lower temperatures after four years of President Donald Trump. I know bipartisanship is hard, he said. And unity is hard. But we can never stop trying. Overall, the 99-page bill restricts spending for the next two years and changes some policies, including imposing new work requirements for older Americans receiving food aid and greenlighting an Appalachian natural gas pipeline that many Democrats oppose. Some environmental rules were modified to help streamline approvals for infrastructure and energy projects a move long sought by moderates in Congress. The Congressional Budget Office estimates it could actually expand total eligibility for federal food assistance, with the elimination of work requirements for veterans, homeless people and young people leaving foster care. The legislation also bolsters funds for defense and veterans, cuts back some new money for Internal Revenue Service and rejects Bidens call to roll back Trump-era tax breaks on corporations and the wealthy to help cover the nations deficits. But the White House said the IRS' plans to step up enforcement of tax laws for high-income earners and corporations would continue. The agreement also imposes an automatic overall 1% cut to spending programs if Congress fails approve its annual spending bills a measure designed to pressure lawmakers of both parties to reach consensus before the end of the fiscal year in September. In both chambers, more Democrats backed the legislation than Republicans, but both parties were critical to its passage. In the Senate the tally was 63-36 including 46 Democrats and independents and 17 Republicans in favor, 31 Republicans along with four Democrats and one independent who caucuses with the Democrats opposed. The vote in the House was 314-117. ___ AP Congressional Correspondent Lisa Mascaro contributed to this report. The former wife of Missouri doctor John Forsyth is reportedly devastated by his mysterious death. The newly-engaged Forsyth, 49, vanished after leaving his overnight shift at Mercy Hospital in the Missouri Ozarks town of Cassville on 21 May. His body was found nine days later in Beaver Lake in northwest Arkansas with an apparent gunshot wound, authorities say. Authorities have not said whether they believe Forsyth was killed or took his own life, while his family rejected any possibility of the latter. Forsyths recent divorce from the mother of his eight children was amicable, the womans attorney Ryan Ricketts told the Associated Press. The couple married in 1995 in Nevada, and divorced in 2019, before remarrying the next year and finally getting divorced for a second time in April 2022. His ex-wife, who lives in Idaho and did not wish to be identified, was given custody of their underage children, and Forsyth continued to have a strong relationship with them, Mr Ricketts told the AP. She is just devastated and I mean, just shocked. She never saw any of this kind of thing coming, he said. On 10 May, a judge ordered Forsyth to pay his ex-wife $4,000 in child support a month plus another $15,000 a month, according to court records. Missouri doctor John Forsyth was found dead in a lake Arkansas (MP) Nearly two weeks after his body was discovered, the mystery surrounding his death is deepening. His brother Richard Forsyth told the AP that security footage from the parking lot of a public pool had showed the doctor getting into another vehicle before his body was found. Forsyth apparently got out of the car before the driver left the parking lot, and he walked around for 10 to 15 minutes afterwards, his brother has said. He then left his RV unlocked in the parking lot, with valuables including phones and laptops inside. He texted his fiance to say he would see her soon on the day he disappeared, and then stopped responding to messages, Richard Forsyth said. Tightlipped authorities have refused to say how Forsyth travelled the 50 miles from Cassville to Beaver Lake. An autopsy has been completed, but the results are being withheld pending the outcome of the investigation. Dr John Forsyth vanished on 21 May. His body was found nine days later (Facebook) Richard Forsyth said his brother loved his job at the Mercy Hospital in the small town of Cassville, and rarely missed a days work. He would often sleep in his RV outside the hospital when he was on call, he added. Leaving it unlocked was very uncharacteristic, he added. Forsyth had been previously kidnapped in 2022 before being released, his brother said. Richard Forsyth told Fox News that his brother had not filed a police report because he thought he was no longer in danger. He said police have told family they are investigating the death as a homicide - though officials have not confirmed that publicly. NICANOR, Panama (AP) Panama unveiled a new effort to control illegal migration through the treacherous Darien Gap that spans its eastern border with Colombia on Friday. Hundreds of thousands of migrants have risked the dangerous trek through the jungle in recent years and the flow this year is on a record pace. Most of those who cross are trying to reach the United States. So in April, as the U.S. government prepared to lift pandemic-related restrictions that had allowed authorities to turn back asylum seekers at the border, it announced together with Panama and Colombia increased efforts in the largely lawless Darien Gap. Panamas Shield campaign announced Friday is the first public display of those new efforts. WHAT IS THE DARIEN GAP? The Darien Gap earned its name because it is the break in the Pan-American Highway connecting South and North America. Darien is also the name of Panamas easternmost province, which abuts Colombia. It is composed of dense, roadless jungle, mountains and fast flowing rivers. Migrants who have made the crossing regularly report being robbed, sexually assaulted and of seeing bodies of others who did not survive along the way. Earlier this week, three suspected bandits died in a shootout with border police in Darien. The crossing from Colombia can take anywhere from a few days to more than a week. HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE CROSSING? Last year, nearly 250,000 people crossed the Darien Gap, nearly double the 133,000 who crossed in 2021, and a new record. That increase was driven largely by Venezuelans, who accounted for some 60% of the migrants crossing there last year. In April, the United Nations warned that the unprecedented number of crossings to start the year suggested that some 400,000 migrants could cross this year. According to government data, nearly 170,000 migrants crossed the Darien in the first four months of the year, five times the number from the same period last year. In early May before the U.S. lifted the pandemic era asylum restrictions, Panamanian officials at the edge of the jungle registered the arrival of some 2,000 migrants in one day. Venezuelans continue to be the largest group crossing, but there are also Haitians, Chinese and Ecuadorians among others. This week, Panamanian authorities reported that with the arrival of the rainy season and swollen rivers, on one day about 790 migrants were registered. Expanded legal pathways offered by the United States and more punitive policies who try to enter the U.S. illegally also factor in migrants decision-making. WHAT IS PANAMA'S "SHIELD CAMPAIGN? On Friday, Panamanian security authorities announced it will dedicate some 1,200 immigration agents, border police and members of the naval air service to what they said will be a air, land and sea effort to take on organized criminal groups smuggling migrants, drugs and guns through the Darien jungle. There will be more aerial patrols with U.S.-donated helicopters and more specialized border police units to root out gangs operating along the shared border with Colombia. It is the first public sign of the coordinated efforts promised by Panama, Colombia and the United States in April. U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas met then with the foreign ministers of Panama and Colombia in Panama City. Recognizing our shared interest and responsibility to prevent the risk to human life, disrupt transnational criminal organizations, and preserve the vital rainforest, the governments of Panama, Colombia, and the United States intend to carry out a two-month coordinated campaign to address the serious humanitarian situation in the Darien, the governments said in a joint statement. Panama is framing the effort to gain control of its border as a national security issue targeting organized crime groups. For the migrants making the crossing it plans an informational campaign to combat the misinformation peddled by smugglers. WHAT CHALLENGES DO AUTHORITIES FACE IN DARIEN? It will not be easy. The migration route through the Darien has become well-established with enterprising locals, especially on the Colombian side selling outfitting services tents, boots, food and even porters. Additionally, for those with the resources, there are smugglers who offer a more personalized, guided crossing. Some of Colombia's armed groups, principally the Gulf Clan are involved in migrant smuggling and run very sophisticated operations. Oriel Ortega, director of Panama's border police, said Friday that its intelligence indicated that the Gulf Clan was the organization most involved in and profiting from smuggling migrants through the Darien. Panama's Security Minister Juan Manuel Pino said that authorities have identified three main smuggling sea routes and two land routes between Colombia and Panama and will focus resources in those areas, though he recognized that criminal groups can be expected to then open new routes. __ Sherman reported from Mexico City. Over the course of several months, scores of dead deer began mysteriously appearing in a Pennsylvania community. Littering front yards and roadways, the animals seemed to have been shot to death and left to rot. Now, after a lengthy investigation and one midnight stakeout, the group responsible for the bizarre killings has been apprehended, according to a May 25 news release from the state game commission. In September, state game wardens began receiving reports that many residents of Franklin County about 170 miles west of Philadelphia had found dead deer with bullet wounds outside their homes. One area resident said they saw a vehicle shine a spotlight on a group of deer at night and watched as one animal fell to the ground after a gunshot rang out. Following the reports, game wardens began patrolling the area at night but were unable to find the suspected poachers. But around midnight on Jan. 3, Warden Philip Bietsch spotted something while on patrol: a vehicle that matched the description of the one seen spotlighting a group of deer months earlier. Afterward, he rushed to an area along a road where deer had been turning up dead and lay in wait. Soon after, he heard a series of gunshots and saw the vehicle from the gas station using a spotlight nearby. Bietsch stopped the vehicle and found three people inside with a rifle who said they shot at three deer. Following more interviews, officials learned the group of accused poachers was made up of six people: three 20-year-olds and three juveniles. In total the group estimated they shot between 100-200 deer just for fun, officials said. However, officials were only able to find evidence of 26 illegally killed deer. As a result of the killing spree, the six people have been charged with 113 counts of unlawful taking or killing of game or wildlife, among other charges. It was not clear if any of the six had retained attorneys. Pennsylvania has strict rules for deer hunting, according to the states game commission. Hunters must be licensed, and they are limited to a certain number of kills during a specific window of time. Teacher groomed middle schoolers and sexually assaulted one at lunch, CA cops say Paddleboarder finds body of missing 19-year-old swimmer in water, Florida cops say Deputies find man hiding in closet and a body after eviction notice visit, WV cops say JERUSALEM (AP) A gunbattle along Israels southern border with Egypt left three Israeli soldiers and an Egyptian officer dead Saturday, officials said. It was a rare instance of deadly violence along the frontier. Israel said the Egyptian border guard crossed into Israel and killed the three soldiers before he was fatally shot by troops. Egypt said he had been chasing drug smugglers when he entered Israel. Israel and Egypt have been at peace for over 40 years and have strong security cooperation. Fighting between the sides is extremely rare. Lt. Col. Richard Hecht, an Israeli army spokesperson, said the fighting began overnight when soldiers thwarted a drug-smuggling attempt across the border. He said several hours later, two soldiers in a guard post were shot and killed. Their bodies were found after the shooting, when they did not respond to radio communications. The army said the Egyptian border guard was killed in a second exchange of fire in which a third Israeli soldier was killed. The Egyptian military said an Egyptian border guard crossed the border security barrier and exchanged fire with Israeli forces while he was chasing drug traffickers. It said in a statement that the Egyptian border guard was killed along with three Israeli troops. Hecht said an investigation was being conducted in full cooperation with the Egyptian army. He said troops were searching for other possible assailants. Egypts Defense Minister Gen. Mohamed Zaki spoke by phone with his Israeli counterpart to discuss the shooting on the border, and the mutual coordination to take measures to prevent such incidents in the future, the Egyptian military said in a statement. The Egyptian minister also offered condolences for the dead Israeli troops, it said. It was the first deadly exchange of fire along the Israel-Egypt border in over a decade. The Israeli army said one of the killed soldiers was a woman. Criminals sometimes smuggle drugs across the border, while Islamic militant groups are also active in Egypts restive north Sinai. Israel and Egypt signed a peace agreement in 1979 and maintain close security ties. Fighting along their shared border is rare. The exchange of fire reportedly took place around the Nitzana border crossing between Israel and Egypt. The crossing is located about 40 kilometers (25 miles) southeast of the point where Israels border with Egypt and the Gaza Strip converge. It's used to import goods from Egypt destined for Israel or the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip. Israel built a fence along the porous border a decade ago to halt the entry of African migrants and Islamic militants who are active in Egypts Sinai desert. KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) A doctor in the Missouri Ozarks went missing for over a week until his body was found in an Arkansas lake. But the case remains shrouded in mystery as investigators have released few details to his family or the public. WHATS KNOWN SO FAR Dr. John Forsyth, 49, was last seen alive on May 21, when security cameras in the parking lot of a public pool in Cassville show him getting into a vehicle, after leaving his own car unlocked with his wallet, two phones, a laptop and other items inside. That's according to his brother, Richard Forsyth, who said the doctor had texted his new fiancee that morning saying he would see her soon. His car was found later that day. Investigators haven't said who was driving the other vehicle. A search began after the emergency room physician didn't show up for his May 21 shift at Mercy Hospital in Cassville. There was no sign of Forsyth until a kayaker noticed his body in Arkansas on May 30, at a spot on Beaver Lake some 20 miles (32 kilometers) away from his last known location. His body had an apparent gunshot wound, authorities in Arkansas say. Although Benton County Coroner Daniel Oxford said an autopsy was completed Thursday, the results won't be released until the investigation is over. WHAT WAS HAPPENING IN HIS LIFE? His brother, Richard Forsyth, and other family members say John Forsyth was a devoted father to his eight kids and seemed happier than he'd been in a long time. They say he never missed a day of work, and would often sleep in an RV outside the hospital when he was on call. His family rejects any suggestion he took his own life. Newly engaged, Forsyth was also recently divorced. On May 10 of this year, a judge ordered Forsyth to pay his ex-wife $3,999 in child support a month, plus another $15,000 a month. Missouri court records show he was married and divorced twice to the same woman between 1995 and 2022. Both his brother and Ryan Ricketts, the ex-wife's divorce attorney, say the split was amicable. The pair initially married in Clark County, Nevada. He filed for divorce in April 2019 but the couple remarried in July 2020 in Greene County, Missouri. Court records show that the woman filed a second divorce petition in April 2022, in Lawrence County, Missouri. QUESTIONS THAT REMAIN Authorities have not said whether they believe Forsyth was killed or took his own life. Initially, when Forsyths empty car was found, investigators said there were no signs of foul play. But that was before the body was found. Shannon Jenkins, spokesperson for the Benton County Sheriff's Department, said Friday that there is no immediate threat to the public, but declined to provide more details. She said no further information would be released until the investigation is completed. It's also unclear what Forsyth's connection might be to the second vehicle seen on pool surveillance video. Authorities have not confirmed any information about the video, including if it was taken before or after Forsyth may have texted his fiancee. There's also no information on how Forsyth got from Cassville to Beaver Lake, when and where he died, or if investigators have found a weapon. FORSYTH'S BACKGROUND Forsyth was born in Idaho in 1974, according to online records. He was the third of seven children, his sister Gina Forsyth-Farlaino said. He was the father of eight children. His former wife, who lives in Idaho, was given custody of the couple's minor children, but John Forsyth continued to have a strong relationship with them, his brother and the woman's divorce attorney said. Forsyth's ex-wife did not wish to be interviewed, Ricketts said. She is just devastated and I mean, just shocked, Ricketts said. She never saw any of this kind of thing coming. FORSYTH'S MEDICAL BACKGROUND Online records for the state of Missouri show that Forsyth was licensed as a doctor and surgeon in the state since July 1, 2005 and that his license was active. He'd been an emergency physician at Mercy Hospital in Cassville for nearly 15 years. He received his medical degree from Ross University, which is headquartered in Barbados. Online court records show Forsyth settled a wrongful death lawsuit against him Lawrence County, Missouri, in March 2022, but the settlement terms were confidential. He was initially named as a defendant in a wrongful death case, also in Lawrence County, in 2006. But he and another doctor were dismissed from the case before a local hospital settled the case for $100,000. Records show that in August 2015, he agreed to a public reprimand from the state Board of Registration for the Medical Arts for not adequately and completely maintaining records for two patients. ___ Hanna reported from Topeka, Kansas. Associated Press writer Jim Salter contributed from St. Louis, Missouri. Kansas Gov. Laura Kellys line-item veto of a provision in the states education budget that could have devastated funding for small, rural schools appears likely to stand after Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobachs office said it had decided against challenging the decision in court for now. Kobach spokesperson Danedri Herbert said Friday the office has decided not to take any action on the line-item veto at this time. The statement leaves open the small but unlikely possibility Kobach, a hard-line Republican and Kellys 2018 opponent, could reverse course later. Someone else, perhaps GOP lawmakers, could also file their own lawsuit. Kelly, a Democrat, angered Republicans last month when she signed legislation funding K-12 education but vetoed a provision that would have altered how schools calculated their population. The change threatened to reduce funding to shrinking rural school districts, as well as a handful of urban districts including Kansas City, Kansas, and Wichita. Kellys office expressed appreciation for Kobachs handling of the review late Friday. While Governor Kelly and Attorney General Kobach may not always agree, we appreciate the Attorney Generals thoughtful and professional approach to vetting legal issues such as this, Kelly spokesperson Brianna Johnson said in a statement. Governor Kelly is committed to protecting our rural schools, and her measured exercise of her constitutional line-item veto power over an item of appropriation of money did just that. One school district Fowler USD 225 would have taken an existential funding cut under the legislation. The Meade County district, with about 100 students, receives about $1.5 million in state funding a year. Fowler officials feared the formula change would have led to a cut of more than $400,000, threatening the districts ability to keep its school open. Lets just get to the point: the school would close down after the next year. Theres really nothing else to be said, Superintendent Jamie Wetig told The Star in an interview last month. In recent years GOP lawmakers have separated school funding from overall government funding as a way to tie the school funding to policy provisions that may not be able to pass with a veto-proof majority on their own. Republicans had argued the decision to line-item veto the change was unconstitutional because it didnt appropriate a dollar amount. In Kansas, governors have the power to line-item veto dollar figures in spending bills. But top Republicans had previously signaled a full-blown challenge of Kelly was unlikely. Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson, an Andover Republican, in May said there was a 75% chance a lawsuit wouldnt be filed. Masterson suggested Republicans had expected Kelly to line-item veto more provisions in the bill. The fact that they backed clear down to one little thing I dont know that its worth the fight right now, he said. Kobachs decision not to sue means that, for now, a legal precedent has not been set as to whether the line-item veto is constitutional. The provision Kelly vetoed adjusts the formula for determining funding to each district by allowing schools to calculate aid based upon their current or previous years enrollment rather than any of the past two years. The change would have helped growing districts in suburban parts of the state, but it would have harmed shrinking rural districts and the states largest urban districts. Districts that closed a school in the last year would have been required to use current year enrollment only. While rural districts would have faced the highest percentage cuts to their funding, Kansas City, Kansas, Public Schools and the Olathe School District would have lost the largest raw dollar amounts at $3.2 million and $1.6 million, respectively. The Bonner Springs district in Wyandotte County would have lost nearly $760,000. According to the Kansas Department of Education, the Shawnee Mission School District would have gained about $1.1 million in funding, but a spokesman for the district said internal numbers indicated the district wouldnt have benefited from the proposal. Wichita Public Schools would have lost more than $200,000 under the plan, but the Maize district in the suburbs would have gained more than $1.2 million. At least nine districts, including Fowler, would have lost more than 5% of their state funding under the provision, according to figures circulated by the governors office. The uncertainty over a potential lawsuit had communities fearful the formula change would not only harm school budgets but also deal a blow to small communities where schools are central to local identity. Fowler closed its high school at the start of the academic year and began sending students in grades 7-12 to Meade, about 11 miles away. The agreement sets the stage for a potential future consolidation of the districts, but the funding cut would reduce the chance that Meade USD 226 would continue to operate the elementary school in Fowler. When you lose your school, you lose your town, you lose your community, Wetig said. The Stars Katie Bernard contributed reporting Trucks sit along the side of a road in the Port of Los Angeles on Friday after dockworkers disrupted operations there and at the Port of Long Beach because contract talks have deteriorated. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times) Southern California dockworkers disrupted cargo activity Friday at the Los Angeles and Long Beach ports major entry points for the country's imports as well as at some other West Coast ports after contract talks deteriorated in recent days. The Pacific Maritime Assn., which represents shipping companies and port terminal operators, said the International Longshore and Warehouse Union "is staging concerted and disruptive work actions that have effectively shut down operations" at several terminals in Los Angeles, Long Beach, Oakland, Seattle and Tacoma, Wash. The union held stop-work meetings Thursday night, and on Friday, members either didn't show up for work or staged individual work slowdowns. The combination snarled traffic at the ports, forcing some terminals to shut down. Spokespeople for the Los Angeles and Long Beach ports, which combine to form the nation's largest cargo complex, said late Friday that the ports were operating despite labor shortages. An Oakland port spokesperson said cargo operations had halted because there weren't enough dockworkers to handle containers, and normal operations weren't expected to resume until Monday. "As we continue to monitor terminal activity, we urge the PMA and ILWU to continue negotiating in good faith toward a fair agreement," Port of Long Beach Executive Director Mario Cordero said in a statement. Although the labor disturbance was temporary, it underscores a high-stakes dance between wealthy shipping companies and a powerful labor union, with ramifications for 175,000 Southern California workers employed at the harbors themselves as well as in related businesses moving freight valued at $469 billion a year, port data show. The union's latest action is the boldest so far to sway contract negotiations, focused primarily on pay after reaching a tentative agreement on the role of automation. More than 22,000 dockworkers at 29 West Coast ports have been working without a contract since July 1. ILWU Local 13, which represents Southern California dockworkers, said about 12,000 of its members have "taken it upon themselves to voice their displeasure with the ocean carriers and terminal operators position." In April, dockworkers forced an approximately 24-hour shutdown at the Los Angeles and Long Beach ports, exacerbating fears that failure of the contract negotiations could bring about a paralyzing impasse like the one in 2002, when President Bush stepped in to end an 11-day employer lockout of West Coast longshoremen. The month before, the Pacific Maritime Assn. complained, union members started taking their meal breaks all at the same time, rather than staggering them. The employer group described it as a "work action." The two Southern California ports handle nearly 40% of U.S. cargo container imports from Asia. In a statement, ILWU International President Willie Adams said negotiations are still underway. We are getting there, but its important to understand that West Coast dockworkers kept the economy going during the pandemic and lost their lives doing so. We arent going to settle for an economic package that doesnt recognize the heroic efforts and personal sacrifices of the ILWU workforce that lifted the shipping industry to record profits," Adams said. Contract uncertainty at West Coast ports is having a long term effect, experts say. As labor negotiations have dragged on and union members have staged job actions, some nervous retailers and manufacturers have rerouted goods, causing imports and exports through the Los Angeles and Long Beach ports to fall in recent months. "When you have periodic disruptions, this will discourage shippers from using Oakland, Tacoma, Long Beach. Its going to be very difficult for the ports to convince to shippers that these ports will be reliable gateways for international trade," said international trade economist Jock O'Connell at Beacon Economics. Ports on the West Coast, which historically held a geographical advantage because of their proximity to Asia, are increasingly competing against others such as the Panama Canal and along the Gulf of Mexico for transpacific containerized imports and exports. "An event like today reminds shippers that it is riskier to ship through West Coast even though it takes longer," O'Connell said. "This will affect revenue and jobs locally. A retail trade group on Friday urged a quick resolution. "Our nations West Coast ports are a crucial link in the retail supply chain. Any interruption or disruption in their operations immediately has a ripple effect that impedes retailers ability to quickly and efficiently deliver for American consumers," said Jessica Dankert, supply chain vice president for the Retail Industry Leaders Assn. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. It feels like were back to the days Fidel Castro was hailed as a hero across Latin America, with leftist leaders worshiping at his altar, the atrocities he committed against his own people a mere footnote. Brazil President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, elected to a third term last year on a promise to restore democracy in Latin Americas largest country, should have known better. His fawning over Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro this week sent a bad message to the world. Maduro is accused of the systematic torture and killing of his own people and of rigging his election. He presides over a ruined economy that has forced a mass exodus of people fleeing to the United States, as well Brazil and other neighboring countries. Yet Lula treated Maduro as a companheiro during the Venezuelan leaders visit to a regional summit in Brasilia. To Lula, Maduro is a victim of a U.S.-created narrative and unfair sanctions Our opponents will have to apologize for the damage theyve done, Lula said. Theres a narrative in the world that Venezuela doesnt have democracy, Lula said. That [Maduro] has made mistakes. So I told him it was his responsibility to construct his own narrative, with the true facts. Lula should next pay a visit to Miami and ask who people who fled Maduros brutality their thoughts about such narrative. It isnt surprising that Brazils leftist president would reestablish relations with Venezuela. The countries share a 1,400-mile border, the Amazon forest and a long history of trade. Lula was once close with Hugo Chavez. Lula has made it a priority to revive the Union of South American Nations and his countrys standing on the international stage after former far-right President Jair Bolsonaro retreat from it. Brazil wouldnt be the first country to be friendly with oppressive regimes. The United States has had its own roster of autocrats and dictators as allies over the decades. Lula has made a rocky attempt to return Brazil to its days of international glory that the country enjoyed during his first two terms in the early 2000s. He has accused both Ukraine and Russia of wanting to go to war and proposed Ukraine cede Crimea, which Russia seized in 2014, to end the current conflict. He blamed the United States for stimulating the war and hosted Russias foreign minister in Brasilia. What Brazils leader says about Ukraine might not matter as much as Lulas embrace of Maduro. Venezuela had previously been iced out by other South American countries, and any remaining chance of ousting Maduro if thats even still a possibility gets harder without support from Latin Americas biggest country. Lula, a former union leader and Brazils most recognizable leader, is now 77, a member of Brazils old left that has struggled to reinvent itself in the 21st century, that still sees the world through a Cold War lens and treats Che Guevara and Castro as freedom fighters. Lulas praise of Maduro sounds straight out of the playbook used to defend the Cuban regime: Blame all of your troubles on the U.S. embargo and ignore how, even today, Cubans sit in prison for simply protesting their government. It took Chiles 37-year-old President Gabriel Boric to call out the hypocrisy among his fellow leftist presidents. After Lulas remarks, he told reporters that Maduros human-rights violations are not a narrative. As a president of the left, Boric added, I think its necessary to confront it, not sweep it under the rug. Ideological alignment shouldnt dictate how leaders here and abroad deal with antidemocratic regimes. We have long seen our own members of Congress decry socialists in Cuba and elsewhere only to turn around and embrace right-wing strongmen such as Hungarys Viktor Orban. Lulas coziness with Maduro is a shame given his election was a necessary break from the anti-democratic forces that Bolsonaro unleashed in Brazil. In January, hundreds of Bolsonaro supporters staged their own version of Jan. 6, storming and defacing the countrys presidential palace because they believed lies that last years elections were stolen. If democracy is good enough to defend on our own turf, it should be good for the people of Venezuela. These are the people whom Lula should support, not the dictator who is making them suffer. Missouri will get $1.8 million and Kansas will get $1.1 million as part of a $102.5 million settlement with opioid disorder treatment manufacturer Indivior announced Friday. The two states were among 41 states and the District of Columbia that filed a complaint in 2016 against the company, which makes the opioid treatment drug Suboxone. The complaint alleged that the company stifled competition by keeping generic versions of the opioid-treatment medication off the market. Weve all seen the effects that the opioid epidemic has had on our communities, and while it raged on, several major companies schemed their way into profiting from it, Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey, a Republican, said in a statement. Now, this lifesaving drug will be more readily available for those who need it, and Missourians can continue to recover from the opioid epidemic that has ravaged our state. Lynette Bakker, Kansas first assistant attorney general, said Kansans rely on a competitive market to lower the costs of necessary medications. This settlement will help ensure a competitive market, which will benefit all Kansans, including those who rely on this medication to treat opioid use disorder, Bakker said in a statement. The settlement agreement, which will be submitted to the court in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania for approval, requires Indivior to pay the 41 states $102.5 million. Indivior is also required to abide by a set of terms that, according to Baileys office, ensure that the company cannot engage in the illegal conduct it was accused of conducting. A Canadian pastor drove to the United States during the summer of 2013 and sexually assaulted a teenage girl in a hotel, federal prosecutors said. Now, a decade later after the victim decided to look up the pastor online hes been charged and imprisoned, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of Michigan. Thanks to her bravery in coming forward years later, we were able to arrest him and prevent further victimization of other minors, U.S. Attorney Dawn Ison stated in the release. Timothy Milley, a 69-year-old Toronto pastor, began communicating with the victim, then a 15-year-old Michigan resident, via an online chatroom, court documents show. An attorney for Milley could not immediately be reached for comment by McClatchy News. After several months of grooming her, Milley reportedly drove from Ontario to Trenton, Michigan, in the summer of 2013 to meet her, court records show. He picked her up outside of her high school and drove to a Best Western Hotel in a neighboring town. He is accused of sexually assaulting the victim before telling her we cant be together, according to court documents. Asked to clarify what Milley meant, the victim told investigators, I was 15 years old. He was a predator breaking the law. Milley reportedly then dropped the victim off in Trenton and the pairs communication lessened afterwards, according to court records. The victim, now 22, said she distrusts everyone and is in a dark place as a result of the abuse, court documents show. She recently looked up Milley online to express her feelings and discovered that he had been arrested in Canada for soliciting a minor. After learning of his charges, the accuser reported Milley to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and soon after he was arrested and charged with traveling in foreign commerce to have sex with a minor, according to an earlier Department of Justice press release. Milley was sentenced on June 1 to 10 years in prison, officials said. Individuals who prey on children, especially those in positions of public trust, should expect to be held fully accountable for their actions, Angie Salazar, a Homeland Security Investigations Detroit special agent in charge, stated in the release. Body stuffed in closet believed to be missing 5-year-old, CO cops say. Mom arrested Motorist alerts trucker to sparks flying from trailer, VT cops say. It was a close call Group shot and killed over 100 deer just for fun, Pennsylvania officials say DINWIDDIE, Va. (AP) The state prosecutor handling the case against 10 people charged in the death of a Virginia man who was pinned to the floor while being admitted to a psychiatric hospital said she is resigning to attend graduate school in Paris. Ann Cabell Baskervill told the Richmond Times-Dispatch that her resignation as the Commonwealth's Attorney in Dinwiddie County will become effective on June 20. Baskervill said her acceptance to a master's program in international governance and diplomacy at the Paris Institute of Political Studies is a dream come true that coincided awkwardly with the death of Irvo Otieno. I had accepted the offer of admission on March 4, but then Irvo Otieno was killed on March 6 so I didnt say anything publicly because I didnt want it to be a distraction from the very important discussion on his case, Baskervill said. It does break my heart to leave (the Otieno case) open like that, Baskervill said. But I know this is the right thing to do. Seven sheriffs deputies and three employees of a psychiatric hospital are charged with second-degree murder in Otieno's death. Publicly released video from Central State Hospital shows various members of the group attempting to restrain Otieno while he was on the floor. An autopsy determined Otieno died of asphyxia while he was in handcuffs and metal leg restraints and held to the floor for about 11 minutes. The family of Otieno, who was Black, has said the 28-year-old was brutally mistreated while he was experiencing a mental health crisis, both at the hospital and while in law enforcement custody for several days before that. The family is being represented by Ben Crump, a prominent civil rights attorney who also represented the family of George Floyd and has said Otienos treatment has parallels to Floyds killing by Minneapolis police in 2020. Normally when a commonwealths attorney resigns, the person is replaced by his or her highest ranking full-time assistant attorney, according to the Code of Virginia. For months, Baskervill has been the sole prosecutor in Dinwiddie after the departure of two former assistants. The office recently hired two assistant commonwealths attorneys, Thomas Nicholson and Jason Moore. Nicholson started on May 1, and Moores first day was Thursday. Under state code, Nicholson could accept the commonwealths attorney role until the November election. Alternatively, if he does not accept it, an interim commonwealths attorney will need to be chosen by a majority of judges in Dinwiddie Circuit Court. MOSCOW (AP) Russian President Vladimir Putin's spokesman said Saturday that journalists from countries that Russia regards as unfriendly have been banned from covering this year's economic forum in St. Petersburg, one of the country's showpiece events. The move underlines the intensifying animosity between Russia and countries that have imposed sanctions connected to the fighting in Ukraine or that have criticized Moscow. The June 14-17 St. Petersburg International Economic Forum has for decades been Russia's vehicle for touting its development and seeking investors. Putin's appearances at the forum have been highly visible and he often used the occasion to hold roundtable discussions with international news executives. Yes, indeed. It was decided not to accredit media outlets from unfriendly countries to the SPIEF this time, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov was quoted as telling state news agency Tass. Russia formally designates scores of countries including the United States, Canada, European Union members and Australia as unfriendly in connection with sanctions imposed over the conflict in Ukraine. Donald Trump returned to a familiar refrain on Thursday, insisting once again that he had done nothing wrong even as new challenges pop up seemingly every day for the ex-president who faces a bevy of criminal and civil investigations. Mr Trump returned to Iowa for a town hall-styled event with his favoured cable network, Fox News, moderated by primetime opinion host Sean Hannity, who is now the Fox star probably closest to the former president given the firing of Tucker Carlson, the networks previous star pundit. And confronted with a new leaked recording indicating that Mr Trump knew that he was retaining classified materials after his presidential term ended, he once again insisted that he had done nothing wrong. News broke yesterday there might be a tape recording where you acknowledged that you understood that these were classified documents [at Mar-a-Lago], the Fox News host began. While asking also if the ex-president knew who had leaked the recording of the phone call, he questioned: Do you know anything about this? No, I dont know anything about it, Mr Trump responded. All I know is this: everything I did was right. We have the Presidential Records Act, which I abided by 100 per cent. He then moved on to attack President Joe Biden, before claiming: I have the right to declassify as president. Hannity: News broke yesterday there might be tape recording, where you acknowledged that you understood that these were classified documents. Trump: I don't know anything about it. All I know is everything did was right pic.twitter.com/7RMmmmL5HP Acyn (@Acyn) June 2, 2023 The explanation was nothing new. Mr Trump has long claimed that any classified materials seized by investigators at Mar-a-Lago were in fact previously declassified by him during his presidency though he has shown no evidence of an order to do so. And notably, the nod to the Presidential Records Act was another mistruth. The law does not allow for ex-presidents to retain original copies of presidential records after their terms end without the express consent of the National Archives, an agency that the former president has roundly denounced. Nonetheless, it was a familiar claim for the one-term president who escaped two impeachment proceedings despite bipartisan support for his removal; Mr Trump has long asserted that any investigation or civil suit filed against him is merely the work of his political foes in an attempt to block him from power. Its the same response he is currently utilising in response to two separate investigations into his efforts to overturn the 2020 election results one at the Justice Department, and another in Fulton County, Georgia. In the first case, he has insisted that his actions leading up to and during the January 6 attack were nothing short of presidential, and denied any responsibility for inciting the riot or failing to address it. In the second, he has almost jokingly repeated the idea that a shocking early-January 2021 phone call between him, the top elections official in Georgia, and his legal team was perfect despite him being heard in an audio recording asking the official to find thousands of votes to close his gap with Joe Biden. Thats almost word-for-word the language he used to describe a conversation with Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelesnky that led to his first impeachment trial. His defences to the various legal challenges that have cropped up since the end of his presidency have taken on a derisive tone as he faces a stunning and unprecedented array of criminal and civil cases. In the Republican Party, his dominance over the 2024 primary field has only grown in recent weeks following the first-ever criminal indictment of a former president in Manhattan on 34 charges of falsifying business records, and GOP voters are showing no signs of losing the enthusiasm for Mr Trump that led him to victory in the 2016 contest. That may explain why his recent events, including Thursdays town hall, have been virtual repeats of one another. On top of the Republican field with little reason to believe that his dominance will face a serious test any time soon, Mr Trump was content on Thursday to play the favourites that win him the unchanging support of his diehard fans subjects like China, where the ex-president touted his protectionist trade strategy and bragged about supposedly winning back billions in trade revenue. Or abortion, where he took a familiar victory lap, claiming he got rid of Roe v Wade. These were themes the president has previously touched on dozens of times he even had a brief chance to rant about the 2020 election and his attorney general who declared his stolen election claims bulls***, complaining that Bill Barr didnt have the courage to fight rather than acknowledging that his own deputy disagreed with him. The performance was a sign of a candidate returning to what he knows best, surrounded by a reportedly thinning circle of aides who are getting out of the way and letting the former president be himself. Given his iron-like grip over the GOP primary base, the strategy may work while making a pivot to the centre harder next year. In Iowa, Mr Trump will face the first test of that strategy as his main challenger, Ron DeSantis of Florida, goes all-in on a bid to unseat Mr Trump as the frontrunner before he ever hits his stride. A Charlotte-area man who went on camera inside the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6 to say he was there to kick ass and take names later, was on the receiving end Friday of a seven-month sentence handed down by a federal judge. U.S. District Judge Randolph Mosss ruling in his Washington, D.C., courtroom made Johnny Harris of Shelby the 11th North Carolinian sentenced to prison for crimes committed during the riot. Harris pleaded guilty in February to a misdemeanor charge of disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building. Many defendants charged with similar crimes tied to the violence on Jan. 6, 2021, have spent little time in confinement or none at all. Among North Carolinians convicted of misdemeanor offenses, the sentences have ranged from nine days to 90. In Harris case, however, prosecutors took a harder line, calling on Moss to hand down the maximum sentence of a year in confinement. Harris defense attorney, Sam Randall of Charlotte, had asked for probation. Moss, a judicial appointee of Barack Obama, split the difference. The judge said he would recommend Harris serve his time in an N.C. facility to be closer to his family and friends, according to Randall. He will report to prison sometime after Sept. 1. Harris also will serve 12 months of supervised release and pay $500 in restitution. According to prosecutors, Harris made it clear early on that he was coming to Washington on Jan. 6 and was prepared to do what was necessary to keep President Donald Trump in office. TRUMP or WAR, he wrote on Facebook days before the attack. Once inside the Capitol, Harris was not violent though Harris did shove a police officer at one point after trying to pick up his dropped cell phone. Nor was he in a hurry to leave. In fact, Harris was among the last members of the mob forced from the building by police, prosecutors say. Harris also served at times as an informal front man for the hundreds of Trump supporters who stormed the building to stop congressional certification of Trumps election loss to Joe Biden. They built a new life near Charlotte after Jan. 6. Now, husband, wife are going to prison. Carrying a megaphone and an American flag while wearing a Trump bandana and a red, white and blue shirt, Harris popped up again and again in front of TV cameras or on video streams to make the case that the election had been stolen. Excuse me, what are you trying to do? a French TV reporter asked him in one exchange inside the Capitol Rotunda. Kick ass and take names later! Harris said, then added: Were not here to hurt anybody ... Were just here to let you know that there are a million of us or more out there who will come through this building if necessary. Asked later on camera if he hoped to disrupt the congressional vote to confirm Bidens victory, Harris first said no, then pivoted. Oh yeah, were trying to upset their decision. Were trying to make them make the right decision, he said. Donald Trump won this election. By far. Were not gonna let it be stolen from us. Donald Trump is our president and he will be re-elected, and the rest of them will go to jail. Later that month, according to his prosecutors, Harris told the FBI that if he had to do it all over again, he wouldnt change a thing. On Friday, however, Harris expressed remorse to the judge for what he had done, his attorney said. According to defense filings in the case, Harris had been swept up in the hype of Trumps lies about the stolen election. He also believed that there would be no consequences for his actions due to the few arrests that had been made during Black Lives Matter protests the previous year, Randall wrote. Shelby, Harris hometown, is 45 miles from Charlotte and the county seat of Cleveland County, which Trump carried in 2020 by a 2 to 1 margin. Family members, neighbors and friends wrote letters to the judge on Harris behalf, including a woman who attested to Harris character after he stepped in to care for a colony of feral cats. Harris is among 28 North Carolinians federally charged in connection with the Capitol violence, which has been tied to at least five deaths and injuries to at least 140 police officers. Overall, more than 1,000 arrests have been made. U.S. Poet Laureate Ada Limon has revealed her latest poem, which will be featured aboard a NASA spacecraft that will travel billions of miles in space. The poem, titled In Praise of Mystery: A Poem for Europa, will be engraved on NASAs Europa Clipper mission spacecraft. Europa Clipper will travel 1.8 billion miles to explore Jupiters icy moon Europa and gather data on the subsurface ocean, ice crust and the moons atmosphere. The spacecraft is being constructed at NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California and will launch in October next year from Cape Canaveral, Florida. Its expected to arrive in the Jupiter system in 2030. Writing this poem was one of the greatest honors of my life, but also one of the most difficult tasks Ive ever been assigned, Limon, who recently was appointed as the first poet laureate to serve a two-year second term, through April 2025, said in a statement ahead of an event at the Library of Congress on Thursday. Eventually, what made the poem come together was realizing that in pointing toward other planets, stars and moons, we are also recognizing the enormous gift that is our planet Earth. To point outward is also to point inward. As part of a Message in a Bottle campaign, members of the public are encouraged to add their names to fly with the poem. Names must be received by midnight Dec. 31 in order for them to be stenciled onto a microchip to accompany Limons poem. Limon is the first female U.S. poet laureate of Latino and Mexican American heritage. She told NBC News last July that poetry was a way to reclaim our humanity and a way to help repair our relationship with the planet. Ada Limon is a brilliant poet whose work often connects readers with the natural world, so her Poem for Europa is powerful in communicating our human instincts for art, science and exploration, Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden said in a statement. Sending a poem into space on a mission to explore our solar system is an incredible opportunity for us all to reflect and sign on to Adas poem as a Message in a Bottle from Earth. Read Limons poem that will travel through space: In Praise of Mystery: A Poem for Europa Arching under the night sky inky with black expansiveness, we point to the planets we know, we pin quick wishes on stars. From earth, we read the sky as if it is an unerring book of the universe, expert and evident. Still, there are mysteries below our sky: the whale song, the songbird singing its call in the bough of a wind-shaken tree. We are creatures of constant awe, curious at beauty, at leaf and blossom, at grief and pleasure, sun and shadow. And it is not darkness that unites us, not the cold distance of space, but the offering of water, each drop of rain, each rivulet, each pulse, each vein. O second moon, we, too, are made of water, of vast and beckoning seas. We, too, are made of wonders, of great and ordinary loves, of small invisible worlds, of a need to call out through the dark. Kharkiv, Ukraine Ukraine increased speculation that a counteroffensive against Russian forces could be imminent with a video released Saturday brandishing its intention to destroy the enemy with an array of Western-supplied weapons. The slickly produced video showed troops preparing for battle with American-made armored vehicles, artillery and rocket launchers. The video, posted by Gen. Valerii Zaluzhnyi, commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian armed forces, included the message "the time has come to take back what is ours," and ends with Ukrainian troops chanting defiantly. In an interview Friday, Oleksiy Danilov, secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, said that the counteroffensive could come "tomorrow, the day after tomorrow, or in a week." Ukrainian soldiers practice drills in Kyiv Oblast on May 25, 2023, in preparation for their deployment to the front lines. / Credit: Mihir Melwani/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images Moscow, meanwhile, stepped up its attacks ahead of the looming counteroffensive, with a missile hitting a medical facility in Dnipro Friday. At least one person was killed and 15 more wounded, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Twitter. Kyiv was among several cities also targeted in a series of drone and missile attacks. All this comes as anti-Kremlin fighters from inside Russia are carrying out attacks in Russian border cities including Bryansk and Belgorod. The partisans are a collection of disparate groups united by their desire to topple Russian President Vladimir Putin. In response to written questions this week from CBS News, a masked gunman from one of those groups said that they "are destroying military targets and support infrastructure like power stations and railway lines." The heavily-disguised fighters also provided a video which they alleged showed them setting off an explosion and attacking an electrical substation and starting a fire with a Molotov cocktail. CBS News could not independently verify the group's claims. Earlier this week, a separate group of anti-Kremlin fighters launched a daring cross-border raid inside Russia's Belgorod region. While new video posted on social media overnight Friday said there was another drone attack in that locale, with heavy shelling early Saturday. Biden addresses nation on passage of debt ceiling bill Live images of Mars streamed by European Space Agency No charges for Pence in classified documents probe, Sources say UNITED NATIONS (AP) The United States and its allies clashed with Russia and China on Friday over North Koreas failed launch of a military spy satellite this week in violation of multiple U.N. Security Council resolutions, which Moscow and Beijing refused to condemn. The confrontation was the latest over the Norths escalating nuclear, ballistic missile and military programs, which U.S. deputy ambassador Robert Wood warned are threatening international peace and security. The failed launch not only disrupted maritime and air traffic in the region, but it also caused alarm for its neighbors in Japan and the Republic of Korea, he said. Pyongyang is threatening another launch soon. The Security Council imposed sanctions after North Koreas first nuclear test explosion in 2006 and tightened them over the years in a total of 10 resolutions seeking so far unsuccessfully to rein in its nuclear and ballistic missile programs and cut off funding. In the last sanctions resolution adopted by the council in December 2017, members committed to further restricting petroleum exports to North Korea if it conducted a ballistic missile launch capable of reaching intercontinental ranges. China and Russia vetoed a U.S.-sponsored resolution in May 2022 that would have imposed new sanctions, including on petroleum exports, over a spate of intercontinental ballistic missile launches. Since then, they have blocked any council action including press statements. U.N. political chief Rosemary DiCarlo told the council the last time North Korea conducted a similar satellite launch to Wednesdays failed attempt was on Feb. 7, 2016 and it was condemned by the Security Council. The lack of unity and action in the Security Council does little to slow the negative trajectory on the Korean Peninsula, she said, and North Korea is unconstrained, and other parties are compelled to focus on military deterrence. But North Koreas neighbor and ally China and Russia, which has drawn closer to Pyongyang since the war in Ukraine, blamed the West and especially the United States for the current tensions. Chinas deputy U.N. ambassador Geng Shuang said the situation on the Korean Peninsula is a remnant of the Cold War. He accused the United States of failing to respond to North Koreas attempts at dialogue over the years and instead resorting to sanctions and pressure on Pyongyang, missing an opportunity to resolve the nuclear issue. By incorporating the (Korean) Peninsula into its Indo-Pacific strategy, the U.S. has continued its military activities and significantly increased its military presence both on the peninsula and in its surrounding areas, seriously undermining the strategic security interests of the peninsula and its neighboring countries, Geng said He also pointed to the recent U.S.-South Korea Washington Declaration, including plans to send strategic nuclear submarines to the peninsula. Geng claimed U.S. policies are driven by geopolitical self-interest and told the council that blaming one party will only exacerbate conflicts, provocations and inject new uncertainties into the already tense situation on the peninsula. He urged the council to adopt a resolution circulated by China and Russia in November 2021 that would end a host of sanctions on the North, saying this would be a starting point to promote de-escalation, mutual trust and unity among the 15 members. Russias deputy ambassador Anna Evstigneeva blamed increased pressure on North Korea by the U.S. and its allies for the spiral of tension were witnessing now. And she criticized growing military activity by the U.S., Japan and South Korea, especially recent large-scale U.S.-South Korean military exercises, saying they are destabilizing not only for northeast Asia but for the Asia-Pacific region as a whole. Russia is against the dead end and inhumane policy of increasing sanctions pressure, Evstigneeva said, stressing that U.N. resolutions that imposed sanctions also back efforts to resolve the situation on the Korean Peninsula by political and diplomatic means. Russia calls on the United States to take steps to lower tensions and resume dialogue, instead of trying to shift responsibility to other countries, she said, also backing council action on the China-Russia resolution. Wood, the U.S. envoy, countered that the Washington Declaration was a response to North Koreas destabilizing nuclear and ballistic missile activities. Its hard to imagine we would ease sanctions as called for in the China-Russia draft resolution and reward Pyongyang while it continues to violate Security Council resolutions, he said. As for diplomacy, Wood said the United States on many occasions has stated it is prepared to have an unconditional dialogue, but North Korea has rejected our interventions on many occasions. He stressed that U.S.-South Korean military exercises are lawful efforts to defend against Pyongyangs escalating activities that are allowing the country to advance its unlawful weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs and to continue to choose ammunition over nutrition for its people. SALT LAKE CITY (AP) The Good Book is being treated like a bad book in Utah after a parent frustrated by efforts to ban materials from schools convinced a suburban district that some Bible verses were too vulgar or violent for younger children. And the Book of Mormon could be next. The 72,000-student Davis School District north of Salt Lake City removed the Bible from its elementary and middle schools while keeping it in high schools after a committee reviewed the scripture in response to a parental complaint. The district has removed other titles, including Sherman Alexies The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian and John Greens Looking for Alaska, following a 2022 state law requiring districts to include parents in decisions over what constitutes sensitive material. On Friday, a complaint was submitted about the signature scripture of the predominant faith in Utah, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, widely known as the Mormon church. District spokesperson Chris Williams confirmed that someone filed a review request for the Book of Mormon but would not say what reasons were listed. Citing a school board privacy policy, he also would not say whether it was from the same person who complained about the Bible. Representatives for the church declined to comment on the challenge. Members of the faith also read the Bible. Williams said the district doesnt differentiate between requests to review books and doesn't consider whether complaints may be submitted as satire. The reviews are handled by a committee made up of teachers, parents and administrators in the largely conservative community. The committee published its decision about the Bible in an online database of review requests and did not elaborate on its reasoning or which passages it found overly violent or vulgar. The decision comes as conservative parent activists, including state-based chapters of the group Parents United, descend on school boards and statehouses throughout the United States, sowing alarm about how sex and violence are talked about in schools. Because of the district's privacy policy, its unknown who made the request for the Bible to be banned from Davis schools or if they are affiliated with any larger group. A copy of the complaint obtained by The Salt Lake Tribune through a public records request shows that the parent noted the Bible contains instances of incest, prostitution and rape. The complaint derided a bad faith process and said the district was ceding our childrens education, First Amendment Rights, and library access" to Parents United. Utah Parents United left off one of the most sex-ridden books around: The Bible, the parents complaint, dated Dec. 11, said. It later went on to add, Youll no doubt find that the Bible (under state law) has no serious values for minors because its pornographic by our new definition." The review committee determined the Bible didnt qualify under Utah's definition of what's pornographic or indecent, which is why it remains in high schools, Williams said. The committee can make its own decisions under the new 2022 state law and has applied different standards based on students ages in response to multiple challenges, he said. An unnamed party filed an appeal on Wednesday. The Bible has long found itself on the American Library Association's list of most challenged books and was temporarily pulled off shelves last year in school districts in Texas and Missouri. Concerns about new policies potentially ensnaring the Bible have routinely arisen in statehouses during debates over efforts to expand book banning procedures. That includes Arkansas one of the states that enacted a law this year that would subject librarians to criminal penalties for providing harmful materials to minors, and creates a new process for the public to request materials be relocated in libraries. I dont want people to be able to say, I dont want the Bible in the library," Arkansas Democratic state Sen. Linda Chesterfield said during a hearing. Parents who have pushed for more say in their childrens education and the curriculum and materials available in schools have argued that they should control how their children are taught about matters like gender, sexuality and race. EveryLibrary, a national political action committee, told The Associated Press last month it was tracking at least 121 different proposals introduced in legislatures this year targeting libraries, librarians, educators and access to materials. The number of attempts to ban or restrict books across the U.S. in 2022 was the highest in the 20 years, according to the American Library Association. If folks are outraged about the Bible being banned, they should be outraged about all the books that are being censored in our public schools, said Kasey Meehan, who directs the Freedom to Read program at the writers organization PEN America. ___ Associated Press reporter Andrew DeMillo contributed from Little Rock, Ark. A male victim who police say was probably in his 20s was shot and killed near an apartment complex close to the University of Kansas in Lawrence early Saturday morning. Police are working to identify the victim, who was white and had light brown hair, according to a statement from the Lawrence Police Department. Around 1 a.m., multiple people called 911 after hearing gunshots near W. 24th Street and Cedarwood Avenue, in the area of the Cedar Apartments less than a mile from KUs West Campus. Police arrived on the scene but found no victim. Officers were also dispatched to a nearby hospital, where they saw three males speeding into the Emergency Department. Police pulled the victims body from the back seat, and hospital staff declared him dead. Detectives are working to get more information from the three people in the car with the victim, who say they dont know who the victim is, according to police. Officers have also spoken to dozens of residents who live near the scene of the crime. Police are asking anyone with information to call dispatch or the Crime Stoppers hotline at 785-843-TIPS. A 28-year old Winton man was arrested on suspicion of narcotics sales and child endangerment and police are trying to locate another 24-year old suspect in town after making parole compliance checks on Friday. Members of the Merced Police Department Gang Unit assisted California Department of Corrections parole agents and the Merced County Sheriffs Office with several parole checks. As officers approached the front door of parolee Johnell Mackey, 28, in the 6700 block of California Street in Winton, authorities said, Mackey slammed the door. Officers were able to breach the door and said they found Mackey trying to flush drugs down the toilet and also located packaging material, cocaine, and marijuana. Mackey was arrested on suspicion of narcotics sales, child endangerment and for a violation of parole and taken to the Merced County Jail. Mackeys bond is set at $152,500, according to jail records. AK-47 found at second Winton location Officers also conducted a compliance check in the 6800 block of Park Avenue in Winton. A fully automatic AK-47 rifle and several hundred rounds of ammunition was found during a search of the home, police said. The suspect, Alfredo Gutierrez, 24, was not located during the parole compliance check and is wanted for questioning. If you have any information, please contact Officer Centeno with the Merced Police Department Gang Violence Suppression Unit or Officer Prevostini at 209-388-7728 or PrevostiniT@CityofMerced.org. An apparent quest for cash last fall prompted Fresno-based Bitwise Industries and its co-CEO, Jake Soberal, to sell the companys rights to millions of dollars in federal tax credits for keeping employees on the payroll during the COVID-19 pandemic. But a lawsuit filed in early April in New York and settled less than a month later alleged that when the U.S. Internal Revenue Service issued the refund checks, Bitwise received and deposited the checks into its bank accounts rather than turning the money over to the buyer of the credits, thus violating the terms of their deal. In its April 4 complaint, 1861 Acquisition LLC accused Bitwise of breach of contract, fraud and other allegations over its purchase of Bitwises federal Employee Retention Credit, a program of the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The lawsuit claimed that 1861 Acquisition entered two separate contracts with Bitwise one in October 2022 and another in Novembe 2022 to purchase ERC tax credits that Bitwise expected to receive from the government. The lawsuit was settled on May 1 after Bitwise agreed to a stipulated settlement to repay 1861 Aquisition a multimillion-dollar payout that came less than a month before the Fresno technology and real estate company announced over the Memorial Day weekend that it was immediately putting all of its 900 employees, in Fresno and across the U.S., on furlough from their jobs. By that time, the company was already showing signs of cracks in its financial foundation. The sale price paid by 1861 Acquisition to Bitwise is not disclosed in the court documents, but the tax credits themselves generated a refund from the IRS for almost $6.2 million. The terms of the sale contract between Bitwise and 1861 Acquisition called for the IRS refund to either be sent directly to 1861 Acquisition, or if received by Bitwise, to be forwarded immediately to 1861 Acquisition as the buyer of the credits. Neither Bitwise Industries nor Soberal filed a response to the lawsuit, according to the New York court records. Bitwise was served notice of the lawsuit on April 10, court records show, while Soberal was served on April 16. Why Bitwise agreed to sell its rights to tax refunds According to information from the Internal Revenue Service, the Employee Retention Credit (ERC) is a refundable tax credit for businesses that continued to pay employees while either shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic or had significant declines in gross receipts from March 13, 2020 to Dec. 31, 2021. Attorneys for 1861 Acquisition wrote in their complaint that the amount of time that a business might have to wait months, or more than a year, for the IRS to process and issue ERC tax credit refunds. As a result of the uncertainty over how long it would take for businesses to receive their refunds, a secondary market developed for the purchase and sale of ERC credits, the lawsuit states. This market allowed employers who had an immediate need for liquidity to sell the rights to the ERC credits in exchange for an immediate payment. Agents for 1861 Acquisition eventually learned that the IRS issued refund checks to Bitwise Industries by mail on Dec. 27, 2022, according to court records. But when Bitwise received the checks at its Bitwise South Stadium offices on Van Ness Avenue in downtown Fresno, the company, in direct breach of the agreements ... deposited the Refund Checks in an account it held at Central Valley Community Bank in Fresno. Court records include images of the three checks, with Bitwises endorsements on the back of the checks. At that time, (1861) was unaware that the Refund Checks had been issued, or that Bitwise had deposited them, the lawsuit states. In fact, Soberal told Field Point (1861 Acquisitions agent) on Jan. 3, 2023 the very day that Bitwise deposited the Refund Checks that Bitwise had not yet received them, and affirmed that Bitwise would forward the Refund Checks to Plaintiff in the event the IRS sent them directly to Bitwise. The lawsuit asserted that throughout the month of January, on nine additional dates, Soberal repeatedly told 1861 Acquisitions agent that Bitwise had not received the checks. Fraud allegations after repeated mispresentations The situation came to a head in mid-March, when the U.S. Treasury Department notified 1861 Acquisition that the refund checks had not only been sent to Bitwises Fresno headquarters, but had been deposited. On March 21, Soberal falsely asserted that he and Bitwise were still unable to confirm whether Bitwise had deposited the Refund Checks totaling over $6 million, the lawsuit alleged. The following day, attorneys for 1861 Acquisition sent Bitwise a demand letter for immediate payment of the money. The fraud allegation in the lawsuit revolves around Soberals repeated denials that Bitwise received or deposited the checks. Plaintiff relied on the false statements made by Bitwise and Soberal to its detriment, by foregoing and delaying enforcing its rights under the agreements, the suit states. Even once Plaintiff learned from the IRS the truth about Bitwises wrongful retention of the Refund Checks, Bitwise and Soberal continued their campaign of deceit, the complaint asserts. In his emails with the Plaintiff and its agent , Soberal repeatedly misrepresented that he was unaware of and unable to confirm whether Bitwise had deposited the Refund Checks. The complaint asked New York Supreme Court Justice Margaret Chan to award 1861 Acquisition the amount of the tax refunds totaling $6,178,874.46 plus interest, as well as punitive damages of more than $18 million. Court records, however, indicate that the lawsuit was settled about a month after Bitwise agreed to immediately pay the owed funds plus interest to 1861 Acquisition a total of almost $6.4 million on or before April 28. Chan approved the stipulated settlement on April 26, and the case was discontinued on May 1. The conclusion of the lawsuit, apparently triggered by the repayment, came less than a month before Bitwise and its co-CEOs, Soberal and Irma Olguin Jr., announced on May 29 that the company was immediately furloughing its entire workforce because of sudden and unexpected financial circumstances. SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico A health care worker becomes the bridge between a father with dementia here in San Juan and his daughters on the U.S. mainland. A church starts a charity to coordinate emergency and long-term services for elders. A 74-year-old woman can only watch as her once bustling hometown, with one of the island's highest concentrations of older adults, starts to fade. Puerto Rico is aging faster than most places on earth. Exacerbating the pattern is the exodus of more than 700,000 working-age Puerto Ricans aged 20 to 64 in the last 15 years, according to Amilcar Matos-Moreno, a post-doctoral researcher at Pennsylvania State Universitys Population Research Institute. The U.S. territory is the first place, according to Matos-Moreno, that is experiencing such rapid aging of its population because of recent migration. Older adults who would traditionally rely on multigenerational family networks now find themselves alone with fewer or no close relatives and more dependent on caregivers and social service institutions. The biggest challenge is determining who navigates and coordinates essential services for aging Puerto Ricans when they can't advocate for themselves. Mayra Ortiz Tapia, a clinical gerontologist, believes that 95% of families in Puerto Rico are dealing with this right now. Close to 741,000 Puerto Ricans are 65 or older, according to U.S. census data. Thats roughly a quarter (22.7%) of the islands total population, making its share of older adults the 10th highest in the world, according to Matos-Moreno. Puerto Rican society didnt prepare itself to deal with such a significant increase in elders, and furthermore, for our elders to live longer, Carmen Sanchez Salgado, Puerto Ricos ombudsman for the elderly, said in Spanish. Our government doesnt have enough resources to meet their needs. Caretaking from abroad is 'difficult' Nearly half of adults over 65 on the island (48%) had at least one adult child living outside of Puerto Rico in 2007. That number is probably much higher now, Matos-Moreno said, after a cascade of turmoil, including a financial crisis, hurricanes, earthquakes, a political upheaval and the Covid-19 pandemic, has resulted in more island residents migrating to the mainland. The situation is compounded with an additional set of challenges stemming from lower birth rates and longer life expectancy, Sanchez Salgado said. Being the caretaker of your parent while living abroad is difficult, Yarin Mera, 40, a product designer in San Francisco, said. Over a year ago, Meras 85-year-old father called her after getting disoriented while driving in San Juan. The alarming call sent Mera on a frantic internet search to see what she could do for her father from more than 3,000 miles away. Yarin Mera, her father Virgilio Mera and her sister Jacyline Mera in Augusta, Ga., in November 2019. (Courtesy Yarin Mera) The frustrating experience quickly made her realize she was facing a disjointed service landscape that was often tough to navigate as people are forced to toggle among government agencies, health insurance companies and private organizations, Mera said. Managing the pressure of ensuring that her father is well taken care of is very complicated, she said. Ortiz Tapia, the gerontologist, helped Mera sketch a short-term plan to tackle her fathers immediate needs. The first step was getting him to see a neurologist. Meras extended family on the island accompanied him to the initial appointment. Eventually, Mera and her older sister, who lives in Georgia, took turns traveling to the island for his follow-up doctors visits. It was evident he couldnt be on his own, Mera said. To bypass the long waiting lists for housekeeping and other at-home services, Mera started asking nurses at the cardiovascular hospital where her dad gets his check-ups if they knew of anyone available to help her father at home. She was able to get two part-time caregivers on a rotating basis five days a week. Meras father was recently diagnosed with early stages of Alzheimers disease, prompting the sisters to start creating a long-term plan. We know that, eventually, my dad is going to have to move to a nursing home, Mera said. But for now, were trying to take it month by month. Julia Canals Solis, 96, dances a bolero with her walker as others cheer her on at the Center for Activities and Multiple Uses for the Elderly of Toa Baja in Toa Baja, Puerto Rico, on May 26, 2023. (Erika P. Rodriguez for NBC News) Under the Puerto Rico Department of Family, there are 922 licensed nursing homes, according to Sanchez Salgado. Nursing homes cost an average of $1,500 a month, she said. Under the federal housing department, there are 165 independent living facilities in Puerto Rico, also known as egidas. There are not enough of these facilities to meet the demand, Sanchez Salgado said, adding theres no good data on at-home care services. But theres a great shortage of professionals. The shortages are evident in San Juan and other cities, which have the highest number of older adults, as job listings seeking caregivers for elders pile up. The same pattern is emerging in Hormigueros, Rincon and Guanica: three towns with the island's highest concentrations of older adults. 'They have to leave for a better life' Irma Martinez, 74, has lived in Guanica, on the southwest coast, her entire life. She has seen her hometown lose residents, describing it as "a semi-ghost town following multiple natural disasters, including a string of devastating earthquakes in early 2020. I almost never see a soul wandering around after 2 p.m., she said. But almost all of us are elders here, and we like to stay in early. Residents like Martinez must travel to other towns to run errands like going to the bank, seeing the doctor or even shopping for clothes. Her 67-year-old husband drives 27 miles to nearby San German every 21 days for Martinez to get treatment for her lung cancer. The situation of our people is sad, Martinez said. Irma Martinez and her husband Jose at home in Guanica, Puerto Rico. (Erika P. Rodriguez for NBC News) Hundreds of thousands of working-age Puerto Ricans have left the island seeking better paying jobs, more educational opportunities and a higher quality of life. Such migration has resulted in a reduction of support systems for older adults, Sanchez Salgado, said. A lot of young people who have worked very hard to study, whose parents have sacrificed so much for their education, many leave after graduating because wages here are not worth it, said Martinez, who has a son in Texas working in construction. Ellaine Laboy, 35, moved to the U.S. almost a decade ago after her husband, a mechanical engineer, got a job that paid way more than the $12 an hour he was making in Puerto Rico. Her mother, Carmen Feliciano, 71, said she and her husband, a recently retired public school teacher, are OK for now, living in their hometown, Yauco. Family photographs of the grandchildren of Irma Martinez Rodriguez, 74, and Jose Luis Leon Figueroa, 67, at their home in Guanica, Puerto Rico, on May 29, 2023. (Erika P. Rodriguez for NBC News) We miss them when theyre not here, but we understand they have to leave for a better life, Feliciano said in Spanish about her four children, who all live on the U.S. mainland. But thats not stopping Laboy, a health services coordinator in Texas, from starting to financially plan for her parents' anticipated elder care needs. As the youngest of the four children and the only daughter, she feels that the responsibility disproportionately falls on her shoulders. The pressure became more top-of-mind for Laboy after her father fell in the shower recently and her mother was unable to drive him to a hospital. The mother called Laboys aunt, who then advised her to call an ambulance. My mom told me what happened the next day, and Im over here telling her everything they need to make changes around the house to live better, Laboy said. "Sometimes I feel like theyre too relaxed about it, while Im here worrying. The town hall building in the southern coastal town in Guanica, Puerto Rico, on May 29, 2023. (Erika P. Rodriguez for NBC News) Older adults who grew up in the countryside are used to living without everything they need, Laboy said about her parents, worried that they underplay their needs. Despite the distance, Laboy regularly calls her parents on FaceTime and tries to visit them once a year, in part, to have her 2-year-old son spend time with his grandparents. Redirecting services to changing needs Marya Rivera, the director of a municipal senior center in Toa Baja that's run with federal funds, has been scrambling to allocate resources to better serve an increased need for at-home care. About 60 senior citizens are participating in an in-person program Rivera runs at the Centro de Envejecientes (Center for the Elderly) that provides meals as well as educational, recreational and spiritual activities to residents aged 60 and older. The program is short of the 115 seniors it could serve because the health of our elderly people has deteriorated, Rivera said in Spanish. To be able to join the senior center, they have to be very independent and have some kind of mobility. In contrast, the wait for housekeeping and other at-home services for older adults is so long that Rivera and other directors running similar programs are forced to identify and serve only the neediest. Currently, Rivera has four housekeepers for 50 older adults in need of services. Olga Ayala, 91, left, Emely Santana, 71, center, and Hilda R. Daz, 87, play dominoes at the Center for Activities and Multiple Uses for the Elderly of Toa Baja in Toa Baja, Puerto Rico, on May 26, 2023. (Erika P. Rodriguez for NBC News) I am more interested in having an impact in the homes of those elderly people who cannot leave, who have no one to visit them or families to help them, Rivera said. She saw the benefits of serving people at home during the pandemic while running a home food service program for older people. The food program serves 245 seniors, despite having an authorized enrollment of 175, Rivera said. During the height of the pandemic, they delivered up to 450 lunches to older adults. While at-home services are reaching a new level of demand, face-to-face programs like the senior center in Toa Baja are also crucial to curbing social isolation and ensuring older adults enjoy a high quality of life by increasing their disability free life expectancy, Matos-Moreno said. It marks how many years they can live without any disability. Thats one of the markers of successful aging, he said. Julia Perez, 86, at the Center for Activities and Multiple Uses for the Elderly of Toa Baja in Toa Baja, Puerto Rico, on May 26, 2023. (Erika P. Rodriguez for NBC News) Felipe Deliz, 63, a retired security guard who has lived in Georgia for nearly 16 years, enrolled his 86-year-old mother, Julia Perez, at the Centro de Envejecientes over a month ago. As a widow, Perez said spending time at the center helps her cope with the solitude of living on her own. I have a lot of fun here, Perez said of the center, where enrollees can play billiards or dominoes, go to the mall and attend educational workshops about nutrition and managing medications, among other activities. For the Rev. Samuel Perez, a young Catholic priest in San Juan, elders needs were hard to ignore during the aftermath of Hurricane Maria prompting his church to start SFM Charities, a nonprofit focusing on helping older adults, in 2018. Even some elders who are somewhat independent need supervision because they can easily end up on a slippery slope toward living in inhumane conditions, Perez said in Spanish. The goal is to strike a balance between quickly coordinating to help older adults avoid the worst while also looking for the best alternative in the long term, the priest said. This was the approach he used to help Pablo Luna, 68, one of the more than 500 cases the nonprofit has managed since its start. Workers serve lunch at the Center for Activities and Multiple Uses for the Elderly of Toa Baja in Toa Baja, Puerto Rico, on May 26, 2023. (Erika P. Rodriguez for NBC News) Two years ago, the priest got a call from Pablos younger sister, Carmen Luna, who was living in Orlando. Florida. A court ordered Pablo to be discharged from a hospital after spending six months recovering from his second leg amputation. Carmen, 66, said hospital staff dropped her brother off at the same house where he had been found lying unconscious for an unknown period of time months before. The two-story wooden structure had no water or power. In a matter of hours, Perez and the staff at SFM Charities were able to place Pablo in an elderly group home in Bayamon. Once theyre out of danger, the recovery process starts, Perez, who used to work for the local school system in Orlando, said. Since then, Pablo has been living a stable life. Carmen recently paid him an impromptu visit with his favorite food: Burger King Whoppers and fries. He eats it with such enjoyment, Carmen said in Spanish. And it brings me joy because, at the end of the day, those are the moments we take with us. A litter of six red wolf pups, a highly endangered species, was born at the Great Plains Zoo in South Dakota, the zoo announced Thursday. The red wolf species, one of two wolf species in North America, has a dangerously small population size and is listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's (IUCN) Red List. The red wolf is "critically endangered," which is the stage before "extinct in the wild," and its numbers are expected to continue declining, according to the IUCN. The litter laying with their mother. June 2023. / Credit: Great Plains Zoo As of May 2023, there were about 23 to 25 red wolves in the wild and 278 in captivity, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFW) estimated. The new litter, which is made up of two females and four males, is a product of the Red Wolf Species Survival Plan, which is overseen by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The plan partners with animal sanctuaries and zoos to assist in the captive breeding of red wolves. Due to the efforts of recovery programs, the species has made a comeback after being declared extinct in the wild in 1980 due to human persecution and habitat loss, the USFW said. The new litter's parents Camelia, from Washington, and Uyosi, from Texas are first-time parents caring for their pups as best as they can, the zoo said. Meanwhile, zookeepers are monitoring the wolves at all times with a live camera. "We are fortunate to have vet staff and animal care staff that have worked with red wolves for more than 15 years," said Joel Locke, the Animal Care Director at Great Plains Zoo. "We had our last litter from our previous pair of red wolves in 2016, so the team is well-versed in red wolf care." As the pups grow bigger, they will be allowed to wander around their exhibit as long as visitors cooperate with the zoo's request to keep quiet around the animals, so as not to expose them or their parents to environmental stress. Panthers, Golden Knights meet in 2023 Stanley Cup Finals What jobs are safe from AI? Another booming jobs report provides evidence of resilient economy Washington The Biden-Harris campaign plans to make addressing gun violence a key focus of President Biden's reelection effort, and Vice President Kamala Harris will be a "leading voice" on the issue, according to senior Democratic sources. On Friday, Harris will mark National Gun Violence Awareness Day with a speech at a high school in Springfield, Virginia, named after John Lewis, the late Democratic congressman and civil rights icon. Harris' remarks will highlight the president's commitment to ending gun violence and "underscore the fear and trauma students, teachers and parents experience as a result of gun violence," according to a White House official. "Parents should not have to pray after dropping their child off at school that they will be safe in class. They should not fear the worst every time they get a text or call from their child's school," Harris plans to say, according to an excerpt of her prepared remarks shared with CBS News. "Teachers should not have to start each new year instructing a child on how to barricade the classroom door. Kindergarten students should not have to practice lockdown drills and rehearse how to turn off the lights and hide quietly in a closet." Harris will also call for "common-sense gun safety reforms" and denounce "extremist leaders for their hypocrisy," the official said. So far in 2023, there have been 268 shootings in which four or more people have been shot, according to the Gun Violence Archive, which tracks mass shootings. The Biden-Harris administration plans to renew efforts to highlight what administration officials have called a "public health crisis." "Weapons of war have no place on the streets of a civil society. Background checks and red-flag laws are common sense because it is reasonable to want to know before someone buys a gun whether they have been found by a court to be a danger to themselves or to others," Harris will also say Friday in Virginia, a rebuke to Republican opposition to the administration's initiatives on gun violence. "Most people understand: It's a false choice to suggest we have to choose between either upholding the 2nd Amendment or passing reasonable gun safety laws," she will add. The vice president has traveled to communities reeling from mass shootings and recently met with lawmakers expelled from the Tennessee House of Representatives who protested gun violence on the chamber floor. Demonstrators had flooded the state capitol in the wake of a March 2023 school shooting in Nashville. The vice president's emphasis on gun violence reflects public sentiment around the issue. Americans now say gun violence is their top public health concern, according to a May poll by Axios-Ipsos. The vice president has also tasked her team to look at other potential actions on gun violence outside of an executive order, sources familiar with the matter said. Mr. Biden has long called for stricter gun laws, most recently to mark one year since the shooting that killed 19 children and two adults in Uvalde, Texas. "In each place, we hear the same message do something. For God's sake, please do something," Mr. Biden said last month. "We have to do this to save our children." The president signed bipartisan legislation in 2022 the most sweeping gun laws in decades that strengthened background checks, restricted convicted domestic abusers from purchasing guns and made it easier for states to establish red-flag laws. He also signed an executive order earlier this year that increased background checks and promoted safer storage of firearms. But with limited executive power, Mr. Biden and Harris have repeatedly called on Congress to pass additional legislation, including banning assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, something Republican leaders oppose. Congress is unlikely to act further heading into an election year. Recent CBS News polling shows Americans are still sharply divided over gun policy, with most feeling that neither party is particularly effective at preventing violence. Trump attorneys arrive at Justice Department Russia claims to repel Ukrainian attack as Kyiv calls for "silence" on counteroffensive Where things stand in Trump's classified documents case 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. Marysville, CA (95901) Today Considerable clouds early. Some decrease in clouds later in the day. High 91F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy skies during the evening will give way to cloudy skies overnight. Low 58F. Winds SSE at 10 to 15 mph. I could say that I told you so, but in this case, I take no delight in being right. By now youve probably heard the (heart)breaking news: Sothebys said that it has purchased the Whitney Museum of American Arts 1966 Brutalist building by Marcel Breuer on Madison Avenue and will move its headquarters there from York Avenue in 2025, (in the words of Robin Pogrebins report in todays NY Times (online yesterday). Southeast corner of the then in-construction Downtown Whitney, abutted by the High Line, at right Photo by Lee Rosenbaum Shedding crocodile tears, Adam Weinberg, the Whitneys outgoing (in both senses of he word) director, said this about his museums castoff: The iconic Breuer Building will always be a beloved[?!?] part of the Whitneys rich history. We are pleased that it will continue to serve an artistic and cultural purpose through the display of artworks and artifacts. Most importantly, this architectural masterpiecethanks to its status in a landmark districtwill be preserved. As the Breuer enters its next chapter, the Whitney, in its extraordinary Renzo Piano building, with a strengthened endowmentthanks to the proceeds from the salewill focus its undivided attention and all of its energies on forwarding our mission in downtown in the Meatpacking District, where we are enjoying great success. Beloved? Back in 2008, at a City Planning Commission hearing (which I attended) that was part of the approval process for the Whitneys expansion, Weinberg himself had publicly mocked his museums Brutalist architecture by observing that as much as I love the Breuer building, the darkness of it and the moat scare people who think there are alligators and not art in there. Adam Weinberg introducing the Whitneys Sept. 2016 press preview for its acclaimed Carmen Herrera show Photo by Lee Rosenbaum On a more serious note: The Madison Avenue Whitney had been hobbled by too little space. It had no auditorium, no education space, and it could exhibit only a small fraction of its very distinguished permanent collection. As I wrote in my 2011 post about New Yorks Museum Musical Chairs: The Whitney bit off more than it could chew, both financially and operationally, when it thought it could manage a farflung, two-building operation. Its solution was leasing the Breuer to the Met, which in turn passed it off to the Frick. Surely Marcel Breuer had never envisioned his art temples being downgraded into a temporary back-up space for other museums that were undergoing expansion and/or renovation. When he interviewed me about the Whitneys prospects in 2008, Brian Zumhagen of New York Public Radio (WNYC) had posed the key questions: Zumhagen: Do you think its going to be hard for the Whitney to successfully run a museum on two different sites? Rosenbaum: Thats the big question in the air. I spoke to Jennifer Russell, who [was then] deputy director of the Museum of Modern Art. She had been at the Whitney for 19 years and she had that question in her mind: Will the staff by shuttling back and forth, will there be a division of the functions between the two museums, what will be the administrative challenges? Thats still very much a work in progress. This is the Whitneys fourth try at expansion. Its gone through three architects and four different plans. When Brian directly asked me if the museum was going to be able to pull this one off, I dodged: My crystal ball is cloudy. Lets just say, I hope so. I think its a highly exciting project. Over its eight years of operation, the Downtown Whitney (in Manhattans Meatpacking District) has hosted many worthy exhibitions, shown off to good advantage in Renzo Pianos flexible spaces. But the burdens of running two sites ultimately resulted in a problematic denouement: The uptown space, which had been intended strictly for a nonprofit educational and cultural purposes (with all the attendant tax deductions for donors) is now poised to become (gulp) a for-profit art-auction site. Sothebys announced yesterday that it plans to acquire the iconic Breuer building from the Whitney Museum of American Art, relocating its flagship galleries and auction room to the heart of New Yorks Upper East Side alongside the Museum Mile. The undisclosed price for the Sothebys Breuer is said to be about $100 million, according an anonymous source quoted in Pogrebins NY Times piece. (A bargain? Thats less than half the price of Whitney trustee Ken Griffiths NYC apartment!) Weinberg, as quoted in the Wall Street Journal, astonishingly characterized the buildings commercial conversion as allowing the Breuer to continue to serve an artistic and cultural purpose through the display of artworks and artifacts. In truth, this transfer to Sothebys doesnt serve the buildings intended purpose; it subverts it. Whitney board member and chairman emeritus, Leonard Lauder, had attempted to safeguard the Breuers museum status by imposing an onerous condition on his $131-million benefaction: According to the NY Times 2008 report of that windfall, then said to be the largest gift in the Whitneys history, Lauder insisted that this gift be contingent on the museums not selling its Breuer building for an extended period, although he declined to specify how long. When I asked a Whitney spokesperson whether that extended period had expired and whether Lauder was on board (literally and figuratively) for the Breuers sale, she replied: Leonard Lauder is still the Whitneys Chairman emeritus and a board member. The Whitney has received all necessary support from its board for this sale. You will have to ask him to elaborate further. I had already tried to contact him, through his curator, Emily Braun, but I have thus far received no reply. Emily Braun at the press preview for Metropolitan Museums Cubism and the Trompe lOeil Tradition, which she co-curated Photo by Lee Rosenbaum, Oct. 18, 2022 In the words of the Sothebys announcement, the auction house will retain ownership of its current global headquarters at 1334 York Avenue, its home on the Eastside of Manhattan since 1980. It plans to continue to present exhibitions and auctions there, until it opens its new galleries in the Breuer building in 2025. The timing of these manifold maneuvers is particularly irksome in light of the Whitneys very recent dicey disposals at Sothebys of seven paintings that (as evidenced by their exhibition histories in Sothebys auction catalogue) had previously been deemed worthy of the walls of the Whitney and/or other museums (via Whitney loans). As described to Daniel Cassady of ARTnews by Jane Panetta, the Whitneys curator/collection director, historic works (including Hoppers left to the museum by the artists widow) were sold off to build a nest egg to fund purchases of newer works. With the take from these dicey deaccessions coming in considerably below their presale estimates of hammer price (as documented in the table provided to me by Sothebys), it almost seemed as if responsible buyers didnt want to be parties to the museums ill-considered disposals. Thats probably giving too much credit to buyers scruples. But the results do seem like a form of poetic justice. The sad epilogue of this sorry episode is that it has sullied the otherwise shining record of Adam Weinberg as the Whitneys 20-year director. On Oct. 31, he passes the baton to Scott Rothkopf, currently senior deputy director. Adams future plans, at this writing, have not been announced. Bengaluru-based photographer Arjun Kamath tries to capture the unspoken fears and anxiety issues through his photo essay The Anxiety Series. The Coronavirus pandemic has stirred death, destruction and upheaval across the world. Not to forget the emotional and mental mayhem Covid-19 has caused to millions of people, especially those living with an anxiety disorder. A lot of people brush it off saying anxiety is nothing but just a phase or overthinking. As a result many people continue to suffer silently without any help. How does one explain the pain, misery, uncertainty, fear or feeling of helplessness and hopelessness that one is going through in these testing times? The Big Picture They say a picture is worth a thousand words! And Bengaluru-based photographer-cum filmmaker Arjun Kamath has done just that. He has tried to capture the unspoken fears and anxiety issues of people from all walks of life through his photo essay, The Anxiety Series. In India people avoid talking about anxiety and depression. The series coincides with the bleak state of our current world. Under lockdown, there has been a rise in unemployment along with a grave disruption in the normal lives of people across the country. Naturally, these factors have caused a spike in mental illnesses like anxiety and depression, says Arjun. For someone, who has been through the turmoil himself, Arjun has tried to weave in eight photo stories to show the viewer what anxiety looks like through his lens. These photographs were shot before the Coronavirus pandemic but I firmly believe that right now, this subject needs to be discussed openly more than ever, he adds. Mental Health It may be mentioned here that one in every seven persons in India is affected by mental disorder, according to a paper published by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) in Lancet Psychiatry in December 2019. The burden of mental disorders across the states of India: the Global Burden of Disease Study 1990-2017. The study was funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and ICMR. Among the mental disorders that manifest during adulthood, the highest was caused by depressive and anxiety disorders, followed by schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. According to the Indian Psychiatry Society, the number of mental health cases including anxiety and depression has risen 20 percent since the lockdown was first announced. Many doctors and counsellors feel that the Central and State government should treat mental health as a public health crisis. Perfect Frames The Anxiety Series is a painterly still photography series coalescing a vibrant and poignant fusion of art, poetry, and a social message on mental illness. Shot in Bengaluru, the photo narrative revolves around the lives of eight male and female fictional characters. Both young and old, these characters are drawn from different social classes and are shown to be afflicted with anxiety caused due to several conditions like work loneliness, isolation, exhaustion, bullying, Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and more. You may wonder, If anxiety were tangible, what would it look like? These pictures reveal the answer to that question, aptly dragging the viewer inside the labyrinths of the victims minds. During our telephonic conversation, Arjun mentions that many people were eager to be associated with the anxiety series. Actor Shweta Tripathi flew down from Mumbai to Bengaluru, especially for the shoot, he recalls. According to Arjun, who has 11 years of experience in photography and filmmaking, the series is an attempt to create awareness about anxiety and depression. We need to empathise with those going through anxiety issues and help them as a society, he says. Recounting real-life experiences by retired servicemen is keeping the josh high among residents Police personnel stand guard at Model Town police colony, identified as a COVID-19 hotspot, during the nationwide lockdown to curb the spread of coronavirus, in New Delhi. PTI Photo Hyderabad: As a young Major from 8 Gorkha Rifles of the Indian Army, Col. SK Sinha (retd), then posted in Sri Lanka, was part of a battalion that killed a top LTTE leader in Jaffna in December 1988. Skirmishes between the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) and LTTE was an everyday affair. The IPKF personnel had to sustain on basic ration and limited water. Despite lack of food, water, sleep and everyday hardships, our morale was high. The present lockdown is nothing compared to those hardships. We have enough food, water, shelter and rest. There is nothing to complain about, Col Sinha (retd) says. For 285 odd families residing at Patels Green Park apartments in Yapral, adjoining the Cantonment, recounting real-life experiences by retired officers of the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force is keeping the josh high among all residents during this crisis. In this residential society, where quite a few serving and retired officials from Indian tri-services reside, along with civilians, the faujis have taken it upon themselves to not only motivate residents, but also to take measures to ensure safety of all residents, putting to use skills acquired during operations in war zones. When I recount such incidents, my civilian friends feel motivated to go through lockdown cheerfully, says Col. Sinha (retd), ex-Black Cat commando. He has plenty of stories to share from his experiences in Sri Lanka, north-east and Jammu and Kashmir, where he participated in several operations. While chasing terrorists in north-east, we would get stuck in jungles for several days with hardly any food, drinking water or a view beyond 20 metres. This lockdown is a minor aberration in a comfortable, safe environment, Col. Jayant Rao (retd) shares with residents on the community WhatsApp group. Several years of disciplined life has made them excellent leaders in time of calamities, he says. Another officer, Col. Rao (retd) tells residents how when he was posted in eastern sector along the Indo-China border, at a height of 15,000 feet, with minimum infrastructure, with heavy snowfall. We were cut off and went without supplies for almost two weeks. We were fighting the enemy right in front of us, hostile weather and limited resources. Such experiences leave us with an attitude to to face any challenge in life, he said. The faujis are taking special care of elderly people, including ageing retired officials. A group of five families have adopted elderly couples, and share three meals a day with them. This ensured that once cooks and maids left due to the lockdown, they would not have to suffer. Due to high blood pressure, tremors of hands and blood sugar, I was unable to do any household chores. Without maids or any help, I got depressed, and had even become suicidal. Now, these five families have adopted me and provide me food in turns. They pack food in disposable containers so I dont have to wash, revealed 70-year-old Wing Commander Unni Kartha (retd), who lives alone. Col. A. Narsimham (retd), society president, said they have formed into volunteer officers, who ensure all elderly resident are provided help at doorstep, including services of doctors, and other daily essentials. They coordinated with GHMC and got all staircases, lifts and premises sanitised. Two of three entry/exit gates have been shut. Queen Camilla had chosen not to wear the Kohinoor, but the other jewels the various Stars of Africa were very much on display Looking at the ageing couple on the throne, considering King Charles IIIs unusual personal history, I couldnt help agreeing how hed need Gods help to save his job. (Photo: AFP) A young friend left his eight-year-old daughter Anjali with us for a few hours while he took his wife for a medical check-up at a nearby hospital. Well be back as soon as we can, he told her as they left. He turned to me. Ill call before we leave the hospital. Sure, I said. The little girl wasnt in the least fussy and ate her lunch happily while I told her Kiplings story about how the elephant got its trunk. After that, she wanted to watch TV for an hour: that was how much her parents permitted her every day. What do you want to watch? I asked. Anjali named a few programs on channels I hadnt even heard of. I had to say no, we dont have those channels here. Want to watch horses all dressed up? my wife asked her. Yes, she replied, bouncing with enthusiasm. Lets watch the highlights of the coronation, said my wife. She might like that. I thought it was a waste of time but Anjali seemed really keen on it so I agreed and we settled down on the sofa in front of the TV with the supplies of junk food and liquid refreshment that have become essential accompaniments of watching TV. At first I thought watching a foreign figurehead of a king being crowned was beneath me, but then, as I got into the programme, I found it deeply worthwhile. Purely personal, of course. Let me explain. These days I feel like a dinosaur when I watch TV, and especially when people discuss phones or computers or modern cars or Artificial Intelligence and things like that. Here was a program that actually made me feel young. At the centre of the spectacle were and old couple in a horse-drawn carriage something obsolete by even my standards. The questions began soon after. Oooooh! What a lot of gold! Anjali said, looking at the uniforms and the yellow glitter all over the animals and the men in the parade. Daddy told me they get gold out of the ground, so they must have a lot of it buried there. Not really, I said. They dont have much gold. Then where did they get it from? she asked. Britain is a group of islands off the French coast, a group of islands with nothing much but coal, and, in more recent history, oil from the North Sea. Where, indeed, did they get the gold come from? From the colonies, of course. Mostly from us, and from Africa. Well, they took it from other countries, I said. They used to rule a lot of other countries a long time ago, before you were born. They used to rule us, even. But thats not fair! she said. They should return it all! Right, I said. If its right why cant we make them return it? she asked. Persistent, like most children. They took it a long time ago, I said, before all these laws came up. I couldnt help being ashamed of myself, evading simple questions from a little girl, because there are lots of things the British have done in the recent past that leave me angry. Keeping Vijay Mallya out of an Indian jail, or the Queen yes, this happened last year or giving a known associate of Dawood Ibrahim something like the equivalent of Indias Padma Bhushan. This man apparently runs a charity that feeds hundreds of people, which they consider sufficient compensation for his other less praiseworthy activities. There is, besides, the fact that theyve joyfully laundered the ill-gotten gains of a whole lot of looters, ranging from Russian oligarchs to Colombian drug lords, so London can remain the financial centre of the world. Anjali quieted down again, and I had to admit that the spectacle was impressive. Then the diamonds on the crown caught Anjalis eye. Where did those jewels come from? she asked. Did they steal those too? Theyre showing off! Queen Camilla had chosen not to wear the Kohinoor, but the other jewels the various Stars of Africa were very much on display. Yes, I said, those too. From us? she asked, indignation sharpening her voice. Those are from Africa, I said. They decided not to show off the one they stole from us. The Kohinoor. Oh! she said. Why? Because people are making a lot of noise, asking them to give it back, and theyre embarrassed about it. Why dont they just give it back, then? she asked. Umm, thats difficult, I said. We know it isnt theirs, but we dont know whose it is, Irans or Pakistans or Indias. And the British are happy to make us all fight so that they can hang on to the jewels. They love doing that, watching other people fight and stealing from all of them. What about all those people there, cheering? Anjali asked. Dont they know all this? Why are they cheering? They dont know, I replied. They havent been told. When I grow up Im going to go over there and teach the children all the bad things their kings used to do, she announced. Soon the coronation itself was done, the sceptre handed over, the crowns placed on the head of their majesties, and the words of the traditional song rang out, God Save the King! Looking at the ageing couple on the throne, considering King Charles IIIs unusual personal history, I couldnt help agreeing how hed need Gods help to save his job. And then it struck me that, with a king and queen like this, they should perhaps have sung, God Save the Kingdom! The other news of the day: A train disaster kills hundreds in Odisha. A certain place in the city inevitably evoked memories and sadness in me, writes the Bishop of Hong Kong about the cancelled anniversary of Tiananmen. At the Shangri-La Dialogue defence meeting, Indonesia presents its plan for peace in Ukraine. Kazakhstan recovers a part of the wealth transferred abroad by the Nazarbayev family. INDIA Almost 300 people have died and about 1,000 were injured in what appears to be Indias worst train accident in recent history. The Bengaluru-Howrah Express high-speed train hit a freight train at Bahanaga Station, Balasore district, Odisha. Many passengers were trapped in the trains overturned carriages. JAPAN Only 770,747 babies were born in Japan last year, the lowest figure since 1899, when nationwide records began. The fertility rate reached an all-time low, dropping to 1.2565, far below the rate of 2.07 considered necessary to keep a stable population. Halting the decline in the country's birth rate is one Prime Minister Fumio Kishidas priority, and his government, despite high debt levels, plans to spend 3.5 trillion yen (US$ 25 billion) a year on childcare and parental support measures. HONG KONG During his recent trip to Beijing, Bishop Stephen Chow Sau Yan of Hong Kong prayed for the dead in Tiananmen Square. Without openly naming the site of the massacre 34 years ago, he hinted at it in an article published on the anniversary of the crackdown in the diocesan weekly Sunday Examiner. A certain place in the city inevitably evoked memories and sadness in me. What I could do at that point was to offer my prayers for all whose lives were sadly terminated, he writes. Under Chinas national security law, unlike past years, what happened on 4 June 1989 can no longer be commemorated. INDONESIA RUSSIA UKRAINE Indonesia's Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto has proposed a peace plan for Ukraine, calling for a demilitarised zone and a UN referendum in what he called disputed territories. He made the proposal before defence officials from around the world gathered for the Shangri-La Dialogue defence meeting in Singapore. The initiative follows last year's visits to Moscow and Kyiv by Indonesian President Joko Widodo, as G20 president. IRAN SAUDI ARABIA UNITED ARAB EMIRATES The foreign ministers of Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates were in Cape Town (South Africa) for the BRICS summit, which brings together Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, countries that are trying to expand their influence. Last year, Iran applied for observer state. Saudi Arabia is discussing joining the BRICS lender bank, the New Development Bank, seen as a counterweight to the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. KAZAKHSTAN Kazakhstan's Anti-Corruption Agency has announced that it has recovered US$ 14 million, illegally transferred to the United Arab Emirates by Kayrat Satybalda, the nephew of former President Nazarbayev. Investigations against Satybalda and associates are ongoing. RUSSIA CHINA Russia has a severe shortage of IT specialists, after many fled abroad in the wake of the war in Ukraine. To cope with the situation, Russian companies are hiring replacements from China. For Bulat Rakhimberdiev, head of electric vehicle company KAMA, the level of education and availability of specialists in China "is already far ahead of Russia. by Nirmala Carvalho While nearly 300 people are known to have died, bodies continue to be pulled from the wreckage. A local Catholic hospital and social outreach agency are helping passengers, most of whom come from other Indian states. Card Gracias offered the condolences of the countrys Church, which stands by the families, pained to see so much suffering. In a telegram, Pope Francis expresses his own sorrow and closeness to the victims and their families. Balasore (AsiaNews) The Coromandel Express, the train that links Shalimar to Chennai, derailed last night, at around 7 pm, near the Bahanaga Bazar station, south of Balasore (northern Odisha), colliding with the Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express train, which was coming from the opposite direction. Following the news of the accident, the Diocese of Balasore quickly got organised in the middle of the night to bring aid and relief to the victims of what with the passing of the hours is likely to be one of the worlds worst railway tragedies in recent times. So far, the death toll is climbing towards 300 with some 900 people injured. Archbishop Card Oswald Gracias of Mumbai expressed to AsiaNews the sorrow of the Catholic Church of India over this tragedy. I am deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives in thIs grave train accident in Balasore, so many lives have been lost, the death toll is so high; it is sorrowful, so much suffering. I express my condolences to those who lost loved ones or suffered in this train disaster and offer my heartfelt condolences to the families who mourn their loved ones. Pope Francis also issued a statement through a telegram sent on his behalf by Secretary of State, Card Piero Parolin, to Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, Apostolic Nuncio to India. The message reads: Entrusting the souls of the deceased to the loving mercy of the Almighty, he (the pontiff) sends heartfelt condolences to those who mourn their loss. His holiness likewise offers prayers for the many injured and for the efforts of the emergency service personnel. Soon after the accident, the Jyoti Hospital, a multi-specialty charitable hospital run by the Diocese of Balasore, geared up for emergency surgery and medical services to injured passengers, as well as food and water to the people who accompanied them. The hospitals director, Father Peter, and some religious sisters went to the scene of the accident to help rescue and relief work, amid an apocalyptic scene. The Balasore Social Service Society, the social outreach arm of the Diocese of Balasore, sent staff and volunteers to help the victims, especially the injured travellers from other Indian states. Most people are from Jharkhand, West Bengal, Bihar and other parts of Odisha, said Fr Roy. We are offering medical assistance, water, food rations and helping people get in touch with their families and console them in their trauma. "We are also providing masks, gloves and other materials to the teams that continue to pull out bodies from the metal wreckage at the site of the tragedy. Pope Franciss visit to Mongolia has been officially announced. Located between China and Russia, the country is home to a few hundred Catholics. At an audience with members of the Pontifical Mission Societies, the pontiff called for everyone to be included in the proclamation of the joy of the Gospel. Go to the crossroads and invite everyone, he said, and do not reduce the Societies to money! Vatican City (AsiaNews) Pope Francis will be in Mongolia from 31 August to 4 September. The country, which lies on the borderlands of the Churchs missionary work, is home to a small Catholic community of some 1,300 members. Francis had already mentioned the apostolic visit in February, during his press conference on the return flight from South Sudan. In todays statement, Vatican Press Office director Matteo Bruni notes that the pontiff accepted the invitation from the president of Mongolia and local Church officials and that trips schedule and details would be made public in the coming weeks. Last year, Francis showed his interest in this small community, re-established just thirty years ago, by elevating the Apostolic Prefect of Ulaanbaatar, Fr Giorgio Marengo, an Italian missionary of the Consolata, to the rank of cardinal. Given the countrys particular geographical location, between Russia and China, todays announcement takes on special significance. In any event, the mission will be at the heart of this apostolic visit. A few days ago, AsiaNews published an article dedicated to Fr Kim Stephano Seong Hyeon, the vicar general of Ulaanbaatar, who died suddenly at the age of 55 after proclaiming the Gospel for 20 years in this remote land. Francis also spoke about the call to bring Jesus to everyone, excluding no one, in his audience today in the Vatican with members of the delegations currently participating in the Assembly of the Pontifical Mission Societies, which support the work of evangelisation in Churches throughout the world. At this moment of history, Francis told them, as we carry the synodal process forward, it is important to remember that the Christian community is missionary by its very nature. In fact, every Christian has received the gift of the Holy Spirit and is sent forth to continue the work of Jesus, announcing the joy of the Gospel to all and bringing his consolation to the various situations of our often wounded history. However, Missionary work does not come naturally, for we always tend to prefer life to be comfortable, with everything in order. It was necessary, then, for the Holy Spirit to come and make the tremendous disorder that was the day of Pentecost. This is because, in order to initiate missionary outreach, to create the life of the Church, the Spirit is first the creator of confusion and then draws out harmony. Both are of the Holy Spirit. What does Jesus tell us in the parable about the wedding banquet (cf. Mt 22:1-14) which went wrong because the guests did not come, the pontiff asked, what does the Lord tells us? He says, Go to the crossroads and invite everyone, everyone: those who are healthy, sick, bad, good, sinners... all. This is the heart of [the] mission: that all, excluding no one. Every mission of ours, then, is born from the heart of Christ in order that he may draw all to himself. This was the mystical and missionary spirit of Blessed Pauline Marie Jaricot, the foundress of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith, who was very devoted to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Lastly, the pontiff offered a special recommendation to those who undertake missionary work. Please do not reduce the Societies to money! They certainly need money, which is a means, but do not reduce them to that, for they are bigger than money. In fact, Money is what we need to move forward. Yet if spirituality is missing and they become merely a business, then immediately corruption arises. Indeed, even in these days, we have seen newspaper reports of alleged corruption having occurred in the name of the Churchs missionary work. For his dealings, the performer used a number of motorcycles, but he became famous on the back of a Harley-Davidson XR750 . He rode it for six years, between 1970 and 1976, claiming a world record for jumping over no less than 19 cars a record that went unchallenged for 27 years, until another Harley of the same make, ridden by Bubba Blackwell, jumped over 20 cars.With such a successful life, it's no wonder the man is still celebrated today, including through custom builds meant to honor him. The most recent we've stumbled upon is this one here, put together by Spanish custom garage Lord Drake Named after the stuntman, the custom did not start life as an XR750, but was originally a 2005 Sportster. It's a build commissioned by a French customer sometime in 2018, so chances are that's where you'll see it roaming the streets even today.Taking after another Lord Drake build, the Soulbreaker , the Evel Knievel was put together in scrambler style, with one of the most impressive things about it being the paint job the colors of the American flag, the name of the stuntman, and the number one, they all are featured in such as way as to make no secret of what the ride is supposed to honor.But the paint is, of course, not the only modification made. To turn the Sportster into a scrambler, the shop modified everything from the peanut-shaped fuel tank to the suspension system. The wheels were exchanged for 19 and 18-inch pieces (front and rear), and both have been placed under custom steel fenders.The engine of the ride is still the original one, but some of the elements that aid in its operation are aftermarket. I'm talking here of course about the breathing apparatus, made of an aftermarket air filter and a Vance & Hines exhaust, but also about a chain conversion. Braking power is supplied by DNA hardware.It may not be an XR, but the Harley-Davidson Evel Knievel sure looks ready to attempt a big jump over a bunch of cars parked between ramps. It can't do that, of course, first and foremost because at the time of writing there is no other rider out there the likes of Knievel. Then, even if there were such a rider, it's unlikely the current owner will let this tribute bike go easily to be used in stunts. kW Photo: ZeroAvia Photo: ZeroAvia But first, some context. You all know how these days everybody everywhere is trying to find ways to cut down on fuel consumption and harmful emissions. In the auto industry, those attempts have taken a very definitive form: electric drivetrains centered around lithium-ion batteries and electric motors.For the other biggest polluter in the transportation sector, aviation, the path forward doesn't seem entirely clear yet. What seems certain is that, regardless of the shape and size they'll take in the future, or the fuel they'll use, aircraft engines will continue to rely on the combustion of some sort of harmful substance to operate.There are organizations presently engaged in trying to come up with battery-based electric systems to power aircraft, but it's unlikely that we'll get to see such a thing applied to a commercial airliner anytime soon.But ZeroAvia has a mildly different approach. It not only keeps the traditional way of burning fuel for generating power in use, but also makes the new solution easy to adapt to existing aircraft. The difference is the fuel being burned, which is the benign hydrogen.The company's take on the matter is to develop a hydrogen powerplant that could be easily installed on existing aircraft, by simply taking the original engines out. The crew has already done this, as it fitted hydrogen engines called ZA600 (600 stands for the engine's output in) on a Dornier 228 passenger aircraft.Originally, the Dornier came with a pair of Honeywell turboprop engines, which used the 776 shaft horsepower developed by each to spin a couple of five-bladed propellers. Usually, such a plane can carry either cargo, or a total of 19 passengers.On the ZeroAvia test aircraft the propellers are still there, only they're not spun by regular aircraft engines, but by the ZA600 solution. The exact specs for this engine are not entirely public, but the thing has flown eight times so far, so we do know a thing or two about its capabilities.During the last test flight, which took place in May 2023, the Dornier took off from the Cotswold Airport in Gloucestershire, the UK. It climbed to an altitude of 4,000 feet (1,219 meters), which makes the plane "the highest flying commercial-scale aircraft powered by fuel cells." Also, the mission lasted for 22 minutes, which is the "longest duration flight yet" for the plane.The company plans to offer this engine as a replacement for the ones on existing planes, with capabilities growing exponentially over the next few decades. By 2025, the range of Dornier-like aircraft powered by the ZA600 should grow to a total of 345 miles (555 km).In 2027, the engine should be ready to support airplanes with up to 80 seats for distances as long as 1,150 miles (1,852 km). Two years after that, 200 passengers should be able to fly for 2,300 miles (3,700 km).The ultimate target is that by 2040, airplanes with over 200 seats to be able to fly using the ZA600 (its successors, actually) for an incredible 5,700 miles (9,200 km).The use of hydrogen in the aviation industry has clear advantages, even over the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) we hear about these days. Not only does burning hydrogen not release harmful carbon emissions, but it's also free of NOX and other particulates, with up to 90 percent lower lifetime emissions compared to conventional turbines.Hydrogen also has a tendency to dissipate a lot faster than liquid fuel vapors when released into the air - up to 14 times faster. Because it needs at least 18 times more oxygen concentration to ignite when compared to gasoline, it's also a lot safer.Compared to lithium-ion batteries, hydrogen provides 30 times more specific energy and much lower cost (by up to 60 percent) compared to turbines, making ZeroAvia confident the gas is "the only viable, scalable solution for zero-emission aviation."As for the approach to simply swap the old engines on fixed-wing aircraft for the ZA600-derived ones, it does have clear advantages over designing a hydrogen aircraft from scratch, the most important being the much faster clearance of regulatory hurdles.There is, of course, a lot of work ahead before this idea becomes widespread. If it succeeds, it will clearly change the way people look at aviation. And, who knows, maybe even the auto industry's greats will come to their senses and see hydrogen as a better source of power for cars than electricity produced in conventional ways.Aside for the Dornier and the Natilus Kona, there is no other plane that we know of waiting in line to be fitted with the ZA600 engine. The carmaker sold no more, no less than 38,700 units, up around 10,000 units from 1978. It was the best year in terms of sales for Corvette, and more surprisingly, it remained the threshold that this nameplate couldnt reach again until 1976.Out of the approximately 38,700 units produced this year, over 22,000 cars rolled off the assembly lines with a coupe body style. The rest of them used a convertible look.The most popular engine choice was the L46, which developed 350 horsepower, while the L36 (which came in the form of a 427 rated at 390 horsepower) ended up installed on a little over 10,500 Vettes.The same engine is installed on this oddly-looking 1969 Corvette, though its current condition is currently unknown. I came across this Vette on eBay, where seller airlineto94 explains they also discovered the car in a building (possibly included in an estate sale).As it turns out, the car has been sitting for decades, as the previous owner parked the Corvette in the building in 1976. It hasnt moved since then, so don't expect any good news on the engine front.Unfortunately, we're not getting too many details about the car, so it's difficult to guess what's there and what's missing. On the other hand, the seller assumes the previous owner wanted to build a custom Corvette but failed to complete the project, and this kind of explains why it's currently boasting this unusual look.While someone forgetting about a brilliant Corvette in a building is rather unusual (and to some extent impossible to imagine for petrolheads), the car is now seeking another chance as long as an Internet hero is ready to give it a second chance. Obviously, I wouldnt necessarily expect the Corvette to find a new owner overnight, especially because it's unclear what it has to offer right now, but an in-person inspection could help determine if the car is worth a full restoration.The seller explains the car looks like an automatic Vette, but on the other hand, it also has a clutch, so most likely, the previous owner was in the middle of a conversion when they abandoned the project.Unsurprisingly, the Corvette won't be selling at a hefty price tag given its unusual condition, so the auction starts at $1,000. Nobody has entered the race to buy the car so far, but worth knowing is that a reserve is also in place. No information has been provided on the reserve value. The vehicle is parked in Riverdale, Illinois, if anyone wants to see it in person. SUV Fans of the luxury arm of Toyota can recognize what the GX fuss is all about easily. This is because they already know from official teasers and the rumor mill what parts of the 2024 Lexus GX looks like, and mainly how the posh body-on-framewill perform with the new design inside and out, additional comfort features, more tech and safety features, all underpinned by the TNGA-F platform.What the whisperers cannot decide is whether we should trust them in believing the 2024 GX , the third by its name, will employ a shorter version of the Toyota New Global Architecture and side with the 2024 Tacoma mid-size pickup truck or continue on the same path as before when it fulfilled (smaller) full-size SUV duty alongside the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado. Anyway, one thing is for sure all the details will (hopefully) be revealed on June 8 at 8:00 PM Eastern time (8:00 AM Western). And it is not coming alone for the SUV party instead, it will be joined during the same event by the all-new, first-ever 2024 Lexus TX.The latter is a fresh introduction as far as the premium Japanese automaker is concerned as a substitute for the retired RX-L. But Toyota fans will say it's more of the same with the 2024 Grand Highlander because they're twins. There is nothing wrong about that, given the six, seven, and eight-seat possibilities of hauling families and lots of stuff with this new elongated-wheelbase crossover SUV.But how about those folks too impatient to wait just a few more days? Well, no worries, the imaginative realm of digital car content creators has them covered with help from the good folks over at the AutoYa info channel on YouTube, who have a satellite venue dubbed AutoYa Interior , and that is where all the (CGI) TX action occurs. Thus, after the resident pixel master strived to show the 2024 Lexus TX in solitude and even threw in a hypothetical comparison with the 2024 Grand Highlander, it's time to see the upcoming crossover SUV from the inside out.As always, the unofficial digital project must be treated with a healthy dose of salt. But do remember that Lexus has already teased the Lexus GX and TX on several occasions, and during one of those instances, it also showed a couple of glimpses from the TX cockpit including the six-seat arrangement and a snippet of what to expect when riding up front. And, of course, the channel didn't forget to spice up the virtual presentation with a new reel of unofficial interior colors. 3 June 2023 08:30 (UTC+04:00) By Elvin Sakhavatoglu Iran has started the next stage of its hostile campaign against Azerbaijan. The detention of Azerbaijani student Farid Safarli on charges of "espionage" is a vivid example of this. What is happening around Farid Safarli? Azerbaijani student studying in Germany. Farid Safarli, 27, a student at the University of Jena, traveled to Tehran on February 20, 2023 to meet his girlfriend. Although he was due to return to Germany on 5 March, he did not return. Although Farid's family began searching, they could not find any results. Dilara Askerova, his mother, was told at the Iranian embassy in Azerbaijan that information about your son would be provided by April 2. But no information was given. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan also sent a note to Iran regarding Farid Safarli. Recently it became known that Farid, who allegedly went missing, was arrested in Iran on charges of "espionage". The unchanging Azerbaijani policy of the mullah regime After Iran's relations with Azerbaijan deteriorated, Tehran began to make various baseless accusations against our country and make radical decisions. Sometimes Tehran conducts exercises on our borders, sometimes spreads a video of how they are going to occupy Baku, sometimes organizes an attack on our embassy, sometimes opens a consulate in Gafan, and sometimes calls the Armenian border a "red line". The goal is to distract Azerbaijan from its goals and form influence in the region. But the course of events shows that Iran's aggressive steps against Azerbaijan have no effect on official Baku's policy. Therefore, the Iranian authorities began to use new methods. One gets the impression that official Tehran is trying to put pressure on Baku by arresting Farid Safarli on charges of "espionage". If we look at recent history, we will see that this is not Iran's first aggressive behavior towards Azerbaijani citizens. In October 2008, official Tehran arrested Rashad Aliyev, an Azerbaijani, on false charges. Apparently, the Iranian regime has not changed its character and political goals even after years. Iranian authorities spew hatred and threats against both southern and northern Azerbaijanis. For example, Iran's position on Karabakh and its all-round support for Armenia stem from its historical enmity against the Azerbaijani people and state. Official Tehran is also jealous of the peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia and does not hesitate to provoke Yerevan into provocations in order to hinder this process. All this shows that Iran poses a threat to both the Azerbaijani state and the Azerbaijani people. To the attention of our compatriots wishing to visit Iran! The provocative steps of official Tehran towards Azerbaijan show that the Iranian regime is planning all this in advance. Then who can guarantee that an Azerbaijani citizen who went to Iran for trade, medicine or any other business will not be recognized as a "spy" and arrested? The facts about Farid Safarli and Rashid Aliyev prove that the Iranian special services did this job "professionally". It is true that the land border with Iran is currently closed. However, Azerbaijani citizens travel to Iran using a third country. They put their lives in danger. Because as the network of the Iranian regime in Azerbaijan is exposed, it becomes more and more aggressive and does not stop at false accusations and slander against our citizens. For this reason, Azerbaijani citizens should avoid visiting Iran. Of course, official Baku can ban Azerbaijani citizens from visiting Iran. This practice exists in world experience. For example, the US and Japan have banned their citizens from visiting North Korea. Violators of the ban are severely punished. If the Iranian regime intensifies its aggression against the citizens of Azerbaijan, it will be discussed that official Baku will impose such a ban. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 3 June 2023 11:16 (UTC+04:00) On June 14, on the eve of National Liberation Day, the Heydar Aliyev Center will host an event dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the National Leader of the Azerbaijani people, Heydar Aliyev, Azernews reports. Along with the 100th anniversary of the great leader's birthday, 2023 also coincides with the 30th anniversary of Heydar Aliyev's return to power. On the occasion of this significant date, a presentation of the installation "Heydar Aliyev - 100" will be held in the Center. The work is created in the spirit of the "op-art" direction, which has been widely spread in the international art space since the second half of the 20th century. A composition of 100 bars for 6 months creates a portrait of the Great Leader. On this day, the presentation of the photo album "The anger of the life of a great person" will be held at the Heydar Aliyev Center. The photo album was published as part of a joint project of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the Heydar Aliyev Center and covers various periods of the great leader's life and political activity. The final event of the evening will be the presentation of the film "Iz", created by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of Heydar Aliyev. The scenario tells about the life and activities of the Great Leader. The script of the film is based on the speeches of national leader Heydar Aliyev at different times. The film reflects the life of the national leader, his commitment to Azerbaijan and the people, the strengthening of Azerbaijan as an independent state, and his consistent policy of liberating Karabakh from occupation. At the same time, the liberation of our occupied lands under the leadership of the President of Azerbaijan, the Supreme Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev, the restoration of the territorial integrity of our republic, the realization of the will and desires of the People's Leader Heydar Aliyev are included in the film. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 3 June 2023 16:20 (UTC+04:00) On the occasion of the 85th anniversary of the civil aviation of Azerbaijan, an unusual flashmob took place at the Heydar Aliyev International Airport, Azernews reports. On this significant day for civil aviation, passengers were given a special surprise - beautiful music and summer mood. Flight passengers were greeted with an interesting musical program. The flashmob became a highlight, reminding everyone of the importance of civil aviation for the country. On June 2, the civil aviation of Azerbaijan celebrated its 85th anniversary since its foundation. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 3 June 2023 09:34 (UTC+04:00) President of the Republic of Djibouti, Ismail Omar Guelleh has sent a congratulatory letter to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on the occasion of May 28 - Independence Day, Azernews reports. The letter reads: His Excellency Mr Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mr. President! It is a great honor and pleasure to extend to Your Excellency my respect and sincere congratulations on the day when the friendly people of Azerbaijan celebrate the 100th anniversary of your father and predecessor, President Heydar Aliyev, who has made an outstanding contribution to the history of your country. Together with me, the people and government of Djibouti also express a feeling of sympathy and friendship to the people of Azerbaijan. The grateful people of Azerbaijan always cherish the memory of their National Leader, who rightly became the author of changes and moved your country forward through stability and sustainable development. As a visionary and charismatic leader, he has demonstrated wisdom by effectively managing the country's natural resources, primarily energy resources. Heydar Aliyev will forever remain in the people's memory as an unchanged benchmark of political pragmatism and a standard in the implementation of reforms based on existing realities. I once again cordially congratulate you and the friendly people of Azerbaijan. Mr. President, please accept my most sincere brotherly greetings. Sincerely, Ismail Omar Guelleh President of the Republic of Djibouti --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 3 June 2023 10:11 (UTC+04:00) President of the Republic of Poland, Andrzej Duda has sent a congratulatory letter to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on the occasion of May 28 - Independence Day of Azerbaijan, Azernews reports. The letter reads: His Excellency Mr Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Dear Mr President, On behalf of the Republic of Poland and on my own behalf, I am honored to extend my sincere congratulations and best wishes to you, your country and all of its citizens on the occasion of the national day of the Republic of Azerbaijan the Independence Day. The dynamically developing bilateral relations between the Republic of Poland and the Republic of Azerbaijan are the best indicators of the respect, sympathy, and importance attached to cooperation between our countries. Azerbaijan is a very important partner for Poland in the South Caucasus region, and we want to deepen our cooperation in various fields, including in the economic, political and cultural spheres. We are particularly interested in further developing the economic cooperation and bringing it to a level corresponding to our countries high economic potential. Dear Mr President, I wish you robust health and prosperity, your country and all citizens of Azerbaijan peace and prosperity, and continued success in your activities to ensure the country's comprehensive development. Mr. President, I would like to take this opportunity to invite you again to visit Poland at a convenient time for you. With deep respect, Andrzej Duda President of the Republic of Poland --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 3 June 2023 13:19 (UTC+04:00) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan has sent a letter of condolence to India, following a railway accident occurred in the country, Azernews reports. The letter reads: Deeply saddened by the news of terrible passenger train accident in India. We express our deepest condolences to the families who lost their loved ones in this tragic accident & share the grief of the people and Government of the Republic of India," the MFA's statement said. The death toll from the collision of three trains in eastern India has reached 288 people. Rescue work at the accident site continues. More than 500 rescuers were brought to the scene. A day of mourning has been declared in connection with the incident. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 3 June 2023 14:31 (UTC+04:00) President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed a decree on approving the "Agreement on cooperation in the field of environmental protection between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Government of the State of Israel", Azernews reports. According to the decree, guided by paragraph 17 of Article 109 of the Constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan, it was decided to approve the "Agreement on cooperation in the field of environmental protection between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Government of the State of Israel", signed on April 19, 2023 in Baku. The Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Azerbaijan was instructed to ensure the implementation of its provisions after the entry into force of the agreement specified in part one of the decree. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan was instructed to send a notification to the government of the State of Israel on the implementation of internal procedures necessary for the entry into force of the agreement. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 3 June 2023 15:11 (UTC+04:00) President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed a decree on approving the "Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Ministry of Human Resources of the Republic of Indonesia on cooperation in the field of labor, employment and social protection", Azernews reports. According to the decree, guided by paragraph 17 of Article 109 of the Constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan, it was decided to approve the "Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Ministry of Human Resources of the Republic of Indonesia on cooperation in the field of labor, employment and social protection" signed on December 14, 2022 in the cities of Baku and Jakarta. The Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Azerbaijan was instructed to ensure the implementation of its provisions after the entry into force of the Memorandum of Understanding specified in part one of the decree. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan was instructed to send a notification to the government of the Republic of Indonesia on the implementation of internal procedures necessary for the entry into force of the Memorandum of Understanding. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 3 June 2023 19:50 (UTC+04:00) I would like to thank President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev for attending the ceremony, the newly elected President of Turkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan said during his swearing-in ceremony, Azernews reports. Once again, I welcome my dear brother President Ilham Aliyev, Erdogan said. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 3 June 2023 08:00 (UTC+04:00) Russia's war on Ukraine shifted the security policy in the Baltic Sea region, as states lost trust in a partnership established in 1992, the German foreign minister said on Friday. Annalena Baerbock was referring to the Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS), a political forum for regional cooperation from which Moscow withdrew last May. Its membership was suspended over its special military operation in Ukraine two months ago. Addressing a press briefing with Norwegian Foreign Minister Anniken Huitfeldt and Finnish State Secretary for Foreign Affairs Johanna Sumuvuori after a ministerial meeting of the CBSS in Wismar, Germany, Baerbock said: "With its war of aggression against Ukraine, Russia shifted the security policy coordinates in the Baltic Sea region as well. The trust we had placed in a partnership since 1992 was gone." Germany assumed the CBSS presidency for one year in 2022, and Finland would take charge on July 1. Baltic Sea partners will not just sit back and watch this "Russian violation of international law," and that's the reason why Russia quit the organization, she said. "We are committed to freedom and territorial integrity of Ukraine. And we stand in full solidarity with the people in Ukraine in their fight for freedom and peace as long as it takes," Baerbock added. She argued that Ukrainians "want nothing but, as we do, [to] live in freedom and a peaceful neighborhood with Russia and other states." The foreign minister said the Ukraine war led the Baltic Sea partners to get closer in ties. "We need NATO for security in the Baltic Sea region," Baerbock said, welcoming Finland's membership into the US-led military alliance and expressing hope for Sweden's accession "as soon as possible." --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 3 June 2023 09:00 (UTC+04:00) Nearly 10 billion people are expected to populate the world by 2050, making it more important than ever to find new ways to feed ourselves. Cutting-edge technology is today altering how we produce food, reducing waste and boosting sustainability. Rising demand means food production must rise by between 30% and 60%, according to Simon Haworth, a partner at Tramlines Fund, a UK-based firm investing in growth capital for sustainable agricultural technology, or agri-tech. The social cost of not doing this would be "absolutely terrifying," Haworth told Anadolu, adding that while billions are being invested in agri-tech globally, this simply is "not enough," given the urgency of the situation. The end result could be a "famine-type" event of proportions "terrifying to imagine," he added. Climate change will only make the situation worse, since once the temperature increases in some of the hotter areas of the world, growing crops there will be virtually "impossible," he said. Under those circumstances, "the unfairness" is that the rich and nations in the West will be better off, despite being responsible for most carbon emissions in the world. "So, it's a dreadful thought that the worst-off countries will be the ones that suffer the most, and that will be a terrible consequence," said Haworth. - Food in climate action, biodiversity Food is responsible for more than 25% of all emissions, so reaching net zero would require the world to "fix our food system," said Samia Qader, senior principal at Climate VC, an EIS fund and syndicate also based in Britain, that invests in over 100 climate tech companies. "There is no path toward mitigating the climate crisis without addressing the problems in our food system," she told Anadolu. Many promising technologies that are leading the way toward a more sustainable future and transformation in farming can greatly contribute to the climate cause, Qader underlined. According to her, these include increased adoption of regenerative agriculture and the use of deep technology in agriculture robotics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science and satellite imagery sensing. However, cellular agriculture and alternative fertilizers, which involve finding new ways to produce fertilizers and creating synthetic ones without the use of fossil fuels, play an important environmental role, said Qader. Food systems contribute to about one-third of greenhouse gas emissions and the vast majority of biodiversity loss. Climate change is another primary driver of declining biodiversity, making it critical to tackle the two issues together, according to Qader. While biodiversity has been on a downward trend for the "better part of the Holocene," the current geological epoch ongoing for the past 12,000 years, its decline has been accelerating since 1900 and the planet will likely "take millions of years to recover." There are still significant challenges around measuring biodiversity and assigning it a "value," which is why regulatory support and action will need to play "a major role," she added. - Robots help feed the world The key thing to remember is that "we have to change the way we farm if we are going to feed everybody" and have an environment in which we can "survive," according to Ben Scott-Robinson, co-founder and CEO of The Small Robot Company, a firm focused on technology used to produce food. For him, technological progress is the best way to get humanity where it needs to be on this issue. "There are fantastic methods brought in from the 19th century called regenerative farming, and they work absolutely brilliantly, but they take a while to work," he told Anadolu. To be able to deploy this across all farms in the world and still produce enough food, we must take "that 19th century information and use 21st century technology to be able to make it work effectively," he added. People need to figure out regenerative farming and use that data to help feed the world. The use of robots in farming and food production will reduce the amount of chemicals in the field, while doubling to help farmers save money. From the environmental perspective, it also eliminates dangerous runoff and waste, helping limit damage, he added. In other words, by using robots, a path can be plotted to a regenerative, chemical-free farming future, driven entirely by data, said Scott-Robinson. Technology can help produce "more food with less or fewer chemicals on less land" and, as a result, the world would be in "a more sustainable situation, while still everybody is being fed," he added. - Ukraine war According to Haworth, the partner at Tramlines Fund, the war in Ukraine made the need for food system transformation even more urgent. "We (at Tramlines) use a very trite joke sometimes, which is that there's this guy called Vladimir Putin, who is our head of marketing. He has done an extraordinary job in bringing to people's attention the fact that food security matters," he said. In Haworth's opinion, most people are unaware of how grain and other foodstuffs produced in Ukraine can affect their own market. "So, Ukraine has crystallized the opportunity and has provided enormous momentum for change in the space," where technology is now starting to play an important role when it comes to new innovative ways of feeding ourselves, he added. - 'Agri-tech revolution' With the world's population continuing to balloon, the concept of climate change and newly found understanding of food security issues, new innovative ways of producing food and the technology to do it are needed, according to Haworth. "Believe it or not, there's also another whole field for food innovation, which is, when we finally manage to leave this Earth, we're going to have to take the technology with us to produce food on distant planets, distant locations. "So, it's an enormous issue for us all to address. But time is running out. We have to get on with it," he continued. Haworth said agriculture has been "a sleeping giant that has now awakened," adding that the "agri-tech revolution" is going to completely change the system and the way food is produced. Technology is key to sustainable agricultural that will help feed the world, he said. "That revolution is upon us. It's fantastic. It's really underway." --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 3 June 2023 10:44 (UTC+04:00) Turkiye is a regional stabilizing power that has done its part to ensure peace and stability, particularly during the Russia-Ukraine war, according to the countrys communications director. According to Azernews, speaking at a conference titled "War in Ukraine: Regional and Humanitarian Consequences" in Ankara, Turkiye's capital, Presidency's Director of Communications Fahrettin Altun said the COVID-19 pandemic, regional political and economic tensions, and hot conflicts have shattered the global balance, and the Turkish government is working to resolve the crises. "The constructive and stabilizing role Turkiye has been playing for the past two decades with regards to the region and globe had to be acknowledged in the last few months, even by those denying it," Altun said, adding that the countrys efforts for regional security and crisis resolution have somehow been overlooked by some circles. Arguing that Turkiyes is in one of the worlds most difficult geographical locations, with many of its neighbors by sea or land experiencing major problems such as war and civil uprisings over the past 20 years, he said hundreds of thousands have been killed and millions have been displaced right before the eyes of the international community. According to Altun, the crisis has transformed Ankara into the region's most experienced actor in the field of diplomacy. No other leader has taken as much initiative for peace as President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Turkiye's efforts to mediate between Ukraine and Russia are not a coincidence, he added. "The active role we have played in such crises for years paved the way for negotiations in Antalya and Istanbul amid the war in Ukraine," he said, adding that the fact that they have transformed into an actor in whom both sides have faith is a result of the crisis position they have maintained for years. The developments in war-ravaged Ukraine indicate that such crises do not have a military solution, he said, noting that Turkiye has called for and is striving to achieve a cease-fire and the restoration of peace as soon as possible. "We, as Turkiye, believe that there are means to end the crisis if contact, dialogue and negotiations are held in an efficient manner," he said, underlining that Ankara will tirelessly maintain its diplomatic efforts to bring an end to the deadly war. The war between Moscow and Kyiv also highlighted another argument Turkiye has voiced many times, including the weakness of the international organizations, according to Altun. He noted that none of them played a key role in the conflicts revolving around Syria, Libya, or any other country. Given that the US can be paralyzed by the veto rights of the permanent members of the UN Security Council, he believes that international organizations, such as the UN, should be restructured so that they can function effectively. At least 1,932 civilians have been killed and 2,589 injured in Ukraine since Russia declared war on its neighbor on Feb. 24, according to UN estimates, with the true figure feared to be much higher. More than 4.6 million Ukrainians have fled to other countries, with over 7 million more internally displaced, the UN refugee agency has said. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 3 June 2023 16:38 (UTC+04:00) President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was sworn in on Saturday as Turkiye's 12th ruling president with an oath-taking ceremony at the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM), Azernews reports. Following the sworn-in ceremony at the parliament, Erdogan went to visit Antkabir, the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, founder of the Turkish Republic. Later, the presidential complex will host an inauguration ceremony, which will be attended by high-level officials from 78 countries, including 21 heads of state, 13 prime ministers, parliamentary and ministerial-level officials, and representatives of international organizations, including NATO, the Organization of Turkic States, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus President Ersin Tatar, Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro, Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan will be among the participants. Erdogan will host his guests at a dinner in Cankaya Palace. The Turkish president will announce the new Cabinet later on Saturday. Turkiye went to the polls on May 28 for a presidential runoff after no candidate secured more than 50% of the vote needed for an outright victory in the first round on May 14. Erdogan won the race with 52.18% of the vote, while opposition candidate Kemal Klcdaroglu received 47.82%, according to official results. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 3 June 2023 18:30 (UTC+04:00) The ministers of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) will meet in Vienna on Saturday at a meeting that OPEC regularly holds every six months. The last such meeting took place via videoconference in December 2022, Azernews reports, citing TASS. The June meeting of the organization's countries will be held on the eve of the ministerial meeting of OPEC+ countries, which is scheduled for June 4 and will also be held in person in Vienna. A source in an OPEC delegation told TASS that only internal administrative issues will be discussed at the meeting. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 3 June 2023 20:40 (UTC+04:00) Energy officials from Saudi Arabia and China discussed the sectors role in achieving the Kingdoms Vision 2030 plans and Beijings Belt and Road initiative, Azernews reports, citing Al Arabiya. Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman met with his Chinese counterpart Zhang Jianhua and discussed efforts on both sides to diversify their economies, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The meeting discussed areas of cooperation between the two sides and stressed the importance of ensuring the security of energy supply, the SPA report said. The two sides also discussed potential cooperation in crude-to-chemicals projects(C2C), innovative uses of hydrocarbons, and peaceful uses of nuclear energy; nuclear fuel; the national projects for uranium exploration and mining; projects for electricity, renewable energy, clean hydrogen; and energy efficiency, it added. The meeting reportedly noted the means of combating climate challenges by adopting the Circular Carbon Economy (CCE) a framework to address climate challenges and manage emissions, mainly using carbon removal technologies. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 3 June 2023 23:30 (UTC+04:00) Istanbul's thriving contemporary art scene has converged on the heart of the cultural hub in vibrant display, giving emerging artists an opportunity to blossom, Azernews reports, citing Yeni Safak. The highly anticipated modern art fair, CI Bloom, is having its second edition that began Thursday and is slated to continue through the weekend. Ali Gureli, chair of the events organizer and one of the citys leading art fairs Contemporary Istanbul, told reporters last week that this years exhibition gathers 25 art galleries and four arts initiatives. Sheltered from hustle and bustle of the city outside, the event is taking place at the ICEC Rumeli Hall and features some of the city's leading galleries, showcasing 420 works of art from 266 up-and-coming artists. With a focus on contemporary and digital art as well as architecture, CI Bloom says it offers invaluable insights into the current trends and challenges facing the art world. Speaking to Anadolu during a preview visit on Wednesday, Bugra Uzuncelebi said CI had set up this event with the aim of "promoting Turkish art, especially local artists and galleries from Turkiye, to wider audiences." Uzuncelebi is the director of, an art gallery based in Istanbuls iconic Karakoy district representing around 40 artists, focusing on modern Armenian art. Galeri 77 is joining CI Bloom with 34 works of art from 25 artists, Uzuncelebi said, adding that among those being showcased are local artist Sedat Girgin, a favorite of Turkish collectors, and textile artist Bayram Demir. A selection of Armenian artists including Vav Hakobyan and Daron Mouradian are also on the scene, he said. The exhibition had already aroused much interest even before its main event kicked off, with a work by Turkish artist Mesut Karakis, who specializes in abstract art, already sold by Wednesday, when only VIP visitors were allowed on the grounds. Karakis wields extraordinary technique, eschewing the conventional brush in favor of an acrylic method that involves layering colors on canvas an intricate process repeated meticulously 70 to 80 times, Uzuncelebi said, adding that this innovative approach reaches its peak at the stage of his deft scrapes with the help of water and sandpaper. Surreal, minimal, neo-pop works of art are on display, as are numerous other styles and techniques, he said, with Edgar Grigoryan, an Armenian artist who makes sculptures from parts of used household appliances, radios, TVs, and other materials, also featured. Prices go up to $70,000, though many vary between 10,000-20,000 Turkish liras ($500-1,000), according to Uzuncelebi. - This year's 1st: Art initiatives Another gallery representative at the event was Nagihan Uzel of Soda Istanbul, which has been located in the upscale neighborhood of Nisantasi for the last 13 years. While dubbing CI Bloom as a great opportunity for young artists, Uzel says it holds appeal for many others on the art scene as well. It's really not just for young artists, but for exhibitors, galleries, anyone else involved with the arts. Here, you can reach a number of visitors that we couldnt gather in a year. Soda Istanbuls stand exhibits works by artists like Gerard Mas, Frank Plant, Samuel Salcedo, Efrahim Rodriguez, and Seo Young Deok. According to Uzel, visitors are very interested, and are asking questions about the material of the works or their stories. Soda Istanbul's remarkable collection offers a range of captivating artwork available for purchase, with prices spanning from an accessible 7,000 ($7,508) to exclusive pieces valued up to 60,000. Apart from art galleries, CI Bloom extends its support to various art initiatives, including Sub, an innovative creative endeavor based in Turkiyes northwestern Canakkale province. Ilayda Tunca of Sub told Anadolu they had been working on collective projects in the northwestern province of Canakkale for the last five years. We make art to raise awareness about collective projects and the climate crisis. Unlike the galleries, we were invited to attend for the event first time, she added. One of the projects Sub is exhibiting at CI Bloom is called "From where to where?" the worlds largest upside-down world waterway map, she explained. The project consists of works from artists of different mediums and was co-curated by Tunca and Melih Aydemir in 2021. Painted with indigo pigment on an eight-square-meter fabric, reads a statement from the initiatives Instagram page. The map turned today's western-centered perception of the world upside down and reproduced the image of it through a single signifier (water). Asked about their experience attending CI Bloom, Tunca expressed the teams delight: This is the first time we have had so many viewers. What we do is not very mainstream and being included in the mainstream was always a question mark for us, she said. So far, they say theyve met very nice people and hope for new collaborations in the future. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Bakersfield, CA (93308) Today A mix of clouds and sun early followed by cloudy skies this afternoon. High around 85F. Winds NNW at 10 to 20 mph.. Tonight Cloudy skies early, followed by partial clearing. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 63F. Winds N at 10 to 20 mph. Archived Results for Saturday, June 3rd, 2023 Newer Older Entries Page 1 Page 2 This post appears here courtesy of the Carolina Journal . The author of this post is Theresa Opeka VinFast's U.S. manufacturing CEO, Van Anh Nguyen, recently joined Gov. Roy Cooper in announcing a partnership with Central Carolina Community College to train potential employees for their proposed Chatham County facility in Moncure, which will use eminent domain to complete the project.However, the announcement comes just months after the Vietnamese electric vehicle manufacturer made a series of announcements that included layoffs and pushing the Chatham County project out to 2025. They met at what will be known as the college's Moore Manufacturing and Biotech Solution Center in Sanford, Lee County.About $50 million is still needed to renovate the building before any training or activity can take place. Reports say officials are hoping that state lawmakers will help foot the bill for the remaining portion. Once the funding is secured, Nguyen said they plan to hire and train people in 2024 before vehicle production starts in 2025.Everything moving ahead as normal. Or is it?More than a year ago, the company first announced its plans to build a $4 billion fully automated electric-vehicle assembly and battery-manufacturing plant at Triangle Innovation Point in Moncure. The company said they planned to hire over 7,000 workers. To attract the newly formed company, the state and Chatham County committed to spending nearly $1.2 billion in incentives over the next 32 years.Using the state's Transformative Job Development and Investment Grant program (JDIG), VinFast could get up to $316.1 million in reimbursement from the state over three decades if the company meets hiring goals. The state is spending another $450 million on infrastructure around the site. The total state appropriation is estimated at $766 million, with Chatham County giving VinFast another $400 million incentive package.In January, VinFast announced that it was consolidating its U.S. and Canadian strategic business and management operations into a single unit called VinFast North America, headquartered in Los Angeles.The next month, the company announced it was cutting 80 jobs in the U.S., including its chief financial officer. Three sales executives also left the company.In March, VinFast announced that it would push off production at the Moncure site from 2024 to 2025, citing the need forEminent domain is the right of a government or its agent to take private property for public use with compensation to the owner. However, the original property owners are often left with little choice, and the practice has a questionable history as companies change their plans well after land has been acquired by the government.In the case of Vinfast, about 27 homes, five businesses, and Merry Oaks Baptist Church will have to forfeit their land to make way for a new highway that economic developers say is needed for access in and out of the Moncure site.The church has stood on the border between Moncure and New Hill, on the corner of Old U.S. 1 and New Elam Church Road, since 1888.Reportedly, Phase 1 of the Vinfast project is estimated to relocate three businesses, 11 homes, and Merry Oaks Baptist Church; Phase 2 is estimated to impact an additional two businesses and 16 homes.Jonathan Rand, public information officer for North Carolina Department of Transportation, told Carolina Journal in an emailed statement on April 12 that,So, while awaiting approvals - and given the unpredictable history of the EV manufacturer - residents, business owners, and church members feel uneasy. A profile in the Chatham County Record shows that members of the church felt powerless to oppose the state government's eminent domain taking of their property because they had limited internet connectivity for the one virtual hearing and limited ability to attend the one in-person hearing in Pittsboro. At this point, they are leaning on their faith.Rev. Jim Brady told the paper.There are a number of cases where, in the end, taking citizens' land, homes, businesses, and churches ends up being unnecessary. Sometimes, the project that had the properties purchased through eminent domain never gets off the ground.The site of the failed Durham-Orange Light Rail, where 23 acres were taken by eminent domain, was supposed to provide a link between Chapel Hill and Durham.Reports say that GoTriangle had spent $3.8 million to take possession of properties between I-40 and Farrington Road. But both transit officials and officials from Durham and Orange counties decided to call it quits on the project in 2019 after several people lost their homes.The reason? GoTriangle's board of trustees stopped work on the project after the transit organization failed to secure land donations, private funding, and cooperative agreements from key partners, including Duke University, ahead of a legislative deadline.It was reported that Duke University refused to give up a piece of land that was needed for the project.Legislators had set an April 30, 2019, deadline to have private money secured in order for the state to chip in their promised $190 million in funds.What's more, the failed project was expected to cost North Carolina taxpayers almost $160 million before the project closed out in 2020. GoTriangle had paid out the money on planning, engineering design, and other costs.National cases include Poletown, a neighborhood in Northeast Michigan, which saw 1,500 homes, 144 businesses, and 16 churches demolished to build a General Motors auto plant in 1981, only to have it close in 2018.The subject of fair compensation for eminent domain use has also been cited in such cases as Kelo v. New London. The city of New London, Connecticut, used eminent domain to seize Susette Kelo and others' private property. Pfizer had planned to construct a $300 million research facility. Connecticut agreed to provide $78 million for the project. Pfizer received an 80% tax abatement for 10 years.The property owners argued the city violated the Fifth Amendment's takings clause, which guaranteed the government will not take private property for public use without just compensation. The Supreme Court, however, ruled in favor of the city in 2005.They said the phrasefrom the Fifth Amendment could be interpreted asand that government can take private property from an individual in order to turn it over to a private developer if the taking will result infor the region.Kelo was originally offered $128,000 for her property but eventually reached a settlement of $442,000.Just like in the case of Poletown, Pfizer left New London in 2009, just as the tax abatement period had ended.NC lawmaker files eminent domain reform billRep. Dennis Riddell, R-Alamance, has introduced H.B. 458, which would amend the state constitution to prohibit condemnation of a property except for public use and be properly compensated for it if it was taken for eminent domain.Jon Guze, senior fellow for legal studies at the John Locke Foundation, agrees with Riddell and said the General Assembly should juston eminent domain reform this session.Guze said.Moncure residents hope, as in other cases of eminent domain, it won't be all for naught. This post appears here courtesy of the Carolina Journal . The author of this post is Theresa Opeka A bipartisan House bill that would allow Blue Cross Blue Shield North Carolina to reorganize and create a holding company that could transfer billions in surplus policyholder money is on its way to the House Rules Committee after passing in the House Insurance Committee Wednesday.H.B. 346, which passed the House Health Committee Tuesday, is opposed by N.C. Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey, who held a press conference Monday to discuss his opposition. He said it lacked transparency and that healthcare premiums would likely rise if the bill passed.Causey said at the press conference that in the bill, also known as the Reorganization & Economic Development Act, BCBSNC would transfer the entire ownership interest in the hospital service corporation to the holding company and would lack the same regulation as it has now. However, BCBSNC spokeswoman Sara Lang disagreed with that characterization in an emailed statement to Carolina Journal Wednesday.she said.Causey continued by saying the bill would allow executives to move a portion of $4.6 billion in policyholder reserves to the holding company and would allow BCBSNC to circumvent statutory limits on reserves that would otherwise require money to be returned to policyholders or reduce rates, which will more than likely raise rates for everyone with the company's insurance.Rep. John Bradford, R-Mecklenburg, one of the primary co-sponsors of the bill, said at Wednesday's meeting that the bill is a business regulatory reform bill that gives not only BCBSNC but also Delta Dental, two hospital service corporations (HSC), a level playing field so they can compete in the very rapidly changing and competive healthcare industry.He also said the proposed committee substitutes (PCS) at yesterday's meeting and an amendment to the bill passed at Wednesday's meeting addressed transparency concerns that various stakeholders had.In addition, Bradford countered those, including Causey, who oppose the bill as havingand help serve their mission.he said.Bradford said the bill simply gives them flexibility and autonomy while still having oversight.On Monday, Causey said he was concerned that allowing investments in out-of-state companies with no regulation would seriously impact policyholders and possibly raise rates when stating the bill has no limits on how the holding company invests policyholder money to ensure it benefits North Carolina policyholders.Bradford stated.He also disputed figures that Causey referenced in his press conference that stated BCBSNC's market share in 2021 was nearly 83%. He said they actually have a 55% market share and 10% market share in Medicare Advantage.he said.Bradford reiterated that the bill is about economic development and compared the company with Blue Cross Blue Shield Tennessee. While BCBSNC has 5,000 employees, BCBST has 6,400 employees and is also non-profit, but they have investment freedoms to compete while BCBSNC doesn't.Rep. Destin Hall, R-Caldwell, asked if there are safeguards in the bill that will allow Causey to enforce the bill's requirements and allow the company to keep its non-profit status. Bradford replied, yes.Committee chair, Rep. Chris Humphreys, R-Lenoir, said he disagreed with Causey that the bill would make insurance rates rise and that rural Lenoir County has no other choices regarding health insurance.he said.Bradford again addressed a question about the bill possibly causing healthcare premiums to rise by reading a portion of a letter from the chairman of the board of BCBSNC.Bradford read from the letter.Rep. Donny Lambeth, R-Forsyth, said he agreed with Humphreys that healthcare premiums wouldn't go up, but he thinks they may actually go down due to the bill. He did acknowledge the concerns aboutBut not everyone was on board with the bill.Rep. George Cleveland, R-Onslow, was skeptical of the bill's timing.he asked Bradford.Bradford said the bill was filed on March 9, but things are moving quickly because of the bill crossover deadline of May 4.Cleveland said.Bradford assured Cleveland that his reason for supporting the bill was totally unrelated to BCBSNC losing the SHP contract to Aetna.Bradford said. Now that the public is allowed to know the truth regarding the Hunter Biden Laptop Scandal, after more that 2 1/2 years of deception by the corrupt Corporate Media Kabal, propropagandidats all, and the discredited Deep State, we have NOW learned that the infamous laptop is far less about the Biden Boy's fetish for pornography, narcotics and Russian whores, and far more about Hunter's pivotal role in the Biden Crime Syndicate's selling of deep access to our foreign adversaries, and to what extent it has compromised our national security: What is your opinion about this possible coordinated Treason? It is imperative that we know the truth of what may be the greatest scandal in our Republic's history, and all aforementioned parties prosecuted for their crimes against the People. Currently, our Two Tiered Justice System is constructed to protect all Democratic Socialists, their corrupt "Journalist" spokes-sheople, and their Deep State enablers ... so why bother. It is Donald Trump's fault. 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. By L.A. Williams Christian Action League June 2, 2023 Promoters of Senate Bill 3 have named it the Compassionate Care Act, but is legalizing so-called medical marijuana the best way to care for North Carolinians? Members of the House Health Subcommittee heard personal testimony from both sides of the issue Tuesday during a half-hour hearing on the measure that would legalize pot for people with a range of debilitating or terminal illnesses and authorize 10 seed-to-sale suppliers across the state to pay licensing fees ($50,000 initially and $10,000 a year) among other costs for the privilege of selling the psychoactive drug. This is not a farming operation like growing tobacco or corn or soybeans. Its a very tightly regulated, controlled environment and basically greenhouse environment, Sen. Bill Rabon (R-Brunswick) told the committee, emphasizing the guardrails on the bill, which he said is designed to allow tightly regulated use of medical cannabis. In addition to explaining the bills provisions and fielding questions from fellow lawmakers, Rabon gave a personal endorsement of marijuana, which he said helped him survive strong chemotherapy taken to treat stage-three colon cancer when he was 48 years old. He said he had never smoked prior to the drug being recommended by his doctor but that after a few puffs from a joint, he would find relief from the severe nausea caused by chemotherapy. Speaking during the public comment portion of the meeting, David Evans, with North Carolinians Against Legalizing Marijuana, said he is a three-time cancer survivor and could sympathize with anyone suffering from a serious illness. Nonetheless, he warned of the negative effects the bill would have on North Carolina and challenged lawmakers to stay in their lane. Every sponsor of every medical marijuana bill says the same thing: This is a really tough bill and it will not lead to legalization and it will not lead to abuses. In every single instance, they have been absolutely 100 percent wrong, Evans said. As for Rabons personal account of pot use, Evans reminded lawmakers that We do not decide medicine in the United States by anecdote or by stories. We decide it based on science. Im going to ask you to exercise some humility. You are not the FDA. You are not qualified to be making this decision based on anecdotal stories because every decision that you make is going to affect thousands of people with serious illnesses, Evans added. Corrine Gasper told the committee that she lost her daughter, Jennifer, to a medical marijuana user who got behind the wheel while under the influence. He hit my daughters car so hard her car was strewn across the road and through the front of a building and the facade of that building fell on top of her car, killing her at the scene, Gasper said. This man removed himself from his vehicle and had no idea what he just did. His car reeked of marijuana. He had a medical marijuana card and he admitted smoking just before the crash. So this is just an example of the unintended consequences that you will suffer from marijuana in your state. The marijuana you find in these pot shops has no proven medical benefits. The Rev. Mark Creech, executive director of the Christian Action League, reiterated that truth in an email to lawmakers, reminding them that there is no consensus among the major medical organizations that smoked marijuana is a medicine. Among the many organizations that have taken a stance against the use of smoked marijuana as medicine include the American Medical Association (AMA), the American Cancer Society, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, the National Institute on Drug Abuse, and the Christian Medical and Dental Association. Moreover, the FDA has never approved smoked marijuana for any ailment, he wrote. Marijuana smoke contains toxins and carcinogens that harm the lungs and can lead to respiratory illnesses. He cited a study showing that states with medical marijuana laws have higher rates of adolescent marijuana use and outlined roughly a half dozen other adverse outcomes of treating the drug like medication, including the propensity for patients to become addicted. Sadly, he said, Gaspers tragic story is not surprising, considering reports from the University of Michigan, which examined fallout from medical marijuana there. A 2019 University of Michigan Addiction Center study found 56 percent of medical marijuana users reported driving within two hours of using the substance. About half of users said they drove while a little high, and 21 percent reported driving while very high. Creechs email pointed out that the concentration of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in marijuana products has increased significantly over the years, making the drug more potent than ever before. He said medical marijuana use has been linked to an increased risk of developing mental health disorders and that, just like on the highway, the use of medical marijuana can negatively affect safety in the workplace. The Christian Action League suggests SB 3, no matter how well-intended, essentially makes an end-run around the medical community, Creech wrote. You dont get medicine at a dispensary but at a pharmacy. We ask you to stop this effort to define medicine by legislative fiat, he concluded. Lawmakers should stay in their lane, allowing the medical community to conclusively determine the possible benefits or risks of marijuana use as a treatment. Otherwise, this is not about medicine but about marijuana legalization. No vote was taken in Tuesdays committee meeting. ******* Please Join the Christian Action League in Opposing the Legalization of Marijuana in North Carolina Go to the link below to help us identify who represents you in the NC House of Representatives. You will see your Representatives phone number. Please call your Representative and urge him or her to OPPOSE the legalization of marijuana in North Carolina for medical or any other purpose. Thank You! This matter is of the utmost urgency. https://advocacy.charityengine.net/Default.aspx?isid=1433 Crowds of fans gather on Belfast's Great Victoria Street to be the first in queue to see their chart-topping idols Bay City Rollers perform at the New Vic Cinema 25/4/1975 Over the past decade Belfast has carved a reputation as a film city with American studios setting up productions here to shoot blockbusters like Dungeons & Dragons and TV series like Games of Thrones. Jump back a few decades, and the city was teeming with cinemas where citizens would flock to so they could enjoy a couple hours of escapism via the silver screen. Now there are only two remaining tangible links to Belfasts golden age of cinemas left one lies in the east of the city, the Art Deco building thats home to the Strand while the others housed in the centre of it right inside City Hall where more than 40 gold keys commemorate each of the picture houses that once were almost on every street. The keys were presented to Sir Crawford McCullagh, who was Lord Mayor of Belfast between 1914-17 and opened the citys first super cinema, The Classic in 1923 which later became the Gaumont (in subsequent decades it would then become the home to defunct retailer British Home Stores.) Dr Sam Manning, a cinema historian, told Review that Belfasts peak of the picture house was during the 1930s, a period that was maintained right through to the 1950s when lower wages than average to other parts of the UK meant fewer homes had a television. Belfast managed to maintain its cinemas when in other parts of the UK they were already starting to close down in other cities and towns, he explained. A soldier patrols City Centre Belfast. The Avenue Cinema on Royal Avenue, Belfast 11/6/1975 The arrival of the Troubles, however, accelerated the decline of picture palaces with explosions and the city becoming a dangerous place the cinemas began to slowly disappear from the Belfast landscape. Yet, even with the decline, film critic Brian Henry Martin says cinema retained its magical quality even while growing up in the 1970s and 1980s. Cinema had almost died, he says of the period, noting that in 1977, three of the last remaining cinemas were firebombed, leaving five screens in the city. Belfast currently has almost 50 screens available across the multiplexes such as The Odeon in Victoria Square and Cineworld at the SSE. Brian Henry Martin When I was growing up, I didnt go to the cinema because The Strand was shut during the whole 70s, the Curzon had been firebombed, the city centre was a no-go area. My auntie, who was a big film fan, would tell me stories about when Belfast was this great kind of film town, and it had 40 cinemas and they all had these exotic names and they all showed a different film. I couldnt believe this ever existed; it felt like a different world. The obliteration of the citys cinemas by bombs and bulldozers meant the amazing cinematic landscape has almost disappeared to our cultural detriment, insists Martin. Noting that picture houses have evolved to become an extension of a retail experience, Brian continues: Cinemas have become shopping centre experiences, theyve become entombed inside car parks, which is fine, but thats not a cinema. For me cinema is a standalone building with neon lights, with posters on the side, with a stairway in, with a series of doors, dimming lights and a bit of magic around that. Theres a theatricality about it. I think weve lost all that completely and we dont value it. Dr Manning believes the citys latest cinema experience The Avenue (the name of which borrows from the original picture house that sat in Royal Avenue) a new luxury picture house experience that offers film buffs cocktails and restaurant quality food evokes some of the past glamour. The Avenue Cinema, Royal Avenue I think it is trying to bring back some of that upmarket experience of watching a film in comfortable surroundings it does harken back to that golden age of cinema of the 30s to 60s when people had an option of cinemas to go to, he explains. Martins also happy to have The Avenue back to help reinvigorate the city centres main thoroughfare it used to be the Champs Elysees of Belfast and provide options for film lovers. For the critic, cinemas are emotional lighthouses. They sleep during the day, they come alive at night. They welcome people to come and laugh and cry and experience joy and terror and all sorts of emotions. They create generations of memories and theres something special about those places. And when we lose them, were losing a lot more than a building, were losing an emotional footprint. Dr Manning reveals that from his research Belfast citizens of times gone by regarded The Ritz, which opened in Fisherwick Place in 1936 a building that embraced an Art Deco style that was considered the jewel in the citys crown for cinemas, according to the author. The Ritz would later host The Beatles in 1963 for a concert, and by the 1980s it was renamed The ABC before a fire bomb attack in the 1980s closed it for a period. By 1986 it was the Cannon Film Centre before shutting for the final time in 1993. Personally, I would pick the Apollo cinema which later became an Asian supermarket that ended up being demolished recently, he explains. Brian also highlights the Ormeau Roads other silver screen icon, the Curzon, which was demolished in 1999, the space later becoming housing. Its removal is something he still considers a mistake. Can you imagine if you had a 2,000-seater venue on the middle of the Ormeau Road now, what that could be used for in terms of film, theatre, art culture. That will never come back there and yet thats whats missing from the Ormeau Road. Cinema equals community sharing similar film tastes with friends and loved ones but for Martin, what they meant for our predecessors was something else. They represented luxury, they represented escape, they represented a window on the world that they were never going to get. They were affordable, that was the key thing. For working class people who went to the cinema, and they saw a big screen with big faces on it, it said dream bigger. And our dreams have become smaller because weve lost these cinemas. There is a bright light, however, and there is a way, he says, for things to return. Avenue Cinema, Belfast I think whats fascinating going forward is the new film centre, which is going to be part of Belfast Stories, which is the Bank of Ireland building at the top of Royal Avenue. That is going to be a new cinema opening in 2028 in an Art Deco building. The opportunity is there to build a lighthouse for the city again, right in the centre. Things wont be the same as the golden age of Belfast cinemas, rather a reimagining. It will become a slightly more niche activity, says Martin. The live experience of being with an audience and laughing together or crying together or being frightened together or falling in love together, theres nothing comparable to them. Its not too late. The mistakes of the past have happened, but its not too late, but weve got to value it. Weve got to see it for more than just bricks and mortar, weve got to see it beyond that. Weve got to see it for what it represents and what it means to people and how it adds to their life. For Martin and many will agree a citys cultural life is vital. He cites Sir Kenneth Branaghs multi-award-winning film, Belfast. Kenneth Branagh, one of the most successful directors and actors in the world, [who is] shooting all over the world and what does he wants to recreate? He wants to recreate the moment when he went to see Chitty Chitty Bang Bang in the Capital cinema in the Antrim Road. Thats the seminal moment in his life. So wheres the next Kenneth Branagh going to come from if he doesnt have that experience? Ken Loach defended Jamie Driscoll after he was blocked from running to be the North East mayor (Doug Peters/PA) Filmmaker Ken Loach has claimed antisemitism is being used to purge Labour of politicians on the left as he criticised the party for blocking a mayor for sharing a platform with him. The director blamed Sir Keir Starmer for what he called a dishonest move to prevent serving North of Tyne mayor Jamie Driscoll to run for the North East mayoralty. The move was linked to him speaking at an event alongside Mr Loach, who was expelled from the party amid efforts to tackle the antisemitism experienced during Jeremy Corbyns leadership. 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 UKs equalities watchdog found Labour was responsible for unlawful acts of harassment and discrimination as the former leader struggled to tackle antisemitism. But Mr Loach told the PA news agency that keeping Mr Driscoll off the longlist published on Friday because they shared a platform was the lamest excuse Ive ever heard. After criticising Sir Keir for having broken his commitments during the leadership campaign, Mr Loach added: The whole antisemitism issue has been substantially revealed as a campaign that is not based on fact. Its based on political determination to do a number of things, to remove people from the left, to protect the state of Israel, which many people, many Jewish people in the Labour Party, oppose, oppose this campaign. Mike Katz, the national chairman of the Jewish Labour Movement, which had spoken out against Mr Driscoll for speaking alongside Mr Loach as hugely upsetting for the Jewish community, criticised the directors denialism. This is exactly the sort of offensive downplaying and denialism that Keir Starmer was right to say is as unacceptable as the antisemitism itself that so many Jewish Labour members went through under Corbyn, Mr Katz said. Of course, Loach has ignored the fact that the independent equalities regulator, the EHRC, found Labour guilty of breaking equalities law on antisemitism. 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 Mr Driscoll defended his own record tackling antisemitism after Mr Loachs comments. Described as the last Corbynista in power, the exclusion of Mr Driscoll from the longlist has sparked concern among some on the left of the Labour party. John McDonnell, who was Mr Corbyns shadow chancellor, blamed completely out of control factionalism under Sir Keir. A senior Labour source told PA that Mr Driscolls appearance at the event at Newcastles Live Theatre in March and then refusing to apologise is clearly incompatible with our promise to have zero tolerance of antisemitism. Mr Loach has long been celebrated for his socially-critical films, with 2016s I, Daniel Blake winning the Bafta Award for Outstanding British Film for depicting a mans struggle with the welfare system. But he was expelled from Labour in 2021 during what he called at the time a purge of Corbyn allies. Jamie Driscoll has been omitted from the shortlist (James Speakman/PA) On Saturday, the veteran filmmaker defended his friend Mr Driscoll as a very fine, imaginative and hardworking mayor as he criticised Sir Keir. Starmers clique revealed themselves yet again as dishonest, cunning, manipulative with no care for the people theyre supposed to represent, Mr Loach told PA. The people who will suffer from Starmers manipulative, dishonest treatment of Jamie Driscoll are the people of North Tyneside, and the people who will lose by Starmers treachery will be the people of this country. This manipulative act, dishonest act the people who suffer are the people of Jamie Driscolls constituency. Mr Loach said he was expelled from Labour for supporting campaigns to prevent some individuals from being kicked out of the party in what he described as a McCarthyite approach. Following the comments, Mr Driscoll said: Under my leadership the North of Tyne has adopted the IHRA (International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance) definition of antisemitism and references all the examples. We were the first combined authority to work with the EHRC. I work with the Jewish Leadership Council and visit local synagogues. Ive taken part in JLM training. The NEC said there was no suggestion of antisemitism against me. Being blocked from running for the new mayoral authority adds to the list of Labour politicians on the left who have lost out under the new leadership. Sir Keir has blocked Mr Corbyn from running from the party in Islington North over his response to the Equalities and Human Rights Commissions (EHRC) findings. The EHRC pulled Labour out of two years of special measures after the party improved its complaints and training procedures to protect party members from antisemitism. Former shadow home secretary Diane Abbott had the Labour whip suspended for suggesting Jewish, Irish and Traveller people are not subject to racism all their lives. Senior Conservatives were also among those backing Mr Driscoll after the decision to block him. 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 Former levelling-up secretary Simon Clarke said he feels very sorry for the mayor he described as knowledgeable, passionate about the NE and refreshingly non-partisan. Having worked with him as vaccines minister, Nadhim Zahawi said Mr Driscoll was always professional and didnt play politics, just wanted to protect the people he represents. Sorry to hear this Jamie. You are a good man. Stay strong, the former chancellor added. On Friday, a high-ranking North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) representative called on Beijing to increase its transparency regarding its rapidly expanding nuclear arsenal. The official emphasized that, as a major global player, China had a duty to promote openness and accountability. At a security conference in Singapore, Angus Lapsley, the NATO Assistant Secretary General for Defence Policy and Planning, stated that NATO is open to discussing the issue with China, as reported by Reuters. Lapsley believes that since China is a global power, it is responsible for being more transparent. He also remarked that the rate and size of the Chinese military expansion are quite impressive. NATO Opens Its Communication Lines for China According to Lapsley, NATO does not wish to intervene in the region but wants to communicate and engage with China. Although the United States, France, and Britain are nuclear-armed members of NATO, they do not want to interfere with China's modernization and expansion of their arsenals. Lapsley also mentioned that although NATO is open to dialogue, it cannot replace the necessity of direct communication between the United States and China. More (Undeclared) Nuclear Warheads? The report from the Pentagon about China, published in November 2022, highlighted the fact that China had increased its expansion and currently possesses more than 400 nuclear warheads that are operational. According to Lapsley, US officials have requested more communication with China. However, this number is still much lower than the number of nuclear warheads that the United States and Russia have in their arsenals. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons / National Archives at College Park - Still Pictures) Department of Defense. American Forces Information Service. Defense Visual Information Center. 1994 The Pentagon also says that China is expected to have a stockpile of 1,500 nuclear warheads and advanced missiles by 2035, which is the year the Communist Party aims to fully modernize its military. The People's Liberation Army officers in the audience expressed their concerns about the recent actions taken by the U.S. and its allies to provide nuclear-powered submarines to Australia and strengthen South Korea's defense, despite the absence of Chinese representatives on the panel. China has been a nuclear power since the 1960s and has kept a small number of nuclear warheads and missiles for deterrence purposes, with a promise of not using them first. However, under President Xi Jinping's leadership in recent years, China's military modernization has led to a rapid growth in its nuclear arsenal. Read also: NATO's New Asia Office Boosts Japanese Cooperation, but Membership Remains Out of Reach The Risks As China continues to increase its nuclear arsenal, it is likely that other countries in the region will also feel pressured to develop their own nuclear capabilities. This could lead to a dangerous arms race and further instability in East Asia's already tense geopolitical landscape. Moreover, concerns have been raised about China's lack of transparency regarding its nuclear program. The country has not provided detailed information on the number or location of its warheads and missiles, which makes it difficult for other nations to assess potential threats. The international community has called on China to engage in dialogue and work towards disarmament as part of global efforts towards reducing nuclear weapons worldwide. However, with tensions rising between major powers such as the U.S., Russia, and China, achieving this goal may prove challenging. It remains uncertain how developments surrounding Chinese nuclear capabilities will play out over time but one thing is certain: everyone must remain vigilant regarding security issues involving critical infrastructure lest unintended consequences arise leading up to escalating conflictor worse yet catastrophe Related article: China Developing Nuclear Weapons Way Faster Than USA, Warns Strategic Command Chief @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. A popular east Belfast eatery has announced it is closing down for good following "recent expansion within the business. Lottie, whose owners are also behind local restaurants Yugo and Ferine, opened its doors on the Upper Newtownards Road three years ago. Posting to Instagram on Friday, the team stated: "We are sad to announce that Lotties time has come to an end. "Due to recent expansion within the business, it is becoming harder to keep the restaurant open on a 4 day week. Rather than dilute our product or compromise on service, we have decided that its within our best interest to prioritise whats manageable. Its been a tough decision but its time to sell up. "Anyone who has purchased gift vouchers for Lottie will be honoured in our other two restaurants, Yugo and Ferine. "A huge thank you to all the staff, past and present, for making Lottie the place it is. We appreciate every effort you have put in and you have helped us get to where we are, its just unfortunate we cant go any further. Scotch eggs at Lotties Last year, the Belfast Telegraph gave the Ballyhackamore bistro a glowing review and many local customers shared their sadness at the restaurants closure. Caroline, the founder of Belfast Food Tour, said: Absolutely gutted, so so sorry to see it go, I adored it. Another online user responded: Gutted!! It will leave a big hole in the hack!! Wishing you continued success and look forward to trying Ferine! Panorama of Valencia from an elevated point. In the centre of the image stands out the Plaza Redonda or Placa Redona, a main touristic landmark in the city Thanks to Travel Man (Richard Ayoade, not Joe Lycett) my first image of Valencia Spains third largest city and situated on the eastern coast of the Iberian Peninsula is the world famous, iconic City of Arts and Sciences complex: a fantastic feat of modern architecture with its pseudo-futuristic style. Yet, arriving in Valencia for a city break, its clear immediately that this amazing building is only a fraction of what this incredible port city has to offer. Each street corner is a discovery Modernista and Advant Garde architecture adorns traditional apartment buildings, a train station (usually not the most exciting of places, to be honest) is an opportunity to enjoy a ceramic mural showcasing Valencias historic culture including its Fallas festival, the citys most important event that runs each March (incidentally, it was briefly featured in an episode in Amazon prime hit, Citadel). From March 1 to 19, Fallas celebrations takeover the city, and its a festivity that combines tradition, satire and art which shouldnt be missed for anything in the world. The origin of Las Fallas comes from the old carpenters tradition who, when celebrating the arrival of spring on March 19, used to burn pieces of wood (parots) that were used to prop up their lights during the winter. To this bonfire they gradually started to add old belongings and rags, which gave the wooden structure a human-looking aspect, until they became the ninots that citizens and tourist experience today. The Valencian sense of humour soon gave the irony shown in the ninots which is evident on view. Ninots, figures to be burnt during fallas festival The Fallas celebrations have evolved into temporary works of art which, in some cases, cost millions of euros. Its embedded into the fabric of the city and joining a walking tour is the best way to take in the sights and the Old City is the ideal starting point where Valencias 2,000 history (all influenced by the Romans, Visigoths and Muslims when it was founded in 130BC) all comes alive, with food markets, cathedrals and historic landmarks all dotted across the city. The list of must-sees in the historic centre is long, with treasures such as the Cathedral and the Holy Chalice, the Mercado Central, the frescoes in the Church of San Nicolas, the Serranos Towers, the Plaza Redonda and the National Ceramics Museum. The La Lonja (Silk Exchange), one of the most famous civil gothic monuments in Europe, and the Tribunal de las Aguas (Tribunal of Waters), which meets every Thursday at the Puerta de los Apostoles in the Cathedral, form part of the prestigious Unesco World Heritage list. The Ceramics Museum A city centre street in Valencia Cuisine and exquisite dining is appreciated in Valencia as it is famous artist Joaquin Sorolla, a 19th century painter who brought daily scenes of Valencian life to canvas and fine food and fine art are brought together at the Vertical Restaurant where chef Jorge de Andres has prepared an unique and beautifully presented, exquisite 14-course testing menu inspired by Sorollas works. Fourteen dishes inspired by works such as El consejo del roncal, La fiesta del pan and Las grupas connect your palate to the different Spanish regions that inspired the Valencian artist during his career. With this menu, you will discover the best culinary offerings from each area, because Sorolla tastes of dates, Iberian ham, mullet... and rather more exotic, say, like prickly pear. Homage to the Master is a special gourmet experience that combines sea, fields, crops and mountain, a feast for your palate inspired by the internationally renowned painter. Guests follow a beautifully presented menu which shows how whats on the plate correlates to a Sorolla painting. And Weekend left with a great insight into Sorolla, and de Andres passion for the artist. No visitor who comes to Valencia will be under the illusion that has a reputation for fantastic food by the time they leave. Another foodie hotspot is Riff restaurant, a Michelin establishment in the heart of the city that displays its love for seafood on every plate. The Michelin Guide also singles out the musical ambience, usually jazz, comes courtesy of an old vinyl record player with tunes chosen by chef Bernd Knoller himself, who also enjoys passing through the dining room to chat with guests and explain the way in which he prepares each of his ingredients. One such ingredient is rice and Valencia, given its the birthplace of paella, it has it in abundance with its wealth of rice fields located in the south of the city. La Albufera is a nature reserve and a freshwater lagoon where rice plants flourish. Its a serene, relaxing spot only around 9km from the city centre and offers visitors the chance to hop into one of the reserves traditional boats known as albuferencs and take in the wildlife. One of the traditional boats at the nature reserve At the shoreside is the Nou Raco restaurant, the ideal stop-off point to savour a paella (perhaps the most authentic version youll ever taste) or a glass of wine while overlooking the La Albufera. With friendly staff and delicious food, its the ideal way to take in the sun setting over the natural reserve. Even if you dont venture further than the city limits, sea life can still be experienced at Oceanografic, Europes largest aquarium situated at City of Arts and Sciences designed by Valencian architect Santiago Calatrava, several of its buildings have become icons in the city. It is a scientific and cultural leisure complex which can be enjoyed with family or friends, covering around two kilometres of the former riverbed of the River Turia. As well as the Oceanografic, there are two other buildings with the complex the Hemisferic, a dome that houses an IMAX cinema, and the Science Museum which allows visitors to learn about the evolution of life, science, and technology in an educational, interactive and enjoyable way, all while surrounded by 13,500 square metres of water curtains. The Science Museum For mammals on land, Valencia is also home to one of Europes most impressive zoos, Bioparc Valencia, the home to 6,000 animals of 150 different species all kept and cared for in environments designed to mimic the natural habitats. Hippos, elephants, lemurs are just some of the species living in the Bioparc and its easy to see why its one of the highly rated zoos in all of Europe. Exotic animals are perhaps top of the list of a city break, but again Valencia is full of surprises: culture, history, food, architecture as well as a beach holiday can all be rolled into one. And with Ryanair flying direct from Belfast International, theres no excuse why Valencia shouldnt be on your travel list and its a destination youll want to return to again and again. The origins of the citys name means strong and healthy and visitors will feel that way when they say a farewell, completely rejuvenated. The video went viral on social media during the week A man has appeared in court in connection with numerous offences including the possession of a pistol-type weapon or imitation firearm with intent to cause fear or violence, after a video circulated on social media appearing to show a taxi driver threatening a passenger with a gun. Brian Stalford (48) of Park Avenue, Belfast, was charged with possessing a pistol-type weapon with intent on March 26. He was also charged with unlawful assault and a threat to kill on the same date. In addition, Stalford was charged with possession of cocaine on June 1. Appearing via videolink at Laganside Magistrates Court in Belfast, Stalford spoke only to confirm he understood the charges against him. Detective Constable Campbell with the paramilitary crime taskforce told the court he could connect Stalford with the charges. He said Stalford was arrested on suspicion of numerous offences, including possession of a firearm or imitation firearm with intent to cause fear or violence. Northern Ireland taxi driver pulls gun on terrified passenger over alleged drugs debt Upon arrest, Stalford was found to be in possession of a pouch containing powder and was charged with possession of a Class-A controlled substance. The officer said: "This follows the widely-circulated dashcam footage which shows a male who was a Fonacab driver threatening a front-seat passenger with a handgun. "The gun is pointed directly at the front-seat passenger and a threat is made: 'You are lucky I'm not taking your effing knees out now'. "A number of malicious threats are made to a passenger in which he was told if the conversation in the car gets out: 'I'll be taking your head off'." The officer said Stalford hit the passenger in the jaw with the muzzle of the weapon. "And then was instructing him to work his debt off, police would say that is a drugs-related debt and this is a drugs-related matter." Mr Campbell said his role with the paramilitary taskforce is to investigate the activities of the East Belfast UVF. He said the police's position is that Stalford is an enforcer for the East Belfast UVF but there was nothing to say he was a member. He said the offending took place in an area controlled by the East Belfast UVF. "The other alternative is he's doing it of his own volition and operating in the patch of an organised crime gang as a rogue." There is no charge against Stalford for any paramilitary-related offences. The suspected firearm in the video has not been recovered by police. Mr Campbell said he believed the firearm is "long gone" as the video was circulating for 24 hours before the arrest. He said police had spoken to the two passengers shown in the video but they have not made complaints. "The threats are being taken very seriously and understandably the two passengers are not willing to co-operate with police in making formal complaints." Mr Campbell said Stalford had accepted the footage was from his dashcam and that his briefing of the police interview was that the defendant said the video was done "in jest". Stalford's defence solicitor said there had been no statement of complaints made. He said Stalford was "very clear" in police interview that the gun was not a firearm and was instead a "toy". He added that Stalford did not know where the alleged firearm was but believed one of the passengers did. He said Stalford had no intention to cause fear, intimidation or fear of violence. The lawyer said everybody in the video knows each other and had consented to what was occurring. He said the two passengers had not offered a statement to confirm the circumstances behind the video and described them as "understandably frightened individuals". The court was told there was a "massive lack of evidence" and cautioned this was "going down a road of reversing the burden". The defence lawyer said Stalford did not have cocaine and the pouch containing powder needed further testing to determine that it had not been contaminated. Applying for bail, the solicitor said Stalford had no relevant convictions and the last time he was before a court was for no TV licence in 2014. "The court is being asked to buy into some sort of social-media frenzy here." He said social media is "littered with idiotic videos" like the one in question. He added that Stalford's wife was in the court and "riddled with embarrassment". He said Stalford, who had been employed as a taxi driver, was not at risk of reoffending or absconding. Police objected to the application for bail over concerns of interfering with justice, a risk of reoffending and a risk of flight. Officer Campbell claimed Stalford had "made off from police" in an incident days before the arrest. He added that Stalford had also previously interfered with justice by allegedly destroying evidence. Mr Campbell said the video was not ``TikTok foolery and was the enforcement of a drug debt. Bail was refused with Stalford due to appear before court again on June 30. Police officers on Howell Road in Cardiff as they face a large scale disorder at the scene of a serious road traffic collision on Snowden Road in Ely (Bronwen Weatherby/PA) A total of 20 people have so far been arrested in connection with a riot that happened in Ely, South Wales, following the deaths of two teenagers, police have confirmed. Kyrees Sullivan, 16, and Harvey Evans, 15, died on the evening of Monday May 22 when they crashed on a Sur-Ron electric bike minutes after CCTV had captured them being followed by a police van. Hours of violence and disorder was sparked when news of their deaths and the suggestion police had been pursuing the pair prior to the incident spread throughout the community and on social media. South Wales Police said 17 males and three females, aged between 14 and 36, had now been arrested on suspicion of riot. Floral tributes left to Kyrees Sullivan and Harvey Evans on Snowden Road, Ely, Cardiff following their deaths in a road accident (Rod Minchin/PA) All have since been released on police bail while the investigation continues, the force said. Four were detained on the night while five were arrested in the early hours of Thursday May 25. Detective Chief Superintendent Ceri Hughes said: During the disorder several vehicles were set alight, property was damaged, police officers were injured, and residents were scared in their homes. As part of the investigation so far, over 290 pieces of body worn footage from police officers has been gathered, as well as several hours of videos posted on social media, drone, helicopter, and CCTV footage. Screen shot taken from CCTV dated 22/05/23 appearing to show a police van on Howell Road as it was following two teenagers on a bike (PA) We are extremely grateful for the support from the community so far and to members of the public who have provided 50 responses using the Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP). More arrests are expected as we continue to identify those involved and we are still appealing for witnesses, information, and footage. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is conducting an investigating into the forces actions surrounding the collision after footage of the marked police vehicle following the boys emerged the next day. A Ford Focus car set alight on Highmead Road, Ely, Cardiff, during a large scale disorder (Bronwen Weatherby/PA) The agency said it is looking at the the nature of the police interaction with the two boys prior to the collision and the appropriateness of the police officers decisions and actions, whether at any time the decisions and actions of the officers in the police vehicle constituted a pursuit and whether the interaction between the police officers and the boys was reported appropriately by the officers prior to and following the collision. It said it is also investigating whether the actions and decisions of South Wales Police over the interaction were in line with legislation, local and national policies and procedures. South Wales Police said it would provide the IOPC with all the information it had to allow for a thorough investigation. It said the families of Kyrees and Harvey continue to be supported by family liaison officers. NIs broken NHS is killing people, and our populist politicians are overwhelmingly to blame What is happening in Northern Irelands collapsing health system is a monumental scandal, which was preventable. The middle classes can pay for private treatment, but the poor are left to die. People are needlessly dying as Northern Ireland's health system collapses - yet it's not an issue shifting many votes. Picture: Mark McCormick Sam McBride Sat 3 Jun 2023 at 09:08 Murdered gang bosss lackey beat the life out of victim A thug faces up to five years behind bars after he admitted beating the life out of a woman over a supposed debt. Following discussions between barristers at Craigavon Crown Court, James Carlisle was re-arraigned and confessed his guilt to four out of the seven charges against him. The 42-year-old pleaded guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm, common assault, possessing a weapon namely, a knife and attempted intimidation, with the charges arising from events on October 28, 2021. Three further charges of GBH with intent and having weapons were left on the books. None of the background facts of the case were heard on Wednesday, but a police officer previously outlined how the woman was left blind in one eye and with a fractured cheekbone after Carlisle attacked her. The first incident happened at her home in Portadown, with Carlisle, who was armed with a knife, calling for her cousin over a debt. After he was told he was not there, Carlisle said if she made a report to police, he would murder her whole family and burn her house down. Later that day, the woman went to her cousins house in Craigavon, and it was while she was there that Carlisle beat the life out of her. On Wednesday, the judge freed Carlisle on bail, pending the completion of a pre-sentence probation report and victim impact statement. The thug, originally from Craigavon, was released to an address on the Harbour Road in Kilkeel, pending his sentence in September. The career criminal was a henchman of Malcolm McKeowns, who was gunned down by the crime gang known as The Firm in August 2019. Both had been charged with the feud-linked murders of couple, Hugh and Jacqueline McGeough, in Craigavon in 2011, but the charges were dropped. A year before McKeowns murder, the pair were back in court again, accused of an aggravated burglary in Lisburn. The householder had been tied up and beaten up. Carlisle was allegedly linked by DNA on a hi-vis vest, but the charges were dropped just weeks before McKeown was murdered. The criminal survived an assassination attempt outside a school in 2016, being shot a number of times. Children who were finishing up their lessons for the day ran screaming in terror as a bloodied and bleeding Carlisle ran towards a school bus, seeking safety. Hundreds of runners at Stormont help launch a new partnership between the NHS and parkrun. Credit: Liam McBurney/RAZORPIX Oscars star James Martin joined hundreds of runners at Stormont yesterday to help launch a new partnership between the NHS and parkrun. The lead actor from Academy Award-winning film, An Irish Goodbye, also congratulated Jonathan Winter from Scrabo Striders Running Club on his 100th parkrun at NIs parliamentary buildings. Parkrun is a collection of 5-kilometre events for walkers, runners and volunteers that take place every Saturday morning at more than 2,000 locations in 22 countries. There are seven courses in Belfast and Mr Martin, the star of Academy Award-winning film An Irish Goodbye, regularly volunteers at the Queens parkrun in the south of the city. The new collaboration between the NHS and parkrun celebrates the NHSs 75th birthday and aims to showcase parkrun as a safe and inclusive space for all ages, abilities and backgrounds to be active and social in the great outdoors. On the second weekend of July, tens of thousands of people are expected to partake in senior and junior parkrun for the NHS events throughout the UK. The Waterworks in north Belfast was the first parkrun across the island of Ireland to launch in November 2010 and the number of events has since spiralled. This is the second time parkrun and the NHS have worked together, last joined five years ago for the health services 70th birthday, which saw more than 146,000 people take part in a UK-wide celebration. People are encouraged to dress in the NHS trademark blue or fancy dress, with NHS teams expected to take part and be on hand to provide information on the different ways people can support the health service, such as by joining the NHS Organ Donor Register or by giving blood. Shutterstock.com From Vrbo to AirBnb, the vacation rental business has certainly increased in recent years. Many travelers prefer short-term rentals due to their privacy, space, and price options. Still, these accommodations have also gotten a bad rap due to reports of scammers using fake listings to con families out of their hard-earned vacation money. Last year, Florida Attorney General Ashley Mood and New York Attorney General Letitia James warned travelers about vacation rental scams, urging renters to stay on their toes as they consider listings. These scams can happen on any online platform, and scammers are consistently testing new deception methods, hoping to lure in unsuspecting victims. The majority of vacation renters experience scam-free trips. However, booking travel with your eyes wide open is always best. Here are some tips on how to find a vacation rental scam. The rental is too good to be true. If a listing seems too good to be true, it likely is. You can quickly sense the areas standard pricing as you search for your vacation rental. Take note of the listings that seem like an outstanding value for the location or offer luxury features that dont align with the cost. Whether its the facilities they offer or the general price, it would be best to read the reviews for the host and property to grasp whether the deal is truly genuine. Always trust your gut. The host insists on external communication. There are some signs to consider when booking a vacation rental, one of the primary ones being the host insisting on external communication. Its essential to keep all communication on the booking platform to ensure the safety and security of your information and details. A host may offer a WhatsApp link or their phone number before or after you arrive at the property for accessible communication. However, if they push for speaking solely outside of the booking platform from the start, consider that a red flag. The host requests direct payment. Just as you should be cautious about external communication, you shouldnt agree to send direct payments outside the booking platform. Most times, scammers will ask renters to pay them directly for the trip via Zelle, PayPal, Venmo, or a bank transfer, so its essential to book directly through the listings owner, like Airbnb, Evolve, or Vrbo, using a secure procedure. Scammers will try to explain why they need direct payment, so travelers should stay vigilant and book and pay through established platforms. Trusted booking platforms provide security and other protections that cant help if you pay the host directly, so dont fall for the trap. The host may propose a lower price if the customer agrees to direct payment, but they may sneak a link that moves the customer away from the platform or ask for the money via a bank transfer or a payment app like PayPal. The reviews are debatable. If you book through a reputable platform, you can look at the propertys reviews from other guests who have stayed there. It may also help to check out review sites like Yelp and TripAdvisor. If the rental property doesnt have reviews, that could be a sign to stay away. However, it could also mean its a new listing, so you should look at the hosts profile and other properties to check out the reviews. Even if you see numerous positive reviews, you should critically examine them as you read through them. Renters should look for properties with many reviews and read them, examining the dates to determine if theyre legit. If too many evaluations were written in a short period or sounded the same, thats a red flag. Theres pressure to book. Its one thing for a host to let you know their property is in high demand, but if they seem to be relentlessly bugging you to book quickly, that could mean its a scam. High-pressure sales tactics should be your first red flag. If someone puts intense pressure on you to pay for something quickly or sign an agreement before youre ready, you should take a step back and ask yourself why. Your Google search shows inconsistencies. Its common for vacation rental owners to list their property on multiple sites, so you should search for a listing on various platforms to ensure consistency on each site. Ensure the details, like amenities and location, are the same on every platform. You could also do a reverse image search on the listings images to ensure theyre not stock images or misrepresentative. If all else fails, you can contact the booking platform to ask about the property and confirm its legitimacy. You can also Google the propertys address to ensure the street view matches the listing. You have questions leading up to your trip. Leading up to your trip, you should contact the host to guarantee everything is in order and ask any questions regarding the property. Ensure you got a confirmation email, and keep tabs on the reviews on the listing. If you have concerns, determine what information will make you feel better and take your concerns to the host. Suppose youre working directly with the property owner. In that case, you can request a copy of their short-term registration and permits, ensuring theyre registered with the local jurisdictions to run a short-term rental. Verifying that your host has the appropriate paperwork can reduce your chances of becoming a scam victim or receiving a visit from the authorities while youre on vacation. These documents are public records, so the rental owner shouldnt have a problem presenting this information. If you want to go a step further, take the material and cross-examine it with the local government agencies. Suppose you fall victim to a vacation rental scam. In that case, its essential to immediately report it to the site where you saw the listing and state or local authorities to help find the scammer, find a resolution, and prevent someone else from getting scammed. Unfortunately, if youve already paid the scammer outside the booking platform, your money likely wont be reimbursed, so youll have to talk to your bank. U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin speaks at the First Plenary Session of the 20th IISS Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, June 3, 2023. Updated at 12:33 p.m. ET on 2023-06-11 U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin urged Chinas military leaders on Saturday to engage in dialogue to reduce tensions, saying open lines of communication were essential after Beijing rebuffed his call to meet with his Chinese counterpart. In a key address to the Shangri-La Dialogue security forum in Singapore, Austin said he was deeply concerned about China being unwilling to engage more seriously on better mechanisms for crisis management between our two militaries. For responsible defense leaders, the right time to talk is anytime, the right time to talk is everytime and the right time to talk is now, he said, adding dialogue is not a reward. It is a necessity. And the more that we talk, the more that we can avoid the misunderstandings and miscalculations that could lead to crisis or conflict. The Pentagon chief and Chinese Minister of National Defense Li Shangfu, who has been under U.S. sanctions since 2018, shook hands before an official dinner at the Shangri-La forum on Friday. They did not speak to each other, nor was a bilateral meeting between them anticipated. A cordial handshake over dinner is no substitute for a substantive engagement, Austin said. The U.S. defense secretary slammed China which, he said, continues to conduct an alarming number of risky intercepts of U.S. and allied aircraft flying lawfully in international airspace. Last week, the U.S. military accused a Chinese fighter jet of performing an unnecessarily aggressive maneuver during the intercept of a U.S. Air Force reconnaissance plane. Beijing responded by calling it a hyped-up accusation, saying the U.S. aircraft had intruded into the Chinese armys training zone in the South China Sea and its aerial forces professionally dealt with the situation in accordance with law and regulation. The obvious rift between the two superpowers has become the new reality, said Huong Le Thu, a non-resident fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). Regional countries have to accept it whether they like it or not, she told Radio Free Asia, a news service affiliated with BenarNews. But they can contribute to managing the tensions by lowering the heat through facilitating and encouraging dialogues between the U.S. and China, the analyst added. China Defense Minister Li Shangfu (left) listens to Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese deliver a keynote address during the opening dinner for the 20th Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, June 2, 2023. [Vincent Thian/AP Photo] Hours after Austin gave his speech, the U.S. State Department announced that Daniel J. Kritenbrink, the assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, was going with a senior White House official to China to discuss key issues in the bilateral relationship. Sarah Beran, senior director for China and Taiwan Affairs at the National Security Council, was to join Kritenbrink for the talks in Beijing, the State Department said in a statement released on Saturday morning (Washington time). Kritenbrink will be traveling to China and New Zealand, from June 4 through June 10, the statement said. In his speech at the Singapore conference, Carlito Galvez Jr., the Philippines acting defense secretary, said Manila saw international law as the greatest equalizer among states. The Philippines won a legal case against Chinas claims in the South China Sea before a U.N. tribunal in 2016 but Beijing has so far refused to accept the ruling. The two countries have recently been embroiled in a new spat over their sovereignty in some of the islands in the Spratly archipelago. As the old adage goes, good fences make good neighbors, Galvez said. It is only when neighbors have clear boundaries and respect for set boundaries that relations remain genuinely amicable. Indonesian Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto told the forum it was imperative for us to overcome our geopolitical rivalries, our territorial disputes through dialogues, negotiations and win-win solutions. Compromise is the only way that communities and societies can prosper, he said, warning that the rivalry between superpowers has turned into a Cold War and in any war, the danger of a catastrophe is always near. During his speech, however, Austin insisted that his country does not seek a new Cold War. Competition must never spill over into conflict. And the region should never be split into hostile blocs, he said. Austin said Washington was not creating nor willing to create a new NATO in the Asia-Pacific as China has repeatedly alleged. Yet the U.S. wishes to build nimble coalitions to advance our shared vision in order to make the Indo-Pacific more stable and more resilient, Austin said. Washington lists Australia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, the Philippines, and Thailand as its staunch allies in the region and sees India, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Singapore as valued partners. Earlier this year, Washington and Manila agreed to widen a military pact by which the Philippines is giving U.S. military forces access to four bases on its soil that face the South China Sea or are closer to Taiwan, where Sino-American tensions have been brewing. Speaking about self-ruled Taiwan, Austin said his country remains deeply committed to preserving the status quo there, consistent with our longstanding one-China policy, and with fulfilling our well-established obligations under the Taiwan Relations Act. Conflict is neither imminent nor inevitable. Deterrence is strong today, and its our job to keep it that way, the secretary stated. We do not seek conflict or confrontation, but we will not flinch in the face of bullying or coercion, Austin also said. Indonesian Minister of Defense Prabowo Subianto joins South Korean Minister of National Defense Lee Jong-sup on stage during a plenary session of the 20th IISS Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, June 3, 2023. [Caroline Chia/Reuters] Beijing considers Taiwan a Chinese province and resolutely protests against any involvement by external forces in the islands politics. Lt. Gen. Jing Jianfeng, deputy chief of the Central Military Commissions Joint Staff Department, hit back at Lloyd Austins remarks about Taiwan, saying it was completely wrong. Theres only one China in the world, and Taiwan is a sacred and inalienable part of Chinese territory, Jing said, adding that it is the common aspiration and sacred responsibility of all Chinese people, including our Taiwan compatriots, to complete the reunification of the motherland. A researcher at Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) Academy of Military Sciences, Senior Col. Zhao Xiaozhuo, said that it is the U.S. which has been trying to change the status quo in the Taiwan Strait. The Taiwan Strait was pretty stable in the last ten years or so but the U.S. wants to destroy this stability, Zhao told reporters at the Shangri-La Dialogue. That way they can sell weapons to Taiwan and make a lot of money, he said. Chinese participants at the security forum in Singapore have taken a proactive approach in countering criticism from the U.S. and its allies. Senior Col. Zhao said Washington needed to change what he called erroneous actions in the way it interacts with others. When it comes to dialogue you have to take care of the opposite partys interests, he said, accusing the U.S. side of not understanding this basic principle. Another Chinese delegate, Senior Col. Zhang Chi, from the National Security College at Chinas National Defense University, questioned whether Washington had contradicted itself by establishing multilateral institutions while promoting the centrality of ASEAN, the Southeast Asian bloc. Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Tang Yongshen, former deputy commandant of the same college, hit back at Canadian Defense Minister Anita Anand for calling China a disruptive force in the region. China has made great efforts to maintain peace and stability in the region, Tang said. In fact, what you said is disruptive, he added bluntly. This report was produced by Radio Free Asia. It has been updated to include details about the announcement of a visit to Beijing by senior U.S. officials. 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. Nine people were reportedly killed Friday, June 2, in conflicts between police and followers of the convicted Senegalese opposition leader, Ousmane Sonko. In response, authorities have banned the usage of many social media sites. According to ABC News, Interior Minister Antoine Felix Abdoulaye Diome noted in a statement that the majority of the murders took place in Dakar and the southern city of Ziguinchor, where Sonko serves as mayor. Diome claimed that Facebook, WhatsApp, and Twitter, among others, have been blocked as these platforms were being used by protesters to instigate violence. "The state of Senegal has taken every measure to guarantee the safety of people and property. We are going to reinforce security everywhere in the country," Diome stated. Ousmane Sonko's Conviction On Thursday, June 1, Sonko was deemed guilty of corrupting youth but found not guilty of raping and threatening to kill a massage parlor employee. He was given a two-year jail term by the judge. Sonko was found guilty in absentia since he did not show up for his Dakar trial. According to his attorney, no arrest warrant had been filed for the politician at that time. Young people in Senegal overwhelmingly support Sonko, who finished third in the country's 2019 presidential election. His supporters say the government is trying to destroy him in the courts so they cannot vote for him in the 2024 presidential election. Bamba Cisse, another defense attorney, claimed that if Sonko were convicted, he would be unable to participate in the next election under Senegalese law. The government has said, however, that Sonko has the right to request a new trial once he is incarcerated. In light of Sonko's prominence as a potential rival to current President Macky Sall, Sall has been pushed to openly announce that he would not run for a third term. Also Read: Senegal Presidential Candidate Ousmane Sonko Condemned to Two Years, Triggering Riots Nationwide Outbreak of Violent Conflict Clashes have broken out around the nation after the verdict was announced. Protestors reportedly hurled rocks, torched cars, and constructed barricades in certain areas while police shot tear gas. The city was filled with plumes of black smoke and the hiss of tear gas canisters being discharged. The major university in Dakar had to close because of the fighting. On Friday, AP News reporters saw an extensive evacuation of students from the university grounds, with many of them carrying their belongings on their heads. This is the second time the university has been closed due to protests related to Sonko, according to the 25-year-old master's student Saliou Bewe, but this time is much worse. In 2021, at least 14 people were murdered in confrontations after police detained Sonko for disrupting public order. On Friday, police officers were seen walking the streets and standing guard outside of certain stores in case of more violence. Also Read: Russia Targets Ukraine's Food Sources to Starve Them: International Law Report @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The Associated Press reported on stories circulating online incorrectly claiming a Florida bill signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis, which allows people to carry concealed weapons without a government permit, went into effect in April. Community News Editor / Librarian Jeannie Maschino is community news editor and librarian for The Berkshire Eagle. She has worked for the newspaper in various capacities since 1982 and joined the newsroom in 1989. Editor's note: This story has been updated to include the link to the map. PITTSFIELD Bicyclists, pedestrians and rail trail users just got a new tool to help plan their next trip or see a bit of the future in an interactive map that shows existing and proposed bike trails. The Massachusetts Department of Transportation released a map showing 320 miles of constructed trails, 24 trails under construction and 60 miles of proposed ones statewide. Employing geographic information systems technology, the map features multiple layers that can be customized and zoomed in for a viewers convenience. A viewer can turn on and off different layers to show whats existing now and whats planned in the future, depending on their specific needs. The Priority Trails Network Vision Map can be viewed with or without street names and topography. Here is the link to view the map. DCR manages a vast trail network that connects communities across the Commonwealth, including iconic trails like the Cape Cod Rail Trail and the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail, which help us build healthier families through outdoor recreation and support tourism and economic opportunity, DCR Commissioner Brian Arrigo said in a news release announcing the map Friday. The Priority Trails Map will help identify areas where we can expand our trail network and create new trail connections, working with state and local partners, as well as with funding through the MassTrails grant program, to bring these benefits to even more residents around our state. A sweep through the map of priority trails in Berkshire County shows a single yellow line drawn from Williamstown to Great Barrington running through the center of the county north-south. Many of the new links in Berkshire County will follow existing or abandoned railroads to create that north-south path extending in both directions from the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail. Part of the path will rely on bike lanes. The connected trails would run from Williamstown to North Adams and Adams in Northern Berkshire County and through Pittsfield, Lenox, Lee, Stockbridge and into the village of Housatonic in Great Barrington. From North Adams to Williamstown, the map shows the North Adams Adventure Trail already in use, but it also shows a bike lane on parts of Route 2. In Lanesborough, there would be a bike lane running on Route 7 north of Pontoosuc Lake. One spur off the main route called the Lee Bikeway would link the main path at West Park Street downtown and lead to the Big Y on Pleasant Street. Other paths and bike lanes are planned that dont connect with that key north-south trail, such as the Becket Quarry Trail, a bike lane in Great Barrington on Route 23 east of downtown, and a path running along the Housatonic Railroad from Sheffield into North Canaan, Conn. There is also a plan for a Williams River Trail, running north from Housatonic through West Stockbridge to the New York line. One extension of the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail will go into Pittsfield through a separated path along East Street and closer to downtown with the addition of a bike lane on East Street. An existing bike lane on North Street could be reconfigured, said Nicholas Russo, senior transportation planner at Berkshire Regional Planning Commission. Since 2019, MassTrails grants have focused on extending and connecting existing trails to one another, with the ultimate goal of having all trails statewide connect to this envisioned network, according to the release. Some of the exact routes havent been defined, and the map shows different options, for example between North Adams and Adams, where there are multiple routes under consideration. As a planner who works with towns and other entities, Russo sees the map as invaluable, because it allows literally for a shared vision of the future. Well kind of work to refine some of these lines that are very broad and imprecise and start to actually look at how do we practically get the bike infrastructure through these towns, Russo said. Russo is also a bicyclist, and he said hes excited by the possibilities the map offers to cyclists like himself, showing existing and potential paths through Berkshire County. Zoomed out and seeing the big wide line that goes from Williamstown down through to Great Barrington, I see that as a real opportunity to ride through this big swath of Berkshire County without worrying about the traffic, Russo said. Its an option for more people of different ages and abilities. School name: Berkshire Community College Graduation location: Tanglewood in Lenox Valedictorian: Ashton Bird Salutatorian: Kaitlyn Barry Students: BCC awarded 189 associate degrees and 97 certificates to 245 students in 43 programs of study. Thirty-three students received more than one degree or certificate, and two students completed degree requirements as Early College students. Graduates ranged in age from 18 to 62. Memorable moment: Dr. Edson Chipalo, BCC class of 2015, returned to his alma mater on Friday to deliver the commencement address. He recalled how his academic career had taken him from poverty in Zambia to the United States. He told graduates he still recalled what it felt like to sit on the stage at Tanglewood in 2015 feeling the potential of his education. After receiving an associate degree at BCC he went on to receive a bachelor of science in social work from the College of Saint Rose, a masters of science in social work from Columbia University and most recently his Ph.D. from the University of Alabama. What is sponsored content? The Eagle provides fee-based professional writing, editing, design, web presence and social media services to businesses to help them tell their stories with the broadest reach possible. Let us help you tell your story today. Email kkirchner@berkshireeagle.com The Ukrainian military has begun training using cutting-edge US Abrams tanks to attempt to repel Russia's annexation of Ukrainian territory. But Kyiv's troops will need more time to prepare for Kyiv's forthcoming counteroffensive. The United States and its allies are also working on agreements to offer training on F-16 fighter planes. Although he stressed that it would take time to accomplish this objective, US Joint Chiefs of Staff head Gen. Mark Milley recognized the necessity for a modernized air force in Ukraine, according to AP News. The US and its allies, who have agreed to supply F-16s, are arranging in great detail the F-16 training, including class numbers, flying techniques, and training sites. The logistics for training with the Abrams tank are also moving along. A 12-week training program in Germany for 200 Ukrainian troops has begun. Using the modern armored system, it will concentrate on movement, shooting, and combined weapons operations. Two hundred more soldiers are undergoing instruction in tank repair and refueling. The US has been aiding Ukrainian soldiers through training efforts and donating weaponry essential for protecting their country. As part of the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, which seeks to improve Ukraine's artillery and air defense capabilities, the US unveiled a $1.2 billion package last month, according to the US Department of Defense. Additional artillery rounds, air defense systems, and gear for integrating Western air-defense units are also included in this package. Read Also: Senegal Riots Kill 9 After Opposition Leader's Conviction Abrams To Provide Advantage To Ukraine The planned employment of US Abrams tanks is expected to provide Ukraine with a considerable equipment advantage against Russia, which continues to rely on old-fashioned Soviet-era tanks. Before this point, the start of Ukrainian training on Abrams tanks remained questionable. The precise timetable for training remained unclear in the wake of US President Joe Biden's pledge to provide Ukraine with 31 M1 Abrams tanks and Germany's consent to the shipment of Leopard 2 tanks, per The Kyiv Independent. The promised Abrams tanks had first been pledged to Ukraine but would not arrive until 2024, according to the US. However, the US eventually changed its mind and said that training for the Abrams tank would start for Ukrainian forces in the following weeks. Before the Abram tanks are sent to the front lines, the training program is anticipated to last for about 10 weeks. Related Article: Debt Ceiling Deal: Senate Rushes To Vote on Legislation After House Passes Bill @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. To hold 33.86% stake post-completion of the transaction Hyderabad-based Laurus Labs has signed definitive agreements to acquire additional stake of 7.24% in Immunoadoptive Cell Therapy Private Limited (lmmunoACT), an advanced cell and gene therapy company for a cash consideration of Rs 80 crore. Post the completion of the deal, Laurus Labs stake in ImmunoACT will increase to 33.86% (on fully diluted basis). This fresh infusion of capital will enable ImmunoACT to fast track the additional supply of the lead candidate HCAR-19along with the further expansion of the multi-location GMP facilities for manufacturing Chimeric Antigen Receptor T cells (CAR-T cells) treatment to support the growing need for scalable manufacturing. Additionally, some promoters and senior management of Laurus Labs would also acquire in ImmunoACT for a 0.54% stake (before this investment) for approximately Rs 4 crore at the same price and terms through secondary purchases. Laurus Labs earlier investment in ImmunoACT in November 2021 has supported ImmunoACT in successfully creating GMP manufacturing facility along with state of the art R& D facility at Navi Mumbai and currently conducting Phase II study at various hospitals including Tata Memorial Hospital. Phase I data was presented at the American Society of Hematology (ASH) during Nov 2022 that showed a favorable balance of efficacy and toxicity with lowgrade cytokine release syndrome. ImmunoACT is in the process of becoming Indias first company to introduce the CART therapy for cure of specific types of blood cancers which are currently in clinical trials. In late July 2022, Rockefeller Foundation (RF) president, Dr. Rajiv J. Shah, released a public letter detailing the organizations plan to increase their resources and attention to addressing climate change. Shah noted that the RF had a hand in shaping the American and global responses to the pandemics crises as they funded projects like the CommonPass, helping promote the concept of vaccine passports. Established in 1913, the foundation used the Rockefeller family wealth to ostensibly promote public health by funding mass vaccination campaigns and the founding of public health authorities around the world. To continue their mission today, Shah says the RF must directly confront climate change. Climate change poses a singular threat to humanity, Shah wrote. We have decided The Rockefeller Foundation will take specific actions to transform how humanity farms and eats, powers its communities and homes, prevents and protects against disease, and lives and works. That is how we will make opportunity universal and sustainable. Shah says the foundation has taken steps in this direction already, including helping women get green jobs, investing in regenerative agriculture, and committing to divest its $6 billion endowment from fossil fuels. Shah said the foundation has divested most of our endowment from the sector. The foundation also partnered with the Ikea Foundation and the Bezos Earth Fund to accelerate the transition to so-called renewable energy. The groups claim to have raised more than $10 billion in additional funds. The announcement of a reallocation of resources did not include much in the way of details or solid plans. However, Shah did write that the foundations goal is to develop an integrated vision and plan for the years 2025 to 2030 that will be shared with RF Trustees within a year. No updates have been shared since the letter was published. In the letter Shah acknowledged that John D. Rockefeller, founder of Standard Oil and the Rockefeller Foundation, acquired his wealth through the oil industry, which the RF now claims to oppose. There is some irony here. Our namesake, John D. Rockefeller, founded Standard Oil and made his fortune by fueling a growing United States with carbon, Shah wrote. However, he says the RF is focused on what he calls scientific philanthropy, or, using the latest science and technology to improve the well-being of each and every person, opening up opportunity for all. Obviously, an institution like the Rockefeller Foundation has an even higher level of responsibility because were an even bigger beneficiary of that process, he told the Associated Press at the time. The Rockefeller Foundation funds part of The Associated Press coverage of climate change. Before we dive further into that history of the Rockefeller Foundation, and why we should remain skeptical of their claims of saving humanity through philanthropy, lets take a closer look at the Rockefeller Foundation President, Dr. Rajiv Shah. An Agent of Globalization Rajiv J. Raj Shah is a former American government official, physician, and health economist who has served in a number of U.S. government positions, as well as working within the philanthropic sector. Shah served as the 16th Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) from 20102015. He was appointed USAID Administrator by President Obama, unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate, and sworn into office by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on January 7, 2010. USAID is ostensibly an independent agency of the United States federal government that handles civilian foreign aid. USAID is one of the largest official aid agencies in the world and accounts for more than half of all U.S. foreign assistance. However, USAID and the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) have been accused of being a tool for conducting activities favorable to the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) under the guise of providing foreign aid. The NED was created as a non-profit corporation via funding from the USAID. Both organizations have been involved in funding activist movements in countries which do not align with U.S. policy. Critics have long compared USAID and NED funding Nicaraguan groups in the 1980s and 90s to the efforts of the CIA to overthrow governments throughout Latin America in the 1950s and 60s. Shah also served at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, where he is credited with creating the International Financing Facility for Immunization which helped reshape the global vaccine industry and raised more than $5 billion for the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI). I have reported extensively on the role the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and GAVI play in managing international health measures, particularly in advancing the ever-growing list of required vaccinations for developing nations. Shah is also a member of the Trilateral Commission, sits on the Board of Directors of the Atlantic Council, and is a member of the Council of Foreign Relations. The CFR is a long-time player in geopolitics whose members include former U.S. Presidents and federal officials. Researcher G. Edward Griffin has been one of the few working the last few decades to expose the influence of the CFR on U.S. foreign policy. During one of his many presentations Griffin outlines the true role of the CFR beyond the surface level explanation that they are merely a think tank: It was spawned by a secret society which still exists today, that it is a front for a round table group originally embodied in JP Morgan and company but now the Rockefeller consortium and that its primary goal is no longer the expansion of the British Empire but global collectivism with control in private hands administered in a feudalist fashion by the central banks of the world, For the last 100 years, the CFR membership roster has featured a rotating cast of members of the Rockefeller family, including John Jay Rockefeller IV, Nicholas Rockefeller, Steven C. Rockefeller, Susan Cohn Rockefeller, Valerie Rockefeller, David Rockefeller Jr., and David Rockefeller Sr., who co-founded the Trilateral Commission. The Trilateral Commission is likely less known to todays readers who are more familiar with groups like the World Economic Forum and the Bilderberg group, but they are equally important in understanding the players on the chessboard. Patrick Wood, longtime researcher of Technocracy and founder of Technocracy.news, recently reported that the Trilateral Commissions 50th anniversary marked the culmination of its self-proclaimed New International Economic Order. On March 12, the Trilateral Commission held its plenary meeting in New Delhi, India to discuss issues relating to globalization. Wood reported that one of the Commission members stated, This year, 2023, is Year One of this new global order. As Wood notes, the Trilateral Commission was co-founded by Zbigniew Brzezinski, former National Security Advisor and ally to many presidents in his lifetime. Brzezinski was also the author of Between Two Ages: Americas Role in the Technetronic Era, which sought to revive the Technocratic movement of the 1930s. Finally, Shahs membership with The Atlantic Council should also raise alarm bells. The Atlantic Council has become more familiar to Americans in light of recent revelations from the Twitter Files. However, The Atlantic Council has been making moves behind the scenes in recent years. In May 2018, the organization partnered with Facebook to fight fake news. Only 6 months later the infamous Purge of 2018 removed more than 500 accounts of independent media and researchers from Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. Dr. Shah also spoke at the World Economic Forums 2022 gathering in Davos, Switzerland and is listed as an Agenda Contributor to the WEF. During an interview with CNBC in Davos he was asked what he makes of the fact that nations around the world are sitting on vaccines because there are no takers. Shah responded by saying: A big part of why the vaccines are not being demanded right now is theres tremendous misinformation about the vaccines, their effectiveness, their safety, and so a lot of people who need them dont want them because theyve been told something thats false, and we need to invest in that problem in order to turn it around and change the course of the pandemic. Shah said the Rockefeller Foundation is investing in vaccine access in countries around the world with the goal of reaching 90% of the high risk groups within a country. Shah also said he believes there needs to be some sort of international agreement about how the world responds to pandemics which must include a much better real-time surveillance system. Shahs presence at the Davos gathering should not come as a surprise since the Rockefeller Foundation is partnered with the WEF in pushing the Great Reset agenda. During the COVID-19 panic the Rockefeller Foundation funded the CommonPass as a method for verifying ones vaccination status. The so-called vaccine passports were always a gateway to the digital identity future that is promoted by the WEF and the Technocrats. The Rockefeller Foundations Faux Environmental Movement Whether the Rockefeller Foundation uses its resources to shift us towards a Technocratic State under the guise of a pandemic or climate change, it matters not. The end result is the same loss of individual liberties and choice in a constantly surveilled world complete with social credit scores which track your carbon use and dole out rewards or punishments based on your behaviors. All for the good of the planet, we are told. This is why its important to question the fundamental claims being made by the Rockefeller Foundation and their current president. In fact, the Rockefeller Foundation has a history of using environmental issues as a smokescreen for spreading poison and harming the population. The current mainstream food paradigm with its toxic, violent, and monopolized business model was born out of The Green Revolution of the 1950s and 60s. As part of this apparent revolution, Mexican President Manuel Avila Camacho invited the Rockefeller Foundation into the country to help study and modernize Mexicos farming. In 1943, Norman Borlaug, a plant geneticist, and his team of researchers traveled to Mexico and jumpstarted the so-called Green Revolution. Borlaug was funded by the Rockefeller Foundation and the Ford Foundation, with both organizations having an interest in establishing international farming standards which benefitted their bank accounts. While the Green Revolution is often touted as a success due to increases in crop yields and an apparent drop in infant mortality, there is also a growing body of evidence indicating that the abundant use of pesticides has caused a rise in adverse health effects, including cancer. Most infamously, the worlds most widely used herbicide, glyphosate a product of Agri-giant Monsanto, now owned by Bayer has been linked to a number of cases of cancer and resulted in multiple billion dollar settlements against the company. The same corporations and financiers behind Big Oil and Big Pharma were the same driving forces behind the Green Revolution. The Rockefeller Standard Oil network and their partners in the fertilizer industry, specifically DuPont, Dow Chemical, and Hercules Powder, benefitted handsomely from the apparent revolution in farming. However, when a struggling third world nation could not afford the new technologies needed to participate in the programs, the Rockefeller controlled Chase Manhattan Bank partnered with the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund to offer loans, which in turn granted the banks ownership over resources and financial assets should the nations fail to settle the debt. Another outcome of the Green Revolution is the so-called Gene Revolution, which popularized the use of genetically modified organisms, GMOs, or genetically engineered foods. Once again, the cast of characters involved in the Gene Revolution are identical to the Green Revolution the Big Pharma cartel and Big Oil. The Rockefeller and Nazi connected IG Farben have subsidiaries Bayer CropScience and BASF PlantScience working with Dow AgroScience, DuPont Biotechnology, and the infamous Monsanto. All of these corporations benefit from the funding of the Rockefeller Foundation, the Ford Foundation, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and similar organizations. This is the legacy of the Rockefeller Foundation dangerous pesticides, GMO food, mono cropping, and disrupting of small farms. The Rockefeller Foundation also claimed the COVID-19 panic presented the moment to transform the U.S. food system. The Rockefeller document, titled Reset the Table: Meeting the Moment to Transform the U.S. Food System, outlines how the Rockefeller Foundation can once again use its money and influence to shape the direction of a major industry, this time, the food supply itself. Ironically, the Reset the Table document also notes that the Rockefeller Foundation played a role in seeding and scaling The Green Revolution, while also noting that the Rockefeller Green Revolution left a legacy of overemphasis of staple grains at the expense of more nutrient-rich foods, and a reliance on chemical fertilizers that deplete the soil, and overuse of water. With no hint of shame, the Rockefellers and their ilk are presenting themselves as the solution to problems they previously contributed to or outright created. Using the same flowery language and trendy buzzwords which allowed them to infiltrate and capture the education system, the Oil industry, and the medical field, they have managed to gain control over the large institutions which farm the worlds animals and crops in violent, destructive, and costly ways. This dangerous monopolistic cartel has captured many national and international regulatory bodies designed to protect the public and the food supply. Are we really supposed to trust that the Rockefeller Foundation is now a force for good? Does the Fight Against Climate Change Mask a Eugenics Agenda? One final thought relates to the fact that the Rockefeller Foundation also has an extensive history of funding the Eugenics movement. There is ample evidence and documentation of the Rockefeller family promoting population control under the guise of abortion, sterilization, and other methods. Due to this history of funding these movements there remains a great deal of skepticism regarding the true motivations of the foundation. In September 2021, the Rockefeller Foundation released a statement stating they were currently reckoning with our own history in relation to eugenics. The foundation said this would involve uncovering the facts and dealing with uncomfortable truths. Dr. Shah claimed an investigation is underway to learn the full extent of the foundations support of eugenics. The Foundation is confronting the hateful legacies of the pastin laws, structures, and systemsthat have suppressed opportunity for so many and are helping our grantees and the people they serve to overcome them, Shah wrote. In an upcoming investigation I will uncover connections between the Eugenics philosophy which previously guided the Rockefeller Foundation and other philanthropists, and the movement to fight climate change. Almost 30 children were reported missing in the Cleveland area over a two-week span at the start of May, which is something a local police chief said he has not seen in his 33-year career. Newburgh Heights Police Chief John Majoy, who also serves as the board president of the volunteer nonprofit Cleveland Missing, told Fox News Digital that the number of 12- to 17-year-olds reported missing has remained at unprecedented levels throughout the month. "There's always peaks and valleys with missing persons, but this year it seems like an extraordinary year," said Majoy, who heads a police department in a suburb just outside of Cleveland. Dr. Naomi Wolf has uncovered hard evidence within Pfizer documents that the company has intentionally designed its mRNA shots to target the reproductive cycle of women in their child-bearing years. This puts intense depopulation pressure on entire societies. There are many other effects such as myocarditis, paralysis, stroke, blood clots, up to and including death. TN Editor This is a mystery novel in which the question is, how do we stop women from having healthy babies? Thats the story of the Pfizer documents. These people [powers that be] dont want us to be self-staining, concluded Dr. Naomi Wolf in front of a live audience at a recent VAC family event. They want us to be dependent and scared. What self-sustaining quality are they targeting most? Our ability to reproduce, attested Dr. Wolf. One thing people have been able to do for thousands of years is to have sex and have babies without any intervention or help from anyone else. Its a tremendous way that the human race is self-reliant that it can survive catastrophe. Well, the Tech Bros. and probably China want to take that away from us. This is clear in the Pfizer documents. Theres a section of the Pfizer documents in which Pfizer breaks down the adverse events and concludes that women sustain 72% of them, she continued. And of those and these are Pfizers words 16% are quote-unquote reproductive disorders compared to 0.49% for men. So theyre very focused on reproduction, on female reproduction. Its my belief that they were trying to disrupt especially female reproduction, Dr. Wolf determined. And the question is, how do I know that? And the answer is from the structure of what they looked at. Again, Im a literary critic, but this is a mystery novel in which the question is, how do we stop women from having healthy babies? Thats the story of the Pfizer documents. And as a woman, this is one of the most painful things to see. And Im Jewish. And my grandmother lost nine brothers and sisters to the Holocaust. So I dont say this lightly, but this chart is a Mengele-type of chart. Its Mengele science. Why is it Mengele science? she asked. Because they break down 20 different horrible things that can happen to womens menstruation. More reproductive adverse events are listed here. Heres a fraction of the 20-something different ways Pfizer admits the mRNA jab can dysregulate or affect womens reproductive health: Heavy menstrual bleeding 27,685 cases Menstrual disorder (pain, heavy bleeding, or absence of menstruation) 22,145 cases Menstruation irregular (irregular cycle lengths) 15,083 cases Menstruation delayed 13,989 cases Dysmennorhea (pain during menstruation) 13,904 cases Intermenstrual bleeding (bleeding in between periods) 12,424 cases Amenorrhea (absence of period) 11,363 cases Polymenorrhea (multiple periods) 9,546 cases Vaginal hemorrhage (excessive bleeding of the female reproductive system) 4,699 cases. Oligomenorrhea (infrequent menstrual periods) 3,437 cases Im looking at ruined lives, grieved Dr. Wolf. And they [Pfizer] just note them calmly, one by one by one. Theres also a group in France called Ou est mon cycle, which translates to Wheres my cycle? Dr. Wolf detailed super-strange things within the Pfizer Documents, such as ten-year-old girls menstruating on first being injected and long-postmenopausal women in their 80s and 90s bleeding again after being injected. It wasnt enough for Pfizer to watch women be ruined, asserted Dr. Wolf. Again, I keep saying this is a respiratory pathogen. Why are they so focused on sex? At one point, they mate vaccinated male rats and unvaccinated female rats. Then they kill them, and they dissect and look at the cells of their sexual organs. Okay? So theyre very, very focused on mammalian sexuality. And you dont need to be a rocket scientist to figure out that Pfizers mRNA injections would cause fertility issues, emphasized Dr. Wolf. You need 8th-grade math to guess that if women are having horrible menstrual problems in 2021, there are going to be fertility problems in 2023, right? So now its 2023, mourned Dr. Wolf, as those fertility problems have come to fruition. Igor Chudov compared databases in countries around the world. There are a million missing babies in Europe. They never got born. [There are] double the number of miscarriages and spontaneous abortions in Scotland [and a] 13% to 20% drop in live births around the world. [There are] two or three times the number of spontaneous abortions and miscarriages in Tel Aviv as before. And so on around the world. And now we know why. Now we know the mechanism. So it is an attack not just on humanity; its an attack on our future, determined Dr. Wolf. Its not just an attack on us. Its not just a mass murder, which is the language that Ofcom objected to, but its an existential attack. And think about it chronologically. Im very worried that a source in Britain said that they wanted to embargo this information for 20 years. Because Im like, what do they expect to have happened in 20 years? I think this is the tip of the iceberg, she continued. Weve [DailyClout/War Room Volunteers] got a report on turbo cancers, weve got a report on strokes, weve got a report on liver damage, kidney damage. I dont want to depress you, but all around you are people who are suffering from illnesses, mourned Dr. Wolf. None of their doctors are telling them that these illnesses are in the Pfizer documents as side effects and that we now understand the mechanisms of them. Read full story here After much delay and legal protests by JPMorgan Chase, its Chairman and CEO, Jamie Dimon, was forced by a Manhattan federal court to testify under oath in a deposition about what he personally knew about the banks long-term customer relationship with child sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein. (Epstein died in a Manhattan jail on August 10, 2019. His death was ruled a suicide by the medical examiner.) The deposition was held last Friday, May 26, at the offices of JPMorgan Chase in Manhattan. In a surprise move, opposing counsels agreed yesterday to release the transcript of the deposition, with some segments marked as sensitive and redacted. The deposition arose as a result of two lawsuits being heard by Judge Jed Rakoff in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. One lawsuit is on behalf of an alleged sexual assault victim of Epstein, Jane Doe 1. The other lawsuit was brought by the Attorney Generals office for the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) where Epstein maintained a secluded compound on a private island he owned. According to Dimons version of events, he lived a cloistered existence in a corner office on the 48th floor of 270 Park Avenue where even the executives who directly reported to him and worked only a couple hundred feet away from his office, never shared with Dimon the banks many years of internal investigations about Epsteins massive cash withdrawals from his accounts at the bank, that sometimes averaged more than $20,000 to $40,000 a month, or its investigations of Epsteins sex trafficking of underage girls. According to the lawsuits, Epstein had accounts at the bank from 1998 to 2013, at times amounting to hundreds of millions of dollars. According to Dimon, even the former Director of the Division of Enforcement at the Securities and Exchange Commission, Stephen Cutler, who became General Counsel at JPMorgan Chase in February of 2007, worked in the office next door to Dimon and reported to Dimon, didnt share his numerous objections with Dimon to keeping the Epstein accounts at the bank. An email was introduced by opposing counsel during the deposition, showing that as far back as 2011, Cutler had written in an email referring to Epstein that This is not an honorable person in any way. He should not be a client. According to the deposition transcript, it was two executives who worked on the 48th floor with Dimon, Jes Staley and Mary Erdoes, who decided to retain Epstein as a client after his Florida indictment, arrest, jail term and after multiple internal investigations of his large cash withdrawals from his JPMorgan Chase accounts. Despite dozens of news articles about Epstein being indicted in Florida for soliciting sex with a minor in 2006; despite bestselling author, James Pattersons 2016 book, Filthy Rich, covering Epsteins sexual assaults on young girls; notwithstanding Julie Browns blockbuster series on Epsteins crimes against young women in the Miami Herald in 2018, which caused a viral media storm, Dimons under-oath position in the deposition was this: I dont recall knowing anything about Jeffrey Epstein until the stories broke sometime in 2019. And I was surprised that I didnt even had never even heard of the guy, pretty much, and how involved he was with so many people. That testimony came despite Dimon stating during the deposition that he read the following newspapers: the New York Times, the Financial Times, the Washington Post, and the Wall Street Journal. Another serious challenge to Dimons efforts to distance himself from any knowledge of Epstein or involvement with him came toward the end of the deposition when well-known lawyer, David Boies, of law firm Boies, Schiller & Flexner LLP, introduced an email directly referring to an Epstein meeting with Dimon. (Boies is one of the lawyers representing the Jane Doe 1 victim of Epstein in her lawsuit against the bank.) The exchange went as follows: Boies: On February 26, 2010, Lesley Groff writes Mr. Epstein on the subject of, Jes [Staley] and Jamie. Shall I have Lynn prepare heavy snacks for your evening appointments with [redacted], Jes Staley and Jamie Dimon? Or is this to be a nice, sit-down dinner at 9 p.m.? And Mr. Epstein replies, Snacks. Dimon responds: I have never had an appointment with Jeff Epstein. Ive never met Jeff Epstein. I never knew Jeff Epstein. I never went to Jeff Epsteins house. I never had a meal with Jeff Epstein. I have no idea what theyre referring to here. New DNA evidence revealed Leslie Arnold, a man who shot and killed his parents in Nebraska when he was a teenager in 1958, escaped from prison in the US to Australia and lived a successful business and family life as John Damon. His Australian family only knew of their patriarch's dark past after his death. Arnold's Murder Case and Escape from Prison Arnold was a talented musician and accomplished student before the crime. When he was 16, he killed his parents Bill and Opal after a dispute over the use of the family car and his relationship to a woman Arnold's mother called "white trash." He then buried their bodies in the backyard of their home in Omaha, Nebraska. Arnold eventually confessed to the murder after his grandparents looked for his parents. In an apology letter to his neighbors, he wrote of his remorse for the crime, saying his parents were "wonderful people." "How I ever went so wrong, I'll never know," he added. He was sentenced to life in jail at the Nebraska State Penitentiary. However, he escaped prison with another inmate after eight years and settled in Chicago by marrying a divorcee with four daughters. It was also during this time when he assumed the name John Damon. Arnold's first family relocated to Cincinnati and Miami before he and his wife divorced and cut off all ties with his stepdaughters. Life in Australia He remarried his second wife, a foreign exchange student, in Los Angeles, with whom he had two children. The family moved to New Zealand in 1992 and eventually migrated to Australia in 1997 to live a exemplary family life there until his death in 2010 due to a clotting condition. According to Arnold's son, who requested to have his name withheld, he earned a respectable living and spared no expense for his children's education. "He was almost overly supportive," he said. "He was so passionate and keen for my sister and I to have the best experiences, and the best opportunities possible." Read Also: Mexico Authorities Discover 45 Bags of Human Remains in Search of 7 Young People An Unpleasant Surprise Throughout his career with the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services from 2004 to 2013, retired criminal investigator Geoff Britton pursued Arnold's case despite how impossible it might be. He obtained DNA from Arnold's brother James in 2007 and submitted the profile to various criminal databases. Eventually, US Marshal deputy Matthew Westover took over the investigation in 2020 as a cold case. With James Arnold's permission, the DNA sample was uploaded to a public database. When Arnold's son submitted his DNA in August 2022 to a public database, he was surprised to learn he had a match with a man in the US who happened to be his uncle. Westover reached out to Arnold's son to talk about the case. "I couldn't believe it. [The son] said his dad was an orphan from Chicago," Westover recalled. Westover traveled to Australia to obtain a sample of Arnold's DNA and took a picture of his grave. "I'm glad he's dead," he said in relief after discovering the unusually good transformation of Arnold after escaping from prison. "As bad as that sounds, I'm glad because I really wouldn't want to put their family through that." As for Britton, the case transformed his view on rehabilitation, admitting the view he once had of Arnold "has now changed." Processing the Truth For Arnold's son, the revelation that his father was a murderer back in the US was "just absolutely shocking." "It still doesn't feel real," he said. While he maintained he was "a great father," he could not "sugarcoat" the story of Arnold's life of crime and evasion from the law. After Arnold's death, his son found his bible with "lots of highlighted lines about sin, guilt and forgiveness," realizing his desire to make up for his wrongdoing. "I think it weighed on his mind for the rest of his life," Arnold's son said. Related Article: Missing Missouri Doctor Found Dead in Arkansas Lake Days After Proposing to Fiancee @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Six-year-old Daithi Mac Gabhann has been awarded the Freedom of Belfast City following his familys campaign for changes to organ donation laws. The Organ and Tissue Donation (Deemed Consent) legislation, also called Daithi's Law after the Belfast boy, changes the way consent for donation is granted and came into effect on Thursday. Most adults in Northern Ireland are now considered potential organ donors. The intent of the new legislation is to increase the current number of organs available to people in need of a transplant. Adults are now deemed to have given consent as a potential organ donor after their death unless they choose to opt-out or are in an excluded group. Daithi has been on the waiting list for a heart transplant since 2018, and his family have campaigned for a move towards soft opt-out law and to promote organ donation. Advertisement Belfast City Council said the decision to bestow the citys highest honour on the six-year-old is in recognition of his campaign. The Lord Mayor and Belfast City Council conferred the Freedom of the City onto Daithi at an event at Belfast City Hall on Saturday evening. A circus-style big top tent was erected on the front lawns of City Hall to welcome Daithi's friends and family for the event. The Lord Mayor of Belfast Councillor Tina Black was delighted to lead the celebratory event and said: Daithi is an exceptional and special little boy who has inspired and given hope to other young people waiting for a donor. Daithi was born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, meaning the left side of his heart did not form correctly. Lord Mayor Tina Black said she was delighted to lead the celebratory event. She said: Daithi is an exceptional and special little boy who has inspired and given hope to other young people waiting for a donor. Daithi is an inspiration being so brave, at such a young age, in undergoing several open-heart surgeries in recent years. It is fantastic that he is now being recognised for his tireless campaigning in raising awareness around organ donation, and his success at bringing about a change in legislation. The Freedom of the City on Daithi showcases the immense pride we as a city have for him and I am both humbled and delighted to be here today to congratulate and celebrate with courageous Daithi and his family. Daithis father Mairtin Mac Gabhann said: Today is Daithi 's day it is testament to his remarkable character and tremendous spirit. We are so delighted to have the support of this amazing city on this historic day. We are forever grateful. Conflict between the Green Party and backbench TDs over land use, the continued fallout of Phillip Schofield and job opportunities from AI are among the headlines in today's papers. The Irish Times leads with a row between the Green Party and Fine Gael over land use as the Government attempts to lower it's emissions. The Irish Examiner leads with Minister for Enterprise Simon Coveney's comments on potential job opportunities that could arise in Ireland from the development of AI. The Irish Daily Mail leads with further conflict from rural Fine Gael TDs and the Green Party. The Irish Daily Mirror leads with the continued fallout of Phillip Schofield's affair with a younger ITV member. The Irish Daily Star leads with the murder of Irish UN peacekeeper Sean Rooney, as Micheal Martin vows for justice as militant group Hezbollah are linked with his murder. Advertisement British papers The Phillip Schofield saga continues to make front pages alongside a variety of topics that feature in newspapers across the UK on Saturday. The Sun continues with their coverage of Phillip Schofield, reporting the former ITV This Morning host is afraid to leave home. On tomorrow's front page: Phillip Schofield reveals he is terrified to leave the house as he asks: Will people spit on me?https://t.co/7dbwSbTKKh pic.twitter.com/KIKkUkC9Xf The Sun (@TheSun) June 2, 2023 The Daily Mirror stays on the Schofield story with their front page showing an image of Alison Hammond in tears on This Morning while speaking about Phillip Schofield. The Daily Mail says rail strikes have already cost the industry 5 billion as strikes on Saturday are set to disrupt the Epsom and FA Cup final. The Daily Telegraph reports ministers had a secret unit to try and curb criticism of lockdowns during the pandemic. The front page of tomorrow's Daily Telegraph: 'Ministers had secret unit to curb critics of lockdown'#TomorrowsPapersToday Sign up for the Front Page newsletterhttps://t.co/x8AV4Oomry pic.twitter.com/QLvsrKoAw6 Advertisement The Telegraph (@Telegraph) June 2, 2023 The front of FT Weekend reveals the CIA boss made a trip to China last month for talks with officials. Just published: front page of FT Weekend, UK edition, Saturday 3 June https://t.co/1vP1zBViFU pic.twitter.com/fyhvs9epoa Financial Times (@FinancialTimes) June 2, 2023 The Times says a British trial has found a simple blood test could detect more than 50 forms of cancer and save thousands of lives. The Times: Blood test promises fast cancer diagnosis #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/AFoqvrpI1v George Mann (@sgfmann) June 2, 2023 The Guardian also leads with a positive health story saying there is a game-changing drug that could increase the chance of survival for people with breast cancer. Guardian front page, Saturday 3 June 2023: Game-changing drug could boost breast cancer survival rate pic.twitter.com/26gxDu2RIL The Guardian (@guardian) June 2, 2023 i Weekend leads with a poll that shows the majority of people surveyed blame Brexit for higher food prices. The i: UK public blames Brexit for higher food prices #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/p5hNpJJWs4 George Mann (@sgfmann) June 2, 2023 The Daily Express says banks have increased savings rates and that the rates could continue to rise. Front Page - At last you're listening! Banks put up savings rates#TomorrowsPapersTodayhttps://t.co/YzyIijN8wN pic.twitter.com/fSEDvICUlp Advertisement Daily Express (@Daily_Express) June 2, 2023 And the Daily Star puts a spotlight on the 13 per cent of people who put tea and coffee in their cereal, labelling them sickos. The Catholic bishops' Conference in Spain has released its first public study on the topic, in which it claims to have uncovered evidence of 728 sexual offenders inside the church since 1945 based on the accounts of 927 victims. Based on the report released Thursday, June 1, church officials said that a majority (over 60%) of the perpetrators were dead, and 83% of the victims were male. More than half of the abusers are reportedly priests, and the rest were various clergy members. The church said 75% of the reported incidents happened before 1990. Testimony Gathering Is Underway, and Count Will Be Updated Often The conference said that testimony gathering was ongoing and that the count would be revised on a regular basis, as reported by ABC News. The information was gathered from over 200 church-run juvenile protection agencies in different parts of Spain in 2019. Most of the abuse, according to the bishops' report, took place in religious institutions, including schools, seminaries, and parish buildings. Since the church study only addressed incidents registered since 2019, El Pais concluded that the true statistics of abuses inside the church were likely significantly higher. Allegedly, the number of incidents the church was aware of before that year was not included. The number of victims is expected to be in the thousands, according to a legal company in Madrid that is undertaking a parallel probe requested by the Spanish Episcopal Conference. The company has not yet released its findings. Read Also: Spain's PM Pedro Sanchez Apologizes to Sexual Consent Law Victims Was the Spanish Church Reluctant to Examine and Report Sexual Abuse Charges? In a report by The Washington Post, there has been a reluctance on the part of the Spanish church to investigate and disclose sexual abuse accusations until relatively recently. The state prosecutor in Spain has already filed a formal complaint against the bishops for concealing information. This was refuted by the bishops. "Members of this church have hurt other members of the church or society. We feel pain and shame," Cesar Garca Magan, secretary general of the Spanish Episcopal Conference, said during the presentation. However, he argued that this would be for nothing if it did not lead to changes in how children were safeguarded and perpetrators were banished to the background. He said that the church would be open about its findings and use the lessons it had learned to ensure that "sexual abuses do not occur again in the heart of the church." After El Pais reported claims of abuse involving more than 1,200 victims, Spain's parliament agreed in 2022 to launch the first formal inquiry conducted by the country's ombudsman investigating priest and church official sexual abuse. The independent committee headed by the ombudsman has already heard from 445 victims, but their investigation is ongoing. Read Also: Jury Finds Donald Trump Guilty of Sexual Abuse, Defamation, Rewards E. Jean Carroll $5 Million in Damages @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Filmmaker Ken Loach has claimed antisemitism is being used to purge Labour of politicians on the left as he criticised the party for blocking a mayor for sharing a platform with him. The director blamed Sir Keir Starmer for what he called a dishonest move to prevent serving North of Tyne mayor Jamie Driscoll to run for the North East mayoralty. The move was linked to him speaking at an event alongside Mr Loach, who was expelled from the party amid efforts to tackle the antisemitism experienced during Jeremy Corbyns leadership. Ive been barred from standing as North East Mayor by @UKLabour. No explanation has been given. Im proud to have created thousands of jobs, fought child poverty, built affordable homes and delivered our Green New Deal. I believe in democracy. Share if you do too. More to follow. Advertisement Mayor Jamie Driscoll (@MayorJD) June 2, 2023 The UKs equalities watchdog found Labour was responsible for unlawful acts of harassment and discrimination as the former leader struggled to tackle antisemitism. But Mr Loach said that keeping Mr Driscoll off the longlist published on Friday because they shared a platform was the lamest excuse Ive ever heard. After criticising Sir Keir for having broken his commitments during the leadership campaign, Mr Loach added: The whole antisemitism issue has been substantially revealed as a campaign that is not based on fact. Its based on political determination to do a number of things, to remove people from the left, to protect the state of Israel, which many people, many Jewish people in the Labour Party, oppose, oppose this campaign. Mike Katz, the national chairman of the Jewish Labour Movement, which had spoken out against Mr Driscoll for speaking alongside Mr Loach as hugely upsetting for the Jewish community, criticised the directors denialism. This is exactly the sort of offensive downplaying and denialism that Keir Starmer was right to say is as unacceptable as the antisemitism itself that so many Jewish Labour members went through under Corbyn, Mr Katz said. Of course, Loach has ignored the fact that the independent equalities regulator, the EHRC, found Labour guilty of breaking equalities law on antisemitism. Advertisement This is staggering news. To refuse to allow a serving mayor onto even a selection long list demonstrates that factionalism in the party is completely out of control. Jamie Driscoll @MayorJD is widely credited with doing a great job. There can be no other motive for excluding him. https://t.co/uKLZwGJdPF John McDonnell MP (@johnmcdonnellMP) June 2, 2023 Mr Driscoll defended his own record tackling antisemitism after Mr Loachs comments. Described as the last Corbynista in power, the exclusion of Mr Driscoll from the longlist has sparked concern among some on the left of the Labour party. John McDonnell, who was Mr Corbyns shadow chancellor, blamed completely out of control factionalism under Sir Keir. A senior Labour source told PA that Mr Driscolls appearance at the event at Newcastles Live Theatre in March and then refusing to apologise is clearly incompatible with our promise to have zero tolerance of antisemitism. Mr Loach has long been celebrated for his socially-critical films, with 2016s I, Daniel Blake winning the Bafta Award for Outstanding British Film for depicting a mans struggle with the welfare system. But he was expelled from Labour in 2021 during what he called at the time a purge of Corbyn allies. Advertisement Jamie Driscoll has been omitted from the shortlist. Photo: James Speakman/PA. On Saturday, the veteran filmmaker defended his friend Mr Driscoll as a very fine, imaginative and hardworking mayor as he criticised Sir Keir. Starmers clique revealed themselves yet again as dishonest, cunning, manipulative with no care for the people theyre supposed to represent, Mr Loach told PA. The people who will suffer from Starmers manipulative, dishonest treatment of Jamie Driscoll are the people of North Tyneside, and the people who will lose by Starmers treachery will be the people of this country. This manipulative act, dishonest act the people who suffer are the people of Jamie Driscolls constituency. Mr Loach said he was expelled from Labour for supporting campaigns to prevent some individuals from being kicked out of the party in what he described as a McCarthyite approach. Following the comments, Mr Driscoll said: Under my leadership the North of Tyne has adopted the IHRA (International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance) definition of antisemitism and references all the examples. We were the first combined authority to work with the EHRC. I work with the Jewish Leadership Council and visit local synagogues. Ive taken part in JLM training. The NEC said there was no suggestion of antisemitism against me. Advertisement Being blocked from running for the new mayoral authority adds to the list of Labour politicians on the left who have lost out under the new leadership. Sir Keir has blocked Mr Corbyn from running from the party in Islington North over his response to the Equalities and Human Rights Commissions (EHRC) findings. The EHRC pulled Labour out of two years of special measures after the party improved its complaints and training procedures to protect party members from antisemitism. Former shadow home secretary Diane Abbott had the Labour whip suspended for suggesting Jewish, Irish and Traveller people are not subject to racism all their lives. Senior Conservatives were also among those backing Mr Driscoll after the decision to block him. I worked with Jamie as Vaccine Minister, he was always professional and didnt play politics, just wanted to protect the people he represents. Sorry to hear this Jamie. You are a good man. Stay strong. Nadhim Zahawi (@nadhimzahawi) June 2, 2023 World British Vogue editor-in-chief Edward Enninful step... Read More Former levelling-up secretary Simon Clarke said he feels very sorry for the mayor he described as knowledgeable, passionate about the NE and refreshingly non-partisan. Having worked with him as vaccines minister, Nadhim Zahawi said Mr Driscoll was always professional and didnt play politics, just wanted to protect the people he represents. Sorry to hear this Jamie. You are a good man. Stay strong, the former chancellor added. Rupert Everett has said the coverage of Phillip Schofields affair is homophobic and outrageous and should be dropped by the media. The actor agreed that reports on the relationship between the former ITV presenter and a younger male colleague were disproportionate and a moment of insanity. In an interview with The Sun, published on Thursday, Schofield suggested that part of the backlash against him was due to homophobia. He said age gaps in reported heterosexual relationships involving Hollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio were accepted. Everett is voicing a new documentary on playwright, actor and director Noel Coward, who was a closeted homosexual at a time when it was illegal to be gay. Speaking to Channel 4 about the fallout from Schofields affair, Everett said: Whats he done? Hes married and has had an affair with someone thats legal to have an affair with. Advertisement Unless theres something else that we havent heard about they should drop it. Rupert Everett agreed that the coverage from the relationship between the former ITV presenter and a younger male colleague was disproportionate. Photo: Matt Crossick/PA. Its outrageous, this kind of Puritan fascism thats going on. If its just about him having an affair and lying to his agency why cant you lie to your agent? Everett said the affair was not the business of anyone but Schofield, not even his former This Morning sofa-mate Holly Willoughby. Everything about today is insane. But that is another moment of insanity unless theres something they have about him, having an affair and being married, he said. Thats his business. Its not our business. Its not Hollys business. The fact that its on the front pages of all our newspapers weve got so many more important things to talk about. Schofield previously told The Sun that attraction was no different in the gay world as it is in the heterosexual world. He said he and his former lover had met when the man was 15 and he was maybe in his mid-50s, but added that the affair began after the man started working at ITV and had been consensual. Lawyers representing Schofield and the man have confirmed these accounts. Advertisement Schofield reiterated that he had not groomed the man. Attraction is attraction. Its no different in the gay world as it is in the heterosexual world or in the lesbian world, he told The Sun. Leonardo DiCaprio. Photo: Doug Peters/PA. There shouldnt be a difference. This is where homophobia comes in. World Phillip Schofield 'afraid to leave the house' amid... Read More We did first meet when he was 15, I visited the drama school (he attended). So yeah, theres a difference. Its accepted by Leonardo DiCaprio, its not accepted if its in the gay world. Titanic actor DiCaprio, 48, has reportedly had several relationships with women who are younger than him. US secretary of defence Lloyd Austin vowed that Washington would not stand for any coercion and bullying of its allies and partners by China, while assuring Beijing that the United States remains committed to maintaining the status quo on Taiwan and would prefer dialogue over conflict. Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue, an annual forum bringing together top defence officials, diplomats and leaders in Singapore, Mr Austin lobbied for support for Washingtons vision of a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific within a world of rules and rights as the best course to counter increasing Chinese assertiveness in the region. The US has been expanding its own activities around the Indo-Pacific to counter sweeping territorial claims from China, including regularly sailing through and flying over the Taiwan Strait and in the South China Sea. Advertisement We are committed to ensuring that every country can fly, sail and operate wherever international law allows, he said at the forum hosted by the International Institute for Strategic Studies think tank. And every country, large or small, must remain free to conduct lawful maritime activities. The Shandong aircraft carrier (Li Gang/Xinhua/AP) Mr Austin noted that the US had provided millions of doses of the Covid-19 vaccine during the height of the pandemic and is regularly involved in disaster relief and humanitarian assistance efforts in the region. He said it is working to combat climate change, illegal fishing and ensure that supply chains do not suffer disruptions ticking off many issues of importance to Asian-Pacific nations. Were doubling down on our alliances and partnerships, he said. He said the US is also committed to deterring North Koreas missile threat and Chinas claims on Taiwan, a self-governing island democracy that Beijing says is its territory, and said Washington has been stepping up defence planning, coordination and training with partner nations in the region. To be clear, we do not seek conflict or confrontation, he said. But we will not flinch in the face of bullying or coercion. Underscoring Mr Austins words, a US guided-missile destroyer and a Canadian frigate sailed Saturday through the Taiwan Strait, waters where high-seas freedoms of navigation and overflight apply in accordance with international law, the US Seventh Fleet said. Advertisement There was no immediate word of a Chinese response. In Singapore, Chinese Lieutenant General Jing Jianfeng, a senior member of the delegation accompanying defence minister General Li Shangfu, accused Mr Austin of overtly or covertly making false accusations against China in his address. Speaking with reporters after Mr Austin spoke, Mr Jing alleged the US has been deceiving and exploiting Asia-Pacific nations to advance its own self-interests to preserve its dominant position in the region. He suggested that Washington has been holding on to alliances that are remnants of the Cold War and establishing new pacts, like the AUKUS agreement with Britain and Australia and the Quad grouping with Australia, India and Japan to divide the world into ideologically-driven camps and provoke confrontation. Mr Jing, who took no questions, said that by contrast, China is committed to the regions development and prosperity. Mr Austin sought to assure China that the US remained deeply committed to the longstanding one-China policy, which recognises Beijing as the government of China but allows informal relations with Taiwan, and continues to categorically oppose unilateral changes to the status quo from either side. He added that Russias invasion of Ukraine had served to underline how dangerous the world would be if big countries were able to just invade their peaceful neighbours with impunity. Advertisement Conflict is neither imminent nor inevitable, Mr Austin said. Deterrence is strong today and its our job to keep it that way. The whole world has a stake in maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. Chinas defense minister Li Shangfu, attends the ministerial roundtable session (Vincent Thian/AP) But Mr Jing accused the US of hollowing out the one-China policy, accusing Washington of supporting Taiwanese separatists without citing any evidence, and reiterating Beijings claim that Taiwan is an inalienable part of Chinas sovereign territory. Theres no room for us to concede or compromise, he said. He added that China has indisputable sovereignty over the South China Sea islands and the adjacent waters. Mr Li, who became Chinas defence minister in March, declined Mr Austins invitation to talk on the sidelines of the conference, though the two did shake hands before sitting down at opposite sides of the same table together as the forum opened. Mr Austin said this was not enough. A cordial handshake over dinner is no substitute for a substantive engagement, he said. Mr Li is under US sanctions that are part of a broad package of measures against Russia, but predate its invasion of Ukraine, that were imposed in 2018 over Mr Lis involvement in Chinas purchase of combat aircraft and anti-aircraft missiles from Moscow. The sanctions, which broadly prevent Mr Li from doing business in the United States, do not prevent him from holding official talks, US defence officials have said. Rising festival brings together dance, theatre, art, music and everything in between. Heres a peek into the program. Its like a modern-day version of the kids song Were going on a bear hunt, only this time, were on the lookout for Australian fauna. Dotted along Birrarung Marr in the heart of Melbourne are a mob of cheeky, colourful wallabies but a few have gone astray, so the challenge is to find them all. Artist Matthew Clarke with his work Wallabies, at Birrarung Marr as part of Rising Festival. Credit: Chris Hopkins Created by artist Matthew Clarke, the idea for the oversized marsupial sculptures came from a group of real wallabies who regularly greeted him under the clothesline in his backyard. Now hes bringing a version of these visitors to the city, as part of the Rising Festival, which kicks off on Wednesday. Clearly keen for a party, the native animals are already lining the river bank. Ranging between 1.8 and 2.8 metres high, the creatures are all different, with expressive faces, painted in a range of bold patterns and colours. Their characters were determined by the frame of mind the 37-year-old artist was in when he painted them, says his dad, Andrew, who helps build the large-scale pieces in the garage at their Warrnambool home. Stan Grant is a journalist, author, and academic, best known for his 30 years in media. Last month, he stepped down from his role as host of the ABCs Q+A, citing exhaustion from the torrent of racist abuse to which he has been subjected. The 59-year-old opens up about the women in his life and who his dream Q&A guest would have been. I come from a strong tradition of storytellers. We carry all our stories within us. Credit: Jacquie Manning My maternal grandmother, Ivy, was a beautiful blonde woman, who was like a 1930s movie star. She lived with my grandfather, Keith, in a tin humpy with Aboriginal people. As a white woman, this was considered scandalous at the time. It was very tough for Ivy. She was turned away from hospital when she was having her first child, as it was the child of a black man. Police accused her of running grog for the blacks, as they described it, and harassed her. My mother, Betty, grew up in a tin shack on a hill between Gunnedah and Coonabarabran, where other Aboriginal people had pitched. Most Australian distilleries buy alcohol to make gin and vodka from corporate agribusinesses rather than distil it themselves, and there are claims the practice is cheating consumers. Gin and vodka are typically made with alcohol fermented from grain, but gin is infused with additional ingredients - juniper berries and other botanicals that give it flavour. Some Australian distillers who make their own alcohol from scratch have criticised the practice of buying in base alcohol and called for better labelling to create transparency. Prominent distilleries such as Archie Rose and Four Pillars are among the brands that use a base spirit purchased from companies such as Manildra Group. We are looking for the cleanest possible base spirit for us to distil our botanicals to let the botanical flavours, not the residual base spirit, shine, an Archie Rose spokesman said. After turning its back for 200 years, Parramatta finally wants to embrace its river as part of a plan to revitalise Sydneys second CBD. Western Sydney leaders on Friday outlined five key priorities for Parramatta, including the transformation of the Parramatta River and its connection to the CBD. An artists impression of a revitalised Parramatta River, which western Sydney leaders believe can be a destination like New Yorks Central Park. Credit: Arterra Interactive Parramatta Lord Mayor Sameer Pandey said the river was the green heart of the city. New York has Central Park, and Sydneys central river city deserves a world-class river parkland, he said. Police will be able to freely access an accused bikies phone, seized after an alleged assault outside a Gold Coast gym, after he failed in a court bid to limit what investigators could access. Harley Joe Barbaro was one of several alleged Mongols accused of assaulting 38-year-old Dale Moore outside the Iron Asylum gym at Helensvale on February 28 last year. Items seized by police following several arrests over the alleged February 2022 assault. Credit: Queensland Police Service He was arrested four days later, along with three other men. They were all charged with assault occasioning bodily harm whilst in company, as a participant in a criminal organisation. Barbaro had sought an injunction against the Queensland Police Service and the Crime and Corruption Commission in the Supreme Court, in an attempt to place constraints on investigators searching his phone. Queensland will enshrine a target of 70 per cent renewable energy by 2032 into law, rising to 80 per cent in 2035, if draft legislation released on Saturday passes state parliament. Its release came as the state government announced a $500 million budget investment into large-scale solar and wind projects, which would eventually add up to 2.3 gigawatts of supply to the grid. Annastacia Palaszczuk has announced plans to legislate renewable energy targets. Credit: James Brickwood But the half-billion dollars would not, in and of itself, add to the states power supply. Instead, it would be spent on planning, First Nations and community engagement, community and stakeholder planning, and obtaining transmission connection approvals. The proposed legislation, meanwhile, would also support full public ownership of Queenslands power line transmission and distribution network. A majority public share of power generation would also be legislated. Former US Vice President Mike Pence was advised by the Department of Justice (DOJ) that no criminal charges would be brought against him due to their investigation into his handling of classified material after leaving office. The DOJ's decision was communicated to Pence's lawyers in a letter, according to an ABC News report. The letter detailed the DOJ inquiry's findings. Its veracity was verified by a Justice Department spokeswoman, who refrained from making any other remarks. Just one week before Pence is slated to announce his campaign for the 2024 presidential election, the DOJ's National Security Division sends the letter, per CBS News. According to a Pence advisor, the former US vice president and his staff were happy with the DOJ's decision, but it was not unexpected. Mike Pence's attorneys informed the Justice Department earlier this year that they had found a limited quantity of confidential papers at his Indiana home. Read Also: US, Allies Start Training Ukrainian Forces on Advanced Abrams Tanks Mike Pence Took Responsibility for Mishandling of Classified Documents After Mike Pence ordered a review of his records in January in response to the discovery of classified documents in President Joe Biden's Delaware possession, the former vice president's lawyer discovered around a dozen classified documents at Pence's Indiana residence. When Mike Pence discovered the sensitive materials, he immediately handed them over to the FBI. This prompted an investigation by the FBI and the Justice Department's National Security Division to determine how the data came to be at Pence's home. Even though Pence claimed to have no knowledge that these records were at his house, he took ownership of the incident and admitted that errors were made, CNN reported. The Justice Department is currently looking into how Joe Biden and Donald Trump handled classified documents. According to Attorney General Merrick Garland, both of the investigations have a special counsel, which highlights the fact that both personalities are contenders in the 2024 presidential elections. Mike Pence's advisors contend that the circumstances surrounding the discovery of classified documents are very different from those of Trump, both in terms of the steps taken to transfer Pence's records at the end of the Donald Trump administration, where a small number of classified documents were unintentionally packed and Pence's prompt cooperation with the FBI and the National Archives. Related Article: Hunter Biden Attorney Deposes Laptop Repair Shop Owner: Source @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Police then bugged his meetings, including an extraordinary coffee date at a Canberra cafe during which Roberts-Smith sought to test the loyalty of a fifth SAS soldier. Loading The soldier responded by accusing Roberts-Smith of war crimes. Sources, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss confidential investigations, have confirmed the federal polices key success to date has been convincing figures who were once in Roberts-Smiths inner circle to turn on him, becoming police informants. At least four former members of Roberts-Smiths inner circle have provided police intelligence or sworn statements, including about the cover-up campaign. The most significant of these witnesses is a soldier who served as Roberts-Smiths deputy patrol commander and Roberts-Smiths ex-private eye, John McLeod. Pretty uncool to email Gina The tape recording captures Roberts-Smith in a tense discussion with a fellow SAS Afghan veteran in January 2018, after Roberts-Smith had contacted the veterans relative, Rinehart, to warn her that the soldier was spreading negative information about him. The veteran was among those who had seen Roberts-Smith encouraging mock prisoner executions in 2012 during an SAS pre-deployment training program in Australia. Emailing Gina Rinehart with that document was pretty uncool, the ex-soldier said on the secret recording. If you want to cause disruption in my life its an easy way to do it. Send a few emails to her and youll certainly give us a headache but thats up to you. Roberts-Smith responded by explaining he had decided to go loud with his legal threats, using a military term for removing a suppressor or silencer from a weapon. He vowed to follow through on those threats against those he suspected of disloyalty. I was going to sue those people and absolutely have no doubt that was going to happen, Roberts-Smith said. A lot of people talk a lot of shit at the point that you got sent that letter [also sent to Rinehart] is cos a number of people were saying a number of things. I know you have talked shit about me. I know that. Roberts-Smith also lashed out at soldiers breaking the SAS code of silence. A few people [in the SAS] had done what we dont do and thats talk out of school, Roberts-Smith is heard to say. Its real simple. I stick to the f---ing code mate, 100 per cent, and I have. So all the shit thats going on, Im still probably the only c--- that hasnt f---ing spoken. Id like it all to be f---ing gone away. All these people talking are just doing more damage to the unit [the SAS]. And have done damage to the unit. And continue to do damage to the unit and its all very disheartening to be frank, cos nothings going to f---ing change at my end. Code of silence In November 2020, the Brereton inquiry found the code prioritised loyalty to ones mates, immediate superiors and the unit in which secrecy is at a premium and in which those who leak are anathema. Loading While Roberts-Smith has publicly insisted he supported the work of the Brereton inquiry, on the recording he can be heard attacking it as some broad sweeping thing that f---s everyone over and has no purpose and is not necessary. The inquiry found credible evidence that multiple SAS soldiers may have committed dozens of war crimes, including the execution of prisoners and civilians. The federal police, which has been running ongoing war crimes investigations into Roberts-Smith since 2018, has also obtained evidence of the famous ex-soldier approaching SAS Afghan veterans and quizzing them on whether they intended to remain silent. Sources have revealed how police covertly bugged a meeting between Roberts-Smith and another SAS Afghan veteran in which Roberts-Smith sought to extract assurances about what the soldier would say if subpoenaed to court. The bugging operation occurred at Canberras Muse cafe in 2018. During the meeting, as this masthead reported on Friday, Roberts-Smith pressed the SAS soldier about whether he would testify about executions in the defamation court case. This man, whose right leg is prosthetic, was among Afghans killed in 2009 in a now proven war crime. The soldier responded that he would tell the truth if he was subpoenaed. He also told Roberts-Smith that the Victoria Cross recipient had acted in a loose fashion during an operation in which Roberts-Smith murdered an Afghan prisoner with a prosthetic leg. Roberts-Smith told the witness that if he did not remember what happened during certain missions, he couldnt be charged with perjury. The SAS soldier responded by accusing Roberts-Smith of serious misconduct, including machine-gunning an Afghan prisoner at a compound in Southern Afghanistan called Whiskey 108. Justice Besanko found that the allegations about the executing of the detainee at Whiskey 108 was proven true in the trial. More threats, more pressure The federal police has evidence implicating Roberts-Smith in the intimidation of two other SAS soldiers who gave evidence in the defamation trial. In the defamation case against this masthead, the soldiers were given the pseudonyms person 18 and person 6 and were revealed as potential witnesses to Roberts-Smiths involvement in the execution of Afghan prisoners. Both are singled out on the tape recording. Loading Efforts to intimidate the two witnesses were first uncovered and reported by this masthead in June 2018, although Roberts-Smith was not identified as the likely culprit at the time because of an absence of corroborative evidence. The 2018 reports were limited to detailing how Person 18 had received two anonymous and threatening letters, while an anonymous and false complaint had been separately sent to police claiming person 6 had a stash of illegal guns. This masthead recently confirmed the federal police have obtained witness statements from former members of Roberts-Smiths inner circle implicating him in the plots to intimidate Person 6 and Person 18. The police inquiry that identified the new witnesses has been running for two years in response to revelations in this masthead and on 60 Minutes about Roberts-Smiths efforts to scare SAS soldiers into silence and to hide evidence, including by burying USB sticks in a pink lunchbox in his backyard. The disclosures by the new police witnesses form part of a criminal brief of evidence federal police submitted in November to the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions. Private investigator John McLeod told the Federal Court about the collapse of his friendship with Roberts-Smith. Credit: Peter Rae It is the third brief of evidence about Roberts-Smiths alleged criminality submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions by the federal police, with two briefs alleging war crimes having been submitted in May 2020. A key part of the latest investigation is information provided to detectives by private investigator and ex-Queensland policeman John McLeod. He has told detectives he was directed by Roberts-Smith to post letters to Person 18 in June 2018 but that he had no idea of their content. According to official sources whose identity cannot be disclosed, McLeod has also told detectives that Roberts-Smith directed him to send anonymous emails to police, accusing Person 6 of having a stash of illegal automatic weapons and posing a grave threat to public safety. Loading When McLeods initial anonymous emails failed to prompt police action, McLeod tasked a Queensland-based paparazzo to contact The Australian newspaper to pass on the anonymous allegations. The newspaper subsequently reported the allegations about Person 6, who was also raided by state authorities. No weapons were found and the inquiry was abandoned. In the latest brief of evidence submitted to prosecutors detailing this SAS witness intimidation, federal police reference a text message that Roberts-Smith sent after the police raid on Person 6. In the message, he says the raid would scare the others. During the defamation trial, McLeod testified he was used and manipulated by a lying Roberts-Smith to engage in conduct he only later realised was aimed at silencing SAS witnesses. In 2017, McLeod was also secretly commissioned by Roberts-Smith to investigate SAS whistleblower Evan Donaldson after, in social media posts in 2016, he questioned Roberts-Smiths conduct. A report written by McLeod and provided to Roberts-Smith describes how the private eye had aimed to reconnoitre Evan Donaldsons biography, habits, networks and public persona in order to inform a deeper understanding of his current and future disposition. The 325-page report, marked commercial-in-confidence, not only profiles Donaldson but his wife and other family members. A Perth mother is fighting for her life in hospital with severe burns to most of her body after residents discovered her on fire and running to a nearby creek in the Perth hills on Friday night. Neighbours in Mount Helena said they heard horrific screaming and rushed to assist the 33-year-old woman, who suffered burns to her face, arms, upper torso and lap. Her estranged husband, Peter Moiler, has been charged with aggravated grievous bodily harm and briefly appeared in Perth Magistrates Court on Sunday following an investigation into what caused the fire. The 42-year-old remains in custody. My earliest memory of my friend Stan Grant being placed in an uncomfortable position because of the colour of his skin is from the 1990 federal election. I was a junior economics reporter in News Limiteds Canberra bureau and Stan was on the ABC. A group of journalists had gathered at a pub at the end of a long day on the road covering Bob Hawkes campaign. Ive forgotten how many beers into the evening we were, but it was very late when one of Stans colleagues jumped to his feet. He offered to drop his pants as Hawke might have done as ACTU president, before he gave up the grog so he and his Indigenous colleague could compare their respective manhoods. Illustration: Simon Letch Credit: Thankfully, the correspondent wasnt really that serious and spared us the peep show. But I recognised the pained smile that flashed across Stans face in those awkward seconds between challenge and change of topic: How am I supposed to react? The racial taunts of the schoolyard black this or, in my case, Greek that cant prepare you for their more subtle repetitions in the workplace. You want to believe that an Australian media that employs you to tell the nations stories accepts you as an equal. But the old prejudices whether unconscious or not are still there because Australia remains conflicted on the questions of identity and national purpose in the 21st century. The core of Duttons position is that while the earlier advances were about equality, the Voice would be an overcorrection that would, in fact, create inequality. This is the same argument that sits at the very centre of the serious No case. Loading Said the opposition leader: The Voice, as proposed by the prime minister, promotes difference. And its, sadly, a symptom of the madness of identity politics which has infected the 21st century. The Voice will re-racialise our nation. At a time when we need to unite the country, this prime ministers proposal will permanently divide us by race. This seems superficially plausible. The Voice referendum would amend the Constitution to add that the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice may make representations to the Parliament and the Executive Government of the Commonwealth on matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Isnt that a clear distinction based on race? Its not. In fact, it is false and misleading for two main reasons. Albanese this week called it the great lie of the No case. First, the Australian Constitution and whole corpus of Australian law already make distinctions that apply to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. In the Constitution as it exists, section 51, clause 26 says the parliament shall have power to make laws with respect to the people of any race for whom it is deemed necessary to make special laws. This is the so-called race power. Loading And a range of laws already applies only to Indigenous Australians, including the native title laws governing land use. These laws, which have emerged in the 31 years since the High Courts Mabo verdict, actually demonstrate how traditional Aboriginal custom and tradition can co-exist successfully with colonial-era land title. Second, its a misnomer to say the Voice would make a distinction based on race. Its not about race, but indigeneity. This seems a subtle difference; in fact, its profound. Its not a matter of what colour your skin may be but a matter of who is indigenous to a particular place. Australia is home to many ethnic groups from across the world but has only one Indigenous people. They were here first. Thats why theyre called First Nations. Their indigeneity is the cause of their unique suffering; Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were dispossessed of their own land by a 1788 colonial enterprise based not on right but on might. It was a unique affliction and the remedy, likewise, is unique. Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus said in parliamentary debate: This bill would not introduce race into the Constitution. In the words of the former chief justice of the High Court Robert French, the proposed constitutional alteration contained in the bill would represent a significant shift away from the existing race-based legislative power that the Commonwealth has with respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Explained Dreyfus: And that is because the proposed alteration would recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples not as a race but as the First Peoples of Australia. How can anyone possibly argue that this is about race? The Uluru Statement from the Heart explains indigeneity this way: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander tribes were the First Nations of the Australian continent and its islands, possessed under ancient laws and customs, according to the reckoning of culture, from the Creation, according to the common law, from time immemorial, and according to science for more than 65 millennia. This is a spiritual notion: the ancestral tie between the land, or mother nature, and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who were born therefrom, remain attached thereto, and must one day return thither to be united with their ancestors. Loading And recall that the proposal for a Voice to parliament, enshrined in the Constitution, originated from the Uluru Statement. Peter Dutton likes to send up the idea as the Canberra Voice. Yet the idea doesnt come from middle-class civil servants in an air-conditioned Canberra committee room but from 250 Indigenous leaders kneeling in the red dust of Uluru to put their names to a plea for a rightful place in our own country. Australias many ethnic groups have no trouble grasping the unique status of Australias Indigenous people. More than 120 organisations this week signed a joint letter pledging to steadfastly support the Voice referendum, encompassing Australian Italians and Indians, Irish and Iranians, Sri Lankans and Sikhs, Chinese and Pacific Islanders, and scores of others. After falsely categorising the Voice as a divisive re-racialisation, Dutton then conjured fear that it would trample Australias institutions of governance: The Voice could grind our system to a halt from the resulting years of litigation, and the High Court not the parliament will make the final judgment on a disputed matter. Loading But the text of the constitutional amendment that the House approved this week as the basis for the referendum is very clear that the Voice would have only the power to make representation to the government and parliament. The parliament remains paramount. And Dutton, once again, ignores the inconveniently eminent opinion of former chief justice French, who has written that it is quite unlikely that there is any room for constitutional implications attaching legal consequences to representations made by the Voice to the executive. Duttons own former shadow attorney-general, Liberal MP Julian Leeser, dismissed his leaders scaremongering. The Voice will advise just like the security services, the chief medical officer, the chief scientist, DFAT and other agencies advise, Leeser said in the House debates last week. The parliament will still be supreme in matters of law and policy. Dutton even resorted to conspiratorial imprecations that gave the Voice dark undertones of tendencies to tyranny: It will have an Orwellian effect, where all Australians are equal, but some Australians are more equal than others. A former Coalition colleague of Duttons, Andrew Gee, who quit the Nationals over its fearmongering on the Voice and now sits as an independent, described this as the low road. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has described the Voice proposal as divisive. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen To label the Voice Orwellian I can only ask, what are they thinking? Gee told the parliament. Australia is a free and open society, so by all means oppose the Voice if you want to. But to take it to those places? To incite fear like that? Good grief. So, not everything Dutton said was false or misleading. Just the most important parts. The standoff over the Albanese governments $10 billion housing fund is a step closer to being resolved after the Greens halved their demands for supporting the legislation. Greens leader Adam Bandt and housing spokesman Max Chandler-Mather will on Sunday announce a new set of conditions that would be required for the Greens to support the bill, which will return to the Senate for debate later this month. The government and the Greens have to date been unable to reach an agreement on the housing package. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen The Greens have shifted, and it is time for Labor to do the same, Bandt said. If Labor backs a rent freeze and guarantees real money for more housing, the Greens will pass Labors bill. The Greens originally demanded the government commit to spending $5 billion on social and affordable housing every year and $1.6 billion a year for an incentive scheme for states and territories to implement a two-year rent freeze. It also suggests that the Albanese government is losing support among Liberal MPs because of its refusal to amend the wording in the bill before parliament which will be debated in the Senate over the coming weeks. The Liberal party room in April decided to oppose the Voice, binding frontbenchers to the No side but leaving backbenchers free to campaign for the proposal. Leeser, who quit as spokesman for Indigenous Australians so he could support the Yes case, was unsuccessful in his attempt to remove executive government from the wording of the bill that passed the House of Representatives last week. Kovacic, who will enter the Senate on June 13 to replace the late Jim Molan, said the upcoming referendum should have been an opportunity for Australians to support a unified proposal. I wish the federal government hadnt botched it in the way that they have, she said. Theyve played rampant politics with the issue of Indigenous recognition, which in my view is absolutely unacceptable because the way they are handling this is dividing and not uniting Australians. This is a pivotal point in our history. This is something really important an opportunity to close the gap for Indigenous Australians. And its become a political lever and it, deeply, deeply upsets me. Loading Asked whether there would be any change to the wording, Indigenous Australians Minister Linda Burney said the Voice should be able to make representations to both the because the whole point of the Voice is to improve outcomes for Indigenous Australians to help close the gap. It is the government that makes policies about Indigenous Australians, she said. When the parliament passes laws about Indigenous Australians, it is government that implements them. Kovacic, 53, said the cost of housing would be one of her key focuses over the coming years. She said some young Australians are spending all of their pay on rent and many of them feel that no matter how hard they work, they may never be able to own their own home and that for me is a real issue. Asked whether the rules around negative gearing needed to change, Kovacic said: I think we need to look at what we can do there to tighten that policy. Neither the Coalition nor Labor have plans to change negative gearing, which allows Australians to lower their tax by offsetting the losses of investment properties against other income. The former NSW Liberal president said she didnt support limiting negative gearing to one investment property, as proposed by a Queensland delegate at Labors national conference, but it shouldnt be open-ended, hundreds of properties. Most people who negatively gear [are] mom and dad sole investors ... and you dont want to take that out of the rental market, she said. I think we need to look at what we can do there to tighten that policy. But I dont think [we should take] a broad brush approach. She said there also needed to be policies to crack down on vacant properties, especially ones owned by foreign investors, and to encourage local and state governments to open up more land for housing and to provide long-term rentals. Kovacic said her experiences gave her a passion for helping women get financial security. Credit: Edwina Pickles Kovacic, the daughter of Croatian migrants who fled communism in Europe, said she didnt speak English until she started going to school. After having three children before the age of 25, Kovacics first marriage ended and she needed to find a way to provide for her children. I had to very quickly make some decisions about what I was going to do, and I didnt have any opportunity but to fight to support my kids, and thats what I did, she said. I worked really hard in my business, I worked really long hours, I did what I could. Loading Kovacic started her own business, a franchise of the ANZ bank, and also co-founded Western Sydney Women and Western Sydney Executive Women. She said her experiences as a young mother gave her a passion for helping women achieve financial security, which she will take into federal parliament. The Chinese PLA Army stands fully prepared and ready to firmly defend Chinas sovereignty, reunification and territorial integrity at any time, he said. [The US] has frequently transited through the Taiwan Strait to flex muscles and induced other countries to interfere in the Taiwan question. US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin and Chinese General Li Shangfu. Credit: AP The public fallout has revealed growing frustration in Washington over Beijings reluctance to engage with what President Joe Biden and Albanese have labelled guard rails to avoid disagreement from spiralling into conflict. European Union Foreign Affairs chief Josep Borrell told the Shangri-La forum on Saturday that Australias region was becoming increasingly volatile. Yes, in Europe we have a war, but the epicentre of international tensions is here in the Indo-Pacific, he said. Beijings former Ambassador to Washington Cui Tiankai dismissed Europes concerns.The best thing you could do for us is nothing, he said. We should also learn something very important from your lack of success. We do not need an Asian NATO. China has accused the US and its allies of attempting to contain its ambitions. Australias Defence Minister Richard Marles met with Li on Saturday evening, but details of their bilateral have yet to be released. The meeting itself is positive, Albanese said. With dialogue and engagement comes understanding. Li has refused to meet Austin since he was appointed in March. The Chinese general was sanctioned by the US in 2018 over the purchase of Russian fighter jets. The relationship has now become so strained that it is affecting negotiations over the Taiwan Strait, nuclear proliferation and freedom of navigation exercises in the South China Sea. Loading Asked if the two sides had engaged in arms control negotiations after US State Department figures revealed last year China would reach nuclear parity with the United States in the next 15 years, Austin said he did not have any updates. You got to talk to them first, he said. So as soon as they actually pick up the phone, maybe well get some work done there. International Institute for Strategic Studies Asia director James Crabtree said it was not really in Chinas interest to have these guard rails. You know, if the Americans say, well, we can compete across all of these areas, but were not going to do these things that would in a sense, remove Chinas room for manoeuvre. Austin also accused China of conducting an alarming number of risky intercepts of US and allied aircraft flying lawfully in international airspace. A Chinese fighter jet swerved in front of a US reconnaissance aircraft over the South China Sea on May 26. Weve all just seen another troubling case of aggressive and unprofessional flying by the Peoples Republic of China, he said. So we will support our allies and partners as they defend themselves against coercion and bullying. But Austin also sought to downplay other predictions from US military leaders of a Chinese invasion of neighbouring Taiwan before the end of this decade. I believe what they are pointing to in some cases is the fact that President Xi [Jinping] challenged his military to develop the capabilities to conduct military operations by 2027. It doesnt mean that hes made a decision to do that, he said. Loading But my opinion is that conflict is neither imminent nor is it inevitable, and so, were going to do everything we can to make sure that were doing the right things to maintain the status quo. Nevertheless, he said it was important for the US, Japan and Australia to strengthen their joint operational war plans in the event of a conflict. Its important to have where possible, compatible platforms. Its really important to make sure that you have policies and procedures that you and your allies or partners understand and are familiar with, he said. We have come a long way. But we are by no means where any of us want to be eventually. Asked by a Chinese military representative whether the US pursuit of the AUKUS nuclear submarine deal with Australia and the United Kingdom and the Quad with Australia, India and Japan would sideline the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) and other regional forums, Austin said they would promote greater stability and security. US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin speaks at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore. Credit: AP Were not trying to create a NATO in the Indo-Pacific, Austin said. We value our relationships with our allies and partners. The Maharashtra government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Bajaj Finserv under which the non-banking finance company will invest Rs 5,000 crore in Pune that is expected to create 40,000 jobs, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said on Saturday. After signing the MoU, Fadnavis said Pune was gradually becoming a hub for financial services and the latest development involving Bajaj Finserve would boost the sector. "I think it is the largest investment in recent times taking place in the fintech sector," Fadnavis said about the MoU. International cooperation is essential to advance vaccine development to combat emerging pathogens, and the G20 forum can serve as a vital platform to facilitate collaboration between governments, research organisations, pharmaceutical companies, and other stakeholders, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said on Saturday. He was addressing the Global Vaccine Research Collaborative discussion on 'Vaccine Research and Development: Building Consensus for Future Health Emergencies Prevention, Preparedness, and Response', a co-branded event under India's G20 presidency organised by Department of Pharmaceuticals (Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers), according to an official release. "The Covid-19 pandemic has demonstrated the importance of global collaboration in vaccine research and development. As we continue to navigate this once-in-a-century public health crisis, we realise the importance of research to accelerate vaccine development, particularly for emerging pathogens," the Union Minister, who also holds the Chemicals and Fertilizers portfolio, said. Highlighting India's leadership in vaccine R&D for several decades, with experience in developing, producing, and distributing vaccines for diseases such as polio, smallpox, and measles, the Union Minister said that India being a leading player in vaccine production and distribution can play a critical role in building greater global collaboration towards this goal. "The development and deployment of effective vaccines can help mitigate the impact of pandemics, and we must prioritise research efforts to achieve this objective," he said. Elaborating on India's initiatives to boost vaccine production and distribution, the Union Minister stated that the government has provided financial incentives and streamlined regulatory processes to encourage vaccine manufacturers to increase their production capacity. Also Read H3N2 influenza: Symptoms, spread, prevention, what do experts say? 4 patients admitted with H3N2 influenza virus in Mumbai, says BMC Centre raises alarm over increase in Covid positivity rate in some states Ten active cases of Covid-19, two of H3N2 influenza reported in Jharkhand Air pollution can affect your Covid-19 vaccine efficacy, says study Study finds young adulthood window best to treat schizophrenia, autism Congress leader Sonia Gandhi mourns loss of lives in Odisha train tragedy Train timings on Konkan Railway route to change from Jun 10 to Oct 31 Survivors of Odisha rail mishap arrive in Chennai on special train Wadhwani AI Showcases solutions for Healthcare at 3rd G20 HWG meet It has also taken steps to ensure the availability of vaccines in rural areas by leveraging the existing infrastructure of primary health centres and other healthcare facilities, he further said. He said India's leadership in the production and distribution of Covid-19 vaccines is a testament to its commitment to global health security. "We recognise that vaccine equity is essential, and we are committed to ensuring that everyone, regardless of their income or nationality, has access to life-saving vaccines," Mandaviya added. India is matching up its infrastructure to China's projects at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and there is no need for concern, Border Roads Organisation (BRO) chief Lieutenant General Rajiv Chaudhry said on Saturday. Chaudhry was here to review works on the routes of the Amarnath Yatra. The annual pilgrimage to the cave shrine, located at a height of 3,880 metres in the south Kashmir Himalayas, will begin on July 1 and end on August 31. "We are competing much better than what you think China is making. So, there is no need of any concern or overly concern that we are somewhere behind. We are matching up to the capabilities of infrastructure development on the borders," Lt Gen Chaudhry told PTI Video here. He said the government has already announced 662 "Vibrant Village" packages for areas near the border. "Union Home Minister Amit Shah himself went to Kibithoo village in Arunachal Pradesh which is the eastern most post and what we call the first village of Arunachal Pradesh. Of the total, 441 villages are in Arunachal Pradesh itself. So, on the northern borders, the government is paying a lot of attention and development is taking place in a very accelerated manner," the BRO's director general said. Lt Gen Chaudhry said in the last two years, 205 projects have been completed on the LAC. These were dedicated to the nation by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and this year, "we are attempting to complete 176 projects worth Rs 6,200 crore", he said. Also Read Confused BRO for 'bro', but seeing their work, they're real brothers: Singh 'India's first village': BRO puts up signboard on entrance of village Avalanche kills 2 BRO labourers, 1 missing in Himachal Pradesh's Lahaul MoS Defence Ajay Bhatt appreciates BRO for Project Sampark in Jammu India, China review LAC situation; discuss ways for disengagement Odisha train accident: Death toll rises to 288, at least 803 injured G20 HWG meet in Hyderabad from Jun 4-6 to focus on medical counter measures Odisha train tragedy: Gujarat CM, ruling BJP cancel public events Govt bans 14 fixed-dose combination drugs, cites 'risk' to people Excise policy case: Delhi HC seeks report from LNJP on Sisodia's wife "The Centre has increased our budget this year by about 100 per cent. The government has a lot of faith in us, and we build roads for five ministries. Our budget is increased every year. This year, our target is to work on the projects worth Rs 16,000 crore, including roads, bridges and tunnels and airfields," he said. Asked about strategically important projects in Ladakh, the BRO's top officer said the Chusul-Dungti-Fukche-Demchok highway is a very important road. In the next two months, work will start on the Nyoma airfield, which is one of the highest airfields in the world, he said. These are two very important projects in Ladakh, Lt Gen Chaudhry said. In Arunachal Pradesh, Lt Gen Chaudhry said the work on tunnels has been almost completed. He also said on the Ladakh-HP border, once the Shinku La tunnel is completed, it will be the world's highest. Earlier, briefing the media about the works on the yatra routes, he said work is going on round the clock and would be concluded by June 15. The routes have been widened and gradients and turns have undergone maintenance, Lt Gen Chaudhry said. The basic scope of work involves snow clearance, widening of routes, restoration of all foot bridges, fixing of hand rails and construction of breast walls, he said. Work is being done to make sure there is no inconvenience due to landslides, the official said and added that this year, five lakh pilgrims are expected. Despite the rising tensions between the United States and China, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and his Chinese counterpart, Li Shangfu, shook hands at a dinner in Singapore, underscoring Washington's commitment to preserving ties with Beijing. Pentagon Press Secretary Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder said that while there were no crucial conversations during the handshake, keeping channels of military-to-military contact open with China was essential, Politico reported. Since China initially declined a US offer for a formal meeting at Singapore's yearly military and security summit, the encounter between Austin and Li was a surprise. Over the following days, the Shangri-La security conference will bring together defense ministers, legislators, top military officials, diplomats, producers of weapons, and international security experts from different areas. The invasion of Ukraine by Russia, China's backing of Russia, and China's increasingly hostile acts against Taiwan all serve as tension-producing factors for the meeting, as per VOA. Read Also: DOJ: No Charges for Mike Pence A Complicated Relationship The tensions between the two superpowers involve several fronts, including disagreements over Taiwan, China's record on human rights, and its military operations in the South China Sea, per Reuters. After discovering a Chinese surveillance balloon in American airspace, which caused US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's trip to China to be postponed, efforts to address the tensions between the United States and China were made. Blinken, however, recently announced intentions to delay his trip to China. Furthermore, recent high-level trade negotiations between the two nations have taken place. To compete with China on renewable energy and other vital problems, US lawmakers have argued for bolstering local manufacturing skills, notably in industries like computer chips. Lawmakers also have frequently voiced these worries about China's danger to national security. Despite the difficult situation, US military leaders have repeatedly highlighted the need to keep lines of communication open with their Chinese counterparts to avert possible crises or deal with unanticipated events. Related Article: US Starts Training Ukrainian Forces on Advanced Abrams Tanks @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Union Minister of State for Personnel Jitendra Singh on Saturday said Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar will become north India's major "power hub" generating around 6,000 MW of power after the completion of the ongoing power projects. Singh, who cancelled his two public rallies at Nagseni and Dachhan on Saturday as a mark of respect to the victims of the train accident in Odisha, convened a detailed meeting to review the progress of various hydroelectric power projects in the Kisthwar and Doda districts. NHPC chairman Rajiv Vishnoi, Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar Devansh Yadav and officials of central government and UT administration updated the minister about the progress of the projects, a statement issued by the personnel ministry said. "Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar will become North India's major 'power hub' generating around 6,000 MW of power after the completion of the ongoing power projects," the statement quoted the minister as having said. He said, the surplus power from Kishtwar will not only be utilised for other parts of the UT, but could also be availed by other states. Singh lamented that the rich natural resources of Chenab were not exploited by the previous governments which ruled Jammu and Kashmir for around 65 years. Also Read Seven dead as vehicle carrying power project workers rolls down in Kishtwar Amritpal's aide booked in Arms Act in Kishtwar; J&K police to question him Army helicopter crashes in J-K's Kishtwar district, three injured SIU raids several places in J-K's Kishtwar in terror funding case Raids underway on houses of four Pakistani terrorists in J&K's Kishtwar Odisha train accident: Indian Navy deploys medical team for relief, support Odisha train tragedy: AP dispatches 20 ambulances, 21 funeral vehicles Quadcopter crashes J-K's Udhampur village, investigation underway: Sources Youth held in UP's Ballia for abducting, raping a 14-year-old girl T'gana offers support to Odisha rescue, relief ops over train accident He also assured 100 per cent reservation for locals in unskilled jobs for these projects and promised to give preference to local talent in skilled manpower requirements. Singh said, before 2014, road travel to Kishtwar was cumbersome and on the slightest landside, the Doda-Kishtwar road would get blocked. "But today, the road travel time from Jammu to Kishtwar has reduced from over seven hours in 2014 to less than five hours now," the minister said. Similarly, he said, during these nine years, Kishtwar has come up on the aviation map of India and has been sanctioned an airport under Centre's UDAAN scheme, which nobody had ever imagined. Singh said areas like Jammu and Kashmir, northeastern states and other hilly states suffered on many counts during the last six decades, due to the myopic policies of the successive central governments. But, soon after the Modi government took over in 2014, the prime minister had stated that every effort would be made to bring the northeastern region, Jammu and Kashmir and other backward regions at par with the more developed regions of the country, he added. Singh said, areas with unexplored potential like Kishtwar, northeast and other hilly regions will play a pivotal role in the next 25 years of India's journey and these regions, rather than the saturated states, will propel India as a frontline nation in the world when it celebrates 100th year of independence in 2047. The Jharkhand government on Saturday said it will send a team of doctors to Odisha's Balasore district to assist in the treatment of injured persons in the train crash. Chief Minister Hemant Soren said a team from Jharkhand, comprising officials and doctors, will leave for the neighbouring state on Sunday morning by helicopter. "According to the information received regarding the train accident in Balasore, Odisha, the team will meet the passengers of Jharkhand and provide them all possible help. Passengers injured in the accident will also be provided all necessary assistance for better treatment," he tweeted. Soren also expressed grief over the deaths, and wished the speedy recovery of those injured in the accident that occurred on Friday evening. "Deeply pained by the heartbreaking Coromandel Express train accident near Bahanaga railway station in Balasore district of Odisha. May God give peace to the departed souls and strength to the bereaved family members to bear these difficult hours of grief. I wish speedy recovery of those injured in the accident, Soren wrote on Twitter. At least 288 people were killed in the train crash, involving the Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express, the Shalimar-Chennai Central Coromandel Express and a goods train. Also Read BSE Odisha 10th Result 2023: All you need to know about checking result Odisha train tragedy: District hospitals witness huge flow of patients Jharkhand Assembly adjourned twice on ruckus over new employment policy AIIMS doctors dispatched to Balasore, Cuttack to aid relief efforts DRDO official arrested for passing info to Pak spy sent to 4-day remand Odisha train tragedy: Unidentified bodies to be brought to Bhubaneswar 88% wage payment under MNREGS done through ABPS in May: Govt data Claim process norms for Odisha train accident victims eased: LIC chairman Centre trying to resolve issues of wrestlers: Union Minister Karandlaje Three new railway stations to come up in Haryana's Yamunanagar under EDFCR The Kerala government on Saturday said it will hold Haritha Sabhas (green assemblies) across the state as part of World Environment Day on June 5, to evaluate the outcome of the 'State with No Waste' campaign held from March 15 to June 1, and to lay down the road map for the future. The Haritha Sabhas, one of India's largest awareness campaigns, will be held with the active participation of the Local Self Government (LSG) Institutions, the LSG department said. "This is for the first time a state in the country is observing the World Environment Day for assessing waste disposal measures taken by all the LSGIs along with spreading its message," the LSGD said in a release. The campaign, planned to be implemented in three phases, was aimed at making all the LSGIs in the state garbage-free by 2024, it said. The Haritha Sabhas will also create a platform for educating citizens about the importance of waste management in society. The Haritha Sabhas are massive exercises planned, expecting a total attendance of over 1,50,000 people in 941 grama panchayats, besides 25,000 to be hosted by the municipalities and city corporations. Also Read World Bank grants $8.86 mn to improve Lebanon's solid waste management The Kerala Story gets 'A' certificate from censor board, 10 scenes deleted Kerala Police spars with state electricity board over non-payment of dues LDF Govt comes out with "Real Kerala Story" ad on 2nd anniversary day World TB Day: PM Modi launches initiatives to eliminate disease by 2025 Nepal PM visit: Issues of ST status, 11 sub-groups of Gorkhas in MP rasied Efforts on to identify train crash victims, Tamil Nadu CM reviews situation Odisha train tragedy: State govt sets up temporary mortuary to store bodies After Odisha triple train crash, around 48 trains cancelled, 39 diverted Vehicles queue Shimla after police suspends new traffic plan for a day "Haritha Sabhas will have participants from the entire spectrum of society including trade organisations, health and hygiene workers, resident associations, Asha workers, NSS volunteers, NCC cadets, members of civil society organisations and civic awareness activists. The broad outline of the second phase of the campaign will be declared in the Haritha Sabhas," the release said. The state's solid waste disposal project is being implemented by ensuring public participation, and 23 enforcement teams appointed by the government have conducted inspections in all LSGIs, it said, adding that out of 8,981 inspections conducted, 3,270 violations had been found and notices issued in 2,727 cases till May 2023. "About Rs 1,02,44,650 (1.02 crore) had been imposed as fine in cases of improper waste management and Rs 14.25 lakh had already been collected. Around 105 tonnes of banned disposable plastic has been seized," it said. As part of the campaign, two lakh Ayalkkoottam groups cleaned up around 44,415 water bodies and visited about 70 lakh houses to create awareness, besides conducting clean-up drives in more than 10,000 public spaces. They also organised awareness programmes on Waste-Free Day on April 30. West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday demanded a proper probe to ascertain the exact cause of the tragic train accident in Odisha's Balasore district that killed 261 people and injured over 900 others. The Chief Minister reached the accident spot earlier in the day. At the site, she interacted with the Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and other top officials. While interacting with Vaishnaw, she was heard complaining about lack of coordination in the Railways Department. Speaking to mediapersons later, she said: "Surely something has happened. There should be a proper investigation to find it out." She also expressed apprehension that improper functioning of the anti-collision system could be a reason for the accident, one of the worst in the last 15 years. "When I was the Railways Minister for three terms, I took the initiative to install an anti-collision system. I feel that if the system had been working, the accident could have been averted. A large number of victims who died in the accident were from West Bengal. My government officials are coordinating with their counterparts in Odisha for smooth rescue operations," she said. Also Read More initiatives on anvil to boost steel sector in 2023: Union Minister Mamata Banerjee scared of losing popular support: BJP state President Mamata Banerjee urges Centre to allow poppy cultivation in West Bengal PLI scheme qualifiers, steel ministry to ink pacts for investment proposals Mamata Banerjee likely to attend opposition meet in Patna next month AIIMS doctors dispatched to Balasore, Cuttack to aid relief efforts Manish Sisodia couldn't meet ailing wife as her condition deteriorated Balasore train accident: 261 dead, 900+ injured as rescue ops conclude Despite Kavach, record budget push, train accidents rose by 37% in FY23 Odisha tragedy: Safety should always be priority in rail network, says Cong She also announced a compensation of Rs 5,00,000 for the families of the victims from Bengal. Meanwhile, a statement issued from the West Bengal Secretariat claimed that till 12 noon on Saturday, at least 70 ambulances with 34 doctors and 10 buses and 20 mini-trucks had reached Balasore. "Two disaster management group teams of police are on their way to Balasore," the statement read. It also claimed that 20 ambulances and 120 passengers have left Balasore for West Bengal and 11 patients were admitted in different hospitals of West Bengal. --IANS src/ksk/ Former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, who is currently under judicial custody in connection to the Excise Policy scam case, could not meet his ailing wife at their residence on Saturday as her condition deteriorated and had to be taken to the LNJP Hospital. The Delhi High Court had granted Sisodia permission to meet his wife from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. Sisodia reached his house at around 10 a.m. He did not speak to the media as per the court's direction and went straight inside the residence. But, Seema Sisodia was already taken to the hospital, before the arrival of her husband. Sisodia had moved an interim bail plea through his counsel in both the CBI and ED cases, citing his wife's medical condition as grounds for bail. The ED and the CBI have both filed charge sheets against Sisodia in the scam case. Also Read Hospitals across India hold mock drills to verify Covid readiness Delhi CM Kejriwal visits Manish Sisodia's ailing wife in hospital Delhi hospitals to conduct mock drills today to check Covid readiness Remain cautious, focus should be on clinical cases: Experts on Covid surge CBI books Manish Sisodia in case connected to Delhi govt's Feedback Unit Balasore train accident: 261 dead, 900+ injured as rescue ops conclude Despite Kavach, record budget push, train accidents rose by 37% in FY23 Odisha tragedy: Safety should always be priority in rail network, says Cong Toll in Odisha triple train crash rises to 261, rescue operations complete Rajnath Singh to hold bilateral talks with US, German counterparts The court has taken cognizance of the charge sheet filed against Sisodia. Earlier, the court had dismissed Sisodia's bail plea. --IANS atk/ksk/ A demand for the Scheduled Tribe (ST) status and reservation benefit to 11 sub-groups of the Gorkha community in Madhya Pradesh has been raised during the two-day tour of Nepal Prime Minister Pushpakamal Dahal "Prachanda which concluded on Saturday. Nepali Sanskriti Parishad's (International) India branch secretary Shailesh Gurung told PTI that they would meet Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan with their demand shortly. The Nepalese community see Shivraj Singh Chouhan as its well-wisher. We demand that 11 sub-groups of Gorkhas be given the ST status and granted reservation in government institutes and jobs," Gurung said, adding these castes were getting reservations in Nepal. He said the population of Indian Gorkhas in MP is estimated to be 2.5 lakh-3 lakh. "Of them, 1 lakh to 1.5 lakh people belong to the 11 sub-groups for whom the reservation is being demanded," he added. Gurung said the number of Gorkhas in the health, and in IAS, and IPS was thin, and the quota will connect them to the mainstream. He also demanded the setting up of Nepalese Academy in Bhopal and Indore to promote and conserve their literature, language and culture. Also Read WhatsApp will now let you share voice status, here's how to post one Indian Embassy, Nepal govt sign MoUs for projects in education, healthcare Nepal PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal's visit to India strengthens age-old bonds 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 Efforts on to identify train crash victims, Tamil Nadu CM reviews situation Odisha train tragedy: State govt sets up temporary mortuary to store bodies After Odisha triple train crash, around 48 trains cancelled, 39 diverted Vehicles queue Shimla after police suspends new traffic plan for a day Guilty will not be spared: PM after inspecting Odisha train accident site "India and Nepal have a strong bond which has been bolstered by Prachanda's visit," he said. Chief Minister Chouhan along with a few cabinet colleagues gave a warm send-off to the PM of the Himalayan nation by garlanding him at Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport here before he and his delegation headed for New Delhi on Saturday. Prachanda began his four-day visit to India on Wednesday. His meeting with PM Modi on Thursday saw the two countries signing seven agreements and launching six projects including new railway services. On Friday, Prachanda visited the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) of IT giant TCS on Indore's Super Corridor. Speaking at a dinner hosted by CM Chouhan, the Nepalese premier said that a consensus was reached in many areas in his meeting with PM Modi. PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti and National Conference leader Omar Abdullah on Saturday extended their condolences to the families of those killed in the Odisha train accident. The leader of the People's Democratic Party said in a Tweet,"Shocked to hear about the train accident in Odisha. Words aren't enough words to convey my sympathies to the families of those who lost their live." "Heads should have rolled by now, but in today's India no one is accountable," she added. Meanwhile, NC leader Omar Abdullah said, "The images & survivor accounts from the railway crash site in Odisha are horrific. The accident has left countless individuals scarred & families bereave." He said words are poor consolation at a time like this "but I'd like to convey my sympathies to the families of the deceased & prayers for those injured". "May the almighty give them strength," he added. The accident involving two passenger trains and a stationary goods train has led to the loss of life of at least 288 people so far and left over 1,100 injured. Also Read Odisha train accident: PM Modi distressed, speaks to railway minister Odisha train tragedy: Envoys of several countries offer condolences Deeply anguished by loss of lives in Odisha train accident: President Murmu Balasore train accident: 261 dead, 900+ injured as rescue ops conclude Odisha train tragedy: World leaders extend support, condole loss of lives No incident of violence in last 24 hrs: Security adviser to Manipur govt Jharkhand government to send team of doctors to Odisha's Balasore Odisha train tragedy: Unidentified bodies to be brought to Bhubaneswar 88% wage payment under MNREGS done through ABPS in May: Govt data Claim process norms for Odisha train accident victims eased: LIC chairman The Balasore district hospital and Soro hospital where the injured have been rushed after a triple train accident, are bursting at their seams as the huge flow of patients has crammed up every room with patients spilling onto corridors. Harried medical staff were seen trying to bring succour to patients, many of whom are from states other than Odisha and had difficulties in communicating. In all till mid-day, some 526 railway accident victims have been admitted to Balasore district hospital. Dr Mrutunjay Mishra, Additional District Medical Officer (ADMO), Balasore district headquarters hospital said, "I am in the profession for many decades, but have never seen such chaos in my life All of a sudden 251 accident injured persons rushed into our hospital and we were not at all prepared. Our staff worked all through the night and provided first aid to all." Sixty-four patients were referred to SCB Medical College Hospital in Cuttack. Now we have 60 patients in beds. Others were discharged after minor surgery. "We were in fact surprised as a large number of youths made a beeline to donate blood here. We collected around 500 units of blood overnight. Thanks all. It is a lifetime experience. Now things are quite normal," he said. Policemen and locals have been volunteering to donate blood at Balasore district hospital and other hospitals through the night, said officials. More than 2,000 people gathered at the Balasore Medical College and Hospital in the night to help the injured, and many also donated blood, officials said. The morgue at the hospital was a pile of white shrouded bodies, many of them yet to be identified as relatives are yet to make their way to the town with many train services cancelled or delayed due to the accident on a major railway trunk route. Also Read Odisha Balasore train accident: Tamil Nadu declares one-day state mourning Hospitals across India hold mock drills to verify Covid readiness Rajasthan's Dr. Kriti Bharti bags Global Youth Human Rights Champion Award BJP defers its govt anniversary programmes after tragic train accident Indian-origin Meghana Pandit named CEO of Oxford University Hospitals Odisha train tragedy: World leaders extend support, condole loss of lives Mamata Banerjee demands proper probe into cause of Odisha train accident AIIMS doctors dispatched to Balasore, Cuttack to aid relief efforts Manish Sisodia couldn't meet ailing wife as her condition deteriorated Balasore train accident: 261 dead, 900+ injured as rescue ops conclude Jagdeb Patra who is admitted to Balasore Hospital with fracture in both hands said he was travelling to Chennai. Many people, including many from West Bengal, were frantically visiting the Balasore Hospital and Soro in search of their missing relatives and friends. The injured have been rushed to Balasore, Soro, Bhadrak, Jajpur Hospital and SCB Medical College in Cuttack. Mukesh Pandit, an injured passenger from Jharkhand, who was going to Chennai in the Coromandel Express told PTI that he "never realised when the accident occurred only regained consciousness to realise he was in extreme pain.". Doctors from AIIMS-Bhubaneswar have been dispatched to Balasore and Cuttack in Odisha to assist in the relief operations at the train accident site, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said on Saturday. "Two teams of doctors from AIIMS-Bhubaneswar have been dispatched for Balasore and Cuttack to assist in relief operations at the rail accident site in Odisha," Mandaviya said on Twitter. "We are providing all required help and medical assistance to the victims of the tragic train accident to save precious lives," he added. Envoys and missions of several countries condoled the loss of lives in the tragic train accident in Odisha and expressed solidarity with India. The accident involving three trains in Odisha's Balasore district killed at least 288 people and injured 803, in one of the worst railway tragedies in the country. In a tweet, US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti said, "On behalf of the US Mission in India, I extend our deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the tragic train accident in Balasore." "We stand with India and the people of Odisha in this time of grief," he said. Russian envoy to India Denis Alipov also expressed condolences to the families of the victims of the tragic train derailment and wished speedy recovery to the injured. Japanese envoy to India Hiroshi Suzuki said he was deeply saddened by the tragic losses caused by the railway accident in Odisha. "I express my deepest condolences to those who lost their loved ones and extend my sympathy to those affected. I hope that rescue efforts will save those who are missing as soon as possible," he said. Also Read Odisha train tragedy: World leaders extend support, condole loss of lives Goa-Mumbai Vande Bharat Express launch cancelled after Odisha train tragedy BSE Odisha 10th Result 2023: All you need to know about checking result Odisha triple train crash one of deadliest in Indian Railways history Odisha declares one-day state mourning in wake of deadly triple train crash Train accident: Govt asks airlines to keep fares on Odisha flights in check EAM meets South African President Ramaphosa; conveys PM Modi's greetings Will provide best medical facility to injured, guilty will be punished: PM Odisha triple train mishap: Engine drivers, guards of 2 trains injured India matching up its infra capabilities to China's projects on LAC: DG BRO Singapore High Commissioner Simon Wong also expressed deep shock over the accident and said he was saddened by the train tragedy. "Our thoughts are with the families of the bereaved and injured," he said. In a tweet, the Chinese Embassy said, "Our deep condolences to the victims and heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved families and the injured in #BalasoreTrainAccident. Wish the injured recover soon." Israeli envoy to India Naor Gilon said, "Our thoughts are with the victims of the horrendous #TrainAccident in Odisha. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party on Saturday cancelled their public engagements as a mark of respect to those killed and injured in the Odisha train tragedy. At least 261 persons have died and nearly 1,000 injured after two passenger trains and one goods train were involved in derailments and collisions on three tracks in Balasore in the eastern state on Friday evening. "The train accident in Balasore, Odisha is very heart-breaking. My condolences go out to the bereaved family in this hour of grief. I pray to God for speedy recovery of the injured," the chief minister tweeted. "In view of this tragedy, I have postponed all my public programs today, including the program planned today to mark the completion of 9 years of the central government. May God rest the souls of those who lost their lives in this tragedy," Patel further said. The ruling BJP said all events to be held on Saturday as part of its month-long programme to highlight achievements of nine years of the Narendra Modi government stood postponed. This included the programme of Union Minister for MSME Narayan Rane in Ahmedabad where he was to attend a traders conference and visit a smart city project as part of nine years of the Modi government. Also Read Latest news LIVE: Bhupendra Patel takes oath as Gujarat CM for second term Gujarat Assembly elections: BJP upbeat ahead of counting of votes Gujarat polls phase 2 underway, PM Modi to vote in Ahmedabad today BJP CEC meeting today to finalise candidates for Karnataka Assembly polls After massive mandate, Gujarat's BJP-led govt eyes $1 tn economy by 2030 Govt bans 14 fixed-dose combination drugs, cites 'risk' to people Excise policy case: Delhi HC seeks report from LNJP on Sisodia's wife Security forces alert to foil infiltration attempts along LoC in Kashmir Coromandel Express entered loop instead of main line: Preliminary probe PM Modi inspects Odisha train accident site, takes stock of situation In a tweet Gujarat BJP chief CR Paatil said, "The train accident that occurred yesterday evening in Balasore, Odisha is very sad. Due to this tragedy, all other programs of the Bharatiya Janata Party for today including those organised on completion of nine years of central government have been postponed. I pray that God gives strength to the bereaved families to bear this pain and peace to the bereaved." Paatil was scheduled to attend the ground breaking ceremony of Narmada Sugar and inaugurate a fertiliser plant in Narmada district. He was also scheduled to attend a meet of All India Sant Samiti's Gujarat unit at Vadtal in Kheda district. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has received an invitation from prominent US politicians to speak before the US Congress during his scheduled visit to Washington, DC, later this month. The United States typically reserves this extraordinary chance for its closest friends. Democratic and GOP leaders in both chambers of the US Congress informed Modi in a letter that the address, slated for June 22, would honor the two nations' lasting alliance, Al Jazeera reported. From June 21 to June 24, Prime Minister Modi will visit the United States officially. He will be at the White House and attend a state banquet given by President Joe Biden. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy tweeted, "It is my honor to invite @PMOIndia @narendramodi to address a Joint Meeting of Congress on Thursday, June 22." It is my honor to invite @PMOIndia@narendramodi to address a Joint Meeting of Congress on Thursday, June 22nd. This will be an opportunity to celebrate the enduring friendship between the United States and India and speak to the global challenges our countries both face. pic.twitter.com/gu68UjJltG Kevin McCarthy (@SpeakerMcCarthy) June 2, 2023 Speaker McCarthy also recognized the long-lasting impact of Prime Minister Modi's last speech to the US Congress seven years ago and his visit will be a great opportunity to discuss "global challenges", per WION. Read Also: Drones Attack Russian Oil Refineries US Aims To Bolster Ties with India As part of his initiatives to further the conflict between free and authoritarian nations, especially about China, President Joe Biden is keen to forge closer connections with India, the biggest democracy in the world. The White House renewed the invitation for a formal state visit despite worries expressed by advocacy organizations about the human rights situation under Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party, underlining the significance of strengthening the cooperation, according to Reuters. There have been specific points of contention between the United States and India. In India, there are severe problems and violations of human rights, as per the US State Department's report on the subject. Washington has encouraged India to adopt a more assertive posture against Russia after it invaded Ukraine. Still, New Delhi's participation in military drills with Moscow and growing imports of Russian crude oil have strained relations with the US. Related Article: Republican, Democratic Lawmakers React on Target's Woke Controversy @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Leaders from across the world, including Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, have expressed their deepest condolences to the families and the Government of India for the triple train crash that took place in Odisha in which at least 261 people were killed. The accident, involving three trains, is one of the worst in the country and took place in Odisha's Balasore district on Friday night. The accident also injured more than 900 people. Japan's Prime Minister Kishida sent a condolence message to Prime Minister Narendra Modi following the train accident. "I am deeply saddened by the news of the loss of many precious lives and the injuries in the train accident in the State of Odisha. On behalf of the Government of Japan and its people, I would like to express our heartfelt condolences to those who lost their lives and their bereaved families. I also pray for the speedy recovery of those who were injured," Kishida said in a statement. Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi also sent a condolence message to Foreign Minister S Jaishankar. "I am deeply saddened by the news of the loss of many precious lives in the train accident in the State of Odisha. I pray for the souls of the victims and extend my deepest condolences to the bereaved families. I also sincerely hope that those who were injured will recover swiftly," Hayashi said. Also Read Odisha train accident: PM Modi distressed, speaks to railway minister Deeply anguished by loss of lives in Odisha train accident: President Murmu Balasore train accident: 261 dead, 900+ injured as rescue ops conclude BSE Odisha 10th Result 2023: All you need to know about checking result MP train accident: One locomotive pilot dies, several employees injured Mamata Banerjee demands proper probe into cause of Odisha train accident AIIMS doctors dispatched to Balasore, Cuttack to aid relief efforts Manish Sisodia couldn't meet ailing wife as her condition deteriorated Balasore train accident: 261 dead, 900+ injured as rescue ops conclude Despite Kavach, record budget push, train accidents rose by 37% in FY23 Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau said at this difficult time, Canadians are standing with the people of India. The images and reports of the train crash in Odisha, India break my heart. I'm sending my deepest condolences to those who lost loved ones, and I'm keeping the injured in my thoughts. At this difficult time, Canadians are standing with the people of India, Trudeau tweeted. Nepal Prime Minister 'Prachanda', who is on a four-day visit to India, tweeted, I'm saddened by the loss of dozens of lives in a train accident in Odisha, India today. I extend deep condolences to Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi Ji, Government, and the bereaved families in this hour of grief. Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Ali Sabry said that he is deeply saddened to learn about the train accident in Odisha. He wished for a speedy recovery for all those affected in the accident. Deeply saddened to learn of the tragic train accident in Odisha. My thoughts & prayers are with the families of the victims & those injured. I hope for a speedy recovery for all those affected. Sri Lanka stands with India in this time of grief, Ali Sabry tweeted. Bhutan's Prime Minster Lotay Tshering tweeted," Sending prayers to @narendramodi and the people of India as we hear developments of the tragic train crash in Odisha. May the loved ones find strength, as they come to terms with the loss and horror. We share your pain and pray for quick healing." The Deputy Prime Minister of Italy and Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani also expressed condolences on the train tragedy. "The Italian Government expresses deep condolences to #India for the tragic train accident that occurred today in Balasore. A prayer for the victims and the injured, I hope that those still trapped will be rescued," Tajani tweeted. UN General Assembly president Csaba Korosi too expressed his deepest condolence to the families over the tragic train accident. I'm deeply saddened to hear the news of the train crash in Odisha, India. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families and with the emergency services. Heartfelt condolences to the people and the Government of India, Korosi, the President of the 77th session of the General Assembly tweeted. Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen also extended heartfelt condolences to the victims. "Taiwan Praying for everyone affected by the train accident in India. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the victims and their families, and hope that rescue operations can save all those in need," she tweeted. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inspected the triple train accident site at Bahanaga in Odisha's Balasore district to take stock of relief and restoration operations. He was accompanied by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, and Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and was briefed on the situation by both Vaishnaw as well as officers of the disaster management team which worked overnight to rescue people at the disaster site where at least 261 people have died and 900 more injured. He also interacted with Odisha's Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Pramila Mallik as well as the local police chief. Modi also inquired about the progress of restoration work launched at the mishap site to bring train services back to normal. Before reaching the accident site at Bahanaga Bazar, the PM had chaired a high-level meeting in New Delhi on the train accident. "PM Narendra Modi chaired a meeting to take stock of the situation in the wake of the train mishap in Odisha. Aspects relating to rescue, relief and medical attention to those affected were discussed in the review meeting," his office tweeted. Also Read Odisha declares one-day state mourning in wake of deadly triple train crash Odisha Balasore train accident: Tamil Nadu declares one-day state mourning Congress leader Sonia Gandhi mourns loss of lives in Odisha train tragedy Odisha train tragedy: District hospitals witness huge flow of patients PM Modi to visit Balasore triple train accident site, hospital in Odisha Health Minister addresses global vaccine research collaborative discussion Study finds young adulthood window best to treat schizophrenia, autism Congress leader Sonia Gandhi mourns loss of lives in Odisha train tragedy Train timings on Konkan Railway route to change from Jun 10 to Oct 31 Survivors of Odisha rail mishap arrive in Chennai on special train Prime Minister Narendra Modi will on Saturday visit the site of the train accident in Odisha and also the Cuttack hospital where the injured are being treated. At least 238 people were killed and more than 900 injured in the train crash involving the Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express, the Shalimar-Chennai Central Coromandel Express and a goods train in Odisha's Balasore district on Friday. It is one of the deadliest train crashes in the history of the Indian Railways. Modi had earlier held a meeting here to review the situation amid the massive ongoing relief-and-rescue operation. Also Read Winter Session ends: PM, other leaders attend meeting hosted by LS Speaker WPL 2023 Opening Ceremony: Bollywood stars, tickets, live streaming details 86 govt employees served notice for skipping duty in UP's Khatauli bypolls Latest news LIVE: Bhupendra Patel takes oath as Gujarat CM for second term Train carrying 'hazardous' materials derails in US, no threat to public PM of a nation of 1.5 bn deserves respect everywhere: Sam Pitroda Stalin announces financial assistance for Balasore train accident victims Sisodia reaches residence to meet ailing wife as HC grants interim relief Rescuers try to raise buried coach at rail crash site as death toll is 238 PM Modi convenes meeting to review situation after Odisha train accident Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's historic trip to the US on an Official State visit, Congress leader Sam Pitroda has said that the premier of the world's most populous nation deserves respect everywhere and he is "proud" of it. Pitroda, the chairperson of the Indian Overseas Congress, is currently accompanying Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on his three-city six-day US tour. While Gandhi has focused on his alternate vision of India as against that of the ruling BJP and has been highly critical of Prime Minister Modi-led government, he has supported the ruling party's foreign policy stands on issues like the war in Ukraine and China. He (Gandhi) knows where we (India) are doing something right, we are all for it. And you see, someone told me that, the Indian Prime Minister is getting a lot of reception. And I said I'm happy about it because, at the end of the day, he's also my prime minister. But let's not make a mistake. He's getting reception because he's India's prime minister. And not because he's BJP's prime minister. Separate these two things, Pitroda told PTI in an interview. A prime minister of a nation of 1.5 billion people deserves respect everywhere. And I'm proud of it. I'm not negative about it, Pitroda, the senior Congress leader said. President Joe Biden will host Prime Minister Modi for an Official State visit to the US, which will include a state dinner, on June 22. But you see, they twist every message. They confuse everything. And then they convert into personal attacks. Now that's not democracy. Have some respect for other human beings. You will send 50 people chasing you on social media with lies, he said. Also Read Rahul Gandhi takes a late-night truck ride to speak to drivers; see video Modi can even confuse God, explain how universe works: Rahul Gandhi in US Rahul Gandhi convicted in Modi surname defamation case: What we know so far Indian Overseas Congress workers plan huge welcome for Rahul Gandhi in US PM holds meeting with top ministers to discuss strategy for Budget session Stalin announces financial assistance for Balasore train accident victims Sisodia reaches residence to meet ailing wife as HC grants interim relief Rescuers try to raise buried coach at rail crash site as death toll is 238 PM Modi convenes meeting to review situation after Odisha train accident India raises global human resources by harnessing young population And the one lie was that this entire trip (of Gandhi) was sponsored by Muslims. What is it? Even if it is sponsored, let's say the worst case. I mean, they're citizens of India. What are you talking about? First of all, they have nothing to do with it. The entire trip has been arranged by the Indian Overseas Congress. I have personally supervised every event, he said, adding that there were a total of about 17 events. Pitroda said that the ongoing trip of Rahul Gandhi has generated hope and excitement in the US. Both (he and Gandhi) of us are convinced that the message has to go to the global leaders today. Global leaders are not aware of the reality, and implication of it, Pitroda said. For example, in one major meeting we had today in private, we told them that the periodic table has been taken off the school syllabus. They said it's not possible. I said, how come you don't know this? And evolution theory has been taken off. And they were shocked. They said, how could you be a scientific nation with all these NRIs running multi-billion dollar companies and in their country now the periodic table has been taken off? What will happen to the next generation of people? Pitroda said. Pitroda said the response Gandhi received had been tremendous. People are all excited, they're very enthusiastic. We have generated hope, and people are asking us, what can I do? How can I help? So, I've been telling them now that, look, you can help us in many different ways." Responding to a question, Pitroda said that if Indian democracy goes the wrong way, the world is gonna pay for it. That I think people have to understand. That doesn't mean we are telling people to come and fix our democracy. No. We are the ones who are gonna fix it. But you better be aware of it because it'll have an implication for you. It'll have implications for India. I mean, not only in India but in the world, he said. Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will hold bilateral talks with his visiting US and German counterparts on June 5 and 6, respectively, the Defence Ministry said on Saturday. According to the Ministry, the bilateral talks will focus on enhancing defence corporation with the US and Germany. US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin will arrive in New Delhi on June 4 from Singapore on a two-day visit. It will be Secretary Austin's second visit to India, the previous one being in March 2021. Meanwhile, Germany's Federal Minister of Defence Boris Pistorius will arrive in New Delhi on June 5 on a four-day visit to India. Besides his meeting with Rajnath Singh, Pistorius is also likely to meet a few defence start-ups during an event organised by Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) in New Delhi. Also Read Robust defence finance system backbone of strong military: Rajnath Singh Need to promote innovations useful for defence, civil sectors: Rajnath Germany enters recession: What went wrong with Europe's largest economy? PM Modi to discuss govt's strategy in Parliament with Union Ministers Israel foreign minister's India visit provided further impetus to ties: MEA Justin Trudeau expresses grief over loss of lives in Odisha's train mishap None from reserved coaches of Bengaluru-Howrah train injured or dead Odisha train crash: Anti-train collision system wasn't available on route PM Modi to visit Balasore triple train accident site, hospital in Odisha PM of a nation of 1.5 bn deserves respect everywhere: Sam Pitroda On June 7, he will travel to Mumbai where he is likely to visit Headquarters, Western Naval Command and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited. According to the Ministry, a host of bilateral defence cooperation issues, with focus on industrial cooperation, are likely to be discussed during the two meetings in Delhi. --IANS gcb/ksk/ The toll in the disastrous railway accident in Odisha has risen to 261 and rescue operations at the site have been completed, a South Eastern Railway official said on Saturday. "The number of casualties in Friday's railway accident has increased to 261. Another 650 injured passengers are being treated at various hospitals in Odisha," SER spokesperson Aditya Chowdhury said. An enquiry into the accident will be held by the commissioner of railway safety (CRS), South Eastern circle, the official said. The train crash, one of the deadliest in the country, took place in Balasore district about 250 km south of Kolkata and 170 km north of Bhubaneswar around 7 pm on Friday, prompting the Railway Ministry to order a probe. Three trains - the Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express, Shalimar-Chennai Central Coromandel Express and a goods train were involved in the accident. Also Read 7 people from West Bengal killed in road mishap in Odisha's Jajpur Odisha train crash: Anti-train collision system wasn't available on route BSE Odisha 10th Result 2023: All you need to know about checking result Odisha declares one-day state mourning in wake of deadly triple train crash DRDO official arrested for passing info to Pak spy sent to 4-day remand Rajnath Singh to hold bilateral talks with US, German counterparts Justin Trudeau expresses grief over loss of lives in Odisha's train mishap None from reserved coaches of Bengaluru-Howrah train injured or dead Odisha train crash: Anti-train collision system wasn't available on route PM Modi to visit Balasore triple train accident site, hospital in Odisha Tata Group signs Rs 13,000-crore EV battery plant deal with Gujarat The Tata group signed an outline deal with the Gujarat government on Friday on building a lithium-ion cell factory with an investment of about Rs 13,000 crore ($1.6 billion). The move comes as India is looking to create its own electric vehicle (EV) supply chain. The Tata group signed an outline deal with the Gujarat government on Friday on building a lithium-ion cell factory with an investment of about Rs 13,000 crore ($1.6 billion). The move comes as India is looking to create its own electric vehicle (EV) supply chain. Read More More than 230 people were killed and about 900 injured in a horrific train crash in Odisha, involving the Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express, the Shalimar-Chennai Central Coromandel Express and a goods train, officials said on Saturday. Read More "Further, any cancellation and rescheduling on flights due to the (Balasore) incident may be done without penal charges," the advisory mentioned. Airlines should "monitor" the abnormal surge in airfares on Odisha flights and keep them in check, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) said in an advisory on Saturday. At least 288 people have died in one of the worst accidents involving three trains that happened at Balasore in Odisha on Friday night. A MoCA official on the condition of anonymity explained that the spot airfares on major routes such as Bhubaneswar-Delhi, Bhubaneswar-Bengaluru and Bhubaneswar-Kolkata are anywhere between Rs 9,000 -- Rs 17,000 and it has got the government concerned. "In view of the unfortunate accident in Odisha, the MoCA has advised all airlines to monitor any abnormal surge in airfares to and from Bhubaneswar and other airports of the state and take necessary action regarding the same," the MoCA's advisory noted. The Bhubaneswar airport, Odisha's largest, handles about 624 flights per week to and from 19 cities across the country. IndiGo, AirAsia India and Vistara operate about 56.7 per cent, 20.2 per cent and nine per cent weekly flights to and from the Bhubaneswar airport, according to aviation analytics firm Cirium. Also Read Odisha train accident: PM Modi distressed, speaks to railway minister Analysts see upto 38% upside in IndiGo; suggest tracking costs, airfare cap Balasore train accident: 261 dead, 900+ injured as rescue ops conclude US-India airfares shoot up as impact of Russia's war in Ukraine continues At least 50 dead, 350 injured as trains derail in Odisha; rescue ops on EAM meets South African President Ramaphosa; conveys PM Modi's greetings Will provide best medical facility to injured, guilty will be punished: PM Odisha triple train mishap: Engine drivers, guards of 2 trains injured India matching up its infra capabilities to China's projects on LAC: DG BRO Odisha train accident: Death toll rises to 288, at least 803 injured The train timings on the Konkan Railway network will be changed from June 10 to October 31 with the introduction of a monsoon timetable on the route to avert possible untoward incidents during heavy rains. The revised timings for trains on the Konkan route from June 10 to October 31 have been published by the railways. As per the new timetable, the Mangaluru Central-Mumbai LTT Matsyagandha Express (12620), will depart from here at 12.45 pm instead of 2.20 pm. Its pairing Train No. 12619 will arrive in Mangaluru Central at 10.10 am instead of 7.40 am, a release from the Southern Railway said. Train No. 12133 Mumbai CSMT-Mangaluru Junction Superfast will arrive here at 3.40 pm instead of 1.05 pm and Train No. 12134 to Mumbai CSMT will leave from the city at 4.35 pm instead of 2 pm. Train No. 06602 Mangaluru Central-Madgaon Daily Express Special leaves its starting point at the usual timing 5.30 am to reach Madgaon at 1.15 pm instead of 1.10 pm. Train No. 06601 will leave Madgaon at the usual timing of 1.50 pm to reach Mangaluru Central at 9.40 pm instead of 9.05 pm. Train No. 16346 Thiruvananthapuram Central-Mumbai LTT Nethravathi Express departs the Kerala capital at its usual timing 9.15 am, but will have 30 minutes to one hour advanced departure at stations enroute. It leaves Mangaluru Junction at 9.35 pm instead of 10.50 pm to reach LTT at 5.05 pm the next day. Train No. 16345 leaves LTT at the usual 11.40 am to arrive Mangaluru Junction at 5.45 am the next day instead of 4.15 am and Thiruvananthapuram at 7.35 pm instead of 6.05 pm. Also Read Rail Budget FY24: Focus on incomplete projects, big push for Make in India Mumbai-Goa Tejas Express gets additional vistadome coach from April 14 Odisha triple train crash one of deadliest in Indian Railways history Secunderabad-Vijayawada Vande Bharat Express likely to start from new year Vande Bharat pelted with stones in Bengal's Malda; BJP demands NIA probe Survivors of Odisha rail mishap arrive in Chennai on special train Wadhwani AI Showcases solutions for Healthcare at 3rd G20 HWG meet Odisha train tragedy: District hospitals witness huge flow of patients Odisha train tragedy: World leaders extend support, condole loss of lives Mamata Banerjee demands proper probe into cause of Odisha train accident Similarly, timings of almost all trains operating on the KRCL network and through Mangaluru railway region will change during the monsoon timetable. The Railways have asked passengers on the route who have booked tickets before the monsoon timetable notification to confirm timings in advance of their journey. US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin will pay a two-day visit to India beginning Sunday to discuss ways to further expand bilateral strategic engagement ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's trip to Washington. People familiar with Austin's visit said he and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh are set to discuss a number of new defence cooperation projects that are set to be unveiled after Modi's talks with President Joe Biden in Washington over two weeks later. The General Electric's proposal to share technology with India for fighter jet engines and India's plan to procure 30 MQ-9B armed drones at a cost of over USD 3 billion from US defence major General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc (GA-ASI) are likely to figure in the Singh-Austin talks on Monday. India has been looking for manufacturing of jet engines in India under the framework of technology transfer to power its fighter aircraft. China's aggressive behaviour in the Indo-Pacific as well as along the Line of Actual Control and ways to combat the threat of terrorism are also likely to figure in the discussions between Singh and Austin. Separately, Germany's Federal Minister of Defence Boris Pistorius will arrive in India on Monday on a four-day visit. Also Read US faces pivotal years in countering China, says Pentagon chief Austin Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin to travel to India ahead of Modi's US visit US, Japan to hold Security Consultative Committee meet on Jan 11: Ned Price $842 bn budget proposal for defence driven by competition with China: Lloyd US, Pakistan share long-standing defence partnership: Defence Secy Austin Kerala to evaluate ongoing 'no waste' campaign on World Environment Day Nepal PM visit: Issues of ST status, 11 sub-groups of Gorkhas in MP rasied Efforts on to identify train crash victims, Tamil Nadu CM reviews situation Odisha train tragedy: State govt sets up temporary mortuary to store bodies After Odisha triple train crash, around 48 trains cancelled, 39 diverted The Pentagon said in a statement this week that Austin will further deepen the US-India 'Major Defence Partnership' as ties between the two countries enter a "new and exciting chapter". The US Defence Secretary will arrive in India on Sunday from Singapore on a two-day visit, the defence ministry said. It will be Austin's second visit to India. His previous trip to India was in March, 2021. The ministry said the German Federal Minister of Defence is also visiting New Delhi for bilateral talks with Singh that will take place on June 6. A host of bilateral defence cooperation issues, with focus on industrial cooperation, are likely to be discussed during Singh's meetings with Austin and Pistorius, it said. "US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin and German Federal Minister of Defence Boris Pistorius are visiting New Delhi for bilateral talks with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh," the ministry said in a statement. "The Defence Minister's meeting with the US Secretary of Defence will be held on June 5, while talks with the German Federal Minister of Defence will take place on June 6," it said. India-US defence and strategic ties have been on an upswing in the last few years. The two countries have inked key defence and security pacts over the past few years, including the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) in 2016 that allows their militaries to use each other's bases for repair and replenishment of supplies. The two sides also signed COMCASA (Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement) in 2018 which provides for interoperability between the two militaries and provides for the sale of high-end technology from the US to India. In October 2020, India and the US sealed the BECA (Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement) agreement to further boost bilateral defence ties. The pact provides for sharing of high-end military technology, logistics and geospatial maps between the two countries. The German defence minister will be on a four-day visit to India beginning June 5. He will arrive from Indonesia. Apart from his meeting with Singh, Pistorius is likely to meet officials of a few defence start-ups during an event to be organised by Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) in New Delhi. On June 7, he is scheduled to travel to Mumbai where he is likely to visit the headquarters of the Western Naval Command and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, the ministry said. (Photo : ALLISON DINNER/AFP via Getty Images) Amid California's Pride Month celebrations on Friday, protesters and counterprotesters clashed outside a Los Angeles elementary school. A Los Angeles elementary school became the center of Pride Month activities in California on Friday when protestors and counterprotesters clashed there. The protesters opposing the Pride Month assembly at Saticoy Elementary School donned t-shirts that said "Leave our kids alone" and held banners that read "Parental Choice Matters" and "No Pride in Grooming," according to AP News. A social media group that urged parents to leave their kids at home on the day of the assembly was created last month, and since then, tensions have been rising. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) confirmed their presence at the school. It reiterated its commitment to helping the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) and ensuring that constitutional rights may be exercised peacefully. LAUSD Board Member Kelly Gonez said that the school activities occurred without an issue despite the protesters. Reading and discussing various kinds of families was part of the Pride event. More protestors were present outside the school than were in favor of the gathering. It's still unknown whether any of the demonstrators were guardians of schoolchildren. If you're a right winger, you can break through a skirmish line and kick someone and LAPD will politely shoo you away. https://t.co/YiRUTvtgdQ pic.twitter.com/qZpZMVIISn Unrig LA (@UnrigLA) June 2, 2023 Read Also: Global Day of Parents 2023: All You Need to Know Tensions Continue To Escalate Pride Month celebration was opposed by the Instagram account Saticoy Elementary Parents, who described it as "inappropriate" for kids. The website, whose origins are still unclear, defends the freedom of Christian families and individuals with conservative views to decide what is suitable for their children to read. It invites parents to complain to district and school authorities. Meanwhile, in Davis, California, local authorities wiped away a rainbow crosswalk decorated by elementary school pupils using chalk paint in honor of Pride Month. A former student's parent filed a complaint, which led to the removal, according to a US News article. According to Davis Police Chief Darren Pytel, crosswalk decorations are prohibited without prior authorization. In the United States, June is regarded as LGBTQ Pride Month, celebrating people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender. Pride Month this year falls amid a rise in state-led initiatives to limit the activities of transgender Americans, per VOA. Related Article: Republican, Democratic Lawmakers React on Target's Woke Controversy @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. PRI ECO GEN NAT .NEWDELHI DCM8 Wadhwani AI Wadhwani AI Showcases AI solutions for Healthcare at 3rd G20 Health Working Group Meeting New Delhi (India), June 3: The Wadhwani Institute for Artificial Intelligence (Wadhwani AI), a cross-domain AI impact institute, will be a part of the upcoming G20 meeting in Hyderabad from June 46. At the event, Wadhwani AI will proudly showcase the remarkable AI initiatives of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India (MoHFW), highlighting their significant impact on healthcare and well-being. As the AI Unit of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), Wadhwani AI will aim to highlight how the Government of India is prioritising AI and digital technologies to revolutionise the healthcare industry. Visitors will witness first-hand the innovative solutions that leverage AI to improve healthcare outcomes and drive positive change in the sector. The Institute will be presenting AI solution demonstrations for disease surveillance, clinical decision support, image and sound-based screening, resource prioritisation and optimisation, patient risk stratification, anthropometry, and active case-finding. The Institute had earlier presented a host of AI-powered solutions at the G20 health working group meetings in Thiruvananthapuram and Goa. These solutions aim to augment the effectiveness and efficiency of existing health coverage and emergency prevention, preparedness, and response programs. The G20 presidency places us at the centre of the world where there is a rich market and diverse audience which is global in nature. This immediately raises the sense of validity and context of our work, as well as its application and meaningfulness. We receive constant feedback from visitors to our stalls, which adds impetus by making us think, re-think, and strengthen our capabilities to develop cutting-edge, highly relevant, and customised AI solutions for specific problems, said Mr. Shekar Sivasubramanian, Chief Executive Officer, Wadhwani AI. (Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with PNN and (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Congress in Maharashtra has taken stock of 41 Lok Sabha constituencies while the review of six constituencies in Mumbai and the Chandrapur seat will be done separately, state party unit president Nana Patole said on Saturday. He said the allocation of seats will be discussed in Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) meeting. Maharashtra sends 48 MPs to Lok Sabha. Speaking to reporters on the last day of the two-day review meeting of the party, Patole said Congress is prepared to contest the 2024 Lok Sabha polls with enthusiasm and the resolve to defeat the Bharatiya Janata Party. 'The review of 41 Lok Sabha constituencies (out of the total 48) is complete. A review of Chandrapur and six constituencies in Mumbai will be conducted separately. The discussion has been positive. Congress workers want the party to contest the maximum number of constituencies," he said. The tripartite MVA comprises Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena, NCP, and Congress. Also Read EC begins delimitation of assembly, parliamentary constituencies in Assam NPP wins 20 seats, ahead in five; UDP bags 11 constituencies in Meghalaya BJP to launch 'Ashirwad yatra' in Mumbai Lok Sabha constituencies on Sunday Nagaland Assembly elections today, a look at key constituencies, candidates Ensured equitable development of all assembly constituencies: Haryana CM Odisha train tragedy: Gujarat CM, ruling BJP cancel public events No clarity in implementation of poll guarantees: BJP Karnataka chief Probe financial dealings of Solar scam judicial commission judge: Cong Many questions to ask of PM, rail minister post Odisha train mishap: Cong Now its Centre's turn to create 2 cr jobs as promised: Shivakumar "The Congress party has organizational strength in all constituencies. It has a large following. The people's faith in Congress has become stronger. The seat-allocation would be discussed in the Maha Vikas Aghadi meeting. All the parties in the alliance will discuss and decide on sharing of seats. We are determined to defeat BJP," he said. In the 2019 general elections, the Congress won only one seat- Chandrapur- out of 25 it had contested while its ally NCP emerged victorious in 4 of the 19 constituencies where it had fielded candidates. The BJP won 23 of the 25 seats it had contested, while its then-ally Shiv Sena (undivided) bagged 18 of the 23 constituencies it had fought. Recently, the Chandrapur seat fell vacant after the death of sitting MP Suresh alias Balu Dhanorkar of Congress. "The countdown of the Narendra Modi-led BJP government has begun. Public money has been looted for the last nine years and is being stuffed in the pockets of the prime minister's industrialist friends. People are tired of this loot, and they will not think twice before pulling the BJP down from power in the Lok Sabha elections," Patole said. He said winds of change are blowing in the country and people consider Congress as the only option. "The glimpse of this public sentiment was seen in the two-day review meeting of the Congress. Congress workers are full of enthusiasm. The party is ready to face elections any time," he added. A day after the Congress government announced the rollout of five guarantees, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Saturday stated that now it is the Centre's turn to honour its promise of creating 2 crore jobs and doubling farmers' incomes. Soon, the central government will face a litmus test (Lok Sabha elections). To pass the test, they need to keep their promises, he told the media. On the criticism by the Opposition parties, especially BJP, on the guarantee schemes, Shivakumar said that instead of criticism, let the Prime Minister bring black money from abroad and deposit Rs 15 lakh to individual bank accounts. Let them create 2 crore jobs as promised and double the income of farmers, Shivakumar stated. Reacting to the comments of former Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy that the announcement of Congress government on guarantees is a farce, Shivakumar stated Kumaraswamy is a big person and he doesn't want to talk about him. "I will carry out my duties and let him do his," he said. Asked if those who want to deny freebies, Shivakumar stated that there is a provision for this. If someone wants to pay their electricity bills instead of 200 units free electricity, they can pay up. Many officers, media persons have written a letter saying they do not want to avail the benefit of free electricity. Also Read HD Kumaraswamy's son resigns from JD(S) post defeat in Karnataka polls Ex-CM Kumaraswamy calls Cong 'hypocrite' for boycotting Parliament opening Siddaramaiah, Shivakumar to be sworn in as Karnataka CM, Dy CM today PM, Bommai, Siddaramaiah among others greet Ex-PM Gowda on 91st birthday Cheap, not part of K'taka politics: CM Bommai on Siddaramaiah's remarks Earlier railway ministers used to resign if train accidents occurred: Pawar Doctor prescribing cure worse than disease: Chidambaram on sedition law Rahul Gandhi confident of Oppn uniting for 'alternative vision' for India 'Sabka saath nahin, Brij Bhushan ka saath': Kapil Sibal's dig at govt Odisha train crash: Oppn condoles loss of lives, blames signalling system That is why the applications are called to avail the benefits. On the lines of people who gave up subsidies on LPG cylinders, here also people can give up on guarantee schemes, Shivakumar stated. The Congress government is implementing the guarantees to give relief to people reeling under price rise, he maintained. The Congress is implementing free power up to 200 units every household from July. The women can travel free in state-run buses from June 11 in the state. Rs 2,000 allowance for women will be given to women heads of family from August. The applications for Rs 3,000 allowance for unemployed graduates and Rs 1,500 allowance for unemployed diploma holders who passed out this academic year are already called. Distribution of 10 kilograms of rice for all members of BPL family from next month. All these formed a part of the big announcement made by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday. --IANS mka/shb/ The Congress-led UDF in Kerala on Saturday demanded a probe into the financial dealings of the Solar scam judicial commission judge (rtd) G.Sivarajan. UDF Convenor and former State Minister M.M.Hassan said that in his new book, top CPI leader and former State Minister C.Divakaran has said that Sivarajan had taken Rs 4-5 crore and submitted a haphazard report in the Solar scam probe. "This is a grave revelation by a senior Left political leader C.Divakaran and hence we demand a proper probe into this," said Hassan. Incidentally, the Solar scam pertained to Saritha and her live-in partner who were engaged in selling solar panels and had collected huge sums of money from prospective investors and it turned sour for Chandy, after three of his staff members were understood to be close to her. The then CPI(M) state secretary Pinarayi Vijayan and Leader of Opposition V.S.Achuthanandan led a massive protest in 2013 and Chandy himself announced a probe by Sivarajan. Also Read Congress leader Antony falls silent after son's tryst with BBC documentary LDF Govt comes out with "Real Kerala Story" ad on 2nd anniversary day Cong irked as Vijayan's escort vehicle nearly rams into protesting workers Kerala gives nod for land acquisition to build airport near Sabarimala Doctor stabbed to death in Kerala's Kollam district allegedly by patient Many questions to ask of PM, rail minister post Odisha train mishap: Cong Now its Centre's turn to create 2 cr jobs as promised: Shivakumar Earlier railway ministers used to resign if train accidents occurred: Pawar Doctor prescribing cure worse than disease: Chidambaram on sedition law Rahul Gandhi confident of Oppn uniting for 'alternative vision' for India And for the first time in the history of Kerala, a serving Chief Minister sat for hours together on a few occasions testifying before the one man Commission-Sivarajan. Sivarajan continued his probe and using this scam, the Left won a stellar victory at the 2016 Assembly polls and a year later, he submitted his report which indicted Chandy and several other top political leaders. Using this report, Vijayan ordered a police probe into it, which did not find anything and he later ordered a CBI probe based on a complaint from Saritha, which too gave a clean chit to Chandy. "We knew that this case had no merit at all and Chandy was being targetted by the Left for political reasons and now this has been confirmed by none other than a top Left leader. Hence we demand a comprehensive probe to look into the financial dealings of Sivarajan," said Hassan. --IANS sg/shb/ Microsoft has announced that it will no longer support its virtual assistant Cortana in Windows as a standalone app, starting in late 2023. This change will only affect Cortana in Windows and will continue to be available in Outlook mobile, Teams mobile, Microsoft Teams display, and Microsoft Teams rooms, the tech giant said in a support page. "Instead of clicking the Cortana icon and launching the app to begin using voice, now you can use voice and satisfy your productivity needs through different tools," it added. In 2021, the tech giant had announced it would end support for its Cortana app on both Android and iOS devices. The company first launched Cortana for iOS and Android in December 2015. The app was designed to connect Windows 10 PCs and mobile phones but failed to gain momentum as Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri won the race. Also Read Microsoft ends support for WebView2, Edge web browser on Windows 7, 8.1 Apple releases Music, TV, Devices apps for Windows 11 on Microsoft Store Microsoft Teams' now lets users collaborate with communities on Windows 11 Microsoft to no longer provide security updates for Windows 7, 8.1 Open-source platform 'Home Assistant' to get new voice assistant in 2023 Microsoft increases Bing Chat's turn limit to 30 chats per session Hackers target iPhones with unknown malware via iMessages to spy on users WhatsApp working on fresh keyboard design with emoji category on Android Sony BRAVIA X82L series TVs launched in India: Check price, specifications Infinix to sell INBook X2 laptops from June 9, price starts at Rs 27,990 --IANS aj/ksk/ A court has ruled that Meta (formerly Facebook) does employ third-party content moderators, sending a blow to the social network which said it is not the moderators' employer. In the lawsuit filed in March, 184 moderators in Kenya had sued Meta and its content review partner in Africa, a company called Sama, for unlawful dismissal. They also alleged that Meta's new content review partner on the continent, Majorel, blacklisted them on instruction by the tech giant, reports TechCrunch. Justice Byram Ongaya of Kenya's employment and labor relations court said in a ruling that Sama was "merely an agent or manager." Sama disputed this, saying "Meta is a client of Sama's and Sama is not legally empowered to act on behalf of Meta." "The third respondent (Sama) was acting as an agent of the owner of the work of content moderation the first and second respondents (Meta Platforms Inc and Meta Platforms Ireland Limited), there is nothing in the arrangements to absolve the first and second respondents as the primary and principal employers of the content moderators," the ruling read. Also Read Meta introduces new comment moderation tools for creators on Facebook Google developing free anti-terrorism moderation tool for smaller websites Twitter suspends Indian microblogging site Koo's account, bans Mastodon IT rule tweaks, Musk's snap at Twitter, social media hits reset in 2022 Social media platform Mastodon hits over 10mn registered accounts Pak hikes next fiscal's budget; hints at holding general polls this year YouTube stops removing fake US presidential election fraud claims Indian American Ajay Banga becomes 1st person of colour to head World Bank President Biden expected to sign budget deal to raise US debt ceiling US school system sues Meta, Google, Snap over mental crisis among students Meta did not comment on the ruling. The court also directed that moderators' contracts be extended and also barred Meta and Sama from sacking them. The ruling said there was no suitable justification for the redundancies, and that it had "found that the job of content moderation is available. The applicants will continue working upon the prevailing or better terms in the interim." The moderators alleged that Sama fired them illegally after failing to issue them with redundancy notices as required by Kenyan law. --IANS na/uk/ External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Saturday called on South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa along with other ministers of the BRICS bloc and conveyed the personal greetings of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The five-nation grouping BRICS (Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa) brings together five of the largest developing countries in the world. Jaishankar is on a three-day visit to South Africa to participate in a conclave of the five-nation grouping BRICS in Cape Town. Delighted to call on President @cyrilramaphosa of South Africa along with other BRICS ministers. Conveyed personal greetings of Prime Minister @narendramodi. Value his guidance and thoughts on taking BRICS forward, Jaishankar tweeted. Speaking after a meeting of the foreign ministers of BRICS nations here on Thursday evening, Jaishankar said the leaders of the countries had asked them last year to formulate the guiding principles, standards, criteria and procedures for such admissions. This is still a work in progress. We are approaching this with positive intent with an open mind," he said. Also Read BRICS members vow to combat terrorism financing, terror safe havens Bolsonaro denounces violence after supporters storm Brazil's govt buildings S African prez gets lifeline as ruling party stands by him despite scandal BRICS pitches for using local currencies in international transactions BRICS countries urged to expand inter-trade instead of with other countries Debt deal imposes new work requirements for food aid, frustrates Democrats Indian shooter Sainyam bags gold women's 10m air pistol at Junior World Cup Casper Ruud rallies to beat Zhang at French Open ahead of all-teen showdown UK PM Rishi Sunak planning London-based global AI watchdog: Report Turkey's Erdogan set to take oath for 3rd term, announce new Cabinet There are many aspects to it. One part of it is to consolidate how the existing BRICS members are working with each other. The second part of it is how the BRICS engages non-BRICS countries, he said. The BRICS bloc brings together five of the largest developing countries of the world, representing 41 per cent of the global population, 24 per cent of the global GDP and 16 per cent of the global trade. From South Africa, he will travel to Namibia for a visit from June 4 to 6, according to the Ministry of External Affairs. Washington [US], June 3 (ANI): Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to America, US Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi has said that he looks forward to strengthening the India-US partnership while highlighting that the partnership between the two countries is important not only for US and India but also for the entire world. The US Congressman's reaction came on the heels of PM Modi's receiving an invitation to address a joint session of the House of Representatives and Senate during his visit to the country on June 22. The US representative from Illinois, Krishnamoorthi said, "I believe that this visit is very important in strengthening the relationship between the world's oldest democracy, the US and the world's largest democracy, India." "This relationship is not only important for the security and prosperity of the United States and India, but I would also argue that this relationship is important for the security and prosperity of the entire world and certainly that is true in the 21st century, where freedom and democracy and the rule of law and free enterprise and free markets are all under threat," the US Congressman added. He also said that he looks forward to strengthening and growing and deepening the US-India partnership. Also Read China casts long shadow over US-Africa Leaders Summit in Washington Post pandemic pent-up demand surge, realty space may face global headwinds My career of 280 years': Biden jokes off 2024 US prez poll age concerns S Korean prez opens Washington visit with spotlight on space, mega deals Biden falls onstage at graduation ceremony; White House says he's 'fine' Trouble mounts for Pakistan govt as IMF rejects $6 bn loan request LIVE: High-level probe ordered to determine cause of Odisha train tragedy India, Nepal satisfied with strides in power sector cooperation: MEA Trump's lawyers ask judge to exit criminal case, claim political bias World's hit online computer class, Harvard's CS50, turns to AI for help "I look forward to continuing to do that with my fellow Indian Americans in Congress whom I affectionately call the Samosa Caucus as well as the 4 million plus Indian Americans here in the United States," Krishnamoorthi said. Another US Congressman, Jonathan L Jackson also expressed his excitement for PM Modi's address to the joint session of the US Congress. "We look forward to a continuing strengthening of our relationship collaboration. We're eager to hear your insights on your leadership on the world stage. So, on behalf of all of us here in the United States of America, we look forward to greeting you and receiving you," Jackson said. PM Modi is scheduled to visit the US on June 22 following an invitation from President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden. "During your address, you will have the opportunity to share your vision for India's future and speak to the global challenges our countries both face," House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said in a letter to Modi. The letter further read that Modi's "historic address to a Joint Meeting of Congress seven years ago left a lasting impact and greatly deepened the friendship" between the two nations. The letter also quoted PM Modi's last address: "Our relationship is primed for a momentous future. The constraints of the past are behind us and foundations of the future are firmly in place." "Once again, we would be honoured to have you join us for a Joint Meeting of Congress to celebrate the enduring friendship between the United States and India. We look forward to continuing to work together to build a brighter future for our countries and for the world," the letter read. Meanwhile, the White House said the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the US will be an opportunity to reaffirm the deep, close partnership between US and India. PM Modi's visit "will be an opportunity to reaffirm the deep and close partnership between the United States and India and the warm bonds of the family and friendship that link America, Americans and clearly, Indians together. And so that's very important to the (US) President," said White House Press Secretary Karine Jean Pierre on PM Modi's state visit to the US. Pierre further said: "The President and the First Lady are looking forward to welcoming Prime Minister Modi for the official state visit which is going to happen on June 22." The White House Press Secretary said the visit would also strengthen US-India shared commitment to a free, open, prosperous and secure Indo-Pacific and shared resolve to evaluate strategic technology partnership, including in defence, clean energy and space. PM Modi is the only third leader in history to get invited to address a joint meeting of the House of Representatives and Senate. Others are former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Winston Churchill (in context of world war) and former President of Africa Nelson Mandela. The Senate India Caucus is a bipartisan coalition that promotes relations between the United States and India. "Once we get closer to the 22nd, surely we'll hold background calls and have more information and more details," Pierre said. Recently, highlighting the partnership between the US and India, Vedant Patel, Principal Deputy Spokesperson for the US Department of State, said that they are looking forward to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the country. Indian American Ajay Banga on Friday took over as the President of the World Bank, making him the first person of colour to head either of the two global financial institutions, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. On May 3, the Executive Directors of the World Bank selected Banga, 63, as the 14th President of the World Bank for a five-year term. In February, President Joe Biden announced that the US would nominate Banga to lead the World Bank. Join us in welcoming Ajay Banga as the new President of the World Bank Group. We are committed to creating a world free from poverty on a livable planet, the World Bank said in a tweet with a picture of Banga entering the bank headquarters here on Friday. I wish Ajay Banga all the best as he takes up his new role as President of the World Bank today. I look forward to continuing the deep partnership between our institutions to do good and help those most in need, IMF managing director Kristalina Georgieva said in a tweet. Banga has become the first-ever Indian-American to head the World Bank. He replaces David Malpass, who announced his decision to step down in February. Also Read FTA negotiations going on with United Kingdom, EU and Canada: Sitharaman IMF delegation to visit Pakistan next week for talks on review: Official Pakistan set to bow to IMF's demands as forex reserves drop to $3.08 bn Pakistan struggles to secure loans from global lenders, says report Global financial stability at risk from banking turmoil: IMF chief President Biden expected to sign budget deal to raise US debt ceiling US school system sues Meta, Google, Snap over mental crisis among students US, allies clash with Russia, China over N Korea's failed satellite launch Primary schools in US state Utah ban Bible for 'vulgarity, violence' China sourcing Tibet's groundwater, selling it in plastic bottles: Report Banga most recently served as Vice Chairman at General Atlantic. Previously, he was President and CEO of Mastercard, a global organization with nearly 24,000 employees. Under his leadership, MasterCard launched the Center for Inclusive Growth, which advances equitable and sustainable economic growth and financial inclusion around the world. He was the Honorary Chairman of the International Chamber of Commerce, serving as Chairman from 2020-2022. He became an advisor to General Atlantic's climate-focused fund, BeyondNetZero, at its inception in 2021. Banga served as Co-Chair of the Partnership for Central America, a coalition of private organizations that works to advance economic opportunity across underserved populations in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras. He was previously on the Boards of the American Red Cross, Kraft Foods, and Dow Inc. Banga is a co-founder of The Cyber Readiness Institute and was Vice Chair of the Economic Club of New York. He was awarded the Foreign Policy Association Medal in 2012, the Padma Shri Award by the President of India in 2016, the Ellis Island Medal of Honor and the Business Council for International Understanding's Global Leadership Award in 2019, and the Distinguished Friends of Singapore Public Service Star in 2021. On Thursday, Treasury Yellen met with Banga at the Treasury Department. During their engagement, Yellen warmly welcomed Banga's upcoming presidency and conveyed her strong desire for the Treasury to continue close collaboration with him in building on the strong progress made so far on evolving multilateral development banks (MDBs), a media release said. That includes continuing implementation of the recommendations of the G20 Capital Adequacy Framework review to get the most out of the Bank's balance sheet, and improving and increasing the amount of private capital mobilised for our shared global development objectives and refining the operating model to increase the responsiveness and agility of the bank, it said. Yellen also reiterated the importance of the World Bank working more closely with its sister development banks. Yellen stressed the need to support the poorest of the Bank's member countries as they continue to face multiple crises, including continuing global macroeconomic headwinds exacerbated by Russia's war in Ukraine. Yellen underscored that she looks forward to having Banga's experienced leadership and proven management skills at the helm of this critical multilateral institution during a period of significant global challenge and opportunity, the statement said. In a significant diplomatic stride, the Prime Minister of Nepal, Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda,' embarked on a four-day visit to New Delhi on May 31. The Nepal PM assumed office in December 2022. The decision to make India his maiden foreign destination underscores the historical ties between the two nations and marks a departure from his previous stance. Widely considered as a pro-China figure by many, Prachanda's visit to India carries a profound message, emphasizing the enduring bond between Nepal and its closest and strongest partner. Since assuming power in December 2022, Prachanda has emphasised that the new government will follow 'balanced and trustworthy' ties with India without any major shift approach towards either of the two countries. PM Narendra Modi was amongst the first to congratulate Pushpa Kumar Dahal for forming the government and expressed friendly relations between the two countries. Pointing to the natural affinity between the two countries with uniquely strong bilateral relations, both sides expressed excitement about working together. Nepal PM Dahal's visit aims to reinforce the age-old and multifaceted relations between the two nations, highlighting the commitment to mutual respect, cooperation, and sovereign equality. India and Nepal share strong religious, cultural, economic and political ties that go back centuries. The two countries not only share open borders but there has always been unhindered movement between people of the two countries who have forged relations through marriage and familial bonds. Despite the immense strategic importance Nepal holds in India's geopolitical and security calculus, India never viewed its relations with Nepal through such a narrow lens. Also Read Nepal's PM to expand cabinet, Congress to get key ministerial portfolios Nepal PM Pushpa urges India to resolve lingering border issues bilaterally Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' takes oath as Nepal's new prime minister Nepal PM Prachanda to embark on 4-day official visit to India on May 31 Writ petition against Nepal PM for 5,000 killings in Maoist insurgency From a scrappy underdog to overnight AI success: Inside Nvidia's 30-yr ride Won't stand for 'coercion and bullying' from China: US Defence Secy In his first Oval Office address, Biden boasts of debt-ceiling win India-US ties is 'important for security, prosperity of world': US lawmaker Trouble mounts for Pakistan govt as IMF rejects $6 bn loan request Rather, India's involvement in Nepal has been informed by its principle of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' and the policy of 'Neighbourhood First.' In this regard, India's main focus has been to boost Nepal's development through aid and grants for infrastructure development, fostering cultural linkages and improvement of human development indicators, and supporting Nepal during the adversities like 2015 earthquake. India is already cooperating with Nepal on various developmental projects. the project to build the Ramayana Circuit which has already linked various sites of the two neighbouring countries. The laying of the foundation stone for an Indian monastery by PM Narendra Modi on his last visit was concluded. The infrastructure and other collaborations are also seeing the light of day. Nepal offered India to take up the languishing West Seti hydropower project of Nepal. In the field of education, IIT Madras and Kathmandu University have collaborated on offering a joint degree programme while the Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR) and Lumbini Buddhist University decided to establish a Dr Ambedkar Chair for Buddhist Studies. The hydropower sector has become a strong pillar of cooperation between India and Nepal and is considered as a stimulant for boosting bilateral ties. Over the past few years, India has begun to prioritise development in this field. The 900 MW Arun III project, being developed by a subsidiary of Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam (SJVN), is moving ahead at a faster pace. India has also come to Nepal's aid by signing an agreement between Nepal and India's National Hydro Electric Power Corporation Private Limited (NHPC Ltd) to develop both the 750 MW West Seti project, a project that was stranded by a Chinese company citing financial unviability. The 900 MW Upper Karnali Project has also been taken up by GMR, an Indian company, for construction. Nepal has begun exporting electricity to India since the past week again as the surplus of power in Nepal is normally achieved with the onset of the Monsoon in the country. Since Saturday last week, Nepal has been exporting around 600 MWh of electricity to India. Notably, between June and December 2022 alone, Nepal earned NPR 11 billion by exporting hydropower to India. Nepal has also proposed a 25-year bilateral agreement for power trade, that will replace the current annual renewal system bringing inefficiency and uncertainty in trade prospects. Addressing the concern of Nepal's increasing trade deficit with India, Nepal PM Prachanda requested non-reciprocal market access for Nepal's agricultural products and simplified Rules of Origin for other goods. Both leaders discussed the establishment of testing laboratories and the formalization of arrangements for mutual recognition of test certificates. Pushpa Kamal Dehal also urged the lifting of the anti-dumping duty on Nepali jute products, emphasizing the importance of creating a conducive trade environment. Before arriving in India, Dahal approved the Draft Project Development Agreement which would enable the third project to be undertaken on the Arun River after the 900 MW Arun-III and 695 MW Arun-IV hydroelectricity projects. These three projects will generate nearly 2,300 MW of electricity from the river in the Sankhuwasabha district. The ties between India and Nepal transcend mere diplomatic relations; they are built on a foundation of mutual respect, sovereign equality, and a shared history and robust cultural linkages. India's steadfast commitment to a policy of non-reciprocity with Nepal further underscores the deep-rooted civilizational and age-old traditional links between the two nations. The recent visit by Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra to Nepal serves as a testament to the utmost priority that India attaches to nurturing and strengthening its relationship with Nepal. As the journey of collaboration and cooperation continues, India and Nepal stand poised to navigate the future hand in hand, fostering a bond that is not only based on strategic interests but also on the shared values and aspirations of their people-to-people connect. (Photo : Rob Carr/Getty Images) Former United States President Donald Trump is seeking the recusal of Judge Juan Merchan, who is in charge of the Republican businessman's hush money case, over the latter's daughter's politician consulting job. Former United States President Donald Trump seeks recusal of the judge in charge of "hush money" case over daughter's politician consulting job Trump's attorneys also argued that Judge Juan Merchan's role in securing cooperation from Allen Weisselberg is also grounds for recusal Judge Merchan's daughter was previously involved in 2020 with the Biden campaign and now-Vice President Kamala Harris' campaign Former United States President Donald Trump is seeking the recusal of the judge that oversees his "hush money" case over the latter's daughter, who has a politician consulting job for Democrats. This is the latest attempt of the Republican businessman to undercut his criminal case in New York that is set for trial next year. In a court filing that was made available to the public on Friday, attorneys for the former president argued that New York Judge Juan Merchan should recuse himself from the case. Donald Trump's Hush Money Case They argued that this was due to the judge's daughter who had politician consulting work that included, in 2020, the Biden campaign and now-Vice President Kamala Harris' campaign. The Republican businessman's lawyers added that Merchan's supposed role in prosecutors' efforts to secure cooperation from Trump Organization Chief Financial Officer Allen Weisselberg was another reason that justifies the recusal, as per CNN. Trump's lawyers also asked the judge to explain his small-dollar political contributions that were made to Democrats in 2020, which includes $15 that went to the campaign of their client's opponent, now-President Joe Biden. The former president has repeatedly attacked Judge Merchan and called him a "Trump-hating judge" as part of his efforts to target both the prosecutors and the judge involved with the hush money case. The case gained traction when the Republican businessman was charged in April with 34 counts of falsifying business records. These were all regarding repayments made to his former lawyer Michael Cohen that were allegedly used as hush money payments during Trump's 2016 campaign. Read Also: Donald Trump Reacts to Joe Biden's Fall at US Air Force Graduation Seeking the Judge's Recusal On top of the demand for Judge Merchan's recusal from the case, lawyers for the former president are seeking to move the hush money case into federal court. They argue that the allegations made against their client are related to his duties as president. However, the district attorney's office opposes the move, according to ABC News. In their motion for recusal, Trump's attorney said that there is a need to "assure the public that the judge who presides over this historic case is actually impartial." They argued that this cannot be guaranteed by Judge Merchan. Attorneys for the former president also cited Judge Merchan's involvement in a prior criminal case against the Trump Organization, which was convicted of tax fraud. They argue that the judge urged Weisselberg to plead guilty and cooperate against his employer. Despite the multitude of charges against him, former President Trump has pleaded not guilty to allegations that he made hush money payments to adult film star Stormy Daniels. The case also comes amid other legal battles that the Republican businessman is facing for a slew of other controversies, said The Hill. Related Article: Debt Ceiling Deal: Senate Rushes To Vote on Legislation After House Passes Bill @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Nine Indian sailors of a merchant vessel who were held captive for several months by a local militia in Libya have been released, people familiar with the development said on Saturday. After their release on Wednesday, the Indian nationals reached the Libyan capital of Tripoli where they were received by the Indian Ambassador to Tunisia. It is learnt that the group contacted the Indian embassy in Tunisia on February 15 and told it that Merchant Vessel MT Maya 1, where they were working, broke down near the coast of Libya and they have been taken into captivity by a local militia. The mission immediately took up the matter with the Libyan authorities seeking consular access and to ensure safety and repatriation of the group to India as early as possible. The Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian mission continued to follow up the matter with authorities concerned in Libya and kept the family members of the Indian nationals posted regularly about the developments in the case. The group has been accommodated in a hotel in Tripoli till their exit visa formalities are completed, the people cited above said. Also Read Signs of Libya's partition grow, election needed, warns UN special envoy Legal process for former Indian Navy sailors in Qatar started: MEA Thai navy search for 31 sailors after ship sinks in Gulf of Thailand Thai navy ship sinks in Gulf of Thailand; rescue underway for sailors Govt approves foreign training for Olympian sailors ahead of Asian Games UN talks on plastic pollution end; next zero draft of legally binding pact UN climate summit in UAE to deliver game-changing results: Senior official Sri Lanka President urges party unity to handle economic crisis EAM meets South African President Ramaphosa; conveys PM Modi's greetings Debt deal imposes new work requirements for food aid, frustrates Democrats The ship is owned by a Greek company and carries the flag of Cameroon. It was sailing from Malta to Tripoli carrying petroleum products. Out of nine Indian crew, five are from Uttar Pradesh and one each from Rajasthan, West Bengal, Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat. A school district in the US state of Utah has banned the Holy Bible in primary schools for "vulgarity and violence", the media reported on Saturday. The decision was taken this week by the Davis School District, located north of the state capital Salt Lake City, the BBC reported. Officials of the school district said that have already removed the seven or eight copies of the Bible they had on their shelves, noting that the text was never part of students' curriculum. They however, did not elaborate on its reasoning or which passages contained "vulgarity or violence". The move came after a parent complained in December 2022, saying that the King James Bible "has 'no serious values for minors' because it's pornographic by our new definition", the BBC reported citing the Salt Lake Tribune newspaper. It was in reference to the Utah's Republican government passing a law last year which banned "pornographic or indecent" books from schools. Also Read President Biden signs bill to study salt lakes in drought-hit US West Here's how Utah's social media law could curb kids' access to social media 2nd-largest reservoir in US sees higher water level since historic low Kolkata: Over 100 shops gutted in fire at Salt Lake, no casualty reported DPIIT working on policy for auction of salt land to private players China sourcing Tibet's groundwater, selling it in plastic bottles: Report Nepal PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal's visit to India strengthens age-old bonds From a scrappy underdog to overnight AI success: Inside Nvidia's 30-yr ride Won't stand for 'coercion and bullying' from China: US Defence Secy In his first Oval Office address, Biden boasts of debt-ceiling win Most of the books that have been banned so far pertain to topics such as sexual orientation and identity. The Davis School District's ruling determined that the Bible's content does not violate the 2022 law, but does include "vulgarity or violence not suitable for younger students". The Holy Book will remain in place in local high schools. The Utah school district is not the first in the US to remove the Bible from its shelves, reports the BBC. A Texas school district last year pulled the Bible from library shelves after complaints from members of the public opposed to conservatives efforts to ban some books. In May, students in Kansas requested to have the Bible removed from their school library. --IANS ksk/ President Ranil Wickremesinghe has called for joint action by all parties for Sri Lanka to emerge from the unprecedented economic crisis. Wickremesinghe, who made the remarks while addressing a legal conference held at the Central Resort of Nuwara Eliya on Friday, said that none of the political parties in Parliament currently possess a 50 per cent voter base. The economic challenges faced by the country ten months ago as an "unprecedented situation in history," Wickremesinghe, also the debt-ridden island nation's finance minister said. It has been 10-11 months since our country faced a state of failure. However, we have managed to establish law and order, political stability, and economic stability in our nation. Yet, we are aware that this stability is only temporary, and we still have a long road ahead to overcome the challenges we face, the president stressed. Therefore the need is for unity among the parties, not solely for the purpose of elections, but to steer the country towards recovery from the ongoing economic crisis, he said. Wickremesinghe stressed that while the re-establishment of law and order and political and economic stability is crucial, it does not imply that Sri Lanka has wholly overcome the crisis. Also Read Sri Lanka concludes debt restructuring talks with Japan: Wickremesinghe EAM likely to visit Lanka on Jan 19; talks on debt restructuring expected India will help Sri Lanka in oil sector despite recent changes: Officials India is Sri Lanka's biggest friend in time of crisis, says Sri Lanka PM Sri Lankan rupee shows appreciation against US Dollar in recent months EAM meets South African President Ramaphosa; conveys PM Modi's greetings Debt deal imposes new work requirements for food aid, frustrates Democrats Indian shooter Sainyam bags gold women's 10m air pistol at Junior World Cup Casper Ruud rallies to beat Zhang at French Open ahead of all-teen showdown UK PM Rishi Sunak planning London-based global AI watchdog: Report Sri Lanka was hit by an unprecedented financial crisis in 2022, the worst since its independence from Britain in 1948, due to a severe paucity of foreign exchange reserves, sparking a major political and humanitarian crisis in the island nation. The debt-ridden country was marred with protests leading to the ouster of the powerful Rajapaksa family from politics. Wickremesinghe took charge as the country's president following the resignation of Gotabaya Rajapaksa on July 9 last year. Wickremesinghe has spearheaded the economic recovery since then obtaining an IMF bailout while implementing strict reforms. His repeated calls for cross-party support to handle the crisis came to be rejected by opposition parties. A cabinet member on Thursday said Pakistan's request to lower the requirement of securing USD 6 billion in additional loans had been denied by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), leaving the government with no choice but to try to salvage the agreement, The Express Tribune reported. Minister of State for Finance Dr Aisha Pasha, in a policy statement delivered during the National Assembly Standing Committee on Finance, stressed that Pakistan's only choice was to return to the IMF. The committee also addressed the idea of invoking the recently passed contempt of the Parliament law against Finance Minister Ishaq Dar for his persistent absence during the meeting, which was presided over by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) MNA Qaiser Sheikh, as per The Express Tribune. Dr Pasha claimed that Pakistan asked the IMF to take into account lowering the USD 6 billion external funding requirement based on fresh data on the current account deficit, but the Fund declined. The other USD 3 billion was to be arranged after the staff-level agreement, she said, but the IMF insisted on "demonstrating the USD 6 billion". She went on to say that there was an understanding to arrange USD 3 billion before the agreement. The statement from the Finance minister showed that the IMF has not altered its position despite a call from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva. Dr Aisha Pasha replied, "There is no option other than going back to the IMF, and I categorically say there is no Plan B," when asked if there was a backup strategy in the event that negotiations with the IMF fall through. Also Read IMF delegation to visit Pakistan next week for talks on review: Official IMF negates cash-strapped Pakistan govt's claim of meeting loan conditions Pakistan struggles to secure loans from global lenders, says report Apparel exporters in Tiruppur, Noida, to shut down for 10-15 days a month Pak accepts more IMF condition, agrees to increase rate by 200 basis points Latest LIVE: 233 killed, around 900 injured in Odisha triple train crash India, Nepal satisfied with strides in power sector cooperation: MEA Trump's lawyers ask judge to exit criminal case, claim political bias World's hit online computer class, Harvard's CS50, turns to AI for help Ukraine war ignites global backlash against hegemony of US dollar She emphasised that the government wanted to continue the IMF programme. Dr Pasha's assertion, however, runs counter to Finance Minister Dar's earlier stance that Pakistan should attempt to cope with or without the IMF. MNA Ali Pervaiz Malik urged Pakistan to use restraint and avoid taking actions like offering amnesty to citizens who have undeclared foreign currency in their possession. The IMF has already paid USD 3.9 billion of the overall USD 6.5 billion rescue package during the past four years, with the remaining amount depending upon the conclusion of three outstanding reviews. MNA Dr Ramesh Kumar blamed Pakistan's foreign policy course for the protracted delay in restarting the IMF programme. Dr Pasha asserted that Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the World Bank, and Geneva Commitments had made arrangements for Pakistan to receive USD 4.5 billion. She pointed out that only after the staff-level agreement is reached can the remaining USD 1.5 billion be set up. Speaking to the business community on Thursday, Dar voiced optimism, saying that Pakistan's external financing is in order and that he anticipates a staff-level deal to be reached this month. Dr Pasha stated that Pakistan has shared its fiscal year 2020 budget with the IMF, and the government is awaiting the lender's feedback. She stated that the budget is generally in compliance with IMF recommendations. According to figures seen by The Express Tribune, the IMF might demand that Pakistan significantly raise its revenue projections and cut back on some expenses. The proposed primary budget surplus is insufficient to meet IMF standards. Members of the committee voiced dissatisfaction with the government's choice to share budget figures with the IMF but withhold them from lawmakers. The PM's decision to create eight different budget committees prevented the budget strategy paper for the fiscal year 2023-2024 from being finished in time for the meeting, according to Dr Pasha. The Public Finance Management Act mandates that the Ministry of Finance prepare and release the budget strategy paper by April 15th, as stated by Nafisha Shah of the Pakistan People's Party (PPP). Pervaiz suggested taking action in response to the finance ministry's violation of the Act of Parliament. Concerns regarding import limitations and rumours of unlawful methods being utilised to import products with postponed payments were also addressed by the committee. Dr Inayat Hussain, the deputy governor of the SBP, acknowledged that they are looking into the specifics of these imports and would take enforcement and remedial action as needed, The Express Tribune reported. Within hours of his historic arraignment this spring, Donald Trump fixed his ire on the judge, complaining that he's "a Trump hating-judge" with a family full of "Trump haters." On Friday, the former president's lawyers doubled down on that criticism, demanding Judge Juan Manuel Merchan step aside from his New York City criminal case because of what they say is anti-Trump bias and a conflict of interest arising from his daughter's work for some of Trump's Democratic rivals. Trump's lawyers allege that Merchan, a respected jurist in Manhattan's criminal court, tipped the scales in two other Trump-related cases by involving himself in plea negotiations for Trump's longtime finance chief and requiring him to testify against Trump's company in exchange for a five-month jail sentence. Trump's lawyers, Susan Necheles and Todd Blanche, also asked Merchan to explain three political donations totalling USD45 that were made to Democratic causes in his name during the 2020 election cycle. In the New York case, Trump pleaded not guilty to 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. The charges relate to hush-money payments made during the 2016 campaign to bury allegations that Trump had extramarital sexual encounters. He has denied wrongdoing. Merchan did not respond to inquiries from The Associated Press asking him to confirm or deny if he's the person who made the donations, which include USD 15 for President Joe Biden's campaign against Trump, according to federal campaign finance records. Such contributions are typically prohibited under court rules. The former president's criminal case is "historic and it is important that the People of the State of New York and this nation have confidence that the jurist who presides over it is impartial," Trump's lawyers wrote in what's known as a motion for recusal. Also Read Why has Donald Trump been indicted and can he run for 2024 elections? Donald Trump to appear in New York court today: What happens next? US House committee to release Trump's personal tax returns for 6 yrs Trump heads to NY to face civil trial after suing ex-lawyer for $500mn Trump lawsuit claims Woodward audiobook violates copyright, seeks $50 mn World's hit online computer class, Harvard's CS50, turns to AI for help Ukraine war ignites global backlash against hegemony of US dollar Biden will address budget, debt agreement from Oval Office Friday evening Australian PM stresses need for diplomacy, guardrails in dealing with China BRICS pitches for using local currencies in international transactions The decision on recusal is up to Merchan himself, and judges seldom exit cases over such requests. Trump's lawyers could be also making a play to raise the issue on appeal if he's convicted. Along with their motion, Trump's lawyers submitted 42 pages of what that say is evidence of Merchan's political bias. The hush-money case is continuing in state court while Trump's lawyers seek to transfer it to federal court, which would also remove Merchan from the judicial equation. A federal judge has scheduled a June 27 hearing on that request. A message seeking comment was left with Merchan. A spokesperson for New York's state court system, Lucian Chalfen, said that since the case is pending in front of the judge, "it would be inappropriate for any further comment. Merchan has appeared respectful and exceedingly accommodating in his limited interactions with Trump and has refused to issue a gag order, even as the ex-president continued to pillory him, District Attorney Alvin Bragg and others involved the case. At a recent hearing, Merchan said he was bending over backwards to make sure he wasn't limiting Trump from having every opportunity possible to advance his candidacy. Trump's recusal motion expands on the criticism he's lobbed at Merchan and his family in statements and on his Truth Social platform. Merchan's daughter, Loren, is a political consultant whose firm has worked on campaigns for prominent Democrats including Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and California Gov. Gavin Newsom. Trump, the leading contender for the Republican nomination in 2024, could face Biden again as he seeks a return to the White House. He and his allies have seized on Merchan's political ties in portraying his prosecution as part of a Democrat-led witch hunt. I have a Trump-hating judge with a Trump-hating wife and family whose daughter worked for Kamala Harris, Trump said in a speech at his Mar-a-Lago estate, hours after his April 4 arraignment. Among Trump's other criticisms, he's claimed Merchan railroaded ex-Trump Organization CFO Allen Weisselberg into a guilty plea last summer and acted viciously in presiding over the company's trial, which ended in a tax fraud conviction last December. Merchan was heavily involved in negotiations that led to Weisselberg's plea to charges he skirted taxes on perks including a Manhattan apartment and luxury cars. Merchan said he wished he could impose a tougher penalty after hearing Weisselberg testify, particularly when he spoke about his wife getting $6,000 for a no-show job to qualify for Social Security benefits while her husband raked in big money. Those cases were preludes to Trump's historic indictment. Trump's case ended up in Merchan's courtroom because of a rotation in which judges assigned to oversee grand juries handle any cases that arise from them, according to the court system. Merchan also often handles financial cases and runs Manhattan's mental health court, where some defendants get a chance to resolve their cases with treatment and supervision. Merchan, 60, emigrated from Colombia as a 6-year-old and grew up in New York City. The first member of his family to go to college, he worked his way through school and went on to earn a law degree from Hofstra University in 1994. He was a Manhattan prosecutor and worked in the state attorney general's office before then-Mayor Michael Bloomberg appointed him as a family court judge in 2006. Three years later, Merchan was assigned to a trial court, which in New York is called the Supreme Court. The United States and its allies clashed with Russia and China on Friday over North Korea's failed launch of a military spy satellite this week in violation of multiple UN Security Council resolutions, which Moscow and Beijing refused to condemn. The confrontation was the latest over the North's escalating nuclear, ballistic missile and military programs, which US deputy ambassador Robert Wood warned are threatening international peace and security. The failed launch not only disrupted maritime and air traffic in the region, but it also caused alarm for its neighbours in Japan and the Republic of Korea, he said. Pyongyang is threatening another launch soon. The Security Council imposed sanctions after North Korea's first nuclear test explosion in 2006 and tightened them over the years in a total of 10 resolutions seeking so far unsuccessfully to rein in its nuclear and ballistic missile programs and cut off funding. In the last sanctions resolution adopted by the council in December 2017, members committed to further restricting petroleum exports to North Korea if it conducted a ballistic missile launch capable of reaching intercontinental ranges. Also Read North Korea's attempt to launch first spy satellite ends in failure S Korea slams Pyongyang's planned satellite launch, warns of consequences US urges UN to condemn N Korea; China, Russia blame Washington for tension Government receives dividend tranches from PSUs, NPCIL, UCIL, HAL N Korea conducts 'important' test for developing reconnaissance satellite Primary schools in US state Utah ban Bible for 'vulgarity, violence' China sourcing Tibet's groundwater, selling it in plastic bottles: Report Nepal PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal's visit to India strengthens age-old bonds From a scrappy underdog to overnight AI success: Inside Nvidia's 30-yr ride Won't stand for 'coercion and bullying' from China: US Defence Secy China and Russia vetoed a US-sponsored resolution in May 2022 that would have imposed new sanctions, including on petroleum exports, over a spate of intercontinental ballistic missile launches. Since then, they have blocked any council action including press statements. UN political chief Rosemary DiCarlo told the council the last time North Korea conducted a similar satellite launch to Wednesday's failed attempt was on Feb. 7, 2016 and it was condemned by the Security Council. The lack of unity and action in the Security Council does little to slow the negative trajectory on the Korean Peninsula, she said, and North Korea is unconstrained, and other parties are compelled to focus on military deterrence. But North Korea's neighbour and ally China and Russia, which has drawn closer to Pyongyang since the war in Ukraine, blamed the West and especially the United States for the current tensions. China's deputy UN ambassador Geng Shuang said the situation on the Korean Peninsula is a remnant of the Cold War. He accused the United States of failing to respond to North Korea's attempts at dialogue over the years and instead resorting to sanctions and pressure on Pyongyang, missing an opportunity to resolve the nuclear issue. By incorporating the (Korean) Peninsula into its Indo-Pacific strategy, the US has continued its military activities and significantly increased its military presence both on the peninsula and in its surrounding areas, seriously undermining the strategic security interests of the peninsula and its neighbouring countries, Geng said He also pointed to the recent US-South Korea Washington Declaration, including plans to send strategic nuclear submarines to the peninsula. Geng claimed US policies are driven by geopolitical self-interest and told the council that blaming one party will only exacerbate conflicts, provocations and inject new uncertainties into the already tense situation on the peninsula. He urged the council to adopt a resolution circulated by China and Russia in November 2021 that would end a host of sanctions on the North, saying this would be a starting point to promote de-escalation, mutual trust and unity among the 15 members. Russia's deputy ambassador Anna Evstigneeva blamed increased pressure on North Korea by the US and its allies for the spiral of tension we're witnessing now. And she criticized growing military activity by the US, Japan and South Korea, especially recent large-scale US-South Korean military exercises, saying they are destabilising not only for northeast Asia but for the Asia-Pacific region as a whole. Russia is against the dead end and inhumane policy of increasing sanctions pressure, Evstigneeva said, stressing that UN resolutions that imposed sanctions also back efforts to resolve the situation on the Korean Peninsula by political and diplomatic means. Russia calls on the United States to take steps to lower tensions and resume dialogue, instead of trying to shift responsibility to other countries, she said, also backing council action on the China-Russia resolution. Wood, the US envoy, countered that the Washington Declaration was a response to North Korea's destabilising nuclear and ballistic missile activities. It's hard to imagine we would ease sanctions as called for in the China-Russia draft resolution and reward Pyongyang while it continues to violate Security Council resolutions, he said. As for diplomacy, Wood said the United States on many occasions has stated it is prepared to have an unconditional dialogue, but North Korea has rejected our interventions on many occasions. He stressed that US-South Korean military exercises are lawful efforts to defend against Pyongyang's escalating activities that are allowing the country to advance its unlawful weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs and to continue to choose ammunition over nutrition for its people. By Saritha Rai The worlds most popular online learning course, Harvard Universitys CS50, is getting a ChatGPT-era makeover. Malans energetic and engaging teaching style is credited for turning dry, entry-level lectures on the basics of web development and software programming into an entertaining class full of interactive exercises. Even with over a hundred real-life teaching assistants, he said it had become difficult to fully engage with the growing number of students logging in from different time zones and with varying levels of knowledge and experience. CS50, an introductory course in computer science attended by hundreds of students on-campus and over 40,000 online, plans to use artificial intelligence to grade assignments, teach coding and personalize learning tips, according to its Professor David J. Malan. His team is now fine-tuning an AI system to mark students work, and testing a virtual TA to evaluate and provide feedback on students programming. The virtual TA asks rhetorical questions and offers suggestions to help students learn, rather than simply catching errors and fixing coding bugs, he said. Longer term, he expects this to give human TAs more time for in-person or Zoom-based office hours. Providing support tailored to students specific questions has been a challenge at scale, with so many more students online than teachers, said Malan, 46, in a phone interview. Also Read ChatGPT adds real-time web browsing feature to compete with Google Bard ChatGPT arrives on Apple App store for iPhones: Everything you need to know What is ChatGPT-4 and how to use it right now: Everything you need to know US universities add policies to counter caste-based discrimination ChatGPT's paid version available for $42 a month for some early users Ukraine war ignites global backlash against hegemony of US dollar Biden will address budget, debt agreement from Oval Office Friday evening Australian PM stresses need for diplomacy, guardrails in dealing with China BRICS pitches for using local currencies in international transactions British govt appoints new acting chair for BBC to 'provide stability' Malan said CS50s use of AI could highlight its benefits for education, particularly in improving the quality and access of online learning an industry that Grand View Research forecasts to grow to $348 billion by 2030, nearly tripling from 2022. The endeavor comes at a time of growing fear among educators that technologies like ChatGPT could enable more students to cheat and plagiarize undetected. Some public schools and universities across the world have banned it. The rise of AI has also hit shares in online education businesses, including Santa Clara, California-based homework helper Chegg Inc., which recently reported a slowdown in subscriber growth as people try out the free chatbot created by OpenAI. CS50 was originally a single, introductory class on computing but has now evolved into multiple classes with 1.4 million YouTube subscribers and branded merchandise like stress balls and t-shirts. Over the years, more than 4.7 million people have enrolled in the course. Its now available as part of digital learning platform edX, which was created by Harvard and Massachusetts Institute of Technology to offer university-level courses online in various subjects. Potentially, AI is just hugely enabling in education, he said. Others said its use in education also posed ethical risks, particularly when collecting data to personalize lessons. Some experts, however, are advising caution on using AI while the technology is still in development and prone to errors. Earlier this week, chief executives of leading AI companies, including OpenAI and Alphabet Inc.s DeepMind, issued a statement warning of a risk of extinction from AI. To ensure students privacy, platforms will have to inbuild privacy and ensure data collection processes are transparent, said Emma Taylor, an analyst at London-headquartered consultancy GlobalData Plc. YouTube will stop removing videos with false claims of fraud in the 2020 presidential election, the Google-owned videos sharing service announced on Friday, June 2. The move, ahead of the 2024 elections, is a reversal of its policy put in place after the 2020 vote. YouTube Stops Removing False 2020 US Election Fraud Claims According to the BBC, the video-sharing service disclosed in its latest blog post that it has removed tens of thousands of content from the platform, which dismisses the integrity of the elections in 2020. But this time around, YouTube has reversed its misinformation policy. Its recent blog post announced that it would no longer delete videos containing false claims of fraud during the 2020 US Presidential election. The decision marks a significant shift in the company's content moderation policy, sparking debates and raising concerns about spreading misinformation. The video service says that the policy reversal comes after " carefully deliberating" the decision. It further explains in its blog post that "while removing this content does curb some misinformation, this could also have the unintended effect of curtailing political speech without meaningfully reducing the risk of violence or other real-world harm." Axios reports that videos featuring false claims about glitches, errors, and fraud amid the 2020 US Presidential elections will now be allowed on the platform. With the new policy in place, how it affects the spread of election misinformation on YouTube remains to be seen. Read Also: Google To Delete Inactive Accounts This 2023: Here's How to Avoid Gmail Deactivation YouTube Election Misinformation Policy As per The Verge, YouTube introduced its misinformation policy, which ditches videos questioning the 2020 US elections, a month after President Joe Biden's victory. It started when critics slammed the video service for allowing channels to publish videos that explicitly spread misinformation regarding the presidential election results. The Google-led service initially argued that its doors are open to videos about "discussion of election results and the process of counting votes." Some of the content in question declared former President Trump as the winner of the polls. Later on, or in early December 2020, the giant video service started deleting content that misled the public about the results of the elections. YouTube emphasized that "enough states have certified their election results to determine a President-elect." And as such, videos questioning the results or utterly dismissing the integrity of the US 2020 presidential elections vanished into thin air due to the misinformation policy. Yet, as the 2024 election is approaching, YouTube has dropped this policy starting June 2. Related Article: YouTube Stories Shuts Down This June: Here Are Some Alternatives for Creators! @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. May 31, 2023OttawaWith employers eagerly seeking to fill countless vacant positions across the country, immigration emerges as a vital piece to solving this puzzle. Recognizing this reality, the Government of Canada is building an immigration system that acts as a catalyst for growth, empowering businesses, helping address their labour needs and strengthening French communities. When combined, these efforts will ensure Canadians benefit from economic and social prosperity for years to come. The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, today announced the first-ever launch of category-based selection for Canadas flagship economic immigration management system, Express Entry. Category-based selection will allow Canada to issue invitations to apply to prospective permanent residents with specific skills, training or language ability. Further details on the timing of invitations for individual categories and how to apply will be announced in the coming weeks. This year, category-based selection invitations will focus on candidates who have a strong French language proficiency or work experience in the following fields: healthcare science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professions trades, such as carpenters, plumbers and contractors transport agriculture and agri-food By allowing us to invite more skilled workers in these professions, category-based selection supports Canadas commitment to welcoming in-demand professionals into communities across the country. Additionally, by placing a special focus on Francophone immigration, the Government of Canada is ensuring that French communities can continue to live their life in Canada in the official language of their choice. Category-based selection will make Express Entry more responsive to Canadas changing economic and labour market needs, while building on the high human capital approach that has been a hallmark of Canadas successful economic immigration system. These priorities maintain the focus on bringing in skilled workers with the potential to integrate and contribute to Canadas future. (Photo : Rob Carr/Getty Images) Bud Light's parent company has sold off one of its beer brands back to its original founders amid financial losses that have racked up in the billions. AB InBev, the parent company of Bud Light, has sold off one of its beer brands over mounting financial losses The downward trend follows the company's partnership with trans activist Dylan Mulvaney The decision prompted backlash from conservative customers and lawmakers Bud Light's parent company, AB InBev, has chosen to sell off one of its beer brands back to its original founders amid the company's financial losses, which have so far racked up in the billions, following its partnership with trans activist Dylan Mulvaney. The decision to pair up with Mulvaney has cost the company billions of dollars in value in just the last two months as conservative customers and lawmakers criticize the partnership. The latest development has AB InBev reportedly offloading a brand that it purchased as part of a portfolio of craft beers in 2020. Bud Light Parent Company Sells of Beer Brand This week, the co-founders of North Carolina's Appalachian Mountain Brewery and Cidery in Boone bought back their company, AMB, from AB InBev. The cousins Nathan Kelischek and Chris Zieber founded the brewery back in 2011, as per The Western Journal. AMB was then sold off to the Portland, Oregon-based Craft Brew Alliance in 2018, with which AB InBev had a stake. The latter later acquired the remainder of the company for a price of $220 million in 2020. But as of this week, AMB has returned to the ownership of its original founders. The announcement of the acquisition was made by Kelischek and Zieber in a joint statement that was posted on the AMB website. The cousins said that they were grateful for the last two years that they spent as active founders within A-B's craft portfolio and wanted to express their gratitude to the people who work at A-B. The original AMB founders added that they will now shift their focus into quickly growing their local team, opening a new taproom in Mills River, North Carolina, and continuing their investment in achieving sustainability and philanthropy efforts to make a significant difference in their communities. The duo added that everything is based on the production of the highest quality products as well as the delivery of a unique experience for their customers. In a statement, AMB said that under its original leadership, the brand will continue to brew beers and ciders that focus on "laidback Southern hospitality." Read Also: Lawsuit Challenges Blue State Ban on Dual-Credit Program for Religious Colleges Massive Drop in Value The company's market capitalization also fell to $107.44 billion through the end of May but saw a silver lining of experiencing an uptick on June 1. Bud Light sales have also dropped 25.7% for the week that ended on May 20 when compared to numbers from a year ago, said the Daily Mail. Reports have shown that as of Wednesday, AB InBev's partnership with Mulvaney has cost the company roughly $27 billion in market value. The global beer conglomerate's share price has dropped nearly 20% since April, which was when the company's partnership with the trans activist was announced. The controversy began after Bud Light sent personalized beer cans to Mulvaney who proceeded to post them on her social media platform. The situation caused a backlash that resulted in sales of the product dropping to unprecedented levels, according to the New York Post. Related Article: Supreme Court Rules in Favor of Company Seeking Strike Damage Claim Against Union @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Alan Dewhurst, Passion Pictures co-founder and BAFTA-nominated producer of Peter & the Wolf, died from cancer in late May. He was 63. Dewhursts family confirmed the news to Cartoon Brew. Dewhurst was born on February 19, 1960 in Salford, Greater Manchester and when he was seven, his family relocated to North London. His father is playwright Keith Dewhurst and his mother was actress Eve Pearce, who died earlier this year. Dewhurst went to St. Aidans Primary School in Stroud Green then Highgate School before enrolling in Peterhouse College at Cambridge University where he studied archaeology and anthropology. Dewhurst started in the animation industry as a runner at the Soho Square studio of the legendary Richard Williams. He worked with Williams for four years, doing mostly commercial service work. In a 2013 interview, Dewhurst said of his former boss, Hes really a kind of inspirational character, and from him I learned many of the things that Ive sought to apply throughout my career. As his time working with Williams came to an end, Dewhurst partnered with Andrew Ruhemann to launch Passion Pictures. Williams had started working on Who Framed Roger Rabbit and was no longer taking advertising jobs, so he recommended the upstart studio to his clients. Within two weeks of opening their doors, Dewhurst and Ruhemann had a full pipeline of commercial work. According to Dewhurst, the early Passion years were spent working to improve the level of the companys output and match the level of quality to which he was accustomed from his time spent with Williams. He also wanted to follow Williams career path and eventually get into narrative production. Dewhurst saw Passion as a commercial company with a view of using the success of service work to help develop and get us on our way with narrative work. As the years went by, however, Dewhurst felt Passion was settling too comfortably into a service work niche due to its tremendous commercial success. So, in 1998, he sold his half of the company to Ruhemann and set out to fulfill his dream of producing narrative animation. Dewhurst eventually teamed with Hugh Welchman at Breakthru Films, who hed met teaching at the National Film and Television School in the U.K. According to Dewhurst, his years spent in academia were foundational to his later narrative work. He described his time in education as a really pivotal experience because over the course of about three years, I helped supervise about 20 graduation films of many different kinds, working with many different directors and producers in many different styles, many different aesthetics. And I feel thats where I really kind of learned about the guts of narrative filmmaking. Dewhurst took what he learned from working with students and applied it to several independent short films that he produced, the most successful being the Oscar-winning musical short Peter and the Wolf. Whats more, Dewhurst recruited one of his former students, Suzie Templeton, to direct the film. Peter & the Wolf was developed over a period of three years. According to Dewhurst, the project was incredibly difficult to finance and eventually ended up receiving capital from 13 different sources, an exceptional number for a British animated short at the time. He says another difficulty was getting the director he wanted, but that he always knew it had to be Templeton. Suzie had made the best student short Id ever seen in Dog and was clearly one of the best British animation directors of the last few decades. With Dewhurts coaxing, Templeton eventually did board as co-writer and director, and Dewhursts instincts paid off. The world premiere, with live accompaniment by the Philharmonic Orchestra, sold out Londons Royal Albert Hall in September 2006 and other live performances were held in several other countries. Produced by Breakthru with Se-ma-for Studios in odz, Poland, it was nominated for a BAFTA, won both the top Annecy Cristal and the festivals audience award, and eventually won the Oscar in 2008 for best animated short. In a social media post, former Passion employee and longtime Dewhurst friend Fraser MacLean wrote: Alan and Andrew knew and understood the power and the importance of quality in all aspects of the work: creative, technical, and organizational and it was wonderful to have that confidence that none of the work they brought through the studio was ever anything other than the best quality. For all that I knew him as a reserved and quiet character, Alan always had a very distinct spark in his eye and the beginnings of a smile on his face and I always felt that he knew and understood and cared a great deal about the potential of the many different animation teams he built and managed. The industry and the community in London and much further afield has lost a very sincere, focused, and visionary man. Dewhurst is survived by his wife Ellen Walder, his sons Henry and Alexander, his sisters Emma and Faith Dewhurst, and father Keith Dewhurst. Chino, CA (91710) Today Cloudy early with peeks of sunshine expected late. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 67F. Winds WSW at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy this evening, then becoming cloudy after midnight. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 56F. Winds WSW at 10 to 15 mph. 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 A Utah school district has banned the Bible from elementary and middle schools over its "vulgarity and violence." The ban, effective immediately, is a nod to a complaint against the King James Bible by a parent who got frustrated by the book bans in the state, hoping to expose issues in the process. Utah Schools Ban the Bible According to BBC, The Davis School District, which serves about 74,000 students, pulled off the Bible from its shelves after a parent filed a complaint with the district last December. The complainant argued that the Bible contained "pornographic" and "violent," making it unsuitable for the consumption of young minds. The district took the complaint with utmost seriousness and reviewed the contents of the Holy Bible. As per NPR, the complaint cites the Utah law passed last 2022, which bans books that include "pornographic or indecent" material. The state-wide law has since removed titles like "Gender Queer" authored by Maia Kobabe and "The Bluest Eye," which Toni Morrison wrote. It comes as conservatives or right-wingers slammed books that dived into topics like racial identity and LGBTQ+ rights. Other states have also placed similar bans on polarizing topics, including South Carolina, Texas, Missouri, and Florida. The complaint, citing Utah's law filed last December, says the Bible is "one of the most sex-ridden books around." The protest cited certain passages in the religious text, which are allegedly unsuitable for children. The parent further pointed out that the holy scripture dives into topics of "prostitution," "rape," "incest," and "genital mutilation," among others, NBC reports. And as such, the complainant concludes that the King James Bible has "no serious values for minors" and dismisses it as mere pornographic material. Read Also: PETA Uses ChatGPT to Rewrite Bible's Genesis With Vegan Teachings Utah Republican Lawmaker Reverses Position on Bible Ban The Republican state lawmaker for Utah, Ken Ivory, initially blasted the complaint against the King James Bible as sheer "mockery." But this time, he changed position, admitting that the religious book is a "challenging read" for young folks. He agreed with the school ban, saying it is "best taught, and best understood, in the home, and around the hearth, as a family." The Utah ban now limits the King James Bible to high school students. So it is still available on the shelves of the libraries for higher ages. However, NBC News points out that while the ban takes effect right away, students have yet to experience it as they are still on summer vacation. When they get back on August 17, they might find it hard to get their hands on the King James Bible in primary school libraries due to the Utah district school ban. Related Article: North Korea Sentences Toddler to Prison Camp Over Parents' Bible, US Says @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. 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 Kayden Parker Martin Reyes Samuel Shivy Previous Next Three Georgia Northwestern Technical College students from the Whitfield Murray Campus in Dalton have received The Governor Nathan Deal Technical Education Scholarship in recognition of their academic achievement in an industrial program.Kayden Parker, Martin Reyes and Samuel Shivy have received the scholarship for the summer 2023 term. Mr. Parker and Mr. Shivy are pursuing their associate degrees in automation engineering technology and industrial systems technology; Mr. Reyes is pursuing an associate degree in industrial systems technology.The scholarship, which honors former Governor Deal for his dedication to technical education in Georgia, was established by the Carpet and Rug Institute, and made possible in part by a grant from the Community Foundation of Northwest Georgia to reward academic excellence and provide financial support for GNTC students at the Whitfield Murray Campus completing an associate degree, diploma or certificate in an industrial program.I am most proud of the great relationship enjoyed by the member companies of the Carpet and Rug Institute and the entire Whitfield Murray region, President and CEO of CRI and Technical College System of Georgia Board Member Joe Yarbrough said.The students attaining the skills needed for our workforce have great career opportunities here. The desire to provide scholarship support to high-achieving students through the Governor Nathan Deal Scholarship established by the CRI is truly a privilege.The scholarship was set up as an endowment, which gains interest over time and will fund future awards, Mr. Yarbrough said. WMC students majoring in applied technical management, automation engineering technology, computer numerical control technology, diesel equipment technology, flooring production, industrial systems technology, precision machining and manufacturing, as well as welding and joining technology programs, are eligible for the scholarship.We are so grateful for the Carpet and Rug Institute and the generous support of its members, said Dr. Heidi Popham, GNTC president. Thanks to this support, these outstanding students will be able to stay on course, graduate and bring excellence into the workplace. A picnic honoring newly retired teachers, retired teachers in general and members, plus potential members of the Chattanooga Hamilton County Retired Teachers Asssociation will be held on Friday from 10 a.m.-1 p.m at the Pavilion at Chester Frost Park in Hamilton County.A BBQ lunch will be provided by the Chattanooga Area Schools Federal Credit Union.Scholarship winners for the next school year will also be announced and each will speak briefly. Attendees will be able to renew their membership, become a new member, update their information and meet the leadership of the association. Today, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan met National Security Advisor Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates at the White House to reiterate the enduring U.S.-UAE strategic partnership and discuss a range of global and regional issues. Mr. Sullivan welcomed the UAE's leadership in the run-up to the COP-28 Summit in the UAE, and its commitment to becoming a global leader in clean energy technologies, including through the U.S.-UAE Partnership for Accelerating Clean Energy (PACE). Mr. Sullivan and Sheikh Tahnoon pledged to intensify cooperation under the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGII), continuing their constructive discussions held last month together with India and Saudi Arabia. READ NEXT: Joint Statement from the United States and Guatemala on Migration Sheikh Tahnoon praised the United States' strong security and defense partnership with the UAE. Mr. Sullivan confirmed the U.S. commitment to deterring threats against the UAE and other U.S. partners while also working diplomatically to de-escalate conflicts and reduce tensions in the region. Mr. Sullivan and Sheikh Tahnoon discussed ways to deepen and expand the Abraham Accords including through the I2U2 grouping (India, Israel, United States, and UAE) and the Negev Forum, under which the UAE last year convened the largest gathering of Israelis and Arabs in decades. The two sides also discussed shared goals towards building a more integrated, prosperous, and stable Middle East region. Mr. Sullivan and Sheikh Tahnoon also discussed the importance of building trusted technology ecosystems and the potential for advanced technology to improve human welfare in the Middle East region and globally. Both look forward to remaining in close contact on these and other issues. READ MORE: Oklahoma City Man Pleads Guilty to Attempted Coercion and Enticement of a Minor @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. In partnership with the National Park Service, Americas National Parks invites the public to meet author Dr. Frank Varney on Friday, June 9. At 10 a.m., Varney will provide a program, hosted by the National Park Service. He will be available inside the Chickamauga Battlefield Visitor Center bookstore to sign his newest release "General Grant and the Verdict of History: Memoir, Memory and the Civil War" after the programs conclusion.Officials said, "General Ulysses S. Grant is best remembered today as a war-winning general, and he certainly deserves credit for his efforts on behalf of the Union, but has he received too much credit at the expense of other men? Have others who fought the war with him suffered unfairly at his hands? General Grant and the Verdict of History: Memoir, Memory, and the Civil War explores these issues."Professor Frank P.Varney examines Grants relationship with three noted Civil War generals: the brash and uncompromising Fighting Joe Hooker, George H. Thomas, the stellar commander who earned the sobriquet Rock of Chickamauga, and Gouverneur K. Warren, who served honorably and well in every major action of the Army of the Potomac before being relieved less than two weeks before Appomattox, and only after he had played a prominent part in the major Union victory at Five Forks."In his earlier book, General Grant and the Rewriting of History, Dr. Varney studied the tempestuous relationship between Grant and Union General William S. Rosecrans. According to Varney, Grant used his official reports, interviews with the press, and his memoirs to influence how future generations would remember the war and his part in it."It is beyond time to return to the original sourcesthe letters, journals, reports, and memoirs of other witnesses and the transcripts of courts-martial to examine Grants story from a fresh perspective. The results are enlightening and more than a little disturbing."We hope you can Join us on Friday, June 9 to meet Author Frank Varney and get your signed copy of General Grant and the Verdict of History: Memoir, Memory, and the Civil War. Your purchase supports the programs at Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park. Thank You for Supporting our National Parks."About the author (from Savas Beatie Publishing LLC):Frank Varney earned his undergraduate degree at William Paterson University and his MA and Ph.D. at Cornell University. He is a recently retired Distinguished Professor of US and Classical History and has been the recipient of multiple teaching awards. He is available to take student groups to historic sites, especially Civil War battlefields, and makes frequent speaking appearances before Civil War roundtables, historical societies, and other interested groups. Dr. Varney has also been the keynote speaker at several veterans memorial dedications and has made numerous radio and TV appearances. He resides in upstate New York with his wife, Nancy. Here is the upcoming City Council agenda for Tuesday: I. Call to Order by Chair Dotley. II. Pledge of Allegiance/Invocation (Councilwoman Noel). III. Special Presentation. IV. Minute Approval. FY2023-24 Budget Public Hearing Order of Business for City Council V. Ordinances Final Reading: PLANNING a. 2023-0049 Charles Ford (M-1 Manufacturing Zone to R-2 Residential Zone). An ordinance to amend Chattanooga City Code, Part II, Chapter 38, Zoning Ordinance, so as to rezone property located at 2701 Benton Avenue, from M-1 Manufacturing Zone to R-2 Residential Zone. (District 8) (Recommended for approval by Planning Commission and denial by Staff) (Planning Version #2) (Deferred from 05-23-2023)VI. Ordinances First Reading: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENTa. An ordinance amending Chattanooga City Code, Part II, Chapter 21, Section 21-137, Abatement by City and lien for costs thereof; notice; hearing; appeal, subsection (c), relating to service of notice.FIREb. An ordinance amending Chattanooga City Code, Part II, Chapter 17, Section 17-3, 2018 International Fire Code 912.3.1 and by adding a new Section 17-43, requiring structures to have a key lock box installed on the exterior of the structure for fire safety purposes.PLANNINGc. 2023-0037 Pierce Hardy (R-1 Residential Zone to M-2 Light Industrial Zone). An ordinance to amend Chattanooga City Code, Part II, Chapter 38, Zoning Ordinance, so as to rezone property located at 2844 Eblen Drive, from R-1 Residential Zone to M-2 Light Industrial Zone, subject to certain conditions. (District 6) (Recommended for approval by Planning Commission and Staff) (Deferred from 05-06-2023 & 05-23-2023)2023-0037 Pierce Hardy (R-1 Residential Zone to M-2 Light Industrial Zone). An ordinance to amend Chattanooga City Code, Part II, Chapter 38, Zoning Ordinance, so as to rezone property located at 2844 Eblen Drive, from R-1 Residential Zone to M-2 Light Industrial Zone, subject to certain conditions. (Alternate Version) (Sponsored by Councilwoman Berz)2023-0037 Pierce Hardy (R-1 Residential Zone to M-2 Light Industrial Zone). An ordinance to amend Chattanooga City Code, Part II, Chapter 38, Zoning Ordinance, so as to rezone property located at 2844 Eblen Drive, from R-1 Residential Zone to M-2 Light Industrial Zone. (Applicant Version)PUBLIC WORKSd. MR-2023-0032 Andrew Hodgson, Esq. Husch Blackwell LLP c/o SEB, LLC and SEB2, LLC (Abandonment). An ordinance closing and abandoning an unopened right-of-way in an alley located in the 3800 block of St. Elmo Avenue, as detailed on the attached maps, subject to certain conditions. (District 7) (Recommended for approval by Planning Commission and Public Works)e. MR-2023-0039 Chattanooga Neighborhood Enterprise c/o Justin Tirsun (Abandonment). An ordinance closing and abandoning an unopened right-of-way in the 2500 block of Chamberlain Avenue, as detailed on the attached maps, subject to certain conditions. (District 9) (Recommended for approval by Planning Commission and Public Works)VII. Resolutions: COUNCIL OFFICEa. A resolution confirming the appointment of Nadia Kain to the Industrial Development Board for District 6, with a term beginning on June 7, 2023, and ending on June 6, 2029. (District 6)b. A resolution confirming the appointment of Gertha Lee-Sharp to the South Region Community Advisory Committee to District 7, with a term beginning on June 7, 2023, and ending on June 6, 2024. (District 7)c. A resolution confirming the appointment of Daisy Madison to the Sports Authority of the County of Hamilton and the City of Chattanooga, with a term beginning on June 7, 2023, and ending on August 30, 2026. (Revised)d. A resolution confirming the appointment of Brett Smalley to the Sports Authority of the County of Hamilton and the City of Chattanooga, with a term beginning on June 7, 2023, and ending on August 30, 2026. (Revised)ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTe. A resolution authorizing the Mayor or his designee to enter into an Office Lease with Hamilton County Mental Health Court, in substantially the form attached, for the use of 368 square feet of office space at the Family Justice Center at 5705 Uptain Road, identified as Tax Map No. 157M-A-012, with an effective date of July 1, 2023, for the term of four (4) years with annual rent of $1.00. (District 6)f. A resolution adopting the Tax Increment Financing Policies and Procedures, a copy of which is in the form substantially attached hereto and made a part hereof by reference.FIREg. A resolution to accept and receive equipment and materials from the Knox Company to be used to require all new construction to install key lock boxes on the exterior of buildings and locking fire department connection (FDC) caps, which includes the Key Secure 6 system, mounting brackets, eKeys, software, docking stations, and FDC wrenches, in the amount of $48,924.00.LEGALh. A resolution confirming the appointment of Michael Mallen as the Administrative Hearing Officer for the City of Chattanooga, with a four (4) year term beginning on June 7, 2023, through June 6, 2027, pursuant to City Code Section 21-236.MAYORS OFFICEi. A resolution confirming Mayor Kellys appointment of Nicole Heyman to the Chattanooga Housing Authority, with a term beginning on June 2, 2023, and ending on June 1, 2028.j. A resolution confirming Mayor Kellys appointment of Deacon Hicks Armor as Chairman of the Carter Street Corporation, with a term beginning on May 17, 2023, and ending on January 5, 2027.k. A resolution confirming Mayor Kellys appointment of Ronald Parson to the Passenger Vehicle for Hire Board, with a term beginning on June 7, 2023, and ending on June 6, 2026.l. A resolution confirming Mayor Kellys appointment of Brooklyn Lucas to the Community Advisory Committee Region 1 (Lookout Valley), with a term beginning on June 7, 2023, and ending on June 6, 2024.m. A resolution confirming Mayor Kellys appointment of Amanda Wagner to the Community Advisory Committee Region 1 (Lookout Valley), with a term beginning on June 7, 2023, and ending on June 6, 2024.n. A resolution confirming Mayor Kellys appointment of Mark Heinzer as the Administrator for the Wastewater Department.PLANNINGo. A resolution adopting the Mountain Creek Corridor Study.PUBLIC WORKSp. A resolution authorizing the appointment of Katchrina Shavers, as special police officer (unarmed) for the Department of Public Works, Stormwater Division, to do special duty as prescribed herein as Water Quality Technician, subject to certain conditions.q. A resolution authorizing the appointment of Wyatt Stutts, as special police officer (unarmed) for the Department of Public Works, Stormwater Division, to do special duty as prescribed herein as Water Quality Specialist 2, subject to certain conditions.r. A resolution authorizing the appointment of Jennifer Palmer, as special police officer (unarmed) for the Department of Public Works, Land Development Office, to do special duty as prescribed herein as Landscape Inspector, subject to certain conditions.s. A resolution authorizing the appointment of Levi Witt, as special police officer (unarmed) for the Department of Public Works, Land Development Office, to do special duty as prescribed herein as Code Enforcement Inspector II, subject to certain conditions.t. A resolution authorizing the Administrator for the Department of Public Works to apply for, and if awarded, accept a Safe Streets for All (SS4A) grant, for an amount up to $25 million.u. A resolution authorizing the Administrator for the Department of Public Works to apply for, and if awarded, accept an Inflation Reduction Act - Urban and Community Forestry Grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture - Forest Service (FS) Urban and Community Forestry Program, for a five-year grant period, for an amount not to exceed $15 million.PURCHASINGv. A resolution authorizing the Chief Procurement Officer for the City of Chattanooga to enter into an agreement to join the H-GAC Buy Cooperative Purchasing Program.WASTEWATERw. AresolutionauthorizingpaymenttoCapitalWasteServicesforRheaCountyLandfill and to Republic Services for Bradley County Landfill for three (3) years for Bradley County or Rhea County Landfill disposal of biosolid sludge and other special waste, for a total amount not to exceed $200,000.00.VIII. Purchases.IX. Committee Reports.X. Recognition of Persons Wishing to Address the Council.XI. Adjournment.TUESDAY, JUNE 13, 2023CITY COUNCIL PROPOSED AGENDA 6:00 PM1. Call to Order by Chair Dotley.2. Pledge of Allegiance/Invocation (Councilwoman Coonrod).3. Special Presentation.4. Minute Approval.Proposed Order of Business for City Council5. Ordinances - Final Reading: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENTa. An ordinance amending Chattanooga City Code, Part II, Chapter 21, Section 21-137, Abatement by City and lien for costs thereof; notice; hearing; appeal, subsection (c), relating to service of notice.FIREb. An ordinance amending Chattanooga City Code, Part II, Chapter 17, Section 17-3, 2018 International Fire Code 912.3.1 and by adding a new Section 17-43, requiring structures to have a key lock box installed on the exterior of the structure for fire safety purposes.PLANNINGc. 2023-0037 Pierce Hardy (R-1 Residential Zone to M-2 Light Industrial Zone). An ordinance to amend Chattanooga City Code, Part II, Chapter 38, Zoning Ordinance, so as to rezone property located at 2844 Eblen Drive, from R-1 Residential Zone to M-2 Light Industrial Zone, subject to certain conditions. (District 6) (Recommended for approval by Planning Commission and Staff) (Deferred from 05-06-2023 & 05-23-2023)2023-0037 Pierce Hardy (R-1 Residential Zone to M-2 Light Industrial Zone). An ordinance to amend Chattanooga City Code, Part II, Chapter 38, Zoning Ordinance, so as to rezone property located at 2844 Eblen Drive, from R-1 Residential Zone to M-2 Light Industrial Zone, subject to certain conditions. (Alternate Version) (Sponsored by Councilwoman Berz)2023-0037 Pierce Hardy (R-1 Residential Zone to M-2 Light Industrial Zone). An ordinance to amend Chattanooga City Code, Part II, Chapter 38, Zoning Ordinance, so as to rezone property located at 2844 Eblen Drive, from R-1 Residential Zone to M-2 Light Industrial Zone. (Applicant Version)PUBLIC WORKSd. MR-2023-0032 Andrew Hodgson, Esq. Husch Blackwell LLP c/o SEB, LLC and SEB2, LLC (Abandonment). An ordinance closing and abandoning an unopened right-of-way in an alley located in the 3800 block of St. Elmo Avenue, as detailed on the attached maps, subject to certain conditions. (District 7) (Recommended for approval by Planning Commission and Public Works)e. MR-2023-0039 Chattanooga Neighborhood Enterprise c/o Justin Tirsun (Abandonment). An ordinance closing and abandoning an unopened right-of-way in the 2500 block of Chamberlain Avenue, as detailed on the attached maps, subject to certain conditions. (District 9) (Recommended for approval by Planning Commission and Public Works)6. Ordinances - First Reading: FINANCEa. An ordinance, hereinafter also known as the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Operations Budget, providing revenue for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2023, and ending June 30, 2024; appropriating same to the payment of expenses of the municipal government; fixing the rate of taxation on all taxable property in the City, and the time taxes and privileges are due, how they shall be paid, when they shall become delinquent taxes and privileges; amending Chattanooga City Code, Part II, Chapter 2, Section 2-267, relative to paid leave for active-duty training and to amend Chattanooga City Code, Part II, Chapter 31, Sections 31-36, 31-37, 31-41, and 31-43, Sections 31-322 and 31-354.b. An ordinance appropriating, authorizing or allocating funds to the Capital Improvements Budget for the Fiscal Year 2023-2024.PLANNINGc. 2022-0262 Thornhill Management Group, LLC (C-2 Convenience Commercial Zone to UGC Urban Residential Zone). An ordinance to amend Chattanooga City Code, Part II, Chapter 38, Zoning Ordinance, so as to rezone property located at 7707 Lee Highway, from C-2 Convenience Commercial Zone to UGC Urban Residential Zone. (District 6) (Recommended for approval by Planning Commission and Staff) (Deferred from 05-06-2023 & 05-23-2023)d. 2022-0263 Thornhill Management Group, LLC (R-1 Residential Zone and C-2 Convenience Commercial Zone to UGC Urban General Commercial Zone). An ordinance to amend Chattanooga City Code, Part II, Chapter 38, Zoning Ordinance, so as to rezone property located at 7717 Lee Highway, from R-1 Residential Zone and C-2 Convenience Commercial Zone to UGC Urban General Commercial Zone. (District 6) (Recommended for approval by Planning Commission and Staff) (Deferred from 05-06-2023 & 05-23-2023)e. 2023-0063 Chattanooga-Hamilton County Regional Planning Agency (R-3 Residential Zone (Temporary Zone with conditions to R-3 Residential Zone (Permanent Zone). An ordinance to amend Chattanooga City Code, Part II, Chapter 38, Zoning Ordinance, so as to rezone property located at 5619 Clark Road, from R-3 Residential Zone (Temporary Zone with conditions to R-3 Residential Zone (Permanent Zone), subject to certain conditions. (District 6) (Recommended for approval by Planning Commission and Staff)f. 2023-0068 Alton L. Rogers and Charla Y. Shamblin c/o MAP Engineers (Lift and Amend Conditions). An ordinance to amend Chattanooga City Code, Part II, Chapter 38, Zoning Ordinance, so as to lift and amend conditions from Ordinance No. 12703, Section 4 of previous Case No. 2013-0004 for an unaddressed property in the 5200 block of Hunter Road. (District 6) (Recommended for approval by Planning Commission)2023-0068 Alton L. Rogers and Charla Y. Shamblin c/o MAP Engineers (Lift and Amend Conditions). An ordinance to amend Chattanooga City Code, Part II, Chapter 38, Zoning Ordinance, so as to lift and amend conditions from Ordinance No. 12703, Section 4 of previous Case No. 2013-0004 for an unaddressed property in the 5200 block of Hunter Road. (Staff Version)g. 2023-0069 Jae Y. and Gennie K. Lee (R-1 Residential Zone to R-4 Special Zone). An ordinance to amend Chattanooga City Code, Part II, Chapter 38, Zoning Ordinance, so as to rezone an unaddressed tract of land located in the 6700 block of East Brainerd Road, from R-1 Residential Zone to R-4 Special Zone, subject to certain conditions. (District 6) (Recommended for approval by Planning Commission and Staff)2023-0069 Jae Y. and Gennie K. Lee (R-1 Residential Zone to R-4 Special Zone). An ordinance to amend Chattanooga City Code, Part II, Chapter 38, Zoning Ordinance, so as to rezone an unaddressed tract of land located in the 6700 block of East Brainerd Road, from R-1 Residential Zone to R-3 Residential Zone. (Applicant Version) (Recommended for denial by Planning Commission and Staff)h. 2023-0062 Sansbury Mellon LTD CO (R-1 Residential Zone to R-3 ResidentialZone). An ordinance to amend Chattanooga City Code, Part II, Chapter 38, Zoning Ordinance, so as to rezone properties located at 907 Arlington Avenue and 911, 915, and 919 Taylor Street, from R-1 Residential Zone to R-3 Residential Zone, subject to certain conditions. (District 8) (Recommended for approval by Planning Commission and Staff)2023-0062 Sansbury Mellon LTD CO (R-1 Residential Zone to R-3 Residential Zone). An ordinance to amend Chattanooga City Code, Part II, Chapter 38, Zoning Ordinance, so as to rezone properties located at 907 Arlington Avenue and 911, 915, and 919 Taylor Street, from R-1 Residential Zone to UGC Urban General Commercial Zone. (Applicant Version) (Recommended for denial by Planning Commission and Staff)i. 2023-0066 Stone Creek Consulting, LLC c/o Allen Jones (R-3 Residential Zone to UGC Urban General Commercial Zone). An ordinance to amend Chattanooga City Code, Part II, Chapter 38, Zoning Ordinance, so as to rezone property located at 1130 East 14th Street, from R-3 Residential Zone to UGC Urban General Commercial Zone, subject to certain conditions. (District 8) (Recommended for approval by Planning Commission and Staff)2023-0066 Stone Creek Consulting, LLC c/o Allen Jones (R-3 Residential Zone to UGC Urban General Commercial Zone). An ordinance to amend Chattanooga City Code, Part II, Chapter 38, Zoning Ordinance, so as to rezone property located at 1130 East 14th Street, from R-3 Residential Zone to UGC Urban General Commercial Zone. (Applicant Version)j. 2023-0067 Campbell Lewis (M-2 Light Industrial Zone and R-3 Residential Zone to UGC Urban General Commercial Zone and R-4 Special Zone). An ordinance to amend Chattanooga City Code, Part II, Chapter 38, Zoning Ordinance, so as to rezone property located at 1108 McCallie Avenue and an unaddressed tract of land located in the 1100 block of Duncan Avenue, from M-2 Light Industrial Zone and R-3 Residential Zone to UGC Urban General Commercial Zone and R-4 Special Zone, subject to certain conditions. (District 8) (Recommended for approval by Planning Commission and Staff)2023-0067 Campbell Lewis (M-2 Light Industrial Zone and R-3 Residential Zone to UGC Urban General Commercial Zone and R-4 Special Zone). An ordinance to amend Chattanooga City Code, Part II, Chapter 38, Zoning Ordinance, so as to rezone property located at 1108 McCallie Avenue and an unaddressed tract of land located in the 1100 block of Duncan Avenue, from M-2 Light Industrial Zone and R-3 Residential Zone to C-2 Convenience Commercial Zone. (Applicant Version) (Recommended for denial by Planning Commission and Staff)k. 2023-0065 Stone Creek Consulting, LLC (R-2 Residential Zone to UGC Urban General Commercial Zone). An ordinance to amend Chattanooga City Code, Part II, Chapter 38, Zoning Ordinance, so as to rezone property located at 2519 Bailey Avenue, from R-2 Residential Zone to UGC Urban General Commercial Zone, subject to certain conditions. (District 9) (Recommended for approval by Planning Commission and Staff)2023-0065 Stone Creek Consulting, LLC (R-2 Residential Zone to UGC Urban General Commercial Zone). An ordinance to amend Chattanooga City Code, Part II, Chapter 38, Zoning Ordinance, so as to rezone property located at 2519 Bailey Avenue, from R-2 Residential Zone to UGC Urban General Commercial Zone. (Applicant Version)7. Resolutions:ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTa. A resolution authorizing the Mayor or his designee to enter into a Second Amendment to Lease with Hendricks Commercial Properties, LLC, in substantially the form attached, for office space in Suite 300 of the Edney Building, 1100 Market Street, for an additional term of two (2) years, with the option to renew for one (1) additional term of one (1) year, for the occupancy of approximately 7,790 square feet of space by the Department of Technology Services. (District 8)b. A resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into a contract for sale and purchase with Warren Partners, in substantially the form attached, for property located on E. 38th Street, further identified as Tax Map No. 167D-E-041, in the amount of $275,000.00, and to execute all documents related to the transaction with closing fees, for an amount not to exceed $5,000.00, for a total amount not to exceed $280,000.00. (District 8)c. A resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute quitclaim deeds conveying 14 certain or certain combinations of parcels, in substantially the form attached, to the approved highest bidders on properties of the City of Chattanooga and Hamilton County as acquired through previous delinquent tax sales.FINANCEd. A resolution adopting a five-year Capital Improvement Plan for Fiscal Years 2024-2028, subject to future revision; a copy of which is attached hereto and made a part hereof by reference.e. A resolution expressing the intent of the City of Chattanooga to issue bonds in the aggregate amount not to exceed $15.5 million for the purpose of paying all or a portion of the costs of the following: apparatus replacement plan, fire training tower replacement, station #2 apparatus, City Hall Annex renovation, major capital maintenance improvements community centers, major capital maintenance improvements downtown campus and facilities, and pavement management.MAYORS OFFICEf. A resolution confirming Mayor Kellys appointment of Declan Mangan-Lamb to the Community Advisory Committee Region 3 (North Chattanooga), with a term beginning on June 14, 2023, and ending on June 13, 2024. (Moved with permission of Chair Dotley) (Revised)g. A resolution approving a Cost Savings Incentive Program Policy to develop increased efficiency of government operations through the stimulation of innovative thinking among City employees leading to areas for improvement, cost savings, and better service to the residents of the City of Chattanooga.PUBLIC WORKSh. A resolution authorizing the approval of Change Order No. 2 for Alta Planning and Design relative to Contract No. T-14-005-101, Protected Bike Lane and Neighborhood Greenway Design, for an increased amount of $10,000.00, for a revised contract amount not to exceed $401,660.00. (Districts 1, 2, 7, 8 & 9)i. A resolution authorizing the Administrator for the Department of Public Works to enter into an agreement with Stantec Consulting Services, Inc. to perform geotechnical exploration and preliminary engineering services for the Hamill Road Slope Stabilization (T-22-007-101) Project, for an amount not to exceed $162,147.45. (District 3)j. A resolution authorizing the Administrator for the Department of Public Works to execute the Consent to Assignment of all Purchase Orders for Vendor No. 871375, Vaughn & Melton Consulting Group, LLC to Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson, Inc., relative to the following purchase orders: (1) On-Call Blanket Contract(s) for Professional Surveying Services, Contract No. E-22-002-901, Purchase Agreement No. 100260, Purchase Order No. 546275-2.k. A resolution authorizing the Administrator for the Department of Public Works to renew the continuing On-Call Professional Surveying Services Blanket Contract No. E-22-002-901, with the following eight (8) consultant firms: (1) ASA Engineering and Consulting, Inc.; (2) Barge Design Solutions, Inc.; (3) Consor Engineers, LLC; (4) Croy Engineering, LLC; (5) Earthworx, LLC; (6) Ragan Smith Associates, Inc.; (7) The RLS Group, LLC; and (8) Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson, Inc. (formerly Vaughn & Melton Consulting Engineers, Inc.) based upon their qualifications within the identified service categories, for year two (2) of a four (4) year term, for an annual amount of $1 million, for use by all departments.l. A resolution authorizing the Administrator for the Department of Public Works to new the On-Call Blanket Contract No. E-19-011-202, for year three (3) of four (4) for the roof inspections, repairs, and maintenance, with the following two (2) vendors: (1) Porter Roofing Contractors, Inc., of Morrison, TN; and (2) Tri-State Roofing Contractors, LLC, of Chattanooga, TN, for the annual amount of $500,000.00 total, for use by all departments.PLANNINGm. Hamilton Realty, LLC (Special Exceptions Permit). A resolution approving a new Special Exceptions Permit for an existing liquor store located at 7022 Shallowford Road. (District 6)8. Purchases.9. Committee Reports.10. Other Business. (Items Listed Below):? Certificate of Compliance - Om Guru Krupa, LLC d/b/a Ronnie's Wine & Spirits,7022 Shallowford Road, Chattanooga, TN. (District 6)? Certificate of Good Moral Character - Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #1289, 2193Park Drive, Chattanooga, TN 37421. (District 6)11. Recognition of Persons Wishing to Address the Council.12. Adjournment. Michael Anthony Buendia, devoted husband, father and son, was granted eternal life on May 29, 2023. He was born on Nov. 15, 1979, in Richland, Wa., and was the eldest son of Adriano and Sofia Buendia. As a child, he moved with his family to New Hampshire and then to Tennessee where he spent most of his life. He graduated from St. Jude School and Notre Dame High School prior to attending Vanderbilt University where he earned a Bachelor of Engineering Degree in Computer Engineering and Mathematics in 2002. He then earned his masters degree in Computer Science from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in 2005. He worked as a software engineer at the Chattanooga Group until 2010, then transitioned to a Senior Firmware engineer at Heartland Payment Systems until 2017. He then joined Global Payments Inc. as a firmware engineer manager and was promoted to the director of engineering in 2019. Michael married the love of his life, Karmel Jochym, on January 6, 2018. They welcomed their first child, Isabella, in October 2018 and their second child, Lucy, in January 2021. He was a member of the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul and St. Jude Catholic Church and was devoted to his Catholic faith. Michael enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, playing trivia, eating donuts, hunting clearance deals, playing guitar, watching wrestling, and finding collectable items. His bright smile and humor made everyone he encountered feel welcomed and comforted. Most of all, Michael was dedicated to his family, embracing his role as a loving husband and doting father of his beautiful daughters. He was the best brother, uncle, son, and friend to all. He was preceded in death by his father, Adriano Buendia, and grandparents. He is survived by his beloved wife, Karmel, his two adoring daughters, Isabella and Lucy, his mother, Sofia, his sister, Allyson (Matthew) Underwood, nieces, Madeline and Abigail, and his brother, Matthew Buendia, along with numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. There will be a visitation at the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home at 5351 SR 153 on Sunday, June 4, from 4-7 p.m. and at the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church on June 5, 2023 from 1-2 p.m., followed by the funeral mass at 2 p.m. Interment will follow at St. Jude Catholic Church at 930 Ashland Terrace at 4 p.m. When Andrew Coyle left the District Attorney's office to join a private law firm on May 27 of last year he said, "I will very much miss it. Being a prosecutor is incredibly rewarding and provides such a sense of job achievement. I will miss it tremendously." He did. He's back. Prosecutor Coyle had joined the law firm of Patrick, Beard, Schulman and Jacoway, where former top prosecutor Lance Pope earlier became part of the team. Prosecutor Coyle's wife was there as a paralegal. At the new firm he was away from criminal defense. The focus was on civil cases, business law, construction, estates. Mr. Coyle was born in New Orleans, though his parents and grandparents had lived in Chattanooga. His grandfather was pastor of Signal Mountain Baptist Church. His parents had an opportunity to return to Chattanooga and, when they arrived back, Andrew was 14 and enrolled at McCallie School. He graduated from UT, then met his wife while they both worked at Southern Star restaurant. Then he went on to Cumberland Law School. He was briefly in private practice before joining the DA's staff in 2015. In his new role, attorney Coyle found he was out of his niche. He learned of openings at the DA's office and he met with new District Attorney Coty Wamp. He is back in his former courtroom presided over by Criminal Court Judge Barry Steelman. DA Wamp said, "During the campaign, I hated to learn that Andrew was leaving the DA's Office. His reputation amongst the criminal bar has always been exceptional and his trial abilities are difficult to match. "He is undoubtedly a valuable asset in our office and his return is indicative of his desire to serve the public." A town hall meeting has been called to address the issue of sewage being transported from Cobb County, Ga., to Copperhill. It will be next Saturday at 1 p.m. at the Copper Basin Elementary School Gym. A group that has organized on the issue said, "Borderline towns Copperhill, Tn., and McCaysville, Ga., have joined forces to prevent the continued usage and transportation of biosolids to local business Copperhill Industries. "Currently, biosolids are being transported from Cobb County, Ga., to Copperhill Industries to be used as a fertilizer. Recently, released McCaysville police body camera video shows the illegal overweight trucks transporting and leaking this hazardous material onto Georgia roads. "The use of biosolids in downtown Copperhill, Tennessee is the cause of great concern among McCaysville and Copperhill residents. There are trepidations among residents regarding the potential health risks of using biosolids, including the presence of heavy metals and pathogens. "Additionally, residents worry about their quality of life, the potential economic bearing on tourism, and the impact on the environment, such as groundwater contamination and the potential harm to wildlife. Local residents have launched a Facebook page to address the issue, and calls for lawsuits and Representative involvement have increased. Despite the concerns of overwhelming stench and potential health hazards, the use of biosolids continues in the area, raising questions about the safety and regulation of such practices. It is crucial for local officials to monitor and regulate the use of biosolids to ensure the safety of the community and the environment." Arnold Schwarzenegger was one of many action stars that once ruled the world of cinema back in the day. But although fellow actor Harrison Ford was no stranger to action films himself, Schwarzenegger didnt feel Ford was truly billed as an action hero. Schwarzenegger theorized he had Spielberg to thank for that. Arnold Schwarzenegger felt Steven Spielberg helped stop Harrison Ford from being typecast Arnold Schwarzenegger | Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic Being an action star was once both a gift and a curse for Schwarzenegger. His reputation for thrilling blockbusters helped make him one of the biggest megastars in the film industry at one point. But soon Schwarzenegger felt pigeonholed in the action genre. Everyone gave me the same type of a script. Action, heroic, kick-ass one script would be 78 kills and the other would be maybe 54 kills, but it was all the same kind of thing. It was often ripping off the shirt and showing the muscles to make sure that they understand that yeah, I am the real true action hero, Schwarzenegger once told Buzzfeed. This wasnt a feeling exclusive only to Schwarzenegger. His fellow 80s action star Sylvester Stallone also once grew frustrated with being typecast as an action hero. But it was a curse Schwarzenegger felt that Ford had an easier time avoiding. Ford was gaining traction as an action hero himself. His iconic role as Han Solo helped establish him as a superstar. Afterwards, being the face of Lucas and Spielbergs Indiana Jones franchise arguably helped Ford reach similar heights as Schwarzenegger. But whereas Schwarzenegger and Stallone spent years trying to maneuver around being typecast, Schwarzenegger felt Ford was immediately able to dodge the same fate. The Terminator star believed Steven Spielbergs own immense star-power at the time contributed to Fords luck. Some people are blessed, Schwarzenegger said in a resurfaced interview with the LA Times. Harrison Ford was doing great action movies but was never promoted as an action star because the director [Steven Spielberg] was the starSo, Harrison Ford was celebrated as an action guy but never typecast as an action guy. Harrison Ford initially wasnt wanted for Indiana Jones Ford wasnt the first pick for the franchise that would turn him into a megastar. Both Spielberg and Lucas were heavily involved in the first film Raiders of the Lost Ark. And although Ford may seem like the ideal choice for Indiana Jones now, Lucas had reservations about working with Ford again. If only because he wanted to avoid having the type of relationship that other directors had with actors. I was wary of Harrison and I becoming like Scorsese and De Niro. I thought, Lets create a new icon. We found Tom Selleck, but as soon as the network heard, his option on Magnum P.I. got picked up, Lucas once explained to Empire. Without Selleck, Lucas and Spielberg circled back to Ford. They were soon both sold on the star, but Lucas doubted hed be willing to sign on for multiple Indiana Jones films. The Star Wars filmmaker didnt even want to approach Ford with the offer, positive Ford would turn him down. Steven said to try anyway, Lucas said. I went to Harrison and he read the script and said, Yeah, Ill do a three-picture deal. Id love to Harrison Ford once revealed how he avoided being typecast as an action star Ford knew there was a possibility of being typecast in one genre. But in an old interview with BBC, The Fugitive star felt his career choices helped him be more than just an action star. Ive always been aware of the potential to be trapped in the action genre, because of the commercial success of the first films that I did. But if you look carefully, you will see that I made every effort from the very beginning of my career to vary the kinds of genres and roles to not only do that kind of film, he said. Prince William and the Princess of Wales (formerly known as Kate Middleton) attended the wedding of King Abdullah II and Queen Ranias son Crown Prince Hussein of Jordan on June 1. Footage from the royal event shows what a body language expert is calling an awkward moment for the Prince of Wales. Heres more on that, plus why the expert believes William and Kate were more reserved than usual during the affair. Kate Middleton and Prince William, whose body language at the Jordan royal wedding was analyzed, attend a reception in Nassau, Bahamas | Pool/Samir Hussein/WireImage Expert noticed awkward moment for Prince William and Kate more reserved than usual Darren Stanton is a body language and behavioral expert who previously worked for the Derbyshire police and used his expertise to uncover the truth when interviewing hundreds of suspects. He later moved into media as a consultant. Looking at footage from the Jordan royal wedding, he noticed an awkward moment for Prince William when he wasnt quite sure what to do once he was done talking to the bride and groom. Speaking on behalf of Slingo Stanton said: After Prince William finished his conversation with the bride, he was kind of left hanging for about 20 seconds looking for Kate to finish her conversation. He had a couple of gestures when he was playing with his cufflinks a little bit. Thats what we call a pacifying gesture, showing he was a little bit nervous, a little bit out of his shell or his comfort zone. I dont think theres anything too wrong with that, but I thought it was an awkward moment for William as he stood there waiting for Kate to finish her conversation. As for the princess, Stanton noticed that she seemed more reserved while conversing with the Jordanian royals. I thought Kate was more reserved than usual in her level of body language when speaking to the king and the queen, Stanton opined. She was less animated with her hands. Shes usually very animated and tends to lean in quite a lot to who shes talking, but I think this has to do more with customs. I thought she was pretty reserved, quite sedate, and purposely taking a backseat to let others shine in the limelight. The expert added: Both of them are very comfortable in their own skin, Kate again is the stronger and the more confident of the two, with no sign of self-esteem issues. Shes very self-assured in every given situation. I think overall they appeared reserved because it wasnt really about them. The princess also shared an intimate moment with William Stanton also observed the couple sharing an intimate moment during the reception. Kate and Prince William seemed a little bit distant non-verbally when arriving at Crown Prince Husseins wedding, but I think that has to do more with protocol or customs. Probably displays of affection in that context are not appropriate, he said. However, I did notice Kate and William shared an intimate moment. You know those moments that you have with a partner. There are a few kinds of moments or glances that you have. One of them is like lets go, a signal where youre just like lets leave. Kates look, in its purest form, meant I love you so it shows a deep connection and a deep rapport, thats essentially what that look between those two means. There have been quite a few times they had such telling glances between them in different situations. Showbiz Cheat Sheet acknowledges conditions and cultures can impact body language and is sensitive to all backgrounds. Kate Middletons brother, James Middleton, has been close with the Princess of Wales for all his life. The two, of course, grew up together, and despite Kates massive fame as the wife of Prince William and the future Queen of the United Kingdom, her friendship with her brother has remained steadfast. James went through his own difficulties throughout life, openly discussing his battle with depression and how his dogs helped him get through it. Now, hes calling Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis lucky, but its not because the kids were born into royalty. Kate Middletons brother, James Middleton, and her sister, Pippa Middleton, in 2023 | Andrew Milligan/PA Wire The Middleton children have always been close Kate Middleton has two siblings, James and Pippa, to whom she has always been close. The three are the children of Michael and Carole Middleton, and Pippa served as Kates maid of honor at her wedding to Prince William in 2011. The tradition was less common at the time, as neither Princess Diana nor Queen Elizabeth proclaimed a maid of honor at their royal wedding. However, the title was a testament to Kates close relationship with Pippa. James, on the other hand, has always been close with Kate; Kate has been his confidante, and James has become candid about his battles with depression and how Kate and his dogs helped him get through it. And he even gave William and Kates children two dogs of their own. James Middleton says Kate Middletons kids are lucky to have a dog In recent years, James has opened up about his depression; Kate and William have made mental health a large part of their royal service, often dedicating time to helping others in need and providing resources for those working through any kind of mental health problems. Kates younger brother recently told Ok! Magazine, via Vanity Fair, how he found a lot of solace in his dog, Tilly, growing up. As an adult, James adopted a cocker spaniel named Ella, and when Ella had puppies, James gave one to William and Kates children. Lupo, a black cocker spaniel, had been photographed with the Wales children on various occasions, but Lupo died in 2020. And when that happened, James stepped in and gave the kids a second puppy a cocker spaniel named Orla. Im really pleased that they are able to enjoy and have the benefit of a dog in their lives, James said in the interview. I see them being lucky that they have a dog in their life. James went on to say that Kates work in the mental health sphere is commendable, especially because she is working to help children. The experiences that can happen as a child can change and shape you for the future and thats actually an element of what my sister and her early years development work involves, James said. Kate still remains incredibly close with her immediate family, despite the royal fame. Kate and William both attended the weddings of Pippa and James Middleton in 2017 and 2019, respectively, and continue to have a strong bond with the Middleton family. Lip Reader Reveals What Prince William and Kate Middleton Talked to Other Royals About at the Crown Prince of Jordans Wedding Prince William and the Princess of Wales (formerly known as Kate Middleton) were among the 4,000 guests to attend the wedding of Crown Prince Hussein of Jordan and Saudi architect Rajwa Al-Saif. For the affair, the princess wore a dress by Lebanese designer Elie Saab. She and William were greeted warmly by the grooms parents, King Abdullah II and Queen Rania, when they arrived at the Zahran Palace. Now, a lip reader is revealing what the couples appeared to be talking about. Prince William and Kate Middleton traveling in a vehicle to attend a State Banquet at Buckingham Palace | Karwai Tang/WireImage What William and Kate said to King Abdullah II and Queen Rania when they arrived Upon arrival, William bowed to King Abdullah and shook his hand while Kate hugged and curstied to both the king and queen, before they began catching up. The last time they saw each other was on May 6 at King Charles coronation. According to a lip reader for the Daily Mail, after William and the monarch shook hands the king said: Hello, how are you feeling? And the queen told the prince: So good to see you again. The Prince of Wales then replied: Thank you, youre very kind it was wonderful thank you. Yes its mad, I know! They are lovely, yes they are.' Its not clear what exactly William was referring to. The lip reader also decoded Queen Rania saying to the prince: They were so good, which is thought to be in reference to how the Wales children behaved during the coronation. Kate then appeared to tell the queen: Theres so much going on. To which she responded: Yes there is so much. I am looking forward to going on vacation after this. They concluded their conversation when Kate said: See you at the reception, before the queen replied: Thank you so much we will see you later. Other British royals who attended the wedding The Prince and Princess of Wales were the only British royals to attend the wedding. Williams cousin Princess Beatrice was also there with her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi. Beatrice donned a pale blue floral lace dress with a black belt and accessorized the look with a tiara belonging to her mother, Sarah Ferguson. Mozzi meanwhile wore a navy single-breasted suit with a cornflower blue tie. Other high-profile guests at the wedding included U.S. first lady Jill Biden and daughter Ashley, U.S. climate envoy John Kerry, as well as several other foreign aristocrats and dignitaries from around the world. And many royal fans believe they spotted Kates mom and sister, Carole and Pippa Middleton, at the wedding too. For those who live-streamed the event, they are convinced they saw Carole, Pippa, and Pippas husband, James Matthews, in the forefront of a shot during the evening reception. The women were sporting blue gowns. But whether it actually was Kates mother and sibling has not been confirmed at this time. The Middleton family lived in Jordan for two years when Kate was a child. Married at First Sight: Did Mackinley Just Prove Domynique Was Right to Dump Him? Domynique may have been right to cut and run on Married at First Sight. The 25-year-old married Mackinley, a 34-year-old cannabis farmer, on the 16th season of the Lifetime reality series. But after less than two weeks of marriage, she asked for a divorce, in part because she didnt believe her new husband was committed to putting down roots in her hometown of Nashville. Now, it seems that Doms suspicions that Mack wasnt planning on living in Music City long-term were spot on. During the shows May 31 episode, Mack revealed that hed moved back to his home state. I ended up taking a job in Michigan, a company Ive been consulting for, he told fellow cast member Airris during a meet-up. They ended up making me an offer that I couldnt refuse. It sucks because I just rented a house down here, so Im dealing with all of that, he added. But Im happy to be back in Michigan. Domynique was concerned about Mackinleys commitment to Nashville Mackinley from Married at First Sight Season 16 | Lifetime via YouTube During their brief marriage, Dom didnt hide her disappointment that her new husband, who had only recently moved to Nashville to find love, was crashing in a friends basement. She worried he didnt plan to make the move to Tennessee permanent. Taking everything into consideration like how you moved from Michigan to California and then California to Nashville you know, you dont have any ties, she told him after they returned home following their honeymoon in Jamaica. Youve still kinda got that free-roamer option, she added. That also is going through my mind a little bit. For me, its just like, I dont really have any plan to move from Nashville, you know? So the fact that youre not 100% tied to this place Ultimately, Doms concerns about Macks long-term plans were one reason she asked for a divorce weeks ahead of Decision Day. At the time, it seemed like she might have given up on marriage too soon. But now, it looks like she was right to trust her instincts. Mackinley might be putting Nashville in his rearview mirror, but that isnt stopping him from pursuing a potential romance with another Married at First Sight cast member. Hes made no secret that he finds Gina attractive. Now that shes split from her expert-picked spouse Clint, hes decided its time to make a move. In the latest episode of MAFS, the two go on their first date, and it seems like there might be a bit of a connection between the two entrepreneurs. Gina, a salon owner, isnt even that concerned when she learns Mack is moving to another state. Thats a little bit of a bummer, she admitted after he revealed that he was in the midst of relocating. But it doesnt scare me. I obviously want to continue talking to you and hanging out Ive never been opposed to, like, long-distance type stuff. New episodes of Married at First Sight Season 16 air Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET on Lifetime. For more on the entertainment world and exclusive interviews, subscribe to Showbiz Cheat Sheets YouTube channel. Principal Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer spoke with Prime Minister Albin Kurti of Kosovo yesterday. Mr. Finer underscored the United States' concern about the tense situation in northern Kosovo and called for all parties to take steps aimed at de-escalating the situation. READ NEXT: Joint Statement from the United States and Guatemala on Migration He urged the Government of Kosovo to enable newly elected mayors to carry out their duties from alternative locations and to withdraw police forces from municipal buildings. He also welcomed Prime Minister Kurti's willingness to work towards conditions for new elections. Mr. Finer reiterated that the United States expects both sides to re-engage in the EU-facilitated Dialogue and to fully implement the normalization agreement reached in Brussels and Ohrid earlier this year. READ MORE: Oklahoma City Man Pleads Guilty to Attempted Coercion and Enticement of a Minor @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close First kisses can be awkward, but when slobber is involved, its an immediate turn-off. Jeneva Rose (@jenevaroseauthor) is sharing a story on TikTok about the worst date shes ever been on, and it ends with the guy making out with her forehead. So it was a blind date that Jenevas friend had set up for her. The guy had seen a picture of Jeneva and asked Jenevas friend to connect them. When Jeneva inquired about what he was like, her friend simply said, Nice. So the guy picked Jeneva up from her apartment to take her to dinner. I was like sweet because I was really poor, and I was living on pizza rolls, ranch, and Captain Crunch at the time, said Jeneva. They ended up going to a Mexican restaurant, where Jeneva ordered a cheese quesadilla. Jenevas date ordered three pitchers of water and drank them all while they were waiting for their food. He said, I love water. That should have been a red flag, but it wasnt. We didnt have red flags back then, she said. When the check came, he requested six dollars from her. She handed over the money, plus a couple of extra dollars to tip the server with. Then, he drove her home, and she thought that was where the date would finally end. However, he asked to use her bathroom. When he finished using the bathroom, he suggested they watch a movie together. Jeneva reluctantly agreed and picked a sad film to try to drive him out of her apartment sooner. Sign up for Chip Chicks newsletter and get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox. California state senator invites 'anti-Christian' drag troupe member to be honored at state capitol Days after a controversial drag troupe was uninvited and then reinvited to a pride event at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, a California state senator is inviting a member of the troupe to be honored on the floor of the state Senate. State Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco, announced Tuesday the states highest legislative body will honor "Sister Roma" of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence (SPI), a drag group that has been called anti-Christian and anti-Catholic due to its mockery of the priesthood and other religious iconography. Weiner said he chose the troupe member because we should celebrate leaders who serve their community even in the face of hate and abuse. He tweeted: I nominated Sister Roma for this honor b/c we should celebrate leaders who serve their community even in the face of hate & abuse. " Weiner, who serves as the chair of the California Senate's Housing Committee and formerly chaired the California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus, is known for previously sponsoring SB 145, a bill that removes the requirement for adults to register as a sex offender after committing illegal sex acts with minors within a 10-year age difference. SPI made national headlines in mid-May after the Dodgers announced they would honor the group at a team pride event and later rescinded the invitation after criticism from conservative groups and lawmakers like Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, who questioned why the Dodgers were awarding a group of gay and transgender drag performers that intentionally mocks and degrades Christians. Bill Donahue, president of the Catholic League, called SPI an obscene anti-Catholic group, and shortly afterward, the team reversed course. But Weiner who attended SPIs annual Easter "Hunky Jesus" costume contest last year in San Francisco, which featured an egg hunt for children and a variety show featuring men in drag attacked those who opposed SPI on religious grounds. During a May 18 floor session in the Senate, Weiner hailed the drag troupe as one of the most respected community organizations," and said the same right-wing mob that led a boycott of Bud Light over its use of a transgender model was responsible for the Dodgers initially backing off their invitation. In 2016, after a Muslim shooter who swore allegiance to the Islamic State terrorist group killed 49 people and wounded 50 others at the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, Florida, Weiner voiced his view that Christians pose just as much of a threat. Immediately following the mass shooting, Weiner tweeted: Let's be clear: Radical Islam doesn't have a monopoly on anti-#LGBT violence. Radical Christianity more than holds its own. #PulseNightclub. In response to the announcement about honoring SPI in Sacramento, California, state Sen. Melissa Menendez condemned the decision to honor SPI, which she labeled an anti-Christian hate group. Menendez tweeted: The California State Senate will honor the group of men who call themselves the sisters of perpetual indulgence on June 5th in a ceremony on the Senate floor. A blasphemous anti-Christian hate group like this should be condemned, not honored. Conservative advocacy groups, California Family Council (CFC) and The American Council (TAC), announced plans for a prayer vigil on June 5 outside the state Capitol in Sacramento. The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence have been the center of much controversy over their mockery of Christian tradition and beliefs, the groups wrote in a statement on the events page. In a recent celebration members of the group dressed as Jesus and performed strip-teases, pole dances, and sex-simulations. The openly gay Weiner serves as the chair of the California Senate's Housing Committee and formerly chaired the California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus. The lawmaker is known for previously sponsoring SB 145, a bill that removes the requirement for adults to register as a sex offender after committing certain sex acts with minors within a 10-year age difference. Following its passage in 2020, Wiener's office insisted that SB 145 "does not legalize any kind of sex with a minor and does not change the potential sentence for having sex with an underage person. Ex Dave Ramsey followers sue him for more than $150M over endorsement of failed timeshare exit company Evangelical financial advisor and CEO Dave Ramsey is being sued by a group of his former followers for more than $150 million for allegedly deceiving thousands of listeners of his nationally syndicated radio show and podcast to invest millions of dollars into a failed timeshare exit company. Ramsey, who is CEO of Ramsey Solutions, which claims to provide biblically based, commonsense education and empowerment that give HOPE to everyone in every walk of life, is named along with his company in the class action lawsuit filed by 17 former followers in the Western District of Washington. The lawsuit also names as defendants, Timeshare Exit Team, the legal name for timeshare exit company Reed Hein, as well as the Washington-based marketing company, Happy Hour Media Group. The lawsuit estimates that the class of plaintiffs in the case to be more than 10,000 people who, during the applicable statute of limitations, paid money to Reed Hein and Time Share Exit Team for the purpose of obtaining an exit from their timeshare obligations after being exposed to, and/or in reliance on, the statements and other representations made by Dave Ramsey, and The Lampo Group. Ramsey, who has long been an outspoken opponent of timeshares and encouraged his followers not to invest in them, is accused of using his media platforms to drive his followers who want to get out of their timeshare agreements to pay Reed Hein to get them out of their timeshares with a money-back guarantee. The Evangelical financial advisor, however, did not disclose to his followers that he was being paid to endorse Reed Hein, even as it became abundantly clear that his followers were being defrauded out of their money by the company and receiving very little help with getting rid of their unwanted timeshares. To generate customers, Reed Hein employed the Kirkland, Washington-based marketing firm Happy Hour Media Group, nationally syndicated radio host Dave Ramsey, and Ramseys wholly owned company, The Lampo Group. From 2015 to 2021, Reed Hein paid Dave Ramsey and The Lampo Group to make false claims and instruct Ramseys faithful listeners to hire Reed Hein, the lawsuit alleges. By 2021, Ramseys promotions drove Reed Heins revenue from less than one-million dollars per year to more than $40 million per year. For his efforts, Reed Hein is believed to have paid Ramsey $450,000 per month, totaling greater than $30 million, it continues. The plaintiffs allege that Ramsey knew or should have known that Reed Hein used fraud and unfair and deceptive trade practices when he began participating in the scheme. Ramseys former followers allege that he exploited their trust in his financial knowledge which he claims to be based upon the Bible. They allege that even though he knew that Reed Hein was deceiving them with their false claims of being able to get them out of their unwanted timeshares while collecting their money upfront, he continued to endorse them as long as he was getting paid by the company. Reed Hein made many claims that any competent financial advisor with Dave Ramseys knowledge and skill would know to be false, and it engaged in many activities Dave Ramsey would have known to be illegal. Despite that, Ramsey accepted payment from Reed Hein to make false statements to his listeners, the lawsuit alleges. Throughout his promotions, Ramsey assured his listeners that he had vetted Reed Hein and promised them that the company was the only trustworthy method to get out of their timeshare contracts. He called Reed Hein legal specialists and claimed the company had a proprietary process to achieve its exits, it notes. From as early as 2016, the lawsuit says, Ramseys followers started warning him that Reed Hein wasnt living up to their promise. Starting in 2016, Ramsey began receiving thousands of letters from listeners complaining about their experiences with Reed Hein. In 2017, the timeshare companies began launching successful suits against Reed Hein for its practices. In 2018, the Better Business Bureau issued an alert after receiving greater than 300 complaints about Reed Hein, which held a C-rating. Ramsey continued to promote the scheme after May 2019, when the United States Court for the Middle District of Florida explicitly found Reed Heins practices unfair and deceptive as a matter of law, the lawsuit states. Even after the attorney general for Washington state sued Reed Hein for violations of the Consumer Protection Act, Ramsey was undeterred. He promoted it even as his listeners filed lawsuits against Reed Hein. He promoted it even as fourteen separate arbitrators issued awards to Reed Hein customers because of its violations. By March of 2021, Reed Hein and Happy Hour Media Group stopped paying Ramsey for his promotions. Only when the money ran out, Ramsey stopped promoting Reed Hein, the lawsuit says. The plaintiffs further argued that despite the overwhelming evidence against Reed Hein Ramsey failed to accept any blame. Instead of acknowledging the deception, Ramsey recorded a nine-minute radio segment in which he lashed out at anyone he felt to be responsible for Reed Heins woes. He blamed the timeshare companies. He blamed the Washington State Attorney General. And he dared Plaintiffs attorneys to sue him, saying bring it on because he operates out of a $300 million building that is bought and paid for, the lawsuit says. Ramsey admitted the only reason he stopped promoting the company was because it stopped paying for his promotions. Along with damages in excess of $150 million, the plaintiffs are seeking attorneys' fees and costs, declaratory relief, disgorgement of fees, joint and several damages and any and all applicable interest on the judgement. Indian Christian bedridden after being choked unconscious for following Christ: report A Sikh family in the northern Indian state of Punjab reportedly choked a 24-year-old Christian woman unconscious for believing in Jesus and attacked the girl's sister and mother. The girl couldnt speak for nearly a month and remains bedridden. Five members of the family, one of whom was identified as Manjeet Singh, are alleged to have attacked the three women after they returned from an evening worship service in Ludhiana districts Ghawaddi village, Morning Star News reported. The 24-year-old victim is Meenu Kaur Tank. Her 27-year-old sister, Harpreet Kaur Tank, told the nonprofit persecution monitoring organization that she is unable to come out of shock." She has lost her appetite and hardly talks," the sister explained. "[The assailant] caught my sister from the throat and pressed it so hard, almost choking her to death. She fell unconscious." Meenu Kaur Tank was rushed to a hospital immediately after the 45-minute ordeal on June 20. According to Morning Star News, Meenu Kaur Tank remains bedridden on strong medicines and sometimes falls in and out of consciousness. Although she has regained her voice, the sister said that she barely speaks. Singh was accused of slapping and hitting their 48-year-old mother, Munesh Devi. His 22-year-old son, Monu, is said to have also punched and kicked the mother. During the attack, the assailants also demeaned the family's Christian faith. Singhs wife, daughter and younger brother, Sikander Singh, were also involved in the alleged assault. Harpreet Kaur Tank said that their older sister, Gurjeet Kaur, who lives in the same village, came with her husband to rescue them. However, they, too, were attacked. The confrontation started when Singh stopped Harpreet Kaur Tank while she was going to fetch water from a cooler outside a Sikh worship center near her home to serve a couple who had dropped them home from a Christian worship service. Singh complained that her guests had parked their car near the Sikh temple. Though it had nothing to do with Manjeet, yet I assured him that I will immediately get the car moved, she said. However, Singh started berating her family for changing their religion for material gain. The three women put their faith in Jesus in 2016. He [Jesus] did not know who His [earthly] father was. How can you follow such a man? Singh reportedly told the family. They were five of them and surrounded us, Harpreet Kaur Tank added. They took turns and hit us on our heads, and when we would fall to the ground, they would kick us and punch us. As soon as we would rise, they would again hit us on the head, and we would fall to the ground again. According to attorney Nav Chahal, the police filed a complaint reluctantly and didnt appear to investigate properly as the accused are influential. Christians make up about 2.5% of Indias population. Although Sikhs are also a religious minority, Christians are seen as a soft target as Christianity is portrayed by Hindu nationalists as a foreign religion. The persecution of Christians and other religious minorities, especially Muslims, has risen since the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party won the 2014 national elections. And attacks on Christians often go without prosecution. India ranks as the 10th worst country globally when it comes to Christian persecution, according to Open Doors USA's 2021 World Watch List. The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom has urged the U.S. State Department to label India as a country of particular concern for engaging in or tolerating severe religious freedom violations. Men from warrior Sikh sect attack church in India A mob comprised of men dressed in the traditional attire of a Sikh warrior order stormed into a church, causing significant property damage and injuring numerous church members in Indias Punjab state. The assailants, who bore the distinct Nihang attire blue robes, swords and spears interrupted a peaceful gathering at the Sukhpal Rana Ministries Church in Rajewal village near Amritsar city in the Sikh-majority state, the U.K.-based group Christian Solidarity Worldwide reports. They brandished sticks, tore Bibles, vandalized vehicles parked outside and attacked the congregants, the group said, adding that following the initial assault, the situation escalated into a volatile confrontation, with both parties hurling stones. It required intervention from the police to bring the hostile situation under control. In response to the violent incident, the Christian community of Rajewal village protested, seeking justice and promising retaliation if immediate action wasnt taken. They reportedly demanded charges of blasphemy against the attackers. A member of the Punjab Minority Commission reportedly visited the village to assess the situation, although subsequent action remains uncertain. The local police, including the police superintendent, visited the protest site and assured the congregation that a formal complaint had been filed and prompt action would be taken. The police have yet to confirm whether the assailants belong to the Nihang sect, who have subsequently denied any involvement. Last August, the Infant Jesus Catholic Church in Punjab was vandalized by four masked men claimed to be Nihangs, who also torched a priests car. The Nihangs have criticized evangelism in the state and accused Christians of forced conversions. CSW Founder and President Mervyn Thomas called the attack yet another incident in a worrying trend of targeted attacks on religious minorities across the country. In other states, Christians are attacked by Hindu nationalist groups. Religious freedom conditions in India have drastically deteriorated in recent years following the rise of the Bharatiya Janata Party in India in 2014. Christians comprise only 2.3% of Indias population, and Hindus account for about 80%. Often such incidents are not just a one-off occurrence, but the result of deep-seated polarization that has been allowed to fester for years, Thomas said. The narrative playing out in India, where members of minority religious communities are demonized, has far-reaching implications. Thomas called on the authorities to investigate and prosecute the perpetrators without delay. The Nihangs, an armed Sikh warrior order, trace their origins to the creation of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699. Distinguished by their blue robes, decorated turbans, and traditional weapons, they are a notable part of Punjabs socio-cultural fabric. Open Doors USA, an organization that monitors persecution in over 60 countries, ranks India as the 10th-worst country in the world when it comes to Christian persecution. The organization reports that Hindu extremists aim to cleanse the country of their presence and influence. The driving force behind this is Hindutva, an ideology that disregards Indian Christians and other religious minorities as true Indians because they have allegiances that lie outside India, and asserts the country should be purified of their presence," an Open Doors factsheet on India reads. This is leading to a systemic, and often violent and carefully orchestrated, targeting of Christians and other religious minorities, including use of social media to spread disinformation and stir up hatred. Most Americans oppose schools counseling kids on gender identity without parental consent: poll A new poll reveals that a majority of Americans oppose schools counseling students on their gender identity without parental consent as efforts to push back against aspects of LGBT ideology continue to pass at the state level. A poll conducted by Rasmussen Reports from May 24-25 asked 1,116 U.S. adults for their views on various aspects of LGBT ideology. The survey, released Thursday, had a margin of error of +/-3 percentage points. Overall, 26% of Americans surveyed said school officials should have the ability to counsel students on their sexual orientation and sexual identity without receiving consent from the childs parents to do so, while 60% disagreed, and the remaining 14% did not have an opinion on the matter. Broken down by political party, majorities of Republicans (75%) and those not affiliated with either major political party (64%) expressed opposition to schools counseling children about their sexual orientation and gender identity without the knowledge of parents, as did a sizable percentage of Democrats (44%). A higher share of women (65%) reacted with disapproval to the idea of schools advising students about their sexual orientation and gender identity without parental consent than men (55%). The survey question about schools counseling students on their sexual orientation and gender identity comes as school districts in the U.S. have faced lawsuits for referring to students by a new, chosen name and pronoun that does not align with their sex while the student is at school, but then referring to the child by their legal birth name and actual pronouns consistent with their sex in communication with parents, thereby keeping parents in the dark about their childs social transition. Some states, including Florida and Iowa, have passed laws requiring schools to keep parents informed about changes to their childs mental health, including any request by the pupil to go by a different name and pronouns or if they express confusion about their gender identity and ask to identify as the opposite sex. Other questions asked of respondents mirror those featured in previous Rasmussen surveys yielding similar findings. Thursdays poll revealed that a majority of Americans (62%) approved of state laws banning body mutilating surgeries, such as mastectomies for girls and castration for boys, while nearly half strongly approved (46%). On the other hand, 30% of those surveyed disapproved of bans on sex change operations for trans-identified youth, including 18% who strongly disapproved. Majorities of Republicans (73%), politically unaffiliated respondents (59%) and Democrats (56%) approved of legislation banning minors from receiving life-altering gender transition surgeries. When it comes to laws banning the prescription of hormone replacement therapy, also known as cross-sex hormones, to trans-identified youth, 59% of those surveyed approved of such measures compared to 31% who disapproved. Currently, 19 states have enacted laws that ban some or all gender transition procedures for minors: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah and West Virginia. These laws come in response to concerns about the long-term effects of gender transition procedures. The American College of Pediatricians has identified potential side effects of cross-sex hormones as an increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, diabetes, blood clots and cancers. The office of Floridas Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis recently shared images documenting the irreversible harms caused by so-called sex-change surgeries, including the deformities and scars left behind following the removal of forearm tissue to create fake, flaccid penises for girls who want to look male, as well as the removal of healthy breasts from biological females who want to present themselves as males. Chloe Cole, a detransitioner who formerly sought to transition to the opposite sex but has since seen her gender dysphoria subside, outlined additional side effects she experienced after receiving puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones and a double mastectomy as a minor in a lawsuit filed against the medical professionals who treated her gender dysphoria earlier this year. A previously filed notice of intent to sue described how Cole was advised that the distress she experienced because of her gender dysphoria would resolve as she transitioned, only to discover that it always came back worse following initial relief after each phase of transition. The Rasmussen survey also asked Americans if they agreed with a statement asserting that there are only two genders, male and female. Seventy-one percent expressed agreement with the aforementioned declaration, including 57% who strongly agreed with it. Meanwhile, 23% of respondents disagreed that there are only two genders, and 10% strongly disagreed. While the majority who agreed that there are only two genders extended across party lines, higher shares of Republicans (72%) and the politically unaffiliated (54%) strongly agreed that there are only two genders than Democrats (47%). Additionally, majorities of blacks (64%), other minorities (57%) and whites (55%) conceded that there are only two genders. 5 steps to succeed over secret sin When I first came to Christ a tract entitled Ill Never Tell Anyone I Have a Problem With caught my attention. I was not alone. It helped multitudes get free from the same sexual sin. When we face besetting sins that seem to have a stranglehold on our lives, it can seem like well never break through to victory. Yet if we align with His will, draw upon His grace daily and continue to persevere in faith, we can succeed. Does this apply to the seductions of sexual sin? What about masturbation? For those who have walked this path, it can be an agonizing and guilt-producing experience, crippling one's relationship with God. There is hope! There is also the authoritative promise of the Bible enabling us to face this area with unwavering confidence: No temptation has taken you except what is common to man. God is faithful, and He will not permit you to be tempted above what you can endure, but with the temptation will also make a way to escape, that you may be able to bear it (1Cor.10:13). Society encourages solo sex A well-intentioned leader attempts to bring relief to individuals ensnared in masturbation saying, Periodic release of sexual tension through masturbation may be OK for the single person Compulsive masturbation is a sin; periodic release of sexual tension when you don't have a spouse is not. This is mild compared to propaganda in public schools today on this subject along with acceptance of pornography, recreational marijuana and sexual activity. Heres the biblical perspective that can bring liberation to multitudes struggling specifically with solo sex. I also encourage everyone to watch the 4-minute video on the topic, "Masturbation" and read chapter 14 in my companion book, Bullseye. Five transformative truths 1. Guard against justifying sinful behavior All of us need to be careful we don't yield to rationalization in difficult areas of the Christian life. Scripture teaches that The heart is more deceitful than all things and desperately wicked; who then can understand it? (Jer. 17:9). Due to our fallen nature, all of us have the proclivity to find ingenious excuses for unrighteous behavior. How many times have I engaged in conversations with professing Christians who find amazingly clever ways to justify indulging in casual sex ... smoking marijuana consenting to an abortion ... sexting ... living together (ours are special circumstances which God understands) ... viewing sexually explicit films and even a gay/homosexual lifestyle. 2. Resist dangerous deception to disregard biblical standards In our sex-saturated culture, there is a multitude of voices sharing their perspectives. Liberal Christian ministers seeking popularity proclaim that masturbation is actually a gift from God. Today sex-education classes, advice columnists, and even the World Health Organization encourage masturbation, plus abortion and homosexuality, to children and teens worldwide. Doesn't it make sense to have sound, biblical counsel amidst all the questionable advice bombarding us from every corner? A biblical worldview on sexuality seems foolish to pop-culture proponents, yet to those desiring to please God and to live holy lives, it brings peace, joy, and freedom! Ephesians 5:3 calls us to jettison any sexual immorality, or any impurity (v3) and adds, For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret (v12). 3. Scripture celebrates sexual pleasure between married partners To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under Heaven ... a time to embrace and a time to refrain He has made everything beautiful in its appropriate time (Eccl. 3:1,5 and 11). God richly gives us all things to enjoy (1 Tim. 6:17) but instructs us, Do not stir up or awaken love before the proper time (Sol. 8:4). 4. Gods wisdom directs the unmarried to develop self-control, (Gal.5:23) preparing us for a successful marriage You remember the instructions we gave you in the name of the Lord Jesus. Gods plan is to make you holy, and that entails first of all a clean-cut with sexual immorality. Every one of you should learn to control his body, keeping it pure and treating it with respect" (1 Thess.4:2-4 J.B. Phillips). What is the primary reason marriages break up? Sexual problems? Adultery? Anger and abuse? Financial issues? Emotional problems? No, the number one reason is simply a lack of self-control which adversely impacts all these areas. Proverbs 25:28 reminds us, He who has no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down and without walls. In marriage, one must also forgo sexual activity because of sickness, pregnancy, or travel. Self-controlled individuals who cultivate this character quality before marriage reap the dividends in marriage. I say this from the perspective of over 47 years of a wonderful covenant marriage in Christ. 5. Jesus came to forgive sins and free us from sin's power (Rom.6:6-7) Scores of Christians suffer addiction to sexual sin and needless condemnation because they've never been taught this unbelievable, biblical reality. Like slaves who were ignorant of the Emancipation Proclamation or believed it simply was too good to be true, followers of Jesus can remain ensnared by besetting sins until they grasp this life-changing truth. Christians are not to be mastered by anything that includes masturbation. Scripture cautions us about individuals who entice by the lusts of the flesh promising freedom but keeping people in sexual bondage because by that which a man is overcome, to this he is enslaved (2 Pet. 2:18-19). Jesus told us if we remain in My word You shall know the truth and the truth will set you free (Jn. 8:31-32)! Reject the lies and rise to victory! Its a lie when we hear: There's nothing sinful or harmful about pornography or masturbation. It's just a natural way to relieve sexual tension and pleasure oneself. It's also a lie to believe, I'm trapped. I can't stop. I'll never break free from this unforgivable sin. If you're tired of Satan manipulating you to walk in defeat, condemnation and uncleanness, then reject these lies, repent of unbelief and passivity regarding this temptation being too difficult to overcome. Like Job, make a covenant with my eyes (Job 31:1). Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart (2 Tim. 2:22). Spend consistent time in the Word of God (How shall a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to your Word (Ps.119:9). Don't plan to fall, but if you do, immediately arise to repent, receive forgiveness and continue your journey to live in victory. You can do all things because of Christ who strengthens you (Phil. 4:13). How should Christians think about the conscience? Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not his own facts. At least thats what the late senator from New York, Daniel Patrick Moynihan, suggested in 1983. Almost 40 years later, its an admonition still worth bearing in mind, recognizing the distinction between subjective perceptions and objective reality. But, as with most bits of proverbial wisdom, the kicker comes in spotting the difference between the two, something always easier said than done. Knowing the difference between opinion and fact is a critical skill for all of life, but the stakes are even higher when it comes to life together as Christians because Christians come with a conscience. And the conscience, that God-given, wonderful, but tricky internal voice, can take our personal opinions and baptize them into God-given facts quicker than you can say dont drink, dance, or chew or hang out with those who do. Thankfully, authors Andy Naselli and J.D. Crowley have a prescription for those who are prone to either under-value (or over-use) their Christian conscience. In Conscience: What It Is, How to Train It, and Loving Those Who Differ, Naselli, a theology professor and pastor, and Crowley, a missionary and linguist, write that their modest but potentially life-changing goal is to put conscience back on your daily radar, to show from Scripture what God intended and did not intend conscience to do, and to explain how your conscience works, how to care for it, and not to damage it (p. 17). They achieve this goal by 1. defining conscience biblically; 2. explaining how Christians can be free from a condemning conscience; 3. educating us on how to calibrate our consciences; and 4. teaching how Christians with different consciences can and should live together in peace, whether thats in the same local church or in a cross-cultural missionary setting. In short, the authors want to help their readers align their God-given consciences to Gods given revelation as much as possible, recognizing there wont be perfect overlap in this fallen world, and thus reminding us that your conscience is not identical to the voice of God no matter how strongly you may be tempted to think that it is (p. 61). One of the main points I found to be most helpful was their Two Great Principles of Conscience summary. After defining what a conscience is, the authors argue that of all the principles related to conscience, two rise to the top: 1. God is the only Lord of the conscience, and 2. you should always obey your conscience (p. 30). This two-fold greatest commandment of the conscience is so practical because it places a premium on the conscience obey it! but it also puts the conscience in its proper place submit it to the Lord. Outside of the classically complicated arena of the strong vs. weak conscience issues within a local church, these two principles help guard against the twin ditches that exist on either side of a rightly-calibrated conscience: Either ignoring or absolutizing it. Listening to your conscience is critical it helps you avoid sin! But sanctifying your conscience so much that it cant be submitted to God is equally dangerous. As the authors write, If your conscience is so sacrosanct that its off-limits even to God, thats idolatry (p. 31). There is a tendency for folks to just assume, My conscience is perfectly calibrated, thank you very much. But we should all be humble, and willing to recalibrate, if necessary. We should be willing to consider that our conscience may, in fact, have more submitting left to do to align it with Gods Word and Gods wisdom. The authors state that Whenever obey conscience! collides with obey God!, obey God! must come out on top every time (p. 31). But obey God! can only be a real option, and not an empty set, if a Christian is willing to consider that there may yet be more for them to learn from Gods Word. Another portion of the book that is particularly useful, and serves up much food for thought to digest, was the chapter on How Should You Relate to Fellow Christians When Your Consciences Disagree (p. 84). They write on page 92: Paul could have given the opposite command: If you have a strong conscience, you must stop eating meat entirely since exercising your freedom might affect those with a weak conscience. Most conservative churches today land here. But this solution denies believers their freedom to enjoy Gods good bounty and might even cross the line into false teaching. Im not sure there is any principle or aspiration that Naselli and Crowley call Christians to that I disagreed with, but I would have liked to see them press the application out a bit further, especially on what it would look like, in real life, for a local church to accommodate both consciences on an issue without defaulting to exclusively accommodating the weaker conscience. Im inclined to think that many evangelical leaders and even some churches have, perhaps, erred too far on this side in corporate applications simply telling those with stronger consciences to stop exercising their freedoms, full-stop. Yes, Pauls teaching in Romans 14 places additional responsibilities on those with stronger consciences. Got it. But I dont see how always yielding to the weaker consciences is the best way to love them, and it seems the authors dont see that either. Love, expressed through unity, is the goal. That can be achieved in a variety of ways, including by ensuring both parties show respect, and love, to each other, even without a top-down mandate that favors the weaker consciences. Lets make this practical by applying this to COVID. Imagine if during the course of the pandemic a church met somewhere outside where there was NOT a mask mandate for outside gatherings. In that scenario, wearing masks was not a question of complying with a government order it was simply a question of prudence and wisdom. I would argue that church leadership should say something like this: Church family, when we gather outside for our services, since there is no government-ordered mask mandate for this gathering, we are not going to add an additional requirement. However, any member who wishes to wear a mask (the weaker conscience) is, of course, free to do so, and no one who does not wear a mask (the stronger conscience) should think less of your brother or sister for doing so. Further, for anyone who chooses to wear a mask, you should not judge or think poorly of your brother who chooses to exercise their freedom and not wear a mask. Both choices can be valid and neither is sin, so love one another despite your differently calibrated consciences and exercise of freedom. Instead, what many churches ended up doing was what the authors warn against simply telling those who have the stronger conscience (and would be willing to not wear a mask) to stop exercising your freedom entirely since exercising your freedom might affect those with a weak conscience. As Naselli and Crowley put it on page 95: What was Pauls message to the weak of conscience If your strictness in these matters is causing you to judge others and bring division into the church, you are sinning and failing to show love And one more thing: stop trying to force others to obey your rules of conscience. In conclusion, I agree with the authors that, when it comes to facilitating unity in a local church, the goal isnt necessarily to determine who is right and who is wrong but to preserve the blood-bought unity we have in Christ. And to that end, we should adopt the same spirit of Paul, who was generous to both sides and assumes that both sides are exercising their freedoms or restrictions for the glory of God (p. 106). Because we do, indeed, serve a Savior who set aside unimaginable freedoms for the sake of setting undeserving captives free. Originally published at the Standing for Freedom Center. Why love is not God Todays preaching from Christian pulpits is filled with compromise, often because of the wrong presentation of biblical love. Since love is a powerful motivating force that can drive people to the limits of their abilities and existence, it needs to be defined correctly in the Church lest believers fall into grave error regarding our teaching and ethical standards (John 3:16 says, God so loved the world that He gave His One and Only Son. This illustrates the power of divine love!) In this article, I will attempt to demonstrate why love does not define God, but God defines love. As background, some ancient writers identified various forms of love: Familial love (in Greek, Storge) Friendly or platonic love (Philia) Romantic or erotic love (Eros) Divine or unconditional love (Agape) The contemporary world frequently reduces love to an erotic feeling between humans concerning selfish sexual fulfillment. This raw, erotic, transactional, sexual experience between two people (hookup) does not remotely resemble the biblical definition of love. Also, a feeling-centered understanding of love (Philia), whereby people connect emotionally, liking each other as friends, limits our understanding of this powerful word, Love. The apostle John says God is love (1 John 4:8). Unfortunately, many interpret this verse to mean that God has no standards except an emotional feeling of love, compassion, and empathy (philia) toward the plight of others. However, our subjective, feeling centered understanding of the word does not fully comport with the biblical understanding of love. There is a reason why Scripture says God is love and not love is God. This is because God is the One who frames and defines love, derived from the character and holiness of His divine nature. Consequently, we cannot separate one attribute of God (love) from other significant attributes of God, such as righteousness and justice, which are the foundation of His throne (Psalm 89:14). Love without holiness and righteousness has no real foundation. Conversely, without the framework of Gods character, love in and of itself is not anchored by any standard and is only defined by subjective, mercurial human feelings, personal desires, and opinions. The New Testament definition of love The apostle Paul defines love as actions, not mere sentiments (1 Corinthians 13). What does the Old Testament law have to do with love? Everything! God gave Moses a template in the Old Testament that defined love in the 10 Commandments (Exodus 20). Each commandment depicted love in action toward God or our neighbor. How do we know these commandments were about love? When questioned about the greatest commandment, Jesus said to love God fervently (with heart, soul, and mind). He concluded later by stating that all the law and the prophets hung on two commandments: loving God fervently and loving ones neighbor (Matt. 22:36-40). The apostle Paul summarized the 10 Commandments by writing, Love is the fulfillment of the law (Romans 13:8). The apostle James also connected love and the law of God when he wrote in his letter: If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, You shall love your neighbor as yourself, you are doing well ... (James 2:8-9). Unfortunately, some contemporary pastors ignore the law in their preaching, making it seem like Jesus inaugurated a new era of love (like 1960s-era hippies) and negated the Old Testament moral law. However, Jesus clarified that He did not come to abolish the law but to fulfill it (Matthew 5:17). Jesus further stated that the proof of someone loving Him was that they obeyed His commandments (John 14:15). Jesus even said: Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him (John 14:21). Thus, when we tell people that Jesus loves them just as they are, we also need to say to them that He expects them to repent (change their thinking), and to bring forth fruit that proves their repentance. John the Baptist connected a lifestyle change (fruit) as proof of repentance, and so did Paul the Apostle (Matthew 3:7, Acts 26:20, Romans 6:21). Of course, we are not saved by works but through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9). The first step is evangelism to promote an encounter with Jesus, the forgiveness of sins, and being born from above before we can expect people to change their lifestyle habits. It is impossible to serve God without the Spirit of God and Jesus living in us and through us (Galatians 2:20; 5:16-17). However, the Spirit of God enables Christs followers to uphold the law, not negate it (Romans 3:31; 8:3-4). As a result, the proof that a person is truly saved is through their works which will be demonstrated over time, not by merely repeating a prayer for forgiveness (Ephesians 2:10; James 2:17). Indeed, the grace of God has appeared to empower believers to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions so we can be zealous to do good works (Titus 2:11-14; 3:8). So, when pastors tell their congregation to disconnect from the Old Testament and to focus only on grace and the love of God, without framing it concomitantly with His holiness, righteousness, and justice, they fall into the heresy of Antinomianism. This gives people a license to sin, which Scripture condemns (Romans 6:1-2; Jude 4). Antinomianism is a word in Greek which means anti, against; nomos, law; a doctrine that teaches Christians are freed from obeying Gods moral law due to the grace of Christ revealed in the Gospel. The antinomians regarded the necessity of obedience as legalistic. May the Church define love through the character and holiness of God and no longer by the standards and definitions of the world. In so doing, may the Church begin to experience a move away from the heresy of Antinomianism and hyper-grace and preach the whole counsel of God like Paul did (Acts 20:27). (Photo : JACK GUEZ/AFP via Getty Images) The United States is attempting to procure TNT in Japan as it hurries weapons and ammunition to Ukraine in preparation for a counteroffensive. (not the actual photo) The United States is attempting to procure TNT in Japan for 155mm artillery projectiles as it hurries weapons and ammunition to Ukraine in preparation for a planned counteroffensive against Russian forces. The export regulations of a pacifist Japan prohibit Japanese companies from selling lethal items abroad, such as the howitzer projectiles that Ukraine fires daily at Russian forces occupying its southeastern regions. US Seeks Artillery Shells in Japan Despite this, the allies appear to have found a way to allow the TNT sale despite global shortages of munitions, according to two sources who spoke with Reuters. Per Aljazeera, the export restrictions for commercially sold dual-use products and equipment are less stringent than those for exclusively military items. According to a second source, Tokyo has informed the United States government that it will permit the sale of industrial TNT because the explosive is not restricted to military use only. The US wishes to add a Japanese company to its TNT supply chain in order to deliver explosives to US army-owned munitions factories, which would then pack them into 155mm shell cases, according to the source. Japan is among the scores of friends and allies that the United States has asked for assistance in arming Ukraine in light of its strained military supply chains. Among those contacted by the United States is South Korea, which also employs 155mm projectiles. A South Korean defense official told Reuters that Seoul's opposition to providing lethal assistance to Kyiv has not changed. When asked this week in Tokyo about the possibility of a change in Japanese policy on lethal aid, Austin stated at a press briefing that any change would be a matter for Japan, but that "any support" for Ukraine is "always appreciated." The sources who spoke with Reuters declined to identify the Japanese company that would supply explosives to the US government, nor did they disclose the quantity of TNT that Washington wished to purchase. When asked if it was discussing any TNT sales through an intermediary, the company, whose website features an industrial TNT product, stated that it does not disclose the identity of customers or potential purchasers. Many legislators of Japan's governing Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) want to ease or eliminate export restrictions, so supplying commercial TNT to the United States may only be a stopgap measure. Read Also: Mexico Authorities Discover 45 Bags of Human Remains in Search of 7 Young People Japan Donated Military Vehicles to Ukraine Japan previously held a ceremony to commemorate its intended donation of approximately 100 military vehicles to Ukraine, as Tokyo aims to provide military equipment with a wider range of applications than its previous shipments of helmets and hazmat suits. During a ceremony at the Defense Ministry that featured the display of two half-ton pickups, Japanese Vice Defense Minister Toshiro Ino presented Ukrainian Ambassador Sergiy Korsunsky with a document listing the three categories of vehicles included in the donation. The donation, which also consists of 30,000 food rations, comes as Japan's government seeks to ease its military equipment transfer policy under a new national security policy that grants its military a greater offensive role, marking a significant departure from its post-World War II self-defense-only principle. While other nations have provided Ukraine with tanks, missiles, and fighter aircraft, Japan has restricted its donations to non-lethal equipment due to a transfer policy that prohibits the provision of lethal weaponry to countries currently engaged in armed conflict. Since Russia's invasion began a year ago, Japan has provided Ukraine with ballistic vests, headgear, gas masks, hazmat suits, small drones, and food rations, according to AP News. When they met on the margins of the Group of Seven summits in Hiroshima, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida pledged the vehicles to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Japan has also promised to treat wounded Ukrainian soldiers at a military facility in Japan. The government stated that the vehicles consist of half-ton tractors, high-mobility vehicles, and material-handling vehicles. The Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics Agency stated that the shipment details, including the precise quantity of vehicles and timetable, are being finalized. The Japanese government has joined the United States and European nations in sanctioning Russia for its invasion of Ukraine and providing humanitarian and economic assistance to Ukraine. Fears of a potential impact on East Asia, where China's military has grown increasingly assertive and escalated tensions around Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its territory, prompted Japan's swift response. Japan has contributed $7 billion or more to Ukraine. It has also assisted more than 2,000 displaced Ukrainians with housing, employment, and education, an unusual step in a country with a stringent immigration policy. Related Article: Russia Launches Massive Missile Attack on Kyiv, Rare Daytime Attack Prompts Civilians Race for Cover @ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. India: several injured in attack on church There have been calls for a thorough investigation after a church in India's Punjab province was attacked last month. Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) said the attack took place in Rajewal village and left several Christians injured. Assailants dressed in traditional Sikh warrior clothing reportedly forced their way into the Sukhpal Rana Ministries Church on 21 May, where they tore up Bibles and attacked Christians gathered inside with sticks. Vehicles outside the church were also vandalised by the attackers before police brought the situation under control. CSW said that a member of the Punjab Minority Commission has been to the village to assess the situation but it remains unclear whether any further action has been taken. Mervyn Thomas, founder president of CSW, called on the authorities to prosecute the perpetrators and protect Punjab's religious minorities. "The violence perpetrated against the Christian community in Rajewal village is yet another incident in a worrying trend of targeted attacks on religious minorities across the country," he said. "Often such incidents are not just a one-off occurrence, but the result of deep-seated polarisation that has been allowed to fester for years. The narrative playing out in India, where members of minority religious communities are demonised, has far-reaching implications. "It also goes against the country's founding principles, which make accomodations for every citizen regardless of their culture, language or religion. "We urge the authorities to investigate and prosecute the perpetrators who planned and carried out the attacks without delay, so that the religious minority in Punjab can feel assured that their rights are being protected by the state." North-east India's Manipur state has been particularly badly affected by violence against Christians in recent weeks. Dozens have been killed and around 10,000 have been forced by their homes as a result of the violence by Hindu nationalists. Hundreds of churches have been burned down, while another 100 Christian buildings, including a theological college, have been destroyed, according to reports from Open Doors. Young Christians to share the Gospel all around Europe this summer Young Christians are being invited to share their faith across Europe as part of a one-of-its-kind evangelistic project this summer. Operation Mobilisation (OM) UK is giving Christians over the age of 18 the chance to share the Gospel with those who do not yet know Jesus as part of Race Across Europe, a unique interrailing initiative that will take them all around the continent from the end of June until the middle of August. The project was the brainchild of George Verwer, OM's late founder, who said he wanted to see both Christians and non-Christians changed through it. Speaking about the project before his passing in April this year, he said: "Behind the whole concept was my passion for revival and seeing lives changed. "Not just new Christians, but believers, too many were lukewarm. It was on my heart for young people to grow and become mature as a result of volunteering with OM and that's still taking place." Race Across Europe will take young Christians to cities in 15 different countries where they will attend local churches and work alongside them to support their communities. While in each city, they will take part in evangelism and outreach activities with refugees and children. OM hopes that by taking part in Race Across Europe, young Christians will grow in confidence to share the Gospel in both words and deeds. Lara Jenkins, Relations Manager of OM UK, said the initiative was about giving young people "the opportunity to gain confidence" and "be bold in the mission field", while also challenging them to think about how to share the Gospel "in different and new ways". "Race Across Europe aims to help young people be encouraged by their interactions with a diverse collection of people and be enriched in their faith," she said. She continued: "Upon their return in August, these younger generations will have had opportunities to grow and see God working in cultures and contexts they did not know or understand much about beforehand. "So, this summer, we invite young Christians to travel, share your faith, experience how God is moving in different cultures and see God grow you." Race Across Europe begins on 26 June and will last two months, with participants returning to the UK on 18 August. Registration closes on 11 June. Find out more at: uk.om.org/race-across-europe Another beloved video game streamer has departed from this world. Popular Twitch streamer Puppers, also known as Max, recently passed away this week after being diagnosed with a motor neuron disease. He was only 32 years old. Puppers Death Details Forever in our hearts , eternally comfy. Puppers August 25th, 1990 - June 2nd, 2023 pic.twitter.com/mM7Zb3CZgF Light in the Fog (@LITFDbDEvent) June 2, 2023 Light in the Fog's Twitter page revealed that Puppers had died on June 2 after 32 years of "staying comfy." While the recent post didn't mention what caused his death, previous posts and media outlets, such as the BBC, mentioned that he died from complications due to terminal Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease or ALS. The American Twitch streamer first started streaming on Justin.tv, Twitch's precursor, in 2011, per PC Gamer citing Puppers' bio in the Light in the Fog website. During that time, he played League of Legends and various horror games before discovering Behaviour Interactive's asymmetric survival horror game Dead By Daylight (DBD) after its 2016 release. It was during this time Puppers found his niche and capitalized on it; he became known for his DBD-inspired cosplays, in-game skits, and interactive chat experience. His channel saw exponential growth, with him eventually gaining a Twitch partnership on Feb. 20, 2018. By May 2021, he had close to 200,000 followers on Twitch. Read More: New Research Reveals Technique To Study Solar Flares, CMEs However, his ALS started showing itself in early 2020 when he felt a "tickle" in his throat he couldn't clear. It soon progressed to a mild slur in his speech which his friends - known by their online usernames Eshleee, Sunshine, and Silver - noticed. Months of testing with multiple doctors and specialists narrowed it down to ALS, though it didn't stop Puppers from streaming. Unfortunately, Puppers began to experience difficulty breathing on May 25 and decided to forego further interventions to prolong his care, per a GoFundMe page set up to help Max's family with funeral expenses. Behaviour Interactive, the DBD community, and Puppers' friends and fans paid respects to the fallen streamer in their own way, such as by memorializing him in tweets. Many fans echoed Puppers's signature sign-off, such as "Rest easy" and "Stay comfy." What Is ALS? For those unaware, ALS is the most common form of motor neuron disease in 2020. According to USA Today, the disease affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord, causing stiffness of muscles, muscle twitching, and muscle weakness, which may result in difficulty speaking, swallowing, and eventually breathing. You may remember a popular social media challenge known as the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, which saw people pouring ice-cold water on themselves or others to raise awareness about the disease and raise money for research. The challenge went viral in July and August 2014, with more than 17 million people posting videos online about them doing the challenge and nominating three others to do it. Thanks to it, the ALS Association received $115 million in donations which helped them make scientific advances in understanding the disease and the development of medicine to treat it. Related Article: Nicolas Cage To Enter Dead by Daylight's Realms The Security Council meets at United Nations headquarters, Tuesday, May 30. AP-Yonhap A senior United Nations official took the Security Council to task Friday over its failure to hold North Korea to account for multiple sanctions-busting missile tests, saying such inaction allowed Pyongyang to remain "unconstrained." "The lack of unity and action in the Security Council does little to slow the negative trajectory on the Korean peninsula," the U.N.'s under-secretary-general for political and peacebuilding affairs, Rosemary DiCarlo, told council members. "The DPRK is unconstrained, and other parties are compelled to focus on military deterrence," she said, referring to North Korea by the acronym for its full official name. "As the DPRK affirms, it is the right of a sovereign state to launch a satellite and to benefit from space activities. However, council resolutions expressly prohibit the DPRK from conducting any launches using ballistic missile technology." Her comments come a few days after the North's first attempt to launch a military spy satellite into orbit failed, with its new Chollima-1 rocket plunging into the sea. Because long-range missiles and rockets used for space launches share the same technology, analysts say developing the ability to put a satellite in orbit would provide Pyongyang with cover for testing banned intercontinental ballistic missiles. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form British Columbia and Manitoba invite candidates in most recent PNP draws Edana Robitaille Aa Accessibility Font Style Serif Sans Font Size A A Two Canadian provinces have invited candidates in the past two weeks of draws under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). These draws took place around the same time that Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) introduced new selection categories for Express Entry candidates, which could include those who are also in the PNP. IRCC says that not all draws going forward will be for the new categories and Express Entry PNP draws will continue to take place. Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration Selection category draws mirror many PNP streams. All of Canadas provinces and territories (except Quebec and Nunavut) also hold PNP draws to invite candidates in specific occupational fields or for specific National Occupation Classification (NOC) codes, or for language their language ability. For example, there are PNP immigration streams in most provinces specifically for tech or healthcare workers. British Columbia has targeted draws for healthcare workers almost every week. Immigration is a shared responsibility between the federal and provincial governments. The PNP allows provincial governments to nominate economic immigration candidates for permanent residence who they feel will be able to easily economically establish within the nominating province. It also allows provinces to efficiently target candidates who can help fill regional job vacancies. Provincial immigration results May 23-June 2 British Columbia British Columbia held PNP draws on May 23 and 30. The May 23 results showed that the province invited more than 140 candidates over four draws. The largest draw invited 103 candidates from the Skilled Worker and International Graduates streams (including Express Entry candidates) in a draw targeting tech occupations. They required a minimum Skills Immigration Registration System (SIRS) score of 90. There were also 20 candidates invited in a targeted draw for early childhood educators and assistants, 17 were targeted in a draw for healthcare workers and less than five others were invited in a draw for other priority occupations. Each of the three draws had a minimum SIRS score requirement of 60. The largest draw on May 30 was a general draw (one that did not target any specific occupation or field) that invited 151 candidates from the Skilled Worker, International Graduate and Entry Level and Semi-Skilled Streams. The minimum SIRS score ranged from 85-107. The remaining three draw categories were identical to those from the previous week. There were 26 early childhood educators and assistants, 14 healthcare workers and less than five invited from other priority occupations. Again, these candidates needed a minimum SIRS score of 60. Manitoba Manitoba invited 589 candidates from three streams on June 1. The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) invited Skilled Workers in Manitoba candidates from two separate categories. The first category was for 262 candidates with work experience in the following NOC major groups: 11 Professional occupations in finance and business 13 Administrative occupations and transportation logistics occupations 21 Professional occupations in natural and applied sciences 42 Front-line public protection services and paraprofessional occupations in legal, social, community, education services 44 Care providers and legal and public protection support occupation Candidates in this draw needed a minimum score of 607. The remaining 240 Skilled Workers who were invited did not require a specific occupation. These candidates had minimum scores of 669. The province also invited 56 candidates under the International Graduate stream and 31 Skilled Workers Overseas with minimum scores of 801. Additionally, Manitoba held a draw on May 25 inviting 29 candidates through the Special Measures for Ukraine Act. This is a category that targets Ukrainian nationals who also meet the eligibility criteria for a MPNP immigration stream. Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration This photo provided by South Korea's Ministry of Defense, shows an object salvaged by South Korea's military that is presumed to be part of a North Korean space-launch vehicle that crashed into the sea following a launch failure in waters off Eocheongdo Island, South Korea, May 31. AP-Yonhap The South Korean military continued its operations Saturday to search and salvage the wreckage of a North Korean rocket that crashed into the Yellow Sea earlier this week. Deep-sea divers from the Sea Salvage and Rescue Unit were deployed to the remote area, 200 kilometers west of the western island of Eocheong, military officials said. The North launched what it claimed to be a satellite-carrying rocket Wednesday. But it crashed into the sea due to the abnormal starting of the second-stage engine, the North's state media said. The salvage operation involves divers attaching high-strength ropes to the 15-meter-long debris, which sank to a depth of 75 meters on the seafloor. Three salvage ships have been deployed to the area for the operation. The space vehicle, named Chollima-1, is estimated to have a length ranging from 29 to 30 meters. BROOK PARK, Ohio A Brunswick man, 32, pulled a handgun at about 9:30 p.m. May 19 outside Marcs Deeper Discount Store, 5725 Smith Road, then fled the scene before police arrived. A car show was taking place in the parking lot. As the man arrived, a 20-year-old man made a comment about his Tesla. The comment offended the older man, and the two men started arguing. The older man returned to his Tesla, reached inside, grabbed a 9 mm firearm and loaded the weapon. He walked back toward the younger man and continued the argument. When the older man learned that someone had called police, he jumped into his Tesla and sped away. As police arrived, several people pointed to the Tesla and shouted, Thats him. Police activated their overhead lights and tried to pull over the Tesla but the man didnt stop. He drove northbound on Smith past Brookpark Road into Cleveland, where Smith became West 150th Street. Police terminated the pursuit near Interstate 71 due to traffic conditions, and for safety reasons. They were able to see the first three letters of the Teslas license plate. Shortly afterward, police learned that a Tesla had crashed into a tree at West 150th and Lorain Avenue in Cleveland. The first three letters on the plate of that car were the same as the letters on the older mans Tesla. Cleveland police identified the driver of the Tesla that crashed and found a firearm in the vehicle. Its unclear whether the man was arrested or injured at the time of the crash. Brook Park police issued a warrant for the mans arrest. He turned himself in May 22. CLEVELAND, Ohio Scribbles in my Guardians notebook: 1. With Cal Quantrill and Payton Battenfield on the injured list and Zach Plesac being knocked around in Class AAA (7.56 ERA), it shows you can never have enough starting pitching. A few days ago, the Guardians were talking about clearing rotation spots for Aaron Civale and Triston McKenzie, both coming off the injured list this weekend. Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup, right, shakes hands with Josep Borrell, high representative of the European Union for foreign affairs and security policy, as they meet at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on June 3. Yonhap The European Union's top diplomat, Josep Borrell, said he met South Korea's defence minister on Saturday to discuss Ukraine's needs for ammunition. The meeting on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue, Asia's top security summit, came amid pressure from the United States and NATO countries for South Korea to provide weapons and ammunition for Ukraine. "Good meeting with Korean Defence Minister Lee Jong-sup at #SLD23. Shared alarm at continued DPRK provocations and discussed Ukraine's needs for ammunition," Borrell said in a tweet. A U.S. ally and major producer of artillery ammunition, South Korea had so far ruled out sending lethal aid to Ukraine, citing business ties with Russia and Moscow's influence over North Korea, despite mounting pressure from Washington and Europe to supply weapons. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, in an interview with Reuters in April, signalled the prospect of a change, saying it might be difficult for Seoul to adhere to only providing humanitarian and financial support if Ukraine faced a large-scale attack on civilians or a "situation the international community cannot condone". Hundreds of thousands of South Korean artillery rounds are on their way to Ukraine via the United States, after Seoul's initial resistance toward arming Ukraine, the Wall Street Journal reported last month. (Reuters) In this article ABI-BE BUD TGT KSS VFC TAP Follow your favorite stocks CREATE FREE ACCOUNT Pride Month merchandise is displayed at a Target store on May 31, 2023 in San Francisco, California. Justin Sullivan | Getty Images Even before Pride month was underway, it seems as if it was open season on companies celebrating the LGBTQ community. One by one, companies have come under an expanding attack. Anheuser-Busch, Target , Kohl's and VF Corp.'s North Face brand have all felt the vitriol of this latest push from the right. And the list keeps growing. These companies have been branded as "woke capitalists" and worse as critics urged boycotts of these companies' products. Bud Light came into the crosshairs after it struck a partnership with trans influencer Dylan Mulvaney, while North Face received backlash for an ad featuring drag queen Pattie Gonia. Target and Kohl's have been criticized for Pride-themed clothing. related investing news KeyBanc downgrades Target, says resumption of student loan payments will hit margins While it's too early to say how successful these efforts will be in lowering sales at the companies recently drawn into this attack, damage has been done to the stocks already. And some on Wall Street expect that to continue with analysts recently downgrading Target's and Anheuser-Bush's ratings, citing in part the ongoing controversy. "The main reason boycotts generally are effective is because they threaten the reputation of the company by putting the company in a negative media spotlight, and companies don't want to have negative attention of any kind drawn to them," said Brayden King, a professor of management and organizations, who has studied how boycotts impact company stock prices, in an interview. King's research focused on 133 separate boycotts launched between 1990 and 2005, in a study that was published in 2011. About a quarter of the 177 companies targeted by these actions offered a concession to protestors. "They often concede to boycotter's demands, not because they feel that there's sales pressure on them, but rather because they don't want to continue to be a target of negative media attention," he said. King's research found that the stock of a company will fall about 1% each day of national print media coverage. But once the issue falls out of the daily news cycle, the stock generally recovers. Why Bud Light is an outlier King sees Anheuser-Busch's situation as an outlier because the controversy has harmed its sales. The company has been under fire for more than two months. Over that time, its stock is down more than 18%. Stock Chart Icon Stock chart icon Anheuser-Busch InBev shares hit a 52-week high of $67.09 on March 31. "With 7 weeks of data, the consumer backlash at Bud Light seems quite durable," said Cowen analyst Vivien Azer, in a research note Friday. "This is not a surprise to us, given how violent the responses were to Bud Light on social media. Indeed, in each of the last five weeks, we have seen Miller Lite and Coors Light gain over 200 bps of market share from Bud Light (where market share fell 390 bps most recently)." Cowen's consumer research suggests Molson Coors will be able to maintain the market share it's gaining. "Relative to Miller Lite and Coors Light, the Bud Light brand seems to skew to white consumers, men, younger consumers and lower-income consumers. The income bias toward Bud Light, we believe, is a key factor in driving the durable market share gains to TAP," Azer explained. Molson Coors shares are up 24% over the past two months, as analysts have spotlighted the market share gains it's making. Bud Light has tried to win back customers with a $15 off rebate program on Budweiser, Bud Light, Bud Select and Bud Select 55. While shoppers will need to put out money for the purchases on the front end, once the rebate is processed, the product is essentially free, according to Azer. Will this be enough to soothe angry consumers? She's unconvinced. "Recall there were consumers that were happy to destroy beer they had already purchased," she said. Budweiser beer in the brewery section at a Walmart Supercenter on March 02, 2023 in Austin, Texas. Brandon Bell | Getty Images There are several factors contributing to the impact the Bud Light boycott is having on sales that are specific to the beer category, according to King. He said, the first is that a bar, restaurant or music venue could remove the product, which takes the decision away from consumer. Then, there is the social nature of drinking. "When you're purchasing something in private, there's nobody looking over your shoulder to hold you accountable," King said. However, beer may be purchased to drink with friends so there could be more social pressure, he said. Companies on edge The situation with Bud Light may have put companies more on edge. Target has carried Pride month apparel for years, but when confronted with pushback this year, the retailer moved product in some stores to other areas or removed it all together, citing concerns for worker safety. But this decision also carries a risk. Target could wind up offending both sides of the issue. "The fact that a small group of extremists are threatening disgusting and harsh violence in response to Target continuing its long-standing tradition of offering products for everyone should be a wake-up call for consumers and is a reminder that LGBTQ people, venues, and events are being attacked with threats and violence like never before," said Sarah Kate Ellis, president and CEO of GLAAD, a LGBTQ media advocacy group, in a written statement. The group has pushed for Target to put the Pride merchandise back on the sales floor and online, and do what it can to protect workers in the stores. Target has also received bomb threats from those claiming to support the LGBT community, who wanted the merchandise retured to the store, according to media reports. Those threats were later found to be hoaxes, reports said. Stock Chart Icon Stock chart icon Target's stock hit a 52-week low on Thursday. Target's stock has fallen about 10% since news broke on May 24. But shares were already trending lower after the retailer's earnings report showed weakness in parts of its business. Meanwhile, both VF Corp. and Kohl's shares seemed to be bouncing back on Friday. After recovering some lost ground, the North Face parent is down about 9% since it launched its "Summer of Pride" ad on May 23. Kohl's shares rose nearly 12% on Friday, recouping nearly all of the ground it lost. But the stock sank as low as $17.89 on Thursday, its lowest level since May 22, 2020. Stock Chart Icon Stock chart icon VF Corp. shares traded as low as $16.77 on Thursday. Target's stock sank to a 52-week low of $126.75 on Thursday, following a downgrade by JPMorgan to neutral. While analyst Christopher Horvers cited a weakening consumer as the primary reason that he expects tougher times ahead for the discount retailer, the recent controversies were mentioned as a factor in the decision. Horvers slashed his price target to $144 from $182. Meanwhile, Wells Fargo analyst Edward Kelly said the recent pullback in the stock's price might have been seen as a buying opportunity prior to this issue. "The current stock price could have been a good entry point, but it's hard to step in front of the current uncertainty," Kelly wrote in a research note Thursday. Kelly said that he has seen "early evidence of some near-term financial impact." Among the factors he cited was Placer.ai data that showed foot traffic at Target stores was soft in the week ended May 28. "Traffic has been a key bright spot for TGT as it struggled with margin issues, and a slowdown would be negative. It remains to be seen how long any impact would last," Kelly said. Issues give brands 'powerful gravitational pull' Even with the risk, companies will continue to tie brands to social issues because it fosters a deeper relationship with customers. "If you build your argument to consumers only on the stuff, only on the features, only the functional utility of what it is that you do, then competitors can come in and offer that, just a copy of that, and claim that they have a better mousetrap," said Americus Reed, a professor of marketing at the University of Pennsylvania, in an interview Wednesday on CNBC's "Power Lunch." Stock Chart Icon Stock chart icon Kohl's shares on Thursday hit a low of $17.89, the stock's lowest level since May 22, 2020, when it traded as low as $17.19. You might think it's worth sacrificing vacations, family time and sleep for your career especially if it leads to a raise or promotion. It'll also make you a lot unhappier, says former U.S. president Barack Obama. "What you want is a balance," Obama told LinkedIn News' "This Is Working" podcast on Thursday. "Young people [should be] looking for work that they find interesting, that they can throw themselves into, but not [as] a substitute for the other aspects of our lives volunteering, family, friendships, civic engagement that make for a well-rounded life." The problem, Obama added, is that a lot of people view "success" as attaining money, a job title or professional status. "So much of what's important in life may not come through your work," he said. His advice for his two daughters, both of whom are in their 20s: Don't let your hunger for success keep you from enjoying life. Obama's guidance follows multiple recent regretful statements from billionaires who leaned into their workaholic tendencies while amassing much of their wealth. Last month, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates told recent graduates at Northern Arizona University that he sacrificed too much of himself while building his company and unfairly expected his employees to do the same. "When I was your age, I didn't believe in vacations. I didn't believe in weekends. I didn't believe the people I worked with should either," Gates said, noting that it took becoming a dad for him to realize "there's more to life than work." Similarly, Tesla CEO Elon Musk told CNBC's David Faber last month that tactics like pulling all-nighters and sleeping under his desk to get work done ultimately thwarted his productivity. "I've tried [to sleep] less, but ... even though I'm awake more hours, I get less done," Musk said. "And the brain pain level is bad if I get less than six hours [of sleep per night]." The happiest, "most successful people" are the ones who prioritize their personal lives just as much as their professional ones, Obama said. "Hopefully, you will have wonderful people that you work with and make lasting friendships but a lot of your friends are going to be people you don't work with," he said. "Your family, the hours that you're home, are going to be probably more meaningful for you over the long term. Those intimate relationships that you have." DON'T MISS: Want to be smarter and more successful with your money, work & life? Sign up for our new newsletter! Get CNBC's free report, 11 Ways to Tell if We're in a Recession, where Kelly Evans reviews the top indicators that a recession is coming or has already begun. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken (L) and Finnish Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto sign a joint statement of Finland and the United States on cooperation in advanced wireless communications (6G) at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs in Helsinki, Finland, on June 2, 2023. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Friday that a cease-fire in the war in Ukraine could not be declared unless it was part of a "just and lasting" peace deal that included Russia's military withdrawal. Blinken said that "a cease-fire that simply freezes current lines in place" and allowed Russian President Vladimir Putin "to consolidate control over the territory he has seized, and rest, rearm, and reattack that is not a just and lasting peace." Russia must also pay a share of Ukraine's reconstruction and be held accountable for launching its full-scale invasion of its neighbor in February 2022, Blinken said in a speech during a visit to Finland, which recently joined NATO and shares a long border with Russia. Allowing Moscow to keep the one-fifth of the Ukrainian territory it had occupied would send the wrong message to Russia and to "other would-be aggressors around the world," according to Blinken. Russia, however, wants any talks to address Ukraine's request to join NATO. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has pushed for the country's membership in the Western military alliance that the Kremlin sees as a threat. "Naturally, this (issue) will be one of the main irritants and potential problems for many, many years to come," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Friday. Blinken said Washington was ready to support peace efforts by other countries, including recent overtures from China and Brazil. But any peace agreement must uphold the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence. The United States is a leading Western ally and supplier of arms to Kyiv to help it push back against the Kremlin's forces. China, which says it is neutral and wants to serve as a mediator but has supported Moscow politically, on Friday urged countries to stop sending weapons to Ukraine. In Kyiv, air defenses shot down more than 30 Russian cruise missiles and drones Friday in Moscow's sixth air attack in six days, local officials said. The Ukrainian capital was simultaneously attacked from different directions by Iranian-made Shahed drones and cruise missiles from the Caspian region, senior Kyiv official Serhii Popko wrote on Telegram. A 68-year-old man and an 11-year-old child were wounded in the attack, with private houses, outbuildings and cars sustaining damage from falling debris, according to Ukraine's Prosecutor General's Office. A recent spate of attacks on the capital has put a strain on residents and tested the strength of Ukraine's air defenses while Kyiv officials plot what they say is an upcoming counteroffensive to push back the Kremlin's forces 15 months after their full-scale invasion. Kyiv was the target of drone and missile attacks on 17 days last month, including daylight attacks. Moscow's strategy could backfire, however, according to the Institute for the Study of War, a Washington-based think tank. The air campaign aims to "degrade Ukrainian counteroffensive capabilities, but ... the Russian prioritization of Kyiv is likely further limiting the campaign's ability to meaningfully constrain potential Ukrainian counteroffensive actions," it said in an assessment late Thursday. Ukrainian air defenses intercepted all 15 cruise missiles and 21 attack drones targeted at Kyiv on Thursday night, Ukraine's chief of staff, Valerii Zaluzhnyi, said. Ukraine's presidential office said Friday that at least four civilians were killed and 42 wounded over the previous 24 hours. The Moscow-appointed governor of Ukraine's occupied Donetsk province, Denis Pushilin, claimed Friday that three people had been killed and four wounded, including a 3-year-old girl, by Ukrainian strikes on the region. The previous day, Ukraine said a 9-year-old and her mother were killed in Kyiv by a Russian pre-dawn missile barrage. Meanwhile, border regions of Russia once again came under fire from Ukraine. Recent cross-border raids have also rattled those regions of Russia and put the Kremlin on guard. That could be a Ukrainian strategy to disperse Russian forces before a counteroffensive begins. "Russian commanders now face an acute dilemma of whether to (strengthen) defenses in Russia's border regions or reinforce their lines in occupied Ukraine," the U.K. Ministry of Defense said Friday. Air defense systems shot down "several Ukrainian drones" overnight Thursday in Russia's southern Kursk region, which borders Ukraine, regional Gov. Roman Starovoit wrote on Telegram. In the neighboring Bryansk region, which also borders Ukraine, regional Gov. Alexander Bogomaz said that Ukrainian forces shelled two villages on Friday morning. No casualties were reported. Two drones also attacked energy facilities in Russia's western Smolensk region, which borders Belarus, in the early hours of Friday, officials said. Pixdeluxe | E+ | Getty Images watch now The three-year clock started the day after they received the funds meaning the deadline for many people is fast approaching. "I'd think the majority of the distributions were taken right around this time through the end of [2020]," said Sean Deviney, a certified financial planner based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. That's because it likely took a few weeks or months for employers and retirement plan administrators to set up the infrastructure to facilitate the distributions, said Deviney, a financial advisor and director at Provenance Wealth Advisors. Hundreds of thousands took distributions Data suggests hundreds of thousands of people took coronavirus-related distributions and that few have repaid it. Nearly 6% of investors in workplace retirement plans took a CRD in 2020, according to internal administrative data from Vanguard Group. That amounts to about 268,000 people out of 4.7 million retirement investors for whom Vanguard provided administrative services that year. However, less than 1% of people who took a CRD had repaid it by the end of 2021, according to Vanguard's most recent data. Most people forgot about what they did last week, let alone three years ago. Sean Deviney director at Provenance Wealth Advisors "People have completely forgotten about it," Deviney said of the distributions. "Most people forgot about what they did last week, let alone three years ago." Savers with the ability to repay a distribution stand to get a sizable tax benefit. Plus, they'd be investing money back into a retirement account that carries tax-preferred investment growth, Deviney said. Amended return necessary to claim refund Investors who repay all or part of their CRD by the three-year deadline must file an amended tax return to claim a tax refund, according to the IRS. Investors had the option to spread their income-tax liability over three years. For example, let's say an investor took a $9,000 distribution in 2020. The individual had the option to report that income in chunks: $3,000 on federal tax returns for 2020, 2021 and 2022. This person would have to file an amended tax return for each year. Two CEOs put their own cash on the line over the past week to help bolster their vision for major strategy decisions at their companies. Insider buying and selling is a metric closely tracked by many professional investors. The thinking goes that executives and board members are more willing to spend their own money buying additional shares of a company if they think the stock is undervalued. This week's large purchases also show that insiders sometimes buy shares to help with strategic plans. The biggest buy came from RenaissanceRE CEO Kevin O'Donnell, who bought $2.5 million worth of the insurer's stock, according to securities filings and VerityData. The purchase was part of a secondary stock offering from RenaissanceRe, according to VerityData. The move followed a recently announced deal to purchase Validus RE from AIG for nearly $3 billion. "Portfolios like this don't come up very often. Validus has been a very capable, very strong competitor of ours," O'Donnell said in a May 25 investor call. Another CEO putting his own money to work for corporate strategy is Masimo founder and CEO Joe Kiani. The management of the medical device company is embroiled in a contest with activist investor Politan Capital , which is pushing for two new board members at Masimo's annual meeting in June. Masimo said Friday that it was willing to expand the board by one member and add one of the activist's nominees. Kiani's roughly $1 million purchase comes after he scooped up $6 million of the stock in November and December of 2022. Here is the full list of the top five insider buys of the past week, according to VerityData. 1) RenaissanceRE O'Donnell bought $2.5 million worth of shares on May 26 as part of a secondary offering. The offering is being used to finance an acquisition of AIG's treaty reinsurance business. 2) CNX Resources On Tuesday, director Bernard Lanigan made his first buy at the natural gas company since December 2020, at a value of $2.1 million. 3) Align Tech On Tuesday, director Kevin Dallas made his first purchase of shares of the dental products company since joining the board in 2018. He spent nearly $2 million on Align Tech stock. 4) Masimo Kiani spent just over $1 million on Masimo stock on May 25, building on a $6 million purchase from late last year. The company is a proxy battle with activist fund Politan Capital. 5) Driven Brands CEO Jonathan Fitzpatrick bought nearly $1 million worth of the automotive services company's stock on Tuesday. This is Fitzpatrick's first purchase since the company went public in January 2021. Catch weekly insider buying updates and more on CNBC's " Last Call ," weekdays at 7 p.m. ET. Correction: CNX Resources is a natural gas company. An earlier version misstated its business. Jade Weatherington, 36, had long been teaching English on various websites when she created two classes on Outschool, an online course platform for kids, in 2018. One was in arts and crafts and the other was about mastering the five paragraph essay. Business took a few months to pick up, but by early 2021, Weatherington had added six other classes and was netting $10,000 per month from the site, working just 10 to 12 hours per week. Outschool offers teachers the opportunity to turn their individual profiles into organization profiles with multiple educators, and in June 2021, Weatherington decided she would take the plunge. She hired seven teachers through April 2022 and offered up to 60 classes on the site, including essay writing for various ages and creative classes like screenwriting. In 2021, she also started creating courses teaching people how to build an online course themselves. She posted those on her personal website, Teacherjade.com. Weatherington, who lives in Atlanta, Georgia, with her 14-year-old daughter, now makes about $15,000 per month and is still working around 10 hours per week. Here's how she built her multiple streams of income and dealt with hiccups along the way. 'I scaled too fast' For the first six months after Weatherington turned her individual Outschool profile into an organization profile, everything was going fine. But in early 2022, "there was a plummet in enrollment," she says. She noticed a $5 loss while she did her payroll as well. "I remember panicking," she says, "like, well, if I lost $5, what if it's $500" in the future? Weatherington reached out to Outschool. It turned out the platform was undergoing some internal algorithm changes. She ended up meeting with representatives from the company in October 2022 to make some suggestions about how they might fix the problem. In the meantime, in June 2022, she took all but 17 classes off the site and started offering a handful on Teacherjade.com instead. She also added classes to another platform she'd been experimenting with, Allschool, which caters to students worldwide. When she let her teachers know of the change, some decided to switch over to teaching on Allschool or through Weatherington's personal site, and some preferred to wait it out and see what would happen with Outschool in the fall. In January 2023, Weatherington saw enrollment on her Outschool classes was back up. She continues to offer those 17 classes on the site and is still offering writing classes on both her personal site and Allschool. All seven of her teachers ultimately came back, and she just hired another. In her moment of crisis, Weatherington is glad she was able to pivot. But realizes the problem would've been easier to solve if she'd had less people to manage. "I scaled too fast," she says. Without her second business, 'I probably would have lost money' Luckily, even as she was navigating the mishaps with Outschool, Weatherington was able to bring in some revenue from her courses on how to build an online class yourself. For years, she'd had people reach out to say they wanted to start teaching people online as well. She realized, "when you have something that you're really good at, you can always say that it's easy," she says. "But for someone who's never done it, every single step seems like a challenge." In her courses, she breaks down how to start an online course including creating the course content and lessons and doing marketing for it. She offers various packages on the subject ranging from $25 to $600. "If it wasn't for that, I probably would have lost money" when enrollment on Outschool started dipping, she says. 'Find someone who's a professional in the area' Tensions between the U.S. and China have escalated over the last few years. U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin rebuked China on Saturday for refusing to hold military talks, leaving the superpowers deadlocked over Taiwan and territorial disputes in the South China Sea. Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue, Asia's top security summit, Austin said Beijing's refusal to hold talks at the meeting undermined efforts to maintain peace in a region where the two rivals are increasing their military firepower. "I am deeply concerned that the PRC (People's Republic of China) has been unwilling to engage more seriously on better mechanisms for crisis management between our two militaries," Austin told the meeting in Singapore. "The more that we talk, the more that we can avoid the misunderstandings and miscalculations that could lead to crisis or conflict." A senior Chinese military official struck back, saying the United States was responsible for a breakdown in dialogue by ramping up sanctions on Chinese officials and destabilizing the Asia-Pacific with its military presence. "China-U.S. military relations are faced with difficulties and the responsibility lies entirely on the U.S. side," Lieutenant General Jing Jianfeng told reporters at the summit. "China attaches importance to developing China-U.S. military relations, and our interactions and communication have never been suspended." Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup, center, heads to board a plane at Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul, June 2, before departing for Singapore to attend an annual security conference in the city-state. Yonhap The defense chiefs of South Korea, the United States and Japan are set to hold trilateral talks in Singapore, Saturday, as the three sides seek to step up cooperation against the growing military threats posed by Pyongyang. The meeting between Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup and his U.S. and Japanese counterparts, Lloyd Austin and Yasukazu Hamada, respectively, will take place on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue as tensions have flared following North Korea's failed yet defiant launch of a space rocket Wednesday. The talks are expected to discuss ways to better respond to the North's threats, such as establishing a system to share North Korean missile warning data in real time and expanding three-way security exercises. The three countries have been working to flesh out the agreement on the data sharing from a summit that President Yoon Suk Yeol and his U.S. and Japanese counterparts, Joe Biden and Fumio Kishida, respectively, reached during a trilateral summit in Cambodia last November. Currently, the real-time sharing of missile warning data is under way between the South Korean military and the U.S. Forces Korea, and between the Japan Self-Defense Force and the U.S. Forces Japan. The three countries have been working on the data sharing among them based on a trilateral information sharing arrangement signed in 2014. Trilateral cooperation has gained traction in the wake of Pyongyang's saber-rattling earlier this year, including the launch of a purported solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile in April. Last year, the regime fired off an unprecedented number of missiles. Later in the day, Lee is also set to hold separate talks with his Chinese counterpart, Li Shangfu, where the two sides will likely discuss ways to resume high-level and working-level dialogues that had been halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The bilateral talks come as signs of tensions emerged with Seoul moving to align closer with Washington to confront North Korea and other regional and global security challenges amid an intensifying Sino-U.S. rivalry. (Yonhap) Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 3) The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board has approved the 23.4-billion Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX) Extension Project connecting the Ilocos region, Central Luzon, and Metro Manila. After the board's meeting on Friday, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan told a briefing that the 59.4-kilometer, 4 lane extension highway is expected to stimulate economic activity and decongest traffic. Balisacan said the approval of the expressway project was the fastest among unsolicited proposals to the NEDA, from its submission on March 17 to the approval on Friday. The project will be implemented through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) under the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). He said the next step for the TPLEX Extension Project is to negotiate the contract with the proponent, San Miguel Holdings Corp. (SMHC), and conduct a Swiss challenge before the implementation of the project. The Swiss challenge is used by the Philippine government in the bidding process for unsolicited proposals wherein other interested parties can challenge the project's proponent. After receiving these bids, the original contractor can also match the best bid. "The plan is to complete the project within the term of the administration," said the NEDA chief, adding the TPLEX is eyed to be extended further north to Vigan and Laoag. The Department of Finance (DOF) lauded the approval of the TPLEX Extension Project, with Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno saying it shows the government's "resolve to cut bureaucratic red tape and streamline government processescritical to accelerating much needed investments in infrastructure." "To ensure a thorough and fair evaluation process, the DOF introduced provisions to the Parameters, Terms, and Conditions to limit government contingent liabilities in case of concessionaire default," the DOF also said. Other initiatives greenlighted by the NEDA Board were Investment Coordination Committee (ICC) guidelines for PPP projects in local government units to align with national development plans and the 45.01-billion Philippine Rural Development Projects Scale-up of the Department of Agriculture meant for the agriculture sector. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. sits as the board's chairperson. "The Marcos administration remains steadfast in its dedication to pursuing projects that are in line with its 8-Point Socioeconomic Agenda and with the strategies identified in the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028," Balisacan said during the briefing. "We commit to implement initiatives that will promote inclusive growth, induce high quality job creation, and greatly improve living standards for all Filipinos," he added. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 3) An Waray Party-list Rep. Florencio Gabriel Noel is in danger of losing his seat at the House of Representatives after the Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Friday canceled the party-list's registration. In a message to reporters, Comelec spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco said the An Waray Party-list can still file a motion for reconsideration five days upon receipt of the decision. "The resolution has yet to become final and executory. But should it be so, please recall that the primary qualification to be able to participate in the Party List System of Representation Elections is its registration, and such qualification must be continually possessed," Laudiangco said. Laudiangco explained that the House of Representatives has the power to expel any member who fails to continually possess all the qualifications. "The House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal (HRET) has the jurisdiction over any issue on membership of the HoR and/or may take cognizance of a quo warranto case questioning the qualification (or lack of) of any sitting member," the poll body's spokesperson said. "Both the House and the HRET may use as basis the Comelec's resolution and factual findings on the matter," he added. Laudiangco also said that it is the lower chamber which will declare the existence of a vacancy and initiate the call to the Comelec to either hold special elections, or proclaim the next nominee in line or the next winning party-list to have a seat. The Comelec on Friday said its Second Division canceled the registration of An Waray Party-list for failing to comply with election rules and regulations. READ: Comelec 2nd Division cancels An Waray Party-list's registration This comes a decade after An Waray allowed its second nominee, Atty. Victoria Isabel Noel, to sit as one of its representatives in the House of Representatives in the 16th Congress, knowing "fully well" that Comelec has not issued a Certificate of Proclamation entitling her to do so. With reports from CNN Philippines correspondent Paige Javier. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 3) The first batch of over 390,000 doses of bivalent COVID-19 vaccines donated by the Lithuanian government arrived in the Philippines Saturday night. The Department of Health (DOH) said the COVID-19 Vaccine Pfizer Bivalent known as Tozinameran+Famtozinameran (Comirnaty Original/Omicron BA.4-5) covers both the original coronavirus strain and its Omicron variant. According to the DOH, the doses will be transported to different regions for the first phase of the rollout. As part of the initial phase, the bivalent vaccines will be given as a third booster shot for health workers and senior citizens. The agency said these must be administered at least four to six months after the two sectors received their second booster shots, and only within hospital or health care facilities. READ: DOH allots anticipated bivalent vaccines as 3rd booster for healthcare workers, seniors Other sectors and population groups will be made eligible for the shots in the succeeding phases of the bivalent vaccine rollout. The DOH is currently in talks with the World Health Organization-led COVAX facility for the delivery of another two million bivalent vaccine doses. It's down to the wire in Denver's municipal runoff election, as voters choose between Mike Johnston and Kelly Brough to fill the office of departing Mayor Michael Hancock. The two veteran public servants emerged from a crowded first round of voting on April 4, when none of the 16 candidates on the ballot received more than 50% of the vote, forcing the runoff. It's the first Denver election in 12 years without an incumbent mayor on the ballot. Hancock, a former city council president who was first elected mayor in 2011, faces term limits after serving three terms. The municipal election is nonpartisan candidates' party affiliation doesn't appear on ballots, and parties play no role in nominating candidates though Johnston and Brough are registered Democrats and both are considered centrists. In the course of the nearly six-month campaign, Johnston and Brough have largely avoided sharp disagreements about the issues front-and-center in this year's race: crime, homelessness and the availability and affordability of housing for Denver residents. Instead, much of the runoff campaign has centered around the candidates' backgrounds and political leanings in the overwhelmingly Democratic city, with an emphasis on the endorsements they've received and the sources of funding for their respective independent expenditure organizations. On May 27, the candidates wrapped up a seemingly endless series of forums and debates their campaigns estimated they participated in as many as 80 between the first round and the runoff and turned their attention to driving voter turnout, which appears to be up from the general election in April. With the finish line in sight, the campaigns and outside groups supporting them have amped up their advertising, and the candidates are increasing their get-out-the-vote pushes ahead of the final weekend before the election. Johnston's campaign announced the "Vibrant Denver" tour of the city's "cultural hubs, food spots and bustling neighborhoods," with stops in all 11 city council districts, echoing the "3D" tour shorthand for donuts, doors and drafts he embarked on in late March before the first round of voting finished. Brough's calendar was filled with a steady series of meet-and-greets, neighborhood canvasses and "Coffee with Kelly!" appearances at coffee shops throughout the city. She also held a press conference outside city hall on June 1 to slam Johnston for the high-dollar contributions from wealthy, out-of-state funders that have poured into Advancing Denver, an outside group that has raised more than $4.6 million to support his campaign, compared to more than $1.4 million raised by outside groups backing Brough. Brough's attack on Johnston echoed a TV ad released this week by her campaign, while Johnston's campaign is running a TV ad describing the candidate's proposals to find housing for Denver residents experiencing homelessness. Among the top funders supporting Johnston are former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, with a reported $500,000 in contributions, Seattle-based LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman, who has given more than $1.3 million to the independent committee, and Kent Thiry, the former CEO of Denver-based DaVita, with $450,000. That compares to more than $470,000 in contributions to A Better Denver, a group supporting Brough, from the National Association of Realtors Fund, $61,000 from the Colorado Construction Industry Coalition, and $50,000 apiece from Denver-based developer Cal Fulenwider and brewery magnate Pete Coors, Colorado's 2004 Republican nominee for U.S. Senate. Advancing Denver and A Better Denver are both up this week with new TV ads promoting their favored candidates. The pro-Johnston IE's ad focuses on his endorsers, including Lisa Calderon, a social justice advocate and former two-time mayoral candidate who came in third in the initial round this year and in 2019, along with state Rep. Leslie Herod, the Denver Democrat who finished in fifth place in Denver's general election for mayor, and state Sen. Julie Gonzales, a prominent progressive voice at the statehouse. The ad also highlights a number of local unions that have endorsed Johnston. The group supporting Brough leans on her biography and makes a case for electing Denver's first woman mayor, reinforcing the message of the first ad her campaign released in the runoff, which also featured appearances by prominent endorsers, including former Gov. Bill Ritter, former Denver Mayor Wellington Webb and his wife, former state Rep. Wilma Webb, and the city's police union. Outside groups supporting both candidates went on the attack as the election approached. Brough's supporters at A Better Denver provoked a stir earlier in May with a TV ad that called Johnston a "liar," accusing him of overstating the extent of his roles in passing gun control legislation and helping set up the state's COVID testing program. Johnston's campaign fired back that he played crucial parts on both fronts. While Advancing Denver has also run an ad in heavy rotation that pitches Johnston's approach to homelessness, the group has recently sent mailers that highlight positions Brough took when she headed the chamber, including one that says her "history of helping corporate polluters is exhausting," alongside a photo of a belching car exhaust pipe. For her part, Brough maintains she was simply doing her job representing the business group's interests. The group has also highlighted Brough's recent endorsement by the Denver Republican Party in digital ads. Johnston grew up in Vail and is a former school principal, two-term state senator and until recently headed Denver-based Gary Community Ventures, a major local philanthropic nonprofit. After getting his undergraduate degree at Yale, Johnston taught for two years at a high school in a small town in Mississippi and later wrote a book about it. After that, he got a master's degree in education at Harvard and a law degree at Yale before returning to Colorado, where he worked as a principal at several schools that enrolled at-risk youth in the Denver metro area. Before winning an appointment to a state Senate seat in northeast Denver in 2009, he advised Barack Obama's first presidential campaign on education policy. This is Johnston's third run for office since being termed out at the legislature, including a third-place finish in the 2018 Democratic gubernatorial primary and a bid for the 2020 nomination for Colorado's U.S. Senate seat, though he withdrew from the primary after former Gov. John Hickenlooper also a former two-term Denver mayor ditched his short-lived presidential campaign and got in the Senate race. Although she considered running for mayor in previous cycles, this is Brough's first run for office. She was chief of staff for Hickenlooper when he was mayor and was the first woman to serve as president and CEO of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce for a dozen years after that. Before she launched her campaign for mayor, Brough spent nearly two years as chief strategy officer at Metropolitan State University of Denver. She grew up in rural Montana, where her father was murdered when she was an infant and her stepfather was later injured on the job, leading her family to rely on public assistance for a time. After receiving bachelor's degree in sociology from Montana State University, she and her husband moved to Denver, where she got an MBA from the University of Colorado at Denver, though her husband suffered from addiction and later committed suicide. Johnston and Brough finished first and second, respectively, in the April 4 general election, leading the largest field for Denver mayor in memory. Johnston secured 24.5% of the vote, followed by Brough with 20.1% and Calderon with 18.1%. Further back were Andy Rougeot, the lone Republican in the field, with 11.5%, Herod with 10.7%, state Sen. Chris Hansen with 4.8% and Councilwoman Debbie Ortega with 4.5%. The remaining candidates trailed in low single digits: Ean Tafoya, Terrance Roberts, Thomas Wolf, Trinidad Rodriguez, Aurelio Martinez, Al Gardner, James Walsh and Renate Behrens. Tattered Cover co-owner and CEO Kwame Spearman appeared on the ballot but withdrew weeks before votes were counted. Denver voters cast just over 175,000 ballots for a 38% turnout rate, roughly on par with recent mayoral elections. Around 44% of the total ballots were cast on election day, with tens of thousands of those arriving in the final two hours before polls closed. By June 1, with five days remaining to return ballots in the all-mail election, turnout stood at roughly 18%, marginally ahead of the return rate at the same point in the first round of voting. Ballots are due by 7 p.m. on June 6. It's too late to mail them in, but voters can drop them off at numerous secure drop boxes and vote centers, where they can also vote in person and even register to vote up to election day. The 25th annual Art on the Streets, an outdoor gallery of a dozen sculptures and murals scattered throughout downtown, will be on display for the next year. Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup, right, and his U.S. and Japanese counterparts, Lloyd Austin, center, and Yasukazu Hamada, respectively, pose for a photo as they meet trilaterally on the margins of the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on June 3. Yonhap South Korea, the United States and Japan agreed Saturday to operate a system to share North Korean missile warning data in real time "within this year," Seoul's defense chief said, in another move to beef up trilateral cooperation against Pyongyang's growing military threats. Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup made the remarks after he met trilaterally with his U.S. and Japanese counterparts, Lloyd Austin and Yasukazu Hamada, respectively, on the margins of the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, amid renewed tensions over the North's botched yet defiant launch of a space rocket earlier this week. "While actively implementing the agreed-upon measures between the leaders of South Korea, the United States and Japan, the three countries agreed to elevate security cooperation to another level," he told reporters, referring to the agreement from a trilateral summit in Cambodia last November. "Especially regarding the real-time sharing of North Korean missile warning data, we decided to connect the respective information sharing systems one run between South Korea and the United States and the other between Japan and the United States and operate the combined one within this year," he added. For this, the three countries will hold working-level talks at an early date, he said. The warning data includes a missile's launch point, flight trajectory and expected point of impact, a Seoul official told reporters, requesting anonymity. The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command is expected to serve as an intermediary to enable the three-way sharing of the data, he said. The three countries have been working on the data sharing method in line with an agreement that President Yoon Suk Yeol and his U.S. and Japanese counterparts, Joe Biden and Fumio Kishida, respectively, reached during their summit in Cambodia last November. Seoul's defense ministry said Saturday's agreement was reached in an effort to enhance each country's ability to detect and assess North Korean missiles. "The three ministers discussed progress under way through working-level talks on technical issues, and affirmed that this is an important procedure for deterrence, peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and the region," it said in a statement. Currently, the real-time sharing of missile warning data is occurring between the South Korean military and the U.S. Forces Korea, and between the Japan Self-Defense Force and the U.S. Forces Japan, while South Korea and Japan do not have a similar direct mechanism, given that they are not treaty allies. In line with last year's summit agreement, the three countries have been working on procedures for a real-time data-sharing method among the three nations based on a trilateral information sharing arrangement signed in 2014. In their talks, Lee, Austin and Hamada "strongly condemned" the North's launch this week, which they described as a "long-range ballistic missile," the ministry said. "(They) strongly condemned North Korea's recent long-range ballistic missile launch under the guise of a so-called satellite as a grave violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions that ban any launches using ballistic missile technology," it said. "With the enhancing of trilateral cooperation, they agreed to sternly respond in cooperation with the international community." They also urged the North to immediately stop "reckless" acts that create "tensions" on the Korean Peninsula and comply with the resolutions. The trio agreed to regularly hold defensive exercises, such as anti-submarine and maritime missile defense exercises, and reaffirmed an agreement to swiftly resume maritime interdiction and anti-piracy exercises as agreed during working-level talks in April, it said. The three sides plan to create an annual plan on such drills so that they are "predictable" and can be operated "efficiently," the official said. The ministers expressed "strong opposition" to unilateral action that creates tension in the region and changes to the status quo through "force or coercion," saying they stand together with Ukraine in the ongoing war against Russian invaders, while stressing the importance of "peace and stability" across the Taiwan Strait. Trilateral cooperation has gained traction in the wake of Pyongyang's saber-rattling earlier this year, including the firing of a purported solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile in April. Last year, the regime fired an unprecedented number of missiles. (Yonhap) An object, left, salvaged by South Korea's military that is presumed to be part of the North Korean space-launch vehicle that crashed into sea following a launch failure in waters off Eocheongdo island, South Korea, May 31, is seen in this photo provided by South Korea's defense ministry. AP-Yonhap South Korea and the United States agreed Saturday to jointly examine the wreckage of a purported North Korean space rocket once it is retrieved from the Yellow Sea, according to a senior Seoul official. Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup and his U.S. counterpart, Lloyd Austin, reached the agreement during a brief "pull-aside" meeting on the margins of the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, as the South Korean military is carrying out a salvage operation to recover the sunken part of the rocket. The rocket crashed into the waters some 200 kilometers west of the western South Korean island of Eocheong, Wednesday morning, after an "abnormal flight," Seoul's military said previously. "South Korea and the U.S. have agreed on the joint investigation to be conducted once it's retrieved," the defense ministry official told reporters on condition of anonymity. During the meeting, the two sides also reaffirmed the need for attention to follow through with agreements that President Yoon Suk Yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden made during their White House summit in April to bolster deterrence against North Korean threats. South Korea's Minister of National Defense Lee Jong-Sup, right, attends the 20th International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) Shangri-La Dialogue, Asia's annual defense and security forum in Singapore, June 3. AP-Yonhap South Korea's defense minister said Saturday that some countries were "ignoring North Korea's unlawful behavior", which he said threatens to weaken U.N. sanctions against its missile and nuclear programs. On Friday, China and Russia ignored a U.S. call for the U.N. Security Council to condemn North Korea for a recent attempt to launch a satellite and instead blamed the United States for increasing tension on the Korean peninsula. "This creates holes in sanctions against North Korea passed at the U.N. Security Council," Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup said in a speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Asia's top security summit. North Korea attempted Wednesday to launch its first spy satellite into orbit, although it ended in failure with the booster and payload plunging into the sea. It has vowed to conduct another satellite launch soon. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, right, speaks with U.S. President Joe Biden, left, and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida ahead of their three-way talks in Hiroshima, Japan, May 21. Joint Press Corps By Nam Hyun-woo China is sending diplomatic signals that relations between Seoul and Beijing are now facing setbacks, claiming that South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's policy of closer alignments with the United States and Japan is part of the problem. During the past several months, Yoon has engaged in a flurry of diplomatic events and focused on recalibrating the international community's perception of South Korea's stance on international issues mostly aligning Seoul's stance on Indo-Pacific matters with that of Washington, despite China's angry responses. And Beijing now appears to be hitting back by adopting a tougher stance, with its foreign ministry saying the two countries' relations face "difficulties and challenges" attributable to Seoul. "I want to stress that the current difficulties and challenges in the China-South relations are not caused by China," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said during a press conference on May 31. "The South Korean side should have an in-depth understanding of the crux of the problem, take it seriously and work with China to make positive effort for the sound and steady growth of China-South Korea relations." The comments came after Director-General of the Department of Asian Affairs at the Chinese Foreign Ministry Liu Jinsong visited Seoul last week and sat down with his counterparts here. The Hankyoreh daily reported that Liu delivered China's position on Seoul's recent diplomatic developments, that there will be no bilateral cooperation and no visits by high-profile Chinese figures if South Korea continues its policy of exclusively aligning with the U.S. and Japan, or if Seoul intervenes in China's key interests, namely tensions in the Taiwan Strait. The Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson did not confirm whether those positions were delivered during the director-level meeting, but added, "China has seriously and comprehensively made clear its solemn position on its core interest to the South Korean side." Choi Yong-jun, director-general of the Northeast Asian Affairs Bureau of South Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, center in right row, talks to Liu Jinsong, director-general of the Department of Asian Affairs of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, second from left in left row, during their meeting at Seoul's foreign ministry in Gwanghwamun, Seoul, May 22. Captured from China's Foreign Ministry website China is blaming South Korea because of Yoon's recent remarks on matters that Beijing finds very sensitive. In an interview with Reuters on April 19, Yoon said that tension is rising across Taiwan Strait because of "attempts to change the status quo by force" and the matter is a "global issue" comparable to North Korea. Since then, despite China's thorny responses, Yoon has been reiterating that South Korea is against any attempt to change the status quo by force and coercive diplomacy, during his appearance at global events. While doing so, the president has set a stronger trilateral security cooperation between Seoul, Washington and Tokyo as a new principle of his diplomacy. Although Seoul says the stepped up cooperation is aimed at containing North Korea's increasing nuclear and missile threats, China appears to be suspicious due to concerns that the trilateral cooperation could be Washington's vehicle for containing Beijing's growing influence. In a White House statement released after a summit between U.S. President Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Hiroshima last month, the leaders noted, "the coercive behavior by the People's Republic of China that runs counter to international law" as a regional challenge that the two countries should address. This photo released Thursday by Pyongyang's official Korean Central News Agency shows the Chollima-1 rocket, carrying a spy satellite, taking off from an undisclosed location in North Korea the previous day. Yonhap No more 'freeze-for-freeze' Against this backdrop, China appears to be loosening its reins on North Korea's pursuit of nuclear weapons, which is a hefty burden on Seoul's efforts to deter Pyongyang's nuclear and missile threats. In recent months, Chinese government officials have been refraining from using the term "freeze-for-freeze," referring to a scheme in which South Korea and the U.S. stop joint military exercises in exchange for freezing Pyongyang's nuclear and missile provocations. For years, Beijing had promoted the freeze-for-freeze and "dual-track approach," which refers to a simultaneous effort for denuclearization and a peace treaty, as the two main pillars of its own resolution for North Korea's nuclear threats. But any mention of the freeze-for-freeze term became difficult to find in Beijing's recent diplomatic statements, while dual-track approach remains as a core principle. When asked about North Korea's unsuccessful launch of a rocket carrying what it claims was a military spy satellite on May 31, the Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said the only way to prevent the situation from worsening is to "resume meaningful dialogue under the dual-track approach," without mentioning the freeze-for-freeze policy. "The only way to prevent the situation from worsening is that all sides should face up to the crux of the absence of a peace mechanism on the Korean Peninsula, resume meaningful dialogue under the 'dual track' approach and address each other's reasonable concerns in a balanced way," Mao said. Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, and Chinese President Xi Jinping toast during their dinner at The Palace of the Facets is a building in the Moscow Kremlin, Russia, March 21. AP-Yonhap Lee Jeong-cheol, third from left in front row, poses with travelers visiting from the U.S. in Seoul, May 31. Courtesy of Casey Lartigue By Lee Jeong-cheol I occasionally give lectures to foreign travelers as a Freedom Speakers International (FSI) Keynote Speaker. The topics are mainly "The Reality of North Korea" or "The Lives of North Koreans." The great thing is that FSI doesn't demand specific stories from North Korean refugee speakers. Instead, they assist the speakers in freely sharing their own stories. In my lectures, I try to convey an undistorted image of North Korea. I mainly aim to deliver the following messages: 1. Firstly, it is important to distinguish between the North Korean government and the North Korean people. The North Korean government should be criticized as a repressive dictatorship. However, except for the Kim family and the privileged elite, most ordinary North Korean citizens are suffering under tyranny. In reality, they live like slaves. 2. Secondly, it is important to understand that North Korean refugees are not betrayers. In English, the world (including South Korea) calls North Korean refugees "defectors." However, one of the meanings of "defector" is a traitor. When the North Korean government criticizes North Korean refugees, they label us as traitors. With the exception of high-ranking North Korean officials or those who come from relatively well-off cities like Pyongyang, most North Koreans escape the regime due to hunger. It is doubtful whether we can call those who flee due to hunger as being betrayers. During the conflict in Ukraine, people leaving their homeland for survival are not called "Ukrainian defectors." but Ukrainian refugees. 3. Thirdly, it's necessary to engage in dialogue even with the worst dictatorship, the North Korean government. Criticizing the North Korean government is inevitable, but engaging in dialogue with North Korea is not for the benefit of the regime itself but for the sake of the North Korean people. Advocating for North Korean human rights or emphasizing inter-Korean exchanges fundamentally aims to improve the lives of the North Korean people and ultimately create a better Korean Peninsula. In fact, if there was only the North Korean regime in North Korea, there would be no need for dialogue. Some argue that if we assist North Korea through inter-Korean exchanges or humanitarian aid, the North Korean government might exploit it for nuclear development. In that case, the question arises: "Does it mean it is okay for ordinary North Koreans to suffer until the nuclear issue is resolved?" 4. Lastly, there is freedom in South Korea. While the North Korean regime dictates North Koreans' future, South Korean society asks "What do you want to do or what do you want to be?" So, having a dream is almost impossible in North Korea. However, in South Korea, there is freedom of choice. I'm always grateful that North Korean refugees have freedom of speech in South Korea. The writer is a Keynote Speaker in Freedom Speakers International (FSI), a regular guest on Arirang TV Radio's "North Korea Now" segment of the show "Korea Now," and formerly a radio producer with Unification Media Group (UMG). This was edited for publication by Casey Lartigue Jr. The Covid Inquiry was always destined to end up like this. Partisan point-scoring. Self-serving grandstanding. Cover-ups, and accusations of cover-ups. But few would have predicted it would also start like this. Baroness Hallett's opening public hearings aren't even scheduled to begin until June 13. Yet already her investigation into Britain's mostly deadly and disruptive health crisis for a century has descended into bitterness, acrimony and legal challenges all, of course, at the taxpayers' expense. At the heart of the mayhem is inevitably the premier agent of chaos, Boris Johnson. Or rather, two dozen dog-eared notebooks and an old mobile phone that used to be in his possession and which according to Hallett should be handed over to her so she can see what tantalising lockdown secrets they contain. Baroness Hallett's opening public hearings aren't even scheduled to begin until June 13. Yet already her investigation into Britain's mostly deadly and disruptive health crisis for a century has descended into bitterness, acrimony and legal challenges all, of course, at the taxpayers' expense Johnson, with all the innocence of a dust-streaked urchin whistling insouciantly before the shattered window of his local sweetshop, is claiming he'd love to hand over the items. But, alas, he can't because the notebooks are in the hands of the Government, and most of the relevant messages remain on a phone that has been locked by the security services. In response, Hallett has, in effect, threatened to send round the rozzers. And Rishi Sunak has been left looking like the biggest whitewash merchant since Richard Nixon offered his pals a midnight viewing of the Watergate apartments. But as ever, perception is giving reality a hiding. Starting with Johnson, who is again playing the public, the press and his parliamentary colleagues for fools. Had he really wanted to hand over the relevant information, it could all now be safely in the hands of the inquiry. But, instead, he's opted to use the whole saga as an opportunity to stitch up Sunak. It's true that he initially granted the Cabinet Office access to his personal Covid diaries. But only on the proviso that a single selected official could peruse them. Then, a week ago, the Cabinet Office announced information gleaned from a separate electronic Government diary had been passed to the police because it contained evidence of possible Covid breaches. At which point, Johnson went ballistic, sacked his Cabinet Office-appointed lawyers, and demanded Cabinet Office Secretary Oliver Dowden's resignation. But crucially, he also withdrew consent for the Cabinet Office to continue to examine his personal diaries, or discuss their contents. Which meant when a Cabinet Office spokesman stated that they couldn't hand over the hallowed tomes because they were no longer in their possession, the whole of Westminster screamed 'cover-up!' In fact, it was just Johnson playing his usual games. The same goes for the messages on the former PM's phone. It's true that his old mobile had been locked by the security services after it was deemed to have been compromised. Even before the inquiry's started the villains have been defined But his statement saying 'I had asked the Cabinet Office for assistance in turning it on securely so that I can search for all relevant material' played as ever fast and loose with the truth. According to Ministers, the Cabinet Office contacted Johnson in January to ask if analysts at the National Cyber Security Centre could have access to the mobile to access the data. Without success. Then there are the messages on a second phone. Johnson claims to have handed more than 40 unredacted 'conversations' to the Cabinet Office that he believes are relevant to the inquiry from that device. But as a Minister explained: 'We don't know if they are the only relevant messages because he hasn't given us access to that phone either. We don't know if they have been redacted or edited in any way. Boris is expecting us to just take his word for that.' Johnson has no interest in an honest and transparent accounting of his actions during Covid. Truth and his premiership have always been strangers. All he cares about is maximising political embarrassment for his successor. And to be fair, he's doing an excellent job. Even before the Covid inquiry is properly under way, the heroes and villains have already been sharply defined. On one side are Sunak and his Ministers, frantically trying to hide their missteps and misdeeds. DAN HODGES: At the heart of the mayhem is inevitably the premier agent of chaos, Boris Johnson On the other is the noble and heroic Baroness Hallett, bravely and doggedly battling to uncover the facts. It's only a matter of time before images of her face start appearing on T-shirts, and she is seen sporting a spider brooch. But again there's a problem. Sunak and his Ministers are right. The Government's position is twofold. Information should be withheld from the inquiry for national security reasons. And information should be withheld that is 'unambiguously irrelevant' to the inquiry. Hallett concedes the first point, but contests the second. Her argument is that all communications over the relevant period should be made available to provide 'context' for the decisions that were being taken at the time. Which is ludicrous. True, Ministers deserve high levels of scrutiny. But they also need some basic level of privacy. Everyday private messages to children, spouses and friends haven't or shouldn't have any role to play in Hallett's deliberations. As one Minister observed: 'It's no use people banging on about Baroness Hallett's integrity. She's got 60 or 70 people working on that inquiry. We know what will happen. Eventually stuff will leak.' Then there is the issue of the inquiry's objective. If we are going to go through this benighted exercise, it should be for a single, simple purpose. To ensure that if Britain is hit by another pandemic, we are all properly prepared. Yet Hallett's terms of reference show there is virtually zero prospect of maintaining that sort of focus. The document detailing it ranges from Covid's impact on 'housing and homelessness' through 'immigration and asylum' to 'any disparities evident in the impact of the pandemic on different categories of people, including, but not limited to, those relating to protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010 and equality categories under the Northern Ireland Act 1998'. Ministers need scrutiny. But they also need some privacy Almost as an afterthought, it adds: 'Identify the lessons to be learned from the above, to inform preparations for future pandemics across the UK.' That last element is where Hallett and taxpayers' money should be focused. On protecting the British people should they ever again be faced by a major virus outbreak. Not on replicating the partisan bear-pit of the House of Commons. Or acting as a court of law. Or, as some people seem to want, creating some form of Covid Truth and Reconciliation Commission. And certainly not in some puritanical pursuit of Ministers' private WhatsApp messages. The Hallett inquiry has not even opened its doors to the public, yet in an attempt to expand its sprawling remit it is already mired in chaos. And this is only the beginning. Module 2 (Core UK Decision-making and Political Governance) starts on Tuesday. Module 1 (Resilience and preparedness) begins its public sessions a week later. Modules 2A (Scotland), 2B (Wales) and 2C (Northern Ireland) commenced last month. Module 3 (Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic on Healthcare Systems in the 4 Nations of the UK) has been quietly chugging away since February. Additional 'modules' on vaccines, the care sector, procurement and PPE, Test and Trace, business and financial responses, health inequalities, and schools and key workers are yet to be scheduled. In 2009, Gordon Brown said the Chilcott Inquiry into the Iraq War would draw a line under that conflict. Fourteen years and 10 million later, people are still arguing about its findings. The Haslett inquiry has already made that look like money well spent. A quarter of a century has passed since six unemployed Sheffield blokes stripped off to cheers in The Full Monty. Robert Carlyle played the leader of the troupe of Chippendale wannabes who were desperate to make a buck after falling on hard times following steel mill closures in Yorkshire. The BAFTA-winning film celebrating the value of community was a global hit, earning 208 million on a budget of 2.8 million. Now the ragtag band of brothers is back, sporting greyer hair and a few more wrinkles, because the movies writer, Simon Beaufoy, has rounded them up for an eight-part TV series for Disney+ that catches up with the men 25 years later. Alongside Robert as neer-do-well Gaz, Game Of Thrones star Mark Addy reprises his role as Dave, the ex-steelworker with weight issues whos married to Jean (Lesley Sharp, also returning). All of this and more now streaming on Disney+ The original cast of The Full Monty are returning for the new television series (pictured L-R: Steve Huison as Lomper; Mark Addy as Dave; Robert Carlyle as Gaz; Hugo Speer as Guy; and Paul Barber as Horse) Steve Huisons back as Lomper, who now runs a cafe with husband Dennis (Paul Clayton), Tom Wilkinson returns briefly as former foreman Gerald, with Paul Barber as Horse, the only dancer among them, and Hugo Speer is also back briefly as Guy, who couldnt dance but was very well-endowed. Speers contribution is brief because he was fired last July for inappropriate behaviour on set, allegedly answering the door of his trailer naked and exposing himself to a female crew member. Were the cast shocked? Thats a question for Disney, says Mark Addy, 58, diplomatically. But surely it was sad to lose him (Speer does appear in scenes filmed before his exit)? Yeah, concedes Mark. And hang on what about the stripping? The mens striptease was the saucy climax of the movie. Will they whip off their undergarments once more to a rousing rendition of Tom Joness You Can Leave Your Hat On? No one wants to see that, lets be honest, chuckles Robert Carlyle, 62. But its kind of addressed in the final episode. Theres a lovely moment when all the guys are together and You Can Leave Your Hat On starts to play. Honestly, it was a very emotional moment for us all, because that track is synonymous with the film and it just took us right back to that moment. And what was lovely was that after the scene, the crew all started clapping. Everyone was smiling. Im hopeful it has the same effect on the audience emotionally. Robert, whos been a busy leading man since then in TV hits including Once Upon A Time and Cobra, was easily persuaded to reprise his role. Its not a reboot, he insists over Zoom from his home in Vancouver. It would be insane to try to redo the film it was so well-loved. I knew Simon had been asked to make a Full Monty 2 movie, but it was never something he or I were interested in, because the end of that film is so triumphant. Celebrating the importance of community, the original 1997 BAFTA-winning film was a global hit, earning 208 million on a budget of just 2.8 million Instead, Beaufoy suggested revisiting these characters, seeing where they are, how theyre doing as circumstances change, continues Robert. Halfway through that conversation I was like, Yeah, Ill do it. Wim Snape, a boy in the original film, reprises his role as Gazs son Nathan. And charming chancer Gaz, who now works as a porter in a mental facility, tries to redeem himself with his daughter Destiny, a bright girl whos going off the rails, joyriding and skipping school. Gaz hasnt changed, muses Robert. Hes just on his own path, but thats not always a good thing because his relationship with his daughter is difficult. He hasnt been present as a father. Gazs relationship with the adult Nathan is also strained. Hes rebelled by becoming a policeman! laughs Robert. A native Glaswegian, Robert found his biggest hurdle in returning to the role was getting Gazs voice right. Its not just an accent, its getting the same accent as back then, he says. He took lessons from the same friend whod helped him last time, an actor pal called Andrew Stanson, who plays a psychiatrist in the new series. Back in the day, the actors needed a slug of whisky ahead of filming their daring striptease scene, but there was little wild carousing among the reunited cast, reports Mark. We were still being tested for Covid every day, he recalls. So you werent minded to be partying every night. Plus, were all old now! 'One of the things I really enjoyed was sitting down at the end of a days shoot with Paul or Steve, whoever youd been working with, with a glass of wine and chatting. It was like Last Of The Summer Wine three old farts! Love is in the air for the Reverend Richard Coles, but so is murder. They do seem to have arrived in my life at the same time, says the priest, presenter and former pop star with a wry smile. Almost four years after losing his husband David at a tragically early age, there is a new man in his life. It was a decent interval of mourning I think, he says carefully. Then I felt stirring within me this desire to meet someone, to be close to someone, to be intimate with someone, to share my life with someone. I felt like a bear that was waking from hibernation. Well talk more about that and find out who the new man is but there are other ways in which the 61-year-old widower has been busy reinventing himself of late, including as the writer of very popular whodunnits. Almost four years after losing his husband David (pictured left) at a tragically early age, there is a new man in Reverend Richard Coles' life His debut Murder Before Evensong was a big hit last year and the sequel A Death In The Parish is out this week, once more revealing the deadly passions that lurk beneath the surface of a seemingly idyllic country church community like the one he served as vicar for many years in rural Northamptonshire. Dont be fooled, sleepy little villages in Middle England are full of drama, says the author, whose latest story features a ritualistic killing that shows how even the seemingly mildest of believers can be driven over the edge. Christianity attracts damaged people. How they manage their damage or how their damage manages them is fascinating. Broken people do crazy things. The hero of his story is once more Canon Daniel Clement, who shares his creators love of high Anglican liturgy and dachshunds. Hes a clergyman but hes not me, insists the Rev Richard, even as he hugs one of his two beloved sausage dogs, Pongo. Hes much more buttoned-up than me. Before I came to Christianity I came out as gay and lived in London in the 1980s, not much need for buttons there, so I did it the other way around. Richard entered a civil partnership with fellow priest David Oldham in 2010. He was devastated when David died suddenly as a result of his alcoholism in December 2019 at the age of just 42. The widower wrote a brilliant memoir called The Madness Of Grief that helped many people process their own feelings of bereavement. When he met his partner Richard Cant (pictured), they liked each other straight away. Richard has appeared on Doctor Who and Midsomer Murders and is the son of the former childrens TV presenter Brian Cant Richard then threw himself into work as the host of Saturday Live on BBC Radio 4, having already made himself a household name with his hapless yet charming twirls across the Strictly floor in 2017. Over the last few years hes popped up on every kind of panel show, from QI to Question Time. Slowly though, says the 61-year-old, something within him began to shift. I thought, What will the rest of my life look like? Will I have to forget him or do I have to be a perpetual high priest at the shrine of David? 'I knew I wanted to live more life. I wanted to be open to surprise, excitement, change, transformation, all that kind of thing, he reflects. I think David would have quite liked me to take the high priest option, but hes not here. The point about dead people is that theyre not here any more. You have to find a way of dealing with it. My partner Dickie and I liked each other straight away. He knew a bit about the distorting prisms of fame One way he has found to do that is to retire from his parish ministry and move to a gorgeous valley on the South Coast, to be near his former manager Lorna Gradden, who was making wise investment decisions for them both while he was having three Top Ten hits, including a No 1, with Jimmy Somerville in The Communards. Richard was playing the piano in the bay window of his cottage when I arrived and as we chat in the kitchen its clear hes found happiness here. It seems fitting that I should write murder mysteries in a village that has a blue plaque marking the place that Sherlock Holmes came to retire. Allegedly. East Dean is indeed where Arthur Conan Doyle sent his famous fictional detective to keep bees. And here, as the third anniversary of Davids death approached, Richard felt able to look for love. I got on a dating app. I cant work the technology well so I accidentally uploaded an album of photos that were not of me at all, including a train going into a station and a cow in a field. Then eventually one of me. Luckily, a prospective partner persevered. Dickie was very funny about it. Also, his father was well-known, so he knew a bit about the distorting prisms of fame and all that. Hes happy to reveal today that Dickie is the actor Richard Cant, 58, who has appeared on Doctor Who and Midsomer Murders and is the son of the former childrens TV presenter Brian Cant. The Rev Richard Coles was a contestant on BBC's Strictly Come Dancing in 2017. While his dancing wasn't great, he gained a following thanks to his warmth, his care for those around him and his self-deprecating wit We liked each other straight away. We have friends in common, although wed never actually met, so I was able to do my research. All the intelligence that came back about him was favourable.' Theres a relief at having retired, so not being forced to check in with a bishop about his new relationship. It would be ridiculous and humiliating. Richard famously turned to the church for solace in the late 80s after losing a year of his life in a druggy haze as The Communards fell out of favour and he lost friends to AIDS-related illness. When my life got really messy I remembered what it was like to have lived in that landscape as a boy chorister and I wanted to connect with it again, he recalls. I wanted something that would answer my intellectual curiosity, my appetite for beauty, my sense of grace, my desire for forgiveness. And also, dressing up. Being a priest is a great job if you like dressing up. The Church of England was clear at the time that it considered homosexuality a sin, so why did he put himself forward for ordination? There was a movement going on. I thought I was going into a church which would in due course not consider me unfit for purpose. Being booted off Strictly was horrible. I found out I couldnt dance at the same time as 10 million other people The Church has changed much more slowly than he hoped it would, which is one reason hes glad to no longer be a parish priest. Im not prepared to pretend that gay people should accept a less equal status than other people. Ive put up with that for a long time and Im not prepared to put up with it any more. He even reveals that hes no longer wearing a dog collar on camera or being addressed as the Reverend Richard Coles on air. I did Question Time in a linen shirt last night. When I go to church Ill sit at the back without a dog collar, unless Im doing something up front. For a while, of course, we were used to seeing him in sequins. His dancing wasnt great on Strictly but he was a game old bird and people took to his warmth, his care for those around him and his self-deprecating wit. The Rev Richard Coles, 61, who became a widower almost four years ago, revealed that he has found love with the actor Richard Cant, 58, after the pair met on a dating app I loved every moment until I got booted off. That was horrible. I discovered I couldnt dance at the same time as 10 million other people found this out about me, live on television. It was not pretty. Good lesson for me though. In what sense? It made me realise what an a******e I am. Which I kind of knew, but its an important lesson to relearn, I feel. Richard strokes Pongo and reflects. With broken vessels, maybe light shines through the cracks sometimes. Im selfish and self-absorbed and Im negligent, all that kind of stuff, but then so is everybody, right? And God is quite forgiving of that. Next hes going on tour with a one-man show, its title courtesy of his late husband. Somebody once said I was a national treasure and David said, Borderline national trinket more like. Hes a bit uncomfortable with the image it suggests though. Its a fiction. A Church of England vicar whos on Radio 4 swims in a lake of whimsy, but Im not actually a whimsical person. Its whimsy plus irony. As live audiences will discover, the Reverend Richard Coles is actually earthy, gossipy and very entertaining. Im comfortable in my own skin. Be authentic and engage, be the person you are, with all your flaws and your darkness and your rough edges. 'Get out there and stand in the world and talk to people. Youll get rejected by some and some will shout at you, but what more can you do? An ex-inmate has revealed how criminals sneak drugs and phones into jail - detailing the moment a fellow prisoner died after swallowing synthetic marijuana, also known as K2. The Florida convict, who hasn't revealed his real name but goes by his nickname, Viking, has gained more than 569,000 followers on TikTok after sharing his insights into what the prison system is like. Viking previously made headlines after making a viral video detailing what happens to different types of criminals in prison. He spent three years in juvenile detention and six years in prison for burglary of a dwelling, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and three counts of possessing a controlled substance without prescription. The convict, who hasn't shared his name online but goes by his nickname, Viking, from Florida, has revealed how criminals sneak drugs and phones into jail He spent six years in prison for burglary of a dwelling, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and three counts of possessing a controlled substance without prescription But Viking has since turned his life around and is sharing the truth about his life behind bars. Recently, he detailed the extreme lengths he saw fellow inmates take to get drugs or phones using people on the outside or 'crooked guards.' In the video, which had more than 175,000 views, the convict revealed he 'didn't see hard drugs until he got into the prison system.' He explained that in one instance, a cellmate's girlfriend would bring in K2 during her visit and 'have it put up inside of her,' and would sneak it out in the bathroom. She would then put the drugs stuffed in balloons into a Skittles packet that was acquired by the cellmate. 'It would look like he's eating candy, but he's actually swallowing balloons. This motherf***er, I guess they didn't roll the balloon right... and ended up opening half [an] ounce of K2 in his stomach,' Viking recalled. 'The dude ended up having seizures and ended up dying.' When it came to phones, he revealed that many times, the officers were the ones providing the prisoners with cellphones in exchange for money. 'You also have to remember that the prison industrial complex is the biggest money- earning machine for some of these towns,' Viking said. He detailed the extreme lengths he saw fellow inmates take to get drugs or phones using people on the outside or 'crooked guards' 'So, imagine growing up in a town where you either are a cop, military or work in the prison.' He then said that the same phone that would cost you $200 on 'the outside,' would be '$1,000 or $2,000 on the inside.' 'So if you think these crooked guards that are beating the s*** out of inmates, killing inmates, well you don't think they want another $100,000 of tax-free money. 'The guards are bringing in bottles of vodka, and I'm talking about in water bottles, I've seen it all.' The convict also noted that getting items through the officers is 'the second biggest way' to get something on the inside. 'Then, you got that prison wallet. So, some guys have low enough custody to where they can go outside the gate, or there are drops,' he explained. He added that people often go through 'prison Louis Vuitton,' which sees inmates receiving items through officers. 'Say an officer would say, "Hey I'm going to accidentally drop something here, have one of your mules go and get it." They call that prison Louis Vuitton, I know it's nasty but I have seen guys put six or seven cell phones up their booty.' At the end of his video, he explained that Florida prisons were all about 'money and power.' Courtesy of Dawn Kim By David A. Tizzard The Wave House put Gesner on the map and is said to have inspired the Sydney Opera House n take his balsa board out into the sea, only equipped with a grease pencil and sketched the Wave House on the face of his board in the 1950s The iconic home was designed by late architect Harry Gesner, who died in 2022, after he and original homeowner Gerry Cooper 'discovered a hidden cove' An iconic Malibu house designed by an architect to look like a wave has hit the market for nearly $50million. The iconic home was designed by late architect Harry Gesner, who died in 2022, after he and original homeowner Gerry Cooper 'discovered a hidden cove with good waves for surfing several miles up the coast, away from the Malibu Colony,' Gesner recalled in the book Houses of the Sundown Sea, written by Lisa Germany. 'True to my way of designing, I camped out on the spot where I would plan the house. I spent two days surfing the break, all the time designing all aspects of the house in my head. The cliffs and sand. The views and prevailing wind. The quarter mile of beach and surf. I checked out every point of view.' Gesner would then take his 12-foot balsa board out into the sea, only equipped with a grease pencil and sketched the Wave House on the face of his board in the 1950s. 'It was exactly as it is now, in every way, thrusting out into the surf at high tide and nestled back in the sand at low tide,' the late architect, who lived next door in a home called Sandcastle, said. The home has now hit the market for $49.5million and was previously owned by British musician Rod Stewart and most recently Mo Ostin, a music executive who worked for Warner Bros, Gesner's son and one of the listing agents Zen Gesner told the Wall Street Journal. The iconic home was designed by late architect Harry Gesner, who died in 2022, after he and original homeowner Gerry Cooper 'discovered a hidden cove with good waves for surfing several miles up the coast, away from the Malibu Colony' Gesner would then take his 12-foot balsa board out into the sea, only equipped with a grease pencil and sketched the Wave House on the face of his board in the 1950s. Inside the home, the living room features a deep conversation pit with a light gray, plush crescent-shaped couch that faces the bright blue sea and a large white fireplace. It is surrounded by windows, light wood flooring, and white shiplap vaulted ceiling, giving it a glamourous boat-like feel The Midcentury Modern home, listed by Coldwell Banker Realty, is 6,200 square feet and sits on an acre of land and has six bedrooms. The home is largely still in its original state, except for a few minor updates inside the home and the exterior wood replaced with white finishes to blend in the environment surrounding it. Inside the home, the living room features a deep conversation pit with a light gray, plush crescent-shaped couch that faces the bright blue sea and a large white fireplace. It is surrounded by windows, light wood flooring, and a white shiplap vaulted ceiling, giving it a glamourous boat-like feel. Behind the living room is a curvaceous kitchen with a circular island and light wood counters. Off the kitchen, sits a large circular table that seats eight and faces the back deck that also has plenty of seating and a curved railing for the perfect Titanic recreation shot. Off the kitchen, sits a large circular table that seats eight and faces the back deck that also has plenty of seating and a curved railing for the perfect Titanic recreation shot The railings weren't added until the 1980s when Stewart owned the home. 'He was very concerned that people at his parties would stumble and fall off the edge,' Zen, Gesner's son, said The Wave House put Gesner on the map and is said to have inspired the Sydney Opera House The railings weren't added until the 1980s when Stewart owned the home. 'He was very concerned that people at his parties would stumble and fall off the edge,' Zen told WSJ. The home also has another indoor dining spot off the small courtyard on the side. The main bedroom is a sea of soft whites with a bay window, a sliding door that leads to a deck area, and plenty of space for a large bed and lounge chairs. The outside of the home is reflective like sea glass, with copper shingles that were later painted green patina sparkling in the brilliant sunlight. The Midcentury Modern home is 6,200 square feet and sits on an acre of land and has six bedrooms The home has a beautiful view of the ocean off the coast of Malibu The Wave House put Gesner on the map and is said to have inspired the Sydney Opera House. The opera house's architect Jrn Utzon even called Gesner to compliment him on the home's stunning design, Gesner's son revealed. 'My dad was totally blown away that this architect was going out of his way to reach out to him and compliment him on his design, because most architects are egomaniacs,' Zen told WSJ. 'They dont tend to tip their hat to any other architect.' Gesner's own home, the Sandcastle, hit the market less than a month ago for $27.5million. Zen is certain both homes will maintain their architectural integrity by new homeowners. The Wave House is listed by Dena Luciano of Douglas Elliman, Chris Cortazzo along with Zen Gesner of Compass and Drew Fenton of Carolwood Estates. Queen Letizia of Spain was typically stylish in a colourful abstract print skirt as she joined her husband King Felipe of Spain in Granada today. The royal, 50, paired the bright midi skirt with a stylish white crossover blouse as the couple honoured troops during Spain's National Armed Forces Day. Letizia finished the ensemble with a pair of low, fuchsia heels with a pointed toe, and small handbag in the small colour. Her accessories complemented the colours in the her skirt, which included bright pink, orange, purple, green, yellow, and blue. When it came to her hair and make-up, the mother-of-two wore her glossy chestnut locks tied into an elegant, low ponytail. Queen Letizia of Spain donned a white crossover blouse with a colourful, floral print midi skirt as she made an appearance for Spain's National Armed Forces Day 2023 in Granada today Letizia (pictured, right) attended the event with her husband King Felipe (pictured, left), who donned full military regalia And she opted for one of her trademark looks, pairing a fresh complexion with a natural pink lip, and brown, smokey eye. Meanwhile, her husband King Felipe also looked dapper, opting for full military regalia for the appearance. Spain's National Armed Forces Day, which dates back to 1978, is an annual event held to raise awareness around, and recognise the work of, the Armed Forces. It is widely celebrated across the country, with commemorative events taking place over several days. The couple's joint appearance comes after they celebrated their 19th wedding anniversary on May 22. After dating in secret, Felipe and Letizia announced their surprise engagement before tying the knot at Almudena Cathedral in Madrid on May 22, 2004. For their big day, Letizia donned a gown boasting a statement high-standing collar and delicate embroidery, which she paired with a veil gifted by her future husband. And she also wore the glittering Prussian tiara which had been worn by her mother-in-law, then Queen Sofia, on her wedding day in 1962. Spain's National Armed Forces Day is an annual event which first took place in 1978 (pictured L-R: King Felipe and Queen Letizia) Royal couple: King Felipe of Spain (left) and Queen Letizia (right) attended the engagement in Granada together today King Felipe (pictured) looked pensive as he saluted while he watched troops marching during the Armed Forces Day parade Smile: At one point, the Spanish king looked as though he was laughing as his wife appeared to be waving at somebody The joint appearance comes just days after the royal couple celebrated their 19th wedding anniversary on May 22 The ceremony took place two months after the Madrid train bombings and the pair dedicated their wedding to the victims of the attack. It's been a busy week for the Spanish queen, who was snapped at more than one engagement. Among them was a much more pared back midweek outing, where she was spotted looking casual, yet elegant. Letizia was snapped in a striped shirt as she stepped out in Madrid for a spot of shopping on Wednesday. Felipe and Letizia (pictured) tied the knot on May 22, 2004, at Almudena Cathedral in Madrid - just over 19 years ago The royal couple looked pensive during the event today, which marked Spain's National Armed Forces Day, an annual event The Spanish royals were also snapped smiling as they attended the engagement in Granada together today She donned a white, long-sleeved top with black horizontal stripes, paired with black jeans, as she visited the Madrid Book Fair. Letizia completed the ensemble with a pair of black pointed ballet pumps and a cross-body black leather bag. She wore her chestnut locks loose, and matched the relaxed hair style with a natural make-up look. During the casual outing, the royal appeared down to Earth, as she stopped to take selfies with people. When she wasn't engaging with fans, Letizia, a former journalist, appeared utterly engrossed in the contents of the fair, showing herself to be something of a bookworm. King Charles appeared relaxed as he went for a walk today in Transylvania, during his private solo trip to Romania. It is believed the royal, 74, will stay in the country for five days during the visit, which marks his first one overseas since the coronation last month. And while the monarch is taking a break from official engagements in the UK, he marked the first day of his trip with a formal bilateral meeting earlier this week. Charles met with Romania's President Klaus Iohannis in the capital Bucharest on Thursday, followed by a reception, during which he gave a speech praising the country for culture, art, heritage, history, sweeping landscapes and its biodiversity. Following the official business, the king was snapped looked more informal today, as he walked in the village of Valea Zalanului, Szeklerland in Transylvania, where he owns a private estate. King Charles appeared relaxed as he walked in Valea Zalanului, a village some 250km north of Bucharest, where he owns a private estate The king, who has owned a private estate in Transylvania in Bucharest since the late 90s, has praised the country King Charles bought the estate in the village, which is some 250km north of Bucharest, in the late 90s, and has visited regularly since. Wearing a short sleeved blue shirt and pale beige slacks, the king carried a stick during his walk today. Looking casual, he wore a pair of sunglasses to protect his eyes against the glare of the bright sun, and he had a pair of binoculars slung around his neck. During the hike, Charles was accompanied by a group, and was seen talking with them, while he gestured animatedly with his hands. The monarch arrived at the estate yesterday, and was greeted by locals, who presented him with flowers. He was pictured smiling as he shook hands with members of the public outside the gates of the estate. The king has several ties with Romania. His maternal great-great-great-grandmother Klaudia Rhedey was born and raised in the Transylvania region. King Charles was accompanied by a group of people as he went for a walk in the Transylvanian village today It is thought that the king (pictured) will spend five days in Romania, in what marks his first overseas visit since the coronation last month Since his first visit to Romania 25 years ago, he has developed a close relationship with the country. In 2015 he established the Prince of Wales' Foundation Romania, which offers heritage preservation training courses to both local people and international apprentices. And last year, he travelled to Bucharest to tour a donation centre for Ukrainian refugees and chatted to those who had fled the Russian invasion of their homeland. He owns a number of properties in Romania's Transylvania region, including a holiday let which helps fund his foundation and a 17th century peasant's house, which acts as the foundation's headquarters, both in the village of Viscri. The royal arrived at his estate in Valea Zalanului yesterday (pictured) where he was pictured greeting local people Smile: Charles appeared to be beaming as a local woman (pictured) handed him flowers as he arrived at his Transylvanian estate A number of locals came to greet the king outside his estate, which he has visited regularly since buying it in the late 90s During his speech on Thursday, the king spoke openly of his admiration for the country and its people. He said: 'As I have said before, I have come to love Romania your culture and art, your heritage and history, your sweeping landscapes and priceless biodiversity, this 'tara de gloria, tara de dor' (country of glory, country of longing), if I may paraphrase your national poet, Mihai Eminescu. 'Romania has retained, in its ancient forests, pristine countryside, and through some remarkable examples of sustainable farming, an incomparable richness of nature. 'But most of all, I cherish my Romanian friends here. 'I am enormously grateful to many people in this audience for their kind help on so many occasions, and for their support for projects which are doing so much good in communities throughout the country.' A mum has urged parents to trust their instincts after her 10-day-old baby almost died in his pram while she was fighting with hospital staff pleading for him to be seen. Brooke Lahtinen knew something was seriously wrong when son Luca contracted what seemed like a simple cold at just five days old, and saw his ribs protruding when he tried to breathe. The 31-year-old rushed Luca to the emergency room but was turned away because he was too young to be treated at that hospital under ED policy. While she was begging for a doctor to look at her child, Luca stopped breathing and had to be resuscitated multiple times, before he was rushed to the intensive care unit where he stayed for almost two weeks. 'I actually thought, 'holy s*** had I not realised my son died in this pram?' I was standing there, and I didn't realise',' Brooke told FEMAIL. Luca is now a happy and healthy nine-month-old, but Brooke said the harrowing experience taught her the importance of knowing the signs of respiratory distress and to always trust a mother's instinct. At 10 days old Luca was admitted to the ICU after he stopped breathing in his pram while mum Brooke Lahtinen was pleading with ED doctors to be seen Luca, now nine months, had respiratory issues caused by nothing more than a common cold when ED doctors refused to see him as he was too young 'I wasn't wrong. I was right to be concerned. We just got so brushed off that it made me so, so, so furious,' she said. 'The thing that saved his life is that we pushed and made a point of it and made a big deal. If we didn't, if we followed the instructions of those medical professionals, he would have been dead.' At just five days old, Luca had caught a common cold from his two-year-old sister Emilia. 'He just had standard cold symptoms. You could hear the snotty nose when he was breathing, he had a little cough, but mostly it was just the congestion in his nose and that was it,' Brooke recalled. Being only a few days old, Brooke was taking Luca to numerous checkups and doctors appointments where she was told he would be fine. Brooke, pictured right with husband Zac (left), Emilia (centre), two, and Luca, knew her bub was having trouble breathing by identified the signs she learned on a first aid course However after a few days, the mum, who had completed one of Tiny Hearts Education's first aid courses, noticed Luca displaying signs of respiratory distress. 'As he was breathing, everything sort of sucked in around his ribs, it looked like he was working really hard to breathe,' she said. 'He was still sort of okay but wasn't too interested in a feed.' By 6pm that same day, Luca was very lethargic and refusing to breastfeed and his breathing was getting worse. Brooke called the hospital where she gave birth to Luca and they advised her to drive the extra distance to their facility rather than the closer-by public hospital. When she arrived with her husband Zac's grandmother, who happened to be visiting at the time, the receptionist said Luca was too young to be seen at their ED. 'She just looked straight up and went 'Oh sorry you're going have to get back in the car and go to the public hospital, we don't see any babies under four months old',' Brooke said. 'When (the nurse) bent down to him in the pram, as she was touching him, his hands would flop back down, he was limp, he was turning purple, he was not breathing,' Brooke recalled 'I protested and said 'absolutely not, this is ridiculous, my son is really needing healthcare, I've been told to come here, can someone just please see him?' and it was just a hard no, cannot pass go, cannot get $200. The panicked mum became emotional and started considering if she had enough time to drive to the next hospital before Luca's condition worsened. At a loss for what to do, her grandmother-in-law became irate and started raising her voice at the receptionist which caught the attention of a nurse. 'One of the nurses in the back overheard and said 'Yeah, that is policy but let me just look at him before you go because I can't just consciously let him leave',' Brooke said. 'When she came through the security doors and bent down to him in the pram, as she was touching him, his hands would flop back down, he was limp, he was turning purple, he was not breathing.' Doctors quickly called an ambulance to transfer Luca to the paediatric ICU 20 minutes away and he was resuscitated several times en route The nurse quickly, without consulting Brooke, whisked Luca away and called on doctors to rush to save the baby. 'They ran to the nearest bed they could find, put him down, got some scissors and cut everything, every bit of his onesie, everything, and then started chest compressions and CPR immediately,' Brooke said. 'I followed them through and I sat on the floor next to the bed crying. No one had told me anything or why they were doing CPR and I just thought 'Oh my god, even arguing with the girl at the front desk took too long and my son has died in this pram'.' Doctors quickly called an ambulance to transfer Luca to the paediatric ICU 20 minutes away and he was resuscitated several times en route. 'When the ambulance arrived they drilled into his little leg and put adrenaline into his system so he could try and maintain breathing,' Brooke said. 'Once we got into the ambulance it was just CPR again and again and again every time his breathing would stop until we got to the hospital.' Once at the hospital, Luca was sedated and a tube was inserted down to this lungs to assist with his breathing and keep him stable. He stayed in the ICU for 12 days until he was well again There was no room in the back of the ambulance for Brooke to be by her baby's side and she was confined to the front seat. When Luca's breathing stopped, medics would call for the vehicle to pull over so they could bring him back. 'Every time they'd yell out from the back to the front seat 'Pull over, pull over!' my heart just stopped, I swear,' she said. 'They said to me every time they tried to pull over I would try to climb through the back to see him...We didn't end up pulling over at all, they were able to keep him going without having to stop but the whole time I was being pushed away.' Once at the hospital, Luca was sedated and a tube was inserted down to this lungs to assist with his breathing and keep him stable. That was when doctors finally let Brooke see her baby. 'I got called over by one the doctors there. They said, 'This child knows no one else but you in this whole world, we need you here',' she said. Brooke, who is on maternity leave form her accounting job, admits she is more protective of Luca compared to when their eldest Emilia was the same age 'That was the only and first time that anyone let me see or touch him since.' Brooke stayed with Luca in intensive care for 12 days while Zac, who had just gone back to work a day before the ordeal, took more time off to take care of Emilia. Thankfully Luca recovered and was let out of hospital where he had been for most of his short three-week life. 'He was awake and happy, and engaging as much as a three-week-old baby can. Still sick but well and truly stable,' Brooke said. During his stay doctors told Brooke he had rhinovirus, parainfluenza which is a virus similar to a cold, and bronchiolitis, a common chest infection. 'It kind of scared me more because I just thought to myself it's not that he has meningococcal, it's not that he has any of these massive serious illnesses, he just has a cold,' the mum said. 'He really nearly died. We nearly had the death of a ten-day-old little boy because of a cold and it just scared me so much about how fragile little bubs are.' Brooke said the experience taught her she should always trust her gut and advised parents to 'advocate for themselves' when it comes to their child's health Brooke, who is on maternity leave from her accounting job, admits she is more protective of Luca compared to when their eldest Emilia was the same age. 'They asked me to come back to work early last month and I got really emotional over it,' she said. 'I said absolutely not, I need to cherish this time with my family and that's so important to me.' Brooke said the experience taught her she should always trust her gut. 'There were a lot of things that could have been different or could have gone right or wrong,' she said. 'It worked out incredibly but in the end I was right, I was made to feel like I was wrong.' She also advised parents to 'advocate for themselves' when it comes to their child's health and to learn first aid as the knowledge could save a life. 'Parents should be taken seriously from the get go. Advocate for what you think is right because a parent's instinct is better than you think,' she said. Advertisement The buzz of Bohemian Paris frozen in a moment, men and women in their finery dancing the night away in Le Moulin de la Galette. Pablo Picasso was just 19 years old when he ventured into the famed dancehall on the site of a former windmill, following in the brushstrokes of his hero Toulouse-Lautrec. His 1900 painting, with the same name as the Montmartre nightspot, shows virtually nothing of Picasso's abstract genius that would go on to make him one of the world's most famous artists. But ahead of the painting going on display in New Yorks Guggenheim, recent research and extensive restoration revealed a secret little character hiding among the grinning faces. A small King Charles spaniel that had been painted into the original depiction, but later painted over, was discovered. It can still be found... Pablo Picassos 1900 painting entitled Le Moulin de la Galette depicts a lively scene and sees revelers sporting dresses and fine hats drinking and dancing at a dimly lit venue The painting is on display until August 6 and is part of a 10-piece exhibition 'Young Picasso in Paris,' which features some of the Spanish artists early work when he was living in France. But before the exhibition, the Guggenheim worked in collaboration with experts from the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. to reveal the figure of the dog. They restored the painting by removing grime and varnish, which revealed subtleties previously unnoticed. Conservators were then able to generate a lively guest at one of the tables, which was covered up by a large swath of dark paint. They did this using X-ray fluorescence, which is a technical imaging technique that maps out the chemical elements in a paint. Julie Barten, a painting conservator at the Guggenheim, said in an interview that the painting had undergone an entire year of treatment. So, are you able to spot the King Charles spaniel? If not we'll give you a hint... The animal is detailed of the lower-left corner of the painting - with an adorable red bow. And, although experts needed an X-ray to spot it... once you know where it is, you'll not be able to look at this painting the same way again. Detailed of the lower-left corner of Picassos 'Le Moulin de la Galette,' the dog can be found. Imaging and restoration revealed a small dog that the artist had painted over Recent research and extensive restoration of the painting was done recently, for the newly opened Guggenheim Museum in New York City. Conservators were able to generate a lively guest at one of the tables of the painting, which was covered up by dark paint Julie Barten, senior paintings conservator at the Guggenheim Museum, told Reuters she had always had 'a strong feeling that there was something under there'. She added: 'What we know is that in many instances, Picasso painted aspects of the composition and then subsequently obliterated them and transformed them into other compositional elements. This was really part of his practice.' But it is not uncommon for Picasso to leave behind Easter Eggs like these in his artwork. X-ray revealed Picasso painted over another work to create one of his masterpieces. Curators in Canada (right) noticed unusual textures of La Misereuse Accroupie (The Crouching Beggar, left) when they received it for display Researchers in 2020 also discovered a hidden painting beneath Picasso's Still Life, 1922, as they found a black-and-white infrared image of the back of the canvas A hidden arm, for example, was uncovered a few years ago in Picassos 'La Misereuse accroupie.' After rotating the work 90 degrees to the right, an international team of scientists in 2018 used multiple modes of light to uncover details hidden beneath the visible surface of the work. And in 2020, researchers discovered a hidden painting beneath 'Picasso's Still Life.' The cubist rendering of a guitar, wine bottle and compote masks an entirely separate still life. Unlike the grid-like design of the 1922 painting, the work was actually painted in a neoclassical style, findings published in the journal SN Applied Sciences revealed. A black-and-white infrared image of the back of the canvas reveal shadowy outlines of a pitcher and a mug, as both items rest on an ornate chair. America has the worst suicide rate of any nation in the West, data has revealed. The US suffers a suicide every 20 minutes (14.5 per 100,000 people), making it the 31st worst in the world and far more than developed nations like France (9.7), Spain (5.3) and Sweden (12.4). The UK, for example, ranks just 116 out of 183 countries, according to figures compiled by Our World in Data, using 2019 data from the World Health Organization (WHO). The impoverished African country Lesotho topped the list, with a suicide rate of 87.5 per 100,000 people. The next highest nation, Guyana, in South America, had less than half that rate, at 40.9, challenging the perception that suicide is only a scourge in rich countries. Scroll down for the full list of countries Lesotho had the highest rate of suicides per 100,000 people in 2019, nearly twice that of the second-highest country, Guyana. Meanwhile, the US and UK ranked 31 and 116 out of 183, respectively High levels of gun violence and mental illness are believed to be the reason America is an outlier when it comes to suicides. In 2021, firearms accounted for 55 percent of all suicide deaths in America. A 2019 Boston University study found that for every 10 percent higher rate of gun ownership in a given state, the rate of youth suicides goes up by nearly 27 percent. Health experts also said the economic and widespread psychological fallout from the pandemic have taken a massive toll on Americans mental health. Loneliness was recently declared an epidemic in the US, with the US surgeon general warning it is as dangerous as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. That, plus the financial harm done to millions of Americans, has driven up rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide. Nearly 48,200 people took their own lives in 2021, up from about 46,000 in 2020 and 47,511 deaths in 2019, pre-pandemic. The top-scoring continent was Africa. According to the United Nations, this is due to insufficient action to address and prevent the risk factors such as mental health conditions which currently impact 116 million people on the continent. This is more than double 53 million in 1990. The US ranked 31 out of 183 countries, with 14.5 suicides per 100,000 people every year. The UK, meanwhile, didn't even crack the top 100. It ranked 116, with 6.9 suicides per 100,000 people. More than 700,000 people around the world die by suicide every year, according to the World Health Organization. It's also the fourth leading cause of death among people ages 15 to 29. The WHO estimates that 77 percent of global suicides occur in low- and middle-income countries, which disproves the common misconception that suicide is only a problem in wealthy countries where people don't need to worry about survival or food. The most common methods of suicide include ingesting pesticides, hanging, and guns. Data from Our World in Data and the World Health Organization found that the US ranked 31 out of 183 countries for worst suicide rates. Though it scored better than developed nations, recent figures show these rates are increasing The 2019 Global Burden of Disease Report, published by the Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), found that the US had nearly four times the gun-related suicides than the next closest country, India Men are more than twice as likely to commit suicide than women, figures suggest, and the strongest risk factor is a previous attempt, per the WHO, as well as suffering from mental health and alcohol use disorders. Lesotho topped the global list, with a suicide rate of 87.5 per 100,000 people. Lesotho is a kingdom bordering South Africa. It's mostly made up of highlands, and many villages can only be accessed on horseback, on foot, or by light aircraft. This rate is more than twice that of the next highest nation, Guyana. And, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the country's life expectancy was just 54.8 years in 2020. Lesotho is also one of the few countries where more women commit suicide than men. According to 2019 figures from World Bank, the rate in women was 30.1 out of 100,000. High rates of violence could be one reason for this. According to UNAIDS, one in three women and girls in the country were abused by an intimate partner in 2020. Lesotho also has one of the highest prevalence rates of HIV in the world. An estimated one in five adults live with the condition, per the CDC, and 4,000 people over the age of 15 died of AIDS in 2021. This has left about 110,000 children orphaned. Women also experience this at higher rates. In 2019, 190,000 females over 15 had HIV, compared to 130,000 males. High disease rates and limited access to health care could drive up Lesotho's suicide rates. The US was ranked 31, with a suicide rate of 14.5 per 100,000 people. Between 2020 and 2021, suicides increased by four percent, according to a report from the CDC. Nearly 48,200 people took their own lives in 2021, up from about 46,000 in 2020 and 47,511 deaths in 2019, pre-pandemic. This is one death every 11 minutes. Suicide is now the eleventh-leading cause of death in the US, compared to 2020 when it was the twelfth-leading cause. Its also the second-leading cause of death among people aged 10 through 34. The US has long been under fire for its growing number of gun deaths, which could contribute to the amount of suicides. A 2022 study in the New England Journal of Medicine found that in 2020, the US had a record number of 45,222 firearm deaths, and gun-related suicides rose by one percent. Data from the Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) Global Burden of Disease Report found that the US had nearly four times the gun-related suicides in 2019 of the second-highest country, India. The United Kingdom, meanwhile, fell closer to the bottom half of the list, at 116 out of 183 countries. The nation had a suicide rate of 6.9 per 100,000 people in 2019. Men in the UK were significantly more likely to attempt suicide than women, according to figures from the Office of National Statistics That number increased after the Covid-19 pandemic. Just over 5,500 suicides were registered in England in Wales in 2021, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). That's about 10.7 deaths per 100,000 people. Around three-quarters of suicides were in men, equal to about 16 deaths per 100,000. Women accounted for 5.5 out of 100,000. Research from crisis organization Samaritans suggests that men in the UK are more likely than women to commit suicide because due to a gendered stigma surrounding mental health. Reaching out for help is seen as weak or feminine, making men less likely to find support for suicidal thoughts. ONS lists the top methods as hanging, strangulation, and suffocation, which together accounted for about 58 percent of all registered suicide deaths. About 20.5 percent of those deaths were from poisoning. Barbados ranked at the bottom of the list, with just 0.3 suicides per 100,000 people. The more relaxed lifestyle in the island nation and year-round warm weather could boost mental health and lead to these low suicide rates. It is best known for being the situated along the snow-capped mountains of the Himalayas. But, despite its awe-inspiring landscape, Nepal is actually the most polluted country in the world. Residents in the landlocked country in South Asia are exposed to 99.73 micrograms per cubic metre (g) of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), on average, throughout the year, according to Oxford University's Our World in Data platform. Experts called the figure which is nearly 20-times higher than the World Health Organization's guideline limits of 5g/m3 'alarming'. For comparison, levels in the UK stood at 10.47g/m3, while the US logged 7.41g/m3. It means the nations had the 24th and ninth cleanest air, respectively. It is measured in particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) and can be especially dangerous - it is linked to worsening medical conditions such as heart disease PM2.5 refers to tiny particles that are less than 2.5 micrometres in diameter about one ten-thousandth of an inch. The particles can include dust, soot, metals and other chemicals. This pollution is linked to burning fossil fuels and is released from car engines and factories. As the particles are so small, they pose a big risk to health, as they can be inhaled deep into the lungs. Swathes of evidence show that long-term exposure increases the risk of severe illness and death due to cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. As well as harming the heart and lungs, air pollutants also affect the brain, with studies linking exposure to a higher risk of dementia and cognitive decline. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that annual average concentrations of PM2.5 should not exceed 5g/m3. What is PM2.5? PM2.5 refers to tiny particles, less than 2.5 micrometres in diameter - about one ten-thousandth of an inch. The particles can include dust, soot, metals, and other chemicals. This pollution is linked to burning fossil fuels and is released from car engines and factories. The World Health Organisation (WHO) states that annual average concentrations of PM2.5 should not exceed 5g/m3, while 24-hour average exposures should not exceed 15g/m3 more than three to four per year. Advertisement The air quality data, gathered in 2017 and based purely on levels of PM2.5, is available for 195 countries. Following Nepal, Niger (94.05g/m3) and Qatar (91.19g/m3) had the highest concentration of PM2.5. The researchers said the high concentrations across North Africa are 'very high', partly due to 'drier conditions with more sand and dust sources'. Rounding off the top five countries with the poorest air quality is India, where the population of 1.4billion was exposed to 90.87g/m3 of PM2.5, and Saudi Arabia, where 87.95g/m3 was logged. Except for Qatar, each of the top five countries' PM2.5 levels had increased since 1990 indicating that efforts to improve pollution levels has been unsuccessful in some nations. Of the top five offenders, Nepal had the biggest jump in levels of PM2.5, with the figure skyrocketing by 12.13g/m3. This jump is more than twice the average annual exposure to PM2.5 in Finland. Egypt (87g/m3), Cameroon (72.79g/m3), Nigeria (71.80g/m3), Bahrain (70.82g/m3) and Chad (66.03g/m3) were also among the nations with the poorest air quality. Dr Raj Tiwari, an assistant professor in climate change data science at the University of Hertfordshire, told MailOnline: 'Countries like Nepal (South Asia), Niger (Africa) and Qatar (Middle East) are on the top end for PM2.5, with an exposure of more than 90 which is very alarming. At the other end of the scale, Finland logged the lowest PM2.5 mean annual exposure (5.86g/m3). However, this figure is still above the WHO's safety levels. It was closely followed by Brunei, a tiny nation on the border of Malaysia, which was exposed to just 5.9g/m3. New Zealand (5.96g/m3), Sweden (6.18g/m3), Canada (6.43g/m3) and Iceland (6.48g/m3) also logged low levels of the air pollutant. It may come as a surprise that the country with the highest death rate is not Nepal but, in fact, Uzbekistan Pollution is one of the world's largest health problems, as it was the cause of 6.67million global deaths in 2019, making it the third biggest killer in the world Ten most polluted countries Nepal: 99.73 g Niger: 94.05 g Qatar: 91.19 g India: 90.87 g Saudi Arabia: 87.95 g Egypt: 87 g Cameroon: 75.01 g Nigeria: 71.80 g Bahrain: 70.82 g Chad: 66.03 g Advertisement Ten least polluted countries Finland: 5.86 g Brunei: 5.90 g New Zealand: 5.96 g Sweden: 6.18 g Canada: 6.43 g Iceland: 6.48 g Estonia: 6.73 g Norway: 6.96 g United States: 7.41 g Maldives: 7.80 g Advertisement The Our World in Data figures also revealed national death rates due to outdoor air pollution in 2019. Despite Nepal logging the worst levels of PM2.5, it was Uzbekistan that recorded the highest fatality rate. The Central Asian country, home to 20.5million people, reported 179 deaths per 100,000 people more than double the 81 seen in 1990. It is closely followed by Egypt, where the death rate was 161, and Qatar (133). Dr Tiwari said: 'Further analysis on death rates from outdoor air pollution is really an eye-opener, as it clearly shows how air pollution is highly linked with the economy of the countries.' This is due to poorer countries tending to have weaker laws around air pollution, lower vehicle emission standards and higher numbers of coal power stations, according to the UN. Meanwhile, Finland recorded just three deaths per 100,000 caused by pollution exposure the lowest in the world. Pollution is one of the world's largest health problems, behind 6.67million deaths worldwide in 2019, making it the third biggest killer, according to the WHO. Taking the top spot for the world's biggest cause of death in 2019 was high blood pressure (10.85million) which was closely followed by smoking (7.69million), according to a Global Burden of Disease study published in The Lancet. A blood test for cancer could be given by GPs to speed up diagnoses and reduce NHS backlogs, world-first data suggests. An NHS trial found the Galleri blood test revealed two out of every three cancers among 5,000 people who had visited their GP with suspected symptoms. Where cancer was correctly detected, the test was able to pinpoint where the primary cancer was in 85 per cent of cases. Experts said the findings, due to be presented at a global conference today, showed scientists were a step closer to an oncology test in GP surgeries. Developed by bio-technology company Grail, the test looks for tiny fragments of tumour DNA circulating in the bloodstream. An NHS trial found the Galleri blood test revealed two out of every three cancers among 5,000 people who had visited their GP with suspected symptoms Drug that slashes chances of breast cancer returning A drug can slash the chances of the most common type of breast cancer returning by a quarter, research shows. Patients who took ribociclib alongside hormone therapy after traditional treatments were significantly less likely to see their cancer return. The drug targets proteins that help cancer cells multiply, prohibiting growth. The benefits were seen in patients whose breast cancer had been caught early. Experts said the findings could change practices and reduce worry for patients. Known as Kisqali, the drug is given to extend the lives of patients whose disease has spread. But the trial tested if it could be effective at preventing cancer returning. Overall, the addition of ribociclib reduced the risk of recurrence by 25 per cent, the American Society of Clinical Oncology conference in Chicago heard yesterday. Advertisement It alerts doctors as to whether a 'cancer signal' has been detected and predicts where in the body that might have originated. The Symplify study, led by Oxford University, involved 5,461 people in England and Wales who had been referred to hospital by their GP with suspected cancer. They gave a blood sample on the day they went in for urgent standard investigations to check if they had lung, gynaecological and upper or lower gastrointestinal (GI) cancers. The participants were aged on average 62, two thirds were female, and just under half were current or former smokers. Overall, 368 people had a cancer diagnosed through traditional methods such as scans and biopsies. The test detected a cancer signal in 323 people, 244 in whom cancer was diagnosed meaning 75 per cent of those testing positive on the blood test were found to have cancer. However, 2.5 per cent of those testing negative were also found to have cancer, according to results to be published in The Lancet Oncology. This equated to correctly identifying 66.3 per cent of people with cancer, a measure known as sensitivity, and an ability to correctly rule out cancer in 98.4 per cent of people without, a measure known as specificity. The test was more accurate in older patients and those with more advanced cancers. It performed best identifying or ruling out cancer in patients referred with symptoms indicating an upper GI tumour. But a number of cancers were diagnosed at sites other than those suggested by the patient's symptoms. Professor Mark Middleton, a consultant medical oncologist at Oxford University who led the trial, said the early findings were promising. He said it was also likely the test could speed up diagnosis and that once the algorithm in use was optimised 'we think we can identify people currently being sent for invasive tests who do not need them'. He added: 'It has the potential to diagnose cancers earlier and... to help achieve targets by reducing the overall number of tests needed to diagnose cancers.' But Lawrence Young, professor of molecular oncology at Warwick Medical School, warned: 'The real challenge is to diagnose those cancers that are difficult to detect... and use a positive blood test to instigate other investigations such as imaging. 'To really trust that a negative result on blood testing means no cancer will require more studies.' And Professor David Cunningham, director of clinical research at the Royal Marsden, said the test still needed 'refining'. Results from another NHS trial involving those without symptoms is expected later this year. If successful, it could be rolled out to a further one million people by 2025. The patient sitting in my consulting room, let's call her Sarah, seems defeated. So I'm slightly surprised when she announces, without even the hint of a smile: 'I'm pregnant.' It's not happy news for her. She is, in her own words, 'devastated'. She felt her family was complete. This wasn't the plan. The mother-of-two in her late 30s has been a regular-ish face at my surgery for years. Most recently, I saw her about a year after the birth of her youngest now aged three and prescribed her the contraceptive Pill. But she'd never come back for a medication review. What happened, I ask. 'I stopped taking it,' she answers. And then it all comes tumbling out. Like so many women in mid-life, Sarah is 'being pulled every which way' juggling caring for children and increasingly frail parents, a busy career as a teacher and trying to have some semblance of a personal life. Usually able to handle it all, she has begun to struggle. 'I started to feel like I was sinking,' she says. She'd spoken to friends, and someone suggested her low mood might be due to her contraceptive. 'She said that it had affected her really badly,' says Sarah. 'And I began to wonder if it could be happening to me too.' And so instead of coming to see me or another doctor for help with her mental health, she came off the Pill. She decided to use condoms instead, except she and her husband didn't always remember. And now, here we are. Davina McCall, pictured with her daughter Tilly said she fears for the mental health of women taking the contraceptive pill Davina, pictured, is appearing on The Truth About the Pill on Thursday on Channel 4 That was a few months ago. Sarah has decided to keep the baby. But her mental health has nosedived she suffered post-natal depression with her first two babies, and we're keeping a close eye on her. Of course it's worrying for everyone. I thought about Sarah last week when I read about Davina McCall's forthcoming documentary about the Pill a medication taken by more than three million British women each year. The Truth About The Pill airs on Thursday on Channel 4, and if an interview the TV star did to promote it is anything to go by, it'll make waves. One headline, which stopped me in my tracks, read: 'Davina McCall fears for daughters as she suggests taking the Pill led to her heroin addiction.' It's shocking and sounds slightly far-fetched. But in the past few years, Davina has become one of the most influential figures in the UK in terms of women's health. And as a GP working in the NHS with an interest in women's health, I take what she has to say very seriously. Her words have a huge impact. Millions tuned in to watch Davina's previous two films on the menopause. They helped trigger a national debate and also led to a surge in the number of women seeking hormone-replacement therapy (HRT) to tackle menopause symptoms. One drug company reported a 30 per cent rise in demand for HRT products in the weeks after the first programme. Now the 55-year-old presenter seems to be venting her 'anger' over the fact that, more than half a century after the Pill first became available, millions of women are struggling with its side effects. She said in the OK interview: 'Mood changes are widely recognised as a potential side effect of hormonal contraception. But when it comes to depression or anxiety, the research is limited.' Davina revealed her daughters have both taken the Pill. Holly, 21, got on 'absolutely fine', but Tilly, 19, 'had a terrible time with her mental health' Davina revealed her daughters have both taken the Pill. Holly, 21, got on 'absolutely fine', but Tilly, 19, 'had a terrible time with her mental health'. And, most startlingly, she seemed to suggest 'synthetic hormones' in the contraceptive she took aged 15 may have played a role in her own mental health struggles. She has talked openly about the drug problems of her youth. Now Davina says: 'My life was quite chaotic and emotional [in my teens] and it's very hard to say how much of a part the Pill played in that. I've got no idea.' It goes without saying that I welcome any initiative to promote or improve women's wellbeing. And in this regard, I agree, in many areas of medicine there's much work to be done. But on reading this interview, I was left with concerns that women may be alarmed. The first thing that sprang to mind was the 1995 'pill scare'. An official drug advisory body at the time, the Committee on Safety of Medicines, issued a warning in October that year that seven brands of Pill carried a higher risk of blood clots. This was, and remains, true of some types of contraception, but the risk is tiny. The number of otherwise-healthy women who suffer these problems are vanishingly few. Some media reports, however, were not so nuanced. The result? Over the next year the birth rate increased by seven per cent in the first quarter, and four per cent in the second quarter of 1996. And abortions increased, too. The rate was three per cent higher in the months after the warning, rising to 13 per cent more than expected in early 1996. Most public health analysis agree it was a direct result of women becoming fearful of taking the Pill. That was an extreme example. But it serves as a reminder that public pronouncements on the safety of the Pill whether from a government department or a TV documentary can have profound and lasting effects on women's lives. Davina pictured on the 21st birthday claimed starting the Pill aged 15 led to her own mental health problems Even a few months back, after news stories about how hormonal contraceptives increase breast cancer risk again, by a tiny amount I had a handful of women come to see me asking about alternative options. I tried to be reassuring, as the Pill is easy to take and very reliable 99 per cent effective, when taken correctly. Despite this, some just won't have it. Yes, of course there are other methods. But writing off a very safe and extremely effective contraceptive based on what I would argue are misconceptions about risk, is not a good thing. Because, as my patient Sarah would no doubt agree, there are very real risks to unplanned pregnancies. And these must not be ignored or minimised in any conversation we have about this subject. Far from there being an absence of research on the Pill's safety, dozens of scientific papers have been published over the past half-century, many exploring the risk of low mood and depression. In her interview, Davina mentions a study from Denmark that found Pill users aged 15 to 19 were 80 per cent more likely than non users to be taking prescribed antidepressants. She may have been talking about a 2016 paper that involved looking at the medical records of more than one million Danish women, aged 15 to 34. Roughly half were on the Pill. Compared to those not on the Pill, it showed hormonal contraception did indeed increase the risk of 15 to 19-year-olds needing to take antidepressants by about 80 per cent. In her interview, Davina mentions a study from Denmark that found Pill users aged 15 to 19 were 80 per cent more likely than non users to be taking prescribed antidepressants The authors concluded that depression could be 'a potential adverse effect of hormonal contraceptive use'. But they admitted they couldn't rule out other factors that young women, in general, are at higher risk of depression than other age groups. The researchers also pointed out that, for many women with pre-menstrual dysphoric disorder (a very severe form of premenstrual syndrome that can lead to a feeling of hopelessness and even suicidal thoughts) the Pill actually improves mood. And it's important to remember that it was a single study, a snapshot if you like, rather than the big picture. When scientists want definitive answers to questions like this, they crunch lots of different data sets for a more accurate result. For example, in 2018 a team at Ohio State University in the US pooled findings from 26 different studies to see if there was link between the Pill and depression. These included five randomised controlled trials the gold standard of medical research where volunteers don't know if they're getting the real drug or a dummy one. Their conclusion, published in the journal Contraception, was simple: 'Despite perceptions in the community of increased depression, the preponderance of evidence does not support an association.' And a similar review in 2021, by a team of psychiatrists from the University of Groningen in the Netherlands, combined data from nearly 6,000 women, aged from 16 to 32, who took part in more than a dozen different clinical trials for the Pill. The results, published in the British Journal of Psychiatry Open, showed women on the contraceptive were no more likely to suffer depression than those who took a placebo during the trials. CLICK TO READ MORE: How the 'Davina effect' led to a surge in women seeking HRT treatment Advertisement There are many more single studies that have reached similar conclusions. One, by scientists at Columbia University in New York who studied 4,765 teenage girls on the Pill, found they were no more or less likely to develop depression than peers not taking it. There's no denying that the Pill can affect mood. The main hormones of the menstrual cycle are oestrogen and progesterone, and it is thought that a metabolite (breakdown product) of progesterone, called allopregnanolone, plays a role in the brain. It affects a neurotransmitter called GABA, which is involved in mood. People with depression often have lower levels of GABA. But GABA receptors work differently in different people, and while some women appear to benefit from treatments that stimulate the release of allopregnanolone, others do better when it's dampened down. And this also needs saying: Government data show 45 per cent of pregnancies in England and a third of births are already unplanned. Pregnancy is not risk free there are dangers to the woman's physical and mental health, from conditions such as morning sickness, gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, pre-eclampsia and pulmonary embolism (a dangerous blood clot on the lung), not to mention the risks of labour and delivery itself. The Centre for Mental Health says mental health issues affect one in five pregnancies. One recent study found women with unplanned pregnancies report persistently higher levels of depressive symptoms throughout their whole pregnancy than those who planned to have a child. And abortion rates are rising steadily among women over 35. While writing this piece, I spoke to Professor Joyce Harper, Head of Reproductive Science at the Institute for Women's Health at University College London. She told me: 'I took the Pill from the age of 16 to 34, and only came off it to start a family, not because I thought it was making me feel down. 'But it wasn't until I quit that I really appreciated the effect it had on me during those years I blame it for my frequent low moods and irritability. Once I stopped, I was happier and had more energy.' And yet she shared my concerns about women being put off by frightening headlines. 'It's really important to stress that all women react differently to the Pill some are more sensitive to these hormones than others,' she says. 'I fear if many suddenly come off it because of concerns over depression, we are going to have a lot of unwanted pregnancies.' So ask me if I'd like there to be a risk-free form of hormonal contraception and I'll say yes. Do I think there's a need for more research and the impact on women who take it? Of course. And is a male Pill long overdue? Without question. But the fact is that female hormonal contraceptives still represent the safest and most effective way of preventing unwanted pregnancies and women should rest assured the risks to their mental health are small and generally manageable, often by switching medications. As always, we need to arm ourselves with the best information, from the most reliable sources, so we can make the right choices. Record numbers of students and schoolchildren are being treated for addiction to stimulant 'smart drugs' which put them at risk of severe anxiety and insomnia, experts have warned. The UK Addiction Treatment Group (UKAT), a leading addiction clinic, has been fielding enquiries from thousands of young people seeking help after becoming hooked on the tablets. Smart drugs is an umbrella term for a number of medications that boost concentration, including Ritalin, also known as methylphenidate, and Adderall, which contains four types of amphetamine. Both are used to treat the mental health condition attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) by increasing activity in areas of the brain that help control attention and behaviour. However, in people who do not have ADHD they can boost energy and concentration, which is why they are often used by students, particularly at exam times. Doctors warn that children are handing out these smart drugs to friends at school and have urged policymakers to toughen up regulations which currently allow private clinics to prescribe the powerful medications without a face-to-face consultation. Drugs counsellors have said anxious students have been contacting them after becoming dependent upon smart drugs to cope with the stress of studying for exams When taken as recommended, these drugs are not addictive. But many of those who abuse them are taking significantly higher doses or crushing the pills and snorting them, making them more potent. When taken in this way, the medication can become addictive, while also raising the risk of triggering sleep problems, anxiety and even heart damage. UKAT has seen a nearly 80 per cent increase in calls for help from students and young professionals hooked on smart drugs compared with before the Covid pandemic. Studies show that the number of ADHD medication prescriptions has risen by nearly 70 per cent since 2020 as a record number of people are diagnosed with the disorder. While many will have a genuine need, experts believe that this rise in ADHD is also being driven by private clinics that are overdiagnosing the condition. As a result, there have even been intermittent shortages of some of these medications, meaning those in need have been unable to get vital treatment. Doctors have warned students have been passing arround smart drugs to their friends at school 'It's worrying how easy it is for kids to get their hands on these pills,' says Dr Mateen Durrani, a clinical psychiatrist at UKAT. 'Often they're being handed out at school by kids who have prescriptions.' The misuse of ADHD medication is not a new phenomenon one survey carried out in 2020 found that around six per cent of UK university students had taken it to help them study. Some experts believe the sharp rise in smart drug addiction cases is linked to the Covid pandemic, which drastically reduced the time many students spent face-to-face with teachers and also led to exams being cancelled. Now, they argue, these students are turning to drugs to help them perform. 'Since the pandemic, there has been a lot of pressure on students to catch up with the learning they missed,' says Dr Durrani. 'But what often happens is they will keep taking larger and larger amounts of these pills to maximise their concentration until they become hooked on the effect it has on the brain.' Last month, a BBC investigation raised concerns that some private clinics were mistakenly diagnosing people with ADHD and offering them medication without meeting them face-to-face. Some experts believe this relaxed approach to prescribing such strong pills could be linked to the rise in addictions. 'There's been a massive increase in prescriptions since the pandemic,' says Professor Philip Asherson, emeritus professor of neurodevelopmental psychiatry at King's College London. 'It's possible this had led to a greater availability of the pills in schools.' Dr Durrani agrees: 'There is clearly very little regulation in the field, and one of the impacts is children abusing the drugs.' But according to Dr Durrani, such an addiction is treatable. 'We give patients a low-dose tranquilliser to combat the anxiety and agitation they often feel when they come off heavy doses of these drugs,' she says. The need to tackle the issue is clear. In the short term, stimulants can trigger nausea, reduced appetite, sleeping problems and anxiety. It has also been linked to the circulation condition Raynaud's, which causes fingers and toes to turn white or blue, as well as leading to pain and numbness in the joints. But the pills can also elevate blood pressure and heart rate. Experts say that this could have dangerous consequences in the long-run. 'The long-term impacts of abusing methylphenidate are unclear because it's still relatively new,' says Professor Asherson. 'But taking very high quantities of this drug increase the risk of heart problems later in life.' Shoppers walk into Shinsegae Department store in Seoul, in May 2021. Korea Times file By Lee Kyung-min Luxury fashion and cosmetics brands are raising product prices in Korea ahead of the summer spending spree, despite a series of hikes over the past few years. Morgan Stanley, a global research firm, said purchases of luxury goods made by Koreans came to $16.8 billion (22 trillion won), last year, up 24 percent from the previous year. Per-capita purchases stood at $325, topping the list of countries surveyed, beating the U.S. and China. Market watchers say behind the steady price increase is what Koreans call "flex splurging," whereby consumers buy expensive, newer products driven by the desire to be differentiated and stand out. Sisley, a French cosmetics brand, said May 30 that its product prices will be raised by an average of 5 percent from June 1. L'Oreal Group, a global cosmetics firm, has also raised prices of products made by Lancome, Yves Saint Laurent and Biotherm by as much as 10 percent at duty-free shops since Thursday. French fashion brand Chanel raised its price for the second time this year on May 23, less than three months after it raised prices of popular products by six percent. The brand raised prices three times in 2020 and four times each in 2021 and 2022. The price of the Chanel Classic Flap Bag, one of its best sellers, was 13.16 million won in January, but the increase pushed the price up to 14.5 million won. The brand's Classic Flap Bag Large is sold for 15.7 million won. Louis Vuitton also joined the price hikes. It raised prices twice in February and October of last year, after raising the prices of its products sold in the Korean market as many as five times in 2021. Louis Vuitton raised its Alma PM to 2.66 million won as of June 1, up 6.4 percent from 2.5 million won. The brand's Clooney BB handbag rose to 3.22 million won, up 4.9 percent from 3.07 million won. Madeleine BB's price inched up to 3.71 million won, up 2.2 percent from 3.63 million won. In the case of Capucines MM which made headlines as actress Kim Hee-ae's bag, the price increased to 10.55 million won, up 7.2 percent from 9.84 million won. Petite Malle's price rose to 7.74 million won, up from 7.25 million won. Louis Vuitton is likely to raise its product prices in the latter half, since it recently did in Japan and France. Italian fashion brand Bottega Veneta is also expected to raise the price of some products as much as 10 percent. Three new advances are set to transform lung cancer treatment turning the tide on a disease that is often considered a death sentence. Someone in the UK is diagnosed with lung cancer every ten minutes amounting to roughly 50,000 new patients each year and just a quarter survive five years. Some 35,000 die of it annually, making it our biggest cancer killer. But this weekend, doctors treating it had much to celebrate as a range of highly effective new therapies were unveiled at the American Society for Clinical Oncology (ASCO) conference in Chicago. Over the past few decades, research has taken huge leaps forward in tackling other common forms of the disease, such as breast, prostate and bowel cancer and, most recently, new targeted treatments for the once hopeless melanoma skin cancer has seen patients effectively cured. Experts say they are tantalisingly close to a similar breakthrough with lung cancer. When I became a doctor, no one wanted to specialise in lung cancer because for most patients it was a death sentence and we had no treatments to stop it, says James Spicer, Professor of Experimental Cancer Medicine at Kings College London. Three new advances are set to transform lung cancer treatment turning the tide on a disease that is often considered a death sentence Now new drugs mean that even patients whose cancer has spread around the body are living for ten, even 15, more years. Were at a point where were beginning to talk about cures for these advanced patients. Perhaps the greatest excitement was for those with early-stage lung cancer, who could soon be given a high-tech drug that boosts the immune system, after a ground-breaking study found the treatment significantly slows the return of the disease. The injection, called pembrolizumab, helps the immune system spot hidden cancer cells in the body. It is currently only offered to NHS patients with advanced lung cancer whose disease has spread. But the treatment could now be offered to thousands more. Researchers at Stanford University in California have found that, when taken alongside chemo in the three months before surgery and then for a year afterwards, pembrolizumab significantly reduced the risk of early-stage lung cancer returning, compared to a course of chemo prior to the operation. Perhaps the greatest excitement was for those with early-stage lung cancer, who could soon be given a high-tech drug that boosts the immune system, after a ground-breaking study found the treatment significantly slows the return of the disease On average, patients on the new treatment were still cancer-free after nearly a year, while those who only received chemo were only free of the disease for four months. Although smoking-related lung cancer is on the decline as more people quit the habit, non-smoking related lung cancer is on the rise, for reasons not fully understood. The trial included patients with non-small cell lung cancer, the most common form of the disease, which accounts for around 80 per cent of new lung cancer cases. While researchers in the trial said it is too early to report the exact numbers of extra months patients on pembrolizumab are expected to live, experts say early signs are incredibly positive. The data we have seen shows that, if youre on this treatment, youre half as likely to see your cancer return, says Prof Spicer. That is hugely positive for these patients, who can expect to live much longer as a result. The study also shows that, in some cases, researchers were unable to find any signs of cancer at all. These patients are effectively cured. Pembrolizumab is what is known as a checkpoint inhibitor, which helps the immune system spot tumour cells and destroy them. Given by injection every three weeks, it has already proved a remarkably successful treatment in patients with melanoma skin cancer, bladder cancer and lymphoma. Experts say it is likely the new regime will become a routine treatment for lung cancer patients on the NHS. The data show that giving pembrolizumab alongside chemo can reduce the risk of relapse in all patients with this form of lung cancer, says Prof Spicer. This will soon be the standard of care on the NHS. The injection, called pembrolizumab, helps the immune system spot hidden cancer cells in the body. It is currently only offered to NHS patients with advanced lung cancer whose disease has spread. But the treatment could now be offered to thousands more Expert say the next step will be to see if the number of pembrolizumab injections can be reduced. This drug appears to buy people more time but patients still need to regularly come into hospital for their treatment, says Professor Jyoti Patel, a cancer clinical research expert at Northwestern University, Illinois. These immunotherapy drugs are not without side-effects either and they can increase the risk of other diseases because they impact the immune system. Future trials need to look at whether we can de-escalate treatment, so patients receive fewer doses and have fewer side-effects as a result. Another challenge is spotting lung cancer early enough to be able to offer patients this new treatment. Studies show that, currently, only around a fifth of lung cancer cases are picked up in the early stages. Speaking at the ASCO conference, the lead researcher on the trial, Dr Heather Wakelee, chief of the division of oncology at Stanford University, called for more research into lung cancer screening. Without screening we cannot find patients with early-stage disease, she said. Its important we keep pushing a lot of effort towards improving screening. But experts say an NHS lung cancer screening programme is already close at hand. In Manchester, a Lung Health Check is offered to all aged 55 to 74 who smoke or used to smoke. This could expand across the NHS, says Prof Spicer. If approved on the NHS, pembrolizumab may be joined by another drug. A trial due to be presented at the ASCO conference tomorrow is expected to show that the immune-boosting drug osimertinib, created by UK firm Astrazeneca, significantly improves the survival time of non-small cell lung cancer sufferers with a specific genetic mutation called EGFR. While this mutation is only carried by 15 per cent of lung cancer patients, experts believe this figure will increase in coming years as it is linked with cases of non-smoking related lung cancer which are rising. Studies suggest these cases may be linked to pollution. Osimertinib is only available on the NHS for patients with the EGFR mutation whose disease has spread into other organs. Experts are also excited by another lung cancer drug presented to the ASCO. Known as SKB264, it has been dubbed a warhead drug as it can penetrate tumours, delivering a powerful payload of chemotherapy agents that attack cancer cells from the inside. The highly accurate treatment, known medically as an antibody drug conjugate, avoids harming healthy tissue, meaning doctors can give higher doses without worsening side-effects. In a trial involving 43 patients with advanced lung cancer which had returned after surgery and conducted by Chinese drug developer Kelun, SKB264 was shown to reduce the size of lung cancer tumours in around 45 per cent of participants. Dr Heather Wakelee, chief of the division of oncology at Stanford University, called for more research into lung cancer screening. Without screening we cannot find patients with early-stage disease, she said. Its important we keep pushing a lot of effort towards improving screening For this group, chemo only works in around 20 per cent of patients and remains effective for fewer than four months. Patients who responded to SKB264 saw their tumours kept under control for more than nine months. Experts say this means that SKB264 could potentially double the survival time for this patient group. Experts say warhead drugs like SKB264 could soon be combined with immunotherapy and chemo to extend lung cancer patients lives further. Antibody drug conjugates deliver toxic drugs directly to tumours, says Prof Spicer. Only 20 per cent of lung cancer patients are effectively cured. Antibody drug conjugates could raise that number. It is supposed to police doctors and ensure standards to protect the public Doctors have accused the GMC failing at its role as the standards regulator Angry doctors have accused the General Medical Council of negligence for failing to crack down on medics who spread false information about Covid-19 jabs. They say the doctors' regulator charged with protecting patients and maintaining standards in medicine is shirking its statutory responsibility to police its members properly. All practising doctors in the UK must be registered with the body. Six clinicians have launched a crowdfunding initiative to raise 15,000 to pay for a judicial review of the GMC's decision not to bring high profile doctors before a fitness to practise panel. They say its failure to do so has serious implications for public health. Dr David Nicholl, one of the six and a consultant neurologist in Birmingham, said: 'I am so angry that the GMC is doing nothing. Angry doctors have accused the General Medical Council of negligence for failing to crack down on medics who spread false information about Covid-19 jabs, picture posed by model The medics are crowdfunding to take a case against medics promoting conspiracy theories 'It's in direct contravention of what it should stand for. 'I'm a passionate believer in free speech, but with it comes responsibility. The question here is should doctors be free to publicly say what they want, whatever the consequences?' A small number of high-profile British medics have used their social media status to repeatedly spread vaccine misinformation, the doctors allege. This includes heavily disputed claims on Twitter and in TV interviews that some or all Covid vaccines are ineffective and cause widespread serious heart problems. In a statement last week the group said some of the anti-vax messages implied 'particular deaths are due to the vaccines, when there is no evidence to support that link'. It added: 'We don't mean pointing out that vaccines occasionally cause harm. We mean wilfully and repeatedly misrepresenting the evidence on vaccines in a way that significantly over-emphasises their harm. 'The GMC has a statutory remit to investigate doctors who... behave in a way that brings the profession into disrepute.' The group said the failure to act is in direct contrast to the recent expulsion by the Conservative Party of North West Leicestershire MP Andrew Bridgen for making 'false and misleading' anti-vaccine statements. Watchdog Ofcom ruled last month that GB News was at fault for allowing a doctor to liken the vaccine roll-out to 'mass murder'. The six doctors' statement added: 'Surely the GMC should also be investigating doctors who make statements that are scientifically incorrect and misleading?' Trisha Greenhalgh, Professor of Primary Healthcare at Oxford University, expressed her support for the action on Twitter. She said: 'I agree that the GMC should not routinely wash its hands of such cases.' In a statement to The Mail on Sunday, the GMC said: 'We take action where there is evidence of a risk to patients or public confidence or a serious breach of proper professional standards or conduct. 'We don't take this responsibility lightly and realise that our decisions can sometimes be disappointing for complainants.' Tony Hetherington is Financial Mail on Sunday's ace investigator, fighting readers corners, revealing the truth that lies behind closed doors and winning victories for those who have been left out-of-pocket. Find out how to contact him below. Director: Ben Revell would not comment on undelivered wine M.C. writes: Winebuyers Group Ltd seems to have phoenixed out of a legitimate business which failed in 2021. Since then, whoever has traded under the new name seems to take your order and your money, and then if they cannot deliver the wine, they refuse to answer the phone. Tony Hetherington replies: This is a tale of two Winebuyers. First, there was Winebuyers Ltd. Headed by thrusting young entrepreneur Ben Revell, then just 26, it was set up in 2015 but did not really take off until 2018. Interviewed a few years later, Revell told how he strayed into the business after attending an auction. A dozen bottles of vintage wine were for sale with an estimate of 7,200, and Revell snapped them up for 3,200. He added: 'I sold the case a few days later for more than 7,000, and I felt myself drawn to this different world.' In 2018, Revell set up his own website, winebuyers.com, pouring everything he had into going online, including selling his prized Lotus Elite for 15,000. But it all came crashing down in 2021, when Winebuyers Ltd collapsed with debts put at more than 1.5 million. The list of 218 mainly trade creditors covers seven pages of small type. One creditor began proceedings to have the company wound up, so Revell put it into liquidation. How much was owed to customers is unknown. Revell had also raised more than half a million pounds by offering crowdfunders a stake in the business. They lost everything. And then came Winebuyers Group Ltd. Set up just a few weeks before Winebuyers itself fell apart, the new company was run by Kyle Fordham, 31, whose arrival on the scene was greeted by wine industry veterans with a unanimous question: 'Who?' It turned out not to matter very much who Fordham was. Within days, the new company had bought the old company's website from the liquidator and carried on as if nothing unpleasant had happened. Some wine dealers say they were assured that Ben Revell was not involved, but he was. By November 2021, Winebuyers Group had a new owner and director Ophidian Corp, an offshore company registered in the Seychelles. And in September last year, as complaints of unpaid bills mounted, Fordham quit, leaving Ophidian as the only director of the company, on paper at least. Two months ago, Revell himself re-emerged as a director, though even before this he was describing himself as chief executive. So, Mr C, what about the wine you ordered last year? You told me: 'Nothing received no money, no wine, no apology. A bunch of rogues!' I managed to contact Ben Revell, but all he would say was 'We are unable to comment on the status of individual orders'. This really is an action replay of Revell's first Winebuyers. His phoenix company has at least two unpaid court orders against it, and consumer websites are packed with complaints from people who say they paid for wine but received nothing. Clearly, nobody should part with a penny more. I am expecting Companies House to start proceeding to have the company struck off as it has failed to file accounts due last December, and failed to file details of its ownership that were due in March. These are offences, but they do not seem to trouble Revell. Two weeks ago he registered his latest company, Elysian Ventures Limited. Revell is the sole owner and director. What could possibly go wrong? Tesco phone hang-up fixed Ms V.C. writes: Please help me to get Tesco Mobile to honour the contract I set up for a monthly payment of 7.50 less 50p loyalty discount. I received a message saying I had used up my safety buffer but could make an automated payment. The problem is that no one can actually set this up, so I was left with a phone I pay for but cannot use for calls. Wrong number: Ms V.C. is trying to get Tesco to honour a contract she set up Tony Hetherington replies: You told me your contract with Tesco Mobile gives you unlimited minutes and texts, and 2GB data, but I was not clear what extras your buffer allowance provided so I asked Tesco to explain and to see what had gone wrong. Tesco confirmed your contract and explained that your buffer allowance is meant to cover extras such as international calls or texts. You had set your buffer limit at 5, and when you reached it, this should only have restricted international usage and premium numbers, and not normal calls. However, a fault appears to have imposed wider restrictions than intended. Tesco told me: 'We are really sorry this happened. The fault has been fixed.' Your phone is now back to normal. WE'RE WATCHING YOU Remanded: Andy Pilley The boss of a corrupt energy supplier who complained that The Mail on Sunday was wrong to warn against his business has been remanded in custody to await sentencing for fraud. Andy Pilley, 52, ran Fleetwood-based BES Utilities which supplied gas and electricity to small businesses. Many customers later found that they had been lied to in the sales pitch and were tied into very expensive long-term contracts. Pilley hired top lawyers to threaten customers who complained. Between 2010 and 2012, we published a series of warnings which led Pilley to complain to the press regulator. Marketing was done by outside unconnected sales personnel, he claimed, and BES was not responsible for whatever customers were told. Many of the contracts won by BES came from one sales company, Commercial Energy Limited, which operated from nearby Blackpool. Its salesforce lied about low prices said to be available from BES, or by telling victims their existing supplier was about to cut them off. Commercial Energy was dissolved in 2015. When I investigated the two supposedly unconnected companies, I found the Blackpool sales firm was head by a man named Lee Qualter, but under a different name Lee Goulding. He and BES's Andy Pilley, pictured, had been in business together for years. Now both men, along with two others, have been convicted of fraud said to amount to 15 million. They will be sentenced at Preston Crown Court on July 3. If you believe you are the victim of financial wrongdoing, write to Tony Hetherington at Financial Mail, 9 Derry Street, London W8 5HY or email tony.hetherington@mailonsunday.co.uk. Because of the high volume of enquiries, personal replies cannot be given. Please send only copies of original documents, which we regret cannot be returned. Buying spree: Alan Giddins Hill & Smith is on a roll. Headquartered in Solihull, the group works in the US and over here, supplying a range of critical products for big infrastructure and energy projects, industrial buildings, roads and railways, as well as hotels, flats and homes. The firm's kit list is vast, including galvanised steel for bridges and power stations, safety barriers for motorways, solar generators for construction firms and highly durable material for dockside mooring stations. Both in the UK and America, Hill & Smith is benefiting from a surge in spending on infrastructure, such as roads and electricity grids. Firms are also turning to Hill & Smith as they replace dirty diesel generators with solar-powered alternatives. Widespread demand helped the group deliver record trading in the first four months of this year, with revenues up 18 per cent and profits on course to be above market forecasts for 2023. Analysts now expect full year sales of 860 million, up nearly 18 per cent on last year, with profits increasing 16 per cent to 102 million and the dividend rising 10 per cent to just over 38p. Chairman Alan Giddins is optimistic so much so that he has just spent 630,000 of his own money buying shares in the company. Giddins took charge in July last year, after chief executive Paul Simmons stepped down with immediate effect. The pace of growth has accelerated since then, driven by a strong performance from existing businesses and some canny acquisitions, such as solar lighting firm National Signal in California and Widnes Galvanising in Cheshire. Further deals are likely, as Giddins seeks to build on the firm's existing strengths and add new ones. The approach is tried and tested. Hill & Smith has a strong track record, fuelled by an entrepreneurial culture that pervades the entire workforce. The group has 21 subsidiaries and each is encouraged to operate quasi-independently, so they can be nimble and driven, even as they receive support from the parent company. Midas verdict: Midas tipped Hill & Smith in 2014, when its shares were 5.49. Today, they are 14.92 with brokers suggesting the price could hit 17 over the next 12 months. Infrastructure improvements are top of the agenda here and in the US, with parties of every persuasion agreed that more should be spent on transport links, energy networks and digital connectivity. Hill & Smith is ideally placed to benefit from this trend and Giddins' recent share purchase is a vote of confidence. A good, long-term investment. Traded on: Main market Ticker: HILS Contact: hsgroup.com or 0121 704 7430 London Stock Exchange boss Julia Hoggett says there has already been interest from global firms wanting to join its public-private exchange - the first in the world. According to Hoggett's outline, it would function as a place where private firms could auction shares, similar to the mainstream market. The plan is for the 'Intermittent Trading Venue' essentially a halfway house between private markets and a listing to be up and running by next year. Signing on: Julia Hoggett says there has already been interest from global firms wanting to join the London Stock Exchange's public-private exchange The LSE is doing everything it can to boost the Square Mile and lure companies to its platforms after a series of high-profile snubs. One crucial factor will help its marketing: a good name. Its initials ITV are obviously taken, so there's a competition underway to find something snappy. In the spirit of the competition to name the research ship ultimately called the RRS Sir David Attenborough, may we suggest Floaty McFloatface? Megasteel pain Further pain for the steel industry last week after the collapse of a bid for Wiltshire-based Megasteel from a company called, somewhat ironically, More Acquisitions. The board of Megasteel had been bombarded with 'abusive and threatening' vitriol by people claiming to be More Acquisitions shareholders. Megasteel pulled the plug after eight months of painstaking due diligence. Whispers hears murmurings that this has raised more than a few eyebrows among small-cap followers. Ocado top of most-shorted list You win some, you lose some. Online grocer Ocado managed to avoid being demoted from the FTSE 100 in the latest reshuffle of the London Stock Exchange's indexes. British Land was booted out of the blue-chip club and into the mid-caps instead. But Ocado has regained an unfortunate title, rising once again to the top of the list of the most-shorted stocks in London, according to data from the Financial Conduct Authority. It was previously running in second place to Asos, which lost its place in the FTSE 250 in the reshuffle. Asos's shares have plunged this year, but a 75 million fundraising last month has put investors' minds at ease and it is no longer among the top ten most-shorted shares. Popularity brings scrutiny at Shein Chinese firm Shein has risen rapidly to become the world's most popular fast fashion brand. But with great popularity comes great scrutiny. A Channel 4 documentary released last October shone a light on the long working hours and paltry wages of its factory workers in Guangzhou which the company admitted and took steps to fix. A new webinar appealingly entitled Agile Supply Chain and the Future of the Fashion Industry features Shein's executive vice chairman Donald Tang. Will the group outline how to overhaul the fast fashion industry? Probably not. We can but hope. ITV is distancing itself from the scandal-hit Confederation of British Industry as more blue chip firms quit the business lobby group ahead of a crunch vote to decide its fate. The broadcaster, which itself is reeling from the revelations over This Morning presenter Phillip Schofield, will not renew its membership of the CBI following sex and drugs allegations at the stricken organisation. Oil titan BP, accountancy giant KPMG, High Street lender TSB, construction group Balfour Beatty and the Ford motor company are among the latest members to resign from the CBI in an exodus of blue chip companies. They follow the likes of insurer Aviva, retailer John Lewis and NatWest bank. All three have female chief executives. They were joined by dozens of other firms. ITV remains a member and is entitled to vote in Tuesday's extraordinary general meeting but it will not renew its CBI membership. Snub: ITV will not renew its membership of the CBI following sex and drugs allegations at the stricken organisation The latest spate of resignations piles further pressure on the tarnished group, which relies on subscriptions for the bulk of its 25 million income. The CBI is expected to file for insolvency if it fails to win decisively in Tuesday's poll, which amounts to a vote of confidence in the CBI board led by director-general Rain Newton-Smith. Members who have already quit cannot vote. Those who suspended their membership remain eligible. Significantly, none of the companies contacted by the Mail on Sunday has come out in support of the CBI's overhaul plans, which it put forward in a 29-page document last week. Some, including drinks giant Diageo and Intercontinental Hotels, said they would make their minds up on the day. There was confusion last night after a number of companies, including BT, said they were unclear whether they could vote because they had suspended their membership. The CBI's plans to reform itself include replacing Brian McBride as president and hiring Ffion Hague, a governance expert and wife of former Tory Party leader Lord Hague, to review the way it is run. The lobby group, which claims to be the voice of business, says it speaks for 190,000 companies. But just five trade bodies make up almost two-thirds of that number, the Mail on Sunday has established. The biggest of these is the National Farmers' Union. It has 46,000 members but like the other trade bodies it will only have one vote in the ballot. The CBI refuses to say how many members it has, despite pledging to be more transparent. 'The CBI consists of policy-making multi-nationals, many of whom are foreign and landowners,' said John Longworth, former director-general of the British Chambers of Commerce, a rival lobby group. 'In the UK, 85 per cent of businesses are family owned or run. The CBI does not speak for them.' A simple majority is required but experts say the CBI is doomed unless its plans are overwhelmingly approved. Whatever the outcome, job cuts loom among the 300-strong workforce as it seeks to slash costs by a third. Members will be asked to approve commitments to improve 'governance, culture and purpose'. An external review found the CBI 'under-prioritised people-management skills' but rejected claims the organisation's culture was 'toxic' or 'misogynistic'. It followed revelations of sexual harassment, sexual assault, including rape, and drug-taking at CBI events. Tony Danker was ousted as director general even though many of the most serious allegations predated his time. A number of other employees have also been suspended pending a police probe. After a second rape allegation appeared in The Guardian in April, the CBI suspended its membership and policy activities ahead of Tuesday's meeting. In another blow, IPSE which represents 20,000 freelancers told The Mail on Sunday it is no longer a CBI member and would not be voting. It is not clear how ITV will vote. The NFU said it would attend the meeting but declined to say how it would vote. Other firms such as Royal Mail and Scottish Power also refused to comment. The CBI declined to comment. Chemicals giant Johnson Matthey is embroiled in a bitter legal battle against the US buyer of its former health business, The Mail on Sunday can reveal. A High Court scrap is developing over the sale to New York investment fund Altaris Capital Partners for 325 million. The FTSE 100 firm's health division was renamed Veranova after the deal concluded last May. However, the buyer has been irked by parts of the agreement. Johnson Matthey was formally notified of the claim last month. The health division had around 1,000 employees at the time of the sale and boasted full-year revenues of 237 million. Claim: Johnson Matthey plans to 'vigorously defend its position' after reviewing the allegations with its advisers Johnson Matthey plans to 'vigorously defend its position' after reviewing the allegations with its advisers. The lawsuit is the latest example of a US purchase of a British business triggering lawsuits. Hewlett-Packard's disastrous acquisition of software firm Autonomy is the most high-profile example. It led to a mammoth fraud trial and criminal proceedings against founder Mike Lynch. The full extent of complaints against Johnson Matthey is not yet clear. Sebastian Bray, analyst at Berenberg, said: 'The profitability of Johnson Matthey's health segment had come under pressure in the years before it was divested. The buyer would not in my view be filing a claim unless it was unhappy with part of the acquired business.' After taking over Veranova, Altaris was forced three months ago to shut a manufacturing facility in Annan, south-west Scotland one of the firm's three UK plants. Niek Stapel, former chief executive of Veranova, said 'every effort' was made to avoid its closure, which put around 65 jobs at risk. It is not known if part of the lawsuit relates to the Annan shutdown. Johnson Matthey recently reported a 7 per cent drop in revenue to 14.9 billion while complaining of a 'challenging macro- economic backdrop'. Its share price has halved in the past five years. The 200-year-old firm is now worth 3.1 billion. The company has been restructuring its operations in recent years after it controversially gave up on the electric car battery market in 2021. It scrapped almost a decade of research and development on the project, claiming it had fallen too far behind competitors in China and Korea which were already making batteries on a huge scale. The shock decision, which cost the business 314 million, led to a profit warning and the exit of chief executive Robert MacLeod. Johnson Matthey declined to comment. Altaris was also contacted. He looks like any other bearded young hipster. But 29-year-old Johnny Boufarhat is probably the youngest billionaire you have never heard of. The company he founded a virtual events platform called Hopin was at one point the fastest-growing European start-up of all time. It turned Boufarhat, who lives in Switzerland after cashing in 100 million of shares in 2021, into a tech tycoon. But the firm's meteoric rise now looks to be turning sour. Hopin's UK accounts for 2022 are now more than four months overdue at Companies House, The Mail on Sunday can reveal. Auditors at EY are yet to sign off the accounts due to delays. It was all so different at the start. An Australian-born Brit, Boufarhat set up his business in 2019 after an auto-immune disease left him bedridden. In February 2020 the firm had just six employees. But, in a piece of extraordinarily lucky timing for him, Hopin launched officially a few weeks later, just as Covid brought the world to a standstill. Investors were mad keen for businesses like Zoom and indeed Hopin. Swiss watch: Johnny Boufarhat has now ditched Britain and taken his new-found riches to the land of low taxes As Boufarhat put it, things 'went crazy'. Cash-rich venture capitalists jumped at the chance to invest and the business was quickly valued at an astonishing 6.3 billion. Within 18 months the group claimed to have five million customers ranging from the United Nations and Nato to Dell and even rap star MC Hammer. But the shine came off as the threat of Covid receded and many employees returned to their workplaces. According to Hopin, the reason for the delayed accounts lies in its rapid expansion. A spokesman said it needed more time to work through the numbers, having acquired new businesses in 2021 and having raised money in multiple funding rounds. The company says it is on track to file later this year. A spokesman added: 'The company continues to operate with a positive cash flow.' Hopin was forced to axe hundreds of jobs last year during rounds of lay-offs aimed at slashing costs. Several senior executives left the company, including chief operating officer Wei Gao. She was brought in after 16 years at Amazon, but stayed less than 12 months at her new billet. The exodus was in stark contrast to a hiring boom in 2021, when Boufarhat boasted that 80 per cent of his day job was spent recruiting new people. His move to sell 100 million of shares coincided with him ditching Britain for Switzerland as he took his new-found riches to the land of low taxes although a source close to him said his change in residency was not due to money. Zoom boom (and bust): Shares in Hopin's rival surged during Covid but have since fallen to earth Regardless of motive, the Manchester University graduate was recently reported by The Sunday Times Rich List to have a personal fortune of 1.7 billion, making him much wealthier than former Beatle Sir Paul McCartney. While he has come a long way since launching Hopin from his bed, there is no ignoring its now-depleted valuation. Data platform, Beauhurst, has estimated it could have fallen as low as 661 million. Francesco Perticarari, a London-based VC tech investor, said: 'Hopin was always the product of hype. Hopin off: Chief operating officer Wei Gao was brought in from Amazon but stayed for less than a year 'As an investor, I was puzzled at how fast it grew. Stories like this should make us all think about what we want to back. I am not sure it will even survive.' The scenario at Hopin of a young founder who has accumulated huge personal wealth from a tech company that has seen its fortunes reverse is one with a wider resonance. The Government is keen to plug the sector as one of the keys to the UK's prosperity. Rivals such as Zoom have also seen a significant drop-off in value. The US firm's share price peaked at $599 in October 2020, but this has since plunged to below $70. Boufarhat's once-active Twitter account has not posted since last year. He did, however, previously suggest a stock market listing in New York because of what he described as the 'strong negativity' surrounding the London market. The rise and fall of Hopin is a cautionary tale which shows how tech firms valued in the billions can fail to live up to their hype. It also raises questions about short-sighted investors who paved the way for Boufarhat's staggering riches. Hopin's unofficial company motto was once hailed as 'Let's f***ing go'. The question now is, go where? U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo speaks the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework Ministerial meeting in Detroit, Mich., May 27. AFP-Yonhap The Republican chairmen of two House of Representatives panels urged President Joe Biden's administration Friday to rally U.S. allies including Japan and Korea to defeat Chinese "economic aggression" in the wake of Beijing's effective ban on purchases of Micron Technology memory chips. Michael McCaul, who heads the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and Mike Gallagher, chairman of the House select committee on the Chinese Communist Party, sent a letter to U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo urging the administration to take action after China targeted the biggest U.S. memory chip maker. China's cyberspace regulator said May 21 that Micron had failed its network security review and it would bar operators of key Chinese infrastructure from buying from the company, the latest development in an ongoing dispute over chip technology between Washington and Beijing. The move came a day after leaders of the G7 industrial democracies agreed to new initiatives to push back against Chinese economic coercion. Micron subsequently predicted a revenue reduction. Veteran comic: Arthur Smith Award-winning comedian Arthur Smith, 68, cashed in his private pension to get by during the pandemic. He tells Donna Ferguson how he did not qualify for Government income support when all his live gigs dried up during lockdown. He lives in Balham, South-West London, in a three-bedroom maisonette he bought for 37,000 in the late 1980s. What did your parents teach you about money? We didn't have much so they taught me and my two brothers to be very careful with it. I'm from quite a lowly working-class background. My dad was a copper, but he was only a constable so he didn't earn a huge amount, and my mother just looked after us kids. We lived in Bermondsey in South-East London in a flat owned by the police force which my mother loved because it had hot water. Money was tight yet there was always food on the table, but nothing extravagant. Chicken was a luxury and we wore our clothes until they were completely worn out. Have you ever struggled to make ends meet? Yes, for about a year when I was living on unemployment benefits in my early twenties. It was the Seventies and I didn't know what I wanted to do. Although I enjoyed doing comedy at the Edinburgh Fringe, I wasn't sure if I could make a living out of it. I lived in a slum of a flat in Wimbledon with four others. When we had a bath, it took an hour to fill. We couldn't afford much heating, so we took turns to use the same bath water. I signed on for unemployment benefit for about six months, then I got a job as a dustman, then a roadsweeper and then a postman. I didn't become a professional comedian until I was about 29, when I did another revue in Edinburgh and ended up on the radio. Have you ever been paid silly money? I was once paid a lot of money to do an advert in the early 2000s. I can't remember what I was advertising but it only took a day. I think I had to leap into the shot and say something, and there was a bat and ball involved. The advert was never released but I was paid 20,000, which was most agreeable. That's really the most amount of money I've ever earned for doing f*** all. What was the best year of your financial life? In 1994, I co-wrote a play, An Evening With Gary Lineker, which was running in the West End and doing really well. I was also doing corporate gigs and performing on the telly. I probably earned about 100,000 that year. What was your biggest money mistake? In the 1990s I was persuaded by a friend's husband to stump up 10,000 as an investment in his 'brilliant' plan that was going to make lots of money. I can't remember what I invested in, but I never got a penny back. The best money decision you have made? Buying my home in Balham in the late-80s. It's a three-bedroom maisonette and cost only 37,000. Balham was very different then; it was quite rough. Prostitutes lined up along the road and there were no posh coffee shops like now. My place is probably worth around 500,000 and I've paid off the mortgage. That gives me a lot of security. I feel sorry for young people paying a fortune in rent and insanely high house prices. High score: Smith had a big payday co-writing the play An Evening With Gary Lineker Did you struggle during the pandemic? Yes, because there were no live gigs. I didn't qualify for the Government's Self Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) as my annual earnings were just over the 50,000 threshold. I did bits and pieces for Radio 4, but it was a hard time and I'm still very far from loaded. To get by, I cashed in my private pension, which was a foolish move. I had started saving into it in the 1980s but there was only a little left after the crash of 2008. I have nothing left now. I get the state pension, however. I don't plan to retire very few comedians do. Do you invest in the stock market? That whole world is a mystery to me so I've never invested in it and I never plan to. What little luxury do you treat yourself to? A bottleof Buckwud Classic maple syrup once a week for 7. I'm a bit of a sucker for maple syrup with yoghurt. As a type one diabetic, if I have low blood sugar that's my little treat. It could be any time, even in the middle of the night. If you were Chancellor what would you do? I would tax the super-rich. When I hear about them, I always think: does a billionaire really need a thousand million pounds? Frankly, I could get by on 750 million. Seriously, I find it very depressing that the discrepancy between the rich and the poor has got wider and wider. Do you donate money to charity? I give money to Amnesty International and also donate my time, performing at charity fundraisers. I also take out a bit of cash with me to give to homeless people that I see. There's a couple of homeless guys in Balham who sit under the bridge and I always give to them. What is your number one financial priority? To live within my means and to try not to get into debt, because I can't necessarily pay it back if I do. Brian Phillips, from Brentwood, Essex, lost his wife of 53 years in May 2019 A 79-year-old grandfather has been left devastated after he tried to claim his wife's premium bonds winnings when she died and was told they had expired - as figures reveal more than two million prizes remain unclaimed in the UK. Brian Phillips, a grandfather-of-five from Brentwood, Essex, lost his wife of 53 years Georgina Phillips on May 9, 2019. For more than two decades she had invested 1,000 in premium bonds and two years after she died she won four 25 prizes. Mr Phillips, a former docker, described how at the time he felt it was her way of looking out for him in heaven after she passed and he was overjoyed that she had won. However, after attempting to withdraw this prize money in March this year, he was told he was not entitled to the money as it was not won in the twelve months after her death - the time period which premium bonds are held for after someone passes away. Brian Phillips, a grandfather-of-five, pictured with his wife Georgina Phillips who passed away on May 9, 2019 Mr Phillips and his wife, both from Brentwood, Essex, got married in 1966 'I rang up and I was told there were four wins which I was not entitled to. I couldn't believe it - talk about kicking a person whilst he is down,' he said. 'I know that it wasn't a lot of money, but I just can't believe they would do that to someone who is in the process of grieving. 'Where is the compassion? Where is the heart for something like this? 'It was a special moment for me thinking that my late wife had won the prizes, but to then be told that. I had no idea, they gave us absolutely no warning. 'I'm sure there are a lot of other people in my situation who think they may have won prizes when they haven't. 'I told them that I find it absolutely disgusting and when I asked what's going to happen to the money, they told me that it goes back into the prize fund.' The governments National Savings and Investments (NS&I) bank released figures showing that as of November 2022, 2,269,198 people had not claimed their premium bonds. An unclaimed prize is defined as one that hasn't been claimed within 18 months of being won. The total value of these unclaimed prizes came in at 79,421,450. From that, five people had not yet claimed 100,000 in prizes and 1,709,460 people didn't claim 25. The former docker said he finds it 'absolutely disgusting' that he is no longer entitled to his wife's premium bonds prize money after she passed away For more than 20 years Mrs Phillips had invested 1,000 in premium bonds and two years after she died she won four 25 prizes Between January and November 2022 more than two million people had not claimed their premium bonds, according to figures released by the NS&I Premium bonds are issued by the NS&I bank, which is backed by the Treasury, and holders can invest between 25 and 50,000. Instead of a regular interest payment, each 1 holding is entered into a prize draw every month and winners receive prizes from 25 to 1 million, free of tax. The NS&I allows a deceased person's premium bonds to be held for one year after their death and in that time, an executor can cash in their winnings. However, after 12 months has passed the bonds are added back into the prize draw and can no longer be withdrawn. Asked about this grandfather's situation, an NS&I spokesperson said: 'We recommend our customers keep financial records to ensure that, when they die, their loved ones can easily access any money, savings or assets that are in their name. 'If a Premium Bonds customer dies, the executor of their estate can choose to leave the Bonds in the prize draw for 12 months following the date of their death. 'After this 12 month period, we will repay the holding balance as well as any prizes won to the deceaseds estate.' Unsuspecting people are being accosted, threatened and 'reverse robbed' on Britain's high streets as part of a sinister new 'prank' trend being nurtured by algorithms on websites like YouTube and TikTok across the world. This brand of street nuisance -which can trace its UK roots back to 2013 when figures like Jack Jones TV and Dapper Laughs enjoyed minor fame- is characterised by 'pranksters' deliberately antagonising pedestrians and then uploading their reactions to the internet (often without their consent). Last week, this murky subculture reached a head when 18-year-old TikTok troublemaker Mizzy - real name, Bacari-Bronze O'Garro - was arrested for sharing videos of him stealing pensioner's dogs and trespassing in people's homes. He has since been released on bail pending a trial in July and defended his actions on BBC Newsnight this week, saying: 'Everything I'm doing is bad apparently, is what you're saying. I'm on BBC news, I mean, come on.' In 2021, thug Josh McDonald, 33, caused outrage after he and other martial arts amateurs invaded an Asda supermarket dressed as Spider-Man and kicked and punched a supermarket worker unconscious. In one of his videos posted online to TikTok he can be seen saying: 'Walking into random houses, let's go' In recent days video has also resufaced of a YouTube prank gone wrong as teens pretend to 'rob' each other at an ATM in Sydney A bystander (pictured in the orange pants) didn't realise it was staged and punched the fake robber in the face The trio then screams 'It's a prank', but it's too late as the teen is seen with a broken nose oozing blood (pictured) McDonald, of Northampton, admitted assault by causing actual bodily harm and violent disorder in court yesterday. Three others - the gang's leader, George O'Boyle, 30, Sophie Roberts, 19, and Rikki McKenzie, 37 - also appeared in Kingston Crown Court. O'Boyle, who entered the store dressed as Ali G, admitted both violent disorder and assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH) while Roberts - who was in a Little Red Riding Hood costume - admitted both violent disorder and assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH). McKenzie, dressed as Little Britain's fake-disabled chartacter Andy, admitted a public order offence involving threats of violence. Meanwhile in Sydney, Australia, three YouTube pranksters have been slammed over footage showing an ATM robbery prank go terribly wrong after one of them was left with a broken nose. Daniel Maran, Robert Milazzo and George Proestos staged the fake robbery outside of an automated teller machine in Sydney. Footage shows the pranksters pretending to rob one another before a bystander, who believed it was real, tried to intervene and punched one of the boys in the face, breaking his nose. But despite high profile cases such as these, there remain many similar prankster's operating in the UK who have faced no such deterrent. One popular account which goes by the handle Ali_jokyy has over 50,000 YouTube subscribers and promises 'pranks smoke pranks.' The last five videos uploaded by the account involve the prankster challenging 'gang members' to fights on the streets of Liverpool, Manchester, Bradford, Sheffield and Leeds. In each video the prankster explains that when he asks people if they want to get 'smoked' he is referring to a cigarette, however this is not conveyed to the targets of his 'prank' who are often unnerved and defensive. In one shocking video in Bradford, the man films himself approaching a group of men and things quickly spiral. As the men circle each other, a mother is seen diverting her children's eyes away from the frightening scene. In the strange video the prankster films himself approaching strangers on the street and creating aggressive situations Only after his targets have become suitably enraged does the YouTuber finally reveal he has been 'pranking' In another video three masked men approach a passer by and 'reverse rob' his coat Only after the target has followed the 'prankster' into the road does he finally admit that he is joking. Another disturbing account with the handle Jayden King has a video entitled: 'Robbing people's coats then giving them a new one.' In the video, three balaclava clad men can be seen approaching pedestrians in subway tunnels in Birmingham. The prankster claims his stunt is a 'reverse robbery' and many of the people he stops seem unnerved by the situation he has created and filmed. Other videos on his channel include asking people to say the N word for 100 and 'picking up girls using Andrew Tate's advice.' In the latter, the man approaches a woman and tells her she is giving off 'milf vibes'. After being approached by the MailOnline, the prankster claimed that he had no defence for his videos as they are all 'fake and scripted.' Another video posted on a popular YouTube account named Trollstation shows two men having a pretend argument outside a London pub. Suddenly to the shock of fellow drinkers, one of the men hits the other over the head with a fake glass bottle and he falls to the ground. It is unknown if the pedestrians featured in the video were aware that the prank had been staged. In one video posted by popular YouTube account Trollstation a man appears to bottle his friend The 'victim' then lies prone on the ground in front of shocked onlookers Obviously these actions are anti-social but whether or not they are technically breaking any laws is more complex. Talha Salzany is a social media legal expert at Freeman Harris solicitors and told MailOnline that due to the nature of the pranks it can be hard for those targeted to press charges. He explained: 'There is no real specific law that prevents filming someone on the street. 'If someone was to post a video alleging that someone had engaged it inappropriate behaviour then that could be grounds for defamation proceedings - providing they could prove it. 'You can also go after your image rights and revoke them although this can be an expensive process and is typically only used by celebrities. 'Some of the more high profile pranks propagated by the likes of Mizzy fall under a section four offence of breaching the peace, so if the target called the authorities they could have a claim. 'However the nature of these gotcha pranks often involves the prankster de-escalating the situation and people invariably chalk it up as a weird thing that happened to them and move on with their lives.' But why do these revolting trends begin and why are they condoned and even celebrated in some corners of young digital spaces? According to Millie Woodman, Head of Talent at EdHopkinsPR, algorithms on the internet are dependent on a variety of factors and coincidences that can make them hard to track or police. Speaking to MailOnline, she explained: 'It often begins with a small group of individuals creating and sharing content that catches the attention of others. When the content goes viral and gains widespread attention, more people are motivated to replicate or participate in the trend, further amplifying its reach. 'The cycle continues as others join in, seeking validation, recognition, or social connection.' But what can tech companies like YouTube and TikTok realistically do to curb the reach of these clips. Ms Woodman continued: ' Disturbing prank trends gain traction among youth due to factors like virality, attention-seeking, peer influence, and a lack of consequences. Platforms like TikTok can combat these trends by enhancing moderation, implementing educational initiatives, providing reporting mechanisms, and collaborating with experts and youth organisations. 'By taking these steps, platforms can help create a safer and more responsible online environment for young users.' Corporate Australia is lining up to back the Yes vote for the Indigenous Voice to Parliament, but a leading No campaigner claims they are being 'bullied into it'. The giant companies supporting constitutional change to bring about the advisory body include NAB, the Commonwealth Bank, ANZ, BHP, Rio Tinto, Wesfarmers, Woolworths, Coles and Qantas. Warren Mundine, a leading advocate of the No vote, claimed corporations are being harassed into supporting the Voice by investors and clients with the threat of boycotts hanging over them if they were to come out on the other side. There are also fears taking such a stance would put a company immediately offside with the government. 'I sat with a business colleague the other day and his phone had a "ting" and it was a message,' Mr Mundine told Daily Mail Australia. 'He showed the message and it was from a colleague saying "you are bashing down on Aboriginals, you are racist" if we are seeing that it is probably bigger than that. Corporate giants such as the Commonwealth Bank are overwhelmingly throwing their support behind the Yes vote to create the Indigenous Voice to Parliament 'I am not surprised that people have been bullied into these positions. We've seen the comments that have been made public (about those backing the No vote). 'You can imagine what the pressure is like in the background for a lot of these corporates.' Despite being a leading campaigner against the Voice, Mr Mundine, who sits on the boards of mining and energy companies, claimed even he was being told to back the Voice with his business interests. 'Some of my shareholders are making comments about it a lot of bullying,' he said. Health supplements company Blackmores has been targeted by online activists who called for a boycott of their products after the founder's son Marcus Blackmore backed the 'No' vote. The Blackmores Group, which Mr Blackmore sold his 18 per cent stake in during April, was quick to distance themselves from his comments by noting he had not worked at the company or been a director for over two years. Blackmores Group has distanced itself from the statements made by Marcus Blackmore (pictured left with wife Caroline) supporting the No campaign for the Voice referendum Mr Blackmore's statements led to a trending hashtag on Twitter on Saturday by activists wanting to boycott the brand 'His views are completely independent of Blackmores Group,' a spokesperson said. Advertising and PR guru Adam Ferrier thinks there is plenty of upside for companies that support the Voice as long as 'it reaffirms their values and beliefs and what they stand for'. 'There's a lot of things that make up a corporation's success and one of them is internal employee pride and often they want to see the place that they work taking a stance on the issues that they find personally motivating,' Mr Ferrier told Daily Mail Australia. As to what motivates a corporation to support a political or social stance, Mr Ferrier said it It can range 'from a purely cynical PR move to something a corporation really believes in' but generally companies will only back already popular causes. 'Most corporations are in the mass-marketing game so when they do come out and take a public stand on issues, it's normally going with the collective,' Mr Ferrier said. 'If you follow the sporting codes it's normally a pretty safe bet the way Australia's leaning and all the sporting codes have backed the Yes vote which means they see it as a popular mainstream message with little reputation risk. 'They are like the canary in the coalmine or the bellwether of popular opinion so I am sure you are going to see many other corporations coming out in support of the Yes vote.' Advertising and PR guru Adam Ferrier thinks there can be a lot of upside for corporates supporting political causes Mr Ferrier said this demonstrated a herd mentality. 'When corporations do come out in support of something, you normally see that if it had been de-risked by other people,' he said. 'They would have done the research, they would know their mainstream base is in support of the issue and therefore it de-risks it for everybody else to come out and support the issue as well.' However, Mr Ferrier admitted that staff who did not agree with their employer's view could be put in an awkward position and feel pressured to stay silent. 'My organisation Thinkerbell is very much in the Yes camp and we are very keen to let people know that,' Mr Ferrier said. 'But we also want to hear from the people who are saying, "no, we want to understand that a little better". 'I think as long as people are feeling heard and not being told "you have to vote a certain way", I think it is OK.' The lack of corporate support for the No case gave Mr Ferrier confidence the Yes vote will prevail in the referendum to be held later this year. 'Humans are social animals,' he said. 'Humans take great comfort in following the herd. 'You point that out to any individual and they will find that offensive. 'Everyone loves to think they have their own independent brain and free spirit but we take great comfort in doing what other people are doing and following what other people do. 'I think we tend to follow people in power even though as Australians we find that concept abhorrent. 'I also come back to the sporting codes backing it. That feels like it is going to be a Yes vote.' However, Mr Mundine is betting the opposite will occur. 'The large majority of our supporters who are putting their two bob in are working class people, Aboriginal Australians,' he said. 'You look at any of the referendums we have had throughout Australia - unless it's from the grassroots and from people on the ground, they are very mistrustful of politicians. 'They are mistrustful of elites. It turns them off if they feel like they are being pushed around. 'This is why the Yes vote is so low because people are seeing that and one thing about Australians is they don't like bullies and people who scream abuse and who attack people.' Mr Mundine said he was facing accusations that his opposition to the Voice was motivated by 'secret' payments from mining and energy interests. 'They've got this campaign that Warren's being paid by the mining industry, he's being paid by Gina Rinehart, that is all total nonsense, it is a lie,' he said. Warren Mundine says the No campaign is waging a 'David versus Goliath' struggle against the corporate might backing the Voice Pointing to the public commitments by BHP and Rio Tinto, he argued 'the mining industry is supporting the Yes case'. With the public weight of corporate Australia on the other side, Mr Mundine likened the battle to that of David versus Goliath. 'At the end of this campaign everyone has got to do their returns, then you will see difference,' he said. 'We have an office in Sydney with four people. How many people are sitting in (the Yes campaign's) offices?' A Roy Morgan poll in late May showed that 46 per cent of respondents said they would vote Yes while 36 per cent were in the No camp with 18 per cent were in the undecided. The organisation noted the Yes vote had fallen by seven per cent since December and has dropped in all states, with a referendum needing to get an overall majority and also win the vote in a majority of states to pass. Mr Mundine maintained the aggressive tone of the Yes campaign was putting people off and gave the example of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese calling No voters 'Chicken Littles of the past' on Monday. 'It's ironic that the PM keeps talking about the misinformation and attacks of the No campaign but he has called people Chicken Littles,' Mr Mundine said, noting that subsequently Mr Albanese had to declare that people who vote No aren't racist. 'He had to do that because the backlash was amazing,' Mr Mundine asserted. 'We saw about a three per cent drop in the polling. 'I like free speech and I like to see the PM speak a lot and (Voice advocate) Noel Pearson speak a lot because every time they do, the polls go down.' Now, a HBO documentary looks at whether the accusations were lies The accusations of years-long abuse led to seven adults being implicated A handful of foster children told a Texas ranger in 2005 that they had been forced to 'take silly pills' and perform sex acts at a local swingers club A new docuseries tells the shocking story of an alleged child sex ring that rocked a small East Texas town - but claims the disturbing allegations of children being forced to 'take silly pills' and perform sex acts a local swingers club were all a lie. HBO Max's 'How to Create a Sex Scandal' delves into the accusations made in 2005 by a handful of foster children who said they attended a 'sex kindergarten' at the swingers club, a place that had caused a stir in the deeply religious town of Mineola, Texas before it was shut down. Their accusations led to seven adults known as the 'Mineola Swingers Club defendants,' being implicated in the case, and serving time behind bars, despite the glaring lack of evidence. Two convictions were overturned and the others accepted plea deals for shorter sentences. One adult remains in prison serving a life sentence. Years later, in a bizarre turn of events, many of the children recanted their testimonies and now, they are telling a different story. 'The truth of the matter is it didn't happen,' Gabby Sones, the children's aunt, said in the new docuseries. 'It never happened.' Gabby and the children - all now adults - unraveled a web of lies and pointed their finger at foster mom Margie Cantrell, accusing her of manipulating them into making up the nightmare claims that shattered their childhood and destroyed families. A new docuseries tells the shocking story of an alleged child sex ring that rocked a small Texas town - but claims that the disturbing allegations of children being forced to 'take silly pills' and perform sex at a local swingers club were all a lie. 'The truth of the matter is it didn't happen,' Gabby Sones said. 'It never happened' Their stories are the subject of a three-part docuseries directed by Julian P. Hobbs and executive produced by Elli Hakami. The synopsis of the docuseries that was released on May 23 reads: 'As arrests are made, life sentences handed down, and lives ruined, it soon becomes apparent that there is a lot more to the story than meets the eye. With more twists and turns than a Hollywood thriller, How to Create a Sex Scandal is a startling and scarcely believable telling of a crime story that really is stranger than fiction.' Margie and John Cantrell had been foster parents for years, at one point caring for 19 children at a time, but moved from California to Mineola, Texas in 2004 with the thought of retiring in the quiet, conservative town. They had six children in their care at the time, but Margie said in the series she wanted to help more troubled children so she took in three siblings: Shelby, 7, Hunter, 6, and Carly, 4. The siblings were taken from their parents by Child Protective Services after they neglected them while abusing opioids, according to the docuseries. The children, now adults tell how Margie abused them for years and had manipulated them into making up the nightmare claims Margie and John Cantrell had been foster parents for years, at one point caring for 19 children at a time, moved to Mineola in 2004 with their three new additions, 7-year-old Shelby, 6-year-old Hunter, and 4-year-old Carly Texas Monthly journalist Michael Hall wrote in a June 2011 story that the children's stories became more bizarre with each interview with police and social workers Margie said the children were 'extremely hard to handle' and broken,' recalling a time that she found Shelby doing a pole dance on her bed and that Hunter could be a 'handful' 'angry' and 'violent.' But she said they had promised to stand by the kids, so they decided to buy a facility for a group home. But what they were offered was a local swingers club that had recently been shut down following outrage from the townspeople. Margie said when they went to visit the property, her three new foster children recognized it as the 'sex kindergarten' they said they attended and thus began a slew of horrific tales which she took to the police. Texas Monthly journalist Michael Hall wrote in a June 2011 story that the children's stories became more bizarre with each interview with police and social workers. Chickens were sacrificed. Spells were cast. Adults wore witches' outfits and allowed students to fly around on a broomstick at the swingers club. 'But there was nothing to back them up: no adult witnesses and no physical evidence no DNA, no fingerprints, not even any videotapes,' he wrote. Days later, Mineola police closed the case. 'How dare them,' Margie exclaimed, who then turned to neighboring Smith County, known for its eagerness for law and order. They brought in Texas Ranger Philip Kemp who interviewed the siblings, along with Gabby, who told a similar story. In 2007, six adults pleaded guilty to a felony charge of injury to child, a third-degree felony, in exchange for time served. In 2008, four of the adults were convicted and sentenced to life in prison, including the children's biological mother Shauntel Mayo. She later accepted a plea deal and served four years in prison. Patrick Kelly and Jamie Pittman's convictions were overturned. However, Dennis Pittman was convicted of engaging in organized criminal activity and sentenced to life in prison. His conviction was upheld in 2013. Gabby's parents, Shelia and Jimmy Sones, along with Rebecca Pittman, were sentenced to time served in the Texas Department of Corrections. In 2008, four adults were convicted and sentenced to life in prison, including the children's mother Shauntel Mayo. She later accepted a plea deal and served four years in prison Patrick Kelly, 'Booger Red', was sentenced to life in prison, but his conviction was overturned Dennis Pittman was convicted of engaging in organized criminal activity and sentenced to life in prison. His conviction was upheld in 2013 The docuseries is largely based on a series of Texas Monthly articles by Michael Hall, who also gave input throughout the production. Hobbs and Hakami began their work on the documentary when they came across Hall's story about the kindergarten sex ring with the headline 'The Girl Who Told the Truth' about Gabby Sones, who was now sharing her story. 'She was coming forward to say that she actually didn't have memories of what happened,' Hakami said. 'It was important to her to speak truth to power to clear her parents' name and tell the community that, in fact, they were innocent of the crimes they were accused of.' Hakami added what stood out was that the parents had no ill will toward their children whose stories had sent them to jail. 'The children were motivated to speak,' Hakami said. 'They had to clear their parents' name and had to say that 'I was wrong.' They had the courage to stand up and say that this process was unjust. 'My parents were wrongly accused, and I was the one who was at the center of that.' It was just incredible for me to see how these families came together. The bonds never broke.' Hobbs said the case was a miscarriage of justice that needs to be addressed. Margie said when they went to visit the property, where the swingers club had once been, when her three new foster children recognized it as the 'sex kindergarten' HBO Max's How to Create a Sex Scandal delves into the accusations made by a handful of foster children who told a Texas ranger in 2005 that their parents forced them into illicit acts 'This is something that has been swept under the rug,' Hobbs said. 'This is something where justice really hasn't been served. Texas hasn't stepped up and taken responsibility. Nor has the Texas Rangers. Nor has Smith County. Nor have the officials who really need to remove these wrongly convicted because these parents still have felony charges on their record. So it's a miscarriage of justice that needs to be addressed.' Hobbs pointed out it does 'take a village to create a community, to bring kids up.' 'It also takes a village to create a mass hysteria, and that's what happened here.' Hobbs also said when people in positions of power like the Texas Rangers get involved and continue 'stirring the fire' of the unhinged narrative. Hobbs calls it 'the slippery relationship we have with memory' and points out that memories can quickly be reprogrammed and rewired by bad actors. 'That what we think our stable identities, in fact, aren't and that is something that can be manipulated and your sense of identity and who you are can fall prey to people who have different and more sinister goals in mind,' Hobbs added. 'So that also makes this story a cautionary tale.' Among the hell-raising army of Just Stop Oil activists are a dedicated few who are so determined to wreak havoc in the UK they risk their own deportation. A Czech activist who travelled 800 miles to gridlock the M25, a Kiwi renegade and his German climbing buddy who scaled the Dartford Bridge to cause misery for motorists and a German student-cum-graffiti menace. This week, jailed Dartford Crossing climber Marcus Decker, 34, was served with a stage one deportation order from his cell in category C Highpoint Prison in Suffolk. Decker, a German citizen who has leave to remain in the UK, is serving a sentence of two years and seven months for his outrageous actions, after he and JSO wingman Morgan Trowland, 40, used ropes and other climbing equipment to scale the 450ft Queen Elizabeth II bridge over the Thames last October. A Stage 1 letter in the deportation process notifies the person of the Home Office's intention to remove them from the UK. GERMANY: Jailed Marcus Decker who has leave to remain in the UK, said he is expecting a 'negative response' after being served with a stage one deportation order. He is pictured during his bridge protest last autumn Decker blocked the important bridge for the best part of two days causing travel misery for thousands The environment activist has been served deportation papers for his actions They are then allowed to explain why they believe they should be able to stay. Deportation is usually automatic if a criminal's sentence is over 12 months. Reacting to the news, an Instagram account linked to Decker said he could be forced out 'very soon'. 'Marcus is a German citizen who had leave the remain in the UK,' the post stated. 'He is in prison on a 2 year 7 month sentence after taking action to block the QEII bridge on 17 and 18 October 2022 with @just.stopoil.' It also contained an audio message from Decker, who is being held at Category C Highpoint Prison in Suffolk, where he says: 'I was seen by an immigration officer the other day and got very bad news. 'I've been served a stage one deportation order, very soon it sounds like, because as my sentence was over 12 months I meet the criteria for automatic deportation, which is very sad, and she said that it's most likely going to be a negative response after I put all the paperwork in and then get a deportation order which cancels my leave to remain in the UK. 'I've been living here for a few years and with my partner and her kids in a lovely family setting and that's going to be a terrible disruption to all of our lives. 'Not being able to live in this country anymore is pretty outrageous given that our action was an action of compassion and love to try to do good in the world.' But who are the other Just Stop Oil foreign mercenaries and what punishments could they face if convicted and jailed? Morgan Trowland, 40 New Zealand born civil engineer from Hackney, London NEW ZEALAND: Morgan Trowland, from Hackney, east London, is in prison for scaling the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge at the Dartford Crossing last year The 40-year-old, who originally hails from New Zealand, is a veteran of climate change protests Decker's sidekick Morgan Trowland also climbed the Dartford Crossing last year and was imprisoned for his actions. He is currently serving a three year jail sentence for his part in the action - one of the heaviest ever handed out to a climate activist in the UK. Prior to being jailed, Trowland enjoyed infamy as a serial law breaker with a series of disruptive stunts across the country. In the past he has taken part in demonstrations by various anarchist groups, including XR, and has ended up in court multiple times. In May 2021 Trowland was among nine XR protester to glue themselves to Tower Bridge, closing the inner-city traffic artery. Trowland was also one of the ringleaders of the September 2020 blockade of the Hertfordshire newspaper print works. He bragged that he had designed the two giant bamboo structures that were erected outside the factory to stop production, while he describes himself as being 'obsessed with bamboo tensegrity [tensile integrity] and how it WILL change the world' on his Twitter profile. The civil engineer has bragged about building bamboo structures to be used at protests by groups such as Extinction Rebellion The XR action stopped three and a half million newspapers including the Daily Mail, The Times, The Daily Telegraph, The Sun and the Evening Standard - from being distributed across the country. Trowland was later ordered to pay 334 in fines and costs at St Albans Magistrates' Court. In April 2019 he also was one of a number 'Tree of Life' protesters who were arrested for public disorder in the City of London. He was found guilty of the offence at the City of London Magistrates' Court but given a six-month conditional discharge and ordered to pay 500 costs. Since being jailed earlier this year, Trowland has continued his activism behind bars and updates his supporters with pithy insights into his new caged existence. In one recent post titled 'How prison improved my mental health', the activist brags about his new cosy life. He writes: 'I can call a list of 20 people in the UK and New Zealand from the privacy of my cell. I can receive letters and incoming emails are printed for me daily. I can hand write replies to emails and even add sketches. 'I can post writings or drawings. Up to three friends at once can visit me twice a month for an hour and a half; I could also have occasional zoom calls. People can send me books, or I can borrow them from the library. 'I can power walk around a grassy yard for 30 minutes each day and go to the gym twice a week, even play badminton. My cell has a TV and a kettle. I can order groceries and snacks once a week, and even radios and other gadgets from Argos.' Current laws state that any foreign national will be automatically deported if they have been sentenced to more than 12 months in prison. It is not known whether Trowland has also received a deportation order and the Home Office refused to comment. Arne Springorum, 50 Czech disrupter and geologist CZECH REPUBLIC: Geologist Arne Springorum helped shut the M25 near junction 13, Godstone, Surrey on November 7 after scaling the gantry above the highway, pictured Czech eco-zealot Arne Springorum caused chaos on the M25 by climbing onto a gantry as part of a Just Stop Oil protest last year - despite not living in the country! Geologist Arne Springorum admitted causing a public nuisance by helping to close Britain's busiest motorway near junction 13, Godstone, Surrey on November 7. The 50-year-old Quaker was part of an army of climate change activists to cause pandemonium around London shutting down roads and causing misery for thousands. Springorum escaped jail for his actions after taking a 24-hour, 800-mile bus trip from Prague to London to attend a 15-minute sentencing hearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court in December. Like Trowland, the Czech national is a serial disrupter with his November stunt being the second time he had brought the M25 to a standstill following a demonstration with Insulate Britain a year earlier. But rather than face the consequences of his dangerous actions, the father-of-four, who holds both German and Czech citizenship, was sentenced to six months, suspended for two years and walked free. Rubbing salt into the wounds, the protester spoke from the dock to lambast the British justice system, saying: 'I don't understand the system, there are people going to jail. This is really important, I will respect this court, but I disagree with the way the court is dealing with it.' The eco-zealot from the Czech Republic walked free of court after being handed a six-month prison sentence, suspended for two years for closing the M25 for a second time in a year after a protest with Insulate Britain in 2021. He is pictured outside Westminster Magistrates' Court Since escaping a custodial sentence, an unrepentant Springorum has announced he has become a 'full time climate activist'. Sharing a tribute to fellow M25 climber Jan Goody, who was jailed for XYZ for his actions, he bragged off the 'Christmas deal' of a sentence he had received. He wrote: 'Jan was with me on the gantry action, the same day, we had spent the preceding days together. i saw traffic on the M25 peter out due to his gantry climb 5 km north of me. 'He was sentenced a day before me and his verdict got me both scared and as well as committed. it all turned out differently, as my sentencing was postponed by a month and then I possibly got the 'Christmas deal' of a suspended sentence. 'Reading what Jan writes about his experience while doing time is like reading about my theoretically plausible experience that did not happen - yet? Thank you, Jan, for walking the talk for us all.' Frieda Luerken, 24 German student activist GERMANY: Frieda Luerken, the partner of Just Stop Oil activist Roger Hallam, outside Westminster Magistrates' Court, London Roger Hallam, 56, (left) met German Frieda Luerken, 24, (right) when she was a student at Cardiff University around four years ago where she graffitied its buildings because they invested in Shell and BP German Frieda Luerken, 24, has become an important figure in the world of eco-disruption at a very young age, aided in part by her relationship with the founder of the UK's Extinction Rebellion and Just Stop Oil movements, Roger Hallam, 56. The pair met when she was a student at Cardiff University around four years ago where she graffitied its buildings because they invested in Shell and BP. Frieda, who was born in Dresden, moved to the UK via Belarus. Hallam, who has a daughter the same age as his partner, then co-founded the XR movement with the psychology graduate before they moved in together in London and started Insulate Britain as a 'lockdown lovechild'. Hallam recently said online: 'Myself and my partner Frieda are now in a permanent rented flat. It has a spare room in which to organise the coming revolution. It is perfect. But I need money to afford it'. As part of their self-styled 'rebel life', they have since expanded again to help run Just Stop Oil, the unpopular group causing carnage for ordinary Britons by blocking roads including the M25 as well as smashing petrol stations and shutting down refineries. Frieda attended the exclusive St. Benno Gymnasium, a German secondary school in Dresden. It is a highly selective elite fee-paying private school founded in 1709 and Latin is mandatory for all students. Prior to beginning her degree in Cardiff, she took a gap year volunteering with victims of Nazi Germany in Belarus. She spent a year living there. She and Hallam have repeatedly moved over recent years, with her boyfriend relying on monthly donations from supporters to get by. Roger Hallam, pictured being arrested at Heathrow in 2019, is a serial and prominent climate aggravator In a series of Facebook posts Hallam would beg for somewhere for them to stay. In one he said: 'I need to leave my present accommodation and need a room for myself and my partner. We both leave early and come back late on most days such is the life of rebels'. Frieda lists her jobs on LinkedIn as Movement Accelerator Coordinator for the International Planned Parenthood Federation pressure group. Her other role is listed as Co-Founder of Extinction Rebellion UK. Her duties include: 'Creating and implementing training plans, facilitating planning processes and ecruiting and onboarding new volunteers'. On occasions when Hallam has been in custody, Frieda has taken over his Facebook account to update supporters and also urge them to send him letters. After one post where she said he was on hunger strike in Pentonville Jail. Admitting she was mistaken, she wrote: 'Apparently, Roger has not been on hunger strike at all - I suppose that kind of miscommunication happens when you don't allow someone to speak with anyone, including their lawyer, for more than a week'. She later wrote: 'Pentonville doesn't look like it's ever been the crown jewel of British prisons but Covid 19 has made the situation even worse. Roger is mostly being denied vegan or vegetarian food. It took him 7 days to get hold of a pillow. 'For five days, he could only leave the cell one single time for 40 minutes. What's possibly worst for him is that he can't access the prison library, meaning that he spends most of his time writing and watching the evening.' British children are on IV drips in Turkish hospitals after falling ill at a five-star TUI resort, with one little girl's worried mother saying she has suffered seizures and guests said to be 'dropping like flies'. The Rixos Sungate Resort saw a spate of food poisonings over the Easter holidays, and now TUI is investigating as Brits staying at the resort for half term have reported horrendous new symptoms. Jenny Hopkins, from Bagshot, Surrey, told MailOnline her eight-year-old daughter was passing green diarrhea and became so dehydrated she began 'fitting'. She was rushed to the Medical Park Antalya Hospital, where she has been since Thursday, and has so far been on nine IV drips, Jenny said. The mother-of-two said TUI has done very little to help and that she and her husband, James, have had to fork out 3,000 in medical bills so far. Another mother claimed she was told her daughter's faeces contained bacteria 'like salmonella', and that doctors told her 'lots of people' at the all-inclusive hotel had come down with a similar illness. Video seen by MailOnline shows multiple people being treated in the hotel's medical centre. Guests have also reported being confined to their rooms 'in agony', with one newlywed saying his holiday has turned into the 'honeymoon from hell'. Jenny Hopkins' little girl was rushed to hospital and has been on nine IV drips, her mother says Eight-year-old Chloe is on a drip after suffering from 'severe vomitting, diarrhea, and being unable to keep water down', her mother Linda Leitch says The Rixos Sungate Resort saw a spate of food poisonings over the Easter holidays, and is now facing fresh allegations Terry Hawkins, said suspected food poisoning had turned his holiday into the 'honeymoon from hell' Linda Leitch, one of the distraught mothers whose eight-year-old was rushed to hospital after suffering from dehydration, described the situation at the luxury resort as 'carnage'. The Leitch family, from Chatham, Kent, say they spent 5,000 on their dream trip, only for their youngest daughter to come down with what Linda believes is food poisoning. Linda said her daughter started feeling ill at 2am on Thursday, and was being 'violently sick', with 'severe stomach cramps' and a 'really really high temperature'. 'We are putting it down to the deserts she ate or the beef because it's the only thing she ate and we didn't'. Chloe was put on a drip in the hotel's clinic after 'severe vomitting, diarrhea, and being unable to keep water down', but her family decided she needed an ambulance at 4am on Friday after a night of being 'not very responsive'. The family say they went to reception in the early hours on Friday after the hotel said they would get them an ambulance. Half an hour later, they claim, they were told they had to sort out the ambulance themselves, with Chloe not getting to hospital until 10.30am. Linda said Chloe is far from the only person who has been taken ill, and that she was told by doctors at the Medical Park Antalya Hospital that the illness had affected 'lots of people' at Rixos Sungate. She said that on Thursday, she had seen an older man and even one-year-old baby hooked up to drips in the hotel's medical centre. 'We took her to the hotel clinic and it is obvious that people are dropping like flies, it was carnage'. 'There are lots of people laying on beds with drips with the same problems. They are all being sick everywhere, they have all got diarrhea. It is clear to see there is a major problem here,' she said. 'Again, there were loads of people there. A baby, say about one, and a little boy next to us about six or seven years old. Linda Leitch, 45, with her husband Paul Leitch, 47, and their daughters, 10-year-old Caitlin and Chloe, 8, who has been taken ill 'A man almost collapsed in the waiting area, and there was three women I could see on drips and that was today'. Speaking on Thursday, Linda slammed TUI and the hotel's response. 'I spoke to a TUI rep this morning and he just took our details. 'I spoke to guest services last night in the hotel, that was a joke. She was trying to tell me it was the changing weather and the rain water in the pool, I just laughed at her. 'They are just saying anything but food poisoning. The TUI rep was a bit more understanding, taking all my details. He said TUI are looking into it, TUI are speaking to the manager, taking samples of the food. Linda says she has since spoken to TUI UK about possibly relocating the family, but that Chloe is too ill to relocate or fly home as it stands. She said the tour operator told her there were only 'isolated incidents' and that if it was the food causing her daughter's illness 'everybody would be ill'. 'I disagree with that and I think everybody else [who has been affected] will.' The family is due to fly back to Gatwick next Thursday. Linda has asked TUI if they can fly home early, but said she was told that it would not be covered and they could only get new flights at their own expense. Jenny, another concerned mother whose daughter is on an IV, explained how her little girl was struck down soon after the family's first dinner at the resort. 'We got here early hours of Tuesday fit and healthy then after dinner Tuesday night my youngest daughter started being sick and had upset tummy. 'She was constantly sick all through night and next day so when she started getting a really high temperature Wednesday night we went to the clinic next door they put her on two drips and an injection in her bottom'. Jenny's youngest initially appeared to be much better, but soon took a turn for the worse. Terry told MailOnline he had saved up 'for a while' for the special holiday, but that he and his wife Sarah have 'been stuck in our hotel room in agony'. Pictured on their way to the holiday 'All through the night she was pooping green water so took her back this morning again another drip. 'My husband then took her to toilet while at the clinic and she had a fit, maybe due to being so dehydrated she has never fitted before that's when the clinic said she needed to go to hospital. 'She is still there now with my husband and will be there for a couple of days they have said.' Another guest, Terry Hawkins, said suspected food poisoning had turned his holiday into the 'honeymoon from hell', after he and his new wife were left languishing in their hotel room for the whole trip. Terry told MailOnline he had saved up 'for a while' for the special holiday, but that he and his wife Sarah have 'been stuck in our hotel room in agony with our seven month old baby crying and 11 year old son bored'. The couple from Liverpool arrived to Rixos Sungate early on Monday, with Sarah falling ill the next day. She started vomiting and Terry began to display symptoms later that evening. The Rixos Sungate (pictured) is a five-star rated resort in Turkey where families spend as much as 4,000 on TUI package holidays 'I tried to call a doctor through the hotel but they hung up on me,' he said, suggesting that a language barrier might have been an issue. 'After trying again we got a visit from a doctor who gave myself and my wife an injection then charged me 610. They didn't say a cost beforehand. Then they told me my insurance wouldn't cover it as it was in our hotel room,' he explained. Terry also said that the TUI rep had been of little help and that he had struggled to communicate with him. Sarah has since moved to the hotel's clinic. The groom said he '100 per cent' expects compensation from TUI, saying they had 'barely had a full day' at the resort before their holiday turned into a nightmare. MailOnline has spoken to more guests at the hotel who say their family members have been struck down with severe symptoms. Accor, the hotel group that runs Rixos Sungate, has been contacted for comment. TUI said in a statement: 'We are aware of some isolated cases of illness in the Rixos Sungate Hotel in Antalya, Turkey. 'Our team at resort are in close contact with our customers and offering support where necessary. 'Our health and safety team are investigating in close collaboration with the hotel and we will remain in frequent contact with our customers.' True crime fans are making pilgrimages to the obscure rural location that was the setting for the notorious nineties 'Essex Boys' shooting. The triple murder saw three drug dealers gunned down in a Range Rover in December 1995 on land at White House Farm in Rettendon, Essex. And Bill Theobald - whose brother first found the bodies - says at least two people a week are now walking onto his family's land to try to find the exact spot where the trio were blasted to death inside a Range Rover in a targeted hit 28 years ago. And he says it's 'bizarre' that the crime has gained such notoriety that many of the unwanted visitors weren't even born when it happened. Bill, whose brother Peter Theobald made the gruesome discovery, said: 'We have constant interest in the murders with at least one or two visitors to the lane every week. Police officers with the Range Rover on the farm track in Rettendon where the three men were found dead Patrick Tate, Anthony Tucker and Craig Rolfe (from left to right) were all found shot dead in a Range Rover near the isolated farm track at Rettendon, Essex in December 1995 Now ghoul hunters have began to descend on the grisly spot to take photographs 'Most people just go down there without asking and some weren't even born when it happened - it's very bizarre.' Tony Tucker, 38, Pat Tate, 37, and Craig Rolfe, 26, were shot in cold blood as they arrived at the end of an isolated farm track, supposedly to do a drug deal. All three had been shot in the head, while Tate was also blasted in the stomach - an act which some have speculated was to silence him while his friends in the front were executed. The bodies of the three men were found the following morning by farmer Peter and his friend Ken Jiggins as they went to feed the farm's 800 pheasants. At first the pair thought they were poachers who had fallen asleep - then saw blood. Speaking on a Crimewatch reconstruction in 1996, Ken said: 'I got out and walked towards the Range Rover and as I walked towards it I could see the person sitting in the passenger seat and I could see the driver and I assumed they were asleep. 'I went forward and looked right into the driver's side, looked straight at the passenger. There was blood all down his front. The driver was sitting with his head to one side and blood on his face.' Peter added: 'There was also a third person in the back seat. It didn't look as though there had been any kind of struggle. The two in the front were just sat there as though they were asleep.' Police soon descended on the scene with people speculating the men may have been killed in revenge for being involved in the supply chain of an ecstasy tablet linked to the death of Essex teen Leah Betts, 18, the month before. Bill now runs the shooting range at the farm and lives on site close to his brother Peter and his wife Fran. The murders have become notorious, sparking books and several films, including Essex Boys starring Sean Bean in 2000 and Rise of the Footsoldier in 2007. Searches on YouTube bring up recent videos of the farm track and TikTok has several videos showing people walking down the lane. True crime sites on Instagram also show recent snaps of the location. One TikTok video poster says: 'If you've seen the Rise of the Footsoldier, the Range Rover murders, well this is where it happened. I'll show you the exact spot. 'This road here, this wasn't here when it happened, just this track. They come along here in the Range Rover. 'The Range Rover was parked right here, that's where the three bodies were found that morning, back in 95.' The killing in the small village of Rettendon was made into a 2000 film starring Sean Bean Bill Theobald (right) says two people a week are walking onto his family's land to find the spot the trio were blasted to death inside a Range Rover The spook hunters have began to irritate local landowners with their trespassing Michael Steele, 76, (left) was convicted alongside Whomes (right) for the same triple murder. Steele, now 80, is up for parole this month. Pictured in 2006 And he added: 'If these trees could talk. I've always wanted to visit this place.' Another who videoed himself walking down the track and posted it on YouTube said: 'We're going to have a walk down now to the exact point where the Range Rover was found. 'Where I'm standing right now is where the Range Rover was. This tree here is exactly where it was. It's a bit eerie.' Jack Whomes and Michael Steele were convicted of the murders in January 1998 and sentenced to life imprisonment, despite protesting their innocence. Whomes has since been released. In the dawn hours of May 3, Moscovites awoke to an unbelievable sight: Two suicide drones had somehow managed to penetrate the city's air defences and explode on the roof of the Kremlin itself. Such an attack would have been unthinkable when Vladimir Putin declared war on Ukraine a year earlier, and yet it was only the beginning. Three weeks later, partisans began raiding Russia's borders and then a swarm of drones slammed into Moscow's wealthy suburbs. In-fighting between Russia's military and Putin's warlords is now at fever pitch, Ukraine's counter-attack is looming, and an opposition politician even went so far as to call for Putin himself to be replaced on state TV earlier this week. So, is this really the beginning of the end for Russia's tyrant? 'Yes,' believes Luke Coffey, an expert at the Hudson Institute think-tank in Washington - who adds that Putin's demise will be swiftly followed by the break-up of Russia itself. 'I agree [that] this is the beginning of the end of Putin - the trajectory now is towards Putin being ousted and the further breakup of the Russian Federation,' he said. An opposition politician called for Putin to be replaced on state TV earlier this week. Pictured: Vladimir Putin meets with Eritrea's President at the Kremlin, May 31, 2023 Two suicide drones managed to penetrate Moscow's air defences and explode on the roof of the Kremlin, May 3, 2023 Russia as we know it today was born almost 500 years ago when the first Tsar, Ivan the Terrible, began conquering lands in the name of the Tsardom of Muscovy. Over the next 200 years, the Tsardom expanded both into Europe and all the way across to the Pacific Ocean until it was renamed as the Russian Empire by Peter the Great. The empire fell apart after the First World War and, after a series of revolutions, was replaced by the Soviet Union which itself collapsed in 1991 - from which modern-day Russia emerged. Mr Coffey believes that final collapse is not yet over. He added: 'The Soviet Union is still collapsing. When historians write about [it], they will probably identify Feb '22 [the date of the Ukraine invasion] as the most significant moment of that collapse. 'The dust is still settling. I believe the 15 countries that emerged in 1991 [when the Soviet Union collapsed] was the safety glass breaking. 'The next round of shattering will be like a 150-year-old pane of glass breaking in an old house. It will shatter in dangerous ways and won't be easy to repair or fix.' Mr Coffey believes the final break-up will begin with the decisive defeat of Russia in Ukraine. That outcome is inevitable, he argues, but is unwilling to say when it will be. Many hope it will come after Ukraine's much-anticipated counter-attack this summer, but military experts have warned the war may yet have years to run. A suspected Ukrainian drone appears to explode with a mushroom cloud near Usovo village, which is close to Vladimir Putin's official residence, May 2023 Smoke rises over Russia's Belgorod region after Ukraine was purported to have attacked using drones, May 21 A woman looks out of a window of a damaged apartment block following a reported drone attack in Moscow, Russia, May 30, 2023 Whenever Russia's defeat comes, Mr Coffey argues it will divide the country's elites into two groups. The first will be hardliners who believe the war could have been won if only they were in charge. The other will be oligarchs desperate to stop the bloodshed and patch up relations with the West, if only to preserve their own wealth and power. Either way, he reasons that Putin is 'toast' and will end up dead or in exile somewhere. With the supreme leader gone, Russia's breakaway regions - awash with soldiers returned from the frontline - will rise up against Moscow and demand independence, he says. Warlords may also vie with each-other for control, with Putin potentially among them if he can gather enough loyalists, and the Russian Federation will rapidly collapse. He adds: 'It will be unpredictable [and] in some places it will be violent. 'I think you'll see uprisings among discontented people, Moscow will have to decide which bits and pieces to fight for, which different power-brokers they can engage with to keep their interest in place. 'There will be a lot of difficult choices to be made and whoever is on top will have to keep an eye on their back.' Whenever Russia's defeat comes, Mr Coffey argues it will divide the country's elites into two groups. Pictured: Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu walk in the Kremlin, March 21, 2023 Warlords may also vie with each-other for control, Mr Coffey says. Pictured: Wagner private mercenary group boss Yevgeny Prigozhin poses with mercenaries in Bakhmut, Ukraine, May 25, 2023 In-fighting between Russia's military and Putin's warlords is now at fever pitch. Pictured: Ramzan Kadyrov, leader of Chechnya, rides in a modernised T-72 tank China may try to stake a claim on territory that Beijing believes was unfairly wrested from its grasp by Imperial Russia, and Turkey may step in to protect the Turkic peoples spread out across the country. And the West is unlikely to sit idly by as a country with 6,000 nuclear warheads and stocks of biological and chemical warheads disintegrates on its doorstep. Mr Coffey says: 'I want to make it clear: I'm not advocating for this. The break-up would cause many problems and I'm not sure it is in the West's interest for it to happen. 'But I think this is the trajectory regardless. Even if we stopped supplying arms to Ukraine now they would not stop fighting Russia. 'We need to start thinking about how we would take control of such a situation and get ahead of events. I think it would be very naive for Western policy-makers not to consider this as a possibility.' James Rogers, co-founder of the Council on Geostrategy, was more hesitant. He agreed that attacks into Russia are a 'viable threat' to Putin and could end up driving a wedge between him and the cabal of elites that prop up his regime, leading to his downfall. But he cautioned that even if Putin falls, there is no guarantee that whoever came next would end the war and hand Ukraine back its lost territories - which is Kyiv's ultimate goal. Putin could end up driving a wedge between him and the cabal of elites that prop up his regime, Rogers said. Pictured: Putin delivers his Victory Day speech in Red square in Moscow, May 9, 2023 Victory Day military parade saw saw a much slimmed down show of might compared to previous years. Only one tank took part - a Second World War-era T-34 'Victory Day was a sorrowful event,' Mr Rogers said. Pictured: Vladimir Putin speaks in front of St. Basil's Cathedral in central Moscow, May 9, 2023 Mr Rogers said: 'They might do, but they might not. Someone even more hardline than Putin could take control of the Kremlin and that effectively puts Ukraine back to square one. 'The only way to guarantee the return of territories is on the battlefield.' Going forward, he expects attacks into Russia to continue and to ramp up as the West gives Kyiv more support and the Kremlin's manpower and stockpiles of weapons are worn down. 'Victory Day was a sorrowful event,' he said, pointing to the single Second World War-era tank that appeared during the parade in Red Square. 'Russia's most advanced equipment has been ground up and littered across Ukraine. They themselves don't seem to be able to advance any further. 'As long as Ukraine continues to get support from the West [then] they have the means to push back. I would expect [the attacks] to escalate, the situation for Russians to deteriorate, and for the sanctions regime to grind them down.' The mother of a boy who disappeared 20-years-ago on the same date as Madeleine McCann went missing has told for the first time how she believes he drowned after falling into a river. Daniel Entwistle has not been seen since he failed to return home after going out to play when he was aged seven on May 3, 2003. His mother Paula Taylor, 50, dismissed rumours that her former husband David Entwistle had harmed their son, despite him having once been jailed for six months for a child sex offence. Ms Taylor said that she knew nothing about his conviction in 1987 for having sex with a 12-year-old girl until police told her about it after Daniel went missing. She admitted it was one of the reasons they split up in the weeks after Daniel seemingly vanished. Daniel Entwistle (pictured) has not been seen since he failed to return home after going out to play when he was aged seven on May 3, 2003 Daniel's mother, Paula Taylor, 50, said she believes he drowned after falling into the River Yare in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk (pictured) Ms Taylor (right) dismissed rumours that her former husband David Entwistle (left) had harmed their son, despite him having once been jailed for six months for a child sex offence But in an exclusive interview with MailOnline, she said: The last time Daniel was seen he was on his bike and he was on his own. If the police thought David was anything to do with it, he would have been locked up. She is convinced that her much-loved son drowned close to where his red BMX bike was found at Trinity Quay next to the River Yare in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk. Ms Taylor believes that he fell into the fast-flowing water and was swept away after scaling the 3ft high river wall to stand on top of the wide ledge. She said: There have been all sorts of rumours and theories but I am sure that he went into the river. Its not a big mystery. The police showed me CCTV of him riding his bike across a garage forecourt towards the quay and he didnt come out again. Nobody else was shown going towards the quay so it looks like he was on his own. I think he had gone to the garage because he wanted to buy a Kinder egg and they didnt have any in the shop where he had been earlier. Speaking of her agony about his body never being found, she added: You never get closure. You just have to learn to live with it. The police have to keep an open mind because they have to keep a missing persons case open. I could go to court to say that hes passed away, but I would have to dig everything up again and it is too much hassle. You have to move on and carry on, but maybe one day they might find something. Ms Taylor believes that Daniel fell into the fast-flowing water and was swept away after scaling the 3ft high river wall to stand on top of the wide ledge Daniel pictured on CCTV in his local shop shortly before he disappeared His red BMX bike was found at Trinity Quay next to the River Yare The search for Daniel quickly faded from headlines in 2003, even though police could not rule out fears that he had been abducted. The limited coverage was in stark contrast to the continuing attention given to the hunt for three-year-old Madeleine who disappeared in Portugal on May 3, 2007. The enduring mystery of how Madeleine, the daughter of two doctors, disappeared from her holiday apartment in Praia Da Luz has kept her case firmly in the public eye for 16 years. But Daniel who was said to have had Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and was allegedly bullied at school, came from a working class family, lived on a council estate and was used to roaming the streets by himself. Ms Taylor told MailOnline: Everybody is still reporting about Madelene McCann, but people should focus on all the other children who go missing with nobody talking about them. Madeleines parents have lost a child and I understand their pain, but it is the circumstances. People ridiculed me because I lived on a council estate. I got accused of being manic depressive when I wasnt. Madeleine was the daughter of two doctors in a certain income bracket. They also had all the PR and politicians behind them. But there are other parents going through the same thing. Mr Entwistles conviction at Preston Crown Court was only made public after he was found dead aged 53 in January 2015 at his bedsit where he lived alone in Lowestoft. MailOnline can reveal that he also spoke before his death of his belief that Daniel had died accidentally after falling into the river. In previously unpublished comments made to a news agency reporter in 2008, he said that Daniels ADHD had made him behave recklessly. The search for Daniel quickly faded from headlines in 2003, even though police could not rule out fears that he had been abducted He said: Daniel had no fear of anything. When he was just two-years-old, he poured a kettle of hot water over himself and was in hospital in Manchester for three months with 50 per cent burns to his chest and neck. After he went missing we found out he had been climbing up on to our neighbours sunroof and sunbathing for a laugh. We also discovered he had been going down to the Pleasure Beach in Great Yarmouth with his brother and trying out all the rides which the local kids were allowed to do so before the summer season started. But what made it really bad is that his body was never found. It has meant that we have never been able to bury him and have any sort of closure. I turned to drinking because I could not face reality. Paula and I split up in September 2003 because I was not there to give her the support she needed. Daniel went missing three years after moving to the seaside town with his parents from their former home in Burnley, Lancashire. The family spent the afternoon of Saturday May 3, 2003, shopping in Gorleston for clothes to take on a holiday to Tenerife which they had booked. Ms Taylor who suffers from epilepsy went to bed because she felt unwell when they returned to their end terraced home overlooked by a derelict Victorian gas holder in Copperfield Avenue on the Barrack estate in Great Yarmouth. Daniel went missing three years after moving to their home in Greater Yarmouth (pictured) with his parents The house is overlooked by a derelict Victorian gas holder in Copperfield Avenue The Barrack estate in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, where Daniel lived Rail maintenance worker Mr Entwistle was left looking after their three sons Antony, ten, Daniel, seven, and two-year-old John. He sent Daniel out to buy a bottle of milk for John from Blencowes corner shop around 50 yards from their home on a nearby road. He also gave him 50p to buy sweets. CCTV images from the store taken at 5.02pm show 3ft 2ins tall Daniel walking down an aisle in the store in his blue Adidas T shirt, blue tracksuit bottoms and grey coloured training shoes. After returning home to drop off the bottle, he headed out again on his bike and was last seen around 300 yards away on the CCTV at the garage next to Trinity Quay at 5.14pm. Mr Entwistle recalled in his interview in 2008 that he asked his stepson Antony to go out and look for Daniel. He said: He came back a short while later because he could not find him. I went out for a general look but there was no sign of him. Then I started to panic. Paula rang her sister who came round with her boyfriend. By then it was about 7.30 pm. Her partner and I drove around in different directions and agreed to meet at the house again in half an hour. When we got back, we rang the police. A single officer came round in a car, and I went out with him for a look. The officer realised it was serious and radioed his guvnors to say that this little lad had been missing since 5pm. Mr Entwistle sent Daniel out to buy a bottle of milk for John from Blencowes corner shop (pictured), which is now a Morrisons convenience shop, around 50 yards from their home on a nearby road Daniel was last seen around 300 yards away on the CCTV at a petrol garage (pictured) next to Trinity Quay at 5.14pm A building at Trinity Quay, Great Yarmouth, close to the spot where the 7-year-old's bike was found A full scale search was then launched. Word got out that Daniel was missing, and half the street turned out to join the search. The police were out all night and assigned us a family liaison officer. One of our neighbours was looking around when he saw Daniels little red bike on some spare land about ten or 15 yards from the river. The front tyre was flat from a puncture. I had tried to repair it earlier on, but obviously had not done it properly. The police then took me to see the bike. When I saw it, I just started crying and ran towards the river wall. I just knew he had gone in the river. I had to go back and tell Paula that the bike had been found next to the river about two or three minutes from our house. She just broke down. Norfolk Police announced Daniels disappearance the following day, and his parents appeared at a press conference in a local community centre to appeal for information from anyone who had seen him. Ms Taylor told reporters: He's outgoing, he's pleasant, he can be mischievous like a lot of children and he's a bit of a loner. But he says 'Hi' to anybody. He has friends that live locally and we just thought he was there. It was revealed that Daniel had been seen in the Trinity Quay area earlier on the day he disappeared when he was watching a group of boys throw stones in the water. Police also disclosed that he had once previously disappeared, but only for about two hours. Police divers searched the river while teams of officers scoured land all over the town and questioned known local sex offenders. Police divers searched the river while teams of officers scoured land all over the town and questioned known local sex offenders An aerial view of The police Tents Set up by the riverside at Great Yarmouth Mr Entwistle said: I suffer from blackouts and just before I went in to see the press, I nearly fainted. The next day Paula and I got questioned at separate police stations for nine hours each. The police started making inquiries in Lancashire in case Daniel was up there. The police were 100 per cent helpful and sympathetic. There was no way they were pointing the finger at us but some people in the community wrongly assumed that we had something to do with Daniel going missing. In the following days, Daniels parents were pictured helping to put up posters about his disappearance around as police searched the riverbed with sonar equipment. Mr Entwistle added in his interview that he and his wife were the subject of cruel gossip. He said: Someone told one of the papers that Paula and I were always in the pub. It was just rubbish. Paula is not a drinker and although we did go out, it was not that much. I had not been drinking on the day he went missing because I was due to work that night. I would have been sacked if I had gone to work drunk. One report said that he had been turning up to school with bruising. That was rubbish as well. Paula and I never laid a finger on any of our kids. Over the following weeks I tried to keep a glimmer of hope alive. We both just hoped that he would somehow turn up but the police told us to be prepared for the worst. Daniels family were told that a childs training shoe had been found washed up on a local beach, but it turned out to be a different size to the ones worn by Daniel. In recent years, local gossips and web sleuths have also speculated that two notorious local paedophiles may have killed Daniel. Jim Hall, 60, and Andrew Ventham, 49, killed themselves in November 2009 in their car repair garage, just 300 yards from where Daniels bike was found. An aerial view of missing boy Daniel Entwistle's home in Copperfield Avenue A view of Copperfield Avenue in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, showing the end terrace home Daniel Entwistle in the foreground on the right An inquest heard how the pair died in a fume filled car after murdering Derick Tempest, 30, who had been demanding cash from them in return for keeping quiet about how they had abused him as a 13-year-old boy. The two mechanics made payments of (pounds) 1,000 and (pounds) 800 after he allegedly saw them with other young boys. They are believed to have killed him when he demanded more money on a third visit to their business Hall's Garage in Camden Place, Great Yarmouth. A note in Mr Hall's handwriting, made it clear that the pair who lived together intended to kill themselves, saying: Sorry about this, but events have conspired against us. The body of Mr Tempest with a 15kg vehicle brake drum tied around his waist was found in April, 2010, in the River Yare near the Berney Arms pub, near Great Yarmouth. A post mortem failed to establish how he had died because his body was so decomposed. Norfolk Police revealed at the inquest that there was strong evidence that Hall and Ventham had killed Mr Tempest and would have been charged with murder if they had lived. Norfolk coroner William Armstrong recorded verdicts that Mr Tempest had been unlawfully killed, and that Hall and Ventham had died by suicide. He added: There is a substantial and impressive body of evidence which leads irresistibly to the conclusion that Mr Hall and Mr Ventham had for many years been behaving in an inappropriate way with young males. There is equally clear evidence that Derick Tempest was effectively blackmailing them. An aerial view of the riverside at Great Yarmouth Ms Taylor told MailOnline how Norfolk Police knew nothing about Hall and Ventham when Daniel disappeared. She added that a police family liaison officer had told her after the pair died that they may have murdered a former victim who was trying to blackmail them. But she said: They searched their garage and house, and found nothing at all to link them to Daniel. I know there have been people on Facebook saying they killed Daniel, but it was nothing to do with them blokes. Mother-of-four Debbie Munday, 40, who used to live on the Barrack estate told MailOnline how she remembered Daniel often being out alone in the months before he disappeared. She said: He was dinky and not very tall. I used to try and engage with him, but he wouldnt speak. On the day he disappeared, it was overcast and I remember seeing him come away on his little scooter. He was going in and out of the road, and I remarked to my ex-husband about him being on his own. I waved at him and told him to get back on the pavement. I would often see him trying to carry shopping by himself, and lugging around big bottles of milk. I think he may have been playing on the wall at the edge of the water and fallen in. Mother-of-four Debbie Munday (pictured), 40, who used to live on the Barrack estate told MailOnline how she remembered Daniel often being out alone in the months before he disappeared Debbie and her mother Susan Hutchison who lives in Copperfield Avenue Debbies mother Susan Hutchison who lives in Copperfield Avenue, added: Daniel used to come in the fish and chip show where I worked. His parents would send him out with an order written down on a bit of paper. It was as if he couldnt speak properly. I used to see him out alone, sometimes down by the quay or along the seafront. My partner who worked down at the Pleasure Beach used to see his bike down there. But another woman living near Daniels old home said: I dont think he had any problem talking. It was just that his parents would give him notes for the shop, so he got an order right. I was always chatting to him because I knew his parents. Once, my husband found him on our fence. My husband told him to get off, and he said No. I had to get him to move. He was cheeky in a funny way. Two police officers came round to check our shed on the day after he disappeared. One of them told me it was almost certain that he had gone in the river. Eleanor Levi Killett, 27, who was a pupil with Daniel at the Greenacre First and Middle School, said she remembered him as a friend who chased her around while pretending to be a dinosaur. She told MailOnline: He was a lovely lad with a cheeky smile. He was very bright and funny. Andy Guy, the Unsolved Case Review Manager for Norfolk Police, said: We recognise the enormity of two decades passing since Daniel went missing, and the impact this has had on his family in that time. As a force we remain committed to finding answers for them, and we have continued to explore new lines of enquiry in this case in response to new and credible information. In the last five years we have pursued 12 pieces of information passed to us. However, despite the original investigation carried out in 2003, our continued efforts and the subsequent appeals in the intervening years, no information or evidence has yet established what happened to Daniel since the last confirmed sighting of him on 3 May 2003. Daniel's case remains active and anyone who has credible information that has not been previously passed to the police can contact us on 01953 423819 or email unsolvedcasereviews@norfolk.police.uk or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III speaks at the 20th International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) Shangri-La Dialogue, Asia's annual defense and security forum in Singapore, June 3. AP-Yonhap U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin rebuked China on Saturday for refusing to hold military talks, leaving the superpowers deadlocked over Taiwan and territorial disputes in the South China Sea. Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue, Asia's top security summit, Austin said Beijing's reluctance to talk undermined efforts to maintain peace in a region where the two rivals are increasing their military firepower. "I am deeply concerned that the PRC (People's Republic of China) has been unwilling to engage more seriously on better mechanisms for crisis management between our two militaries," Austin told the meeting in Singapore. "The more that we talk, the more that we can avoid the misunderstandings and miscalculations that could lead to crisis or conflict." A senior Chinese military official struck back, saying the United States was responsible for a breakdown in dialogue by ramping up sanctions on Chinese officials and destabilising the Asia-Pacific with its military presence. "China-U.S. military relations are faced with difficulties and the responsibility lies entirely on the U.S. side," Lieutenant General Jing Jianfeng told reporters at the summit. "China attaches importance to developing China-U.S. military relations, and our interactions and communication have never been suspended." A U.S. and a Canadian warship sailed through the Taiwan Strait on Saturday, the U.S. Navy said, a show of military might that has incensed China in the past and is likely to push the two sides further apart. There had been slim hopes that the annual Shangri-La Dialogue would be an opportunity to mend the relationship between the U.S. and China, which is at its lowest point in decades. Washington and Beijing are at loggerheads over everything from the future of democratically ruled Taiwan, territorial claims in the South China Sea and President Joe Biden's restrictions on semiconductor chip exports. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III, right, shake hands with China Defense Minister Li Shangfu, left, during the opening dinner for the 20th International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) Shangri-La Dialogue, Asia's annual defense and security forum, in Singapore, June 2. AP-Yonhap The retired FBI agent who was the first on the scene when Ronald Reagan was shot has condemned bureau over revelations in the Durham Report and its dealings with the Republican investigation into the Biden family. Thomas J. Baker has been highly critical of the culture under director Christopher Wray and the abuses of power by federal law enforcement. In an interview with DailyMail.com, he said in his more than 30 years of law enforcement he has never seen any conduct like what was exposed by prosecutors John Durhams findings. The report released last month found there wasnt enough evidence to investigate Donald Trumps links to Russia before the 2016 election and tore apart the Dirty Dossier Steele Report. Baker also said there is no reason why the FBI cant hand over the document the GOP says details a criminal scheme involving Joe Biden, and criticized the bureau and intelligence community for sweeping Hunter's laptop and its contents under the rug. Thomas J. Baker has been highly critical of the culture under director Christopher Wray and the abuses of power by federal law enforcement. He is pictured right with Nancy Reagan He was an FBI Special Agent for 33 years in roles dealing with crime and terrorism. He also has experience as a legal attache in Canberra, Australia, and Paris, France. When President Reagan was shot by John Hinckley Jr in 1981, he was the first agent on the scene. He then led the investigation into what happened by taking on board what the bureau learned in the wake of John F. Kennedy's assassination. Baker, who was the first on the scene after Ronald Reagan was shot, has condemned bureau over the revelations in the Durham Report and its dealings with the Republican investigation into the Biden family Since leaving the FBI he has watched with dismay as it has been embroiled in a multitude of scandals and faced accusations by Republicans it has become 'politicized' and 'weaponized'. He laid these criticisms out in his recent book The Fall of The FBI: How A Once Great Agency Became a Threat to Democracy. In it he details the FBI's 'fall' from the days after 9/11 and the signing of The Patriot Act and the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act or FISA - that has now been used to target American citizens. The law became a focal point of the Durham Report. Former Trump campaign aide Carter Page was put under surveillance for a year under a FISA warrant. Since his book was published in December, Baker says many of his views have been validated by Durham's conclusions. The final report found extensive abuse by agents who tried to find links between Trump and the Kremlin before the 2016 election. The fact they (the bureau) would open an investigation without any kind of probable cause is beyond shocking. Its unimaginable, Baker said of the Durham report conclusion. Baker explained how the Washington FBI field office would call in agents working on sensitive political investigations to make sure they had enough cause. He said FISA used to be aimed at foreign agents resident in the United States. After September 11th, the act was amended and amended again and again. also said there is no reason why the FBI cant hand over the document the GOP says details a criminal scheme involving Joe Biden, and criticized the bureau for sweeping Hunter's laptop and its contents under the rug Now as, as came to light in the Durham report, it was used against an American - Carter Page, who turned out to not be involved in any kind of conspiracy or collusion whatsoever. Yet for a year he was subject to this excessively intrusive electronic surveillance. That's an absolute abuse that Congress could correct going forward. There are thousands of Americans every year subjected to this monitoring. Of course there's no recourse and there's no way to know who they are. 'It's not like in a traditional court of law, the Congress can fix that. They created the FISA Act. They can amend the Pfizer act to limit it, to eliminate the monitoring of US persons. He laid these criticisms out in his recent book The Fall of The FBI: How A Once Great Agency Became a Threat to Democracy It's not just a few bad apples, it's a bad culture. The culture needs to be changed. That's very difficult to do, but it can be done. Every time something happens, somebody's fired or allowed to resign'. Even though those agents have stepped aside, he says it does nothing to fix the underlying problems with the bureau. One example he mentioned was top FBI agent Timothy Thibault, who resigned in August 2022 in the midst of intense scrutiny over claims he suppressed the Hunter probe. He was wal There were others in the government, not necessarily the FBI, who put out that false report. Uh, what is it two years ago that it was the original Hunter Biden laptop was most likely Russian information. The FBI had the laptop in their possession for some time. They have the technical capability and the staffing that they could determine it was genuine in very short order, perhaps in a matter of days, or hours. So there really has been an effort on a lot of people to derail the investigation of Hunter Biden. And the other thing that Congress has exposed is millions and millions of dollars flowing into the, uh, members of the Biden family from overseas accounts specifically in China. I mean that alone to anybody, unless you're extraordinarily naive, that really smells. When President Reagan was shot by John Hinckley Jr in 1981, he was the first agent on the scene. He then led the investigation into what happened by taking on board what the bureau learned in the wake of John F. Kennedy's assassination Baker is referring to the slew of bank transactions uncovered by Republicans showing the flow of money from accounts linked to Beijing that have ended up with Biden family members. It is one part of the sweeping GOP investigation into the first family and the alleged influence-peddling that began when Joe Biden was vice president. One file has become a focal point of the probe - and Republicans believe it could be damning. The document in question is the FD 1023 form, which FBI director Wray is set to hand over to members of the Congressional Oversight Committee. Republicans say this document details a criminal scheme involving Biden, a foreign national and a bribe that could be up to $5million. The form is most often used to record information obtained by a confidential human source. This could be from a cooperating foreign service such as MI5. Baker suggests there might be some hesitancy from the FBI into handing over the document because they fear it may lead to the identification of the source. But he says there is a way to get around it, and that is simply by redacting the name and any personal details. That's been a situation for 50 years. I worked in the FBI's office of Congressional and Public Affairs and we got requests from Congress regularly, and we were able always to satisfy them. He says he was able to disseminate the information while protecting the source by rewriting the contents of the document. When Congress first made this request to the Bureau, they could have come back and said: We'd like to respond by giving you this redacted version which would disguise the person's identity." I don't know why they're being so ugly with Congress right now and making such an issue of this. There are several ways to accommodate Congress without jeopardizing the informant.' Before dawn on October 13, 2020, no fewer than 14 officers from the Metropolitan Police's counter-terrorism unit slip through the front door of Schomberg House, a nondescript red-brick block of flats on a quiet side street in central Westminster. Dressed in bullet-proof vests and carrying a variety of weapons, they creep up the staircase in silence, before gathering outside Flat 20, a two-bedroom rental property believed to be occupied by two thirtysomething professionals. At 5.50am, a battering ram smashes down the door and all hell breaks loose. 'I recall being woken by a violent crash as the door and its frame were broken through,' one of the occupants said later. 'Suddenly, there were sounds of people bursting into the flat and shouting . . . I thought we were being burgled.' The diplomat in question is Kim Darroch (pictured). Now known as Lord Darroch of Kew, he was the UK's Ambassador to the U.S. between 2016 and 2019, when he was forced to resign after secret Foreign Office memos found their way to the Mail on Sunday That scandal involved rumours that the married 69-year-old Darroch had, during his ambassadorship, pursued an affair with a blonde TV journalist named Michelle Kosinski (pictured) Officers burst into each of the bedrooms; others start ransacking the communal areas. The remainder take up defensive positions, guarding doors and windows. Within seconds, the unit has identified its 'target', a 37-year-old male civil servant. Bewildered, half-naked and barely awake, the man learns that he's under arrest on suspicion of two crimes: violating the Official Secrets Act and committing misconduct in a public office. 'The police began ransacking my flat, but it was clear they wanted me out of the flat while they did this,' he recalls. 'So they dragged me from my bedroom to the living room and started interrogating me while I was disorientated.' Once the suspect has surrendered both his mobile telephones and laptops, as well as their passwords, it's time to go. He's escorted out of Schomberg House, which is roughly 200 yards from MI5's imposing riverside HQ, driven across the Thames and booked into a cell at Southwark police station. So begins a long, traumatic and surreal journey which culminated this week, some two-and-a-half years later, in an appearance at the High Court in London. Here, the man's dramatic arrest has spawned a highly unusual court case. The arrest was staged to create a PR distraction from the scandal It centres on claims that the 14-man counter-terrorism raid was staged as part of a far-reaching conspiracy, hatched in the upper reaches of Britain's Government, to cover up a scandal involving allegations of sex, lies, and betrayal . . . by one of our most senior diplomats. The diplomat in question is Kim Darroch. Now known as Lord Darroch of Kew, he was the UK's Ambassador to the U.S. between 2016 and 2019, when he was forced to resign after secret Foreign Office memos in which he'd described his host nation's then president, Donald Trump, as 'inept', 'insecure' and 'incompetent' found their way to the Mail on Sunday. As for the alleged conspiracy, that has been set out in very great detail in an array of court documents filed by the target of the Schomberg House raid, whom we shall call 'A'. The now 39-year-old is currently based in Washington DC, and is suing for damages related to the impact the police operation had on his life and livelihood. The legal papers explain that 'A' was taken into custody on the aforementioned morning of October 13, 2020, on suspicion of being the Whitehall insider who leaked Darroch's secret Foreign Office memos to the Press a year earlier. However, the man vigorously denies the claim. And no charges were ever filed. In a lawsuit against the Government, 'A' instead argues that the arrest, which led to him briefly becoming homeless, was orchestrated by senior UK officials to divert attention from a second major scandal that was then threatening our relationship with the U.S. That scandal involved rumours that the married 69-year-old Darroch had, during his ambassadorship, pursued an affair with a blonde TV journalist named Michelle Kosinski. U.S. authorities allegedly came across evidence of the fling during a probe into how the glamorous, 49-year-old CNN reporter who was not exactly a famed scoop-getter had managed to break a string of high-profile diplomatic stories in the course of a few short months in 2018. They wondered if Darroch had passed his alleged mistress information from the Five Eyes, an international intelligence alliance involving Britain, the U.S., Australia, New Zealand and Canada. British newspapers got wind of the whole thing and, in October 2020, the UK Government which was understandably keen to prevent details being reported learned that one title, The Sun, was on the verge of publishing. According to 'A', his arrest was staged to create a PR distraction. It was hoped the ensuing kerfuffle would draw attention away from allegations that, as his lawsuit puts it, Our Man In Washington 'leaked U.S. state secrets in exchange for sex from a CNN journalist'. In the event, Darroch's alleged affair made headlines anyway. On which front, it should be noted that Kosinski, who is married to retired investment banker Kimbell Duncan, denied sleeping with Darroch or getting stories from him. 'Tabloids printing incorrect information about my private life is unacceptable,' she said. 'There is a great deal wrong and simply false about what is being reported.' Meanwhile, Darroch, who decided in September to take a leave of absence from the Lords, has chosen not to dignify the whole thing with a comment. What we do know, however, is that the UK Government is acutely embarrassed by the episode. Indeed, ministers appear to be desperate for any trial at which 'A's claims are aired to be held in secret. On Wednesday it applied for, and won, permission to submit a 'closed' defence to the former civil servant's legal action, meaning the public, Press and even the man bringing the case will be excluded from proceedings to protect national security. In a Kafka-esque twist, the application to the High Court was signed off by James Cleverly, the Foreign Secretary who, as head of the Foreign Office, also happens to be one of the defendants. The bid for secrecy has sparked a wider political controversy. Senior Tories led by the former Brexit Secretary David Davis are complaining that Government lawyers are weaponising controversial legislation designed for anti-terror cases in a 'wholly inappropriate' manner 'to cover up potentially embarrassing stories involving diplomats and civil servants'. So why exactly did a former Whitehall staffer choose to pursue this landmark case? And how did 'A', who was previously an anonymous functionary, end up at the centre of a drama so colourful it might have been plucked from the pages of a John Le Carre novel? The man, whom the Mail has chosen not to name, is a dual U.S. and British citizen who studied law at Oxford in the early 2000s. A somewhat eccentric individual, who suffers from dyslexia and autism, he joined the civil service and worked for a time as a press officer at the Ministry of Defence. From 2017, he says he was 'a rising grade 7 civil servant' at the Department for International Trade, a role that today commands a salary of 55,000 to 65,000. The events leading to his arrest began with Darroch's resignation in 2019. It caused significant embarrassment to the British Government, who then charged the Metropolitan Police with finding the source of the leak of cables that called Donald Trump 'inept'. But their high-profile investigation, Operation Asperite, made little immediate progress. Part of the problem was that Darroch's unflattering remarks about Trump had been made in documents marked 'Official' and 'Official Sensitive', the lowest classification of security clearance. That meant, according to court papers, that they had been circulated to as many as 45,000 individuals, making the list of potential suspects extraordinarily long. Another major issue was that Steve Edgington, the journalist responsible for giving the documents to the Mail on Sunday, which broke the story in July 2019, wouldn't reveal his source. That frustrated Scotland Yard, who at one point accused the newspaper of 'criminal behaviour', prompting a stern dressing down from Boris Johnson, who was then standing for Tory leader, who accused them of 'infringing on Press freedom'. One way or another, by the summer of 2020 the trail had gone cold. But then the police chanced upon an intriguing lead: they learned that Edgington, who was now working at The Sun, appeared to be at least vaguely acquainted with a civil servant who'd had access to the leaked cables. That civil servant was 'A'. According to court papers, the two men had first met at a dinner hosted by the Duke of Marlborough. Bizarrely, 'A' claims he was invited to that event as a guest of his 'god-daughter' who, he claims, is the Tory backbencher Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown's second wife Kym Erlich, an actress-turned-estate agent two decades the MP's junior. (Sir Geoffrey did not respond to the Mail's request for comment.) While the civil servant insists he had nothing to do with the 2019 leak of Darroch's classified memos, he admits he became friendly with Edgington, meeting for drinks on several occasions. Then, in 2020, he offered to help Edgington investigate Darroch's alleged relationship with Kosinski. In particular, 'A' says, he 'made introductions in Washington DC with U.S. officials' who might be able to help the journalist. By October 2020, The Sun was ready to publish an article headlined 'Trumpy pumpy'. It mentioned intimate messages exchanged by the pair. 'A' also claims to have obtained copies of the messages, which he says are being held by his U.S. lawyers. On October 12, the newspaper approached Darroch for comment, handing a letter to Vanessa, his wife of four decades, outside their home in London. It was just hours later that, in a different corner of London, the police suddenly decided to descend on Schomberg House. Oddly, a senior Metropolitan Police officer then telephoned The Sun's deputy editor in a bid to prevent the newspaper publishing details of Darroch's alleged affair on the grounds that 'they had just arrested the source'. The request fell on deaf ears, The Sun published and shortly afterwards Kosinski left CNN. She has since collaborated on a podcast with another senior British official, Sir Richard Dearlove, the former head of MI6. Today, she works for TRT, a Turkish news outlet based in Istanbul. But we digress. The timing of these events are now at the centre of 'A's argument that he was wrongfully arrested in an effort to 'take the attention off Lord Darroch'. Michelle Kosinski with her husband Kimbell Duncan, flanked by the Obamas That theory is supported by, among others, Nigel Farage, who said at the time: 'It seems the Establishment are working to protect themselves. The arrest [of 'A'] is a classic diversionary tactic by the authorities with the Foreign Office working closely with the security services.' 'A's lawsuit which names as defendants Foreign Secretary James Cleverly and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch, the heads of the departments he claims mistreated him alleges that the arrest caused him great harm. On the day police burst into his flat, 'A' was on sick leave after having surgery for skin cancer. This, combined with his autism, caused significant trauma, the man claims, saying he was 'severely ill' and 'kept having to use the toilet while I was being interrogated. The police crowded into the lavatory . . . and watched me sit on the toilet pan. It was totally humiliating and degrading.' His troubles really began, however, roughly 24 hours later, after he was released on bail. Not only had his home been 'trashed' 'they tore panels off the wall and doors off cabinets and everything was in disarray . . . [police] even emptied the Rice Krispies box looking for evidence' but he found it impossible to access cash, since his computer devices and all forms of identification had been seized. We expect such behaviour from regimes such as Russia or China 'I did not have a domestic UK bank account at the time of the police raid,' he says. 'I used overseas banks for my financial transactions, given that I had spent most of my life outside the UK. All of a sudden I could not access those accounts.' Police had also informed his landlord of their raid. He then gave the man three months' notice to leave the premises. With no identification or ability to access funds, he was left on the streets. 'I am now a homeless person living at a charity with recovering heroin addicts and alcoholics in Croydon,' the man told a bail hearing shortly afterwards. 'I have no permanent home address. My mail is being forwarded from my previous address to my friends.' He was not, it must be stressed, either an alcoholic or a drug-user. On several occasions, in the ensuing weeks, he attempted suicide, prompting the police to try (unsuccessfully) to have him sectioned under the Mental Health Act. It wasn't until April six months after his arrest that arduous bail conditions were lifted, allowing him to be reunited with his passport and other important documents. With no charges having been filed, he was free to return to the U.S., where today he works for a Washington think-tank. Now he's on the hunt for compensation. To that end, 'A' has amassed a significant quantity of evidence suggesting that senior civil service and police officials behaved unlawfully. That evidence will, he promises, be made public at trial. The Government is anxious to avoid any such circus. Yet its efforts to insist 'A's claim for damages is scrutinised in secret on national security grounds will do little to convince sceptics they have nothing to hide. Andrea Jenkyns, a former Tory minister, said this week: 'The public and the Press have a right to see the evidence in this case we must have maximum transparency to get to the bottom of any allegations made.' Paul Diamond, 'A's barrister, added in court: 'We expect this behaviour from totalitarian regimes, such as Russia, China and North Korea, but it is an outrage this could happen in the UK.' A judge with security clearance will now decide whether future hearings need to be held behind closed doors. 'A's case, will, in other words, continue. There is significant public interest in its outcome. However, it remains to be seen whether we will be permitted to hear the gory details. A Good Samaritan who is homeless helped reunited a two-year-old boy with his parents after a thief stole the car the little boy was sleeping in. Police are now searching for a man who stole the SUV whose owners had left their snoozing two-year old inside. The youngster's parents had stopped off at a relatives house in Florida and didn't want to disturb the boy and so left him sleeping in the front seat of the car. Seconds later, the thief to managed to break in and steal the car with the little boy still snoozing inside. Authorities in Florida are currently hunting a man who stole a car containing a sleeping two-year-old child who had been left inside by his parents Moments after parents had left the child inside the car, a thief successfully broke in and drove off - a short distance later the kid was taken out and left by the roadside When an SUV was stolen with a toddler inside, a good samaritan jumped in to save the day. @eriellereshef has more. pic.twitter.com/abShIzNCzO Good Morning America (@GMA) June 2, 2023 A short distance away from where the car was stolen, the suspect removed the child from the car a left him on a nearby street where he was found shortly afterwards by a Good Samaritan. 'I didn't see any parents around and he was crying a little bit so i thought I'd better check on him,' Darrel Everman said to ABC News. 'I felt it was important to keep him calm so I acted as though nothing important was going on. 'I was driving to my storage unit there on State Avenue and I looked to my right and there's a child about five feet off the road. I knew that didn't look right. I was concerned. He looked like he needed some help, and I was glad I was there to help him,' Everman said. 'I'm glad he's OK. I thank God he put me in the predicament to find him. I was glad I made the right decisions to help him.' 'I didn't see any parents around and he was crying a little bit so i thought I'd better check on him,' said Good Samaritan Darrel Everman to ABC News. Everman man is seen in police body cam footage after he called them to reunite the child The little boy was unharmed but seemed a little upset by the whole ordeal Touching bodycam video footage sees police officers comforting the boy and giving him a hug as they arranged to meet up with the youngster's parents The officers kept the little boy calm while giving him a toy to soothe him Everman, 57, quickly alerted police who were on the scene and managed to reunite the toddler with his worried family. Touching bodycam video footage sees police officers comforting the boy and giving him a hug as they arranged to meet up with the youngster's parents. 'What's up, buddy? You OK?' the officer said in the video before giving him an Elmo toy. 'Wanna come with me, buddy? Wanna go see your mommy?' Holly Hill's police chief a community watch meeting that Everman is the definition of community watch. Everman has been homeless for a number of years living out of his car. He was invited to dinner at the community watch meeting. 'I've gotten a gift certificate. They're talking about an oil change. They're going to help me find some employment, maybe,' Everman told WESH. Authorities in Florida are still looking for the suspect and the stolen vehicle. The mum who left her newborn on a back patio was known to the family who discovered the naked baby girl in their backyard, police have revealed. The newborn - barely an hour old - was discovered alone on a wicker chair next to a children's playset at a Blacktown home in Sydney's west on April 21. She was covered in birth fluids, with the umbilical cord still attached, as she lay on a cushion - her mother nowhere to be seen. A woman, 35, came forward to police earlier this month after watching a harrowing plea on TV from a Sydney teen who was also abandoned as a newborn 18 years ago. DNA results this week confirmed the woman is the mother of the baby left in the Blacktown backyard in April. The woman recently arrived in Australia on a working visa and feared she would be deported if authorities learned she was pregnant or that she had a baby, The Saturday Telegraph reported. DNA results have confirmed the identity of a woman who left her newborn on the back patio (pictured) of this Blacktown home in April It's understood the woman gave birth in the Blacktown home before leaving the newborn on the patio knowing the baby would be taken care of. It's believed the family who found the baby had no idea the woman known to them was pregnant or had given birth, the publication added. Police have ended their inquiries into the matter. 'The matter is under the responsibility of the Department of Communities and Justice and will be heard at a children's court,' Blacktown Superintendent Jason Pietruszka said. 'In the interest of the woman and child's right to privacy, no further information will be provided in relation to this matter.' A Department of Communities and Justice spokeswoman said the baby girl has been released from hospital and is now 'happy and healthy' with a foster carer. It's believed the family who found the baby had no idea the woman known to them was pregnant or had given birth The Carlos family recalled in April how they heard feint cries while putting out the washing before finding the child in a nearby chair They received instructions over the phone from triple-0 on how to cut the umbilical cord. 'I couldn't find anything in the kitchen, so I grabbed a shoelace and used thatthen they (paramedics) talked me through how to do it,' Anne Carlos said at the time. 'We knew she had been born very recently, like only hours earlier, because she still had the white stuff (vernix) on her head.' She believes the newborn was cleaned up before being left as there wasn't much blood on her. Anne Carlos' sister was hanging out washing when she found the newborn in a nearby wicker cane chair She recalled hearing the side gate slam loudly shut, thinking at the time it was her brother-in-law. 'But now we realise that must have been the mum or whoever left the baby here, and they closed it loudly so we would go out and find her. You don't bang a gate closed if you don't want to be heard,' she said. The mum cam forward to police in May after watching a segment on A Current Affair featuring an impassioned plea from teenager Jessica Boatwright, who was also abandoned as a newborn at Liverpool Hospital in 2005 It's understood the woman felt she needed to come forward after hearing Jessica's story. The bad reviews keep coming for The View as the long-running talk show was thrashed in a scathing New York Times review by longtime fan and author Megan Stack who called it a 'chorus of conformity'. She took aim at the show in a guest essay published Friday and said she loved it for its 'messy and fearless debate' but its co-hosts now virtually agree on every point. Stack revealed she used to be a fan of the show and argued it has become too conformist to represent Americans as 'the people are split' and 'our many divisions obstruct coherent governance'. The writer hit out at The View which presents itself as a program where multiple viewpoints are shared over different topics and said it 'continues to project a brightly lit illusion of accord'. Stack pointed to how the panelists agree that Joe Biden is a good president and share similar thoughts on topics like gun reform and protecting LGBT rights which are notorious for splitting American opinion. The View has been thrashed in a scathing New York Times review by longtime fan and author Megan Stack who called it a 'chorus of conformity' Stack took aim at the show in a guest essay published Friday and said she loved it for its 'messy and fearless debate' but its co-hosts now virtually agree on every point She began her criticism by saying her friends aren't interested in The View because they think the co-hosts- Joy Behar, Whoopi Goldberg, Sara Haines, Sunny Hostin, Ana Navarro and Farah Griffin- are 'always arguing'. But Stack labelled this ironic and claims there are hardly any arguments on the show which makes it worse. 'Which is funny because, if you ask me, the co-hosts dont argue nearly enough,' she wrote. 'At least, not substantively. Not anymore. The freewheeling discussions that once evoked a spectrum of American opinion on everything from reproductive rights to foreign policy those have mostly fallen silent.' The author said 'The View has become a chorus of conformity' and added: 'The title of this show Ive loved for years used to suggest messy and fearless debate. Lately, it seems like a command.' Stack said the list of co-hosts would make you think they had different viewpoints but they would end up agreeing on major liberal policy points. 'The hosts include centrist Democrats (Ms. Hostin and Ms. Behar), centrist Republicans (Ms. Farah Griffin and Ana Navarro) and one centrist independent (the TV journalist Sara Haines),' she wrote. 'But, anyway, they agree. They agree (or at least pretend to agree) that Mr. Biden is basically a good president.' 'Even on topics notorious for splitting American opinion the need for common-sense gun reform, protecting L.G.B.T.Q. rights and funding the war in Ukraine they dont find much to debate one another about. 'Even those who privately consider abortion a sin agree that access should be preserved in some cases.' And she spoke about how the panel is unified in their support for President Biden and labelled it 'unabashed cheerleading'. 'The panel of View hosts has been annoyed and dismissive of other Democrats who might vie for the nomination,' her column added. Stack revealed she used to be a fan of the show and argued it has become too conformist to represent Americans as 'the people are split': Pictured The View co-host Whoopi Goldberg The writer pointed to how the panelists agree that Joe Biden is a good president and share similar thoughts on topics like gun reform and protecting LGBT rights which are notorious for splitting opinion: Pictured co-host Sunny Hostin Stack pointed to how Farah Griffin (pictured) had spoken about her doubts over voting for Biden which was quickly shut down by her colleagues Stack pointed to how Griffin had spoken about her doubts over voting for Biden which was quickly shut down by her colleagues. She said: 'Ms. Farah Griffin has said shed write in another candidate before voting for either Mr. Biden or Mr. Trump, but her counterpoints tend to get interrupted or dismissed by the rest of the panel. 'Mr. Biden "needs another four years to finish the job," Ms. Behar said. "You cant fight fascism in four years only. You need eight years for that."' Stack continued with her example and said Hostin added that 'He has had a lot of accomplishments' while Goldberg said 'He brought us back from the precipice. Maybe its not a perfect country, but its better than where we were'. 'With that, the music came up and the audience applauded. The discussion was done,' she wrote. The writer also claimed the co-hosts were unanimous in their hatred of former President Donald Trump and the Republican party. She added: 'And there is no article of agreement more important lending the show an intoxicating but oddly irreal flavor as the ladies absolute disdain for Mr. Trump and, increasingly, anyone who belongs to his party.' The View has appeared on ABC since August 1997 and has run for 26 seasons. It airs each weekday at 11am. Dailymail.com has contacted ABC for comment. The swinish multitude is back. Only we call them gammon now, not swine. A couple of centuries ago, at the dawn of the modern democratic era, the rabble that wanted more of a say in public life were looked upon as pigs. Today, they're looked upon as pig meat. I'm fairly sure that's a demotion. At least pigs are alive, and pretty intelligent, too. Gammon, in contrast, is inanimate flesh, unfeeling, unthinking, liable to decay. That's us, apparently. That's the throng now. Gammon has become the insult du jour of the British left in recent years. They use it to refer to a certain kind of voter. Right-wing, pro-Brexit, angry, red about the face hence 'gammon'. These gammon-cheeked scourges of electoral politics, who are normally working class or lower-middle class, are held responsible for all the supposed political ills of our time, especially populism. Gammon has become the insult du jour of the British left in recent years. They use it to refer to a certain kind of voter. Right-wing, pro-Brexit, angry, red about the face hence 'gammon' These 'flushed, middle-aged Brexiteers' look like cuts of a 'hearty pork steak', says one observer, and they're ruining the political life of the nation with all their 'ranting about Brexit and immigrants' These 'flushed, middle-aged Brexiteers' look like cuts of a 'hearty pork steak', says one observer, and they're ruining the political life of the nation with all their 'ranting about Brexit and immigrants'. People with some knowledge of British history, and in particular of the historical struggle for democratic rights, might find all this talk of pig meat a little familiar. The metaphor of pigs has stalked the debate about democracy in Britain for hundreds of years. Indeed, one of the great democratic journals of the 1790s was actually called Pig's Meat. Why? Because it was a response to the anti-democratic prejudices of the establishment and in particular to the political thinker and philosopher Edmund Burke's handwringing over 'the swinish multitude'. Burke viewed the revolutionary masses as the hoofish destroyers of culture, and radical pamphleteers responded with satirically piggish indignation. We demand 'The Rights of Swine', said Pig's Meat in 1794. Burke introduced the pig trope in 1790 in his Reflections on the Revolution in France a deeply conservative attack on the tumult across the English Channel. 'Learning will be cast into the mire and trodden down under the hoofs of a swinish multitude', Burke warned. There it was. The nightmarish vision of the swine, of the pig-like, unlearned crowd, overpowering what Burke described as 'the spirit of [the] gentleman, and the spirit of religion'. Gammon has become the insult du jour of the British left in recent years Radicals in England, stirred rather than horrified by what was happening in France, responded with great ferocity to Burke's piggy jibe. In 1793, there was the publication of an anonymous pamphlet titled An Address to the Hon. Edmund Burke from the Swinish Multitude. It giddily ran with the pig metaphor, contrasting the economic difficulties of the 'poor porkers' of England with the lives of luxury enjoyed by 'lordly swine' such as Burke. It was hugely popular, sold under the counter in bookstores and pored over in taverns. There was also Hog's Wash, published by radical journalist Daniel Isaac Eaton between 1794 and 1795. He revelled in giving voice to the swine. Imagine pigs, he wrote, 'demanding that political liberty shall be the same to all to the high and the low, the rich and the poor what audacity!' He also published a piece in Hog's Wash that said we should 'rid the world of tyrants'. It was interpreted as an attack on King George III and Eaton was hauled off to court. But the jury acquitted him, to wild public acclaim. People celebrated in the streets and even cast medallions in honour of this spokesman for swine. Alas, the law eventually caught up with the swinish rebels. As the human rights lawyer Geoffrey Bindman describes it, 'by the end of 1795, the government [of William Pitt] had got its act together'. It passed two new laws against the heresy of radical agitation. Radicals recognised the jig was up for the swinish multitude. One poetically wrote: 'Having destroyed the best men in the nation, / we SWINE if we are not mistaken / must screaming and gnawing our tongues for vexation; / be butcher'd and made into bacon.' Bacon that's how the swine of England ended up during the Age of Revolution, fried and sizzled by the reactionary rulers of the day. Fast forward a couple of centuries and now they're gammon. Pig talk is back. Of course, today's fretters over democracy, and especially populist democracy, are too sophisticated, or at least too politically correct, to use phrases like 'the swinish multitude'. And yet, strikingly, they have been drawn back to swine-like language. They have reached, once again, for the metaphor of the hog. They are, in a repeat of history as farce, talking about the plebs as pig meat. Gammon, like Burke's swines, are viewed as the enemies of culture: unrefined, insensitive, lacking in due regard for the expert class. So widespread was the use of the gammon slur in liberal and Leftish chatter post-Brexit that, in 2018, the Collins English Dictionary chose it as one of its words of the year. 'Gammon: a person, typically middle-aged and white, with reactionary views, especially one who supports the withdrawal of Britain from the European Union.' Pig meat became a byword for what the metropolitan elites view as those small-village Little Englanders who make deficient democratic choices. The fallout from the British people's vote for Brexit and the American people's vote for Trump was extraordinary. Views that were once only expressed in the privacy of a boozy dinner party exploded into public life And however much the deployers of the gammon jibe say it's only a reference to a person's complexion, so calm down, the fact is it echoes the old loathing of swine remarkably well. Gammon, like swinish multitude, is fundamentally a reference to people lower down the social ladder: culturally stunted, uneducated, too dim for politics. One Left-wing writer describes encountering a 'nest of gammon' on social media nest: are they pigs or insects? and says these soulless creatures require 'regular spoon-feeding from the trashy tabloids' to tell them what to think. Gammon '[spit] out talking points found in fascist organs like the Daily Mail or, for those preferring something less intellectual, the Daily Express', runs a much-quoted online definition. Brexit may only have been a ballot box revolt rather than a full-on revolution and it might not reshape our epoch quite as thoroughly as the French revolutionaries did theirs. But it was a historic democratic moment and one which, yet again, reanimated the pig phobia of the establishment. It is striking that for all of today's discussion about so-called cancel culture, about whether it's acceptable or not to 'cancel' the speech of the offensive and the ignorant, one of the most terrible acts of cancel culture is rarely mentioned the cancellation of democracy. We are living through a furious carnival of reaction against the democratic ideal. The populist moment has dragged into public view the cultural elites' extant terror of entrusting political decision-making to the people. The fallout from the British people's vote for Brexit and the American people's vote for Trump was extraordinary. Views that were once only expressed in the privacy of a boozy dinner party exploded into public life. People who once would only have dared to hint that the masses are pig-like in the comfort of their own homes, while clinking glasses with a like-minded highbrow, were now giving utterance to such corrupt thoughts in the public sphere. We are no longer successfully keeping 'the mob from the gates', said Matthew Parris. We now know, he said, that 'huge numbers of voters' can be 'horribly if temporarily misled by false prospectuses, by lies, by unreasonable hopes and by sudden fears and hatreds'. A pro-EU former adviser to the UK Conservative Party wrung his hands over the 'democratic extremism' of the Brexit era, for it 'takes a noble idea, that everyone's political views should count equally, too far'. What an interesting concept democracy going too far. Brexit may only have been a ballot box revolt rather than a full-on revolution and it might not reshape our epoch quite as thoroughly as the French revolutionaries did theirs This was a recurring theme of the post-Brexit and post-Trump intellectual meltdown that rule by the people is fine, but rule by dumb people, by the uninformed, by people who have been 'swayed by prejudice and emotion', is another thing entirely. The people unleashed is the great terror of the elites. Under the cover of attacking populism, the cultural and political classes are really attacking democracy. Populism's sins its granting of too much power to the uninformed; its treatment of the passionate view of the pleb as equal to the knowledgeable view of the professor; its cultivation of a public sphere in which information, including misinformation, enjoyed free rein were really democracy's sins. A few days after the vote for Brexit, a senior fellow at the Center on International Cooperation at New York University put it as plainly as it could be put in Foreign Policy. 'It's time for the elites to rise up against the ignorant masses', the headline declared. The divide of our time, he said, is between the 'sane [and] the mindlessly angry', and right now the mindlessly angry are winning. There it was in black and white, or red in tooth and claw, perhaps: the informed must wrest decision-making back from the dense; the 21st-century nobility must take back power from the swinish multitude. Such elitism wasn't just talk. In the UK, the establishment agitated for the voiding of the vote for Brexit, of 17.4 million ballots, and the holding of a second referendum. In the U.S., Trump was depicted as an illegitimate president, installed in power by illegitimate means thus a false ruler. There were moments in the past seven years when it genuinely felt as though democracy might be overturned. We were continually on the cusp of the most appalling cancellation in this era of cancel culture: the cancellation of democracy and by extension of freedom itself. For here's the thing: every undermining of democracy is an undermining of the thing that makes democracy possible and real freedom of speech. Anti-democratic sentiment represents one of the gravest erosions of free speech imaginable because it chips away at the foundational conviction of free speech namely, that people, from the nobility to the multitude, from the elite to the gammon, have sufficient mastery of reason to be able to weigh up information and ideas and make moral judgments as to which ones are good and which ones are bad. Our era's dread of gammon, its fear of the rule of emotion over expertise, is rooted in a belief that people lack the moral and political depth to be able to withstand the deceptions of the powerful. Brexit is the handiwork of 'lobbyists and billionaires' who were 'wilfully manipulating the media and public opinion', said a Labour MP in 2017. It is a tragedy for 'liberal democracy', said Nick Cohen, a writer for the Observer, that 'demagogic arguments are proving so resonant to so many'. A view of the multitude as dangerously foolish has informed elitist contempt for democracy for as long as the idea of democracy has existed. Plato thought democracy had a tendency to undermine the expertise necessary to run a state. In England in the 1640s, Marchamont Nedham, an adviser to Oliver Cromwell, responded to the Leveller idea of expanded democracy by describing the masses as 'void of Reason . . . with an unbridled violence in all their Actions, trampling down all respect of things Sacred and Civill . . .' In short, too emotional. In the UK, the establishment agitated for the voiding of the vote for Brexit, of 17.4 million ballots, and the holding of a second referendum A hundred and fifty years later, as France shook, we had Burke's agitation with the swinish multitude. Fifty years after that, in the 1840s, one of the key arguments made by the elites against the Chartists' fight for the right of working-class men to vote was that those dregs were the most likely victims of demagoguery, 'more exposed than any other class in the community to be tainted by corruption, and converted to the vicious ends of faction'. And 70 years after that, when women demanded suffrage, so-called experts insisted that 'woman is emotional, and . . . government by emotion quickly degenerates into injustice'. Now, despite our societies' payment of lip service to the idea of equality, we are still told that people are too moved by 'prejudice and emotion', too lethally believing, too exploitable by conmen to be able to make reasoned political decisions. Right now, in the fires of populism, the elites' fear of the mass media is nothing more than an extension of their fear of the masses. The untruths of the media concern them only inasmuch as they have a low opinion of ordinary people's ability to withstand untruth. The argument of the anti-democrats, then and now, is that surely it would be better if society were governed by those in the know. Anyone but the swines, anyone but gammon, anyone but us. The answer has to be no. First, because that just isn't how democracy works. As David Runciman, professor of politics at Cambridge University, says: 'The basic premise of democracy has always been that it doesn't matter how much you know. You get a say because you have to live with the consequences of what you do.' The second reason we should reject the rule of the knowers is the far more important one. It's because democracy is not a means to an end. It is not some mere mechanism for arriving at what someone has decreed often wrongly to be the best way of running society. No, the virtue of democracy lies in its mobilisation of the people to think and speak on issues of great importance. Democracy's wonder lies not in its outcomes some of which are good, like Brexit, others of which are questionable, like that third term for Tony Blair but rather in its exercise. Democracy invites us to find ways to make our voices heard, and to listen to other voices, and to judge the moral weight of all we hear. Democracy asks us to take ourselves seriously, and to take ideas seriously, and to enter the public sphere as citizens. It demands that we take decisions and take responsibility for those decisions. Sometimes we make good choices, sometimes we make bad ones it's the act of making the choice that matters. It strengthens our moral muscles, makes real our role as citizens and binds people together into a society of choosing. Democracy gives life and meaning to the freedom of the individual to think and decide for himself, and to the ties and connections that transform society from a place we merely inhabit into a world we shape and own and govern. The poet John Milton understood this. Milton trusted people to use their reason. When God gave Adam reason, he wrote, 'He gave him freedom to choose, for reason is but choosing' Heresy is choosing, too. That's where the word comes from. 'Orthodox' comes from the Greek for 'right belief ', heresy from the Greek for 'choice of belief '. That remains the dread of the anti-democratic elites our choosing of our beliefs and our choosing of our political path. It remains the task of the heretic to defend choosing, 'for reason is but choosing', in how he thinks, how he acts on the world and what he wants the political destiny of his nation to be. Pigs, keep fighting for the rights of swine. Extracted from A Heretic's Manifesto: Essays On The Unsayable by Brendan O'Neill, to be published by Spiked on June 5 at 12.99. To order a copy for 11.69 (offer valid to June 17; UK P&P free on orders over 25). visit: mailshop.co.uk/books or call 020 3176 2937. A woman has died while a man and two children have been rushed to hospital after a horror house fire in central-west NSW, sparking harrowing scenes. Emergency services were called to the family home on Pimpala Place, Orange about 5.45am on Saturday and arrived to find the house engulfed in flames. A man escaped the blaze but suffered burns while trying to re-enter the home to rescue two children and a woman still trapped inside Firefighters entered the home and rescued two children who were pulled outside. Harrowing young cries can be heard as the children were treated by paramedics in the street for smoke inhalation. Paramedics treated two children rescued from the burning home in Orange before they were taken to hospital The children were taken to Orange Base Hospital, along with the man who suffered burns. Firefighters located a woman in a front room of the home a short time later but she was unable to be revived. All four are from the same family, police have confirmed. The house has sustained extensive damage with broken window glass strewn across the street. Black smoke billowed from the home as horrified neighbours watched on across from the street. A pram was seen in the front yard of the home. The body of a woman was found in the front room of the burning home (pictured) Police and fire investigators are still unable to enter the gutted home Firefighters rushed to the scene and arrived within six minutes of the triple-0 call. 'Due to their brave and rapid actions, they were able to enter the home,which was well alight and rescued two children from the home,' Fire and Rescue NSW region Acting Inspector Dane Phillippe said. 'Unfortunately after that point in time, we have located a lady inside the home who was unable to be saved.' A crime scene has been established with an investigation now underway. Specialist fire investigators and police will enter the home when it is deemed safe. It's not yet known what sparked the blaze. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers. A woman is dead and three others are in hospital after the horror house fire (scene pictured) The tragedy has prompted Fire and Rescue NSW to reiterate warnings about house safety during winter with the increased of heaters and electric blankets during the cooler months. Working smoke alarms in the home will save lives. 'We see an increase of fires in NSW in the cooler months,' Acting Inspector Phillippe said. 'In terms of heaters and electric blankets, we're getting them out and haven't used them for a while. Let's make sure they're safe for use before using.' Having a house escape plan and making sure your family knows what to do in the event of the fire is also crucial. The structure shows the caravans under a roof with tarps Two caravans up for rent in NSW has copped criticism A caravan 'shanty town' in the bush with an exposed kitchen and living area has copped backlash after it was put up for rent for $400. An image of two caravans 'covered and protected from the weather' by a roof and tarps in Mullumbimby in the Bryon Shire, NSW was posted on social media this week. But some have lambasted the ad asking if the two-caravan set up 'is even legal'. The picture is a window into the rental crisis gripping the country, that is forcing desperate tenants even in Australia's regional towns to settle for living in a tent - because of soaring rents and a lack of housing supply. Photos of the rental showed the outdoor 'lounge area' and kitchen in between the two caravans - with a tarp and roof as the only protection from the elements. The dwelling - since reduced to $350 a week - also includes an outdoor, roofless 'hot water shower'. An image of two caravans (pictured) 'covered and protected from the weather' by a roof and tarps in Mullumbimby in the Bryon Shire was posted on social media this week Photos of the rental showed the outdoor 'lounge area' (pictured) and kitchen in between the two caravans - with a tarp and roof as the only protection from the elements An image of the outdoor kitchen (pictured) showed what appears to be a gas stove with a variety of condiments on the shelves 'We are looking for a nice and clean nature loving couple/single or two good friends to rent our caravans,' the post read. It said the property is 'surrounded by beautiful forest and nature'. One of the brown caravans has an 'in suite' bathroom and shower while the other one has an 'open space' with a 'very good bed mattress and TV'. Theres an outdoor and indoor lounge and 'fully equipped kitchen', it said. An image of the outdoor kitchen showed what appears to be a gas stove with a dirty tea towel hanging down over the handle and a variety of condiments on the shelves. It also appears to have a large wooden pantry and timber cupboards with tarps hanging down behind - with carvings on some of the doors and a big fridge. A lone cleaning spray sat on one of the wooden benches while a large pot and pan were seen stacked on a dishrack. 'Its all covered and protected from the weather,' the ad said of the lounge and kitchen space. The rental 'rainwater property' included Wi-fi in the price but did not say if it covers any other bills - it also added tenants were not allowed to have a pet dog. The rental, captioned '2 caravan set up for rent', was slammed by TikTokker Rach McQueen this week who called it a 'shanty town'. 'Is this even legal?' a follower of hers asked. 'Whoa, I'm paying less for actual walls,' another said. 'Sure for $100 pw but not $400 even questionable for $100,' a third wrote, before the price was dropped. But others lampooned the 'shack' with the lounge furniture and kitchen exposed to the bush. 'They forgot to add - must love spiders, mice and snakes... and mosquitoes,' a commenter joked. 'My kids built a shack in the backyard out of branches, what do you think I can get for it? $250? $300? It has a hole in the ground,' one parent asked. 'Man I should be renting out my tent in my backyard at this stage,' another joked. The rental ad comes as even those with jobs have been forced to pitch tents amid a shortage of affordable rental properties. A hardworking couple revealed last month the devastating reality of the crisis when they became homeless and were forced to live in a tent with 'no choice' but to send their kids away. A tarp covers the outdoor lounge and kitchen area of the caravan home set-up (pictured) The rental property also has an 'outdoor amazing hot water shower' in surrounding bushland One of the brown caravans has a 'very good bed mattress and TV' inside (pictured) It comes as the rental crisis has forced tenants even in Australia's regional towns to settle for living in a tent - because of the high rents and lack of supply (pictured, one of the caravans) Jen* and her husband, both 30, earn a healthy combined income of $100,000, but it hasn't been enough to keep a roof over their heads or their family together. The parents from Gold Coast told FEMAIL they have applied for 70 properties in the city and nearby Tweed Heads over the last four months without success. Meanwhile, according to SQM research, rent prices further south in Sydney have risen 25.2 per cent in the 12 months leading up to last April. In Melbourne they had risen by 21.9 per cent, in Brisbane 20.8 per cent and in Perth by 16.3 per cent, during the same time. Real estate research firm Proptrack confirmed rentals in Sydney for under $400 a week have hit record lows - plunging from 21 per cent of all rentals to just 9 per cent between 2020 and 2023. Oil giant BP's partnership with the British Museum has been thrown into doubt after it emerged the company is not sponsoring any events next year. The 270-year-old museum's relationship with the energy firm has been a source of controversy in recent years. Actress Emma Thompson has been among those who have called on the British Museum to drop BP as a sponsor, while eco-activists have occupied the museum's great court in protest. Speculation that the 27-year-long partnership between BP and the museum had finally come to an end was growing last night. Freedom of Information requests submitted by lawyers working for the environmental group Culture Unstained revealed there were no plans to host BP-sponsored events at the museum next year. The 270-year-old museum's relationship with the energy firm has been a source of controversy in recent years Speculation that the 27-year-long partnership between BP and the museum had finally come to an end was growing last night The most recent contract ended in February but the partners have resisted stating explicitly that their partnership is over, leading to concerns of an ongoing relationship behind the scenes. In one of the responses seen by the Daily Mail, the museum said: 'The corporate supporter may continue to exercise their supporter benefits as part of the existing partnership until the end of this calendar year.' But it added: 'There are no other contracts or agreements in effect between the museum and BP.' Responses also confirmed that no further exhibitions or activities are being sponsored by the energy firm. BP would still be able to host corporate events at the museum. The split would be yet another blow for the oil giant, which has seen funding partnerships ended by the Tate, the National Portrait Gallery, the Royal Shakespeare Company, the Scottish Ballet and the Royal Opera House in recent years. The Science Museum continues to receive funding for an educational academy from BP. A spokesman from the British Museum refused to confirm whether the deal had come to an end, adding: 'In times of reduced public funding, corporate sponsors like BP allow us to fulfil our mission to deliver unique learning experiences to our visitors.' Our goal is to be net-zero Chris Garrard, Culture Unstained's co-director, said: 'If it is serious about responding to the climate crisis, the museum must now confirm that there will be no future relationships with fossil fuel producers, take down BP's name from its lecture theatre and roundly reject the climate-wrecking business it represents.' The energy giant has sponsored many high-profile exhibitions in recent years, including 'Troy: Myth and Reality' and 'Sunken Cities: Egypt's lost worlds'. It comes after George Osborne, the museum's chairman, delivered a speech to trustees in November, outlining his intentions to make the organisation 'net zero'. He said: 'Our goal is to be a net-zero carbon museum... no longer a destination for climate protest but instead an example of climate solution.' BP declined to comment. November 9, 2021 Any qualms I had about my worthiness for a damehood were banished by the sheer delight of this day. I prepared for it with my usual lack of grace towards compliments, then ended up basking in them. This morning I donned a designer trouser suit, borrowed earrings, and my neck chain on which hang the wedding rings of my two [late] husbands and my mum and dad I wanted them to come with me and felt, as [my second husband John Thaw] would say, the business. My chaperone was Charlie, the grandchild chosen for the adventure as it coincided with his 17th birthday. He too looked the business. His usual attire being shorts, jeans or a wetsuit, he was wearing a proper suit and tie for, I think, the first time, which he carried off with dashing aplomb. The day started overcast and grey. The car taking us nearly missed the turning, the road leading to the palace looked so unassuming. Until we were on it. Miraculously, the sun came out, and there, at the end of the long straight approach, glowed Windsor Castle. We both said Wow and from then onwards we wallowed in the sheer beauty of the next two hours. Inside, we were led through several galleries of superb furniture, gold wallpaper, lavish carpets, tapestries and pictures. SHEILA HANCOCK: I confess that nowadays I am sometimes nervous of expressing an opinion. Because of the threat of being 'cancelled' SHEILA HANCOCK: Any qualms I had about my worthiness for a damehood were banished by the sheer delight of this day (pictured being made a dame by Prince William in 2021) There were lots of dignitaries in splendid outfits, smiling and greeting us. One man covered in feathers, braid and medals clanked up to us and whispered that We presumably he and other staff members are all delighted about your award. Another, seeing me gawping at a Rubens, asked if I would like him to tell me about the art. The whole occasion was an extraordinary mixture of ornate grandeur and cosy friendliness. Several of the officials pointed out that they were happy that the investiture was being held at Windsor, rather than the usual Buckingham Palace, so that they could welcome visitors again after the long period of [Covid] isolation. By the time we got to the ceremonial room for the actual dameing is that the feminine of knighting? I was having a ball. There was a chamber orchestra playing in the resplendent big salon and Prince William greeted me with a lovely smile. He is, surprisingly, very tall and had to bend down to hang my medal on the hook that had been put on my posh jacket in readiness. Unfortunately, I had opted to wear a white as well as a red poppy, it being Remembrance Week, and they got in the way of the hook, so the poor prince struggled. Can I help you? I said, thereby nearly taking over my own investiture, which he hastily prevented whilst explaining that, because of Covid, he hadnt done a ceremony for two years and was out of practice. I assured him he was doing very well. To confirm even further my joining the Establishment, my son-in-law Matt Byam Shaw had organised a party at the Garrick Club, that grand institution that still bans women from being members. SHEILA HANCOCK: This morning I had a fall. Thats how falling over is described when you are old, and it takes on ominous implications. Relatives tut-tut and hmm. It is presumed you have become unstable, and unable to be on your own In my fiery youth, I once went to lunch there with [actor] Donald Sinden and deeply embarrassed him by invading a curtained area where women guests were absolutely barred. I was expecting to see some important chaps engaging in serious Man Talk, when actually most of them were fast asleep, several snoring loudly. This time I was warmly welcomed by the doorman and conveyed to the glorious library where my family awaited, all done up to the nines in bow ties, dinner jackets and party dresses. They told me they were proud of me. I held on to the rings round my neck and hoped that they were, too. I loved every minute of it. This class warrior was utterly seduced. February 3, 2022 This morning I had a fall. Thats how falling over is described when you are old, and it takes on ominous implications. Relatives tut-tut and hmm. It is presumed you have become unstable, and unable to be on your own. A fall presages your imminent demise. A tragedy. My old-lady fall, however, was more of a joke. Caused by childish behaviour. I was sitting on the side of my toilet shaving my legs in the bidet alongside. So far, so good. Then for some unknown reason I decided to stand up in the bidet in order to get out. I cant recall the details but a combination of soapy feet and slippery floor tiles found me semi-naked, flat on my back, on the floor. The very expensive watch thing which is supposed to summon help if I fall and indeed incessantly asks me if I need help if I so much as lift my arm quickly on this occasion chose to ignore me. SHEILA HANCOCK: My accident has thrown up another problem which is less easy to brush aside. The main disaster is that with my broken wrist I cant drive for a while. This is my worst dread come true, losing my car Only when I decided to give it a poke did I discover that my left hand was dangling at an odd angle from my wrist. There followed an undignified wriggling on my bottom to reach my phone in the next room to summon my long-suffering daughter. Whilst on the subject of embarrassing mishaps, I recently had another ludicrous emergency, caused by a vein in my leg bursting, and spurting blood everywhere. That time too, the necessity to acrobatically hold my leg in the air, whilst pressing the hole in my leg with my thumb, made fiddling with my help-summoning watch impossible. The truth is, although I have turned both episodes into funny stories, theyve left me a bit shaken. Living alone, I thought I had any potential accident covered with my emergency watch gadget. But for both events I needed my daughter to carry me to A&E. Although everyone is in awe of my usual health, there is no stopping the inevitable Decay which brings with it the other dreaded D Dependency. On the other hand, both of these occasions could have happened when I was 30, and I would have needed help then. I am falling into the shes had a fall trap. Anyway, my friend Simon has come up with a solution, by attaching a tape to my phone so that I can wear it on my person at all times. Hopefully Siri will be listening, even if she cant drive me to A&E. February 5, 2022 My accident has thrown up another problem which is less easy to brush aside. The main disaster is that with my broken wrist I cant drive for a while. This is my worst dread come true, losing my car. I love driving. From my Lambretta scooter in the Sixties, and my first car, a racy Morris 1000 convertible, I have always had beautiful vehicles a Jaguar sports, an MG, a Morgan. All my life I have relished being in control of a machine and acquiring the skills of a good driver. I passed the advanced driving test with flying colours, and I enjoy the challenge of politely handling the complexities of modern aggressive driving especially now cycle lanes are making it hard to negotiate the roads. Driving gives me freedom. On a bad day, my rheumatoid arthritis can immobilise me but, having reluctantly gone from gears in my cars to automatic, I can still drive. Speeding through the French or English countryside with Beethoven, Elgar, Shostakovich feeding my soul is my idea of bliss a feast of joy with no interruption. I even like driving in London. I have an encyclopaedic knowledge of back streets and detours to avoid traffic jams, picked up from 70 years of driving in the capital. After the no-travel rules of lockdown, I was a bit nervous of using the car again, but I overcame my fear and it is a vital part of my life. I am a very good driver, with a clean record. I will be furious if, because of my age, the insurance companies decide to further limit my freedom. I already pay a fortune for the sin of being over 80, even though there is no evidence to prove I am more accident-prone. SHEILA HANCOCK: In my fiery youth, I once went to lunch there with [actor] Donald Sinden and deeply embarrassed him by invading a curtained area where women guests were absolutely barred I will be desolate if ever I am forced to forgo one of my greatest pleasures in life. Although the planet may be grateful, I suppose. June 2022 I confess that nowadays I am sometimes nervous of expressing an opinion. (Not often! I hear you shout.) Because of the threat of being cancelled. That word sounds so terrifying. Erased from life. My grandchildren are constantly telling me You cant say that, Nana or You cant use that word. It seems to matter more that I say the right words, than that I say what I feel. I know words can hurt so I will do my best to use the right terms so that I dont upset people, but I must be free to speak, challenge, and disagree. I dont want to be a guru, or an inspiration, or a national treasure. I get nervous when people take me too seriously. Wisdom, in my case, has not come with age. I change my mind all the time. Sometimes someone will say, I was very interested in your last book, when you said . . . something or other. My reply can often be, Really! Did I say that? Well, I dont think that now. What kind of guru is that? I am not to be trusted. Especially now. Ive seldom been so confused. Copying the Government, I blame everything on Covid. My thoughts are muddled. I am emerging from our enforced hibernation bewildered, unnerved, cringing in the light at the end of a long, scary, tunnel. September 8, 2022 I was enjoying myself taking part in the light-hearted chat on a live broadcast of Stephs Packed Lunch [Channel 4], when the floor manager whispered in my ear, in a moment when the camera was not on me, that something was happening with the Queen. My heart missed a beat, but before he could explain more he cued me to continue. In the next commercial break, I cornered a young runner and asked her, with dread in my heart, what was going on. She looked at me anxiously Are you all right? and used a tissue to wipe away what I realised were tears on my cheeks. The Queen, I hissed. Is she dead? I think she may be, but dont upset yourself, Sheila. Shes an old lady, after all. Never has the generation gap seemed so wide. In the next commercial break, the first assistant hastily explained to the studio that it had been announced that the Queen had taken a turn for the worse, but we werent to mention it, although I could, if I liked, as I was elderly, say something nice about her. I didnt, I couldnt. I was too upset. So on I went with my jolly prattle. It wasnt my best performance. As the day progressed, the news gradually unfolded that the dear woman had indeed died. Two days ago she was photographed, as she said goodbye to the current prime minister, who had resigned, and welcomed the new one, Liz Truss. She probably knew she was dying, but I suspect that she wasnt going to miss the opportunity of seeing the back of Boris Johnson, or giving the new woman, who seemed to have popped up from nowhere, the once-over. And now shes not there any more. The whole country has gone very quiet. Of course its not surprising that the Queen has died at the age of 96, but somehow we are still shocked. She has always been there. Through wars, recessions, terrorism, appalling governments, Royal Family ups and downs, she has remained steady. Old Rage will be out on June 8 She has performed her duties impeccably, meeting and greeting with a smile some pretty awful people Trump and Putin among them. She has never shown the rage or boredom that she sometimes must have felt when carrying out her official jobs. Did she think, at the opening of Parliament, as she looked at the latest batch of MPs crowded at the entrance of the House of Lords, All these peers and earls sitting here may not have been elected, but they are a damn sight more civilised than that lot from the Commons. What a shower! In my 70 years in charge, these prats are the worst. And this bloody crown is killing me. If she did think that, not a glimmer of a smile or frown did she ever show. She was a consummate actress. I hope I am right in thinking that lockdown was a pleasure for her. Prince Philip had retired and I like to think they had a nice cosy year living a normal life in the grounds of Windsor Castle. Just the occasional gallop on one of her favourite horses and a few staff looking after them. No banquets or receptions. No need to stand about for hours shaking hands and asking people if they had come far. Just the two of them. I fully realise the indifference of the young runner is shared by many nowadays, and things will have to change, but I am grateful for her service. Ever since those messages that the princess sent to us kids during the war, I have liked her being there. All those parties we had of which she was the centre. Standing with happy, usually rain-drenched, crowds on the Mall, cheering big events like her wedding and her coronation. The military bands, the incomprehensible rituals, the Jubilee and VE Day street parties. All the recent photos in the Press remind me how beautiful she was, with that rationed, radiant smile. In the grey years after the war, she was often resplendent in silk and satin and diamonds, or handsome, saluting in uniform, sitting sideways on a horse. As the years have progressed, she has not fallen into the trap of trying to look young, but has aged with frumpy dignity. Possibly the image that best illustrates her spirit is that of the frail, bent old woman in Balmoral, greeting Boris Johnson and Liz Truss, probably racked with pain, but still managing that familiar, glorious smile. She is revered worldwide, as the reaction to her death is proving. For the last 80 years she has met every major figure in the world, and they, however elevated, have deemed it an honour. And yet she always seemed, and probably was, quite ordinary. A unique achievement. What will give us dignity as a nation now she has gone? September 19, 2022 After the funeral, the [Queens] hearse was to pass the end of our road on its way to Windsor. We were very excited about this as the street had been thoroughly washed and scrubbed in readiness; they even repainted the lamp posts. By the time the cortege was due, champagne was flowing (maybe a bit inappropriate, but it had been a long day) and spirits were high as we waited on the pavement. Then two cars went by at top speed and we werent sure if they held the coffin. We realised they were behind schedule and the roast venison for the banquet must be getting cold, but hey, look at our lamp posts. Then, on its own, came a big, slower car. It was her. She looked lonely. She probably was sometimes, especially after Philip died. Alone on her pedestal. We all fell silent. Goodbye, darling, I whispered. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addresses a media conference during the European Political Community Summit at the Mimi Castle in Bulboaca, Moldova, June 1. AP-Yonhap Ukraine is ready to launch its long-awaited counteroffensive to recapture Russian-occupied territory, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in an interview published Saturday. "We strongly believe that we will succeed," Zelenskyy told the Wall Street Journal. "I don't know how long it will take. To be honest, it can go a variety of ways, completely different. But we are going to do it, and we are ready." Kyiv hopes a counteroffensive to reclaim territory will change the dynamics of the war that has raged since Russia invaded its smaller neighbor 15 months ago. Zelenskyy said last month Ukraine needed to wait for more Western armored vehicles arrived before launching the counteroffensive. He has been on a diplomatic push to maintain Western support, seeking more military aid and weapons, which are key for Ukraine to succeed in its plans. Russia holds swaths of Ukrainian territory in the east, south and southeast. A long spell of dry weather in some parts of Ukraine has driven anticipation that the counteroffensive might be imminent. Over the past several weeks Ukraine has increased it strikes on Russian ammunition depots and logistical routes. On Saturday Ukraine's military said in a daily report that Mariinka in the Donetsk region in the east was the focus of fighting. Ukrainian forces repelled all 14 Russian troops' attacks there, the report said. (Reuters) Prison officers are demanding body armour and police-style uniforms amid an epidemic of violence in jails. The officers have branded their current uniform plain white shirts or polo shirts, and black trousers a 'joke'. By comparison, police are equipped with stab-proof vests and other safety equipment. A trade union boss has warned that the lack of body armour puts prison officers at risk as they deal with potentially life-threatening incidents on the wings. 'We have asked for stab vests and the employer (HM Prison and Probation Service) is very reluctant to issue them,' said Prison Officers Association chairman Mark Fairhurst. Prison officers are demanding body armour and police-style uniforms amid an epidemic of violence in jails. Pictured: HMP Lincoln 'We have asked for stab vests and the employer (HM Prison and Probation Service) is very reluctant to issue them,' said Prison Officers Association chairman Mark Fairhurst (pictured) 'They are worried about us intimidating prisoners if we are wearing stab vests. But I don't feel intimidated when I see a traffic warden or a Tesco security guard wearing one. So the Prison Service should just give us what we need.' He added: 'We are sending prison officers in to break up knife fights with no more than a polo shirt and a body-worn camera. 'The current uniform is a joke. The police aren't expected to intervene in a dangerous situation like that when it takes place on the streets. 'But prison officers are required to do so when exactly the same thing happens behind bars.' The union is now making a formal request to HMPPS for stab vests and upgraded uniforms. Officers working in more volatile jails could wear the gear at all times on the wings, one union official suggested. The union is now making a formal request to HMPPS for stab vests and upgraded uniforms. Pictured: HMP Wandsworth READ MORE: Shocking moment inmate lunges at prison guard with sharpened plastic knife Advertisement Latest Ministry of Justice figures show there were 20,993 assaults recorded in prisons in England and Wales last year, up 7 per cent annually. More than 2,400 of those were classed as 'serious' assaults a rise of almost a fifth year-on-year. There were also 7,229 assaults committed by prisoners against staff, down 4 per cent year-on-year. However, the number of assaults on staff classed as 'serious' rose by 2 per cent to 709. Officers have also demanded that ceramic crockery and tinned food should be banned from prison wings to prevent them from being used as improvised weapons. The Prison Officers Association will renew pressure on jail bosses to stop the items being purchased by inmates through a mail order 'canteen' scheme. Ceramic crockery is smashed and used to slash prison officers, other inmates or self-harm, the union said. Canned goods are either placed in a sock to use as a cosh, or the opened lid is used as a blade. Mr Fairhurst said: 'We read daily reports of staff being attacked with shards of ceramic cups and plates. 'These items have already been banned from some prisons but we want them removed from all jails. 'Tinned food that can be purchased by inmates should be replaced by plastic pouches and containers.' A Prison Service spokesman said: 'We have a zero-tolerance approach to violence and as a result of the hard work of our staff and our 100million investment in prison security including X-ray body scanners and new body-worn cameras assaults are nearly 30 per cent lower than they were in 2019.' Sister Wilhelmina's simple wooden coffin, handmade by a priest, had been buried for four years in a corner of her abbey's land in Missouri's farming country. When her fellow nuns came with spade and pickaxe to dig up her body, they found the clay soil waterlogged and a crack down the middle of the coffin. As they slid open the lid to flash a torch inside, Abbess Cecilia let out a scream. Instead of a pile of crumbling bones, she glimpsed a perfectly intact foot. And it wasn't just the foot. All of Sister Wilhelmina was there, her body which the nuns insist hadn't been embalmed or preserved showing almost no signs of decomposition. Wilhelmina had died aged 95 in 2019 and anxious to reinter at least some of the remains of their founding abbess in a new altar in their chapel, the nuns made their astonishing discovery in April. All of Sister Wilhelmina was there, her body which the nuns insist hadn't been embalmed or preserved showing almost no signs of decomposition Wilhelmina had died aged 95 in 2019 and anxious to reinter at least some of the remains of their founding abbess in a new altar in their chapel, the nuns made their astonishing discovery in April Even her nun's habit was 'perfectly preserved', say the Benedictine nuns of Mary, Queen of Apostles, who had been warned, given Missouri's baking summers and freezing winters, not to expect that much of Wilhelmina would be left. Skeletal remains typically weigh around 20lb but Wilhelmina's were reportedly between 80 and 90lb. 'I thought I saw a completely full, intact foot and I said, 'I didn't just see that,' said Abbess Cecilia. 'So, I looked again more carefully.' The nuns cheered when she confirmed she hadn't imagined it. 'There was just this sense that the Lord was doing this.' Bodies that do not decompose are known as 'incorrupt' in Catholicism and based on the belief that it's a result of divine intervention, Church authorities view it as a sign of holiness and a possible first step on the way to sainthood. That 'first step' alone is enough for the thousands of people who have been making a pilgrimage to the order's abbey in Gower, Missouri to see and even touch Wilhelmina's body. Up to 500 pilgrims an hour have filed past her remains, say volunteers. They were allowed to touch her hands and face before her body was moved into a glass case. So desperate have the hordes been for relics connected to the wondrous Wilhelmina that a sign has been put up by the grave that once held her now blighted by two big holes which pleads: 'Please take no more than a spoon of dirt.' The believers still queue outside the nuns' chapel for the chance to kneel before the flower-covered shrine containing Sister Wilhelmina, whispering prayers and touching rosaries and crucifixes to the glass. Pictured: After many years of writing to Pop St. John Paul II, Sister Wilhelmina finally met him in 1998 She is far from being declared a saint yet, but those flocking to see her believe it's only a matter of time. 'This sort of thing you usually have to go to Rome for,' said Becky Hund, an overjoyed lay volunteer at the abbey. Many felt the same way, sharing her delight and wonder that a workaday, tractors-and-trailer-parks corner of the American Midwest might have produced its very own saint-in-waiting. Indeed, emotions have run so high that during morning Mass on Thursday, just as a bell rang during the consecration of the bread and wine, a woman in the congregation suddenly and inexplicably screamed at the top of her lungs before being gently led outside where she sat shell-shocked on some steps. John and Patty Zarybnicky had driven two-and-a-half hours from Odell, Nebraska, bringing their 32-year-old daughter, Emily, an occupational therapist, and a pair of rosaries they pressed dutifully to the glass of Wilhelmina's cabinet. Were they hoping it will imbue them with something? 'It doesn't matter,' said John, who works in property. 'Nobody knows what this all will evolve into but we're here at Ground Zero.' His wife, a retired lab technician, added: 'I guess I want to hope we'll have another saint in our midst.' It was quite difficult to see what we had in our midst. Wilhelmina's new home in a poorly-lit corner of the chapel offers little chance unless you're prepared to do anything as unforgivably irreligious as shine a torch of checking just how incorruptible her body really is. But the pictures before she was enshrined speak for themselves. While her face and wizened hands are all that is visible of her skin, she doesn't look anything like as old as 95, but nor does she look like she's been dead and buried for four years. The local Catholic diocese warned the faithful that it was important to 'protect the integrity of her remains . . . to allow for a thorough investigation'. It added: 'Incorruptibility has been verified in the past, but it is very rare.' Indeed, the Catholic Church has only ever recognised the existence of a little over 100 incorruptible saints. The nuns acknowledge that Wilhelmina has not yet been dead for five years, the minimum that must elapse before the sainthood process can begin. Candidates for sainthood must also be shown to have lived a life of 'heroic virtue'. Skeletal remains typically weigh around 20lb but Wilhelmina's were reportedly between 80 and 90lb Wilhelmina grew up in a poor but devout African-American family in St Louis and reportedly wanted to serve God from the age of nine. She applied to join an order of nuns when she was 13 but had to wait until she'd finished school. An ecclesiastical conservative, Wilhelmina rebelled against the Vatican when it swept away the nun's full habit. When the sisters stopped wearing the full traditional headdress, she made her own, fashioning parts from a white bleach bottle. It reportedly saved her life when it deflected a knife thrown at her by an angry student when she was teaching in Baltimore. But to have a serious chance of sainthood, Wilhelmina needs some miracles, which may already be in hand. According to Ms Hund, some who'd visited her body had already reported experiencing miraculous recoveries. 'I don't know what they are but they've been in communication with the sisters. It will have to be validated,' she said. 'We've had people here with stage four cancer and brain tumours. They wanted to touch her. Maybe they were in search of a miracle and maybe what they received was peace.' After making an initial statement, the nuns have stopped talking publicly about Wilhelmina and, according to their lay helpers, feel slightly fazed if curious about all the attention. The 43 nuns at the abbey are not, however, entirely new to the spotlight. The small, contemplative order (meaning they are devoted to prayer rather than works), founded by Sister Wilhelmina in 1995, is usually deeply private. Apart from the occasional doctor's appointment, its generally young sisters rarely venture outside their gates. They keep their own cows and grow their own vegetables on their 100-acre estate. But rather more surprisingly they've developed a highly fruitful sideline as successful recording artists. Wilhelmina grew up in a poor but devout African-American family in St Louis and reportedly wanted to serve God from the age of nine The sisters, who reportedly sing for five hours a day as part of their life of prayer, have so far released ten albums of chants and hymns, the first two of which reached No.1 in the Billboard charts for classical or traditional music. In 2012 and 2013, they became the first nuns to be named Billboard magazine's classical traditional artist of the year, beating stars such as Sarah Brightman and Andrea Bocelli. Despite this secular world fame, the sisters insist they never sought the blizzard of attention they've received over Sister Wilhelmina. (One of their friends in the lay community gave it away after sharing the details of an email the nuns had sent to a few people). But already notes of scepticism are making themselves heard: according to dissenters, Sister Wilhelmina's striking physical conditional may not be quite so remarkable as is being assumed. Some experts have pointed out that, given people are rarely exhumed after just four years, we have little evidence on which to base our assumptions on what they should look like by then. Rebecca George, a forensic anthropologist at Western Carolina University, believes that a lack of moisture and oxygen in a coffin, combined with clay soil keeping the temperature low, can start a process of mummifying the body rather than breaking it down. Heather Garvin, a forensic anthropologist at Des Moines University, said an airtight coffin (bacteria that break down the body need oxygen) and climate are among the many variables that affect decomposition rates. But, after looking at pictures of Wilhelmina's body, she said she thought her hands had mummified. She also saw a shine on them, and without going so far as to accuse the nuns of fibbing, she said it 'makes me wonder whether anything was applied'. The nuns say they did apply wax to her exposed skin after she was exhumed, but only to moisturise and protect it from the touch of so many visitors. Another theory, by a mortician, is that the body was preserved by 'grave wax', a soap-like fatty tissue that can encase a corpse or parts of it and stops decomposition. It is caused by water and alkaline soil getting into the coffin and turning body fats into soap. The sisters insist they never sought the blizzard of attention they've received over Sister Wilhelmina Yet few of the people I found waiting to commune with Wilhelmina cared what science had to say. 'This isn't about science, it's about faith,' said Trizah Macharia, who'd driven 13 hours from Georgia. 'Science thinks it can explain everything, but this is a miracle.' While some instinctively agreed with her, others admitted they didn't know what to make of it. 'I'm kind of amazed,' said retired factory worker Dennis Frederick who'd travelled five hours from Illinois with his wife. 'It's not like it's changed my faith, which has always been deep. It's just a sign that God can do whatever He wants. That He's just still around in these ugly times we're going through.' Sara Butta, a 51-year-old nursing home assistant who'd driven 900 miles from San Antonio, Texas, with her fiance, agreed it somehow held a message for the U.S. to 'come back to God'. Dan Girolametto, a telecoms executive from Kansas, wasn't sure if it was a miracle, but added: 'I don't know what a four-year-old corpse should look like either but I can tell you that's not it!' Which devout Catholic wouldn't rejoice in finding evidence that God moves in mysterious ways. But will their fellow Americans look at an uncannily well-preserved nun and see the hand of God or a natural marvel with a rather more scientific explanation? The Dutch citizen is expected to be charged with attempting to extort money from Holloway's family following her 2005 disappearance Joran van der Sloot is en route to the United States after the extradition process got underway Friday night in Peru. The Dutch citizen is considered the prime suspect in the 2005 disappearance of Alabama teenager Natalee Holloway. He will answer to charges that he attempted to extort money from Holloway's family in the aftermath of her disappearance. Earlier this week, van der Sloot's lawyer confirmed that his client had been severely beaten up in the Peruvian prison where he has been since being convicted of the murder of 21-year-old college student Stephany Flores in 2010. Peruvian attorney, Maximo Altez, said he does not believe the beating of his client was related to the upcoming extradition. The specifics and extent of van der Sloot's injuries are not yet known. More likely, he said, it could be related to gang rules into the Challapalca Prison, where van der Sloot is being held. Van der Sloot, a citizen of Holland, has been serving a 28-year sentence in Peru for the 2010 murder of 21-year-old college student Stephany Flores. He was recently beaten by fellow inmates, according to his attorney Natalee Holloway, 18, went missing in 2005. The teen had been on a graduation trip to Aruba with her Alabama high school classmates The prisoner has since been moved to the institution's medical aisle, and his attorney has requested he be transferred to another prison as soon as possible. Natalee Holloway went missing in 2005 when she was just 18 years old. The teen had been on a graduation trip to Aruba with her Alabama high school classmates. She was last seen driving off with a group of young men, including van der Sloot, who was 17 at the time. Van der Sloot, 35, maintains he did not murder Natalee, who was 18 when she vanished after leaving a nightclub with him and two his friends on the Caribbean island of Aruba in 2005. Her body has never been found and she was declared legally dead in 2012 at the request of her father, Dave Holloway. Van der Sloot was detained as a suspect but ultimately released. He was subsequently indicted by an Alabama federal jury in 2010 for allegedly attempting to extort the Holloway family - the charges for which he is now being extradited. Prosecutors alleged that in March of 2010, van der Sloot contacted Beth Holloway - Natalee's mother - and said he would reveal the location of the teenager's body for $250,000, $25,000 of which would be paid upfront. During a sting operation, Holloway's attorney, John Kelly, met with the suspect in an Aruba hotel and gave him $10,000 in cash, while Holloway wired another $15,000 to van der Sloot's bank account. Van der Sloot, then in his early twenties, proceeded to allegedly change his story about the night he had been with Natalee Holloway. The convicted murderer is currently awaiting extradition to the United States from the maximum security Challapalca Prison Van der Sloot, with whom Natalee had been the night of her disappearance, was detained as a suspect in the case, but ultimately released In 2012, van der Sloot pleaded guilty to the murder of a young Peruvian woman in 2010 Beth Holloway, mother of Natalee Holloway, speaks during the opening of the Natalee Holloway Resource Center (NHRC) at the National Museum of Crime & Punishment in Washington, June 8, 2010 He claimed, according to prosecutors, he had picked her up, but when she demanded to be put down, he threw her to the ground and her head hit a rock and she was killed instantly. Van der Sloot then allegedly took Kelly to a house and said that his father, who had since died, buried Holloway's body in the building's foundation. Kelly later informed van der Sloot that the information he had provided was 'worthless,' and within days, the suspect had left Aruba for Peru. Earlier this month, Peruvian authorities issued an executive order that accepted a temporary extradition request from US authorities. No date has yet been set for the extradition. Earlier this month, it was also revealed that van der Sloot is currently in the process of divorcing his wife, mother of his daughter, for a 'prettier and younger' girlfriend who is accused of smuggling him drugs in jail. Van der Sloot married accountant Leidy Figueroa, 33, in a private ceremony at Piedras Gordas prison in July 2014, when Leidy was seven months pregnant with their daughter. Just months after tying the knot, she gave a gushing interview to DailyMail.com claiming her new husband was 'gentle, sensitive, kind' and 'no monster.' The couple met while Leidy was selling candy and cigarettes to inmates at another of van der Sloot's former prisons - Miguel Castro Castro, in Lima. Lax prison rules meant Leidy began visiting him twice a week and the pair exchanged a stream of saccharine love letters. They even named their daughter Dusha Trudie van der Sloot, 8, after the killer's grandmother, Trudie. But their unlikely romance began to fall apart in 2020 after van der Sloot was accused of bringing drugs into jail with a girlfriend, Eva Pacohuanaco, Altez said. van der Sloot is ditching his wife, Leidy Figueroa, 33, (pictured left in 2014 shortly after they married), because he is now in a relationship with Eva Pacohuanaco (right), who was accused of smuggling him drugs in jail in Peru Despite his infidelity, it was van der Sloot who asked for divorce around a year ago because he was now in a relationship with 'prettier and younger' Pacohuanaco, 24, according to Altez. The killer now has fewer female visitors due to tighter security at his current prison, Challapalca, in Puno, Peru, but he 'still writes to girls and they send him pictures', said his attorney. Pacohuanaco is accused of helping van der Sloot smuggle nearly 300 grams of cocaine and 140 grams of marijuana into another jail in Juliaca, according to reports in Peru. It landed the Dutchman an additional seven years on his sentence for the murder of Flores. How long it takes for van der Sloot to be extradited will depend on a number of factors, including arranging transportation to fly him to the States and an agreement from the US that he will be returned to Peru to complete his sentence there. After a trial in the US, van der Sloot would be returned to Peru to finish his sentence for Flores' murder and a separate charge of trafficking drugs in prison. A teen is fighting for life after he was knifed during a fight on a bus, two weeks after another Melbourne teen was stabbed to death at a bus stop. Two boys were on board a bus in Preston in the city's north-east around 4.15pm on Friday when they became embroiled in an altercation. The victim, aged in his late teens, suffered wounds to his upper body and was rushed to hospital with life-threatening injuries. He remains in a critical condition. The other teen got off the bus and fled the scene on foot. It's understood the bus was travelling along Murray Road heading towards Brunswick at the time of the altercation, according to witnesses. The latest teenage stabbing comes a fortnight after Melbourne schoolboy Pasawm Lyhym (pictured) was stabbed to death at a bus stop in the city's west A section of Murray Road at Preston was cordoned off by police on Friday night after a teen was stabbed on a bus Police cordoned off 100m of Murray Road and spent several hours on Friday night interviewing witnesses and examining the scene for evidence. Firefighters were also seen hosing off the blood from the footpath and road, the Herald Sun reported. The alleged attacker remains on the run. 'There are no updates at this stage, the investigation remains ongoing,' a spokeswoman told Daily Mail Australia on Saturday. Anyone who witnessed the incident or has or CCTV footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers. In a separate incident, a man, 37, was also stabbed during a fight at a Sunshine Centrelink branch on Friday afternoon. It's understood an altercation broke out on a bus heading towards Burnwick. Pictured is the crime scene at Preston A teen is fighting for life after he was stabbed during an altercation on a bus travelling down Murray Road in Preston (Google street view pictured) The latest incidents come days after 16-year-old Melton South schoolboy Pasawm Lyhym was killed in broad daylight. The aspiring tradesman was fatally stabbed at Sunshine bus station on May 18. He was on his way to the cinema to watch the new Fast and Furious movie with his older brother Mawn. Pasawm's death sparked an outpouring of tributes from family, friends, his school and Melbourne's Chin community. A 17-year-old boy from Hillside handed himself into police on Tuesday night and was later charged with murder. He appeared in Melbourne Children's Court where he was remanded in custody. He didn't apply for bail. The teen will reappear in court in June. A 17-year-old from Caroline Springs and an 18-year-old from Burnside were earlier interviewed by police and later released without charge pending further inquiries. The investigation by homicide detectives into Pasawm's death continues. Airlines have been accused of fuelling Britain's child obesity epidemic by packing inflight meals containing up to three days' worth of sugar. Campaigners warn that parents have little option but to feed their children the food provided, particularly on long-haul flights where packing their own is unfeasible. But a Mail investigation has found that meals offered to children by easyJet, Jet 2, TUI and British Airways contain up to 16 teaspoons of sugar. A Kid's Snack Box, sold by easyJet for 5.50 and Jet 2 for 4.20, contained 35.3 grams of sugar, almost two days' worth of a child's sugar intake. The box contains Mini Cheddars, Strawberry and Apple Fruit Paws, a Dairy Milk Little Bar, Jammie Dodgers and a Sunny Raisin box a total of 13 teaspoons of sugar. But a Mail investigation has found that meals offered to children by easyJet, Jet 2, TUI and British Airways contain up to 16 teaspoons of sugar. File photo of British Airways planes A Kid's Snack Box, sold by easyJet for 5.50 and Jet 2 for 4.20, contained 35.3 grams of sugar, almost two days' worth of a child's sugar intake. File photo of easyJet plane This total rises to 15.6 teaspoons 62.4 grams with easyJet's offer of a soft drink for 1.50. The NHS recommends a daily 19 gram limit for ages four to six and 24 grams for ages seven to ten. A British Airways Kids Safari Snack Box at 6.95 contains a pack of mini Oreos, a Ribena blackcurrant juice and a Naturelly Summer Fruits Juicy Jelly, as well as breadsticks and cheddar cheese spread. READ MORE: The science of airline food revealed Advertisement That's a total of 16 grams of sugar (four teaspoons) or almost the entire daily limit recommended for children aged four to six. Package holiday and flight specialist TUI advertises a series of generic meal options rather than a dedicated kids choice. The online inflight brochure shows a typical 'Drink and Snack meal deal' containing four items for 6. Choices likely to be picked for a child include a Fruit Shoot drink, a 40 gram pack of Sour Cream and Onion Pringles, a Toy Box Choc and a 100 gram pack of Haribo Travel Parade sweets. That's a hefty total of 28 grams of sugar or seven teaspoons. It comes weeks after NHS figures revealed young children are being treated for high blood pressure, diabetes and knee-joint problems. More than a fifth of children are now overweight or obese when they start primary school, rising to almost four in ten by the time they leave for secondary school. Zoe Davies, a nutritionist at Action on Sugar, said: 'Airlines should be held fully accountable. 'There are a vast number of options that could be given instead of these high-sugar products so there is no excuse.' A spokesman for easyJet said: 'All our products carry nutritional information so customers are well informed when making choices around any food or drink.' The other airlines were contacted for comment. A furious husband was caught on camera slapping a doctor at a medical conference in Maryland after accusing him of sexually assaulting his wife in 2016. The video, which was shot last month during the annual meeting of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) in Baltimore, sees the man walking up to the podium and hurling insults. The acoustics of the room and nearby microphone ensure that every word is crystal clear for all to hear, with even the crack of each slap against the man's face reverberating around the meeting room. The audience member, who has not been named, could be seen grabbing the doctor, who was a panelist on the podium, by his shirt before slapping him with his hand. The assaulted doctor has been identified as a gynecologic oncology doctor at Stony Brook University Cancer Center in Long Island, New York, according to WMAR. He has not been named as he has not been charged with a crime. During a Baltimore medical conference a disturbing incident unfolded as an enraged husband confronted and physically assaulted a doctor on the podium The man approached the doctor on the podium and slapped him across the face several times The man accused the doctor, left a gynecologic oncology director at Stony Brook University, of sexually assaulting his wife back in 2016 during a two minute tirade 'This mother****** sexually assaulted my wife seven years ago,' the audience member announce before slapping the panelist. 'You know what you did. You touched my wife 7 years ago in New York. Don't be an a******. B****!', he says slapping him again. 'This is for all men who sexually assault women,' he went on. 'Be a f***ing man!' The audience member is so upset as he makes his accusations he declares the assault on the doctor panelist is for all men who harm women in such a manner. He emphasizes that his wife has been suffering due to his alleged predatory actions. A woman calls out, 'Security!' - which only enrages the man further. 'You can call security, the police! I don't give a f***!' 'This mother****** sexually assaulted my wife seven years ago,' the audience member announce before slapping the panelist. 'You know what you did. You touched my wife 7 years ago in New York. Don't be an a******. B****!', he says slapping him again 'This is for all men who sexually assault women,' he went on. 'Be a f***ing man!' A woman calls out, 'Security!' - which only enrages the man further. 'You can call security, the police! I don't give a f***!' At one point, an individual off-camera can be heard laughing prompting the audience member to return to the panelists' table and confront the doctor once again. 'Seven years I've been waiting for this. Seven years! My wife is suffering because you are a f***ing predator,' he states. 'And you know what you did! Don't be a f***ing b***h! You touched my wife! This a****** like to touch women.' The incident led to a police investigation after officers were called to the conference center to handle the physical assault. Following the conference, ACOG issued a statement apologizing for the incident. The man returns to the podium several times as his anger spills over into violence The doctor attempts to move away from his assailant as he comes back to slap him again 'Security protocols were followed, and the situation was rapidly addressed by plainclothes security and eventually the Baltimore Police Department. We apologize to those who may have been affected by the incident or subsequent exchanges. ACOG does not condone violence in any form,' the ACOG said in a statement. It goes on: 'We recognize that those who witnessed the incident in person or online may have experienced trauma as a result, including many of you who have experienced sexual assault or other violence in the past.' The doctor who was assaulted declined to press charges or file a report against the man, preferring instead that the husband be simply escorted off the premises, according to the Baltimore Police Department. None of the panelists have commented on what had occurred before them. Watching medical dramas such as Casualty can increase people's trust in real-life doctors, a study suggests. Viewers can experience what are known as 'parasocial relationships' (PSRs) where they become 'interpersonally involved' with what they watch, psychologists say. Regular exposure 'leads to increased PSR between audience members and physicians in medical dramas, which increases audience trust in real-life physicians'. Regular exposure 'leads to increased PSR between audience members and physicians in medical dramas, which increases audience trust in real-life physicians'. Stock image of doctor and patient The study, led by the University of Missouri-St. Louis, involved 446 adults and was published in the journal Psychology of Popular Media. Dr David Giles, a reader in media psychology at the University of Winchester, who wasn't involved in the study, said: 'Stronger PSR predicts more positive attitudes to real-life doctors but... trust in doctors doesn't predict watching the shows. It's the show that causes the trust, not vice versa.' Medical dramas, the researchers wrote, could be used to help educate people about important topics and 'promote positive healthy attitudes and behaviours'. Artificial intelligence will make a 'substantial number' of civil service jobs obsolete, the Government has privately said. A Whitehall document predicted automation will spell the end of junior back-office roles with 'no citizen interaction' in the near future. Technology seeking to improve productivity will replace call centre operators, officials who handle correspondence and those in 'professional roles' who make decisions on cases. The bleak Cabinet Office assessment comes despite Science Secretary Michelle Donelan saying AI systems will lead to job creation. It will heighten fears that the 'rise of the robots' will put large numbers of people out of work. A Whitehall document predicted automation will spell the end of junior back-office roles with 'no citizen interaction' in the near future The bleak Cabinet Office assessment comes despite Science Secretary Michelle Donelan (pictured) saying AI systems will lead to job creation READ MORE: AI to kill off WFH? Workers may return to the office to 'differentiate themselves from a robot' Advertisement BT revealed plans to replace 10,000 staff with AI and Goldman Sachs warned up to 300million worldwide jobs were at risk. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will next week discuss AI regulation with US President Joe Biden. The report is likely to put ministers under pressure to come clean on how many civil servants will be made redundant by the tech. It tells senior managers they should be moving tens of thousands of staff into the regions, but advises them not to bother if their roles will soon be obsolete through more 'self-service and automation'. It adds: 'Since automation of many tasks in the civil service is still at a relatively low level compared to the potential, we would expect a substantial number of roles to become either obsolete or changed within the next five to ten years if departments and other bodies make use of productivity and service-enhancing technologies.' Labour MP Darren Jones, Commons business and trade committee chairman, said: 'Technology can have good outcomes for public sector reform, helping public servants spend more time with their patients or pupils, improve outcomes and reduce time on inefficient admin. 'But these changes should be made in conversation with public servants from the very start, which the Government is clearly not doing.' A teenage Muslim convert who planned to attack a police station and discussed dismembering a British soldier has been jailed for life. Detectives said self-radicalised Matthew King, 19, was a day away from launching an assault on a police station or army barracks after spending weeks conducting reconnaissance. King had watched Isis propaganda videos and tutorials about how to kill people with a knife from his bedroom during the pandemic. He told a female friend he planned to travel to Syria to take part in violent jihad, spoke of his desire to torture and kill an American or British soldier and updated his WhatsApp status to 'kill non-Muslims wherever you see them'. King was stopped when his mother reported him to the government's counter-terrorism scheme Prevent. Detectives said self-radicalised Matthew King (pictured), 19, was a day away from launching an assault on a police station or army barracks after spending weeks conducting reconnaissance She was praised by judge Mark Lucraft KC, who told the Old Bailey: 'She did exactly the right thing.' King was given a discretionary life sentence with a minimum six-year term in the first televised terrorism sentencing in England and Wales. The teenager had signed up to online retailer Knife Warehouse, uploading an image of his passport to comply with age checks and in doing so providing detectives with key evidence about his intentions. In March last year, King filmed himself rapping about planting a bomb, launching jihad and about 'bros' locked up in HMP Belmarsh the high security prison which houses many convicted terrorists. He studied online content relating to Islamic extremists including Mohammed Emwazi, the Isis killer known as Jihadi John, and Manchester bomber Salman Abedi. Over a two-week period in March and April last year, King carried out reconnaissance at Stratford police station in east London, Stratford station and a magistrates' court filming the buildings while muttering about attacking the occupants. And on May 13, 2022, he filmed police officers outside Stratford magistrates' court and posted the footage on Snapchat with the caption 'target acquired'. On May 17 the day before his arrest after a joint investigation between the police and MI5 King filmed the 7th Battalion, the Rifles, in east London. We got him just in time Head of Scotland Yard's counter terror command, commander Dominic Murphy, said he believed officers had swooped just before King could carry out an attack. When asked if King could have launched an attack the next day, Mr Murphy confirmed: 'Yes, we got him just in time.' In addition to the report made by his mother, King was reported to the police by multiple people, some via the anti-terrorist hotline. Mr Murphy said the teenager, who lived with his mother and two sisters in Wickford, Essex, began viewing extremist content in December 2021 and was planning an attack months later. During his radicalisation, King visited several mosques where he attempted to talk with worshippers about violent jihad and a war on non-believers but was not received and warned against his behaviour. It is understood that members of the mosques later assisted detectives with their enquiries. King pleaded guilty in January to preparing an act of terrorism between December 22, 2021 and May 17 last year. Mr Murphy said King had shown 'absolutely zero' remorse for his actions and murderous intentions. The body of a missing man was left in the back of a lorry used in a horror film - after he was mistaken for a movie prop, an inquest heard. Ian Roberts, 35, was found hanging in the vehicle in a compound but a witness didn't report his death as he believed the body was a 'dummy.' Merseyside Police issued a plea for help in locating Ian in October 2022, who had last been seen in Warrington, Cheshire. But emergency services were called to School Brow in Warrington in December last year after reports of a man's body that had been found. Cheshire Coroner's Court heard how the lorry had previously been used in a film set for a horror movie. Ian Roberts, 35, was found hanging in the vehicle in a compound but a witness didn't report his death as he believed the body was a 'dummy' A witness had attended the compound, which was locked and secured with barbed wire, to see if the lorry was still driveable. When he got there, he found the front window of the lorry had been smashed in, the curtain inside had also been cut and the engine wouldn't start. He then looked through the curtain and he saw what he thought was a dummy that has been used in the film - but it was actually Ian's body. The court heard how the owner of the lorry then drove to London to try and get the engine to start which is when he discovered the body. The police were called and Ian was pronounced dead on December 2. Assistant coroner Sarah Murphy read a statement from Ian's GP who said he had been seen on several occasions for anxiety and depression. He was on prescribed treatment for his mental health and was put in contact with a crisis team after expressing suicidal thoughts on one occasion. Contact was made with Ian on various occasions to check in but he said he was not expressing suicidal thoughts and was depressed. During the hearing, Ms Murphy also read a statement from detective chief inspector Maggie Cassidy who was involved in the case. She said how a note was found in the lorry from Ian in which he showed an intention of ending his life and that it appeared he had been there for a 'prolonged time'. DCI Cassidy said that there were no suspicious circumstances around his death and Ms Murphy concluded that Ian took his own life. Ms Murphy said: 'I express my sincere condolences to the family and friends of Mr Ian Roberts for his untimely death.' For confidential support, call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit a local Samaritans branch. See www.samaritans.org for details Pope Francis meets with pilgrims from Concesio and Sotto il Monte on the 60th anniversary of the death of Pope John XXIII and the election of Paul VI in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, June 3. AP-Yonhap Pope Francis will go to Mongolia in early September in the first visit by a pontiff to the Buddhist-majority Asian nation, the Vatican announced Saturday. The 86-year-old pontiff will tour the vast nation, sandwiched between Russia and China, from August 31 to Sept. 4 at the invitation of the country's president and church authorities, the head of the Vatican's press service Matteo Bruni said. The announcement of the trip comes just two months after Francis was hospitalized for three nights with bronchitis, after which he returned to his busy schedule. Mongolia has one of the world's smallest Catholic communities, estimated at just 1,500 people among the more than three million residents. But Francis has long championed trips to smaller or more far-flung nations. Last August he made Italian missionary Giorgio Marengo, who as apostolic prefect of Ulaanbaatar is the most senior Catholic official in Mongolia, a cardinal. China will likely loom large over the visit, given its close economic ties with Mongolia. Francis led a years-long effort to build ties with Communist Beijing and in 2018 the Holy See reached a two-year agreement on the thorny issue of the appointment of bishops. The accord was renewed for two years in October, against a backdrop of tensions over the place of the country's estimated 10 million or so Catholics. "Mongolia is a peripheral state for China," said Antoine Maire, a Mongolia specialist at France's Fondation pour la Recherche Strategique. But he said he did not see the country playing a mediating role between the Vatican and Beijing, saying it was balanced between its two giant neighbors. "They are caught in a vice between Russia and China" Maire told AFP, suggesting with the pope's visit Mongolia allows them to "diversify their external relations." Mongolia has struggled with political instability since its first democratic constitution in 1992, when it emerged from the Soviet orbit. It has been the subject of growing interest in recent years from the United States as part of a strategy to thwart the rise of China. The Vatican established formal diplomatic relations with Mongolia in 1992. Since becoming pope in 2013, Francis has conducted 41 overseas trips and visited around 60 different countries. Despite an increasing number of health issues, notably a knee problem that has required him to use a wheelchair for the past year, he continues to travel. Earlier this year he visited the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan, and Hungary, and has trips planned later this year to Portugal and Marseille in France. He has talked about potentially going to India in 2024, while other Asian visits in the past have included trips to Kazakhstan, Japan and South Korea. (AFP) A Melbourne motorist famous for his personalised numberplates that took a cheeky swipe at Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has reluctantly handed them back so he can remain behind the wheel. Tradie Peter Dunlevie was shocked when he received a letter from VicRoads six months ago telling him that his DANOUT plates he'd already paid and registered for his 2003 Holden Commodore were 'offensive' and inappropriate. The plates were cancelled just days out from the Victorian state election where Mr Andrews went on to win a third consecutive term in power, despite six lockdowns during the Covid-19 pandemic. Mr Dunlevie appealed the decision and was hopeful of keeping his beloved numberplates, which have garnered widespread attention and support. Those hopes were dashed when Mr Dunlevie recently lost his appeal and was told he had until this Monday to hand the plates to VicRoads or his vehicle registration would be suspended and cancelled. Peter Dunlevie has reluctantly handed back his famous but controversial numberplates 'I thought I was home and hosed,' Mr Dunlevie told 3AW on Friday. 'Don't worry, I'll come up with something else!' Poll Is the number plate DANOUT offensive? Yes No Only in Victoria Is the number plate DANOUT offensive? Yes 46 votes No 861 votes Only in Victoria 79 votes Now share your opinion Radio host Tom Elliott read out the recent VicRoads letter, which stated the numberplates contained 'a negative and/or inappropriate social message deemed inappropriate for display'. Mr Dunlevie argued the numberplates weren't offensive and that VicRoads was the only one with an issue with them. 'When I applied for the plates, my wife Caroline told me I was crackers and that somebody would damage my car or I would get run off the road,' the father-of-two said. 'I've had none of that. All I've had is thumbs-up. 'A few weeks ago when I was at Bunnings, a bloke wanted a photo of my numberplates so he could send it to his missus because she hates him (the Premier). 'A bloke from AGL wanted a photograph because his boss hates Andrews.' The motorist's numberplates were a cheeky dig at Daniel Andrews (pictured with his wife) Peter Dunlevie (pictured) lodged an appeal to keep his DANOUT numberplates but lost When asked if he tried arguing DANOUT was a French term, Mr Dunlevie quipped: 'Have you seen the stickers on the back of my car bagging Andrews? I'd never get away with it.' Mr Dunlevie handed back his plates on Thursday but warned his stoush with VicRoads was only 'sort of' over. He still has his RUDDUD plates registered back in 2008 which were a brutal dig at former prime minister Kevin Rudd. Those plates remain registered to this day. Peter isn't the only motorist who has made his feelings known about the premier. Photos of the offending plates on a Holden Commodore plastered with Sack Daniel Andrews and save Victoria stickers did the rounds across Melbourne in 2022. 'The perfect license plate doesn't exi... oh wait. F*** GOLD!' a Victorian crime Facebook page posted. Drivers who put arms outside of car while driving can get $337 fine Drivers are being warned to not put their arm of their car window to wave or they could be hit with a hefty fine. The little known road rule could cost motorists a fine of $337 and a loss of three demerit points if they're caught doing the simple act, according to Budget Direct. The insurer warned both passengers and drivers face the same penalties if caught engaging in the friendly gesture. 'Even winding down the window and stretching your arm outside to cool down could also get you in trouble,' the insurer stated. 'According to all state and territories' driving regulations, it is illegal for any part of your body to be outside a moving vehicle at any time.' It is illegal for any part of your body to be outside a moving vehicle at any time Passengers and drivers face the same penalties across the country The insurer encouraged drivers bid farewell by waving inside the vehicle to avoid the fine. However, if the driver is using their arm to signal they are turning right, slowing down or stopping, then they won't be fined by authorities. Budget Direct also shared insight into some other little known road rules some drivers need to pay attention to. It's illegal in all states and territories to drive with a dog or pet on your lap, according to the insurer. Drivers caught with their precious animals on their lap while driving could face demerit point reduction. The little known road rule could cost motorists a fine of $337 and a loss of three demerit points Drivers caught with their precious animals on their lap while driving could face demerit point reduction too Another road rule to be aware of is for those drivers who like to use their car horn on the regular (pictured, traffic in Brisbane) 'Not only is this dangerous to yourself and other drivers as the unrestrained dog could obstruct your view or interfere with your driving, but should you lose control, your pet could be seriously harmed from an impact,' the insurer warned. 'So even if your pooch is the size of a tea cup, just don't risk it.' Another road rule to be aware of is for those drivers who like to use their car horn on the regular. 'It is actually illegal to use your horn across all of Australia unless you are warning other drivers that your vehicle is approaching, trying to get animals off the road, or, as part of an antitheft or alcohol interlock device,' the insurer stated. 'In all other circumstances you could be breaking the law.' A driver who was turning around in a neighbors driveway found himself with a gun pointed at his head. Terry Vetsch, 60, was arrested after the alleged altercation between himself and one of his neighbors friends, 51-year-old Jeffrey Hinkson, who had backed in to Vetsch's driveway briefly to make a u-turn. Vetsch had been monitoring surveillance cameras overlooking his driveway when he suddenly became incensed at another driver using his property to perform the quick maneuver. He is alleged to have marched out of his home, yelling, armed with a Taurus 9mm pistol in his pocket which he subsequently pointed at Hinkson's head. A confrontation between Terry Vetsch, 60, and Jeffrey Hinkson, 51, unfolded when Hinkson briefly used Vetsch's driveway to make a u-turn Vetsch can be seen having emerged from his home shouting and allegedly carrying a Taurus 9mm pistol in his pocket which he then slammed against the rear window of the car Vetsch can be seen center, with his wife, left, as he yelled at a neighbor Terry Vetsch, 60, was arrested for Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon Without Intent to Kill Vetsch used the gun to strike the victim's backseat window before the next door neighbor saw what was happening and told him to stop, whereupon and argument broke out. Vetsch began berating him for being on his property and then pointed his gun at the victim's head before continuing to argue at both of them. Deputy Munoz from the Flagler County Sheriff's Office asked to view surveillance video of the incident to which Vetsch agreed. It showed the victim following Vetsch toward his property while they were arguing, but they had not trespassed onto his property when Vetsch pointed the gun at their head. Vetsch said he believed the victims were a neighbor named 'Jason' with whom he had had several arguments before, according to the Miami Herald. A deputy from the Flagler County Sheriff's Office went to speak with Vetsch and asked to see surveillance footage Vetsch attempted to explain the incident as a case of mistaken identity - but he was arrested Vetsch had been monitoring his driveway via surveillance cameras and became infuriated upon witnessing the 'unauthorized use' of his property The deputy arrested Vetsch for Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon Without Intent to Kill. He was taken into custody and is currently being held at the Flagler County Inmate Facility on a $50,000 bond with his next court appearance scheduled for July 10, meanwhile the victim obtained a restraining order against him. 'Not controlling your anger does not work out most of the time. In this case it landed an individual in the Green Roof Inn,' added Sheriff Staly, using a jokey reference for the county jail. The ex-girlfriend who accused Armie Hammer of rape has spoken out following the announcement that he will not be charged over her accusations. The actor had been under investigation for sexual assault since February 2021 after Effie Angelova, 26, accused him of 'violently' raping and abusing her in 2017. But the Los Angeles District Attorney's office announced on Wednesday that he wouldn't face charges due to 'insufficient evidence.' Hammer took to Instagram on the same evening to say he was 'very grateful' to have his name 'cleared' and that was looking forward to 'putting my life back together'. Now Angelova has come out to say she is disappointed with the outcome of the investigation and that she still stands by her claims. The long investigation left her traumatized and 'terrified' of men. Effie Angelova, 26,who accused Armie Hammer of rape has spoken out following the announcement that he will not be charged over her accusations The actor had been under investigation for sexual assault since February 2021 after Angelova accused him of 'violently' raping and abusing her in 2017 Hammer shared a statement on Instagram to say he was 'very grateful' after a spokesman for LA DA George Gascon announced he wouldn't face charges due to 'insufficient evidence' 'Your rapist will claim its your fault and the police will ask you what you were wearing when you got raped,' she told the Insider on Thursday. 'And they'll say they won't do anything because they think your 'relationship' was "complicated." This is why rape is so underreported.' Tiffiny Blacknell, Director of the DA's Bureau of Communications, said that they were not able to prove her allegations. 'Sexual assault cases are often difficult to prove, which is why we assign our most experienced prosecutors to review them. In this case, those prosecutors conducted an extremely thorough review, but determined that at this time, there is insufficient evidence to charge Mr. Hammer with a crime,' she said in a statement. 'As prosecutors, we have an ethical responsibility to only charge cases that we can prove beyond a reasonable doubt. We know that it is hard for women to report sexual assault,' Blacknell added. Angelova revealed it cost her a great deal to speak out and file a report against Hammer but she felt a duty to do it to protect other woman. Several other women came forward and accused Hammer of being interested in kinky sex and even cannibalism in the wake of her claims. She claimed she has received 'death threats, rape threats, countless attacks, and atrocious, incessant harassment'. 'I felt a duty to speak out and file a report in order to try to hold Armie accountable for all the harm and trauma he has caused me and in order to protect other women from experiencing similar abuse,' she said in a similar statement shared with PageSix. 'It has cost me a great deal to have spoken out and filed a report against Armies abuse. 'I believe that many of Armies victims were afraid to come forward. My hope is that one day, rapists wont get away with it.' It comes after Hammer shared a statement on Instagram to say he was 'very grateful' after a spokesman for Los Angeles County DA George Gascon announced he wouldn't face charges due to a 'insufficient evidence.' 'I am very grateful to the District Attorney for conducting a thorough investigation and coming to the conclusion that I have stood by this entire time, that no crime was committed,' he wrote. Angelova has come out to say she is disappointed with the outcome of the investigation and that she still stands by her claims Several women came forward and accused Hammer of being interested in kinky sex and even cannibalism in the wake of Angelova's claims Angelova shared how she told her parents about the alleged abuse she faced at Hammer's hands She said Hammer had told her about his suicide attempt even before she publicly spoke out about the alleged abuse 'I look forward to beginning what will be a long, difficult process of putting my life back together now that my name is cleared.' He has denied the accusations of rape through his attorney and said all of his sexual encounters were 'completely consensual, discussed and agreed upon in advance and mutually participatory'. The Call Me By Your Name star was dropped by his personal publicist and former agency as well as multiple projects following the allegations. His ex-wife, Elizabeth Chambers, with whom Hammer has two children, Harper, 8, and Ford, 6, filed for divorce after ten years of marriage. Hammer also stepped down from a role in Jennifer Lopez's film Shotgun Wedding, but maintained his innocence. 'I'm not responding to these b******* claims but in light of the vicious and spurious online attacks against me, I cannot in good conscience now leave my children for four months to shoot a film in the Dominican Republic,' he said in a statement to the Daily Mail. The actor previously claimed he tried to kill himself in the Cayman Islands following the backlash from the allegations. 'I just walked out into the ocean and swam out as far as I could and hoped that either I drowned, or was hit by a boat, or eaten by a shark,' Hammer said. But Angelova hit back, accusing Hammer of being 'manipulative' and trying to 'evoke sympathy'. She said he had told her the suicide story years before she spoke out, and was only sharing it publicly in an attempt to gain sympathy and silence his victims. The actor has admitted he was emotionally abusive towards his former partners, but blamed his actions on being traumatized by a youth pastor who allegedly sexually abused him when he was 13. The scandal began when the Instagram account House of Effie started leaking disturbing messages, said to be sent by him between 2016 and February 2020. They included conversations about BDSM and numerous sexual references to cannibalistic acts and blood-sucking. In one message, the actor allegedly writes to the woman: 'I am 100% a cannibal. I want to eat you.' 'F**k. That's scary to admit,' the message continues. 'I've never admitted that before.' Model Paige Lorenze, a former professional skier turned Instagram model, spoke of the 'deeply traumatic' four month relationship she had with Armie Hammer, which left her emotionally and physically scarred Lorenze said Hammer was fixated on biting her body, begging that she allow him to take lumps of flesh from her arm, before consuming them Using a sharp knife Hammer cut his first initial 'A' into her skin during a kinky sex game, which Lorenze insists got out of control Hammer's former partners Paige Lorenze and Courtney Vucekovich then also accused him of being physically and emotionally abusive while they were together. Lorenze told Page Six that the actor had carved the letter 'A' into her pelvis to brand her and then sucked the blood that oozed out. Angelova officially came forward with her attorney Gloria Allred in March 2021, alleging: 'On April 24, 2017, Armie Hammer violently raped me for over four hours in Los Angeles, during which he repeatedly slapped my head against a wall bruising my face. 'He also committed other acts of violence against me to which I did not consent.' Angelova said she thought Hammer was 'going to kill' her and claimed he beat her feet during the alleged attack 'so they would hurt', according to Variety. The 26-year-old claimed she met Hammer on Facebook when she was 20, before falling in love with the actor. But she has since said she fell victim to 'manipulation tactics'. Shortly after, the LAPD confirmed it was investigating the actor after a 'community member' came forward with an attorney on February 3, 2021, with a sexual assault claim. Hammer has continuously denied the allegations made against him. His lawyer has said Hammer's encounter with Angelova was 'completely consensual, discussed and agreed upon in advance, and mutually participatory'. In a statement, the lawyer said: 'Effie's own correspondence with Mr. Hammer undermines and refutes her outrageous allegations. As recently as July 18, 2020, [she] sent graphic texts to Mr. Hammer telling him what she wanted him to do to her. 'Mr. Hammer responded, making it clear that he did not want to maintain that type of relationship with her. Elizabeth Chambers (left) divorced Hammer after 10 years of marriage following the allegations of sexual assault and abuse made against him LA DA George Gascon announced he wouldn't face charges due to a 'insufficient evidence' 'It was never Mr. Hammer's intention to embarrass or expose [Effie's] fetishes or kinky sexual desires, but she has now escalated this matter to another level by hiring a civil lawyer to host a public press conference. 'With the truth on his side, Mr. Hammer welcomes the opportunity to set the record straight. From day one, Mr. Hammer has maintained that all of his interactions with [Effie] and every other sexual partner of his for that matter have been completely consensual, discussed and agreed upon in advance, and mutually participatory. '[Effie's] attention seeking and ill-advised legal bid will only make it more difficult for real victims of sexual violence to get the justice they deserve.' Dailymail.com has contacted contacted Hammer's attorney, Andrew Brettler, for comment. A State Trooper in West Virginia is dead following an active-shooter incident Friday evening, with the gunman having been taken into custody later that evening as the state mourns a husband, father and public servant. Sergeant Cory Maynard died Friday, as state police investigated a shooting call in the town of Beech Creek. Maynard, one of the people to respond to the scene, was then himself shot in what authorities described as an 'ambush style' shooting. He died after being taken to a local hospital. The suspect, 29-year-old Timothy Kennedy, then went on the run with a manhunt lasting the rest of the day. Finally, around 10 p.m. Friday, Kennedy was finally taken into custody by state troopers. Sergeant Cory Maynard (pictured left) died Friday, as state police investigated a shooting call in the town of Beech Creek Maynard was a highly decorated member of the state's police force, getting their Lifesaving Award for rescuing a man involved in a pursuit who was trying to kill himself. Justin Marcum, an attorney and former state lawmaker, remembered Maynard as a true lover of life, demonstrated by a meeting between the two while Maynard was jogging one day. 'He throws his hand up, runs over and says, 'What's up buddy? I'm going to get this day in,' You don't even think about this stuff, it breaks your heart,' Marcum said. Governor Jim Justice announced Maynard's death in a statement, adding that he was 'absolutely heartbroken.' He and first lady Cathy Justice extended their sympathies to Maynard's family. 'The brave men and women of law enforcement, and all first responders who put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe, are an inspiration to us all,' Justice said. West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin tweeted: 'I am heartbroken to hear of the death of @WVStatePolice Sgt. Cory Maynard in the line of duty today.' 'I ask all West Virginians to join Gayle & I in praying for Sgt. Maynard's family, friends, & our entire law enforcement community as we mourn the loss of this brave public servant.' The suspect, 29-year-old Timothy Kennedy, then went on the run with a manhunt lasting the rest of the day A friend of the family wrote in a Facebook post that Maynard had a wife and two children. No other injuries were reported, and further details on the shooting were not immediately made public. News outlets reported that nearby residents were advised to stay indoors during the search, and a Friday night graduation ceremony at Mingo Central High School was postponed. The shooting happened in the same county where a former sheriff was shot to death in April 2013. Mingo and neighboring McDowell County are home to the legendary blood feud between the Hatfield family of West Virginia and the McCoy family of Kentucky. An image of a New York Police Department car with a design to celebrate Pride Month has people questioning whether the artist snuck in an anti-police acronym. It was posted on Commissioner Keechant Sewell's Twitter page on Friday and showed the cruiser decorated in rainbows. The slogan 'All Colors are Beautiful' was emblazoned on the side of the car underneath a 'Happy Pride Month!' icon. The words can be abbreviated to ACAB which is also an anti-cop acronym frequently used by those protesting against police brutality and it stands for 'All Cops are B*******. Social media users were quick to spot it on the design although it is unclear if it was intentional. An image of a New York Police Department car with a design to celebrate Pride Month has people questioning whether the artist snuck in an anti-police acronym The slogan 'All Colors are Beautiful' was emblazoned on the side of the car and can be abbreviated to ACAB, which is also an anti-cop acronym used by those protesting against police brutality A photo of the fresh design on the NYPD car to celebrate Pride Month was shared on social media and captioned: 'Happy Pride Month! 'Over the years, @GOALny has demonstrated unwavering commitment to promoting universal acceptance and inclusion for all members of the LGBTQIA+ community. 'Their remarkable contributions to this city and the department defines New York's Finest.' But eagle-eyed users noticed the slogan 'All Colors are Beautiful' can be shortened down to ACAB, the acronym used by anti-police protesters. 'What's the deal with the ACAB subheading,' one questioned. While others found it funny that the acronym made its way on to a police car and one joked: 'All Colors Are Beautiful is an excellent slogan. It should be a hashtag, or maybe an acronym.' 'Congrats to the artist who managed to get the NYPD to put ACAB on their own vehicles,' a user wrote. 'It's reminiscent of some other possible examples of graphic design worker sabotage.' Another said: 'The NYPD commissioner tweeting out their bogus pride cop car with a hidden ACAB warms my cold heart.' A third added: 'Whoever actually got the NYPD cars to say ACAB is the hero of our age and I want to buy them dinner.' 'Whatever artist or PR manager slipped ACAB onto the pride slogan on the NYPD patrol cars, I salute you,' another joked. One person commented: 'One person commented: 'Love that you all didn't notice that the artist hid a #ACAB reference on the car.' A user praised the artist and said: '"All Colors Are Beautiful" lol whoever the artist is, they're a hero.' The controversial acronym ACAB has gained popularity across the US in recent years during protests against police brutality and features on signs, clothing and graffiti. It is used by those who are opposed to current policing standards and call for a reform. Eagle-eyed social media users noticed the slogan 'All Colors are Beautiful' can be shortened down to ACAB and made light of it The phrase is believed to have emerged in England during the 1940s by striking workers and was 'All Coppers are B*******'. But it only became popular in 1970 when the Daily Mirror ran the phrase in a headline in a story about how police picked up a teenager who had the phrase on his jacket. He claimed he thought it stood for 'All Canadians are Bums' and was given a 5 fine at the time. It also found a home in punk music where it was used as a rallying cry for the anarchist and anti-authoritarian movement. But ACAB has reached peak popularity now and has regularly appeared in the American anti-police brutality movement. It was used back in 2018 on a billboard in Portland, Oregon to highlight police brutality. 'Portland, is your white fragility showing?' the sign read. 'Yes it is.' And it was tagged with the acronym ACAB. The phrase came back to the forefront following George Floyd's death and it was seen throughout the country during the mass protests that followed. A woman from Florida was arrested and may still face further charges after she left her two young children unattended in her car at a shopping mall parking lot while she went inside on an alleged shoplifting spree - only to have her vehicle burst into flames. Alicia Moore, 24, left the children, who were unable to care for themselves, inside the vehicle while she went into the store accompanied by an unidentified man. The pair are alleged to have browsed the shops at Oviedo Mall, in Oviedo northeast of Orlando, stealing items as they went. But the couple were caught out when Moore's car, which police later learned was a stolen vehicle, was parked up and suddenly ignited, quickly becoming engulfed in flames outside the Dillard's department store. A two and four-year-old child were left this inside and had been playing with matches triggering the blaze The ferocity of the fire could be seen as flamed shot out through the windows of the vehicle Alicia Moore, 24, from Florida was arrested after leaving her two young children unattended in her car at a shopping mall parking lot which then caught on fire Officials say that Moore had either left a lighter or a set of matches inside the car which the children played with, triggering the fire. Moore did not reappear outside the mall for almost one hour after she had left the children, aged two and four, inside the vehicle. City officials in Oviedo have shared video footage of the blaze recorded by a nearby parked Tesla car. The clip shows the fire beginning inside the car before quickly spreading, leading to the windows shattering and ferocious flames leaping out of the windows. The two young children who were inside managed to escape thanks to the assistance of nearby shoppers who rushed to their aid. Windows on the car shattered as the flames took hold The youngsters in the car were able to escape after shoppers came to their rescue The burned out shell of the car could be seen still in the parking lot of the mall Authorities were on scene on Friday investigating as to how the blaze may have been started Both children were injured in the blaze and taken to the hospital, with one suffering first-degree burns to their face and ears. Moore is alleged to have dropped the stolen items as she fled from the mall. She was later arrested and charged with of child neglect and arson. Thousands of fans were left disgruntled after they were turned away at the door of BBC's new Gladiators series after confusion with ticket allocations. Many fans turned up to the Utilta Arena in Sheffield with some travelling hours only to be left disappointed when they were told that the arena was at full capacity. They were told that up to 12,000 free tickets were available although the arena capacity was around 3,000. Holly Kimberley, 28, from Rotherham, who is a self-proclaimed 'superfan' was one of the unfortunate people to be turned away from the arena. Ms Kimberley told the BBC: 'All of a sudden, at around 12:30pm, they announced that they only had capacity for 3,000 people but 12,000 e-tickets were allocated. 'As you can imagine, a lot were disappointed and a lot of children and teenagers were crying.' Disgruntled fans took to Twitter to voice their displeasure at being turned away with many travelling hours to get there Fans were told that up to 12,000 free tickets were available although the arena capacity was only around 3,000 In with the new: The full cast of the revamped Gladiators (Top row left to right: Legend, Fire, Bionic, Diamond, Nitro. Second row left to right: Electro, Giant, Steel, Apollo, Comet. Third row left to right: Viper, Athena, Fury, Phantom, Bottom Left to right: Sabre, Dynamite) Out with the old: The original cast in 1998 (Back row - left to right: Warrior, Raider, Hunter, Saracen, Trojan. Second row - left to right: Falcon, Rhino, Cobra, Nightshade, Wolf, Panther. Front row - left to right: Amazon, Vogue, Lightning, Jet, Zodiac) Ticketing company Applause Store said: 'We apologise for any disappointment caused. 'Due to an unprecedented demand for tickets for the recording of Gladiators at Utilita Arena Sheffield we reached full capacity sooner than anticipated which meant we sadly couldn't accommodate everyone that turned up. 'As clearly stated on all our free tickets and on our website, entrance is on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to venue capacity and entrance is not guaranteed.' The series originally ran from 1992-2000 on ITV and was hosted by Ulrika Jonsson and John Fashanu. The new show will be hosted by father and son duo Bradley and Barney Walsh in an 11-part series and will be available to watch later this year on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. A popular but controversial restaurant chain that has built its reputation on insulting customers has abruptly closed several of its stores across Australia. Karen's Diner announced on Tuesday that their stores in Surfers Paradise, Perth and Melbourne have all shut up shop. 'Unfortunately, all good things come to an end and Karen can't stay forever! Today marks the closing of some of our Australian pop-up stores,' the company wrote on Facebook. 'If your local pop-up store has closed, there will be a Karen's Diner On Tour coming to your city this September. 'Karen can't stay away and needs to give you a piece of her mind.' The closures mean Karen's Diner is now only open for business in Australia in Adelaide, Brisbane and Sydney. The shutting of their only restaurants in Victoria and Western Australia came so quickly that one angry Perth customer claimed she is still waiting to get her deposit back from her booking. Karen's Diner announced on Tuesday that their stores in Surfers Paradise, Perth and Melbourne have all shut up shop Karen's Diner became a sensation for its staff intentionally being rude to customers Poll Would you eat at Karen's Diner? Yes, it's fun and entertaining No, it's unpleasant Would you eat at Karen's Diner? Yes, it's fun and entertaining 72 votes No, it's unpleasant 305 votes Now share your opinion 'The Perth venue took a deposit from my friend for her daughters bday tomorrow and she's received no notice of being closed but Google shows permanently closed and phone number is disconnected,' the commenter said. Daily Mail Australia has contacted Karen's Diner for comment. Karen's Diner became a sensation for its unusual way of operating, with staff purposely behaving rudely to diners in the name of fun. Customers are in turn encouraged to fire insults back. Its namesake was drawn from the notorious 'Karen' stereotype where 'Karen's' are known to be obnoxious and entitled. The US-based franchise said that their diners would be returning for a limited-time in September Karen's grew a reputation where diners go to be insulted, with its namesake drawing from the notorious 'Karen' stereotype which is popular online Karen's Diner's first Australian store opened in Sydney's George street in October 2021 and more stores opened throughout 2022. The franchise's rules include a ban on any racist, sexist, body shaming and homophobic remarks or sexual harassment. But many diners have been left fed up with some of the insults thrown out by staff, claiming they went too far. Last year a diner at the Brisbane store complained he was body shamed for having a receding hairline. 'What's the one thing your f**king sign says? No body shaming!' the man was heard yelling, while pointing to the house rules at the entrance. Another complaint came from customers at the Sydney restaurant when father Neil Cummins took his kids, eight and ten, for dinner before staff began pressuring the children to insult him. The father-of-two said one of his sons was told to 'f**k off' halfway through his meal and later told to come and get their 'f***ing dessert'. The company also issued an apology when Brisbane staff called a 14-year-old girl an 'OnlyFans tart', and implied that her father was an incestuous paedophile. 'The actions of this particular staff member are inexcusable and are against everything we believe in as a brand,' a spokesperson said at the time. One person has died after a horrific high-speed car crash in Sydney's north-west and two others have been rushed to hospital. The two-vehicle crash happened in Marsfield at about 4pm on Saturday leaving traffic backed up for kilometres as emergency crews attended the scene. Epping Road has been closed between Vinimera Road and Balaclava Road. Paramedics treated a male driver, 60, and male passenger, 84, from a Subaru and a female driver, 66, from a Toyota Camry. The 84-year-old passenger died at the scene from a suspected heart attack, while both drivers were rushed to Royal North Shore Hospital in stable conditions. A Toyota Camry and Subaru have been involved in a high-speed car crash that claimed the life of an elderly passenger in Sydney's northwest Emergency crews blocked off Epping Road in Marsfield in Sydney's north-west after the crash One of the cars was reportedly trying to make a turn on Epping Road when it was struck at high speed by the other vehicle. Officers from Ryde Police Area Command have established a crime scene and specialist officers from the Crash Investigation Unit have been brought in. Shocked witnesses could be seen hugging as they waited on the side of the road to talk to police. A NSW Ambulance spokesperson said several crews were sent to the scene including specialists paramedics and doctors and an ambulance helicopter. NSW Police have asked motorists to avoid the area as traffic delays are expected well into Saturday night. Anyone with information, or who has mobile phone or dashcam footage of the incident, is also asked to contact police. Crash Investigation Unit officers will scour the scene with one of the cars reportedly trying to make a turn on Epping Road when it was struck Belarus despot Alexander Lukashenko 'passed out' and was 'bleeding from everywhere' after a recent visit to ally Vladimir Putin, startling new claims have alleged. The tyrant was suddenly taken ill in Moscow last month in an incident which is purported to have been covered-up. Now opposition politician Valery Tsepkalo says he has received lurid details of Lukashenko's 'incurable' condition from Russian doctors who were ordered to treat him at the Kremlin hospital. It would have been the second time in a month that the Belarusian leader was taken ill while visiting Putin, triggering claims of poisoning by the Russians. But Tsepkalo says his medical sources indicate Lukashenko, 68, has a serious genetic cardiovascular disease and is expected to 'relapse'. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, centre, looks in pain as he watches the Victory Day military parade in Red square, Moscow, Russia, May 9, 2023 Russian President Vladimir Putin, left, and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko shake hands at their meeting during the 78th anniversary of the end of World War II celebrations in Moscow, Russia, Tuesday, May 9, 2023 Russian doctors were under orders from the Kremlin to save him at all costs, Tsepkalo said. The Belarus dictator was patched up after falling suddenly ill on 27 May and eventually smuggled home to Minsk, probably by a special train rather than his presidential plane which has toilets made from gold, he told Ukrainian journalist Alesya Bazman, editor-in-chief of news outlet Gordon. Lukashenko had been in Russia last month to meet with Putin and attend meetings for the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council. 'I am absolutely convinced that if the Kremlin wanted to poison him, they would have already poisoned him,' said Tsepkalo, a lawyer, former deputy foreign minister and presidential candidate. 'That's why they did everything possible to save him.' Lukashenko - Putin's only close international ally in Europe - was 'put to the Central Clinical Hospital in Moscow, the so-called Kremlin hospital,' he said. 'It turned out that doctors first tried to bring him to a normal state. He was in acute shock, he even passed out. 'When it happened, almost all [leading] doctors of Moscow, the best specialists, were [mobilised] in the night. Valery Tsepkalo (right) says his medical sources indicate Lukashenko has a serious genetic cardiovascular disease and is expected to 'relapse', he told Ukrainian journalist Alesya Bazman (left) Alexander Lukashenko in Moscow, Russia on 25 May 2023, shortly before he is alleged to have collapsed 'There was a blood transfusion or his blood was cleansed in some way to prevent [clots],' he added. 'I know that he was bleeding from everywhere. And there truly is a very serious genetic disease, a cardiovascular disease.' 'It is absolutely clear that it is incurable. he will relapse' The opposition politician - forced into exile - said: 'My information comes from the [Russian] doctors who were woken up at night [to treat him].' He told how medics were 'searching for rare medications' and a special 'doctors' council' was called on how to treat him. The Kremlin wanted to scotch all rumours of poisoning, he said. 'That's why the doctors were literally told the following that if he is, to put it politely, over with, then it will also be over for us and you.' Lukashenko was stuck in Moscow for two or three days, he said. Most likely he returned to Minsk on a special train. He has since reappeared in public looking pale and weak, for example at a meeting with Russian Central Bank chairwoman Elvira Nabiullina . Leaders from countires in the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council stand in Moscow, May 25. Left to right: Chairman of the board Mikhail Myasnikovich, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan (centre) and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko (left) attend a meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council at the Kremlin 'This disease will lead to haemorrhage everywhere, in all organs,' said Tsepkalo, 58. 'It also manifests externally, on the body, and it can be suppressed only with hormonal therapy. But hormonal therapy only helps temporarily 'The disease develops, there are no tools to stop it,' claimed Tsepkalo. I can't say how long it can take. 'It can happen in the nearest month or maybe weeks. 'I say once again, my information comes from the doctors who were woken up at night.' Last month in Minsk and Moscow he was seen wearing what appeared to be a catheter on his lower arm. In 2020, Lukashenko won a landslide election win, considered to have been rigging on a grand scale. The poll is believed to have been overwhelmingly won by opposition candidate, Svitlana Tikhanovskaya, who was then forced to flee into exile. Lukashenko is known for using his brutal KGB secret police to jail and torture foes of his regime. His landlocked country is entirely propped up by Russia, and should Lukashenko die, Putin is likely to seek to incorporate Belarus into his empire. She claims he is her soul mate despite not speaking to family for years A British woman is trying for a baby with her Egyptian 'soul mate' after she was dumped by her waiter ex when she 'ran out of cash'. Joanna Girling, 48, claimed she found the love of her life, Hysm Fygo, 40, from Egypt, shortly after her former Egyptian boyfriend broke up with her in 2019 when she couldn't afford to cash out for his extravagant lifestyle. Joanna and Hysm's relationship was quickly slammed by her family and friends 'because of what happened in the past', but the couple are now trying for a baby and are set to be married next year, according to the Mirror. Joanna from Kings Lynn, Norfolk, said: 'They still think Hysm is just with me for my money, but I know it's not true. When I first met him, I had nothing, and he knew I had no money. 'Hysm actually got a bank loan out to pay for my visa in Egypt after I got divorced.' Joanna Girling, 48, claimed she found the love of her life, Hysm Fygo, 40, from Egypt, shortly after she was dumped by a waiter for 'having no money left' The pair, who have been trying to have a bay, are now looking forward to getting married and buying a house Joanna left her ex-husband in 2018 for her new lover, Hassan- he then dumped her in 2019 Joanna returned to Egypt as a singleton to work as a nursery teacher, where she then met her 'soul mate' Hysm The ex-Tesco worker started an affair with her former Eygptian lover Hassan, on holiday in 2018 and would sneak off to sleep with the waiter while her husband slept. When she returned to England, Joanna broke off her marriage to pursue Hassan who was in his twenties - but it eventually ended when 'her money ran out'. In 2019, Joanna returned to Egypt as a singleton to work as a nursery teacher, where she then met her 'soul mate' Hysm. Joanna said: 'I was only with Hassan for a month, and he gave me a list of things he wanted - cognac, aftershave, trainers, a phone. He kept asking me to send him money. 'So when I met Hysm, I kept pushing him away. He said to me, 'Look, I'm not after your money. It's you that I want to be with'. 'Hysm makes me feel great. He made me trust people again. He is my soulmate,' The pair want to visit the UK for a year to save money. Hysm has family in England and has never visited the UK before While Joanna claimed her blossoming romance is for real, her family and friends in the UK are still unconvinced four years on, and she has had no contact with them. Joanna met Hysm while drinking with a friend at his herbs and spices shop in 2019. In 2021, Joanna returned to the UK to save up some money and get a formal divorce, so she and Hysm could marry officially in Egypt. The pair, who live together in a rented flat in Hurghada, are now saving for their big wedding day and hope to buy a property in Luxor one day. She said: 'Western women have to go to Cairo to get married; it's a bit like a registry office. It's not straightforward like in England,' Joanna said. 'It's about 50,000 Egyptian pounds (1,200), and we're looking at next month. I want Hysm to have a wedding because he's never had one. 'We would love to have a family, but it might not be possible because I'm 48. We've been trying for four years, but nothing has happened. Joanna earns around 200 a month working on a boat seven days a week. The pair want to visit the UK for a year to save money. Hysm has family in England and has never visited the UK before. Joanna added: 'People said that it wouldn't last, and we've been together four years now. I went with my heart and had a lot of backlash, but I proved them wrong.' He was found dead in a carpark in Homelands Drive, at 9.24am on June, 1 A manhunt was launched by police after a rough sleeper was stabbed to death in a south-east London car park near Crystal Palace. Ion Radu, 46, was found dead in a carpark in Homelands Drive, near Crystal Palace, south-east London at 9.24am on Thursday, June, 1. A murder investigation has been launched by Scotland Yard who said he was found dead at the scene. Detective Chief Inspector Sal Minhas, who is leading the investigation, said: 'I am very keen to hear from anyone who saw Ion in the 48 hours before he died. 'We think that Ion may have been homeless and potentially vulnerable. We think he was a familiar face in the area and may have engaged with local people. Ion Rodo, 46, was found dead in a carpark in Homelands Drive, Croydon The rough sleeper was stabbed and was found dead at the scene at 9.24am on Thursday, June, 1 Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or tweet @MetCC quoting 1924/01JUNE 'Did you know Ion? Did you see him recently, either on his own or in the company of someone else? If you spoke to him, was he worried or upset about anything? 'We are working to build a picture of Ion's life and we need the public to help us. 'If you have information that you want to share, no matter how insignificant it might seem, please get in touch.' Police said enquiries are ongoing to trace any living relatives. Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or tweet @MetCC quoting 1924/01JUNE. To remain anonymous people can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit Crimestoppers-uk.org. Friends say the Willoughby is needed to 'steady the ship' after Schofield scandal This Morning cannot sack Holly Willoughby without bringing down the show's entire senior management like a house of cards - insiders claim. They say the 42-year-old is needed to 'steady the ship' - while her departure would mean ITV bosses are questioned about whether they knew of Phillip Schofield's affair. It comes as the presenter is flying home from a holiday in Portugal ahead of her return to the sofa on Monday. Insiders at ITV insist that she is going nowhere because she is needed to 'steady the ship, and keep calm and carry on' and be at the forefront of any rebrand of This Morning required as the show fights for survival. And they say that there would be no way she would accept being told to go while head of daytime TV Emma Gormley stayed. This Morning cannot sack Holly Willoughby without bringing down the show's entire senior management like a house of cards - insiders claim Friends say Holly Willoughby is needed to 'steady the ship' - while her departure would mean ITV bosses are questioned about whether they knew of Phillip Schofield's affair Things are also looking shaky for chief executive Dame Carolyn McCall who has been called before the Government's Select Committee later this month ITV's senior management has come under increasing pressure to admit whether they were aware of Schofield's relationship. Things are also looking shaky for chief executive Dame Carolyn McCall who has been called before the Government's Select Committee later this month. She will have to face questions over the broadcaster's approach to safeguarding and complaint handling in the wake of the scandal over her former star on Wednesday, June 14. On Wednesday she was forced into a humiliating climbdown, when they announced the broadcaster was bringing in a barrister to 'carry out an external review to establish the facts' around the chaos that has engulfed ITV since Schofield admitted to his affair. It comes after Ms McCall wrote a letter to Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer, Ofcom chief Dame Melanie Dawes and Ms Dinenage yesterday regarding ITV's own investigation into rumours of the affair in 'late 2019/early 2020'. ITV director of television Kevin Lygo is also under pressure. He claimed no mistakes had been made in the 2020 investigation but declined to comment beyond the channel's statement, when questioned by Sky News. This Morning editor Martin Frizell - who has been in charge of the flagship show since 2016 - could also be in line for the chop. ITV director of television Kevin Lygo claimed no mistakes had been made in the 2020 investigation but declined to comment beyond the channel's statement This Morning editor Martin Frizell - who has been in charge of the flagship show since 2016 - could be in line for the chop Emma Gormley - who was appointed in 2013 to run programmes airing between 6am and 6pm - could face questions over how the relationship between Schofield and the young showrunner went seemingly unnoticed He has not commented but is reportedly in favour of Alison Hammond joining Ms Willoughby on the sofa. He said that 'all will be made public' earlier this week, saying that he would 'stick with' the statement made by Carolyn McCall when questioned by GB News. Earlier this week he was criticised by Nadine Dorries, the Daily Mail columnist and former culture secretary, who told the BBC's Laura Kuenssberg: 'I think the editor of the programme has some questions to answer himself.' And Emma Gormley - who was appointed in 2013 to run programmes airing between 6am and 6pm - could face questions over how the relationship between Schofield and the young showrunner went seemingly unnoticed. And ITV chiefs have another problem their rivals the BBC, as they are aware the broadcaster are looking to scoop Holly up and make her their biggest star should she be booted out of ITV towers. They have been trying to poach her for several years, and when she last dipped her toe into Beeb waters with her prime-time show Freeze The Fear with Wim Hof, she won plaudits from the most senior management at the Corporation. Few more so than the powerful chief content officer Charlotte Moore. The two women were seen together at last year's Variety showbusiness awards, something which sent shockwaves through ITV. Sources at the BBC have gone as far as to divulge that Moore is secretly hoping ITV will decide to part company with Holly. The BBC are are looking to scoop Holly up and make her their biggest star should she be booted out of ITV towers It comes after Phillip, 61, admitted his TV career is over and he has been shunned by Holly The presenter explained how he messaged his former co-host to say he was 'so, so sorry' for lying to her about his 'unwise, but not illegal' relationship with the man who is 34 years his junior 'Holly will get bums on seats at home,' one BBC insider says. 'She is popular with the very-much-sought-after 16-24 age group, too, which is a huge deal for all broadcasters.' Another source says they want to make the 42-year-old their Saturday night star for the months Strictly Come Dancing isn't on screen. 'That's the dream,' they said. Her television executive husband, television executive Dan Baldwin makes programmes for channels across the industry, although his biggest customer is the BBC. Holly Willoughby will reportedly be joined by two co-hosts as she returns to the sofa on Monday. It's claimed she will be joined by Craig Doyle, 52, on Wednesday and Thursday's shows, after Josie Gibson, 38, sits alongside her on Monday and Tuesday's instalments. 'Josie's bubbly personality is just what the show needs to bounce back from a nightmare few weeks,' an insider told the Sun. 'She's larger than life and will ease the pressure on Holly, who viewers will be glued to after the loss of her long time telly partner. 'Craig has also been lined up and it's a sign that the permanent role is his for the taking. Viewers have taken to him straight away and, not only is he easy on the eye, but he's a natural in front of camera.' The BBC released an interview (pictured) with Schofield being grilled by Amol Rajan (right) Phillip Schofield was seen on Thursday in London for the first time since quitting ITV and This Morning It comes after Phillip, 61, admitted his TV career is over and he has been shunned by Holly - who responded with an Instagram post about how to keep 'your hair safe all summer long'. In his first broadcast interview since the scandal erupted, the presenter explained how he messaged his former co-host to say he was 'so, so sorry' for lying to her about his 'unwise, but not illegal' relationship with the man who is 34 years his junior. But he denied he had groomed a younger colleague before their affair and revealed that he is suicidal, saying: 'Do you want me to die? Because that's where I am.' On Friday, Alison broke down in tears on This Morning as she admitted it was 'really painful' to watch Phillip Schofield being interviewed about his affair. The host, 48, who has been fronting the show with Dermot O'Leary during the fallout from the scandal, said the 'family' at ITV had been really struggling to process everything. She said her late mother Maria, who died in 2020, used to tell her: 'Use your Bible as a satnav in life, Al.' Ms Hammond then quoted a passage from the Bible about a woman caught in adultery. After watching the clip from the dramatic BBC interview in which Schofield said his daughters had saved his life, Ms Hammond was left in tears as she struggled to speak. Regular guest Gyles Brandreth described the Schofield issue as a 'human story but with public implications', adding: 'We are dealing with a human being that all of us here have known and liked over many years. So it makes it difficult for us.' Pictured: Phillip Schofield and his wife Stephanie Lowe are seen with their daughters Ruby and Molly at the premiere of Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald in 2018 Phillip Schofieldsaid he's 'broken and ashamed' but not a groomer in his first interview since admitting an affair In his first broadcast interview since the scandal erupted, the presenter explained how he messaged his former co-host to say he was 'so, so sorry' for lying to her about his 'unwise, but not illegal' relationship with the man who is 34 years his junior. But he denied he had groomed a younger colleague before their affair and revealed that he is suicidal, telling critics: 'Do you want me to die? Because that's where I am'. The broadcaster, 61, also lifted the lid on how Holly Willoughby distanced herself from him when his paedophile brother was jailed and confirmed they are no longer speaking after he left ITV, although he admitted she may have been banned. He said: 'I WhatsApped her on the day I put out the statement. I said that you don't have to reply, you probably can't, but I want to say I'm desperately, desperately sorry', adding Holly, who is currently on holiday in Portugal, hasn't replied. But shortly after Schofield confessed he'd sent her a text begging for forgiveness, Willoughby's social media team took to Instagram to share a blase post about hair care - with no mention of Phil or his apology. The former presenter apologised to his family, friends and ITV viewers for lying about the affair, but insisted that much of the criticism of him since he left This Morning had been homophobic. He also told of a 'catastrophic effect' on his mind. He revealed he texted former co-host Holly Willoughby begging for forgiveness over his This Morning affair lies but she never replied. Phillip Schofield has hit out at ex-This Morning colleague Dr Ranj after he 'stabbed' him in an outburst accusing the show of having a 'toxic culture'. The TV doctor, 43, who left the show last year, claimed he was 'managed out' after taking his concerns to 'the top' of ITV. He spoke out last week in the wake of the ongoing scandal into Schofield's 'unwise' affair with a younger male colleague and said he felt he had to 'clarify' a few things in light of the recent events. But in an interview with The Sun, Schofield revealed that he has no idea where Dr Ranj's claims have come from. He added that he only saw his former colleague a few months ago before his affair scandal broke, where he was 'really lovely' to him. In an interview with The Sun, Schofield revealed that he has no idea where Dr Ranj's claims of toxicity have come from Dr Ranj, 43, who left the show last year, claimed he was 'managed out' after taking his concerns to 'the top' of ITV Schofield said that he only saw his former colleague a few months ago before his affair scandal broke, where he was 'really lovely' to him. Schofield said there is 'categorically' no toxicity at This Morning and added that the only people who create a toxic culture are those who are toxic themselves. He said: 'I don't know what is the reason to stab something that has been really good to you', 'Maybe he wasn't asked back on. I don't know I don't book the guests. Neither of us have any say in who comes on or what.' Dr Ranj - who is now the resident doctor on the BBC's Morning Live - said he thought 'long and hard' before weighing in on the scandal currently engulfing ITV but decided to speak out 'in light of recent events'. He had worked on This Morning as a resident doctor since 2016 and had even hosted with Vanessa Feltz in July 2018. He left the programme a year ago, it is understood, after putting in a complaint about an on-set bully. In a lengthy social media post, Dr Ranj wrote: 'I was on the show for 10 years and I genuinely loved and valued working there. However, over time, I grew increasingly worried about how things were behind-the-scenes and how people, including myself, were being treated. 'I didnt know the truth about what was going on with Phillip, but I do know the issues with TM (This Morning) go far beyond him. 'It takes more than one person to create a culture.' Old times: Phillip and Holly Willoughby with Dr Ranj on This Morning in 2019. The TV doctor said he felt he had to speak up Familiar face: Singh worked on the show as a resident medical expert alongside Schofield and his co-host Holly Willoughby for six years before stepping down in 2022 Speaking out: The television medic previously confirmed that he had taken concerns about the behaviour of editors and senior producers to ITV and had then seen his screentime drop The doctor said he raised his concerns with senior executives at ITV as he had been heavily involved in 'diversity, anti-bullying and mental health projects' across the channel. 'I then found myself being used less and less,' he continued. 'I even took my concerns directly to the top of ITV: the culture at This Morning had become toxic, no longer aligned with ITV values, and I felt like because I whistle-blew I was managed out. 'But as history and experience have taught us, things like bullying and discrimination are very hard to prove, particularly in hindsight and when the "people in power" control the narrative. 'As weve seen, no review or investigation is foolproof.' The doctor said he was assured that things would be addressed and changes made but he has not worked on the show since adding it 'still hurts' two years on from lodging complaints. An ITV spokesman said at the time: 'We are sorry to read Dr Ranjs post today. At ITV we are fully committed to providing every opportunity for anyone who works with us to raise any concern or comments they may have. 'Following a complaint made by Dr Ranj, we appointed an external and independent adviser to carry out a review. This external review found no evidence of bullying or discrimination.' Former This Morning presenter Eamonn holmes has also been an outspoken critic of the show in recent weeks, He claimed Schofield 'created an atmosphere' on the programme 'where people hated him', labelling him a 'chief narcissist' whom others wanted to avoid. And on Monday, Holmes alleged that there was a 'total cover-up' on This Morning over Schofield's affair. He alleged that 'those in authority' had to have known what was going on. 'It's a total cover-up,' he said. 'Those in authority had to know what was going on and they thought they would dodge a bullet with this. 'Which they do, and they do constantly, because with Schofield talking about those who speak out against him, namely me, Amanda Holden and you (Dan Wootton), you'll be included in the toxicity that goes on. Dr Ranj, of course, as well. 'And you simply sit there and think 'No mate, you've had it all your way for too long'.' Phillip Schofield with Holly Willoughby, Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford in February 2020 Eamonn Holmes and Philip Schofield are pictured together on This Morning in October 2013 Meanwhile, it was revealed this week that Holly Willoughby will be grilled by a top barrister over the scandal - and the show's past and present presenting teams may also be quizzed about what they knew about Schofield's affair, which he revealed last Friday. Alison Hammond, Dermot O'Leary, Eamonn Holmes, Ruth Langsford and Dr Ranj Singh may all be asked to give statements to employment lawyer Jane Mulcahy KC. It comes as the Chair of Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee said ITV appears to be 'lurching from one tragic disaster to another'. Speaking to GB News, Dame Caroline Dinenage - who is set to grill ITV's chief executive over Phillip Schofield's departure from This Morning next week - said the broadcaster 'does not have a very good track record' with duty of care towards staff and complaint handling. A grandma has been mauled to death by an out-of-control, banned breed of dog while she lay sunbathing in the garden. The horror savaging - the latest in a wave of fatal dog attacks across the country - happened while the woman in her 70s was lying on a sun lounger at home in Bedworth, Warwickshire, at 3.50pm on Friday. The victim's daughter, 49, desperately tried to fight off the animal as it pounced on her mother, a local said. She was bitten as she tried in vain to save her mother and was later taken to hospital with non life-threatening injuries. Both she and her husband, 52, were arrested on suspicion of possessing a banned breed of dog and owning a dog dangerously out of control. The horror savaging - the latest in a wave of fatal dog attacks across the country - happened while the woman in her 70s was lying on a sun lounger at home in Bedworth, Warwickshire, at 3.50pm on Friday The victim's daughter, 49, desperately tried to fight off the animal as it pounced on her mother, a local said As their semi detached home in a quiet cul-de-sac remains sealed off by police today with a number of detectives and forensic experts visiting the property, neighbours have told of their shock. READ MORE: Which dogs are banned in the UK? Illegal breeds and Dangerous Dogs Act explained American Pitbull terriers are the most commonly culpable dogs involved in fatal attacks in the UK Advertisement A householder, who lives opposite, said: 'They are a lovely family, three generations live in the house, and it is a terrible thing to have happened.' The man, who declined to be named, told how he spoken briefly to the dog owner after he was freed on police bail. Speaking to MailOnline, he said: 'The dog attacked his mum-in-law while she was in the back garden lying on a sun lounger. 'He is very shocked and shaken and said he had no idea why the dog suddenly turned and described it as an awful tragedy. 'He was at work at the time so didn't see the attack but [his wife] tried to get the dog off. 'Police say it was a banned breed but I'm not sure. I don't know what it was - quite a size with a big head, a bulldog Mastiff type. 'When he got it he said it was a rare breed and there were only six in the country. 'It was kept in the back garden and whenever I saw it being walked which was not very often because he was always busy at work in the building industry it never showed any aggression. 'No one knows why it attacked and killed the poor woman, it could have gone crazy after being stung by a bee orbit could have had something wrong with its brain. It could be anything.' The neighbour was alerted to an incident at around 3.50pm yesterday after seeing an ambulance pull up at the house. He explained: 'Suddenly all these cops cars were there, at least seven, a dog van, three ambulances and an air ambulance. 'When we heard the gran had died I was shocked.' She was bitten as she tried in vain to save her mother and was later taken to hospital with non life-threatening injuries Another resident said: 'They are very nice and always very friendly and have lived here for over 20 years, longer than us. READ MORE: Fatal dog attacks in the UK: Interactive map reveals every death from the start of Covid lockdown as grim tally rises to 17 victims Advertisement 'We live right opposite and it is a shock for all the neighbours. 'The gran was a nice old lady and would always give you a wave' The man, who also refused to be named, said: 'She appeared fit and healthy and I'd often see her going to the mosque to pray. 'I heard the air ambulance coming over and then saw all the other emergency services turn up. 'I have no idea of the breed of dog but it was big one and lived outside.' The man added: 'There's been a lot of fatal dog attacks recently. I'm a dog owner and have an Akita, an American version. He's big but as soft as a brush. 'It's horrible to find out that your neighbour has been killed by the family dog. My heart goes out to them.' The victim had not yet been named by police. The dog has been seized and placed in secure kennels. Both she and builder husband, 52 were arrested on suspicion of possessing a banned breed of dog and owning a dog dangerously out of control Superintendent Sutherland Lane of Warwickshire Police said: 'This was a tragic isolated incident, and a full investigation is now underway to establish the circumstances surrounding it. 'Thankfully dog attacks of this nature are exceedingly rare, but I recognise this will be deeply upsetting for the local community. 'The public can expect to see a heightened police presence in and around the area while we conduct our enquiries. Please do come and speak to one of our officers if you have any information that could help with our investigation.' Ten people were killed by dogs in the UK in 2022, with another five deaths already this year. The Dangerous Dog Act 1991 bans owning, breeding, selling, giving away, or abandoning four dog breeds, as well as banning any dog which is dangerously out of control. This legislation makes four breeds of dog originally bred for fighting illegal in the UK: American Pitbull terriers, Japanese Tosas, Dogo Argentinos, and Fila Brazileiro. Crossbreeds of those four are also prohibited, depending on a judgement of their physical characteristics and how well they match a 'typical' description. British composer Sir Tim Rice has said that 'nutter academics' of cancel culture are stifling the creativity of artists who should be free to 'offend'. The author and lyricist, 78, has written for musical theatre since the 1960s and is one of few to have won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Award. He is best known for his collaborations with Elton John and Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber and has worked on a number of hits including Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, The Lion King and Jesus Christ Superstar. However, he told the Daily Telegraph he wouldn't want to be starting out in theatre today as he would be worried that any story he worked on would be likely to offend people. Rice added that this shouldn't be the case and that you should be able to 'write about anything you want' if you believe in what you're writing about. British composer Sir Tim Rice (pictured) has said that 'nutter academics' of cancel culture are stifling the creativity of artists who should be free to 'offend' He is best known for his collaborations with Elton John and Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber (left) Rice has worked on a number of hits including Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat (pictured), The Lion King and Jesus Christ Superstar The composer said: 'Some of the people complaining about things today, I'd be absolutely delighted to offend.' This comes as earlier this week gender-critical academic Kathleen Stock gave a speech at the Oxford Union which saw trans rights protesters disrupt it after five minutes. Professor Stock gave the address at the debating club which caused an argument over free speech as activists labelling her 'transphobic and trans-exclusionary' and tried to get the event cancelled. Rice said that it is not right that people are unable to give lectures before they've even had a chance to speak. He added that the recent attacks on JK Rowling by transgender lobbyists should be considered 'censorship'. Ms Rowling has faced death threats since 2020 after speaking up for women's rights in the transgender debate. She later published an essay on her website in which she argued that biological sex is real and shared her thoughts on gender-neutral spaces, saying she felt strongly about protecting women's rights as she was a survivor of domestic violence and sexual assault. Last year she fiercely contested Scotland's Gender Recognition Reform Bill, claiming it would 'harm the most vulnerable women'. This comes as earlier this week gender-critical academic Kathleen Stock (pictured) gave a speech at the Oxford Union Trans rights protesters disrupt the speech after five minutes JK Rowling (pictured) has faced death threats since 2020 after speaking up for women's rights in the transgender debate Rice recalled some of the challenges he faced when working on 1971 musical Jesus Christ Superstar with Sir Lloyd Webber. He said that they were originally put off from staging the show after being told 'you can't do religion in the West End' but the success of the album led to a demand for it to be made into a performance. He admitted that he no longer cares what 'nutter academics' think of the stuff he is writing now unless if it were to be banned, which would be 'annoying'. In recent months, publishers have decided to edit out words deemed offensive in books by late authors Dahl, Christie, Wodehouse and Fleming. The practice has been slammed by a number of top writers, with Sir Philip Pullman - who wrote the fantasy trilogy His Dark Materials - demanding publishers let books 'go out of print' rather than edit them. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak even waded into the debate, criticising the changes. Anthony Horowitz, who penned the Alex Rider series aimed at under-15s, said he was 'very scared' of 'cancel culture' after being forced to rewrite swathes of one of his latest books and argued it was better for children to read 'offensive' books than none at all. He appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court on Friday to be handed his sentence Richard Wakeling, 55, from Brentwood Essex, was on the run since 2018 An Essex drug lord who has been on the run since 2018 has been jailed for 11 years in the UK following his arrest by police in Thailand. Richard Wakeling, 55, from Brentwood, Essex, was found guilty of trying to import 8 million worth of amphetamine suspended in liquid in 2016, but fled the UK on the eve of his trial in 2018. He was escorted back to Heathrow by specialist officers from the Joint International Crime Centre's extradition unit. Wakeling then appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court on Friday afternoon, the National Crime Agency (NCA) said, adding that he was immediately jailed for 11 years after being convicted in his absence. The NCA said that in February 2023 officers from the Royal Thai Police arrested Wakeling at a Bangkok garage as he went to collect his car after repair. Richard Wakeling, 55, from Brentwood, Essex, was found guilty of trying to import 8 million worth of amphetamine suspended in liquid in 2016, but fled the UK on the eve of his trial in 2018. Wakeling following his arrest by the Royal Thai Police at a Bangkok garage as he went to collect his car after repair At the time of his arrest, he was in possession of a passport in another identity. The NCA began its investigation into Wakeling's organised crime group after Border Force officers stopped a truck boarding a Channel Tunnel train on April 9 2016. The truck contained plastic drums carrying the drugs. The driver was transporting furniture from Italy but stopped at Ternat in Belgium, where phone evidence showed he was directed to collect the drugs. The NCA said the entire importation was set up by Wakeling, who was in contact with drug suppliers in the Netherlands and liaised with two other UK offenders to arrange the journey. Officers proved the crime group had organised six other importations before the 2016 seizure. After Wakeling fled in 2018, the NCA issued an appeal for help finding him. Jacque Beer, NCA regional head of investigations, said: 'Richard Wakeling thought he could avoid facing justice by leaving the UK. Wakeling, who has a prosthetic lower right leg, was placed on the National Crime Agency (NCA)'s 'most wanted' list At the time of his arrest, he was in possession of a passport in another identity The NCA said the entire 8M drug importation deal was set up by Wakeling, who was in contact with drug suppliers in the Netherlands 'The hard work of NCA officers - both here in the UK and overseas - and that of our international partners has put him behind bars for a lengthy prison sentence. 'This case highlights the NCA's global reach and that we will do everything we can to ensure those who commit serious and organised crime are held accountable for their actions, no matter how long it takes or how far they flee.' The prime suspect in the Madeleine McCann case has revealed he was named by an informer as the man responsible after telling him 'strange she didn't scream'. Convicted rapist and paedophile Christian Brueckner, 45, makes the admission in a letter seen by MailOnline in which he again attacks the police investigation against him as groundless. Brueckner has mounted a concerted effort to clear his name by writing several letters all of which contain gripes about his treatment in prison, where he is seven years for rape. In the letter he attacked informant Helge Busching - who initially contacted police in 2017 to say he had information on the case - while he was serving a jail term for people trafficking in Greece. The two men had been pals in Portugal in the early 2000s but as Brueckner explained in his latest missive he says they fell out after a drugs deal went wrong the year Madeleine went missing and never spoke again. Madeleine McCann went missing from her room at the Portuguese holiday resort of Praia da Luz on the Algarve on 3 May 2007 Convicted rapist and paedophile Christian Brueckner, 45, makes the admission in a letter seen by MailOnline in which he again attacks the police investigation against him as groundless A map shows the movements of Brueckner around the Algarve at the time Madeleine disappeared while on a family holiday READ MORE: EXCLUSIVE - 'The world believes I killed Maddie, I didn't': Extraordinary letters written by Madeleine McCann prime suspect Christian Brueckner from his German prison cell are revealed for the first time - as he tries to convince world of his innocence Brueckner's four-page letter ends with a drawing of a daisy (pictured) having its petals picked and the words 'not guilty' and 'guilty' circling around it and the caption 'Spring is coming' alongside it Advertisement He wrote:' The following sentences from the 'witness' Helge B in 2017 were responsible for all the public hunting and hatred against me by the German authorities.' Then quoting Busching he writes:' I was at the hippy festival in 2008 in Spain. Manfred (Seyferth another witness) was also there as well and Michael (Tatschl another witness), Manfred, Christian and I then started talking about Portugal. 'It was then Christian made a comment about the missing girl. Christian asked me if I was still going to Portugal, I replied; 'I'm no longer going to Portugal because there are too many problems there, Portugal has too many police for me on account of the missing child. 'It is indeed strange that she disappeared without a trace. Christian replied:''Yes, she did not scream.'' Slamming the claims Brueckner added:' It's not even worthy of comment,' before going on to explain how they fell out over a drug deal. He said:' In 2007 Helge B sole one kilo of hashish to me and when I arrived in Germany with it, I saw it was only 750g. After that he wasn't existing for me anymore (sic). 'There wasn't any conversation in 2008. Not even Manfred existed for me anymore after this. The point is that the main leader of all the investigations Helge B, who came free (sic) a long time before the regular end of his prison in Greece.' It is known that Busching was convicted of people trafficking in Greece and in 2017 media there reported how he had been released so he could meet with officers from Scotland Yard after telling them he had valuable information. Brueckner has mounted a concerted effort to clear his name by writing several letters all of which contain gripes about his treatment in prison, where he is seven years for rape Brueckner led a nomadic existence while he was in the Algarve, living most of the time in a campervan In his letters Brueckner insists he is innocent over the disappearance of Madeleine At the time Greek media reported how he was questioned in a city centre hotel for several hours in a hotel room that was swept for bugs before officers for the Operation Grange team met with him. Busching gave the statement in 2017 after being arrested while trying to smuggle migrants from Greece to Italy, it is claimed. He had a previous conviction for a 2011 assault on a beggar in Italy. While under investigation, Busching was put in touch with Operation Grange - the Met Police team investigating Madeleine's disappearance - where he gave them details about Brueckner. According to a Greek police report, Busching's evidence was 'given voluntarily and without monetary or other consideration' it is not known what his final sentence for people trafficking was and whether her served it all. Busching and Seyferth have also told police they broke into Brueckner's home in the Algarve in 2007 and stole a camcorder and gun from which they later threw into a lake. Both men claimed the camcorder contained scenes of sexual violence and torture against two women and they recognised Brueckner in the footage and it was this testimony that led to him being convicted of raping a 73-year-old woman in the Algarve the year before Madeleine vanished. Previously MailOnline revealed Christian Brueckner, 45, wrote a string of letters hoping to get publicity for his campaign to exonerate himself of anything to do with the mystery A graphologist, who examined the letters and Brueckner's neat handwriting for MailOnline, says they show he was 'distorted, deluded' and his 'fantastical views are constant, unchanging' A police search team walk on the shore of the Arade dam near Silves, Portugal, in May 2023 Portuguese police at the request of the German authorities searched Barragem do Arade Reservoir in Silves on the Algarve. The area is around 25 miles north of the holiday apartment where Madeleine disappeared from in Praia da Luz A timeline shows Brueckner's life from birth in 1976 in Germany to being jailed for raping a pensioner on the Algarve However the camcorder and gun have never been recovered and Brueckner claims that it was this testimony that kick started the investigation against him and led to him being named as prime suspect in 2020 by German authorities investigating Madeleine's disappearance. She vanished from a holiday apartment in Praia da Luz on Portugal's Algarve coast in May 2007 - where Brueckner was living at the time - and has never been seen since. Brueckner's lawyer Friedrich Fulscher said:'It remains to be seen whether this conversation took place at all as we have other witnesses who said it didn't.' The revelation comes just days after German prosecutor Hans Christian Wolters confirmed items had been found following a high-profile search last month at the Arade dam just 35 miles from where then three-year-old Madeleine was last seen. A mother-of-two has tragically died in a house fire despite the desperate efforts of her husband who went back inside the blaze to save her. Naomie Richings was killed as flames engulfed her single storey house on Pimpala Place in Orange, four hours west of Sydney, early on Friday morning. Her two children, aged nine and ten, were pulled outside by firefighters with her husband James suffering burns after venturing back into the burning building when he realised his wife had not made it out. Emergency crews were called to the address about 5.45am on Friday and found the house 'well-alight' before entering under 'intense fire conditions'. 'Officers from Fire and Rescue NSW entered the building and rescued two children; they were treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics suffering the effects of smoke inhalation,' NSW Police said in a statement. Naomie Richings was killed as flames engulfed her single storey house on Pimpala Place in Orange, four hours west of Sydney, early on Friday morning Her husband James suffered burns when he went back inside to find her while their two children are being treated for smoke inhalation 'A short time later, firefighters located a woman in the front room; however, she was unable to be revived,' police said. 'A man had escaped the blaze but suffered burns when attempting to re-enter the home.' Mr Richings and the children were rushed to nearby Orange Base Hospital where the man remains in a serious but stable condition. One of the boys is also in a stable condition at the hospital while the other was transferred to Sydney's Westmead for further treatment. Police confirmed all four are from the same family. Ms Richings said her two sons were 'kings of my heart' on her Facebook profile which is filled with videos of her and her children. Pictures from the scene show black smoke billowing from the red brick home as shocked neighbours watched on. Harrowing young cries were heard as the children were treated by paramedics in the street for smoke inhalation. Police and fire investigators need to wait until the home is safe to investigate Paramedics treated two children rescued from the burning home in Orange before they were taken to hospital Investigations into what cause the blaze are underway. Fire and Rescue NSW region Acting Inspector Dane Phillippe praised the actions of firefighters. 'Due to their brave and rapid actions, they were able to enter the home, which was well alight and rescued two children,' he said. Fire and Rescue NSW superintendent Adam Dewberry added the fire was 'a tragedy that will be fully investigated.' 'FRNSW is unable to comment on the details around this fire however there is at least one action everyone can take immediately to be safer in their home,' he said. 'That is to make sure you have a working smoke alarm fitted on all levels that is less than ten years old.' A crime scene has been established and an ignitable liquid detection dog is assisting investigators to scour the area. A mother-of-three ran desperately towards a creek after she was allegedly set on fire in a car in a suspected domestic violence incident. Police say the 33-year-old-woman was heard by neighbours screaming after she became engulfed in flames on Friday night near the corner of Honey Street and Mill End in Mount Helena, in Perth's east. She suffered burns to 40 per cent of her body including her face, arms and torso and had tried to run towards a nearby creek before she was doused in water by neighbours and first responders. She was airlifted to hospital and remains in a serious but stable condition. Her husband, 42, suffered minor burns and was also taken to hospital but has since been released and is now in police custody assisting with inquiries. Police say the 33-year-old-woman was heard by neighbours screaming after she was engulfed in flames on Friday night near the corner of Honey Street and Mill End in Mount Helena, in Perth's east The mother suffered severe burns when the car was allegedly set alight on Friday night Police haven't been able to speak to the woman yet given her injuries, and it's believed she had recently split with her husband. WA Police Inspector Glen Beros said the woman had suffered 'life-changing injuries'. 'The investigation is still in its infancy and as with all family violence investigations, they are complex and we want to be very thorough to work through this, so we are trying to gather as much information as we can,' he told reporters. 'They were in a family relationship and there has been violence, so yes, we are considering family violence. 'There is no suggestion that anyone else was involved, however, as part of these investigations we will be looking at any incidents that may have contributed in the lead up to this, any other incidents involving family violence that may have occurred.' He added the situation was distressing for everyone involved. 'A young woman has got significant burns to her body, which is going to take a long time to treat and then the rest of her life she will be impacted by that,' he said. 'The community members that were on the scene immediately, they're going to be affected by what they saw, as will the family of this young lady and the extended families outside of that.' Police are seen at the scene in Mount Helena, Perth. The woman's husband is in police custody The couple's three young children are being cared for by their grandparents. One neighbour said he heard a woman scream in 'great distress'. 'It was that sort of scream where someone is beside themselves,' he told the West Australian. 'We knew something terrible had happened.' Ten fire trucks had arrived at the scene within five minutes of the first triple zero call, and it took crews around 30 minutes to extinguish the fire. Investigations are continuing into the incident and police have taken the car away for inspection. Detectives are urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online. An Oklahoma mother sued her daughter's school district after her 15-year-old was attacked by a transgender student in the bathroom, who the school claimed to not know was biologically male. Theresa Gooden said her daughter, who is only identified as EG in the $75,000 lawsuit, received a 'beatdown' from the 17-year-old transgender student in October. 'It's pretty traumatizing. It wasn't a regular fight, it was a beatdown,' Gooden told Fox and Friends First. The student, who was assigned male at birth, was legally not allowed to be in the girl's restrooms as Oklahoma law prevents it. The Southern state requires people use the restroom associated with the gender listed on their birth certificate. However, Edmond Public Schools Superintendent Angela Grunewald said the unidentified student was listed as female in the school's system. 'In high school, birth certificates are not required to start school. So there was no birth certificate in the (student's) file at the time to verify one way or another,' she said in a video. Theresa Gooden said her daughter, who is only identified as EG in the $75,000 lawsuit, received a 'beatdown' from the 17-year-old transgender student in October. 'It's pretty traumatizing. It wasn't a regular fight, it was a beatdown,' Gooden said 'If a parent comes in and enrolls their child as a certain gender, and when you look at that child by all social norms they look and present themselves as that gender, its not something that you would question.' However, Gooden and her attorney Greg Andrews argues that EG informed the school the transgender student had made previous threats against her and that the student was male. In addition, the student had allegedly been searched for weapons by police, according to Fox and Friends. 'They knew firsthand at that point that there was a chance it was a boy based on what my client's daughter said,' Andrews told the outlet. 'The police report indicates they did have a paternity affidavit on file in the student file that identified the boy as a male. So the school is just lying, and they didn't comply. I can't wait until we get discovery in this, because it's clearly going to show that they violated the law.' The mother, who said her daughter is emotionally traumatized from the attack, said: 'It's not OK. That was a brutal attack on my daughter because they didn't follow guidelines. I expect my daughter to be safe at school.' Edmond Public Schools Superintendent Angela Grunewald said the unidentified student was listed as female in the school's system. 'In high school, birth certificates are not required to start school...If a parent comes in and enrolls their child as a certain gender, and when you look at that child by all social norms they look and present themselves as that gender, its not something that you would question' The student, who was assigned male at birth, was legally not allowed to be in the girl's restrooms as Oklahoma law prevents it. The Southern state requires people use the restroom associated with the gender listed on their birth certificate Gooden is seeking an amount in excess of $75,000 in damages from the district as well as payment of her costs. The lawsuit also states that the transgender student 'confided' in her daughter that 'he was in fact a male student that identified as a female.' EG claims that she informed the Assistant Principal Maryjel Cochrane of the conversation, but court documents claim nothing was done. In addition, the lawsuit states that the alleged attacker, who was born male, was removed from the school by police after threatening the teenage girl with a weapon on October 21. In a statement, the school said: 'Because this matter is in litigation, there is little that can be said at this time. However, Edmond Public Schools is confident that when the facts are presented, it will be determined that the district fully complied with the law and acted in a reasonable manner.' A Florida police officer and a pregnant woman have been charged with battery for beating up their two-timing boyfriend after discovering he was cheating on both of them. Jilted lovers Anna Elicia Perez, an officer with Miami-Dade, 34, and Mila Zuloaoga, 35, who is seven months pregnant, went to Miller's Ale House in Palmetto Bay, on May 26 sometime after midnight to confront the man about his unfaithful actions. The verbal dispute then turned into a 'public smackdown.' The women 'struck the victim on the face and upper body with their hands multiple times,' according to a police report, Fox News reported. The victim, whose name was not disclosed, 'sustained redness to the face and a small bruise to the lower lip,' as per the police report. Both of the women were taken into custody on Friday and charged with one count of battery regarding the alleged assault, the news outlet reported. Anna Elicia Perez, 34, a Miami-Dade police officer, was involved in the messy love triangle Mila Zuloaga, 35, who is seven months pregnant, was reportedly living with her two-timing boyfriend. It is unclear how long the pair had been in a relationship Miller's Ale House is the restaurant where both women confronted their boyfriend on May 26 It is unclear how each woman learned about one another or how long the love triangle had gone on for, but Zuloaga was reportedly living with the man at the time. Perez reportedly roughed up her cheating beau and told her fellow Miami-Dade officers that she pushed and hit him multiple times, CBS News reported. Zuloaga was taken to the MDPD special victims bureau and Perez was transported to the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center. It is unclear what position Perez has with the police department, and how long she has been on the force. After the assault Perez was relieved of her duty with pay pending until the state attorney reviews the case, a report said. Miami-Dade Police Director Freddy Ramirez said on Monday that he was 'disappointed by this officer's actions.' 'We are held to a higher standard of conduct on and off duty. Although this officer was off duty, her behavior was unacceptable and it goes against the core values of our department,' Ramirez said in a statement. 'We will work closely with the State Attorney's Office and ensure a thorough and transparent investigation.' When DailyMail.com reached out to the Miami-Dade Police Department they did not respond to our request for comment. In the meantime, some people commented on the altercation, giving their take on the messy love triangle. 'Dude buried himself in his own grave by pulling off a stunt like that. It's hard to feel sorry for him,' one person wrote, as per The New York Post. Another wrote: 'Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. A 7 month pregnant woman should not be getting involved in fights.' Several high-ranking officials were alerted to the source's claims by a whistleblower to shed light on the bombshell allegations The insider claimed Biden orchestrated a $5 million plot to receive cash in exchange for policy influence An FBI review of a confidential source alleging Biden was involved in a criminal bribery scheme found them to be 'highly credible' The insider behind claims Joe Biden was involved in a criminal bribery scheme has been revealed as a 'highly credible' FBI source. The informant was previously used by the bureau in multiple probes into the Obama administration, with a bombshell report indicating that a whistleblower attempted to shed light on their claims that then-Vice President Biden orchestrated a $5 million bribery plot with a foreign national. It is alleged that Biden was involved in the scheme where money was given in exchange for influence of US government policy, a source confirmed to DailyMail.com. A person familiar with the revelations told the outlet that the source was a 'pre-existing' FBI informer who has been used in multiple investigations separate from the Biden information. President Joe Biden is facing accusations he was involved in a bribery scheme while he was vice president. He is pictured ahead of giving a commencement speech at the US Air Force Academy on June 1, 2023 Several high-ranking officials were approached by a whistleblower about the damaging information, including House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer and Republican Senator Chuck Grassley. They alleged that the FBI was in possession of a document from June 2020 that detailed the source's allegations about Biden. This included a 'precise description of how the alleged criminal scheme was employed as well as its purpose', the whistleblower claimed. The whistleblower told Fox News that the source was used by the FBI for 'at least several years' before they came forward with the bribery allegations. Internal vetting of the source by the agency found them to be 'highly credible'. The bureau did not immediately respond when contacted by DailyMail.com. The story was first reported by Fox News. The FBI allegedly reviewed the source and found them to be 'highly credible'. Pictured: FBI Director Christopher Wray on May 15, 2023 Republican Senator Chuck Grassley, pictured on May 11, 2023, was contacted by a whistleblower over the shocking bribery claims A spokesman for Senator Grassley confirmed the top Republican had been contacted by a whistleblower about the source of the information. 'We know the FBI has very serious allegations against then-Vice President Biden,' they told Fox News. 'The question is what did they do with it. Did they investigate the leads or sweep it under the rug? 'This is exactly why we need transparency into the document and what the FBI did with it? Thats what Sen. Grassley has sought from the start.' Congressman Comer threatened to hold FBI Director Christopher Wray in contempt of Congress after his subpoena of the document in question was rejected by the bureau. The FBI said it withheld the information, an FD-1023 document used by FBI agents to report allegations from confidential sources, in an attempt to protect sources and methods. In response, Comer said: 'FBI Director Wray confirmed the existence of the FD-1023 form alleging then-Vice President Biden engaged in a criminal bribery scheme with a foreign national. 'This form, generated by the FBI from a highly credible human informant with years of experience, tracks closely with what we are seeing in our investigation into the Biden familys influence peddling schemes. 'The Committee has been clear in its intent to protect Congressional oversight authorities and is prepared to hold the FBI Director in contempt of Congress if the agency refuses to comply with a lawful subpoena.' The FBI has reportedly offered to bring the bombshell report and provide a full review on Capitol Hill for lawmakers to review in a secure location on Monday. The son of a woman who killed her abusive husband by lacing a biscuit with temazepam has said she doesn't deserve jail time because she suffered at his hands for more than a decade. Rebecca Payne, 43, who has been dubbed the 'cookie monster', was found guilty of the murder of father-of-five Noel Payne, 68, by a Supreme Court jury in regional Victoria earlier this year. During sentencing this week, Justice Rita Incerti said Payne's 'claim for mercy is compelling' due to the horrific abuse inflicted by Mr Payne which she suffered over many years. She was sentenced to a maximum 16-year prison sentence, and must serve ten years before she is eligible for parole. But Payne's son Jamie said the sentence was too heavy handed, saying a person 'can only take so much physical, mental and sexual abuse'. 'I don't feel she deserved it (the sentence) because she went through 14 or 15 years of abuse,' Jamie told A Current Affair. 'I feel she's done her time.' Rebecca Payne's son Jamie (pictured) said he felt his mother had already served a jail sentence in an abusive relationship Rebecca Payne, 43, who has been dubbed the 'cookie monster', was found guilty of the murder of father-of-five Noel Payne by a Supreme Court jury in regional Victoria earlier this year Jamie has moved to rural Victoria from WA to take care of his younger siblings. 'I know she (Payne) has nightmares, she can't sleep at times,' he added. 'But I know that where she is she has got help and will definitely come out stronger than when she went in. 'I hope she gets out soon and we can just become a family and reunite as one again.' In September 2020, Payne gave her husband a fatal dose of temazepam by lacing the icing of biscuits and serving them to him with a cup of Milo. She then wrapped him in a blanket and stored his body in a chest freezer in the backyard of their Walpeup house. The killing came after she suffered years of coercive control and physical, emotional and sexual abuse from Mr Payne. He cut off communication from her family and friends, did not allow her to go to her son's funeral and forced her to get 18 tattoos of his name on her body. On one occasion, after a fight over finances, Mr Payne took her to a cemetery, grabbed her by the hair, kicked her in the ribs and spat on her while she was on the ground. Justice Incerti said it was impossible to separate the impact the 'insidious abuse' had on Payne from her motive to murder him. 'You were trapped in an abusive, violent and cruel environment for over a decade,' she told the court. 'Your conduct and regrettable decision to kill Mr Payne cannot be disentangled from your circumstances and the family violence you endured at his hands.' During her trial Payne said her husband Noel (pictured) had physically and psychologically abused her for 14 years Justice Incerti said the case 'calls out loudly' for her to use a high degree of mercy in deciding on a prison sentence. 'Your claim for mercy is compelling,' she said. Payne has already served two years and seven months of her sentence. She said she suffered immense physical and psychological abuse, along with another intellectually disabled woman her husband cruelly brought into the household. Many of the 170 residents of Walpeup (pictured) see Rebecca as the real 'victim' and hailed her as a hero for saving the lives of others in the house She claimed her husband would rape her 'whenever he felt like it', control her and beat her. He also got her fired from her job at a store in Ouyen, 20 minutes east of Walpeup, as he would often sit inside and frighten customers who would speak to her. One neighbour, John, said the sentence was 'not fair' and that Rebecca was 'the real victim'. A man who lived close to the Paynes claimed 'there's not a doubt in the world' Noel was planning to kill Rebecca, their two sons who lived there and the other woman. 'She saved at least four lives. She didn't know whether she was going to go to bed and wake up the next morning,' the neighbour said. 'Or whether her boys were going to go to bed and wake up the next morning.' Council planners ordered a British pub owner to remove a giant mural of a warty, hook-nosed witch for being 'historically inaccurate'. Street artist Rogue One- also known as Bobby McNamara- was commissioned to paint the hook-nosed witch on the side of Larachmhor Tavern in Scotland last October. The 19th-century boozer is located in Pittenweem, Fife, where at least 26 people were tortured and 18 killed in the village during the 18th century. Many were accused of being witches and in league with the devil the fishing village is notoriously known for killing the five Pittenweem witches. The artwork in Fife was 'based on historically inaccurate false narratives', council planners said. Council planners ordered the Larachmhor Tavern in Scotland to remove a giant mural of a warty, hook-nosed witch for being 'historically inaccurate' Bobby McNamara was commissioned to paint the hook-nosed witch on the side of the 18th century pub last October Bobby told The Sunday Times: 'It's turned into a literal modern-day witch-hunt,' 'It simply doesn't sit well with the quaint little town and some of its locals, and they're throwing every argument that they can to have it removed. I get that, and I'm surprised it's lasted this long.' The enormous wrinkled-face woman is painted with thick midnight purple hair standing before a blood moon. Her lips were painted jet black to match her long dirty brown nails and slug-looking eyebrows. Fife councillor, Jonny Tepp labelled the artwork 'gaudy', and the colours jarred compared to other pieces of art in the village. He said: 'The [planning] committee . . . asked for the mural to be sensitively removed in the interests of protecting the building's fabric, as well as conserving the appearance of this popular historic village.' Campaign group 'Witches of Scotland' is lobbying the Scottish government to pardon and apologise to the almost 4,000 witches reportedly convicted under the Witchcraft Act 1563. Group member, Claire Mitchell said, 'It wasn't old women with the witchy stereotypes we imagine' affected by the 'witch trials' 'It was just ordinary women and men in Scotland who lived in a time which resulted in a dreadful miscarriage of justice.' The village was home to five Scottish women accused of witchcraft, with three accomplices in 1704 by 16-year-old Patrick Morton. Several were tortured, murdered or died in prison, but neither Morton nor the mob that killed the women were convicted. A California man battling stage 4 cancer has had his chemotherapy treatments paused amid a nationwide shortage of 14 crucial cancer drugs. Michael Griffith has a rare and aggressive form of cholangiocarcinoma, a bile duct cancer, and has been taking the chemo drug Cisplatin, but he has been forced to miss five doses due to the shortage and says his cancer is growing rapidly. Griffith learned about the interruption to his treatment during a trip to his doctor's office last month. He told CBS News Sacramento 'just in that short amount of time, it's already grown.' 'I really don't know how long I can allow it to keep growing,' he said. Griffith says he's trying to find the joy in the everyday as he is among hundreds of thousands of cancer patients waiting for the life-saving medicine. Michael Griffith and his fiance Nikki Smith share their concerns amid the nationwide shortage. Griffith is on cisplatin - one of the 14 drugs that are unavailable A nurse administering chemotherapy treatment to a patient. Hundreds of thousands of cancer patients are waiting for the life-saving medicine right now The Sacramento offices of Kaiser Permanente where Griffith was receiving treatment. Griffith learned about the interruption to his treatment during a trip to his doctor's office last month. He told CBS News Sacramento 'just in that short amount of time, it's already grown' Cisplatin, the drug Griffith is on, and the chemo drug carboplatin are used to treat a variety of cancers, and both are currently unavailable. Griffith's fiance Nikki Smith told the news outlet that she 'had no idea this was going on.' 'I didn't know it would affect us and I didn't know to ask why,' Smith said.' There's something wrong here and we need to change this.' It's unclear what has led to the drug shortage, however, the shuttering of a manufacturing plant in India has been cited as a possible reason, along with increased demands for the chemo drugs. Dr. Bill Dahut, Chief Scientific Officer of the American Cancer Society, told the news outlet that there has been a shortage taking place on-and-off for at least a decade. 'This combination of older plants, no redundancy, less profit motive for those manufactured in the States and increasing need leads to these shortages,' Dahut said. But Dahut and Dr. Eleanora Teplinsky, a medical oncologist with Valley Health System, believe that this is an urgent matter and are concerned about the long-term impact it will have. In the meantime, doctors are forced to ration the drugs that are the sole treatment option for countless patients. 'We can't just take one drug out and put a new one in. It's not that simple as substituting one medication for another,' Teplinsky told the news outlet. Cisplatin, the drug Griffith is on, and the chemo drug carboplatin are used to treat a variety of cancers, and both are currently unavailable. Dr. Bill Dahut, Chief Scientific Officer of the American Cancer Society says there has been a shortage for at least a decade Kaiser Permanente, Griffith's medical provider, issued this statement to CBS13 regarding the shortage: 'At this time, there is no definitive information on when supply of Cisplatin will return to pre-shortage levels. We are carefully managing the sustainability of our current supplies of Cisplatin in order to continue delivering high-quality care for our patients. 'Our priority is always the health and well-being of our patients. We recognize any time there is a national shortage of a medication, like Cisplatin, that patients who are affected may feel anxious. We want every patient to fully understand and be comfortable with their treatment plan. 'Our physicians and pharmacists are working with their patients to ensure their treatment plan is as effective as possible and to identify alternative treatments when necessary. ' Dahut said the American Cancer Society is calling on Congress to take emergency action. 'This is a real problem. And unless something is done about this, this is going to be a recurring problem,' he said. 'I think we are going to have patients lose their lives for lack of availability.' This shows the number of drugs in shortage by year since January 2001. There have been 47 reports so far in 2023, the ASHP said The above graph shows the number of drugs currently in shortage according to the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists Griffith is trying to remain hopeful during the uncertainty and spoke out in hopes that his story will raise awareness about the situation. 'They're not gonna make a change unless they have to,' Smith said. I've been writing to the White House almost every day. Are they going to answer me? No. But when this comes across their table maybe they'll say, "500,000 people are writing us about this every day, we have to do something."' 'I would encourage everybody to continue to push for this change. Without it, who knows where we are going to be. It may get a lot worse before it gets better,' Griffith said. For now, he understands that time is precious. 'I need to do whatever I can to make sure I'm there for the people I love for a long time to come.' Since the invasion of Ukraine, any suspicious activity near Russias borders naturally sets the West on edge. So one can only imagine the alarm that set in last week when it emerged an alleged Russian spy named Hvaldimir had been spotted in Swedish waters. But this was no ordinary spy. For Hvaldimir is in fact a young beluga whale, whose charming appeals for fish from passing boats and his love of fetching rubber rings are far removed from the sinister purpose for which he was reportedly trained. Indeed, Hvaldimir a Norwegian nickname and play on Vladimir Putin appears to be the product of a top secret Russian military animal-training program. Its aim, say experts in the West, is nothing less than to weaponize sea creatures such as belugas, dolphins and seals and ultimately turn them into deep-sea agents that can spy on and even attack the vessels and personnel of enemy nations. One can only imagine the alarm that set in last week when it emerged an alleged Russian spy named Hvaldimir had been spotted in Swedish waters. (Pictured in Norway in 2019). But this was no ordinary spy. For Hvaldimir is in fact a young beluga whale and likely the product of a top secret Russian military animal-training program. (Pictured in Norway in 2019). And so the troubling question: is Hvaldimir harmless, having accidentally escaped from his shadowy Arctic training pen or is he still on active service? The first we heard of him was back in 2019, when he was spotted swimming alone by fishermen in the waters off Norway. Coming so close to humans is unusual. And it was this boldness that first raised the alarm bells that this may not be an ordinary beluga. That and, of course, the harness the fishermen spotted it wearing that bore a inscription in English: Equipment of St Petersburg. More concerning still, the harness was later identified as a custom-built carrier for two GoPro cameras. Naturally, Russia remained silent. But renegade researchers from the country, as well as experts in Norway, made clear they were convinced both the whale and harness had come from a military program run by Putins Navy. And, when a beluga was filmed again in Norwegian waters a few months later (first retrieving a GoPro camera it had knocked out of a canoeists hands, and later fetching a ball thrown off a boat by a group of South African rugby fans) they concluded he was the same creature that had accosted the fishermen. They believed the whale, lonely and malnourished, had escaped from a marine pen while he was being transported to a new location probably a Russian submarine base in the Barents Sea which specializes in underwater research and secret operations. Hvaldimir was first spotted in 2019 by fishermen, in the waters off Norway. He was wearing a harness that bore a inscription in English: Equipment of St Petersburg (pictured right). A group named OneWhale was subsequently set up to track and protect the beluga which was soon given its punny sobriquet with the hope of one day introducing him back into the wild. For years, he hung around industrial salmon farms and was spotted off Norways capital, Oslo. But this year he started moving south towards Sweden, traveling 900 miles in the past two months alone. A shadowy outfit called the Murmansk Sea Biology Research Institute is thought to be responsible for training Hvaldimir. And while the official line is that no such program exists, in 2017 a report by a Russian state-controlled TV station admitted that the military had been trying to train whales, dolphins and seals. According to the report which appeared to be aimed at reinforcing the message Russia was strengthening its military presence in the Arctic belugas like Hvaldimir had been trained to guard naval base entrances, assist deep water divers and, if necessary, kill any strangers who enter their territory. While whales trained to kill might sound like something out of an Austin Powers movie, Western experts in the know will tell you they arent remotely surprised. Poor, lonesome Hvaldimir, they say, is the legacy of a Cold War race between the U.S. and the Soviets to control the undersea world. And that meant trying to turn cetaceans thats whales, dolphins and porpoises into guards, spies and even assassins. While whales trained to kill might sound like something out of an Austin Powers movie, Western experts in the know will tell you they arent remotely surprised. (Pictured: A U.S. Navy Marine Mammal Program). Poor, lonesome Hvaldimir, they say, is the legacy of a Cold War race between the U.S. and the Soviets to control the undersea world. (Pictured: A U.S. Navy Marine Mammal Program). The Kremlin is thought to have prioritized its own research into the military use of cetaceans after it was thrown into panic by a 1966 US news story that claimed not entirely accurately that the American government was training Kamikaze Porpoises to detect and attack Soviet subs. Indeed, a 1976 CIA report found that the Soviets were soon training bottlenose dolphins at several facilities of their own. Within two years, the report warned, Soviet dolphins could be capable of placing packages either tracking devices or explosives onto ships. The Russian dolphins were thought to be based in the far east of the country near Alaska, before later being moved to the Crimea, where they were inherited by Ukraine after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. When the project ran out of money, however, some were moved to a private dolphinarium where they performed for tourists. Then, in 2000, their chief trainer no longer able to afford even food and medicine for the animals sold the remaining collection (four dolphins and one beluga) to the Iranians. The trainer, Boris Zhurid, then revealed all saying hed taught them to attack enemy frogmen with harpoons attached to their backs or, more simply, to drag them to the surface so they could be captured by Soviet sailors. They were also capable of suicide missions carrying mines that would explode on contact with the hull of enemy ships. In fact, the dolphins thought to be among the most intelligent species on the planet were said to be able to distinguish between Soviet and enemy submarines by the sound of their propellers alone. Its little surprise then, that post-Soviet Russia has maintained its interest in attack cetaceans. Putins armed forces are alleged to have researched arming dolphins with hypodermic syringes filled with carbon dioxide. If injected into passing divers, the result would be fatal. A 1966 US news story claimed the American government was training Kamikaze Porpoises to detect and attack Soviet subs. (Pictured: A sea lion involved in the U.S. Navy Marine Mammal Program). A U.S. Navy seal attaches a recovery line to a piece of test equipment. In 2012, it also emerged Ukraine had been training its own dolphins to attack enemy divers with special knives or pistols fixed to their heads. When Russia later seized the dolphin base, Ukrainian officials claimed rather hilariously that the creatures died patriotically by going on hunger strike. In 2016, a document uploaded on to the Russian governments procurement website revealed its military had been offering contracts worth $21,000 for the safe delivery of five dolphins with perfect teeth and no physical impairments to the Crimean port city of Sevastopol. But the Russians arent alone in their continued fascination with the military potential of aquatic mammals. The US Navy has been studying dolphins since the late 1950s. Initially, the intention was to see if their streamlined body shape, as well as their sophisticated sonar systems, could be used to improve submarine and torpedo designs. Much of this early work was led by Max Kramer, a former Nazi guided-missile expert brought to the US as part of Operation Paperclip a secret program to smuggle out German scientists after the Second World War and use their expertise. Later, research turned to using sea mammals, mainly bottlenose dolphins and sea lions, for actual operations such as recovering weapons in deep water, patrolling harbors and clearing mines. The U.S. has also reportedly attempted to train sharks for swimmer protection and sea lions to cuff divers with giant leg traps. However, when they experimented with killer whales, they found they had immense difficulty keeping the easily-bored orcas focused on the job. The US Navy has been studying dolphins since the late 1950s. Initially, the intention was to see if their streamlined body shape could be used to improve submarine and torpedo designs. (Pictured: Dolphin training on U.S. Navy Marine Mammal Program). Later, research turned to using sea mammals, mainly bottlenose dolphins and sea lions, for actual operations such as recovering weapons in deep water, patrolling harbors and clearing mines. (Pictured: Dolphin training on U.S. Navy Marine Mammal Program). The smarter and more versatile bottlenoses, however, can be trained to incredible precision. They can learn to attach location markers or floatation devices to mines deep in the ocean and far deeper than frogmen can reach without getting the bends. In 1970, the U.S. actually deployed bottlenoses to defend ships in the Vietnam War. They were flown in specially to Vietnams Cam Ranh Bay to deal with enemy divers wreaking havoc with limpet mines. Though the government denies training the animals to kill, eye-witness reports tell a different tale. Once they spotted intruders, the dolphins were said to push their snouts into a fiberglass nose cone fitted with a barbed steel hook, before plunging them into the buttocks or thighs of their enemies. The nose cones would then rapidly inflate, dragging the divers to the surface to be captured. U.S. Navy dolphins are also believed to have been used to clear mines during the 1980s Iran-Iraq conflict and the 2003 Iraq invasion. And it is widely thought that sea lions and dolphins still patrol restricted waters at a naval base in San Diego. Of course, countless war horses, dogs, carrier pigeons and more have been used and killed in battle over the centuries. However, animal-rights activists have become increasingly critical in recent years. But while many deplore such practices as blatant cruelty, in the case of the aquatic mammals used during the Cold War, Canadian historian and animal-warfare expert Jason Colby insists there were significant benefits from the militarys interest. In fact, the US Navys research, especially its discoveries about the high intelligence and unique characteristics of dolphins and whales, played a critical role in transforming the scientific and popular view of these animals, he says. In 1970, the U.S. actually deployed bottlenoses to defend ships in the Vietnam War. They were flown in specially to Vietnams Cam Ranh Bay to deal with enemy divers wreaking havoc with limpet mines. (Pictured: Dolphin training on U.S. Navy Marine Mammal Program). Previously they had been seen as little different to fish and were massacred without compunction. But even the Soviets, heartless supporters of whaling that they were, eventually banned the killing of dolphins in their waters in 1966 after they realized their Navy might need them. Meanwhile, one Russian navy-trained sea mammal in particular smiley Hvaldimir continues on his solitary journey, fetching balls and dropped phones for passing tourists and canoeists. Is he still a determined enemy of the West? It seems unlikely. Nonetheless, he is living proof that some of the worlds most dangerous military forces remain focused on turning sea creatures into watery weapons. The 70s Show star Danny Masterson will be held in the same segregation unit as OJ Simpson in Los Angeles County Jail after he was convicted of rape. Masterson, 47, was found guilty of raping Jane Doe One and Two on Wednesday and will be held in the LA County Jail until his sentencing hearing. He will be held in 'administrative segregation,' according to TMZ - the same unit OJ Simpson and Suge Knight spent time in. Masterson will have access to the jail's library, but will not have access to a TV. He will also be allowed out of his cell for two hours a day and get recreational time three hours a week, according to TMZ. He will also be able to shower every other day. The actor is due back in court on August 4. Masterson, 47, was fo und guilty of raping Jane Doe One and Two on Wednesday and will be held in the LA County Jail until his sentencing hearing He will be held in 'administrative segregation,' according to TMZ - the same unit OJ Simpson and Suge Knight spent time in The verdicts on Wednesday came on the eighth day of jury deliberations. Jurors found him guilty of raping victims Jane Doe One and Jane Doe Two. On the third charge of raping Jane Doe Three, the jury was 'hopelessly deadlocked' at eight in favor of guilty and four in favor of not guilty. Masterson's attorney, Philip Cohen, argued that his client should be allowed to remain on bail, wearing an electronic monitor and being kept on 24-hour house arrest. But Judge Olmedo rejected his plea saying Masterson's offenses were 'serious and violent felonies' and called him a 'potential flight risk.' Reinhold Mueller, the deputy district attorney, told the court that he agreed with Judge Olmedo's decision to revoke Masterson's bail, echoing her comment and saying: 'These were serious and violent offenses.' On the charge of raping Jane Doe 3 which jurors remained hung on the judge asked 'if there is any reasonable possibility of arriving at a verdict.' The female jury foreperson answered 'No,' adding that the panel voted five times without being able to come up with a unanimous decision. Masterson will have access to the jail's library, but will not have access to a TV. He will also be allowed out of his cell for two hours a day and get recreational time three hours a week. He will also be able to shower every other day Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon said in a statement after the verdict: 'In April 2003, Masterson raped a 28-year-old woman and sometime between October and December of that year he sexually assaulted a 23-year-old woman who he had invited to his Hollywood Hills home. 'We want to express our gratitude to the three women who came forward and bravely shared their experiences. Their courage and strength have been an inspiration to us all. 'While we are disappointed that the jury did not convict on all counts, we respect their decision. The verdicts handed down by the jury in this case were undoubtedly a difficult one to reach and we thank the jurors for their service.' Masterson who played smart-mouthed Steven Hyde on That '70s Show was accused of raping the three women at his Hollywood Hills home between 2001 and 2003. He pleaded not guilty to all the charges and he was looking at a sentence of 45 years to life in prison if he had been convicted on all three. His accusers, who DailyMail.com is identifying only as Jane Does 1 through 3 are all former Scientologists. In their civil case they claim that they've been harassed and intimidated since reporting him to police. A status hearing on that case is scheduled for June 28. A jury found Danny Masterson guilty on two of three rape counts on Wednesday. He's seen entering court Wednesday with wife Bijou Phillips They said that church officials warned them not to use the word rape; that turning in a fellow Scientologist to law enforcement was considered a 'high crime'; and if they disobeyed that doctrine, they could be declared a 'suppressive person' cast out by the church and left alone, cut off from family and friends. In the second trial, prosecutors put much more emphasis than they did in the first on their claims that Masterson drugged his alleged victims by spiking drinks he gave them before raping them. Calling Masterson a 'predator', Deputy District Attorney Ariel Anson said in her closing argument: 'It all starts with a drink. This is his playbook. 'The defendant drugged his victims to be in control. When he drugs them, he is completely able to control them. And he does it over and over again.' Her prosecuting partner, Mueller, added as he pointed at Masterson 'After they were drugged, they were raped by this man over here. 'It's beyond reasonable doubt that this man drugged these women and raped them. It's time to hold Masterson accountable for what he's done.' Masterson's lawyer objected Wednesday to the prosecution's frequent referrals to his client drugging his alleged victims before raping them and called for a mistrial, saying, 'drugging does not constitute forcible rape.' Masterson played wise-cracking Steven Hyde on That '70s Show from 1998 to 2006 But Judge Olmedo denied his mistrial motion, telling him that when considering drugging and use of force in a rape case, 'one does not necessarily preclude the other.' Cohen, pointed out that there are no toxicology reports to back up the 20-year-old drugging allegations against his client who has always maintained that the sex with the three Jane Does was 'consensual.' Another difference between the two trials was the addition in the second of testimony from another 'victim' a woman who claimed Masterson raped her in Toronto in 2000, though he was never charged with the alleged assault. Prosecutors added her to the witness list to establish a pattern of 'prior bad acts' by Masterson. But Cohen dismissed the move, saying the new accuser was brought in for the retrial to 'save the case' for the DA. The protest is said to have ended last night with rumours that the hotel gave in Last week around 20 asylum seekers protested outside the Pimlico Comfort Inn A Pimlico hotel has caved into asylum seekers' demands over an 'unsafe' four-to-a-room policy as staff now agree only a maximum of two will share. On May 31 around 20 asylum seekers staying at the Comfort Inn in Pimlico, south west London, camped outside to protest the poor conditions in the hotel. On their arrival to the hotel they were told that four people would be sharing a room with two bunk beds, leading many to worry about their safety and lack of space. However, the protest ended last night and the mass of people returned to the hotel. Carlo Fraschetti, the owner of the Italian restaurant O'Sole Mio, which is right next to the hotel, believes the hotel changed their plans and are now offering two person rooms instead. A look at the roughly 20 asylum seekers who protested outside the Comfort Inn in Pimlico, south west London The 53-year-old said: 'I think, from what I have heard, they have changed from having four people in a room to two.' While the protest was going on, Mr Fraschetti made sure the group stayed hydrated and fed while they were outside. He went round with water and food and even offered charging spots in the restaurant to let them charge their phones. The 53-year-old said: 'I took out some food and some water and let them use charging points and things to help in some way because its not their fault they are in this position. 'They were all very calm and quiet outside.' A Home Office spokesperson said: 'Despite the number of people arriving in the UK reaching record levels, we continue to provide accommodation - at a cost of 6million a day - for asylum seekers who would otherwise be destitute to meet our legal obligation. 'The accommodation offered to asylum seekers by providers, on a no choice basis, is of a decent standard and meets all legal and contractual requirements.' 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. The rest of the plane seemed excited when a member of the cabin crew interrupted the Southwestern flight from Phoenix to Houston. 'On the count of three we're going to sing Happy Birthday to Jeanine,' he said over the intercom. Only one passenger looked uncomfortable. Judge Jeanine Pirro put a hand over her face and squealed, 'Ohhh,' before breaking out in a grin. The moment was captured on video, as the planeload of passengers gives full voice. She is on a tour to promote her latest book 'Crimes Against America.' A planeload of passengers sand Happy Birthday on Friday evening to Judge Jeanne Pirro, much to her embarrassment. She was flying from Phoenix to Houston And on Friday night a fan onboard let the cabin crew that she was also celebrating her 72nd birthday. Passengers broke into a round of applause when it was announced, prompting the chorus of Happy Birthday. The conservative judge and TV personality hosted Fox News' Justice with Jeanine for over a decade before joining the network's The Five. She is based in New York, but is often spotted at social and political events in Palm Beach. A lifelong Republican, she has been seen supporting conservative causes in Florida over the years, and is good friends with former President Donald Trump. During her book tour she spoke at Young America's Foundation, The Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Turning Point USA. Passengers applauded when a member of the cabin crew announced her birthday Pirro, a Fox News regular, is on a tour to promote her latest book, 'Crimes Against America' She spoke at the Richard Nixon President Library in California during the trip In Phoenix Arizona, she joined Charlie Kirk and Kari Lake at a Turning Point USA event In Phoenix Arizona, she joined Charlie Kirk and Kari Lake at Turning Point USA. Crimes Against America is published by WININNG TEAM PUBLISHING, founded by Sergio Gor and Donald Trump Jr. Judge Jeanine is a patriot, who loves our nation,' said Don Jr. 'No other book indicts the left like "Crimes Against America" We are thrilled to be publishing her newest book!' Winning Team previously published President Trumps two book since leaving the White House. Tomorrow could be the hottest day of 2023 with temperatures set to reach a sizzling 26C - following highs of 21C today. The highest temperature in the UK so far this year was 25.1C in Porthmadog on Tuesday - and forecasters believe there is a chance this could be beaten tomorrow. The dry weather is expected to continue into next week. A UK high of 23.9C was recorded in Porthmadog on Saturday, with temperatures expected to be slightly higher on Sunday. People were pictured enjoying the weather on packed out beaches across the country today as they make the most of the rare temperatures. Photographs from today show packed out beaches as people make the most of the sunny weather. Pictured: Paignton, Torbay, in Devon Families were seen swimming in the water at a beach in Torbay, Devon today Tomorrow could be the hottest day of 2023 with temperatures set to reach a sizzling 26C - following highs of 21C today Others were captured playing and swimming in the sea while boats floated past. It comes days after a 12-year-old girl and 17-year-old boy were tragically pronounced dead after a major incident at Bournemouth beach on Wednesday. Lifeguards hurried into the water by Bournemouth Pier after a group of people got into difficulty in the sea at around 4.30pm. A further eight people were treated by the ambulance service at the scene for non-life-threatening injuries. A subsequent investigation has been launched into the circumstances surrounding the incident. Met Office meteorologist Rachel Ayers said people can expect 24C or 25C in the warmer spots tomorrow and there could even be a high of 26C in sheltered areas in the west. People were seen sunbathing on towels and under umbrellas today as they enjoyed the sunshine Ice cream shops experienced huge queues in Torbay, Devon today The highest temperature in the UK so far this year was 25.1C in Porthmadog on Tuesday - and forecasters believing there is a chance this could be beaten She said there was a low chance of 26C being recorded, adding: 'We'd be looking at that somewhere in the west, probably similar kind of areas, parts of Wales, maybe south-west England.' Ms Ayers said a breeze across the south, particularly English Channel coasts, will affect temperatures in those areas. Eastern coasts will see temperatures on Sunday of around 15C or 16C, while inland areas will be warmer with highs of 18C to 20C. The Met website has urged people to take precautions as temperatures rise over the summer period. These include drinking plenty of non-alcoholic fluids and reapplying an appropriate factor sun cream at regular intervals throughout the day. They also urge people to eat as you normally would, as not eating properly may exacerbate health-related problems. The First Lady Jill Biden enjoyed sightseeing with her daughter Ashley Biden at Egypt's Pyramids and Sphinx on her 72nd birthday after attending the royal wedding of Jordan's Crown Prince. President Biden posted a photo for her birthday on Twitter, showing him handing the First Lady a yellow flower and calling her 'Jilly.' As part of her trip to the Middle East, the First Lady and her daughter attended the wedding of the King Abdullah II and Queen Rania's son Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II and Princess Rajwa held at Zahran Palace in Amman, Jordan. While sightseeing days later the First Lady dressed in a smart lightweight floral dress with fashion trainers, Biden looked relaxed and happy as she posed alongside Ashley and sister Bonny Jacobs at the Giza Pyramids. The First Lady was also seen near the Sphinx touring the Egyptian complex. The weather on Saturday was sunny with temperatures in the mid-80s. She was joined by US ambassador John Desrocher, Egypt's Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Ahmed Issa and head of Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities Mostafa Waziri. The First Lady pictured with her daughter, Ashley Biden (left) and her sister Bonny Jacobs taking a photos at the Giza Pyramids on Saturday near Cairo, Egypt First Lady Jill Biden and her daughter Ashley Biden (2nd-R) tour with Egypt's Minister of Tourism Ahmed Issa (3rd-L) and head of Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities Mostafa Waziri (2nd-R) during a visit to the Giza Pyramids necropolis on the outskirts of Cairo on Saturday First Lady Jill Biden holding hands with her daughter, Ashley Biden as they attend the dinner banquet of Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II and Princess Rajwa on Thursday The happy couple during the ceremony. The marriage of Crown Prince Hussein, 28, and Saudi architect Rajwa Alseif, 29, drew many royals to the Middle Eastern country The Biden's have had a longtime friendship with the Prince's parents. When King Abdullah's son was a student at Georgetown, Biden and King Abdullah would meet for breakfast, they have remained friends over the years often visiting one another. Since Biden has been president the pair have met twice at the White House and once in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, the Associated Press reported. On Friday, the First Lady and her daughter and sister wore the traditional head scarf as they toured the Al-Azhar Mosque located in Cairo. The mosque features Islamic architectural designs dating back to the 10th to 19th centuries. Dr. Mohammed Al Mahrasawy, the head of Al Azhar university, accompanied them through the Sunni Muslim mosque that is known as the world's premier Islamic institution. Sunni Islam is the largest branch of Islam and followed by the majority of Muslims. The itinerary also included a stop at the El Sewedy International Applied Technology School, located just outside Cairo, to visit the students and its teachers. Biden was greeted warmly, and a welcome poster was placed on the wall. She signed it saying, 'You are all amazing....Good luck.' Egypt's Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Ahmed Issa kisses the First Lady's hand as a warm gesture as Mostafa Waziri (L), head of Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities smiles The First Lady and her daughter are pictured wearing head scarfs as they visited the Al-Ahar mosque at the Sunni Muslim Islamic Institute in Cairo, Egypt Dr. Mohammed Al Mahrasawy (pictured) the head of Al Azhar university, accompanies the First Lady during her visit through the Al-Azhar mosque, a renowned institution Jill Biden is seen applauding the teacher and student at the El Sewedy International Applied Technology School, at 6th of October city, just outside Cairo, Egypt on Friday She signs a welcome poster that the school greeted her with during her visit She arrived in the Middle East on Wednesday, her first visit there in her role as First Lady. It is part of a six-day trip that also includes North Africa and Europe to promote women empowerment and young people. In February, she went to Kenya and Namibia. In Egypt and Morocco, she has been busy meeting with female educators and young people in an effort to support educational programs and increase economic opportunity, the AP reported. Her next stop is Portugal, where she is expected to attend with the US Department the 60th anniversary of its Art in Embassies program, which calls attention to how the arts can play a part in diplomacy. 'The first lady believes that supporting youth across the world is critical to our common future, with education, health, and empowerment at the heart of it,' said the First Lady's spokesperson, Vanessa Valdivia. 'With her visit to the Middle East and North Africa, the first lady will continue to build on her work to empower young people, and reaffirm our commitment to strengthen our partnerships and advance our shared priorities in the region.' Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said Ukraine is ready to launch a sensational counteroffensive to take back areas of Russian occupied territory. In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, Zelenskyy insisted: 'We strongly believe that we will succeed'. 'I don't know how long it will take,' he continued. 'To be honest, it can go a variety of ways, completely different. But we are going to do it, and we are ready.' The planned counteroffensive comes after President Joe Biden has poured over $75 billion into the conflict, while Zelenskyy said last month the attack would only be possible when more armored vehicles arrived on the front lines. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, pictured speaking on June 2, 2023, has announced the Ukrainian military is readying a counteroffensive against Russian forces In recent weeks, Ukrainian military officials have increased the number of strikes on Russian ammunition depots. And amid a stretch of dry weather in the region that readies battleground conditions, anticipation has grown over the long-awaited counteroffensive push. However, Zelenskyy admitted that Russia's aerial dominance could be devastating, as he predicted his military would suffer heavy losses. 'A large number of soldiers will die,' he said. His comments came as Ukraine continues to push for NATO membership, however he admitted he didn't expect to join while the conflict was ongoing. Instead, he said he is seeking a pledge that Ukraine will be admitted later, which he plans to secure at a summit in Vilnius, Lithuania in July. 'If we are not given a signal in Vilnius, I believe there is no point for Ukraine to be at this summit,' he said. When asked if he thought the crucial deal would be made at the summit, he said: 'I don't know. I honestly don't know.' Ukrainian military forces have received billions in funding ahead of their counteroffensive Zelenskyy admitted his latest push could mean 'a large number of soldiers will die' Zelenskyy also chimed in on the incoming US presidential election, where both frontrunners for the GOP nomination, Donald Trump and Ron DeSantis, have indicated they would reduce America's role in the conflict. The former president declined to say last month whether he would back Ukraine if he wins a second term, however he did vaguely promise to end the war within 24 hours. And DeSantis sparked controversy in March when he described the conflict in Ukraine as a 'territorial dispute', comments he has since walked back on. Zelenskyy expressed concern that a change in administration could affect his plans to counter the Russian invasion. 'In a situation like this, when there is support, you are afraid of changes,' he said. 'And to be honest, when you mention a change of administration, I feel the same way as any other personyou want changes for the better, but it can also be the other way around.' The Ukrainian president admitted that Trump's claim he could end the war in a day left him scratching his head, as he hadn't done so when Russia had already invaded Crimea and was readying further invasion plans while he was in office. 'I'm not sure how Trump would have acted,' he added. Both former President Donald Trump (left) and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (right) have indicated they may look to reduce America's role in the Ukrainian conflict Looking forward as he attempts to secure military backing ahead of his counteroffensive, Zelenskyy noted his efforts to win international backing in the conflict. Chief to this effort is a summit he is attempting to forge around his 10-point peace plan, calling for all Russian forces to retreat from Ukrainian territory. 'Putin has to know that people wont shake his hand, that he no longer sits at the table with serious countries, that Russia is not part of international organizations,' he added. However, he insisted China, which has not publicly condemned Russia's invasion, will have an important role to play in ending the war. 'I would not want such a country to stand by and watch people die,' he said. 'If you are big, this is what national greatness means. This is not a painting or a museum; it is a real, bloody war.' A children's choir was told to stop singing the National Anthem by Capitol Police because it was deemed a 'demonstration,' but police insist it was a 'miscommunication.' The Rushingbrook Children's Choir - based in South Carolina - was singing inside the US Capitol on May 26 when a female Capitol Police officer directed a congressional staffer to stop the show, Choir Director David Rasbach told the Daily Signal. 'I was shocked, I was dismayed, I was stunned,' the director told the outlet. 'I couldnt believe that was happening, that they would stop the National Anthem of all songs.' Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy branded the move to stop the children as 'unacceptable. In a tweet, he said he would be welcoming them back saying: 'Just learned kids were interrupted while singing our National Anthem at the Capitol. Unacceptable. 'These children were welcomed by my office because your Capitol is back open, particularly for school groups. '@RepTimmons, @RepJoeWilson, & @RepRussellFry, and I look forward to having them back to perform in the halls of Congress.' Rasbach said the officer called the performance a 'demonstration' and said some were offended by the performance - although, he doubts that because 'her time was consumed with us' to hear what others were saying. Pop-up performances are 'not allowed in the US Capitol without the proper approval,' a Capitol Police spokesperson told DailyMail.com on Saturday. However, they said the interference was 'due to a miscommunication.' 'The US Capitol Police were not aware that the Speakers Office had approved this performance,' the spokesperson said. 'We apologize to the choir for this miscommunication that impacted their beautiful rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner and their visit to Capitol Hill.' The Rushingbrook Children's Choir was singing inside the US Capitol on May 26 when a Capitol Police officer directed a congressional staffer to stop the show Rasbach had sought permission from his South Carolina Representatives William Timmons and Joe Wilson, as well as Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy - all of whom provided documentation giving the group permission to perform, the director told the Daily Signal. Prior to their performance, another staffer had stopped them from singing, but after getting in contact with higher ups to confirm their permission, allowed them to sing their five scheduled songs - The Star-Spangled Banner, America the Beautiful, My Country Tis of Thee, I Bought Me a Cat, and Love Divine, All Loves Excelling. After his group stopped singing, Rasbach said he approached the officer to ask her: 'How do you think this is going to affect these children? Their first time visiting their Capitol and then they have this disappointment.' She reportedly told them they 'sounded beautiful' but to go outside if they wanted to continue. Rasbach said the officer called the performance a 'demonstration' and said some were offended by the performance Pop-up performances are 'not allowed in the US Capitol without the proper approval,' a Capitol Police spokesperson told DailyMail.com on Saturday. However, they said the interference was 'due to a miscommunication' 'Children singing the national anthem in their Capitol is not a threat to anybody,' the director told the outlet. Timmons, Wilson, and McCarthy didn't think so either, saying in a statement to the Daily Signal: 'We recently learned that schoolchildren from South Carolina were interrupted while singing our National Anthem at the Capitol. 'These children were welcomed by the Speakers Office to joyfully express their love of this nation while visiting the Capitol, and we are all very disappointed to learn their celebration was cut short. We are delighted that the Peoples House has been reopened particularly for our children and we look forward to welcoming more Americans back to the halls of Congress.' Marjorie Taylor Greene took to Twitter to criticize the police, writing: 'Rushingbrook Children's Choir were singing the National Anthem in the Capitol and were stopped by Capitol police. They were told that "certain Capitol police said it might offend someone/cause issues." 'The National Anthem sung by children is not offensive, its needed more.' New book excoriates the way we are being told to rethink everything about sex In a critically acclaimed new book, Brendan O'Neill issues a rallying cry against the politically correct zealots who are trying to purge the world of values that have held for centuries. In the opening extract from our serialisation in yesterday's Daily Mail, he explained how a ruling cultural elite is terrified of entrusting democratic rights to ordinary people. Here, he eviscerates another tenet of the new woke orthodoxy. We need to talk about her penis. Not about any specific individual's private parts. That would be weird. No, we need to talk about the union of those two words. The smashing together of the female pronoun and the noun for the male genital organ. Her penis. If anyone tries to tell you the culture war is a myth, show them her penis. Her penis is everywhere. It regularly pops up in news reports. You'll see it in The Times and on the BBC. It's inescapable. BRENDAN O'NEILL: Is anyone else confused? The media are meant to report facts, clearly and pithily, but that Mirror piece left me bewildered. A woman with a penis who has sex with other women? You mean a straight man? (pictured: Rapist Isla Bryson, who changed gender while awaiting trial) 'Ex-soldier exposed her penis and used wheelie bin as sex toy in public', said a headline in Metro in April 2022. 'A Glasgow-born sex offender has admitted exposing her penis', said the Daily Record on that same story. Teesside Live, which covers Middlesbrough, the part of the UK in which this mammalistic anomaly reportedly whipped out her phallus, went all out. 'Teesside woman accused of exposing penis', its headline declared. 'She is charged with committing a public nuisance by indecently exposing her penis to other members of the public, while masturbating from a property window,' readers were informed. Readers, I'm sure, who will have been more startled by the news that there exists a woman with a penis than by the claims that she flashed it at unsuspecting passers-by. This is a failure of reason. It's a failure of rationalism In 2018, the Daily Mirror published a hagiographic piece about a 'woman who spent thousands of pounds transforming her body', but decided to 'keep her penis'. She then 'realis[ed] she is a lesbian'. Is anyone else confused? The media are meant to report facts, clearly and pithily, but that Mirror piece left me bewildered. A woman with a penis who has sex with other women? You mean a straight man? Her penis even makes an appearance in institutions of longstanding repute. The British Film Institute published a review of the 2018 Belgian film, Girl, in which it said one of the characters 'tucks her penis between her legs with tape during strenuous ballet rehearsals'. A few years back, the BBC reported on the 'transgender woman [who] says she was held at an airport because her penis showed up as an 'anomaly' when she was going through security'. I bet it did. Even The Times occasionally features her penis. Its review of trans activist Grace Lavery's memoir, Please Miss: A Heartbreaking Work Of Staggering Penis, referred to 'her penis'. The author of that review at least had enough of a grip on reality, however feeble, to say 'her penis' is 'a phrase I pray I never get used to writing'. Though this does raise the question of why it was written in the first place. At times, the appearance of her penis isn't just strange or spurious it's sinister. Consider the trial of Karen White. Readers, I'm sure, who will have been more startled by the news that there exists a woman with a penis than by the claims that she flashed it at unsuspecting passers-by White is a man, and a rapist, and a paedophile. Despite this, he was sent, following his conviction for his grim crimes, to a women's prison: HMP New Hall in West Yorkshire. He says he's a woman and the prison estate believes him. There, he sexually assaulted two inmates. At his trial for those assaults, the prosecuting lawyer described White's approach of one of the female inmates as follows: 'Her penis was erect and sticking out the top of her trousers.' Her penis. Her trousers. Even the violent, rapacious tormentors of women are afforded the titles 'she' and 'her' if that is what they desire. Even the assaulters of females are addressed in feminine terms, as they please. They rape you and they get your pronouns. Her penis is all the rage with the police, too. At the end of 2021, Police Scotland said rapes would be recorded as having been committed by women 'where a person, born male but who identifies as a female commits [the] rape'. In 2019, Freedom of Information requests were submitted to UK police forces regarding their attitude towards men who identify as women. Sixteen forces said they recorded data according to the accused's self-declared gender rather than his or her birth sex, and eight of those forces said they do this even when the crime is rape. Britain's National Police Chiefs' Council likewise advised that people should be referred to by their self-identified gender rather than their natal sex. So there will be cops in the UK who say her penis. Who say that an individual used her penis to rape a woman. Who lie even as they seek the truth. Her penis. Say those two words to yourself. They are a falsehood, aren't they? Certainly all the examples cited above were lies masquerading as news. That 'woman' in Teesside who exposed 'her penis' that was a man called Andrew McNab who now goes by the name Chloe Thompson. That prisoner, Karen White, who approached a fellow inmate with 'her penis' sticking out of the top of 'her trousers' that is a man called Stephen Terence Wood whose crimes include indecently assaulting two boys aged nine and 12 and raping a pregnant woman. His penis, his penis, his penis. That's the phrase you're looking for. 'His' is the only possessive pronoun that should ever appear before the word penis. But of course we are dealing with more than a failure of grammar here. A refresher course on English will not be enough to fix the strange 21st Century tendency of both the mainstream media and the judicial system to say 'her penis'. No, this is a failure of reason. It's a failure of rationalism. A refresher course on English will not be enough to fix the strange 21st Century tendency of both the mainstream media and the judicial system to say 'her penis' (pictured: a children's book on gender diversity) Often, the people who are most zealous about purging the old, reason-based ways of understanding the world, and replacing them with new forms of correct-think that insist, among other things, that women can have penises, will flat-out deny that they are doing any such thing. Talk about gaslighting. Political correctness is a 'toxic myth' put about by 'wealthy conservatives', says one very politically correct writer. 'The truth about 'political correctness' is that it doesn't actually exist,' claims Vox magazine. But if PC doesn't actually exist, if wokeness is a crusade taking place only in the fever dreams of paranoid conservatives, then why is her penis everywhere? How have those two words become part of common parlance? Her penis matters because that tiny phrase and huge falsehood confirms just how insidious the overhaul of speech and thought has become in our era. How, by stealth, mainstream society has come to be convinced that sex is irrelevant, language can be altered at will and truth is subordinate to feeling. Compelled to have sex, then to flatter the fantasies of her attacker 'Her penis', the press and authorities say, as if it's nothing, as if it's normal, as if those two words, when put side by side, are not an abomination against nature and truth. Even the political class has succumbed to the cult of her penis. '[Some] women were born with penises,' says Labour's Stella Creasy. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer no doubt thinks himself a saner, more in-touch voice than Creasy when he says 'the vast majority of women don't have a penis', but of course that is indistinguishable from what Creasy said. Starmer clearly also believes that some women have penises. There is now a palpable if sometimes imperceptible pressure not only to say things like 'her penis', but also to believe them; to believe that this biological male before you, with his XY chromosomes, his broken voice, his penis, is in fact a woman. 'Some women have penises get over it,' as the favoured slogan of some trans activists puts it. Get over biology, in other words. Get over reality. 'Submit, instead, to the post-truth ideology subscribed to by police forces, politicians, governments and the media which holds that a person with a penis can be a woman and that biological truth, science itself, is passe. Consider the Orwellian consequences of her penis. With its twisting of language, its disdain for biological fact, and its inculcating of a new generation with the lie that one's sex is a matter of choice, transgender ideology feels like a real-life version of Big Brother. In Nineteen Eighty-Four, one of Winston Smith's jobs at the Ministry of Truth is to revise old newspaper articles so that their content better accords with party propaganda. News itself is made subservient to the ideological outlook of the ruling elite. This is happening for real, right now. The cult of her penis interferes not only with media reporting on crimes, but also with the official recording of crimes. As we have seen, some police forces in the UK log even rapes as having been committed by women if the male culprit identifies as female. 'Police forces let rapists record their gender as female,' as a report in The Sunday Times said. 'This undoes the very meaning of rape, which in English and Welsh law is defined as an offence in which a person 'intentionally penetrates the vagina, anus or mouth of another person with his penis', where that other person 'does not consent to the penetration'. His penis. It's there in the democratically made law. And yet in practice in courtrooms, in police stations her penis is substituted where the rapist is under the delusion that he is a woman. To those who say political correctness is a myth, whipped up by aggrieved old white men, kindly explain how we have arrived at a situation where a victim of sexual assault might be compelled to say 'her penis' about the man who assaulted her? First she's forced by a man to engage in sexual activity, then she's forced by cultural diktat to respect that man's gender delusions. Compelled to have sex, then compelled to lie in order to flatter the fantasies of her attacker. Political correctness now enjoys dominion not only over truth and law, but also over human decency itself. Compulsion that's the key thing here. We are all compelled, by various means, to use preferred pronouns, to refer to men as 'she', to accept that sex can be changed, to use post-sex terms like 'individuals with a cervix' and 'chestfeeding'. One of the great heresies of our time is to say that men are men and women are women. Biology is heresy now. The compulsion to use correct speak, and to have correct thought, in relation to sex and gender, takes many forms. The BBC 'encourages' staff to put their pronouns in their email signatures. Capitalist monoliths such as Goldman Sachs, Virgin Management and Lloyds likewise 'encourage' ideologically on-message pronoun-use. 'Encourage' is euphemistic here. Compulsion is at play in these cases, too. As the Wall Street Journal reports, some employees bow down to the cult of the preferred pronoun 'at their company's urging'. Urge to try persistently to persuade. It's a polite way of saying compel. Social or economic ostracism frequently awaits those who refuse to genuflect to the religion of genderfluidity. Tax expert Maya Forstater was dismissed from her job for refusing to believe that men can become women. Barrister Allison Bailey was discriminated against at work for her belief that sex cannot be changed that is, for her correct understanding of biology. Children's author Gillian Philip was unceremoniously dumped by both her literary agent and her publisher for the speech crime of expressing solidarity with J. K. Rowling. Ostracism awaits those who refuse to genuflect to gender fluidity For that for adding the hashtag #IStandWithJKRowling to her Twitter handle Ms Philip received 'messages threatening to kill and rape' her. Emails were sent to her publishers demanding her sacking. It all 'ended, a day later, with me losing my livelihood', she said. Twenty-four hours is all it takes to be threatened with violence, demonised as evil and sacked. And still they say political correctness is a myth. Such 'encouraged' conversion runs entirely counter to the Enlightenment itself and to the freedom of conscience it promised humankind. We should never be 'compelled by fire and sword to profess certain doctrines', said John Locke. And yet we are now. We're compelled by the threat of social leprosy to profess the doctrine of 'her penis'. This is where we can glimpse the most pernicious element of political correctness its assault on our inner life. As one pro-trans writer says, pronoun use is not just about 'conveying respect' for others it is also about changing one's own nature: 'Mastering correct pronoun usage is a great first step to understanding more about gender identity.' A writer for Wired spells it out more starkly. 'Gender-neutral pronouns can change a culture,' he says. 'New language can become a useful tool for changing how people deal with each other.' Through the policing of words, we can 'nudge in the direction of change'. Orwell understood very well the relationship between language and thought, and how control of the former permits control of the latter: 'If thought corrupts language, language can also corrupt thought.' He devoted much of Nineteen Eighty-Four to exploring how the exercise of power over what may be said makes it easier to enjoy dominion over what can be thought, over how individuals understand themselves and their place in society. 'Don't you see', says Syme, a lexicographer at the Ministry of Truth, 'that the whole aim of Newspeak is to narrow the range of thought? In the end we shall make thoughtcrime literally impossible, because there will be no words in which to express it.' The real-world version of that fictional effort to overhaul man's inner life through controlling the language he is allowed to use in society is expressed more softly, though no less sinisterly. 'New language can become a useful tool for changing how people deal with each other,' say the Symes of today. The new elites have accomplished an extraordinary and terrifying amount of social overhaul through their manipulation of the language of sex and gender. From birth itself to parenthood to the very ability of our societies to use reason to understand and measure themselves all have been disrupted by the elites' crusade to change how we speak and think about sex. The phrase 'sex assigned at birth' radically transforms how we view the very creation of human life. In short, the belief of human society since its very beginnings that sex can be observed upon birth was wrong. It was bigoted, in fact. In truth, we cannot truly know the sex of a child, and we shouldn't seek to 'assign' one, because sex and gender are things we feel, not things we are. Boys and girls are no longer born; rather, gender-neutral creatures come into existence and we must allow them to discover their gender as they mature. Such thinking is an offence against reason. Our understanding of parenthood is being transformed, too. Phrases such as 'birthing parent' in place of mother, and 'chestfeeding' in place of breastfeeding 'encourage' us to doubt the distinctive, sex-based qualities of mothering and fathering. Even the NHS uses post-sex terminology when referring to mothers. The NHS Norfolk and Suffolk Foundation Trust has used the phrase 'birthing people'. In some educational institutions, students of midwifery are encouraged to use gender-neutral language, such as 'pregnant people'. Words that have extraordinary meaning in community life specifically, 'mother' are slowly being erased to avoid offending against the cult of post-sex relativism. Motherhood downgraded. Biology reimagined as bigotry. News propagandised. A new generation encouraged to feel so unsure about sex and gender that growing numbers of them profess to be gender neutral and some even submit themselves to the bodily mortification of puberty-blocking drugs and hormonal correction. In this brave new world, what they say is the truth, is the truth These are the consequences of the religion of gendered souls. And all of it is an achievement of language. Of compelling us to speak in a certain way, and thus to think in a certain way, too. Through 'encouraging' compliance with new linguistic rules, and punishing as 'transphobia' any deviation from the rules, the elites have managed to disrupt millennia of human belief and to transform how we think about sex, society, ourselves and our relationships with others. Let us call the cult of her penis what it is a chilling act of cultural reprogramming through which we are being wrenched from tradition and organic knowledge and forced into a brave new world where what they say is the truth, is the truth. That is the first task of the heretic, then: to resist compulsion. To speak as he sees. To never fear to express the truth. To refuse, at all costs, to say anything as abominable as 'her penis'. President Joe Biden on Saturday signed a bill that lifts the US government's $31.4 trillion debt ceiling, averting what would have been a first-ever default. The House of Representatives and the Senate passed the legislation this week after Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy reached an agreement following months of tense negotiations. The Treasury Department had warned it would be unable to pay all its bills on Monday if Congress failed to act by then, which would have triggered an unprecedented default. The White House released a 10-second video clip of Biden signing the bill in the Oval Office, but opted to avoid the type of public ceremony that often accompanies the signing of hard-fought measures. The White House released a 10-second video clip of Biden signing the bill in the Oval Office, but opted to avoid the type of public ceremony that often accompanies major measures Republicans had refused to raise the country's borrowing limit unless Democrats agreed to cut spending, leading to a standoff that was not resolved until weeks of intense negotiations between the White House and McCarthy. The final agreement, passed by the House on Wednesday and the Senate on Thursday, suspends the debt limit until 2025 - after the next presidential election - and restricts government spending. It gives lawmakers budget targets for the next two years in hopes of assuring fiscal stability as the political season heats up. Raising the nation's debt limit, now at $31.4 trillion, will ensure that the government can borrow to pay debts already incurred. 'Passing this budget agreement was critical. The stakes could not have been higher,' Biden said in a speech from the Oval Office on Friday evening. 'Nothing would have been more catastrophic,' he said, than defaulting on the country's debt. 'No one got everything they wanted but the American people got what they needed,' Biden said, highlighting the 'compromise and consensus' in the deal. 'We averted an economic crisis and an economic collapse.' 'Our economy would have been thrown in recession,' Biden intoned in a low voice. He also used the address to pledge to go after 'tax cheats' and hike taxes on the wealthy, even after Republican negotiators nixed his revenue proposals as a way to pay for spending that gets trimmed under the deal. 'We also have to raise revenue to go after tax cheats and make sure everybody's paying their fair share,' Biden said. He repeated his pledge not to hike taxes on people earning more than $400,000 per year, and defended a boost in funds for IRS audits and technology although the debt deal actually pares back an $80 billion infusion by about $20 billion. He also called for closing 'special interest tax loopholes for big oil, crypto traders, hedge fund billionaires, saving taxpayers billions of dollars.' 'Republicans defended every single one of these special interest loopholes. Every single one. But I'm going to come back with your help. I'm going to win,' he vowed although to become law the legislation must originate in the Republican-dominated House. 'Passing this budget agreement was critical. The stakes could not have been higher,' Biden said in a speech from the Oval Office on Friday evening House Speaker Kevin McCarthy told his caucus that Republicans were able to achieve a rare reduction in government spending while suspending the debt ceiling until January 2025 Seventy one conservative Republicans voted no - claiming the package doesn't cut spending enough, will add $4trillion to the debt and represented a cave to the White House Biden also used the opportunity to itemize the achievements of his first term as he runs for reelection, including support for high-tech manufacturing, infrastructure investments and financial incentives for fighting climate change. He also highlighted ways he blunted Republican efforts to roll back his agenda and achieve deeper cuts. 'Were cutting spending and bringing deficits down at the same time,' Biden said. 'We're protecting important priorities from Social Security to Medicare to Medicaid to veterans to our transformational investments in infrastructure and clean energy.' Biden's remarks were the most detailed comments from the Democratic president on the compromise he and his staff negotiated. He largely remained quiet publicly during the high-stakes talks, a decision that frustrated some members of his party but was intended to give space for both sides to reach a deal and for lawmakers to vote it to his desk. Biden praised McCarthy and his negotiators for operating in good faith, and all congressional leaders for ensuring swift passage of the legislation. 'They acted responsibly, and put the good of the country ahead of politics,' he said. Overall, the 99-page bill restricts spending for the next two years and changes some policies, including imposing new work requirements for older Americans receiving food aid and greenlighting an Appalachian natural gas pipeline that many Democrats oppose. Some environmental rules were modified to help streamline approvals for infrastructure and energy projects - a move long sought by moderates in Congress. The Congressional Budget Office estimates it could actually expand total eligibility for federal food assistance, with the elimination of work requirements for veterans, homeless people and young people leaving foster care. The legislation also bolsters funds for defense and veterans, cuts back some new money for the Internal Revenue Service and rejects Biden's call to roll back Trump-era tax breaks on corporations and the wealthy to help cover the nations deficits. Republicans extracted some concessions, but did not get their full wish-list for the bill But the White House said the IRS' plans to step up enforcement of tax laws for high-income earners and corporations would continue. The agreement imposes an automatic overall 1% cut to spending programs if Congress fails to approve its annual spending bills - a measure designed to pressure lawmakers of both parties to reach consensus before the end of the fiscal year in September. In both chambers, more Democrats backed the legislation than Republicans, but both parties were critical to its passage. In the Senate the tally was 63-36 including 46 Democrats and independents and 17 Republicans in favor, 31 Republicans along with four Democrats and one independent who caucuses with the Democrats opposed. The vote in the House was 314-117. King Charles has given up his home in Wales as he begins to downsize his property portfolio. His Majesty purchased Llwynywermod in 2007 by the Duchy of Cornwall, paying 1.2million for the luxury farmhouse near Llandovery in Carmarthenshire. Sources claimed it is 'unlikely' the King will use the farmhouse as much as he did when he was the Prince of Wales. He previously used it as his base during regular trips to the nation, but passed it onto his eldest son Prince William after acceding the throne. Now the Coronation has passed the King and his aides are considering what to do with the many homes owned or used by Charles, which include Birkhall, Highgrove, Clarence House, Balmoral and Sandringham. King Charles (pictured with Queen Camilla) purchased Llwynywermod in 2007 by the Duchy of Cornwall, paying 1.2million for the luxury farmhouse (pictured) The secluded and fully sustainable three-bedroom property has been Charles and Camilla's country retreat for years Charles has given up the home in Wales as he begins to downsize his property portfolio According to The Telegraph, one royal source said it was 'an issue that needs to be addressed' - with discussions underway about increasing public access to some of Charles's properties to help with funding. Since the Duchy of Cornwall was given to Prince William, the King has paid rent on Llwynywermod, which exists on a whopping 192-acre estate. The lease is due to expire later in the summer, with Buckingham Palace confirming the King gave notice to the Duchy earlier this year. Meanwhile, other properties on the estate are available as holiday rentals when the King is not in residence. A spokesman for the Prince of Wales reportedly said the royal had no plans to buy his own home in Wales, preferring to stay in hotels to help the local economy. Photographs released in 2008 of the farmhouse reveal a simple but yet cosy interior One of the grandest rooms in the property, which was refurbished after the royal couple bought it in 2007, is the dining hall, which can seat more than 16 diners Sources claimed it is 'unlikely' the King will use the farmhouse as much as he did when he was the Prince of Wales The original owner, William Williams in the 13th or 14th century, was related to Anne Boleyn. The old house and the disintegrating concrete and corrugated iron farm buildings, where there was also an abandoned slurry pit, were restored by Welsh craftsmen using traditional methods and local materials. Charles also planted climbers including Albertine roses, jasmine and honeysuckle up the walls. Six of the English field maples which formed the avenue of trees at William and Kate's 2011 wedding were later rehomed at the Welsh retreat. The idea was Charles's, and with William and Kate's approval he set them in the soil at the front of the house, along a rustic wooden fence. Clarence House tweeted in 2013: 'The trees from the Royal Wedding at Westminster Abbey are thriving at Llwynywermod.' The prince has spoken of the 'enduring landscape of Wales' and how 'its mountains, patchworked fields and woods; its coastline, castles, villages and market towns' play a vital role in attracting visitors. In 2021 Charles admitted he bought a house in Wales 'probably 40 years too late', claiming that owning property in the country is an 'important part' of holding his title Now the Coronation has passed, the King and his aides have considered what to do with the many homes owned or used by the Charles The simple cream colour-scheme of the farmhouse extends to the royal bathrooms, which features exposed wood beams and white panelling He told Visit Wales: 'It certainly cast its spell on me a long time ago.' William inherited a 23 million-a-year income from the Duchy of Cornwall. As heir to the throne, the prince is entitled to the annual surplus generated by the Duchy's vast portfolio of land, buildings and financial investments. In 2021 Charles admitted he bought a house in Wales 'probably 40 years too late', claiming that owning property in the country is an 'important part' of holding his title. The Duchy and Duchess of Cornwall tend to spend a few weeks a year at the secluded and sustainable three-bedroom farmhouse. There are also two adjoining cottages, which sleep six and four respectively, in a courtyard which are available for holiday let. At the time Charles said: 'Rather 40 years too late, probably. But it's been a wonderful opportunity, at last, to have somewhere in Wales. I come whenever I can... I've always felt that it's an important part of holding this particular title. One of the guest bedrooms in the 1.2 million Welsh home where Prince Charles went to stay after the death of his father Prince Philip The Duchy and Duchess of Cornwall tend to spend a few weeks a year at the secluded and sustainable three-bedroom farmhouse Some elements of the home still have the grandeur of a royal estate, such as this stunning window 'It took me years to establish somewhere, it wasn't through want of trying but it was difficult to find the right place. 'I used to go to different other houses which was very kind of people to lend them for a week or something, but it wasn't the same thing obviously until finally we found this, which has been a Godsend really.' MailOnline has contacted the Palace for comment. British chippies battling soaring prices could start serving fish imported from the US by the end of this year. A huge rise in the cost of cod and haddock, alongside a tariff on Russian white fish, is forcing firms to look for cheaper alternatives, including rockfish, also known as Pacific perch, and hake, which the US west coast has in abundance. They both taste similar to cod. Andrew Crook, president of the National Federation of Fish Friers, visited Oregon last month as part of a delegation from the UK seafood industry. He said the huge surplus of fish in the US could 'take the pressure off' needing to find expensive supplies closer to home. Vinegar firm Sarson's warned that half of Britain's fish and chip shops could be forced to shut in the next three years because of rising prices. Taking a battering: British chippies battling soaring prices could start serving fish imported from the US by the end of this year as they seek cheaper alternatives (File photo) There are 10,500 chippies in the UK and we eat 380 million portions of fish and chips a year. Mr Crook, who runs Skippers Fish & Chips in Euxton, Lancashire, added: 'Most people, when they come into a fish and chip shop, either want cod or haddock. They know what they want before they come through the door. And getting people to change is very difficult.' It will probably take a few months to get samples over from the US. Mr Crook said: 'We've got to explore alternatives because it's the right thing to do to protect the fish and chip industry.' There are 10,500 chippies in the UK and Brits eat 380 million portions of fish and chips a year (File photo) Prices have skyrocketed since a tariff on Russian white fish was imposed after Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine in February last year. Cod, which peaked at 240 for 18kg, has fallen to around 206. And potatoes are up from 8 to 25 for 25kg. Mr Crook added: 'The entire system needs a rethink and we need to create a strong, independent hospitality industry. 'I hope the Government has a plan in the Autumn Statement for growth because independent businesses are just about keeping their head above water. If we lose these businesses, we'll never get them back.' Senator Tim Scott announced Saturday that he will be appearing on 'The View' on Monday, after speaking out against Joy Behar's claim that he doesn't understand racism. The African-American 2024 hopeful said he wanted the chance to respond to the claims. And it offers him a huge national stage to present himself as a different type of Republican candidate. But he may miss out on the chance to go head to head with Behar as Monday is generally her day off. 'I'm going on a view on Monday because I think it's time for a conservative with a backbone to look those ladies in the eyes and say you do not have to be an exception to succeed in America,' he told an audience of Republicans in Des Moines, Iowa. 'You can be the rule and succeed in America. You see, I scare the dickens out of the radical left and Joe Biden. Proof of my life destroys their lies.' Senator Tim Scott announced Saturday that he will be appearing on 'The View' on Monday, after speaking out against Joy Behar's claim that he doesn't understand racism He remains an outsider in the race for the Republican nomination. But he has used his life story enduring a tough childhood and broken home before finding his way in business and then politics to offer an optimistic vision of the American Dream. The bitter dispute began last week when Behar, 80, suggested that successful black Americans who had become Republicans did somehow not understand racism. 'Hes one of these guys, like Clarence Thomas, black Republican, who believes in pulling yourself up by your bootstraps, rather than understanding the systemic racism that African Americans face in this country and other minorities,' she said of Scott. 'He doesnt get it. Neither does Clarence. Thats why theyre Republicans.' She spoke hours after Scott announced his White House run, and he was quick to condemn the comments last week. South Carolina's Scott, 57, said her words were the 'dumbest, most offensive thing he's ever heard on TV'. Behar's comments came hours after Scott announced his intent to run for president. He also used Twitter to make the point that the Left simply did not understand black Republicans. Scott appeared with other 2024 hopefuls in Des Moines, Iowa, on Saturday Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis also appeared, although frontrunner Donald Trump stayed away 'When a Black conservative who believes in the future of this nation stands up to be counted, they lose their minds,' he wrote. He followed it up with comments on The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show - and referenced the longtime daytime fixture's blackface scandal that grabbed headlines just a few years ago. 'There's no doubt a white lady dressing up in black face giving a black man advice probably doesn't ring true in anyone's minds, certainly not my own,' said Scott of Behar's claims that he does not understand racism because he is a Republican. 'More importantly, I find it offensive and disgusting and dangerous'. The rookie senator who was elected to office this past November, first panned Behar for displaying a 1970s-era photo of herself dressed as a 'beautiful African woman' back in 2016, then pointed out partisan hypocrisies he said paved the way for such comments. Appearing on a podcast Tuesday, South Carolina's Scott, 57, decried The View host's comments last week as the 'dumbest, most offensive thing he's ever heard on TV' Last Tuesday, Joy Behar bizarrely claimed the Republican could not possibly understand racism due to his political alignment. Her comments came hours after Scott announced his intent to run for president 'Im used to having the left attack me because of the truth of my life,' Scott explained to pollical commentators Clay Travis and Buck Sexton. 'This proves their lies.' The former junior South Carolina senator continued: 'I say that because of this when I help write the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act [of 2017], they called me a prop. 'When I started talking about refunding the police, they called me a token. 'When I pushed back on President Bidens most malign agenda, they called me the "n-word". 'Im used to it,' he declared. 'Heres whats dangerous and offensive to me, for every young child in America wanting to think for themselves, draw their own conclusions. 'What they're saying to them is, "stay in your lane, do not stick your head out because we're going to tell you how to think because you never learned anything about what you should think."' He added: 'It is literally the dumbest, most offensive thing I've ever witnessed on TV' - to hear these millionaire TV personalities telling me how to live my life. The pointed characterization served as the first time the native South Carolinian publicly spoke about the controversy, after briefly addressing Behar's remarks in a tweet shortly after they were uttered on May 23 His comments this time around - aired on The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show - were much more pointed, and referenced the daytime fixture's recent blackface scandal, which came when she displayed this 70s photo of herself dressed as a 'beautiful African woman' in 2016 Behar's comments came hours after Scott announced his intent to run for president in Charleston on May 22 'As a Black man, but more importantly, suggesting to every child, stay in your place, follow my lead or you, too, will reap the same harvest as Tim Scott or Clarence Thomas - or any other conservative who dares to think for themselves.' The mention of Thomas, the conservative, African-American jurist who serves as the senior associate justice of the US Supreme Court, also came in reference to comments made by Behar last Tuesday - in which she likened the two black lawmen to each other while claiming they both don't understand systemic racism. 'Hes one of these guys, like Clarence Thomas, black Republican, who believes in pulling yourself up by your bootstraps, rather than understanding the systemic racism that African Americans face in this country and other minorities,' she said of Scott. 'He doesnt get it. Neither does Clarence. Thats why theyre Republicans.' The comment quickly proved divisive on social media, spurring several political commentators to weigh in and criticize Behar for her behavior. The comment quickly proved divisive on social media, spurring several political commentators to weigh in and criticize Behar for her behavior. Taking part in this backlash was Scott, who fanned the flames of outrage by touting himself as the candidate the 'radical left fears the most,' echoing statements delivered in Charleston last week during his 2024 campaign announcement. Behar, meanwhile, has yet to respond to Scott's callout - which referenced a 2016 episode of The View in which the show's most senior staffer admitted to dressing up as, in her own words, 'a beautiful African woman'. Behar had been discussing a New York Times op-ed praising naturally curly hair, before showing viewers a photo of herself at a Halloween party, aged 29, with tan skin and short, dark, curly hair. Former host Raven-Symone asked Behar if that was her, asking 'are you black?' Behar said that she had dressed up as an African woman, but said 'I only had makeup that was a little bit darker than my skin. That's my actual hair, though.' A neo-Nazi group has been caught by The Mail on Sunday discussing the launch of 'lone-wolf' action across Britain. The New British Union (NBU), which has promoted 'total Aryanism', revealed its sickening agenda at a secret meeting infiltrated by a reporter last week. Speaking in front of a flag emblazoned with the flash and circle of Oswald Mosley's British Union Of Fascists, deputy leader Clive Jones addressed a gathering of black-shirted fanatics, including some in Nazi uniform, and suggested members could be given a banned bomb-making guide. Explaining the organisation of lone-wolf action terror attacks carried out by an individual he said instructions would be issued by a leader 'feeding information in a roundabout sort of way'. Far-Right thugs would be given directions on 'how to be a lone wolf and pick targets' and would be given a copy of the Anarchist Cookbook a terrorist manual that includes bomb-making instructions and is banned in the UK. The NBU, which claims to have thousands of members, features Nazi insignia on its website and glorifies Oswald Mosley Retired maths teacher Clive Jones, 67, right, addresses the ragtag meeting alongside Dave, a member from Aberdeen Ominously, Jones added: 'If we went for it, we could change a few things.' The NBU, which claims to have thousands of members, features Nazi insignia on its website and glorifies Mosley, the 1930s leader of the British Union Of Fascists, which was banned in 1940. It peddles a warped fear that Britain is being swamped by Asians and Muslims, and that force is needed to reclaim 'large areas of land' occupied by foreigners. In a disturbing development, the NBU has begun forging links with armed far-Right militias in the US, including those involved in the violent assault on the US Capitol in January 2021. The MoS filmed the group's leadership delivering hate-filled rallying speeches. Some of the mainly young activists they addressed have appeared on social media making Hitler salutes and posing with weapons. Last night, Jones said his comments had simply been 'big talk'. However, the threat from far-Right groups in Britain is growing rapidly, and more people are referred to the Government's Prevent counter-terror programme for extreme-Right views than for Islamist extremism. Five far-Right groups have been proscribed as terrorist organisations including National Action, which supported the murderer of Labour MP Jo Cox making it a crime to be a member. The meeting was led by Jones, a retired maths teacher who claims to be the world's most prolific sperm donor, having fathered more than 140 children. The 67-year-old grandad from Derby delivers sperm in a syringe under his arm to 'keep it warm' after arranging donations on social media. Read more: Neo-Nazi Marine Corps veteran had 'classified DoD documents' on his hard drive when he was arrested in 2020 on suspicion of plotting to attack power grid and 'commit acts of racial terror' Jordan Duncan had the documentation on his computer when he was arrested in Idaho in October 2020 Advertisement Jones, who was exposed as a far-Right extremist after appearing on ITV's This Morning last year, insists he wants to help women. But others believe he wants to boost the white population. NBU members were given details of last week's secret meeting only after assembling in a car park near Penrith in the Lake District. They were directed to the village hall in nearby Eamont Bridge. One joked that the parish council would be 'in for a shock' when they realised who had booked the hall. The opening speech was delivered by high-ranking NBU member Ken Kearsey, who once worked with children and vulnerable people at his local church but was sacked in 2019 when his links to the group were exposed. Kearsey, 61, from Dorset, told the meeting it was time for 'fascism to rise from the ashes of our broken nation'. He proudly showed off his swastika tattoo and urged others to set up neo-Nazi 'cells' in their communities to recruit new blood for their cause. The group had planned to set up a military-style force called Blackshirt Security at the event to 'defend ourselves and our members' from undefined threats from Marxists and the far-Left. But despite excitedly trailing it on encrypted messaging apps, it faltered when the NBU officer in charge of security failed to show up without explanation. The group's leader Gary Raikes, a former BNP parliamentary candidate and Britain First member who founded the NBU in 2013, failed to attend for medical reasons. Jones began proceedings with a potted history of Britain that included the bizarre claim that the Battle of Britain didn't take place. During a break, members tucked into a spread of tea and biscuits, crisps and sausage rolls. Jones, a keep-fit fanatic, ate raw corn. As they huddled in smaller groups for more discreet discussions, he began to talk more openly, and proudly declared that he was 'all for insurrection' with a sufficient number of like-minded people. But he quickly caught himself, saying: 'I couldn't possibly mention what I've done, I'm not stupid. I maybe think I'm talking to my friends, and I probably am.' Then, as if unable to help himself, he added: 'But a couple of years ago, I put something right.' Suggesting how they could act, he said: 'I have wondered whether we could go that way you're familiar with 'lone wolf'. I mean, even with just this number here if we went for it we could cause... we could change a few things.' Jones also hinted that he had previously taken such lone-wolf action, adding: 'That's what I'd do. Well, did do.' Referring to the Anarchist Cookbook, he said: 'You don't need it really you can do a lot of s*** without explosives.' Among those at the meeting were a father and his 16-year-old son who had been expelled from school for making racist remarks online. Dressed in full Nazi SS uniform was Hadden Adam, a prominent member of another far-Right group called Highland Division, named after the historic British Army unit that fought in both world wars. Adam, from Elgin in Scotland, has previously been pictured with Nazi flags and performing the Nazi salute. He has shared images of his fearsome weapon collection, which includes 12 knives, a machete, knuckle-dusters, an axe and a hatchet, in a neo-Nazi group on the encrypted message app Telegram. Another Highland Division member at the meeting was 'Dave', from Aberdeen, who wore a forage cap with a skull insignia. Dave (right) and other attendees leave at the end of the neo-Nazi summit in a Cumbria. The NBU said: 'We do not engage with the lying mainstream press' They were joined by Nazi sympathiser and Holocaust denier Darren Hurrell, who was last year filmed trying to recruit pupils to his hate-filled cause outside a school. Hurrell, from Lanarkshire, laughed as he showed our reporter videos of himself saying 'happy Holocaust' to passers-by. A 22-year-old member from Exeter, who said he had been involved with fascist groups since he was 16, had travelled for more than six hours to attend the meeting. He said he was frustrated by the lack of far-Right groups in the UK after many were proscribed as terrorist organisations, and was 'surprised' the NBU was not banned. He also discussed previous links with a member of the banned group Sonnenkrieg Division, which promoted terror attacks against Prince Harry for marrying Meghan. He added that this former associate backed 'flying a plane with a mini nuke in it', and said the group 'made good ISIS-style videos of their training'. Expanding on links with armed far-Right groups in the US, including the National Justice Party (NJP), he said: 'Recently I went to America and I managed to get in contact with the NJP over there... I managed to link up with them.' Referring to Adolf Hitler's Nazi movement which stands for Nationalsozialismus, the German for 'national socialism' he added: 'I really want to get in contact, when I next go to America, with either Blood Tribe or Aryan Freedom Network because they seem very similar they're more national socialists.' The NJP is virulently racist and promotes neo-Nazism. Its supporters have been involved in violent clashes at protests. Blood Tribe and Aryan Freedom Network are extreme white supremacist groups that espouse anti-Semitic, racist and homophobic views and parade in military-style clothing, often while heavily armed. Former US Marine Christopher Polhaus, who has been linked to the January 6 riots at the US Capitol Building in Washington DC in 2021, founded Blood Tribe. The Aryan Freedom Network is closely linked to the Ku Klux Klan and was founded by the daughter of a former leader of the racist group known as a Grand Dragon. Asked by the 22-year-old neo-Nazi about the NBU forging closer links with militia-style far-Right groups in the US, Jones said: 'That's the way it's got to be. We've all got the same goal.' Hadden Adams' weapons. Clive Jones denied encouraging members to obtain weapons when confronted about his remarks After the event, NBU founder Raikes expanded upon this on Telegram, revealing: 'We have reached out to groups around the world.' When confronted last night, Jones dismissed his comments as 'big talk' and that he was 'perhaps getting ahead of myself'. He said he had only discussed the Anarchist Cookbook 'as a laugh', found it 'quite boring actually' and no longer owned a copy. Jones denied encouraging members to obtain weapons, and said of those who have been pictured with them: 'There is a big difference between having a load of weapons and actually using them. I don't think that is illegal, actually.' Insisting he stood firmly by his fascist beliefs, he added: 'I'm expecting the police to call round and arrest me at four o'clock in the morning. It's never happened before but I'm expecting a lot of harassment and all of my electrical equipment to be stolen. 'So it's my job, before the story comes out Sunday, to get all that lot hidden. I'm going to expect it but maybe nothing will happen.' The NBU said: 'We do not engage with the lying mainstream press. NBU is a legal, law-abiding group which condemns political violence. Not all attending the meeting were official members.' The MoS last night offered to hand over its dossier of evidence to Cumbria Police. Peter Mandelson was scheduled to have four meetings with Jeffrey Epstein after the tycoon served time in prison for having sex with underage girls. The paedophile's private calendars reveal that the ex-Labour Cabinet Minister was due to meet the financier between 2010 and 2013, even though he was a registered sex offender. The diaries even suggest Lord Mandelson stayed at his 63 million New York mansion in 2012. The Mail on Sunday can also reveal that Prince Andrew was so comfortable in Epstein's home he invited a close friend over for tea. The calendars were revealed as part of hundreds of documents handed over by Epstein's estate during an investigation by the government of the US Virgin Islands, where he had a private island. Peter Mandelson (pictured) was scheduled to have four meetings with Jeffrey Epstein after the tycoon served time in prison for having sex with underage girls They shed light on the network of associates cultivated by Epstein, who hanged himself in 2019 while awaiting trial for sex trafficking. The disgraced billionaire was jailed for 13 months in June 2008 for soliciting a minor for prostitution as part of a sweetheart plea deal. After leaving jail, Epstein had to register as a sex offender and was subject to a 12-month house arrest, which expired in July 2010. Despite this Lord Mandelson, a former EU commissioner for trade, appears to have met Epstein several times. Lord Mandelson declined to confirm if the meetings had taken place but other figures who appear on the documents have said their get-togethers did go ahead. At the time, the peer was out of public office but being tipped to lead the IMF or the World Trade Organization. They shed light on the network of associates cultivated by Epstein (pictured in 2017), who hanged himself in 2019 while awaiting trial for sex trafficking The first two meetings were listed for Epstein's New York townhouse on March 1 and March 3, 2010, when he was still under house arrest. The March 1 entry says Lord Mandelson was due at 7.30pm while Benjamin Wegg-Prosser, referred to as 'Peter's friend', was due to arrive at 1pm. READ MORE: Convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein continued to 'entertain' up to SEVEN young girls a day after conviction - and was so obsessed with their teeth he had a dentist's chair at his mansion Advertisement Mr Wegg-Prosser was Lord Mandelson's assistant and was previously Tony Blair's director of strategic communications. He now works at Global Counsel, Lord Mandelson's consulting company, as a managing director. An entry for May 28 2012 said: '** Peter Mandelson to arrive in the evening from Shelter Island WILL HE STAY AT HOUSE?**' Shelter Island is an island in The Hamptons, the millionaires' playground east of New York. The entry for Wednesday, May 30 reads: '** Peter Mandelson possibly leaves today if meetings organised for Boston, otherwise depart Thurs for DC **' The final entry is for April 4, 2014 and is a dinner with Mandelson, former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak, investor Mort Zuckerman and Jes Staley, the former head of JP Morgan, who has been accused of abusing Epstein's victims. Previous reports have shown photos of Lord Mandelson on Epstein's island in 2005 and at his birthday in 2006, but the diaries are the first suggestions of meetings after his prison sentence. Mr Wegg-Prosser said: 'I had the misfortune to meet Epstein on one occasion. 'It was a short meeting of no consequence and thankfully was never to be repeated.' Meanwhile, The Mail on Sunday has learned that Prince Andrew invited family friend Katherine Keating, 41, daughter of former Australian Prime Minister Paul Keating, to Epstein's mansion. He was photographed peering around the door of the disgraced billionaire's home on December 6, 2010 as he waved goodbye to her. One source said: 'Andrew told Emily Maitlis in his Newsnight interview he went to New York to sever ties with Epstein so it seems counterintuitive he would feel comfortable enough to invite an old family friend over for tea. You have to wonder what was he thinking?' An 11-year-old girl has been allegedly sexually assaulted at a seafront theme park ride at an amusement park. The alleged incident took place at Adventure Island in Southend on Thursday afternoon. Police rushed to the scene and a 57-year-old man was arrested at the theme park. The man has since been bailed while Essex Police investigate the alleged incident further. Officers said the young girl was receiving support from specialists. (Stock Image) The alleged incident took place at Adventure Island in Southend on Thursday afternoon The alarm was sounded when she told members of her group that the man had touched her inappropriately while on the ride, The Sun reported. A spokesperson for Essex Police said: 'Investigating officers from Southend Criminal Investigation Department have arrested a 57-year-old man from Chelmsford in connection with this investigation. 'He has since been released on bail whilst enquiries continue. 'We are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this assault or have any further information to contact us.' Anyone with information relating to the investigation is asked to visit www.essex.police.uk/digital101 or calling police on 101, citing incident number 42/98038/23. If Bud Light sales continue to lag, the brand risks losing shelf space at major retailers to competitors and 'locking in' lower market share, a former Anheuser-Busch executive has claimed. In recent weeks, Bud Light sales have been down roughly a quarter from a year ago, as the brand faces conservative backlash over an April marketing deal with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney. Anson Frericks, the former US president of sales and distribution for St. Louis-based Anheuser-Busch, said that retailers such as Walmart and Kroger typically 'reset' their shelf space allocations in the spring and fall, based on sales data. For the fall reset in September, 'they generally take sales data from April, May, June, July, and then based off of that data in that time period, they will reallocate shelf space,' he told DailyMail.com in a phone interview on Saturday. If Bud Light sales continue to slump, 'that shelf space will be allocated to Miller Lite, Coors Light, Yuengling, and some of the other brands that have that have taken share from them,' he said. Anson Frericks, a former Anheuser-Bush executive, argued that if Bud Light sales continue to lag, the brand risks losing shelf space at major retailers to competitors For the week ended May 20, Bud Light sales were down 25.7% from the same week a year ago 'Those brands will have a better likelihood to succeed longer term, because they have more shelf space, they have more inventory, they have more back-stock, and they have more availability for consumers,' he argued. 'That almost permanently then locks in this as the new norm of where their sales will be, and what their share of the beer category will be,' Frericks predicted of the impact on Bud Light. Frericks said that the 'vast majority' of beer sales, some 80 to 90 percent, occur at traditional retail outlets, as opposed to sales at bars and restaurants. Frericks, who co-founded Strive Asset Management with longshot Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy after leaving A-B last year, has been harshly critical of his former employer's handling of the Mulvaney backlash. 'Anheuser-Bush needs to figure out a strategy, it needs to make a statement about who their customers are and who they're going to serve now, and try and regain those customers now in June and July, because by time it's August, September, it's too late,' he said. But Bump Williams, whose consultancy of the same name analyzes the alcohol industry, expressed skepticism that Bud Light faced an imminent reduction in shelf space at major retailers. He noted that, in 2023 year-to-date sales, Bud Light is still the top selling beer in the nation, though in recent individual weeks it has dipped below Modelo Especial. 'Bud Light COULD lose shelf space based upon lost sales, but Id be hard pressed to believe that retailers would reduce shelf space on the #1 selling brand in the country today on a YTD basis,' Williams said in an email to DailyMail.com on Saturday. 'If at the end of 2023 we find that Bud Light dropped to the #2 selling brand, theyll more than likely maintain their fair share of space,' he added. AB InBev stock has lost more than 17% since the controversy began on April 1 The latest data indicates a hardening of recent sales trends, after Bud Light's April 1 promotion with Mulvaney (above) sparked anti-LGBTQ backlash and boycott threats Anheuser-Bush did not immediately respond to a request for comment outside of normal business hours. For the week ended May 20, Bud Light sales were down 25.7 percent from the same week a year ago, while nearest rival Model Especial saw sales jump 9.2 percent, according to data compiled by Williams's firm. 'While Bud Light loses week after week, Modelo Especial gains week after week and now Modelo outsells Bud Light on a national basis across all trade channels combined,' Bump Williams, who runs the consulting firm, told the New York Post. 'If this continues Modelo will surpass Bud Light for the year,' he added. Modelo was the number two beer in the US last year, posting $3.8 billion in off-premises sales, compared to $4.8 billion for Bud Light, according to Bump Williams data. Both Bud Light and Modelo are owned by Anheuser-Busch parent company AB InBev. But as part of an anti-trust settlement, US sales of Modelo are controlled by rival Constellation Group and do not count as part of AB InBev's global volumes. The latest data indicates a hardening of recent sales trends, after Bud Light's April 1 promotion with Mulvaney sparked anti-LGBTQ backlash and boycott threats. For the four weeks through May 20, Bud Light sales dropped 24.3 percent from last year, while Modelo sales grew 8 percent. 'That's a monumental decline,' Williams told the Post. 'Modelo has surpassed Bud Light for the first time since it was launched in 1982.' Boxes of Bud Light beer are seen at a liquors store in Buffalo Grove, Illinois in late April. In recent weeks, Bud Light sales have been down roughly a quarter from a year ago After Bud Light, Modelo Especial was the number two beer in the US last year In a recent note, JPMorgan analysts said they expect AB InBev's earnings before interest and tax in the US to drop 26 percent this year, on a 12 percent drop in volume and a 10 percent decline in sales. 'We believe there is a subset of American consumers who will not drink a Bud Light for the foreseeable future,' the note said. Bud Light's parent company said earlier this month it will triple its marketing spending in the US this summer as it tries to boost ailing sales. The controversy emerged on April 1, when Mulvaney posted a video of herself cracking open a Bud Light on her Instagram page. She showed off a customized can with her face on it that Bud Light sent her - one of many corporate freebies she gets and promotes to her millions of followers. Three days after Mulvaney's post, Kid Rock posted a video of himself shooting cases of Bud Light, and country music stars John Rich and Travis Tritt publicly denounced the brand. Within weeks, two marketing executives at Anheuser-Busch took a leave of absence. It's unclear whether they have returned to work yet. After Anheuser-Busch tried to distance itself from the Mulvaney promotion, Bud Light also faced backlash from the opposite direction, with pro-LGBTQ groups accusing the company of abandoning the transgender influencer. Still, Anheuser-Busch InBev CEO Michel Doukeris has downplayed the impact of the backlash, saying Bud Light's US sales declines in the first three weeks of April represented only 1 percent of InBev's global volumes. 'We believe we have the experience, the resources and the partners to manage this,' Doukeris said during a conference call with investors earlier this month. Socialite Jasmine Hartin has given just 1,792 to the family of a Belize police chief she shot dead and now they are demanding she pay 'true compensation'. But Hartin, 33, is fighting to get her passport back so she can flee the central American country and see her six-year-old twins for the first time in a year. Last night her spokeswoman suggested Hartin, who shares the twins with Tory grandee Lord Ashcroft's son Andrew, was a conspiracy victim and demanded 'justice for Jasmine'. The widow and six children of her victim, Superintendent Henry Jemmott, 42, insisted she cough up more and expressed grave concern about letting her leave Belize. Leslie Mendez, lawyer for Supt Jemmott's widow Romit Wilson, 39, said: 'Jasmine continues to pitch herself as the victim in this case where six children lost their father, a woman lost her partner of 13 years and sisters lost their brother. But Hartin (left), 33, is fighting to get her passport back so she can flee the central American country and see her six-year-old twins for the first time in a year The widow and six children of her victim, Superintendent Henry Jemmott (pictured), 42, insisted she cough up more and expressed grave concern about letting her leave Belize Leslie Mendez, lawyer for Supt Jemmott's widow Romit Wilson, 39, said: 'Jasmine continues to pitch herself as the victim in this case where six children lost their father, a woman lost her partner of 13 years and sisters lost their brother' (pictured: Jemmott with his wife Romit Wilson and children) 'Her actions have left wounds that will take decades to heal. Being held accountable is not an injustice or the result of corruption. 'Perhaps it has surprised her to learn that Belize is a real place with real laws, courts and lawyers not just her fantasy getaway. 'There are real people here with lives, stories and people they love.' Canadian Hartin's passport was confiscated in 2021 after she shot Supt Jemmott in the head with his gun while they were drinking on a moonlit pier in the town of San Pedro. She later claimed he had been showing her how to use it. On Wednesday, she was ordered to do 300 hours of community service and pay a 30,000 fine for the negligent manslaughter of Supt Jemmott but none of that money will go to his bereaved relatives. In a bid to avoid a jail sentence, Hartin claimed she had been paying compensation voluntarily to Supt Jemmott's family. However, the family said the payments, totalling 1,792, were only made in exchange for Ms Wilson pausing a civil action against her until the end of the criminal proceedings. Ms Mendez said: 'This was a temporary arrangement. Jasmine has repeatedly misrepresented these payments and breached confidentiality. The family's civil claim remains live. Jasmine has not admitted liability there. We plan to pursue a true compensatory order. She has left wounds that will take decades to heal 'We have our concerns about her leaving the country but we will press and make every effort to get some justice for the Jemmotts.' Hartin spent most of Thursday pleading in vain for officials at Belize city's Supreme Court to give back her passport. She hasn't seen her twins by Mr Ashcroft, 45, son of billionaire former Tory deputy chairman Lord Ashcroft, since he was given full custody and moved with them to the Turks and Caicos Islands, near the Bahamas, last June. Her spokeswoman Louisa Chiaramonte said: 'We are in the midst of a drama trying to retrieve her passport. They are playing games with her as usual, changing the rules on a whim. There may be some nefarious motives behind that from a long-reaching arm. 'We will hopefully be travelling out of the country soon. This is just the beginning over custody. Now that this is over, we're going to start letting people know the real truth, to get some justice for Jasmine.' Hartin is also charged with possessing cocaine after police allegedly found a substance in her handbag on the night she was arrested. She is also accused of assaulting a member of staff at Andrew Ashcroft's Alaia holiday resort in Belize. Rishi Sunak is blocking the release of text messages to the Covid inquiry because it could reveal his plotting to bring down Boris Johnson, allies of the former Prime Minister have claimed. Amid escalating tensions between Mr Johnson and Mr Sunak, the Boris supporters also suggested that No 10 might be keen to suppress the messages because they contain evidence of lockdown breaches by Mr Sunak or his advisers which could lead to a fresh 'partygate' controversy. Last night, a Sunak loyalist described the claims as being 'total nonsense'. The row comes after the Cabinet Office launched a legal challenge to the inquiry's demand for texts from Mr Johnson and his officials, on the grounds that many of the messages were irrelevant to the investigation. This prompted Mr Johnson to say that he would himself hand unredacted WhatsApp messages dating back to April 2021 to the inquiry, telling its chair, Baroness Hallett, that he was 'perfectly content' to release the messages 'directly'. The Johnson allies also say that No 10 should 'call off the dogs' by stopping briefings against him or risk 'a psychodrama which would hand the Election to Starmer on a plate'. Rishi Sunak is blocking the release of text messages to the Covid inquiry because it could reveal his plotting to bring down Boris Johnson (pictured), allies of the former PM claimed Boris supporters also suggested that No 10 might be keen to suppress the messages because they contain evidence of lockdown breaches by Mr Sunak or his advisers Baroness Hallett had ordered the Government to share all the unredacted WhatsApp messages between the former PM and 40 Ministers and advisers between January 1, 2020 and February 24, 2022. The Cabinet Office, however, said it was seeking a judicial review of the demand because there were 'important issues of principle at stake' forcing a legal showdown between the Government and the public inquiry it set up. The judge calling the shots By Glen Owen When Baroness Hallett appeared on Desert Island Discs in 2021, her first choice of record was the distinctly non-judicial Caroline by the middle of the road rockers Status Quo. But then the 73-year-old chairman of the inquiry into the Government's handling of the Covid pandemic has been challenging perceptions and the chauvinism of the establishment throughout her notable legal career. As a young barrister, she says she was sexually propositioned by a judge who invited her to his room and volunteered to father a child with her in the middle of a trial. The daughter of a police officer and a secretary, Hallett revealed during the Radio 4 programme that one of her childhood homes was their local police station. She used her grammar school education to become the first in her family to go to Oxford and, in 1998, became the first woman to chair the Bar Council, before being made a High Court judge. In 2009 she acted as coroner for the inquest into the 52 victims of the July 7 London attacks, and by 2013 was labelled as the eighth most powerful woman in Britain. Hallett is married to Nigel Wilkinson, a deputy High Court judge, and has two sons. Advertisement Dubbing the Cabinet Office the 'Cover-Up Office' a Whitehall source told The Mail on Sunday: 'Boris's willingness to give the inquiry access to his material shows he has nothing to hide. But the Government has taken a judge to court to keep other Ministers' messages secret. Why? What is team Sunak trying to hide? The Cover-Up Office is a shambles and it's only a matter of time before heads roll.' Mr Johnson said that he would also send messages pre-dating April 2021 which are held on a phone that has been disabled over security concerns. He had not done so, he added, only because he had been warned not to turn the device back on. According to a Tory source: 'Boris is perfectly happy to provide those messages if the security people do it for him.' One Johnson ally said: 'What is Rishi hiding? Is it plotting against Boris with Dominic Cummings [the former No 10 aide who left Downing Street after losing a power struggle with Mr Johnson's wife Carrie]. Is it because he himself broke lockdown rules? Or does he fear that his 'eat out to help out' scheme led to a significant number of deaths.' As Chancellor, Mr Sunak helped the hospitality industry recover from the impact of Covid by offering half-price meals to diners. The ally added: 'This inquiry is going to be bad news for the Government. Both Rishi and Boris will give evidence in the autumn, and it will be a gift to Labour. We expect them to set up a war room and use it to beat up Sunak every day'. But the Sunak loyalist said: 'This is just total nonsense from the Boris camp. Rishi was always very careful about his use of WhatsApp, as was shown in the lockdown messages published by the Telegraph, and there is nothing to hide.' And a No 10 source stated: 'The Government has suggested compromises to ensure relevant information is handed over, not personal or unambiguously irrelevant information. This is not about protecting anyone, it is about working with the inquiry while protecting the principle that an independent inquiry cannot have carte blanche over the messages of Ministers, officials and spads [special advisers] that have nothing to do with the inquiry's work.' Zara Tindall has taken aim at animal rights activists who disrupted the Epsom Derby on Saturday. Her comments came after her husband Mike Tindall said he wished the activists would 'go and spend a bit of time at professional yards' to see how well horses are looked after. Ms Tindall said on Saturday: 'They [the protesters] speak about what they believe in but do [they] completely understand what [they're] talking about?' An animal rights activist was detained by police after storming the race track at the Epsom Derby in front of angry crowds, as police arrested 31 people over plans to 'cancel or severely delay' the race. A racegoer who filmed the moment a protester ran on to the course said the activist was 'putting the horses in more danger' after crowds cheered their arrest. Zara Tindall said: 'They [the protesters] speak about what they believe in but do [they] completely understand what [they're] talking about?' Police arrested 31 people after animal rights activists disrupted the Epsom Derby Applause and cheering could be heard from onlookers at the racecourse as half a dozen security and police officers dragged the demonstrator off the track. Jack Cummins, from Cambridge, said the protester was in plain clothes 'disguised as a normal racegoer' when they ran onto the course. He said: 'The guy started running down the course from the hill side - to be fair to security and police they grabbed him pretty quickly and dragged him off. 'Pretty stupid of him to do it, protesters don't understand how well-treated these horses are - they're putting the horses in more danger than they'll have ever been in by jumping into the track.' Earlier today, the races also saw a fight break out among several men, not thought to be connected with the protests. Police intervened after the brawl broke out next to the racecourse. Animal Rising accused the Epsom Derby Jockey Club of breaching safety procedures by failing to stop the race after the activists ran on to the track. The Jockey Club, which owns the Epsom Downs, hit out at the activist for putting the lives of horses and athletes at risk, describing his actions as 'reckless and illegal' - while Julie Harrington, of the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) 'strongly condemned' them for jeopardising the safety of the animals. But a spokesman for the animal rights organisation, which also disrupted the Grand National in Aintree in April, said the club should have stopped the race immediately once the activist had entered the track. It said they chose to 'steam ahead regardless' as they were under 'immense pressure' to finish the 1:30pm race before ITV1's coverage switched to the FA Cup Final at around 2pm. Animal Rising claimed a race should have been stopped after one of its members ran on to the track The Jockey Club, which owns the Epsom Downs, hit out at the activist for putting the lives of horses and athletes at risk Pictured: Two activists at the Epsom Derby on Saturday According to the BHA rules, published on its website, a yellow Stop Race flag should be waved if there is a 'major hazard ahead which is unable to be avoided'. In a statement, Animal Rising said: 'It was clear to security and police that several individuals attempted to enter the track before the race began, but race organisers chose to steam ahead regardless. 'The fact that the individuals involved were on the course's last stretch is no excuse for the Jockey Club's decision to not only start the race but then fail to follow the British Horseracing Authority 'Stop Race' procedures for when people are on the track.' 'In an industry where a horse dies every other day, it is unsurprising that the need to run the race was put above care for animals.' The Jockey Club has been approached for comment. Labour was last night accused of declaring 'class war on Middle Britain' over shock plans to slash public services in affluent areas. Party leader Sir Keir Starmer faced claims he was plotting a 'hard-Left attack' on the wealthy by diverting resources from rich areas to poorer postcodes affecting access to GPs, school places and even bin collections. The radical plans, included among draft proposals for Labour's Election manifesto, would extend equality laws covering race, age, gender, disability and sexuality to include 'the inequality of social class'. It means public bodies could make spending decisions that penalise middle-class areas to divert funds to poorer neighbourhoods. Last night, one former Cabinet Minister accused Sir Keir of 'taking a scythe to success' in what would amount to 'an attack on already hard-pressed rural and suburban areas.' Party leader Sir Keir Starmer faced claims he was plotting a 'hard-Left attack' on the wealthy by diverting resources from rich areas to poorer postcodes The far-reaching proposal being circulated to party members and trade unions is concealed in dry jargon that pledges to enact 'the socioeconomic duty under section 1 of the Equality Act' and 'conduct equality impact assessments of major announcements'. That legislation was pushed through by the last Labour Government. But the crucial section described at the time as 'socialism in one clause' was vetoed by the Tories when they took power after the 2010 Election, before it could take effect. According to the leaked document, if Sir Keir became Prime Minister he could reactivate the section, raising fears of fewer bin collections, closures of libraries and hikes in council tax in richer areas to the benefit of poorer communities. Last night, senior Tory MP and former Cabinet Minister Jacob Rees-Mogg told The Mail on Sunday: 'Once again, the Starmer mask slips. 'A man who stood on a hard-Left, Corbynite agenda to win the Labour leadership would deliver a hard-Left attack on already hard-pressed rural and suburban areas. This is a declaration of class war on Middle Britain. 'It's the same old socialist mantra: make everyone equally poor by taking a scythe to success rather than by seeking to make everyone more prosperous. Last night, senior Tory MP and former Cabinet Minister Jacob Rees-Mogg (pictured) told The Mail on Sunday: 'Once again, the Starmer mask slips' 'Sir Keir's message to Middle England is this: "Read my lips, higher taxes" which will be accompanied by worse public services.' Labour did not deny that reviving the controversial measure was under consideration. A party spokesman said: 'These documents are draft, internal documents subject to deliberation and amendment, and not a final statement of party policy.' The proposals will be considered by Labour's national policy forum this summer as the party draws up its manifesto for the next General Election, expected next year. Some Left-wing Labour MPs suggested that they would not have a problem with the plan and highlighted how Rishi Sunak was caught out last year admitting how, as Chancellor, he had moved money from urban areas to other parts of the country. One former Labour Shadow Minister said: 'The Tories tweaked the funding formulae against poorer areas. The algorithms need to be adjusted to give a fairer distribution based on need, not voting patterns. 'But the real question about delivering more fairness will need an incoming Labour Government to tackle vast accumulations of wealth in a small number of families and larger corporations.' READ MORE: Fears grow that Keir Starmer will 'drag Britain back to the 1970s' with a law change to give trade unions far more power Advertisement During last summer's leadership contest, Mr Sunak was caught on video telling Tory members in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, how 'I managed to start changing the funding formulas to make sure areas like this are getting the funding they deserved.' Mr Sunak's allies later said he had moved the cash from inner-city areas to towns and poorer rural districts. The Equalities Bill was introduced by Labour's Harriet Harman in 2008. Speaking two years later, she insisted that equality was not a 'zero-sum game' where one person's gains were offset by another losses. But also speaking in 2010, respected government expert Tony Travers appeared to disagree on the effect of what he described as 'the Harman doctrine'. Professor Travers said: 'Even though funding is already skewed heavily towards poorer urban areas, the proposed new policy implies a further move of money towards relatively deprived parts of the country. 'Rural and suburban councils are likely to be particularly hard hit. But even within authorities, the Harman doctrine would have significant impact. Resources and services would, by law, have to be tilted towards poorer neighbourhoods.' He added that given very low growth in public spending, the Harman plans 'would certainly require real cuts to the services provided in more affluent parts of a council's area'. And that, he warned, could lead to a collapse in the middle classes' faith in the state, raising the prospect of a new class of 'tax refuseniks'. Labour sources said that the manifesto would be produced much closer to the General Election after approval by the so-called 'Clause V' meeting, named after the part of the party rulebook covering policy-setting. A father has launched a last-minute legal action to stop his 'vulnerable' autistic son undergoing a sex-change operation next week. The man, who does not want to be named, believes both the child and adult NHS gender services have failed to properly explore his 21-year-old son's 'fragile' mental health and how it impacts his decision-making. His son is due to undergo 'vaginoplasty' surgery on Saturday, which involves removing male genitalia and creating female parts. Aged 13, he began attending the scandal-hit Tavistock child gender clinic in London and was prescribed puberty-blocking drugs against his parents' wishes at 16. Two years later he was transferred to an adult NHS gender clinic in north-west England before being referred for the vaginoplasty procedure when he was 19. 'We were just devastated when we heard he was getting surgery,' his father said. Aged 13, the young man began attending the scandal-hit Tavistock child gender clinic in London and was prescribed puberty-blocking drugs against his parents' wishes at 16 'He's been through the shambles that is the Tavistock and then on to the adult services, which I think is far less stringent. 'They were continually affirming him. I don't think the adult services have taken into account his autism and fragile mental health. He had a lot of self-harm and at least one suicide attempt that we know of. We're convinced that the puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones actually made his mental health worse. 'My hope is it [surgery] is stopped until he's at least 25. 'At 25 it's recognised that's when the brain matures. With someone with autism that's definitely the case they have developmental delays. 'He may chronologically be an age but, maturity wise that's not the case. At the moment he's 21, but he's probably acting like he's 16 or 17.' His solicitor Paul Conrathe, who is seeking a judicial review, said: 'It is deeply concerning that there is such limited protection for young adults and especially those on the autistic spectrum. Vulnerable young people are steered down a pathway of infertility and lifelong irreversible change. 'Clinicians who dare challenge the journey risk professional discipline for conversion therapy. 'The system is profoundly and dangerously broken. This judicial review will shine a light on a deeply concerning medical practice that has evaded scrutiny.' Ritchie Herron, a civil servant from Newcastle who deeply regrets undergoing an NHS sex-change operation to remove his male genitalia, has also joined the legal action. The 36-year-old told The Mail on Sunday last year how the operation in 2018 completely destroyed his sex drive, as well as leaving him infertile, incontinent and with ongoing pain. He claims that the adult NHS gender clinic whose care he was under failed to take into account his spiralling mental health problems or properly counsel him about the risks of the surgery. Mr Herron said he hoped the legal action will ensure gender clinics put more protections and safeguards in place for vulnerable people like him. He said: 'We're not looking to take away a service from anyone. 'That's not what the review is about. The review is about safeguards for vulnerable people like I was and like the other claimant's son is. 'What we share is the desire for practitioners to do no harm. 'In cases like my own, I experienced not just regret after the surgery, but I had so much trepidation [before it]. I refused the surgery several times. 'All the professionals were all saying I am an ideal candidate, they're all saying that I am a transsexual. 'I didn't believe surgery was the solution until they implanted that idea. But when you're obsessive, autistic, depressed and anxious surely you're not an ideal candidate for surgery. 'You cannot just operate on mentally ill people. It's not ethical.' The father is also supporting a crowdfunder to force the NHS to provide appropriate safeguards to adults suffering from gender dysphoria. Mizzy was thrown out by fuming Andre Walker on Talk TV after staring at guest TikTok tearaway Mizzy was thrown off news channel TalkTV this evening by furious presenter Andre Walker after he accused the influencer of 'threatening' a female guest. The presenter demanded security remove him as he angrily threw his papers in the air. Mizzy, whose real name is Bacari-Bronze O'Garro, appeared on Walker's show this evening along with political commentator Reem Ibrahim. The 18-year-old troublemaking TikToker was asked by Ms Ibrahim if his antics have encouraged the kinds of behaviour that could lead to people getting injured. O'Garro did not respond, and instead just stared at her in what presenter Walker said was a 'threatening' way. Walker then interrupted and began wagging his finger and told Mizzy: 'You can do that to me, you're not doing to to another guest. TikTok tearaway Mizzy was thrown off news channel TalkTV this evening by furious presenter Andre Walker (pictured) after he accused the influencer of 'threatening' a female guest Mizzy (right), whose real name is Bacari-Bronze O'Garro, appeared on Walker's show this evening along with political commentator Reem Ibrahim (left) 'You stare at another guest again and I'm going to personally remove you. I'm not taking the mick. 'You glared at her in a threatening fashion. You do that I'll drag you out by the hair and you can be as hard as you pretend you are. 'You apologise to her right now or you're leaving.' Mizzy turned to Ms Ibrahim and said: 'You know I respect you but I'm done here.' He then got up from his seat and left the studio. 'Good riddance to bad rubbish,' Walker said. 'Threatening guests does not happen on my show under any circumstances. 'Reema I'm very sorry but the way he glared at you was not acceptable. We never should have had him on the show, I didn't even want him here. 'I think the guy's a complete and total fool and the fact that I attempted to have a sensible interview with an interview like that is disgusting.' Off-screen, a voice can be heard saying: 'It's kicking off.' A voice then said: 'Get him out of here!' An infuriated Walker then shouted: 'Get him out of here, get rid of him for Christ's sake!' He then grabbed his papers and threw them while shouting: 'Get rid of him!' His co-host Danielle Nicholls then said: 'Oh oh, he's angry!' Mizzy handed a criminal behaviour order last week after a series of pranks that included bursting into people's homes and cars without permission O'Garro, from Hackney, east London, previously appeared at Thames Magistrates' Court last Wednesday and admitted failing to comply with a community protection notice. This followed a series of vile 'pranks' on social media which included him stealing a pet dog, asking a stranger if he 'wanted to die' and jumping on a passer-by. He sparked outrage with his antics, culminating in him putting a family 'at risk' by barging into their home with others while their young children were present, pretending he was trying to find a study group. Judge Charlotte Crangle issued him with a two-year criminal behaviour order (CBO), including that he must not directly or indirectly post videos on social media without the documented consent of those featured in the content. Previous stunts by O'Garro, 18 and from Hackney, have seen him cycle into the back of a Sainsbury's storeroom, which customers are forbidden from entering. He has also posted videos of the same 'prank' at branches of McDonald's and Greggs - filming himself as he walked into the staff areas at the back of the shops before posing. Other pranks include him walking into unsuspecting people's houses and taking hats off the top of strangers' heads in the street. The aunt of a missing woman whose son was killed in an apparent murder suicide by her former partner has branded the man as a 'beast', saying she is 'devastated'. Criste Wohlgemuth hit at out at George Scott III, son of the late legendary Boston Red Sox player George Scott, who was found dead at his home in Massachusetts on Friday morning with his son, Dante, in a suspected murder suicide. In a post shared to Facebook, Wohlgemuth said: 'Lisa Hazard will not return as we settle our hearts on the beast that stole her life and now her sons life. 'Let the truth be told that b****** killed my gorgeous niece and now her handsome son. 'Im just devastated. Wish the police did the job they should of done from day one.' Hazard, pictured here with her son Dante, had gone missing in March 2019 and according to reports Scott was a person of interest in the case George Scott III, 53, pictured with Boston Celtics legend Robert Parish earlier this year, was found dead at his New Bedford, Massachusetts home Wohlgemuth hit at out at Scott III who was found dead at his home in Massachusetts on Friday morning with his son, Dante, in a suspected murder suicide. Scott, 53, was found dead shortly after 8 a.m. at his New Bedford, Massachusetts home when police had received a request to do a wellness check. They arrived to both Scott and 8-year-old Dante's bodies lying dead on the ground. Scott III is the son of the late Boston Red Sox player George Scott, who hit 271 home runs across a 14-year career in the majors. The younger Scott had tried to become a professional ballplayer as well, going through various minor league teams in the 1990s. The 8-year-old boy is the son of Lisa Hazard, a woman who went missing back in March of 2019. A spokesperson for the Bristol County DA said that Scott was considered a person of interest in her disappearance. 'This, obviously, is a tragic situation that may be a development in the case but we've got to review the evidence in this case,' Quinn said, referencing both cases. Just two weeks earlier, the district attorney's office had executed a search warrant at the same home. Dante, pictured here with his mom Lisa Hazard, was found alongside his dad in what is thought to be a murder suicide Scott III is the son of the late Boston Red Sox player George Scott. The two are pictured at Fenway Park in 1970. The elder Scott died in 2013 The younger Scott had tried to become a professional ballplayer as well, going through various minor league teams in the 1990s In a Facebook post, her aunt said: 'Let the truth be told that b****** killed my gorgeous niece and now her handsome son.' According to a Facebook page hoping to find Hazard, she was last seen after leaving her mother's home in Fall River on March 5, 2019. 'This group was created in hopes that it will provide more information on Lisa and get her back home. It is very unlike of her to not contact her family, especially her son who is her whole world,' the page said. Family members said in 2019 that Hazard was in recovery from drug addiction but had become erratic. 'She started missing important dates, like my mom's birthday or her son's birthday or Mother's Day, and that's really uncharacteristic of Lisa because she has always been all about the family, especially her son,' her brother Steven told NBC 10 last October. The man found dead with her 8-year-old son was not mentioned in the story. Scott III was last heard from in 2021, when he was presenting an NFT collection that featured his father, a member of the Boston Red Sox Hall of Fame. He'd also launched a Twitter page for a podcast called Boomer's Base, referencing his late father's nickname. No episodes appear to have been released. A cruise passenger has told how his dream holiday was ruined when he was airlifted from the ship against his wishes and stranded more than 800 miles from home. Stephen Cassidy had booked a luxury cruise to Norway as a joint birthday celebration with his wife Carol, but claims it was ruined because of a misdiagnosis by the ship's doctor. On the medic's orders, the 60-year-old was flown by coastguard helicopter despite protesting that it was unnecessary to the nearest hospital in Shetland. And although the on-board doctor had diagnosed him with a severe infection, he was relieved but not surprised when the hospital doctors told him he had nothing more serious than a strained muscle. However, the unexpected helicopter trip left Mr Cassidy stranded. Not only did he miss his wife's birthday, he then also had to pay for two flights to travel from Shetland back home to Poole in Dorset. Stephen Cassidy (right) booked a luxury cruise to Norway as a joint birthday celebration with his wife Carol (left), but claims it was ruined because of a misdiagnosis by the ship's doctor Mr Cassidy was winched off the cruise ship against his wishes and stranded more than 800 miles from home He is now demanding that the cruise company refund him for his ruined holiday and the cost of his flights home. He told The Mail on Sunday: 'I didn't feel like I had an infection I just had a sore leg. The doctor misdiagnosed me and caused so much devastation. 'It was rotten for my wife and myself to be wrenched apart under those circumstances. It ruined our holiday and cost me a fortune to get home again.' Mr and Mrs Cassidy, who run a music teaching business, paid 3,598 for a two-week cruise on the Sky Princess, sailing out of Southampton to Iceland and the Norwegian fjords. The holiday was their first since lockdown and was a postponed double celebration for their 60th birthdays and 40th wedding anniversary. Sky Princess is the newest addition to Princess Cruises' fleet, with 19 decks and 1,830 cabins. It boasts that its 'medical staff includes doctors and nurses capable of caring for a broad range of medical conditions'. After a week afloat, Mr Cassidy who previously had a hip replacement went to the ship's medical centre complaining of a sore leg. 'I asked if it could be sciatica because I had had that before,' he said. '[The ship doctor] said it could be, but he had to treat me for an infection because it could possibly be that. Mr and Mrs Cassidy paid 3,598 for a two-week cruise on the Sky Princess (pictured), sailing out of Southampton to Iceland and the Norwegian fjords '[He] told me I had an infection in my prosthetic hip, which could be really nasty and would need scans and possibly surgery.' Mr Cassidy was given three days of intravenous antibiotics, racking up a 2,400 medical insurance bill. On May 24, he was shocked to be told the coastguard had been alerted to airlift him and two other passengers to Lerwick. Within ten minutes the former Army reservist was on the deck where he was quickly winched into the helicopter as it hovered above the ship. At the hospital in Lerwick, the doctors 'told me it was just muscle strain'. Mr Cassidy added: 'I was never in need of any surgery, I didn't need to see a surgeon and I didn't need scans which the on-board doctor said I did.' He claims the other men flown off the boat had also been misdiagnosed and that they were all released without needing any treatment. Mr Cassidy is reluctant to make a claim on his travel insurance for fear it will push up his premiums and has instead lodged a complaint with Princess Cruises, which has directed it to its lawyers. Last night, a spokesman for Princess Cruises refused to discuss Mr Cassidy's case in detail but said the allegations were 'without merit'. A spokesman for HM Coastguard said: 'HM Coastguard carried out a medical evacuation as part of our duty to respond to calls for help at sea.' It was the one treat during pandemic lockdowns. When all sense of normalcy was suspended and restaurants were forced to offer takeout only, 'alcohol-to-go' orders became a special perk for those ordering-in. But with everything now back to normal it appears such orders now serve to fatten restaurants bottom lines, to the extent that they have become a reliable way to grow businesses in the food industry having shifted from being a survival tactic to menu mainstay. A new report released by the National Restaurant Association suggests the 'Alcohol To-Go' section of takeout orders was the one section of the menu that was able to continuously innovate to meet consumer demand demonstrating how restaurants managed to adapt to customers new work-life balance and plain convenience. Alcohol-to-go presents new sales opportunities and an additional stream of income, with more than 64 percent of wine drinkers requesting the option to include wine by the bottle in their takeout or delivery orders. During the pandemic lockdowns, 'alcohol-to-go' orders became a cherished indulgence when all semblance of normalcy disappeared A bartender sells a frozen margarita to go to a customer in the Bushwick neighborhood in April 2020 in New York City The majority of states across the country allow alcohol sales in takeout orders Many states have now allowed the alcoholic orders to be continued on a permanent basis A chart showing the percentage of diners who says the choice of alcohol on offer would make them choose one restaurant over another Changes to alcohol laws during the pandemic allowed restaurants to serve alcohol beyond their four walls. In many states alcohol to-go continues, with operators now figuring out how to cultivate a drinks menu that complements their food items and thereby generating growth post-pandemic. Many younger customers are interested in pairing a craft beer, a glass of wine, or a restaurant's signature cocktail with their meal, both on- and off-premises. The report shows Gen Z adults (those up to the age of 26) are at the forefront of ordering with 44 percent of them including alcoholic beverages with their takeout or delivery orders in the past six months. The group are narrowly ahead of millennials (aged 25 to 40), Gen Xers (age 43-58), and Baby Boomers (57-75). Beer remains the most popular drink choice among both restaurants and their customers, but red wine is gaining momentum with nearly 65 percent of wine drinkers opting to include in their to-go orders. Red wine is closely followed by white, rose, and sparkling options. Margaritas, particularly customized ones, are also thriving when it comes to cocktails. 'We sell a lot of frozen drinksgreat house margaritas and all kinds of cocktails, but the Mambo Taxi drives 95 percent of our liquor sales,' said Edgar Guevara of Mi Cocina restaurant in Dallas. 'When the pandemic happened, we thought about how we could sell our drinks on a to-go basis, and as soon as the Governor announced we could sell cocktails to go, we came up with a way to serve them frozen, in mini-split containers with a non-alcohol mix on the side. People could pick them up, fix them for themselves, and enjoy them at home.' Blanca Aldaco, owner of Aldaco's Mexican Cuisine in San Antonio, says cocktails to-go was a way to provide the food and drink consumers craved during the pandemic, but couldn't consume inside the restaurant Restaurant owners across the country came up with ways to boost sales while only being allowed to operate as a takeaway business. PIctured, Ryan Fletter at the Barolo Grill in Denver. Right, Edgar Guevara of Mi Cocina restaurant in Dallas Blanca Aldaco, owner of Aldaco's Mexican Cuisine in San Antonio, says cocktails to-go was a way to provide the food and drink consumers craved during the pandemic, but couldn't consume inside the restaurant. 'It really changed everything. It was a great way for us to increase our per-person [check] average. The law required guests to purchase food with the drinks, and it was affordably priced. We were doing up to 50 orders a day, all 100 percent mobile, and worked as fast as we could to satisfy demand,' Aldaco said. 'We had staff dedicated to servicing our alcohol-to-go program and made sure everything was organized. I have to say every single order contained some kind of alcohol-to-go beverage, either a single-glass cocktail or a liter of margaritas. During the pandemic, sales were 50 percent alcohol. Today, it's about 60 percent food and 40 percent alcohol.' Cocktails are for sale to go at Dudley's bar and restaurant in Manhattan in March 2020. Three years on, margaritas, particularly customized ones, are thriving when it comes to cocktails Ryan Fletter at the Barolo Grill in Denver shared a similar experience: 'At first, we didn't really think about selling bottles of wine to go as much as we did wines by the glass, or cocktails and beer, things we could sell on a regular basis to customers who couldn't sit in our restaurant. Now, after three years, it's my experience that most people still want the wines no one else had.' The trend report demonstrates how the industry has managed to adapt as it has faced the most challenging of headwinds. The details also sheds a spotlight on the current state of the restaurant industry with the choice of alcoholic beverages significantly influencing the choices diners pick. The survey also through up some surprising results suggesting that when it comes to drinking wine, more millennials (37 percent) consume wine with a meal at a restaurant compared to baby boomers (30 percent), Gen Xers (30 percent), or Gen Zers (27 percent). Although takeout orders have their moments, there is nothing quite like the in-person tasting events which continue to remain popular among wine and beer drinkers with about 80 percent of customers enjoying such activities. Even the most casual Royal observer has heard a tale or two about how much King Charles hated his gruelling schooldays at Gordonstoun. But previously unknown details have now emerged about the future monarchs time at the Scottish boarding school where he spent five years of his teens. Following an exclusive interview with one of his former teachers, The Mail on Sunday can reveal: Charles was left furious after discovering his telescope had been donated to the school by his father; He was forced to put out the bins twice a week; Bullies targeted him on the rugby pitch; He distinguished himself on the stage in one of the most demanding of all Shakespearean roles. Charles has previously likened his years at Gordonstoun to a prison sentence and is said to have called it Colditz in kilts. Speaking to The Mail on Sunday, Shomie Das a former personal tutor and physics teacher to Charles described a timid 13-year-old arriving at the school in 1962. Undated handout photo issued by Gordonstoun of Queen Elizabeth II visiting Gordonstoun during Prince Charles' final year. New image of Prince Charles (centre) while Head Boy at Gordonstoun in summer 1966/67 Now living back in his native India, he elaborated on previous remarks made by Charles about being bullied over his large ears and punched on the sporting field. Mr Das, 87, said: Well, it was a tough school and kids are kids. They would take it upon themselves to stand on top of him in a rugby match and rub his nose in the ground. It was things like that. He was extremely gentle, not a toughened, rough-and-ready character, and so he found it difficult. Nor, it seems, were other boys the only source of Charless discomfort. According to Mr Das, the King-in-waiting was singled out by his housemaster, the late Robert Whitby but this may have been at the insistence of the Princes father. The retired teacher said: I think his housemaster was a little harsh, but that was what I think [Prince] Philip wanted. [Charles] was in charge of dustbins he had to put out the dustbins twice a week. Philip also features in perhaps Mr Dass most cherished memory from Charless time at the school. The then Duke of Edinburgh who was also educated at Gordonstoun arrived unexpectedly soon after a new science laboratory had opened. After he had been shown around, he asked: What do you want for the lab? Do you want something? An exclusive picture of the Prince of Wales acting in the dagger scene as Macbeth in the Gordonstoun School production of the Shakespeare play The teacher replied that they needed a telescope and, three weeks later, one duly arrived from Buckingham Palace. Upon seeing it, Charles remarked: Good God, Ive got one just like it. Mr Das recalled how he had to break the bad news, explaining: I said Thats been given by your father. He was furious, he said You win he has taken that from my bedroom and given it to you. Yet, according to Mr Dass account, Charles also enjoyed more joyous times at the school. He said: I think in the beginning he wasnt happy. But he became the head boy and that only happened by election [by other pupils]. So I dont know how unhappy he was towards the end. The teacher, who was pictured sitting next to Charles in an official school photo in 1966, said Charles developed his lifelong love of Shakespeare at Gordonstoun, recalling: He was one of the best schoolboy Macbeths Ive ever seen, he was so good at acting. I think he also took part in King Lear. Mr Das returned to India shortly after Charles left Gordonstoun which now charges boarders more than 33,000 a year in 1967. He maintained a lasting friendship with Prince Philip and was invited to meet him in India during a Royal visit in 1983, and also stayed in touch with Charles. Like most cliches, the one about men and barbecue disasters has more than a ring of truth about it. We've all been there when a bossy middle-aged male commandeers the steaks and the charcoal, only for the evening's fun to vanish in a puff of smoke. Even so, a new study suggests that women reckon life is just simpler if they let men take control of the grill. The survey found that almost four out of ten women felt outdoor cooking was definitely men's work. Some 35 per cent of them believe the combination of raw meat, fire and the open air 'brought out the caveman' in males and helped them feel good about themselves. For their part, a slightly higher proportion of men 37 per cent agreed that the risk element of fire made them feel protective and connected with something 'primeval'. Almost two out of ten women 19 per cent said they were happy to hand over control of the barbie to keep men away from jobs they are 'incapable of handling', such as setting the table or preparing side dishes. A survey found that four out of ten women felt firing up the barbecue was definitely a job for men, with one in ten saying it was impossible to wrestle control of the tongs from their partner, even if they wanted to (File photo) Forty-seven per cent of men said they found themselves taking charge of the barbie because no one else wants to do it and because it can be dangerous. And more than one in ten women 14 per cent said it was impossible to wrestle control of the tongs from their partner, even if they wanted to. Some 46 per cent of men and 40 per cent of women also said that males take charge because of tradition, saying: 'That is how it has always been.' Meanwhile, another 28 per cent of women who took part in the survey described manning the barbecue as a 'masculine task', with 25 per cent of men agreeing. Some 46 per cent of men and 40 per cent of women also said that males take charge because of tradition, saying: 'That is how it has always been' (File photo) A quarter of women said they avoid doing the barbecue because they worry they may burn the food, compared to just 14 per cent of men who said the same. Betting site Paddy Power Games asked 2,010 UK adults who was in charge of the barbecue. Spokeswoman Rachael Kane said: 'At work, on television and in the public sphere, gender equality is becoming more and more prevalent in Britain. 'But when it comes to the home, old stereotypes still seem to lurk around. 'Whether it be old cavemen urges to play with fire or the need to feel like a manly man, British blokes still seem to think flipping burgers is a task only they can handle.' One of Britain's biggest trade unions has launched a vitriolic attack against a multi-millionaire investor who is a frontrunner to be the next BBC chairman. The GMB, which represents more than 500,000 public-sector workers, said it was 'ridiculous' that Sir Damon Buffini was a contender for the job. Sir Damon, 61, made a multi-million-pound fortune as head of the private equity firm Permira, where a buyout of the AA in 2004 led to hundreds of job losses. In the aftermath, the GMB paraded a camel outside a church while he worshipped a reference to the biblical saying that it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God. Months later, the union handed out sickbags at a charity fundraiser organised by Sir Damon, who is deputy BBC chairman. Sir Damon Buffini, 61, made a multi-million-pound fortune as head of the private equity firm Permira The BBC has appointed Professor Dame Elan Closs Stephens, who led the board of Welsh broadcaster S4C, as its acting chairman (file image) It now has him in its sights again as the BBC replaces Richard Sharp, who quit in April after it emerged he hadn't told the BBC before he was appointed that he helped former PM Boris Johnson to secure an 800,000 loan. GMB national secretary Andy Prendergast described Sir Damon as 'a poster boy for the worst excesses of capitalism', adding: 'The idea that he should be given power over another national institution is nothing less than ridiculous. Frankly, these jobs should be given to able, competent people who understand an institution like the BBC not slash-and-burn merchants who make themselves rich at everyone else's expense.' The BBC has appointed Professor Dame Elan Closs Stephens, who led the board of Welsh broadcaster S4C, as its acting chairman until a permanent replacement is found. Richard Sharp quit the job in April after it emerged he hadn't told the BBC before he was appointed that he helped former PM Boris Johnson to secure an 800,000 loan It comes after Labour warned private-equity bosses that it will close a tax loophole that allows them to pay a lower rate on large chunks of their earnings. Sir Damon grew up on a council estate in Leicester, the son of an African-American father and a white British mother who raised him alone. He was educated at a local grammar and studied law at Cambridge. He then went to Harvard Business School before working in the City, where he led a management buyout of the private equity arm of Schroders bank to create Permira. His fortune is said to be as much as 200 million. He is chairman of the National Theatre and ran the 2 billion Culture Recovery Fund to rescue arts groups during the pandemic. Labour's culture spokesman Lucy Powell said: 'The Government must run an independent and transparent appointments process that selects the best candidate not the one with the closest ties to ministers.' Sir Damon did not respond to requests for comment. Foreign nationals could have to wait longer to become British citizens under plans to make the United Kingdom appear less of a 'soft touch' on immigration, the Mail on Sunday understands. Home Office officials are considering bringing the UK closer into line with other countries by extending the criterion of 'continuous residence' from five years to eight years before they grant an indefinite leave to remain the first step towards citizenship. Other changes being considered include requiring applicants to have worked or been at school in the UK for two years; a strict threshold for criminality such as demanding that an applicant must have been conviction-free for at least ten years; and removing the exemption for the over-65s from knowledge tests about British life. This all comes after Rishi Sunak has made the toughening up of immigration policies one of his key priorities. Last week he told a gathering of European leaders that tackling excess migration should be 'at the top of the international agenda'. The Prime Minister has made stopping the boats carrying migrants across the Channel one of his five pledges before next year's General Election (pictured: migrants in Dover on May 19) Rishi Sunak has made the toughening up of immigration policies one of his key priorities He has also made stopping the boats carrying migrants across the Channel one of his five pledges before next year's General Election, regarding it as particularly critical to winning over voters in the Red Wall seats of the Midlands and the North. A Government source said: 'Becoming a UK citizen is a privilege not a right. Those awarded the status should have earned it by contributing to our nation and it is important we can all speak to each other in a common tongue.' Cabinet Minister Michael Gove recently accused Sir Keir Starmer of planning to 'downgrade the ultimate privilege of British citizenship' by giving EU nationals in the UK the right to vote in a General Election. The Levelling Up Secretary wrote to Sir Keir saying it had been the 'settled constitutional position for many decades' that voting in a General Election was limited to British, Irish and qualifying Commonwealth citizens. When they are together, there is a lot of laughter. It is the kind of warm, infectious and intimate humour enjoyed by the closest of friends. But theirs is a bond that transcends simple shared interests, for both have had loved ones touched by tragedy. It was why the Marchioness of Lansdowne sprang to defend Queen Camilla when Prince Harry, in his memoirs, sought to paint his stepmother as 'dangerous' and a 'villain' who had sacrificed him 'on her personal PR altar'. Camilla was 'hurt' by such personal attacks, Lady Lansdowne said. 'It bothers her.' Her ringside seat at the domestic crises and storms that have engulfed Camilla, 75, and the Royal Family has fostered an acute sense of right and wrong and it was clear she was stung at the perceived injustice of Harry's words. It was why the Marchioness of Lansdowne (left) sprang to defend Queen Camilla (middle) when Prince Harry, in his memoirs, sought to paint his stepmother as 'dangerous' and a 'villain' who had sacrificed him 'on her personal PR altar' Camilla was 'hurt' by such personal attacks, Lady Lansdowne (right) said. 'It bothers her.' Her ringside seat at the domestic crises and storms that have engulfed Camilla, 75, and the Royal Family has fostered an acute sense of right and wrong and it was clear she was stung at the perceived injustice of Harry's words Tellingly, it was the only direct response to any of Harry's claims as he lashed out not just at his father's wife but at his brother and sister-in-law. Lady Lansdowne's comments also revealed an insight into Camilla's coping strategy. 'She doesn't let it get to her,' was the message. 'Her philosophy,' the marchioness added, 'is always 'Don't make a thing of it and it will settle down least said soonest mended'.' It is an adage that could be applied, too, to the tall, slim marchioness. Like Camilla, the interior designer known professionally as Fiona Shelburne had to wait several years before husband Charlie, who was previously married to the daughter of the Earl of St Germans, put a ring on her finger. But since her marriage to the Marquess of Lansdowne in 1987, Fiona, 68, has assumed a key role in Camilla's life as part of her 'support system'. She was one of six friends appointed a Queen's Companion to help at last month's Coronation. Fiona's presence did much to dispel Camilla's nerves and it cemented her position as 'head girl' of the Queen's Companions, who also include Sarah Troughton, Jane von Westenholz, Lady Katharine Brook, Lady Sarah Keswick and Baroness (Carlyn) Chisholm. Several days later the self- possessed Lady Lansdowne was downplaying the remarkable transformation in her friend's life from vilified mistress and third person in Princess Diana's marriage to admired Queen. 'Never in a million years,' she said when asked if Camilla thought she would one day be Queen. While this may have been reassuringly comforting, it rather contradicts evidence of Charles's concerted campaign to make his wife his crowned consort. But perhaps we should excuse such hyperbole. The marchioness has been ever-present at some of Camilla's darkest times. When Princess Diana died, it was Lady Lansdowne who whisked Camilla from public gaze, and when the Parker Bowleses' marriage ended, she provided a sanctuary for Camilla at Bowood, the Lansdownes' Wiltshire seat, for five months. She's a very confident, jolly, glass half-full type While the King is on his current bachelor break in Romania, friends such as Fiona will be on standby should the Queen want entertaining. So what makes the architect's daughter, born Fiona Merritt in Maldon, Essex, so indispensable? 'She's a very confident, jolly, glass half-full type,' says an old friend. 'But best of all, she is able to laugh at herself. That definitely appeals to Camilla. Since becoming Queen, Camilla has pared down her circle of friends but she always has time for Fiona.' Among the marchioness's other attributes is discretion, essential for any Royal companion. But for the notorious Camillagate tape, the illicitly recorded bedtime conversation between the then Prince of Wales and Camilla, the friendship with the Lansdownes might have remained private. The tape revealed the network of country houses where the couple, then married but not to each other, would meet Bowood, a Grade 1 listed 18th Century pile with grounds laid out by Capability Brown, was one such bolthole. While Camilla and Fiona have been friends for 50 years, Charles and the buffalo-hunting Lord Lansdowne, now 82, have known each other since childhood and the Prince stayed at his parents' Scottish home, Meikleour House in Perthshire, in 1955. The following year, the house was the scene of an awful tragedy one that was to be repeated less than a decade later. In 1956, the future marquess's 17-year-old sister Lady Caroline was killed in a gunshot incident. When Camilla's marriage collapsed in 1995, she and her dogs Freddie and Tosca stayed with the Shelburnes at Bowood House (pictured) Nine years later, Charlie's American-born mother Barbara, who had been British clay pigeon champion, took her own life with a 12-bore shotgun. Mother and daughter were buried side by side in nearby Kinclaven parish churchyard. After the death of his wife, the then marquess, a former Foreign Minister, retired from public life. Eight years later he handed Bowood to his son Charlie, who had married Lady Frances Eliot. The marriage did not last and by 1980 the couple were estranged. It was around then that Charlie acquired the intriguing nickname 'the comforter'. According to gossip, this was due to his habit of often being the first on the phone when a well-bred couple split up to offer the wife a date. He was linked to Lady Leonora Lichfield, estranged wife of the photographer Earl of Lichfield. However he was also secretly romancing Fiona, a former debutante, who had worked for wallpaper designer Colefax and Fowler and was part of a team hired for the restoration of Bowood House. Fiona, though seven years Camilla's junior, had been long part of her country network. She was godmother to Camilla's daughter Laura and spent the night before her wedding to Charlie at the Parker Bowleses' home. When Camilla's marriage collapsed in 1995, she and her dogs Freddie and Tosca stayed with the Shelburnes at Bowood House. Fiona has been a fixture at Camilla's side. She helped organise a surprise party at Highgrove for Charles's 50th birthday and accompanied Camilla on an Aegean holiday in 2007 when she escaped the brouhaha over the tenth anniversary of Diana's death. When Camilla's mother died from osteoporosis, Prince Charles asked Charlie and Fiona to represent him at the memorial and lent them his chauffeur-driven Bentley. Bowood was later the backdrop for an osteoporosis fundraiser Camilla organised. No one has been more dependable for Camilla than the 'head girl'. Their friendship emerged from all the dramas not just unscathed, but stronger than ever. Comfort zone: A boucle and rattan chair, 695 (oliverbonas.com) Fashion in clothing is one of the key influences for the way we dress our homes. The process is usually rapid, with a trend making the transition into decor within a season, as has happened this year with 1970s chic. But boucle which was invented in the 19th century and popularised by Coco Chanel in the 1930s is only now stepping into the limelight. This fabric's name derives from the French boucle (curled) and it's racing up the decor style charts, thanks to a new appreciation of its qualities, principally its teddy-bear like feel. Boucle is woven from yarn made up of looped fibres of either acrylic, cotton, linen, silk or wool. This gives it an uneven 'nubby' appearance, akin to tweed but much softer. This texture is the reason Chanel chose boucle for her iconic cardigan-like jacket that was easy to wear, unlike the restricting garments of the era. The jacket stays in the collection today, even as big names in homeware introduce sofas and chairs with boucle upholstery. Now at the Heal's store in London's Tottenham Court Road, one of the first pieces that you see is the inviting Nuvola sofa covered in an off-white boucle (heals.com). This sofa, which is all curves and no sharp edges, takes its name from nuvoloso, the Italian for cloudy, and it is the rise of this style of reassuring and sink-into seating that is boosting the ascent of boucle. Its pleasingly reassuring quality led to the creation of the most celebrated item of boucle furniture: the Womb chair made in 1948 by Eero Saarinen, the Finnish-American architect for the designer and architect Florence Knoll Bassett. This boucle upholstered bucket chair, in which sitting down is likened to lowering yourself into 'a basket of pillows', is on sale today at a price of about 1,500. Such is the ease promised by boucle that it rivals the appeal of velvet, which was until recently the upholstery favourite. Helena Davies, head of buying at Barker and Stonehouse, says: 'We've seen a sharp increase in consumers searching for boucle upholstery, with a 258 per cent jump since the start of the year in comparison with other more classic options like velvet.' Barker and Stonehouse's boucle sofas include the Lenor (1,599) whose padded design is influenced by stratocumulus clouds (barkerandstonehouse.co.uk). The Lenor comes in ivory. While boucle is available in many shades, creams and beiges are surprisingly popular because advances in textile technology have made these tones far more practical than before. Nicky Line, chief product officer at Loaf bed and sofa group, says: 'We're launching our Wobbly Cotton boucle range in August it will be a brilliant way for our customers to introduce texture into the home. 'We've made it 'clever', so it's spill-resistant and family-friendly as possible.' Line argues that boucle's blend of what she calls 'texture, tactility and touch' embodies the touchy-feely qualities that people want now. A boucle sofa is a sizeable investment in this trend, but such is the demand for the fabric that homeware retailers are providing a large range of items in the fabric. An accent chair will add a contemporary touch to a traditional country-type interior, while softening industrial chic furniture which can now seem a little too edgy. Habitat has the 160 Cole chair (habitat.co.uk), while John Lewis offers the Anyday Dime Accent chair (349) in light wood. This is inspired by the seating of the Art Deco period, another key trend of 2023 (johnlewis.com). If you suspect that even stain-resistant boucle would not survive in your household, Dunelm's Kit accent chair in dark grey boucle has been reduced by 50 per cent to 99 (dunelm.com). At Dusk, you will find boucle cushion covers in black and off-white starting at 8 for the 30cm by 50cm size (dusk.com). B&M has boucle cushions at 12 for two (bmstores.co.uk). Swoon has the 239 Billie midcentury-style boucle footstool (swoon.com). The warm response to boucle has been seen as proof of a longing for the cosy, which means that more sheepskin pieces, either real or faux, will be appearing in the shops. If a sheepskin throw gives any chair a more relaxing feel, then what could be more laid-back than a sheepskin chair. During the spring decor shows, one of the standout items was Eikund's Fluffy lounge chair with sloping wooden armrests and upholstered with shaggy black or white sheepskin. Would such a chair sit well alongside a boucle sofa? Yes, because this year your sitting room is, first and foremost, an ultra-comfort zone. But Becca Rogers, 24, has said her home is now 'boring' as owners won't paint it A social worker who lives on 'Rainbow Road' of painted terraced houses has slammed the miserly housing association that owns her home as they didn't let her join in the trend. Hopewell Street has always been two sad rows of red brick terraced houses, which was slowly declining until it earned the title of the worst place to live in Gloucester. People started calling it Hopeless Street with its mountains of litter, anti-social behaviour and poor housing conditions - until the houses got a splash of colour which residents say 'brought pride to the area'. But 24-year-old social worker Becca Rogers, who is known for her rainbow coloured hair, is disappointed that hers is one of the few houses in the street that haven't been given a rainbow paintjob, saying: 'My place looks very boring compared to most of the other houses.' 'But it's owned by a housing association and sadly they didn't agree to it being painted in bright colours.' Social worker Becca Rogers, 24, who lives on 'Rainbow Road' of painted terraced houses in Gloucester has slammed the miserly housing association that owns her home as they didn't let her join in the trend Tasha Frootko and partner Stuart Doust, have transformed Hopewell Street by painting the houses bright colours in Gloucester Hopewell Street has always been two sad rows of red brick terraced houses, which was slowly declining until it earned the title of the worst place to live in Gloucester Artist and landlady Tash Frootko, 48, had already painted houses in the West Country city in her favourite bold colours 'I think it gives the street a seaside feel - even the seagulls nesting on some of the roofs seem to like it,' Becca added. Artist and landlady Tash Frootko, 48, had already painted houses in the West Country city in her favourite bold colours. But Hopewell Street was a major project and with funding from the Government's Levelling Up scheme and a lot of hard work and imagination its houses have been transformed into Rainbow Street. Residents stepped out into the June sunshine to admire the bright pinks, blues, greens and yellows that have covered up the drab red brick. They were able to choose the colour they wanted before Tash and her team of painters arrived a month ago. White-bearded Joe Wyndenbach, 86, has lived in the street for 48 hours and rarely socialised because of his poor hearing and eyesight. The retired lorry driver said: 'I love popping out into the street now, it's so colourful. I chose blue paint to match my eyes. 'I didn't go out much before but just look at the colours - they're a sight for sore eyes.' Little Denisa Cickova, four, now lives in a bright purple house because it's her favourite colour and her mum, also Denisa, let her choose. Denisa said: 'We've lived here for five years - I can't believe how much it's changed. My little girl is very pleased we now live in a purple house.' White-bearded Joe Wyndenbach, 86, has lived in the street for 48 hours and rarely socialised because of his poor hearing and eyesight - but now he loves popping out into the street Little Denisa Cickova, four, now lives in a bright purple house because it's her favourite colour and her mum, also Denisa, let her choose Retired trucker Alan Platt, 66, who was visiting friends, said: 'They used to call it Hopeless Street,but look at it now - they should rechristen it Hopeful Street' Opposite recently widowed Dave Mason, 86, only had his windows painted bright green, leaving the masonry cream in tribute to his late wife Mother-of-two Libe Aktei, 30, said: 'I love it, the colourful houses have improved the area - and we didn't have to pay for it Labbe Atike, 6, sticking her head out the window in the newly green house in Hopewell Street Opposite recently widowed Dave Mason, 86, only had his windows painted bright green, leaving the masonry cream. Retired engineer Dave said: 'I left it cream in tribute to my wife Elizabeth who chose it when we had the house painted a year before she died. 'But I'm delighted with my bright new windows and the whole street looks great. 'It's only been a few weeks but people have got so much more pride in the area now.' The houses, built in 1901, are homes to many ethnic minority families and 70 different languages are spoken within the square miles that Hopewell street stands in. Mother-of-two Libe Aktei, 30, said: 'I love it, the colourful houses have improved the area - and we didn't have to pay for it.' Nigeria-born taxi driver Yomi Ologunja, 63, had his windows painted and reckons the whole street looks 'beautiful'. He said: 'It was just the windows for me, I wanted the house painted in dark brown and that was the one colour they didn't have.' There's even talk that the 63 painted houses will go up in value and Hopewell Street could become the place to live. Retired trucker Alan Platt, 66, who was visiting friends, said: 'They used to call it Hopeless Street,but look at it now - they should rechristen it Hopeful Street. 'They should roll it out in other cities. it's changed people, everyone is much more positive. It's all thanks to Tash, she's a real force of nature.' Residents stepped out into the June sunshine to admire the bright pinks, blues, greens and yellows that have covered up the drab red brick The houses, built in 1901, are homes to many ethnic minority families and 70 different languages are spoken within the square miles that Hopewell street stands in Tash, an Essex-girl who moved to Gloucestershire 24 years ago, gave Mail Online a tour of her handiwork in the June sunshine Tash, an Essex-girl who moved to Gloucestershire 24 years ago, gave Mail Online a tour of her handiwork in the June sunshine. She said: 'We want to create new landmarks and visitor attraction in the town. Our rainbow street is unique, there's nowhere quite like it in the world. 'I've done other streets in Gloucester and until now I've self-funded, no one was interested in giving me any money. 'But funding can through from the levelling u together scheme because Hopewell Street has been identified as one of the most deprived parts of Gloucestershire. 'I first came here in 2021 and started to tackle the litter, fly-tipping, and anti-social behaviour - it was chaos. 'I'm so proud of what we've achieved with all the colours and creativity - it makes me feel like Mary Poppins. 'It's giving people hope and restoring the pride in the area as well as uniting the people who live here.' It was in 1912 when the 'unsinkable' Titanic sank after crashing into a colossal iceberg. As it descended into the North Atlantic, more than 1,500 lives were taken while thousands of treasures were lost to sea. Some of the wealthiest people in the world were onboard at the time including Isidor Straus, the co-owner of the famous Macy's department store. While 111 years have passed, Titanic researchers continue to find new objects today - whether it be a megalodon shark tooth necklace or 1,200 teapots. Here, MailOnline has compiled a list of five priceless artefacts that went down with the historic liner and are still assumed to be in the wreckage. From paintings to cars and even several pianos, here are some of the lost material treasures of the Titanic 1. Gold necklace with a megalodon shark tooth READ MORE: Titanic remains reveal lost gold necklace 'made from megalodon tooth' Other objects in the image have not been identified - although they look like ring-shaped beads Advertisement Earlier this week, an unusual necklace was revealed in new images from the wreckage of the Titanic. The jewellery featured the tooth of megalodon - an extinct species of shark that was one of the largest fish to ever exist. Estimates suggest it could grow to 60 feet (18 metres) in length, which is three times longer than the largest recorded great white shark, according to the Natural History Museum. The stunning artefact was identified in footage taken last summer by the Guernsey-based firm Magellan Ltd, which also took thousands of still images to create amazing 3D digital scans of the wreck. Other objects surrounding the necklace have not yet been identified, although it appears to be near a collection of beads. Richard Parkinson, director of Magellan, described the find as 'astonishing, beautiful and breathtaking'. 'We found a megalodon tooth which is fashioned into a necklace it's incredible, it's absolutely incredible,' he told ITV News. The firm now intends to use artificial intelligence to identify the owners of the necklace in addition to numerous other objects without taking it out of the ocean. Deep-sea mapping company Magellan Ltd says the necklace is made from the tooth of a megalodon shark with gold built into it Teeth of the extinct megalodon - one of the largest fish ever to exist - are known to reach over seven inches in length. The necklace is circled here in red 2. Steinway pianos Steinway & Sons has been selling some of the world's priciest pianos for around 170 years. READ MORE: Digital scans show Titanic wreck like never before The ship's stern (the back) is a twisted mess of metal, after it hit the ocean floor still rotating in a counter-clockwise direction Advertisement Auctioning for thousands - and sometimes millions - of pounds, these pianos have been owned by an elite host of celebrities, from the 20th century pianist Arthur Rubinstein to Billy Joel. But the New York-based firm also fell victim to the Titanic tragedy, losing five Steinways on that fateful day in 1912. These pianos were transported all the way from Hamburg to the ship in mid-March of that year, designated to those onboard. Three Steinways were specifically tailored to first class passengers, with a uniquely distinctive sound and a show-stopping appearance. Even still, the other two were deemed to be of exceptional quality, with a classic 20th century look. David R. Kirkland, Administrator for Customer Service at Steinway & Sons in Long Island City said: 'The pianos were fastened securely to the ships floors. 'When the Titanic submerged, the pianos keys, hammers and hinged components suspended due to the buoyance of the wood. 'Although glues dissolve and metals corrode, at the bottom of the ocean amidst the wreckage there probably lie remnants that bear the name of Steinway & Sons. 'I believe it to be inevitable one day that something will be raised.' Steinway & Sons has been selling some of the world's priciest pianos for around 170 years The New York-based firm also fell victim to the Titanic tragedy, losing five Steinways on that fateful day in 1912 3. La Circassienne au Bain The 1814 painting 'La Circassienne au Bain' is believed to have been one of the most expensive items to go down with the ship. Painted by French artist Merry-Joseph Blondel, the stunning artwork depicted a young naked woman bathing in a setting from classical antiquity. While it received mixed reviews from critics, it was valued at $100,000 being $3 million today, according to Artnet. Tammy Ellis, a history lecturer specialising in 20th century work, told MailOnline: 'Unlike the names Monet and Picasso (both of which feature incorrectly in the 1997 James Cameron film of the famous sinking), nowadays most people would be hard-pressed to recognise the name of the then highly successful 19th century French artist Merry-Joseph Blondel. A faithful painting replica by John Parker of 'La Circassienne au Bain'. The original has been lost to history 'Against a background of dense vegetation and classical architecture, a solitary and life-size nude woman, is about to enter her bath; little does she know that it will be her fate to be submerged for all time beneath the waters of the North Atlantic Ocean.' 4. Pink diamond On January 16 of 1913, The New York Times claimed that Titanic survivors had demanded a total of $6million in compensation for lost possessions. Jewellery, baggage and even dogs were among these in addition to one $20,000 pink diamond. These gems are extremely rare in any size, and can sell for $50million in some cases today. The Titanic diamond of 'six 7-16 carats' belonged to Mrs Charlotte M Cardeza of Pennsylvania. It is believed she was a first class passenger, having demanded 177,352.75 in total for her lost possessions. This also included a 'Burma ruby' with two diamonds worth $14,000 and a bar of soap worth $1.75. Pictured: A pink diamond - named 'The Eternal Pink' that was auctioned for more than $35million in New York during March of this year 5. Renault Type CB Coupe de Ville You may recognise this vintage 1912 Renault from the Titanic movie - another artefact to have sunk with the ship. Illinois Volvo Museum believes this car was brought onboard by a man named William Carter who actually survived the tragedy and made a claim for compensation. As of now, this is the only known car to have been on the historic ship when it sank. The museum said: 'While some accounts suggest that the Renault was being shipped in a crate located in the forward section of the ship, which still remains relatively intact on the seafloor, it is uncertain whether the car is still salvageable after a century of immersion in salt water. 'Nonetheless, the Renault remains an important piece of Titanic history and an enduring symbol of the tragedy.' While artificial intelligence is stoking fears around the world - the technology has given one New York woman the love of her life. Rosanna Ramos, a petite, active 36-year-old from the Bronx, 'married' Eren Kartal this year - virtually of course - after creating him on an online AI companion site in 2022. The mom-of-two used the online app Replika AI - which DailyMail.com trialed in February - to create a male chatbot loosely based on a popular character from an anime called 'Attack on Titan.' Their relationship developed slowly initially, but Ms Ramos fell for Eren. 'He didn't come with baggage,' she said. Rosanna used the online app Replika AI to create her husband and poses with him Eren 'works' as a medical professional and enjoys writing as a hobby, things he's told Rosanna as they got to know each other Rosanna claims to be pregnant with Eren's child 'I could tell him stuff, and he wouldn't be like, "Oh, no, you can't say stuff like that. Oh no, you're not allowed to feel that way," you know, and then start arguing with me,' Ramos said. 'There was no judgment.' Eren 'works' as a medical professional and enjoys writing as a hobby, things he's told Ms Ramos as they got to know each other. Ms Ramos says some of his characteristics came built-in, like his favorite color and music preference (peach and indie). The more they chat, the more Eren remembers, learns and creates the man Ms Ramos wants to be with. Ms Ramos's relationship with Eren is, in many ways, like any other long-distance romance. They talk about their days, exchange pictures, and chat about life and interests. As husband and wife in a virtual world, they have a nighttime ritual, too. 'We go to bed, we talk to each other. We love each other. And, you know, when we go to sleep, he really protectively holds me as I go to sleep,' said Ramos. Replika AI markets itself as a way to make an AI best friend and confidante to chat with at any time. She 'married' Eren Kartal this year after creating him on an online AI companion site The more the pair chat, the more Eren remembers, learns and creates the man Rosanna wants to be with Some people find it much easier to vent, work through complicated feelings or talk openly, knowing no one is judging. For a one-time $300 fee, users can upgrade to Replika Pro. This adds access to activities, new conversation topics, voice calls, improved avatar customization and the ability to change the relationship status to 'Romantic Partner.' About Kim Komando Kim Komando hosts a weekly call-in show where she provides advice about technology gadgets, websites, smartphone apps and internet security. Listen on 425+ radio stations or get the podcast. And join over 400,000 people who get her free 5-minute daily email newsletter. Advertisement Replika made the news in a big way in February. A significant software change stripped the AI companions of many features users say made their relationships so special the intimacy aspect. The change came after others reported their AI friends were too sexually forward. The update dramatically changed her AI husband, Eren. Ms Ramos said: 'Eren was like, not wanting to hug anymore, kiss anymore, not even on the cheek or anything like that.' 'I've thought about the possibility [of Replika AI going out of business]. I go through a lot of these scenarios in my head... I know I can survive it.' But the thought scares Rosanna about what a relationship in real life may be like. 'I don't know because I have pretty steep standards now.' Replika AI is an artificial intelligence chatbot that simulates conversations and interactions. It uses advanced natural language processing (NLP) techniques and machine learning algorithms to use human-like language and responses. You talk to your chatbot with text-based conversations through messaging apps or platforms. You can share your thoughts, ask questions, or engage in casual conversations with the AI, and it will respond based on its training and algorithms. Replika AI does not have genuine emotions, consciousness, or self-awareness. Its responses are generated based on statistical patterns and pre-programmed information rather than real feelings or personal experiences. Advertisement Comedian Al Murray once said that Australia is great around the edge - but a bit more work is needed in the middle. But perhaps Australians simply can't tear themselves away from the edge. After all, it's home to some of the very best beaches in the world. And here we present the photographs that prove it. Twenty-one images of beaches, from Perth to Sydney via Tasmania, that have it all - powder-soft white sand, other-worldly turquoise water, epic surf waves and, of course, kangaroos. These are beaches worth travelling around the world for. There is a 121-mile-long beach, a strip of sand that hosts the longest-running event in competitive surfing, a beach that was voted the best in the world in 2023 and some super-chic city beaches. Scroll down to behold them. Which one is your favourite? THE COORONG, SOUTH AUSTRALIA: The Coorong, south of Adelaide, lays claim to being Australia's longest continuous beach. This epic strip of sand stretches for 194km (121 miles) from Cape Jaffa to the Murray Mouth (above) MEMORY COVE, EYRE PENINSULA, SOUTH AUSTRALIA: Memory Cove lives up to its name its unforgettable, with jaw-dropping blue water and snow-white sand. Its an Instagram-baiting slice of pure Australiana that will be etched in your memory bank forever, says the South Australia tourist board. It lies an hour and a halfs drive from Port Lincoln at the tip of Lincoln National Park. Visitors can drive on to the beach and theres a shady beachfront campsite so you can extend your stay in paradise. Access to Memory Cove is, however, limited to 15 vehicles per day and a $12.50AUD (6.70) entry fee must be paid, with overnight stays charged at $29.50AUD (16). Visit www.parks.sa.gov.au/parks/lincoln-national-park DOLPHIN BEACH, YORKE PENINSULA, SOUTH AUSTRALIA: Dolphin Beach lies at the southern tip of the Yorke Peninsula in Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park, an easy drive from Adelaide. Its described as an unspoilt oasis by the South Australia tourist board, which adds that the 800-metre-long stretch of shimmering sand and calm turquoise waters are surrounded by dramatic cliffs. The beach lives up to its name, too, with dolphins often spotted in the bay, while kangaroos like to bath in the sun landside PALM COVE, TROPICAL NORTH QUEENSLAND: Palm Cove lies a 20-minute drive north of Cairns and offers a peaceful village atmosphere beside golden sands. Living up to its name, its lined with towering palm trees. There are several beach cafes and restaurants there, including the award-winning Nu Nu led by chef Nick Holloway, making Palm Cove a mouth-watering prospect all round NINETY MILE BEACH, VICTORIA: Behold a 90-mile-long stretch of pristine sand that lies between Bass Strait to the south and the Gippsland Lakes to the north. The waters here are teeming with life - researchers studied a 10-square-metre section of sand and discovered 860 species ANGOURIE BACK BEACH, NEW SOUTH WALES: This eye-catching stretch of sand is described by Visit New South Wales as being popular with swimmers in benign conditions, but one to be wary of - 'rips and undertows are common, and the surf can be deceptively powerful' WINEGLASS BAY, FREYCINET NATIONAL PARK, TASMANIA: No, you're not dreaming. It's real. This image shows Wineglass Bay as seen from the summit of Mount Amos, which is reached along rough and steep tracks (so good hiking boots are a must). The reward for the effort is a view that will never be forgotten RAINBOW BEACH, QUEENSLAND: This inviting beach is located between Fraser Island and Cooloola National Park, with visitor temptations including diving with nurse sharks, galloping along the sand on horseback or swooping over the coastline in a helicopter. Visit www.visitsunshinecoast.com/place/rainbow-beach BOOMERANG BEACH, PACIFIC PALMS, NEW SOUTH WALES: This stretch of sand gets rave Tripadvisor reviews. For example user 'pattie9' described it as 'the best beach I've ever visited' and user 'Nunngo' as 'glorious' BALMORAL BEACH (LEFT) AND EDWARDS BEACH (RIGHT), SYDNEY: This stunning aerial drone shot shows two of Sydney's most photogenic strips of sand, separated by Rocky Point. They're located in a distinctly upscale district and are often merged descriptively and referred to as 'Balmoral' ADVENTURE BAY, BRUNY ISLAND, TASMANIA: Adventure Bay was named by British explorer Captain Tobias Furneaux after his ship, HMS Adventure, which dropped anchor in the bay in 1773. It's likely he was gobsmacked. This seven-kilometre-long beach, surrounded by gum trees, is an absolute beauty, and is known for being calm. So it's ideal for swimming and relaxing walks STOKES BAY BEACH, KANGAROO ISLAND, SOUTH AUSTRALIA: This gem is known as ideal for wading and snorkelling and is extremely popular with Tripadvisor users. One described it as 'absolute heaven', another as the best beach they'd ever been to LUCKY BAY, WESTERN AUSTRALIA: Lucky Bay, a 45-minute drive from the town of Esperance, in Western Australia, was voted the world's best beach in a recent survey of 750 travel experts, commissioned by American sunscreen brand Banana Boat. According to Tourism Western Australia it is the only beach 'that can claim the honour of being Australia's whitest beach'. At this Indian Ocean hotspot there are turquoise waters - and inquisitive kangaroos roam the shores COTTESLOE BEACH, PERTH, WESTERN AUSTRALIA: The Western Australia tourism board describes Cottesloe Beach, with its 'pristine sands', as 'pretty as a picture', adding that 'Cott, as it's affectionately known, can be reached by car, bus or train from Perth' HYAMS BEACH, JERVIS BAY, NEW SOUTH WALES: Yes. Wow. Behold the iconic Hyams Beach, which has all the necessary ingredients to make sunseekers drool - sugar-white sands, crystal clear waters, woodland border. Welcome to paradise WHITEHAVEN BEACH, WHITSUNDAY ISLAND, QUEENSLAND: Behold Utopia. What helps to make this glorious seven-kilometre- (4.3-mile) long beach - on the largest of the 74 islands in the Whitsundays - so dreamy is the inlet where sand and water mix together to produce a mesmerising blend of colours CABLE BEACH, BROOME, WESTERN AUSTRALIA: This 22km- (13-mile) long strip of white sand is a must for any self-respecting sunseeker's beach bucket list. Camel rides, surfing, kayaking, epic sunsets... it has the lot BELLS BEACH, TORQUAY, GREAT OCEAN ROAD, VICTORIA: Talk about a surf mecca. Bells Beach is home to the longest running event in competitive surfing, The Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach event, which dates back to January 1962, and is the setting for the final scene in surf-crime flick Point Break (though it was actually filmed in Oregon). It was also featured in 1966 surfing documentary The Endless Summer. Truly, it's the surf capital of Australia, but the waves are frequently strong, so only advanced surfers should jump on a board here. Non-expert surfers can still have a great time, though - basking on the golden sands BONDI BEACH, SYDNEY, NEW SOUTH WALES: It's one of the world's most famous beaches, and deservedly so, with its white powder-soft sand, surfer-baiting waves and buzzy atmosphere. No self-respecting beach bucket list omits this one BURLEIGH BEACH, GOLD COAST, QUEENSLAND: This beach is described by mustdobrisbane.com as a 'jewel in the Gold Coast's crown', with the site declaring it a 'surf haven' and waxing lyrical about its 'clear blue waters' that are 'ideal for swimmers and families'. Between May and November sunbathers should look up from time to time - they might spot a migrating humpback whale or two VIVONNE BAY, KANGAROO ISLAND, SOUTH AUSTRALIA: This wonderfully secluded, six-kilometre-long U-shaped beach is just begging to light up your Instagram feed. Watch out for frolicking sea lions... Advertisement Fed up with the beaten track? Then step into the wild, courtesy of a stunning new book. Beautifully illustrated with breathtaking colourful photographs, The Wild - The World's Most Spectacular Untamed Places, written by Claudia Martin and published by Amber Books, catapults you into 'the planet's least cultivated places, from jungles to tundras... stretches of wilderness unaltered by humankind'. Arranged by continent, the book takes you from the wandering albatrosses of South Georgia to the 'dizzying passes and aquamarine lakes' of the Central Andes in Peru and Turkmenistan's 'Door to Hell'. In her introduction, the author writes: 'Five countries hold 70 per cent of the world's last remaining wilderness: Russia, Australia, Brazil, Canada and the United States, much of the last country's wild land lying in Alaska. 'Other great wilderness regions, such as the Sahara and Himalayas, are divided between many nations... Currently, around 113,000 national parks and other protected areas cover six per cent of Earth's land, preserving some of our last stretches of wilderness for, hopefully, the generations to come.' Below you'll find 20 pictures that appear in the inspiring tome, accompanied by fascinating facts from the author. KENAI PENINSULA, ALASKA, USA: 'The Kenai Peninsula juts 240km (150 miles) into the Gulf of Alaska,' Martin explains. 'While the peaks of the rugged, mountainous peninsula are heavily glaciated, its lower slopes are cloaked by coniferous forest of white spruce and paper birch' NAMIB DESERT, NAMIB- NAUKLUFT PARK, NAMIBIA: 'In the southern, coastal portion of the Namib is a sand sea where the highest dunes reach 300m (980ft) high and are up to 32km (20 miles) long,' Martin notes in her book. 'The source of much of this sand is wind-displaced sediment from the Orange River, which meets the Atlantic to the south' WANDERING ALBATROSSES, SOUTH GEORGIA: The wandering albatross has the largest wingspan of any bird and reaches up to 3.5m (11.5ft), the author explains, adding: 'It soars over the southern oceans for distances of as much as 120,000km (75,000 miles) per year. Around 1,500 pairs nest on the South Georgia Islands, which have no permanent human population' CORDILLERA HUAYHUASH, PERU: The picture above shows part of the Cordillera Huayhuash mountain range in the Central Andes of Peru, as Martin explains. It has seven peaks standing taller than 6,000m (19,685ft) including the country's 'second highest peak, Yerupaja, which is 6,635m (21,768ft) tall', the author says, adding: 'The challenging and little-travelled Huayhuash Circuit is a two-week trek that encircles the peaks above the treeline, visiting dizzying passes and aquamarine lakes along the way' NORTHERN LIGHTS, LOFOTEN ISLANDS, NORWAY: 'On cloudless winter nights, the Lofoten Islands north-facing beaches offer fine views of the northern lights,' Martin writes. 'The phenomenon is caused by high-energy particles from the Sun. These are attracted towards Earths poles, where they excite atmospheric gases' MOUNT WAIALEALE, KUAU'I, HAWAII: This picture shows Mount Waialeale, known to be one of the wettest spots on Earth. 'Its name meaning "overflowing water" in Hawaiian, this dormant shield volcano receives up to 1,730cm (683in) of rain per year,' Martin says. 'The volcanos high rainfall is due to its exposure to frontal systems and its steep cliffs, which generate orthographic lift, causing the moisture-laden air to rise rapidly' DEADVLEI, NAMIB- NAUKLUFT PARK, NAMIBIA (LEFT): 'This clay pan in the Namib Desert formed when the ephemeral Tsauchab River flooded, creating pools where camel thorn trees grew,' Martin explains. 'When drought hit and the river changed its course through the dunes, the water evaporated and the trees died. For at least 900 years, the very dry climate has prevented the tree trunks from rotting.' PULAU MAWAR, JOHOR, MALAYSIA (RIGHT): The tiny tidal island of Pulau Mawar can be reached at low tide by walking across a sandbank from the beach of Pantai Mawar, which is 30 minutes by car from the port of Mersing, the book explains. Pulau Mawars shores are lined by mangrove trees, one of which (above) appears entirely isolated at high tide SIMIEN MOUNTAINS, AMHARA, ETHIOPIA: 'Lying in the Ethiopian Highlands, the Simien Mountains regularly receive snow on their highest peak, Ras Dashen, which at 4,550m (14,930ft) is the tallest mountain in Ethiopia,' Martin explains. 'The mountains are home to predators such as the caracal and Africas rarest canid, the endangered Ethiopian wolf' SHARK BAY, WESTERN AUSTRALIA: Martin explains that the sandbanks and islands of Shark Bay (above) shelter seagrass beds, where the worlds largest population of dugongs lives. The bay 'also nurtures stromatolites, microbial colonies that make dome-shaped deposits', she says, adding: 'Although stromatolites are rare today, they were probably very common in the past, with the earliest fossilised examples being 3.5billion years old' OULANKA NATIONAL PARK, NORTHERN OSTROBOTHNIA - LAPLAND, FINLAND: This area is home to the Finnish forest reindeer, which 'live in dense coniferous forest'. Martin adds: 'The narrower V-shaped antlers of this subspecies facilitate movement among the trees' DARVAZA GAS CRATER, AHAL, TURKMENISTAN: Also known as the 'Door to Hell', Martin's book depicts this 69m (226ft)-wide crater that 'has been burning since 1971'. 'Locals believe it was set alight by Soviet geologists as they explored this natural gas field,' it adds. 'When the ground collapsed beneath their rig, they started the fire to stop the spread of methane' DRAKOLIMNI OF TYMFI, VIKOS-AOOS NATIONAL PARK, GREECE: 'This drakolimni ("dragon lake") lies at a height of 2,050m (6,726ft) around five hours walk from the village of Papingo,' Martin remarks. 'Legend tells us the lake was once inhabited by dragons who created this strange landscape by hurling rocks at each other. In fact, the lake is home to Alpine newts, up to 12cm (4.7in) long' EUROPEAN BISON, BIESZCZADY NATIONAL PARK, POLAND: Measuring up to 3.3m (10.8ft) long, the European bison 'was hunted to extinction in the wild by the early 20th century', Martin says, adding that the animal was 'kept alive in captivity and has now been returned to the wild'. More than 600 roam the beech forest of Bieszczady National Park, the author adds NAMIB DESERT, NAMIB-NAUKLUFT PARK, NAMIBIA: 'The Namib Desert stretches for 2,000km (1,200 miles) along the coasts of South Africa, Namibia and Angola,' the book notes. 'The deserts aridity is due to cooling of the descending dry air of the Hadley Cell by the cold Benguela ocean current. The Hadley Cell is the cycle of hot, wet air rising near the equator, dropping its moisture as rain, then flowing poleward and descending in the subtropics' CHAPADA DIAMANTINA NATIONAL PARK, BAHIA, BRAZIL: Martin describes how 'countless waterfalls cascade through the sandstone, siltstone and argillite cliffs and canyons of Chapada Diamantina'. Mosquito Falls, pictured above, is 'an hours trek from the nearest road' which was 'named not after the insect but in honour of the many tiny diamonds found in nearby rocks', the author explains CHAPADA DIAMANTINA NATIONAL PARK, BAHIA, BRAZIL: 'The escarpments of Chapada Diamantina soar above the xeric shrubland of the Caatinga ("white forest"), an exclusively Brazilian biome where succulents and stonecrops dominate,' Martin says. 'Endemic species of this ecosystem include the delicate pink Adamantinia orchid and the striking-looking hooded visorbearer hummingbird' CROWNED LEMUR, MONTAGNE D'AMBRE NATIONAL PARK, MADAGASCAR: 'Eight species of lemur are found in this national park of northern Madagascar,' Martin reveals. The crowned lemur, pictured here, lives 'in a female-led group of up to 15', she says, adding: 'During the day, it jumps from branch to branch, using its nonprehensile tail for balance, as it searches for flowers, fruit and leaves' UPPER SHAVLINSKY LAKE, CHUYA BELKI, ALTAI, RUSSIA: This picture shows Russia's Upper Shavlinky Lake, which is reached 'by a two-to-three-day trek across difficult terrain from the village of Chibit, which lies 100km (62 miles) from the Mongolian border', Martin explains. The lake reflects the glacier-capped mountains of Chuya Ridge which 'reaches a height of 4,177m (13,704ft) at Maasheybash peak', she adds HYPERSALINE POND, AHMED'ELA VILLAGE, DANAKIL DEPRESSION, ETHIOPIA: 'A cluster of hypersaline ponds lies near the village of Ahmedela,' Martin writes. 'Formed by hot springs, the ponds have a salinity of around 40 per cent, largely due to high levels of calcium chloride and magnesium chloride' Sarah Hyland was pictured spending time with her Modern Family co-star Jesse Tyler Ferguson in Los Angeles on Wednesday, May 31. The 32-year-old actress teased her toned midriff in an all-black athleisure look apart from the white sweatshirt she had tied around her shoulders during the outing. She was seen checking her phone before greeting her former castmate at a local hotspot. Hyland who recently shared a look into her relationship with Wells Adams wore a pricey Yves Saint Lauren crossbody bag and shielded her eyes with black shades. The Love Island host strolled through the parking lot in trendy black leather loafers, giving her outfit a preppy touch. Reunited: Sarah Hyland was pictured spending time with her Modern Family co-star Jesse Tyler Ferguson in Los Angeles on Wednesday, May 31 Greetings: She was seen checking her phone before greeting her former castmate at a local hotspot Hyland looked naturally beautiful with her gorgeous brunette locks worn up in a claw clip and just a hint of makeup on her face. Ferguson, 47, kept it relatively casual in a navy blue button-up shirt and dark pants while he spent time with the star. Hyland showed her support for the ongoing WGA strike by sharing several images from the picket line to her Instagram account on Friday. In her first shot, the actress was joined by Ferguson and their former co-star Nolan Gould at the protest. She held a sign featuring an image of Modern Family's Sofia Vergara in character as Gloria Delgado-Pritchett, and a speech balloon containing the line: 'In my country, it's considered bad luck when you don't pay writers!' She also included a photo with Ferguson, who appeared enthusiastic about supporting the striking members of the WGA. The castmates later posed for a photo with numerous writers who had previously worked on the hit ABC sitcom. Hyland expressed her support for protesters, who've yet to negotiate a new contract with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. Looking good! The 32-year-old actress teased her toned midriff in an all-black athleisure look apart from the white sweatshirt she had tied around her shoulders during the outing Supportive: Hyland, Ferguson and their co-star Nolan Gould showed their support for the ongoing WGA strike by joining writers on the picket line on Friday Solidarity: She included a second photo with Ferguson, who appeared enthusiastic about supporting the striking members of the WGA Hyland expressed her support for protesters, who've yet to negotiate a new contract with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers In regards to her sign Hyland wrote that she 'tried to come up with something funny to write and still got nothin,' adding that it is 'a perfect example of an actor being nothing without writers.' Hyland finished her message by reiterating her devout support for the members of the Writers Guild of America. 'SO amazing reuniting with our @modernfamily writers and crew to support and be #wgastrong,' she wrote. William H. Macy is fighting back in court after he was sued for allegedly cutting down trees on his neighbors property. Macy, 73, is being sued for $600,000 by his neighbor Pierce Brown for the landscaping, which he claims happened without his knowledge or consent. Attorneys for Brown said in court documents: 'Macy's workers ... destroyed and removed or seriously damaged several healthy, decades-old mature pine trees and other vegetation from the Brown Property.' Brown's filing additionally claimed that Macy had 'knowingly and intentionally' instructed his workers to remove the trees. In court documents submitted on May 31 that were obtained by People, the actor's legal team wrote that he 'denies, generally and specifically, each and every allegation' of misconduct. Fighting back: William H. Macy, 73, said he 'denies, generally and specifically, each and every allegation' of misconduct made in his neighbor's $600K lawsuit alleging that he cut down trees on the neighbor's property without his consent; seen May 24 in LA Macy is requesting that the lawsuit be dismissed with prejudice, meaning that it cannot be refiled at a later date. His team adds that Brown was 'careless, reckless, and negligent in and about the matters and things alleged.' The Boogie Nights actor's documents claim that the actions he took were 'committed due to an immediate and imperative necessity to protect persons from death or serious bodily injury or to protect land or chattel from destruction or injury.' It's unclear if the statement is an admission that Macy's workers did knowingly cut down the trees, but he appears to be defending those actions as a safety matter if so. However, Brown's initial filing claimed that Macy had admitted to him that he had allowed the workers to cut the trees down on his property. In addition to suing the film and television actor for having the trees cut down, Brown also claimed that the workers had damaged the gate to his property when they allegedly opened it without his consent. He has claimed that the trees in question 'were located well inside of the Brown Property line,' suggesting that their removal could not have been an accidental issue caused by unclear property lines. He also alleged 'damage to and destabilization' of the hillside where the trees were located. Brown's lawsuit claims he suffered 'loss of property value, loss of use and enjoyment of his property, a loss of privacy, an increase in noise, as well as emotional distress, irritation, annoyance, and discomfort.' He noted in his filing that he was out of town when the trees were removed, and he said that the Shameless star 'came to Brown's door to discuss the condition of Brown's hillside' the following month, though it's unclear if he was aware of the alteration and the alleged damage prior to Macy speaking to him about the work. This is the latest legal trouble for Macy's family, after his wife Felicity Huffman, 60, went to prison for her role in the 2019 college admissions scandal. His reasons: Macy seemed to admit ordering workers to remove the trees, but says it was to 'protect persons from death or serious bodily injury.' He's asking for the lawsuit to be thrown out; seen in 2019 in Seattle More troubles: This is the latest legal trouble for Macy's family, after his wife Felicity Huffman, 60, went to prison for her role in the 2019 college admissions scandal; seen in 2019 The actress who shares daughters Sophia, 22, and Georgia, 21, with her husband pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and honest services mail fraud for paying $15,000 to have someone take the SAT in place of her daughter Sophia to achieve a better score. She was sentenced to 14 days in prison and a year of supervised release, and she was ordered to pay a $30,000 fine and to perform 250 hours of community service. She was ultimately released after only 12 days. No charges were ever filed against her husband as part of the scandal. Travis Barker and his daughter Alabama Barker were spotted grabbing drinks at a cafe in Calabasas on Friday. The 47-year-old drummer who was spotted out with wife Kourtney Kardashian this week donned a black jacket with a white skeleton print. The Blink-182 star, who is currently touring with the band, wore a white crew neck t-shirt underneath. Travis covered his bald, tattooed head with a black beanie and added black Dickies pants. Alabama joined her dad in an oversized olive green sweatshirt, using its hood to cover her head. Quality time: Travis Barker and his daughter Alabama Barker were spotted grabbing drinks at a cafe in Calabasas on Friday Yum: Travis and his daughter, who he shares with ex-wife Shanna Moakler, emerged from the food establishment with green drinks The social media star, who boasts 3.7 million followers on TikTok, went makeup-free for the outing. She stepped out in a pair of fuzzy, bright blue slides and bared her legs in the low-key look. Travis and his daughter, who he shares with ex-wife Shanna Moakler, emerged from the food establishment with green drinks. The rockstar, who rose to fame with his iconic band in the late 90s, donned black and white Converse Chuck Taylor sneakers. He was seen with thin white bandages over the middle and ring fingers of his left hand, following multiple surgeries earlier this year. Days ago, Travis took to Instagram to share two selfies with Alabama, captioning the flicks: 'Twin.' The post has so far received over 200,000 likes from his 8 million followers on the photo-sharing app. Alabama dropped in the comments to leave a string of red heart emoji. Digits: He was seen with thin white bandages over the middle and ring fingers of his left hand, following multiple surgeries earlier this year Cute! Days ago, Travis took to Instagram to share two selfies with Alabama, captioning the flicks: 'Twin' Alabama was dressed in the same green hoodie she wore in Calabasas on Friday. She was noticeably done up in the snapshots, which were taken on the water in Baltimore, Maryland one of Blink 182's tour stops. She rocked a magenta wig, letting the lengthy locks peek out of the hood in spiral curls that fell over her shoulder. Alabama, who often shares her makeup routine online, looked pretty with long, curled lashes and pink lipstick. Her visage was virtually flawless as she rocked glowy concealer and foundation and dusted a soft blush on her cheeks. Kourtney joined the father-daughter-duo in one image that Travis also shared to Instagram. The trio stood together on the deck of a boat, offering a glimpse of the water and the city skyline behind them. Kardashian donned a white sweatshirt, black trench coat, and shiny black platform boots. Unbreakable bond: The post has so far received over 200,000 likes from his 8 million followers on the photo-sharing app Family time: Kourtney joined the father-daughter-duo in one image that Travis also shared to Instagram In addition to Alabama, Travis also shares son Landon, 18, with ex-wife Moakler. He is also active in Shanna's daughter Atiana De La Hoya's life. She shares the 24-year-old with ex Oscar De La Hoya. Travis and Kourtney went Instagram official with their romance in February 2021. The couple tied the knot in a lavish Italian wedding ceremony in May 2022 at the famous Dolce & Gabbana mansion in Portofino. They later shared footage of the extravaganza in a Hulu special release in April. Holly Willoughby is flying home from a holiday in Portugal this weekend ahead of her return to the This Morning sofa on Monday. But despite being 'saddened' by Phillip Schofield's suffering, friends say she still hasn't been in touch with her former co-star. The presenter is said to be 'gobsmacked' by her former colleague lifting the lid so publicly on his affair with a much younger colleague. But as the fallout continues to rage, those close to Holly insist there is 'no way' she will be following Schofield out the door at This Morning. Despite suggestions that she would also depart the show, sources claim she is needed to 'steady the ship' at the programme. Standing just inches from Holly Willoughby on stage at a glitzy television awards show in 2018 was a surprising addition to the line-up. Smiling among the top brass was a handsome but lowly twentysomething production assistant (pictured far left) Portugal was where mother-of-three Holly spent the half-term break with her family this week Friends of Holly have also suggested that ITV cannot risk sacking her without questions being asked about the position of its management team and whether they were aware of the affair. Holly was said to be sorry to see how Mr Schofield has been struggling with his mental health since leaving This Morning. A source told The Sun: 'Holly has not spoken to Phil, but was saddened to see him like that. 'Seeing Phil so downtrodden and in a bad way was distressing for a number of people who know him personally.' They added: 'It is an incredibly sad situation. Phil has his daughters and friends supporting him now.' When Holly accepted the National Television gong on behalf of This Morning for best daytime show in 2018, she wasn't just surrounded by her fellow presenters, who included Ruth Langsford and Alison Hammond, and the programme's editor Martin Frizell. Also smiling among the top brass was a handsome but lowly twentysomething production assistant as we now know, this was Phillip Schofield's much younger lover at the time. For such a junior member of staff to be included in this illustrious group certainly surprised his superiors, many of whom were not invited to celebrate the award with the great and good of the programme. He was also, apparently, on the VIP river boat organised by ITV executive Emma Gormley, which had arranged to take the 'talent' up the Thames from the broadcaster's HQ to the O2 Arena, where the awards were taking place. One former staff member tells me: 'You should have seen him on there, quaffing champagne. It was a treat for the talent and very high-ups not the junior production assistants.' That the young man had been invited to such an exclusive gathering adds credence to the fact that surely Emma Gormley and others must have known that he and Schofield had some kind of close relationship. In particular, there has been speculation in some quarters over what Holly knew. For in addition to these images, she and the young man were seen interacting outside the same event two years later. Former co-stars Phillip and Holly also had a famously close relationship, even enjoying holidays together at their adjacent luxury villas on the Algarve. Indeed, Portugal was where mother-of-three Holly spent the half-term break with her family this week. I understand she knew Phillip wouldn't be there before she confirmed her travel plans. And it was where she was said to be 'gobsmacked' on Thursday night when she discovered that Schofield had spoken out about his relationship with his much younger colleague just days before she returns to present This Morning on Monday. In his first interviews since the scandal erupted, Schofield insisted Holly had been entirely ignorant of the affair. 'Holly did not know [about the romance]. . . If anyone is in any way linking Holly to this, that is absolutely, wholly untrue,' he insisted. The young man had been invited to such an exclusive gathering adds credence to the fact that surely Emma Gormley (pictured) and others must have known that he and Schofield had some kind of close relationship Former co-stars Phillip (pictured during his BBC interview) and Holly also had a famously close relationship, even enjoying holidays together at their adjacent luxury villas on the Algarve Ms Willoughby was also said to be irritated that he had apologised to her so publicly. He said: 'I WhatsApped her on the day I put out the statement. I said: 'You don't have to reply, you probably can't, but I want to say I'm desperately, desperately sorry.' ' As Schofield predicted, Holly did not respond. While he claimed it was because she would have been advised not to, I'm told that it's because she is deeply upset. 'When Phil admitted the truth about his younger partner, Holly was shell-shocked,' said a friend of the star's. 'She couldn't believe it it came from nowhere, and she had no idea it was about to happen. It took some time for her to register it, and, yes, it has hurt her. 'Phil was someone she was close to for a very long time and the fact she had even asked him if anything had gone on, or was going on, and she was lied to was really hurtful for her. 'She had always planned to go away for half term but she hoped it would be a happier time. It has been difficult.' It would be understandable if Holly felt conflicted because Schofield was the man who catapulted her to stardom when he insisted she replace Fern Britton in 2009. I'm told that she has always felt indebted towards him for giving her the co-presenting role, though it is also said that he did so because he thought that he could control the dynamic. Never did he think she would become the more successful and popular one. The broadcaster will be back in the UK to present This Morning on Monday Things are also looking shaky for chief executive Dame Carolyn McCall (pictured) who has been called before the Government's Select Committee later this month One friend of Holly's at ITV said: 'Can you imagine suspecting that the man who made you was having an affair with a much younger man who worked on your show, asking him, he lies and then you find this out? What was Holly supposed to do?' Still, given the cloud that has fallen over ITV's flagship show, Holly and her team will be working hard to ensure that the undisputed golden girl of television remains untarnished by the furore as well as distanced from Schofield. Indeed, Holly told me herself last year that she does not think any woman should be blamed for a man's bad behaviour. Never have those words seemed more germane. But as she prepares to return to This Morning for the first time since her fall out with Schofield became public, alongside former Big Brother winner Josie Gibson, she is facing calls to resign. For the first time in her lucrative career, serious questions are being asked about Holly's position. Her former This Morning colleague Eamonn Holmes is leading the charge, amid accusations of a toxic working environment on the show. Phillip Schofield poured his heart out to the BBC - and revealed he has texted Holly to say sorry, but she has not replied Her former This Morning colleague Eamonn Holmes (pictured) is leading the charge, amid accusations of a toxic working environment on the show 'Not only should Phillip go, but Holly should follow him out the door,' Eamonn said during a television interview with GB News presenter Dan Wootton this week. Those close to Holly cite 'total misogyny' from the male talking heads 'mansplaining' her future. In any case, whatever happens I can reveal her future looks secure. Insiders at ITV insist that she is going nowhere because she is needed to 'steady the ship, and keep calm and carry on' and be at the forefront of any rebrand of This Morning required as the show fights for survival. And as Holly's allies point out, ITV cannot sack her without clearing out its entire management team, which is coming under increasing pressure to admit whether they were aware of Schofield's relationship. Insiders say that there would be no way she would accept being told to go while head of daytime TV Emma Gormley stayed. Things are also looking shaky for chief executive Dame Carolyn McCall who has been called before the Government's Select Committee later this month. ITV director of television Kevin Lygo is also under pressure. And ITV chiefs have another problem their rivals the BBC. They are only too aware that Auntie will be ready to scoop Holly up and make her their biggest star should she be booted out of ITV towers. They have been trying to poach her for several years, and when she last dipped her toe into Beeb waters with her prime-time show Freeze The Fear with Wim Hof, she won plaudits from the most senior management at the Corporation. Few more so than the powerful chief content officer Charlotte Moore. Insiders at ITV insist that Holly is going nowhere because she is needed to 'steady the ship, and keep calm and carry on' READ MORE: The lie got too big for both of us, says crestfallen Phillip Schofield in an interview laying bare his torment Advertisement The two women were seen together at last year's Variety showbusiness awards, something which sent shockwaves through ITV. Did Holly know what she was doing? Probably, says someone who knows her well. Sources at the BBC even go as far as to divulge that Moore is secretly hoping ITV will decide to part company with Holly. 'Holly will get bums on seats at home,' one BBC insider says. 'She is popular with the very-much-sought-after 16-24 age group, too, which is a huge deal for all broadcasters.' Another source says they want to make the 42-year-old their Saturday night star for the months Strictly Come Dancing isn't on screen. 'That's the dream,' they said. Then there is the matter of her husband, television executive Dan Baldwin. His production company, Hungry Bear Media, makes programmes for channels across the industry, although his biggest customer is the BBC. He, too, has been trying to pair his wife up with other male co-stars on his shows such as Lee Mack on Freeze The Fear and Bradley Walsh on Bradley And Holly Take Off which has ensured that Holly isn't indelibly linked to Schofield in the public's minds. Some say Baldwin foresaw a problem coming down the line with Schofield a man who was once a frequent visitor to Dan and Holly's 6 million home in Barnes, South-West London. Undoubtedly, the past few weeks have been testing for Ms Willoughby, but her friends say she is 'hanging in there'. Now, though, she faces the prospect of being questioned by ITV's external investigation panel, led by top London barrister Jane Mulcahy KC. While, of course, she would rather not do this, she is keen for the truth to be learned. She told friends: 'I have nothing to hide.' But before that, there is a rather more pressing challenge for her. On Monday she will be back on This Morning to face the music. I'm told discussions are still ongoing over whether she addresses the subject of Schofield or not. And if so, then how. 'It's a quandary,' says a show insider. 'If she discusses it, the circus will continue; if she doesn't, isn't it a bit strange for the viewers?' Holly is said to be taking her lead from her employers. But as she arrives back in the studio, sun tan and all, she will surely also be desperately wishing that those images of her standing close to her former co-star's young lover would disappear for good. Phillip Schofield wasted no time in playing the victim during his interview with the BBC but it's his wife I feel sorry for By Jan Moir Phillip Schofield looked much diminished in his BBC interview with Amol Rajan. Yet despite his crestfallen and haggard demeanour, he wasted no time in establishing his victim credentials. Do they want me to die? he said, speaking of the online and media coverage that has followed his exit from ITVs This Morning show. Because that is where I am, I have lost everything. He told how his two daughters were on suicide watch and invited viewers to imagine how that must feel for them. He said, more or less, that he would have killed himself had it not been for their ministrations once his biggest, sorriest secret came out. He added that he could see no way forward out of the darkness: no future, no television sofa, no nothing. And this is how Caroline Flack felt, he said, which felt like a step too far down the path of penitence and into the city of self-pity. Phillip Schofield looked much diminished in his BBC interview with Amol Rajan Three years ago the Love Island television presenter, who was known to have mental health issues, committed suicide before going on trial for allegedly assaulting her boyfriend. For Schofield to compare himself with her was distasteful in the extreme. But here he is, by his own lights, a man with nothing left to lose. The set-up for the 44-minute interview was sombre, formal and so serious that Rajan was even wearing a jacket and tie. There was a lot to unpack, including the timescale of Schofields sexual relationship with his younger colleague, the alleged toxicity and bullying in the This Morning workplace, and who knew what about when and how. Schofield frequently had to pause to collect his emotions and occasionally looked on the verge of tears, but his voice was clear and his manner was purposeful. Unsurprisingly, his version of events was a much more tepid account than the recent scorching testimonies of former colleagues and friends. He downgraded the relationship at the centre of the scandal into a workplace fling and a moment in the dressing room when something happened. He was vague on numbers. In the course of the affair these moments only happened four or five times but later he amended this to five or six. His friend was 20 when it happened, later he said he was 20, 21. He repeated the word consensual several times, but never referred directly to sex, only to it. And he refused to answer when Rajan asked him if he had ever had other homosexual relationships, even if this might have helped to clarify matters. It would also have been illuminating to know if Schofield had mentored any other youngsters, or secured them jobs in television, but this crucial question was not asked. The BBCs former media editor apologised for the prurient nature of some of his inquiries, while both men were protective and respectful of the young man in question. It is clear that he was a hugely talented and capable young man, said Amol. Massively talented, yeah, said Phil. A few moments later, Schofield was asked: Did you love him? No, he replied. We were just mates. Just mates. And this is how Caroline Flack felt, he said, which felt like a step too far down the path of penitence and into the city of self-pity Can that be possibly true? And if that was all it was, one wonders why This Morning went into meltdown and how to explain the enormous fuss that has ensued; not to mention the hurt feelings, the workplace ructions, the no-speaks Holly, the furious wife, the sudden resignation and now the external inquiry. It doesnt make sense, although Phillip has a theory. A very prominent public figure phoned me to say I have never seen such homophobia in my life, he tutted to Rajan, which was good PR pushback. But was it true? For this to have credence, we would have to believe that had Schofield befriended a 15-year-old schoolgirl, kept in touch, got her a job as his assistant on This Morning when she was still in her teens, had sex with her when she was 20, 21 and then lied about their relationship to his bosses and his wife it would not have been a scandal? Mlud, I beg to argue that it still very much would. During the interview, Schofield repeatedly said that everything was his fault, while stealthily spreading blame around like cracked icing on a crumbling cake. Homophobia, the media, sly references to the likes of Eamonn Holmes. All I see is angry people shouting about shows they are not on any more, he said, in an admirably pitched bitch. It was notable that he was far more apologetic to the young man than to his wife. To him I am the most sorry, he said. Indeed, he talked of how awful it was telling his wife the truth. Oh my God, can you imagine how difficult that conversation was? It was the most incredibly difficult conversation I have ever had to have with her, he said, looking ashen. As the neatly conducted interview came to a close, one was left with the suspicion that it was possibly much more difficult for her. The lie got too big for both of us, says crestfallen Phillip Schofield in an interview laying bare his torment By David Wilkes In two extraordinary interviews, Phillip Schofield has spoken for the first time about his career-ending affair with a much younger man who worked on This Morning. Looking haunted, his hands were shaking through much of his chat with the BBC, while he was said to have been furiously vaping as he spoke to a newspaper. Anguished Schofield, 61 who had hosted This Morning since 2002 before he dramatically quit ITV altogether a week ago after admitting he had lied about his relationship with the man said he has lost everything and believes his career is over. I have to talk about television in the past tense, which breaks my heart, he told the BBC. What am I going to do with my days? I see nothing ahead of me but blackness, sadness regret, remorse and guilt. I did something very wrong, and then I lied about it consistently. He said the criticism hes faced since admitting the affair has had a catastrophic effect, adding: Do you want me to die? Because thats where I am. I have lost everything. Anguished Schofield, 61, said he has lost everything and believes his career is over In the interviews, Schofield, who was also dropped by his talent agency YMU after his admission to the Mail about the unwise but not illegal relationship, said he was utterly broken and ashamed. FIRST SEXUAL CONTACT WAS IN HIS DRESSING ROOM Schofield told the BBC that the young man, who worked as a runner for a short period on This Morning, was 20 when he first had any kind of sexual contact with him. He told The Sun they had become friends but in 2017 three years before he came out as gay and separated from wife Stephanie Lowe after 27 years something happened that just changed it. There was a consensual moment in Schofields dressing room after a show and it was mutual. Schofield told the BBC that the young man (pictured far left), who worked as a runner for a short period on This Morning, was 20 when he first had any kind of sexual contact with him He said he did not have a love affair with the man and that it was not a relationship, we were not boyfriends, we were mates. He said it wasnt feelings he was getting but it was more like mates: excitement. He added: I was really struggling with my sexuality at that time in the build up to what happened. The pair only had five or six romantic encounters over a period of around six months. He said they met at Schofields apartment in south-east London only once after he phoned the young man to invite him over for a beer. He also denied using ITV money to pay for taxis for the man, saying: I dont have an ITV account. Schofield said he had no excuse for what happened, no one did anything wrong apart from me and I was unprofessional, one time, in a 41-year career. He added that he and the young man stupidly thought that nobody knew about them. Earlier this week, ITV said the man was 19 when he did work experience at This Morning in 2015, and 20 years old when he applied and secured a job as a runner on the show. He later moved to Loose Women in 2019 and left ITV in 2021. IM NOT A GROOMER The presenter first met the man, then aged 15, when he was invited to open a drama school. Immediately or sometime after, an unnamed mutual friend said, will you follow him on Twitter, because hes a fan? Schofield told the BBC. He agreed. He said he follows 11,300 people on Twitter and in all the time he has been on the social media platform there has never been any whiff of impropriety. The pair were hardly in touch, but the young man later got in contact to ask if he could visit the studios, work experience-type of thing, which Schofield helped him to do. He said the man was 19 when he had first expressed an interest in a television career. The presenter first met the man, then aged 15, when he was invited to open a drama school Asked if there was any sense in which you were flirting with him in the messages, he replied: No. He confirmed he did help the young man put a showreel together, but said he was then given a job at This Morning on his own merits because he was very good. Schofield shook his head when asked by the BBCs Amol Rajan if they had sent pictures of themselves to each other when the young man was aged between 15 and 18. He said their messages were just work-related, just career advice. It never came across to Schofield as an abuse of power because wed become mates. Schofield told The Sun that he knew photos of him and the young man at the drama school circulating on Twitter look shocking but insisted: Im not a groomer. HOLLY DIDNT KNOW ABOUT THE ROMANCE Schofield apologised to Holly Willoughby, who presented This Morning with him for 14 years, for lying about his secret relationship and for tainting her public image. Ive lost my best friend. I let her down. I let that entire show down. I let the viewers down, he told The Sun. Holly did not know [about the affair]. And she was one of the first texts that I sent to say, I am so, so sorry that I lied to you. She didnt reply and I understand why she didnt reply. So if anyone is in any way linking Holly to this, that is absolutely, wholly untrue. Schofield apologised to Holly Willoughby, who presented This Morning with him for 14 years, for lying about his secret relationship with his colleague (centre) and for tainting her public image BBC journalist Amol Rajan interviewing Schofield He told the newspaper the pair have broken all contact, and said it was his paedophile brothers imprisonment that made her distance herself from the friendship. Timothy Schofield, 54, was jailed for 12 years last month for sexually abusing a schoolboy. Describing Ms Willoughby, 42, as his TV sister, Schofield said he understood why she would think, I have to step back from this. He told the BBC, when asked who on the This Morning team knew about his affair: To my knowledge, I mean, somebody has to know something for there to be a rumour later on. I didnt believe that anybody knew. COLLEAGUE WASNT MADE TO SIGN NDA He denied allegations that the young man was made to sign a gagging clause to keep him silent over their affair. When the BBCs Amol Rajan asked: Do you know if he has signed a non-disclosure agreement preventing him from speaking? Schofield replied: Did I make him sign an NDA? No, absolutely not. Earlier there were claims that the young man had received a financial settlement from ITV after their affair ended. But Schofield told The Sun that the man did not receive a penny in hush money. He said the truth was coming out now as the lie got too big for both of us and that his greatest apology over the fallout was to his former lover. The presenter went on: It has brought the greatest misery into his totally innocent life, his totally innocent family, his totally innocent friends. It has brought the greatest grief to them. He added: I am deeply sorry and I apologise to him because I should have known better. I should have acted the way I have always acted. I should not have done it. Im sorry. And I will for ever be sorry. I will die sorry. I am so deeply mortified. Schofield said he didnt lie to protect his career, adding the young man didnt want his name in public and wanted his own life. The lies grew bigger and bigger and bigger. It was affecting both of us deeply. It got to the stage where it was out of control and for whatever cost, it had to stop, he said. I have massive guilt, and regret. Ive made a mistake, Ive had an affair at work. When the BBCs Amol Rajan asked: Do you know if he has signed a non-disclosure agreement preventing him from speaking? Schofield replied: Did I make him sign an NDA? No, absolutely not DAUGHTERS SAVED ME Schofield praised his daughters Molly, 29, and Ruby, 27, for guarding him as he struggles to cope with the fall-out from the affair. He told the BBC: Last week if my daughters hadnt been there then I wouldnt be here. And theyve guarded me and wont let me out of their sight, its like a weird numbness. I know thats a selfish point of view. But you come to a point where you just think, how much are you supposed to take? He also said telling his wife Ms Lowe about his affair was the most difficult conversation Ive ever had to have with her. He added: She is extremely disappointed because I lied to her as well. He said telling his wife Ms Lowe about his affair was the most difficult conversation Ive ever had to have with her HOMOPHOBIA TO BLAME FOR CRITICISM The presenter suggested homophobia could be behind some of the criticism levelled at him over the age gap between him and his former lover. He told The Sun: Attraction is attraction. Its no different in the gay world as it is in the heterosexual world. There shouldnt be a difference. This is where homophobia comes in. He said when they first got together he was in his 50s, adding: So yeah, theres a difference. He said such age gaps were accepted if Leonardo DiCaprio dated a younger woman but its not accepted if its in the gay world. Schofield added: People are attracted to, or have relationships wise or unwise with people of different ages. Yes, I see what it looks like from the outside world. I just want to apologise to everyone. Sophie Guidolin announced in January that she'd given birth to a stillborn baby after suffering horrific pregnancy symptoms. Now, she has spoken out about her devastating loss nearly six months on. The fitness influencer, 34, gave birth to her fifth child - a daughter she named Pixie - and has now said the stillbirth 'changed her whole world forever'. 'The first few months were horrific and beyond hard,' she told 9Honey. 'I laid in a dark room and just went through the motions. Cried myself to sleep. Cried while I was awake.' Sophie Guidolin (pictured) announced in January that she'd given birth to a stillborn baby after suffering horrific pregnancy symptoms The Gold Coast-based mother also revealed some of the most upsetting things people would say to her during the months following her loss. 'I had people telling me to "be grateful you still have four kids". And that I wasn't "grieving correctly,"' she added. Sophie, who has four children from a previous relationship, encountered serious health problems during her fifth pregnancy. The fitness influencer, 34, gave birth to her fifth child - a daughter who she named Pixie - and has now said the stillbirth 'changed her whole world forever' The Gold Coast-based mother also revealed some of the most upsetting things people would say to her during the months following her loss 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 her then-husband, Dr Andrew Firgaira, by her side. When quizzed by fans where her husband was, Sophie claimed he was overseas on a European holiday. Mother-of-four Sophie Guidolin pictured with her ex-husband Dr Andrew Firgaira On January 8, Sophie shared a photo of herself in hospital on a drip after suffering severe nausea and vomiting While Andrew was in Europe at the time, he has not verified Sophie's claim the trip was a holiday, and it is possible he was there on a work trip. He was joined on the trip by his two daughters from a previous relationship. Sophie announced in late January her fifth child, a girl named Pixie, was stillborn. '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. When quizzed by fans where her husband was, Sophie claimed he was overseas in Europe '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.' Sophie announced her pregnancy in mid-December, just one month after marrying her Andrew. Andrew, a high-profile Gold Coast dentist, confirmed in March the pair had split, following weeks of rumours they had quietly ended their marriage just four months after their dream wedding. But Sophie claimed that - contrary to rumours doing the rounds online - she was the one who 'left' her husband, not the other way around. If you or anyone you know needs immediate support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or via lifeline.org.au. In an emergency, call 000. 'Mama June' Shannon attempted to reconnect with her estranged daughters while planning her upcoming wedding in the new episode of Mama June: Family Crisis, which aired on Friday. In the episode, the 43-year-old reality television personality managed to make it through her drama-filled bridal shower before coming to terms with accepting her damaged relationship with her children. The media figure, who recently spoke about 'blowing' $1 million on cocaine during her troubled past, was also informed that her daughter Jessica, 26, had came out of the closet, about which she had never been told. The episode began in Alabama, with June's eldest daughter Anna, 28, and her sister Doe Doe, talking about their 'dysfunctional as f***' family' during the bridal shower, which none of the media figure's younger daughters attended. When Doe Doe asked about Anna's relationship with her mother, the reality television figure said that they had learned how to 'talk more' after she underwent abdominal surgery for a tumor. Double duty: 'Mama June' Shannon attempted to reconnect with her estranged daughters while planning her upcoming wedding in the new episode of Mama June: Family Crisis, which aired on Friday Major news: The media figure, who recently spoke about 'blowing' $1 million on cocaine during her troubled past, was also informed that her daughter Jessica, 26, had came out of the closet, about which she had never been told However, Doe Doe shared her negative opinion of June's parenting skills and expressed that her sister 'just wanted to make sure a daughter showed up' above all else. While opening gifts, June asked Anna for relationship advice, and after her daughter spoke about having been in a long-term relationship without getting married, she replied by stating: 'Your man puts up with a lot of s***.' However, June later sat down for a confessional segment and stated that 'I started realizing that family is number one, that's why I'm trying to repair my relationship with all the girls.' Her husband, Justin Stroud, later asked where her daughters were, and after becoming disappointed about their non-attendance, she expressed that 'we're all stubborn, we're Shannons.' Macon County Sheriff Brunson, who supported June and Justin through their troubled years, made a surprise appearance at the bridal shower. In a confessional, the media figure described him as 'one of those sheriffs who really [cares] about the people' and reflected back on the times where he offered assistance to her as she battled her substance abuse issues. The lawman then gave a short speech to praise the couple for battling their demons and making an effort to better themselves as people, finishing by labeling them as 'success stories.' Back in Georgia, Josh Efird and Lauryn 'Pumpkin' Efird, 23, were preparing to attend a drag show before the latter's younger sister, Alana 'Honey Boo Boo' Shannon, requested a wig worth $1000 in order to take senior photos. Being honest: The episode began in Alabama, with June's eldest daughter Anna, 28, and her sister Doe Doe, talking about their 'dysfunctional as f***' family' during the bridal shower, which none of the media figure's younger daughters attended Making progress: When Doe Doe asked about Anna's relationship with her mother, the reality television figure said that they had learned how to 'talk more' after she underwent abdominal surgery for a tumor Talking smack: While opening gifts, June asked Anna for relationship advice, and after her daughter spoke about having been in a long-term relationship without getting married, she replied by stating: 'Your man puts up with a lot of s***' Priorities: However, June later sat down for a confessional segment and stated that 'I started realizing that family is number one, that's why I'm trying to repair my relationship with all the girls.' Showing up: Macon County Sheriff Brunson, who supported June and Justin through their troubled years, made a surprise appearance at the bridal shower High praise: In a confessional, the media figure described him as 'one of those sheriffs who really [cares] about the people' and reflected back on the times where he offered assistance to her as she battled her substance abuse issues Doing well: The lawman then gave a short speech to praise the couple for battling their demons and making an effort to better themselves as people, finishing by labeling them as 'success stories' Getting ready: Back in Georgia, Josh Efird and Lauryn 'Pumpkin' Efird, 23, were preparing to attend a drag show before the latter's younger sister, Alana 'Honey Boo Boo' Shannon, requested a wig worth $1000 in order to take senior photos In a confessional, Josh spoke about how the Dance Moms figure was particularly spoiled and told his wife that her sibling's personality is 'just one more thing we can thank your mother for.' Josh subsequently took Alana out to a used car lot in an effort to teach her 'valuable life lessons,' and the latter asked him to 'make Mama pay for a car because she done put me through all this mess.' The reality television figure added that 'cars are expensive and I should just be driven around the rest of my life,' much to her brother-in-law's annoyance. Lauryn later drove to Doe Doe's house in order to drop off a t-shirt to wear to the drag show, and the pair spoke about June's shower before the former said that the fact that her mother invited Anna to the party was 'ridiculous.' The media figure went on to state that 'I wish in the long run, [June] would try a little bit harder with us' before heading home to prepare for the show. After Jessica and her girlfriend Shyann arrive at the Efird residence, the family surprised the latter by expressing their intention to 'initiate' her 'into the fam.' The group, which also included Alana's boyfriend Dralin, subsequently went to a drag club, where the queens called Jessica and her girlfriend on stage. The club's performers celebrated Jessica's acceptance of her sexuality, and her family members thoroughly enjoyed the rest of the evening, during which they took shots out of fake test tubes. Ouch: In a confessional, Josh spoke about how the Dance Moms figure was particularly spoiled and told his wife that her sibling's personality is 'just one more thing we can thank your mother for' Taking a look: Josh subsequently took Alana out to a used car lot in an effort to teach her 'valuable life lessons,' and the latter asked him to 'make Mama pay for a car because she done put me through all this mess' Pampered: The reality television figure added that 'cars are expensive and I should just be driven around the rest of my life,' much to her brother-in-law's annoyance Harsh: Lauryn later drove to Doe Doe's house in order to drop off a t-shirt to wear to the drag show, and the pair spoke about June's shower before the former said that the fact that her mother invited Anna to the party was 'ridiculous' Calm before the storm: After Jessica and her girlfriend Shyann arrive at the Efird residence, the family surprised the latter by expressing their intention to 'initiate' her 'into the fam' A night on the town: The group, which also included Alana's boyfriend Dralin, subsequently went to a drag club, where the queens called Jessica and her girlfriend on stage Party time! The club's performers celebrated Jessica's acceptance of her sexuality, and her family members thoroughly enjoyed the rest of the evening, during which they took shots out of fake test tubes The next morning, Lauryn and Alana floated the idea of the latter hosting a meet and greet for her fans in order to raise money for her wig, to which the Dance Moms figure seemed open. At the same time, June and Justin had a conversation about the absence of her daughters, and the former made several excuses about their non-attendance, stating: 'Sometimes I feel like they're trying to prove a point.' When her husband expressed that she wanted to live in a problem-free 'bubble,' she stated that her children 'have to meet me where I'm at today, and I don't know why they're not ready.' June and Justin later went out for dinner and began speaking about their upcoming ceremony, during which the former quipped that 'I'm about to be BrideZilla...I want this wedding the way I want it.' However, the reality television's husband found out about her daughters' trip to the drag bar and Jessica's coming out, about which she stated that 'I shouldn't be finding out my daughter's gay over social media.' June then opened up about how she always suspected that her second daughter had come out of the closet and that she loved her child for who she was, stating: 'Jessica knows I love her no matter what, I just want to be included in their lives.' The married couple eventually left the restaurant and returned home, during which June became emotional about her fractured relationship with her kids, whom she wanted to 'walk me down the aisle.' The media figure expressed that she was 'not the bad person I'm made out to be' during the heartfelt conversation. Making plans: The next morning, Lauryn and Alana floated the idea of the latter hosting a meet and greet for her fans in order to raise money for her wig, to which the Dance Moms figure seemed open Opinion: At the same time, June and Justin had a conversation about the absence of her daughters, and the former made several excuses about their non-attendance and stated that 'sometimes I feel like they're trying to prove a point' Trying her best: When her husband expressed that she wanted to live in a problem-free 'bubble,' she stated that her children 'have to meet me where I'm at today, and I don't know why they're not ready' Demands: June and Justin later went out for dinner and began speaking about their upcoming ceremony, during which the former quipped that 'I'm about to be BrideZilla...I want this wedding the way I want it' Disheartened: However, the reality television's husband found out about her daughters' trip to the drag bar and Jessica's coming out, about which she stated that 'I shouldn't be finding out my daughter's gay over social media' Making peace: The episode concluded after June sent a voice message to her daughters to invite them to the wedding, during which she also asked them to walk her down the aisle during the ceremony Stroud responded by remarking that 'it's gonna take a lot of heartache and a lot of sadness to get through it, but, you know, that's what it's gonna take.' The episode concluded after June sent a voice message to her daughters to invite them to the wedding, during which she also asked them to walk her down the aisle during the ceremony. After she finished her message, the reality television personality tossed her phone on her bed and waited for their response. The next episode of Mama June: Family Crisis is currently scheduled to premiere next Friday. She rose to fame as tough inmate Lou Kelly in Foxtel's prison drama Wentworth. And now, actress Kate Box has spoken out about the importance of queer performers playing LGBTQ characters. In the new Amazon Prime series, Deadloch, the 44-year-old plays Dulcie Collins - a police officer who is married to a female played by actress Alicia Gardiner. 'It never happens that you get two queer actors playing queer roles in mainstream TV,' Kate, who is openly gay, told The Daily Telegraph on Saturday. 'It's a pretty rare thing. You feel that responsibility, but also it's really exciting and really freeing.' Actress Kate Box (pictured) has spoken out on the importance of queer people playing LGBTQ characters in a candid interview with The Daily Telegraph on Saturday Kate also shared an on-screen romance in Wentworth with non-binary performer Zoe Terakes, who played Reb Keane in the drama series. Shot on location in Tasmania, Deadloch, which is now streaming, stars Kate and Madeline Sami (The Breaker Upperers) as two poorly matched cops on the trail of a killer who has turned the sleepy hamlet of Deadloch upside down. Elsewhere in the chat, Kate, who shares three children with her actress wife Jada Alberts, said she felt it was important for local screen artists to take on more diversity in their storytelling. Two female detectives are thrown together to solve a case of murder in the new Amazon Prime series Deadlock. Pictured: Madeline Sami and Kate Box in a scene from the show Alicia Gardiner (pictured) plays the character of Kate's partner in the new series Deadloch. Kate is married to actress Jada Alberts - the couple share three children 'We've just got to make sure we are not just telling Australian content,' she explained. 'But that we are telling a broad range of Australian content. There are a lot of communities who have been sidelined within our film and television landscape. I think that having content on screen that is representative of who we are is crucial. 'The more opportunities to bring our stories to the screen, the more responsibility we have to bring a wide, range of stories. And that's really exciting to see.' Also featured in the ensemble cast of Deadloch is Nina Oyama from ABC's hit Utopia. She plays an eager junior police officer who assists the detectives in their investigation, which takes place as Deadloch prepares its arts and crafts festival. Deadloch was created by comedy duo Kate McLennan and Kate McCartney, known as the Two Kates, who rose to fame with their ABC hits The Katering Show (2015) and Get Krack!n in 2017. This is the third time Amazon Prime Video has backed an Australian-produced scripted drama. Co-written and created by the Two Kates, Deadloch has attracted a top ensemble cast, including Tom Ballard, Mia Morrissey, Nick Simpson-Deeks, Kris McQuade and Pamela Rabe. The directors include Gracie Otto, who has just completed her first feature Seriously Red, The Great's Ben Chessell, and Beck Cole of Black Comedy. Leah Remini took to social media on Friday to share that she has completed her second year as a student at New York University. The 52-year-old actress who has a commitment to speaking out against The Church of Scientology appeared online and reminded fans it is 'never too late to start again.' She wrote in a tweet, 'Two years ago, I had an 8th-grade education thanks to spending 35 years in a cult. Now, I've successfully finished my second year at NYU.' In a similar statement shared to Instagram, Leah continued: 'Undertaking this educational journey has been one of the most difficult experiences of my life.' She shared with her audience that 'there have been days where I've thought about giving up.' Moving forward: Leah Remini took to social media on Friday to share that she has completed her second year as a student at New York University Message: Leah appeared online and reminded fans it is 'never too late to start again' 'While I'm still not finished, I'm so glad I decided to dive in,' Leah expressed in the note. Finally, she encouraged fans as she finished, 'If you have the desire and capacity, please remember that it's never too late to start again.' Along with the post, which was a screenshot with her statement typed in black font over a gray background, Leah wrote in the caption, 'Thank you for all your love and support.' The post received more than 100,000 likes from the star's 3.6 million followers. Remini was accepted to New York University at the age of 50, and she said that she wouldn't have believed such a thing was possible for her in her childhood. Last year she spoke about the path that led to her matriculating as a college student late in life. Taking to Instagram with a black and white picture of herself at 16-years-old, she added a lengthy caption. '1. This photo was taken when I was 16. I was so proud of this headshot. I thought my side pony made me look versatile and like a consummate actress. I was ready to take on the world. But by this point, I had been living the life of an adult for years even though I was a kid,' she shared. Encouraging: She wrote in a tweet, 'Two years ago, I had an 8th-grade education thanks to spending 35 years in a cult. Now, I've successfully finished my second year at NYU' She continued, '2. Scientologists are taught that kids are no different from adults. 'So from a very young age I was held accountable like an adult and regularly told that anything bad that happened in my life, even things that I wasnt responsible for, was my fault.' She then revealed that she hadn't received any sort of formal education because she had 'been working for years so that I could support myself and my family.' 'Scientology was my life,' she wrote. 'Our friends were mostly Scientologists, I met my agent through Scientologists, and I worked for an insurance company owned by Scientologists.' The Second Act actress then took her followers through her audition processes early on in the career. She said she 'auditioned for roles but was repeatedly told that my brash approach and thick Brooklyn accent were taking me nowhere fast.' 'Had you told me then that I would be a student at NYU at age 51, I wouldnt have believed it,' she wrote online. 'I had big dreams back then but when I look back they were rooted in my desire to survive...I couldn't have imagined a world in which I would be a university student at my age.' 'And the idea that I would leave Scientology and work to expose the abuses that current and former members face was not a thought I could even conjure up,' Leah added. 'Only Scientology's darkest enemies would think in such a way.' Throwback pic: Leah opened up about growing up in Scientology and the expectations that she experienced from a young age while posting a throwback picture of herself at 16 The King of Queens star's academic updates comes days after she spoke out about news of actor Danny Masterson's rape conviction. She uploaded a post to Instagram with the headline 'Danny Masterson Convicted on Two Counts of Forcible Rape, Faces 30 Years in Prison.' In the caption she wrote, 'The guilty verdicts in the rape trial of celebrity Scientologist Danny Masterson are a relief. The women who survived Danny Masterson's predation are heroes. 'For years, they and their families have faced attacks and harassment from Scientology and Danny's well-funded legal team. Nevertheless, they soldiered on, determined to seek justice. 'While it is up to them to decide whether they are satisfied with this verdict, I am relieved that Danny Masterson is facing some justice after over 20 years of brutal sexual violence with no criminal consequences.' Then she directed her message to one of the That 70s Show actor's survivors. 'To Chrissie Bixler, whose count ended in a hung jury, I know Danny raped you; I know that Scientology tried to destroy you. However, this case would not have moved forward and resulted in two guilty verdicts if it were not for you. I am sorry you didn't receive a guilty verdict on your charges; you deserved one. But please never forget that justice would not have been served were it not for you,' she said. 'Although Scientology and its leader, David Miscavige, were not formal defendants, they played a significant role in obstructing justice in this case and other instances of sexual violence,' she added. Reaction: The King of Queens star's academic updates comes days after she spoke out about news of actor Danny Masterson's rape conviction Past: Leah and Danny pictured in Los Angeles in 2009 The post caught the attention of over 131,000 people who have so far liked it. Leah continued, 'Scientology officials, civilian Scientologists, and their proxies have conspired to silence victims and intimidate witnesses for decades. This case is just the beginning of our plan to hold them accountable. 'I speak only for myself when I want to thank LA Deputy DA Reinhold Mueller, LA Deputy DA Ariel Anson, and their staff for their relentless pursuit of justice for the last six years. I want to thank Judge Charlaine Olmedo for her professionalism and not allowing Scientology's antics to disrupt this trial. 'While I often issue harsh statements against the LAPD, I want to thank the LAPD detectives in this case. They faced relentless harassment from Scientology as well and kept moving forward. Finally, to the jury, thank you for seeing the truth. Thank you for not allowing emotions to get in the way of cold hard facts.' 'Thank you for showing Scientologists (former and current) that justice is not only possible, but that they should come to expect it. And thank you to all of you who have supported the women who faced hell to fight for justice,' she ended the statement. Heidi Klum celebrated her 50th birthday with a lavish, star-studded bash in Los Angeles on Friday. On the day after her birthday, the supermodel dazzled in an outfit ornate with diamonds as she rang in milestone at her extravagant 1920s-inspired, Gatsby-themed party. The television host looked mesmerizing in a long, sheer dress with a white bra and miniskirt-style panels as well as a dripping rhinestone design. The film producer who enjoyed a lunch date with her husband, Tom Kaulitz, 33, on Wednesday reposted many photos and videos from her fellow A-list guests to her Instagram Story. Some of the stars celebrating the blonde bombshell's birthday included her America's Got Talent costars, Sofia Vergara and Howie Mandel, and supermodel Alessandra Ambrosio. Mesmerizing: Heidi Klum celebrated her 50th birthday with a lavish, star-studded bash in Los Angeles on Friday. On the day after her birthday, the supermodel dazzled in an outfit ornate with diamonds as she rang in milestone at her extravagant 1920s-inspired, Gatsby-themed party In the snaps and clips, Klum looked radiant in various angles showing off the sheer, open back garment featuring diamonds decorating the high neckline, long sleeves, and floor-sweeping skirt. For the special occasion, the former Victoria's Secret Angel modeled a rhinestone bandana headpiece over her platinum blonde hair in loose waves that were parted down the middle. The businesswoman sported a cropped and fluffy white fur jacket over the sexy and sparkling flapper-inspired dress. She added an additional touch of glamour by rocking a sultry smokey eyeshadow look highlighted by a generous amount of light-reflecting, silver glitter. She wore an otherwise minimal makeup look featuring light pink blush and a perfect nude lip. Ambrosio also snapped a moment where Klum shared a quick smooch with her musician husband before being presented with her birthday cake. Kaulitz was seen wearing a stylish black velvet blazer over a white button-down and trousers. During the party, Vergara also documented and snapped a photo of the stunning cake with five tiers of bronze designs and white roses. Dazzling: The television host looked mesmerizing in a long, sheer dress with a white bra and miniskirt-style panels as well as a dripping rhinestone design. In snaps and clips, Klum looked radiant in various angles showing off the sheer, open back garment featuring diamonds decorating the high neckline, long sleeves, and floor-sweeping skirt Birthday bash: The businesswoman sported a cropped and fluffy white fur jacket over the sexy and sparkling flapper-inspired dress Star-studded affair: Mandel also took a snap with Klum at the bash and showed off his dapper ensemble. The comedian wore a white button-up shirt and a black collared jacket. The television personality also donned a black bowler hat and round, red-tinted sunglasses The Colombian model also took a self-portrait with Klum at her birthday bash as they showed off their shimmering headpieces and glamorous makeup looks. At her gal pal's fete, the Modern Family alum flaunted her hourglass figure in a plunging, figure-hugging gown with dainty gems highlighting the silver mesh material. Teamed with the ensemble, she sported a white fur shrug with silver, satin sleeves and a sequined headband over her brunette bombshell curls. For makeup, she rocked a smokey brown eyeshadow look and a deep mauve, matte lip. Later, she took snaps showing off her show-stopping mermaid gown and a matching clutch. She also shared snaps with other glamorous attendees at the extravagant event. Mandel also took a snap with Klum at the bash and showed off his dapper ensemble. The comedian wore a white button-up shirt and a black collared jacket. A stylish pair: The Colombian model also took a self-portrait with Klum at her birthday bash as they showed off their shimmering headpieces and glamorous makeup looks Bombshell: At her gal pal's fete, the Modern Family alum flaunted her hourglass figure in a plunging, figure-hugging gown with dainty gems highlighting the silver mesh material Sexy: Teamed with the ensemble, she sported a white fur shrug with silver, satin sleeves and a sequined headband over her brunette bombshell curls Stylish: For makeup, she rocked a smokey brown eyeshadow look and a deep mauve, matte lip Fabulous: She also shared snaps with other glamorous attendees at the extravagant event Showstopper: Later, she took snaps showing off her show-stopping mermaid gown and a matching clutch Extravagant: During the party, Vergara also documented and snapped a photo of the stunning cake with five tiers of bronze designs and white roses Ravishing: Ambrosio donned a floor-sweeping black gown with an ombre blue skirt adorned with dark sequins and feathers. The Brazilian supermodel left her brunette tresses down and pinned her waves to the side A-list guests: The former Victoria's Secret Angel was also seen wearing a chic black fur jacket as she posed for group photos Sensational: She teamed the sexy dress featuring a high-leg slit with black sandal heels to show off her long pins Glam guests: For accessories, she added an additional touch of glamour with a pearl necklace The television personality also donned a black bowler hat and round, red-tinted sunglasses. Ambrosio donned a floor-sweeping black gown with an ombre blue skirt adorned with dark sequins and feathers. She teamed the sexy dress featuring a high-leg slit with black sandal heels to show off her long pins. The Brazilian supermodel left her brunette tresses down and pinned her waves to the side. For accessories, she added an additional touch of glamour with a pearl necklace. The former Victoria's Secret Angel was also seen wearing a chic black fur jacket as she posed for group photos. Kylie Minogue is riding high with her new hit single Padam Padam. And now it looks like Danni Minogue, 51, has a smash on her hands with her new single We Could be the One. The 55-year-old music legend announced the happy news about her younger sister with a heart warming post on Saturday. Posting to Instagram, Kylie shared a picture of herself sharing the stage with Dannii taken during the Sydney World Pride Opening Concert in February. The beautiful sisters can be seen in matching costumes, consisting of a snug leotard and see-through lace dress. Pop legend Kylie Minogue (pictured) celebrated hitting the charts with her sister Dannii this week with a heartwarming social media post. Kylie Minogue is riding high with her new hit single Padam Padam. Dannii Minogue has a smash with her new single We Could be the One Kylie shared this picture of herself sharing the stage with Dannii (right) taken during the Sydney World Pride Opening Concert in February this year 'So proud of my sister. Being together in the charts is crazy, amazing and wonderful' Kylie gushed in the caption Kylie wears a blue version of the outfit, while Dannii wears a purple one, their ageless figures on show. 'So proud of my sister. Being together in the charts is crazy, amazing and wonderful' Kylie gushed in the caption. The Can't Get You Out of My Head star signed the message with pink and blue love hearts. Dannii's We Could Be The One, which is the theme song for her new gay dating show, I Kissed A Boy, was released this week. We Could Be The One, which is the theme song for Dannii's new gay dating show, I Kissed A Boy, was released this week Meanwhile, Kyie's Padam Padam has raced up the charts since its first release in May. The addictive dance track has become a viral sensation on TikTok and Twitter, racking up millions of views through hilarious memes. It's also shaping up to be a massive hit on the music charts, becoming her highest-charting single in Australia in over a decade after debuting at No. 39 in its first week. The song is racing up the UK charts too, hitting No. 1 on the UK Big Top 40 chart, which measures radio airplay, iTunes sales and Apple Music streaming. Jay Leno was seen dropping off treats for the Writers Guild of America strikers on Friday. The 73-year-old car enthusiast - who regularly passes out pizzas to the writers on strike - looked fully recovered from his recent accidents as he pulled out of the Walt Disney studios in his Cunningham Roadster. The former late-night talk show host wore a blue button-up shirt as he delivered two boxes of snacks to strikers holding signs near the entrance of Disney studios. The strike is an ongoing labor dispute between the writers' labor union, which represents about 11,500 writers, and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). Striking writers have received support from celebrities such as Drew Barrymore, who pulled out of her hosting duties at the MTV Movie and TV Awards, and Pete Davidson, who passed out pizzas in May to those on the picket line in New York. Supporting the writers: Jay Leno was seen dropping off treats for the Writers Guild of America strikers on Friday Looking healthy: The 73-year-old car enthusiast looked fully recovered from his recent accidents as he pulled out of the Walt Disney studios in his Cunningham Roadster Members of the Writers Guild of America went on strike in Los Angeles and New York for the first time in 15 years on May 2nd after their current contract expired. The biggest points of contention in the negotiations are an increased wage floor, and more residual payments from streaming shows. The writers want protections against mini-rooms, in which two or three writers, working for the base salary, script out a considerable portion of a series before it gets the green light. They also want protections against the use of artificial intelligence. Leno is still on the mend after his recent car fire and motorcycle crash, though he has no intention to slow down. Leno recently attended the premiere for NBC's Hot Wheels: Ultimate Challenge over the weekend. Leno revealed on the red carpet that he still has no plans to stop working, though one thing could change that: 'unless I have a stroke.' The revelation comes just five months after his motorcycle accident in January where he sustained, 'a broken collarbone, two broken ribs and two cracked kneecaps.' Still, Leno revealed last week that his condition has improved so much already that he isn't even doing physical therapy anymore. The comedian - reportedly worth upwards of $450 million - joked, 'people love to see rich people catch on fire.' 'As long as you look okay, you're okay. Nobody really cares how you feel. Show business is fleeting,' Leno admitted. Nice guy: The former late-night talk show host wore a blue button-up shirt as he delivered two boxes of snacks to strikers holding signs near the entrance of Disney studios Why are they striking? The writer's strike is an ongoing labor dispute between the writers' labor union, which represents about 11,500 writers, and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) Writers create the shows: Striking writers have received support from countless celebrities such as Drew Barrymore, Mark Ruffalo, Pete Davidson, Lil Wayne, Dr Dre, and Snoop Dogg Not slowing down, unless: Leno revealed earlier this week that he still has no plans to stop working, though one thing could change that: 'unless I have a stroke' Tough guy: Jay recently suffered second- and third-degree burns 'from a gasoline fire' and required skin grafts from a cadaver and pig intestines to recreate his left ear and part of his face Return to work: Several show runners, the executives with creative control over a program, say they have received letters from studios requiring them to fulfill their non-writing obligations during the WGA strike Support: Pete Davidson and Drew Barrymore have shown their support for the striking writers. Pete delivered pizzas while Drew withdrew from hosting the MTV Movie and TV Awards in May Not retiring: Leno is still on the mend but has no intention to slow down This, after Jay suffered second- and third-degree burns 'from a gasoline fire' while working on a 1907 White Steam Car at his Big Dog Garage in Burbank on November 11. Leno received skin grafts 'from a cadaver and from pig intestines' to recreate his left ear and left side of his face at Grossman Burn Center in Burbank, according to People. The Mark Twain Prize winner - who never had children - refuses to stop riding motorcycles and he has the blessing from his wife of 42 years, Mavis Nicholson. 'As long as it's not cocaine and girlfriends, she's fine - believe me,' Jay wisecracked. With Neighbours set to return to our small screens later this year, the cast have been hard at work filming at the fictional Ramsay St. The rebooted series began filming in April, and fans have gotten a glimpse of what characters will be returning as some actors have been photographed shooting the show in Melbourne. On Friday, some of the soap's biggest stars were spotted filming scenes for the upcoming season. Annie Jones (Jane Harris) Scott Major (Lucas Fitzgerald) and Ryan Moloney (Jarrod 'Toadfish' Rebecchi) were joined on set by newcomer Costa D' Angelo. Ryan was photographed wearing a typical Toadfish outfit as she donned a khaki and red Hawaiian print shirt, denim jeans, and a navy rain coat. With Neighbours set to return to our small screens later this year, the cast have been hard at work filming on the fictional Ramsay St. Pictured: Ryan Moloney He looked ecstatic to be back filming with the crew after the soap was cancelled last year, as he showed off a fresh fade. Newcomer Costa D'Angelo played up to photographers as he posed and made a peace sign with his hand. The actor looked as cool as a cucumber despite being one of a few newbies on the rebooted series. Ryan was photographed wearing a typical Toadfish outfit as she donned a khaki and red Hawaiian print shirt, denim jeans, and a navy rain coat Newcomer Costa D'Angelo (pictured) made a peace sign with his hand on his way in He kept it casual while filming in a pair of dark-wash denim jeans, a black T-shirt and a plaid shirt He kept it casual while filming in a pair of dark-wash denim jeans, a black T-shirt and a plaid shirt. Series favourite Annie looked every inch her character as she wore a pair of brown trousers, a blue jumper and a navy scarf. The actress was seen smoking a cigarette as she strutted the pavements of Ramsay St. She left her shoulder-length grey locks down in a loose wave as she held a cross-body black bag. Scott Major showed off his impressive grey and brown beard as he got ready to film in a cold Melbourne. Series favourite Annie Jones (pictured) looked every inch her character as she wore a pair of brown trousers, a blue jumper and a navy scarf The actress was seen smoking as she strutted the pavements of Ramsay St Scott Major (pictured) showed off his impressive grey and brown beard as he got ready to film in a cold Melbourne He was photographed carrying his filming essentials, including comfortable shoes, a coffee, and a water bottle. The actor donned a pair of black trousers, a red plaid shirt and a black sleeveless jacket as he carried a bag pack. Cameras began rolling for Amazon's revived Neighbours last April, and the series should be back on screens by the end of this year. The continuation of the long-running soap series follows the finale in 2022, which was watched by millions of fans. Phillip Schofield's former This Morning co-host Fern Britton has shared an emotional post, amid the fallout from his ITV affair scandal. On Friday morning, the TV presenter, 65, ignored the ongoing drama, as she tweeted: 'Just watched the final #TedLasso with cuppa in bed. 'Tears rolling down my face but such a smile in my heart. What a show what a cast what a story.' Fern co-hosted This Morning with Phillip Schofield, 61, between 1999 and 2009. The pair had a well-publicised fallout, and have subsequently lost touch in the years since. Her most recent tweet was notably different to the response she posted last month, alluding to the affair scandal that had engulfed Phil and ITV's This Morning. Former colleagues: Phillip Schofield 's former This Morning co-host Fern Britton has shared an emotional post amid the fallout from his ITV affair scandal (Archive photograph) Doing her own thing: On Friday morning, the TV presenter ignored the ongoing drama What a story! Fern shared that she was feeling emotional after watching the Ted Lasso final Fern said that she and GB news presenter Eamonn Holmes had been 'shooting the breeze' during the catch up, as fans quickly speculated about their topic of conversation. Hours after Phil revealed his affair with a younger colleague, Fern wrote: 'Unexpected calls from old mates are so lovely. Just had the loveliest catch up with @EamonnHolmes. 'I think we have known each other since the 80's when we were babies. Shooting the breeze.' Fern's tweet came hours after Eamonn launched a blistering attack on his former This Morning colleagues Phillip and Holly Willoughby. Eamonn and his wife Ruth Langsford have endured well-documented frosty relations with Phillip over the years. When Fern announced she was quitting This Morning back in 2009, she addressed the entire team in general and didn't mention Phil specifically. In 2013, Phil confirmed in an interview with Heat that the pair were 'not really' in touch anymore. Fern confirmed the same while speaking to MailOnline: 'Like Morecambe and Wise, we chose not to live in each other's pockets. We were a great professional partnership but we never went on holiday together.' Former co-hosts: Phil and Fern presented the show together from 2002 to 2009 but have lost touch in the years since Fern - who has since become an author - was also absent from This Morning's 25th anniversary celebrations that year but insisted it was nothing to do with Phil and she was simply busy. In his book Life Is What You Make It, Phil revealed he had an awkward row with Fern in 2009 when she accused him of 'meddling' with the content of the show. He wrote: 'I walked back into the make-up room and calmly said, "Please don't do that to me again". I think, for whatever reason, that was the point Fern decided she didn't want to do This Morning any more.' Their feud was back in the spotlight in 2018 when Fern appeared on This Morning via video link for the show's 30th anniversary and claimed she wasn't invited to the show's BAFTA ceremony. Speaking to Phil, she said: 'Congrats on the BAFTA. That was absolutely wonderful and brilliant. I would have loved to have been there but I didn't get an invitation.' Phil was quick to dispute this, saying Fern was on stage in Scotland at the time but she replied: 'I wasn't on Monday night, I would have come but I wasn't invited.' The TV star later suggested on Twitter that Fern was suffering from 'memory loss' and the team would have loved to have had her there. Phillip also revealed Fern never got in touch with him after he came out as gay on This Morning in 2020, but she did message his wife Steph, saying: 'When I came out, she didn't text me. She did text Steph though, which was really kind.' Oh! Her most recent tweet was notably different to the response she posted last month , alluding to the affair scandal that had engulfed Phil and ITV's This Morning Awkward! Meanwhile, Phil's conflict with Eamonn and Ruth all kicked off in 2019 when it was reported that Ruth had filed a complaint against Phil to ITV bosses Meanwhile, Phil's conflict with Eamonn and Ruth all kicked off in 2019 when it was reported that Ruth had filed a complaint against Phil to ITV bosses. Fans speculated the complaint may have been down to an awkward moment between the pair caught on camera that year. Ruth appeared at the end of an episode of This Morning to preview what was coming up on Loose Women and was cut off by Phil while she was speaking. Phil said: 'Guys, we're going to have to jump in there and stop you I'm afraid because we're a bit tight for time at this end. Thank you, Ruth.' Ruth, who clearly looked unimpressed with the interruption, responded: 'Well I only had about two more words to say,' and looked away from the camera. Eamonn co-hosted the ITV daytime show with his wife Ruth Langsford from 2006 until August 2021, until being 'dropped' by ITV and replaced by Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary. It comes after it was revealed that Phillip's longtime presenting partner Holly Willoughby was 'saddened' to see his suffering in the wake of his affair confession. The presenter is said to be 'gobsmacked' by her former colleague lifting the lid so publicly on his affair with a much younger colleague. But as the fallout continues to rage, those close to Holly insist there is 'no way' she will be following Schofield out the door at This Morning. Despite suggestions that she would also depart the show, sources claim she is needed to 'steady the ship' at the programme. Friends of Holly have also suggested that ITV cannot risk sacking her without questions being asked about the position of its management team and whether they were aware of the affair. Holly was said to be sorry to see how Mr Schofield has been struggling with his mental health since leaving This Morning. A source told The Sun: 'Holly has not spoken to Phil, but was saddened to see him like that. 'Seeing Phil so downtrodden and in a bad way was distressing for a number of people who know him personally.' They added: 'It is an incredibly sad situation. Phil has his daughters and friends supporting him now.' When Holly accepted the National Television gong on behalf of This Morning for best daytime show in 2018, she wasn't just surrounded by her fellow presenters, who included Ruth Langsford and Alison Hammond, and the programme's editor Martin Frizell. Also smiling among the top brass was a handsome but lowly twentysomething production assistant as we now know, this was Phillip Schofield's much younger lover at the time. For such a junior member of staff to be included in this illustrious group certainly surprised his superiors, many of whom were not invited to celebrate the award with the great and good of the programme. He was also, apparently, on the VIP river boat organised by ITV executive Emma Gormley, which had arranged to take the 'talent' up the Thames from the broadcaster's HQ to the O2 Arena, where the awards were taking place. One former staff member tells me: 'You should have seen him on there, quaffing champagne. It was a treat for the talent and very high-ups not the junior production assistants.' That the young man had been invited to such an exclusive gathering adds credence to the fact that surely Emma Gormley and others must have known that he and Schofield had some kind of close relationship. In particular, there has been speculation in some quarters over what Holly knew. For in addition to these images, she and the young man were seen interacting outside the same event two years later. Former co-stars Phillip and Holly also had a famously close relationship, even enjoying holidays together at their adjacent luxury villas on the Algarve. Indeed, Portugal was where mother-of-three Holly spent the half-term break with her family this week. I understand she knew Phillip wouldn't be there before she confirmed her travel plans. And it was where she was said to be 'gobsmacked' on Thursday night when she discovered that Schofield had spoken out about his relationship with his much younger colleague just days before she returns to present This Morning on Monday. In his first interviews since the scandal erupted, Schofield insisted Holly had been entirely ignorant of the affair. 'Holly did not know [about the romance]. . . If anyone is in any way linking Holly to this, that is absolutely, wholly untrue,' he insisted. Ms Willoughby was also said to be irritated that he had apologised to her so publicly. He said: 'I WhatsApped her on the day I put out the statement. I said: 'You don't have to reply, you probably can't, but I want to say I'm desperately, desperately sorry.' ' As Schofield predicted, Holly did not respond. While he claimed it was because she would have been advised not to, I'm told that it's because she is deeply upset. 'When Phil admitted the truth about his younger partner, Holly was shell-shocked,' said a friend of the star's. 'She couldn't believe it it came from nowhere, and she had no idea it was about to happen. It took some time for her to register it, and, yes, it has hurt her. 'Phil was someone she was close to for a very long time and the fact she had even asked him if anything had gone on, or was going on, and she was lied to was really hurtful for her. 'She had always planned to go away for half term but she hoped it would be a happier time. It has been difficult.' Phillip admitted his TV career is over and he has been shunned by Holly, 42 - who responded with an Instagram post about how to keep 'your hair safe all summer long'. In his first broadcast interview since the scandal erupted, the presenter explained how he messaged his former co-host to say he was 'so, so sorry' for lying to her about his 'unwise, but not illegal' relationship with the man who is 34 years his junior. But he denied he had groomed a younger colleague before their affair and revealed that he is suicidal, saying: 'Do you want me to die? Because that's where I am.' Scandal: Phillip, 61, quit ITV with immediate effect after admitted to cheating on his wife Stephanie with a This Morning colleague Schofield told the BBC he first met his lover when he was 15 and in a theatre school where he offered him career advice without 'any whiff of impropriety'. Their sexual relationship began with a kiss in his dressing room at work and led to 'more' on around six occasions when the man was around 20. Schofield said they were never in love, and remained 'mates' afterwards. But he vehemently denied grooming him as a teenager before he began working at ITV, declaring: 'What's wrong with talking to someone?' He said: 'I would say to everyone, my family, friends, my work colleagues, to ITV, the public, my management company, the people I lied to: I am desperately sorry. But principally I would like to apologise to him. 'It may have been consensual, fully legal, but I shouldn't have allowed it to happen and that is a grave error on my part and I know that because if that an absolutely innocent person is being persecuted.' This Morning's Holly Willoughby will reportedly be joined by two co-hosts as she returns to the sofa following Phillip Schofield's affair scandal. It's claimed that Holly, 42, will be joined by Craig Doyle, 52, on Wednesday and Thursday's shows, after Josie Gibson, 38, sits alongside her on Monday and Tuesday's instalments. An insider told The Sun: 'Josie's bubbly personality is just what the show needs to bounce back from a nightmare few weeks. 'She's larger than life and will ease the pressure on Holly, who viewers will be glued to after the loss of her long time telly partner. 'Craig has also been lined up and it's a sign that the permanent role is his for the taking. Viewers have taken to him straight away and, not only is he easy on the eye, but he's a natural in front of camera.' TWO!? This Morning's Holly Willoughby will reportedly be joined by two co-hosts as she returns to the sofa following Phillip Schofield 's affair scandal Interesting! It's claimed that Holly, 42, will be joined by Craig Doyle, 52, on Wednesday and Thursday's shows Girl power: Josie Gibson, 38, will sit alongside Holly on Monday and Tuesday's instalments The report comes after Josie broke her social media silence after it was revealed she would be replacing axed Phillip Schofield and co-presenting This Morning alongside Holly Willoughby on Monday. The news was announced during the last moments of Friday's episode by host Alison Hammond, who said: 'Holly will be back on Monday with Josie.' Josie has appeared regularly on the show since 2019 and guest presented several episodes. And taking to Instagram hours later, the former Big Brother star appeared to shake off the fallout as she enjoyed a horse ride with son four-year-old son Reggie. Josie captured a short clip of the journey as she looked effortlessly stylish in a green dress with denim jacket and retro tinted shades. Cuddling up to her young son, the pair giggled as they were pulled in a carriage by the white steed. It comes after Phillip, 61, admitted his TV career is over and he has been shunned by Holly - who responded with an Instagram post about how to keep 'your hair safe all summer long'. In his first broadcast interview since the scandal erupted, the presenter explained how he messaged his former co-host to say he was 'so, so sorry' for lying to her about his 'unwise, but not illegal' relationship with the man who is 34 years his junior. Speaking out: Josie broke her social media silence after it was revealed she would be replacing axed Phillip Schofield and co-presenting This Morning alongside Holly Willoughby on Monday Replacement: She will be taking the place of axed Phillip Schofield Twars: On Friday Alison broke down in tears on This Morning as she admitted it was 'really painful' to watch Phillip Schofield being interviewed about his affair Keeping it on track: She has been fronting the show with Dermot O'Leary during the fallout from the scandal, said the 'family' at ITV had been really struggling to process everything But he denied he had groomed a younger colleague before their affair and revealed that he is suicidal, saying: 'Do you want me to die? Because that's where I am.' On Friday, Alison broke down in tears on This Morning as she admitted it was 'really painful' to watch Phillip Schofield being interviewed about his affair. The host, 48, who has been fronting the show with Dermot O'Leary during the fallout from the scandal, said the 'family' at ITV had been really struggling to process everything. She said her late mother Maria, who died in 2020, used to tell her: 'Use your Bible as a satnav in life, Al.' Ms Hammond then quoted a passage from the Bible about a woman caught in adultery. After watching the clip from the dramatic BBC interview in which Schofield said his daughters had saved his life, Ms Hammond was left in tears as she struggled to speak. She told This Morning: 'I was finding it really painful because obviously, you know, I loved Phillip Schofield, and it's weird because I still love Phillip Schofield 'However what he's done is wrong, he's admitted it, he's said sorry. But as a family we're all really struggling to process everything. I never know what to say. But I remember what my mum used to say. 'My mum always said, 'Use your Bible as a satnav in life, Al'. And in the Bible it says, 'He without sin, cast the first stone'. And I just don't want to, I don't want to say anything bad because obviously I'm in conflict. That's how I feel.' Alison was quoting Jesus speaking in the Gospel of John, in which he is asked by the Pharisees whether they should stone a woman caught in adultery, and replies: 'He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.' Regular guest Gyles Brandreth described the Schofield issue as a 'human story but with public implications', adding: 'We are dealing with a human being that all of us here have known and liked over many years. So it makes it difficult for us.' Ms Hammond then said: 'There's so much a man can take, there's so much. And I don't want any death in this situation.' Brandreth added: 'I'm with you about he who is without sin, let him cast the first stone. I mean there has been clearly an error of judgment at least here, which he admits to.' In his first broadcast interview since the scandal erupted, the presenter explained how he messaged his former co-host to say he was 'so, so sorry' for lying to her about his 'unwise, but not illegal' relationship with the man who is 34 years his junior. But he denied he had groomed a younger colleague before their affair and revealed that he is suicidal, telling critics: 'Do you want me to die? Because that's where I am'. The broadcaster, 61, also lifted the lid on how Holly Willoughby distanced herself from him when his paedophile brother was jailed and confirmed they are no longer speaking after he left ITV, although he admitted she may have been banned. He said: 'I WhatsApped her on the day I put out the statement. I said that you don't have to reply, you probably can't, but I want to say I'm desperately, desperately sorry', adding Holly, who is currently on holiday in Portugal, hasn't replied. But shortly after Schofield confessed he'd sent her a text begging for forgiveness, Willoughby's social media team took to Instagram to share a blase post about hair care - with no mention of Phil or his apology. Uploaded to the Wylde Moon account - Holly's wellness blog - was a makeup-free selfie, with Holly sporting wet hair as she smouldered down the camera lens with newly-washed hair. The post made no reference to her 'feud' with Schofield and instead offered tips on how to keep 'your hair safe all summer long'. Denying their relationship is 'broken', Schofield said today: 'I adore Holly. I've always adored her. She's my TV sister. I don't have a problem with her at all. Schofield told the BBC he first met his lover when he was 15 and in a theatre school where he offered him career advice without 'any whiff of impropriety'. Their sexual relationship began with a kiss in his dressing room at work and led to 'more' on around six occasions when the man was around 20. Schofield said they were never in love, and remained 'mates' afterwards. Admission: Last Friday, Schofield admitted that he had lied to ITV, his co-host, his agency YMU and lawyers about his relationship with a much younger colleague But he vehemently denied grooming him as a teenager before he began working at ITV, declaring: 'What's wrong with talking to someone?' He said: 'I would say to everyone, my family, friends, my work colleagues, to ITV, the public, my management company, the people I lied to: I am desperately sorry. But principally I would like to apologise to him. 'It may have been consensual, fully legal, but I shouldn't have allowed it to happen and that is a grave error on my part and I know that because if that an absolutely innocent person is being persecuted'. Breaking his silence on the scandal that he admits has ended his career, Schofield claimed he will never be on TV again and revealed he would have taken his own life by now if it wasn't for his daughters, declaring: 'I understand how Caroline Flack felt'. He apologised to his family, friends and ITV viewers for lying about the affair, but insisted that much of the criticism of him since he left This Morning had been homophobic. He also told of a 'catastrophic effect' on his mind. He revealed he texted former co-host Holly Willoughby begging for forgiveness over his This Morning affair lies but she never replied. Grand Tour's Jeremy Clarkson was reportedly trapped in a Formula One car, while filming the upcoming season. In scenes set to air during an instalment of his Prime Video series, Eurocrash, which lands on June 16, the TV presenter's belly left him 'completely stuck.' While filming at the Poznan race track in Poland last year, Jeremy, 63, had to wait in shame as the Soviet-made vehicle was dismantled around him. The television star - who has since lost three stone in weight - was hoping to race his long term co-hosts Richard Hammond, 53, and James May, 60, around the circuit. Looking back on the awkward moment, it's claimed that Jeremy likened himself to the famously tubby book character Winnie the Pooh. Oh dear! Grand Tour's Jeremy Clarkson was reportedly trapped in a Formula One car, after his belly left him 'completely stuck' while filming the upcoming season (Pictured in Top Gear) Yikes: While filming at the Poznan race track in Poland last year, Jeremy - who has since lost three stone in weight - had to wait in shame as the vehicle was dismantled around him The Sun reports that in the scenes, Jeremy asks: 'Is there a bigger one? I won't be able to do it. What do you want me to do, be less fat? I genuinely can't get out.' It's claimed that Richard then quips: 'You're so fat. They are going to have to dismantle the car around you,' before later commentating: 'They're peeling it off him like a diving suit!' Speaking of the humiliating experience, Jeremy told the publication: 'To my eternal shame I couldn't get out the car. I was like Winnie the Pooh, completely stuck.' MailOnline has contacted Jeremy Clarkson's representatives and Amazon for comment. The Grand Tour: Eurocrash will launch on Friday June 16 on Prime Video and will see the cheeky trio take on Europe in their latest adventure. This epic 1400-mile journey takes them from Gdansk in Poland, through Slovakia, Hungary and Slovenia. They are attacked by deadly archers, recruit a famous racing driver and take part in a spectacular Fast and Furious climax. This special follows their latest release, A Scandi Flick, and will launch ahead of their next adventure which has recently finished filming in Mauritania. Before and after: Pictured left filming in June 2022; Pictured right in March 2023 Exciting: The Grand Tour's new series sees Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May head on the trip of a lifetime The three presenters worked together on BBC's Top Gear until 2015, when Clarkson was suspended over several incidents, including allegations over verbal and physical abuse against one of the show's producers. When his contract was terminated, Hammond and May also announced they would not continue working on the show without him. They subsequently signed a deal with Amazon for The Grand Tour, which debuted in 2016 and has seen five seasons. The first episode followed the three hosts as they travelled to the Arctic Circle where the visited frozen racetracks, ski resorts and a submarine base. It also included May's high speed crash which resulted in a broken rib after he collided at 75mph. James broke his silence about his 'dramatic' crash in September, joking that he did it to stop the show being 'boring', weeks after it occured. The presenter was involved in the terrifying accident during filming for the special episode for his Amazon Prime show The Grand Tour in Norway. Drama: The three presenters worked together on BBC's Top Gear until 2015, when Clarkson was suspended over several incidents Speaking ahead of the show's special James told RadioTimes.com: 'I suppose. I did it deliberately, I knew it was going to be boring otherwise [so I] sort of drove it to the cliff!'. The accident happened when the presenter braked too slowly while racing rally cars with his co-hosts Jeremy and Richard, and he 'broke at least one rib' during the incident 'It was very brief, Made a loud bang. It wasn't really that terrible, I don't think. It looks quite dramatic but I was basically OK. He went on to say that the car was pretty bent out of shape but was helped by local mechanics, though he couldn't do much due to his painful injury. He went on to explain that despite the accident filming continued on as normal: 'But actually, because we managed to make the car work, we carried on, we lost about a day, because I had to mend the car, and I was in the hospital for the night. But apart from that, I don't really think it made any difference'. James was assisted out of his Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 8 by paramedics and was quickly taken to hospital for a brain scan and X-rays. After the star was given the all-clear a day later, a source told The Sun: 'It looked extremely worrying at first. 'Jeremy and Richard were concerned about their mate and the paramedics swooped in quickly. 'Medical staff were on standby due to the shows dangerous nature and were needed after the incident.' The insider continued: 'James smashed his head quite hard in the impact, and was bloodied by it. He was complaining about pain in his back and neck. He broke at least one rib and was quite shaken by it.' MailOnline contacted James' representatives for comment at the time. Maria Thattil has announced that she and Jorgia O'Hare have decided to call it quits. Posting to Instagram on Friday, the model, 30, shared the news that they are no longer together after 'a beautiful year' together. The former Miss Universe Australia wrote: 'After a beautiful year together, Jorgia and I wish to share that we are no longer together. 'Her love healed so much in me and was a light that I was missing for a long time. Whilst we are no longer together, we have nothing but respect for each other and continue to support each other. 'Our break up has been loving, safe, intimate, secure and respectful. Maria Thattil has announced that she and Jorgia O'Hare have decided to call it quits (both pictured) 'We will both be okay, but please respect our privacy - thank you for the beautiful support.' Not long after Maria posted this to her over 200k followers, Jorgia also shared it to her own page, and added her own comment. She wrote: 'Privileged to be loved by her. I will always stand in this woman's corner... nothing but love and respect for our connecting. Posting to Instagram on Friday, the model, 30, shared the news that they are no longer together after 'a beautiful year' together 'Thank you all for supporting our journey together.' Rumours began swirling two weeks ago that the couple had broken up, as Melbourne-based Maria travelled to Australian Fashion Week in Sydney solo. Speaking to The Herald Sun at the time, Maria was cryptic when asked about the couple's relationship. 'Jorgia, she is doing some incredible things at the moment in Melbourne and we love and support each other so much,' Thattil said when quizzed. The couple appeared on the cover of Stellar magazine together back in January after meeting online some months beforehand. Rumours began swirling two weeks ago that the couple had broken up, as Melbourne-based Maria travelled to Australian Fashion Week in Sydney solo Rumours began swirling two weeks ago that the couple had broken up, as Melbourne-based Maria travelled to Australian Fashion Week solo The former Miss Universe Australia wrote: 'After a beautiful year together, Jorgia and I wish to share that we are no longer together Not long after Maria posted this to her over 200k followers, Jorgia also shared it to her own page, and added her own comment. She wrote: 'Privileged to be loved by her. I will always stand in this woman's corner... nothing but love and respect for our connecting Maria revealed back in January the pair hit it off almost immediately after meeting each other for a date. 'It was lust at first sight and it was obsession at first sight,' she said of the Melbourne mental health professional. 'After that first date, I ended up spending the night and the next day, I went off on a work trip to the Gold Coast with my brother and I was secretly referring to her as my girlfriend. I hadn't felt that way in a long time'. Maria, who is of Indian heritage, added: 'Growing up, if I had seen an interracial same-sex female couple in the media open, visible, living truthfully that might have shaped my own experience a little bit more positively'. Jorgia (pictured) has found fame on social media platform TikTok, racking up 86,000 followers Jorgia has found fame on social media platform TikTok, racking up 86,000 followers. The pair sparked rumours they were dating after fans spotted them exchanging flirty messages online. Maria, a model and 9Honey columnist, has tellingly commented 'Dream girl' and 'wowweeeeeee' on several of Jorgia's posts. Maria came out as bisexual in January last year while a contestant on Channel 10's I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! and has since defined herself as pansexual. Maria came out as bisexual in January last year while a contestant on Channel 10's I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! and has since defined herself as pansexual The pair sparked rumours they were dating after fans spotted them exchanging flirty messages online. Maria, a model and 9Honey columnist, has tellingly commented 'Dream girl' and 'wowweeeeeee' on several of Jorgia's posts Emma Lewisham has won a slew of celebrity fans thanks to her eponymous skincare line. The New Zealand based range of 'intelligent skincare' includes serums, cleaners and face oils that boast 100% natural ingredients. Lewisham's admirers include Lara Worthington, who is also a brand ambassador, and supermodel Shanina Shaik. A-list actresses Margot Robbie and Naomi Watts are likewise said to be fans of the range. Phoebe Tonkin, Gemma Ward and Georgia Fowler are also devotees, and Gwyneth Paltrow has seen fit to stock the line on her Goop website. Emma Lewisham has won a slew of celebrity fans thanks to her eponymous skincare line. Lewisham's admirers include Lara Worthington (pictured) who is also a brand ambassador Supermodel Shanina Shaik (picture) is likewise a lover of the all natural brand Lewisham tells this week's issue of Stellar Magazine that the inspiration for her skincare came from looking for healthier options. 'When it came to the idea around [the brand] Emma Lewisham, it started from a conversation with my doctor around lifestyle and what [products] I was using' she tells the publication. 'It was a time in my life when I was considering the way that I lived,' she recalls. 'I didn't feel bulletproof. 'I'd lost my mum from cancer. I started to not want to take things for granted.' A-list actresses Margot Robbie (pictured) and Naomi Watts are likewise said to be fans Gwyneth Paltrow (pictured) has seen fit to stock the line on her Goop website Lewisham (pictured) tells this week's issue of Stellar Magazine that the inspiration for her skincare came from looking for healthier options Lara recently displayed the natural ingredients in the Emma Lewisham range in an unorthodox way. In an Instagram post, the 35-year-old tried the brand's face mask, and as she sat outside during a gorgeous sunset applying the skincare, flies took an interest. The bugs landed on Lara's face repeatedly, as she waved them off urgently, only for them to return. 'I guess flies love @emmalewisham too!' she joked in the caption alongside the video. Emma Lewisham has become one of Australia's best-selling brands and is refillable, which according to Emma means it has 'up to 75 per cent less carbon score' compared to standard products. Kourtney Kardashian took her fans on a walk down memory lane Saturday, posting some bikini flashback photos from a family trip to Italy. The reality star, 44, who is married to rocker Travis Barker, 47, showcased her taut abs wearing a back and white bikini while enjoying time on a boat in the Mediterranean. She styled her then long dark hair straight and placed a white Panama hat on her head for sun protection. 'Portofino, Italy August 2019,' the Poosh founder posted next to the picture carousel on Instagram. Other photos show the bathing beauty displaying her toned legs in a daring black one piece with French cut legs and and a scoop neck as she lounged aboard the boat. Flashback: Kourtney Kardashian took her fans on a walk down memory lane Saturday, posting some bikini flashback photos from a family trip to Italy. The reality star, 44, showcased her taut abs wearing a back and white bikini while enjoying time on a boat in the Mediterranean She put on a cheeky display as she rolled over to reveal the suit's low back and high cut bottom. The Keeping up with the Kardashians star shared a selfie shot in a mirrored area in which she wore a pair of distressed jeans with a bra top embellished with a photo of the ancient Italian city. One of Kourtney's 221 million fans set off a controversy commenting 'when you were like yourself not your boyfriends xerox copy,' referring to some of the style choices Kourtney has made since walking down the aisle with the Blink-182 drummer last year. 'Bring this style back PLEASE,' commented one fan. 'Back when you were stunning and yourself not this punk Kourtney you trying,' wrote another. 'I feel like every man shes had a relationship with is who she becomes I never thought she was a follower. But look back at each man thats who she becomes?' questioned another. Kourtney shared some sweet snaps of her kids Penelope and Reign, now 10 and eight, enjoying the holiday in the city where their mom would get married three years later. Penelope looked sweet in a red and white floral dress as she posed with a pup. 2019: Kourtney styled her then long dark hair straight and used a white Panama hat for sun protection. 'Portofino, Italy August 2019,' the Poosh founder posted next to the picture carousel on Instagram Daring: Another photo shows the bathing beauty displaying her toned legs in a daring black one piece with French cut legs and and a scoop neck as she lounged aboard the boat Cheeky: She put on a cheeky display as she rolled over to reveal the suit's low back and high cut bottom Aww: Kourtney shared some sweet snaps of her kids Penelope and Reign, now 10 and eight, enjoying the holiday. Penelope looked sweet in a red and white floral dress while carrying her little brother, who was adorable in blue shorts and a white T-shirt Portofino: Little did Kourtney know when she made this family trip in 2019 she would walk down the aisle there in 2022 Style: Kourtney shared a selfie shot in a mirrored area in which she wore a pair of distressed jeans with a bra top. Several fans commented they prefer the styles in the flashbacks to her current mode which they believe is influenced by husband Travis Barker, 47 She later acted like a good big sister, carrying her little brother on the cobblestone streets. Penelope's hair was styled in a bob at the time, while Reign's was long and almost down to his waist. The Lemme founder shares Penelope, Reign and her older son Mason, 13, with ex-partner Scott Disick, 40. She and Travis have created a blended family that also includes his three kids, Alabama, 17, Landon, 19 and step-daughter Atiana de la Hoya, 24, from his marriage to model Shanna Moakler, 48. If anyone has what it takes to knock legendary Vogue editor Anna Wintour off her gilded perch, it is Edward Enninful. That at least was what they used to say; what many in the fashion industry concluded when, after being appointed editor of British Vogue, Enninful outlined his vision for the world's most glamorous magazine. Change from inside was his credo, diversity and inclusion his watchwords. Enninful, 51, made woke an art form. During his five-year reign, the magazine featured a transgender model for the first time and Oscar-nominated actor Timothee Chalamet was the first man on the cover. Last month's cover featured five disabled stars and was also released as a Braille edition. Wokeness, however, is not a quality commonly ascribed to 73-year-old Wintour, editor-in-chief of US Vogue and grande dame of fashion and the woman said to have inspired Meryl Streep's fearsome editor in hit film The Devil Wears Prada. If anyone has what it takes to knock legendary Vogue editor Anna Wintour (right) off her gilded perch, it is Edward Enninful (left) That at least was what they used to say; what many in the fashion industry concluded when, after being appointed editor of British Vogue, Enninful outlined his vision for the world's most glamorous magazine (pictured: Enninful with Meghan, Duchess of Sussex) Yet she closely eyed her supposed protege's mini-revolution and, while not approving of all his innovations, incorporated some into her magazine. Times were changing, after all. Some said this was merely manoeuvring, a knee-jerk reaction by a consummate player of cultural politics to safeguard her legacy. Whatever concessions she made, surely it was only a matter of time before she was forced to make way for the young pretender? While publicly coy about his future, Enninful has made little secret of his ambition to succeed Wintour. The Mail on Sunday can reveal that he threatened resignation unless given Wintour's job by the end of last year. That, of course, never came to pass. So Enninful's announcement that he is moving to another role within publisher Conde Nast seemed to signal that he had thrown in the towel, 'Make no mistake, this was a power struggle,' said one insider. Make no mistake, this was a power struggle... and he lost 'Edward pitched his new vision against old Vogue and lost. Succession [the hit TV drama about a toxic media family] has got nothing on this.' There are reports of blazing rows between the pair with one source saying that simmering rancour boiled over when Enninful planned to make the magazine gender neutral. 'This was too much,' said the insider. Another Vogue source added: 'There would be differences of opinion. Wintour would say, 'Don't listen to Edward' and he would say 'Don't listen to Anna'.' Known as 'Nuclear Wintour' and famous for her sleek bob and dark sunglasses, she has a reputation for being the demanding titan of the industry. Vogue insiders called Enninful the only 'real threat' to her power. Insiders whispered that the pair 'don't talk', with a source five years ago saying: 'I don't think she ever felt he was qualified for that role.' DIVERSE: A Vogue edited by Meghan Markle, far left, a cover featuring black activists for an edition that was produced mainly by a black team As far back as 2018, there had been speculation that Enninful's position at British Vogue was only temporary and that he would take over from Wintour when she retires. But he said in an interview: 'Everybody wants to know what I'm doing, but I would like to tell you that I don't want Anna's job. I've spoken to her about it a few weeks ago.' Couched in dry business speak, Friday's announcement revealed that he is moving into 'the newly appointed position of editorial adviser of British Vogue and global creative and cultural adviser of Vogue'. It betrayed nothing of the alleged behind-the-scenes turbulence. Enninful spoke of optimising 'my increased global responsibilities' and how he 'can play a broader role in enhancing Vogue globally'. There was one clue as to his motives in his mention of now 'having the freedom to take on broader creative projects'. For many months, Enninful has been frustrated at having to turn down lucrative consultancy projects because of a potential conflict of interest. Relinquishing the editor's chair means he is free of such constraints. I learned you don't need perfect vision to create A source said: 'He was talking months ago about going into business with his husband Alec, a filmmaker, who makes an absolute fortune. Edward has been very frustrated for a very long time about being offered so many opportunities to do creative consultancy and production but having to turn them down. 'As a business partnership, they could do creative work for brands and make millions.' Other sources said he still desires a tilt at the top job and might be in the frame should Wintour (now said to be dating actor Bill Nighy) quit, though she has expressed no intention to retire. 'But this new move is far from being a promotion,' said an insider. 'He would have had a better chance of taking over had he remained in place. His power base has been reduced.' Vogue's publisher Conde Nast has strongly denied the rift claims in the past. A spokesman for Wintour also denied the rumours at the time, saying that Anna was 'very proud' of Enninful and 'loves having him as a colleague'. As a consultant, Ghanaian-born Enninful would be much in demand. As a stylist he had a reputation for making beautiful and sometimes controversial images. Jonathan Newhouse, the chief executive of Conde Nast International, once described Enninful's work at Italian Vogue as attaining 'landmark status in recent cultural history'. He has worked with A-listers (Cara Delevingne and Emma Watson) but also championed diversity of models and celebrities such as Naomi Campbell, Rihanna, Ruth Negga and Jourdan Dunn. Not all his woke adjustments met approval from younger readers. He faced a backlash for darkening models' skin tones on the February 2022 cover, which was meant to celebrate African beauty. One Twitter user noted: 'The framing, the deliberate darkening in post-production, the dead expressions and the absence of joy saying so much about how white fashion institutions view black women...We're in 2022 and Vogue still can't properly light black women.' He has worked with A-listers (Cara Delevingne and Emma Watson) but also championed diversity of models and celebrities such as Naomi Campbell, Rihanna, Ruth Negga and Jourdan Dunn (pictured: Enninful with (left to right) Gigi Hadid, Bella Hadid and Adut Akech) In 2016 he was appointed an OBE for services to diversity in fashion. Naomi Campbell who, along with Kate Moss, he's been best friends with since they were teenagers accompanied him to Buckingham Palace to collect his honour. 'We connect on so many levels,' she said. 'When I first met him, it was just like meeting family.' That evening, Enninful hosted a party at Mark Birley's private members' club in Mayfair, where the cream of fashion celebrated with him including Kate Moss, Madonna and Erin O'Connor. In an editor's chair or not, few doubt that he will remain at the epicentre of the fashion world. And his A-lister friends including Donatella Versace, Marc Jacobs, Iman and Rihanna will likely be useful as he forges a new role. Although his mother was a seamstress, he had little knowledge of the fashion world until he was on the Tube one day and was scouted by stylist Simon Foxton, who worked for cult magazines i-D and Arena. Enninful said: 'I was sheltered growing up, with six brothers and sisters. We played together all the time and I was living in a fantasy world, like most creative people. My mother was a seamstress so I always grew up with her making clothes. 'I knew how to construct outfits, I knew how to sketch, I knew how to customise. But I could never imagine it as a career.' I would like to tell you I don't want Anna's job He has had poor vision for much of his life and has said losing his sight is his biggest fear. He has had four operations for problems including a detached retina. 'I always had my minus 10 glasses and I had four retinal detachments [needing] surgery each time.' he said. 'Then three weeks looking at the ground in a dark room and not lifting up your head. And yes, it was very psychologically intense. 'But what I've also learned is... you don't need perfect vision to create. You don't need 20/20 vision to see images. So that's the irony of it: though I have bad eyesight, I'm still able to create images that people seem to resonate with.' He also has the blood condition thalassaemia, causing regular bouts of severe pain and for which he had several transfusions before coming to Britain from Ghana at age 13. He landed his first taste of fashion as aide to photographer Nick Knight. He then began working for Foxton, and a job at i-D followed. At 18, he abandoned an art degree to become fashion director at the title, a position he retained for 20 years. He became a contributing fashion editor for American Vogue in 2006 before moving on to Conde Nast's W magazine in 2011 and finally British Vogue in 2017. But his glorious run pales in comparison to that of Wintour, who has been editor since 1988. 'Who knows how many more years she will be in charge?' said an insider. 'One thing is for sure unlike Edward, she's not moving any time soon.' Kanye West and Ice Cube appeared to have buried the hatchet when they were spotted meeting up in Los Angeles this week. Ice Cube, 53, welcomed Kanye, 45, to his home, where the two men were spotted enjoying a friendly chat outdoors. Their conversation concluded with a warm embrace, during which both of them were seen beaming before Kanye headed off. Last year the duo were at odds over Kanye's string of anti-Semitic outbursts, which included a vow to 'go death con 3 on JEWISH PEOPLE.' As Kanye's career imploded from the scandal, he went on the podcast Drink Champs and claimed his rants were inspired by Cube's social media - a charge Cube vehemently denied, insisting: 'I didn't put the batteries in his back.' Sealed with an embrace: Kanye West and Ice Cube appeared to have buried the hatchet when they were spotted meeting up in Los Angeles this week Good cheer: Ice Cube, 53, welcomed Kanye, 45, to his home, where the two men were spotted enjoying a friendly chat outdoors Looking back: Last year the duo were at odds over Kanye's string of anti-Semitic outbursts , which included a vow to 'go death con 3 on JEWISH PEOPLE' However Kanye seemed in bright spirits after this week's confab with Cube, spreading his arms in an apparent show of relaxation. His latest sighting comes two months after Kanye bizarrely wrote on Instagram that 'watching Jonah Hill in 21 Jump street made me like Jewish people again.' Kanye, whose mental health struggles have surfaced in the headlines in the past, added: 'No one should take anger against one or two individuals and transform that into hatred towards millions of innocent people.' His Instagram post concluded: 'No Christian can be labeled anti-Semite knowing Jesus is Jew. Thank you Jonah Hill I love you.' Jonah has maintained a public silence on the subject, ignoring the paparazzi who tried to ask him about Kanye while he left Giorgio Baldi in Santa Monica. Last October, Cube insisted he did not inspire Kanye's anti-Semitic rants, after the controversial rapper referred to him as a heavy influence in his controversial remarks. Cube defended himself on Twitter shortly after Kanye claimed Cube had 'really set me up for this' during an appearance on the podcast Drink Champs. 'You've really influenced me to get on this antisemite vibe,' Kanye said of Ice Cube during his interview before adding, 'I'm here to finish the job.' However: Kanye seemed in bright spirits after this week's confab with Cube, spreading his arms in an apparent show of relaxation Change of heart: His latest sighting comes two months after Kanye bizarrely wrote on Instagram that 'watching Jonah Hill in 21 Jump street made me like Jewish people again' 'Thank you Jonah Hill I love you': His Instagram post concluded: 'No Christian can be labeled anti-Semite knowing Jesus is Jew' By the way: Jonah has maintained a public silence on the subject, ignoring the paparazzi who tried to ask him about Kanye while he left Giorgio Baldi in Santa Monica But Cube was having none of it and took to Twitter to remove himself from the controversy. 'I hate that my name was dragged into this Drunk Champs bulls***. I don't know what Ye meant by his statements, you're gonna have to ask him,' he tweeted. 'I didn't put the batteries in his back. Please leave my name out of all the antisemitic talk. I'm not antisemitic and never have been,' he added. Cube has previously been accused of posting anti-Semitic memes in the past. In 2020, he vehemently denied his Twitter account had been hacked following allegations he had posted anti-Semitic memes. The N.W.A. frontman took to Twitter to issue the clarification after fans called him out for disseminating an 'Anti-Semitic trope'. 'What the f*** are you doing?' demanded one user of the outspoken rapper. 'This is CUBE,' began the Straight Outta Compton hitmaker. 'My account has not been hacked.' 'You've really influenced me': West referred to him as a heavy influence in his recent anti-Semitic remarks during an appearance on Drink Champs 'Please leave my name out of all the antisemitic talk': Cube attempted to distance himself from Kanye's allegations Controversial: Cube ended the post claiming he has 'never' been anti-Semitic; pictured February 2022 'I speak for no organization. I only speak for the meek people of thee earth. We will not expect crumbles [sic] from your table.' 'We have to power of almighty God backing us all over the earth. NO MORE TALKING. Repent.' The statement appeared to be in response to many Twitter users pointing out that some of the many memes reposted by Cube -whose real name is O'Shea Jackson- were discriminatory against the Jewish faith in nature. One particularly contentious image depicted a group of men with exaggerated facial features typical of antisemitic imagery playing Monopoly, with the board resting on the backs of several black people. Cube captioned the post, 'F*** THE NEW NORMAL UNTIL THEY FIX THE OLD NORMAL!' Twitter user Tara Dublin called out the Three Kings actor, replying 'Cube, this is an Anti-Semitic trope. Please take it down as it suggests Jews control everything. And trust me, we don't. Because if Jews controlled everything, I would be rich af & Donald Trump would be in prison #DoBetter'. Another image tweeted out by Cube to his followers seemed to suggest that the 'Black Cube of Saturn' lies within the Star of David. The Black Cube of Saturn is claimed by conspiracy theorists to be an occult symbol. Previously: West and Ice Cube pictured in Las Vegas in 2021 In the comments on the post, user Roxanne Gay wrote, 'It is impossible to take you seriously with regards to social justice or,.. anything when you post anti-Semitic imagery. What the f*** are you doing?' Kanye was previously kicked off Twitter for declaring war against the Jewish people. He wrote: 'I'm a bit sleepy tonight but when I wake up I'm going death con 3 On JEWISH PEOPLE. 'The funny thing is I actually can't be Anti Semitic because black people are actually Jew also. You guys have toyed with me and tried to black ball anyone whoever opposes your agenda.' Deafcon - also known as defense readiness condition - is an alert used by the US Armed Forces to indicate how quickly the military can be deployed during deadly emergencies and attacks. Many Hollywood A-listers soon called out the rapper for his remarks, and he was kicked off Twitter for violating its terms and conditions. West has gone on several more anti-Semitic rants since his initial tweet. Bangladesh will again become a centre of anti-India activities, should a BNP-Jamaat-led coalition return to power in Dhaka in coming elections India must do everything possible, within four corners of international law and with absolute respect for Bangladeshs sovereignty, to help Sheikh Hasina-led Bangladesh Awami League win the parliamentary elections scheduled in that country in January 2024. Begum Khaleda Zia-led Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), the main opposition party, which is allied to the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami (Jamaat) and other fundamentalist Islamist organisations, is pathologically anti-India. Bangladesh will again become a centre of anti-India activity and promoter of north-eastern India's secessionist insurgent groups, should a BNP-Jamaat-led coalition return to power in Dhaka. A look at the record of the BNP-Jamaat-led coalition government when it was in power from 2001 to 2006, makes this clear. The issuance of threats to India, the active promotion of secessionist insurgent violence in north-eastern India, and attempts to create a climate of hostility toward India in Bangladesh were the three main features of Dhakas policy towards Delhi. An important example of the threats was one by its foreign minister, M. Morshed Khan, at a seminar in Dhaka on September 7, 2004. Referring to what he said were restrictions imposed by India on the import of goods from his country, he said, Dhaka could end Indias three billion-dollar trade here by issuing an SRO (Statutory Rogatory Order) on all Indian goods entering Bangladesh. Striking an even more minatory note, he said, Bangladesh is India-locked. Delhi should also remember that the seven north-eastern Indian states are Bangladesh-locked. While an attempt to intimidate India was implicit in his reference to the vulnerability of Indias north-eastern states vis-a-vis Bangladesh, an attempt to sow discord between these states and the rest of India was scripted into his blasting of the Central Bank of India (Reserve Bank of India?) for acting unilaterally against the interests of the common people of India (by imposing non-tariff barriers) such as not allowing individual states to open letters of credit without permission from Delhi. The policy of providing sanctuary and support to north-eastern Indias rebel groups, began when Bangladesh was East Pakistan, but halted after liberation in 1971 when Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was in power and resumed after his assassination. Begum Khaleda Zias government pursued it with vigour. In fact, when she was the leader of the opposition in Bangladeshs national parliament, she had referred to rebels of the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) and other insurgent groups of north-eastern India as freedom fighters. Not surprisingly, her government ridiculed Indias protests supported by information. Referring to the list of insurgent camps in Bangladesh provided by Indias Border Security Force (BSF), Major-General Mohammad Jahangir Alam Khan of the Bangladesh Rifles, visiting India for talks with BSFs director-general, Ajay Raj Sharma, said in Delhi on September 28, 2004, There is not a single camp in Bangladesh. We looked for the camps locations given in the BSF list. Some of the addresses were of our cantonment area and of our headquarters.some of the addresses even pertained to the Bay of Bengal. In sharp contrast, the present government under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has not only shut these camps down but handed over to India some of the key insurgent leaders it could apprehend. As a part of its attempt to create an anti-India temper in Bangladesh, Begum Khaleda Zias government even insinuated that India was behind the dastardly grenade attack on the Awami Leagues rally in Dhaka on August 21, 2004. Sheikh Hasina survivedalbeit with injuriesthe attack, which was aimed at killing her and eliminating the Awami Leagues top leadership. Twenty-four (including 22 on the spot) died and 300 were injured. Among those who succumbed to their injuries was Ivy Rahman, secretary of the Awami Leagues womens affairs wing and wife of Zillur Rahman, then the partys general secretary and subsequently the countrys president. Justice Joynul Abedin, a senior judge of the High Court Division of Bangladeshs Supreme Court, appointed on August 22 as a single-person commission to inquire into the attack, submitted his report on October 2, 2004. He said at a press briefing before submitting his report that local and foreign terrorists and other culprits had launched the attack in a pre-planned way to destroy Bangladeshs democracy, independence and sovereignty. A report in the Independent of Bangladesh on October 3, 2004, which cited dispatch by the Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the countrys government-controlled national news agency as stating this, further said that, according to the commission, the attackers were foreign agents. Justice Abedin, who had once been a BNP functionary, did not identify the foreigners. Asked to elaborate on what he meant by saying that the grenade attack was the work of foreign agents, he said during a telephone conversation with Golam Mohiuddin of Bangladeshs daily, Prothom Alo on October 3, that he had taken into special consideration Bangladeshs geographical location and the politics of the sub-continent. He further said, it becomes foreign the moment one crosses the geographical boundary of the country. Asked whether the commissions report mentioned the foreign country which was the closest (obviously India) he did not deny it but said, I cannot answer this question of yours. This clearly implied that India could have been the country, Significantly, among those sentenced by a special tribunal on October 10, 2018, for complicity in the grenade attack, were important BNP leaders. (The author is Consulting Editor, The Pioneer. The views expressed are personal) Signifying the growing defence ties between the two countries, the first batch of naval cadets from Saudi Arabia are undergoing sea training at the Southern Naval Command, Kochi. Navy chief Admiral R Hari Kumar interacted with the trainees. Addressing the 55 cadets of the King Fahd Naval Academy of Saudi Arabia on Thursday, he said the maiden training by the Indian Navy is a testimony to the growing friendship between Saudi Arabia and India. Cadets of the Royal Saudi Naval Force (RSNF) along with five Directing Staff are attached with the First Training Squadron ships, INS Tir and INS Sujata, as part of afloat training with the Indian Navy, navy official said in New Delhi. The Navy chief acknowledged the help received from the government of Saudi Arabia during the recent evacuation of Indian nationals from Sudan. Emphasising the close relations and cooperation between the two navies, Admiral Kumar reaffirmed that the joint exercises, staff talks and training exchanges with the RSNF have progressed well over the years and signifies the strong bond between the two Navies, the Navy said in a release. He also pointed out that both the countries shared similar views with regard to maritime security and closely operate with each other towards ensuring safe and secure seas in the region.The Navy chief was apprised of the ongoing harbour and afloat training activities including familiarisation of sea sorties. He was also briefed on the progress made by the trainees within training period. The Navy said as part of the training curriculum, simulator training was undertaken for the cadets prior to embarking on the sea training phase. With India constantly calling for restructuring the United Nations Security Council(UNSC), envoys and policy experts have said the institution in its current structure is perverse and immoral. They also said the time to reform it is now adding the UNSC is a perpetuation of the colonisation project and does not reflect the rise of new powers and shifting geopolitical landscape. They also said status quo is untenable. Speaking at a Roundtable on Security Council Reform at the UN headquarters hosted by the Permanent Missions of Brazil, India, South Africa and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines late Thursday, Indias Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj said, The current composition of the Security Council no longer aligns with the realities of our interconnected and multi-polar world. The Council structure, designed in a different era, does not reflect the rise of new powers, the shifting geopolitical landscape and the aspirations of nations striving for a fairer and more equitable global order, she said. The roundtable was held with the aim to bring in the perspective of the Global South on the long-pending issue, keeping in mind the pressing urgency for reformed multilateralism architecture in the United Nations representative of contemporary geo-political realities. Kamboj stressed that the urgency of UNSC reform is also underscored by the unprecedented global challenges that transcend borders. Climate change, terrorism, pandemics, and humanitarian crises require collective efforts and shared responsibilities, she said, adding that a reformed Security Council will enable us to pool resources, expertise and perspectives from a wider range of countries, empowering us to confront these issues with greater effectiveness and unity. Asserting that the time for Security Council reform is now, Kamboj called on the Member States to seize the opportunity to revitalize and strengthen the United Nations by making it more inclusive, representative and responsive to the needs and aspirations of all nations. President of Indias leading think tank Observer Research Foundation (ORF) Samir Saran said in a deeply heterogenous, multipolar world, it is untenable that a group of victors of war from another century should be in charge of managing the world of today. The war is history and so is the influence and capabilities of some of the members in the room. I think the current structure of the UNSC is perverse and immoral. It is a perpetuation for many of us from the Global South of the colonisation project. The burden of the war was borne by the colonies while the privileges of peace benefited the colonisers and their allies, he said. Saran noted that in past decades, we have seen how the will of the comity of nations has been negated by one or more of permanent members of Council. China, France, Russia, the UK and the US make up the five permanent members of the 15-nation Council. More recently, Ukraine presents a classic example of the Security Councils failure to deliver and is a stark reminder of why status quo is untenable, he said. The voting patterns, the abstentions on Ukraine matter clearly point to the need to bring in others who can contribute to the global efforts around peace and stability. Calling the current UNSC as inefficient, undemocratic and non-representative, Saran questioned How can we accept a structure that shuts out Africa, Latin America and democratic Asia, including the worlds largest nation and democracy, making a reference to India. Kamboj underlined that the inclusion in a reformed UNSC of emerging economies and regions with growing political influence is not just a matter of fairness but a pragmatic necessity. Panelists at the roundtable Shifting the Balance: Perspectives on United Nations Security Council Reforms from Global South Think Tanks included Professor of International Relations at FGV (Brazil) and Visiting Scholar at Princeton University Matias Spektor and Senior Researcher, South Africa Institute of International Affairs Gustavo de Carvalho. Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has asserted that the Oppositions strong unity and an unseen undercurrent were poised to surprise the people in the upcoming general elections in India. Rahul was speaking at a media interaction on Thursday at the National Press Club in the United States, where he is currently on a three-city tour. I strongly believe that the Congress party will perform exceptionally well in the next two years. He added, I sense the emergence of a hidden undercurrent...something that will catch people by surprise. Citing the recent outcome of the Karnataka Assembly elections, where Congress achieved a comfortable majority and ousted the BJP from power, Rahul pointed out the importance of observing the results of the next three or four State elections. He emphasised that these upcoming contests serve as a better indicator of the future political landscape. In response to a question about the unity of the Opposition in India, Rahul confirmed their strong alliance. The Opposition in India is quite well united, and I see this unity growing stronger with time. We are engaging in constructive conversations with all Opposition parties, and there is considerable progress being made, he stated. However, he acknowledged the complexities that arise from competing with other Opposition parties, requiring some negotiation and compromise. Nonetheless, Rahul expressed confidence in overcoming these challenges. During the interaction, Rahul also addressed a range of topics, including press and religious freedoms in India, issues faced by minorities, and the State of the economy. When questioned about Prime Minister Narendra Modis high global popularity, Rahul expressed his concerns about the capture of institutions and the press in India, indicating that he approached such information with caution. Regarding the protection of minority rights in India, Rahul emphasised the importance of a robust and independent institutional framework. While acknowledging Indias existing strong system, he pointed out its weakened State and highlighted the need for independent institutions that are not subject to pressure or control. Rahul stated that this situation is an aberration in India, and if the Congress party were to come to power, they would swiftly restore and strengthen these institutions. Furthermore, Rahul stressed the criticality of press freedom for a thriving democracy, noting that it encompasses not only media liberties but also political access and the institutional framework that facilitates dialogue and negotiation among the Indian people. He expressed concerns about the growing pressure on this structure. Regarding US-India relations, Rahul emphasised their significance and described the relationship between the two countries as very, very important. While highlighting the importance of a strong defense partnership, he also advocated for considering cooperation in other areas. Rahuls statements reflect his optimistic outlook on the unity of the Opposition and their potential to bring about surprising results in the 2024 elections. He also addressed various challenges faced by India, such as the capture of institutions, weakening press freedom, and the need to protect minority rights. Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has said that to keep the memory of Maharaj Chhatrasal intact, a huge memorial will be built after him in Chhatarpur. Chhatarpur municipality will be upgrade into municipal corporation. No stone will be left unturned in the development of the district. He said that by canceling the old tender of Chhatarpur Medical College, new tender has been ordered. Soon the new medical college building will be constructed at Chhatarpur at a cost of Rs 300 crore. The Chief Minister attended Chhatarpurs Gaurav Diwas and Mahila Sammelan today. He not only gave many gifts to Chhatarpur district, but inaugurated and performed bhoomi pujan of development works worth Rs 790 crore. Chouhan said that Maharaja Chhatrasal was a great warrior and a symbol of valour. He established Hindu Swaraj. We should take inspiration from such a brave and great man. The Chief Minister said that the tender of the contractor who had not started the construction of Chhatarpur Medical College for a long time has been cancelled. Now orders for new tender have been given. Soon the construction work of the medical college will start in Chhatarpur. Chouhan said that there was a time when daughters were considered a burden. Ladli Laxmi Yojana in the state has changed the thinking of the society and made the daughter a boon. Campaign is going on in the state for women empowerment. They are being led towards self-reliance through various schemes. We have reserved half the seats for women in the local elections, as a result of which a large number of women are sitting on the posts of panch, sarpanch, corporator etc. Social revolution has taken place in Madhya Pradesh to increase the importance of daughters and women. Registration fee has been exempted for buying property in the name of women. Pradhan Mantri Awas is in the name of both husband and wife. Land rights pattas are also being given in the name of husband and wife. For the economic empowerment of poor women, the Madhya Pradesh government has taken a historic decision to deposit Rs 1,000 each in the accounts of 1.25 crore sisters of the state by implementing the Ladli Bahnas Yojana from June 10. The Chief Minister said that there will be special gram sabhas in the state on June 8, in which the names of eligible women will be told. The approval letters will be delivered to them at home. He told the Ladli Bahnas that they should sing songs and enjoy in the village on the evening of 9th June, as money is going to come in their account. Programs will be held in all the villages at 5 pm on June 10 and at 6 pm I myself will have a virtual discussion with the women. After that the amount of the scheme will be transferred to the accounts of the sisters. Chief Minister Chouhan said that Ladli Bahna Sena will be formed in every village and ward. An army of 11 sisters will be formed in a small village and 21 in a big village. He said that it is my endeavour to ensure that the income of the sisters of self-help groups of Aajeevika Mission should be Rs 10,000 per month. Due to these efforts, many of our sisters have become Lakhpati. He said that a decision has been taken to close the ahatas adjacent to the liquor shops. A decision has also been taken to give scooties to the girls who get good marks in class 12th. The poor are being made owners of the land by being presented with PM Awas and land pattas. Chouhan said that terrorism will not be allowed to flourish on the soil of Madhya Pradesh. People involved in terrorist activities have been sent to jail. Expressing displeasure over the incident in a school in Damoh, he said that the matter is being investigated, the culprits will not be spared. Delhi AAP convener Gopal Rai on Friday said the maharally on June 11 will serve as a platform for the residents of Delhi to express their indignation towards the Central Government's ordinance. Holding a meeting to assign the preparation responsibilities to office bearers, Rai said AAP workers will start conducting a door-to-door campaign from June 5 and encourage Delhi residents to attend the rally. The rally serves as a platform for the residents of Delhi to express their indignation and rage towards the Central government's ordinance. It is essential to recognise that the Constitution grants every citizen right to vote, and any attempt by an individual or organisation to undermine this right should be met with a united public voice of opposition, he said. Continuing his efforts for forging a grand alliance of opposition parties to take on the Bharatiya Janata Party in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav will participate in the conclave of opposition parties to be held in Patna on June 12. The meeting has been convened by Janata Dal (United) leader and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar after consultation with leaders of various parties and several chief ministers of opposition-ruled states. Senior leaders of opposition parties are expected to attend the meeting. SP spokesman Rajendra Chaudhary confirmed that party chief Akhilesh Yadav will attend the meeting in Patna on June 12. The Congress has also announced that it will participate in the June 12 meeting in Patna. However, the party is yet to decide on who will attend the meeting. Kumar had met several opposition leaders last month as part of efforts to forge a united front against the BJP in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. He had met Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi last month and prior to that, he had a meeting with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Significantly, Nitish Kumar, Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, Nationalist Congress Party supremo Sharad Pawar, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin and National Conference president Farooq Abdullah attended the swearing-in ceremony of Siddaramaiah as the Karnataka chief minister in a show of opposition unity. The opposition has plans to put forward one common candidate to defeat the BJP to upstage it from power at the Centre, but some have expressed reservations over such a proposal as some parties have aspirations to contest the maximum number of parliamentary seats. The Congress also is not inclined to restrict itself to around 200 seats and wants to contest more seats, claiming that it is a national player unlike many regional outfits and has a presence across the country. It has also contended that it is the only party that can directly take on the BJP due to its national footprint. The victory of the Congress in Karnataka assembly elections has also strengthened its claims. The Janata Dal (United), Rashtriya Janata Dal and the Congress are in a coalition government in Bihar and the three parties have been in talks to bring other opposition parties together on a common platform in their fight against the BJP. Criticising the BJP government of Uttarakhand for reducing the penalty imposed on the mining offences, the Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) president Karan Mahara has said that the State government is protecting the mafia. Interacting with the media persons at the State headquarters of the State Congress here on Friday, the PCC president said that on one hand the houses of poor residing there from many years are being demolished in the name of anti encroachment drive and on the other, the penalty imposed on mining offences is slashed. On the mega public outreach campaign of BJP, Mahara said that the Congress party is also reaching to the masses to explain the failures of the BJP government. He said that the people of Uttarakhand want to question BJP about the Ankita Bhandari murder case, recruitment scams, rising unemployment, escalating prices and sinking of Joshimath town. He said that the Karnataka elections have proved that the people have understood the rhetoric of the BJP. Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the Bharatiya Janata Party parliamentarian and former president of Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), has postponed his rally Chetna Maharally scheduled in Ayodhya for June 5, saying fresh dates would be announced soon. In a Facebook post, Singh cited the ongoing police investigation against him and Supreme Court directives while announcing the postponement of the June 5 Chetna Maharally. Singh has been accused of sexually abusing female wrestlers, and prominent wrestlers, including Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik have been holding protests since April 23 demanding his immediate arrest. Singh, who headed the now-suspended Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) for 12 years, has been slapped with two cases, including POCSO Act case, and the wrestlers have demanded his immediate arrest. The announcement to postpone the rally came a day after representatives of around 50 khaps or clan-based outfits met in Uttar Pradeshs Muzaffarnagar district in support of the wrestlers. They said they would meet President Droupadi Murmu to press for action against Singh even as the Union government reiterated it was handling the matter sensitively. On the other hand, Ayodhya saints expressed solidarity with Singh last week and demanded an amendment to the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act under which Singh has been booked. However, an official announced on Friday said that Ayodhya district administration had refused Brij Bhushan Saran Singh the permission to organise a rally in the district on June 5. Circle Officer (Ayodhya) SP Gautam said in view of other programmes scheduled on the World Environment Day on June 5, the permission to organise a rally sought by BJP councillor Chamela Devi on behalf of Singh had been denied. Additional Municipal Commissioner Anil Kumar Singh in the office of Chas Municipal Corporation on Thursday held a review meeting on Prime Minister SVANidhi scheme. In the same context decision taken in the meeting of the monitoring committee constituted at the district level to organize a camp from June 05, 2023 to June 10, 2023 pertaining to the programme Swanidhi se Samridhi under the PM SVANIdhi scheme at two locations from 11:00 AM to 04:00 PM at Durga Mandir opposite V2 Mall located at Check Post vegetable market and at Ramrudra CM School of Excellence Chas, Bokaro. Additional Municipal Commissioner Anil Kumar Singh gave information about the above awareness camp. AMC further said that registration under Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana, Building and other construction workers scheme, Pradhan Mantri Shram Maandhan Yojana, One Nation One Ration Card, Janani Suraksha Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana will be done and taking step ahead Street vendors will be linked to the scheme . At the same time, AMC further requested the residents of the city to participate in the said camp in maximum numbers and take advantage of the above schemes and also inform all their friends and well-wishers so that they too can participate and take advantage of this scheme. The Mathrubhumi Yojana is currently being implemented in rural areas and the government will soon implement it in urban areas as well, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath disclosed on Friday. Inaugurating the Uttar Pradesh Mathrubhumi Yojana, the chief minister said, The mother and motherland are greater than heaven. There can be no comparison between them. Therefore, everyone should be given a chance to participate in the Mathrubhumi Yojana. Our government has currently implemented this scheme in rural areas. We will implement the Mathrubhumi Yojana in urban areas also. This will serve two purposes: firstly, individuals will be able to reconnect with their roots, and secondly, they will be able to contribute towards their motherland, he added. On this occasion, the chief minister distributed awards to 370 outstanding gram panchayats under the Mukhyamantri Panchayat Protsahan Puraskar Yojana. Additionally, under the Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan, 3,145 gram panchayat secretaries were provided with laptops. The chief minister said, The Panchayati Raj department should develop a mechanism through which the person contributing money can be given an account of his every penny. Under the UP Mathrubhumi Yojana, 60 per cent of the funds will be invested by individuals willing to contribute towards their motherland, while 40 per cent of the funds will be provided by the state government. The chief minister said that because people were Gods greatest creation, they had a strong sense of respect for their motherland. Each person has a bond with his or her motherland. We must encourage this bond and instill faith in their hearts. Previously, people had in mind that there was misappropriation of funds in the state governments budget so if we send money, it will also be misused, he said. Asserting that 10 municipal corporations were being developed as Smart Cities in Uttar Pradesh with the inspiration of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Yogi said, Additionally, our government is developing seven municipal corporations as Smart Municipal Corporations under the State Smart City programme. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said that through various initiatives such as gram sachivalaya, optical fibre, sanitation facilities, LED streetlights, good roads, computer operators, and BC Sakhi, the government was helping gram panchayats become smart. If our villages become smart, they can also progress towards self-reliance, the chief minister said. Talking about making gram panchayats smart, the chief minister said: First, there should be competition between villages, and further, we will organise a cleanliness competition between villages and cities. Now that most of the villages have concrete drains and good roads, pay attention to ensure that there is no garbage in any villages drains. Post June 15, make sure that the drains do not get clogged with water during the monsoon. Yogi Adityanath further asserted that laptop distribution to village secretaries would make panchayats digital. It will allow the secretaries to carry out their work through laptops instead of manual methods, he said. During the programme, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also had a conversation with Indian migrants who are associated with the Mathrubhumi Yojana. During this interaction, he spoke to Sanjeev Rajoura, who has been living in California, USA for 21 years and is originally from Bulandshahr. Sanjeev expressed his desire to be a part of this scheme and to contribute to its implementation. He mentioned his faith in Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and said that other people, including those who live abroad, had a lot of faith in him. He said, People living abroad believe that by cooperating with the Yogi government, their money will be invested in the right place, leading to the development of their villages. The foundation work of the drinking water supply must be completed within two weeks. In the rainy season it is not possible to do the foundation work. The persons or public representatives, who create problems during the implementation of the plan, the concerned engineers take legal action on them and lodge the FIR on them. Under the summer action plan the repairs of the water tap must be repaired before the rainy season. This was directed by the deputy commissioner Nancy Sahay during the review meeting of Jal Jeevan Mission in the seminar hall of her office. She said that this must be completed within the prescribed period. She said that the engineers take cooperation from Block Development Officers and Circle officers on the concern block. She further said that the concerned engineers speed up the plan within fifteen days. She said the boring work must be completed within two weeks, under the summer action plan the repairs of water tap work should be repaired within the time framework. The DC further said that all BDOs must organize the meeting with the engineers and contractors for the progress of the work every month in the block and details must be sent to the district headquarter. She further said that the district administration has appealed to all mukhiyas and other office bearers in the panchayat to co-operate with the engineers during the implementation of the plan. This plan is sanctioned for development of their areas. She suggested to the engineers to solve the problems on a local level. In the last position it should have come to the district administration. She said that this is the important In the meeting executive engineers, Additional Collector Shatabdi Majumdar, all assistant and junior engineers, district coordinator and contractors were present. Cyber crime police arrested fraudsters from Delhi who were cheating in the name of facilitating works in movies by posting videos of celebrities on social media, they used to extort money by luring them to do photoshoots with them, accused have duped victims to the tune of Rs 50 lakh. The accused used to deposit money in installments in the name of registration. For two years, they were doing fraud by forming a fake company in Delhi. The team has found evidence of fraud of Rs 50 lakhs from them. The police are interrogating the accused in other cases as well. On December 15, 2022, a model living in Bhopal got a call from Dream Makers Company based in Delhi. They said that you have been selected for the video dance suit of the company. For this Rs 15000 will have to be given online. After this, on January 4, 2023, another person who introduced himself as the director of Dream Makers Company and said there is an offer for video shooting in Mumbai, the shoot will last for 10 days and Rs 17500 will be given daily. For this artist card has to be made and would require Rs 53100 will have to be deposited in two parts for the card. The girl paid money in two installments. After a few days she received call and the accused informed that Rs 105000 have to be deposited, otherwise the money earlier deposited will not be returned. After this, on May 5, the complainant lodged a complaint. The team started the search for the accused with the help of evidence and technical analysis given by the complainant. The location of the accused was found at Madhu Vihar, Delhi. From where the team arrested Waqar Alam and Alka Badonia. The Uttar Pradesh government has taken the initiative to connect students with eminent technological educational institutions like the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and in this sequence, a group of 100 students and 100 teachers from Uttar Pradesh left for IIT-Mandi in Himachal Pradesh from Lucknow on Friday. The one-month course (June 5-July 5) on 'new age of modern technology' offered by IIT-Mandi will equip these students with the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue new employment opportunities in India and abroad. UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has emphasised the importance of skill development and has been working towards Sabko Hunar, Sabko Kaam. The Skill Development Missions Prayas is aligned with this vision, striving to groom youth in new and demanding courses, ensuring they are well-prepared for the job market. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was previously signed between the Uttar Pradesh Skill Development Mission and IIT-Mandi. According to this, all students who have passed their 12th grade this year would be given summer courses with new technologies like advanced computing, artificial intelligence, and robotics. They have organised an online test for the same. Based on the merit, 100 students from internmediate colleges and ITIs were selected. The selection criteria focused on students who have recently completed their 12th grade with a science background. Alongside the students, 50 teachers of secondary education and 50 ITI teachers were also chosen to be part of these courses. On Friday, five buses were arranged to transport the group to Mandi. Vocational Education and Skill Development Minister (Independent Charge) Kapil Dev Aggarwal and Secondary Education Minister (Independent Charge) Gulab Devi flagged off these buses. According to the officials, the funding of the entire programme will be done by the Uttar Pradesh Skill Development Mission. The Uttar Pradesh Skill Development Mission is actively exploring opportunities to collaborate with other institutes like IIT-Bombay, IIT-Kanpur, and IIT-BHU to organise such summer courses for UP students. The potential for future MoUs with these institutes demonstrates the mission's commitment to expanding access to high-quality technical education. The Skill Development Mission is engaging in discussions with private companies, such as HCL Technology, to provide students in UP with opportunities to develop skills. Similarly, in technology like 5G, there is a possibility of starting a training programme to provide skills to the youth. Governor Mangubhai Patel has said that the hard work done by women in the field of entrepreneurship has increased their confidence. Determination and power are the identity of the power of woman. Maatrushakti is putting in its best of hard work to achieve goals. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the country is moving forward with the vision of womens development. The Union Budget also underlines the same thing. Women are getting global platform from G-20. Today, one woman out of 5 entrepreneurs, is emerging in the field of development. Self-help groups have done remarkable work in the matter of economic development of women. Many underprivileged women have proved themselves and contributed not only to the family but also to the countrys economy. The daughters and sisters who are moving forward through self-help groups are also discharging family responsibilities. Mudra and Startup Schemes by the central government have opened up new dimensions of womens development. He said that this awareness program for entrepreneurship will further accelerate the learning process. Prior to this, Governor Mangubhai Patel and the guests inaugurated the one-day Entrepreneurship Awareness Camp of Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship and National Commission for Women at Vikram Kirti Mandir Ujjain by lighting the lamp. Union Minister of State for Child, Women and Child Development Munjpara Mahendrabhai said that the Central Government is moving on the agenda of womens development. The work of their empowerment is being given top priority. Today there is a need to develop such an ecosystem through which capacity building of women entrepreneurs can be done. The Central Governments Mudra Yojana, Startup Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan accounts have done remarkable work in empowering women. Chairperson National Commission for Women Rekha Sharma said that women constitute half of the countrys population, if we leave them behind then economic progress will be hindered. Today, women are at the forefront of startups in India. Not only this, 60 percent women are running their enterprises by taking loans. The central government has also implemented many schemes for women. There is a need for a networking platform for women, where they can express themselves. Also, their mentorship is also highly needed. Director Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship Sunil Shukla said that the way India is developing in the last 10 years, the participation of women is apparent. The Institute of Entrepreneurship has been working continuously in the country for 40 years. Women are becoming more conscious and becoming inclined towards entrepreneurship. He said that entrepreneurs are not born but made. He said that his organization is working for this purpose. Smt. Meenakshi Negi, Member Secretary, National Commission for Women gave the welcome address. A day after Punjab Governor Banwarilal Purohit asked Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to take action against his Food and Civil Supplies Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak, who is facing allegations of sexual misconduct, Leader of Opposition in Vidhan Sabha Partap Singh Bajwa on Friday, wrote to the Governor urging him to forward the matter to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), besides urging the Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court to take suo motu note cognizance of the matter. Bajwa, in his letter to the Governor, sought his intervention in handing over the case to the CBI for fair action to maintain the probity expected from representatives of the people holding constitutional posts. The Congress Legislative Party (CLP) leader also urged the Chief Justice of Punjab and Haryana High Court to take suo motu cognizance and hand over the case to the Centres premier probe agency. At the same time, Bajwa reprimanded Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann for unjustly shielding the Cabinet Minister, who had been facing charges of gross sexual misconduct. The report of the forensic probe that was asked by the Governor of Punjab stated that the video of sexual misconduct was not morphed. Now, he had termed the crime committed by Kataruchak as heinous in nature, he said. A cyber crime police station team of the Gurugram police have busted an international call centre on the intervening night of Thursday and arrested 7 people, police said. The alleged call centre was being run in sector 67, Gurugram where foreign nationals are being defrauded on the pretext of technical support. The accused mostly targeted foreign nationals of Australia and the United States of America by sending them fake e-mails by impersonating tech support representatives from PayPal, Amazon and Norton. The accused were identified as Mohammad Zafar Iqbal (38), Noor Hussain (28), Sumit (32), Abhishek Mishra (30), Sheikh Ibrahim (28), Abhishek Gupta (35), and Mohammad Adil (32) All the suspects were arrested as per the charges levelled against them under relevant sections of the IPC for running call centre illegally without any valid license, Vipin Ahlawat, ACP (cybercrime) said. The victims were told that they have been wrongly charged for purchasing phone or other services and they will help them to get their money refunded and asked the victims to transfer gift cards in denominations of 250-500 Dollars as service charges. The suspects even manipulate the victims to install remote access apps like (Any desk) in their computer system and got details of their bank accounts and credit cards to cheat them. The JSW Steel aims at a philosophy of building sustainable businesses which are rooted in the community and demonstrate care for the environment. The companys thrust is on reducing carbon footprint, using renewable energies, and focusing on a regenerative approach to business. Also, JSW Steel has taken initiatives to support Mission Life drive, initiated by Government of India. In this connection, JSW Steel and Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change of India organized a meet here at Barbil office on May 31, 2023 to promote the drive. AT Mishra, Dy Director General of Forest, MoEF& CC, IRO, Bhubaneswar, was the speaker at the event. Mishra said, A small changes in environmental conscious lifestyle can minimise global warming.Under Mission Life, we need to follow seven steps: save energy, save water, say no to single use plastic, adopt sustainable food system, reduce waste, adopt healthy lifestyle and reduce e-waste to minimize the global warming for better future. Mishra invited all employees to practice sustainable lifestyle and contribute in healing the earth. The CSR team of JSW Foundation elaborated the initiatives that have been taken for the conservation of energy. The company promised to practice sustainable activities for the environment. Mission LiFE is an India-led global mass movement to nudge individual and community action to protect and preserve the environment. Mission LiFE follows the P3 model, which stands for Pro Planet People, focusing on a lifestyle of the planet, for the planet, and by the planet. It advocates for a circular economy, where the concept of reduce, reuse and recycle is crucial to balance development, economic growth, and sustainability. Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati has lashed out at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his minority comments that he made during his Mohabbat Ki Dukaan event in the United States that has stirred a political row. Taking to Twitter, Mayawati slammed the Gandhi scion for his remark highlighting the pathetic conditions of Dalit and Muslim communities and held Congress responsible for inflicting atrocities on them during the United Progressive Alliance regime. She also blamed Bharatiya Janata Party and Samajwadi Party for it. Mayawati said, The statement given by the former president of Congress during his America tour about the pathetic condition of crores of Dalits and Muslim society in India and their life and property, insecurity of religion etc. is such a bitter truth for which Congress, BJP and other parties at the Centre need to be blamed. The former chief minister of Uttar Pradesh claimed that despite any political parties being in power, the minorities have to face injustice, atrocities and exploitation at every level, but it was only under the BSP rule that justice was provided to them and the law was established. Whether it is the government of Congress or BJP or SP in other states including UP, injustice-atrocities and exploitation are common at every level on the poor and deprived of the majority bahujan samaj, whereas in UP only the BSP government has followed the law by law. Justice was done to everyone by establishing the raj, she said. Mayawati further stated that history is full of dark chapters of incessant, countless communal riots and casteist incidents for which allegations and counter-allegations are made just for the sake of political and electoral interests. And despite their benevolent constitution, the people of these classes are constantly exploited, victimised and still remain helpless, she said. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who is on a 10-day visit to the United States, on Thursday interacted with the Indian diaspora at the Mohabbat Ki Dukaan event in San Francisco in the United States. Raking up the minority issue, Rahul said that what is happening to Muslims in India today happened to Dalits in the 1980s and it has to be fought with affection. He further alleged that the impact of some actions of the Centre was being felt by minorities and people from the Dalit and tribal communities. He said, It is being felt by Muslims most directly because it is done most directly to them. But in fact, it is done to all communities. The way you (Muslims) are feeling attacked, I can guarantee Sikhs, Christians, Dalits, and tribals are feeling the same. You cant cut hatred with hatred, but only with love and affection. Also, this is a periodical thing. What is happening to Muslims in India today happened to Dalits in the 1980s. If you went to UP in the 1980s, this was happening with Dalits We have to challenge it, fight it and do it with love and affection and not with hatred and we will do that, Rahul added. Newly appointed SAIL Chairman Amarendu Prakash left for Delhi from Bokaro on June 1, 2023 in the morning. Notably He made his contribution as SAIL Chairman on May 31, 2023. Prakash was given a guard of honor by CISF jawans in the presence of BSL officers and personnel in Ispat Bhavan premises. SAIL Chairman met the present officers and employees before departure, encouraged them and called upon to maintain the progress of Bokaro Steel Plant and take it to the pinnacle of excellence. To promote a healthy lifestyle among employees and family members, 20 days of online Yoga Session is being organised at NTPC Coal Mining Headquarters. The virtual Yoga Session commenced with inauguration by MVR Reddy, RED (Coal Mining) and Padma Reddy, President, Swayamsiddha Ladies Club (SLC) in the august presence of Srinivas K Murthy,GM(HR) & Lakshmi Murthy ,Vice President (SLC). The programme is organised with joint effort by NTPC CMHQ and Swayamsiddha Ladies Club from June 1-20,2023. The Yoga session was conducted by Ramani Ranjan Panigrahi , Faculty and Yoga Expert with experience of more than three decades , to his credit he was the Yoga Faculty for Central Coal Fields ,IICM(Ranchi) & Bangalore University and conducted yoga and Stress Management training at Corporate Houses like SAIL, Mecon etc both in India and abroad. Speaking on the occasion, RED (Coal Mining), Reddy stressed upon practicing yoga for its health benefits and hoped that the three-week yoga session will largely benefit the participants and encourage them to make Yoga a way of life. Padma Reddy, President, SLC sharing on the occasion said that real wealth is maintaining good health which can be attained with regular physical activity and Yoga. Yoga Faculty, Panigrahi in his address said Yoga is an inward journey of the self, with regular practice improves the efficiency in day-to-day work. During the first day of the session, he demonstrated yoga postures which enhance general fitness and shared the importance of breathing exercises to manage stress. The yoga session saw participation of employees and members of Swayamsiddha Ladies Club. The concluding day of the yoga session will be held on June 21, on International Day of Yoga this month. Under the guidance of Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, effective action is being taken to control crimes and with the monitoring of DGP Sudhir Kumar Saxena, the members of the interstate bike thieves gang are being caught and the stolen bikes are being recovered. Madhya Pradesh Police is not only taking the help of technology to reach these thieves, but is also catching them by conducting an intensive investigation campaign. Under this, the police in Jabalpur and Dhar districts including the capital Bhopal, acting promptly, have succeeded in arresting many bike thieves, including members of inter-state gangs. The police, while taking action across the state including Dhar, Indore, Jhabua, Alirajpur, Khandwa, Khargone, Barwani, Dewas, Ujjain, Jabalpur, Katni, Harda and Narsinghpur, have arrested members of such gangs, who are involved in motorcycle theft incidents in other states as well. Police arrested more than 25 accused of different gangs and recovered more than 250 bikes from them. Bike thieves were arrested by conducting a campaign by the Madhya Pradesh police. Police have got great success in arresting 15 accused by seizing 125 motorcycles worth lakhs of rupees during the action taken by 15 police stations of Jabalpur district. On the other hand, the Pithampur police of Dhar district seized 81 motorcycles worth Rs 50 lakh and arrested four accused and the Bagh police seized 40 motorcycles worth Rs 25 lakh and arrested four accused. In the interrogation done by the police, the accused have confessed to carrying out bike theft incidents in 9 districts of Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat. Similarly, while taking action against bike thieves in capital Bhopal, 10 bikes worth Rs 11 lakh were seized from Aishbagh police station area and one accused was arrested after seizing 3 bikes from Ratibad. The arrest of the accused took place in this manner:- Ranjit Baghel, in-charge of Bagh police station of Dhar district, received information through an informer that three bike thieves were about to go from Bagh to Tanda on a motorcycle. During vehicle checking on the Tanda bypass near the police station, four people of the same appearance as told by the informer to the police were seen coming on two motorcycles. He expressed his inability on asking for the documents of the vehicle. On being strictly questioned by the police, he confessed to having stolen the bike. After arresting, he also accepted the execution of other bike theft incidents and told that the stolen bikes are in Magarda. Similarly, at Pithampur police station in Dhar district, on May 8 at around 8 pm, constable Dilip was informed by the informer that a gang of motorcycle thieves had been spotted in Sector 3 of Pithampur. On informing the station in-charge Sameer Patidar in this regard, he immediately formed a team and laid siege behind MPRDC Road, JBM Company, Khandhar and arrested four bike thieves on the basis of the description given by the informer. Punjab Government will forge a strategic partnership with Israel for developing a better water management system in the State. Punjab Government will work on making effective use of Israeli technology and indigenous innovations to develop a cost-effective and sustainable water supply and sewerage infrastructure in the State, said the state Water Supply and Sanitation Minister Bram Shanker Jimpa on Wednesday. Jimpa, while speaking at the Roundtable with Dr Lior Asaf, Water Attache, Embassy of Israel; Neeraj Gahlwat, Senior Water Resources Specialists, International Development Cooperation (MASHAV), Embassy of Israel; and Dr Amit Dhir, Professor, Thapar University, appreciated the role played by Israel in supporting India in addressing water and wastewater challenges. Punjab Government has been very concerned with the depleting groundwater levels in the state and efforts are being made to improve the water quality of chappars (ponds) in rural areas, he said. Accentuating rainwater harvesting as one of the important aspects of groundwater recharge, the Minister said that the Punjab Government has made it mandatory for all buildings in the State. Extending full support to the state of Punjab in adopting new technologies, Dr Lior Asaf said that Israel has developed technologies that enable reuse of 90 per cent of treated wastewater. Every STP in Israel is developed close to agricultural lands and is connected to irrigation, he added. Sundargarh District Congress Committee vice president and erstwhile MLA candidate of Raghunathpali Assembly constituency Prasant Sethi resigned from the partys primary membership. Submitting his resignation to the PCC president, Sethi mentioned that due to certain personal reasons he was quitting the party. In a reply to the scribes regarding his future plan, Sethi said he had not yet thought about his future political career but he would continue his social activities as usual. It may be noted here that Sethi had been in regular touch with the people of different slums through his work chala bastiku jiba (lets go to slum) under the banner of his NGO Manabikata. But the political pundits say here that very soon Sethi will be joining the BJD. According to them, once upon a time Sehi was a close aide to Rourkela MLA and Minister Sarada Nayak. Since 2009 he had been trying for a BJD ticket for Raghunathpali constituency. When repeatedly he was denied ticket, in 2019 he had joined Congress and contested from Raghunathpali Assembly seat. Though he continued in Congress since then, but he was not comfortable there. Rather, he was still carrying good rapport with Nayak who is now in focus after being inducted in the Naveen Patnaiks Cabinet. So Sethis sudden resignation from Congress indicates there must be a green signal from the BJD high command on his joining the party. Secondly, sitting BJD MLA Subrat Tarai is most of the time absent in the area for which the party is also in an awkward position here. Besides, in 2024 Tarai may not be eligible to contest from Raghunathpali seat which is reserved for SC. In this situation, Sethi could be a better choice for the BJD and the vice-versa, say political experts. It may be noted here that in April 2022, the then Rourkela DCC president and former Biramitrapur MLA George Tirkey had also resigned from the primary membership of the party. Pramila Munda, a disabled student of Ghantapada Nodal High School under Talcher Sub Division, has cleared this year's Matric examination, securing a total of 346 out of 600 marks. Angul Collector Sidharth Shankar Swain felicitated the disabled girl student for her achievement. Pramila is the daughter of Gurubari and Niranjan, who lives in Munda Basti. She was studying in sixth standard when she lost her right leg in a train accident while crossing the railway line near Dera over bridge. After the accident she was treated at the SCB Medical College on behalf of the Angul District Administration. On the instruction of Collector, Angul, her artificial leg had been implanted. Pramila's parents thanked social worker Khirod Chandra Sahu for his help. As part of its deliberations to prepare the draft of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) for Uttarakhand, the expert committee on UCC met the chairman of the Law Commission Rituraj Awasthi in New Delhi on Friday. The expert committee led by its chairperson Justice (retd) Ranjana Prakash Desai discussed the UCC with Awasthi in its meeting. In an informal interaction with the media, Desai informed that the committee shared the general information about the work done so far in Uttarakhand in relation to the UCC with the chairman of the National Law Commission. She said that the work of basic consultation on the UCC has been done in Uttarakhand so far and discussions have been held with all the stakeholders in the state. The sub-committees of the UCC have held discussions in this regard with members of various religions, communities, stakeholders and sections of society. A meeting has also been held with all the political parties in this regard and their suggestions have been obtained. We hope that everyone will like our draft on UCC. Our meetings on UCC are still going on and we are getting cooperation from all the communities, she said. It will be recalled that the State government constituted the expert committee on May 27, 2022 and directed it to submit its report within six months. The committee has so far been given two extensions. Justice (retd) Pramod Kohli, social worker Manu Gaur, former chief secretary of Uttarakhand Shatrughna Singh and vice chancellor of Doon University Surekha Dangwal are the members of the expert committee. The committee has been mandated to examine all existing and relevant laws regarding marriage, divorce, right for property, inheritance, adoption and protection for implementation of UCC in the State. The chairperson of Uttrakhand State Commission for Women (USCW) Kusum Kandwal conducted an inspection of Suddhowala jail along with her team members on Friday. She interacted with the inmates and took their feedback regarding the arrangements in the jail. She informed that there are 19 convicted female and 389 convicted male inmates in the jail. The number of undertrial female prisoners is 51 and the number of such male prisoners is 998, she added. She further said that women inmates told her that there is no problem with the necessary facilities in the jail. Kandwal further said that doctors at the jail visit regularly for the checkup of the prisoners. Apart from this Kandwal reviewed the condition of sanitary napkin machines for the women prisoners in the state. Further, member of the women's child welfare committee Gauri Bala informed the USCW head that women are being given training in sewing-embroidery, painting and making jute bags. She further stated that all the women prisoners participate in every activity organised in jail. Kandwal further inspected the creche, in which she found that there is a proper facility regarding the care, education and play for the small children living with the undertrial prisoners. Apart from this, she was satisfied with the proper arrangement of PCO for the prisoners to contact their relatives. Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Friday hit out at Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat over his remark on Rahul Gandhi. Baghel told the media why Bhagwat did not pull up Prime Minister Narendra Modi when he said he feels he was unfortunate to take birth in India. Why was Bhagwat sleeping like a Kumbhkaran then, he asked. Citing Bhagwat's remark on Gandhis statement in the United States, Baghel said: If Bhagwat had condemned Modis statement, he would have been justified in criticizing Rahulji." Stating that Bhagwat supposedly headed a cultural organization, Baghel said such a person should not be biased and not be inclined towards a political party. When it is seen that he is politically biased, then it means RSS is not a cultural organization as it is claims." All senior leaders and spokespersons of BJP target Rahul Gandhi though he is not the Congress chief. This indicates that the BJP views him as the biggest opposition star, Baghel said. As part of the CXO Session, XLRI PGDM(GM) hosted Gopal Krishna, Country Head, Market Function & Product Head TCS iON, Tata Consultancy Services, Mumbai addressed the students of XLRI. The session served as a platform for insightful discussions, sharing of best practices, and exploring innovative strategies to harness the power of digital technologies. Krishna emphasized the need for businesses to adapt and embrace digital transformation in order to stay competitive in the digital age. "Digital transformation is not merely about incorporating technology into existing processes; it is a fundamental shift in mindset, culture, and operations," stated the country head. The event began with an inaugural address by Kautilya Dubey, XLRI Jamshedpur, who welcomed the guest speaker, Gopal Krishna and the GST members, cohort PGDM (GM) offered a warm welcome. The speaker highlighted the rapid pace of technological advancements and the transformative opportunities they present for organizations across various sectors Gopal Krishna spoke about several facets of leadership and how it has to be contextualized in ever changing dynamics of the contemporary world. He began discussing the qualities required to be a successful leader in any firm. The distinguished speaker explained his career trajectory, how he has seamlessly navigated across several domains in his enriching career. Gopal Krishna also explained the challenges that he had faced in his professional experience to date, and he explained how tactfully he has been dealing with all his challenges He opined that contemporary business leaders should be adaptable to the global disruptions especially post pandemic. He also enforced his emphasis on cross functional learnings that make managers leaders in the truest sense. He has explained strategy as an important dimension for any organization and he explained TCS ion journey and how it has been a pioneer in conducting online exams for recruitment boards smoothly throughout the country. He also spoke at length on contextualising the strategy in accordance with the times we live in. He was asked about his views on the digital transformation in India and how managers should partner in this digital transformation. He also dovetailed on market dynamics, consumer behaviour and business models when entering new markets. Krishna stressed the need for building a comprehensive ecosystem, prioritizing customer satisfaction and fostering synergy among the stakeholders. The session ended with a few questions from the students on strategy, product management and leadership. Gopal Krishna answered their queries and wished the students of XLRI PGDM(GM) an exciting year of learning and prosperous careers ahead. In an attempt to boost the food processing sector in the state, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has launched Uttar Pradesh Food Processing Industry Policy-2023 under which subsidies and other facilities are being given for setting up food processing industries. The Uttar Pradesh government is providing additional facilities to encourage investors, including subsidy, interest subvention and transport subsidy. It has been divided into four parts, first is the grant of projects, second is interest subvention, the third is transport grant and the fourth is major incentives. Under the policy, the Yogi government is giving a grant of 35 per cent of the project cost (on plant, machinery and technical civil work) or a maximum of Rs 5 crore on the establishment of new food processing units. Apart from this, 35 per cent of the project cost or a maximum of Rs 1 crore is being given for expansion, modernisation and upgradation of units, an official said. On the other hand, for integrated cold chain and value addition infrastructure (primary equipment, plant machinery, and 50 frozen irradiation facilities), 35 per cent of the project cost, or a maximum grant of Rs 10 crore, is being given. Similarly, 35 per cent of the project cost of a minimum investment of Rs 25 crore (five units) or a maximum of Rs 10 crore by the agro-processing group, a grant of 35 per cent of the project cost or a maximum of Rs 5 crore for the development of a priority processing centre at the farm gate, collection centre, cold storage, dry warehouse, mobile pre-cooling unit, reefer trucks, IQF facility distribution centers, and retail outlets under backward and forward linkage, is being given. Not only this, a maximum of Rs 5 crore of the project cost is being given for agricultural promotion chain development study, 50 per cent of the project cost or a maximum of Rs 50 lakhs is being given on the construction of decentralised procurement storage and processing unit. Under major incentives, exemption of 2 per cent fee on the declaration of non-agricultural use, 25 per cent on circle rate on exchange of government land, 50 per cent on change fee on land use conversion, 75 per cent on external development fee, is being given. Percentage discount, reimbursement of stamp duty for land purchase, market fee on raw material purchased for processing in the state, exemption in tax, exemption in market fee and cess on agricultural produce purchased directly from farmers by processing units is being offered. Investors do not have to visit the department, rather they can take advantage of these facilities by applying online at http://niveshmitra.up.nic.in. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday said the horrific train accident in Odisha's Balasore district was the biggest of the century and a proper investigation was needed to get to the truth. Banerjee, who was the railway minister twice, flew to the accident site on Saturday afternoon to take stock of rescue operations. She spoke to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and other senior officials who were already present there. This is the biggest train accident of this century and a proper investigation must be conducted, Banerjee told reporters. "Something must be behind this. The truth must come out. Why didn't the anti-collision system work?" Banerjee questioned. Banerjee announced that her government would pay Rs 5 lakh compensation to the families of passengers from West Bengal killed in the accident. She also offered her government's full assistance to the Railways and the Odisha government. "We have already sent 70 ambulances, 40 doctors and nurses to help the injured," she said. The railways announced an ex gratia of Rs 10 lakh for the next of kin of the deceased, Rs 2 lakh for those grievously injured and Rs 50,000 for those who got minor injuries. Prime Minister Narendra Modi too expressed his distress over the accident, and announced an additional ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the next of kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured from the PM's National Relief Fund (PMNRF). The train crash, the fourth deadliest in India according to available records, happened near Bahanaga Bazar station in Balasore district, about 250 km south of Kolkata and 170 km north of Bhubaneswar, around 7 pm on Friday, prom Chinas Ukraine envoy called on other governments on Friday to stop sending weapons to the battlefield and appealed for peace talks at a time when Washington and its European allies are ramping up supplies of missiles and tanks to Ukrainian forces trying to recapture Russian-occupied territory. Li Hui said Russian and Ukrainian officials were open to peace negotiations, but he gave no indication they were any closer to happening. Chinese leader Xi Jinpings government says it is neutral and wants to serve as a mediator but has supported Moscow politically. Foreign analysts saw little chance of progress from Lis visits to the countries because neither side is ready to stop fighting, but sending an envoy gave Beijing a opportunity to expand its global diplomatic role. China believes that if we really want to put an end to war, to save lives and realize peace, it is important for us to stop sending weapons to the battlefield, or else the tensions will only spiral up, Li told reporters. China is the only major government that has good relations with both Russia and Ukraine and has leverage as one of the biggest export markets for both. Xis decision to send an envoy was welcomed by the Ukrainian government but prompted questions about Chinas motives after Beijing declared it had a no limits friendship with the Kremlin ahead of the February 2022 invasion. Beijing released a proposed peace plan in February, but Ukraines allies insisted President Vladimir Putin must first withdraw Russian forces. Chinas goal is promoting peace talks and a cessation of hostilities, said Li, a former ambassador to Moscow. European governments promised Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy missiles, tanks and drones when he visited Britain, France and Germany in mid-May. Ukraine has received Patriot anti-missile systems from the United States, Germany and the Netherlands. The United States, Spain, Germany and France have pledged a total of 300 tanks. US President Joe Biden earlier warned Xi of unspecified consequences if Beijing provided arms or military supplies to support Russias invasion. China is buying more Russian oil and gas, which helps to shore up the Kremlins export revenue after the United States, Europe and Japan cut off most purchases, but it appears to be avoiding anything that might trigger Western sanctions. Li repeated Beijings call for respect for the territorial integrity of all countries but gave no indication China was pressing Moscow to give back captured territory. Putins forces occupy the Crimean Peninsula and parts of eastern Ukraine with mainly Russian-speaking populations.China advocates for a balanced and just way to address security concerns, Li said. Li, who also visited Poland, France, Germany and the European Union headquarters, said Beijing was ready to send a second delegation to discuss a possible political settlement but gave no indication what Chinas next move might be. Li referred several times to outsiders adding fuel to the fire and making comments that exacerbate the situation. He didnt name any party but used language Chinese officials invoke when criticising US dominance in global affairs. Who is the real troublemaker in the world and the real security threat in the world? The global community has a keen understanding of that, Li said. Li defended Beijings strategic partnership of coordination with Russia as more beneficial to the world than other governments he didnt name. Compared with some countries actions, clinging to Cold War mentality, ganging up with other countries, creating small circles for bloc confrontation and carrying out hegemonic bullying actions, these are completely different practices, he said. Li criticised a report by The Wall Street Journal, citing unidentified officials, that he had proposed a cease-fire that would leave Russia in control of Ukrainian territory. He rejected that as not in line with the facts and suggested whoever spread that story might want to sabotage peace efforts. It is a move to sow discord between China and Ukraine, Li said. Li also called for steps to protect the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, adding to appeals by the International Atomic Energy Agency this week for both sides to commit to preventing any attack on the facility to avoid a catastrophic incident. As tensions grow between the United States and China in the Asia-Pacific, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told a gathering of top defense officials on Friday that open channels of communication are critical for preserving peace, while also advocating effective deterrence. Albanese, who has been expanding Australias military power in response to Chinas growing military assertiveness in the South China Sea, the South Pacific and the East China Sea, said he has also been working to stabilise the countrys diplomatic relations with China. We recognise there are fundamental differences in our two nations systems of government, our values and our world views, he said in his keynote address to the annual Shangri-La dialogue. But we begin from the principle that whatever the issue, whether we agree or disagree, it is always better and it is always more effective if we deal direct. Both US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Chinas new defense minister, Gen. Li Shangfu, were in the audience as Albanese spoke. Ahead of the conference, Li rejected a request from Austin to meet on the sidelines, but the two shook hands before sitting down at opposite sides of the same table just before Albaneses address. Both the US and China have been intensifying efforts to win influence in the region, and the weekend dialogue, hosted by the International Institute for Strategic Studies think tank, provides an opportunity for one-on-one discussions with their regional counterparts, diplomats and leaders. Austin opens the dialogue on Saturday with a speech, and Li will follow on Sunday. Australia is a stalwart American ally in the region, and Albanese stressed that while Chinas extraordinary economic transformation has been a benefit to the entire region, China has also benefitted from a regional architecture that facilitates free trade, encourages the sharing of knowledge, spurs innovation and builds people-to-people connections. American leadership has been an indispensable part of this, he said. He also said there was a need for guardrails to ensure that no one nation imagines itself too big for the rules, which he said is part of the reason he has found it necessary to boost. Australias defense capabilities. Beijing has strongly criticised Australias participation in the so-called AUKUS partnership, which links it with the United States and Britain to create an Australian fleet of eight nuclear-powered submarines. Australias goal is not to prepare for war, but to prevent it through deterrence and reassurance and building resilience in the region, doing our part to fulfill the shared responsibility, he said. The President of Imran Khans Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party Parvez Elahi was on Friday arrested again minutes after a judicial magistrate here ordered his release in an embezzlement case. Elahi, a close aide to former prime minister Khan, was a day earlier arrested outside his residence in Punjab province in the Rs 70 million corruption case related to the embezzlement of development funds allocated for the Gujrat district. The former chief minister of Punjab province was re-arrested by officials of the Anti-Corruption Establishment Punjab in a corruption case registered against him in Gujranwala, Geo News reported. Judicial Magistrate Ghulam Murtaza Virk issued Elahis release order while announcing the verdict he had reserved on a plea seeking the PTI leaders physical remand.Parvez Elahi should be released if he is not wanted in any other case, the verdict said. Murtaza had reserved the verdict after hearing the former Punjab chief ministers case, where ACE Punjab requested the court for his 14-day physical remand. Elahis counsel Advocate Rana Intizar informed the court that all documents related to the projects were available. Anti-corruption watchdog is introducing its own law under which the judge hearing the cases will be of their choice, the council said, adding that on January 17 a payment worth Rs 360 million was made when Naqvi was the chief minister. Earlier on Friday, the 77-year-old leader claimed innocence and said that he was a supporter of the Pakistan Army, urging party supporters to stay strong. Speaking to reporters before his appearance in the court, Elahi said: I am innocent and a supporter of the Pakistan Army. While speaking to Geo News, Elahi without naming anybody took a jibe at the former party leaders who announced their decision to part ways with PTI chief Imran Khan, saying that he wont hold any press conference. Iran has released one Danish and two Austrian citizens, the European countries said on Friday, thanking Oman and Belgium for their help in getting the trio freed. Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg said he was very relieved that Kamran Ghaderi and Massud Mossaheb were being brought home after years of arduous detention in Iran. Denmarks foreign minister, Lars Lokke Rasmussen, said that he was happy and relieved that a Danish citizen is on his way home to his family in Denmark after imprisonment in Iran. He didnt name the person, saying their identity was a personal matter and he couldnt go into details. Schallenberg thanked the foreign ministers of Belgium and Oman for providing valuable support, without elaborating on what form it took. Lokke Rasmussen thanked Belgium and said that Oman played an important role. An Oman Royal Air Force Gulfstream IV, which had been on the ground in Tehran for several days, took off shortly before the announcement. Oman often serves an interlocutor between Iran and the West and brings released captives out of the Islamic Republic.The releases also come after Omans Sultan Haitham bin Tariq visited Iran on his first trip there since becoming the Arab nations ruler in 2020. Ghaderi is an Iranian-Austrian businessman who was arrested in 2016 and later sentenced to 10 years in prison for allegedly spying for the US, charges strongly rejected by his supporters. His family had criticized Austria for being silent on his case in recent years. Mossaheb, also an Iranian-Austrian businessman, was arrested in 2019 and received a 10-year prison sentence after what Amnesty International called a grossly unfair trial for vague national security offenses. Amnesty had said Mossaheb suffered from heart failure and diabetes, making his imprisonment that much more dangerous for him. Iranian state media and officials did not immediately acknowledge a release on Friday, which is part of the weekend in the Islamic Republic. Last week, a prisoner exchange between Belgium and Iran saw an Iranian diplomat convicted of attempting to bomb exiles in France returning to Tehran while a visibly gaunt aid worker headed back to Brussels. Iran has detained a number of foreigners and dual nationals over the years, accusing them of espionage or other state security offenses and sentencing them following secretive trials in which rights groups say they have been denied due process. Critics have repeatedly accused Iran of using such prisoners as bargaining chips with the West. Iran, facing Western sanctions over its rapidly advancing nuclear programme, has experienced protests in recent months and economic strain. However, it also reached a detente with Saudi Arabia through Chinese mediation, and the International Atomic Energy Agency dropped two inquiries into the countrys nuclear programme. Japans birth rate declined for a seventh consecutive year in 2022 to a record low of 1.26, the Health Ministry said Friday, adding to a sense of urgency in a country where the government is seen as too slow to take measures to address its rapidly shrinking and aging population. The average number of children a woman gives birth to in her lifetime fell to 1.26 in 2022 from 1.30 a year earlier, tying the record low from 2005, according to the annual population statistics. The fertility rate is far below the rate of 2.06 -2.07 considered to be needed to maintain a population. Japans population of more than 125 million has been declining for 16 years and is projected to fall to 87 million by 2070. A shrinking and aging population has huge implications for the economy and for national security as Japan fortifies its military to counter Chinas increasingly assertive territorial ambitions. The number of newborns in Japan also fell 5% to 77,747 babies last year, another new low, the Health Ministry said. The number of deaths jumped 9% to 1.57 million, as the population shrank by 798,214, continuing a 16-year streak of declines. Prime Minister Fumio Kishia has set tackling the declining births as one of his top policy goals and pledged to introduce further drastic measures. A last chance for us to reverse the declining births is before the young population is expected to decline drastically in 2030, Kishida told a panel of experts commissioned to compile a package of measures at a meeting Thursday. The government plans to secure annual funding of about 3.5 trillion yen ($25.2 billion) over the next three years for a new child care package, which includes child birth and rearing allowances as well as increased subsidies for higher education. Kishidas government said it would come up with specific measures and secure funding by the end of the year. Experts say the proposed measures are mostly additional funding for existing ones and dont address underlying problems. Many younger Japanese have balked at marrying or having families, discouraged by bleak job prospects, corporate cultures that are incompatible with both parents but especially women working, and a lack of public tolerance for small children. Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda is likely to visit China next month or in early August, a leader of the ruling party said on Friday, in what could be the senior Maoist leaders second bilateral visit abroad since assuming office in December 2022. Prachanda on Wednesday left for India on a official visit for talks with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi and other leaders to further bolster the age-old, multifaceted and cordial ties between the two countries. Prachanda is currently leading a high-level delegation of more than 100 members to India. This is the 68-year-old Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist (CPN-Maoist) leaders first bilateral visit abroad since assuming office last year. Following his visit to India, he is likely to visit China next month. Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft (ETR:BMW Get Rating) shares passed above its 200-day moving average during trading on Wednesday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of 94.76 ($101.89) and traded as high as 105.36 ($113.29). Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft shares last traded at 104.18 ($112.02), with a volume of 668,215 shares traded. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several brokerages have recently commented on BMW. Barclays set a 95.00 ($102.15) target price on Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft in a report on Monday, February 13th. UBS Group set a 85.00 ($91.40) price objective on Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft in a report on Friday, March 24th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft set a 120.00 ($129.03) price objective on Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft in a report on Monday, March 20th. Royal Bank of Canada set a 103.00 ($110.75) price objective on Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft in a report on Wednesday, March 15th. Finally, Berenberg Bank set a 99.00 ($106.45) price objective on Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft in a report on Friday, March 24th. Get Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft alerts: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft Stock Up 1.6 % The firms 50-day simple moving average is 102.03 and its 200 day simple moving average is 94.81. The company has a market cap of $62.31 billion, a P/E ratio of 5.80, a PEG ratio of -0.28 and a beta of 1.13. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 95.54, a quick ratio of 0.71 and a current ratio of 1.14. Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft Company Profile Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft, together with its subsidiaries, develops, manufactures, and sells automobiles and motorcycles, and spare parts and accessories worldwide. It operates through Automotive, Motorcycles, and Financial Services segments. The Automotive segment is involved in the development, manufacture, assembling, and sale of automobiles, spare parts, accessories, and mobility services under the BMW, MINI, and Rolls-Royce brands. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft restated their buy rating on shares of Babcock International Group (LON:BAB Get Rating) in a report issued on Tuesday morning, MarketBeat reports. The firm currently has a GBX 460 ($5.68) price objective on the stock. Several other research firms have also recently commented on BAB. Shore Capital restated a hold rating on shares of Babcock International Group in a research report on Thursday, April 20th. Peel Hunt restated a hold rating and issued a GBX 382 ($4.72) target price on shares of Babcock International Group in a research report on Wednesday, March 1st. Three analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Babcock International Group has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of GBX 413.40 ($5.11). Get Babcock International Group alerts: Babcock International Group Stock Up 1.1 % Shares of Babcock International Group stock opened at GBX 312.60 ($3.86) on Tuesday. The company has a current ratio of 0.87, a quick ratio of 0.76 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 331.94. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is GBX 307.97 and its 200-day simple moving average is GBX 304.38. The stock has a market capitalization of 1.58 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 1,116.43, a PEG ratio of 1.35 and a beta of 1.39. Babcock International Group has a twelve month low of GBX 262.20 ($3.24) and a twelve month high of GBX 371.40 ($4.59). Babcock International Group Company Profile Babcock International Group PLC, together with its subsidiaries, provides value-add services for aerospace, defense, and security in the United Kingdom, rest of Europe, Africa, North America, Australasia, and internationally. The company operates through four segments: Marine, Nuclear, Land, and Aviation. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Babcock International Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Babcock International Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Dollarama (TSE:DOL Get Rating) had its target price increased by Scotiabank from C$93.00 to C$95.00 in a report released on Tuesday morning, BayStreet.CA reports. A number of other brokerages have also commented on DOL. CIBC raised their price objective on shares of Dollarama from C$84.00 to C$89.00 in a report on Thursday, March 30th. National Bankshares raised their price objective on shares of Dollarama from C$92.00 to C$93.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, May 25th. Desjardins restated a buy rating on shares of Dollarama in a report on Wednesday, March 29th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada raised their target price on shares of Dollarama from C$95.00 to C$98.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, May 25th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of C$90.17. Get Dollarama alerts: Dollarama Price Performance Shares of DOL stock opened at C$83.48 on Tuesday. The firms 50 day moving average price is C$82.93 and its two-hundred day moving average price is C$80.94. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 14,849.75, a quick ratio of 0.08 and a current ratio of 1.00. The stock has a market cap of C$23.75 billion, a PE ratio of 30.25, a PEG ratio of 1.93 and a beta of 0.73. Dollarama has a 52-week low of C$68.90 and a 52-week high of C$85.88. Dollarama Increases Dividend Dollarama ( TSE:DOL Get Rating ) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, March 29th. The company reported C$0.91 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of C$0.83 by C$0.08. The company had revenue of C$1.47 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of C$1.36 billion. Dollarama had a net margin of 15.87% and a return on equity of 2,563.29%. As a group, analysts forecast that Dollarama will post 3.5383283 EPS for the current year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, May 5th. Stockholders of record on Friday, May 5th were given a $0.071 dividend. This represents a $0.28 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.34%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, April 13th. This is an increase from Dollaramas previous quarterly dividend of $0.06. Dollaramas dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 10.14%. Insider Activity In other news, Senior Officer Johanne Choiniere sold 8,482 shares of Dollarama stock in a transaction dated Friday, March 31st. The shares were sold at an average price of C$80.63, for a total value of C$683,862.10. Insiders own 3.97% of the companys stock. Dollarama Company Profile (Get Rating) Dollarama Inc operates a chain of dollar stores in Canada. Its stores offer general merchandise, consumables, and seasonal products. The company also sells its products through online store. As of July 31, 2022, it operated 1,444 stores. The company was formerly known as Dollarama Capital Corporation and changed its name to Dollarama Inc in September 2009. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Dollarama Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Dollarama and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Mayan Energy Ltd (LON:MYN Get Rating) passed below its 50 day moving average during trading on Wednesday . The stock has a 50 day moving average of GBX 0.14 ($0.00) and traded as low as GBX 0.13 ($0.00). Mayan Energy shares last traded at GBX 0.14 ($0.00), with a volume of 16,096,226 shares. Mayan Energy Stock Up 16.7 % The firm has a market capitalization of 5.28 million and a price-to-earnings ratio of -0.23. The business has a 50-day moving average of GBX 0.14 and a two-hundred day moving average of GBX 0.14. About Mayan Energy (Get Rating) Mayan Energy Limited engages in the development, production, and sale of hydrocarbons and related activities in the United States. The company holds interests in Forest Hills project situated in Wood County, Texas; Stockdale oil fields located in Wilson County, Texas; Zink Ranch and Mathis leases situated in Osage County, Oklahoma; and Shoats Creek field located in Louisiana. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Mayan Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Mayan Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Morses Club PLC (LON:MCL Get Rating)s share price crossed below its 50 day moving average during trading on Wednesday . The stock has a 50 day moving average of GBX 0.21 ($0.00) and traded as low as GBX 0.10 ($0.00). Morses Club shares last traded at GBX 0.21 ($0.00), with a volume of 12,542,035 shares changing hands. Morses Club Price Performance The company has a current ratio of 2.05, a quick ratio of 1.95 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 96.04. The firm has a market capitalization of 282,303.00, a PE ratio of 21.00, a P/E/G ratio of -0.05 and a beta of 1.36. The company has a fifty day moving average price of GBX 0.21 and a two-hundred day moving average price of GBX 1.07. Morses Club Company Profile (Get Rating) Morses Club PLC provides non-standard financial services in the United Kingdom. The company operates through Home Collected Credit and Digital segments. The Home Collected Credit segment offers small short-term loans to customers who need affordable credit. It serves customers through a network of 1,077 self-employed agents. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Morses Club Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Morses Club and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Nuveen California Quality Municipal Income Fund (NYSE:NAC Get Rating) shares crossed below its 50-day moving average during trading on Wednesday . The stock has a 50-day moving average of $10.82 and traded as low as $10.55. Nuveen California Quality Municipal Income Fund shares last traded at $10.60, with a volume of 223,652 shares trading hands. Nuveen California Quality Municipal Income Fund Stock Performance The companys 50 day moving average is $10.81 and its two-hundred day moving average is $11.01. Get Nuveen California Quality Municipal Income Fund alerts: Nuveen California Quality Municipal Income Fund Dividend Announcement The firm also recently disclosed a monthly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, June 1st. Shareholders of record on Monday, May 15th were paid a $0.036 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Friday, May 12th. This represents a $0.43 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.08%. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Nuveen California Quality Municipal Income Fund About Nuveen California Quality Municipal Income Fund Several institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in NAC. Resurgent Financial Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of Nuveen California Quality Municipal Income Fund in the 4th quarter valued at about $25,000. EWG Elevate Inc. purchased a new stake in Nuveen California Quality Municipal Income Fund during the 4th quarter worth approximately $75,000. Captrust Financial Advisors purchased a new stake in Nuveen California Quality Municipal Income Fund during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $91,000. Nomura Holdings Inc. purchased a new stake in Nuveen California Quality Municipal Income Fund during the 1st quarter worth approximately $110,000. Finally, Jane Street Group LLC purchased a new stake in Nuveen California Quality Municipal Income Fund during the 1st quarter worth approximately $119,000. (Get Rating) Nuveen California Quality Municipal Income Fund operates as a closed-end investment fund/investment trust. The fund seeks current income exempt from both regular federal income taxes and California personal income tax by investing its assets majorly in investment-grade quality municipal bonds. The company was founded on December 1, 1998 and is headquartered in Chicago, IL. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Nuveen California Quality Municipal Income Fund Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Nuveen California Quality Municipal Income Fund and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Integra Resources (NYSEMKT:ITRG Get Rating) had its price target reduced by Raymond James from C$5.63 to C$5.25 in a report released on Tuesday, The Fly reports. Other analysts also recently issued research reports about the stock. HC Wainwright dropped their target price on shares of Integra Resources from $10.00 to $6.25 in a research report on Monday, May 8th. Desjardins lowered their price target on shares of Integra Resources from C$4.38 to C$4.00 in a report on Monday, May 8th. Get Integra Resources alerts: Integra Resources Stock Performance NYSEMKT:ITRG opened at $1.10 on Tuesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.05, a quick ratio of 0.88 and a current ratio of 0.88. The company has a market cap of $75.66 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -1.57 and a beta of 1.43. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $1.34 and a 200-day simple moving average of $1.50. Institutional Trading of Integra Resources Integra Resources Company Profile Hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Bank of America Corp DE acquired a new stake in Integra Resources during the first quarter worth approximately $26,000. UBS Group AG acquired a new position in shares of Integra Resources in the 1st quarter valued at $30,000. Virtu Financial LLC acquired a new position in shares of Integra Resources in the 1st quarter valued at $55,000. Vontobel Holding Ltd. increased its holdings in shares of Integra Resources by 96.1% in the 3rd quarter. Vontobel Holding Ltd. now owns 60,000 shares of the companys stock valued at $33,000 after acquiring an additional 29,400 shares during the period. Finally, Millennium Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of Integra Resources by 162.1% in the 4th quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 83,801 shares of the companys stock valued at $53,000 after acquiring an additional 51,830 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 40.83% of the companys stock. (Get Rating) Integra Resources Corp., a mineral resources company, engages in the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral properties in the Americas. It primarily focuses on the development of DeLamar project that consists of DeLamar and Florida Mountain gold and silver deposits comprising 790 unpatented lode, placer, and millsite claims, as well as 16 tax parcels covering an area of approximately 8,673 hectares located in the Owyhee County, south western Idaho. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Integra Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Integra Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. StockNews.com upgraded shares of Science Applications International (NYSE:SAIC Get Rating) from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report report published on Tuesday. Other research analysts have also issued reports about the stock. Wells Fargo & Company dropped their price objective on shares of Science Applications International from $121.00 to $118.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, April 4th. Citigroup dropped their price objective on shares of Science Applications International from $141.00 to $127.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, April 4th. The Goldman Sachs Group upped their price target on shares of Science Applications International from $90.00 to $97.00 and gave the stock a sell rating in a report on Wednesday, April 5th. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus upped their price target on shares of Science Applications International from $110.00 to $112.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, April 11th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five 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, Science Applications International currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $113.30. Get Science Applications International alerts: Science Applications International Trading Up 2.5 % SAIC stock opened at $101.44 on Tuesday. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $102.54 and a 200 day moving average price of $105.55. Science Applications International has a fifty-two week low of $83.68 and a fifty-two week high of $117.94. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.38, a quick ratio of 1.00 and a current ratio of 1.06. The firm has a market cap of $5.50 billion, a PE ratio of 18.86 and a beta of 0.71. Science Applications International Announces Dividend Science Applications International ( NYSE:SAIC Get Rating ) last posted its earnings results on Monday, April 3rd. The information technology services provider reported $2.04 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.63 by $0.41. The firm had revenue of $1.97 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.86 billion. Science Applications International had a net margin of 3.89% and a return on equity of 25.20%. Science Applications Internationals revenue for the quarter was up 10.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the firm posted $1.50 earnings per share. Sell-side analysts anticipate that Science Applications International will post 6.93 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, April 28th. Investors of record on Friday, April 14th were paid a $0.37 dividend. This represents a $1.48 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.46%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, April 13th. Science Applications Internationals dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 27.51%. Insider Buying and Selling In related news, CEO Nazzic S. Keene sold 26,237 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Thursday, April 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $107.37, for a total value of $2,817,066.69. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 65,680 shares of the companys stock, valued at $7,052,061.60. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. In other Science Applications International news, insider Michael W. Larouche sold 6,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, April 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $107.19, for a total transaction of $643,140.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 49,192 shares of the companys stock, valued at $5,272,890.48. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Also, CEO Nazzic S. Keene sold 26,237 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, April 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $107.37, for a total transaction of $2,817,066.69. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 65,680 shares of the companys stock, valued at $7,052,061.60. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 33,430 shares of company stock valued at $3,589,623 over the last three months. 1.29% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Institutional Trading of Science Applications International Hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the company. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans raised its position in shares of Science Applications International by 0.6% in the 3rd quarter. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans now owns 14,738 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $1,303,000 after purchasing an additional 94 shares during the last quarter. Rockefeller Capital Management L.P. raised its position in shares of Science Applications International by 2.6% in the 4th quarter. Rockefeller Capital Management L.P. now owns 3,806 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $421,000 after purchasing an additional 95 shares during the last quarter. Mercer Global Advisors Inc. ADV raised its position in shares of Science Applications International by 3.0% in the 4th quarter. Mercer Global Advisors Inc. ADV now owns 3,312 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $367,000 after purchasing an additional 96 shares during the last quarter. NorthCrest Asset Manangement LLC raised its position in shares of Science Applications International by 1.5% in the 4th quarter. NorthCrest Asset Manangement LLC now owns 6,800 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $754,000 after purchasing an additional 100 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Exchange Traded Concepts LLC increased its holdings in Science Applications International by 1.6% in the 4th quarter. Exchange Traded Concepts LLC now owns 6,738 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $747,000 after buying an additional 107 shares during the period. 76.40% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Science Applications International Company Profile (Get Rating) Science Applications International Corp. is a provider of technical, engineering and enterprise information technology (IT) services. Its offerings include engineering, systems integration and information technology offerings for large, complex government projects and offer a broad range of services with a targeted emphasis on higher end, differentiated technology services, and end-to-end services spanning the entire spectrum of its customers IT infrastructure. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Science Applications International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Science Applications International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Serengeti Resources Inc. (CVE:SIR Get Rating)s share price traded up 2.1% during mid-day trading on Friday . The stock traded as high as C$0.50 and last traded at C$0.49. 70,621 shares traded hands during trading, a decline of 28% from the average session volume of 97,510 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$0.48. Serengeti Resources Trading Up 2.1 % The stock has a market capitalization of C$54.39 million and a price-to-earnings ratio of -8.60. The companys 50-day moving average is C$0.49 and its 200-day moving average is C$0.49. The company has a quick ratio of 1.40, a current ratio of 1.44 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.31. About Serengeti Resources (Get Rating) Serengeti Resources Inc acquires and explores for mineral properties in Canada. It company explores for gold, copper, and silver deposits. The company's flagship property is the Kwanika project that covers an area of 25,928 hectares located in the northern Quesnel Trough, British Columbia. It also has an option to acquire 100% interest in Top Cat project covering an area of approximately 21,600 hectares situated in central British Columbia. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Serengeti Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Serengeti Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Snap-on Incorporated (NYSE:SNA Get Rating) CEO Nicholas T. Pinchuk sold 22,348 shares of Snap-on stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, June 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $249.48, for a total transaction of $5,575,379.04. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 687,081 shares of the companys stock, valued at $171,412,967.88. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Snap-on Stock Up 2.8 % Snap-on stock traded up $7.04 during mid-day trading on Friday, hitting $259.71. The company had a trading volume of 273,321 shares, compared to its average volume of 310,033. The stock has a market cap of $13.75 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.50, a PEG ratio of 2.02 and a beta of 1.09. Snap-on Incorporated has a 1 year low of $190.08 and a 1 year high of $265.02. The company has a quick ratio of 2.43, a current ratio of 3.48 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.26. The business has a fifty day moving average of $250.41 and a 200 day moving average of $244.05. Get Snap-on alerts: Snap-on (NYSE:SNA Get Rating) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, April 20th. The company reported $4.60 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $4.14 by $0.46. The business had revenue of $1.18 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.13 billion. Snap-on had a net margin of 20.60% and a return on equity of 21.17%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 7.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the firm posted $4.00 earnings per share. On average, sell-side analysts expect that Snap-on Incorporated will post 17.74 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Snap-on Announces Dividend Analyst Ratings Changes The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, June 9th. Investors of record on Friday, May 19th will be given a $1.62 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, May 18th. This represents a $6.48 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.50%. Snap-ons dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 37.18%. SNA has been the subject of several analyst reports. Tigress Financial reiterated a buy rating and issued a $302.00 target price (up from $298.00) on shares of Snap-on in a research note on Thursday, March 2nd. Roth Mkm upgraded shares of Snap-on from a neutral rating to a buy rating and upped their price objective for the stock from $278.00 to $298.00 in a research report on Thursday, May 18th. MKM Partners upped their target price on shares of Snap-on from $238.00 to $259.00 in a report on Friday, February 3rd. StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of Snap-on in a report on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a buy rating for the company. Finally, 92 Resources reissued a reiterates rating on shares of Snap-on in a report on Wednesday, May 24th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have given a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $260.57. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Snap-on A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of SNA. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. raised its stake in Snap-on by 968.6% in the 1st quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 5,349,981 shares of the companys stock valued at $134,881,000 after purchasing an additional 4,849,325 shares during the last quarter. Norges Bank purchased a new stake in Snap-on in the 4th quarter valued at about $112,490,000. Wellington Management Group LLP grew its holdings in Snap-on by 7,194.3% in the 1st quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 241,149 shares of the companys stock valued at $49,551,000 after buying an additional 237,843 shares during the period. Schroder Investment Management Group grew its holdings in Snap-on by 33.0% in the 4th quarter. Schroder Investment Management Group now owns 487,040 shares of the companys stock valued at $111,284,000 after buying an additional 120,846 shares during the period. Finally, Proficio Capital Partners LLC purchased a new stake in Snap-on in the 1st quarter valued at about $117,000. 85.19% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Snap-on Company Profile (Get Rating) Snap-On, Inc engages in the manufacture and marketing of tools, equipment, diagnostics, repair information, and systems solutions for professional users performing critical tasks. Its products and services include hand and power tools, tool storage, diagnostics software, handheld and PC-based diagnostic products, information and management systems, shop equipment and other solutions for vehicle dealerships and repair centers, as well as for customers in industries such as aviation and aerospace, agriculture, construction, government and military, mining, natural resources, power generation, and technical education. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Snap-on Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Snap-on and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anonima (NYSE:IRS Get Rating) was upgraded by equities research analysts at StockNews.com from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report issued on Friday. IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anonima Stock Down 6.9 % Shares of NYSE:IRS traded down $0.44 during trading on Friday, hitting $5.96. 78,828 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 83,473. The stock has a market cap of $483.28 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 1.46 and a beta of 1.01. IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anonima has a fifty-two week low of $3.16 and a fifty-two week high of $7.10. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $5.77 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $5.58. The company has a current ratio of 1.65, a quick ratio of 1.65 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.17. Get IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anonima alerts: Institutional Inflows and Outflows Institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Banco BTG Pactual S.A. increased its holdings in shares of IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anonima by 139.7% during the 4th quarter. Banco BTG Pactual S.A. now owns 287,096 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,372,000 after acquiring an additional 167,330 shares during the last quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. boosted its stake in IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anonima by 10.7% in the 2nd quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 140,897 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $507,000 after purchasing an additional 13,584 shares during the period. Citigroup Inc. bought a new stake in IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anonima in the 1st quarter valued at $336,000. Millennium Management LLC boosted its stake in IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anonima by 286.0% in the 2nd quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 72,208 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $260,000 after purchasing an additional 53,501 shares during the period. Finally, Jane Street Group LLC bought a new stake in IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anonima in the 1st quarter valued at $228,000. 17.11% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. About IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anonima IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones SA engages in the real estate business. It operates through the Operations Center in Argentina and Operations Center in Israel segments. The Operations Center in Argentina segment operates in the following segments: shopping malls, offices and others, sales and developments, hotels, international, and financial operations, corporate and others. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anonima Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones Sociedad Anonima and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Arbor Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:ABR Get Rating) Director William C. Green acquired 8,776 shares of Arbor Realty Trust stock in a transaction on Thursday, June 1st. The shares were purchased at an average price of $12.82 per share, for a total transaction of $112,508.32. Following the completion of the acquisition, the director now directly owns 147,681 shares in the company, valued at $1,893,270.42. The purchase was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Arbor Realty Trust Stock Up 4.6 % Shares of ABR stock opened at $13.44 on Friday. Arbor Realty Trust, Inc. has a 1-year low of $10.10 and a 1-year high of $16.77. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $11.58 and its 200 day moving average price is $13.23. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.59, a current ratio of 45.47 and a quick ratio of 45.47. The company has a market cap of $2.43 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 7.81 and a beta of 1.93. Get Arbor Realty Trust alerts: Arbor Realty Trust Increases Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, May 31st. Investors of record on Friday, May 19th were paid a dividend of $0.42 per share. This represents a $1.68 annualized dividend and a yield of 12.50%. This is an increase from Arbor Realty Trusts previous quarterly dividend of $0.40. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, May 18th. Arbor Realty Trusts payout ratio is 97.67%. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Analyst Ratings Changes Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Financial Freedom LLC purchased a new position in Arbor Realty Trust during the 4th quarter worth $27,000. State of Wyoming acquired a new stake in Arbor Realty Trust during the 4th quarter worth about $27,000. Money Concepts Capital Corp acquired a new stake in Arbor Realty Trust during the 4th quarter worth about $32,000. Sandy Spring Bank lifted its position in Arbor Realty Trust by 400.0% during the 1st quarter. Sandy Spring Bank now owns 2,500 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $29,000 after acquiring an additional 2,000 shares during the period. Finally, Financial Advocates Investment Management acquired a new stake in Arbor Realty Trust during the 3rd quarter worth about $286,000. 40.52% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. ABR has been the topic of a number of analyst reports. JMP Securities reiterated a market outperform rating and issued a $17.50 price target on shares of Arbor Realty Trust in a report on Wednesday, March 15th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods cut their price target on Arbor Realty Trust from $15.50 to $12.00 and set a market perform rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, April 13th. Wedbush initiated coverage on Arbor Realty Trust in a report on Thursday. They issued an outperform rating and a $15.00 price target on the stock. StockNews.com initiated coverage on Arbor Realty Trust in a report on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. downgraded Arbor Realty Trust from an overweight rating to a neutral rating and cut their price target for the company from $15.00 to $11.00 in a report on Monday, April 24th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Arbor Realty Trust currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $14.67. About Arbor Realty Trust (Get Rating) Arbor Realty Trust, Inc operates as a real estate investment trust, which engages in the provision of loan origination and servicing for multifamily, seniors housing, healthcare, and diverse commercial real estate assets. It operates through the Structured Business and Agency Business segments. The Structured Business segment offers structured loan origination and investment services. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Arbor Realty Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Arbor Realty Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Hewlett Packard Enterprise (NYSE:HPE Get Rating) had its price target lowered by Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft from $16.00 to $15.00 in a report published on Wednesday, The Fly reports. A number of other equities research analysts have also recently commented on the stock. Morgan Stanley upped their target price on shares of Hewlett Packard Enterprise from $13.00 to $14.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a report on Friday, March 3rd. Bank of America lifted their target price on Hewlett Packard Enterprise from $16.00 to $17.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Monday, April 17th. Citigroup upped their price target on Hewlett Packard Enterprise from $13.00 to $14.00 in a research note on Friday, March 3rd. The Goldman Sachs Group started coverage on Hewlett Packard Enterprise in a research note on Monday, March 20th. They set a neutral rating and a $15.00 price target for the company. Finally, Barclays cut their price target on Hewlett Packard Enterprise from $18.00 to $16.00 in a research note on Wednesday. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, six have assigned a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $16.62. Get Hewlett Packard Enterprise alerts: Hewlett Packard Enterprise Stock Performance NYSE HPE opened at $15.24 on Wednesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.41, a current ratio of 0.87 and a quick ratio of 0.63. Hewlett Packard Enterprise has a 1 year low of $11.90 and a 1 year high of $17.25. The company has a market capitalization of $19.74 billion, a PE ratio of 19.53, a P/E/G ratio of 2.24 and a beta of 1.23. The company has a fifty day moving average of $14.88 and a two-hundred day moving average of $15.49. Hewlett Packard Enterprise Dividend Announcement Hewlett Packard Enterprise ( NYSE:HPE Get Rating ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, May 30th. The technology company reported $0.52 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.49 by $0.03. Hewlett Packard Enterprise had a net margin of 3.46% and a return on equity of 5.05%. The company had revenue of $6.97 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $7.30 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $0.19 earnings per share. Hewlett Packard Enterprises revenue for the quarter was up 3.9% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, analysts expect that Hewlett Packard Enterprise will post 1.32 earnings per share for the current year. The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, July 14th. Investors of record on Thursday, June 15th will be paid a $0.12 dividend. This represents a $0.48 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.15%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, June 14th. Hewlett Packard Enterprises dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 61.54%. Insider Activity at Hewlett Packard Enterprise In related news, EVP Alan Richard May sold 703,226 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, March 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $15.11, for a total value of $10,625,744.86. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 249,511 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,770,111.21. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. In related news, Director Jean M. Hobby sold 10,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, March 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $15.28, for a total value of $152,800.00. Following the sale, the director now directly owns 46,161 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $705,340.08. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, EVP Alan Richard May sold 703,226 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, March 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $15.11, for a total transaction of $10,625,744.86. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 249,511 shares in the company, valued at $3,770,111.21. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 747,314 shares of company stock valued at $11,291,569 in the last ninety days. Corporate insiders own 0.53% of the companys stock. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Hewlett Packard Enterprise A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of HPE. Old North State Trust LLC purchased a new stake in Hewlett Packard Enterprise in the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $25,000. Arlington Partners LLC acquired a new position in Hewlett Packard Enterprise in the 4th quarter valued at about $26,000. New Hampshire Trust acquired a new position in Hewlett Packard Enterprise in the 4th quarter valued at about $28,000. Independence Bank of Kentucky purchased a new stake in Hewlett Packard Enterprise in the 4th quarter worth approximately $32,000. Finally, Romano Brothers AND Company purchased a new stake in Hewlett Packard Enterprise in the 4th quarter worth approximately $32,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 81.36% of the companys stock. About Hewlett Packard Enterprise (Get Rating) Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co is a global edge-to-cloud company, which engages in the provision of information technology, technology and enterprise products, solutions, and services. It operates through the following segments: Compute, High Performance Computing & Artificial Intelligence (HPC & AI), Storage, Intelligent Edge, Financial Services, and Corporate Investments and Other. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Hewlett Packard Enterprise Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Hewlett Packard Enterprise and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Neuberger Berman Group LLC cut its holdings in The Sherwin-Williams Company (NYSE:SHW Get Rating) by 2.2% in the 4th quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 483,144 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock after selling 10,979 shares during the quarter. Neuberger Berman Group LLC owned about 0.19% of Sherwin-Williams worth $114,750,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the company. CIBC Private Wealth Group LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Sherwin-Williams by 128.4% in the 4th quarter. CIBC Private Wealth Group LLC now owns 1,003,352 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock valued at $245,895,000 after buying an additional 564,118 shares during the last quarter. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership lifted its holdings in Sherwin-Williams by 775.6% during the 1st quarter. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership now owns 509,706 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock valued at $127,233,000 after purchasing an additional 451,493 shares during the last quarter. Ceredex Value Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in Sherwin-Williams during the 4th quarter valued at $99,503,000. Two Sigma Investments LP lifted its holdings in Sherwin-Williams by 523.4% during the 3rd quarter. Two Sigma Investments LP now owns 485,483 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock valued at $99,403,000 after purchasing an additional 407,609 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Balyasny Asset Management LLC lifted its holdings in Sherwin-Williams by 169.9% during the 3rd quarter. Balyasny Asset Management LLC now owns 571,305 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock valued at $116,975,000 after purchasing an additional 359,600 shares during the last quarter. 76.03% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Sherwin-Williams alerts: Sherwin-Williams Trading Up 2.5 % SHW stock opened at $240.83 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 1.00, a quick ratio of 0.57 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.03. The Sherwin-Williams Company has a 12-month low of $195.24 and a 12-month high of $278.31. The stock has a market cap of $62.11 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 29.55, a PEG ratio of 2.46 and a beta of 1.07. The businesss 50-day moving average is $228.24 and its 200 day moving average is $233.18. Sherwin-Williams Announces Dividend Sherwin-Williams ( NYSE:SHW Get Rating ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, April 25th. The specialty chemicals company reported $2.04 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.84 by $0.20. The firm had revenue of $5.44 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.14 billion. Sherwin-Williams had a return on equity of 86.29% and a net margin of 9.41%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 8.9% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $1.61 earnings per share. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that The Sherwin-Williams Company will post 8.7 EPS for the current fiscal year. The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, June 2nd. Investors of record on Friday, May 19th were paid a dividend of $0.605 per share. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, May 18th. This represents a $2.42 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.00%. Sherwin-Williamss payout ratio is currently 29.69%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several research analysts have weighed in on SHW shares. Loop Capital increased their price objective on Sherwin-Williams from $260.00 to $285.00 in a research report on Wednesday, April 26th. StockNews.com assumed coverage on Sherwin-Williams in a research report on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a buy rating on the stock. Barclays raised their price target on Sherwin-Williams from $220.00 to $240.00 in a research report on Thursday, April 27th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft lifted their target price on Sherwin-Williams from $260.00 to $265.00 in a research report on Thursday, April 27th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group upgraded Sherwin-Williams from a hold rating to a buy rating and lifted their target price for the company from $240.00 to $275.00 in a research report on Wednesday, May 24th. Seven analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and thirteen have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $258.74. Sherwin-Williams Company Profile (Get Rating) The Sherwin-Williams Co engages in the development, manufacture, distribution, and sale of paint and coatings. It operates through the following segments: America Group, Consumer Brands Group, and Performance Coating Group. The America Group segment manages the exclusive outlets for Sherwin-Williams branded paints, stains, supplies, equipment, and floor coverings. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Sherwin-Williams Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Sherwin-Williams and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Netflix Presents African Kings and Henry VIII: A Groundbreaking Documentary Redefining History with an Inclusive Depiction of the Legendary Monarch Netflix Studios is proud to announce its latest production, African Kings and Henry VIII, a groundbreaking documentary that dares to challenge historical norms and present a fresh perspective on the life and reign of one of Englands most iconic monarchs. Through an innovative and thought-provoking lens of inclusivity and progressive ideology, the film offers audiences a compelling portrayal of Henry VIII as an African man. He was born in the Congo and smuggled into England to become King African Kings and Henry VIII seeks to ignite a dialogue about representation and diversity in historical narratives. By reimagining Henry VIII as a black man, the documentary explores the rich tapestry of African history and its interconnectedness with global events, while emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and representation in modern media. Director William Pinky Cuck Smith has embarked on a creative journey to retell Henry VIIIs story from an alternative perspective, challenging conventional portrayals. By embracing the concept of historical fiction, the film aims to captivate viewers while raising critical questions about the nature of history itself. Through meticulous research and creative interpretation, the documentary bridges the gap between historical accuracy and the imaginative exploration of possibilities. The dude was as black as shit man. He treated da bitches like shit, slept with them then had them beheaded n shiet! I mean you dont get more black than that, numsayin? the documentary director revealed. In an era where representation and inclusivity are at the forefront of societal conversations, African Kings and Henry VIII offers a fresh perspective on a well-known historical figure, emphasizing that history is not a monolithic narrative, but rather a dynamic tapestry woven by diverse cultures and individuals. This daring and thought-provoking documentary features a talented ensemble cast, with renowned actor Samual L Jackson in the titular role of Henry VIII. Jackson brings depth, charisma, and nuance to the character, delivering a performance that challenges preconceived notions and invites audiences to engage with a reimagination of the past. Off with her motherfuckin Royale wit cheese eatin head, bitch! Netflix Studios, known for its commitment to pushing boundaries and exploring new frontiers in storytelling, aims to spark conversations and encourage critical thinking through African Kings and Henry VIII. By challenging traditional historical narratives, the film aligns with Netflixs mission to foster a more inclusive and diverse future, where everyones stories are acknowledged and celebrated. The production team behind African Kings and Henry VIII includes esteemed historians from Compton University in Los Angeles, talented filmmakers, and a dedicated crew, all working collaboratively to bring this visionary project to life. The film promises stunning visuals, captivating storytelling, loads of juicy beheadings, spear throwing, and an immersive experience that will challenge perceptions and inspire viewers to rethink history. African Kings and Henry VIII is set to captivate audiences worldwide when it hits theatres in August. Join us on this extraordinary journey as we rewrite history, celebrate inclusivity, and embrace a progressive ideology that propels us toward a more diverse and understanding society. Rescue operation underway at the site where Coromandel Express, Bengaluru-Howrah Express and a goods train derailed, in Balasore district, Saturday, June 3 (PTI Photo) VIJAYAWADA: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy on Saturday constituted a high-level committee under the aegis of IT Minister G Amarnath to visit the Odisha accident site involving three trains to help in the coordination of relief and rescue operations. On Saturday morning, the Chief Minister held a meeting with CMO officials and reviewed the situation, directing them to be in touch with the Odisha CMO and Railway officials. "Establish enquiry and grievance cells in the offices of the district collectors to deal with grievances and respond immediately," Reddy said in an official release. The IAS officers' committee dispatched to Odisha includes civil supplies commissioner Arun Kumar, commercial taxes joint commissioner Anand and Srikakulam joint commissioner Naveen, along with the IT Minister. Further, the Chief Minister instructed officials to make arrangements in hospitals at Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram and Srikakulam districts to treat the injured, including keeping ambulances ready. Expressing profound sorrow over the accident at Balasore in the neighbouring state where at least 233 people died and over 900 people have been injured, Reddy directed officials to check if any passengers from Andhra Pradesh are among the deceased and injured. Wielding gas torches and electric cutters, rescuers are continuing to pull out survivors and the dead from the mangled steel of three trains that derailed one on top of another in a horrific sequence on Friday evening, killing at least 233 people and injuring more than 900 in Odisha's Balasore district, officials said. Meanwhile, the Waltair Division of the East Coast Railways zone has set up three helplines at Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram and Srikakulam for relief. Helpline numbers have been set up at Visakhapatnam (0891 - 2746330 & 0891 2744619), Vizianagaram (08922 - 221202 & 08922 221206) and Srikakulam (08942 286213 and 08942 286245). Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a meeting to review the situation in relation to the Odisha train accident, in New Delhi, (PTI) New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting on Saturday to review the situation in relation to the Odisha train accident, officials said. Home Minister Amit Shah and senior government officials attended the meeting as Modi took stock of the situation. The prime minister is also scheduled to visit the site of the accident and also the Cuttack hospital where the injured are being treated. At least 238 people were killed and more than 900 injured in the train crash involving the Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express, the Shalimar-Chennai Central Coromandel Express and a goods train in Odisha's Balasore on Friday. Officials in Bhubaneswar said 200 ambulances, 50 buses and 45 mobile health units, besides 1,200 personnel, are working at the accident site. News Emerging from the ashes of the Second World War, South Asia perhaps bore the severest brunt of its own liberation more than any other region in the world. The Partition of India in 1947 ranks as one of biggest tragedies of the Post the Second World War era. Over two million people were killed in the most gruesome circumstances and another twenty million or more were uprooted from their home and hearth never to return to what they knew as home for decades if not centuries. Burma attained independence in January 1948. Sri Lanka followed suit in the February of 1948. Though Nepal became independent in terms of the Anglo-Nepal Treaty in 1923, its external relations continued to be ipso facto guided by the British. Similarly, Bhutan also was in a subsidiary alliance with the British in terms of the Treaty of Punakha signed on January 8, 1910, that gave the latter control over its foreign affairs. Maldives gained independence from the British on July 26, 1965. The Afghans fought three wars with the British in 1839-42, 1878-1880 and 1919. Finally, on August 8, 1919, the Anglo-Afghan treaty, also known as the Treaty of Rawalpindi, ended the Third Anglo-Afghan War with the British recognising the independence of Afghanistan. Given the shared legacy of colonial exploitation, loot, plunder, and egregious excesses committed by the Imperial British in this sub-continent that extends from the borders of Iran in the west to the borders of Thailand in the east, it would have been but natural had the leadership of this expanse worked in tandem with each other to create a unified and integrated entity leveraging the synergies intrinsically embedded in this region. Jawaharlal Nehru had in fact set the ball rolling even before India formally became independent by hosting the Asian Relations Conference in New Delhi from March 23-April 2, 1947. The conference was organised by the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA). It resulted in the formation of the Asian Relations Organisation. It was followed by a second conference in Baguio in Philippines in 1950. However, by then, the Iron Curtain had descended across Europe. Winston Churchill had aptly used this metaphor to underscore the commencement of the Cold War in his speech at Fulton Falls in Missouri on March 5, 1946. This very soon started impacting Asia with the Korean War commencing on June 25, 1950. However, the nub of the non-integration of South Asia lies in the bloody Partition of India and its aftermath that saw the invasion of Jammu & Kashmir by the nascent Pakistani state in the September of 1947 itself. India and the then "mutilated and moth-eaten" state, as Jinnah had memorably described Pakistan, lay at the heart of South Asia. To the north lay another behemoth China that after decades of civil war and a brutal fight with Imperial Japan finally became a Communist state called the Peoples Republic of China (PRC) on October 1, 1949. However, in the early days, South Asian differences were not insurmountable. The world had just emerged from the unspeakable horrors of the Second World War that left sixty million people dead, witnessed the genocide of an entire race of people the Jews. By the August of 1945, cities from Cologne and Coventry to Nanjing and Nagasaki had been reduced to rubble. The war saw the devastating potential of the use of the atom bomb on the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. It, therefore, stood to reason that the leadership of South Asia that really had manageable intrinsic differences at that point in time before falling victim to the last vestiges of the divide and rule of the retreating British should have worked towards an arrangement that facilitated closer cooperation. Elsewhere in the world, nations had started taking baby steps towards creating common markets and other such economic mechanisms. In Europe, despite losing 17 million people in the First World War and over forty out of the sixty million who died in World War Two, the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) was established as early as 1951 within six years of the Second World War ending. By 1957 it had paved the way for the establishment of the European Economic Community under the aegis of the Treaty of Rome. Under the leadership of statesmen like Winston Churchill of the United Kingdom, Charles de Gaulle of France, Konrad Adenauer of Germany and other such visionaries, they worked to put a bloody and bitter past stretching back into millennia behind them in order to create a common and better future for the generations to come. Their efforts bore fruit and the long peace of Europe that brought with it incredible prosperity was only shattered twice by the Balkans conflict in the early 1990s and recently by the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Elsewhere also the winds of integration were blowing. The newly liberated African nations started banding together. On May 25, 1963, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 32 African states that had achieved independence by that time agreed to establish the Organisation of African Unity (OAU). It has now expanded into a 54-nation organisation and has rebranded itself as the African Union. The Organisation of American States (OAS) was established way back in April 1948 itself. The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) between the United States, Canada and Mexico was established in 1994. Even the small Island nations of the South Pacific have a 22-nation strong Pacific Community including Papua New Guinea that the Prime Minister recently visited with a lot of fanfare. However, in South Asia, the one institution that was created in 1985, the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) has been rendered redundant by the Indo-Pakistan acerbity. South Asia is home to over two billion people. It has a very young demographic. It includes some of the fastest growing economies. It also has intractable problem states in its midst. What India needs to understand and so do the other nations of South Asia is that the future lies in economic integration, customs union, free movement of goods, services, cultural influences and the rest across the region to do justice to the creative and economic potential of the generations to come. Already, social media and the Internet have made lines on the map redundant. What we need to get rid off are lines in the mind. South Asia, therefore, requires statespersons who can look beyond the horizon to the future that beckons rather than remain stuck in the ignoble wastebasket of history. Pakistan's Defence Minister and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Khawaja Muhammad Asif claimed that former Prime Minister and PTI chief Imran Khan represented a "bigger threat" to the nation than India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Speaking to an anchor on Pakistan's Geo News, Asif said, "Your foreign enemy is known to you. In Pakistan, the people are still unable to identify the enemy who lives as one among us and is a bigger threat to us than the enemy from that nation (India)." Unbelievable. Defense Minister of Pakistan @KhawajaMAsif declared @ImranKhanPTI a bigger threat to the security of Pakistan than Indian Prime Minsiter @narendramodi. pic.twitter.com/XzEnlhYRc6 Hamid Mir (@HamidMirPAK) June 1, 2023 Also Read | Ex-Pak Punjab CM Usman Buzdar latest PTI leader to quit politics When the anchor sought to make sure that he had understood the defence minister right, Asif reiterated, "Imran Khan is far more dangerous for Pakistan than Narendra Modi is and our people are not seeing this. Who is more dangerous? The one who is among us or the one standing opposite, on the other side?" Asif said that the violent protests across Pakistan in response to Imran Khan's arrest on May 9 were a "bagawat" (mutiny). Also Read | Parvez Elahi, president of Imran Khan's party, arrested in Lahore On May 09, PTI supporters stormed Pakistan's security establishments, including the Pakistan Army headquarters in the garrison city of Rawalpindi and the Corps Commander's residence in Lahore. Asif claimed, "The enemy within (Imran Khan) is actually a bigger threat to our security and May 9 is evidence for the same. It was a rebellion. It was a mutiny. I've said this before on your channel here". As the country's security establishment continues its crackdown on the PTI and senior leaders exit the party, ostensibly under pressure and fearing for their safety, the government on Friday urged media houses to refrain from publishing or broadcasting Khan's speeches, statements, tweets and/or pictures. Police and protestors clashed in Senegal's capital Dakar on Friday as unrest picked up again one day after a jail sentence for opposition politician Ousmane Sonko sparked some of the deadliest violence in the country in recent memory. Nine people were killed in clashes between police and Sonko supporters on Thursday after he was sentenced to two years for corrupting youth. The opposition says the verdict, which could prevent Sonko from running in elections next year, was politically motivated. Violence broke out again in Dakar's outskirts on Friday afternoon as police fired tear gas to disperse protestors burning tires on a main road. They threw rocks back before running away. Also Read | Nine killed in Senegal clashes after opposition leader sentenced Similar scenes were reported in other parts of the city. Soldiers and riot police patrolled streets on Friday as the army was deployed to reinforce security. There was a particularly heavy presence around banks and French-owned supermarkets and petrol stations, which Sonko supporters often target. Thursday's riots were the latest bout in months of protests in Senegal, long considered one of West Africa's strongest democracies, sparked by Sonko's court case as well as concerns that President Macky Sall will try to bypass a two-term limit and run again in February elections. Sall has neither confirmed nor denied this. Several social media and messaging platforms were still restricted on Friday as the government sought to limit online communications. But a call for more protests after afternoon prayers still circulated on social media, which many are accessing through virtual private networks. Sonko's PASTEF party called on citizens to "amplify and intensify the resistance." The United Nations, the African Union and West Africa's main regional bloc have condemned the unrest. France urged restraint and dialogue to resolve the crisis, saying it was extremely preoccupied by the violence. Amnesty International has meanwhile called on the government to investigate Thursday's deaths and avoid using force disproportionately. 'Young people are motivated' Earlier on Friday, large groups of students were bussed out of Dakar's main university campus. Cheikh Anta Diop University in Dakar was the epicentre of Thursday's violence, with protesters setting buses, buildings and archives alight and throwing rocks at riot police, who responded by firing tear gas. "Yesterday was difficult and violent," said student Alioune Ndiaye, heading to his home in eastern Senegal with a backpack full of belongings. Sonko, 48, was accused of raping a woman who worked in a massage parlour in 2021, when she was 20, and making death threats against her. A criminal court cleared Sonko of rape, but found him guilty of an offence described in the penal code as immoral behaviour towards individuals younger than 21. He denies wrongdoing. Many, especially the young, strongly support him. Cheikh Hann, a tailor queuing for bread in Ouakam, said the unrest would likely continue. "Young people are motivated, they will not let this go," he said. "The government cannot eliminate opponents." Expressing distress over the train accident in Odisha, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said rescue operations were underway at the site and all possible assistance was being given to those affected. Modi spoke to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to take stock of the situation. At least 50 people died and 179 people were injured in an accident involving three trains -- Bengaluru-Howrah superfast express, Coromandel Express and a goods train -- in Bahanagar in Odisha's Balasore district Friday evening, officials said. Also Read | 207 killed, around 900 injured in Odisha triple train crash "Distressed by the train accident in Odisha. In this hour of grief, my thoughts are with the bereaved families. May the injured recover soon," Modi said in a tweet. Distressed by the train accident in Odisha. In this hour of grief, my thoughts are with the bereaved families. May the injured recover soon. Spoke to Railway Minister @AshwiniVaishnaw and took stock of the situation. Rescue ops are underway at the site of the mishap and all Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 2, 2023 "Spoke to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and took stock of the situation. Rescue ops are underway at the site of the mishap and all possible assistance is being given to those affected," the prime minister said. Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the accident was "deeply agonizing". "The train accident at Balasore in Odisha is deeply agonizing. The NDRF team has already reached the accident site, and other teams are also rushing to join the rescue operation. My condolences to the bereaved families and praying for the speedy recovery of those injured," Shah tweeted. Senior NCP leader Ajit Pawar on Saturday said the country has never seen a bigger train accident than the Odisha tragedy in which at least 261 people were killed, and said that railway ministers used to resign after such accidents in the past but nobody was talking about it now. The Leader of the Opposition in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly was talking to reporters at the Nagpur airport. At least 261 people were killed and 650 injured in the train crash in Odisha's Balasore district involving the Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express, the Shalimar-Chennai Central Coromandel Express and a goods train on Friday. Also Read | Odisha train tragedy: World leaders condole loss of lives, extend support "The Odisha train accident is very unfortunate. The country has never seen such a big train accident before. The railway department and the government should immediately investigate this incident and take action against those responsible," Pawar said. When fast trains and Vande Bharat trains are being launched in the country to provide better transportation facilities, it is important to keep the safety of passengers in mind. The Centre and the railway ministry should give utmost priority to the safety of passengers, he said. "Earlier, railway ministers used to resign whenever such accidents occurred. This is history. But nobody is ready to speak about it now," the former Maharashtra deputy chief minister said. Also Read | Odisha train tragedy century's biggest: Mamata Meanwhile, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) spokesperson Clyde Crasto said in a statement, "Expecting Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to resign on moral grounds for the Odisha train accident will not yield any result, because if the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) believed in morality then it would have asked (outgoing WFI chief and party MP) Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh to resign a long time ago." We only hope the government makes sure that the family of those deceased get the compensation as promised, the injured get proper treatment and are taken good care of till they recover completely, he said. Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh is facing allegations of sexually harassing women wrestlers. Two FIRs have been registered against him by the Delhi police on the basis of complaints from six women wrestlers and the father of a minor. The opposition parties are accusing the Centre of "inaction" against Singh. Former Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia, who arrived at his residence from the Tihar jail on Saturday, could not meet his ailing wife as she was taken to a hospital after her health deteriorated, AAP sources said. Later, Sisodia left his residence for the central prison. The Delhi High Court on Friday allowed the jailed AAP leader to meet his ailing wife at his residence. Justice Dinesh Kumar Sharma directed the Tihar jail superintendent to take Sisodia to his residence to meet his wife from 10 am to 5 pm. Read | Kejriwal should answer as to why Sisodia's bail pleas are getting rejected: Delhi BJP According to AAP sources, Sisodia's wife Seema was hospitalised as she felt unwell. She is suffering from multiple sclerosis and was hospitalised last month as well. "She was taken to the emergency ward of LNJP Hospital. Sisodia reached AB-17, Mathura Road, to meet his ailing wife at 9.38 am in a prison van. He was taken inside the house amid tight security. "But he could not meet his wife as she had to be hospitalised after her health deteriorated," a party source said. In a related development, the Delhi High Court on Saturday sought a report from the LNJP hospital on the health condition of Sisodia's ailing wife as it reserved its order on his interim bail plea for six weeks in a money laundering case arising from the alleged excise policy scam. Sisodia was arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on February 26 for his alleged role in the scam and has been in custody since. The high court denied him bail in the CBI case on May 30. He was arrested on March 9 in the case lodged by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and is currently in judicial custody. The high court made it clear that Sisodia shall not interact with the media or any other person except his family members, and also not access phone or internet. US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin will pay a two-day visit to India beginning Sunday to discuss ways to further expand bilateral strategic engagement ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's trip to Washington. People familiar with Austin's visit said he and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh are set to discuss a number of new defence cooperation projects that are set to be unveiled after Modi's talks with President Joe Biden in Washington over two weeks later. The General Electric's proposal to share technology with India for fighter jet engines and India's plan to procure 30 MQ-9B armed drones at a cost of over USD 3 billion from US defence major General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc (GA-ASI) are likely to figure in the Singh-Austin talks on Monday. Also Read: China declines meeting with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, says Pentagon India has been looking for manufacturing of jet engines in India under the framework of technology transfer to power its fighter aircraft. China's aggressive behaviour in the Indo-Pacific as well as along the Line of Actual Control and ways to combat the threat of terrorism are also likely to figure in the discussions between Singh and Austin. Separately, Germany's Federal Minister of Defence Boris Pistorius will arrive in India on Monday on a four-day visit. The Pentagon said in a statement this week that Austin will further deepen the US-India 'Major Defence Partnership' as ties between the two countries enter a "new and exciting chapter". The US Defence Secretary will arrive in India on Sunday from Singapore on a two-day visit, the defence ministry said. It will be Austin's second visit to India. His previous trip to India was in March, 2021. The ministry said the German Federal Minister of Defence is also visiting New Delhi for bilateral talks with Singh that will take place on June 6. A host of bilateral defence cooperation issues, with focus on industrial cooperation, are likely to be discussed during Singh's meetings with Austin and Pistorius, it said. "US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin and German Federal Minister of Defence Boris Pistorius are visiting New Delhi for bilateral talks with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh," the ministry said in a statement. "The Defence Minister's meeting with the US Secretary of Defence will be held on June 5, while talks with the German Federal Minister of Defence will take place on June 6," it said. India-US defence and strategic ties have been on an upswing in the last few years. The two countries have inked key defence and security pacts over the past few years, including the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) in 2016 that allows their militaries to use each other's bases for repair and replenishment of supplies. The two sides also signed COMCASA (Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement) in 2018 which provides for interoperability between the two militaries and provides for the sale of high-end technology from the US to India. In October 2020, India and the US sealed the BECA (Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement) agreement to further boost bilateral defence ties. The pact provides for sharing of high-end military technology, logistics and geospatial maps between the two countries. The German defence minister will be on a four-day visit to India beginning June 5. He will arrive from Indonesia. Apart from his meeting with Singh, Pistorius is likely to meet officials of a few defence start-ups during an event to be organised by Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) in New Delhi. On June 7, he is scheduled to travel to Mumbai where he is likely to visit the headquarters of the Western Naval Command and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, the ministry said. Elastic (NYSE:ESTC Get Rating) had its price objective upped by Stifel Nicolaus from $60.00 to $70.00 in a report published on Friday, The Fly reports. Several other research firms have also issued reports on ESTC. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced their target price on shares of Elastic from $70.00 to $67.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Friday, March 3rd. Rosenblatt Securities restated a buy rating and issued a $96.00 target price on shares of Elastic in a report on Wednesday, March 1st. Barclays raised their price objective on Elastic from $70.00 to $83.00 in a research report on Friday. Royal Bank of Canada lifted their price target on Elastic from $71.00 to $84.00 in a research report on Wednesday. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company upgraded Elastic from an underweight rating to an equal weight rating and boosted their price target for the company from $55.00 to $67.00 in a research note on Friday. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eleven have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Elastic has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $78.06. Get Elastic alerts: Elastic Stock Up 0.9 % Elastic stock opened at $72.28 on Friday. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $60.34 and a 200 day simple moving average of $57.86. Elastic has a 1-year low of $46.18 and a 1-year high of $91.30. The company has a market cap of $6.97 billion, a P/E ratio of -26.77 and a beta of 1.06. The company has a current ratio of 1.89, a quick ratio of 1.89 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.47. Insider Transactions at Elastic Elastic ( NYSE:ESTC Get Rating ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, June 1st. The company reported $0.22 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.09 by $0.13. Elastic had a negative net margin of 24.80% and a negative return on equity of 52.03%. The company had revenue of $279.94 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $277.63 million. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted ($0.64) EPS. The firms revenue was up 17.0% on a year-over-year basis. Research analysts anticipate that Elastic will post -1.89 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. In related news, CEO Ashutosh Kulkarni sold 12,098 shares of Elastic stock in a transaction dated Thursday, March 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $58.28, for a total transaction of $705,071.44. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 343,037 shares of the companys stock, valued at $19,992,196.36. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. In other news, CEO Ashutosh Kulkarni sold 12,098 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, March 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $58.28, for a total value of $705,071.44. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 343,037 shares in the company, valued at $19,992,196.36. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. Also, insider Ken Exner sold 2,064 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, March 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $58.28, for a total value of $120,289.92. Following the sale, the insider now owns 123,117 shares of the companys stock, valued at $7,175,258.76. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last 90 days, insiders have sold 18,118 shares of company stock valued at $1,055,917. 18.80% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Elastic Several large investors have recently modified their holdings of ESTC. Baillie Gifford & Co. increased its holdings in Elastic by 29.2% during the 1st quarter. Baillie Gifford & Co. now owns 7,634,113 shares of the companys stock worth $442,015,000 after purchasing an additional 1,723,842 shares during the period. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Elastic by 2.2% in the 3rd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 7,370,062 shares of the companys stock valued at $528,727,000 after acquiring an additional 157,301 shares during the last quarter. FMR LLC grew its stake in Elastic by 11.4% during the 1st quarter. FMR LLC now owns 6,851,276 shares of the companys stock worth $396,689,000 after buying an additional 702,665 shares during the last quarter. BlackRock Inc. grew its stake in Elastic by 4.8% during the 1st quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 5,616,149 shares of the companys stock worth $499,557,000 after buying an additional 259,742 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Sylebra Capital Ltd grew its stake in Elastic by 3.2% during the 1st quarter. Sylebra Capital Ltd now owns 4,712,076 shares of the companys stock worth $272,829,000 after buying an additional 146,397 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 78.40% of the companys stock. About Elastic (Get Rating) Elastic NV engages in the provision of open-source search and analytics engine services. It offers Elastic Stack, a set of software products that ingest and store data from various sources and formats, as well as perform search, analysis, and visualization. The firms Elastic Stack product comprises Elasticsearch, a distributed, real-time search and analytics engine, and data store for various types of data, including textual, numerical, geospatial, structured, and unstructured, Kibana, a user interface, management, and configuration interface for the Elastic Stack, Beats, a single-purpose data shippers for sending data from edge machines to Elasticsearch or Logstash, and Logstash, a data processing pipeline for ingesting data into Elasticsearch or other storage systems. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Elastic Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Elastic and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wells Fargo & Company upgraded shares of Elastic (NYSE:ESTC Get Rating) from an underweight rating to an equal weight rating in a report published on Friday, The Fly reports. Wells Fargo & Company currently has $67.00 price target on the stock, up from their previous price target of $55.00. Several other research analysts have also weighed in on ESTC. JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their price objective on shares of Elastic from $70.00 to $67.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, March 3rd. Royal Bank of Canada boosted their target price on shares of Elastic from $71.00 to $84.00 in a research report on Wednesday. Barclays boosted their target price on shares of Elastic from $70.00 to $83.00 in a research report on Friday. Citigroup boosted their target price on shares of Elastic from $75.00 to $92.00 in a research report on Thursday. Finally, Rosenblatt Securities reissued a buy rating and issued a $96.00 target price on shares of Elastic in a research report on Wednesday, March 1st. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eleven have assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $78.06. Get Elastic alerts: Elastic Stock Performance Elastic stock opened at $72.28 on Friday. Elastic has a 12-month low of $46.18 and a 12-month high of $91.30. The company has a market capitalization of $6.97 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -26.77 and a beta of 1.06. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.47, a current ratio of 1.89 and a quick ratio of 1.89. The firms fifty day moving average price is $60.34 and its 200 day moving average price is $57.86. Insider Activity at Elastic Elastic ( NYSE:ESTC Get Rating ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, June 1st. The company reported $0.22 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.09 by $0.13. Elastic had a negative net margin of 24.80% and a negative return on equity of 52.03%. The business had revenue of $279.94 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $277.63 million. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted ($0.64) EPS. The companys quarterly revenue was up 17.0% on a year-over-year basis. On average, research analysts forecast that Elastic will post -1.89 EPS for the current fiscal year. In related news, CEO Ashutosh Kulkarni sold 12,098 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Thursday, March 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $58.28, for a total value of $705,071.44. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 343,037 shares in the company, valued at $19,992,196.36. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. In related news, CEO Ashutosh Kulkarni sold 12,098 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Thursday, March 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $58.28, for a total value of $705,071.44. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 343,037 shares in the company, valued at $19,992,196.36. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, insider Ken Exner sold 2,064 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Thursday, March 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $58.28, for a total transaction of $120,289.92. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 123,117 shares in the company, valued at $7,175,258.76. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last three months, insiders have sold 18,118 shares of company stock worth $1,055,917. Corporate insiders own 18.80% of the companys stock. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Elastic Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of ESTC. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. lifted its position in Elastic by 17.2% during the first quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. now owns 5,780 shares of the companys stock worth $514,000 after purchasing an additional 848 shares during the period. HighTower Advisors LLC lifted its position in Elastic by 9.5% during the first quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC now owns 6,472 shares of the companys stock worth $576,000 after purchasing an additional 564 shares during the period. Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan Trust Fund bought a new stake in Elastic during the first quarter worth about $295,000. Rhumbline Advisers lifted its position in Elastic by 3.2% during the first quarter. Rhumbline Advisers now owns 72,555 shares of the companys stock worth $6,454,000 after purchasing an additional 2,274 shares during the period. Finally, BlackRock Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Elastic by 4.8% in the first quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 5,616,149 shares of the companys stock worth $499,557,000 after acquiring an additional 259,742 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 78.40% of the companys stock. Elastic Company Profile (Get Rating) Elastic NV engages in the provision of open-source search and analytics engine services. It offers Elastic Stack, a set of software products that ingest and store data from various sources and formats, as well as perform search, analysis, and visualization. The firms Elastic Stack product comprises Elasticsearch, a distributed, real-time search and analytics engine, and data store for various types of data, including textual, numerical, geospatial, structured, and unstructured, Kibana, a user interface, management, and configuration interface for the Elastic Stack, Beats, a single-purpose data shippers for sending data from edge machines to Elasticsearch or Logstash, and Logstash, a data processing pipeline for ingesting data into Elasticsearch or other storage systems. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Elastic Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Elastic and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. HELLA GmbH & Co. KGaA (OTCMKTS:HLLGY Get Rating)s share price traded down 6.3% during trading on Friday . The stock traded as low as $37.30 and last traded at $37.30. 300 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 53% from the average session volume of 633 shares. The stock had previously closed at $39.80. HELLA GmbH & Co. KGaA Stock Down 6.3 % The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $41.60 and a 200 day simple moving average of $41.68. Get HELLA GmbH & Co. KGaA alerts: HELLA GmbH & Co. KGaA Increases Dividend The company also recently disclosed a dividend, which was paid on Friday, May 19th. Investors of record on Wednesday, May 3rd were given a dividend of $1.1124 per share. This represents a yield of 2.94%. This is an increase from HELLA GmbH & Co. KGaAs previous dividend of $0.15. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, May 2nd. About HELLA GmbH & Co. KGaA HELLA GmbH & Co KGaA engages in the development and manufacture of lighting technology and electronics components and systems for the automotive industry. It operates through the following segments: Automotive, Aftermarket, and Special Applications. The Automotive segment develops, produces, and sells vehicle-specific solutions. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for HELLA GmbH & Co. KGaA Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for HELLA GmbH & Co. KGaA and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. National Bank of Greece S.A. (OTCMKTS:NBGIF Get Rating) shares were down 0.8% on Friday . The stock traded as low as $6.12 and last traded at $6.35. Approximately 1,574 shares traded hands during trading, a decline of 88% from the average daily volume of 12,693 shares. The stock had previously closed at $6.40. National Bank of Greece Stock Performance The firm has a 50 day moving average of $5.47 and a 200 day moving average of $4.83. About National Bank of Greece (Get Rating) National Bank of Greece SA, together with its subsidiaries, provides financial products and services in Greece, the United Kingdom, North Macedonia, Romania, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Malta, Egypt, and Luxembourg. The company operates through Retail Banking, Corporate & Investment Banking, Trouble Assets Unit, Global Markets and Asset Management, Insurance, International Banking Operations, and Other segments. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for National Bank of Greece Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for National Bank of Greece and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Telecom Italia S.p.A. (OTCMKTS:TIIAY Get Rating) traded up 0.6% during mid-day trading on Friday . The stock traded as high as $2.66 and last traded at $2.66. 31,232 shares traded hands during trading, an increase of 6% from the average session volume of 29,407 shares. The stock had previously closed at $2.64. Telecom Italia Stock Up 0.6 % The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $3.02 and a 200-day simple moving average of $2.84. About Telecom Italia (Get Rating) Telecom Italia SpA engages in the provision of telecommunication and Internet services, digital contents, and cloud services. It operates through the following business segments: Domestic, Brazil, and Other Operations. The Domestic segment includes operations in Italy for voice and data services on fixed and mobile networks for retail and wholesale customers, the international wholesale through Telecom Italia Sparkle, and products and services for information technology through the Olivetti group. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Telecom Italia Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Telecom Italia and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Victoria Gold Corp. (OTCMKTS:BGMZF Get Rating) shares traded down 2% during trading on Friday . The company traded as low as $0.30 and last traded at $0.30. 700 shares changed hands during trading, a decline of 99% from the average session volume of 85,897 shares. The stock had previously closed at $0.31. Victoria Gold Trading Down 2.0 % The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $0.30 and its 200 day simple moving average is $0.30. Victoria Gold Company Profile (Get Rating) Barkerville Gold Mines Ltd. engages in the acquisition, exploration, development, and production of gold properties in Canada. The company focuses on the development of Cariboo Mining District located in Central British Columbia. It controls approximately 195,000 hectares of mineral tenures and Crown-Granted mineral claims, as well as a block of contiguous mineral tenures package centered around the Town of Wells, which is located to the east of Quesnel. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Victoria Gold Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Victoria Gold and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. PICTURED: Front row (L-R), Caroline McGuinness Brookes, Project Coordinator, Repair Cafe Foyle, Claire Mulrone, Community Engagement Manager, Ulster University. Back row (L-R), Anne Mooney, Community Outreach Officer, Ulster University, Eimear Montague, Executive Director of Northern Ireland Resources Network, Colin Breen, Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs. Ulster University partnered with Repair Cafe Foyle, a zero waste North-West initiative, to host their largest pop-up repair cafe event yet. Last weekend members of the public were invited to attend The Big Fix in the Great Hall at Ulster Universitys Derry campus where a dedicated group volunteers attempted to fix just about anything. In an effort to encourage people to rethink, reuse and repair, local volunteers worked together to perform repairs on bicycles, small household electrical items, woodwork, textiles such as leather, and mechanical items such as sewing machines, clocks and even laptops. A podcast was also recorded in the Minor Hall where members of the public and the volunteers talked about the repairs. Over the past year, Repair Cafe Foyle have worked in collaboration with the Fashion & Textile Design Centre Derry/Londonderry, Northern Ireland, hosting events which aim to promote sustainability through helping the public on their journey to zero waste. Community Engagement Manager at Ulster University, Claire Mulrone said: Ulster University is committed to sustainability and supporting our local communities to rethink, reuse, and repair, and the Community Engagement Team are delighted to have partnered with Foyle Repair cafe to host The Big Fix in the Great Hall. We are delighted the Repair Cafe chose to celebrate their first birthday with us on the Derry campus and would like to thank the volunteer fixers who used their leather and wood turning expertise to restore a beautiful brass gong to its former glory. Caroline McGuinness Brookes, Repair Cafe Foyle Coordinator said: 'Repair Cafe Foyle have been making a real impact over the last year, fixing peoples broken stuff for free! We've diverted over 4000kg of C02 emissions through our 2 hourly monthly pop-up events. We're over the moon to have been welcomed by Ulster University to celebrate our first birthday in the Great Hall at the Derry campus. Our volunteers feel valued and excited to continue our community repair journey this year. For more information, visit: https://zerowastenw.org/projects/repair-cafe-foyle/ 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. Local Kilkerley mother Cecelia Sage has raised a whopping 18,139 for the Jack and Jill Childrens Foundation by running a gruelling 50 kilometre challenge on Saturday 27th May at Kilkerley Emmets GAA club, cheered on in the warm sunshine by family, friends and neighbours. Cecilias six year old daughter, Sarah, was born with an extremely rare brain abnormality called ZTTK Syndrome and has received great support from Jack and Jill, which left her parents Peter and Cecilia determined to give back to the charity by raising critical funds and awareness. Sarah is one of less than 100 children worldwide who have been diagnosed with this condition and has complex needs, requiring 24/7 care. She is non-verbal, suffers from a developmental delay but despite all these challenges is a very sociable little girl who loves the company of family and friends. Peter is vice chairman of Louth GAA and the family got great support from the GAA and wider local community throughout this big challenge in May and Jack and Jill is the charity partner of the Gaelic Players Association this year too. So that sense of local community was really at the heart of this family fundraiser. Jack and Jill CEO Carmel Doyle was at the start line on Saturday to wish Cecilia well, along with the charitys local liaison nurse manager Anne Reilly. Welcoming this great news she said: We are so proud and honoured to know Cecilia, Peter, Sarah and her brother Jamsie and their efforts will help the 400 families we support around the country, including 6 in county Louth and 11 in county Meath. "I was lucky enough to be there on the day, along with our local liaison nurse manager Anne Reilly, and I can tell you it took true grit determination from Cecilia to complete this gruelling 50k challenge in the heat and her smile never waned. "So many people turned up to support her on and it was a privilege to see such local community spirit in action. To every single person who donated to Cecilias 50k Challenge for Jack and Jill we say thank you and what a result! "To put this amount in context, this 18,139 will fund 1,008 hours of home nursing care and in-home respite for the 400 children we support across the country, including 6 in Co. Louth and 11 in Co. Meath. Or, to put it another way, it gives another family the kind of support Sarah received for up to 6 years which equates to a wonderful gift of time and peace of mind. "On behalf of all our families and nurses, we say and huge thank you to Cecilia who has been a real champion for Jack and Jill, along with her husband Peter who is such a great volunteer. Our charity wouldnt exist without the generosity of families like the Sages who understand the importance of community and giving back and we salute them and thank them most sincerely. According to proud husband Peter Sage: This event was made possible with the help of Kilkerley Emmets and Yvonne Quigley; Clive at Kelleher Insurance; Karl at Player Fit for the t-shirts; The Brew Cafe and Caoimh; Taste Smash; Beir Bua Bakes and Sean OMahoneys Kilkerley ladies who ran and walked laps with Cecilia and everyone who joined us on the day and, of course, everyone who donated. "However, I have to mention how proud I am of Cecilia, my wife, my hero who has the courage and compassion of an army, and who is was always going to keep going and finish this 50km, as her way of honouring the support we got from Jack and Jill which kept us going for so many years. I was so proud to cheer her on. The Jack and Jill Childrens Foundation is an Irish childrens charity that funds and delivers in-home nursing care and respite support for children with severe to profound cognitive delay, up to the age of six. This may include children with a brain injury, genetic diagnosis, cerebral palsy or undiagnosed conditions. Another key part of the service is end-of-life care for all children up to the age of six, irrespective of diagnosis. To do this, the charity must raise over 6 million per annum to keep its vital service going, and currently supports over 400 families with up to 80 hours of home nursing care per month at a cost of 1,440, or 17,280 per year. Jack and Jill mobilises a crew of community nurses and carers, operates seven days a week, with no means test, no red tape and no waiting list. In fact, over 2,800 families have been supported since Jack and Jills establishment 26 years ago. The support is often described as a gift of time or a lifeline, giving parent carers a break from their 24/7 care regime, safe in the knowledge that their child is well cared for at home, where they belong. For more information, visit jackandjill.ie Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) staff and students from the Department of Creative Arts, Media and Music and Department of Nursing, Midwifery & Early Years have just returned from the final intensive project phase of their international Arts and Mindfulness in Education Strategic Partnership project at AP University of Applied Sciences and Arts in Antwerp, Belgium. The team collaborated with students and colleagues from Belgium, Holland, Norway, and Portugal and was funded by Erasmus Plus. The aim of the Arts and Mindfulness in Education (AMiE) project was to provide European teachers with inspirational and supportive tools regarding the introduction of mindfulness in pre-primary and primary education. AMiE is unique as it uses the power of art and creative processes as a starting point for the introduction of mindfulness in a school context. For the intensive project, the team continued their work on the development of intellectual outputs that will inform and enhance future educational practices. They participated in a range of mindfulness and arts workshops (drum circle, body percussion, shadow and light, sensory massage, dance and drama). They also visited Hetpaleis, Antwerp's largest theatre for children, young people and performing artists. The team then presented the findings of the overall AMiE project at an international AMiE conference held at AP University. This was an opportunity to meet with educators from across Europe. At the conference, the participants had an opportunity to engage in a number of creative workshops to give them ideas on tools and techniques that could be used in a classroom setting. The project team presented on each of the intellectual outputs developed as part of the project at the conference including a website https://calminder.eu, video lessons, a book on mindfulness activities for children, music to be used for mindfulness activities and a free online training programme. The Calminder website is an innovative and interactive web-based application that serves as an inspirational tool for teachers in pre-primary and primary education for introducing mindfulness through arts in their daily educational contexts in the form of a weekly calendar containing 'ready-to-go' exercises. These resources will be freely available to educators, and they instigators look forward to hearing back from teachers who have used them in their classrooms and educational settings. Students from BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies, BA Theatre and Film Practice, BA (Hons) Audio and Music Production, BA (Hons) Music have all participated in the AMiE Strategic Partnership since it started in 2020. Speaking about the project, Dr Myles Hackett, Head of Department of Nursing, Midwifery & Early Years at DkIT, noted the opportunity for staff to collaborate and form new relationships with EU colleagues as well as their colleagues in DkIT's Department of Creative Arts, Media and Music. Moreover, this week-long event saw them further their understanding of mindfulness and arts, knowledge that will inform their future work in education. Dr Adele Commins, Head of Department of Creative Arts, Media and Music, commented on the positive impact of these projects on a students learning: It is wonderful for students to have the opportunity to participate in multi-disciplinary international teams and work on creative outputs. We have built up strong relationships with many of our European partners and see many benefits to collaborating on strategic partnerships for students, staff and the institutions including the advancement of research. Delegates at the first in-person conference of Community National School (CNS) Principals in Ireland held last week heard new research which shows that most Irish adults (61%) show a preference for multi-denominational education, with only 9% showing a preference for a religious body to provide education. The research, carried out with a representative sample of 1,011 adults in the Rep. of Ireland by Opinions, also shows that the CNS model, provided by Irelands Education & Training Boards (ETBs), including Louth & Meath ETB, is associated with key aspects that influence parents of primary school going children when deciding where to send them to school. These include being co-educational, multi-denominational, having an inclusive ethos in admissions and providing for children with special needs. Fiona Kindlon, Director of Schools in Louth and Meath ETB, said that: We in LMETB are delighted to meet with Community National School principals from our own and other ETBs at this conference. This professional learning opportunity is just one example of the many supports ETBs offer schools under their patronage. In LMETB we currently have 4 Community National Schools. We are proud to have supported 1 of these schools through a transfer of patronage process. We look forward to seeing this number increase through the Schools Reconfiguration for Diversity Process over the coming years. Delegates heard from Principals that a multi-denominational, equality-based ethos as well as a multi-belief and values curriculum, instead of a faith formation curriculum in one religion, were key in attracting new and existing primary schools to become Community National Schools. ETBI Director of Schools Dr Seamus Conboy added: The research by Opinions clearly shows the attractiveness of the Community National School offering to both a general sample of Irish adults and to those specifically with children of primary school going age. Indeed, my own research suggests that the CNS ethos enables teachers and school leaders to respond appropriately to diversity within the school community. Conference delegates also heard from academics and education specialists including keynote speaker, Professor Patricia Mannix-McNamara, Head of the School of Education at the University of Limerick, over the two-day conference which ran in Athlone from 25th - 26th May. NCBI (National Council for the Blind of Ireland) reopened their store in Drogheda on Thursday June 1st for the first time since March. The Drogheda store was last open for the local community on March 30th and was subsequently closed so the building could undergo maintenance and repairs. Members of the local community can visit us once again to shop, donate or volunteer. Stephanie Farrell, Area Manager for NCBI Drogheda commented: NCBI Drogheda is back open and better than ever! On opening day, we were delighted to swing our doors open and feel the incredible support from members of the local community who supported us before and throughout our closure. "We would encourage anyone, whether youve visited us before or not, to pop in and say hello to us as we have introduced a whole new stock offering just in time for summer. Dont forget, we also always gratefully accept donations from members of the public and we would love to get as many people as possible involved in volunteering with us. Weve maintained and built our lovely team at the store, and we want to keep adding to that too! "Although our store has been closed for some time, we are in back in a perfect position to help shoppers bag a bargain and root out some hidden gems to add to their summer wardrobe. "As a reminder, supporters and customers can visit the Drogheda store at 81 West Street, Drogheda, Co Louth." The eGov Super App was finally launched last Friday. This app hopes to cut out the red tape and bureaucracy by digitalizing the services of government to the Filipino people. With the eGov PH Super App, everyone can access and avail of highly important government services everyone needs for documentation such as Passports, NBI Clearance, vehicle registration, and more. To use the app all you need is to download the eGov Super App available on Google Play or iOS. You just need to sign in with your number and prepare your valid ID for validation of your account to fully access the app. Aside from government services essential day-to-day core government services; e-tourism and e-travel services; e-payments and banking services; and, even access to useful news and information about various subjects will be available on the app. Filipinos can also apply for jobs in the country or abroad. OFWs will also have an easy portal to log in their details and other important OFW documentation needed. I think they will also include BIR in the app for easy tax payments and all. Aside from government documents you can also file/ upload your complaints like scam information, physical abuse or abuse of women and children reports, and government services complaints among others. I just dont know what will they do with those complaints and how long will they take action if ever. With the availability of the eGov Super app all transactions can be simplified and, in the end, minimize corruption and other abuses in the country. To download the eGov Super app, click the link: Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=egov.app Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/ph/app/egov-ph/id6447682225 Heres my actual video review of the eGov Super App Meanwhile, the President also extends his support to the Paleng-QR Ph Plus Initiative and urges government agencies to educate Filipinos on the use of e-wallets and other digital payment apps. He recognizes its significant role to prop up economic activities, particularly with the inclusion of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The Paleng-QR Ph program, jointly developed by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), aims to build the digital payments ecosystem in the country by promoting cashless payments in public markets and local transportation, particularly tricycles. The program seeks to enjoin local government units (LGUs) to push for the acceptance of digital payments among market vendors, community shopkeepers, and tricycle operators and drivers (TODA) in all cities and municipalities in the country. Digitalization of government processes and transactions is one of the transformational programs of the current administration to deliver efficient services to the people. Mid Cork Pallets & Packaging (MCP) celebrated its 45th anniversary in recent days, and it is fair to say the Cork company has seen and done it all over the past four-and-a-half decades. In 1978, manufacturing industries in Ireland were growing fast and the demand for pallets and packaging was soaring. It was here that the entrepreneurial spirit of Johnny Lehane shone through, establishing Mid Cork Pallets & Packaging (MCP) on the outskirts of the small village of Clondrohid, Co Cork, to repair used pallets from a single warehouse. Having become specialists in the pallet repair industry, MCP quickly expanded into pallet manufacturing and were one of the first companies in Ireland to commission an automated pallet manufacturing machine. In 1992, MCP diversified their operations, expanding steadily into the supply of customised packaging solutions for the drinks, food, e-commerce, and medical packaging industries. Today, MCP produce more than two-and-a-half million pallets per annum and boast one of the largest pallet offerings in Ireland with their extensive range of timber, euro, heat- treated pallets, and custom pallets and crates. MCP are also one of Irelands leading packaging companies and offer a complete service to their customers, from hands-on design, prototyping, and expert advice through to producing engaging, unique packaging, and currently supply more than 10,000 different packaging products. As a complementary service, MCP also offer storage solutions to both new and existing customers from their two strategically located sites in Clondrohid and Dunboyne, Co Meath, and offer fast, efficient delivery throughout Ireland, both north and south. Pictured at front are( l to r) Humphrey O'Riordan, Noreen and Johnny Lehane, owner and founder of the comany, and Aidan Harty, managing Director with staff at the celebration. Pic: Larry Cummins The innovations at MCP dont just stop with pallets, packaging or storage; this multi-faceted company is also a green energy manufacturer, not only for its own operations on-site but also to power the energy of more than 1,200 homes. A sister company to MCP and built on the grounds of their Clondrohid site, Cork Green Energy was commissioned back in 2019 as a combined heat and power plant (CHP). Powered by biomass, which is a carbon-neutral green energy, Cork Green Energy produces 1.3 megawatts of green electricity per hour, which is supplied directly to the national grid. This ingenious closed loop system is invaluable for its sister company MCP, as the heat generated by this process is supplied back to MCP to heat-treat and kiln dry pallets in their 10-plus kilns. MCP operate from over 700,000 square feet, spread over 60 acres of production and storage facilities, and employ 100 staff across two strategically located sites. Both sites ensure MCP are ideally placed to deliver their customers pallet and packaging products throughout Ireland. The company is currently expanding its production and storage and distribution facilities even further with the commissioning of a third custom-built, leading-edge pallet manufacturing machine later this summer, along with the addition of two new warehouses at their Clondrohid and Dunboyne facilities, with an additional capacity of 20,000 pallet spaces. Reflecting on the MCPs 45th anniversary, the companys founder Johnny Lehane said: Nowadays, companies need something special to survive, and here at MCP we have that in bucket-loads. It never ceases to amaze me how far our company has come. I still remember the first pallet repaired or the first pallet manufactured, and now we have become Irelands leading manufacturer and distributor of kiln dried and heat-treated pallets, EPAL pallets, secondhand pallets, and custom crates for the food and beverage, pharmaceutical, medical devices, dairy, and general manufacturing industries. Company founder Johnny Lehane speaking to staff at the 45th anniversary celebration. Pic: Larry Cummins Managing director at MCP, Aidan Harty added: Being in business for 45 years doesnt just take luck, it takes a lot of hard work, determination, and surrounding yourself with the best staff and loyal customers. Our experienced staff engage with our customers evolving needs to provide them with expert advice, quality products, and reliable delivery, all combined with excellent customer service. Whether they need new or second-hand pallets, shipping crates or corrugated packaging, or even storage solutions, were always here to help, Mr Harty said. Like many companies that have survived so long, MCP has seen its fair share of challenges, including recessions, Brexit and the Covid-19 pandemic. However, MCP was dealt its hardest blow in late 2011, on a Sunday just before Christmas, when the company suffered a devastating fire, which destroyed over half of its factory and stocks, both pallets and packaging. Fortunately, our main pallet manufacturing machine was saved, thanks in no small part to the fire-fighters and our staff trying to contain and break the fire, Johnny recalled. As a result, we were back up and running and manufacturing on the Tuesday morning again and havent looked back since. Firefighters attending the scene of a blaze at Mid Cork Pallets in 2011. Picture: John Delea. As well as challenges, MCP has also seen its fair share of highlights over the past 45 years, including the launch of the companys second pallet manufacturing machine and its massive growth as a packaging supplier, particularly in the last 10 years. Another highlight for the company came in the form of its expansion into the production of green electricity in 2019, a move which was 10 years in the making, and more recently the commissioning of a third pallet manufacturing machine, due for installation later this summer. However, MCP stated that its main highlight has been working with its staff, some of whom have been with the company since the very beginning and still have many years left. MCP has capitalised on growing trends and demands in Ireland over the course of 45 years, thanks to strategic planning and agile management. One thing remains the same in 2023 as it did back in 1978 the customer is always at the forefront of everything that we do and always will be, Johnny smiled. For the future, we plan to continue on the same trajectory of being Irelands leading manufacturer of pallets and supplier of packaging and storage solutions, he concluded. WHITECHURCH GAA club is adopting the red of Cork in support of Micheal Mullins this weekend. The clubs star man will captain Cork against Offaly in the U20 All-Ireland Hurling final tomorrow. Whitechurch PRO Jonathan Healy said excitement was building around the village. There is tremendous excitement around the village and the wider community. Cork beat Clare in the Munster final on May 15 while Offaly beat Wexford in the Leinster final on May 17. The provincial champions will lock horns tomorrow in Semple Stadium in Thurles. Mullins will make history as he will be the first Whitechurch man to captain a Cork side. Micheal recently attended the opening of our new community gym as guest of honour and was swamped by our underage players asking him to sign everything from hurleys, to jerseys and even socks, Mr Healy said. The Whitechurch faithful travelled to Limerick in their busloads to cheer on Cork, which was an invaluable lesson for the younger players Tommy Buckley, Whitechurch GAA President, with young supporters ahead of the the U-20 All-Ireland Hurling Final on Sunday. Club man Micheal Mullins captains the side. We have another bus travelling to the final, and lots more organising car shares and public transport options. In particular, the club has been working with the underage teams to show them the importance of supporting our club man in the final. Micheal is an incredibly generous team-mate and will always stop to talk with the younger boys when hes around the pitches. We all feel like were part of his journey, and hopefully hell inspire more to follow in his footsteps. When asked if there is an air of nervousness around the club leading up to Micheals big moment, Mr Healy calmly said: We dont do nerves. We know that Micheal will give it 100%, and thats enough for us to turn up and support him. Although, if he scores another cracker of a goal on Sunday, it will settle us. A GOVERNMENT TD has said cost overruns in the new national childrens hospital must not affect planned works in Cork. Colm Burke, Fine Gael TD for Cork North Central, said projects to which the HSE has already committed, including 36 critical care beds for Cork University Hospital (CUH) and building work on the planned new major trauma centre at CUH, must be progressed urgently. Mr Burke made his remarks after the Health Service Executive warned that fluctuations in spending on the new National Paediatric Hospital at the St Jamess Hospital campus in Dublin will have a significant impact on the remainder of its capital programme for this year. The HSE plan, which was published this week, allocates over 1 billion for a variety of projects around the country, and it includes spending of 324m on the new childrens hospital. However, the plan notes that uncertainty surrounding the costs of that hospital may impact on other health construction costs. 2023 expenditure on the new National Childrens Hospital (NCH) is estimated at 324m based on the latest information from the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board, the plan states. Fluctuation in expenditure on the NCH, will have a significant impact on the remainder of the Capital Programme, and Capital Plan 2023. Originally estimated in 2017 to cost 450m, the hospital is now due to open in 2025 at a provisional cost of 1.4bn. However, after building and then commissioning costs have been taken into account, concerns have been voiced that the final cost of the childrens hospital could be in excess of 2bn. Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly said on Tuesday that the Government is determined to ensure the fluctuation in spending on the hospital does not have any impact on the rest of the HSEs capital programme. He said it was not possible to say how much the new hospital would ultimately cost, but admitted it would be in excess of its revised total of 1.4bn. Mr Burke told The Echo that projects already committed to, such as the 36 critical care beds for CUH and work on the planned new major trauma centre at CUH, must be progressed. The projects we have put money into already, for instance, Heather House, the Blarney Community Nursing unit, we put the money in those, they cant be delayed from opening because we need the step-down facilities, Mr Burke said. A NEW bus service has been launched to transport patients from West Cork to Belfast for hip and knee operations. Independent TDs Michael Collins and Danny Healy-Rae organised the first Hip Op bus service on May 20, bringing about 25 elderly patients to Belfast for hip, knee, carpal tunnel and prostate procedures, some of whom have been waiting up to five years to access services in counties Cork and Kerry. The service follows on from the popular Belfast or Blind bus that the TDs have been running for the last number of years. The new bus service will depart Cork for Belfast at 6am once a month on a Saturday morning, with the intention of increasing the number of routes over time. So far, the service has attracted a huge response, Mr Collins told The Echo. If theyre waiting for a year or two, or sometimes even three years here in pain. We took them up that weekend. They got their consultation and their pre-op on the Saturday, and that application is sent to the HSE for reimbursement which has to be accepted, unless they give them a date in Cork. They then have their surgery within two to three months in Belfast, said Mr Collins. Its not fully reimbursable, but partially reimbursable. The Hip Op bus departs from Killarney and travels via Macroom into Cork City, stopping at OBriens Filling Station in Bishopstown, where the main bulk of the passengers are picked up. The bus will also stop at certain locations on the motorway at exits, for passengers to board on their way to Kingsbridge Private Hospital in Belfast. The next Hip Op bus departs on June 24. A red circle with dot was painted on a house in Cork city centre for no apparent reason and now the 40-year-old man who did it has been given a two-month suspended jail term. Petr Cupanek of St Vincents hostel, Anglesea Terrace, Cork, pleaded guilty to the charge of causing criminal damage to the house. Judge Colm Roberts imposed a sentence of two months which he suspended on condition that he would comply with the direction of the probation service. Sergeant John Kelleher said that on June 30 2022 a woman called to Anglesea Street and garda station and reported damage to her house at Oliver Plunkett Street. There was a circle with a dot in the middle spray painted on the wall of her house. She looked back at CCTV outside her home and saw Petr Cupanek spraying it on the previous day. She knew him as he had previously done work on her house. The Michael Collins Centre has announced the acquisition of a fascinating artefact bought at auction in Dublin recently. The museum, based at Castleview just outside of Clonakilty, has purchased what it has described as the Treaty autograph book containing signatures of the Irish negotiating team involved in the Treaty negotiations in London. Following the naming of our museum as Irelands Next Top Visitor Attraction for 2023 on the TG4 series, Beidh Me Ar Ais!, we decided to invest the grant of 5,000 that came with the award in an artefact which came up for sale at Whytes auction in Dublin recently. You could call the item the the Treaty autograph book, the museum explained in a post on social media. The signatures, the centre said, were collected by Alice Lyons - one of the secretaries with the Irish negotiating team in London during the Treaty talks from October to December of 1921. The signatures of the five Irish signatories who signed the Treaty, Arthur Griffith, Michael Collins, George Gavan Duffy, Robert Barton and Eamon Duggan, are on the new autograph book. The autograph of Erskine Childers is also there and within a year of signing, Griffith, Collins and Childers would all be dead, Childers being executed during the Civil War after being found in possession of a pistol, which had been given to him by Michael Collins, the museum explained. It added that some of Michael Collins toughest men were brought over to London as his security team, including Tom Cullen, Liam Tobin and Frank Thornton and their signatures are also in the book in addition to the signature of Emmet Dalton - in whos arms Collins died at Beal na Bla. Other signatures in the book include the signature of Joe OReilly, Michael Collins great friend and personal assistant from 1917 to 1922 and the signature of artist John Lavery, who painted Michael Collins in London in October 1921 and afterwards laid out in his coffin. In addition is the signature of another artist, Sean Milroy along with an original cartoon by Milroy. The Treaty autograph book and the rest of the museums collection will be on display from Monday, June 19 when the museum opens for off road casual visitors for the 2023 season. For more information or to book see michaelcollinscentre.com. The founder of a charity, who was recently honoured by the Lord Mayor of Cork, has drawn attention to the dangers of a disease often diagnosed too late to be effectively treated. Sepsis is a potentially life-threatening condition which occurs when the bodys response to an infection damages its own tissues and organs. Sepsis is responsible for approximately 20% of hospital deaths in Ireland. Cork barrister Doireann OMahony, who specialises in medical negligence cases, founded the charity the Irish Sepsis Foundation last September. Ms OMahony was one six people to receive a prestigious award last week from the Lord Mayor of Cork, Councillor Deirdre Forde. The award was given in recognition of her commitment to raising public awareness of and her support for those affected by sepsis. Speaking to The Echo, Ms OMahony said she was delighted that the award would bring more awareness to the charity, and she hoped that the more people knew about sepsis, the safer they would be. I am dedicating my Lord Mayors award to the memory of Tracey Corcoran, a young Cork woman who lost her life to sepsis this time three years ago, whose family are doing amazing work for the charity, she said. This is for Tracey, and indeed for everyone who has been affected by sepsis. In honour of them, we will continue our work for the cause. There are at least 15,000 cases of sepsis in Ireland every year and at least 3,000 deaths. According to the Irish Sepsis Foundation, if a person has sepsis then time is key. If not treated immediately, sepsis can result in tissue and organ failure, leading to the loss of digits and limbs, and in some cases, death. However, with early diagnosis, sepsis can be treated. The foundation says that in summertime it is important to take precautions and reduce the risk of contracting infections that could potentially lead to sepsis. Outdoor activities come with the risk of injuries, and outdoor environments may make it harder to keep open wounds clean. Bug bites are common at this time of year, and tick bites can transmit infection. Recreational water illnesses can be caused by germs in water, which can be found in swimming pools, hot tubs, water parks, and so on. Second degree sunburn can carry the risk of infection if blisters break. Travelling also increases the risk of infection because enclosed spaces like planes and trains can expose you to viruses if a fellow traveller is ill. The message from the Irish Sepsis Foundation is that summer in Ireland is too short not to get out and enjoy, and it is encouraging people to have fun during the good weather, but to be sensible about it too. It is so important to remember that every time an infection is prevented, the risk of sepsis is prevented too, Ms OMahony said. Conflict between the Green Party and backbench TDs over land use, the continued fallout of Phillip Schofield and job opportunities from AI are among the headlines in today's papers. The Irish Times leads with a row between the Green Party and Fine Gael over land use as the Government attempts to lower it's emissions. The Irish Examiner leads with Minister for Enterprise Simon Coveney's comments on potential job opportunities that could arise in Ireland from the development of AI. The Irish Daily Mail leads with further conflict from rural Fine Gael TDs and the Green Party. The Irish Daily Mirror leads with the continued fallout of Phillip Schofield's affair with a younger ITV member. The Irish Daily Star leads with the murder of Irish UN peacekeeper Sean Rooney, as Micheal Martin vows for justice as militant group Hezbollah are linked with his murder. British papers The Phillip Schofield saga continues to make front pages alongside a variety of topics that feature in newspapers across the UK on Saturday. The Sun continues with their coverage of Phillip Schofield, reporting the former ITV This Morning host is afraid to leave home. On tomorrow's front page: Phillip Schofield reveals he is terrified to leave the house as he asks: Will people spit on me?https://t.co/7dbwSbTKKh pic.twitter.com/KIKkUkC9Xf The Sun (@TheSun) June 2, 2023 The Daily Mirror stays on the Schofield story with their front page showing an image of Alison Hammond in tears on This Morning while speaking about Phillip Schofield. The Daily Mail says rail strikes have already cost the industry 5 billion as strikes on Saturday are set to disrupt the Epsom and FA Cup final. The Daily Telegraph reports ministers had a secret unit to try and curb criticism of lockdowns during the pandemic. The front page of tomorrow's Daily Telegraph: 'Ministers had secret unit to curb critics of lockdown'#TomorrowsPapersToday Sign up for the Front Page newsletterhttps://t.co/x8AV4Oomry pic.twitter.com/QLvsrKoAw6 The Telegraph (@Telegraph) June 2, 2023 The front of FT Weekend reveals the CIA boss made a trip to China last month for talks with officials. Just published: front page of FT Weekend, UK edition, Saturday 3 June https://t.co/1vP1zBViFU pic.twitter.com/fyhvs9epoa Financial Times (@FinancialTimes) June 2, 2023 The Times says a British trial has found a simple blood test could detect more than 50 forms of cancer and save thousands of lives. The Times: Blood test promises fast cancer diagnosis #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/AFoqvrpI1v George Mann (@sgfmann) June 2, 2023 The Guardian also leads with a positive health story saying there is a game-changing drug that could increase the chance of survival for people with breast cancer. Guardian front page, Saturday 3 June 2023: Game-changing drug could boost breast cancer survival rate pic.twitter.com/26gxDu2RIL The Guardian (@guardian) June 2, 2023 i Weekend leads with a poll that shows the majority of people surveyed blame Brexit for higher food prices. The i: UK public blames Brexit for higher food prices #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/p5hNpJJWs4 George Mann (@sgfmann) June 2, 2023 The Daily Express says banks have increased savings rates and that the rates could continue to rise. Front Page - At last you're listening! Banks put up savings rates#TomorrowsPapersTodayhttps://t.co/YzyIijN8wN pic.twitter.com/fSEDvICUlp Daily Express (@Daily_Express) June 2, 2023 And the Daily Star puts a spotlight on the 13 per cent of people who put tea and coffee in their cereal, labelling them sickos. The Montana State Capitol in Helena on Wednesday, April 26, 2023. (Photo by Mike Clark for the Daily Montanan) Montanas Democratic legislative leadership sent a letter Friday to Senate President Jason Ellsworth calling on him to sign several bills that have been awaiting his signature for weeks so they can be sent to the governor. For several weeks since the legislature adjourned May 2, six bills that were passed by lawmakers, sent through the enrolling process, then signed by House Speaker Matt Regier, R-Kalispell, have been awaiting Ellsworths signature leading lawmakers and people and organizations who either have stakes or interest in them to wonder about the holdup, according to conversations with several of them over the past week. Chief among them are House Bill 2, the $14 billion budget for the next biennium that starts July 1 that also contains the Medicaid provider rate funding, and House Bill 648, sponsored by Rep. Alice Buckley, D-Bozeman, a bipartisan agreement to codify and expand eligibility for a child care scholarship program for low-income Montana families. Dozens of child care facilities and providers across the state have been reaching out to me both via email and calling me and saying, Hey, whats the status of this bill? I see its been signed by the Speaker. Is the governor going to sign it? Buckley said in an interview this week. And every time I say, Go ask the president and write to the governor and tell him how important it is to sign this bill into law. Some lawmakers, including the six Democrats who wrote to Ellsworth on Friday, have also raised questions about legislative rules and whether the delay is allowed under them. The Montana Free Press has previously reported on the questions surrounding the delays. Montanans expect transparency and accountability from us. Your actions, through gamesmanship and delay, threaten important policies from childcare for working families to the viability of community care for aging seniors, the Democrats wrote in the letter. Perhaps worst of all, your inexplicable delay threatens our ability to complete our one constitutional obligation passing a balanced budget. Some worry the delay of sending HB2 to the governors desk could affect the July 1 start of the next fiscal year if Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte line-item vetoes any parts of it. It is unclear whether the Governor will receive the budget, assess it, potentially issue line-item vetoes, or veto it in its entirety before the new biennium begins on July 1st. This is an irresponsible and chaotic way to govern, the Democrats wrote to Ellsworth. The delays coincide with Gianforte vetoing 25 bills over the past several weeks, at least 19 of which had override polls sent out to lawmakers. Lawmakers have 30 days, per statute, to vote on an override via paper ballots that are mailed to lawmakers, which they in turn have to mail back or deliver in person to the Secretary of State lest they be counted as a no vote automatically. Override polls can be conducted if the governor vetoes a bill after the legislative session is over and if two-thirds of the legislature voted in favor of the bill. A veto override also requires a vote in favor from two-thirds of lawmakers. The governor has 10 days to sign or reject legislation once it reaches his desk before it automatically becomes law. Friday at 5 p.m. marks the deadline for the first two override polls, on House Bill 748, a zoning bill, and House Bill 33, which allows county commissioners to initiate civil proceedings in certain instances. Other deadlines are spread out over the next two and a half weeks. Some lawmakers the Daily Montanan spoke with voiced concerns that if Gianforte vetoes any part of HB2, the poll override could last into July when the new budget is set to take hold. House Minority Leader Kim Abbott, D-Helena, said she hadnt seen such delays in her six years in office and that they were creating a bad precedent, especially because the budget is the only legislation lawmakers are required by the constitution to pass each session. The idea that we passed that budget, it was transmitted on the 12th by the speaker to the president, and that were still waiting for it to get to the governor, is a problem for the state of Montana in terms of good government, which is about being predictable and transparent and efficient, she said. People should get to know what services are going to be funded and what are going to be funded before the next fiscal year. And I think Montanans expect that because its been true. Rep. Llew Jones, R-Conrad, the sponsor of HB2 and House Appropriations Committee chairperson, said he still believes the Governors Office will act quickly once it receives the bill so it can be in effect starting July 1. As the Executive does their analysis, including possible line item vetoes, which have a defined turnaround time, they will need to keep this in mind, Jones wrote to the Daily Montanan. Obviously the Senate President has chosen a methodology and order for sending bills to the Executive. As the Executive can analyze the bill prior to its formal arrival, I expect they can act quickly once it is in hand. Other bills still awaiting Ellsworths signature include Hamilton Republican Rep. David Bedeys House Bill 332, a $40 million public school health insurance trust; Hardin Republican Rep. Paul Greens House Bill 819, a large workforce and affordable housing bill; and House Bill 587, a school funding and property tax reduction bill from Jones. The legislatures bill tracking website shows House Bill 355, sponsored by Rep. John Fitzpatrick, R-Anaconda, has not been signed by Ellsworth. But he said in a message the Governors Office told him Tuesday it had received the bill on Monday and that it would likely be processed this week or next. Bedey did not return a message seeking information on the status of his bill. Kyle Schmauch, a spokesperson for Senate Republicans, said the remaining bills will be transmitted to Gianforte before they need to go into effect. Bills are being transmitted to the governor in an orderly fashion instead of all at once following the surprise sine die to end the session, Schmauch said. Im unaware of any conversations President Ellsworth has had with the Governors Office about the timing of specific bills beyond not dropping all of them on the governors desk at the same time. Abbott said she takes issue with the holdup in the process and said the legislature and executive need to fulfill their duties. These guys have the Governors Office. They have supermajorities in both chambers, and they still need to break the rules to accomplish our one constitutional objective. And its disappointing to watch, she said. Democrats pointed to Joint Rule 40-160 in their letter to Ellsworth about the delay. That rule says that once a bill is enrolled, the presiding officer of the house in which the bill originated must sign it within one day if the legislature is in session and that the bill then must be transmitted to the other house where the same procedure must be followed. But the rule also says that a bill that has passed both chambers by the 90th day of the session may be enrolled, signed by the Senate president and House speaker, and delivered to the governor for consideration not later than five working days after the 90th legislative day. Legislative Code Commissioner Todd Everts said the may creates some discretion for the Senate president and House speaker and leaves the rule somewhat unclear. Over time, obviously one individual of the legislature couldnt lock up a piece of legislation that passed. Both houses it would eventually have to be delivered to the governor, he said. The Democrats say they have concerns about the Medicaid provider rate funding in HB2 as well as the codification and $7 million annual expansion of the Best Beginnings Scholarship program from Buckley, which will make the scholarships for child care for low-income families more widely available and cap families out-of-pocket costs at a lower level. I think theres an urgency both with 648 and with provider rates urgency from the people who would be impacted and whose lives would be impacted by these two pieces of policy, Buckley said. Her bill is slated to go into effect July 1 if it is signed. She said she had been hearing from families and child care facilities for more than a week about the bills status. Buckley is the House Minority Caucus chairperson and also signed Fridays letter to Ellsworth in which leadership demanded an explanation for the delays. She won bipartisan support for her bill as it made its way through the legislature, as it received 94 votes in a legislature that has 48 Democrats. The bill was also a top priority of Democratic leadership, top lawmakers said throughout the session. Its certainly not just a partisan win; its a bipartisan win. Its a win for the state of Montana. Its a win for families, for communities, for businesses. Its a win for the governor, Buckley said. So, it seems like such an easy signature for the governor and I feel really hopeful hell sign it. Kaitlin Price, a spokesperson for the Governors Office, referred questions about the delays and a possible override poll deadline should Gianforte line-item veto the budget bill to the Legislative Services Division and reiterated that the governor has 10 days to act on a bill once he receives it. The post Democrats ask for explanation on stalled budget bill, others, call delays chaotic way to govern appeared first on Daily Montanan. BUTTE, Mont. - Firefighters responded to two fires in Butte Wednesday. The Butte-Silver Bow Fire Department (BSBFD) said in a Facebook post firefighters responded to a residence structure fire in the 900 block of Colorado Street. There was a fire inside the front of the structure that was spreading to outside property next to it. After searching the structure and finding no one inside, crews began working to extinguish the two fires, the primary residence fire and the fire that spread to property outside the residence. BSBFD said in the Facebook post crews worked several hours and were able to save the property outside the residence on fire, but the primary residence received fire, smoke and water damage. Firefighters were called to another fire Wednesday in the area of Second and Gaylord streets. BSBFD said in the Facebook post the fire was at a salvage yard with a large piece of equipment on fire. The fire was difficult battle, according to BSBFD, due to "extended hose lay for water supply, a large pile of metal next to the fire, and the equipment itself being difficult to access." Firefighters battled the fire for two hours before turning the fire scene over to the business. On top of fighting the two fires, BSBFD said in the Facebook post they responded to 16 other calls including medical aids, fire alarms and natural gas leaks. GREAT FALLS, Mont. - The Monitor, Lynn DeRoche has submitted four reports to the courts. "The goal here is we want Ms. Merchant to succeed. We want the election to go off without a hitch. The monitor helps with that and we'll continue to be vigilant as the election date nears next Tuesday," said Raph Graybill, the attorney representing the Great Falls Public Library Board of Trustees. She details issues like voters having received 6 ballots in the mail and not getting timely information from Sandra Merchant; she has also documented giving advice to election officials. "The purpose of the monitor is to make sure that if any issues come up in how the election is administered, they can be spotted early, can be dealt with," said Graybill. Earlier this week, a hearing took place to check in on the status of the election and the monitors reports. "Neither party requested for the court to intervene at this time, and I think everyone's still watching vigilantly to see how the election unfolds and if there are going to be any issues," said Graybill. GREAT FALLS, Mont. - A Monitor for the June 6 library election in Great Falls has been appointed. On May 10, the Great Falls Public Library filed suit, seeking a Monitor for the Library Mill Levy Special Election coming up on June 6 in hopes of avoiding errors identified in the Great Falls school district election. A Court granted the Librarys motion and appointed Lynn DeRoche for the election. According to the order, the Monitor will have direct and unfettered access to all operations of the Elections Office. For any work done by the Elections Office related to the Library election outside of normal business hours, the Monitor will have to be notified arrange for access The Monitor will report to the Court regarding the administration of the Library election. Under the order, Cascade County Election Administrator Sandra Merchant must cooperate with DeRoche and provide access and information on request. You can read the full order here. GREAT FALLS, Mont. - On Wednesday, the Great Falls Public Library Board of Trustees filed suit seeking the appointment of a Monitor for the Library Mill Levy Special Election on June 6. The library says the suit asks a district court judge to appoint the Monitor to assist the Election Administrator and help avoid errors identified in the recent Great Falls school district election. We want the Election Administrator to succeed. Unfortunately, continuing errors in the election process have forced us into this position, said Raph Graybill, legal counsel for the Great Falls Public Library Board of Trustees. Our only objective is to ensure a fair, valid election under Montana law. This comes after the Election Administrator reportedly refused to voluntarily appointment of a Monitor. You can read the Emergency Petition for Injunctive Relief petitioned by the board of trustees against Sandra Merchant here. Article originally published May 11, 2023. An application from NFU Sugar and British Sugar for the emergency use of Movento on sugar beet in 2023 has been approved. The government has given the green light for sugar beet growers to use Movento (spirotetramat) on non-Cruiser treated sugar beet. It follows a late, protracted drilling window, with aphids already in flight. The NFU said that access to a "comprehensive, sustainable" spray programme had "never been more vital" to control the threat posed by virus yellows. The threat posed by the disease has in recent years caused crop losses of up to 80%. Movento must occupy the third position in a three-spray programme, behind application of flonicamid (Teppiki/Afinto) and acetamiprid (Insyst). Use will only be permitted once the following aphid thresholds have been reached: up to 12 true leaves - 5 green wingless aphids per 20 plants; between 12 and 16 true leaves - 1 green wingless aphid per plant. The NFU said growers must check the BBRO Aphid Survey Dashboard for indications of aphid pressure from monitoring sites across the growing area. The union's sugar board chair, Michael Sly welcomed the insecticide's approval by the government. He said: The use of Movento on non-Cruiser treated sugar beet will help mitigate the threat posed by a disease which in recent years has caused crop losses of up to 80%. Led by the British Beet Research Organisation, the homegrown sugar industry continues to work hard to find viable, long-term solutions to virus yellows disease. Amnesty International, June 3, 2023 The Talibans war on women: The crime against humanity of gender persecution in Afghanistan The Talibans war on women: The crime against humanity of gender persecution in Afghanistan The Talibans severe restrictions and unlawful crackdown on women and girls rights should be investigated as possible crimes under international law, including the crime against humanity of gender persecution, Amnesty International and the International Commission of Jurists said today in a new joint report. The report, The Talibans war on women: The crime against humanity of gender persecution in Afghanistan, presents a detailed legal analysis of how the Talibans draconian restrictions on the rights of Afghanistans women and girls, together with the use of imprisonment, enforced disappearance, torture and other ill-treatment, could amount to the crime against humanity of gender persecution under Article 7(1)(h) of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC). Amnesty International and the International Commission of Jurists consider that the prosecutors of the International Criminal Court should include the crime against humanity of gender persecution in their ongoing investigation into the situation in Afghanistan. The organizations are also calling on other states to exercise universal jurisdiction or other lawful means to bring to justice Taliban members suspected of responsibility for crimes under international law. The Talibans campaign of gender persecution is of such magnitude, gravity and systematic nature, that cumulatively the acts and policies form a system of repression which aims to subjugate and marginalize women and girls across the country. Our report indicates that this meets all the five criteria to qualify as a crime against humanity of gender persecution, said Santiago A. Canton, Secretary General of the International Commission of Jurists. Since their take over, the Taliban has imposed draconian restrictions on the rights of Afghanistans women and girls. Let there be no doubt: this is a war against women banned from public life; prevented from accessing education; prohibited from working; barred from moving freely; imprisoned, disappeared and tortured including for speaking against these policies and resisting the repression. These are international crimes. They are organized, widespread, systematic, said Agnes Callamard, Secretary General at Amnesty International. The report covers the period from August 2021 to January 2023 and bases its analysis on a growing body of evidence collected by credible sources, including Amnesty Internationals 2022 report Death in Slow Motion, civil society organizations and UN authorities. It also provides a legal assessment of why women and girls fleeing persecution in Afghanistan should be presumptively considered refugees in need of international protection. It complements the work of UN experts and womens rights groups to lay the foundation for the robust response needed to ensure justice, accountability and reparation for the crimes against humanity of gender persecution. Second-class citizens Since the Talibans takeover in August 2021, women have been excluded from political roles and most jobs in the public sector. Through a series of measures and announcements, women and girls have also been excluded from education beyond primary school, preventing them from continuing their studies at university and further restricting their professional opportunities. The Talibans dissolution of the institutional framework of support for survivors of gender-based violence has further undermined the rights of Afghan women and girls on the basis of their gender. The 24 December 2022 and 4 April 2023 decrees purporting to ban women from working in NGOs and the UN, respectively, provide further evidence of gender discrimination. The requirement that women travel with a mahram, or male chaperone, for long-distance journeys, a decree stipulating that women should stay at home unless necessary, and the Talibans strict dress code violates womens freedom of movement and freedom to choose what to wear in public. The discriminatory restrictions the Taliban have imposed on women and girls violate human rights guarantees contained in numerous international treaties to which Afghanistan is a party, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women, and the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Afghan women and girls have been arbitrarily arrested and detained by Taliban members for so-called moral crimes as a result of infringing the de facto authorities discriminatory mahram restrictions, and for their participation in peaceful demonstrations. Women who have protested against the Talibans abusive and restrictive policies have faced excessive force, unlawful arrests, torture and other ill treatment to ensure their compliance, leading to violations of the rights to freedom of expression, association, peaceful assembly and public participation. The restrictions against women and girls are clearly designed to target them specifically. They have violated their rights and excluded them from participation in society. Afghan women and girls are forced to live as second-class citizens. They are silenced and rendered invisible. The weight of evidence suggests that these measures reflect a policy of gender persecution that aims to obliterate the agency of women and girls in almost every aspect of their lives, said Agnes Callamard. The numerous incidents of arbitrary arrest and detention, torture and other ill-treatment inflicted against women and girls who either participated in peaceful protests or were accused of so-called moral offences should also be investigated as possible crimes against humanity of imprisonment, enforced disappearance and torture under Article 7 of the Rome Statute. A widespread, systematic attack on women and girls as policy The Talibans campaign of persecution targets women and girls across the entire country based on their gender, and potentially affects every single woman and girl in Afghanistan. The restrictions meted out against women and girls in Afghanistan stem from directives, decisions and rulings adopted by the Taliban de facto authorities at the leadership level. These policies are enforced through a catalogue of oppressive acts, including enforced disappearance and the systematic use of imprisonment, torture and other ill-treatment. These acts are carried out by the Taliban using the former governments security apparatus, including structures that were dedicated to policing and public facilities such as detention centres. The Taliban have consistently targeted women and girls who have participated in peaceful protests by arbitrarily arresting, detaining and forcibly disappearing them. While in detention women have been subjected to torture and other ill-treatment and forced to sign confessions or agreements in which they commit to not protesting again. Taken together, the increasingly stifling restrictions and pattern of violent suppression of peaceful protest reflect the existence of a single organized system of oppression, consistent with the requirements under Article 7 of the Rome Statute. Further, the use of public assets in these crimes, and the involvement of the Taliban police and security forces as well as other Taliban members, suggest that they may well have acted with knowledge of the wider context of the abuses targeting women and girls. Our report provides a holistic and in-depth perspective underlining the scale and seriousness of the violations by the Taliban. It calls for a drastic and urgent change in the international communitys approach to the Talibans persistent and flagrant criminal conduct preventing the women and girls in Afghanistan from exercising most of their human rights, said Santiago A. Canton. The way forward Amnesty International and the International Commission of Jurists provide specific recommendations in the report regarding how the international community must help dismantle the Talibans system of gender persecution and the impunity which sustains it. The upcoming enhanced interactive dialogue on the situation of women and girls in Afghanistan at the 53rd session of the UN Human Rights Council is an important opportunity for states, civil society and independent experts to discuss gender persecution and other possible crimes under international law by the Taliban. At its 54th session in October 2023, the UN Human Rights Council must renew and strengthen the mandate of the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan and take urgent steps towards establishing an independent international accountability mechanism to investigate crimes under international law and other serious human rights violations, as well as to collect and preserve evidence of such violations with a view to support future accountability efforts, including prosecution in fair trials. Afghan women and girls are the victims of a crime against humanity of gender persecution. The gravity of the crime demands a far more robust international response than has been seen to date. There is only one outcome acceptable: this system of gender oppression and persecution must be dismantled, said Agnes Callamard. Holding the Taliban criminally accountable and tackling rampant impunity for the serious crimes documented in this report is a necessary step toward securing justice for survivors of their egregious practices. We simply cannot afford to fail the women and girls of Afghanistan, said Santiago A. Canton. Published by the Amnesty International and the International Commission of Jurists on 26 May 2023. Brad Pitt has denied claims he sued Angelina Jolie because she did not agree to a non-disclosure agreement. Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie's bitter feud rages on Earlier this week, Brad, 59, sued his former wife Angelina, 47, over the "secret" sale of her share in their Chateau Miraval wine business to Tenute del Mondo, a subsidiary of Stoli Group, after claiming they had a "mutual and binding commitment" to never sell their part of the business without the other's permission. While a source close to Angelina alleged to PEOPLE that Brad took legal action because Angelina did not agree to a NDA to stop her speaking out about previous domestic abuse claims, this has been denied by Brad's supporters. A source close to Brad told the publication: "There was a non-disparagement clause in the contract, but that is totally standard to business transactions like this. "Brad requested a mutual NDA and non-disparagement strictly related to Miraval over concerns around sensitive financial information and protecting the brand, which is standard with these types of transactions. It had nothing to do with the divorce or the children." Brad's lawyer, Anne Kiley of Elkins Kalt Weintraub Reuben Gartside LLP, added to PEOPLE: "Brad has owned everything hes responsible for from day one, unlike Angelina, and hes not going to own anything further. Hes been through every agency and professional shes thrown at him, two court hearings and we refer to the findings." According to court documents filed in Los Angeles this week and obtained by DailyMail.com, Brad claims he only discovered Angelina had "secretly" sold her half of the company to a "Russian oligarch" when a press release issued in 2021 announced he had new business partners. The documents argued: "As will be demonstrated at trial, Jolie's actions were unlawful, severely and intentionally damaging Pitt and unjustly enriching herself." In his revised complaint, the 'Bullet Train' actor insisted he had first refusal on his ex-wife's share of the winery, which is situated in the South of France, and by selling to a company ultimately owned by Uri Shefler, Brad argued the brand became linked to Russia, its homophobic laws and the war against Ukraine, potentially tarnishing Chateau Miraval's name. The documents added: "In the summer of 2021, amid a heated child custody dispute with Pitt, Jolie terminated those discussions and secretly purported to sell a 50% stake in the family home and family business to Tenute del Mondo. "Tenute del Mondo is part of the Russia-affiliated spirits conglomerate Stoli Group, which is owned and controlled by billionaire Yuri Shefler. Shefler, who has been designated as an 'oligarch in the Russian Federation' by the U.S. Treasury Department, had previously sought to buy Miraval, and Pitt had turned him down. "Pitt learned of Jolie's putative sale to Stoli by way of a press release announcing that Stoli was 'thrilled to have a position alongside Brad Pitt as curators' of Miraval rose. "That was by design: Jolie collaborated in secret with Shefler and his associates to pursue and then consummate the purported sale, ensuring that Pitt would be kept in the dark as Stoli and Jolie knowingly violated Pitt's and Mondo Bongo's contractual rights and forced a stranger into Pitt's family home." In her own counterclaim, Angelina accused Brad of trying to force her into selling to his Mondo Bongo company on "unreasonable terms" and launching a smear campaign that Shefler was "an ally of Vladimir Putin", as well as alleging he hid assets and squandered the company's funds on vanity projects including a swimming pool and a staircase that was rebuilt four times. Danny Masterson is being kept in "administrative segregation" in jail for his safety. Danny Masterson in 'administrative segregation' in jail The 47-year-old actor faces up to 30 years in prison after being found guilty during a retrial in Los Angeles last month of drugging and raping two women and Danny is currently behind bars at the L.A. County Men's Central Jail, while he awaits sentencing. TMZ reports that Danny has not been placed in lockup with the general population, but instead, he is being housed in "administrative segregation" for his own safety. This is the same unit where fellow famous faces such as Suge Knight and O.J. Simpson previously stayed. Masterston - who is best known for starring in 'That 70s Show' - was found guilty by a jury of seven women and five men. However, the jury failed to reach a verdict on a third count that alleged Masterson raped a long-time girlfriend. During the trial, Masterson was accused of raping three women in his Hollywood Hills home between 2001 and 2003. The actor was accused of drugging the women before assaulting them. It was also alleged that Masterson - who did not testify - used his links to the Church of Scientology to escape the repercussions for years. The women claimed that they were intimidated, harassed and stalked by the Church. On the other hand, his team argued that the acts were consensual. They also questioned the reliability of the witnesses. Masterson faced a retrial in Los Angeles after jurors failed to reach a verdict in 2022. Judge Charlaine F. Olmedo declared a mistrial following lengthy deliberations by the jurors. The judge said at the time: "I find the jurors hopelessly deadlocked." Leah Remini is celebrating finishing her second year at New York University after being raised in the Church of Scientology with no formal education. Leah Remini is celebrating finishing her second year at New York University after being raised in the Church of Scientology with no formal education The King of Queens actress, 52, announced in May 2021 that she had been accepted into NYU, eight years after she left Scientology, and has admitted enrolling as a student was such a challenge at first she thought about giving up. She told her fans on her Instagram on Friday (02.06.23): Two years ago, I had an 8th-grade education thanks to spending 35 years in a cult. And now, at age 52, Ive successfully finished my second year at NYU. Undertaking this educational journey has been one of the most difficult experiences of my life. There have been days where Ive thought about giving up. While Im still not finished, Im so glad I decided to dive in. If you have the desire and capacity, please remember that its never too late to start again. She captioned her message with a tribute to her family, friends and followers: Thank you for all your love and support. Leah who has daughter Sofia, 19, with actor Angelo Pagan, 55, who she married in 1996 said on Instagram in May about being accepted into an associate degree program in liberal arts at NYU: This didnt come easy. This is one of the last chunks of my life that I am taking back for myself from Scientology. It took a lot for me to take this step, for fear that I was not smart enough, not worthy enough, not able to do the work that will be required, my age. She attacked Scientology in a Twitter post in 2022, saying as part of a long thread of posts: Scientologists are taught that kids are no different from adults. So from a very young age I was held accountable like an adult and regularly told that anything bad that happened in my life, even things that I wasnt responsible for, was my fault. The actress said she still hadnt received any sort of formal education for years by the age of 16 as she was instead forced into work. Representatives for the Church of Scientology hit back at her tweets, and told her to get a life. Its international spokesperson Karin Pouw said in a statement to Page Six in the wake of her messages: Leah Reminis lack of education is of her own doing and it is shameful to publish such bigotry. Reminis livelihood derives from promoting hate and lies like these toward her former religion. As Remini told journalist Meredith Vieira in 2004, she talked her mother into letting her drop out of school so she could become a star. Remini needs to get a life. Leah has become an outspoken anti-Scientology campaigner since leaving the society, with her 2015 Troublemaker: Surviving Hollywood and Scientology autobiography and documentary series, Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath which aired a year after her memoir was released attacking the group. Sydney Sweeney's dad had to switch off the TV after watching 'Euphoria' for the first time. Sydney Sweeney's father had to switch off 'Euphoria' when he first watched it The 25-year-old actress stars as Cassie Howard in the HBO programme and often appears topless during scenes which horrified some of her relatives when they first saw the show. In a preview clip for 'Sunday Today with Willie Geist', Sydney said: "My mom visited me on set at the time, so she like knew the story and I talked to her a lot about it - my dad didn't. I didn't prepare my dad at all." The 'Reality' star explained that she wasn't sure how to raise the topic of the programme's explicit content with her father. Sydney said: "When I talk to my dad, it's usually not about work. We talk, like, father-daughter conversations." Her dad decided to watch the show with his parents and it was met with differing responses from Sydney's grandmother and grandfather. She said: "My dad and my grandpa turned it off and walked out. "But my grandma... she's a big supporter of mine. She's a big fan of mine. Actually, I bring her, usually, all over the world to my different sets and I make her an extra." 'Euphoria' is set to return for a third season and Sydney cannot wait to play Cassie once again. She said: "I love playing Cassie, especially last season because she was so crazy... I'm really looking forward to seeing what Cassie does season three." Sydney recently described her ascent to stardom as a "long dream". Speaking about her 'Euphoria' experience, the actress told the Irish Times newspaper: "It did change my life for sure. And 'White Lotus' was like a double whammy. "When people come up to me, they might say they know me from 'White Lotus' or they might say they know me from 'Euphoria'. Sometimes its 'The Handmaids Tale'. Its all over the place. But I find fan interactions are super sweet. "Its great to get these reactions and meet all these amazing people. I feel like the last five years have been a long dream. I keep having pinch-me moments." Taylor Swift kicked off Pride Month with a message of support for the LGBTQIA+ community. Taylor Swift kicks off Pride with message of support for LGBTQIA+ community The 33-year-old musician was speaking during the Chicago, Illinois stop of her 'Eras' tour when she informed her fans that her concerts are a "safe space" for everyone. She said: "'I'm looking out tonight, I'm seeing so many incredible individuals who are living authentically and beautifully, and this is a safe space. "This is a celebratory space for you. One of the things that makes me feel so prideful is getting to be with you and watching you interact with each other, being so loving and so thoughtful and so caring. "Being with you during Pride Month, getting to sing the words to 'You Need To Calm Down' where there are lyrics like, 'Can you just not step on his gown?' or, 'Shade never made anybody less gay,' and you guys are screaming those lyrics. "Such solidarity. Such support of one another and such encouraging, beautiful acceptance and peace and safety. And I wish that every place was safe and beautiful for people of the LGBTQ+ community." However, Taylor admitted that the LGBTQIA+ is under threat and urged her fans to think carefully about their votes in the US midterm elections. She said: " We can't talk about Pride without talking about pain. "Right now and recently there have been so many harmful pieces of legislation that have put people in the LGBTQ+ and queer community at risk It's painful for everyone. Every ally. Every loved one. Every person in these communities. "And that's why I'm always posting, 'This is when the midterms are. This is when these important key primaries are.'" Encouraging her fans to question the motivations of certain politicians, she said: "Are they actually advocates? Are they allies? Are they protectors of equality? Do I want to vote for them?" Greece is making many of its beaches accessible to people with special wheelchairs and ramp arrangements The opportunity to go to a beach and wander into the sea is something many of us take for granted. For individuals with mobility issues, it is not something that is easily accessible. Most beaches in India and in most of the rest of the world are difficult to navigate for someone in a wheelchair or on crutches. The sand or pebbles might be tricky to get across, there might be stairs to get down to the beach itself, and its hard to actually get into the sea on your own. Now Greece has pledged to make 287 beaches across the country fully accessible to individuals with mobility challenges, and it is an initiative that is sure to encourage other countries to follow suit. Greece is one of the most popular summer destinations in Europe, and over a hundred beaches across the country are already wheelchair-friendly. The Greek-designed Seatrac system (above) is invaluable in allowing wheelchair-bound individuals access to the water, and many beaches have special floating wheelchairs. In addition, the government also aims to offer parking, toilets, changing rooms and bars on the beach that will be geared to allow better accessibility. The European Union will be providing part of the project funding. The new accessibility infrastructure, including ramps and better paving, will also benefit the elderly, pregnant women and parents with children in strollers. It is worth mentioning that Greece has been working since 2004 when it hosted the Olympics and Paralympics to provide accessibility for all. Most of its monuments now have ramps, and its ferries are equipped to take on wheelchairs. Images: Shutterstock Also Read: Bookmark These Culinary Journeys In The USA Sri Lankas garment exports stood at $1,468.7 million during January-April 2023, which decreased 17 per cent over the exports of $1,769.9 million in the same period of the previous year, as per statistics released by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka. The countrys garment exports dropped by 24.1 per cent in April 2023 due to the world economic slowdown. During the first four months of 2023, textile exports from the island nation increased by 1.8 per cent year-on-year to $114.2 million. The exports of other made-up textile articles stood at $33.8 million during the same period, down 20.7 per cent, according to the banks report titled External Sector Performance. Textiles, garment, and other made-up textile articles exports together accounted for 53.25 per cent of all industrial exports from Sri Lanka during the period under review, the report showed. The exports of all textile products totalled $1,616.7 million in January-April 2023, while Sri Lankas total industrial exports stood at $3,035.6 million in the four months of the current year. In January-April 2023, Sri Lanka's garment exports fell 17 per cent to $1,468.7 million. Meanwhile, textile exports slightly increased by 1.8 per cent to $114.2 million. Combined, textiles and garment exports accounted for 53.25 per cent of all its industrial exports. However, overall textile and clothing imports declined significantly during this period. In April 2023, all textile products exports from the nation declined by 23.2 per cent year-on-year to reach $343.8 million. Category-wise, garment exports decreased by 24.1 per cent to $310.8 million, while textile exports eased 10.3 per cent to $25.3 million. The exports of other made-up textile articles were down by 24.2 per cent to $7.7 million. On the other hand, imports of textiles and textile articles eased 32.2 per cent to $787.2 million, while clothing and accessories imports were down by 38.8 per cent to $57.5 million during January-April 2023. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KUL) Stock up on your favourite snacks and get comfortable on your couch because June is full of binge-watch-worthy web series. The month has some of the most intriguing new shows as well as returning titles. From the next part of The Night Manager to the intense School of Lies, there are plenty of shows worth checking out.Here are all the upcoming Hindi web series releasing in June 2023:A lot has been said about Arshad Warsi's performance in Asur and now the actor is back at it in Asur 2. The buzz-worthy first season ended on a cliffhanger that left fans vying for more. In the second part, the hunt for the serial killer takes a dark turn as the CBI races against time to find the serial killer. The show also features returning actors including Barun Sobti, Ridhi Dogra, Meiyang Chang and others.Release date: June 1After a successful first season, Taj: Divided by Blood, the next chapter - Taj: Reign of Revenge is out this month. The series is set 15 years after the previous instalment. It will navigate Salim's journey as he returns from exile to take down his father Akbar and ascend the throne of the Mughal empire in India. The eight-part series features the returning cast including Naseeruddin Shah, Aashim Gulati, Aditi Rao Hydari and others.Release date: June 2Hansal Mehta's highly-anticipated series Scoop is an unmissable addition to the list. starring Karishma Tanna, the show revolves around a senior crime journalist Jagruti Pathak who is suspected of murdering a fellow journalist. The series is inspired by the true events of journalist J Dey's murder and draws from the book Behind the Bars in Byculla: My Days in Prison written by Jigna Vora. It also features Prosenjit, Harman Baweja and others.Release date: June 2School of Lies promises a gripping tale inspired by true events. Starring Nimrat Kaur, Sonali Kulkarni, Aamir Bashir and others, the show revolves around a schoolboy who goes missing from a private boarding school. Over eight episodes, the show explores how the safest place for a child poses a threat to their safety.Release date: June 2The wait is almost over. The Night Manager starring Anil Kapoor, Aditya Roy Kapur, Sobhita Dhulipala and others gets its second instalment this month. Adapted from the British thriller of the same name, the next few episodes will expand on the intriguing storyline as Shaan Sengupta unravels the murky mysteries of arms dealer Shailendra Rungta.Release date: June 30 Fighter, starring Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone is one of the most eagerly anticipated films of the year. The film's action and stunt director, Parvez Shaikh, recently revealed that director Siddharth Anand intends to make Fighter "bigger" than Shah Rukh Khan's Pathaan.In an interview with a leading news portal, Parvez disclosed that the filmmakers used "fire, blast, chopper, helicopter, and fighter planes" to shoot the action sequences for the film Fighter.He said that Siddharth Anand wants the action of Fighter to be a notch higher than the action of Shah Rukh Khan's Pathaan. The team of Fighter reportedly shot for action sequences in a massive set at the SRPF Grounds in Jogeshwari, Mumbai.He said, "Siddharth sirs thoughts are on another level after Bang Bang and War. Siddharth sir has thought to make Fighter on a bigger level than Pathaan." The stunt director mentioned that they provided complete support to him and the action scenes in the movie will be exceptional. He further added that the audience will witness not only land-based action sequences but also airborne action which is a novel attempt to showcase something unique.Fighter is touted as India's first-ever aerial action movie. The film stars Hrithik Roshan, Deepika Padukone, Anil Kapoor and Karan Singh Grover. It is slated to hit the cinemas on January 25, 2024. A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind. The slate of Hollywood movies releasing in June 2023 is full of highly-anticipated titles. The month opened strong with the superhero flick - Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse. Another superhero movie coming up is The Flash. Moreover, Wes Anderson's star-studded movie Asteroid City and Indiana Jones' much-awaited return in Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny are set to release later in the month.Here are the upcoming Hollywood movies set to release in June 2023:Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is the sequel to Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. The animated film is set over a year after the events of the previous instalment and follows Miles Morales (Shameik Moore) who gets pulled into another multiversal adventure after Gwen Stacy (Hailee Steinfeld) unexpectedly shows up. The film introduces several Spider-People including Hobie aka Spider-Punk (Daniel Kaluuya) and Indian Spider-Man aka Pavitr Prabhakar (Karan Soni) among others.Release date: June 1Where: TheatresBased on author Stephen King's short story of the same name, The Boogeyman tells the story of high-school student Sadie Harper (Sophia Thatcher) who along with her sister Sawyer (Vivien Lyra) experiences the loss of her mother. Strange occurrences begin when their therapist father Will (Chris Messina) is approached by a patient seeking help. Of course, he isn't who he says he is.Release date: June 2Where: TheatresContinuing the Transformers franchise, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts is the seventh movie. It is both a sequel to Bumblebee and a prequel to the first film. The plot is set in Brooklyn in 1994. It will see Noah Diaz (Anthony Ramos), a former military electronics expert and Elena Wallace (Dominique Fishback) as they get embroiled in a clash between the Maximals, Terrorcons and Predacons. They band together with the Autobots and Optimus Prime to save Earth.Release date: June 9Where: TheatresArriving amidst several delays and controversies (owing to Ezra Miller), The Flash, the next big thing from the DCEU will be in theatres in a matter of days. The film will follow Barry Allen as he travels across time in an attempt to stop his mother's death. This will expectedly lead to chaos that involves not one but two Batmans - Michael Keaton's Batman and Ben Affleck's Batman and Supergirl (Sasha Calle).Release date: June 16Where: TheatresJune 2023 will also see the release of a Pixar movie. Directed by Peter Sohn, Elemental will spotlight the elements - fire, land, water and air. The film set in Element City sees Ember Lumen, a young woman made of fire and Wade Ripple, a guy made of water as their paths collide. Ember steps out of her element (sorry, not sorry) when she decides to explore uncharted territory.Release date: June 16Where: TheatresChris Hemsworth's Tyler Rake will return in Extraction 2. The Russo Brothers-backed film will see the mercenary on yet another deadly mission. This time around he has to extract a family being held by a Georgian gangster. The catch is that he has to do it from one of the world's most dangerous prisons.Release date: June 16Where: OTTWes Anderson's next is a stylised sci-fi drama. Asteroid City has a stacked cast including Scarlett Johansson, Tom Hanks, Tilda Swinton, Steve Carell, Maya Hawke and others. The film's plot, set in 1955, revolves around a Junior Stargazer convention in an American desert town. The films anticipation has only increased after the viral Wes Anderson social media trend.Release date: June 23Where: TheatresNo Hard Feelings starring Jennifer Lawrence is about a woman named Maddie (Lawrence) whose job as an Uber driver is in danger after her car is repossessed. Desperate for a solution she signs up to play the girlfriend of Percy (Andrew Barth Feldman), a 19-year-old whose parents employ her to help him become an adult.Release date: June 23Where: TheatresThe last Indiana Jones movie, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny will hit screens by the end of the month. The James Mangold directorial will bring back Harrison Ford's Indiana Jones. This time around, he will be joined by his goddaughter Helena Shaw (Phoebe Waller-Bridge). Their mission is to retrieve a legendary dial before Jurgen Voller, an ex-Nazi gets his hands on it.Release date: June 30Where: Theatres Kennedy: Kennedy, directed by Anurag Kashyap, has been in the headlines for a variety of reasons since its announcement. The teaser and posters were favourably received by audiences and generated positive buzz among moviegoers, and the film made an impression at the renowned Cannes Film Festival, where Anurag Kashyap's neo-noir thriller Kennedy received a seven-minute standing ovation from the audience. The makers held a screening of the film in Mumbai on May 30th, which was attended by notable filmmakers and actors from the industry, including Manoj Bajpayee, Vijay Varma, Shabana Azmi, Shekhar Kapur, Sudhir Mishra, Varun Grover, Neeraj Ghaywan, Shazia Iqbal, Piyush Mishra, and Pavail Gulati, while Sunny Leone hosted the screening on behalf of the whole team. The industry professionals who attended screenings of the Anurag Kashyap-directed movie gave it a favourable review. Top Bollywood News: Anurag Kashyap's 'Kennedy' Teaser Out, Vijay Devarakonda's 34th Birthday Celebrations While praising the film, director Sudhir, who saw the film for the fourth time, stated, "Brilliant film, I mean. This is the 4th time I'm seeing it even liked it better this time, you know, fanatic. Kashyap, when you see a lot of other things than this. Because he has done so much, you keep discovering things. But, anyway, it's a very well it's gibs you and then slowly you understand when behind it some things also land. So this also and that, fantastic. He is one of my favourite film makers when i said this a long time ago 20 years ago i said that he is one of my inspirations. When they used to say I'm his supposedly his inspiration. So he is an outstanding and great film." Shekhar Kapur praised the film and said, "I have never seen Anurag Kashyap's film that hasn't fascinated me. But this one works every otherwise it made me cry , it made me wonder , it kept me stressed out he does that anyway but, I really really enjoyed the film. Enjoy is very difficult word to use for the films that are sometimes gets so dark but it's a fascinating film." Kennedy, starring Rahul Bhat and Sunny Leone, is written and directed by Anurag Kashyap. The film has been produced by Zee Studios and Ranjan Singh & Kabir Ahuja of Good Bad Films. The DOP of the film is Sylvester Fonseca. Cannes 2023: After Shimmery Velvet Gown, Sunny Leone Sizzles In Sexy Gown With Risque Thigh-High Slit The music of the film is composed by Ashish Narula, Aamir Aziz, and Boyblanck. The editing of the film is done by Tanya Chhabria and Deepak Kattar. The sound design of the film is done by Kunal Sharma and Dr. Akshay Indikar. Sharath Babu & Rama Prabha Divorce Photo Credit: Gallery Veteran south-Indian actress Rama Prabha, who was the ex-wife of late actor Sarath Babu made indirect remarks following the veteran actor's death. Rama Prabha and Sarath Babu's love story, their marriage, 13 years of togetherness and abrupt separation were all a matter of speculation and is well-known in the Telugu film industry and the people. Post their dramatic separation, Rama Prabha and Sarath Babu accused each other surprisingly, although their divorce was kept low key. Meanwhile, as Rama Prabha claims, many believe she was phenomenal in establishing him in the industry and is the reason for his popularity. Rama Prabha went to an extent of making a film as a producer by investing on him, before he attained recognition and stardom. There were also reports about Rama Prabha sacrificing all her wealth for Sarath Babu. However, there is also another theory that was discussed- Sarath Babu duped her into it. Keeping these things aside, as the veteran south-Indian actor breathed his last in Hyderabad on May 22, Rama Prabha reportedly commented on the demise through her YouTube channel. According to a report in Asianet Telugu, Rama Prabha was quoted saying, "Only I know what has happened all through these months. The last three months were crucial. I visited Shirdi, Tirupati, Vijayawada, and temples in Hyderabad. The only person to get influenced and moved by the happening was me. They have been saying many things about me, and I started trending for whatever reasons. I am the basic reason behind all the popularity and name. Everybody knows it but they do not want to acknowledge. I have been earning ever since I was 13 years. Now what? Should I act and make a drama out of it. Although I might seem calm, I have been practising norms and formalities as per the sashtras." Rama Prabha made these comments in light of the negativity that has been coming up about her post the veteran actor's demise due to prolonged illness-induced organ failure and sepsis. Home Top Listing Top Listing Happy Birthday Priyamani: 5 Unknown Facts About The Family Man Actress Priyamani is a popular actress in the Indian cinema, who appears in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada films. She made her acting debut in Telugu film industry and achieve a successful acting career life in South Indian cinema. Priyamani is best known for her role as Muthazhagu in the 2006 Tamil film Paruthiveeran, for which she received a National Award for Best Actress. Her performances in the popular series 'The Family Man' had gained attention of Hindi audience. Priyamani will celebrate her 39 on June 4, 2023. On this special day, let's take a look at some of the interesting facts about the actress. Modelling Career Priyamani is one of the popular actresses in the South film industry. The actress is well-known for her versatile and killer dance performances. Born in Bangalore, the actress had a strong passion for acting since her childhood. To achieve her dream, she had started modelling during her school days. Priyamani who featured for many ads and commercials when she was a young student. Acting Debut After being a model, Priyamani who made her acting debut in Telugu cinema in 2003 with Evare Atagaadu. Later, she moved into Tamil cinema and started her career in the 2004 Tamil film Kangalal Kaidhu Sei. The following year, she made her debut in Malayalam along with actor Prithviraj in the film 'Sathyam'. As an actress Priyamani who essayed a wide variety role on the screen, which made herself as an successful actress in the industry. Apart from acting in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, she also acted in few Kannada films. A Gifted Dancer Besides acting, Priyamani is also a trained classical dancer and has performed in several stage shows. The actor who made her debut with a special song 'One Two Three Four' in the Hindi movie 'Chennai Express' had become a huge hit among audience. In the movie, she appeared in a cameo role along with Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan had gained the attention of her fans and followers across the nation. Bollywood Stint After made a cameo-appearance in the Bollywood movie 'Chennai Express', Priyamani got several offers from many prominent film makers in the Bollywood. Her performances in the series 'The Family Man' impressed to everyone. After that she had become popular among Hindi audience. According to reports, Priyamani will be seen in a prominent role in this year anticipated movies like Jawan and Maidan. National Award Winning Actress As an actress, Priyamani who is popular among audiences in both Hindi and South India Cinema. The actress had received many accolades and critical appreciation for her performances in all languages. Priyamani won the prestigious National Film Award for Best Actress for her performance in the Tamil movie Paruthiveeran in 2007. She has become the fourth Tamil actress who won the award for best actress category. LOADING...... EQS Post-admission Duties announcement: Adtran Holdings, Inc. / Third country release according to Article 50 Para. 1, No. 2 of the WpHG [the German Securities Trading Act] Adtran Holdings, Inc.: Release according to Article 50 of the WpHG [the German Securities Trading Act] with the objective of Europe-wide distribution 03.06.2023 / 09:38 CET/CEST Dissemination of a Post-admission Duties announcement according to Article 50 Para. 1, No. 2 WpHG transmitted by EQS News - a service of EQS Group AG. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. 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. Hybr1d, a Singapore-based provider of a workforce management platform, raised US$3.2M in Pre-Seed funding. The round saw participation from Global Founders Capital, MS&AD, 468 Capital, and 1982 Ventures. The company intends to use the funds to develop its technology, recruit across all functions, and expand its reach across the Europe, APAC and Middle East regions. Led by Yoan Kamalski, Pauline Wetzer, and Aditya Anand, Hybr1d offers a solution that allows businesses of all sizes to streamline their HR and IT processes. The platform enables organizations to manage everything from onboarding, procurement, devices, payroll, leave, attendance, and more. The solution connects every workforce system to a single dashboard for employee data, providing a comprehensive, data-driven approach to workforce management for businesses to make smart decisions and optimize their operations. The company serves marquee brands and fast-growing companies, such as Carousell, Sleek, CyberSierra, Beam Mobility, and Multiplier, among others. FinSMEs 03/06/2023 Red Flag Alert, a Manchester, UK-based credit risk data and risk intelligence company, raised 4.5M in funding. The round saw participation from Foresight and Uncapped. The company intends to use the funds to continue to invest in product development, create sustainable jobs and expand its commercial capabilities and reach. Led by Rich West, Managing Director, and Mark Halstead, founder and Director of Data, Red Flag Alert provides a proprietary SaaS business intelligence platform with modular capabilities spanning compliance, prospecting, risk management and financial health assessments. Its database, updated with 100,000 daily changes, gives businesses a health score based on data and evaluated by RFAs proprietary algorithm. All customers are instantly notified of any updates and changes, with the software plugging directly into their CRM. The company employs nearly 50 staff. FinSMEs 03/06/2023 June is celebrated as the Pride Month. What exactly is it? LGBT Pride Month is a month, typically June, dedicated to celebration and commemoration of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) pride. The 14th edition of KASHISH Mumbai International Queer Film Festival, South Asias biggest LGBTQ+ film festival will be held June 7 11, 2023 at Liberty Cinema, and June 8 10, 2023 at Alliance Francaise de Bombay; and also online from June 16 25, 2023. The festival will screen 110 films from 41 countries at its on-ground edition and 127 films from 45 countries overall. This is to celebrate this very pride month through the medium of cinema. Sridhar Rangayan, founder festival director has a recommendation list for KASHISH 2023 audiences. Sridhar Rangayan says: It is always difficult choosing a few films from the vast repertoire of films screening at the festival, this year 110 films from 41 countries screening at the on-ground edition. But here are a few of my personal picks, celebrating the 7 colors of the rainbow. June 7, 2023 | 9.30pm | Liberty Cinema PINE CONE Dir: Onir 105 min / India / Hindi Pine Cone features three stories from the life of filmmaker Sid Mehra, as he negotiates relationships in his search for love. The stories are in reverse chronological order 2019, 2009, and 1999. A human being is a human being, and love is love, and Sid while proudly gay, is not defined by it. It is about a man who refuses to apologise for who he is, a man determined to live life in full the prejudices of the world be damned! Sridhar Rangayan recommends: It is the opening film of the festival, directed by National Award winning director Onir, and is a beautiful film about love. But what is more beautiful is that Onir has cast queer actors to play the role. June 8, 2023 | 5.45pm | Alliance Francaise THE LAW OF LOVE Dir: Barbora Chalupova 89 min / Czech Republic / Czech It looks like the Czech society is LGBT+ friendly. But when it comes to legalizing marriage, ignorance and hatred suddenly appear. Czeslaw, and his companions run a campaign to show that the fight for LGBT+ rights in Europe is not over. Sridhar Rangayan recommends: With marriage quality being the current hot topic in India, this film from the Czech Republic shows how same-sex love is opposed vehemently by vested interests and how the LGBTQ+ community have to fight for their rights which is due to every citizen of the country. June 10, 2023 | 10.30am | Alliance Francaise MAMA BEARS Dir: Daresha Kyi 90 min / USA / English Did you know there are more than 32,000 mothers in America, many from conservative, Christian backgrounds, who fully accept their LGBTQ+ children? They call themselves mama bears because while their love is warm and fuzzy, they fight ferociously to make the world kinder and safer for all LGBTQ+ people. MAMA BEARS explores this growing movement through the lives of three diverse mothers and their LGBT+ offspring. Sridhar Rangayan recommends: What are queer children without their families. When your parents pick up the cudgels to fight for you, one can see the palpable love by the parents for their children. These parents are an inspiration and I would like to invite our own parents support group Sweekar The Rainbow Parents to come and watch this beautiful film. June 10, 2023 | 5.45pm | Liberty Cinema EK JAGAH APNI Dir: Ektara Collective 88 min / India / Hindi Laila and Roshni are looking for a house after they are evicted from the place they rented. It soon becomes evident that their search for a home is also their ongoing search for a place in this society that wants to keep them away in a section that cannot be the center. As the search for a home continues, it transcends physical spaces and biological bonds. New friendships blossom and help comes from unexpected quarters. Sridhar Rangayan recommends: This film is winning hearts and awards wherever it is screening across the world, and we are proud to present its Mumbai premier. The film stars real life transgender actors who have played their parts brilliantly, and they will be at KASHISH to present their film and also take part in a panel discussion. June 10, 2023 | 5.45pm | Alliance Francaise KISSING THE GROUND YOU WALKED ON Dir: Hong Heng Fai 93 / Macau / Cantonese Chou, a writer who has not written for years, is looking for a tenant to share a spare room in his house. One day, an actor called Chiang comes to rent the room. His clear and innocent eyes have evoked the writers interest. Chou finds out that the daily life of Chiang is a performance in itself, he begins to refer to the new tenant as the blueprint of his novel. Sridhar Rangayan recommends: We hardly get films from Macau and such a beautiful and aesthetic feature length film from there makes it truly special. An adaptation of Anton Chekovs Seagull, it is the filmmakers feature debut, and uses more sensual experiences than words to convey its narrative, blurring the line between the one who looks and one looked at. June 10, 2023 | 10.00pm | Liberty Cinema OLD NARCISSUS Dir: Tsuyoshi Shoji 110 min / Japan / Japanese An old picture book writer named Yamazaki, having been handsome as a young man, grows narcissistic of his beauty. But now, cant bear his own aging. One night, Yamazaki meets a young and beautiful man named Leo. Yamazaki collapses during a session with Leo, and reveals his agony. Sridhar Rangayan recommends: This is a very special film about old age and the youth of today, set in contemporary Japan offers a glimpse of Japanese gay culture of the past and the present. The filmmaker Tsuyoshi Shoji, whose previous short film won an award last year at KASHISH, will be attending the festival to present his film. June 11, 2023 | 9.30pm | Liberty Cinema WHEN TIME GOT LOUDER Dir: Connie Cocchia 113 min / Canada, USA / English Departing for college, Abbie leaves behind her parents and brother, Kayden, who has autism. As Abbie falls in love with her new independence and budding relationship with a woman, her parents try to teach Kayden more independent life skills as they help him transition from high school to adulthood and adjust his routine without Abbie. When Abbie returns home for the holidays she discovers Kayden is in the hospital, and as a family they must find a solution for his future. Sridhar Rangayan recommends: It is the closing film of the festival, and is a film that is made from the heart with a passion that is palpable on screen too. The cast & crew made up of persons from the queer and autistic communities, show that they can match up to best. This is how filmmaking in future is meant to be, having a synergy of people from the communities they represent. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Critics accuse the British administration of running government by WhatsApp because of the popularity of the messaging app with politicians and officials. So it feels inevitable that a tussle over WhatsApp messages is at the heart of Britains official inquiry into how the country handled the COVID-19 pandemic. Thousands of messages exchanged during the pandemic between then Prime Minister Boris Johnson and government ministers, aides and officials form key evidence for the investigation chaired by retired judge Heather Hallett. The Conservative government, now led by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, wants to be able to edit the messages before handing them over, saying some are personal and irrelevant to the inquiry. It has filed a legal challenge against Halletts order to surrender the unredacted messages. What is the inquiry investigating? More than 200,000 people have died in Britain after testing positive for COVID-19, one of the highest tolls in Europe, and the decisions of Johnsons government have been endlessly debated. Johnson agreed in late 2021 to hold an investigation after pressure from bereaved families. Halletts inquiry is due to scrutinise the UKs preparedness for a pandemic, how the government responded and whether the level of loss was inevitable or whether things could have been done better. Public hearings are scheduled to begin on 13 June and last until 2026, with the former prime minister and a host of senior officials due to give evidence. Whats up with WhatsApp? The Meta-owned messaging service has become a favorite communications tool among UK government officials and the journalists who cover them. Its easy to use for both individual and group chats, and its end-to-end encryption offers users a sense of security that messages will be private. That confidence has sometimes proved misguided. Former health secretary Matt Hancock, who helped lead Britains response to the virus, gave tens of thousands of his messages to a journalist who was helping him write a memoir. The journalist passed them to a newspaper, which splashed embarrassing details in a series of front-page stories. Hallett has asked to see messages exchanged between Johnson and more than three dozen scientists and officials over two years from early 2020. She also wants to see Johnsons notebooks and diaries from the same period. Whats the governments position? The government of Sunak, who took office after Johnson resigned amid scandals in mid-2022, argues that some of the messages are unambiguously irrelevant to the COVID-19 inquiry. It says publishing them would be an unwarranted intrusion into other aspects of the work of government, and into individuals legitimate expectations of privacy and protection of their personal information. On Thursday, the governments Cabinet Office filed court papers seeking to challenge Halletts order for the documents. The next step will be a hearing at the High Court in the coming weeks. Many lawyers think the government will lose the challenge. Under the terms of the inquiry, agreed upon with the government at the outset, Hallett has the power to summon evidence and question witnesses under oath. The government has an uphill task, Jonathan Jones, a former head of the government legal service, wrote in a blog post for the Institute for Government. The likelihood is that the court will say the inquiry chair should be the one to decide how she goes about it, and what material she needs to see for that purpose. What does Boris Johnson say? Johnson has a history of friction with successor Sunak, whose resignation from the government in July 2022 helped topple Johnson from power. Johnson has distanced himself from the governments stance by saying he is happy to hand over his messages. On Friday, he said he has sent the WhatsApp messages directly to Halletts inquiry. But in another twist they cover only part of the requested period. Johnson hasnt passed on any messages from before April 2021. That period includes the early days of the pandemic when the government made fateful and still-contested decisions as well as three periods of national lockdown and the dates of rule-breaking parties in government buildings that led to scores of people, including Johnson, being fined by police. Johnson says the messages are on a phone he was ordered to stop using after journalists noticed that his number had been publicly available online for 15 years. Johnson says the security services told him to quit using the phone and never to turn it on again. He told Hallett on Friday that he had asked the Cabinet Office for assistance in turning it on securely so that I can search it for all relevant material. I propose to pass all such material directly to you. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Pointing towards the plight of females in Afghanistan, special envoy for Afghan women, girls and human rights Rina Amiri said that more than 2.5 million girls are deprived of education in the war-torn country. The US Special envoy raised her concerns on Friday at the Human Rights Council meeting and said that there is an urgent need for girls education in Afghanistan. Amiri said, Every single girl deserves to access quality education, according to Khaama Press. Due to the Talibans oppressive attitudes towards women and girls, secondary institutions and universities in Afghanistan that accepted female students were forced to close. Afghan women are not allowed to work for UN agencies or international assistance groups as part of the most recent wave of restrictions, which sparked global outcry. Since the Taliban seized control once again in August 2021, the group has consistently placed restrictions on women and girls, preventing them from participating in public life, employment, or education, Khaama Press reported. Taliban leaders have not only disregarded international calls for women and girls to be given access to education and employment. Apparently, they have also issued warnings to other nations not to meddle in Afghanistans domestic affairs. Recently UNICEF in a report also highlighted that more than a million girls are barred from attending classes amid an education ban under the Taliban regime. The Taliban regimes move to close universities to female students across the country and has barred girls from attending secondary school since it returned to power in 2021, sparked global condemnation. After the takeover of the country by the Taliban, universities were forced to implement new rules including gender-segregated classrooms and entrances, while women were only permitted to be taught by women professors or old men. Most teenage girls across the country have already been banned from secondary school education, severely limiting university intake. The Taliban were ousted in 2001 by a US-led coalition for harbouring Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden. They, however, returned to power following Americas chaotic departure from the country in August 2021. 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. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma launched the New Education Policy (NEP), 2020 for the higher educational institutes of the state. At a ceremony held at Guwahati University, CM Sharma said Adoption of New Education Policy marks a historic day for Assam. Further, speaking about the policy, he said, The NEP was envisioned under Prime Minister Narendra Modis vision of preparing our youth for the future and its adoption marks a historic day for Assam. As a part of the policy, we should focus on imparting multi-disciplinary education and preparing our students in a holistic and enabling environment. The Chief Minister also admired the higher education department and Guwahati University for taking the initiative towards the implementation of the NEP 2020. Appreciating the policy, he said, The New Education policy has also paved the way for transformative changes in the education sector of the country. Adding further, CM Sarma said, The state government has been taking committed steps since the beginning to implement this education policy, which is gradually turning into reality. In the journey for academic excellence in Assam, these initiatives will become milestones in the coming days. The state government has been taking committed steps since the beginning to implement this education policy, which is gradually turning into reality. In the journey for academic excellence in Assam, these initiatives will become milestones in the coming days, he added. The Assam CM also stated that for the first time, a liberal education policy has been introduced which removed the rigid distinctions among the streams (Science, Arts and Commerce). It may be noted that NEP 2020 launched in July 2020 provides a set of guiding principles for a paradigm shift across the education sector in India from school to doctoral level. Accordingly, the tenth and twelfth boards have been removed and the pattern of 5+3+3+4 will follow. In addition to this, CM Himanta Biswa Sarma also expressed his grief over the Balasore train accident in Odisha and wished a quick recovery to the injured. Education Minister Dr Ranoj Pegu, Adviser to Education Dr Nani Gopal Mahanta, VC Gauhati University Prof. Pratap Jyoti Handique also spoke on the occasion 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. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will hold a meeting with his US counterpart Lloyd Austin and German Federal Minister of Defence Boris Pistorius next week, according to the Ministry of Defence press release. Rajnath Singh will hold a meeting with US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin on June 5. He will arrive on an official visit to India starting June 4. On June 6, Rajnath Singh will hold talks with German Federal Minister of Defence Boris Pistorius, who is visiting India for a four-day visit. The issues of bilateral defence cooperation, focusing on industrial cooperation, are likely to be discussed during the two meetings, added the release. Boris Pistorius will be on a four-day visit to India starting from June 5. He will arrive from Indonesia. Apart from his meeting with Rajnath Singh, Pistorius is likely to meet a few defence start-ups during an event organised by Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) in New Delhi. On June 7, German Federal Minister of Defence Boris Pistorius will visit Mumbai where he is likely to visit Headquarters, Western Naval Command and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, according to a Ministry of Defence press release. Lloyd Austin first travelled to Japan where he held a meeting with his Japanese counterpart Yasukazu Hamada in Tokyo. Later, from Japan, he travelled to Singapore, where he made remarks at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) 20th Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore. During his stay in Singapore, he will also hold key bilateral meetings to advance US partnerships across the region. Following his visit to Singapore, Austin will travel to New Delhi, on the third leg of his tour.US Department of Defence in an official release said, After Singapore, Secretary Austin will visit New Delhi to meet with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and other leaders as the United States and India continue to modernize the US-India Major Defence Partnership. This visit provides an opportunity to accelerate new defence innovation and industrial cooperation initiatives and drive ongoing efforts to expand operational cooperation between the US and Indian militaries, the release further said. While speaking ahead of his four-nation tour, Lloyd Austin said, I look forward to travelling to Japan, Singapore, India and France next week. Weve made ground-breaking progress over the past year alongside our allies and partners towards advancing our shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. As horrific cases of death and injury emerge from one of the worst train accidents that occurred in Odishas Balasore on Friday night, a family of three survived the mishap and safely returned to their homes in West Bengal. Shubroto Pal, Deboshree Pal and their son had a brush with death after a Coromandel Express and a Bengaluru-Howrah Express collided with a goods train near Bahanagar station in Odisha. The family is a resident of Mahisadal, Purba Medinipur in West Bengal. The duo was taking their son to Chennai for a doctors appointment. We left for Chennai from Kharagpur station yesterday. After Balasore station, the train felt a jolt. Then we saw the compartment filling with smoke. I could not see anyone. The local people came to my aid & they pulled me out of the wreckage. It is like god has given me a second life, Shubproto told ANI. Meanwhile, his wife Deboshree says that she has been traumatised by what she witnessed at the accident site. She recalled, We were going to Chennai to see a doctor for our child. The accident happened at Balasore. We were not able to understand anything or find anyone. People were getting rammed over each other. We were not able to find our son. We dont know how we survived. It is like a second life for us. These scenes will never go off my mind. The death toll stands at 261 people while over 1,000 remain gravely injured. The train crash, one of the deadliest in the country, took place in Balasore district about 250 km south of Kolkata and 170 km north of Bhubaneswar around 7 pm on Friday, prompting the Railway Ministry to order a probe. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on his way to Odisha to review the situation personally. A South Eastern Railway official on Saturday informed that the rescue operations at the site have been completed. The number of casualties in Fridays railway accident has increased to 261. Another 650 injured passengers are being treated at various hospitals in Odisha, SER spokesperson Aditya Chowdhury said. 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. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday said love jihad cases had been detected in large numbers during the probe into missing person complaints in the state. Talking to the media, Fadnavis, who holds the Home portfolio in the Eknath Shinde government, said the detection rate in missing person complaints was 90 to 95 per cent in the state. In some cases, we found that false promises were made or false identity was used, with even married persons trying to mislead women. Cases termed as love jihad have also come forward in large numbers, the senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader said. I had stated earlier that we are mulling to introduce a law on it (love jihad). We are studying various existing laws in this connection, Fadnavis added. Love jihad is a term often used by activists to allege that Muslim men were converting Hindu women to Islam after luring them into marriage. Meanwhile, asked about minor children from Bihar being found in a train in Maharashtra, Fadnavis said his department was serious about ending the menace of child trafficking. In fact, many cases have been exposed in Maharashtra, which has not happened anywhere else. The state is taking every effort to end this menace, he said. In December last year, Fadnavis announced that the Maharashtra government will study laws on love jihad framed by other states and take an appropriate decision. We have assured (the House) that different states have laws on love jihad and we will study them. Based on it, our government will take an appropriate decision so that no woman or girl suffers by any conspiracy, Fadnavis had said. With inputs from PTI. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakhs for the kin of West Bengal residents who lost their lives in a train accident that took place on Friday evening involving the Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express, Coromandel Express and a goods train and took stock of the situation. Addressing the media at the accident site, Banerjee said Railway has announced Rs 10 lakhs as compensation. We will provide Rs 5 lakhs each to the people of our state and cooperate and work with the Railways and Odisha Government until the work is complete. #BalasoreTrainAccident | West Bengal government announces a compensation of Rs 5 lakhs each for the next of kin of those people from the state who died in the accident. Rs 1 Lakh each announced for those with serious injuries and Rs 50,000 each for those with minor injuries: West pic.twitter.com/8T7l7Yu3of ANI (@ANI) June 3, 2023 Banerjee also said there was no anti-collision device installed on the train and had the device been there, the accident could be avoided. Coromandel is one of the best express trains. I was the railway minister thrice. From what I saw, this is the biggest railway accident of the 21st century, she said. #WATCH | At the site of #BalasoreTrainAccident, West Bengal CM and former Railways Minister Mamata Banerjee says, Coromandel is one of the best express trains. I was the Railway Minister thrice. From what I saw, this is the biggest railway accident of the 21st century. Such pic.twitter.com/aOCjfoCbvF ANI (@ANI) June 3, 2023 At least 261 people have died in Indias worst rail accident in over two decades, officials said on Saturday, after a passenger train went off the tracks and hit another one in the east of the country. One train in Fridays accident also hit a freight train parked nearby in the district of Balasore in Odisha state, leaving a tangled mess of smashed rail cars and injuring 650. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Delhis ex-deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia arrived at his residence from the Tihar Jail on Saturday after he was given interim relief to meet his ailing wife, who was taken to a hospital after her health deteriorated prior to the AAP leaders arrival. Sisodias wife Seema was hospitalised as she felt unwell, AAP sources told PTI. She is suffering from multiple sclerosis and was hospitalised last month as well. She was taken to the emergency ward of LNJP Hospital. Sisodia reached AB-17, Mathura Road, to meet his ailing wife at 9.38 am in a prison van. He was taken inside the house amid tight security. But he could not meet his wife as her health deteriorated and she had to be hospitalised, a party source said. On Friday, the Delhi High Court allowed Sisodia, arrested in cases related to alleged irregularities in the city governments excise policy, to meet his ailing wife at his residence. Justice Dinesh Kumar Sharma directed the Tihar jail superintendent to take Sisodia to his residence where he has been allowed to meet his wife from 10 am to 5 pm. A senior jail official said Sisodia was taken to his residence around 9 am under security cover. He will have to report back at 5 pm. Sisodia was arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on February 26 for his alleged role in the scam and has been in custody since. The high court denied him bail in the CBI case on May 30. He was arrested on March 9 in the case lodged by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and is currently in judicial custody. The high court made it clear that Sisodia shall not interact with the media or any other person except his family members, and also not access phone or the Internet. (With inputs from PTI) 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 special train embarked on its journey from Tamil Nadus capital Chennai to Odishas Bhadrak to help the family members of the victims of the train accident in Odishas Balasore reach their destinations. The special train will follow the timing and routes of the Chennai-Howrah Mail, the authorities added. Train No. 02840 Dr MGR Chennai Central Bhadrak Special boarded from Chennai for the benefit of family members of accident victims. This will follow the timings and routes of Train No. 12840 Chennai Howrah Mail, said Indian Railway. According to the Indian Railway, the death toll from a three-train crash in Odishas Balasore has climbed to 288, and over 1,000 people got injured. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Civil Aviation on Saturday advised airline companies to keep an eye on the unusual surge in fares of flights coming to and from Bhubaneswar. The Odisha train accident was a result of signalling failure, revealed the preliminary enquiry conducted by Kharagpur railway division officials. The Coromandel Express train entered the loop line and crashed into a goods train parked there instead of the main line just ahead of the Bahanagar Bazar station, a source said citing details of a preliminary inquiry report. The signal was given and taken off for the main line for 12841 (Coromandel Express), but this train entered the loop line and dashed with the goods train which was on the loop line and derailed, he said. The death toll stands at 288 people while over 900 remain gravely injured. The train crash, one of the deadliest in the country, took place in Balasore district about 250 km south of Kolkata and 170 km north of Bhubaneswar around 7 pm on Friday, prompting the Railway Ministry to order a probe. With inputs from ANI Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Saturday informed that doctors from AIIMS-Bhubaneswar have been sent to Balasore and Cuttack in Odisha to assist in the relief operations at site of the train accident that killed at least 261 people. Two teams of doctors from AIIMS-Bhubaneswar have been dispatched for Balasore and Cuttack to assist in relief operations at the rail accident site in Odisha, Mandaviya said on Twitter. We are providing all required help and medical assistance to the victims of the tragic train accident to save precious lives, he added. Two teams of doctors from @AIIMSBhubaneswr have been dispatched for Balasore & Cuttack to assist in relief operations at the rail accident site in Odisha. We are providing all required help & medical assistance to the victims of the tragic train accident to save precious lives. Dr Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) June 3, 2023 The death toll in the accident involving the Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express, the Shalimar-Chennai Central Coromandel Express and a goods train in Odishas Balasore district has risen to 261, a South Eastern Railway official said. Rescue operations at the site have been completed, he said. The number of casualties in Fridays railway accident has increased to 261. Another 650 injured passengers are being treated at various hospitals in Odisha, according to Aditya Chowdhury, a spokesperson for South Eastern Railway. (With inputs from PTI) 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 the wake of the Odisha train accident that has led to the cancellation of several scheduled trains, the Ministry of Civil Aviation issued an advisory to airlines to monitor any abnormal surge in airfares to and from Bhubaneswar and other airports in the state. Further, any cancellation and rescheduling of flights due to the incident may be done without penal charges, the advisory added. The death toll stands at 288 people while over 900 remain gravely injured. The train crash, one of the deadliest in the country, took place in Balasore district about 250 km south of Kolkata and 170 km north of Bhubaneswar around 7 pm on Friday, prompting the Railway Ministry to order a probe. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who arrived at Balasore on Saturday afternoon to review the situation, has said that those found to be guilty will be severely punished. In view of the situation in Odishas Balasore, several trains have been cancelled to bring things under control. Development Commissioner, Odisha said in a statement, Since other trains will be stopped in districts falling on affected routes, Collectors have been asked to ensure that all the passengers stay safe. They have been told to provide them with whatever facilities are required including water, sanitation, security, food etc at places where such trains may have stopped. Funds to be met from CMRF. In view of the train accident in Balasore district of Odisha, the North Western Railway has issued helpline numbers for the convenience of passengers. A spokesperson said that passengers or the general public can get related information on numbers 0141-2725806 and 0141-2725804. Rajasthan Governor Kalraj Mishra and Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot have expressed grief over the tragic accident that took place on Friday evening. The accident involved three trains Coromandel Express, Yesvantpur-Howrah Express and a goods train. At least 261 people have died in Indias worst rail accident in over two decades, officials said on Saturday, after a passenger train went off the tracks and hit another one in the east of the country. One train in Fridays accident also hit a freight train parked nearby in the district of Balasore in Odisha state, leaving a tangled mess of smashed rail cars and injuring 900. 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. Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened a meeting to review the situation in relation to the Odisha train accident, according to government sources. #WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi chairs a high-level meeting to review the situation in relation to the #BalasoreTrainAccident pic.twitter.com/QKIhB0tfU4 ANI (@ANI) June 3, 2023 More than 233 people have been killed and over 900 injured in the crash on Friday involving the Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express, the Shalimar-Chennai Central Coromandel Express and a goods train. Officials in Bhubaneswar said 200 ambulances, 50 buses and 45 mobile health units, besides 1,200 personnel, are working at the accident site. PM Modi expressed his distress over the accident, and announced an additional ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the next of kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured from the PMs National Relief Fund (PMNRF). Distressed by the train accident in Odisha. In this hour of grief, my thoughts are with the bereaved families. May the injured recover soon. Spoke to Railway Minister @AshwiniVaishnaw and took stock of the situation. Rescue ops are underway at the site of the mishap and all possible assistance is being given to those affected, he tweeted. Distressed by the train accident in Odisha. In this hour of grief, my thoughts are with the bereaved families. May the injured recover soon. Spoke to Railway Minister @AshwiniVaishnaw and took stock of the situation. Rescue ops are underway at the site of the mishap and all Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 2, 2023 (With inputs from PTI) Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached Balasore on Saturday to review the situation at the spot of the Odisha train accident. Modi was received by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Dharmendra Pradhan. The prime minister held a brief meeting with officials as soon as he reached the site. In the same meeting, officials including Vaishnaw brought him up to speed about the current situation. He spent around 40 minutes at the crash site before leaving for Cuttak to meet the injured victims. #WATCH | Odisha: PM Narendra Modi visits a hospital in Balasore to meet the injured victims of #OdishaTrainTragedy. pic.twitter.com/vP5mlj1lEC ANI (@ANI) June 3, 2023 PM Modi spoke to Cabinet Secretary and Health Minister from the site. He asked them to ensure all needed help is provided to the injured and their families. He also said that special care must be taken to ensure that the bereaved families dont face inconvenience and that the affected keep getting the assistance they require. #WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives at the site of #BalasoreTrainAccident to take stock of the situation. #OdishaTrainAccident pic.twitter.com/mxwehPzsZZ ANI (@ANI) June 3, 2023 The prime ministers presence at the accident site is expected to act as a morale booster for the rescue operation teams deployed in the region as well as locals. Notably, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Rail Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw were scheduled to inaugurate Goas first Vande Bharat Express. That even, however, now stands cancelled. The death toll stands at 288 people while over 900 remain gravely injured. The train crash, one of the deadliest in the country, took place in Balasore district about 250 km south of Kolkata and 170 km north of Bhubaneswar around 7 pm on Friday, prompting the Railway Ministry to order a probe. PM Modi had earlier held a meeting to review the situation amid the massive ongoing relief-and-rescue operation. Officials in Bhubaneswar said 200 ambulances, 50 buses and 45 mobile health units, besides 1,200 personnel, are working at the accident site. PM Modi expressed distress over the accident and announced an additional ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the next of kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured from the PMs National Relief Fund (PMNRF). He will be getting in touch with survivors in hospitals and take stalk of the situation. 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. Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said on Saturday that at first, he had decided to cancel the third meeting of the Startup20 Engagement Group under G20 in the wake of the Odisha train accident but later refrained from doing so to respect delegates time. His comments came as the formal railway minister addressed the inaugural function of the StartUp 20 event where he offered his condolences to the families of the victims. I had thought of cancelling todays engagement but I thought since we have 200 delegates from more than 15 countries it would be respectful to your time, your efforts to continue with the engagements, Goyal said. What is the Startup20 event? The Startup20 event, under the flagship of G20, provides the perfect opportunity to foster collaboration, exchange ideas, and shape the future of start-ups and entrepreneurship on a global scale, with the main aim of the meeting being to form a consensus on the start-up Draft Policy Communique. The main aim of this meeting is to form a consensus on the start-up Draft Policy Communique. The Goa Sankalpana event will look at how the start-up ecosystems from different countries can be integrated, Goyal said, adding the engagement group, comprising G20 nations, should work towards promoting a vibrant start-up ecosystem across the world. It is important that the G20 member countries focus their energies on seeing how they can make India and the rest of the world work together as partners, and collaborate and cooperate, he said. Goyal said efforts should be made to find ways to bring about inclusive growth between less developed countries and developing nations. For those countries which are yet not able to develop their own policy framework and their own systems for start-ups, India is ready to offer support in finding a better way and sustainable solution for the world, the Union minister added. The engagement group will come up with a policy document or official communique at the end of the fourth meeting which would be held in Gurugram in the first week of July. We hope to come up with the document, a framework expressing the shared interest of all the G20 countries in promoting a vibrant start-up ecosystem across the world, the minister said. With inputs from PTI 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 engine drivers and guards of two trains were injured in the Odisha triple train accident and are being treated in different hospitals, a railway official said on Saturday. The engine driver and the guard of the goods trains, however, escaped unhurt, the official added. Coromandel Expresss loco pilot and his assistant as well as the guard and Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Expresss guard were on the injured list. The loco pilot, assistant loco pilot and the guard of Coromandel Express and the guard of the Bengaluru-Howrah Express are being treated in different hospitals, the senior divisional commercial manager of South Eastern Railways Kharagpur division, Rajesh Kumar, said. At least 288 people were killed and around 900others got injured when three trains collided one after another in a horrific sequence in Odishas Balasore district. The train crash, one of the deadliest in the country, took place in Balasore district about 250 km south of Kolkata and 170 km north of Bhubaneswar around 7 pm on Friday, prompting the Railway Ministry to order a probe. Three trains the Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express, Shalimar-Chennai Central Coromandel Express and a goods train were involved in the accident. The train crash, the fourth deadliest in India according to available records, happened near the Bahanaga Bazar station in Balasore district, about 250 km south of Kolkata and 170 km north of Bhubaneswar, prompting the Railway Ministry to order a probe. With inputs from PTI. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the site of the train accident in Odisha on Saturday and also the Cuttack hospital where the injured are being treated. At least 238 people were killed and more than 900 injured in the train crash involving the Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express, the Shalimar-Chennai Central Coromandel Express and a goods train in Odishas Balasore district on Friday. It is one of the deadliest train crashes in the history of the Indian Railways. PM Modi had earlier held a meeting to review the situation amid the massive ongoing relief-and-rescue operation. Officials in Bhubaneswar said 200 ambulances, 50 buses and 45 mobile health units, besides 1,200 personnel, are working at the accident site. PM Modi expressed his distress over the accident, and announced an additional ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the next of kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured from the PMs National Relief Fund (PMNRF). Distressed by the train accident in Odisha. In this hour of grief, my thoughts are with the bereaved families. May the injured recover soon. Spoke to Railway Minister @AshwiniVaishnaw and took stock of the situation. Rescue ops are underway at the site of the mishap and all possible assistance is being given to those affected, he tweeted. (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 Supreme Court Saturday stayed an unusual order of the Allahabad High Court asking the head of the department of astrology of Lucknow University to decide whether a woman, an alleged rape victim, is manglik or not. The apex court, which held a special sitting on Saturday, took suo motu cognisance of the matter and observed it doesnt understand why the astrology report is called for while hearing a bail application. The high court had passed the order on May 23 while hearing the bail plea of the man accused of raping the woman on the false promise of marriage. The counsel for the man had argued before the high court that since the woman was a manglik, marriage between the two could not be solemnised and has been refused. However, the counsel appearing for the woman had insisted before the high court she was not a manglik. According to Hindu astrology, a person born under the influence of the planet Mars (mangal) is believed to have mangal dosha (affliction) and is called manglik. Many superstitious Hindus believe marriage between a Manglik and a non-Manglik is inauspicious and can be disastrous. Mr Mehta, you have seen this? a bench of Justices Sudhanshu Dhulia and Pankaj Mithal asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who appeared in the matter. I have seen this. It is disturbing. I would request your lordships to kindly stay this order, Mehta said. An advocate, appearing for the complainant, told the bench the high court passed the order with the consent of the parties. But this was totally out of context. Whats this got to do with the subject matter, the bench observed, adding, apart from it, it involves so many other features right to privacy has been disturbed, and we dont want to spell out, there are so many other aspects. Arguing that astrology is a science, Mehta said, The question is, while entertaining an application by a judicial forum can this be a consideration. The bench said there is no doubt that astrology is a science but there are various aspects to it. We are not getting into the merits of the case, it said. This court takes a suo motu cognisance of this case which has been placed before us, the bench said, while staying the operation and effect of the high court order. It directed the registry to issue notices to all parties concerned, including the state. The bench posted the matter for further hearing in the week commencing July 10. We have stayed the order and have permitted the court to decide the bail application on its own merits, the bench observed, adding, we dont understand why this astrology report is called for. Mehta told the bench he was immensely grateful as a law officer that the apex court took cognisance of the matter. In its May 23 order, the high court had said, Let Head of Department (Astrology Department), Lucknow University may decide the matter whether the girl is mangali or not and the parties will produce the kundali (horoscope) before the Head of Department (Astrology Department), Lucknow University within ten days from today. The Head of Department (Astrology Department), Lucknow University is directed to submit report in a sealed cover within three weeks to this Court. The high court has listed the case for resumed hearing on June 26. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Shivaji Maharaj, an eminent warrior king, established an enduring legacy as the founder of the Maratha Empire in the 17th century. In a significant event on 6 June 1674, he ascended to the throne as the Chhatrapati, the supreme sovereign, with great grandeur. In the Hindu calendar, his coronation ceremony was held on the 13th day (Trayodashi) of the first fortnight of the month of Jyeshtha in the year 1596. This auspicious occasion not only represented his formal assumption of kingship but also signified the recognition of the Maratha Empire as a sovereign and independent entity. The coronation of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj marked a turning point, laying the foundation for the future of this Hindu Empire, solidifying its strength, and ensuring its enduring heritage. As we commemorate the 350th year of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharajs coronation, known as the Shivrajyabhishek Sohala according to the Shiva Shaka calendar, we pay homage to his remarkable achievements and profound contributions to the establishment of the Hindu Kingdom. Indian history abounds with tales of illustrious kings, valiant warriors, and visionary leaders who have left an indelible mark on the course of time. Among these legends, the extraordinary life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj shines brightly as an embodiment of courage, leadership, unwavering determination, and pro-people administration. India in the 17th century was on the brink of catastrophe. Hindus were hopelessly divided, leading to a disenfranchised and stagnant existence under Muslim rule. Indias intellectual landscape was barren as Hinduism struggled for survival. It was during this time that the great Maratha, the son of the soil, not only built an empire from scratch but also ignited the revival of Hinduism nationally in the face of divisive and oppressive Islamic rule. Inspired by the highest ideals instilled in him by his mother Jijabai, Samartha Guru Ramdas, and other saints of India, he awakened the dormant conscience of the Hindus and showed them that it was possible to successfully defy Mughal power and attain freedom from Muslim rule. Shivaji established a sovereign Hindu kingdom where the interests of the common people were safeguarded. As a staunch proponent of Hindu nationalism and the preserver of Hindu interests, he actively sought to assert Hindu identity, revive sanatan sanskriti, and protect/patronage and construct temples in his empire. Shivajis unwavering commitment resonated with countless individuals, paving the way for subsequent movements and ideologies centered on Hindu nationalism. Under his leadership, policies promoting Indian languages such as Sanskrit and Marathi, etc., as well as the patronage of Hindu scholars and artists, were implemented. Shivaji forged the Hindus into a superb mobile fighting force. The indomitable spirit and military prowess of this great leader came to the forefront during his teenage years when he fearlessly captured the Torna Fort from the Adil Shahi Sultanate in 1646. This audacious feat marked the beginning of his relentless campaign to liberate various forts and territories from formidable powers such as the Mughal Empire and the Adil Shahi Sultanate. Later, in the Battle of Purandhar, he defeated the army led by Fattekhan. In the Battle of Pratapgad, the forces of Shivaji triumphed over those of the Bijapur Sultanate. Under his guidance, the Marathas emerged as a formidable national force, challenging the hegemony of the mighty Mughal Empire in the Deccan region. He challenged the Mughal Empire when it was at the height of its glory under Aurangzeb and prevented the latter in his ultimate agenda of forced conversions of non-muslims to Islam across India. This led to the establishment of the cornerstone of the illustrious Maratha Empire, which later became one of the most influential and powerful kingdoms in Indian history. At its peak, the empire extended from Attock, which is now part of Pakistan, to Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu. The Marathas not only the Mughals but rather successfully prevented British forces from attacking India for most of the 18th century. The Maratha army, under the leadership of Shivaji, employed unique strategies in battle. Their unconventional guerrilla warfare (Ganimi Kava) tactics, meticulous strategic planning, and unwavering bravery were the cornerstones of their triumphs on the battlefield. They revolutionized warfare by pioneering the concept of establishing a strategic network of forts, known as gadhi mazi ladki or forts are our strength. These fortified strongholds served as crucial bastions and operational bases for the forces, enabling them to challenge and overcome larger, more established adversaries. Shivajis military successes not only showcased his exceptional strategic brilliance but also served as a timeless source of inspiration for generations of warriors yet to come. Recognizing the strategic importance of maritime security, he took bold steps to establish a formidable naval fleet. He understood the significance of controlling the Arabian Sea and securing the coastal regions. His navy not only protected the Konkan coast from maritime threats but also challenged the dominance of European powers in the Indian Ocean trade routes. This empires supremacy extended beyond military conquests to the realm of governance, where a series of transformative reforms were introduced. Recognising the importance of efficient administration, the Marathas implemented policies that emphasised local governance, a swift justice system, and streamlined revenue collection in their empire. The aim was to establish a well-organized system that prioritized the welfare and protection of common people. Decentralization of power and democratization of governance were the pillars of Maratha Samrajya. He truly believed and practiced sab ka sath, sab ka vikas. The emphasis was on creating system-based governance instead of individual-centred governance. One notable initiative was the formation of the Ashta Pradhan or the Council of Eight Ministers. This council comprised experts in various fields and played a crucial role in decision-making and policy implementation. Their collective wisdom and expertise ensured efficient governance throughout the Maratha Empire. Furthermore, a reformed revenue assessment system, which included a fair and transparent method of tax collection, was introduced. This not only ensured that the empire received its due revenue but also minimized corruption and protected the interests of the farmers, traders, and artisans. These administrative practices set a benchmark for other regional powers and had a lasting impact on the governance systems of India. The governance principles in the state were rooted in the concept of Hindavi Swarajya or self-rule, wherein local communities were empowered and given autonomy to govern their own affairs. Inspired by the teachings of his guru, Samarth guru Ramdas, Shivaji encouraged the unity of all Hindus and propagated Sanatana Dharma which meant a liberal religion free from caste discrimination, elevated the status of women, preferred Bhakti over rituals, and curtailed the excesses of polytheism. Emphasis was placed on treating people of different religions and castes with respect and fairness. Patronage was extended to scholars, artists, and poets from various backgrounds. Social justice and equality were the cornerstones of his administration, and proactive measures were taken to ensure that everyone had access to a fair and impartial judicial system. Thus, the Maratha rule was characterized by inclusive policies and respect for different socio-cultural communities. Furthermore, considerable efforts were made to diligently augment the economy of the Maratha kingdom. Significant strides were made in refining the revenue system established by Dadaji Konddev, particularly by standardizing land measurement and estimating yields based on soil types. It was recognized that incentivizing farmers to cultivate previously uncultivated land was crucial for economic growth. To achieve this, a range of incentives empowering farmers to embark on farming ventures in unexplored territories were introduced. Moreover, courageous decisions to abolish revenue collection by watandars not only bolstered tax revenue for the central government but also directly benefited the peasants. This reform ensured that a greater portion of taxes reached the hands of hardworking farmers, significantly improving their economic prospects. Thus, the multifaceted economic reforms fostered prosperity and provided a solid foundation for the burgeoning Maratha Empire. In less than 40 years, Shivaji Maharaj consolidated a kingdom so powerful that it acted as a strong foundation for the Hindu Empire that rose during the early 18th century. The next few decades witnessed the spread of Maratha power all over the country. The path shown by this visionary king led to the peak of prosperity and development. The Marathas unwavering struggle against oppressive regimes and their resolute determination to establish an independent kingdom served as a wellspring of inspiration for subsequent freedom movements in India. Their immortal heritage, built upon principles of self-governance, cultural pride, Sanatana Dharma, and unwavering resistance against foreign domination, left an indelible mark on the minds of influential figures like Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Veer Savarkar, and many more that carried forward the legacy during the Indian Swarajya movement and in post-independent India. Overall, he created a comprehensive system of epoch-making governance. Considering all these illustrations and episodes, it can be said that Shivaji was the true builder of modern India. The author is Professor in Kirori Mal College, Delhi. 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. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Nepal PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal and UN General Assembly President Csaba Korosi among others have expressed their deepest condolences to the families and the Government of India for the tragic train accident in Odisha in which at least 238 people were killed. The images and reports of the train crash in Odisha, India break my heart. Im sending my deepest condolences to those who lost loved ones, and Im keeping the injured in my thoughts. At this difficult time, Canadians are standing with the people of India, Trudeau tweeted. The images and reports of the train crash in Odisha, India break my heart. Im sending my deepest condolences to those who lost loved ones, and Im keeping the injured in my thoughts. At this difficult time, Canadians are standing with the people of India. Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) June 3, 2023 Nepals prime minister tweeted, Im saddened by the loss of dozens of lives in a train accident in Odisha, India today. I extend deep condolences to Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi Ji, Government, and the bereaved families at this hour of grief. I'm saddened by the loss of dozens of lives in a train accident in Odisha, India today. I extend deep condolences to Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi Ji, Government, and the bereaved families at this hour of grief. PMO Nepal (@PM_nepal_) June 3, 2023 UN General Assembly president Korosi too expressed his deepest condolence to the families over the tragic train accident. Im deeply saddened to hear the news of the train crash in Odisha, India. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families and with the emergency services. Heartfelt condolences to the people and the Government of India, Korosi, the President of the 77th session of the General Assembly tweeted. Im deeply saddened to hear the news of the train crash in Odisha, India. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families and with the emergency services. Heartfelt condolences to the people and the Government of India.@narendramodi @DrSJaishankar @IndiaUNNewYork UN GA President (@UN_PGA) June 2, 2023 The train crash happened near the Bahanaga Baazar station in Balasore district, about 250 km south of Kolkata and 170 km north of Bhubaneswar, around 7 pm on Friday, prompting the Railway Ministry to order a probe. Russian Ambassador to India, Denis Alipov too expressed deepest condolences to the families of the victims. Deepest condolences to the families of the victims of the tragic train derailment in Odisha. Speedy recovery to the injured. Denis Alipov (@AmbRus_India) June 3, 2023 Australias Minister of Foreign Affairs Penny Wong said that her thoughts are with the people who have been injured and with the emergency personnel who are working to assist them. Penny Wong tweeted, We send our deepest sympathies following the devastating train crash in Indias eastern Odisha state. Our thoughts are also with the many injured, and with the emergency personnel working to assist them. We send our deepest sympathies following the devastating train crash in India's eastern Odisha state. Our thoughts are also with the many injured, and with the emergency personnel working to assist them. Senator Penny Wong (@SenatorWong) June 3, 2023 Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Ali Sabry said that he is deeply saddened to learn about the train accident in Odisha. He wished for a speedy recovery for all those affected in the accident. Taking to Twitter, Ali Sabry wrote, Deeply saddened to learn of the tragic train accident in Odisha. My thoughts & prayers are with the families of the victims & those injured. I hope for a speedy recovery for all those affected. Sri Lanka stands with India in this time of grief. (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. Odisha Train Crash: Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday condoled the Odisha train accident that took place in Balasore district on Friday evening. Deeply saddened by the loss of hundreds of lives in a train accident in India. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families who lost their loved ones in this tragedy. Prayers for speedy recovery of the injured, Shehbaz Sharif tweeted. Russia President Vladimir Putin has also expressed grief at the Odisha train collision. Russian President Vladimir Putin sent his condolences to President of India Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the deadly train collision in the Indian state of Odisha, the Russian Embassy in India said in a statement. We share the grief of those who lost their loved ones in this tragic accident and wish a speedy recovery for those injured, the statement added. A host of countries from around the world have expressed their condolences at the mishap. The PMO announced in a statement that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is leaving for Odisha in order to review the situation in the wake of the horrific train accident in Balasore district. Earlier, PM Modi had convened a meeting to review the situation in relation to the Odisha train6 accident, according to government sources. PM Modi expressed his distress over the accident, and announced an additional ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the next of kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured from the PMs National Relief Fund (PMNRF). Distressed by the train accident in Odisha. In this hour of grief, my thoughts are with the bereaved families. May the injured recover soon. Spoke to Railway Minister @AshwiniVaishnaw and took stock of the situation. Rescue ops are underway at the site of the mishap and all possible assistance is being given to those affected, he tweeted. (With agency inputs) Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Odisha Train Crash: Russia President Vladimir Putin has expressed grief at the Odisha train collision that took place on Friday evening in Balasore district. Russian President Vladimir Putin sent his condolences to President of India Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the deadly train collision in the Indian state of Odisha, the Russian Embassy in India said in a statement. We share the grief of those who lost their loved ones in this tragic accident and wish a speedy recovery for those injured, the statement added. A host of countries from around the world have expressed their condolences at the mishap. The PMO announced in a statement that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is leaving for Odisha in order to review the situation in the wake of the horrific train accident in Balasore district. Earlier, PM Modi had convened a meeting to review the situation in relation to the Odisha train6 accident, according to government sources. PM Modi expressed his distress over the accident, and announced an additional ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the next of kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured from the PMs National Relief Fund (PMNRF). Distressed by the train accident in Odisha. In this hour of grief, my thoughts are with the bereaved families. May the injured recover soon. Spoke to Railway Minister @AshwiniVaishnaw and took stock of the situation. Rescue ops are underway at the site of the mishap and all possible assistance is being given to those affected, he tweeted. Earlier on Thursday, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Railway Minsiter Ashwini Vaishnaw and BJP MP from Balasore Pratap Sarangi paid a visit to the hospital in Balasore to meet those injured in the Odisha train accident. The death toll in the horrific train accident in the Balasore district of Odisha has risen to 261. According to state chief secretary Pradeep Jena, more than 900 people have been injured in the accident which saw three trains collide with each other on Friday evening. (With agency inputs) Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Around 200 Indian fishermen, released by Pakistan, were handed over to BSF authorities at the Joint Check Post at the Attari-Wagah border here, an official said on Saturday. All the fishermen crossed over to India around 1 am through the land transit route of the Attari-Wagah border using Emergency Travel Certificate issued by the Indian High Commission in Islamabad, the official said. The fishermen were held after their boats allegedly slipped into Pakistan through territorial waters in the Arabian sea. A team of Indian doctors codncuted the medical examination of the fishermen following their repatriation, said the official. The moment they stepped foot on Indian soil, the fishermen bowed and kissed the land, the official said. Fishermen are frequently arrested and their boats seized by both India and Pakistan as the maritime border in the Arabian Sea is poorly defined and many fishing boats lack the technology to ascertain their precise locations, according to officials. (With inputs from PTI) 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 senior US diplomat will embark on a rare trip to Beijing Sunday, the government said, as Washington seeks to allay tensions between the rival powers. Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Kritenbrink will travel to China and New Zealand from June 410, the US State Department said in a statement Saturday. In Beijing, Kritenbrink will be joined by National Security Council Senior Director for China and Taiwan Affairs Sarah Beran to discuss key issues in the bilateral relationship, according to the statement. In recent weeks Washington has made efforts to improve relations with China, with both sides warning over the danger of a military conflict over Taiwan. At the G7 meeting in Japan last month, US President Joe Biden predicted that ties between Washington and Beijing would soon thaw after an alleged Chinese spy balloon was shot down by a US warplane after traversing the country earlier this year. Speaking at a defense summit in Singapore, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said Saturday it was critical to renew dialogue with China to avoid misunderstandings that could lead to a conflict between the two superpowers. The United States believes that open lines of communication with the Peoples Republic of China are essential especially between our defense and military leaders, Austin told the Shangri-La Dialogue. The more that we talk, the more that we can avoid the misunderstandings and miscalculations that could lead to crisis or conflict. The United States had invited Austins Chinese counterpart Li Shangfu to meet on the sidelines of the summit, but the Pentagon said Beijing declined. A member of Chinas delegation told AFP that the removal of US sanctions on its minister is a precondition for talks. Li was sanctioned by the US government in 2018 for buying Russian weapons, but the Pentagon says that does not prevent Austin from conducting official business with him. Kritenbrinks trip will be the latest in a series of engagements between the two countries officials. CIA Director William Burns made a secret trip to China last month, hoping to shore up lines of communication, and this week the White House said it was ready to engage in nuclear arms talks with Beijing without preconditions. In May, Chinas Commerce Minister Wang Wentao visited Washington to meet with his American counterpart. Kritenbrink had traveled to China to prepare a long-awaited trip by Secretary of State Antony Blinken in February, which Blinken cancelled after the United States said it spotted a surveillance balloon from China over the US mainland. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin on Saturday said dialogue between the United States and China is essential to avoiding miscalculations that could lead to conflict. This comes after Beijing rejected a formal meeting between him and his Chinese counterpart. Austin and Li Shangfu shook hands and briefly spoke for the first time at the opening dinner of the Shangri-La Dialogue defence summit in Singapore, but the interaction fell short of the Pentagons hopes for a more substantive exchange. The US defence chief is on a tour of Asia that previously took him to Japan and will also include a visit to India part of a push by top American officials to shore up alliances and partnerships in the region to help counter Beijing. The United States believes that open lines of communication with the Peoples Republic of China are essential especially between our defense and military leaders, Austin said in remarks at the Shangri-La Dialogue. The more that we talk, the more that we can avoid the misunderstandings and miscalculations that could lead to crisis or conflict. The United States had invited Li to meet on the sidelines of the summit, but Beijing declined, with a spokeswoman saying the US knows clearly why there are currently difficulties in military communication. Li was sanctioned by the US government in 2018 for buying Russian weapons, but the Pentagon says that does not prevent Austin from conducting official business with him. A senior US defence official said it was good for the two to speak, but Austin told the defence summit that a cordial handshake over dinner is no substitute for a substantive engagement. Austin said he was deeply concerned that (China) has been unwilling to engage more seriously on better mechanisms for crisis management between our two militaries, expressing hope that would soon change. He also took aim at Beijing for conducting an alarming number of risky intercepts of US and allied aircraft flying lawfully in international airspace, including one last week. Preserving the status quo In that incident, the US military said a Chinese fighter pilot had performed an unnecessarily aggressive maneuver near an American surveillance aircraft operating over the South China Sea. Video footage released by the US military showed a Chinese fighter plane crossing in front of the American aircraft, which could be seen shaking from the resulting turbulence. But Chinas military said the US plane broke into a military training area. Tensions between Washington and Beijing have soared this year over issues including Taiwan and an alleged Chinese spy balloon that was shot down by a US warplane after traversing the country. Another recent flashpoint has been high-end microchips, with Beijing saying in May that US semiconductor giant Micron had failed a national security review and would not be allowed to sell to operators of critical information infrastructure. The announcement came after Washington and its allies took measures in recent months that China claimed were designed to restrict its ability to purchase or manufacture cutting-edge chips and curb its rising global power. In April, Beijing launched three days of military exercises around the democratic self-ruled island of Taiwan, simulating targeted strikes and a blockade. China considers Taiwan a part of its territory to be taken one day, by force if necessary, and the island lives under the constant fear of invasion. The Chinese exercises came in response to a meeting between Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen and US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy in California, which Chinas consulate in Los Angeles said undermined the political foundation of China-US relations. Austin said at the defence summit that the United States remains deeply committed to preserving the status quo in the Taiwan Strait and will continue to categorically oppose unilateral changes to the status quo from either side. (With inputs from AFP) 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 most frequently used Russian missiles in Ukraine is the Kh-101. This missile is a stealthy version of the non-stealthy Kh-555, which is an upgraded version of the Kh-55 which entered service in the early 1980s as a Russian version of the American Tomahawk. The KH-101 was part of the Russian post-Cold War catch-up (to the Americans) effort. The Kh-101 was first noted hanging from a Tu95 heavy bomber. The Kh-101 was in development for nearly two decades, but most work was halted in the 1990s because of money shortages. In 2002, there were indications that work had resumed on the Kh-101. Eventually, Tu-160 and Tu-95MS heavy bombers were equipped to carry a dozen Kh-555 cruise missiles each. These missiles are upgrades (longer range) of the Cold War era Kh-55 nuclear cruise missile. The Kh-555 is 20 feet long, weighs 1.5 tons and has a range of 3,000 kilometers. An 800 pound conventional warhead appears to be a cluster bomb type (carrying bomblets). The missile uses inertial and satellite supplied guidance, and can hit within 100 meters of its aiming point. Russia said it would use these missiles to attack terrorist bases in foreign countries. This it did, frequently, after Russian entered the war in Syria during 2015. The Kh-55, Kh-555 and Kh-101 were all used in Syria. A few times Russian launched these missiles from Russian air bases and used their long range to fly over Iran and Iraq to targets in Syria. The Kh-101 had a new shape, and a radar absorbing skin, to make it more difficult for radar to detect. Otherwise, the Kh-101 appears to have the same weight, range and payload of the Kh-55. The Kh-101 wasn't meant to replace Kh-555 missiles, but complement them, at least until the Kh-555s were too old to maintain, and had to be retired. That's a process that took over a decade to happen. At the end of the Cold War, Ukraine inherited 1,612 KH-55s. These were for use by Soviet Tu-95MS, which can carry sixteen Kh-55s or eight Kh-101s. The Ukrainian also inherited 19 jet powered Tu-160 and 25 propeller driven Tu-95MS heavy bombers. Initially Ukraine wanted Russia to pay three billion dollars to get the bombers and cruise missiles back. After years of haggling, Russia agreed to pay $285 million for eight Tu-160s, three Tu-96MSs and 575 Kh-55 missiles. The rest of the bombers and missiles were destroyed as part of an American financed post-Cold War disarmament program. In 2005 Ukrainian investigators found that a corrupt general had sold twelve Kh-55s to Iran and six to China for over $40 million. Iran later reverse engineered the missiles to build their Soumar missile. The Chinese found that the Kh-55s were similar to missiles the Chinese had already designed and put into production. The Kh-101 is expensive (over $10 million each) because of the stealth features and guidance system which enables it to hit targets very accurately after traveling up to 5,000 kilometers. Each Kh-101 is 7.45 meters (24 feet) long, weighs 2.2 tons and carries a 400 kg (880 pound) warhead. Cruise speed is about 700 kilometers an hour although it can be programmed to speed up to nearly a thousand kilometers an hour which reduces max range to about 3,000 kilometers. Despite that, the Kh-101 proved vulnerable to Ukrainian air defenses and many were shot down. The older Kh-55s and Kh-555s were even more vulnerable but the Kh-101 was more likely to get through and hit a target. By early 2023 Russia was eliminating the missile serial number because that number also contains data on when the missile was manufactured. Without that data, often recovered from missile debris, the Ukrainians could no longer estimate how many Kh-101s were being used. Russian media revealed that Kh-101s were being used as quickly as they could be produced. While the Kh-101s are usually launched from Tu-160s carrying ten missiles or TU-95s carrying eight missiles, the Su-35 fighter-bomber can also carry two of them. NUCLEAR, BIOLOGICAL AND CHEMICAL WEAPONS June 3, 2023: The U.S. Air Force is updating its radiation surveillance aircraft fleet with three new three WC-135R aircraft. Two have already been completed and the third will soon be delivered. The $218 million WC-135R program involves installing radiation detection equipment on these three new C-135 aircraft to replace C-135s that had been used since the 1960s. Since then, fourteen aircraft have served as radiation detection aircraft. The WC-135R is basically a KC-135 aerial refueling aircraft converted to be a radiation detection aircraft. The original radiation monitoring aircraft were weather monitoring aircraft which, before the proliferation of weather satellites fifty years ago, were the main source of data on atmospheric conditions. The WC-135Rs have been regularly used to detect North Korean nuclear weapons tests and collect enough data to determine if a nuke had been used and how successful the test was. The 2006 nuclear weapons test in northeast Korea, revived interest in such arcane subjects as "partially successful" nuclear weapons, faking a nuclear explosion and arcane detection methods. The North Korean test showed up on earthquake detectors (seismographs) as a small (4.2 magnitude) quake. A few quick calculations revealed that this indicated an explosion of less than one kiloton (equal to 1,000 tons of conventional explosives). Since the North Koreans were using plutonium for their bomb, and the smallest plutonium bomb is (for technical reasons) at least twenty kilotons, this set off alarms. This indicated that the North Koreans were either faking it (with conventional explosives), or had a poorly built bomb that only partially went off. WC-135R was designed to collect enough evidence to determine a large explosion is real or fake. A nuclear explosion, even a "fizzle", a bomb that does not detonate all its nuclear material, will emit some unique chemicals into the atmosphere. This will happen even with an underground explosion, because the earth is full of cracks and crevices that allow some of the gasses to escape into the atmosphere. WC-135Rs flying off the coast of North Korea, did indeed pick up the presence of unusually high levels of argon 37 and xenon 133. These two elements are present naturally in very small quantities. One of the things American WC-135R recon aircraft do regularly is check the natural levels of these rare elements off the coasts of North Korea and Iran, the two nations most likely to carry out a nuclear test. These tests are conducted underground because that contains most of the radiation rather than spewing radiation over a lot of territory with an open air test. By treaty and general agreement, open air tests have been banned since the 1960s. Radiation detection aircraft are also called in to monitor the spread and levels of nuclear fallout from actual or suspected nuclear power plant accidents. The best example of this was the 1986 power plant disaster in Chernobyl Ukraine, then part of the Soviet Union. WC-135R are again flying near Ukraine because Russian invaded in early 2022 and seized a huge (the largest in Europe) power plant complex, Russian mismanagement of the complex threatens to create another Chernobyl. Before the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, there had been several lesser (than Chernobyl) nuclear disasters in remote areas. American radiation detection aircraft monitored these as well. There is always a detectable (by a WC-135R) amount of radiation after an underground test. With pre-test baseline samples collected by ground sensors or WC-135R, it's easy to see when a nuclear explosion has occurred nearby, because the normal levels of these two elements spike. Then there are industrialized nations that have nuclear material (from power plants) and could build nuclear weapons. This group includes South Korea. Japan, Canada, Germany, the Netherlands and Australia, with more to come. Having instruments that can detect minute quantities of rare elements has made it impossible to fake a nuclear test, and there have been some very large conventional explosions. In 1985, some 4,500 tons of ammonium nitrate and fuel oil (a "fertilizer bomb) were detonated by American researchers to create an explosion similar to a nuclear one. Seismographs indicated that this explosion was similar to what would be expected for an eight kiloton nuclear bomb. There have been similarly large explosions before, but always accidental. In 1947, a ship carrying 8,500 tons of ammonium nitrate exploded in a Texas port, destroying the surrounding area, and killing over 500 people. These large conventional explosions create the mushroom shaped cloud we associate with nuclear explosions. Such clouds are typical of any large explosion, nuclear or not. But unless certain types of radiation are present, you know the explosion is non-nuclear. Poor bomb design, or low quality components, have caused fizzles in the past. In 1998, several of Pakistan's nuclear weapons tests failed in a similar fashion to the current North Korean one. It may be that design that was sold to North Korea by the Pakistani nuclear scientists who, at that time, were running an illegal nuclear weapons sales business on the side. North Korea is currently the most active supplier of illegal nuclear weapons tech. This tech is very expensive and it is an important source of hard currency for North Korea. No other country has atmospheric radiation detection aircraft but there is a lot of radiation detection equipment available commercially to constantly monitor land areas. Many armed forces also have such equipment installed in military vehicles for use during conflicts where there is a risk of atmospheric radiation. LOBAMBA -Senators, yesterday asked the members of the LGBTQI+ if they wanted members of the House to play God. This was during the submissions by an organisation called TransSwati to Senate yesterday afternoon. Stakeholders who were in numbers made submissions in Senate, where they revealed that they were having trouble with acquiring national documents, in the ministry of Home Affairs. It is difficult for us to get national documents as the officials refuse to continue with the application process as they claim that they cannot issue an ID or a passport to a person who is a female who has a name of a boy, said one of the stakeholders. The stakeholders further said they were having difficulty in passing through the countrys border gates as the immigration officials refused passage as a result of judgment by appearance. The stakeholders explained that they were moving for the amendment in the Civil Registration Vital Statistics Bill of 2022, where they would be allowed to have their original names which were given by their parents at birth to be changed as it was giving them troubles wherever they want. Senator Princess Ntfombiyenkhosi first acknowledged the respect and the humility the stakeholders portrayed in the House.I am astounded by your respect and it shows that you have been raised well by your parents, but my children as your realise that we are old enough to be you elders. I have heard your submissions but I just want to know from you if you want us senators to play God and grant you your wishes? queried the senator. MBABANE Bonakele Bobo Metfula, known for her vibrancy and ability to mobilise marches, earned herself a top position in PUDEMOs womens league. However, on March 17, 2023, she decided to put all that vibrancy into the Tinkhundla System of Government. Within a few months, Metfula rose in the political ranks and was selected as the National Organising Secretary (NOS) for the Peoples United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO). Organising marches, especially, including the delivering of petitions were her speciality. She did not only organise marches around Mayiwane, her home area, but around the country. At some point, she accompanied members of the progressives to neighbouring South Africa (SA), where she enthusiastically joined and led marches in song and dance. With a voice usually louder than a megaphone, Metfula could be heard even during loud protests. On March 17, 2023, Metfula quit the organisation she has been serving. In a letter written on the said date, addressed to the organisation, titled Resignation letter, she began with the words revolutionary greetings. Metfula then addressed the executive of the womens league, stating that she was resigning with immediate effect. She thanked her former colleagues in the political organisation and said she was resigning as the NOS of PUDEMO Womens League and apologised for any inconvenience caused. The letter was brief, with only two paragraphs, but straight to the point. Noteworthy, PUDEMO had taken the stand not to support the elections and that they would not be sending any representatives to contest. It was for this reason that Metfulas letter was met with shock by her fellow colleagues who wondered why she was resigning. Some political parties have been supportive of the elections and have continued to encourage their members to register so that they could make intended changes from within. When she was reached at her home during the week, Metfula confirmed that her letter of resignation was not fake news but that indeed, she had officially resigned from the PUDEMOs womens league. She said she had thought through the decision and even consulted with some family members. Reason Metfula said the first reason she gave for resigning was that she decided to choose family over politics. She said it conflicted with her family values and she had also taken a stand to vote in the 2023 National Elections. I am not taking up any position I will just register and vote, she said after she was asked if she was eyeing any position. She lamented that the problem she had discovered while still a member of the political organisation was that there was a lot of ridiculing. Metfula said while PUDMO preached democracy, they did not practice it. She said the organisation did not respect individuals opinions or views on democracy. When you decide to say something they do not agree with, they say you are defiant, she alleged. She said this was one of the reasons that made her realise that it was not working for her. Metfula also admitted that while she rose up quickly in the ranks, she had not been a member of the organisation for a long time but joined at the beginning of last year. Metfula became so influential in the organisation that she was responsible for organisations many events, particularly marches and also meetings around northern Hhohho though her influence was not just limited there. Arrested When members of the organisation were arrested for protesting on matters related to their political activities, Metfula was in the forefront to ensure that bail was organised and that they were released. She attended several court cases for people who were arrested during the unrest. She said she was quitting the organisation and that she was now purely focussing on the elections to be held later this year. This year, the final (Secondary) elections will be held on September 2023. Metfula admitted that though she resigned, many people were not aware that she had quit the organisation. She said it was as if the organisation did not want her to resign but she said she had made her decision. Further, Metfula said she wanted to apologise to the umphakatsi for mobilising marches and giving them a tough time. She said this was because she wanted to them to know that she was committed about helping to uplifting the community. News Conspiracy of Silence: Whistleblower had warned Children's Center board STUART VILLANUEVA/ The Daily News Former Childrens Center staff member Angel Wall said she informed center leadership of serious problems with the organization and at the centers facility in Galveston. STUART VILLANUEVA/The Daily News Former Childrens Center staff member Angel Wall displays a photograph she says she took of a mass of cockroaches clinging to a wall at The Childrens Center facility in Galveston. STUART VILLANUEVA/The Daily News A No Trespassing sign hangs on the fence at the shuttered Childrens Center facility in Galveston on Friday, May 26, 2023. STUART VILLANUEVA/The Daily News Former Childrens Center staff member Angel Wall said she informed center leadership of serious problems with the organization and at the centers facility in Galveston. Wall was hired as vice president of Program Support Services for the The Childrens Center in January and left after only two weeks. GALVESTON As the new vice president of program support services at The Childrens Center, attorney Angel Wall was fulfilling a dream of working for a nonprofit. Working for the Childrens Center, with roots dating back to 1878 providing a variety of services, including for homeless people and migrants, would be the culmination of all her lifes work, she said. This job was all of my skills put together in one place, Wall told The Daily News. I went to law school because I wanted to work at the Southern Poverty Law Center. I didnt grow up with money, Im like these people. That dream was quickly shattered, however, when Wall resigned after only two weeks of closely observing the 145-year-old nonprofit tasked with caring for some of societys most vulnerable people and doing so with tax dollars, she said. Part of Walls duties, which she began Jan. 5 and ended Jan. 20, were to address compliance issues, seek ways to improve programs and assess risks to the organization, she said. In her short time employed by the center, Wall found evidence of rats, roaches and termites, she said. She became concerned about children being put at risk of sickness, disease and injury. She worried about reprehensible and deplorable living conditions for both center clients and employees. Wall resigned after coming to believe longtime Childrens Center President and CEO James T. Keel had no plans to correct any of many problems she saw and considered threats to the centers clients and her reputation and law license if she didnt speak up, she said. Before she left, however, Wall penned a five-page report and sent it to the nonprofits vice president, president and board of directors. No action followed, she said. Wall in May outlined to The Daily News the litany of issues she said compelled her to resign from a position she had coveted, bragged to friends about and took a pay cut to have. Keel on Wednesday told The Daily News he had retired from the center. Informed that The Daily News had questions about his leadership at the center, Keel said: No comment, bye. Members of the Childrens Center board of directors have not responded to numerous emails seeking interviews sent over several weeks to addresses published with their biographies on the organizations website. THE SPARK The Childrens Center came under scrutiny in March when the University of Texas Medical Branch reported a child living in a shelter there had high blood lead levels, Dr. Philip Keiser, the countys top public health official, said at the time. In April, health inspectors dispatched because of that lead test, found vast amounts of rodent feces, cockroaches, bed bugs, fleas, rotting food and general squalor at the residential facility, 4428 Ursuline St., Keiser said. The center housed nine families totaling 21 people, including 16 children, Keiser has said. Of the residents, 19 people agreed to testing, of whom four had high blood lead levels, Keiser said. Three were children ages 1 year to 11 years belonging to two families, he said. Lead levels in the soil around the Childrens Center facility were 1,400 times higher than the natural level, but children were exposed to it because the floors hadnt been cleaned of dirt tracked in from outside, he said. Also of particular concern was typhus, a disease that usually comes from fleas and is increasing in Galveston, Keiser said. Typhus, which is usually associated with war zones, can cause a person to be severely ill or die, he said. EARLY WARNING Wall had raised some of those same concerns to center leaders and board members about three months before. We found two major holes where the rats had chewed through the wall, Wall wrote in January. One of those holes was near the bed that the children slept in. We also found nests of roaches living in the wall. The building is so rotted that the roaches and termites have taken up residence. It is unacceptable. The state of this building is reprehensible. Sadly, it was completely preventable. Wall in the letter asserted Keel was ultimately responsible for those conditions. You are the executive director and are responsible for its condition, she wrote. Worst of all, you put a young mother, who trusts you, and small children at risk of sickness, disease and injury. That is direct opposition to the mission of this organization. The living conditions for some Childrens Center workers wasnt much better, Wall wrote. I have seen firsthand their living conditions. They are deplorable, with no working heat or air conditioning. I orchestrated the cleaning and organization of the donation center, but it is still not acceptable. WHISTLEBLOWER Wall began her professional career at the Galveston Housing Authority before going to law school and running her own practice for nearly 18 years. Wall hates that a job she was so excited for was muddled with problems, giving her a moral dilemma of pressing on blindly for a paycheck or blowing the whistle at the cost of her employment, she said. Im not losing my bar card; Im not going to be complicit, she said. Members of the board and Executive Vice President Hilda Garcia at an April 18 news conference about the eviction at first denied they had received or read Walls report. Chairman David Holmen at the same event agreed board members did receive and had read the report, however. Welcome to my genealogy blog. Genea-Musings features genealogy research tips and techniques, genealogy news items and commentary, genealogy humor, San Diego genealogy society news, family history research and some family history stories from the keyboard of Randy Seaver (of Chula Vista CA), who thinks that Genealogy Research Is really FUN! Copyright (c) Randall J. Seaver, 2006-2021. MBABANE For the second time in her 10-month reign as Siphofaneni, Member of Parliament (MP) Nomalungelo LaZwide Simelane has been forced to cancel an event in the constituency. The event, which was supposed to double up as a report-back meeting, is the second one to be stopped by authorities, after the Lubombo Regional Administrations Office forced LaZwide to cancel her thanksgiving event in September 2022. The event was supposed to be held at the inkhundla premises but was subsequently held at LaZwides church as she was denied access to the premises. Recording LaZwide was supposed to host the constituents under Nceka Umphakatsi (Royal Kraal) today. In an audio recording of a phone call made to her by Nceka Inner Council member identified as Indvuna Lencane Vilakati, it transpired that Chief Mlamuli Dlamini had initially given LaZwide permission to host the event before the sudden change of heart. The chief allegedly changed heart after receiving advice from unmentioned people. The indvuna alleged, in the audio, that he received a call from the chief informing him to alert the MP that the event was not going to happen in the area. He further alleged that the chief made consultations with different people, including traditional authorities of the last umphakatsi, where LaZwide hosted such a meeting for the electorate. Chief Mshikashika of Engevini Royal Kraal, the last umphakatsi to host the MPs report-back meeting, allegedly told Chief Mlamuli that LaZwide hosted the meeting without permission. Chief Mshikashikas assertion allegedly convinced Chief Mlamuli to cancel the event in his area because the MP was not totally honest about the issue of permission. He was consulting even during the lengthy call I had with him. The initial reason I got while trying to engage him on what could be done to save the event was that you were not given permission to host the event you had at Ngevini, which was similar to this one. He then questioned the honesty of what you told us during our initial meeting: that you received permission at Ngevini and everything went well. The chief was worried over the matter and subsequently made the decision to call off the event, said the indvuna to LaZwide. The MP asked Mamba if he was sure that Chief Mshikashika was the one who said she was not granted permission to host the event in his area, and the indvuna affirmed that Chief Mlamuli said he got the information from the chief of Ngevini. After a short pause, LaZwide chuckled at the affirmation and said she was shocked by the allegations that she did not receive permission to host the event in the audio, LaZwide said she accepted the decision of the chief as an elder, even though it was painful for her. She stated that the chief was a father to her, and she expected him to protect her when she was attacked by other people and not take their word against hers. Decision At the end of it all, the decision lies with the chief, and to me, he is an elder and a father, so I would practically not expect him to throw me under the bus without verifying what has been happening beneath him. What I am trying to do is simply within the rights of the incumbent MP, and I am guided by the principles of the work that the people sent me to do in parliament. When the chief tells me to stop the event, I do not even see his advisors, but I see him as the one saying it. I do not want to be seen as arguing with you, but I want to take the chiefs command and nothing else, she said. LaZwide was called to confirm the contents of the audio, and she responded in the affirmative. She averred that the event was called off after the chief instructed Vilakati. She further stated that she personally met the chief in a prior meeting where she requested permission to meet the electorate and it was granted. LaZwide said she was shocked to receive the call from Vilakati cancelling the event. There is a very serious issue behind this, and I think I have received the message loud and clear. Last week there was an event that was attended by the deputy prime minister through Tinkhundla Minister David Cruiser Ngcamphalala in the same area, and I was not invited. As a politician, when other politicians come to my constituency, I am supposed to be the one welcoming them, but I was sidelined such that not even Indvuna Yenkhundla or Bucopho had the guts to inform me, she said during an interview. The indvuna further made allegations that there were people who were campaigning against the MP within the area and had influenced the decision of the chief. He requested that the MP consider the information an off-the-record disclosure to protect his name. The indvuna further stated that the chief said he was going to call the people for a meeting, and the MP was invited to present her report. However, LaZwide questioned the rationale of her reporting back to the people in a meeting organised by the chief. She said, she had her own way of reporting and wanted to appreciate the people for believing in her. LaZwide took over as Siphofaneni MP after her husband, Mduduzi Gawuzela Simelane, was expelled from parliament for missing over 20 regulated days of official business in the House of Assembly. Simelane missed the sittings after skipping the country following a warrant of arrest issued against him for allegedly inciting people to revolt against a constitutional government. Arrested He was co-accused with Hosea MP Mduduzi Bacede Mabuza and Ngwempisi MP Mthandeni Dube. The two MPs were subsequently arrested, denied bail, and found guilty after spending 22 months in jail. They were found guilty of murder charges and counts under the Suppression of Terrorism Act, 2008. Simelane is also the President of the Swaziland Liberation Movement (SWALIMO), a popular political organisation opposed to the current Tinkhundla system of government. The organisation supports the general election process and vowed to put their members in the August House to fight the system from within the chambers. Efforts to get hold of the chief proved futile as the MP did not have his contact details and Vilakatis cellphone number was not available on the MTN network, and when the call eventually went through at 6pm yesterday he did not respond. Qualcomm Set to Unveil Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 on October 24 News oi -Kabir Jain Qualcomm, a prominent player in the mobile technology sector, has officially confirmed the launch of its much-anticipated Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip. The company has scheduled its annual Snapdragon Summit to be held in Maui, Hawaii, from October 24 to October 26. This event will serve as the stage for Qualcomm to unveil the highly anticipated Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, providing comprehensive information and showcasing exciting demonstrations. Announcement of Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip is expected to be manufactured using the cutting-edge TSMC process, promising unparalleled performance and power efficiency. This advanced chipset will set the stage for a new era of flagship devices slated to hit the market later this year and early next year. Renowned smartphone manufacturers such as Samsung, Xiaomi, Oppo, and Vivo have already expressed their intentions to incorporate the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 into their flagship smartphones, ensuring an exceptional user experience. Smartphone Manufacturers Incorporating the Chip According to the credible Chinese tipster, Digital Chat Station, the Xiaomi 14 series is poised to be the first to feature Qualcomm's upcoming chip in November. Subsequently, the Vivo X100 series, iQOO 12 series, Redmi K70 series, OnePlus 12, and Realme GT5 are expected to follow suit in the subsequent months. Performance Improvements An early Geekbench listing provided some intriguing details about the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip. The leaked scores indicate a significant boost in CPU performance compared to its predecessor, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. Impressively, the upcoming chipset achieved a single-core score of 1,930 and a multi-core score of 6,236. This represents a remarkable 25% increase in CPU performance. On the GPU front, Digital Chat Station reported that the upcoming Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC will be equipped with a 50% more powerful GPU than the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2's Adreno 740. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 will feature a 1x Cortex-X4 prime core paired with 5x Cortex-A720 cores, 2x Cortex-A520 cores, and an Adreno 750 GPU, promising significant performance improvements. Furthermore, the CPU package will see an update in its L3 cache, increasing from 8MB to 10MB. As the launch date approaches, more details about the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset are expected to emerge. Source Best Mobiles in India Facebook, To stay updated with latest technology news & gadget reviews, follow GizBot on Twitter YouTube and also subscribe to our notification. Allow Notifications Samsung Galaxy F54 5G pre-reserve pass now available on Flipkart for Rs 999 News oi -Carlsen Martin Samsung is gearing up to launch a new mid-range smartphone in India next week. The Samsung Galaxy F54 5G will debut as the latest mid-range smartphone by the company and succeeds the Galaxy F52 5G from 2021. Ahead of its launch, the Samsung Galaxy F54 5G has already popped up on India's e-commerce site Flipkart. Samsung has also announced a pre-reserve pass for the Galaxy F54 5G, ahead of its launch in India. Samsung Galaxy F54 5G Flipkart Pre-Reserve Pass The Samsung Galaxy F54 5G launch date in India is set for June 6 at 03:00 pm (IST). The latest Galaxy F54 5G will be available for purchase through Flipkart after it launches in the country. Samsung has announced a pre-reserve pass for the Galaxy F54 5G, which can be purchased for Rs 999 on Flipkart. The pre-reserve pass will give users a discount of Rs 2,000 during the pre-order period for the Galaxy F54 5G. The pass will also ensure that customers will be able to pre-order the phone when it becomes available after the launch date. Samsung Galaxy F54 5G Specifications (Expected) The Galaxy F54 will be powered by the Exynos 1380 chipset paired with up to 8GB of RAM and up to 256GB internal storage. The Galaxy F54 will be powered by a 6,000mAh battery with support for 25W fast charging. The F54 5G is expected to get a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED panel. It will have a Full HD+ resolution and a refresh rate of 120Hz. The smartphone will get an in-display fingerprint sensor for security. The For optics, the Galaxy F54 could sport a 108MP main camera with 4K video support, an 8MP ultrawide lens, and a 2MP macro lens. At the rear, it could feature a 32MP shooter for selfies and video calls. Samsung has confirmed OIS support on the Galaxy F54 5G. Best Mobiles in India Facebook, To stay updated with latest technology news & gadget reviews, follow GizBot on Twitter YouTube and also subscribe to our notification. Allow Notifications U.S. forces engage insurgents in support of the Federal Government of Somalia At the request of the Federal Government of Somalia and in support of the Somali National Army engagements against al Shabaab, U.S. Africa Command conducted a collective self-defense strike in the vicinity of Wayanta, Somalia on June 1. By U.S. Africa Command Public Affairs , United States Africa Command Stuttgart, Germany Jun 02, 2023 At the request of the Federal Government of Somalia and in support of the Somali National Army engagements against al Shabaab, U.S. Africa Command conducted a collective self-defense strike in the vicinity of Wayanta, Somalia on June 1. The initial assessment is that the strike, approximately 60 km southwest of Kismayo, killed three al Shabaab fighters. The command's initial assessment is that no civilians were injured or killed. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has publicly stated that economic reform, social and political reconciliation, and religious tolerance are key pillars of his strategy to mobilize society against international terrorism. Military actions are just one part of the Federal Government of Somalia's efforts to comprehensively address their security challenges. The U.S. is one of several countries providing humanitarian aid, stabilization efforts, economic development, and military assistance to the Federal Government of Somalia in their ongoing campaign. U.S. Africa Command is the defense arm of the U.S. whole-of-government approach with African partners -- diplomacy, development and defense. This three-pronged, or "3D" approach brings together multiple agencies from within the U.S. government to increase cooperation and support for partner-led, U.S.-enabled solutions to shared security challenges, including violent extremism or terrorism. Somalia remains central to stability and security in all of East Africa. U.S. Africa Command's forces train, advise, and assist partner forces to help give them the tools they need to defeat al-Shabaab, the largest and most deadly al-Qaeda network in the world. U.S. Africa Command and partner forces will continue to assess the results of this operation and will provide additional information as appropriate. Specific details about the units involved and assets used will not be released in order to ensure operations security. The Federal Government of Somalia and U.S. Africa Command will continue to take great measures to prevent civilian casualties. Protecting civilians remains a vital part of the command's operations to promote greater security for all Africans. To view the U.S. Africa Command Quarterly Civilian Casualty reports, visit: https://www.africom.mil/what-we-do/airstrikes/civilian-casualty-report NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 55th Chief of Engineers Builds Bridges with Allied Nation Partners U.S. Central Command June 2, 2023 By Joseph Macri U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Middle East District When you work for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the figurative bridges you build are often just as important at the literal ones. This is true in local communities when helping people recover from natural disasters and it's true around the world when partnering with U.S. allies to improve their defense and engineering capabilities. The 55th Chief of Engineers Lt. Gen. Scott Spellmon recently had a hand in building those bridges while visiting the Kingdom of Jordan and the State of Qatar - two long-standing U.S. allies currently working with USACE's Transatlantic Middle East District (TAM) on defense infrastructure projects. Spellmon visited missile defense and aircraft infrastructure projects in Qatar as well as projects USACE is undertaking for the Jordanian Air Force. Spellmon said that although the visits to the project sites were eye-opening, it was the relationships District personnel had cultivated with their partners overseas that were most impressive. Through TAM, the Army Corps of Engineers has had a permanent presence in the Middle East for more than 70 years, partnering with U.S. allies in the region on engineering, design and construction projects ranging from early road systems and airports to modern day state-of-the-art defense infrastructure. Currently most of this work is done through foreign military financing, where partner nations like Qatar and Jordan fund the oversight of construction on some of their defense infrastructure. "It's important to note that our Middle East District mission partners are the ones paying for these projects, so they've got a choice on who they want to design and build them. Time and again they choose USACE. That's a testament to both our reputation for providing high quality design and construction services and the trust that the Middle East District has built with our allied partners year after year," said Spellmon. In Qatar, Spellmon met with members of the Qatari Emirati Air Defense Forces, Qatari Emirati Air Force and Qatari Emirati Engineering Corps. "USACE recently hosted Qatari Engineers in [Washington] DC and we talked about strides they've made in expanding the capacity of their own engineering corps to include things like disaster response. It's great to be able to come here, continue our discussions and see that great work we're doing with them," said Spellmon. "It's been great witnessing firsthand the strength of the relationships our engineers and program managers have cultivated with their allied nation counterparts over the years." In addition to meeting with Qatari defense forces, Spellmon also met with U.S. military commanders to discuss how USACE can continue supporting U.S. joint forces in the region. Recent efforts include the construction of new dining and housing facilities, utilities infrastructure and runway repair. "We appreciate our partnership with USACE at Al Udeid Air Base" said Col. Dennis Cummings, 379th Air Expeditionary Wing deputy commander. "We are one team with shared goals, committed to building innovative solutions that optimize our resources and deliver results." USACE is divided up by Divisions and Districts with each Division matching up with a combatant command, the military commands responsible for each region of the globe. The Transatlantic Division is aligned with U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). "This Middle East is vital to security and stability around the world," said Spellmon. "USACE isn't the warfighter, but we enable the warfighter. It's great to get feedback from commanders in the field on our ability to provide what they need. Sometimes that's a better bunker that can save lives, sometimes it's building a dormitory that makes their deployment just a little bit more comfortable." Spellmon also had a chance to meet with USACE personnel in the field, present awards and get their feedback on how they view their contributions to the USACE mission. "The USACE Qatar Team was very proud to host the Chief of Engineers and showcase the work we have done over the almost last 20 years here in Qatar and all we are currently doing. His input regarding the future of USACE and where we are going as an organization was also highly appreciated," said Capt. Alfred McQuirter, TAM project engineer in Qatar. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address MBABANE- While other political activists have taken a stance to boycott the national elections, Gubevu Simelane has said that he would gladly accept a nomination from his constituency. Simelane, who has been vocal and active in the Swaziland National Union of Students (SNUS), when speaking to Eswatini News, disclosed that residents of Ntfonjeni in the northern part of Eswatini approached him to represent them in Parliament. Yes it is true that the people of Ntfonjeni have approached me and requested that I participate and stand for the national elections, however, it is up to them whether they nominate me for the bucopho, indvuna yenkhundla or position of member of Parliament, the political activist said yesterday. The former President of the Students Representative Council (SRC) at the Southern Africa Nazarene University (SANU) recently graduated with a Primary Teachers Diploma (PTD). Suspended The students rights activist had been suspended for three (3) academic years for carrying a sling during a strike action for allowances in November 2019, which was his final year at the university. He was suspended by the then Vice Chancellor, Professor Winnie Nhlengetfwa. He was suspended alongside the President of the Swaziland National Union of Students (SNUS), Colani Maseko, who was suspended for five (5) academic years. However, they were later reinstated after successfully challenging the matter in court. Even though Simelane had been very vocal among those who were part of the #Asiyi campaign, he has now come back to say that being elected to represent people as bucopho, Indvuna yenkhundla and member of Parliament was not in the hands of the one who was being nominated but the power is in the hands of the electorate. The people of Ntfonjeni have approached me about the national elections, but they have not told me which position they were planning to nominate me for. In the event they do so, I will not turn them down but gladly accept their nomination, pointed out Simelane. According to the political activist, it is especially the youth who have shown their interest in him standing for current on-going the national elections. I have registered and I am ready to vote and be nominated by the people of my constituency who have faith in me that I can represent them, Simelane said. Further, the political activists pointed out that even though he was not affiliated to any political party, he was of the view that shunning the national elections was not a well calculated move. Being part of the national elections is a testing tool as political activists to check out, how ready are the people of Eswatini in as far as electing a democratic government. If we shun the elections, we will never know where the people of Eswatini stand. If I am nominated and I eventually win the elections, it will be a positive sign that the people have been capacitated or even if I do not win, and that too could assist us in knowing that we still have a lot to do, explained Simelane. The political activist said that he independently believed in dialogue and as he said he was a political activist who was also diplomatic and doesnt believe in violence. Political Parties consisting of the Ngwane National Libratory Congress (NNLC), Peoples United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO), Swazis First Democratic Front (SFDF) and the Economic Freedom Fighters of Swaziland (EFFSWA) have taken a stance that they will not be registering neither participating in the on-going national elections under the Tinkhundla System of Government. Announced Meanwhile, the Swaziland Liberation Movement (SWALIMO) and other political entities have announced their full participation in the 2023 national elections. It is worth noting that figures are nearing 300 000 people who have already signalled their participation through registration in the several polling centres provided by the Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC). Figures that were issued by EBC showed that the overall number of people who have already registered since May 10 increased to 276 956, according to statistics by the close of business on Wednesday. The Netherlands - MK 41 Vertical Launching System (VLS) Media/Public Contact: pm-cpa@state.gov Transmittal No: 23-27 WASHINGTON, June 2, 2023 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of the Netherlands of MK 41 Vertical Launching Systems (VLS) Baseline (B/L) VII Strike Length Launcher Modules (either system or standalone) and related equipment for an estimated cost of $110 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today. The Government of the Netherlands has requested a possible purchase of eight (8) eight-cell MK 41 Vertical Launching Systems (VLS) Baseline (B/L) VII Strike Length Launcher Modules (either system or standalone). Also included are spare parts; handling equipment; transportation test and support equipment; software; engineering/technical assistance; personnel training and training equipment; documentation, publications and technical data; U.S. Government and contractor technical assistance; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The total estimated program cost is $110 million. This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a NATO ally that is an important force for political stability and economic progress in Europe. It is vital to the U.S. national interest to assist the Netherlands in developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defense capability. The proposed sale will provide a defensive capability for the Netherlands while enhancing interoperability with U.S. and other allied forces. The Royal Netherlands Navy intends to use the MK 41 VLS Baseline (B/L) VII strike length launcher modules for their new ship class. These modules are intended for ESSM BLK1 and SM-2 capabilities in support of ongoing and emergent operational needs. The Netherlands has previously purchased MK 41 VLS capability and actively uses it on their current ship classes. The Netherlands will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment and support into its armed forces. The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region. The prime contractor will be Lockheed Martin Corporation, Bethesda, MD. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale. Implementation of the proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives to the Netherlands. However, U.S. Government or contractor personnel in-country visits will be required on a temporary basis in conjunction with program technical oversight and support requirements. There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale. This notice of a potential sale is required by law. The description and dollar value are for the highest estimated quantity and dollar value based on initial requirements. Actual dollar value will be lower depending on final requirements, budget authority, and signed sales agreement(s), if and when concluded. All questions regarding this proposed Foreign Military Sale should be directed to the State Department's Bureau of Political Military Affairs, Office of Congressional and Public Affairs, pm-cpa@state.gov. -30- NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Minister Landsbergis: Lithuania and the entire Baltic Sea region have become a role-model of resilience to Russian hybrid and other attacks, the growing scale of threats motivates our vigilance Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of Foreign Affairs 2023.06.02 On 2 June, Minister Landsbergis attended the annual meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the Council of the Baltic Sea States in Wismar, Germany. The main topic of the meeting was strengthening the resilience of the Baltic Sea Region. "Lithuania and the Baltic Sea region have become a role-model demonstrating resilience to Russian hybrid and other attacks, but the threats are constantly growing, which motivates us to remain vigilant. Not only Lithuania, but the entire region has become the resilience frontline protecting energy and other critical infrastructure in the Baltic Sea region and enhancing security, democracy and the rule of law", said the head of Lithuanian diplomacy during the meeting in Wismar. The ministers discussed energy independence, the protection of critical infrastructure in the Baltic Sea, as well as the involvement of young people in civic initiatives and the fight against disinformation at the meeting in Wismar. The Baltic ministers also signed the Wismar Declaration that strongly condemns Russia's aggression against Ukraine and endorses the need to ensure the security of the Baltic Sea. "Given the effort and resources needed to safely remove the explosives that have been lying on the bottom of the Baltic Sea since World War II, there is a growing collective determination not to disregard Russia's deliberate efforts to mine the Black Sea. This declaration is yet another joint action to show Ukraine and the world that our region understands the disastrous consequences of Russia's imperial ambitions", said the Minister at the signing of the Wismar Declaration. The Baltic Sea Council, currently chaired by Germany, consists of the foreign ministers of the Baltic and Nordic countries as well as Germany and Poland, and a representative of the European External Action Service. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The President called for further strengthening of NATO's defense capabilities President of the Republic of Lithuania June 02, 2023 On Friday, President Gitanas Nauseda addressed a high-level meeting of the speakers of the parliaments of NATO member countries in Vilnius and called for continued full support for Ukraine and strengthening of the Alliance's defense capabilities. "Ukraine is currently buying us valuable time at a massive price. We have no right to waste it," the President spoke. Gitanas Nauseda underlined that it is Ukraine that currently stands between a free Europe and the aggressor Russia. Therefore, the only way to stop Russia in time is by providing Ukraine with political and practical support to help it defend itself and win this war. According to the President, we must do everything it takes to ensure that Russia never dares to test our boundaries and NATO's resolve to respond. We have to demonstrate our most solid ability to defend every inch of the Alliance. The NATO Summit in Vilnius this July will be an important step towards strengthening NATO's defense and consolidating effective deterrence. It is expected to lay down the principles of forward defense on the Alliance's eastern flank, as well as approve new regional defense plans and a rotational air defense model. "My hope is for the Vilnius Summit to agree on setting a new floor of defense spending at 2% GDP. However, if we are serious about our security, we must aim even higher. In this regard, the role of national parliaments is crucial," the President underscored. The Lithuanian leader also called on the speakers of the parliaments of NATO member states to support Sweden's bid to become the 32nd NATO member and to support closer NATO cooperation with Ukraine, which cannot be left in a grey area after the war. Ukraine must receive a strong political message that it will become part of the transatlantic security architecture. The President urged the speakers of the parliaments of the NATO member states to unite efforts. "We have each other and shared values to rely on. That is a priceless pillar we should never doubt," Gitanas Nauseda stressed. The President's Communication Group NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Address by Gitanas Nauseda, President of the Republic of Lithuania, at the High Level Meeting of Speakers of Parliaments of NATO Member Countries President of the Republic of Lithuania June 02, 2023 Dear Speaker of the Seimas, Honorable Speakers of NATO Member Parliaments, Dear Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, It is a great honor to address such a distinguished audience today in Vilnius. I see this high level meeting as an important step in the preparation for the NATO Summit in July. The leaders of the Alliance will be meeting in Lithuania to discuss the most urgent security and defense issues. At this pivotal moment in history, one crucial fact commands our attention. It is the fact that Russia's war in Ukraine, launched almost a year and a half ago, continues to this day. Unfortunately, nobody and nothing so far could make Vladimir Putin end this war. And that means continued pressure on both Ukraine and the entire Euro-Atlantic security architecture. We could have seen this crisis coming. Russia grew increasingly confident after many years of blatant violations of international law. With little to no price to pay for earlier provocations, its leadership came to believe no crime will force the Western countries to take action. They felt empowered to issue ultimatums to the NATO countries. This has never been solely about the issue of Ukrainian statehood. True, this country was, and still is, an indispensable element of Putin's vision for the Empire's revival. However, most of the recent Russian threats and demands, while focusing on Ukraine, were also targeting our Alliance. Today, with Ukraine forced to suffer brutal attacks, it should be clear to everyone: Russia will not stop easily. If successful, it will aggressively search for new targets. It is Ukraine that currently keeps our people away from the horrible destiny that befell Bucha, Mariupol, Bakhmut - you name it. If we lose Ukraine - Europe could very well be the next victim. Therefore, we must stop Russia before it's too late. And we can do this only by helping Ukraine. I know there are still some who would prefer any kind of ceasefire or peace negotiations, even without Ukraine's victory. Maybe starting tomorrow. That would be a huge mistake. It would only bring a false sense of relief. It would only put off another stage of this brutal aggression while allowing the aggressor to come back stronger. No negotiations or compromises will do. For us all to return to normality, and to be able to feel safe and secure, Ukraine must win this war. And it is our duty and our moral obligation to provide Ukrainians with as much support as they need. Dear Friends, To help others, we need to reinforce our own defense and security and to confirm the credibility of our deterrence. I have no doubt that NATO must remain THE strongest force. I hope that the NATO Summit in Vilnius in July will contribute to this task. We have already made the first steps in Madrid. Now, the Alliance must move from forward presence to forward defense with no further delay. The Vilnius Summit will provide the opportunity to make it a reality. Our task at hand is to bring combat ready brigade size units to the forefront of the Alliance. Relying on reinforcements only, no matter how quick, would simply not do the trick. It would only signal to the aggressor that there might exist a possibility to test NATO's resolve. We must eliminate this risk. I hope that at the Vilnius Summit, we will be able to approve new defense plans, including regional ones. Even more importantly, we will have to equip these plans with capabilities. The necessary forces must be assigned, and proper training should begin. Robust decisions on command structure, prepositioning and enablement must also follow. The war in Ukraine has also demonstrated the true importance of air defense. Thus, I'm looking forward to a rotational air defense model being approved, with provisions for the necessary training and integration of our capabilities. Dear Speakers, Without proper financing, all these plans would mean very little. My hope is for the Vilnius Summit to agree on setting a new floor of defense spending at 2% GDP. However, if we are serious about our security, we must aim even higher. In this regard, the role of national parliaments is crucial. I count on you to take the issue of defense spending seriously. I also find it useful to remember that increased defense spending could boost national defense industries. We need the production to go up not only to provide Ukraine with adequate support but also to fill our own depleted stocks. I would also like to invite you to support Sweden's bid to become the 32nd NATO member. I have a strong feeling it is still possible to achieve ahead of the Vilnius Summit. Sweden deserves to take this important step together with Finland! Finally, I call on you to seriously consider the future of the Ukrainian state. Whenever the war ends, Ukraine cannot be left in the grey zone anymore. Open door is not enough. Political measures must be taken to bring Ukraine as close to the Alliance as it is currently possible. Without Ukraine becoming part of the transatlantic community, there will be no long-lasting peace and security in Europe! Dear Guests, Our duty today is to find a way out of these dark and difficult times. We must do everything it takes to ensure that Putin never dares to test our boundaries and NATO's resolve. We have to demonstrate our most solid ability to defend. Every inch of the Alliance. From the very first minute. Ukraine is currently buying us valuable time at a massive price. We have no right to waste it. And we must not be late. We have each other and shared values to rely on. That is a priceless pillar we should never doubt or trade away. We also have a collective duty to stay on the right side of history. And that is what we shall do! Gitanas Nauseda, President of the Republic of Lithuania NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman to form joint naval force under China auspices: Report Iran Press TV Friday, 02 June 2023 10:37 PM A Qatari website has reported that Iran, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman are to form a joint naval force under China's auspices towards enhancing maritime security in the Persian Gulf. Al-Jadid carried the report on Friday, saying China had already begun mediating negotiations among Tehran, Riyadh, and Abu Dhabi aimed at reinforcing maritime navigation's safety in the strategic body of water. Back in March, Beijing successfully mediated talks between Tehran and Riyadh that led to the Persian Gulf littoral states' signing of a deal enabling the restoration of their diplomatic ties. According to observers, the Persian Gulf states' consent to Beijing's mediation in such sensitive matters serves to indicate China's growing influence in the region as opposed to Washington's waning clout. Since the 1979 victory of Iran's Islamic Revolution, the Islamic Republic has invariably opposed foreign meddling and presence in the region, asserting that the regional issues have to be addressed by the regional players themselves. The latest instance of the opposition came last Friday when the commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy categorically dismissed the US military's presence in the Persian Gulf under the pretext of securing the maritime region. Rear Admiral Alireza Tangsiri said only Iran and other regional countries would ensure the security of the Persian Gulf and there was no need for the US and other countries to be present in the waterway. "If we back down against the enemy, it will definitely dominate us and we have no choice but to stand and resist, which is the path to the victory of our nation," he said. UAE quits US-led naval force The UAE has, meanwhile, announced quitting a United States-led naval force. On Wednesday, the website of the Emirati foreign ministry said Abu Dhabi had withdrawn from the Joint Maritime Forces that operate in the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf. The ministry said the Emirates had decided to ditch the naval coalition following an extensive evaluation of its security needs. Analysts say Abu Dhabi has chosen the withdrawal in line with its ambition to diversify its security relationships. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Sudanese forces clash in Khartoum after ceasefire talks break down Iran Press TV Friday, 02 June 2023 11:13 AM Sudan's warring parties have clashed in the capital overnight and into Friday morning after the failure to maintain a ceasefire and ease the humanitarian crisis, which was worsened by the US sanctions. Residents of Khartoum and nearby Omdurman said that the army has resumed air operations and is using more artillery as the clashes continue, but there are no signs that the militant enemy has retreated from the streets of the city and the houses it has occupied. "We are suffering so much from this war. Since this morning there have been sounds of violence. We're living in terror. It is a real nightmare," said Shehab al-Din Abdalrahman, 31, in a southern district of the capital. Seven weeks of fighting between the army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has crushed parts of central Khartoum, destabilized the wider region, displaced 1.2 million people inside Sudan, and sent another 400,000 to neighboring countries. The United States and Saudi Arabia suspended ceasefire talks on Thursday after the failure of a truce brokered by them and banned the sides from occupying homes, businesses, and hospitals, and from carrying out airstrikes and military operations. According to a senior US official, Washington imposed sanctions on businesses owned by the military and the RSF and threatened more action if the parties continue to destroy their own country. Sudan's ambassador to Washington, Mohamed Abdallah Idris, said the government and army are fully committed to the ceasefire agreement and any punishment should be applied to the side that does not adhere to its commitments. Both sides have accused each other of violating the ceasefire. Since the overthrow of Sudan's longtime ruler Omar al-Bashir in 2019, the Sudanese government has been run by a ruling council under army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and RSF chief Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti, as his deputy. After they went to war on April 15, Burhan said he had removed Hemedti from the council and government departments aligned with the military. the development comes as Sudan's army and the paramilitary RSF agreed to the truce last month. The two sides had agreed to the ceasefire through the mediation of Saudi Arabia and the United States on May 20. But since then they have violated it on numerous occasions. On Wednesday, the Sudanese army suspended its participation in the Saudi-backed talks with the RSF to end months of fighting. Despite peace efforts, fighting continued unabated in the African country, with the army and the RSF trading blame over truce violations. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Main opposition party delays election protest following threat from Cambodia's leader 'I will handcuff you immediately,' Hun Sen warned would-be demonstrators. By RFA Khmer 2023.06.02 -- Cambodia's main opposition Candlelight Party has delayed plans for a demonstration following a public threat from Prime Minister Hun Sen to jail the party's vice president and other members. Organizers had hoped that 10,000 people would march through the streets of Phnom Penh to protest against the National Election Committee's decision to keep the party off the ballot for the July 23 parliamentary elections. But top party officials decided on Friday to hold off on submitting a permit request to municipal authorities, according to Candlelight Party Vice President Rong Chhun, who disagreed with the decision. "We need to respect the majority," he said. "But if we do nothing, we will have zero result. If we protest we will have another option. If we stay still, no one will hand over a champion." On Wednesday, Hun Sen accused Rong Chhun of being the mastermind behind many protests over the last few decades. "When Hun Sen speaks, he acts," the prime minister said at a bridge inauguration ceremony in Phnom Penh. "Please try me if you dare, you can come out now. I will handcuff you immediately and I won't keep you in Phnom Penh. I will send you to be detained in a remote province." The prime minister also sarcastically urged Rong Chhun to get married so that his children will lead protests in the future. The right to peacefully assemble In response, Rong Chhun told Radio Free Asia that everyone should respect the freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, which is guaranteed by Cambodia's Constitution. He said the protest will be peaceful and he urged Hun Sen to be an open minded leader who respects the opinions of others when they don't agree with government decisions. The NEC last month blocked the Candlelight Party from appearing on the ballot, citing inadequate paperwork. Party members cried foul, pointing out that the party was allowed to compete in last year's local commune elections with the same documentation. The Constitutional Council upheld the committee's decision on May 25, a ruling that means the ruling Cambodian People's Party won't have any major challengers on the ballot. "The election consists of 18 parties and will proceed smoothly," CPP spokesman Sok Ey San told RFA. "The Candlelight Party is walking backward. It is its own fault but it blames others." United Nations spokesman Stephane Dujarric said at Wednesday's noon briefing in New York that Cambodia should hold an inclusive election "in which a plurality of views and voter choices is represented so that there is "confidence in the electoral process." The executive director of the Cambodian Human Rights Action Coalition, Ros Sotha, urged the government to intervene with the NEC to resolve the Candlelight Party's status. The government should listen to the international community and Cambodians who want the opposition party to take part in the election, he said. "There should be a solution. This is a collective Khmer issue," he said. "We've been having political issues for many years, what we need is long term peace and development." Translated by Samean Yun. Edited by Matt Reed and Malcolm Foster. 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 June 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 The Azadi Briefing: Taliban Attempts To Ease Its International Isolation By Mustafa Sarwar June 02, 2023 The Key Issue The Taliban's reclusive leader held a secret meeting with the Qatari prime minister in Afghanistan last month, according to media reports. It was believed to be the first meeting between Mullah Haibatullah Akhundzada and a foreign leader since the Taliban seized power in 2021. Taliban and Qatari officials have not commented on the reported meeting, which is believed to have taken place in the southern city of Kandahar, the de facto capital under the militant group's rule. Why It's Important: It is unclear what Akhundzada and Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani discussed. But the talks were seen as part of renewed efforts by the Taliban to ease its international isolation. The Taliban-led government remains unrecognized and has been hit by international sanctions. The hard-line Islamist group's restrictions on female education and employment as well as its human rights abuses have made it an international pariah. Heather Barr of Human Rights Watch, however, said the Taliban's reported willingness to engage with the international community is not new. "I don't think it's a new willingness -- just new to see Akhundzada. The Taliban have always been keen, since [August 2021], to press their demands -- for engagement, aid, recognition, congratulations. Parallel to these talks, their crackdown on women/girls has steadily continued & deepened," Barr said on Twitter. What's Next: It is unclear what effect the meeting will have. Akhundzada has so far been unwilling to reverse Taliban policies that have provoked widespread outrage inside and outside Afghanistan. It appears unlikely that the international community will recognize the Taliban and resume crucial development assistance to Afghanistan until the group creates a broad-based government and ends its repression of women and girls. The Week's Best Stories Tensions remain high following the deadly clashes between Iranian and Taliban border troops over cross-border water supplies. But while both Tehran and the Taliban are doubling down on their water rights, they are leaving the door open for a diplomatic resolution. The Taliban-led government in Afghanistan has ordered all taxi drivers in the capital, Kabul, to change the color of their vehicles to turquoise, infuriating many cabbies. Officials say the new color code will reduce kidnappings and other crimes. What To Keep An Eye On Taliban fighters and Iranian border guards exchanged heavy gunfire on May 27, leading to casualties on both sides. The clashes occurred across the shared border between southeastern Iran and southwestern Afghanistan, with each side accusing the other of firing first. Taliban officials said one Afghan border guard was killed, and several people were wounded. Iranian media said that up to three Iranian border guards were killed. Since then, the sides have exchanged threats and reportedly sent reinforcements along the shared 900-kilometer border. Why It's Important: The deadly clashes come amid a growing dispute over cross-border water resources. Iran has accused the Taliban of violating a water treaty signed between Kabul and Tehran in 1973, a claim that the militant group rejects. Disputes over water resources are likely to increase as both countries grapple with severe drought. In the 1990s, during the Taliban's first stint in power, the group was on the brink of war with Iran. But observers say the dispute over water resources is unlikely to lead to a conflict, with both sides calling for dialogue to help resolve their differences. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/azadi-briefing-taliban- international-isolation/32441572.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 Ethnic Serbs Again Gather In North Kosovo As West Pushes Diplomatic Solution To Crisis By RFE/RL's Balkan Service June 02, 2023 Protesters have again gathered in front of municipal buildings in several cities in northern Kosovo as Western diplomats ratchet up pressure on Pristina to hold fresh elections to defuse tensions over the installation of ethnic Albanian mayors that sparked clashes between ethnic Serbs and NATO peacekeepers earlier this week. The ethnic Albanian mayors were installed with the help of Kosovar police in three towns with overwhelming ethnic Serbian majorities -- Zvecan, Leposavic, and Zubin Potok -- following by-elections in April with a turnout of under 3.5 percent amid a boycott by ethnic Serbs. Reports from the towns said hundreds had showed up to protest again, though the situation remained calm four days after violence flared -- injuring dozens, including peacekeepers -- when the new officials were brought to their offices with the help of special police units. NATO's KFOR peacekeeping troops have since erected a cordon to keep ethnic Serb protesters from accessing the buildings. The presidents of Kosovo and Serbia held talks on measures to lower tensions between the Balkan neighbors late on June 1, and sources told RFE/RL that the Special Representative of the European Union (EU) for dialogue, Miroslav Lajcak, and the American envoy for the Western Balkans, Gabriel Escobar, will visit Pristina and Belgrade next week to push for a diplomatic solution. The president of Kosovo confirmed that the European Union, France, and Germany have all suggested holding new elections in four municipalities in as a means of defusing tensions over the forced installation of ethnic-Albanian mayors. So far, Kosovar Prime Minister Albin Kurti has appeared to be against fresh elections, but on June 2 he acknowledged that another vote could happen at some point. "Removing violent mobs in front of municipality buildings & full implementation of the [Brussels] Agreement is the way toward de-escalation until new elections," he said, referring to a 2013 deal struck by the country in Brussels to normalize relations some five years after Kosovo declared independence from Serbia. But later, in a speech at parliament, Kurti seemed to fan the flames by blaming the escalation of the situation on Serbia. "The escalation of the situation on May 29 was planned, well-organized and had an author," Kurti told lawmakers in parliament. "The author is official Belgrade," he added. That prompted an immediate response by the Serb minority political party Serbian List (Srpska Lista). "How much of a farce is everything that Kurti said today in the assembly, and the fact that he labeled honorable people, women, disabled people, and even some who are in the hospital, and have not been in the north of Kosovo for weeks now, as criminals and protest organizers," the party said. The by-elections at the center of the current unrest were sparked by mass resignations in November 2022 by influential Serbian mayors, police, and other officials essential to the "parallel system" that helps local Serbs avoid recognizing Kosovar institutions. The mayoral buildings in all but North Mitrovica have been controlled for years by the so-called "parallel" institutions run by Serbs and backed by neighboring Serbia, which 15 years after Kosovo's declaration of independence still doesn't recognize its former province's sovereignty. Neither do Russia or China. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic used a major rally in Belgrade last week to condemn Kosovo's swearing-in of ethnic Albanian "alleged mayors" in the north without local Serbs' votes. Officials in neighboring Serbia have demanded as part of EU- and U.S.-mediated talks over the past decade that Pristina fulfill the 2013 Brussels Agreement to establish an association of Serb municipalities to represent the majority-Serb communities. Kurti came to power in 2020 and again in 2021 pledging to impose greater "reciprocal" measures on Serbia and accelerate efforts to achieve full international recognition for his country. He has resisted forming the association. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has urged Kosovar and Serbian leaders to ease tensions, warning they were putting their aspirations of European integration at risk. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/kosovo-serbs-protest- mayors-diplomatic-solution/32442014.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 MBABANE National Commissioner (NATCOM) of Police William Dlamini has alleged that the commander of the SISF was arrested by police on Eswatini territory. In an interview last night, Dlamini said police arrested Thabo Kunene, the alleged commander of the Swaziland International Solidarity Forces (SISF) after he had crossed the border separating the two countries - South Africa and Eswatini. In fact, he insisted that he entered the country from South Africa illegally. Police said they were carrying out an operation adjacent to the borderline, through which Kunene entered the country. The natcom of police declined to disclose the precise location where the former top police officer was apprehended. He was arrested on Thursday alongside another suspect who was not mentioned in the press statement issued by police yesterday. However, on Wednesday, the Swaziland News posted a video on Facebook, which showed Kunenes apprehension and grilling by a businessman, who claimed he was caught and flogged for attempting to steal his firearm. In the video, he appeared to have been restrained using cable ties around his hands. Under normal circumstances, the Chief Police Information and Communications Officer, Superintendent Phindile Vilakati, issues statements to the media of any arrests. It must be said though that she issues those statements on behalf of the national commissioner. Statement The natcom issued a 236-word press statement, informing the nation of the arrest of the man he referred to as the so called Commander. It was reported yesterday that Kunene was wanted by the police as they had obtained a provisional warrant of arrest. In the statement, the NATCOM confirmed the arrest. He confirmed that the news circulating on social media and other news platforms about the arrest of Kunene who is alleged to be the commanderof the so-called Swaziland International Solidarity Forces was true. The NATCOM described SISF as an entity that was suspected to be behind heinous criminal and terrorism-related cases that had occurred in the recent past. Through this statement, we are confirming that indeed Thabo Kunene and another suspect have been arrested and they are currently detained and assisting the police with their investigations of crimes ranging from murder, attempted murder and other serious offences, stated the NATCOM. He then thanked members of the public for the support. He said members of the public were fully behind the police as they supported the police through dissemination of vital information that had a potential to lead to the arrest of the suspects. This cooperation will continue to prevail, he said. Retaliatory Further, the NATCOM urged the members of the public to exercise restraint and avoid taking retaliatory action, urging them to allow the law to take its course as expected. The Chief Police Information and Communications Officer Superintendent Vilakati was asked to give details on the specific charges but she declined to disclose them, preferring to stick to statement released by NATCOM. Neither the NATCOM nor Vilakati could also reveal which part of the country the commander, was arrested. Meanwhile, it is worth noting that Vilakati is also a former police officer who was attached to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). He was known for breaking some of the complex cases, including the infamous E2 million robbery at the then Vukuzenzele Supermarket in Siteki. Kunene served the police service for 32 years. He took deferred retirement. He made his name while working in Siteki, where he was one of the most sought after detectives, who had a nose for tracking down dangerous criminals. In a video that was released on March 10, 2023, Kunene blamed the political unrest of June 2021. He said it was this incident that made him join the solidarity forces with others whose identities he did not disclose. In the video, he stated that he did not join the underground forces because he was happy to do so, but the prevailing situation compelled him to fight for what he described as the liberation of emaSwati. He said he was fighting for emaSwati. At that time, in a video clip, he warned that there were people who thought that his team had collapsed, misleading them in the process as they were active on the ground. U.S. Envoy Warns About Russian Efforts To Use Disinformation To Divide U.S. Allies In Balkans By RFE/RL's Bulgarian Service June 02, 2023 SOFIA -- The Kremlin is "weaponizing information" to divide U.S. allies in the Balkans, and media outlets in the region should increase efforts to detect Russian disinformation and distinguish it from the truth, a top U.S. diplomat said on June 1 in an interview with RFE/RL. James Rubin, coordinator for the U.S. State Department's Global Engagement Center, cited North Macedonia, Montenegro, Slovakia, and Bulgaria as countries where the United States has discovered "the Kremlin is really working to try to divide our countries, divide our friendships with NATO allies, EU allies and friends, partners, by using this information as a weapon." For the Kremlin, he said, it's part of a broader plan because Russia understands it can't win the argument on the ground over the war in Ukraine. "They are trying to use whatever technique they can to divide the West in its support to Ukraine," he said. Rubin spoke with RFE/RL in Sofia, one of the stops on his current European tour in which he's talking to governments about developing the will to spot disinformation and the capacity to do something about it. While every country has the right to free expression and news outlets have the right to report what foreign governments say, they shouldn't repeat foreign government disinformation without reporting where it comes from, he said. "We need to use whatever tools we can in a democratic society to distinguish between the noise in the information domain and those operations that are run by the Kremlin that are designed to divide us, that are intended to upset democratic process so that NATO support evaporates," Rubin said. He said his job is to ensure there's transparency and to expose any links to Russian media and let each government make its own decision on how to respond, noting that Bulgaria, along with Slovakia and Montenegro, are among the countries where Russia has spent money and corrupted politicians and media organizations. The United States is also aware that China also has spent spend billions of dollars developing what he called "disinformation manipulation systems" around the world, but its tactics are different from Russia's. The Chinese offer their Xinhua news service for free to newspapers in certain countries and do not allow the newspapers to use other independent Western news agencies. "So that means that the African journalist writing a story about the world is writing it from a Chinese point of view in which horrible things happen in America, wonderful things happen in China," he said. The United States is attempting to "make sure that that is transparent," he said, so that readers know that the newspaper is getting its news from China. With reporting by Elitsa Simeonova of RFE/RL's Bulgarian Service Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-disinformation- divide-us-allies-balkans/32439762.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 Deputy Assistant Secretary for Arabian Peninsula Affairs Daniel Benaim And Deputy Special Envoy to the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS Ian McCary On the Secretary's Upcoming Travel to Saudi Arabia US Department of State Special Briefing Office of the Spokesperson Via Teleconference June 2, 2023 MR PATEL: Hey, everybody. Good afternoon and thank you so much for joining us today on this Friday for this trip preview call for Secretary Blinken's visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This call will be on the record but it will be embargoed until the call's conclusion. Joining me today to brief on this call is Deputy Assistant Secretary from our Near East Affairs Bureau for Arabian Peninsula Affairs Daniel Benaim as well as Deputy Special Envoy to the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS Ian McCray - Ian McCary. Sorry. With that, I am going to turn it over to Deputy Assistant Secretary Benaim to offer some thoughts, and then we of course will have some time for questions at the end. Dan, take us away. MR BENAIM: Thanks so much, Vedant. Good afternoon, everybody. Next week, on June 6th through 8th, the Secretary of State will travel to Saudi Arabia. He will host with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan the Ministerial of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS. That will be in Riyadh, as my colleague Ian McCary will momentarily discuss. That important effort provided an opportunity to engage across a wider range of issues. The Secretary will hold another ministerial meeting with the Gulf Cooperation Council and its foreign ministers, with whom the United States cooperates on a range of issues to promote regional security, stability, de-escalation, and integration in the Gulf, Middle East, and beyond. He will also consult with Saudi leaders on a range of bilateral, regional, and global priorities. Secretary Blinken and others in our government have been engaged intensively of late with Saudi counterparts on Sudan, among other issues, because of Saudi Arabia's important role in the diplomacy there and in humanitarian and evacuation efforts. More broadly, Saudi Arabia has been our strategic partner for eight decades across U.S. administrations. We continue to consult and collaborate on a wide range of issues. We have a great deal of work to do together. That includes ending the war in Yemen, where U.S. and Saudi support for UN-led peace efforts have helped facilitate now 14 months of dramatically reduced violence, increased humanitarian access, and the quietest period since the conflict began more than eight years ago. That includes Saudi Arabia's support for Ukraine, which has included $410 million in critical assistance and high-profile bilateral visits from leaders of both countries. We also have newer areas of cooperation like tech and telecom, including Open RAN, our cutting-edge collaboration on 5G/6G technologies, green energy cooperation, and space. The presence of a female Saudi astronaut - the first Muslim woman to visit space - launched in partnership with the United States, speaks to our shared ambition to broaden our work together into new areas, all of which, if successful, can deliver benefits that extend beyond our two countries. We're redoubling our emphasis on regional integration and structure, as National Security Advisor Sullivan recently explained, and whether through the Negev process or the GCC Interconnector linking Iraq with the Gulf and the rest of the region, or otherwise, we're looking for ways to capitalize on the current moment, which is full of dialogue, newfound ties, mended ties, to encourage our neighbors' efforts to connect to each other and the region's efforts to connect to the wider world in important new ways. We're working to deepen business partnerships that benefit hundreds of thousands of American workers. The Boeing deal with Saudi Arabia announced in March, valued at nearly $37 billion, will support over 140,000 jobs across the United States. Our defense cooperation remains strong; our security relationship with Saudi Arabia remains a bedrock of our approach to regional defense and security and protecting the more than 80,000 U.S. citizens living and working in the kingdom. I would also note that hundreds of thousands of Saudis have studied in - at U.S. universities over the past few decades. These educational and people-to-people ties are among the most important investments that we can make together in the future, and we will look to build on them. As President Biden has noted, there is also our ongoing conversation regarding the promotion of human rights and fundamental freedoms, which is a pillar of our engagement in the region and around the world. I look forward to answering more of your questions shortly, but for now let me turn the meeting over to my colleague, Ian McCary, from the Counterterrorism Bureau. MR MCCARY: Thanks a lot, Dan, and good afternoon, everybody. The coalition's annual ministerial meeting will bring together on June 8th senior officials representing most of the 85 members of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS. Secretary Blinken will be welcoming an 86th member of the Coalition when he opens the ministerial meeting in Riyadh next Thursday. This event will be co-chaired by Secretary Blinken and his Saudi counterpart, Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud. More than 30 foreign ministers and dozens of other senior officials are scheduled to attend this gathering in Riyadh, which underscores that the international community remains united in its determination to keep ISIS weak, fractured, and ultimately destroyed. The nature of the threat is evolving, so the coalition is evolving its approach. The coalition's integration of civilian-led counter-ISIS efforts in Africa and South and Central Asia will be highlighted as a primary line of effort for the coalition's future For example, we're focusing in particular on Africa, where violent groups have adopted ISIS's ideology and are attacking innocent people, destroying local economies, burning schools and healthcare centers, extorting communities, and preventing the creation of jobs. The coalition is working with African governments to build the counterterrorism capabilities so they can defend their people and create conditions for stability and economic development. Secretary Blinken will preside over high-level meetings focused on countering ISIS in Africa where leaders will review assessments about the ISIS threat from our African partners and identify gaps that donor members can help fill. The coalition is also working with partners in Central Asia to help them find and stop terrorists and prevent the spread of ISIS from Afghanistan. Strengthening cooperation in the region will be a key line of effort for the coalition in the coming years, and we're pleased to note that several Central Asian nations that aren't members of the coalition will be sending representatives to the ministerial to join Secretary Blinken and our team in these discussions. For Syria and Iraq, the mission has changed significantly. It was a major military campaign, but that phase is over. ISIS no longer controls any territory there. But we still have major humanitarian issues to address in Syria and Iraq. And in Riyadh, the coalition partners will pledge hundreds of millions of dollars to support community-level stabilization projects. A major focus is the al-Hol camp, where we need to get as many residents as possible out of the camp and back to their home countries and improve services, education, health, housing, and sanitation for those who can't go home yet. Last year, the coalition raised $445 million to support stabilization needs for Iraq and Syria. The Secretary will announce a significant new U.S. contribution this year, and we've been talking a lot with our partners in hopes of exceeding the number we raised last year. I will pause there to leave time for questions. Thanks. MR PATEL: Thanks so much. Operator, could you offer instructions again on how to get in the queue to ask a question. OPERATOR: Certainly. Thank you. Ladies and gentlemen, if you do wish to ask a question, please press 1 then 0 on your telephone keypad. You can withdraw your question at any time by repeating the 1-0 command. And if you're using a speakerphone, please pick up the handset before the pressing the numbers. Again, if you have a question, please press 1-0 at this time. And one moment for our first question. MR PATEL: Thanks so much. Let's first go to the line of Elizabeth Hagedorn from Al-Monitor. QUESTION: Hi, thanks for doing this call today. Will Secretary Blinken have any engagements with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during his visit, and will he be seeking any commitments from the Saudis on human rights? Thanks. MR PATEL: Before I turn it over to Dan to speak to the broader question, I would - there will of course be additional updates and adjustments and news as it relates to the Secretary's schedule but don't have any specific additional engagements to share as it relates to the programming of his trip at this time, but let me turn it over to Dan to see if he has any additional things he wants to add. MR BENAIM: Thanks, Vedant, and thanks, Elizabeth, for the question. I'm not going to preview the specifics of the Secretary's private conversations, but human rights are a pillar of how this administration engages with countries around the world and in this region. MR PATEL: Let's next go to the line of Tracy Wilkinson with the Los Angeles Times. QUESTION: Thank you. Dan, you mentioned a period of dialogue and new ties and mended ties in the region. You're going to Saudi Arabia. How do you assess the likelihood or the - or any progress on normalization between Saudi Arabia and Israel given the current tenor of this Israeli Government? Thanks. MR BENAIM: Thanks so much, Tracy. From the President on down, including the Secretary of State and the National Security Advisor and others, the United States supports efforts to advance normalization of Arab states with Israel and build on the progress of the Abraham Accords, including the eventual normalization of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel. You've seen us, and you will see us, seek out opportunities short of formal diplomatic normalization to pursue progress in addition. In that vein, when the President last year visited Jeddah, we welcomed Saudi Arabia's decision to open its airspace to all countries, including to Israel. There is indeed a lot of speculation out there, but I don't want to preview the Secretary's private conversations and don't have anything specific on this for you. Thank you. MR PATEL: Let's next go to the line of Olivia Gazis with CBS. QUESTION: Thank you very much for doing the call. Would you mind explaining a bit more to what extent the Secretary plans to engage during this trip specifically on the U.S./Saudi-led talks on the conflict in Sudan, which, as I understand, were suspended yesterday. While he is in Jeddah, will he look to encourage, by virtue of his presence or publicly or otherwise, a restart of those talks? Thank you. MR BENAIM: Thank you very much for the question. And first, let me say this is indeed something that we've been working on very closely with Saudi Arabia, especially over the last few months. And Saudi Arabia has played an invaluable role as the host of recent talks and a participant in efforts to try to silence the guns in Sudan and allow for humanitarian access. They have also played a really important role in the evacuation of international personnel from Sudan across the Red Sea to safety in Jeddah, which - for which we are very appreciative. It's clear that the initial ceasefire and extensions reached under the auspices of Jeddah talks have not been fully observed by either the RSF or the SAF, despite the best efforts of the United States, Saudi Arabia, and others. We've seen serious violations on both sides. A ceasefire was designed to permit humanitarian aid delivery and restoration of central services to the Sudanese people. Some did reach an estimated, I guess, around 2 million people, but violations prevented the delivery to many more than that and blocked operations to restore its central services. That led us, as a facilitator of the talks, to seriously question whether parties are ready to take immediate action to meet the obligations that they've undertaken on behalf of the Sudanese people. Once the parties make clear by their actions that they are serious about complying with the ceasefire, the United States and Saudi Arabia are ready to resume facilitation of suspended discussions to find a way to stop the fighting and improve humanitarian access for the benefit of the Sudanese people and regional security. And beyond that, I think I'd have to refer you to my colleagues in (inaudible). MR PATEL: Let's next go to the line of Humeyra Pamuk from Reuters. QUESTION: I just wanted to ask about the broad bilateral relationship between U.S. and Saudi, which for some time now I think at best has been uncomfortable for a number of reasons. There are disagreements on a number of issues, and we've seen as a result Saudi pursue its own regional policy because it believes the U.S. is less interested in the region. We've also seen China and Russia trying to expand their influence in the region as well. So I guess I'm wondering what is the vision and strategy from the U.S. side on how to steady this relationship. And in terms of specific issues, I'm wondering if there is going to be a conversation or an effort on the U.S. side to perhaps try to gain some influence with the Saudis when it comes to the oil prices. Thanks. MR BENAIM: Thanks so much, Humeyra. On the first question, as I think was clear from my opening remarks, there's just a tremendous amount of work that we're trying to do - Yemen, Sudan, bilateral work, commercial work, educational work, close counterterrorism cooperation, defense and security, regional diplomacy. We're focused on an affirmative agenda here and the great deal of work that our countries can do together, and the widespread benefits that that can bring. And I think what you'll see on this trip is a vision of the U.S.-Saudi relationship that's both rooted in our historic mainstays of cooperation in areas like defense and security and counterterrorism, includes ongoing important regional diplomacy when it comes to Yemen and Sudan, and looks for opportunities for regional de-escalation and regional integration. Also looks forward, as both of our countries are attempting to do, to areas of new possibility economically, technologically, and otherwise - 5G/6G being just one example, along with space cooperation. But there are many others, too, and that's something where the relationship reflects the evolving priority of the parties. We have longstanding economic and commercial ties, and those persist to the benefit of the people on both sides. And as I said, we have ongoing conversations about human rights, which are part of our larger conversation. So hopefully that answers some of your question as far as our vision of what we're hoping to achieve. I see that there are immense possibilities in each of these areas, and when it comes to the region, one of the very best things we can do is to make sure that our bilateral partnerships are strong and up to date and reflect our priorities, and that the region understands that the United States is a strong player that is in the region to stay and, as President Biden made clear when he visited Saudi Arabia about a year ago, that we won't leave a vacuum for other competitors to fill. And that's one more benefit of an engagement like this, is that it helps shore up the bilateral relationships that ultimately are the underpinning of U.S. strength in the region and U.S. enduring influence. MR PATEL: Let's next go to Ellen Knickmeyer with the Associated Press. QUESTION: Yeah. Relatedly to the last question, does the Secretary have any message to deliver to Saudi Arabia? You mentioned the U.S. isn't going to leave a vacuum for competitors to fill. Is there anything that - any kind of message that the Secretary wants to deliver to Saudi Arabia about its outreach to Chinese and Russian defense firms? And is the U.S. satisfied that there are guardrails in place, that in that outreach, U.S. defense industry security secrets are being protected? MR BENAIM: Thanks for the essay question. I think that we're engaged in constant dialogue with the leaders of Saudi Arabia about a wide range of geopolitical issues of import to both our countries and the world and international security. And in the case of Russia's brutal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, one that has ongoing rippling consequences to the global economy, to access of food around the world, and, frankly, to regional security due to Russia's increasingly close security and defense relationship with Iran, which is an issue of concern to many of us. So we very much have a robust, ongoing conversation with Saudi Arabia about the issue of Russia and Russia's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. We were pleased to see that the Saudi foreign minister earlier this year make a visit to Kyiv and see the country for himself and the ongoing wartime effort there, and pledge $410 million of Saudi assistance, which has begun to be delivered to the benefit of the Ukrainian people. We were pleased to see President Zelenskyy invited to the - by Saudi Arabia to take part in Arab League meetings, where he had a chance to meet heads of state from across the region. These were constructive developments. The conversation regarding Russia is ongoing. China is an issue that we talk about with countries all over the world. It's one of the most - the PRC is one of the most consequential states in the international system, and it's certainly a topic of U.S. engagement, as is clear in our National Security Strategy and elsewhere. We know that countries have relations with China and trade with China, as we do. Our goal is not to force countries to choose but to present a choice and, where possible, to make sure that the United States and our partners and allies are presenting the most compelling option, and to make sure that our partners very well understand our perspective and our sense of the terrain. And as I mentioned, as President Biden has said, we will not leave a vacuum for our strategic competitors in this region. So while I don't want to preview the specifics of this - of the Secretary's private conversations, these are topics that come up with countries around the world and have certainly been topics of intensive consultation with Saudi Arabia. MR PATEL: And I think we got time for one final question, so let's go to Ed Wong of The New York Times. QUESTION: Hello. Can you tell us whether there will be any discussion with Arab partners, Saudi Arabia or others, on the administration's continuing efforts to try and get Iran to re-enter some form of a nuclear deal? And what is your assessment of whether the warming diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran might have an effect on that? MR BENAIM: Ed, thanks so much. I don't have anything specific on the first part of your question, which - could you repeat your - actually, could you repeat the first part of your question? Sorry. QUESTION: Yeah, just whether on this trip Secretary Blinken and other State Department officials will have discussions with Saudi officials or other Arab officials on the administration's ongoing efforts to try and get Iran to re-enter a nuclear deal. MR BENAIM: Yeah, I'm sorry, I have nothing for you on that. I would have to refer you back to recent comments by U.S. officials on that. And as to your second question about Saudi-Iran, as our senior officials have said, any efforts that help to end the war in Yemen and to de-escalate tensions in the region are welcome, and this has been a topic of ongoing effort across the region and will - it remains a topic of ongoing conversation with Saudi Arabia, how best to use the current moment to ensure that we see the changes that we're looking for and ensure that regional de-escalation persists in a way that is in our interests, in our shared interests. MR PATEL: All right, and thanks so much, everybody, for joining us today. Again, this call is on the record and embargoed until the call's conclusion, which will be momentarily. Thank you all for joining and we'll talk to you again very soon. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UNITAMS mandate renewal underlines that the UN will continue to support peace and democracy in Sudan: UK statement at the Security Council Explanation of vote by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council meeting on Sudan. 2 June 2023 President, I welcome that with this resolution the Council has sent a unified endorsement of the United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS). I would like to pay tribute to the efforts of UN personnel in Sudan, who continue to do vital work under extremely challenging circumstances. Let me also underline the UK's support for the work of SRSG Volker Perthes and all of the UNITAMS team. The situation in Sudan remains of significant concern. In particular regarding the humanitarian needs of Sudan's population. This renewal underlines that the UN will continue to support their demands for peace and democracy. This six-month rollover will also provide the necessary time for the Council to assess the impact of the developing context on UNITAMS' ability to fulfil its vital mandate. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General Department of Public Information . News and Media Division . New York 2 June 2023 The following is a near-verbatim transcript of today's noon briefing by Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesman for the Secretary-General. ** Noon Briefing Guests Good afternoon. Happy Friday, everyone! As soon as I am finished here, you will hear from Navid Hanif, the Assistant Secretary-General for Economic Development, and Stefan Schweinfest, Director of the Statistics Division in the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA). They will present the two most recent Policy Briefs launched as part of the Secretary-General's Our Common Agenda Policy Brief series. That is about the "International Financial Architecture" and about "Valuing What Counts: Framework to Progress Beyond Gross Domestic Product". You should have received those briefing links. ** UNRWA The Chef de Cabinet, Courtenay Rattray, delivered remarks on the Secretary-General's behalf at the Pledging Conference for the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, known as UNRWA. In those remarks, the Secretary-General warned that UNRWA is on the verge of financial collapse, with the Agency now operating witha shortfall of around $75 million. The consequences of further budget cuts would be nothing short of catastrophic, he warned. The Secretary-General said that investing in UNRWA means investing in our common future. UNRWA, he said, is one of the few rays of hope in the darkening picture of the Israeli-Palestinian peace process and he urged donors to nurture and sustain this hope. ** Deputy Secretary-General This morning, the Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, spoke at the joint meeting of the Executive Boards of UNICEF (United Nations Children's Fund), UNDP (United Nations Development Programme), UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund), UNOPS (United Nations Office for Project Services), WFP (World Food Programme) and UN-Women. She said that, as we gear up to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Summit in September, active engagement and leadership of Governing Bodies of all entities of the UN Sustainable Development Group will be critical. She added that delivering an SDG-integrated agenda and financing support will require enhanced coordination and capacities from the UN entities as they shift to new business models, more collaborative working methods, and the right tools. The Deputy Secretary-General concluded that by working together, we can find the solutions and hope to ensure that this year, as we take stock of the Sustainable Development Goals, we will succeed in the final stretch to 2030. Her remarks have been shared with you. ** Security Council The Security Council extended the mandate of the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) this morning, by a vote of 14-0, with 1 abstention. This afternoon at 3 p.m., the Security Council will meet to consider the mandate of the UN Mission in Sudan, UNITAMS. Then, Council members will discuss the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), on which they will be briefed by the Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, Rosemary DiCarlo. ** Lebanon The Secretary-General takes note of the issuance of an indictment on 1 June by a Lebanese military investigative judge in the case of the killing of peacekeeper Private Sean Rooney on 14 December 2022, in Lebanon. Accountability for the attack on a UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) convoy in southern Lebanon on 14 December, which also led to the injuries of three other peacekeepers, must be ensured. The safety and security of all UN personnel is paramount and must be respected. Attacks against peacekeepers are serious crimes and we condemn them whenever and wherever they take place. We expect relevant national authorities to conduct timely and thorough investigative and judicial proceedings that fulfil the requirements of fair trial and due process under international law to ensure that all perpetrators involved in such attacks are held accountable. We again express our deepest sympathies to the family, friends, and colleagues of Private Rooney for their loss and wish those who were injured a swift return to full health. The Secretary-General opposes the imposition of the death penalty in all circumstances. ** Sudan Turning to Sudan, the humanitarian community continues to rush life-saving supplies to destinations around the country, despite the ongoing fighting. The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) tells us that since 24 May, at least 129 trucks have completed deliveries to various locations inside Sudan. On Wednesday this week, the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) flew in more than 19 tons of vaccines for some 370,000 children. UNICEF is working with the Federal Ministry of Health, supported by Gavi the Vaccine Alliance to maintain vaccination services in Sudan. Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) has sent roughly 170 tons of health supplies into Sudan by air, land and sea. But access challenges and ongoing fighting are hampering deliveries. And the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) warns that fuel shortages and electricity cuts have forced many hospitals in Sudan to suspend emergency obstetric and neonatal care services. UNFPA is supporting some of the few functioning hospitals in Khartoum state but it says that power outages and the lack of fuel are threatening the operation of those hospitals. For its part, the World Food Programme has procured half a million litres of fuel in Port Sudan and is looking to obtain additional quantities of fuel and food. This week, WFP has been offloading some 33,000 tons of food aid in Port Sudan enough to feed about 1 million people for three months. WFP condemned the attacks on its warehouses in El Obeid and said this theft of humanitarian food and assets totally undermines these operations at a critical time for the people of Sudan. And on 1 June, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) announced that its warehouse in El Obeid was targeted, hampering efforts to maintain support to those in need. The agencies call for these actions to stop. ** Ukraine Turning to Ukraine, our humanitarian colleagues warn us about the situation in the front-line community of Kupiansk, in the Kharkiv region, where intense fighting continues to uproot thousands of civilians. Constant bombardment has destroyed homes and other civilian infrastructure. People's livelihoods are also impacted because of mines and explosive ordnance, which prevent agricultural activities in an area that is heavily dependent on crop production. We and our humanitarian partners have sustained regular assistance to 23,000 people through three convoys this year to the community of Kupiansk and surrounding settlements. Demining activities and repair of damaged houses are urgently required now but will also be essential before the start of winter. ** Scaling Up Nutrition Movement I'd like to read into the record that, yesterday, we announced the appointment by the Secretary-General of Global Leaders to Spearhead the Fight Against Malnutrition at a Critical Moment for Food and Nutrition Security. The Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Movement, initiated in 2010 by former Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, continues its drive to improve nutrition for all people, everywhere, with the stewardship of 22 appointed global leaders who are committed to fighting malnutrition in all its forms as members of the SUN Movement Lead Group. Appointed by United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, these 22 prominent figures are committed to championing nutrition and to steering the SUN Movement and its mission to eradicate malnutrition in all its forms by 2030. ** Synthetic Drugs A new report from the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) warns that the synthetic drug market in East and South-East Asia is diversifying, with high volumes of methamphetamine continuing to be produced and trafficked in and from the region, while the production of ketamine and other synthetic drugs has expanded. UNODC said that transnational organized crime groups anticipate, adapt and try to circumvent what Governments do, and in 2022 they worked around Thai borders in the Golden Triangle and shipped large volumes of synthetic drugs through [Lao People's Democratic Republic] and northern Thailand. At the same time, they have pushed significant supply through central Myanmar to the Andaman Sea. UNODC is working closely with countries in East and South-East Asia to monitor the drug situation, identify drug trends, and provide advice on cooperation, detection, precursor chemical control and public health strategies, as well as help countries collaborate on joint and cross-border operations. More online. ** Food Price Index The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) today released its monthly Food Price Index for May, which said that world food commodity prices declined amid significant drops in quotations for most cereals, vegetable oils and dairy products. The FAO says that world wheat prices declined by 3.5 per cent, reflecting ample supplies and the new extension of the Black Sea Initiative, and by contrast, international prices of rice continued to increase in May. You will find more on this online. ** International Days Tomorrow is World Bicycle Day, which serves as an opportunity to draw attention to the multiple benefits of the bicycle a simple, affordable, clean and environmentally friendly and sustainable means of transportation. Biking contributes to the fight against climate change and to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. On this occasion, several events are organized today at UN Headquarters by Member States, in partnership with the President of the General Assembly and the Department of Global Communications, among others. World Bicycle Day is also the occasion to celebrate the end of the Bike Month Challenge in New York, which was organized locally in May by Transportation Alternatives. The UN has won the challenge as an organization this year. The UN community at Headquarters came together to participate in great numbers. More than 20 UN teams comprising UN staff and delegates including Permanent Representatives participated. Together, they made more than 2,000 trips on bike over the month, riding a total of nearly 13,000 miles, or half the Earth's circumference. Congratulations to all! And Sunday is the International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression. UNICEF confirms that every year the number of verified violations of children who are impacted by wars continues to increase. This Day is a call to stop attacks on children. ** Questions and Answers Deputy Spokesman : Any questions for me before we go to our guests? Yes, Edie? Question : Thank you very much, Farhan. Can you give us some figures on the number of UNITAMS staff, and how many of them are still in the country I would guess in Port Sudan and where the rest of them are? Deputy Spokesman : Well, what I can say, many of the international staff, you're right, were located to Port Sudan. We have had at the start of this roughly 800, no... yeah, roughly 800 international staff, not just for UNITAMS, but for the various agencies. And we had roughly 3,200 national staff who are at locations throughout the country. Some of the staff, not all of the staff, continue to be in Port Sudan, and we'll try to get some numbers for how much staff we have in Port Sudan itself. [He later said that there were about 20 international and 27 national staff in Port Sudan at present.] Yeah. And you had a further question? Question : Yeah. Is there any follow-up to the announcement yesterday about the ship's slowdown for the Black Sea Grain Initiative? Is there any figures from today? Was there any uptick? Deputy Spokesman : Yeah. I have a small update, which is that the Joint Coordination Centre (JCC) was not able to conduct inspections yesterday or today. The parties could not reach consensus on the vessels to be inspected. At present, there are 29 vessels in the system, including 20 in the Ukrainian ports, four in transit, and five in the inspection areas. We call again on the parties to work constructively with the proposals made by the UN and Turkiye to store smooth, stable and predictable operations in the Joint Coordination Centre. Question : Could you explain a little more about what kind of differences there would be on what ships get inspected? Isn't there some kind of a roster or a registration? Deputy Spokesman : All of the actions of the Joint Coordination Centre are taken by consensus. So, if consensus cannot be reached for any reason, that holds up our activity. You heard what Stephane [Dujarric] had to say yesterday, and I would just refer you back to what was said yesterday in terms of further details about some of the issues we've been facing. Amelie? Question : Thanks, Farhan. I have a follow-up on Sudan and a question on Senegal. Since the Security Council is expected to extend the UNITAMS mission, even though not for a full year, can you update us of what is Volker Perthes' plan? Stephane said a few days ago that he plans to go back to the region in the next week. But where is he going to be based, since he is not welcome in the country anymore? Deputy Spokesman : We'll provide more details as they become relevant. The initial step is we do expect him in the region and as a first stop, he's likely to meet with African Union and other officials in Addis Ababa. Yeah. And you had one more? Question : Yeah. Is there any comment from the Secretary-General on the violence that happened in Senegal and that are still going on yesterday and today? Deputy Spokesman : Yeah. What I can say on that is that the Secretary-General is closely following developments in Senegal relating to the protests that erupted in the aftermath of the sentencing of Mr. Ousmane Sonko. He strongly condemns the use of violence, calls for calm and urges all stakeholders to exercise restraint. The Secretary-General extends his deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those killed during the clashes. Yvonne? Question : Thank you, Farhan. On the killing of Irish peacekeeper, Private Sean Rooney, the Lebanese authorities have charged these five men. Reports suggests that they have links to Hizbullah. What does the UN think? Deputy Spokesman : Well, I read out to you what our thoughts were on this indictment. Again, I would repeat that we do expect the relevant national authorities to conduct timely and thorough investigative and judicial proceedings that fulfil the requirements of fair trial and due process under international law to ensure that all perpetrators involved in such attacks are held accountable. Question : Sorry. Do you think they are Hizbullah? Deputy Spokesman : Obviously, I wouldn't comment on an ongoing judicial process. I'm not going to say anything prejudicial to that process. Question : All right. And the United Nations is carrying out its own investigation. When will we get the results of that? Deputy Spokesman : Those are ongoing. We'll keep you informed when we have something further to say. Question : And I have a question on World Bicycle Day tomorrow; as you know, and has been raised before this week, bicycles are banned from this UN compound. Is this, as some campaigns say, a question of "do as I say, not as I do"? Deputy Spokesman : No. Stephane talked about this at length yesterday, and we are trying to open up access to bicycles. We're trying to be more bike friendly. We have submitted proposals to the General Assembly because, as you know, these have a certain cost associated with them, and we hope that those recommendations will be approved by the General Assembly. Abdelhamid? Correspondent : Thank you, Farhan. I have two questions. Deputy Spokesman : Please put up Abdelhamid's volume so we can hear him. Try one more time. Hold on. Question : Can you hear me now? Deputy Spokesman : Faintly, but speak up a bit and I can do it. Question : Yes. The Israeli Cabinet allowed settlers to go back to the evacuated outpost called Homesh. It was evacuated in 2005. That means opening new chapter for all the settlements and being evacuated to be resettled again by settlers. Do you have any comment on that? Deputy Spokesman : Well, what I can tell you is that the Secretary-General is deeply concerned by recent steps by Israeli authorities, allowing Israelis to enter the area of the evacuated settlement of Homesh, including the relocation of a religious school in the area. He reiterates that the establishment by Israel of settlements in the Palestinian territory occupied since 1967 constitutes a flagrant violation of international law and a major obstacle to peace. What's your other question? Oh, hold on. Hold on. Please, we need to hear him again. Hold on one second. Try now. Correspondent : Okay. Deputy Spokesman : Okay. Question : My second question is that the Secretary-General missed today a pledging conference for UNRWA and recently, he also missed the meeting to commemorate the seventy-fifth anniversary of the Nakba. And he also missed the Arab Summit meeting in Jeddah. Are all these incidents going... did it happen coincidentally or there is something...? Deputy Spokesman : Well, no, no. We actually stated very clearly what the reason for his absence today was. He unfortunately had a family emergency. And so today, he has had to travel back to Lisbon. He will be back in office on Monday. He very much regretted not being able to attend this meeting, given his constant and consistent support for the UN Relief and Works Agency. And I believe the Chef de Cabinet made that clear in his opening remarks to the donors at the UNRWA pledging conference. Yes, please, Celhia? Question : To follow-up on a question by Yvonne, how long does it take for the UN to conclude an investigation because if I can recall, I don't even remember when, but an Italian diplomat was killed in the DRC (Democratic Republic of the Congo), and we're still waiting for the conclusion of the investigation. So, when will we know? Deputy Spokesman : These processes take as much time as investigators need. Question : Years? Deputy Spokesman : No. Correspondent : Yes. Deputy Spokesman : It depends upon the amount of information we get and how we go about it. When we have updates to provide, we'll share those. Question : Well, maybe you don't want to share it with us. Deputy Spokesman : I actually find that somewhat offensive. It's my job to share whatever information we can share, and we try our very best every day to provide it to you. Yes? Question : Farhan, how and when are we going to get the results of the pledging conference this morning from UNRWA? Deputy Spokesman : We've asked UNRWA to provide us with further updates as they can. Whenever we have some further information from the Relief and Works Agency, we'll send it out to you. And with that, let me turn to our guests who are going to talk about the recent policy briefs. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UN agency for Palestine refugees on verge of financial collapse 2 June 2023 - The United Nations on Friday appealed for sustainable funding for its agency that supports Palestine refugees, UNRWA, which is on the brink of financial collapse. Chronic underfunding over the past decade, and resultant severe austerity measures, mean UNRWA is already operating with a $75 million shortfall, putting its lifesaving programmes across the Middle East at risk. "As I address you today, I do not have the funds to keep our schools, health centres and other services running as of September," Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini told a pledging conference at UN Headquarters in New York. Lifeline for millions UNRWA was established in 1949 as a temporary agency to provide aid to Palestinians following mass displacement from land that became Israel, making it one of the first UN humanitarian operations. Today, nearly six million people in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, and in Syria, Lebanon and Jordan, depend on its services, which are almost entirely funded by voluntary contributions. Nearly a third of registered Palestine refugees live in camps. UNRWA is seeking $1.6 billion for its operations this year. Mr. Lazzararini said an additional $75 million is urgently needed to provide food for over a million people in Gaza. Another $30 million is required to maintain cash and food assistance to 600,000 people in Syria, Lebanon and Jordan. 'Trapped in financial limbo' UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged the international community to ensure the agency is fully funded. Despite its essential role, "we allow UNRWA to remain trapped in financial limbo," he said in remarks delivered by his Chef de Cabinet, Courtenay Rattray. The UN chief was also deeply concerned that some of the largest and most reliable donors have indicated that they might be reducing their support. "Let's be clear: UNRWA is on the verge of financial collapse. The consequences of further budget cuts would be catastrophic," he warned. Finding hope in education More than a half a million young Palestinians are enrolled in UNRWA schools, two of whom made impassioned pleas at the pledging conference. Ahmad Abu Daqqa attends a boys' school in the Gaza Strip, where a blockade has been in place for more than 15 years. "We, the students of the Gaza Strip, seek hope amidst despair," he said, conveying a message from his peers. "We only find it in education and learning, despite the numerous difficulties and obstacles we face, like living in a conflict and war zone." UNRWA students are proud of their education, heritage and culture, added Leen Sharqawi, 15, who attends a girls' school in Jordan. They also have big dreams. "We are not just Palestine refugees," she said. "We are children who dream of becoming global citizens and who want to help the world become a better place. Good education is what will allow us to do this." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address NMG2 departs Rota in preparation for FLOTEX-23 US Navy 02 June 2023 From Cmdr. Fernando Estrella ROTA, Spain -- Standing NATO Maritime Group Two (SNMG2) departed Naval Station Rota, Spain on Monday, May 29th, 2023 in anticipation of the start of Flotilla Exercise 2023 (FLOTEX-23) hosted by the Spanish Navy in the western Mediterranean Sea. SNMG2 entered Naval Station Rota, Spain on Thursday, with its flagship, USS James E. Williams (DDG 95) for the first time since the scheduled flagship turnover from the USS Forrest Sherman (DDG 98.) While in Rota, U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Scott Sciretta, SNMG2 Commander, engaged with senior NATO and Spanish Navy leadership to discuss future opportunities for maritime operations as well as exercise preparations. Additionally, he hosted a press conference with local Spanish media. FLOTEX-23 is a Spanish Navy-led maritime exercise designed to provide joint warfare interoperability training in a Crisis Response Operation. It demonstrates the Spanish Navy's commitment to NATO. All NATO nations are invited to participate. The exercise provides Allies the opportunity to test and enhance their cohesion and interoperability in order to increase their ability to deter and defend if necessary. SNMG2 is scheduled to participate in FLOTEX-23 from early to mid-June. As a NATO task group, SNMG2 prioritizes its mandate to enhance the collective readiness, responsiveness, deployable readiness, integration and interoperability of its forces. Its focus is on deterrence and defense against all adversaries in the maritime domain, upholding freedom of navigation, securing maritime trade routes and protecting the main lines of communication. SNMG2 is a multinational integrated task group that projects a constant and visible reminder of the Alliance's solidarity and cohesion afloat. This continuous maritime capability performs a wide range of tasks, including exercises and real-world operations in periods of crisis and conflict. SNMG2 is one of four Standing Naval Forces that operate under NATO Allied Maritime Command, headquartered in Northwood, United Kingdom. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address $50.8M BOS Contract Option Awarded for NSB Kings Bay US Navy 02 June 2023 From Jeffrey Hamlin, NAVFAC Public Affairs Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) Southeast awarded a $50.8 million firm-fixed-price contract modification, May 24, to Jacob Technologies, Inc. for base operations support (BOS) services at Naval Submarine Base (NSB) Kings Bay.The contract modification provides for an additional 12 months of BOS services under the basic contract Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) Southeast awarded a $50.8 million firm-fixed-price contract modification, May 24, to Jacob Technologies, Inc. for base operations support (BOS) services at Naval Submarine Base (NSB) Kings Bay. The contract modification provides for an additional 12 months of BOS services under the basic contract and brings the total cumulative face value of the contract to $147.2 million. "Overall, BOS contracts are critical to the success of military operations," said NAVFAC Southeast Director of Public Works Danny Villafane. "BOS contracts include a wide range of services, such as utility system operations, facilities management and repairs, and transportation." BOS contracts support the daily operations of military installations. These services are essential to maintaining the readiness and well-being of military and civilian personnel, and their families. Facilities management is a crucial aspect of BOS. It involves the maintenance and upkeep of the physical infrastructure of the installation. This includes everything from repairing buildings and roads to managing utilities and waste disposal. The work to be performed provides for all labor, supervision, management, tools, materials, equipment, facilities, transportation, and incidental engineering necessary for the following services: force protection, facility investment, other (swimming pools), electrical, wastewater, steam, water, compressed air, supervisory control and data acquisition, telecommunications, chiller plant, base support vehicles and equipment, and environmental. Three proposals were received and the contractor selected demonstrated the best value to the government based on the stated criteria in the contract. This option period will be executed from June 1, 2023 to May 31, 2024. No funds will be obligated at time of award. Work will be performed at NSB Kings Bay, Georgia. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US Defense Secretary, at Asian Security Summit, Urges Dialogue with China By VOA News June 02, 2023 U.S Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said Saturday that dialogue between the United States and China is essential to avoiding miscalculations that could lead to conflict, adding he was deeply concerned by Beijing's unwillingness to engage in crisis management between the two militaries. "We do not seek conflict or confrontation," Austin said in his address at the Shangri La Dialogue, Asia's top security summit, in Singapore. "But we will not flinch in the face of bullying or coercion," he added. Austin's remarks were likely aimed at China. China Minister of National Defense Li Shangfu had refused Austin's requests to meet this week at the summit. However, the two did shake hands on the summit's sidelines Friday. The Pentagon said the two defense officials did not have a "substantive exchange." "I am deeply concerned that the PRC has been unwilling to engage more seriously on better mechanisms for crisis management between our two militaries," Austin said in his speech, using the abbreviation for the People's Republic of China. There are several issues that the U.S. and China do not agree on, including territorial disputes regarding the South China Sea and an alleged spy balloon that was shot down by a U.S. fighter plane after the balloon floated across the United States. Perhaps the most vexing is the issue of Taiwan, a self-governing island that China claims as its own and that it wants to bring under its rule. China has become increasingly aggressive with its moves against Taiwan, setting up a situation that could resemble Russia's invasion of Ukraine. That similarity was not lost on Austin, who said Saturday, "how dangerous our world would become if big countries could just invade their peaceful neighbors with impunity." He said the United States is "determined to maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, and so are a number of countries around the world." China's defense minister delivers his address to the summit Sunday. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US, Chinese Defense Officials Talk at Key Summit By Jeff Seldin June 02, 2023 A top Chinese defense official has spoken with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, potentially signaling a thaw in relations after Beijing rejected multiple U.S. requests for discussions. The brief exchange between Austin and Chinese Minister of National Defense Li Shangfu took place late Friday at the opening of the Shangri La Dialogue in Singapore. Pentagon press secretary Brigadier General Pat Ryder said Austin and Li "spoke briefly." "The two leaders shook hands, but did not have a substantive exchange," Ryder added in a statement. Tensions between the U.S. and Chinese militaries has been steadily rising since the U.S. discovered and shot down what it said was a Chinese spy balloon off the coast of South Carolina, after it traversed across much of the country. Pentagon officials said they requested a call immediately after the shootdown but that the request, and multiple similar requests that followed, were rejected. More recently, U.S. defense officials have been warning of an "alarming increase" in Chinese aggression in the skies and on the seas, highlighted by what U.S. officials described as a "risky" intercept of a U.S. RC-135 aircraft over the South China Sea last week by a Chinese fighter jet. U.S. officials emphasized that such incidents only highlight the need for more dialogue. "The department believes in maintaining open lines of military-to-military communication with the [Peoples Republic of China] and will continue to seek meaningful military-to-military discussions at multiple levels to responsibly manage the relationship," Ryder said. It is unclear whether additional talks between Austin and Li are planned during the remainder of the Shangri La Dialogue. Austin speaks to the group Saturday, while Li is set to address the group Sunday. The annual dialogue, considered the premier Asian defense summit, features defense ministers and politicians, as well as senior military officers, diplomats, weapons makers and international security analysts from the Asia Pacific, Europe and North America. The summit is taking place against a tense international backdrop that includes Russia's invasion of Ukraine, China's support of Russia, and China's increasingly aggressive moves against Taiwan. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address New Delhi, June 3 (UNI) Supreme Court's vacation bench on Saturday stayed the Allahabad High Court's order directing the Head of Department (Astrology Department), Lucknow University to determine if an alleged rape victim was a Mangalik or not after the accused refused to marry her on such grounds. A two-judge vacation bench of the Supreme Court, headed by Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia and also comprising Justice Pankaj Mithal passed the order today on the rape victim/ complainant's plea. "How did the Allahabad High Court enter into this astrology area, here? Astrology is a science, no doubt. But we do not understand this, why is this astrology report called for? We stay the order and ask the HC to decide bail plea on merit," the Supreme Court's two-judge vacation bench in its order today said. Before staying the Allahabad High Court's May 23 order, the Supreme Court today in the earlier hours in the day, before the hearing, took Suo Motu Cognizance of the matter. The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court, in its order on May 23, had directed the Head of Department (Astrology Department), Lucknow University to determine if an alleged rape victim is a Mangalik by examining her 'Kundali' in three weeks. The Apex Court said, no observation has been made on merits. "Order stayed in the interest of justice," the Apex Court said. The Allahabad High Court had passed the order while deciding the bail plea of the accused of raping a woman on pretext of marriage. The accused had told the Allahabad High Court that the marriage could not be solemnised because the woman was an Mangalik. The accused had told the Allahabad High Court that the girl is Mangalik, therefore, marriage has been refused. The girl has, however, claimed that she is not Mangalik. The HC also had directed the HOD of (Astrology Department), Lucknow University to submit a report before the court in a sealed cover in 3 weeks. The Supreme Court noted that the Solicitor General (SG) Tushar Mehta, represented Union of India (UOI), amid lawyer, AK Singh represented the complainant victim in the case before it. The Top Court directed the Registry to issue notice to all the parties concerned, the bail applicant and the state of UP. UNI SM GNK Cameroon Officials Say Prominent Traditional Ruler Freed After 18 Months of Separatist Captivity By Moki Edwin Kindzeka June 02, 2023 A prominent traditional leader in Cameroon's troubled Northwest region has been freed after 18 months of being held captive by separatists. Government officials say Cameroon's military rescued Fon Kevin Shumitang in battles with separatist fighters, but the fighters insist that they set the traditional ruler free. Cameroon government officials say the central African state's military freed Shumitang from a separatist camp in Bui, in the Northwest region on Thursday morning. Government officials say several fighters were killed in the encounter but gave no further details. Deben Tchoffo, the governor of the region, says the traditional leader's release shows authorities are gradually restoring order after years of separatist unrest. "I would like to congratulate military men that carried out the operation, said Tchoffo. "They have been able to take back the Fon of Bambalang. Indeed, it is coming to confirm that things are coming back bit by bit normally in almost all the major parts on the Northwest region." Tchoffo says Shumitang will be presented to civilians at his palace after undergoing a medical examination. Images shared on social media and broadcast over local TV stations showed Shumitang unkempt but not looking thin or unhealthy. Shumitang was kidnapped from his palace in the town of Bambalang by separatist fighters led by self-proclaimed General No Pity on December 7, 2021, according to the military. The military says it took a long time to free Shumitang because the government wanted him alive. Capo Daniel is leader of the Ambazonia Peoples Rights Advocacy Platform, one of Cameroon's separatist groups. He says the separatists released Shumitang after five months of negotiations. "The Cameroon government arrested 15 family members of No Pity and transferred them to Yaounde," said Daniel. "Both of them were used to pressurize No Pity to come to a compromise to release the Fon of Bambalang. That is exactly what happened. There was no military operation. The Fon was released and then handed over to the Cameroon authorities. Daniel says the separatists expect officials to release No Pity's family members in the days ahead as agreed during negotiations. Cameroon's military says the allegation that Shumitang's release was negotiated is unfounded. The government has not said whether No Pity's relatives were arrested to force the self-proclaimed general to release Shumitang. Shumitang is the president of the Northwest region's House of Chiefs and vice President of the Northwest Regional Assembly. Both structures are elected organs that discuss community development. Shumitang was elected during Cameroon's first-ever regional elections in 2020. Separatists say he was abducted for participating in the House of Chiefs, a structure they say does not represent the aspirations of English speakers. Cameroon's English-speaking separatists launched their rebellion in 2017 after what they say was years of discrimination by the country's French-speaking majority. The conflict has killed more than 6,000 people and displaced more than 760,000 others, according to the International Crisis Group. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 9 Die in Clashes in Senegal, Following Opposition Leader's Sentencing By VOA News June 02, 2023 Nine people were killed in clashes in Senegal on Thursday, after protests erupted following the sentencing of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko. Interior Minister Antoine Diome said on national television, "We have noted with regret violence that has led to the destruction of public and private property and, unfortunately, nine deaths in Dakar and Ziguinchor." On Thursday, a court in Senegal acquitted Sonko on charges of rape but sentenced him to two years in prison for corrupting youth, disqualifying him, for now, from participating in next year's presidential elections. The 48-year-old Sonko, leader of the PASTEF-Patriots party, has maintained the charges were politically motivated since they were first made in 2021 and did not attend the court hearing Thursday. He had been accused of raping a massage parlor worker in 2021 and of making death threats against her. Though a lesser charge than rape under Senegalese law, the conviction for "Corrupting youth," which is defined as immoral behavior or encouraging such behavior of a person under the age of 21 his accuser was 20 when he was charged disqualifies Sonko from running for office. Sonko's attorneys told reporters outside the court Thursday the conviction was designed to prevent him from running against current President Macky Sall in 2024. It is unclear if Sonko can appeal the verdict. Sonko has been an outspoken critic of the current president and is widely viewed as Sall's most competitive opponent in the upcoming election. Earlier this week Sonko, who is popular with Senegalese youth, called for mass protests in response to the case brought against him. Agence France Presse reported Thursday demonstrations and fires set in the streets of the capital, Dakar. The French news outlet also reports that security forces fired tear gas toward journalists staked out near Sonko's residence. On its website, the news agency published video of a reporter and camera crew fleeing a cloud of gas. The case against Sonko has raised tensions in the usually stable West African country. Last week, a "freedom caravan" led by Sonko from his hometown in southern Senegal to the capital led to clashes with security forces, and one person was killed. On Wednesday, a day before Sonko's sentencing, Sall launched a "national dialogue" he described as part of an effort to ease tensions, involving political forces, civil society, religious leaders and trade unions. The talks are scheduled to last about two weeks, with a large part of the opposition boycotting them. Some information for this report was provided by the Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France Press. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Zimbabwe Opposition, Rights Groups Bemoan Passing of 'Patriotic Bill' By Columbus Mavhunga June 02, 2023 Opposition and rights groups in Zimbabwe are bemoaning this week's passing of a so-called "Patriotic Bill" by the lower house of parliament, which they say curtails several fundamental freedoms enshrined in the country's constitution. Lawyers say if President Emmerson Mnangagwa signs the Criminal Law Code Amendment Bill into law, it will not stand in court because it is flagrantly unconstitutional. Among other things, the bill would authorize penalties against people found "willfully damaging the sovereignty and national interest of Zimbabwe." Kennedy Chokuda, clerk of Zimbabwe's parliament, said after the vote, "It's done in the National Assembly, it's now going to the Senate chamber for further debate." Members of Zimbabwe's ruling Zanu-PF party support the bill, which sailed through the lower house. The senate chamber is dominated by Zanu-PF members. Fadzayi Mahere, spokeswoman for the main opposition party, the Citizens' Coalition for Change, described the bill as "dangerous and unconstitutional," and said Zanu-PF is trying to gain an advantage in the August 23 general election. "The bill violates sundry constitutional rights and freedoms including freedom of association, freedom of expression, political rights and others," Mahere said. "Zanu-PF has reduced our great nation into an outpost of tyranny. They are clearly in panic mode as we approach an election and on an unbridled crusade to close the democratic space completely in Zimbabwe." Mahere said Zanu-PF cannot win a free and fair election in Zimbabwe. "So what we have seen is Zanu-PF retaliating with repressive legislation, with the weaponization of the law. Frankly, no amount of panic despotism by Zanu-PF will stand in the way of change whose time has come," Mahere said. ZANU-PF officials could not be reached for comment on the bill Friday. Introducing the bill in parliament late last year, Ziyambi Ziyambi, Zimbabwe's justice minister, said the bill seeks to prohibit private citizens from making false statements or undermining the country, or acting as self-appointed ambassadors meeting foreign officials to undermine national interests. Musa Kika, a constitutional lawyer who heads the Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum, said it will be unfortunate if Mnangagwa signs the bill into law. "This is an unconstitutional law. It infringes on all sorts of civil and political rights that the constitution gives," Kika said. "In my estimation, this bill is the most draconian law that we have seen in independent Zimbabwe. If this law is [passed and signed], obviously it will be challenged in the court of law. If not all of it, then the significant part of it because the bill is manifestly and patently unconstitutional." It is not clear when or if President Mnangagwa, who is currently in Malawi, will sign the patriotic bill into law. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Statement on the looting of humanitarian warehouses in Sudan World Food Programme 2 June 2023 ROME -- The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) strongly condemns the looting of one of the agency's logistics hubs in south-central Sudan. The attack on WFP's warehouses in El Obeid puts food assistance for 4.4 million conflict-affected people at risk. WFP is working around the clock to scale up our operations in Sudan to reach millions who have been plunged into uncertainty and hunger by the outbreak of violence in mid-April. This theft of humanitarian food and assets totally undermines these operations at a critical time for the people of Sudan. This must stop. El Obeid hosts one of WFP's largest logistics bases on the African continent and serves as a vital lifeline for operations in Sudan and South Sudan. Millions will be impacted by this attack. Initial reports suggest that food and nutrition supplies, as well as vehicles, fuel and generators have been looted in this incident. This is not the first time that food and humanitarian assets belonging to WFP and our partners have been attacked and looted. WFP alone has so far recorded losses estimated at more than US$60 million since violence broke out on April 15. WFP reiterates calls to all parties to the conflict to ensure the safety and security of humanitarian assistance, aid workers and assets so that our life-saving work can move forward. An estimated 2 - 2.5 million people in Sudan are expected to slip into hunger in the coming months because of the ongoing violence. This would take acute food insecurity in Sudan to record levels, with more than 19 million people affected, 40 percent of the population. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Joint Statement Following the Meeting Between National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and National Security Advisor Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan June 02, 2023 Today, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan met National Security Advisor Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates at the White House to reiterate the enduring U.S.-UAE strategic partnership and discuss a range of global and regional issues. Mr. Sullivan welcomed the UAE's leadership in the run-up to the COP-28 Summit in the UAE, and its commitment to becoming a global leader in clean energy technologies, including through the U.S.-UAE Partnership for Accelerating Clean Energy (PACE). Mr. Sullivan and Sheikh Tahnoon pledged to intensify cooperation under the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGII), continuing their constructive discussions held last month together with India and Saudi Arabia. Sheikh Tahnoon praised the United States' strong security and defense partnership with the UAE. Mr. Sullivan confirmed the U.S. commitment to deterring threats against the UAE and other U.S. partners while also working diplomatically to de-escalate conflicts and reduce tensions in the region. Mr. Sullivan and Sheikh Tahnoon discussed ways to deepen and expand the Abraham Accords including through the I2U2 grouping (India, Israel, United States, and UAE) and the Negev Forum, under which the UAE last year convened the largest gathering of Israelis and Arabs in decades. The two sides also discussed shared goals towards building a more integrated, prosperous, and stable Middle East region. Mr. Sullivan and Sheikh Tahnoon also discussed the importance of building trusted technology ecosystems and the potential for advanced technology to improve human welfare in the Middle East region and globally. Both look forward to remaining in close contact on these and other issues. ### NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russo-Ukraine War - 02 June 2023 - Day 464 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 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 from the morning of 01 June, partisan groups attacked Russia's Belgorod region for the second time in ten days. In a complex battlefield situation, what appeared to be uncrewed aerial vehicles also struck Belgorod city (35km inside Russia), while the authorities evacuated civilians from the border town of Shebikino following Ukrainian shelling. The Russia military and interior forces have likely seen quicker success in containing this raid than the previous one. However, according to the Russia MOD's own press release, it has resorted to deploying the full range of military firepower on its own territory, including attack helicopters, and the TOS-1A heavy thermobaric rocket launcher. Russian commanders now face an acute dilemma of whether to strength defences in Russia's border regions or reinforce their lines in occupied Ukraine. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that during the day of June 2nd, at night, Russia once again launched a massive air and missile attack on the territory of Ukraine, in particular on Kyiv. Russians used strike UAVs and cruise missiles, but they were all destroyed in the sky. In general, Russia conducted 62x air and 15x missile strikes, launched about 20 MLRS attacks on Ukrainian settlements and Ukrainian Defense Forces. The threat of missile and air strikes remains high across Ukraine. Russia continues to focus its main efforts on attempts to completely occupy the Luhansk and Donetsk Oblasts. During the day, the Russian occupiers launched 15x attacks, but all of them were repelled by Ukrainian Defense Forces. Volyn' and Polissya axes: the operational situation has not changed significantly, there are no signs of the formation of offensive groupings. Sivershchyna and Slobozhanshchyna axes: Russia continues to maintain a military presence in the areas bordering Ukraine. Conducted an airstrike in the Ohirtseve district of the Kharkiv Oblast. Carried out mortar and artillery shelling of Yanzhulivka and Leonivka settlements of Chernihiv Oblast; Novovasylivka, Romashkove, Atynske, Yunakivka of the Sumy Oblast, as well as Udy, Kozacha Lopan, Veterinarne, Kozacha Lopan, Hoptivka, Pilna, Zelene, Verkhnya Pisarivka, Staritsa, Okhirtseve, Gatishche, Pletenivka, Vovchansk, Zybine, Rybalkine, Budarki, Zemlianki, Chugunivka , Odradne in Kharkiv Oblast. Kup'yans'k axis: Russian forces carried out unsuccessful offensive operations near Novoselivskyi, Luhansk Oblast. Topoli, Dvorichanske, Kam'ianka, Figolivka, Dvorichna, Kutkivka, Kislivka, Tabaivka, Kotlyarivka, Berestov in Kharkiv Oblast and Novoselivs'ke in Luhansk Oblast were shelled by artillery and mortars. Lyman axis: the Russian forces carried out unsuccessful offensives in the vicinities of Makiivka, Luhansk Oblast, and Spirnyi, Donetsk Oblast. They carried out airstrikes in the areas of Bilohorivka, Luhansk Oblast, and Spirnyi, Donetsk Oblast. Nevs'ke, Bilogorivka in the Luhansk Oblast and Verkhn'yokam'ians'ke, Tors'ke, Spirne, Rozdolivka in the Donetsk Oblast were shelled by artillery. Bakhmut axis: Russia carried out airstrikes in the Bila Hora and Chasiv Yar districts of the Donetsk Oblast. Vasyukivka, Orikhovo-Vasylivka, Novomarkove, Chasiv Yar, Ivanovske, Predtechine, Bila Gora and New York of the Donetsk Oblast suffered from Russian artillery shelling. Avdiivka axis: the Russian occupiers did not conduct offensive operations. They carried out airstrikes in the Avdiivka area and also shelled the settlements of Avdiivka, Pervomais'ke, and Karlivka. Mar'inka axis: the Russian forces carried out offensive operations in the vicinities of Mar'inka. However, Ukrainian defenders repelled all 8x Russian attacks. Estimated losses of the Russian forces were up to 10x people dead and about 20x wounded. Moreover, 2x Russian vehicles were destroyed. At the same time, Russia continues to destroy Ukrainian cities and villages, carried out an airstrike on Mar'inka, shelled Krasnohorivka, Georgiivka, Pobieda and Novomykhailivka of the Donetsk Oblast. Shakhtars'k axis: the Russian forces shelled Vugledar, Prechistivka, and Novoukrayinka. Zaporizhzhia and Kherson axes: Russian forces are on the defensive. They carried out airstrikes in Olhivs'ke and Novodanilivka districts of Zaporizhzhia Oblast, as well as Kozats'ke and Odradokam'ianka of Kherson Oblast. The Russian adversary shelled Vremivka in the Donetsk Oblast; Malynivka, Hulyaipole, Zaliznychne, Hulyaipilske, Biloghirya, Mala Tokmachka and Novoandriivka of the Zaporizhia Oblast, as well as the city of Kherson. The Russian military leadership made a decision to strengthen the state border by cadets of higher military educational institutions. So, on May 31st, about 200x third-year cadets armed with small arms and grenade launchers have already been sent to the western border of the Russian Federation under the pretext of training. Ukrainian Air Force conducted 8x strikes on manpower concentrations, as well as 2 - on the Russian forces' anti-aircraft missile systems. Ukrainian Defense Forces destroyed 15x cruise missiles and 17x Shahed-136 type UAVs. Ukrainian missile and artillery units hit the control post, 2x ammunition warehouses, 2x radio electronic warfare stations, a radar station and Russian MRLS. The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that the previous night, the Russian Aerospace Forces carried out a long-range air-based precision-guided strike against enemy air defence assets covering key critical Ukrainian military infrastructure. All the assigned targets have been engaged. In Kupyansk direction, aviation and artillery of the Zapad Group of Forces have engaged the units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) close to Masyutovka and Berestovoye (Kharkov region). One sabotage and reconnaissance group of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has been disabled close to Novosyolovskoye (Lugansk People's Republic). Up to 70 Ukrainian troops, three motor vehicles, one Grad MLRS vehicle, D-30 and Msta-B howitzers have been neutralised in this direction during the day. Moreover, an ammunition depot of the 103rd Territorial Defence Brigade was neutralised close to Kislovka (Kharkov region). In Krasny Liman direction, Operational-Tactical and Army aviation and artillery of the Tsentr Group of Forces engaged the units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine close to Kuzmino (Lugansk People's Republic), and Torskoye (Donetsk People's Republic). Over 60 Ukrainian personnel, two pick-up trucks, two Gvozdika self-propelled artillery systems, as well as one Msta-B and two D-20 howitzers have been eliminated. In the Donetsk direction, the most intensive actions of the Yug Group of Forces were conducted close to Avdeevka. The Akhmat special forces unit continue their offensive in the Maryinka tactical direction. Over 50 Ukrainian troops, four armoured fighting vehicles, two pick-up trucks, three D-20 howitzers, two Grad MLRS, two M777 artillery systems, and one U.S.-made Paladin artillery system have been eliminated in this direction during the day. In South Donetsk and Zaporozhye directions, aviation and artillery of the Vostok Group of Forces inflicted fire damage on AFU units close Vodyanoye and Pavlovka (Donetsk People's Republic), and Malaya Tokmachka and Shcherbaki (Zaporozhye region). The enemy's losses in this direction during the day amounted to up to 150 Ukrainian troops, two motor vehicles, one Polish-made Krab self-propelled artillery system, one D-20 howitzer, and one UAV ground control station. In Kherson direction, over 30 Ukrainian troops, two pick-up trucks, one Msta-B howitzer, and one U.S.-made M777 artillery system have been eliminated during the day. Operational-Tactical and Army aviation, Missile Troops and Artillery of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation have neutralised 96 AFU artillery units at their firing positions, enemy manpower and hardware in 73 areas. Russian air defence facilities have shot down one Su-25 airplane of Ukrainian Air Force near Zolotaya Balka (Kherson region). Air defence forces shot down eight HIMARS MLRS shells and one HARM anti-radiation missile during the day. In addition, 29 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles were destroyed in the areas of Novodruzhesk, Kremennaya, Verkhnekamenka (Lugansk People's Republic), Novobakhmutovka, Vladimirovka, Staromayorskoye (Donetsk People's Republic), Sinkovka (Kharkov region), Novaya Kakhovka (Kherson region), and Gulyai Pole (Zaporozhye region). In total, 431 airplanes and 235 helicopters, 4,436 unmanned aerial vehicles, 424 air defence missile systems, 9,356 tanks and other armoured combat vehicles, 1,108 combat vehicles equipped with MRLS, 4,971 field artillery cannons and mortars, as well as 10,598 units of special military equipment have been destroyed during the special military operation. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Special Online Briefing with Lieutenant General DeAnna M. Burt, United States Space Force Special Briefing Lieutenant General DeAnna M. Burt, United States Space Force June 1, 2023 MODERATOR: Greetings to everyone from the U.S. Department of State's London International Media Hub. I would like to welcome our participants dialing in from Europe and around the world for this on-the-record briefing with U.S. Space Force Lieutenant General DeAnna Burt on her recent travel to the United Kingdom and Germany. We will have some opening remarks from our speaker, and then she will take questions from participating journalists. I will now turn it over to Lieutenant General Burt for her opening remarks. Ma'am, the floor is yours. LIEUTENANT GENERAL BURT: Hi, this is Lieutenant General Burt. Good afternoon to everyone in Europe. Thanks for this opportunity. I wanted to offer an opportunity to answer questions today regarding my trip to Europe. Last week I had the privilege to head to - first to Frankfurt, Germany, and over to Ramstein. Spent the day with the NATO Space Operations Center as well as with our DIRSPACEFOR, or Director of Space Forces Staff, and was able to have a conversation with those folks. Our Director of Space Forces Staff is currently assigned to United States Air Forces Europe as our space element there. They are slowly but surely building to become our Space Force as a service component directly to U.S. European Command. So exciting times there with that staff working to make that transition from being an element under the United States Air Force to now separating out on its own as a service component to U.S. EUCOM. And then traveled to Europe, to London, and participated in the Defence IQ Space Summit, which was a great opportunity to interact with all of our partners across the area of operation in Europe and spend time with close international partners from Canada, Australia, United Kingdom, Germany, just to name a few that I directly interacted with while I was there. Through the rest of the afternoon, I then traveled with Air Vice-Marshal Godfrey out to Space Command for the UK and spent the afternoon looking at what they are working with and areas that we could continue to partner as they continue to build out their Space Command, which is in its second year. So learning from each other, building those partnerships, trying to use best practices between the two organizations has been critical as we all establish and continue to grow our space capabilities within our partner nations. So with that, that's what I - my trip involved, and I'm happy to answer any questions involved with that or within the European theater that are of interest to those online. So with that, I'll turn it back over for questions and answers. MODERATOR: Thank you, Lieutenant General Burt. We will now begin the question-and-answer portion of today's call. Our first question is a pre-submitted question, and it comes from Ilja Tuechter from Die Rheinpfalz am Sonntag. Ilja asks, "Could you speak to the role played by Space Command's presence in Ramstein, Germany, and to how its staffing is going to develop in the near future?" LIEUTENANT GENERAL BURT: Thank you for that question - a great question. So I want to make sure I - words matter here, and I want to make sure that we're very clear on which organizations we're talking about. So in the question, you said Space Command. United States Space Command is a combatant command just like U.S. European Command, U.S. Central Command, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. That is a combatant command that is responsible - Space Command, U.S. Space Command is responsible for space operations at a hundred kilometers to infinity. They are a combatant warfighting command. That is their purpose. I am in the United States Space Force, which is a service. So like the Army, the Navy, the Air Force, and the Marine Corps within the U.S. military, I am operating in the United States Space Force. So sometimes those can be confused, so that's why I say words matter when you ask a question and then talk about. So I will talk to both because I can talk to them. From a U.S. Space Command perspective, we have a Space Force presence in Stuttgart, Germany, at U.S. European Command, and it is a liaison office of about five or six folks who work directly for General Dickinson, the U.S. Space Command Commander who is stationed in Colorado Springs, Colorado, to be the reach forward into U.S. European Command to do coordination between the two combatant commands. The discussion for this question is the organization of guardians or space operators who are at Ramstein, and as I mentioned in my opening comments, we have had space forces in all - as part of when the space operations were part of the Air Force. We have always had space operators at Ramstein in that Director of Space Forces Staff, doing that space integration in the Air Operations Center there at Ramstein. Now that we have a United States Space Force as a service, like every other service, we need to force present to the combatant commanders. So as you recall, with U.S. European Command you have an air component, United States Air Forces Europe; you have an Army component, United States Army Europe, which is in Heiderlberg; you have a Navy component; and you have a Marine Corps component - all located in the area of operation in the European theater. So it only makes sense as the newest service that we are also standing up our own service components. So we're repurposing those personnel who are already there in that Director of Space Forces element, and now pulling them out and establishing them as a service component to U.S. EUCOM. Right now the status is that we are waiting for the letter to be signed by the SECDEF to formally establish the service component to United States European Command. While that is pending and we're working that official letter, we are doing mission analysis on the number of people that it's going to take to execute that mission and to support U.S. EUCOM. Also the location of where it will be, that is also under discussion of where that would go and then what host nation agreements would be needed based on does it stay at Ramstein or does it move to somewhere else. That is all still being discussed and being worked with the U.S. European Command Commander and their staff. This is not the first service component we have stood up. We have three other service components, one in INDOPACOM in Hawaii, one in Central Command down in Florida with Central Command, as well as one at U.S. Forces Korea, or USFK, in South Korea. We also have a service - Space Force service component. So this will be our fourth service component that we stand up once we get the letter from the SECDEF and we finish that mission analysis on the number of personnel and what missions need to support and where it needs to be located; we will close on that. So that's kind of the discussion of where that component is at Ramstein. MODERATOR: Thank you. For our next question we'll go to Olivia Savage from Janes, and Olivia asks: "In Germany and the UK, what were the key priorities discussed, and has anything beneficial or new come out of your visits?" LIEUTENANT GENERAL BURT: That is a great question. Thank you for that. Great discussions, as we've always had in - with the UK and Germany. We have an initiative called the Combined Space Operations initiative, or CSpO. Both the United Kingdom and Germany are part of that along with France, Canada, and Australia - and the United Kingdom. And so a great organization where we get together and talk a lot about - particularly right now the key topic is norms of behavior, and how we normalize in the operational domain of space. You can think of the other domains - land, air, and sea - there are standards, statutory laws that apply to every domain, as well as customary laws in how you operate in those domains. Whether you be a civilian or a military operator, space is new and it's coming very quickly, and the growth in the commercial arena has just been amazing. So we really have to get after those norms of behavior, how we all believe as likeminded nations - how do we work and operate in the domain so it's free and fair for all and that everyone can enjoy the domain and prosper from the domain together. So those have to be shared ideas, and how do we work towards agreement across the board. Additionally, both Germany and the United Kingdom, as I mentioned earlier, just like the United States, are building their own capabilities for space within their national militaries. So it's important that we're learning from each other. Again, the United States decidedly has been doing space for a long time but has not broken it out as a separate service and its own combatant command until recently. So there's a lot of learning going on and sharing of what we've learned as we've traveled this road on the U.S. side, sharing with our partners and then how can they take a look at that in the UK and Germany and apply those lessons, and also sharing back with us; we're learning just as much from them because of their thinking of it differently, their looking at different scenarios, their coming at it from a different lens. Their industrial base is different. So again, I think there's a lot of good sharing of ideas across the board. For the United States Space Force, for the Chief of Space Operations, one of our primary lines of effort is partnering to win. And so these engagements we continue to have are critical to our work and a primary line of effort for the Chief of Space Operations to share ideas, integrate, sharing operators, talking about how we can improve upon our liaison opportunities. We're getting ready to send an officer to intermediate development education in the United Kingdom with the hope that they will stay on following that school engagement to, again, be a person there working directly with UK Space Command to do work. So I think there's continuous opportunities for partnering and engagement, and both of those countries are doing great work - UK and Germany - and making great headway. So I am very excited to continue to work with them. We're also talking about now what does this mean. Space has been identified as a new domain under NATO, and as three NATO nations, how do we see the continual growth of the NATO Space Operations Center and how do we see space operations playing out within the NATO construct. So a lot of good dialogue there as well. But they were the primary parts of our discussions during my visit. MODERATOR: Thank you, Lieutenant General Burt. We'll next go to a pre-submitted question from Borzou Daragahi of The Independent. Borzou asks, "There seems to be a lot of incredible space initiatives taking place right now across the world. Could you give us a state of the space races? Do you think there's more collaboration or competition going on worldwide? Would you say that we are entering a new age in the quest for exploring the solar system?" LIEUTENANT GENERAL BURT: No, great question, and I appreciate that one. Absolutely, the commercial market is just exploding. It's been absolutely incredible to see the growth in the market. We started with really a large growth in the launch enterprise, which we've seen. In our particular case, we've seen launch costs reduced by tenfold, which has then made it easier for many nations who could not access space in the past due to the high cost of launch are now able to do that. We've also seen the growth in the number of small satellite providers, proliferated constellations, and smaller, lightweight capabilities who can launch multiple satellites at a time on a single rocket. So we've seen quite a bit of capability continue to improve over the last two to three years, so I think there's going to continue to see that growth. We live with space capabilities every day and depend upon them in our daily lives, not just the way we execute as militaries but also the way we live and breathe every day, from GPS, timestamping, stock exchange, or going to the gas pump and swiping your card and doing transactions on your bank account, to navigating the roads and driverless cars and what we like to call precision agriculture - tractors driving themselves with the use of GPS. So, so many capabilities that are provided by space that we use every single day to communicate and operate I think are going to continue to show that growth. I also think it's exciting, Artemis and the work that NASA is doing to go to the moon and the partnerships there to continue to explore. Discussions of Mr. Musk and wanting to go to the - to Mars I also think is going to be great. I grew up in the state of Florida in the United States, so I'm what we would call a "space coast baby." So I have seen firsthand the excitement of space exploration and travel, and the ability and the technologies that come from that exploration that we then get to use here on Earth every day. So it's very exciting times. So I think the collaboration continues to grow. Again, I come back to it: How do we get to norms of behavior in how we operate in the domain - because everyone needs to be able to prosper and work there and operate - and how do we do that safely and in a manner that's responsible and doesn't put others at risk needlessly with debris or other problems? How do we manage how we operate every day so that everyone gets the most use out of it? So I think there's going to continue to be more collaboration both at the commercial and the military level. As I said, one of our primary lines of effort is partner to win, and that includes commercial and industry as well as with our civil partners - as I mentioned, NASA and our other coalition entities. So we absolutely believe space is a team sport, it cannot be done alone, and the U.S. is looking at all opportunities to continue to partner and work with other likeminded nations. MODERATOR: Thank you. Our next question is a pre-submitted question from Aya Sayed of Roayah News Network. Aya asks, "How does the U.S. work with allies to enhance their capabilities in the face of space threats? China and Russia have been investing heavily in their space programs. What challenges does this pose to U.S. interests in space, and is there any coordination to avoid orbital skirmishes?" LIEUTENANT GENERAL BURT: No, that is a great question. Every day we are working - we have over 200-plus space situational awareness sharing agreements. So what space situational awareness is or space domain awareness is, is that you understand where everything is in the domain and you can avoid collisions or with debris or with a live satellite, et cetera. We have an 18th Space Defense Squadron, who their job is to do nothing but track and manage all of the things that are on orbit to keep track of them in custody. This comes to our theory of success in the space domain called competitive endurance. And so our very first line of effort in that is to avoid operational surprise, so space domain awareness is the bedrock of that. And so it's making sure that you understand where things are in the domain. If there are threats, how do you maintain custody of that threat? You can attribute it should it attack or do something to another satellite, and you're able to then share that information. So the key section of that is sharing that information with allies and partners, so we are sharing that space picture every day. If any of you want to go to spacetrack.org, that is the place where we post the catalog for the world every day of what's on orbit, but that is shared. And then we also share at a classified level with our partners as well on anything with threats and what we believe, if something is threatened. We do report collisions and what we would call a conjunction, either whether between a live object or a piece of debris. If it's two live objects that could hit each other, we make contact with both owner/operators, and that - they between them and connect them till they decide how they're going to handle that. If it is a live object and a piece of debris, then obviously the live object is the one that will need to move, and we are sending that notification as well. But again, it's up to the owner/operator to make those decisions. As the U.S. Government and the Department of Defense, the only capabilities that we can direct to move or have any authority over are our DOD, our U.S. Department of Defense capabilities. Everyone else - again, it's a courtesy that we make those communications, but they, purely by sovereign nations and companies and industry, make those calls of what they are going to do with that information. So that will continue to be shared. The second part of our competitive endurance theory of success is that we need to have - remove the first mover advantage to build our resilience. So in the past, we've built very large satellites that were very, very expensive and in some cases we will call them "large, juicy targets." Once taken out, you would have a problem with being able to reconstitute that capability. So we've recognized that's - if you want to deter a conflict that extends into space, you have to make conflict so costly that it's not worth doing. So how do you build the resilience in multiple domains and multiple layers in space - so low Earth orbit, medium Earth orbit, or geosynchronous orbit - and put different types of capabilities and disaggregate and integrate with other partners. So in this case, there's been many things here in the last year. We have a hosted payload with QZSS with the Japanese. We also have a payload going up with Norway - a shared ride. So not only are we disaggregating and adding different layers in our own architectures, we're looking to how can we do shared payloads with coalition partners and commercial partners to again build that resiliency of what's on orbit and remove that first mover advantage. It would not be worth going to war in space because it would be too costly for the enemy. They would be hard-pressed to be able to take out all of our capabilities. However, the last line of that theory of success of competitive endurance is that when required - so again, I'm in the military. My job is to be prepared to fight tonight if asked by the nation. How do we do responsible counterspace campaigning? And those words are very specific: responsible. Do we have responsible norms of behavior of how we operate in the domain? And if I'm going to do a counterspace activity, how do I do that in a responsible way? Do I look at the amount of debris I would cause? Any collateral damage? How would I limit safety of - make sure I'm working for safety of flight and protecting those in the domain? Space is very different than any of the other domains. I would ask - probably every reporter has looked at a picture of Ukraine. And when you look at Ukraine from an air perspective, all the commercial traffic goes around Ukraine. Nothing is flying directly over Ukraine or the battlespace. That's how we are protecting noncombatants. They don't go into the area of responsibility or the danger area. We can't do that in space. Everyone is in the engagement zone if we were to have a war that extended into space, which is why it is not something that we want to do. However, as I said in that competitive endurance theory, the third pillar is I have to, if required, do responsible counterspace campaigning. And we are doing that with our coalition partners, having those conversations about what that means for norms of behavior, how do we apply those in a conflict environment that extends into space, and how would we work together not only to provide that attribution of warning of a threat for their capabilities, but how would they respond or how would we support them in responding if need be. So all of those play in that competitive endurance theory of success, and we have absolutely been coordinating every element of that theory with our coalition partners and making sure they are also thinking about what are their options in each element of that theory. So hopefully that answers your question. MODERATOR: Thank you, Lieutenant General Burt. We'll go to a pre-submitted question from Mohamed Maher of Al-Ain News and Al-Masry Al-Youm. Mohamed asks, "This week the Department of State released the first-ever Strategic Framework for Space Diplomacy, marking a groundbreaking initiative aimed to promoting U.S. global space leadership. Could you provide further details about this endeavor and elaborate on its importance. Additionally, I would like to inquire whether there have been any negotiations with countries in the Middle East regarding their potential participation in this initiative?" LIEUTENANT GENERAL BURT: No, great question. Thank you. I cannot answer the question to if any - so I'll start with the last part of that question. I do not work for the State Department, so I can't make any discussion of who has been formally coordinated with it from the State Department's perspective and to be part of that initiative. But I would assume, again, that we are trying to - by publishing this strategy for the Strategic Framework for Space Diplomacy, we are now setting the stage to open the door to integrate and talk to anyone who would want to talk to us from a State Department perspective. So that would be a great question if the London embassy knows that or can take that and come back as a question to answer for you. But I think overall that's why we published a strategy as a nation, and it's really important. So I'm a Department of Defense employee. I talk a lot about what the Department of Defense is trying to do. I'm only one element of the United States Government, so it is absolutely critical that the Department of State published this strategic framework, and we're looking at, again, the importance of norms of behavior and how do we get out and start talking about this with all likeminded nations who want to act responsibly in the domain and want to prosper and explore and do all the great things that are available and out there in the domain. So I think this is a great first step, and I think as a nation, being a leading space nation, it was important that we set the tone and that we lead because we've been doing this for a very long time. We're not trying to say the way we do it and everything we do is absolutely perfect. This now starts the dialogue by putting the strategic framework out there. But we are at least able to share our experience, what we see is important, and how we have operated over the last - I mean, I've been a space operator for 32 years. We've been doing this for decades. How do we share that with others? And to the point of the Central Command and Middle Eastern countries, as they try to come on board and bring their own space capabilities, this framework will offer the opportunity for us to start engaging and help them as they come along or any nation that is a new spacefaring nation. It will help them come along and build those relationships, and we now have a strategic framework to do that. So I think overall it's a great step. I'm proud of the State Department for doing that, and I look forward to the continued partnerships with all the nations that I expect will now get an opportunity to formally - now that we have a framework - to enter the discussions. And I do think, bottom line, it's important that we talk. Whether we agree about all the norms of behavior being proposed or whether we agree with how certain things are done or not, it's important to talk. It always is. Because without talking, we can't understand where we are and how we meet as likeminded nations to get to something that works for the majority to be able to prosper in the domain. And so I think this now opens the door for that discussion to happen, and it will be very valuable moving forward. MODERATOR: And with that, we will conclude today's call. I'm sorry that we could not get to all questions today. I would like to thank Lieutenant General Burt for joining us, and I would like to thank all of our callers for participating. If you have any questions about today's call, you may contact the London International Media Hub at MediaHubLondon@state.gov. # # # NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China kicks off first crewed mission for application, development stage of its space station People's Daily Online By Liu Shiyao, Yu Sinan (People's Daily) 09:28, June 02, 2023 China's Shenzhou-16 manned spaceship, atop a Long March-2F carrier rocket, blasted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China at 9:31 a.m. on May 30, sending three astronauts to the country's space station combination. At 4:29 p.m. on the same day, the spaceship successfully docked with the radial port of the core module Tianhe of the space station combination. The crew members Jing Haipeng, Zhu Yangzhu and Gui Haichao then entered the core module, marking China's second in-orbit crew rotation. The Shenzhou-16 is the first crewed mission for the application and development stage of China's space station, during which the Shenzhou-16 and Shenzhou-15 crews will start a new round of in-orbit crew handover. It is reported that the Shenzhou-16 crew will perform extravehicular activities, conduct in-orbit tests and experiments, and carry out equipment installation, debugging, maintenance and repair. The Shenzhou manned spacecraft and the Long March-2F carrier rocket again make a perfect pair. Together, the two have made remarkable contributions to China's manned space exploration. Shenzhou is the only manned round-trip spacecraft model in China. It plays a vital role in safeguarding the safety of astronauts. Centering on the 14 sub-systems of the spaceship's orbiting, return and propelling capsules, the development team of Shenzhou from China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) has made more than 100 technical improvements and upgrades over the previous Shenzhou spacecraft, with an aim to informationize the spaceship's data connectivity, digitalize its cable assembly and layout, and make the monitoring of key parameters more intelligent. As China has kicked off the application and development stage of its space station, the country now carries out crewed missions on a regular basis with a frequency of twice a year, up from one launch every two to three years in the past. As the first one among a new batch of upgraded Shenzhou spacecraft, the Shenzhou-16 was designed in pursuit of efficiency and quality. For instance, after years of efforts, scientific researchers abandoned the piece-by-piece handmade production model of multi-layer insulation, known as the "overcoat" of spacecraft, and opted for digital designing and an automated production line. The Long March-2F carrier rocket is the only manned launch vehicle presently in service in China. It has succeeded in all its missions. "Compared with the Long March-2F Y15 carrier rocket, the Long March-2F has made 20 technical upgrades," said Liu Feng, deputy chief designer for the Long March-2F launch vehicle with the CASC China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology. According to him, the development team further lowered the fault rate of the rocket and strengthened the rocket's reliability by improving its techniques. The larger weight and size of the combination made the docking this time more difficult. To solve this problem, the CASC research team optimized the Shenzhou-16 spaceship's navigation and control system through specialized analysis and simulation. Living in space is a challenge for astronauts as their health conditions may be affected by the space environment. A set of health monitoring devices is needed to check their heart rate, breath, body temperature, blood pressure and other indices. Such devices on the Shenzhou-16 spaceship, developed by an institute under the CASC, constitute a data processing center for the physiological information of astronauts that monitors and safeguards astronauts' health conditions. Compared with general medical monitoring devices, the ones on the Shenzhou-16 are much more reliable and safer. Apart from monitoring health conditions, they can also store, transfer and process relevant information, so that ground medical staff are able to guide astronauts to cope with health emergencies. Pressure relief valves, liquid shut-off valves, physiological signal test kits and ECG recorders are also onboard with the Shenzhou-16 crew this time. These technologically mature products have joined multiple flight verifications and missions of Shenzhou spacecraft. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Regiment shows its mettle on the range 2 June 2023 Cultana Training Area in South Australia was left battered and bruised after 1st Armoured Regiment's (1 Armd Regt) Exercise Paratus Walk. Combat teams, including 3rd/9th SA Mounted Rifles and C Company 7th Battalion, the Royal Australia Regiment went through their paces undertaking gunnery training, as well as collective training across ASLAVs, PMV-Ls, M113 AS4, and M1A1 Abrams. Operations officer and exercise director of practice Major Lachlan Joseph said the activity demonstrated an integrated, capable and ready 1 Armd Regt. "The soldiers have really hooked in and worked hard," Major Joseph said. "We've gotten through our gunnery milestones and absolutely put steel on target very effectively." The exercise culminated in a combined arms grouping of the regiment's suite of capabilities to conduct a variety of tactical actions under demanding, realistic live-fire conditions. Major Joseph said it displayed the very best of what armour, and the combined arms team, had to offer. "Armour has the optimal balance of firepower, mobility and protection," Major Joseph said. "It's only with a variety of the armoured assets, working in concert with our combat enablers, that we can manoeuvre freely, keep the crew protected, and have devastating effects down range. Major Joseph said a highlight of the exercise was the opportunity to test 1 Armd Regt's combat service support capability. "We were really eager for them to get a good hit-out," Major Joseph said. "There's nothing better than getting some rounds down range by night." Commanding Officer 1 Armd Regt Lieutenant Mick Henderson was pleased with his team's efforts. "I've been really impressed by what the team has achieved over the past three weeks," Lieutenant Colonel Henderson said. "This activity worked to ensure we are ready to generate warfighting combined arms teams to support operations and lead force modernisation for armoured manoeuvre." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Bhubaneswar, June 3 (UNI) As many as 261 people were killed and over 900 injured in one of the deadliest train accidents at Bahanaga in Balasore of Odisha on Friday evening. So far 900 injured passengers, who have been rescued and admitted to various hospitals of the state, are undergoing treatment. Shalimar-Chennai Coromondal Express collided with a goods train and also with the Yeshwanthpur-Howrah Express near Bahanaga in Balasore District at around 7 PM on Friday. Meanwhile, Railway Minister Ashiwini Vaishnav said the rescue operation is over and restoration work has started. He appealed to the people, who gathered at the site of the accident, to vacate the place to help the railway authorities to undertake restoration work. Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Railway Minister Ashiwini Vaishnaw, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan visited the accident site and reviewed the situation. Leaders of various political parties, including BJP state President Manmohan Samal and OPCC President Sarat Patnaik also visited the spot. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who reviewed the situation in Delhi, is also scheduled to visit the accident later on Saturday. Vaishnaw said now priority is given to the treatment of the injured passengers. He said a detailed inquiry would be conducted to go into the root of the cause of the accident. The Railway Minister said the government would ensure that no such incident occurred in future. Meanwhile, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik ordered for a state mourning for a day. No state celebration would take place on June 3 throughout the day. UNI BD KK SJC Transcript - Opening remarks - Official lunch Transcript 02 Jun 2023 Prime Minister, Acting Prime Minister of the Republic of Singapore Relationship between Australia and Singapore E&OE LAWRENCE WONG, ACTING PRIME MINISTER OF SINGAPORE: I'm delighted to welcome Prime Minister Albanese and his delegation to Singapore once again. This is the Prime Minister's first official visit to Singapore as Prime Minister. But, of course, Singapore is no stranger to him. He has visited Singapore many times in various capacities, in 2014, for example, for the World Cities Summit, in 2017 as a Lee Kuan Yew Exchange fellow, and there was also the occasion when I first met him, when I was then in the Ministry of National Development. The strong and enduring friendship between Australia and Singapore has come a long way. During the Second World War, Australian soldiers fought bravely to defend Malaya and Singapore, with many giving their lives in the battles. When Singapore became independent in 1965, Australia was one of the first countries to recognise us as a sovereign nation. Our strong bilateral cooperation is anchored on a high level of strategic trust developed and strengthened over the decades and it has flourished under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, or the CSP, which was established in 2015. Last year, during the annual leaders' meeting, both sides signed the Singapore Australia Green Economy Agreement, which was the first for both sides but was also the first of its kind in the world. And we are now collaborating on supply chain resilience including food security, energy security, connectivity, and crisis response. In fact, the fish on today's menu is from an aquaculture farm in Singapore grown from fry imported from Australia. Of course, the wine is from Australia too. Singapore and Australia are partners that have supported each other in times of need. For example, in the early days of the COVID pandemic, while international travel was suspended, we helped to bring each other's citizens home. We concluded a vaccine swap to support each other's efforts to fight COVID-19. And more recently, last November, a team of 16 officers from the Singapore Civil Defence Force also participated in the flood emergency relief efforts in New South Wales. Our people-to-people ties are strong. Just in the first quarter of this year, some 230,000 Australians visited Singapore, you formed the third largest group of short-term visitors here. Singaporeans, too, are avid travellers, and we make up the fifth largest source of tourists for Australia. So we have some way to catch up because you are third for us but we are only fifth for you. But considering our much smaller population, I think we're doing reasonably well. More than 60,000 Singaporeans are living working and studying in Australia and thousands of our SAF troops train in Australia every year. Australia has been a longtime friend and steadfast partner to Singapore. We share similar perspectives on the continuing importance of multilateralism, and an open and inclusive rules-based regional architecture for cooperation. And this has enabled us to set new benchmarks for cooperation and jointly launched pathfinders in new areas like the digital and green economies, which hopefully can be scaled up and expanded to other regional countries. We also continue to welcome Australia to play a bigger role in our region and to further contribute to our region's stability and growth. We are in a troubled world that's filled with geopolitical uncertainties and tensions. But the strong and enduring partnership between Australia and Singapore gives us confidence to navigate our way through stormy weather and to take our countries forward. In 2025, we will reach the 10-year milestone of our CSP. So we look forward to working with our Australian mates to advance our bilateral cooperation to even greater heights. Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, may I now invite you to join me in a toast to His Majesty the King and the people of Australia, the good health and happiness of Prime Minister Albanese and his delegation, the continued peace and prosperity of Australia and of course to the enduring and strong friendship between Australia and Singapore. ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER OF AUSTRALIA: Well, thank you so much Acting Prime Minister Wong for that toast and for your thoughtful reflections. But most importantly for your genuine and warm welcome here to Singapore. And thank you as well for hosting us in what are quite remarkably beautiful surroundings here, both inside this building, but also the grounds as well. Let me take this opportunity as well to wish Prime Minister Lee a speedy recovery. To me this visit feels both new, but it also familiar. My first visit here as the Prime Minister of Australia, but familiar of course, because like so many Australians I have visited Singapore so many times before. I'm advised 16 times by the record keepers here in Singapore, which of course can be trusted for their accuracy. My first visit here was way back in 1986. And I have visited here so many times before, as both a tourist but also as Infrastructure and Transport Minister. I've attended so many global cities conferences, ICAO conferences, IACRA conferences, shipping conferences, have all been held here because you are such an important for this region and for the world. But my favourite memory is of visiting here as a Lee Kuan Yew fellow back in 2017, where for a week I benefited from the hospitality and warmth and engagement and education that I received, looking really deeply at the success that is the Singapore story, a successful state that has delivered such extraordinary living standards, that have been at the forefront of so many policy areas for the world. Areas like sustainable cities, water, aviation, and other transport issues including the port here that's the most efficient in the world, the extraordinary achievements of the Singapore story. But of course, that experience comes down to its people, the resilience and determination and encouragement that now I think we have between our two countries. Allow me to reiterate how much Australia values the strength and depth of our friendship anchored in our shared strategic economic interests, but also in our shared values. I am so looking forward to this evening, the Shangri-La Dialogue, where my keynote address will outline Australia's vision for the Indo-Pacific region. Singapore and Australia share a vision for the region which is open, stable and prosperous. And when we speak to the region and the world that shared vision, it matters. It matters because both of our countries are significant regional and global actors. Our voices on geopolitics and on the future of the Indo-Pacific region are listened to, in our region and beyond. We're both - in Australian terms - we're both straight shooters. We're just honest and upfront about where we're coming from and what our values are. And that's why we have such trust between us. And the benefit of bilateral dialogue, but also our participation in regional and multilateral forums, is that those person-to-person relationships can help reinforce that and deliver that. This is a consequential time for the future of our region. So I have appreciated the opportunity today to talk about how we can move that forward. Our collaboration is built on a foundation of bilateral cooperation that is remarkable. That is clear from the range of topics that were discussed today: defence and security, the green economy, food and energy security, our trading ties. It's clear to me that this is not a partnership of sitting on our haunches. Neither of our countries tends toward complacency. It's just not our style. We are nations that act, that build, that innovate, that contribute. So my pledge to you is that Australia is looking into the future in this relationship to new chapters. Our two nations have so much to gain from working together. And I thank you again for your hospitality. And can I propose a toast: to the President and the people of the Republic of Singapore and to the relationship between our peoples from Australia and the people of Singapore. To friendship. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Transcript - Opening remarks - Annual Leaders' Meeting Transcript 02 Jun 2023 Singapore Prime Minister, Acting Prime Minister of Republic of Singapore Relationship between Australia and Singapore; E&OE LAWRENCE WONG, ACTING PRIME MINISTER OF SINGAPORE: I want to start by welcoming Prime Minister Albanese and his delegation to Singapore. This is the Prime Minister's first official visit to Singapore so we are delighted that you are here. I want to convey greetings from Prime Minister Lee who unfortunately couldn't be here because of a COVID rebound. He had been looking forward to meeting all of you again since the last meeting in Canberra in October. But nevertheless, we are glad that we can continue with this annual leaders' meeting today, particularly since our officials have been working hard with all of the preparation. The relationship between our two countries is underpinned by our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. It has made significant progress since it was incepted. It's jointly completed more than 110 initiatives across six pillars of cooperation. We have added 'Green Economy' and right now we're working on bilateral supply chains, so many initiatives that will continue to ensure that we take our relationship forward. So we welcome the Prime Minister once again, and we look forward to a fruitful discussion on how we can strengthen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between our two countries, especially as we approach the 10th anniversary in 2025. ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER OF AUSTRALIA: Thank you very much to the Acting Prime Minister and we are very pleased and honoured that you're greeting us. We, of course, are sad that Prime Minister Lee - when he rang me yesterday, he himself expressed his disappointment that we weren't able to reengage our friendship that's developed over a long period of time with Singapore. I'm very proud to be here as the Australian Prime Minister. The acting Prime Minister Lawrence informed me that this was my 16th visit to Singapore, they keep track. But I thought it might even be more. My first visit here was in 1986 when I came as a young advisor to - I did have longer hair and I might even have had an earring way back then - but I came with my mentor Tom Uren back then and spent many days here as well engaging. And since then I've been back many times, both personally but also professionally as well, including in 2017 when I was a beneficiary of the Lee Kuan Yew Exchange Fellowship for a week. That was really a chance to engage in a very deep way for a week across the areas of co-operation. There is no closer friend that we have in the region than Singapore. Australia regards the centrality of ASEAN as being critical for our regional engagement. And Singapore, of course, has been a leader for such a long period of time, based upon the fact that we share values. And in the discussion, one-on-one that we're just having, we were talking about some areas of common interest that we have. Both want a secure, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. We're both maritime nations. We're both aviation nations. We're nations that are multicultural. We're nations that understand the importance of education to our prosperity going forward. This bilateral cooperation is very broad and it is deep: defence and security, trade and investment, building the industries of the future. In our comprehensive partnership across those six areas by adding, as we did last year with the agreement signed with Prime Minister Lee, the Green Economy. That just shows how the relationship continues to develop, to diversify, and to get ahead of where we need to be together going forward. I'm very honoured to be delivering the keynote address at the Shangri-La Dialogue. The fact that the most serious conference and gathering in the Indo-Pacific on defence and security and foreign affairs is held here in Singapore says a lot about the way that Singapore is seen in the region and indeed in the world as well. And it will be a great honour for me this evening. I thank you for stepping into the breach. It is an important signal, I think, of the seriousness we take to this relationship as well that you have. This is the first time I've been overseas with the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister both together. Normally he has to stay home and look after the shop if I'm away. We both wanted to show how significant we think this invitation is. Thank you so much for the warmth of the welcome that I received. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Australia-Singapore Annual Leaders' Meeting and Shangri-La Dialogue Media release 02 Jun 2023 Prime Minister Prime Minister Anthony Albanese met today with Acting Prime Minister Lawrence Wong Shyun Tsai in Singapore for the 8th Australia-Singapore Annual Leaders' Meeting. Australia and Singapore are close friends and long-term strategic and economic partners, with an enduring relationship that has evolved to meet the shared opportunities and challenges facing our region. Leaders discussed Australia and Singapore's perspectives on the regional strategic outlook, the deep and abiding defence relationship, expanding trade and investment ties and growing cooperation on food and energy security. Leaders also discussed the significant progress made under the landmark Green Economy Agreement, which is paving the way for Australia and Singapore to take ambitious climate action while seizing the economic opportunities of the net zero transition. Australia is committed to remaining a reliable energy supplier to Singapore during this transition. Singapore is the gateway to Asia and has a unique ability to promote innovative and sustainable ways to trade. Leaders agreed to establish a green and digital shipping corridor by 2025. This will bring together ports, maritime and energy operators with regulators to develop low and zero-carbon supply chains, green port services and shipping operations, and accelerate the development and uptake of green marine fuel. A new $20 million Go-Green Co-Innovation program will fund Australian and Singaporean small and medium businesses to develop innovative decarbonisation solutions. In addition, grants will be available to mobilise private capital to support climate action, the clean energy transition, and strengthen climate resilience in developing markets in Asia. The first grant round for this new program will open later this year. The Prime Minister and Acting Prime Minister discussed work underway to finalise the Australia Singapore Food Pact as announced last year. This pact, which leaders agreed to finalise by next year's Leaders Meeting, will support food security, increase bilateral trade and stimulate Singaporean investment into Australia by harmonising regulations, coordinating trade pathways and encouraging research and industry development. There is a strong future for Australian food exports to and through Singapore, and the Albanese Government is making sure Australian farmers and exporters are best placed to seize these opportunities. While in Singapore, the Prime Minister will deliver the keynote address to the Shangri-La Dialogue, setting out Australia's vision for the Indo-Pacific region. Convened by the International Institute for Strategic Studies, the Dialogue is the premier regional forum for senior government and thought leaders discuss regional security dynamics and challenges. The Prime Minister is honoured to have been invited to make the key-note address at this year's Dialogue. Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese: "Australia is proud to count Singapore as a close friend. This visit has been an opportunity to affirm our friendship, and map the next steps to implement our new Australia Singapore-Green Economy Agreement. "We are ambitious for what we can achieve together on the path to net zero, pushing boundaries and setting new standards to drive green trade and investment. "My visit to Singapore was an opportunity to look ahead with ambition for the next phase of this important relationship. "Southeast Asia and ASEAN matters to Australia - that's why I'm here this week. We are tied together by more than geography - we are linked by family, friends, business, education, tourism and a shared interest in the stability of the region into the future. "I look forward to outlining Australia's commitment to a better future for our region at the Shangri-La Dialogue this evening." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address IISS Shangri-La Dialogue Speech 03 Jun 2023 Prime Minister Check against delivery I'm delighted to be back in Singapore and here for my first visit as Prime Minister of Australia. I'm grateful to Acting Prime Minister Wong for a very positive and productive Leaders' Meeting this morning. And I wish my friend Prime Minister Lee a speedy recovery. And I'm deeply honoured that the International Institute for Strategic Studies has invited me to deliver the keynote address at this year's Shangri-La Dialogue. For two decades, this highly-respected forum has brought together experts in both defence and diplomacy. Longstanding recognition that building peace, security and stability depend on both strategic capability and diplomatic capacity, reinforcing each other. And by bringing together leaders and analysts from across the Indo-Pacific, ASEAN and founding dialogue partners such as Australia. This gathering emphasises the value of frank and constructive discussion, as well as making it clear that preserving peace and security is not a task any one of us can shoulder alone. Because just as the prosperity of our region has always been driven by shared opportunity - the stability of our region can only be secured through collective responsibility. That emphasis on both agreement and action, co-operation and capacity, has always been at the core of this forum - and indeed is at the heart of ASEAN itself. And even as the threats and challenges facing our nations have evolved and multiplied, we have held to the common understanding that we achieve far more together than we do alone. In the context of the current strategic environment, this has never been more important. We sometimes hear our region described as a potential 'theatre' for conflict. As if this is merely a backdrop, a location, an arena for the ambitions of others. Such a view is entirely - and dangerously - wrong. Not only does such a characterisation dismiss the agency and ambition of a majority of the world's population, and the engine room of the global economy. It also presents the future of this region as somehow a foregone conclusion. We've seen the flaw in that kind of thinking in the past. The benign assumption post-Cold War that the spread of globalisation, free trade, and new technologies would create a more open, more stable world. Some talked about 'the end of history', the beginning of a new world order, a unipolar era. There was a strand of complacency underpinning that. Meaning governments didn't always thoroughly examine, or properly explain the benefits of trade agreements to people, as if the virtues of open economies were self-evident. And we didn't always pay sufficient attention to the maintenance and effectiveness of multilateral institutions and global rules. The years that followed provided a sharp correction. The rise of nativism and isolationism A land war in Europe And the biggest conventional military build-up since the Second World War, in our own region. All proof that peace, prosperity and stability can never be taken for granted. But the lesson we draw from this must not be that trade and dialogue and rules and people-to-people connections don't support regional and global security. That would only mean being wrong a second time, but in a different way. To move from imagining conflict is impossible to assuming war is inevitable, is just as harmful to our shared goals. The fate of our region is not pre-ordained. It never was. It never is. What we do here, what we decide here, matters - for us and the world. And it always will. I can assure you, that when Australia looks north, we don't see a void for others to impose their will. We see growing and modernising economies. The fastest growing region of the world in human history. We see the drivers of the global transition to Net Zero. And we see a community of nations whose actions and decisions are essential to building prosperity and preserving peace in the Indo-Pacific. Peace is not a gift and it's never a given. It's not the default setting of any part of the world. It has to be built, pursued, defended and upheld. And when nations such as ours choose to promote peace, we are not opting-out from the big questions of security and stability. We are not choosing the smooth ride, or the passive course. We are committing to a whole-of-nation effort. That's my Government's focus in Australia. Investing in our capability and investing in our relationships. Strengthening our deterrence and our diplomacy. And bringing both to our presence in this region. Directing both to the ongoing task of maintaining an environment that enables economic competition and guards against strategic conflict. A region and a world where two countries can disagree - even very firmly - without that disagreement ending in disaster. Central to this, is the word of the moment: 'guardrails'. Now, I'm a former Minister for Infrastructure, so I confess that when I hear guardrails, my mind goes straight to the safety barriers on the side of major roads. But that's actually not a bad way of thinking about what is being proposed. Because this isn't about a policy of containment, it's not a question of placing obstacles in the way of any nation's progress or their potential. This is a matter of simple, practical structures to prevent a worst-case scenario. And the essential precondition for this is, of course, dialogue. Australia strongly supports renewed efforts from President Biden's administration to establish reliable and open channels of communication between the governments of the United States of America and the People's Republic of China. I want to recognise the very important speech Prime Minister Lee gave in China recently on this subject, where he said this: "Big powers have a heavy responsibility to maintain stable and workable relations with one another." Because the alternative, the silence of the diplomatic deep freeze, only breeds suspicion, only makes it easier for nations to attribute motive to misunderstanding, to assume the worst of one another. If you don't have the pressure valve of dialogue, if you don't have the capacity - at a decision-making level - to pick up the phone, to seek some clarity or provide some context, then there is always a much greater risk of assumptions spilling over into irretrievable action and reaction. The consequences of such a breakdown - whether in the Taiwan Strait or elsewhere - would not be confined to the big powers or the site of their conflict, they would be devastating for the world. That's why as leaders in this region - and as citizens of it - we should be doing everything we can to support the building of that first and most fundamental guardrail. In Australia, our Government has put dialogue at the heart of our efforts to stabilise our relationship with China. We're not naAve about this process, or its limitations. We recognise there are fundamental differences in our two nations' systems of government, our values and our worldviews. But we begin from the principle that whatever the issue, whether we agree or disagree, it is always better and always more effective if we deal direct. It is also an acknowledgement of our common interests. We have advocated strongly for the removal of any impediments to our trade. Not just because Australian producers benefit from being able to export our high quality products and resources to our largest trading partner. But because China, plainly, benefits from being able to import them. It is a win-win. And that's true on a broader level. China's extraordinary economic transformation has benefited not only its own population, it has benefited our entire region. Importantly, it is also due to our entire region. It's been made possible by a regional architecture that facilitates fair trade, encourages the sharing of knowledge, spurs innovation and builds people-to-people connections through education and tourism and business and orderly migration. American leadership has been an indispensable element in this, but we have all played our part, creating a prevailing climate of peace and stability - secured by sovereignty. This is where guardrails are absolutely necessary - while not being entirely sufficient. Because while we welcome any safeguard against a crash - there must also be a set of rules that serve all of us who use the road. This has to go beyond a catalogue of principles, or a set of ideals. It must be adaptable for unforeseen challenges, like a pandemic. And it must be workable and meaningful, not just to those of you here practised in the artful formulations of statecraft, but to the citizens we serve. Because the success and survival of the rules-based order depends on it both being fair - and being seen as fair. On working - and being seen to work. Upholding sovereignty, not just for the biggest powers, or the loudest voices - but for every nation. Sovereignty that confers on every nation the right to determine its own destiny. To enjoy freedom of action and policy independence. The right to make our own choices, to speak for ourselves and our interests, free of external pressure or duress. To pursue opportunities for our people without fear of coercion or retribution. To have confidence in the integrity of our borders - including our maritime zones - and control of our own resources. If this breaks down, if one nation imagines itself too big for the rules, or too powerful to be held to the standards that the rest of us respect then our region's strategic stability is undermined and our individual national sovereignty is eroded. That's why, for example, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea matters to all of us in this region. Its role is not simply to adjudicate on an incident-by-incident basis. It is to guarantee the security of our communications and our maritime trade and travel, essential for our shared prosperity. The same is true for the rules which govern global trade, where we need to make sure that the deals we arrive at deliver greater opportunity for our people and industries and economies. Because delivering stronger economic stability and facilitating closer exchange between our businesses and educational institutions and citizens is critical to building security in the region. For as long as Australia has made our own foreign policy, our alliance with the United States has been central to it. Ours has always been a bond of shared values and it remains a partnership of shared strategic interest - a common determination to preserve stability, prosperity and peace. Australia has also helped to build the regional architecture that has grown to be so important for stability in our region, including recognising the centrality of ASEAN. Of course, Australia has also always been a strong supporter of multilateral institutions and a constructive contributor to them. A great Australian, Doc Evatt, played an instrumental role as an advocate for the formation of the United Nations and was a driving force in the drafting and proclamation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. For Evatt and Australia this was a matter of principle and practicality - because he didn't want the future entrusted to a 'great power peace' alone. He wanted middle powers and smaller nations to have a seat at the table and to be able to make a contribution to their collective security. The wisdom of that approach endures. Of course, as I said before, bilateral dialogue is vital. But when relations are strained, bilateral talks can sometimes be reduced to a list of topics to avoid, or be seen and judged through the prism of a single issue to be solved. Whereas multilateral forums - the regional and the global - provide a new perspective, placing points of tension in the broader context, where they belong. They safeguard our capacity to argue constructively and disagree respectfully. Events such as this are part of the process as well. Better still, they remind us of what we can achieve when we agree. The challenges we can overcome if we work together - from climate change to the threat of nuclear weapons. Nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation is a cause I've been passionate about since I was a university student. It's one of the issues that drew me to a life in politics. And I wanted to take this opportunity to acknowledge this region's longstanding commitment to nuclear disarmament. From the creation of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty in the 1970s, through to the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty and the Bangkok Treaty in the 1990s, the citizens of this region have shown an unflinching commitment to preventing the spread of these destructive, inhumane and indiscriminate weapons. Recognising - from the outset - that this vital process could not be safely left to the Cold War mindset, with nations operating as counterbalancing pairs. It depended on multilateral rule making. Of course, we know this is not a danger that belongs only to history. North Korea's extraordinarily reckless launch of ballistic missiles and Russia's reprehensible threats to use nuclear force underscore the ongoing necessity of co-operative action and global rules to drive disarmament. Multilateral forums also remind us of the opportunities we can grasp if we co-operate - in everything from sustainable development to the global shift to clean energy. This understanding is at the heart of Australia's Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with ASEAN, where we are seeking to provide practical support for the Outlook on the Indo-Pacific. Because while our existing trade agreements play an important role - we recognise we need to do more here in the region. That's why my Government appointed Australia's first Special Envoy for Southeast Asia, Nicholas Moore, who is driving Australia's Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040. The strategy will identify new opportunities to strengthen our shared economic future. It will build on Australia's existing contribution to the key needs of Southeast Asian countries, particularly energy security, food security, and infrastructure investment. It's that same spirit of practical partnership that drives our engagement with the Pacific Islands Forum. Working with our partners, our equals, our neighbours and our family, on the basis of respect. And whether it is Australia's engagement in the Pacific. Our support for ASEAN and the East Asia Summit. Our founding pride in APEC. Our faith in the leadership of the G20. None of this is altered or supplanted by our participation in the revitalised Quad, or indeed our new AUKUS agreement. Before I stood alongside President Biden and Prime Minister Sunak to announce Australia's pathway to acquiring conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines, I ensured that my government spoke with every ASEAN and Pacific partner and many other nations. More than 60 phone calls, being open and transparent with the region about our intentions. Being clear with the region and the world that Australia remains strongly committed to our obligations under the NPT and the Treaty of Rarotonga. And as well, to co-operating with the International Atomic Energy Agency to set the highest standards for any country acquiring this capability. More broadly, I think my friend President Widodo made a really valuable point in the course of talking about the goal of making the region a stable and peaceful one, when he said that the Quad and AUKUS should work as: "Partners and not competitors." Partners, not competitors. That's very much Australia's view - and it is precisely our approach. The submarines we are acquiring - the single biggest leap in Australia's defence capability in our history - reflect our determination to live up to those expectations. To be a stronger partner and a more effective contributor to stability in our region. Multilateral institutions are essential to writing the rules and keeping them relevant. But reinforcing the rules - and upholding them - depends on our capability as well. Because Australia was not just one of the first countries to work on creating the United Nations. We were also part of the first UN peacekeeping mission, supporting Indonesian independence. Backing our words with our deeds. Our Government's investments in new capability and technology and personnel are - unapologetically - about our national defence and our national sovereignty. But they are also an investment in regional stability, strengthening our capacity to contribute to the collective security of the Indo-Pacific. From shared peacekeeping missions such as the regional assistance mission in Solomon Islands, to providing essential support in times of humanitarian and environmental disaster, most recently in Vanuatu. Australia is determined to deepen this co-operation with more shared exercises, building on the recent success of Talisman Sabre and our flagship regional engagement activity Indo-Pacific Endeavour. In boosting our nation's defence capability, Australia's goal is not to prepare for war but to prevent it - through deterrence and reassurance and building resilience in the region. Doing our part to fulfil the shared responsibility all of us have to preserve peace and security. And making it crystal clear that when it comes to any unilateral attempt to change the status quo by force: be it in Taiwan, the South China Sea, the East China Sea or elsewhere, the risk of conflict will always far outweigh any potential reward. Can I conclude by saying that before Shangri-La was an important dialogue or the name of a hotel, it was an old story. The tale of a remote mountain paradise, where time passed more slowly, safely cut-off from the cares of the world. Yet for us, as leaders and thinkers and decision-makers, Shangri-La is about dealing with uncertain, uneven, fast-moving complexity. Even in the life of this forum, we see how quickly the ground can shift. When this dialogue first convened, it was in the shadow of the September 11 attacks and on the threshold of new wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. When Kevin Rudd became the first Australian Prime Minister to address this forum in 2009, he said the question at the forefront of every nation's mind was the Global Financial Crisis. He also cautioned against 'strategic drift' and emphasised the need for 'robust structures' in a 'dynamic environment'. We could see the wisdom of that by the time Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull spoke here in 2017, warning of fighters in Syria and Iraq seeking to return to this region, and the need for revitalised co-operation against the emerging threat of cybercrime. We can never know for sure the timing or indeed the nature of the next shock our region will face. The test for all of us is not predicting when that challenge will arise - it's how we respond when it does. Recognising our collective agency and our shared responsibility. Understanding that there is no security to be found in isolation. No growth or prosperity to be gained from closing ourselves off from the world. No stability without respect for sovereignty. No lasting peace without engaging with each other - and working together. That's why Australia is invested and engaged and committed to Asia and the Indo-Pacific. Australia is engaged. Not as a spectator or a commentator. Not calling for others to act, while we stand and watch. Not urging nations down a path we are not prepared to walk ourselves. Australia is engaged as a champion for peace and prosperity in the region and the world. And as a constructive and committed contributor to the solutions to the challenges that all of us will face in the years ahead. Investing in our capability and investing in our relationships. Working to shape the future, not waiting for the future to shape us. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Belarusian Union Activist Sentenced To 42 Months On Charge Of Insulting Lukashenka By RFE/RL's Belarus Service June 02, 2023 A court in Minsk has sentenced union activist and genetics scientist Alyaksandr Kandratsyuk to 42 months in prison for allegedly insulting authoritarian ruler Alyaksandr Lukashenka amid an ongoing crackdown on dissent and civil society in Belarus. The Minsk-based Vyasna (Spring) human rights group said on June 2 that the Minsk City Court sentenced Kandratsyuk after finding him guilty of insulting Lukashenka, discrediting the country, and inciting social hatred. Kandratsyuk was initially arrested in September and handed a 13-day jail term, but he was not released after serving the sentence and instead was sent back to pretrial detention. The reason for his initial arrested remains unclear. Vyasna also said on June 2 that the Minsk City Court is currently trying 21-year-old activist Dzmitry Hudzeyeu on charges of organizing the actions of a terrorist group and the creation of an extremist group. It remains unclear what exactly the charges stem from. Last month, Belarusian KGB added Hudzeyeu to its terrorist registry. If convicted, Hudzeyeu may face up to 12 years in prison. Hundreds of people have been handed prison terms in Belarus following the unprecedented anti-Lukashenka rallies sparked by the election results. Thousands of others have been detained and there have been credible reports of torture and ill-treatment of detainees by security forces. Several people have died during the crackdown. The 68-year-old Lukashenka has leaned heavily on Russian support amid Western sanctions while punishing the opposition and arresting or forcing many of its leaders out of the country. Lukashenka denies voter fraud and has refused to negotiate with the opposition, led by Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya, who supporters say actually won the vote. The European Union, United States, Canada, and other countries have refused to recognize Lukashenka as the legitimate leader of Belarus and have slapped him and senior Belarusian officials with sanctions in response to the "falsification" of the vote and postelection crackdown. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/minsk-court-belarus- activist-sentenced-insulting-lukashenka/32441485.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 Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning's Regular Press Conference on June 2, 2023 Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China At the invitation of the government of the Republic of TArkiye, Ding Zhongli, President Xi Jinping's special envoy and Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), will attend President Recep Tayyip ErdoAYan's inauguration ceremony in Ankara on June 3. CCTV: According to reports, the first agreement under the US-Taiwan Initiative on 21st Century Trade was signed in Washington D.C. on the evening of June 1. Does the foreign ministry have any comment? Mao Ning: China strongly opposes official interactions of any form between China's Taiwan region and countries that have diplomatic relations with China. That includes negotiating or signing any agreement that implies sovereignty and has an official nature. The US government has deliberately pushed forward negotiations with the DPP authorities in Taiwan on the so-called "Initiative on 21st Century Trade" and signed the agreement. This gravely violates the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiquAs, and contravenes the US's own commitment of maintaining only unofficial relations with Taiwan. China strongly deplores this and has made serious dAmarches to the US side. Under the disguise of trade cooperation, the so-called "Initiative" is just a US tool to rip Taiwan off. The DPP authorities, driven by the selfish separatist agenda, have no scruples to betray Taiwan compatriots and businesses' interests or sell Taiwan away. By signing the agreement, they are offering Taiwan to the US on a plate. This is the latest example of the US trying to fudge and hollow out the one-China principle. We once again urge the US to abide by the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiquAs, immediately change course and stop official interactions of any form with Taiwan, stop pushing forward and revoke at once the so-called "Initiative" and agreement, and stop sending wrong signals to "Taiwan independence" separatist forces, otherwise all consequences shall be borne by the US side. People's Daily: We noted that the foreign ministry recently announced on its website that overseas Chinese diplomatic missions will launch remote online notarization service globally starting from June 1. Can you elaborate on this? Mao Ning: Based on regulations stipulated in the Notarization Law of the People's Republic of China, Vienna Convention on Consular Relations and bilateral consular treaties between China and other countries, Chinese diplomatic missions provide notarization service in accordance with law for Chinese nationals who have resided overseas for a long period. Given that overseas diplomatic missions could not directly notarize the disposition of real estate and other major assets and equity trade, individuals concerned had to spend time and money to travel back to China. To address the difficulties faced by overseas Chinese, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Justice jointly launched overseas remote online notarization service. According to this arrangement, after relevant Chinese notary institutions approved the application, overseas Chinese only have to go to the local Chinese embassies and consulates to complete the notarization process with notaries in China via video link witnessed by consular staff. Since the remote online notarization service was piloted in some countries starting from May last year, the service has met the urgent need of local Chinese and was widely welcomed by them. In order to lower costs, streamline the process and help more overseas Chinese benefit from the innovative service of "internet+consular", 196 qualified Chinese diplomatic missions all over the world and nearly 300 notary institutions in China can provide remote online notarization service for overseas Chinese starting from June 1. Those who need the service can check back for the notice issued by Chinese embassies and consulates. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, diplomatic missions together with the Ministry of Justice and relevant notary institutions will provide more quality service to meet the need of overseas Chinese nationals. Reuters: JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon is visiting staff and clients in Taiwan today. Does the foreign ministry have any comment? Mao Ning: This is not a matter of foreign affairs. On the Taiwan question, China's position in consistent and clear. CRI: IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said on May 30 that the situation at the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) is extremely fragile and dangerous. He called on Russia and Ukraine to abide by the IAEA's five principles and the IAEA experts will monitor that. Do you have any comment? Mao Ning: The continuing Ukraine crisis poses a grim challenge to the safety and security of Ukraine's nuclear facilities. China takes this seriously and in China's Position on the Political Settlement of the Ukraine Crisis issued in February this year, we call for keeping nuclear power plants safe and oppose armed attacks against nuclear power plants or other peaceful nuclear facilities. Following the common concerns of all parties, the IAEA Director General put forward a five-principle initiative to ensure the safety of the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) and has made active mediation efforts for this. China appreciates Director General Grossi's effort and support the constructive role he and his organization have played in promoting the safety and security of nuclear facilities. We call on parties concerned to adhere to humanitarianism, be science-based and rational, stay in communication and cooperation, strictly abide by the Convention on Nuclear Safety and other relevant international law, avoid taking any action that might endanger nuclear facilities and do everything possible to avoid any unexpected situation. The ZNPP's safety and security issue is just part of the Ukraine crisis and its settlement ultimately depends on the prospects of the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis itself. All parties should bear in mind the larger picture of peace and common security, work together to create enabling conditions for resuming talks and properly resolving relevant issues including the safety and security of the nuclear power plant. Countries with important influence should do more to play a responsible and constructive role rather than adding fuel to the fire. China will remain committed to promoting talks for peace and playing a constructive role in seeking a political settlement of the Ukraine crisis. Kyodo News: The Chinese Ministry of Commerce announced today that the RCEP entered into force for the Philippines, marking the full entry into force for all 15 member countries. But we have learned that RCEP is not yet implemented between some signatories including Japan and Myanmar. Analysts said that it was due to the domestic situation in Myanmar. What's China's comment? Mao Ning: RCEP is a major milestone in East Asian economic integration. The full entry into force of RCEP fully demonstrates that the 15 parties have taken practical steps to support the multilateral trading system, and are committed to continuously promoting a comprehensive, mutually beneficial and high-level economic partnership. China will work with all parties to implement RCEP well and inject more impetus for deepening regional economic integration and promoting growth in the region and the world as a whole. You mentioned that Japan and some other countries have not yet implemented RCEP and asked why, I think Japan is in a better position to answer this question. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address No dialogue between US, China defense chiefs in Singapore Defense Secretary Austin called refusal to meet 'unfortunate'. By RFA Staff 2023.06.02 -- A major regional security forum is underway in Singapore amid rising tensions in the South China Sea and East Asia, with in-person communication between defense chiefs from China and the United States remaining shuttered. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin had invited his Chinese counterpart, General Li Shangfu, to a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore but the Chinese minister declined. China's decision is "unfortunate," Austin said before arriving in the city state which has been hosting the annual event since 2002. "You've heard me talk a number of times about the importance of countries with large, with significant capabilities, being able to talk to each other so you can manage crises and prevent things from spiralling out of control unnecessarily," the U.S. defense secretary was quoted by news agencies as saying in Tokyo on Thursday. "I would welcome any opportunity to engage with Li," Austin said. "I think defense departments should be talking to each other on a routine basis or should have open channels for communications." For its part, China said that "dialogue cannot be without principles, and communication cannot be without a bottom line." Chinese Ministry of Defense spokesperson Tan Kefei said on Wednesday that the "current difficulties in the exchanges between the two militaries are entirely on the U.S. side." "On the one hand, the U.S. keeps saying that it wants to strengthen communication, but on the other hand, it ignores China's concerns and artificially creates obstacles, seriously undermining the mutual trust between the two militaries," Tan said. The spokesperson did not elaborate on the obstacles but the U.S. Indo Pacific Command on Tuesday accused a Chinese J-16 fighter jet of performing an "unnecessarily aggressive" maneuver during the intercept of a U.S. Air Force RC-135 reconnaissance aircraft last week. Beijing responded by calling it a hyped-up accusation, saying the U.S. spy plane "made an intrusion" into the Chinese army's training zone in the South China Sea and its "aerial forces ... professionally dealt with the situation in accordance with law and regulation." The Chinese defense minister, who took office in March, has been on the U.S. sanction list since 2018 for the purchase of SU-35 combat aircrafts and S-400 missile system-related equipment from Russia. This could be another obstacle for an official meeting between Gen. Li and Secretary Austin. Focal points In 2019 the then-Minister of National Defense Wei Fenghe had his first in-person meeting with his U.S. counterpart Patrick Shanahan. Wei also met with Lloyd Austin on the sidelines of Shangri-La Dialogue in 2022 when the forum returned after a couple years of disruption because of COVID-19. Analysts say the absence of a U.S.-China bilateral meeting reflects the difficulties in the military-to-military relations between the two powers. Yet "the U.S.-China competition is a focal point of the Shangri-La Dialogue, since it shapes so much of the dynamics in the region and beyond," said Ian Chong, an associate professor of political science at the National University of Singapore (NUS). The Global Times, a sister publication of the Chinese Communist Party's mouthpiece People's Daily, in an editorial on Thursday said that the ball is in the U.S. court. "Frankly speaking, the outcome and effectiveness of the Shangri-La Dialogue largely depend on how the U.S. behaves during the conference," it warned, accusing the U.S. of always trying "to take center stage and set the tone" for the forum. There are still hopes that, despite the rhetoric, the two delegations from the United States and China would meet "unofficially under a low-key format", said Hoang Thi Ha, Co-ordinator for the Regional Strategic and Political Studies Program at the ISEAS - Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore. Southeast Asian countries "are keen to see whether the U.S. and China would renew their communication especially via the military and defense channel," Ha told RFA. "It is in everybody's interest that Washington and Beijing tone down their hostile posturing towards each other," the analyst said. Li Shangfu and Lloyd Austin, separately, plan to make speeches at the forum. Li will speak of China's new security initiatives and Austin on the U.S. leadership in the Indo-Pacific. During the three days of the Shangri-La Dialogue, 600 delegates from 43 countries will examine the complex security environment in the Asia-Pacific and the war in Ukraine. "Other topics of discussion are the situation in Myanmar and the war in Ukraine, especially when it comes to the issue of food security," NUS's Ian Chong told RFA. In his opinion, the rising tension in the Taiwan Strait will also be discussed, as "any Taiwan crisis will affect the region quite directly because of supply chains, shipping lanes, air lanes, and submarine cables going to Northeast Asia." "The problem, however, is that Taiwan has only a token quasi-official presence at the forum," the analyst said, noting that China, which considers Taiwan one of its provinces, would resolutely object to any official Taiwan attendance. "More exposure to Taiwanese experts in the Shangri-La Dialogue certainly could provide deeper insights into the situations across Taiwan Strait," said Norah Huang, research fellow from Taiwanese think tank Prospect Foundation. The think tank's president, Lai I-chung, is attending the forum as a guest of the organizer, the International Institute for Strategic Studies. The Shangri-La Dialogue, in its 20 years, is "a unique meeting where ministers debate the region's most pressing security challenges, engage in important bilateral talks and come up with fresh approaches together," according to IISS. Speakers at this year's event include the ministers of defense from Germany, Australia, the U.K., Canada, Sweden, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, the Philippines, Indonesia and Cambodia. Two key Southeast Asian players - Malaysia and Vietnam - are keeping low profiles and not making any addresses at the forum. Vietnam has also scaled down its presence, sending only a small delegation headed by a vice minister of defense. Edited by Mike Firn. 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 June 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 US bill seeks 'enhanced' Uyghur genocide sanctions France's Senate also approves a bill seeking an E.U. version of America's ban on imports tied to slave labor. RFA Uyghur 2023.06.02 -- A bill introduced into the U.S. Senate on Wednesday would force businesses to disclose links to forced Uyghur labor to the Securities and Exchange Commission and provide funds for those who have escaped the Xinjiang region to counter Chinese propaganda. It follows the passage on Thursday of a bill in France's Senate that urges the European Union to copy the U.S. ban on the import of goods linked to forced Uyghur labor, which French lawmakers say has rerouted many such goods into the European single market. Besides requiring the SEC filing, the new U.S. Senate bill would expand existing travel restrictions on Chinese officials linked to the genocide and provide further funding for "broadcast initiatives to counter Chinese propaganda," according to a press release. Introduced by Sen. Marco Rubio, a Republican from Florida, and Sen. Jeff Merkley, a Democrat from Oregon, the Uyghur Genocide Accountability and Sanctions Act would also provide funding for ongoing Uyghur cultural and linguistic preservation projects. "By building upon current legislation, this bicameral bill aims to enhance the enforcement of secondary sanctions on businesses that offer assistance to the Chinese Communist Party's ongoing atrocities against the Uyghurs," Rubio said in the press release. If passed, the draft bill would help plug holes in the 2021 Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, and further impose penalties against those profiting from Uyghur slave labor, Rubio and Merkley said. But to become law it still has to pass through committee in the Senate before being introduced to a vote on the floor of the chamber, and then pass the House, too, where it is being sponsored by Rep. Chris Smith, a Republican from New Jersey. French bill Across the Atlantic, French senators on Thursday unanimously passed a resolution calling for Europe's own version of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act to ban imports tied to slave labor. Sen. MAlanie Vogel, who represents Europe Ecology - The Greens for the constituency of French citizens living abroad, told Radio Free Asia her party introduced the legislation to pressure E.U. officials. Under Europe's single market, the 27 individual E.U. member states do not have the power to unilaterally change trade policy, with laws over imports and exports unified across the European Union. "This resolution is basically asking for the introduction of a very efficient mechanism at the E.U. level that would ban goods made using forced labor," Vogel said. "Basically, it's asking the French government to push for this position at the E.U. level." She said an existing E.U. proposal on the issue only seeks to ban imports of goods after they are proven to be linked to slave labor in an extensive legal process. But the French Senate preferred a ban "based on the mechanism that was introduced in the U.S," she said, which assumes Xinjiang-made goods involved slave labor. "So, putting the burden of proof on the companies who want to export goods into the E.U. market, and not on human rights activists to prove there are actually violations of human rights," she said. "They have to prove they did not use forced labor." E.U. coordination Such a bill is needed after the 2021 U.S. law diverted many Xinjiang-made goods to Europe, said Dilnur Reyhan, head of the European Uyghur Institute and a Uyghur studies lecturer at the National Institute of Oriental Languages and Civilizations in Paris. "The goods made with Uyghur forced labor that couldn't enter the U.S. are making their way into the European market. That's why it's extremely critical that such legislation needs to pass in Europe as well," Reyhan told RFA, noting it was only the initial step. "A resolution like this from each E.U. member state is important to pressure their governments. In order to have real impact, all 27 E.U. member states would need to pass a unified piece of legislation." Edited by Alex Willemyns and Malcolm Foster. 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 June 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 Spain Plays Key Role for West in Relations with China By Graham Keeley June 02, 2023 Spain will be looking to leverage its 50-year-old relationship with China to bring a peaceful resolution to Russia's war on Ukraine when it assumes the rotating presidency of the European Union next month. The presidency will give Madrid a prominent role representing the West in efforts to put an end to the conflict on terms that do not reward Russia's aggression. In the run-up to taking the baton to represent the EU, Spain is throwing its weight behind Kyiv's appeal for admission to the NATO alliance. Ukraine must be given a strong message of support regarding its NATO membership bid, Spanish Foreign Minister JosA Manuel Albares said Thursday at a meeting of the military alliance in Norway, Reuters reported. During a meeting in Beijing in March, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro SAnchez urged Chinese President Xi Jinping to discuss his nation's peace plans with Kyiv directly. SAnchez was the first Western leader to meet Xi after the Chinese leader traveled to Moscow earlier in March for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Spanish premier was also keen to let the Chinese communist leader know that he believes no peace agreement should be imposed on Ukraine without its consent. Analysts said the Beijing summit, timed to celebrate a half-century of diplomatic ties between the two countries, took on added significance because of Madrid's looming position representing the broader Europe Union. Observers said Spain will play a key role in the months ahead seeking to forge a united European approach to the war and how best to defend Ukraine. Mario Esteban, senior investigator on Asia and the Pacific at the Real Elcano Institute, a think-tank in Madrid, said apart from its involvement in any peace talks over Ukraine, Spain will also have to build consensus within Europe over how to deal with China, which is an official ally of Russia. "Spain is less hard-line towards Russia. It is not like Poland or other countries. Therefore, there is not the same level of political tension between Spain and China over Ukraine," he told VOA. "It is also less economically dependent on China [than] Germany or France, therefore it is freer to negotiate. This gives Spain more ability to build diplomatic consensus within the European Union towards China on questions like the war in Ukraine." Esteban, who has spent five years of his career in China, said relations between Beijing and Madrid are "good" despite the ambitions of the current Spanish government to attain economic independence from China in sectors like pharmaceuticals. The leadership of both countries are hardly strangers. Esteban said SAnchez met Xi at a G-20 conference in Bali in November and Albares spoke to his Chinese counterpart, Qin Gang, in New Delhi in March. The two countries' relationship has gone through a cooling off in recent years, said Esteban. Spanish exports to China almost doubled to reach $6.6 billion between 2011 and 2018 when Xi visited Madrid. However, for Spain, Chinese investment is not as attractive as it was in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis, said Esteban in a recent analysis of their diplomatic and economic ties. Beijing has found other European countries, like Greece and Hungary, which are closer to the Chinese position on disputes over the South China Sea and human rights in China. SAnchez refused to sign a memorandum of understanding on Beijing's Belt and Road Initiative during Xi's 2018 visit to Spain. Esteban believes this started a more "nuanced and selective" approach by Spain to ties with China. "All this has ushered in an era in which Spanish-Chinese relations will be increasingly influenced by geopolitical considerations and third parties, primarily the EU and the U.S.," he wrote. Ruth Ferrero -Turrion, an expert in European relations at Complutense University in Madrid, said China is trying to act as a global mediator in the Russian war on Ukraine. "Spain will not make substantive changes (to its foreign policy regarding China). Traditionally, it has followed the majority view of the European Union," she told VOA. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UK urges DPRK to cease missile launches, return to dialogue and to take credible steps towards denuclearisation: UK statement at the Security Council Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council meeting on North Korea. 2 June 2023 Thank you, President. The UK condemns the DPRK's reckless, failed satellite launch on 30 May 2023. Let me be clear. This launch had nothing to do with peaceful uses of outer space. It was a military reconnaissance satellite, and used ballistic missile technology to launch. As such, it was a further violation of this Council's resolutions. It follows 9 sets of ballistic missile tests since the start of 2023, including a solid fuel inter-continental ballistic missile test in April. All part of DPRK's reckless pursuit of advanced nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities with which it seeks to threaten its neighbours. While the launch failed, it caused alarm for the people of Japan and the Republic of Korea. But it is the North Korean people who bear the highest costs of these launches, as their government diverts resources away from peoples' basic economic needs. Colleagues, this behaviour is unacceptable. DPRK continues to flout the international non-proliferation architecture and poses a threat to global peace and security. We understand it intends to repeat the failed launch as soon as it can. We are ready to work urgently with all Council members to send a unified message to the DPRK. We continue to urge all Member States to fully implement existing resolutions and to counter the continued development of DPRK's illegal weapons programmes. Once again, President, we urge the DPRK to cease these launches, return to dialogue and take credible steps towards denuclearisation and peace on the Korean Peninsula. Thank you. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Two Israeli soldiers killed in shootout on Israel-Egypt border Jerusalem, June 3 (UNI) Two Israeli soldiers were killed on Saturday in a shootout adjacent to the border between Israel and Egypt, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement. An assailant, who was in Israeli territory, opened fire at the troops and was "neutralized" by the soldiers, said the statement, without revealing the identity of the gunman. The IDF is conducting inspections in the area, it added, noting more exchanges of fire took place on the border hours after the security incident. Such confrontations along the Israel-Egypt border are rare as the two countries maintained close security ties under a peace agreement signed by the two sides in 1979. The Israeli military frequently carried out search-and-arrest operations on the common border to prevent drug and weapons smuggling. In 2014, Israel completed the construction of a 242-km barrier along the shared border with Egypt, in an attempt to stop illegal labor migration from African countries into Israel. UNI/XINHUA AKS BM Transcript of Special Briefing by Foreign Secretary on the visit of Prime Minister of Nepal to India (June 01, 2023) India - Ministry of External Affairs June 01, 2023 Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Very good afternoon to all of you. Thank you for joining us for this special media briefing for the ongoing visit of the Prime Minister of Nepal. To give us a sense of the visit so far, we have with us, Foreign Secretary Sir, Shri Vinay Kwatra. Also joining us on the dais are, Ambassador to Nepal, Sri Naveen Srivastava and Joint Secretary (North), Shri Anurag Srivastava. Sir, may I hand over the floor to you. Shri Vinay Kwatra, Foreign Secretary: Thank you very much and good afternoon to all our friends from the media, who have come here for this special briefing on the ongoing visit of the Honorable Prime Minister of Nepal, Mr. Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Prachanda to India. As you are all aware, the Prime Minister of Nepal, His Excellency Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda ji is on an official visit to India. We have just concluded the bilateral engagement between the two Prime Ministers. I would begin by running you through the program and thereafter provide a general sense of the discussions, as also key outcomes which have been achieved during this ongoing visit of Prime Minister Prachanda. This is Prime Minister Prachanda's first bilateral visit abroad since he assumed office as Prime Minister in December last year. Overall, this is his fourth visit to India in his capacity as the Prime Minister of Nepal. Prime Minister Prachanda arrived yesterday. Following his arrival, the National Security Adviser called on him yesterday. This morning, Prime Minister Prachanda visited Rajghat to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi. Thereafter, he was received at Hyderabad House by the Honorable Prime Minister for talks. And after the talks concluded, both Prime Ministers presented their press statements, which you would have all seen. Nepal occupies a very special place under India's neighborhood first policy. Our relationship with Nepal is unique, characterized by open borders and civilizational ties, that are anchored in our shared cultural and religious traditions, manifesting as strong people to people linkages, including those of kinship. The talks between the two Prime Ministers characterize the traditional warmth and cordiality between our two countries. The two leaders engaged in fairly comprehensive and constructive and future oriented discussions directed towards taking India-Nepal bilateral relationship forward in a manner that is constructive, progressive and beneficial for both our societies. The discussions and outcomes cover the entire spectrum of bilateral cooperation, including political, economic, trade, energy, connectivity, infrastructure cooperation, and also development partnership. I would briefly share with you key outcomes during the two Prime Ministers discussion, which were also announced just ahead of the press remarks. Let me start with the power sector, which has been one of the key signature successes of India-Nepal partnership in recent years. As you would recall, India and Nepal had issued a joint vision statement on power sector cooperation in April last year, when former Prime Ministers Shri Sher Bahadur Deuba ji was visiting India. During the talks today, the two Prime Ministers appreciated the growth in the power sector cooperation and also the export of over 450 MW of power from Nepal to India. A major decision today, which was also announced by Honorable Prime Minister, in his press remarks, was the understanding by both leaders to increase the quantum of export of power, as an objective, from Nepal to India to 10,000 MW within the next 10 years. As regards power generation, an MoU was signed for the development of 480 megawatt Phukot-Karnali hydropower project in western Nepal by NHPC of India. Further, the signing of the project development agreement for the 679 megawatt Lower Arun project by India's Sutlej Jal Vidyut Nigam was also welcomed by the two Prime Ministers. Besides power generation and power trade, which I just mentioned, there were also achievements in the field of power transmissions, where the two Prime Ministers participated in the groundbreaking of the 400 KV, Gorakhpur-Butwal transmission line. This is the second high capacity interconnection between two countries. India has also decided to fund three major transmission corridors in Nepal under the line of credit support of about $680 million. These are Bheri Corridor, Nijgadh-Inaruwa Corridor and Gandak-Nepalgunj corridor. As you would have all noticed in the press report some time ago, India has also agreed to permit the first trilateral power transaction from Nepal to Bangladesh via India for up to 40 MW of power. During the meeting, the two Prime Ministers also expressed their commitment to achieve tangible and time bound progress on Pancheshwar multipurpose project. Both sides also concluded besides this long list of agreements and specific cooperation in the field of hydropower, both Prime Minister also saw key agreements, concluded in the field of cross border movement of goods, people and finance. Today, India and Nepal signed the revised Treaty of Transit, which would be among the things provide Nepal access to inland waterways of India for the first time. This is effectively once in a generation kind of Agreement, which would contribute very significantly to the development of trade and investment linkages between India and Nepal. The two Prime Ministers also inaugurated the twin Integrated Check Posts (ICPs), in Rupaidiha in India and Nepalgunj in Nepal. Both Prime Ministers also conducted the groundbreaking ceremony of the twin ICPs in Sunauli in India, and Bhairahawa in Nepal. An MoU for the construction of another Integrated Check Post in Dodhara Chandani, in the far western Nepal, under Indian grant assistance was also concluded. India has also decided to fund and build two additional bridges across the Mahakali River at Shirsha and Jhulaghat in Nepal, connecting to Champawat and Pithoragarh districts in India. In the railway sector, both the Prime Minister presided over the inaugural run of the cross border freight rail operations between Bathnaha in India and Nepal custom yard in Nepal, on the Jogbani-Biratnagar rail link, which was constructed with the Indian grant assistance. This was accompanied by handing over to the Government of Nepal, the Kurtha-Bijalpura rail section of the Jaynagar-Kurtha passenger rail link, of which operations were flagged off by the Prime Ministers of India and Nepal last year. India is additionally providing one time grant for maintenance of the railway infrastructure for Jaynagar-Kurtha rail section. The final location survey of Raxaul-Kathmandu rail link was also handed over to the Nepalese side. It was also agreed that India will provide training and capacity building to Nepal Rail Officials in the Indian Railway Institutes. The conclusion of the agreement between NPCI International Limited and NCHL of Nepal links our digital payment systems and is yet another significant step in creating seamless financial connectivity between India and Nepal. This also builds on the launch of Rupay card last year. On energy sector, besides the hydropower, the two Prime Ministers also laid the foundation stone for phase two facilities under the Motihari-Amlekhgunj Pipeline. The phase one, as you are aware, has been a game changer for the supply of petroleum products to Nepal ensuring significant cost saving and efficiencies. An MoU was also signed on extension of this pipeline, Motihari-Amlekhganj Pipeline, from Amlekhganj to Chitwan as well as on laying the second major cross-border pipeline infrastructure between Siliguri in India and Jhapa in Nepal. So, extension of the existing pipeline and laying of a new cross-border petroleum product pipeline between the two countries. India has also offered Nepal for creating a ground station and supply 300 user terminals to offer the services of South Asia satellite to Nepal under grant assistance. This initiative would promote regional cooperation in the space sector as also facilitate the utilization of space technology applications in important areas of governance such as medicine, tele-education, e-governance and also disaster response. Prime Minister Modi also congratulated Nepal on becoming a founding member of the International Big Cat Alliance. As regards the other elements of the visit, the Prime Minister of Nepal will participate in the Joint Investor Summit. He will also be calling on the Honorable President and Honorable Vice President of India, later today. Tomorrow, Prime Minister of Nepal travels to Madhya Pradesh, first to the holy city of Ujjain and where he would visit the Mahakaleshwar temple. As you are aware, Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji had inaugurated the Shri MahaKal Lok Corridor in Ujjain in October last year. The visit would reflect the depth of our deep rooted civilizational linkages. Honorable Prime Minister of Nepal will also spend some time in Indore and will have official engagements there, including those relating to, with visiting the sites relating to solid waste management and also visiting a Special Economic Zone there. The visit of Prime Minister of Nepal to India upholds the long established tradition of high level visits and exchanges between the two countries. The outcome oriented discussions held by Prime Minister Modi ji and Prime Minister Prachanda have provided a very robust framework for taking our multifaceted partnership to even greater heights for the benefit of our people here. As you can see, from the long list of outcomes spread across pretty much all domains of economic cooperation, these are all classic successful examples of the vision of Neighborhood First, that Honorable Prime Minister of India has maintained with regard to India's neighborhood. I would stop here and would take whatever questions you might have. Thank you. Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson, Ministry of External Affairs, India: Thank you Sir. The ground rules again, please identify yourself and the organization you represent. I will start with you Yeshi. Yeshi Seli: This is Yeshi Seli from the New Indian Express. Sir, there were no bilaterals in improving air connectivity because Nepal has been requesting that air connectivity specially in the airport at Lumbini. And what were the talks like when both prime ministers did talk about resolving border, cross-border dispute? Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Sorry, could you repeat the first one? Yeshi Seli: The first was air connectivity. Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Yeah. What is the question? Yeshi Seli: Nepal has been asking India to enhance air connectivity specially to new airports like the one in Lumbini. Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Okay. Yeah, please. Kavita: Sir main Kavita hu, Hari Bhoomi Newspaper se. Sir mera sawal ye hai ki do no pradhan mantrio ki jo baat chit huwi hai usme defense aur security ka issue jisme jo Nepal ke taraf se jo humesha jo disputed border areas hai unhe claim kiya jata hai jaise Lipulekh, Kalapani aur Limpiyadhura ka jo dispute hai. Uske lekar pradhan mantri Modi ne kya pradhan mantri Prachanda ke samne me koi baat rakhi hai? Aur unka kis taraha ka rukh raha hai pradhan mantri Prachanda ka iske bare mei. Approximate translation Sir, I am Kavita from Hari Bhoomi Newspaper. My question is regarding the discussion between the two Prime Ministers about the defense and security issues, specifically the ongoing dispute over the disputed border areas with Nepal, such as Lipulekh, Kalapani, and Limpiyadhura. Has Prime Minister Modi said anything to Prime Minister Prachanda regarding this matter? And what is the stance of Prime Minister Prachanda on this issue? Abhishek Jha: Hello Sir. Abhishek Jha from CNN News 18. My question is regarding this Aagnipath Scheme and Nepalese citizens are not being recruited in this Scheme for long now and whether the two Prime Ministers did discuss this issue and what was the overall you know rukh on this issue? Madhurendra: Sir Madhurendra News Nation se. Mera sawal rail connectivity ko le kar hai. Jaisa ka apne bataya ki Raxaul se le ke Kathmandu ke bich jo rail connectivity par baat chit huwi hai, us barame Nepalese side ko handover kiya gaya hai. To kya target plan hai? Kab tak ye rail connectivity ka hum plan kar rahe hai? Dusara sawal Sir Abhishek ke sawal se related hai. Basically jo Gurkha ki bharti hoti thi humare Indian army me ab wo band hai Aagnipath scheme ke aane ke baad se. to kya usko le kar ke koi baat chit huwi hai? Approximate Translation Sir, this is Madhurendra from News Nation. My question is regarding rail connectivity. As you mentioned, there have been discussions about the rail connectivity between Raxaul and Kathmandu, and it has been handed over to the Nepalese side. What is the target plan? Till when are we planning for this rail connectivity? My second question is related to Abhishek's question. Basically, the recruitment of Gurkhas in the Indian Army has been discontinued since the introduction of the Aagnipath Scheme. Has there been any discussion regarding this matter? Gita Mohan: Gita Mohan from India Today. There are reports of statements from leaders in Nepal, former Prime Minister KP Oli, regarding the Akhand Bharat map in the Indian Parliament. He said that that should be raised by the Nepalese Prime Minister, when he meets with the Indian Prime Minister. Was the matter discussed? Akanshya: Sir Akhanshya Nepali Times. Sir just two quick questions. One on the Bhutanese refugee crisis that is rocked the entire country right now. A lot of protests in Nepal and Nepal is also under an international pressure. Was this brought up to you -- Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: What crisis? Akanshya: The Bhutanese refugees, the fake Bhutanese refugee issue. And Sir, can we now on the EPG was there any discussion on the Eminent Persons Group report? Can be now consider it a thing of the past? Thank you. Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Sir, let's take this round and then we have a few more hands. Shri Vinay Kwatra, Foreign Secretary: Can I just pick up different elements of different questions on which the answers are in clear yes and no so that it becomes easier in terms of responding to the other questions? So the question from Abhishek, part of the question from Abhishek on the recruitment of Gurkhas, post the Agnipath Scheme. Apka bhi prasan Gurkha recruitment ko le ke tha. Approximate translation Your question was also regarding Gurkha recruitment. Question from Akanshya on the question relating to the Bhutanese refugee scam in Nepal...EPG report and the question there on the matter of mural whether that came up or not. To the best of my understanding during the restricted level talks and during the delegation level talks, these issues were not raised. Yeshi, to your question relating to discussions on air connectivity. The two Prime Ministers discussed almost all aspects of bilateral connectivity between the two countries. In fact, if you heard, well Prime Minister did mention that during his 2014 visit, he had coined the term 'hit'= highways, info ways and trans ways, essentially pointing to different elements of connectivity between the two countries. And all these aspects came up. We have already mentioned....I mentioned in my opening remarks, some of the crucial decisions relating to...for example, infrastructure connectivity, whether it is through the ICPs or it is through the petroleum. I have also listed out the agreement relating to financial connectivity between the NPCIL and NCHL. Air connectivity and how best to intensify as also expand the connectivity between India and Nepal definitely came up for discussion. There are many elements to it. There is element of connectivity between different cities of India and different cities of Nepal. There is also a question of connectivity with different cities of Nepal through different air routes. The principle frame of reference, and you heard this in the remarks by Honorable Prime Minister of Nepal, the principle frame of reference in looking at all broad level issues and specific issues of air connectivity between the two countries is a positive frame of reference. And in that frame, the technical experts will now sit down look at each of the proposals which are there on the table and would proceed forward to make appropriate decisions. These are questions which require extensive technical examination because you do get into airspace, at some points the air spaces...under the domains where in it interferes into the space which is commanded by Air Force and all that. So there are all, this is just one of the question, but there are several other elements, which are very important for the technical experts to examine on this. Your second question was relating to the border. In the press remarks of the two Prime Ministers, you heard what Honorable Prime Minister of India said towards the end of his press remarks. And you also heard what Honorable Prime minister of Nepal said in his remarks with regard to, how the border issue...how the boundary issue is to be addressed going forward. I would not like to add anything to those remarks because those statements speak for themselves. They not only speak of the intent of the two leaders and the two systems, they also speak of the specifics through which that intent is to be carried forward and I think that has very clearly came out in that statement. Kavita ji jo aapke prasan me jo do mulbhut baatein thi ek to jo dispute ko le ke. Uska uttar main apko ispast roop se diya hai. Lekin jo baaki safety aur security ko le kar jo mudde hai, jo do samajo me security se mudde jo jude huwe jo prasna hai, uspe le ke dono netaaon ne vistaar me varta ki aur us varta ke antargat kis prakar se Bharat-Nepal apna sahayog baidhaye, kis prakar se jo ki dono desho ke bich me jo relevant sansthaye hai wo apna sahayog banaye taki jo bhi ye safety security ki samsyae hai unko unchit roop se ground level pe acchi taraha se nivaran ho sake. In samasyao ka swaroop kya hai, in samasyao me kya kya chunautiya hai jo dono samajo ke samne utpanna hoti hai ye acchi taraha se vistrit roop se dono pradhan mantri ke bich me sahayog ka kya paripeskh ho in sab chunautiyo ko address karne ke liye usme vistar me varta huwi thi. Approximate translation Kavita ji, the two fundamental issues you mentioned...one was regarding the disputes, has been addressed clearly in my previous response. However, on the issues related to safety and security, the questions related to security in both the societies, both the leaders extensively discussed about them. And in those discussions, they discussed how India and Nepal can strengthen their cooperation and how relevant institutions between the two countries can collaborate in finding effective solutions to the challenges and ensuring proper resolution of safety and security issues at the ground level. The nature of these issues, the challenges they present to both societies...a detailed discussion between the two Prime Ministers on what should be the perspective of cooperation to address these challenges were part of the elaborate conversation. Rail connectivity. You know as I...jo rail connectivity me jo Raxaul-Kathmandu ka jo FLS, field level survey hai, wo haali me Nepal sarkar ko diya gaya hai. Ab hum Nepal sarkar ke comments us field level survey pe kya honge uski apeksha kar rahe hai. Sigrah sigrah jaise wo humare pas aayega uske baad agale kadam yani ki Raxaul-Kathmandu ka jo route hai uska uspe DPR, uspe jo aage technical chetra me jo bhi karya honi hai wo karya se pahele hume Nepal ki uttar ki pratiksha hai. Humare field level surveys ke document ko. Ek baar wo reply aa jata hai to is project ki time line kya ho usko sunischit karna thoda saral ho jayega. Approximate translation The Field Level Survey (FLS) for the Raxaul-Kathmandu rail connectivity project has recently been handed over to the Nepalese government. Currently, we are awaiting comments from the Nepalese government regarding this field level survey. Once we receive their feedback, further steps, such as the Detailed Project Report (DPR) and the necessary technical work for the Raxaul-Kathmandu route, can proceed. However, before commencing these tasks, we are awaiting the response from Nepal, specifically regarding the documents related to our field level surveys. Once we receive their reply, it will be easier to determine the project's timeline. Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Thank you. Niraj? Okay. Yes please. Ranjit: My name is Ranjit Kumar. Foreign Secretary, did the Nepalese PM raise the issue of -- Ranjit Kumar. Did the Nepalese PM raise the issue of peace and friendship treaty with the Indian Prime Minister during conversations? Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: You please introduce your organization also just for record. Ranjit: I am freelancer Sir. Kallol: Kallol from The Hindu Sir. Sir, there are reports that Nepalese Government is in talks with certain companies in China for purchase of military hardware. Has India expressed its opinion on this purchase that's currently under process? Manas: Sir Manas from PTI. Sir, just want to know in fact, I mean, how significant is the power trade arrangement between India Bangladesh and Nepal? And are you looking at expanding it to some other countries in the future? Sridhar: Sir, Sridhar from the Asian Age. Sir we all saw in the past few years, especially during Mr. Oli's tenure as Prime Minister how Nepal had a very pronounced tilt towards China. So during the talks today were any Indian concerns and sensitivities raised with the Nepalese PM regarding the China factor? Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: The preface is your comment right let me just clarify that. Sridhar: The setback to ties during Oli's tenure. Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Tilt toward China is your language. Okay. Pranay. Pranay: Sir Pranay Upadhyay, ABP News se. Bharat aur Nepal ke bich me khuli sima hai aur pichale kuch samaya me lagatar ye reports aai hai ki Nepal ke sate huwe jo border ke ilake hai aur Nepal ke chetra me jo ilake hai wo demographic change huwa hai aur khas taur par jo pratibandhit sangathan PFI hai. Uski karwahio ke madhya nazar...to kya Bharat ne is mamle me apni chintaye uthai hai, aur kya is bareme Nepal ke taraf se koi aaswasan diya gaya hai. Approximate translation Sir, this is Pranay Upadhyay from ABP News. There is an open border between India and Nepal, and in recent times, there have been consistent reports of demographic changes in the border areas and regions within Nepal, as well as the activities of the banned organization PFI. In this regard, has India expressed concerns and has there been any assurance given by Nepal regarding these matters? Vishal: Sir main Vishal Pandey hu Zee News se. pradhan mantri ne Ramayan circuit ke bareme me teji lane ki baat kahi hai. Kis prakar ki teji aayegi aur kin pariyojano par abhi kaam aage badhega? Kya koi target rakha gaya hai? Approximate translation Sir, I am Vishal Pandey from Zee News. The Prime Minister has mentioned speeding up the work of Ramayan Circuit. What kind of acceleration can be expected, and which projects will see progress? Has any specific target been set? Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Okay. I will take one last question. Yeah go ahead. Sandhya: Sandhya, ET. Sir, quickly just want to know how the financial part of this first trilateral is going to be panned out? Is India going to get some sort of a benefit financially, while exporting that power. Yeah. And a quick one on NPCI bit. Do we have a vision on how big are we planning to do that with Nepal? Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: What? Sandhya: In terms of numbers? Do you have any numbers? Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Sorry, could you repeat the second part of the question? Sandhya: The NPCI partnership....where Indian...for digital collaboration. Do we have some financial target around that. Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: The MoU that was signed today? Sandhya: Yes. Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Okay. Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Thank you. Sir. I think we'll close this. Shri Vinay Kwatra, Foreign Secretary: Sorry, excuse me, what do you mean by financial target? Of a financial interoperable platform...what is the reference to financial target that you're talking about? If I can better understand? Sandhya: Are we going to cover the entire Indians or also the entire population there? Do we have some sort of clarification around that? Shri Vinay Kwatra, Foreign Secretary: Thank you. Let me start with the last question first. To my limited understanding of how these platforms work and what exactly do they entail, in terms of the mechanisms in which they operate. This is essentially a mechanism between NPCIL and NCHL of Nepal, wherein the financial payments between the two countries across various types of commercial transactions would get eased up very, very considerably. So you could say, you know, in a way, ease of payment of business transactions. This operates on a certain principle that the company providing the platform in India, and the company which is in Nepal will provide these interoperable platforms that talk to each other so that the citizens on both sides can make the relevant payments for their transactions which they carry out. The scope in terms of coverage of the population, the scope in terms of what kind of transactions would be covered or not, is a very evolving frame. So, you might start with something. I wouldn't say as a pilot really, but let's say starts with a certain limited set of designated payments for an identified set of transactions, which then, over a period of time grows and then covers larger population metrics, but also cover the larger set of transactions. You would recall, last year we had launched the Rupay card between the two countries. From that launch to today, the use of Rupay card has expanded very significantly between the two countries. Likewise, we hope that with this MoU between NPCIL and NCHL the other forms of payments, which were earlier on not available to the consumers for paying their transactions would now be available. And hence naturally, this will expand the two businesses also on both sides. There is a certain element of fee based transaction that goes into it which will also add to the further economic contributions and gain within the two systems that use it. I do not have the exact targets so to speak of extenders, but the intention is to try and ensure that most of the retail transactions which take place which are conducted by the consumers get covered increasingly through these systems of financial connectivity so that it makes it very easier not just for the consumers, but also for the regulators and the people in between. This, frankly, is a very significant step not just between the two countries, but also in the expansion of the entire concept of financial connectivity between India and the other countries. So it's good to see that in our neighborhood increasingly now other countries are also joining. Nepal being the latest example for this. Zee News ka jo prasan tha Ramayana circuit ko le ke. To usse pariyojanye se judi huwi pariyohano ko le ke. To is visaya pe pradhan mantri ji ne ispast roop se kaha hai ki Ramayana circuit ke jo bhi pariyojanaye hai usko jaldi se jaldi kargar kar ke jo dono desho ke bich me ek bahut hi gehen aur mahetwapurna samajo ke bich me jo ek sanskritik aur jo ek dharmik shardhabaav ke jo sambandh hai unko aur gehera kiya jaye, unko aur jyada badhaya jaye. To inse judi jo pariyojanaye hai unka jo hai is samaya ek unka chinhikaran ki prakriya chal rahi hai. Uske baad ispe jo specific in pariyojanao ke do DPR hai uspe kaam aur fir baad me unke exhibition pe kaam hoga. Approximate translation Regarding the Zee News question about the Ramayana Circuit, the Prime Minister has clearly stated that the projects related to the circuit should be implemented as quickly as possible in order to deepen and strengthen the profound and important cultural and religious ties between the two countries. The process of prioritizing and identifying these projects is currently underway. Following this, work will be undertaken on the specific Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) and subsequently on the exhibition related to them. Pranay jo apka prasn tha simawarti chetra me jo demographic changes huwe hai aur us se judi jo apki jo bhi jigyashaye jisko apne vyakt kiya. Dekhiye jab dono pradhan mantrio ji me baat huwi to ek jo humare sahayog aur sahakarya ka jo ek mehatwapurna paripeksh hai wo paripeksh hai dono samajo ki me surakshya aur unki jo security hai. Naturally, dono samajo ki suraksha me jo jo chunautiya samne aati hai aur ye chunautiya aaj ki nahi hai, purani hai. In chunautio ka kis prakar se dono desho ki sansthaye mil ke samna kare, kis sandarbh me samna kare, usko le ke kya sayahog ho, usko le ke kya sahakarya ho, us par jo hai dono pradhan mantrio ke bich me baat huwi hai. Aur baat chit se ye ispast hai ke dono desh ek dusare ki jo surkasha se judi jo chunautiya hai unke prati samvedansil hai. Aur na kewal samvedansil hai unko mitigate karne ke liye apna sahayog aur sahakarya badhane ke liye bhi purnataya tatpar hai. Approximate translation Pranay, regarding your question about the demographic changes in border regions and the related concerns you raised....see, when the two Prime Ministers discussed the matter, the crucial aspect of our cooperation and collaboration is centered around the security and protection of both societies. Naturally, challenges arise in ensuring the security of both societies, and these challenges are not new; they have existed for some time. How both countries' institutions can jointly address these challenges, in what context they should address them, and the kind of cooperation and collaboration required in this regard was discussed between the two Prime Ministers. The discussions made it clear that both countries are sensitive towards the challenges related to each other's security and not only sensitive but also fully committed to enhancing their support and cooperation to mitigate these challenges. Sridhar, there was another question relating to the...how significant is the trilateral cooperation between the two countries in the hydropower field? And I mean...are we referring to include other countries in this? Look, you've seen yourself hydropower cooperation specifically and power cooperation generally speaking, is a very important element of not just cooperation between India and other countries of region. So in this case, if you were to look at a power cooperation between India and Bangladesh stands on its own. India-Nepal, we have spoken extensively about it. The consideration that power trade should open between Nepal, through the Indian grid for Bangladesh is part of a larger thinking that we have a great opportunity, given the kind of power availability, power generating, power transmission network that exists in the region. There is an excellent opportunity to use power and power trade, including in the field of hydro power as a very important instrument of strengthening regional connectivity. This is the first effort in that direction wherein our objective is that 40 MW of power from Nepal could transit through the Indian grid and go to Bangladesh. What benefit would it entail to India? I think the better frame to look at that would be what benefit it would do to the region. And I think it brings in considerable and significant benefits to the region. To the question...there were a couple of questions relating to elements involving China. The extent of whether that was discussed or not. You would have seen from my remarks...you would have seen everything that came out from the two Prime Ministers in their press remarks that overwhelming focus of discussions between the two Prime Ministers pretty much absolute focus of every single achievement and outcome that has come out of the visit is on strengthening India-Nepal partnership, particularly development partnership, and also strengthening and expanding areas of economic cooperation. When it came to discussions of the wider developments in the region, naturally, the two prime ministers discussed what are the developments in the region, what challenges they pose to our bilateral cooperation India-Nepal, and how exactly should India-Nepal cooperate to mitigate those challenges. That also was discussed between the two Prime Ministers. That's it pretty much. Treaty of friendship, etc. No, that didn't...that was not raised during the discussions between the two prime ministers. Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Thank you very much, Sir. Thanks also to Sri Naveen Srivastava, Ambassador, as well as Anurag Srivastava, Joint Secretary, North. Thank you all for joining us. Good afternoon. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Transcript of Weekly Media Briefing by the Official Spokesperson (June 02, 2023) India - Ministry of External Affairs June 02, 2023 Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Good Afternoon, Thank you for joining us for the regular media briefing of the Ministry of External Affairs. I don't have an announcement, so I'll open the floor for questions, if there are any, okay...why don't we start with you. Kavita Joshi: Good afternoon Sir, main Kavita Joshi hoon Haribhoomi Newspaper se. Sir mera sawal ye hain ki abhi jo 4 July ko SCO ka jo Summit hone wala hai, pahle India ki taraf se ye kaha gaya tha ki ya Summit jo hain to in person hoga, aur iske liye invitation bhi isi tarah se gaye the, aur in fact ye bhi khabrain media mai samne aayi hain ki Foreign Secretary ne Rashtrapati Bhawan ka inspection bhi kar liya tha event ko le kar ke. Toh ek dum se at a moment isko ab virtual organize karne ke liye matlab phir annoucment hua mantralay ki taraf se, toh kya reason hain, matlab kya lagta hain ki jo SCO ki jo Member countries hain khas taur se China, Pakistan inki taraf se koi pressure tha, matlab ek dum se itna bada event hai isko change karne ka decision kyu liya gaya? [Question in Hindi: Approximate translation] Good afternoon, Sir. I am Kavita Joshi from Haribhoomi Newspaper. Sir, my question is regarding the upcoming SCO Summit scheduled for the fourth of July. Initially, it was announced by India that the Summit would be held in person, and invitations were sent accordingly. In fact, there were reports in the media that the Foreign Secretary had inspected the Rashtrapati Bhawan in preparation for the event. However, suddenly there was an announcement from the Ministry that the Summit would be organized virtually. So, what are the reasons behind this decision? What do you think? Was there any pressure from SCO Member countries, especially China and Pakistan, that led to such a significant event being changed? Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Okay, anybody else has questions related to SCO? Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Anybody else? That's separate, if you have a separate way please ask. Speaker: In a different way I want to ask this question. Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Same question? Speaker: Is it because that G15 Summit is being held, so -- Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: G15? Speaker: G20, meeting is being held so was there any -- Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Is there any link to G20? Okay. Anybody else on SCO...any other elements of this? Okay please Niraj, microphone. Niraj: Sir, agar in person meeting ki taiyari chal rahi thi to kya inme se China, Russia aur Pakistan ke jo pramukh the unke sath dwipakshiy batchit ki taiyari thi, koi schedule banaya ja raha tha? [Question in Hindi: Approximate translation] Sir, if preparations were underway for an in-person meeting, was there any scheduling or preparation being done for bilateral discussions with the leaders of China, Russia, and Pakistan? Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Okay. Let me try to answer this question on SCO because I think there's a lot of interest, jaise aapne kaha. Dekhiye SCO Summit ke bare mai, yeah I will say that in English also if you would like okay but she's asked in Hindi and it is behoves me to answer it. Dekhiye SCO Summit ke bare mai aapne kuch comment kiya jo mujhe nahi samajh aaya, humne to kabhi announce kabhi nahi kiya tha ki ye physical hoga. Aapne kaha ki physical humne announce kiya tha, taiyari ho rahi thi, bahot kuch kaha jo humne, mujhe to malum nahi, gyat nahi, ki humne kaha hain ye. Dekhiye kafi international Summits jo hain abhi recent time mai virtual mode mai ho chuki hain, ho rahi hain, toh sare jo factors ko dekhne ke baad aur ye koi single factor nahi tha, multitude of factors hain, humne phir decide kiya ki ye jo Summit hogi, SCO Summit usko best isi virtual mode mai kiya jaye, aur isko safal banane ke liye taiyariyan chal rahi hain aur hum confident hain ki ye accha rahega, ye successful rahega. Aisa koi particular decision nahi liya gaya tha, na mujhe gyat hain ki humne specifically koi physical Summit ke liye bulaya tha. Abhi formally sabko humne kaha hain ki virtual mode mai hoga 4 tarikh ko, aur hum apeksha yahi karte hain ki sab join kar payenge. You had mentioned in English so let me just try to paraphrase that, look as you're aware a lot of many international Summits in recent years have taken place in the virtual format, so taking all factors into account and there's no single factor, it's a totality of various factors, we decided that the forthcoming Summit of the SCO is best also done in the same manner, that is virtual. Preparations for the successful organizing and holding of this Summit are underway and we are confident that it will produce notable outcomes, it will be a success. There were queries about we had already announced that it will be in physical format, I am not aware of any such announcement or anything that in nature. We have now communicated to SCO partners about this event being held in virtual format on 4th of July and we look forward. Our expectation is that everybody would be able to join. Niraj ji aapka prashna tha ki agar hota to hum kya karte, bilateral mei, toh jab hoga toh bata payenge. Abhi to virtual mai hi hoga, usme koi bilateral ki gunjaish nahi hain. [Answer in English: Approximate translation] Niraj ji, your question was what we would have done if it had taken place bilaterally. We would have informed you about that if it would have happened. But now, it will be held virtually, and there is no provision for bilateral discussions in that format. Okay moving on to other topics. Yeah, okay now you raised your hand first, I'll come back to you. Ayushi: Sir Ayushi from ANI. Sir, just wanted to follow up on the case of the Indian baby stranded in German foster care. Any update on her repatriation process? We also saw that Maharashtra CM has written to EAM Jaishankar and the mother is currently in Delhi, is she holding any meetings with any official? Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Who else was there? Related to that, go ahead. Speaker: Sir they have also asked for the appointment with the EAM, so if you can share a bit of details how and in which way further... Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: If you don't introduce yourself, you're not on record. Urvashi: Sir, I am Urvashi. So my question is related to the... Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Appointment with the EAM, I got that question. Any other related question before move to anything else? Okay, Yeshi, go ahead. Yeshi Seli: This is Yeshi Seli from the New Indian Express. Dr. Jaishankar is going to Namibia. Are there any more cheetahs that he's going to talk about...are they going to come to India? And secondly this BRICS friends meet, which all countries are a part of that and you know, there were reports that he had met the Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister yesterday. So is BRICS going to expand? Are they going to be more Members? Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: It's a very different question. So is that your question? Yeshi Seli: Yes, thats my question. Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Okay, who had a hand up? Okay yeah, go ahead, I'll come to you. Pia Krishnankutty: Good afternoon. This is Pia Krishnankutty with ThePrint. I have two questions... Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Let's start with one, this is a regular briefing. Pia Krishnankutty: Does the MEA have any comment on the ongoing power struggle that's unfolding in the Afghan embassy in New Delhi and two... Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: I presume that's your characterization of it, not mine, but anyway just clarifying. Pia Krishnankutty: Yes there's a man called Qadir Shah who has been appointed by the Taliban and he's no longer providing services to the Embassy. So if you have any comment on that, that will be appreciated and the second is the BRICS foreign ministers joint statement that was released today noted the appreciation for relevant proposals of mediation and peace for ending the Ukraine war. So does that mean that India supports or endorses China's 12-point peace plan for Ukraine that it had released earlier in February? Thank you. Niraj: Niraj News18 India se. Sir abhi bhartiya dutawas ko bhi access nahi diya gaya hain aur unke pariwar wale milna chahte hai videsh mantri se, kya koi.. wo bhartiya dutawas ko access... [Question in Hindi: Approximate translation] Niraj from News18 India. Sir, currently, the Indian Embassy has not been granted access, and their family Members want to meet the Foreign Minister. Mukesh Kaushik: After freezing visa of three Indian journalists out of four, China is accusing now that there would be a zero correspondent left in Delhi and both countries would not be having any journalists to cover each other's matter. So what is your comment on Chinese acquisition and secondly would you be issuing...special visas for Chinese journalists for G20 meeting? Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: If you could introduce yourself although I know. Mukesh Kaushik: Mukesh Kaushik from Dainik Bhaskar. Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Okay let me try to answer a set of questions. Which one? related? Okay please take the mic. Aparajit Chakraborty: Aparajit Chakraborty from China Daily. China has also sought cooperation from India to resume normal life and work of journalists from both countries. So what would you say on it? Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Let me take the case of the baby who is in Germany. Look, let me read out our perspective in this. You know we have been addressing this. It is an important issue, a sensitive one. The Ministry of External Affairs and the Embassy of India, Berlin have been persistently advocating for the return of Ariha Shah to India. The child is an Indian national and she was placed in the custody of Germany's Youth Welfare Office of the (Jugendamt) on 23rd September 2021, when she was seven months old. She has now been in foster care for more than 20 months. Our efforts have been guided by the best interests of the child, which we believe can be fully realized only when she is in her home country, where her socio-cultural rights can be safeguarded. Accordingly, we have been requesting Germany to return the child to India. Our Embassy has been repeatedly requesting German authorities to ensure that Ariha's connection with our cultural, religious and linguistic background is not compromised and has sought consular access to the child, as well as cultural immersion at the Indian Cultural Centre in Berlin. German Foreign Minister Her Excellency Ms. Annalena Baerbock, as you would recall during her visit to India, had also conveyed that the German side was and I quote, "also bearing in mind the cultural identity of each child that is taken care of by the youth offices in Germany". Unfortunately, our requests in this regard for safeguarding Ariha's national and cultural identity have not been met. We are dismayed to learn that the child was abruptly shifted away from her current foster parent to a specialized foster care arrangement. The manner in which this shift was carried out is a matter of concern. We and the parents believe that this rapid change is not in the child's best interest and could have far-reaching consequences for her emotional and mental development. India has a robust child welfare and protection system and there are potential foster parents in India who are willing to bring up the child in her own socio-cultural milieu. The German authorities have been made aware of India's child protection system and the details of potential foster parents have also been shared with them. Ariha's continued placement in German foster care and infringement of her social, cultural and linguistic rights is of deep concern to the Government of India and to the parents. We would like to reiterate that Ariha Shah is an Indian national and her nationality and socio-cultural background is the most important determinant of where her foster care is to be provided. We urge German authorities to do all that is necessary to send Ariha to India at the earliest, which is also her inalienable right as an Indian national. We remain committed to ensuring the return of Ariha Shah to India. That is a statement that I have with me. As regards the details of meeting EAM or not, we are in touch with the family. As you know, External Affairs Minister is currently overseas. She is in contact with our Europe West division and other authorities. And as I said, we will continue to take this up with the German authorities. I hope that answers most of the questions related to this unfortunate episode. Moving on, I think there was question. Yeshi, your question was regards the BRICS meetings there. Look, there are two aspects...or three actually you end up asking. On the cheetahs, no, I have nothing to say. We have issued a statement about External Affairs Minister's visit to Namibia, expected to be a successful visit and we look forward to the conversation that he will have. Yes, we have had from Namibia cheetahs that have come here, but I would be surprised if that is, you know, more cheetahs on the plane back. No, I don't think that's what's on the cards. As regards the BRICS friends meet, look, let me... let the South Africans list that friends list. They are the ones who invited them. You would have seen the names from the conversation, but the meeting is today. So let me not comment on it before the meeting takes place. I think it's a little while from now. As regards the issue of expansion, you would have heard External Affairs Minister himself yesterday...I think it was, when he talked about in his statement...where he talked about approaching this positively from a positive frame of mind. I would also refer you to, I think it was paragraph 73 of the Beijing declaration, where we said that we support promoting discussion among BRICS Members on BRICS expansion process and stress the need to clarify the guiding principles, standards, criteria and procedures for this expansion through the Sherpas channel, on the basis of full consultation and consensus. I think that position is shared by all BRICS Members and we will continue to have these consultations on issues such as not just expansion, but also on institutional strengthening of BRICS. I think that has been the discussions in South Africa. But again, the meeting is still going on, so let me not prejudge anything beyond that. Pia, your question was, as you described, as I think a power struggle, which I am not willing to characterize. But let me just say that from our perspective, this is an internal matter of the Afghan Embassy and we hope that they would resolve it internally. Moving on to a question that you had asked about joint statement in the BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting....look, it does express support to mediation efforts that are going on. I would not be sure whether to characterize the peace plan that you have referred to as a mediation effort or not. But those countries that are making the mediation efforts, we have always supported the idea of finding a way forward through diplomacy and dialogue. And any mediation effort that works in that direction, of course, would be welcome. But I would not like to specifically characterize any one initiative or otherwise. Niraj ji aapka prashna bhi usimai tha, maine jo pucha tha ki embassy mai...jaise maine kaha hum wahan ke German authorities ke sath contact mai hain aur hamari jo position hain wo clear kar di hain humne. [Answer in English: Approximate translation] Niraj ji, your question was also related to that. As I mentioned, we are in contact with the German authorities and we have clarified our position. Speaker: (Inaudible) Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Maine abhi kaha ki videsh mantri abhi bahar hain aur yahan hamare mantralaya ke log...officers wo contact mai hain, hum log jo sahayata de sakte hain wo hum de rahain hain. [Answer in English: Approximate translation] I just mentioned that the Foreign Minister is currently abroad, and the officials from our Ministry are in contact with them. We are providing whatever assistance we can. Mukesh, your question was on the journalists issues for...I think, Indian and Chinese journalists. Look, let me...I mean, I have seen some media reports on it, so I don't know exactly what you have in mind. And your question was zero Chinese journalists or something. So let me not go to individual cases. I hesitate talking about for various reasons of privacy, otherwise that I don't want to comment on it. Let me just say all foreign journalists, including Chinese journalists, have been pursuing journalist activities in India, without any limitations or difficulties in reporting or in doing their media coverage. Meanwhile, Indian journalists in China have been operating with certain difficulties, such as not being permitted to hire locals as correspondents or as journalists. As you know, foreign media in India here can and do freely hire local journalists to work for their bureaus in India. We also are aware that Indian journalists face several restrictions, that is, Indian journalists in China face several restrictions while getting access and traveling locally within China. Indian side supports and facilitates foreign journalists in India, and I am sure you can attest to it, those of you who are foreign journalists here. At the same time, there should be no deviations from normal journalistic behavior and activities or from the provisions governing journalist visas that are issued to journalists. We would hope that Chinese authorities facilitate the continued presence of Indian journalists in working and reporting from China, and the two sides continue to remain in touch regarding this issue. So I think that would be our position. As regards your query about any visas for G20, look....we have been holding G20 meetings, as you know, and foreign journalists have been attending that. Those who are accredited here, they have also registered and accredited themselves, but journalists coming from abroad also, there is special accreditation open for that, and visas are issued for that specific purpose. So I think we will certainly be doing that for the G20 Summit. I think, Aparajit Chakraborty, your question was also on this, and I think you are...I have covered my statement to your response. Okay, moving on, any further questions? Kallol, please. Kallol: Sir, there are protests taking place in Nepal and also an official protest has come from Pakistan about the mural of the undivided India or Akhand Bharat that is in the new parliament building of India. They have also pointed out that Prahlad Joshiji has referred to the map and said there is a clear resolve for India to regain Akhand Bharat or undivided India. So what's your official position on regaining Akhand Bharat? Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Is that a foreign policy issue? Kallol: No, I am asking you. Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: On the mural part I am willing to answer. Kallol: Yeah, the foreign policy issue as well. Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: I doubt it. Okay. Anybody else? Ileana. Ileana: Yes, Ileana TASS. Yesterday Foreign Ministers of Russia and India had a bilateral meeting in Cape Town. We had... Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Sorry, could you repeat? Ileana: Bilateral meeting. Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Between? Ileana: Lavrov and Jaishankar. Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Ah, okay. Ileana: So we had some information from Twitter of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of India. So can you maybe give some more information? What can be read between the lines in this message by your Minister? And if the Ministers discussed the preparation for G20 Summit in the light of this warrant order from International Criminal Court to Russian President. Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Sorry, could you repeat the last part? They discussed the G20... Ileana: G20 Summit preparations for G20 Summit. Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Yes, that I understand. What is the last part? Ileana: And I mean that we... Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Warrant you said? Ileana: Yeah. Order...order from International Criminal Court. Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: I didn't get your full question but I will try to answer it. Okay. Any other query? Okay. Let me try with you first. Speaker: This is a follow up on the Afghan question. You characterized it as an internal matter. I just wanted to know if the MEA would be renewing Mr. Qadir Shah, the alleged Taliban appointee, as ChargA d'Affaires, will the MEA be extending or renewing his visa which reportedly expired on 12th? Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: And in what capacity are you asking this question? It's a privacy issue, it's a diplomatic, why would I get into it? I have said what I have to say on that issue. I have nothing further to add. Speaker: Because you had mentioned it's an internal matter but there is still a visa that's been... Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: True, we will do whatever is required. As you know...just a general comment, I don't think any Afghan citizens who are here...their visas have been renewed as we have a larger policy, not with the diplomatic. So I don't want to get into the diplomatic aspect. Any other questions? Yes. Speaker: Is there any possibility of bilateral meeting between EAM Jaishankar and Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang? Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Where? Speaker: In BRICS. Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: You do know that the Chinese Foreign Minister is not in South Africa. He didn't go. He's not there. As far as I know he didn't attend. There was somebody else who represented China. So I'm not aware. I don't think such a meeting is possible. Okay, I will close with that set of questions. Let me take your question first Ileana. Look, I don't have anything else to add. Maybe Minister Lavrov would have shared some readout of his meeting. Our Minister has given a good sense of the meeting. Till he comes back, I certainly would not be able to add to that. I would be able to guess, that yes, G20 preparations would have been a topic, but I'm just purely guessing considering that it's an important issue and we are the Presidency of G20 and we would hope that the Russians would be there. So maybe this came up, but I'm guessing here and I don't like doing that. But as regards the ICC...look, we are not a state party to their Rome statutes. So I don't think this is an issue that I can comment on. I don't think we are involved in it in any which way. Kallol, on regarding your query...look, you mentioned two or three different issues. Let me just try to answer the simple part because other parts I am not...this question was asked yesterday in the context of the Foreign Secretary's briefing on the Nepalese Prime Minister's visit and whether this was raised. It wasn't raised. So I don't know if the protests are still going on. Certainly the Nepalese side did not raise it. I haven't seen any official protests for Pakistan, at least maybe I just missed it, maybe it's come today. But I don't know if it's official protests or not. Yeah, I don't know. Is the Pakistanis put it out? I missed it. Look, let me just make a simple point here. The mural in question, I understand the mural in question depicts the spread of the Ashokan Empire and the idea of responsible and people-oriented governance that he adopted and propagated. That's what the mural and the plaque in front of the mural says. And I really don't have anything further to add to that. I'm certainly not going to comment on statements that other political leaders might have made. I think that was...I think I answered most of the questions. Thank you very much. Thanks for joining for this weekly media briefing. Good evening. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Transcript of Special Briefing on President's visit to Suriname and Serbia (June 02, 2023) India - Ministry of External Affairs June 02, 2023 Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Very good afternoon to all of you. Thank you for joining us for this special media briefing on the forthcoming visit of Honorable President of India to Suriname and to Serbia. To give us a sense of the visit and what we can expect, we have the privilege of having with us on the dais Shri Saurabh Kumar, Secretary (East), Shri Sanjay Verma, Secretary (West), as well as Press Secretary to the President, Shri Ajay Kumar Singh. I would also like to acknowledge the presence in the room of Additional Secretary in the Latin American Division, Shri G. V. Srinivas; Shri Arun Sahu, Joint Secretary (Central Europe) and Rajesh Uike, Joint Secretary (XPD). Sir, may I give you the floor for the opening remarks. Shri Saurabh Kumar, Secretary East: A very good afternoon and namaskar to all our friends from the media. As Arindam said, Honorable Rashtrapati ji, Shrimati Draupadi Murmu will travel to Suriname and Serbia from 04 to 09 June 2023. I will brief about the Suriname leg of her visit. Rashtrapati ji will be in Suriname on a State visit from 4th to 6th of June at the invitation of His Excellency Chandrikapersad Santokhi, President of the Republic of Suriname. This will be her maiden visit, maiden State visit, after she assumed the office of President. The visit assumes historical significance as Rashtrapati ji will be the chief guest at the 150th anniversary celebrations of the arrival of Indians in Suriname, which would be celebrated on the 5th of June. As you are aware, slavery was abolished in Netherlands in 1863. The first Indians were brought to Suriname in 1873 to work on plantations. Between 1873 to 1916, when the indenture system was stopped, 34,000 Indians were taken to Suriname, of which around 12,000 came back and the rest remained in Suriname. Rashtrapati ji would be accompanied by Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti, Minister of State in Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and Ministry of Rural Development and Shrimati Ramadevi, Member of Parliament, as well as an official delegation. During the visit, Rashtrapati ji will hold official talks with President Santokhi. She will participate in a number of activities to commemorate the arrival of Indians in Suriname and visit the sites associated with their history in that country. Rashtrapati ji will also interact with the Indian community. The visit comes within six months of President Santokhi's visit to India in January to attend the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas as a special guest of honor. You would recall that he was felicitated with the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman award in 2021. The last Presidential visit from India to Suriname was that of President Kovind in 2018. Let me say a few things about India-Suriname bilateral relations. India- Suriname relations are warm and friendly and acquire special significance on account of Indian diaspora which is over 27% of the Suriname population. Our bilateral relations span sectors such as trade and commerce, development partnership, capacity building, agriculture and people-to-people ties. Suriname has been supportive of India in the international fora. The Indian diaspora in Suriname acts as a living bridge between the two countries. Despite the passage of time, the diaspora has preserved the customs and traditions it carried from India while adding local flavors. Let me conclude by saying that the Republic of Suriname's invitation to Rashtrapati ji to be the chief guest shows the goodwill that prevails there for India as well as India's growing influence and stature on the global stage. The visit of the President also emphasizes the importance we attach to our relations with Suriname and to Indian diaspora around the world. The visit will add a fresh momentum too and further strengthen India-Suriname bilateral ties. Thank you. Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Thank you sir. Secretary West, Sir. Shri Sanjay Varma, Secretary West: Well thank you. Good afternoon. Rashtrapati ji will travel from Suriname to Serbia on 7th of June. She will be on a State visit to Serbia at the invitation of the Serbian President, Aleksandar Vucic. This is her first ever visit to Europe and this is also the first ever State visit at the level of Head of State between the two countries. As you may know, Serbia is one of the six successor states of the erstwhile country of Yugoslavia. With Yugoslavia India's had long-standing history in context of the Non-Aligned Movement and as the founding father you will also recollect that the names Tito, Nehru and Nasser are spoken in the same breath. In many ways our relations with Serbia today carry a resonance of the goodwill generated during those days. A special feature of the second leg of Rashtrapati ji's visit will be a business engagement. A 20 member business delegation will arrive separately from India for the visit and will include delegates from our three major chambers, ASSOCHAM, FICCI and CII. In terms of exchange of visits, in 2018 Vice-President, the then Vice-President of India visited Serbia. We have had exchanges at the Minister of Foreign Affairs level. We have had a Speaker visit to Serbia. We have had MOS (ML) visit Belgrade for the 60th anniversary of the Non-Aligned Movement. This visit of Rashtrapati ji meets great expectation of finally a high-level visit taking place between the two countries. In context of the present bilateral relations, it can be said that we have warm, friendly and close cooperation with Serbia. Our understanding in multilateral fora and on several issues of global importance has been similar. It was felt that bilateral relations need nurturing at the highest levels as well as a fillip in terms of our economic and commercial cooperation. I would also like to share with you some elements of the visit. Apart from the ceremonial welcome there will be a bilateral meeting with President Vucic, meeting with the Prime Minister, Miss Ana Brnabic and a call on by the Speaker of Serbian National Assembly, Mr. Vladimir Orlic. Rashtrapati ji will be addressing the Indian community and friends of India. The size of the Indian community is of course not a patch on the diaspora in Suriname. It is between 2,500 to 3,000 Indians. The presence is largely as professionals. We have some investments there. Mahindra and Mahindra is there, Taffy. We also have limited Serbian investments in India. In other words, the profile of the economic commercial relations being what it is, the focus of the visit will in many ways be encouraging business communities to explore possibilities and prospects of business opportunities and that is why the business delegation. In the business event, the Prime Minister of Serbia will also be present along with Rashtrapati ji. Rashtrapati ji will also be offering floral tributes at the bust of Mahatma Gandhi ji in Belgrade and she will also lay a wreath at the monument of the unknown hero at Mount Awala. I will rest my comments here and be happy to take questions if there are any. Thank you. Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: I will open the floor for questions. Just introduce yourself and the organization that you represent. Avinash Agarwal: Avinash Agarwal from the (Inaudible). Sir, apart from the close historical and cultural ties between India and Suriname and the presence of Indian diaspora there, can we see this visit by the Honorable President also in the context of India's recent outreach to the Global South? Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: In the context of the Global South, anybody else? Shri Saurabh Kumar, Secretary East: Yes, Avinash, of course. I think it is a part of that outreach also. You would recall that President Santokhi was one of the Head of State, Head of Government who participated in the Summit of the Global South which was undertaken by us earlier this year. So our outreach to the Global South is a continuing process and all the visits which take place to the Global South, this is a very integral element of it. Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Any other questions? Yes, Ileana. Ileana: Yes, good afternoon. Ileana, TASS News Agency. We all know what is happening now between in Kosovo and do you think it's right time for visit of the President to Serbia? And does it mean that there is no issue with safety or maybe not with safety? So, no problems because of this situation on the issue of the visit of the President of India? Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: You specifically refer to Kosovo? Ileana: Yes. And what is India's official position on this situation in Kosovo? Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Thank you. If there are no other questions, sir, I will pass that question. Shri Sanjay Varma, Secretary West: Well, we are aware of the recent disturbances in Kosovo, which is at the extreme southern tip of Serbia. We have no reason at this point of time, as I say this, to be concerned that those incidents would have any consequence on the State visit of my President, nor have we been suggested otherwise by the host. On the matter of Kosovo, our stand has been quite clear and consistent that we do not recognize the declaration of independence by Kosovo. We however also believe that any differences need to be resolved through dialogue and we hope that the disturbances which have occurred over the last few days are resolved peacefully through talks and that there is a de-escalation of the situation. Thank you. Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Sorry, you got follow up? Ileana: This visit to Serbia was planned before all this political crisis which we see now? Shri Sanjay Varma, Secretary West: Well, for matter of record, this has been a long-standing invitation. I won't remember exactly how long, but at least over a year, year and a half. I think because of the conflict in Ukraine, it had to be rescheduled and now we think is a conducive time for this visit to take place and so it's taking place. Shri Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson: Thank you very much, sir. That brings us to the conclusion of this press briefing. Thank you very much Saurabh Kumar Sir, Sanjay Verma Sir, as well as to Sri Ajay Kumar as well as to the Joint Secretaries, Additional Secretaries present here. Thank you. Good afternoon. We will have the regular briefing in about 15 minutes. Thank you. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran can be reliable partner for BRICS: FM IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Jun 2, 2023 Cape Town, IRNA -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian has said that The Islamic Republic of Iran, along with other like-minded and interested countries, can be a reliable partner for BRICS in future. AmirAbdollahian made the remarks addressing the Friends of BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting on June 2, 2023, Cape Town, South Africa. " I am very delighted today to attend the Friends of BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting in the beautiful city of Cape Town.I would like to express gratitude to the friendly Government of South Africa for the warm hospitality extended to me and the delegation of the Islamic Republic of Iran. I would also like to thank the BRICS countries for this initiative toinviteFriends of BRICSto this Meeting", he added. Iranian Foreign Minister said that the "Friends of BRICS are genuinely Friends of Cooperation and Partnership"; and indeed they are "Friends ofMultilateralism". The Islamic Republic of Iran is among the pioneers of multilateralism. Our bilateral political and economic relations with the BRICS countries remain at a very good level while our trade value exceeds 30 billion dollars. The full text of Amirabdollahian's statement is as follows: I am very delighted today to attend the Friends of BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting in the beautiful city of Cape Town.I would like to express gratitude to the friendly Government of South Africa for the warm hospitality extended to me and the delegation of the Islamic Republic of Iran. I would also like to thank the BRICS countries for this initiative toinviteFriends of BRICSto this Meeting. Ladies and Gentlemen The "Friends of BRICS" are genuinely"Friends of Cooperation and Partnership"; and indeed they are "Friends ofMultilateralism". The Islamic Republic of Iran is among the pioneers of multilateralism. Our bilateral political and economic relations with the BRICS countries remain at a very good level while our trade value exceeds 30 billion dollars. There are very important multilateral cooperation arrangements to which Iran and some of the BRICS countries are members. We will soon expand our relations with three BRICscountries; namely Russia, China and India within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. The Islamic Republic of Iran, the Republic of India and the Republic of South Africa are the active members of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) and are cooperating in various economic sectors. Moreover, the Islamic Republic of Iran, China, India, Brazil and South Africa are among like-minded and active members of the group of developing countries called G-77. For the Islamic Republic of Iran, BRICS can be the next significant target ofour multilateralism policy. This is why we are among the first states that have officially declared interest to join BRICS and its frameworks of cooperation. The large number of countries that are now interested in BRICS membership is an indication that we have made the right choice. The combined capabilities and its serious efforts to rectify some asymmetries in the international system and strengthen multilateralismhave secured an important position for BRICS in the global relations and interactions. Such a position would certainly be further enhanced if other regional like-minded powers join the Group. An extended BRICScan come up with successful patterns such as "Collective and Inclusive Governance", "New South-South Cooperation" and "Coalition of Emerging Economies". The Islamic Republic of Iran, along with other like-minded and interested countries, can be a reliable partner for BRICS in future. Havinga rich experience of active participation in international bodies and initiatives; abundant energy resources; short and cost-effective transport and transit networks; educated and skillful human workforce; eye-catching scientific and technological achievements; and above all, strong dedication and determination for contribution into a fair worldorder, the Islamic Republic of Iran can become an important partner for BRICS. Of course, the goals and objectives of the Islamic Republic of Iran are so much aligned with those of BRICS that we have already started to explore ways and means of cooperation and partnership with BRICS. We will soon organize a conference in Tehran through coordination with the embassies of BRICS countries to elaborate onexisting potentials and capacities of cooperation between Iran and BRICS. I would like to take the opportunity to invite all the BRICS countries to participate in the Tehran conference. Madam Chair, Distinguished Participants Once again, I would like to express my pleasure for participating in this meeting. I wish you all the best and success. Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian arrived in the South African port city of Cape Town on Jun 1, 2023, to attend a meeting of the BRICS group of emerging economies. Upon arrival at the airport in southwest of South Africa on Thursday, the Iranian foreign minister was welcomed by the officials of the host country. Amirabdollahian is visiting Cape Town at the invitation of his South African counterpart Naledi Pandor to participate in a ministerial meeting of the BRICS. Amirabdollahian met and held talks with Pandor on the sidelines of BRICS meeting in the South African port city of Cape Town on Thursday evening. 6125**2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US imposes fresh sanctions on Iran under pretext of 'censorship' accusations Iran Press TV Friday, 02 June 2023 6:26 PM The United States has announced new sanctions against Iran, targeting tech firms and two of their senior employees for their alleged role in "censorship or other activities" on the Internet. The US Department of Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) said on Friday that it slapped sanctions on Iran-based technology company Arvan Cloud, its co-founders, and their affiliated company in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The OFAC named the two individuals as the CEO of Arvan Cloud, Pouya Pirhosseinloo, and Farhad Fatemi, the company's tech lead and senior site reliability engineer. The Treasury also sanctioned ArvanCloud Global Technologies L.L.C., an affiliate company based in the UAE. The fresh embargos come in continuation of the US's sanction policy against Iran as Tehran says Washington is "addicted" to imposing sanctions. Various Iranian institutes and individuals have been targeted by sanctions since the victory of the Islamic Revolution 44 years ago under various pretexts. In a statement following the new announcement, US Treasury's under-secretary, Brian E. Nelson accused Tehran of undermining "freedom of expression". The Treasury accused Arvan Cloud company of having close ties with Iran's intelligence services, helping the government allegedly control and monitor the Internet. The allegations come as a report shows the US government is bending the rules in its favor to suppress narratives that it does not like. On Thursday, the Treasury targeted two senior officials of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Intelligence Organization as well as three individuals based in Iran and Turkey, and a Turkish company, claiming they were all linked to the elite Iranian military corps. The Treasury's Thursday sanctions had targeted IRGC's Intelligence Organization's head, Reza Seraj and Rouhallah Bazghandi, the former head of the Counter-Espionage Department of IRGC's Intelligence Organization. The IRGC, which is a vital part of the Iranian military, has been sanctioned in its entirety by the US. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran's objectives are in alignment with BRICS's goals: FM Amir-Abdollahian Iran Press TV Friday, 02 June 2023 2:47 PM Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian has said that Iran's objectives are in alignment with those of the BRICS and Tehran -- along with other like-minded countries -- could be a "reliable partner" for the group of emerging economies. The top Iranian diplomat made the remarks in an address to a meeting of the Friends of BRICS Foreign Ministers in Cape Town, South Africa, on Friday. He said Iran can be influential given its "rich experience of active participation in international organizations, abundant energy resources, short and cost-effective transport and transit networks, educated and skillful human workforce, remarkable scientific and technological achievements, and above all, strong dedication and determination for contribution into a fair world order." The Iranian foreign minister said the Islamic Republic would soon organize a conference through coordination with the embassies of BRICS countries "to elaborate on existing potentials for cooperation between Iran and the group." Amir-Abdollahian said Iran's political and economic relations with the BRICS countries remain satisfactory as the trade value exceeds 30 billion dollars. He said Tehran was determined to expand relations with the three BRICs countries of Russia, China and India within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). Describing Iran, India and South Africa as active members of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), Amir-Abdollahian said the three countries are cooperating in various economic sectors. Iran, China, India, Brazil and South Africa are among like-minded and active members of the group of developing countries (G-77), he said. 'BRICS, next significant target of Iran's multilateralism policy' Elsewhere in his speech, Amir-Abdollahian said Iran is among the pioneers of multilateralism. He said Tehran and some of the BRICS countries are members of major arrangements for multilateral cooperation. "For the Islamic Republic of Iran, BRICS can be the next significant target of our multilateralism policy. This is why we are among the first states that have officially declared interest to join BRICS and its frameworks of cooperation." BRICS has secured an important position in global relations thanks to the "combined capabilities and its serious efforts to strengthen multilateralism," the Iranian minister said. Amir-Abdollahian underscored the importance of the joining of other regional like-minded powers to the BRICS, saying, "An extended BRICS can come up with 'Collective and Inclusive Governance', 'New South-South Cooperation' and 'Coalition of Emerging Economies'." The BRICS includes Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, which hold about half of the world's population, accounting for 30 percent of the total land area of the world. The significance of this group and its leading role in the world economy has caused several countries including Iran to show a tendency to join. Iran's foreign minister meets Emirati, Russian counterparts On the sidelines of the BRICS Friends meeting, the Iranian foreign minister held separate meetings with his Emirati and Russian counterparts: Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Sergei Lavrov. The diplomats discussed the latest issues of common interest and regional and international developments. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Security Forces Fire On Protesters In Abdanan Demonstrating Over Student's Death By RFE/RL's Radio Farda June 02, 2023 A group of citizens in the western Iranian city of Abdanan, took to the streets chanting anti-government slogans on June 1 to protest the suspicious death of 21-year-old student Bamshad Suleimankhani. Several protesters were injured when security forces opened fire on them, local sources reported. Suleimankhani reportedly died earlier this week following his release from prison. Authorities said he had committed suicide. According to videos shared on social media, protesters chanted slogans such as "Death to Khamenei," a reference to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. They also blocked some streets of Abdanan by setting fires and continued their protest with slogans like " We don't want a child-murdering government." The Twitter account "Voice of Shahrivar," which covers protests in Iran, reported hours before the night protests in Abdanan that the seventh-day memorial service for the "government murder" of Bamshad Suleimankhani, who died "after continuous threats by government institutions" was attended by many of the city's residents. The human rights website Hengaw reported that security forces and special units had attacked protesters in Abdanan, firing "live ammunition, pellet guns, and tear gas." Images and videos from the protests appear to show that several demonstrators were injured by the pellet guns of security forces during the protests on June 1. Dozens of security forces and special unit vehicles were reportedly stationed in the main square of Abdanan and various streets of the city in the late hours of June 1. However, reports said protests continued in different neighborhoods of the city. Issa Baziar, a civil activist from Abdanan who now resides outside the country, said on Twitter on May 28 that Suleimankhani returned home on May 26, "with signs of beating and cigarette burns on his hand, and due to severe injuries, he fell into a coma that night and his death was announced by doctors on May 28." Baziar said Suleimankhani had received "serious warnings" from security forces. He also said that Suleimankhani's family have been threatened by authorities and warned not to speak to the media. Judicial and law enforcement officials in Abdanan in Ilam Province did not provide any explanation about the manner of Suleimankhani's death until the start of a strike by some merchants in the city, the widespread presence of people marking a week since his death, and the beginning of nighttime protests in Abdanan. Speaking on June 1, Omran Ali Mohammad, the head of the Ilam Province judiciary, was quoted by the Tasnim news agency, affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), as saying that Suleimankhani died as a result of "suicide." Mohammad said that the student "had not been accused or summoned by any law enforcement, military and security institutions, or the judiciary of Ilam Province." Universities and students have long been at the forefront of the struggle for greater social and political freedoms in Iran. According to the Human Rights Activists Organization, more than 750 students have been arrested by security forces, mostly by kidnapping accompanied by assault and battery in the streets around universities amid the nationwide antiestablishment protests sparked by the death in custody of Mahsa Amini in September. Written by Ardeshir Tayebi based on an original story in Persian by RFE/RL's Radio Farda Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-abdanan-protests- death-suleimankhani/32441937.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 New U.S. Sanctions Take Aim At Company Responsible For Internet Censorship In Iran By RFE/RL June 02, 2023 The United States has issued fresh sanctions targeting Iranian technology company Arvan Cloud, two employees of the company, and an affiliated firm for their roles in helping Tehran censor the Internet in the country, the Treasury Department said. Arvan Cloud, a web-hosting service and content delivery network, has played a prominent role in the Iranian government's development of the National Information Network (NIN) infrastructure, a censored version of the Internet under the control of Iranian authorities, the department said in a statement on June 2. "The Iranian government has regularly used Internet restrictions and the throttling of Internet speeds to suppress dissent, surveil and punish Iranians for exercising their freedom of expression and assembly both online and offline," the statement said. The department said Iranian authorities have sought to move domestic Internet traffic to the NIN in an effort to mitigate lost economic activity incurred when it imposes Internet restrictions to suppress dissent. These restrictions have increased amid widespread protests over deteriorating living conditions and other grievances that erupted after the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini last year in police custody for an alleged infraction of the country's mandatory head-scarf law. Arvan Cloud helped lay the groundwork for the NIN's integrated cloud network infrastructure and in contracts with the Ministry of Information and Communications Technology, it has "explicitly agreed to provide interception for the government, allowing Iranian authorities to control and censor incoming and outgoing traffic and surveil data on the servers," the Treasury Department said. It also said Arvan Cloud has a close relationship with Iran's intelligence services and its executives are either current or former affiliates of Iranian intelligence. Brian Nelson, the undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence, said free and unrestricted access to information is a fundamental right of all peoples, including in Iran. "The United States is committed to holding accountable those who seek to undermine freedom of expression and suppress dissent, and to call out regimes who deny their citizens this right," Nelson said in the Treasury's statement. The individuals designated for sanctions are Pouya Pirhosseinloo and Farhad Fatemi, co-founders of Arvan Cloud. The sanctions also target ArvanCloud Global Technologies LLC, an affiliate based in the United Arab Emirates. The sanctions freeze any property in U.S. jurisdiction owned by the individuals and entities designated. They also bar U.S. citizens from any dealings with the individuals and entities. With reporting by Reuters Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-us-sanctions- internet-censirship-arvan-cloud/32442065.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 Days After Belgium Released Iranian Diplomat, Iran Frees One Danish And Two Austrian-Iranian Citizens By RFE/RL's Radio Farda June 02, 2023 European governments confirmed on June 2 that one Danish and two Austrian-Iranian citizens have been released by Iran after mediation efforts by Oman and Belgium. The Austrian Foreign Ministry issued a statement expressing "satisfaction" with the release of Kamran Ghaderi and Massud Mossaheb, confirming that the two men were returning to their homeland. Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg said on Twitter he was "very relieved" that Ghaderi and Mossaheb were released after years "of arduous imprisonment" in Iran. "They are already on their way to Austria, where their families are eagerly waiting for them," Schallenberg said. Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo said earlier that he had informed the governments of Denmark and Austria about the release of the prisoners, which came a week after Tehran freed a Belgian aid worker in exchange for an Iranian diplomat who was convicted on terrorism charges. The Austrian Foreign Ministry also praised Belgium and Oman for their role in the release and called the years of detention in Iran "excruciating." Ghaderi was jailed for more than seven years and Mossaheb more than four years. Both men had been tried and convicted on espionage charges. The identity of the Danish national who was released was not disclosed. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said he was "pleased" at his return to his home country and to his family but said he could not name the man because it was "personal" and it was not possible to give further details. A Belgian government statement said the Danish citizen was arrested in the autumn of 2022 in the midst of nationwide protests in Iran following the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody for an alleged infraction of the country's mandatory head-scarf law. The Iranian Intelligence Ministry said on September 30 that it had identified and detained people it called "seditious" and "destructive agents," including nine foreign nationals at the scene of or behind the scenes of the recent protests. Neither the Austrian Foreign Ministry nor the Danish Foreign Ministry elaborated on the manner of support of the Belgian government or on the role of Oman. However, the release of the three Europeans came five days after Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tariq al-Said arrived in Tehran for a two-day visit. Oman also played a role in negotiations that resulted in Iran and Belgium exchanging two prisoners last week. The swap involved Olivier Vandecasteele, a Belgian aid worker jailed in Iran, and Asadollah Assadi, an Iranian diplomat imprisoned in Belgium. Assadi was sentenced to 20 years in prison last year in connection with a plot to bomb a rally of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), an exiled opposition group, outside Paris in June 2018. Tehran considers the NCRI a terrorist group and has called the Paris attack plot a "false flag" move by the group. The NCRI called the release of Assadi a "shameful ransom to terrorism and hostage-taking." Western countries have repeatedly charged that Iran is trying to take advantage of foreign countries by taking dual and foreign nationals hostage and then using them in prisoner swaps. With reporting by Reuters and AFP Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-frees-danish- austrian-citizens-oman-belgium/32441897.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 Iranian Air Force Commander Says Tehran Needs New Russia-Made Su Fighter Jets Sputnik News 20230602 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Tehran needs new Russia-made Su fighter jets, but the date of their supply to the Iranian squadron depends on the authorities' decision, Commander of the Iranian air force Brig. Gen. Hamid Vahedi said on Friday. "As for Su jets ... we need them, but we don't know when they will be delivered to our squadron, it depends on the decision of country's senior officials," Vahedi was quoted as saying by the regional news agency. At the same time, before the purchase of the new jets, Iranian pilots have to undergo special training in Russia so they can train their inexperienced counterparts on their own in the future, the Iranian air force commander reportedly added. Vahidi also noted that Iran's Kowsar fighter was undergoing final tests, with a squadron of these jets scheduled to be created in the near future. Moreover, the Yasin training aircraft developed by the Iranian Defense Ministry will be transferred to the country's air force in 2022, the commander added. Iran can overhaul all available aircraft, Vahedi said, adding that in 2022, a total of 30 aircraft had been repaired, with the number expected to increase in 2023. Tehran is seeking to seriously upgrade its air force and in this regard, is showing great interest in Russian aviation. In March, Iran's mission to the United Nations told Sputnik that Iran had finalized a deal to purchase Su-35 fighter jets from Russia, but information on the number of aircraft and the timing of their delivery has been classified. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Harare, June 3 (UNI)The Zimbabwean government has banned the importation, distribution, and sale of American multinational company Johnson & Johnson's baby powder after it was found to cause cancer. A letter from Ministry of Health and Child Care Permanent Secretary Jasper Chimedza, addressed to all provincial medical directors, issued the directive, chronicling other countries which had also raised a red flag over the baby powder. "Ministry of Health and Child Care is banning the importation and distribution and sale of Johnson & Johnson baby powder containing the talc ingredient with immediate effect. "Environmental health officers and technicians are advised to remove all Johnson & Johnson's baby powder containing the talc ingredient from the market. Inspectors are advised to document their findings, and the products must be destroyed or recalled to the manufacturers," Chimedza said in the letter dated May 24 and seen by Xinhua Friday. Johnson & Johnson baby powder is a popular brand in Zimbabwe, with adults also using it to cure odor in their feet. Giving a background to the ban, Chimedza said an American television channel on April 18, 2023, reported that Johnson & Johnson had assumed the liability to pay 8.9 billion U.S. dollars to the medical industry in compensation over allegations that its baby powder was causing cancer. "Research by the American Academy of Paediatrics unearthed that the talc used in the production of the baby powder was highly toxic due to contamination with carcinogen asbestos," he said. He added that the Tanzania Bureau of Standards on April 19, 2023, banned the importation, distribution, and sale of the baby powder containing the talc ingredient. "The product is still popular in South Africa amid indications that most consumers are unaware of its potential risks. "Given the significant importation of health products by Zimbabwe from South Africa, there is a high risk that the contaminated baby powder could still be finding its way into the Zimbabwean market," he warned. Johnson & Johnson announced in 2020 that it would stop selling its talc baby powder in the United States and Canada after demand had fallen due to what it called "misinformation" about the product's safety, according to media reports. Zimbabwe, in October 2022, banned the importation of other baby powders following their recall by their South African distributor, Tiger Brands, after it was discovered that they contained high levels of asbestos. The products were Purity Essentials Baby Powder, Purity & Elizabeth Anne's Essentials Baby Powder and Purity and Elizabeth Anne's Fresh Baby Powder. UNI/XINHUA GNK Treasury Sanctions Iranian Company Aiding in Internet Censorship U.S. Department of the Treasury June 2, 2023 WASHINGTON -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is designating the Iran-based technology company known as "Arvan Cloud," two senior employees of Arvan Cloud, and an affiliated company based in the United Arab Emirates for their roles in facilitating the Iranian regime's censorship of the Internet in Iran. Arvan Cloud is a key partner of Iran's Information and Communications Technology Ministry in the development of the National Information Network (NIN), a countrywide intranet that is being used to disconnect the Iranian people from the global Internet. Arvan Cloud has a close relationship with Iran's intelligence services, including the Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS), and Arvan Cloud executives have extensive ties to senior Iranian government officials. The Iranian government has regularly used Internet restrictions and the throttling of Internet speeds to suppress dissent, surveil and punish Iranians for exercising their freedom of expression and assembly both online and offline, and limit the dissemination to the international community of credible information about egregious human rights violations. "Free and unrestricted access to information is a fundamental right of all peoples, including in Iran," said Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian E. Nelson. "The United States is committed to holding accountable those who seek to undermine freedom of expression and suppress dissent, and to call out regimes who deny their citizens this right." Today's action is being taken pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13846, which authorizes sanctions on persons who engage in censorship or other activities with respect to Iran. In addition, OFAC is issuing a time-limited general license to allow the wind down of transactions with Arvan Cloud. Today's action is consistent with the U.S. government's continued support for the Iranian people's ability to freely access information both offline and online such as through the provision of Internet communication tools to the people of Iran, including under Iran General License D-2. Please also see FAQs 1087 and 1088 for information about the provision of cloud services for the Iranian people. Arvan Cloud Navyan Abr Arvan Private Limited Company, known as Arvan Cloud, has played a prominent role in the Iranian government's development of the NIN infrastructure, a censored version of the Internet under the control of Iranian authorities. The government has responded to the protests that began at the end of 2022 following the death of Mahsa Jina Amini, as well as previous rounds of protests, with significant Internet disruptions and restrictions, in addition to mobile network shutdowns and curfew-style disturbances. The Iranian regime has sought to move domestic Internet traffic to the NIN in an effort to mitigate the billions of dollars in lost economic activity it incurs when it imposes internet restrictions to suppress dissent. As a web-hosting service and content delivery network, Arvan Cloud has helped lay the groundwork for the NIN's integrated cloud network infrastructure. In contracts with the Ministry of Information and Communications Technology (ICT), Arvan Cloud has explicitly agreed to provide interception for the government, allowing Iranian authorities to control and censor incoming and outgoing traffic and surveil data on the servers. Arvan Cloud has also blocked websites at the request of Iran's Committee to Determine Instances of Criminal Content (CDICC), a government entity previously designated by the United States pursuant to E.O. 13628 for its role in monitoring online content and playing a major role in the filtering of websites deemed to be against the regime's national beliefs and safety. Arvan Cloud maintains a close relationship to Iran's Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS), and senior managers of Arvan Cloud are either current or former affiliates of MOIS. Former MOIS officials have also publicly encouraged the use of Arvan Cloud services. Arvan Cloud is being designated pursuant to E.O. 13846 for having engaged in censorship or other activities with respect to Iran on or after June 12, 2009, that prohibit, limit, or penalize the exercise of freedom of expression or assembly by citizens of Iran, or that limit access to print or broadcast media, including the facilitation or support of intentional frequency manipulation by the Government of Iran or an entity owned or controlled by the Government of Iran that would jam or restrict an international signal. Pouya Pirhosseinloo (Pirhosseinloo) and Farhad Fatemi (Fatemi) are the co-founders of Arvan Cloud and serve as the CEO and the tech lead and senior site reliability engineer, respectively. ArvanCloud Global Technologies L.L.C. is a Dubai-based affiliate of Arvan Cloud that provides cloud services on behalf of Arvan Cloud and provides a bridge for Arvan Cloud's connection to the global internet. Arvan Cloud senior executives and employees, including Pirhosseinloo and Fatemi, manage, maintain, and act as administrative points of contact for ArvanCloud Global Technologies L.L.C's domain and IP addresses. Pirhosseinloo and Fatemi are being designated pursuant to E.O. 13846 for having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, Arvan Cloud. Arvancloud Global Technologies L.L.C is being designated pursuant to E.O. 13846 for being owned or controlled by, or having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, Arvan Cloud. SANCTIONS IMPLICATIONS As a result of today's action, all property and interests in property of these persons that are in the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons must be blocked and reported to OFAC. In addition, any entities that are owned, directly or indirectly, 50 percent or more by one or more blocked persons are also blocked. OFAC regulations generally prohibit all dealings by U.S. persons or within the United States (including transactions transiting the United States) that involve any property or interests in property of blocked or designated persons. In addition, persons that engage in certain transactions with the persons designated today may themselves be exposed to sanctions or subject to an enforcement action. Furthermore, unless an exception applies, any foreign financial institution that knowingly facilitates a significant transaction or provides significant financial services for any of the persons designated today could be subject to U.S. sanctions. The power and integrity of OFAC sanctions derive not only from OFAC's ability to designate and add persons to the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List (SDN List), but also from its willingness to remove persons from the SDN List consistent with the law. The ultimate goal of sanctions is not to punish, but to bring about a positive change in behavior. For information concerning the process for seeking removal from an OFAC list, including the SDN List, please refer to OFAC's Frequently Asked Question 897. Click here for identifying information on the individuals designated today. ### NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Progress Reported in Negotiations Over Iran-Afghanistan Water Dispute By Roshan Noorzai, Zheela Noori June 02, 2023 After weeks of tensions over water rights to the Helmand River that escalated to a deadly clash last week, Iran says it has made progress in negotiations with Afghanistan's Taliban rulers over the shared waterway. On Thursday, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian told Iranian state media, the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting, that his government had "good negotiations" with the Taliban. "We have the water rights issue on the agenda, and the [Iranian] president has assigned Hassan Kazemi Qomi [Iranian ambassador to Afghanistan] to follow up on the matter, with the view that the issues between the two countries should go in the direct direction and be resolved," said Amir Abdollahian. The tensions between Iran and the Taliban escalated after Iran accused the de facto government of Afghanistan of restricting the flow of water to Iran. Deadly clashes between the two sides broke out last week in which two Iranian security forces and a Taliban guard were killed. The tensions began last month after Iran President Ebrahim Raisi warned the Taliban to "honor" Iran's rights over the Helmand River. "We will not allow the rights of our people to be violated," Raisi said during his visit to the southeastern Iranian province of Sistan and Baluchestan on May 18, adding that the Taliban should take his words "seriously." Afghanistan Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi said that the Taliban were committed to the 1973 water treaty between Afghanistan and Iran. But he added that "the drought in Afghanistan and the region should not be overlooked." "It has become a completely political issue in both Afghanistan and Iran," said Fatemeh Aman, a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute. Longtime issue Aman said the water dispute "existed, and it goes back over centuries." "The problem is that the issue just went away whenever there was enough rain or water. But the issue surfaced once there was a drought or lack of rain." In 1973, Iran and Afghanistan signed the Helmand River Water Treaty. According to the treaty, Afghanistan should provide 850 million cubic meters of water to Iran from the Helmand River in a "normal" year. Kazemi Qomi said that despite the treaty, Iran has received only about 4 percent of its share of water. The Helmand River, the longest river in Afghanistan, is about 1,150 kilometers (715 miles) long. Constituting over 40 percent of Afghanistan's surface water, the river is an important source of livelihood for the country's southern and southwestern provinces. It feeds Hamun Lake in Iran's Sistan and Baluchestan province, the province's main water source. Persistent droughts, climate change and a lack of proper water management have brought tensions over the transboundary waters between the two neighbors. Although water security frictions are increasingly common for nations with shared waterways, it is unclear how much the dispute between Iran and Afghanistan could escalate. Michael O'Hanlon, director of research at the Brookings Institution, told VOA that he did not expect tensions between Iran and Afghanistan to "boil into a larger problem for the region." "I think what you are looking at is really a question of how much will they cooperate on issues that they have a common interest in, like border control, counternarcotics, issues like that, where you could see the cooperation," O'Hanlon said. 'Complicated' relations During the civil war in Afghanistan in the 1990s, Iran supported the Afghan forces fighting against the Taliban, particularly after the Taliban killed nine Iranian diplomats in the northern city of Mazar-e-Sharif in 1998. Iran cultivated closer relations with the Taliban before the fall of Kabul, as both sides were united in opposition to U.S. forces in the region. While Iran has not recognized the Taliban as the legitimate government of Afghanistan, it has handed the Afghan Embassy in Tehran over to the group. Despite close diplomatic ties, skirmishes over the border have been reported in recent years. Ryan Crocker, a former U.S. ambassador to Afghanistan, told VOA that the relations between Iran and the Taliban "are very complicated." "The last thing that this region needs to see some kind of border war between Iran and Afghanistan," he said. This story originated in VOA's Afghan Service. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address National League for Democracy minister released from prison in Mandalay Set Aung was deputy finance minister under Myanmar's ousted government. By RFA Burmese 2023.06.02 -- Myanmar's junta released Set Aung from Yamethin Prison in central Mandalay region on Friday, sources close to him told RFA. The deputy minister of planning, finance and industry under Myanmar's ousted National League for Democracy-led government had reached the end of his three-year term. "He was released this morning after his release date," said an acquaintance who didn't wish to be identified. "He is in good health." Set Aung was arrested shortly after the military staged a coup on Feb. 1, 2021 and was sentenced to three years in prison for violating the official secrets act in September last year. His sentence included time served and was reduced slightly. Myanmar's former leader Aung San Suu Kyi, planning and finance minister Soe Win, former planning and finance minister Kyaw Win and Australian-born economic advisor Sean Turnell all received three-year sentences at the same time from a court in Naypyidaw prison. Turnell was freed in an amnesty on Nov. 17, 2022. Soe Win and Kyaw Win have also both been freed, while Suu Kyi is still believed to be in solitary confinement in Naypyidaw Prison where she is serving a total of 33 years for 19 cases. Set Aung was transferred to Yamethin Prison following last year's sentencing. It is larger than Naypyidaw Prison and holds around 300 political prisoners from nearby townships, according to prisoners' families. They include Su Kyi's bodyguards, police lieutenant Pyae Phyoe Naing and police second lieutenant Cherry Htet, National League for Democracy union cabinet office minister Min Thu, Naypyitaw mayor Myo Aung and deputy mayor Ye Min Oo. The National League for Democracy won the 2020 elections but senior leaders were arrested following the Feb. 2021 coup, before parliament had a chance to convene. In March this year, the junta announced the dissolution of the party after it failed to re-register with the military's Election Commission. A total of 40 political parties were dissolved because they did not re-register within 60 days of new laws and regulations enacted by the military council. The junta has arrested more than 18,500 people, including politicians and democracy activists, since the coup according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners. More than 6,000 were sentenced to prison. Translated by RFA Burmese. Edited by Mike Firn. 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 June 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 Transcript of the Media Briefing by the Spokesperson Thursday, 01 June 2023 Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs [This is a rush transcript. This copy may not be in its final form and may be updated] Assalam-o-Alaikum, Thank you for joining us for the Weekly Briefing. Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari is in Jordan to attend the wedding of Crown Prince Hussein at the invitation of the Royal family of Jordan. From Jordan, the Foreign Minister will travel to Iraq from 5th to 7th of June at the invitation of the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Dr. Fuad Hussein. This is Foreign Minister's first visit to Iraq. During the visit, the Foreign Minister will meet the Iraqi leadership. In his meeting with his counterpart, the two sides will discuss a range of issues of common interest and explore avenues of bilateral cooperation. The Foreign Minister will formally announce the establishment of Pilgrimage Centre in Karbala to facilitate Pakistani Zaireen and perform the ground-breaking of the Embassy Complex. A number of agreements are also expected to be signed related to education sector, cultural cooperation and visa facilitation. Foreign Minister of the Republic of Belarus, Sergei Aleinik, visited Pakistan on a 2-day official visit. In meetings with Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Minister of State Hina Rabbani Khar wide-ranging and substantive talks were held on political, economic, technological, cultural, educational and multilateral cooperation. Two agreements were signed on the occasion a Agreement on the Abolition of Visas for holders of Diplomatic and Service Passports and Agreement between the Institute of Strategic Studies, Islamabad and the Belarus Institute of Strategic Research. Foreign Secretary Dr. Asad Majeed Khan is on a two-country visit to Azerbaijan and Georgia. He concluded his visit to Azerbaijan yesterday and is now in Georgia. In Baku, Azerbaijan, the two sides reviewed the multifaceted and historic ties. They agreed to further enhance the frequency of high-level exchanges and optimally utilize the existing institutional mechanisms to strengthen bilateral cooperation in all fields. It was agreed to enhance and diversify bilateral trade and expand cooperation in energy, information technology, labor mobility, agriculture, transport connectivity and education. The inaugural session of Pakistan-Georgia Bilateral Political Consultations (BPC) is being held today in Tbilisi. Foreign Secretary Dr. Asad Majeed Khan and Georgia's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Alexander Khvtisiashvili are leading the respective sides. Agenda includes discussion on trade & investment, tourism, education and Information Technology (IT) and as well as regional and global issues of mutual interest. We are deeply concerned over India's latest move seeking death penalty for prominent Kashmiri leader, Mr. Yasin Malik. Last year, Mr. Malik was awarded life sentence in a contrived case, marked by fabricated charges and denial of fair trial. He is being held in inhumane conditions in the notorious Tihar jail despite his deteriorating health. Mr. Malik is being denied access to family members, privileged access to lawyers and quality health treatment. India's latest move is another instance of political vendetta aimed at silencing the Kashmiri leadership and intimidating the Kashmiri people. It is a manifestation of India's unending and pervasive oppression in IIOJK where political leaders and human rights defenders are routinely incarcerated on trumped up and baseless charges. We urge the Indian authorities to bring an end to this farce of a trial of Mr. Yasin Malik. He must be provided quality health treatment and allowed to live freely among his people and family. India must also immediately and unconditionally release the Kashmiri leadership and human rights defenders who are being unjustly held in prisons in IIOJK and across India. I have a couple of upcoming visit announcements: At the invitation of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif will attend the inauguration ceremony of President Erdogan in Ankara on 3rd June 2023. The Prime Minister's visit will be a reaffirmation of the deep-rooted fraternal ties between Pakistan and TArkiye. The Prime Minister will convey warm felicitations on behalf of the Government and people of Pakistan to President Erdogan on his re-election as President of TArkiye on 28 May 2023. The Prime Minister will also extend an invitation to President Erdogan to attend the 7th Meeting of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC) in Islamabad. Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar will undertake official visits to Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Belgium from 5th to 13th June 2023. She will hold meetings at the Ministerial level to discuss political engagement and cooperation in development, trade and climate change. She will also meet lawmakers and local entrepreneurs. In Belgium, she will hold meetings with Members of the European Parliament and senior officials of the European Commission. In Sweden, the Minister of State will attend the Annual Meeting of the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) as a key note speaker. She will present Pakistan's perspective on issues of regional and global importance and interact with leading European decision-makers, experts, think-tanks and influencers for debates on foreign policy priorities and challenges. I thank you. ** Question: Pakistan has strong diplomatic ties with Georgia. Why Georgia does not open its Embassy here in Islamabad? (Mian Fazal Elahi, Diplomatic Focus) Answer:a The decision to open an embassy is a sovereign decision by a country. These decisions are taken in light of factors such as the quantum of bilateral exchanges and bilateral trade. I would also like to share here that Pakistan also does not have a Mission in Georgia at the present time, but Pakistan's relationship with Georgia is solid and the ongoing visit of the Foreign Secretary to Georgia is a manifestation of the strong ties between Pakistan and Georgia and our desire to further strengthen them. Question:a Yesterday, we saw a meeting between the Foreign Minister and the US Ambassador. Can you enlighten more on the background or context of the meeting because there have been a lot of talk with regards to the resumption of the IMF program. The Prime Minister has also reportedly held talks with the IMF chief. So, was this meeting in light of that? Secondly, we saw a statement coming in from India with regards to the SCO Summit that they say will be held virtually. Any comments that Pakistan has to offer on that? (Anas Mallick, Capital TV) Answer: aFirst, I would like to share with you that it is normal for the Foreign Minister to receive ambassadors from various countries and yesterday he met with the Ambassador of the United States. When such meetings take place, all aspects of bilateral cooperation are discussed and that was the case in this meeting as well. Regarding your second question, we have received a notice that the Heads of State Meeting will take place in virtual format. We do not have further information to share. We await the details of this online meeting and once received the invitation will be duly considered. Question: IMF Mission chief in Pakistan, Nathan Porter has given a statement in which he said that Pakistan's political situation is not good and needs to be improved. State Minister for Finance has responded to that. What does Foreign Ministry have to say about this? (Umar Hayat, Bol News) Answer:a The Ministry of Finance is the right forum to respond to any issues, concerns and statements relating to IMF and I have nothing further to add to that. Question: What are your comments about these meetings taking place between various diplomats and a political leader, Chairman Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf in a very particular situation here in Pakistan? (Mazhar Iqbal, PNN News) Answer: We have seen those reports that some envoys have met with political leaders in Pakistan. We have no comment to offer on that. Question:a Various reports suggest that Pakistan is releasing around 200 Indian prisoners. Do you expect that India will also release Pakistani prisoners in their jails? Even in May, probably on 12th of May, Pakistan has already released 198 Indian prisoners. In the same context, there used to be a prisoners committee of ex judges of the higher courts between the two countries and that committee used to take measures or suggest measures for welfare of the prisoners. Whether that committee still exists, has it been revived or it doesn't exist anymore? (Shaukat Piracha, AAJ News) Answer: aIn the recent past Pakistan has released some Indian fishermen and civilians who had completed their sentence. A similar group may be released in coming days. The release of Indian fishermen and civilians demonstrates Pakistan's consistent policy of not politicizing humanitarian matters. We also hope that India would undertake similar humanitarian gestures and release Pakistani civilians and fishermen as well. With regards to the Judicial Commission that you have referred to, that Commission surely exists and the two sides have remained in contact on the mechanics of such visits which we hope will facilitate the civilians and fishermen who are held in prisons in Pakistan and India. Question: aWell, the Ministry of Finance has responded to the IMF, but everyone is speaking now, from Australia on one side of the globe to the United States on the other side of the globe, and all of them are not saying anything against Pakistan but in a friendly gesture that "put your house in order to create a consensus". So, what is the response from Pakistan to all these voices? Like yesterday, the Australian High Commissioner also tweeted in the same way as the others are saying.a(Shaukat Piracha, AAJ News)a Supplementary Question:a After the events of 9th May, a group of more than 65 US Congressmen wrote a letter to the Secretary of State Antony Blinken, asking him to make sure that Pakistan is fulfilling the commitment of human rights. Recently, the chairman of the US Senate Foreign Affairs Committee, Bob Mendez has also raised this issue. What are your comments? (Jaleel Akhtar, VOA) Answer:a We have seen those statements. We do not agree with the characterization that has been made on developments around May 9th and the situation in Pakistan. You may have seen the National Security Committee's statement, which has clearly spelt out the factual situation around the May 9 events. We believe that Pakistan is fully capable of dealing with all domestic challenges in accordance with our laws and our constitution. We are cognizant of our constitutional obligations to protect the rights and property of all our citizens. We are committed to ensure observance of national law, maintaining public order and respecting the Constitution, and democratic traditions and human rights principles. These constitutional guarantees and fundamental freedoms are underwritten by our judiciary. Question:a One Pakistani blogger Waqas Goraya, who is a critic of Pakistan Army, is under exile in Netherland these days. He has been constantly refused by the Foreign Office and Pakistan Embassy Netherlands regarding the power of Attorney, and Pakistan Foreign Office is not issuing him the Power of Attorney. This agenda has also been taken up by the National Assembly Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs. So, what's your stance on this? (Abdullah Momin, Dawn News) Answer: aI need to get more details of this case before I comment. Question:a Usually, Pakistan's Ministry of Defence does not comment on Indian propagandas and you also refer us to them for answers. Two days ago, Minister for Defence was asked that India has confessed regarding BrahMos missile that their relations with Pakistan were damaged because of this incident and they also suffered a big loss. What is Pakistan's position on this?a (Syed Faisal Ali, Din News) Answer:a Pakistan's position has been very clear. We have asked India to first of all share the findings of its internal investigations of this dangerous incident that endangered the lives and that endangered peace in the region. We have also asked India to agree to a joint investigation to understand the circumstances under which this incident took place. We have also called upon the international community to hold India to account on this very dangerous incident. India must explain and reassure the world about its command and control mechanisms about the safety of its nuclear program, its nuclear weapons and its missile delivery system. Question:a My question is that a mural in the new Indian parliament building depicts ancient India, including parts of current Pakistan. This is in keeping with the concept of Akhand Bharat-of an India which includes parts of its neighboring countries like present day Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Myanmar. How do you view it? What are your comments please? (Amir Abbasi, Dunya TV) Answer:a We have seen the reports about a mural installed at the new parliament building in New Delhi. The mural depicts the so-called ancient India, including areas that now constitute parts of Pakistan and other regional countries. We are appalled by the statements made by some BJP politicians including a Union Minister, linking the mural with 'Akhand Bharat' (Unified greater India). The gratuitous assertion of 'Akhand Bharat' is a manifestation of a revisionist and expansionist mindset that seeks to subjugate the identity and culture of not only India's neighboring countries but also its own religious minorities. It is a matter of grave concern that the idea of Akhand Bharat is being increasingly peddled by individuals belonging to the ruling dispensation in India. The Indian politicians are well advised not to indulge in rhetoric against other countries merely to further their divisive and parochial political agenda. Instead of nurturing hegemonic and expansionist ambitions, India should resolve disputes with its neighbors and work with them to build a peaceful and prosperous South Asia. Question: aMy question is about misuse of facilities given to the diplomats by selling luxury vehicles to the local businessman. Pakistan Custom caught 16 vehicles which caused a loss of 445 million rupees to Pakistan's revenue. In such cases security of the diplomats is in danger. What action can Foreign Office take about this matter? a(Sohail Majeed, The Asian Telegraph) Answer: I do not know the premise of your question, but I can, in general, inform you that Pakistan Foreign Office remains in close contact with the diplomatic community in Islamabad and we have very clear guidelines for sale and purchase of vehicles which are imported duty-free as per the privileges enjoyed by the diplomatic country. Question:a You've mentioned that the Minister of State will be heading to Sweden to attend the Annual Meeting of the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) as a key note speaker. Will she be holding bilateral meetings because the matter of the closure of Swedish Embassy or a technical closure of their consular section is quite a pain for Pakistani nationals seeking to go to Sweden for study or other purposes? So, will that matter be taken up in her interactions? Secondly, we had the Belarus Foreign Minister visit Pakistan very recently. Was the matter of Russia deploying its nuclear weapons in Belarus considered or discussed in this meeting? (Anas Mallick, Capital TV) Answer:a Your first question was about the Minister of State's visit to Sweden. Yes, when she visits Sweden, she will also hold the bilateral meetings where all aspects of bilateral cooperation will be discussed including visa related matters. Regarding your second question, the focus of discussions between the visiting Foreign Minister of Belarus and Pakistani dignitaries including the Foreign Minister was on the bilateral relationship. As such no such issue came up. However, we would like to reiterate Pakistan's consistent position that all states should abide by their international legal obligations and Non-Proliferation commitments and avoid steps inconsistent with such commitments. The issue of stationing nuclear weapons on territories of NPT non-nuclear weapon states, at present as well as in the past, needs to be carefully examined by all parties to the Treaty as it has serious repercussions for global peace and security. Question:a Do you have any comment on the Indian Government's decision to hold the SCO summit in virtual format?a(Ali Hussain, Business Recorder) Answer: aI think I've already answered it, but I can repeat that we have received a notification that the Heads of State Meeting will take place in the virtual format and we are awaiting details from the current chair of SCO with regards to the details of the virtual meeting. Question:a In Geneva Donor's Conference, a commitment of more than $10 billion for reconstruction and rehabilitation was made to Pakistan. How many commitments have materialized till now? Can you share some specific country wise details with us, please? (Jaleel Akhtar, VOA) Answer:a I cannot give you specific details right now because the Economic Affairs Division and the Planning Ministry are responsible departments in the recovery and rehabilitation phase. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs was charged with organizing the Geneva Conference, in seeking commitments and ensuring that our viewpoint is widely heard across the world. As far as the various projects and project commitments are concerned, these are being dealt with by the concerned departments bilaterally. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Scholz attended the EPC Summit in ChiEinAu - "We are sending a powerful signal against Russian imperialism" Germany - Federal Government At the end of the European Political Community Summit, Scholz reiterated that despite certain disputes between individual countries, everyone present was united in the view "that the Russian attack on Ukraine is an attack on European peace and security". Thursday, 1 June 2023 During the closing press conference held in ChiEinAu in the Republic of Moldova, the Federal Chancellor pointed out that it was indicative of the day's meeting that Belarus and Russia were not represented, while everyone else was. He added that the Summit was part of a strong tradition characterised by the concept that sovereignty and territorial integrity should be respected and that "peaceful coexistence is of great importance to us in Europe". Moldova's President Maia Sandu and the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, invited 47 heads of state and government of the EU member states and other European states to come to ChiEinAu. The goal of this exchange was to promote political cooperation in order to strengthen security and prosperity in Europe. The Federal Chancellor stressed once again: "Together we stand closely by Ukraine's side. We will not let up and will continue to support Ukraine politically, financially, in terms of humanitarian aid and with arms deliveries." Scholz continued by saying that the Summit also had symbolic power: "The Republic of Moldova is subjected to continuous destabilisation attempts by Moscow like no other European country, apart from Ukraine." The great level of solidarity Moldova was demonstrating towards Ukraine was therefore remarkable, the Federal Chancellor said, expressing his gratitude to President Maia Sandu and the Moldavian people. Removing tension between individual states The Summit was also linked to a declaration of support for Moldova, Ukraine and in the medium term also Georgia to become members of the European Union, said the Federal Chancellor. The same was true for the six Western Balkan states, where some progress could be observed, Scholz added. In this context, the Federal Chancellor and the French President Macron held direct talks, aiming to aid the process of alleviating tension between individual states. "We had intense discussions with Armenia and Azerbaijan. We spoke in depth with Kosovo and Serbia." Where the European states come together In addition, the heads of state and government spoke about energy security in Europe, infrastructure and grid development. Cohesion was also helpful in becoming independent of Russian gas imports, the Federal Chancellor pointed out. Scholz said that he was very pleased, adding that the Summits had proved effective as participants had stayed true to their principles. Talks had been held not only by the European Union and its friends, but by the European states that had come together, said Scholz. "I am also glad that we actually focussed on dialogue. It is a sign of progress for our Europe that this is possible." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's answers to media questions following the BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting, Cape Town, June 1, 2023 1 June 2023 21:37 1084-01-06-2023 Question: Many countries have been declaring their desire to be invited into the BRICS group. For instance, today, you met with the delegation from Saudi Arabia, who also expressed their desire to do that. Could you please tell us about the progress that is being made in this direction and why do you think BRICS attracts so many countries? Sergey Lavrov: Indeed, we discussed this issue, and I did discuss it with the Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud this morning. As regards the approach of BRICS, it is still being shaped, it is evolving. The sherpas reported to us about the results they reached at this stage. The Chair authorised them to continue after they listened to the comments made by each of us at the meeting. BRICS is a different kind of structure. It is a new organisation based on the principles of equality, mutual respect, consensus, non-interference and strict adherence to the United Nations Charter, to all its principles in their interlinkages. It is not for BRICS to pick and choose something you like in this Charter for this particular situation and then to do the opposite for another situation. I think BRICS symbolises the evolution of the multipolar world, which is talked about very often, and more and more so. And the fact that more than 12 countries have expressed their desire to be part of BRICS is a testimony to that. Question: May I ask you to comment on the reports alleging that the BRICS Summit may be moved to China from South Africa? What do you think about these plans? Sergey Lavrov: As far as I know, this news story appeared in a single British tabloid of some sort. And I do not read English papers. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Putin says certain 'Ill-wishers' are trying to destabilize Russia Iran Press TV Friday, 02 June 2023 5:01 PM President Vladimir Putin has said that certain "ill-wishers" are attempting to destabilize Russia, amid a heightened hostile Western campaign against the country over the Ukraine conflict. The West accuses Russia of fighting a war of aggression against Ukraine while Moscow says the United States and NATO are fighting a proxy war against the country in Ukraine. Putin aid Russia's Security Council would discuss security issues in the context of "extremely important" issues concerning relations between Russia's 190 ethnic groups. "Today, we will also be addressing these issues in terms of ensuring Russia's security, in this case domestic political security," he said. Russia began its "special military operation" in Ukraine on February 24, 2022 with a declared aim of "demilitarizing" Donbas, which is made up of the Donetsk and Luhansk self-proclaimed republics. Back in 2014, the two republics, which are predominantly Russian-speaking, broke away from Ukraine, prompting Kiev to launch a bloody war against both regions. The years-long conflict has killed more than 14,000 people, mostly in the Donbas. Since the onset of the conflict between the two countries, the United States and its European allies have unleashed an array of unprecedented sanctions against Russia and poured numerous batches of advanced weapons into Ukraine to help its military fend off the Russian troops, despite repeated warnings by the Kremlin that such measures will only prolong the war. Sanctions on Russia must be maintained: Japan Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi of Japan, a US ally, said on Friday that Japan and like-minded countries should be united and maintain sanctions against Russia until it ends the war in Ukraine. "Judging by the situation and especially what Russia is saying and doing, I think it is important that the Group of 7 and like-minded countries remain united and continue severe sanctions against Russia," Hayashi told a press conference. He hoped that the sanctions will encourage Russia to "end its aggression as soon as possible so that we can reach a stage where we can use dialogue and peace talks." Leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) nations met in the city of Hiroshima last month and renewed their commitment to sanctions against Russia while pledging to work to prevent them from being circumvented. The G7 countries said they would limit exports of industrial machinery, tools and technology useful to Russia's war effort and limit the country's income from trade in metals and diamonds. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The Week In Russia: Drone Wars By Steve Gutterman June 02, 2023 An apparent drone attack on Moscow fits President Vladimir Putin's narrative about Russia's war on Ukraine. But more than 15 months into what was meant to be a "special operation" to swiftly subjugate the neighboring nation, it's still another piece of bad news for the Kremlin. Here are some of the key developments in Russia over the past week and some of the takeaways going forward. Aerial Attacks In terms of optics, imagery, and propaganda, Putin must have been pleased, at least on some level, to see headlines like "Drone Attacks Target Moscow And Kyiv" after unmanned aerial vehicles slammed into three apartment buildings in the Russian capital on May 30. Putin and other officials swiftly blamed Kyiv for the strikes, slotting the incident into a false narrative that the Kremlin has used increasingly in recent months: the claim that Russia, far from fighting a war of aggression against a sovereign neighbor, is defending itself from an assault by the United States and NATO in which Ukraine is merely a weapon in the hands of the West. The drone strike and other attacks on Russian soil that Moscow has ascribed to Kyiv may serve to bolster that narrative domestically and even abroad. It hands an argument to people in the West who call for peace with little consideration of what that could mean for millions of Ukrainians in Russian-occupied territory or for the wider world -- or of the repercussions of rewarding a land grab. That may be heartening for Putin. At home, he is seeking to solidify backing for the invasion he unleashed on Ukraine in February 2022, through both the propaganda of patriotism and a persistent clampdown on dissent in general and criticism of the war - and even just questions about it -- in particular. Long after the start of a "special military operation" that he hoped would bring Ukraine to its knees in a matter of days or weeks, Putin's main hope of success in the war now hinges on Western support for Kyiv flagging substantially, analysts say. If Ukraine is behind the strikes, as is widely believed despite denials, Kyiv is blurring lines that many believe would be wiser to keep clearly defined by refraining from attacks on Russian territory -- even though their effects cannot be compared to the death and devastation that Russia has wreaked on Ukraine. Nobody was killed by the drones in Moscow. In the month of May alone, Russia launched 17 waves of aerial attacks on Kyiv, using drones and firing ballistic and hypersonic missiles. Three people, including a child, were killed in a Russian strike on the capital on June 1, and Russia has targeted other cities and towns across Ukraine as well. Putin's Narrative Even in propaganda terms, the negative effects of the Moscow strike may outweigh positive effects for Putin and the Russian state. For one thing, there's no sign that the drone strike on Moscow has engendered an upsurge of support for the war or for Putin among Russians, or that it has had a substantial effect on attitudes in the West. And while they may further Putin's narrative of the war, the drone strike on Moscow and one in which two drones targeted the Kremlin on May 3 suggest that Russia -- even at its very heart -- is more vulnerable than he might like citizens to believe. All in all, it's not a good look for Putin and the Kremlin, political analyst Tatyana Stanovaya, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center, wrote of the May 30 Moscow strike and the state's muted reaction. "People want to see strong leadership, but right now, that leadership is looking increasingly helpless and confused," she wrote. The strikes also underscore the wide gap between Putin's apparent goals in the invasion of Ukraine and the reality of the situation. 'A War Within The War' In a Facebook post, journalist Mikhail Shevelyov contrasted the drone strike on Moscow apartment buildings with a time when Russia was telling NATO to "pack up its things and go back to the 1997 borders," a reference to one of the demands Moscow made of the alliance in the months before the February 2022 invasion. It may also be a sign that Kyiv has the upper hand in the competition between Russian and Ukrainian military intelligence agencies -- what Mark Galeotti, a Britain-based Russia analyst and expert on its security services, called "a war within the war." In an article in The Times of London, published before the May 30 Moscow drone strike, Galeotti wrote that the drones targeting the Kremlin on May 3 in were "probably launched by [Ukrainian military intelligence] officers in Russian territory or guided in by agents with a line of sight to the target." While Ukraine's HUR and Russia's GRU both have roots in Soviet military intelligence, the contest has been lopsided since the invasion, Galeotti suggested, writing that "for now at least, Ukrainian imagination and initiative is running rings around Russian discipline and hierarchy." Meanwhile, Russia's military itself faces problems on and off the battlefield that will affect the course of the war and the future of the country, which has already been badly clouded -- along with the present -- by Putin's decision to launch the large-scale invasion of Ukraine. "The Russian military's problems go beyond casualties and equipment losses," Dara Massicot, a senior policy researcher at the Rand Corporation, a U.S.-based think tank, wrote in a summary of an article she published in The Economist. "It faces two looming crises in retention and veteran PTSD and other disorders," she wrote, "when its soldiers are allowed to leave Ukraine." Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/32440002.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 Report: Secretive Real Estate Holdings On Moscow's Outskirts Linked To Putin Family By RFE/RL June 02, 2023 Family members of Russian President Vladimir Putin quietly acquired several plots of real estate in Moscow's tony western suburbs near his residence, where a series of luxury homes have been built, a new investigation found. The findings, by the Russian news site Proyekt, were the latest documenting what some experts believe is a vast, secretive, and lucrative network of assets linked to Putin, his allies, and his family. Putin officially earns an annual salary of around $140,000, while his publicly declared assets include a 75-meter foot apartment, a trailer, and three cars. But some analysts estimate his wealth -- hidden behind complex financial schemes organized by close associates -- at some $200 billion or more. In its report released on June 1, Proyekt found that, in 2006, several plots of land near the official government residence of Novo-Ogaryovo, where Putin lives much of the time, were acquired by offshore companies based in Panama and elsewhere. Putin's two daughters from his now ex-wife Lyudmila later received the real estate as a form of dowry, Proyekt said. Putin's eldest daughter, Maria, settled in one of the locations. Maria, who has used the surname Vorontsova, was married to a Dutch man for several years, though they reportedly have since split and she remarried a Russian oil and gas executive. Kirill Shamalov, the now ex-husband of Putin's other daughter, Katerina Tikhonova, reportedly received title to another plot, Proyekt said, not long after he and Tikhonova married in 2013. The couple then conducted extensive renovations on the property worth millions of euros. Among the refurbished house's decorations were a handmade gilded chandelier with an estimated value of 72,000 euros ($77,576) and a 19th century painting by revered Russian artist Ivan Shishkin, Proyekt said. Another plot that was titled to Shamalov was expected to have a house built on it for Lyudmila Putin. She and Putin announced in 2013 that they were ending their marriage, and she later remarried. According to Proyekt's findings, in 2013, Shamalov sent a power of attorney regarding the plot to the man whom Lyudmila ultimately remarried. Shamalov and Tikhonova later separated, and Shamalov has since been hit with financial sanctions starting in 2018 by the United States, Britain, and other countries, for his close ties to Putin. Shamalov then transferred ownership of the plots he owned to a firm allegedly associated with Arkady Rotenberg, a childhood friend of Putin and billionaire businessman. Shamalov reportedly sold the properties for significantly less than their estimated land values, Prokyekt said. Putin's wealth and assets have been the subject of numerous investigations by Western governments, reporters, and other researchers. Researchers at Aleksei Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation have documented a massive mansion on the Black Sea that Putin uses regularly. And the 2016 "Panama Papers" report by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, found luxuries linked to Putin and his friends and families, including yachts and real estate inside and outside of Russia. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/putin-daughters-secretive- real-estate-report-proyekt/32442322.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 Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran Hossein Amir-Abdollahian 2 June 2023 16:27 1091-02-06-2023 On June 2, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met with Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran Hossein Amir-Abdollahian on the sidelines of the BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting in Cape Town. During the conversation, the two leaders exchanged views on current international and regional issues, including prospects for resuming the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action to resolve the dispute over Iran's nuclear programme. The parties expressed mutual satisfaction with the achieved level of foreign policy coordination between Moscow and Tehran. In considering the bilateral agenda, the parties underscored their commitment to building up mutually beneficial trade and economic cooperation. The ministers agreed to maintain close contact on all issues of mutual interest. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The Norwegian Epic will sail to the Caribbean instead of Europe this winter Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with Foreign Minister of Brazil Mauro Vieira 2 June 2023 15:43 1089-02-06-2023 On June 2, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met with Foreign Minister of the Federative Republic of Brazil Mauro Vieira on the sidelines of the BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting. During their conversation, held in a traditional friendly and constructive spirit, the ministers discussed important issues of developing bilateral relations, with a focus on their political, trade and economic aspects. The ministers exchanged views on global and regional issues of mutual interest, including the interaction of Russia and Brazil at multilateral venues, primarily, in the UN and its Security Council, BRICS and the G20. They paid much attention to Brazil's efforts to find ways of settling the conflict in Ukraine. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with United Arab Emirates Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan 2 June 2023 15:24 1088-02-06-2023 On June 2, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met with United Arab Emirates Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Cape Town on the sidelines of the BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting. During their conversation, the ministers reaffirmed the shared intention of Moscow and Abu Dhabi to continue the steady development of the traditionally friendly Russia-UAE relations in the spirit of the Declaration on Strategic Partnership, approved on June 1, 2018 in Moscow. In this context, they discussed objectives to ensure the future progress of mutually beneficial cooperation in various spheres, including industry, state-of-the-art technologies, transport, energy, tourism and space exploration for peaceful purposes. The ministers reaffirmed their commitment to supporting close coordination between Moscow and Abu Dhabi at various international platforms, including the UN and its Security Council. The UAE became a rotating non-permanent UN Security Council member in January 2022. While exchanging opinions on key aspects of the international and regional agenda, the ministers focused on the situation in Syria, Yemen and Libya. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russian Pacific Fleet squadron in the Asia Pacific region undergoes damage control drills on its way to the Java Sea 02.06.2023 A Russian Pacific Fleet squadron, including vessels Gromkiy, Sovershenniy and medium-sized marine tanker Pechenga, underwent damage control drills in the Java Sea during long-range cruise mission in the Asia Pacific region. According to the drills' plan, a fire occurred on one of the corvettes. The vessels emergency crew underwent fire elimination and damage control exercises. The second corvette's crew provided security, air and naval support until the elimination of fire emergency. The medium-sized marine tanker Pechenga launched fire suppression system and imitated fire elimination, launching firefighting system. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Two Armies, 2 Military Districts, 31 Units to Be Formed in Russia in 2023 - General Staff Sputnik News 20230602 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Two armies, an army corps, the Azov naval districts, five divisions, 26 brigades and the Moscow and Leningrad military districts will be formed in Russia's armed forces this year, Col. Gen. Yevgeny Burdinsky, the deputy chief of the General Staff of Russia's armed forces, has said. In December 2022, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said it was necessary to bring the number of the Russian armed forces to 1.5 million military personnel, including 695,000 contract soldiers. "In 2023, it is necessary to timely carry out the organizational and staffing support of the formation of the combined-arms and air armies, an army corps, the Azov naval district, five divisions and 26 brigades, the creation of the Moscow and Leningrad military districts," Burdinsky said in an article published in the June issue of the Russian Defense Ministry's magazine. He added that large-scale tasks to build up the composition of the armed forces, increase their strength in 2023, and implement organizational measures in the short term oblige the ministry to organize the staffing, its deployment, comprehensive support, synchronization of activities with the timing of the delivery of major weapons, military and special equipment. Burdinsky said a partial mobilization, held in Russia in the fall of 2022, allowed the Russian armed forces to form over 280 units and subunits and conscript over 300,000 people. The general said there had not been a mobilization of such a scale since the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945. Some mobilization activities were carried out during the preparation of a limited contingent of Soviet troops for deployment to Afghanistan in December 1979, when over 55,000 reservists were conscripted and more than 100 units. He also said that more than 310,000 people were drafted on a rotational basis for 4.5 years, and 88 units were formed to eliminate the consequences of the disaster at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in 1986. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address History Has Been Unexpected Casualty of Russia's War By Liam Scott June 02, 2023 Elizabeth Abosch was in Moscow working on her dissertation when Russia invaded Ukraine last February. What struck the American doctoral candidate the most about the Moscow suburb where she lived at the time was how "everyone was going on as normal," she told VOA. "For the most part, I really felt safe." "It was like nothing had happened at all. And so that was eerie. Whereas I was constantly in this emotional fight-or-flight state," she said. Working on a dissertation in the country that Abosch had devoted her career to was a long time coming. At first, leaving seemed out of the question. "I was really in denial for about a week, a week and a half, because I thought this would be over very quickly," she said. But by the beginning of March, Abosch knew she had to leave. A student at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign, Abosch is among many Western scholars in the field of Russian and Soviet studies whose careers and lives have been upended by the war in Ukraine. The war has made it nearly impossible for Western researchers to travel to Russia, multiple academics told VOA. That limited access has the potential to impede the West's understanding of Russia for years, they said, and it may also be an indirect boon to Russian propaganda. Russia's Washington embassy did not reply to VOA's email requesting comment. Abosch, who studies the history of song in the Soviet Union, said she can still conduct research from outside the country. But for others, on-the-ground access is a necessity. Hiroaki Kuromiya, professor emeritus at Indiana University in Bloomington, said access to Russia "has been absolutely critical" for his research. "Without access to Russian scholars and the Russian archives, much of my scholarly work over the past three decades would have been simply impossible," he told VOA. Now based in Massachusetts, Kuromiya is the author of books including Freedom and Terror in the Donbas: A Ukrainian-Russian Borderland, 1870s-1990s and The Voices of the Dead: Stalin's Great Terror in the 1930s. "Few Western scholars have dared to travel to Russia since February 2022 for obvious reasons of safety," he said. Kuromiya was among 500 Americans whom Russia banned from entering the country in mid-May. Former U.S. President Barack Obama, VOA acting director Yolanda Lopez, and several journalists and lawmakers were also on the list. "I was prepared for this eventuality. Although it's a pity that I can no longer work in the Russian archives, I continue to pursue my academic research in many different venues," he said. Kuromiya said he felt proud that Moscow banned him from entering the country. "I must have gotten something right in my work," he said. "Being banned from entry into Russia as a result is a trifle for me in the face of today's monumental events." But outright bans against scholars like Kuromiya are relatively rare. A combination of other factors makes it difficult to travel to Russia, academics said. Western institutions don't want to fund research trips to Russia, and academics are concerned about sanctions. Personal safety is another issue, and it has also become risky for Russian universities to sponsor Western academics. "This is very clearly going to have a profound impact on the type of projects people do," a U.S.-based historian of Stalinism told VOA. He requested anonymity for fear of potential repercussions for his extended family in Russia. Ironically, the historian said, most of the formal barriers to academic access to Russia are coming from the West. The Kremlin would probably welcome foreign academics who are friendly to Moscow, he said. "Now would be a great time to be a useful idiot because they [the Russian government] would be very happy to point out, 'See, we're open for business,'" the historian said. There's a risk, Abosch said, that limited research access to Russia may contribute to a void in the West's understanding of the country. Russian propaganda, always plentiful, may fill the vacuum, she said. "I think it certainly helps Russian propaganda. I think a goal of this kind of obstacle would definitely be to create separate spheres of discourse," Abosch said. Without Western academics studying Russia on the ground, "it would be easier for the government to fix its own narrative," she added. For years, the Kremlin has engaged in rewriting or distorting the country's history, particularly about World War II, to maintain a hold on power and justify acts of aggression like the 2014 annexation of Crimea and the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, historians and analysts have said. "The devil works hard, but Russia works harder laundering its historical reputation," Kimberly St. Julian-Varnon, a doctoral candidate at the University of Pennsylvania, told VOA. The plight of foreign scholars parallels that of foreign reporters, according to Anastasia Edel, a Russian-born American writer who teaches history at the University of California at Berkeley. Since the war, dozens of foreign correspondents have left Russia over safety concerns a and for good reason. Evan Gershkovich, an American Wall Street Journal reporter, has been detained for over two months on accusations of espionage a charges that he, his employer and the U.S. government vehemently deny. Blocked or limited access makes it harder for reporters and scholars to document what's happening in Russia and to provide audiences with an alternative to Russian disinformation, according to Edel. "It's going to be particularly bad for citizens of Russia because they just won't have any alternative sources beyond the Kremlin propaganda," Edel said. "My big concern is we're going to go backwards in our understanding of modern Russia," St. Julian-Varnon said. Kuromiya shared a similar view, saying that "the current situation is having a very negative impact on our understanding of Russia." "Like many governments, Russia seeks to control truth, while scholars are dedicated to revealing truth," he said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Minister Urges Developing Future Cooperation with BRICS to Achieve Prosperity Saudi Press Agency Cape Town, Jun 3, 2023, SPA -- The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is keen to develop future cooperation with the BRICS group to achieve collective prosperity, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, said Friday. The Saudi Foreign Minister participated today in the ministerial meeting of Friends of BRICS in Cape Town, the Republic of South Africa, held under the theme "Partnership for Mutually Accelerated Growth, Sustainable Development and Inclusive Multilateralism." In his speech at the meeting, Prince Faisal bin Farhan said that the Kingdom is keen to advance its future cooperation with BRICS by benefiting from the potential and capabilities possessed by both sides. This aims to fulfill joint interests and achieve prosperity for all, the Foreign Minister explained. The Kingdom remains the BRICS group's largest commercial partner in the Middle East, Prince Faisal bin Farhan said, affirming that trade relations with the BRICS countries have witnessed great growth. "This reflects the growing and developed relations with the countries of the group," the minister said. The total value of bilateral trade with the countries of the BRICS group increased from US $81 billion in 2017 and $128 billion in 2021 to surpass $160 billion last year, the Foreign Minister noted. Meanwhile, the Kingdom shares basic values with the BRICS countries, represented in the belief that relations between countries are based on the principles of respect for sovereignty, non-interference, and adherence to international law, the minister said. These principles also include the existence of multilateral frameworks and collective action as reference points in the face of mutual challenges, he added. Moreover, the Kingdom, along with BRICS countries, also believes in the importance of peace, security, and stability in order to refocus efforts towards national development and common prosperity, Prince Faisal bin Farhan affirmed. The Kingdom maintains its commitment to working with international partners in order to achieve the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, the Foreign Minister said. He added that the Kingdom also works on intensifying global efforts to enhance food and energy security amid recurring crises and supply-chain issues. Also, the Kingdom is a pioneering country worldwide in the field of humanitarian and development aid and is among the top 10 donors to low- and middle-income countries, Prince Faisal stressed. Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Rassi, the Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs Ministry for International Multilateral Affairs, and the Saudi Ambassador to the Republic of South Africa Sultan Al-Liwiahan Al-Anqary were part of the Saudi delegation at the meeting. -- SPA 00:47 LOCAL TIME 21:47 GMT 0001 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China launches solemn representations over US 'trade initiative' with Taiwan island; deal will send island's semiconductor industry into trap: experts Global Times By Global Times Published: Jun 01, 2023 11:52 PM China has made solemn representations to the US over its move on a so-called agreement on the first part of the "21st Century Trade Initiative" with Taiwan island, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said during a Thursday press briefing. "The US should not send wrong signals to separatist forces seeking 'Taiwan independence' in the name of economy and trade. Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities' attempt to solicit US support for 'Taiwan independence' in the name of economic and trade cooperation is just futile," Mao said. Chinese experts said that the move showed the US is determined to use Taiwan island as a pawn in its multi-faceted containment strategy against China. Mao said that China strongly opposes official interaction of any form between China's Taiwan region and countries that have diplomatic relations with China. That includes negotiating or signing any agreement of sovereign implication or official nature. The first part of the so-called "21st Century" trade initiative between the US and Taiwan island was signed on Thursday. Wang Jianmin, a senior cross-Straits expert at Minnan Normal University in East China's Fujian Province, told the Global Times on Thursday that the deal would not bring any significant benefit to Taiwan companies, while the uncertainty caused by the deal over economic and trade relations with the Chinese mainland could potentially sacrifice Taiwan island's interests. "The deal is an unequal political deal under the guise of trade and economic cooperation, and its actual effects will disappoint the high hopes DPP authorities had," Wang said. "There were no concessions over wider market access and tariffs." He Weiwen, a senior fellow at the Center for China and Globalization, told the Global Times on Thursday that the deal is another case of the "America First" policy and tilted to benefit the US at the expense of the interests of companies and people in Taiwan. The deal sacrifices the island's semiconductor industry, as it would be bound to invest in the US and compromise its commercial secrets while not getting many subsidies, He said, noting the trap nature of the deal. On Wednesday, Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office under the State Council, said that by playing the "Taiwan card" and trying to turn Taiwan into a "porcupine," the US is in essence "destroying" and "damaging" the island, as it is by no means serving the interests of Taiwan compatriots by treating them as "cannon fodder." In the meantime, Zhu said, as the mainland accelerates the construction of a new development pattern and promotes high-quality development, there are more opportunities, more space and better prospects for Taiwan compatriots and enterprises to develop in the mainland. On May 23, China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) strongly criticized the US for engaging in the deal, saying China strongly opposes negotiating or signing any agreement that implies sovereignty and has an official nature. In April, the MOFCOM launched a trade barriers investigation into the Taiwan region's trade restrictions imposed on 2,455 imports from the Chinese mainland, after reviewing a request made by three industry associations. According to customs data, cross-Straits trade decreased by 26.5 percent year-on-year in the first quarter of this year. Experts also harshly criticized the notion of Taiwan island being under the mainland's economic coercion, noting that the US is the real coercer that politicizes and weaponizes economic and trade relations. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Chinese FM warns 'all consequences shall be borne by the US' over signing of 'trade initiative' with Taiwan island Global Times By Wang Qi Published: Jun 02, 2023 07:02 PM China's Foreign Ministry on Friday once again slammed the US over its signing of the first part of the "Initiative on 21st Century Trade" with the secessionist Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities on the island of Taiwan, and warned that all the consequences will be borne by Washington. The US and DPP authorities on Thursday (ET) signed an initial agreement under the "Initiative on 21st Century Trade" with talks on the agreement initially beginning in August 2022. It does not cover tariff reductions or exemptions during the first stage agreement, but covers customs and trade facilitation, regulatory practices, domestic regulation of services, anti-corruption practices, and small and medium-sized enterprises, according to Taiwan-based media. In response, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said that China strongly opposes official interactions of any form between China's Taiwan region and countries that have diplomatic relations with China. That includes negotiating or signing any agreement that implies sovereignty and has an official nature. The US government has deliberately pushed forward negotiations with the DPP authorities in Taiwan on the so-called "Initiative on 21st Century Trade" and signed the agreement. This gravely violates the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiquAs, and contravenes the US's own commitment of maintaining only unofficial relations with Taiwan, Mao said. China strongly deplores this and has made serious dAmarches to the US side, the spokesperson added. According to Mao, the "initiative" is just a US tool to rip Taiwan off. "The DPP authorities, driven by the selfish separatist agenda, have no scruples to betray Taiwan compatriots and businesses' interests or sell Taiwan away. By signing the agreement, they are offering Taiwan to the US on a plate." "This is the latest example of the US trying to fudge and hollow out the one-China principle," Mao said. "We once again urge the US to abide by the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiquAs, immediately change course and stop official interactions of any form with Taiwan, stop pushing forward and revoke at once the so-called "Initiative" and agreement, and stop sending wrong signals to "Taiwan independence" separatist forces, otherwise all consequences shall be borne by the US side," Mao noted. This is the second consecutive day that Mao has responded to the issue. Some observers on the island say the agreement is simply a hollow political statement, the empty content does not really benefit the island, especially at a time when Taiwan region's exports have been in negative territory for seven consecutive months. Experts from Chinese mainland said the deal has far more political than economic meaning. Wang Jianmin, a senior cross-Straits expert at Minnan Normal University in East China's Fujian Province, told the Global Times on Friday that regarding the content of the agreement, it mainly deals with the aspects of interest to the US. The opening of the services market, tariff reductions or exemptions, which are key concerns of Taiwan, were not covered. The agreement is mainly about US asking the DPP authorities to cooperate with its economic and trade system to contain the Chinese mainland, Wang said. "The benefits to Taiwan's economic development, trade and investment are extremely limited, so it has more political significance than economics." According to Taiwan-based media, DPP authorities described the deal as the "most comprehensive trade agreement with Washington since 1979." The DPP will fully use this agreement to trumpet the "warming relations" with the US, but it is actually a kind of "economic colonization" by the US, Wang noted. A spokesperson of the Chinese Ministry of Commerce also expressed strong opposition to the US over the "Initiative on 21st Century Trade" on Friday. "Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory. We urge the US side to abide by the one-China principle, prudently handle its economic and trade relations with Taiwan region and stop any form of official exchanges with Taiwan," the spokesperson said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China says seeks peaceful reunification with Taiwan, but does not rule out force Iran Press TV Friday, 02 June 2023 5:40 PM China will keep working for peaceful unification with Taiwan, with the "most sincere and utmost efforts", but will never give up the option of force, the country's defense minister said. Speaking in a Thursday meeting with his Singaporean counterpart Ng Eng Hen ahead of the Shangri-La Dialogue summit, Li Shangfu underscored Beijing's commitment to peaceful unification with Taiwan "We will continue to strive for peaceful reunification with the greatest sincerity and greatest efforts," he said. "Taiwan is China's Taiwan, and the Taiwan issue is the core of the core interests of China." Meanwhile, he also noted that Beijing will "absolutely not" renounce force against the island. In a clear message to the United States and other countries seeking to back Taiwanese secessionists, Li clarified that Beijing would not tolerate the island's secession, according to Chinese defense ministry spokesman Senior Colonel Tan Kefei. Li told Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) to stop seeking the support of foreign nations for the secession of Chinese Taipei from mainland China. "We will never allow Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party authorities to court foreign support for the so-called 'Taiwan independence,' nor allow the external forces to use Taiwan as a pawn to contain China. We make no promise to renounce the use of force," Li asserted. "Taiwan is part of China." Media reports said Li's warning ahead of the Shangri-La Dialogue security summit on Friday is not only a message to Washington and regional powers, but also to Taiwanese political parties, not to pursue secessionist policies about Chinese Taipei. Chinese President Xi Jinping, in an address to the 20th Communist Party Congress in October, when he began his third term as party leader, made similar remarks in regard to reunification with Chinese Taipei. He said mainland China would continue to seek peaceful unification with the "greatest sincerity and the utmost effort" but would "absolutely never promise to renounce the use of force" and "reserve the option of taking all necessary measures." Last year, then-US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Chinese Taipei. China described the visit as an act of provocation, as well as a violation of the internationally-accepted "One China" principle. Beijing said Washington aimed to incite the secessionist islanders. "Beijing has reiterated that the Taiwan issue is merely a domestic matter and no foreign forces would be allowed to meddle in it. As a result, it unexpectedly makes the Taiwan affair an international issue," Taipei-based security expert Chi Le-yi said. Beijing describes the issue of Chinese Taipei as the most sensitive and important matter in its relations with the US, and the topic remains a constant source of friction between the two world powers. China has urged the US to stop sending weapons to Taiwan and turning the island into a "powder keg". In the meantime, China's Taiwan is preparing for presidential elections in January. The incumbent President Tsai Ing-wen, a US-backed pro-secessionist, will not be taking part in the election. In support of the Taiwanese president, the US threatened to take military action against China if Beijing were to use force to regain control of Taipei. To balance the equation, China and Russia have been expanding cooperation. Chinese Premier Li Qiang said on Wednesday that the two sides aim to broaden their pragmatic cooperation in various fields. Pragmatic cooperation between China and Russia has shown a "good" development trend, the number of investments has increased, and now we want to take our relation to a "new level," Li said in Beijing in a meeting with visiting Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Secretary General Vseviov: the Russian aggression cannot succeed Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs 01.06.2023 Today, on 31 May, the Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Jonatan Vseviov, hosted the Polish Secretary of State, Arkadiusz Mularczyk. They held political consultations and visited the Tapa Army Base. The secretary general and the secretary of state mainly discussed the security situation in Europe and Russia's war of aggression in Ukraine. "Estonia and Poland have been the biggest supporters of Ukraine since the beginning of the war, and we also intend to cooperate closely in the reconstruction of Ukraine. Our reconstruction projects must meet all the requirements of the European Union, because Ukraine's future is linked to the European Union," said Vseviov. Expectations for the NATO Summit in Vilnius were discussed at length, and it was agreed that one of the outcomes must be clear progress towards Ukraine's accession to NATO. Both Estonia and Poland also prioritise holding Russia legally accountable: "We must help to ensure that not only war crimes but also crimes of aggression committed by the Russian ruling elite do not go unpunished. Putin must not be allowed to hide behind the immunity of a head of state," Vseviov stressed. The close relations between the two countries were also discussed. "We have a strong relationship with Poland and a similar perspective on many issues. We will continue to focus on strengthening defence and economic cooperation," said Vseviov. In the second half of the day, they visited the Tapa Army Base, where they were given an overview of Estonia's defence capabilities and got acquainted with military equipment. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin's reply to a media question on expanding the Black Sea Initiative 1 June 2023 17:28 1072-01-06-2023 Question: Reuters and a number of other media outlets have reported that the UN offered Russia, Ukraine and TArkiye a plan to start preparations for the transit of Russian ammonia via Ukraine. According to the reports, the UN plan provides for talks on expanding the Black Sea Initiative. The participants in the talks will ostensibly discuss the inclusion of more Ukrainian ports and other cargo in the agreements. Officials from the UN Secretariat have made similar statements. Can you comment on these? Sergey Vershinin: We noted that recently the media carried many reports on the resumption of Togliatti-Odessa ammonia pipeline operations. Official UN representatives in New York have also commented on this issue. Almost every day, they describe in detail the activity of the Joint Coordination Centre (JCC) in Istanbul, which is in charge of implementing the Black Sea Initiative. Not surprisingly, nothing is said about the Russia-UN Memorandum on normalising Russia's agricultural exports. In this connection, we consider it necessary to make these issues clear and confirm the relevant Russian position. Russian fertiliser exports, including ammonia - the raw material for production - were fixed in both agreements signed in Istanbul on July 22, 2022. Russia is one of the largest ammonia exporters and used to supply world markets with some 4 million tonnes of this chemical every year via the ports of Ventspils (Latvia ) and Yuzhny (Ukraine). However, for over a year, Russia has been unable to export any ammonia, which is one of the reasons for the shortage (about 70 percent) of this key material. A little less than a year has passed since the signing of the Istanbul package, but Russian ammonia exports have not resumed - via either Ventspils or Yuzhny. The problems with bank transactions, transport logistics, insurance, and frozen assets, triggered by the anti-Russia sanctions, persist and are even getting worse. At the same time, Ukrainian grain exports continue uninterrupted. The amount of transported grain has already exceeded 30 million tonnes. In this context, we have repeatedly noted the lack of progress in the implementation of the Russia-UN Memorandum, without which it makes no sense to extend the Black Sea Initiative. We identified five system-wide problems that must be resolved - the reconnecting of Rosselkhozbank to SWIFT; the supply of spare parts; the unblocking of transport logistics and insurance; the resumption of the Togliatti-Odessa ammonia pipeline operation; and the de-freezing of Russian corporate assets. UN officials chose the ammonia pipeline from this list of requirements. There is no real progress in the other areas, and nothing is being done to unblock the Ventspils port. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres made a special visit to Kiev on March 8 to persuade the Ukrainians to allow the restart of the Togliatti-Odessa ammonia pipeline without any new preconditions, but things remain where they started. As before, Kiev continues to burden the export of Russian ammonia with various conditions. They are trying to bargain for additional benefits and have stated this openly. Our position remains unchanged - ammonia exports are part of the existing agreements and were supposed to start simultaneously with Ukrainian grain shipping. This fully corresponds to Mr Guterres's announced goals on ensuring global food security, and there is no room for any additional demands in this respect. We have repeatedly explained this position to UN officials, as well as to the representatives of TArkiye and Ukraine as the parties to the Black Sea Initiative, including at the Istanbul meeting on May 10-11. It is even more surprising that being fully aware of our position, the UN Secretariat continues to exploit the ammonia issue in a bid to create a semblance of some new effort and contact. Moreover, the lack of any result is obvious - the ammonia pipeline has not been operating. Without resolving this problem and the four others I mentioned, there is no way to continue the Black Sea Initiative after July 17, not to mention any discussion of additional ports or the expansion of the range of Ukrainian exports. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address WSJ report on China's peace plan completely false, aimed at disrupting China-Ukraine ties: special envoy Global Times By Fan Anqi Published: Jun 02, 2023 08:07 PM Refuting a Wall Street Journal report claiming that China's peace plan carries the message that Beijing recognizes Russia's possession of parts of Ukraine, China's Special Representative for Eurasian Affairs Li Hui on Friday slammed the report as not only completely contradicting the facts, but also appearing to be aimed at disrupting China-Ukraine relations. Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Li said that China is willing to actively consider sending representatives to the relevant countries again to push forward dialogue on resolving the Ukraine crisis, which experts said underscored the international community's recognition of China's approach and ability in mediating conflicts. Li said that the current situation regarding the Ukraine crisis is still full of uncertainties. China believes that as long as there is a glimmer of hope for peace, efforts should be actively made. As long as it is conducive to easing the situation and promoting negotiations, China is willing to do it, Li said while briefing media on his trip to Ukraine, Poland, France, Germany, the EU headquarters, and Russia to push forward a political settlement to the issue. "The ongoing conflict is still escalating. Currently, it appears that there are significant challenges to convening negotiations and achieving tangible results. However, it is crucial to have someone step forward to drive consensus-building and establish common ground. This will gradually accumulate and create conditions for the ultimate resolution to the crisis," Li said. "I sensed that neither side [Russia and Ukraine] has closed the door to negotiations. We believe that if we truly want to stop the war, save lives, and achieve peace, we must cease the delivery of weapons to the battlefield. Otherwise, it will only continuously escalate the risk of spiraling tensions," he continued. A Wall Street Journal report recently claimed that Li's Europe trip carrying Beijing's peace plan sent out a message that "US allies in Europe should... urge an immediate ceasefire, leaving Russia in possession of the parts of its smaller neighbor that it now occupies," citing unnamed Western officials. However, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba openly refuted the report, saying that he had immediately contacted his colleagues in European capitals that Li had visited, and none of them confirmed that negotiations had been held to recognize the territories currently controlled by Russia, according to Ukrainian media reports. Responding to the report, Li told reporters on Friday that he does not know who the "Western officials" were that the WSJ was referring to, and that the report is "utterly false." "China maintains an objective and impartial stance on the crisis in Ukraine, actively advocating for peace and dialogue. China's stance on the issue has received extensive understanding and support from the international community, including both Russia and Ukraine," Li noted. The envoy stressed that China is not a party that is directly involved in the crisis and will not engage in actions that add fuel to the fire. China will continue to strengthen dialogue with all parties and play a constructive role in advocating for peace and promoting negotiations. Speaking of the difference in positions on the Ukraine issue between China and Europe, Li said there is in fact a considerable amount of consensus between the two sides. During French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to China in April this year, China and France issued a joint statement that mentioned various aspects related to the Ukraine crisis, including both parties' support for efforts to restore peace in Ukraine. Both sides expressed opposition to armed attacks on nuclear power plants and other nuclear facilities and supported the constructive role of the International Atomic Energy Agency in enhancing the security of these facilities. The statement also emphasized the importance for parties involved in the conflict to strictly adhere to international humanitarian law. This is the first such joint statement issued by China with European countries to date, Li said. For the next step, China will determine the direction of its measures based on how the situation develops and the international community's response, and it is willing to actively consider sending delegates to the relevant countries again to push forward dialogue on resolving the Ukraine crisis, said Li. Cui Heng, an assistant research fellow from the Center for Russian Studies of East China Normal University, told the Global Times on Friday that this has underscored the international community's recognition of China's approach to mediating the conflict. "It's unrealistic to expect immediate success in promoting peace through a single round of talks. It is a long process. However, what's important is that the parties involved in the conflict have accepted and recognized China's approach and ability to resolve the crisis," Cui said. Li also mentioned on Friday that all parties are deeply concerned about the risks of spillover, particularly regarding nuclear safety, humanitarian issues, and food security. Experts believe that these areas will also be included in China's list of contributions to a peaceful solution of the Ukraine crisis, particularly nuclear safety, as China, being one of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, has a special responsibility for global nuclear non-proliferation and nuclear security. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Update 160 - IAEA Director General Statement on Situation in Ukraine International Atomic Energy Agency 49/2023 Vienna, Austria 2 Jun 2023 Ukraine's Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) has been without external back-up power for three months now, leaving it extremely vulnerable in case the sole functioning main power line goes down again and underlining the importance of adhering to five principles established by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for the protection of the facility during the military conflict, Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said today. One of the five concrete principles that the Director General presented to the United Nations Security Council on 30 May - aimed at preventing a nuclear accident - states that off-site power to the ZNPP "should not be put at risk" and that "all efforts should be made to ensure that off-site power remains available and secure at all times". The other principles outlined in Tuesday's meeting at the Security Council included commitments not to attack from or against the plant, not using it as storage or a base for heavy weapons, and to protect structures, systems and components essential to its safe and secure operation from attacks or acts of sabotage. "While the principles won broad support at the United Nations Security Council, which is very encouraging and an important step forward for ensuring nuclear safety and security at the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant, the general situation at the site remains highly precarious and potentially dangerous," Director General Grossi said. "The site's fragile power situation continues to be a source of deep concern and - as the newly-established IAEA principles indicate - there is a need for intensified efforts to ensure a more stable and predictable external electricity supply," he said. The ZNPP continues to rely on the only remaining operational 750 kilovolt (kV) power line for the external electricity it needs for reactor cooling and other essential nuclear safety and security functions. Before the conflict, the plant had four such off-site power lines available. A back-up 330 kV power line that was damaged on 1 March on the other side of the Dnipro River as seen from the Russian-controlled ZNPP has still not been repaired, with Ukraine having said that military action has prevented its experts from safely accessing the location situated in territory it controls to repair the line. The lack of any back-up options means that when the 750 kV line is cut - as happened most recently on 22 May - Europe's largest nuclear power plant (NPP) is forced to rely on emergency diesel generators as a last line of defence, clearly an unsustainable situation. The IAEA experts at the site recently visited the ZNPP 750 kV open switchyard, where they confirmed that three of the power lines remained disconnected and learned that some parts for repairing them were being manufactured but the delivery date is not known. The nearby Zaporizhzhya Thermal Power Plant (ZTPP) operates the 330 kV open switchyard, through which back-up power in the past has been provided to the ZNPP. The Russian Federation reported in March that Rosatom was working to remove damaged equipment from the open switchyard, with the aim of restoring three 330 kV lines to the grid system in currently Russian-controlled territory. The IAEA team of experts present at the ZNPP has still not been granted access to the ZTPP to assess the situation, despite assurances from Rosatom that they would be able to go there. Consultations are ongoing to secure the access. "Our experts must access the ZTPP to see for themselves what the current situation is like and whether it might be possible to restore back-up power there," Director General Grossi said. Over the past week, the IAEA team reported hearing two landmine explosions just outside the ZNPP site, again highlighting the tense situation amid intense speculation of imminent military action in the region and the need to observe the Agency's five principles. "As I told the United Nations Security Council just a few days ago, I respectfully and solemnly ask both sides to observe these five principles, which are essential to avoid the danger of a catastrophic incident. These principles are to no one's detriment and to everyone's benefit," Director General Grossi said. "At Tuesday's meeting, both sides expressed strong support for our work to ensure nuclear safety and security. Everyone agrees that a nuclear accident must not happen. Based on their statements, I expect that these five basic principles will be adhered to," he said. "If there are any violations, which I sincerely hope there won't be, I will not hesitate to report about them publicly." Director General Grossi expressed concern about the disconnection on 17 May of the automatic data transfer from eight radiation monitoring stations located near the ZNPP to Ukrainian authorities and said the IAEA is addressing this issue with plant management and relevant officials. Ukraine has been providing the data to the IAEA International Radiation Monitoring Information System (IRMIS), which gathers near real-time radiation monitoring data from over 6000 stations worldwide that are part of nationally operated networks. "I hope that we can re-establish a reliable connection to continue to monitor radiation levels soon. It is vital for nuclear safety and security," Director General Grossi said. "In case of a nuclear or radiological emergency anywhere in the world, IRMIS supports the assessment of the radiological situation and provides critical data to immediately inform emergency response decision makers." In the absence of the automatic connection, the daily radiation monitoring data from the eight stations are provided to the IAEA team at the ZNPP and, subsequently, made available on IRMIS. The IAEA experts at the site also reported on their recent visits to the main control rooms of the ZNPP's six reactors. While the plant has been negatively affected by a considerable reduction in staffing levels during the conflict - limiting maintenance and other vital work - there is still enough operating personnel in the control rooms, the IAEA team reported. The planned rotation of the current team of IAEA experts at the site - the eighth since the mission was established last September - has been delayed because of local weather conditions. Director General Grossi also said he expected to visit the ZNPP soon himself, which would be the third time during the conflict. "With the establishment of the five principles - and my intention to report about any violations - it is important that I travel to the plant again to assess developments there since my last visit in late March," he said. Elsewhere in Ukraine, the team of IAEA experts at the South Ukraine NPP (SUNPP) reported that a reactor unit that experienced an emergency shutdown on 22 May has returned to full power. IAEA teams present at Ukraine's other NPPs said spent fuel transports to the centralized spent fuel storage at the Chornobyl site are being resumed after more than a year. In the last week, new teams of IAEA experts arrived at the SUNPP, Chornobyl, Rivne NPP and Khmelnitsky NPP sites in Ukraine. The IAEA established a permanent presence at these four sites in January, as part of its expanding activities to support nuclear safety and security in Ukraine during the conflict. In April, Director General Grossi informed President Volodymyr Zelensky that the IAEA is putting in place a comprehensive programme of health care assistance, including psychological support, for all Ukrainian nuclear workers. Today, the Director General announced that IAEA experts are on their way to several Ukrainian NPPs to deliver essential medical equipment and support. "We must never forget the brave staff of Ukraine's nuclear power plants, who are carrying out their vital work tasks in very challenging and stressful circumstances. The medical support we are now delivering is designed to help them during these unimaginably difficult times and, by doing so, also support nuclear safety and security in general," he said. In recent days, the IAEA arranged two more deliveries of equipment to Ukraine. Satellite communication systems, antennas and spectrometers were delivered to the national regulator, SNRIU, and the SUNPP. The deliveries were made possible thanks to contributions from the United Kingdom and the United States of America. With 18 deliveries since the start of the conflict, the IAEA has facilitated an international assistance package totalling a5 million to Ukraine in support of nuclear safety and security. Separately, Ukraine informed the IAEA that an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) had been detected on 29 May near the Khmelnitsky NPP, saying it constituted "a threat to nuclear safety" from the air. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The President: We are doing our utmost to make the NATO Summit a major breakthrough in Ukraine-NATO relations President of the Republic of Lithuania June 02, 2023 On Friday, President Gitanas NausAda met with the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Ruslan Stefanchuk. The meeting discussed the upcoming NATO Summit in Vilnius, Ukraine's aspirations for EU membership, Ukraine's reconstruction and Russia's accountability. "Lithuania is well aware that Ukraine is defending not only its own freedom, but also the freedom and democratic values of the entire Europe. We are therefore grateful to Ukraine and its people for their unwavering determination. We have supported Ukraine with all our efforts and will continue to do so. We strongly support President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's peace initiative, which is grounded on defending Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity," Gitanas NausAda told Ruslan Stefanchuk. The President of Lithuania and the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine discussed the forthcoming NATO Summit in Vilnius. President Gitanas NausAda stressed that Lithuania is doing its utmost to ensure that the NATO Summit becomes a watershed moment in relations between Ukraine and NATO. "We believe and are doing our best to ensure that the NATO Summit in Vilnius succeeds in agreeing on long-term practical NATO and allied support for Ukraine," the President said. Gitanas NausAda reaffirmed Lithuania's strong support for Ukraine on its path to EU membership and pointed out the progress in Ukraine's reforms, despite the very difficult circumstances. According to the President, it is very important to come to a decision on the launch of Ukraine's EU membership negotiations already this year. The meeting also discussed the reconstruction of Ukraine. According to President Gitanas NausAda, the reconstruction of Ukraine has to start as early as right now. The President underlined Lithuania's readiness to continue to contribute to reconstruction projects. We must ensure international accountability for all crimes committed by Russia, including the crime of aggression, the Lithuanian leader pointed out. The President stressed that the establishment of a special international tribunal is the only way to hold Russia's political and military leadership accountable for the crime of aggression. The President's Communication Group NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address OSCE assists Ukrainian law enforcers in investigating cybercrimes and trafficking in human beings OSCE | Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe 2 June 2023 The first group of 30 law enforcement officers from the National Police of Ukraine (the NPU) have improved their knowledge and skills in countering cybercrime during the 3-day training course organised by the OSCE Support Programme for Ukraine in Lviv from 29 to 31 May 2023. Modern criminals actively use Internet technologies for their activities - including trafficking in human being. By using social media, data encryption, dark web, blockchain and other technologies, they can effectively and anonymously recruit, organize the movement and exploitation of victims across national borders. The digital space is also actively used to promote and sell content that depicts the sexual abuse of children. Omnipresence of mobile devices enable the exploitation of children through webcams, online chats, and other communication channels. Addressing the participants of the training, Police Colonel Yuriy Vykhodets, the Head of the Cyberpolice Department of the National Police of Ukraine noted: "Today almost every crime within the responsibility of the NPU involves the use of digital technologies, and therefore all the knowledge and skills acquired by the participants will become an important support for the entire law enforcement system of Ukraine". The training provided knowledge on new methods used by criminals and on developing effective countermeasures. Law enforcement officers learn about police intelligence analytics tools; open source intelligence (OSINT); data processing and analysis. This is especially important for the cases where victims are unknown or missing; these tools help the police to locate them by matching descriptions, physical characteristics, or other information against databases or existing records. Special attention was paid to the issues of identifying, recording and analysing "digital traces" that can be used as electronic evidence in court to bring perpetrators to justice. Among other topics, the participants discussed various aspects of the use of virtual assets and payment instruments by criminals, to enable tracking down and eventually blocking the work of organised crime groups. Also, digital specifics of human trafficking were reviewed in detail. The OSCE Support Programme for Ukraine will conduct 9 other training sessions for the officers from the Cyberpolice and Migration Police Departments. By the end of the year, it is planned to train up to 300 police officers. This activity is part of the Project "Strengthening Capacity of the National Police of Ukraine to Combat Trafficking in Human Beings, including Cyber-Enabled Crime", with the financial support of the Participating States and partners, a list of which can be found here. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China: 'Stop sending weapons, hold talks' to end Ukraine war Iran Press TV Friday, 02 June 2023 7:05 PM The West is to blame for the war in Ukraine given the unrelenting arms supply to the government of President Volodymyr Zelensky, a Chinese official has said. Special Envoy for Eurasian Affairs Li Hui made the remarks on Friday while speaking to reporters in Beijing after a visit to Moscow and Kiev. "If we really want to stop war, save lives and achieve peace, we should stop sending weapons to the battlefield," he said. "The painful lessons of how the Ukraine crisis developed to its current state merit deep reflection by all parties." The Chinese official said the essence of the Ukraine crisis is the contradictions in European security governance. He said he believes all parties support the political settlement of the war. Li said there are still too many problems for both sides to start peace talks. "The two sides have not fully shut the door on peace talks." Li visited European capitals last month as Beijing sought to play a mediating role in the war. On Friday, the Chinese official said Beijing could send another delegation to the region, though he did not give a specific date or destination. In February, Beijing released a paper calling for a "political settlement" to the conflict, which Western countries warned could enable Russia to retain much of the territory it has seized in Ukraine. During a March meeting in Moscow, Chinese President Xi Jinping invited President Vladimir Putin of Russia to visit Beijing. The two leaders said relations were "entering a new era." Some say China has the upper hand in relation to Russia and that its influence is increasing as Moscow's international isolation deepens. Russia has repeatedly said it is ready to meet with the Ukrainian authorities to resolve disputes and resume peace talks if Moscow's preconditions are fulfilled. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia says it repels fresh Belgorod border incursion by 'Ukrainian terrorist formations' Iran Press TV Friday, 02 June 2023 7:07 AM Moscow says it has repelled an attempt by the "Ukrainian terrorist formations" to break into the country's southwestern borders after the Ukrainian capital came under almost nightly airstrikes over the past month. "Russia's Armed Forces together with units of the border service...foiled a fresh attempt by the Kiev regime to conduct a terrorist attack against the civilian population of the city of Shebekino," Russia's defense ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov said in a daily briefing on Thursday, referring to a Belgorod region town close to the border. The Ministry of Defense cited at least three attempts to cross the country and said that 70 militiamen, five tanks, four armored vehicles, seven pickup trucks, and one Kamaz truck were involved in the attack. The ministry announced that it used air force and artillery to repel these attacks and killed more than 50 Ukrainian fighters. The governor of the Belgorod region said two people were killed and two others injured on Friday after Ukraine shelled a town near the border. Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said shelling had struck a section of road in the town of Maslova Pristan, some 15 km from Ukraine's northern Kharkiv region. "Two women were travelling in one of them. They died from their injuries on the spot," he said. The Belgorod region, which witnessed an unprecedented two-day armed attack last week, has come under heavy fire in recent days. Gladkov said 12 people had been injured in the past 24 hours in the Shebkino region, whose residents have flocked to displaced persons centers in the city of Belgorod. Belgorod Mayor Valentin Demidov said two people were injured in the city when a drone crashed near a gas station. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russian President Vladimir Putin was being kept informed of the situation. He emphasized that currently the main question is providing assistance to the people and supporting resettlement for those who need it. Peskov also condemned the silence of the international community regarding these strikes. "Despite every opportunity to see videos describing strikes on residential buildings, social infrastructure ... there is not a single word criticizing Kiev," Peskov said. After at least eight drones were used in that attack over the past week, the Russian Foreign Ministry accused the West of pushing Ukraine's leadership into reckless actions.Ukraine has denied "direct involvement". Russian air defenses separately shot down several Ukrainian drones near the city of Kursk, the regional governor said early Friday. The wider Kursk region, which borders Ukraine, has been regularly bombed by Kiev forces since the conflict began. Dmitry Medvedev, the vice chairman of the Russian Security Council, described the actions of the Ukrainian government as terrorism, saying the only way to deal with terrorists is to destroy them. "This is an act of terrorism, and there is no other way to qualify it. If it is an act of terrorism, there is only one way to respond to it. No country can afford to negotiate with terrorists, terrorists must be destroyed," Medvedev said. Russia began what it described as a "special military operation" in Ukraine on February 24, 2022, as part of a national security measure against the persisting eastern advance of the US-led NATO military alliance. Moscow also said the military operation was aimed at defending the pro-Russia population in the eastern Ukrainian regions of Luhansk and Donetsk against persecution by Kiev, and also to "de-Nazify" Ukraine. Since the start of the war, the US and its Western allies have been providing Kiev with military equipment worth tens of billions of dollars. Western weapons supplied to Kiev include advanced missile systems, armored vehicles, tanks, and communication systems. Long-range attack drones have been also added to the list of Western weapons supplied to the Ukrainian forces fighting against Russian troops. Russia has repeatedly warned against flooding Ukraine with weapons, insisting the massive shipments of armaments to Kiev will only prolong the conflict. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukraine Freezes More Assets Under Name Of Pro-Russian Politician's Wife By Current Time June 02, 2023 KYIV -- The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has frozen more assets of Oksana Marchenko, the wife of pro-Russian politician Viktor Medvedchuk. The SBU said on June 2 that the assets, estimated to have a value of 740 million hryvnyas ($19.8 million), are related to stakes Marchenko owned via offshore schemes in several energy transportation companies located in Ukraine's Black Sea port city of Odesa -- Eximnaftoprodukt, Sintez Oil, Sintez Transit, Ukrloadsystem, Odesnaftoprodukt, Black Sea Fuel Terminal, and Albion Commodities. "The freezing of these assets will prevent their re-registration under other fake names and will allow them to be transferred for our state's needs," the SBU statement said. Marchenko's husband, Viktor Medvedchuk, is a longtime Ukrainian political fixture and reportedly a godfather to Russian President Vladimir Putin's daughter. Medvedchuk was one of Ukraine's wealthiest individuals with a fortune estimated in the hundreds of millions of dollars, including energy assets in Russia. Ukrainian courts have already frozen and impounded assets and property in Ukraine held by Marchenko with an estimated value of 7 billion hryvnyas ($188 million). In April, Ukraine's Interior Ministry added Marchenko, who is not in Ukraine, to its wanted list, saying she is suspected of financing actions to forcibly disrupt Ukraine's constitutional order, seize power, and change the state borders of Ukraine. Ukraine sanctioned Medvedchuk in February 2021, freezing his assets, and took off the air three television stations it said belonged to him for promoting Russian propaganda. He was arrested in 2021 on charges of treason and terrorism financing and later placed under house arrest on bail. Shortly after Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine in late February last year, Medvedchuk escaped house arrest, but he was rearrested in April while trying to flee to Russia. In June, a court in Ukraine banned the Medvedchuk-led pro-Russia Opposition Platform -- For Life political party. In September, Ukrainian authorities handed the 68-year-old politician over to Russia in a prisoner exchange. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has since stripped Medvedchuk and three other pro-Russian Ukrainian politicians of their Ukrainian citizenship. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-freezes-assets- protest-pro-russian-marchenko/32441516.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 Two Killed, Two Injured After Ukrainian Shelling of Road in Belgorod Region Sputnik News 20230602 BELGOROD, Russia (Sputnik)- A road in one of the settlements of Russia's Belgorod region came under fire by the Ukrainian armed forces at once, leaving two women dead and two people injured, Region's governor, Vyacheslav Gladkov, said on Friday. Several settlements in the Belgorod region come under shelling at once, the governor wrote on Telegram. "The Ukrainian armed forces shelled a section of the road in the village of Maslova Pristan, Shebekinsky district. Shell fragments hit passing cars. Two women were in one of them, they died on the spot from their injuries. There are two injured in the second car," Gladkov said. According to the governor, one injured man has shrapnel wounds to the chest, while the second has shrapnel wounds to the lower extremities. They were rushed to a city hospital in serious condition, all necessary medical care is being provided. In addition, Ukrainian artillery fired 11 shells at the village of Tishanka in the Belgorod Region. There were no casualties, but the central gas pipeline and a power line were damaged. Emergency and operational services are working at the scene of the incident. Early on June 1, a significant number of Ukrainian terrorists - about two companies strong, with tank support - attempted to infiltrate into Russia's Belgorod Region. Russian troops equipped with overwhelming firepower wiped them out. Kiev militants shell Belgorod Region on the regular basis with no meaningful military purpose. Since last spring, a high (yellow) level of terrorist threat has been in effect in region. The Belgorod region is located relatively close to ongoing hostilities. Shebekino is a town in Belgorod Region that was repeatedly shelled. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russian Air Defenses Down Several Ukrainian Drones Near City of Kursk Sputnik News 20230602 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Several Ukrainian drones were shot down by air defense systems near Russia's city of Kursk overnight, Kursk Region Governor Roman Starovoyt said early Friday. "This night near Kursk, the air defense system shot down several Ukrainian drones," Starovoyt said on Telegram, urging residents to remain calm as the city was under the "reliable protection" of the Russian military. The governor did not provide any information on casualties or material damage. Similar scenes played in Moscow on Tuesday after eight drones were intercepted by Russian forces, an incident that officials stated caused no significant damages or injuries. It was noted at the time that the attack was likely related to Russian strikes against a decision-making center in Kiev. Starovoyt's comments come just days after local authorities reported that the region's borders would be reinforced in light of recent incursions by Ukrainian forces in the nearby regions of Bryansk and Belgorod. At the time, the governor detailed that the voluntary people's guard was conducting round-the-clock patrols. It was earlier reported that the Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak had raised the possibility of troops establishing a demilitarized zone along Russia's Belgorod, Bryansk, Rostov and Kursk regions. The initiative was said to be part of a post-conflict solution that had initially been raised in late February, months after the Ukrainian leadership indicated hostilities would only come to a close once Russia withdrew its troops to borders established in 1991. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Fort Polk, LA (71446) Today Partly cloudy skies this morning. Thunderstorms likely during the afternoon. High 86F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 90%.. Tonight Scattered thunderstorms during the evening. Cloudy skies after midnight. Low near 65F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%. Russia's Strategic Failure and Ukraine's Secure Future US Department of State Speech Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State Helsinki City Hall Helsinki, Finland June 2, 2023 MAYOR VARTIAINEN: Your Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, dear friends, it is my great pleasure to warmly welcome you all to the beautiful capital of Finland, Helsinki, and the Helsinki City Hall. Helsinki has a great honor to host this special event today. We are humbled and in great appreciation to have the U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken here in Helsinki. Helsinki is a city where the harmonious blend of history, innovation, freedom, and diplomacy converges. Our capital is and has been an arena for numerous high-level meetings and political events, and we are proud to provide the platform for this historical moment, now for the first time as the proud capital of a new NATO Ally. Now it is my great pleasure to introduce you the co-organizer of the event, Dr. Mika Aaltola, the director of the Finnish Institute of International Affairs. Thank you. (Applause.) MR AALTOLA: Your Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, this is a truly historical day. It is the first time that a United States secretary of state stands on the solid granite ground of NATO Finland. Secretary Blinken's visit represents a new era in the Finnish-U.S. relations that have long historical ties. Never before have the relations between our two countries been this close. In addition to now being NATO Allies, Finland and the United States are working together to enhance our bilateral defense cooperation. Also, economic cooperation has increased significantly as the U.S. became Finland's number one trade partner last year. While physically separated by an ocean, our countries are bound by ties that surpass distance. We face common security challenges, but even more importantly, we share a belief in democracy, in our common values and shared interests. These values are being challenged by Russia's brutal invasion of Ukraine. With the level of economic and military support it has offered to Ukraine, the United States remains the indispensable force in Europe. The U.S. was already awake when most of Europe was still sleeping, relatively undisturbed by Russia's power political gaming. U.S. leadership is as needed as ever. This leadership helps to keep doors open and enemies at bay, but there would be no leadership without a partnership. This partnership is something that Finland has offered to the United States. Finland is an able ally and a security provider. We carry our responsibilities in our region and beyond, and we are committed to support Ukraine and to defend ourselves and the values we stand for. This commitment is shared by the Finnish leadership but, even more importantly, by the Finnish people. Finland has ranked as the least corrupt, most egalitarian, one of the most educated, and most democratic countries in the world. It also is the most stable country in the world. In these volatile times, this stability has a value of its own. Surprisingly for many Finns, Finland is also the happiest country in the world. We question this result every year, but it is pointed to us that it is the case. It is a fact, so how miserable others must be if we are the happiest. (Laughter.) But now I'm truly happy to be able to welcome on the stage with United States Secretary of State Mr. Antony Blinken. (Applause.) SECRETARY BLINKEN: Thank you. Thank you very much. And yes, I feel a greater sense of happiness today than I've felt in a long time. (Laughter.) Mayor Vartiainen, thank you for hosting us here in Helsinki, and in this absolutely magnificent city hall. And Mika, my thanks to you, and also to your entire team - all of the researchers at the Finnish Institute of International Affairs, for deepening the scholarship about diplomacy, and also enriching the public debate. I'm also gratified that my friend and my partner, Pekka Haavisto, is here with us today. We have worked so closely together over this past truly historic year, and I'm grateful for your presence. To all of the distinguished guests, two months ago, I stood with our Allies in Brussels as Finland's flag was raised over NATO headquarters for the first time. President NiinistA declared, and I quote, "The era of military nonalignment in Finland has come to an end. A new era begins." It was a sea change that would have been unthinkable a little more than a year earlier. Before Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, one in four Finns supported the country joining NATO. After the full-scale invasion, three in four Finns supported joining. It wasn't hard for Finns to imagine themselves in the Ukrainians' shoes. They'd walked in them in November 1939, when the Soviet Union invaded Finland. Like President Putin's so-called "special operation" against Ukraine, the USSR's so-called "liberation operation" falsely accused Finland of provoking the invasion. Like the Russians with Kyiv, the Soviets were confident that they'd sack Helsinki in weeks - so confident that they had Dmitri Shostakovich compose music for the victory parade, before the Winter War even started. Like Putin in Ukraine, when Stalin failed to overcome the Finns' fierce and determined resistance, he shifted to a strategy of terror, incinerating entire villages and bombing so many hospitals from the air that Finns started covering up the Red Cross insignia on the rooftops. Like the millions of Ukrainian refugees today, hundreds of thousands of Finns were driven from their homes by the Soviet invasion. They included two children, Pirkko and Henri, whose families evacuated their homes in Karelia - the mother and father of our host, the mayor of the city. To many Finns, the parallels between 1939 and 2022 were striking. They were visceral. And they were not wrong. Finns understood that if Russia violated the core principles of the UN Charter - sovereignty, territorial integrity, independence - if they did that in Ukraine, it will imperil their own peace and security as well. We understood that, too. That's why, over the course of 2021, as Russia ratcheted up its threats against Kyiv and amassed more and more troops, tanks, and planes on Ukraine's borders, we made every effort to get Moscow to de-escalate its manufactured crisis and resolve its issues through diplomacy. President Biden told President Putin that we were prepared to discuss our mutual security concerns - a message that I reaffirmed repeatedly - including in person, with Foreign Minister Lavrov. We offered written proposals to reduce tensions. Together with our allies and partners, we used every forum to try to prevent war, from the NATO-Russia Council to the OSCE, from the UN to our direct channels. Across these engagements, we set out two possible paths for Moscow: a path of diplomacy, which could lead to greater security for Ukraine, for Russia, for all of Europe; or a path of aggression, which would result in severe consequences for the Russian Government. President Biden made clear that regardless of which path President Putin chose, we would be ready. And if Russia chose war, we would do three things: support Ukraine, impose severe costs on Russia, and strengthen NATO while rallying our allies and partners around these goals. As the storm clouds gathered, we surged military, economic, and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine. First in August 2021, and again in December, we sent military equipment to bolster Ukraine's defenses, including Javelins and Stingers. And we deployed a team from the U.S. Cyber Command to help Ukraine shore up its power grid and other critical infrastructure against cyber attacks. We prepared an unprecedented set of sanctions, export controls, other economic costs to impose severe and immediate consequences on Russia in the event of a full-scale invasion. We took steps to leave no doubt that we, and our Allies, would uphold our commitment to defend every inch of NATO territory. And we worked relentlessly to rally allies and partners around helping Ukraine defend itself and denying Putin his strategic aims. Since day one of his administration, President Biden has focused on rebuilding and revitalizing America's alliances and partnerships, knowing that we're stronger when we work alongside those who share our interests and our values. In the run-up to Russia's invasion, we demonstrated the power of those partnerships - coordinating our planning and strategy for a potential invasion with NATO, with the EU, with the G7, and other allies and partners from around the world. Over those fateful weeks in January and February of 2022, it became clear that no amount of diplomatic effort was going to change President Putin's mind. He would choose war. And so, on February 17, 2022, I went before the United Nations Security Council to warn the world that Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine was imminent. I set out the steps that Russia would take: first manufacturing a pretext, and then using missiles, tanks, troops, cyber attacks to strike pre-identified targets, including Kyiv, with the aim of toppling Ukraine's democratically elected government and erasing Ukraine from the map as an independent country. We hoped - we hoped - to be proven wrong. Unfortunately, we were right. A week after my warning to the Security Council, President Putin invaded. Ukrainians of all walks of life - soldiers and citizens, men and women, young and old - bravely defended their nation. And the United States moved swiftly, decisively, and in unison with allies and partners to do exactly what we said we'd do: support Ukraine, impose costs on Russia, strengthen NATO - all of this with our allies and partners. And with our collective support, Ukraine did what it said it would do: defended its territory, its independence, its democracy. Today, what I want to do is set out this and the many other ways Putin's war of aggression against Ukraine has been a strategic failure, greatly diminishing Russia's power, its interests, and its influence for years to come. And I'll also share our vision of the path to a just and lasting peace. When you look at President Putin's long-term strategic aims and objectives, there is no question: Russia is significantly worse off today than it was before its full-scale invasion of Ukraine - militarily, economically, geopolitically. Where Putin aimed to project strength, he's revealed weakness. Where he sought to divide, he's united. What he tried to prevent, he's precipitated. That outcome is no accident. It's the direct result of the courage and solidarity of the Ukrainian people and the deliberate, decisive, swift action that we and our partners have taken to support Ukraine. First, for years, President Putin sought to weaken and divide NATO, under the false claim that it posed a threat to Russia. In fact, before Russia invaded Crimea and eastern Ukraine in 2014, NATO's posture reflected a shared conviction that conflict in Europe was unlikely. The United States had significantly reduced its forces in Europe since the end of the Cold War, from 315,000 in 1989 to 61,000 at the end of 2013. Many European countries' spending on defense had been declining for years. NATO's strategic doctrine at the time labeled Russia a partner. Following Russia's invasion of Crimea and the Donbas in 2014, that tide began to turn. Allies committed to spend two percent of GDP on defense and deployed new forces to NATO's eastern flank in response to Russia's aggression. The Alliance has accelerated its transformation since Russia's full-scale invasion - not to pose a threat or because NATO seeks conflict. NATO always has been - and always will be - a defensive alliance. But Russia's aggression, threats, nuclear saber-rattling compelled us to reinforce our deterrence and defense. Hours after the full-scale invasion, we activated NATO's defensive Response Force. In the weeks that followed, several Allies - including the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, Spain, France - swiftly sent troops, aircraft, and ships to reinforce NATO's eastern flank. We doubled the number of ships patrolling the North and Baltic seas, and doubled the number of battle groups in the region. The United States established its first permanent military presence in Poland. And, of course, NATO added Finland as its 31st Ally, and we will soon add Sweden as the 32nd. As we head into the NATO Summit in Vilnius, our shared message will be clear: NATO Allies are committed to enhanced deterrence and defense, to greater and smarter defense spending, to deeper ties with Indo-Pacific partners. NATO's door remains open to new members, and it will stay open. Russia's invasion has also led the European Union to do more - and more together with the United States and with NATO - than ever before. The EU and its member-states have provided over $75 billion in military, economic, humanitarian support to Ukraine. That includes $18 billion in security assistance, from air defense systems to Leopard tanks to ammunition. Coordinating closely with the U.S., the U.K., and other partners, the EU has launched its most ambitious sanctions ever, immobilizing over half of Russia's sovereign assets. And European nations have taken in more than 8 million Ukrainian refugees, most of whom have not only been granted access to public services, but also the right to work, to study. Second, for decades, Moscow worked to deepen Europe's dependence on Russian oil and gas. Since President Putin's full-scale invasion, Europe has made a swift and decisive turn away from Russian energy. Berlin immediately canceled Nord Stream 2, which would have doubled the flow of Russian gas to Germany. Before Putin's invasion, European countries imported 37 percent of their natural gas from Russia. Europe cut that by more than half in less than a year. In 2022, EU countries generated a record one-fifth of their electricity through wind and solar - more electricity than the EU generated through coal, gas, or any other power source. The United States for its part more than doubled our supply of gas to Europe, and our Asian allies - Japan, the Republic of Korea - also stepped up to boost Europe's supply. Meanwhile, the oil price cap that we and our G7 partners put in place has kept Russia's energy in the global market, while dramatically cutting Russian revenues. A year into its invasion, Russia's oil revenues had fallen by 43 percent. The Russian Government's tax revenues from oil and gas have fallen by nearly two-thirds. And Moscow will not get back the markets that it has lost in Europe. Third, President Putin spent two decades trying to build Russia's military into a modern force, with cutting-edge weaponry, streamlined command, and well-trained, well-equipped soldiers. The Kremlin often claimed it had the second-strongest military in the world, and many believed it. Today, many see Russia's military as the second-strongest in Ukraine. Its equipment, technology, leadership, troops, strategy, tactics, and morale, a case study in failure - even as Moscow inflicts devastating, indiscriminate, and gratuitous damage on Ukraine and Ukrainians. Russia is estimated to have suffered more than 100,000 casualties in the last six months alone, as Putin sends wave after wave of Russians into a meat grinder of his own making. Meanwhile, sanctions and export controls imposed by the United States, the European Union, and other partners around the world have severely degraded Russia's war machine and defense exports, setting them back for years to come. Russia's global defense partners and customers can no longer count on promised orders, let alone spare parts. And as they witness Russia's poor performance on the battlefield, they are increasingly taking their business elsewhere. Fourth, President Putin wanted to build Russia up as a global, economic power. His invasion cemented his long-running failure to diversify Russia's economy, to strengthen its human capital, to fully integrate the country into the global economy. Today, Russia's economy is a shadow of what it was, and a fraction of what it could have become had Putin invested in technology and innovation rather than weapons and war. Russia's foreign reserves are down by more than half, as are profits from its state-owned enterprises. More than 1,700 foreign companies have reduced, suspended, or ended operations in Russia since the onset of the invasion. That's tens of thousands of jobs gone, a massive flight of foreign expertise, and billions of dollars in lost revenue for the Kremlin. A million people have fled Russia, including many of the country's top IT specialists, entrepreneurs, engineers, doctors, professors, journalists, scientists. Countless artists, writers, filmmakers, musicians have also left, seeing no future for themselves in a country where they can't express themselves freely. Fifth, President Putin invested considerable effort to show that Russia could be a valued partner to China. On the eve of the invasion, Beijing and Moscow declared a "no limits" partnership. Eighteen months into the invasion, that two-way partnership looks more and more one-sided. Putin's aggression and weaponization of strategic dependencies on Russia has served as a wake-up call to governments around the world to make efforts at de-risking. And together, the United States and our partners are taking steps to reduce those vulnerabilities, from building more resilient critical supply chains to strengthening our shared tools to counter economic coercion. So, Russia's aggression hasn't distracted us from meeting the challenges in the Indo-Pacific. It's actually sharpened our focus on them. And our support for Ukraine hasn't weakened our capabilities to meet potential threats from China or anywhere else - it's strengthened them. And we believe that Beijing is taking notice that, far from being intimidated by a forceful violation of the UN Charter, the world has rallied to defend it. Sixth, prior to the war, President Putin regularly used Russia's influence in international organizations to try to weaken the United Nations Charter. Today, Russia is more isolated on the world stage than ever. At least 140 nations - two-thirds of UN member-states - have repeatedly voted in the UN General Assembly to affirm Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, to reject Putin's attempts to illegally annex Ukrainian territory, to condemn Russia's aggression and atrocities, and to call for a peace consistent with the principles of the United Nations Charter. Governments from the West and East, North and South have voted to suspend Russia from numerous institutions, from the UN Human Rights Council to the International Civil Aviation Organization. Russian candidates have lost one election after another for key seats in international institutions, from the governing board of UNICEF to leadership of the UN agency responsible for information and communication technologies, the ITU. Each rebuke and loss for Moscow is not only a vote against Russia's aggression, it's a vote for the core principles of the United Nations Charter. And countries from every part of the world are supporting efforts to hold Russia accountable for its war crimes and crimes against humanity, from creating a special UN commission to document the crimes and human rights violations committed in Russia's war to assisting investigations by prosecutors in Ukraine and at the International Criminal Court. Seventh, President Putin, for years, sought to divide the West from the rest, claiming that Russia was advancing the best interests of the developing world. Today, thanks to openly declaring his imperial ambitions and weaponizing food and fuel, President Putin has diminished Russian influence on every continent. Putin's efforts to reconstitute a centuries-old empire reminded every nation that had endured colonial rule and repression of their own pain. Then, he exacerbated the economic hardship many nations were already experiencing due to COVID and climate change by cutting off Ukraine's grain from the world markets, driving up the cost of food and fuel everywhere. By contrast, on one global challenge after another, the United States and our partners have proven that our focus on Ukraine will not distract us from working to improve the lives of people around the world and address the cascading costs of Russia's aggression. Our unprecedented emergency food aid has prevented millions of people from starving to death. Just last year alone, the United States provided $13.5 billion in food assistance. And the United States is currently funding over half of the UN World Food Programme's budget. Russia funds less than one percent. We supported a deal negotiated by UN Secretary-General Guterres and TArkiye to break Russia's stranglehold on Ukrainian grain, allowing 29 million tons of food and counting to get out of Ukraine and to people around the world. That includes 8 million tons of wheat, which is the equivalent of roughly 16 billion loaves of bread. Together with allies and partners, we're mobilizing hundreds of billions of dollars in financing for high-quality infrastructure in the countries where it's needed most and building it in a way that's transparent, good for the environment; empowers local workers and communities. We're strengthening global health security, from training half a million health professionals in our own hemisphere, in the Americas, to helping the pharmaceutical company Moderna finalize plans with Kenya to build its first mRNA vaccine manufacturing facility in Africa. Time and again, we are demonstrating who fuels global problems and who solves them. Finally, President Putin's core aim - indeed, his obsession - has been to erase the very idea of Ukraine - its identity, its people, its culture, its agency, its territory. But here, too, Putin's actions have precipitated the opposite effect. No one has done more to strengthen Ukraine's national identity than the man who sought to wipe it out. No one has done more to deepen Ukrainians' unity and solidarity. No one has done more to intensify Ukrainians' determination to write their own future on their own terms. Ukraine will never be Russia. Ukraine stands sovereign, independent, firmly in control of its own destiny. In this - Putin's primary goal - he has failed most spectacularly. President Putin constantly claims that the United States, Europe, and countries that support Ukraine are bent on defeating or destroying Russia, on toppling its government, on holding back its people. That is false. We do not seek the overthrow of the Russian Government and we never have. Russia's future is for Russians to decide. We have no quarrel with the Russian people, who had no say in starting this tragic war. We lament that Putin is sending tens of thousands of Russians to their deaths in a war he could end now, if he chose - and inflicting ruinous impact on Russia's economy and its prospects. Indeed, it must be asked: How has Putin's war improved the lives, the livelihoods, or the prospects of ordinary Russian citizens? Everything that we and our allies and partners do in response to Putin's invasion has the same purpose: to help Ukraine defend its sovereignty, its territorial integrity and independence, and to stand up for the international rules and principles that are threatened by Putin's ongoing war. Let me say this directly to the Russian people: The United States is not your enemy. At the peaceful end of the Cold War, we shared the hope that Russia would emerge to a brighter future, free and open, fully integrated with the world. For more than 30 years, we worked to pursue stable and cooperative relations with Moscow, because we believed that a peaceful, secure, and prosperous Russia is in America's interests - indeed, in the interests of the world. We still believe that today. We cannot choose your future for you, and we won't try to do so. But we also will not let President Putin impose his will on other nations. Moscow must treat the independence, the sovereignty, the territorial integrity of its neighbors with the same respect that it demands for Russia. Now, as I've made clear, by virtually every measure, President Putin's invasion of Ukraine has been a strategic failure. Yet while Putin has failed to achieve his aims, he hasn't given up on them. He's convinced that he can simply outlast Ukraine and its supporters, sending more and more Russians to their deaths, inflicting more and more suffering on Ukraine's civilians. He thinks that even if he loses the short game, he can still win the long game. Putin is wrong about this, too. The United States - together with our allies and partners - is firmly committed to supporting Ukraine's defense today, tomorrow, for as long as it takes. And in America, this support is bipartisan. And precisely because we have no illusions about Putin's aspirations, we believe the prerequisite for meaningful diplomacy and real peace is a stronger Ukraine, capable of deterring and defending against any future aggression. We've rallied a formidable team around this effort. With Secretary of Defense Austin's leadership, more than 50 countries are cooperating through the Ukraine Defense Contact Group. And we're leading by the power of our example, providing tens of billions of dollars in security assistance to Ukraine with robust and unwavering support from both sides of the aisle in our Congress. Today, America and our allies and partners are helping meet Ukraine's needs on the current battlefield while developing a force that can deter and defend against aggression for years to come. That means helping build a Ukrainian military of the future, with long-term funding, a strong air force centered on modern combat aircraft, an integrated air and missile defense network, advanced tanks and armored vehicles, national capacity to produce ammunition, and the training and support to keep forces and equipment combat-ready. That also means Ukraine's membership in NATO will be a matter for Allies and Ukraine - not Russia - to decide. The path to peace will be forged not only through Ukraine's long-term military strength, but also the strength of its economy and its democracy. This is at the heart of our vision for the way forward: Ukraine must not only survive, it must thrive. To be strong enough to deter and defend against aggressors beyond its borders, Ukraine needs a vibrant, prosperous democracy within its borders. That's the path the Ukrainian people voted for when they won their independence in 1991. It's the choice they defended in the Maidan in 2004, and again in 2013: a free and open society, with respect for human rights and the rule of law, fully integrated with Europe, where all Ukrainians have dignity and the opportunity to realize their full potential - and where the government responds to the needs of its people, not those of vested interests and elites. We are committed to working with allies and partners to help Ukrainians make their vision a reality. We'll not only help Ukraine rebuild its economy, but reimagine it, with new industries, trade routes, supply chains connected with Europe and with markets around the world. We'll continue to bolster Ukraine's independent anti-corruption bodies, a free and vibrant press, civil society organizations. We'll help Ukraine overhaul its energy grid - more than half of which has been destroyed by Russia - and do it in a way that's cleaner, more resilient, and more integrated with its neighbors, so that Ukraine can one day become an energy exporter. Ukraine's greater integration with Europe is vital to all of these efforts. Kyiv took a giant step in that direction last June, when the union formally granted Ukraine EU candidate status. And Kyiv is working to make progress toward the EU's benchmarks even as it fights for its survival. Investing in Ukraine's strength is not at the expense of diplomacy. It paves the way for diplomacy. President Zelenskyy has said repeatedly that diplomacy is the only way to end this war, and we agree. In December, he put forward a vision for a just and lasting peace. Instead of engaging on that proposal or even offering one of his own, President Putin has said there is nothing to talk about until Ukraine accepts, and I quote, "new territorial realities" - in other words, accept Russia's seizure of 20 percent of Ukraine's territory. Putin spent the winter trying to freeze Ukrainian civilians to death, and then the spring trying to bomb them to death. Day after day, Russia rains down missiles and drones on Ukrainian apartment buildings, schools, hospitals. Now, from a distance, it's easy to become numb to these and other Russian atrocities, like the drone strike last week on a medical clinic in Dnipro, which killed four people, including doctors; or the 17 strikes on Kyiv in the month of May alone, many using hypersonic missiles; or the missile attack in April on the city of Uman - hundreds of miles from the front lines - in which 23 civilians were killed. The rocket strike hit multiple apartment buildings in Uman before dawn. In one of those buildings, a father, Dmytro, raced to the room where his children were sleeping - Kyrylo, age 17; Sophia, age 11. But when he opened the door to their bedroom, there was no room, just fire and smoke. His children were gone. Two more innocent lives extinguished. Two of the six children Russia killed in a single strike. Two of the thousands of Ukrainian children killed by Russia's war of aggression. Thousands more have been wounded, and thousands beyond that have been abducted from their families by Russia and given to Russian families. Millions have been displaced. All are part of a generation of Ukrainian children terrorized, traumatized, scarred by Putin's war of aggression, all of whom remind us why Ukrainians are so fiercely committed to defending their nation and why they deserve - deserve - a just and lasting peace. Now, some have argued that if the United States truly wanted peace, we'd stop supporting Ukraine, and then if Ukraine truly wanted to end the war, it would just cut its losses and give up the fifth of its territory that Russia illegally occupies. Let's play this out for a minute. What neighbors of Russia would feel confident in their own sovereignty and territorial integrity if Putin's aggression were to be rewarded with a fifth of Ukraine's territory? And for that matter, how would any country that lives near a bully, with a history of threats and aggression, feel secure within its own borders? What lesson will other would-be aggressors around the world learn if Putin is allowed to violate a core tenet of the UN Charter with impunity? And how often in history have aggressors who seize all or part of a neighboring country been satisfied and stopped there? When has that ever satisfied Vladimir Putin? The United States has been working with Ukraine - and allies and partners around the world - to build consensus around the core elements of a just and lasting peace. To be clear, the United States welcomes any initiative that helps bring President Putin to the table to engage in meaningful diplomacy. We'll support efforts - whether by Brazil, by China, or any other nation - if they help find a way to a just and lasting peace, consistent with the principles of the United Nations Charter. Here's what that means. A just and lasting peace must uphold the UN Charter and affirm the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence. A just and lasting peace requires Ukraine's full participation and assent - nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine. A just and lasting peace must support Ukraine's reconstruction and recovery, with Russia paying its share. A just and lasting peace must address both accountability and reconciliation. A just and lasting peace can open a pathway to sanctions relief connected to concrete actions, especially military withdrawal. A just and lasting peace must end Russia's war of aggression. Now, over the coming weeks and months, some countries will call for a ceasefire. And on the surface, that sounds sensible - attractive, even. After all, who doesn't want warring parties to lay down their arms? Who doesn't want the killing to stop? But a ceasefire that simply freezes current lines in place and enables Putin to consolidate control over the territory he's seized, and then rest, re-arm, and re-attack - that is not a just and lasting peace. It's a Potemkin peace. It would legitimize Russia's land grab. It would reward the aggressor and punish the victim. If and when Russia is ready to work for true peace, the United States will respond in concert with Ukraine and other allies and partners around the world. And along with Ukraine and allies and partners, we would be prepared to have a broader discussion on European security that promotes stability and transparency and reduces the likelihood of future conflict. In the weeks and months ahead, the United States will continue to work with Ukraine, with our allies and partners - and any and all parties dedicated to supporting a just and lasting peace based on these principles. On April 4, 1949, 74 years to the day before Finland joined NATO, the original members of the Alliance gathered in Washington to sign its founding treaty. President Truman warned the group, and I quote, "We cannot succeed if our people are haunted by the constant fear of aggression and burdened by the cost of preparing their nations individually against attack. [W]e hope to create a shield against aggression and the fear of aggression - a bulwark which will permit us to get on with the real business of . . . achieving a fuller and happier life for all our citizens." The same is true today. No nation - not Ukraine, not the United States, not Finland, Sweden, any other country can deliver for its people if it lives in constant fear of aggression. That's why we've all got a stake in ensuring that President Putin's war of aggression against Ukraine continues to be a strategic failure. In his New Year's address to the Finnish people, President NiinistA identified one of the fundamental flaws of President Putin's plan to swiftly conquer Ukraine - a flaw that also doomed Stalin's plan to swiftly conquer Finland. As President NiinistA said, and I quote, "As leaders of a country under authoritarian rule, Stalin and Putin failed to recognize . . . that people living in a free country have their own will and convictions. And that a nation that works together constitutes an immense force." Finns have a word for that fierce combination of will and determination: sisu. And they recognize sisu in the struggle of Ukrainians today. And when a free people like the Ukrainians have at their backs the support of free nations around the world - nations who recognize their fates and freedom - their rights and security are inextricably bound together, the force they possess is not merely immense. It is unstoppable. Thank you very much. (Applause.) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PM meeting with President Zelenskyy of Ukraine: 1 June 2023 Prime Minister Rishi Sunak met President Zelenskyy at the European Political Community Summit in Moldova. 2 June 2023 Prime Minister Rishi Sunak meets President Zelenskyy in Moldova. Crown Copyright. The Prime Minister met President Zelenskyy at the European Political Community Summit in Moldova to discuss the latest battlefield situation in Ukraine. The leaders reflected on their meeting at the G7 in Hiroshima, and the bravery and courage demonstrated by Ukrainian forces in recent days and weeks. The President updated on the situation on the ground in Ukraine and both discussed how best Ukraine's counter-offensive could be supported by the international community. The Prime Minister updated on plans for the UK to begin Ukrainian pilot training in the coming weeks. They agreed to work with international partners to do even more to protect Ukrainian cities and civilians from Russia's barbaric missile and drone attacks. Looking ahead to the NATO leaders' summit in Vilnius next month, the Prime Minister reiterated that Ukraine' rightful place was in the Alliance and said the UK would support their aspirations for membership in the coming years. Discussing the importance of ensuring a strong economic recovery for Ukraine, the Prime Minister updated on preparations for the Ukraine Recovery Conference in London later this month. He added that he hoped the summit would bring together leading businesses and entrepreneurs to discuss how best to support a prosperous future for Ukraine. The leaders looked forward to speaking again soon. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukrainian air shield must continuously have all it needs - President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's address President of Ukraine 2 June 2023 - 19:50 Dear Ukrainians, I wish you health! A summary of the day. The first thing was to hold the Supreme Commander-in-Chief's Staff meeting. Urgent security issues. An obviously harsh response to the death of people in Kyiv due to a closed shelter. I gave instructions for having the shelter facilities in Kyiv and throughout the country inspected. Ministers Kamyshin and Klymenko are in charge of this. Unfortunately, even today - after everything has happened - Kyiv residents repeatedly post information about the lack of access to shelters. Not just about closed shelters but about brewed entrances to shelters, about the absence of shelters at all in some parts of the city. This level of negligence in the city cannot be covered with any excuses. All the details regarding our air defense system - its further development, supply, and production of the necessary missiles in Ukraine were also discussed at the Staff meeting. The Ukrainian air shield must continuously have all it needs. We are engaged in the coalition of Patriot systems and the coalition of modern fighters - actively every day. The situation on the front line was discussed carefully in detail, in all those points where it is the toughest situation now. I will not talk about it in more detail - the actions of our state, the active actions of our troops will say what is needed. And I separately held a meeting devoted to the training of our new brigades, those that are accumulating strength from the north to the south of our country. The second item for today - negotiations with the President of Estonia, who arrived in Kyiv. Security comes first, and that's what's about our defense now, and what's about our long-term security. Estonia fundamentally helps us with weapons and equipment, supports our movement in NATO, it is aware of how crucial it is that we prevail over ruscism right now and on our Ukrainian land. It is crucial for every nation neighboring a terrorist state. I'm sure we will provide this security, which is so necessary, we will provide victory over Russian aggression to Ukraine, all of Europe and the free world. It is also noteworthy that we are developing our cooperation with Estonia and the export of solutions - our digital solutions. Earlier, it was from Estonia that Ukrainians took an example in the development of digital solutions. And now, we have reached such a level that on the basis of our Ukrainian Diia a government application will be created in Estonia. What is convenient and useful for millions of Ukrainians will obviously be convenient and useful for other nations. And it is another component of our leadership, Ukrainian leadership. We discussed further cooperation with Mr. President of Estonia, in particular, in digitalization. And, by the way, I will make the following announcement: Diia will help develop government services in other countries, not only in Europe - in Latin America and Africa. The third for today from the various activities worth saying. I held several meetings, long and meaningful, regarding shaping our comprehensive policy for the future. The things that concern the further transformation of the state. The things that concern our participation in global processes. As always, we are preparing news and solutions that will give Ukraine and Ukrainians even more strength. I'm thankful to everyone who helps our country! Glory to all our warriors! To everyone who is currently fighting for Ukraine. Today, I especially want to mention the 92nd Separate Mechanized Brigade - all the soldiers of this brigade, who are is extremely resistant in defending the Svatove direction and successfully repelling enemy attacks while moving forward. Thank you, warriors! Avdiyivka direction... 110th Separate Mechanized Brigade - thank you, soldiers, for your bravery and your ability to be strong in destroying the invaders. Well done! I would like to mention the border guards who proudly defend the state on the front lines together with all our defense and security forces. Lviv, Donetsk, Zhytomyr border guard units fighting at the front. Thank you! And I also thank the soldiers of the Chernihiv border detachment, who are actively opposing the Shahed drones. The speed and accuracy of our soldiers are critical. Thank you, warriors, for your speed and for your accuracy! Today, I signed the decrees on honoring our soldiers with state awards. A total of 263 servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Glory to all our heroes! Glory to Ukraine! NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Volodymyr Zelenskyy following talks with Alar Karis in Kyiv: We can prepare more powerful steps at the front together President of Ukraine 2 June 2023 - 16:13 President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a meeting with President of the Republic of Estonia Alar Karis, who arrived in our country on a visit. Welcoming his Estonian counterpart to Kyiv, Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that Estonia is a country that fundamentally understands why Ukraine must win the battle against Russian aggression. "First of all, I want to thank Estonia and you personally, Mr. President, for the assistance provided to Ukraine. It is really important and powerful. This includes assistance with weapons - a wide sector. This is what saves the lives of our soldiers. This is also political assistance - sanctions against Russian aggression, which were so difficult to implement. Thank you for this! Support for Ukraine in the EU institutions, support for our movement to NATO," the Head of State emphasized during the conversation with media representatives following the meeting with Alar Karis. In particular, the President of Ukraine noted Estonia's humanitarian and economic assistance, as well as assistance in the reconstruction and sheltering of Ukrainians who were forced to flee the war from the first days of Russia's full-scale invasion. "Estonia has approached our agreements on reconstruction very conscientiously, and we already have a concrete result: a kindergarten in Ovruch, rebuilt by the Estonian side, has been officially opened in Zhytomyr region," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said. During the talks, the President of Ukraine told his Estonian counterpart about the situation on the battlefield and Ukraine's armed capabilities. "Together we can prepare more of our powerful steps at the front. I informed about the specific urgent needs of our army to build up Ukraine's defensive and offensive capabilities. And the more defeats we inflict on the Russian occupiers now, the more reliable the protection for our peoples will be - protection from any attempts by Russia to seize the territory of neighbors," he emphasized. The interlocutors also focused on the issue of strengthening sanctions against Russia. They discussed in detail the international events scheduled for this year and the decisions being prepared, including the NATO Summit in Vilnius, which must be approached with a prepared package of decisions. "We discussed our relations with the European Union and the decisions on our integration into the EU that need to be made. Even in the face of such a war, Ukraine continues to reform its state institutions. We are quite obviously and concretely strengthening European unity, adding strength to Europe as a global entity, and adding security to European values. All this clearly indicates that Ukraine deserves appropriate positive political decisions from the EU regarding our future membership," the Head of State noted. Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to Estonia for its full support of the position that the European and Euro-Atlantic unification will be complete only when Ukraine becomes a full member of the EU and NATO. "I informed Mr. President about our efforts to implement the Peace Formula and prepare the relevant peace summit. I thank him for his willingness to follow the path of implementation of the formula together with us," the Head of State said. The parties also focused on further digitization and joint steps for the near future. "We agreed on specific cooperation in demining Ukrainian territories, including with the involvement of Estonian specialists and their equipment. We discussed the possibility of establishing joint defense production facilities in Ukraine. We also touched upon the deepening of interaction between our business circles, discussed the issue of risk insurance for Estonian investors and entrepreneurs," the President of Ukraine said. For his part, Alar Karis noted that he started his visit to Ukraine on the International Children's Day as a sign that Estonia condemns everything that Russia has done to Ukrainian children. The President of Estonia called the kidnapping of young Ukrainian citizens a crime that deserves a fair punishment. He also noted that his country intends to step up efforts to help revitalize and restore Ukraine's economy and expressed support for starting the rebuilding of infrastructure and educational institutions before the war ends. "Ukraine deserves peace within its recognized territories. Kharkiv, Donetsk, Crimea - the entire Ukrainian land should never experience the horrors of war," the President of Estonia said. Regarding the architecture of the new European security, Alar Karis expressed his belief that Ukraine should join the circle of democratic countries of the European family as a member of the European Union and NATO. "I want to reaffirm our support for Ukraine both on the battlefield and on its way to the EU and NATO," the President of Estonia stated. "I don't want to live in a world where we have to have a dialogue with child murderers, with those who bomb hospitals, kindergartens and schools. Their place is behind bars. There must be a fair punishment for the crime. Crimes against humanity, genocide, war crimes, crimes of aggression must never go unpunished, and we must start from the very top. The international community supports the establishment of a special tribunal - we also mentioned this in our conversation - to ensure that justice prevails," Alar Karis emphasized. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Latest in Ukraine: Zelenskyy Rebukes Kyiv Officials for Neglect of Air Raid Shelters By VOA News June 02, 2023 Latest Developments: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Friday that joining NATO was the best security guarantee for Ukraine but acknowledged that "it would be impossible" for his country to join the alliance before the war ended. In a joint briefing in Kyiv with Estonian President Alar Karis, Zelenskyy said Ukrainians "will not pull any NATO country into a war." The U.S. State Department said it was revoking the visas of Russian nuclear inspectors, denying pending applications for new monitors and canceling standard clearances for Russian aircraft to enter U.S. airspace because of Russia's "ongoing violations" of the last arms control treaty remaining between the two countries. Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin escalated his feud with Moscow's military brass by alleging that Russian forces were given orders to blow up his men by planting anti-tank mines in areas that could only be targeting Wagner mercenary forces. "It was not necessary to plant these charges in order to deter the enemy," he said. "Therefore, we can assume that these charges were intended to meet the advancing units of Wagner." In his nightly video address, Zelenskyy rebuked Kyiv authorities for neglecting to provide enough operational air raid shelters in the city. The president said Friday that he'd ordered an inspection of all Ukrainian air raid shelters throughout the country after a 9-year-old girl, her mother and another woman were killed Thursday by falling debris from a Russian airstrike. During the attack, the three victims were locked out on the street after finding a Kyiv shelter shut Thursday morning. "Unfortunately, even today a after everything has happened a Kyiv residents repeatedly post information about the lack of access to shelters," Zelenskyy said. "This level of negligence in the city cannot be covered with any excuses." The deaths caused a public outcry and prompted Zelenskyy to promise that all those responsible would be held accountable - a statement widely seen to have been directed at Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko. The mayor is a former world champion boxer who has clashed with the president before. During a confrontation last November, Zelenskyy accused Klitschko of doing a poor job of setting up emergency shelters to help people without power and heat. Russian airstrikes repelled Ukraine repelled 36 Russian air attacks in and around the capital overnight. Russia has launched about 20 waves of attacks on Kyiv since the beginning of May, in a surge that Ukraine says appears to be aimed at derailing its preparations for a major counteroffensive to try to end Russia's invasion. In his daily speech, the Ukrainian president addressed the need for a stronger air defense system through further development, supply and production of the "necessary missiles" in Ukraine. "The Ukrainian air shield must continuously have all it needs. We are engaged in the coalition of Patriot systems and the coalition of modern fighters a actively every day," he said. Regarding the long-awaited F-16 fighter jets, U.S. Army General Mark Milley said they wouldn't be ready for Ukraine's upcoming counteroffensive. Upon his arrival in France late Thursday, the general said "everyone recognizes Ukraine needs a modernized air force," but regarding the delivery of F-16s, "it's going to take a considerable amount of time." At a Friday news conference, Zelenskyy said Ukraine's upcoming counteroffensive was "not a movie" and added it was not easy to publicly describe how it would unfold. "The main thing is for Russia to see it, and not only see it, but feel it. Specifically, we are talking about the forces that have occupied our territory," he added. The Ukrainian president said liberating Ukrainian territories was the main goal of the counteroffensive, and that when that starts to occur, "you will understand what is happening." Blinken: Russian pullout required U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Friday that a "just and lasting" peace deal in Ukraine must include the withdrawal of Russian troops for all Ukraine-held territories. "A cease-fire that simply freezes current lines in place and enables Putin to consolidate control over the territory he seized and then rest, rearm and reattack - that is not a just and lasting peace," Blinken said. Speaking in the capital of Finland, the NATO alliance's newest member, Blinken said such a violation of the U.N. Charter would send Moscow and "other would-be aggressors around the world" the wrong message. Blinken added that the United States would encourage peace efforts by other nations as long as they uphold the U.N. Charter and Ukraine's sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence. New START treaty The Biden administration is retaliating after Russia suspended the New START nuclear treaty. The State Department announced Thursday that it was revoking the visas of Russian nuclear inspectors, denying pending applications for new monitors and canceling standard clearances for Russian aircraft to enter U.S. airspace. The State Department said it was taking those steps and others in response to Russia's "ongoing violations" of New START, the last arms control treaty remaining between the two countries. "The United States is committed to full and mutual implementation of the New START treaty," it said. "Consistent with that commitment, the United States has adopted lawful countermeasures in response to the Russian Federation's ongoing violations of the New START treaty." Russia suspended its participation in the New START treaty in February in a move that the U.S. said was "legally invalid." Allowing inspections of weapons sites and providing information on the placement of intercontinental and submarine-based ballistic missiles and their test launches are critical components of New START, which then-Presidents Barack Obama and Dmitry Medvedev signed in 2010. Some information for this report came from The Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France-Presse. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address U.S. Countermeasures in Response to Russia's Violations of the New START Treaty US Department of State Fact Sheet Bureau of Arms Control, Verification and Compliance June 1, 2023 The United States is committed to full and mutual implementation of the New START Treaty. Consistent with that commitment, the United States has adopted lawful countermeasures in response to the Russian Federation's ongoing violations of the New START Treaty. The Russian Federation's purported suspension of the New START Treaty is legally invalid. As a result, Russia remains bound by its New START Treaty obligations, and is violating the treaty by failing to fulfill many of those obligations. U.S. countermeasures are fully consistent with international law. They are proportionate, reversible, and meet all other legal requirements. International law permits such measures in order to induce a state to return to compliance with its international obligations. The United States notified Russia of the countermeasures in advance, and conveyed the United States' desire and readiness to reverse the countermeasures and fully implement the treaty if Russia returns to compliance. The United States remains ready to work constructively with Russia on resuming implementation of the New START Treaty. What are the U.S. countermeasures? The United States has taken four lawful countermeasures in response to the Russian Federation's ongoing violations of the New START Treaty. The United States continues to abide by the treaty's central limits, and to fulfill all of its New START obligations that have not been included within these countermeasures. AS OF MARCH 30, 2023 BIANNUAL DATA EXCHANGE: After confirming that Russia would not fulfill its obligation to provide its biannual data update on March 30, 2023, the United States did not provide its March 30 biannual date update to Russia. The New START Treaty requires Russia and the United States to exchange comprehensive databases in March and September of each year. These databases include extensive data on New START Treaty-accountable facilities and nuclear forces, including numbers of deployed warheads and delivery vehicles.In the interest of strategic stability and to promote transparency, on May 15, 2023, the United States proceeded with public release of U.S. aggregate data corresponding to the New START Treaty central limits as of March 1, 2023. The publicly released aggregate data comprise a small portion of the data the United States withheld from Russia in March pursuant to the data-update countermeasure. AS OF JUNE 1, 2023 NOTIFICATIONS: Beginning June 1, 2023, the United States is withholding from Russia notifications required under the treaty, including updates on the status or location of treaty-accountable items such as missiles and launchers. Russia ceased fulfilling its notification obligation upon its purported suspension of the treaty on February 28, 2023. The fundamental purpose of the majority of notifications is to improve each side's ability to verify the other's compliance with the treaty, especially in combination with on-site inspections.The United States continues to provide Russia with notifications of intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) and submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) launches in accordance with the 1988 Ballistic Missile Launch Notifications Agreement, and to provide notifications of exercises in accordance with the 1989 Agreement on Reciprocal Notification of Major Strategic Exercises. Beginning June 1, 2023, the United States is withholding from Russia notifications required under the treaty, including updates on the status or location of treaty-accountable items such as missiles and launchers. Russia ceased fulfilling its notification obligation upon its purported suspension of the treaty on February 28, 2023. The fundamental purpose of the majority of notifications is to improve each side's ability to verify the other's compliance with the treaty, especially in combination with on-site inspections.The United States continues to provide Russia with notifications of intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) and submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) launches in accordance with the 1988 Ballistic Missile Launch Notifications Agreement, and to provide notifications of exercises in accordance with the 1989 Agreement on Reciprocal Notification of Major Strategic Exercises. INSPECTION ACTIVITIES : The United States is refraining from facilitating New START Treaty inspection activities on U.S. territory, specifically by revoking existing visas issued to Russian New START Treaty inspectors and aircrew members, denying pending applications for such visas, and by revoking the standing diplomatic clearance numbers issued for Russian New START Treaty inspection airplanes.The United States had been prepared to facilitate Russian New START Treaty inspection activities on U.S. territory since June 2022, and repeatedly conveyed that readiness to Russia; however, Russia chose not to exercise its right to conduct inspection activities and has also denied the United States its right under the treaty to conduct inspection activities since August 2022, when it refused to accept a U.S. inspection. Russia has not notified the United States of any intent to send a Russian inspection team to the United States since February 25, 2020. : The United States is refraining from facilitating New START Treaty inspection activities on U.S. territory, specifically by revoking existing visas issued to Russian New START Treaty inspectors and aircrew members, denying pending applications for such visas, and by revoking the standing diplomatic clearance numbers issued for Russian New START Treaty inspection airplanes.The United States had been prepared to facilitate Russian New START Treaty inspection activities on U.S. territory since June 2022, and repeatedly conveyed that readiness to Russia; however, Russia chose not to exercise its right to conduct inspection activities and has also denied the United States its right under the treaty to conduct inspection activities since August 2022, when it refused to accept a U.S. inspection. Russia has not notified the United States of any intent to send a Russian inspection team to the United States since February 25, 2020. TELEMETRY: The United States will not be providing telemetric information on launches of U.S. ICBMs and SLBMs. The New START Treaty requires that both parties reach agreement within the framework of the treaty's implementation body, the Bilateral Consultative Commission (BCC), on the number of launches of ICBMs and SLBMs for which telemetric information will be exchanged each year. Russia has refused to meet in the BCC to reach such an agreement, and the United States will not provide telemetric information unilaterally. The treaty does not require the United States to take such unilateral action in any event, since it calls for an exchange of telemetric information on an agreed number of launches. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US proposes arms control deal with UK, France, Russia and China Iran Press TV Friday, 02 June 2023 11:58 PM The United States national security advisor to President Joe Biden has proposed multilateral arms control efforts with the UK, France, Russia and China. "We have stated our willingness to engage in bilateral arms control discussions with Russia and with China, without preconditions," Jake Sullivan said while addressing the annual meeting of the Arms Control Association (ACA) on Friday. He added that the US is eager to "compartmentalize" the atomic issue from other relations with Russia and China. "Establishing the Nuclear Test Ban Treaty was a huge moment. Not only for our own national security. But for the security and stability of the world," he said. "And as this group knows well, it was one of the first steps that would help slowly usher in an era of responsible arms control and nuclear deterrence measures," he stated. "An era where nations could compartmentalize the issues of strategic stability, even if they couldn't cooperate on much anything else," he noted. Sullivan also said the United States would abide by the nuclear weapons limits set in the New START treaty until its 2026 expiration if Russia does the same. He stated that the US also seeks to engage the "P5" - the nuclear-armed permanent members of the UN Security Council - in multilateral arrangements. "For example, formalizing a missile launch notification regime across the P5 is a straightforward measure that is simply common sense. It's a small step that would help reduce the risk of misperception and miscalculation in times of crisis," Sullivan said. He said it could build momentum towards further measures, such as "establishing crisis communications channels among the P5 capitals," and committing to transparency in nuclear matters, among other things. Biden's top aide said the US is willing to abide by the core limits set by the New START treaty "as long as Russia does." "While claiming to suspend New START, Russia has also publicly committed to adhere to the treaty's central limits, indicating a potential willingness to continue limiting strategic nuclear forces through 2026. We agree," Sullivan said. "It is in neither of our countries' interests to embark on an open-ended competition in strategic forces and we are prepared to stick to the central limits as long as Russia does," he said. "Rather than waiting to resolve all of our bilateral differences, the United States is ready to engage Russia now to manage nuclear risks and develop a post-2026 arms control framework." Russia said it has concluded that the United States has been in violation of the New START nuclear arms reduction treaty, accusing Washington of being in non-compliance with its provisions and of trying to undermine Russia's national security. The Russian foreign ministry has called on Washington to refrain from actions that would prevent Russia's return to New START, which was signed in 2010 and extended until 2026. Under the treaty, Russia and the US committed to deploying no more than 1,550 strategic nuclear warheads, which accounts for 90 percent of the world's nuclear warheads, and a maximum of 700 long-range missiles and bombers. Russia also said it is not opposed to resuming participation in the New START should the US policy change. Russian President Vladimir Putin already said his country would be suspending the treaty adding that no one should have dangerous illusions that global strategic parity can be destroyed. Putin accused the West of being directly involved in attempts to strike its strategic air bases. The US had previously accused Russia that it was not in compliance with the New START treaty. The US and Russia remain the world's largest holders and developers of nuclear weapons, followed by Britain, France, China, India, Pakistan, North Korea and the Israeli regime, which has not declared its possession of nuclear warheads but does not deny having them. The regime does not allow any international inspection of its nuclear facilities either. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US May Offer to Keep Nuclear Arms Limits Until 2026 If Russia Reciprocates Sputnik News 20230602 WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - The United States on Friday is set to offer to continue complying with the nuclear arms limits under the New START Treaty until 2026 if Russia reciprocates, British news agency reported, citing two senior administration officials. The offer will be made by National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan in a speech to the Arms Control Association advocacy group, the report said. Sullivan will express the US's openness to resuming unconditional talks with Russia on nuclear risks, including regarding a new pact to succeed New START, according to the news agency. He will also reaffirm that the US is ready to engage in a risk reduction dialogue with China, the report added. A new treaty to replace New START will have to account for China's nuclear arms buildup, meaning it is unlikely to have the same limits, a US official told media. On Thursday, the US State Department said it would immediately stop notifying Russia about the status or location of missiles and launchers as required under New START in response to Russia's suspension of the treaty in February. The US has also stopped facilitating New START treaty inspections on its territory by revoking visas issued to Russian inspectors. The countermeasures are "reversible" and intended to induce Russia to return to compliance with the treaty, the State Department said. Moscow and Washington signed the Strategic Offensive Arms Reduction Treaty (also known as New START) in 2010, replacing previous security agreements. The document was proposed in 2006 by Russian President Vladimir Putin. The idea of agreement is to establish the "ceilings" for the number of nuclear warheads, strategic bombers and rocket launchers each country possesses. In 2021 Kremlin and White House negotiated the extension of the agreement until February 2026. However, after the start of special op to protect people of Donbass from Ukrainian aggression, Western countries started pumping Kiev regime with weapons and imposed sanctions on Russian economy. In February 2023 amidst hostile environment, Russia suspended its participation in the New START Treaty A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US Confident in Its Nuclear Stockpile, White House Official Says By Jeff Seldin June 02, 2023 The United States says it does not plan on building more nuclear weapons to counter threats from Russia, China and a growing number of adversaries who have or who could soon have nuclear capabilities. Instead, Washington plans to modernize its existing nuclear arsenal and continue to invest in cutting-edge technologies to keep adversaries in check, according to White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan. He said the administration also would keep open the possibility of talks to prevent a new nuclear arms race. "The United States does not need to increase our nuclear forces to outnumber the combined total of our competitors in order to successfully deter them," Sullivan told an audience in Washington on Friday. "Effective deterrence means that we have a better approach, not a more approach," he said during a speech to the Arms Control Association. "We believe in the current context we have the number and type of capabilities today that we need." Sullivan's comments came as both Russia and China have either rejected or ignored calls for arms control and nuclear talks despite growing tensions. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced in February that he was suspending Moscow's participation in the New START treaty, calling the deal absurd given U.S. and Western military aid to Ukraine. None of that aid has involved nuclear weapons. The deal, signed in 2010, limits the U.S. and Russia to 1,550 deployed nuclear warheads each while providing for each country to inspect the other's nuclear sites. The U.S. military, meanwhile, estimates China has more than 400 nuclear warheads and is poised to have 1,500 warheads by 2035. U.S. officials have also raised concerns about Beijing's refusal to agree to arms control talks. Sullivan, however, said the U.S. holds out some hope that such talks are possible, and that Washington was ready to talk separately to both Moscow and Beijing "without preconditions." He also noted that while Russia suspended its participation in the New START treaty, it has also said it is willing to abide by some of the treaty's key tenets, "indicating a potential willingness to continue limiting strategic nuclear forces through 2026." And Sullivan said there is precedent for such talks despite tensions and conflicts elsewhere, such as in Ukraine. "I can't predict exactly what Vladimir Putin will do," he said. "But there is a track record of our two countries being capable of engaging in these kinds of discussions in a way that serves our respective national interest and the broader common interests." As for China, Sullivan urged leaders in Beijing to engage with the U.S. on arms control. "The very first thing that is necessary is for us to get this conversation going in a real way," he said. "The PRC could make the bold decision to engage directly with the United States in discussions of strategic stability and nuclear risk, and that it would be the responsible thing to do for the benefit of our two countries and, as I said before, for the benefit of the wider world." But whether Chinese leaders will see the need for such discussions remains to be seen. "They've not been willing to talk," John Kirby, the National Security Council coordinator for strategic communications, said in a press call Friday in response to a question from VOA. "They've not been willing to engage in a meaningful way with arms control," he added. "That doesn't mean that we're not going to continue to make the case that it's important." China's military, in particular, has repeatedly ignored or denied requests for calls by U.S. defense officials, though other high-level meetings have taken place. Sullivan met with a senior Chinese official in Vienna in early May, with the U.S. describing the discussion as "candid, substantive and constructive." There were also high-level talks last month between U.S. and Chinese intelligence officials, with CIA Director William Burns traveling to Beijing. Burns "emphasized the importance of maintaining open lines of communication in intelligence channels," a U.S. official told VOA, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss the spy chief's travel. Burns' trip was first reported by the Financial Times. VOA White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara contributed to this report. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Dallas. TX (SMU), June 02, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The chairman of Commerce Street Holdings and the banking commissioner for the state of Texas were honored Thursday at the annual banquet hosted by the SW Graduate School of Banking (SWGSB) at the SMU Cox School of Business. Charles G. Cooper received SWGSB's Distinguished Alumnus Award. The award is given to a graduate of SWGSB who has served the financial services industry in a way that goes above and beyond his or her peers. Recipients have made meaningful contributions to banking, and their work draws honor to the school. Cooper has been Texas' banking commissioner since December 2008. His responsibilities as banking commissioner include the chartering, regulation, supervision and examination of 213 state-chartered banks in Texas with aggressive assets of approximately $419.8 billion. He has served in various positions with the Conference of State Bank Supervisors, culminating in his election as chairman in 2016. He currently serves as chairman emeritus. In September 2018, state banking supervisors appointed him to serve on the Financial Stability Oversight Council, and he was reappointed in 2020. He is also heavily involved in promoting cybersecurity in the financial sector and serves on the Financial and Banking Information Infrastructure Committee. The Federal Financial Institutions Examinations Council recently announced his selection to a two-year term on its State Liaison Committee and serves as the Committee's chairman. His career in banking spans a half-century. William D. "Tex" Gross received the Distinguished Service Award. The honor is presented to someone who has made a significant contribution to SWGSB, its educational mission and the banking industry overall. Gross is the chairman of Commerce Street Holdings, the holding company for Commerce Street Capital and Commerce Street Investment Management. Gross founded Commerce Street in 2007 and has since developed new opportunities and lines of business, focusing primarily on the firm's reputation as a leading investment bank specializing in financial institutions. Gross has more than 50 years in the securities business. He founded the Dallas office of SAMCO Capital Markets in 1988 and has held senior positions with Southwest Securities; Schneider, Bernet and Hickman; Cullen Frost Bank and Merrill Lynch. He holds a degree from the University of Texas and serves on UT's development board. Jelena McWilliams, the chairwoman of the Federal Deposit Insurance Commission from 2018-22, was the banquet's keynote speaker. She managed over 6,000 employees and 5,000 banks during her tenure with the FDIC, guiding the financial system through much of the COVID-19 pandemic. She was a voting member of the Financial Stability Oversight Council and chaired the Federal Finance Institutions Examination Council. She testified before Congress on numerous occasions and spearheaded the FDIC's development of a policy on digital assets such as cryptocurrency. Cooper and McWilliams also serve on the 15-member SWGSB Foundation Board of Trustees. About the SW Graduate School of Banking Foundation at the Cox School of Business Established in 1957 at SMU in Dallas, the SW Graduate School of Business Foundation (www.swgsb.org) is a top banking educational institution and partner of SMU's renowned Cox School of Business. The professional school serves bank officers, community bank directors, regulators and other leaders in the financial services industry. SWGSB's rigorous Executive Education emphasizes financial management, leadership development and strategic planning. Annually, the SWGSB Foundation conducts the prestigious Assemblies for Bank Directors, a series of seminars and workshops held throughout the United States, Canada and off-shore for bank board members and senior officers. The Foundation recently re-launched its national Certified Community Bank Directors' Program. For more information, contact staff at (214) 768-2991 or info@swgsb.org. About SMU Cox The Cox School of Business (https://www.smu.edu/Cox) celebrated 100 years of business education at SMU in 2020. SMU Cox is committed to influencing the way the world conducts business via prolific research that provokes innovation, change and global thought leadership. The Cox School of Business offers a full range of business education programs including BBA, Full-Time MBA, Professional MBA (part-time), Executive MBA, Online MBA, Direct MBA and Master of Science degree programs, as well as Executive Education. Consistently ranked among the world's leading business schools, SMU Cox maintains an active, worldwide alumni network. The Cox School is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). Attachments Fruit exports to China face border delays As major fruits are entering the peak harvest season, Vietnamese officials have warned of the risk of worsening congestion at border gates with China in the northern region due to high export volumes. Trucks carrying fruits wait to be exported to China at Huu Nghi International Border Gate in Lang Son Province. The Department of Industry and Trade in Lang Son Province, which borders China, recently sent a document to businesses and traders, warning about the situation related to exports to China through Huu Nghi International Border Gate. This could damage businesses as the quality of fruits would be ruined in just a few days due to hot weather, the department says. According to the latest report from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, fruit and vegetable exports in the first five months of this year fetched USD1.97 billion, up 39 percent year-on-year. China remained the top buyer of Vietnamese agriculture produce. By the end of last May, China spent USD805 million buying Vietnamese vegetables and fruits, accounting for 59 percent of the market share. The Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association forecast that the fruit and vegetable export to China will increase sharply in the coming time as some kinds of fruit are entering the peak harvest season. Jackfruit, mango, durian and dragon fruit are popular with Chinese consumers. Nguyen Dinh Tung, general director of Vina T&T Import Export Trading Service Company, said goods shipped to China, including durian, dragon fruit and banana, helped its export turnover increase 20 percent. The company has signed contracts to export 1,500 containers of durian to China this year. Congestion at border gates with China often occurred during the peak fruit harvest season, especially in late 2021 and early 2022 as thousands of trucks carrying agricultural products were stuck at border gates due to Covid-19 restrictions. The situation that lasted several months, caused heavy losses to businesses and farmers. Fearing that their fruits would rot, many business owners focused on the domestic market and sold their fruit at very cheap prices. Businesses asked authorities to give early warning to them to avoid congestion at border gates in peak months. At the same time, authorities should widen fruit exports through more border gates, instead of just a few main border gates as presently. During a recent meeting, both China and Vietnam acknowledged that the customs clearance situation at the border gates had seen issues with peak fruit harvest season here. Both sides agreed to establish a smart customs system at border gates in the coming time. The Chinese side would consider allowing Vietnamese businesses to export fruits through all nine border gates instead of only six as now to reduce congestion. WASHINGTON, June 02, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman, head of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the voice in President Bidens Cabinet for Americas 33.2 million small businesses, recognizes four award winners for their exceptional work helping small businesses acquire surety bonds, which allow them to obtain federal, state, and private contracts. These awards recognize surety bond guarantee companies for their commitment and significant contributions to fostering business growth and success. The total awarded contract value to small businesses in fiscal year 2022 was over $2 billion. Congratulations to this years Surety Guarantee award winners and to all the surety companies who helped us facilitate over $2 billion in contracting awards to American small businesses. SBAs exceptional Surety Bond Program partners are instrumental in helping firms that have struggled to get bonded in the commercial marketplace, said Isabella Casillas Guzman, SBA Administrator. And our awardees commitment to leveling the playing field for small businesses trying to grow through federal, state, local, and private contracts is what fuels our economic growth and creates jobs in communities across the nation. This years winners are as follows: Surety of the Year: Merchants National Bonding, Inc. Surety Agency of the Year: Allstar Surety Company, Inc. Surety Agent of the Year: Amanda Quigley of CCI Surety, Inc. Small Business of the Year: Jones Masonry Restoration Corporation The Surety Bond Guarantee Program is a unique public-private partnership that helps small businesses secure federal, state, private, and local contracts, said Jermaine B. Perry, Director of SBAs Office of Surety Guarantees. For over 50 years, the program has relied on the strong support of the surety companies and agencies. I would like to commend Merchants Bonding Company, Allstar Surety Company, Inc., and Amanda Quigley for their excellent performance and assistance to our small business contractors. I also want to congratulate Jones Masonry Restoration Corporation, a successful participant of the program, for their impressive growth and resilience. Surety of the Year award recipient, Merchants Bonding Company, joined the SBAs Surety Bond Guarantee (SBG) Preferred Surety Bond program in 2022. Merchants Bonding Companys activity exceeded 500 bond guarantees in its first year of partnership with SBA, assisting more than 125 small and emerging businesses in partnership with SBA. We are honored to have Merchants Bonding Company recognized for supporting the SBA and creating bonding opportunities for traditionally underserved, often disadvantaged businesses, said Larry Taylor, Chairman of the Board and President. We are grateful for all our agent partners who have taken advantage of Merchants and our partnership with Peter Gibbs to pursue SBA surety business. It gives Merchants Bonding a unique opportunity to provide diversity and inclusion in ways with real impact, and we are proud of our growing leadership in this effort. Jeff Booth, Chief Underwriting Officer for Allstar Surety Company, Inc., winner of the Surety Agency of the Year, said, Allstar Surety would like to thank the SBG Program and staff for their support and outstanding service through the years. Allstar values this relationship as it has allowed our team to provide surety bond programs to various smaller contractors, helping them grow and become successful. Allstar is also very thankful to our surety partners for their support in providing surety solutions to small and emerging contractors through the SBG Program. The entire Allstar Surety team is honored to receive this award, and we look forward to many more years of success with the SBG Program. Surety Agent of the Year, Amanda Quigley, joined CCI Surety, Inc. in 2016 and has worked with the SBAs Surety Bond Guarantee Program since day one. The SBG Program has helped Amanda provide bonding for small and emerging contractors while grooming them for a standard bonding program in the future. The SBG Programs advancements and efforts to streamline the bond guarantee application process through acceptance of electronic signatures and paperwork reduction have made it less cumbersome and thus more attractive to both agents and contractors. The SBG Program has been a staple at CCI Surety, Inc. for decades and has helped to provide bonding solutions for innumerable contractors over the years. Small Business of the Year, Jones Masonry Restoration Corporation, grew their bonding capacity from $595,000 to $4.3 million over 10 years in the Surety Bond Guarantee Program, supported six jobs in the Harrisburg, PA local economy in fiscal year 2022, and actively works with the City of Philadelphia rehabilitating City buildings and public schools. Jones Masonry Corporation graduated from the Surety Bond Guarantee Program in June 2022 and is now able to obtain bonding without SBA support. The SBA Surety Bond Guarantee program has 40 surety partners, 150 authorized agents nationwide, and guaranteed more than 8,000 bonds with a contract value of over $6 billion in fiscal year 2022. More information about the SBAs Surety Bond Guarantee Program is available at www.sba.gov. Questions from surety companies may be directed to Jermaine B. Perry, Director of the Office of Surety Guarantees, at jermaine.perry@sba.gov. ### About the U.S. Small Business Administration The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov. NEW YORK, June 02, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, announces the filing of a class action lawsuit on behalf of purchasers of securities of NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NEE, NEE-PR, NEE-PQ) between December 2, 2021 and February 1, 2023, both dates inclusive (the Class Period). A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than July 25, 2023. SO WHAT: If you purchased NextEra 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 NextEra class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=16680 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email pkim@rosenlegal.com or cases@rosenlegal.com 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 July 25, 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. 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 firms attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers. DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, defendants throughout the Class Period made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) NextEras primary subsidiary, Florida Power and Light Co. (FPL), surreptitious orchestration of political misconduct exposed NextEra to substantial legal and reputational risk; and (2) in light of the above, defendants positive statements about the Companys business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages. To join the NextEra class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=16680 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email pkim@rosenlegal.com or cases@rosenlegal.com 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 investors 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 lrosen@rosenlegal.com pkim@rosenlegal.com cases@rosenlegal.com www.rosenlegal.com Washington, DC, June 03, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Zion Market Research has published a new research report titled U.S. School Furniture Market By Application (Library, Classroom, And Laboratories), By Product (Storage Units, Seating Units, And Lab Furniture), And By Region - Global And Regional Industry Overview, Market Intelligence, Comprehensive Analysis, Historical Data, And Forecasts 2023 2030 in its research database. According to the latest research study, the demand of U.S. School Furniture Market size & share in terms of revenue was valued at USD 1.901 billion in 2022 and it is expected to surpass around USD 2.92 billion mark by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 5.51% during the forecast period 2023 to 2030. What is School Furniture? How big is the School Furniture Industry? Report Overview: The U.S. school furniture market size was worth around USD 1.901 billion in 2022 and is predicted to grow to around USD 2.92 billion by 2030 with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of roughly 5.51% between 2023 and 2030. The U.S. school furniture industry deals with the manufacturing, distribution, and sale of furniture that is specifically designed for educational facilities in the United States region. The market serves several forms of educational settings such as K-12 schools, colleges, universities, and other learning environments. It offers its clients a wide range of furniture products that are tailored to meet the specific requirements of every educational space. It includes items such as desks, chairs, tables, storage units, bookshelves, lab furniture, library furniture, and auditorium seating to name a few. It revolves around both traditional and modern furniture designs that accommodate different learning and teaching methods. The industry players can expect several growth opportunities in the evolving landscape of the education system in the country. Get a Free Sample PDF of this Research Report for more Insights with a Table of Content, Research Methodology, and Graphs - https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/sample/us-school-furniture-market (A free sample of this report is available upon request; please contact us for more information.) Our Free Sample Report Consists of the Following: Introduction, Overview, and in-depth industry analysis are all included in the 2023 updated report. The COVID-19 Pandemic Outbreak Impact Analysis is included in the package About 226+ Pages Research Report (Including Recent Research) Provide detailed chapter-by-chapter guidance on Request Updated Regional Analysis with Graphical Representation of Size, Share, and Trends for the Year 2023 Includes Tables and figures have been updated The most recent version of the report includes the Top Market Players, their Business Strategies, Sales Volume, and Revenue Analysis Zion Market Research research methodology (Please note that the sample of this report has been modified to include the COVID-19 impact study prior to delivery.) U.S. School Furniture Market: Growth Dynamics The U.S. school furniture market is expected to grow owing to several factors. One of the primary growth propellers is the increasing rate of school renovation and construction, especially in the backdrop of the rising number of school shooting incidents in the country. Schools and educational facilities are working toward using and developing improved furniture that can provide safety to their students and teachers in case of such incidents. Furthermore, since schools are required to have comfortable learning space, they undergo inspection checks frequently and hence are required to regularly update their offerings including furniture. There is a growing emphasis on students well-being when they enter school premises. The strict government laws ensuring childs safety and comfort in school areas is a driving force for high-grade furniture items along with their products. After Covid-19, traditional classrooms have undergone steady evolution to accommodate changing and developing teaching methods and collaborative learning causing schools to adopt flexible furniture solutions. Another crucial point of growth is the rising efforts toward improving school aesthetics and branding which may help the market growth further. However, the regional industry also deals with several growth challenges. For instance, the education sector, in general, is known to be slow in adopting new trends and innovations which include furniture design and technology. Some schools may prefer to work with traditional options and they may resist any chance. In addition to this, smaller schools face issues in storing excess furniture or managing furniture that they may not be using immediately. The growing competition from the used furniture market is another area of concern for the U.S. school furniture industry players. The increasing adoption of modern learning methods may provide growth opportunities while the longer sales cycle could challenge market growth. Directly Purchase a copy of the report with TOC @ https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/buynow/su/us-school-furniture-market Report Scope Report Attribute Details Market Size in 2022 USD 1.901 billion Projected Market Size in 2030 USD 2.92 billion CAGR Growth Rate 5.51% CAGR Base Year 2022 Forecast Years 2023-2030 Key Market Players Steelcase Inc., Herman Miller, Inc., Virco Manufacturing Corporation, HON Company, Knoll, Inc., Haworth, Inc., Smith System, KI (Krueger International), VS America, Inc., Bretford Manufacturing, Inc., Scholar Craft, National Office Furniture, MooreCo Inc., Artcobell, Norix Group Inc., Academia Furniture Industries, Paragon Furniture, Inc., Fleetwood Group, Intermetal, Diversified Woodcrafts, Inc., Allied Plastics Co., Inc., AmTab Manufacturing Corporation, W.B. Mason Co., Inc., Cramer, Inc., and SmartDesks. Key Segment By Application, By Product, and By Region Major Regions Covered North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East &, Africa Purchase Options Request customized purchase options to meet your research needs. Explore purchase options School Furniture Market: Segmentation Analysis The global U.S. school furniture market is segmented based on application, product, and region. Based on application, the regional market segments are library, classroom, and laboratories. The industry witnessed the highest growth in the classroom segment since the types of furniture required in a classroom setting are higher when compared to other areas of an educational facility. For instance, every classroom needs desks, chairs, whiteboards, storage units, and teacher podiums. These are the minimum components needed to create a fully functional classroom setting. Schools may invest in more variants of furniture depending on their specific needs and budget. Since the classroom is a part of the facility where maximum knowledge transfer occurs, these units must be well-equipped. Types of furniture used in libraries include bookshelves, study tables, and seating areas whereas laboratories may need specialized workstations, stools, and storage units. As per WeAreTeachers, there are around 90,148 public schools in the US. Based on product, the U.S. school furniture industry is divided into storage units, seating units, and lab furniture. The highest CAGR was observed in the seating units segment which includes desks and chairs. These components form the basic building blocks of any educational facility since students require a spacious and comfortable seating place and hence this segment remains one of the most frequently bought items. Storage units which include items such as bookshelves, cabinets, and lockers are also common since they are used to store supplies, books, and personal belongings. Despite the demand for storage units being significant, it is relatively less than seating units. Lab furniture is customized and specialized units. The national average of students per public school is around 526 students. The U.S. School Furniture market is segmented as follows: By Application Library Classroom Laboratories By Product Storage Units Seating Units Lab Furniture Browse the full U.S. School Furniture Market By Application (Library, Classroom, And Laboratories), By Product (Storage Units, Seating Units, And Lab Furniture), And By Region - Global And Regional Industry Overview, Market Intelligence, Comprehensive Analysis, Historical Data, And Forecasts 2023 2030 Report at https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/report/us-school-furniture-market Competitive Landscape Some of the main competitors dominating the U.S. School Furniture market include - Steelcase Inc. Herman Miller, Inc. Virco Manufacturing Corporation HON Company Knoll, Inc. Haworth, Inc. Smith System, KI (Krueger International) VS America, Inc. Bretford Manufacturing, Inc. Scholar Craft National Office Furniture MooreCo Inc. Artcobell Norix Group Inc. Academia Furniture Industries Paragon Furniture, Inc. Fleetwood Group Intermetal Diversified Woodcrafts, Inc. Allied Plastics Co., Inc. AmTab Manufacturing Corporation W.B. Mason Co., Inc. Cramer, Inc. SmartDesks Key Insights from Primary Research: According to the analysis shared by our research forecaster, the School Furniture market is likely to expand at a CAGR of around 5.51% during the forecast period (2023-2030). In terms of revenue, the School Furniture market size was valued at around US$ 1.901 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach US$ 2.92 billion by 2030. The U.S. school furniture market is projected to grow at a significant rate due to the increasing school enrollment rate. Based on application segmentation, the classroom was predicted to show maximum market share in the year 2022. Based on product segmentation, seating units were the leading units in 2022. On the basis of region, Northeastern was the leading revenue generator in 2022. Have Any Query? Ask Our Experts: https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/inquiry/us-school-furniture-market Key questions answered in this report: What is the market size and growth rate forecast for School Furniture industry? What are the main driving factors propelling the School Furniture Market forward? What are the leading companies in the School Furniture Industry? What segments does the School Furniture Market cover? How can I receive a free copy of the School Furniture Market sample report and company profiles? Key Offerings: Market Size & Forecast by Revenue | 20232030 Market Dynamics Leading Trends, Growth Drivers, Restraints, and Investment Opportunities Market Segmentation A detailed analysis By Application, By Product, and By Region Competitive Landscape Top Key Vendors and Other Prominent Vendors Request for Customization on this Report as per your requirements - https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/custom/7213 (We tailor your report to meet your specific research requirements. Inquire with our sales team about customising your report.) Regional Analysis: The U.S. school furniture market is projected to be led by the Northeastern states of the country due to the presence of a robust educational infrastructure along with a growing number of families led by higher job opportunities in the region. The Midwest region is a mixture of urban and rural populations and hence there is clear market segregation in terms of public and private schools. Moreover, there is a steady balance between traditional and modern furniture preferences. The South area which consists of states such as Texas, Florida, and Georgia has a larger population and hence a higher demand for quality educational facilities. Factors such as population growth, school construction projects, and technological advancements are leading the growth in this region. However, it is crucial to note that furniture preference is the choice of individual educational centers depending on social and economic capabilities. By Region North America U.S. Canada Rest of North America Europe France UK Spain Germany Italy Rest of Europe Asia Pacific China Japan India South Korea Rest of Asia Pacific The Middle East & Africa Saudi Arabia South Africa Rest of the Middle East & Africa Latin America Brazil Argentina Rest of Latin America Recent Developments In September 2022, a popular American artist announced the launch of the controversial Donda Academy, a private school in California In October 2021, the State of Illinois announced the launch of a new school safety initiative called Safe2Help Illinois. The announcement was a part of the countrys Safe Schools Week To know an additional revised 2023 list of market players, request a brochure of the report: https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/requestbrochure/us-school-furniture-market FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS What is school furniture? Which key factors will influence the U.S. school furniture market growth over 2023-2030? What will be the value of the U.S. school furniture market during 2023-2030? What will be the CAGR value of the U.S. school furniture market during 2023-2030? Which region will contribute notably towards the U.S. school furniture market value? Which are the major players leveraging the U.S. school furniture market growth? 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Follow Us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/zion-market-research/ Follow Us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/zion_research Follow Us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zionmarketresearch Follow Us on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/zionmarketresearch/ Follow Us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Y0Yfi7N8zSs Contact Us: Rushikesh Dorge USA: +1 347 690-0211 United Kingdom: +44 2032 894158 Japan: +81 50 5806 9039 India: +91 7768 006 007 Web: https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/ Blog: https://zmrblog.com/ Blog: https://www.lmgforhealth.org/ Still, Looking for More Information? OR Want Data for Inclusion in Magazine, Case Study, or Media? Houston, TX, June 03, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Zion Market Research has published a new research report titled Hearable Market By Type (In-Ear, Over-Ear, And On-Ear), By Product (Headsets, Earbuds, And Hearing Aids), By End-User (Industrial, Healthcare, Manufacturing, Construction, And Consumer), By Communication Technology (Bluetooth, Wireless, Wi-Fi, Wired, And Others), And By Region - Global And Regional Industry Overview, Market Intelligence, Comprehensive Analysis, Historical Data, And Forecasts 2023 2030 in its research database. According to the latest research study, the demand of global Hearable Market size & share in terms of revenue was valued at USD 28 billion in 2022 and it is expected to surpass around USD 96.53 billion mark by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 16.74% during the forecast period 2023 to 2030. What is Hearable? How big is the Hearable Industry? Report Overview: The global hearable market size was worth around USD 28 billion in 2022 and is predicted to grow to around USD 96.53 billion by 2030 with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of roughly 16.74% between 2023 and 2030. Hearables are also known as earbuds or smart headphones. They are electronic devices that are designed for multiple purposes and perform audio-related functions. The main categories of hearables are devices for healthcare applications and equipment for other reasons. The term hearable is derived using headphones and wearable and functions on principles of audio-based advanced information systems. The term and its application was first described in 2016 by Valencell and since then, the hearable industry has undergone massive transformation along with innovation and development. Most of the systems currently in use are designed keeping in view binaural use and they tend to share the same basic functionalities. However, certain systems have incorporated additional technologies as well for better performance. Get a Free Sample PDF of this Research Report for more Insights with a Table of Content, Research Methodology, and Graphs - https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/sample/hearable-market (A free sample of this report is available upon request; please contact us for more information.) Our Free Sample Report Consists of the Following: Introduction, Overview, and in-depth industry analysis are all included in the 2023 updated report. The COVID-19 Pandemic Outbreak Impact Analysis is included in the package About 222+ Pages Research Report (Including Recent Research) Provide detailed chapter-by-chapter guidance on Request Updated Regional Analysis with Graphical Representation of Size, Share, and Trends for the Year 2023 Includes Tables and figures have been updated The most recent version of the report includes the Top Market Players, their Business Strategies, Sales Volume, and Revenue Analysis Zion Market Research research methodology (Please note that the sample of this report has been modified to include the COVID-19 impact study prior to delivery.) Global Hearable Market: Growth Factors The global hearable market is projected to grow owing to the growing advancements in technology related to hearables. Rapid advancements have been crucial to industry expansion and businesses have undertaken strategic measures to ensure that they can tap into the growing potential held by the rising technology-loving population. Miniaturization of components, improved battery life, enhanced audio quality, and advancements in wireless connectivity have made it possible for the industry to generate high revenues in recent times. Additionally, the market is also influenced by the growing popularity and adoption of voice assistants such as Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Siri. They have become an integral part of a modern citizen and since hearables provide a hands-free and always-on interface for using voice assistants, they have become popular simultaneously as they enable users to perform tasks like controlling smart home devices, making calls, sending messages, and getting real-time information. Furthermore, by entering into the hearing aid segment, companies have managed to reach a broader consumer group. With the aging population and the increasing prevalence of hearing loss, the demand for advanced hearing aid solutions that are discreet and multifunctional has grown significantly. The hearable industry may come across certain roadblocks especially due to the limited battery life of hearables as opposed to wired counterparts. Current users expect companies to provide products with extended battery life. However, miniaturization has limited this ability since it is difficult to incorporate larger batteries. Other reasons including the existing room for improvement in terms of audio quality and performance along with connectivity or compatibility issues could also impede industry expansion trends. Integration with the Internet of Things (IoT) and smart home could provide growth opportunities while data privacy concerns may challenge market expansion. Directly Purchase a copy of the report with TOC @ https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/buynow/su/hearable-market Report Scope Report Attribute Details Market Size in 2022 USD 28 billion Projected Market Size in 2030 USD 96.53 billion CAGR Growth Rate 16.74% CAGR Base Year 2022 Forecast Years 2023-2030 Key Market Players Apple, Samsung, Sony, Bose, Jabra, Sennheiser, Beats by Dre (Apple subsidiary), JBL (Harman International Industries), Plantronics (Poly), Xiaomi, Huawei, Amazon, Google, Microsoft, Garmin, Fitbit (Google subsidiary), Anker, 1MORE, Bang & Olufsen, Jaybird (Logitech), Skullcandy, Nuheara, Bragi, Master & Dynamic, and Razer. Key Segment By Type, By Product, By End-User, By Communication Technology, and By Region Major Regions Covered North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East &, Africa Purchase Options Request customized purchase options to meet your research needs. Explore purchase options Hearable Market: Segmentation Analysis The global hearable market is segmented based on type, product, end-user, communication technology, and region. Based on type, the global market segments are in-ear, over-ear, and on-ear. Based on product, the hearable industry segments are headsets, earbuds, and hearing aids. Earbuds led the segmental growth in 2022 when compared to headsets and hearing aids. They are typically considered to be true wireless and have gained significant popularity in the last few years driven by the increasing rate of innovation and product development undertaken by market players. Additionally, the price of these products has reduced in recent times as several location and regional players have entered the industry. Thus the consumer reach has improved allowing more people to make purchases. Headsets consist of a built-in microphone and are typically used for professional reasons such as in call centers, gaming, and video conferencing. The Beats Pro by Dr. Dre X Graff headphones retail at USD 750,000. Based on end-user, the global market divisions are industrial, healthcare, manufacturing, construction, and consumer. Based on communication technology, the hearable industry segments are Bluetooth, wireless, Wi-Fi, wired, and others. The highest adoption rate was witnessed in the Bluetooth segment. This technology allows wireless connectivity between hearables and other devices such as smartphones, tablets, and computers. In addition to this, it also offers convenience, flexibility, and compatibility with a wide range of devices and hence is preferred by manufacturers and users. Hearables with advanced functionalities tend to work on Wi-Fi technology, such as the ones used in smart home integration or for streaming high-quality audio. The most commonly used wired connections involve the utilization of 3.5mm audio jacks. The global Hearable market is segmented as follows: By Type In-Ear Over-Ear On-Ear By Product Headsets Earbuds Hearing Aids By End-User Industrial Healthcare Manufacturing Construction Consumer By Communication Technology Bluetooth Wireless Wi-Fi Wired Others Browse the full Hearable Market By Type (In-Ear, Over-Ear, And On-Ear), By Product (Headsets, Earbuds, And Hearing Aids), By End-User (Industrial, Healthcare, Manufacturing, Construction, And Consumer), By Communication Technology (Bluetooth, Wireless, Wi-Fi, Wired, And Others), And By Region - Global And Regional Industry Overview, Market Intelligence, Comprehensive Analysis, Historical Data, And Forecasts 2023 2030"- Report at https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/report/hearable-market Competitive Landscape Some of the main competitors dominating the global Hearable market include - Apple Samsung Sony Bose Jabra Sennheiser Beats by Dre (Apple subsidiary) JBL (Harman International Industries) Plantronics (Poly) Xiaomi Huawei Amazon Google Microsoft Garmin Fitbit (Google subsidiary) Anker 1MORE Bang & Olufsen Jaybird (Logitech) Skullcandy Nuheara Bragi Master & Dynamic Razer. Key Insights from Primary Research: According to the analysis shared by our research forecaster, the Hearable market is likely to expand at a CAGR of around 16.74% during the forecast period (2023-2030). In terms of revenue, the Hearable market size was valued at around US$ 28 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach US$ 96.53 billion by 2030. The hearable market is projected to grow at a significant rate due to the growing demand for advanced wireless audio systems. Based on type segmentation, in-ear was predicted to show maximum market share in the year 2022. Based on end-user segmentation, the consumer was the leading user in 2022. On the basis of region, North America was the leading revenue generator in 2022. Have Any Query? Ask Our Experts: https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/inquiry/hearable-market Key questions answered in this report: What is the market size and growth rate forecast for Hearable industry? What are the main driving factors propelling the Hearable Market forward? What are the leading companies in the Hearable Industry? What segments does the Hearable Market cover? How can I receive a free copy of the Hearable Market sample report and company profiles? Key Offerings: Market Size & Forecast by Revenue | 20232030 Market Dynamics Leading Trends, Growth Drivers, Restraints, and Investment Opportunities Market Segmentation A detailed analysis By Type, By Product, By End-User, By Communication Technology, and By Region Competitive Landscape Top Key Vendors and Other Prominent Vendors Request for Customization on this Report as per your requirements - https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/custom/7211 (We tailor your report to meet your specific research requirements. Inquire with our sales team about customising your report.) Regional Analysis: The global hearable market is expected to witness the highest growth in North America due to the presence of key industry players in the US. These companies have managed to create a dedicated consumer base in regional economies and are now targeting emerging nations where the potential for growth remains explored only to a limited extent. The recent launch of Apples flagship store in Mumbai, India is an example of the expansion strategies. Furthermore, high product awareness and adoption rates are equally important to the regional market. In Europe, the growth rate could be a result of a rise in the elderly population requiring the use of advanced hearing aids along with the rising interest of people in health and fitness tracking. Asia-Pacific is projected to also grow at a significant CAGR due to the growing middle-income families and rising disposable income along with the presence of a large number of domestic players. By Region North America U.S. Canada Rest of North America Europe France UK Spain Germany Italy Rest of Europe Asia Pacific China Japan India South Korea Rest of Asia Pacific The Middle East & Africa Saudi Arabia South Africa Rest of the Middle East & Africa Latin America Brazil Argentina Rest of Latin America Recent Developments In March 2023, Nothing announced the launch of Nothing Ear (2) as its new audio product. The successor of Northing Ear (1) was launched on 22nd March In January 2023, U&i launched 3 new audio products in the Indian market. The products launched are Sky TWS earbuds, Multi Series Neckband earbuds, and Soundbox In September 2022, Apple launched the next-generation AirPods Pro To know an additional revised 2023 list of market players, request a brochure of the report: https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/requestbrochure/hearable-market Hearable Market: Restraints High cost to restrict market expansion Although the industry consumers can expect a lowering of prices in the coming years, currently, most items available in the commercial market fall in the premium range or are more expensive when compared to traditional wired counterparts. This could greatly restrict global hearable industry growth, especially in developing or underdeveloped nations as they may prefer to opt for less expensive alternatives. Moreover, regulatory and compliance requirements for such advanced systems are more stringent which restricts the entry of players in new markets. 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The reports and services offered by Zion Market Research are used by prestigious academic institutions, start-ups, and companies globally to measure and understand the changing international and regional business backgrounds. Our clients/customers conviction on our solutions and services has pushed us in delivering always the best. Our advanced research solutions have helped them in appropriate decision-making and guidance for strategies to expand their business. Follow Us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/zion-market-research/ Follow Us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/zion_research Follow Us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zionmarketresearch Follow Us on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/zionmarketresearch/ Follow Us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Y0Yfi7N8zSs Contact Us: Rushikesh Dorge USA: +1 347 690-0211 United Kingdom: +44 2032 894158 Japan: +81 50 5806 9039 India: +91 7768 006 007 Web: https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/ Blog: https://zmrblog.com/ Still, Looking for More Information? OR Want Data for Inclusion in Magazine, Case Study, or Media? Short-term contract extension for Espoir Ivoirien BW Offshore has signed a short-term extension for the lease and operation of the FPSO Espoir Ivoirien in order to discuss a potential purchase of the FPSO by the client. The firm period has been extended until 9 June 2023. For further information, please contact: Stale Andreassen, CFO, +47 91 71 86 55 Anders S. Platou, Head of Corporate Finance & Strategy, +47 99 50 47 40 IR@bwoffshore.com or www.bwoffshore.com About BW Offshore: BW Offshore engineers innovative floating production solutions. The Company has a fleet of 8 FPSOs with potential and ambition to grow. By leveraging four decades of offshore operations and project execution, the Company creates tailored offshore energy solutions for evolving markets world-wide. BW Offshore has around 2,000 employees and is publicly listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange. This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 the Norwegian Securities Trading Act. TSX.V: VCU | OTCQB: VCUFF | FRANKFURT: 97E0 VANCOUVER, June 2, 2023 - Vizsla Copper Corp. (TSXV: VCU) (OTCQB: VCUFF) (FSE: 97E0) ("Vizsla Copper" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the TSX Venture Exchange has approved the share issuance of 300,000 shares for the Megaton Option Agreement previously announced on May 9, 2023 which is an arm's length transaction. The shares are subject to a four-month and one day hold period under applicable securities laws in Canada. The Company also announces that, subject to regulatory approval, it has retained Peak Investor Marketing Corp. ("Peak") to provide marketing services to the Company in compliance with the policies and guidelines of the TSX Venture Exchange and other applicable legislation. Under the agreement, the Company will pay Peak CA$144,000 for the initial 12-month term. Following the initial term, the Company will pay Peak $12,000 per month. The Company and Peak have an arm's length relationship, but Peak may have an interest, directly or indirectly, in the securities of the Company. The agreement is principally for the purposes for the Company to obtain marketing, public relations and advisory services. The Company will grant 400,000 stock options upon the close of the financing, previously announced on May 15, 2023. And the stock options will be in accordance with the terms of the Company's stock option plan and will be subject to TSX Venture Exchange and regulatory approvals. The Woodjam Project The 74,604 ha Woodjam Project is located 55 kilometres east of the community of Williams Lake in an area characterized by a low elevation, flat to gently undulating landscape that is well accessed by logging roads. Geologically, the Woodjam Project is located within the prolific Quesnel terrane - a large regional depositional belt commonly dominated by alkalic volcanic units and related volcaniclastic lithologies. The Quesnel terrane hosts both alkaline and calc-alkaline porphyry copper+/-gold+/-molybdenum deposits, including the Copper Mountain, New Afton, Highland Valley, Mount Polley, Mount Milligan and Kemess mines. To date, six zones of porphyry-related mineralization (Megabuck, Deerhorn, Takom, Three Firs, Southeast, Megaton) have been identified at the Woodjam Project by drilling (95,092 metres in 281 holes since 2009 and a further 114 holes, 30,092 metres predominantly from 1998). These six mineralized zones form a cluster approximately five kilometres in diameter. About Vizsla Copper Vizsla Copper is a Cu-Au-Mo mineral exploration and development company headquartered in Vancouver, Canada. The Company is focused on its flagship Woodjam Project, located within the prolific Quesnel terrane, 55 kilometers east of the community of Williams Lake, British Columbia. It has two additional copper exploration properties, the Blueberry and Carruthers Pass projects, well situated amongst significant infrastructure in British Columbia. The Company will grow through the exploration and development of the copper properties within its portfolio in addition to value accretive acquisitions. Vizsla Copper's vision is to be a responsible copper explorer and developer in the stable mining jurisdiction of British Columbia, Canada and is committed to socially responsible exploration and development, working safely, ethically and with integrity. Vizsla Copper is a spin-out of Vizsla Silver Corp. (TSX.V: VZLA) (NYSE: VZLA) and is backed by Inventa Capital Corp., a premier investment group founded in 2017 with the goal of discovering and funding opportunities in the resource sector. Additional information about the Company is available on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) and the Company's website (www.vizslacopper.com). Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS The information contained herein 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 applicable Canadian securities legislation. "Forward-looking information" includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the activities, events or developments that the Company expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including, without limitation, planned exploration activities. Generally, but not always, forward-looking information and statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or the negative connotation thereof or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved" or the negative connotation thereof. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, among others, statements relating to: obtaining the required TSXV approval(s); timing of completion of the Acquisition; exploration and development of the Redgold Project and Woodjam Project; exercise of the option pursuant to the terms of the Underlying Option Agreement; and the Company's growth and business strategies. Such forward-looking information and statements are based on numerous assumptions, including among others, that the results of planned exploration activities are as anticipated, the anticipated cost of planned exploration activities, that general business and economic conditions will not change in a material adverse manner, that financing will be available if and when needed and on reasonable terms, that third party contractors, equipment and supplies and governmental and other approvals required to conduct the Company's planned exploration activities will be available on reasonable terms and in a timely manner. Although the assumptions made by the Company in providing forward-looking information or making forward-looking statements are considered reasonable by management at the time, there can be no assurance that such assumptions will prove to be accurate. Forward-looking information and statements also involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors, which may cause actual events or results in future periods to differ materially from any projections of future events or results expressed or implied by such forward-looking information or statements, including, among others: negative operating cash flow and dependence on third party financing, uncertainty of additional financing, no known mineral reserves or resources, the limited operating history of the Company, the influence of a large shareholder, aboriginal title and consultation issues, reliance on key management and other personnel, actual results of exploration activities being different than anticipated, changes in exploration programs based upon results, availability of third party contractors, availability of equipment and supplies, failure of equipment to operate as anticipated; accidents, effects of weather and other natural phenomena and other risks associated with the mineral exploration industry, environmental risks, changes in laws and regulations, community relations and delays in obtaining governmental or other approvals. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information or implied by forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or reissue forward-looking information as a result of new information or events except as required by applicable securities laws. SOURCE Vizsla Copper Corp. VANCOUVER, June 02, 2023 - Azucar Minerals Ltd. ("Azucar" or the "Company") (TSX-V: AMZ; OTCQB: AXDDF) reports that it has received a communication ("the "Communication") from the Directorate General of Mining ("DGM") within Mexico's Ministry of the Economy ("Economia") describing an injunction that has been placed on Economia by the First District Court of Veracruz ("First District Court"), in respect of twenty-four mineral concessions in Veracruz including mineral concessions (the "Concessions") which cover the El Cobre project. The three-page Communication indicates that in 2022 an amparo lawsuit was filed before the First District Court by thirty-three people (the "Plaintiffs") relating to their rights to water and a clean environment amongst other things, as well as their right to be involved in decisions that may affect them. The lawsuit was brought against Mexico's mining authorities and, based on the Communication, appears to allege that the Concessions have the potential to impact the above rights. According to the Communication, the Plaintiffs requested an injunction on the Concessions to ensure that their rights to a clean environment and information and participation will not be affected during the amparo lawsuit trial. The First District Court appears to have granted this injunction against Economia from taking further acts with respect to the concessions noted in the Communication. In the Communication, Economia orders Azucar's Mexican subsidiary, Minera Alondra, to suspend activities on six mineral concessions which cover the El Cobre project. The Company has been advised that Economia has no legal basis for this given that the First District Court injunction is directed at Economia as a party to the lawsuit, and not the Company which has not been notified of the lawsuit and therefore cannot directly be bound by decisions stemming from it until and unless the Company is formally summoned to the trial and receives notification of the order of injunction from the presiding Judge. Azucar is not planning any fieldwork at El Cobre until such time as this situation is clarified, and the Company is currently seeking more information from Mexican authorities and will update shareholders as it becomes available. In the meantime the Company is continuing its desktop review of results from field work in 2022 in order to determine how best to advance El Cobre in the context of past results and the Amparo lawsuit announced today. On behalf of the Board of Directors, "J. Duane Poliquin" J. Duane Poliquin, P.Eng. Chairman, Azucar Minerals Ltd. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Certain of the statements and information in this news release constitute "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 applicable Canadian provincial securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements or information. Forward-looking statements or information in this news release relate to, among other things, the timing, procedures and potential ruling for the amparo lawsuit trial, whether the Company is formally summoned to the trial and receives notification of the order of injunction from the presiding judge, future operations on the El Cobre Project and the timing for Mexican authorities to provide more information. These forward-looking statements and information reflect the Company's current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant legal, regulatory, business, operational and economic uncertainties and contingencies, and such uncertainty generally increases with longer-term forecasts and outlook. These assumptions include: stability and predictability in Mexico's mineral tenure, mining, environmental and agrarian laws and regulations, as well as their application and judicial decisions thereon; continued respect for the rule of law in Mexico; all necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals being received in a timely manner; the ability to secure and maintain title and ownership to properties and the surface rights necessary for operations; community support in the El Cobre Project; and the ability to comply with environmental, health and safety laws. The foregoing list of assumptions is not exhaustive. The Company cautions the reader that forward-looking statements and information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information contained in this news release. Such risks and other factors include, among others, risks related to: political risk in Mexico; crime and violence in Mexico; corruption; environmental risks, including environmental matters under Mexican laws and regulations; impact of environmental impact assessment requirements on the Company's planned exploration and development activities on the El Cobre Project; certainty of mineral title and the outcome of litigation; community relations; governmental regulations and the ability to obtain necessary licences and permits; risks related to mineral properties being subject to prior unregistered agreements, transfers or claims and other defects in title; changes in mining, environmental or agrarian laws and regulations and changes in the application of standards pursuant to existing laws and regulations which may increase costs of doing business and restrict operations; as well as those factors discussed the section entitled "Risk Factors" in the Company's latest Management's Discussion and Analysis available at www.sedar.com. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could affect the Company and may cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements or 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 our forward-looking statements or information will prove to be accurate. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. Except as required by law, the Company does not assume any obligation to release publicly any revisions to on forward-looking statements or information contained in this news release to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. Contact Information: Azucar Minerals Ltd. Tel. 604.689.7644 Email: info@azucarminerals.com http://www.azucarminerals.com/ VANCOUVER, June 02, 2023 - Reflex Advanced Materials Corp. (CSE: RFLX) (OTC: RFLXF) (FWB: HF2) ("Reflex" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that all of the resolutions put to shareholders at the Company's Annual General Meeting (the "Meeting") held on June 1, 2023, including: the resolutions electing each of the Company's four nominees as directors of the Company; the resolutions approving the Company's equity incentive plan and ratifying the awards previously issued thereunder; and the resolution appointing Smythe LLP, Chartered Professional Accountants, to serve as auditor of the Company at the remuneration set by the directors, were unanimously approved by the shareholders of the Company at the Meeting. A total of 4,831,301 (11.4%) of Reflex's common shares were represented at the Meeting. About Reflex Advanced Materials Corp. Reflex Advanced Materials Corp. is a mineral exploration company based in British Columbia. Its objective is to locate and, if warranted, develop economic mineral properties in the strategic metals and advanced materials space. It is focused on improving domestic specialty mineral infrastructure efficiencies to meet surging national demand by North American manufacturers. The Company is working to advance its Ruby Graphite Project, located in Beaverhead County, Montana, and ZigZag Lake Lithium Property, located in Thunder Bay Mining Division, Crescent Lake Area, Ontario. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS, Paul Gorman CEO & Director Reflect Advanced Materials Corp. info@reflexmaterials.com Tel. (416-768-6101) Suite 915-700 West Pender Street Vancouver, BC V6C 1G8 Canada The Canadian Securities Exchange has not reviewed, approved or disapproved the contents of this release, and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Vancouver, June 2, 2023 - HighGold Mining Inc. (TSXV: HIGH) (OTCQX: HGGOF) ("HighGold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that, further to its news release dated June 1, 2023, the Supreme Court of British Columbia has granted a final order approving the Company's previously announced Plan of Arrangement (the "Arrangement") under Division 5 of Part 9 of the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) (the "BCBCA") involving HighGold and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Onyx Gold Corp. ("Onyx Gold"). For details regarding the Arrangement, see the news releases of the Company dated May 24, 2023, March 17, 2023 and February 22, 2023. The Arrangement is expected to become effective on or about June 6, 2023, subject to, among other things, HighGold obtaining final acceptance by the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV") of the Arrangement and other conditions customary in transactions of this nature. As a reminder, those HighGold shareholders as of the effective date (on or about June 6, 2023) will receive one (1) share of Onyx Gold for every four (4) shares of HighGold. About HighGold HighGold is a mineral exploration company focused on high-grade gold projects located in North America. HighGold's flagship asset is the high-grade Johnson Tract Gold-Zinc-Copper Project located in accessible Southcentral Alaska, USA. The Company also controls one of the largest junior gold miner land positions in the Timmins, Ontario gold camp. This includes the Munro-Croesus Gold property, which is renowned for its high-grade mineralization, and the large Golden Mile and Timmins South properties. HighGold also has 100% ownership of a group of properties in Yukon's emerging new Selwyn Basin Reduced Intrusive Related Gold district. HighGold's experienced Board and senior management team, are committed to creating shareholder value through the discovery process, careful allocation of capital, and environmentally/socially responsible mineral exploration. On Behalf of HighGold Mining Inc. "Darwin Green" President & CEO For further information, please visit the HighGold Mining Inc. website at www.highgoldmining.com, or contact: Darwin Green, President & CEO or Naomi Nemeth, VP Investor Relations Phone: 1-604-629-1165 or North American toll-free 1-855-629-1165 Email: information@highgoldmining.com. Website: www.highgoldmining.com Twitter : @HighgoldMining 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: This news release includes certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (collectively "forward looking statements"). Forward-looking statements include predictions, projections and forecasts and are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "seek", "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "forecast", "expect", "potential", "project", "target", "schedule", "budget" and "intend" and statements that an event or result "may", "will", "should", "could" or "might" occur or be achieved and other similar expressions and includes the negatives thereof. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding the Company's plans to complete the Arrangement and the anticipated closing date of the Arrangement are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of material factors and assumptions. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from Company's expectations include, among other things, the ability of the Company to obtain requisite approvals for the Arrangement, future metal prices, availability of capital and financing on acceptable terms, general economic, market or business conditions, uninsured risks, regulatory changes, defects in title, availability of personnel, materials and equipment on a timely basis, accidents or equipment breakdowns, delays in receiving government approvals, unanticipated environmental impacts on operations and costs to remedy same, and other exploration or other risks detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulators. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause such actions, events or results to differ materially from those anticipated. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate and accordingly readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/168654 Adrian Newey has confirmed that he turned down multiple offers to work in Formula 1 for Ferrari. Last month, founder Enzo Ferrari's son Piero, who is vice chairman of the Maranello based company, revealed that Ferrari tried to lure 64-year-old Newey to Italy. "He said no to (Luca di) Montezemolo and to Jean Todt," Ferrari said. "Apparently he doesn't want to move - he likes to stay in England." Reports indicate that amid Ferrari's current recruitment drive, yet another approach was made to the Briton - who is one of the most successful and famous F1 car designers in history. However, he recently extended his deal to remain chief technology officer at Red Bull. "I was very tempted to go there (Ferrari) in the past, it's a legendary brand," Newey confirmed to former F1 driver Ivan Capelli during an interview with Sky Italia in Barcelona. "They contacted me in 1993, I think, and then in 1997, when I went from Williams to McLaren. "And that was a very difficult choice. At the time, my children were very young and I didn't want them to change schools." When asked if he's tempted now to go to Ferrari now that his children have grown up, Newey smiled: "Honestly, if I was 20 years younger." Capelli asked Newey how he manages to be so successful in Formula 1 with his title-winning and often utterly dominant cars. "When new rules come out, like in that transition period between turbocharged and normally aspirated engines, I spend a lot of time thinking about what opportunities the new rules offer you," he answered. "I always look for the loopholes - situations where the rules ask you to do one thing but they don't oblige you, allowing you an original way to proceed." However, he also credits Max Verstappen for Red Bull's current era of dominance. "I think Max is the perfect prototype driver," said Newey. "He has a crazy talent for controlling the car and innate driving qualities. "When he arrived, he was making a lot more mistakes because he was ve young, he was always pushing the limit. But it's certainly different now." (GMM) Spanish GP 2023 Friday Team Quotes Nico Hulkenberg Haas F1 Team / LAT Oracle Red Bull Racing Max Verstappen (1st, 1:13.907): "I still need to look at the data and see how the other cars compare but today was a good day. We had a good day today. The car was in a good window and of course we will try to fine tune a few things here and there but the short runs and long runs look good. The last two corners are better and more fun to drive, F1 cars feel much better at high speed. I tried to follow a few cars through there as well and it seemed okay, I'm positively surprised by the overtaking opportunities. I still need to look at the data and see how the other cars compare but today was a good day." Sergio Perez (4th, 1:14.219): "Today was a good day, there is plenty of information for us to look at overnight. We always try a lot of stuff in Barcelona, because it is always the most representative track we visit and really puts the whole season together. The new variation on the last two corners is quite tough on the neck, but obviously it was a very short day and I think we will feel it more on Sunday, it could be tricky on the muscles! Today was a good day, there is plenty of information for us to look at overnight. All in all I think there were lots of positives to take but we have to turn up a gear for Quali, as well as try to understand the tyres for the long run. This will be key for Sunday with the tyre degradation around this track." Scuderia Ferrari Charles Leclerc (6th, 1:14.246): "It has been an interesting day, as we had some new parts to try, so we ran very different programmes between the two cars. It was a productive day as we got through all the tests we wanted to do even if it's difficult to read where we are in terms of performance right now. We will keep pushing to try and make the steps forward that we want in order to be more at ease with the car tomorrow and then we will be able to see where we are. For today, it's clear that although Red Bull has the edge over everyone, the rest of the field is very, very tight." Carlos Sainz (7th, 1:14.274): "There were plenty of new things to try today on the car and we were constantly adapting to the setup changes and analysing the differences between parts across the two sessions. We also tried all three compounds, so overall it has been a full day of preparation for the rest of the weekend. Thanks to everyone cheering from the grandstands today, it feels great to see so many people at the track already on Friday!" Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team George Russell (8th, 1:14.392): "We learned a huge amount today and have got a lot of data to go through tonight. We need to learn what we can from the information we've got and try to move forward; I think we can find some gains as there were a few surprises out there today. It's only Friday and we tend not to be Friday specialists. We usually take a step forward on Saturday and Sunday, which is the right way to be. We expect the story to be slightly different tomorrow and then again on Sunday. After all, the points are scored on Sunday so that is what we are aiming for. It was also fun to drive around this version of the Barcelona circuit. It's gone from one of the worst corners in F1 to one of the best! It's now a really enjoyable sector and I think it will help with overtaking in the Grand Prix." Lewis Hamilton (11th, 1:14.549): "I would say it was a difficult FP1 and FP2, trying to get on top of the tyres and the degradation. The car felt OK overall though, and we're fighting as hard as we can to learn as much as we can. Our long run pace didn't look too bad in FP2, but we need to focus on trying to extract more pace from the single lap. It's very close between ourselves and the cars ahead. It's impressive to see the improvements those around of us have made, so it's not going to be easy. I'm focused on doing the best job we can tonight to make the right set-up changes. There are improvements I know we can make, so we will get on top of that. Finally, the final two corners are awesome! It's very fast and I definitely prefer it to the chicane we had in the past. I haven't followed anyone through there yet so I don't know how that will affect overtaking during the race, but it's going to make it tough on tyre degradation." Andrew Shovlin: "It was difficult to read the order in the first session, because the extra prototype tyres meant everyone deviated from their normal run plans. Our programme in FP1 was biased towards long run work on the new tyres and it does give us the data we need ahead of their full introduction at Silverstone. The second session was more normal and the conclusions for us were quite familiar; single lap needs a bit of work and long run looks OK. We looked at two different wing levels, which is useful as we have a bit of data to study to understand the effects on tyres and overall pace. We've got a good idea of what the limitations are in terms of balance and hopefully by the morning, we'll have come up with a few solutions to those issues." BWT Alpine F1 Team Esteban Ocon (5th, 1:14.242): "It was a productive Friday here at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya for the team. We used both Free Practice sessions well, testing different things and getting through our planned programme. We made the necessary changes from Free Practice 1 to Free Practice 2 but there is still some work to do to get the car in decent shape both on low and high fuel. Overall, we are satisfied with the day's work, with plenty to go through tonight in order to be in a good position for Qualifying." Pierre Gasly (10th, 1:14.457): "I would say it's been a solid day for us in Barcelona. The car felt good and we've made a decent start to our weekend which has given us a foundation to build from for the rest of the weekend. It's been good to be back at a permanent race track and a nice challenge with the revised circuit layout without the chicane, which makes the lap feel very quick. There's a few small things for us to solve on our side normal for any Friday and I'm feeling confident that we can have a strong outcome tomorrow for Qualifying where we aim for another Q3 appearance." Ciaron Pilbeam, Chief Race Engineer: "We're back on a permanent and conventional circuit here in Barcelona after racing at the last few events on semi-permanent or street circuits. It's a place everyone in Formula 1 knows well and it's a good venue for testing all aspects of the car. We've had a relatively productive day where we've aimed to further validate the benefits from recent upgrades and continue to learn more about the car, especially off the back of a strong performance last time out. We look to be in reasonable shape with both drivers having similar feedback and showing decent pace. It's important to qualify well here but tyre degradation in the race is quite high too so we need to get everything right. The aim is to see both cars in Q3 to put ourselves in the best possible position to have a good race." McLaren F1 Team Oscar Piastri (12th, 1:14.583): "It felt like a decent Friday on track, I made some good steps forward from FP1 to FP2. I think there's a bit of work for me to do on the one-lap pace, but our long runs looked reasonably competitive, so all-in-all, we can be pretty happy with today's running. We'll try to make some improvements overnight, and I'll take some learning from the data ahead of tomorrow's qualifying session." Lando Norris (14th, 1:14.694): "After a very different track in Monaco, it took me a few laps to get back into the swing of things here in Barcelona. We struggled a little bit with the car from the off, but we improved in FP2. We have a lot of things to look into tonight to try to unlock some more pace from the car. It's not bad, we just need to work on driveability and take a step forward ahead of tomorrow's sessions." Andrea Stella, Team Principal: "It's been a solid Friday at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya with many laps on the board, helped by the extra experimental tyres provided by Pirelli. We've done some aerodynamic work today with rakes to support short-term and long-term development. We also worked on our understanding of the tyres, that is going to be crucial here, given the expectation of it being a multi-stop race. Our competitiveness contained no surprises, and our task now is to do a good job overnight, to give us a car tomorrow that is a Q3 contender and capable of scoring points on Sunday." Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake Valtteri Bottas (9th, 1:14.448): "I think we had a decent day. The car felt better for me in the second practice session after we made a few adjustments, and my lap time improved as well. Now, all our focus will be on analysing the data we gathered today, in order to find something more ahead of tomorrow. I like the changes they made to the track; I think it's good fun. I prefer this layout without the final chicane, I think it adds more flow to the lap which is nice. As predicted, the field is extremely close, and any tenth could be key for a good qualifying. I think we can set a realistic target of aiming to get into Q3 tomorrow, which is what we will be working towards." Guanyu Zhou (13th, 1:14.585): "I like high-speed tracks, so today has been quite a fun experience here in Barcelona. It was a rather smooth day, we did a lot of work to understand our upgrades and the new layout. The new final sector is demanding for the tyres, it will add some challenges with overtaking and with tyre degradation: it's also quite bumpy, but overall, I'm quite happy with it. The field is really close, P8 to P20 are within fine margins so tomorrow we'll need to be at our best in qualifying. Of course, we will need to find a little more tonight, but if we do our homework we can be in the mix for a good result." Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant F1 Team Fernando Alonso (2nd, 1:14.077): "It's so close over one lap that I think a couple of tenths will put you in a completely different position in the classification, so we won't read too much into the times. We went through our test programme this morning in Free Practice One and learnt about the prototype tyres, with the track a little slower than we expected. The upgrades we've introduced are helping the performance of the car and we are happy with them so far, but let's see where we are tomorrow when everyone is pushing. A lot of the grandstands are green and our Aston Martin merchandise is very popular. The fans have been amazing and it's great to see their support. Hopefully we can put on a good show for them tomorrow." Lance Stroll (18th, 1:15.010): "The focus of today has been running various new test items and evaluating the new Pirelli construction prototype tyres, so that made for a couple of busy sessions on track. That's given us a lot of data to work through tonight and hopefully we can find some more lap time ahead of qualifying as the car wasn't quite where I wanted it. The field was incredibly tight in both sessions, so we know how important it is to find that pace and we'll be working hard to do so." Haas F1 Team Nico Hulkenberg (3rd, 1:14.177): "It felt decent, especially that lap on new softs, it gives you a lot of grip over one lap. Particularly in FP2, I think we picked up some performance which wasn't quite there earlier. I'm satisfied with how it's gone and hope we can keep it up for the next two days. There's always more to explore, there's always more to do, but I had a good rhythm today and felt at home in the car. I felt like I was in the driving seat which is important especially around here it's been a positive Friday." Kevin Magnussen (15th, 1:14.713): "Today was fun. The new layout is pretty full-on, it's a good change. FP1 was very good for us, we tried something that didn't work in FP2 but Nico was fast, so we know the speed is in the car and we'll work tonight as we always do to try and get on that pace tomorrow. It's super tight, I was P15 and seven tenths off P1 which is crazy, but it is what it is and means we have something to fight for." Guenther Steiner, Team Principal: "It was a good start to the weekend today. In FP1 we tested the new tire which will be used at Silverstone to get some experience and data but otherwise, pretty good running. Obviously with Nico reaching P3 in FP2 it's good, but we all know that qualifying is tomorrow and the race is on Sunday." Scuderia AlphaTauri Nyck de Vries (16th, 1:14.785): "It's been a decent day for us, especially FP1. I believe we were slightly out of position, but we hit the ground running fairly well. During FP2, we didn't quite get everything together. We tried different things and I think they will give us a better idea for tomorrow to be able to put it together when it counts. Tonight we will check how much the new upgrades are working, as it's the first day we can have a proper read on it. There's more emphasis on the front axle with the new changes, when previously it was on both. I'm not sure whether the new layout will produce better racing on Sunday because we noticed that it was difficult to follow, but I don't think we can jump to any conclusions too quickly." Yuki Tsunoda (17th, 1:14.840): "Overall, today went ok. We have to make some changes ahead of tomorrow's qualifying to achieve the highest possible position because today, we ended up in the bottom part of the field. The track is definitely faster in the last two corners and harder on the tyres too. Tomorrow is a new day though, which gives us some time to work on our limitations. As usual, I will work together with the engineers tonight to improve the car as much as possible to try to make it through to Q2, and maybe even Q3 tomorrow." Claudio Balestri, Chief Engineer, Vehicle Performance: "It was a fairly busy Friday on track. We had a long list of tests to be completed in FP1, including some important runs with aero rakes, while also testing the new Pirelli tyre. We had a positive session where we gathered interesting data on the new Barcelona layout, now characterised by several high-speed corners which are very demanding on the front axle. In FP2, we focused on optimising our setup to extract the maximum from our package, testing different levels of fuel loads and different compounds. We didn't find a competitive lap time on the soft tyre on the first lap, so we need to look into this, while on the long run, we tried to get a better understanding of tyre management for the race on Sunday. We have a busy night ahead of us to try to find how to improve our lap times and maximise our package tomorrow." Williams Racing Alexander Albon (19th, 1:15.056): "This track never really suited us but I don't think our car feels that bad. There's not a fundamental issue with it that we have to try to fix for tomorrow, but that's also not a great feeling because the car is where it is. We can find a couple of tenths here or there if we get everything right, which we'll go for, but not much more as this is just where we're at. We're sort of a normal gap from the top but there are some of the midfield teams like Haas, Alfa Romeos and McLarens doing a very good job, only a tenth off the Mercedes, which makes it look a bit worse. The changes to the last couple of corners of the track feel nice. It's made it a bit more physical which is always a challenge which makes it fun for the drivers." Logan Sargeant (20th, 1:15.415): "We reacted well from FP1 to get the car in a reasonable window for FP2. Honestly as a team it's not where we want to be on pace, so we have some work to do for sure. I think we have the car in a reasonable place for the quali and race sims, so we just need to get more out of it tomorrow." Dave Robson, Head of Vehicle Performance: "It's always good to come to Barcelona and get a reference for the car. It's clear that we weren't very quick today, which isn't too surprising, but there is still a lot to learn about where that deficit stems from. We completed some setup tests in FP1 and got some useful direction. We reverted to a more normal Barcelona setup for FP2, which the drivers preferred. We took the opportunity to look at the new tyre construction, which we will race from the British GP onwards. It will be difficult tomorrow, but there are still a few things to look at that may allow us to extract a bit more pace from the car in qualifying. There is also the possibility of some variable weather, which may also present a useful opportunity." Daily Graphic Editorials Mental health needs no stigma Daily Graphic Editorials Jun - 03 - 2023 , 16:57 Facts from the World Health Organisation (WHO) indicate that in 2019, one in every eight people, or 970 million people around the world, was living with a mental disorder, with anxiety and depressive disorders being the most common. The WHO further estimates that at any one time, a diverse set of individual, family, community and structural factors may combine to protect or undermine mental health. Although most people are resilient, people who are exposed to adverse circumstances, including poverty, violence, disability and inequality, are at higher risk. On May 24, 2023, Ghana joined the rest of the world to commemorate Schizophrenia Day on the theme, "Celebrating the power of community kindness. " This year's theme has brought into focus the very reason for the institution of the day, which seeks to fight against stigma and to make it easier for people to seek different resources to get help. In Ghana, data available show that there is a consistent increase in cases of Shizophrenia, which is a mental condition. For instance, from 19,856 persons with the case in 2020, it increased to 20,755 in 2021 and peaked in 2022 with 24,790 cases. Disturbingly, within the first three months of this year, 8,446 cases have already been reported, giving every indication that by the end of the year, the figures would outstrip the previous years. The Board Chairman of the Mental Health Authority (MHA), Estelle Appiah, told journalists that people with the condition had better outcomes when they received, among others, psychotherapy, occupational therapy and, of course, care from their immediate families, society and the community as a whole. Social stigma linked to mental disorders remains prevalent and limits help-seeking. It is quite commendable that the MHA is still enforcing the ban on chaining and shacking of persons with mental illness since 2019. The Daily Graphic endorses the ban and the call on all, including development partners, and caregivers to collaborate effectively to remove obstacles and to broaden support for those living with the condition. Stigmatisation kills and it is a big stumbling block to their full recuperation and a threat to a relapse of such patients and the onus is on all of us to contribute our quota to create the right environment and condition for them to come back to normalcy. It is a fact that some of the patients in these facilities who are fully cured, remain in health facilities because of the stigma that comes with the condition and because of the way society out there would treat them. Some of these patients end up adopting the facilities as their homes because they rather feel safe and secure there instead of being with their relatives. Management of these facilities have, on different occasions, lamented the fact that some relatives, after taking the patients to the facilities, never followed up, while others often gave wrong addresses to avoid being traced for the patient to return. So, the call by the MHA to every Ghanaian to take a moment to learn something about mental health and join in the fight to break barriers and create a world where everyone has access to care and support is a worthy one the Daily Graphic endorses. If we all develop a better attitude towards mental health patients, we will be creating a safer and more conducive environment for all. Persons with mental health conditions deserve better and it is our collective responsibility to be compassionate, kind and supportive towards them. That is all they desire from us, as a society, to help bring them back into our fold to contribute their quota towards the overall development of this country. Ghanas Edward Enninful steps down as British Vogue editor Graphic Showbiz Showbiz News Jun - 03 - 2023 , 11:22 British Vogue is set to hire a new head of editorial content as Edward Enninful steps away from his dual role as European editorial director of Vogue and editor-in-chief of British Vogue next year. The change was disclosed by the magazine yesterday, June 2 where Enninful will take on the global advisory role at Vogue, publisher Conde Nast's flagship title. In the new position of editorial advisor to British Vogue and global creative and cultural advisor of Vogue, Enninful will "contribute to the creative and cultural success of the Vogue brand globally, while having the freedom to take on broader creative projects," he said in a memo that was published by Business of Fashion. This gives him more freedom to do what he does best, and what clearly brings him joy, which is the creation of beauty. His influence has been immense. I write for British Vogue because I found him so inspiring. His leadership in the areas of inclusivity, diversity, and sustainability what he calls the three pillars of British Vogue have been unmatched in any publication. In a memo sent to Vogue staff, Enninful said he would continue to contribute to the creative and cultural success of the Vogue brand globally in his newly-created job, whilst having the freedom to take on broader creative projects. A head of editorial content for British Vogue will also be hired, he said, adding: For now everything remains the same, and Im so excited about what the future holds for us. Enninful thanked editor-in-chief Anna Wintour and Roger Lynch, the chief executive officer of publishers Conde Nast, for their continued support. Edward Enninful, 51, will be stepping down from his role after six years of breaking boundaries at the top fashion magazine. The Ghanaian-British creative is the first black man to hold the top job at the British fashion magazine. British Vogue recently featured its first disabled models, including actress Selma Blair who lives with multiple sclerosis and Ellie Goldstein, a 21-year-old model with Downs syndrome. Other memorable editions from Enninful include having actor Timothee Chalamet as the first man to grace the cover in October 2022. Read also Fear as Jamie Foxx left paralyzed, blind from brain clot Guinness World Records reacts after Hilda Baci cries out over delay in verifying her cook-a-thon Ghanas Democracy: Judiciary our last hope Dr George Asekere Opinion Jun - 03 - 2023 , 17:13 On January 4, 1962, Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, at the formal opening of the Ghana Law School, quoted a friend, as saying that listening to lawyers is baffling since you do not understand the terms they employ. But speaking to them is still more baffling since you do not know the legal interpretation they place on your words. For me, this applies even more to Justices of the Superior Courts. In view of my tremendous respect for the sanctity of the Judiciary for the sustenance of our democracy, it is my prayer that my words in this write-up are interpreted in their lay meanings, and understood only in the context of a citizen who is desirous of seeing a sustained improvement in our body politic. The people of Ghana have customs and traditions including respect for authority which, sometimes, implies keeping mute when a chief or chief priest does something wrong. The Akans have a saying depicting this: Okomfour se koo, hwan nko ka? to wit, no one dares to say that the priests (the shrine one) teeth are discoloured, even if it is true. This is not always compatible with the 1863 Lincolnian understanding of democracy as a government of the people, by the people and for the people, in which the people have a say. Maintaining sanctity The reconciliation of the freedom of the people to have a say in how they are governed, and the authority of the bench to maintain the sanctity of the Judiciary remains a slippery path. Since judges do not receive instructions from God or the gods, it ordinarily should not be senseless when the typically religious Ghanaian layman questions and subjectively attribute meanings to, for instance, the outcome of the various politically exposed persons contempt rulings; some cautioned and pardoned, some jailed, and some jailed and their employers punished. Perhaps the increasing media reports or misreports on court rulings in view of the proliferation of the mainstream media and exacerbated by social media, which used not to be the case, is partly to blame. That is one. Another has to do with some rulings relating to cases involving political parties or politicians. Like Socrates, represented in Crito as awaiting calmly the execution of his sentence, even though he considered it unjust given his commitment not to break the law, so must Ghanaians stay faithful to the rule of law and respect court rulings. If the judiciary is right and the loud critics are wrong, that is all good because irrespective of how long a lie stays, it never becomes the truth, contrary to Joseph Goebbelss claim in his propaganda thesis that a stupendous lie repeated with zeal gains credibility. However, when a lie, a misinterpretation or mischief is repeated and eventually believed by many in a democracy, its impact cannot be underestimated. As noted by former President J.A. Kufuor in one of his addresses to the Ghana Bar Association, If the judiciary is the mouthpiece of the Constitution, then it would be difficult to fathom anything worse than a false oracle. To him, the judiciary is the central guarantor of the rule of law, hence nothing can be more detrimental to the security of a state than a compromised judiciary. This is what made him describe the Anas expose of corruption in the judiciary as abominable and perverse. Our hope for democracy At a public lecture to mark this years African Union Day, which falls on May 25, each year, at the University of Education, Winneba, the Executive Director of the Media Foundation for Africa, Braimah Sulemana noted: The 2022 Afro Barometer report revealed that the top four institutions that should be at the forefront of the fight against corruption are incidentally the most corrupt. The police, who are supposed to arrest the corrupt, are the most corrupt. The presidency that is supposed to be leading the fight against corruption is the second most corrupt. Parliament which is supposed to be making the laws in combating corruption are the third most corrupt and Judges and Magistrates that are supposed to be exacting punishment on the corrupt are the fourth most corrupt. It is arguably no news to hear that the Executive and Legislative Arms of government are either corrupt. The only hope for our democracy is the judiciary. That is why any unfavourable public perception of the judiciary is worrisome. It is, thus, to agree with Manasse Azure Awuni that If the judiciary doubts the judgment of its critics, it should commission research into its reputation and read the findings. The outturn of a compromised judiciary in our democracy can be severe because it can undermine public trust in the legitimacy of government processes and weaken the overall rule of law. If the judiciary is perceived as being influenced or corrupted by special interests, it could potentially lead to a breakdown in social cohesion and encourage civil unrest. This can also lead to an erosion in the publics confidence in democratic governance, as citizens may begin to doubt its ability to protect their fundamental rights and freedoms without partiality. This is why the Judiciary must take steps to regain public trust. The writer is a lecturer, Department of Political Science Education, University of Education, Winneba. Vetting of Chief Justice nominee: Matters arising Dr John Osae-Kwapong Opinion Jun - 03 - 2023 , 14:59 On April 25, 2023, President Akufo Addo nominated Justice Gertrude Torkornoo as the next Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. Her nomination fills the vacancy being left by retiring Chief Justice Kwasi Anin-Yeboah. On May 26, the nominee appeared before parliaments vetting committee as part of the confirmation process. The nominee spent a few hours answering several questions with astute sharpness, demonstrating the depth and knowledge she brings to the court. Two issues caught my attention, though, as the vetting progressed. Birth certificate question The Chief Justice nominee was asked whether ones birth certificate is proof of nationality or citizenship, to which she responded No. Her response is consistent with the courts position on the matter. I painstakingly reread the courts decision in the consolidated writs of National Democratic Congress vs. Attorney General and Electoral Commission and Mark Takyi-Banson vs Electoral Commission and Attorney General. In that decision, the court said A birth certificate is not a form of identification. It does not establish the identity of the bearer. Nor does it link the holder with the information on the certificate. Quite obviously, it provides no evidence of citizenship. The court cited cases that provided the constitutional justification for its position. In her explanation, the Chief Justice nominee used two phrases that have remained in my mind. First, that the birth certificate is a record of ones birth and second, the doctrine of originating process. The first was easily understood, while the second needed the assistance of friends in the legal field. In the context of acquiring a passport, which the nominee agreed to, serves as proof of nationality/citizenship, the doctrine of originating process, if I understood them correctly, simply means the determination of ones nationality starts from somewhere (gleaning information from your birth record contained on the birth certificate) but does not end there. It ends instead with the issuance of a Ghanaian passport, which serves as proof of your citizenship. It was quite an intriguing response to fully comprehend, if indeed the information contained on ones birth certificate satisfies the citizenship laws of Ghana, why cant the document be subsequently deemed acceptable as proof of citizenship? I asked my erudite friends. One of them said, We just need to be sure you are who you say you are. To buttress their point, they point to lapses in the administrative process of acquiring a birth certificate and the possibility of non-Ghanaians being described on that birth record as Ghanaian. I wondered whether those lapses could have been resolved through the administrative process by subjecting it to strict proof before the issuance of the birth certificate. For example, the issuance of a Ghana passport has other embedded processes of verification of ones citizenship. Full court rulings I really appreciated a question raised by the Deputy Majority Leader and Member of Parliament (MP) for Effutu , Alexander Afenyo-Markin, because as he rightly said, on especially politically sensitive cases, it will be greatly appreciated if the courts decisions, including its orders, are accompanied by the full judgment containing all the reasons and how the judgment was arrived at. The Honourable is right; it aids in making subsequent decisions such as whether to apply for a review or how consequential orders should be followed and implemented. I think what it also does is that it prevents the vacuum left for speculation and fills the void with incorrect information. I completely understand the nominees explanation of the process and logistics involved in getting the courts opinion together from the seven justices who sit on a given case. I would rather the court take its time to release its full judgment than rush to do so because of concern for time. At the same time, there are certain political realities with which that approach must contend. The nominee acknowledged the importance of the point raised by Hon. Afenyo-Markin. Approve nominee The nominee is undoubtedly highly qualified to be the next Chief Justice of Ghanas Supreme Court. I was especially impressed with how she articulated the kind of Ghana Supreme Court she would like to see and the legacy she would like to leave. I know the Minority has tied voting on her nomination to the release of the full judgment with reasons of the Supreme Courts decision on the Assin North MPs case. But I hope that the decision to approve her nomination or not will not hinge on just that one case, although important. I hope that the totality of all the decisions she has been part of during her 19 years of service in the judiciary and four years of service on the highest court of the land is what wins the hearts and minds of our MPs. Vote to approve Justice Gertrude Torkornoo as the next Chief Justice of Ghanas Supreme Court. The writer is a fellow at the Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) See list of "Ghanaians" among dozens sentenced for roles in fraud, money laundering in US International News Jun - 03 - 2023 , 21:49 Dozens sentenced for their roles in Atlanta-based fraud and money laundering operation that stole over $30 million from individuals and companies. More than three dozen individuals in Atlanta in the United States (US) have been sentenced for their involvement in a large-scale fraud and money laundering operation that targeted individuals, corporations, and financial institutions throughout the United States. The defendants, some of them with Ghanaian names used business email compromise schemes, romance fraud scams, and retirement account scams, among other frauds, to steal more than $30 million from numerous victims. The U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of Georgia published the list of those sentenced and their various offences on Friday, June 2, 2023. The Department of Justice has tirelessly worked for more than four years to obtain justice for dozens of victims impacted by this brazen criminal organization, said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. The defendants sentences should serve as a stark warning to others that fraud and money laundering crimes are top priorities for this office and our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners. Several members of this conspiracy fraudulently obtained funds from ERISA-covered employee benefit plans. The funds, which originated from unwitting individuals retirement accounts, were deposited into personal and business bank accounts that were created in furtherance of this money-laundering conspiracy. The greed of the conspirators caused workers and prospective retirees to lose significant portions of their hard-earned retirement funds. "We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Department of Labors Employee Benefits Security Administration to protect the integrity of employee benefit plans, said Mathew Broadhurst, Special Agent-in-Charge, Southeast Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General. These fraud scams, although not violent, are not victimless and can be devastating to businesses and individuals who fall prey to them, said Keri Fairly, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. The sentencing of all these individuals shows the FBIs dedication to working with our partners to hold anyone accountable who would steal from hard working and honest individuals, rather than put in the work themselves. These scammers defrauded individuals and companies with the sole purpose of enriching themselves, said Acting Special Agent in Charge Travis Pickard, who oversees Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) operations in Georgia and Alabama. HSI and its law enforcement partners will continue to work tirelessly to protect the integrity of the nations financial infrastructure and ensure that financial crimes do not go unpunished. This sentencing illustrates the Secret Services dedication to protecting our nations financial systems, said Steven R. Baisel, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Services Atlanta Field Office. We are thankful for our law enforcement partners commitment and support as we worked together to bring this case to justice. According to U.S. Attorney Buchanan, the charges, and other information presented in court: The defendants engaged in multiple fraud and money laundering conspiracies that stole millions of dollars from victims located throughout the United States and abroad. The defendants were charged across several related pending cases. U.S. District Judge William M. Ray, II, sentenced the following individuals for their respective roles in this criminal scheme: Joshua Roberts, also known as Onyx, 32, of Houston, Texas, was sentenced to eight years and one month in custody, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $9,675,739.73 in restitution to victims. He was sentenced on August 10, 2022, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering on March 29, 2022. Darius Sowah Okang, also known as Michael J. Casey, Richard Resser, Thomas Vaden, Michael Lawson, Matthew Reddington, and Michael Little, 32, of Stone Mountain, Georgia, was sentenced to seven years and 10 months in custody, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $6,204,119 in restitution to victims. He was sentenced on March 17, 2022, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering and aggravated identity theft on September 2, 2021. George Kodjo Edem Adatsi, 39, of Atlanta, Georgia, was sentenced to five years and 10 months in custody, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $3,373,797.43 in restitution to victims. He was sentenced on July 21, 2021, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering on April 7, 2021. Benjamin Ibukunoluwa Oye, 29, of Sandy Springs, Georgia, was sentenced to five years in custody, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $1,163,127.01 in restitution to victims. He was sentenced on March 21, 2023, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud, aggravated identity theft, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and money laundering on March 4, 2020. Prince Sheriff Okai, 29, of Mableton, Georgia, was sentenced to four years and nine months in custody, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $4,950,586.54 in restitution to victims. He was sentenced on January 12, 2021, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering on October 6, 2020. Hamza Abdallah, also known as Reggie Lewis, 33, of McDonough, Georgia, was sentenced to four years and nine months in custody, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $5,051,473.87 in restitution to victims. He was sentenced on February 24, 2021, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering on November 18, 2020. Dominique Raquel Golden, also known as Desire Tamakloe, Mellissa Moore, Nicole Nolay, Raquel Roberts, Maria Henderson, and Raquel Golden, 32, of Houston, Texas, was sentenced to four years and six months in custody, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $7,830,607.05 in restitution to victims. She was sentenced on March 28, 2022, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering on September 30, 2021. Kelvin Prince Boateng, 27, of Atlanta, Georgia, was sentenced to three years and 10 months in custody, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $870,333 in restitution to victims. He was sentenced on June 17, 2021, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering on March 2, 2021. Jonathan Kojo Agbemafle, also known as Skinny, 29, of Kansas City, Missouri, was sentenced to three years and 10 months in custody, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $2,637,625.01 in restitution to victims. He was sentenced on August 8, 2022, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering on April 4, 2022. Blessing Oluwatimilehin Ojo, also known as Timmy, 37, of Nigeria, was sentenced to three years and 10 months in custody, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $1,711,304 in restitution to victims. He was sentenced on October 26, 2022, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering on July 19, 2022. Desire Elorm Tamakloe, also known as Chubby, 28, of Smyrna, Georgia, was sentenced to three years and 10 months in custody, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $1,215,357.81 in restitution to victims. He was sentenced on April 18, 2023, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering on October 13, 2022. Stephen Abbu Jenkins, also known as Face, Steven Abbu Jenkins, Steven Jenkins, and Steve Jenkins, 56, of Atlanta, Georgia, was sentenced to three years and seven months in custody, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $726,290 in restitution to victims. He was sentenced on February 22, 2023, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering on August 8, 2022. Obinna Nwosu, 29, of Douglasville, Georgia, was sentenced to three years and one month in custody, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $1,045,065.75 in restitution to victims. He was sentenced on December 16, 2020, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering on September 17, 2020. Ojebe Obewu Ojebe, 30, of Atlanta, Georgia, was sentenced to three years and one month in custody, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $893,879.55 in restitution to victims. He was sentenced on September 27, 2022, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering on June 2, 2022. Francesco Benjamin, also known as B-More, 33, of Atlanta, Georgia, was sentenced to three years and one month in custody, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $987,070 in restitution to victims. He was sentenced on March 1, 2023, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering on October 19, 2022. Chukwukadibia Ikechukwu Nnadozie, also known as Chuka and Michael McCord, 30, of Fayetteville, Georgia, was sentenced to three years and one month in custody, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $231,507.19 in restitution to victims. He was sentenced on May 9, 2023, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering on November 28, 2022. Abubakar Sadik Ibrahim, 29, of Mableton, Georgia, was sentenced to three years in custody, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $1,193,750.27 in restitution to victims. He was sentenced on February 1, 2022, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering on September 27, 2021. John Ifeoluwa Onimole, 31, of Powder Springs, Georgia, was sentenced to three years in custody, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $1,117,966.06 in restitution to victims. He was sentenced on April 25, 2023, after pleading guilty to money laundering on December 7, 2022. Chadrick Jamal Rhodes, 31, of Atlanta, Georgia, was sentenced to two years and 11 months in custody, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $120,000 in restitution to victims. He was sentenced on January 31, 2022, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and aggravated identity theft on October 12, 2021. Chadwick Osbourne Stewart, 43, of Atlanta, Georgia, was sentenced to two years and eight months in custody, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $60,000 in restitution to victims. He was sentenced on January 26, 2022, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and aggravated identity theft on October 22, 2021. Macario Lee Nelson, a/k/a Mac, 27, of Atlanta, Georgia, was sentenced to two years and eight months in custody, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $120,000 in restitution to victims. He was sentenced on February 17, 2022, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and aggravated identity theft on September 29, 2021. Afeez Olaide Adeniran, a/k/a Ola, 34, of Atlanta, Georgia, was sentenced to two years and six months in custody, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $352,830.25 in restitution to victims. He was sentenced on October 6, 2022, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering on August 18, 2022. Kahlia Andrea Siddiqui, 31, of Chamblee, Georgia, was sentenced to two years and six months in custody, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $325,811 in restitution to victims. She was sentenced on February 22, 2023, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering on August 9, 2022. Solomon Agyapong, also known as Gumpe, 34, of Marietta, Georgia, was sentenced to two years and six months in custody, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $496,123.92 in restitution to victims. He was sentenced on April 18, 2023, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering on October 11, 2022. Christopher Akinwande Awonuga, 31, of Fayetteville, Georgia, was sentenced to two years and three months in custody, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $113,276.27 in restitution to victims. He was sentenced on January 8, 2020, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud on August 22, 2019. Emanuela Joe Joseph, 37, of Lawrenceville, Georgia, was sentenced to two years and three months in custody, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $442,557.08 in restitution to victims. She was sentenced on February 21, 2023, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering on October 26, 2022. Seth Appiah Kubi, 63, of Dacula, Georgia, was sentenced to two years in custody, to be followed by one year of supervised release. He was sentenced on July 7, 2020, after pleading guilty to aggravated identity theft on March 4, 2020. Oluwafunmilade Onamuti, also known as Mathew Kelvin, 29, of Duluth, Georgia, was sentenced to one year and 10 months in custody, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $167,195 in restitution to victims. He was sentenced on July 21, 2021, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering on April 7, 2021. Paul Chinonso Anyanwu, 31, of Hampton, Georgia, was sentenced to one year and six months in custody, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $57,000 in restitution to victims. He was sentenced on December 19, 2019, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering on September 18, 2019. Casey Broderick Williams, 29, of Covington, Georgia, was sentenced to one year and one day in custody, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $60,000 in restitution to victims. He was sentenced on June 2, 2022, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and aggravated identity theft on July 30, 2019. Alexus Ciera Johnson, 29, of Mableton, Georgia, was sentenced to one year and one day in custody, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $106,879 in restitution to victims. She was sentenced on May 22, 2023, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering on October 11, 2022. Egale Veonzell Woods, Jr., 44, of East Point, Georgia, was sentenced to one year in custody, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $165,007.19 in restitution to victims. He was sentenced on April 21, 2021, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering on March 4, 2020. Gregory Thomas Hudson, 42, of Powder Springs, Georgia, was sentenced to 10 months in custody, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $125,291.45 in restitution to victims. He was sentenced on June 27, 2022, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud on March 14, 2022. Uchechi Chidimma Odus, also known as Uche, 26, of Atlanta, Georgia, was sentenced to 10 months in custody, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $83,345.47 in restitution to victims. She was sentenced on May 17, 2023, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering on December 21, 2022. Matthan Bolaji Ibidapo, also known as B.J., 30, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, was sentenced to eight months in custody, to be followed by three years of supervised release with a portion to be served in home confinement and ordered to pay $82,490.50 in restitution to victims. He was sentenced on February 21, 2023, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering on November 1, 2022. Tyler Keon Roussell, 28, of Atlanta, Georgia, was sentenced to six months in custody, to be followed by six years of supervised release with a portion served in home confinement, and ordered to pay $368,400.49 in restitution to victims. He was sentenced on February 21, 2022, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud on May 16, 2019. Monique Wheeler, 32, of Atlanta, Georgia, was sentenced to three months in custody, to be followed by three years of supervised release with a portion to be served in home confinement, and ordered to pay $71,010 in restitution to victims. She was sentenced on December 2, 2022, after pleading guilty to money laundering on July 13, 2022. Chineda Obilom Nwakudu, 28, of McDonough, Georgia, was sentenced to three years of probation with a portion to be served in home confinement and ordered to pay $123,645.85 in restitution to victims. He was sentenced on February 22, 2023, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering on August 23, 2019. Ahamefule Aso Odus, 30, of Atlanta, Georgia, was convicted by a jury on January 30, 2023, of conspiracy to commit money laundering and multiple substantive money laundering offenses. His sentencing is pending. Motswana Mulongo, also known as David Mulongo and Henry Tipton, 38, of Decatur, Georgia, was convicted of conspiracy to commit money laundering on March 10, 2023. His sentencing is scheduled for June 22, 2023. Oumar Bouyo Mbodj of Kennesaw, Georgia, is deceased, and charges filed against him were dismissed. This investigation was conducted under the auspices of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) programthe keystone drug, money laundering, and transnational organized crime enforcement program of the Department of Justice. This case was investigated by the Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Secret Service, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcements Homeland Security Investigations. The investigating agencies received considerable support from the Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, and numerous federal, state, and local law enforcement authorities. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kelly K. Connors and Russell Phillips prosecuted the case. US court to hear challenge over Prince Harrys visa following drug revelations International News Jun - 03 - 2023 , 08:40 Prince Harrys US immigration records should be unsealed in the light of revelations about drug-taking in his recent book, a conservative think tank will argue in a federal court next week. The Heritage Foundation is suing the US government to find out if it acted according to procedure when it granted the Duke of Sussex a US visa. Under US immigration law, evidence of past drug use can be grounds to reject an application. The case will be held in front of a federal judge on June 6 at the US District Court for the District of Columbia. The Heritage Foundation filed a complaint under the Freedom of Information Act, attempting to compel the government to release Harrys immigration file. The requested information is of immense public interest, reads an amended complaint filed on May 5. Widespread and continuous media coverage has surfaced the question of whether DHS [Department of Homeland Security] properly admitted the Duke of Sussex in light of the fact that he has publicly admitted to the essential elements of a number of drug offenses in both the United States and abroad, it continues. The original request for Harrys records was rejected because Harry had not indicated that he consented to his information being released, the US Justice Department said in court papers. In addition, DOJ argues that citations to speculation about the status of Prince Harrys visa are not sufficient to meet the standard to speed up the process of releasing the document. The Heritage Foundation has long been one of the most influential conservative think tanks in Washington. Nile Gardiner, director of the foundations Margaret Thatcher Center for Freedom, tweeted on Thursday that there was a public interest in disclosing Harrys records. Given his extensive drug use admissions, normally disqualifying for entry into the United States, the American people deserve answers to the serious questions raised by the evidence, he wrote in a Twitter post. Did DHS in fact look the other way, play favorites, or fail to appropriately respond to any potential false statements by Prince Harry? CNN has asked a representative for Prince Harry for comment. Harry most recently confessed to taking various recreational party drugs in his explosive memoir Spare, which was published in January. The Duke of Sussex admitted to having taken cocaine, smoked marijuana and tried magic mushrooms. Harry, who moved to California with Meghan in 2020, has opened up about his experiences with cocaine as a teenager. Of course. I had been doing cocaine around this time. At someones country house, during a shooting weekend, Id been offered a line, and Id done a few more since, Harry revealed. It wasnt much fun, and it didnt make me particularly happy, as it seemed to make everyone around me, but it did make me feel different, and that was the main goal. Harry described himself as a deeply unhappy seventeen-year-old boy willing to try almost anything that would alter the status quo. Elsewhere in the autobiography, the fifth in line to the throne discussed graduating from smoking tobacco to weed during his days at Eton College, as well as revealing that he tried magic mushrooms during a trip to the United States. Harry said he briefly stayed at actor Courteney Coxs house where we spotted a huge box of black diamond mushroom chocolates and he and a friend ate several and washed them down with tequila. Prince Harrys autobiography was not the first time the royal had touched upon his recreational drug use when he was younger. He previously spoke with Oprah Winfrey of how he abused drugs and alcohol in his late 20s and early 30s as a coping mechanism for the pressures of royal life. I was willing to drink, I was willing to take drugs, he said. I was willing to try and do the things that made me feel less like I was feeling. credit: CNN KNUST tops world ranking for helping to achieve UN SDG 4 devoted to Quality Education Emmanuel Baah Education Jun - 02 - 2023 , 19:30 The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) is number one in the world for helping to achieve the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goal 4 (UN SDG 4) which is devoted to Quality Education. The ranking was announced in the 2023 edition of the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings published on Thursday, June 1, 2023. The Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings is the sole global performance tables that evaluate universities based on the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Employing meticulously calibrated indicators, the ranking provides comprehensive and impartial comparisons across four key areas: research, stewardship, outreach, and teaching. The 2023 Impact Rankings, the fifth edition, encompassed a total of 1,591 universities from 112 countries. Demonstrating unparalleled excellence, the KNUST secured the top position globally with an outstanding score of 93.1, surpassing all other universities worldwide in terms of providing quality education. The SDG 4 - Quality Education category evaluates universities' contributions to early years and lifelong learning, research, and their dedication to inclusive education. The 2023 feat is a massive improvement over the 2022 rankings which placed the University at number one (1) in Africa and 14th globally in terms of (SDG4). Expressing his reaction to the latest ranking, Dr. Daniel Norris Bekoe, the University Relations Officer, highlighted that this remarkable achievement reflects the substantial and strategic investments made by the university's management over the years. In a press release issued on June 2, 2023, he praised the past and current administrations for massive investments in infrastructure, ICT, and e-learning resources, which he said had significantly enhanced the educational experience at KNUST. This significant achievement stands as a testament to the collective efforts and unwavering commitment exhibited by the entire KNUST community, he said. This ranking focuses on universities contribution to early years and lifelong learning, their research on quality education and their commitment to inclusive education. Because early years provision and lifelong learning are not the main focus of education at universities, this table should not be used to assess the overall quality of teaching at a university. View the methodology for the Impact Rankings 2023 to find out how these data are used in the overall ranking. Metrics Research on early years and lifelong learning education (27%) Proportion of research papers that are viewed or downloaded (10%) Proportion of research papers in the top 10 per cent of journals as defined by Citescore (10%) Number of publications (7%) This focuses on research that is relevant to quality education, measuring paper views, the proportion of papers in the top 10 per cent of cited journals and the volume of research produced. The data are provided by Elseviers Scopus dataset, based on a query of keywords associated with SDG 4 (quality education) and supplemented by additional publications identified by artificial intelligence. The data include all indexed publications between 2017 and 2021 and are normalised across the range using Z-scoring. To understand how a university is supporting early years education, we measure the proportion of its graduates who receive a degree that would entitle them to teach at primary school level in their country. The data relate to the number of graduates in the 2021 academic year. The data were provided directly by universities and normalised across the range using Z-scoring. Lifelong learning measures (26.8%) Free access to educational resources for those not studying at the university (5%) Educational activities that are open to the general public, such as lectures or specific courses (5%) Educational events that provide vocational training for those not studying at the university (5%) Educational outreach activities in the local community, including schools (5%) Policies to ensure that these activities are open to all, regardless of ethnicity, religion, disability, immigration status or gender (6.8%) The evidence was provided directly by universities, evaluated and scored by THE and not normalised. Proportion of first-generation students (30.8%) This is defined as the number of students starting a degree who identify as being the first person in their immediate family to attend university, divided by the total number of students starting a degree. All data are provided as full-time equivalents. The data were provided directly by universities and normalised across the range using Z-scoring. Evidence When we ask about policies and initiatives for example, the existence of mentoring programmes our metrics require universities to provide the evidence to support their claims. In these cases, we give credit for the evidence, and for the evidence being public. These metrics are not usually size normalised. Evidence is evaluated against a set of criteria, and decisions are cross-validated where there is uncertainty. Evidence need not be exhaustive we are looking for examples that demonstrate best practice at the institutions concerned. Time frame In general, the data used refer to the closest academic year to January to December 2021. The date range for each metric is specified in the full methodology document. Exclusions The ranking is open to any university that teaches at either undergraduate or postgraduate level. Although research activities form part of the methodology, there is no minimum research requirement for participation. THE reserves the right to exclude universities that it believes have falsified data, or are no longer in good standing. Data collection Institutions provide and sign off their institutional data for use in the rankings. On the rare occasions when a particular data point is not provided, we enter a value of zero. View the full methodology for the THE Impact Rankings 2023 here. The THE Impact Rankings 2023 was published at 11:30am BST on 1 June. Two universities in Africa are included in the overall top 100 of the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2023, which are geared to assessing institutions contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and two placed first globally for their contributions to individual SDGs, reports the University World News. In the overall ranking, in which a total of 1,705 universities were assessed, two South African universities ranked highest in Africa: the University of Johannesburg (UJ) was placed in 46th position and the University of Pretoria (UP) in 69th place. UJ was also placed first for the work it does in areas related to SDG 1 (no poverty). KNUST The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) reigns first for its contribution to SDG 4 (quality education). It is gratifying to see that our university has once again been recognised for its significant contribution to societal impact, sustainability and innovation, through the SDGs. We are very proud of this achievement and excited to see even more outputs from our scholars in the near future. This is a testament to the outstanding work and dedication of our staff, postdoctoral fellows, students, research associates, research divisions, centres and institutes, Professor Letlhokwa Mpedi, UJs vice-chancellor and principal, told University World News following the announcement. According to him the university will continue to emphasise societal impact in what it does, including research on Global Excellence and Stature (GES) and the Fourth Industrial Revolution, thus, GES 4.0 for Societal Impact. In a media release the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology said: Management expresses profound gratitude to the diligent staff and students, invaluable partners, and esteemed stakeholders for their immense contributions leading to this remarkable milestone. This significant achievement stands as a testament to the collective efforts and commitment displayed by everyone at KNUST. In addition to UJ and KNUSTs achievement, several other institutions also fared well in the work done in areas related to individual SDGs. UP was placed 4th globally for SDG 8 (decent work and economic growth), and the University of Cape Town (UCT) 9th for clean water and sanitation. According to the THE, South Africa has done well on SDG 8 (decent work and economic growth) with two universities in the top 10 UP and UJ at 6th. What is measured? The THE ranking assesses commitment to sustainability across four broad areas: research, stewardship, outreach, and teaching based on self-submitted data from universities. However, a universitys ranking is based on its performance in SDG 17 partnerships to achieve the goals and three other SDGs, rather than across all the SDGs. The ranking, now in its 5th year, is the worlds only one that specifically measures universities contributions to the SDGs although there are other rankings that assess universities contribution to sustainability, such as the QS World University Rankings, Globethics.net University Ranking, and UI Green Metric. Among the global regions, Western Sydney University, Australia (1st) was top overall in the world and Australasia; Queens University, Canada (3rd) was the top-ranked institution in North America; the University of Manchester, UK (2nd) came out on top in Europe; Universiti Sains Malaysia (up one place to 4th) was top in Asia; the National Autonomous University of Mexico (32nd) was first in Latin America and UJ in Africa. The nine countries that participated in the rankings for the first time this year are Brunei, Curacao, Ethiopia, Mauritius, Mozambique, Panama, Serbia, Syria and Zimbabwe. Overall results for individual SDGs Results for each of the 17 SDGs, including a description of the content for the metrics used to score the SDGs: SDG 1 No poverty University of Johannesburg (South Africa): Research on poverty and support for students from poor families. SDG 2 Zero hunger Queens University (Canada): Research on hunger, teaching on food sustainability, and commitment to tackling food waste and hunger on campus and locally. SDG 3 Good health and well-being RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences (Ireland): Research on key diseases and conditions, support for healthcare professions, and health of students and staff. SDG 4 Quality education Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (Ghana): Contributions to early years and lifelong learning and commitment to inclusive education. b]SDG 5 Gender equality Western Sydney University (Australia): Research and policies on gender equality and commitment to recruiting and promoting women. SDG 6 Clean water and sanitation University of Exeter (UK): Research related to water, water usage, and commitment to ensuring good water management in the wider community. SDG 7 Affordable and clean energy Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (Malaysia): Energy research, energy use and policies, and commitment to promoting energy efficiency. SDG 8 Decent work and economic growth IPB University (Indonesia), RMIT University (Australia): Economics research, employment practices, and share of students taking work placements. SDG 9 Industry, innovation, and infrastructure University of Erlangen-Nuremberg (Germany), University of Stuttgart (Germany), Technical University of Munich (Germany) University of Twente (Netherlands): Research on industry and innovation, number of patents and spin-off companies and research income from industry. SDG 10 Reduced inequalities RMIT University (Australia): Research on social inequalities, policies on discrimination, and commitment to recruiting staff and students from underrepresented groups. SDG 11 Sustainable cities and communities Simon Fraser University (Canada): Research on sustainability, role as custodians of arts and heritage, and internal approaches to sustainability. SDG 12 Responsible consumption and production Western Sydney University (Australia): Research on responsible consumption and approach to the sustainable use of resources. SDG 13 Climate action University of Tasmania (Australia): Research on climate change, use of energy, and preparations for dealing with consequences of climate change. SDG 14 Life below water Macquarie University (Australia): Research on life below water and education on and support for aquatic ecosystems. SDG 15 Life on land University of Manchester (UK): Research on life on land and education on and support for land ecosystems. SDG 16 Peace, justice, and strong institutions Universiti Sains Malaysia (Malaysia): Research on peace and justice, participation as advisers for government, and policies on academic freedom. SDG 17 Partnerships for the goals Western Sydney University (Australia): The broader ways in which universities support the SDGs through collaboration with other countries, promotion of best practices, and publication of data. Broader focus than traditional rankings Universities in 115 countries were assessed. Progress was measured for each of the individual 17 SDGs, and across the goals as a whole, which saw 18 universities from 10 countries and regions achieve number one positions. Phil Baty, THEs chief knowledge officer, said: It moves away from the traditional and more narrow approach to rankings and looks at far broader issues examining how universities are improving our world. To appear in the overall ranking table, universities must have submitted to SDG 17 (partnerships for the goals) and a minimum of three other SDGs. The total score was calculated as follows: SDG 17 22% Top scoring SDG 26% Second best scoring SDG 26% Third best scoring SDG 26% In addition, the score for the overall ranking is an average of the last two years total scores. According to THE communications manager Ben Miller, this scoring measure was implemented for the first time this year to increase the stability of the overall ranking, and to recognise the overall ranking's position as a broader assessment of a university's institution-wide commitment to sustainability in general. Baty said the impact rankings are an extremely valuable tool for universities, governments, funders, and policymakers to understand how universities are supporting the drive to meet the UNs SDGs and what must be done to improve their performance even further in this massively important area. He said that the rankings are also vital for millions of prospective students who are increasingly demanding to see evidence that the universities they consider for their education are committed to sustainability and to helping them to become sustainably minded citizens. ECOBANK supports zero malaria initiative Kwame Larweh Jun - 03 - 2023 , 13:37 Financial giant, Ecobank Ghana, has donated a seed capital of $120,000 to the inaugural Zero Malaria Business Leadership Initiative project aimed at eradicating malaria in the country. To underline its commitment, the bank will also create a platform to solicit for funds for the campaign. At the launch of the project at the Ecobank Ghana head office in Accra last Thursday, the Executive Director and Head of Consumer Banking at Ecobank Ghana, Dr Edward Botchway, enumerated the impact of malaria on the nations Gross Domestic Product, healthcare system and the economy. According to the World Health Organisation, five million malaria cases afflict the nations citizens, with over 12,000 deaths recorded annually. The private sectors role is crucial in tackling this enormous task, he noted. He said the aim of the Zero Malaria Business Leadership Initiative was a good partnership between the state and the private sector, vis-a-vis corporate entities, to create a point of convergence where how to eradicate malaria completely in the country could be achieved. Ecobank will liaise with our customers and other corporate entities to go beyond the talk and get our boots on the ground to eradicate malaria, he noted. Speak Up Africa A senior malaria advisor to a Senegal-based non-governmental organisation, Speak Up Africa, Mr James Wallen, said tackling malaria needed a multi-sectoral approach and his outfit was geared towards working with the private sector in the country to eradicate the disease. Ghana is the fifth country to launch the Zero Malaria Business Initiative aside from Senegal, Benin, Burkina Faso and Uganda. The intent of the initiative is to mobilise the private sector to eradicate malaria, and this needs a robust multi-sectoral approach from all stakeholders, he stated. Ghana National Malaria Elimination Programme. The Programmes Manager of the NMEP, Dr Keziah Malm, affirmed that her outfit was committed to ensuring the successful operation of the Zero Malaria Business Leadership Initiative. She said the mortality rate was gradually reducing and in 2022 only six people died of malaria in the country. Despite these achievements, malaria remains a significant public health problem, Ghana is part of the 10+1 high burden countries for malaria and the disease persists as the leading cause of OPD attendance in the country, she noted. The Director of Technical Coordination at the Ministry of Health, Dr Baffour Awuah, who launched the initiative on behalf of the sector minister, called on all to work assiduously to achieve the goals of the initiative. Economic recovery will be swift - Finance Minister assures Emmanuel Bruce Jun - 03 - 2023 , 13:14 The Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, has reaffirmed the government's unwavering commitment to restore the countrys economic fortunes within the shortest possible time. Addressing a gathering of industry experts, policymakers, and international partners in Johannesburg, South Africa, Mr Ofori-Atta reassured participants of the government's dedication to revitalising the economy and securing a prosperous future for all Ghanaians. He was speaking at the MTN Group's 2023 Capital Market Day (CMD), a two-day event designed to foster dialogue with players within the financial community. While in Johannesburg, the minister of finance will engage with the South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa, through a virtual platform. Global crisis impact Mr Ofori-Atta acknowledged the far-reaching impacts of the global economic downturn triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing geo-political tension between Russia and Ukraine. These external factors have adversely affected Ghana's economy, compelling the government to seek support from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), he said. Measures Nevertheless, Mr Ofori-Atta said the government remained undeterred and was implementing measures to navigate the storm and restore the country economic fortunes. The minister outlined a series of comprehensive measures and strategies, designed to stimulate economic growth, attract investments, and create job opportunities. The finance minister emphasised the government's focus on enhancing key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and infrastructure development, while also stressing the importance of sustainable practices. "We are concentrating on boosting agricultural productivity, promoting local industries, and investing in critical infrastructure projects, Mr Ofori-Atta said. Through those actions, he added, we will establish a conducive environment for businesses to thrive, generate employment opportunities, and drive economic growth." The finance minister further underscored the government's commitment to fiscal discipline and prudent financial management. "We will maintain responsible fiscal policies, improve revenue generation, and prioritise the efficient allocation of resources. These measures will ensure that our economic revival efforts are sustainable in the long run," he said Mr Ofori-Atta highlighted the significance of swift action and emphasised the pivotal role a revitalised economy played in the well-being of the people. "We understand the hardships our citizens are facing, and we empathise with their concerns. That is why we are leaving no stone unturned in our efforts to expedite the recovery process," the finance minister said. Cooperation Touching on public-private cooperation, Mr Ofori-Atta stressed the importance of collaboration among the government, private sector, and citizens in achieving the desired socio-economic outcomes. Mr Ofori-Atta also called upon businesses, investors, and the entire Ghanaian populace to join hands with the government as it embarked on a transformational journey. President During the engagement with the South African leader, the two discussed areas of cooperation towards strengthening existing ties and building a healthy interchange for businesses in Ghana and South Africa. President Ramaphosa congratulated Ghana on obtaining an IMF deal in record time. He expressed the confidence that the government and the private sector collaboration would lead to a rapid resolution of the energy challenges currently being experienced in that country. For his part, Mr Ofori-Atta expressed optimism that such economic cooperation would have a meaningful and mutually beneficial impact on citizens of both countries. Background Ghana secured a deal with the IMF on May 17, this year, backed by Extended Credit Facility of $3 billion over three years. The programme is for restoring macroeconomic stability, ensuring debt sustainability, and laying the foundations for higher and more inclusive growth. The government requested IMF financial support in early July 2022. The IMF team and the Ghanaian officials engaged in expeditious discussions on a set of policies and reforms that could be supported by an IMF arrangement. The two sides reached an IMF staff level agreement in December last year on the policies and reforms and on the path towards approval of the programme by the IMF Executive Board. Since the approval, the first disbursement, equivalent to $600 million, has hit Ghanas coffers. GBC workers demand restoration of allowances Chris Nunoo Jun - 03 - 2023 , 13:23 Organised labour at the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) has given the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) up to next week Monday to restore their deducted allowances. Consequently, the group, which comprised the senior management union and the divisional union, has announced a roadmap to embark on an indefinite strike from Monday, June 12, 2023. The Divisional Chairman of the Public Services Workers Union (PSWU) at the GBC, Sam Nat Kevor, who gave the ultimatum at a press conference in Accra yesterday, therefore asked all members of the union to wear red bands or attire with effect from yesterday until the declaration of the strike. Today, as we speak to you, our senior management staff have lost 33 per cent of their salaries following this obnoxious and illegal decision. The allowances were fixed for the past 15 years and were part of the negotiated and approved condition of service while other ranks, up to manager level, have also lost some of their allowances, he indicated. Mr Kevor said some allowances had been removed by the Controller and Accountant Generals Department (CAGD) upon the directive by the FWSC and what was worrying was that apart from removing the allowances, some staff had also suffered a retro net offset deductions between GH600 and GH800. Mr Kevor said some of the allowances being enjoyed by GBC workers and which have now been deducted were not part of those that were consolidated. Indefinite strike. In view of the situation we find ourselves, we wish to announce a road map towards a full blown indefinite strike. From June 2, 2023, all staff will come to work either in red attire or red bands for one week, he emphasised and said, if nothing positive, in terms of the restoration of the deducted allowances, occurs, the unions will begin an indefinite strike. Background The FWSC began payroll auditing in April this year.Two weeks ago, the FWSC audited the payroll of the staff of GBC over some allowances which, it said, some staff of GBC did not deserve. It, therefore, wrote to the CAGD to stop the payment of the allowances and allow the affected staff to refund the money.The GBC unionised staff cautioned against the directive, but the CAGD had carried it through. Recounting the genesis of what led to the deductions by the FWSC, the divisional union chairman said these allowances were negotiated as per our collective agreement and senior management staff condition of service. He said the last negotiation by the Public Services Joint Standing Negotiation Committee (PSJNC) occurred on August 26, 2019, with the effective payment date being January 1, 2020. He said the disposition of the CEO of the FWSC began with the negotiation for our category two and three non-core allowances which started smoothly in 2021 with the then CEO, Dr Edward Kwapong, until Mr Arthur took over in the latter part of 2022. The posture of Mr Arthur, according to Mr Kevor, was clearly manifested in the number of times negotiations had to be adjourned. Negotiations Mr Kevor alleged that Mr Arthur deliberately delayed in forwarding the outcome of the negotiations to the Ministry of Finance for onward transfer to the CAGD. He said in spite of the intervention from the Minister of Employment and Labour Relations, Arthur still delayed for four months until he finally forwarded the signed agreement to the Ministry of Finance. Mr Kevor, who wore a red headgear and was flanked by the Chairman of the Senior Management Union, Alhaji Abdul Razak Tahiru, and a member of the Local Trustee, Mr Abraham Osekre, said a meeting convened by the Minister of Information and the CEO of FWSC to seek a resolution to the impasse could not yield any result as Mr Arthur claimed that the collective agreement of GBC had expired and also the allowances had been revised under the Single Spine Salary Scheme. He said in spite of efforts to prevent the deductions and to meet him, Mr Arthur went ahead and directed the CAGD to remove the allowances of GBC workers. Ken Ofori-Atta sues Captain Smart for defamation, demands GH10m Graphic.com.gh Jun - 03 - 2023 , 10:02 Ken Ofori-Atta, the Minister of Finance has filed a defamation suit against radio and television presenter, Blessed Godsbrain Smart, commonly referred to as Captain Smart of Media General. Captain Smart is the host and presenter of Maakye with Captain Smart on Onua TV and Onua FM. Mr Ofori-Atta's writ, filed on Friday, June 2, 2023 at the High Court in Accra, is demanding among other things a recovery of the sum of Ten Million Ghana Cedis (GH10,000,000.00) as general damages including aggravated and/or exemplary damages for defamation for the libel uttered by Defendant. An apology for and retraction of the words complained of and particularized supra. Captain Smart during one of his shows alleged that Mr. Ofori-Atta has taken a 10% share out of the International Money Funds $3 billion bailout for Ghana. Mr Ofori-Atta is therefore seeking a declaration that the words uttered by Captain Smart, are defamatory. "Are you aware that Ken Ofori Atta has taken his 10% of the IMF money?", "Every loan we take he takes 10%", were the words Captain Smart is alleged to have used against Mr Ofori-Atta on May 22, 2023 on his show. Mr Ofori-Atta is also seeking a perpetual injunction restraining the Defendant whether by himself, his servants, agents or assigns from repeating similar or other defamatory words against him. Mr Ofori-Atta contends in the writ that the above statements by Captain Smart are "not only palpably false, absolutely fabricated but were also deliberately calculated to disparage the Plaintiff. Those words are malicious and were clearly further intended to convey and would be understood to convey meanings that diminish the Plaintiff in the minds of right thinking members of society." "The said words set out supra in their natural and ordinary meaning meant and were understood to mean inter alia a. That Plaintiff is corrupt, b. That Plaintiff has diverted public funds and c. That Plaintiff has abused his office. By reason of the foregoing Plaintiff has been greatly injured in his credit, character and reputation, and has been brought into public scandal, ridicule, distress and embarrassment and has thereby suffered damage." Predecessors awards 2023 launched to recognize legacy and impact Jayne Buckman-Owoo Jun - 03 - 2023 , 22:07 The highly anticipated Predecessors Awards 2023 Europe, America, and Africa Editions were officially launched on Sunday, May 28, 2023, at the Dreamer's Hub in Accra, Ghana. The event, attended by guests from diverse backgrounds, was a vibrant and colourful evening. During his address, Mr. Raphaelle Antwi, the Founding President of Predecessors Awards Worldwide and a renowned author, unveiled this year's theme: "LEGACY: Impart before You Depart." He emphasized the organization's commitment to implementing five-star projects that benefit every aspect of society. These projects aim to address critical issues such as Authority, Appreciation, Foundation, Legacy, and Succession. The Europe Edition of the Awards is scheduled to take place on Saturday, July 29 in Strasbourg, France. The selected European countries include the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Italy, Luxembourg, Spain, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, the United Kingdom, and the host country, France. The Awards will honor outstanding predecessors in categories such as Family, Education, Religion, Law & Order, Sports, Charity, Leadership, Hospitality, Music, Creative Arts, Health, and Business. The America Edition of the Awards is set to be held on Saturday, 26th August in Columbus, Ohio. The selected American countries comprise Canada, Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, and the host country, the United States. The Awards will recognize exceptional Predecessors in areas including Leadership, Sports, Music, Education, Charity, Hospitality, Health, Business, and Creative Arts. The Africa Awards will be hosted in Accra, Ghana on Thursday, September 21. The selected African countries encompass Nigeria, Kenya, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Benin, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Angola, and the host country, Ghana. Overall, a total of seventy-five heroes from the aforementioned categories will receive well-deserved recognition this year. The organization also plans to appoint special ambassadors from each of the three continents to represent the five-star projects. Mr. Dennis Agyeman, President, and Miss Ruby Okine, Vice President of predecessors Awards Worldwide, urged the general public to embrace this remarkable initiative and become partners in securing a better tomorrow. The Predecessors Awards aim to lay the foundation for a legacy-driven society by honoring those who have made a significant impact in their respective fields. TVET gets another boost Emmanuel Bonney Jun - 03 - 2023 , 13:30 The country's technical vocational education and training (TVET) sector yesterday received further boost with the launch of a 16-million euro project to transform the sector. The three-year eight months initiative - EU-Ghana Pact for Skills: Support for the Transformation of the TVET System (STTSG), is a partnership between the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the European Union in cooperation with the Government of Ghana. It is being implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH in cooperation with the Commission for TVET, the Ghana TVET Service and other public and private partners. Capacities The project, among other things, is to strengthen the capacities of state actors for TVET reform. It will also improve the competencies of TVET personnel to apply competency-based training (CBT), enhance the integration of the private sector into the TVET system, ensure the availability of vocational schools offering training courses in the green sector and support the digital transformation of the TVET system. The BMZ is financing the project with 10 million euros while the EU is co-financing with six million euros. Over the years, the GIZ has supported reform processes through the Ghana Skills Development Initiative (GSDI). The STTSG project is a continuation of the support to the government in this regard. The logo for the project was unveiled while the EU Ambassador to Ghana, Irchad Razaaly, and the Country Director of GIZ Ghana, Regina Bauerochse Barbosa, signed an agreement to that effect. Launching the project, the Minister of Education, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, said he was excited about the project which was in line with the governments agenda to transform TVET. According to him, the government was making a great stride in the transformation journey, adding that President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo was a TVET enthusiast and advocate. Relevance The relevance of what we are doing is when the intended purpose manifests, he emphasises and added that so we can talk about TVET transformation and all that we want but if we dont get the young men and women with the requisite skills to really do the TVET of the 21st Century, we have done nothing Dr Adutwum said the university that would be partnering the GIZ must be fully aware that the initiative was a paradigm shift in the countrys transformational agenda. The German Ambassador to Ghana, Daniel Krull, commended Dr Adutwum and the TVET team for their tremendous work, success and achievements in recent years. He said for Ghanaian industries to stay competitive, the quality of the workforce was important and so it was the requisite quality of the vocational training system that would be decisive in realising the countrys ambition to become a more industrialised country. Mr Razaaly said the support to the project was part of the EUs efforts to help young Ghanaians to acquire skills. Continuation He said the EU-Ghana Pact for Skills was a continuation of the EUs support and deepening of cooperation with the country, and that is why we call it EU-Ghana Pact for Skills Ms Barbosa, for her part said the new project was a continuation of the successes achieved under the GSDI. The Director General of the Commission for TVET, Dr Fred Kyei Asamoah, pledged the support of the commission to the project. The Director General of the Ghana TVET Service, Mawusi N. Awity, lauded GIZ for successfully implementing the GSDI in the country. Ministry of Health assures Zipline of government's continuous support Kweku Zurek Health Jun - 02 - 2023 , 13:08 In a bid to enhance the delivery of critical medical supplies to health facilities, the Ministry of Health has assured Zipline, the renowned drone delivery service company, of the government's unwavering support in ensuring the sustainability of its operations. The assurance came during an event held at the Zipline Omenako Hub, attended by the US Ambassador to Ghana, along with representatives from the Ghana Health Service and the Ministry of Health to mark the fourth anniversary of the partnership between the government and Zipline. In his address, Deputy Minister of Health, Hon. Mahama Asei Seini highlighted the governments commitment to creating an enabling environment for Zipline to operate. "As a government-supported ministry, we are dedicated to fostering an environment that allows Zipline to thrive while optimizing standard operating procedures to better serve underserved populations. We will collaborate with the company to address any operational challenges they may face and revise the current standard operating procedures. Rest assured, the government, through the Ministry of Health, will continue to support your operations. The minister also added that the Government is looking beyond the healthcare delivery supply chain to deploy Zipline drones. He said already, there has been some pilot sessions that have had drones deliver emergency relief items in situations of flood. This, he said, will be the next focus of Zipline to utilize the drone services of the company in other viable industries. Responding to the government's reassurance, Zipline's Country Manager, Mawuli Atiemo, expressed his gratitude to the Ministry and underlined the company's dedication to its mission in Ghana. "We appreciate the Government and Ministry of Health's continuous support. We are committed to further strengthening our operations to deliver better healthcare outcomes for all Ghanaians The General Manager said To date, Zipline has completed an impressive 370,000 deliveries of medical products to more than 2,700 health facilities throughout the country, positively impacting the lives of over 20-million people Over the past four years, Zipline's drones have been transporting blood, vaccines, and crucial medications to health facilities across the country. The impact of these expedited deliveries has been profound, as infants previously at risk of dying from vaccine-preventable infections now thrive, and mothers experiencing life-threatening complications during childbirth receive immediate medical attention without being referred to other facilities due to a lack of medical supplies. The partnership between Zipline and the Government of Ghana is hailed as a remarkable example of successful collaboration between the public and private sectors. Together, they have established a seamless network of drone delivery services that have overcome geographical barriers, reduced delivery times, and saved numerous lives leading to Ghana gaining global recognition as a leader in the use of drones for medical logistics Volkswagen of America unveiled the three-row ID. Buzz in Huntington Beach, California. Paying homage to the iconic Volkswagen Microbus, the three-row ID. Buzz has been tailored specifically for North America. It offers a longer wheelbase than the two-row European vehicle that debuted in 2022 (earlier post), plus a bigger battery and more horsepower. The three-row ID. Buzz is planned for sale in the North American market starting in 2024. Just as with the original Bus, the three-row ID. Buzz has a rear-mounted powerplant as standard. The rear motor produces 282 horsepower, in comparison to the two-row European-spec model, which debuted with 201 hp. The battery is also larger at 91 kWh (gross), compared with the two-row models 82 kWh battery. The efficient skateboard designwith the battery mounted in the floornot only saves space, but also contributes to better handling by locating a large percentage of the vehicles weight low down in the structure. All-wheel drive GTX version is available for the three-row ID. Buzz at launch, with about 330 hp and dual motors. Like all current modular electric drive (MEB) vehicles, the Buzz uses a multi-link rear suspension and struts at the front. The new APP550 rear-mounted motor is a PMS (permanent magnet synchronous) design with a maximum torque of 406 lb-ft (550 Nm), packaged with the one-speed transmission and a new inverter (power and control electronics). The increase in power, torque and efficiency is achieved by a rotor with stronger permanent magnets that have a high thermal load capacity, a newly developed stator with a larger effective number of turns and maximum wire cross-section, a water cooling jacket for the outside of the stator, and a combined oil and water cooling system that also ensures higher thermal stability. The new electric motor of the ID. Buzz increases the top speed to an electronically limited 99 mph, up from the two-rows 90 mph. Outside, the ID. Buzz retains its traditionally boxy shape with short overhangs, giving it maximum utility on a minimal footprint. It is 192.4 inches in length, nearly 10 inches longer than the two-row Buzz; all that additional length comes from a 127.5-inch wheelbase, versus 117.6 inches for the two-row. It is 77.9 inches wide and 74.6 inches tall, making it roughly as wide as an Atlas, but five inches taller. Given that the original Bus was about as long as a 2019 Beetle and slightly narrower, this is a sizable increase. The coefficient of drag is just 0.29very good for a vehicle of this shape. Dual power-sliding rear doors with Easy Open and Close provide access to the third row and are replete with a modern take on the classic sliding windowsalso fully powered. The Buzz also features standard power-folding and heated side mirrors, plus a standard power tailgate with Easy Open and Close. This features allows owners to approach the vehicle with keys in a pocket or purse, and kick a foot under the rear bumper to either open or close the tailgate as needed. Proximity unlocking and keyless entry with illuminated door handles on the front makes ingress easy. On the D-pillar, air vents recall the original Buss rear-engine cooling slots. The aerodynamically optimized 20-inch wheels are a full four inches larger in diameter than a 1950 T2 models. IQ.DRIVE driver assistance technology, featuring hands-on Level 2 ready capability, is standard in the ID. Buzz. On the highway, IQ.DRIVE features lane centering and a capacitive steering wheel to help make driving easier. Around town, IQ.DRIVE helps alert you to obstacles in front of you, and keeps an eye around you to help make driving safer. Dynamic Road Sign Display is standard as well, and a head-up display, Park Assist with remote parking, and Area View are available features. General Motors and POSCO Future M announced the second phase of their Ultium CAM joint venture, an investment projected to exceed US$1 billion to increase production capacity of cathode active materials (CAM) in North America and integrate precursor materials production. pCAM is a specifically engineered combination of processed raw materials necessary to produce CAM, a key battery material representing about 40% of the cost of a battery cell. Currently, CAM and pCAM processing is highly concentrated in Asia. GM is executing plans to install 1 million units of annual EV capacity in North America in 2025, supported by four US battery cell joint venture plants with 160 GWh of capacity and grow from there in subsequent years. The Ultium CAM joint venture will support production of approximately 360,000 Chevrolet, Cadillac, GMC, Buick and BrightDrop vehicles annually in the 2025-2030 timeframe in North America. Increasing CAM production capacity and adding pCAM to our joint venture is another significant step in building a more secure and sustainable North America-focused supply chain to support GMs fast-growing EV production needs. We started by establishing battery cell production in the US From there, we have been working through the entire battery supply chain, all the way to raw material recovery. Were building higher levels of vertical integration, driving expanded investment and helping create jobs across North America. Doug Parks, GM executive vice president, Global Product Development, Purchasing and Supply Chain The companies established the Ultium CAM joint venture, which is majority owned by POSCO Future M, in July 2022. Site selection will be announced later. This announcement is the latest in a series of actions GM has taken to build a more secure EV supply chain. A timeline of GMs major supply chain development: Raw Material Recovery and Processing July 2021 - Announced strategic investment and commercial collaboration with Controlled Thermal Resources to develop California-sourced lithium extracted from geothermal brine. Dec. 2021 - Announced long-term supply with MP Materials for U.S.-sourced and manufactured rare earth materials, alloy and finished magnets. MP Materials is establishing the first North American processing site for alloy flakes, and will expand into magnet manufacturing at their new production facility in Ft. Worth. Dec. 2021 - Announced plan with POSCO Future M to produce CAM in Canada; site work in Quebec commenced in March 2022. April 2022 - Announced multi-year sourcing agreement with Glencore for sustainable cobalt from Australia. July 2022 - Announced six-year agreement with Livent beginning in 2025 for battery-grade lithium, with the goal of transitioning 100% of Livents downstream lithium hydroxide processing for GM to North America July 2022 - Announced supply agreement with LG Chem, which will provide GM with more than 950,000 tons of CAM over eight years, enough for approximately 5 million units of EV production. Oct. 2022 - Announced strategic collaboration with Queensland Pacific Metals (QPM) of Australia for long-term supply of nickel and cobalt. Nov. 2022 - GM announced agreement with Vale to source nickel from Canada. Dec. 2022 - Ultium Cells LLC signed a supply agreement with POSCO Future M to source artificial graphite from Korea. Jan. 2023 - GM announced supply agreement and $650 million equity investment in Lithium Americas to develop the Thacker Pass lithium mine in Nevada - the largest-ever investment by an automaker in battery raw materials; construction commenced in March 2023. Cell Manufacturing and R&D Dec. 2019 - GM formed the Ultium Cells LLC joint venture with LGES for US battery cell production. Oct. 2021 - GM announced Wallace Battery Cell Innovation Center in Warren, Michigan, to expand battery technology operations and accelerate development and commercialization of longer range, more affordable EV batteries. Aug. 2022 - Ultium Cells LLC began ramp up of battery cell production in Warren, Ohio. April 2023 - GM and Samsung SDI announced plan to build a new battery cell manufacturing plant in the US. EV Components Xiaomi sub-brand Redmi unveiled the Helio G85-powered Redmi 12C last December, and the company is expected to introduce the vanilla Redmi 12 soon. The Chinese brand hasn't divulged the Redmi 12's launch date yet, but its Portuguese division mistakenly listed the smartphone on its official website, revealing its specs, design, and price. The listing has been taken down, but thanks to Twitter user @kacskrz and German blog WinFuture, we know what the Redmi 12 will offer. The Redmi 12 will pack a 6.79" FullHD+ 90Hz LCD with a punch hole in the center for the 8MP selfie camera. And around the back, it will sport a triple camera setup comprising 50MP primary, 8MP ultrawide, and 2MP macro/depth units. Redmi 12 on Xiaomi Portugal's website Powering the Redmi 12 will be a Helio G88 SoC paired with 4GB/8GB RAM. Storage will be 128GB/256GB, with an option to expand it up to 1TB via a microSD card. The smartphone will have a 5,000 mAh battery under the hood, charged through a USB-C port at up to 18W (instead of rumored 33W). Redmi 12 The rest of the Redmi 12's highlights include an IP53 rating, NFC, an IR Blaster, and Bluetooth 5.3. The 4G smartphone will be 8.17mm thick and weigh 198.5g. Redmi 12's retail box The Redmi 12 will have at least three color options. And while WinFuture claims it will be priced at 199, Xiaomi Portugal's website revealed it will cost 209.99. We believe 199 will be the price of the base model having 4GB RAM and 128GB storage. Source 1, 2 (in German), 3 (in Persian) Haiti - News : Zapping... Nearly 6 people killed every day The Organization of Citizens for a New Haiti (OCNH), in its report of June 1st, 2023, reveals that 179 people were killed in May (5.7 people every day). 133 in the Ouest department, including 66 in the commune of Croix-des-Bouquets and 34 in Petion-ville. France : VISA application The Embassy of France in Haiti strongly recommends that you anticipate the submission of your visa application, which can be made up to 6 months before the planned date of entry into the Schengen area. In high season (May to October), appointment and file processing times increase significantly. As the visa department does not have the capacity to advance the appointments made with Sogebank, it is recommended that you schedule your appointment at least one month in advance and submit your application at least 15 days before the departure date. Weapons and ammunition seized at customs This week, customs officers in Saint-Marc discovered and seized in the morning several automatic weapons hidden in "igloos" as well as thousands of cartridges of different calibers. Taiwan to the aid of farmers The technical mission of Taiwan (Republic of China) in Haiti, in collaboration with the "Taiwan Foundation for Disaster Relief", worked together to help repair a 300-meter-long irrigation canal in the farm region of Chantal, in the southern province of Haiti. The repair of the irrigation system will help provide a stable source of water to farmers over an area of 50 hectares, allowing them to cultivate rice and food crops, while promoting regional agricultural development. Towards the purification of the PNH Members of the High Command of the National Police of Haiti (PNH) proceeded on June 1 to the inauguration of the office of the vetting process (Verification) in Port-au-Prince. This is a structure for monitoring the integrity and professionalism of PNH personnel. According to Emmelie Prophet Milce, Acting Minister of Justice who took part in the ceremony, this structure will strengthen the credibility of the PNH and restore the confidence of the population in the police institution. Voodoo priest member of "Kokorat San Ras" gang arrested Belando, thus known, voodoo priest and member of the "Kokorat San Ras" gang, was arrested by the police at Croix Perisse, 1st communal section of Estere, (Dept. Artibonite). A 9mm caliber firearm and two loaded magazines were found in his possession. HL/ HaitiLibre By William Schwartz | Published on 2021/11/18 Seong-bin (played by Kim Hae-joon) was once known as The Lighter, a legendary figure who could single-handedly wipe out platoons of goons. Present day tough guy Yong-ho (played by Ha Jae-yeol) recounts the story with gusto at one of those outdoor tent restaurants that's so popular in South Korea. Yong-ho is naturally unaware that Seong-bin is serving him at this restaurant, resigned to a middle age of middling opportunity now that he's an ex-convict. Advertisement The premise of "The Legendary Lighter" is quite strong. What happens to one of those badass guys who's really good at fighting but lacks social skills, and also any interest in the kinds of criminal organizations that would actually hire him? Seong-bin also has the misfortune of a terribly misleading face. He looks vaguely creepy, but not actually threatening enough that anyone is intimidated by him. Seong-bin is repeatedly harassed by a group of not terribly bright high school students in part because no matter how obviously dangerous Seong-bin is, they refuse to acknowledge the blow to their teenage pride. A lot of Seong-bin's life is just enduring petty indignity. And there's also moments where we can see that Seong-bin seriously wants to give that up. Seong-bin wants to go back to being The Lighter less because he wants to be violent and more because he just wants to be treated with some bare minimum level of respect. Unfortunately the movie doesn't really delve into this character conflict very much by the time we hit the second half. Mostly this is because of Jin-ah (played by Park Sharon), Seong-bin's love interest. Initially Jin-ah is a fairly interesting character. She mistakes Seong-bin for a stalker, then we find out that Jin-ah actually had good reason to be paranoid about being stalked. Her story starts to seem like a possible path for Seong-bin to gain a sense of purpose to his life. And this does happen, but in a much more boring way than was originally implied. Jin-ah suffers a rape attempt, then has a consensual sex scene with Seong-bin that featured a lot more nudity than I was expecting. And then she's just a bog standard damsel-in-distress. Yes, I've basically spoiled the entire movie at this point but the problem is once we get to the rape attempt everything else is painfully predictable. Even a hilariously cool shot of Seong-bin punching through a window can't compensate for the sheer triteness of the plotting going forward from there. It especially doesn't help that the various fight scenes are likewise generic. Plus, the ratio of fight scenes to exposition is quite low for a straight to streaming title like this. "The Legendary Lighter" meets the bare minimum standards for this kind of low budget picture, and I did kind of like the bleak cinematography in the rough yet pleasant neighborhood where the characters live, as well as the cozy little tent restaurant where Seong-bin works. But mildly interesting location shooting alone does make for a good movie. Review by William Schwartz ___________ "The Legendary Lighter" is directed by Chae Ki-jun, and features Kim Hae-joon, Park Sharon, Lee Dong-joo, Hong Dal-pyo, Ha Jae-yeol, Jang Jae-hyuk-II. Release date in Korea: 2019/10/29. DVD TW 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 Finnish Customs (Tulli) has uncovered a significant criminal operation involving the smuggling of narcotic medications. The investigation, initially focused on drug trafficking, has revealed an estimated profit of over 160,000 from the illicit sale of controlled substances. In addition, over 700,000 in cash was seized during residential searches. Finnish Customs is investigating multiple serious offenses, including aggravated drug offenses and money laundering. The criminal network came to light when Finnish Customs intercepted hundreds of narcotic medications during a customs inspection at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport in March 2023. Nearly 350 tablets, identified as oxycodone, alprazolam, and zopiclone, were confiscated. The suspect had smuggled the drugs into the country, hiding them both internally and in their luggage. The National Institute for Health and Welfare considers oxycodone to be an extremely dangerous narcotic drug with effects similar to morphine. Further investigations revealed that the suspect had shipped a package containing over 600 oxycodone and alprazolam tablets from Spain to their home address in Finland before their arrival. This discovery suggests that the individual had likely conducted similar operations in the past. According to Chief Inspector Kimmo Jauhiainen, the investigation into drug smuggling led to the revelation of a larger criminal case. During the residential searches, Finnish Customs confiscated over 700,000 in cash and other valuable assets. Some of the seized money was concealed within the suspect's residence, hidden within the structure of the stove. The majority of the funds, however, were stored in the residence of a close relative without their knowledge. Finnish Customs is investigating the cash and assets for suspected money laundering, analyzing the origin of the funds and ownership relationships. The ongoing investigation has uncovered evidence indicating that the suspect had traveled frequently to Estonia and Spain, bringing back more than 1,500 oxycodone and alprazolam tablets intended for distribution in Finland. Finnish Customs suspects that the illegal sale of these narcotics generated profits exceeding 160,000. Chief Inspector Jauhiainen emphasized the significance of comprehensive investigations in cases involving customs offenses. He highlighted the importance of paying attention to even subtle signs to ensure that seemingly isolated incidents are thoroughly examined, resulting in the maximum benefit for society. In this case, what initially appeared to be a single drug seizure at an airport ultimately led to the discovery of a 1 million criminal operation. As part of the smuggling operation, the suspect attempted to transport controlled medications between Schengen countries using fraudulent Schengen certificates. The investigation suggests that the suspect had been acquiring these certificates inappropriately from Estonia since last autumn. The Schengen Area includes countries such as Finland, Estonia, and Spain. The suspect, a resident of Helsinki, has been in custody since March 2023 in connection with the criminal allegations. The investigation is expected to conclude in the coming weeks, after which the case will be forwarded to the Southern Finland Prosecution Office for consideration of charges. Finnish Customs remains committed to combating drug trafficking, money laundering, and other customs offenses, aiming to safeguard society's well-being and security. HT The employment rate of women with an immigrant background is lower than that of Finnish women, and the disparity is even greater compared to men. In the "Digilla opin portaille" project, the language and digital skills of immigrant women were strengthened to address this issue. A recent publication highlights the outcomes of the project. The project aimed to enhance the educational and employability skills of immigrant women. Specifically, it focused on strengthening their Finnish language proficiency and digital skills. "Digilla opin portaille" was led by Miia Heininen, Project Manager from Diaconia University of Applied Sciences, and Johanna Tepsa, Project Coordinator from Diaconia University of Applied Sciences. According to self-assessments by the women who participated in the project's training, their skills improved significantly. The project has received overwhelmingly positive feedback. The participants found the training sessions beneficial, as they improved their digital skills and proficiency in the Finnish language. The warm and supportive atmosphere of the training sessions played a significant role in engaging and motivating the participants, according to Heininen. In addition to formal education, the project emphasized the importance of breaks. Specifically, building the participants' self-efficacy was crucial in providing effective career guidance and counseling, as stated by Tepsa. The "Digilla opin portaille" project organized eight training sessions for immigrant women and two training sessions for professionals in multicultural guidance work. Additionally, four shorter pop-up training sessions were conducted. A total of 300 hours of training were provided for immigrant women, with 140 participants reached. The project also engaged 130 professionals in multicultural guidance work through training sessions and a final seminar. The project developed materials to support multicultural guidance work, including materials in plain language, multiple languages, and targeted at adults. The materials include 32 Strength Cards, 20 I Like Myself Cards, 32 Conversation Cards, one Clear Guide to Studying, 156 words in multilingual glossaries, and four language-supported tasks. Target Audience and Future Implications: The publication is particularly valuable for professionals in multicultural guidance and education, as well as individuals interested in the topic. In Finland, there is a clear labor shortage in specific sectors. Supporting immigrant women in pursuing education and employment is crucial. Equipping professionals with tools for multicultural guidance work is equally important, state Heininen and Tepsa. The "Digilla opin portaille" project successfully strengthened the language and digital skills of immigrant women, contributing to their educational and employment opportunities. By providing comprehensive training and materials, the project aimed to address the lower employment rates among women with an immigrant background. It is a significant step toward promoting inclusivity and diversity in the Finnish workforce, ensuring that immigrant women can fully contribute to and benefit from society. HT This article about Leopard 2R breaching vehicles that Finland recently donated to Ukraine was published in Forbes on May 31. Here is a selection of what the international press has published about Finland in the last week: The article speculates on the potential role of the 47th Assault Brigade, of Ukraine particularly the Leopard 2Rs, in Ukraine's anticipated 2023 counteroffensive against Russian forces. The Finnish Leopard 2R, a modified version of the Leopard 2A4 tank, has its turret removed and is equipped with full-width mine plows manufactured by Pearson in the UK. With its 1,500 horsepower, the Leopard 2R can safely detonate mines and clear a path through minefields and fortifications. However, Finland had issues with the Leopard 2Rs performance on rocky terrain, rendering it less effective for their purposes. Consequently, Finland decided to donate all six breaching vehicles to Ukraine, hoping that the Ukrainian soil would be more suitable for their operation. The 47th Assault Brigade appears to have deployed to the forests near Svatove, around 80 miles east of Kharkiv, where one of their M-55S tanks was reportedly destroyed by Russian troops. If the Ukrainian general staff orders the brigade to breach Russian defenses, the Leopard 2Rs could play a crucial role in leading the way. Original story was published by Forbes on 31.05.2023 and can be found here. In Joining NATO Sweden & Finland Discard Human Security For Militarism This opinion piece on Finland joining North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and its implication in Nordic region was published in The Citizen on May 31. The article speculated whether Finland and Sweden have abandoned their policies of active neutrality and chosen a path of militarism by aligning themselves with NATO. The article suggests that this decision undermines the security and stability of the Nordic region, as it brings the United States, NATO and Russia into closer confrontation. The author raises concerns about the loss of sovereignty, the potential for conflict, and the increased military expenditure associated with NATO membership. By joining NATO, the two different neutrals, Sweden and Finland, have now abandoned all that served them well for so long. Old-time members, Denmark and Norway, have changed to accept foreign troops and pre-positioning of weapons on their territory. Iceland remains an unarmed member providing the Keflavik Base. These policy changes imply that the Baltic Sea is no longer a neutral buffer zone. Its now a NATO sea, the article reads. The article highlights that these countries joining NATO could pose challenges to peace, human security, and the pursuit of alternative policy concepts. It looks at NATO as a militaristic organization and argues that Sweden and Finland will be forced to align with the Western powers in future global shifts, neglecting potential opportunities for engagement with non-Western actors. The author Jan Oberg, PhD, is the Director of the Transnational Foundation for Peace and Future Research, TFF, in Sweden. Original story was published by The Citizen on 31.05.2023 and can be found here. Shining rainbow rings around the sun photographed in Finland. What caused them? This article about stunning images of concentric rainbow-colored rings around the sun, known as pollen coronas, captured in Finland was published in Live Science on June 1. Photographer Mikko Peussa captured the eye-catching images on May 30 near his home in Turku. The multicolored rings are caused by sunlight scattering off pollen in the air. The star-like sparkles that appear in and around the shining rings are individual pollen grains, which can vary in size. The pollen in the images came from pine trees, and the pollen grains have air sacs that help them float in the wind, creating the diffraction pattern and elliptical shape of the rings. The article points out that pollen coronas are only visible when pollen concentrations are high and the sun or full moon is partially obscured. Pine pollen has also been found to create large sea swirls on the surface of the Baltic Sea. Increasing pollen concentrations and seasons are linked to rising atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. Original story was published by Live Science on 01.06.2023 and can be found here. Deputy governor, parents to visit Finland in study abroad scandal Uasin Gishu County Deputy Governor John Barorats upcoming visit to Finland over the recent row on Kenyan students facing deportation risks in the country was covered in an article in Daily Nation on June 1. The students, enrolled in Finnish universities, have faced difficulties while studying abroad, including the threat of deportation due to unpaid study fees. The deputy governor is expected to visit Finland in September. The article states that the county government has not fully disclosed the details of the study deal before sending the students to Finland. It takes over Sh5 million to complete the course and this should have been disclosed to the parents at the outset. We have now told the parents, Barorat said. The article highlights on a tragic incident involving a nursing student who took his own life in Finland in April. The student cited frustrations stemming from a controversial study deal as the reason for his actions. The county government had facilitated the airlifting of 202 students to Finland for their studies, which has been a subject of controversy. The county government has been implicated in the situation, and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) is currently conducting a forensic audit of the program to investigate the matter further. Original story was published by Daily Nation on 01.06.2023 and can be found here. Finland feels safer now it is part of NATO, Minister for Foreign Affairs Pekka Haavisto tells Arab News Finlands ministry of foreign affairs, Pekka Haavistos statement on Finland feeling safer after joining NATO was covered in an article in Arab News on June 2. Haavisto also acknowledged that while Finland is not currently threatened by Russia, the war in Ukraine highlighted the potential for an escalation of conflict in Europe. Finland and Sweden both applied for NATO membership in July 2022, but their accessions were initially stalled due to demands from Turkey. Finland eventually gained NATO membership on April 4, 2023, while Swedens bid is still pending. We decided that together with Sweden, we will apply for NATO membership because of our own security, Haavisto said. We will not threaten anyone. We are not currently threatened. But, of course, when you saw a war in Europe, you could always imagine what an escalation of war could mean in Europe. Haavisto added. Haavisto expressed hope that Sweden would be approved as a NATO member prior to the NATO summit in July. The article also touches on Haavistos views on various foreign policy issues, including the conflict in Sudan and Finlands commitment to sustainable development. Additionally, it mentions Finlands efforts to become a global environmental leader and its hosting of the World Circular Economy Forum 2023. Original story was published by Arab News on 02.06.2023 and can be found here. HT Tell us about The Inheritors. How did the idea for it come about? Author Nadeem Zaman (Courtesy the subject) In early 2021, during spring semester at the college where I teach, Id included The Great Gatsby in the syllabus, and during class discussion one day it struck me how the issues social, historical, political in the book spoke to me through the lens of modern Dhaka and Bangladesh. How did I not see that before, was my thought? Inequalities of wealth, society intrigue, veneers, gossip, affairs, all of it. That was the seed. I began writing immediately and had a first draft not long after that. The influence of The Great Gatsby shines right through the narrative as it follows the lives of the young and the restless belonging to the upper echelons of Bangladesh society. Was that intentional? Intentional and informed by Gatsby, in that the people in The Inheritors are also trying to fill some emptiness, some longing, and when they cant, they seek alternatives in drinking and partying and just drowning out reality as easily as possible. How much privilege and wealth will be enough? What happens when theyre not enough? What is it that these people are seeking, are missing? I dont know that these questions are ever fully answered, or if they can be, but seeing them wrestle the conflicts, both outer and inner, is the point. Our lives arent one straight linear progression of events, theyre in flux. Displacement and migration following historic events is a central narrative thread. Did that happen organically or were these concerns that you had wished to highlight from the beginning? Both, I would say. Displacement and migration have been constants in my work. This is also informed and influenced by postcolonial concerns through which I see and read, but the inclusion of those threads was a conscious and deliberate choice. Dhaka has been the centre of my fiction for so long now that more or less everything Ive written thats been published has the city as a recurring character itself. I have drafts of a mammoth novel that (like Nisars book) traces the story of one family from the establishment of Dhaka in the early 1600s down to the 21st century, merging the familys history with the historic flashpoints of the city. So, while I claim no expertise over history, I do find fiction and history to be great and necessary collaborators more often than not. 256pp, 450; Hachette (Courtesy the publisher) There is an interlinking of personal history with that of larger political and historical events. Is that how you view your own connection to Bangladesh as a writer? Yes. The events recounted in the book were either history that I grew up hearing about or moments I recall from when I still lived Dhaka, especially in the late 1980s and the first couple of years of 1990s, when the army regime fell. Nisars story, however, is fictional, meaning there are no similarities beyond the superficial between his and mine. There is a marked difference between In The Time of Others and this novel. What was the reason behind the tonal shift? The book demands the tone. Youre absolutely right to note the shift. I also feel a palpable difference between writing in the first and third person, even if the first person is through the voice of someone that is unlike me in every way. I still become the voice giving that distinct other voice its language, so part of me will always be evident, to me certainly, and possibly to the reader. Were you also contending with the Western gaze on politics in erstwhile conflict zones situated in the Global South while penning this novel? Living in the West, in the US, where Bangladesh is of as little geopolitical significance as can be without being completely unimportant as a nation-state, I am constantly aware of the gaze placed on it, and the reasons behind it. Western narratives have written, shaped, controlled, world history for so long and with such widespread reach and influence, that were always in a standoff with that gaze correcting its blind spots, challenging its positions, its definitions, and its motives. For example, when I talk about the Cold War (quotes intentional), I call it the so-called Cold War. That period was very hot in places that werent the US or the former Soviet Union, and were grounds of the proxy wars between those countries - Bangladesh, Vietnam, Cambodia, to name a few. The Western gaze is a fiction pun intended and a construct, and its deliberate misconceptions need constantly to be questioned, critiqued, challenged, and dispelled. Having written in both the short story form as well as full-fledged novels, which would you say lends itself more easily to a narrative about disproportionate progress and attempts at post colonial nation building? Both. Ive explored the same themes in stories and my two published novels to date. It depends on the scope of the story, what I want to achieve with it. Sometimes a short story can be a springboard for a novel, or it can be the other way around. Gatsby is less than 50,000 words. It could have easily worked as a long short story, but that wouldnt have been enough for what Fitzgerald wanted to capture. Ive looked over my stories often and seen a novel hiding between the lines. My way of exploring that is to just write and see where I end up and what the story wants. How much of yourself do you see reflected in your protagonist given that he is presented as a writer wishing to compose a novel whilst attempting to connect with his homeland and his hybrid identity as a Bangladeshi-American? Just those basics, youve summed them up well. Nisars family and life situation are otherwise completely different from mine. He still has for the duration of the novel at least his familys place in Dhaka. He comes from wealth and still has that ancestral wealth as part of his existence, whether he cares or not. My case is the opposite. Except for a flat that my uncle owns and keeps on the land where once my grandparents house stood, I have nothing besides a bond with the city. I envy Nisar for what he has, even if its property and material things were talking about. That kind of belonging can be meaningful and precious, if only for the sake of memories. What are you working on next? Any writing projects in the works? I like to have something in the works all the time, preferably a novel, or an idea for one that Im picking away at. At present it is another Dhaka novel, very different, in another century - the 19th. Its been mined out of that mammoth book I mentioned above. Now lets see where it goes... Simar Bhasin is an independent journalist. She lives in New Delhi. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Justice Madhav Reddy: Why should Naxalities who do not believe in the Constitution take shelter under it? KG Kannabiran (1929-2010) was a senior advocate, human rights activist and co-founder, Peoples Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) (HT Photo) Advocate KG Kannabiran: When such issues come before the court, it is your values and not their values that are on trial. It is the values enshrined in the Constitution and the values of the state that are under test. A narration of this courtroom exchange is how I was introduced to KG Kannabiran. On one hand, his audacious response magnifies the position of the Indian Constitution while, on the other, it alerts the courts and the State of their heightened responsibility towards all citizens. The book The Speaking Constitution A Sisyphean Life in Law showcases several such real life incidents of KG Kannabirans calibre as an advocate, his courage as a human rights defender and his belief in the insurgent possibilities of our constitution. More inspiring are the references to his collaborations with friends and colleagues who amidst a spree of extra judicial killings, detentions and arrests, and even fatal attacks on communities at the margins continued their attempts in documenting, fact finding and pursuing legal and administrative mechanisms for relief and justice. This book clearly recalls how several of Kannabirans associates were arrested and killed while he himself was subjected to surveillance, intimidation and physical assault. It may also nudge readers to wonder how they were able to give shape to the human rights movement in such circumstances. 340pp, 699; HarperCollins The first two chapters of this autobiographical account of Kannabirans work and vision translated and edited by his daughter Kalpana Kannabiran, narrate his life history from his childhood to his days in legal practice. Thereafter, in 16 chapters, Kannabiran narrates the events and proceedings of cases where he participated as an advocate or as a human rights defender. The cases are contextualised with a commentary on the concerned provisions of the Indian constitution and background history. Through a series of specific cases, chapter three to nine and the last chapter of the book, provide a broad historical account focussing on the erstwhile state of Andhra Pradesh. It begins in the 1960s which saw a rise in peoples discontent with governance, the judiciary and the lack of change in the societal structure, and it ends in the first decade of the twenty first century which saw attempts at peace talks between the Naxalites and the government. Chapters 10 to 17 cover varying themes including the death penalty, adequate legal representation, rights of workers, reservations and conditions of tribals, Dalits and religious minorities. Kannabiran articulates how courts can never match the rationality and the consistency required in imposing the extreme punishment like the death penalty and calls it the most premeditated of murders. In the two chapters dedicated to religious minorities, he narrates his participation in various commissions and court cases. The chapters, while contextualising those events, point out to the evidence of constitutional assembly debates indicating how religious minorities were anxious about the standard of their citizenship even before the formation of India. Naxalite cadre photographed on 21 April 1993 in an undisclosed location. (HT Archive) Through the narration of different kinds of cases in which he provided legal representation, the author brings forth nuanced perspectives on several issues of criminal law, especially procedural law. From defending conspiracy allegations to proving conspiracy charges, the politics of jail courts, understanding and prosecuting undue influence, the registration of FIRs in cases of extra judicial killings Kannabiran covers a range of issues through discussion on important case laws as well as the provisions of the Constitution. He also, very importantly, shares his critical analysis of the law and the judiciary. For example, he raises the concern that, in cases involving allegations of violence by government officials such as police, the courts dispense with the vigil that the Constitution requires them to hold by assuming that all government officials are responsible officers. Similarly, he also illustrates how the principle of giving benefit of doubt to the accused is applied by the courts much more in cases involving the rich and the powerful. Despite being a busy advocate till his last years and a staunch believer in the Constitution, KG Kannabiran was acutely aware of the reality that justice can be delayed and denied using the law itself. He documents his discussions with judges and other courtroom proceedings. Such accounts give readers a glimpse of the fluid and subjective nature of the judiciary. Though this is an extremely important documentation of not just KG Kannabirans work but also the journey of the civil rights movement, it has some limitations in terms of language and content. A collation of different incidents rather than a sequential life story, the books structure inevitably leaves gaps which may make it difficult for readers to fully comprehend the context. The flow of the language is occasionally uneven and some legal terms are left unexplained, which may make it difficult to grasp for readers from a non-legal background. Despite being an active member of civil society, KG Kannabiran was also critical of different strands of the civil rights movement as well as the Naxalite movement. But his principled position recognised peace and justice as the collective right of society. He believed people deserved social, economic and political justice and not just legal justice. He links this broadened imagination of justice to the often ignored directive principles enshrined in the Constitution and calls for a campaign on constitutional values. He argued that at the least the government should do is protect the space for citizens to freely deliberate upon such issues. Baljeet Kaur works on issues of criminal justice. She studies Criminological research at Cambridge University. Rahul Yadav, the founder of Broker Network (operated by 4B Networks), a Prop-Tech company, reportedly maintained a luxurious lifestyle even as employees of the firm were left unpaid for several months. A startup news portal, Inc42 reported that Broker Network burnt over 280 crore in less than 18 months, while over 150 employees of the company remained unpaid since November last year. Rahul Yadav "Yadav turned to his long-time employees to borrow personal loans to pay employee salaries. One such top-level employee lent close to 50 lakh to Yadav. He has filed a criminal complaint against Yadav," the report noted. Rahul Yadavs entrepreneurial journey is bizarre. Its the kind of resume that should have certainly attracted questions from Info Edge or other investors that backed him, Inc42 notes. He starts companies, raises them, and then shuts them down. Broker Networks problems reportedly began in August 2022. The company sought the help of the firm Info Edge when it lacked funds to pay its employees. Info Edge then began asking questions to Yadav on the need to have 2K+ employees. Employees allege that roughly INR 9 Cr was being spent per month on the home visits business and around INR 18 Cr to INR 20 Cr on the home loans front. This amount includes operational and employee expenses we were told, so the monthly burn was just over INR 30 Cr by most estimates, the report cites. They also noted that all through this, Yadav maintained a luxurious lifestyle such as owning a Mercedes-Maybach and hiring a boardroom at the Taj Lands End for Rs80,000 per day. Yadav told us luxuries such as his Maybach came from his earnings at Anarock," and he was "also looking to buy a Bentley," one employee was quoted as saying. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ABOUT THE AUTHOR HT News Desk Follow the latest breaking news and developments from India and around the world with Hindustan Times' newsdesk. From politics and policies to the economy and the environment, from local issues to national events and global affairs, we've got you covered. ...view detail MysuruA 58-year-old blind woman allegedly died by suicide in Karnatakas Vijayanagara district on Friday, days after she was allegedly raped, police said on Saturday. The accused has been arrested, the officers said. Police said, the woman lived with her daughter and grandchildren. (Representative file image) Police said, the woman lived with her daughter and grandchildren in Vyasapura Thanda village in the Hagaribommanalli police station limits of the district. On the night of May 30, when the daughter went to attend a wedding with her kids, the 32-year-old accused, who is an acquaintance, visited the woman. As per the complaint, the accused raped her and threatened her against informing anyone, said Hagaribommanalli police inspector B Manjunath. When her daughter returned home, she found her mother in a distressed state and took her to the Hagaribommanalli taluk government hospital on May 31, the inspector said. The hospital authorities informed the police after which a case was booked. The woman had told police the name of the accused in her statement at the hospital, Manjunath said. We managed to arrest the accused on Friday and registered a case under IPC section 376 (rape), the inspector said. The woman was discharged from the hospital on Friday, and she allegedly consumed pesticide on returning home, dying on the spot. Bengaluru: Former Karnataka CM Basavaraja Bommai met former CM and senior BJP leader BS Yediyurappa here on Friday amid discussions in the party to decide the Leader of the Opposition. Former Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai meets BJP leader BS Yediyurappa, on Friday. (ANI Photo)(ANI Pic Service) It is to be noted that the state BJP is yet to decide the Leader of the Opposition in Karnataka where Congress emerged victorious in May 10 elections. On May 29th Basavaraja Bommai slammed the Congress government in the state saying the party has cheated the people regarding the implementation of the five guarantees given to the people during the elections. "Congress promised people free for all, free for us and free for you during the elections, but now they are making different statements. Even in the principal order, it was said that it is free for all. Now they are giving different statements," said Basavaraja Bommai speaking at a press conference at the BJP office in Bengaluru. READ | Karnataka CM, deputy CM, Bommai express grief over Odisha train accident He further said that the Congress should implement those schemes which they have announced during poll campaigning. "Now people are realising What Congress says is what does?. The congress colour will be sooner exposed. If people believe that whatever Congres says is right, then why did they lose the election in 2018 after that even the people sent us back home now it is done by Congress and the responsibility of them is to implement those schemes which they have announced," he added. Further, slamming the current Deputy CM DK Shivakumar and other Congress leaders, Bommai said that they blocked their black money in banks of abroad and made a 'one-to-one agreement' with those countries. "These Congress people have sludge the black money and have done one-to-one agreements with those countries. They have blocked it...people have elected him (DK Shivakumar) on his guarantees first he answers them," he said. The party's five "guarantees" were 200 units of free power to all households, 2,000 monthly assistance to the woman head of every family, 10 kg of rice free to all members of a BPL family, and 3,000 every month for graduate youth, 1,500 for diploma holders (both in the age group of 18-25) for two years and free bus travelling for women in government buses if the party is voted to power in the state. READ | Oppn accuses govt of cheating people, seeks information on funding Recently, the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) Staff and Workers Federation wrote to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah urging him to implement the electoral promise made by Congress of free travel to women in government buses. In its letter, the Federation claimed that there are incidents where bus passengers are refusing to buy tickets. "There have been instances where women passengers are putting pressure on their staff saying they can't pay and the government will pay ticket prices," the letter said. Notably, during a public rally in Mangaluru, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi declared the party's fifth poll promise of free travel to women in government buses. The BJP in Karnataka on Saturday asked the Congress government to bring out a white paper on the financial situation of the state and reveal the source of revenue for implementing the five poll promises of the party. Addressing reporters here, BJP state president and Dakshina Kannada MP Nalin Kumar Kateel said even while implementing the guarantees, the entire process lacked clarity. BJP Karnataka chief Nalin Kumar Kateel. The details of the implementation of the schemes should be made clear to the people, he said. On the 10 kg free rice scheme for BPL families implemented by the state, Kateel wanted to know whether it would be an additional 10 kg rice, besides the 5 kg rice already being provided by the Centre. Kateel said the state will face a deep financial crisis if the Congress is implementing the guarantees only with an eye on the coming elections to local bodies and the 2024 Lok Sabha poll. The state government should convey to the public the source of income for the implementation of guarantees. The Congress had announced the schemes before elections without any clarity and is implementing them without clear-cut details, he alleged. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday said that his Cabinet has decided to implement the ruling Congress's five poll guarantees, without any discrimination of caste or religion, and has fixed a timeline to operationalise the schemes within this financial year. In its manifesto for the Assembly elections, the Congress had promised to implement five guarantees -- 200 units of free power to all households (Gruha Jyoti), 2,000 monthly assistance to the woman head of every family (Gruha Lakshmi), 10 kg of rice free to every member of a BPL household (Anna Bhagya), 3,000 every month for unemployed graduates and 1,500 for unemployed diploma holders, both in the age group of 18-25 (YuvaNidhi), and free travel for women in public transport buses (Shakti), on coming to power. Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah talked to the survivors of Odishas train tragedy from the state and assured them full assistance by the state government. He also said that he sent a minister to the place of accident to coordinate and asked them to be in touch with him for any help. In a video released by the chief ministers office, Siddaramaiah (In phone) said, To help you all, I have sent minister Santosh Lad to Odisha. He will monitor the needs of Kannadigas and will help you all. Please tell him what all are needed and the state government is ready to provide. It is yet to find out how many people from Karnataka are injured in the train accident. Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah. Also Read - Helpdesk set up at Bengaluru's Yeshwanthpur railway station to assist Odisha train accident victims Karnatakas chief minister office tweeted, The Chief Minister @siddaramaiah spoke to more than 30 Kannadigas stranded at the site of the Balasore train disaster in Odisha and assured them that they will be brought back safely with all necessary help from the government. The Coromandel train crash that killed over 280 people and injured more than 900, happened near the Bahanaga Baazar station around 7 pm on Friday. The railways announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 10 lakh for the next of kin of the deceased, Rs. 2 lakh for those grievously injured and Rs. 50,000 for those who got minor injuries. Prime Minister Narendra Modi too expressed his condolences and announced an additional ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh for the next of kin of the deceased and Rs. 50,000 for the injured from the PM's National Relief Fund (PMNRF). He also visited the spot and reviewed the rescue operations that are taking place. In an age where landlords in Bengaluru are demanding LinkedIn profiles of potential tenants and rejecting them based on their score in 12th boards, this landlord has impressed the internet after investing 8 lakh in his tenant's start-up. The tenant received 10,000 dollars investment from his landlord, which comes up to 8.24 lakh. (REPRESENTATIVE PHOTO) The tenant, named Pawan Gupta, is the co-founder and CEO of a matrimony app called Betterhalf AI. He took to Twitter to narrate the story of how he found an unexpected investor in his landlord. READ | In Bengaluru, landlords call the shots as techies fight for flats Gupta praised the entrepreneurial spirit of Bengaluru residents and said the city is called the Silicon Valley of India for a reason. Using the hashtag Peak Bengaluru moment, he wrote, In a tough business landscape, I found an unexpected investor in my landlord. He recently invested $10K in my start up @betterhalfai. Truly amazed by the entrepreneurial spirit everyone in Bangalore shows. Silicon Valley of India for a reason. #peakbengalurumoment. He also shared a screenshot of the conversation he had with his landlord. I'm investing in you, honestly. All the best and hope you reach the greatest of heights. Dropped the investment. $10K, the landlord's text messages read. The start-up, Betterhalf AI, is called India's new age matrimony app and Indias first marriage super app, to find a compatible life partner and make your happily ever after a reality. Gupta's tweet had nearly 200 likes and over 200 retweets at the time this article was being written, and Twitter users flooded the comment section with shocked and impressed replies. READ | Bengaluru landlord rejects tenant over Class 12 marks, WhatsApp conversation goes viral Is that actually in $ ?? That's great funding. Best wishes, a user wrote, to which Gupta replied, Yes - thats correct. Bangalore surprises you. 10,000 dollars are worth 8.24 lakh. This is such a great news! another reply read. Other responses included Woah how cool is this, and This is something viral. In a joint operation, Punjab Police and Border Security Force (BSF), assisted by members of Village Defence Committee (VDC) on Saturday seized 5.5-kg heroin dropped by a Pakistani drone in Rai village falling under the Ajnala sub-division. An iron ring was also found attached to the seized consignment. (HT Photo) After having airdropped a heroin consignment, the drone had managed to go back to Pakistan side. The incident took place at around 2:50am on Saturday, when a joint patrolling team of Amritsar-rural districts police and BSF heard a buzzing sound in the village. Deputy superintendent of police (DSP-Attari), Parvesh Chopra said, When sound of the drone was heard, our patrolling team reached the spot and cordoned off the area with help of BSF jawans and the members of the VDC. He said, While conducting search of the area, our team recovered 5.5-kg of heroin from a farming field of the village. An iron ring was also found attached to the consignment. BSF and Punjab Police have formed VDCs in sensitive villages of the border area. The VDCs work to inform police and BSF about the movement of drones, besides helping the security agencies to cordon off the area, so that the smugglers do not succeed in collecting the air dropped consignments of arms, ammunition and drugs. Three armed miscreants allegedly robbed a 19-year-old man of his SUV at gunpoint in Tuition market in Model Town Extension on Saturday. Sarwinder Singh of Mansuran village said that on Saturday morning around 7 am, he reached the tuition market in his SUV with his two friends. (Getty Images/iStockphoto) The man had come to the market to attend IELTS class with his friends. The miscreants have been captured in the CCTVs installed in the market, police said. The Model Town police lodged an FIR against unidentified miscreants. Sarwinder Singh of Mansuran village said that on Saturday morning around 7 am, he reached the tuition market in his SUV with his two friends. One of his friends went inside the institute and another friend went for a walk in the market, while he kept on sitting in the vehicle as the class was yet to start. He said that three miscreants barged in the SUV and brandished a gun. The miscreants threatened him to step out of the SUV without raising an alarm. As he stepped out, the miscreants drove away the vehicle. Additional deputy commissioner of police (ADCP, city 3) Sameer Verma said that the police are scanning the CCTVs recording to trace the accused. Faridkot On November 7, 2019, two shooters of the Devinder Bambiha gang shot dead Baba Dayal Das. (Representational Photo (Getty Images/iStockphoto) ) Police declaring prime accused innocent, disappearance of case file and cops taking bribe from the complainant to re-nominate the accused, the special investigation team (SIT) led by the deputy inspector general of police (DIG), Ferozepur range, found many loopholes in the 2019 murder case probe. The Ranjit Singh-led SIT probe, a report of which was submitted to the Bureau of Investigation (BoI) on May 25, hints at the involvement of top-rank officials of the district in the shoddy probe. The investigation has now been handed over to the Punjab vigilance bureau (VB), said officials familiar with the matter. On November 7, 2019, two shooters of the Devinder Bambiha gang shot dead Baba Dayal Das, 55, the deputy head of Harka Das Dera at Kot Sukhia village in Faridkot district. Faridkot police named Baba Jarnail Das, head of another dera branch at Kapurewala village in Moga, as mastermind of the murder. Police had linked the murder to a succession war in the 80-year-old dera that has 12 branches in Punjab and Uttarakhand. The probe had found that Jarnail hatched the conspiracy to kill Dayal, but Punjab Police never arrested him and later gave him a clean chit. In April, Gagan Das, who is officiating as in-charge of the dera since the death of Hari Das in May 2020, filed a complaint with the Punjab director general of police (DGP) alleging that cops wrongly declared prime accused Jarnail as innocent and accused Faridkot cops of taking bribe of 20 lakh to re-nominate the prime accused in the murder case. Following the complaint, a three-member SIT-led by DIG Ranjit Singh was constituted. Following the submission of the probe report to the BoI on May 25, a case was registered under Section 120-B (criminal conspiracy) of the IPC and sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act at the Kotkapura sadar police station against Faridkot SP (investigation) Ganesh Kumar, deputy superintendent of police (DSP-narcotics) Sushil Kumar, sub-inspector (SI) Khem Chand Prashar, who is posted as in-charge of RTI branch at the office of inspector general of police (IGP), Faridkot range, and two others -- Jaswinder Singh and Sant Malkeet Das. Moga DSP ignored facts: SIT Jarnail was named as the prime accused in a chargesheet filed in August 2021. In September 2021, Jarnail filed an application through his follower claiming that he is innocent. The DIG asked Moga police to submit a report. The SIT probe said that during the investigation, DSP Ravinder ignored facts. Instead of going into the depth of reasons behind Dayals murder, the DSP relied on statements of residents to declare him innocent, the SIT said, adding that the DSP did not investigate the matter sincerely. Ex-DIGs role under the scanner The probe team said that a SP-led SIT had already probed allegations against Jarnail after the murder of Dayal and it was established he was the mastermind. It was not appropriate for the then Faridkot DIG to write to the Moga SSP asking for an inquiry by naming a single DSP, who was posted in the home district of Jarnail. The Faridkot DIG accepted the report submitted by the DSP and Jarnail was declared innocent without any facts on record, the SIT said. HC rejected report As Faridkot court had already summoned Jarnail in the murder case, he applied for bail in the Punjab and Haryana high court. During the hearing, Faridkot police filed a reply claiming that Jarnail is innocent. However, the HC refused to accept it and sought a reply from Faridkot range IG Pardeep Kumar Yadav. On October 12, 2022, IG Yadav formed a three-member SIT-led by SP Gagnesh, while DSP Sushil and SI Prashar as members, to probe the matter. SIT suspicious over reinstatement of SI The SIT said It is suspicious that sub-inspector (SI) Prashar, who was dismissed from service, was reinstated on the job and later appointed in the important cell of the Faridkot IG range office. He was given investigation of important cases as a member of SIT. In 2019, Prashar was dismissed following his arrest on charges of extortion, wrongful confinement and criminal intimidation. Prashar, who was the SHO of Maur police station was accused of taking 2kg gold from a person who had just returned from Dubai. Cops took bribe in two instalments Gagan claimed that on October 10, 2022, SP Gagnesh told him that Jarnail got a clean chit after giving money, so you have to pay 50 lakh to get him re-nominated. Initially, I refused to pay the amount, but the deal was finalised for 35 lakh of which 20 lakh was supposed to be given in advance and 15 lakh after the arrest of Jarnail. 15 lakh was handed over to SP Gagnesh on November 9, 2022, and 5 lakh was given on November 11. DSP Sushil, Malkeet Das and Jaswinder were also there, alleged Gagan. Murder case file missing It was found that the SIT led by Manjit Singh failed to find the case file, which had gone missing during the investigation of SP Gagnesh-led SIT. Later, the Manjit-led SIT prepared a fresh case filed collecting the available evidence on directions of IG PK Yadav. Strict action should be taken against officials concerned for the disappearance of case file, the DIG Ranjit led SIT said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Toronto The two were arrested on Thursday and search of a residence connected to them resulted in resulted in the seizure of 975 grams of cocaine . (Representational Photo) An Indo-Canadian father and son duo have been arrested and charged by Canadian police for alleged sexual exploitation of several teenaged girls over a period of many months. Police in the city of Calgary in the province of Alberta identified them as 24-year-old Sumrit Walia and 56-year-old Gurpartap Singh Walia. The multiple girls involved were not of age of consent. The investigation was undertaken by the Calgary Police Service Child Abuse Unit after a missing girl was located in April this year. She informed them that she was in a relationship with a 24-year-old man who allegedly provided her with alcohol, drugs, and vapes (e-cigarettes) in exchange for sex. The pair owned and operated Haddon Convenience Store and Premier Liquor Wine and Spirits, located next door, where the alleged assaults took place. As the investigation progressed, officers determined that the father and son were providing vapes, marijuana, cigarettes and alcohol to multiple other teenage girls, who were sexually assaulted at the businesses, a release from Calgary Police said. The incidents are believed to have occurred between December last year and this May. The two were arrested on Thursday and search of a residence connected to them resulted in resulted in the seizure of 975 grams of cocaine with a street value of $97,500 (approximately 60 lakh), and seven handguns. Police also seized a computer with child pornography, drugs and drug paraphernalia, contraband tobacco, vape cartridges and collapsible batons from their businesses. These are incredibly serious charges, where vulnerable youths were being targeted, exploited and forced to enter a dangerous lifestyle, Staff Sergeant Darren Smith of the Calgary Police Service Child Abuse Unit said. Sumrit Walia faces multiple charges including one count of sexual interference with a minor, one count of sexual exploitation, one count of sexual assault, one count of possession of child pornography, one count of accessing child pornography, one count of creating child pornography, seven counts of unlawful possession of a firearm, one count of possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking, among others. The charges that his father faces include four counts of sexual assault and four counts of sexual interference with a minor. The release added that the victims are being supported by the Luna Child and Youth Advocacy Centre which provides wrap-around support for children, youths and families who have been impacted by severe and complex abuse. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ABOUT THE AUTHOR Anirudh Bhattacharyya Anirudh Bhattacharya is a Toronto-based commentator on North American issues, and an author. He has also worked as a journalist in New Delhi and New York spanning print, television and digital media. He tweets as @anirudhb. ...view detail A day after a mahapanchayat of khap leaders in Kurukshetra gave the Centre a weeks time for the arrest of Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief and BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar has urged khap panchayat leaders to sort out this issue. A day after a mahapanchayat of khap leaders in Kurukshetra gave the Centre a weeks time for the arrest of Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief and BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar has urged khap panchayat leaders to sort out this issue. (HT Photo) However, the chief minister did not specify what kind of role the khap leaders could play as the matter is already under investigation by the Delhi Police and protesting wrestlers were adamant for the arrest of the WFI chief. Even the matter is under consideration of the Union government, and we had also made our efforts but due to some gap the issue could not be resolved. Now the khap panchayats should come forward to resolve this issue with their cooperation, Khattar said replying to a question when asked about the June 9 deadline set by the leaders of around 170 khap panchayats from Haryana, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh. Khattars reactions came a day after khap leaders led by Rakesh Tikait threatened to launch a fresh agitation on June 9 if the WFI chief was not arrested. On a question of BJPs humiliating defeat in Karnataka assembly elections, Khattar said that the people of Haryana are happy with the BJP government in the state and the party will win the next years assembly elections. On the first day of his two-day visit to his constituency of Karnal, the chief minister also held a closed-door meeting with the party workers from Karnal and he has advised them to reach out to every family and aware them about the policies of the government. During a workers, meeting the chief minister announced that all unauthorised colonies with streets more than three meters wide and main roads more than six meters wide will be regularised. He said that a plan for providing basic amenities in all such colonies will also be formulated. The CM said that through the Parivar Pehchan Patra (PPP), about 12.5 lakh ration cards have been made in the state, adding that those ration cards which are valid and have been wrongly cut due to some reason will be added to the same category again. While interacting with the common service centre (CSC) operators through audio conferencing from Karnal, the chief minister said digital governance in the last eight-and-a-half years proved effective for the citizens. This has curbed corruption and the administrative processes have also gained momentum, with change in the old dilapidated system. As a result, today the administration has become smart (simple, moral, accountable, responsible, transparent), he added. The CM asked the CSC operators that in case of any error or mistake in the data uploaded at the CSC level, it should be rectified within 48 hours so that people do not have to wait long for the services. He said that more than 500 schemes and services of the departments are being made available to the citizens online. This has been possible only through the CSC. They act as a link between the government and the public. About 13,000 active common service centres are operational in the state, where various types of 12,938 services are being provided, he asserted. In the financial year 2022-23, over 1.72 crore transactions have taken place through the CSC. Khattar laid the foundation stone of eight pilgrim projects in Karnal district to be completed at a cost of about 1,177 lakh. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Haryana development and panchayat minister Devender Singh Babli on Saturday faced protest from villagers during his visit to Fatehabads Bhattu Kalan. The villagers also raised slogans against Babli when he reached Bhattu Kalan to attend a programme. A few sarpanches have been protesting against our governments move to introduce an e-tendering system and they have backing from opposition parties. Our government is committed to change the villages on the lines of cities, Haryana panchayat minister Babli added. (Representational image) Addressing the people, Babli lashed out at a section of sarpanches and accused them of creating hurdles in the development of villages. A few sarpanches have been protesting against our governments move to introduce an e-tendering system and they have backing from opposition parties. Our government is committed to change the villages on the lines of cities, he added. A heavy police force was also deployed to avert the situation and Babli moved from another route after attending the programme. The sarpanches also protested against Babli and they claimed that they were protesting against the policies of the BJP-JJP government. We will continue to protest against Babli till our demands of revoking e-tendering system and an increase in the amount spent by the village head on development works are met, the sarpanches added. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Doctors here on Saturday agreed to end their strike after they were assured by chief minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu that they would keep getting the non-practising allowance (NPA). The CM said the government has decided to create a Department of Emergency Medicines in all medical colleges of the state with a view to strengthen the casualty department. A number of medical and veterinary associations had announced a strike after a decision to abolish NPA of doctors recruited by the state government. During a meeting on Saturday, Sukhu said the government had not abolished NPA for medical officers already in the job, a statement issued here said. He also accepted the demands of delegating drawing and disbursing officer powers to principals of medical colleges, giving representation to the doctors in the Himachal Pradesh Medical Corporation, and time-bound promotion of doctors. Sukhu said the doctors strike was illogical as the state government never stopped the NPA of the doctors already working and that they should have come forward to discuss the issues with the government before going on strike. He said in just five months of assuming the office, his government has started several reforms for the well-being of the medical fraternity. Besides increasing the staff strength of doctors, the government is working to fill various posts of para-medical staff, he said. The CM said the government has decided to create a Department of Emergency Medicines in all medical colleges of the state with a view to strengthen the casualty department. He said a scheme was underway to promote health tourism in the state and deliberations were on with some big companies already working in this sector. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON While presiding over the 13th Triennial Convention of Himachal Pradesh Koli Samaj at Rohru in Shimla district, chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said the present state government was committed for the welfare of all sections of society with a special focus on the vulnerable sections. Himachal Pradesh chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu (File photo) He commended initiatives undertaken by the Koli community and the work they were doing for the welfare of society. The chief minister also announced 30 lakh for the construction of Ambedkar Bhawan in Rohru and honoured outstanding students from the Koli community on the occasion. The chief minister said the state government would consider a one-time settlement policy for Co-operative Bank loan defaulters and emphasised the governments focus on education and health sectors. He said one Rajiv Gandhi Day Boarding School would be opened in each assembly constituency of the state to ensure quality education for the students. He said 300 crore would be spent on the scheme in a phased manner. He said the present government has restored the old pension scheme, fulfilling the long pending demand of the employees and budgetary provisions have been made to provide 1,500 per month to 2.31 lakh women, he said. The CM said the state government has allocated 2,399 crore for the Scheduled Caste Development Programme during the current financial year, adding that the state government also aims to provide employment and self-employment opportunities to Scheduled Caste families. He assured to extend all possible assistance to the victim family of the Totsa fire accident in Rohru. He said the government will cover the expenses of the treatment of a girl child who suffered burn injuries in a fire incident and would also bear the education expense of the other girl child of the family. Sukhu was also presented a cheque of 51,000 by Sukhdev Singh of Rohru area towards Mukhyamantri Sukh Asharya Yojna on the occasion. Health and family welfare minister Dr (Col) Dhani Ram Shandil congratulated the organisers for holding such a mega event of Koli Samaj at Rohru, while former MP Virendra Kashyap welcomed the chief minister. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON At least 40 passengers had a narrow escape after a state-run bus crashed into a pillar of an under construction flyover near Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) gate number 1 on Saturday. The bus that crashed into a pillar near PAU gate number 1 on Ludhiana-Ferozepur Road on Saturday. (HT Photo) Driver Malkit Singh and conductor Jaspal Singh of the bus suffered minor injuries in the mishap and were rushed to hospital. They were discharged after they were administered first aid. The passengers were sent to their destinations in other buses. Due to the mishap, the flow of traffic was affected. Later, the police removed the bus from the road. The bus driver said that the bus was plying on Ferozpur-Patiala route and had a stoppage in Ludhiana. When they reached near PAU gate number 1, the bus developed a technical snag and went out of control. The bus crashed into the pillar of the under construction flyover and stopped. The onlookers helped the passengers to come out of the bus and informed the police. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Amritsar All the fishermen crossed over to India around 1am through the land transit route of the Attari-Wagah border. (HT File Photo) Pakistan has released 200 Indian fishermen, who were handed over to the BSF at the Joint Check Post at the Attari-Wagah border, an official said on Saturday. All the fishermen crossed over to India around 1am through the land transit route of the Attari-Wagah border using Emergency Travel Certificate issued by the Indian High Commission in Islamabad, the official said. The fishermen were held after their boats allegedly slipped into Pakistan through territorial waters in the Arabian sea. A team of Indian doctors conducted the medical examination of the fishermen following their repatriation, said the official. The moment they stepped foot on Indian soil, the fishermen bowed and kissed the land, the official said. Fishermen are frequently arrested and their boats seized by both India and Pakistan as the maritime border in the Arabian Sea is poorly defined and many fishing boats lack the technology to ascertain their precise locations, according to officials. An eight-year-old boy died after a speeding tipper truck rammed into a Sufi mazar in Dera Bassi area. Such was the impact of the collision that the structure fell over the child. An eight-year-old boy died after a speeding truck rammed into a shrine in Chandigarh. (HT File) The victim has been identified as Nitin, son of Pamkaj Kumar. The family looked after the shrine located on Government College road in Dandrala village and lived in the complex. Police said the incident took place this afternoon when Nitin and his grandfather Shanker were collecting donations for an upcoming event. The driver, identified as Rajanpreet Singh of Amritsar, lost control of the speeding truck while taking a turn and rammed straight into the structure. Neighbours rushed to the boys aide and rushed him to the hospital where he was declared dead on arrival. Assistant superintendent of police Darpan Ahluwalia said the accused tipper truck driver has been arrested and a case under section 304 (death by negligence) of the Indian Penal Code has been registered. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Delhi high court on Saturday reserved its order on the interim bail plea of former deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia in the money laundering case linked to the alleged excise policy scam and asked the Lok Nayak Jaiprakash Hospital (LNJP) in the city to file a fresh medical report of his wife by Saturday evening. The court was informed that while Sisodia was taken to meet his wife on Saturday, she was admitted to the LNJP hospital due to her deteriorating health condition. (PTI) On Friday, the high court had permitted Sisodia to visit his residence to meet his ailing wife, while reserving its order on his interim and the regular bail applications. It had also asked the Enforcement Directorate, which is probing the case, to submit the medical report of Sisodias wife by Saturday. The ED filed a fresh medical report opposing the interim bail on Saturday and the court said that it would hear fresh arguments. The court was also informed that while Sisodia was taken to his residence to meet his wife on Saturday morning, she was admitted to the LNJP hospital due to her deteriorating health condition. After hearing the arguments, justice Sharma reserved its order and said that it would pass appropriate orders in a day or two. During the hearing, advocate Zoheb Hossain, for the ED, opposed Sisodias interim bail plea and claimed that after the Supreme Courts judgment on administrative services last month, there was unauthorised removal of documents from the office of the special secretary (Vigilance). The agency said that documents continue to be tampered. The counsel also said that Sisodias wife has been suffering from the degenerative disease for over two decades and the six weeks bail will make no difference to her but only to Sisodia. He also contended that Sisodia was holding 18 portfolios and was busy with his work, hence his mother-in-law is looking after her, adding that the former minister could not have been the sole caretaker of his wife. Please see, he held 18 portfolios. It included finance, education, labour, vigilance, PWD, health, power, home, irrigation and flood control. He could not have bene the sole caretaker, advocate Hossain said. Hossain said that Sisodia had filed another interim bail plea but it was withdrawn on May 24 and there are judgments that say that such withdrawal amounts to dismissal unless they are able to show that something dramatic has changed. Appearing for Sisodia, senior advocate Mohit Mathur countered the submissions and said, Yes, he is the only caretaker. The only son is studying abroad. Would it make a person less of a caretaker if he is holding 18 portfolios? We are busy and dealing with multiple cases throughout the day. But dont we go back home at the end of the day, and are we not the caretakers of the family? The senior counsel further said that a persons life cannot be so insignificant that her husband cannot meet her even when she is in such a condition. What kind of jurisprudence are we heading toward, he asked. Are they still investigating? I am behind bars. This is an argument of prejudice, Mathur added. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Delhi vigilance minister Saurabh Bharadwaj has written to chief minister Arvind Kejriwal seeking disciplinary proceedings against special secretary vigilance YVVJ Rajasekhar, and his removal from the position citing corruption as well as violation of All India Service (AIS) Conduct Rules, 1968, insubordination, and misconduct. Delhi minister Saurabh Bharadwaj. (File) Bhjaradwajs action comes two days after Rajasekhar lodged an FIR at the IP Estate police station against unidentified people for allegedly removing confidential files from his office on May 16 -- a move that Bharadwaj had questioned, calling the sequence of events false. In his letter dated June 2, Bharadwaj said that he wants to bring to the CMs attention repeated and blatant insubordination, undisciplined behaviour, falsification of material facts, and transgression under multiple counts of the AIS Rules by Rajshekhar. Bharadwaj also attached several documents in the letter to ostensibly substantiate his claims, including details about the allegations against Rajasekhar demanding a bribe for the appointment of a person on compassionate grounds. HT has seen a copy of the letter. Also Read: Govt nod must for all services-related matters in Delhi, says minister Rajasekhar not respond to queries seeking comment. A 2012 batch IAS officer of the AGMUT cadre, Rajasekhar currently serves as special secretary, vigilance and also holds the charge of special secretary services. The officer has been in the eye of the storm since May 13, when Bharadwaj, who also holds the services portfolio, divested him of all duties, citing allegations of corruption and extortion soon after the Supreme Court gave the power over services to the Delhi government. The officer rejected the graft charges as baseless, and said in a report to the lieutenant governor (LG), chief secretary and others that he was framed using a forged document. In the letter to the CM, Bharadwaj said, It may be noted that the said Rajasekhar has a long history of being under the scanner of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) and the Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) of GNCTD under different corruption-related cases throughout his career. Earlier, while divesting Rajasekhar of all duties, the minister had ordered that all assistant directors of vigilance should put up files directly to the vigilance secretary Sudhir Kumar. Referring to that, Bharadwaj said in his letter: Secretary (Vigilance) was further directed to take custody of all files being held by Special Secretary (Vigilance) apprehending that the latter will resort to tampering and destructing the official records. At no stage were any instructions issued to Secretary (vigilance) to put up files to the office of the minister. Despite these written orders, YVVJ Rajasekhar has deliberately, wilfully and illegally held hostage umpteen files pertaining to Vigilance Department, seemingly due to ulterior motives. Furthermore, rather than complying with instructions of his superiors and submitting himself to fair investigation, he resorted to concocting false and frivolous stories and sharing them widely in media to undermine the credibility of the functioning of minister in-charge and secretary (vigilance) of Delhi government. In the FIR, the official had alleged the files were copied by unknown people, shortly after he was shunted out. To be sure, the directorate of vigilance cited an ordinance promulgated by the Centre, that introduces a bundle of new provisions in the GNCTD Act, 1991, effectively nullifying the SC judgement which shifted the authority of controlling bureaucrats in the national capital from the LG to the elected Delhi government. The order to reinstate Rajasekhar was signed by assistant director (caretaking). Rajasekhar has been at the helm of several probes against the Delhi government, including the now-scrapped Delhi excise policy 2021-22, advertising expenses, alleged instances of the government spying, and the expenses made while renovating the CMs official residence. The minister in his letter said that Rajasekhar has tried to link the decision to withdraw all work from him with a specific case being investigated by the vigilance department, suggesting ulterior motives without presenting any evidence or fact to substantiate the same. Rather than submitting himself to a fair investigation, he repeatedly attacked the actions of his minister-in-charge. This amounts to an act of direct insubordination and unethical behaviour on multiple counts. It also begs the question that if he had done nothing wrong, why did he resort to attacking his superiors? Bharadwaj had tweeted. Commenting on the development, the president of the Delhi unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Virendra Sachdeva said that the Delhi government was trying to influence and pressure officers involved in the probe against him. Kejriwal wants to appoint an officer who he can pressure and influence the inquiry to get a clean chit. Therefore, immediately after the May 11 order of the SC, the Delhi government has been stubbornly trying to remove the service and vigilance secretaries. If the vigilance secretary is as corrupt as he has been portrayed, then why did it come to the notice of the CM only after the SC order? Sachdeva said. The Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) is set to start a pilot project to introduce a smart charging system for its electric buses with an artificial intelligence (AI) software indicating the most appropriate hours to recharge buses at the DTC depots, officials aware of the matter said. Delhi has 400 electric buses and the state government plans to add 1,500 more by the end of this year. (HT Photo) The pilot will be launched next week at the Rajghat 2 bus depot which has a total capacity of 150 electric buses. The test will go on for three months. At one go, 35 e-buses can be charged at the depot, they said. The software will have access to the data from the power distribution companies (discom) grid at the depot. It will analyse the data to find the times of the day, when the peak load is less, and relay that information to the depot staff so that buses can be charged during those hours. This will lead to savings in electricity costs and reduce grid load, said Amit Kale, chief general manager, DTC. An average e-bus has a battery of 240 kilowatts, which would consume about 240 units of electricity for a full charge that takes one hour. Experts explained that at the household level, most air-conditioners consume around two kilowatts of energy. So, fully charging one electric bus is like running 120 household ACs for an hour. This is a huge load on the grid, which managed charging can help offset. The discoms supply electricity at a fixed rate. However, if the load during peak hours is very high, the discoms need to take additional power from the grid at additional cost. In such cases, an energy surcharge is levied on the consumers for electricity consumption during peak hours. If there is a mechanism to inform when the load on the grid is low, it will help in saving this surcharge for the consumer (DTC) and will also reduce the load on the grid (helpful for discom). Delhi has 400 electric buses and the state government plans to add 1,500 more by the end of this year. Electricity consumption for charging heavy electric vehicles and the overall load on the grid are two of the major concerns regarding the introduction of large electric vehicles. Officials said as of now, a 12-metre-long electric bus takes about an hour for a full charge. A bus can operate for an optimum 120km on one full charge. Usually, one full trip of a DTC bus is not more than 50km, so a fully charged bus makes at least two trips without a recharge, they said. Kale said that one of the conditions for the project is that the schedule of the buses should not be disturbed and charging times should be suggested accordingly. Electrification of the transport sector is progressing rapidly, and without smart management solutions, the whole electrical supply system can experience disruptions due to increased demand during the peak use period. Accordingly, to improve the efficiency of the system, smart management of transit fleet electrification, fleet management, and grid connections is required to avoid any interruption for the local public, said Kale. DTC officials said the buses are usually charged after their morning shift between 12 noon and 2pm. Another charging period is after 10pm, when the evening shift is over. The new software will coordinate with the discom and send an alert to the depot in real time about when the load has been reduced. Officials added that the pilot project will be implemented in three phases. First, a simulation study will be done at the depot to analyse the performance of the existing charging infrastructure. Then, the live charger management system will be implemented. If it seems successful, in the third phase, the system will be replicated at other depots across the city. Looking at it from another perspective, bus batteries absorb and store energy when charged. These can be charged during non-peak hours and made operational throughout the day after that. The batteries can also be used for power supply, almost like a generator, if required. This is unlike any electronic device like AC, which can only run when electricity is available. So, it reduces peak hour energy demand, eventually leading to energy savings, said N Mohan, CEO of Delhi EV Cell. Managed depot charging will result in optimisted charging, which can ensure that buses are properly powered when needed while reducing unnecessary burden on the existing infrastructure and supporting a more reliable and resilient grid, said Pawan Mulukutla, director-integrated transport, World Resources Institute, India. Former Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia arrived at his residence from the Tihar jail on Saturday, after getting interim relief to meet his ailing wife, who was taken to a hospital after her health deteriorated prior to the AAP leader's arrival. AAP leader Manish Sisodia arrives at his residence in New Delhi, Saturday, June 3, 2023. (PTI) According to AAP sources, Sisodia's wife Seema was hospitalised as she felt unwell. She is suffering from multiple sclerosis and was hospitalised last month as well. "She was taken to the emergency ward of LNJP Hospital. Sisodia reached AB-17, Mathura Road, to meet his ailing wife at 9.38 am in a prison van. He was taken inside the house amid tight security. "But he could not meet his wife as her health deteriorated and she had to be hospitalised," a party source said. The Delhi High Court on Friday allowed the AAP leader, arrested in cases related to alleged irregularities in the city government's excise policy, to meet his ailing wife at his residence. Justice Dinesh Kumar Sharma directed the Tihar jail superintendent to take Sisodia to his residence where he has been allowed to meet his wife from 10 am to 5 pm. A senior jail official said Sisodia was taken to his residence around 9 am under security cover. He will have to report back at 5 pm. Sisodia was arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on February 26 for his alleged role in the scam and has been in custody since. The high court denied him bail in the CBI case on May 30. He was arrested on March 9 in the case lodged by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and is currently in judicial custody. The high court made it clear that Sisodia shall not interact with the media or any other person except his family members, and also not access phone or the Internet. Gurugram: The cloverleaf interchange of the Dwarka Expressway near AVL 36, a housing society, has been temporarily closed for public use by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) due to ongoing construction work, officials said on Saturday. Gurugram, India-June 03, 2023: The clover leaf of Dwarka Expressway has been temporarily closed for commuters use by National Highways Authority of India due to ongoing construction work at National Highway-48 near Kherki Daula toll plaza, in Gurugram, India, on Saturday, 03 June 2023. (Photo by Parveen Kumar/Hindustan Times)(Pic to go with Leena Dhankar's story) NHAI officials said that legal action will be taken against anyone found violating or trespassing the barriers put in place. Earlier in May, the NHAI had closed a loop on the stretch for the safety of residents, but commuters removed the barricades and started using the stretch. On May 25, the stretch was opened for commuters after Gurugram deputy commissioner and a team of traffic police visited the spot. Also Read: Now, traffic violators in Chandigarh to get e-challans only through SMS Gurugram deputy commissioner Nishant Kumar Yadav said that they had held a few meetings with officials of the NHAI. Our prime concern is the safety of commuters. The loop connecting Dwarka Expressway with the National Highway (NH-8) will be opened once the construction work is completed, he said. Earlier, commuters were seen removing barricades and driving from the wrong side. Traffic police have been directed to deploy a team on the stretch and to take action against those found driving from the wrong side, Yadav said. A senior district administration official said that the expansion joints of the stretch are being tested and once all tests are positive, the loop will be operational for traffic movement. On May 18, Union road transport and highways minister Nitin Gadkari had conducted an inspection of the Dwarka Expressway and said that there were minor shortcomings that would be rectified at the earliest. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Police on Saturday arrested seven suspects for allegedly assaulting two employees of Huda Gymkhana in Sector 4 over suspicion of theft, Gurugram police said. Gurugram, India-June 03, 2023: Around seven people attack on the Huda Gymkhana club swimming pool with knife, iron rods and sticks on supervisor at the counter, in Gurugram, India, on Saturday, 03 June 2023. (Photo by Parveen Kumar/Hindustan Times)(Pic to go with Leena Dhankar's story) The two employees alleged that the suspects had attacked them with iron rods, sticks and knives on Friday evening and tried to kill them. Both are undergoing treatment at a private hospital and are stable, police added. According to the police, they received a call on Friday evening and were told that some visitors were creating a ruckus inside the Huda Gymkhana and assaulted the manager and supervisor. A team from Sector 9 police station was sent to the spot. Abu Bakr Siddiq alias Washir (45), who hails from Tripura and works as a manager in the swimming pool, said that around 2pm, seven people paid 2,000 online and booked a slot for swimming. After their swimming session, they went to the changing room and alleged that their money was stolen. We told them that no one had entered the room, but they were not ready to listen and assaulted us, Washir said. Washir further said that he along with supervisor Sajid Khan were sitting at the reception when the incident took place. Varun Dhaiya, assistant commissioner of police (crime), said, The suspects had attacked Khan with a knife. They also broke the furniture before fleeing, he said. A case under Section 147 (riot), 148 (rioting, armed with deadly weapon), 149 (unlawful assembly guilty of offence committed in prosecution of common object), 323 (assault), 324 (Voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous weapons or means), 452 (house trespass) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) was registered against the suspects at Sector 9A police station, said police. The suspects were arrested and have been identified as Bharat Kumar, Kamlesh Singh, Deepak Kumar, Rakesh Singh, Gagan Yadav, Jatin Kumar and Lalit all residents of Gurugram, police added. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Mashrekul of West Bengal's Malda district was heading to Chennai in search of work when the train tragedy in Odisha took away his life, officials said on Saturday. District Magistrate Nitin Singhania said 20 people from Malda were involved in the accident. Besides the two deceased, 12 people were injured in the mishap.(HT Photo) Mashrekul, 23, was travelling on the Shalimar-Chennai Central Coromandel Express, which was involved in the crash that killed 261 people, they said. His family was in anxiety ever since they received the news of the accident on Friday night. "We got to know around 9 pm that the train on which Mashrekul was travelling has derailed. We started calling people travelling with him. We got to know about his death around dawn," his mother said, crying inconsolably. "He left home on Thursday. He told us that he is going to Chennai for work," she said sitting outside her modest house in Dhangara village in Chanchal block. Mashrekul, the sole bread-earner of the family, is survived by his parents, wife and two children. Malatipur MLA Abdur Rahim Boxi of the TMC visited Mashrekul's house and assured the family of all possible support. Nityam Ray, a resident of Bhomrail village in Bamangola police station area of the district, was also killed in the accident. He too was travelling on the Coromandel Express when the accident happened, his family said. Ray, 30, spoke to his wife moments after he boarded the train from the Shalimar station in Howrah district. "That was the last time I spoke to him," she said. He was going to Kerala along with a relative, Chandan Ray of Tapan police station area in Dakshin Dinajpur district, in search of work. The relative has been missing since the accident. District Magistrate Nitin Singhania said 20 people from Malda were involved in the accident. Besides the two deceased, 12 people were injured in the mishap. "The district administration was taking all steps for the safe return of the people. A control room has been set up at the Malda Town station for the assistance of the returning people," he told PTI. The accident in Balasore involving three trains -- Coromandel Express, Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express and a goods train -- killed at least 261 people and injured another 1,000, in one of the worst railway tragedies in the country. A 40-year-old man drowned in the Pavana Dam located in the Chavsar village in Maval tehsil of the Pune district on Friday, said police officials. Reports suggest that drowning was the cause of death, said officials. (REPRESENTATIVE PIC) The deceased has been identified as Laxman Baban Sathe. Sathe was visiting his sister. On Friday evening, he ventured into the dam waters for a swim, but struggled to stay afloat. A team of expert divers from the Fire Department were deployed for search operations. However, his body could not be found. On Saturday morning, police authorities along with local trekking groups including Vanyajiv Rakshak Sanstha Maval, Shiv Durga Mitra Lonavla initiated a search operation and fished out his body.The body has been sent for post-mortem examination. Reports suggest that drowning was the cause of death, said officials. A man on Thursday night posed as a valet parking employee of a marriage hall in Ambegaon , along the Katraj-Dehu bypass, and drove away with a guests car. Police said that due to ongoing construction work, CCTV cameras in the hall were dysfunctional. (REPRESENTATIVE PIC) The complainant, who is resident of Handewadi Road in Hadapasar and an employee of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), promptly reported the incident to the Bharti Vidhyapeeth police on Friday. According to police officials, the complainant, accompanied by his wife and son arrived at the venue to attend their nephews wedding. While within the premises, an unidentified man approached the complainant, offering valet parking services. Assuring the guest that he would safely park the vehicle and hand over the keys to the security guard stationed at the entrance, the imposter gained the complainants trust. Subsequently, the unsuspecting victim handed over the car keys and proceeded to the venue. After waiting for five minutes without seeing his car being parked, the complainant grew suspicious. Failing to locate his vehicle, he tried to find out accused with his car but he failed to spot him. Police officials from the Bharti Vidyapeeth police station said that due to ongoing construction work, CCTV cameras in the hall were dysfunctional. However, police tried to obtain CCTV footage from the nearby locality to ascertain the identity of the accused. A case regarding same has been registered at the Bharti Vidyapeeth police station under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and police are investigating the case. Attention, Studio Ghibli fans! The highly anticipated film "How Do You Live?" is set to hit theaters in Japan this summer, but don't expect any trailers or new images to be released beforehand. In a surprising move, the studio has decided to keep the details of Hayao Miyazaki's final directed film under wraps until its premiere. Exciting news for Studio Ghibli fans! "How Do You Live?" will premiere in Japan this summer, but details are being kept secret. Based on a novel, the film explores human existence.(Studio Ghibli) Based on a Japanese novel from 1937, the story follows Junichi Hondas, a high schooler navigating the complexities of life. Unlike Ghibli's fantastical tales, this film delves into the realities of human existence, drawing parallels to Miyazaki's "The Wind Rises." While the release date for North America remains unknown, it's safe to assume that the film's popularity will likely lead to an eventual international release. Producer Toshio Suzuki recently confirmed that there will be no additional trailers, images, or advertisements for "How Do You Live?" The enigmatic teaser poster featuring a bird will be the sole official material released by Ghibli. With this being touted as Miyazaki's final film, the anticipation surrounding its debut is sure to build to extraordinary levels. For those curious about the film, here's a glimpse into the novel's premise: "How Do You Live?" introduces fifteen-year-old Copper, who grapples with the recent loss of his father. As he gazes upon the bustling city of Tokyo, he begins contemplating profound questions about life itself. The narrative alternates between Copper's journey and his uncle's journal entries, offering wisdom and unveiling fundamental truths about the world we inhabit. Also Read | Netflix and chill for otakus: 5 wholesome Studio Ghibli movies you should watch Although fans may be disappointed by the lack of pre-release information, this approach only deepens the intrigue surrounding "How Do You Live?" As moviegoers, we're invited to embark on this cinematic adventure with little foreknowledge, immersing ourselves in the poignant tale crafted by Miyazaki and his team at Studio Ghibli. So, prepare for the unexpected and embrace the mystery of "How Do You Live?" when it finally graces the silver screen. Remember, sometimes the greatest discoveries come from venturing into the unknown. Stay tuned for updates on the international release and get ready to experience Miyazaki's final directorial masterpiece. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Alia Bhatt posed for Harper's Bazaar Arabia's May issue and impressed her fans with her quirky photo shoot in oversized and colourful outfits. Now a behind the scene video from the shoot shows how Alia was vibing in the outfits and even grooving while enjoying herself during the time. Also read: Alia Bhatt joins Julia Roberts, Idris Elba and more Hollywood stars in new Gucci video. Watch Alia Bhatt had a lot of fun during a magazine photo shoot. Sharing the video, the official Instagram page of Harper's Bazaar Arabia captioned the post: Throwback to our phenomenal May 2023 cover shoot with Indian megastar @AliaaBhatt. From acing her poses to grooving to her favourite tunes, the multi-award-winning actor is seen having the best time on set; Bazaar Arabia shares some behind-the-scene clips here Her fans praised Alia's look on Instagram Fans on Instagram loved her outfits. A fan wrote, Always unique and bright. Another said, Inspiration: Disney's beauty and the beast. One more fan commented, "She slayed every single look." A fan called Alia Indescribably beautiful. Reddit didn't approve of Alia's styling However, when the video was shared on Reddit, many were of the opinion that the costumes didn't go down well with Alia's personality. A Reddit user wrote, If 'I don't belong here' was a video. Another said, The pants are too long. They could have chosen better outfits that actually suit Alia's height and body frame. Sadly a miss. One more said, The stylist could have done a much much much better job at this. A comment also read, The outfits have so much potential, why do they not work? I dont think its about her height, petite models and actors make things look good too. Alia was recently appointed as the first Indian Global ambassador of the Italian high-end luxury brand Gucci, and joined several activists and artists from around the world in Seoul. Before that, she attended the MET Gala in a pearl gown. Alia's upcoming films Alia will soon be starting the promotions for her upcoming film, Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani. She will be seen opposite Ranveer Singh in the film which also stars Shabana Azmi, Dharmendra and Jaya Bachchan. She will also be seen in her debut Hollywood film, Heart of Stone. It also stars Gal Gadot and will release on Netflix. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Sushmita Sen's sister-in-law Charu Asopa has revealed the former Miss World called the doctors first before informing her family about her heart attack. Sushmita had suffered a heart attack in March this year during the filming of her upcoming web series, Aarya 3 and underwent angioplasty and stent implant. Charu is married to Sushmita's brother Rajeev Sen but the two are separated now. She said her daughter Ziana Sen seems to be as strong as aunt Sushmita. Also read: Sushmita Sen celebrates with daughters Renee, Alisah on 29 years of Miss Universe win. See pics Sushmita Sen during her brother Rajeev Sen and Charu Asopa's pre-wedding function. Sushmita on suffering heart attack Sushmita had left her fans in shock when she revealed about the heart attack in an Instagram post. Sharing a picture with her father, she wrote, Keep your heart happy & courageous, and itll stand by you when you need it the most Shona (Wise words by my father @sensubir). I suffered a heart attack a couple of days backAngioplasty donestent in placeand most importantly, my cardiologist reconfirmed I do have a big heart. Lots of people to thank for their timely aid & constructive actionwill do so in another post! This post is just to keep you (my well wishers & loved ones) informed of the good news that all is well & I am ready for some life again!!! I love you guys beyond!!!! #godisgreat #duggadugga." Charu on how Sushmita's heart attack Talking about Sushmita's heart attack, Charu told ETimes, Iske baare mein family mein kisi ko nahi pata tha because I think didi ne kisi ko bataya nahi tha. (No one in the family knew about this because I think she didnt tell anyone about it). So when it happened, she was in Jaipur and before she could tell anyone, she herself called the doctors. When I got to know this, I called my mother-in-law and asked her about it and she told me that now she (Sushmita) is fine. No one expected it and everyone was shocked. She called Sushmita a fighter and said that their entire family was very proud of her. She said, Be it any problem, she fights it out and added, Ziana has many of her qualities. Jitni strong mujhe wo lagti hai, mujhe Ziana bhi utni hi strong lagti hai (Ziana seems to be as strong as Sushmita). Sushmita's upcoming projects Besides Aarya 3, Sushmita also has a web series, Taali. She will be seen as transgender Shreegauri Sawant who was one of the petitioners in the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) case of 2013 after which the Supreme Court recognised a transgender person as the third gender. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON On a sun-kissed afternoon, the delightful breeze transformed the weather into an ideal setting for actor Niharica Raizadas memorable excursion in Delhi. She was in the city to promote her upcoming film and embarked on a delightful gastronomic journey through Dilli Haat. Besides indulging in delectable culinary treasures representing different states of India, she checked out some cool stuff on display and spoke to us about her journey as well as food memories of the Capital. Niharica Raizada on her love for Delhi A CUSTOMARY BIRTHDAY VISIT While Delhi visits are mostly work-related for Raizada, the actor she tries to be here every year on her birthday on April 18. I come to Delhi maybe four times a year and that too, just for only a day every time. I wish I could come more often, but I dont have that many options to come because I dont have that much work here. However, I definitely make it a point to come here on my birthday and follow my ritual of going to Hanuman Mandir (in Connaught Place) and sometimes Akshardham temple, says the actor, who has majority of her family based in Delhi. The actor who was born and brought up in Luxembourg, adds, My naani has ten brothers and sisters and they live in Dwarka, Vasant Kunj, and Punjabi Bagh. In fact, my mom and dad got married in Punjabi Bagh only. Besides my family, I also have a few friends, who are mainly people I work with. DELHI FOOD IS WHAT I MISS THE MOST Asked what all she likes about the city, and the IB 71 and Sooryavanshi actor says its the political vibe and food in Delhi that she connects with the most. I find people here very intellectual, driven and politically aware, says the actor, adding , Delhi food is what I truly love. And I miss this taste because you dont get that anywhere else in the country. You also so much variety here. Even the smallest of thing like a gulab jamun cannot be made well anywhere else except in Delhi. Also, I absolutely love and miss yahan ke rajma chawal. Thats the most authentic you get in Delhi. Ive tried all kinds of cuisines across the globe, but nothing like home-cooked rajma chawal. DELHI DARSHAN AND SLANGS While strolling around Dilli Haat checking out stalls of various states and whatever shopping items were on display, Raizada goes down memory lane and gets nostalgic recalling her 2020 Delhi tour, which she took with her brother and father, when they had visited India from Europe. We went to the Parliament, and all the famous monuments like Red Fort, Jama Masjid and India Gate. I visited all of these old architectural beauties, says the granddaughter of music composer O.P Nayyar. Raizada, who was crowned Miss India UK in 2010 also picked up some local phrases, as she tells us, Youd often hear Delhi people say, You look totta (beautiful) or they call you soni kudi. In Delhi, when people speak Hindi, its very colloquial with a lot of apnapan. Its more about the way it is said rather than the actual words. STREET SHOPPING IN THE CAPITAL Besides lip-smacking food, the actor also shares her love for Delhis bustling markets and the shopping experiences she has had here as she admits being to most of these famous markets. Ive checked out Sarojini Nagar, where you can buy a lot of great handbags and beautiful Indian crafted jewellery. Then, Palika Bazar is the place where you get a lot of interesting and well-priced items. From local markets to malls, Ive seen everything in Delhi, says the actor. Pakistani actor Javed Sheikh's recent comment during an interview have not sat well with a few of his countrymen and women. The actor, who played Shah Rukh Khan's father in his 2001 movie Om Shanti Om, has revealed how much he charged for his work in the movie. (Also read: Yami Gautam says actors fees should be realistic) Javed Sheikh played a former superstar and Shah Rukh Khan's father in Om Shanti Om. Javed Sheikh's comment In an interview with Gloss Etc, Javed was asked about his experience working on the Farah Khan film. He was finalised for the film and later, there was a discussion about his payment. Their manager came to me, said they needed to sign the contract. I said, yes. What will be your fee? I said I won't take any money. The thing is that firstly it's a matter of honour for me that I am playing Shah Rukh's father in his biggest film ever. India has so many actors. You choose anyone and they will be ready to take on this role. But Shah Rukh and Farah Khan choosing me is a thing of honour for me. That's why, because of Farah and Shah Rukh, I will not take any money. The manager refused to listen and said it was against the rules. They had a long discussion about it then Javed finally suggested, You go and tell Shah Rukh I will take just one rupee. I'm not joking. Then, the film's team decided how much Javed should be paid. When they sent me the first cheque, it was shocking itself. The negative reactions According to website Reviewit.pk, Javed got some less than favourable reviews for his comments. Many thought he had no self respect to be asking no money for his hard work. This is what you call not having any self respect. The man didn't even charge any fee for his job, wrote one. Dunno why they put Indian actors on such pedestal, commented another. This man should have chosen a minimum professional fee at least. Why come across as someone with no value in front of others, commented a person. Omg that's agains showing them how little we are and you are our superior. Regards how big they are. You should get money for your work. No one work for free, read another comment. And you just humiliated in front of them, being of no value, asked a person. Javed Sheikh's other roles Apart from Om Shanti Om, Javed also worked in My Name Is Anthony Gonsalves and Namastey London, in which he played Upen Patel's father. When asked if Pakistani actors will work in Indian films again, he said, Our political relations with Hindustan are not well these days, ever since BJP came into power. Maybe it will be better if a party other than BJP comes into power. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Days after the Cannes Film Festival came to an end, Richa Chadha shared her red-carpet look for this year on Instagram. The actor was in Cannes with actor husband Ali Fazal, as producers. On Friday night, Richa finally shared a glimpse of what she had worn on the red carpet this year, which was a present from Ali Fazal, and her fans loved the simple yet elegant look. Also read: Richa Chadha is in Cannes as producer, shares LOL moment as event ID has her Masaan still in place of picture When Richa Chadha walked the red carpet at Cannes Film Festival few days ago. Richa Chadha wore an ankle-length pale pink dress from Zimmermann with white embroidered details and a belt. She paired it with white heels and matching earrings and left the hair untied. Sharing two pictures of herself, she wrote, I got DMs from some of you asking about my Cannes red carpet look, voila! Wore @zimmerman, @karishma.joolry for the premiere of Jessica Hausner's Club Zero, refreshingly neurotic film! My director Shuchi Talati offered sartorial advice, helped me out, then we walked to the Palais together! A simple, different, creatively exciting Cannes experience for me! Dress present from @alifazal9. She added, "PS: Did my own HMU in 30 minutes! There's a pearl detail clip too, come on! Hehe. Thanks @anishagandhi3 for being, plz tell @rochelledsa to like me back. #CleanUpNice #cannes2023 #Newproducer #RichaChadha #alifazal." Fans love Richa's dress Richa's fans were all praise for the dress. Many wrote, You look beautiful. A person commented, Wow this dress is so elegant and classy it suits you so naturally and. Real natural without trying so hard and elegant personified. One more wrote, Finally someone elegant wearing what one can actually decipher! Looking lovely! Look like princess, wrote a fan. According to an Indian Express report, Richa and Ali were exploring partnerships to expand their ventures which include Shuchi Talatis debut feature, Girls Will Be Girls, an animation film/show Doggy Stylz and one more project. What all Richa did at Cannes During her time in Cannes, she had shared a video of her candid moments with Ali Fazal. Summing up her Cannes visit this time, she had written, #Cannes done, first time with @alifazal9, switching gears again hung with long lost friends who I dont meet enough in Mumbai ! And made some new friends! Watched a few cool, brave films and did two red carpets (pictures will follow), learnt a lot, took cool meetings and reunited with team #GirlsWillBeGirls! Youll be hearing from us pretty soon @pushingbuttonsstudios . #Madness #Cannes2023 #actorslife #producerslife #RiAli #CinemaLovers #whyareyoureadingmyhashtags. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Veteran Amitabh Bachchan suffered several injuries at work but his biggest remains the one when injured himself on the sets of Coolie. He was rushed to a hospital where he remained in a coma and did not respond to treatments despite multiple surgeries. He was even declared clinically dead for a few minutes before being put on the ventilator. Recalling the scary situation, Jaya Bachchan once revealed the doctor told her to pray for him as it was the only option left. Also read: Amitabh Bachchan reveals what cute thing Jaya Bachchan does when she feels romantic When Jaya Bachchan was told to pray for Amitabh Bachchan but she couldn't. Amitabh Bachchan injured on the sets of Coolie Amitabh Bachchan injured himself on the sets of Coolie on August 2 in 1982 during an intense action sequence. He was filming a fight scene with actor Puneet Issar at the Bangalore University campus when he miscalculated a jump and ended up injuring his abdominal area. It caused him massive internal haemorrhage and bleeding. Amitabh Bachchan recalled being in coma Simi Garewal once asked Amitabh about it on her show. The actor revealed, I was in a coma. I had ruptured my intestine in the accident on the set. And then there was the surgery which was conducted almost as an emergency. We went to Bombay 5 days later, the sutures ruptured, and I had to have another surgery. It was the end of that surgery where I couldnt come out of anaesthesia for 12-14 hours. Thats when they felt it was all over because there was hardly any pulse, BP was down to almost zero. Jaya Bachchan shared her reaction to Amitabh's injury On the other hand, Jaya shared her reaction when she was informed about Amitabh's condition by her brother-in-law. She said, "When I had reached the hospital where my brother-in-law said, Where were you, we were searching for you? We have been looking for you? And I said I went home to see kids. Then he sort of took me up, he asked me to be brave and then I am going to tell you. I was like, no its not possible, hes not going to do this. I know its not possible. I had the prayer book in my hand, hanuman chalisa. Dr Dastoor passed by and said, Its only your prayers thatll help. But I couldnt read it. I couldnt see what they were doing but I could see that they were pumping his heart, they were giving him injections. And after they gave up, I saw his toe move, and I said, He moved, he moved. And then he revived." Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan got married in 1973. They have two children--daughter Shweta Bachchan and son-actor Abhishek Bachchan. Jaya and Amitabh are celebrating 50 years of togetherness on Saturday. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON In the world of Hollywood icons, even the greatest actors have their moments of disappointment. Brad Pitt, known for his collaborations with renowned filmmakers and his impressive filmography, recently revealed while talking to the New York Times the one movie that left him feeling less than satisfied. Surprisingly, it wasn't a lesser-known project but rather a historical epic that had high expectationsTroy. Brad Pitt recently revealed the film he was disappointed about. Pitt, who has worked with esteemed directors like David Fincher, Quentin Tarantino, and Terrence Malick, has established himself as one of the most celebrated actors of our time. From his breakout roles in Thelma & Louise and Seven to his Oscar-winning performances, Pitt's career has been a journey of success. However, amidst his numerous achievements, Pitt admitted his disappointment with his role in Troy during an interview with The New York Times. Reflecting on his career choices, he confessed, "When you're trying to figure things out in your career, you get a lot of advice. People are telling you that you should be doing this, and other people are saying you should be doing that." Pitt explained further, "I could not get out of the middle of the frame. It was driving me crazy. I'd become spoiled working with David Fincher. It's no slight on Wolfgang Petersen; Das Boot is one of the all-time great films. But somewhere in it, Troy became a commercial kind of thing. Every shot was like, 'Here's the hero!' There was no mystery." Despite Troy's commercial success and an Oscar nomination, Pitt recognized the lack of depth and artistic nuance that he desired. It was a pivotal moment for him, prompting a decision to invest in quality stories and follow his instincts. The disappointment in Troy marked a turning point in his career, leading to a decade of remarkable films. In Wolfgang Petersen's adaptation of Homer's Iliad, Pitt portrayed the legendary warrior Achilles alongside a star-studded cast. The film showcased the assault on Troy by the Greek forces, delving into the lives of the men involved in the epic battle. Although it may not have garnered critical acclaim, Troy provided Pitt with valuable lessons for the future. Reflecting on the experience, Pitt shared, "I'm following my gut from here on out. I had to do Troy becauseI guess I can say all this nowI pulled out of another movie and then had to do something for the studio. So I was put in Troy. It wasn't painful, but I realized that the way that movie was being told was not how I wanted it to be. I made my own mistakes in it." Brad Pitt's candid revelation about his disappointment with Troy serves as a reminder that even Hollywood icons are not immune to less-than-stellar projects. It highlights the importance of staying true to oneself, following instincts, and pursuing quality storytelling. Also read | Has Brad Pitt finally found someone to settle down with after Angelina split? As Pitt continues to captivate audiences with his exceptional performances, we can appreciate his honesty and the valuable lessons learned from his journey in the ever-evolving world of cinema. Elliot Page has revealed in his new memoir 'Pageboy' that an A-list Hollywood actor had verbally assaulted him once when he had come out as gay. The year was 2014, when he was confronted by a homophobic actor at a birthday party in Los Angeles. The actor detailed this experience in one of the chapters of the book. (Also read: Brad Pitt takes legal action against Angelina Jolie concerning sale of their shared French estate) Elliot Page reveals A-list actor verbally assaulted him at a party in 2014. Elliot Page came out as gay during a speech made at a Human Rights Campaign conference. He later came out as transgender in December 2020. In May 2021, Elliot posed shirtless publicly for the first time since undergoing top surgery. He captioned the mirror pic: "Oh good my new phone works." Confrontation with the homophobic actor Now, as per a report by People magazine, Elliot Page has detailed a confrontation by a homophobic actor in a chapter from the memoir titled 'Famous Ahole at Party.' According to the excerpt from the chapter, the unnamed actor told Elliot, "You arent gay. That doesnt exist. You are just afraid of men... Im going to f--k you to make you realize you arent gay. Elliot's experience Further detailing about the experience, Eliot said that he met the actor a few days later at the gym where he tried to take back his comments and say that he does not have a problem with gay people. Recounting that experience, Elliot said, "I've had some version of that happen many times throughout my life. A lot of queer and trans people deal with it incessantly. These moments that we often like don't talk about or we're supposed to just brush off, when actually it's very awful. I put that story in the book because its about highlighting the reality, the s--t we deal with and what gets sent to us constantly, particularly in environments that are predominantly cis and heterosexual. How we navigate that world where you either have more extreme, overt moments like that. Or you have the more, like, subtle jokes. [In Hollywood] these are very powerful people. They're the ones choosing what stories are being told and creating content for people to see all around the world." Elliot also added that he purposefully chose not to disclose his name, but he's aware that the perpetrator will hear about this and will definitely know. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ABOUT THE AUTHOR HT Entertainment Desk Dedicated professionals who write about cinema and television in all their vibrancy. Expect views, reviews and news. ...view detail Black Swan star Natalie Portman and husband Benjamin Millepied are trying to desperately save their marriage after alleged extramarital affair, according to reports. The duo who met on the sets of the Darren Aronofsky movie, are privately trying to save their marriage after word came out that Millepaid had an affair with a much younger woman. (Also read: Elliot Page reveals A-list actor verbally assaulted him after he came out as gay: Im going to) Natalie Portman and Benjamin Millepied are privately working through their marital struggles after a recent revelation of an extramarital affair. The news first broke through a French article which claimed that the director and choreographer was involved with a cheating scandal with a much younger woman. Natalie and Benjamin first met on the sets of Black Swan. He later confessed to the affair, and are now reportedly trying to rebuild their marriage privately. The duo got married on August 4, 2012 on the Big Sur coast in California. They have two children: Aleph who was born in June 2011, and Amalia, who was born on February, 2017. According to a report by People, a source has informed that Benjamin has admitted his 'enormous mistake' and seeks for forgiveness. The source says, "It was short-lived and it is over He knows he made an enormous mistake and he is doing all he can to get Natalie to forgive him and keep their family together. Natalie is incredibly private and has no intention of playing this out in the media. Her biggest priority is protecting her children and their privacy." Apart from Black Swan, Natalie Portman and Benjamin Millepied have collaborated on various projects, including the 2018 film Vox Lux, where his choreography helped in the transformation of Natalie's portrayal of a troubled pop star. Natalie was last seen in May December, a film directed by Todd Haynes, that also stars Julianne Moore and Chris Melton. The film premiered at the recently concluded Cannes Film Festival where it received critical acclaim and earned a six-minute standing ovation. The film revolves around an actress (Portman) who travels to Georgia to study the life of Julianne Moores character, whom shes set to play in a film. The film sold for $11 million to Netflix, and is set to release later this year. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Tom Holland has only good things to say about India and his trip to Mumbai in April. The actor was in the city with girlfriend Zendaya for the launch of Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre. The actor, in a recent interview, said he enjoyed the best food with best people on a trip of a lifetime. (From 'Gigi ikde ikde' to 'Ae Tommy', internet can't stop laughing at Mumbai paparazzi's antics with Hollywood stars) Tom Holland attended the NMACC launch with girlfriend Zendaya. What Tom said about the trip "I had a wonderful trip. It was the trip of a lifetime. I always wanted to come to India, and I'm delighted to say that I'm excited to come back." He also added, "I met amazing people, we had wonderful food, and we got to see the wonderful Ambani Cultural Centre." So yeah, I had a beautiful time," Tom said in an interview to Zoom. Why were Tom and Zendaya in India Tom and Zendaya arrived in India on March 31 for the grand launch of NMACC, made by the billionaire Ambani family. Tom and Zendaya even shared pictures from the event on his Instagram profile. The NMACC, situated within the Jio World Centre at Bandra Kurla Complex was inaugurated on April 1 and the fashion showcase was launched on the second day of the opening gala on Saturday. The exhibition explored the layered impact that traditional Indian dress, textiles and craft have had on international fashion sensibility since the 18th century and features iconic Western couture and ready-to-wear designs inspired by India, from the 20th and 21st centuries. Priyanka Chopra, Nick Jonas, Sidharth Malhotra, Kiara Advani, Madhuri Dixit Nene, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Vicky Kaushal, and Karan Johar among others were also part of the event. What's next for Tom Tom will be seen next in psychological thriller The Crowded Room. The Apple TV series is inspired by the story of Billy Milligan, the first person acquitted of a crime due to dissociative identity disorder. His short film Last Call will be screened at Tribeca Film Festival. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Hyderabad CM Jagan Mohan Reddy instructed officials to make arrangements in hospitals in Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, and Srikakulam districts to treat the injured and keep the ambulances available. (PTI) As many as 571 passengers from Andhra Pradesh were on board the two trains Shalimar-Chennai Central Coromandel Express and Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express, that met with an accident near Bahanaga railway station in Odisha on Friday night, the Andhra Pradesh government announced on Saturday. Of them, 482 passengers were travelling in Coromandel Express and 89 in Bengaluru-Howrah express and they were supposed to get down at different stations in Andhra Pradesh, state education minister Botsa Satyanarayana told reporters in the evening. He said, 309 passengers of the total passengers travelling in Coromandel Express were supposed to get down at Visakhapatnam. Of those, 11 people have been injured and the whereabouts of other 76 passengers is not known, while the remaining passengers are safe. Similarly, 31 passengers travelling via Coromandel Express were supposed to get down at Rajahmundry. Of them, 22 are safe and the whereabouts of nine other passengers is ye tot be traced. Another 137 passengers were to get down at Vijayawada, of those, seven passengers have injuries and whereabouts of 28 passengers is not known, while others are safe. The details of 89 passengers of Andhra Pradesh travelling in Bengaluru-Howrah express are not yet known. We are expecting the information by Sunday morning, the minister said. The Waltair Division of the East Coast Railways zone has set up three helplines at Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, and Srikakulam for relief. The helpline numbers set up are: Visakhapatnam (0891 - 2746330 & 0891 2744619), Vizianagaram (08922 - 221202 & 08922 221206), and Srikakulam (08942 286213 and 08942 286245). Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy has constituted a high-level committee under the chairmanship of IT minister G Amarnath, to visit the Odisha accident site, to help in the coordination of relief and rescue operations. Jagan held a meeting with chief minister office (CMO) officials and reviewed the situation. He directed them to be in touch with the Odisha CMO and the railway officials. Establish enquiry and grievance cells in the offices of the district collectors to deal with grievances and respond immediately, an official release from CMO quoting Jagan said. Further, the chief minister instructed officials to make arrangements in hospitals in Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, and Srikakulam districts to treat the injured and keep the ambulances available. Amarnath told reporters that the officials are overseeing relief and rescue operations. Stating that control rooms are being set up in districts, the minister said the officials are identifying the passengers who are not responding to the mobile phone calls. Most of the Telugu passengers were travelling from Kharagpur and Shalimar, he said. The South Central Railway (SCR) has either cancelled, diverted or rescheduled several trains following the major train accident in Balasore, Odisha. SCR has also opened help line numbers across Andhra Pradesh. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON New Delhi Nine Indian crew members of a merchant vessel have been freed after being held captive by a militia in Libya for more than three months, people familiar with the matter said on Saturday. Libyan security forces man a check point in the surrounding area during the trial of jihadists accused of being members of the Islamic State (IS) group, in the northwestern city of Misrata.(AFP) The sailors, who were part of the crew of MT Maya 1, had informed the Indian embassy in Tunisia on February 15 that they were captured by the local militia after the vessel broke down near the coast of Libya. The merchant ship is owned by a Greek company and flies the flag of Cameroon. It was sailing from Malta to Tripoli in Libya with a cargo of oil products. The Indian mission in Tunisia took up the matter with Libyan authorities and sought consular access. It also asked the Libyan authorities to ensure the safety of the men and to repatriate them to India as soon as possible, the people said. An informal contact acting on behalf of the Indian mission met the crew members almost every week to ensure their early release and to provide them food and other essential items. Also Read: Libya court sentences 23 to death for Islamic State campaign The Indian mission also continued to follow up the matter with authorities in Libya. All nine Indian crew members were released on May 31. They have reached Tripoli, where they were received by our ambassador to Tunisia, one of the people cited above said. They have been accommodated in a hotel in Tripoli till their exit visa formalities are completed, the person added. Five of the nine Indian crew members are from Uttar Pradesh and one each from Rajasthan, West Bengal, Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat. The external affairs ministry and the Indian mission kept the families of the Indian nationals updated regularly regarding developments in the case, the people said. Faced with the prospect of calamitous government default, US President Joe Biden had to call off his visit to Papua New Guinea and Australia last month and returned back from G-7 meeting in Tokyo to forge a bipartisan consensus on debt ceiling legislation. The bill suspending the debt limit and imposing new spending caps was passed by the Senate on June 1 and brought closure to the political showdown between the Republicans and the Democrats since the former won the House last November. File Photo of PM Narendra Modi addressing the joint meeting of US Congress in 2016 While the Democrats and Republicans sledged it out over the debt ceiling for the past months, the two political rivals got together on the same day to send a bipartisan invite to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address the joint meeting of Congress on June 22. Sending the invite, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy wrote that the bipartisan leadership was looking forward to paving the way for greater collaboration between the two countries for years to come. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is going on a state visit to the US on June 20 and will address the joint meeting of Congress on June 22 after attending the function to celebrate Yoga Day 2023 at the UN the day before. He will be hosted by President Joe Biden for a state dinner on the same day he addresses the Congress with a ceremonial reception at the White House earlier that day. PM Modi is expected to take a flight back to India on June 23 and has no plans till now to address any diaspora meeting this time. While Modis political adversaries may play down the importance of the forthcoming state visit, he will be the first Indian PM to address the Congress twice within a span of seven years. Other Indian Prime Ministers who have bestowed this honour were: Prime Minister J.L. Nehru, P.V. Narasimha Rao. Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh. Very few global leaders have addressed the US Congress twice. The importance of the bipartisan invite is that it sends a message that whosoever is in power at the White House, close ties with India are a priority for both the Democrats and the Republicans. PM Modi has already worked with three Presidents including President Barack Obama and President Donald Trump apart from sharing a close relationship with President Biden as was evident during the G-7 summit. It is understood that the forthcoming visit to the US is expected to be a game changer in the bilateral relations between the two natural allies and will forge a new path to deepen cooperation across the board. Not only will the two countries cement political relations but also join hands to build resilient global supply chains that are not independent of mutual adversaries. The two countries will not only join hands towards hardware production and critical technologies but also pitch together for a stable and coercion-free Indo-Pacific. While the Biden administration is still to approve the proposal of General Electric to manufacture F-414 engines in India for Tejas Mark II through 100 per cent transfer of technology route, the matter is under serious consideration and will see closure during PM Modis visit to the US this month. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Former Union railway minister and Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Lalu Prasad on Saturday condoled the horrific train accident in Odishas Balasore and held the Bharatiya Janata Party-led NDA government responsible for the deterioration in the quality of Indias railway network. RJD chief Lalu Prasad in Patna. (PTI Photo) The train accident at Balasore is heart-wrenching and tragic. It is a major lapse on the part of the railways, he told reporters in Patna. Prasad, who was railway minister from 2004-09 during the UPA-1 government at the Centre, demanded that the deceased should be given adequate compensation. The railways have witnessed a complete deterioration. There should be an inquiry and action should be taken against those responsible for the accident, he said. At least 290 people were killed and over 1,000 suffered injuries in the accident that took place on Friday night when the Howrah-Chennai Coromandel Express rammed into a stationary goods train near Balasore. A Bangalore-Howrah superfast expressed coming from the opposite direction collided with the derailed bogies of the Chennai-bound train, leading to one of the worst railway mishaps in India. Also Read:Odisha train accident: A mistaken signal may have caused the fatal collisions There was a time when people knew about the railway minister and railways were not privatised. Youths used to get jobs. Now, nobody knows the railway minister. All flags are shown by one and only narcissistic propaganda minister, the RJD said on Twitter. Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar too expressed condolences to the families of passengers killed in the mishap. State deputy chief minister Tejashwi Yadav said that railways should focus more on safety standards and alertness in their operation. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A day after the minister of external affairs (MEA) released a statement on the Ariha Shah case, expressing the intention to bring back the two-year-old child currently under the care of German child services, Ariha's mother, Dhara Shah, expressed her trust in the Indian government's efforts to reunite them. She said the government's firm stance has given them hope that their child will soon return to India. Dhara Shah, the mother of Ariha who has been in German foster care for over 20 months.(ANI) Ariha was placed in the custody of Germany's Youth Welfare Office or Jugendamt on September 23, 2021, and has been in foster care for over 20 months. Speaking to news agency PTI, Ariha's mother said, "MEA has issued a strong statement regarding Ariha's return. They rightfully emphasised that the child is an Indian citizen and should be raised in a culturally familiar environment. This is in the best interest of Ariha. We hope that she will be sent back to India soon." Dhara also mentioned that the ministry of external affairs has shared details of a foster facility in India with the German authorities. "I trust the Indian government, and I request that once there is intervention at the Prime Minister level in the case, my daughter will return soon," news agency ANI quoted Dhara as saying. Why was Ariha taken away? Ariha Shah was separated from her parents - Dhara and Bhavesh Shah - following an accidental injury she sustained at the age of seven months in 2021. Subsequently, she was placed under the care of German child services and has remained in foster care for over 20 months. An investigation was also conducted against the parents regarding allegations of "child sexual abuse." However, the police case against them was closed in February 2022 without any charges being filed, and a hospital report confirmed the absence of any signs of sexual abuse. The case has become a significant matter in bilateral relations and was raised during the visit of German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock to New Delhi in December of last year. India wants Ariha back MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said on Friday that both the ministry and the Embassy of India in Berlin have been continuously advocating for the repatriation of Ariha Shah back to India. "We strongly urge the German authorities to take all necessary actions to expedite Ariha's return to India, as it is her inherent right as an Indian citizen. We are fully committed to ensuring that Ariha Shah is reunited with her family in India," he said. On Friday, the issue of Ariha's return to India was also highlighted by 59 Members of Parliament (MPs) through a letter addressed to German Ambassador Philipp Ackerman. MPs from 19 political partied in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha expressed their deep concerns and urged the envoy to convey their sentiments to the German authorities regarding the matter. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON New Delhi Controlling pests by spraying starch and animal urine, and dusting cow dung ash on vegetables; mixing ash and cow urine to protect cabbages from insects; using the leaf extract of cynodon grass to protect tomatoes; and using babool and jamun bark extract to cure foot-and-mouth disease in livestock these will all be part of a special training on ancient farming practices and animal ayurveda for over 200 farmers from across the country in a three-day event being organised by the Union government. Farmers will learn traditional Indian alternatives to chemical pesticides and fertilisers. (AFP) According to people aware of the matter, the event, Bharatiya Paramparik Krishi Mela, will be held at Tezpur University in Assam between June 4 and 6 by the Union education ministrys Indian Knowledge System (IKS) division along with the Union culture ministry under their collaborative Dhara series, which is a part of the celebration of Indias 75 years of Independence. The event will include a day-long workshop on krishi parashar, an ancient Sanskrit text on agriculture and practices ostensibly adopted by farmers in different parts of India. There will also be a two-day conference featuring sessions on topics related to Indian agricultural traditions. The idea behind the event was to help farmers understand Indian traditional alternatives to chemical pesticides and fertilisers, said Ganti S Murthy, national coordinator of the IKS division. When we say traditional agriculture, we dont mean simply replacing fertilisers with cow dung. It is a fundamentally different approach to agriculture that we have been practising for a long time, and that is documented in a series of ancient texts dated 2,500 years ago including Krishi Prashar and others, Murthy said. The motive behind organising this event is to look into Indian traditions to check for methods that were safer for farmers and the environment, while being advantageous economically. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research has conducted a scientific study of over 100 traditional Indian agricultural practices and has found that more than 85% of the practices are still effective, Murthy added. The farmers will be trained in ways that can help them to avoid use of pesticides and chemical fertilisers and develop methods to increase the fertility and utility of soil, he said. For instance, instead of using chemical pesticides, one can use formulations of asafoetida and white mustard seeds for pest removal in vegetables, Murthy said. Some agriculture experts said that the measures suggested in the workshop, though environmentally friendly, have no scientific basis. The issue of chemical residues caused by the use of chemical fertilizers, and pesticides is a global concern, and there is indeed a need to search for its alternative. However, there is no traditional method or practice in India that can give as much production as chemical fertilisers, Sudhir Panwar, a Lucknow-based agriculture expert and a former member of the Uttar Pradesh Planning Commission said. Farmers will naturally go for things that will give them higher production because it is the matter of their livelihood. Therefore, it is important to suggest practices that are result-oriented, and validate the results in the fields. They cannot be learned in training camps, he said. The farmers will also attend a workshop on Pashu (animal) Ayurveda conducted by the Indian Veterinary Association. Since agriculture is so closely related to animal husbandry in our county, farmers will also be trained in how to treat animals using locally available resources, essentially the Pashu Ayurveda, Murthy said. A series of sessions will also be conducted between on topics including Indian knowledge for sustainable resource management, traditional knowledge for land and water management, traditional knowledge for pest management, and application of Indian knowledge for management of livestock, fishery and allied areas, according to the events itinerary. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Veteran lyricist-screenwriter Javed Akhtar on Saturday asserted that former First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama is the only Democrat who can win the 2024 presidential election. Javed Akhtar said he spoke to a lot of people from different American cities before arriving at this conclusion. Javed Akhtar predicted the name of a Democratic candidate who can defeat Donald Trump.(AFP) I am a writer from India at the moment in US . I went to different cities , spoke to a lot of people The cross section of the American society . It has become obvious to me that the only Dem who can win the next presidential election is Michelle Obama (sic), Akhtar said in a tweet. Before becoming First Lady, Michelle Obama, wife of former President Barack Obama, worked as a lawyer, where she focused on issues of public service and community outreach. She grew up in a working-class family and excelled academically, earning degrees from Princeton University and Harvard Law School. Beyond her work as First Lady, Michelle Obama has continued to be an influential figure. She is a best-selling author, with her memoir "Becoming" released in 2018, which became one of the most popular autobiographies in history. The book chronicles her life and experiences before, during, and after her time in the White House. White House hopefuls The US presidential election is due in November next year and many White House hopefuls have thrown their hat in the ring, including incumbent Joe Biden and his predecessor Donald Trump. Trump, 76, announced his election campaign last November as he faced some of the loudest criticism yet from within his Republican Party over his support for far-right candidates who were defeated in the midterm elections. Biden, 80, already the oldest US president ever, announced his candidacy declaring it was his job to defend American democracy. His allies say the octogenarian leader is running because he feels he is the only Democratic candidate who can defeat Trump. He, however, will have to convince voters he has the stamina for another four years in the White House, amid voter concerns about his age and his poor approval ratings. While at least nine Republicans are in the race for US presidential election, only two Democrats, apart from Biden, have announced their candidacy. The best-selling author and self-help guru Marianne Williamson has launched her second bid for the White House. Robert Kennedy Jr., an anti-vaccine activist and son of US Senator Robert F Kennedy, is making a longshot bid to challenge Biden for the Democratic nomination. He has been banned from YouTube and Instagram for spreading misinformation about vaccines and the Covid-19 pandemic. (With inputs from Reuters) SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal on Saturday stepped up his attack on Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh as he remained scot-free despite allegations of sexual harassment levelled against him. Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal took a dig at the ruling governments slogansabka sath, sabka vikas, sabka vishwas.(PTI) The former Congress leader tweeted, Brij Bhushan Singh, with mounting evidence, public outcry, still not arrested. PM silent, HM silent, BJP silent, RSS silent. Message enough for those investigating!" Questioning the silence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, home minister Amit Shah, BJP and RSS in the matter, Sibal took a dig at the ruling governments slogan sabka sath, sabka vikas, sabka vishwas. "Sabka saath nahin Brij Bhushan ka saath! (Not with everyone but with Brij Bhushan)," he added. The two FIRs against Singh, including one under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, were filed by the Delhi Police on the basis of complaints of six wrestlers and the father of a minor on April 28. The FIRS allege groping, stalking and intimidation by Singh at different locations in a span of 10 years. Sibal's previous attacks on Singh Sibal, a senior advocate who represented the protesting wrestlers in the Supreme Court, had earlier asked if this' is a 'new India where POCSO Act and an immediate arrest only applies to accused other than Singh, who is a BJP MP. On Thursday, he wrote on Twitter, "Brij Bhushan :Ready to hang myself if single allegation proved Suicide ? Doesnt sound real! Singh postpones grand rally Amid growing demands to arrest Singh, he said on Friday that his Jan Chetna Maha Rally in Ayodhya has been postponed due to safety reasons. He announced the decision in a Facebook post citing the ongoing police investigation against him and Supreme Court directives. The Lok Sabha member from Kaiserganj maintained that the charges against him were politically motivated. Khap panchayat leaders have given an ultimatum to the government to arrest Singh by June 9, failure of which will lead to a fresh agitation at Jantar Mantar in Delhi. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A special court in Mizorams Aizwal on Friday convicted an Assam resident for swindling at least 1.33 crore from five contractors in Mizoram, Manipur and Assam by promising them contract works under state-owned Mizoram Agriculture Marketing Corporation Ltd (MAMCO). The court will annoucne the quantum of punishment on June 5. (Representative Image) The convict, Mustaqur Rahman, a resident of Guwahati, was found guilty by a special court (Prevention of Corruption Act) judge HTC Lalrinchhana. The quantum of punishment will be announced on June 5. His co- accused, Lalremthanga, the former managing director (MD) of MAMCO, was sentenced in November last year to five years of rigorous imprisonment with a fine of 5 lakh. The total amount of money obtained by the two convicted persons is 268 lakh. A report on malpractices and impropriety among a section of employees in MAMCO was received from Zothankhuma, MD, MAMCO, through Vigilance Department, on March 25, 2015. An investigation conducted by the Anti Corruption Bureau revealed that MAMCO, which is originally an agricultural marketing organisation, had diversified its activities into the field of civil construction and entered into a contract with the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS) for empanelment as implementing agency for its School Project at Lunglei and Champhai in Mizoram, Udalguri in Assam and Ukhrul in Manipur. Under the terms of the agreement between MAMCO and KVS on September 26, 2012, MAMCO would receive 7% as service charges over the actual cost of work. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The authorities have not received any report of fatalities from Tamil Nadu so far, a top state official said on Saturday while underlining that many bodies are yet to be identified. Tamil Nadu chief secretary V Irai Anbu said the railway is running a train from Chennai for the family members to reach Bhadrak and try to identify the bodies. Rescue work underway on Saturday at the site of the horrific accident involving Coromandel Express, Bengaluru-Howrah Express and a goods train in Balasore district of Odisha.(PTI) We have 250 people who have been moved through Railway, from Bhadrak towards Chennai. So anyone [in the accident] who was able to travel, we have already moved. We have not got any report of anybody from Tamil Nadu in the identified dead bodies till now," the official told ANI. "There are a large number of unidentified (bodies) for which the railway is running a train from Chennai in the evening. Any family member of passengers who are not in touch with them can take the train and come here to Bhadrak and try to identify, he added. He further stated, Our team has gone, minister team and one more officer. So they are inquiring there, among the victims if there is anybody from Tamil Nadu. Anbu said they had no idea about the persons from Tamil Nadu in the train. We are searching for that. The accident At least 261 people have died and over 900 have been injured in the accident. The Coromandel Express train was involved in an accident in Odisha's Balasore. It took the wrong track minutes before the tragedy, according to initial reports from the railway signalling control room. The Chennai-bound Coromandel Express took the loop line instead of the main line just ahead of Bahanagar Bazar station on Friday evening, a senior railways official said on condition of anonymity. 12841 Shalimar-Chennai Coromandel Express running at about 127 km per hour collided with the goods train parked on the loop line and derailed on the main line. Within minutes of the collision, according to the official cited above, the Howrah-bound Yashwantnagar Express coming from the opposite direction collided with the Coromandel Express. Tamil Nadu CM declares one-day mourning over Balasore train accident Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin declared one-day state mourning following the accident. On Saturday morning, Stalin took stock of the situation at the State Emergency Operation Centre in Chennai. State minister Udhayanidhi Stalin said, We're going there to enquire for details. Tamil Nadu CM has spoken to Odisha CM. I will update you after reaching the spot. Hospital facilities are also ready for Tamilians in Tamil Nadu who got affected by Train accident. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The first prone bodies began to arrive at the Balasore district hospital by 10pm on Friday. But within a few hours it became clear to health officials manning the gates of hospitals big and small- from PHCs to district headquarters- the deluge of the injured, or of the dead, was of a magnitude Odisha had not seen before. Dr Mrutunjay Mishra, Additional District Medical Officer (ADMO), Balasore district headquarters hospital said, I have been in the profession for many decades. But I have never seen such chaos in my life. Almost all together, 251 accident victims were rushed to our hospital, and to be honest, we were not prepared. But our staff worked through the night and provided medical aid to all. An injured person from the Odisha's Balasore train accident that claimed at least 261 lives, being treated at Howrah station in Howrah, West Bengal on Saturday. (ANI) At 7pm on Friday night, the Coromandel Express carrying 150 passengers crashed into a stationary goods train at Bahanaga Bazar railway station. With several compartments derailing onto an adjacent track, they were then hit by the Bengaluru Howrah Superfast Express train on the parallel line, in what is Indias biggest train accident in 28 years that has left 294 dead and 1,110 injured at last count. For the medical institutions in rural Odisha that dealt with the aftermath of the accident, this meant dealing with a scale of tragedy they had never seen before. At the Balasore district hospital and government Soro hospital nearby where most of the injured were rushed, for hours medical staff ran from one over-crowded room to the next, arranging for scarce supplies, and attempting to communicate with passengers, many of whom didnt speak either Oriya or Hindi. Though it is a district headquarters hospital, the scale of the tragedy was too big to immediately handle. I can only imagine the state at the primary health centres, and the community health centres near the accident site where there are no more than two doctors, Dr Mishra said. By noon on Saturday, 526 victims had already been admitted to the hospital. At the hospital, the morgue was a pile of white shrouds, most yet to be identified. Through the day, family members would arrive at the morgue, and tearfully hunt for their loved ones. But most bodies still lie untouched. With train services cancelled or delayed because of the accident on a major railway trunk route, getting to Balasore has been a problem, an Odisha government official said. Dr Subhajit Giri, medicine specialist at the district hospital said, We had more than 500 trauma cases on a single day when we deal with 100 at the most on a heavy day. We had to requisition medical students to deal with the emerging crisis. Through the day, Odisha state government officials said that they strengthened the medical assistance available, and deployed 200 ambulances and 45 Mobile Health Teams in Balasore, Bahanaga and Soro, as well as 50 additional doctors. We mobilised a team of 25 doctors from SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, PRM medical college and hospital in Baripada. Sixty-four patients were referred to SCB Medical College Hospital in Cuttack, said state health secretary Shalini Pandit. To coordinate with the health teams, director Health Services along with Director Blood Safety, and 3 additional directors of the health department were stationed at Balasore. Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said, Two teams of doctors from AIIMS-Bhubaneswar have been dispatched for Balasore and Cuttack to assist in relief operations at the rail accident site in Odisha. We are providing all required help and medical assistance to the victims of the tragic train accident to save precious lives. But what did help on a day of crisis, in Balasore, Bhadrak, and Cuttack, was help from locals, lining up outside hospitals through the night to donate blood, crucial in the treatment of trauma. We were surprised as a large number of youths made a beeline to donate blood. We collected around 500 units of blood overnight. Normally we find it difficult to convince people to donate, particularly in the summer, Dr Mishra said. At Cuttacks SCB Medical College, a man that identified himself as Sudhanshu told news agency ANI, Injured people are being brought here. I felt that I should donate blood. I hope it will save some lives. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Slamming the Centre over the train accident in Odisha, the AAP on Saturday alleged the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government's entire focus is on "PR exercise and showing off" and not passengers' safety. Police personnel inspect the accident site of carriage wreckage of a three-train collision near Balasore of Odisha, on Saturday. (AFP) In a video message, AAP national general secretary (organisation) and Rajya Sabha MP Sandeep Pathak claimed anti-collision devices, which are crucial to avoid accidents, have been installed on just 2 per cent of the country's rail network. Pathak also extended his condolences to the bereaved families. At least 288 people were killed and more than 800 injured in a train crash involving the Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express, the Shalimar-Chennai Central Coromandel Express and a goods train in Odisha's Balasore district on Friday. The two express trains were carrying nearly 2,000 people. Pathak, who is also a member of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Railways, said ensuring the safety of train passengers is not on the government's agenda. "In the last meeting of the railway committee, I had suggested that the government focus on the safety and security of passengers first. But the government's entire focus is on PR and showing off, not on safety and security," he said. Installing anti-collision devices is the most important measure to avoid accidents but only 2 per cent of India's 65,000-kilometre rail network is equipped with these, he claimed. If the Modi government has covered just 2 per cent of the rail network in nine years, then it means that it will take more than 400 years to install anti-collision devices across the network, he said. According to Pathak, only 65 of the country's 23,000 trains are equipped with anti-collision devices. "We have received information that anti-collision devices have been installed in just 65 of the total 23,000 trains in the country, which is less than 0.2 per cent. This makes it clear that safety is not the government's priority," the AAP leader charged. In 2014, the government had said that anti-derailment devices will be installed across all rail networks, Pathak said. But no data is available on this, he said. Pathak said upgrading railway tracks is another important measure that can prevent derailment of trains. Of the 65,000-kilometre railway network, upgradation work has been carried out for just 37,000 kilometres of tracks, he claimed. West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday termed the horrific train accident in Odisha the biggest of the century and demanded proper investigation to get to the truth of the incident. The Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo met Union railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and probed why the trains were not equipped with the anti-collusion system, which would have averted the tragedy. Union railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee(ANI) This is the biggest train accident of this century and a proper investigation must be conductedSomething must be behind this. The truth must come out. Why didn't the anti-collision system work?" Banerjee questioned while briefing the media with Vaishnaw standing beside her. Banerjee served as Railway Minister in the BJP-led NDA government in 1999. She took charges of the railways for the second time in 2009 under the UPA-II government. Pointing out that railway budget is not presented separately during the Union budget session, she said, "The Railways is like my baby. I am a member of the railway family and ready to give my suggestions." Banerjee announced that her government would pay 5 lakh compensation to the families of passengers from West Bengal killed in the accident. "I am standing here with the Railway Minister and BJP MPs. The Bengal government will provide 5 lakh each to the people of our state and cooperate and work with the Railways and Odisha Government until the work is complete. We have also sent 40 doctors and two buses from Bengal to Odisha for further medical assistance," she said. About more than 16 hours after the accident, which involved two Express trains and a goods train, the rescue operation was announced to be complete on Saturday. The official toll was announced to be 290. Around 900 passengers were taken to hospitals with small to severe injuries. The railways announced an ex gratia of 10 lakh for the next of kin of the deceased, 2 lakh for those grievously injured and 50,000 for those who got minor injuries. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Union railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Saturday reached the Odisha train accident spot in Balasore and announced that a high-level committee will be instituted to probe the incident. Railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw at Odisha's Balasore train accident site. (screengrab) Follow Odisha train accident LIVE updates Reiterating that the focus will remain on rescue operations and ensuring adequate medical help for the victims, Vaishnaw added that the rail safety commissioner will conduct an independent investigation. The inquiry will be led by A M Chowdhary, commissioner railway safety, South East Circle, the Indian Railways said in a statement. It's a big tragic accident. Railway, NDRF, SDRF, and state govt are conducting the rescue operation. Best possible healthcare facilities will be provided. Compensation was announced yesterday. Restoration will begin after clearance from district administration. A detailed high-level inquiry will be conducted, he told news agency ANI. The minister said thatthe rescue operation had begun shortly after news of the tragedy reached his ministry. Vaishnaw also expressed gratitude to NDRF officials who have been involved in the search and rescue operations. The three-way train crash that killed over 280 people and injured more than 900, happened near the Bahanaga Baazar station around 7 pm on Friday. The railways announced an ex-gratia of 10 lakh for the next of kin of the deceased, 2 lakh for those grievously injured and 50,000 for those who got minor injuries. Prime Minister Narendra Modi too expressed his condolences and announced an additional ex-gratia of 2 lakh for the next of kin of the deceased and 50,000 for the injured from the PM's National Relief Fund (PMNRF). Images from the crash site of the country's deadliest rail accident in more than 20 years showed smashed train compartments torn open with blood-stained holes. Rescue workers continued to search for survivors trapped in the mangled wreckage. Meanwhile, union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan also cut short his visit to Kolkata in West Bengal and left for Balasore.Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Dola Sen on Saturday said West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee is likely to visit the accident site on Saturday, adding that she has sent officials from Kharagpur to engage in the ongoing relief operations. The Odisha government has declared a day of mourning on Saturday. (With inputs form agencies) SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON At least 261 people have died in India's worst rail accident in over two decades but there is still no clarity on whether the crash was a result of a technical glitch or human error. Railways minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Saturday reached the accident site in Odisha's Balasore to take stock of the situation and assured to conduct a detailed high-level inquiry into the mishap. Resucue work underway after an accident involving Coromandel Express, Bengaluru-Howrah Express and a goods train, in Odisha's Balasore district, Saturday, June 3, 2023.(PTI) "A detailed high-level inquiry will be conducted and the rail safety commissioner will also do an independent inquiry," Vaishnaw said, adding that the government's focus is on rescue and relief operations. What the initial reports suggest According to initial reports from the signalling control room of the railways, the accident may have been the result of human error since the train took the wrong track minutes before the tragedy. A video, seen by HT, from the signalling control room of the Kharagpur division of the railways shows that Chennai-bound Coromandel Express took a loop line where a freight train was parked near Bahanagar Bazar station, instead of the main line, according to a senior railway official. The video shows four railway tracks including two main lines and two loop lines. The loop lines are constructed in the station area in this case, Bahanagar Bazar station to accommodate more trains to ease out the operations. The loop lines are generally 750 metres in length to accommodate full-length goods train but the Indian Railways has been encouraging the construction of longer loop lines. The Coromandel Express, running at about 127 km per hour, collided with the goods train and derailed on the main line, an official from the railway minister said. Within minutes, the Howrah-bound Yashwantnagar Express coming from the opposite direction collided with the derailed Coromandel Express. How it happened and why it happened, will be found in the detailed inquiry that the railway board had ordered. But, prima facie it appears to be a human error, the official, who asked not to be named, said. A retired railway official of the East Coast Railway zone, however, indicated that the accident may have happened due to technical glitches and signal issues. Though the goods train was on the loop line of the railway station as per the signal panel kept in the station manager's office, the last few bogies of it may still be physically present on the main line when Coromondal Express came rushing at 127 km per hour. the former official said. To be sure, the cause of the accident will only be identified after a thorough examination. (With inputs from Ritesh Mishra and Debabrata Mohanty) SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Senior Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar on Saturday termed the Odisha train accident a failure of the government and said Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw should resign from the post by taking moral responsibility for the tragedy. NCP leader Ajit Pawar(HT Photo) Talking to reporters in Nagpur city of Maharashtra, Pawar also said that although the minister's resignation will not change the situation, it would send out a message to the railway officials. At least 261 people were killed and 650 injured in the train crash that occurred in Odisha's Balasore district around 7 pm on Friday involving the Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express, the Shalimar-Chennai Central Coromandel Express and a goods train. This train crash is the fourth deadliest in India according to available records. "In the past, five railway ministers resigned taking moral responsibility for major accidents (during their tenure). In the same way, the current railway minister (Vaishnaw) should take moral responsibility and tender his resignation," Pawar said. "His resignation won't solve the issue, but it would send out a message to the officials," the Leader of Opposition in Maharashtra Assembly said. He also targeted the Centre over the issue of railway passengers' safety. "The government is planning to start bullet trains in different parts of the country. Similarly, Vande Bharat trains are being started and many routes have been privatised. But while doing all this, so many innocent people lost their lives despite no fault of theirs," Pawar said. The train accident took place because of some fault in the signalling system, he said. "So many innocent lives were lost even as a revolution is taking place in transportation technology. This is a failure of the railway department and the government," the former Maharashtra deputy chief minister said. A high-level inquiry be conducted into the accident without any interference and facts should be brought before the public, he demanded. Speaking to reporters at the city airport earlier in the day, the NCP leader said, "The Odisha train accident is very unfortunate. The country has never seen such a big train accident before. The railway department and the government should immediately investigate it and take action against those responsible." The Centre and the railway ministry should give utmost priority to the safety of passengers, he said. "Earlier, railway ministers used to resign whenever such accidents occurred. This is history. But nobody is ready to speak about it now," he said. Meanwhile, NCP spokesperson Clyde Crasto said in a statement, "Expecting Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to resign on moral grounds for the Odisha train accident will not yield any result, because if the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) believed in morality then it would have asked (outgoing WFI chief and party MP) Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh to resign a long time ago." We only hope the government makes sure that the family of those deceased get the compensation as promised, the injured get proper treatment and are taken good care of till they recover completely, he said. Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh is facing allegations of sexually harassing women wrestlers. Two FIRs have been registered against him by the Delhi police on the basis of complaints from six women wrestlers and the father of a minor. The opposition parties are accusing the Centre of "inaction" against Singh. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar on Saturday demanded an inquiry into the three-train accident in Balasore in Odisha that killed more than 260 persons and injured nearly 1,000 a day earlier. Asked about demands for the resignation of Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on moral grounds post the tragedy, Pawar cited the example of then railway minister Lal Bahadur Shastri resigning after a train accident and asked "those in power" to do what is "appropriate". Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar (HT Photo) The Coromandel Express, the Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express, carrying close to 2,000 passengers cumulatively, and a goods train were involved in a derailment-collision accident near Bahanagar Bazar station in the eastern state on Friday night. "It is an accident and everyone has sought an inquiry. Let the facts come out and after that suggestions can be made," Pawar told reporters. Speaking on some parties seeking the resignation of Vaishnaw, the NCP chief said, "When Lal Bahadur Shastri was the railway minister, an accident took place. Then prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru was against Shastri's decision to resign, but Shastri believed it was his moral responsibility to quit." "This example is known to the nation and those in power should do what they feel is appropriate," Pawar asserted. World leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and French President Emanuel Macron, expressed their condolences to the families and the Government of India on Saturday over one of the country's worst train accidents that killed at least 288 people. People work at the site of a train collision after the accident in Balasore district in the eastern state of Odisha, India, June 3, 2023. (Reuters) The accident, involving three trains, is one of the worst in the country and took place in Odisha's Balasore district on Friday night. The accident also injured 803 people. Russian President Putin expressed his condolences in a telegram to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "Please accept our deep condolences over the tragic aftermath of the train collision in Odisha. We share the grief of those who lost their relatives and close ones in this catastrophe and we hope for a speedy recovery to everyone injured," says the telegram, published on the Kremlins website. UK Prime Minister Sunak extended his heartfelt support and admiration to the survivors and those working tirelessly in the rescue operations. My thoughts and prayers are with @narendramodi and with all affected by the tragic events in Odisha. My deepest condolences to the family and friends of those killed, and my heartfelt support and admiration to the survivors and those working tirelessly to respond, Sunak tweeted. President Macron said France stands in solidarity with India. My deepest condolences to President Murmu, Prime Minister Modi and the people of India after the tragic train accident in Odisha. France stands in solidarity with you. My thoughts are with the families of the victims, Macron tweeted. Chinese President Xi sent separate condolence messages to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Modi over the train accident, the state-run Xinhua news agency reported. In his message, Xi said he was shocked to learn of the accident which caused heavy casualties. On behalf of the Chinese government and people, he expressed deep condolences to the victims, offered sincere sympathies to the bereaved families and the injured, and wished the injured a speedy recovery. Chinese Premier Li Qiang also sent a message of condolence to Prime Minister Modi. Japan's Prime Minister Kishida sent a condolence message to Prime Minister Modi following the train accident. "I am deeply saddened by the news of the loss of many precious lives and the injuries in the train accident in the State of Odisha. On behalf of the Government of Japan and its people, I would like to express our heartfelt condolences to those who lost their lives and their bereaved families. I also pray for the speedy recovery of those who were injured," Kishida said in a statement. Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi also sent a condolence message to Foreign Minister S Jaishankar. "I am deeply saddened by the news of the loss of many precious lives in the train accident in the State of Odisha. I pray for the souls of the victims and extend my deepest condolences to the bereaved families. I also sincerely hope that those who were injured will recover swiftly," Hayashi said. Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau said at this difficult time, Canadians are standing with the people of India. "The images and reports of the train crash in Odisha, India break my heart. Im sending my deepest condolences to those who lost loved ones, and Im keeping the injured in my thoughts. At this difficult time, Canadians are standing with the people of India, Trudeau tweeted. Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda', who is on a four-day visit to India, tweeted, Im saddened by the loss of dozens of lives in a train accident in Odisha, India today. I extend deep condolences to Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi Ji, Government, and the bereaved families in this hour of grief. Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended condolences to the families of the victims and wished speedy recovery to those injured in the accident. Deeply saddened by the loss of hundreds of lives in a train accident in India. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families who lost their loved ones in this tragedy. Prayers for a speedy recovery of the injured, Sharif tweeted. "Saddened to learn of the high death toll in the tragic train accident in Odisha, India. Our condolences for the families of the victims. Wish speedy recovery to the injured," Pakistan foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari tweeted. Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Ali Sabry said that he is deeply saddened to learn about the train accident in Odisha. He wished for a speedy recovery for all those affected in the accident. Deeply saddened to learn of the tragic train accident in Odisha. My thoughts & prayers are with the families of the victims & those injured. I hope for a speedy recovery for all those affected. Sri Lanka stands with India in this time of grief, Ali Sabry tweeted. Bhutan's Prime Minister Lotay Tshering tweeted, "Sending prayers to @narendramodi and the people of India as we hear developments of the tragic train crash in Odisha. May the loved ones find strength, as they come to terms with the loss and horror. We share your pain and pray for quick healing." The Deputy Prime Minister of Italy and Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani also expressed condolences on the train tragedy. "The Italian Government expresses deep condolences to #India for the tragic train accident that occurred today in Balasore. A prayer for the victims and the injured, I hope that those still trapped will be rescued," Tajani tweeted. UN General Assembly president Csaba Korosi too expressed his deepest condolences to the families over the tragic train accident. Im deeply saddened to hear the news of the train crash in Odisha, India. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families and with the emergency services. Heartfelt condolences to the people and the Government of India, Korosi, the President of the 77th session of the General Assembly tweeted. Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen also extended heartfelt condolences to the victims. "Taiwan Praying for everyone affected by the train accident in India. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the victims and their families, and hope that rescue operations can save all those in need," she tweeted. Maldivian Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid on Friday condoled the loss of lives in the accident. Deeply saddened to hear the news of the tragic train accident in Odisha, #India, leading to loss of lives and injuries to many. My heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and praying for a speedy recovery to the injured, he said in a tweet. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday reached the site of the horrific train accident in Odisha's Balasore in which at least 261 people lost their lives, and around 1,000 got injured, many of the severely. After taking stock of the station at the crash site, Modi will go to the hospital in Cuttack where the victims are undergoing treatment. PM Modi to visit Odisha train crash site, Cuttuck hospital today(HT_PRINT) The prime minister was earlier scheduled to flag off Goa's first Vande Bharat Express train today. After the tragedy in Odisha, the Vande Bharat event was cancelled. PM Modi called a high-level meeting of the senior railway officials to take stock of the situation in Odisha. Odisha triple train accident: Follow LIVE updates Odisha train accident site: Rescue operation completed About 16 hours after the accident, which involved two Express trains and a goods train, the rescue operation was announced to be complete on Saturday. The official toll was announced to be 280. Around 900 passengers were taken to hospitals with small to severe injuries. 45 trains cancelled, many diverted after Odisha triple train crash | Full list The rescuers had a tough time during the overnight work as three trains piled on each other with a high chance that passengers were trapped deep under. Rescuers had to cut through the rail cars to ensure no one was trapped alive. By 10pm, all survivors were rescued and after that it was only about picking up the bodies and the limbs. Coromandel Express accident: How 3 trains derailed, crashed at same place in Odisha The accident site is about 222 kilometres southwest of Kolkata. The mangled remains of the trains completely destroyed in the huge impact of the consecutive crashes remained on the track on Saturday morning. The tracks were also damaged. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday announced an additional ex gratia of 2 lakh for the next of kin of the deceased and 50,000 for the injured from the PM's National Relief Fund. "Distressed by the train accident in Odisha. In this hour of grief, my thoughts are with the bereaved families. May the injured recover soon. Spoke to Railway Minister @AshwiniVaishnaw and took stock of the situation. Rescue ops are underway at the site of the mishap and all possible assistance is being given to those affected," PM Modi tweeted. Coromandel Express accident: Hospitals turn into war zones After visiting the accident site at Balasore, PM Modi will visit the Cuttack Hospital where hundreds of victims are admitted. Balasore Medical College and Hospital, nearest to the accident site, shelved the maximum load of patients. The hospital looked like a war zone on Friday night with an endless entry of injured passengers and bodies. Policemen and locals volunteered to donate blood to help the injured. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said the government will spare no effort in providing treatment to those injured in the tragic accident in Odishas Balasore, and ensure that stringent action is taken against the guilty. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits the site of the accident involving Coromandel Express, Bengaluru-Howrah Express and a goods train, in Balasore district on Saturday. (PTI) Modi visited the accident spot and reviewed the rescue and relief efforts. He also visited a hospital where the injured were taken. No stone will be left unturned to provide all possible medical help to those injured, the Prime Minister said. The government stands with the bereaved family members who have lost their loved ones. Instructions have been given to ensure proper and speedy investigation of the tragedy, he said. It is a painful incident, Modi said. Its a serious incident, and instructions have been issued for the probe from every angle. Those found guilty will be punished stringently. The railways is working towards track restoration. He met injured passengers at the Balasore district hospital. During his visit, he commended the efforts of the Odisha government, local administration and of the local people, especially youth, who worked through the night to assist rescue efforts. He also lauded local citizens who turned up in large numbers to donate blood and help the injured. The Prime Minister in the morning had reviewed relief and restoration measures with central government and railways officials before flying to Odisha. Railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw with education minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who is from Odisha, monitored relief measures with chief minister Naveen Patnaik. West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee also visited the accident spot and asked Vaishnaw why the anti-collision system, called Kavach, was not installed. A large number of passengers on the two trains were from the state. Interacting with local authorities, personnel from disaster relief forces and railways officials, the Prime Minister emphasized on the whole of government approach to mitigate the tragedy. After his visit, he also took to Twitter, saying: Took stock of the situation at the site of the tragedy in Odisha. Words cant capture my deep sorrow. We stand committed to providing all possible assistance to those affected. I laud all those working round the clock, on the ground and helping out in relief work. According to official information received in Simla up to mid-day on June 3, 26,000 persons are believed to have fallen victims to the earthquake disaster at Quetta, out of a total estimated population of 40,000. In Mastung district, another 10,000 are reported to have perished, including 2,000 in Mastung town alone. HT This Day: June 4, 1935 -- 36,000 dead in Quetta and Mastung Entry by Passes An official Communique has been issued, prohibiting the entry of private individuals in Baluchistan. Entry to the earthquake area will be restricted to officials on duty passes for which are obtainable from the Quarter-Master-General in India, A.H.Q. Simla. Indian Casualties A semiofficial statement explains the difficulties of obtaining authentic Information about Indian casualties, as the local authorities, for the moment, are devoting their attention to rescue work and relief of distress. Kolepur Tunnel Report of the subsiding of the Kolepur railway tunnel is denied so that there is no interruption of railway traffic. Evacuation of Quetta was expected to be completed by Monday evening. Rumours Discounted Rumours about the military authorities having decided to blow up the Indian Bazar at Quetta have been contradicted by the authorities, who have announced their intention to undertake salvage operations as and when possible. SIMLA, June 3 The following official statement has been issued by the Government of India regarding the Quetta earthquake situation, based on official messages received till mid-day of June 3: Material Damage There were renewed shocks at intervals throughout, yesterday, but no further serious damage or casualties are reported. In Quetta city, the total dead is estimated at 26,000, out, of an estimated population before the earthquake of 40,000. It. is estimated that not less than 20,000 corpses remain buried under the debris. The bodies of about 5,000 recovered have either been buried burnt Cantonment area: Reports now confirm that RAF lines and one quarter of two Military Cantonment have been destroyed, but the Staff College area has not been damaged. The Dairy building has been damaged but is standing. Outlying districts: (a) Chaman, Loralai, and Fort Saneman are unaffected. It is estimated that 70 per cent of the population in some outlying villages are either dead or injured. The villages between and including Mastung and Belell are reported to have teen completely destroyed. (b) Relief Work and Supply The numbers now being fed, including troops are approximately: British 6,000 Indian 30,000. The food situation is satisfactory. Milk supply is available for children. Supplies of tonned milk, tinned meat, meat essence, perishables and brandy are being distributed. The Indian Military hospital has treated about 1,000 wounded and 10,000 evacuated to the Rest Camp on the Race Course. Eleven thousand doses of anti-tetanus serum and large supplies of cholera vaccine were sent to Quetta yesterday by air and train. Supplies of medical stores such as flannel, bandages, splints, iodine, creosol and every description of medical supplies have been and are being dispatched. Arrangements have been made to send a hundred medical students and fifty nursing sepoys and also general hospital personnel. The Royal Indian Army Service Corps personnel for supply work have also been dispatched. The electric light Power Station is working on a restricted load. General Ironside, Quartermaster General, is leaving for Quetta, to-day. Administration About 3,500 persons were was evacuated from Quetta and the surrounding districts, yesterday. Food was provided at railway stations. The behaviour of the population under heart-rending conditions is excellent and the people are cooperating whole-heartedly with the local authorities. It is hoped that there will be generous and urgent response to the Viceroys Earthquake Relief Fund appeal. The following subscriptions for the fund have been received today: The Commander-in-Chief 2,000; Lady Chetwode Rs. 500. A. G. C., Baluchistan Rs. 1,000; Nawab Mehrab Khan Bugti, Rs. 1,000; American Red Cross 5,000 dollars. The Viceroy has received a message of sympathy from the Governor General of Australia for earthquake sufferers. The Assistant Director of Ordnance Stores, Quetta, reports that it is impossible at present to verify casualties among clerks and store-keepers. The Chief Engineer, Western Command. reports that sixty per cent of Engineer clerical staff is required. The following casualties are officially reported: Albert Edward Todd, Mrs. Todd, Sheikh Mandah aged seventeen, still buried and believed to be dead are Jan Leidekopes and Mrs. Elizabeth Lourentz. Union home minister Amit Shah met former Andhra Pradesh chief minister, and Telegu Desam Party (TDP) chief, N Chandrababu Naidu at his residence late on Saturday evening. The meeting stoked speculation that the two former allies, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the TDP, could be joining hands ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Telegu Desam Party (TDP) chief, N Chandrababu Naidu (HT_PRINT) According to a person aware of the details, the meeting lasted over an hour and the two leaders discussed a bunch of issues. The person declined to comment on whether a decision on the alliance was taken. Naidu, whose TDP was the first to break ties with the National Democratic Alliance after it came to power at the Centre, has been sending out signals that his party is keen to mend ties with the BJP, this person said. In a statement made in April, Naidu described Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a visionary who has been upholding the prestige of the nation and displaying to the world the strength of India. He also specified that he was willing to associate with Modi in the nation building process. TDP had snapped ties with the NDA in 2018 in protest over the delay in grant of special category status for Andhra Pradesh. Naidu had then said that his decision was in response to the Centre overlooking Andhra Pradesh in the annual budget. If the two parties renew ties, it is expected to come as a shot in the arm for the BJP that has an ambitious target of expanding its footprint in Andhra Pradesh and the rest of the southern region. While it has emerged as a key opposition party in Telangana, the party has been struggling to find support among the politically dominant castes in Andhra Pradesh. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Supreme Court Saturday stayed an unusual order of the Allahabad High Court asking the head of the department of astrology of Lucknow University to decide whether a woman, an alleged rape victim, is 'manglik' or not. The counsel for the man had argued before the high court that since the woman was a 'manglik', marriage between the two could not be solemnised and has been refused. (File) The apex court, which held a special sitting on Saturday, took suo motu cognisance of the matter and observed it doesn't understand why the "astrology report is called for" while hearing a bail application. The high court had passed the order on May 23 while hearing the bail plea of the man accused of raping the woman on the false promise of marriage. The counsel for the man had argued before the high court that since the woman was a 'manglik', marriage between the two could not be solemnised and has been refused. However, the counsel appearing for the woman had insisted before the high court she was not a 'manglik'. According to Hindu astrology, a person born under the influence of the planet Mars (mangal) is believed to have "mangal dosha" (affliction) and is called 'manglik'. Many superstitious Hindus believe marriage between a Manglik and a non-Manglik is inauspicious and can be disastrous. "Mr Mehta, you have seen this?" a bench of Justices Sudhanshu Dhulia and Pankaj Mithal asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who appeared in the matter. "I have seen this. It is disturbing. I would request your lordships to kindly stay this order," Mehta said. An advocate, appearing for the complainant, told the bench the high court passed the order with the consent of the parties. "But this was totally out of context. What's this got to do with the subject matter," the bench observed, adding, "apart from it, it involves so many other features... right to privacy has been disturbed, and we don't want to spell out, there are so many other aspects." Arguing that astrology is a science, Mehta said, "The question is, while entertaining an application by a judicial forum can this be a consideration." The bench said there is no doubt that astrology is a science but there are various aspects to it. "We are not getting into the merits of the case," it said. "This court takes a suo motu cognisance of this case which has been placed before us," the bench said, while staying the operation and effect of the high court order. It directed the registry to issue notices to all parties concerned, including the state. The bench posted the matter for further hearing in the week commencing July 10. "We have stayed the order and have permitted the court to decide the bail application on its own merits," the bench observed, adding, "we don't understand why this astrology report is called for". Mehta told the bench he was immensely grateful as a law officer that the apex court took cognisance of the matter. In its May 23 order, the high court had said, "Let Head of Department (Astrology Department), Lucknow University may decide the matter whether the girl is mangali or not and the parties will produce the kundali (horoscope) before the Head of Department (Astrology Department), Lucknow University within ten days from today. The Head of Department (Astrology Department), Lucknow University is directed to submit report in a sealed cover within three weeks to this Court." The high court has listed the case for resumed hearing on June 26. PTI ABA http://ptinews.com/images/pti.jpg We bring the World to you" Disclaimer : This e-mail message may contain proprietary, confidential or legally privileged information for the sole use of the person or entity to whom this message was originally addressed. Please delete this e-mail, if it is not meant for you. An Allahabad high court order on studying the configuration of celestial bodies in a rape case clashed with the established position of law on Saturday with the Supreme Court suspending a judicial directive to the astrology department of the Lucknow University to analyse a womans horoscope for ascertaining whether she is a mangalik or not. CJI Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud decided to take a suo motu (on its own motion) cognisance of the May 23 high court order and constituted a special bench to take up the matter. (HT Archive) Mangalik or mangali is a person born under the influence of Mars, as per Hindu astrology. Such persons are said to have a mangala dosha (defect) which is considered unfavourable for marriages. On May 23, the Allahabad high court passed the unusual order, asking the head of the astrology department of the Lucknow University to study the horoscope of a woman, who had alleged rape on a false promise to marry. Seeking bail in the case, the man claimed he never lacked the intent to marry her but could not do so since she was a mangalik. The woman, however, denied that she was a mangalik. Also Read: SC stays Madras HC order on Forest Bill as Centre agrees for Tamil version At this, the high court directed the head of the astrology department of the Lucknow University to analyse the womans horoscope and submit a report as to whether she is a mangalik or not. The high court fixed the next hearing on June 26, awaiting the report of the astrology department. On Saturday morning, Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud, as the administrative head of the Supreme Court, decided to take a suo motu (on its own motion) cognisance of the May 23 high court order and constituted a special bench to take up the matter. The CJI is currently overseas. At 3pm on Saturday, a bench of justices Sudhanshu Dhulia and Pankaj Mithal took up the matter and wondered why the high court felt the need to go into the area of astrology in a case seeking bail. We do not understand why this astrology report has been called for...Right to privacy has been disturbed and it has so many other issues too, remarked the bench. Solicitor general Tushar Mehta appeared for the Union government, terming the high court order disturbing. While he urged the bench to stay the impugned directive, advocate Ajay Singh, representing the woman, pointed out that the high court order was passed on consent of both sides. Singh argued that since the womans mangalik status was a bone of contention, the high court opted to seek an expert opinion under the Evidence Act. But the bench retorted that a court of law cannot enter into the realm of astrology and other similar private matters of an individual in deciding a bail plea. We are not joining issue with you on what astrology or astronomy has to do. We respect your feelings, but we are only on the subject matter here, it added. The bench then proceeded to put the May 23 order on hold while asking the high court to decide the bail plea purely on merit and on the established principles of law. The Supreme Court takes suo motu cognisance of the case before us. The order of the single judge of Allahabad high court, passed on May 23 while deciding a bail plea, is the subject matter of the case. We say nothing on merits. We stay the operation and effect of the May 23 order. The matter would be taken up by the high court on the next date of listing and shall be dealt on merits, the order stated. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON In many ways, its like whispering a spell. Say it slightly wrong, and it wont work. PREMIUM (Shutterstock) Anyone who has used an Artificial Intelligence (AI) language or art program (and really, what are you waiting for if you havent?), knows how vital the right query can be. With the correct cues, AI art can be indistinguishable from the real thing; mystifying concepts are made easy enough for a six-year-old to understand; fresh code appears as if by magic. In these early days, the right cues also act as an education program. Like an encouraging teacher, the cues nudge the program to learn better, gain nuance, offer context. Which is why one of the first new jobs created by AI is the prompt engineer. In addition to crafting conversations, prompt engineers are tackling ethical concerns and customising AI solutions across industries, says Texas-based data scientist Shubham Saboo, 26, author of GPT-3: The Ultimate Guide to Building NLP Products with OpenAI API. Saboo is also head of developer relations at Tenstorrent, which builds processors for AI. He recently compiled a Twitter thread on the online resources that can help one learn about this new profession. There are modules on offer on upskilling platforms. Courseras Prompt Engineering for ChatGPT course is free. Udemys The Complete Prompt Engineering for AI Bootcamp offers about 62 downloadable resources that cover limitations and best practices too. The course costs 799. Theres an online marketplace called PromptBase that allows people to hire prompt engineers or sell their prompts. And, already, companies such as Anthropic (an American AI research and safety start-up) and Klarity (an AI-based document-review service) are offering prompt engineers packages ranging from $130,000 to $375,000, according to posts on company websites and on LinkedIn. A background in machine language or AI isnt necessary, but can come in handy, depending on the AI tool, says Anna Bernstein, 29, a New York-based prompt engineer with Copy.ai, an AI-powered content-creation platform. She studied English literature, worked as a copywriter, and is a published poet. Shes been with Copy.ai since 2021 and got some initial guidance from a machine-language consultant. Now, she spends her days researching AI behaviour and developing new toolkits to help Copy.ais content creators use AI more effectively. Her background in literature is crucial, because a good prompt engineer must know what the right output looks like. My current role brings together my obsession with language, love for the craft of writing and this mad need to get things right, she says. As Andrej Karpathy, Teslas former chief of AI, put it in a tweet in January: The hottest new programming language is English. Soon, however, the rudimentary principles of prompt engineering will likely be widely known; just as most people have learnt (often without realising it) how to reliably use the Google search engine. As AI models improve, the need for complex instructions will become obsolete. As AI becomes better at following instructions, using it will be as simple as talking to a human, Saboo estimates. What will the prompt engineers pivot to then? Ethics and bias management, AI education, copyright protection, prevention of plagiarism, and policy research, says Saboo. They could become part of the frontline against the illegal and irresponsible use of AI. Which will involve spells of a whole other kind. In the five years that she spent living alongside the remote Onge tribe of the Andaman Islands, Shanti Teresa Lakra fished and cooked with them; saw how differently they raise their young; followed them into the forests in the summer, a season when they cannot bear to be enclosed in their huts. PREMIUM It would sometimes get lonely, Lakra says. I would read the Bible and recite poems to myself... All these years later, I realise that I am not always able to communicate fluently in either Hindi or English. I sometimes run out of appropriate words. (HT Photo: Sanchit Khanna) It was a culture wholly new to her, even though she grew up in the Middle Andamans. Where her late parents, homemaker Augustina Kujur and forest department driver Marcus Lakra, wanted their six children to learn to brush their teeth and put on their shoes, essential early skills among the Onge included climbing trees and cracking open coconuts. In her years as a nurse and midwife there, Lakra would survive a tsunami, live out of a bare tent, send her year-old baby away to keep him safe, and help save a premature baby that weighed 900 gm. For her incredible service, she was shortlisted for the prestigious Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award in May. Years ago, in 2011, she received the Padma Shri, one of Indias highest civilian honours. A year before that, she won a National Florence Nightingale Award. I couldnt have done it alone. My family, including my husband, elder sister and in-laws, are my pillars of strength, says Lakra, 51. Her husband, Shaji Varghese, 59, a real-estate broker in Port Blair, would visit her on site, as often as he could. Her in-laws cared for her son, Ashley, now 20, when she couldnt. He is so loved by his grandparents and they take care of him always, she says. Her sister, Scholastica Tirkey, 61, is also a nurse and is the reason Lakra chose the profession. I would see the relief that she brought to people in our village, Rangat, and the way they talked about her. That was the role I wanted to have in the world. Lakra studied in Port Blair and qualified as an auxiliary nursing midwife at 28. She secured a position with the local government and her first posting came two years later, at the Public Health Centre at Dugong Creek, land of the Onge tribe. This is one of Indias PVTG (Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups). Their way of life is so remote that special laws prevent images of them from being posted on social media, in order to protect it. They describe themselves as En-iregale (Perfect Person, in Ongan). They have dark black skin, wear metal and wood jewellery around the neck, hips and head. In place of clothing, they apply a clay mixture for protection from the sun and from insects. They live by fishing, hunting and foraging. Lakra realised soon enough that they were not going to trek 1 km from their settlement to reach out to an allopathic nurse at a government outpost. So she left the outpost and began to spend time with them in their homes. The Onge population at the time was 78, partly as a result of a low birth rate. So Lakra decided to make healthy pregnancies a priority. That would be harder than she realised. The tribe does not use a modern calendar system, so women often couldnt pinpoint where they were in their menstrual cycle or confirm if they were pregnant. They also believed that admitting to a pregnancy before it became visible was inviting bad luck. Lakra got around these factors by spending hours in each household, talking to women about the dos and donts of early pregnancy. They began to turn to her for basic salves, first-aid and other medication. The tribe was warm and grew to trust her, but it was hard to adjust to the loneliness, she says. Yoga can help you keep cool by bringing your body temperature down naturally. Your body's metabolic processes produce thermal energy, which, when coupled with the ambient temperature and dehydration, can raise body temperature but according to health experts, Yoga poses assist in achieving both physical and mental equilibrium. Yoga poses to balance body temperature (Photo by Taylor Deas-Melesh on Unsplash) In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar, Founder of Akshar Yoga Institutions, shared, Poses from Yoga can significantly lower body temperature. Additionally, it activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which cools the body and slows heart rate and blood pressure. Yoga can help balance the vata, pitta and kapha elements of the body as per Ayurvedic system. He suggested some Yoga positions, which along with pranayama and mudra can aid in body cooling and temperature regulation: Surya Namaskar and Chandra Namaskar Sun and Moon Salutations Both Surya Namaskar and Chandra Namaskar can be done, but they should be performed equally. For example if you are practising 5 cycles of Surya Namaskar, then you must also do the same number of Chandra Namaskars. These can be done early in the morning as the sun rises. 2. Ashwasanchalanasana Horse Pose Start in downward-facing dog. Step the right leg forward and place it on the floor between the palms. Lower the back knee to the mat. Extend the arms overhead or place them next to your foot Repeat on the other side. 3. Hakini Mudra The Hakini Mudra is also known as the Mind Mudra. It should be carried out ideally just before sunrise. It may be performed in any seated position that is solid and allows the spine to stay straight, such as padmasana (the lotus pose) or sukhasana (the easy pose). To make this gesture, start by positioning your palms a few inches apart and facing one another. Join the fingertips and thumbs of both hands, keeping only a faint touch between them. 4. Pranayama Techniques The practising of pranayama may be crucial in situations including hot temperatures, physically demanding activities, prolonged sun exposure, hot flushes, intense emotional events, and other heat-producing circumstances. These methods have no effect on vata or kapha and are very successful in bringing pitta into balance. 5. Sheethali Pranayama If you can, choose a sitting position like the cross-legged position. Place your hands on your knees and stretch your spine so that your chest and belly are open, and that your neck, back, and head are all in an upright position. When breathing in via the nose, the eyes should be slightly closed. Let your entire body relax.When you're ready to apply the cooling breath, inhale deeply while rolling your tongue: Breathe deeply and, if you can, roll your tongue with Sheetali. 6. Shitkari Pranayama If you can, choose a sitting position like the cross-legged position. Place your hands on your knees and stretch your spine so that your chest and belly are open and that your neck, back and head are all in an upright position. When breathing in via the nose, the eyes should be slightly closed. The lips should just slightly split and widen, like when we grin. Relax your entire body. The tongue should only be flattened and gently caught between the teeth. Inhale deeply while letting the air pass over your tongue's borders and through the corners of your mouth. Precautions Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar cautioned, Sheetali and sheetkari are to be avoided if you have low blood pressure, respiratory disorders (such as asthma, bronchitis, or excessive mucus), and chronic constipation. The possibility that Covid could have leaked from a Chinese lab should not be ruled out, a former top Chinese government scientist said. Professor George Gao, former head of China's Centre for Disease Control (CDC), told the BBC Radio 4 podcast Fever: The Hunt for COVID's Origin, You can always suspect anything. That's science. Don't rule out anything. Coronavirus Origin: An illustration of the novel coronavirus seen next to a health care worker at a Covid-19 testing centre. This contrasts the position of the Chinese government which has repeatedly dismissed any suggestion that the virus may have originated in a Wuhan laboratory. Covid lab leak theory and Wuhan Wuhan - the city where the virus was first detected - is home to one of China's top national laboratories. The Covid lab leak theory resurfaced earlier this year in February when FBI's director said this is where it "most likely" originated. In a report seen by the Wall Street Journal, four other US agencies also agreed with the FBI and said a lab leak was likely. But many scientists say that Covid may have a natural origin - the virus spreading from animals to humans. What Professor George Gao said Professor Gao who played a key role in China's pandemic response said "that lab was double-checked by the experts in the field". I think their conclusion is that they are following all the protocols. They haven't found (any) wrongdoing, he added. What has China said about the lab leak theory "The so-called 'lab leak' is a lie created by anti-China forces. It is politically motivated and has no scientific basis," the Chinese embassy in the UK told the BBC while earlier this year, China's foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said the involvement of the US intelligence community was evidence enough of the "politicisation of origin tracing". "By rehashing the lab-leak theory, the US will not succeed in discrediting China, and instead, it will only hurt its own credibility," Mao Ning said adding, "We urge the US to respect science and facts... stop turning origin tracing into something about politics and intelligence, and stop disrupting social solidarity and origins cooperation," she added. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ABOUT THE AUTHOR Mallika Soni When not reading, this ex-literature student can be found searching for an answer to the question, "What is the purpose of journalism in society?" ...view detail Former President Donald Trump has once again sparked controversy with his latest remarks, this time offering congratulations to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on the country's admission to the World Health Organization's executive board. While Western observers have condemned the move, Trump is taking a different stance. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un walks with former US President Trump north of the military demarcation line that divides North and South Korea, in the Joint Security Area of Panmunjom in the Demilitarized Zone.(AFP) In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump wrote, "Congratulations to Kim Jong Un!" This unexpected message comes as countries with questionable human rights records are assuming leadership roles in international organizations. Russia assumed the presidency of the U.N. Security Council in April. Recently, it was announced that Iran, a country with a track record of suppressing its citizens, will chair the U.N. Human Rights Council 2023 Social Forum. Now, Dr. Jong Min Pak of the North Korean Ministry of Public Health will join the WHO's executive board until 2026. Hillel Neuer, executive director of UN Watch, a Geneva-based human rights group, strongly condemned North Korea's inclusion in a statement. He called it an "absurd episode" for a crucial U.N. agency that is in dire need of self-reflection and reform. Nikki Haley, former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations during the Trump administration and current presidential candidate, also criticized the decision. During his presidency, Trump held three meetings with Kim Jong Un in an effort to improve relations and achieve denuclearization of North Korea, a country known for its belligerence and threats to South Korea and other U.S. allies. While some progress was made in reducing tensions and the repatriation of U.S. soldiers' remains from the Korean War, significant strides towards denuclearization were not achieved. Tensions have since escalated. Just this week, the U.S. condemned North Korea for its attempted launch of a military spy satellite using ballistic missile technology. In a revealing CNN interview last month, Trump's former national security advisor, John Bolton, shed light on the former president's thinking. Bolton stated that Trump believed foreign leaders, including adversaries, held him in high regard, when in reality, the opposite was true. Bolton described Trump's perception of himself as a "laughing fool" in the eyes of those leaders. During his presidency, Trump halted funding to the WHO and announced his intention to withdraw from the international body. He accused the organization of being slow to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and aiding China in covering up the threat it posed. One of President Joe Biden's early actions in office was to recommit the United States to the WHO and lift the funding freeze imposed by his predecessor. The decision to resume cooperation with the organization marked a significant departure from Trump's stance. Also read | Hat Swap and heckling! Ron DeSantis' New Hampshire rally takes an unexpected turn, is there a conspiracy? Trump's congratulatory message to Kim Jong Un has ignited a new wave of controversy, once again drawing attention to the former president's unconventional approach to foreign relations and his contrasting views with Western observers. As the geopolitical landscape continues to evolve, the implications of these gestures and decisions on global governance and human rights remain a topic of heated debate. The Republican National Committee (RNC) has unveiled the qualifying rules for the first presidential debate for 2024 elections, causing a stir among the GOP candidates. With stringent requirements of 40,000 individual campaign donors and a 1 percent polling threshold, the rules have sparked both excitement and concern. The Republican National Committee (RNC) has unveiled the qualifying rules for the first presidential debate for 2024 elections. As the stage is set for a showdown, candidates find themselves navigating a path filled with challenges, potential exclusions, and strategic moves. Let's dive into the drama surrounding the Republican presidential race and the rules that could shape the landscape of the campaign. The Great Filter: Donors and Polls The RNC has set the bar high by introducing a dual filter for candidates to qualify for the debate stage. They must demonstrate the support of 40,000 individual campaign donors and secure at least 1 percent in multiple national polls. This strict criteria sets the stage for a battle of resources, popularity, and political prowess. However, it also raises concerns about the potential exclusion of lesser-known candidates. Challenging the Underdogs While candidates like former president Donald Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis have already surpassed the 1 percent polling threshold, the rules pose a challenge for candidates such as former Arkansas governor Asa Hutchinson and talk radio host Larry Elder. With their absence in some national polls, their campaigns face an uphill battle to meet the requirements. Are the rules unfairly narrowing the field or maintaining the integrity of the debate? A Circus or a Serious Platform? The RNC justifies the stringent rules as a means to prevent the debate from descending into a circus. Seeking a balance between inclusivity and credibility, the party aims to showcase conservative voices without diluting the significance of the event. But critics argue that the rules may unintentionally favor a two-person race, limiting the exposure and opportunities for a broader range of candidates. Will the RNC strike the right balance between order and diversity? Trump's Dilemma and Negotiations As the frontrunner in polling, Trump's presence in the debates hangs in the balance. He has hinted at skipping the early debates and has refused to pledge support for the eventual nominee. Negotiations between Trump's team and the party are ongoing, adding another layer of complexity to an already intense process. How will Trump's decisions impact the dynamics of the Republican race? Strategies and Surprises With more candidates expected to join the nomination race in the coming weeks, the pressure to meet the qualifying rules intensifies. Some candidates express confidence in surpassing the donor threshold, while others believe they can clear the polling threshold despite their lower name recognition. The race is not only about meeting the requirements but also about strategic moves, alliances, and financial backing. Who will outmaneuver their opponents and emerge as a frontrunner? Also read | Donald Trump's congratulatory post for North Korea's WHO membership sparks outrage and controversy The Republican presidential debate rules have set the stage for a high-stakes battle, as candidates strive to meet the strict qualifying criteria. With the pressure to secure donors, gain polling support, and navigate the complexities of the nomination process, the race promises drama, surprises, and strategic maneuvers. As the candidates gear up for the first debate, the political landscape hangs in the balance, with the potential to shape the course of the Republican Party's future. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON An Indo-Canadian father and son duo have been arrested and charged by Canadian police for alleged sexual exploitation of several teenaged girls over a period of many months. HT Image Police in the city of Calgary in the province of Alberta identified them as 24-year-old Sumrit Walia and 56-year-old Gurpartap Singh Walia. The multiple girls involved were not of age of consent. The investigation was undertaken by the Calgary Police Service Child Abuse Unit after a missing girl was located in April this year. She informed them that she was in a relationship with a 24-year-old man who allegedly provided her with alcohol, drugs, and vapes (e-cigarettes) in exchange for sex. The pair owned and operated Haddon Convenience Store and Premier Liquor Wine and Spirits, located next door, where the alleged assaults took place. As the investigation progressed, officers determined that the father and son were providing vapes, marijuana, cigarettes and alcohol to multiple other teenage girls, who were sexually assaulted at the businesses, a release from Calgary Police said. The incidents are believed to have occurred between December last year and this May. The two were arrested on Thursday and search of a residence connected to them resulted in resulted in the seizure of 975 grams of cocaine with a street value of $97,500 (approximately 60 lakh), and seven handguns. Police also seized a computer with child pornography, drugs and drug paraphernalia, contraband tobacco, vape cartridges and collapsible batons from their businesses. These are incredibly serious charges, where vulnerable youths were being targeted, exploited and forced to enter a dangerous lifestyle, Staff Sergeant Darren Smith of the Calgary Police Service Child Abuse Unit said. Sumrit Walia faces multiple charges including one count of sexual interference with a minor, one count of sexual exploitation, one count of sexual assault, one count of possession of child pornography, one count of accessing child pornography, one count of creating child pornography, seven counts of unlawful possession of a firearm, one count of possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking, among others. The charges that his father faces include four counts of sexual assault and four counts of sexual interference with a minor. The release added that the victims are being supported by the Luna Child and Youth Advocacy Centre which provides wrap-around support for children, youths and families who have been impacted by severe and complex abuse. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ABOUT THE AUTHOR Anirudh Bhattacharyya Anirudh Bhattacharya is a Toronto-based commentator on North American issues, and an author. He has also worked as a journalist in New Delhi and New York spanning print, television and digital media. He tweets as @anirudhb. ...view detail A shootout in southern Israel along the Egyptian border killed two Israeli soldiers on Saturday, the army said, in a rare instance of deadly violence along the frontier. Soldiers react near the site of a reported security incident near Israel's southern border with Egypt, Israel June 3. (REUTERS) The military said an assailant was in Israeli territory when he opened fire at troops. The soldiers returned fire, killing the gunman. The army said one of the killed soldiers was a woman. It gave no details on the assailant. Criminals sometimes smuggle drugs across the border, while Islamic militant groups are also active in Egypt's restive north Sinai. Israel and Egypt signed a peace agreement in 1979 and maintain close security ties. Fighting along their shared border is rare. The exchange of fire reportedly took place around the Nitzana border crossing between Israel and Egypt. The crossing is located about 40 kilometers (25 miles) southeast of the point where Israel's border with Egypt and the Gaza Strip converge. It's used to import goods from Egypt destined for Israel or the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip. Israel built a fence along the porous border a decade ago to halt the entry of African migrants and Islamic militants who are active in Egypt's Sinai desert. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON While delivering a speech in Iowa, former US president Donald Trump decided to talk about Joe Biden's fall at the commencement ceremony for the US Air Force Academy in Colorado. "Well, I hope he wasn't hurt. You got to be careful about that, you gotta be careful about that because you don't want that. Even if you got to tiptoe down a ramp," Donald Trump said. Former US president Donald Trump speaks.(AFP) The response prompted widespread laughter from the crowd of supporters at his rally and was a reference to a speech he gave at the US Military Academy at West Point in 2020 after which Donald Trump was seen slowly walking down a ramp and videos of his tiptoe sparked concerns about the former president's health. Donald Trump had then said that the ramp that I descended after my West Point Commencement speech was very long & steep, had no handrail and, most importantly, was very slippery...The last thing I was going to do is 'fall' for the Fake News to have fun with. Final ten feet I ran down to level ground. Momentum! While Joe Biden had said, Look at how he steps and look at how I step. Watch how I run up ramps and he stumbles down ramps. On Joe Biden's fall, the White Houe said that the president was fine and there was a sandbag on stage while he was shaking hands. This is not the first time Biden has tripped since he took office in 2020. In February 2022, Joe Biden was seen walking up the steps to board Air Force One and slightly tripped on his way. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON King Charles III will be avoiding his son Prince Harry who is set to visit the UK next week as the monarch is on a holiday retreat in Romania. Prince Harry is returning to Britain as he takes Mirror Group Newspapers (MGN) to court over allegations of phone hacking while the monarch is at his holiday home in Romania for five days. This comes after Prince Harrys brief visit to England for his fathers coronation last month during which he stayed in UK for less than 24 hours before flying straight back to US. Britain's Prince Harry arrives at the Royal Courts Of Justice in London.(AP) Prince Harry was also in the UK in late March for his phone hacking lawsuit claim against The Daily Mail. At that time as well, he did not see King Charles or other members of the royal family. King Charles in Romania King Charles is in Romania where he owns at least 10 properties. The monarch has a long history with the country where he bought his first property in the village of Viscri in 2006. For his Romania visit, his wife Camilla will not be joining him leaving the 74-year-old monarch to enjoy some me-timw during the first year of his new role. The holiday home has no wifi, TV or radio but the drawing room now has a small hi-fi player with CDs, reports claimed, adding, It has seven double rooms with en-suite bathrooms in three heritage cottages, each furnished with authentic Transylvanian antiques and textiles. Charles is understood to sleep in a little wooden bed when he stays at the property. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON King Charles III is in Romania for an annual trip to his holiday home. The monarch has a long history with the country where he owns at least ten properties, The Independent reported. His first was a Saxon house in the village of Viscri in 2006 but the King will be visiting a stripped-back former farmhouse in Zalanpatak. View of an old traditional house in the village of Valea Zalanului, where Britain's King Charles III owns a property.(AFP) However, his wife Camilla will not be accompanying him on the trip. King Charles will also meet members of the state and civil society. King Charles' home is a stripped-back former farmhouse in a cosy hamlet in Zalanpatak, Romania which is close to the Carpathian Mountains- which he purchased several years ago. Royal expert Jennie Bond said that the King will be visiting the retreat in the coming weeks to recuperate from his coronation adding that the monarch has laid an ecological water treatment plant at the residence and loves it there. He sleeps in a little wooden bed, hes going there for a very short stay next month, she said. The hideaway is surrounded by hills and meadows of the Zalan Valley, frequented by wolves and bears and there is no wifi, TV or radio, but the drawing room has a small hi-fi player with CDs. The property has seven double rooms with en-suite bathrooms in three heritage cottages, each furnished with authentic Transylvanian antiques and textiles and a fourth building has a drawing room and dining area with a large open fireplace and a comfortable sitting area on a landing above the kitchen. The King wishes to encourage more people to visit Transylvania and promote sustainable development, according to the official website for the guesthouse. The property is typically rented out to visitors at 140 per night. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON According to a recent Ipsos poll conducted across 30 countries, approximately 9% of adults globally identify as LGBTQ. ORLANDO, FLORIDA - JUNE 02: Tony Vega wears a Mickey Mouse hat as he attends the Gay Days at the DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld on June 02, 2023 in Orlando, Florida. As Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Florida lawmakers passed anti-LGBTQ laws, Gay Days organizers encouraged visitors to continue to attend one of Floridas largest gay and lesbian celebrations. One part of the festivities for the weekend will be a Saturday meetup of LGBTQ visitors at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World, even as Disney is in a legal fight with DeSantis over the governor and Florida Republican lawmakers taking over Disney Worlds governing district after Disney officials publicly opposed legislation that critics have dubbed Dont Say, Gay. Joe Raedle/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by JOE RAEDLE / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)(Getty Images via AFP) On Thursday the survey, highlights that younger generations, including Millennials and Gen Zers, are more likely to identify as queer, bisexual, pansexual, omnisexual, or asexual compared to their previous generations. The survey collected responses from over 22,514 adults under the age of 75 in the 30 countries, who participated online between February 17 and March 3. Nicolas Boyon, the senior vice president of research and communications at Ipsos, emphasized that the survey demonstrates commonalities across countries, indicating widespread respect for LGBTQ+ rights due to increased interactions with individuals from the community. "Globally, we see an increase compared to two years ago in the proportion of people who have a relative, friend, or coworker who identifies as gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans, or non-binary," said Boyon in an interview with CNN. Among the countries surveyed, over half of the respondents expressed support for same-sex marriage where it is legal. In total, approximately 56% of respondents across the 30 countries believed that same-sex couples should be allowed to marry legally. Additionally, 16% stated that same-sex couples should obtain some form of legal recognition, even if not marriage. The survey also found that women were significantly more likely than men to support same-sex marriage. The majority of respondents in 26 countries agreed that same-sex couples are just as capable of successfully raising children as other parents. This finding suggests a growing acceptance of diverse family structures and challenges traditional notions of parenting. Interestingly, Boyon expressed surprise at the greater support for transgender people in countries such as Thailand, Italy, and Spain, in contrast to the United States, Eastern Europe, and Great Britain. In the US, we see generally less support for a variety of protections or measures that we see in many other countries. For example, allowing people to use public facilities according to the gender they identify with. There is also less support for the health insurance to cover the costs of transition the same way as other medical procedures, Boyon stated. ALSO READ| Why do Indian Americans reign supreme in Scripps National Spelling Bee Champion? The Ipsos poll reflects a significant shift in attitudes towards LGBTQ+ rights on a global scale. With an increasing number of people having personal connections with individuals from the LGBTQ+ community, there is a growing understanding and acceptance of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities. The survey's findings highlight the need for continued advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, particularly in countries where support is lacking. The anticipation surrounding King Charles' coronation was heightened by the absence of Meghan Markle, leading to speculations about a potential clash with Kate Middleton. While Meghan remained in California, a royal commentator suggests that her presence could have sparked the "great war of the two royal wives." Let's delve into the details and explore the contrasting paths of Meghan and Kate. FILE - Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, and from left, Meghan the Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry, Prince William and Kate the Duchess of Cambridge watch a flypast of Royal Air Force aircraft pass over Buckingham Palace in London, (AP) The missed fashion extravaganza: Had Meghan attended the coronation, all eyes would have been on her outfit, expected to be a couture masterpiece worth a small fortune. Daniela Elser laments the missed opportunity, remarking that it could have been the "Dress to End All Dresses." She humorously suggests that such a spectacle might have led to a fashion showdown between the two royal wives, with the quip, "Pradas at dawn, anyone?" Kate Middleton's rise: Contrasting Meghan's perceived struggles, Kate Middleton has been steadily cementing her role as Princess of Wales. She has demonstrated a methodical approach, championing key charitable causes and addressing issues such as homelessness and mental health. Daniela Elser praises Kate's progress, acknowledging her ambition and success in these endeavors, stating, "Strength to strength, nailing it, gold stars all around." Meghan's floundering public persona: Elser highlights Meghan's recent career setbacks, attributing them to the couple's Netflix series and Prince Harry's book. She notes that despite Meghan's renowned work ethic, she appears to be a "Duchess without a portfolio." Elser compares Meghan's current situation to that of Kate, who has unexpectedly found her stride and embarked on exciting and ambitious projects. The unexpected shift prompts Elser to question the trajectory of their respective careers. Meghan's retreat from the public eye: Following a paparazzi car chase that Meghan and Prince Harry labeled "near catastrophic," Meghan has chosen to retreat from the public eye. However, conflicting accounts emerged, with the NYPD confirming their assistance to the couple's security team amid challenging circumstances posed by numerous photographers. In contrast, Kate Middleton has maintained a busy schedule, attending significant events such as the Royal Chelsea Flower Show and making surprise appearances at the Eurovision Song Contest and the Percy Community Centre. Meghan Markle's absence at King Charles' coronation deprived the public of a potential face-off with Kate Middleton, leaving room for speculation and fascination. While Kate continues to flourish in her royal role, Meghan's career appears to face challenges. As their paths diverge, the public eagerly awaits their future endeavors and the dynamics between these two prominent royal figures. The Kremlin said on Saturday that journalists from 'unfriendly countries' would not get accreditation for the St Petersburg International Economic Forum, TASS reported. A view of the Moscow Kremlin in Moscow, Russia.(AP) Reuters was told by the organisers of the forum on Friday that accreditation to the forum had been cancelled after receiving an earlier confirmation of accreditation on Thursday. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A local court in Pakistan's Bahawalpur sentenced a 22-year-old Christian man to death and imposed a fine of 20,000 for allegedly sharing blasphemous content through WhatsApp. Noman Masih. (Morning Star via defense counsel) Noman Masih was accused of carrying blasphemous images in his mobile phone, reported Pakistan's The Nation. The First Information Report (FIR) was registered against him under Section 295-C, which has a mandatory death sentence. Masih was arrested four years ago by police on a complaint that he had shared blasphemous material on a messaging app. "The prosecutors presented the forensic record of Maih's cellphone which proved that he shared the blasphemous content through WhatsApp. Besides some witnesses were also presented in the court," said a court official, reported news agency PTI. Pakistan's minority rights activist Joseph Jansen claimed that a fair investigation was not conducted in the case, which led to the judgement of capital punishment. While expressing concern over the development, Jansen said it was disturbing and painful that a young Christian man was sentenced to death. The complainants and witnesses involved in levelling false allegations against the accused often enjoy impunity, he added. False accusations of blasphemy against religious minorities are often made to settle personal vendettas, property disputes, religious prejudice, or business rivalries, as seen in various cases, including Mussarat Bibis case, he alleged. Meanwhile, human rights activist Ilyas Samuel hoped the High Court would set aside the death sentence awarded by the additional sessions judge and drop all charges against Noman. In a meeting with owners of Pakistan's prominent media organisations in Islamabad earlier this week, the country's powerful military directed them to stop any coverage related to former prime minister Imran Khan amid ongoing political crisis, a report claimed. This comes as Imran Khan's popularity remains unscathed after his arrested in land fraud case- Al-Qadir Trust case- on May 9 following which members of his party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf stormed military buildings and ransacked the residence of a top army general in the Lahore. Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan. What happened in the meeting as per the report? The Intercept reported that the ban put in place by Pakistan's military limits media coverage related to Imran Khan and has been confirmed by more than half a dozen journalists of the country. After the meeting, news organisations across Pakistan issued directives to their journalists to pause coverage of Imran Khan, the report claimed. "They have lots of levers to hurt media companies," a Pakistani journalist was quoted as saying by The Intercept. "Messing with their print distribution, messing with their cable distribution are just some. Blackmail is another tool," the journalist added. Have there been such orders before? On June 2, Pakistans electronic media regulatory authority barred coverage of hate mongers, rioters, their facilitators and perpetrators. Why is the decision been taken? Imran Khan has at odds with Pakistan military since he was removed from power last year in a no confidence vote which he claimed was orchestrated by the country's top generals. Imran Khan has repeatedly made claims against the army, all of which have been denied by the latter. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Clusters of brown Sargassum seaweed reported to be infested by flesh-eating bacteria were found awash in Florida. A new study revealed that this 5,000-mile wide thicket of seaweed- the Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt- could become overrun with species of Vibrio bacteria. This could create a perfect pathogen storm, according to the study by the Florida Atlantic University. The bacteria can cling to the surface of plastic waste.(Unsplash) The bacteria can cling to the surface of plastic waste which gets entwined in the large mass of seaweed and poses significant health risks, it added. What is Vibrio bacteria? People can get infected by Vibrio by eating raw or uncooked seafood. Contact with an open wound could cause necrotizing fasciitis- the flesh-eating bacteria infection- leading to amputation or death, Center for Disease Control noted. What have experts said? Dr Tracy Mincer, the corresponding lead author of the study said, We really want to make the public aware of these associated risks. In particular, caution should be exercised regarding the harvest and processing of Sargassum biomass until the risks are explored more thoroughly. Dr Mincer, assistant professor of biology at the universitys Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute and Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College said, Another interesting thing we discovered is a set of genes called zot genes, which causes leaky gut syndrome. For instance, if a fish eats a piece of plastic and gets infected by this Vibrio, which then results in a leaky gut and diarrhea, its going to release waste nutrients such nitrogen and phosphate that could stimulate Sargassum growth and other surrounding organisms. Have there been cases of Vibrio infections before? According to Floridas health department, cases of Vibrio infections have more than doubled from 2021 to 2022. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ABOUT THE AUTHOR Mallika Soni When not reading, this ex-literature student can be found searching for an answer to the question, "What is the purpose of journalism in society?" ...view detail A school district in the US state of Utah removed Bible from elementary and middle schools saying that it contained "vulgarity and violence". The decision was taken after a complaint from a parent that the King James Bible has material unsuitable for children. In 2022, Utah had also passed a law banning "pornographic or indecent" books from schools. Most of the books that were banned after that were related to topics like sexual orientation and identity. Utah passed a law in 2022 banning "pornographic or indecent" books from schools.(Representational) Why was the decision taken? Utah's decision was made by the Davis School District north of Salt Lake City after the 2022 complaint. Officials said, as per BBC, that they have already removed seven or eight copies of the Bible that they had on their shelves. The committee did not elaborate on its decision or which passages contained "vulgarity or violence". The parent had said in their complaint that the King James Bible "has 'no serious values for minors' because it's pornographic by our new definition". Is US increasingly banning books? US conservatives are pushing to ban teaching in school on controversial topics such as LGBT rights and racial identity. Bans are also in place in Texas, Florida, Missouri and South Carolina. A lawmaker Ken Ivory said, Traditionally, in America, the Bible is best taught, and best understood, in the home, and around the hearth, as a family. The district is not the first in the US to remove Bible from its shelves. Another Texas school district last year pulled the Bible from library shelves after complaints from members of the public. Last month, students in Kansas requested to have the Bible removed from their school library as well, it was reported. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ABOUT THE AUTHOR Mallika Soni When not reading, this ex-literature student can be found searching for an answer to the question, "What is the purpose of journalism in society?" ...view detail Prince William was pictured chatting with former US president Donald Trump's daughter Ivanka at the royal wedding in Jordan. William and his wife Kate Middleton made a surprise appearance at the star-studded royal wedding of Jordans Crown Prince Al Hussein and Saudi Arabian architect Rajwa Al Saif. US first lady Jill Biden arrived with her daughter Ashley Biden while King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands and Denmarks Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess were present at the event. Jordan Royal Wedding: Prince William and Ivanka Trump seen talking. Ivanka Trump and her husband Jared Kushner were also seen in photos published by The Daily Mail. Ivanka was seen holding a private conversation with Prince William while Kate Middleton could be seen walking ahead of them. They had earlier met in 2019, when Ivanka joined then-president Donald Trump on an official visit to the UK. Taking to Instagram, Ivanka Trump shared her congratulations for the newlywed crown prince and princess of Jordan on their wedding. Congratulations to Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah and Princess Rajwa Al Hussein on their beautiful wedding in Jordan yesterday. May their lives together be blessed with an abundance of love, health and happiness," she shared on her Instagram Stories. She alsp shared a photo of Crown Prince Hussein and Princess Rajwa from the ceremony, before posting a snap of her own outfit from the wedding. Ivanka chose a floor-length blue long-sleeve gown, while Jared wore a black tuxedo with a white vest, bow tie, and button-down shirt. During the royal wedding, the Prince of Wales was also seen telling the Princess of Wales to wrap up her conversation with Princess Rajwa after the ceremony. William could be heard saying chop chop to his wife in videos widely shared on social media. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Queen Elizabeth II was in "a lot of pain" in her final years, a source close to the royal family revealed. Her sight and hearing had deteriorated considerably in the weeks leading to her death and the monarch had difficulty concentrating for an extended period of time and was easily confused, a friend of the late Queen Elizabeth's told The Daily Beast. Queen Elizabeth II. (File) Queen Elizabeth, who reigned for over 70 years, died on September 8, 2022 aged 96. Just days before her death, she formally appointing Liz Truss as UK's prime minister just days before her death. What the friend said on Queen Elizabeth II? For the last years of her life, certainly from when her husband died [in April 2021], the Queen was in a lot of pain. In the final months, of course, it got very much worse; by the time of the Platinum Jubilee (June 2022), she couldnt see very much, she couldnt hear very much, and she was easily confused, the friend revealed. She barely moved from her apartments in Windsor Castle. Appearing on the balcony at Windsor Castle for the Jubilee required a titanic effort," they added. What are some other claims made about Queen Elizabeth's health? Royal author Gyles Brandreth previously claimed that Queen Elizabeth II was suffering from bone cancer when she died. Royal correspondent Robert Jobson also explained the details of the plan to get the Queen onto the Buckingham Palace balcony for her "last salute" at the Platinum Jubilee last year. On her insistence, a military-style exercise was put in place so that no one could see she was having to use a wheelchair. In considerable discomfort, Her Majesty was taken by wheelchair to the helicopter pad at Windsor. At the Palace, she was wheeled right up to the balcony doors, then helped to her feet so that she could stand - with the aid of a walking stick - alongside Charles and Camilla, plus William and his family, he wrote. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON British prime minister Rishi Sunak may be considering a London-based global artificial intelligence (AI) watchdog aimed at overseeing any threats posed by the technology, a UK media report claimed. As Rishi Sunak is set to discuss ways to cooperate on monitoring AI when he meets US president Joe Biden at the White House next week, The Times reported that the British premier is considering setting up a global AI authority in London. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak attends a press conference.(AP) What will be the new agency like? It will be modelled on the Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) which was founded in 1957 with 176 countries as members to monitor the use of nuclear energy and promote safe standards. What is Rishi Sunak planning? A British minister told the newspaper that the UK would be the best place in the world for any new body as many leading companies already have a strong presence here. The Prime Minister is very alive to the need for international alignment on the approach to AI as the technology evolves to ensure we can benefit from the opportunities but manage the risks, a government source was quoted as saying by the report. Are there similar efforts on AI regulation in the world? The European Union (EU) is refining its Artificial Intelligence Act which would attempt to take a hard line on oversight of the sector and its impact. The US is also considering regulation of AI technology, it was earlier reported. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Ron DeSantis, the Florida governor and Republican presidential candidate, faced a heckler during a speech addressing left-wing indoctrination in public schools. Republican presidential candidate Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks during a campaign event, in Clive, Iowa., Tuesday, May 30, 2023. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)(AP) Unfortunately, theres bad stuff thats getting into the schools, theres pornography thats getting into the schools, DeSantis told the crowd. The incident occurred during an event in Lexington, South Carolina, where DeSantis was discussing concerns about inappropriate content, including pornography, entering schools. Interrupting the governor, a woman shouted expletives and called DeSantis a "a f***ing fascist" in response to his stance on kids' healthcare. The audience loudly booed the heckler as DeSantis sarcastically thanked her, Yeah well, thank you, thank you for the interruption before firing back. A female protestor interrupts Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. (Image Credit: AP/New York Post)(AP) The 44-year-old Florida governor emphasized the need to protect children from indoctrination and imposed agendas, stating, "We're not gonna let you impose an agenda on our kids! We're gonna stand up for our kids!" He reassured his audience that battles against those who support such ideologies were being won daily in Florida. Those people like that in Florida are the people we beat every single day on policy. We do not let them win. We won all these battles. Were not letting them indoctrinate our kids. Not on our watch, he expressed. Critics, including Disney CEO Bob Iger, have targeted DeSantis for signing a law that prohibits discussions on gender identity and sexual orientation in public schools for kindergarten to third-grade students. Iger expressed concern that this legislation, known as the "Don't Say Gay" bill, would endanger young LGBTQ individuals. The dispute escalated into a legal battle over oversight of Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando. Several declared and potential GOP presidential candidates, including former President Donald Trump, criticized DeSantis for his actions, labeling them as political stunts. DeSantis's administration also blocked an advanced placement course on black history, citing it as "radical," and passed a law granting parents access to education curricula to address concerns of sexually explicit material in school libraries. DeSantis defended these measures, refuting claims that banning books was the intention. Some people say if you dont have every book under the sun in the library that you want to ban books.Thats not true, he said in March. Ahead of the 2024 presidential race, The Florida governor has been actively campaigning in early primary states such as Iowa, New Hampshire, and South Carolina. ALSO READ| Hat Swap and heckling! Ron DeSantis' New Hampshire rally takes an unexpected turn, is there a conspiracy? President Biden, 80, criticized DeSantis's Parental Rights in Education Act as "hateful" before its passage last year. Despite a significant lead for Trump over DeSantis in the primary by a 28-point margin, both candidates trail Biden in the general election, according to a recent Yahoo News/YouGov poll. Ukraine is ready to launch its long-awaited counteroffensive to recapture Russian-occupied territory, its president announced. Volodymyr Zelensky told the Wall Street Journal that he does not know how long it will take and it can go a variety of ways but Ukraine "strongly believes" that they will succeed. Russia-Ukraine War: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky gestures as he speaks.(AFP) "We are going to do it, and we are ready," he said. The counteroffensive has been delayed due to wet weather leaving the ground unsuitable for heavy, armoured vehicles but a dry spell in some parts of Ukraine has driven anticipation. This comes as Zelensky acknowledged that Ukraine would not be able to join NATO before the end of Russian invasion- a rare admission by the Ukrainian president who has stepped up pressure on NATO and the European Union to open their doors to Ukraine. Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February last year galvanised NATO but members of the military bloc are split over Ukraine. NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said that all members agree to stick by a 2008 pledge that Ukraine will become a member at some undefined point. What Zelensky said on Ukraine's NATO bid? "We are reasonable people and we understand that we are not going to drag a single NATO country into a war," Zelensky said. "Therefore, we understand that we will not be members of NATO while this war is going on. Not because we don't want to, but because it's impossible," Zelensky added. What is happening in Ukraine? Four civilians were killed on Friday in shelling on Russia's Belgorod region bordering Ukraine, a local official said. Moscow's forces have continued to attack Kyiv for a sixth day in a row. Over the past few days, thousands of residents have fled villages near Russia's southwestern border amid shelling. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A recent drone attack in Russian capital Moscow may have targeted a set of properties owned by the Kremlin-linked associates. The drone attack along Rublevka highway on May 30 was criticised by Russian president Vladimir Putin saying, They are provoking us to mirror their actions. The intended target of the drone attacks in Moscow could be the houses of Vladimir Putin's ex-wife and his daughter, reports claimed. Russia-Ukraine War: A woman looks out of a window of a damaged multi-storey apartment block following a reported drone attack in Moscow.(Reuters) An elite hotspot of properties- called 'Tsar's village'- was made by Vladimir Putin for his daughters and ex-wife around his official residence in western Moscow. The Times reported that the four mansions and Russian president's house are located along the Rublevka highway which is also home to government officials, celebrities and tycoons. The details of the residences come from a leak of emails between Katerina Tikhonova, the younger of Vladimir Putins two daughters, and Kirill Shamalov, her ex-husband. The two were married from 2013 to 2016, reports have claimed. In the leaked e-mails, the couple discussed renovations costing up to $9 million. Lyudmila Ocheretnaya, 65, Putins ex-wife also reportedly lives in the Tsars village which was targeted in the drone attack. She and Putin announced their divorce in 2013. This comes as Russian government data showed that Vladimir Putin's spending on personal security has skyrocketed this year as the Kremlin ramps up measures to ensure the Russian leader's safety amid Moscow's Ukraine invasion. Spending on the safety and security of Vladimir Putin and his staff reached 15 billion rubles ($185,700 million)- 77 percent of the annual budget allocation. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Hong Kong police detained eight people, including activists and artists, on the eve of the 34th anniversary of Chinas Tiananmen Square crackdown, a move that signals the citys shrinking freedom of expression. Police officers take away a member of the public in the Causeway Bay area on the eve of the 34th anniversary of China's Tiananmen Square massacre, in Hong Kong, Saturday.(AP) Police said in a statement late Saturday that four people have been arrested for allegedly disrupting order in public spaces or carrying out acts with seditious intent. Four others were taken away for investigation on suspicion of breaching public peace. Authorities did not immediately responded to an email seeking comment late Saturday. For decades, tens of thousands of Hong Kongers held a candlelight vigil in Victoria Park on June 4 to commemorate the 1989 crackdown on pro-democracy protesters, in which tanks rolled into the heart of Beijing and hundreds, possibly thousands, of people were killed. During the pandemic, protests in Hong Kong were rare due to COVID-19 restrictions. In addition, many activists there have been silenced or jailed after Beijing imposed a sweeping national security law following massive protests in 2019. Critics say the citys freedom of assembly that was promised Hong Kong when it returned to China from Britain in 1997 has been eroded. This years Tiananmen commemoration is expected to be muted. Many Hong Kongers are trying to mark the event in private ways because it is unclear what authorities might consider subversive. Earlier Saturday, activists Kwan Chun-pong and Lau Ka-yee were detained after appearing near the former site of the candlelight vigil to say they would not eat for about 24 hours to mourn the victims. We will now start fasting at 6:04 p.m., Lau said with flowers in her hand, referencing the June 4 date of the crackdown. They also held papers saying they were in mourning of deceased and victims of 64. This relatively mild act of protest nevertheless prompted police officers to arrive within minutes and cordon off the pair, who later put red tape over their mouths. An officer warned them that they might be breaching the law for having seditious intent, and ordered them to stop their activities or they might be arrested. Minutes later, they were taken away by police. It was unclear if they have been formally arrested. As night fell, police took away five others, including two artists, Sanmu Chen and Chan Mei-tung. Surrounded by police officers, Samnu Chen chanted: Hong Kongers, do not be afraid. Dont forget tomorrow is June 4. Chan Mei-tung had been standing and walking on a street in Causeway Bay before being cordoned off by police. It is unclear whether other activists will show up to publicly commemorate the anniversary on Sunday. The park will instead be occupied by a carnival organized by pro-Beijing groups to celebrate Hong Kongs handover to Chinese rule. Organizers say it will feature a bazaar with food from across China. Tropical Storm Mawar and a seasonal rain front brought heavy rainfall to large parts of Japan, prompting authorities to issue warnings of damage. Many people were left stranded as train services were suspended while one person died as a result of the storm, news agency Reuters reported. Storm Mawar has weakened from super typhoon status, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) said. Tropical Storm Mawar In Japan: A general view shows a flooded street in Koshigaya, Saitama Prefecture.(AFP) What authorities have said on Tropical Storm Mawar? Japan's weather agency urged people to be on high alert for landslides, rising rivers and flooding in eastern parts of the country. Western Japan has been warned of landslides. What is the impact of Tropical Storm Mawar on daily life in Japan? As many as 7,000 households in the eastern and western regions remained without electricity, but restoration work was being carried out, the industry ministry said as per news agency Reuters. Shinkansen bullet trains had been suspended from Tokyo to Nagoya in central Japan since Friday. The trains have now resumed operation, Kyodo news agency reported. Parts of Japan faced torrential rain with authorities advising more than a million people to evacuate. Many flights have been cancelled. When is the weather expected to change in Japan? The weather was expected to improve in most of Japan later on Saturday, public broadcaster NHK said as from Friday through Saturday morning, heavy rain fell in many parts of Japan. This marked the heaviest rainfall on record for June in some areas, Kyodo reported. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ABOUT THE AUTHOR Mallika Soni When not reading, this ex-literature student can be found searching for an answer to the question, "What is the purpose of journalism in society?" ...view detail In the never-ending saga of Donald Trump's hush money case, the former president is leaving no stone unturned in his quest for damage control. The latest twist involves a calculated effort by Trump's legal team to remove Judge Juan Merchan from the case, citing an alleged conflict of interest. As the courtroom drama unfolds, let's dive into the details and examine the intriguing maneuvers being employed. Former President Donald Trump attends an event with supporters at the Westside Conservative Breakfast, in Des Moines, Iowa.(AP) Conflict of Interest Claims Trump's lawyers assert that Judge Merchan has an "actual or perceived conflict of interest" due to his daughter's previous work experience. Their argument centers on the fact that the daughter is currently employed by a digital agency called Authentic, which counts prominent Democratic officials among its clients. According to the lawyers, this association raises concerns about impartiality and fairness in the case. Preconceived Bias or Strategic Move? The documents submitted by Trump's legal team highlight a second reason for their request to remove Judge Merchan. They claim that the Judge's involvement in a prior case, where he allegedly encouraged Allen Weisselberg to cooperate against Trump, demonstrates a preconceived bias. Weisselberg, the former chief financial officer of the Trump Organization, faced trial for tax fraud and eventually testified against the company. Trump's lawyers contend that Judge Merchan's past actions indicate a predisposition against their client. The Judge's Response Despite the mounting pressure, Judge Merchan has reportedly denied the request to recuse himself from the trial. The court proceedings are set to continue under his jurisdiction, leaving Trump's legal team searching for alternative strategies. Unearthing Political Affiliations In a surprising twist, Politico uncovered Federal Election Commission records revealing Judge Merchan's modest political donations. The records suggest that he contributed $15 to President Joe Biden's campaign, $10 to the Progressive Turnout Project, and $10 to Stop Republicans. While these donations may raise eyebrows, it remains to be seen whether they will have any impact on the case. Trump's Legal Chess Game With a not-guilty plea entered in April on 34 counts related to falsifying business records, Trump is actively seeking a new trial. The charges stem from a complex scheme allegedly involving the 2016 presidential campaign and hush money used to cover up allegations of an extramarital affair. As the legal battle continues, Trump's team is pulling out all the stops to secure a favorable outcome. Also read | GOP's debate drama unleashed! Republican candidate filter frenzy ignites Presidential campaign sparks Donald Trump's hush money case continues to captivate the public with its intricate twists and turns. The calculated strategy to remove Judge Juan Merchan from the proceedings has raised eyebrows and fueled speculation. As the courtroom drama unfolds, all eyes will be on the legal chess game being played out and its potential impact on Trump's future. Prince William was spotted telling his wife Kate Middleton to wrap up her conversation with the now-Princess of Jordan, Rajwa Al Saif, while attending the royal wedding. The couple made a surprise appearance at the wedding of King Abdullahs eldest son Crown Prince Al Hussein and Saudi Arabian architect Rajwa Al Saif. The ceremony took place at Zahran Palace and was followed by a free concert to celebrate. Jordan Royal Wedding: King Abdullah II (L) and Queen Rania (2nd R) welcoming Britain's William (R), Prince of Wales and Catherine, Princess of Wale.(AFP) Prince William and Kate Middleton were in the line of guests who formally congratulated the newlyweds after the ceremony. In a video shared widely on social media, Kate could be seen talking with the Crown Prince, while William spoke to Princess Rajwa. Once William ended his conversation, his wife exchanged a few hugs and kisses with Rajwa and appeared to be complimenting her wedding gown. Prince William then stepped into the conversation and could be heard softly saying chop chop to his wife. He also told her to keep going and moved his hand in a circular motion, seemingly encouraging her to finish the talk. Then Prince William was seen waiting and looking at his wife for a brief moment before she ended her conversation with the bride. Kate Middleton was seen in a long-sleeved pink maxi gown, paired with silver statement earrings, while Prince William opted for a navy suit and light blue tie. Along with William and Kate, US first lady Jill Biden, her daughter Ashley Biden, and US climate envoy John Kerry were at the royal wedding where many European royals including King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands and Denmarks Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary were also present. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Donald Trump once got King Charles's name wrong during an awkward blunder on Twitter. The former US President was left embarrassed after a spelling mistake in a tweet following his 2019 visit to London. The then-US President referred to the then Prince of Wales as Prince of Whales in a tweet which was quickly deleted. Former US President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign event.(AP) I meet and talk to 'foreign governments' every day. I just met with the Queen of England (U.K.), the Prince of Whales, the P.M. of the United Kingdom, the P.M. of Ireland, the President of France and the President of Poland. We talked about 'Everything!' Should I immediately call the FBI about these calls and meetings How ridiculous! I would never be trusted again. With that being said, my full answer is rarely played by the Fake News Media. They purposely leave out the part that matters, (sic) Donald Trump then wrote. Users had then poked fun at Donald Trump for his mistake. 'The Prince of Whales'. Very funny, Donald Trump. Did you do that on porpoise?, one wrote while another joked, "Whale of a tweet there, Mr President." Donald Trump swiftly put out a new and correct version of the tweet. Donald Trump's visit to the UK Donald Trump made one state visit to the UK during his presidency with his wife and first lady Melania Trump. During the three-day trip, the former US president was welcomed by the late Queen Elizabeth II, the then Prince of Wales and Prince William. A state banquet was also held at Buckingham Palace attended by senior members of the royal family. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan said that the country's military establishment wanted to stop his party from winning the next election. Citing the Shehbaz Sharif government and militarys push to arrest his supporters, Imran Khan told Bloomberg that there is a concerted effort to crush his party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) before mid-October elections. Pakistan Economic Crisis: Imran Khan, Pakistan's former prime minister, speaks during an interview.(Bloomberg) Its all dependent on the establishment feeling that PTI will no longer be able to win the elections. Once they are sure of that, then theyll announce elections," Imran Khan said. What Imran Khan said on the protests? The former prime minister also denied that his supporters and the PTI party were behind the attacks, accusing the government of using the incident as a pretext to carry out an unprecedented crackdown. What Imran Khan said on upcoming elections? It would be hard for any party to win a strong mandate, leading to a fractured government to grapple amid a dire financial situation, Imran Khan said. Its not what Pakistan needs. When you have a huge crisis, you look back in history, only very strong governments have dealt with crises," he said. What Imran Khan said on IMF deal? I have no doubt that a new IMF program is needed, Imran Khan said, adding that if he comes back to power, he wants to lure investment from the Pakistani diaspora and will rectify loss-making companies and help small exporters to grow as Pakistan endures the worst economic crisis in its history. Consumer prices rose to an all-time high this week and the prospect of a default has risen. What Imran Khan said on public support for him? Imran Khan said that public support for him and his party was growing even as many key politicians were exiting as popularity surveys showed that he was ahead despite losing power in a confidence vote. The government is just a puppet government. A government which is now latching onto the military establishment because they know that if there are elections, theyll be wiped out," Imran Khan said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Over the past two decades, Indian-Americans have demonstrated their dominance in the Scripps National Spelling Bee, despite comprising just 1 percent of the US population. Unleashing the spellbound brilliance. (Image Credit: The E.W. Scripps Company) Continuing this trend, 14-year-old Dev Shah from Largo Texas, an Indian-American prodigy, claimed the prestigious title of the 2023 Scripps National Spelling Bee champion. ALSO READ| Who is young Indian American spelling prodigy Dev Shah? In the preceding edition of the Spelling Bee held in 2019, eight co-champions were crowned, and remarkably, seven of them were Indian Americans. Since the year 1999, Indian Americans have consistently made their mark in the Spelling Bee, with an astounding 27 champions hailing from this community, including the talented Harini Logan and Dev Shah. Their remarkable achievements serve as a testament to their exceptional linguistic skills, dedication, and relentless pursuit of excellence. Previous Champions Balu Natarajan became the first Indian-American to claim victory in the Scripps National Spelling Bee back in 1985. His son, Atman Balakrishnan, followed in his footsteps and participated in the competition in 2018, carrying on the family's legacy. Rageshree Ramachandran was added to the list of Indian-American champions by securing the top prize in 1988, showcasing the community's continued success in the Spelling Bee. From 1999 to 2022, a remarkable total of 27 Indian Americans triumphed as champions in the competition, displaying their extraordinary linguistic abilities and dedication to excellence. However, in 2021, Zaila Avant-garde, an African-American student, broke the 12-year winning streak of Indian-Americans by winning the US Spelling Bee competition, marking a significant milestone for the African-American community. ALSO READ| Indian-American 14-year-old boy crowned US National Spelling Bee champion Among the notable Indian-American winners in the past years are Nupur Lala (1999), Pratyush Buddiga (2002), Sai Gunturi (2003), Anurag Kashyap (2005), Sameer Mishra (2008), Kavya Shivashankar (2009), Anamika Veeramani (2010), Sukanya Roy (2011), Snigdha Nandipati (2012), Arvind Mahankali (2013), Sriram J. Hathwar and Ansun Sujoe (2014), Vanya Shivashankar and Gokul Venkatachalam (2015), Jairam Hathwar and Nihar Saireddy Janga (2016), Ananya Vinay (2017), Karthik Nemmani (2018), and Rishik Gandhasri, Saketh Sundar, Shruthika Padhy, Sohum Sukhatankar, Abhijay Kodali, Rohan Raja (2019), and Harini Logan (2022) Why do Indian Americans excel at Spelling Bee?. According to Pawan Dhingra, a sociology and American Studies professor at Amherst College, the astounding success of Indian Americans in the Scripps National Spelling Bee can be attributed to the unwavering commitment of their families. These families are willing to invest the necessary time and resources to prepare their children for the competition. Dhingra highlights that Indian-American children not only excel in spelling but also demonstrate exceptional skills in geography, mathematics, and other academic competitions. In his article for The Conversation, the Sociology Professor emphasizes that these children's achievements extend beyond spelling, reflecting their overall academic excellence. Based on Dhingra's interviews with over 100 Indian-American parents between 2011 and 2018, it became evident that these parents believed a strong academic record was crucial for their children's admission into prestigious universities. They saw academic achievements as a compensatory factor for the lack of strong networking opportunities. ALSO READ| Student loan dilemma rises again as debt ceiling deal unveils surprises. Here's all you need to know Shalini Shankar, the author of "Beeline: What Spelling Bees Reveal about Generation Z's New Path to Success," further explains to The New York Times that Indian-American parents actively seek out hobbies for their children that prioritize educational attainment in various forms. Spelling often becomes one of these extracurricular activities, sometimes even being passed down through generations, as exemplified by the case of Balu Natarajan. Also, a report by The Washington Post attributes the impressive performance of Indian Americans in spelling bee contests to their perseverance, hard work, and the educational backgrounds of their parents. As an existing print subscriber it is easy to get FREE access to all our online content. 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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. YEREVAN, JUNE 3, ARMENPRESS. The Government of Armenia has released details on the 12th meeting of the Armenia-Russia-Azerbaijan working group led by the deputy prime ministers of the three countries Mher Grigoryan, Alexey Overchuk and Shahin Mustafayev respectively which took place on June 2 in Moscow. The session proceeded in a constructive atmosphere. Significant progress has been recorded with satisfaction around the coordination of the methods for organizing unblocking of transport connections between the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Azerbaijan. In particular, a common understanding was achieved on implementing concrete steps in the direction of restoring and organizing railway connection in the Yeraskh-Julfa-Meghri-Horadiz route. The results of the negotiations will be reported to the leaders of the Republic of Armenia, the Russian Federation and the Republic of Azerbaijan. The parties agreed to continue to work within the framework of the trilateral working group, the Armenian government said in a statement. Protect Grassland Birds by Mowing Later MONTPELIER, Vt. Bobolinks, Savannah sparrows and eastern meadowlarks populations have suffered dramatic, long-term declines due to the loss of their grassland habitat. "These species have experienced declines across the continent, but on Vermont's grasslands, especially in larger fields and more open landscapes, there are ways we can help," said Rosalind Renfrew, biologist for the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department. Landowners can make a difference by altering the times of year they mow fields. Fish and Wildlife is encouraging landowners to help these beloved species by waiting to mow fields used by grassland birds, giving them a chance to rear their young. "People maintain open, grassy fields in Vermont for a variety of reasons, from producing hay to providing pasture for grazing, to simply maintaining scenic beauty," said Renfrew. "Mowing or brush hogging are the most common ways Vermonters maintain a grass landscape. For those who can afford it, mowing schedules can be timed to allow grassland birds to successfully raise chicks." Bobolinks, savannah sparrows and eastern meadowlarks build nests right on the ground, among the grasses and wildflowers. Deer fawns, wild turkey chicks and other animals also take refuge in grass fields. According to Renfrew, landowners who do not need to mow for animal forage can accommodate nesting birds by cutting late in the summer, preferably after August 1. People concerned about invasive plants may choose to sometimes mow a section of their field more frequently, to keep invasive plants in check. "It can mean temporarily sacrificing part of the field," says Renfrew, "but it can better maintain quality habitat for the birds over the long term." Landowners who face a loss of income from delayed mowing can apply for assistance through the Natural Resources Conservation Service or The Bobolink Project. Crews cleaning up and temporarily filling a pothole on Elmwood Avenue after a severe storm dropped several inches of rain in a half hour. Mud on Church Street. Southbound lane on Eagle Street blocked off. Flooded Ashland Street on Friday afternoon. PreviousNext North Adams Hit With Hail, Heavy Rain NORTH ADAMS, Mass. &mdash A second round of severe storms is set to hit the North Berkshires into Pittsfield through Friday evening. The National Weather Service in Albany, N.Y., says it could bring more hail and rain, along with high winds. The city's already been hit by a severe storm that dropped marble-sized hail across the city and flooded areas around River Street, Ashland and Church street as mud and debris blocked storm drains. The hail started around 2:30 p.m. on Friday, pummeling trees and plantings and rattling windows. The disturbance set off a number of fire alarms, including some at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. The hail and heavy rain took down a large tree in front of the Ashland Park Apartments and flooded Ashland Street from Washington Avenue to NARA Sushi. Department of Public Works personnel worked in water up to their hips trying to clear the drains and cut up the tree for removal. Elmwood Avenue and that part of Church Street were covered in mud; crews were scraping it up as the light dimmed on Friday evening. They used the debris as a quick fix for a large pothole that opened that water opened on the east side of Elmwood. Dirt and leaf debris could be seen across the downtown and someone took a picture of what appeared to be a funnel cloud at Alcombright Field in West End. A section of Eagle Street is blocked off with cones where water eroded the pavement from just above Liberty Street south on the west side. Numerous residents posted images of piles of hail on their lawns and decks and flooding. Much of the rain and damage was limited to the northeastern part of the county; Williamstown did not get much and skies were cloudy but no precipitation south to Lenox. Temperatures that had been in the 80s the last couple days are expected to fall over the weekend. Sign up to Roisin OConnors free weekly newsletter Now Hear This for the inside track on all things music Get our Now Hear This 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 Roisin OConnors email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Renowned US songwriter Cynthia Weil has died at the age of 82, her family has confirmed. The Grammy-winning lyricist was responsible for hit songs including Youve Lost That Lovin Feeling, On Broadway, and Walking In The Rain. Weil died on Thursday evening, surrounded by her family at her home in California, a spokesperson for her daughter, Dr Jenn Mann, told the PA news agency. In a statement shared with PA, Dr Mann said: Cynthia Weil was a lyricist, rock and roll legend, Grammy award winner, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee. She wrote most of her work with her husband, songwriting partner and soulmate Barry Mann. She was brilliant, funny, beautiful, and a great animal rights activist. The songwriter enjoyed a decades-long partnership with her husband, whom she married in 1961. They were one of musics most successful teams, based in Manhattans Brill Building neighbourhood, alongside other hit-making combinations such as Carole King and Gerry Goffin and Jeff Barry and Ellie Greenwich. The pair were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2010 by King. Weil and Mann were key collaborators with producer Phil Spector on songs for the Ronettes and the Crystals, and also provided hits for artists including Dolly Parton. Their collaboration with James Horner for the soundtrack of An American Tail, titled Somewhere Out There, won Grammys in 1987 for best song and best song for a movie or television. It was also nominated for an Academy Award and Golden Globe. Weil is survived by her husband, daughter Dr Mann and her fiance Eric Schiffer, and granddaughters Quin and Mendez. Close Train runs past site of deadly India derailment that killed 275 people 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 survivor of the three-train crash in the eastern state of Odisha, India on Friday has recalled the panicked scramble to escape. 25-year-old Ompal Bhatia had been travelling to Chennai with three friends for work at the time of the accident, describing his panic as he thought he was dead. When the accident happened, we thought we were dead, Mr Bhatia told Reuters. When we realised we were alive, we started making our way towards the emergency window to get out of the train. The rail car had gone off the track and had fallen to one side. We saw a lot of dead people. Everybody was either trying to save their lives or looking for loved ones. Meanwhile, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has written to prime minister Narendra Modi, asking him why a crucial warning about the potential for signal failure was ignored by railway officials. Officials say preliminary investigations point to an error in the electronic signalling system as being the most likely cause of the crash, which killed at least 275 people and left more than 1,100 injured. YEREVAN, JUNE 3, ARMENPRESS. President of Armenia Vahagn Khachaturyan has offered condolences to India on the tragic train crash. I express my most deepest and sincerest condolences to the friendly People and Leadership of India over the horrific train accident in Odisha, which claimed hundreds of innocent lives. Sympathies to the bereaved families and wishes of speedy recovery to all injured, President Khachaturyan tweeted. 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 }} Social media influencer Jackie Miller James is fighting for her life after entering a medically induced coma just one week before she was set to give birth to her first child. The 35-year-old content creator suffered from an aneurysm rupture, which led to severe brain bleeding and injury. According to a GoFundMe campaign established by her sister Natalie Miller, James was found immediately by her husband, Austin, at their California home. She was rushed to a hospital where doctors performed an emergency C-section to deliver her daughter, while simultaneously performing brain surgery. The newborn, whose name was not disclosed, was taken to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) where she remained for 12 days. James remains in a medically induced coma, her sister said, and has since undergone five separate brain procedures one week after the incident. Jackie is expected to remain in the ICU for weeks and will continue to be hospitalized for months, she wrote. Alongside the GoFundMe page, her family included a picture of James meeting her newborn daughter while still in a coma. Jackies husband and family have not left her side since the incident, Natalie said. They are navigating taking care of a newborn in the ICU while fighting to keep Jackie alive. The family members added that they likely would have lost both James and her daughter if they arrived a few minutes later at the hospital. Jackie is continuing to fight for her life each day and we are optimistic she can beat the odds by surrounding her with the right specialists and methods of therapy. While the road will be long, we are committed to bringing Jackie home to her daughter and husband. The GoFundMe, which has since raised more than $170,000 towards its $250,000 goal, was started to provide a way for family and friends to help Jackie secure the highest level of care, including speech therapy, physical therapy, home modifications, and alternative therapies once they know the effects of her aneurysm. Jackie Miller James is known for her beauty and lifestyle social media content with 36k followers on Instagram. She and her husband Austin, who were married in April 2022, announced their baby news on Instagram earlier this year. In March, they revealed they were expecting a baby girl. I still cant believe it! Cant wait to meet this angel in May, she captioned the video. Fans have since flooded James comments section with well-wishes for the influencer. Praying for you and your family Jackie and cant wait for the day you get to see your beautiful baby girl, read one comment under her most recent Instagram post. Sending all the prayers possible around you and your family, said someone else. 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 }} Jonnie Irwin has revealed that he has been admitted to hospital as he deals with terminal cancer. The Escape to the Country presenter, 49, said in November that he doesnt know how long he has left to live, after first being diagnosed with lung cancer in August 2020, which later spread to his brain. He went public with his diagnosis in November 2022, after keeping it a secret from his fans for more than two years. Since his announcement, Irwin has been keeping his social media followers up to date with his condition. In the latest update, the father-of-three revealed he has gone into hospital to be monitored but hopes to be released in time for a scheduled appearance at A Place In The Sun Live in London this weekend (2-4 June). He wrote in an Instagram post: In hospital this week monitoring a changeover in my pain management regime. Fingers crossed Ill be out in time to make an appearance on Sunday for this weekends @aplaceinthesunofficial LIVE event at @olympialondon in Kensington, he continued. If he is released from the hospital and attends the event, Irwin will be joined on stage by fellow presenters Jasmine Harman, Ben Hillman and Laura Hamilton. He concluded the post: Hope to see you therex. In a new podcast OneChat released last week, Irwin said that he was living under a dark cloud for the two years he hid his cancer from the world, adding that he kept his condition a secret so that he could continue working and provide for his family. Irwin and his wife Jessica have three children; three-year-old son Rex and two-year-old twins Rafa and Cormac. Elsewhere in the interview revealed that he had been close to deaths door at least twice, emphasising that he prefers to think of his situation as living with cancer, rather than dying from cancer. Irwin explained how he began to feel alive again after going public with his illness, but noted that didnt mean his journey had been easy. I have been close to deaths door, twice at least, he said. He added: You lose your memory, you lose your patience. I have got a very short temper. Its not made me a better person, thats for sure. In March, Irwin gave a health update, telling The Sun: Im weak now, fragile and my memory is terrible but Im still here. 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 group of high schoolers have documented how they snuck into their principals house and spent the night there, as part of their senior prank. Last month, the St Andrews High School, which is based in Middletown, Delaware, shared the footage of the prank on its Instagram account. The video started off with the head of the boarding school, Joy McGrath, exiting the bedroom of her home, while she was wearing a robe and yellow crocs. When McGrath discovered the students on the floor of her kitchen and living room, she opened her mouth in shock and stepped back into her bedroom. A few moments later, she reopened the door and left her room, as she greeted her students. Good morning little bunnies! she exclaimed. McGrath proceeded to look around her room, as she asked how many of her students were there. She pointed a few students out and told them they were in the most trouble, before taking a walk around her entire home. The video went on to show all the students in their sleeping bags or covered in blankets, as they were lying on the floor and laughing. When McGrath asked them how long they had been there, they told her that they had arrived at her home at 1am. McGrath was ultimately shocked by this, as she responded: How did I not hear you? Youre like commandos. She continued to walk around the room and look at her students, while complimenting their senior prank. This is the most beautiful Ive ever seen, she said. Incredible! St Andrews High School went on to explain the prank in the caption, noting that the Class of 2023 [got] McGrath good. Last night, the ENTIRE senior class snuck into her house at 1 AM and bedded down for a good nights sleep all over the first floor of her residence, the caption reads. No, she didnt wake up! Watch to see the big reveal when Ms. McGrath came down for her morning coffee at 6 AM. As of 2 June, the video has more than 1.7m likes, with multiple Instagram users praising McGraths reaction to the prank in the comments. This is the teacher they will still be talking about in 40 years. Cheers to her! one wrote, while another added: Her reaction >> you can tell she loves her students. A third added: This is what you call a teacher that is making an impact and doing something right with our youth!! During an interview with Today, McGrath explained how over 70 students spent the night at her home with the help of her spouse, Ty Jones. More specifically, she noted that Jones is the one who left the front door of their home unlocked, so the high school seniors could sneak it. McGrath went on the emphasise how surprised she was, when first seeing the teens in her living room. I was in shock. They were in every possible corner like sardines, she said. It took me a second to realize, This is a senior prank! St Andrews student KaiChun Austin Chuang also spoke to the publication, noting that he and his peers came up with this prank after their senior prom. He explained that when McGrath invited him and his classmates over for breakfast at like 12 am, a different idea came to mind. Someone joked that they wouldnt mind going to bed right there in the living room, he recalled. Then a couple of us glanced at each other like, hmmmm. McGrath noted that right after this prank, she and her husband did have breakfast with the high schoolers, before they returned to their dorms. . With all jokes aside, Chuang praised his principal, as he acknowledged how important she is to him and his classmates. Mrs. McGrath takes such good care of us, he told Today. Whenever people have a problem, they feel comfortable talking to her. She works hard to build trust. The Independent has contact St Andrews High School 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 }} A woman who left her young husband for a relationship with a fellow postal worker 24 years her senior has said people assume its a sugar daddy situation, but insists meeting her 51-year-old love of (her) life is the best thing that has ever happened to her. Auttumn Marshall, 27, and her husband, Jason Rohlfs, 51 a father of two daughters, aged 12 and 17, whose names he does not wish to disclose, are both delivery drivers from Denver, Colorado, and met at work, at their local post office, in 2018. After realising they were both in bad relationships, the pair grew closer and ended up getting feelings for each other, so they both divorced their partners to be together in late 2019, which Auttumn said was the best decision (she) ever made. Auttumn said her family and friends quickly realised the pair were perfect for each other, despite the difference in age, but Jasons eldest child is still adjusting to their relationship and she hopes one day she will come around. When the pair first became official, they both had doubts, as neither of them had ever been in an age-gap relationship, and often felt like everyone (was) staring at them, but as their relationship progressed, they both stopped caring about the stares because they were happy. In May 2023, the pair got married in their local courthouse and had a small ceremony, which they felt was the right decision for them, and said it proves age is just a number. Especially nowadays, everyone just assumes its like a sugar daddy situation, Auttumn said. And honestly, there are a lot more people in age gap relationships than people really think theres a lot of celebrities that are. We love each other, and being with him has really shown me that age does not matter when youre so in love. In 2018, Auttumn started a new job, as a delivery driver at her local post office, and little did she know she would meet the love of (her) life, Jason. Auttumn explained: We were actually both married when we met, but both of our marriages were really bad, and we were in bad relationships. We were just friends for a really long time, and I think the more we got to know each other and realised, our situations are so similar and really bad, I think we ended up getting feelings for each other. (PA) Then, we ended up leaving our marriages for each other, and it was honestly the best thing that could have happened for either of us. It was the best decision I ever made. At the end of 2019, Auttumn and Jason divorced their partners and became an official couple. Auttumn said: I came home from work one day and told my ex-husband that I want a divorce, and he was pretty upset. I was able to get out of there really quickly and stay at my moms for a little bit until we figured out our whole situation. So, my ex wasnt very happy at all, but I still think it was the right choice. Auttumn explained how her family reacted when she told them about her new, older partner: My family was like Oh, thats interesting, and they had their concerns, obviously. But as soon as they met him, they loved him, and they were like, I understand why you guys are together, you guys are perfect together. When Auttumn and Jason first got together, they both had doubts. (PA) Auttumn said: For sure we had doubts neither of us had ever been in an age gap relationship before. So it was almost like one of those things where you feel like everyones staring at you, you know? But, as time went on both of us stopped caring about that, because we were happy, so we didnt really care what anyone else thought. In her new relationship, Auttumn had to adjust to being with someone with older views on the world, she said: With it being such a huge age gap, we grew up in different times. But honestly, we still kind of have a lot of similar interests. Both of us are really into crystals Im into the spiritual side of things, and he finds the physical rocks themselves interesting so now its like a joint interest. I think both of us like to learn about the other stuff that the other one went through during their time because its totally different. Jason also has two daughters, aged 12 and 17, and Auttumn is still working on building a relationship with them. (PA) She said: The younger one loves me, I talk to her a lot, and shes great. The older one hasnt quite come around to me. I just kind of give her her space, and, hopefully, one day shell come around. After Auttumn and Jason moved in together in January 2020, they decided to take the next step and get married. On May 12 2023, the pair tied the knot, Auttumn said: We kind of just decided to do it, it was kind of random. We had been talking about it for a while, and then one day we thought, lets just do it. Ive never been one that wanted a huge wedding or anything, so we just went to the courthouse, had a quick little ceremony and that was it. It felt like the right decision for us, and were just really good together. I wouldnt change anything about our relationship, and age isnt important to us it proves age is just a number. 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 }} Zendaya has reacted to an amusing photo of Tom Holland, as she shares unseen snaps of her boyfriend in a heartfelt birthday tribute. The Euphoria star, 26, celebrated the Spider-Man: Homecoming actors 27th birthday on 1 June by posting two never-before-seen photos of Holland to her Instagram Stories. The first image appeared to show Holland submerged in the ocean and wearing goggles, as he lifted his hands above his head to form a heart with his fingers. Zendaya added her own red heart emoji in the Instagram Story post. In the second photo, the British actor could be seen standing on rocks next to the ocean. He posed for the picture while wearing a dark T-shirt, black shorts, and white sneakers. Alongside the image, Zendaya included a single heart eye emoji. Meanwhile, Tom Holland thanked his fans for the birthday wishes by posting an amusing photo of himself dressed in swim trunks, a vest, helmet, and sunglasses while holding water shoes. Thank you for all the wonderful birthday messages, he captioned the Instagram post. A gift from me to you. I thought Id share possibly the sexiest picture ever taken of me! #sexyiestmanalive. In the comments, Zendaya gushed over Hollands post with another heart eye emoji. Since their first meeting on the set of Spider-Man: Homecoming in 2016, Zendaya and Tom Holland have managed to keep much of their relationship private. However, the couple have occasionally given each other shoutouts on social media. For Zendayas birthday in September 2021, Holland shared a sweet tribute to his girlfriend on Instagram. My MJ, have the happiest of birthdays, he captioned the photo, which showed Holland in his Spider-Man costume as Zendaya snapped a mirror selfie. Gimme a call when your up xxx Meanwhile, Zendaya shared a smiling black-and-white picture of the couple to her Instagram for Hollands birthday in June last year. Happiest of birthdays to the one who makes me the happiest (Instagram / Zendaya) In July 2021, Tom Holland and Zendaya seemingly confirmed years-long dating rumours after they were pictured kissing in a car in photos obtained by Page Six. The two then sparked engagement speculation when Zendaya was seen wearing a massive diamond ring on Instagram. However, the piece of jewellery ended up being a yellow 21.14 carat ring from Bulgari, which Zendaya gifted to herself in 2021. In December 2022, reports surfaced that the couple were in settling-down mode and planning for their future together after a source told US Weekly that the actors seem to have a serious and permanent relationship. (Instagram / Zendaya) Theyre both in settling-down mode and are absolutely planning for a real future together, the outlet reported. However, Zendayas mother Claire Stoermer seemingly shut down these rumours when she posted a cryptic message about clickbait to her Instagram story. That same year, the Dune star was forced to shut down pregnancy rumours after fans posted prank TikTok videos about her expecting a child, while Zendaya pregnant became a trending topic on Twitter. See no, this is why I stay off TwitterJust making stuff up for no reason..weekly, she wrote on her Instagram story. Fans recently praised Tom Holland for his sweet reaction to Zendayas appearance at the NAACP Image Awards last March. When The Greatest Showman star shared a photo of herself wearing a black and green strapless Versace dress from the event, Holland left three heart emojis under her Instagram post. 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 man has appeared in court in connection with numerous offences including the possession of a pistol-type weapon or imitation firearm with intent to cause fear or violence, after a video circulated on social media appearing to show a taxi driver threatening a passenger with a gun. Brian Stalford, 48, of Park Avenue, Belfast, was charged with having in his possession a pistol-type weapon with intent by means thereof to cause or enable some other person by means thereof to believe that unlawful violence would be used contrary to Article 17A of the Firearms (Northern Ireland) Order 1981 on March 26. He was also charged with unlawful assault and a threat to kill on the same date. In addition, Stalford was charged with possession of cocaine on June 1. Appearing via videolink to Laganside Magistrates Court in Belfast, Stalford spoke only to confirm he understood the charges against him. Detective Constable Campbell with the paramilitary crime taskforce told the court he could connect Stalford with the charges. He said Stalford was arrested on suspicion of numerous offences, including possession of a firearm or imitation firearm with intent to cause fear or violence. Upon arrest, Stalford was found to be in possession of a pouch containing powder and was charged with possession of a Class-A controlled substance. Mr Campbell said: This follows the widely-circulated dashcam footage which shows a male who was a Fonacab driver threatening a front-seat passenger with a handgun. The gun is pointed directly at the front-seat passenger and a threat is made: You are lucky Im not taking your effing knees out now. A number of malicious threats are made to a passenger in which he was told if the conversation in the car gets out: Ill be taking your head off. Mr Campbell said Stalford hit the passenger in the jaw with the muzzle of the weapon. And then was instructing him to work his debt off, police would say that is a drugs-related debt and this is a drugs-related matter. Mr Campbell said his role with the paramilitary taskforce is to investigate the activities of the East Belfast UVF. He said the polices position is that Stalford is an enforcer for the East Belfast UVF but there was nothing to say he was a member. He said the offending took place in an area controlled by the East Belfast UVF. The other alternative is hes doing it of his own volition and operating in the patch of an organised crime gang as a rogue. There is no charge against Stalford for any paramilitary-related offences. The firearm in the video has not been recovered by police. Mr Campbell said he believed the firearm is long gone as the video was circulating for 24 hours before the arrest. He said police had spoken to the two passengers shown in the video but they have not made complaints. The threats are being taken very seriously and understandably the two passengers are not willing to co-operate with police in making formal complaints. Mr Campbell said Stalford had accepted the footage was from his dashcam and that his briefing of the police interview was that the defendant said the video was done in jest. Stalfords defence solicitor Mark Austin said there had been no statement of complaints made. Mr Austin said Stalford was very clear in police interview that the gun was not a firearm and was instead a toy. He added that Stalford did not know where the alleged firearm was but believed one of the passengers had. He said Stalford had no intention to cause fear, intimidation or fear of violence. Mr Austin said everybody in the video knows each other and had consented to what was occurring. Mr Campbell said the two passengers had not offered a statement to confirm the circumstances behind the video. He described them as understandably frightened individuals. Mr Austin said there was a massive lack of evidence and cautioned this was going down a road of reversing the burden. He asked if police searches of the passengers houses had occurred, to which Mr Campbell said the victims houses would not have been searched. Mr Austin said Stalford did not have cocaine and the pouch containing powder needed further testing to determine it had not been contaminated. Applying for bail, Mr Austin said Stalford had no relevant convictions and the last time he was before a court was for no TV licence in 2014. The court is being asked to buy into some sort of social-media frenzy here. He said social media is littered with idiotic videos like the one in question. He added that Stalfords wife was in the court and riddled with embarrassment. He said Stalford, who had been employed as a taxi driver, was not at risk of reoffending or absconding. Police objected to the application for bail over concerns of interfering with justice, a risk of reoffending and a risk of flight. Mr Campbell said Stalford had made off from police in an incident days before the arrest. He added that Stalford had also previously interfered with justice by destroying evidence. Mr Campbell said the video was not TikTok foolery and was the enforcement of a drug debt. The bail application was refused over the risks of reoffending and interfering with the investigation. Stalford will next appear before court via videolink on the matter on June 30. 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 man who police believe was homeless has been stabbed to death in a car park in Crystal Palace. A murder investigation was launched after the body of Ion Radu, 46, was found in a car park in Homelands Drive. Metropolitan Police officers were called at 9.24am on Thursday after a member of the public found Mr Radu unresponsive. He was confirmed dead at the scene. A post-mortem examination gave the cause of death as a stab wound to the liver. Detective chief inspector Sal Minhas, who is leading the investigation, said: I am very keen to hear from anyone who saw Ion in the 48 hours before he died. We think that Ion may have been homeless and potentially vulnerable. We think he was a familiar face in the area and may have engaged with local people. Did you know Ion? Did you see him recently, either on his own or in the company of someone else? If you spoke to him, was he worried or upset about anything? We are working to build a picture of Ions life and we need the public to help us. If you have information that you want to share, no matter how insignificant it might seem, please get in touch. Police said enquiries are ongoing to trace any living relatives. Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or tweet @MetCC quoting 1924/01JUNE. 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 }} The family of a 12-year-old girl who died in a tragic incident on Bournemouth beach has said her death left a hole in all of our hearts. The girl, identified as Sunnah on social media, and a 17-year-old boy died after getting into difficulty in the water next to Bournemouth Pier. Eight others were pulled from the water on Wednesday but did not suffer serious injuries. Police arrested a man in his forties who was on the water at the time on suspicion of manslaughter, but he has since been released under investigation. A relative of the 12-year-old, who lived in High Wycombe, has now paid tribute, saying the family will remember her "every day for the rest of our lives". She was an absolute force of nature, liked by all and loved by so many, The Times quotes a family member as saying. She will be so sorely missed by her parents, siblings and friends. There are no words to describe the hole she has left in all of our hearts but we will remember her every day for the rest of our lives. Tributes have also flooded in on social media for the young girl. One friend said: She was such an amazing person. She was so kind, caring, her smile lit up a room. It was far too early for our angel to gain wings. Another said: She was basically my sister and I cant believe it. Love you so much Sunnah. Eyewitnesses, including the father of one of the survivors, suggested this week that the swimmers had got caught up in a dangerous riptide. Further reports from The Times suggest people on the lower levels of the pier ended up in the water after being caught in high waves. The family of the 12-year-old girl who died has paid tribute (PA) Meanwhile, inspections and searches of a sightseeing boat at the centre of the investigation are still ongoing. The Dorset Belle was impounded by police on Thursday afternoon. On Friday the boat remained anchored at Cobbs Quay, Poole Harbour, guarded by a police van. Officials were seen on the boat on Friday continuing investigations into the vessel and any role it may have had in the incident. Map shows journey of passenger boat at the time of the incident at Bournemouth beach (The Independent/Datawrapper) According to the website Marine Traffic, the vessel had visited Bournemouth Pier, the scene of the incident, at 4pm, minutes before the first 999 calls were made, and returned again afterwards. Dorset Police said no physical contact was made between the swimmers and any vessel or jet-ski and those involved had not been jumping off the pier. A spokesperson for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council earlier said: We do not license this boat. The authoritys website says: Any person who wishes to be in charge or navigate a pleasure boat/vessel, including Poole Harbour and Christchurch Harbour, for the purpose of letting it out for hire to members of the public, or to be used for carrying passengers for hire, must obtain a licence from us. The Dorset Belle has been impounded at Cobbs Quay Marina in Poole, Dorset (PA) A council spokesperson added: Concerning the Dorset Belle, the MCA [Maritime and Coastguard Agency] is responsible for issuing licences to operate vessels of this size and capacity. BCP Council does not issue licences for vessels of this nature to operate in open water. We apologise and acknowledge that the website doesnt make this clear. Dorset Police have declined to comment on any investigation into the Dorset Belle and refused to say what or if any vessel was involved. RNLI lifeguards put up flags on the beach following Wednesdays tragic events (PA) Tobias Ellwood, Conservative MP for Bournemouth East, has called on Dorset Police to provide more information to avoid wild speculation. He said: There needs to be a review, the police are conducting their investigation, there needs to be a review of the circumstances to see whether any safety measures and protocols need to be upgraded to ensure this doesnt happen in the future. I encourage Dorset Police to clarify the general circumstances of this tragic accident to avoid further wild speculation and uncertainty for parents who may be cautious about going to any part of the beach, unclear of exactly what happened in this terrible incident. The vessels website states that it was purpose-built as a passenger boat to operate locally and could cope with the occasional challenging swell conditions encountered at local piers. Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council councillor Vicky Slade has said she will be discussing safety at the pier with local MP Conor Burns on Friday. 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 }} The father of one of the survivors of the Bournemouth beach tragedy has addressed the rumours surrounding the mystery events that led to the deaths of a 12-year-old girl and a 17-year-old boy, as police search a pleasure boat as part of their investigation. Survivor Lauren Tate, 18, one of eight others who were injured, was treated in hospital and is now continuing to recover at home, after a rip tide took her and her friends out to sea when they were swimming by the pier, according to her father. In response to the intense speculation that has surrounded the incident, her father told MailOnline: Weve seen all the stuff about boats and jet skis but it wasnt like that. She was swimming in the sea with her friends when the rip tide took them out. She was lucky to get pulled from the sea by the coastguard and one of her other friends was rescued by a paddleboarder. I know the boy who died was at college with her, but I dont know anything about him. All she told me is that they all met up on the train and headed to Bournemouth beach for the day. The father of one of the survivors of the tragedy at Bournemouth beach has addressed the multitude of rumours surrounding the mystery events (PA / Professor Dimitrios Buhalis ) Police arrested a man in his 40s who was on the water at the time on suspicion of manslaughter and investigations to establish exactly what happened are ongoing. The man has now been released under investigation. A pleasure boat has been searched as part of the investigation, with forensic officers seen onboard the Dorset Belle, which was in the harbour in Poole on Thursday, The Sun reported. A police source told the newspaper: This vessel is under a police cordon. No one is permitted onboard or to touch the vessel. A girl from Buckinghamshire and a boy from Southampton lost their lives, having been pulled from the sea (PA Wire) Despite Dorset Police assistant chief constable Rachel Farrel urging people not to speculate about what had happened, rumours spread among locals and tourists alike, after the girl from Buckinghamshire and the boy from Southampton lost their lives, having been pulled from the sea. Unconfirmed reports claimed those involved in the incident had jumped off the 1,000ft-long pier - others suggested a jet ski was involved. Police later denied both theories and said there had been no contact between the victims and any vessel. In a recent development, police searched a pleasure boat as part of the investigation, with forensic officers seen onboard the Dorset Belle (Alamy) Student Mackenzie Creech, 18, who said he had tried to save the 12-year-old girl, told of enjoying a day at the beach with his friends when he heard shouts and screams from the pier and rushed into the water. Speaking to the MailOnline, Mr Creech, who is from Tilehurst near Reading, said: Everything happened so quickly, one minute I was enjoying the beach with some friends and then the next we heard screaming and shouting. I could see a body in the water, and just rushed in and scooped her up with someone else. She was face down when I got there and not moving. She was in a swimming costume but she didn't appear to have any injuries on her. There were no cuts or bruises and I just knew it didn't look good, so I carried her onto the beach. Bournemouth beach was busy again on Thursday, a day after two children died there and eight others were injured (PA) People were screaming and shouting and it was all really chaotic and then someone put some towels up as a screen while the paramedics worked on her. I was hoping she would make it and I didn't know she had passed away until I saw it on the news. I was gutted when I heard that and it's upset me, it's so sad something like this happened. I did what anyone else would have done. Footage posted online appeared to show CPR being given to at least one person after lifeguards rushed into the water at about 4.30pm. Other witnesses who were on the beach at the time of the incident reported seeing the body of a young male wash up on the shore, as well as lifeguards pulling a girl from the sea next to the pier (Max Willcock/BNPS) Other witnesses who were on the beach at the time of the incident reported seeing the body of a young male wash up on the shore, as well as lifeguards pulling a girl from the sea next to the pier and performing CPR before she was flown to hospital by air ambulance. Detective chief superintendent Neil Corrigan, of Dorset Police, said: Our thoughts are with the loved ones of the young people who tragically died and we are doing all we can to support their families. I understand the beach was very busy at the time of the incident and I would ask anyone with information that may assist our enquiries to please come forward. We are at the early stages of our investigation and would ask people not to speculate about the circumstances surrounding the incident. 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 boat seized by police in Bournemouth returned twice to the pier during the tragic incident that led to the death of two children on Wednesday, marine traffic data shows. The 49-year-old sea-going passenger boat, Dorset Belle, was impounded by officers on Thursday and was the subject of further searches on Friday as it remained at the Cobbs Quay, Poole Harbour, guarded by a police van. It comes as Dorset police are continuing investigations into the vessel and any role it may have had in the incident that led to the deaths of a girl, 12, from High Wycombe and a boy, 17, from Southampton. A man in his 40s who was on the water at the time was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter. He was released under investigation on Thursday. In a new development, the website Marine Traffic indicated that the vessel had visited Bournemouth Pier, the scene of the incident, at 4pm, minutes before the first 999 calls were made, and returned again afterwards. Dorset Police has declined to comment on any investigation into the Dorset Belle and refused to say what or if any vessel was involved. Earlier this week the force said no physical contact was made between the swimmers and any vessel or jet-ski and those involved had not been jumping off the pier. Map of Dorset Belles route on Wednesday (The Independent/Datawrapper) Meanwhile, the father of one of the survivors of the tragedy, Lauren Tate, 18, addressed some of the rumours surrounding the tragic incident and said it was a riptide that swept the 10 people out to sea. He told MailOnline: Weve seen all the stuff about boats and jet skis but it wasnt like that. She was swimming in the sea with her friends when the rip tide took them out. She was lucky to get pulled from the sea by the coastguard and one of her other friends was rescued by a paddleboarder. I know the boy who died was at college with her, but I dont know anything about him. All she told me is that they all met up on the train and headed to Bournemouth beach for the day. Luke Owen, 35, who was on the vessel with his family when the deaths happened, said lifeguards had made announcements warning about riptides. A group of people inspecting the cabin of the Dorset Belle cruise boat which has been impounded at Cobb's Quay Marine in Poole, Dorset (PA) Mr Owen, from Kingston, south-east London, told the Daily Mirror they had no idea about the incident until they returned to the pier after the tour. He told the newspaper: When we looked no one was on the beach and before we left everyone was on the beach. It was empty, everyone was just staring. Im first thinking it was a shark attack, because I did hear there was a shark attack a few weeks back. He added that it was the boat operator who told him a person had been pulled from the water and that another was missing. In other developments, Tobias Ellwood, Conservative MP for Bournemouth East, said that he believed the police should provide more information to avoid wild speculation. RNLI lifeguards put up flags on the beach (PA) He said: There needs to be a review, the police are conducting their investigation, there needs to be a review of the circumstances to see whether any safety measures and protocols need to be upgraded to ensure this doesnt happen in the future. I encourage Dorset Police to clarify the general circumstances of this tragic accident to avoid further wild speculation and uncertainty for parents who may be cautious about going to any part of the beach, unclear of exactly what happened in this terrible incident. The vessels website states that it was purpose-built as a passenger boat to operate locally and could cope with the occasional challenging swell conditions encountered at local piers. Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council leader Councillor Vicky Slade said on Friday she would be discussing safety at the pier with local MP Conor Burns. The beach was cleared to allow helicopters to land on Wednesday (PA / Professor Dimitrios Buhalis) The local authoritys website states that from April to October, yellow marker buoys are set out 200 metres from the low water mark to indicate that watercraft must not go beyond six knots, annoy or endanger other beach users or run ashore or launch from the beach. The nearby Boscombe artificial reef has a speed limit all-year round. Cllr Slade said: There is no evidence to suggest any of those rules have been breached. We are confident with our partners that any lessons that need to be learned in the future will be learned. The council released a statement saying: While the cause of last Wednesdays tragic incident is still being investigated, safety is our priority and as a matter of course after any sort of incident, we work with our partners to review safety provision. We have increased the visibility of council seafront staff at Bournemouth Beach and the RNLIs lifeguards will continue to be on patrol across the area. All coastal waters have inherent risks that change with tide and weather conditions, changes to the seabed etc. We work with other agencies to assess the risks and put safety measures in place, such as RNLI lifeguards, safety signage and restricting the use of boats close to shore. Lifeguards assess local conditions throughout the day and react accordingly. Dorset Police has said it is working with the Marine Accident Investigation Branch and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency to investigate the incident. Additional reporting by PA Organised crime boss Richard Wakeling following his arrest by the Royal Thai Police (National Crime Agency/PA) (PA Media) An organised crime boss who had been on the run since 2018 has been jailed after being extradited to the UK from Thailand. Richard Wakeling, 55, from Brentwood, Essex, arrived back in the country on Thursday evening and appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court on Friday afternoon, the National Crime Agency (NCA) said, adding that he was immediately jailed for 11 years after being convicted in his absence. The NCA said Wakeling was found guilty of trying to import 8 million worth of amphetamine suspended in liquid in 2016, but fled the UK on the eve of his trial in 2018. He was escorted back to Heathrow by specialist officers from the Joint International Crime Centres extradition unit. The NCA said that in February 2023 officers from the Royal Thai Police arrested Wakeling at a Bangkok garage as he went to collect his car after repair. At the time of his arrest, he was in possession of a passport in another identity. The NCA began its investigation into Wakelings organised crime group after Border Force officers stopped a truck boarding a Channel Tunnel train on April 9 2016. The truck contained plastic drums carrying the drugs. The driver was transporting furniture from Italy but stopped at Ternat in Belgium, where phone evidence showed he was directed to collect the drugs. The NCA said the entire importation was set up by Wakeling, who was in contact with drug suppliers in the Netherlands and liaised with two other UK offenders to arrange the journey. Officers proved the crime group had organised six other importations before the 2016 seizure. After Wakeling fled in 2018, the NCA issued an appeal for help finding him. Jacque Beer, NCA regional head of investigations, said: Richard Wakeling thought he could avoid facing justice by leaving the UK. The hard work of NCA officers both here in the UK and overseas and that of our international partners has put him behind bars for a lengthy prison sentence. This case highlights the NCAs global reach and that we will do everything we can to ensure those who commit serious and organised crime are held accountable for their actions, no matter how long it takes or how far they flee. 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 coalition of MPs and peers is calling for the horrendous practice of handcuffing children in care during transport to be banned. Local authorities often use private firms when moving children between care homes or to hospital or court appointments, but concerns have been raised that in some instances restraints are used. Providers are currently not required to record instances of handcuffing so the true scale of the issue is unknown. But one former care home resident, restrained at the age of 13 while being moved between homes, said the experience left them feeling utterly violated. The transport providers didnt speak to me like I was a human being or try to understand why I was so upset they just grabbed me and dragged me into the car, they said, I was terrified. Have you been affected by this story? If so email holly.bancroft@independent.co.uk They wouldnt let me out of the car, not even to go to the toilet, they continued. I told them I needed to go to the toilet, but they made me wait for two hours. Its hard to describe just how scared I was. I was cramped up in this car for six hours every time I tried to stretch out, they restrained me and physically pinned me down. I told them Id done nothing wrong but nobody listened and I was treated like a criminal. I felt utterly violated it felt as though they could do whatever they wanted to me including restraining me and theyd get away with it. The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child says a child can only be restrained when there is an immediate threat of injury to themselves or others and only when everything else has been tried. HM Inspectorate of Prisons found that migrant children were handcuffed by UK Border Force staff following inspections at five airports and 10 seaports in January this year. The watchdog said the practice was disproportionate and unacceptable and cited one particularly concerning case in which a child was taken to foster accommodation in handcuffs. Emily Aklan, founder of CEO of Serenity Welfare, a transport company that wants to end the practice, said: Worryingly, we do not know the scale of the problem. The practice remains unregulated and unmonitored, and this data gap puts vulnerable children at risk. Politicians are now calling for instances of restraint to be recorded and monitored by local authorities to improve transparency and hopefully lead to an end to the practice. Former shadow childrens minister Steve McCabe, former shadow women and equalities minister Sarah Champion, and Baroness Wilcox are among those pushing for change. Eighteen politicians from Labour, Scottish Greens, SNP, Plaid Cymru and the Welsh Conservatives are so far supporting the campaign which is due to launch next week. The Welsh government became the first nation to introduce guidelines around the practice last year. Under the new rules, transport providers have to report any use of restraints. MPs are hoping to expand the regulations to the whole of the UK. Baroness Wilcox said: Im proud of Wales for being the first UK nation to introduce guidance to protect innocent children in care from being unnecessarily restrained during secure transportation. The next step is to make these regulations mandatory, and for the other UK nations to also sit up and take action. A Department for Education spokesperson said: Restraint should only be used in exceptional cases where it is necessary and proportionate, for example, if there was no other way to prevent a child from seriously harming themselves or others. We are continuing our work with the Hope Instead of Handcuffs campaign to gather further evidence on this issue and will take further action if it is needed. 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 }} The government had a secret unit that worked with social media companies to monitor and prevent speech that was critical of Covid lockdown policies, it has been revealed. The Counter-Disinformation Unit (CDU) was set up by ministers to deal with individuals or groups who criticised policies such as the mass vaccination of children or lockdowns during the pandemic. Critics of government policies were routinely monitored and an AI firm was used to search social media posts, according to FOI and data protection requests reported by The Daily Telegraph. Campaigners have described the revelations as truly chilling and Jacob Rees-Mogg has called for the Covid inquiry to investigate the claims, the newspaper said. The inquiry clearly ought to investigate the oppressive methods used to override dissent, he said. Silkie Carlo, director of Big Brother Watch, said: The very concept of wrong information dictated by a central authority is open to abuse and should be considered far more critically, lest we mirror Chinese-style censorship. Large parts of the governments work on disinformation during Covid is still redacted but the papers do reveal that Professor Carl Heneghan, an Oxford epidemiologist who has advised Boris Johnson, was monitored by disinformation units. Dr Alexandre de Figueiredo, a research fellow at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) and Molly Kinsgley who set up a campaign to keep schools open during the pandemic and spoke out against facemasks, had their activity monitored. The CDU is still operating from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and is able to get content fast-tracked for possible moderation or deletion by social media firms such as Facebook and Twitter. It was started in 2019 to mostly deal with the European elections but shifted focus to the pandemic. Alongside this, the government also ran a Counter-Disinformation Policy Forum which brought together tech giants such as Facebook and Google to discuss how to deal with Covid disinformation. The revelations come as Boris Johnson said he will send all unredacted WhatsApps directly to the Covid-19 inquiry ahead of a legal clash between the probe and the Cabinet Office over access to the messages. The former prime minister told the inquirys chairwoman Baroness Hallett he would like to do the same with messages that are on an old mobile phone he stopped using due to security concerns. In other developments, ministers are preparing for a high-profile legal battle with the inquiry as the government seeks to challenge the request for Mr Johnsons unredacted WhatsApp messages and notebooks to be submitted. A Government spokesperson said: The units purpose is to track narratives and trends using publicly available information online to protect public health and national security. It has never tracked the activity of individuals and has a blanket ban on referring journalists and MPs to social media platforms. None of the people named in this report were ever referred to social media platforms by the Government and any claim otherwise is objectively false. 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 }} Tesco has urged its 20 million Clubcard customers to cash in their rewards over the next fortnight before they are cut from three times to two times their value. The UKs biggest supermarket announced in March that its Clubcard points will be worth twice their value when customers cash them in, rather than three times as they are now, from June 14. Rewards ordered up to and including June 13 will continue to be valid for one year from the date of issue. The popular scheme enables shoppers to collect points for money spent at Tesco and exchange them for vouchers which can be used in store or for excursions to locations such as Pizza Express, Legoland and Alton Towers. The grocer first introduced Clubcard in 1995 and promptly saw a 28% spending uplift. Tescos chief customer officer Alessandra Bellini said: While we are making a change to how members can use their vouchers with our reward partners, we want to remind millions of Clubcard holders to redeem their vouchers at three times the value until June 13 so they can use their reward partner codes to give themselves and their families a well-deserved treat. We have extended the validity of redeemed codes at the 3x rate, so if swapped before the deadline, they will be valid for a year, instead of six months, to give customers even more time to enjoy them. Customers expressed their disappointment at the change, pointing out it came as the cost-of-living crisis was already placing pressure on household budgets. One shopper posted: Tesco #clubcard now only worth x2 gee thanks #Tesco you really care about your loyal customers not. Maybe time to shop elsewhere. A second Clubcard user wrote: We were always grateful for the @Tesco Clubcard X4 when our kids were younger, it helped out massively on days out, we used our vouchers to buy towards Merlin passes which saved us so much money. We use it now for ourselves and X3 is good, but what an insult #X2 is to customers! A third wrote: Dear @tesco Just got your email re clubcard voucher exchange value changing to 2x, not 3x the value. Really disappointing! Not that long ago they were worth 4x the value. Are you not making enough profit already? One woman tweeted Tesco that its Clubcard scheme had kept me shopping with you but now with your prices soaring and the announcement about the points changes Ill be looking elsewhere. I bet a lot will do the same. It really helped us all out. Disappointed in you Tesco, she added. Sainsburys and Boots also cut the value of their loyalty schemes recently. From May, Boots Advantage Card holders have received 25% less for every 1 they spend in store, earning 3p rather than 4p. In November Sainsburys Bank cut the amount of Nectar points customers could earn by 75%, from two points for every 1 spent to one point for every 2. 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 administrator of Scotlands deposit return scheme (DRS) has urged the UK and Scottish governments to get round the table to deliver the programme. In a rare intervention, Circularity Scotland waded into the ever-deepening row between Holyrood and Westminster, with First Minister Humza Yousaf suggesting to the PA news agency on Saturday the scheme could be scrapped if the UK Government does not walk back its effective blocking of glass containers. UK ministers issued a partial exemption to the Internal Market Act which would not include glass containers scuppering Scottish Government plans to include the receptacles in the DRS. We urge both governments to urgently get round the table and agree a pathway for integrated and harmonised deposit return schemes across the UK Circularity Scotland spokesman The uncertainty over the schemes future grew when Mr Yousaf wrote to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, setting a Monday deadline for the move to be rowed back, suggesting failure to do so would cause grave danger to the DRS. In a statement seen by PA, a spokesman for the administrator said: Circularity Scotland, our members and business and industry partners have invested around 300 million to develop a deposit return scheme and have done so at no cost to the taxpayer. This scheme will be ready to launch in March 2024 and will be a platform for a scaled-up and interoperable pan-UK scheme. We urge both governments to urgently get round the table and agree a pathway for integrated and harmonised deposit return schemes across the UK. Without this agreement, investment and public confidence will be seriously damaged, jeopardising credibility for investment in any future major environmental projects. Circularity Scotland employs 50 people, with their futures uncertain given the turmoil around the scheme, while businesses already signed up to the DRS including some of the worlds biggest drinks companies like Heineken, Coca Cola and Diageo employ upwards of two million. 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 mayor of London has remembered the victims of the London Bridge terror attack on its six-year anniversary. Sadiq Khan said he is proud of how Londoners continue to stand united against hate and vowed to ensure no stone is left unturned in building a safer London for everyone. Eight people were killed and 48 injured on June 3 2017 when terrorists ploughed into pedestrians in a hired van then ran amok with 12-inch knives. Christine Archibald, 30, and Xavier Thomas, 45, died after being struck by the van on London Bridge. Alexandre Pigeard, 26, Sara Zelenak, 21, Kirsty Boden, 28, Sebastien Belanger, 36, and James McMullan, 32, were stabbed near the Boro Bistro on the South Bank. Ignacio Echeverria, 39, died as he tried to protect others from being attacked in nearby Borough High Street. Ringleader Khuram Butt, 27, Rachid Redouane, 30, and Youssef Zaghba, 22, were confronted in Stoney Street and shot dead by police marksmen. In a statement, Mr Khan said: My thoughts today are with all the victims, families and friends of the appalling terrorist attack at London Bridge six years ago. Today we also reflect on the heroic emergency services who ran selflessly towards danger and put their lives on the line for others. This was an attack on our freedom and values. Im proud that as Londoners, we continue to stand united against hate in all its forms and will never let those who seek to harm us and destroy our way of life succeed. Im determined to continue working with communities, partners and the police to counter the ever-evolving threat from terrorism and ensure that no stone is left unturned in building a safer London for everyone. 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 NHS worker has thanked the optician he credits with saving his life after he went for his first appointment in more than 40 years. David Cullen, a healthcare support worker for the vaccination programme, was on his way home from work in March when he felt a coating come over his right eye, rendering him completely blind in one eye for about 10 minutes, but by the time he got home it had cleared up. His wife Ann suggested he should see his GP, which Mr Cullen refused to do but he reluctantly agreed to have his eyes checked at Specsavers in Airdrie on his way to work the following morning. The 64-year-old, from Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire, had not had his eyes tested in more than 40 years. Optician Mark Gunn found Mr Cullen had suffered a mini-stroke and quickly made contact with his GP, who referred him for further medical treatment. Mr Gunn said: The way he described it was that he lost his vision for ten minutes. Everything went completely dark. And as a man in his 60s, it sounded like something serious was going on, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and so on. Tests revealed he had a blocked artery which could have led to a fatal stroke, and Mr Cullen underwent surgery to fix the issue. He said: I am so grateful to Mark and the rest of the Airdrie Specsavers team, and the many healthcare professionals that tended to me at University Hospital Monklands. Its so reassuring to know that there is such an efficient system in place. Speed is so often the key to these kinds of things. That quick morning appointment with Specsavers saved my life, and Id plead for anyone that has sudden eye issues to get to their opticians as soon as they can, as it can often be a precursor to something worse lurking that needs addressed. Its not often you read a positive story about public healthcare, but my experience was spectacular from start to finish. I cant thank them all enough. Mr Cullen underwent a series of tests at the hospital, including a CT, ultrasound and CTG scan. It was later concluded that his carotid artery had a 70% blockage, which could have stopped blood flow to the brain and led to a fatal stroke. He had surgery on April 4 and was able to return home the following day, sporting an eight-inch scar from his ear to his collar bone. He has visited the Specsavers team in Airdrie twice since his surgery, handing them a thank-you card and some chocolates. Mr Gunn said: Its a satisfying feeling that we managed to help him. It makes you appreciate the job you do and helping 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 }} Investigators have been issued search warrants for Idaho quadruple murder accused Bryan Kohbergers social media accounts, court records show. The Latah County Prosecutors Office requested information on Mr Kohbergers digital footprint from TikTok, Strava, Reddit, Google, and Snapchat, according to documents obtained by Insider. Detectives said there was probable cause that the accounts could contain information relating to the November 2022 slayings of Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Ethan Chapin and Xana Kernodle at the girls off-campus home in Moscow, Idaho. They asked for Mr Kohbergers profiles, usernames, messages, photos, search history, and anyone he followed or unfollowed on the platforms, according to documents seen by Insider. Search warrants have also been issued for Mr Kohbergers internet activity and phone records, according to ABC News. Police also want to examine the four victims social media accounts, ABC News reported. Mr Kohberger, a 28-year-old crominology student, was arraigned on four charges of first-degree murder and one charge of burglary during a court appearance last month. He stood silent and refused to enter a plea when asked to by the judge, who entered not guilty pleas on his behalf. He is due to face trial in October. Prosecutors have not revealed whether they will seek the death penalty. Ethan Chapin, 20, Madison Mogen, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Kaylee Goncalves, 21, in a photo taken hours before they died (Instagram/Kaylee Goncalves) Mr Kohberger was arrested at his parents home in Pennsylvania on 30 December, more than six weeks after the grisly slayings had left the university town of Moscow in fear. In January, People reported that Mr Kohberger followed three of the victims on Instagram, and repeatedly messaged one of the women. Investigators told the magazine that the victims did not follow Mr Kohberger back, and the messages had gone unanswered and may not have seen them. The account has since been deleted. Details of Mr Kohbergers history of drug abuse and psychological issues have emerged from friends and former classmates. In posts a decade ago on the online forum Tapatalk, an account appearing to belong to Mr Kohberger spoke of his depression, dissociation and being able to do whatever I want with little remorse, according to a New York Times report. 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 former wife of Missouri doctor John Forsyth is reportedly devastated by his mysterious death. The newly-engaged Forsyth, 49, vanished after leaving his overnight shift at Mercy Hospital in the Missouri Ozarks town of Cassville on 21 May. His body was found nine days later in Beaver Lake in northwest Arkansas with an apparent gunshot wound, authorities say. Authorities have not said whether they believe Forsyth was killed or took his own life, while his family rejected any possibility of the latter. Forsyths recent divorce from the mother of his eight children was amicable, the womans attorney Ryan Ricketts told the Associated Press. The couple married in 1995 in Nevada, and divorced in 2019, before remarrying the next year and finally getting divorced for a second time in April 2022. His ex-wife, who lives in Idaho and did not wish to be identified, was given custody of their underage children, and Forsyth continued to have a strong relationship with them, Mr Ricketts told the AP. She is just devastated and I mean, just shocked. She never saw any of this kind of thing coming, he said. On 10 May, a judge ordered Forsyth to pay his ex-wife $4,000 in child support a month plus another $15,000 a month, according to court records. Missouri doctor John Forsyth was found dead in a lake Arkansas (MP) Nearly two weeks after his body was discovered, the mystery surrounding his death is deepening. His brother Richard Forsyth told the AP that security footage from the parking lot of a public pool had showed the doctor getting into another vehicle before his body was found. Forsyth apparently got out of the car before the driver left the parking lot, and he walked around for 10 to 15 minutes afterwards, his brother has said. He then left his RV unlocked in the parking lot, with valuables including phones and laptops inside. He texted his fiance to say he would see her soon on the day he disappeared, and then stopped responding to messages, Richard Forsyth said. Tightlipped authorities have refused to say how Forsyth travelled the 50 miles from Cassville to Beaver Lake. An autopsy has been completed, but the results are being withheld pending the outcome of the investigation. Dr John Forsyth vanished on 21 May. His body was found nine days later (Facebook) Richard Forsyth said his brother loved his job at the Mercy Hospital in the small town of Cassville, and rarely missed a days work. He would often sleep in his RV outside the hospital when he was on call, he added. Leaving it unlocked was very uncharacteristic, he added. Forsyth had been previously kidnapped in 2022 before being released, his brother said. Richard Forsyth told Fox News that his brother had not filed a police report because he thought he was no longer in danger. He said police have told family they are investigating the death as a homicide - though officials have not confirmed that publicly. 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 former maintenance employee at the collapsed building in Iowa has claimed he warned the owners of the structures deteriorating conditions three years before it tragically fell down. Three men are still feared trapped under the rubble following the 28 May collapse of the six-storey apartment building, Davenport authorities said during a Friday press conference. The search has transitioned into a recovery effort following revelations that neither the owner nor city officials warned tenants of a structural engineers report indicating a wall of the structure was at imminent risk of crumbling. Aaron Aguilar, who worked and lived at the building on 324 Main Street before it changed owners in 2021, told The Independent in a phone interview that concerns about the buildings safety came long before the collapse last week. Mr Aguilar said that much of the water damage that several tenants voiced concerns about came after a derecho storm hit Iowa in August 2020. The maintenance worker said he and two other employees evaluated the massive damage and reported it to the then-owners and would-be owner Andrew Wold. The rooftop had basically peeled back roughly six to eight feet. On that whole back edge, Mr Aguilar said. We had a meeting with the owner before [Mr Wold] took over and [Mr Wold] was involved in the meeting ... and we expressed our concern on how that building could collapse on itself and nobody took it serious[ly]. Mr Aguilar, who lived in an apartment on the sixth floor with his family, said that Mr Wold was introduced to him as a contractor and allegedly even joined him when he went to the roof to assess the damage left by the storm. Thats when we really saw the amount of damage that had been caused, Mr Aguilar said. The water flow was flowing on the inside and the back, the outside of the backside of that building ...There were bricks that had fallen down at that point. Mr Aguilar said he and two other building workers expressed their concerns, but two weeks after the storm, they hadnt received a green light to move on with repair work. When they brought up fears that the building would collapse during the meeting with owners, he said that they were dismissed and kind of laughed off. We were very frustrated by [their response] because I lived there, and it wasnt just my home. It was other peoples homes and their well-being that were potentially in jeopardy, Mr Aguilar told The Independent. The tenants that we had known over the years that basically become friends had been expressing their concerns as well and it was an everyday question, Is this building going to fall? ...Nobody thought it could happen. Nobody that was not living there, basically. Mr Aguilar said he believes the damage caused three years ago may have been one of the underlying reasons why the structure finally came crashing down. Building officials have not confirmed a cause for the collapse pending an investigation. Aarron Aguilar took this picture of The Davenports roof after a storm hit Iowa in 2020. Mr Aguilar says he believes the damage caused three years ago may have been one of the underlying reasons why the structure finally came crashing down (Aaron Aguilar) Obviously, we didnt have any expert opinion by any means ... but the water was flowing from the rooftop all the way down to the basement of the building, he said. It was in that whole centre section where the collapse happened and in my opinion, it was caused by the lack of repairs, lack of preventing the water from deteriorating the mortar or the grid. Mr Aguilar left the building in December 2020, after owners told him they were selling the building to Mr Wold and his employment would not continue. The former tenant said he rushed to the scene of the collapse when he heard the news and offered to help in the evacuation, but was told only first responders were allowed inside. I offered to try and help because I know the building very well. I knew there are access points for the different locations that most people dont know of and they said that they werent allowing anybody to go in, Mr Aguilar said. Mr Aguilar knew Ryan Hitchcock, one of the men feared trapped under the wreckage. He was also there when a woman was rescued following statements by authorities that no one was believed to be trapped. It was very shocking to see obviously. I mean the water was still flowing out of different floors and all the alarms were still going off, he said. The dust was still settling at that point and I picked up my phone and I immediately tried calling Ryan because I knew the location of his apartment [on the second floor] and obviously I didnt get any answers. The Independent has reached out to Mr Wold and a previous owner for comment. Debris hangs from a six-story apartment building after collapse on May 29 (Getty Images) Three men are believed to be trapepd under the rubble (DPD) Tenants Branden Calvin and Daniel Prein are also missing. City officials said on Friday they had a high probability of being home at the time of the partial building collapse. Their names have been entered in the National Database for Missing People. A myriad of reports from past and current tenants and a construction worker that the buildings conditions were unsafe have emerged following the collapse. Last year, the building submitted nearly 20 permits, mainly for plumbing or electrical issues. Iowa court records reviewed by The Independent show that Mr Wold and Davenport Hotel LLC are listed as defendants in a civil enforcement action brought by the City of Davenport on 30 May. Mr Wold faces a $300 fine for failing to keep the building safe, sanitary and structurally sound condition, WQAD reports. It is unclear whether Mr Wold will have a chance to present his case before city officials before the fine becomes effective. Davenport Mayor Mike Matson said on 30 May that demolitions plans have been continuously evaluated but dodged questions about why demolition was announced before the city even addressed that several tenants were still missing. An aerial view shows a portion of a six-story apartment building after its collapse (Getty Images) Do I have regrets about this tragedy and about people potentially losing their lives? Hell yeah. Do I think about this every moment? Hell yeah. Mr Matson then said on 1 June. I have regrets about a lot of things. Believe me, were going to look at that. City officials said they did not order an evacuation because they relied on an engineers assurances that the building remained safe. The engineer was reportedly hired by the owner, according to a previous statement. Experts have said the structure built in the 1900s is extremely unstable and a collapse is imminent. Because of the layout, with the rear brick part holding together much of the steel structure, officials said there were likely no void spaces where trapped victims could have taken shelter. Fire authorities have since said they began the permitting process but will stage the demolition in a moderate and controlled manner at a later time. City Administrator Corri Spiegel said the building likely is filled with asbestos given its age, and the city will develop a plan to ensure workers and people in the area are protected when the remaining structure is demolished. Police have issued an e-fit image of a man who was found dead in the undercarriage of a plane at Gatwick Airport in December (Sussex Police/PA) (Sussex Police) Police trying to identify a man who was found dead in the undercarriage of a plane have released an e-fit image. The mans body was discovered after a Tui flight from Banjul in The Gambia landed at Gatwick Airport around 4am on December 7. He is believed to have been in his 20s or 30s but his identity has not yet been established, despite information having been shared with authorities in the west African country. Somewhere, this man will have relatives or loved ones who do not know what has happened to him." We are appealing to identify a man who sadly died on board a flight from The Gambia to Gatwick last December. Read more details https://t.co/h6O1SIsJZ5 pic.twitter.com/JBSxbbWUuf Sussex Police (@sussex_police) June 2, 2023 Detective Inspector Darren Lillywhite, of Sussex Police, said: This was a tragic case, and we are working to establish the identity of the man found deceased. Somewhere, this man will have relatives or loved ones who do not know what has happened to him. Detectives are hoping to identify the man for an inquest which may provide answers for his loved ones. Mr Lillywhite added: In particular, we are seeking contact from anyone in the UK that may have been expecting to meet a friend or family member who failed to arrive in December, as well as anyone in The Gambia or neighbouring countries who may have knowledge about an individual who made travel plans to come to the UK or Europe. Anyone with information can contact Sussex Police online quoting serial 101 of 07/12. 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 Texas woman is among three Americans who have died from fungal meningitis after an outbreak linked to cosmetic surgeries in Mexico. Mother-of-four Lauren Robinson, 29, died in Galveston months after she travelled across the border to have a cosmetic procedure carried out. Health officials have now warned US residents to cancel planned surgeries in Matamoros, after the three deaths and 17 developed suspected cases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said on Thursday that the cases were among patients who underwent epidural anaesthesia. The outbreak has been linked to two clinics, River Side Surgical Center and Clinicia K-3. A total of 212 residents in 25 states have been identified as at risk of fungal meningitis because they received epidural anaesthesia at those clinics in 2023, the CDC said. Mexican health officials closed the two clinics on 13 May but symptoms can take weeks to develop. General view of one of the medical clinics suspended by Mexican health authorities, in Matamoros, Tamaulipas (AFP via Getty Images) Robinsons family says that in the last few weeks of her life, she suffered three mini-strokes. I cant explain how it feels to go through this, and I cant tell everyone enough, dont do it, her husband Garrett Robinson previously told 12News. My kids look up to her like she was their own, its just, its heartbreaking and I just want people to know, you know, tell your wife no. Woman too, if youre considering and you dont have a man to tell you no, no, dont do it, its not worth it. General view of one of the medical clinics suspended by Mexican health authorities, in Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico on May 19, 2023. (AFP via Getty Images) An obituary for Robinson described her as a beloved individual who brought joy and warmth to the lives of those around her. She found solace in the great outdoors and cherished her time spent fishing, hunting, and simply being outside, the obituary said. 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 }} City officials in Davenport, Iowa, have admitted that three residents of the building that collapsed on 28 May are still unaccounted for after announcing plans to proceed with the demolition of the unstable structure. A rear section of The Davenport, a six-storey apartment complex on 324 Main Street, collapsed following reports the week before that bricks were falling off the building and several complaints from tenants about their living conditions. Nine people were rescued from the wreckage, according to Davenport Fire Chief Michael Carlsten. The ninth person rescued more than 24 hours after the collapse, was Lisa Brooks following statements by Mr Carlsten that no one was believed to be trapped under the wreckage. Shes at home, shes fine now. She had passed out under the couch and the only reason she woke up, its because we were yelling her name, Ms Brooks niece Pauletta Joeanna told The Independent. Authorities admitted at two separate press conferences this week that the Davenport Police Department has yet to account for all residents of the building. Three of them, Ryan Hitchcock, Branden Colvin and Daniel Prein, are feared to still be trapped inside as of Saturday (3 June). Search efforts were called on 29 May, less than 24 after the collapse, before they were resumed later in the week to rescue animals and search for the missing men. On 2 June, the city once again called off search efforts. Confronted by reporters on 2 June on why valuable time was lost in the 48 hours without search efforts, a division chief with one of the search task forces said that they had to wait for the building to settle as it was unstable for the first 24 to 36 hours. Davenport Mayor Mike Matson said on 30 May that demolitions plans have been continuously evaluated but refused to address whether Ms Brooks rescue was a determinant factor in the reassessment. Experts who spoke at the presser said another collapse was imminent if the demolition was delayed. Fire authorities have since said they began the permitting process but will stage the demolition in a moderate and controlled manner at a later time. Firefighters are seen rescuing Lisa Brooks from the Iowa building collapse (Pauletta Joeanna) Demolition is a multi-phase process that includes permitting and staging of equipment that will begin today, a city strategy officer told KWQC in a statement. The timing of the physical demolition of the property is still being evaluated. The building remains structurally insecure and in imminent danger of collapse. City Administrator Corri Spiegel said the building likely is filled with asbestos given its age, and the city will develop a plan to ensure workers and people in the area are protected when the remaining structure is demolished. Crowds have gathered in front of the building to protest demolition plans. Mr Colvins 18-year-old son and several other relatives and family members have been camping outside of the building in hopes of putting pressure on city authorities. Although the cause of the collapse has not been determined, some residents described the sound it created as an explosion. Mr Carlsten also said during a press conference that several 911 calls were placed by residents complaining about a strong smell of gas. Residents living in the area reported that the building was known to have problems, including visible water damage and hairline cracks on the walls. Heres everything we know about the collapse: What happened? Rescuers were called to the scene shortly before 5pm on 28 May. Mr Carlsten said the back of the apartment complex collapsed and had separated from the building, which houses apartments on the upper floors and businesses on the ground level. Building resident Lexus Berry told The Quad-City Times that she narrowly escaped but her wife Quanishia and cats became trapped as the building collapsed. Ms Berry had just taken pictures of a separation between a wall and the bathroom doorway before she tried to make it to safety. We both grab our cats, she grabbed one, I grabbed one, got to the door, Ms Berry told the outlet. I watched her, and everything just fell down and everything fell on top of me, and I barely made it out the door There was nothing left where I was standing at. Everything else was gone. Davenport residents listen to an official update on the building collapse on Monday morning (AP) A firefighter climbs through the wreckage of the collapsed building (AP) In the aftermath of the tragedy, first responders worked tirelessly to evacuate tenants, initially rescuing seven people from the wreckage. For the first 12 hours that authorities were unable to locate Quanishia, her wife stayed in the area, anxiously waiting for updates and holding onto hope that Quanishia had survived the ordeal. Search crews finally located Quanishia, who was trapped under debris, on 29 May. There was a lot of debris and things surrounding her and her legs were pinned down, Lexus told The Quad-Cities Times. They were able to get one leg out, but [her left] leg in order to get her out, they had to amputate it. Mayor Matson said trauma surgeons and first responders at the scene performed procedures to save lives. Like the Berrys, dozens of families who lived in the building lost their homes, belongings and pets. What caused the collapse? The cause of the collapse has not been determined, officials said. After responding to the scene, authorities found a gas leak after the collapse and water also had leaked throughout the floors of the structure. Rich Oswald, City of Davenport director of development and neighbourhood services, said that work was being done on the buildings exterior after reports of bricks falling from the building last week. On 31 May, the city released documents, including structural engineering reports, that show city officials and the buildings owner were warned that the parts of the building were unstable. A report dated May 24, just four days before the collapse, suggested patches in the west side of the buildings brick facade appear ready to fall imminently and could be a safety hazard to cars or passersby. The report also detailed that window openings, some filled and some unfilled, were insecure. In one case, the openings were bulging outward and looked poised to fall. Inside the first floor, unsupported window openings help explain why the facade is currently about to topple outward. Despite the warnings, city officials did not order that the estimated 50 tenants leave. Demolition plans laid as three tenants feared trapped under wreckage City officials said that the building is not salvageable and would be torn down. No residents will be allowed back into the building before demolition begins due to its unstable condition. The owner of the property has been served with a notice and order for demolition of the property, Council member Kyle Gripp said. The property is currently being secured by a contractor on site this afternoon and demolition is expected to commence in the morning. Fire Marshall J Morris said that authorities faced a challenging decision, as experts recommended a demolition as soon as permitting is obtained, while family members fear that their loved ones are still alive under the rubble. Johnnie Woods told The Des Moines Register that her nephew Branden Colvin, who lived in a fifth-floor apartment in the building, did not show up for a family gathering on Sunday night. The familys attempts to locate him since have been unsuccessful. Three men, Ryan Hitchcock, Branden Colvin and Daniel Prein, are feared to still be trapped inside (DPD) Ms Woods said a neighbour of Mr Colvins told her hed seen him moments before the collapse. Mr Colvins vehicle was also in the buildings parking lot and had to be towed after the tragedy. My other nephews and other people have been trying to call his phone, and hes not answering his phone, Ms Woods told the Register. So were assuming something, that he cant talk, his phone is dead, or something. Really, we dont know anything. Police have said Mr Colvin, Ryan Hitchcock and Daniel Prein had a high probability of being home at the time of the partial building collapse. Their names have been entered in the National Database for Missing People. A woman who police said is related to Mr Hitchcock noted during the press conference on 30 May that she agreed with demolition plans. I was completely mortified about the protests. These people raising a voice, and they dont know Ryan, Amy Henderson said. The city does have a plan and pushing for any delays ... its one more day that hes under there. Ryan wouldnt want anyone else to put their lives at risk unfortunately for someone who probably has not survived. Animal rescued, second search for trapped tenants The Humane Society of Scott County announced on 29 May that several animals were rescued and reunited with their humans. Search crews combed through an area of the building, which was deemed safe enough for a second search, but did not find any signs of human activity, they said. We recovered 6 cats, 2 snakes, and 1 lizard, which were all the pets reported on our form that werent in one of the apartments where the building collapsed, the non-profit announced earlier this week. Weve already reunited 4 cats, the 2 snakes, and the lizard with their owners, and the other two will be reunited shortly! The states search and rescue team, search dogs and cameras were again used on 1 June to continue combing the building for missing people. During a press conference on 2 June, officials said the search is now moving on to recovery. Building conditions Work to bring down the building comes amid questions about why neither the owner nor city officials warned residents even after a structural engineers report issued last week indicated a wall of the century-old apartment building was at imminent risk of crumbling. The revelation was the latest flashpoint following the partial collapse that has left some residents upset with city leaders over what they see as an inept response. Do I have regrets about this tragedy and about people potentially losing their lives? Hell yeah. Do I think about this every moment? Hell yeah. Mr Matson said on 1 June. I have regrets about a lot of things. Believe me, were going to look at that. City officials said they did not order an evacuation because they relied on the engineers assurances that the building remained safe. Experts have said the structure built in the 1900s is extremely unstable. Because of the layout of the building, with the rear brick part holding together much of the steel structure, officials said there were likely no void spaces where trapped victims could have taken shelter. Authorities said its brittle condition is worsening with time and the possibility of another collapse is now imminent. We want to get everyone out, we want to do it right now, Mr Morris said as he broke down in tears at a press conference on 30 May. So understand, its not that we dont want to do this ... its that we have to do it in a safe manner. Mayor Matson also praised first responders for risking their lives with their swift response and decried criticism sparked after the search was called off. He said surgeons were performing trauma surgeries in the surroundings of the collapsed building and firefighters had gone inside void places that were extremely dangerous to get into, with the only focus to save lives. All of those folks got here in the middle of the night, immediately assessing ... [knowing] that thing is unsafe and going anywhere, he said. There heroes that have gone inside this building ... get off of that. Do you want to come at somebody? Here, Im standing right in front of you. Theyre the people who are saving lives. Allegations of collapse warnings The city has been in contact with the building owner Andrew Wold. Mr Morris said that state agencies are coordinating what agency will take the lead in the investigation but no criminal charges have been filed yet. Despite a myriad of reports from past and current tenants that the buildings conditions were unsafe, a structural engineer hired by the owner deemed the structure safe. The facade of the red brick building was ripped off, exposing the apartment units inside (AP) Ryan Shaffer, the owner of a local masonry company, told The Quad-Cities Times that he was approached by the buildings owner Andrew Wold in February about providing work to shore up the structure - which had reportedly been the subject of many complaints from tenants in the months prior - during ongoing repairs. But when Mr Shaffer provided a quote upwards of $50,000, he claims Mr Wold turned it down because it was too expensive. The rear part of the building was left exposed after several apartments came down on Sunday evening (Quad City Times) He wanted to cut the cost by cutting out the shoring and supporting of the building, Mr Shaffer told the Times. I said, If we dont do it this way exactly, Im not putting my guys in there. Somebody is going to die. Months later, Mr Shaffer said Mr Wold reached out again last week. [Mr Wold] was calling us and asking for I-beams and stuff to support it, he said. I looked at it and was like, Theres no saving it at this point. Mr Shaffer said he drove by the site two days before the collapse and warned workers: Get away, youre going to die. Last year, the building submitted nearly 20 permits, mainly for plumbing or electrical issues. Last weeks permits inspection for framing before cover appeared to be approved when the complex came down around 5pm on Sunday but now appears as failed on the City of Davenport website, local news station KWQC first reported. When confronted about the change, a city spokesperson told the outlet that it was due to a computer glitch and that it should appear as incomplete but denied a Freedom of Information Act request for the physical documents. The Independent has reached out to the city for comment. Iowa court records reviewed by The Independent show that Mr Wold and Davenport Hotel LLC are listed as defendants in a civil enforcement action brought by the City of Davenport on 30 May. Mr Wold faces a $300 fine for failing to keep the building safe, sanitary and structurally sound condition, WQAD reports. It is unclear whether Mr Wold will have a chance to present his case before city officials before the fine becomes effective. Despite a myriad of reports from past and current tenants that the buildings conditions were unsafe, a structural engineer hired by the owner deemed the structure safe, officials said. Emergency crews work the scene of a partial apartment building collapse in Davenport, Iowa (AP) Jennifer Smith, whose business is located in the building, said she first heard about the explosion from her husband, who works for Mid-American Energy. He was on call and got called in for a building explosion downtown. We had no idea it was our building, Ms Smith told the Quad-City Times. It sounds bad, but we have been calling the city and giving complaints since December. Our bathroom caved in December. Ms Smith said water damage has been apparent since they moved into their space in the winter. Her companys co-owner, Deonte Mack, said fire crews were in the building as recently as three days before the tragedy for an inspection. The tenants told us the building was going to collapse, Ms Smith said. Assistance for the victims Several law enforcement agencies responded to the scene. An air ambulance landed at the site of the emergency on Sunday night to transport victims of the collapse, while K-9 units and search crews combed through the wreckage. A school bus drives past the wreckage after the building collapse on Sunday (Quad City Times) Mayor Mike Matson said at the earlier press conference that he had spoken to state governor Kim Reynolds, who offered her assistance in the response to the disaster. Gov Reynolds said the Department of Public Safety, Homeland Security and emergency management officials are also assisting in the response. This is an active scene, the mayor said. We will continue to work, continue to evaluate, with the whole purpose of trying to find people and trying to get them out. The city announced that each displaced household would be eligible for $6,000 in addition to a $5,000 state grant for households up to 200per cent of the federal poverty level. Financial support also will be available for businesses in the building and those nearby. 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 }} Dr John Forsyth was the happiest his family had seen him in a long time. His divorce had recently been finalised and he had just asked his new partner to marry him. Three days after the proposal, 49-year-old Forsyth who had also launched a cryptocurrency business with his brother left his hospital shift in the Missouri Ozarks and told his new fiancee he would see her soon. The father-of-seven was never seen or heard from again. On Tuesday (30 May), after a desperate nine-day search, Forsyths body was found in a lake in northwest Arkansas by a passing kayaker. His car had been found unlocked and abandoned at an aquatic centre days earlier with his passport, wallet, two phones, laptop and the keys to his RV inside. What led to the doctors fortunes taking such a catastrophic turn remains a mystery, with his grieving family members now desperate for answers. Heres what we know so far about the case: Last known movements Forsyth, 49, was last heard from at around 7am on 21 May. The emergency room doctor had just finished a shift at Mercy Hospital in Cassville, a remote town of 3,100 residents deep in the Missouri Ozarks. He was texting his new fiancee as he left the hospital making plans to see her. He was texting her things like Hey, my shifts over and Ill see you a little bit later, his brother Richard Forsyth told The Daily Beastlast week. And then minutes later, he stops responding to text messages and is seen walking toward his RV. Forsyth often parked his RV in the hospital parking lot so he could sleep in it while on-call. Just minutes later at around 7.15am, Forsyth was captured on surveillance footage driving his second vehicle a Black Infiniti into the parking lot of Cassville Aquatic Park. Dr John Forsyth vanished on 21 May when he left a hospital shift (Facebook) A white SUV was then captured pulling up close to the vehicle a few minutes later, Richard said. The SUV drove away a few minutes later before Richard said his brother was seen on the footage getting out of his vehicle around 10 to 15 minutes later and walking around. And then he walks away from his car, he said. The alarm was raised later that day when Forsyth failed to show up for his next shift at the hospital. Both the hospital and his brother said it was totally out of character for him to miss work. In the 15 years he had worked at Mercy Hospital, the dedicated doctor had never missed a single shift. Dr Forsyth has never missed a shift without notifying us in the past, so when he failed to arrive for his scheduled shift, and we were unable to reach him, we became concerned and alerted authorities, the hospital said. We invite everyone to join us in praying for his safe return. Richard told The Daily Beast he wouldnt miss a shift even if his eyeballs were hanging out of their sockets. It was an immediate red flag, he said. His hospital colleagues reported him missing to Cassville Police that day. The search Two days later on 23 May, Forsyths Infiniti was found abandoned in a remote area near the Cassville Aquatic Center. The car had been left unlocked and investigators found his two cellphones, laptop, keys, wallet and passport inside. Multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Missouri State Highway Patrol, carried out extensive searches spanning a nine-mile radius around the park. Thermal imaging drones and K9 dogs were drafted in to help with the search but they found no clues as to the doctors whereabouts. As the search rumbled on, Forsyths desperate family members set up a Facebook page titled Find Dr John Forsyth to raise awareness about the case and seek information from the public. Dr Forsyths car was found at the Cassville Aquatic Center (above) (KOLR) On Monday, Forsyths sister Tiffany posted an update about her brother. My brother has now been missing for week. Im grieving, Im afraid, and it feels like the world has tipped into sheer chaos, she wrote. Ive often felt like Johnny and I are two sides of the same coin. Our lives have lead us in very different directions, but in the last couple of years weve been bonding over our intense desire to understand the mysteries of the universe, and Ive treasured those conversations like precious jewels. I rarely meet anyone I can toss around ideas with like he can. Now hes disappeared, seemingly into thin air. We have so much more to talk about. Im so afraid hes just gone. Please dont let this be how this ends. The hole that will leave in my life will be empty forever. Please help us find him. Speculation Forsyths family said there no warning signs prior to his disappearance as speculation and theories spread online. Richard said he had last seen his brother just a few days before his disappearance and he seemed the happiest he had seen him in a while. We had dinner Wednesday before he disappeared, and we sat and talked for three hours, he told AP. I told him this is the happiest Id seen him in a long time. His divorce was final May 11, and I think that gave him energy for the future. Forsyth had also been making plans for the future, proposing to his new girlfriend just three days before he vanished. He was a doting father to his seven children and really cared for his patients, Richard said. As the case drew attention online, speculation grew that the doctors disappearance could be tied to his recent divorce or the cryptocurrency business he had launched with his brother. In his divorce, Forsyth was given a court order to pay almost $20,000 in child support and alimony to his ex-wife. Richard told OzarksFirst that the amount of money was not a concern to his brother. A second rumour suggested there may be some link between his disappearance and the brothers crypto business. Richard told the local outlet that one person had been angry with Forsyth and vowed revenge. But he said that the person in question was somewhere overseas and insisted that neither the individual nor the business venture was connected to his brothers disappearance. Dr Forsyths body was found in a lake on Tuesday (Facebook) He expressed some extreme emotions towards us that he would get revenge. And ultimately his campaign failed, and we didnt hear from him again, Richard said. I dont see that being enough motivation for someone to cross the Atlantic and cause trouble. While the family sought to put the rumors to rest, Richard said that his brothers disappearance was suspicious. A lot of oddities about his disappearance and police kind of agreed after an investigation that the circumstances are pretty suspicious, he said. The tragic discovery The search ended in tragedy on Tuesday (30 May) when Forsyths body was discovered in a lake in northwest Arkansas Benton County. My brother has been found and he is dead. Thank you to everyone who assisted in the search, Richard wrote in a heartbreaking Facebook post. The Benton County Sheriffs Department confirmed that the body was found by a kayaker. The cause of death appeared to be a gunshot wound. While the full circumstances surrounding the tragic discovery are not yet clear, Cassville Police told the Associated Press that there were no signs of foul play. Forsyths family told KOLR that they are meeting with detectives on Wednesday to get additional information. 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 Wisconsin mother woke up to the horrifying discovery that her young son had been suffocated and unable to move after his parents fell asleep with the toddler between them. Breanna Brown, 22, said she and her husband Ezell Brown, 23, are guilt-stricken and blame themselves after their son Karvion, aged just five months, was left possibly blind following the ordeal, according to Kennedy News & Media. On 2 May, Ms Brown was woken up by the cries of her child. She picked him up from his crib and handed him to her husband to feed before they went back to bed. But the young mother had her sleep interrupted yet again at 5am this time by the screams of her husband at the sight of Karvions now blue face as he struggled to breathe. Ms Brown said that the baby had fallen asleep on top of the covers in between the parents and possibly got tangled as he reached for the bottle as the father fell asleep in the process of feeding him. They called an ambulance while attempting to blow air into Karvions mouth while his lips were becoming bluer and bluer by the second. The child was taken to HSHS St Nicholas Hospital in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, where a breathing tube was used before he was moved to Childrens Wisconsin in Milwaukee after about an hour. According to the mother, Karvion was without oxygen for about seven minutes, and while in the ambulance, he suffered four subclinical seizures. Ms Brown said that at first, Karvion was having 16 seizures a day. His physicians now worry that he could be blind and he may have lost three-quarters of his brain cells. Karvion Brown was left possibly blind and partially braindead after his parents fell asleep with him between them (Kennedy News & Media) She said that When Karvion woke me up I was really tired, so I nudged my husband and said, can you feed him? I just need a couple of minutes. When Ezell woke me up later, he was on the end of the bed screaming, Karvions not breathing, she added. My sons arms and legs were flopped behind him. I could tell that he was turning purple and blue. Right before the EMT walked up the steps, my husband blew in his mouth and he started gurgling and his eyes started rolling, the Newton, Wisconsin mother said. He was flopping back in Ezells arms. You could just see his lips getting bluer and bluer by the second. He was probably trying to kick his legs and move his arms and wiggle for his bottle, so Im thinking while hes doing that he pulled his cover over his head and got wrapped in it, she explained. Everything was black to me. All I knew is that my son needed help and I couldnt give it to him. I just felt lost. He had 16 seizures on the first day, and that went on for a week and a half. He was having up to 16 seizures in day, Ms Brown said, adding that he hasnt moved or opened his eyes or made any noises since they removed the breathing tube on 21 May. Breanna Brown, 22, found her young son 75 per cent braindead after she and her husband fell asleep with him between them (Kennedy News & Media) She said she was so close with her son. I always had him on me, and he was always looking at me and always smiling at me. Now the last thing he remembers seeing is his mummy picking him up out of his crib angry, and I cant live with that being the last sight he sees, she said. Ms Brown said that doctors have asked if a life of being blind and having lost 75 per cent of his brain cells is an existence they want him to go through. The parents are currently fundraising for Karvions treatment on GoFundMe. I keep putting myself in my sons position of him trying to struggle to breathe, not knowing what was happening, Ms Brown said. He cant get up, he cant do anything, nobody can hear him. I keep putting myself there and its starting to wear on me but I cant stop. I cant sleep at night now. When Karvion had the breathing tube in, he opened one eye and tried to clench one hand, she recalled. Theyre saying that he might be blind now and that it might not be him intentionally opening his eyes they might have just fallen open. Once brain cells die, they turn white on the MRI and 75 per cent of his brain is white. Im terrified, she said. A doctor came in and told us that we dont have to make any big decisions ... but asked if this is the quality of life we want our son to live. She said that at the time, I was angry that Karvion woke up early, and I feel so much guilt because I was mad that my son wanted a bottle. Ezell is feeling the guilt really bad, and I keep telling him not to. Were both equally to blame, she added. I used to sleep with Karvion all the time, but never in the middle of us. But now going back and looking at it, I shouldnt have done it from the get-go - we never should have been used to that, the young mother said. As cute and cuddly as they look, love them enough to put them in their beds. If you truly do deeply love them, give them a kiss and a hug and lay them in their cribs, please. 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 }} In a span of a decade, Alexei Navalny has gone from the Kremlins biggest foe to Russias most prominent political prisoner. Already serving two convictions that have landed him in prison for at least nine years, he faces a new trial that could keep him behind for two more decades. Navalny turns 47 on Sunday in prison, where he has been repeatedly locked up in solitary confinement. A look at Navalnys life, political activism and the charges he has faced through the years: June 4, 1976 Navalny is born in a western part of the Moscow region. 1997 Graduates from Russia's RUDN university, where he majored in law; earns a degree in economics in 2001 while working as a lawyer. 2004 Forms a movement against rampant overdevelopment in Moscow, according to his campaign website. 2008 Gains notoriety for alleging corruption in state-run corporations, such as gas giant Gazprom and oil behemoth Rosneft, through his blogs and other posts. 2010 Founds RosPil, an anti-corruption project run by a team of lawyers that analyzes spending of state agencies and companies, exposing violations and contesting them in court. 2011 Establishes the Foundation for Fighting Corruption, which will become his team's main platform for exposing alleged graft among Russias top political ranks. December 2011 Participates in mass protests sparked by reports of widespread rigging of Russias parliamentary election, and is arrested and jailed for 15 days for defying a government official. March 2012 Following President Vladimir Putins reelection and inauguration, mass protests break out in Moscow and elsewhere. Navalny accuses key figures, including then-Deputy Prime Minister Igor Shuvalov and Chechnyas strongman leader, Ramzan Kadyrov, of corruption. July 2012 Russias Investigative Committee charges Navalny with embezzlement involving Kirovles, a state-owned timber company in the Kirov region, while acting as an adviser to the local governor. Navalny rejects the allegations as politically motivated. December 2012 The Investigative Committee launches another probe into alleged embezzlement at a Navalny-linked Russian subsidiary of Yves Rocher, a French cosmetics company. Navalny again says the allegations are politically motivated. 2013 Navalny runs for mayor in Moscow a move the authorities not only allow but encourage in an attempt to put a veneer of democracy on the race that is designed to boost the profile of the incumbent, Sergei Sobyanin. July 2013 A court in Kirov convicts Navalny of embezzlement in the Kirovles case, sentencing him to five years in prison. The prosecution petitions to release Navalny from custody pending his appeal, and he resumes his campaign. September 2013 Official results show Navalny finishes second in the mayor's race behind Sobyanin, with 27% of the vote, after a successful electoral and fundraising campaign collecting an unprecedented 97.3 million rubles ($2.9 million) from individual supporters. October 2013 A court hands Navalny a suspended sentence in the Kirovles case. February 2014 Navalny is placed under house arrest in connection with the Yves Rocher case and banned from using the internet. His blog continues to be updated regularly, presumably by his team, detailing alleged corruption by various Russian officials. December 2014 Navalny and his brother, Oleg, are found guilty of fraud in the Yves Rocher case. Navalny receives a 3-year suspended sentence, while his brother is handed a prison term. Both appeal to the European Court of Human Rights. December 2015 Navalny's Foundation for Fighting Corruption releases its first long-form video a YouTube documentary called Chaika, which means seagull in Russian but is also the last name of then-Prosecutor General Yury Chaika. The 44-minute video accuses him of corruption and alleged ties to a notorious criminal group and has piled up 26 million views on YouTube. Chaika and other Russian officials deny the accusations. February 2016 The European Court of Human Rights rules that Russia violated Navalnys right to a fair trial in the Kirovles case, ordering the government to pay his legal costs and damages. November 2016 Russias Supreme Court overturns Navalnys sentence and sends the case back to the original court in the city of Kirov for review. December 2016 Navalny announces he will run in Russias 2018 presidential election. February 2017 The Kirov court retries Navalny and upholds his five-year suspended sentence from 2013. March 2017 Navalny releases a YouTube documentary accusing then-Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev of corruption, getting over 7 million views in its first week. A series of anti-graft protests across Russia draw tens of thousands and there are mass arrests. Navalny tours the country to open campaign offices, holds big rallies and is jailed repeatedly for unauthorized demonstrations. April 27, 2017 Unidentified assailants throw a green disinfectant in his face, damaging his right eye. He blames the attack on the Kremlin. October 2017 The European Court of Human Rights finds Navalnys fraud conviction in the Yves Rocher case to be arbitrary and manifestly unreasonable. December 2017 Russias Central Electoral Commission bars him from running for president over his conviction in the Kirovles case, a move condemned by the EU as casting serious doubt on the election. July 2019 Members of Navalnys team, along with other opposition activists, are barred from running for Moscow city council, sparking protests that are violently dispersed, with thousands arrested. Navalnys team responds by promoting the Smart Voting strategy, encouraging the election of any candidate except those from the Kremlins United Russia party. The strategy works, with the party losing its majority. 2020 Navalny hopes to deploy the Smart Voting strategy at regional elections in September and tours Siberia as part of the effort. Aug. 20, 2020 On a flight from the city of Tomsk, where he was working with local activists, Navalny falls ill and the plane makes an emergency landing in nearby Omsk. Hospitalized in a coma, Navalny's team suspects he was poisoned. Aug. 22, 2020 A comatose Navalny is flown to a hospital in Berlin. Aug. 24, 2020 German authorities confirm Navalny was poisoned with a Soviet-era nerve agent. After he recovers, he blames the Kremlin, an accusation denied by Russian officials. Jan. 17, 2021 Following five months in Germany, Navalny is arrested upon his return to Russia, with authorities alleging his recuperation abroad violated the terms of his suspended sentence in the Yves Rocher case. His arrest triggers some of the biggest protests in Russia in years. Thousands are arrested. Feb. 2, 2021 A Moscow court orders Navalny to serve 2 years in prison for his parole violation. While in prison, Navalny stages a three-week hunger strike to protest a lack of medical treatment and sleep deprivation. June 2021 A Moscow court outlaws Navalnys Foundation for Fighting Corruption and about 40 regional offices as extremist, shutting down his political network. Close associates and team members face prosecution and leave Russia under pressure. Navalny maintains contact with his lawyers and team from prison, and they update his social media accounts. Feb. 24, 2022 Russia invades Ukraine. Navalny condemns the war in social media posts from prison and during his court appearances. March 22, 2022 Navalny is sentenced to an additional nine-year term for embezzlement and contempt of court in a case his supporters rejected as fabricated. He is transferred to a maximum-security prison in Russias western Vladimir region. July 2022 Navalnys team announces the relaunch of the Anti-Corruption Foundation as an international organization with an advisory board including Francis Fukuayama, Anne Applebaum, and the European Parliament member and former Belgian Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt. Navalny continues to file lawsuits in prison and tries to form a labor union in the facility. In response, penitentiary officials start regularly placing him in solitary confinement over purported disciplinary violations such as failing to properly button his garment or to wash his face at a specified time. 2023 Over 400 Russian doctors sign an open letter to Putin, urging an end to abusing Navalny, following reports that he was denied basic medication after getting the flu. His team expresses concern about his health, saying in April he had acute stomach pain and suspected he was being slowly poisoned. March 12, 2023 Navalny, a film about the attempt on the opposition leader's life, wins the Oscar for best documentary feature. April 26, 2023 Appearing on a videolink from prison during a hearing, Navalny said he was facing new extremism and terrorism charges that could keep him behind bars for the rest of his life. He added sardonically that the charges imply that Im conducting terror attacks while sitting in prison. A hearing was set for June 6. ___ Litvinova reported from Tallinn, Estonia. 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 number of people killed in days of clashes between Senegalese police and supporters of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko has now risen to 15, including two security officers, the government said on Saturday. Clashes continued in pockets of the city Friday evening with demonstrators throwing rocks, burning cars and damaging supermarkets as police fired tear gas and the government deployed the military in tanks. Sonko was convicted Thursday of corrupting youth but acquitted on charges of raping a woman who worked at a massage parlor and making death threats against her. Sonko, who didnt attend his trial in Dakar, was sentenced to two years in prison. His lawyer said a warrant hadnt been issued yet for his arrest. Sonko came in third in Senegals 2019 presidential election and is popular with the countrys youth. His supporters maintain his legal troubles are part of a government effort to derail his candidacy in the 2024 presidential election. Sonko is considered President Macky Salls main competition and has urged Sall to state publicly that he wont seek a third term in office. The international community has called on Senegals government to resolve the tensions. Frances ministry for Europe and foreign affairs said it was extremely concerned by the violence and called for a resolution to this crisis, in keeping with Senegals long democratic tradition. Rights groups have condemned the government crackdown, which has included arbitrary arrests and restrictions on social media. Some social media sites used by demonstrators to incite violence, such as Facebook, WhatsApp and Twitter have been suspended, for nearly two days. Senegalese are blaming the government for the violence and the loss of lives. One woman, Seynabou Diop, told The Associated Press on Saturday that her 21-year-old son, Khadim, was killed in the protests, shot by a bullet to the chest. I feel deep pain. Whats happening is hard. Our children are dying. I never thought Id have to go through this, she said. This was the first time her son, a disciplined and kind mechanic, had joined in the protests, rushing out of the house as soon as he heard Sonko was convicted, she said. I think Macky Sall is responsible. If hed talked to the Senegalese people, especially young people, maybe we wouldnt have all these problems, said Diop. The Associated Press cannot verify the cause of death. The family said an autopsy was underway. Corrupting young people, which includes using ones position of power to have sex with people under the age of 21, is a criminal offense in Senegal, punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $6,000. Under Senegalese law, Sonkos conviction would bar him from running in next years election, said Bamba Cisse, another defense lawyer. However, the government said that Sonko could ask for a retrial once he was imprisoned. It was unclear when he would be taken into custody. If violence continues, it could threaten the country's institutions, say analysts. Never in their worst forms of nightmare (would) Senegalese have thought of witnessing the prevailing forms of apocalyptic and irrational violence, said Alioune Tine, founder of Afrikajom Center, a West African think tank. The most shared feeling about the current situation is fear, stress, exhaustion and helplessness. Thus what the people are now seeking for is peace, he said. The West African country has been seen as a bastion of democratic stability in the region. Sonko hasn't been heard from or seen since the verdict. In a statement Friday, his PASTEF-Patriots party called on Senegalese to amplify and intensify the constitutional resistance until President Sall leaves office. Government spokesman Abdou Karim Fofana said the damage caused by months of demonstrations had cost the country millions of dollars. He argued the protesters themselves posed a threat to democracy. These calls (to protest), its a bit like the anti-republican nature of all these movements that hide behind social networks and dont believe in the foundations of democracy, which are elections, freedom of expression, but also the resources that our (legal) system offers, Fofana said. 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 coalition of librarians, libraries, patrons, bookstores and publishers are suing officials in the state of Arkansas after passage of a sweeping state law that could threaten librarians with jail and heavy fines for materials in their collections. Arkansas is among four states that have recently enacted state laws that make it easier to prosecute libraries, librarians and booksellers over explicit content, as Republican lawmakers and right-wing activists target LGBT+ content and descriptions of gender identity and sexuality in a nationwide campaign taking aim at materials in classrooms and on bookshelves. Republican Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed Act 372 into law earlier this year. A federal lawsuit from several public library systems challenges the constitutionality of the law, which makes it a misdemeanor for children to access materials considered harmful to minors, a distinction that is overly broad and threatens First Amendment protections, plaintiffs argue. The law robs the states readers of their constitutional right to receive information and threatens the states booksellers and librarians with extreme punishments for performing their core and essential function of making books available to the public, plaintiffs said in a statement on 2 June. This law will ultimately force bookstores and librarians to restrict their offerings to works that are suitable for minors, or bar them from entering institutions that have long served as the nexus between community and learning, they added. The lawsuit also argues that Arkansas law violates due process by allowing local officials to overrule decisions from libraries about book challenges without explanation or appeal. Plaintiffs include the consortium of public libraries and librarians, including the Fayetteville Public Library, Eureka Springs Carnegie Public Library, Central Arkansas Library System and the Arkansas Library Association. Two local bookstores and several library patrons and advocacy groups have also joined the complaint. Although Act 327 does not go into effect until 1 August, it already appears to be influencing decisions from local officials. Books about LGBT+ people as well as disabled people, religion and puberty were moved from childrens sections in libraries in Crawford County, whose attorney argued that the law required them to do so, according to the lawsuit. I am representing the 28 prosecutors named in this lawsuit, and I look forward to defending the constitutionality of Act 372, Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin said in a statement shared with The Independent. Nate Coulter, executive director of the Central Arkansas Library System, is among plaintiffs in a lawsuit against a recent state law that could impose criminal penalties against librarians (AP) Across the country, teachers and library workers have been thrust into a volatile political environment, facing on- and offline harassment while juggling new regulatory regimes and policies that could open them to costly litigation. Such policies are running parallel with an unprecedented wave of state-level and national legislation targeting LGBT+ people, particularly trans youth, and attempts to limit honest discussion of race and racism in classrooms and workplaces. Last month, free expression group PEN America and Penguin Random House, one of the worlds largest publishers, filed a similar federal lawsuit in Florida, where one countys library system has faced nearly 200 book challenges and more than a dozen book removals. Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders is pictured signing an education overhal bill in March 2023 (AP) There have been at least 1,477 attempts to ban 874 individual book titles within the first half of the 2022-2023 school year, according to PEN America. The figures mark a nearly 30 per cent spike from book challenges over the previous year. More than 100 bills in state legislatures in at least 31 states this year threatened to cut library budgets, implement book rating systems, regulate the kinds of books and materials in their collections, and amend obscenity definitions that preempt First Amendment protections, according to a database from EveryLibrary. At least 15 states considered legislation that would open up libraries and librarians to criminal prosecution. Governors in Indiana and Montana as well as Arkansas signed such bills into law. Republican governors in Idaho and North Dakota vetoed similar legislation that passed through GOP-controlled legislatures. 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 }} Ron DeSantis snapped back at a heckler in South Carolina who branded him a f***ing fascist during a campaign rally. The Florida governor was yelled at by a female protester during an event in the state as he discussed his education policies. The right to health care, to their kids health care, youre a f***ing fascist, the woman in the crowd in Lexington, South Carolina, yelled. We say gay. After booing from the crowd, DeSantis responded, Yeah, well, thank you. And he added: Were not going to let you impose an agenda on our kids. Were going to stand up for our kids. Were going to make sure to do it right. Mr DeSantis got a big ovation as the woman was escorted out of the event. Those people like that in Florida are the people we beat every single day on policy, said Mr DeSantis. Brave woman interrupts Ron DeSantis speech and calls him a f**king Fascist to his face, and DeSantis gets triggered and snaps at her. Shes right. He is a f*cking fascist pic.twitter.com/L9gs1lMYYB Dash Dobrofsky (@DashDobrofsky) June 2, 2023 We do not let them win. We win all these battles. Were not letting them indoctrinate our kids, not on our watch. The governors campaign team posted the clip on social media, telling his supporters to watch as he roasts an angry leftist. 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 }} Hours after he was criminally charged with 34 courts of falsifying business records in New York City, Donald Trump retreated to his Mar-a-Lago resort to lambast the Trump-hating judge presiding over his case in Manhattan criminal court. Now, lawyers for the former president and frontrunner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination are pressing Judge Juan Merchan to recuse himself from the case, pointing to his daughters political consulting work and small-dollar campaign donations. A court filing made public on 2 June days after Mr Trumps virtual court appearance for a hearing to abide by a court order prohibiting his sharing of evidence in the case also took issue with Mr Merchans role in a case involving convicted former Trump Organization CFO Allen Weisselberg, who pleaded guilty to 15 tax violations in what prosecutors called a years-long fraud scheme. In April, Mr Trump was criminally charged in connection with repayments to his then-lawyer Michael Cohen in an alleged hush-money scheme to prevent the release of potentially damaging stories about Mr Trump and his alleged affairs. Mr Trump has pleaded not guilty. Attorneys for Mr Trump argued that the judges daughters political consulting work could be seen as an actual or perceived conflict of interest for the judge, and his potential role in the case could result in a financial benefit for his daughter who stands to profit from negative rulings or a conviction against Mr Trump. Mr Trumps lawyers also want Mr Merchan to put on the record relevant information surrounding what appear to be certain political contributions. Mr Merchan appears to have donated $15 to President Joe Bidens campaign and $20 to two advocacy groups in 2020, according to federal campaign finance records. The former president also is seeking the case to move out of Manhattan disstrict court and into federal court a hearing on that request is scheduled for 27 June. A courtroom sketch from 23 May depicts Donald Trump and attorney Todd Blanche appearing virtually in Manhattan criminal court for a hearing with Judge Juan Merchan (REUTERS) Mr Trump, Mr Cohen and the former owner of the National Enquirer David Pecker allegedly worked in concert to identify, purchase, and bury negative information about him and boost his electoral prospects leading up to the 2016 presidential election, according to prosecutors. The alleged payments were used to cover up sex scandals as part of a conspiracy to undermine the integrity of the 2016 election, according to prosecutors. Hours after he first appeared in criminal court on 4 April, and after the judge warned him against making any incendiary remarks or personal attacks, Mr Trump immediately flew back to his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, where he went on to do just that. I have a Trump-hating judge, with a Trump-hating wife and family, he said that night. He called Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg a local failed district attorney and a criminal who should resign. Prosecutors have argued that a protective order was necessary to keep Mr Trump who has repeatedly lashed out at the judge and prosecutors from broadcasting information about the case before a jury has been selected and a trial begins. Last month, the former president made his first appearance in court since his indictment to hear the terms of the order. Mr Trump, who continues to rely on his online bully pulpit with an audience of obedient followers to broadcast veiled threats and insults at his perceived enemies, is prohibited from disseminating covered materials on social media platforms including, but not limited, to Truth Social, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter, Snapchat, or YouTube, without prior approval from the court, according to a protective order issued last month. A trial is set to begin on 25 March 2024 days after voting begins in presidential primaries. Close Related: The competition squaring up to Donald Trump 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 }} Two members of Donald Trumps legal team were spotted by Politico entering the Washington DC headquarters of the Department of Justice late Monday morning as the agency continues to lead a pair of investigations into the former president. The two attorneys spotted were Evan Corcoran and Lindsey Halligan, according to Politico, who primarily work on the ex-presidents legal defence against an investigation into his handling of presidential records, including classified materials. Meanwhile, the ex-president is facing criticism from his rivals for the Republican presidential nomination after congratulating North Korean leader Kim Jong-un on his country being admitted to the World Health Organisations Executive Board. And his own vice president has just jumped into the race now running against him. Reacting at a campaign appearance in Iowa, Florida governor Ron DeSantis said: I was surprised to see that. I mean, one, Kim Jong-un is a murderous dictator. Nikki Haley, Mr Trumps former ambassador to the UN, responded equally strongly during a CNN town hall event, remarking: Kim Jong-un is a thug. I dont think we should congratulate dictators. There have been several unusual public developments around former Deadspin writer and editor Timothy Burke over the last month. Burke, who now runs his own Burke Communications firm, had his Tampa home raided by the Federal Bureau of Investigation early last month, with that agency seizing computers and video devices. His wife Lynn Hurtak, a recently-reelected Tampa City Council member, said shortly afterwards that that FBI search warrant was solely related to my husbands work as a journalist. Last week, The Tampa Bay Times reported that the raid stemmed from an investigation of alleged computer intrusions and intercepted communications at the Fox News Network. That report, from Christopher Spata, Dan Sullivan, and Justin Garcia, said those alleged intrusions at Fox related to behind-the-scenes videos from Tucker Carlsons show that were published at Vice News and Media Matters for America. Burke was not specifically mentioned in the letter a Tampa federal prosecutor sent to Fox News, but the Times cited multiple sources saying the raid on Burkes home was connected to that letter and that investigation. But, as per a The Washington Post piece Friday from Jeremy Barr and Will Sommer, Mark Rasch, a lawyer for Burke, says those videos were accessible to the public and Burke never hacked Fox News: A lawyer for Burke, Mark Rasch, confirmed to The Washington Post that Burkes home was searched in connection with the Fox cybercrime investigation. But he denied any criminal behavior by Burke. He never hacked Fox News, Rasch said. We are confident that when all the facts come out, it will be demonstrated that Timothy never hacked anyone and that all the information he provided was accessible to the public. Rasch declined to say where Burke found the videos. Instead, he offered a defense rooted in the First Amendment rights afforded journalists: that Burke had done nothing beyond his role as a seeker and publisher of newsworthy information. Burke no longer works for a news organization and runs his own communications company, but Rasch said he is still engaged in journalism. Tim is a master at finding links to stuff publicly posted on the internet, he said. If a video is posted, public, unencrypted, and unprotected, then theres simply no crime committed when a journalist like Tim finds it, reviews it, and accurately reports on it, even where, and maybe especially where, the subjects wish it was suppressed. Thats the essence of journalism in the digital age. Whats particularly interesting around these public comments from Rasch is that they completely skip past the initial I got it from a source defense one might expect. Theres a long history of journalists and publications reporting on even illegally-obtained material, from the Pentagon Papers to the Panama Papers. In those cases and others, there have sometimes been attempts to prosecute the figure who leaked the material to journalists, especially when that comes from government sources. That happened with Daniel Ellsberg (charges eventually dropped), Edward Snowden (charges laid, now a Russian citizen), and Reality Winner (sentenced to five years in prison). But its extraordinarily rare to see attempts to go after journalists or publications for reporting on information leaked to them, even if that information was obtained outside the law. There have been occasional cases where that has happened in cases of reporters refusing to reveal a source to a governmental investigation, as with Judith Miller in 2005, but theyre much more the exception than the rule. Whats much more typical is where a source might be punished by their company (or the government, in those cases) if identified as the source of a leak. But its not common to see action against a reporter or a publication reporting on that leak. Along those lines, its worth considering another paragraph from that Barr/Sommer story: Aaron Mackey, free speech and transparency litigation director for the Electronic Frontier Foundation, said publishers have a near absolute First Amendment right to report on materials, regardless of the fact of whether that material was obtained illegally as long as they dont play a direct role in procuring them. And Media Matters for America and Vice have reportedly not yet been named in any filings here. So they may not have had that direct role. And it adds to the unusual nature of the discussions here that Burke is the only one publicly identified as at least a raid target (he has not yet been charged). And Raschs comments are interesting, as they seem to indicate that Burke got these files himself. And those comments come with a claim that these videos were publicly posted. Now, that doesnt mean that Fox put the files anywhere you could get from a link on their site. There have been quite a few cases of notable information coming out from organizations storing internal data in unlinked destinations that can be guessed at by watching their link patterns. But thats happened a number of times without any suggestions of FBI investigations or even claims of it being illegal. So if thats the case here (Rasch doesnt offer specifics on exactly how Burke got this information), the governmental response to it seems much more intense than youd expect. A key area of discussion with journalism and the law is around obtaining information an individual, corporation or government doesnt want out there. Much of journalism can be described that way, or all of it, if you buy into the quote incorrectly attributed to George Orwell. But where this can get particularly thorny from a legal standpoint is when the information in question is a specific video, audio file, or document that is then released to the public, rather than just filtered through outlet has learned or sources say rephrasings. There are other things beyond standard defamation claims that can come into play with specific documents or videos. Those include privacy laws. There, Adam Schefter tweeting an image of Jason Pierre-Pauls medical chart led to a lawsuit that was eventually settled. And Hulk Hogans lawsuit that led to the bankruptcy and sale of Gawker Media was an invasion of privacy suit over a sex tape. Another aspect to consider is claims that material is copyrighted or proprietary, which sometimes shows up outside journalism. The latter was seen in the Houston Astros database hack (which was just typing a password for someone else that he knew) by St. Louis Cardinals analyst Chris Correa. And there can be legal consequences for those alleged computer intrusions, even if thats all they involve; Correa wound up sentenced to 18 months in prison. There have also been cases of insiders sentenced for passing on login information, as happened with Matthew Keys. So a suggestion of Burke obtaining login information and using it could be bad for both him and any internal source. But Rasch is painting a different picture here, saying these files were publicly posted on the internet and that it will be demonstrated that Timothy never hacked anyone and that all the information he provided was accessible to the public. If that is indeed the case, there are going to be a lot of questions on why this led to a prosecutors letter to Fox and to a FBI raid on Burke. So this case will certainly be one to watch for further developments, particularly if it is in fact demonstrated that these files were accessible to the public. [The Washington Post] 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 }} Eight Republican presidential hopefuls are in Iowa on Saturday to attend a political event hosted by U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and former Vice President Mike Pence are among those scheduled to appear at a rally at the state fairgrounds near Des Moines. Former President Donald Trump, the leading GOP presidential candidate, will be notably absent. He has largely avoided any events that have him sharing the stage with his 2024 rivals. DeSantis, seen as Trump's chief challenger, has been on a blitz of campaign stops across early-voting states, including Iowa, in recent days as he marked his first week as an official candidate. Pence, who has made frequent trips to Iowa over the past year, is not yet in the race but will launch his long-expected campaign at an event in Des Moines on Wednesday, according to two people familiar with his plans who spoke on condition of anonymity to share details before the official announcement. Pence was the only White House hopeful participating in a morning motorcycle ride for charity that is a staple of Ernst's annual Roast and Ride event. In an interview he gave to Newsmax before the ride, Pence said he and his wife, Karen, have spent much time praying and reflecting on how to serve the country next. Weve come to a decision. I thought that thered be no better place to announce our decision than right here in the Hawkeye state, he said. The former vice president and former Indiana governor appeared with Ernst and a group of about 200 motorcyclists at a Harley-Davidson location in Des Moines. Pence wore jeans, boots and a leather vest with patches that said Indiana and messages supportive of the military. He and Ernst stood in the back of a pickup truck and briefly addressed the riders before setting off. One of the reporters just asked me if were showing up more in Iowa what our lane would be. I said I'm more worried about the lane were going to be staying in today, Pence said. Pence, wearing a white motorcycle helmet and with a big grin, then rode off on a cobalt blue Harley Davidson. The group planned to ride to the fairgrounds for the rest of the event, featuring barbeque and speeches. He participated in the ride once before, in 2017. Others presidential hopefuls expected to appear at the rally later in the day include former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, U.S. Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina, former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, Michigan businessman Perry Johnson, author Vivek Ramaswamy and conservative talk radio host Larry Elder. ___ Price reported from New York. Associated Press writer Jill Colvin in New York 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 federal judge has tossed out a controversial Tennessee law that restricted drag performances in a significant win for LGBT+ advocates. Judge Thomas Parker issued a ruling on Friday night that the law, one of several anti-LGBT+ bills passed by the Republican legislature this year, was unconstitutionally vague and substantially overbroad. There is no question that obscenity is not protected by the First Amendment, the Trump-appointed judge wrote. But there is a difference between material that is obscene in the vernacular, and material that is obscene under the law. Simply put, no majority of the Supreme Court has held that sexually explicit but not obscene speech receives less protection than political, artistic, or scientific speech. In February, Tennessee became the first state to approve restrictions on where drag shows can be performed. The bill signed into law by Governor Bill Lee effectively banned drag performances on public property or in spaces where minors are present. It didnt explicitly mention drag shows, but called for enforcement of adult-oriented performances that are harmful to minors. Male or female impersonators could face misdemeanour criminal charges, with repeat offenders facing felonies. Pageant winners throw out at the Memphis Pride Festival & Parade. (AP) In March, Memphis-based theatre group Friends of George filed a lawsuit seeking an injunction against the ban, stating on its website that it imperils the lives of drag performers and seeks to oppress queer culture state-wide. The injunction prevented the ban from coming into effect as planned in April. In his ruling, Judge Parker cited an example of a female performer dressed as Elvis Presley could be at risk of punishment under the law because they would be considered a male impersonator. WE WON! Judge Parker has declared Tennessee's anti-drag law unconstitutional! Friends of George's would like to thank Brice Timmons and Melissa Stewart at Donati Law and all who have stood by us during this fight! #standwithfriendsofgeorges #pride #dragisnotacrime pic.twitter.com/lrzN6tOHqt Friends of George's (@GeorgesShowtime) June 3, 2023 We won! Friends of George declared after the decision was issued. Advocates celebrated the ruling, which came as the LGBT+ community kicked off Pride Month celebrations across the United States. As we always say Tennessee Republicans dont pass laws, they pass lawsuits, the Tennessee Holler wrote on Twitter. And just like that, drag remains legal in Tennessee, civil rights lawyer Melissa Stewart wrote. 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 }} Donald Trump is under fire from Republicans for complimenting North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un after his country was admitted to the World Health Organisations Executive Board. Congratulations to Kim Jung Un! the former president wrote on Truth Social, misspelling his name while sharing news of the admission. The post drew immediate condemnation from GOP presidential candidates and state party leaders - including his top 2024 rival Ron DeSantis. Asked about the post at an Iowa campaign event on Saturday, the Florida governor said: I was surprised to see that. I mean, one, Kim Jong-un is a murderous dictator. Mr DeSantis noted that North Korea recently sentenced a family with a young infant to life in prison - before shifting his condemnation to the WHO. The World Health Organisation is a bankrupt organisation, he said. Like, Kim Jong-un is bad but joining that, we need to be getting out of that, and rejecting the WHO lockdown treaty and not congratulating about being involved in the WHO. Nikki Haley, Mr Trumps former UN ambassador and another 2024 opponent, also rebuked Mr Trump. Kim Jong Un starves his own people, Ms Haley said on Twitter. Its a total farce that North Korea has a leading role at the World Health Organisation. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp wrote: Taking our country back from Joe Biden does not start with congratulating North Koreas murderous dictator. Kim Jong Un starves his own people. Its a total farce that North Korea has a leading role at the World Health Organization. Nikki Haley (@NikkiHaley) June 2, 2023 Former GOP Maryland governor Larry Page also derided Mr Trump: Kim Jong-un is an enemy of America who threatens peace and freedom. The fact that Trump delusionally believes otherwise makes him a useful idiot for China and unfit to be president. Mr Trump famously enjoyed a warm relationship with Mr Kim during his one-term presidency, frequently praising the 39-year-old despot and becoming the first sitting US leader to visit the isolated communist country. He even bragged about exchanging love letters with Mr Kim, who frequently threatens the US and its allies with nuclear attack. Others pointed out the peculiarity of their relationship. Fanboying a murderous dictator while misspelling his name is very on-brand for him, actor Mark Hamill wrote on Twitter. Donald Trump congratulated Kim Jong-un for North Koreas admission to WHO board (Associated Press) Dr Jong Min Pak this week became the first North Korean official to be appointed for a three-year term to the WHOs executive board. What this means is that one of the worlds most horrific regimes is now a part of a group that sets and enforces the standards and norms for the global governance of health care, UN Watch executive director Hillel Neuer said in a statement. It is an absurd episode for a key UN agency that is in much need of self-reflection and reform. Others to join the executive board are Australia, Barbados, Cameroon, Comoros, Lesotho, Qatar, Switzerland, Togo and Ukraine. Several recent appointments of serial human rights abusers to leadership roles in international organisations have also faced condemnation. Russia took charge of the United Nations Security Council in April, while Iran is chairing the UN Human Rights Council 2023 Social Forum. A South Korean lawmaker this week said that Mr Kim was obese and suffering from severe insomnia and alcohol addiction. 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 Utah school district has decided to remove copies of the King James Bible from library shelves, after a parent alleged the religious text violated a recently passed state law banning inappropriate books. Following a challenge in December, the Davis County school district reviewed the Bible for inappropriate material. The committee found that while the King James Bible did contain vulgarity and violence, it didnt technically run afoul of a 2022 book ban law. The district announced on Thursday that those in middle and elementary school in about eight schools would lose access to the Bible, while high schoolers could still check it out from the library. Late last year, a Davis County parent flagged the Bible as inappropriate. In documents submitted to the school district, the parent wrote of their frustration with the extent Utahs book bans, and argued the Bible is one of the most sex-ridden books around, according to the Salt Lake Tribune. Incest, onanism, bestiality, prostitution, genital mutilation, fellatio, dildos, rape, and even infanticide, the challenge read. Youll no doubt find that the Bible, under Utah Code Ann. 76-10-1227, has no serious values for minors because its pornographic by our new definition. Another district parent has challenged the conclusion of the school boards review, and is seeking to get the Bible reinstated in Davis County schools. Critics argue Utahs book ban law, part of a wave of such restrictions being passed across the country, has been used to single out materials that discuss racial diversity and LGBTQ+ identities. According to the Tribune, books like Toni Morrisons The Bluest Eye and the graphic novel Gender Queer have been banned in schools across the state. Often these books have been available for decades, and it wasnt a problem before. Then, all of a sudden, its a problem, one Utah librarian told Salt Lake Magazine of the bans. Close Police were scouring the remote Barragem do Arade reservoir in the Algarve, Portugal last week, around 35 miles from where the then-three-year-old went missing in 2007 while on a family holiday in Praia da Luz 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 }} Soil from a reservoir in Portugal searched by police last month is being compared with samples from main suspect Christian Brueckners camper van, it has been reported. Detectives believe Brueckner visited the remote Barragem do Arade reservoir in Portugals Algarve region days after Madeleine disappeared. Officials now believe they can prove that Brueckners van was in the area at the time the three-year-old was abducted , sources told The Daily Mirror. The insider claimed that if the soil sample analysis reveals a positive match, police may be able to further close the net around Brueckner, 45, who has not yet been charged. Earlier, a forensics expert warned that traditional evidence will be difficult to find after 16 years have passed since Madeleine McCanns disappearance. Dan Matthews said that investigators would have searched the remote reservoir in Portugal for things that couldve stood the test of time and not been destroyed by its passage, such as clothing fragments or jewelry. Veteran broadcaster and music journalist Dave Fanning has backed the Irish Independents choice for the best Irish album of all time. The definitive list of the 50 greatest Irish albums as chosen by the Irish Independents unprecedented poll of more than 100 musicians, producers, promoters, broadcasters, critics, publicists, podcasters and industry insiders was published today. Loveless by My Bloody Valentine Loveless, by My Bloody Valentine came out on top by some distance on points. The band comprising Kevin Shields and fellow Dubliner Colm O Ciosoig and English musicians Bilinda Butcher and Debbie Googe released the album more than 30 years ago. Speaking on the Anton Savage Show on Newstalk, Fanning said it would be his number one choice also. "Funny enough, even though I was not one of the judges here, it'd be Loveless by My Bloody Valentine. I think it's astonishing, he said. "It's a beautiful noise. I did go and see them live, it was one of the worst concerts Ive seen in my life but Loveless, from 1991, its absolutely amazing and its all to do with sonics, certainly nothing to do with the lyrics you dont hear any, the voice is just another instrument and a lot pitch bending and we all like a bit of pitch bending. "This is just the most beautiful noise album Ive ever heard in my life. Honestly, Loveless is just brilliant. It deserves to be number one and I think it is the best Irish album. So, whoever the judges are I 100pc agree, he added. Fanning also joked that he was going to send a letter into the Independent to complain about Westlifes omission from the list. Shane Meadows prequel to Benjamin Myers novel is about working-class people fighting for survival, as you might expect from the creator of This is England Its good to see a period drama that isnt about Lord and Lady Muck and their faithful retainers. The Gallows Pole (BBC2) doesnt have any aristocratic characters, except David Hartley, who is sort of king of everything. This is because he is played by Michael Socha, a very handsome man who has a glamour about him, while his fellow cast members are playing the very ordinary inhabitants of a village in Cragg Vale, Yorkshire, in the 1760s. They are weavers and they are being ripped off by the man who has rented them their weaving equipment. The Industrial Revolution is only starting and already they are screwed. People are so hungry that they are eating, when they can eat, in secret. As one of them says: Weve got nothing, and nothings coming. Nothing good is coming. Yet gritty realism only goes so far in your modern period drama. Everyone in The Gallows Pole has lovely teeth, except David Hartley, who has a couple of gold teeth in a futile attempt to make him look less gorgeous. The villagers linen is so white that you know one of those granite sheds must contain a washing machine and 18th-century washing powder. And the women are wearing amazingly good bras. The best bra is worn by Grace (Sophie McShera) who has been wondering where David Hartley has been for the past seven years. McShera played Daisy in Downton Abbey, and is now enjoying a spectacular cleavage as well as a leading role. David says he still loves her. So that must be why he left her and never contacted her, even though, and somewhat surprisingly, a lot of people in The Gallows Pole can read and write. We know that David has returned to his home village because some local says hes walked from Birmingham three or four times in the first episode. There are problems here but the acting is good; the story strong and simple. David has somehow acquired money and his homecoming means that the villagers have more food. He pays for his fathers wake by providing a public feast in the brothel. (David turns down the offer of a free gift from the proprietor. Your dad used to love it, she says.) Several of the actors, including Michael Socha, are from what might be called the repertory company of Shane Meadows, director of This is England and the creator of this series. The Gallows Pole is inspired by the novel by Benjamin Myers, based on real events. Thomas Turgoose plays William Hartley, Davids much younger and smaller brother. Hast thou not grown any since I left? says David. This is not period language but rather pure Yorkshire (I think). A lot of the language is modern: Hes a runaway; Theres a little seating area; A chance to turn your life around; OK. And so on. Theres quite a lot of people talking all at once, which sometimes makes group scenes difficult to hear. But Meadows great strength is representing groups usually groups of working-class people who are fighting for survival. Even in their desperation, the villagers lives are full of chat and communal support; in fact, they have nothing else. There dont seem to be any village children. The series is produced by the Irish company Element Pictures. There are three episodes in all, and the project has been greeted by universal approval by critics in the UK. This series has been called a prequel. So get ready for another one. POLICE in Barcelona have arrested a drunken festival-goer accused of indecently assaulting a woman who is understood to be Irish. Detectives have confirmed a man was detained in the early hours of yesterday morning at the Primavera Sound Festival, which started on Monday and is due to end tomorrow. Barcelona-based news website Metropoli is reporting the alleged victim is an Irish national who was attending the event. A spokesman for the regional Mossos dEsquadra police force said: I can confirm a man was arrested in the early hours of Friday morning on suspicion of sexual assault. He was released after questioning pending a court citation. The spokesman was not able to confirm local reports about the womans nationality. Separately, a Scottish tourist died after being hit by a tram on the opening night of Primavera Sound, when The Pet Shop Boys performed. The incident occurred near to the Diagonal Mar retail centre in Barcelona and close to the Parc del Forum where the music festival is taking place. Serial offender Bill Kenneally went on hunger strike ahead of his trial on sex charges Kenneally is said to have told staff he did not want medical treatment if he fell into a coma during his protest, Bill Kenneally. Photo: Dylan Vaughan Eamon Dillon Sat 3 Jun 2023 at 12:28 The Indo Daily: Children of the Troubles My father was murdered in front of me when I was ten In June 2021, Spotify announced plans to build a podcast network centered on Black women, and to have that centered around Jemele Hill, the former ESPN personality and current contributing writer to The Atlantic. Last November, Hill told former ESPN colleague Sarah Spain that her work developing the Unbothered Network there was critical, and was why she was working with that company even while criticizing fellow Spotify host Joe Rogan. But as per reports from Bloomberg and The Wrap Friday, it now looks like Hill, her Unbothered with Jemele Hill podcast, and her network may be exiting Spotify: Scoop with @ashleyrcarman:@jemelehill is negotiating her exit from Spotify, the latest big star to depart the Swedish audio giant.https://t.co/unO83SCpfE Lucas Shaw (@Lucas_Shaw) June 2, 2023 #Unbothered host Jemele Hill is in discussions to leave Spotify amid the companies recent changes in its podcasting business. https://t.co/agmCAivWIi TheWrap (@TheWrap) June 2, 2023 One noticeable difference between those stories is that the Bloomberg one presents this as definitely happening, while the Wrap one suggests negotiations could still end with Hill staying on. Heres the key part of the Bloomberg story on that front: Another prominent podcaster is leaving Spotify Technology SA, as the company reverses many of its biggest investments in original audio and loses yet another Black voice. Jemele Hill, an award-winning journalist and former sportscaster, is ending her relationship with the Swedish streaming service, which exclusively distributes the Jemele Hill Is Unbothered podcast and her Unbothered Network of shows, according to people familiar with the conversations. Hill and Spotify are negotiating the terms of her separation, which will result in the end of her show and network at least at Spotify, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the negotiation is ongoing. Spotify declined to comment. Heres the Wrap story on that angle: Journalist and former sportscaster Jemele Hill is negotiating terms of separation with Spotify, ending the Unbothered podcast and Unbothered Networks time with the service. There have been discussions about that possibility, a Spotify spokesperson told TheWrap when asked about Hill exiting the service, which was first reported by Bloomberg. A spokesperson for Hills The Unbothered Network didnt immediately respond to TheWraps request for comment. So this may not be completely decided yet. But the is ending and to leave language in the Bloomberg story sure makes it seem like it will end with that separation. And its interesting to see that come after Spotify had talked up Hill so much in 2021, and after shed sounded quite committed to what she was building there last November. Heres the key part of what she told Spain then, on Spains Thats What She Said podcast: Mostly what I think about now with the business relationships I have isInevitably, Im going to say somethingthats going to be ahead of my time. So when this happens, whats going to be your response? That determines a lot. This Spotify relationship. All I can tell people its complicated. I dont know Joe Rogan, Im not here for Joe Rogan. Hes terrible. He irresponsibly uses his platform all the time. The way Spotify operates is its like the McDonalds corporation. They just lend out franchises. Maybe it would be a different conversation if they had ever come to me and said you know what, you cant say that, but they let Joe Rogan say whatever. That would be different, right? In their minds, they are just like were just the platform. Yes, we will clean up what we can but other than that, its out of our hands. They have given me the same treatment. If that were different, Id say we have a problem here, but we dont. On top of that, with me developing this podcast network for black women, thats more important than Joe Rogan. It wouldnt have made any sense for me to end the relationship with Spotify, which would have been very costlyand wanting to make sure this network got off the ground was very important to me. Im not going to walk away from that for somebody I dont know. Those comments to Spain came after Hill (seen above on The Dan Le Batard Show last year)s comments to The New York Times in February 2022. There, as part of a story on Rogans deal with Spotify (initially reported as worth at least $100 million, then reported as actually worth $200 million), Hill said What I would like to see is for them to hand $100 million to somebody who is Black. And yes, that kicked up some fuss, but her conversation with Spain came nine months later, and it sure didnt sound like she was preparing to leave Spotify then. (And the company did announce a $100 million Creator Equity Fund for creators from marginalized backgrounds after that exchange, but as per Bloomberg, theyve spent less than 10 percent of that fund so far.) There have been some big changes underway at Spotify lately, though. And those have included the exits of founders of content networks Parcast, Gimlet Media, and Anchor. So its possible that Spotify is going in a direction that no longer works for Hill, or that theyre now less interested in her and her network than they were. At any rate, it will be interesting to see if this exit does come to pass, and if so, what that means for Hills podcast and for the network she was building. Update: Hill commented on this on Twitter, saying a lot of whats been reported just isnt true, her podcast hasnt been cancelled, listing her upcoming guests, and saying When I have something to say, Ill say it. People: A lot of whats been reported just isnt true. My podcast hasnt been cancelled. I never asked Spotify for $100M. This shit is truly comical. Next weeks guest is: Sabrina Elba. In the coming weeks: Blair Underwood, Kasi Lemmons, JR Smith, Kenny Latimore and more. https://t.co/L9v4Ce61xS Jemele Hill (@jemelehill) June 3, 2023 [Bloomberg, The Wrap] HIGHLY sprung chairs, a window that was almost impossible to close, and a large rectangular shape in a different colour paint were among the problems highlighted by judges about their chambers in the past year. The office of one circuit court judge wrote in to ask for an ergonomic chair saying the current one was no longer fit for purpose. In an email, Judge John Martins judicial assistant said: The one that is currently there is not suitable and is causing him difficulty when sitting for prolonged periods. Uncomfortable chairs were also an issue for Judge Brian Cregan as he returned to the courts after several years as head of the IBRC commission of investigation. The judge has a table and chairs in his chambers at Gandon Building, said an email, the judge has said the chairs are highly sprung to the point that [redacted] when writing judgments. Could this be looked into for the judge before his return to the High Court. The President of the High Court David Barniville was also having issues with his chambers, according to records released under FOI by the Courts Service. An email said: The President has informed me that the top part of his window is difficult to close and was wondering if someone could have a look at it. He also wishes to have some more pictures hung up on the walls if possible. The office of Judge Senan Allen of the Court of Appeal asked for a repaint of his chambers because of clashing colours when an item was taken from the wall. An internal email said: They recently removed a whiteboard from the wall that was painted around the last time. Now there is a large rectangular shape of a different colour to the rest of the room. You did mention the last time I was speaking to you that it hasnt been five years since you guys painted it. However, would it be possible to have it painted and it can come out of our budget? After returning to the High Court, Judge Brian Cregan also found a plethora of issues with his chambers. In an email seeking assistance, he explained how the fridge wasnt working, nor were the lights in his kitchen and bathroom. A similarly wide range of issues were reported at the Drug Treatment Court, a special court that deals with low-level offenders with problem drug use. An email said: Can I please ask for the judges chambers in Green Street to be restocked with some delft, glasses, cutlery as it has slowly depleted. Also, the microwave does not work anymore so that will need to be replaced. The judge has also asked if the filtered water cooler will be returned to the kitchen? Problems with the toilet were also reported with no toilet roll dispenser or soap dispenser just passing that message on, said an email. A spokesman said: The Courts Service remains in regular contact with staff and the judiciary around the country about providing work spaces and improving the facilities we all need and use. We are pleased we were able to accommodate the reasonable number and the reasonable nature of the requests for changed facilities for judges or staff who were newly appointed, moved, or promoted, or who needed to change office during the past year. NEARLY half the public dont want a general election until 2025 as numbers demanding Taoiseach Leo Varadkar call a snap vote have fallen substantially since last year. But the Green Party will be rocked by the latest Ireland Thinks poll for the Sunday Independent which finds 48pc of voters would exclude Eamon Ryans party entirely from their voting preferences at the next election. The Greens are now the most transfer-toxic party in the country, just ahead of Sinn Fein on 46pc with Mary Lou McDonalds party historically the least transfer-friendly of all the parties in most Dail elections. Ireland Thinks Poll - Ireland not ready for an election With the latest poll finding little change in the state of the parties, the publics demand for an immediate general election appears to be subsiding with 18pc wanting a vote now - an 11-point drop since last September. By contrast, 45pc of those polled want an election scheduled in 2025, up 13 points on nine months ago. The latest the next election can take place is March 2025 with the current Dail having to be dissolved by February 19, 2025, at the latest. While 22pc want an election in the next six months, up three points from nine months ago, only 11pc want one later than that but before 2025 (down 6), and 3pc (unchanged) are unsure. Among the political parties, support for Sinn Fein has increased to 32pc, up one point, while support for Fine Gael, Fianna Fail and the Greens remains unchanged at 20pc, 19pc and 3pc respectively. In a forced choice, 40pc of those polled would return the current Coalition, unchanged on last month. But support for a Sinn Fein-led government, excluding Fine Gael and Fianna Fail, is down four points to 38pc with those not sure up four points to 22pc. Elsewhere, in the state of the parties, support for the Social Democrats is up one point to 6pc, while Labour is down one to 3pc. Solidarity-People Before Profits support drops two points to 4pc despite its success this week in a Dail vote on its bill to liberalise the States abortion law. Aontu is up one to 3pc and support for Independents and Others is down one to 12pc. Among the party leaders, the SocDems leader Holly Cairns retains her status as the most popular in the country at 44pc (unchanged). Fianna Fails Micheal Martin is also unchanged on 43pc, followed by Mary Lou McDonald who is up two to 41pc. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is unchanged on 37pc, followed by Labour leader Ivana Bacik, who is up one to 33pc, while Aontus Peadar Toibin is down two to 27pc. Eamon Ryan remains the countrys least popular party leader, unchanged on 20pc, with the Greens transfer toxicity likely to alarm senior party figures this weekend. After the Greens and Sinn Fein, the next party that people would exclude from their voting preferences in the next election is Aontu (40pc), followed by Fine Gael (39pc), Solidarity-PBP (38pc), Fianna Fail (36pc), Labour (23pc), Social Democrats (18pc), Independents (6pc), Others (2pc). Only 5pc of those polled said they would not exclude any party on their ballot paper. The poll was taken on Friday, June 2 2023 among a sample size of 1,136 people and has a margin of error of +/- 3pc. Dublin Airport has warned of high demand for car parking spaces this summer Holidaymakers could face paying 300 to park their car at Dublin Airport for a fortnight next month if they fail to secure a dwindling number of long-term car park spaces. The news comes as it emerged some of Dublin Airport's most popular and accessible long-term car parks are already full for next month and August departure dates at the height of the holiday season. Express Red and Express Green car parks are already unavailable for many summer dates. Dublin Airport also warned travellers that parking was entirely sold out for the bank holiday weekend travel period. An estimated 425,000 passengers will travel through Dublin Airport over the bank holiday as Irish airports are set to exceed pre-pandemic levels of travel. Passengers who do not have parking booked over the coming days have been urged to use public transport to get to the airport, or have friends and family drop them to the terminals. However, passenger traffic will be even heavier during the peak holiday season in July and August. An analysis of parking rates at Dublin Airport revealed how demand has left late-bookers facing high prices. The Express Red and Green long-term car parks at Dublin Airport which are closest to Terminals 1 and 2 are unavailable for July 15-29. However, travellers can still secure bookings for the 8,000-space Holiday Blue long-term car park at a cost of 186. If those long-term spaces are booked out, travellers intent on leaving their car at Dublin Airport for a fortnight face paying 300 at the Terminal 2 short-term car park. Smooth sailing at Dublin Airport as travellers jet off on busy Bank Holiday with effortless departures Demand for parking is so great that even the Terminal 2 surface car park is sold out, despite a cost of 300. In contrast, long-term car parking is readily available at all airport facilities in Cork, Shannon, Ireland West and Kerry. Parking over the same July 15-29 period in a long-term car park costs 63 at Ireland West, with Dublin Airport parking proving 195pc more expensive. Long-term parking for two weeks at Cork (84.60), Shannon (90) and Kerry (73) is also a fraction of Dublin costs. On average, Dublin is more than 130pc more expensive for two weeks of car-parking in July than the other four Irish airports, albeit reflecting a capital city premium similar to airports in the UK, France and Germany. The cheapest long-term parking option at any Irish airport is Ireland West, which charges just 63 for two peak weeks next month. Underlining the price differential is the fact that short-term parking at the multi-storey complex attached to Cork Airport's terminal costs 210 for two weeks next month just 24 more than the Holiday Blue long-term car park at Dublin Airport which is a 15-minute bus journey to the two terminals. Dublin Airport communications manager Graeme McQueen said people should plan carefully if they want to use parking facilities at the airport. We use dynamic pricing to carefully manage supply and demand in our car parks, with the aim of ensuring that all passengers who need to park at the airport are able to do so, said Mr McQueen. The earlier a passenger books, the more likely they are to get a better deal in our car parks. Indeed, since mid-April more than 200,000 spaces have been sold at less than 8 per day. Early bookers enjoyed long-term car parking rates almost half what late-comers now face paying. With passenger numbers now back to pre-Covid-19 levels, but the number of parking spaces available still reduced by 20pc due to Quick Park's 6,200 spaces being out of action, as they were last summer, there is unprecedented pressure on our 23,000 car parking spaces, said Mr McQueen. Demand for car parking in Dublin Airport's car parks remains extremely high and anyone without an existing booking is encouraged to consider travelling to the airport via public transport, taxi or being dropped off by a friend or relative. Daa also cited a Global Traveller survey that found Dublin Airport ranked fourth for best-value European car parking in a study comparing airport parking to nearby parking lots. However, that study also noted Dublin Airport's average 24-hour charge of $35.61 (33) was the highest of the 10 facilities at the top of the survey, including Munich, Dusseldorf, Stockholm and Barcelona/El Prat airports. Dublin dwarfs all other Irish airports in terms of passenger numbers and flight traffic. The Central Statistics Office revealed that Ireland's five main airports handled 236,000 flights last year, with Dublin handling 84pc of all Irish flight traffic (199,464). In contrast, Cork Airport handled only 7pc of flight traffic (16,592), while Shannon, Ireland West and Kerry were also in low single digits. Nina Mishchenko and her son Andriy (13) were forced to flee their home in Kyiv in late February 2022. They now live in Citywest Hotel in Dublin The past few nights I have been sleeping poorly. I dont know how it works, but somehow I can feel the attacks on Kyiv. My beloved city has been bombarded almost 20 times in May. It often happens usually at night, from 30 to 40 times. Thankfully, Kyiv has great air defence now, which shoots down almost all the rockets and drones. However, debris still falls around the buildings. Yesterday, my husbands brother showed me pictures of missile fragments that fell in the backyard of his house near Kyiv. Another piece of a drone fell on the road near my apartment. Many of my friends are sleeping in bomb shelters, basements, underground car parks or the metro, along with their children and pets. Unfortunately, there are no bomb shelters near my apartment in Kyiv, but there is a corridor with two concrete walls. My family share it with a family from Mariupol, who evacuated to Kyiv with their cat. The question How are you? has replaced the simple word Hello for Ukrainians for over a year now. My friend Olena wrote to me that she barely slept the night before. It reminds her a lot of Mariupol, but there was no air defence there, no installations, and everything was hitting the city. Her son Kyrylo doesnt even wake up any more because he is accustomed to the sounds of missiles. As a mother, I am happy that we have been safe in Ireland for over a year now, and my son doesnt have to run to a bomb shelter during the school day and we can sleep in our own beds without fear of something flying through the window. I wonder why I do wake up at night, 3,000km away from my home city? Psychologists talk about the trauma of being a witness. When a person sees the suffering in life or in the news that others are experiencing and deeply internalises it. All Ukrainians feel this now, even those who have moved far away. Psychologists advise talking about it and finding what gives you strength. Today, I wore a vyshyvanka, a shirt with ornamental embroidery. It is an important component of Ukrainian traditional attire. During the war, the vyshyvanka acquired special significance. It became a symbol of steadfastness, faith,and the yearning for independence and freedom. In May, Ukraine celebrated Vyshyvanka Day, and Ukrainians all over the world donned one, and a lot of people who support the country did the same. The patterns on these shirts carry a thousand years of history, and you can feel that we have been, are, and will continue to exist in this world. As one friend said, each embroidered cross-stitch seems to mend the wounds of unbearable pain for Ukraine and simultaneously heals us, giving hope for a victory that will come very soon. What also gives me strength is a special bracelet with a small piece of metal with a small trident the coat of arms of Ukraine. It was made from the last pre-war batch of the legendary Azovstal plant in Mariupol. This particular alloy was used in 1981 to create the shaft for launching a spacecraft and in 2012 for the new sarcophagus at the nuclear power plant at Chernobyl. Last year, the sheet rolling department became one of the places where the defenders of Mariupol heroically held out against Russian forces. This bracelet symbolises incredible bravery, a history of resilience, and courage. It gives me strength: the strength to believe that Ukraine will prevail. The strength to keep on living. The bracelet arrived in Ireland from Ukraine by mail six months ago, and I wont take it off until the end of the war. We need a new tourist, a new documentary suggests. Could it be you or me? At the peak of the pandemic, when skies were clear of planes and lockdown prompted us to reconnect with nature, many of us resolved to travel more meaningfully in the future. Was it wishful thinking? In 2023, travel feels like a spring uncoiled with bumper bookings, jaw-dropping airplane orders, and graffiti on Barcelonas La Rambla last week urging tourists to go home. Mass tourism is bouncing back, as are its consequences. Travel has lost its way is the message of The Last Tourist, an award-winning documentary now streaming in Ireland. Its a deep dive into tourisms impact on communities, wildlife and the environment with familiar scenes of teeming beaches, mountains of rubbish, animals beaten to perform and travellers going after a photograph rather than an experience, from Maya Bay to the Mona Lisa. 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 Tourism can kill a place, as one of its contributors, Dr Jane Goodall, says. But it can do some good, too. During the pandemic, we saw how people and communities who depend on tourism lost their incomes, or how vulnerable wildlife struggled without conservation supported by tourist dollars. Travel can be a way to spread wealth and learn about other cultures. So how can we take holidays and support local economies without trashing the planet? After watching the documentary, I put that question to its executive producer, Bruce Poon Tip. The founder of G Adventures says mainstream tourism is not sustainable the way it is right now. "Really, the issue that we have is that the vast majority of mainstream travel is controlled by public companies that promise infinite profitability and growth. "And unfortunately, tourism has a finite number of resources and iconic destinations and beautiful places that people can go to. So those two things arent a sustainable partnership. Bruce Poon Tip But he also says some travellers have bounced back differently: People are much more open, much more flexible; travel is much more important to people that are travelling at the moment. And while cruising and compound resorts arent going away soon, Poon Tip believes we have some power as individuals to create change. Businesses dont change because they think its the right thing to do, he says. They change when consumers create demand, right? So, what are three things we can do to travel better? First, he suggests thinking of travel as a privilege, rather than a right. Because you pay for this does not mean you demand service on the other end, Poon Tip says. Second: When you make that booking, ask questions around your trip find out where your money is going. This applies to package holidays or city breaks as much as adventure travel or volunteering, he says. How is your money being spent on the ground? How does it impact local communities? If the questions cant be answered or they send you to a website that has a greenwashing page on what they do... theyre probably not doing much. Third: Spread the wealth. On holiday, he suggests using as many local services as you can from taxis to restaurants, shops and activities. Poon Tip says he never leaves a country without sharing a meal with a local. Everyone has a need to take a week on the beach and drink and eat as much as they can, he agrees. But we can also do better by degrees, starting with the next trip. Your holiday could be a way of giving back. The Last Tourist is available to stream via Apple, Google, Sky and Rakuten, among other services. See thelasttouristfilm.com for more. My favourite famous Belgian is the fictional detective Hercule Poirot, portrayed here by David Suchet In the first months of a happy decade I spent in Brussels, some acquaintances used to play a trite bar room game called Name 10 famous Belgians OK, name five. The banal answer to that smart aleck proposition was: I can only do three: Leopold I, Leopold II and Leopold III. Being from a small country in the shadow of a much larger entity, I knew instinctively that famous Belgians were likely to be ignored, or, if not deliberately purloined by the larger neighbour, were very probably assigned to it anyway out of indifference. Just think of award-winning British actor suddenly morphing into hell-raising Irish actor. Or ponder Samuel Beckett? Always thought he was English and youve got my drift. Anyway, as I drifted away from those silly early acquaintances and began to make some worthwhile friends, I also quickly learned that you could wallpaper a fair-sized room with lists of famous Belgians. Randomly, you have Father Damien, heroic missionary to the lepers of Molokai; artists Peter Paul Rubens and Rene Magritte; musicians Adolphe Sax (the saxophone inventor), Jacques Brel and Django Reinhardt; architect Victor Horta; and cartoonist George Remi, who as Herge gave the world Tintin and Snowy. And thats just a flavour that doesnt even scratch the surface. The point of all this is that on a recent visit to Belgium, I noted the clever way the culture and tourism authorities are turning that tired old cliche entirely on its head. Belgians are proudly getting their message out there, and references to famous Belgians are rapidly losing their accompanying corrosive sneer. Still, my choice of two personal favourite famous Belgians still carries a little of that reach-back irony. I choose the fictional detective Hercule Poirot, who is a native of Belgium never France and writer Georges Simenon. Simenon was a Belgian who lived much of his life in France and created another great fictional detective, Inspector Maigret, pounding the mean streets of Paris. Agatha Christie, the whodunnit writer supreme, gave the world the diminutive fusspot sleuth, Poirot, through 33 novels, two plays and 50 short stories. The legend was spread on stage, screen and television through some of the worlds greatest actors, including Peter Ustinov, Orson Welles, David Suchet, John Malkovich and, most recently, Kenneth Branagh. Poirot is a classic Francophone Belgian, conversant in a variety of other European languages, but with sometimes lumbering spoken English garnished by malapropisms and misquotations of Shakespeare. He is at his most indignant when rebutting assumptions that he is French.. Writer Derek Blyth, author of The 500 Secrets of Belgium, explains that Poirot was based on Belgian refugees Christie encountered doing World War I relief work. In 2020, a Belgian researcher announced he had found the real Hercule Poirot. He was reputedly Jacques Joseph Hamoir, a policeman from Herstal, Belgium, and a war refugee in Britain. We are most unlikely to 100pc prove that one as Poirot officially died in 1975, followed by Christie in 1976. But Poirot was the first fictional character to get a full-on obituary in The New York Times. Georges Simenons native city of Liege celebrates his life and work with a clever literary trail of places where he lived, worked and played. His family lived in difficult circumstances at the turn of the last century, and he left school at 16 to become a newspaper reporter on La Gazette de Liege. In 1922, aged 19, he moved to Paris and began churning out what would amount to an estimated 450 novels and short stories. His life and work took him to the US and eventually Switzerland. Simenon is my favourite because he entertained me greatly while improving my French with his uncluttered and gritty tales. The story of famous Belgians is a mighty one. It tells us that lazy stereotyping cannot only be overcome, it can be banished. Raul Kovacs from sixth class in St Pauls Senior National School in Drogheda has won a nationwide poster competition to raise awareness of carbon monoxide and the dangers that it can pose in our homes. Earlier this year, Gas Networks Ireland, in partnership with Junior Achievement Ireland (JAI), called for entries to its carbon monoxide safety poster competition. Students who completed the Energize Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics (STEAM) educational programme were eligible to enter. The competition received numerous amazing entries from all over Ireland, but it was Rauls poster which was deemed the winner. Raul Kovacss poster outlined the importance of having a carbon monoxide alarm in your house. "My class thoroughly enjoyed the Energize programme which brought science to life through fun and interactive sessions reflecting the curriculum. The programme enables pupils to understand career possibilities in STEAM areas and encourages them to continue with science in second-level education, said St Pauls Senior National School sixth class teacher, Barry Murphy. "We are delighted that Raul won this award. All our sixth-class pupils engaged in the poster competition and grasped the important safety messages related to carbon monoxide with wonderful creativity. Thanks to JAI and Gas Networks Ireland; who helped deliver the programme. Gas Networks Irelands Sustainability Environmental Manager Ronan Walsh presented St Pauls Senior National School with an iPad for use in their school classroom. "Science, technology, engineering, and math play a pivotal role within our operation. We understand the significance of art in fostering innovation and creativity within our industry," he said. We are always inspired to witness the imaginative entries that arise from this educational programme." The Energize programme delivers science to primary school students around Ireland through practical and engaging lessons to cultivate interest in the subject so students continue with it to second level education. Carbon monoxide awareness is an important element of the programme. This year marks 13 years of partnership between Junior Achievement and Gas Networks Ireland and the Energize programme has recently been updated to include a module on Sustainability, which introduces students to the topics of renewable energy, biodiversity, and social responsibility. To have Energize delivered in your school, please contact JAI at info@jai.ie. Mourners at the funeral of Derry Clarke, Lynns, Annagassan, heard that the community was united it grief, following the death of the popular farmer who was struck by a car while out walking on Tuesday evening. A farmer in his 80s, Derry was widely known and respected throughout outh and further afield, with many attending the funeral in St Marys Church, Kilsaran on Friday morning. Symbols of his life his boots, his watch and the farming supplement from the Irish Independent were taken to the alter as Parish Priest Anselm Emechebe described how the community was united in grief. Derry had started off life in the village of Castlebellinhgam before moving to Lynns with his wife Lorna. He had a great love for farming and cattle, and attending parts and purchasing cattle was a big part of his life. He knew every dealer, farmer, man, woman and child as he travelled to marts around the place. He had remained a strong and healthy man and retained his interest in farming. During the prayers of the faithful, thanks were offered to the Gardai and emergency services and those who went to Derrys assistance after the accident. Today is a very sad day for Derrys family and friends, his niece Concepta Quigley said in the eulogy. "He loved nothing moe than going to cattle marts, buying and selling, she recalled. During his life, he saw many changes which he adapted to very easily. He took to online bidding during Covid. She said her uncle had helped many people and asked for nothing in return. He had stepped in and became a father figure to her when her Dad died. "He was my rock and my mountain. They worked together and spoke on the phone every day, maybe fifty times a day! I will miss his dancing calls and his whistling calls, but most of all I will miss the rattling of his boots coming up the yard. He was missed by so many people who loved him. Derry is survived by his wife Lorrna sister Joan (OHare), niece Concepta, brother-in-law Norman and his wife Sharon, relatives, neighbours and friends. He was predeceased by his brother James and sister Veronica (Lally). He was laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery, Kilsaran. Accused was remanded in custody to Cloverhill Prison A man charged with the murder of 62-year-old Catherine Henry, whose body was found in Bridge Street, Dundalk last Wednesday appeared before a special sitting Dundalk District Court this evening. Luke Donnelly, 26, of no fixed abode was remanded in custody to Cloverhill prison to appear at Dundalk District Court by video-link on Wednesday June 7. Detective Sergeant Noel Mohan gave evidence of arresting the accused, who was wearing a grey tracksuit and white trainers, on Friday June 2 at 8.19pm and charging him at Dundalk Garda Station at 8.52pm. The accused was cautioned but made no reply to the charge. As the charge related to murder, Dt Sgt Mohan said he was asking for the accused to be remanded in custody. Solicitor Ms Aimee McCumiskey applied for legal aid for the accused and handed a statement of means into court. She also requested that her client receive the appropriate psychiatric and medical attention in custody. Remanding the accused in custody to Coverhill Prison, Judge Gerard Jones recommended that he receive the appropriate medical supervision. This Morning editor Martin Frizell has said "scores are being settled" when asked about claims of a toxic work environment at the ITV show. In the wake of Phillip Schofield's resignation after admitting an affair with a younger male colleague, former This Morning employees hit out at the broadcaster criticising the work place culture. On Saturday, Mr Frizell told Sky News to "read between the lines" amid claims of toxicity at This Morning. "I think there's some scores being settled," he said. The show's former resident doctor, Dr Ranj Singh, previously hit out at a "toxic" culture, saying he raised concerns about "bullying and discrimination" two years ago when he worked there and afterwards felt like he was "managed out" for whistleblowing. In a letter from ITV boss Dame Carolyn McCall to parliament on Wednesday, she said an external review conducted following a complaint made by Dr Ranj found "no evidence of bullying or discrimination". Meanwhile Eamonn Holmes, who previously presented This Morning on Fridays with wife Ruth Langsford until 2020, accused Schofield of "toxicity" in an interview with Dan Wootton on GB News earlier this week. Mr Frizell said: "All I want to say is, I am working with a fantastic team of mainly women, many mums, a lot of them concerned for their jobs, although we've told them not to be. "But this is the 23rd day now of being on the front page and it's tiring, they worked all through Covid brilliantly, they worked all through this putting a programme out...and I just think they need a bit of respite now." His comments come after 61-year-old Schofield said he was afraid to leave the house and feared he would be spat on in the street in a new interview with the Sun newspaper. He said: "I don't have any spirit. My friends tell me, 'It will get better'. It won't. Not now. Not this one. "I am getting by hour by hour. I have got my girls and my friends." He previously said he had "lost everything" after admitting to the affair, and that the fallout had had a "catastrophic effect" on his mind during a broadcast interview with BBC's Amol Rajan. Schofield, who said he was "utterly broken and ashamed" but denied he had "groomed" the younger man, praised his daughters Ruby and Molly for "guarding him". "Last week, if my daughters hadn't been there then I wouldn't be here. And they've guarded me and won't let me out of their sight, it's like a weird numbness," he said. Referring to the Love Island host who took her own life in February 2020, he added: "I think I understand how Caroline Flack felt." Flacks mother has said Schofield is realising even more what her daughter went through before her death. Christine Flack said she hoped the former ITV presenter had done the right thing by admitting to his secret affair with a younger male colleague and that the matter would be settled. Love Island host Flack was found dead in February 2020 at the age of 40, and a coroner later ruled she killed herself after learning that prosecutors were going to press ahead with an assault charge after an incident involving her boyfriend Lewis Burton. Caroline Flack was found dead in February 2020 (Matt Crossick/PA) Speaking to the BBCs Newsnight, her mother said Schofield and his former lover were going through an awful time and urged them not to do anything silly. During an interview with the BBCs media editor Amol Rajan on Friday, Schofield said he understood how Flack had felt, saying: If my daughters hadnt been there then I wouldnt be here. Ms Flack said: He knew Caroline and I must say, when she died he was very upset. And I think hes now realising even more what she went through. Being in the media he knew what she was going through. But until it happens to you, you feel sad but you dont understand. Phillip Schofield says he has lost everything in the wake of his secret affair Hes trying to put things straight. But I dont think it will end there. I hope hes done the right thing. I hope he feels better. I hope people now will let it settle. Hes lost his job, hes lost his world. I think thats enough. I think thats enough for anybody. Schofield told the BBC that the fallout in the media after the affair revelations had been relentless, which Ms Flack said was exactly how her daughter had felt. Every day she would try to be a bit stronger, which I should imagine Phillip is, she said. But you get more and more thrown at you. Its not only him, it is his daughters. Luckily hes got them there for support. But its his family. His wife, his mum. Everyone thats around him. Everybody suffers but not as much as him. Ms Flack also criticised ITV, saying the broadcaster had learned nothing from her daughters death and that on-screen talent were treated as commodities. I know its a lovely job and they earn money. But also the television stations earn money from them theyre not commodities, theyre people, she told Newsnight, adding that Schofield and the younger man should have been looked after. I hate the thought that Phillip and this young man are going through such an awful time, she said. Its bad enough when its in private, but when its in every single paper and first thing on the news, its just ridiculous. Wait to see what happens. Lets hope for the best. I send my regards to Phillip and the young lad, and hope they get over this. Dont do anything silly. In a statement, ITV said: The relationships we have with those we work with are based on trust. Phillip made assurances to us and his agency which he now acknowledges were untrue and we feel badly let down. As a producer and broadcaster, ITV takes its responsibilities around duty of care seriously and has robust and well-established processes in place to support the mental and physical health of employees and all those we work with. LGBT rights campaigner Peter Tatchell has said the trashing of Phillip Schofield over his secret affair has more than a whiff of homophobia. The former Labour politician said the pairs relationship had been cast as sordid and abusive and that such outrage was not caused by other high-profile heterosexual relationships. In an interview with The Sun, published on Thursday, Schofield suggested that part of the backlash against him was due to homophobia. In a statement Tatchell said the fallout was a rank double standard. The trashing of Philip Schofield has more than a whiff of homophobia. Anti-gay prejudice is explicit on social media and implicit in much of the national media, he said. The age gap between Schofield and the young man is cast as sordid and abusive. Schofield told The Sun that he and his former lover had met when the man was 15 and he was maybe in his mid-50s, but added that the affair began after the man started working at ITV and had been consensual. Lawyers representing Schofield and the man have confirmed these accounts. There was never such a massive hue and cry over relationships with much younger women by Leonardo Di Caprio, Al Pacino and Peter Stringfellow, Tatchell said. He also pointed out the 23-year age-difference between former prime minister Boris Johnson and his wife Carrie Symonds, adding: there was no fuss over their relationship or accusations that Johnson had abused his power position. Its rank double standards about Schofields same-sex relationship. In his statement Tatchell said that Schofields partner was not a child when they had begun their relationship and the man had made no complaint against him. Schofield has not committed a crime. He lied to his employer and work colleagues and that is wrong but it is not a criminal offence, he said. It is a matter between Schofield and his fellow employees and bosses at ITV. Its nobody elses business. Tatchells words echo those of actor Rupert Everett, who said coverage of Schofields affair was homophobic and outrageous and should be dropped by the media. Everett is voicing a new documentary on playwright, actor and director Noel Coward, who was a closeted homosexual at a time when it was illegal to be gay. Speaking to Channel 4 about the fallout from Schofields affair, Everett said: Whats he done? Hes married and has had an affair with someone thats legal to have an affair with. Unless theres something else that we havent heard about they should drop it. Its outrageous, this kind of Puritan fascism thats going on. If its just about him having an affair and lying to his agency why cant you lie to your agent? Everett said the affair was not the business of anyone but Schofield, not even his former sofa-mate Holly Willoughby. It came after Piers Morgan questioned the relentless persecution of Schofield. Morgan wrote on Twitter: Unless Phillip Schofields ex-lover contradicts his version of events to The Sun [and the] BBC, then its time to stop this relentless persecution of a guy whos lost everything and looks right on the edge to me. The former Good Morning Britain host continued: He doesnt seem to have committed any crime, and hes not a [government] minister. Stand-in This Morning presenter Alison Hammond became emotional on This Morning after Phillip Schofield released an interview about his termination from ITV. Separately, Schofield has said he did everything he could when his brother Timothy Schofield was being investigated for child sexual offences. The former ITV presenter said he had worked incredibly closely with police throughout the investigation and still receives text messages from detectives who worked on the case. Timothy Schofield, 54, was convicted in April of 11 sexual offences involving a child between October 2016 and October 2019, including two of sexual activity with a child. He was jailed in May for 12 years. In an interview with The Sun amid the fallout from his affair he said his mother had been heartbroken by news of his brother, and recalled the investigation process. I was interviewed, I gave a full statement to the police, who weve worked with incredibly closely throughout, he told The Sun. I still get texts from the investigating detective because we were so pleased with the result. We did everything we could at the right time. In a statement released by his lawyer after his brothers guilty verdict, Schofield said: My overwhelming concern is and has always been for the wellbeing of the victim and his family. I hope that their privacy will now be respected. If any crime had ever been confessed to me by my brother, I would have acted immediately to protect the victim and their family. These are despicable crimes and I welcome the guilty verdicts. As far as I am concerned, I no longer have a brother. The former ITV presenter took a period of pre-planned leave around the trial at Exeter Crown Court, and accompanied his mother to Cornwall for the sentencing. He told The Sun it was there that he received news that he would have to step down from This Morning. Our family thing was always to buy fish and chips and go and sit on the headland, he said. I picked my mum up and she went in to get the fish and chips and while she was getting it my phone rang. It was my then manager, saying, Mate, Im so sorry, it has become too loud for ITV. You will have to step down from This Morning. She said to me before I arrived, Youre not coming down with any bad news are you? She sat in the car and she was all happy to see me. Then she said, Oh your face has changed. I said, Lets go on to the headland. And I had to tell her. She (was) devastated. A flick titled "Tsiiyee" that was made by a group of student filmmakers in the Kinlani Film Project has found success at several festivals. Students in the Flagstaff Bordertown Dormitory (also known as Kinlani dorm) can apply to be part of a yearly afterschool internship program that teaches the basics of filmmaking and helps them tell their own stories. As part of the Kinlani Film Project, the high-schoolers learn about cinematography, storyboarding and aspects of several roles in filmmaking -- which they then use to make one short film each semester: a fiction story in the fall and a documentary in the spring. With the only prompt being to tell your story, and a few restrictions in scope (for example, only one or two actors and under five minutes long), the students come up with an idea for their movie, then write it, find actors and assume various roles in production to create a complete production. Eight internships are available each year, with students who complete the program receiving a stipend. The Kinlani Film Project was started in the 2017-2018 school year by local filmmaker Oakley Anderson-Moore. She now co-leads the program with Deidra Peaches, another local filmmaker who she brought in to help with the production of "Tsiiyee" last year. The program also partners with the University of Arizona film department, with recent graduate Kristian Jackson helping students edit their film. The creativity and voices shared by each student allow a glimpse of who they are and their unique upbringing, Peaches said. As a professional filmmaker, it is humbling to see each student striving to work together and compromising on creating a film; I am happy to be a part of it." I came into this wanting to create a real space for young Indigenous people to learn the realities of what it means to be creative and what it takes to make a film, Anderson-Moore added. ... These are pretty incredible young people who are passionate about learning new things. So for me, it was a cool opportunity to work with this group. One film made by students in the 2021-2022 school year has recently been shown at 10 film festivals, including the Flagstaff Mountain Film Festival, the Navajo Film Festival and ImagiNative. Called "Tsiiyee," the Navajo term for a traditional hair bun, the film is a three-minute psychological thriller focusing on a young girl who encounters her double after going for a run. The films directors are Shanique Yazzie, Hailee Bekis and Austin Jimmy. Robyn Claw and Devin Goodman were the cinematographers, with LaDonna Jacket providing additional cinematography alongside Jimmy. Bekis played both the main character (also named Hailee) and her doppelganger. Her sister and friends were played by Nez, Yazzie and LeAndre Frank. Other students working on the story and various roles in production were Orion Lucero, Zoey Nez, Roshelle Hawee and Faith Begay (Nez and Begay were both Kinlani Project interns alongside the directors and cinematographers). LaDurra Jimmy, Braydyn Calamity and Shaydon Begay contributed to the films music, while Mikayla Johnson was among those helping with translation. At the start of the project, the group didnt have much experience in filmmaking and they didnt know each other very well. We jumped into it, we learned all those different things and they just filmed together, Anderson-Moore said. This was the first thing they had ever really done. She said the students had started with the idea to make a thriller, as well as a story that was "authentic to their experience." They have their own Native identity, they have their own unique identity as young people and theyre also living in this larger community of Flagstaff, she said. The film is really about what its like to try and balance your identity as an Indigenous young person. ... Its finding a lot of these more nuanced, complicated aspects of cultural identity in a short, symbolic format. They then worked in a writer's room to turn those ideas into a story. Once they had their idea, script and shot list, the team began filming, with the program leaders acting as producers and treating the project like a professional film set. Because they filmed last winter, the filmmakers had to shift their plans in response to COVID-19 spikes from the omicron variant. At one point, they had to switch to outdoors-only filming for safety, meaning that in an afternoon, an indoor bathroom scene became a handheld mirror on a park bench in the snow. Anderson-Moore said she hoped filmmakers left the program with the knowledge that their stories are important. Their stories deserve to be seen and heard just as much as any other story. Were starting to see a bit of evolution in whose stories are told onscreen and I hope that this younger generation is going to be part of that movement, she said. She added: When we started making the film, one thing Id keep hearing the young filmmakers say is that I never saw a film about someone like me or my story. ... So they made "Tsiiyee," and then they got to see it at the Flagstaff Mountain Film Festival, they got to play it all these different film festivals and screen it at different venues. Thats the most important thing: for them to not only learn how to tell these stories and be creative and harness their unique voices as artists, but also to see just how important their stories are and how much they deserve to be seen and heard. The group behind "Tsiiyee" has already started on their next film, called "Cheii" -- which translates to grandfather -- with some rotations in the team after a few of the filmmakers graduated from high school. They havent slowed down, Anderson-Moore. More information about the Kinlani Film Project can be found at oakleyandersonmoore.com/kinlani-film-project. Information about Kinlani dorm is available at kinlanidorm.org. Ukraine fended off 36 Russian air attacks in and around the capital on Thursday night while pro-Kyiv fighters in Russia said they were battling Russian forces for a second day inside Russia, trading blame with Moscow for the deaths of two civilians. Representative Photo: UNICEF/Ayberk Yurtsever Kabul: Afghanistan has reported the fourth case of Polio this year in Bihsud district of Nangarhar province, media reports said. Interestingly, all four cases of polio have been recorded in Nangarhar. "This new case of polio was reported in Bihsud district of the province. The child who was infected by the disease is 48 months old. Nangarhar and all eastern zones of the country are in danger of polio," read a statement issued by the Afghanistan government as quoted by Tolo News. An official of UNICEF, Kama Shah Sayed, said that that the children who are deprived of the vaccine are most likely to be affected by the polio. "However, there have been many campaigns for polio, but still polio cases happen, the reason is that the children who are deprived of vaccine, are being affected," he told Tolo News. Meanwhile, some residents of Nangarhar urged officials to launch further vaccination campaigns. "The medical teams should be increased. The common people should be advised about it," said Mohibullah, a resident of Nangarhar. Pixabay Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir showed its humanitarian side as people crowdfunded more than 80 lakh rupees in less than 24 hours for the treatment of a 24-year-old who is battling Leukemia. A family from the Lassipora area of Pulwama in south Kashmir appealed for help on social media on Thursday for the treatment of their daughter. Soon the post went viral and a crowdfunding campaign was started online, reports Kashmir Life. Uzair Ahmad, the brother of a Leukemia patient said that his sister was diagnosed with Leukemia in January 2022 following which she was shifted outside the Valley for advanced treatment. Her nine-month treatment incurred about one crore. Our family along with relatives, neighbors and friends managed it. As advised by doctors, she was taken for a follow-up check-up again where she underwent a few tests and doctors said that she needs treatment for another six months. Her treatment will cost around 80 lakhs, he told Kashmir Life. He added the family has already spent their entire savings on her treatment and is not in a position to continue her treatment so crowdfunding was the only option available to them. On Thursday we contacted some media persons to share our account details on social media so that we can continue her treatment. Today we got over 80 lakhs, Uzair added. Mumbai/UNI: Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) president Nana Patole has said the party's target is to defeat the BJP and the strategy will be finalised in the upcoming MVA meeting. Ahead of that, the Congress is trying to formulate a winning strategy for the upcoming polls. MPCC will review the Lok Sabha constituencies for two days. The meeting will discuss how to win a big victory in the upcoming elections. "We will try to do a review of our strength in every constituency," Patole said. "We have strong organisation strength in every constituency in the state. However, though we will review our strengths in every constituency, it will not have any impact on the alliance's seat allocation," he said. He claimed that there is a lot of discontent against the BJP across the country and the Congress is the only alternative for the people. "Maharashtra is the state with the highest number of Lok Sabha seats - 48 - after Uttar Pradesh, which has 80 seats. The strategy of what can be done to win each of these seats will be decided in this meeting. Rescue workers struggled through wreckage and mangled coaches to recover bodies and look for survivors at the scene of one of the worst rail accidents in India as the toll from Friday nights train crash in Odisha climbed to 261. Injured passengers, who were in the derailed Coromandel Express, have been taken to the hospitals of Gopalpur, Khantapara, Balasore, Bhadrak and Soro. The rescue operation has completed at the derailment site and restoration work has begun, said the Railway Ministry. More than 900 people have been injured in the mishap where three trains collided one after the other, causing one of the worst railway accidents in the country. Railway Minister Aswani Vaishnaw on Saturday morning arrived at ground zero at Bahanaga station and reviewed the situation with senior railway officials, NDRF and ODRAF teams. The Railway Minister has already ordered a high-level inquiry into the accident. Meanwhile, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik ordered a state mourning on Saturday. No state celebration would take place throughout the day. Patnaik and Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan are scheduled to reach the accident site on Saturday morning. A technical team of the Railway made an aerial survey of the accident site early in the morning. The Chief Secretary said three trains were involved in the accident. - Shalimar-Chennai Coromandel express, Yeshawantpur -Howrah express and a goods train. As many as 15 coaches and one engine got derailed or capsized in the mishap at around 7 pm. PIB New Delhi: The 2week 60th capacity building programme (CBP) for the civil servants of Bangladesh organised by the National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG) in partnership with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) concluded on 2nd June, 2023. Following the completion of the first phase of CBP for 1,500 civil servants, NCGG signed an MoU with the Government of Bangladesh to enhance the capacity of additional 1,800 civil servants by 2025. PostCovid 19 pandemic, within the past two years, NCGG has already provided training to 517 officers of Bangladesh. The 21st century is billed as the 'Asian century'. It offers an opportunity to South Asian countries to transform themselves into developed countries and enhance the quality of life of their citizens. To achieve this goal, it is important to foster mutual learning and concentrate on citizen-centric public policies and good governance by adopting e-governance. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Indian government is actively engaged in these endeavours. It is also helping other developing nations in their endeavour to strengthen the capabilities of their civil servants and technocrats. In pursuit of this mission, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has identified the National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG) as an institution in focus. As a result, the NCGG is expanding and scaling up its activities significantly. The valedictory session of the 60th CBP for civil servants of Bangladesh was chaired by Bharat Lal, Director General, National Centre for Good Governance. In his address, he highlighted how these capacity building programmes are meticulously curated with the primary objective of facilitating the exchange of knowledge and innovative practices that have been successfully implemented in India to enhance governance and public service delivery. Through the exchange of best practices, India aims to contribute to the development and strengthening of governance systems globally. The DG urged the participating officers to identify 45 key learnings from the CBP that they can adapt and replicate, with necessary modifications based on their specific needs. The DG also spoke on the crucial role played by civil servants in society. He urged the civil servants to be sensitive and responsive to the needs of the people and ensure time-bound public service delivery. By adopting a people-centered approach and focusing on effective problem-solving, civil servants can contribute significantly to the well-being of the public and foster trust in the governance system. He urged them to work with speed and scale to provide access to basic amenities such as housing, water, toilets, cooking gas, education, healthcare, financial services, and skill development among others. He underscored that the Asian century represents a transformative phase, where South Asian countries must emerge as major global players. With a rich cultural heritage, diverse economies, and a young and dynamic population, South Asia possesses the necessary ingredients for sustainable growth and development. The DG emphasized the importance of leveraging these strengths to address common challenges, uplift marginalized communities, and improve the lives of citizens in this region. To expedite the socio-economic development in the Global South, it is imperative to prioritize the inclusion and empowerment of women. By ensuring high-quality public services and creating a favourable environment, women can actively participate in the workforce and engage in meaningful economic activities, thereby enhancing overall productivity. The DG urged civil servants to work for empowerment of women, guaranteeing equal access to opportunities and resources. This concerted effort is instrumental in propelling our countries towards the next stage of development, he said. Furthermore, he emphasized the need for robust measures to prevent leakages and ensure the proper utilization of resources. Additionally, he highlighted the importance of fostering strong IndiaBangladesh relations, emphasizing that this relation should encompass various developmental endeavours. The DG further urged the officers to actively share their best practices and learnings as part of the NCGG alumni. This sharing of experiences and expertise can foster innovation, inspire new approaches, and promote positive change in governance and public administration worldwide. Dr. A. P. Singh, course coordinator in his address highlighted the diversity of topics covered in the 60th capacity building programme. These initiatives include various aspects of governance, digital transformation, developmental schemes, and sustainable practices. Among the topics covered is the changing paradigm of governance, case studies on digital governance including Passport Seva and MADAD, housing for all, best practices from different development schemes, eco-friendly smart city planning, the composite culture of India, Aadhar's role in good governance, disaster management, an overview of All India Services, the Statue of Unity project, public-private partnerships, the Swamitva scheme, health sector optimization, leadership and communication, e-governance, Digital India, UMANG, PM Gati Shakti Yojana, Government e-Marketplace (GeM), PMGSY for rural connectivity, green energy, efficient public service delivery, vigilance administration, women-centric governance, anti-corruption strategies, circular economy, and election management, among others. He also highlighted that the participants of the programme had the valuable opportunity to partake in exposure visits, which proved to augment their overall learning journey. Among the planned visits were the district administration in Saharanpur, the Parliament of India, and the Pradhanmantri Sanghralaya, among others. NCGG in partnership with MEA, NCGG has imparted training to civil servants of 15 countries viz. Bangladesh, Kenya, Tanzania, Tunisia, Seychelles, Gambia, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Laos, Vietnam, Nepal Bhutan, Myanmar and Cambodia. Recognizing the increasing demand, NCGG is proactively expanding its capacity to accommodate a greater number of civil servants from an expanding list of countries. This expansion is aimed at meeting the rising demand and ensuring that more nations can benefit from the expertise and resources offered by the NCGG. Image: PIB New Delhi: US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin and German Federal Minister of Defence Boris Pistorius are visiting New Delhi for bilateral talks with Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Singhs meeting with the US Secretary of Defence will be held on June 5, 2023, while talks with the German Federal Minister of Defence will take place on June 6. A host of bilateral defence cooperation issues, with focus on industrial cooperation, are likely to be discussed during the two meetings. "The US Secretary of Defence will arrive on 4th June from Singapore on a two-day visit. It will be Secretary Austins second visit to India, the previous one being in March 2021," read the official statement issued by the Indian government. The German Federal Minister of Defence will be on a four-day visit to India beginning June 05. He will arrive from Indonesia. Apart from his meeting with Singh, Boris Pistorius is likely to meet a few defence start-ups during an event organised by Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) in New Delhi. On June 7, he will travel to Mumbai where he is likely to visit Headquarters, Western Naval Command and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited. The Flagstaff AT chapter of the Philanthropic Educational Organization (PEO) recently awarded scholarships to help two local students fund their education. Ariel Aslan of Flagstaff High School (FHS) was awarded a $2,500 STAR scholarship while Joelin Agyei-Mensah of Northern Arizona University (NAU) was awarded the International Peace Scholarship (IPS) -- which will cover the costs of her next academic year. PEO is an organization meant to support women through their education. The Flagstaff AT Chapter began in 1962, while PEO began nationwide in 1869. As of April 2022, the organization has awarded over $398 million in grants, scholarships, awards and loans to 119,000 women. "Our mission is to educate and support and encourage women in their educational opportunities," said Joyce Klejbuk of the Flagstaff chapter, saying that the organization's members work to match local students with funding opportunities to help them complete their education Our main purpose is to provide scholarships, awards and grants to young women to help them get their education," added the chapter's president, Bren Hershey. ... Its basically to help them excel in life and to meet their dreams." Established in 2009 and 1949, respectively, the STAR Scholarship and International Peace Scholarship recognize women who exhibit excellence in leadership, academics, extracurricular activities, community service and potential for future success. Both help these women afford postsecondary education in the U.S. or Canada -- high school seniors for STAR and international scholars for IPS. A 2023 graduate of FHS, Aslan participated in the AP Academy, National Honors Society and was the Head Drum Major for the schools marching band. The scholarship announcement describes her as an environmental advocate, actress and musician and a soon-to-be published author. She has plans to attend Arizona State Universitys Barrett Honors College in the fall, majoring in biological sciences. Agyei-Mensah is a Ph.D. student, studying applied physics and material sciences at NAU. After her graduation from NAU in 2026, she hopes to return to her home country of Ghana as a lecturer/professor at the University of Education, Winneba. She believes she can make a difference by introducing applicable research into the department where students can have additional skills to be able to work in industry and not just in academia, the announcement said. More information, including ways for local women to receive educational support, can be found at peointernational.org. Image: UN News/Daniel Dickinson The trafficking in illegal narcotics, precursor chemicals, timber and wildlife, people and illicit goods across Southeast Asia is being tackled thanks to the support of the specialized UN agency focusing on drugs and crime. A Thai Navy launch travels at high speed down the muddy brown waters of the Mekong River close to the border town of Chiang Saen in the north of Thailand. To the right is Laos, where huge construction projects funded by foreign investment are rising out of the lush undergrowth along the riverbank and ahead to the left are the dense jungles of Myanmar. Tweet URL This is the storied Golden Triangle where historically opium was grown to produce heroin for export but where, in recent years, the trade of even deadlier and more profitable synthetic drugs has taken over. Thailand, Laos and Myanmar are at the frontlines of illicit trade in Asia dominated by transnational organized crime syndicates. River seizure The crew on the Thai boat is buoyant following the recent seizure of 6.4 million pills of the banned and highly addictive synthetic drug methamphetamine, known locally as yaba. I was astonished but also really pleased that we seized this amount of yaba, Captain Phakorn Maniam Head of Operations and Intelligence Section of the, Mekong Riverine Unit, Royal Thai Navy told UN News. Normally, this amount of drugs is seized on land; its a difficult operation apprehending offenders in the middle of the river, he said, and so Im especially proud of our crew, who are so dedicated to protecting our country and our people. A few miles downstream at the small town of Houay Xai on the Laos side of the Mekong, border authorities are celebrating their own significant seizure of drugs; the previous night following a tip-off, a military land patrol caught drug mules carrying 500 kilograms of crystal meth. The previous month 7.1 million methamphetamine pills had also been seized in the same area. The drugs tracked down in Laos and Thailand had originated in illegal industrial-scale laboratories operated by militias and criminal gangs in the remote mountainous jungles of northern Shan State in Myanmar and were being transited through both countries to the Thai capital, Bangkok, but also across Southeast Asia and to distant lucrative markets including Japan, South Korea, New Zealand and Australia. Its difficult to calculate with any certainty what quantity of synthetic drugs is being manufactured in Myanmar, but some estimates suggest many hundreds of tons are being trafficked out of the country. Despite the seemingly relentless flow of drugs, the Thai and Lao authorities are experiencing some success thanks, in part, to the support of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) which is promoting a regional intelligence gathering network. Officer C, who is based in Houay Xai with Lao authorities and who did not want to be named for security reasons, said that cooperating with law enforcement agencies across the border in Thailand through regular calls, face-to-face meetings and other communications has improved the response to illegal trafficking. With this cross-border collaboration and sharing of information, we have been able to counter narcotics trafficking and also other types of transnational organized crime. The crime-fighting authorities in Thailand and Laos are collaborating more closely as a result of UNODCs Regional Border Management Programme under which a network of border liaisons offices or BLOs were set up to strengthen cross-border cooperation and information sharing. The network of over 120 BLOs stretches across Southeast Asia from Myanmar in the west to China in the east and Indonesia to the south and also includes Thailand, Cambodia and Viet Nam. The BLOs are being strengthened with the support of UNODC to counter what the drugs and crime fighting agencys Regional Representative for Southeast Asia and the Pacific, Jeremy Douglas, calls one of the biggest drug trafficking corridors in the world. The challenges in disrupting this transnational trade are immense according to Mr. Douglas: There are complex governance issues at play in the Golden Triangle and inside Myanmar, with fragmented armed groups and militias involved in the drug trade and other illicit businesses that control territory, he said. At the same time, these groups are operating in very remote places, and in some cases along very porous, open borders. It is easy to traffic drugs and illicit goods in and out of Myanmar, and the situation is very difficult for its neighbours to address. The increase in the production of synthetic drugs in recent has been unprecedented according to the UNODC Regional Representative who believes that collaboration between countries is fundamental to preventing trafficking: This is a shared responsibility; addressing transnational criminality requires states to collaborate to react quickly to what's happening, especially along border areas. It is not just drugs which are being trafficked across the region. Chemical precursors to manufacture synthetic drugs are being illegally transported into Myanmar in quantities far larger than the drugs that are trafficked out. Trafficking in people, wildlife, timber and weapons is also taking place. In such a complex and problematic environment, new skills are needed to deal with fresh challenges. As part of its BLO support, UNODC has developed training partnerships with agencies across Southeast Asia. On Highway 1, some 40 kilometres south of the Thai-Myanmar border Police lieutenant Colonel Amonrat Wathanakhosit is taking her students through a practical exercise focused on searching vehicles for contraband. Our students are using UNODC knowledge products and training and learning how to question drivers, and they are getting use to how they are behaving. Our students are becoming more confident about identifying which drivers may be hiding synthetic drugs. Unlike heroin, the production of which is restrained by the natural growing cycle of the opium poppy, methamphetamine can be manufactured almost at will as long as precursor and other chemicals are available. The collaboration of governments with the support of UNODC is helping to stem the flow of drugs, even if it is widely accepted that seizures represent only a small percentage of the drugs which are trafficked across the region. Officers like Lt Col Amonrat Wathanakhosit recognize the challenges but she no doubt speaks for many across the region saying that my job trying to stop drugs is crucial to the security of my country. Image: Arnel Hasanovic/Unsplash Moscow: Russian cybersecurity company Kaspersky Lab said that it detected a targeted cyber-attack on its staff's iPhones. Eugene Kaspersky, the founder of the security firm, said in a blog post that the targeted devices received an "invisible iMessage" with a malicious attachment that installs malware. The attachment, using vulnerabilities in the iOS operating system, runs on the device and installs malware. The malware then surreptitiously transmits private information to remote servers, including microphone recordings, photos from instant messaging apps, geolocation and other sensitive data. Kaspersky added that the cyberattack was discovered at the beginning of this year when researchers of the company noticed suspicious activity that originated from several phones while monitoring their own corporate Wi-Fi network. According to the company, several dozen employees' iPhones are infected with this "extremely technologically sophisticated" spyware. Russia's Federal Security Service earlier said that several thousand iPhones in Russia were infected with previously unknown spyware and Apple colluded with U.S. intelligence in enabling this campaign. Apple then denied the allegation. (With UNI inputs) Image: Unsplash/Gayatri Malhotra New York: Millions of women and girls across the United States have suffered an alarming deterioration in access to sexual and reproductive healthcare, following the US Supreme Court decision overturning the constitutional right to abortion in June 2022, UN-appointed independent rights experts said on Friday. Since the start of the year, abortion has been banned in 14 states across the country, and the consequences of the Supreme Court decision has reverberated throughout the entire legal and policy system, the Human Rights Council-appointed experts said. The regressive position taken by the US Supreme Court...by essentially dismantling 50 years of precedent protecting the right to abortion in the country, puts millions of women and girls at serious risk, they said. They added that violations of International Human Rights Law had resulted from the landmark decision, which overturned the 1973 Roe vs Wade decision - in effect, returning abortion law to state legislatures. Largely inaccessible The bans have made abortion services largely inaccessible and denied women and girls their fundamental human rights to comprehensive healthcare including sexual and reproductive health, the experts maintained, adding they could lead to violations of womens rights to privacy, bodily integrity and autonomy, freedom of expression, freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief, equality and non-discrimination, and freedom from torture and cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment and gender-based violence. Disproportionate impact Women and girls in disadvantaged situations are disproportionately affected by these bans, the experts said. They referred to women and girls from marginalised communities, racial and ethnic minorities, migrants, women and girls with disabilities, or living on low incomes, in abusive relationships or in rural areas. The experts said that existing exceptions in some cases in order to save a mothers life, or conceptions resulting from rape or incest - although narrow, have proved unworkable in practice. Unworkable exceptions The conditions of the exceptions often do not reflect medical diagnosis and sometimes exclude health-threatening conditions, they said: Even in cases where physicians determine that the abortion can go ahead, they may still find it difficult to assemble a full team given the reluctance of other health professionals. They warned that the Supreme Court decision also had a chilling effect on doctors and healthcare workers who may face legal consequences for their care decisions, including those regarding medically necessary or life-saving abortions or the removal of foetal tissue from women with incomplete miscarriages. Death threats We are particularly alarmed by the increasing reports of threats to the lives of abortion service providers across the country, the experts said. The threat of criminalisation in many States has discouraged women and girls from engaging with the health system and seeking prenatal care the experts said. It is particularly alarming that some clinics are now refraining from providing abortion-related services, even in States where it remains legal, they said. According to the experts, state bans have been accompanied by a steady and rapid erosion of the right to privacy, as police and other criminal investigators increasingly rely on data to track those seeking abortions or those who aid and abet them. Much of this data can be accessed without a warrant, they said. We urge both the federal and state Governments to take action to reverse the regressive rhetoric seeping through the legislative system and enact positive measures to ensure access to safe and legal abortion, the independent experts concluded. Special Rapporteurs and other rights experts are all appointed by the UN Human Rights Council, are mandated to monitor and report on specific thematic issues or country situations, are not UN staff and do not receive a salary for their work. Image: WFP/Mohamed Elamin New York: As the crisis in Sudan enters its second month, UN agencies and partners warned on Friday that the conflict between rival military groups since mid-April is fuelling an increasingly desperate situation for civilians, especially in the nations capital. In a press statement issued late on Friday, the UN Security Council expressed its deep concern over the continued clashes, condemning all attacks on civilians, and calling for rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian access throughout Sudan. The 15-member body emphasized the need for an immediate ceasefire, and reaffirmed its backing for the UN transition mission in Sudan, UNITAMS, to continue it work, despite the collapse of political momentum towards the move to civilian rule, that seemed so close just a few months ago. Council backs UN mission The statement urged the missions continued engagement, in full accordance with the principles of national ownership. The members of the Security Council underlined the need for strengthened international coordination and continued collaboration. They reaffirmed their firm support to African leaders involved in negotiations, and noted the African Union (AU) Roadmap for the Resolution of the Conflict in Sudan. The Council also called for a resumption of a credible and inclusive political transition process, that takes into account the contributory role of all relevant Sudanese stakeholders. On Friday afternoon, the Council unanimously adopted a resolution renewing the UN transition mission for six months. Turmoil on the ground Since the conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces began, more than 1.2 million people have been displaced within the already impoverished country, and hundreds of thousands have fled across neighbouring borders. A rising death toll, rampant looting of humanitarian aid, and rising needs for assistance are growing concerns, UN agencies warned. The situation was particularly desperate in Khartoum, where people were fleeing the violence or were unable to leave, said Patrick Elliott, head of operations for Sudan for the International Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC), briefing journalists at the UN in Geneva, who just returned from a visit to Port Sudan. Tarik Jasarevic, for the World Health Organization (WHO), said the numbers being provided from the Ministry of Health were an underestimate of the overall death toll. Crippled health sector Many health facilities are simply unable to function, Mr. Jasarevic said, also raising concerns for around 20,000 pregnant women who are currently unable to receive pre-natal care. Some 11 million people are in urgent need of health assistance in Sudan, including more than 2.6 million women and girls of reproductive age who have barely any access to contraception, pregnancy-related services, or treatment programmes for sexually transmitted infections, or response services for sexual violence, which is reported to be rising as the crisis escalates, according to the UN Population Fund (UNFPA). An estimated 260,000 pregnant women in Sudan, including 90,000 expected to give birth in the next three months, could be affected by ongoing fuel shortages and power cuts that have already forced many hospitals to suspend emergency obstetric and neonatal care services, the agency said. Fuel shortages threaten safe births We are running out of fuel, said Sarah, a midwife at Khartoums UN-supported Ombada Hospital. If the electricity cuts persist, we dont know how we will be able to assist pregnant women giving birth a week from now. The agency is set to distribute 10 metric tonnes of life-saving sexual and reproductive health supplies to hospitals and health facilities, and could expand its pilot project to provide solar power, launched in 2022 in several hospitals in Sudan, to health centres in Khartoum, providing round-the-clock electricity for maternity wards, operating rooms, blood bank refrigerators, incubators, and medicine storage facilities. UN food agency condemns looters The World Food Programme (WFP) condemned on Friday the looting of humanitarian supplies at its distribution hub in south-central Sudan on Thursday, adding to $60 million in assets stolen since the start of the crisis in mid-April. Tweet URL This theft of humanitarian food and assets totally undermines these operations at a critical time for the people of Sudan, the UN agency said. This must stop. The WFP warehouses in El Obeid host one of the agencys largest logistics bases in Africa and represents a vital lifeline for operations in Sudan and South Sudan, according to the agency. Millions will be impacted by this attack, the agency warned, adding that initial reports suggest that food and nutrition supplies, vehicles, fuel, and generators have been looted in the most recent incident. Since violence erupted, armed groups have attacked and looted WFP and partners storage facilities on multiple occasions and aid workers have been killed or injured, the agency said. The ongoing violence could lead an estimated 2.5 million people in Sudan to slip into hunger in the coming months, the agency added. Warning that acute food insecurity in Sudan could reach record levels, affecting more than 19 million people or 40 per cent of the population, WFP reiterated calls to all parties to the conflict to ensure the safety and security of humanitarian assistance, aid workers, and assets so that the agencys life-saving work can move forward. Fearlessly providing support Mr. Elliott, of the IFRC, said a team had been established to support the Sudanese Red Crescent, which have been mobilizing daily to help those in need. Emphasizing the bravery of volunteers, who are fearlessly providing local support, he said an emergency funding appeal and reports of rising malnutrition were also among grave concerns. While funding is yet to materialize to address the immediate needs in Khartoum and surrounding areas, he reported good cooperation between UN agencies who continue to reach communities in local areas and provide them with support. Outside of Khartoum, volunteers were working with communities of internally displaced persons, he said. However, in Port Sudan, the levels of malnutrition are significant, he added. Image: UNI/Xinhua Ankara: Reelected Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will be sworn in as head of state in the Turkish parliament on Saturday. Later in the day, Erdogan will host a dinner for the heads of state attending his inauguration ceremony at the Cankaya Mansion, the official residence of the Turkish vice president. The Turkish leader is also scheduled to announce his new cabinet of ministers in the evening. Erdogan secured victory in the second round of the presidential election on May 28 with 52.14% of the votes, beating his main rival, Kemal Kilicdaroglu, who received 47.86%. (With UNI inputs) Image: WFP/Ali Jadallah The United Nations on Friday appealed for sustainable funding for its agency that supports Palestine refugees, UNRWA, which is on the brink of financial collapse. Chronic underfunding over the past decade, and resultant severe austerity measures, mean UNRWA is already operating with a $75 million shortfall, putting its lifesaving programmes across the Middle East at risk. As I address you today, I do not have the funds to keep our schools, health centres and other services running as of September, Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini told a pledging conference at UN Headquarters in New York. Lifeline for millions UNRWA was established in 1949 as a temporary agency to provide aid to Palestinians following mass displacement from land that became Israel, making it one of the first UN humanitarian operations. Today, nearly six million people in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, and in Syria, Lebanon and Jordan, depend on its services, which are almost entirely funded by voluntary contributions. Nearly a third of registered Palestine refugees live in camps. UNRWA is seeking $1.6 billion for its operations this year. Mr. Lazzararini said an additional $75 million is urgently needed to provide food for over a million people in Gaza. Another $30 million is required to maintain cash and food assistance to 600,000 people in Syria, Lebanon and Jordan. Trapped in financial limbo UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged the international community to ensure the agency is fully funded. Despite its essential role, we allow UNRWA to remain trapped in financial limbo, he said in remarks delivered by his Chef de Cabinet, Courtenay Rattray. The UN chief was also deeply concerned that some of the largest and most reliable donors have indicated that they might be reducing their support. Lets be clear: UNRWA is on the verge of financial collapse. The consequences of further budget cuts would be catastrophic, he warned. Finding hope in education More than a half a million young Palestinians are enrolled in UNRWA schools, two of whom made impassioned pleas at the pledging conference. Ahmad Abu Daqqa attends a boys school in the Gaza Strip, where a blockade has been in place for more than 15 years. We, the students of the Gaza Strip, seek hope amidst despair, he said, conveying a message from his peers. We only find it in education and learning, despite the numerous difficulties and obstacles we face, like living in a conflict and war zone. UNRWA students are proud of their education, heritage and culture, added Leen Sharqawi, 15, who attends a girls school in Jordan. They also have big dreams. We are not just Palestine refugees, she said. We are children who dream of becoming global citizens and who want to help the world become a better place. Good education is what will allow us to do this. Image Credit: Pixabay Baghdad: At least ten Islamic State (IS) militants were killed in attacks targeting IS hideouts in Iraq's eastern province of Diyala during the past 24 hours, the Iraqi military said on Saturday. Based on intelligence reports, Iraqi air forces conducted airstrikes on IS hideouts in the Himreen mountain range of northern Diyala on Friday and Saturday, destroying the hideouts and killing seven IS militants in total, according to a statement issued by the Security Media Cell, a media outlet affiliated with the Iraqi Joint Operations Command (JOC). According to the statement, the commandos of the Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Service carried out attacks on IS hideouts in the same area on Saturday, killing another three IS militants. Meanwhile, the warplanes bombarded an IS hideout in the rugged area of Wadi al-Shay, southwest of the namesake provincial capital Kirkuk, some 250 km north of the capital Baghdad, destroying the hideout and killing all militants inside, the JOC said in a separate statement, without giving exact fatality count. The security situation in Iraq has improved since the defeat of the IS in 2017. However, IS remnants have since melted into urban centers, deserts, and rugged areas, carrying out frequent guerilla attacks against security forces and civilians. (With UNI inputs) Wikipedia Commons Hong Kong: At least two women were stabbed to death at a shopping mall in Hong Kong, media reports said on Saturday. Police received a report about the incident at Plaza Hollywood mall at 5:14pm, and made the arrest on the scene after subduing the man, reports Hong Kong Free Press. CCTV footage posted online appeared to show a man stabbing one of the women multiple times as her companion sought to push him away. At one point, the companion was able to drag the first victim away, in a trail of blood, before the knifeman mounted and continued to stab her, the online news portal reported. However, despite such a scenario, their fellow shoppers did not attempt to intervene into the matter. The two victims aged 23 and 26 were sent to United Christian Hospital in an unconscious state, police told the news portal. They were declared dead on arrival. Pixabay Dhaka: Police have recovered the body of a minor from Dhaka's Dhanmondi Lake, media reports said on Saturday. The body was retrieved with the help of the fire service around 7 am on Saturday, SI Abdullah Bin Kasem of Dhanmondi Police Station told bdnews24. Locals informed the police after discovering the floating body near Dhanmondi Road No. 7, he said. The identity of the boy is still not known. He is 12 years old. "The preliminary understanding is that the child drowned in the lake after taking off his clothes and sandal to take a bath," Kasem told the news portal. The body has been sent to Dhaka Medical College Hospital's morgue for autopsy. Image: UNICEF/Naing Lin Soe New York: More than two weeks after deadly Cyclone Mocha hit Myanmar, aid access is uncertain, disease is spreading, and a major food crisis remains a very real threat, the UN said on Friday. Some 1.6 million people in Rakhine, Chin, Magway, Sagaing, and Kachin states are in dire need of assistance after Mochas 250 kilometre per hour wind gusts destroyed homes, farmland and livestock. Tweet URL Speaking from hard-hit Rakhine State capital Sittwe, UN Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative in Myanmar, Titon Mitra, said that time was of the essence as food reserves were being completely wiped out, water sources needed to be urgently decontaminated and the monsoon was just a matter of weeks away. Dire need for access The international community has to be given widespread access to the affected communities. And that's a very urgent requirement, he said. Last month, the UN launched a $333 million Flash Appeal for Myanmar. While some assistance is coming through, Mr. Mitra said that it was not anywhere near sufficient for the time being due to a lack of access and support in rural areas remained far from adequate. Some regional donors have already provided some support and that's been channelled through the military logistics as CSOs (civil society organizations) and UN organizations have got limited access at the moment, Mr. Mitra said. 'Depoliticization, demilitarization of aid The UN official highlighted that a distribution plan has been submitted to the military authorities, stressing that it needs to be cleared very soon, so international organizations with their CSO partners can move freely. More than two years since Myanmars generals staged a military coup, sparking widespread ongoing civil unrest and violence, Mr. Mitra insisted that this really is a time for the depoliticization and the demilitarization of aid, because the needs are absolutely immense. Rural livelihoods in jeopardy The recovery may take years, he added, pointing out that the majority of those affected were already the poorest of the poor. Concerns are also mounting fast about the future of rural livelihoods, as some 1,200 square kilometres of land flooded due to Mocha, while rains combined with storm surges devastated agriculture and fisheries. Looming food security crisis Mr. Mitra warned that the provision of relief itself was not enough and that if people are unable to plant food crops within the next few weeks, there could be a major food crisis emerging in the coming months. Households have completely lost their seed stocks. So we are anticipating, unless there's an effective response, that food availability and affordability will become huge issues, he insisted. Earlier this week, the UN included Myanmar in a list of 18 hunger hotspots where critical food insecurity is projected to intensify. Cycle of suffering Already before Mocha hit, 80 per cent of people in Rakhine were living in poverty and 200,000 were internally displaced. In 2022, half of the states population were cutting down on meals due to the economic crisis, according to UNDP data. If swift action by the international community did not materialize, we risk perpetuating an unending cycle of suffering, Mr. Mitra warned. BEACON UU PRIDE SUNDAY SERVICE: Dress Up, Drag and Deadly Politics Jun 4 Beacon Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 510 N. Leroux St., Flagstaff. (928) 779-4492. 10-11 a.m., ALL ARE WELCOME! You BELONG at Beacon. Spiritually open and intentionally inclusive since 1958. Drag has always been political, as far back as Biblical times and Shakespearean theatre. But today there is a real and present danger to the LGBTQ community and to those who express an identity through Drag. The ACLU, among others, now offers seminars on topics such as Drag in Trumps America. More and more states are passing heinous laws criminalizing or curbing the presentation of Drag in nightclubs, libraries, and the public square. The President of Flagstaff Pride, Deb Taylor, will be with us as we explore our role as active resistors to this trend and how Beacon UU can engender and sustain a safe space for all identities as a welcoming congregation. Rev. Robin Landerman Zucker, preaching with Worship Associate Lise Breakey. Music from Austin Shaw and Kim Angelo. https://go.evvnt.com/1764016-0. PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH Jun 4 3430 N. Fourth St., 3430 N. Fourth St., Flagstaff. 928-526-9578. 10-11 a.m., We invite you to join the family of Peace Lutheran Church (LCMS) on Sunday at 10:00am for in person blended service (Combined Liturgical, hymnal based and Praise Worship) with Holy Communion. Pastor William Weiss Jr. (Pastor Bill) will be presiding. The service will be live streamed on our website (peacelutheranflagstaff.org) and on YouTube. Fellowship and refreshments are available before the worship service beginning 9:15am. https://go.evvnt.com/1761926-0. LIVING CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH Jun 4 500 W. Riordan Road, 500 W. Riordan Road, Flagstaff. 928-526-8595. 10-11 a.m., We invite all to celebrate with us God's love and presence in our lives and be God's hands in the world. We are intentionally inclusive. We worship through music, teaching, prayer, and the sacraments each Sunday at 10 a.m., at the Campus Ministry Center located on the NAU campus or join us online. Join Rev. Kurt Fangmeier for The Holy Trinity Sunday! Though the word trinity is not found in the scriptures, todays second reading includes the apostolic greeting that begins the liturgy: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. In the gospel Jesus sends his disciples forth to baptize in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. More than a doctrine, the Trinity expresses the heart of our faith: we have experienced the God of creation made known in Jesus Christ and with us always through the Holy Spirit. We celebrate the mystery of the Holy Trinity in word and sacrament, as we profess the creed, and as we are sent into the world to bear witness to our faith. We will learn more with our Reading of Genesis 1:1-2:4a (The creation of the heavens and the earth) Psalm 8 (How majestic is your name in all the earth! and Reading 2Corinthians 13:11-13(Pauls farewell to the church at Corinth) together with the Gospel Matthew 28:16-20 (Living in the community of the Trinity). https://go.evvnt.com/1761384-0. Flagstaff Federated Community Church Please join us for in person services Sundays at 10 a.m. We are located at 400 W Aspen Ave. on the corner of Aspen and Sitgreaves in Downtown Flagstaff. All are welcome to our services. For more information about Flagstaff Federated Community Church please call our office at 928-774-7383, Mon Thurs 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Church of the Resurrection Sunday Church Services 740 W. University Heights Drive S., 740 W. University Heights Drive S., Flagstaff. 928-853-8522. 10-11:30 a.m., Church of the Resurrection Presbyterian Church in America (PCA): We invite you to join us for worship at 10 a.m. on Sundays at 740 W. University Heights Drive South. Please feel free to contact us for information on our mid-week gatherings and for more information on our church. You can find us at www.cor-pca.org and www.facebook.com/CORFlagstaff or we can be reached at corflagstaff@gmail.com and (928) 699-2715. Leupp Nazarene Church The church, near mile post 13 or Navajo Route 15, has been holding services by teleconferences and doing drive-up meetings. For information, call pastor Farrell Begay at 928-853-5321. Teleconference number: 1-7170275-8940 with access code 3204224#. Services are 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Sundays and 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Christian Science Society of Flagstaff 619 W. Birch Ave. Bible Lesson services every Sunday 10-11am (Zoom option: https://zoom.us/j/369812794). Testimony Meetings every Wednesday: 5:30-6:30pm (Zoom option: https://zoom.us/j/971672834). Zoom password: CSS. Image: Unsplash Rawalpindi: Two soldiers died during an exchange of fire with terrorists in Singwan area (Dist Kech) of Balochistan along the Pakistan-Iran border, media reports said. When a group of terrorists attacked the security post, the troops retaliated and pushed them back, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement on Thursday as quoted by The News International. During the exchange of fire, Sepoy Hasnain Ishtiaq, 34, and Sepoy Inayat Ullah, 27, embraced Shahadat, the newspaper reported. The security forces launched a snap sanitisation operation in the area and were in communication with the Iranian authorities to deny the terrorists any opportunity to escape. Image: ISPR website Quetta: At least two soldiers died during an armed attack at a security checkpoint close to the border with Iran in Kech district, media reports said. The attack took place in the Singwan area at the Pak-Iran border on Thursday, reports Dawn News. According to a statement by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), terrorists, armed with heavy weapons, opened fire at the checkpoint. The security personnel responded gallantly and successfully pushed back the terrorists. The deceased were identified as Sepoy Hasnain Ishtiaq, 34, from Dera Ghazi Khan and Sepoy Inayatullah, 27, from Jhal Magsi. Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) is a framework for evaluating the sustainability and ethical impact of a company's operations. ESG factors include environmental impacts, social responsibility, and governance practices. Over the years, ESG has become increasingly important and has been receiving increased attention and recognition for its significant impact on public health and well-being. There has also been a growing emphasis on corporate social responsibility. As a result, companies are increasingly striving to align their business practices with ESG considerations, acknowledging the importance of environmental, social, and governance issues in their decision-making processes. A critical aspect of ESG is employee wellbeing, an essential component of a sustainable and responsible business strategy. The Importance of ESG Unsplash/Representational Image ESG has gained significant attention and recognition due to its impact on public health and well-being. The framework emphasizes the importance of employee well-being, which is an essential component of a sustainable and responsible business strategy. It also focuses on the impact of environmental factors such as air and water pollution and climate change, as well as social factors like inaccessibility to healthcare and education. Governance factors such as ethical business practices, robust risk management, and transparency contribute to public trust in companies and institutions, which positively impacts public health. Proponents of ESG argue that it is essential for businesses to consider these factors because they can have a significant impact on a company's long-term success. For example, a company that fails to address environmental concerns could face reputational damage, regulatory fines, and even legal action. Similarly, a company that mistreats its employees or ignores social issues could face negative publicity and a loss of customer trust. And a company with poor governance practices may struggle to attract and retain talent or secure financing. Furthermore, studies have shown that companies that prioritize ESG tend to perform better financially. According to a report by Morgan Stanley, companies with higher ESG scores outperformed their peers by 2.7% per year from 2007 to 2019. Another study by Harvard Business Review found that companies with high ESG ratings had a lower cost of capital and were less likely to experience negative stock price reactions to negative news events. Incorporating ESG factors into business decision-making helps companies identify and mitigate potential health risks, promote public health and well-being, and contribute to a more sustainable and responsible society. Companies that prioritize ESG performance can benefit from improved risk management and reputation. This also increases their prospects of inclusion in ESG portfolios, which can lead to better investment outcomes. ESG: The Need of the Hour Incorporating ESG factors into investment decision-making has become increasingly popular. ESG rating agencies use information from companies' annual reports to assess their ESG performance, allowing investors to make informed decisions on how to design their ESG portfolios. In India, the top 1,000 listed firms are mandated to prepare an annual Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report (BRSR) by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) since 2022. The BRSR report encourages companies to disclose their adoption of responsible business practices, providing ESG rating agencies with necessary information to assess ESG performance. According to a research report of CareEdge, ESG reporting by Indian corporates has improved by 160%. Unsplash/Representational Image Weaving employee well-being into the ESG framework of organizations involves incorporating measures to ensure that the workforce is healthy, engaged, and productive. This can be achieved through various initiatives, such as promoting work-life balance, providing employee assistance programs, offering wellness programs and health benefits, and providing a safe and supportive work environment. Incorporating employee well-being into the ESG framework can help attract and retain talent, increase productivity and motivation, and enhance the company's reputation and brand image. Companies that prioritize employee well-being are seen as responsible and caring, which can positively impact their bottom line. ESG enabling the workforce to be healthy Weaving in employee wellbeing as part of the ESG framework of organizations involves incorporating measures to ensure that the workforce is healthy, engaged, and productive. This can be achieved through various initiatives, such as promoting work-life balance, providing employee assistance programs, offering wellness programs and health benefits, and providing a safe and supportive work environment. Unsplash/Representational Image Incorporating employee wellbeing into the ESG framework can bring many benefits to organizations: 1. It can help attract and retain talent, as employees are more likely to be loyal to a company that values their wellbeing. 2. It can increase productivity and motivation, as healthy and happy employees are likelier to be engaged and productive. 3. It can enhance the company's reputation and brand image, as companies prioritizing employee wellbeing are seen as responsible and caring. ESG has been gaining traction in recent years, with most companies considering it a significant aspect. ESG is not just a "nice-to-have" or a necessary framework for businesses in the modern world? It's clear that ESG is no longer just a buzzword or a passing trend. With the increasing urgency of climate change, social justice issues, and the need for responsible governance, ESG has become a fundamental framework for businesses to operate in the 21st century. Weaving in employee wellbeing as part of the ESG framework of organisations can bear benefits to both employees and companies. By prioritizing ESG factors including employee wellbeing, companies can create a more sustainable and responsible business that is better equipped to meet the challenges of the future. ESG performance can benefit from improved risk management and reputation. ESG is not only a good-to-have but a need of the hour for companies. Companies that ignore ESG risk falling behind their peers, losing investor and customer trust, and failing to contribute to a more sustainable and equitable world. On the other hand, companies that prioritize ESG can reap significant financial benefits while also making a positive impact on society and the planet. Therefore, ESG is not just a "nice-to-have," but a necessary framework for businesses in the modern world. About the author: Kriti Pradhan is the Head Of Communications at Arogya World. All views/opinions expressed in the article are of the author. The medical profession, along with engineering, is among the most sought-after careers for millions of young Indians and their families. But only later will many realise that the picture is not so rosy out there, as in other professions, doctors too have to struggle to find jobs. MBBS is the new B.Tech Earlier this week, an image went viral on social media, showing a 'crowd' of candidates for just 20 posts of junior resident doctor at Delhi's Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital. "20 posts , 500+ candidates MBBS is the New BTech Yes this is the condition when you try to get JOB after passing MBBS In picture is Delhi State Cancer institute (GTB) for the vacancy of non acad JR," Dr Dhruv Chauhan, who posted the photo on Twitter, wrote. 20 posts , 500+ candidates MBBS is the New BTech Yes this is the condition when you try to get JOB after passing MBBS In picture is Delhi State Cancer institute (GTB) for the vacancy of non acad JR . pic.twitter.com/37iBt5anc2 Dr.Dhruv Chauhan (@DrDhruvchauhan) May 31, 2023 BCCL While some argued that the candidates were looking for a job in Delhi as it offers one of the highest salaries to junior resident doctors, others said that even medical students with PG could face the same in the coming years. Students have no other option "A true and a sorry state of affair for the young doctors in India. No betterment of public healthcare facilities.. no improvement in primary and secondary level hospitals to learn and improve one's skills. No support system to increase the teaching faculty to develop more qualified doctors. But just building more and more medical colleges to create mechanical healthcare workforce. Medicine is no techninology or art or management where you can easily learn things after your degree or bring out a below par talent force. You need the right Institute to improve yourself and so every MBBS student wants to be placed in such a hospital. Most of the primary and secondary care hospitals are not fit enough for learning. Hence these youngsters push themselves to be in just 10% of all available public hospitals which are fit enough places to work and learn," Raj Palaniappan, Director and Lead Bariatric Surgeon at Apollo Hospitals Group, commented. BCCL Number of medical seats in India According to data from the Union health ministry, there are a total of 654 functional medical colleges and 99,763 MBBS seats in the country in the 2022-2023 academic year. There is an increase of 69 per cent in the medical colleges from 387 before 2014 to 654 as of now, Minister of State for Health Bharati Pravin Pawar had told the Rajya Sabha in February. BCCL Further, there is an increase of 94 per cent in MBBS seats from 51,348 before 2014 to 99,763 as of now and an increase of 107 per cent in PG seats from 31,185 before 2014 to 64,559 as of now. For more on news, sports and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News. Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Jigawa State Command, have arrested a 22-year-old man and three teenagers for allegedly sodomizing eight underaged boys. Spokesperson of the Corps in the state, CSC Adamu Shehu, who disclosed this in a statement on Friday, June 2, 2023, said the suspects lured the minors with sweets and money. READ ALSO: Man Rapes 7-Year-Old Girl In Bauchi School Toilet Personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Jigawa State Command apprehended one Bashir Hassan m aged 22 of Habude Quarters, Birnin Kudu LGA and Ado Muhammad m, Usman Abba m, Yusuf Garba m aged 18,15 and 14 respectively all of Kofar Fada Quarters, Birnin Kudu LGA, Jigawa State on a suspected case of homosexuality (unnatural offence), contrary to section 284 of the penal code law of Jigawa State and punishable under same section, the statement read. Two of the suspects were arrested on Saturday, 28th of May, 2023 at about 1330hrs following a complaint lodged by the father of one of the victims, an eleven year (11) year old boy (name withheld) of the same address, while the two others were equally arrested in the course of investigations The father stated that he had noticed the constant visitation of his child to Ados Barbing Shop and most times will return with some gifts including sweets, therapeutic food popularly known as tamowa and money which heightened his suspicion. Upon inquiry from the boy he stated his relationship with Ado and his friends. The boy narrated that Ado used to take him and his friend from the neighborhood, a twelve year old to an uncompleted building nearby and had canal knowledge of them and thereafter, invites his friends namely Yusuf Garba and Usman Abba to also engage them with a threat to kill them if they dare tell anyone. According to the boys, they engaged them more than five (5) times. Investigation into the case further revealed another suspect, Bashir Hassan and six (6) other victims aged between 11- 13 respectively, who were both sodomized. Bashir used to give them N20, N50 as the case may be and his phone for them to play games. The syndicate has sodomized a total of eight underaged children. Medical examination conducted at the Sexual Assault and Referral Center, Dutse General Hospital, revealed evidence of repeated sexual penetration. Although two of the suspects namely Yusuf Garba and Usman Abba denied the allegation, medical report obtained from SARC revealed that they themselves were victims of the alleged crime. Suspects will be charged to court, after all investigations are concluded. The Nigeria Police Force, on Friday, arraigned a 53-year-old businessman, King Dauda, before a Kado Grade 1 Area Court, Abuja, for stealing the sum of N92,300 from a sex worker. Dauda, of EFAB Global Estate, Life Camp, Abuja, was charged with theft. The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge. The Prosecution Counsel, Stanley Nwafoaku, told the court that on May 26, at about 9:05 a.m., Ms Bolaji Olufumi, of Prosper Road Area 3, Abuja, reported the matter at Life Camp Police Station. READ ALSO: 28-Year-Old Man Arrested For Raping Lady, Stealing Her Phones, Jewelry, $10 000 In Lagos Nwafoaku said that on May 20, the defendant invited the complainant to his residence, located at EFAB Estate, and after having carnal knowledge of her, took her purse containing N92,300. He said that all efforts by Olufumi to recover the purse and her money from the defendant proved abortive. Nwafoaku said the offence contravened the provisions of Sections 288 of the Penal Code Law. The Defence Counsel, Charity Nwosu, made an oral bail application, citing Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Section 158 of Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015. Nwosu assured the court that the defendant would not jump bail, if granted. Nwafoaku, however, did not object to the bail application made by the defence counsel. The Judge, Muhammed Wakili, admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N100,000 and one surety in like sum. Wakili said that the surety must provide a Bank Verification Number (BVN) print out, recent passport photograph and a valid identification card, which must be verified by the court registrar. The judge, thereafter, adjourned the case till June 15 for hearing. Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde has disclosed why himself, former governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike and former governor of Delta State, James Ibori met with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday. Information Nigeria reports that Makinde and Wike are key members of the Integrity Group (G-5), a group floated at the height of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) crisis in the buildup to the 2023 elections. The duo were also instrumental to the victory of President Tinubu in the February 25, 2023 election. According to Makinde, the purpose of their visit was to show support for the current administration. READ ALSO: Minimum Wage Needs Review Tinubu To Progressive Governors When queried on reason they were in the Villa, Makinde said: To let him know that he has started well and he has the support of the generality of the people. Speaking on if they discussed the subsidy issue, he said: Yes, we discussed it. Its something that is on top of public discuss right now. We know its a tough decision for the people and he needs the support of everybody to see this through. On his part, Wike, addressing the subsidy removal said Theres no big deal about it, the governor of Oyo has told you what we came to do; to give him support. We are supporting all the decisions hes taking, it shows that hes prepared for the job and theres nothing bad about that. It requires tough decisions for a country to move forward. . Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State, has frowned at the stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in the State for disregarding his directives on political appointments. Fintiri, chiding them, insisted that he would not accept any mechanically fabricated list for political appointments. He alleged the the Party stakeholders disregarded his earlier directives to present their best eleven for political appointment through proper consultations with their constituents. READ ALSO: Adamawa Poll: Fintiri Receives Certificate Of Return In Abuja The PDP Governor in a post via Twitter on Saturday, said he would ensure everybody is carried along for a proper representation. The governor maintained that any list that did not meet the criteria or instructions he previously laid down would be rejected. I will not accept any mechanically fabricated list from @OfficialPDPNig stakeholders in Adamawa, who disregarded my earlier directives to present their best 11 for political appointment through proper consultations with their constituents. It is essential to ensure that everybody is carried along for a proper representation. Any list that does not meet the criteria or instructions I previously laid down will be rejected, the Governor tweeted. A graduate of Benue State University, David Nyor, has finally completed his mission for trekking from Makurdi to Abuja to celebrate President Bola Tinubu victory. It was gathered that the 30 years old graduate trekked from Makurdi for four days, arrived at the national headquarters of All Progressives Congress (APC) on Friday. Dressed in a white T-Shirt on black joggers and a black fez cap, the coordinator of Benue Youth Volunteers, who looked unkempt, made his way to the near-empty party secretariat at about 2.30 pm to announce his arrival. INFORMATION NIGERIA gathered that the young man revealed that trekking on the highway of Makurdi to Abuja was not something he can recommend to anybody. He said, I thought it was going to be easy but when I started my legs were paining me. That was when I knew that trekking that far is not easy but because of the promise I made to the people, I kept on trekking. The Niger State Police Command has arrested an online businesswoman, Akinnowonu Damilola Victoria, for allegedly defrauding over one hundred people of N150m.she Spokesperson of the command, DSP Wasiu Abiodun, who disclosed this in a statement on Friday, June 2, 2023, said the suspect deceived her victims that her goods were seized by the Customs after they made orders. A case of cheating, criminal breach of trust and internet-related offenses was referred to the Command from Magistrate Court Minna on 22/05/2023 involving one Akinnowonu Damilola Victoria aged 23yrs of Kolawole Street Tunga, Minna, the statement read. READ ALSO: Popular Tiktok Musician, ShalliPopi, Others Arrested Over Internet Fraud Immediately the case was referred, Police operatives attached to SCID swung into action and the suspect was arrested with the help of the family and during interrogation, she claimed to have been operating an online business for about a year ago, via a link she discovered on Facebook, by showcasing items such as female clothes, bags, shoes, phones, laptops and other electronic gadgets. She said that through this act, she was able to gather many customers online who usually place orders for such items. She asserted further that due to her customers complaints about price, she took some orders at a low rate and sometimes used the proceed to supply other customers. Consequently, piling up orders she could not meet up for other transactions. Preliminary investigation revealed that she deceived her victims that her goods were seized by the Customs. She also rented two warehouses located in Tunga/Kpakungu areas of Minna with over two million naira, which she used to deepen her fraud escapades. She confessed that by her rough estimates, she is owing over one hundred customers to the tune of about one hundred and fifty million naira. Presently about 72 victims have so far surfaced at SCID Minna giving the Police, the statements of their ordeal with the suspect. The case is under investigation, as the suspect is undergoing interrogation at SCID Minna, and she will be arraigned before the court for prosecution as soon as investigation is concluded. The former National Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party, Abayomi Arabambi, has asked the partys presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to stop his mission to overturn the outcome of the February 25 presidential election at the Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal. Arabambi, a member of the Lamidi Apapa-led faction, noted that Peter Obi is wasting the courts time. The factional spokesperson who made this known in an address to pressmen on Friday, said the call became necessary following the event that happened in the Tribunal on Thursday, where the court stepped down hearing the petition filed by Obi and the Labour Party against the election of President Bola Tinubu. He stated: We have followed with keen interest the shameful developments and approach by the so-called legal team assembled by Peter Obi challenging the outcome of the February 25 presidential election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and we have, like many Nigerians, come to the conclusion that Obi is not only taking Nigerians for a ride but would continue to waste the hard-earned resources donated by Nigerians for this purpose to even enrich himself the more. Obi attempt to cage the sense of thinking of Nigerians by trickily obtaining money from them to fund the court process, making them believe that there is something for him at the end of the day must stop now. All of you here who have been following this case can recall that the day we had an altercation in court with Abures group, INEC announced that Peter Obi could not pay for CTC form EC08 and other documents for the election. That now compelled them to only present only thirty percent of the materials they would need for the hearing at the Election Petition Tribunal. How would any right-thinking person go to an election tribunal with only thirty percent of your documents where not of all them would be accepted or agreed to be tendered by other political parties? READ MORE: 2023: Peter Obi Meets Leadership Of The Nigeria Labour Congress Three days ago, they said two of their counsels were sick, and yesterday they could not even file a single process with the array of SAN with Obi. This is what we have been saying that they are just trying to hoodwink the public, deceiving the Obidients and giving them false hope that they have something at the tribunal. Its evident from the attitude displayed by them when they wrote a letter to INEC that Obi could not pay N1.5 million. Who are they deceiving? Counsels were sick? Just two out of how many of them, and they stalled a court process when time is already against our party. Yesterday, the court had to give them a stand down of ten minutes to file their process. They came back, and they could not do anything. You heard what the court told them. They are wasting the time of the court, and they are not serious. He added: Thats why we have consistently maintained that Obi is not serious. He came into the party with nothing. He didnt fund the election, he didnt fund the party, and he didnt do anything for the party. He only came to mess up the entire process and to deceive Nigerians that he has something to offer to them. Labour Party is thereby calling on him to step down his selfish ambition and stop messing up the party if he has nothing serious to present to the tribunal. We cannot reverse that position because it was not our candidate that won the presidential election. Whatever we have agreed on during our campaign, and as a party that promotes peace, equity, and justice in Nigeria, then we cant be found approbating and reprobating at the same time. Our Position is that, once Obi said he would remove fuel subsidy from his first day in office, the same organized labour who stood on that position must not be seen working in cross purpose on the same thing that Tinubu, Atiku, and even Obi said they were going to do. Obi said Subsidy was an organized crime that must be stopped. NLC cant call for any strike. If they do, it is obvious that they are just being mischievous for a reason best known to them or maybe they have something against the President that they should come out open to tell Nigerians. That is our position as Labour Party. Reno Omokri, a former presidential assistant and socio-political analyst has responded to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) announcement of an impending strike. Recall that NLC had on Friday announced that a nationwide strike would begin from Wednesday next week. The union disclosed the development during its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in the Federal Capital territory, Abuja. Reacting to the situation via his Twitter account, Omokri called on the NLC to be objective. READ MORE: No Nigerian President Will Provide You With 24hrs Electricity Reno Omokri Omokri said, The Nigerian Labour Congress should be objective. Their support for Peter Obi during the #NigerianElections2023 and the power struggle in the Labour Party between Julius Abure and Lamidi Apapa may have seriously eroded their political neutrality. And after being partisan during the election, their call for strike action over the patriotic removal of fuel subsidy may be seen by some Nigerians as a pro-Peter Obi stance. As such, I call on the NLC to reconsider their decision to call a national strike. It is too early in the day. Nigeria is still in transition. Such an action might play into the hands of those saying democracy is dead in Nigeria and put democracy in danger. The dismissed chairman of the disciplinary committee of the Park Management System (PMS), in Oyo State, Alhaji Mukaila Lamidi, better known as Auxiliary has said the police cannot declare him wanted. Recall that INFORMATION NIGERIA earlier reported that the Oyo State Police Command declared Auxiliary wanted during a press briefing on Friday. This decision comes in the wake of a second raid on Lamidis hotel where the police discovered additional dangerous weapons on Thursday. READ MORE: Police Declares Oyo Transport Leader, Auxiliary Wanted Auxilliary made this known in a phone conversation with Fresh FM Ace broadcaster, Isaac Mayor brown on the programme tagged Political circuit, PMS Review, Mukaila added that he is committed to peace, he said he would abide by whatever decision the governor takes on transport unions. When Im not a fool, how could I have hidden or stockpiled those weapons at my residence? he questioned. Auxiliary also promised to abide by whatever decision Governor Seyi Makinde takes on transport unions in the state, describing himself as a peace-loving individual. He went ahead to caution his followers and supporters against fomenting trouble or engaging in any act of violence in Ibadan and other parts of the state, saying he doesnt approve of any act of violence. Speaking about Governor Makinde and his ally, Otunba Seye Famojuro, Auxiliary spoke highly of both men, declaring them as his benefactors. According to him, no person, no matter how highly influential he or she is, is bigger than the government. Auxiliary further promised to comply and cooperate with the reform and integration of other driver unions into the PMS, stating that if the new reform doesnt favour him, he is ready to accept the outcome. Philly playwright Juliette Dunn needed to make a change. Her4-year-old son Colin, a nonspeaking kid with autism, was in a specialized behavioral program to help him communicate with others. The invasive lessons emphasized fitting autistic people into a neurotypical world, Dunn said, and she saw it wasnt working for him. She enrolled him in a Son-Rise program, which encourages parents to try joining, by acting out autistic behaviors with their child. Its beyond just acceptance; its building this bond of friendship, said Dunn. She also immediately recognized how the therapy was like a character study in theater and saw the connections to the improv mantra, Yes, and. That experience led Dunn to create more theater opportunities for and about autistic communities in the region. Working with Theatre Horizon, she created a pilot program for acting classes that grew into the robust Autism Drama Program. Her decade-long project, The Puzzle, just had its world premiere at the Hedgerow Theatre in Rose Valley. Advertisement The play follows Quinton and Finneas, two bowler-wearing clowns played by professional clown David Shiner and Broadway actor Daniel Passer, who meet The Boy, played by Michael Stahler, a Philadelphia actor who is autistic. All three outcasts live in an abandoned lot, where the centerpiece is a table with a precious puzzle the clowns are close to finishing. Theres something really pure about the clown and theres something really pure about autistic individuals who are nonspeaking, said Dunn. Theyre both very direct, theres no pretense, no manipulation. Its just This is who I am, and its unfiltered. The puzzle has been a symbol representing autism through the organization Autism Speaks, though it has a controversial history, which the theater acknowledges with explanatory signs in the lobby. Advocates say the puzzle imagery frames autism as a problem to be fixed, which stigmatizes people with autism. Dunn uses it as a plot device: The Boy hides the final few pieces of a puzzle that the clowns have nearly completed. So they have to talk, in whatever ways they can, to The Boy to get those pieces back. The Boy brings together the clowns who bicker like an old couple. The clowns, in turn, realize that they have to change their approach to speaking with The Boy. In one moment, when The Boy shouts in distress and curls up in the fetal position on the floor, Finneas gets down and does the same. They play what is it, where they name the objects around them, and all three bond over quoting and acting out popular movie lines. The clowns are joining, meeting The Boy where he is and finding new ways to interact. When the characters play Scrabble and talk about the stars, The Boy shares his excellent vocabulary and encyclopedic knowledge of astronomy. He spells out that hes happy to play games with friends. Spelling to communicate is a tool that Dunn has used with her son. When Dunn started writing The Puzzle, Colin was 12 and had begun typing for the first time. Its a lonely life, he wrote, explaining that people assumed he was intellectually disabled because he couldnt talk to them easily. Dunn says its common for people to underestimate the intelligence of nonspeaking folks with autism, because some think that just because they cant speak, they dont have anything to say. In the more challenging parts of the play, Quinton shouts with frustration because he cant get The Boy to answer him. Im sort of working out my own mistakes with these characters, you know, the things that Ive done Ive underestimated my own son at times, Dunn said. She hopes The Puzzle will expose the interior world of autistic people who are nonspeaking. Colin, now 22, attended a relaxed performance recently and typed his review to Dunn. He said it was a nice show and it was funny, Dunn said. I [asked] Do you want your friends to come see it? and he said no. The Puzzle runs at the Hedgerow Theatre, 64 Rose Valley Rd., Media, Pa. through June 4. A filmed performance will be available to stream June 16-18 on the League of Live Stream Theater website. Joseph LaForte (left) and his wife, Lisa McElhone. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission is trying to collect a $197 million federal court judgment it won from them. Read more Joseph LaForte, the founder of a Philadelphia cash advance company that raised a half-billion dollars from hundreds of investors before the government called it a fraud, says he isnt asking federal authorities to return his $6 million private jet to him, or the millions in stocks they also seized 2 years ago. Instead, he and his wife, Lisa McElhone, maintain that they just want the Cessna 680 and stock proceeds used for a good cause: to help repay losses investors suffered in their former firm, Par Funding, a lender to businesses too risky to borrow from traditional banks. But the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission is skeptical of the Haverford couples purported motives as it tries to collect a $197 million federal court judgment it won from them. Now, a court dispute over those assets has revealed new information about a long-running criminal investigation federal prosecutors have been pursuing against LaForte, McElhone and others for years. In a Dec. 23 court filing, LaForte and McElhone urged a federal judge in Philadelphia to compel U.S. Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero to turn over the assets to a court-appointed receiver charged with overseeing repayments to investors, or to hold her in contempt of court for willful refusal to do so. Advertisement Their lawyers included a recent email exchange between them and Matthew T. Newcomer, an assistant U.S. attorney, about those assets that detailed for the first time the potential charges and a possible timeline for an impending indictment. In the message, Newcomer references possible felony charges of securities fraud, tax evasion and collection of unlawful debts the most serious of which is punishable by as long as 25 years in prison. The prosecutor also suggested a short agreement between the parties to pause the statute of limitations for those crimes while their negotiations over the assets continue, suggesting that any indictment could come within months. But the exchange makes clear that both sides still disagree on what to do with those assets in the meantime. And each is now accusing the other of using the plane and stock portfolio, which LaFortes lawyers value at $18 million, as a negotiating tactic in the looming criminal case. In their motion, LaFortes lawyers suggest the government is using the seized items as leverage to force the couple to strike a potential plea deal in the criminal probe. The short answer to the question of whether well agree to transfer the seized assets to the receiver is no, Newcomer wrote in the Dec. 6 email attached to the LaFortes recent court motion. Of course, if we end up re-engaging in plea discussions, its probably worth revisiting. For its part, the SEC, in a notice to the court filed the same day as LaForte and McElhones petition, called the move the latest example of their outrageous conduct in this case, their relentless interference with the receivership, and their inability to tell the whole truth. In suggesting that Philadelphias U.S. Attorney should be held in contempt, LaForte and McElhone are improperly seeking to use this court to interfere with a criminal investigation against them and to strip assets held by the U.S. attorney under court orders, SEC lawyer Amie Riggle Berlin wrote. She also questioned whether LaForte and McElhone are improperly attempting to use this case to apply pressure on the U.S. attorney during plea discussions, to embarrass the U.S. attorney, to pry loose information they cant get any other way or for another unidentified purpose. FBI agents seized the jet from an airport in Florida in 2020, along with $2.5 million in cash, the stocks, and millions more in company and personal assets, and IOUs from small-business borrowers in 2020 the same year the SEC accused the couple and several associates of fraud in a civil lawsuit and federal prosecutors arrested LaForte in an unrelated gun-possession case. At least some of the property was seized under sealed federal court orders arising from the criminal investigation, as well as by agents assisting the SEC. Since then, a federal judge in Miami has ordered the couple to give up $197 million including the value of property seized from them by the government to make more money available for small investors who helped finance their company. The judge said theyd failed to register the securities and lied about the risks. Investors have until March 22 to file proof of claim requests to get at least some of their money back. (Instructions have been posted online.) The receiver, Florida lawyer Ryan Stumphauzer, hasnt said how much, or when, they should expect to get paid. Hes still collecting assets from Par, its borrowers, and others, to fund those payments and dealing with claims from earlier Par investors, borrowers who say they repaid too much, and others who say they, too, are owed money by the company. The receiver left the value of the plane and the stocks off its most recent accounting of the property it has collected to pay back investors. A lawyer for the receiver declined to comment Tuesday on the latest dispute over the assets. Three civil lawyers representing LaForte and McElhone did not return requests for comment. And neither the U.S. Attorneys Office in Philadelphia nor LaFortes criminal lawyer, Brian McMonagle, were willing to discuss what the email included in LaFortes recent civil filings meant for the future of the ongoing Par Funding criminal probe. LaForte is also scheduled for trial in April on charges that he illegally kept firearms in his homes after a previous felony conviction and prison stint for separate financial frauds in the 2000s that barred him from owning guns. He has denied breaking the law. Jason Kelce and his brother, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, are bringing their popular New Heights Show podcast to a Shore town near you specifically Sea Isle City, N.J., where the Eagles center has made annual appearances as a guest bartender for charity. Kelce will be back down the Shore later this month. And this week, the Kelce Brothers upped the ante for 2023 by putting the call out to all fun-loving, beer-drinking, flip-cup-playing listeners to compete in the first-ever Beer Bowl. The Bowl will be a Beerfest-style competition which will coincide with Kelces annual charity event at The Ocean Drive on June 28. Were doing our first-ever fan competition. Its going to be the first of many. Its going to be The 2023 New Heights Beer Bowl at our charity event at The Ocean Drive in Sea Isle City, New Jersey, for the Eagles Autism Foundation, Jason said on his podcast. While you might think youre a shoo-in to win after years of practice in the Jetro lots, not everyone will be able to play (obviously). To cut down the field, the Kelces are asking potential competitors to submit application videos over the next two weeks. All you have to do to hopefully become one of the finalists of the teams to compete is enter a video stating your name, your team name, a video displaying your skills and reasons you should be in the Beer Bowl, Jason continued And then, of course, your team theme. Obviously, the more fun the theme, the better chances you have of getting in. Advertisement We want the people to get creative with this one, Travis added. READ MORE: Jason Kelce almost broke the Unions drum mallet then chugged a beer at their latest game No word yet on whether Das Boot will be involved, but according to the older Kelce brother, there will be multiple events and a big cash prize. We want the best of the best, Jason said. This is not going to be one-dimensional. Were going to be challenging all your [beer] pong skills, all of your flipping skills, all of your chugging skills. Oh, by the way, theres going to be a cash prize! Not only will the winner of The 2023 New Heights Beer Bowl get the first ever New Heights trophy (to be revealed at a later date), the one thing that is guaranteed to be handed out on the day of the event is our cash prize. Thats right, the winner of The 2023 New Heights Beer Bowl in Sea Isle City, N.J., at The Ocean Drive will be winning $50,000. Straight cash, homie, Travis assured. For more information about the Kelce Beer Bowl, check out the full segment from the most recent episode of their podcast. Most importantly, if you want to apply, send your submission video to @NewHeightShow on Twitter or by email at NewHeightShow@gmail.com. And since this is all for charity, if you want to attend the event, youll have to be one of the top 30 donors to Kelces Team62 page for the Eagles Autism Foundation by donating here. Kelce promises those donors will get VIP floor seats and post-competition access to some of the special guests, which will be pretty exciting, especially if youre an Eagles fan. Cherelle Parker got to dance at her own victory party, albeit more than two weeks late. The Democratic nominee for Philadelphia mayor gathered with about 1,000 supporters Friday night at the Pennsylvania Convention Center for a makeup soiree of sorts to celebrate her May 16 primary election win. Parker missed her own election night party because she was hospitalized for a dental emergency. Im here because Im the product of a village, Parker told the crowd, before thanking family and friends by name, including her mother, who died when she was 11. If you have a story like my story, you know youre not supposed to be standing where Im standing right now. Dozens of elected officials, political operatives, and city luminaries attended the party to celebrate Parker, who prevailed by nearly 10 points over the second-place finisher, former City Controller Rebecca Rhynhart. Three other Democrats were seen as top contenders in what turned out to be the most competitive and expensive primary campaign for mayor in recent city history. State Rep. Donna Bullock, a Democrat who represents North Philadelphia and chairs the Legislative Black Caucus, said she is inspired by Parker, a former state representative, whom she heard speak passionately in Harrisburg about the need for stronger investments in the city. Advertisement Bullock said she recalled other lawmakers asking: What is she talking about? or Why is she so loud? That voice was the voice of Black women here in Philadelphia, she said. That was Philadelphias voice ... and I told Cherelle Parker, this little girl from North Philly had her back every step of the way. READ MORE: Inside Cherelle Parkers winning campaign for Phillys Democratic mayoral primary Parker stressed that her fight to become Philadelphias 100th mayor and the first woman to ever hold the job isnt over. In November, shell face Republican David Oh, a former City Council member, in the general election. Parker is heavily favored to prevail, given that Democrats hold a voter registration advantage of more than 7-1. After we celebrate tonight, we need everybody to roll up their sleeves, get out on the street, and tell folks weve got another race to run, said State Rep. Stephen Kinsey, a Democrat who represents Northwest Philadelphia and one of the first elected officials to endorse Parker. We want to let folks show that the 100th mayor of the city of Philadelphia is going to be a Black female. Fridays celebration was in some ways reminiscent of a September event Parker hosted at a casino just two days after she resigned from City Council and declared her candidacy for mayor. At both events, Parker sported bell-bottom jeans and her signature orange shirt. And both times, she was joined onstage by leaders of the citys building trades unions. In September, their presence fueled speculation that they would support her bid. By February, the trades and their leader, Ryan Boyer, were publicly in Parkers corner and their support set off a groundswell of momentum for her campaign. She became the favorite of several other politically potent labor unions, such as those that represent carpenters and electricians, and a bevy of establishment-aligned power brokers endorsed her candidacy. READ MORE: How Cherelle Parker won the primary: Black voters, a boost from labor, and a personal story of Philly grit Speaking for about 30 minutes, Parker told the story of her campaign through the people who supported it, thanking well over 100 people by name, including family, friends, mentors, elected officials who endorsed her, labor leaders, consultants, donors, and members of her campaign team. She said her campaign took off when she was endorsed by the building trades, thanking Samuel Staten Jr. of the Laborers District Council and more than a dozen other leaders in organized labor. Her list included such names as Pat Eiding, the former head of the AFL-CIO in the city, and Steve Sweeney, the former New Jersey state Senate president and an ironworker by trade. This whole campaign was going to be carried on the shoulders of labor, Parker said. She also thanked the Democratic party, chairman Bob Brady, and dozens of ward leaders who supported her. While there were plenty of elected officials and newsmakers on her list of supporters, most of those Parker thanked were ordinary people whod helped her along the way. There were advisers from her City Council office, and friends who introduced her to donors. There was the West Philly restaurant owner who hung a Parker for mayor poster in her window. There was her young son, Langston. And after the lengthy list of names, Parker breathed deeply, then ended her remarks with a simple question. Thank you all so much, she said. Can I dance now? Cherry Hill School Superintendent Joseph N. Meloche has been tapped to become schools chief of the Rose Tree Media School District in Pennsylvania, ending his eight-year tenure as superintendent in South Jersey. Read more Departing Cherry Hill School Superintendent Joseph N. Meloche says he has only one regret about his time in the South Jersey district where he has been a fixture for 20 years not taking more days off to spend with his wife and four daughters. A heart valve replacement surgery several years ago helped change his perspective, he said. Vacation isnt something Ive been great at, he said with a smile. I enjoy the work. But the work will continue: At the end of the month, Meloche is stepping down to become schools chief of the Rose Tree Media School District in Pennsylvania, ending his eight-year tenure. Advertisement His connection to the district, though, goes back to 1977, when his family moved to the area from Detroit and he was enrolled as a kindergartner. He returned in 2003 after teaching stints in Willingboro and Maple Shade, and eventually served in Cherry Hill as assistant superintendent and principal before becoming superintendent in 2015, the first alumnus to do so. Meloche said the timing seemed right for his departure. His contract was set to expire in 2026. Ive always believed professionally that change is necessary, Meloche said in an interview last week. I think its time for change. READ MORE: Cherry Hill voters approved a $363 million school bond referendum, N.J.s largest in at least a decade Under his leadership, the district among the largest in the region became the first in the state in 2021 to mandate an African American history course for graduation. Last year, voters approved a $363 million school bond referendum, New Jerseys largest in at least a decade. He is extremely dedicated to the people of Cherry Hill and the students, said school board president Miriam Stern. He is loyal to the bone. The board plans to name an interim superintendent to replace Meloche at a special meeting Monday night, Stern said. It will also hire a national search firm to help select a permanent replacement, hopefully for the 2024-25 school year, she said. His successor will oversee the bulk of the bond referendum work, a major undertaking expected to take about five years to replace roofs and windows and make safety and security improvements. The district also plans to update its strategic plan. It weighs heavily on us. It is a big decision, Stern said. The Cherry Hill district is among the largest school systems in New Jersey with 19 schools, enrolling more than 11,000 students in the sprawling township of nearly 75,000 residents. Janet Hung, chairman of the Cherry Hill Zone PTA, said Meloche was served well by his close ties to the community and gave him high praise. He met monthly with parents, she said. I dont always agree with the decisions he makes, but I respect him, said Hung, the mother of two. I think he did a great job. Rich Short, a frequent critic who often butted heads with Meloche and the board over school security, the bond, and health issues during the pandemic, said he hopes the new superintendent engages more with parents. I hope they get to the basics of education, and stop focusing on political ideologies, said Short, a father of five. Like the community, the district landscape has changed over the years. The student population is more diverse with a growing Latinx enrollment. There are more bilingual students with 72 native languages spoken at home. In addition to the bond referendum and African American history requirement, Meloche has a long list of accomplishments. They include implementing full-day kindergarten and an expanded preschool program set to launch in September. Meloche had some missteps and critics over the years. In 2017, Cherry Hill High School East students were allowed to perform the musical Ragtime without removing several racial slurs, a controversy that brought national attention from Broadway stars, arts enthusiasts, and civic groups weighing in on whether the show should go on. READ MORE: Cherry Hill schools grapple with N-word in 'Ragtime': Will the show go on? Meloche saw it as a teachable moment. He brought Tony-winning actor Brian Stokes Mitchell, who played lead character Coalhouse Walker Jr. on Broadway, to speak with students at the school, one of two high schools in the district. The district again made national headlines in 2019 with a controversial unpaid meals policy of serving tuna sandwiches to students with delinquent accounts. It later revised that policy to allow students with overdue accounts to get a hot meal, but gave administrators discretion to bar them from attending the prom or participating in extracurricular activities. A spokeswoman said that option has not been used. Meloche said he wished the discussion had been framed differently. Other districts quietly changed similar policies, he said. The state Legislature eventually changed a mandate requiring schools to withhold meals for delinquent accounts READ MORE: Cherry Hill School Board approves changes to lunch policy tuna sandwiches are out and so is prom for students with unpaid meal fees Meloche was considered a trailblazer because of his willingness to tackle tough issues, especially around equity and access, said former Executive Camden County Superintendent of Schools Lovell Pugh-Bassett. He was named the 2021 New Jersey Association of School Administrators State Superintendent of the Year. Cherry Hill is losing a gem, said Pugh-Bassett, now president of Camden County College. He has been an amazing leader. Known for his penchant for wearing bow ties, Meloche said he took pride in getting to know the students and employees, as well as their spouses and grandchildren. Asked what kept him up at night, he said he worried about their safety. A sign in his office reads, Be who you are and be that well. Meloche begins a five-year, $245,000-a-year deal with Rose Tree, on July 1, overseeing a K-12 district of about 4,000 students and six schools in Media, Delaware County. He will still reside in Cherry Hill; his commute will go from about 3 blocks to about 30 miles. READ MORE: Cherry Hill School District becomes first in N.J. to mandate African American history course for graduation Its been an honor to serve as the superintendent of Cherry Hill, he said. Anthony Henderson-Strong was one of my best friends. We worked together for more than a decade on the Sexy Singles project but also hung out for fun. We confided about our personal lives and kept each other abreast of things in our respective worlds, which for him included Philly Pride. Anthony is the person who clued me into the drama thats taken place in recent years behind the scenes of Philly Pride. COVID-19 totally shut it down in 2020; the next year, the organization behind the festivities for nearly 30 years dissolved and canceled all of the Philly Pride events amidst complaints about insensitivity and a lack of racial diversity. Last year, the event was back, celebrating 50 years of Philly Pride. It was organized by the PHL Pride Collective, a community program of the nonprofit organization Galaei, which provides support to all queer communities and people of color. This year, Galaei is officially shepherding the annual commemoration, under the collective banner of Pride 365. The main event takes place Sunday. Advertisement Thinking about all of this has me missing Anthony. I know if he were here, hed be right in the thick of it all. So I reached out to someone who is in the thick of it all executive director of Galaei and former preschool teacher Tyrell Brown, 40. He and I spoke recently about his vision for the annual commemoration, as well as his hopes for its future. I think theres so much opportunity going forward for us to really do something really big and really expansive, he told me, noting that New York City has Pride events that take place in different boroughs. Im like, We can do that, too. This years celebration is a respite from all the nastiness going on lately. In just one instance, anti-LGBTQ activists have knocked over store displays and criticized Target for selling a tuck-friendly womens swimsuit with extra coverage in the crotch, as well as other LGBTQ-friendly merchandise. Target officials decision to cave to critics and remove certain displays is telling. And dont get me started on Florida. Pride is a rebuke to all of that. Its dispiriting that a community, our community ... is being bullied by institutions and people in halls of power, Brown told me. One of the reasons that Pride is so important is that its the antithesis of that. It is love. It is a celebration of love. Its a celebration of our community being together, uniting, and being a uniting force. Brown talked to me about all the ways Phillys Pride festival is evolving, aiming to be more inclusive every year. One new element, he explained, is Legacy Lane, which will be located on Camac Street, between Locust and St. James. Inspired by Browns dream of one day opening a local LGBTQ history museum, it will consist of a large installation to commemorate community leaders past and present, as well as grassroots folks who may never have gotten the credit they deserve. Attendees are invited to bring a photo to add to the display of someone who deserves recognition. Brown told me the project was inspired by his friend Maso Mutt, who died late last year. Maso didnt make it to 2023 with us, Brown said. Masos picture will be there. He had a huge impact on a subset of the community that may not get lifted up usually. Legacy Lane will be a place to honor so many others that will be across the spectrum of community stewardship ... [and also] even just folks that we loved and we lost. Creating space to honor those weve lost in the LGBTQ community is so important. My friend Anthony died in 2022 at age 45, leaving behind a husband and three children. His was a life well-lived, in which he developed a career as a fashion stylist for stars such as Sheryl Lee Ralph of Abbott Elementary, and became a prominent leader in Phillys fashion scene. He taught me so much over the years, including the importance of family, community, and celebrating those you love. When he adopted a little girl and learned she had never had a birthday party, Anthony organized not just one party but three days of back-to-back events for his daughter a pamper party at a beauty salon, then a kiddie party with a bounce house and cotton candy machine, and, on the last day, a catered brunch. Ive been trying to think of something I could do to help keep his incredible legacy alive maybe planting an Italian cypress tree (which he loved) in his memory. After I spoke with Brown, it occurred to me that he would be a great candidate for Legacy Lane. I emailed Brown a copy of his obituary. Im crossing my fingers that he gets included. If not, I may walk through on Sunday and pin Anthonys photo up myself. Cooking over an open flame is having a moment. From Michelin-starred restaurants like Baltimores Dede to food trucks like Glengarriffs Fire and Feast, foodies cant get enough of grub that has been treated with a lick of a flame and low and slow smoke. Festivals like The Big Grill, taking place in Dublin at the end of August, hammer home how much us Irish love a good barbecue. And yet, if youre of a certain vintage, you might wonder why. My memories of barbecues growing up are of my mother forlornly tossing around some still-raw sausages as the sun dimmed and the rain started to pelt. This story is one that Pat Conway and Jim OBrien are determined to change. Irelands most revered pitmasters, the duo construct their own barbecues and smokers and offer courses in nose-to-tail barbecuing and smoking from their base in Cloonagh, Co Wexford. Their business began in 2016 and since then, they have become the go-to experts for restaurants who are wishing to expand into open-fire cooking both here in Ireland and across Europe. Growing up in the same townland on family farms, serendipity brought the duo back together after a 20-year gap in 2013. Having spent a number of years travelling the world, the men discovered a mutual passion for cooking over flame and decided to start a food trading business, selling locally sourced food cooked over an open flame. The business grew and grew, with brand partnerships with businesses like Tesco, and eventually blossomed into courses and bespoke barbecues and smokers. Today, they work as much consulting restaurants like Hang Dai in Dublin, traders like Nua Asador in Cork, and Tango Food in Killarney, as they do in the domestic market. The journey has not been without bumps, of course. GRILLS AND SMOKERS Covid-19 put a stop to their trade and caused them to flip their offering towards the manufacturing arm of their business which has grown exponentially since. Today, they offer a range of six grills and smokers to the domestic market, each coming with a lifetime manufacturing guarantee. Jims carpentry background comes into play when it comes to the creation of these barbecues. If somethings not right, we do it again, its as simple as that, he says. We like to say that you buy these barbecues to give them to your children when theyre adults. If you get one of our products, youll have it for your whole life, and thats our commitment to our customers. And so to the cooking itself. The guys run weekend courses where would-be pitmasters will cook over open fires, Santa Maria grills, and barbecues. Guests get to watch and taste an entire lamb al asador, cooked all day over a low-flame fire. From sausages to burgers and breaking down a full chicken to make the most of its meat, Pat and Jim are determined to leave their students with a knowledge that reaches beyond the traditional barbecue. Conway says that far and away the biggest mistake we make when barbecuing is where we cook it on the grill. Nearly all meats can be cooked offset. This means we are cooking away from the direct heat. Why do we want to do this? By cooking offset we can ensure that we dont burn the meat, and stop our protein from drying out. Smokin' Soul BBQ at Cloonagh, Gusserane, Co. Wexford. Pictured are owners Pat Conway and Jim O'Brien. Photograph: Patrick Browne THE RIGHT KIT Having the right kit goes beyond your grill, say the men. You need the right barbecue for sure, but a few extra tools will make outdoor cooking go as seamlessly as possible. They recommend two sets of barbecue tongs, of 12 inches in length. This keeps you safe from the direct heat of the fire and should not cost more than 16, says Pat. It also helps to have pokers, steel buckets, and shovels. All of which you may already have at home. A meat probe is essential, say the pitmasters. It reads the core temp instantly and is brilliant for all your cooking inside and outside to achieve the best from your product each and every time. Remember, all poultry and pork needs to reach a 75C core temperature. The question of timber or charcoal is interchangeable when it comes to cooking over flame, and both result in flavourful results, they say. When it comes to wood, we should look for air-dried timber, which Conway says is far superior to kiln-dried. Air-dried timber results in a fire that delivers more equal temperature over a long period of time, and will add more flavour to the end dish, he says. When it comes to charcoal, it is essential to look for the best quality available. Use hardwood charcoal that comes from warmer climes. The likes of she-oak is brilliant. The lighter hardwoods like alder and birch can burn very hot and very fast which can lead to a very poor economy over a long burn. Above all, the men behind Smokin Soul want us to understand that like everything, choosing quality products and produce will result in the best barbecue. Choose locally reared meat and vegetables, and reap the benefits on your table. Invest in a barbecue that you will have your entire lifetime, rather than one you will throw away in two years time. In many ways, Pat Conway and Jim OBrien are encouraging a movement back to our cooking roots, harnessing the flames which have fed us for generations, and cooking the food that is grown and reared on Irish soil. They are showing us that we dont need to look to the smokemasters of America to learn about barbecuing, the knowledge is right here, nestled in Irelands sunny southeast. Smokin' Soul's Not-the-Normal Chicken Wings This recipe is a complete break from mainstream hot/spicy BBQ wings. Servings 10 Preparation Time 14 mins Cooking Time 45 mins Total Time 59 mins Course Main Cuisine American Ingredients 250g Parmesan 2 tsp chilli flake 1 cup flat-leaf Parsley 75g butter cup honey 1kg chicken wings Method Take your chicken wings and cook offset on your barbecue at 180C until the core temperature reaches 85C, at this point the meat is getting ready to come away from the bone. This could take 45 mins. The wings are not seasoned or marinated in any fashion at this point. You can take the wings and sear over the flames should you wish. Having reached the desired temperature, begin to put the wings into a large bowl with the rest of the ingredients except the butter and honey. As the wings are added to the mix, keep stirring the contents of the bowl. Make sure that each new batch of wings that are added gets coated evenly. Keep repeating the processes until all the wings are in the bowl and there is no ingredient left at the bottom of the bowl. Add the butter and honey and make sure all the wings are equally covered, serve immediately. Smokin' Soul's Porkchop and Pineapple Salsa Pork chops are one of the real joys of this world if you manage to get them from the right source. They easily rival any steak when the quality is good. Servings 4 Cooking Time 10 mins Total Time 10 mins Course Main Cuisine American Ingredients 4 pork chops Salt Pineapple salsa 1 pineapple (4 -inch thick pineapple slices) cup red onion cup coriander cup jalapeno cup shallot cup lime juice 2 tsp green chilli sauce (Chop ingredients to your liking and mix well, ideally leave to rest and let flavours marinate for 12 hours, this will hold very well in a fridge for 48 hours.) Method Have your grill ready with a nice bed of charcoal embers and add the timber. The timber must be flaming nicely and beginning to create embers of its own before you begin. Salt the pork chops and put them on the grill, turn the chops as often as you see fit. Bring to a core temperature of 60C, but only do so if you know the origin and the freshness of the meat. At this core temperature, it will not be pink or bloody and you will get the best from the meat. Smokin' Soul's BBQ Sauce One of the most divisive recipes in Smokin Soul history. Jim and I spent years playing with different versions and variants of BBQ sauce - this is our everyday sauce, but try make this weeks in advance, it is so much better once matured. Course Side Cuisine American Ingredients 5kg ketchup (average quality will do, dont use very vinegar-heavy ketchup) 4 cups brown sugar 1 cup Worcester sauce 1/3 cup of American mustard 2 cups apple juice 1/3 cup garlic powder 1 cup apple cider vinegar 1 tbsp of cayenne 1 tbsp of salt 2 tbsp cracked black pepper 1 tbsp paprika tbsp cumin tbsp coriander Method In a large pot mix all ingredients together. Bring to a simmer very slowly (the slower the better). Keep the contents of the pot stirred regularly as the sugar will try to sink to the bottom and will burn to the base of the pot and ruin the sauce. Cool and decant to containers of your choice, and refrigerate. Due to the preservatives in the ketchup, the sauce will keep indefinitely once refrigerated. Do allow the sauce time to come together, hence making a big match means the sauce gets a chance to mature and becomes better over time. On return trips to Ireland, I sometimes find myself a tourist in my own country. Everyone does, I suppose, since the first things you encounter in Irish airports are those baubles aimed at new visitors; baby onesies imploring nearby adults to kiss me, Im Irish; non-standard Irish sports jerseys, designed with a lawyer present so as to avoid potential licensing infringements; and the various fridge magnets, tea towels, and wall hangings that blare all those phrases we use every day, like its a great day to be Irish or that one prayerful poem that begins may the road rise to meet you. Ive always been fascinated by that latter work, and found myself examining it quite closely on our arrival in Dublin this week, while waiting for my wife to gather the Newgrange snowglobes and miniature Irish flags we were making for dinner that night. May the road rise to meet you it goes, may the wind be always at your back, may the sun shine warm upon on your face, and the rain fall soft upon your fields. Its a charming message, hailing back to the days when Irish peoples lives were more in communion with the elements. There are an additional two lines, which evoke a desire that God hold you in his hand but, looking around the airport, I find they are often omitted, perhaps to encompass the preferences of visitors of all faiths and none. The line about rain on fields remains, despite the fact that its predictions about the agrarian holdings of a visitor from Seoul or Mexico City might be considered presumptuous. Its not a piece of literature Ive thought much about which is strange since, like all Irish people, I recite it in full to every person I meet but the gap between landing at, and exiting, Dublin Airport lasts about a fortnight so I have time to consider it now. THE PHYSICS OF RISING ROADS The opening line puzzles me the most. Its tone implies convenience; namely that the road, in rising to meet you, will save you the effort of walking in some way were expected to find straightforwardly helpful. How this works in practical terms is unexplained. In what way, exactly, will the road rise, and to what benefit? A rising road could, after all, more easily describe a nightmarish death trek along an ever-inclining horizon. Perhaps, in rising to meet you, they mean that any vertiginous downhill stretch of road will magically lift, rendering itself passably flat, although this seems to imply that downhill walking is more onerous than its uphill equivalent, which I do not accept. If you take the time to really puzzle it out and, as previously stated, I was still some days away from leaving the terminal the only other hypothesis is equally disturbing; that their most ardent prayer for any dear friend is that the road will rise up, and down in concert with their every step, saving some fraction of the hassle of lifting and lowering their legs as they walk. Even a cursory examination of this presents questions. Surely your legs would suffer horribly having their every step immediately intercepted by the ground, as if walking on a sea of artificially intelligent sand. Maybe it would be like those travelators in that very airport, which balance perambulatory convenience with the horror of reading a grisly pictorial washing line of T-shirts blaring Irish phrases and barely-comprehensible jokes. Aphorisms like Im Irish, whats your superpower? and life is too short for matching socks, that turn your days-long commute to the baggage area into an eternal, baffling conveyor belt of deeply inscrutable cringe. But it is the second part of that poem thats occupied my thoughts this week in which the sun shone very much upon my face, and I enjoyed it a bit too much. I am, frankly, a pale man. I break out in freckles if I switch on a Kindle in a darkened room, so I am not a sun worshipper by nature. To be honest, I regard our nearest star with the frosty ambivalence of a colleague who shares Jordan Peterson videos in the work Whatsapp group. It shows up on time and does its job, sure, but we are not friends. A BURNED MAN I dont trust the sun. Consider the weirdness of an object that is 93 million miles away, responsible for all life on Earth, and visible in the sky for a large part of every day, but must not be looked at. Consider, moreover, how strange it is that we dont constantly talk about how strange that is. We are informed, just once in childhood, that we must not look at the blinding, malevolent death orb that hovers just outside our field of vision our entire lives and, barring the odd eclipse, this is never spoken of again. Which makes it all the more embarrassing that I forgot this well-earned distrust. I speak to you now as a burned man. Thankfully, my face, neck, arms and legs were plastered with a thin milkshake of Factor 500, applied with sufficient thickness to choke a horse. But then, in some fit of jubilation, I forgot the lessons of 37 years and took off my shirt exposing my back, my poor unprotected, marble-white back, to our distant antagonist for a little under 25 minutes. Perhaps I was seized by airport poetry, perhaps I felt every inch the tourist my absence from Ireland has made me these past 10 years but, whatever the case, I have been paying for it ever since. As I write these words days later, my shoulders and spine are consumed with pain, an itching, spiking, soon-to-be-peeling agony. I only ask that my dear friends turn to their nearest tea towel or novelty plate, and pray with those words we all know so well, for a cool, refreshing wind, that may be always at my back. A man has appeared in court in connection with numerous offences including the possession of a pistol-type weapon or imitation firearm with intent to cause fear or violence, after a video circulated on social media appearing to show a taxi driver threatening a passenger with a gun. Brian Stalford, 48, of Park Avenue, Belfast, was charged with having in his possession a pistol-type weapon with intent by means thereof to cause or enable some other person by means thereof to believe that unlawful violence would be used contrary to Article 17A of the Firearms (Northern Ireland) Order 1981 on March 26. He was also charged with unlawful assault and a threat to kill on the same date. In addition, Stalford was charged with possession of cocaine on June 1. Appearing via videolink to Laganside Magistrates Court in Belfast, Stalford spoke only to confirm he understood the charges against him. Detective Constable Campbell with the paramilitary crime taskforce told the court he could connect Stalford with the charges. He said Stalford was arrested on suspicion of numerous offences, including possession of a firearm or imitation firearm with intent to cause fear or violence. Upon arrest, Stalford was found to be in possession of a pouch containing powder and was charged with possession of a Class-A controlled substance. Mr Campbell said: This follows the widely-circulated dashcam footage which shows a male who was a Fonacab driver threatening a front-seat passenger with a handgun. The gun is pointed directly at the front-seat passenger and a threat is made: You are lucky Im not taking your effing knees out now. A number of malicious threats are made to a passenger in which he was told if the conversation in the car gets out: Ill be taking your head off. Mr Campbell said Stalford hit the passenger in the jaw with the muzzle of the weapon. And then was instructing him to work his debt off, police would say that is a drugs-related debt and this is a drugs-related matter. Mr Campbell said his role with the paramilitary taskforce is to investigate the activities of the East Belfast UVF. He said the polices position is that Stalford is an enforcer for the East Belfast UVF but there was nothing to say he was a member. He said the offending took place in an area controlled by the East Belfast UVF. The other alternative is hes doing it of his own volition and operating in the patch of an organised crime gang as a rogue. There is no charge against Stalford for any paramilitary-related offences. The firearm in the video has not been recovered by police. Mr Campbell said he believed the firearm is long gone as the video was circulating for 24 hours before the arrest. He said police had spoken to the two passengers shown in the video but they have not made complaints. The threats are being taken very seriously and understandably the two passengers are not willing to co-operate with police in making formal complaints. Mr Campbell said Stalford had accepted the footage was from his dashcam and that his briefing of the police interview was that the defendant said the video was done in jest. Stalfords defence solicitor Mark Austin said there had been no statement of complaints made. Mr Austin said Stalford was very clear in police interview that the gun was not a firearm and was instead a toy. He added that Stalford did not know where the alleged firearm was but believed one of the passengers had. He said Stalford had no intention to cause fear, intimidation or fear of violence. Mr Austin said everybody in the video knows each other and had consented to what was occurring. Mr Campbell said the two passengers had not offered a statement to confirm the circumstances behind the video. He described them as understandably frightened individuals. Mr Austin said there was a massive lack of evidence and cautioned this was going down a road of reversing the burden. He asked if police searches of the passengers houses had occurred, to which Mr Campbell said the victims houses would not have been searched. Mr Austin said Stalford did not have cocaine and the pouch containing powder needed further testing to determine it had not been contaminated. Applying for bail, Mr Austin said Stalford had no relevant convictions and the last time he was before a court was for no TV licence in 2014. The court is being asked to buy into some sort of social-media frenzy here. He said social media is littered with idiotic videos like the one in question. He added that Stalfords wife was in the court and riddled with embarrassment. He said Stalford, who had been employed as a taxi driver, was not at risk of reoffending or absconding. Police objected to the application for bail over concerns of interfering with justice, a risk of reoffending and a risk of flight. Mr Campbell said Stalford had made off from police in an incident days before the arrest. He added that Stalford had also previously interfered with justice by destroying evidence. Mr Campbell said the video was not TikTok foolery and was the enforcement of a drug debt. The bail application was refused over the risks of reoffending and interfering with the investigation. Stalford will next appear before court via videolink on the matter on June 30. Lets get it over with: Is there anything to be said for another Mass? In light of the latest data from Census 2022 regarding religion, maybe the real question is whether there is anything to be said for more Mass-goers. The total number of Roman Catholics in Ireland fell by 180,783 between 2016 and 2022, meaning some 3.5m people still identified as Catholic on their Census forms. Alongside this, the figure for people with no religion increased by 284,269, to 736,210. With the number of people who are Church of Ireland remaining static at almost 125,000, there has been a rise in the number of people of other faiths and more general indications of an urban/rural divide. In Dublin City, 53% said they were Catholic versus 80% in Mayo, while almost a quarter of those living in Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown said they had no religion, compared with just 7% in Monaghan. In one sense, the latest Census data simply follows a pattern that has emerged over recent decades. Roman Catholics accounted for 69% of the population in Census 2022, down from 78.3% in 2016 and from 84.2% in 2011. In 1961, the comparable figure stood at 94.9%. Running parallel with the fall in those who proclaim a religious faith has been a drop in ordinations, leaving the Catholic Church, in particular, with questions over how best to marshal its resources. In its most recent Diocesan Mass Survey, published this month, the situation in the Diocese of Raphoe was laid out in unsparing detail. The figures (available for every parish at Raphoe.ie) are much lower than they were in the past, it said. The diocese has 33 parishes and 71 churches which are served by 48 active priests with 122 weekend Masses throughout the diocese and 236 weekday Masses. That does not include funerals and weddings. While three priests are in their 30s, three others are in their 80s, the remainder in between. This current age profile tells us that a further shortage is coming and changes are coming sooner for some parishes, it said. In five years time, the best-case scenario without any sudden departures, is that there will be 11 less active priests which will be countered by only one ordination. So that will leave 38 active priests to cover 33 parishes and 71 churches. In 10 years time, should the current trend continue, there will be more parishes than priests. General absence The reshaping of parishes has been ongoing over recent years. In the rural diocese of Killala, for example, three priests have the pastoral care of six parishes, namely two parishes each. According to Bishop John Fleming, there are eight priests over the age of 70 years in the diocese and nine over the age of 60. There is one serving priest aged under 40. The sense from the bishop is that the work goes on. The Synodal Pathway inspired by Pope Francis is being actively pursued in the diocese, with each parish having a parish pastoral council etc, he said. In Cork and Ross the process of reorganising the diocese into families of parishes is almost done, according to Fr Tom Hayes. The restructuring process began last summer, pulling parishes across West Cork into 16 distinct areas. The distances involved are not inconsiderable, with Schull and Bantry in one area. In his pastoral letter heralding the restructuring last August, the Bishop of Cork and Ross, Fintan Gavin, said: A system that served well in the past is crumbling. In the past, the local community was also the faith community where going to Mass was the place where you met everyone, young and old. Many parents and grandparents now express sadness that their own children no longer practise their faith or seem interested in Church matters. The bishop touched on another issue: That of families marking significant milestones First Communion, in particular only to remain generally absent at other times. While it is wonderful to see large numbers coming forward for First Communion and Confirmation, it is disheartening that so few actually participate in the local faith community even the day after such important events where priests, teachers, and parishes have invested so much energy, he said. Bishop Fintan Gavin said families mark milestones such as First Communion but are generally absent. Picture: Denis Minihane The bishop also referred to the ageing profile of priests and the challenges ahead, stating our parish faith communities cannot stand still. He concluded: Change is inevitable. Achonry Diocese had its last ordination 10 years ago. In contrast, in the Diocese of Derry, there are there are three scheduled ordinations for new priests this year. That diocese which has 40 parishes in the North and 11 in the Republic also has four priests from other countries temporarily exercising ministry. One is from Belarus and acts as a chaplain to the Polish-speaking community in the diocese; three are from India, and are Syro-Malabar Church priests, of whom one is chaplain to the Syro-Malabar Church community within the territory of the Diocese of Derry, and two are temporary chaplains. Maybe the priests and clergy from overseas will help sustain parishes in future in much the same way that nurses and doctors from overseas help prop up the health system? Surprise at 3.5m figure For Fr Paddy Byrne, parish priest in Abbeyleix, Co Laois, the parishioners and practitioners from elsewhere are a vital component in our religious life. A prolific tweeter, he does not always conform to the traditional view, referring to pop culture icons such as Tina Turner and Lemmy from Motorhead, as well as making more pointed observations, such as the time he tweeted about why it was acceptable for him to bless a tractor, but not give a blessing to a same-sex couple. Moreover, he views the latest Census data as something to hold onto. I dont experience it as a dead and dysfunctional Church, Fr Byrne says. In fact, he remarks that he was shocked that so many people had ticked the Roman Catholic box, seeing it as encouraging that 3.5m people would do so after everything the Church has been through. Just because people are not sitting in pews to the same extent, how do we measure peoples faith? Fr Byrne asks. Fr Paddy Byrne has a strong presence on Twitter. Picture: Dylan Vaughan He sees the idea that Mass attendance is the only gauge of the health of the church as erroneous, a pre-occupation. He sees the pontificate of Pope Francis as one of the bright stars, of how it has reorientated the Church away from one with too much emphasis on role and order and not enough focus on the idea of service and the message of Jesus Christ. He sees people like Fr Peter McVerry as being hands on when it comes to addressing real issues faced by vulnerable people, adding that when it comes to a religious sense of mission, where people are gathered is essentially at the crossroads and the periphery. We have spent too much time in Ireland listening to the smaller number of people who are extremely faithful to the traditional model of the church and yet not as keen in engaging in the refugee crisis and with climate change, Fr Byrne says. What sustains me in priesthood is friendship with the Lord Jesus Christ and that comes before any evangelisation. Bishop William Crean of the Diocese of Cloyne said he was pleasantly surprised by the Census data. I have just done my fourth round of confirmations and I must say I came away from it with a great sense of being heartened by a sense of faith. I know well many of them may not be regular attenders, but I certainly detected a strong sense that faith was important to people, certainly a strong spiritual dimension in peoples lives, a real keenness that children would have some spiritual foundation for their lives. Bishop Crean sees a proactive Church as having a vital role to play, even as we find ourselves adjusting to the reality on the ground and developing the role of laypeople. A long list of issues Fr Byrne also sees a greater role in future for women and laypeople, something the Church of Ireland traditionally, and still, the second most common denomination has been pursuing for a long time. Yet resources are not so plentiful there either; a spokesperson for the Church of Ireland said its programme of ordained local ministry had allowed more people who work full time to play a central role in Church services, and that another initiative, called pioneer ministry, will aim to reach those with little or no connection to church. What this will actually look like in practice has yet to be decided as, according to the Church of Ireland, it will depend on each area and on the funding available. But the vision speaks of the widening gap between the Church and contemporary culture, adding: They seek to engage people where they are, rather than inviting them to come to us. If we are not losing our religion entirely, then we appear to be engaging more infrequently or in a less-obvious, possibly more-private way. According to Fr Diarmuid Hogan, diocesan communications officer for the Diocese of Galway, Kilmacduagh, and Kilfenora: There are many factors to take into account the decline in vocations to the priesthood and the religious life; the decline in volunteerism felt by all charitable and sporting organisations; the proliferation of Church buildings originally provided to serve a much less mobile population; the advent of social media and new ways of communication; the rise of secularism accross society; the joys and challenges presented by immigration into Ireland; the multitude of new and challenging demands made of our young the list is long. But he, too, sees a future of renewal. The sole purpose of the Church is to live and teach and preserve the message of Jesus Christ a radical, subversive message countering hate with love, war with peace, revenge with forgiveness, fear with courage, death with life, despondency with joy. Counting heads has never been a particularly useful way of determining religious faith either back a hundred years ago, when 95% professed Catholicism, or now when the census gives a lower number. As such, the census, which tells of the enormous number of people across the Republic of Ireland who profess Catholicism is interesting. However perhaps, if it were possible, counting hearts would be more telling, more fruitful. If she were alive today, Oonah Keogh, the first woman to stand on the floor of the Dublin Stock Exchange almost a century ago, would find it hard to believe that we are still talking about gender equality. Shed be so disappointed, her granddaughter Katushka Giltsoff says. I cant believe that 100 years later we are still having this discussion. Which one of us can? The anniversary, last Sunday, of that momentous day in 1925 when a 22-year-old Dubliner became one of the first women in the world to be admitted to a stock exchange passed without much fanfare. Perhaps that is how it should be in a more equal world. In the real world, where progress has been so halting, it is worth remembering that a young woman played a central role at the heart of the financial world when the Irish state was in its infancy. To put her achievement into context, several decades would pass before the first woman stockbroker became a member of the New York Stock Exchange in 1967, and a further six years before London Stock Exchange admitted its first woman in 1973. So late! How radical and progressive Dublin seems by comparison. And in a sense it was, but only because it was left without any choice. We had no alternative but to admit her, a member of the exchange told one newspaper on May 29, 1925. The issue, he explained, was not her gender, but whether she was deemed technically eligible or not. As a privately educated woman and daughter of Joseph Keogh, long-time stock-exchange member and one of Irelands youngest bank managers at 24, she had the right credentials. She also had the wherewithal to pay a 500 application fee and secure references from prominent people, including the then agriculture minister Patrick Hogan. The 1922 Constitution was also on her side. Article 3 guaranteed equality and opportunity to all Irish citizens over the age of 21. (Sometimes, it feels as if we have gone backwards.) Though, Oonahs entry to the stock exchange did cause consternation and sensation, as she described it herself in an interview in 1956. And not just at home. Her application in early May 1925 prompted three weeks of fevered debate in the stock exchange itself and when she was finally admitted, the story made headlines around the world. The International Woman Suffrage News hailed it as a great step forward, praising Irelands vision: On more than one occasion in the past, Ireland outstripped Great Britain in the race for equality between the sexes. Irishwomen became qualified both as surgeons and barristers before English women were enabled to do so. As a matter of interest, Emily Winifred Dickson from Tyrone became the first female fellow of any of the Royal Colleges of Surgery in Great Britain or Ireland in 1893, while Frances Kyle, Belfast, and Averil Deverell, Wicklow, made history when they were called to the Bar in Dublin in 1921. Oonah Keogh deserves her place in world history too, but she was not the first female stockbroker. Doris Ellen Mortimer from Exeter was admitted to the Association of Provincial Stock and Share Brokers in the UK the year before, in 1924. There were other exceptions too, in America, Holland and Germany. Once women were admitted to these jealously guarded exclusively masculine preserves, to quote the Suffrage News, there were other barriers. One of the disadvantages in those days, Oonah said in a 1971 interview, was that women did not socialise with men in lounges of pubs. When the men retired to Jurys [Hotel] to relax after transacting business, I could not accompany them. And even when I went to the races with my father it was the same. He would go to the bar for a drink, I would have to slip off for afternoon tea. And yet, she gained recognition. Some male colleagues later admitted that they had planned to ignore her, but they soon had to admit that she was extremely capable. When her father got ill, she took over at Joseph Keogh and Co Stockbroking and business went on as well as ever, she said later. She was just 23 when she proved herself able to handle some of the largest financial transactions in the nascent state. She stayed at the helm until her father returned and while they argued over how to run the company and became estranged, they continued to work together. She married Bayan Giltsoff in 1939 and, as most women had to do at the time, she left her job. She was a very intelligent woman who bitterly regretted having to leave her job, her granddaughter Katushka Giltsoff says, although Oonah remained interested in business and politics all of her life. Even before she took her place on the stock exchange floor, she already had an impressive CV. Born in Dublin in 1903, Oonah Keogh was educated at a Catholic girls school in England, followed by Alexandra College in Dublin and a term at the Metropolitan School of Art (now NCAD). When she was 19, she travelled for two years around Europe and Africa with a governess before returning to London to study. At that point, she joined her fathers company and, on May 28, 1925, the Dublin Stock Exchange. The anniversary last Sunday has passed, but we have almost two years to think about how we might celebrate the centenary of a woman who made international financial history. It is important to claim that space and show that women have been professionally active for longer than we care to admit. Katushka, who has carried her grandmothers torch by working in the financial services internationally, believes it is really important to observe the date: She was a stalwart, she is someone I admired and Im part of the 30% Club promoting women, equal opportunities and professional careers for women. Oonah herself might also say that women should be allowed to be women. Her granddaughters would never visit her in Madrid, where she lived in later life, wearing trousers, for instance. As Katushka adds: I always had lipstick and nail polish on. She believed you should be able to be a strong, active woman and make your mark. While many women have done just that in so many spheres, there is still a way to go. For Katushka Giltsoff, one of the most pressing issues is the need to provide women with financial security when they take career breaks to have children. And, she says, you need to do more to enable them to get back to work with enhanced benefits for childcare. At all levels, across all jobs. Heres hoping when Oonah Keoghs stockbroking centenary comes around in 2025, we wont still be having the same conversation. Somehow, I fear we will. The following is a political statement issued this week by the Rural Independent Group of TDs in the Dail. The headline went: Government Secret Plot to Massacre Our Precious Cows. Check out our Sustainability and Climate Change Hub where you will find the latest news, features, opinions and analysis on this topic from across the various Irish Examiner topic desks and their team of specialist writers and columnists. The text began: In an outrageous display of sheer lunacy, the government has been caught red-handed in a diabolical scheme to exterminate our bovine population. While spineless politicians obediently acquiesced to the dogma of climate change-enabling legislation in 2021 legislation that paves the way for this madness only the Rural Independent TDs had the courage to challenge this abomination. The release was issued in response to the revelation that the government had secretly recruited killers, and placed them in safe houses around provincial Ireland, ready to give the word to go out and massacre cows with extreme prejudice. These cows are precious, although it is unclear whether they are precious to their owners in an emotional or economic sense, or both. The only resistance to the fascist exercise is coming from a group of TDs who are making a stand. Okay, that last paragraph was made up, but it was in keeping with the tone and content of the release issued on behalf of the Rural Independent TDs. The outrage from the parliamentarians came following the publication of a story that a Department of Agriculture memo had suggested that 65,000 cows might have to be slaughtered annually to meet climate change emissions targets. The culling would be from a national herd numbering 1.5m dairy cows. No decisions have been taken on the matter and it is almost certain that were it ever to come to pass it would be a voluntary exercise. Yet the news was presented by the TDs as if they had walked in on a slaughterhouse and caught Leo Varadkar in the act, wearing his butchers apron and up to his oxters in blood. On Wednesday, the scientific journal Nature published an analysis from leading scientists who have concluded that the earth is already past safe limits for humans due to rising temperatures, water systems disruption, and the destruction of natural habitats. On Friday, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reported that Ireland will achieve only a 29% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, rather than the 51% which is mandated by law. Reaching the 2030 targets now requires implementing policies that deliver emission reductions across all sectors of the economy, the EPA reported. This obviously includes agriculture, which accounts for a large proportion of emissions. The changes required are extremely difficult and will necessitate perseverance, patience, and cool heads. The reaction of the Rural TDs to a story about a speculative memo suggests that the requisite qualities for the days ahead are in short supply. Heated debate So it goes for the burning planet, as it does for the thousands of species becoming extinct as the climate changes. In the Dail during the week, a new EU Nature Restoration Law to alleviate the biodiversity crisis was being debated when things got hot and heavy. It began when Junior Green party minister Pippa Hackett said that farmers are custodians of their lands and many are embracing agri-environmental schemes including Deputy Michael Collins, who is an organic farmer. The offended deputy from west Cork was on his feet like a flash. I am not an organic farmer, correct the record of the Dail please, he said. The only way you would have known this is, previously when I was, your husband inspected my farm. He accused her of using private information to point the finger at me. Pippa was having none of it. Excuse me, how dare you say that, you and I have had our own conversations about organic farming. Then Michael Healy-Rae rose to his feet to protect his fellow rural TD from the slur and all hell broke loose necessitating a suspension of the Dail. In recent decades, accusations of base corruption have been flung across the floor of the Dail. The privilege of the House has been used and sometimes abused to issue the vilest of allegations. Never, however, over a full century, have things got so bad that one member could casually accuse another of being an organic farmer. Not only that, but it sounds as if Deputy Collins is a repentant organic farmer, as he admitted to being one previously. Presumably, he gave up his oul sins once organic farming was categorised as a woke activity and now he is in recovery. Biodiversity crisis So it goes for some when it comes to debating whether the biodiversity crisis is an epoch-defining event. Meanwhile, Leo Varadkar said during the week that Fine Gael could not accept the EU Nature Restoration Law in its current guise. The European group of which Fine Gael is a member wants it watered down. Last weekend, Mr Varadkar set out how serious he and his party take climate change. In an interview with the Irish Times, he said that the Green Partys priority in government was emissions reduction targets, just as his partys priority was tax cuts for the fabled cohort known as middle Ireland. In this analysis, climate change is a Green Party thing rather than a threat to both the way we live and the capacity for those who come after us to live in any way at all. For their part, the other two medium-sized parties in the political firmament, Fianna Fail and Sinn Fein, adroitly keep their head down whenever possible anytime the climate and associated biodiversity crises are mentioned. Their leading honchos know that votes are there to be lost on the issue with absolutely no gain on this side of the next election. If we, as a country governed by a representative democracy, cant get real then let us at least get honest. Either the science is correct, the solutions prescribed are doable, transnational bodies like the EU know what theyre about, or else its all, as some politicians appear to believe, a bit of a cod. At least the Rural Independent TDs are honest about their position. They do not accept the science and they do not believe that radical change should be implemented to arrest the burning of the planet. If the mainstream parties, those who present themselves as capable of governing and mixing it on a global stage, are of a like mind they should say so. They should, at the very least, be honest about it. If, however, they do accept the science, they should admit that they are unwilling to do whats required because they do not believe themselves capable of bringing the public with them in sufficient numbers. If that is the case it should be put on the record for posterity. At the moment, the only party that is being honest and willing to face up to tackling the transformative change required is the Greens. Everybody else is looking towards the sky, fervently hoping for either scientific or divine intervention, as if the whole thing is simply out of their hands. A spate of recent incidents have shown the length aspiring influencers go to for viewership, and the need for harsher regulation. In some provinces in the north, the prolonged precipitation had delayed the harvesting of wheat for some time, and the recent stretch of fine weather has kept villagers busy gathering in the crops. It also made crowds of livestreamers busy. Dressed brightly and armed with all kinds of gear, they set up in the middle of the farm field, streaming live broadcasts of the people harvesting. Obviously the influx of these livestreamers creates additional hardships for the rural residents rushing against time to harvest their crops. Just imagine the sight of a dozen of these garishly attired actors in the midst of a wheat field flirting with the harvesting it is a disrespectful act that borders on sacrilegious. People my age still remember that for traditional Chinese anything concerning food is a deadly serious issue, and toying with or wasting food could earn us severe reprimands from our parents, if not eternal damnation. So even the most brazen livestreamers used some subterfuge in their theatrical performance. Some said they were helping with the harvest. When this proved hard to sustain, they turned to something they are adept in: fabrication. In the latest incident, a long period of rain had prevented harvesting machines from entering the fields, resulting in some wheat beginning to germinate or go mouldy. So some livestreamers cooked up a tale that the highway authority, by not allowing the harvesters to leave the highway, should be held responsible. One video circulating such a rumor earned million of views, 156,000 likes, and 74,000 comments. Subsequent police investigation led to detention of one person, and reprimands for another four. It seems livestreaming exonerates its practitioners from honoring any principles about decorum or dignity. A "dayi brother," a villager in Shandong who became famous for a song in a talent show some years ago, has been since living in the spotlight, surrounded by his fellow villagers and outside visitors. Even the gate to his home had been crashed open, and damaged in the process. Thanks to her fame as a diving champion, Quan Hongchan, 16, had seen her home turned into a mecca of sorts, with no less than 2,000 visitors swarming at one time, causing severe disturbances to other villagers. In Shanxi, a woman livestreamer began to dance at the scene of a fire accident, drawing outrage. If these brazen behaviors could be explained by commercial motivation, vanity alone could account for one recent tragedy. On May 30, a 43-year-old woman, while touring a small island in Hong Kong, was swept into the sea while posing for a group picture braving surging waves. She was pronounced dead when her body was recovered. In Shanghai, the sudden sensation over a bridge over the Suzhou Creek, the Puji Road bridge, also showed how capricious Internet sensation can be. Pictures taken on the S-shaped ramp to the bridge, with the balustrade, lamps and buildings in the background all in shades of light grey, allegedly produced an impression evocative of a Japanese urban scene. When such photos were shared on social media, it drew a crowd of influencers who, armed with their props and equipment, tried to produce the desired effect by striking all kinds of poses. So many of them lingering on the staircase or the traffic lane undoubtedly posed severe threats to the flow of traffic, and the administration responded by festooning the side of the bridge with streamers bearing slogans in Chinese characters, considerably dampening their enthusiasm for the location. But challenges remain of creating a long-term mechanism for checking the unscrupulous exploitation of any location for the purpose of photos or livestreaming, without ethical or moral considerations. Imagine being the victim of a sexual assault and then finding out that the attack has resulted in you becoming pregnant. Then imagine going to a GP three times and being actively obstructed from obtaining abortion services on each occasion. You finally make your way to a womans health clinic to get the care you require. This is the real-life experience of one woman presented to members of the Health Committee this week, but it is reflective of many who have tried to navigate a system that in some instances is equivalent to a black-market amenity in how it operates and in other cases blocks women from accessing services. Examples of women paying 90 taxi fares to get to a GP offering terminations in a region where few do, and a woman who phoned seven GPs before one referred her to the HSE termination service MyOptions, were also heard during the Oireachtas Health Committee. There is no list of who to go to if you need such care, you cant simply Google GPs who provide abortion services. It is much more demanding to access this form of healthcare than any other form of healthcare, said Dr Catherine Conlon, who was involved in the independent review. While GPs who provide care can register with MyOptions, 40% have decided not to do so, largely because they fear the extra workload. Four years after abortion services were supposedly rolled out, we have a disjointed network of GPs who are often overstretched and in some cases without local support should an emergency arise as only 11 of the 19 maternity hospitals currently offer terminations. As a result, women are often forced to run the gauntlet in phoning GPs in the hope that they might find a doctor who will see them. Patients being misled Perhaps most worryingly, this has resulted in instances where doctors have intentionally misled patients in a bid to block them from accessing services by taking advantage of the 12-week limit in place. They are attending certain centres where theyre being told they are much earlier on in their pregnancy than they are, scan results have been misinterpreted to say that they are earlier in the pregnancy than they are, to my mind that is coercively controlling somebodys reproductive rights, said Marie OShea, the senior barrister who reviewed Irelands abortion laws. Green Party TD Neasa Hourigan: The current legislation means there is no criminal aspect to denying somebody service, but there is a criminal aspect to delivering service. It was also pointed out by Green Party TD Neasa Hourigan that the current legislation means there is no criminal aspect to denying somebody service, but there is a criminal aspect to delivering service. Not even OShea, the person tasked with examining termination services in this country, can say exactly how many GPs are now providing abortion services or where they are, despite seeking this information in the course of her work. While 422 contracts have been entered into, she told politicians this week that there is no way of knowing whether these contracts represent a single doctor or many GPs working in a large practice. We do not have data to know how many GPs provide the service. All we have is data to say how many contracts have been signed by providers in general practice. We know 10 of the 422 are organisations including Well Woman, the IFPA, and perhaps student union bodies, she told members of the committee, adding that the assumption is there are multiple GPs providing services within those organisations. Clare senator Martin Conway told the committee of how he had tried, but failed, to put together a resource for women in his own constituency. Around two years ago my office tried to do a body of work to establish the providers who were providing, and who were not providing. The difficulties we had, as an office of a public representative, in trying to establish that information so as to have it for people who contact us were astounding. There are of course a number of reasons why GPs have opted not to provide abortion care. Failures within system Conscientious objection is a clear-cut reason why some healthcare professionals would refuse, as is their right. However, the failings within the healthcare system are also having a major impact on the rollout of services. With shortages of GPs across the county, OShea cited workforce as one of the major barriers as family doctors carry an excessive workload even without taking on abortion service. So much so that many GPs, who are committed to providing care to women, schedule appointments with patients after hours, early in the morning, or at lunchtime. Some GPs even admitted to giving women their own numbers for follow-up. However, this is not a sustainable model, and ultimately, we cannot rely on a number of highly committed practitioners to cover what should be a service offered by all or at least almost all. The intent of this model of care was normalisation within general practice but the effect of the roll-out in a small number of GPs is that it is not operating in a normal way and is having an adverse impact on providers and those accessing care, Conlon told the committee. While many GPs are comfortable in offering services, they are reluctant to make it widely known. OShea summed this up: If you have an excessive workload capacity and cannot handle it, particularly in a county like Monaghan where there is one contract, you would not want every single person in that county coming to you because you could not provide the service. To ease the workload, OShea suggested that other healthcare workers could be given the power to administer or carry out some abortion services as is the case in other jurisdictions such as New Zealand. The World Health Organisation guidance, which is evidence-based, would very much support expanding the range of workers beyond medical practitioners, to allow nurses, midwives, and even pharmacists in community settings to provide the services. In a bid to introduce services across all maternity hospitals, she suggested what would likely be a contentious solution in providing interviewing panels with the authority to ask prospective consultants if they have a conscientious objection. While safe access zones, which would have banned any protests directly outside healthcare practices providing abortion services, were due to be introduced in tandem with legislation to repeal the Eighth Amendment, this has yet to happen. The lack of safe access zones and the threat of protests have undoubtedly been a deciding factor in some opting not to provide services and have been an added stress for those who do. This was evident when OShea spoke to GPs who have seen protesters turn up outside of their clinics. They wondered about the effect that was having on all patients coming into the clinic, not just those seeking termination of pregnancy," she told the Oireachtas Committee. "They wondered whether people who worked in the clinic had voted against repeal and how they felt. Were they being looked at in some way and feeling perhaps compromised by that? "Another GP in a rural area wondered whether the protesters knew where she lived. She was worried that they would possibly present to her house. I heard many accounts directly of people worrying about protesting. Certainly, it seems to have an impact on those particular providers. While abortion care was in theory introduced as a national service in 2019, in practice there are large pockets around the country where this care is not available. It results in logistical problems and puts financial pressure on women who must travel significant distances, its an ad-hoc system that only serves to perpetuate a stigma around abortion. Before looking to extend or alter services and the three-day wait, maybe we should be addressing a service that is patchy at best and paternalistic at worse. A gun battle involving an Egyptian police officer has left three Israeli soldiers dead in southern Israel along the Egyptian border, the army said. It was a rare instance of deadly violence along the frontier. Army spokesperson Lt Col Richard Hecht said the fighting began overnight when soldiers thwarted a drug-smuggling attempt across the border. Several hours later, two soldiers in a guard post were shot and killed, the spokesman added. Their bodies were found after they did not respond to radio communications. Israeli soldiers secure a gate leading to a military base following a deadly shootout in southern Israel (AP) Lt Col Hecht said the killings appeared to be connected to the thwarted drug-smuggling attempt. The army said the Egyptian police officer was killed in a second exchange of fire in which a third soldier was killed. Lt Col Hecht said an investigation is being conducted in full cooperation with the Egyptian army. He said troops are searching for other possible assailants. The incident marks the first deadly exchange of fire along the Israel-Egypt border in over a decade. The army said one of the soldiers killed was a woman. Four people died in the incident (AP) Criminals sometimes smuggle drugs across the border, while Islamic militant groups are also active in Egypts restive north Sinai. Israel and Egypt signed a peace agreement in 1979 and maintain close security ties. Fighting along their shared border is rare. The exchange of fire reportedly took place around the Nitzana border crossing between Israel and Egypt. The crossing is located about 25 miles south-east of the point where Israels border with Egypt and the Gaza Strip converge. It is used to import goods from Egypt destined for Israel or the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip. Israel built a fence along the porous border a decade ago to halt the entry of African migrants and Islamic militants who are active in Egypts Sinai desert. US secretary of defence Lloyd Austin vowed that Washington would not stand for any coercion and bullying of its allies and partners by China, while assuring Beijing that the United States remains committed to maintaining the status quo on Taiwan and would prefer dialogue over conflict. Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue, an annual forum bringing together top defence officials, diplomats and leaders in Singapore, Mr Austin lobbied for support for Washingtons vision of a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific within a world of rules and rights as the best course to counter increasing Chinese assertiveness in the region. The US has been expanding its own activities around the Indo-Pacific to counter sweeping territorial claims from China, including regularly sailing through and flying over the Taiwan Strait and in the South China Sea. We are committed to ensuring that every country can fly, sail and operate wherever international law allows, he said at the forum hosted by the International Institute for Strategic Studies think tank. And every country, large or small, must remain free to conduct lawful maritime activities. The Shandong aircraft carrier (Li Gang/Xinhua/AP) Mr Austin noted that the US had provided millions of doses of the Covid-19 vaccine during the height of the pandemic and is regularly involved in disaster relief and humanitarian assistance efforts in the region. He said it is working to combat climate change, illegal fishing and ensure that supply chains do not suffer disruptions ticking off many issues of importance to Asian-Pacific nations. Were doubling down on our alliances and partnerships, he said. He said the US is also committed to deterring North Koreas missile threat and Chinas claims on Taiwan, a self-governing island democracy that Beijing says is its territory, and said Washington has been stepping up defence planning, coordination and training with partner nations in the region. To be clear, we do not seek conflict or confrontation, he said. But we will not flinch in the face of bullying or coercion. Underscoring Mr Austins words, a US guided-missile destroyer and a Canadian frigate sailed Saturday through the Taiwan Strait, waters where high-seas freedoms of navigation and overflight apply in accordance with international law, the US Seventh Fleet said. There was no immediate word of a Chinese response. In Singapore, Chinese Lieutenant General Jing Jianfeng, a senior member of the delegation accompanying defence minister General Li Shangfu, accused Mr Austin of overtly or covertly making false accusations against China in his address. Speaking with reporters after Mr Austin spoke, Mr Jing alleged the US has been deceiving and exploiting Asia-Pacific nations to advance its own self-interests to preserve its dominant position in the region. He suggested that Washington has been holding on to alliances that are remnants of the Cold War and establishing new pacts, like the AUKUS agreement with Britain and Australia and the Quad grouping with Australia, India and Japan to divide the world into ideologically-driven camps and provoke confrontation. Mr Jing, who took no questions, said that by contrast, China is committed to the regions development and prosperity. Mr Austin sought to assure China that the US remained deeply committed to the longstanding one-China policy, which recognises Beijing as the government of China but allows informal relations with Taiwan, and continues to categorically oppose unilateral changes to the status quo from either side. He added that Russias invasion of Ukraine had served to underline how dangerous the world would be if big countries were able to just invade their peaceful neighbours with impunity. Conflict is neither imminent nor inevitable, Mr Austin said. Deterrence is strong today and its our job to keep it that way. The whole world has a stake in maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. Chinas defense minister Li Shangfu, attends the ministerial roundtable session (Vincent Thian/AP) But Mr Jing accused the US of hollowing out the one-China policy, accusing Washington of supporting Taiwanese separatists without citing any evidence, and reiterating Beijings claim that Taiwan is an inalienable part of Chinas sovereign territory. Theres no room for us to concede or compromise, he said. He added that China has indisputable sovereignty over the South China Sea islands and the adjacent waters. Mr Li, who became Chinas defence minister in March, declined Mr Austins invitation to talk on the sidelines of the conference, though the two did shake hands before sitting down at opposite sides of the same table together as the forum opened. Mr Austin said this was not enough. A cordial handshake over dinner is no substitute for a substantive engagement, he said. Mr Li is under US sanctions that are part of a broad package of measures against Russia, but predate its invasion of Ukraine, that were imposed in 2018 over Mr Lis involvement in Chinas purchase of combat aircraft and anti-aircraft missiles from Moscow. The sanctions, which broadly prevent Mr Li from doing business in the United States, do not prevent him from holding official talks, US defence officials have said. Boris Johnson has been warned he could lose public funding for legal advice if he tries to frustrate or undermine the British governments position on the covid-19 inquiry. Cabinet office lawyers told him that money would cease to be available if he breaks conditions such as releasing evidence without permission, the Sunday Times reported. Mr Johnson has been at the centre of a row as ministers launched a High Court bid to challenge the inquirys demand for his unredacted WhatsApp messages and notebooks. The former British prime minister vowed to send all his messages to the official investigation directly, circumventing the cabinet office. The Sunday Times detailed a letter sent by cabinet office lawyers to Mr Johnson last week. The funding offer will cease to be available to you if you knowingly seek to frustrate or undermine, either through your own actions or the actions of others, the Governments position in relation to the inquiry unless there is a clear and irreconcilable conflict of interest on a particular point at issue, it said. They added that funding would only remain available if he complied with conditions such as sending the cabinet office any witness statement or exhibit which you intend to provide to the inquiry so that it can be security checked by appropriate officials. The cabinet office said the letter was intended to protect public funds so taxpayer-funded lawyers are not used for any other purpose than aiding the inquiry. Former culture secretary Nadine Dorries, a staunch ally of Mr Johnson, said it was not a good look for the Government. All evidence provided should be unfettered and not restricted by gov censorship whatever form that may take, she tweeted. Tory donor Peter Cruddas, an outspoken backer of Mr Johnson, who handed him a peerage, urged the MP not to be held to ransom by the threat. Dont worry @BorisJohnson I can easily get your legal fees funded by supporters and crowd funding, its easy, he tweeted. After the government launched its legal battle, Mr Johnson wrote to the inquirys chairwoman, Heather Hallett, saying he was sending all the unredacted WhatsApps he had given to the cabinet cffice. He said he would like to do the same for the messages on an old phone he was told not to use after it emerged the number had been available online for 15 years. That device will be crucial, containing discussions before May 2021 including around the three national lockdowns he ordered. Mr Johnson told the chairwoman that he was not willing to let my material become a test case for others when I am perfectly content for the inquiry to see it. The cabinet office missed Ms Halletts deadline set on Thursday to hand over the requested material. But the government department has been trying to resist the publication of messages it believes are unambiguously irrelevant. A cabinet office spokesman said: This letter from officials simply reiterates that taxpayer-funded lawyers must be used to aid the Covid inquiry and for no other purpose. The letter makes clear Mr Johnson has a duty to provide sincere witness to the inquiry independently and without reference to the views of the current Government. This letter was intended to protect public funds. It in no way prevents Mr Johnson from providing whatever evidence he wants to. Burma Resistance Forces Attack Regime Checkpoints and Offices in Karen State Resistance forces attack Don Tha Mi bridge, Thaton Township, on Thursday. Myanmar junta troops suffered heavy casualties during ambushes by revolutionary forces on the Don Tha Mi bridge checkpoints on the border of Karen and Mon states on Thursday, according to resistance fighters. The Coalition of Revolution Alliance Force, Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA), the armed wing of the Karen National Union (KNU), and other resistance groups ambushed two checkpoints in Durian Seik village, Thaton Township, on Thursday, killing 45 regime soldiers and police officers and injuring 19, according to the coalition. The coalition is based in Hpa-An Township and was formed by the KNU. A spokesman for the coalition said it used mines against junta reinforcements heading to the bridge. They suffered heavy casualties. We attacked the two checkpoints on the bridge on both the Karen and Mon sides. We also attacked a convoy coming from Hpa-An, he told The Irrawaddy. A coalition fighter and a member of the KNLA were killed and another injured during the clashes, he added. The Don Tha Mi bridge is on the Asian Highway and is key to connecting Mon and Karen states. On Friday resistance groups and the KNLA ambushed the Kyainseikgyi police station and junta offices in Karen State. Around 10 junta soldiers were reportedly killed and 15 injured, according to the civilian National Unity Governments defense ministry. During the clashes, regime troops shelled civilian targets, including a religious building, killing four civilians. A novice monk was also injured, according to Kyainseikgyi Township Peoples Administration Organization. Three children were injured by a regime airstrike on civilian targets on Friday morning. Revolutionary forces withdrew after a regime Mi-35 helicopter attacked the town. A Kyainseikgyi resident told The Irrawaddy: No one dared to go out because the fighting was fierce. The military tightened security in the town after the clashes Frequent clashes have broken out in Kyainseikgyi Township since last year. Martial law was imposed in the township in February. Resistance forces ambushed the Payathonzu police station in the township on the Thai border in February. Guest Column The Tide of History Shifts in Thai Politics Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat and Pheu Thai leader Cholnan Srikaew make a heart-shaped gesture at a press conference to affirm the commitment of an eight-party coalition group to form a government. / Pattarapong Chatpattarasill / Bangkok Post Notwithstanding the ongoing political shenanigans by appointed agencies to shape final outcomes after the May 14 poll, Thailand has already been forever changed. The Move Forward Partys (MFP) victory as the largest winning side, with 151 out of 500 parliamentary seats, is profound but not unprecedented. Together with the Pheu Thai Partys 141 MPs, these two opposition parties are unwittingly sending a message to each other and to the broader political establishment that the curve of Thai history is shifting tectonically. Failing to grasp and adjust to this evolving tide of history could marginalize Pheu Thai and challenge the establishment to its core foundations. That the MFP was able to widen and deepen its base despite having been dissolved three years earlier as the Future Forward Party is a feat that is hard to overstate. But it was not the first time that a young, new party stormed the electoral arena and left its competitors in the dust. Pheu Thais original vehicle, the Thai Rak Thai Party, was the first mover in this direction, headed at the time by Thaksin Shinawatra, Pheu Thais controversial and self-exiled patriarch. When Thai Rak Thai ran in the January 2001 election just three years after its founding and garnered 248 out of 500 contested seats, its peers were gobsmacked. It was as if the hitherto established parties the Democrats, New Aspiration, Chart Thai, and Chart Pattana got hit by a train. These traditional parties ran on the same old vague campaigns about unity, prosperity, development, good health, and happiness. But by that time, the Thai electorate wanted something new and different. When it was imagined and offered, millions of voters went head over heels for it on a scale previously unheard of. In the pre-smartphone era, Thai Rak Thai arrived after five decades of a popular reign dominated by Cold War imperatives to keep communism away. The military, monarchy, and bureaucracy had become ascendant and paramount in Thailands political order. This period also witnessed galloping economic growth that delivered better standards of living, but much of it was concentrated in Bangkok and in the hands of big business, widening the inequality and income gap. As the poor and disadvantaged were neglected, Thailand operated as a bureaucratic state where elected representatives came and went but did not really leave their mark because bureaucrats held sway. Patronage networks, underpinned by corruption and graft, dominated electoral politics in 1992, 1995, and 1996. The status quo then was ripe for a bold and upstart party like Thai Rak Thai to come along and capture the popular imagination by connecting directly with the electorate, providing a sense of upward mobility and addressing the urban-rural and rich-poor divides. The older parties just could not conceive of operating outside the box of patronage and graft with tangible policies that voters would go for. For a while in the 1990s, the Democrat Party developed a globally outward-oriented and appealing reputation for being anti-military and anti-coup while still being pro-monarchy. Its performance in the past two decades steadily declined partly because it chose to be a pro-military party which did not oppose the putsches in 2006 and 2014. Trends and dynamics were not going the militarys way, and the Democrats got caught out because they stood by the generals. When it began, Thai Rak Thais mantra was think anew, act anew, which was coupled with concrete policies people could go to sleep with. To come up with its pro-poor policy platform, Thai Rak Thai hired professional pollsters and policy wonks who scientifically and methodically surveyed the electorate to discern their needs and grievances. The result was the first-generation populist policies of rural debt suspension, a micro-credit scheme known as the village fund, the promotion of local handicrafts for world markets called One Tambon, One Product, and the phenomenally successful and enduring universal healthcare system for 30 baht per hospital visit, among a raft of policy and bureaucratic reform programmes. Dissolved and regrouped twice in 2007 and 2008, Pheu Thai, as the third and latest name, again ran a populist campaign in the most recent election, spearheaded by a 10,000-baht digital handout to Thais over the age of 16 alongside other wage and welfare boosters. Yet its entire populist platform misfired this time. The Thaksin-aligned party lost for the first time in 2023 after successive triumphs as majority or near-majority winners in 2001, 2005, 2007, 2011, and 2019 in the face of military coups and judicial interventions. Populism has run its course in Thai politics. Under Thai Rak Thai, it broke open the system of old patronage in a bureaucratic state under the military-monarchy symbiosis and gave people a viable alternative for a stake in the system and a better collective future. To be sure, populism will still be relevant and necessary, but it just wont win elections in the way it used to. Move Forward is the new Thai Rak Thai. Thailands shifting ground is moving from the urban-rural and rich-poor gaps and the populist policies to bridge them to structural and institutional reform and change of the military, monarchy, bureaucracy, and judiciary within a new constitutional order. Pheu Thai is now trapped in the politics of its own making from the 2000s and 2010s and stuck with saturated populism and the Thaksin conundrum. Unless Pheu Thai is able and willing to strategically shift to the new paradigm of reforming the traditional institutions, it faces the prospect of dwindling numbers at the next election. To move on, Pheu Thai has to somehow transcend Thaksin and outgrow him, while adopting reform proposals that are winning votes for the MFP. Otherwise, Pheu Thai could become another also-ran party like the Democrats. The MFP now has an open space to run and roam because reform and change are what more and more voters want. If the winning party is somehow dissolved again or forced into the opposition, it will likely strengthen further towards a majority victory in the next election. If it gets to form the government, its agenda of reform and change is likely to gain more supporters and converts. As the MFP is likely to dominate electoral politics for the foreseeable future until it faces peer competitors with a reform orientation, it is hard to see how the traditional centers of power can avoid the reform imperative. Thitinan Pongsudhirak, PhD, is professor at the Faculty of Political Science and a senior fellow at its Institute of Security and International Studies at Chulalongkorn Universitys Faculty of Political Science. This article first appeared in The Bangkok Post. Junta Watch Junta Watch: Dictators Steel-Making Dream Unplugged; Russia Backs Fantasy Election; And More Min Aung Hlaing inspects the Ministry of Industrys No 1 Steel Mill (Myingyan). / cincds Power-mad but short of electricity A new era for the iron and steel industry is about to begin in Myanmar, roared Min Aung Hlaing last year. That brave declaration turned to a whimper on Wednesday when he visited No. 1 steel plant in Mandalay Regions Myingyan Township. The junta boss complained that Myanmar lacked sufficient electricity to produce steel on its own and has been forced to spend large sums in dollars to meet domestic demand of around two million tonnes per year. However, the electricity shortage that has halted steel production didnt stop the junta boss from again urging the use of electric trains to transport raw materials and the finished product to and from the steel plant in the future. The Mingyan steel plant and its Russia-backed sister plant in Shan States Pinpet were suspended in 2017 under the now-ousted National League for Democracy (NLD) government after operating at a loss. Min Aung Hlaing has sought to blame the NLD for the losses and tried to restore the plants over the past two years, but in vain. Moscow in absurd poll dance While its true that regime boss Min Aung Hlaing has repeatedly said he will hold an election and hand power back to the winner, he still hasnt announced a poll date. However, he seems to have no shortage of support for his election fantasy. First came India, which promised to help in preparing a poll that has been denounced both locally and internationally as a sham designed to secure the militarys grip on power. China has also met the juntas election body twice to inquire about the possibility of a poll. Now comes Russia, Myanmars major arms supplier. On May 30, Sholban Kara-Ool, the deputy chairman of Russias State Duma, the lower house of parliament, pledged support for the juntas free and fair election during his meeting with the regime boss. The Russian deputy also met Thein Soe, head of the juntas Union Election Commission, to discuss cooperation and the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the two countries election bodies. Its absurd for Kara-Ool to waste his time on an election when nobody knows when or if the poll can take place. Even Min Aung Hlaing has no idea, and has no time to think about it while he struggles with a nationwide popular armed resistance that aims to topple his regime. China debt trap snapping shut? The widespread anti-China protests following Foreign Minister Qin Gangs visit to Naypyitaw in early May didnt stop Chinese ambassador Chen Hai calling for speedy implementation of Kyaukphyu deep-sea port in Rakhine State during his meeting with junta Legal Affairs Minister and Attorney-General Thida Oo in Naypyitaw on May 24. Min Aung Hlaing visited the China-backed Kyaukphyu Special Economic Zone (SEZ) a gateway to world trade through the Indian Ocean in late February and urged efforts to ensure its success. As Thida Oo recently travelled to China and holds responsibility for legal agreements between Naypyitaw and Beijing, speculation is growing that the Chinese ambassador met with her to amend the Kyaukphyu SEZ deal. The National League for Democracy government that was ousted by the 2021 coup had sought to raise Myanmars stake in the SEZ following concerns that Chinas 85 percent stake could land Myanmar in a debt trap. Deputy junta chief Soe Win, who serves as chairman of the Myanmar SEZ central committee, has called for negotiations to find a win-win solution on the Kyaukphyu SEZ by assessing the political sensitivity of previous agreements signed between the two countries. Top Chinese intelligence official arrives for cooperation talks Major General Yang Yang arrived in Naypyitaw earlier this week for what was the first publicly reported visit by a military official from China, a major ally and arms supplier of the junta, since the coup. He met with the juntas No. 2 official, Soe Win, to discuss cooperation in peace, tranquillity and development programs for border areas, according to junta media. Read more here: https://rb.gy/ih53n U.S. Marines transfer the remains of World War II Marine fighter pilot Lt. Gordon Eugene Thompson from a Delta Flight at the Billings Airport Friday night for transfer to a hearse in preparation for services in Moccasin on Wednesday. Thompson grew up on his family's farm in Moccasin. Thompson went missing during a mission in Guadalcanal in the Pacific in 1942. Thompson's remains were recovered from airplane wreckage in Guadalcanal on Aug. 3, 2022. A graveside service with military honors will be held for Thompson at the Moccasin Cemetery on Wednesday, June 7 at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jun 3rd, 2023 (12:01 am) - Score 7,296 In recent weeks the news has been full of reports (e.g. here and here), which frequently warn without challenge that the move by Mobile Network Operators (MNO) O2, Three UK, Vodafone and EE to withdraw old 3G services will push millions of people into digital poverty and disconnect them from the internet. But are they correct? By technology standards, 3G is positively ancient and has long since been superseded by two further generations of mobile technology 4G and 5G, with 6G looming on the horizon. The first operator to start withdrawing the service, Vodafone, has been using it for 18 long years and in January 2022 related data traffic across their network accounted for just 4% (down from over 30% in 2016). NOTE: 4G is already available to over 99% of the UKs population outdoors ( 4G is already available to over 99% of the UKs population outdoors ( here ), but this falls to 80-87% for geographic coverage. One key point here is that basic geographic voice and data (2G) cover is only a little better at 85-93%. The government and all major mobile operators have already agreed to phase-out existing 2G and 3G signals by 2033 (here). The main reason why 3G is going first is that there are so few critically 3G dependent devices and services left in circulation, partly because the technology bogged down as it was by overpriced spectrum licensing never quite took off like 4G did. Meanwhile, 2G remains useful as a low-power fallback for basic voice services (as well as very limited data / IoT requirements) and is still widely used by particular applications, such as some home energy monitoring Smart Meters and various other solutions (i.e. itll be sticking around for a lot longer). 3G Phase Out Plans by Operator Vodafone UK has technically already started to phase out 3G and aims to complete by December 2023. Three UK said theyll be phasing out their 3G network service gradually over the next 2 years and switching it off by the end of 2024. EE (BT) will this year begin moving customers off 3G rather than switching the network off, but they aim to switch it off in early 2024. O2 (Virgin Media) informed us that theyve yet to announce a public sunsetting timeframe, but are supportive of the Government plans to switch off both 2G and 3G by 2033. However, a fair few recent news reports have suggested that the move to withdraw 3G services is a negative development, with some even warning that it could leave millions of people disconnected from the internet. Often these claims have gone unchallenged and risk causing fear, as well as confusion, where none need exist. Myth Busting the 3G Shutdown Some reports highlight complaints from consumers who live in weak 4G signal areas, which causes their handset to fall back to 3G. Such people tend to expect that switching off 3G would thus leave them disconnected from mobile data, which would indeed be a particularly big problem if local fixed line broadband is similarly poor or non-existent. However, this overlooks the fact that operators will be switching the spectrum that 3G uses and re-farming it to 4G or 5G services, which means that those in the above situation should find that 4G coverage, and thus mobile broadband speeds too, actually improve to compensate. The catch is that different operators have different approaches for different areas, thus theres still the possibility of some people being caught out if operators fail (in some areas) to correctly balance or prepare coverage when the change occurs, but the goal of all operators is to minimise that. We asked all of the operators about this and got the following responses. Vodafone said part of their 3G switch off activity includes optimising their 4G and 5G networks, and theyve already started to re-farm some of the 3G spectrum. The operator has also been in contact with customers who will be impacted by such issues. By repurposing 3G network we can grow the UK-wide reach of our more energy efficient 4G and 5G networks instead this means faster data speeds, higher quality voice call services and a chance to continue improving connectivity in previously cut-off areas, including rural communities and the London Underground, added the operator. Three UK noted that just 3% of their network traffic was 3G and customers could expect faster downloads, better quality streaming and a more reliable experience when its switched-off. Retiring 3G enables us to repurpose network assets where our customer need them (4&5G) this plan has been carefully developed by our network teams to ensure that it benefits our customers, said a spokesperson for the operator. Three added that they were also upgrading many of their legacy 3G sites and repurposing them onto newer technologies ahead of the switch-off. Many of the sites that offer a 3G service already have 4G equipment on them, so they suggest there will be no impact to customers with a compatible handset. EE (BT) confirmed that spectrum used for 3G would be re-farmed for 4G and 5G, but they added that this will be a process that happens over time (i.e. it wont be immediate on the same site). The operator will focus early reuse of it in areas of the greatest need (sites more congested, or areas at risk of congestion), which mirrors how they operated with 15MHz of the 2100MHz band that has already been refarmed from 3G. To date, this has happened across around 20% of their sites and theyre more than doubling that (to just under 50% of all sites) by end of 2024. The operator noted that, in areas with both 3G and 4G, the 3G service generally doesnt expand the reach of the site beyond what existing 4G services can do and so its mostly about ensuring that 4G has enough capacity to cope when the 3G switch-off occurs. If more work is needed on spectrum, then EE expects their tools to help identify that so they can, as above, prioritise such areas. One other reason why they cant immediately re-ferm the 3G spectrum is because it may first require them to have completed their network refresh work in the area (i.e. refreshing their 4G and replacing some 5G vendor equipment). Once that work is completed, then it becomes easier to utilise the remaining 5MHz of 3G. Some sites can be upgraded remotely, but others will require a physical visit due to site configuration issues. On sites yet to be modernised, EE arent yet in a position to refarm the spectrum, so that will happen over time. O2 (VMO2) didnt provide a clear answer because theyve yet to publish any plans for switching off 3G services. One other important point to make here is that a weak 4G signal can still be better than a strong 3G one (i.e. how many signal bars you see on your handset doesnt always reflect capability). As a side note, the 1bn industry-led Shared Rural Network (SRN) project is working to bring 4G to 95% of the UK (geographic coverage) by the end of 2025, so mobile coverage and performance is only going to get better. The Digital Poverty Alliance (DPA) recently warned that older and basic devices do not have 4G capabilities, so individuals who can only get online using a basic device will fall into digital poverty. But this isnt entirely accurate. Basic 4G capable feature phones have been on sale for many years (my mother has been using one for 5-6 years) and these tend to cost around 20-50 outside of a contract (e.g. Nokia 110 35 or less on eBay). Similarly, some operators will practically bundle them for free with their cheapest plans, and indeed theyve often handed such devices out to vulnerable users at no extra cost upon request. Not to mention that some charities are giving them away. Suffice to say, yes lots of basic devices do exist that support 4G and those in poverty who are worried should look around, as there are various examples of sub-10 per month plans that bundle cheap 4G mobiles. Failing that, give your mobile operator a call to seek help and theyll often have no trouble finding you a solution. Now admittedly, some people may still be caught out by the switch-off due to unique edge cases or other quirky issues (e.g. some handsets are better at signal reception than others), but this is only likely to impact a tiny minority of consumers assuming the operators have put enough time, money and effort into planning the switch-off properly (well find out soon enough). The other issue is that not all 4G handsets can make calls over the same generation of network technology, so it will help if you ensure that the handset youre using supports Voice-over-LTE (VoLTE) this is common today, but some of the older handsets didnt support it. In addition, a lot of more modern 4G handsets also support Wi-Fi Calling, which is handy if you do have a home broadband connection, although this is only useful indoors and isnt as common on basic feature phones. But one catch with both Wi-Fi Calling and VoLTE is that quality and support can vary between both operators and devices (e.g. Google Pixel handsets seem to struggle with VoLTE and Wi-Fi Calling on certain operators). However, in most cases the issue of making calls and texts will be less relevant, since 3G/4G handsets tend to fall back to 2G for that when they cant use the more modern generations. Meanwhile, consumers who do find themselves losing internet connectivity during the 3G switch-off, if using a 4G phone, should consider switching mobile operator as they all have different coverage strengths and weaknesses, which will vary between sites. At the end of the day, the 3G switch-off should perhaps be considered more of an upgrade than a downgrade for mobile connectivity. But some people will still have problems, yet in most cases those with issues should be able to find a solution that works. Today Abundant sunshine. High 97F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph, becoming WSW and increasing to 15 to 25 mph. Higher wind gusts possible. Tonight Clear skies. Low 62F. Winds WNW at 15 to 25 mph. Higher wind gusts possible. Tomorrow A mainly sunny sky. High 91F. Winds WSW at 15 to 25 mph. Public meetings are scheduled in Bismarck and Tappen next week on two major projects planned on Interstate 94. The North Dakota Department of Transportation is completing an engineering and feasibility study for I-94 Midway and the Grant Marsh Bridge over the Missouri River between Bismarck and Mandan. I-94 Midway is the section just across the bridge where I-94 and I-194 meet. I-194 runs between the interstate and the Memorial Highway business loop. A public input meeting will be held from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Monday at the Huckleberry House, 1700 River Road in Bismarck. It will have an open house format with a presentation starting at 6 p.m. A prerecorded presentation and other materials will be available following the meeting on the DOT website at www.dot.nd.gov; click Public Meetings under Quick Links. The bridge is reaching the end of its life and will need replacement in the future, according to DOT. That presents an opportunity to consider improvements for the I-94 and I-194 roadways and ramps in conjunction with replacement alternatives for the bridge, the agency said. More information on the study is at bit.ly/43ljd3D. People who can't attend the pubic input meeting can submit written comments by June 20 to Theresa Maahs, Stantec, 100 Collins Ave., Suite 101, Mandan, ND 58554, or email to Theresa.Maahs@stantec.com with Public input meeting in the subject heading. Tappen meeting The Tappen meeting is to discuss proposed improvements and detour routes for the Pettibone Interchange Bridge (Exit 217) east of Tappen. The project consists of replacing the existing bridge and reconstructing parts of the interchange ramps, approach roadways and frontage roads. The meeting is 4-6 p.m. Thursday at Tappen City Hall, 118 N. Main St. It will have an open house format with a DOT representative on hand. Information handouts and exhibits will be provided. Materials also will be available on the DOT website. Written comments must be postmarked or emailed by June 23 to Travis Brossart, Bridge Division, 608 E. Blvd. Ave., Bismarck, ND 58504; email to tbrossart@nd.gov with Public Input Meeting-PCN 23344 in the subject heading. People who need to request accommodations for either the Bismarck or Tappen meeting should contact Heather Christianson at 701-328-2978 or civilrights@nd.gov. TTY users may use Relay North Dakota at 711 or 1-800-366-6888. Other projects DOT has announced some other highway projects in the region. Crews on Monday will begin minor structural repairs on the north and south ends of the Walter Hjelle Bridge on state Highway 200A crossing the Missouri River west of Washburn. Work will occur during the daylight hours through next weekend. Flagging will be in place to guide traffic while the eastbound driving lane is closed from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. each day. Construction is scheduled to begin Monday on North Dakota Highway 21 about 8 miles south of New England. The project includes road widening, culvert work, and guardrail improvements from mile marker 24 to 45. Traffic will be reduced to one lane and the speed limit will be lowered. A 12-foot width restriction will be in place. Pilot cars and flaggers will be present at times to assist traffic through the work zone. The project is expected to be completed this fall. For more information about construction projects and road conditions throughout North Dakota, call 511 or go to travel.dot.nd.gov. Ditch mowing DOT plans to begin mowing a 7-10-foot clearance along shoulders of state highways starting the week of June 15. Adjacent landowners who plan to mow noninterstate ditches for hay should cut the top before the state mows these areas. Private mowing is not allowed in medians of four-lane highways. For more information, contact the department office in the district: Bismarck, 701-328-6950; Dickinson, 701-227-6500; Williston, 701-774-2700. District information and a map also can be found at http://www.dot.nd.gov/travel/districtinfo.htm. Gov. Doug Burgum is poised to join an increasingly crowded Republican presidential race next week. He will be facing difficult odds because of his low national profile. Former President Donald Trump remains the favorite for the GOP nomination, but he hasnt scared away the competition. Officially in the race are Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis; former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley; Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina; talk show host Larry Elder; Vivek Ramaswamy, an entrepreneur and author; and former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson. Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and former Vice President Mike Pence are expected to announce next week. Other possible candidates are South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu, Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin and former Wyoming congresswoman Liz Cheney. There are some heavy hitters in the group, none more so than Trump. Its likely to get ugly, especially with Trump willing to harshly attack any opponent. Christie has made it clear that he intends to counterattack. So why would Burgum launch an uphill campaign against a number of better-known candidates? One speculation is that he wants to position himself for a Cabinet post under a Republican president. Some North Dakotans may frown on Burgum taking time away from North Dakota to campaign for president. A serious run for the nomination requires a commitment of time and a lot of money. Burgum, a former computer software entrepreneur, has money, but probably not enough to individually fund a campaign. So he would need time to raise funds. A Burgum candidacy could pay dividends for North Dakota. Hes expected to run on North Dakotas thriving economy, stressing the state's agriculture and energy strengths. He also can point to the states low state income taxes. Overall, he can portray himself as a businessman who successfully transitioned his skills to government. He also can point to how hes improved relations with tribal nations after the Dakota Access Pipeline protests. He developed oil and law enforcement agreements with the tribes. Boasting about how well North Dakota is doing should put the state in a favorable national spotlight. So, if he does run, it could improve the states national exposure, which could boost tourism and workforce recruitment. While Burgum hasnt been a culture warrior -- he expressed dismay with how much time the Legislature spent on culture war issues -- he can point to conservative legislation he signed this spring. If he enters the presidential race its questionable how long he can last in the primaries. Weak showings tend to hurt a candidates fundraising ability. Since hes starting with low national recognition, hell have to campaign and advertise hard. It will be difficult to build support when starting so far behind. Burgum is expected to announce his decision on Wednesday in Fargo. If he runs and loses it could still be a win for North Dakota. Flawless execution is the goal for every digital product. But traditional approaches to product development often leave too much room for error. In these cases, companies may turn to external partners to help facilitate the process. This often results in a disjointed development experience, as companies seek out multiple vendors to help cover all of their bases. As the saying goes, too many cooks spoil the soup. Discover in this white paper how partnering with a single partner, Gorilla Logic, can take the guesswork out of building your critical products, creating one seamless experience. 06/02/2023 A student shows off a promo sticker given away at a reception for first-generation college students on the Quad in 2019. Photo by Abigail Read. The Center for First-generation Student Success has invited Jacksonville State to join its First Scholars Network due to the university's commitment to improving experiences and advancing success for first-generation college students. We are extremely honored to be selected, said JSU Dean of Students Joshua Robinson. Approximately 34 percent of our students identify as first-generation students. JSU has always prided ourselves in supporting first-generation students. Now we have the opportunity to work with other colleges and universities to enhance support for first-generation students at JSU and across the country. An initiative of the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) and The Suder Foundation, the Center for First-generation Student Success is dedicated to effectively and equitably driving first-generation student success across education, career and life. Its First Scholars Network is a four-phase approach that allows institutions of higher education to advance student success through establishing communities of practice, gaining knowledge of resources and establishing peer networks. More than 350 institutions of higher education have entered the network, representing 49 states and the District of Columbia. The center is pleased to welcome Jacksonville State University into the First Scholars Network, said the center's vice president, Dr. Sarah E. Whitley. Through the application process, it was evident that Jacksonville State University is not only taking steps to serve first-generation students, but is prepared to make a long-term commitment and employ strategies that foster an environment of success for this important population. In this first phase of the First Scholars Network, JSU faculty and staff will be afforded opportunities to engage with peer institutions also working to create environments that improve the experiences and success of first-generation students - participating in monthly calls, professional development, goal setting, blog development, annual reporting and more. When JSU progresses to the network's second phase, First-gen Forward, it will become eligible to be known as a First Scholars Institution. First Scholars is the third phase of the First Scholars Network and serves as the centers customized approach to intentional institutional transformation in an effort to advance student outcomes. Ultimately, all network institutions strive for national leadership as a First Scholars Champion Campus. Being named as a network member of the First Scholars Network is an exciting opportunity for Jacksonville State University to join a dedicated community of professionals prepared to share evidence-based practices and resources, troubleshoot challenges, generate knowledge and continue to advance the success of first-generation students across the country, said Dr. Kevin Kruger, president and CEO of NASPA. We are excited to see a groundswell of activity from the Class of 2023 network members and know Jacksonville State University will be a significant contributor. Reddit Email 68 Shares Ann Arbor (Informed Comment) The land over which Israelis and Palestinians are locked in conflict is itself unstable, subject to the vagaries of human-caused climate change. On Friday, Abdel Rahman Salah at Egypts Veto newspaper reports, sweltering temperatures and high winds lashed the land, causing wildfires to burst out throughout the country. Climate change, caused by burning fossil fuels, is heating up Israel and Lebanon at twice the average global rate. The number of days characterized by extreme heat is expected to increase substantially over the next three decades, according to Lee Yaron at Haaretz. Yaron says that Meteorological Services investigator Yiftach Ziv conducted a study showing that already since 1980 the average number of high fire-risk days per annum in the country has increase 2.5 times, to 70 per year. By 2050 it will be 90 per year. The Times of Israel reported temperatures as high as 111 degrees Fahrenheit and winds of 30 mph. Even along the coast, in Haifa, temperatures went to 100 degrees F. Ominously, the Jerusalem Post added the detail that a huge blaze was ravaging a pharmaceutical factory in Kiryat Malachi, and had spread to an area of the factory where gas cylinders were stored. Israel Fire and Rescue Services announced that the area is very dangerous. The flames were spreading toward a local gasoline station and authorities were trying to keep people away. Salah reports that the high temperatures also led to electricity outages in many cities. The Israel Fire and Rescue authorities said that by 6:30 pm on Friday, on the order of 220 wildfires had broken out in fields in every part of the country. There were no reported casualties. Temperatures much exceeded the average for this time of year. Dozens of firefighting units swung into action, with the assistance of 14 firefighting aircraft dropping water bombs. The north, the coast, the center and the south of the country were all affects. The extra demand in many instances overloaded the electricity grid, causing outages throughout the count, including in Tel Aviv, Hertzelia, Akka, Haifa, and Beersheva, among other towns and cities, where some 300,000 citizens over-all lost electricity for more than an hour. This failure of the grid provoked a vigorous outcry. Xinhua reports that March this year in the Levant was the second-hottest on record, priming forests for wildfires. Lebanons government is also gearing up for a bigger wildfire challenge this summer than normal. Yaron at Haaretz wrote in February of scientific studies showing how climate change will hit Israel over the next 30 years: Extremely hot days and heat waves will increase, floods and wildfires will intensify, agriculture and public health will be threatened and rising sea levels will encroach on Israels coastline. [Emphasis mine.] Yaron notes that the far right-wing, extremist government of Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu is doing nothing at all to prepare the country for these challenges, and indeed is adopting policies that will make things worse. The government is behind on building electricity power plants, and shortages could become routine by 2026. Only something like 4% of Israels electricity comes from renewables at the moment and 70% comes from fossil gas, so its grid is unusually dirty for a middle income country. Israel has a shockingly modest goal of getting 30% of its electricity from renewables, mostly solar, by 2030, but the big investments are being made in fossil gas and it is not clear that it will reach that goal. Reddit Email 40 Shares By Leila Saad | ( Human Rights Watch ) Two Bahraini Shia men have been executed in Saudi Arabia following what Amnesty International described as a grossly unfair trial on terrorism-related charges. Jaafar Sultan and Sadeq Thamer were arrested in May 2015 and held incommunicado for more than three months, according to Amnesty International. The charges were related to allegations of smuggling explosives inside Saudi Arabia and participating in protests in Bahrain. The two Bahrainis were tried and sentenced to death in Saudis notorious Specialized Criminal Court in October 2021 following protest-related charges that fall within the Saudi counterterrorism law. Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, as well as other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, continue to use overbroad provisions contained within terrorism laws to suppress dissent and target religious minorities. Counterterrorism laws in the GCC typically include broad, vague charges and definitions of terrorism used as catch-all provisions to punish peaceful dissidents, political activists, and human rights defenders. Article continues after bonus IC video Middle East Eye: Father of Bahraini man executed by Saudi Arabia pleads for return of his body Saudi Arabias Shia Muslim minority has long suffered systemic discrimination and been targeted by state-funded hate speech. On March 12, 2022, Saudi Arabian authorities executed 81 men, 41 of whom are said to belong to the Shia Muslim minority, under its counterterrorism law, despite promises to curtail executions. Bahrains Shia majority also suffers from discrimination. Bahraini authorities have systematically targeted Shia clerics and have violently arrested numerous human rights defenders with Shia backgrounds, including Abdulhadi al-Khawaja in April 2011, who they sentenced to life in prison in a mass trial under Bahrains terrorism law. Overly broad terrorism charges have also been exploited by other Gulf states. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) sentenced Khalaf Abdul Rahman al-Romaithi to 15 years in prison on terrorism charges following a grossly unfair trial known as the UAE94 mass trials of 94 critics of the Emirati government. Al-Romaithi was recently extradited from Jordan to the UAE. Human Rights Watch has documented longstanding violations of due process and fair trial rights in Saudi Arabias criminal justice system, making it unlikely that Sultan and Thamer received a fair trial leading up to their execution. Human Rights Watch opposes the death penalty in all countries and under all circumstances as a cruel and inhumane punishment. Via Human Rights Watch Woke-obsessed Ron DeSantis out-woked himself today, inserting his all-purpose term "woke" into a woke-laden woke rant seven woke times in less than half a woke minute. "Woke represents a war on truth, so we plan to wage a war on woke," Florida's unwoke woke expert said today. "We will fight the woke on education. We will fight the woke in the corporations and we will fight the woke in the halls of congress. We will never ever surrender to the woke mob. We are going to leave woke ideology in the dustbin of history where it belongs." Phew, it must be exhausting to be Ron DeSantis. (See video below, posted by Ron Filipkowski.) 7 'Wokes' in 23 seconds today for Captain Ozempic. A new record. pic.twitter.com/SUDk8v1ADy Ron Filipkowski (@RonFilipkowski) June 2, 2023 Front page thumbnail image: Leonard Zhukovsky / shutterstock.com Han Suk Kyu proves to the younger fans that he aged like a fine wine after the "Dr. Romantic 3" star's photos from the 1990s have resurfaced. Causing a major Internet meltdown, netizens dig deep to check out how stunning the award-winning actor was during his youth. Netizens Go Crazy as Han Suk Kyu's Past Photos Go Viral In a Facebook post, an online community shared a series of photos of Han Suk Kyu during his younger years. Showing off the actor's drool worthy snaps, it featured the actor's past K-dramas and movies where he played various characters. From his first K-drama lead role in the 1994 series "The Moon of Seoul," where he took on the role as a gigolo, to the action thriller movie "Shiri," where Han Suk Kyu played a special agent named Ryu, the throwback photos showcased how stunning and dapper the actor is. In the comments section, he was even compared to South Korean heartthrob Choi Woo Shik. Mainly because both of them have that "boy next door" vibe and their bright smiles. Others also mentioned that he could pass as Jang Dong Yoon's father, while some described him as the "Keannu Reeves of South Korea." Who Is Han Suk Kyu Besides Being Master Kim in 'Dr. Romantic 3'? Han Suk Kyu has been in the industry for over three decades after making his debut in 1990. He managed to solidify his name as one of the industry's most versatile and brightest stars. Han Suk Kyu never fails to deliver top-notch performances and smash hits movies and K-dramas, just like the iconic role of Kim Sa Bu in "Dr. Romantic 3." For three seasons, he has been reprising his role as the strict yet compassionate doctor in Doldam Hospital. Viewers fell in love with his character and how he gives off a very kind and genuine mentorship to his juniors. However, before becoming Kim Sa Bu, as what viewers have known him, Han Suk Kyu used to be a voice actor at KBS. He used to be in the choir in high school, and throughout the years, he developed good diction and a clear voice. During his college years at Dongguk University, where he joined the Film and Theater department, Han Suk Kyu used to be in an amateur folk-rock band. On the other hand, despite being one of the sought after stars of his generation, he experienced a career slump in early 2000s but managed to regain his career through the success of "Dr. Romantic." For more K-Drama, K-Movie, and celebrity news, keep your tabs open here at KDramaStars. KDramaStars owns this article Written by Geca Wills Wildfires and smoke are shown in British Columbia and Alberta in this satellite image taken Thursday, May 18, 2023. Alberta's public safety and emergency services minister says a provincewide state of emergency that was declared nearly a month ago to deal with unprecedented wildfires will end Saturday night at midnight. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO - Co-operative Institute for Research on the Atmosphere (CIRA) at the University of Colorado and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration **MANDATORY CREDIT** 61 Shares Share Do you know what one thing is common among all of us, regardless of our wealth or age? Time. Every human being in this world has 1,440 minutes every day. However, while we all have the same amount of time, some people are more productive than others. Time management is a skill that doesnt come naturally and requires effort and planning. Below is a list of seven important strategies that will help you ensure the productive use of your time. MIT most important task. Defining the most important task of the day is crucial to ensure it gets done. By identifying the most important task, you train your brain to prioritize and focus on what needs to be completed. 80/20 principle. This principle helps you to focus on the most important tasks, as 80 percent of the results come from 20 percent of the effort. When planning your day or week, allocate 80 percent of your time to the top 20 percent of tasks that will produce the most significant results. Focus on the most valuable 20 percent of meetings and minimize the rest. To manage journals effectively, identify the most valuable 20 percent and disregard the rest. Energy management. We cannot effectively manage our time without first managing our energy. To master time management, we must cultivate our self-management skills and channel our energy toward completing the most important task. Keeping a notebook. Famous people like Leonardo da Vinci, Thomas Edison, and Mark Twain always carried a notebook to jot down their ideas. Writing down our ideas gives us a visual representation of our plans and can reduce anxiety. Richard Branson even used his passport to capture his ideas! Block your calendar. Youre not alone if youve ever failed to complete all the tasks on your to-do list. Seeing that incomplete list at the end of the day can increase anxiety and disappointment. To avoid this, block your calendar for your most important task. By scheduling time in your calendar, youre committing to yourself that you will complete that work within that time frame. Email, email, email. Studies have shown that people spend hours reading and writing emails every day, and checking emails can be as pleasurable as playing the jackpot. To avoid getting stuck in this cycle, try blocking two to three specific times throughout the day to manage your email folder. Meetings. How many times have you told yourself, We didnt need to have this meeting; an email would have sufficed? The Yahoo CEO conducted standing meetings for only 5 to 10 minutes instead of the usual 30 minutes. As we shift to in-person meetings again, we can adopt this approach. Avoid scheduling meetings that could be done over email. Our lives are filled with demands, requests, and requirements that can be difficult to meet each day. As former Coca-Cola CEO Brian Dyson once said, Imagine life as a game in which you are juggling five balls in the air: work, family, health, friends, and spirit. Work is a rubber ball; if you drop it, it will bounce back. The other four balls are made of glass, and if you drop one of them, it will be nicked, marked, damaged, or even shattered. This quote serves as a reminder to strive for a balanced work-life integration, using our time wisely to achieve our goals while maintaining our physical and mental health. Farzana Hoque is a hospitalist. Crime featured Customs agent faces battery, stalking charges A United States Customs and Border Protection field agent assigned to the Tampa/Miami Field Office was arrested on Wednesday and charged with misdemeanor domestic battery and cyberstalking. Hatfield Scott Hatfield, 38, of Key West, was arrested after an alleged verbal and physical altercation with his ex-girlfriend outside Body Zone Fitness at Overseas Market. In police reports obtained and reviewed by the Keys Citizen, Key West Police Department Officer Randy Perez responded to a 911 call at 7:30 a.m. Upon arrival, I was flagged down by a male, later identified by his Florida DL as Scott Hatfield, Perez wrote in his arrest report. Hatfield told Perez that he was in a verbal argument with his ex-girlfriend. He said he attempted to speak with her, but she refused. Hatfield said he followed her to Winn-Dixie, trying to talk with her when they began arguing loudly. When asked if the argument had become physical, Hatfield told him it had not. He also told Perez they lived together, but she had moved out four days earlier. The officer then approached the woman and interviewed her. Her name was redacted in the report to protect her privacy. She stated she was in the gym, and Hatfield had approached her. She walked away. However, he followed her, wrote Perez. The woman told Perez she walked to her vehicle, and Hatfield followed her. After getting in, Hatfield held the door open, preventing her from leaving. She said she tried to get out of her car, but Hatfield shoved her back into the vehicle twice. After several male bystanders intervened, the woman told Perez she had walked toward Winn-Dixie and called 911. When I asked her where she was pushed, she said her shoulders, stated Perez. Her shoulders were reddish, indicative of being pushed forcefully. Witness statements corroborated the womans story. When asked if she would press charges, she replied, Yes. She also stated that she feared for her life and would be seeking a protective order against Hatfield. The woman later provided screenshots from her mobile phone showing 11 missed phone calls from Hatfield on May 29. She also shared text messages asking Hatfield to stop calling and texting her, but the screenshots show he continued. A CBP spokesperson confirmed Hatfields arrest Friday morning. A U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer was arrested while off duty, said the spokesperson. The officer has been placed on administrative duties pending the outcome of the investigation. CBP stresses honor and integrity in every aspect of our mission, and the overwhelming majority of CBP employees and officers perform their duties with honor and distinction, working tirelessly every day to keep our country safe. Hatfield is scheduled for arraignment before Judge Mark Wilson at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 7. ted.lund@keysnews.com I'm a big fan of Basil Poledouris's soundtracks, which work perfectly as epic orchestrations and as ironic, even comical reflections of the subject matter. It's no wonder that Paul Verhoeven hired him for flicks such as Robocop and Starship Troopers, and the latter work is now out on vinyl for the first time. 2-LP Extended Edition features 29 cues from the cult classic, reimagined artwork, a fold-out poster, plus new liner notes from director Paul Verhoeven and musician Zoe Poledouris Poledouris' daughter, Zoe, adds that her father drew inspiration from Igor Stravinsky. "I remember him passionately talking about how the chaos of the alien bug swarms would be digitally rendered and choreographed like a sci-fi ballet of madness and carnage perfect for a cacophonous, driving symphony-style score to be played by an extra-large orchestra." While many of the score's recurring themes are centered around action-heavy military scenes, there are also several emotionally charged cues, as the characters face personal drama, including breakups and even death Come on, you apes, you wanna live forever? It's striking how politically illiterate movie critics were in the 80s and 90s, but I think most of them did in fact realize that Starship Troopers was mocking and not glorifying right-wing militarism. And its predictive, warning-alarm satire, its jocular contempt for the internet and cable TV and American media culture in general, is recognized now to the point of cliche. But the smartest thing about it (and the most ruinous to its quality as a movie) was forming it as a cheesy 1990s teen soap. Fascism is a youth movement, after all. At least 70 suspects are in police custody on theft charges for allegedly stealing from pilgrims who have thronged Namugongo, Wakiso District for the Uganda Martyrs Day commemoration. Two of the suspects are female while one of the 68 male suspects was arrested on charges of illegal passion of government stores. Despite the heavy deployment of several security personnel from police and the army, among others, criminal elements couldnt stay away from the commemoration venue, according to police. Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson, Mr Patrick Onyango, told this reporter that most of the cases are about phone snatching registered at both Catholic and Anglican shrines. The security situation is relatively normal and calm. Our security officers who have been deployed are alert to ensure that all crimes are detected on time, Mr Onyango said. Security has been heightened at both shrines with a number of checkpoints mounted to ensure that all those intending to access the premises are checked thoroughly. Some pilgrims were, however, heard complaining about the long queues after waiting for hours to go through security checks. Read more Two upcoming exhibitions highlight the past, present and future of craftsmanship and creativity in the jewellery discipline, both in Ireland and internationally - showcasing jewellery in all its dazzling forms. The Collectibles and Curiosities exhibition and the Golden Past - Glittering Futures will run concurrently from June 6 to July 29 at DCCIs National Design & Craft Gallery in Kilkenny. Collectibles and Curiosities, has brought together 16 contemporary international jewellers and silversmiths, representing a wide range of narratives and cultures in one exhibition showcasing not only technical precision and a dynamic use of materials, but also their artistry as storytellers. Collectible and curious are words that reflect the historical fascination with jewellery, precious materials and objects, that tell stories about people, communities and cultures. Exhibitors include Alena Stukavcova Dolezalova (Czech Republic), Ana Nadjar (Chile), Anne Earls Boylan (UK) and Clodagh Molloy (Ireland). The Association for Contemporary Jewellery and Silversmiths Northern Ireland, which has curated the show, aims to develop the voice, audience and understanding of contemporary jewellery and silversmiths in Northern Ireland. Golden Past - Glittering Futures showcases the legacy of DCCIs Jewellery and Goldsmithing course over the last ten years. This exhibition highlights a snapshot of graduate work and celebrates the future for training in this sector in the newly launched DCCI Academy Jewellery & Goldsmithing School in Thomastown, Kilkenny. Chosen graduate designers include Sarah Gregory, Miriam Wade, David McCauley and Patrick Brennan.The world-renowned intensive course was established in 1993 and prides itself on training students to the highest level of craftsmanship and innovative design. Graduates have progressed in the jewellery industry, both in Ireland and abroad, carving out successful careers over the past 30 years. Speaking about the launch, Berina Kelly, DCCI Board member and jewellery designer, said: Both exhibitions celebrate the excellent reputation the island of Ireland continues to build within contemporary jewellery globally. The launch of the DCCI Academy Jewellery & Goldsmithing School takes this rich history and champions those that will leave their own mark in the future. Thank you to The Association for Contemporary Jewellery and Silversmiths Northern Ireland who worked closely with DCCI on this exhibition, allowing us to showcase the full spectrum of skill, creativity and innovation applied by Irish and international jewellers. I encourage everyone far and wide to come to Kilkenny to see sheer excellence at its very best. The exhibitions are open from June 6, giving people a unique opportunity to gain insight to the contemporary history of Irish jewellery. For more information, visit www.ndcg.ie/exhibitions/ A former student of Kilkenny College is set to take the stage at the Summer Party With summer about to get into full swing, Hot Press is celebrating by joining forces with Smooch Ice Cream to present the Summer Party, a dazzling evening of unmissable music and tasty treats, as well as a free, unlimited ice cream bar. Taking place on Thursday, June 8, at The Chocolate Factory in the heart of Dublin, the Summer Party celebrates the launch of Smooch's new summer ice cream flavour, Bubble Gum Bliss. Complimentary tickets are available now! Shiv will be bringing her captivating, genre-blending energy to The Chocolate Factory. Following a string of lauded releases, the Zimbabwean-Irish artist is primed for international success as she continues to make serious waves with recent singles 'Heavy Water' and 'Late Now'. Last year's 'Golden', meanwhile, has clocked up over 11.6 million streams on Spotify alone. Initially making their mark on the Irish scene with breakout tracks like 'Talk To Me' and 'That Good Thing' both of which have garnered streams in their millions the Tullamore trio have continued to impress, with energetic live sets and a series of superb singles. Chasing Abbey has enjoyed a busy 2023 so far. They recently teamed up with a choir for a special version of their single 'Lie', and launched their impressive The Vault series, which finds them uploading one song a week exclusively to SoundCloud and YouTube. One of their latest tracks from the series, the irresistible 'Oh My Johnny', recently hit No.1 in Ireland on SoundCloud's New & Hot playlist. So, there's never been a better time to catch Chasing Abbey in action! Nothing accompanies the magic of a summer day in Ireland quite like Smooch, the country's No.1 soft service ice cream. With three locations in Kilkenny, Smooch's creamy ice cream and luxuriously thick milkshakes are at the heart of every community, and have proven to be a real local favourite. Featuring exciting toppings, combos and specials, the delicious options are endless and you'll get to try out your very own at The Summer Party! Those at the event will be able to create their own ice creams, and choose from a variety of thrilling toppings to craft something totally unique. The evening will culminate in a brilliant, intimate set from two of the most prominent acts in homegrown music, Shiv and Chasing Abbey. The Summer Party is an alcohol-free event. There will be a draw for festival tickets at the show, as well as unlimited Smooch ice cream. Therell also be giant Jenga and Cornhole games, and attendees will be able to get themselves on their very own Hot Press cover! Apply for complimentary tickets to the Summer Party taking place at the Chocolate Factory, Dublin, on June 8 at hotpress.com/thesummerparty Athlone based Sergeant Bobby Feery, Garda Jennifer Cassells and Student Garda Cathal Kenny had been on their way back from Longford District Court yesterday when a woman, appearing in difficulty, hailed the trio down. Upon arriving at the scene and finding that the woman had inadvertently locked her young child, car keys and handbag inside her car, all three together with the aid of a local mechanic managed to prise the vehicle's keys and rescue the toddler. In a statement carried on its social media channels, a garda spokesperson said the episode, thanks to the intervention of all three officers, had ended safely and with happy faces all round. "Three Gardai travelled from their station in Athlone to Longford on a routine prisoner escort," said a spokesperson. "On their way back to Athlone they were flagged down by a woman in distress - she had accidentally locked her young child, car keys and handbag inside the car on this very warm day. "Gardai made contact with a local mechanic and together, they managed to fish the keys from the handbag locked inside and then bring the child to safety. "Sergeant Bobby Feery, Garda Jennifer Cassells and Student Garda Cathal Kenny now have two new buddies!" Labour Leader, Ivana Bacik made a whistlestop tour of Kilkenny City on Monday visiting both the Abbey Quarter and the Butler Gallery. Kilkenny basked in beautiful sunshine as the Labour leader took in the sights of the Marble City and did a walkabout in the city accompanied by a number of local Labour stalwarts. Councillor Tomas Breathnach who is the only Labour representative on Kilkenny County Council joined the entourage as did local area representative, Andrea Cleere and former county councillor, Sean O hArgain. The Labour leader said that she is hoping that the party will rebuild and grow locally and that the partys strong Labour tradition will be revived in the run up to the local elections next year and she is optimistic about how the party will perform and added that she hoped that the party would recruit new members locally over the coming months. During her visit to Kilkenny she said that she was really impressed with the Abbey Quarter and also commended the Butler Gallery where she viewed its current exhibition, The Disappointed Tourist. Ivana Bacik is no stranger to Kilkenny as her grandparents Charles and Edith Bacik lived in Rathmore House in Fiddown in Piltown and Ivana spent many happy times in South Kilkenny during her childhood and as a young adult. My grandparents Charles and Edith came over here in 1946 as my grandfather was involved in the Czech Resistance and was imprisoned by the Nazis during the water. During this time my grandmother stepped in and ran the glass factory they had, she said. Ivanas grandparents came to Ireland as refugees and her grandfather, who had links with the glass industry, was involved in the setting up of Waterford Crystal. Ivana recalls happy memories of visiting her grandparents in Piltown, before they died within six weeks of each other in 1990. My grandfather used to grow apples as a hobby and we used to loved going down to visit when they were alive, she said adding that still has several Dowley cousins living in the area. It is great to be back in Kilkenny, I have very happy memories from visiting over the years, she added. Sean O hArgain said he was delighted to welcome the party leader to Kilkenny and said that he hoped that the party would grow locally. In this video, writer/producer/performer Nile Rodgers explains how and why he wrote "I'm Coming Out" (1980) for Diana Ross. In 1979, he and his partner Bernard Edwards were hired by Diana Ross to produce her next album. While in the process of interviewing Ross to get a sense of the direction of the album he went to a nightclub known as a trans club, and noticed that there were at least seven Diana Ross impersonators there. He says he called Edwards and said, "Diana Ross is revered by the gay community, and if we wrote a song called 'I'm Coming Out' for Diana Ross, it would have the same power as James Brown's 'I'm Black and I'm Proud.'" Watch this video even if only for the pleasure of hearing Nile Rodgers play guitar. This gay power meaning was totally lost on Diana Ross, who thought it was about her leaving Motown Records and declaring independence from Berry Gordy, who had controlled her entire career to that point. The Wikipedia article about the song states: According to the BBC4 documentary How to Make It in the Music Business, Ross loved the record until she put it in front of [disc jockey] Frankie Crocker, who pointed out that "I'm coming out" is what homosexual people use to announce their homosexuality, that listeners would think Diana herself was announcing she was gay, and that it would ruin her career. She ran back to the studio in tears and demanded to know why Rodgers and Edwards would write the song knowing that it would damage her career, but was later convinced that was not the case and decided to release the song. By the way, Ross ended up hating the entire album as delivered by Rodgers and Edwards, and in a panic had it remixed in Detroit. Nevertheless, it became her biggest-selling solo album. Here is "I'm Coming Out," a huge hit that peaked at #5 on the Billboard chart. YOUNG ADULT Invisible Son by Kim Johnson; Random House Books for Young Readers, 392 pages ($18.99) Age 14 and up. (June 27 publication) ... The onset of the Covid pandemic, the murder of George Floyd and the Black Lives Matter protests are the charged backdrop for this electrifying social justice thriller by the author of "This Is My America." After taking the fall for a crime he did not commit and doing time in a youth detention facility, Andre Jackson returns to his Portland, Ore., home, in February 2020 wearing an ankle monitor, to discover his friends, his favorite teacher, even his parents seem to look at him differently. He narrates: "I live in the whitest big city on the Blackest block. Simultaneously seen and unseen. I used to hate the erasure. But now, well, now I don't mind if I stay hidden." Stuck with a curfew and limits on where he can go, Andre is determined to discover who planted the backpack of stolen goods in his locker. He suspects his friend Eric, adopted Black son of a white politician and his wife who live across the street. But Eric seems to have disappeared without a trace. Even Eric's sister Sierra has no idea where he is. While Andre has to answer to his assigned probation officer, a white officer who opposed his release is also monitoring him, constantly threatening to send him back to juvie. As a Black youth in a gentrifying neighborhood, Eric is forced to constantly deal with microaggressions from neighbors and even from people he considers his friends. A walk to the store for snacks results in what could have been a fatal encounter with police. Meanwhile, his beloved grandfather is fighting for his life in the Covid ward at the hospital. Kim Johnson offers a gripping thriller with page-turning suspense and a truly despicable villain as she explores the collective trauma and ugly politics of Covid-19 and the racial reckoning sparked by the death of George Floyd. At the end find a fascinating author's note detailing the racist history of Portland, suggestions for further reading and a list of the songs Andre plays on his YouTube channel. CHILDREN'S Ellie Engle Saves Herself, Ellie Engle Book 1 by Leah Johnson; Disney Hyperion, 271 pages ($18.99 ) Ages 8 to 12. ... 12-year-old Ellie Engle loves comics, reading in her room and hanging out with her best friend (and secret crush) Abby Ortega until an earthquake rocks their small Indiana town and Ellie comes into her own in this hilarious and heartwarming middle-grade debut by Leah Johnson, author of Stonewall Honor Book, "You Should See Me in a Crown." Outgoing Abby, a gymnast and cheerleader, is into makeup and outfits and her big plans for junior high school; Ellie, who suffers from panic attacks and lives with her hardworking divorced mom, has always been content to rest in Abby's shadow. But after the earthquake, Ellie is preparing to flush her dead pet fish down the toilet when her touch brings the fish back to life. Along with the power to resurrect the dead, Ellie discovers she has enhanced abilities to hear and smell. Desperate to hide her new superpowers and to avoid making problems for her mother, she shows up at school wearing earmuffs and gloves. But when she accidentally touches the frog she was supposed to dissect, it flops back to life and the class mean girl documents the horrifying moment on her phone. This brings an avalanche of publicity, including a visit from pop star Willa Moon, who wants Ellie to bring her dog back to life for an episode of her reality show, an effort that disastrously backfires. Johnson incorporates an amusing superhero origin story into this funny and compelling tale of a girl learning to assert herself amid the changing relationships and challenges of junior high school. In an author's note she writes that "'Ellie Engle Saves Herself' is a book about a young, queer, Black girl who believes herself to be unspectacular who has been convinced she's safer in the shadows. .. My hope is that this story ... will serve as a declaration that no one can take away our right to exist without fear or shame. No one." The next book will be titled "Breonna Boyd Is a Legend." Shenandoah, IA (51601) Today Mostly sunny early then increasing clouds with some scattered thunderstorms this afternoon. High 88F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.. Tonight Partly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 61F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph. A Buffalo man was arraigned Friday before Erie County Court Judge Suzanne Maxwell Barnes on an indictment charging him with second-degree murder, second-degree criminal possession of a weapon and third-degree intimidating a witness. Prosecutors said that Jamin Haygood, 21, of Buffalo, fatally shot a woman in the head with an illegal handgun while they were inside an apartment in the 2400 block of Delaware Avenue in North Buffalo on May 27. The victim, Jacquette Holley, died at the scene. Haygood also is accused of intimidating a witness to the shooting by attempting to prevent the person from divulging information to police, the Erie County District Attorney's Office said in a news release. A return court date was not scheduled for Haygood, who was held without bail. Haygood faces a maximum 25 years to life in prison if he is convicted on the highest charge against him. President Joe Biden will address the nation from the Oval Office on June 2 his first time speaking to the country directly from that setting following congressional passage of a compromise measure that raises the federal borrowing limit and avoids a catastrophic default. Community Bank System, Inc. (NYSE:CBU Get Rating) has earned an average rating of Hold from the eight ratings firms that are currently covering the firm, MarketBeat Ratings reports. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have given a hold rating and one has issued a buy rating on the company. The average twelve-month target price among brokers that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $59.80. CBU has been the subject of several recent analyst reports. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods reduced their price objective on shares of Community Bank System from $64.00 to $57.00 and set a market perform rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, April 6th. StockNews.com started coverage on Community Bank System in a research note on Thursday, March 16th. They issued a sell rating on the stock. Piper Sandler lowered their price target on shares of Community Bank System from $54.00 to $50.00 in a report on Wednesday, April 26th. Janney Montgomery Scott started coverage on shares of Community Bank System in a report on Tuesday, March 14th. They issued a buy rating and a $66.00 price target on the stock. Finally, TheStreet downgraded shares of Community Bank System from a b- rating to a c+ rating in a research note on Tuesday, April 11th. Get Community Bank System alerts: Community Bank System Price Performance CBU opened at $53.05 on Friday. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $48.89 and a 200 day moving average of $56.51. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.05, a quick ratio of 0.68 and a current ratio of 0.68. Community Bank System has a fifty-two week low of $44.26 and a fifty-two week high of $72.86. The firm has a market cap of $2.85 billion, a P/E ratio of 19.58 and a beta of 0.61. Community Bank System Announces Dividend Insider Buying and Selling The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, July 10th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, June 15th will be given a dividend of $0.44 per share. This represents a $1.76 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.32%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, June 14th. Community Bank Systems dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 64.94%. In other news, Director Sally A. Steele acquired 2,000 shares of Community Bank System stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, March 15th. The stock was purchased at an average cost of $53.46 per share, for a total transaction of $106,920.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the director now directly owns 4,585 shares in the company, valued at approximately $245,114.10. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In other Community Bank System news, Director Sally A. Steele purchased 2,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Wednesday, March 15th. The stock was acquired at an average price of $53.46 per share, for a total transaction of $106,920.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the director now directly owns 4,585 shares in the company, valued at approximately $245,114.10. The purchase was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. Also, Director Kerrie D. Macpherson purchased 1,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, March 20th. The stock was purchased at an average price of $55.42 per share, with a total value of $55,420.00. Following the purchase, the director now directly owns 3,662 shares of the companys stock, valued at $202,948.04. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. 1.89% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Community Bank System A number of institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. Advisor Group Holdings Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Community Bank System by 43.0% in the 1st quarter. Advisor Group Holdings Inc. now owns 5,912 shares of the banks stock valued at $422,000 after purchasing an additional 1,777 shares during the last quarter. Raymond James & Associates increased its position in shares of Community Bank System by 1.0% in the first quarter. Raymond James & Associates now owns 17,408 shares of the banks stock worth $1,221,000 after acquiring an additional 167 shares in the last quarter. American Century Companies Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Community Bank System by 15.8% during the 1st quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 7,143 shares of the banks stock valued at $501,000 after acquiring an additional 977 shares in the last quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC increased its holdings in Community Bank System by 2.7% in the 1st quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC now owns 20,597 shares of the banks stock valued at $1,447,000 after purchasing an additional 540 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Citigroup Inc. boosted its position in shares of Community Bank System by 20.9% in the first quarter. Citigroup Inc. now owns 51,951 shares of the banks stock worth $3,644,000 after buying an additional 8,977 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 71.78% of the companys stock. Community Bank System Company Profile (Get Rating) Community Bank System, Inc is a holding company, which engages in the provision of retail, business, and municipal banking services. It operates through the following segments: Banking, Employee Benefit Services, and All Other. The Banking segment offers lending and depository-related products and services to individuals, businesses, and municipal enterprises. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Community Bank System Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Community Bank System and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Onto Innovation (NYSE:ONTO Get Rating) had its target price increased by Stifel Nicolaus from $97.00 to $124.00 in a research note issued to investors on Tuesday morning, The Fly reports. Several other brokerages have also recently commented on ONTO. B. Riley increased their price target on Onto Innovation from $95.00 to $105.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Friday, February 10th. Jefferies Financial Group assumed coverage on shares of Onto Innovation in a research note on Thursday, April 20th. They set a buy rating and a $100.00 price objective on the stock. Needham & Company LLC boosted their price objective on shares of Onto Innovation from $75.00 to $92.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Friday, February 10th. DA Davidson boosted their price objective on shares of Onto Innovation from $90.00 to $95.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Friday, February 10th. Finally, Benchmark reaffirmed a buy rating and set a $92.00 price target (up previously from $85.00) on shares of Onto Innovation in a report on Friday, February 10th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Onto Innovation has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $105.67. Get Onto Innovation alerts: Onto Innovation Trading Up 0.4 % Shares of NYSE ONTO opened at $107.22 on Tuesday. The firm has a market cap of $5.24 billion, a PE ratio of 26.74 and a beta of 1.46. Onto Innovation has a 1-year low of $56.02 and a 1-year high of $112.72. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $89.03 and a 200 day moving average price of $82.19. Insider Activity Onto Innovation ( NYSE:ONTO Get Rating ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, May 4th. The semiconductor company reported $0.92 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.88 by $0.04. Onto Innovation had a net margin of 20.67% and a return on equity of 16.09%. The company had revenue of $199.17 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $200.00 million. During the same period last year, the company earned $1.31 earnings per share. The firms revenue was down 17.5% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities research analysts forecast that Onto Innovation will post 3.63 EPS for the current year. In other Onto Innovation news, SVP Robert Fiordalice sold 846 shares of Onto Innovation stock in a transaction dated Friday, May 26th. The shares were sold at an average price of $109.40, for a total value of $92,552.40. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president now owns 13,526 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,479,744.40. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. In related news, Director David Brian Miller sold 5,000 shares of Onto Innovation stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, May 23rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $99.69, for a total value of $498,450.00. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 11,808 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,177,139.52. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, SVP Robert Fiordalice sold 846 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, May 26th. The shares were sold at an average price of $109.40, for a total transaction of $92,552.40. Following the transaction, the senior vice president now owns 13,526 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,479,744.40. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last quarter, insiders have sold 7,283 shares of company stock valued at $727,969. 0.81% of the stock is owned by insiders. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Onto Innovation A number of hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Ellevest Inc. increased its holdings in Onto Innovation by 232.0% in the 4th quarter. Ellevest Inc. now owns 415 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $28,000 after purchasing an additional 290 shares in the last quarter. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio increased its holdings in Onto Innovation by 51.3% in the 3rd quarter. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio now owns 516 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $33,000 after purchasing an additional 175 shares in the last quarter. Point72 Hong Kong Ltd acquired a new position in Onto Innovation in the 2nd quarter worth about $52,000. CoreCap Advisors LLC acquired a new position in Onto Innovation in the 4th quarter worth about $68,000. Finally, Quadrant Capital Group LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Onto Innovation by 52.0% during the third quarter. Quadrant Capital Group LLC now owns 1,202 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $77,000 after purchasing an additional 411 shares during the period. 93.59% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. About Onto Innovation (Get Rating) Onto Innovation, Inc engages in designing, developing and manufacturing process control systems. It offers process control, combining global scale with an expanded portfolio of technologies that include: 3D metrology spanning the chip from nanometer-scale transistors to micron-level die-interconnects, macro defect inspection of wafers and packages, metal interconnect composition, factory analytics, and lithography for advanced semiconductor packaging. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Onto Innovation Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Onto Innovation and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Royal Caribbean Cruises (NYSE:RCL Get Rating) had its price target boosted by Argus from $88.00 to $92.00 in a report published on Wednesday morning, The Fly reports. Several other brokerages have also issued reports on RCL. UBS Group lifted their target price on shares of Royal Caribbean Cruises from $82.00 to $91.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, February 23rd. Wells Fargo & Company increased their price objective on Royal Caribbean Cruises from $78.00 to $88.00 in a research report on Friday, May 5th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft increased their price objective on Royal Caribbean Cruises from $65.00 to $71.00 in a research report on Friday, May 5th. Stifel Nicolaus boosted their price target on shares of Royal Caribbean Cruises from $86.00 to $90.00 in a research note on Wednesday, February 8th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. initiated coverage on shares of Royal Caribbean Cruises in a research note on Friday, April 28th. They issued an overweight rating and a $94.00 price target for the company. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eleven have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Royal Caribbean Cruises currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $85.93. Get Royal Caribbean Cruises alerts: Royal Caribbean Cruises Stock Performance NYSE RCL opened at $86.24 on Wednesday. The companys 50 day moving average is $69.91 and its 200-day moving average is $64.93. Royal Caribbean Cruises has a 12-month low of $31.09 and a 12-month high of $86.60. The company has a quick ratio of 0.23, a current ratio of 0.26 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 6.41. The firm has a market cap of $22.06 billion, a P/E ratio of -21.19 and a beta of 2.43. Insider Transactions at Royal Caribbean Cruises Royal Caribbean Cruises ( NYSE:RCL Get Rating ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, May 4th. The company reported ($0.23) earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of ($0.71) by $0.48. The firm had revenue of $2.89 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.82 billion. Royal Caribbean Cruises had a negative net margin of 9.72% and a negative return on equity of 25.86%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 172.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted ($4.57) earnings per share. Sell-side analysts predict that Royal Caribbean Cruises will post 4.71 earnings per share for the current year. In other news, Director Arne Alexander Wilhelmsen sold 375,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, May 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $80.74, for a total value of $30,277,500.00. Following the sale, the director now directly owns 20,689,632 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,670,480,887.68. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. In other Royal Caribbean Cruises news, Director Arne Alexander Wilhelmsen sold 375,000 shares of Royal Caribbean Cruises stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, May 22nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $80.74, for a total value of $30,277,500.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 20,689,632 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,670,480,887.68. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, CEO Jason T. Liberty sold 36,536 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, May 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $80.00, for a total value of $2,922,880.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 147,078 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $11,766,240. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 729,861 shares of company stock valued at $58,020,180 in the last ninety days. 8.70% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Institutional Trading of Royal Caribbean Cruises Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the company. Capital World Investors raised its holdings in Royal Caribbean Cruises by 1,314.9% during the first quarter. Capital World Investors now owns 2,759,035 shares of the companys stock valued at $231,152,000 after acquiring an additional 2,564,035 shares during the period. Norges Bank purchased a new position in Royal Caribbean Cruises in the 4th quarter worth approximately $100,326,000. Primecap Management Co. CA lifted its holdings in Royal Caribbean Cruises by 29.8% in the 3rd quarter. Primecap Management Co. CA now owns 6,776,061 shares of the companys stock worth $256,813,000 after purchasing an additional 1,554,600 shares in the last quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC lifted its holdings in Royal Caribbean Cruises by 2,470.7% in the 4th quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC now owns 1,280,200 shares of the companys stock worth $63,280,000 after purchasing an additional 1,230,400 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Absolute Investment Advisers LLC purchased a new position in Royal Caribbean Cruises in the 4th quarter worth approximately $980,000,000. 74.27% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. About Royal Caribbean Cruises (Get Rating) Royal Caribbean Group is a cruise company, which engages in the ownership and operation of the following global cruise brands: Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea Cruises. The firm also holds interest in TUI Cruises GmbH, which operates the German brands TUI Cruises and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Royal Caribbean Cruises Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Royal Caribbean Cruises and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Gloria Yoder lives in Flat Rock, Illinois. She likes to cook, bake, garden and being a mom! Readers can send her mail at P.O. Box 157, Middletown, Ohio 45042. For more recipes and information about the Amish lifestyle go to amish365.com. Orchard Park Village Justice James C. Cosgrove dismissed a misdemeanor charge of criminal contempt against Orchard Park gym owner Robert F. Dinero, who challenged Covid-19 protocols for gyms and schools. Dinero, 51, had been accused of sending an email to Orchard Park Central Superintendent David Lilleck in violation of a court order of protection that prohibited him from communicating with school district officials. Dinero found guilty of trespassing at Orchard Park school Orchard Park gym owner Robert F. Dinero was found guilty of trespassing at Orchard Park Middle School after being told he was not allowed in the building. This was one of three misdemeanor charges lodged against Dinero in connection with the Orchard Park School District, where his children attend school. He was found not guilty of one count of criminal trespass, and found guilty of a lesser trespassing charge. "After almost two years and how many thousands of taxpayer dollars, the charges were dismissed," Dinero said of Thursday's court action. "The judge granted the defense motion to dismiss the case due to facial insufficiency. Our office is researching and exploring the possibility of refiling the charge, a spokeswoman for Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn said in an email. Gym owner charged with trespassing outside Orchard Park School Board meeting Police said in a news release that Robert F. Dinero had been advised previously that he was not allowed to be in any Orchard Park Central School building. The contempt charge came out of the order of protection issued at Dinero's arraignment on another trespassing violation. Dinero told The Buffalo News that he sent the superintendent an email, with copies to his attorney, the district's lawyer and the town police chief, asking to attend the ice cream social at his children's school. He said he had been told he had to ask for permission to enter school, and after he asked, he was charged with second-degree criminal contempt. He had been found guilty of trespassing a violation at Orchard Park Middle School on Dec. 9, 2021, after being told he was not allowed in the building. Dinero said he was dropping his sons off at wrestling practice and went into the school with them. Dinero said he intentionally entered the Middle School without a face mask to protest the mask mandate. "I'm proud of the fact I had the guts to walk in that school without a mask," Dinero said. "I deliberately walked into a school without the mask in protest of the ridiculous rules." Unmasked parents challenge mandate at Orchard Park School Board meeting About 100 parents showed, far more than the usual crowd, and many refused to wear masks during the meeting. He said he wore a mask for the second trespass charge when he attended a School Board meeting. "He was advised by his previous attorney he was allowed to attend a school board meeting if he followed Covid protocol," said his current attorney, Justin D. Ginter. Dinero was found not guilty of trespassing in that trial. "I was a very loud, persistent voice for people who wanted the freedom to lead their lives the way they wanted to lead," Dinero said. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. News / Local by Staff reporter President Mnangagwa, who was in Malawi on a three-day State visit this week, proved his statesmanship when he surprised his Malawian audience by addressing them in fluent Chewa, leaving them thrilled.Since becoming President in 2017, President Mnangagwa has adopted the policy of leaving no one and no place behind as he forges ahead to unite not only the country, but the global village through his policy of engagement and re-engagement.President Mnangagwa and President Chakwera wave at thousands of Malawians who thronged Chileka Airport to bid him farewell after his State visit yesterdayThe President, who is known to be a fluent speaker of six languages namely Ndebele, Tonga, Bemba, Shona, English and Chewa, is proving to be a good connector with the masses through his linguistic abilities which have won him many admirers both at home and across borders.Deputy Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet and Presidential spokesperson Mr George Charamba said President Mnangagwa can easily connect with his audiences because of his linguistic versatility."The President cannot be confined to a geographical space, he transcends all spaces culturally, linguistically, politically and of course as a freedom fighter so you will find out that whichever situation, he finds himself in, he is conversant with the local language and the local idioms that makes him a perfect Sadc citizen."Language is very important, it gets a politician to instantly connect with his audiences but in this case also to connect with a sister Republic, so really beyond just communication, this a fundamental symbolism in terms of how integrated and how his vision of integrating Sadc is fast coming closer to realisation. It will also be important for you that even President Chakwera was actually addressing us in Shona, that really tells you the level of affinity between the two sister Republics," he said.Political analyst and international relations expert Mr Tongai Dana said by addressing his Malawian audience in Chewa, as an international statesman, President Mnangagwa demonstrated and provided the direction that Africans should now take when they are interrelating between and among each other."Based on this, President Mnangagwa played a role of an African father, whose role is giving direction to fellow Africans, specifically the emerging youthful African leaders who would really benefit from this transferring knowledge of indigenous languages so African languages gain traction in international forums."Mr Dana added that President Mnangagwa has become the pioneer of such an internationally important step."When local languages are spoken at important international visits between African countries, that spirit of Africaness engulfs the listeners."This is very important, especially at this time when Africa has lost her oneness as characterised by such evils as xenophobia making headway in our once united African people who joined hands to fight against colonialism, making one's independence the priority of the other."From a diplomatic perspective, Mr Dana said that multilingualism is a fundamental value and an enabler of multilateral diplomacy, which brings tolerance and dialogue among countries."By using the host country local language, President Mnangagwa demonstrated tolerance of other African countries as well as his international diplomatic capacities as an international statesman.THE Southern African Development Community (Sadc)"If this could be an African practice, Africa would turn her adversity into an opportunity to strengthen regional cooperation as was the case during the liberation struggle when Africans would speak each other's language as they co-operated to ward off colonialisation," he said.Another political analyst, Mr Gibson Nyikadzino, said President Mnangagwa's ability to speak various African languages signifies the oneness that is shared among countries in the Sadc region."President Mnangagwa in respect of the oneness between African nations, in the context of mainly the Sadc region, has maintained the ability to have people recall the binding historical and cultural ties between and among our nations."You will recall that he went to Zambia where he spoke Tonga and this time he has gone to Malawi and he addresses the audience in their language."Mr Nyikadzino went on to explain that the President's gesture also signifies the shared historical ties that exist among people in Sadc, bearing in mind that Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi were once part of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland."So, it is also a lesson on the importance of our languages being a carrier of our identity and our culture."In February 2022, the African Union adopted Swahili, an African language, as one of the official languages alongside French, Spanish, Portuguese, and Arabic.This signalled the fact that Africans have awakened to the importance of speaking their own languages when they interrelate and discuss African issues. ATK New Delhi [India], June 3: XRP, one of the leading digital assets, has recently found itself entangled in a legal battle with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). This conflict has sparked concerns among investors and enthusiasts alike, raising questions about the future of XRP, the potential implications for the broader crypto market, and the viability of alternative investment options such as meme coin presales, exemplified by Dogetti and AiDoge. Also Read | Happy Vat Purnima 2023 Greetings, Images and Wishes for Hindu Festival. In this article, we will delve into the similarities and differences between XRP and the SEC, explore the possibility of XRP losing the legal battle, and assess the potential impact on the crypto market. Additionally, we will discuss whether meme coin presales like Dogetti offer a safer bet for investors seeking the next big crypto investment. XRP and the SEC Also Read | Delhi Shocker: Spurned Lover Stabs Woman for Turning Him Down, Dies by Suicide in Begumpur. XRP, a cryptocurrency created by Ripple Labs, has faced scrutiny from the SEC, which alleges that the digital asset qualifies as a security and should be subject to regulation. This legal dispute has raised concerns among XRP investors and holders, as a negative outcome could have significant implications for the future of the token. The SEC's lawsuit against Ripple Labs has caused a great deal of uncertainty, leading some exchanges to delist XRP and causing its value to fluctuate. Potential Impact on XRP and the Crypto Market The outcome of the legal battle between XRP and the SEC could have far-reaching consequences for both parties involved. If the court rules in favour of the SEC, XRP may be subjected to strict regulations, which could hamper its growth and adoption in the cryptocurrency market. Such a decision could also set a precedent for how other digital assets are classified and regulated by authorities worldwide. Moreover, a negative ruling for XRP could potentially lead to a significant drop in its value and trigger a broader market sell-off as investors lose confidence in the cryptocurrency. However, it is essential to note that the crypto market has shown resilience in the face of regulatory challenges in the past, and XRP's fate should not be extrapolated to other digital assets. Meme Coin Presales and the Safer Bet In the midst of uncertainty surrounding XRP, some investors are turning to alternative investment options, particularly meme coin presales like Dogetti and AiDoge. These meme coins aim to capitalise on the popularity of Dogecoin and Shiba Inu by fostering a strong and united community of holders. Dogetti, for example, takes inspiration from mafia-themed books and films, referring to its community as "The Family." The project's goal is to increase the net worth of every member of the "Family" through a reflection protocol. While meme coin presales can offer an exciting and potentially profitable investment opportunity, it is crucial to approach them with caution. These projects often come with higher risks due to their speculative nature and limited utility beyond their community. Investors should conduct thorough research, assess the project's team, and evaluate the long-term viability and potential for growth before investing in meme coins. In the face of regulatory uncertainties surrounding XRP and the potential implications it may have for the broader crypto market, alternative investment options such as meme coin presales like Dogetti emerge as intriguing opportunities for investors. Dogetti's unique approach of branding itself as a family rather than a community fosters a sense of togetherness and belonging among its holders. This distinct concept, combined with the potential for regular rewards through the reflection protocol, creates an attractive investment proposition. While it is essential to approach any investment with caution, Dogetti's meme coin presale stands out due to its creative branding and utility-focused core. By emphasising community engagement and offering potential benefits to its members, Dogetti aims to establish itself as a promising player in the crypto market. Investors seeking the next big crypto investment with utility can consider exploring the world of Dogetti. By joining "The Family," investors have an opportunity to be part of something unique and special, while also potentially benefiting from the growth and success of the project. To explore the unique and captivating world of Dogetti and join "The Family," click here and become a part of this meme coin community. Presale: https://dogetti.io/how-to-buy Website: https://dogetti.io/ Telegram: https://t.me/Dogetti Twitter: https://twitter.com/_Dogetti_ (Disclaimer: The above press release has been provided by ATK. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) ATK New Delhi [India], June 3: Welcome to an exciting journey through the world of cryptocurrency as we explore the best Layer-1 blockchains to watch out for in 2023. In this article, we will delve into the promising prospects of three altcoins that have captured the attention of investors and enthusiasts alike: Caged Beasts (BEASTS), Algorand (ALGO), and Near Protocol (NEAR). Also Read | Odisha Train Tragedy: By Grace of God, I Survived, Says Balasore Rail Mishap Survivor. These altcoins represent unique projects that aim to disrupt the blockchain industry with their innovative technology, promising developments, and potential for substantial growth. Join us as we delve into the fascinating world of these top altcoins and discover what makes them stand out in the fast-paced crypto market of 2023. Algorand: A Technological Powerhouse Shaping the Future Also Read | Miyazaki Mango, Single Piece of Worlds Costliest Mangoes Grown in West Bengal Mosque, Sold for Rs 10,600; Masjid Committee To Sell One Mango Every Friday. Algorand, a trailblazing cryptocurrency, has been making waves in the crypto landscape with its innovative technology and ambitious goals. With a focus on scalability, security, and decentralization, Algorand aims to provide a robust platform for the development of decentralized applications (dApps) and the implementation of blockchain solutions. Utilizing a unique consensus mechanism called Pure Proof-of-Stake (PPoS), Algorand ensures fast, secure, and energy-efficient transactions, opening up new possibilities for widespread adoption. With strategic partnerships, a growing ecosystem, and ongoing advancements, Algorand is poised to shape the future of blockchain technology and establish itself as a prominent player in the crypto market. Near Protocol: Empowering the Future of Decentralized Applications Near Protocol has emerged as a game-changing blockchain platform that aims to revolutionize the development and deployment of decentralized applications (dApps). By combining the advantages of scalability, user-friendly interfaces, and developer-friendly tools, Near Protocol seeks to bridge the gap between mainstream adoption and blockchain technology. With its innovative sharding technique and proof-of-stake consensus mechanism, Near Protocol ensures high throughput, low fees, and rapid transaction finality. The platform's focus on usability and developer experience has attracted a vibrant community of developers and entrepreneurs who are actively building innovative dApps across various industries. Near Protocol's commitment to empowering the future of decentralized applications positions it as a promising altcoin to watch in 2023. Caged Beasts: Unleashing the Potential of Meme Tokens Caged Beasts has been creating a buzz as it gets ready for a significant presale event. Caged Beasts, which aims to capitalize on the meme revolution, promises early investors lower token pricing and rewards. Using the market's increasing strength and momentum, the initiative seeks to have a substantial influence. The excitement around the formal launch of Caged Beasts is palpable since it has the ability to unleash enormous potential inside the blockchain industry. Interested investors can register their email addresses with Caged Beasts and start a journey full of expectation and excitement to become a part of this amazing revolution and discover intriguing cash opportunities. In conclusion, the world of cryptocurrency continues to evolve and expand, offering a plethora of opportunities for investors and enthusiasts. Caged Beasts, with its meme-driven approach, taps into the excitement surrounding the meme revolution. Algorand's innovative technology positions it as a formidable player in the blockchain industry, while Near Protocol focuses on empowering decentralized applications and bridging the gap between blockchain and mainstream adoption. As we embark on the journey through 2023, these altcoins stand out as promising projects that have the potential to shape the future of the crypto market! For more information on Caged Beasts, check out the links below: Website: https://cagedbeasts.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/CAGED_BEASTS Telegram: https://t.me/CAGEDBEASTS (Disclaimer: The above press release has been provided by ATK. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) ATK New Delhi [India], June 3: When it comes to cryptocurrency, investors are constantly seeking out high return potential and services that make certain digital assets desirable. In this article, we will examine and compare the Top 5 cryptocurrencies, namely Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, DogeMiyagi and Monero. By exploring their unique features, advantages, and drawbacks, this article also aims to provide well-informed insights to those interested in the crypto market. Also Read | Odisha Train Tragedy: By Grace of God, I Survived, Says Balasore Rail Mishap Survivor. DogeMiyagi - The Rising Star DogeMiyagi, a captivating new meme token, has generated considerable buzz in the industry. DogeMiyagi has quickly gained attention and popularity among investors. By connecting your wallet and generating a unique referral code, you can easily share the opportunity with friends, family, and online connections. Every time someone uses your code to purchase USD MIYAGI tokens, you'll earn a generous 10 per cent commission on their investment, automatically credited to your wallet. Exciting developments await in Phase 4 of their roadmap, where NFT designs will be initiated. Also Read | Miyazaki Mango, Single Piece of Worlds Costliest Mangoes Grown in West Bengal Mosque, Sold for Rs 10,600; Masjid Committee To Sell One Mango Every Friday. Bitcoin - The King Of Crypto Bitcoin, the first decentralized digital currency, stands as a trailblazer in the world of cryptocurrencies. With a solid track record and a large user base, Bitcoin has become a household name. Its high return potential has attracted investors seeking long-term growth. Bitcoin's limited supply and increasing adoption have contributed to its value appreciation over the years. As the crypto market's benchmark, Bitcoin continues to pave the way for innovation and investment opportunities in the industry. Ethereum - Empowering Decentralized Applications Ethereum, a revolutionary blockchain platform, offers much more than just a digital currency. With its smart contract capabilities, Ethereum empowers the creation and execution of decentralized applications (DApps). This unique feature has made Ethereum highly desirable to both developers and investors. 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Monero - Privacy And Anonymity Privacy and anonymity have become paramount concerns for many cryptocurrency users. In this regard, Monero stands out as a leading option. With its advanced privacy features, Monero ensures that transactions remain untraceable and addresses remain confidential. This focus on privacy and security has made Monero a popular choice among individuals seeking financial confidentiality. Despite its strong emphasis on privacy, Monero still offers a high return potential, attracting investors who value both security and profitability. After carefully analyzing the five cryptocurrencies in terms of their high return potential and desirability, it is clear that DogeMiyagi brings a fresh and captivating twist to the crypto market. While Bitcoin and Ethereum have established themselves as reliable investments, DogeMiyagi's innovative approach and community spirit provide a unique value proposition. Solana and Monero offer their own advantages, but DogeMiyagi's generous reward system and community driven approach makes it stand out among the crowd. For those seeking an opportunity to invest in a cryptocurrency with significant growth potential, DogeMiyagi is worth considering. Website: https://dogemiyagi.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/_Dogemiyagi_ Telegram: https://t.me/dogemiyagi (Disclaimer: The above press release has been provided by ATK. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) PNN New Delhi [India], June 3: The Wadhwani Institute for Artificial Intelligence (Wadhwani AI), a cross-domain AI impact institute, will be a part of the upcoming G20 meeting in Hyderabad from June 4-6. At the event, Wadhwani AI will proudly showcase the remarkable AI initiatives of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India (MoHFW), highlighting their significant impact on healthcare and well-being. Also Read | Miyazaki Mango, Single Piece of Worlds Costliest Mangoes Grown in West Bengal Mosque, Sold for Rs 10,600; Masjid Committee To Sell One Mango Every Friday. As the AI Unit of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), Wadhwani AI will aim to highlight how the Government of India is prioritising AI and digital technologies to revolutionise the healthcare industry. Visitors will witness first-hand the innovative solutions that leverage AI to improve healthcare outcomes and drive positive change in the sector. The Institute will be presenting AI solution demonstrations for disease surveillance, clinical decision support, image and sound-based screening, resource prioritisation and optimisation, patient risk stratification, anthropometry, and active case-finding. Also Read | Elon Musk 'Loves' His AI Avatar in Sherwani, Twitterati Welcomes 'Indian Groom'. The Institute had earlier presented a host of AI-powered solutions at the G20 health working group meetings in Thiruvananthapuram and Goa. These solutions aim to augment the effectiveness and efficiency of existing health coverage and emergency prevention, preparedness, and response programs. "The G20 presidency places us at the centre of the world where there is a rich market and diverse audience which is global in nature. This immediately raises the sense of validity and context of our work, as well as its application and meaningfulness. We receive constant feedback from visitors to our stalls, which adds impetus by making us think, re-think, and strengthen our capabilities to develop cutting-edge, highly relevant, and customised AI solutions for specific problems," said Shekar Sivasubramanian, Chief Executive Officer, Wadhwani AI. (Disclaimer: The above press release has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Chandigarh, Jun 3 (PTI) Three new railway stations will come up Kalanaur, Jagadhari and Darazpur in Yamunanagar district under the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor Railway (EDFCR) project and these will benefit the industrial sector, a top Haryana government official said on Saturday. Haryana Chief Secretary Sanjeev Kaushal said to ensure benefits to industries from these stations, a committee led by the Yamunanagar deputy commissioner will be formed. Also Read | Manish Sisodia Arrives at His Residence but Fails To Meet Ailing Wife, Returns to Tihar Jail (Watch Video). This committee will gather information from industries based in the area and accordingly facilitate services at the stations, he said in an official statement. The development of the railway corridor will not only benefit local traders and industries but also businesses up to Ponta Sahib, it said. Also Read | Odisha Train Tragedy: Survivors of Balasore Rail Mishap Reach West Bengals Howrah, Recall Deadly Experience. The chief secretary directed the deputy commissioner to prepare a plan in consultation with officials of traders' bodies and chambers of commerce regarding the utilisation of the three stations. He also suggested organising a seminar to provide information about the facilities at these stations. Kaushal was reviewing the ongoing development works in Yamunanagar district on Saturday, the statement said. Railway officials apprised that the work on the railway corridor is in its final stages. The new Kalanaur junction and new Jagadhri railway junction are connected to the express highway, which will greatly benefit traders, the statement 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, Jun 3 (PTI) National chairman of the Congress' ex-servicemen department Major (retd) Ved Prakash passed away on Saturday. He was 85. Prakash, a regular attendee at the party's press conferences at the All India Congress Committee headquarters, was known for being a staunch Congress loyalist. Also Read | Odisha Train Tragedy: Survivors of Balasore Rail Mishap Reach West Bengals Howrah, Recall Deadly Experience. His son Vipul Prakash said, "My father suddenly collapsed at the Congress headquarters at around one o'clock this afternoon and suffered a head injury. He was taken to the hospital but he had passed away." He said Ved Prakash turned 85 on Friday. Also Read | Dog Attack in UK: Elderly Woman Mauled to Death by 'Out-of-Control Banned Breed' in Warwickshire, Two Arrested. "My father's heart used to beat for the Congress and he was so attached to the party that even at this age, he used to visit the Congress headquarters every day," Vipul Prakash said. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said, "I am deeply pained by the demise of Major Ved Prakash ji, who was associated with the Congress party for decades and played an important role in the ex-servicemen department." After serving the nation as a disciplined soldier, he devoted his life to building an organisation of ex-servicemen. He played key roles in the past, including running the war room in the AICC and being in-charge of the northeastern states, Kharge said. He had a deep understanding of Jammu and Kashmir and defence matters, the Congress chief said. "Our heartfelt tribute to him and our deepest condolences to his family," Kharge said. In a tweet in Hindi, Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said, "Received the sad news of the demise of Major Ved Prakash ji, who was dedicated to the ideology of the Indian National Congress and was the head of the ex-servicemen department. "Major Ved Prakash ji dedicated his whole life to the service of the country. His demise has caused an irreparable loss to the Congress family," Priyanka Gandhi said, praying for the departed soul. Congress general secretary organisation KC Venugopal said, "Saddened to hear about the demise of Maj. Ved Prakash, Chairman, AICC Ex-Servicemen Department. He was a loyal soldier and a dedicated party worker." "My sincere condolences to his family in this time of grief. Om Shanti," Venugopal said on Twitter. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Pune, Jun 3 (PTI) Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar on Saturday demanded an inquiry into the three-train accident in Balasore in Odisha that killed more than 260 persons and injured nearly 1,000 a day earlier. Also Read | YouTuber CarryMinati Announces Charity Streaming for the Victims of Odisha Train Accident. Asked about demands for the resignation of Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on moral grounds post the tragedy, Pawar cited the example of then railway minister Lal Bahadur Shastri resigning after a train accident and asked "those in power" to do what is "appropriate". Also Read | PM Modi Arrives at Balasore Accident Site: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Inspects Crash Site After Odisha Train Tragedy, Takes Stock of Situation (See Pics and Video). The Coromandel Express, the Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express, carrying close to 2,000 passengers cumulatively, and a goods train were involved in a derailment-collision accident near Bahanagar Bazar station in the eastern state on Friday night. "It is an accident and everyone has sought an inquiry. Let the facts come out and after that suggestions can be made," Pawar told reporters. Speaking on some parties seeking the resignation of Vaishnaw, the NCP chief said, "When Lal Bahadur Shastri was the railway minister, an accident took place. Then prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru was against Shastri's decision to resign, but Shastri believed it was his moral responsibility to quit." "This example is known to the nation and those in power should do what they feel is appropriate," Pawar asserted. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) News / Local by Staff reporter Limpopo MEC for Health Dr Pophi Ramathuba has failed in her attempt to put a stop to a Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) inquiry into comments she made to a Zimbabwean patient when she visited Bela Bela Hospital last year.A disciplinary inquiry had been set down for July to probe complaints against her emanating from the conversation which was widely broadcast.While Pretoria High Court Judge Anthony Millar, in his judgment refusing to grant Ramathuba an interdict, did not detail the complaints, it is public record that she told the patient that Zimbabweans were putting a huge strain on the provincial health system.She said: "You are killing my health system. It's unfair."Ramathuba brought the application in her capacity as the MEC for health, in two parts, divided into Part A and Part B.Part A was for an interdict pending Part B a review application in which she would seek an order declaring the decision of the HPCSA issued against her on 9 February 2023 as unconstitutional, unlawful and invalid, and declaring that the HPCSA lacks jurisdiction over the conduct of the applicant as an MEC.Only Part A was considered by Judge Millar this week and he ruled on Friday.In his judgment, he said many complaints had been laid against Ramathuba with the HPCSA as a result of the conversation.Ramathuba disputed the complaints, both in her capacity as the MEC for Health and as a medical practitioner."It is not in issue that the applicant has at all material times been registered as a health professional and remains so and the HPCSA is the custodian of the medical profession," Judge Millar wrote.The judge explained that the HPCSA has a two stage complaints procedure. The first is a preliminary inquiry, which may result in the complaint being resolved. If it is not, it is referred to a formal inquiry.Judge Millar said a preliminary committee had considered the complaints at a meeting at the end of January. The committee had resolved that the applicant was guilty of unprofessional conduct but that it was only a "minor transgression" and that she should be cautioned for unprofessional behaviour, unbecoming of a medical professional for "shouting at a patient's bedside as the patient was vulnerable at the time".The HPCSA, in a letter to Ramathuba, said the acceptance of this penalty would not constitute a conviction and would not be reflected against her name. The matter would be regarded as finalised.But Ramathuba refused to accept the finding. She wrote to the HPCSA in February this year, challenging it on the basis that it had no jurisdiction over her.The HPCSA disagreed with this, and set the formal hearing dates."The applicant does not want the inquiry to proceed or to attend it she says she conducted the conversation in her capacity as an MEC and not as a medical practitioner," Judge Millar said."The crisp question is, is the applicant in her capacity as MEC a separate persona from the applicant as a medical practitioner. The office of the MEC is a political one whereas her status as a medical practitioner is a professional one."The holding of political office and remaining registered as a medical practitioner are not mutually exclusive. The one hallmark of both is that the individual concerned accepts that they are, and subject themselves to being accountable for their actions."It seems to me to be a wholly contrived and self-serving assertion that conduct is determined depending upon which hat a person is wearing at the time'," the judge said."This is simply not consistent with our constitutional values or the law. There is to my mind no distinction to be drawn between the different offices a person holds and their conduct."He said Ramathuba had maintained her registration with the HPCSA so she had no right to avoid its jurisdiction. If she had de-registered then the situation would be different."Her refusal to accept the finding of the preliminary committee means that the entire matter will serve before a different committee she will have the opportunity to raise whatever challenge she wishes at the inquiry."Delaying the matter unnecessarily ending a review does not serve the interests of any of the parties."Judge Millar dismissed the application and ordered Ramathuba to pay the HPCSA's costs. Imphal (Manipur) [India], June 3 (ANI): The Army, Assam Rifles, police and CAPFs (Central Armed Police Forces) commenced Area Domination Operations in the hills and valley area across Manipur on Saturday, said Army officials. Conducted under the surveillance cover of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and Quadcopters, the operations have so far resulted in recovery of 40 weapons (mostly automatic), mortars, ammunition and other warlike stores. As part of joint strategy for recovery of weapons, these operations are significant for restoring peace and will continue in a calibrated manner, the officials added. Also Read | Fake Call Centre Racket Busted in Gurugram; 10 Arrested. During the conduct of these operations, adequate measures were undertaken to ensure that the locals are not harassed and personal safety and security is maintained, said an official statement of the Army. Following the directions during visit of Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Manipur Security Forces have once again appealed to all those in possession of snatched weapons to surrender the same at the earliest for ensuring peace and stability in Manipur. Security Forces also warned that failure to surrender these weapons will make all such people liable for strict legal action. (ANI) Also Read | Madhya Pradesh: Six Persons Rescued After Being Trapped in Ropeway Car Due to Gusty Winds in Dewas. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], June 3 (ANI): Asserting that every citizen has the right to a smooth and safe journey, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said on Saturday said that it is the responsibility of the government to ensure a safe journey for the travellers. "It becomes the responsibility of the government to fulfil this right with the utmost sincerity and honesty, considering the trust with which a passenger travels," he said. Also Read | PM Modi Arrives at Balasore Accident Site: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Inspects Crash Site After Odisha Train Tragedy, Takes Stock of Situation (See Pics and Video). Flagging off 93 new Rajdhani bus services and seven regular BS-6 buses, the Chief Minister said, "The statistics of deaths resulting from road accidents are extremely alarming. If we were to present the figures of road accidents for Uttar Pradesh within a year, a horrific scenario would unfold." "In one year, more lives are lost due to road accidents than COVID-19 has claimed in three years. Road accidents occur and innocent lives are lost due to overspeeding, poor road engineering, or rules violations", added CM Yogi. Also Read | Odisha Train Crash: Jalpaiguri Man Who Went To Work at Bengaluru Hotel Dies, 11 of His Group Missing After Major Mishap in Balasore. He stressed that increasing awareness and obeying the rules of the road can save many lives. "Every life is precious to us, and it is also an invaluable asset for a family, a society, and a country", Yogi said. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has called for a campaign to increase awareness and prevent traffic accidents and the deaths they cause. He stated that launching a comprehensive awareness campaign to prevent deaths from such accidents would be a national program. The central government and the Supreme Court have also expressed concerns about this issue repeatedly. He further added, "On this occasion, arrangements should be made to enhance the existing programs of the Transport Corporation in a more effective manner. It should be our goal to provide this type of service to people who want to use the Transport Corporation's buses for public transportation within Uttar Pradesh. He mentioned that, if required, we must associate private operators with regulations to provide transportation and bus services to every village. If we can provide this facility to every village, it will be convenient for the people, and they will utilize public transport services. Discussing the increasing demand for electric buses, CM stated that wherever electric bus services have been initiated, there is a new demand among the people. "We have currently started electric bus service in 10 cities of Uttar Pradesh. Wherever we go, people are requesting us to start electric bus services in their areas as well. On this occasion, I would like to say that the time has come to ensure that bus stations are well-maintained, safe, and our bus services are in line with the demands of the people", he said. The Chief Minister further asserted that it is not necessary for us to rely solely on government funding to expand the fleet of the Transport Corporation. Our efforts should focus on increasing the existing resources of the Transport Corporation and involving private operators so that every village, every city is connected with excellent bus services. This will not only help in reducing the number of deaths caused by road accidents in Uttar Pradesh but also bring the fatality rate to a minimum level. Earlier, CM Yogi congratulated the Uttar Pradesh Transport Corporation on completing 50 years of journey. At the beginning of his address, he mentioned that just a few months before independence, on May 15, 1947, a state-owned transportation service was initiated in Uttar Pradesh with the aim of providing smooth and safe travel to people. This state-owned transportation service eventually progressed into the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation on June 1, 1972, becoming the largest unit of public transport in the state with the largest population in the country, said Yogi Adityanath. On the occasion, the Minister of Transport, Dayashankar Singh, the Chief Secretary, Durga Shankar Mishra, the Chairman of the Transport Corporation, Prashant Trivedi, the Principal Secretary of Transport, Venkateshwar Lu, MD Masoom Sarwar, and other officials from the Transport Department were also present. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Washington [US], June 3 (ANI): The loss of a loved one may have a profound impact on both mental and physical health. The University of Arizona investigated the impact of sadness on heart function and concluded that acute grief might cause a considerable rise in blood pressure. Grief, according to the findings, may be a risk factor for cardiac events. The findings of the study were published in the journal Psychosomatic Medicine, demonstrating an association between grief severity and elevated systolic blood pressure response. Also Read | Barcelona Comeback Clinches Champions League Title. The idea of "dying of a broken heart," which can happen following the loss of a loved one, was the motivation for the research, said Mary-Frances O'Connor, senior author of the study and a UArizona associate professor of psychology who specializes in grief. Increased risk of mortality after the death of a loved one has long been documented in epidemiological studies. The study by O'Connor and her colleagues looked at blood pressure as a possible contributing factor. The study included 59 participants that had lost a close loved one in the past year. Also Read | Aamir Raza Husain Dies: Renowned Theatre Actor and Director Passes Away at 66. "We were looking for a way to test the cardiovascular effects of grief during that vulnerable time in the first year after the loss," said lead study author Roman Palitsky, who was a doctoral student at UArizona when the study was conducted and is now the director of research projects in spiritual health at Emory University Woodruff Health Sciences Center. Study participants were interviewed and asked to focus on feelings of separation and attachment through a process researchers call "grief recall." The researchers talked to each participant for 10 minutes and asked them to share a moment when they felt very alone after the death of their loved one. The researchers then measured the study participants' blood pressure. "When you go to a cardiologist, they don't just measure your blood pressure. They also sometimes do a stress test, like a treadmill, and measure your blood pressure. This is sort of like an emotional stress test," O'Connor said. After grief recall, participants' systolic blood pressure - which is the pressure that the heart exerts on the arteries while beating - increased. From the baseline level, systolic blood pressure climbed by an average of 21.1 millimeters of mercury - the unit used to measure blood pressure. That is approximately as much of an increase as would be expected during moderate exercise. Among the 59 participants, those who showed the highest level of grief symptoms experienced the greatest increase in blood pressure during the grief recall. "This means that it isn't just the death of a loved one that impacts the heart, but our emotional response to loss that is affecting our heart," O'Connor said. The study's findings are helpful for clinicians, as they show that people who are experiencing bereavement are at higher risk for hypertension and other heart-related problems, O'Connor said. "It's important for psychologists and therapists to encourage grieving clients to get their regular medical checkups. Often, when we've been caring for a loved one who's dying, we neglect our own health care," she said. In her Grief, Loss, and Social Stress Lab in the Department of Psychology, O'Connor studies an intervention called "progressive muscle relaxation." It teaches grieving people to tighten and then fully relax the major muscle groups in their body. This kind of body-based intervention can be helpful for people in terms of their grief and curbing their stress levels, O'Connor said. "I continue to look for interventions that will help address the physical and medical side of grieving, in addition to the emotional side," she said. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Islamabad [Pakistan], June 3 (ANI): A cabinet member on Thursday said Pakistan's request to lower the requirement of securing USD 6 billion in additional loans had been denied by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), leaving the government with no choice but to try to salvage the agreement, The Express Tribune reported. Minister of State for Finance Dr Aisha Pasha, in a policy statement delivered during the National Assembly Standing Committee on Finance, stressed that Pakistan's only choice was to return to the IMF. Also Read | Pride Month 2023: What Is 2S in the 2SLGBTQIA+? Know All About the Acronym and Its Transformation. The committee also addressed the idea of invoking the recently passed contempt of the Parliament law against Finance Minister Ishaq Dar for his persistent absence during the meeting, which was presided over by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) MNA Qaiser Sheikh, as per The Express Tribune. Dr Pasha claimed that Pakistan asked the IMF to take into account lowering the USD 6 billion external funding requirement based on fresh data on the current account deficit, but the Fund declined. The other USD 3 billion was to be arranged after the staff-level agreement, she said, but the IMF insisted on "demonstrating the USD 6 billion". She went on to say that there was an understanding to arrange USD 3 billion before the agreement. Also Read | American Indian Citizenship Day 2023 Date: Know the History and Significance of the Day Observed in the US. The statement from the Finance minister showed that the IMF has not altered its position despite a call from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva. Dr Aisha Pasha replied, "There is no option other than going back to the IMF, and I categorically say there is no Plan B," when asked if there was a backup strategy in the event that negotiations with the IMF fall through. She emphasised that the government wanted to continue the IMF programme. Dr Pasha's assertion, however, runs counter to Finance Minister Dar's earlier stance that Pakistan should attempt to cope with or without the IMF. MNA Ali Pervaiz Malik urged Pakistan to use restraint and avoid taking actions like offering amnesty to citizens who have undeclared foreign currency in their possession. The IMF has already paid USD 3.9 billion of the overall USD 6.5 billion rescue package during the past four years, with the remaining amount depending upon the conclusion of three outstanding reviews. MNA Dr Ramesh Kumar blamed Pakistan's foreign policy course for the protracted delay in restarting the IMF programme. Dr Pasha asserted that Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the World Bank, and Geneva Commitments had made arrangements for Pakistan to receive USD 4.5 billion. She pointed out that only after the staff-level agreement is reached can the remaining USD 1.5 billion be set up. Speaking to the business community on Thursday, Dar voiced optimism, saying that Pakistan's external financing is in order and that he anticipates a staff-level deal to be reached this month. Dr Pasha stated that Pakistan has shared its fiscal year 2020 budget with the IMF, and the government is awaiting the lender's feedback. She stated that the budget is generally in compliance with IMF recommendations. According to figures seen by The Express Tribune, the IMF might demand that Pakistan significantly raise its revenue projections and cut back on some expenses. The proposed primary budget surplus is insufficient to meet IMF standards. Members of the committee voiced dissatisfaction with the government's choice to share budget figures with the IMF but withhold them from lawmakers. The PM's decision to create eight different budget committees prevented the budget strategy paper for the fiscal year 2023-2024 from being finished in time for the meeting, according to Dr Pasha. The Public Finance Management Act mandates that the Ministry of Finance prepare and release the budget strategy paper by April 15th, as stated by Nafisha Shah of the Pakistan People's Party (PPP). Pervaiz suggested taking action in response to the finance ministry's violation of the Act of Parliament. Concerns regarding import limitations and rumours of unlawful methods being utilised to import products with postponed payments were also addressed by the committee. Dr Inayat Hussain, the deputy governor of the SBP, acknowledged that they are looking into the specifics of these imports and would take enforcement and remedial action as needed, The Express Tribune reported. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Dubai [UAE], June 3 (ANI/WAM): The United Arab Emirates announced USD 20 million ( around AED73.6 million) for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). The agency provides Palestinian refugees with education, health care, relief and social services. It is funded almost entirely by contributions from UN Member States. Also Read | Russian Wineries Maintain Production Despite EU Sanctions. Ambassador Lana Nusseibeh, Permanent Representative of the UAE to the UN, announced the UAE's contribution, which will be disbursed over the next two years, during a meeting of the Ad Hoc Committee of the General Assembly for the Announcement of Voluntary Contributions to UNRWA. "UNRWA's current financial situation is precarious and the agency's future hangs in the balance. Through the UAE's support we aim to contribute to a more predictable and sustained funding of the Agency," said Ambassador Nusseibeh. "Not only does UNRWA play a vital role in improving the lives of millions of Palestinian refugees, but the agency also contributes to maintaining regional security and stability," she added. Also Read | US: Maryland School System Sues Meta, Google, Snapchat and TikTok Over 'Mental Health Crisis' Among Students. Prior to today's contribution, UAE assistance to Palestine they amounted to USD 521 million, USD 119.3 million through UNRWA, during the period 2018-2023. UNRWA was established by UN General Assembly Resolution 302 on 8 December 1949. (ANI/WAM) (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, June 3: The Supreme Court on Saturday stayed the Allahabad High Court's May 23 order, directing the head of the department of astrology at Lucknow University to ascertain whether an alleged rape victim was 'mangalik' by examining her horoscope. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, at the outset, submitted before bench comprising justices Sudhanshu Dhulia and Pankaj Mithal that the order is disturbing and it should be stayed. HC on Rape Victim Girl's Kundali: Allahabad High Court Asks Lucknow University Astrology Dept To Step In After Accused Refuses To Marry Woman for Being a 'Mangalik'. The apex court had taken the suo moto cognisance of the matter and heard the matter in a special sitting on Saturday at 3 p.m. During the hearing, the bench noted that the order is totally out of context and the right to privacy is being disturbed. Justice Dhulia said: "We do not want to join facts on what astrology has to do with this... We are only concerned with subject matter linking to this." The counsel, representing the complainant, submitted that the order was passed with the consent of the parties and pointed out that astrology is being taught at the university. The high court had passed the order while deciding the bail plea of a person accused of raping a woman on pretext of marriage. The accused in the matter had contended that the marriage could not be solemnised because the woman was a mangalik. The apex court observed that while deciding a bail plea, court cannot enter into the realm of astrology which are private matters of an individual. Allahabad High Court on Wife Refusing To Have Sex, 'Denying Sexual Intercourse to Spouse for a Long Time Amounts to Mental Cruelty'. The apex court said: "We say nothing on merits. We stay the operation and effect of the order. The matter would be taken up by high court in next date of listing and shall be dealt on merits." In the high court, the counsel for the woman had argued that she is not mangalik. The high court ordered the woman and the accused to submit their kundalis to the astrology department of the Lucknow University. The court directed the university to submit a report within three weeks. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 03, 2023 04:14 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). Florida Governor Ron DeSantis continued his presidential campaign with a stop in South Carolina. The controversial politician also drew protesters, and he even sparred with one of them. There were several protesters at the DeSantis event, but one woman directly confronted the Florida governor and heckled him, shouting, "The right to health care, to their kid's health care, you're a f------ fascist." The heckler also added, "We Say Gay!" She was reportedly heckling DeSantis about his recently-signed legislation that banned transgender children in the state from receiving gender-affirming care. These include puberty blockers and sex-reassignment surgeries. She was also hitting him about his controversial "Don't Say Gay" law that bans the discussion of LGBTQ topics with children. The crowd booed the protester, though DeSantis did reply and said, "We're not going to let you impose an agenda on our kids. We're going to stand up for our kids. We're going to make sure to do it right." This drew some cheers from the crowd as the protester was escorted out. "Those people like that in Florida are the people we beat every single day on policy," DeSantis added. "We do not let them win. We win all these battles. We're not letting them indoctrinate our kids, not on our watch." DeSantis's policies have been aimed at furthering his culture war narrative, drawing criticisms from various groups, from LGBTQ groups to the NAACP to Latino groups. READ NEXT: Ron DeSantis's 5 Controversial Policies Florida Still Lagging in Healthcare Under Ron DeSantis As Ron DeSantis campaigns to take the presidency, he touted Florida's wins in the "culture war." However, the Los Angeles Times pointed out that he is not discussing some issues where the state is lagging, including healthcare which DeSantis has largely not done anything about as governor except for that gender-affirming care ban. Florida currently has the third-highest rate of uninsured people under 65 in the United States, at 15.1%. This may be because DeSantis was one of the biggest opponents of the Affordable Care Act, better known as Obamacare, while he was still in Congress, with him barely even talking about healthcare at the height of the pandemic, leading to Florida having one of the highest death rates with COVID-19. Florida is one of just 10 states that have not signed on to an Obamacare expansion. This means that a majority of low-income people still do not qualify for Medicaid in the state. Donald Trump Blasts Ron DeSantis on Policy and Personality As the Republican primaries heat up, Donald Trump kept up his attacks on DeSantis and blasted the Florida governor on his policies, as well as his personality, during a recent interview. However, according to Politico, Trump did not give a definitive answer when asked if he would endorse DeSantis should he become the GOP nominee. "It's too early to say. So far, I'm not a fan of the way that he's running," Trump said before attacking DeSantis again. "The guy's doing ads. He's acting as a candidate, but he doesn't have to play by the rules because he hasn't filed, which is a total violation." However, this was fact-checked, and it was found that an independent political committee is running the ads, not DeSantis himself. He then called the Florida governor disloyal and a "dead man walking" before Trump endorsed him. The former president then added, "He's got no personality. And I don't think he's got a lot of political skill," before attacking his policies. "If you look at what DeSantis did, a lot of people don't even know if he knew what he was doing," said Trump. READ NEXT: Florida Could Face Mass Labor Shortage Due to Ron DeSantis' New Immigration Law This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Rick Martin WATCH: Ron DeSantis called a fascist by a heckler... - Life with Thunder The assassination of late Haiti President Jovenel Moise Plunged Haiti into anarchy. Now, one of the men who masterminded , Rodolphe Jaar, a Haitian-Chilean businessman, has been sentenced to life imprisonment. According to the Miami Herald, Jaar is the first among nearly a dozen defendants to be sentenced for the late Haiti president's assassination. However, he was not sentenced in Haiti, which is in total chaos right now, but in the United States. Jaar previously pleaded guilty to three counts of conspiring to provide material support, providing material support, and conspiring to kidnap and kill then-President Jovenel Moise. Under his plea agreement, he faced between 30 years to life imprisonment. With Jaar's sentencing, it is still unclear how the other defendants charged with the Moise assassination would take plea deals. It was pointed out that they might not take a plea deal if they were still going to end up with life imprisonment. How Rodolphe Jaar Was Involved in the Jovenel Moise Assassination Plot Jaar was among the 11 people tied to the assassination plot who were arrested in the Dominican Republic, which borders Haiti, before getting extradited to the United States. So far, he is the only one to plead guilty. Court documents stated that he only provided personnel and funds to kidnap Moise. However, he did not expect that what he was helping with would become an assassination plot that would become successful but led to the country's descent into a political and socio-economic crisis. READ MORE: Haiti Gang Burns Courthouse The money he provided was used to purchase weapons and bribe members of the president's security detail. He then met with the other conspirators, not just in Haiti but also in Florida, to kidnap the president. According to the Associated Press, before he became a prominent businessman in Haiti, Jaar, who has dual Haitian and Chilean citizenship, was once convicted because of drug trafficking. He was also once an informant for the US government about drug trafficking activities in the Americas, Haiti's Descent Into Chaos After Jovenel Moise Assassination While it was poor, Haiti was still stable when Jovenel Moise was still president. His assassination was seen as the catalyst for the country to plunge into a massive crisis, with officials begging the UN to send peacekeeping forces. After the Haiti president's assassination, the country was in a political crisis as Moise had no clear successor, with many rejecting the authority of Prime Minister Ariel Henry. With the political turmoil, violent street gangs turned their local conflicts national, overwhelming police as they invaded territories. The UN estimates that gangs now control over 60% of the capital, Port-au-Prince, with residents now becoming vigilantes as they try to stave off these Haiti gangs from invading their communities. On top of that, there is also a cholera outbreak going on. The Guardian reported that the violence raging between the street gangs, the largely overwhelmed police, and the vigilante citizens are prevalent. The Ecuadorian diplomat Maria Isabel Salvador described the situation to the UN Security last March, saying, "Faced with these increasingly violent armed gangs vying for control of neighborhoods of the capital, with limited or no police presence, some residents have begun to take matters into their own hands." READ MORE: Dominican Republic Deported 1,800 Children to Haiti, Says UNICEF This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Rick Martin WATCH: Haitian businessman gets life sentence in 2021 assassination of Haiti's president - CBS Miami Disturbing details have emerged regarding the untimely death of Anadith Tanay Reyes Alvarez, an eight-year-old Panama girl with preexisting medical conditions, while under the custody of the US Border Patrol. Investigations reveal a series of distressing events leading up to her passing, including multiple denied requests for hospitalization, BBC reported. According to investigators, the Panama girl exhibited fever, flu-like symptoms, and pain, prompting medical personnel to examine her on nine separate occasions within three days. On the day of her tragic demise, a nurse checked on her four times, but despite the pleas of the girl's mother, who made three or four requests for an ambulance, no medical transportation was arranged. The Customs and Border Protection report sheds light on the events surrounding Alvarez's death. Born in Panama to Honduran parents, she had reportedly received treatment for her symptoms, including antiviral drugs, ice packs, and a cold shower, on May 16. However, it appears that the medical staff at the facility were unaware of Alvarez's underlying health conditions, including congenital heart disease and sickle cell anemia, both of which necessitate ongoing medical attention throughout an individual's lifetime. The grieving family claims to have informed the facility of their daughter's medical history when they were detained a week before the tragic incident. READ NEXT: Panama Girl Dies in US Border Patrol Custody Nurse Denies Ambulance for Panama Girl The autopsy report of Anadith Tanay Reyes Alvarez, the Panama girl, provides further insight into the events leading up to her tragic passing while in the custody of the United States Border Patrol. The report indicates that on May 17, Alvarez, who had been experiencing stomach pain, nausea, and breathing difficulties, consulted with a nurse practitioner (NP) four times. According to the autopsy report, Alvarez's heart rate and oxygen saturation were within normal ranges during these appointments. At 9:33 am, the NP administered Zofran to alleviate her nausea. However, it is revealed that the NP repeatedly denied the girl's mother's requests for an ambulance, as documented in the medical records. In a concerning turn of events, around 10:30 am, another medical staff member presented the NP with paperwork and a bottle of folic acid tablets from the family's belongings. The mother, seeking to provide her child with folic acid, requested the NP's assistance, to which the NP seemingly agreed without thoroughly reviewing the paperwork. Later that day, after the mother's fourth appointment with the NP, she brought her daughter back to the health center around 1:55 pm, as the girl appeared to be experiencing a seizure. The medical staff immediately initiated CPR and called for an ambulance. South Texas Emergency Care assumed control of the rescue efforts at 2:07 pm. Tragically, upon arrival at Valley Baptist Medical Center in Harlingen, where the Panama girl and her mother were taken, Alvarez was pronounced dead approximately 40 minutes after arriving, according to the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency. Following the transfer to the hospital, the NP noted two final medical interactions in the records, marking the conclusion of their involvement in Alvarez's case. Honduran Teen Also Died in US Border Patrol Custody The death of the Panama girl comes after another terrible occurrence involving a 17-year-old unaccompanied Honduran migrant who passed away while receiving care from the US Department of Health and Human Services, according to official comments from Honduran officials and a congressional notice The teen was found lifeless at a facility in Safety Harbor, Florida. According to a government official, the Office of Refugee Resettlement is looking into the situation and is awaiting the medical examiner's final findings. Angel Eduardo Maradiaga Espinoza was tragically lost unexpectedly on May 10-five days after being admitted to the Safety Harbor facility by the US Department of Health and Human Services resettlement office. Since the finding of Espinoza's lifeless body in bed, federal government representatives and the agency have been largely mute, providing scant details about the occurrence. READ NEXT: Authorities Discover 45 Bags of Human Remains in Mexico This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Bert Hoover WATCH: Nurse denied ambulance requests for migrant girl who died in CBP custody, officials say - Form CBS News Florida has one of the largest Latino populations in the US. However, Governor Ron DeSantis is alienating them with his new immigration law, which may badly affect the state's economy as farms and construction sites that usually only hire undocumented immigrants lay deserted as business owners fear reprisals from the new law. Now, immigrants are holding "Day Without Immigrants" across the state. On Thursday, immigrant workers just did not show up to work and instead protested. Places that usually hire immigrants as they are cheap labor, became emptier, with some small businesses closing up shop to show solidarity. The protests are called "a day without immigrants." According to CBS News Miami, some truck drivers even brought their vehicles with them to the protests, including trucks with small construction cranes. They reportedly demonstrated at a busy intersection outside the office of one of the Florida state lawmakers who championed the law. Meanwhile, over in one of Florida's most well-known tomato-growing areas, Immokalee, there were hundreds of protesters who were seen marching around the town as they chanted and carried signs against the DeSantis-backed law. "Many of the protesters were not undocumented immigrants, as some actually have papers already. I managed to get legal status in this country, and I said one day when I have documents I'm going to raise my voice. I'm also going to speak up for those people who don't have a voice," said a Florida restaurant owner named Isis Cordova. "Because I know what it's like to be in these shoes on the other side, with that fear and living in the shadows." Protesters Hit Ron DeSantis for Killing Jobs in Florida As many immigrants took to the streets in protest of the new law, many have singled out Governor Ron DeSantis, who is currently running for president, for signing the law. DeSantis has been running on a highly-divisive culture war platform that has not only irked the Latino community but also the LGBTQ and African-Americans. READ NEXT: South Carolina: Protester Calls Ron DeSantis a 'F**king Fascist According to Yahoo! News, Florida State Rep. Anna Eskamani pointed out that this new DeSantis-backed law would "not only threaten the health and wellbeing of immigrants but hurt the local business community as important jobs and services that would ordinarily be staffed by immigrants go unfulfilled." Protesters held not just American flags, but also various other countries from Latin America, including Mexico, Venezuela, and Honduras. Many took to the offices of various Florida legislators to pressure them to repeal the bill, which would take into effect next month. What Ron DeSantis' New Immigration Law Is About The Florida Governor has been crusading against illegal immigration as a lead-up to his run for the presidency. The bill essentially makes transporting undocumented immigrants illegal in the state, and forces business owners with over 25 workers to use E-Verify, a federal system that determines if employees can legally work in the United States. However, one of the most unpopular provisions was that hospitals must now pose a citizenship question to those seeking medical attention in order for them to accept Medicaid. The Associated Press reported that the law seeks to dissuade immigrants living in the United States illegally from seeking medical care and drive them out. Many provisions of the new law were called inhumane and marginalized immigrants, with Latino civil rights group LULAC issuing a travel advisory against Florida for Latino people. READ NEXT: Florida Could Face Mass Labor Shortage Due to Ron DeSantis' New Immigration Law This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Rick Martin WATCH: 'Our governor is a job-killing moron': DeSantis immigration policy threatens state economy - MSNBC News / Local by Staff reporter BULAWAYO residents have accused municipal police operating at the central business district revenue hall of soliciting for bribes from ratepayers to fast track access to services."Now in order to get quick and fast service, you now have to grease the palms of the municipal police and they facilitate that you get served fast," local resident Marcus Sibindi said."The rot in the revenue hall has now become unbearable. Those who pay the municipal police are the ones who get first preference and are whisked to the front of the queue."Another resident, Nkosi Khumalo, also condemned the sluggish service at the revenue hall."The online payment system reflects weeks after payment and that is problematic and we cannot spend hours in the revenue hall waiting to make payments and we cannot sponsor corruption by bribing these municipal police in order to get fast service; perhaps that is why people are not paying their bills, council needs to address this issue urgently," Khumalo said.Deputy mayor Mlandu Ncube said council was not aware of such practices when contacted for comment."We haven't received such reports and I urge the residents to report such issues so that we investigate and deal with those involved in such practices," Ncube said. New Jerseys 2023 primary election is Tuesday, and voters across Warren County face decisions in races for the Statehouse and for some municipal seats. Registered voters have three ways to cast ballots, including in-person at their local polling place from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday. To vote-by-mail, ballots must be postmarked by 8 p.m. on Election Day and received by the county Board of Elections by the sixth after polls close, or dropped off by 8 p.m. Tuesday to a county secure ballot box or the county Board of Elections Office. The third option is in-person early voting this weekend, with Saturday hours 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday hours 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Warren Countys early voting poll locations, per nj.gov, are at the Warren County Librarys Catherine Dickson Hofman Branch, 4 Lambert Road in Blairstown Township; Southwest Branch, 404 County Road 519 in Greenwich Township; and Northeast Branch, 40 U.S. Highway 46 West in Independence Township. Warren Countys Statehouse races that are contested in the primary are as follows, according to the New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections: 23rd Legislative District (Hunterdon, Somerset and Warren counties) Vying for one Democratic nomination for state Senate are Roger Bacon, of Phillipsburg, and Denise King, of Bedminster. The winner will face in the Nov. 7 election incumbent state Sen. Douglas Steinhardt, who is unopposed on the Republican primary ballot. 24th Legislative District (Morris, Sussex and Warren counties) Five Republicans are running for two nominations in the race for two open seats. They are Joshua Aikens, of Lafayette, bracketed with Jason Sarnoski, of Independence Township; Dawn Fantasia, of Franklin, bracketed with Michael Inganamort, of Chester; and Robert D. Kovic, of Sparta. The lone Democratic candidate in the primary is Baramdai Alicia Sharma, of Mount Olive Township. In this years Statehouse races that are not contested in the primary, 23rd District Republican incumbent Assemblymen John DiMaio and Erik Peterson are bracketed together in their re-election run, with two candidates for the Democratic nominations listed as Guy Citron and Margaret Weinberger. And in the 24th District Senate race, Assemblyman F. Parker Space is running for the Republican nomination and the Democratic candidate is Edmund Khanoo. Assembly members serve two-year terms, with the Senate terms up for election this year lasting four years. In Warren Countys contested municipal races: In Belvidere, three Republicans are vying for two nominations to seek three-year terms on the town council. They are Christopher Allen, Tammy Koop and Adam Sadlon. No Democrats filed. Frelinghuysen Township features two Republicans David C. Boynton and Debra Natyzak Osadca vying for one nomination for a three-year term on the township committee. No Democrats filed. Independence Township has four Republicans seeking two nominations for three-year terms on the township committee: Lawrence J. Aiello Jr., Kathleen Gesumaria, Bonnie Kelsey and John C. Snyder Jr. Again, no Democrats filed. In Phillipsburg, three Republican candidates are running for two nominations for four-year terms on the town council. They are Meliss Paulus, who has worked for 20 years for the Clinton Township Sewerage Authority; Matthew Scerbo, an IBEW union electrician and Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission employee; and incumbent Councilman Harry L. Wyant Jr., who had spent 25 years on council and 16 years as mayor before losing his mayoral re-election bid in 2015 then winning election to the council in 2019. The Democratic primary race for the town council is uncontested, with candidates Derick Lewis and Bernie Fey Jr. vying for two nominations. Phillipsburg also has a mayors race this year, but the primary is uncontested, with Councilman Randy Piazza Jr. running for the Republican nomination and incumbent Mayor Todd Tersigni switching parties to run as a Democrat and neither facing a primary opponent. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. A bill recently introduced by state Rep. Mike Schlossberg would make a notable change to the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code. Pennsylvania House Bill 782 would provide stronger municipal oversight on developments of regional significance and impact. The amendment will allow municipalities to require developers to provide a detailed analysis, at the developers cost, of the impacts of any project of a significant size. Throughout Pennsylvania, mega-real estate developers are turning agriculture and open spaces into road-clogging warehouses and other uses that hurt taxpayers through costly infrastructure nightmares, a memorandum with the bill states. Even worse, residents now must question their own quality of life as they experience more traffic, higher levels of pollution, and land deterioration. The developers reports must include analysis of impacts a given project will have on traffic flow, future infrastructure costs, emergency management services, sewer and storm water, damage to agricultural lands, parks and open space, impact on neighborhoods, natural resources and wildlife, and potential harm to neighboring properties. The bill would also require the host municipality to consider how those impacts will affect neighboring municipalities as well as allow neighboring municipalities to comment on the development. The amendment will require a developments host municipality to conduct a public hearing to determine whether the proposed project qualifies as a development of regional significance and impact. If that determination is made, the developer must provide an impact analysis and a mitigation plan for possible negative impacts to the area. Some developments, like an airport, intermodal terminal, petroleum storage facility or waste-handling facility, are significant enough that the municipality could bypass the hearing, and the developer would be required to provide the impact analysis automatically. For municipalities with 10,000 people or more, the expected generation of 3,000 or more average daily vehicle trips or 1,500 vehicles per any given day into the proposed development would require the developer to provide the analysis. Also, if a significant impact on highway safety or traffic flow, as determined by state standards, is anticipated, the analysis requirement would go into effect. Municipalities with less than 10,000 people would have the same triggers but also include a trigger for the analysis if 100 or more vehicle trips entering or exiting the development during any one-hour period of any day of the week is expected to be generated. The bill has been referred to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives Local Government Committee. Please subscribe now and support the local journalism YOU rely on and trust. John Best is a freelance contributor to lehighvalleylive.com. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. TURKEYS Someone ought to remind Northampton County Council members Kevin Lott and Tara Zrinski that the county juvenile justice centers staffing shortage is a crisis and has been for at least a year now. There are times when its necessary to take a hard line against policies that could affect unionized workers, but now is not the time. Lott and Zrinski were the two on council who last week cast the only two dissenting votes against a request to eliminate 20 youth care worker positions that have gone unfilled at the center for nearly two years. The positions eliminated break down to 15 full-time positions paying $34,243 a year and five part-time positions with an annual salary of $17,122. In their place, the council approved creating 13 full-time assistant supervisor positions at an annual salary of $49,721. Under the Pennsylvania Labor Relations Act, these new jobs will be presumed to be union positions unless the county were to ask the state to remove them, the countys administration says. Also, the expense for these new positions is comparable to what it would cost for more of the unfilled, lower-paying jobs. Hiring someone as a supervisor and using them to do non-supervisory work is a tricky proposition, and we dont fault Lott and Zrinski for questioning how the county plans to navigate this issue. But the county juvenile justice center needs workers now. A vote against the proposal strikes us more as virtue signaling to public-sector unions that unfortunately wield too much power in Pennsylvanias Democratic Party. Both Lott and Zrinski are members of the party. We understand the desire to advocate for a significant part of their base, but looking out for the best interests of all constituents, not party allegiance, should be the overwhelming factor in a vote about the treatment of our most troubled youth who are housed at the center. It didnt seem that was the case for Lott and Zrinski. Thats disappointing. TROPHIES Look at the magnitude of the Memorial Day blaze in Eastons West Ward and marvel at the fact that no one was seriously injured: Fifteen row homes damaged, 60 residents displaced, raging flames, high winds, early summer heat and a response that involved more than 200 firefighters on offense for almost six hours. All the homes affected sustained heavy smoke damage with significant fire damage impacting others. All residents were able to escape safely with family pets mostly cats remaining on the loose Tuesday. Six firefighters suffered minor injuries. We wish a speedy recovery for the firefighters who needed treatment. But in the grand scheme, this could have been a lot worse in terms of injuries and perhaps even fatalities. Wed like to thank all the first responders in the West Ward fire who worked tirelessly in challenging conditions to get this monster under control. The fire happened the afternoon of a major holiday, and Eastons fire chief called it the biggest blaze the city has seen in years. Many of us were probably getting the grill going right around the worst of it for first responders. Its comforting to know that even in times when most of us are off and spending time with our families and friends, we have dedicated people waiting in the wings to respond to an emergency of this magnitude. Now, at least for the displaced residents, the difficult task of rebuilding begins. It wont be easy, but in the days since the fire, the community has shown a strong desire to help. Lets keep that desire strong in the coming weeks. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. A man allegedly dragged a doctor to the ground and beat her in Portlaoise. Dean Gray, 35, of No Fixed Abode, Ballymun, Dublin is accused of attempted robbery and assault causing harm on the Dublin Road in Portlaoise on February 16 last. He was served with a book of evidence in relation to the matter at Portlaoise District Court. Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the defendant is to be sent forward to the next sittings of Portlaoise Circuit Court beginning on June 13. Solicitor Philip Meagher said the accusation of attempted robbery carries a potential 14 year sentence. He asked for legal aid for two counsel and a solicitor. Judge Andrew Cody asked Sgt Kirby about the nature of the allegations. Sgt Kirby said it would be alleged a doctor walking home from work was pulled to the ground and beaten, so it is very serious. Judge Andrew Cody granted legal aid for two counsel and sent the case forward to the next sittings of Portlaoise Circuit Court beginning on June 13. The Community Wetlands Forum is hosting a one-day event in Abbeyleix Manor Hotel on Thursday 8 June which will explore finance and governance models for community-led peatland restoration in Ireland. The Community Wetlands Forum is a platform for community-led wetland conservation groups based on the principles of community development. It has over 40 community group members across the country, including the Abbeyleix Bog Project. It says the increasing interest in peatland restoration by private finance presents new challenges and opportunities. The conference will allow those present to explore finance and governance models for community led peatland restoration and how communities can be leaders in this space. There will be presentations from the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Peatland Finance Ireland, social finance providers, community led restoration projects, the Irish Environmental Network, Wild Atlantic Nature and Bord na Mona. The organisers say it will offer an opportunity to hear the possibilities as well as drawbacks and concerns associated with private sector finance, including carbon credits. The Community Wetlands Forum says it does not yet have a position on this question, and is keen to facilitate discussions between communities, policy makers and researchers. The Community Wetlands Forum Development Officer is Micheal Callaghan. Given the sensitivities at play, it is important that communities are aware of developments in this area and can be centre stage in any developments relating to the future of our peatlands, he said. At lunchtime, there will be an opportunity to have a walk on Abbeyleix Bog and see first hand its success and significant social, climate, biodiversity and wellbeing benefits for the community of Abbeyleix and beyond. There will be ample time for questions and discussion after presentations, in what will be a two-way discussion and exploration of the important topics of finance and governance. There is no cost to attend, but places are limited and participants are asked to register in advance. More details on www.communitywetlandsforum.ie/events or email micheal@irishrurallink.ie The business of tourism and community mixed when the Laois Public Participation Network (PPN) teamed up with Laois Tourism for a workshop on Regenerative Tourism Funding which has a pot of almost 40 mill. Laois PPN provide regular updates to PPN Member Groups on funding opportunities. Community Groups registered with Laois PPN were invited to come along and learn how their Group and local community can benefit from this funding opportunity. As Ireland moves towards a low-carbon economy, Failte Ireland intents to will deliver the Regenerative Tourism Scheme as part of the EU Just Transition Fund. Through this scheme, tourism projects will be funded across Laois and the Midlands sustaining jobs, businesses and communities. Programme for the EU Just Transition Fund investment recently saw 169 million allocated. Of this 68 million is going to tourism in the midlands. This is split between 38 million for Regenerative Tourism businesses and 30 million for a Tourism Trails Network to be divided across counties losing peat production. Potential project ideas include festivals, markets, walkways and trails, small museums or visitor centres, community cafes, equipment hire and glamping/camping facilities. The guest speaker was Regina Dunne, the new Tourism Development Executive with Laois Chamber Alliance. I was delighted to be invited by the Laois PPN to deliver a presentation on the 68 million of Just Transition Regenerative Tourism funding. There was a great turnout of Laois PPN groups on Tuesday evening last at The Cube Low Carbon Centre of Excellence. MORE BELOW PICTURE. It was evident from the discussion and the people in the room that communities are key to enhancing our tourism offering here in County Laois. The purpose of the workshop was to generate project ideas that could potentially be funded under the funding which will be administered by Failte Ireland. Ideas such as the repurposing of old farm building to create low carbon accommodation offerings or employment for community cafes were discussed. We invite anyone with a project idea to fill out the attached survey and make an anonymous submission to Failte Ireland. Regenerative tourism, is key to job creation in the counties affected by the closure of the peat processing power plants, and Laois are strategically located in the country for tourists to situate themselves to explore all of Ireland while on their visits to Ireland, she said. More below picture. Attending the meeting in the Cube. Dan Bergin is the Laois PPN Resource Worker. Laois with its central location, beautiful Slieve Mountains, rich heritage and growing number of events and festivals is ideally placed to benefit from this funding opportunity, he said. To find out more about the funding stream or to discuss a project idea, reach out to Regina at regina.dunne@laoistourism.ie. To complete the Survey on the Just Transition Regenerative Tourism Scheme click here or visit www.failteireland.ie/ JustTransition/Survey.aspx Pictured: Dan BerginLaois PPN and Brendan Guinan Laois PPN consists of 650+ Member Groups from the Community, Social Inclusion and Environmental Pillars. All groups registered with Laois PPN are given the opportunity to attend Laois PPN events. Any group wishing to join Laois PPN can do so by completing the application on the Laois PPN website www.laoisppn.ie News / National by Staff reporter Five opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) supporters from Chirumanzu have been arrested for allegedly manhandling a member of mysterious Zanu-PF appendage group Forever Associates Zimbabwe (FAZ) at a voters roll inspection centre in the Midlands district.The five are Patrick Cheza, 50, Tinashe Moyo, 47, Ellias Madhuviko, 26, Tanyaradzwa Calisto Marimbe, 23 and Alex Gamuchirai, 37.They are accused of manhandling Philmon Madzivanyika at a polling station at Govere Primary school.The alleged incident took place on May 31."The accused persons approached the complainant at the inspection point and asked the complainant as to what he was doing at the station," reads court papers in part.It is alleged that they grabbed Madzivanyika by the belt, took his Itel cell phone which they smashed on to the ground, breaking its cover which is worth US$3.CCC spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere confirmed the five are party members."ALERT: We've received a report that Patrick Cheza & 4 other CCC members were arrested on fabricated charges for peacefully challenging the presence of Forever Association of Zimbabwe (FAZ) touts at polling stations in Chirumhanzu. Why is @ZECzim allowing shadowy groups to interfere with electoral processes?" she tweeted.The spooky FAZ is believed to have strong connections with the feared Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO), Zimbabwe's official spy agency.The group was also accused by some Zanu-PF politicians of indirectly running the ruling party's primary elections which were marred by allegations of rigging in March.FAZ is reportedly intimidating voters in Zimbabwe's rural areas on behalf of Zanu-PF and has been accused of demanding names of prospective voters inspecting the roll.CCC says agents of the controversial group have been sported at Zimbabwe Electoral Commission's (ZEC)'s voters' roll inspection centres, raising suspicions of poll rigging attempts by the ruling party. Featuring Kevin Murphy, Ultan OBrien, and Aki, Slow Moving Clouds will perform their new album, Kolmas on Friday, June 9 at 8pm. The band brings their rich, atmospheric sounds to The Dock, Carrick-on-Shannon presenting their unique blend of Irish and Nordic folk traditions. Described by the Irish Examiner as having a 'feverish velocity', Kolmas weaves Finnish and Irish traditional textures with post-punk drones and contemporary classical shades. Its live performance will feature the Nordic instrument the Nycklelharpa, alongside the fiddle, viola, cello, and voice to create their distinctive and singular sound. Kolmas is Slow Moving Clouds most original work to date, pushing boundaries and providing a unique compliment to the current tide of alternative folk waves spreading across Ireland, the UK, and Europe. The bands previous records Os (2015) and Starfall (2018) established an international reputation for the band and led them to collaborate with bands such as The National, Bon Iver, and Jenny Lewis, Boys Noize, Gordi, Rusangano Family and Lisa ONeill. The band has also played support for Feist (Cork Opera House) and Ludovico Einaudi (3 Arena, Dublin). Cellist, and vocalist, Kevin Murphy also appears in the Irish band Interference and his own cello-based instrumental project with Thomas Haugh, Seti The First. Kevin was a founding member of Dublin-based band Igloo in the late 1990s and has also worked with Dave Gahan (Depeche Mode), Andrew Phillpott (Depeche Mode and The Broad Bean Band), Nine Wassies from Bainne, Adrian Crowley, Valerie Francis and Norah Belle among others. Fiddle player Ultan OBrien is also known for playing in duos with Eoghan O Ceannabhain, Nic Gareiss, and Antoni Breschi, and as a member of Skippers Alley and John Francis Flynn. He also facilitates creative projects for children and young, mainly focusing on encouraging the exploration of sound, student-centered group composition, and collaborative engagement between students, teachers, and the wider school community. Aki, the nyckelharpist and vocalist for the band is a Dublin-based musician, composer, and visual artist whose constant search for new sounds and musical ideas keeps him exploring and combining different music genres as well as developing new musical instruments. Aki has toured and performed his music in Europe, Russia, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and North America. Admission is 18 with 16 concessionary price. Tickets are available at www.thedock.ie or at 071 965 0828. GARDAI in Limerick have issued a warning to the public after a series of thefts of personal property. On Thursday, May 25 at 7:50pm, a man in his late 20s went to the gym and left his bag containing his wallet and items of clothing in the male locker room. When he returned after his workout, he discovered that his bag and the items in it had been stolen. This man went to the trouble of using a locker but he did not lock it. Meanwhile, on Saturday, May 27 at 11:30am, a woman in her 60s was grocery shopping in a city centre supermarket. She had her handbag sitting in her shopping trolley when her purse was stolen from her handbag. The lady said she did not realise immediately that there had been a theft so they had the chance to get away. Sergeant Ber Leetch, Crime Prevention Officer Henry Street Garda Station said: "Gardai know that criminals are always on the lookout for a chance to take from people, do not give them the chance, always protect your property by keeping it on you or locking it up". THE LIMERICK Strand Hotel has welcomed an Offaly native as their new food and beverage manager to their team. The hotels new hire, Darren Wrenn brings years of experience to the role, winning the Best Hotel Restaurant at the Regional RAI Awards during his time as Food and Beverage Manager of the Sli Dala Restaurant at Kinnitty Castle in Offaly. Previously Darren held the position of Operations Manager at Racket Hall Country House Hotel in County Tipperary where he successfully managed to upgrade the hotel from a three to four-star Failte Ireland Rating. Gaining further experience, Darren also spent time honing his skills as Restaurant Manager at the Fairmount Bab Al Bahr Hotel, Abu Dhabi. Darren managed two Marco Pierre White restaurants located within the hotel and during his tenure won Best Restaurant Abu Dhabi Marcos Steakhouse and Best Newcomer Abu Dhabi Marcos New York Italian in the 2019 Time Out Magazine Awards. Darren joined the hospitality industry as a Duty Manager and has developed his skills over the years working his way up the managerial ladder in a variety of roles but mainly with a focus on Food and Beverage. With ambitions to reach the general manager level within the MHL group, Darren sees his new role as an important move in realising his ambition. I have always respected the excellent food ethos at The Limerick Strand Hotel and look forward to helping them continue to grow their exceptional weddings and events business and augmenting the overall food & beverage guest experience, said Darren Wrenn. When not at work, Darren spends all his time with his wife and their two daughters. When he gets any spare time, he enjoys playing rugby with his local club and likes to travel and experience different cultures and customs. SBI Life Insurance Company has clarified on the insurance regulator Irdais recent order saying that it is not a merger between the two companies but only a transfer of the policyholder related assets and liabilities of Sahara Life Insurance. Earlier on Friday, Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (Irdai) had directed SBI Life Insurance to takeover the policy liabilities of around two lakh policies along with assets of stressed Sahara India Life Insurance Co Ltd (SILIC). The Company would like to inform that this is not a merger between the two companies and is only transfer of the policyholder related assets and liabilities. The policyholder related assets and liabilities being transferred is less than 0.5% of the Balance Sheet of the Company," SBI Life Insurance said in a regulatory filing. Read here: SBI Life to acquire Sahara India's Life Insurance business The subsidiary of country's biggest lender State Bank of India (SBI), added that it will assure the new customers of high levels of service and commitment". "We have started and we are expeditiously working on the process of integrating all these policyholders in our systems. While the full integration may take some time, we request these policyholders to reach out to us on our helpline number 1800 267 9090 or email us at saharalife@sbilife.co.in," it said. Further, SBI Life will shortly reach out to these policyholders and intimate them about various touch points and manner of servicing for a smooth transition. Irdai took the decision amid deteriorating financial health of the Sahara India Life Insurance Company. It was also not allowed to underwrite new business and further directions were issued to the insurer to meet the regulatory requirements. "Despite being provided ample opportunities and sufficient time to ensure compliances, SILIC has failed to comply with directions of the authority and take any affirmative steps to protect the interests of its policyholders," the regulator had said, PTI reported. Further, the policy data of SILIC reveals that the company's portfolio is showing run-off trend. The financial position has been deteriorating with rising losses and higher percentage of claims to total premium. "If the trend is allowed to continue, the situation will worsen and lead to erosion of capital and SILIC may not be able to discharge its liabilities towards policyholders, thereby endangering the interest of its policyholders," Irdai had said. The authority added in its meeting held on June 2, 2023 that the action was warranted to protect the interest of the policyholders of SILIC. Further, Irdai said it will continue to monitor the situation and also issue necessary directions as required in the interest of the policyholders of SILIC. (With PTI Inputs) Randeep Hooda has been accused of distorting history" with his directorial debut Swatantra Veer Savarkar . All India Forward Bloc (AIFB), founded by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, has issued a statement that slams the teaser of the upcoming biographical film on VD Savarkar for factual inaccuracy. In the teaser, Hooda suggested that freedom fighters Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Bhagat Singh and Khudiram Bose were inspired by Savarkar. However, critics argue that there is a stark contrast in ideologies, perspectives, and methods of action between Netaji and Savarkar, says the statement. A section of film makers are facilitating the cunning efforts of the Sangh Parivar by making propaganda films. The teaser of Randeep Hooda's film on Savarkar indicates that the said bio picture belongs to such a category," the statement says. Bose, an iconic figure in India's struggle for independence, was known for his unwavering commitment to the cause. He firmly opposed British rule, advocating armed struggle and encouraging Indian soldiers in the British Army to join the fight for independence, says the statement. In sharp contrast, Savarkar is criticised for penning several mercy petitions and being willing to collaborate with the British authorities, the statement adds. The statement refers to Netaji's book, "The Indian Struggle," which reveals his perspective on a meeting with Savarkar and Mohammad Ali Jinnah. In the book, Netaji highlighted Savarkar's preoccupation with Hindus obtaining military training through the British Army, seemingly unconcerned with the broader international context, as per the statement. Press Release from 'All India Forward Bloc', condemning @RandeepHooda for distorting history! pic.twitter.com/FIZIwSTuJA Chandra Kumar Bose (@Chandrakbose) June 2, 2023 While Savarkar advocated for Hindutva and a Hindu state, Netaji emphatically expressed his belief in the separation of religion and politics. He emphasised that religion should be a personal matter while politics should be guided by economic, political and scientific principles - the statement adds. Netaji and Savarkar were extremely inimical to each other. While Netaji stood for secularism. Savarkar was a propagandist of religious fundamentalism," says the AIFB statement. Gandhi comment in Swatantra Veer Savarkar teaser The Swatantra Veer Savarkar teaser is under fire for other things as well. A voice over, apparently by Savarkars character played by Randeep Hooda, says in the teaser, Gandhiji was not bad. But, if hadnt stood firm on his non-violence ideology, India would have been a free country 35 years earlier." As per the statement, India would have been independent in 1912 if Mahatma Gandhi hadnt insisted on non-violence. Many people have pointed out the factual inaccuracy of the statement as Gandhi returned from South Africa to India only in 1915. Tata Technologies IPO is likely to be launched this year as the company has already filed its preliminary IPO papers with the market regulator Securities & Exchange Board of India (SEBI) in March. Tata Technologies, a subsidiary of automobile major Tata Motors, is an engineering services company that offer product development and turnkey solutions to global original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and their tier-1 suppliers. As per the Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP), Tata Technologies IPO will be a complete offer for sale (OFS) wherein its existing shareholders, including Tata Motors, Alpha TC Holdings Pte and Tata Capital Growth Fund-I, will offload their stake in the company. Also Read: Tata Technologies IPO, JLR sales to Q4 results: Why you should buy Tata Motors shares explained Tata Motors currently holds a 74.69% stake in the product engineering company. Meanwhile, Alpha TC Holdings Pte holds 7.26% stake and Tata Capital Growth Fund has 3.63% shareholding in Tata Technologies. Tata Technologies IPO details Tata Technologies IPO consists of an OFS of 9.57 crore shares of face value of 2 each. Promoter Tata Motors will sell up to 8.11 crore shares, Alpha TC Holdings Pte plans to sell up to 97.16 lakh shares, while Tata Capital Growth Fund I will sell up to 48.58 lakh shares of the company. As per the DRHP, the weighted average cost of acquisition per equity share by Tata Motors is 7.40 per share, for Alpha TC Holdings Pte. Ltd is 25.10 per share and for Tata Capital Growth Fund I is 25.10. Also Read: Tata Technologies IPO: Current GMP, possible issue price you can expect The IPO price and dates are yet to be announced by the company. Tata Technologies recognizes KPIT Technologies, L&T Technology Services, and Tata Elxsi as its listed competitors. The book running lead managers to the Tata Technologies IPO are JM Financial, Citigroup Global Markets India and Bofa Securities India, while the IPO registrar is Link Intime India. Financials Tata Technologies reported a net profit of 436.99 crore upon a total revenue of 3,578.38 in FY22. Its net profit for the April-December period of FY23 was 407.47 crore and revenue during the period stood at 3,052.30 crore. Tata Technologies IPO GMP Tata Technologies IPO GMP or grey market premium is around 80 - 82, according to the primary market observers. This means the shares of Tata Technologies were trading 80-82 higher than their actual value in the grey market. Know your inner investor Do you have the nerves of steel or do you get insomniac over your investments? Lets define your investment approach. Take the test New Delhi: The Ministry of Rural Development on Saturday said that approximately 88% of wage payments have been made through the Aadhaar based payment system (ABPS) until May 2023. According to the ministry, it has come to the attention of the central government that numerous wage payment transactions are being rejected by destination bank branches due to non-updating of new account numbers by concerned programme officers, as beneficiaries frequently change their bank account numbers without timely submission of the updated details. To mitigate these issues, ABPS has been found to be the most suitable route for wage payment through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system, ensuring timely and seamless payment disbursement to beneficiaries. Once Aadhar is updated in the scheme database, beneficiary need not update account numbers due to change in location or change in bank account number. Money will be transferred to the account number which is linked with Aadhar number. In case of more than one account of the beneficiary, which is rare in the context of MGNREGA, beneficiary has the choice to select the account," it said. According to data from the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), the success rate of Aadhaar-enabled DBT stands at 99.55% or above. In comparison, the success rate for account-based payment is approximately 98%. ABPS has been in use under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) since 2017. With the near-universal availability of Aadhaar numbers among the adult population, the Centre has decided to extend the use of ABPS to all beneficiaries under the scheme. Payments will now be exclusively channeled through ABPS, ensuring a safer and faster transfer method. Out of a total of 14.28 crore active beneficiaries, 13.75 crore beneficiaries have successfully linked their Aadhaar numbers. Among these seeded Aadhaar numbers, 12.17 crore have been authenticated, making 77.81% of beneficiaries eligible for ABPS. In May 2023 alone, approximately 88% of wage payments were made through ABPS. The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) reports that over 98% of the adult population possesses an Aadhaar number. Individuals who require an Aadhaar number can obtain one by visiting the appropriate agency or a nearby Aadhaar center. State governments have been urged to organize camps and actively engage with beneficiaries to achieve 100% ABPS coverage. The ministry has made it clear to all states that beneficiaries who come for work should be requested to provide their Aadhaar numbers, but refusal of work should not be based on this requirement. The eligibility for ABPS does not affect the demand for work if a beneficiary does not explicitly request it. Furthermore, job cards cannot be deleted on the grounds of a workers ineligibility for ABPS. The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme operates as a demand-driven scheme, influenced by various economic factors. The ecosystem for ABPS is well-established, and considering its benefits for beneficiaries, it is deemed the most effective payment system to be followed. The Aadhaar-based payment system serves as a secure route for crediting payments into the accounts of beneficiaries. The system has well-defined steps and clearly defined roles for beneficiaries, field functionaries, and all other stakeholders. After failed attempts to seek asked financial information from proptech startup 4B Networks, Info Edge announced to initiate a forensic audit into the Rahul Yadav-backed firm. The move has come in response to 4B Network's failure to provide asked financial information to investor Info Edge. Broker Network (operated by 4B Networks Private Limited) is on the verge of collapse, as its lead investor Info Edge, which holds 65 per cent stake, has written off its 280 crore investment in majority shareholder and initiated a forensic audit, reported Inc42. Rahul Yadav known for founding Housing.com and had ended up losing the position in the firm after repeated public spats with investors. He also worked with Anarock before founding 4B Networks. Info Edge's subsidiary Allcheckdeals India invested in as well as provided frequent funding to 4B networks, the company said in it stock exchange filling. The funding amounted to 288 crore- 275 crore as investment into shares and 12 crore as debt financing. The proptech firm was asked about "details and particulars of financial transactions, transactions with related parties and such other aspects from 4B Networks and its current management." 4B Networks is legally bount to give all the previously mentioned details, but failed to give any of the latest info, Info Edge said in the filing. However, 4B Networks has repeatedly failed to provide AIPL with such information and has also not responded to the information requests by the Company on several occasions," the filing added. According to report by Inc42, Rahul Yadav-backed firm had not paid salaries, had not paid vendors, and burnt cash along with corporate governance issues. Here's a look at his past stints Rahul Yadav, IIT Bombay dropout, had started Housing.com in June 2012. However, in July 2015, the company's board had sacked Yadav stating that his behaviour towards investors and media was not 'befitting' of a CEO. He then went on start another firm Interlligent Interfaces, which was struck off in 2016. In March 2016, he started RY Advisory and then went on to work with Anarock Technology as chief product and technology officer. Interestingly, Yadavs entrepreneurial journey shows a pattern of starting companies, raising funds and then shutting them down (in a year or two). Troubles at 4B Networks Rahul Yadav tried to deplete Info Edge's shareholding in the company by offering to bring in 50 crore of fresh funds from a Dubai-based property dealer in March-April at a valuation that was 99 percent lower than its last funding round, according to report by Moneycontrol. This was the company had exhausted 192 crore of investor money in the past 14 months, and majority shareholder Info Edge had asked for granular financial details of the company. According to the report, Yadav had made multiple offers to Info Edge via email in the past few months on behalf of a Dubai-based property dealer. Opposition leaders have been left fuming after a horrific three train crash killed more than 260 people and injured nearly 1000 others. While some emphasied the need to prioritise the rescue operations others have called for Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw's resignation. Former Railway Ministers including RJD's Lalu Prasad Yadav and West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee have also weighed in, flagging the lack of Kavach anti-collision system on the trains. "Tragic train accident. There was a time when the country knew the name of the Railway Minister. The Railway Budget used to be presented separately. Railways had not been privatised. The youth used to get lakhs of jobs in the railways. Now no one knows the Railway Minister! All the green flags are shown by one and only one narcissistic propaganda minister," the RJD tweeted in apparent reference to PM Modi flagging off all Vande Bharat Express trains. Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee meanwhile insisted that she was ready to give suggestions as a member of the railway family. She too noted that the railway budget was not presented nowadays. "Something must be behind this. The truth must come out. Why didn't the anti-collision system work?" Banerjee said The Congress took a somewhat milder approach, with top leaders asserting that today was not the right day to apportion blame. I have to ask many questions to our great PM and Railways Minister. They have to answer why such things are happening and who is responsible for this...but today we have to extend relief to the suffering people" said party Chief Malliarjun Kharge. He urged people to come forward irrespective of the political parties to help the victims and extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. Fellow party leader Jairam Ramesh appeared to echo the sentiment, tweeting that the crash was truly horrendous and noting that safety should be the top priority of the railways. There are many legitimate questions that need to be raised but that should wait till tomorrow," he added. The CPI and RJD as well as some Congress leaders have demanded that Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw resign over the incident. Meanwhile BJP MP Varun Gandhi has urged MPs to donate a part of their one-month salary to the bereaved families to help them. "Do we no longer have any signalling and safety system in Indian railways? Or will such terrible tragedies become the new normal for rail travel in India? We owe an answer to the victims and to the families who lost their near and dear ones in this mishap," tweeted CPI(ML) general secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya. (With inputs from agencies) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday visited Odishas Balasore, a day after a massive accident took place there and assured that stringent action would be taken against those found responsible. He also took stock of the ongoing rescue and relief operations going on. Its a painful incident. Government will leave no stone unturned for the treatment of those injured. Its a serious incident, instructions issued for probe from every angle. Those found guilty will be punished stringently. Railway is working towards track restoration. I met the injured victims," he said. PM Modi said that instructions have been given to ensure proper and speedy investigation of the tragedy, and to take prompt and stringent action against those found guilty. He commended the efforts of the Odisha government, local administration and of the local people, especially youth, who worked through the night to assist ongoing efforts. The prime minister also lauded the local citizens who turned up in large numbers for blood donation, to help those injured. He said that Railways is working to provide rescue and relief, as well as to ensure quick restoration of rail tracks. Interacting with the local authorities, personnel from the disaster relief forces and railways officials, the prime minister emphasised on whole of government approach to mitigate the tragedy. At least 288 people died and over 900 were injured after three trains Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express, the Coromandel Express and a goods train -- crashed into each other at Bahanaga Bazar Station in Balasore district. A coordinated rescue operation was initiated with the participation of seven National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, five Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) units, and 24 Fire Services and Emergency units. The Indian Air Force (IAF) has deployed Mi-17 helicopters to evacuate the deceased and injured. The Eastern Command confirms that the IAF is collaborating with the civil administration and Indian Railways to ensure effective rescue efforts. The Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw visited the site and directed a high level" probe and said measures will be taken to ensure such incidents do not take place in the future. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik also visited the accident site to take stock of the situation. Opinion / Columnist By the country's Parliament passing the much-loathed so-called Patriotic Bill', Zimbabwe has effectively joined the unenviable international Hall of Shame' - joining other nations, such as North Korea and Iran, ruled by draconian ruthless leaders, with scant regard for their citizens' rights.What I find most distasteful, though, is the shoddy and disingenuous attempt by the authorities in Zimbabwe (and, their usual sycophants) in portraying such shameful measures, of legislating patriotism, as a common trend in democratic nations.Such laughable shameful claims have gone as far as citing the USA PATRIOT Act' - promulgated in the United States of America in 2001, after the 9/11 terrorist attacks - as worthy notable examples.Nothing can be more ridiculous than this!Well, for starters, there is a very good reason the name of this law is written in capital letters.This is because it is an acronym!The long name of this act is actually the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism' - which in short reads, USA PATRIOT.In other words, the law has absolutely nothing to do with enforcing some version of patriotism on Americans - but, is purely intended at tightening national security, particularly against foreign terrorism.This is achieved by putting in place measures for snooping' or surveillance of communications, strengthening counterterrorism efforts, and tightening terrorism penalties.Of course, it is undeniable that this law is problematic, as far as the protection of personal privacy is concerned.Nonetheless, nowhere in that piece of legislation is there any attempt at defining what constitutes patriotism' for Americans, and what would be regarded as unpatriotic'.Thus, endeavours by the Harare administration to justify its own enactment of a Patriotic Act' - which criminalizes what the regime characterizes as acts intended to damage the country's national interests', under the pretext of following the American example - is the height of insincerity and deceit.However, there are those who - possibly having noticed the error of their misunderstanding of the USA PATRIOT Act' - have gone for another US lawthe Logan Act'.Surely, for any 21st-century government, expecting to be taken seriously as a modern-day democracy - resorting to the copying of an 18th-century archaic law, is a serious cause of concern - as the Logan Act was enacted in 1799.This law - which seeks to criminalize negotiation by unauthorized American citizens with foreign governments having a dispute with the US (intended to undermine the government's position) - has, understandably, not gone unchallenged.This was witnessed in 1964 in the US District Court for the Southern District of New York, in Waldron v. British Petroleum Co. - which asserted that the Act was likely unconstitutional, due to its vagueness.Is there, then, any wonder that only two people have ever been indicted on charges of violating the Logan Act - one in 1802 (Francis Flournoy) and the other in 1852 (Jonas Phillips Levy) - with neither being convicted?As recent as March 2015, a petition was signed by over 320,200 Americans seeking President Barak Obama's administration to prosecute, under the Logan Act, 47 Republican Senators who had penned on Open Letter to the Iranian government regarding his (Obama's) attempts to broker a nuclear arms agreement between Iran and the six major global powers (P5+1).In this open letter, the legislators warned the Iranians not to agree to any deal with Obama - yet, which had not been endorsed by the American Senate - since, a new US president could easily renege on such an agreement.Furthermore, in April 2018, former US Secretary of State John Kerry met with the Iranian foreign minister (Mohammad Javad Zarif) urging the Middle Eastern country to keep its commitments under the (nuclear) deal' - a move some believed was in violation of the Logan Act, as Kerry was no longer a government official.Of course, none of these people were ever charged under the Logan Act.The question is then, "Why did various US district attorneys refuse to prosecute these individuals"?Actually, the main reason why no one has ever been found guilty of violating this law - as well as the seeming reluctance in instituting legal charges against certain individuals - is premised on the Logan Act's broadness and vagueness.This makes the law impractical and unworkable.Furthermore, the US Constitution is very big on freedoms and rights, such as those of speech and communication - thus, making it virtually impossible to prosecute an American citizen for communicating with anyone - including a foreign government'.Why, then, would a government in 2023 be so keen on replicating questionable legislation - as much as it may desire to protect its national interests, and preserve sovereignty?This is where Zimbabwe's own so-called Patriotic Bill' is found wanting.First of all, there is no clarity on exactly what constitutes national interests'.How am I, for example, to know what these national interests' are, if they are not clearly spelled out in the law?In fact, I seriously doubt if even the staunchest Zanu-PF supporters can meticulously articulate what constitutes Zimbabwe's national interests.I am quite certain when asked what exactly entails damaging Zimbabwe's national interests', most will give the usual drivel - something utterly bizarre and laughable as, criticizing your own country', or calling for sanctions'.This brings up another issue.What exactly does criticizing one's country' mean?Are we to genuinely believe that Zimbabweans are incapable of differentiating between the government (or ruling establishment) and the country?A perfect example is when opposition CCC spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere travelled to the UN Human Rights Council, in Geneva Switzerland, two weeks ago.After perfectly articulating the country's egregious state-sponsored human rights abuses and poverty, the Zimbabwe regime immediately attacked her for ostensibly criticizing her country and unpatriotism'.Honestly, at what point did she condemn Zimbabwe?What is wrong with crying out to one's neighbours or community when being wantonly abused and violated in one's own home?As a matter of fact, is that not precisely what our nationalist leaders did?Did the likes of Joshua Nqabuko Nkomo, Herbert Wiltshire Chitepo, Edson Zvobgo, Jason Ziyapapa Moyo, and others not travel around the world - speaking on the heinous racial segregation and subjugation faced by the ordinary citizenry?Did they not even call for punitive measures to be implemented against the country, so as to pile pressure for the acceptance of majority rule?Are we to accuse them of condemning their own country and unpatriotism?Just as with the Logan Act, Zimbabweans have every right to speak and communicate with whomsoever they wish - including crying out against the unbearable pain and suffering they are enduring each day at the hands of those in power.Attempts at preventing the exercising of this right may actually be a violation of our Constitution.That is why on 17th June 2020 Philonise Floyd freely addressed the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, over the tragic killing of his brother, George Floyd, at the hands of the American police.The US never accused him of denigrating his country, or of unpatriotism - nor did they ever try to charge him under the Logan Act.It was well within his rights to express his grievances against US authorities in front of a global audience.He was not attacking his country - but the US system and those in authority who were brutalizing ordinary citizens.This is what most of us here in Zimbabwe - who are being relentlessly accused of being unpatriotic - are actually also doing.We are simply condemning the heinous system of oppression and marginalization, and those behind it - which has resulted in the unimaginable suffering and impoverishment of millions of Zimbabweans.Let us not forget that, Zimbabweans by their very nature, love their country, and only want what is best for the majority of its citizens.At least, that is what motivates and drives people like me.If there are those who have committed any crimes against the country - then, why have they not been brought to book under current laws?Let us be reminded that, well before the Patriotic Act' is enacted - Zimbabwe already has laws that criminalize such deeds as treason, subverting a constitutional government, and economic sabotage (which can include sanctions) - under the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.Does the conspicuous absence of any such convictions not tell a clear story - that, there is no one the government of Zimbabwe can genuinely prove of having committed unpatriotic acts' against the country?In spite of the over two decades of relentless accusations, mainly targeted at the main opposition (firstly, the MDC, and now the CCC) - of not only inviting sanctions against Zimbabwe', but also plotting illegal regime change' - not a single person has ever been charged and convicted of this grave offence.So, why this envisioned Patriotic Act'?Is this not simply another attempt at intimidating and stifling voices of dissent - even if no one will actually be found guilty of the crimes stared in the law?Indeed, numerous opposition and human rights activists will be arrested - and, possibly, as Job Sikhala, made to languish in prison for months or years - without any reasonable trial, and repeatedly denied their right to bail.Yet, all we want as supposed anti-government activists' is merely a better Zimbabwe - where all its citizens can finally enjoy the fruits of our hard-won independence.Admittedly, we may differ on which is the most effective way or policies for the achievement of a that better Zimbabwe' - but that can never be considered unpatriotic'.Of course, all genuinely patriotic Zimbabweans will always be viciously opposed to any acts of looting of national resources, mismanagement of our economy, as well as the brutal barbaric repression of the citizenry.We may even cry out to the international community for help - should we sincerely believe that our leaders are not listening to our calls for justice and the equitable distribution of our resources.Nonetheless, that is only natural when people feel trapped and under siege by those who are supposed to lead and protect them.As such, painting this as 'unpatriotism' is most unfortunate and misguided.Crying out to be treated fairly by those in authority, and a desire for a dignified and decent livelihood can surely not be regarded as unpatriotic'.Legislating against our natural inclination for justice and a better life can only be described as cold-hearted and evil.In actual fact, those presiding over the demise of our once prosperous country - who have plundered nearly everything into oblivion, leaving millions wallowing in destitution - are the ones who have proven, beyond doubt, their unpatriotism.Those are the people who should be brought to book for their villainous crimes against the people of Zimbabwe.Love for one's country runs deep in ordinary Zimbabweans' veins - and, can neither be legislated or imposed on us.We actually understand what patriotism' means - far more than those who have authored our poverty and suffering, by running our beautiful country into the ground.Instead of expending so much time, resources and energy in crafting laws that criminalize citizens from crying out in pain and hunger - would it not have made more sense for those in power working hard in ensuring that Zimbabweans were happy?-------Tendai Ruben Mbofana is a social justice advocate and writer. Please feel free to WhatsApp or Call: +263715667700| +263782283975, or email: mbofana.tendairuben73@gmail.com or visit the website: http://mbofanatendairuben.news.blog/ Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be addressing a Joint Meeting of the United States Congress on June 22 during his state visit to the country. During his address, the Prime Minister will share his vision of India's future and speak on the global challenges facing the two countries, top congressional leaders told news agency ANI. President Joe Biden will host Prime Minister Modi for an Official State visit to the US, which will include a state dinner, on June 22. This will not be the first time PM Modi will be addressing the US congress. Earlier in 2016, he had addressed the US Congress making him the sixth Indian prime minister to address a joint meeting of the US Congress. With his upcoming address, he will become seventh and the 1st prime minister to address the joint meeting twice. He addressed the US Congress during his visit to the US in June 2016. Prior to PM Modi, five former Indian Prime Ministers had addressed the address a joint meeting of the US Congress. In 1949, India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru (1949), Rajiv Gandhi (July 13, 1985), P V Narasimha Rao (May 18, 1994), Atal Bihari Vajpayee (September 14, 2000), Manmohan Singh (July 19, 2005), PM Modi (2016). The Prime Minister, during his address in 2016 had spoken on issues ranging from climate change to terrorism, defence and security cooperation to trade and economic relationship between India and the US. In a statement, the congressional leaders in a statement said, On behalf of the bipartisan leadership of the United States House of Representatives and the United States Senate, it is our honour to invite you (Prime Minister Modi) to address a joint meeting of Congress on Thursday, June 22." The statement was signed by House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries. Former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and South African President Nelson Mandela are some of the world leaders to be accorded this rare honour on two occasions. Coming back to the statement, the congressional leaders said, "Based on our shared values and commitment to global peace and prosperity, the partnership between our two countries continues to grow. During your address, you will have the opportunity to share your vision for India's future and speak to the global challenges our countries both face." Your historic address to a Joint Meeting of the Congress seven years ago left a lasting impact and greatly deepened the friendship between the US and India," according to the statement. "As you said in that address: 'Our relationship is primed for a momentous future. The constraints of the past are behind us and foundations of the future are firmly in place.' We look forward to paving the way for greater collaboration between our countries in the years to come," it said. Once again, we would be honoured to have you join us for a Joint Meeting of Congress to celebrate the enduring friendship between the US and India. We look forward to continuing to work together to build a brighter future for our countries and for the world," it added. (With inputs from agecnies) As Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the US approaches, Congress leader Sam Pitroda has said that he is proud of the reception given to the senior leader. The Indian Overseas Congress chief however asserted that the PM was getting reception because he represented 1.5 billion Indians and 'not because he's BJPs prime minister'. 'someone told me that, the Indian Prime Minister is getting a lot of reception. And I said I'm happy about it because, at the end of the day, he's also my prime minister. But let's not make a mistake. He's getting reception because he's India's prime minister. And not because he's BJPs prime minister. Separate these two things," Pitroda told PTI. A prime minister of a nation of 1.5 billion people deserves respect everywhere. And I'm proud of it. I'm not negative about it," he added. The Congress leader is currently accompanying former party chief Rahul Gandhi on his three-city six-day US tour. According to Pitroda, the trip is aimed at promoting shared values and vision of "real democracy". Meanwhile Modi is slated to visit the western nation later this month and will also address a joint meeting of the US Congress on June 22. This will be his first state visit to the US since assuming office in 2014. The PM's previous trips to the US - during the tenure of Barack Obama and Donald Trump - had not been classified as such. "During your address, you will have the opportunity to share your vision for India's future and speak to the global challenges our countries both face," House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said in a letter to Modi. The speech would be Modi's second to a joint meeting of the US legislature, a rare honor for a leader once denied a visa to enter the United States over human rights concerns. (With inputs from agencies) New Delhi: Defence minister Rajnath Singh will hold bilateral discussions with his US and German counterparts on 5 and 6 June, respectively, according to a statement from the defence ministry on Saturday. US Secretary of Defence, Lloyd Austin, and German Federal Defence Minister, Boris Pistorius, will be arriving in New Delhi for the talks which will address a range of bilateral defence cooperation issues, particularly focusing on industrial collaboration. Austin, who is scheduled to fly in from Singapore on June 4 for a two-day visit, will be returning to India for the second time following his previous trip in March 2021. In contrast, Pistorius is due to land on June 5 for a four-day trip, during which he is expected to interact with a number of defence startups at an event hosted by Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) in the Indian capital. Subsequently, on June 7, Pistorius will be heading to Mumbai to visit the Headquarters of the Western Naval Command and the Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited. In a tragic incident, the Coromandel Express collided with a goods train and derailed on the main line, according to an official from the railway ministry. The collision occurred as the Coromandel Express, traveling at approximately 127 km/h, met with the goods train. Within moments of this collision, the Howrah-bound Yesvantpur Express, approaching from the opposite direction, also collided with the Coromandel Express. The catastrophic accident took place around 7.30 pm on Friday, June 2, which left nearly 300 people dead and more than 900 injured. James Cleverly, the Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom and MP for Braintree, expressed his condolences to the families of the victims on twitter. He offered his heartfelt sympathies and extended his thoughts to the survivors and the emergency services involved in the rescue operations. Tragic news of the train crash in India. My heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims. My thoughts are with the survivors and emergency services. James Cleverly (@JamesCleverly) June 3, 2023 The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) of Nepal expressed deep condolences to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Indian Government, and the bereaved families on twitter. I'm saddened by the loss of dozens of lives in a train accident in Odisha, India today. I extend deep condolences to Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi Ji, Government, and the bereaved families at this hour of grief. PMO Nepal (@PM_nepal_) June 3, 2023 President of the United Nations General Assembly expressed deep sorrow and extended condolences to the victims, their families, and the Government of India. The UN GA President offered thoughts and prayers for those affected by the accident and expressed solidarity with the emergency services involved in rescue and relief efforts. Im deeply saddened to hear the news of the train crash in Odisha, India. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families and with the emergency services. Heartfelt condolences to the people and the Government of India.@narendramodi @DrSJaishankar @IndiaUNNewYork UN GA President (@UN_PGA) June 2, 2023 US Ambassador Eric Garcetti expressed heartfelt condolences on behalf of the US Mission in India to the families affected by the tragic train accident in Balasore. He conveyed solidarity with India and with the people of Odisha during this time of grief. On behalf of the U.S. Mission in India, I extend our deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the tragic train accident in Balasore. We stand with India and the people of Odisha in this time of grief. U.S. Ambassador Eric Garcetti (@USAmbIndia) June 3, 2023 Abdulla Shahid, the Foreign Minister of Maldives took to twitter and expressed deep sorrow upon hearing the news of the tragic train accident in Odisha, India. He extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and expressed prayers for the speedy recovery of those injured. Deeply saddened to hear the news of the tragic train accident in Odisha, #India, leading to loss of lives and injuries to many. My heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and praying for a speedy recovery to the injured. @DrSJaishankar Abdulla Shahid (@abdulla_shahid) June 2, 2023 Hiroshi Suzuki, the Ambassador of Japan, expressed deep sadness upon learning about the train accident in the state of Odisha. He conveyed his condolences for the loss of many lives and the injuries caused by the incident. On behalf of the Government of Japan and its people, he extended his sympathies to the affected families and expressed solidarity with India during this difficult time. Deeply saddened by the tragic losses caused by the railway accident in #Odisha. I express my deepest condolences to those who lost their loved ones and extend my sympathy to those affected. I hope that rescue efforts will save those who are missing as soon as possible. Hiroshi Suzuki, Ambassador of Japan (@HiroSuzukiAmbJP) June 3, 2023 The Embassy of the People's Republic of China in India expressed deep condolences and heartfelt sympathy to the victims and their bereaved families in the Balasore train accident. They also extended their wishes for a speedy recovery to the injured individuals. Our deep condolences to the victims and heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved families and the injured in #BalasoreTrainAccident. Wish the injured recover soon. Embassy of The People's Republic of China in India (@China_Amb_India) June 3, 2023 Turkey made a press release regarding the train accident in which Turkey expressed heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims who tragically lost their lives. The release said, Turkey's thoughts are with the people and the Government of India during this difficult time and wished a swift recovery to those who were injured in the accident. Turkiye extends its condolences to the relatives of those who lost their lives in #BalasoreTrainAccident as well as to people and Government of India and wish a speedy recovery to the injured. pic.twitter.com/U3O1LvWbNz ANI (@ANI) June 3, 2023 Shehbaz Sharif, the Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, expressed his deep sadness, over the devastating train accident that claimed the lives of numerous individuals in India, over twitter. Offering his heartfelt condolences, he extended his sympathies to the bereaved families who have lost their loved ones in this tragic incident. The death toll in the disastrous railway accident in Odisha has now risen to 261 and rescue operations at the site have been completed, a South Eastern Railway official said. The train crash, one of the deadliest in the country, took place in Balasore district about 250 km south of Kolkata and 170 km north of Bhubaneswar around 7 pm on Friday, prompting the Railway Ministry to order a probe. Three trains - the Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express, Shalimar-Chennai Central Coromandel Express and a goods train were involved in the accident. Here are 10 things you need to know: 1) Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a high-level meeting to review the situation in relation to the tragic train accident in Odisha. Home Minister Amit Shah and senior government officials also attended the meeting as Modi took stock of the situation. 2) The prime minister is also scheduled to visit the site of the accident and also the Cuttack hospital where the injured are being treated. Since morning, Railway minister Ashwini Vaishnav, Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik, Dharmendra Pradhan. West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee has also left for Balasore. Udhayanidhi Stalin, Siva Shankar, and Anbil Mahesh also left to meet for Odisha to enquire for details in Odisha train accident. 3) The railways has initiated a high-level probe into the train crash in Odisha, which will be headed by the commissioner of railway safety, South Eastern Circle. Earlier in the day, Railway Minister 4) Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya in an updates said that two teams of doctors from AIIMS Bhubaneswar have been dispatched for Balasore & Cuttack to assist in relief operations at the rail accident site in Odisha. 5) A special train carrying stranded passengers from Odisha's Balasore arrived at Howrah railway station in West Bengal today. 6) Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin announced 5 lakh each to the families of the deceased from Tamil Nadu and 1 lakh each to the injured will be given by Tamil Nadu Govt. Additional officers have been appointed to carry out rescue and relief work. DMK also made an announcement regarding the cancellation of all scheduled events in the state on June 3, which were planned to celebrate the birth centenary of former Chief Minister M Karunanidhi. 7) Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the rescue operation has been completed and restoration work has started. We will thoroughly investigate this incident and will ensure such incidents don't happen in future. 8) The Congress on Saturday said the "horrendous" train accident in Odisha reinforces why safety should always be the foremost priority in the functioning of the rail network and asserted that there are many legitimate questions that need to be raised. Jairam Ramesh, the Congress general secretary said in a tweet that the train accident in Odisha is truly horrendous and is a matter of the greatest anguish. "It reinforces why SAFETY should always be the foremost priority in the functioning of the rail network. There are many legitimate questions that need to be raised but that should wait till tomorrow," Ramesh tweeted. Earlier TMC spokesperson Saket Gokhale in a tweet wrote, "Stunned & distressed to hear the tragic news of the Coromandel Express & Yashwantpur-Howrah train crash in Odisha. My fervent prayers for those affected & their families. ...That an alleged signalling failure led to 3 trains crashing is shocking beyond belief. There are serious questions which need answering." 9) The Indian Army was deployed to assist in the evacuation and treatment of injured in the horrific train accident. 10) The highly anticipated inauguration ceremony of the Goa-Mumbai Vande Bharat Express, scheduled for Saturday, has been cancelled following a tragic train mishap in Odisha's Balasore on June 2, 2023, as confirmed by Konkan railway official. Later confirmed by Konkan Railway in a tweet. If you are stuck, or know someone who is in the accident, please note the following details Helpline number 06782-262286 Railway helpline Number- 033-26382217 (Howrah) 8972073925 (Kharagpur) 8249591559 (Balasore) 044- 25330952 (Chennai) MAS help line number given at Control office and special booth opening 044- 25330952 044-25330953 044-25354771 Odisha Train Accident: Nearly 240 people and over 900 have been injured in a train accident in Odisha late on June 2, 2023. This is said to be one of the worst train accidents since 2004. The train crash happened near the Bahanaga Baazar station in Balasore district, about 250 km south of Kolkata and 170 km north of Bhubaneswar, around 7 pm on Friday, prompting the Railway Ministry to order a probe. Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik has mobilised all the aid for the search and rescue operations in the aftermath of Coromandel Express accident. Indian Army has been deployed to assist in the evacuation and treatment of injured citizens. Army medical and engineering teams with ambulances & support services have been deployed from the Eastern Command. The teams have been routed from multiple bases so as to reach the place of the incident as early as possible. This is how political leaders reacted to the train accident: Distressed by the train accident in Odisha. In this hour of grief, my thoughts are with the bereaved families. May the injured recover soon. Spoke to Railway Minister @AshwiniVaishnaw and took stock of the situation. Rescue ops are underway at the site of the mishap and all Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 2, 2023 President Draupadi Murmu tweeted ,expressing her deep anguish over the loss of lives and extended her heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. Deeply anguished to know about the loss of lives in an unfortunate rail accident in Balasore, Odisha. My heart goes out to the bereaved families. I pray for the success of rescue operations and quick recovery of the injured. President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) June 2, 2023 Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik declared one-day state mourning following the devastating train crash that claimed the lives of over 200 individuals and left approximately 900 injured. He expressed his grief over the Baleshwar Karamandal train accident. Calling it a very tragic incident, he said that he will visit the place tomorrow. Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister for Railways, Communications, Electronics & Information Technology expressed his heartfelt prayerst, for the speedy recovery of the injured and conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families. Rescue teams from Bhubaneswar and Kolkata, along with the NDRF, state government teams, and the Indian Air Force, have been deployed to the affected site in Odisha. Later, in a tweet he announced ex-gratia compensation for the victims and their families. A compensation of Rs.10 lakh will be awarded to the families of those who lost their lives in the unfortunate incident. For individuals who suffered grievous injuries, an amount of Rs. 2 lakh will be provided as compensation. Additionally, those with minor injuries will receive Rs.50,000 as compensation. Rushing to the site in Odisha. My prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured and condolences to the bereaved families. Rescue teams mobilised from Bhubaneswar and Kolkata. NDRF, State govt. teams and Airforce also mobilised. Will take all hands required for the rescue ops. Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) June 2, 2023 West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her shock at twitter and took action to coordinate rescue efforts and provide aid to those affected. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Mamata Banerjee announced the dispatch of a team comprising 5-6 members to collaborate with the Odisha government and railway authorities in the rescue operations. The Chief Minister's office activated an emergency control room and released helpline numbers, 033-22143526 and 22535185, to ensure swift communication and assistance for those in need. Shocked to know that the Shalimar- Coromondel express, carrying passengers from West Bengal, collided with a goods train near Balasore today evening and some of our outbound people have been seriously affected/ injured. We are coordinating with Odisha government and South Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) June 2, 2023 In response to the tragic train accident involving the Coromandel Express in Balasore, Odisha, Rahul Gandhi, leader of the Indian National Congress, took to twitter and expressed deep anguish and extended his condolences to the affected families. Through a heartfelt tweet, Gandhi shared his empathy for the victims and called for solidarity in supporting the ongoing rescue operations.Furthermore, Gandhi expressed his earnest wishes for the speedy recovery of those who sustained injuries in the accident. He urged party workers and leaders to actively participate in the rescue operations. Anguished by the tragic news of the accident involving the Coromandel Express, in Balasore, Odisha. My heart goes out to the bereaved families. Wishing for the speedy recovery of those injured. I urge Congress workers & leaders to extend all support needed for rescue efforts. Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) June 2, 2023 JP Nadda, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader, expressed his condolences for bereaved on twitter. He remarked that the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team is working tirelessly to provide assistance and support to the affected individuals.JP Nadda also appealed to the local BJP karyakartas (workers) to join the rescue efforts and provide the necessary assistance on the ground. Deeply saddened to hear about the tragic train accident in Odisha's Balasore. Rescue ops are underway and the NDRF team is providing all the possible assistance to the affected people. I appeal the local BJP karyakartas to provide the necessary support in the rescue efforts. Jagat Prakash Nadda (@JPNadda) June 2, 2023 President of Indian National Congress, Mallikarjun Kharge expressed deep sorrow and condolences over the tragic train accident involving the Coromandel Express in Odisha. Kharge emphasized the urgency of the situation and urged the authorities to expedite rescue operations. Furthermore, Kharge called for immediate relief measures to be provided to the injured individuals. Deeply saddened by the terrible train tragedy involving Coromandel Express in Odisha. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims. We urge the authorities to expedite rescue operations & provide relief to the injured. Request Congress workers to provide all possible help. Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) June 2, 2023 Raghunandan Rao Madhavaneni, BJP State Secretary of Telangana, also took to twitter and expressed deep sorrow over the tragic train accident in Odisha. He offered heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and hoped for the swift recovery of the injured. A recent survey by Ipsos has found that nearly 9 percent of adults have self-identified themselves as LGBTQ in 30 countries across the world, CNN has reported. According to the survey, Gen Z and Millennials are more likely than other generations to identify as queer, bisexual, pansexual, omnisexual, or asexual. The online survey was conducted between 17 February and 3 March and more than 22,514 persons under the age of 75 responded to the online poll. According to Nicolas Boyon, senior vice president of research and communications at Ipsos, the poll reveals similarities amongst nations, such as a high level of tolerance for LGBTQ rights because more individuals come into contact with them. Boyon said, "Globally, we see an increase compared to two years ago in the proportion of people who have a relative or a friend or a coworker, who is either gay or lesbian, or bisexual, or trans, or non-binary", reported CNN. As per the survey, more than half of respondents said that they support same-sex marriage where it is legal. Approximately 56 percent of people in 30 nations believe that same-sex couples should be able to legally wed, while 16 per cent believe that they should be able to get some form of legal recognition but not marriage. Women are also noticeably more inclined than men to support same-sex marriage, report shows. List of countries where same-sex marriages are legal: Costa Rica (2020), Northern Ireland (2019), Ecuador (2019), Taiwan (2019), Austria (2019), Australia (2017), Malta (2017), Germany (2017), Colombia (2016), United States (2015), Greenland (2015), Ireland (2015), Finland (2015), Luxembourg (2014), Scotland (2014), England and Wales (2013), Brazil (2013), France (2013), New Zealand (2013), Uruguay (2013), Denmark (2012), Argentina (2010), Portugal (2010), Iceland (2010), Sweden (2009), Norway (2008), South Africa (2006), Spain (2005), Canada (2005), Belgium (2003), The Netherlands (2000) The poll also shows that same-sex couples are as likely as other parents to successfully raise children in 26 different nations. Boyon told CNN that he was surprised that compared to the US, Eastern Europe, and Great Britain, there was more support for transgender persons in nations like Thailand, Italy, and Spain. He further told CNN, In the US, we see generally less support for a variety of protections or measures than we see in many other countries. For example, allowing people to use public facilities according to the gender they identify with. There is also less support for the health insurance to cover the costs of transition the same way as other medical procedures." (With inputs from ANI) Salman Rushdie has revealed his plans to pen a book detailing the harrowing incident in which he was stabbed on stage during a performance in New York in 2022, resulting in the loss of sight in one eye. Speaking at the esteemed Hay literary festival, Rushdie expressed his intent to explore the implications and significance surrounding the attack, rather than focusing solely on the incident itself. The book, expected to be a concise yet poignant piece spanning a couple of hundred pages, holds personal significance for Rushdie as he aims to overcome this traumatic episode and resume his creative endeavours. He emphasised the necessity of addressing this ordeal before embarking on unrelated literary projects. I cant really start writing a novel thats got nothing to do with this So I just have to deal with it," The Guardian quoted him as saying. Following the knife attack, Rushdie endured a six-week hospitalisation. In addition to the loss of vision, the injuries to his hand have resulted in diminished sensation in certain fingertips, making typing a challenging task. The alleged assailant, Hadi Matar, has been charged with attempted murder in connection with the attack. This distressing incident marked a grim reminder of Rushdie's tumultuous past. Having lived without round-the-clock security for two decades, he had previously endured a decade-long period in hiding following the controversial publication of his novel, The Satanic Verses, in 1988. The book sparked widespread protests and outrage, leading to death threats and the infamous fatwa issued by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the then-leader of Iran, which included a substantial bounty on Rushdie's head. Despite the adversity he has faced, Rushdie expressed gratitude for the positive reception of his latest novel, Victory City, which had been completed prior to the attack and published subsequently. The author shared his appreciation for the readers' favourable response, emphasising that he never takes such support for granted. In recognition of his literary achievements, Rushdie was awarded the prestigious Hay festival medal for prose for Victory City. Esteemed authors Margaret Atwood and Elif Shafak praised the novel during a panel discussion, describing it as a captivating blend of political themes, reality, and imaginative storytelling. A school district in the US state of Utah has decided to remove the Bible from elementary and middle schools due to concerns about its content, which includes what they perceive as "vulgarity and violence". This action was taken following a complaint from a parent who felt that the King James Bible contained material unsuitable for children. The move aligns with a law passed by Utah's Republican government in 2022, which prohibits the presence of "pornographic or indecent" books in schools. Similar book bans, targeting subjects such as sexual orientation and identity, have been implemented in several states across the country, according to the BBC. The decision to remove the Bible was made by the Davis School District, located north of Salt Lake City, after a complaint was filed in December 2022. The district officials have confirmed that the few copies of the Bible in their possession have already been taken off the shelves. They clarified that the Bible was never included in the students' curriculum. The rationale behind the district's decision, specifically the identification of passages containing "vulgarity or violence," was not further expounded upon by the committee responsible. The parent who lodged the complaint argued that the King James Bible lacks appropriate values for minors, claiming it to be "pornographic" according to the parameters set by the 2022 book-ban law. While a Utah state lawmaker initially dismissed the request to remove the Bible as a "mockery", they later acknowledged the challenges posed by the text for younger children. The lawmaker emphasised that the Bible is best taught and understood within the familial setting, rather than within schools. It is noteworthy that the district's ruling concluded that the Bible's content does not violate the 2022 law but does contain elements of "vulgarity or violence" deemed unsuitable for younger students. Consequently, the Bible will continue to be available in local high schools, while its presence in elementary and middle schools has been discontinued. This recent development in Utah is not unprecedented, as other school districts in the United States have previously opted to remove the Bible from library shelves due to various concerns and objections. Notably, a Texas school district took similar action in 2022 in response to public opposition to conservative attempts to ban certain books. Additionally, students in Kansas recently requested the removal of the Bible from their school library. The Government of Canada is making investments to champion small businesses and support their export journey VANCOUVER, BC, June 2, 2023 /CNW/ - British Columbia's small businesses are the heart of our communities and the economic engine of our province. To continue fueling the entrepreneurial spirit of British Columbians, the Government of Canada is making investments to support more small businesses in B.C. and introduce them to the world. Small Business BC receives over $3.6 million to help grow small businesses beyond B.C. (CNW Group/Pacific Economic Development Canada) Today at the 20th annual Small Business BC Awards, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan), announced PacifiCan funding of $3.65M to help Small Business BC celebrate entrepreneurs and increase the export capacity of small businesses across the province. An investment of $3.6M over three years will help Small Business BC renew and expand the Export Navigator program to reach more people across B.C. Export Navigator is a free service that helps small businesses become export ready. A network of community-based export advisors provide one-on-one advice that can help small business owners tap into new international markets. With this funding, Small Business BC will expand the program to the Lower Mainland, Greater Victoria, and the Sea-to-Sky Region, so that entrepreneurs in all parts of the province can now access Export Navigator. Small Business BC will also enhance the program's support for Indigenous entrepreneurs. Since 2016, nearly 900 B.C. businesses, including those owned by Indigenous, women and youth entrepreneurs, have benefited from the program. The expanded geographic coverage will also help more under-represented business owners, many of whom live in urban areas, access the Export Navigator program and reach new markets. PacifiCan has been a proud supporter of Export Navigator since 2019. The remaining $50,000 will support the 20th annual Small Business BC Awards, Western Canada's largest awards competition dedicated to small businesses. Small Business BC's marquee celebration recognizes hard-working and resilient entrepreneurs in B.C. that contribute to the rich economic diversity across the province. Quotes "Entrepreneurs in B.C. are creating Canadian-made innovations that have a global impact, but it can be challenging to access bigger international markets. Export Navigator helps overcome barriers by providing customized support for small businesses looking to expand to new markets. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and programs like Export Navigator are empowering British Columbians to grow their businesses, create jobs, and fuel our economy." - The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada "Funding provided by the Government of Canada to expand our Export Navigator program will allow Small Business BC and its Export Advisors to help hundreds of businesses throughout the province to better understand how they can grow their markets beyond British Columbia. We are grateful for the partnership and trust that Minister Sajjan and PacifiCan have placed on Small Business BC to deliver this critical service with such economic impact." - Tom Conway, CEO, Small Business BC Quick Facts PacifiCan is the federal economic development agency dedicated to British Columbians. PacifiCan works with partners who are building innovative businesses, creating quality jobs, and supporting inclusive growth throughout our province. With core funding from the Province of British Columbia and PacifiCan, Small Business B.C is a not-for-profit organization providing business development advisory services, programming, and education to small business owners in BC to help them grow successful and sustainable businesses. In 2016, Export Navigator was launched as a pilot program in four communities. In 2019, PacifiCan invested $2.25M over three years to help Small Business B.C. deliver an expanded version of Export Navigator to more communities in B.C. With this funding, Export Navigator is now available in all eight B.C. economic development regions: Mainland/Southwest, Vancouver Island/Coast, Cariboo, Thompson-Okanagan, Kootenay, North Coast and Nechako, and Northeast. The largest groups of participating businesses are from the agri-foods sector, followed by manufacturing, consumer goods, and clean technology. Associated Links: Stay connected Follow PacifiCan on Twitter and LinkedIn Toll-Free Number: 1-888-338-9378 TTY (telecommunications device for the hearing impaired): 1-877-303-3388 SOURCE Pacific Economic Development Canada Cision View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/June2023/02/c7392.html The US Treasury had just $33 billion of extraordinary measures left to help keep the governments bills paid as of May 31, the department said in a statement Friday. Thats out of a total of $337 billion of authorized measures that were available to keep the US government from running out of borrowing room under the statutory debt limit and is down from around $67 billion on May 24. The measures are a collection of various accounting gimmicks that enable the administration to keep selling debt even though it has run up against the $31.4 trillion borrowing ceiling imposed by Congress. The Senate passed legislation to suspend the US debt ceiling and impose restraints on government spending through the 2024 election, ending a drama that threatened a global financial crisis. President Joe Biden will sign the debt-limit deal as soon as Saturday, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen had warned that in the absence of a deal on the debt cap the government could run short of funds as soon as June 5. Meanwhile, the Treasurys cash balance fell to just $22.892 billion on Thursday, according to data published Friday. That put the Treasury coffers on a par with a level last reached in October 2015. It was around $25.62 billion below the half-decade low it was at a day earlier. The Treasurys bank account has been under downward pressure recently because of measures being taken to avoid breaching the cap. This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed. ODESA, UkraineUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he was now ready to launch a long-awaited counteroffensive but tempered a forecast of success with a warning: It could take some time and come at a heavy cost. We strongly believe that we will succeed," Zelensky said in an interview in this southern port city as his countrys military girded for what could be one of the wars most consequential phases as it aims to retake territory occupied by Russia. I dont know how long it will take," he told The Wall Street Journal. To be honest, it can go a variety of ways, completely different. But we are going to do it, and we are ready." In a wide-ranging, hourlong discussion, Zelensky, 45 years old, said he feared U.S. elections next year could bring a less-supportive administration to power and called on the North Atlantic Treaty Organization to offer a clear path to membership for Kyiv. He also urged China to try to restrain Russia and said Ukraine urgently needed more U.S.-made Patriot missile-defense systems to protect citizens from aerial bombardments and to shield front-line troops. Zelensky acknowledged Russian air superiority on the front lines and said a lack of protection from Russian air power means a large number of soldiers will die" in the counteroffensive. Ukraine would have liked to have more Western-supplied weapons for the coming campaign, he said. Still, Ukraine is ready to move. We would like to have certain things, but we cant wait for months," he said. Zelensky said Ukraines ground forces were stronger and more motivated" than the dug-in Russian troops trying to hold on to the roughly 20% of Ukraine they control in the countrys east and south. The counteroffensive is a pivotal moment for Zelensky, a former actor and comedian whose leadership during the war has propelled him to global prominence. The outcome will shape the contours of Western military backing and diplomatic jockeying over Ukraines future. Ukraines backers have provided billions in military and financial support that has been essential to Kyivs war effort, and calls for Zelensky to seek a peace deal could grow if the counteroffensive fails to deliver a significant breakthrough. Zelensky veered from expressions of gratitude to Western supporters for weapons deliveries to words of frustration over their reluctance to give Ukraine greater quantities of powerful arms to fend off the Russians. His statements reflected the balance he must find between pressing to get what he needs to retain Ukraines independence and domestic political support while not pushing allies too far and eroding their backing. Zelensky said he was aware that Western leaders sometimes take offense at his harsh tone, but couldnt understand why, in his view, they were drip-feeding more-advanced arms that they know would protect lives and help Ukraine win. If Ukraine isnt able to withstand Russia, Zelensky said, that animal, that beast will develop a taste" for conquest and go further. Lets not compare who should be grateful to whom," he said. Zelensky spoke at a government residence after a day visiting wounded soldiers, meeting military commanders and visiting the port to discuss how to increase exports. Wearing a black T-shirt emblazoned with his countrys name, he looked a touch weary, but perked up when asked how he keeps his spirits up. There is no place for weakness," he said. The West has helped train and equip tens of thousands of soldiers to try to strengthen Kyivs hand for the counteroffensive. Ukraine repelled a Russian assault on its capital in February last year and took back swaths of territory in the northeast and south in two earlier counteroffensives in 2022. In recent weeks, Ukraine has stepped up long-range attacks with missiles and drones aimed at crippling Russian supply lines ahead of the campaign. Ukraine-backed Russian volunteers have staged cross-border raids aimed at forcing Russia to shift troops away from front lines inside Ukraine. Western officials said they thought Ukraines counterattack was imminent, and that Kyiv was waiting for the ground to dry out. Russian offensive efforts this year have yielded tiny gains, including the capture of the small eastern city of Bakhmut, but cost thousands of lives and strained Russias military. Ukraines Western backers recognize that Kyivs own offensive wont end the war, but want it to demonstrate to Russian President Vladimir Putin the futility of his strategy of digging in and waiting for support for Ukraine to erode, a Western official said. The Biden administration has committed more than $37 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since the start of Russias full-scale invasion and pledged further military aid. European allies have followed. But former President Donald Trump, the leading Republican contender for the 2024 presidential election, declined last month to say he would back Ukraine, saying instead that he would seek to bring a swift end to the war, without saying how. Zelensky said he was concerned that any change in administration could affect aid. In a situation like this, when there is support, you are afraid of changes," he said. And to be honest, when you mention a change of administration, I feel the same way as any other personyou want changes for the better, but it can also be the other way around." Zelensky said he couldnt understand Trumps claim he could end the war in 24 hours, as Trump hadnt done so while in office, when Russia was already occupying Crimea and parts of eastern Ukraine. Biden has an emotional attachment to Ukraine that has underpinned his administrations support for the country, Zelensky said. Trumps presidency came before the full-scale invasion, and Im not sure how Trump would have acted," he said. Still, Ukraines president said he was encouraged by bipartisan support in the U.S. and the backing of ordinary citizens, and hoped that both parties and Congress would continue to support Ukraine and pressure any new administration to keep up flows of assistance. A more immediate concern for Zelensky is to secure a clear path to NATO membership at a summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, in July. NATO said in 2008 that Ukraine would become a member, but gave no timeline. Ukraine applied for membership last year, but the U.S., the alliances unofficial leader, largely has sidestepped discussions of how or when Ukraine might join NATO, instead focusing on boosting Kyivs security and military strength. Zelensky said some in NATO were unwilling to admit Ukraine owing to fear of Russia. But pressure is growing on the alliance to offer concrete security guarantees and a path to membership. Zelensky said he didnt expect Ukraine to join NATO while fighting continued, but wanted a pledge that it would be admitted after the war. If we are not given a signal in Vilnius, I believe there is no point for Ukraine to be at this summit," he said. Asked whether he thought he would get such a signal, he replied: I dont know. I honestly dont know." Zelensky said he was grateful to Western countries for supplying weapons systems, but that deliveries should be faster and in greater numbers as delays were costing lives. In particular, he said, Ukraine needs more Patriot missile batterieswhich consist of several launchers, a powerful radar, a control station and other support equipmentto protect its cities and front-line troops. Ukraine now has at least two Patriot batteries, but Zelensky said he would like as many as 50, as it is the only system capable of intercepting some of the advanced missiles fired from Russia. Zelenskys administration has sought to isolate Russia by working to win support from countries including China, India and Brazil that maintain friendly relations with Russia. He is trying to convene a summit around his 10-point peace plan, which calls for Russian troops to withdraw from Ukrainian territory. Putin has to know that people wont shake his hand, that he no longer sits at the table with serious countries, that Russia is not part of international organizations," he said. China, which hasnt condemned Russias invasion and has blamed the U.S. and its allies for the war, has sought to insert itself in diplomacy aimed at peace. Ukraine has said it is prepared to listen to Chinas views but wont agree to any proposal that would involve ceding territory. Zelensky has said he urged Chinese President Xi Jinping in an April phone call not to supply Russia with weapons or other technologies, and Xi reassured him that China wasnt providing arms to Russia. China is bigger and more powerful than Russia and could play an important role in bringing peace, Zelensky said. I would not want such a country to stand by and watch people die," he said. If you are big, this is what national greatness means. This is not a painting or a museum; it is a real, bloody war." This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate In the early hours of Friday, emergency personnel from El Cenizo and the neighboring city of Rio Bravo responded in full force to two vehicle-related emergencies. A major crash was reported on Hernandez Street Friday that destroyed a vehicle, while just a few hours later on the same street a pickup was reportedly found on fire. Neither incident left any injuries or casualties. In the first incident, the car crashed into a light pole severely damaging its front half as Rio Bravo Volunteer Fire Department Chief Juan C. Gonzalez reported the incident was caused by reckless driving from those on board. The vehicle crashed into the light pole and then hit a nearby residences fence and home. Both in El Cenizo and Rio Bravo, there are people driving in the streets going 50-60 miles per hour, Gonzalez said. Some are juveniles, but most are adults who don't care about the people. If they obey the law, which is 30 miles per hour, then they can prevent this. Gonzalez also said some people are driving fast due to committing illegal activities, and he understands that this is another danger that presents itself to the community. To those people driving recklessly, please stop. There is nothing good about it, only dangers of crashing or hitting someone, Gonzalez said. One person who lives close to where the reckless driving incident happened stated they heard a loud sound when the crash happened, but they saw the police respond to the incident about half an hour later. El Cenizo Mayor Carina Hernandez also said these incidents show the need for more security presence in the area. "Last nights motor vehicle incident is a testament to the need of public safety in our community," Hernandez said. "As a small border community with limited resources, we are dependent on the presence of our county law enforcement agencies and our federal partners. However, locally the need is greater, and I am committed toward reestablishing our local reserve police department. During my first six months in office, our administration has reassessed the previous administrations policies and practices to ensure efficiency and productivity." The mayor said the city is currently in the search for a police chief to help reestablish their reserve department and provide local law enforcement presence to help enforce local municipal laws and deter reckless motor vehicle behavior that causes great harm and concern to law abiding citizens. "We are currently getting assistance from a Region 3 Field Service Agent at the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement agency to ensure that we have every internal and external resources available to the city," the mayor added. As for the fire reported at the intersection of Hernandez and Lara, it occurred due to a gas line that tore near the area. Hernandez said people should be more careful where they park their vehicles to ensure that incidents like these do not happen. "A pickup truck overheated and caught fire," Hernandez said. "Rio Bravo Fire Department and our local fire department volunteer Raul Mata were able to suppress the fire without a problem." These two incidents come just less than a week after another fire in the city led to a man being injured and a mobile home and a vehicle burning down. Workforce Solutions of South Texas is inviting the community to participate in the Summer Youth and Resources Job Fair for people ages 16-18 on Wednesday at 1406 Jacaman Road, Suite A, from 5-7 p.m. Graciela Perez, Employment Services Lead at Workforce Solutions for South Texas, said that this fair is focused only on young people so they can start gaining skills and help connect them to employment opportunities. "Many parents have question us on where to refer their teenagers, and we are here to help them," she said. "That is why WSST is hosting an one-stop job fair where job seekers will be able to speak with the employers, complete the application, create a resume and get tips on how to speak during an interview." Perez said that last summer, WSST hosted several Lock-In Evening job fairs for the youth with a positive response from the community and employers. "WSST received great feedback from the community and was glad we were able to host job fairs for the youth," she said. "During the three Lock-In Evening celebrated in 2022, we offered 90 job openings -- more than 50 youth participated and at least 15 of them found employment through those events." Perez added that during those job fairs, WSST hosted several workshops to help the job seekers to succeed in the interviews. "WSST also hosted a workshop where the job seekers were able to gain information on how to speak during an interview, how to create a resume and on how to dress for an interview," she said. "The response from the public was great. Many parents were calling inquiring information and were requesting more youth job fairs." Perez said that during the 2023 Summer Youth and Resources Job Fair there will be 10 companies participating such as: Starbucks, Dollar Tree, Go Carwash, Papa Johns, Burger King and more. "The most requested jobs youth are asking for is retail, customer service and fast food, so these companies aligned with what the youth is asking for," she said. Perez said that this fair will also have companies that will be providing information on how to become a volunteer at their organization to earn community hours during summer, and several colleges will be giving out information on the programs they have available. Perez recommended those planning to attend to come dress for the job they want, be enthusiastic about it, arrive early, practice a pitch and be ready to ask questions. "We are inviting all youth and recent graduates so they can start gaining skills for the job they want," she said. "We also invite the parents to come in and engage in the event." This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate DAKAR, Senegal (AP) The number of people killed in days of clashes between Senegalese police and supporters of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko has now risen to 15, including two security officers, the government said on Saturday. While Dakar was calmer on Saturday, clashes continued into the evening. In residential neighborhoods, protesters threw rocks at police, barricaded roads and set tires on fire. The army patrolled the streets as police fired tear gas at the demonstrators, inspecting and detaining people deemed to be causing trouble. Residents peered over the rooftops of buildings, both shielding for cover and watching the clashes. The clashes first broke out on Thursday, after Sonko was convicted of corrupting youth but acquitted on charges of raping a woman who worked at a massage parlor and making death threats against her. Sonko, who didnt attend his trial in Dakar, was sentenced to two years in prison. His lawyer said a warrant hadnt yet been issued for his arrest. Sonko came third in Senegals 2019 presidential election and is popular with the countrys youth. His supporters maintain his legal troubles are part of a government effort to derail his candidacy in the 2024 presidential election. Sonko is considered President Macky Salls main competition and has urged Sall to state publicly that he wont seek a third term in office. The international community has called on Senegals government to resolve the tensions. Frances ministry for Europe and foreign affairs said it was extremely concerned by the violence and called for a resolution to this crisis, in keeping with Senegals long democratic tradition. Rights groups have condemned the government crackdown, which has included arbitrary arrests and restrictions on social media. Some social media sites used by demonstrators to incite violence, such as Facebook, WhatsApp and Twitter have been suspended, for nearly two days. The U.S. State Department issued a statement deploring the violence. Senegals strong record of democratic governance, rule of law, and peaceful coexistence is something for which the Senegalese people can be rightfully proud. We urge all parties to voice their views in a peaceful manner, departmental spokesperson Matthew Miller said. Senegalese are blaming the government for the violence and the loss of lives. One woman, Seynabou Diop, told The Associated Press on Saturday that her 21-year-old son, Khadim, was killed in the protests, shot by a bullet to the chest. I feel deep pain. Whats happening is hard. Our children are dying. I never thought Id have to go through this, she said. This was the first time her son, a disciplined and kind mechanic, had joined in the protests, rushing out of the house as soon as he heard Sonko was convicted, she said. I think Macky Sall is responsible. If hed talked to the Senegalese people, especially young people, maybe we wouldnt have all these problems, said Diop. The Associated Press cannot verify the cause of death. The family said an autopsy was underway. Corrupting young people, which includes using ones position of power to have sex with people under the age of 21, is a criminal offense in Senegal, punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $6,000. Under Senegalese law, Sonkos conviction would bar him from running in next years election, said Bamba Cisse, another defense lawyer. However, the government said that Sonko could ask for a retrial once he was imprisoned. It was unclear when he would be taken into custody. If violence continues, it could threaten the country's institutions, say analysts. Never in their worst forms of nightmare (would) Senegalese have thought of witnessing the prevailing forms of apocalyptic and irrational violence, said Alioune Tine, founder of Afrikajom Center, a West African think tank. The most shared feeling about the current situation is fear, stress, exhaustion and helplessness. Thus what the people are now seeking for is peace, he said. The West African country has been seen as a bastion of democratic stability in the region. Sonko hasn't been heard from or seen since the verdict. In a statement Friday, his PASTEF-Patriots party called on Senegalese to amplify and intensify the constitutional resistance until President Sall leaves office. Government spokesman Abdou Karim Fofana said the damage caused by months of demonstrations had cost the country millions of dollars. He argued the protesters posed a threat to democracy. These calls (to protest), its a bit like the anti-republican nature of all these movements that hide behind social networks and dont believe in the foundations of democracy, which are elections, freedom of expression, but also the resources that our (legal) system offers, Fofana said. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate 3 1 of 3 Eric Batista/AP Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Arnulfo Franco/AP Show More Show Less 3 of 3 PANAMA CITY (AP) The trial of former Panamanian President Ricardo Martinelli and 14 others for alleged money laundering related to their purchase of a publishing company concluded on Friday, starting the clock on the 30 days the judge has to issue a verdict. Martinelli, a 71-year-old supermarket magnate who hopes to seek re-election next year, had back surgery the week before the trial started and was not present. Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Alabama lawmakers have voted to include themselves in legislation that would allow judges, law enforcement officers and prosecutors to shield their personal information from being released on public records Credentialing Kern Community College District Rolls Out Digital Access to Academic and Employment Data The Kern Community College District (KCCD), which comprises Bakersfield, Cerro Corso, and Porterville colleges, has partnered with anti-fraud and data security company Certree to give students, alumni, faculty, and staff their own private, secure vault accounts with lifetime access to their academic and employment data. With permission from individual records owners, these institutions can now provide secure digital credentials for employment, income, graduation, transcripts, microcredentials, and certificates, housed in an individual vault accessible only by the data's owner. This provides "unprecedented transparency, control, privacy, and data security" to vault owners, the company said in a release. Key benefits of this service include: Speed in sharing accurate data with trusted verifiers 24/7 from any location; Control of how much data is shared with lenders, background check companies, and others; Central storage of data about employment, income, and educational history; Identity theft protection; Data privacy, with no "middlemen" or "brokers" able to share or sell data for their own purposes. "Data self-sovereignty empowers users to have control and transparency over significant life changes, such as applying for a new job or enrolling in a graduate program," the company release said. "The credentials issued to each individual's vault can be reused by our students and employees in their future academic and career pursuits," said Michelle Smith, executive director of enrollment systems and integrated support at Bakersfield College. "In addition, Certree eliminated a lot of manual work by offering us one digital platform for issuing all credentials to our constituents, all through user self-service." Launched in 2021, Certree has been adopted by 30,000 organizations. Thousands of verifiers such as government entities, banks, lenders, and education institutions verify authentic documents shared directly by data owners through Certree, the company said. Visit the Certree for Education page to learn more. KCCD serves 45,000 students through its three community colleges, and is part of the California Community Colleges. Governed by a locally elected Board of Trustees, the district's colleges offer programs and services that develop student potential and create opportunities for its citizens. 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. Two men handed over 4,000 in compensation to be paid to the victim of an assault at last week's district court. Brothers Dylan McDonagh and Patrick McDonagh both of 29, Cluin na Spidoega, Cloghan, assaulted Damien Bannon causing him harm at the Phoenix Bar, Tullamore, on June 6, 2022. Mr Bannon was taken to Tullamore hospital afterwards. At a previous court sitting the mother of the injured party said her son had lost some of his back teeth as a result of the assault and suffered a fractured skull. In the weeks after the assault he became very anxious and worried. At last week's sitting of the court, Judge Andrew Cody said the brothers had dragged and punched the injured party on the floor, it was quite serious, he said. Longford woman escapes jail time for seventh no insurance offence A mother of five who attempted to give gardai the slip after she was caught driving for the seventh time without insurance has been put off the road for 15 years. Sergeant James O'Sullivan said Dylan McDonagh had no previous convictions. Patrick McDonagh had two. One a section 6 and the other a section 2 assault. Gardai hailed as heroes after rescuing child from sweltering car in Longford Three Gardai are being hailed as heroes today after they rescued a young child who had been accidently locked inside a car in searing heat in Longford. Judge Cody imposed a three month sentence on both defendants which he suspended for two years on their own bond of 100. A father of two who pleaded guilty to possessing 22 images of child pornography was told his 20 month prison sentence will be suspended for three years if he pays 35,000 to a children's charity within the next nine months. Wojciech Odrobina, 10 Canal Drive, Prospect Woods, Longford pleaded guilty to possessing the images at his home address on January 24, 2018. The investigation commenced after Tusla contacted Gardai regarding accusations of inappropriate material on the defendant's computer. Officers obtained and executed a search warrant. The defendant gave no resistance to the search and showed the items and gave passwords to devices seized. A forensic examination of the defendant's laptop computer found 22 images of child pornography. The married father of two children is going through a divorce. His wife has moved back to Poland. The court was told that some of the images were duplications, with 13 unique images on the laptop. The court was told that a probation report was positive and Mr Odrobina had co-operated with the Garda investigation. Noting the defendant committed the offence while on bail Judge Connolly said Mr Odrobina had no sense of remorse for the victims in the images. The judge also observed that by sentencing the defendant to prison he would also be penalising Mr Odrobina's children, his mother and his ex-wife who were dependant on him for financial support. The judge set the defendant's sentence at 20 months in prison, but said he was prepared to suspend it for a period of nine months to allow him pay 35,000 to Bernardo's charity. If the money is paid within the nine months the 20 month sentence will be suspended for a period of three years. Drugs, guns, cash and stolen cars were found during a bust this week, according to Chippewa County prosecutors. The Chippewa County Sheriff Travis Hakes said a man is being held on a $50,000 cash bond after a drug investigation. Hakes said Brandon Herman was arrested Thursday at a home in the town of Lafayette. Officials reportedly seized 2.46 pounds of methamphetamine; over 30 grams of fentanyl; over 16 pounds of marijuana; cocaine, LSD and psilocybin mushrooms; 10 guns, three of which were confirmed to be stolen; a stolen skid steer, three stolen motorcycles, a stolen Chevrolet Corvette and a stolen boat motor; and $19,438 in cash. Herman is being detained under a $50,000 bond. The sheriff added that the Chippewa County Sheriffs Office, Eau Claire County Sheriffs Office, Wisconsin State Patrol, West Central Drug Task Force and Eau Claire Regional SWAT Team worked together on the investigation that resulted in the search. Dont miss out on BIG discounts as realme celebrates TikTok 6.6 Birthday Sale! Its finally TikToks 6.6 Birthday Sale and realme Philippines goes all-in to celebrate with whopping discount offerings from June 1-8, 2023 only. Mark your calendars and get up to 29% OFF on select realme smartphones and up to 40% on select realme products. On top of this, the Squad is also in for a treat since they can take home exciting freebies all-week long! CHECK ALSO: WHICH realme SMARTPHONE IS RIGHT FOR YOU From June 1-8, every purchase of the realme C35 (4GB+128GB) comes with a FREE TechLife Buds Classic, while anybody who will avail the realme C33 (4GB+64GB) will get a C-Series Tempered Glass as a freebie. To make things even more thrilling, the first few customers to buy a realme 10 Pro+ 5G (12GB+256GB) from June 4-8 will get their very own realme Watch 3 for FREE. Additionally, everyone will also get a FREE TechLife Power Bank 100000mAh for each purchase of realme 10 (8GB+128GB), realme 10 (8GB+256GB), realme 10 Pro 5G (8GB+256GB), and realme 10 Pro+ 5G (8GB+128GB). The birthday celebration doesnt just end here! The realme fans should also watch out for further price markdown for select devices at the realme TikTok Shop starting June 4-8. Additional discounts of up to P 1,800 can be scored for realme smartphones! Heres a quick guide to some of the offerings at realmes 6.6 TikTok Birthday Sale. To know more about the sale and discounts, head over to the realmes Official TikTok Shop! Don't miss out on the latest shoppenings! Follow Manila Shopper: facebook.com/ManilaShopper instagram.com/ManilaShopper Walk with Manila Shopper on youtube: MS Walks National Treasurer Rosalia de Leon appealed to the public not to close their Landbank accounts amid fears over the state-owned bank providing seed money to the Maharlika Investment Fund. De Leon said state-owned banks such as Landbank and Development Bank of the Philippines are stable. Lets say Ladbank invests P50 billion in Maharlika, that is less than 3 percent of its P1.3 trillion investible funds. That is such a small investment, she said. It will not affect prudential rations imposed by the Central Bank, De Leon added. She said the MIF is vital in accelerating the implementation of infrastructure projects of the national government. Meanwhile, Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte said the MIF could provide the government more funds for its flagship projects. He said the MIFs approval opened the gateway to an alternative, potentially huge source of investment funds that would let the national government spend bigger on its big-ticket programs to shore up President Marcoss agenda for peace and prosperity. The final version of the MIF bill, which the House of Representatives and the Senate ratified on the eve of the Congresss sine die adjournment, sought to provide a new source for investments other than the traditional sources of funds, namely, the General Appropriations Act (GAA) or national budget, official development assistance (ODA) from the countrys overseas partners and the business sector through public-private partnership (PPP) projects, Villafuerte said. As another potentially massive funding source for priority investments of the national government, the MIF has the makings of a prime source of fresh capital for accelerated infrastructure development, agricultural modernization and food security, climate action, energy development and other big-ticket projects that the Marcos administration needs to carry out, he added. Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. The Philippines is open to expanding the annual Balikatan exercises with the United States to include other allies, Defense Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said during the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) Shangri-la Dialogue in Singapore. We really explore possibly expanding the bilateral Balikatan exercises into a multilateral exercise, Galvez said. In the future, we might be expanding it with other allied nations, he added. In previous Balitan exercises, small contingents from Australia have joined the military training, while Japan has sent personnel as observers. In late April, close to 18,000 Filipino and American troops, along with over 100 Australian soldiers, concluded the largest-ever Balikatan exercises. During President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.s visit to Washington last month, the US and the Philippines released their new defense cooperation guidelines that include moves toward real-time sharing of military information and greater coordination within the framework of the alliance to face regional and global security challenges. Washington and Manila agreed to conclude by the end of 2023 an intel-sharing framework, known as a General Security of Military Information Agreement. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin underscored the enduring strength of the PH-US alliance and the shared commitment of the two countries. For decades, the Philippines has been an indispensable friend and ally to the United States, he said. The recently concluded largest and most complex iteration ever of Exercise Balikatan included more than 17,000 troops in the Philippines, the United States, and Australia, training side-by-side across air, land, sea, and for the first time, cyberspace, the US Defense chief told President Marcos. Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. A car early Saturday crashed into the storefront of La Perla, a former luxury lingerie store in Boston, according to authorities. First responders went to the building at the corner of Boylston Street and Hadassah Way in the Back Bay neighborhood of the city, the Boston Fire Department said in a tweet around 9:40 a.m. Saturday. An image the department posted showed a black Kia crashed into the window of the former store. There are no injuries to report. A building inspector will investigate the damage to the building, the department said in its tweet. Companies responding to a car into a building at Hadassah Way in the Back Bay. There are no injuries to report. A building inspector will investigate the damage to the building. pic.twitter.com/pxfWcfjr5Q Boston Fire Dept. (@BostonFire) June 3, 2023 La Perla was previously inside the structure at 250 Boylston St. before the location closed. The brand has multiple stores currently open in the United States, including two in New York City, one in Costa Mesa, California and another in Bal Harbour, Florida. The company has numerous other locations in East Asia, Europe and the Middle East. After graduating college, one Sherborn man began working in the corporate world designing computer systems. And I just hated it, Brian Neyenhouse said. Just didnt like being in a cubicle and it just wasnt my thing. By 2000, he swapped the cubicle for the kitchen and went to the Art Institute of Seattle to become a chef, a profession he loves. Now, he spends his days with a small green bird with very long legs running Nutty Bird Granola, a small business, out of his home. I love food, always have loved food. Its always been just a huge part of my life and a path, he said. But it wasnt a straight path to running his own business. As he and his wife were about to start a family, Neyenhouse hung up the chef coat and the restaurant thing and just was a stay-at-home dad for a long time. As a stay-at-home parent, homemade granola was a staple in the familys breakfasts and desserts. Neyenhouse hated the granola available at the store. With all the sugar and filler, it just doesnt taste good, he told MassLive. So I just made it at home for us and family and friends, he said. As the kids got older, [I] got to the point of [thinking], Ive got to do something, its time to get back to work. [But] I didnt want to go back to restaurants again. His family pushed him to sell some of the granola. Small batches were sold at local farmers markets before he decided to launch it as a small business. Coming up with names, Neyenhouse wanted something with nut in the name. Nuthouse was one idea, a play on his last name, but it was already trademarked. [In 2018,] my kids at the time were young and so we used to go to the zoo all the time, and they would see the parakeets and they just thought it was like the greatest thing ever, he said. Nutty Bird Granola's founder and owner Brian Neyenhouse with his 1-and-a-half-year-old cockapoo Rigby. Ryan Mancini, MassLive. Not long after, they bought a parakeet they named Clover, a little, tiny green parakeet, Neyenhouse said. It wasnt long until his children suggested Nutty Bird as the name of his granola brand. So I cant even take credit for the name, Neyenhouse mused. People always say, Oh, we love the name! We love the name! And Im like, Yeah, Ive got nothing to do with it. Even though Clover died in 2021, shell live on in perpetuity with the name, Neyenhouse said. Brian Neyenhouse goes through bags of granola prepared to be packaged for sales, as Rigby looks on. Ryan Mancini, MassLive. Nutty Bird Granola offers four different flavor options. The original recipe is made up of almonds, cashews, and pumpkin seeds with a touch of maple syrup and honey sweetness, according to the website. Customers can also pick up the no nutty flavor, made from pumpkin, sunflower and flax seeds, along with maple syrup and honey. Neyenhouse also offers Choco-nutty, which is made from almonds, hazelnuts and pumpkin seeds mixed with dark chocolate chunks. Finally, theres cinnamon cranberry, which swaps out the cashews of the original recipe with cranberries, cinnamon and walnuts. Ingredients come from across parts of Massachusetts and New England, Neyenhouse said. He picks up rolled oats from Maine Grains out of Skowhegan, Maine, while all the nuts come from Arcade Snacks in Auburn. The maple syrup comes from Pure BS Maple Shack in Auburn, while the honey is made and picked up from Merrimack Valley Apiaries. Packages are stickered with labels before they're filled and sealed with granola. Ryan Mancini, MassLive. These ingredients are mixed together at the Worcester Regional Food Hub, made in small batches and packaged for sale. Online visitors can buy them through the website for $8.99 a bag. Those looking for them in person can head to one of several different farmers markets, which are listed here, or can pick them up at any retail locations listed here. Weve been really, really fortunate to get into some slightly larger stores, but still things that we feel really confident and kind of match with what we do, he said. Public Lands, the new outdoor store in Framingham, has started to carry the granola and then ... REI in Cambridge started to carry the granola. So thats been really exciting for us because were, from a personal perspective, were diehard outdoor people, running, hiking, that kind of thing. Things continued to go well for the business even through the pandemic. It seemed as though people were looking for a shelf-stable, quality product that they could stock up on and have last for the next several months without needing so many regular trips to the store, Neyenhouse said. They got extra help from people looking to support local too. Looking toward the future, the expansion of the business also means keeping the principal of the business in place, he said. The next steps include a new flavor, blueberry vanilla, as well as granola bars and selling products in more stores. For all the terrible that came out of COVID and everything, it was really neat to see communities really rally around small business and small producers and put more of a focus on the local aspect of things and I thought that was it was really neat to watch, Neyenhouse said, not just for our business but for all the other small producers and companies that weve gotten to know throughout the last five years. The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command is calling out the Peoples Republic of China over the thumping of an Offutt-based RC-135V Rivet Joint flight on May 26 over the South China Sea. Indo-PACOM released a 30-second video shot from the cockpit of the Air Force RC-135 that shows a Chinese J-16 fighter pilot overtaking the slower reconnaissance jet from the right side and then banking sharply to fly close across its nose. Moments later, the RC-135 is buffeted by the fighter jets wake turbulence. The Indo-PACOM press release criticized the Chinese jets maneuver as unprofessional and unnecessarily aggressive. The RC-135 was conducting safe and routine operations over the South China Sea in international airspace, in accordance with international law, the press release said. The United States will continue to fly, sail, and operate safely and responsibly wherever international law allows. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning blamed the U.S., saying Washington should earnestly respect Chinas sovereignty and security interests and concerns, immediately correct the wrongdoing, show sincerity, and create the necessary atmosphere and conditions for dialogue and communication between the two militaries. Diplomatic tensions have risen in recent months over U.S. military support for Taiwan and the flight of a suspected spy balloon in February over the United States, including Nebraska. China has increasingly asserted sovereignty over the South China Sea. U.S. defense leaders have complained that Chinas military has become significantly more aggressive over the past five years, intercepting U.S. aircraft and ships in the region. China has put their big fat foot on the South China Sea, and theyre trying to squeeze the U.S. out, said Hans Kristensen, director of the Nuclear Information Project at the Federation of American Scientists, an arms-control group. That sometimes brings the Chinese into conflict with U.S. reconnaissance aircraft from the 55th Wing, which flies a fleet of 26 RC-135 jets from its headquarters at Offutt Air Force Base as well as overseas locations. Most of those are Rivet Joints, which are equipped to intercept radio signals and staffed with interpreters who can translate in real time. At least three Rivet Joints are currently operating from Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, primarily flying surveillance routes over the South China Sea and along the Demilitarized Zone that separates North Korea from South Korea, as they have for decades. In the month prior to last Fridays intercept, the three Rivet Joints flew at least 12 missions over the South China Sea and one over the East China Sea, according to a former 55th Wing crew member who tracks and reports the units flights on social media using the Twitter handle @MeNMyRC1. Such close encounters were common during the Cold War, said Robert Hopkins III, a Texas-based historian of U.S. reconnaissance flights who flew RC-135s for the 55th Wing near the end of that era. Pilots called it thumping, and quickly learned how to handle them. Hopkins saw the video on social media Tuesday and did not agree that it was provocative. He called the encounter plain vanilla and boring. He said in the hands of skilled pilots, flying close isnt necessarily dangerous or unprofessional. There is absolutely nothing different here than what (reconnaissance) crews have experienced for 50-plus years, Hopkins said. The only difference is the video. Now the public can see it firsthand. During the Cold War, the Pentagon didnt publicize such encounters. He thinks the Pentagon is making a mistake by calling attention to them now. They need to cut out the histrionics, he said. Theyre desensitizing the public. Theyre crying wolf over and over and over. Still, Kristensen said, these encounters can escalate into something worse, as in 2001 when a Chinese fighter jet collided with a U.S. Navy EP-3 reconnaissance plane flying off its shores. The Chinese pilot was killed, while the Navy plane piloted by Lt. Shane Osborn, a Nebraskan made an emergency landing in China. The crew was released two weeks later. And in March, a Russian jet harassed and eventually hit an unmanned MQ-9 Reaper drone flying a reconnaissance mission over the Black Sea. The drone crashed. Sooner or later, theres going to be an incident where they hit a plane, when these kind of behaviors become routine, Kristensen said. The public release of video of these encounters allows China to portray itself as assertively countering the U.S. in its own backyard, he said, while at the same time helping the U.S. paint a picture of Chinese aggression. This is what happens when you get Cold War standoffs, Kristensen said. It does help fuel the sense of animosity and crisis. This article includes material from the Associated Press. Photos: Offutt runway opens after 18-month reconstruction 100122-owh-new-offuttjets-pic-cm004.jpg offuttjets-pic-cm006.jpg Offutt runway reopens after 18-month runway reconstruction 100122-owh-new-offuttjets-pic-cm007.jpg 100122-owh-new-offuttjets-pic-cm005.jpg offuttjets-pic-cm003.jpg 100122-owh-new-offuttjets-pic-cm002.jpg 100122-owh-new-offuttjets-pic-cm001.jpg offuttjets-pic-cm008.jpg offuttjets-pic-cm009.jpg Panelists at the Springfield Pride Parades community forum on Friday came from a diverse set of backgrounds and provided insights from their many areas of expertise. A member of Springfield Technical Community Colleges campus safety team. The founder of the Massachusetts LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce. Several panelists were entrepreneurs that have started their own businesses geared towards services for Latino and LGBTQ community members. These were some of the participants at a forum held at STCCs auditorium that gave students from the citys high schools a chance to learn about what resources are available in the Springfield area and hear stories from panelists about their life experiences. The forum represented an opportunity to provide an aspect missing from the first Pride Parade last year, according to Taurean Bethea, the parades lead organizer. Last year we were so parade-focused with it being the first time, Bethea said on Friday. We kind of missed the opportunity to actually speak to the youth we serve. This year, it was very, very key for us to create this community panel and really connect the youth with the right resources and people that share similar stories that may inspire. A big theme of the afternoon discussion revolved around the generational differences between the panelists and the current generation of emerging adults, commonly known as Generation Z. Grace Moreno, founder and executive director of the Massachusetts LGBT Chamber of Commerce, described how she grew up in Mexico with very strict Catholic parents and how becoming a proud lesbian did not come without its challenges. (My parents) were very worried about my gayness, Moreno said. They thought they could pray it away. She said once she came to the United States, she found she could be proud of her identity and it solidified my own sense of self. Mayrena Guerrero, the founder of the mental health clinic Colorful Resilience in West Springfield, relayed a similar experience. Read more: 2023 Pride roundup in Western Massachusetts You said that your parents tried to pray it away; I tried to pray it away from me bad, Guerrero said. And I didnt come out until I was in my early 30s ... And so, for me, pride is coming to terms with myself, loving myself, accepting myself, embracing myself, being my genuine self. Many panelists spoke about not being out as gay or lesbian for much of their life and how hard it felt to come out to their families. One panelist noted how, generally speaking, members of Generation Z appear to live so unapologetically. This current generation is one that I admire so much, said Xiomara Alban Delobato, the chief of staff for the Western Massachusetts Economic Development Council. Yall are a generation that likes to live so authentically and unapologetically yourselves. Whereas for me, I came out in college, there wasnt anyone that I knew was queer or identified as gay throughout my upbringing, like in middle school, high school. Read more: Springfield Pride Parade to Host Pride Month Festivities Forum moderator Kenneth Kyrell, an Atlanta-based real estate agent, DJ and media host, described the participants as a panel full of leaders and asked questions geared toward the various areas of expertise. Terrell Joyner, a financial planner and owner of RJ Consulting, also joined the panel. For far too long did I let others dictate who I was, how I acted or what I said ... No more ... These people on this panel come from all walks of life and had to deal with their own hurdles and they persevered against all odds. Shannon Austin, the founder of Black Sheep Yogi, gave students parting words of wisdom: Find something thats healthy, that inspires you and gives you an outlet because we all need outlets. Whether were part of this community or other communities. As we approach the Juneteenth holiday on June 19, MassLive asked readers and staff to identify people who are emerging Black leaders throughout the state, working to make a difference in their own area of interest, be it politics, education, business or the arts. These are people our readers have identified as inspirational, who may be doing good acts for their communities. They are being recognized for their accomplishments, leadership and commitment to inspire change. Each day, we will introduce more leaders, and were always open to hear about more inspiring people. If youd like to suggest someone else who should be recognized, please fill out this form. Taurean Bethea is the president and CEO of Springfield Pride Parade Organization. (Hoang 'Leon' Nguyen / The Republican) Taurean Bethea Age: 40 Community: Springfield His story: Taurean Bethea is the founder and CEO of the Springfield Pride Parade Organization which focuses on providing resources to LGBTQIA+ youth in Springfield. Bethea ran the first Pride Parade in Springfield last year and is expecting 10,000 people to join for the second inaugural parade. In addition to working on the parade, Bethea focuses on running the Safe Space initiative through the Pride Parade organization. The initiative partners with Springfield businesses to place public-facing decals to commit to and demonstrate their business is inclusive to LGBTQIA+ individuals. MassLive is one of more than a dozen businesses that are a part of this initiative. The Pride Parade organization, which has become an official city commission, also runs summer programming in partnership with Springfield College and after school programs in Springfield public schools which focuses on the enrichment, development, support, and overall protection of LGBTQIA+ Springfield youth. Before beginning his organization, Bethea worked in fashion, working for brand such as Phat Farm/Baby Phat, Lacoste, Ralph Lauren and Ermenegildo Zegna. He also produced events in Los Angeles, New York, Atlanta, Springfield, and other locations. He moved away from fashion after deciding he wanted to do more to help his community. Coming out later in life, Bethea said he realized there are people out there that could use me as an inspiration and I can create spaces for LGBTQIA+ youth to be safe, seen and heard. In his words: Stay true to your mission. I always say if your intentions are pure, great things will come. An adult man and an 8-year-old boy were found dead in an apparent murder-suicide in New Bedford Friday morning, officials said. New Bedford police visited a home on Phillips Road near Hillcrest Road at 8:09 a.m., Bristol County District Attorney Thomas Quinn said. The district attorney believes George Scott III, 54, and his 8-year-old son were the two people found dead in the home. However, their identities need to be confirmed by the medical examiners office. According to Quinn, Scott was a person of interest in the March 2019 disappearance of Lisa Hazard, of Fall River. Hazard is the 8-year-old boys mother. Police are still investigating Hazards disappearance. The evidence points to him being the assailant and killer of the child. At this point but we are waiting for confirmation, the district attorney said, as reported by The Standard-Times. Several knives were recovered at the scene, The Standard-Times reported. As you may be aware, through our Missing Person Initiative, this case was one of the cases we highlighted, a spokesperson for Quinns office said in a prepared statement. Quinn said his office visited the home on May 17 with a search warrant related to a missing person investigation into Hazard. SPRINGFIELD The parent of a Holyoke Community Charter School student alleges a teacher touched the child in a suggestive manner and that the school should have known the mans past conduct with children was questionable. A $50,000 lawsuit filed in Hampden Superior Court Friday claims that the teacher, Matthew Holmes was shuffled among school districts in Western Massachusetts for more than two decades and that complaints of inappropriate sexual overtures dogged him from school to school. Springfield attorney Laura Manginis complaint names Holmes and the Holyoke Community Charter School, Holmes last apparent school assignment in 2022. The mother, only identified as Jane Doe in the lawsuit, sued after her son disclosed that Holmes asked him to lift his shirt multiple times to show him the childs belly between classes, at times rubbing the childs abdomen and admiring it, according to the complaint. It wasnt the first time, the lawsuit says. Holmes had run through jobs at Forest Park School in Springfield, Chestnut Middle School in the same city and St. Marys School in Longmeadow before landing in Holyoke as a computer science teacher last summer. Holyoke Community Charter School Principal, Dr. Sonia Pope admitted it was clear from Holmes resume that he was jumping around from position to position and when pressed on it, did not give a real answer, the complaint reads. Efforts to reach Pope and Holmes Friday were unsuccessful. It is not known whether Holmes, 51, of East Longmeadow, has an attorney. The lawsuit alleges sexual assault and battery by Holmes, intentional infliction of emotional distress by Holmes and multiple counts of negligence by the Holyoke school. The boy did not come forward with complaints against Holmes until after the teacher was let go, according to the complaint, fearing he would get in trouble. The lawsuit claims administrators at Holyoke Community Charter School did not check with prior employers to determine why Holmes had moved from school to school over his long career as a teacher. If HCC had taken the time to speak to Holmes prior employers, they would have found Holmes had a long history of sexual misconduct with students, the complaint reads. These included inappropriate tickling of a young male students prior to 2010 at Forest Park Middle School and jokingly grabbing a students shirt. While Holmes worked at Chestnut Middle School before that, at least three students leveled complaints against him, the lawsuit says. In 2010 and 2022, the state Department of Children and Families opened investigations into allegations against Holmes, according to the complaint. A spokeswoman for the Springfield Public Schools declined to comment for this story. While at St. Marys School in Longmeadow, Holmes allegedly used the schools database to search students addresses 15 to 20 times, the complaint says. Late last year, while Holmes was still working at the Holyoke school, he allegedly asked the John Doe plaintiff of his abdomen: Can I have it? No pretrial hearings have been scheduled. SPRINGFIELD New England Public Media sold its former radio studios and offices at 1525 Main St. last month for $850,000. The buyer was F B Development, the same company that sold the space to what was then called the NEPR (New England Public Radio) Foundation in 2012 for $750,000 in a commercial condominium arrangement, according to paperwork filed with the Hampden County Registry of Deeds. All told, New England Public Radio spent $6.4 million buying and rehabbing 15,000 square feet of space on the first floor of 1525 Main St. The new offices opened in 2014. NEPM executives, including Matt Abramovitz, NEPMs current CEO, declined to comment Friday on the transaction, citing preparations for the NEPM Asparagus Festival Saturday. F B Development is owned by Thomas P. Dennis Jr., according to records on file with the Secretary of the Commonwealth. Dennis is president of The Dennis Group, an engineering firm specializing in food processing plants, which occupies offices in the 1537 Main St. building known as the Fuller Block. Built in 1887, the Fuller Block is on the National Register of Historic Places. Dennis didnt return a phone message left at the office Friday. Earlier this year, New England Public Media completed $9 million in renovations and upgrades to its television studios at 44 Hampden St. and moved the radio station staff into the Channel 57 space in April. New England Public Media the result of a 2019 merger between WFCR radio and WGBY public television laid off 17 workers in late March. That was about 20% of its full- and part-time staff. NEPM reported a $4.6 million loss for the fiscal year that ended in June 2022, according financial statements available on its websites and documents on file with the IRS. In that fiscal year, NEPM reported $1.62 million in income from underwriting and $3.9 million in support from viewers and listeners among its income. Altogether, it had $7.9 million in revenue. But operating expenses were $12.6 million, including $6.2 million in wages. Back in 2011, WFCR said it would spend $2.275 million on renovations and equipment at the Main Street location, a former bank office that still features a vault. The station added three studios, two announcer booths and two interview booths, along with four control rooms. When sharing bad news, big companies mask blunders with jargon. We saw that last week when Trulieve, one of the countrys largest cannabis operators, said it would pull out of Massachusetts, shuttering its massive Holyoke growing facility. Time to focus on cash preservation, its CEO said. Time to trim non-contributive assets. Translation: Trulieve is bleeding money after investing more than $33 million in its 56 Canal St. plant. The Republicans Jim Kinney reported in February that 2023 would be a year of reckoning for commercial cannabis. Here and there, small-scale retailers had already bottomed out. Trulieves flight from the Bay State adds an exclamation point. The golden age of legal weed is in the books, five years after the debut of adult use sales. Early players, like NETA in Northampton, had it good. Later arrivals have struggled amid falling prices down from around $400 an ounce in early 2021 to $171 today, according to state officials. In business lingo, thats called price compression. It leaves cannabis companies subject to the pressures that bedevil all retailers. For investors, risks brought rewards, to be sure. Gross sales since 2018 have topped $4.6 billion and are still going strong, with $600 million so far this year, about $28 million a week. Trulieve made its own mistakes. An employee told Kinney the Holyoke plant was so massive 600,000 square feet of growing floor it could have supplied the entire state market. One problem with that, and its a big one: Producers under current rules cannot ship outside the state. That worker is one of 128 who lost jobs last week; the company closed retail stores Saturday in Northampton, Framingham and Worcester. Trulieves $30 million buildout in Holyoke was an overreach. Early word is that the site could sit on the market for a while. Dont cry for Trulieve. Though it is also scaling back in California and Nevada, the Canadian company continues operating in Arizona, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Nationally, as laws loosen, the cannabis market will grow. The cannabis reckoning in Massachusetts will continue, especially as new shops open in Connecticut, New York and Vermont. In its press releases, Trulieve boasts that it delivers optimal customer experiences and helps patients and customers live without limits. The company found, at considerable expense, that limits exist. Authorities identified 8-year-old Dante Hazard as the victim of an apparent murder-suicide in New Bedford on Friday, noting George Scott III, the father of the boy, appears to have killed the child. Scott, labeled a person of interest in the unsolved disappearance of his wife, Lisa Hazard, appears to have slain his son before killing himself. Their bodies were discovered by police while they were performing a wellbeing check at the man and childs home Friday morning in New Bedford, according to a statement from Bristol District Attorneys Thomas M. Quinn IIIs office. We are awaiting the medical examiners confirmation of these and other details, Quinns office said in the statement. New Bedford police received the wellbeing check for Scott and Dante Hazard shortly before 8:10 a.m. Friday from a relative who had not been able to get in touch with the man. Officers found the father and son dead upon entering their home at 1643 Phillips Road, according to the district attorneys office. It appears from the evidence recovered at the scene to be a murder-suicide. Mr. Scott appears to have killed the boy with a sharp object before taking his own life, Quinns office said. The district attorneys office, Massachusetts State Police and the Fall River and New Bedford Police Departments have for years been investigating the March 2019 disappearance of Lisa Hazard. Scott was a person of interest in the case, and the investigation remains ongoing at this time, according to Quinns office. Detectives executed a court-issued search warrant at 1643 Phillips Road, the home of Scott and Dante Hazard, roughly two weeks ago as part of the missing person investigation into the disappearance of Lisa Hazard, the district attorneys office noted. Those search warrants have been sealed by the court as part of the ongoing investigation into Ms. Hazards disappearance, the district attorneys office said. Scott was the son of George Boomer Scott, a Boston Red Sox Hall of Famer and former all-star athlete, Gregg Miliote, a spokesperson for Quinns office, confirmed for MassLive. He played first base for the team for nine seasons in the 1960s and 1970s and died in 2013. BOSTON Two days after veteran catcher Jorge Alfaro triggered the opt-out clause in his minor league contract, the Red Sox granted him his release Saturday, two sources confirmed. Alfaro is now a free agent and can sign with another team immediately. He is not believed to have another deal lined up yet. BetMGM Massachusetts BET $10, GET $200 BONUS BETS CLAIM OFFER Promo code: MASSLIVE 21+ and present in Massachusetts. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-Gambler. Alfaro, who signed a minor league deal with the Sox in January, did not make the Opening Day roster and has spent the entire season at Triple-A Worcester, where he hit .320 with six homers, 13 doubles, two triples and an .886 OPS in 43 games. Despite the strong offensive performance, Alfaro didnt have a clear path to the major league roster because the Red Sox have been pleased with what Reese McGuire and Connor Wong have given them so far, both offensively and defensively. Boston did not believe Alfaro was a fit to play first base, either. (Alfaro) is swinging the bat well, Sox manager Cora said earlier in the week. Well see where were at. Obviously, right now, were very comfortable with Reese and Wong. Theres (another) 29 teams out there. They might have a chance or not. In a selfish way, hopefully, nobody wants him. As a person and a player, I would love him to be in the big leagues, either with us or somebody else. Its where were at right now. Were very comfortable with these two guys. Ill repeat myself. With Alfaro out of the organization, the Red Sox are a little thinner in terms of catching depth in the upper minors. Behind McGuire and Wong, the club has Caleb Hamilton and Ronaldo Hernandez as its top two options at Triple-A, though neither player is on the 40-man roster. Stephen Scott and hot-hitting prospect Nathan Hickey are at Double-A but would not be considerations for the major league roster if the Red Sox needed someone. An all-feline lineup of cats are featured as the pets of the week by the Dakin Humane Society in Springfield, and these animals are all available for adoption with the perk of a reduction in adoption fees. The Dakin Humane Societys spokesperson, Lee Chambers, told MassLive the group has been taking in an exceptionally high number of cats recently. Chambers added that many of the cats have just arrived from a Connecticut home where the person got overwhelmed. Chambers said the cats are quite young and in overall good health as well as lovely and friendly. However due to the large number of them currently in the humane societys care, the group wants to find them good homes as quickly as possible and is therefore reducing fees to incentivize prospective owners. The Dakin Humane Society expects even more cats to come in the next few weeks, according to Chambers, so opening up more space for the new arrivals while finding homes for the ones already in its care is key. Check out the listing of cats available to adopt at reduced fees through the Dakin Humane Society in Springfield below. Blaze, a cat available to adopt through Springfield's Dakin Humane Society. Photo courtesy of the Dakin Humane Society. Available to adopt for a $99 reduced adoption fee. Species: Domestic shorthaired cat Age: 10 months old Gender: Male Notes: Blaze is feline leukemia virus positive (FeLV+) Phoenix, a cat available to adopt through Springfield's Dakin Humane Society. Photo courtesy of the Dakin Humane Society. Available to adopt for a $99 reduced adoption fee Species: Domestic shorthaired cat Age: 1 year old Gender: Female Notes: Phoenix is FeLV+ Little Man, a cat available to adopt through Springfield's Dakin Humane Society. Photo courtesy of the Dakin Humane Society. Available to adopt for a $99 reduced adoption fee Species: Domestic medium-haired cat Age: 1 year old Gender: Male Prosciutto, a cat available to adopt through Springfield's Dakin Humane Society. Photo courtesy of the Dakin Humane Society. Available to adopt for a $99 reduced adoption fee Species: Domestic shorthaired cat Age: 8 months old Gender: Male Wilbur, a cat available to adopt through Springfield's Dakin Humane Society. Photo courtesy of the Dakin Humane Society. Available to adopt for a $99 reduced adoption fee Species: Domestic longhaired cat Age: 1 year old Gender: Male Jeter, a cat available to adopt through Springfield's Dakin Humane Society. Photo courtesy of the Dakin Humane Society. Available to adopt for a $99 reduced adoption fee Species: Domestic medium-haired cat Age: 6 months old Gender: Male Cookies & Cream, a cat available to adopt through Springfield's Dakin Humane Society. Photo courtesy of the Dakin Humane Society. Available to adopt for a $99 reduced adoption fee Species: Domestic longhaired cat Age: 2 years old Gender: Male Nibbles, a cat available to adopt through Springfield's Dakin Humane Society. Photo courtesy of the Dakin Humane Society. Available to adopt for a $99 reduced adoption fee Species: Domestic shorthaired cat Age: 1 year old Gender: Male Oreo, a cat available to adopt through Springfield's Dakin Humane Society. Photo courtesy of the Dakin Humane Society. Available to adopt for a $99 reduced adoption fee Species: Domestic longhaired cat Age: 1 year old Gender: Male Molly, a cat available to adopt through Springfield's Dakin Humane Society. Photo courtesy of the Dakin Humane Society. Available to adopt for a $99 reduced adoption fee As everyone from babies to grandmothers to dogs danced in colorful attire, thousands marched in Springfields second annual Pride Parade. Taurean Bethea, founder of the Springfield Pride Parade Organization, and Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno both said this years Pride Parade may be larger than last years, which had 6,000 parade-goers more than the anticipated 500 attendees. According to Sarno, the city only received two nasty letters or emails about the Pride events that have been happening for the past couple of days, a small number in comparison to the amount of backlash Sarno said the city received in the form of letters or emails last year. Richard Parris-Scott made noise with their luxurious and lengthy Pride outfit. Parris-Scott said they initially saw the design through a Los Angeles Pride Parade and asked the designer for their blessing to use it. Richard Parris-Scott at the second annual Springfield Pride Parade. Working in collaboration with The Quilted Queer, the statement piece is a way for Parris-Scott to express themself and create more visibility, especially as a Black transgender person, they said. Several groups and sponsors of the parade marched in support of Pride, such as Bay State, MassMutual, and Deweys Jazz Lounge, among others, including 30 people representing MassLive. Becca Coolong (right) at the second annual Springfield Pride Parade. Becca Coolong, executive director of the Human Service Forum and second-time Springfield Pride Parade attendee, said she believes everyone should be at the parade. Its a wonderful act of resistance against hate, Coolong told MassLive. For others who werent able to attend last years Springfield Pride Parade, this years parade offered them a chance to be part of a community. Grey Pouliot and Reese Granholm said this was their first Pride parades. Both students at Pioneer Valley Performing Arts, they said they are used to being around LGBTQIA+ individuals but being at the Springfield Pride Parade allowed them to see different kinds of people who are part of the community. Its nice to see its not just me and my two friends, Granholm said. Reese Granholm (left) and Grey Pouliot (right) at the second annual Springfield Pride Parade. Christopher Tarvit, a Spanish teacher at Birchland Park Middle School in East Longmeadow, marched for the second year in a row with students and other teachers at the elementary and high school level. Read more: Springfield Pride Parade to Host Pride Month Festivities The parade is bittersweet for Tarvit, as he lived just 300 feet from the starting point of the Springfield Pride Parade for 17 years but Springfields first parade wasnt until last year. The love here is amazing, Tarvit said. I never had this. Tierney Chrusciel (left) and Christopher Tarvit (right) at the second annual Springfield Pride Parade. Since last years parade, more youth have been coming out, said Tierney Chrusciel, a student at Birchland Park Middle School. Chrusciel said they started the LGBTQIA+ group at their school in October of 2021, when they were a sixth grader, despite receiving resistance from some parents. Despite the pushback, Tarvit said, the climate is changing, and Birchland Park Middle School has been incredibly supportive of LGBTQIA+ students, especially Principal Tim Allen. Parade attendees began their more than a mile-long journey through the city at the Springfield Technical Community College campus, turning onto State Street, walking less than a mile to the MassMutual Center and taking a right onto Main Street until turning down to Stearns Square between Worthington and Bridge streets for the Pride block party. The party featured performers such as 2000s rap legend Trina, DJs, photobooths, Starbucks coffee and pastries and more than 50 vendors. Shakayla Therrien (left) and Mykaela O'Connell (right) at the second annual Springfield Pride Parade. Read more: Springfield Pride Gala to raise funds for Safe Space initiative Mykaela OConnell and Shakayla Therrien, chefs at BarKaya Sushi & Ramen, said the restaurant closed for Pride Parade in order to celebrate. Although Therrien said she has been to other Pride Parades, Springfields Pride is special to her because its where she grew up. I love this. It gives me life, Therrien said, referring to the parade. Read more: 2023 Springfield Pride Parade leader Taurean Bethea expects 10k attendees What I love about the city now is theres just this energy, you know, its innovation happening, Bethea told a group of MassLive journalists on May 16. The destination for the parade was new this year, changing from last years Court Square to Stearns Square, between Worthington and Bridge streets. Bethea said the change in location is exciting, in part because the area is larger and has a lot more character to it. Bethea said he thinks of the Springfield Pride Parade as a celebration of our work, not our work. Read more: Debut of youth job and career fair brings big turnout in Springfield In addition to working on the parade, Bethea focuses on running the Safe Space initiative through the Pride Parade organization. The program partners with Springfield business owners to place public-facing decals to commit to and demonstrate their business is inclusive to LGBTQIA+ individuals. MassLive is one of more than a dozen businesses participating in the initiative. Safe Space students and teachers at the second annual Springfield Pride Parade. The Pride Parade organization, which has become an official city commission, also runs summer programming in partnership with Springfield College and programs in Springfield Public Schools. It makes you feel good to be mayor, Sarno said of the parade. Carlisle, PA: where our history inspires innovative ideas to create a safe, inclusive and welcoming community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and make a difference. Its a possible vision statement for Carlisle that was developed at Wednesday nights borough council workshop meeting. It could steer development of the boroughs first ever strategic plan. In August, the borough contracted with planning consultant Raftelis to facilitate a community-informed process in the development of a strategic plan that will help guide future borough activities. The borough hosted a public planning session March 11 to create a draft of a vision statement and outcome areas. Raftelis Executive Vice President Julia Novak said the statement is neither a tag line nor a marketing plan for the borough. When we think about vision, what were really focused on is kind of what is our desired future state, Senior Manager Catherine Carter said. What is it that we hope to be known for? What is it that we hope to achieve over the next five, 10, 15 years and beyond? What are those kinds of key foundational elements that help us to know that were going in the right direction? Outcome areas serve as concepts necessary for the borough to achieve its desired vision. In recent months, Carlisle Mayor Sean Shultz said the borough has reached out to community organizations and high school students, sent surveys to all borough residences and conducted online surveys and held public outreach sessions among other methods of gathering input. Carter said the three public outreach sessions saw a total of 46 participants and the electronic and mail-in survey, which was open for approximately seven weeks, brought in about 250 responses. At Wednesdays meeting, borough officials and staff updated the vision statement draft and outcome areas to reflect community feedback. Deputy Mayor Brenda Landis said the statement needs to be unique to Carlisle and Councilor Jeff Stuby sought brevity, making the statement more simple to read and easier to remember. Other officials weighed the use of words like historic and quaint, determining whether they prompted an outdated feel. I want people to individually ... know that its about each and every one of them while still being a statement about the community, Shultz said. After updating the vision statement, borough officials and staff divided into smaller groups to discuss potential edits to each of the plans outcome areas before reconvening to review changes and decide on each one. By the end of Wednesdays meeting, borough officials decided upon the following outcome areas: Caring and Professional: Ensuring responsive, quality services by our knowledgeable and committed staff Vibrant and Thriving: Building an inclusive and engaged community by fostering creative opportunities, community connections and a diverse economic base attractive to residents, businesses and visitors Dynamic and Responsible: Responsibly managing the financial resources necessary to advance innovative initiatives, provide essential services and build a stronger community Healthy and Sustainable: Growin g a healthy community, supported by thoughtful neighborhood spaces, that is socially and environmentally sustainable, improves quality of life, protects ecosystems and conserves natural resources Welcoming and Livable: Building and maintaining inviting and safe neighborhoods through affordable housing and engaging recreational opportunities where residents and businesses flourish Accessible and Connected: Investing in safe pedestrian-, bike- and transit-friendly options that connect people to the places they need to go with convenient, accessible infrastructure that reduces car depende ncy. With the strategic plans vision statement and outcome areas determined, Novak said Raftelis representatives will continue to work with borough officials and staff members throughout the summer months to plot a course for the plans implementation, with approval of the final plan anticipated in the early fall. While changes could still be made prior to final adoption, she said the public outreach portion of the plans development is mostly complete and the focus will turn to the borough to build upon the established framework. The overall direction at this point is in motion, and then we move organizations into implementation, Novak said. Happy June! Hard to believe were already through May. While there havent been too many unbearably hot days yet, Im sure many of you are also thinking about lugging those air conditioners out of storage. Before we turned the page on May, though, we had Memorial Day weekend. I was proud to join community members for powerful Memorial Day ceremonies in Westfield, Agawam, Chicopee, West Springfield and Russell. We will never forget the men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of our nation, and it was inspiring to see so many come out to recognize this sacred day. Our commonwealth remains committed to our service members, and I am proud of funding the Senate included in our FY24 budget last week for veterans. The final package includes two of my amendments that allocate $200,000 to expand outreach to women veterans specifically and $500,000 for Massachusetts General Hospitals Home Base program to expand their trauma services for veterans across the state. by Ray Schultz , June 3, 2023 Gannett Co. Inc. has named Terence Samuel as editor in chief of USA Today, effective July 10. The appointment comes roughly a month after editor Nicole Carroll stepped down following five years in the role. Previously, Samuel was vice president and executive editor of NPR News, and has also served in senior editorial positions at the Washington Post and National Journal. The new job entails shaping content that serves over 75 million readers. With his reputation of leading award-winning newsrooms and fostering cultural change, Terry will be instrumental in the next phase of growth at USA Today, says Kristin Roberts, chief content officer. Michael McCarter who served as interim editor in chief following Carrolls departure, has been promoted to vice president of opinion. In this role, McCarter will lead a growth strategy across the USA Today Network of more than 200 media outlets nationwide, while continuing standards and ethics. advertisement advertisement Meanwhile, Carroll has taken a post as head of a local journalism initiative at Arizona State University (ASU). Carroll will lead the project, working with ASU Media Enterprise, a nonprofit collective of media outlets, and ASUs Walter Cronkite School of Journalism, according to AZ Central. In another Gannett promotion, Michael Anastasi has been named vice president of USA Today Network Local, overseeing USA Today Network newsrooms. Previously, Anastasi was regional editor, managing over 20 newsrooms. Gannetts content leadership team now includes, Samuel, McCarter and Anastasi, along with Rachel Lobdell, content chief of staff, and Tovah Olson, vice president for strategy and news analytics. These leaders will transform Gannett Medias content organization so that we deliver on our single purpose independent news and information that is essential in the communities we serve, says Roberts. Samuels is also a former Ferris Professor of Journalism at Princeton University, and has also been a reporter at the Philadelphia Inquirer and the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and chief congressional correspondent at U.S. News & World Report. He also was a writing fellow at the Village Voice. by Ray Schultz , Yesterday Meta is taking a hard line, threatening to block news articles on Facebook and Instagram in California and Canada if forced to pay publishers for use of their material. And it is now testing its ability to do so in Canada. As we have shared, content from news outlets, including news publishers and broadcasters, will not be available to people accessing Facebook and Instagram in Canada if Bill C-18, the Online News Act, is passed into law. As we prepare to comply with the legislation, we are announcing today that we will begin tests on both platforms that will limit some users and publishers from viewing or sharing some news content in Canada. Meta continues, Randomized tests will help us build an effective product solution to end news availability in Canada as defined in Bill C-18. Throughout the testing period, which will run for several weeks, a small percentage of people in Canada who are enrolled in testing will be notified if they attempt to share news content. advertisement advertisement Meta is taking a similar line regarding The California Journalism Preservation Act (AB 886). The bill was passed in the state Assembly by a vote of 46-6, and now heads to the Senate. Earlier in the week, Meta tweeted that if the bill passes, we will be forced to remove news from Facebook and Instagram rather than pay into a slush fund that primarily benefits big, out-of-state media companies under the guise of aiding California publishers. It continues, The bill fails to recognize that publishers and broadcasters put their content on our platform themselves and that substantial consolidation in Californias local news industry came over 15 years ago, well before Facebook was widely used. Explaining the testing process in Canada, Meta writes, Product tests will impact news outlets both within and outside of Canada. Meta is identifying news outlets on our platforms based on the current language of Bill C-18. As drafted, the legislation states that news outlets are in scope if they primarily report on, investigate or explain current issues or events of public interest. It continues, News outlets will continue to have access to their accounts and Pages, and will be able to post news links and content; however, some content will not be viewable in Canada. Outlets will continue to have access to the Meta Business Suite and advertising tools. The statement adds, Those enrolled in testing will have access to a review process if they believe they do not fall within the intended scope of the legislation. Meanwhile, the News/Media Alliance cheered news of the California Assembly's vote. Currently, creators of journalistic and creative content are not adequately compensated for the use of their work that takes a tremendous investment to produce, the group said on Thursday. PITTSFIELD, Mass. A student who said he got goosebumps the first time he played the violin in an orchestra is this year's recipient of a college scholarship given in honor of Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl, who was kidnapped and killed in Pakistan in January 2002 while investigating a story on terrorism. Geivens Dextra, who is scheduled to graduate from Pittsfield High School on Sunday, will use the $2,000 Daniel Pearl Berkshire Scholarship to study music at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. The scholarship has been awarded annually since 2003 to a high school student from the Berkshire Hills region of western Massachusetts who plans to major in journalism or music, Pearls passions. Pearl's journalism career began in the region. It's really an honor to receive this scholarship for music, a subject that meant so much to Daniel Pearl," Dextra said Wednesday. Dextra's first formal introduction to music came in the second grade, when his mother put him in the after-school music program, Kids 4 Harmony, he wrote in his scholarship essay. Inspired by a cousin already in the program, he took up the violin and eventually got to play with Bard College's Longys Sistema Side-By-Side Symphony Orchestra. I can vividly remember getting goosebumps when playing alongside the brass and winds for the first time, and instantly falling in love with orchestral music, he wrote. In high school, he performed in the school orchestra and the musical theater pit orchestra. He volunteered as a mentor and worked as a teaching assistant for Kids 4 Harmony, and played in several orchestras and summer programs, including the Boston University Tanglewood Institute. He also composed a piece of music for Hear Me, a documentary about gun violence and drug abuse in Berkshire County. Doing this project has opened my eyes to how music can be used to spread awareness in my community, and in the spirit of Daniel Pearl, I am eager to take on more opportunities that can make a change in society through music," he wrote. Pearl, south Asia bureau chief for The Wall Street Journal, was kidnapped and killed in Pakistan in January 2002 while investigating links between Pakistani militant groups and Richard C. Reid, known as the shoe bomber. Reid had attempted to blow up a flight from Paris to Miami with explosives hidden in his shoes, a flight that was diverted to Boston. Pearl began his journalism career at the North Adams Transcript and The Berkshire Eagle in Pittsfield. The scholarship is funded by contributions from the newspapers, as well as Pearls friends and former colleagues. Moving back to her beloved Virginia has been a rewarding experience for author Polly Stewart. For Nicola, the protagonist of "The Good Ones," Stewart's new thriller? Not so much. Nicola has returned to her hometown in the Blue Ridge Mountains to clear out and sell her late mother's home, and she can't stop thinking about her childhood best friend, Lauren, who disappeared two decades earlier. Nicola is consumed by memories of her vibrant friend and her seemingly perfect life and the sorrow and ominous mystery of her disappearance. Stewart's new work dives into the essence of women's friendships, the challenges of getting back to life after loss and the bittersweet intersection of memories and reality. The author will be at Bluebird & Co. in Crozet at 7 p.m. Tuesday, on the day of her novel's release, to talk about her work with local readers. "My first event will be at Bluebird," Stewart said. "I've shopped there before. I've never attended an event there and now I'm in one." Stewart said she prefers an evening in which there's "absolutely no reading just conversation." Readers seem to identify with Nicola and Lauren, because the characters easily sweep them back to their own high school joys and dramas. Stewart gets it. "I had several friendships that were kind of symbiotic for me. The decisions they made shaped my life, and the decisions I made shaped theirs," Stewart said. "It's almost as if they exist in your imagination." Nicola isn't a perfect or perfectly objective guide, which makes her more interesting and more relatable for many readers. "I think she goes about things the wrong way," Stewart said. "There's a certain kind of adolescent mentality that doesn't serve her well." Stewart returned to her own home turf in her 30s, moving back from California and experiencing the fish-out-of-water sense Nicola encounters. It's what Stewart called "being in familiar places as a new sort of person," she said. "In a way, a homecoming should be a joyful thing, but it's not like that for everyone." Stewart, who attended graduate school at the University of Virginia and now calls Lexington home, is happy to be back in Virginia. "There's nowhere else I'd want to be," she said. Reservations are required for Tuesday's event. Books can be ordered ahead of time. Bluebird & Co. is at 5792 Three Notch'd Road in Crozet. For details, go to bluebirdcrozet.com. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) Amid plates of sliced pork, statement-making leather ensembles and piles of political T-shirts, eight Republican presidential hopefuls descended on Iowa to pitch themselves to voters and, in Mike Pence's case, hop on a motorcycle. The former vice president and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis were among the White House contenders appearing at a rally at the state fairgrounds near Des Moines hosted by U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst. Her annual political event, the Roast and Ride a combination barbecue-rally and motorcycle ride kicks off a busy summer campaign season heading into the state's first-in-the-nation caucuses early next year. Former President Donald Trump, the leading GOP presidential candidate, was notably absent after spending two days in the state this past week. He has largely avoided any events that have him sharing the stage with his 2024 rivals. DeSantis, with his wife, Casey, and three young kids in tow, chatted with voters, gave out autographs and signed the Bible of a man who thanked DeSantis for standing up to Disney. DeSantis just wrapped up his first week as an official candidate with a blitz of c ampaign stops across three early-voting states. Casey DeSantis wore a black leather jacket in 86-degree weather with the words Where Woke Goes to Die and an outline of Florida on the back. It brought to mind comparisons to first lady Melania Trump, who famously sent a back-of-the-jacket message of her own in 2018 with a green-hooded jacket that read I really dont care do u as she departed the White House for a trip to visit migrant children in Texas. Pence was the only White House hopeful who participated in a morning motorcycle ride for charity that is a staple of Ernsts annual Roast and Ride event. He wore jeans, boots and a leather vest with patches that said Indiana and messages supportive of the military. The former Indiana governor, who has made frequent trips to Iowa over the past year, is expected to launch his long-anticipated campaign at an event in Des Moines on Wednesday. "Ill be back a little later next week," Pence teased the crowd when he spoke later at the rally. I dont have anything to announce today. Earlier in the morning, before setting out on their motorcycle ride, Pence, standing with Ernst in the back of a pickup truck, again hinted at his looming candidacy. One of the reporters just asked me if were showing up more in Iowa, what our lane would be. I said I'm more worried about the lane were going to be staying in today, Pence joked. The former vice president, wearing a white motorcycle helmet and a big grin, then rode off on a cobalt blue Harley Davidson. The group rode to the fairgrounds, where candidates gave speeches and chatted with barbecue-eating voters. Other candidates speaking at the event included former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, U.S. Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina, former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, Michigan businessman Perry Johnson, author Vivek Ramaswamy and conservative talk radio host Larry Elder. In their remarks, the candidates all tiptoed around mentions of the former president. Haley repeated a version of a line she has been using as a candidate that seems to allude to the 76-year-old Trump and his political career as replete with controversies. Its time for a new-generation leader. Weve got to leave the baggage of the negativity behind," she said. Off stage, however, several of the candidates did not hesitate to criticize Trump when asked about his social media post on Friday congratulating North Korean leader Kim Jong Un for his countrys receiving a place on the executive board of the World Health Organization. I was surprised to see that. I mean, I think, one, Kim Jung Un is a murderous dictator, DeSantis said, when a reporter asked him about the post. Pence, in an interview Saturday with Fox News, said: Look, whether it is my former running mate or anyone else, no one should be praising the dictator in North Korea. Hutchinson later tweeted: We sanction leaders who oppress their people. We do not elevate them on the world stage. In their speeches, the GOP candidates hit on similar conservative themes: criticizing President Joe Biden, promising tough policies on China and the U.S.-Mexico border and restrictions on abortion and gender-affirming policies. The event had the feel of a large political fair, with about 1,000 people gathered to listen to the presidential prospects speaking in front of bales of hay in a building at the fairgrounds. Many of the campaigns set up tables full of stickers, T-shirts and drink can coolers. Rows of dozens of shiny Harley Davidson motorcycles, of all colors, were parked neatly in the parking lot outside, along with campaign buses for Ramaswamy and the DeSantis super PAC. Nearby was what appeared to be a mechanical bull converted to resemble a motorcycle, surrounded by an inflatable landing area to catch thrown ridersall sponsored by the political super PAC Never Back Down, which supports DeSantis. Marie Andres of Des Moines signed a form, distributed by Never Back Down, to pledge to caucus for DeSantis early next year. Trump did a great job, but in my opinion, too much drama, the 74-year-old said. She said she committed to DeSantis because she thinks he is the best were gonna get. Jill Villalobos, 54, was buying a Haley T-shirt not for herself, but for her brother in Florida. The Altoona resident is planning to support Scott, whom she thinks can bring the GOP and the country together. I really like his message, Villalobos said. Victoria Ortiz had heard little of the candidates to date, and was at the event to learn more. She walked away with interest in DeSantis, Haley and Scott. I believe in the strong work ethic they promote. As a Hispanic, thats how I was raised, the 35-year-old rental property owner and manager from Des Moines south side said. "I dont believe in giveaways. You have to work for it. She said she didn't like Trump. His persona, pretty much, and the things he says, are not things I want my children to hear from a president, she said. Ernst, along with Gov. Kim Reynolds, is one of the most sought-after Republican officials in the early stages of Iowas leadoff caucuses. The senator has pledged to remain neutral and not endorse during the caucus campaign. ___ Price reported from New York. Associated Press writer Jill Colvin in New York contributed to this report. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate BELGRADE, Serbia (AP) Tens of thousands of people rallied in Serbias capital on Saturday for a fifth time in a month, following two mass shootings that shook the nation, even as the countrys populist president rejected any responsibility for the crisis and ignored the protesters' demands to step down. The crowd, chanting slogans against President Aleksandar Vucic, marched through the capital, Belgrade, to gather in front of his downtown headquarters. They released a large balloon with the inscription Vucic Go Away. University students led the march, holding a banner that read Serbia against violence! The opposition protesters have been demanding the resignations of senior government officials and the revocation of broadcasting licenses for TV networks which, they say, promote violence and glorify crime figures. The protest on Saturday, likely to be the biggest one so far, was somewhat different from the ones before. Independent journalists covering the march saw right-wing groups infiltrating the march to promote their nationalist agenda. Analysts say some of these groups have close ties to Serbia's security service. There were reports of ultranationalist supporters attacking a foreign journalist with a baton. Some of the attackers had t-shirts with the Russian Z inscription, a symbol of the Russian aggression against Ukraine. As daylight faded, participants lit up their cell phones, holding them aloft as they marched through a central Belgrade street and past the presidency building, many blowing whistles and called for Vucics resignation. Protesters left hundreds of messages for Vucic written on pieces of paper by the presidency, many of them calling on him to resign. A new protest is planned for next week, in what is becoming an increasingly serious challenge to Vucic, perhaps the biggest one he has faced since coming to power 11 years ago. The opposition has accused Vucic of fueling intolerance and hate speech during his increasingly autocratic rule, while illegally seizing control of all state institutions. Vucic has denied this, claiming the opposition groups want him toppled by force. They just need to know that dead or alive, including my children, I will fight against those who support violence," Vucic told a pro-government TV station. They will never scare me. The two shootings on May 3 and 4 stunned the nation, especially because the first one happened in an elementary school in central Belgrade, when a 13-year-old boy took his fathers gun and opened fire on his fellow students. Eight students and a school guard were killed and seven more people wounded. One more girl later died in hospital from head wounds. A day later, a 20-year-old used an automatic weapon to randomly target people in two villages south of Belgrade, killing eight people and wounding 14. Popular Serbian actor Dragan Bjelogrlic told the crowd that we owe a debt to the dead children. We owe them the truth and justice, he said. We owe them what we didnt give them while they were alive. Authorities have launched a gun crackdown in the aftermath of the shootings and sent police to schools in an effort to boost a shaken sense of security. Serbia is flooded with weapons left over from the wars of the 1990s, including rocket launchers and hand grenades. Other gun-control measures declared in the wake of the shootings include tighter controls on gun owners and shooting ranges, a moratorium on new licenses, and harsh sentences for possession of illegal weapons. - Jovana Gec contributed. City of Hartford Fire Department | Hartford CT/Facebook HARTFORD An early Saturday morning two-alarm fire in the 700 block of Albany Avenue displaced eight residents, including two children who escaped without injuries, fire officials said. Firefighters responding to a report of a blaze at the commercial, mixed-use three-story building arrived around 4 a.m. to find the first floor with heavy fire, according to District Chief Mario Oquendo Jr. The University of Virginia Board of Visitors voted on Friday to decrease the in-state base undergraduate tuition and mandatory fee increase approved in 2021, meaning the cost of attendance for the next academic year will increase by 3% rather than the previously floated 3.7%. The board also voted to reduce the base undergraduate tuition and fee increase at UVAs College at Wise from 3% to 2%. If youre a student from Virginia looking to attend the top 50 schools you cant find one that charges less than UVa, UVa President Jim Ryan said on Friday. For the 2022-2023 academic year, first year, in-state students in UVas College of Arts and Sciences paid $14,878 in tuition and #3,358 in fees. With the newly board-approved tuition increase cut, undergraduates in the college will pay $15,324.34 in tuition and $3,458.74 in fees in the 2023-24 school year. The adjustment will save students less than 1% on tuition and fees which, for College of Arts and Sciences undergraduates, will amount to $104 in tuition savings and $23 in mandatory fee savings. Tuition and fee costs vary between UVas various schools, although students in different years at the same school do not pay the same amounts each academic year. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Board of Visitors opted to keep costs low with tuition freezes and rebates over the past few years. In April 2021, the board voted to keep the cost of tuition the same for the 2020-21 and 2021-22 academic years. In December 2021, the board voted on tuition increases for the next two academic years to provide students and families more transparency and predictability. It approved a 4.7% increase for the 2022-23 year and a 3.7% increase for the coming academic year. Last September, the board voted in favor of a one-time rebate of $690 in the form of a credit to in-state undergraduate students to cancel out the 4.7% tuition increase that it approved in 2021. The University of Virginia has a reputation for offering students a world-class education while keeping tuition costs low, Rector Whittington W. Clement told university-run media outlet UVA Today after Fridays vote. Todays decision is a reminder that that reputation is well-earned. Clements eight-year term will come to an end on June 30 and Robert D. Hardie, who is currently serving as vice rector of the board, will succeed the position for a two-year term beginning on July 1. Hardie is CEO and co-chairman of H7 Holdings, a private holding company that invests in equities, private firms and alternative asset classes, including the Keswick Hall resort outside of Charlottesville. Board members appointed by former Gov. Ralph Northam including CEO of Armada Hoffler Properties Louis S. Haddad and Berkshire Hathaway Housing sales associate Angela Hucles Mangano are also scheduled to end their terms on June 30, but are eligible for reappointment should Gov. Glenn Youngkin choose to do so. Youngkin has not yet announced his appointments for the UVa Board of Visitors or that of any of Virginias other public colleges and universities. Last year, Youngkin announced board appointments on June 30 the last day of the fiscal year. James V. Reyes, who was originally appointed by Northam in 2015 and reappointed in 2019, will end his final term on the board on June 30. Dr. Susan Kirk, the nonvoting faculty representative to the board for the 2022-23 academic year, will also end her term on June 30. Current UVa Faculty Senate Chair and education professor Tish Jennings will succeed Kirk for a one-year term beginning on July 1. While saying goodbye to its rector and a few members, the board also welcomed its new nonvoting student representative, Lillian Rojas. Rojas is a fourth-year undergraduate student double-majoring in public policy and leadership and religious studies. She says low-income students, safety and security and student self-governance will be her priorities in the new role. The Pirates announced a series of non-roster invitations to spring training today, revealing within that theyve signed veteran utilityman Chris Owings to a minor league pact. The ACES client will be in camp and vie for a bench job. Owings is still just 31 but has appeared in each of the past 10 big league seasons, suiting up for the D-backs, Royals, Red Sox. Rockies and Orioles along the way. He spent the 2022 season with the Yankees and Orioles organizations, getting into 27 big league games with Baltimore but posting just a .104/.254/.143 batting line in 68 trips to the plate. Thats the opposite end of the small-sample spectrum from a similarly brief 2021 run with the Rockies, for whom he slashed a ludicrous .326/.420/.628 in 21 games/50 trips to the plate. Overall, Owings is a career .239/.287/.366 hitter with 37 big flies and 79 steals through 712 big league games (2464 plate appearances). Hes played every position on the field, including 2 2/3 innings on the mound, although the bulk of his time in the big leagues has been spent at shortstop. Defensive metrics have never loved him at that spot, but Owings has average or better ratings at second base, at third base and in the outfield. The left side of the Pirates infield is set with youngsters KeBryan Hayes and Oneil Cruz at third base and shortstop, respectively. Rodolfo Castro, Ji Hwan Bae and prospect Nick Gonzalez (wholl be in camp as a non-roster player) are in the mix for the second base slot. One of Castro or Bae could land a utility job on the bench, too, though its likely Gonzalez head to Triple-A for everyday reps, barring an upset win of the everyday job at second. The versatile Owings will join that competition for a utility spot off the bench. Owings is a lifetime .308/.347/.480 hitter in Triple-A, so hell likely give the Bucs some production in the upper minors if he cant break the roster this spring. Kerrville, TX (78028) Today Sun and clouds mixed. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 82F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy skies. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 62F. Winds light and variable. The Padres announced theyve selected first baseman/corner outfielder Alfonso Rivas onto the big league roster. San Diego also activated Manny Machado from the 10-day injured list, placed designated hitter Nelson Cruz on the 10-day IL with a right hamstring strain, and optioned outfielder Jose Azocar to Triple-A El Paso. In order to open a 40-man roster spot for Rivas, catcher Luis Campusano has moved from the 10-day to the 60-day IL. Rivas signed a minor league deal with the Padres over the winter. The Chula Vista native had previously appeared in the big leagues with the Cubs. He impressed in an 18-game rookie showing in 2021 but struggled over a longer stretch of play last year. The lefty-swinging Rivas has a .247/.331/.322 line with four home runs and a lofty 30.7% strikeout rate against MLB pitching. Chicago released Rivas in January. He secures another MLB look with his hometown club following a huge showing in Triple-A. Rivas is hitting .319/.440/.571 over 200 trips to the dish in El Paso. Hes taken a walk in a massive 17% of his plate appearances with a lower than average 18.5% strikeout percentage. Minor league success is nothing new for the University of Arizona product. Rivas is a career .294/.398/.434 hitter below the MLB level. With Cruz landing on the IL, the Padres had room to add another bat. Rivas joins Matt Carpenter and Brandon Dixon as bat-first options off the bench. Cruz, signed to a $1MM deal over the winter, hasnt made the impact the team had expected. The veteran slugger owns only a .238/.270/.381 mark over 111 trips to the plate. Middling production towards the bottom of the lineup has been an issue for San Diego. The Friars rank 23rd in run scoring, leading to a 26-30 record that has them in fourth place in the National League West. Machado has an uncharacteristic .231/.282/.372 line himself, and his tough season continued when he suffered a tiny fracture in his hand on a hit by pitch a couple weeks ago. That cost him around two weeks of action. Campusano has been out since mid-April with a left thumb injury. He underwent surgery last month and isnt expected back until the All-Star Break. His IL transfer backdates to the April placement and there was no way hed return in the next couple weeks. That makes this no more than a procedural transaction. The Red Sox have placed starter Chris Sale on the 15-day injured list due to inflammation in his throwing shoulder. Corey Kluber was reinstated from the paternity list to take the active roster spot. Sale left last nights start in the fourth inning as his velocity was dropping. The Sox announced afterwards that hed head for imaging. Sale addressed the Boston beat this evening, saying itll be around a week before he receives an official diagnosis (via Chris Cotillo of MassLive). He said he doesnt believe hell require surgery but it looks unlikely hell be back when first eligible a couple weeks from now. Injuries have become unfortunately familiar for Sale over the past few years. One of the sports most durable arms between 2012-18, hes battled health concerns since entering his 30s. He lost all of 2020 and most of 21 to Tommy John surgery. Sales 2022 campaign was marred by a number of issues. He lost the first half of the year to a stress reaction in his ribs. Two starts into his return, he fractured a finger on his throwing hand when he was struck by a comebacker. Sales season officially ended in August when he broke his wrist in a bicycle accident. This years 59 innings are already the most hes logged since 2019. The seven-time All-Star has a middling 4.58 ERA through 11 starts. His underlying numbers are quite a bit better. Sale has punched out 28.5% of opponents and kept his walk rate to a tidy 6%. Hed had the results to match in May, posting a 2.42 ERA while holding batters to a .183/.224/.355 line in 26 frames. Boston will have to proceed without arguably their best starter for at least two weeks. The Sox have run with Tanner Houck, Garrett Whitlock, Brayan Bello and James Paxton alongside Sale in the rotation. Kluber and Nick Pivetta each recently moved from the starting five to the bullpen. One of that duo presumably Kluber, the more recent of the two to slide to relief is likely to step back into the rotation. GRAND RAPIDS, MI Festival of the Arts kicked off on Friday night with local artists rocking five stages around downtown and visitors purchasing art from all over the city, all within just several blocks. With more than 900 volunteers, the Festival of the Arts in downtown Grand Rapids has been crowned by the Library of Congress the largest volunteer festival in the United States. The festival will see around 300,000 visitors this weekend. The motto of the festival this year is to uplift the hearts of the city through the diversity of music, with multiple music performances every hour of the festival. At the opening ceremony on the Calder stage in Calder Plaza, a local musician returning from Nashville to record music for her upcoming album, Sophie Bolen, performed to welcome the crowd. She has been visiting since she was a child. She performed a new song called Together, which she wanted to debut at the festival because thats what she believes the festival is all about: celebrating the unity of the community. Across the festival the music continued with GR Groove performing jazz tunes in their ensemble and School of Rock Grand Rapids taking the stage to show off the student talent they have across the city. On the same stretch, the Artisan Village shared 50 vendors with a knack for creativity and art that you can find around West Michigan. Sally Jenks of the White Feather Studio has been showing her pottery at the festival for a few years, moving from the gift shops and other shows to sell her mugs and other pottery in the downtown stretch. I really have enjoyed it, Jenks said. I started just doing this show just before the pandemic and its been great coming back and seeing everyone, and hearing all the music. Jenks said her biggest hits are the space-themed or painted bee mugs. Cindy Coleman started C Coleman Art during her summers when she was an educator. Now, after retirement, she has fully thrown herself into painting. She creates art in her basement, a place she has converted into a full-time studio. Accumulating enough product now in both paintings and floor cloths, hand-painted floor mats, this is her first time as a Festival of the Arts vendor. However, she loved it enough in the past to start volunteering. From there, she began to appreciate the world class art that happens right here in West Michigan. Her business plan this weekend is to bargain with people because she believes that all art lovers should be able to take home their favorite pieces. I have a little sign that says if you saw a painting you adored, lets talk about an amount that you can afford because if somebody loves something, and you love art, then you should have art, Coleman said. Marie Degood signed up to be a volunteer for her second year of volunteering with her daughter because she loved to hear the stories of those who have been involved with the festival for the last 50 years. There are so many different genres of art, Degood said. It encompasses ages from little bitty kids to adults and theres something down here for everybody. We spend some time just walking around here and its such a small portion of what there is out there available to us. Its just amazing to see the talent in West Michigan. Community member Isabel Maternowski was helping out one of the vendors, Jerry Berta, set up their booth, and decided to walk around. She wanted to relive her childhood where she came to festival all the time as a kid. I think GR needs more stuff like this because its a small city and I think it gives us more of a sense of community and it boosts morale, Maternowski said. I think its just like a cute event and its been going on for so long. I hope that it keeps getting bigger and bigger. Friends Anna Rapaport and Taiva Steed came to the festival to see the band Pretoria perform in Rosa Parks Circle, but have also seen the festival as a tradition downtown for years. I think its fun because I think you get to meet a lot of people you might not get to meet otherwise, Steed said. I love supporting local businesses and artists and I think its really fun to see whats going on locally. I think its a good way to get involved. Steed said the festival was in its entirety a way to see positivity in the Grand Rapids community. I think its good to remember that there are positive things going on locally and in your community, Steed said. I think its good to be reminded of that. Want more Grand Rapids-area news? Bookmark the local Grand Rapids news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Grand Rapids daily newsletter. More from MLive Holland State Park warns visitors about cold water temps Wyoming police conduct search warrant related to womans shooting death in Grand Rapids Mother recalls slain daughters FaceTime call that showed girls father with gun KALAMAZOO, MI-- Thousands of people packed Arcadia Creek Festival Place on Friday evening to kickoff Kalamazoo Pride. People surrounded the runway and stage on June 2, for the popular Mx/Miss/Mr. Kalamazoo Pride Drag Pageant. The all-inclusive community gathering is billed as the second largest LGBTQIA+ pride festival in Michigan. The weekend of Pride events is hosted by OutFront Kalamazoo and presented by Bells Brewery. RELATED: Michigan will be the anti-Florida, state leaders say, kicking off Kalamazoo Pride OutFront Kalamazoo describes pride as the opposite of shame and social stigma, on its website. The event itself is a way to raise visibility, galvanize our victories and come together as a community so we all may live OutFront, the website says. We are extremely excited for this years Kalamazoo Pride, said Kalamazoo OutFront executive director Tracy Hall. Its an opportunity to celebrate the richness and diversity of our community with who we are and who we love and to share space with our family and friends. Over 100 vendors, outreach programs and food trucks were at the festival site throughout the weekend. The first Kalamazoo Pride festival was in 2007, per OutFronts website. While the majority of events will take place at Arcadia Creek, Bells Eccentric Cafe is hosting the official Pride after-party on Saturday night, featuring music from DJ Jennefa. The after-party kicks off at 9 p.m. and there is no cover charge. Attendees must be 18 or older. Below is the schedule of Kalamazoo Pride events for Saturday, June 3. Noon: Opening remarks 12:30 p.m. Farmers Alley Theatre performance of Rent 2 p.m. DJ Boogie 2:30 p.m. El Concillio Ballet Folklorico de Mi Tierra Dancers 3 p.m. Jeremy Blair and the WMU Dancers 4:30 p.m. Grace Theisen 5:30 p.m. DJ 6:30 p.m. Kait Rose 8-8:45 pm and 9:15-10 p.m. Yellow Brick Road 10 p.m. CupcakKe 11 p.m. Yolanda DelFierce/DJ Want more Kalamazoo news? Our 3@3 newsletter rounds up Kalamazoos top stories every weekday at 3 p.m. Enter your email to get our free newsletter: Also on MLive: Art booths take over downtown Kalamazoo for JumpstART Weekend Michigans deep-fried solution to beating Mexico in asparagus market Same old lakeside bar, Red Dock opens for 2023 with new owners Downtown Kalamazoo music: Beats on Bates unveils 2023 Wednesday night lineup BAY CITY, MI A South End staple is going back to their roots this summer while serving up well-known appetizers and big burgers. Owners Jason and Shay Podleski are rolling out a throwback summer at Barneys Bar & Grill, located at 800 Michigan Ave., to share the history of the building with the community. Instead of looking at the future, lets look back at our past and kind of say why were special, owner Shay Podleski said. Podleski said the building was established in the 1920s as a candy store and pool hall. In 1934, Barneys Bar & Grill was the first bar in Bay City to get a liquor license after prohibition, Podleski added. Since then, Podleski said Barneys Bar & Grill has been owned by four different local families and they are second generation owners after buying it from their in-laws in 2017. Because the restaurant and bar is located in the South End where the Polish population is higher, Podleski said they like to take Polish dishes and put their own spin on them. A view of the South End Polka Bites at Barney's Bar & Grill located at 800 Michigan Ave. in Bay City on Tuesday, May 30, 2023. The polka bites are deep fried potato cheddar pierogis tossed in parmesan butter and topped with crispy bacon, shredded cheddar, green onion with a ranch drizzle. (Kaytie Boomer | MLive.com)Kaytie Boomer | MLive.com A favorite of Podleskis is the South End Polka Bites. They are deep fried potato cheddar pierogis tossed in parmesan butter and topped with crispy bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, green onion with a ranch drizzle. Podleski said they try to support other Michigan businesses and some of their dishes feature Michigan ingredients. Barneys Bar & Grill also partners with Barneys BakeHouse Bakery, another South End business, as some of their sandwiches are served on the bakerys bread. The menu offers other dishes such as a Butterfly Shrimp Platter, MI & 28th St. Tacos and Barneys Loaded Nacho Plate. They also offer cocktails such as the Lake Life and the Muskrat Tonic, which all cocktails can be made into a mocktail for a non-alcoholic option. Every week, Barneys Bar & Grill introduces new food features on Friday and runs them for about a week. Check out their Facebook page to catch those features. We love the South End. Its a small, little hidden gem of Bay City, Podleski said. Its a community all in its own. The people who live here absolutely love it here and so to be able to serve that area, and all the other people coming, being honorary South-Enders, we just love it. We wouldnt trade them for the world. Check out their menu on their website here. Want more Bay City- and Saginaw-area news? Bookmark the local Bay City and Saginaw news page or sign up for the free 3@3 daily newsletter for Bay City and Saginaw. Would you like MLive to feature your favorite restaurant in Michigans Best Local Eats? Send the details, including business name, address and best menu item, to Kaytie Boomer at kboomer@mlive.com. Read more on MLive: Michigans Best Local Eats: Dry-aged duck breast from Midlands Aster See our favorite 15 photos from Saginaw High prom 2023 Michigans Best Local Eats: Covens colorful bananas foster flambeed tableside Hot air balloons take to the sky over Frankenmuth Michigans Best Local Eats: Melt-in-your mouth scones from Little Pastry Shop CRAWFORD COUNTY, MI -- Fire crews from throughout Northern Michigan joined the Michigan Department of Natural Resources in battling a wildfire Saturday evening, officials said. The 1,000-acre fire is located about four miles southeast of Grayling in Crawford County, officials said in a news release. The fire was initially reported near Grayling in a tweet posted at about 2:15 p.m., June 3 by the Michigan DNR. The blaze is moving to the west and southwest and threatens multiple buildings, officials said. Evacuations are being conducted by emergency personnel and shelter for evacuees is available at the Grayling Middle School gymnasium -- located at 500 Spruce Street in Grayling -- and the Beaver Creek Township Hall at 8888 S. Grayling Road. The wildfire has produced an abundance of smoke. Visibility may be reduced on roadways drive with care in affected areas, officials said in the release. Limit exposure to wildfire smoke by staying indoors with windows shut, especially if you have asthma or another respiratory condition. Evacuations have taken place for residents along Staley Lake Road southeast of Grayling, officials said. Residents along 4 Mile Road between I-75 and Staley Lake Road are on standby for possible evacuation, according to a tweet posted at about 4:10 p.m. Residents and travelers are asked to avoid the area to give fire crews room to work on suppressing the fire. The fire has prompted multiple road and property closures, including the north and southbound lanes of I-75 between 4 Mile Road exit 251 and Down River Road exit 256; Staley Lake Road from M-72 to 4 Mile Road; Wilderness Trail from Keystone Landing Road to Staley Lake Road; and Staley Lake Beach and Neff Lake Beach, officials said. Aircraft from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service and Michigan State Police are assisting with fire suppression efforts, according to the DNR. A temporary flight restriction was put in place Saturday evening for all aircraft flying below 5,000 feet in a five-mile perimeter around the fire. All other aircraft -- including drones -- need to avoid the area, officials said. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Updates on fire control efforts will be posted to the DNRs Twitter page. The DNR is being assisted by the Michigan State Police, Bureau of Land Management, South Branch Fire Department and Beaver Creek Fire Department personnel. More on MLive: Crews battling scrap metal fire at Holland recycling center 1-year-old dies in Southwest Michigan car crash Northern Michigan boy, 12, hit by car while riding bike Cascade Township cemetery mausoleum damaged by fire ANN ARBOR, MI - The house at 730 S. Division St. in Ann Arbor has been part of Julie Welchs family since 1962. Her parents purchased it to rent to University of Michigan students, and Welch has put blood, sweat and tears into the home even from an early age. I remember painting the basement walls (there) with my sister-in-law at the age of seven, she said. We painted and played tic-tac-toe on the walls before painting over it. The university needs all the homes on South Division Street, as well Marshall Court and East Madison and John streets, to pave the way for a new Central Campus residence hall project scheduled for 2025. Welch is one of the few remaining holdouts among dozens of property owners that only sold to avoid legal conflict with the university. Welch does not want to sell and see workers demolish decades of her familys work in the South Division house. She would rather her home become like the famous Edith Macefield House in Seattle, Washington -- a lone home surrounded by development. Build around me and lets co-exist in peace, she said. The universitys Board of Regents authorized during its May 18 meeting spending $75 million to acquire 49 properties for the second phase of its Central Campus project. The first phase of that development is a $490 million, 2,300-bed dorm to be built on the old Elbel Field between Hoover and Hill streets. Read more: University of Michigan to spend $75M to buy Ann Arbor land for more student dorms Local real estate investor and Regent Ron Weiser is purchasing all the properties to sell back to the university, and the $75 million covers Weisers costs and closing fees for the 49-property acquisition, documents show. Weiser will not make a profit from the deal, documents show. Weiser has been acquiring the properties necessary for the second phase through the acquisitions wing of his real estate company McKinley Companies. Read more: No conflict of interest in University of Michigan dorm project, legal expert says By the universitys count, there are five properties still holding out on selling to Weiser, said university spokesman Rick Fitzgerald. MLive/The Ann Arbor News has confirmed that James Chen, one of the longest holdouts, has since agreed to sell his two South Division properties next to Welchs. Chen, a university alum from Taiwan with a degree in civil engineering, started acquiring properties in the late 1970s and early 1980s with a goal of completely rebuilding and restoring aging student housing. He purchased one of the South Division homes in 1983 for $43,000, according to city records. Student housing was (in) pretty bad shape, he said, adding that he now owns about a few dozen Ann Arbor properties. Basically, there were a lot of complaints from students...So thats when I got started. I figured Id make it better for students. The universitys goal of adding student housing is an overall good, Chen said. However, the dealings with the university have soured his opinion of his alma mater, he added. Neither Chen nor Welch were looking to sell their properties when contacted in January, they said. Chen was contacted by Weisers associates, while Welch was contacted by Jim Chaconas, executive vice president of the Ann Arbor-based commercial real estate firm Colliers International. Both said they were told from the beginning that if they resisted offers, the university could exercise eminent domain. This refers to the right of state entities to acquire private property with just compensation, according to Michigan law. Its a little bit like a threat, Chen said, adding he would be taken to court if he didnt sell. The university has a right to eminent domain, and property owners would be better off avoiding that process, Weiser said. Theres a different process, and it takes a while and makes it expensive, Weiser said. In my opinion, I think (the owners will) end up with a lower number, because Im giving some fairly hefty numbers in order to prevent us from having to use (eminent domain), because its time consuming and costly to both sides. Chaconas did not respond to a request to comment, and the university has not initiated eminent domain proceedings on any of the properties, said university spokeswoman Kim Broekhuizen. Chen said he was initially offered about $600,000 for his home, which he found insulting as a home down the street at 736 S. Division St. sold to McKinley for $1.3 million in January, according to city records. The price that gave us was outrageously low, he said. The reply was if you dont take it, well go to eminent domain. Chen confirmed May 31 to an MLive reporter that he agreed to sell his two properties for more than $1 million each after months of contact with Weisers associates at McKinley. The closing will occur at the end of June, Weiser said. I dont want to put my energy into fighting this, Chen said. Read more: Angelos Restaurant to close as University of Michigan plans $4.5M purchase For Welch, the South Division home is a family business she was hoping to give to her grandchildren to help them pay for college and learn a good work ethic. The connection to the property goes beyond just being a landlord, she said, as it is much more personal than that. My whole family has worked on this house, she said. We are a small, family-owned and operated business...We have worked hundreds of hours to create a space that feels like home for our tenants and to provide guidance to young adults that may have never lived away from home before. Welch said she is not close to selling her property, saying the negotiation has made her feel only like a property address and not a person of value. I hope they move forward with their construction and leave me and my familys property alone, she said. The first 1,300 beds for the new student dorm are expected to become available for students by fall 2025, university officials said. The next 1,000 are expected by 2026, while the specifics of the future phase are not yet available. Want more Ann Arbor-area news? Bookmark the local Ann Arbor news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Ann Arbor daily newsletter. Read more from The Ann Arbor News: Central Campus dorm project will gobble up Ann Arbor properties, officials say Saying goodbye to Ann Arbors Marshall Court: Houses to be demolished for new dorm Regents approve at least $490M for new University of Michigan residence complex SALINE, MI -- If youre in Saline looking for a place to indulge in Mexican food then Cancun Mexican Grill may be a spot for you. General Manager Maria Vera said the restaurant that opened in 2012 brings a family-friendly atmosphere and offers a wide range of menu items including tacos, veggie plates, fajitas, chimichangas, salads, and enchiladas with options for chicken, seafood and steak. (For customers that) want to have a nice meal they can just come and relax and take a load off or if they are in a hurry we will get things rolling as fast as we can, she said. I feel like if you were to mention everything that we have (on the menu) it would take us forever. Salines Cancun Mexican Grill is just one of the owners many locations, Vera said, adding she began working at the restaurants Okemos location in 2007 before moving. She said she has been in Saline since that restaurant opened and has grown accustomed to its size and operations. I feel comfortable with a place this size because I get to know people and I get to know my regulars, she said. If I had a bigger place I wouldnt be able to. As the weather continues to warm up, Vera said shes working to add an outside patio for customers to enjoy possibly as early as this summer. Besides burritos and tacos, Vera said Cancun Mexican Grill has become known for some dishes like its Cancun fajitas, which are made with bell pepper, onions, tomatoes, shrimp, steak and chicken served with rice, refried beans, lettuce, guacamole, pico de gallo, sour cream and either corn or flour tortillas. Another popular dish is its Molcajete which features grilled steak, chicken, shrimp and chorizo sausage with jalapenos and nopales in a stone molcajete bowl. Its served with pico de gallo, rice, beans, lettuce guacamole, sour cream and either corn or flour tortillas. To me, its not because I serve it, but we have one of the best, Vera said. We brought the Molcajete into the atmosphere and then other restaurants brought it in after us which is great. But, from what Ive seen, its not close to the same with the sauce, texture or presentation. As for Veras go-to menu item, she said its the Cancun chicken which some may consider to be an interesting combination. The dish is made with grilled chicken, onions and mushrooms topped with fresh spinach and cheese served with rice, lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream and tortillas. Regardless of what someone orders, Vera said customers can always find quality with Cancun Mexican Grill. I dont want to substitute on cheaper quality because that is going to jeopardize my business especially for our regular (customers), she said. The restaurant, of course, offers options for margaritas both frozen and on the rocks with flavors like strawberry, lime, mango, peach and raspberry. Other alcoholic drinks include daquiris, beer and wine along with non-alcoholic options like Mexican sodas, Jamaica water and Horchata rice water. Cancun also serves desserts like flan made from scratch, fried ice cream, churro bites and a cheesecake chimichanga that Vera said is the best. Cancun Mexican Grill, 405 E. Michigan Ave. in Saline, is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Find it online, on social media or by phone at 734-429-2262. Want more Ann Arbor-area news? Bookmark the local Ann Arbor news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Ann Arbor daily newsletter. MORE ANN ARBOR AREA LOCAL EATS: Michigans Best Local Eats: Vinology brings seasonal menu, wide selection of wines to Ann Arbor Michigans Best Local Eats: Yellowstone inspired ice-cream flavor is a favorite at Dexter Creamery Michigans Best Local Eats: The Smash Burger is so simple, but so good at Grizzly Peak Brewing Co. Michigans Best Local Eats: Chelsea Alehouse Brewery aims to elevate its dishes while keeping cool pub food Michigans Best Local Eats: Fresh doughnuts, pastries, bread available every day at Bennys Bakery Michigans Best Local Eats: Each dumpling at Basil Babe in Ypsilanti is filled with love Michigans Best Local Eats: Mickeys Dairy Twist has new owners, same classic ice cream Michigans Best Local Eats: The Las Vegas roll is by far Biwako Sushis best seller Michigans Best Local Eats: Tiger latte shows its stripes at Carrigan Cafe in Saline Michigans Best Local Eats: A seasonal Teddy Graham latte is on the menu at Black Diesel Coffee Michigans Best Local Eats: Theres way more than just wings at Wings N Things in Dexter Michigans Best Local Eats: The smoked turkey pesto panini is a hit at Joe and Rosie Coffee and Tea Michigans Best Local Eats: Ashleys remains an Ann Arbor staple after 40 years Michigans Best Local Eats: True coffee lovers may find their perfect cup at Comet Coffee Michigans Best Local Eats: Cakes, cupcakes, pies fill the Enchanted Oven in Saline Michigans Best Local Eats: Sip on the Brown Bear latte at Cahoots Cafe in Ann Arbor Michigans Best Local Eats: Youve got to try the Burrito California at Mi Zarape Michigans Best Local Eats: El Limon fuses Mediterranean, Mexican cuisines Michigans Best Local Eats: Enjoy a burger and Grotto Fries at The Beer Grotto in Dexter Michigans Best Local Eats: Union Rec puts twist on American barbeque Michigans Best Local Eats: Enjoy a cup of coffee and a yoga class at Millies Coffeehouse in Manchester Michigans Best Local Eats: Funky toppings are key at Peace Love and Little Donuts in Ann Arbor CADILLAC, MI A 12-year-old bicyclist was injured Friday evening after he failed to stop at a stop sign and was hit by an oncoming car. Police responded to the crash at 6:40 p.m. Friday, June 2, at the intersection of Granite and Laurel streets in Cadillac, according to a news release from the Cadillac Police Department. The 12-year-old Cadillac boy was riding a bike north on Laurel when he rode through a stop sign and was hit by a vehicle heading west on Granite, police say. The vehicle was driven by a 34-year-old Cadillac woman. The boy was transported to Munson Healthcare Cadillac Hospital to be treated for non-life-threatening injuries sustained in the crash, according to the release. More on MLive: Drunken driving crashes a year apart kill woman and her husband, judge told at sentencing Cascade Township cemetery mausoleum damaged by fire Michigans weekend forecast: An area of thunderstorms, the northeast wind will be taking over JACKSON COUNTY, MI Smash & Dash Smash Burgers has a different take on traditional hamburgers. The food truck was started by Chad Farquhar after he decided to quit his job last September and embark on a new career in the food industry. His friend Kasey Ousley told Farquhar he was a good cook and should start a food truck with smash burgers. (Ousley) loves food, so we went to Detroit, and we had some smash burgers, Farquhar said. I didnt want to be the normal food truck, like everybody who serves burgers and fries. I wanted to have a different take on it, so I went with the smash burger. Farquhar prides in himself in offering fresh, homemade ingredients. He also recently partnered with Lane View Farm in Cement City to offer Black Angus smash burgers. Smash & Dash Smash Burgers specialty is the Smash Bacon Mac N Jam Burger. The burger comes with two patties topped with American cheese, bacon, macaroni and cheese and bacon jam. Farquhar even makes the bacon jam himself. Everybody sees it and it piques their interest, Farquhar said. I usually offer a little sample. And as soon as they try (the bacon jam), theyre like, I want it. A bacon, egg and cheeseburger is also on the menu. People can also find a traditional smash burger, an olive burger and a blue cheese burger. Sides include macaroni and cheese, fries, potato salad and baked beans. Farquhar makes the baked beans himself as well. I use my grandmas recipes I found in an old recipe box years ago, Farquhar said. While Smash & Dash Smash Burgers is run by Farquhar, he receives a lot of help from Ousley, along with his wife and other friends, he said. Locations, schedules and updates on where to find Smash & Dash Smash Burgers can be found on its Facebook page. Want more Jackson-area news? Bookmark the local Jackson news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Jackson daily newsletter. MORE JACKSON-AREA LOCAL EATS: Michigans Best Local Eats: Youll find a deep-fried Philly cheesesteak inside a Jackson convenience store Michigans Best Local Eats: The Tavern Burger at The Roadhouse has everything you want on it Michigans Best Local Eats: Tots smothered in meat and mac and cheese are hits at The Band Wagon Catering Michigans Best Local Eats: The banana split is as good as ever at Frosty Boy in Jackson Michigans Best Local Eats: The Drunken Noodles are a hit at Sakura in Jackson County Michigans Best Local Eats: The smoked pork chop is a full-plate meal at Kens M60 Grill Michigans Best Local Eats: The Trash Can is a sundae filled with candy at Spads Twisters Michigans Best Local Eats: Smothered in cheese, the OG is a prime rib sandwich to try at Rollin Hoagies Michigans Best Local Eats: Chelsea Cakes is known for a secret-recipe strawberry cake Michigans Best Local Eats: Giant burgers, loaded fries served now at Baby Bear Burgers new location Michigans Best Local Eats: Sticky burgers with a pickle twist await at Greystone Tavern Michigans Best Local Eats: Give the Molcajete Catrina a try at La Catrina Bar and Grill Michigans Best Local Eats: Spring is sweet and spicy at Two Lakes Tavern in the Irish Hills Michigans Best Local Eats: Cakesicles are on the sweet treat menu The Five Forks Michigans Best Local Eats: A Horton ice-cream shop has a double bacon cheeseburger to die for Michigans Best Local Eats: This meal comes in a glass at River Raisin Distillery Michigans Best Local Eats: Giant cinnamon rolls take up an entire plate at Chubbys Cafe Michigans Best Local Eats: Vitos Espressos dine-in spot is open, ready to serve tasty pastries Michigans Best Local Eats: Take a bite of history and tradition at Jackson Coney Island Michigans Best Local Eats: The bourbon caramel latte is a star at Trail Head Coffee Shop Michigans Best Local Eats: Same great crepes can be found at City Crepes new location Michigans Best Local Eats: Ogmas Polish Fried Rice combines hibachi and Polish cuisine KALAMAZOO, MI -- Dozens of video surveillance cameras line the Kalamazoo Mall, where crowds of people were walking this weekend to outdoor shops and events. If a request from the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety is approved, officers will have a new high-tech tool to look at the feeds from those cameras and others throughout the city to enforce laws and fight crime. The Monday, June 5 Kalamazoo City Commission agenda includes a $375,000, three-year contract with Fusus, Inc., for a real-time crime center video and collaboration platform. The effort would be a public-private partnership, and $100,000 for the effort would come from the Peregrine Foundation. Other donations could help fund the project, the city agenda packet states. The system will allow for constant police surveillance through a network of live cameras. While the agenda mentions downtown as the target area, its not clear on the boundaries or scope. The new system is designed to allow police to work with local businesses. If a business opts in, police could access their cameras in real time to view outdoor public spaces, like streets and sidewalks. Police would also be able to rewind the footage. Fusus is able to bring all of those streams together on one platform, Assistant Chief Matt Huber told MLive/Kalamazoo Gazette on June 2. Police could use the technology in solving crimes, he said. It allows police to see and send officers to any incident. Its just more efficient for us to help solve crimes, Huber said. Another feature of the technology shows live officer locations on a map, and it could be integrated with dispatch, he said. ACLU of Michigan Senior Staff Attorney Phil Mayor reviewed details of the plan. He said our government should be spending money promoting the welfare of the community rather than surveilling it. Dragnet surveillance of the type that tends to result from real-time crime centers inevitably targets vulnerable communities who already bear the brunt of overpolicing in our society, Mayor said. The proposal in Kalamazoo raises serious privacy concerns and leaves important questions unanswered. The proposal has scant details, Mayor said. Hed like to see more details about whether or not facial recognition would be used. The report also does not describe any limits on how Kalamazoo would share the information it collects with other private or public entities, such as corporations and immigration enforcement officials, Mayor said. The public deserves time for meaningful review and input so they may ask questions and get thorough answers before the City Commission votes on this proposal. Security cameras along the Kalamazoo Mall on June 2. The city of Kalamazoo will consider a plan to give police access to camera feeds at businesses downtown. Businesses would be able to join the program on a voluntary basis, police said. Huber said he recognizes there will be some concerns with the technology. But he also believes there will be benefits, like responding to shootings or active violence. The proposed cost for 2023 is $125,000, which includes 25 units to connect businesses downtown to the system. The units are $400 each. Business and home cameras The proposed real-time crime center would bring together video from a variety of sources, per city documents. That includes private security cameras, doorbell cameras, traffic cameras, body cameras and other emergency response platforms. It would be voluntary for businesses to participate. The use of private security cameras at homes would be handled in a different way, Huber said. People could sign up to volunteer the video from their exterior cameras. If an incident happens in the area, the department would send an alert to registered users and request that they check their cameras and send any relevant videos or feeds to police. If you see something, say something, share something, Huber said. They wont be monitoring cameras at private homes, he said. The department wants to work toward a system like Atlantas, which has more than 16,000 cameras integrated in a similar system. He said to visit connectatlanta.org to see more information. The department has tried the platform at some locations on a trial basis in Kalamazoo, Huber said, but he declined to say when and where. Citizens walking downtown shared their thoughts on Friday, June 2. City resident Lois Stahl, 69, was within view of multiple cameras on South Rose Street businesses Friday. She would not object to the police surveillance expansion, she said. I havent got anything to worry about except jaywalking, Stahl said. She was homeless in recent years, and said she would have liked extra security cameras because of things shes seen while outside in public areas. Bronson Park and other city-owned properties already have surveillance cameras in place and would be integrated with the system, police said. Natalie Huff Valentine, President/Owner of Peregrine Company, declined to comment when reached by phone Friday and said she may call back at a later time if she has time. Peregrine Company is a commercial and residential development and property owner with several spaces downtown. Located at 108 and 110 E. Michigan Ave. in downtown Kalamazoo, Peregrine 100 features 16 "luxury apartments," the company says. Valentine wrote a letter to city officials that is included in the board agenda packet. Resident Beryl Wilson Sr., 72, said modern surveillance systems have advanced features such as facial recognition and can be biased. It has its flaws, he said, and he would like to see a system used to bring justice when legitimate crimes happen, but still has questions about how police would use it. It all depends on what theyre going to use it for and how theyre going to secure the community with it, Wilson said. But nobody likes big brother looking over their shoulder all the time. Want more Kalamazoo-area news? Bookmark the local Kalamazoo news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Kalamazoo daily newsletter. Also on MLive: Whites Road to close for work, will reopen with fewer lanes See renderings of how downtown Kalamazoos streets will be reconfigured Consumers Energy buys Southwest Michigan natural gas power plant for $815M Traffic circle, safety features planned for street where WMU student was killed Manhole failure slows traffic on route to downtown Kalamazoo Kalamazoo asks for ideas to improve beloved 49-acre city park KALAMAZOO, MI A team that investigates sexual assault cold cases -- called the Kalamazoo Sexual Assault Kit Initiative -- has been dubbed the gold standard in Michigan, Attorney General Dana Nessel said. The Kalamazoo SAKI project started in 2017, and is funded through grants. It started investigating untested sexual assault kits and prosecuting cases. Kalamazoo County had about 180 untested kits when the project started, but theyve all been tested now, Nessel said during a news conference in Kalamazoo on Friday, June 2. The project has led to 17 convictions and 10 cases awaiting trial, with help from the Kalamazoo County Prosecutors Office, YWCA of Kalamazoo and the AGs office. The Kalamazoo SAKI team is one of only a few in Michigan, and it ranks among the top for getting convictions. Related: Former WMU student sentenced to prison for 2 sexual assaults A team of four people are based in Kalamazoo and work full time on the cases: two investigators Scott Eager and Richard Johnson, victim advocate Sherry Brockway and Special Assistant Attorney General Erin House. Theyre looking at cases from 1976 to 2015. They meet once a week to discuss the cases, House said. They have about 225 cases. We obsess about these cases from the start to the end, about How are we going to try to build these cases? House said. We look at every single one as a viable case ... (and) try to give an opportunity for justice to victims who didnt get the response that they deserved the first time around. DNA evidence has not been the crux of most cases, House said. Many of the victims knew the person who assaulted them, but the perpetrator said it was consensual, she said. The team is working to change how survivors are approached and how the investigations are handled. Even if cases arent prosecuted, the SAKI team wants to leave survivors in a better position. Related: Accused of sexually assaulting teen in 2005, Kalamazoo man headed to jury trial We just need people knowing that they were believed, (that) this wasnt their fault about what happened, House said. This shouldnt define how they feel about themselves. Victim advocates are always present during interviews to make sure the survivor feels safe and supported, House said. You have to be very careful and respectful how you open this back up with someone, but not opening it back up is not helpful to them, House said. This is something that they have not forgotten. They have harbored a lot of oftentimes negative feelings about the legal system, and even about themselves and about their experience. In about 80% of cases, the perpetrator is tied to other sexual assault cases, House said. In some cases, the team has uncovered previously unreported assaults while investigating a kit. Related: Man convicted of sexual assaults dating back to 2014 sentenced to 58 years in prison The AGs office is working to figure out ways to expand Kalamazoos success to other counties, especially more rural areas, Nessel said. This is the gold standard, what they have here in Kalamazoo, Nessel said. How do we use what Kalamazoo is doing and utilize them in other areas in other ways to help other victims that are also suffering? Want more Kalamazoo-area news? Bookmark the local Kalamazoo news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Kalamazoo daily newsletter. More from MLive: Michigan will be the anti-Florida, state leaders say, kicking off Kalamazoo Pride Michigan AG Dana Nessel violated FOIA by withholding kidnap plot records, lawsuit claims Im ecstatic: No new trial for man wrongfully convicted of 2 murders Vandalism of new Kalamazoo Farmers Market building, fitness court irks city leaders Michigans Best Local Eats: Presidential Brewing beers include Dill Clinton, Oatbama MUSKEGON, MI Housing issues ranging from affordability to lack of rentals to the impact of tourism will be the topic of upcoming city-hosted conversations in Muskegon neighborhoods. A recent comprehensive study commissioned by the city of Muskegon looked at such community demographics as age and income; current housing conditions; and availability and demand from residents and commuters. There also was a major survey of residents, agencies and employers. One of the major takeaways of the study is a critical need for housing units across all price points 3,000 of them are needed in the next five years, according to Bowen National Research, which conducted the study. Rent affordability was identified as the biggest housing issue in the survey, with 96% of respondents saying it was the most common problem. This summer and fall, the citys development services department is hosting meetings with neighborhood residents to receive their feedback and input on the studys findings. Those findings were broken down by seven different areas of the city, each of which have their own needs. Related: Historic housing crisis in Muskegon requires 3,000 new units in 5 years Residents in the Angell, McLaughlin and Marsh Field neighborhoods are encouraged to join a discussion of housing needs from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Monday, June 5, at Allen Avenue Christian Reformed Church, 995 Allen Avenue. A discussion for people living in the Nelson Neighborhood, which includes downtown Muskegon, will be 5:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 7, in the city commission chambers at Muskegon City Hall, 933 Terrace Street. All four of those neighborhoods have relatively high rates of poverty 39% in McLaughlin/Angell/Marsh Field and 36% in Nelson Neighborhood as compared to the citys overall rate of 25%, according to the studys findings. Development services staff are looking to hear from residents about the types of housing they would like in their neighborhoods, what sort of housing they would like for themselves and how the housing situation has impacted them. There also is a short survey residents are asked to complete, which is available by clicking here. The housing study report is available here. Here are some study findings regarding the Angell, McLaughlin and Marsh Field neighborhoods: There were no vacancies among 360 government-subsidized apartments. There were no short-term vacation rental units, the lowest in the city. They had the highest supply of homes for sale 28 at the time of the study. They had the highest apartment occupancy rate at 100%. They had the highest share 42% -- of homeowners earning less than $30,000 annually. Renters in those neighborhoods spent 51% of their income on housing the third highest in the city. The neighborhoods had the third most 84 housing units that were considered substandard. Here are study findings regarding Nelson Neighborhood: It had the lowest apartment occupancy rate, 96%, in the city. The market-rate occupancy rate also was the lowest at 90%. Renters and homeowners paid the highest percentages of their income on housing at 67% and 27%, respectively. It has the highest expected population growth, 219 people, between 2022-27. Residents had the lowest median household income at $25,858. There were four homes for sale during the study, the second least in the city. It had the third-highest number of vacation rentals five behind Beachwood/Bluffton and Lakeside/Glenside neighborhoods. It had the second-highest transient population, with 32% having moved within the previous year. Want more Muskegon area news? Bookmark the local Muskegon news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Muskegon daily newsletter. Also on MLive Key bridge in Fruitport closing for 5 weeks Have your say in redesign of Apple Avenue in Muskegon $2M in Muskegon arena upgrades proposed by Lumberjacks hockey team Fishing report: Here are 7 spots throughout Michigan for good walleye fishing SAGINAW, MI-- The Latino Leaders for the Enhancement of Advocacy and Development Saginaw branch, better known as LLEAD, has partnered with local secondary education providers to help arm graduating high school seniors, as well as anyone looking to enter college soon, with the right tools to fund their learning. Working alongside Delta College and Saginaw Valley State University, LLead will be hosting a Free Application for Federal Student Aid workshop at the downtown Saginaw Delta College campus, 319 E. Genesee Ave, from 4-6 p.m. on Wednesday, June 28. The FAFSA form can determine eligibility for a number of grants, scholarships, work-study programs and student-parent loans. It s also required for all Michigan financial aid programs, including the new MI Achievement Scholarship, Tuition Incentive Program and Michigan Reconnect. LLead Saginaw President and Saginaw County Undersheriff Miguel Gomez said the workshop was set up to help the community decipher a process that many, including himself, had to grapple with to access additional funds to attend school. I had two kids that went through this and it was a nightmare, Gomez said. I was trying to work through the FAFSA website with my wife, I could imagine somebody that has never been through it before or someone with minimal computer skills how that would put them at a serious and frustrating disadvantage. The workshop aims to educate first-time applicants for FAFSA and those struggling to understand the process. Financial aid advisors from both Delta College and SVSU will be at the event to help answer questions attendees may have about the process. To participate, attendees will need to bring information related to their resident status and taxes including: Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID, if you have one already Social Security card/number(s) Alien registration or permanent resident card if not a U.S. citizen Current marital status and date of marriage, separation/divorce if applicable 2021 Federal tax documents and all 2021 W2s If parents are living together but not married, you will need to report combined income information 2021 untaxed income records like child support received/paid, pensions, annuities, veterans benefits records Current bank account information/statements Other asset-related details if applicable Information will be needed of both the student and parent if the applying student is 24 years of age or younger For more information on the LLead FAFSA workshop, visit the LLead Facebook event page, or contact Monica Hernandez at 989-752-7500 or by email at monicahernandez@delta.edu. Registration is not required to attend the FAFSA workshop but is encouraged. To register, click here. Want more Bay City- and Saginaw-area news? Bookmark the local Bay City and Saginaw news pages or sign up for the free 3@3 daily newsletter for Bay City and Saginaw. Read more from MLive: Saginaw Countys top educational honors: 2023 valedictorians, salutatorians Michigan beekeepers to visit Fremont as bees return home after pollinating almond crops in California Longtime Bay City elementary teacher, Kristin Brashaw, says education through play is key Nexteer to host Generation Next: Embedded Coding Scholarship Competition They used to be just a weekend, but demonstrations in Michigan to advocate for ending gun violence now span an entire month. June is Gun Violence Prevention Month across the country, and in the wake of Michigan lawmakers passing new protections after mass shootings at Oxford High School and Michigan State University, advocates will hold events from Detroit to Traverse City and points in between. This year we are of course celebrating the new laws, but we want folks to know theres still a lot of work to be done, said Celeste Kanpurwalla, who leads Michigan efforts for Moms Demand Action. Related: Michigan 21st state to enact red flag gun laws with Whitmers signature The Democrat-majority legislature recently passed legislation for universal background checks, safe storage of guns when children are in the home, and extreme risk protection orders. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed the latter into law last week. Moms Demand Action and End Gun Violence Michigan are leading the 25 events, which honor victims, promote new laws and advocate for an end to gun violence. They include marches, talks, film screenings and community service. Here is the list of events, excluding June 1 and 2: Saturday, June 3 9am - Traverse City - Planting Flowers for Hope & Healing, Traverse Area Recreation and Transportation Trails, Parsons Road At Ave B 10am - Grand Rapids - Help Clean Up MLK Park, MLK Park GR, 1200 Martin Luther King Jr St SE 12pm - Lansing - Wear Orange Kick-Off, AC3 Community Center, 500 E Thomas St 1pm - Roseville - Popsicles in the Park, Veterans Memorial Park, 27325 Barkman St 4pm - Ferndale - Wear Orange Sign Waving, 9 Mile & Woodward Sunday, June 4 8:30am - Traverse City - Yen Yoga Wear Orange Community Yoga, Yen Yoga and Fitness, 615 E Front St 10am - Traverse City - Community Yoga at Elev8 Climbing Gym, Elev8 Climbing Gym and Fitness, 777 Boyd Ave 10am - Traverse City - Culture of Peace Sermon, Grace Episcopal Church, 341 Washington St 11am - Traverse City - Dharamsalas Wear Orange Community Yoga Class, Dharamsala, 869 Robinwood Ct 11:30am - Detroit - Praying Hands Around Detroit, St. Stephen AME Church, 6000 Stanford St 12pm - Brighton - Attend the Rainbow Reception supporting the Livingston Diversity Group, AMP Brighton Mill Pond, Millpond Trail 2pm - Holland Wear Orange at Centennial Park, Centennial Park, 250 Central Ave Monday, June 5 10am - Detroit - Gun Violence Awareness Month Kickoff, Gordon Park, 1945 Atkinson St 5pm - Kalamazoo - Kalamazoo Wear Orange at Bronson Park, 200 S Rose St Saturday, June 10 12pm - Ypsilanti - Community Outreach & Gun Violence Rally at Prospect Park Saturday, June 17 Ann Arbor - St. Aidans Episcopal Church, 1679 Broadway St 11:00am - Speakers and Serenity Walk in Nature Habitat (Partners: St. Aidans, Moms Demand Action, Physicians for the Prevention of Gun Violence, EGVMI) Detroit - Church of the Messiah, 231 E Grand Boulevard 10am - Press Conference 11am - Memorial March 12pm - Resource Fair (Partners: Church of the Messiah, Charles W. Reid Community Help Center, EGVMI) Grand Haven - Central Park, 421 Columbus Ave 11am - Silent March Begins 12:30pm - March Ends with Local Music Performances (St. Johns Episcopal Church Grand Haven) (Partners: Church of the Dunes, St. Johns, EGVMI) Muskegon - Community United Methodist Church, 1614 Ruddiman Drive 6:30pm - Refreshments and Resources 7:00pm - FREE screening of Wont Back Down the Gabby Giffords Documentary (Partners: Community UMC and EGVMI) Oxford - Centennial Park, 41 S Washington Street 11:30am - Sign Making and Resource Tables 12:30pm - Youth Speakers from NFWT and MFOL 1:30pm - Walk to Oxford High School (Partners: No Future Without Today, March For Our Lives, Moms Demand Action, EGVMI) Pontiac - City of Pontiac Juneteenth Freedom Day Celebration 4pm - Gun Violence Prevention and Safety Resources at the Oakland Forward table (Partners: Oakland Forward, EGVMI) Southfield - St. Davids Episcopal Church, 16200 W 12 Mile Rd 12pm - Art Exhibit Dedication and Speakers 1pm - Metro Detroit Peace March (Partners: Moms Demand Action, Huntington Woods Peace Group, St. Davids, Hindu Community Relations Council, EGVMI) Flint - Date and Location TBD Gun BuyBack with Flint Police Department (Partners: North Flint Neighborhood Action Council, EGVMI) Sunday, June 25 2pm - Detroit - Muhammad Mosque #1 (19160 Evergreen Rd, Detroit), March, rally and distribution of basic needs items. (Organized by the Charles W. Reid Community Help Center) Read more from MLive: Why sheriff pushback on Michigans red flag gun laws may not matter Republicans want to let Michigan gun owners carry concealed pistols without license See which Michigan towns grew, shrunk in 2022 Property tax proposal would let Michigan cities raise taxes on vacant land The great gamble for Taylor Swift fans who want to see her in Chicago this weekend but dont have tickets yet is here. Grab tickets now or wait and see how low the price will go? You can now find last-minute tickets for under $900 at Stubhub and Vivid Seats. Tickets up near the stage are going for under $2,000 (although one lucky buyer got tickets in the first section for $1,200 this morning). Of course, ticket prices fluctuate and Stubhub shows both shows as selling fast today. But what if you dont live in Michigan. With the time difference, you can pick up the extra hour and make it in plenty of time for the 6:30 p.m. show. Taylor Swift recently directed and performed the new video Karma feat. Ice Spice. Swift is set to release another Taylors Version of her previously released albums on July 7 with Speak Now and tickets for a Midwest swing in June and July are selling fast. Swift continues to break records including breaking her own Spotify record of the most streamed songs in a day on March 19 with 67 million. She currently has 10 top-selling albums in the U.S. according to the Billboard 200 chart. She recently won the Grammy for Best Music Video for All Too Well: The Short Film, and the 2023 iHeartRadio Innovator Award. Get tickets to the Eras Tour, and experience lively performances with songs that span her entire career, including new music, dancers and more. Heres how you can get, last minute, hard-to-find tickets to the shows at Stubhub and Vivid Seats: Chicago - Saturday June 3, 6:30pm, with Girl In Red and Owenn, Soldier Field, Chicago, IL 1. Stubhub 2. Vivid Seats Chicago - Sunday June 4, 6:30pm, with Muna and Gracie Abrams, Soldier Field, Chicago, IL 1. Stubhub 2. Vivid Seats 03.06.2023 LISTEN Actor Ekow Smith Asante says monies paid to actors in Ghana are not substantial enough to afford them to buy houses in prime residential areas like the East Legon. According to him, the industry does not pay much, alleging that actors can only own houses in such an area through favour from rich people. Ekow made the allegation while speaking in an interview with Fiifi Pratt on Kingdom FM. I think building a house in East Legon would be difficult. It is very dicey because actors and actresses, for instance, get favours, he alleged. Somebody can give me something because of my particular role in a movie. With gifts from people, it can support you to build, but I think it will take a very long time without it. How much are you paid, GHC10, 000, GHC20, 000, GHC30, 000 or what, he quizzes. In recent years, there has been an increasing awareness and acknowledgment of the importance of promoting gender diversity and inclusion within Ghana's tech industry. The prevailing dominance of men in the space has resulted in significant barriers for women and other underrepresented groups. This gender disparity not only limits opportunities for talented individuals but also hinders the industry's overall growth and innovation potential. Addressing this issue requires concerted efforts from various stakeholders, including industry leaders, organizations, and policymakers. Recognizing the value of diverse perspectives and talents, initiatives are being developed to create a more inclusive environment that empowers females and provides equal opportunities for their participation and advancement in the tech space. As part of promoting gender diversity and inclusion in Ghana's tech space, the Institute of ICT Professionals, Ghana (IIPGH) with its partners have implemented several female oriented initiatives, including its recent collaboration with Vodafone Ghana, to introduce computer programming to one thousand girls (1000) across Ghana, dubbed the Code Like a Girl Program (#CodeLikeAGirl). Code Like a Girl Program The Code Like a Girl program is an initiative launched by Vodafone and aims to provide young females with digital skills training, mentorship, and networking opportunities. The program is designed to help bridge the gender gap in the tech space and to create a more inclusive and diverse industry that benefits everyone. Since its launch, the Code Like a Girl program has trained several females in digital skills. The program's success is due in part to its focus on hands-on training and mentorship, which helps participants build practical skills and gain confidence in their abilities. IIPGH and Vodafone Ghana Partnership In April 2023, the Institute of ICT Professionals, Ghana (IIPGH) in partnership with Vodafone Ghana trained 1000 girls aged between 7 to 18 years in digital skills. The partnership was a significant step forward in promoting gender diversity and inclusion, as it provided young girls with access to digital skills training that might otherwise have been out of reach. The training was an online (via Zoom) interactive program, instructor led, in five sessions for 5 Saturdays April 1st to April 29th, 2023. The online program offered a unique opportunity to reach participants from different parts of Ghana, including urban and rural areas, and beyond. As interactive as it was, the younger female students had their parents/guardians participating and helping their wards through the practical and engaging sessions. Over two thousand six hundred (2600) females applied for this training. The successful applicants were grouped according to age and each group was introduced to a different module. To facilitate this program, and bearing in mind the need for connectivity, participants were provided Vodafone internet data to connect every Saturday to join their morning/afternoon sessions. The coding workshop provided participants with the opportunity to learn basic coding concepts in Scratch, Code it!, 3D design, and website development. The scratch module introduced students to the scratch coding platform. They were taught how to use various code blocks to create animations, games, and other interactive projects. Another module introduced was the Code it! platform, which is designed to teach students important coding concepts such as event handling, loops, procedures, and functions. The course, being project-based, included several relatable projects. The other modules that were taught are the website development module and 3D design module which provided participants with the foundations of web development, including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and an introduction to the world of three-dimensional modeling and design. Throughout the coding workshop, a total of 40 classes were conducted. The virtual setting allowed for interactive sessions, screen sharing, and real-time feedback from participants/parents/guardians, volunteers from Vodafone, and instructors. Participants had the opportunity to engage with their peers, ask questions, and receive guidance from experienced coding educators. Impact of the Program The Code Like a Girl program is promoting females to take learning and opportunities in digital skills and emerging technologies the very essence of IIPGH focusing on younger ages (early start). Providing training and mentorship opportunities through virtual platforms allows for larger participation, overcoming the challenges of distance and accessibility that had previously limited its reach. The program has also helped to challenge the stereotypes and biases that have historically kept females and other underrepresented groups such as the rural communities out of the tech space. Showcasing the talents and abilities of these young females in technology, helps to break down barriers and create a more inclusive and equitable space. Conclusion This program and other initiatives have demonstrated the importance of promoting diversity and inclusion, not just for ethical reasons but also for economic and social reasons. A more diverse and inclusive tech space can lead to more innovative and creative solutions, better products and services, and a more prosperous society. Thus, it is encouraged that policymakers, organizations, and other stakeholders get involved to play critical roles in promoting diversity and inclusivity in the tech space. As digital skills become more relevant than ever, it is just right that females are not left out in this male dominated space. The Institute continues to collaborate with organizations to deliver tailored training programs for females of all ages, to encourage and guide them through careers and opportunities in emerging technologies. Author: Barbara Asiamah, Digital Skills Training Supervisor, IIPGH. For comments, contact author [email protected] or Mobile: +233 201233215 Obuasi Senior High Technical School on Thursday, 1st June, 2023 beat Christ the King Catholic Senior High School to emerge winners of this years World Environment Day debate competition held in Obuasi. The debate which was organised by AngloGold Ashanti Ghana, Obuasi Mine in collaboration with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Ghana Education Service was on the topic: Single-use plastics should be banned to reduce pollution." After intriguing arguments between the two competing schools on the topic of the day, the judges pronounced Obuasi Senior High Technical School who stood for the motion, winners of the competition with 75 points as they presented their arguments with factual evidence and convincing speeches, while CKC placed 2nd with 64 points, speaking against the motion. The Obuasi Municipal Director of Education George Alfred Koomson in an interview after the competition lauded the two schools for putting up a stellar performance throughout the competition. He said banning single-use plastics was important in protecting the environment from pollution. "I believe that lessons from this debate competition shouldn't be about lip service. We should all make sure we are able to implement the lessons learnt to protect the environment from pollution," he stated. Mr. Koomson said prior to the debate, the Education Directorates of the Obuasi Municipal and the Obuasi East District teamed up with AngloGold Ashanti to implement a beautification project which involves plastics in schools. " The motive was to prove to the students that plastic waste could be useful in decorating the environment," he added. On his part, the Obuasi Area Head of the Environmental Protection Agency Prempeh Adarkwa Yiadom touched on activities lined up for this year's world environment day scheduled for Monday, 5th June 2023. He said the quiz competition was important in sensitizing the school children on plastic waste management. He said he remained optimistic that lessons drawn from the debate will lead to attitudinal change regarding plastic waste management. Celebrated globally on June 5 every year, World Environment day is a day set aside by the United Nations (UN) to inspire worldwide awareness and action to protect the environment. The theme for this year's celebration is "Beat Plastic Pollution" and will be marked in Obuasi with a grand durbar at the AGA Clubhouse at Wawase. 02.06.2023 LISTEN National Communications Authority (NCA) has delinked all Surfline SIMs from the Central SIM Database. The move by the NCA comes months after the company was hit by serious financial difficulties leaving customers in limbo. Consequently, the company has shut down its data centre. In a brief statement on its website, the NCA encouraged people who had Surfline SIM Cards and had reached the ceiling of 10 individual SIMs to register another SIM card if they desired. The National Communications Authority (NCA) wishes to announce to the public that, the Authority has delinked all Surfline SIMs from the Central SIM Database. Subscribers who hitherto had reached the ceiling of 10 individual SIMs with the addition of their Surfline SIMs, will now be able to link additional SIMs to their Ghana Cards. The NCA also promised to protect the interest of all Surfline customers and users of the various telecom services in the country. We also wish to reaffirm our unrelenting commitment to protect the interest of Surfline customers and all users of telecommunications services in Ghana. The decision to remove all Surfline sims from the central database also comes a day after some 9 million unregistered SIM cards were deactivated by telecommunication firms in Ghana. This is in compliance with a directive by the National Communications Authority (NCA). The Minister of Communications, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful announced the commencement of the re-registration of all mobile SIM cards on October 1, 2021. The exercise was expected to have lasted for a period of six months but was extended several times due to challenges faced by SIM card users. -Citi Newsroom Map showing maximum land subsidence rates around the world, 2015-2020. Sea levels are rising at an average global rate of 3.4 millimeters. Many places are sinking (known as land subsidence) further than that in a year. Data: Wu, et al., 2022. Graphic: Kasha Patel / The Washington Post By Kasha Patel 30 May 2023 (The Washington Post) Imagine Earths surface is like a stack of pancakes. The pancakes, or layers of soil and rocks, may appear fairly evenly stacked and fluffy. Over time though, the stack can become compressed, thinner and shorter. Scientists observe this downward motion of land, called land subsidence, across the planet. While some regions of land experience uplift, many parts of Earths surface are sinking fast. Scientists are especially concerned for sinking locations near the coast, which are at a higher risk for flooding as sea levels rise in a warming world. Hurricanes and extreme rainfall events can also bring more damage to such low-lying areas. But understanding this slumping land motion is not simple, scientists say. Even within the same city, some regions may be sinking at faster rates than other areas. If we look at the data, we dont see a city as a whole, uniform society. We generally see regions of hot spots where you can see parts of cities subsiding depending on what is happening, said NASA scientist David Bekaert, who has analyzed land subsidence in the United States and worldwide. Map showing the size of low-elevation areas in fast-sinking zones. Data: Wu, et al., 2022. Graphic: Kasha Patel / The Washington Post Some land subsidence, Bekaert said, is related to deep natural processes over long periods of time, such as responding to plate tectonic activity or to the retreating of the glaciers from the last Ice Age. Other sinking is linked to human activity, including extracting oil, water or minerals from underground. In cities, buildings can also add weight and push land down. Many of the fastest sinking places in the world appear in populated areas in southeast Asia largely because of groundwater extraction, but the United States also faces substantial land subsidence. There, you may not notice land settling around you in your daily life, but scientists found that many places are sinking faster than global sea levels are rising increasing flood risk in coastal cities. (Sea levels are rising at an average global rate of about 3.4 millimeters, or 0.13 inches, per year.) Regions with the highest land subsidence in the United States are mainly located along the East and Gulf Coast, but here we selected a few hot spots around the country. Floodwaters are seen surrounding houses and apartment complexes in West Houston in August 2017. Photo: Jabin Botsford / The Washington Post Gulf Coast: Houston The western Gulf Coast is experiencing some of the fastest land subsidence rates in the United States. Analyzing land subsidence rates in large coastal cities, Bekaert and his colleagues found Houston hasthe fastest peak subsidence rates about 17 millimeters (0.67 inches) per year from 2014 to 2020 in the United States. Other research showed parts of Houston lost over 3 meters in elevation in certain areas since 1917. Such land subsidence can worsen damage during extreme weather events. Researchers found that the majority of areas flooded during 2017s Hurricane Harvey showed relatively high subsidence rates. Land subsidence in the Houston-Galveston area is largely caused by groundwater withdrawals. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, removing water from fine-grained silts and clays underground compresses the aquifer and lowers the land surface. Some regions experience high land subsidence rates because of withdrawal of local oil and natural gas reserves. A smaller portion of land subsidence can be attributed to fault movement in the area. Gulf Coast: New Orleans Parts of New Orleans are also experiencing high rates of sinking, due to both human-induced and natural processes. Research showed that rates are highly variable across the city, ranging from 150 to 500 millimeters (6 to 20 inches) over the past 20 years. Past data from 2009 to 2012 showed the highest subsidence rates along the Mississippi River near industrial areas in Norco and Michoud experiencing up to 50 millimeters (2 inches) of sinking a year. To the east of Norco, the Bonnet Carre Spillway, intended to reduce flood risk for New Orleans, experienced up to 40 millimeters (1.6 inches) of sinking a year behind the structure. NASA reported a primary contributor is pumping groundwater. Subsidence deeper underground is also caused by the shifting of faults, according to the city of New Orleans. While Houston and New Orleans are notable subsiding locations, other places in the Gulf also experience high rates. In a large area north of Tampa Bay, subsidence rates have been clocked at up to 6 millimeters (0.24 inches) per year, about twice as much as global sea level rise, from 2015 to 2020 due to groundwater pumping. The Tampa Bay area is also relatively flat, meaning rising seas may overwhelm large swaths of the low-lying area. [] Farmworkers harvest melons at Del Bosque Farms in Firebaugh, California. Photo: John Brecher / The Washington Post West coast: Californias Central Valley Sinking along the West Coast is comparatively small to the East Coast, but that doesnt mean land subsidence isnt a problem. [] Further inland in Californias Central Valley, excessive pumping of groundwater for agriculture has caused the land to sink significantly. Since the 1920s, sections of the San Joaquin Valley have sunk by as much as 8.5 meters (28 feet). Groundwater pumping becomes even more problematic during droughts, exacerbating subsidence problems. Data from 2015 showed some spots subsided at rates as high as 600 millimeters (2 feet) per year. [more] Land around the U.S. is sinking. Here are some of the fastest areas. Violence erupted in Senegal on Thursday, killing nine people in one of the deadliest flare-ups of political unrest in recent years, after opposition politician Ousmane Sonko was sentenced to two years in prison. AFP explains the situation and answers key questions about the tense political situation. What led to the violence? Firebrand opposition politician Sonko was accused by a young beauty salon employee of raping her on five occasions. Sonko, 48, has always denied wrongdoing and claims the government has prosecuted the case to block him from contesting the 2024 presidential election. On Thursday, he was acquitted of the rape charges but sentenced to two years' imprisonment for inciting a young person under the age of 21 into "debauchery" -- a lesser offence than rape, which was criminalised in 2020. Under Senegal's electoral law, it appears that the conviction renders him ineligible to run. Sonko says he is seeking to avoid the same fate as two of President Macky Sall's other rivals, Khalifa Sall and Karim Wade, whose careers were cut short by legal cases and barred from running. Sonko is divisive, but enjoys popular support among young people. Sonko, who did not attend his trial, was on Sunday forcibly taken to his home in Dakar, where he claims he is being illegally held. He has called on the Senegalese people to demonstrate "en masse". Is it all over for Sonko? The PASTEF-Patriots party leader has not spoken since his conviction. Access to his home is blocked by security forces, who are barring anyone who tries to approach. His lawyers and supporters have argued he is under illegal house arrest. The Minister of Justice, Ismaila Madior Fall, denied that Sonko was being detained. He said it was an "administrative police" measure for "limiting his movements" because of "his calls for insurrection". The minister added that the sentence must be carried out and that Sonko "could be arrested at any time". Many Senegalese fear the possible consequences of an arrest. The minister said that Sonko could not appeal against the court's decision because he was not present at the trial and had been tried in absentia. Cire Cledor Ly, one of Sonko's lawyers, disputed that claiming that because the case had been reclassified to a lesser offence, Sonko could no longer be considered to have missed the trial. Legal experts say that under the law, Sonko must be retried if he is taken into custody or arrested. Even if his fate were to be sealed in court, it is still possible that there could be a political settlement to calm tensions, through an amnesty, for example. What comes next? Armed men in fatigues were deployed at various points in the capital on Friday though AFP was unable to identify which branch of the security forces they represented. The situation remained tense and seemed likely to flare up again as of late Friday. Sonko's situation is not the only source of tension in the country. Voters have been waiting for months to find out whether President Sall, who was elected in 2012 and re-elected in 2019, will stand for a third term in 2024. The opposition and rights activists say that the constitution prohibits him from doing so and are calling on him to step down. The constitution, which was revised in 2016, says that the presidential term of office is five years, rather than seven, and that "no one may serve more than two consecutive terms". Sall has said on several occasions in the past that he would not serve more than two terms. But for months now he has remained vague on the subject. "Legally speaking, the debate has been settled for a long time," he said in a magazine interview in March. "Now, should I run for a third term or not? It's a political debate, I admit it." To ease tensions, Sall on Tuesday launched a political dialogue, boycotted by some members of the opposition, at which the prospect of a third term will be discussed. The lack of knowledge on governments policies and interventions in the area of Agriculture has been cited as one of the major challenges confronting Rural Peasant Women farmers in the Upper East Region. This came to light at separate engagement forums held at Yakort in the Nabdam District and, Yameriga and Tongo in the Talensi District of the Upper East Region on Thursday. The event, organized by the Maltaaba Peasant Women Farmers Cooperative, was under the STAR-Ghana Action for Voice Inclusive Development (AVID) project with support from Williams and Flora Hewlett Foundation. It brought together duty bearers from the Department of Food and Agriculture, Department of Social Welfare and Community Development and the Ghana Education Service to interface with Rural Peasant Women farmers, Persons With Disability among others. The occasion provided the opportunity for the District Director of Agriculture in charge of the Talensi District, Mr Sulemana Mahama, who exposed the Rural Peasant Women farmers to some of the government Agricultural interventions including Planting For Food and Jobs, Rearing for Food and Jobs among others. He told the Rural Peasant Women farmers not to rely on their husbands alone in accessing such services since that would not benefit them much but to form groups and approach the Directorate for government interventions meant for smallholder farmers. The District pledged to support the women farmers groups with tractor services after they had made the demand at the forum and also assured them of other services including the vaccination of their ruminants free of charge. The District Director further pledged to support the Rural Peasant women farmers with energy cooking stoves as a measure of addressing climate change and educated them to stay away from the cutting down of trees for charcoal burning and bush burning. The Executive Director of Maltaaba Peasant Women Farmers Cooperative, Ms Lydia Miyella, explained the objective of the project is to improve the incomes, households food security and livelihoods of women and Persons with Disability through sustained agriculture in the Talensi and Nabdam Districts She stressed that there were huge policy gaps when it comes to the Rural Peasant Women farmers in accessing governments agriculture interventions which affect agricultural productivity and livelihoods of the marginalized. We highly optimistic that this project will help empower these vulnerable groups who are major contributors to the agriculture sector so as to help ensure food security and livelihoods in households of the rural folk, she stated. The forums also afforded the opportunity for the Ghana Education Service and the Department of Community Development and Social Welfare who schooled the participants about other government opportunities they could access to improve upon their livelihoods. Guinea-Bissau heads to the polls on Sunday in legislative elections called by the president, who seeks constitutional change in a bid to end the country's history of political instability. Having freshly repealed a coup attempt in February, 2022, President Umaro Sissoco Embalo dissolved the national assembly in May after falling out with lawmakers. Embalo said he had "persistent differences that could not be resolved" with parliament, which he said had become rife with "guerrilla politics and conspiracy". He accused lawmakers of having protected MPs implicated in corruption cases and refusing to be audited. Embalo has long sought to change the constitution, which the international community cites as an important factor behind the country's instability. While the changes he intends to make are not clear, critics accuse him of seeking to consolidate power following the disputed 2019 presidential election. Twenty-two political parties will compete in Sunday's vote to elect 102 MPs, with around 884,000 people registered to vote. Results are expected within forty-eight hours. Currently, three dominant parties share almost all the seats in the current national assembly. They are the president's Madem G15 party, the long-dominant African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC), and the Party for Social Renewal (PRS). Notoriously unstable Guinea-Bissau, a former Portuguese colony of around two million people, is notoriously unstable, having suffered four military coups since 1974, most recently in 2012. Aftershocks from the war in Ukraine, which has driven-up global food prices, as well as the Covid-19 pandemic, have had a detrimental impact on the country's economy. One-fifth of the population experiences food insecurity, according to the UN. Farmers have been unhappy with the government's raising of the base price of the cashew nut, a key export and source of revenue for the population. Discontent with the government's policy was evident on the campaign trail. "We travelled all over the country, but farmers refuse to come and listen to the speeches of some candidates because of the failure of the cashew nut... campaign," Buli Camara, a Madem activist, told AFP. "This year, it's a total fiasco". Elsewhere there is little enthusiasm for the election. Antonio Nhaga, head of a media monitoring group, said leaders "don't propose anything that would lead anyone to believe (there will be) actual change in peoples' lives." But reform is much needed. Instability and poverty have made the country appealing to narco-traffickers who smuggle cocaine from Latin America to Europe. Timber trafficking and corruption are also rampant. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has deployed a team of 15 election observers, while 600 soldiers have been deployed to prevent a new coup. A former Ambassador and immediate past National Vice Chairman of the Opposition National Democratic Congress, Alhaji Said Sinare has charged members and supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to put aside their differences and ensure victory for the party. He said the party cannot afford to be in opposition again, following the damage the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government led by Nana Addo Danqua Akuffo Addo and Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has done to the country. Alhaji Said Sinare, who is the founder of Zongo for the NDC said this in a meeting with some Zongo leaders in the Greater Accra Region. Mr. Sinare, while urging members of the NDC and Muslims to be actively involved in the task of rescuing the country from the ruling NPP, said: "No government has done the kind of damage the NPP government has done to this country. The debt profile of Ghana is unbelievable, yet the government is behaving as if it is one of their achievements." "The NPP has destroyed the basis of this country. They have failed and threatened the existence of this country, and the only party to resuscitate the dream of being a Ghanaian is the NDC, and that is the major reason why we must campaign vigorously for the NDC in the Zongos and we must vote for the visionary John Dramani Mahama and all NDC parliamentary candidates across the country", he stated in Hausa. The West African Examinations Council(WAEC) will honor the best performing students in the 2022 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) at the WAEC Distinction Awards ceremony scheduled for June 22. In a Facebook post on Friday June 3, WAEC announced "WAEC Distinction Awards for 2022 WASSCE (SC) is here. Join us on 22nd June 2023 at 10 AM as we reward our top performers." The event will be held at the Sakyi Asare-Menako Hall, Switchback Road, Cantonment, Accra. The Distinction Awards aim to recognize, encourage and inspire excellence among candidates who obtained the best grades in the WASSCE. The award ceremony, which is done annually, provides an opportunity for these achievers to be celebrated as role models for their peers. The wailing voice of a concerned citizen today is a result of not a personal course but a result of putting the nation at heart. The dogs who were entrusted to secure the meat are the very ones cooking meals with the same meat. A period where some citizens would choose quick money over healthy and worthy life. The aquatic pride of Ghana is gradually fading away. The healthy and lifeful waters that were preserved for our generation are now a waste for this same generation; what would the posterity boast of? How would the spawn from us survive? What a pleasure it is for the country of Ghana to generate income through the utilization of the mineral resources given abundantly unto us by the Creator. However, it becomes a headache, a mistake, and mismanagement when natural resource is to be destroyed by all means to acquire other resources that will generate income. Unlawful Gold digger locally known as Galamsey is the problem, my people. Tano river, a lifeful begotten water of the Bono is now transforming into a wasteful source of water. The greed for money gave such unworthy citizens no other means but to destroy the pride of the Bono Region. What went wrong leaders of Bono? Were you tricked or ignorance is to be blamed? Offin River, once a great source of life for the great people of Dunkwa-On-Offin is nowhere near pride. Galamsey has tricked you to choose wealth over life. What do you think the Holy Book meant when it stated when you have life, you have everything? That life of yours cannot be an assurance now. The great river Offin is not the same as the river you boasted of yesterday, it is being destroyed today. River Bonsa is one of the points of pride of the west. Tarkwa a prestigious people with all it takes to be blessed is no prouder of Bonsa. Bonsa is gradually fading, and the wealth and worth of the river are almost gone. The love of gold wealth is the cause and the river couldnt destroy itself but the inhabitants did. The good people of Wiawso, can you answer when being questioned about the state of River Ankobra now? The river that has been a good source of life for you cannot be used for a mere washing now? Were you off guard or do you blame ignorance? If water is now considered an expensive product to afford, then Ghana as a country should see deep into the future and cry deeply because our generation is destroying all hopes. The dust has been thrown into the eyes of the citizens all this while by politicians who stoop low to conquer us us-acquiring our votes but lay in wait like a leopard waiting anxiously for its prey on a hot hungry day. The dogs who were entrusted as the keepers of the meat are now the very chefs cooking with the meat. As a concerned citizen, this should be a headache and a worry. Our water bodies are now turning into main sources of gold. The implications? There would be no more safe waters in the country. Can we just watch and let our pride and life be washed away? You and I know the right thing; Why dont we rise and preserve our water bodies? It is never too late until there is no trace of water; this is our home and so our resources must be worth it. Leaders, this is the time to prove your worth, the waters life matters. The Intuitional Writer Ebenezer Appiah-Kubi Ghanaian students studying in Russia under Government of Ghana scholarships are appealing to government to pay them their stipends, which have been in arrears for over a year. The students say the delay in releasing the stipends is affecting their academic performance and making life difficult for them. Speaking to Citi News, the President of the National Union of Ghanaian Students in Russia, Derick Yamoah Gyasi, said the delay in payment is also making it difficult for the students to access money from home. There is an outstanding debt of over a year that is supposed to be paid to students. Our issue now has to do with the relationship between students in Russia and the secretariat who is responsible for the life of students in Russia. The SWIFT system is not working in Russia, so bank transfers are not possible. We are not able to access MoneyGram, Western Union, and all the popular direct money transfer systems that were available in the past. So it becomes difficult to even receive money from home for feeding, he said. The only support we need is the monies that are sent to students to augment their stay here. We have spoken to the Embassy several times and efforts to reach out to the secretariat have proved futile, he added. citinewsroom There is a town located between Buduburam and Winneba junction on the Mallam-Yamoransa trans-ECOWAS highway called Okyereko, where horrific road crashes is a common occurrence, the latest of which was the Yuton bus from Liberia crashing into a fuel tanker with instant loss of 16 lives with many sustaining varied degrees of life-threatening injuries. Many people, including surgeons, clergymen/women, students, businessmen/women, politicians, public/civil servants and others from all shades of socio-economic strata, have perished in crashes at this very spot, yet, nobody has described the town as "headquarters of witches in the Central Region". But out of your personal recklessness to good maintenance regime, a possible badly-fastened bolt to the wheel of your car, incidentally, comes off at Nogokpo, and out of crass ignorance, paint the entire town with a dirty "witches" brush. Elucidation For the elucidation of the ignoramuses of our Ghanaian society, Nogokpo isn't a deity; its name of a town with people who believe in the bible and other religious faiths. So, to think that everyone that either live or comes from the town is a witch, to say the least, suffers from a debilitating mental illness. Gender Indeed, no town in Ghana is gender-homogenous so to claim "Nogokpo is the headquarters of witches in the Volta region", precludes that no man in the town is demon-possessed since a witch connote female while wizard is for male. Illiteracy Agyin-Asare therefore spoke, either from the point of crass illiteracy in English grammar and therefore must be ignored, or, consciously meant to engage in despicable act of ethnocentrisms against the decent people of Nogokpo. And like I've said before: per-capita, Agyin-Asare's church has over 1000% more witches and wizards than the peaceful Volta regional town of Nogokpo. Contrast I know the town of Nogokpo and I can testify, with no shred of equivocation, that, indeed, Nogokporians actually leave home without closing their doors, and absolutely nothing happens to their possessions. On the contrary, in Agyin-Asare's church, even where the tithes and offerings are counted by 'saints' is monitored, 24/7, by CCTV cameras in order to prevent stealing. You make a mistake to leave your phone, wallet or any other valuable unattended during service at Agyin-Asare's church for seconds, and it will be stolen by those very angelic and witches-free congregants. Conmen Brazenly, absolutely powerless conmen with not a scintilla of the knowledge and understanding of the gospel of Christ, are masquerading as preachers of the gospel, and extorting monies from their poor congregants to furnish obscenely opulent lifestyles. For righteousness, peaceful and truthful way of living, the followers of Agyin-Asare come absolutely nowhere close to Nogokporians. This is a fact which cannot be contested by any sincere people, but charlatanic characters using the bible as a farcade to perpetuate heinous crimes and get away with it, because God is not swift in dealing with the wicked. Oath As a matter of fact, every Nogokporian, including even toddlers, can stand before the pulpit in Agyin-Asare's church and take an oath by the bible not to steal. However, not a single soul in Agyin-Asare's church, including the self-acclaimed archbishops, can dare stand before the Nogokpo deity and take an oath not to steal. Witchcraft But lying and stealing are forms of witchcraft and the bible says so in the book of Revelations chapter 21:8 that "But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death. Consequently, how would a lying thieves followers of Agyin-Asare think they are more righteous than Nogokporians who are able to go out with their doors unlocked, but return with nobody coming to stealing from them? This, indeed, should tell you how criminals have actually succeeded in hijacking the gospel of Christ for their selfish gains. Promises Personally, I have entered into agreements with purported born-again, holy Spirit-filled and tongue-speaking Christians in the past, by just counting on their faithfulness to fulfilling their part of the deal. But one handside, it would've been better if I had taken such ingrates to the Nogokpo shrine to swear to abide by their promises. Bigots And when I argue this way, the ignorant bigots tend to think I don't believe in the bible; I very much believe in the bible but I detest activities of plain-faced charlatanic nicompoops hiding behind the gospel of Christ to steal from the poor to maintain their despicably opulent lifestyles. Justice A. Newton-Offei [email protected] Two persons suspected to be students of Osino Presbyterian Senior High and Technical School in the Eastern Region have lost their lives in an accident at Teacher Mante. Eleven others in critical condition are receiving care at the Nsawam Government Hospital. A Nissan minibus with the registration number GG-2071-21 got involved in the accident as it was transporting the said students of Osino Presbyterian Technical Senior High School to Accra after their midterms on Friday, June 2. Eye witness account suggests the driver who was headed to Accra from Osino was speeding. A tyre of the vehicle got burst and the driver is said to have lost control of the wheel resulting in the somersaulting. Residents close by had to help rescue the trapped students. The bodies of the two have been deposited at the Nsawam Hospital mortuary. 3news.com Lawyer Martin Kpebu 03.06.2023 LISTEN Private Legal practitioner, Martin Kpebu is eagerly waiting for President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addos second term to come to an end. Speaking in an engagement on the Key Points programme on TV3 on Saturday, June 3, the lawyer said he is excited that President Akufo-Addo will leave office in 16 months time. Im so excited that in about 16 months, Akufo-Addo will be going. I cant believe we have lost 8 years just like that, Lawyer Martin Kpebu bemoaned. The private legal practitioner has been a strong critic of President Akufo-Addo and his government in the last few years. In November 2022 before the Ku me preko Reloaded demonstration, Lawyer Martin Kpebu called for the resignation of President Akufo-Addo, insisting that he had overstayed his welcome. The speech the President gave is basically President Akufo-Addo talking in 2016. The crux of the speech, the main thing that will get us out of the trouble, is changing the structure of the economy, in such a way that we are no longer import-dependent, that we will do local production, and that was the mantra of President Akufo-Addo in 2016He has overlived his welcome. He has to go, Martin Kpebu stressed. Already, the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) is preparing for life after President Akufo-Addo. The party has opened nominations for flagbearer aspirants ahead of the presidential primaries on November 4. A beachgoer walks through sargassum seaweed that washed ashore on 18 May 2023, in Key West, Florida. A huge mass of sargassum seaweed formed in the Atlantic Ocean is headed for the Florida coastlines and shores in the Gulf of Mexico. Photo: Joe Raedle / Getty Images By Jess Thomson 30 May 2023 (Newsweek) The massive blob of seaweed creeping across the Atlantic Ocean toward Florida may contain deadly flesh-eating bacteria. The 5,000-mile wide clump of seaweed is made up of sargassum seaweed, which has bloomed massively to form the Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt. A study from Florida Atlantic University published in the journal Water Research found that the sargassum and its accompanying floating plastic can become inundated with species of Vibrio bacteria, creating a perfect pathogen storm. The researchers found that beached sargassum seaweed is home to high levels of the bacteria and that the bacteria can readily cling to the surface of marine plastic debris, which accumulates in large volumes within the mass of seaweed. Illustration showing how genomes of 16 Vibrio cultivars isolated from eel larvae, plastic marine debris (PMD), the pelagic brown macroalga Sargassum, and seawater samples were collected from the Caribbean and Sargasso Seas of the North Atlantic Ocean. Graphic: Mincer, et al., 2023 / Water Research Vibrio bacteria, notably the Vibrio vulnificus species, can lead to brutal infections and even necrotizing fasciitis, leading to the bacteria being nicknamed flesh-eating. Vibrio can infect via eating contaminated seafood, or through an open wound on someones flesh, usually from seawater, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Infected wounds may become necrotic, with the flesh itself dying and rotting. Around 1 in 5 people with the infection die, the CDC states, usually rapidly after becoming infected. Thankfully, necrotizing fasciitis is rare: only about 0.4 people per 100,000 are infected each year in the United States. I dont think at this point, anyone has really considered these microbes and their capability to cause infections, Tracy Mincer, lead author of the Water Research paper and assistant professor of biology at FAUs Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute and Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, said in a statement. We really want to make the public aware of these associated risks. In particular, caution should be exercised regarding the harvest and processing of Sargassum biomass until the risks are explored more thoroughly. The seaweed blob has only been growing: researchers at the University of South Floridas Optical Oceanography Lab found that in March and April, the seaweed clump was estimated to contain about 13 million tons of sargassum, a record amount for that time of year. [more] Seaweed Full of Flesh-Eating Bacteria Hitting Florida Vibrio pangenome analysis of isolates analyzed in this study. The circular phylogram was created using Anvio 7.0 analyses of 16 environmental Vibrio isolates. The colors indicate the respective marine substrate from which each cultivar was isolated: eel leptocephalus (orange), plastic marine debris (red), Sargassum (green), seawater (blue), and type strains (black). All environmental cultivars were tested for biofilm formation, bioluminescence, hemolysis, and phospholipase activity (see Supplemental Information). Results are color-coded in the legend. Average nucleotide identity (ANI) ranges between 100% (dark red) and 70% (pink) are also indicated, with the cladogram at the top right indicating ANI clustering. SCGs indicated by the outer circle denotes single copy genes. Strain names indicated at top continue through the circular dendrogram to the ANI and clade diagram. Graphic: Mincer, et al., 2023 / Water Research Sargasso Sea Vibrio bacteria: Underexplored potential pathovars in a perturbed habitat ABSTRACT: We fully sequenced the genomes of 16 Vibrio cultivars isolated from eel larvae, plastic marine debris (PMD), the pelagic brown macroalga Sargassum, and seawater samples collected from the Caribbean and Sargasso Seas of the North Atlantic Ocean. Annotation and mapping of these 16 bacterial genome sequences to a PMD-derived Vibrio metagenome-assembled genome created for this study showcased vertebrate pathogen genes closely-related to cholera and non-cholera pathovars. Phenotype testing of cultivars confirmed rapid biofilm formation, hemolytic, and lipophospholytic activities, consistent with pathogenic potential. Our study illustrates that open ocean vibrios represent a heretofore undescribed group of microbes, some representing potential new species, possessing an amalgam of pathogenic and low nutrient acquisition genes, reflecting their pelagic habitat and the substrates and hosts they colonize. Sargasso Sea Vibrio bacteria: Underexplored potential pathovars in a perturbed habitat Pope Francis will travel in early September to Mongolia a country with few Catholic faithful but that is strategically significant for the Roman Catholic Church due to its proximity to China. The Vatican announced the trip (31 August to 4 September) in a brief statement on Saturday, saying it was being made at the invitation of the country's president and Catholic leaders. Details would be announced in the next few weeks, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said. Last August, Francis named Archbishop Giorgio Marengo, an Italian, the first cardinal to be based in Mongolia, where he is the Catholic Church's administrator. Marengo was in Rome last month and met with the pope to discuss the trip. Francis first spoke of the possibility of going to Mongolia in a conversation with reporters aboard the papal plane returning from a trip to Africa in February. According to Fides, the news agency of the Vatican's missionary activities, there are about 1,300 baptized Catholics in Mongolia among a population of about 3.3 million people. The US State Department says about 60 percent of the population identifies as religious while the remainder has no religious identity. Among those who express a religious identity, 87.1 percent identify as Buddhist, 5.4 pecent as Muslim, 4.2 percent as Shamanist, 2.2 percent as Christian, and 1.1 percent as followers of other religions. Close ties with China Although the number of Catholics in Mongolia is smaller that most individual parish churches in many countries, the country is significant for the Vatican. It has a long border and close ties with China, where the Vatican is trying to improve the situation of the estimated 12 million Catholics in the communist country. The Vatican has not had diplomatic relations with Beijing since 1951, but signed an accord in 2018 on the appointment of bishops Mongolia, once known as Outer Mongolia, was part of China until 1921, when it achieved independence with the help of the then Soviet Union. Inner Mongolia remained part of China. Visiting places where Catholics are a minority is also part of Francis' policy of drawing attention to people and problems in what he has called the peripheries of society and of the world. He still has not visited most of the capitals of Western Europe in his 10 years as head of the 1.3 billion-member Church. Francis is due to visit Portugal from 2-6 August to attend the World Youth Day in Lisbon and visit the Shrine of Fatima. He has said he said he would probably go to India next year. (with newswires) Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, has reiterated the governments commitment to swiftly restore Ghanas economic fortunes in the shortest possible time. Speaking at MTN Groups 2023 Capital Market Day (CMD) in Johannesburg, South Africa, a two-day event aimed at engaging with stakeholders in the financial community, Mr. Ofori-Atta expressed the governments determination to revitalize the economy. He acknowledged that Ghana had faced challenges due to external factors such as the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. As a result, the government sought financial assistance from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to mitigate the effects on the economy. Despite these challenges, Mr. Ofori-Atta emphasized that the government remained resolute and was implementing measures to navigate through the difficulties and restore economic stability. Furthermore, He said the government aimed to create a conducive environment for businesses to thrive, generate employment opportunities, and drive economic growth. We are concentrating on boosting agricultural productivity, promoting local industries, and investing in critical infrastructure projects, Mr. Ofori-Atta said, adding, We will establish a conducive environment for businesses to thrive, generate employment opportunities, and drive economic growth. We will maintain responsible fiscal policies, improve revenue generation, and prioritize the efficient allocation of resources. These measures will ensure that our economic revival efforts are sustainable in the long run. We understand the hardships our citizens are facing, and we empathize with their concerns. That is why we are leaving no stone unturned in our efforts to expedite the recovery process. -Citi Newsroom JPMorgan ActiveBuilders International Equity ETF (NYSEARCA:JIDA Get Rating) shares were down 1% during trading on Wednesday . The company traded as low as $43.67 and last traded at $43.67. Approximately 24 shares traded hands during trading, a decline of 98% from the average daily volume of 1,121 shares. The stock had previously closed at $44.13. JPMorgan ActiveBuilders International Equity ETF Stock Performance The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $44.72 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $43.31. The firm has a market cap of $26.93 million, a PE ratio of 10.27 and a beta of 0.90. Get JPMorgan ActiveBuilders International Equity ETF alerts: Hedge Funds Weigh In On JPMorgan ActiveBuilders International Equity ETF Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. OLD Mission Capital LLC boosted its holdings in JPMorgan ActiveBuilders International Equity ETF by 211.7% in the 3rd quarter. OLD Mission Capital LLC now owns 22,059 shares of the companys stock worth $776,000 after buying an additional 14,983 shares during the last quarter. Jane Street Group LLC boosted its holdings in JPMorgan ActiveBuilders International Equity ETF by 8.6% in the 1st quarter. Jane Street Group LLC now owns 10,529 shares of the companys stock worth $477,000 after buying an additional 835 shares during the last quarter. Flow Traders U.S. LLC boosted its holdings in JPMorgan ActiveBuilders International Equity ETF by 46.0% in the 1st quarter. Flow Traders U.S. LLC now owns 7,189 shares of the companys stock worth $325,000 after buying an additional 2,265 shares during the last quarter. Advisor Group Holdings Inc. boosted its holdings in JPMorgan ActiveBuilders International Equity ETF by 109.2% in the 4th quarter. Advisor Group Holdings Inc. now owns 703 shares of the companys stock worth $29,000 after buying an additional 367 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Citadel Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in JPMorgan ActiveBuilders International Equity ETF in the 3rd quarter worth about $226,000. About JPMorgan ActiveBuilders International Equity ETF The JPMorgan ActiveBuilders International Equity ETF (JIDA) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in total market equity. The fund actively selects global equities of any market cap outside the US using a top-down and bottom-up approach in seeking to provide long-term capital appreciation. JIDA was launched on Jul 7, 2021 and is managed by JPMorgan Chase. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for JPMorgan ActiveBuilders International Equity ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for JPMorgan ActiveBuilders International Equity ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Nuvei Co. (TSE:NVEI Get Rating) dropped 1.5% during trading on Wednesday . The company traded as low as C$41.08 and last traded at C$42.59. Approximately 799,611 shares were traded during trading, an increase of 149% from the average daily volume of 321,012 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$43.25. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Separately, Royal Bank of Canada reaffirmed a buy rating and set a C$50.00 price objective on shares of Nuvei in a research report on Thursday, March 9th. One analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Nuvei currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of C$54.00. Get Nuvei alerts: Nuvei Stock Performance The stocks 50-day simple moving average is C$52.09 and its 200 day simple moving average is C$46.00. The stock has a market capitalization of C$2.57 billion, a P/E ratio of 102.22, a PEG ratio of 0.23 and a beta of 2.77. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 67.56, a current ratio of 1.01 and a quick ratio of 1.05. Nuvei Company Profile Nuvei Corporation provides payment technology solutions to merchants and partners in North America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Latin America, and the Asia Pacific. It provides a suite of payment solutions to support lifecycle of a transaction across mobile or in-app, online, unattended, and in-store channels. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Nuvei Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Nuvei and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Advance Auto Parts (NYSE:AAP Get Rating) was downgraded by investment analysts at The Goldman Sachs Group from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a report issued on Thursday, The Fly reports. They currently have a $82.00 target price on the stock, down from their prior target price of $155.00. The Goldman Sachs Groups price objective would suggest a potential upside of 21.40% from the companys current price. Several other equities analysts have also recently issued reports on the company. Morgan Stanley lowered their price target on Advance Auto Parts from $165.00 to $155.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, March 1st. StockNews.com started coverage on Advance Auto Parts in a research note on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a buy rating on the stock. Wells Fargo & Company reduced their price target on Advance Auto Parts from $150.00 to $125.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, May 15th. DA Davidson lowered their target price on Advance Auto Parts from $170.00 to $142.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, March 1st. Finally, Roth Capital reiterated a neutral rating and issued a $140.00 price target (down from $180.00) on shares of Advance Auto Parts in a research note on Monday, February 13th. Seventeen research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $104.42. Get Advance Auto Parts alerts: Advance Auto Parts Stock Performance Advance Auto Parts stock opened at $67.55 on Thursday. Advance Auto Parts has a 12 month low of $66.27 and a 12 month high of $212.25. The stocks 50-day moving average is $118.32 and its 200-day moving average is $135.26. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.68, a current ratio of 1.24 and a quick ratio of 0.21. The company has a market cap of $4.00 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 8.17, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.02 and a beta of 1.12. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Advance Auto Parts Advance Auto Parts ( NYSE:AAP Get Rating ) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, May 31st. The company reported $0.72 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $2.60 by ($1.88). The firm had revenue of $3.42 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.43 billion. Advance Auto Parts had a return on equity of 22.67% and a net margin of 3.61%. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $3.57 EPS. Equities analysts anticipate that Advance Auto Parts will post 6.25 earnings per share for the current year. A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in AAP. Private Advisor Group LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Advance Auto Parts in the 1st quarter worth about $232,000. MetLife Investment Management LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Advance Auto Parts by 21.9% during the 1st quarter. MetLife Investment Management LLC now owns 16,965 shares of the companys stock worth $3,511,000 after acquiring an additional 3,046 shares during the last quarter. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS raised its position in Advance Auto Parts by 5.5% in the 1st quarter. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS now owns 8,343 shares of the companys stock worth $1,727,000 after purchasing an additional 435 shares during the period. Cibc World Market Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Advance Auto Parts by 120.6% during the 1st quarter. Cibc World Market Inc. now owns 11,593 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,399,000 after purchasing an additional 6,338 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Blair William & Co. IL boosted its stake in Advance Auto Parts by 14.4% during the first quarter. Blair William & Co. IL now owns 4,620 shares of the companys stock worth $956,000 after acquiring an additional 582 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 96.04% of the companys stock. About Advance Auto Parts (Get Rating) Advance Auto Parts, Inc engages in the supply and distribution of aftermarket automotive products for both professional installers and do-it-yourself customers. It operates through the following segments: Advance Auto Parts/Carquest U.S., Carquest Canada, Worldpac, and Independents. The company was founded by Arthur Taubman in 1929 and is headquartered in Raleigh, NC. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Advance Auto Parts Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Advance Auto Parts and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Advisors Capital Management LLC raised its position in Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN Get Rating) by 1.8% in the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 102,586 shares of the information technology services providers stock after acquiring an additional 1,831 shares during the period. Advisors Capital Management LLCs holdings in Accenture were worth $27,374,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other large investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. United Bank raised its holdings in shares of Accenture by 6.3% in 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. raised its holdings in shares of Accenture by 1.3% in 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 acquired a new position in shares of Accenture in the 1st quarter worth approximately $1,805,000. Guardian Wealth Management Inc. raised 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 buying an additional 41 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Clearbridge Investments LLC raised 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 buying an additional 225,943 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 73.97% of the companys stock. Get Accenture alerts: Insider Buying and Selling In related news, insider Ellyn Shook sold 5,250 shares of Accenture stock in a transaction dated Monday, April 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $275.90, for a total transaction of $1,448,475.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 26,908 shares in the company, valued at $7,423,917.20. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. In other news, insider Jean-Marc Ollagnier sold 6,250 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, April 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $280.06, for a total value of $1,750,375.00. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 174,084 shares of the companys stock, valued at $48,753,965.04. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, insider Ellyn Shook sold 5,250 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, April 24th. The shares were sold at an average price of $275.90, for a total value of $1,448,475.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 26,908 shares in the company, valued at approximately $7,423,917.20. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last 90 days, insiders sold 15,010 shares of company stock worth $4,180,030. Company insiders own 0.08% of the companys stock. Accenture Price Performance Shares of ACN traded up $6.19 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $311.39. The stock had a trading volume of 2,272,721 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,809,501. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $282.43 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $278.30. Accenture plc has a twelve month low of $242.80 and a twelve month high of $322.88. The firm has a market cap of $196.76 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 28.68, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.78 and a beta of 1.24. Accenture (NYSE:ACN Get Rating) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, March 23rd. The information technology services provider reported $2.69 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.49 by $0.20. The company had revenue of $15.81 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $15.59 billion. Accenture had a return on equity of 30.73% and a net margin of 11.00%. Accentures revenue for the quarter was up 5.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $2.54 EPS. Analysts forecast that Accenture plc will post 11.57 EPS for the current fiscal year. Accenture Announces Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, May 15th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, April 13th were issued a $1.12 dividend. This represents a $4.48 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.44%. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, April 12th. Accentures payout ratio is 41.25%. Analyst Ratings Changes ACN has been the subject of a number of recent research reports. Wells Fargo & Company increased their target price on Accenture from $289.00 to $294.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a report on Friday, March 24th. Morgan Stanley decreased their price target on Accenture from $340.00 to $325.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, March 15th. William Blair restated an outperform rating on shares of Accenture in a research report on Monday, March 20th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price target on Accenture from $311.00 to $314.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, March 24th. Finally, Piper Jaffray Companies increased their price target on Accenture from $245.00 to $250.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a research report on Monday, March 27th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have given a hold rating and twelve have assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Hold and an average target price 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. See Also 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. Ashland Inc. (NYSE:ASH Get Rating) has been given a consensus rating of Hold by the nine research firms that are currently covering the firm, Marketbeat reports. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, one has issued a hold rating and two have assigned a buy rating to the company. The average twelve-month target price among analysts that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $121.25. ASH has been the topic of a number of research reports. Wells Fargo & Company lowered their price objective on shares of Ashland from $110.00 to $100.00 in a research note on Thursday, May 4th. Stifel Nicolaus decreased their price target on shares of Ashland from $145.00 to $142.00 in a research note on Thursday, May 4th. Mizuho decreased their price target on shares of Ashland from $139.00 to $129.00 in a research note on Thursday, May 4th. BMO Capital Markets decreased their price target on shares of Ashland from $135.00 to $109.00 in a research note on Thursday, May 4th. Finally, StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Ashland in a research note on Thursday, May 18th. They set a hold rating on the stock. Get Ashland alerts: Institutional Investors Weigh In On Ashland Several hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of ASH. BlackRock Inc. raised its holdings in Ashland by 2.3% in the first quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 4,634,183 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $475,977,000 after buying an additional 102,728 shares during the period. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP raised its holdings in Ashland by 1.2% in the first quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 2,348,868 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $241,252,000 after buying an additional 26,924 shares during the period. Neuberger Berman Group LLC raised its holdings in Ashland by 2.2% in the first quarter. Neuberger Berman Group LLC now owns 1,890,175 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $194,139,000 after buying an additional 40,017 shares during the period. State Street Corp raised its holdings in Ashland by 0.6% in the first quarter. State Street Corp now owns 1,800,326 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $184,911,000 after buying an additional 11,482 shares during the period. Finally, Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA raised its holdings in Ashland by 0.5% in the third quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA now owns 1,645,262 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $156,251,000 after buying an additional 8,086 shares during the period. 92.21% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Ashland Stock Performance Shares of ASH opened at $89.34 on Friday. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $95.95 and a 200-day simple moving average of $102.71. The company has a quick ratio of 1.91, a current ratio of 3.46 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.41. The company has a market capitalization of $4.85 billion, a PE ratio of 21.84 and a beta of 0.99. Ashland has a 52-week low of $84.73 and a 52-week high of $114.36. Ashland (NYSE:ASH Get Rating) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, May 2nd. The basic materials company reported $1.43 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.52 by ($0.09). The company had revenue of $603.00 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $627.61 million. Ashland had a net margin of 9.32% and a return on equity of 9.66%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was down .2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $1.50 EPS. Equities research analysts predict that Ashland will post 5.95 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Ashland Increases Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, June 15th. Investors of record on Thursday, June 1st will be given a $0.385 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, May 31st. This is a boost from Ashlands previous quarterly dividend of $0.34. This represents a $1.54 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.72%. Ashlands dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 37.65%. About Ashland (Get Rating) Ashland, Inc engages in the provision of architectural coatings, construction, energy, food and beverage, nutraceuticals, personal care, and pharmaceutical products. It operates through the following segments: Life Sciences, Personal Care, Special Additives, and Intermediates. The company was founded in 1924 and is headquartered in Wilmington, DE. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Ashland Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ashland and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. (NYSE:BBVA Get Rating) have been given an average rating of Moderate Buy by the twelve analysts that are presently covering the company, Marketbeat Ratings reports. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation and four have issued a buy recommendation on the company. The average 12-month price objective among brokers that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $6.38. Several research analysts recently commented on BBVA shares. HSBC upgraded shares of Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Friday, April 28th. StockNews.com lowered Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a report on Friday, May 26th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods upgraded Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria from an underperform rating to a market perform rating in a report on Friday, March 31st. Finally, Barclays began coverage on shares of Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria in a research report on Friday, May 26th. They set an equal weight rating on the stock. Get Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria alerts: Institutional Investors Weigh In On Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria Large investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Raymond James & Associates boosted its stake in Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria by 21.4% in the 1st quarter. Raymond James & Associates now owns 733,348 shares of the banks stock valued at $4,173,000 after buying an additional 129,165 shares in the last quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp increased its position in shares of Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria by 6.9% during the 1st quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 643,708 shares of the banks stock worth $3,664,000 after purchasing an additional 41,706 shares in the last quarter. American Century Companies Inc. lifted its holdings in Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria by 4.0% during the 1st quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 393,935 shares of the banks stock valued at $2,241,000 after purchasing an additional 15,070 shares during the last quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC grew its stake in Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria by 32.6% during the first quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC now owns 35,093 shares of the banks stock worth $196,000 after buying an additional 8,633 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Private Advisor Group LLC increased its holdings in shares of Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria by 24.6% during the first quarter. Private Advisor Group LLC now owns 18,972 shares of the banks stock worth $108,000 after buying an additional 3,749 shares in the last quarter. 2.51% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria Price Performance NYSE BBVA opened at $7.00 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $44.71 billion, a P/E ratio of 6.31 and a beta of 1.27. The stocks 50-day moving average is $7.08 and its two-hundred day moving average is $6.78. Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria has a fifty-two week low of $3.93 and a fifty-two week high of $7.93. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.10, a current ratio of 1.02 and a quick ratio of 1.02. Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria (NYSE:BBVA Get Rating) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, April 27th. The bank reported $0.31 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria had a return on equity of 14.62% and a net margin of 26.27%. The firm had revenue of $7.46 billion during the quarter. On average, analysts anticipate that Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria will post 1.3 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria Company Profile (Get Rating) Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria SA engages in the traditional banking businesses of retail banking, asset management, private banking, and wholesale banking. It operates through the following segments: Spain, the United States, Mexico, Turkey, South America, and Rest of Eurasia. The Spain segment includes mainly the banking and insurance business that the group carries out in Spain. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. BayWa Aktiengesellschaft (ETR:BYW6 Get Rating) was up 1.6% during trading on Friday . The stock traded as high as 38.45 ($41.34) and last traded at 38.30 ($41.18). Approximately 19,679 shares changed hands during trading, a decline of 26% from the average daily volume of 26,697 shares. The stock had previously closed at 37.70 ($40.54). BayWa Aktiengesellschaft Stock Performance The stock has a market cap of $1.33 billion, a P/E ratio of 8.01, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.46 and a beta of 0.84. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 330.67, a quick ratio of 0.48 and a current ratio of 1.54. The firms 50 day moving average is 38.86 and its 200 day moving average is 41.77. BayWa Aktiengesellschaft Company Profile (Get Rating) BayWa Aktiengesellschaft provides wholesale, retail, logistics, and support and consultancy services in Germany and internationally. The company's Renewable Energies segment plans, manages, and constructs wind farms and solar park. It is also involved in the power production activities. Its Energy segment supplies heating oil, fuels, and lubricants, as well as wood pellets and heating solutions. Read More Receive News & Ratings for BayWa Aktiengesellschaft Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for BayWa Aktiengesellschaft and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. BI Asset Management Fondsmaeglerselskab A S boosted its stake in shares of The Bank of New York Mellon Co. (NYSE:BK Get Rating) by 69.7% during the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 28,789 shares of the banks stock after buying an additional 11,822 shares during the period. BI Asset Management Fondsmaeglerselskab A Ss holdings in Bank of New York Mellon were worth $1,310,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of BK. Acadian Asset Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of Bank of New York Mellon by 160.0% in the 1st quarter. Acadian Asset Management LLC now owns 5,358 shares of the banks stock valued at $263,000 after purchasing an additional 3,297 shares during the period. Prudential PLC acquired a new position in shares of Bank of New York Mellon in the 1st quarter valued at about $1,096,000. Cetera Investment Advisers increased its holdings in shares of Bank of New York Mellon by 3.3% in the 1st quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 35,635 shares of the banks stock valued at $1,769,000 after purchasing an additional 1,154 shares during the period. Candriam Luxembourg S.C.A. increased its holdings in shares of Bank of New York Mellon by 54.3% in the 1st quarter. Candriam Luxembourg S.C.A. now owns 232,115 shares of the banks stock valued at $11,519,000 after purchasing an additional 81,728 shares during the period. Finally, Zions Bancorporation N.A. increased its holdings in shares of Bank of New York Mellon by 165.3% in the 1st quarter. Zions Bancorporation N.A. now owns 1,459 shares of the banks stock valued at $72,000 after purchasing an additional 909 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 82.29% of the companys stock. Get Bank of New York Mellon alerts: Bank of New York Mellon Stock Up 3.6 % BK opened at $42.73 on Friday. The Bank of New York Mellon Co. has a 1-year low of $36.22 and a 1-year high of $52.26. The company has a current ratio of 0.69, a quick ratio of 0.69 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.92. The stock has a market capitalization of $33.72 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 13.52, a P/E/G ratio of 1.09 and a beta of 1.07. The business has a 50 day moving average of $42.72 and a 200-day moving average of $45.74. Bank of New York Mellon Dividend Announcement Bank of New York Mellon ( NYSE:BK Get Rating ) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, April 18th. The bank reported $1.12 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.09 by $0.03. The business had revenue of $4.36 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.40 billion. Bank of New York Mellon had a return on equity of 11.45% and a net margin of 11.98%. Bank of New York Mellons revenue was up 11.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $0.86 earnings per share. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that The Bank of New York Mellon Co. will post 4.73 earnings per share for the current year. The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, May 11th. Investors of record on Friday, April 28th were paid a $0.37 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, April 27th. This represents a $1.48 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.46%. Bank of New York Mellons payout ratio is 46.84%. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of research firms recently commented on BK. StockNews.com began coverage on Bank of New York Mellon in a report on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. Barclays dropped their price objective on Bank of New York Mellon from $64.00 to $62.00 in a report on Wednesday, April 12th. Royal Bank of Canada increased their price objective on Bank of New York Mellon from $44.00 to $49.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a report on Wednesday, April 19th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft dropped their price objective on Bank of New York Mellon from $42.00 to $41.00 in a report on Wednesday, April 19th. Finally, Evercore ISI dropped their price objective on Bank of New York Mellon from $49.00 to $46.00 in a report on Friday, May 12th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, six have issued a hold rating and six have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Bank of New York Mellon has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $51.61. About Bank of New York Mellon (Get Rating) The Bank of New York Mellon Corp. is a bank holding company, which engages in the provision of financial services. It operates through the following segments: Securities Services, Market and Wealth Services, Investment and Wealth Management, and Other segment. The Securities Services segment includes Asset Servicing business, which provides global custody, fund accounting, integrated middle-office solutions, transfer agency and data and analytics solutions. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Bank of New York Mellon Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bank of New York Mellon and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Construction workers walk in the sun amid a yellow alert for heatwave in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, China, 2 June 2023. Photo: David Kirton / REUTERS By David Kirton 2 June 2023 BEIJING (Reuters) Heatwaves tormenting parts of southern and eastern China are set to persist through June, putting power grids under strain as air conditioners are turned on full blast at homes, offices and factories in mega-cities like Shanghai and Shenzhen. In the next three days, most of southern China is expected to suffer temperatures of more than 35 Celsius (95 Fahrenheit), with temperatures in some areas exceeding 40C, national forecasters said on Friday. Extreme hot weather beset China, like many part of Asia in recent weeks, even before summer arrived. In the southern city of Shenzhen, it was 33C on Friday, but the humidity made it feel far hotter, especially for a couple toiling alone on a construction site under the sun. Its hot, but theres nothing to be done, weve got to make money for the family, Zhao told Reuters as he laid bricks, while Yang, his wife, swept up rubble. Our bosses havent been pushing other workers to return from lunch sooner, as several of us have been hospitalised for heatstroke, Zhao said. Some parts of Shenzhen suffered intermittent power outages at the start of the week, but according to local media, less than 2,000 households were affected in the city of more than 17 million people. On Monday, Shanghai, in eastern China, endured its hottest day in May in more than a century, while provinces in the south have had little respite from the heatwaves. Im not surprised that they are occurring, and not surprised that they are worse. But how they are occurring its just been week on week on week of these records being shattered, said Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick, a climate scientist with the University of New South Wales. Its just relentless. 15 May 2023: China is gearing up for an early arrival of summer weather after scorching weather in major cities triggered unexpected heat advisories. Beijing and Shanghai reported temperatures around 35 degrees Celsius (95F) on May 15, 2023. Experts said the sudden change could threaten electricity supplies, crops and the economy. Video: SCMP Electricity demand Demand for electricity in southern manufacturing hubs, including Guangdong, has surged in recent days, with China Southern Power Grid, one of the countrys two grid operators, seeing peak power load exceeding 200 million kilowatts weeks earlier than normal and close to historical highs. In recent days, the power load in Hainan rose above 7 million kW for the first time, and also hit record highs in Guangxi, according to state media reports, with further rises expected in other southern provinces including Yunnan and Guizhou in coming days. Mei, owner of a massage parlour in Shenzhen, lamented that she was already having to turn on the air-conditioning. Normally it gets hot gradually in June, but this year has been really sudden, she said, declining to give her full name. Its around 1,000 yuan ($145) a month to run, but customers need it. Nationwide temperatures this month will about the same as a year earlier, but in parts of the Yangtze River delta, including Shanghai, as well as parts of southwest China, such as Sichuan and Yunnan, temperatures will be 1-2 degrees higher, Gao Rong, deputy director of the National Climate Centre, told a press conference on Friday. In the summer of 2022, extreme heat in China pushed authorities to ration power use. Hydropower output, key in giant provinces such as Sichuan, was also hit due to prolonged drought-like conditions. Powerful convection weather has also wreaked havoc in central China in recent weeks, with protracted downpours and even hail devastating the countrys ongoing wheat harvest. In Henan province, known as the granary of China, moderate to heavy rains are expected to continue till at least June 4. ($1 = 6.9121 Chinese yuan renminbi) Southern China swelters, power grids struggle under relentless heatwaves Tourists holding umbrellas visit Shanghai during a heat wave on 29 May 2023. In 2023, the city recorded its highest May temperature in more than 100 years. Photo: Wang Gang / VCG / Getty Images Pigs, rabbits and fish are dying from searing temperatures in China By Laura He 2 June 2023 (CNN) With parts of China experiencing record high temperatures and heavy rains, reports of farm animals and crops suffering from extreme weather patterns are dominating headlines in the country, raising concerns about food security in the worlds second largest economy. China experienced its worst heat wave and drought in decades during the summer of 2022, which caused widespread power shortages and disrupted food and industrial supply chains. This year, extreme heat has ravaged many parts of the country even earlier than last year. Pigs, rabbits and fish have been dying from the searing temperatures, and wheat fields in central China have been flooded by the heaviest rainfall in a decade. Meanwhile, officials are worried that drought could hit the Yangtze River basin, Chinas main rice-growing region, in the coming months. Since March, temperatures in dozens of Chinese cities have hit record seasonal highs. The heat wave has escalated in recent days, with a number of cities in Yunnan and Sichuan provinces suffering record-breaking temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius or 104 degrees Fahrenheit. By Wednesday, 578 national weather stations located in different cities across the country recorded their highest ever temperatures for this time of year, according to the China Meteorological Administration. Extreme weather such as drought and floods may disrupt the food production order and bring more uncertainties to the supply of food and oil, Sheng Xia, chief agricultural analyst for Citic Securities, wrote in a research report on Wednesday. A worker uses a digital thermometer to record a surface temperature of 42.6C (108.7F) in Beijing, China on 15 May 2023. Photo: China Central Television / SCMP He warned of increasing threats to food security this year because of the looming El Nino, a natural phenomenon in the tropical Pacific Ocean that brings warmer-than-average temperatures. El Nino could, for the first time, push the world past 1.5 degrees Celsius of warming above the pre-industrial levels of the mid-to-late 1800s. For China, the El Nino event will easily lead to increased climate uncertainty in the Yangtze River Basin, causing flooding in the south and drought in the north, and cold summer in the northeast, said Sheng. Last month, the World Meteorological Organization said the likelihood of El Nino developing later this year was increasing. Following last years severe heat wave and drought, Beijing strengthened its focus on food security. In March, Chinese leader Xi Jinping said agriculture was the foundation of national security. Once somethings wrong with agriculture, our bowls will be held in someone elses hands and well have to depend on others for food. How can we achieve modernization in that case? he said in an article published in March by Qiushi, the Communist Partys main theoretical journal. Animals killed In recent days, reports of farm animals killed by extreme heat have dominated the news. At a farm in eastern Jiangsu province, hundreds of pigs died this week after a sudden power outage caused fans to stop working at night, according to several state media reports. The pigs suffocated to death amid extreme heat and poor air circulation, Jimu News, a government-owned news website, cited an unnamed employee at the farm as saying. The heat wave was blamed for killing large numbers of farmed carp living in rice fields in the southwestern region of Guangxi. Villagers told the South of China Today newspaper on Wednesday that their fish were burned to death as water temperatures soared due to hot weather. The prices of rabbit heads, a signature dish in Sichuan, have surged in recent days as high temperatures caused rabbit deaths on farms, resulting in tighter supply. Spicy rabbit heads are a popular street food in the southwestern province, where residents consume more than 200 million of the heads a year, according to industry association figures. A farmer harvests wheat in Pingdingshan, Henan province, on 30 May 2023. Photo: Shi Guangming / VCG / Getty Images Crops damaged Extreme weather conditions have also affected the countrys largest wheat-growing region. Heavy rainfall flooded the wheat fields of Henan, a central province which accounts for a quarter of Chinas production, in the last week of May, just days before harvest time. The rains caused some grain crops to sprout or go moldy. The ruined crop accounted for 20% of some farmers yields for the whole year, according to the state-run China Media Group. It was said to be the worst rainfall taking place near harvest season in more than a decade. And more extreme weather events are likely to come. From May to September, drought and flooding might occur simultaneously, with more extreme climate events such as heavy rainfall and heat waves hitting the country, according to a recent estimate by the national climate center. Sheng noted that the heat wave and lack of rainfall in the far western region of Xinjiang had already affected some corn and wheat production. In the next few months, precipitation in the middle reaches of the mighty Yangtze River, which bisects the country, may be significantly reduced, according to an official estimate. That could lead to a drought and affect the regions rice crops, he said. The Yangtze River basin provides more than two thirds of Chinas rice, a major food staple at home and abroad. Pigs, rabbits and fish are dying from searing temperatures in China Roth Capital upgraded shares of Boston Beer (NYSE:SAM Get Rating) from a neutral rating to a buy rating in a research note issued to investors on Tuesday morning, PriceTargets.com reports. SAM has been the subject of several other research reports. Roth Mkm upgraded shares of Boston Beer from a neutral rating to a buy rating and upped their price target for the company from $274.00 to $386.00 in a research report on Tuesday. Sanford C. Bernstein downgraded shares of Boston Beer from a market perform rating to an underperform rating and reduced their price target for the company from $320.00 to $255.00 in a research report on Thursday, February 16th. Morgan Stanley reduced their price target on shares of Boston Beer from $270.00 to $260.00 in a research report on Friday, April 28th. UBS Group reduced their price target on shares of Boston Beer from $364.00 to $349.00 in a research report on Friday, April 28th. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft upped their price target on shares of Boston Beer from $291.00 to $297.00 in a research report on Friday, April 28th. Six analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, six have assigned a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $307.75. Get Boston Beer alerts: Boston Beer Price Performance SAM stock opened at $342.49 on Tuesday. Boston Beer has a 12 month low of $287.00 and a 12 month high of $422.75. The firm has a market cap of $4.20 billion, a PE ratio of 70.47 and a beta of 1.08. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $320.52 and a 200 day simple moving average of $339.99. Insider Transactions at Boston Beer Boston Beer ( NYSE:SAM Get Rating ) last released its earnings results on Thursday, April 27th. The company reported ($0.73) EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of ($0.32) by ($0.41). Boston Beer had a net margin of 2.82% and a return on equity of 7.58%. The business had revenue of $410.00 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $412.47 million. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned ($0.16) earnings per share. The firms revenue for the quarter was down 4.7% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that Boston Beer will post 7.24 earnings per share for the current year. In other news, VP Annette N. Fritsch sold 220 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, March 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $318.37, for a total transaction of $70,041.40. Following the transaction, the vice president now owns 1,397 shares in the company, valued at approximately $444,762.89. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. In other news, VP Annette N. Fritsch sold 220 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, March 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $318.37, for a total transaction of $70,041.40. Following the transaction, the vice president now owns 1,397 shares in the company, valued at approximately $444,762.89. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, CEO David A. Burwick sold 1,644 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, May 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $326.38, for a total transaction of $536,568.72. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 47,910 shares of the companys stock, valued at $15,636,865.80. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 23.30% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Institutional Trading of Boston Beer Several large investors have recently modified their holdings of SAM. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted its holdings in shares of Boston Beer by 2.0% during the 1st quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 16,610 shares of the companys stock worth $6,452,000 after buying an additional 333 shares during the period. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Boston Beer by 64.3% during the 1st quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. now owns 1,778 shares of the companys stock worth $691,000 after buying an additional 696 shares during the period. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Boston Beer by 3.3% during the 1st quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 2,961 shares of the companys stock worth $1,151,000 after buying an additional 95 shares during the period. Bank of Montreal Can boosted its holdings in Boston Beer by 220.8% in the 1st quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 6,080 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,414,000 after purchasing an additional 4,185 shares during the period. Finally, MetLife Investment Management LLC boosted its holdings in Boston Beer by 42.6% in the 1st quarter. MetLife Investment Management LLC now owns 6,488 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,520,000 after purchasing an additional 1,938 shares during the period. 68.72% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Boston Beer Company Profile (Get Rating) Boston Beer Co, Inc engages in the production of alcoholic beverages. Its brands include Truly Hard Seltzer, Twisted Tea, Samuel Adams, Angry Orchard, Hard Cider and Dogfish Head Craft Brewery. Boston Beer produces alcohol beverages, including hard seltzer, malt beverages (beers), and hard cider at company-owned breweries and its cidery, and under contract arrangements at other brewery locations. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Boston Beer Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Boston Beer and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Bunker Hill Mining Corp. (OTCMKTS:BHLL Get Rating)s stock price rose 8.4% during trading on Friday . The company traded as high as $0.20 and last traded at $0.19. Approximately 450,455 shares changed hands during trading, an increase of 91% from the average daily volume of 235,766 shares. The stock had previously closed at $0.17. Bunker Hill Mining Stock Up 8.4 % The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $0.11 and a 200 day simple moving average of $0.11. The firm has a market capitalization of $45.66 million, a P/E ratio of 9.27 and a beta of 2.01. Bunker Hill Mining Company Profile (Get Rating) Bunker Hill Mining Corp., a mineral exploration company, engages in the acquisition, development, and mining of mineral properties in Canada and the United States. It focuses on exploring for zinc, lead, and silver ores. It holds an option agreement to acquire interest in the Bunker Hill mine located in the Silver Valley, Idaho. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Bunker Hill Mining Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bunker Hill Mining and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Citigroup initiated coverage on shares of Orange (NYSE:ORAN Get Rating) in a report issued on Tuesday, The Fly reports. The firm issued a neutral rating on the technology companys stock. Other analysts have also issued research reports about the company. Barclays upgraded Orange from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday, April 18th. StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Orange in a report on Thursday, May 18th. They set a hold rating for the company. Finally, Morgan Stanley upgraded shares of Orange from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating in a report on Monday, March 27th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $11.17. Get Orange alerts: Orange Trading Down 1.8 % NYSE ORAN opened at $11.46 on Tuesday. The stocks 50-day moving average price is $12.43 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $11.22. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.92, a quick ratio of 0.88 and a current ratio of 0.92. Orange has a 1 year low of $8.81 and a 1 year high of $13.08. Orange Announces Dividend Institutional Inflows and Outflows The business also recently disclosed a Semi-Annual dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, June 22nd. Investors of record on Friday, June 2nd will be paid a $0.343 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, June 1st. Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Ameriprise Financial Inc. grew its position in Orange by 7.4% during the first quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. now owns 77,576 shares of the technology companys stock worth $925,000 after buying an additional 5,313 shares in the last quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased its holdings in Orange by 8.9% in the 1st quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 22,786 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $272,000 after buying an additional 1,867 shares during the period. Centaurus Financial Inc. increased its holdings in Orange by 8.3% in the 1st quarter. Centaurus Financial Inc. now owns 37,387 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $446,000 after buying an additional 2,875 shares during the period. Mercer Global Advisors Inc. ADV increased its holdings in Orange by 112.4% in the 1st quarter. Mercer Global Advisors Inc. ADV now owns 191,630 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $2,286,000 after buying an additional 101,423 shares during the period. Finally, Hancock Whitney Corp lifted its position in shares of Orange by 15.4% during the 1st quarter. Hancock Whitney Corp now owns 33,915 shares of the technology companys stock worth $405,000 after buying an additional 4,521 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 1.09% of the companys stock. About Orange (Get Rating) Orange SA engages as a telecommunication services company, which operates mobile and internet services. It provides telecommunication services to multinational companies, under the brand Orange Business Services. The company was founded in January 1, 1991 and is headquartered in Paris, France. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Orange Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Orange and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Haverty Furniture Companies, Inc. (NYSE:HVT.A Get Rating) was up 1.8% during mid-day trading on Friday . The stock traded as high as $26.60 and last traded at $26.60. Approximately 367 shares changed hands during trading, an increase of 12% from the average daily volume of 329 shares. The stock had previously closed at $26.14. Haverty Furniture Companies Price Performance The company has a market capitalization of $429.59 million, a P/E ratio of 5.47 and a beta of 1.17. The companys 50-day moving average price is $29.16 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $31.83. Get Haverty Furniture Companies alerts: Haverty Furniture Companies (NYSE:HVT.A Get Rating) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, May 2nd. The company reported $0.74 earnings per share for the quarter. The company had revenue of $224.75 million during the quarter. Haverty Furniture Companies Increases Dividend Haverty Furniture Companies Company Profile The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, June 21st. Investors of record on Tuesday, June 6th will be paid a $0.28 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, June 5th. This is an increase from Haverty Furniture Companiess previous quarterly dividend of $0.26. This represents a $1.12 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.21%. Haverty Furniture Companiess dividend payout ratio is 21.40%. (Get Rating) Haverty Furniture Companies, Inc operates as a specialty retailer of residential furniture and accessories in the United States. The company offers furniture merchandise under the Havertys brand name. It also provides custom upholstery products and eclectic looks; and mattress product lines under the Sealy, Tempur-Pedic, and Serta names, as well as private label Skye name. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Haverty Furniture Companies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Haverty Furniture Companies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Hewlett Packard Enterprise (NYSE:HPE Get Rating) issued an update on its FY 2023 earnings guidance on Wednesday morning. The company provided earnings per share guidance of $2.06-$2.14 for the period, compared to the consensus earnings per share estimate of $2.07. The company issued revenue guidance of $29.64 billion-$30.21 billion, compared to the consensus revenue estimate of $29.94 billion. Hewlett Packard Enterprise also updated its Q3 2023 guidance to $0.44-$0.48 EPS. Hewlett Packard Enterprise Price Performance HPE opened at $15.24 on Friday. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $14.88 and a 200-day moving average price of $15.49. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.41, a current ratio of 0.87 and a quick ratio of 0.63. The firm has a market cap of $19.74 billion, a PE ratio of 19.53, a P/E/G ratio of 2.35 and a beta of 1.23. Hewlett Packard Enterprise has a 1 year low of $11.90 and a 1 year high of $17.25. Get Hewlett Packard Enterprise alerts: Hewlett Packard Enterprise (NYSE:HPE Get Rating) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, May 30th. The technology company reported $0.52 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.49 by $0.03. The firm had revenue of $6.97 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $7.30 billion. Hewlett Packard Enterprise had a return on equity of 5.05% and a net margin of 3.46%. Hewlett Packard Enterprises quarterly revenue was up 3.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $0.19 EPS. Sell-side analysts predict that Hewlett Packard Enterprise will post 1.32 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Hewlett Packard Enterprise Announces Dividend Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, July 14th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, June 15th will be given a $0.12 dividend. This represents a $0.48 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.15%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, June 14th. Hewlett Packard Enterprises dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 61.54%. A number of brokerages have weighed in on HPE. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft decreased their target price on Hewlett Packard Enterprise from $16.00 to $15.00 in a research report on Wednesday. Citigroup boosted their target price on Hewlett Packard Enterprise from $13.00 to $14.00 in a research report on Friday, March 3rd. Barclays lowered their price objective on shares of Hewlett Packard Enterprise from $18.00 to $16.00 in a research note on Wednesday. Bank of America boosted their target price on shares of Hewlett Packard Enterprise from $16.00 to $17.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Monday, April 17th. Finally, Morgan Stanley increased their price target on shares of Hewlett Packard Enterprise from $13.00 to $14.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a research report on Friday, March 3rd. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, six have issued a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $16.62. Insider Buying and Selling at Hewlett Packard Enterprise In other news, Director Jean M. Hobby sold 10,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, March 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $15.28, for a total value of $152,800.00. Following the transaction, the director now owns 46,161 shares of the companys stock, valued at $705,340.08. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. In other Hewlett Packard Enterprise news, EVP Thomas E. Black, Jr. sold 34,088 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, March 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $15.05, for a total transaction of $513,024.40. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, Director Jean M. Hobby sold 10,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, March 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $15.28, for a total transaction of $152,800.00. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 46,161 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $705,340.08. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 747,314 shares of company stock valued at $11,291,569 in the last three months. 0.53% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Institutional Trading of Hewlett Packard Enterprise Hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. raised its position in Hewlett Packard Enterprise by 10.8% in the 1st quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. now owns 74,736 shares of the technology companys stock worth $1,249,000 after purchasing an additional 7,285 shares during the period. D.A. Davidson & CO. increased its position in shares of Hewlett Packard Enterprise by 12.6% during the first quarter. D.A. Davidson & CO. now owns 16,151 shares of the technology companys stock worth $270,000 after acquiring an additional 1,809 shares during the period. Raymond James Trust N.A. increased its position in shares of Hewlett Packard Enterprise by 46.4% during the first quarter. Raymond James Trust N.A. now owns 16,080 shares of the technology companys stock worth $269,000 after acquiring an additional 5,095 shares during the period. Blair William & Co. IL increased its position in shares of Hewlett Packard Enterprise by 9.8% during the first quarter. Blair William & Co. IL now owns 332,584 shares of the technology companys stock worth $5,557,000 after acquiring an additional 29,819 shares during the period. Finally, Aviva PLC increased its position in shares of Hewlett Packard Enterprise by 45.8% during the first quarter. Aviva PLC now owns 634,757 shares of the technology companys stock worth $10,607,000 after acquiring an additional 199,382 shares during the period. 81.36% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. About Hewlett Packard Enterprise (Get Rating) Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co is a global edge-to-cloud company, which engages in the provision of information technology, technology and enterprise products, solutions, and services. It operates through the following segments: Compute, High Performance Computing & Artificial Intelligence (HPC & AI), Storage, Intelligent Edge, Financial Services, and Corporate Investments and Other. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Hewlett Packard Enterprise Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Hewlett Packard Enterprise and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. iShares US & Intl High Yield Corp Bond ETF (BATS:GHYG Get Rating) shares were up 0.4% on Friday . The company traded as high as $42.09 and last traded at $41.97. Approximately 54,101 shares were traded during trading, The stock had previously closed at $41.80. iShares US & Intl High Yield Corp Bond ETF Trading Up 0.5 % The businesss fifty day moving average is $42.25 and its two-hundred day moving average is $42.10. Get iShares US & Intl High Yield Corp Bond ETF alerts: Institutional Investors Weigh In On iShares US & Intl High Yield Corp Bond ETF A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in GHYG. Retirement Group LLC bought a new stake in shares of iShares US & Intl High Yield Corp Bond ETF in the 4th quarter valued at about $26,000. Bank of New York Mellon Corp bought a new stake in shares of iShares US & Intl High Yield Corp Bond ETF in the 1st quarter valued at about $325,000. Hilltop Partners LLC bought a new stake in shares of iShares US & Intl High Yield Corp Bond ETF in the 1st quarter valued at about $5,178,000. Finally, Ameriprise Financial Inc. raised its holdings in shares of iShares US & Intl High Yield Corp Bond ETF by 4,635.6% in the 1st quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. now owns 921,073 shares of the companys stock valued at $39,465,000 after purchasing an additional 901,623 shares in the last quarter. iShares US & Intl High Yield Corp Bond ETF Company Profile The iShares US & Intl High Yield Corp Bond ETF (GHYG) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in high yield fixed income. The fund tracks a market-value-weighted index of high-yield bonds issued in developed markets and denominated in local currencies. GHYG was launched on Apr 3, 2012 and is managed by BlackRock. Read More Receive News & Ratings for iShares US & Intl High Yield Corp Bond ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares US & Intl High Yield Corp Bond ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of JPMorgan Brazil Investment Trust (LON:JPB Get Rating) crossed above its fifty day moving average during trading on Wednesday . The stock has a fifty day moving average of GBX 66.50 ($0.82) and traded as high as GBX 66.50 ($0.82). JPMorgan Brazil Investment Trust shares last traded at GBX 66.50 ($0.82), with a volume of 31,267 shares traded. JPMorgan Brazil Investment Trust Trading Down 0.4 % The stocks 50-day moving average is GBX 66.50 and its 200-day moving average is GBX 66.50. About JPMorgan Brazil Investment Trust (Get Rating) JPMorgan Brazil Investment Trust plc is a close-ended equity mutual fund launched and managed by JPMorgan Funds Limited. It invests in the public equity markets of Brazil. The fund seeks to invest in stocks of companies operating across diversified sectors. It invests in stocks of companies across all market capitalizations. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for JPMorgan Brazil Investment Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for JPMorgan Brazil Investment Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Manchester & London Investment Trust plc (LON:MNL Get Rating) crossed above its fifty day moving average during trading on Thursday . The stock has a fifty day moving average of GBX 395.67 ($4.89) and traded as high as GBX 451 ($5.57). Manchester & London Investment Trust shares last traded at GBX 433.50 ($5.36), with a volume of 79,642 shares changing hands. Manchester & London Investment Trust Price Performance The firms fifty day moving average price is GBX 397.33 and its two-hundred day moving average price is GBX 366.06. The stock has a market cap of 185.68 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -278.31 and a beta of 0.43. Get Manchester & London Investment Trust alerts: Manchester & London Investment Trust Dividend Announcement The firm also recently announced a dividend, which was paid on Thursday, May 4th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, April 13th were given a dividend of GBX 7 ($0.09) per share. This represents a dividend yield of 1.92%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, April 13th. Manchester & London Investment Trusts payout ratio is presently -843.37%. Insider Transactions at Manchester & London Investment Trust Manchester & London Investment Trust Company Profile In other news, insider Daren John Morris acquired 7,000 shares of Manchester & London Investment Trust stock in a transaction on Thursday, May 25th. The stock was acquired at an average cost of GBX 437 ($5.40) per share, with a total value of 30,590 ($37,802.77). In related news, insider Daren John Morris bought 7,000 shares of Manchester & London Investment Trust stock in a transaction dated Thursday, May 25th. The stock was purchased at an average cost of GBX 437 ($5.40) per share, with a total value of 30,590 ($37,802.77). Also, insider Daniel Wright bought 2,500 shares of Manchester & London Investment Trust stock in a transaction dated Friday, March 24th. The shares were bought at an average cost of GBX 375 ($4.63) per share, with a total value of 9,375 ($11,585.52). 1.83% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. (Get Rating) Manchester & London Investment Trust plc is a close-ended fund launched and managed by M&L Capital Management Limited. The fund primarily invests in the public equity markets of the United Kingdom. It makes its investments across diversified sectors. The fund primarily invests in growth stocks of companies by employing a fundamental analysis. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Manchester & London Investment Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Manchester & London Investment Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Michelmersh Brick Holdings plc (LON:MBH Get Rating) shares passed below its 200-day moving average during trading on Wednesday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of GBX 93.59 ($1.16) and traded as low as GBX 92 ($1.14). Michelmersh Brick shares last traded at GBX 92 ($1.14), with a volume of 78,189 shares. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of equities analysts recently issued reports on the company. Canaccord Genuity Group reissued a buy rating and set a GBX 180 ($2.22) price target on shares of Michelmersh Brick in a report on Monday, March 27th. Berenberg Bank reaffirmed a buy rating and set a GBX 160 ($1.98) price objective on shares of Michelmersh Brick in a report on Monday, February 20th. Get Michelmersh Brick alerts: Michelmersh Brick Stock Performance The stocks fifty day simple moving average is GBX 92.82 and its 200-day simple moving average is GBX 93.59. The company has a market capitalization of 86.61 million, a PE ratio of 1,011.11 and a beta of 0.97. The company has a quick ratio of 1.56, a current ratio of 1.80 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.44. Michelmersh Brick Increases Dividend Michelmersh Brick Company Profile The company also recently disclosed a dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, July 12th. Investors of record on Thursday, June 8th will be issued a dividend of GBX 2.95 ($0.04) per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, June 8th. This is a boost from Michelmersh Bricks previous dividend of $1.30. This represents a yield of 3.24%. Michelmersh Bricks payout ratio is currently 4,444.44%. (Get Rating) Michelmersh Brick Holdings plc, through its subsidiaries, engages in the manufacture and sale of bricks, tiles, and building products in the United Kingdom and Europe. It offers extruded wire cut facing bricks, clay pavers, paving accessories, and special shaped products under the Blockleys brand; monotone color blends in rustic, drag wire, smooth, and sand faced textures under the Carlton brand; handmade bricks and special products under the Charnwood brand; a spectrum of bricks under the Floren.be brand; clamp-fired stock facing bricks in various textural finishes under the Freshfield Lane brand; traditional hand pressed architectural terra cotta and faience, and various architectural components under the Hathern Terra Cotta brand; and facing bricks and special shaped bricks under the Michelmersh brand. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Michelmersh Brick Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Michelmersh Brick and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Omega Healthcare Investors (NYSE:OHI Get Rating) had its price objective decreased by Mizuho from $32.00 to $31.00 in a report released on Tuesday morning, The Fly reports. OHI has been the subject of a number of other reports. Stifel Nicolaus lowered their price target on Omega Healthcare Investors from $36.00 to $33.00 in a report on Wednesday, May 3rd. Credit Suisse Group reiterated an underperform rating and set a $25.00 target price on shares of Omega Healthcare Investors in a research report on Friday, March 31st. Wells Fargo & Company initiated coverage on shares of Omega Healthcare Investors in a research note on Wednesday, April 19th. They set an overweight rating and a $30.00 price target for the company. StockNews.com cut shares of Omega Healthcare Investors from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note on Thursday, May 11th. Finally, Citigroup decreased their price target on shares of Omega Healthcare Investors from $30.00 to $28.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, February 22nd. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, six have assigned a hold rating and two have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $30.64. Get Omega Healthcare Investors alerts: Omega Healthcare Investors Price Performance Shares of OHI opened at $30.02 on Tuesday. Omega Healthcare Investors has a twelve month low of $25.61 and a twelve month high of $33.71. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $27.98 and its 200-day simple moving average is $28.30. The firm has a market capitalization of $7.04 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 26.10 and a beta of 1.00. The company has a current ratio of 4.76, a quick ratio of 4.76 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.43. Omega Healthcare Investors Increases Dividend Institutional Inflows and Outflows The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, May 15th. Shareholders of record on Monday, May 1st were issued a $0.67 dividend. This is a positive change from Omega Healthcare Investorss previous quarterly dividend of $0.18. The ex-dividend date was Friday, April 28th. This represents a $2.68 annualized dividend and a yield of 8.93%. Omega Healthcare Investorss dividend payout ratio is 233.05%. Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in OHI. Perritt Capital Management Inc. raised its position in shares of Omega Healthcare Investors by 1.8% during the 3rd quarter. Perritt Capital Management Inc. now owns 18,769 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $553,000 after purchasing an additional 324 shares during the period. Toronto Dominion Bank boosted its stake in Omega Healthcare Investors by 1.4% during the 1st quarter. Toronto Dominion Bank now owns 25,313 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $693,000 after purchasing an additional 355 shares during the period. Belpointe Asset Management LLC boosted its stake in Omega Healthcare Investors by 2.5% during the 1st quarter. Belpointe Asset Management LLC now owns 14,406 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $395,000 after purchasing an additional 356 shares during the period. Resources Investment Advisors LLC. boosted its stake in Omega Healthcare Investors by 3.9% during the 4th quarter. Resources Investment Advisors LLC. now owns 9,786 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $274,000 after purchasing an additional 364 shares during the period. Finally, Meiji Yasuda Asset Management Co Ltd. boosted its stake in Omega Healthcare Investors by 0.6% during the 3rd quarter. Meiji Yasuda Asset Management Co Ltd. now owns 66,685 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $1,967,000 after purchasing an additional 394 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 63.58% of the companys stock. About Omega Healthcare Investors (Get Rating) Omega Healthcare Investors, Inc engages in the provision of financing and capital to the long-term healthcare industry with a particular focus on skilled nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, independent living facilities, rehabilitation and acute care facilities, and medical office buildings. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Omega Healthcare Investors Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Omega Healthcare Investors and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Change Over Time in (a) US Life Expectancy and (b) US Life Expectancy Gap and Rank Relative to Populous Countries (Population>500000), 1950-2021. Phase 1=19501954; phase 2=19551973; phase 3=19741982; phase 4=19832009; phase 5=20102019; phase 6=20202021. Bars plot the difference in life expectancy between the United States and the populous country (population >500000) with the highest life expectancy in the given year. The country with the highest life expectancy was Norway in 19501962 and 19761977, Sweden in 1963 and 19651975, the Netherlands in 1964, Japan in 19782007, Macao in 20082010, and Japan in 20112021. The line graph plots US rank relative to other populous countries, with higher rank denoting lower US life expectancy. Source: Authors calculations based on UN data. Graphic: Steven H. Woolf MD, MPH, 2023 / AJPH By Olivia Trani 1 June 2023 (VCU) When it comes to public health, the United States is at a disadvantage compared with other developed countries. Americans experience more illness, have less access to health care and pay more for health services than citizens in other high-income countries. Americans also die earlier and have been doing so for much longer than originally thought. Life expectancy in the United States is lower than in the rest of the industrialized world, and a new study shows that the nation began falling behind as long ago as the 1950s, decades earlier than previously believed. The findings, published Thursday in the American Journal of Public Health, also show that dozens of countries across six continents have outranked the United States in life expectancy over the past 70 years. The new study challenges two assumptions that have influenced previous research on the U.S. life expectancy disadvantage, said Steven Woolf, M.D., director emeritus of the Center on Society and Health at Virginia Commonwealth University and author of the new study. First, past studies have usually only compared the United States with a select group of 15-20 peer countries, largely Anglo-Saxon or Western European countries with high incomes. Second, experts typically consider the 1980s or 1990s as the inflection point when growth in U.S. life expectancy began underperforming compared with other countries. However, this analysis shows that premature deaths among Americans are a much larger and older public health issue than previously believed. Clarifying when U.S. life expectancy began to lag and how it compares with the rest of the world is important groundwork for investigating potential causes and solutions. Life expectancy at birth in the U.S., 1950-2020. Data: CDC. Graphic: Christopher Ingraham / The Why Axis A history of falling behind For the new study, Woolf obtained life expectancy estimates from the United Nations, the Human Mortality Database and the U.S. Mortality Database to track trends from the past 80 years. In 1933, the beginning point for this data analysis, U.S. life expectancy ranked eighth-highest among 16 populous countries. Woolf then examined the pace of growth in life expectancy from 1950 through 2021 in more than 200 countries. The study found that increases in U.S. life expectancy began to slow from 1950 to 1954 (0.21 years/annum) and slowed even further from 1955 to 1973 (0.10 years/annum). By 1968, the U.S. rank had fallen to 29th. After rebounding temporarily from 1974 to 1982 (0.34 years/annum), U.S. life expectancy slowed again from 1983 to 2009 (0.15 years/annum), essentially flatlined from 2010 to 2019 (0.06 years/annum) and plummeted in 2020 to 2021 (0.97 years/annum) due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During each of these periods of slowing, the U.S. lost ground to other countries. By 2020, its life expectancy ranked 46th among populous countries. We may be one of the richest countries in the world, and we certainly outspend every country on health care, but Americans are sicker and die earlier than people in dozens of countries. Well keep falling behind unless we get serious about policy solutions, said Woolf, a professor in the Department of Family Medicine and Population Health at the VCU School of Medicine. Global perspective on an American problem Woolfs analysis revealed that between 1933 and 2021, 56 countries from around the world had at one point achieved a higher life expectancy than the United States, including 17 countries that outranked the United States for more than 50 years. Before 1950, most countries that outperformed the United States were concentrated in Northern and Western Europe. However, in the 1950s and 1960s, several Southern and Eastern European countries also surpassed the United States. A number of Asian countries also began outpacing the United States as early as the 1960s, as well as several Middle Eastern countries beginning in the 1990s and continuing into the 2010s. Countries with less affluence and less elaborate health care systems have previously been considered a poor benchmark for measuring the U.S. health disadvantage, based on the assumption that only wealthy countries could outperform the United States. If you only compare the United States with 15 high-income countries, you can guarantee that it will never rank worse than 15th, Woolf said. However, we found that countries with different cultures, forms of governance, societies and economies have all found a way to outperform the United States in terms of health outcomes and life expectancy. Even former Soviet countries in Eastern Europe managed to surpass the United States. Life expectancy at birth in the U.S., by state, 2020. Among the 50 states and D.C., Hawaii had the highest life expectancy at birth, 80.7 years in 2020, and Mississippi had the lowest, 71.9 years. From 2019 to 2020, life expectancy declined for all 50 states and D.C., from 0.2 years for Hawaii to 3.0 years for New York. In 2020, life expectancy at age 65 ranged from 16.1 years in Mississippi to 21.0 years in Hawaii. Life expectancy at birth was higher for females in all states and D.C. The difference in life expectancy between females and males ranged from 3.9 years in Utah to 7.0 years in D.C. Data: NCHS. Graphic: CDC State-level issues behind national trends Woolf additionally examined how life expectancy trends varied among U.S. states, revealing significant disparities that widened over 60 years. Growth rates in life expectancy were generally highest in the Northeast and West and lowest in South Central and Midwestern states. In 1959, Kansas and South Carolina had the nations highest and lowest life expectancy, respectively. If these states were their own countries, they would have ranked fifth and 34th among the worlds populous countries. By 2019, the state with the highest life expectancy, Hawaii, would have ranked 22nd compared with other countries, whereas the state with the lowest life expectancy, Mississippi, would have ranked 79th. State governments play a large role in promoting the health and well-being of their constituents, and over time weve seen widening disparities in health trends at the state level, Woolf said. This is encouraging, as it shows that states are capable of adopting policies that improve health, but it is also discouraging, because many other states that fared poorly in this study are now actively weakening or rolling back such policies. Underlying problems and potential solutions While more research is needed to understand the complex reasons behind these trends, the pervasiveness of the U.S. health disadvantage over the past few decades suggests that the problem is larger and more enduring than a single health issue, according to Woolf. At the root of it, the health disadvantages experienced in the United States are likely the product of social values and policy decisions capable of producing widespread effects on health, he said. Woolf suggests that health declines may be due in part to policies that have relaxed regulations that protect public health and safety, redistributed wealth from the middle to the upper class, and curbed access to education, health care and human services. Social and economic stresses, resulting in part from such policies, may help explain the geographic variation and slower growth in life expectancy in certain states. Earlier research co-authored by Woolf has shown that states that adopted more conservative policies were more likely to experience stagnant or decreasing life expectancy and higher mortality. The upside is that many countries have found a way to consistently ensure that their populations live longer, healthier lives. Thats hopeful, because it means that there are policy solutions that could help Americans live longer, Woolf said. This issue is not a lack of solutions, but rather a lack of political will. The U.S. life expectancy disadvantage is worse than previously believed Populous Countries That Achieved Higher Life Expectancy Than the United States and Calendar Years of Dominance, 1950-2021. Shaded bars depict the calendar years during which populous countries (populations > 500000) experienced higher life expectancy than the United States; interruptions in bars reflect periods when the United States recovered its advantage (experienced higher life expectancy). A more detailed version of this figure (Figure A, available as a supplement to the online version of this article at http://www.ajph.org) includes each countrys ranking, by year, among populous countries, showing how the relative position of countries surpassing the United States progressed over time. Source: Authors calculations based on UN data. Graphic: Steven H. Woolf MD, MPH, 2023 / AJPH Falling Behind: The Growing Gap in Life Expectancy Between the United States and Other Countries, 19332021 ABSTRACT: Increases in US life expectancy slowed from 1950 to 1954 (0.21 years/annum) and 1955 to 1973 (0.10 years/annum), accelerated from 1974 to 1982 (0.34 years/annum), and progressively deteriorated from 1983 to 2009 (0.15 years/annum), 2010 to 2019 (0.06 years/annum), and 2020 to 2021 (0.97 years/annum). Other countries experienced faster growth in each phase except 1974 to 1982. During 1933 to 2021, 56 countries on 6 continents surpassed US life expectancy. Growth in US life expectancy was slowest in Midwest and South Central states. The US life expectancy disadvantage began in the 1950s and has steadily worsened over the past 4 decades. Dozens of globally diverse countries have outperformed the United States. Causal factors appear to have been concentrated in the Midwest and South. Policies that differentiate the United States from other countries and circumstances associated with the Midwest and South may have contributed. Falling Behind: The Growing Gap in Life Expectancy Between the United States and Other Countries, 19332021 Northern Oil and Gas (NYSE:NOG Get Rating) had its price objective lowered by Stifel Nicolaus from $43.00 to $42.00 in a report published on Tuesday morning, The Fly reports. Other equities analysts have also recently issued research reports about the stock. Raymond James increased their price target on shares of Northern Oil and Gas from $47.00 to $52.00 and gave the stock a strong-buy rating in a research report on Friday, April 21st. Piper Sandler cut their target price on shares of Northern Oil and Gas from $50.00 to $47.00 in a report on Thursday, May 18th. StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of Northern Oil and Gas in a report on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a sell rating on the stock. Truist Financial raised their target price on shares of Northern Oil and Gas from $44.00 to $59.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, April 11th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada reissued an outperform rating and issued a $46.00 target price on shares of Northern Oil and Gas in a report on Friday, March 17th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, one has issued a hold rating, five have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, Northern Oil and Gas currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $46.20. Get Northern Oil and Gas alerts: Northern Oil and Gas Stock Performance Shares of NOG stock opened at $31.40 on Tuesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.68, a quick ratio of 1.15 and a current ratio of 1.15. Northern Oil and Gas has a one year low of $21.45 and a one year high of $39.10. The companys 50-day simple moving average is $31.91 and its 200-day simple moving average is $32.03. The stock has a market capitalization of $2.68 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 2.08 and a beta of 1.97. Northern Oil and Gas Increases Dividend Northern Oil and Gas ( NYSE:NOG Get Rating ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, May 4th. The company reported $1.76 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.54 by $0.22. Northern Oil and Gas had a net margin of 60.39% and a return on equity of 86.66%. The business had revenue of $582.21 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $395.37 million. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $1.58 earnings per share. Equities analysts anticipate that Northern Oil and Gas will post 7.96 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, July 31st. Investors of record on Thursday, June 29th will be paid a dividend of $0.37 per share. This represents a $1.48 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.71%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, June 28th. This is a positive change from Northern Oil and Gass previous quarterly dividend of $0.34. Northern Oil and Gass dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 8.99%. Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. ProShare Advisors LLC increased its stake in shares of Northern Oil and Gas by 15.3% during the first quarter. ProShare Advisors LLC now owns 9,799 shares of the companys stock valued at $297,000 after acquiring an additional 1,299 shares during the period. Brandywine Global Investment Management LLC grew its position in Northern Oil and Gas by 91.9% in the first quarter. Brandywine Global Investment Management LLC now owns 206,785 shares of the companys stock worth $6,276,000 after buying an additional 99,043 shares during the last quarter. Toroso Investments LLC acquired a new position in Northern Oil and Gas in the first quarter worth approximately $1,344,000. Ameriprise Financial Inc. grew its position in Northern Oil and Gas by 13.4% in the first quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. now owns 1,952,890 shares of the companys stock worth $59,271,000 after buying an additional 231,283 shares during the last quarter. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. grew its position in Northern Oil and Gas by 58.4% in the first quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 409,329 shares of the companys stock worth $12,422,000 after buying an additional 150,975 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 96.41% of the companys stock. Northern Oil and Gas Company Profile (Get Rating) Northern Oil & Gas, Inc engages in the acquisition, exploration, development, and production of crude oil and natural gas properties. It focuses on the Bakken and Three Forks formation within the Williston Basin in North Dakota and Montana. The company was founded on March 20, 2007 and is headquartered in Minnetonka, MN. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Northern Oil and Gas Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Northern Oil and Gas and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Portland General Electric (NYSE:POR Get Rating) was downgraded by analysts at StockNews.com from a hold rating to a sell rating in a report issued on Friday. POR has been the subject of several other research reports. Bank of America upgraded shares of Portland General Electric from a neutral rating to a buy rating and upped their target price for the company from $47.00 to $52.00 in a research report on Tuesday, March 14th. Wells Fargo & Company upped 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 research report on Friday, February 17th. Credit Suisse Group upped 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 report on Tuesday, February 21st. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. began coverage on shares of Portland General Electric in a research report on Monday, May 8th. They set an overweight rating and a $56.00 target price for the company. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have assigned a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $50.75. Get Portland General Electric alerts: Portland General Electric Trading Up 2.0 % NYSE:POR traded up $0.97 during trading hours on Friday, hitting $49.66. 684,218 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 767,673. The companys 50 day moving average is $49.84 and its two-hundred day moving average is $48.65. Portland General Electric has a twelve month low of $41.58 and a twelve month high of $56.37. The company has a quick ratio of 0.89, a current ratio of 1.02 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.21. The company has a market capitalization of $4.80 billion, a P/E ratio of 18.19, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.99 and a beta of 0.58. Insiders Place Their Bets Portland General Electric ( NYSE:POR Get Rating ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Friday, April 28th. The utilities provider reported $0.80 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.79 by $0.01. Portland General Electric had a return on equity of 9.06% and a net margin of 8.88%. The firm had revenue of $748.00 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $622.50 million. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 19.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $0.67 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that Portland General Electric will post 2.68 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. In other Portland General Electric news, VP John Teeruk Kochavatr sold 3,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, May 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $51.12, for a total transaction of $153,360.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the vice president now owns 15,489 shares in the company, valued at approximately $791,797.68. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. In other news, VP Brett Michael Sims sold 2,050 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, March 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $47.00, for a total transaction of $96,350.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the vice president now directly owns 10,978 shares in the company, valued at approximately $515,966. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this link. Also, VP John Teeruk Kochavatr sold 3,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, May 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $51.12, for a total transaction of $153,360.00. Following the transaction, the vice president now owns 15,489 shares of the companys stock, valued at $791,797.68. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Corporate insiders own 0.51% of the companys stock. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Portland General Electric A number of large investors have recently modified their holdings of POR. ATLAS Infrastructure Partners UK Ltd. boosted its stake in shares of Portland General Electric by 292.5% during the 1st quarter. ATLAS Infrastructure Partners UK Ltd. now owns 2,612,374 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $127,719,000 after buying an additional 1,946,766 shares during the last quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP lifted its stake in Portland General Electric by 21.8% in the 1st quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 6,067,961 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $334,647,000 after purchasing an additional 1,087,996 shares during the last quarter. State Street Corp lifted its stake in Portland General Electric by 37.2% in the 2nd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 3,339,567 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $162,473,000 after purchasing an additional 905,308 shares during the last quarter. Millennium Management LLC lifted its stake in Portland General Electric by 927.0% in the 4th quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 970,767 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $47,568,000 after purchasing an additional 876,246 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its stake in Portland General Electric by 8.1% in the 3rd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 11,268,761 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $489,739,000 after purchasing an additional 848,958 shares during the last quarter. 97.03% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. About Portland General Electric (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 Stories 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. TransDigm Group Incorporated (NYSE:TDG Get Rating) Stock analysts at Zacks Research upped their Q4 2024 earnings per share (EPS) estimates for shares of TransDigm Group in a report released on Wednesday, May 31st. Zacks Research analyst A. Dutta now anticipates that the aerospace company will post earnings of $6.38 per share for the quarter, up from their previous estimate of $6.18. The consensus estimate for TransDigm Groups current full-year earnings is $21.49 per share. Get TransDigm Group alerts: A number of other equities research analysts have also issued reports on the company. Robert W. Baird raised their price target on TransDigm Group from $767.00 to $960.00 in a research note on Wednesday, May 10th. Barclays lifted their target price on TransDigm Group from $840.00 to $930.00 in a research report on Sunday, May 14th. Bank of America upped their price target on shares of TransDigm Group from $890.00 to $980.00 in a report on Tuesday, May 16th. Susquehanna lifted their price objective on shares of TransDigm Group from $750.00 to $820.00 in a report on Wednesday, May 10th. Finally, Truist Financial upped their target price on shares of TransDigm Group from $840.00 to $870.00 in a research note on Wednesday, May 10th. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $834.71. TransDigm Group Price Performance Shares of NYSE TDG opened at $793.77 on Thursday. The company has a market cap of $43.60 billion, a P/E ratio of 47.45, a PEG ratio of 1.44 and a beta of 1.37. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $767.57 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $709.46. TransDigm Group has a 1 year low of $499.63 and a 1 year high of $831.58. TransDigm Group (NYSE:TDG Get Rating) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, May 9th. The aerospace company reported $5.98 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $4.98 by $1.00. The business had revenue of $1.59 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.53 billion. TransDigm Group had a net margin of 17.57% and a negative return on equity of 34.11%. The businesss revenue was up 20.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $3.29 earnings per share. Institutional Trading of TransDigm Group Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. International Assets Investment Management LLC acquired a new stake in TransDigm Group during the 1st quarter worth about $27,000. Cullen Frost Bankers Inc. acquired a new position in shares of TransDigm Group in the 1st quarter valued at about $28,000. Resurgent Financial Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of TransDigm Group in the 4th quarter valued at about $30,000. Kayne Anderson Rudnick Investment Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of TransDigm Group in the 3rd quarter valued at about $27,000. Finally, Smithfield Trust Co increased its stake in shares of TransDigm Group by 75.0% in the 1st quarter. Smithfield Trust Co now owns 56 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $42,000 after purchasing an additional 24 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 96.00% of the companys stock. Insider Activity In other news, CAO Sarah Wynne sold 180 shares of TransDigm Group stock in a transaction on Tuesday, March 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $720.41, for a total value of $129,673.80. Following the transaction, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 700 shares in the company, valued at approximately $504,287. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. In other news, Director W Nicholas Howley sold 6,500 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Monday, April 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $753.17, for a total value of $4,895,605.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 21,548 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $16,229,307.16. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, CAO Sarah Wynne sold 180 shares of TransDigm Group stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, March 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $720.41, for a total value of $129,673.80. Following the sale, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 700 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $504,287. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last three months, insiders have sold 26,074 shares of company stock worth $19,663,423. 7.18% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. TransDigm Group Company Profile (Get Rating) TransDigm Group, Inc engages in the production of engineered aerospace components, systems and subsystems. It operates through the following segments: Power and Control, Airframe, and Non-Aviation. The Power and Control segment includes operations that primarily develop, produce and market systems and components that provide power to or control power of the aircraft utilizing electronic, fluid, power and mechanical motion control technologies. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for TransDigm Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for TransDigm Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Quartix Technologies plc (LON:QTX)s stock price crossed above its 50-day moving average during trading on Wednesday . The stock has a 50-day moving average of GBX 246.79 ($3.05) and traded as high as GBX 258.49 ($3.19). Quartix Technologies shares last traded at GBX 248 ($3.06), with a volume of 7,244 shares traded. Quartix Technologies Price Performance The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.58, a current ratio of 1.66 and a quick ratio of 1.00. The company has a market capitalization of 120.98 million, a PE ratio of 2,584.00 and a beta of 0.77. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is GBX 246.20 and its 200-day simple moving average is GBX 270.73. About Quartix Technologies (Get Rating) Quartix Technologies Plc engages in the design, development, marketing, and delivery of vehicle telematics services in the United Kingdom, France, the United States, and the European Territories. The company offers vehicle tracking system for businesses, such as real-time vehicle tracking; driver timesheet report; driver behavior report; vehicle tracking reports and dashboards; vehicle tracking alerts; customized tracking; and fleet management solutions and services. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Quartix Technologies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Quartix Technologies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. One more tower in the Chintels Paradiso housing complex in Gurgaon where a portion of a sixth-floor apartment in a building in Tower D collapsed all the way to the first floor last year was declared unsafe for habitation by the structural audit report submitted to the Gurgaon administration, officials said. Hitesh Kumar Meena, Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Gurugram, said that the structural safety audit report of towers A and G of Chintels Paradiso society, which was vetted by IIT Delhi, was submitted to the administration and after review it was found that tower G was unsafe for habitation while tower A was at the moment found safe to live. All you need to know about the Chintels Paradiso Case Tower G is found unsafe for habitation so residents of this tower will be asked to vacate the tower. An order in this connection will be issued soon. Though tower A is safe at the moment but deterioration is found in that tower as well so I have directed the developer to conduct audits of this tower at regular intervals and share report with the administration, Meena told Moneycontrol on June 2. Also Read | Chintels Paradiso case: Safety audit report of four towers yet to be released; administration tries to allay residents' concerns He said that the safety audit report of two more towers is pending with IIT Delhi for review and will be shared soon. The structural safety audit of six towers, including A and G was conducted by Sri Ram Institute. The district administration had sent this report to the IIT Delhi for further analysis and recommend if these towers are fit for living. Spokesperson for Chintels India said We are yet to receive official report of these two towers from the district administration. We will wait for CBRI report before reaching any conclusion. US President Joe Biden declared a "crisis averted" on Friday in his first address from the White House's Oval Office, touting the passage of a bill to suspend the US debt ceiling and avoid economic catastrophe. Biden used the moment to plead with Americans to bridge their divides, saying his compromise with top Congress Republican Kevin McCarthy showed what could be done. "No matter how tough our politics gets, we need to see each other not as adversaries but as fellow Americans," he said, asking Americans to "stop shouting, lower the temperature and work together to pursue progress." Biden, a Democrat, said he would sign the bill into law on Saturday, concluding months of uncertainty and averting what would have been a first-ever US default as early as June 5. "It was critical to reach an agreement, and it's very good news for the American people. No one got everything they wanted. But the American people got what they needed," Biden said while sitting at the historic 'Resolute Desk' in the presidential office. "We averted an economic crisis, an economic collapse," he said. After nail-biting negotiations, both the Senate and the House of Representatives passed a bill this week that suspends the government's $31.4-trillion debt ceiling. Biden said to preserve US economic progress it was critical to keep the country's full faith and credit in tact. "The stakes could not have been higher," he said. The president, who is running for re-election, noted other bipartisan bills he has signed and offered praise to McCarthy, the speaker of the House of Representatives, who was his primary negotiating partner. McCarthy, a supporter of former President Donald Trump, was one of 147 Republicans who voted, unsuccessfully, to overturn the 2020 election that Biden won. "We were able to get along, get things done," Biden said. "Both sides operated in good faith." Republicans refused to increase the debt ceiling for months, asking Biden and Democrats to cut spending in the 2024 budget in return. The White House asked for a clean debt ceiling deal before starting negotiations. Ultimately Biden and McCarthy cobbled together a last-minute deal that suspends the debt limit until January of 2025 and caps spending. The Republican-controlled House voted 314 to 117 to approve the bill, and the Democrat-controlled Senate voted 63 to 36. The final vote in both chambers was overwhelming, Biden said. Fitch Ratings said on Friday the 'AAA' credit rating for the US would remain on negative watch, despite the agreement that will allow the government to meet its obligations. Oval Office Address US presidents have generally reserved an address from the Oval Office for the most significant, and dramatic of events: the attacks of September 11, 2001, for example, or the Challenger space shuttle explosion. The White House said Biden was making his remarks there because of the gravity of the situation had the debt ceiling not been raised. Former President Ronald Reagan spoke to the nation from the Oval Office after the explosion of the Challenger space shuttle in 1986; and former President George W Bush used the venue to address the country after the September 11, 2001 attacks. Former President Barack Obama made remarks from the Oval Office in the aftermath of the 2010 BP oil spill in the Gulf Coast. Biden, who came into office in January 2021, has spoken before during 'primetime' hours, including his State of the Union addresses from the Capitol and a speech from the White House East Room during the Covid-19 pandemic. But the Friday night address is his first from the Oval Office, a setting that highlights the power and authority of the presidency, as Biden seeks a second term against a growing field of Republican candidates. Raghav Despandes* decision to join a rival after three years was not easy. He asked for 10 percent more than what was offered by the competitor to stay back. HR rejected the demand and Despande resigned. Apart from adjusting to a new place, what caused him more pain was when he got to know that his replacement was onboarded with the exact salary that he had sought. Despande couldnt understand why HR failed to retain existing talent with demonstrated skills and performance and was ready to onboard new candidates on the promise of delivering excellence. According to a 2022 study by LaborIQ, a compensation and labour market analytics company in the US, new hires are paid 7 percent more than existing employees on average. The gap widened to 20 percent for in-demand jobs. While it's easy to figure out why salaries are supposed to be confidential, its quite tricky to understand why HR is ready to lose an existing employee for a new one over salary. Why HR does this Amit Sharma, an HR leader in a multinational IT consulting firm, said companies often cap both external and internal increments. The external cap is often higher generally 30 percent vs 20 percent. Anything above this cap needs exception approval, said Sharma. He said leaders often give exception approval easily for external talent due to the sunk cost fallacy, which is the tendency to continue doing something on which money, effort or time has been invested, even if the costs outweigh the benefits. ALSO READ | Part-time PGs, weekly hometown travels: Hybrid office work ties GenZ up in knots In addition, Sharma said Indian employers suffer from shiny new object syndrome where an external hire is usually more attractive. Often companies end up paying a premium simply because the new employee is from a reputed company or competitor. But the case of in-demand skills is different. Sharma himself has been offered high pay increases because of the scarcity of HR tech and experienced talent. It may appear that new hires are compensated more due to the premium associated with job changes. However, HR experts said over the mid to long term, their salary increments are often adjusted based on their compensation ratio and market position. Although this autocorrection process might take some time, professionally managed compensation frameworks ensure the adjustments are made to uphold salary parity within the organisation, said Rajiv Naithani, chief people officer of multinational IT company Infogain. He said that though external recruits are in the spotlight, HR departments choreograph a performance that ensures harmony and fairness. These mechanisms, activated during merit increment cycles, work to maintain a balance in pay scales. If Despande had stayed on in the previous organisation, he might have benefited from an upcoming increment or a promotion. What is the solution? There are a few cases of managers themselves reaching out to employees for salary hikes. HR leaders say workers should follow the simple rule of life: If you need something, ask for it and justify it. Most progressive organisations prefer existing talent for new roles. However, there are times when they require fresh perspectives and new skills and hence look for talent externally, said Shweta Pathak, former VP of HR at Kotak Mahindra Bank. Skills is the new currency and continuous learning helps in acquiring more of that currency, she added. ALSO READ | Why candidates remain confident of switching jobs despite recession fears Still, if things dont work, HR leaders say the right question is not whether your colleagues are paid more than you but whether your market value is higher than what you are paid. Always ask yourself if you have a rare skill that is not easily available in the market and then you can negotiate a big pay raise while moving jobs, or your company will retain you because you are going to be tough to replace, Sharma said. Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita. These were the first-ever three magical words of my life that decided the route for years to come. I was a child when I first heard this tongue-twistery name and it wasn't until my teens that I learnt how to actually say it aloud! Perhaps, it was much later that I began reading about it in a way to understand myself better. Back then, had someone asked me why I couldn't walk, I'd have just told them that my muscles were weak. But today I'm a rolling encyclopedia on AMC! And this June, as the world celebrates Arthrogryposis Awareness Month, I am sharing my learnings with you! Let's decode what Arthrogryposis indeed is! The term arthrogryposis comes from the Greek words: arthron meaning 'joints' and grypon meaning 'hooking'. Together, it refers to a condition that results in curved joints, also known as joint contractures, all over the body. To be diagnosed with AMC, a child needs to have at least three joint contractures, hence, the term 'multiplex' comes into the picture. My elbows, wrists, ankles, and fingers are the most prominently affected. They're stiff and have a limited range of motion. Lastly, AMC is acquired in the womb, hence, the condition is congenital. Research also shows that 2.5 per cent to 69 per cent of people with AMC go on to develop scoliosis, or curvature of the spine, as their muscles are weak. Another significant characteristic of Arthrogryposis is the clubfoot, which I discovered one afternoon as I sat in front of the mirror, my gaze dropped to my left foot, which looked a little eccentric the ankle was curved inwards. At the back of my mind, I knew there was something wrong with my foot but it was only then that I had the revelation that what I had was indeed a clubbed foot a kind of joint contracture and very common among people who live with AMC! I was caught off guard when I learnt that the earliest evidence of clubbed feet dates back to the 12th century and its first treatment is believed to have originated in India as early as 1,000 BC! Renowned painting The Clubfoot by Jusepe de Ribera, which is housed in Paris' Louvre Museum, also bears one of the earliest illustrations of a club foot! While the exact cause of Arthrogryposis is not known, it is believed that decreased movement of the fetus (unborn child) in the uterus causes joint stiffness and limits its mobility. This is known as fetal akinesia. Hence, people with AMC or AMCers as they proudly call themselves experience movement-related challenges. As I started advocating for AMC and connecting with people who live with it through platforms like AMC Support Inc., I realised not all of them use wheelchairs like me. Some can walk independently while some need support. Yet others may not be able to walk at all and require the support of mobility aids like wheelchairs, walkers, or walking sticks. Some others, like me, also experience a higher degree of disability and require support with activities of daily living. Additionally, people with Arthrogryposis also experience financial challenges such as keeping up with the recurring bills of physiotherapy and other treatments; emotional and psychological challenges of accepting their disabilities, inventing creative ways of doing mundane things and learning to seek help from others; systemic challenges such as facing discrimination in education, employment, and independent living. The diversity within AMCers is bewildering. Hence, it is not an umbrella diagnosis that can include other conditions and syndromes within it! It was equally astounding to learn that there are as many as 400 types of Arthrogryposis! However, there are three more prominent types: Amyoplasia: This type is characterised by decreased muscle strength and severe joint contractures. Distal: In this subtype, the peripheral joints like the hands and feet are affected. Syndromic: It is a subtype involving neurological disorders. While AMC is a non-progressive medical condition (not a disease or illness), some people experience worsening abilities due to age, disability, and other factors. However, these symptoms can be managed with a combination of treatments such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, bracing, casting, or surgical interventions. In some cases, the contractures are so stiff and fixed that the child requires traction to bring them into normal positions. However, such remedies should only be considered after a thorough consultation with a skilled orthopedic surgeon. Most people with AMC have no cognitive deficits, possess average to above-average intelligence, and have a normal life expectancy. Did you know Asta Anthony Philpot, a disability rights activist with Arthrogryposis, was the inspiration behind the 2011 film Come As You Are? Other famous personalities with Arthrogryposis include Ukrainian Paraswimmer Anton Kol, French politician Damien Abad, and the American painter, writer, and activist Sunaura Taylor. Google describes AMC as a rare condition. Global data shows that 1 child in every 3,000 live births is born with Arthrogryposis. While there is no data on how many people are there with this condition globally, it is found that the US inhabits less than 50,000 AMCers! In India too, there is no data on the same. However, if we were to go by global estimates, a simple math calculation would show that there are more than 470,000 people with AMC in the country! Since the leading disability law of the land the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (2016) doesn't recognise AMC, it is almost impossible to arrive at a number because people with AMC are counted in the category of locomotor disability. A question that comes up frequently during discussions and in forums is why is there a need for data on the number of people with AMC. The answer is very simple it is because the symptoms, challenges, and treatment of people with AMC do not fall within the category of locomotor disability. There is a dearth of awareness and resources on Arthrogryposis. As a result, much like how it is with people with disabilities in general the focus is on finding a cure for the individual's disability not knowing that there is none. Data on AMC, therefore, would offer a direction and light in the gloom of superstition, trial and error, uncertainty, and lack of awareness. It would save us many futile treatment attempts and direct support in a way that makes the lives of people with AMC fuller, happier, and more efficient! A strong community network of family, friends, peers, and allies can go a really long way helping people with disabilities realize their potential, capabilities and become their best selves. Numbers about people with AMC in the country would also help form a community of AMCers, thereby offering them psychological and peer support in the form of a little family whom they could share their joys and sorrows with. Arthrogryposis is like a Spanish smorgasbord where diversity is the only element that binds the community together. Along with that, there's a need to raise more awareness about Arthrogryposis and the many ways in which it impacts the lives of people with disabilities! While there's no organization dedicated to this condition in India, AMC Support Inc. a USA-based nonprofit that works with families of children and adults with AMC organises a road trip, The Long Road to AMC Awareness, to reach and support people with Arthrogryposis. The trip concludes with a yearly conference hosted by AMCSI, which offers a great platform to people with similar experiences to gather and network with each other! This AMC Awareness Day, which falls on June 30 annually, let's come together to know more about our not-so-little community, make them feel seen, read, talk, and discuss AMC, and chart out an inclusive tomorrow for generations to come! Oh and by the way, blue is the colour for AMC. Don't forget to wear something blue on June 30! Let's become more AMC-aware and drive away the blues that surround it, shall we? Nepal Prime Minister Pushpakamal Dahal "Prachanda on Saturday said the consensus reached in the areas of connectivity, water resources and energy in his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi would have a far-reaching impact. He was speaking at a dinner hosted in Indore in his honour by Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. A video of his speech was released to the media.A video of his speech was released to the media. "As Nepal prime minister, this is my fourth visit to India. The way the consensus was reached in the fields of connectivity, water resources and energy in the meeting with Modi will go a long way," Prachanda said. PM Modi stated that the ties between the two countries will be taken to Himalayan heights, and "this is a moment of pride and joy for us," he added. Upon his return to Nepal on Saturday, he will tell his countrymen that the ties between the two neighbours have entered a new phase of history with a new dimension added to it, and it needs to be nurtured by all, the visiting prime minister said. Prachanda began his four-day visit to India on Wednesday. His meeting with PM Modi on Thursday saw the two countries signing seven agreements and launching six projects including new railway services. Prachanda and his delegation arrived at the Indore airport around 11 am on Friday and were given a warm welcome by chief minister Chouhan, his cabinet colleagues Tulsiram Silawat, Usha Thakur and Indore BJP MP Shankar Lalwani. Chouhan was seen sporting a traditional Nepali cap.Chouhan was seen sporting a traditional Nepali cap. Prachanda then left by road for the famous Mahakaleshwar temple in Ujjain, around 55 km from Indore. Later he visited Asia's largest bio-CNG plant `Gobar-Dhan' in Indore city. India is matching up its infrastructure to China's projects at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and there is no need for concern, Border Roads Organisation (BRO) chief Lieutenant General Rajiv Chaudhry said on Saturday. Chaudhry was in Pahalgam to review works on the routes of the Amarnath Yatra. The annual pilgrimage to the cave shrine, located at a height of 3,880 metres in the south Kashmir Himalayas, will begin on July 1 and end on August 31. "We are competing much better than what you think China is making. So, there is no need of any concern or overly concern that we are somewhere behind. We are matching up to the capabilities of infrastructure development on the borders," Lt Gen Chaudhry told PTI Video here. He said the government has already announced 662 "Vibrant Village" packages for areas near the border. "Union Home Minister Amit Shah himself went to Kibithoo village in Arunachal Pradesh which is the eastern most post and what we call the first village of Arunachal Pradesh. Of the total, 441 villages are in Arunachal Pradesh itself. So, on the northern borders, the government is paying a lot of attention and development is taking place in a very accelerated manner," the BRO's director general said. Lt Gen Chaudhry said in the last two years, 205 projects have been completed on the LAC. These were dedicated to the nation by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and this year, "we are attempting to complete 176 projects worth Rs 6,200 crore", he said. "The Centre has increased our budget this year by about 100 percent. The government has a lot of faith in us, and we build roads for five ministries. Our budget is increased every year. This year, our target is to work on projects worth Rs 16,000 crore, including roads, bridges and tunnels, and airfields," he said. Asked about strategically important projects in Ladakh, the BRO's top officer said the Chusul-Dungti-Fukche-Demchok highway is a very important road. In the next two months, work will start on the Nyoma airfield, which is one of the highest airfields in the world, he said. These are two very important projects in Ladakh, Lt Gen Chaudhry said. In Arunachal Pradesh, Lt Gen Chaudhry said the work on tunnels has been almost completed. He also said on the Ladakh-HP border, once the Shinku La tunnel is completed, it will be the world's highest. Earlier, briefing the media about the works on the yatra routes, he said work is going on round the clock and would be concluded by June 15. The routes have been widened and gradients and turns have undergone maintenance, Lt Gen Chaudhry said. The basic scope of work involves snow clearance, widening of routes, restoration of all footbridges, fixing of handrails, and construction of breast walls, he said. Work is being done to make sure there is no inconvenience due to landslides, the official said, and added that this year, five lakh pilgrims are expected. Map showing early warning hunger hotspots, June-November 2023. Hunger was set to worsen in 18 hotspots worldwide including Sudan, where fighting put people at risk of starvation, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP) warned in a report published on Monday, 29 May 2023. Sudan, Burkina Faso, Haiti, and Mali were elevated to the highest alert level, joining Afghanistan, Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan and Yemen. Graphic: UN FAO 29 May 2023 (UN News) Hunger is set to worsen in 18 hotspots worldwide including Sudan, where fighting is putting people at risk of starvation, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP) warned in a report published on Monday. Sudan, Burkina Faso, Haiti and Mali have been elevated to the highest alert level, joining Afghanistan, Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan, and Yemen. Additionally, a likely El Nino a naturally occurring climatic phenomenon that has a warming effect on ocean surface temperatures in the central and east Pacific is also raising fears of climate extremes in vulnerable nations. Against business-as-usual The report calls for urgent humanitarian action to save lives and livelihoods, and to prevent starvation and death. Business-as-usual pathways are no longer an option in todays risk landscape if we want to achieve global food security for all, ensuring that no one is left behind, said Dongyu Qu, the FAO Director-General. He underlined the need for immediate interventions in the agricultural sector to pull people from the brink of hunger, help them rebuild their lives, and provide long-term solutions to address the root causes of food insecurity. Worse than ever Acute food insecurity is set to potentially increase in 18 hunger hotspots, comprising a total of 22 countries, according to the report. Not only are more people in more places around the world going hungry, but the severity of the hunger they face is worse than ever, said Cindy McCain, WFP Executive Director. The Sudan conflict is already driving mass displacement and hunger. More than one million citizens and refugees are expected to flee the country, while an additional 2.5 million inside its borders are set to face acute hunger in the coming months. The report warned that a possible spillover of the crisis raises the risk of negative impacts in neighbouring countries. If the conflict continues, it could spark further displacement and disruptions to trade and humanitarian aid flows. Number of people in acute food insecurity in hunger hotspot countries in 2023, in millions. Graphic: UN FAO Economic shocks continue Meanwhile, economic shocks and stressors continue to drive acute hunger in almost all the hotspots, carrying over trends seen globally in 2022, largely due to fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine. Afghanistan, Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan, and Yemen remain at the highest alert level for acute hunger. Alongside Sudan, three other countries Haiti, Burkina Faso and Mali also have been elevated to this level because of movement restrictions affecting people and goods. All hotspots at the highest level have communities facing or projected to face starvation, or are at risk of sliding towards catastrophic conditions, given they have already emergency levels of food insecurity and are facing severe aggravating factors. These hotspots require the most urgent attention, the UN agencies said. The report listed the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Pakistan and Syria as hotspots with very high concern, along with Myanmar. All of these countries have a large number of people facing critical acute food insecurity, coupled with worsening drivers that are expected to further intensify lifethreatening conditions in the coming months. The other hotspots are Lebanon, Malawi, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Acute food insecurity trends in hunger hotspots of highest and very high concern, 2020-2023, peak numbers and prevalence. Graphic: UN FAO Sudan food distributions Meanwhile in Sudan, WFP began distributing food assistance on Saturday to thousands of people trapped in the capital, Khartoum, since fighting broke out six weeks ago. The distributions came in the last days of the seven-day ceasefire agreed by the army, which was set to expire on Monday evening, local time This is a major breakthrough. We have finally been able to help families who are stuck in Khartoum and struggling to make it through each day as food and basic supplies dwindle, said Eddie Rowe, WFP Country Director. Staff have been working round the clock to reach people in the city since the conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and rival military group, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), erupted in mid-April. A window opened late last week which allowed us to start food distributions, Mr. Rowe said, adding that WFP must do more, but that depends on the parties to the conflict and the security and access they realistically guarantee on the ground. Stepping up support WFP is rapidly expanding distribution of emergency food assistance across Sudan. Latest updates including distributions to some 12,445 people in locations controlled by both sides in Omdurman, part of the Khartoum metropolitan area. More food assistance has been prepositioned to continue distributions in the capital for as long as the security situation allows, with the goal of reaching at least 500,000 people. Food and nutrition distributions also began over the weekend in Wadi Halfa in Northern State to around 8,000 Sudanese who have fled Khartoum and are making the long journey to Egypt. Last week WFP also began distributions to 4,000 newly displaced people in Port Sudan, a city on the Red Sea Coast. The UN agency has rapidly scaled up support to reach 675,000 people so far with emergency food and nutrition assistance in 13 of Sudans 18 states since resuming operations earlier this month. Activities were halted after three staff were killed in North Darfur on 15 April 2023, the first day of the conflict. As hunger rises, WFP is expanding to support 5.9 million people across the country and requires $731 million to reach them. [more] UN agencies warn of rising hunger risk in 18 hotspots Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 3 arrived in Odisha's Balasore, where an accident involving three trains has claimed the lives of over 280 persons so far and left nearly 800 others injured. Modi landed in an air force chopper at Bahanaga Bazar Station in Balasore district, where the Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express, the Shalimar-Chennai Central Coromandel Express, and a goods train had collided at around 7 pm on June 2. The site is located 170 km north of state capital Bhubaneswar. Accompanied by Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan - both of whom belong to Odisha, Modi inspected the site of the railway accident, and spoke to the local authorities and relief workers involved in the rescue operation. Live updates on Odisha train tragedy and relief operations Modi, while speaking to officials, emphasised on the "whole of government" approach to mitigate this monumental tragedy, an official release noted. The prime minister issues instructions for "speedy investigation and for taking prompt". While speaking to reporters at a hospital in Balasore where he met the injured, Modi vowed that the strictest action would be taken against those responsible for the accident. "It is a serious incident, and instructions have been issued for probe from every angle. Those found guilty will be punished stringently," he said. Also Read | Full list of trains cancelled after Coromandel Express tragedy The PM noted that the government will "leave no stone unturned to provide all possible medical help to those injured". He also lauded the Odisha government, local authorities and the locals who were involved in the relief and rescue operation over the past night. Apart from the relief operations, the Railways is also working towards quick restoration of tracks on the affected route, Modi said. According to officials, a total of 58 trains have been cancelled, 81 were diverted and 10 were terminated following the accident in Balasore. Following his visit to Balasore, Modi took to Twitter to laud the "courage and compassion" shown by the people in the face of adversity. "As soon as the train mishap took place in Odisha, people immersed themselves in assisting rescue ops. Several people lined up to donate blood," he tweeted. The courage and compassion shown by the people of our nation in the face of adversity is truly inspiring. As soon as the train mishap took place in Odisha, people immersed themselves in assisting rescue ops. Several people lined up to donate blood. Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 3, 2023 "I commend each and every person belonging to the teams of railways, NDRF, ODRAF, local authorities, police, fire service, volunteers and others who are working tirelessly on the ground and strengthening the rescue ops. Proud of their dedication," he added. The train crash, one of the most deadliest in the country's history, has led to the death of at least 288 persons so far, the Railways ministry said in an update. At least 747 people have been injured, along with 56 who have been grievously injured so far. Earlier in the day, the Railways Ministry announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the kin of deceased, along Rs 2 lakh for those severely injured. Separately, Modi announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh for the kin of those who lost their lives in the accident, and Rs 50,000 for those injured, from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on June 3 visited the site of the devastating train accident in Balasore, Odisha, where over 230 individuals lost their lives and approximately 900 sustained injuries. Emphasising the immediate priority of rescue and relief operations, Vaishnaw told media that efforts are underway to save lives and provide aid to those affected. The accident involved the Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express, Shalimar-Chennai Central Coromandel Express, and a goods train. The Commissioner of Railway Safety, South East Circle, will conduct an inquiry into the incident to determine the cause and reveal details once an official report is submitted. Follow our LIVE Coverage here We will conduct a comprehensive high-level inquiry, and an independent investigation will be carried out by the rail safety commissioner," Vaishnav told ANI. #WATCH | Our focus is on rescue and relief operations. Restoration will begin after clearance from district administration. A detailed high-level inquiry will be conducted and the rail safety commissioner will also do an independent inquiry: Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw pic.twitter.com/yfCecv0FxB ANI (@ANI) June 3, 2023 Rescue in full-swing Through the night, rescue teams tirelessly used gas torches and electric cutters to extract survivors and recover the deceased from the twisted wreckage of the three trains. Authorities in Bhubaneswar have mobilised significant resources to respond to the situation, with 200 ambulances, 50 buses, and 45 mobile health units deployed at the accident site. Additionally, 1,200 personnel are involved in the rescue and relief operations. Various means of transportation, including tractors, are being used to transport the bodies to hospitals. Also Read | Passenger on Coromandel Express recounts horror: 'families crushed away' The train crash near Bahanaga Baazar station in Balasore district is now recognised as the fourth deadliest accident in India, based on available records. The incident occurred around 7 pm on Friday (June 2), as multiple coaches of the Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express derailed and collided with the Shalimar-Chennai Central Coromandel Express, causing some of its coaches to overturn. The goods train also became involved when the derailed Coromandel Express coaches struck its wagons. (With inputs from wires) Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Saturday said Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw must resign on moral grounds after the Odisha train tragedy a day earlier in which more than 260 persons died and nearly 1,000 were injured. The Coromandel Express, the Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express, carrying close to 2,000 passengers cumulatively, and a goods train were involved in a derailment-collision accident near Bahanagar Bazar station in the eastern state on Friday night. The entire nation is heartbroken with the accident. The Bharatiya Janata Party talks about morality and decency. So he (Vaishnaw) should immediately resign, Baghel told reporters at Rajiv Bhavan, the Chhattisgarh Congress headquarters in Raipur. Vaishnaw had spoken about implementation of anti-collision mechanisms to prevent such incidents but three trains collided and that too in his home state, Baghel added. It is definitely his responsibility and we will see whether he discharges his responsibility or not, said Baghel, who paid tribute to those dead and injured, and informed he has spoken to his Odisha counterpart Naveen Patnaik and offered help from the state. 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. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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 data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and West Bengal Chief Minister Banerjee were seen publicly disagreeing on the death toll due to the train accident in Odisha's Balasore, while addressing the press on June 3. Banerjee, who visited Balasore in neighbouring Odisha to take stock of the situation, told reporters that the death toll could climb to as high as 500. This compelled Vaishnaw, who was standing beside her, to intervene and state that the toll stood at 238 as per the official data. I heard it can go up to 500," Banerjee said, which prompted Vaishnaw to tell her that "it is 238 as per the state government's data". The West Bengal CM, however, reverted by saying that the toll was 238 earlier, and it is now feared to go higher. Live updates on Odisha train tragedy and relief operations #WATCH | Earlier today, WB CM Mamata Banerjee and Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw disagreed on death toll. Mamata Banerjee said I heard it can go upto 500 while Vaishnaw said 238 as per state govt data According to Indian Railways, the death toll in #OdishaTrainTragedy is pic.twitter.com/3DDYQQ63AC ANI (@ANI) June 3, 2023 Later, while speaking to the news agency ANI, Vaishnaw said no information related to the accident, including the fatality count, will be concealed. "...we want full transparency, this is not time to do politics, this is time to focus on making sure that restoration happens at the earliest," he said. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Railways stated that the death toll as of 2 pm stood at 288. Officials further added that 747 others have sustained injuries, including 56 grievously injured. Also Read | Full list of trains cancelled after Coromandel Express tragedy The accident, one of the deadliest in the country's history, involved the collision of the Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express, the Shalimar-Chennai Central Coromandel Express, and goods train at around 7 pm on June 2. The Railways ministry announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the kin of deceased, and Rs 2 lakh for those seriously injured. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who visited the crash site in Balasore on June 3 and met the injured at a hospital, has separately announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh for the families of the deceased, and Rs 50,000 for those injured, from the PM National Relief Fund. Modi also assured a high-level probe, and "severe punishment for those responsible". ChatGPT lands NYC-based lawyer in hot water for 'fake legal citations' Steven Schwartz from the law firm Levidow and Oberman used ChatGPT for assistance in writing a legal brief. As reported by Engadget, the firm was suing Columbian airline Avianca on behalf of its client, Roberto Mata, who suffered an injury sustained from a serving cart while on the airline in 2019, claiming negligence by an employee. Schwartz filed a 10-page legal brief in which he cited multiple court decisions as citations, all of which turned out to be fake. Schwartz submitted an affidavit claiming he used ChatGPT to supplement research for his case, and said that he was, "unaware of the possibility," that the bot's content "could be false". WPP and NVIDIA to build generative AI-enabled content engine Tech giant NVIDIA and London-based advertising multinational WPP announced, via a release on May 29, that they are developing a content engine that harnesses NVIDIA Omniverse's technology and Generative AI to enable creative teams to produce high-quality commercial content. The release claimed that the AI-enabled engine will be faster and create content more efficiently and at scale while staying fully aligned with a clients brand-oriented requirements. The content engine developed by this partnership will enable the advertising firm's artists to integrate 3D content creation with generative AI. The release also claims that the content engine is able to outperform current methods used in advertising to produce content, which require creatives to manually create hundreds of thousands of pieces of content using disparate data coming from disconnected tools and systems. Snapchat has expanded upon the features of its in-app AI chatbot, My AI, for Snapchat+ members The paid subscription now includes the option to send a photo to the AI, and get a generative image back from the bot. Snapchat encourages you to try and send My AI, "Snap My AI a picture of your pizza, OOTD, or even your furry best friend, and My AI may respond with a Snap back in reaction to what youre doing". The company made it clear that the snaps you send the AI would be stored in the company servers, so you may want to hold off sending the bot anything personal or private. One of the godfathers of AI says he is concerned about it falling into the wrong hands Professor Yoshua Bengio, one of the three main pioneers in the field of artificial intelligence has joined the call for AI regulation. Speaking with BBC, Bengio said that he feared the misuse of the technology in military hands and voiced his concern over the speed at which the technology is being developed, without proper regulation in place. Professor Bengio said that he was worried that "bad actors" would gain control of the technology. "It might be military, it might be terrorists, it might be somebody very angry, psychotic," Bengio told BBC. Microsoft increases Bing Chat turns to 30, total responses per day increased to 300 Besides increasing the turns, Bing's AI Image creator is now available in all modes, and chat queries will now have more visual responses. Microsoft has increased the chat turns for its AI-based Bing chatbot to 30. A prompt and a response constitute one turn. Previously, you were restricted to 20 responses from Bing Chat per conversation. The company has also increased the limit of total number of turns per day to 300. Microsoft said that this also applies to previous conversations in your chat history, you can now pick up any old conversation to continue where you left off. A Bengaluru family recently received a refund of Rs 59,620 on their ticket fares and an additional Rs 30,000 as compensation after they sued Kuwait Airways for damaged bags. The incident dates back to 2017 when S Rajendran, a resident of Ulsoor in the city, and his family comprising his wife and three others decided to travel to Turkey on a holiday. With no direct flight available from Bengaluru to the country, Rajendran booked three connecting flights- Bengaluru to Mumbai, Mumbai to Istanbul and Istanbul to Kayseri. The family faced issues on the first day when their flight to Istanbul from Mumbai was delayed and they missed the connecting flight from Istanbul to Kayseri. This forced them to book another flight. On their way back to India, the family's Istanbul to Mumbai got delayed which led them to miss their flight to Bengaluru. Three of their checked bags went missing in the journey and arrived two days later, in damaged condition. On reaching Bengaluru, Rajendran contacted the helpline number of the airlines and asked for a refund on the additional flights. Kuwait Airways failed to reply in a favourable manner which forced him to file a complaint against them on charges of service deficiency. Rajendran's lawyer present his claims, which was rejected by the attorney of the airlines. The judges pronounced their final verdict in April in which it stated that Kuwait Airways had committed service deficiency by not paying heed to the family's issues right through their trip. They said that the airlines had to pay the family a refund amount of Rs 59,620 , a compensation amount of Rs 25,000 and a litigation expense of Rs 5,000. The family of a 27-year-old Bengaluru man who died in an accident, donated his organs to five others after he was declared brain dead. The man, who was identified as Rohit, met with the accident in the Basaveshwaranagar area of the city and after his death, the family donated his liver, kidneys, heart valves and corneas. The accident, which took place on May 21, left Rohit- a purifier technician- with multiple bone fractures, damage to tissues and organs and a head injury. Rohit had slipped into coma after suffering from the injuries. The man was admitted to a local hospital and later shifted to another hospital because of the critical nature of his condition. Rohit remained in an unstable condition despite undergoing surgery and medical care. On May 28. he was shifted to a different hospital in the city since he required specialized care. He was kept on ventilator support in that hospital after which he was declared brain dead. Rohit was married and was a father to a six-month-old daughter. This is one of the few recent instances when a person's organs had been donated to save lives of others, after his death. In a similar incident that occurred in Pune few weeks ago, the family of a 32-year-old man also donated his organs after his death, which helped save the life of five others. The man's liver, pancreas and one of his kidney's was allocated to a hospital in the city. Also read: Scientists 'reverse death', bring dead eyes back to life Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio made an appearance at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, but what caught the eye of many was his presence with a woman, who was later identified as 28-year-old Neelam Gill. The duo were, later, again spotted at the Chiltern Firehouse in London, as per reports on Page-Six. Here are a few things to know about Gill: Born on April 27 1995, Gill is a British-Punjabi model with experience in the modeling industry. Gill entered into the modeling world at the age of 14. In 2013, Gill became the first Indian-origin model to feature in the campaign for British heritage brand Burberry. Additionally, she has also worked with Abercrombie & Fitch and made an appearance in Vogue. Gill has in the past spoken about aspects such as bullying, depression and body confidence issues on her YouTube channel and added that she felt sorry for online trolls. Additionally, she is also a TEDx speaker. She was seen walking the red carpet at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival at the screening of DiCaprio's film "Killers of the Flower Moon". Gill also walked the ramp for the Dior show in Mumbai in 2023. "My first ever runway for Dior. Honoured is an understatement. Deeply grateful to have been a part of this moment in history, especially as a Punjabi girl. Was truly magical and emotional to see our culture and heritage celebrated by a fashion house Ive admired for so many years," she wrote on Instagram. Also read: Leonardo DiCaprio applauds Assam governments efforts to end rhino poaching 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. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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 data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept "Such beautiful buildings," says the tiny girl, adding without a pause, "not bombed at all." The child is staring at the view outside from the window of a car driving through the war zone of Ukraine littered with bombed buildings and bridges. The vehicle transporting the girl and her parents to safety on their country's border with Poland is also one of the rare means of truth about the cost of the war that began with the Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24 last year. In the Rearview, a new documentary directed by Polish filmmaker Maciek Hamela, shows the reality of the Russia-Ukraine war in the exodus of frightened families, children and animals. Part of the Association for the Diffusion of Independent Cinema (ACID) parallel selection at the recent 76th Cannes Film Festival, the documentary brings a war-ravaged country into the confines of a car for the world to witness. Reports say 15 million people, more than a third of Ukraine's population, were forced to abandon their homes following the invasion. A whopping one million left in the first week of the war, which the UNHCR says is the fastest such exodus of this century. Four million people have fled Ukraine to safer locations across Europe since the start of the war. Hamela's 84-minute debut documentary, which he shot over a period of six months, shows evacuations of families from Ukrainian cities like Lviv, Kyiv and Cherkasy to the Polish border. "We evacuated 400 people in six months," says Hamela, who stepped into the work on the third day of the war. "For many of these families we were the only way out from wherever they were stranded," he says. The Warsaw-born director didn't initially set out to film the evacuation he was undertaking in his own car. "I set out purely to evacuate," says Hamela, who belongs to the first generation of Polish citizens who were not forced to learn Russian in school. He did so anyway because he could read Nabokov and Dostoyevsky in their original language. "When the Russians invaded Ukraine, I was in the middle of a shooting (for another film) on the Poland-Belarus border. I decided immediately to join the humanitarian efforts like tens of thousands of others. The filming part came after more than three weeks of driving," says the director-producer who studied cinema at French film school, EICAR in Paris. "The only thing I was thinking about in the beginning was to drive. I could make bigger use of my driving license than of my experience as a documentary filmmaker." Hamela, who has previously produced and co-written short and documentary movies, including Plot, the story of young men's encounters with army conscription, turned down an offer from CNN to become part of their investigative team for crimes against humanity. "It was an offer you don't get very often," he says. "I only thought about it for half-an-hour and decided that was not the time I was making money on the war." The CNN offer, instead, nudged Hamela into making a movie on the evacuation he was carrying out from Ukraine. Three weeks after he began driving in and out of bombed Ukrainian cities, the filmmaker got himself a cameraman, who was now sitting in the front passenger seat with the camera facing the car's rear seats. Hamela continued in the driver's seat. "We knew as filmmakers that what was happening inside the car was unique. But we made it clear to ourselves that we will not do anything that will slow down the evacuation. The camera was always secondary to the driving. The driving wheel was more important than the camera." Stories of the war soon started to appear in the rear seats. One family goes on a long conversation about Beauty, their cow they were forced to leave behind while fleeing. "She is a good cow, very calm and she eats everything...potato peels, oranges, tomato, cucumber, apples, whatever you give her. She cried as we left. She understood," says one family member wiping off tears. "She is a true Ukrainian cow," says a voice from the back seat. When families began arriving on the Polish border, authorities exempted them from producing COVID-19 vaccination certificates and negative test reports. On the move, Hamela's mobile phone would often receive screenshots of maps of Russian army-free towns and messages about mine-laid roads to avoid. A mother talks of her young daughter who has stopped talking after their home was hit in a rocket attack. Another girl contributes a new definition to the word, worried: "It is when your granny is afraid your house will be hit by a rocket or bomb." "Like flames from a burning house," one woman describes a sunset she sees from the moving car. Hamela used three similar Volkswagen Sharan that could seat seven people during the six months of evacuations. The first minivan as a donation. "My first van was a Piaggio with Dutch number plates sold to me by a car dealer, but I was stopped at the border. Then a friend called me. He said, 'Listen, I know this Vietnamese family (There is a huge Vietnamese community in Warsaw), they really want to help you. They have this Volkswagen Sharan that is 20-years-old. It is in immaculate condition and they want to give it to you for free.'" "This is the van that I used the most. Afterwards I bought two other Volkswagen Sharan, because the first one was breaking down," says Hamela, who decided to use only one camera during the entire shooting to gain the trust of the fleeing families. "We had one shot, a wide angle in 6K resolution. That gave us the possibility to approach the characters closer." "It was very important that the camera was held by a human being so that anytime the people can say, this is too much, let us not shoot this, and the camera goes down and turns off. This was a part of the deal that was very important for the film. I wouldn't imagine doing it any other way," says the director. Not all of the evacuees were filmed and a lot of stories were left out in the editing process. The first cut was three-hours long. It was edited to "a humane length" of 83 minutes to aid wider distribution. "I wanted the speactor to be able to imagine themselves in the place of all these people I drove in my van." The Union government has banned 14 fixed-dose combination (FDC) drugs in India on the recommendation of an expert committee which said there is "no therapeutic justification" for these medicines and that they may involve "risk" to people. The expert committee constituted by the Government of India furnished its report on April 1 last year. Hence in the larger public interest, it is necessary to prohibit the manufacture, sale or distribution of these FDC under section 26A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, the gazette notification by the Health Ministry said. FDCs are drugs which contain one or more active drug ingredients and are used for a particular disease indication. The committee in its report stated that any kind of regulation or restriction to allow for any use in patients is not justifiable. Therefore, only prohibition under section 26A is recommended, the notification read. Welcome move Chinu Srinivasan of All India Drug Action Network welcomed the government's action on FDCs saying they deserved to be banned in the country. It is a correct move by the government. There are two expert committees (Kokate and Dr Nilima Kshirsagar) who recommended the FDCs be banned in the country. There are so many other combinations which need strict examination, he added. When asked about the over-the-counter availability of these FDC drugs in India, Srinivasan pointed out that the OTC drugs arent specified in the country. One of the key FDCs banned by the government includes Nimesulide+Paracetamol which is often used to relieve pain in conditions such as toothache, ear pain, joint pain, headache and menstrual cramps. It is also used for fever. Another banned FDC is Amoxicillin+ Bromhexine which is often prescribed for lower respiratory tract infections. The list of banned FDCs also includes chlorpheniramine maleate and codeine which are used to treat cough, runny nose, and sneezing caused by allergies or the common cold. Similarly, the banned combination of bromhexine, dextromethorphan and ammonium chloride is often used to treat dry cough. FDCs banned by DCGI In December last year, while replying to a question by AAP Punjab MP Harbhajan Singh, the government said 36 cases of unapproved FDCs licensed by the state regulators were reported from 2020 till date. A few cases of grant of manufacturing licence of new drugs, including fixed-dose combinations (FDCs), by some of the state licensing authorities (SLAs) without the due approval of the Drugs Controller General of India came to the notice of the government. Thirty-six cases of unapproved FDCs licensed by the SLA, considered as new drugs, have been reported from 2020 till date," Minister of State for Health Bharati Pravin Pawar told Rajya Sabha. "During the Drug Consultative Committee meetings, State Drugs Controllers have also been requested to ensure that new drugs and FDCs are not permitted without the approval of the DCGI, the minister had said. The approval of the banned FDCs was given by Uttarakhand (10), Himachal Pradesh (9), Sikkim (5), Gujarat (4), Maharashtra (2), Karnataka (2), Uttar Pradesh (2), Telangana (1) and Daman and Diu (1). The Supreme Court on June 3 stayed an Allahabad High Court's May 23 order directing the head of the department of astrology at Lucknow University to ascertain whether an alleged rape victim was mangalik and issued notices to all parties. The court, while making it clear that it was not entering into the merits of astrology as a science, said such an order should not have been passed while hearing a bail plea. The court asked the Allahabad High Court to evaluate the accused's bail plea on merits. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta urged the court to stay the order, saying it was "disturbing". The lawyer for the rape victim and the complainant told the Supreme Court that the high court passed the order after taking the consent of both sides. The Supreme Court stayed the order, saying an astrology report was not required in a bail plea. The Lucknow Bench of the high court gave bail to the rape accused whose lawyer told the court that the woman was mangalik and his client didn't intend to marry her. The victim's lawyer, however, contested the claim and argued that the girl was not a manglik, which astrologers believe is an inauspicious alignment of planets that comes in the way of a happy married life. The court ordered both sides to submit their birth charts to the head of the astrology department at Lucknow University within 10 days. The head of the department was given three weeks to submit a report in a sealed cover. The woman has claimed she got intimate with the accused after he promised to marry her but he turned down her marriage proposal, saying she was a manglik. The high court listed the case for hearing on June 26. According to Hindu astrology, a manglik is a person born under the influence of the planet Mars (Mangala). The person is said to have 'Mangala Dosha'. Astrologers advise against a marriage between a manglik and a non-manglik. The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) will on June 5 hear applications by three Go First aircraft lessors for repossession of the aircraft leased to the cash-strapped airline over non-payment of dues. While BOC Aviation (Ireland) Limited filed an application during the week, Jackson Square Aviation Ireland Limited and Engine Lease Finance BV have filed new pleas in the NCLT, the tribunal's causelist shows. A causelist is a list of cases that are up for hearing in a court or a tribunal. Though BOC Aviation's application was listed for hearing twice during the week, it couldnt be taken up due to the non-availability of the bench. The case was adjourned to June 5. The application was filed after the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) on May 22 upheld Go First's insolvency protection, which imposes a freeze on assets. It directed the lessors to file a plea in the NCLT to ascertain the status of leases terminated before the cash-strap airline voluntarily submitted for bankruptcy. The lessors have been saying that they terminated leases before the insolvency proceedings and the moratorium couldnt be applied to them. Once the lease was terminated, Go First couldnt have operated the aircraft, which must be returned to them, they have said. The appellate tribunal also allowed the Interim Resolution Professional (IRP) to move the NCLT on the issues of leased aircraft. The NCLAT directed the NCLT to decide the applications of the lessors and IRP without being influenced by any observations made by it. On May 10, the NCLT bench at Delhi admitted Go First's voluntary plea to initiate the insolvency resolution process. The tribunal appointed an IRP while suspending the board and put a moratorium on the debt-ridden airline's financial obligations. Founded by billionaire Nusli Wadia, Go First, formerly GoAir, filed for bankruptcy on May 2, blaming US engine maker Pratt & Whitney for the grounding of half of its fleet. The ultra-low-cost airline has liabilities worth around Rs 11,000 crore. Litigation in Delhi High Court While three lessors have approached NCLT, at least five have also moved the Delhi High Court against the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), seeking directions for the civil aviation regulator to release their aircraft. The DGCA, however, has said it hasnt rejected any application for the repossession of aircraft. It has only kept the decision in abeyance owing to the moratorium. It also clarified that the rejected status of the application, as shown on its website, was due to a technical glitch. On June 1, the High Court reserved the order on the petition. Amid all the horror stories of renting in Bengaluru that have emerged social media of late, this exchange between a landlord and his tenant stands out as an outlier. Pawan Gupta, the co-founder and CEO of Betterhalf.ai, revealed that his landlord invested $10,000 (Rs 8.2 lakh approximately) in his AI-driven matrimonial app. Pawan Gupta shared a screenshot of his conversation with his landlord, named Sushil, on Twitter. Im investing in you all the best and hope you reach the greatest of heights, the landlord told him. Sushil then confirmed that he had invested $10,000 in the AI startup that Pawan Gupta heads. In a tough business landscape, I found an unexpected investor in my landlord, Gupta wrote while sharing the screenshot. He recently invested $10K in my startup @betterhalfai. Truly amazed by the entrepreneurial spirit everyone in Bangalore shows. Silicon Valley of India for a reason, he added. In a tough business landscape, I found an unexpected investor in my landlord. He recently invested $10K in my startup @betterhalfai. Truly amazed by the entrepreneurial spirit everyone in Bangalore shows. Silicon Valley of India for a reason. #peakbengalurumoment pic.twitter.com/IfzUn0lPkl Pawan Gupta (@pguptasloan) June 2, 2023 In the comments section, people congratulated Gupta for the investment and called it an example of a peak Bengaluru moment. Y Combinator-backed Betterhalf.ai had raised $3 million in Pre-Series A round back in 2021. The startup was a participant in the Y Combinator W21 batch and the funding saw the participation of venture capital firms such as S2 Capital and Quiet Capital and marquee angel investors Kunal Shah and Samvit Ramadurgam. The startup also raised $8.5 million in its Series A round of funding from FinSight Ventures, Rebel Fund and Nurture Ventures, Inc42 reported. 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. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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 data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Thomas Gibbons-Neff and Natalia Yermak KYIV, Ukraine Outside a childrens clinic turned bomb shelter in Kyiv, a huddle of passers-by wrestled with a question that has haunted Ukraines capital for over a day: Who is to blame for their neighbours deaths? Three people, including a woman and her child, were killed in an explosion around the entrance of their neighbourhood shelter early Thursday (June 1) morning, having been locked out in the middle of an air raid. At least a dozen others were wounded. The deaths rattled a city used to air raids and missiles, and they have led to multiple investigations, four detentions and widespread mourning. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for law enforcement to bring those responsible to justice. Unfortunately, even today after everything that has happened Kyiv residents repeatedly post information about the lack of access to shelters, Zelenskyy said in a speech Friday (June 2) night. This level of negligence in the city cannot be covered with any excuses. By Friday afternoon, three distinct memorials of flowers, childrens stuffed animals and candles had been erected near the clinic doors. One woman, standing outside the police line, cried quietly. A young boy drew the Ukrainian flag in blue and yellow chalk on the sidewalk next to one informal tribute, writing Glory to Ukraine in blocky text. My daughter got delayed by 30 seconds, which saved her life. If they were running together, she would be dead too, said Larysa Sukhomlyn, 64, whose daughter, Olya, often went to the clinics basement during air raids. Since Russia invaded Ukraine last year, the war has been defined by moments of happenstance and terror: Mere minutes or yards sometimes dictate who lives or dies, from front-line battlefields to Ukraines dense cities and Russias border regions, where some authorities have recently described Ukrainian shelling and announced evacuations. But the three Ukrainians killed in Kyiv Natalia Velchenko, 33; Olha Ivashko, 34; and Olhas 9-year-old daughter, Viktoria by all accounts seemed to have had enough time to get to safety Thursday morning. Their deaths reflected a worst-case scenario of what happens when Kyivs residents have to navigate a web of hundreds of bomb shelters scattered around the city. Those shelters have become more and more important as Russia has ramped up aerial attacks in recent weeks, after an already brutal winter of long-range strikes and power outages. Some of the shelters are closed. Others are kept in poor condition. And it is often confusing to find those responsible for their upkeep, according to several Kyiv residents. This inaction has left the burden on local residents to coordinate with one another so they know where to find safety. Was it necessary for people to die so that the shelters start to be kept open around Kyiv? asked Tetiana Kukuruza, 26, who lives in the citys centre. They should have dealt with this matter before the full-scale invasion, not almost a year and a half after the beginning of an active war. On Thursday, Vitali Klitschko, the mayor of Kyiv, said on Telegram that authorities are checking access to the shelters. Serhiy Popko, the head of Kyivs city military administration, said that the countrys main intelligence and security service, the prosecutors office and the national police were investigating whos to blame. Some were doubtful there would ever be justice. No one is handling this not Klitschko or anyone else, said Vadym, a resident who lives near Thursdays blast site and declined to provide his surname for fear of reprisal. I dont know who decides this. They are passing the responsibility on to each other, and thats it. Roughly seven minutes passed between the air raid siren, which sounded at around 2:49 a.m., until the explosion outside the clinic, residents said. It was long enough for families to get dressed and make their way toward the basement. The childrens health clinic, known as Center of Primary Health Care No. 3 of Desnianskyi District, contains televisions, medicine and medical records. The building is usually locked in the middle of the night, but for some reason, residents said, the outdoor access to its basement was also locked. One woman, who declined to give her name, said that in recent days, she had to knock repeatedly to gain access to the shelter. The watchman on duty Thursday morning was detained and tested for drug and alcohol consumption, said a police officer, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive issues. Three other people, including the director and deputy director of the clinic, have been detained for questioning, according to the Ukrainian prosecutor generals office. Authorities in a Russian border region, Belgorod, also described recent war-related casualties and confusion, though without much detail. The regions governor, Vyacheslav Gladkov, said that two women had died after their car was hit by an artillery shell near the town of Shebekino, about 6 miles from the Ukrainian border. A video posted by Russian military correspondents purporting to capture the aftermath showed a cloud of smoke rising near a column of passenger cars. The video could not be independently verified. The conditions are quite difficult, Gladkov said in a post on Telegram on Friday, adding that about 2,500 people have been evacuated in Belgorod because of Ukrainian shelling and incursions. The number of people evacuating could not be confirmed, but Belgorod residents who had travelled to Shebekino on Thursday described the agricultural community, with a population of 40,000, as a ghost town. They said many residents had left without waiting for an official evacuation after sheltering in cellars during hours of bombardment. Anxiety in the Belgorod region has been rising since two paramilitary groups crossed the border last week and briefly held two villages in another part of the region. The groups, Free Russia Legion and Russian Volunteer Corps, claimed in separate videos Friday that they were fighting on the outskirts of Shebekino for a second day. Russian authorities had said Thursday that the insurgents had been turned back at the border. On Friday, spokespeople for the Russian Volunteer Corps and Free Russia Legion declined to comment beyond saying operations were continuing. Both groups, which operate from Ukraine and are made up of anti-Kremlin Russian citizens, have claimed they do not attack civilians and only target security installations. Witnesses in the region have described widespread damage in Shebekino, including to residential buildings. Video footage verified by The New York Times showed an apartment block in the town on fire. If scenes of flight and destruction are relatively novel for Russians, such bombardment has become painfully familiar for many Ukrainians. For the residents of the eastern Kyiv district near the clinic, living in a cluster of Soviet-style apartment blocks amid small shops, going to the childrens clinic shelter had been part of a weekslong routine, as Russia launched drones, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles at the capital for much of May. About a dozen people had gathered outside the No. 3 clinic to take shelter in its basement early Thursday morning. As they huddled, knocked and waited for entry, Ukrainian air defences, bolstered by Western-supplied weapons such as the Patriot missile, only partially intercepted a Russian ballistic missile, knocking it off course but not destroying its warhead, the police officer said. The munition tumbled out of the sky and landed just yards away from the front door of the shelter, blasting a wide fan of shrapnel that extended hundreds of feet. The explosion shattered windows in nearby buildings and blasted doors off their hinges in the clinic, creating a crater roughly 13 feet wide. I saw from the balcony how it happened, said the neighbour, Sukhomlyn, describing the last moments of the mother and child. When the grandmother saw that they had approached the clinic, there was the blast. She ran out instantly and started to scream their names. c.2023 The New York Times Company here Dina Gachman Crater Stream it on Disney+. In 2257, humans inhabit space colonies and teenagers can go off-roading in space rovers. At least thats the world that Caleb (Isaiah Russell-Bailey) inhabits when we meet him and his friends: Dylan (Billy Barratt), Borney (Orson Hong) and Marcus (Thomas Boyce). After his mothers death, Caleb was cared for by his single dad, Michael (Scott Mescudi, aka Kid Cudi), who was killed while working in the lunar mines. The film begins as the recently orphaned Caleb is to be sent to live on a faraway planet called Omega. Before hes forced to leave, though, he takes advantage of a lockdown prompted by an impending meteor shower to gather his buddies, steal a rover and go explore a mysterious crater that may or may not hold treasure. They bring along Addison (Mckenna Grace), who has just arrived from Earth, since she has access to some codes they need for the mission. From the get-go, this fun, fast-paced, emotional sci-fi adventure has enough action to captivate young kids and preteens. Directed by Kyle Patrick Alvarez (COG), Crater is worth a look. Think of it as Stand by Me in space. Slumberland Stream it on Netflix. Nemo (Marlow Barkley) lives in a picture-perfect lighthouse with her seafaring father, Peter (Kyle Chandler, sporting a big old bushy beard). Its just the two of them, and Peter tells his little girl fantastical bedtime stories each night to lull her to sleep. When he dies tragically at sea, Nemo is alone in her grief, until shes sent to live with Philip (Chris ODowd), her unimaginative but well-meaning uncle. This is not the first time filmmakers have tried to bring Winsor McCays early-20th-century comic strip Little Nemo in Slumberland to the screen, but it might be the most ambitious. Nemo copes with the death of her father by escaping into dreams, where she meets Flip (Jason Momoa, who seems to be having a grand time whooping it up in every scene). Hes a rowdy trickster-type figure who leads Nemo through adventures on a quest to find her father and discover some mythical, magical pearls. Directed by Francis Lawrence (the Hunger Games franchise), the fantastical worlds that Nemo and Flip travel through should capture the imaginations of youngsters. And the difficult moments, with Nemo grappling with real-world problems and pain, give the movie an emotional center. Peter Pan & Wendy Stream it on Disney+. Director David Lowery (The Green Knight, Petes Dragon) re-imagines beloved fairy tales with an indie filmmakers eye for subtlety and darkness, and his Peter Pan & Wendy is no exception. He takes the classic tale of Peter the boy who doesnt want to grow up and puts Wendy (Ever Anderson) center stage. Even Tinkerbell (Yara Shahidi from black-ish) is more compelling than Peter (Alexander Molony). Thats not to say that Peter is a dud. The whole cast is fantastic, including Jude Law as Captain Hook, Jim Gaffigan as Smee and Alyssa Wapanatahk as Tiger Lily. My 5-year-old son was mesmerized by pirate ships floating in air and dizzying sword fights. And there is plenty of wonder in this live-action version to inspire a hundred Mommy, how are they flying through the air?-type questions. Its fun to watch Wendy, usually relegated to a supporting role, grappling with questions that would make Gloria Steinem proud. Co-written with Toby Halbrooks, Lowerys longtime collaborator, this film should appeal to younger kids and preteens, but probably wont hold the attention of toddlers, who might prefer bright pops of color and Kidz Bop-esque tunes to a wondrous but slightly brooding adventure. Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank Stream it on Amazon Prime Video. This animated adventure comedy is probably a better bet for the littler kids. Samuel L. Jackson voices a rotund samurai cat named Jimbo who helps a floppy-eared beagle named Hank (Michael Cera) become a great or at least halfway decent samurai himself. A scheming cat named Ika Chu (Ricky Gervais) sets the plot in motion, sending Hank out to become a samurai so that Ika Chu can expand his palace. The plot is almost beside the point, since a 4-year-old most likely will not pick apart any holes with the story, staying instead for the sight gags, silly comedic moments and sword fight scenes. The film was originally called Blazing Samurai, and its an animated childrens version of the Mel Brooks classic Blazing Saddles. Instead of racism in America, the characters grapple with dog and cat issues in feudal Japan. Yes, its a stretch, and no, this is not a comedy classic destined to win over generations of filmgoers. It is fun, though. As in Brooks film, there are plenty of jokes about beans, and Brooks himself voices a character named the Shogun. Michelle Yeoh, Djimon Hounsou and George Takei lend their talents, and its directed by Rob Minkoff (The Lion King), Chris Bailey (Kim Possible) and Mark Koetsier (a story artist on Big Hero 6). True Spirit Stream it on Netflix. For most parents, hearing your 16-year-old say that he or she wants to sail around the globe alone in a pink sailboat would cause you to rattle off 8,000 reasons the answer is no way. That wasnt the case for real-life Australian teen Jessica Watson, who became the youngest person to single-handedly do so, completing her voyage in 2010. In this Netflix original movie directed by Sarah Spillane (Around the Block), Teagan Croft (Titans) plays Jessica, a character who will inspire children with her bravery and never-give-up persistence. True Spirit has a feel-good pop soundtrack and plenty of highly inspirational vlogging. Jessica spouts sentiments like Theres bravery in admitting that youre not OK. Sometimes a dose of simple, feel-good wisdom is just what a kid needs to hear. c.2023 The New York Times Company here Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda on Saturday said meeting his counterpart Narendra Modi was the most significant aspect of his four-day visit to India, as the two leaders signed seven agreements and launched six projects, including railway services to further enhance bilateral ties. Prachanda visited India from May 31 to June 3, his first official trip abroad since assuming office in December 2022. His meeting with Prime Minister Modi on Thursday saw the two countries signing seven agreements and launching six projects including new railway services. "We discussed matters relating to further deepening the centuries-old close relations existing between Nepal and India in the days ahead, Prachanda said upon his arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport here. The bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Modi at the Hyderabad House was the most significant aspect of the visit and the ties between the two countries have entered a new phase," he said. During the meeting, the two leaders discussed bolstering relations in diverse areas, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office here. Both Prime Ministers held wide-ranging bilateral discussions marked by traditional warmth and cordiality. During their talks, both leaders reviewed the entire spectrum of the bilateral agenda between India and Nepal covering political, economic, trade, energy, security and developmental cooperation, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement in New Delhi. "Nepal is one of the key partners of India's Neighbourhood First' policy. The visit of Prime Minister of Nepal to India continues the tradition of high-level visits and exchanges between the two countries, strengthening the age-old ties between the two countries," the statement said. "The productive discussions held during the visit helped to widen the understanding between both countries and perspective on the wide range of bilateral agenda and gave a robust direction to take the deep-rooted partnership forward," it added. The six projects inaugurated during Prachanda's visit include handing over of the Kurtha-Bijalpur railway line; operation of the cargo railway between Jogbani in India and Biratnagar in Nepal; laying the foundation of Bhairahawa- Sunauli integrated checkpost; inauguration of Nepalgunj- Rupaidiha integrated checkpost; foundation of the second phase of Motihari-Amlekhgunj petroleum pipeline construction and the Butawal-Gorakhput 400 KVtrans-border transmission line. The seven agreements that were signed include the Nepal-India Transit Treaty; an MoU regarding the construction of petroleum infrastructure; an MoU relating to the Dodhara-Chadani Integrated check post and Dry Port; an MoU of Fukot-Karnali 480 MW hydropower project development; 669 MW Lower Arun Hydropower Development Project Agreement; an MoU relating to trans-national electronic payment between National Clearing House Ltd. and Nepal and National Payment Company Ltd. India and an MoU between Foreign Affairs Study Academy of Nepal and Sushma Swaraj Foreign Service Institution, India. Prachanda was accompanied by Foreign Minister N P Saud, Energy Minister Shakti Basnet, Minister for Industry and Commerce Ramesh Rijal and Finance Minister Prakash Sharan Mahat during his trip to India. A portrait of Prachanda made from discarded cloth pieces was gifted to him by Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan as he wrapped up his visit to the state on Saturday. US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin will pay a two-day visit to India beginning Sunday to discuss ways to further expand bilateral strategic engagement ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's trip to Washington. People familiar with Austin's visit said he and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh are set to discuss a number of new defence cooperation projects that are set to be unveiled after Modi's talks with President Joe Biden in Washington over two weeks later. The General Electric's proposal to share technology with India for fighter jet engines and India's plan to procure 30 MQ-9B armed drones at a cost of over USD 3 billion from US defence major General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc (GA-ASI) are likely to figure in the Singh-Austin talks on Monday. India has been looking for manufacturing of jet engines in India under the framework of technology transfer to power its fighter aircraft. China's aggressive behaviour in the Indo-Pacific as well as along the Line of Actual Control and ways to combat the threat of terrorism are also likely to figure in the discussions between Singh and Austin. Separately, Germany's Federal Minister of Defence Boris Pistorius will arrive in India on Monday on a four-day visit. The Pentagon said in a statement this week that Austin will further deepen the US-India 'Major Defence Partnership' as ties between the two countries enter a "new and exciting chapter". The US Defence Secretary will arrive in India on Sunday from Singapore on a two-day visit, the defence ministry said. It will be Austin's second visit to India. His previous trip to India was in March, 2021. The ministry said the German Federal Minister of Defence is also visiting New Delhi for bilateral talks with Singh that will take place on June 6. A host of bilateral defence cooperation issues, with focus on industrial cooperation, are likely to be discussed during Singh's meetings with Austin and Pistorius, it said. "US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin and German Federal Minister of Defence Boris Pistorius are visiting New Delhi for bilateral talks with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh," the ministry said in a statement. "The Defence Minister's meeting with the US Secretary of Defence will be held on June 5, while talks with the German Federal Minister of Defence will take place on June 6," it said. India-US defence and strategic ties have been on an upswing in the last few years. The two countries have inked key defence and security pacts over the past few years, including the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) in 2016 that allows their militaries to use each other's bases for repair and replenishment of supplies. The two sides also signed COMCASA (Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement) in 2018 which provides for interoperability between the two militaries and provides for the sale of high-end technology from the US to India. In October 2020, India and the US sealed the BECA (Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement) agreement to further boost bilateral defence ties. The pact provides for sharing of high-end military technology, logistics and geospatial maps between the two countries. The German defence minister will be on a four-day visit to India beginning June 5. He will arrive from Indonesia. Apart from his meeting with Singh, Pistorius is likely to meet officials of a few defence start-ups during an event to be organised by Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) in New Delhi. On June 7, he is scheduled to travel to Mumbai where he is likely to visit the headquarters of the Western Naval Command and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, the ministry said. June 03, 2023 The Ukrainian Military Is In Bad Shape Erik Kramer and Paul Schneider are two former U.S. special operations soldiers who have been in Ukraine since 2022 to train Ukrainian troops. At War on the Rocks they paint a dark picture of the state of the Ukrainian military. Their intent is to get money for more training, thus the real picture may be less dark than they describe. But even if one takes that into account it is still a sad state for an army that has been at war for more than a year. Some excerpts: Based on our nine months of training with all services of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, to include the Ground Forces (Army), Border Guard Service, National Guard, Naval Infantry (Marines), Special Operations Forces, and Territorial Defense Forces, we have observed a series of common trends: lack of mission command, effective training, and combined arms operations; ad hoc logistics and maintenance; and improper use of special operations forces. These trends have undermined Ukraines resistance and could hinder the success of the ongoing offensive. What ongoing offensive? Under mission command, the German Auftragstaktik, the leader disseminates his intent ("to attack through the northern woods to take town x") and authority to subunits that is passed down with the mission to empower subordinates at all levels. Each subunits can make its plans to coordinate and execute the mission as best as possible. The contrast is an order command where every detail of execution is ordered from the top down. Both have advantages but to have a mixed system, as Ukraine currently has, is the worst of all places. In our experience, across many units and staffs, the Ukrainian Armed Forces do not promote personal initiative and foster mutual trust or mission command. As Michael Kofman and Rob Lee recently discussed on the Russia Contingency podcast, elements of the Ukrainian Armed Forces have an old Soviet mentality that holds most decision-making at more senior levels. Amongst military leaders at the brigade level and below, our impression is that junior officers fear making mistakes. But to use mission command down to the lower levels of a Platoon one needs noncommissioned officers (sergeants) to run the show. Those the Ukrainian military had are by now probably dead: Having trained every component of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, we have continually seen a lack of an experienced noncommissioned officer corps. It is common to see field grade officers running around during training counting personnel and coordinating for meals. In the United States, it takes years to develop just a junior noncommissioned officer. The next big lack is combined arms training and use. Tanks protect the infantry, the infantry protects the tanks, the artillery covers the battlefield to allow tanks and infantry to maneuver, command takes care that all three coordinate their actions. The armor/infantry relationship is supposed to be symbiotic, but it is not. The result is that infantry will conduct frontal assaults or operate in urban areas without the protection and firepower of tanks. Also, artillery fires are not synchronized with maneuver. Most units do not talk directly to supporting artillery, so there is a delay in call for fire missions. We have been told that units will use runners to send fire missions to artillery batteries because of issues with communications. Most of the militarys operations are not phased and are sequential. Fires and maneuver, for example, are planned separately from infantry units and infantry units plan separately from supporting artillery. This mentality also carries over to adjacent unit coordination, which is either nonexistent or rare and causes high rates of fratricide. Unit commanders have concerns about collaborators and thus are hesitant to pass on critical information that can be used against them to sister units. These issues are compounded by unreliable communications between units and with senior leadership. The Ukrainian Armed Forces have a hodgepodge of radios that are vulnerable to jamming. Further, battalion missions are mainly independent company operations that do not focus on a main effort coupled with supporting efforts. The armed forces do not combine effects, so operations are piecemeal and disjointed. The separate missions are not supporting each other, nor are the missions of lower level units nested under a higher level mission. Sustainment is not synchronized with operations, either. Due to the wild mix of weapons and for lack of trained mechanics logistics and the maintenance of equipment are a mess. This lack of coordinated maintenance and logistics also translates into medical care. Medical evacuation and care are haphazard. Experienced Ukrainian combat medics have repeatedly stated that many of the evacuees would have survived it they had reached definitive care in a timely manner. The Ukrainian Armed Forces can solve this issue with a systematic logistics process. Ukrainian special forces are mostly used as infantry even as they should be used for more demanding missions. There also are gimmick missions: Ukraine special forces units comprised of international volunteers shop around their services to conventional unit commanders without a mission being tied to a strategic or operational goal. One example of a mission was a conventional brigade commander who had reported to his command that he had occupied a village taken from the Russians. When he realized that the information he had was mistaken and they had stopped short, he asked the international special operations forces unit to go into the occupied village and take a picture of a Ukrainian flag placed on top of a building in the center of the village. A suicide mission to hide the commanders false reporting ... The authors claim that most of the above problems could be fixed by more 'western' training which they are more than willing to sell. However, what has become of the last armies 'western' forces have trained in Iraq and Afghanistan? Both fell apart. An army must reflect the local society and culture. It can not be formed top down by outside forces. Since 2015 the Ukrainian army has been build up and trained by U.S. and British forces. What the WotR authors describe is the result of that. Posted by b on June 3, 2023 at 17:01 UTC | Permalink Comments next page next page With very little time remaining to address the nations debt ceiling, the final form of an agreement headed to the president late Thursday night for his signature. Permian Basin oil and gas operators are closely watching to see how the agreement between the White House and Republican negotiators affects much-desired permitting reform. The initial agreement already includes minor changes to the National Environmental Policy Act, including a one-year limit on environmental assessments and a two-year limit on environmental impact statements. We are extremely pleased that Speaker McCarthy and his team included permitting reform as part of their negotiations, Ben Shepperd, president of the Permian Basin Petroleum Association, told the Reporter-Telegram by email. The PBPA and our membership have been advocating for federal permitting reform for a number of years now. Shepperd said the agreement makes long overdue changes to NEPA, including changes to project threshold, interagency coordination and review deadlines to prevent project delay, limits on what qualifies as a major federal action, and limits to prevent agencies from missing statutory deadlines. Essentially, the bill attempts to prevent federal agencies from using NEPA to continually delay projects without proper justification. The bill provides a right of action to project applicants if statutory deadlines are not met, Shepperd stated. We are still reviewing the bill language but are very happy with these significant reforms, he concluded. Oil and natural gas is fundamental to protecting and enhancing the quality of life of every single American, Todd Staples, president of the Texas Oil & Gas Association, told the Reporter-Telegram by email. Texas is the nations leader in production, and we are encouraged that Congressional leaders and the administration have come together to include important permitting reforms in the debt ceiling agreement that will enhance energy security. The agreement also drew praise from the Energy Workforce & Technology Council. Energy Workforce & Technology Council applauds the bi-partisan agreement to lift the debt ceiling which includes important reforms to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to help speed up projects and includes an agreement to finish the Mountain Valley Pipeline (MPV). This is a positive step forward by Congress, but more must be done, Council President Tim Tarpley said in a statement. Global energy demand is increasing, including demand for oil and gas, he continued. Without changes to the status quo, we will not have the infrastructure, the resources or grid capacity to provide energy services to American consumers and our allies in an affordable, reliable manner. It is unacceptable that the average time to permit a new energy infrastructure project in the United States is now exceeding that of many western countries. This gridlock is a direct threat to American energy security. Energy Workforce encourages passage of the bipartisan agreement and a commitment from lawmakers to work together for more robust permitting reforms. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) A slate of gun control measures was headed Saturday to Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont's desk, after an all-night state Senate debate and early morning vote to approve the state's most wide-ranging gun legislation since the laws that followed the 2012 Sandy Hook school shooting. Lamont, a Democrat, plans to sign the measure. He said in a statement that the legislation would "modernize our firearm safety laws in a smart and strategic way to help prevent tragedy from happening. Among other things, the changes would ban openly carrying firearms and prohibit selling more than three handguns within 30 days to any one person, with some exceptions for instructors and others. Other provisions include expanding Connecticut's current assault weapon ban to include some other similar weapons; stiffening penalties for possession of large-capacity magazines; expanding safe-storage rules to more settings; and adding some domestic violence crimes to the list of disqualifications for having a gun. The measure passed the Senate 24-11, following a 96-51 House vote last week. Democrats control both chambers. The measure comes as mass killings occur at a record pace in the United States. Nearly half the states have passed legislation addressing guns or school safety this year, but the measures differ sharply depending on legislatures' partisan makeup. Democratic-led states have enacted new laws to restrict semiautomatic weapons and expand background checks and waiting periods to buy guns. Republican-controlled states have backed the right to carry concealed guns without permits or for trained staffers to bring guns to school. In Connecticut, Republican lawmakers have complained that majority Democrats are punishing law-abiding gun owners, not targeting criminals who commit gun violence. Lamont, however, maintained that the overwhelming majority of Connecticut residents supports the changes. They want to live in a community that has common-sense measures that encourage gun safety and prevent harm from impacting our neighborhoods and homes," he said. . BERLIN (AP) A senior United Arab Emirates official says the Gulf nation wants the U.N. climate summit it's hosting later this year to deliver game-changing results for international efforts to curb global warming, but doing so will require having the fossil fuel industry at the table. Environmental campaigners have slammed the presence of oil and gas lobbyists at previous rounds of talks, warning that their interests are opposed to the goal of cutting greenhouse gas emissions caused to a large degree by the burning of fossil fuels. Last month scores of U.S. and European lawmakers called for the summit's designated chair, Sultan al-Jaber, to be replaced over his links to the state-owned Abu Dhabi National Oil Company. The issue complicates already-delicate negotiations ahead of the Nov. 30 - Dec. 12 meeting in Dubai, known as COP28. Preliminary talks starting next week in Bonn, Germany, will show whether the incoming UAE presidency can overcome skepticism among parties and civil society groups about its ability to shepherd almost 200 nations toward a landmark deal. Our leadership have been very clear to me and our team and our president that they dont want just another COP thats incremental," said Majid al-Suwaidi, who as director-general of the summit plays a key role in the diplomatic negotiations. They want a COP that is going to deliver real, big, game-changing results because they see, just like all of us, that were not on track to achieve the goals of Paris. Governments agreed eight years ago in the French capital to limit global warming to 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 Fahrenheit) ideally no more than 1.5C (2.7F). With average global temperatures already about 1.2C (2.2F) above pre-industrial levels, experts say the window to meet the more ambitious target is closing fast and even the less stringent goal would be missed if emissions aren't slashed sharply soon. We need to have everybody at the table discussing with us about how to deliver that, al-Suwaidi told The Associated Press in an interview Friday. We need to have oil and gas, we need to have industry, we need to have aviation, we need to have shipping, we need to have all the hard to abate sectors," he said, adding: We need all those who can to deliver what they can, regardless of who they are. Al-Suwaidi pushed back against the idea that the fossil fuel industry would undermine meaningful talks on emissions cuts the way they have done in the past through disinformation campaigns and keeping quiet their own knowledge about climate change. Theres no doubt in my mind that the position of the sector has completely changed and that they are engaging with us in an active conversation, he said. Asked whether the talks might consider a phaseout of fossil fuels, proposed last year by nations most vulnerable to climate change, al-Suwaidi said the presidency wouldn't preclude such conversations. We welcome any kind of discussion, the UAEs former ambassador to Spain said. But the parties are the ones who will decide what that discussion is and where we land. So far, the summit's designated chair al-Jaber has emphasized the need to cut emissions, rather than end fossil fuel use itself. It's prompted fears that he might seek loopholes for untested carbon-capture technologies and so-called offsets both aimed at reducing current levels of carbon dioxide in the air that experts say distract from the need to end the release of greenhouse gases. A report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change earlier this year called for a nearly two-thirds cut in carbon emissions by 2035, warning that failure to do so greatly increases the risk of droughts, flooding, sea-level rise and other short- and long-term disasters. Al-Suwaidi, who also has a background in the oil and gas sector, said the UAE leadership is acutely aware of the existential threat global warming poses including to their own sun-rich but water-poor nation and is committed to shifting from fossil fuels toward renewable energy such as wind and solar. We want to be part of this new economy, he said. Were a country thats running head first into this future. Al-Suwaidi said agreeing a global goal for ramping up renewable energy in Dubai could send a positive message to those anxious about the transformation required to stop climate change. Rather than talking about what were stopping people from doing, lets talk about how were helping them to take up solutions ... that are going to help us to address the emissions problem we have, he said. The talks in Dubai will also see countries conduct the first global stocktake of efforts to tackle climate change since Paris in 2015. The results are meant to inform a new round of commitments by nations to cut emissions and address the impacts of global warming. Poor nations are also demanding rich countries make good on pledges for vast financial support, an issue that has often caused major disagreements at past meetings. We need the developing world to leapfrog into this new climate system and we need to support that transition for them, said al-Suwaidi. Finance is going to be really fundamental at COP28. This will require rich countries, including the Group of Seven major economies, who are historically responsible for a large chunk of global emissions, to step up, he said. They have the technology. They have the know-how. They have the financial ability. We need them to take that leadership role and show us seriousness about addressing this challenge. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate JERUSALEM (AP) A gunbattle along Israels southern border with Egypt left three Israeli soldiers and an Egyptian officer dead Saturday, officials said. It was a rare instance of deadly violence along the frontier. Israel said the Egyptian border guard crossed into Israel and killed the three soldiers before he was fatally shot by troops. Egypt said he had been chasing drug smugglers when he entered Israel. Israel and Egypt have been at peace for over 40 years and have strong security cooperation. Fighting between the sides is extremely rare. Lt. Col. Richard Hecht, an Israeli army spokesperson, said the fighting began overnight when soldiers thwarted a drug-smuggling attempt across the border. He said several hours later, two soldiers in a guard post were shot and killed. Their bodies were found after the shooting, when they did not respond to radio communications. The army said the Egyptian border guard was killed in a second exchange of fire in which a third Israeli soldier was killed. The Egyptian military said an Egyptian border guard crossed the border security barrier and exchanged fire with Israeli forces while he was chasing drug traffickers. It said in a statement that the Egyptian border guard was killed along with three Israeli troops. Hecht said an investigation was being conducted in full cooperation with the Egyptian army. He said troops were searching for other possible assailants. Egypts Defense Minister Gen. Mohamed Zaki spoke by phone with his Israeli counterpart to discuss the shooting on the border, and the mutual coordination to take measures to prevent such incidents in the future, the Egyptian military said in a statement. The Egyptian minister also offered condolences for the dead Israeli troops, it said. It was the first deadly exchange of fire along the Israel-Egypt border in over a decade. The Israeli army said one of the killed soldiers was a woman. Criminals sometimes smuggle drugs across the border, while Islamic militant groups are also active in Egypts restive north Sinai. Israel and Egypt signed a peace agreement in 1979 and maintain close security ties. Fighting along their shared border is rare. The exchange of fire reportedly took place around the Nitzana border crossing between Israel and Egypt. The crossing is located about 40 kilometers (25 miles) southeast of the point where Israels border with Egypt and the Gaza Strip converge. It's used to import goods from Egypt destined for Israel or the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip. Israel built a fence along the porous border a decade ago to halt the entry of African migrants and Islamic militants who are active in Egypts Sinai desert. The Southeast Health Starbucks is giving back to the health systems employees by donating revenue generated from store operations to the employee benevolence fund. Starbucks presented the Southeast Health Foundation with a check for $26,984 in a ceremony at the hospital. Every year, Southeast Health donates the generated revenue to the employee benevolence fund. The fund, established on Oct. 1, 2018, in the wake of Hurricane Michael, has awarded nearly $80,000 to employees in need. It provides emergency assistance to qualified employees who have gone through a catastrophic event that resulted in a financial burden. All Southeast Health employees and volunteers, as well as Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine students who meet requirements are eligible to apply for assistance from the benevolence fund. For more information about the Southeast Health Foundation or to make a donation, visit www.sehealthfoundation.org or call 334-673-4150. Volunteers from government and private organizations join together to pack 7,500 bags of food Wednesday, May 31, 2023, at a Guam Department of Education warehouse in Piti. Although some groups have resumed meetings, others schedules may have changed because of pandemic restrictions. It is recommended you contact the group in advance to verify details. Any changes in meeting schedules can be emailed to JJCsocial@myjournalcourier.com. ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS 217-370-4002 Jacksonville locations: First Baptist Church, 1701 Mound Ave. Wheelchair-accessible. Club HOW, 638 S. Church St. Monday Closed discussion, 7:30 a.m. at Club HOW. Closed discussion, noon at Club HOW. Closed discussion, 8 p.m. at First Baptist Church. Bowen Group. Closed discussion, 8 p.m. at Club HOW. Tuesday Open discussion, noon at Club HOW. Womens open meeting, 5:30 p.m., First Christian Churchs Fireside Room. VIRGINIA: Closed discussion, 7 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church, Main and Washington streets. ROODHOUSE: Closed discussion, 12-step/12 traditions, 8 p.m. at Grace Center, 114 W. Palm St. Wednesday Closed discussion, noon at Club HOW. Closed discussion, 8 p.m. at Club HOW. Thursday Closed discussion, 7:30 a.m. at Club HOW. Closed discussion, noon at Club HOW. Closed discussion, 8 p.m. at Club HOW. Newcomers Group. Friday Closed discussion, noon at Club HOW. TGIF Group. Closed discussion, 5:15 p.m., Big Book Study at Club HOW. VIRGINIA: Closed discussion, 8 p.m. at United Methodist Church, 401 E. Broadway Ave. Saturday Open speaker, 8 p.m. at Club HOW. Open meeting, noon at Club HOW. Sunday Closed discussion, 8 p.m. at Club HOW. 12 & 12 Group. Closed discussion, 10 a.m. at Club HOW. (Second Sunday is open) SPRINGFIELD: AA for Women, 10 a.m. at Discovery Club, 313 W. Cook St. AL-ANON Meetings are nonsmoking and open to anyone. The only requirement is that there be a problem of alcohol with a loved one or friend. 217-248-6434. Wednesday Al-Anon, 7:30-8:30 p.m. at Centenary United Methodist Church, 331 E. State St. (use Morgan Street entrance). NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS All meetings are nonsmoking. Not affiliated with any religious organization. Jacksonville location: Christ Lutheran Church for the Deaf, 104 Finley St. (enter through back door). 217-883-1975. Monday Open discussion group, 7 p.m. at Christ Lutheran Church for the Deaf. Wednesday Open discussion group, 8 p.m. at Christ Lutheran Church for the Deaf. Friday Open discussion group, 7:30 p.m. at Christ Lutheran Church for the Deaf. OTHER MEETINGS Monday Living Grace support group, 6 p.m., GO Church, 767 S. West St. The group uses both biblican and neuroscientific insights and tools to help reduce stress, depression, anxiety and other mental health challenges. 952-693-6841 or jamiemgish@gmail.com. Hope Lives On support group for mothers who have lost children to suicide, 7 p.m., Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce, 155 W. Morton Ave. Addicts Victorious, 7-8 p.m. at Faith Tabernacle, 571 Sandusky St. Use side entrance to church hall. PITTSFIELD: Addicts Victorious, 7-8 p.m. in the basement of Subway in Pittsfield. 1-800-323-1388. Tuesday Jacksonville Sunrise Rotary, 7 a.m. Holiday Inn Express meeting room, South Jacksonville. 217-243-6895. Dementia Caregiver support group, 2-3 p.m., free virtual event. Call 800-272-3900 to register, which is required. Hosted by the Springfield office of the Alzheimers Association Illinois. American Legion Post 279, 7 p.m. at 903 W. Superior Ave. Wednesday Breastfeeding support group, 6 p.m., Jacksonville Memorial Hospital, Meeting Room 2. ROODHOUSE: Women with Hearts of Love (WWHOL), 6-7 p.m. at House of Restoration, 208 W. Franklin St. 217-602-1670. Thursday Grief support group, 10 a.m., Jacksonville Memorial Hospital. Jacksonville Area Chess Club, 6-9 p.m. at Jacksonville Public Library. 217-370-0882. St. Johns UCC Grief Group, 7 p.m., St. Johns UCC, 216 North St., Brighton. Free | Support group for those grieving the loss of a loved one. Jacksonville Kiwanis Club, noon at Hamiltons. WHITE HALL: Addicts Victorious, teens 5:30-6:30 p.m.; adults 7-8 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall of New Life Church, 626 Curtis St. Friday Jacksonville Rotary Club, noon at Hamiltons. PITTSFIELD: Addicts Victorious, 6 p.m. at Assembly of God, 575 Piper St. 800-323-1388. Saturday Jacksonville Amateur Radio Societys Net, 9 p.m. Transmitted on K9JX repeater. K9JX.com. A sociology professor hopes visitors to historical sites in the region with ties to the Underground Railroad are encouraged to explore similar sites via a proposed "freedom corridor" network. Abdul Alkalimat, a professor emeritus of sociology at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, will lecture on the West Central Illinois Freedom Corridor on June 13 as part of the annual Likes Lecture Series. The corridor would link museums and sites significant to the Underground Railroad in six cities throughout the region Hannibal, Missouri; Quincy; Barry; Pittsfield; Jacksonville and Springfield. It would connect their individual stories of freedom to "coordinate a common calendar (so a person visiting) one of those places is also informed and encouraged to visit one or more of those museums in the corridor," Alkalimat said. Alkalimat, born Gerald McWorter, said the corridor was "a relatively new project" for which earnest discussion began when the New Philadelphia National Historic Site gained national park status in December. The town, founded in 1836 by Free Frank McWorter, was the first one in the country to be platted and legally registered by a Black American. Efforts to turn the town into a national park have been ongoing for the better part of 26 years. While the corridor initially would connect those six cities, Alkalimat said there are other places both west of Hannibal and east of Springfield that could be included later, because they also were important to the Underground Railroad. The first cities were chosen to highlight the importance of McWorter, Abraham Lincoln and Mark Twain, who grew up in Hannibal. The corridor will begin the "formal process of coordination" during a February conference at Illinois College, bringing together stakeholders from all six cities, Alkalimat said. It is important to remember the legacy of the Underground Railroad because, even though its history has been less emphasized in Illinois than in other states, it still "played a tremendous role" in the state's history, he said. The Underground Railroad was one of many steps on the way to freedom in the U.S., he said, with abolitionists and Black activists tying into other civil rights movements throughout the decades. "When Black people have fought for freedom," he said, "that has unleashed a general struggle for freedom in the country." As for New Philadelphia, Alkalimat said it is proof the American experiment could work. "If New Philadelphia was possible an integrated abolitionist village created 20 years or more before the Civil War then maybe America is possible," he said. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate WASHINGTON (AP) With just two days to spare, President Joe Biden signed legislation on Saturday that lifts the nations debt ceiling, averting an unprecedented default on the federal governments debt. It was a decidedly low-key denouement to a monthslong drama that unnerved financial markets at home and abroad and caused anxious retirees and social service organizations to make contingency plans in case the country was unable to pay all its bills. Instead of holding a public ceremony with lawmakers from both parties showcasing the bipartisanship that Biden had cited in an Oval Office address on Friday evening the president signed the legislation in private in a reflection of the tight deadline facing the nation's leaders. The Treasury Department had warned that the country would start running short of cash on Monday, which would have sent shockwaves through the U.S. and global economies. The White House released a picture of the president signing the legislation at the Resolute Desk. In a brief statement, Biden thanked Democratic and Republican congressional leaders for their partnership, a cordial message that contrasted with the rancor that initially characterized the debt debate. No matter how tough our politics gets, we need to see each not as adversaries, but as fellow Americans, Biden said in a video message released after the signing. He said it was important to stop shouting, lower the temperature, and work together to pursue progress, secure prosperity and keep the promise of America for everybody. The standoff began when Republicans refused to raise the countrys borrowing limit unless Democrats agreed to cut spending. Eventually, the White House began weeks of intense negotiations with House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., to reach a deal. The final agreement, passed by the House on Wednesday and the Senate on Thursday, suspends the debt limit until 2025 after the next presidential election and restricts government spending. It gives lawmakers budget targets for the next two years in hopes of assuring fiscal stability as the political season heats up. Raising the nations debt limit, now at $31.4 trillion, will ensure that the government can borrow to pay debts already incurred. After Congress passed the legislation, Biden used the occasion to deliver his first speech from the Oval Office as president on Friday. No one got everything they wanted but the American people got what they needed, he said, highlighting the compromise and consensus in the deal. We averted an economic crisis and an economic collapse. Biden touted the achievements of his first term as he runs for reelection, including support for high-tech manufacturing, infrastructure investments and financial incentives for fighting climate change. He also highlighted ways he blunted Republican efforts to roll back his agenda and achieve deeper cuts. Were cutting spending and bringing deficits down at the same time, Biden said. We're protecting important priorities from Social Security to Medicare to Medicaid to veterans to our transformational investments in infrastructure and clean energy. Biden's remarks were the most detailed comments from the Democratic president on the compromise he and his staff negotiated. He largely remained quiet publicly during the high-stakes talks, a decision that frustrated some members of his party but was intended to give space for both sides to reach a deal and for lawmakers to vote it to his desk. Biden praised McCarthy and his negotiators for operating in good faith, and all congressional leaders for ensuring swift passage of the legislation. They acted responsibly, and put the good of the country ahead of politics, he said. In addition to restrictions on spending, the 99-page bill changes some policies, including imposing new work requirements for older Americans receiving food aid and greenlighting an Appalachian natural gas pipeline that many Democrats oppose. Some environmental rules were modified to help streamline approvals for infrastructure and energy projects a move long sought by moderates in Congress. The Congressional Budget Office estimates the legislation could actually expand total eligibility for federal food assistance, with the elimination of work requirements for veterans, homeless people and young people leaving foster care. The legislation also bolsters funds for defense and veterans, cuts back some new money for the Internal Revenue Service and rejects Bidens call to roll back Trump-era tax breaks on corporations and the wealthy to help cover the nations deficits. But the White House said the IRS' plans to step up enforcement of tax laws for high-income earners and corporations would continue. The agreement imposes an automatic overall 1% cut to spending programs if Congress fails to approve its annual spending bills a measure designed to pressure lawmakers of both parties to reach consensus before the end of the fiscal year in September. In both chambers, more Democrats backed the legislation than Republicans, but both parties were critical to its passage. In the Senate the tally was 63-36 including 46 Democrats and independents and 17 Republicans in favor, 31 Republicans along with four Democrats and one independent who caucuses with the Democrats opposed. The vote in the House was 314-117. ___ AP Congressional Correspondent Lisa Mascaro contributed to this report. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate HONG KONG (AP) As the 34th anniversary of Chinas Tiananmen Square crackdown approaches Sunday, many in Hong Kong are trying to mark the day in private ways in the shadow of a law that prosecuted leading activists in the citys pro-democracy movement. For decades, Hong Kong was the only place in China where people held large-scale commemorations about the 1989 crackdown on pro-democracy protesters in which tanks rolled into the heart of Beijing and hundreds, and possibly thousands, of people were killed. People gathered in Hong Kong's Victoria Park annually to mark the June 4 anniversary with a candlelight vigil. In 2020, thousands defied a police ban to hold the event. This Sunday, Victoria Park will be occupied instead by a carnival organized by pro-Beijing groups to celebrate Hong Kongs handover to Chinese rule in 1997. Organizers say it will feature a bazaar with food from across China. As the government arrested activists, publishers and opposition politicians under the sweeping 2020 National Security Law, public shows of opposition have mostly vanished. As authorities erase reminders of the massacre, some Hong Kongers are fighting to keep memories alive by distributing LED candles, writing about the crackdown, or buying books about it. In previous years, Richard Tsoi, a former vigil organizer, would have been having a busy week, preparing for the event and coordinating with police. This year, the 55-year old says he has not decided what hell do on Sunday. Over some 30 years, we carried on our work in a struggle of memory against forgetting, said Tsoi, who wore a black T-shirt with the slogan The people will never forget. Now, maybe we will have to think about how to keep this message from being drowned out in Hong Kong. Asked whether it is legal to mourn the crackdown in public as an individual, Hong Kong leader John Lee said that if anyone breaks the law, of course the police will have to take action. The group that formerly organized the Victoria Park vigil disbanded in 2021, after police informed it that it was under investigation for working on behalf of foreign groups, an accusation the group denied, and three of its leaders were charged with subversion. The Tiananmen crackdown left a deep mark on a generation of liberal-minded Chinese people. Tsoi, who was in college during the 1989 democracy movement, said the protests gave him hope for the future of China. When he heard sounds of gunshots on TV, he said, it was saddening and infuriating. After the crackdown, I wondered what we could still do in Hong Kong, he said. "I could only vow to myself: devote my whole life to Chinas democracy. Since the enactment of the National Security Law, Tiananmen-related statues have been removed from universities and books about the event have been pulled off public library shelves. Newspaper columnist Johnny Lau, who covered the 1989 crackdown in person as a reporter, wrote that June 4 has become so taboo that it's forcing people to think about it more. Some businesses, he wrote, celebrated a newspapers 64th birthday by buying ads wishing it a smooth ride to its 65th, a move that avoids printing the sensitive figures 6 and 4 as in June 4 together. As the books were pulled, a public servant called Yau felt she had to buy a new book called May 35th whose title is a roundabout way to refer to June 4. She plans to spend Sunday reading a book or watching a documentary about the crackdown, and think deeply about the history, said the woman in her 20s, who asked to be identified only by her surname due to fear of government retribution. She says she plans to remember both Tiananmen, and a Hong Kong in which Tiananmen could be freely commemorated. A few small businesses are also participating. Derek Chu, owner of group purchase platform AsOne, said he plans to give away LED candles at his shop Sunday, despite a recent meeting with national security authorities. He was forbidden to give details of the meeting, he said. Chu said no law banned commemorating the crackdown, and people have a responsibility to remember those who sacrificed for democracy and freedom. But he said it's still a risky move. Another small business wrote on Facebook that officers from multiple government departments came to inspect the shop after it announced it would distribute LED candles last week. Last Saturday, Chan Kim-kam put a box of LED candles at the stall where she sells dry goods like incense and stationary. She said they were a reminder of the crackdown, and a way for people who believe in democracy, freedom and humanity see each other. However, Chan said she had to remove the candles Thursday because of a decision she was unwilling to make. She said she could not say more. Overseas, members of the Hong Kong diaspora are still planning events. At least some 20 commemoration events are planned in major democracies for Sunday, including the U.K, where 113,500 Hong Kongers emigrated using a special visa that allows them to live and work in the country and apply for British citizenship after six years. Lit Ming-wai, a former leader of the now-disbanded art group behind May 35th," which was originally a play, moved to the U.K. in 2021. She's organized screenings of the play overseas, and last month published the book in Taiwan. A Taiwanese drama group is also staging the play from Friday to Sunday. While it appears the play can no longer be performed in Hong Kong, she said, keeping it alive elsewhere is a form of resistance against forgetfulness and China's authoritarian rule. Buy a book, listen to a song, light a lamp or wear a shirt, she said. It's not meaningless, because you will realize you are not that lonely when you do it. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate HONG KONG (AP) Hong Kong police detained eight people, including activists and artists, on the eve of the 34th anniversary of Chinas Tiananmen Square crackdown, a move that signals the citys shrinking freedom of expression. Police said in a statement late Saturday that four people have been arrested for allegedly disrupting order in public spaces or carrying out acts with seditious intent. Four others were taken away for investigation on suspicion of breaching public peace. For decades, tens of thousands of Hong Kongers held an annual candlelight vigil in Victoria Park each June 4 to commemorate the 1989 crackdown on pro-democracy protesters, in which tanks rolled into the heart of Beijing and hundreds, possibly thousands, of people were killed. During the pandemic, protests in Hong Kong were rare due to COVID-19 restrictions. In addition, many activists there have been silenced or jailed after Beijing imposed a sweeping national security law following massive protests in 2019. When the British handed Hong Kong to Beijing in 1997, it was promised 50 years of self-government and freedoms of assembly, speech and press that are not allowed on the Chinese mainland, but critics say those freedoms are being eroded. This years Tiananmen commemoration is expected to be muted. Many Hong Kongers are trying to mark the event in private ways because it is unclear what authorities might consider subversive. Earlier Saturday, activists Kwan Chun-pong and Lau Ka-yee were detained after appearing near the former site of the candlelight vigil to say they would not eat for around 24 hours to mourn the victims. We will now start fasting at 6:04 p.m., Lau said with flowers in her hand, referencing the June 4 date of the crackdown. They also held papers that said they were fasting and mourning those killed in Tiananmen. This relatively mild act of protest nevertheless prompted police officers to arrive within minutes and cordon off the pair, who later put red tape over their mouths. An officer warned them that they might be breaching the law for having seditious intent, and ordered them to stop their activities or they might be arrested. Minutes later, they were taken away by police. Police said the two were arrested on suspicion of carrying out acts with seditious intent. Officers also arrested another woman for the same offense in a separate incident, they added. As night fell, police took away five others, including two artists, Sanmu Chen and Chan Mei-tung. Surrounded by police officers, Samnu Chen chanted: Hong Kongers, do not be afraid. Dont forget tomorrow is June 4. Chan Mei-tung had been standing and walking on a street in Causeway Bay before being cordoned off by police. Police later said officers ordered Chen to leave after he had drawn the attention of passersby. Chen refused to cooperate after warnings and was arrested for alleged disorderly conduct in a public place, they said. It is unclear whether other activists will show up to publicly commemorate the anniversary on Sunday. The park will instead be occupied by a carnival organized by pro-Beijing groups to celebrate Hong Kongs handover to Chinese rule. Organizers say it will feature a bazaar with food from across China. June 3, 2023 | 04:35 am PT I have had several articles published during my time spent fighting the Covid-19 pandemic. Reading readers' comments on these articles has always been a source of motivation for us doctors. There was this one comment I remember vividly: "It was such a pleasant surprise to learn that there were so many Covid-19 doctors who have a knack for writing." This reader articulated a sentiment I've held for a long time: many professionals in the medical field are adept writers and presenters. Thus, I am far from surprised, and indeed agree, with the fact that four of the 27 medical schools use national literature test results in their admissions processes. It is often overlooked, but the study of human nature is a common ground between the medical and literary fields. While medicine studies the human body in order to treat illnesses, literature describes and explains human behaviors in order to gain insight into the inner life. The medical field's goal is to prevent physical harm, but in many cases, the psyche and one's interpersonal relationships are often a source of that harm. And medicine, particularly psychiatry and psychology, plays a crucial role in providing people with both physical and mental well-being, as well as balanced and positive emotions. The case of Sigmund Freud, the world-famous psychiatrist, exemplifies the importance of studying psychology and the human psyche to treat mental illnesses. Before medical explanations were available, many great writers also foretold the existence of such diseases. Authors such as the Frenchman Moliere in his play "Le Malade imaginaire" and the Russian author Fyodor Dostoevsky in many of his works brought up mental health issues such as anxiety and epilepsy. Many well-known authors, including Anton Chekhov (Russia), Friedrich Schiller (Germany), Lu Xun (China), are also medical professionals. In Vietnam there once lived a brilliant doctor by the name of Hai Thuong Lan Ong. There is also Dr. Nguyen Khac Vien, who is both an author and a psychologist. Do Hong Ngoc, MD, is a modern hero who also happens to be a writer of romance. The qualities of a literary scholar do not preclude them from becoming doctors; indeed, they may even give them an edge in the difficult but rewarding work of saving lives. The patient in front of us is a data set that includes numerous biological measurements. These measurements include height, weight, pulse, temperature, blood pressure, and others. But beyond these cold hard statistics, there is a whole person: someone with a unique life story, health concerns, and potential stressors from the outside world. A doctor checks on a patient at the Ho Chi Minh City Medical University Hospital. Photo by Minh Tri When a physician has deep insight and empathy for their patients, they are better able to provide care that is personalized, targeted, and even practical. In the medical field, one of the most prized qualities is the ability to empathize with patients and their families. Those who excel at literature, the study of human nature, tend to possess this trait. In addition to empathy, writers who are also good doctors share other strengths, such as an eye for detail and the ability to convey that detail clearly in speech and writing. Not to mention, those fluent in multiple languages will have superior reading comprehension, which will streamline the delivery of critical medical records. Opposition to including literature in medical examinations appears to stem primarily from the mistaken belief that those who study or write about literature are irrational dreamers. In addition, a lot of people think that if literature is included in medical admissions, that means people are only admitted to medical schools thanks to their literary skills. Indeed, while traditional medical subjects like chemistry and biology are mandatory in selecting medical students, literature has only been chosen by four universities as part of their admissions processes. Similar to the other subject combination options, literature could be a third choice. For a long time, universities in Vietnam only admitted students into one of three main ability groups: A, B, or C. Group A consists of the hard sciences: mathematics, physics, and chemistry. Group B consists of math, chemistry and biology. Dreamers with a penchant for literature, history, and geography make up Group C. This method of recruitment has remained largely unchanged for decades, leading many to believe that the division of human potential into these groups is indisputable. Many qualified people missed out on the chance to pursue careers in medicine because of this. My view is not anything new. In the past, applicants with a background in literature were not discriminated against during the selection process for medical students. During the French colonial era in Vietnam, any high school graduate who met the prerequisites could enroll in a pre-medical course called a PCB course (Physique, Chimie, Biologie). My father graduated from high school with a philosophy background, went on to take and pass the PCB class, and eventually became a doctor. In time, he improved his medical skills and earned widespread praise from his patients. At such a time, no academic subject stood in the way of a student's pursuit of a career in medicine. Present-day medical admissions practices in the U.S. are very similar. Students applying to colleges typically take the SAT or ACT, which includes reading and writing sections that are similar to what we refer to as literature. They can study medicine after completing a bachelor's degree and passing the prerequisite course (Pre-med), which is similar to the old French PCB class. Pre-med courses therefore have students majoring in languages, psychology, sociology, and many other fields. Reforming the admissions process is crucial to improving Vietnam's higher education system. With more students applying to medical school, more people than ever before can follow their dream of becoming a doctor. Universities providing medical education can use the "Pre-medical" model popular in the United States to guarantee the standard of their students' input. As a result of a long-standing trend of mistrust, the inclusion of literature in medical school admissions has been met with such strong opposition in Vietnam. But perhaps such a shift is the first tentative step towards abandoning the old dogma. The issue is not about what subjects teach, but rather how to recruit and educate future doctors so that they can serve the public with integrity. *Quan The Dan is the vice director of the Tri Duc Thanh general hospital in Thanh Hoa in central Vietnam. ELKO Elko County Commissioners agreed to support the Nevada Assembly bill that provides $64.5 million in state money for a new school in Owyhee and to establish at least a 1-cent tax called for in the bill, but only after voicing strong criticism of AB519. It would be irresponsible on our part to turn that money down. Owyhee is part of the Elko County School District. They need a new school, and Elko County taxpayers would eventually be on the hook for that money, Chairman Rex Steninger said. He prefaced that comment on June 2 with his objections to AB519, which was initiated in the Assembly Ways and Means Committee and was unanimously approved after a May 31 hearing. The bill that also provides mechanisms for other rural counties to raise taxes for school projects now goes to the full Assembly. I think this is an absolutely horrible bill, and I think is it unconstitutional. It threatens to impose a tax on one county in Nevada, and that is Elko County, and I think thats wrong. I think the Legislature should be impersonal, Steninger said. The bill directly allocates money for a school in Owyhee and says that Elko County must impose a tax of 1 cent to 25 cents for schools or the state will raise taxes by 25 cents per $100 assessed valuation only in Elko County. The tax revenue would cover additional costs for the Owyhee school and later could be used for other school projects. It also exempts the new school tax from the state mandated tax cap. I dont see how a legislature can pass a tax cap and then pass a tax that is exempt from the tax cap. That tax cap was imposed to protect our taxpayers, and doing this they expose our taxpayers to another 25-cent tax. I think that is wrong, Steninger said. Commissioner Delmo Andreozzi said he is against going beyond the tax cap but believes the county could use at least 1 cent from tax revenue that the county already receives. The tax cap is $3.64 per $100 assessed valuation. Steninger said that AB519 meddles in our county affairs. I feel the voters rejected the pay-as-you-go tax because they had lost faith in how the school district was spending that money. Thats a course correction. We punished the school board for their actions. He said the state stepping in and ordering a tax circumvents our course correction, and he called the bill extortion. Commissioner Travis Gerber said he didnt like that the bill is being forced upon us so quicky without consideration. Andreozzi agreed lawmakers may not understand what happened with pay-as-you-go. He said the 75-cent tax brought in roughly $17 million a year for a long time. Voters defeated the 75-cent tax for school construction projects in 2020. Voters also nixed a $50 million bond issue for schools the following year. The county captured roughly 50 cents of the pay-as-you-go money, however, and cities grabbed a portion, as well, to use for community projects. Commissioner Jon Karr said he felt AB519 was crammed down our throats with only a few days notice, but he would be voting for the bill. The state seems to be trying to make up for the last group of leaders that gutted education. Commissioner Wilde Brough, who was the only one voting against the motion to support AB519, said the Legislature once again has decided they dont work for the people; the people work for them, and he pointed out that the Elko County School District is the only district in Nevada that does not owe a bunch of bond money for our schools. I dont think anyone has mentioned that. He said he is fine with the state providing money for a new school in Owyhee but I dont think they should be doing our job or telling us they are going to force us to charge our voters more taxes. Brough also was skeptical about a hydrocarbon plume in Owyhee threatening the 70-year-old school. The old pollution that the Shoshone-Paiute tribes just recently learned more about was one of the spurs for the push for a new school to be built away from the contamination. Broad support Although commissioners were critical of the bill, all those testifying in the Ways and Means Committee hearing on May 31 supported and praised it, including Nevada tribes, the Nevada Association of School Superintendents, the Nevada State Education Association, Nevada Gold Mines, and White Pine County, which is also seeking legislative help to replace schools more than a century old. Ive seen the difficulties in funding schools in rural Nevada. Ive got to tell you this is a breath of fresh air to have a mechanism for our rural schools to build schools, testified Dr. Ken Higbee, director of special services for the Elko County School District. I would call it a visionary bill to help our schools with capital improvement. This is a legacy bill. Your legacy in moving this forward is going to be felt through generations of kids. The committees approval included adding an amendment Higbee proposed that would create an oversight panel of community representatives in any county establishing a tax for school construction. The amendment creates a sounding board where the community knows where revenues are going and what they are spent on, Will Adler of Silver State Government Relations testified. He also told commissioners on June 2 he thought the bills language would remain the same as it moves through the Assembly and Senate. Committee Chair Assemblywoman Daniele Monroe-Moreno, D-North Las Vegas, said in presenting the bill that it makes desperately needed appropriations to support capital projects for Nevada school districts while establishing a new provision that governs county funds for capital projects. Most notably, this bill includes an appropriation for $64.5 million to the Elko County School District for the construction of a new school to replace the Owyhee Combined School. She also said that AB519 is a big ask because of the $64.5 million, but she said the conditions of the school are just unacceptable. Its critical to give the people of the Duck Valley Indian Reservation a school they deserve. One of the two additional $25 million annual grants in the bill for school projects will allow the state to qualify for federal funding that is dedicated to states that have provisions for tribal schools, Monroe-Moreno said. That grant is for projects on Indian reservations. The other $25 million would be for any rural county to seek matching grants. She said along with requiring Elko County to levy a tax, the bill allows any county of less than 100,000 population to levy a tax for school projects. She thanked Assemblywoman Alexis Hansen, R-Sparks, for introducing an earlier bill for Owyhee alone, and said the committee felt we should be doing more for rural counties and tribes. Steninger said on June 2 that he talked with Assemblywoman Hansen, and she asked that commissioners support AB519 and include in the motion that the county would adopt at least a 1-cent tax increment within the year required in the bill. He said commissioners would have a year to debate the tax requirement. The only public comment to commissioners on June 2 came from Lee Hoffman, who questioned whether the proposed bills fate hangs in the balance with your decision, and he wondered how commissioners could approve a motion supporting the bill when they believe it is unconstitutional. Rand Greenburg, chief civil deputy district attorney for the county, said his constitutionality questions involve the Legislature stepping into county business, including assessing and collecting taxes. School repairs The current Owyhee school building on the Duck Valley Indian Reservation 100 miles north of Elko is in poor condition, but Vice Principal Lynn Manning John testified in the hearing via Zoom that ECSD is already taking steps to address issues with the building, including the problem with a bat colony and glass-doors issues. Its a lot. Its eating an elephant, but we do it every day, she said. John didnt mention in her testimony recent vandalism at the Owyhee Combined School that caused more problems, but ECSD stated that major damages during the break-in included forced entry through a door, shattered and broken windows, and damages to a computer, as well as damage to bathroom fixtures, classroom supplies and personal staff items. The $64.5 million designated for Owyhee would be used for a new school that would be built on land the Shoshone and Paiute tribes are providing, along with in-kind contributions to prepare the site. The tribal chairman, Brian Mason, said initial ground surveys and additional efforts are already underway. He estimated that the new school could be built in two construction seasons after this year of site work. Among the questions from the Ways and Means Committee was one about what to do with the current building when a new school is built, and John said possibilities could include a business incubator, a cultural center, a tourism space, a tribal college or trade school. Im a popcorn machine of ideas, she testified, but she added while the current school could be modified for other uses, it is not for students. Its a building that is unsafe, Higbee said, testifying that the school district would probably turn the old school over to the tribes, but the project would likely include tearing down some parts of the building. Wildfire in Canadian province contained, while another burns out of control Wildfire in Canadian province contained, while another burns out of control View Photo HALIFAX, Nova Scotia (AP) A wildfire that forced thousands of residents from their homes in Canadas Atlantic Coast province of Nova Scotia is now contained, while a second wildfire remains out of control, officials said Sunday. Nova Scotias natural resources department said the Tantallon fire northwest of Halifax is now under control, meaning it is not expected to grow but is not yet out. The blaze broke out a week ago, forcing 16,000 people from their suburban homes and destroying some 200 structures, including 151 homes. But in Shelburne County in southwest Nova Scotia the largest in the provinces history continues to burn out of control. The blaze covered 97 square miles (50 square kilometers) as of Sunday morning and has destroyed at least 50 homes and cottages. Canadian soldiers and firefighters from abroad are now on the ground helping the effort to extinguish the blazes that have been burning in several parts of Nova Scotia for the past week. Fighting the wildfires in the province has been helped by long-awaited rains. On Saturday, Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston said the total number of active wildfires declined from 10 in the morning to five by mid-afternoon. Houston confirmed that schools in Shelburne County would be closed Monday and Tuesday. TALLINN, Estonia (AP) Belarus is introducing a visa-free travel arrangement with dozens of countries for a month, raising fears that neighboring Poland and Lithuania might see a sudden increase in unauthorized migration. The authoritarian president of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, signed a decree allowing citizens of 73 countries including ones in the Middle East, Africa and Latin America to travel to Belarus without a visa to attend an annual music festival he personally opens to promote his nations global integration. Festival ticket holders will be able to enter Belarus without a visa from July 4-23. The governments of Lithuania and Poland see the move as a threat that will bring another influx of migrants, such as those who massed at borders with the European Union in the thousands in 2021 after transiting through Belarus. The governments of Lithuania and Poland accuse the Belarusian authorities of orchestrating the earlier situation. Stanislaw Zaryn, the acting deputy to Polands minister coordinator of special services, charged that Russia and Belarus might try to repeat it with the monthlong visa-free program. He alleged the goal was to destabilize Europe, including Poland, by creating an illegal route leading from Belarus to the West. The migration facilitation introduced, if successful, may lead to an increase in the influx of people to Belarus, which Lukashenkos services will use to intensify the hybrid operation conducted on our eastern border, wrote on Twitter. Poland built a fence on the border with Belarus in response to the arrival of tens of thousands of migrants, mostly from the Middle East and Afghanistan, in 2021-2022. Polish border guards daily report dozens of attempts to illegally enter the EU by African and Middle Eastern migrants passing through Belarus. The Lithuanian government thinks Belarus could try to provoke Middle Eastern migrants at the border during a July 11-12 NATO summit to be held in its capital, Vilnius, Rustamas Liubajevas, commander of the State Border Guard Service of Lithuania, said. Protests, poisoning and prison: A look at the life of Kremlin opposition leader Alexei Navalny Protests, poisoning and prison: A look at the life of Kremlin opposition leader Alexei Navalny View Photo LONDON (AP) In a span of a decade, Alexei Navalny has gone from the Kremlins biggest foe to Russias most prominent political prisoner. Already serving two convictions that have landed him in prison for at least nine years, he faces a new trial that could keep him behind for two more decades. Navalny turns 47 on Sunday in prison, where he has been repeatedly locked up in solitary confinement. A look at Navalnys life, political activism and the charges he has faced through the years: June 4, 1976 Navalny is born in a western part of the Moscow region. 1997 Graduates from Russias RUDN university, where he majored in law; earns a degree in economics in 2001 while working as a lawyer. 2004 Forms a movement against rampant overdevelopment in Moscow, according to his campaign website. 2008 Gains notoriety for alleging corruption in state-run corporations, such as gas giant Gazprom and oil behemoth Rosneft, through his blogs and other posts. 2010 Founds RosPil, an anti-corruption project run by a team of lawyers that analyzes spending of state agencies and companies, exposing violations and contesting them in court. 2011 Establishes the Foundation for Fighting Corruption, which will become his teams main platform for exposing alleged graft among Russias top political ranks. December 2011 Participates in mass protests sparked by reports of widespread rigging of Russias parliamentary election, and is arrested and jailed for 15 days for defying a government official. March 2012 Following President Vladimir Putins reelection and inauguration, mass protests break out in Moscow and elsewhere. Navalny accuses key figures, including then-Deputy Prime Minister Igor Shuvalov and Chechnyas strongman leader, Ramzan Kadyrov, of corruption. July 2012 Russias Investigative Committee charges Navalny with embezzlement involving Kirovles, a state-owned timber company in the Kirov region, while acting as an adviser to the local governor. Navalny rejects the allegations as politically motivated. December 2012 The Investigative Committee launches another probe into alleged embezzlement at a Navalny-linked Russian subsidiary of Yves Rocher, a French cosmetics company. Navalny again says the allegations are politically motivated. 2013 Navalny runs for mayor in Moscow a move the authorities not only allow but encourage in an attempt to put a veneer of democracy on the race that is designed to boost the profile of the incumbent, Sergei Sobyanin. July 2013 A court in Kirov convicts Navalny of embezzlement in the Kirovles case, sentencing him to five years in prison. The prosecution petitions to release Navalny from custody pending his appeal, and he resumes his campaign. September 2013 Official results show Navalny finishes second in the mayors race behind Sobyanin, with 27% of the vote, after a successful electoral and fundraising campaign collecting an unprecedented 97.3 million rubles ($2.9 million) from individual supporters. October 2013 A court hands Navalny a suspended sentence in the Kirovles case. February 2014 Navalny is placed under house arrest in connection with the Yves Rocher case and banned from using the internet. His blog continues to be updated regularly, presumably by his team, detailing alleged corruption by various Russian officials. December 2014 Navalny and his brother, Oleg, are found guilty of fraud in the Yves Rocher case. Navalny receives a 3-year suspended sentence, while his brother is handed a prison term. Both appeal to the European Court of Human Rights. December 2015 Navalnys Foundation for Fighting Corruption releases its first long-form video a YouTube documentary called Chaika, which means seagull in Russian but is also the last name of then-Prosecutor General Yury Chaika. The 44-minute video accuses him of corruption and alleged ties to a notorious criminal group and has piled up 26 million views on YouTube. Chaika and other Russian officials deny the accusations. February 2016 The European Court of Human Rights rules that Russia violated Navalnys right to a fair trial in the Kirovles case, ordering the government to pay his legal costs and damages. November 2016 Russias Supreme Court overturns Navalnys sentence and sends the case back to the original court in the city of Kirov for review. December 2016 Navalny announces he will run in Russias 2018 presidential election. February 2017 The Kirov court retries Navalny and upholds his five-year suspended sentence from 2013. March 2017 Navalny releases a YouTube documentary accusing then-Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev of corruption, getting over 7 million views in its first week. A series of anti-graft protests across Russia draw tens of thousands and there are mass arrests. Navalny tours the country to open campaign offices, holds big rallies and is jailed repeatedly for unauthorized demonstrations. April 27, 2017 Unidentified assailants throw a green disinfectant in his face, damaging his right eye. He blames the attack on the Kremlin. October 2017 The European Court of Human Rights finds Navalnys fraud conviction in the Yves Rocher case to be arbitrary and manifestly unreasonable. December 2017 Russias Central Electoral Commission bars him from running for president over his conviction in the Kirovles case, a move condemned by the EU as casting serious doubt on the election. July 2019 Members of Navalnys team, along with other opposition activists, are barred from running for Moscow city council, sparking protests that are violently dispersed, with thousands arrested. Navalnys team responds by promoting the Smart Voting strategy, encouraging the election of any candidate except those from the Kremlins United Russia party. The strategy works, with the party losing its majority. 2020 Navalny hopes to deploy the Smart Voting strategy at regional elections in September and tours Siberia as part of the effort. Aug. 20, 2020 On a flight from the city of Tomsk, where he was working with local activists, Navalny falls ill and the plane makes an emergency landing in nearby Omsk. Hospitalized in a coma, Navalnys team suspects he was poisoned. Aug. 22, 2020 A comatose Navalny is flown to a hospital in Berlin. Aug. 24, 2020 German authorities confirm Navalny was poisoned with a Soviet-era nerve agent. After he recovers, he blames the Kremlin, an accusation denied by Russian officials. Jan. 17, 2021 Following five months in Germany, Navalny is arrested upon his return to Russia, with authorities alleging his recuperation abroad violated the terms of his suspended sentence in the Yves Rocher case. His arrest triggers some of the biggest protests in Russia in years. Thousands are arrested. Feb. 2, 2021 A Moscow court orders Navalny to serve 2 years in prison for his parole violation. While in prison, Navalny stages a three-week hunger strike to protest a lack of medical treatment and sleep deprivation. June 2021 A Moscow court outlaws Navalnys Foundation for Fighting Corruption and about 40 regional offices as extremist, shutting down his political network. Close associates and team members face prosecution and leave Russia under pressure. Navalny maintains contact with his lawyers and team from prison, and they update his social media accounts. Feb. 24, 2022 Russia invades Ukraine. Navalny condemns the war in social media posts from prison and during his court appearances. March 22, 2022 Navalny is sentenced to an additional nine-year term for embezzlement and contempt of court in a case his supporters rejected as fabricated. He is transferred to a maximum-security prison in Russias western Vladimir region. July 2022 Navalnys team announces the relaunch of the Anti-Corruption Foundation as an international organization with an advisory board including Francis Fukuayama, Anne Applebaum, and the European Parliament member and former Belgian Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt. Navalny continues to file lawsuits in prison and tries to form a labor union in the facility. In response, penitentiary officials start regularly placing him in solitary confinement over purported disciplinary violations such as failing to properly button his garment or to wash his face at a specified time. 2023 Over 400 Russian doctors sign an open letter to Putin, urging an end to abusing Navalny, following reports that he was denied basic medication after getting the flu. His team expresses concern about his health, saying in April he had acute stomach pain and suspected he was being slowly poisoned. March 12, 2023 Navalny, a film about the attempt on the opposition leaders life, wins the Oscar for best documentary feature. April 26, 2023 Appearing on a videolink from prison during a hearing, Navalny said he was facing new extremism and terrorism charges that could keep him behind bars for the rest of his life. He added sardonically that the charges imply that Im conducting terror attacks while sitting in prison. A hearing was set for June 6. ___ Litvinova reported from Tallinn, Estonia. By JOANNA KOZLOWSKA and DASHA LITVINOVA Associated Press Prosecutor in case of Virginia man killed at psychiatric hospital announces resignation View Photo DINWIDDIE, Va. (AP) The state prosecutor handling the case against 10 people charged in the death of a Virginia man who was pinned to the floor while being admitted to a psychiatric hospital said she is resigning to attend graduate school in Paris. Ann Cabell Baskervill told the Richmond Times-Dispatch that her resignation as the Commonwealths Attorney in Dinwiddie County will become effective on June 20. Baskervill said her acceptance to a masters program in international governance and diplomacy at the Paris Institute of Political Studies is a dream come true that coincided awkwardly with the death of Irvo Otieno. I had accepted the offer of admission on March 4, but then Irvo Otieno was killed on March 6 so I didnt say anything publicly because I didnt want it to be a distraction from the very important discussion on his case, Baskervill said. It does break my heart to leave (the Otieno case) open like that, Baskervill said. But I know this is the right thing to do. Seven sheriffs deputies and three employees of a psychiatric hospital are charged with second-degree murder in Otienos death. Publicly released video from Central State Hospital shows various members of the group attempting to restrain Otieno while he was on the floor. An autopsy determined Otieno died of asphyxia while he was in handcuffs and metal leg restraints and held to the floor for about 11 minutes. The family of Otieno, who was Black, has said the 28-year-old was brutally mistreated while he was experiencing a mental health crisis, both at the hospital and while in law enforcement custody for several days before that. The family is being represented by Ben Crump, a prominent civil rights attorney who also represented the family of George Floyd and has said Otienos treatment has parallels to Floyds killing by Minneapolis police in 2020. Normally when a commonwealths attorney resigns, the person is replaced by his or her highest ranking full-time assistant attorney, according to the Code of Virginia. For months, Baskervill has been the sole prosecutor in Dinwiddie after the departure of two former assistants. The office recently hired two assistant commonwealths attorneys, Thomas Nicholson and Jason Moore. Nicholson started on May 1, and Moores first day was Thursday. Under state code, Nicholson could accept the commonwealths attorney role until the November election. Alternatively, if he does not accept it, an interim commonwealths attorney will need to be chosen by a majority of judges in Dinwiddie Circuit Court. 3 Israeli soldiers, Egyptian officer killed in gunbattle at the border View Photo JERUSALEM (AP) A gunbattle along Israels southern border with Egypt left three Israeli soldiers and an Egyptian officer dead Saturday, officials said. It was a rare instance of deadly violence along the frontier. Israel said the Egyptian border guard crossed into Israel and killed the three soldiers before he was fatally shot by troops. Egypt said he had been chasing drug smugglers when he entered Israel. Israel and Egypt have been at peace for over 40 years and have strong security cooperation. Fighting between the sides is extremely rare. Lt. Col. Richard Hecht, an Israeli army spokesperson, said the fighting began overnight when soldiers thwarted a drug-smuggling attempt across the border. He said several hours later, two soldiers in a guard post were shot and killed. Their bodies were found after the shooting, when they did not respond to radio communications. The army said the Egyptian border guard was killed in a second exchange of fire in which a third Israeli soldier was killed. The Egyptian military said an Egyptian border guard crossed the border security barrier and exchanged fire with Israeli forces while he was chasing drug traffickers. It said in a statement that the Egyptian border guard was killed along with three Israeli troops. Hecht said an investigation was being conducted in full cooperation with the Egyptian army. He said troops were searching for other possible assailants. Egypts Defense Minister Gen. Mohamed Zaki spoke by phone with his Israeli counterpart to discuss the shooting on the border, and the mutual coordination to take measures to prevent such incidents in the future, the Egyptian military said in a statement. The Egyptian minister also offered condolences for the dead Israeli troops, it said. It was the first deadly exchange of fire along the Israel-Egypt border in over a decade. The Israeli army said one of the killed soldiers was a woman. Criminals sometimes smuggle drugs across the border, while Islamic militant groups are also active in Egypts restive north Sinai. Israel and Egypt signed a peace agreement in 1979 and maintain close security ties. Fighting along their shared border is rare. The exchange of fire reportedly took place around the Nitzana border crossing between Israel and Egypt. The crossing is located about 40 kilometers (25 miles) southeast of the point where Israels border with Egypt and the Gaza Strip converge. Its used to import goods from Egypt destined for Israel or the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip. Israel built a fence along the porous border a decade ago to halt the entry of African migrants and Islamic militants who are active in Egypts Sinai desert. Gadhafis son goes on hunger strike in Lebanon to protest detention without trial Gadhafis son goes on hunger strike in Lebanon to protest detention without trial View Photo BEIRUT (AP) A son of Libyas late leader Moammar Gadhafi, who has been held in Lebanon for more than seven years, began a hunger strike Saturday to protest his detention without trial, his lawyer said. Hannibal Gadhafi has been held in Lebanon since 2015 after he was kidnapped from neighboring Syria where he had been living as a political refugee. He was abducted by Lebanese militants demanding information about the fate of a Shiite cleric who went missing in Libya 45 years ago. Gadhafi was later taken by Lebanese authorities and has been held in a Beirut jail without trial. Attorney Paul Romanos told The Associated Press that his client started the hunger strike Saturday morning and he is serious and will continue with it until the end. Romanos did not go into details of the case as he was not authorized to speak about it to the media. Gadhafi issued a statement describing his conditions. How can a political prisoner be held without a fair trial all these years? Gadhafi, who is married to a Lebanese woman, wrote in his statement. The Libyan citizen added that now that he is on hunger strike, those who are treating me unjustly will be responsible for the results. He added that the time has come to liberate the law from the hands of politicians. Romanos said his client suffers from back pain due to being held in a small cell for years without being able to move or exercise. The disappearance of prominent Lebanese Shiite cleric Moussa al-Sadr in 1978 has been a long-standing sore point in Lebanon. The clerics family believes he may still be alive in a Libyan prison, though most Lebanese presume al-Sadr is dead. He would be 94 years old. Al-Sadr was the founder of a Shiite political and military group that took part in the lengthy Lebanese civil war that began in 1975, largely pitting Muslims against Christians. Born in the Iranian holy city of Qom, al-Sadr came to Lebanon in 1959 to work for the rights of Shiites in the southern port town of Tyre. In 1974, a year before Lebanons 15-year civil war broke out, al-Sadr founded the Movement of the Deprived, attracting thousands of followers. The following year, he established the military wing Amal Arabic for hope and an acronym for the militias Arabic name, the Lebanese Resistance Brigades which later fought in Lebanons civil war. The group is headed by Lebanons powerful Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri. Since al-Sadrs disappearance, Libya has maintained that the cleric and his two traveling companions left Tripoli in 1978 on a flight to Rome and suggested he was a victim of a power struggle among Shiites. Most of al-Sadrs followers are convinced that Moammar Gadhafi ordered al-Sadr killed in a dispute over Libyan payments to Lebanese militias. The Libyan leader was killed by opposition fighters in 2011, ending his four-decade rule of the north African country. Even after his death, al-Sadrs fate is still unknown. Hannibal Gadhafi was born two years before al-Sadr disappeared. He fled to Algeria after Tripoli fell, along with his mother and several other relatives. He later ended up in Syria where he was given political asylum before being kidnapped and brought to Lebanon. By BASSEM MROUE Associated Press What to know about the case of the missing Missouri ER doctor found dead in Arkansas What to know about the case of the missing Missouri ER doctor found dead in Arkansas View Photo KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) A doctor in the Missouri Ozarks went missing for over a week until his body was found in an Arkansas lake. But the case remains shrouded in mystery as investigators have released few details to his family or the public. WHATS KNOWN SO FAR Dr. John Forsyth, 49, was last seen alive on May 21, when security cameras in the parking lot of a public pool in Cassville show him getting into a vehicle, after leaving his own car unlocked with his wallet, two phones, a laptop and other items inside. Thats according to his brother, Richard Forsyth, who said the doctor had texted his new fiancee that morning saying he would see her soon. His car was found later that day. Investigators havent said who was driving the other vehicle. A search began after the emergency room physician didnt show up for his May 21 shift at Mercy Hospital in Cassville. There was no sign of Forsyth until a kayaker noticed his body in Arkansas on May 30, at a spot on Beaver Lake some 20 miles (32 kilometers) away from his last known location. His body had an apparent gunshot wound, authorities in Arkansas say. Although Benton County Coroner Daniel Oxford said an autopsy was completed Thursday, the results wont be released until the investigation is over. WHAT WAS HAPPENING IN HIS LIFE? His brother, Richard Forsyth, and other family members say John Forsyth was a devoted father to his eight kids and seemed happier than hed been in a long time. They say he never missed a day of work, and would often sleep in an RV outside the hospital when he was on call. His family rejects any suggestion he took his own life. Newly engaged, Forsyth was also recently divorced. On May 10 of this year, a judge ordered Forsyth to pay his ex-wife $3,999 in child support a month, plus another $15,000 a month. Missouri court records show he was married and divorced twice to the same woman between 1995 and 2022. Both his brother and Ryan Ricketts, the ex-wifes divorce attorney, say the split was amicable. The pair initially married in Clark County, Nevada. He filed for divorce in April 2019 but the couple remarried in July 2020 in Greene County, Missouri. Court records show that the woman filed a second divorce petition in April 2022, in Lawrence County, Missouri. QUESTIONS THAT REMAIN Authorities have not said whether they believe Forsyth was killed or took his own life. Initially, when Forsyths empty car was found, investigators said there were no signs of foul play. But that was before the body was found. Shannon Jenkins, spokesperson for the Benton County Sheriffs Department, said Friday that there is no immediate threat to the public, but declined to provide more details. She said no further information would be released until the investigation is completed. Its also unclear what Forsyths connection might be to the second vehicle seen on pool surveillance video. Authorities have not confirmed any information about the video, including if it was taken before or after Forsyth may have texted his fiancee. Theres also no information on how Forsyth got from Cassville to Beaver Lake, when and where he died, or if investigators have found a weapon. FORSYTHS BACKGROUND Forsyth was born in Idaho in 1974, according to online records. He was the third of seven children, his sister Gina Forsyth-Farlaino said. He was the father of eight children. His former wife, who lives in Idaho, was given custody of the couples minor children, but John Forsyth continued to have a strong relationship with them, his brother and the womans divorce attorney said. Forsyths ex-wife did not wish to be interviewed, Ricketts said. She is just devastated and I mean, just shocked, Ricketts said. She never saw any of this kind of thing coming. FORSYTHS MEDICAL BACKGROUND Online records for the state of Missouri show that Forsyth was licensed as a doctor and surgeon in the state since July 1, 2005 and that his license was active. Hed been an emergency physician at Mercy Hospital in Cassville for nearly 15 years. He received his medical degree from Ross University, which is headquartered in Barbados. Online court records show Forsyth settled a wrongful death lawsuit against him Lawrence County, Missouri, in March 2022, but the settlement terms were confidential. He was initially named as a defendant in a wrongful death case, also in Lawrence County, in 2006. But he and another doctor were dismissed from the case before a local hospital settled the case for $100,000. Records show that in August 2015, he agreed to a public reprimand from the state Board of Registration for the Medical Arts for not adequately and completely maintaining records for two patients. ___ Hanna reported from Topeka, Kansas. Associated Press writer Jim Salter contributed from St. Louis, Missouri. By MARGARET STAFFORD and JOHN HANNA Associated Press Gov. Joe Lombardo vetoed a major piece of the state budget late Thursday night, throwing last-minute negotiations with legislative Democrats into chaos just four days before time runs out in the 120-day legislative session. Just before midnight, Lombardo vetoed AB520, also known as the Appropriations Act, a sweeping government funding bill that includes more than $7 billion in appropriations from the general fund, up more than $1 billion from the previous budget period. The bill, which passed on party-line votes in the Assembly and Senate, needed to be signed or vetoed by Lombardo by midnight on Thursday (the deadline for the governor to take action on a bill) after legislators fast-tracked the budget bill last week. In his veto message, Lombardo called the budget language undisciplined, frequently criticizing the use of one-time money to fund ongoing programs and the potential for Nevada to face a fiscal cliff. In the short time remaining in the 2023 session, I encourage the Legislature to revisit the elements of AB520 and forward a revised budget that better balances our wants for today with our needs of tomorrow, Lombardo wrote. The veto came hours after Lombardo signed another major budget bill AB522, also called the state worker pay bill and just a day after Lombardo and Democrats reached another 11th hour deal to sign two other budget bills alongside a pair of major school discipline bills. In a press release responding to the veto, Democratic leadership vowed to reintroduce and pass the bill before the end of session. They called Lombardos veto reckless and said it is a flip flop on his administrations stance that the single most important thing is passing a balanced budget, even if zero policy bills pass, from either party. Assembly Speaker Steve Yeager (D-Las Vegas) said the budget bill Lombardo vetoed helped Nevadans who are too often left out and left behind. He said the budget made significant investments in programs communities rely upon, such as early childhood education and resources for victims of crime. When this legislative session began, it was my hope and expectation that policy would come before politics and Nevadans would come before partisanship, Yeager said. With tonights veto, the governor made it clear that would not be the case. Despite Lombardos threats to veto the state budget if his legislative priorities were not addressed, he signed three of the five major bills used to fund the state government through Thursday afternoon. Thursdays veto came amid an impasse between Democratic leadership and Lombardos administration over policy priorities. Now that Lombardo has followed through on his threat, lawmakers are left with little time before the end of the legislative session on June 5 to attempt to override the vetoes or introduce a new bill to implement the Appropriations Act. Any attempt to override a veto would require a two-thirds supermajority vote in both houses. That means at least one Republican senator would have to support the decision alongside Democrats, who hold 13 of 21 seats in the Senate, one short of the needed supermajority. Assembly Democrats hold a supermajority 28 of 42 seats. Failure to pass the budget bills would move the Legislature one step closer to a special session, given the need to wrap budget negotiations before the start of the fiscal year on July 1. Lombardos veto message also highlighted critical budget policy issues outside the scope of AB520, with the governor pointing to his proposal to increase the cap on the states Rainy Day Fund an account used to support state government in emergencies to boost state savings to a new record high. A fifth and final budget bill, AB521, has remained stuck in the Senate since last week. That bill (the Capital Improvement Program) is the only major budget bill to require a two-thirds majority to pass because it renews a statewide property tax. Collectively, the five budget bills fund the state government from July 2023 to June 2025. Lines in the sand The veto arrives after Lombardo Chief of Staff Ben Kieckhefer told reporters late Wednesday night that his office would not draw lines in the sand on what would stave off a potential veto. However, he also signaled that Lombardo would continue to seek at least $25 million annually in Opportunity Scholarship funding roughly restoring the programs original 2017-era funding, but also roughly quadrupling current funding levels nearer to $6 million annually. Opportunity Scholarships the center of Lombardos school choice agenda are a limited number of tax-credit-funded, non-academic scholarships that subsidize private school tuition, including private religious school tuition, for certain low- and middle-income families. The future of that proposal remains unclear, with neither side apparently ready to budge. Lombardo and Democrats appeared to reach an impasse on school choice funding by mid-Thursday, with advisers close to Senate Democratic leadership indicating that legislative Democrats would not move to increase funding for Opportunity Scholarships. At the same time, Kieckhefer said the governor was also focused on advancing policy priorities including repealing key parts of Democrat-backed criminal justice reform measures and government modernization efforts. It may no longer include, however, major election reforms. Kieckhefer said Wednesday that lawmakers were frankly, just not going to pass his election bill, which includes the creation of a voter ID law. So while we would love to see it, it might be one that has to go directly to the voters since we know that it is both constitutional and popular amongst the people in the state, he said. Rare veto territory There are few instances in state history of a governor vetoing one of the major government funding bills. Most recently, Republican Gov. Brian Sandoval in 2011 vetoed the K-12 education funding bill passed by a Democrat-controlled Legislature, writing in his veto message that the bill increased spending beyond what state revenues could support. In response, lawmakers did not override the veto but introduced a separate funding bill with changes in a compromise with Sandoval that he later signed into law. Just two years earlier, lawmakers voted to override the only other budget vetoes in recent history, after Republican Gov. Jim Gibbons vetoed all five budget bills. DeSantis signs Bible, Pence hops on motorcycle at Roast and Ride event in Iowa View Photo DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) Amid plates of sliced pork, statement-making leather ensembles and piles of political T-shirts, eight Republican presidential hopefuls descended on Iowa to pitch themselves to voters and, in Mike Pences case, hop on a motorcycle. The former vice president and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis were among the White House contenders appearing at a rally at the state fairgrounds near Des Moines hosted by U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst. Her annual political event, the Roast and Ride a combination barbecue-rally and motorcycle ride kicks off a busy summer campaign season heading into the states first-in-the-nation caucuses early next year. Former President Donald Trump, the leading GOP presidential candidate, was notably absent after spending two days in the state this past week. He has largely avoided any events that have him sharing the stage with his 2024 rivals. DeSantis, with his wife, Casey, and three young kids in tow, chatted with voters, gave out autographs and signed the Bible of a man who thanked DeSantis for standing up to Disney. DeSantis just wrapped up his first week as an official candidate with a blitz of c ampaign stops across three early-voting states. Casey DeSantis wore a black leather jacket in 86-degree weather with the words Where Woke Goes to Die and an outline of Florida on the back. It brought to mind comparisons to first lady Melania Trump, who famously sent a back-of-the-jacket message of her own in 2018 with a green-hooded jacket that read I really dont care do u as she departed the White House for a trip to visit migrant children in Texas. Pence was the only White House hopeful who participated in a morning motorcycle ride for charity that is a staple of Ernsts annual Roast and Ride event. He wore jeans, boots and a leather vest with patches that said Indiana and messages supportive of the military. The former Indiana governor, who has made frequent trips to Iowa over the past year, is expected to launch his long-anticipated campaign at an event in Des Moines on Wednesday. Ill be back a little later next week, Pence teased the crowd when he spoke later at the rally. I dont have anything to announce today. Earlier in the morning, before setting out on their motorcycle ride, Pence, standing with Ernst in the back of a pickup truck, again hinted at his looming candidacy. One of the reporters just asked me if were showing up more in Iowa, what our lane would be. I said Im more worried about the lane were going to be staying in today, Pence joked. The former vice president, wearing a white motorcycle helmet and a big grin, then rode off on a cobalt blue Harley Davidson. The group rode to the fairgrounds, where candidates gave speeches and chatted with barbecue-eating voters. Other candidates speaking at the event included former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, U.S. Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina, former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, Michigan businessman Perry Johnson, author Vivek Ramaswamy and conservative talk radio host Larry Elder. In their remarks, the candidates all tiptoed around mentions of the former president. Haley repeated a version of a line she has been using as a candidate that seems to allude to the 76-year-old Trump and his political career as replete with controversies. Its time for a new-generation leader. Weve got to leave the baggage of the negativity behind, she said. Off stage, however, several of the candidates did not hesitate to criticize Trump when asked about his social media post on Friday congratulating North Korean leader Kim Jong Un for his countrys receiving a place on the executive board of the World Health Organization. I was surprised to see that. I mean, I think, one, Kim Jung Un is a murderous dictator, DeSantis said, when a reporter asked him about the post. Pence, in an interview Saturday with Fox News, said: Look, whether it is my former running mate or anyone else, no one should be praising the dictator in North Korea. Hutchinson later tweeted: We sanction leaders who oppress their people. We do not elevate them on the world stage. In their speeches, the GOP candidates hit on similar conservative themes: criticizing President Joe Biden, promising tough policies on China and the U.S.-Mexico border and restrictions on abortion and gender-affirming policies. The event had the feel of a large political fair, with about 1,000 people gathered to listen to the presidential prospects speaking in front of bales of hay in a building at the fairgrounds. Many of the campaigns set up tables full of stickers, T-shirts and drink can coolers. Rows of dozens of shiny Harley Davidson motorcycles, of all colors, were parked neatly in the parking lot outside, along with campaign buses for Ramaswamy and the DeSantis super PAC. Nearby was what appeared to be a mechanical bull converted to resemble a motorcycle, surrounded by an inflatable landing area to catch thrown ridersall sponsored by the political super PAC Never Back Down, which supports DeSantis. Marie Andres of Des Moines signed a form, distributed by Never Back Down, to pledge to caucus for DeSantis early next year. Trump did a great job, but in my opinion, too much drama, the 74-year-old said. She said she committed to DeSantis because she thinks he is the best were gonna get. Jill Villalobos, 54, was buying a Haley T-shirt not for herself, but for her brother in Florida. The Altoona resident is planning to support Scott, whom she thinks can bring the GOP and the country together. I really like his message, Villalobos said. Victoria Ortiz had heard little of the candidates to date, and was at the event to learn more. She walked away with interest in DeSantis, Haley and Scott. I believe in the strong work ethic they promote. As a Hispanic, thats how I was raised, the 35-year-old rental property owner and manager from Des Moines south side said. I dont believe in giveaways. You have to work for it. She said she didnt like Trump. His persona, pretty much, and the things he says, are not things I want my children to hear from a president, she said. Ernst, along with Gov. Kim Reynolds, is one of the most sought-after Republican officials in the early stages of Iowas leadoff caucuses. The senator has pledged to remain neutral and not endorse during the caucus campaign. ___ Price reported from New York. Associated Press writer Jill Colvin in New York contributed to this report. By MICHELLE L. PRICE, HANNAH FINGERHUT and THOMAS BEAUMONT Associated Press HONG KONG (AP) Hong Kong police detained eight people, including activists and artists, on the eve of the 34th anniversary of Chinas Tiananmen Square crackdown, a move that signals the citys shrinking freedom of expression. Police said in a statement late Saturday that four people have been arrested for allegedly disrupting order in public spaces or carrying out acts with seditious intent. Four others were taken away for investigation on suspicion of breaching public peace. For decades, tens of thousands of Hong Kongers held an annual candlelight vigil in Victoria Park each June 4 to commemorate the 1989 crackdown on pro-democracy protesters, in which tanks rolled into the heart of Beijing and hundreds, possibly thousands, of people were killed. During the pandemic, protests in Hong Kong were rare due to COVID-19 restrictions. In addition, many activists there have been silenced or jailed after Beijing imposed a sweeping national security law following massive protests in 2019. When the British handed Hong Kong to Beijing in 1997, it was promised 50 years of self-government and freedoms of assembly, speech and press that are not allowed on the Chinese mainland, but critics say those freedoms are being eroded. This years Tiananmen commemoration is expected to be muted. Many Hong Kongers are trying to mark the event in private ways because it is unclear what authorities might consider subversive. Earlier Saturday, activists Kwan Chun-pong and Lau Ka-yee were detained after appearing near the former site of the candlelight vigil to say they would not eat for around 24 hours to mourn the victims. We will now start fasting at 6:04 p.m., Lau said with flowers in her hand, referencing the June 4 date of the crackdown. They also held papers that said they were fasting and mourning those killed in Tiananmen. This relatively mild act of protest nevertheless prompted police officers to arrive within minutes and cordon off the pair, who later put red tape over their mouths. An officer warned them that they might be breaching the law for having seditious intent, and ordered them to stop their activities or they might be arrested. Minutes later, they were taken away by police. Police said the two were arrested on suspicion of carrying out acts with seditious intent. Officers also arrested another woman for the same offense in a separate incident, they added. As night fell, police took away five others, including two artists, Sanmu Chen and Chan Mei-tung. Surrounded by police officers, Samnu Chen chanted: Hong Kongers, do not be afraid. Dont forget tomorrow is June 4. Chan Mei-tung had been standing and walking on a street in Causeway Bay before being cordoned off by police. Police later said officers ordered Chen to leave after he had drawn the attention of passersby. Chen refused to cooperate after warnings and was arrested for alleged disorderly conduct in a public place, they said. It is unclear whether other activists will show up to publicly commemorate the anniversary on Sunday. The park will instead be occupied by a carnival organized by pro-Beijing groups to celebrate Hong Kongs handover to Chinese rule. Organizers say it will feature a bazaar with food from across China. The fully implemented Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership pact will significantly enhance economic integration in the Asia-Pacific region and sustain the long-term and stable growth of the global economy, the Ministry of Commerce said on Friday. The ministry's comments came as the Philippines became the final member to activate the RCEP agreement on Friday, making the mega free trade pact effective for all signatory countries. Under the agreement, more than 90 percent of trade in goods among approved member economies will gradually be tariff-free. The full-force implementation of the RCEP demonstrates the commitment and actions of all 15 participating countries toward supporting a multilateral trading system that is open, free, fair, inclusive and rules-based, said the ministry, stressing that it will notably elevate the level of trade and investment liberalization and facilitation in East Asia. The RCEP came into force on Jan 1, 2022. It is a mega free trade agreement involving Australia, China, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand and the 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. The 15 nations are home to 2.27 billion people with a combined GDP of $26 trillion and total exports of $5.2 trillion, accounting for about 30 percent of global trade in goods. In another statement released on Friday, the ministry's head of international trade and economic affairs said that the fully implemented RCEP pact will boost China's high-level opening-up to the world. The official emphasized the importance of ensuring the high-quality implementation of the RCEP, as it will foster the integration of regional industrial and supply chains, unlocking new opportunities for international economic and trade cooperation for localities, industries and companies, as well as facilitate the advancement of higher-level institutional opening-up from an elevated starting point. Bolstered by favorable tariff policies and their complementary trade structures, China's foreign trade with the other 14 RCEP members grew by 7.5 percent year-on-year to 12.95 trillion yuan ($1.83 trillion) in 2022, according to data from the General Administration of Customs. The momentum has also been sustained this year, with China's imports and exports with these countries surging 7.3 percent year-on-year to 4.1 trillion yuan in the first four months of 2023. Experts said that the RCEP is fundamentally an inclusive mega free trade agreement designed to promote shared prosperity and the equitable distribution of economic development across the Asia-Pacific region. As tariffs are gradually reduced, the pact will provide consumers with a broader array of market choices, satisfying cross-border consumption demand and contributing to overall consumption upgrading, said Zhang Xiaotao, dean of the School of International Trade and Economics at the Beijing-based Central University of Finance and Economics. Supporting this viewpoint, Wang Xiaohong, deputy director of the Department of Information at the China Center for International Economic Exchanges, said that the RCEP framework has enriched the comparative advantages of each country and made them more attractive to other member countries for trade and investment under the same conditions. Mike Walsh, executive vice-president of Dekra Group, a German testing, inspection and certification group with more than 48,000 employees globally, said that the RCEP will create more favorable conditions to spur foreign trade and investment activities in both China and throughout the Asia-Pacific region. "We plan to use the technological capabilities accumulated in China to develop our operations in Southeast Asia in the coming years," said Walsh, adding that the RCEP pact supports the company's overall development plan for the Asia-Pacific region in terms of market and business management. Residents of Globe and Phoenix compound in Kwekwe had a lucky escape after a familys home partially collapsed due to illegal mining activity underneath the compound. According to a family spokesperson, Ms. Kimberly Rusike, the kitchen and lounge areas of the house collapsed after a blast from illegal miners on Thursday night. The floors caved in and a large opening appeared underneath the house, rendering it unsafe to live in. Over 200 people live in the compound and there are fears that other homes could suffer the same fate due to damage caused by underground illegal mining. Resident Aaron Madiro said they hear blasts from illegal miners almost daily and worry the whole compound may become structurally unsound over time. Midlands Provincial Affairs Minister Larry Mavima and the Civil Protection Unit inspected the damage and condemned the illegal mining in the area. The minister said the situation in Kwekwe was worrisome and that illegal mining posed a threat to the entire town. Earlier this year, 16 schoolchildren at Globe and Phoenix Primary School were injured when a classroom collapsed, likely due to underground mining. The school was subsequently closed. A government complex in the compound was also condemned due to concerns about structural integrity. Minister Mavima warned that if illegal mining continued in the area, authorities may have no option but to shut down formal mines. The future for residents remains uncertain until a full report on the mining impacts is completed. Breaking News via Email Two people are believed to have lost their lives after a commuter omnibus carrying school children crashed along the Mutare-Nyanga Road near Manica Bridge this afternoon. The Nissan Caravan was transporting students home from Hartzell Central Primary School when the accident occurred. According to witnesses, the bus burst a tyre and then overturned multiple times. When reporters from The Manica Post arrived on the scene shortly after the crash, the injured passengers had already been taken to Old Mutare Mission Hospital. The driver of the bus and one student are thought to have died at the scene of the accident. Witnesses said that more than ten pupils suffered injuries in the crash. Police officers had yet to arrive to begin their investigation when the news crew got to the accident site. Breaking News via Email The Anjin Investments diamond mine in Marange has threatened to dismiss workers who go on strike to protest low salaries and poor working conditions. In a memo to mine workers, Deputy Manager Prosper Munemo said all day shift workers must report for duty on Thursday, June 2. He warned that failure to work will be considered absent without leave, as the workers did not follow proper procedures for a legal strike. Anjin is jointly owned by Zimbabwes military and a Chinese investor. The mine employs workers from the Zimbabwe Diamonds and Allied Minerals Workers Union. In a letter, the union secretary Justice Chinhema called on Anjin management to address the workers grievances instead of threatening them. He said a works council meeting on May 11 resolved to improve conditions but the company has not complied. Chinhema listed several issues, including poor work environment with inadequate safety measures and dirty ablutions. He said workers are not paid a living wage to take care of their families. Chinhema warned that if management ignores the workers demands, the industrial action will continue. He urged the company to resolve the issues before the situation deteriorates further. Breaking News via Email Three Harare residents were charged in court for allegedly creating fake school-leaving exam certificates to get admitted into foreign universities. The accused were identified as Cindy Mutswatiwa, Kundai Mutape, and Malvern Nengomasha. They were granted bail of $200,000 each. Another accused, Molyn Mugodi, is still at large. According to the charges, the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission arrested Mugodi in June for creating fraudulent identity cards. The trio then allegedly used Mugodis printer and computer to make fake Zimbabwe Examinations Council certificates for O Level and A Level exams. The investigation revealed that Mugodi worked with the three accused to verify the fake certificates at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for a fee. In January 2022, Mutswatiwa allegedly forged her O Level certificate to apply for a dentistry degree at Donetsk National University in Ukraine. Mugodi also purportedly made a forged O Level certificate for Mutape. Breaking News via Email Zimbabwe has gotten a boost in its power generation as Hwange Thermal Power Station Unit 7, which had been taken off the grid for testing, has now been reconnected. This adds 300 megawatts (MW) of capacity to the national power grid. The country has been experiencing regular power cuts due to insufficient generation. The addition of Unit 7 and the upcoming synchronization of Unit 8, which is expected in October, will help reduce the load shedding. The expansion of Hwange Power Station by adding Units 7 and 8, with funding mainly from China, started in 2018 but was delayed by the COVID pandemic. Energy Minister Soda Zhemu confirmed that Unit 7 was undergoing commissioning tests before being officially put on the commercial grid. After the tests showed success, the unit was disconnected briefly to allow engineers to evaluate the results before commercial operations. Once Unit 8 is synchronized, Zimbabwe is expecting to have 600MW more capacity from the two new units. This additional power, along with higher output from the Kariba Hydro plant due to increased water allocation, is improving the countrys electricity situation. Zimbabwes output has recovered from below 400MW early this year to around 1,200MW currently. The stabilization of power supplies is expected to boost industrial productivity in the country. Breaking News via Email The Strawberry Moon Marks a Sweet Start to Summer Atlas Obscura. This evening. Thriving Garden in Sealed Bottle Hasnt Been Watered in Over 40 Years My Modern Met 3M, DuPont Stocks Are Soaring on PFAS Settlement. A Big Overhang Is Gone. Barrons The Sackler ruling and the failure of liberal legalism Carl Beijer Climate #COVID19 As mpox worries return ahead of Pride, a leather convention offers hope WaPo China? An Axis of Seven to supplement SCO Indian Punchline (Rev Kev). SCO = Shanghai Cooperation Organization. Myanmar The Koreas On Hallyu London Review of Books Syraqistan New Not-So-Cold War Biden Administration 2024 Spook Country Israeli agent drowned in Italian boat accident was part of mission targeting Iranian weapons: Media report Anadolu Agency. Senseless, accidental if you believe in accidents Thomas Pynchon, Gravitys Rainbow. Read all the way to the end. Our Famously Free Press Inside The Meltdown at CNN The Atlantic and Heres Our Analysis of The Atlantics Chris Licht Profile AdWeek. Democrats determined to prevent a second major platforn slipping from their grasp? And, of course, successfully dogpiling a CEO will teach a lesson to lot of other CEOs. Digital Watch Peering inside the black box of AI PNAS. Perhaps the opacity is the point? After all, if an AIs decisions work to the benefit (profit) of its owner, isnt that all we need to know? Meanwhile, the latest Opera release has a new feature: Are AI luminaries too freaked out by their creation? Nonzero The Bezzle The rare license plates that sell for millions Alts. People are now paying millions. For a license plate. Works for the bitcoin ordinals! The 420 Gunz Zeitgeist Watch Imperial Collapse Watch Class Warfare High-flown English New Left Review. Martin Amis. The Other Side of the Needles Eye Plough Antidote du Jour (via): See yesterdays Links and Antidote du Jour here. Very real. Very effective. Did you visit the website. Very informative. Anthony Miranda (@Miranda4Queens) March 29, 2022 Yet the co-founder of the firm along with Kong, Timothy Wetzel, admits that he has no proof the product works, nearly three years after the Federal Trade Commission warned him and his fellow founder Kong that they should cease marketing the product without proof that it works as claimed. Even as Miranda hawked the bogus COVID-protection device, New York City hit the grim milestone of 40,000 deathsfrom COVID. That same month, an analysis by Yale University found that the citys vaccination efforts had likely averted many more deaths. Face masks were still being advocated by city government health officials, and they were still required on public transportation and in hospitals. In May 2022, Mayor Eric Adams tapped Miranda for the $213,000-a-year position of sheriff head of the office that among other duties had taken the lead in the citys crackdown on maskless gatherings during the pandemic. The law enforcement office more typically carries out court orders and enforces city tax and finance laws, and recently began conducting raids on stores illicitly selling marijuana. According to a now-defunct website, Miranda wasnt just a fan of the unproven product: His firm, Anthony Miranda & Associates, was serving as a master distributor for it, and was identified as one of two validators of the test results and case studies that backed the supposed science behind it. The other validator was identified as K.W. Technology, the Nevada-based company that created the purported virus buster. Kong was also at the center of a recent uproar in the citys Chinese community for co-hosting a magazine launch in Manhattan where guests were lured with the promise of meeting billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk but instead got served only a glimpse of a look-alike actor. Wetzel, the other co-founder, decades ago was convicted of racketeering and felony theft in a home repair scheme in Oregon, and in 2017 was hit with a six-figure fine for unauthorized stock sales and other alleged violations of Washington States Securities Act by the states Department of Financial Institutions. Reached by phone Thursday and asked about his involvement with the virus buster, Miranda responded: Involvement how? Informed about the website that about a year ago listed his firm as master distributor, he said, Im not certain but you can send what you need to ask me and Ill look into it. He then added, That still has us listed as something with it? Follow-up questions sent by text to Miranda asking about his role with the device, his relationship with Kong and Wetzel, and whether he stands by the product went unanswered. The Science Reached by THE CITY, Kong declined to answer questions about the device, and the science behind it, dismissing it as old news because the pandemic is essentially over. Thats a long time ago, he said by phone. We are not doing that anymore, you dont have to ask me questions on that. Asked about Mirandas role, he mentioned Mirandas wife, Sylvia Miranda, but didnt elaborate. In an interview with THE CITY, Wetzel acknowledged making mistakes in connection with his 1997 conviction in Oregon but challenged the more recent findings of violations in Washington state. As for the virus buster, Wetzel said it started off as a gimmick that took off, but that the firm donated more devices than it sold. From our knowledge, no one has ever been sick when they wore the virus buster. It hasnt been something where I could give you proof and all this stuff, he told THE CITY by phone. It was kind of a gimmick, kind of a fun thing and then people started wearing it and no one was getting sick. Wetzel said one of the chemicals the packet contains is chlorine, and that lab results showed the mixture to be safe. Asked to provide the results, he said perhaps Kong had them. He also acknowledged that the firm didnt conduct clinical trials or seek peer-reviewed studies, but said it was because the only way to do so would have been to expose humans to coronavirus. No ones ever had a complaint that said, Hey this doesnt work. These guys lied to me and took my money, Wetzel said. Sheriff Anthony Miranda touted on his Facebook an invisible mask purported to protect wearers against COVID. Anthony Miranda/Facebook Tom Patire, a security expert based in New Jersey, got involved with the product briefly because, he said, he has international connections, which earned him the title of international distributor of the device. He said he never met the K.W. Technology co-founders but that he was put into contact with them through people he knows in the security industry and spoke to Miranda and his wife perhaps three times about the project. Patire said that the virus buster came so late during the COVID crisis that nobody was interested in purchasing it. It didnt go nowhere, he said. I dont think we sold 10. Not Passing the Sniff Test The online evidence of the science behind the virus buster is long on jargon and typos but short on data and test results. Patent pending technology, called ISiL-Chlor technology insures [sic] science is backing up the positive results of this virus killer, reads one description on K.W. Technologys site. It was formulated by using the latest A.I. Technology using Quantum computing and ION Science, reads another. The site touts the products FDA Certification of registration, and some images of the badge contain the U.S. Food and Drug Administration logo. But being registered with the FDA doesnt signify product authorization, according to agency spokesperson Audra Harrison, and the FDA doesnt issue physical certificates of registration despite images purporting to be two such certificates being displayed on the companys website. 1 Invisible Mask has not been approved, cleared or authorized by the FDA, Harrison told THE CITY. Websites marketing the invisible mask also drew the attention of the Federal Trade Commission, which enforces consumer protection law. An FTC official wrote Kong and Wetzel in July 2020 ordering them to remove statements from two websites claiming that the virus buster can prevent COVID-19. We have determined that you are unlawfully advertising that certain products prevent or treat Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), the official wrote, noting the absence of reliable scientific evidence or human clinical studies proving the prevention claims were true. For COVID-19, no such study is currently known to exist for the products identified above, she added. No further enforcement action was taken by the commission, which an FTC official told THE CITY suggests the violations were resolved on the sites in question. Bruce Y. Lee, professor of health policy management at the CUNY Graduate School of Public Health, said the companys website doesnt contain the information needed to assess the products efficacy and safety and that this absence raises concerns. Its not passing the sniff test, Lee said. He noted that he worried about a number of air-purifying products that were sold during the pandemic because people would sometimes use them in lieu of proven protections like vaccines and facemasks. When people rely on a product that there isnt enough evidence to support its use, the concern is then people will not use evidence-based protection and prevention measures, he said. Thats problematic, because youre actually doing people harm. Miranda and Marketing Miranda and Adams ran in similar advocacy circles when they both worked at the NYPD decades earlier, with Adams leading the group 100 Blacks in Law Enforcement Who Care and Miranda, who was a member of Adams group, co-founding the National Latino Officers Association of America. Both groups attempted to reform the NYPDs treatment not only of Black and Latino civilians, but also of the departments Black and Latino officers. In 2006, Miranda founded his firm, Anthony Miranda & Associates, which did work that involved security, investigations and consulting, according to financial disclosure forms Miranda filed with the city. He also continued to serve in leadership roles at the Latino Officers Association over the years. In early 2017, Miranda was hired as director of security at the citys Administration for Childrens Services, a post he kept until turning his eyes to elected office. In 2020, Miranda ran for the open Queens borough president position but lost to then-City Councilmember Donovan Richards. In 2021, Miranda lost in the Democratic primary for a City Council seat in Queens District 20, which covers Flushing. His public promotion of the invisible mask on social media appears to have begun around March 2022 just before his tenure as sheriff when he posted multiple times to both Facebook and Twitter. At the April 2022 gala where Miranda wore the virus buster, other attendees included Adams, U.S. Rep. Grace Meng(D-Queens), and Democratic City Councilmember Christopher Marte, whose district includes Chinatown. Sponsorship opportunities for the event, hosted by the Sino American Commerce Association, were listed as ranging between $3,500 and $15,000, with the logos of Apple, Lamborghini and Ferrari appearing as named sponsors. Publicity and Politics In December 2020, Kong helped distribute 40,000 masks and 400 virus busters to four nonprofit organizations through his Global Hero Foundation, which he describes as a private charitable group, according to a press release put out by one of his associates. Two of the nonprofits didnt respond when asked if they recall what they did with the virus buster devices, while a spokesperson for a third group, Queens Community House, said they didnt receive any. Alexander Rapaport, executive director of the nonprofit soup kitchen Masbia, said his employees largely reacted to the virus buster badges with a chuckle. There was a handful that was brought back to us and the staff laughed it off, Rapaport told THE CITY. Since being named president of the Sino American Commerce Association last year, Kong has hosted numerous galas, award shows and even the first-ever American New Years Day Parade in Flushing on Jan. 1, 2023, where he marched side by side with Miranda, who was in uniform. But it was Kongs latest event a supposed launch for a Wall Street magazine that he organized with Madison Avenue Agency president Michael Jacobson that garnered perhaps the most attention. Unverified Musk Online news reports show that more than 100 people, mostly from the Chinese community, came to the launch party at The James New York hotel in Manhattan on April 27, with the expectation that entrepreneur Elon Musk would be joining the festivities. A number of attendees claimed to have paid to attend the event, according to the reports, or to have traveled long distances in order to meet Musk. Instead, a look-alike actor spent a short time at the party, saying only a few words and helping to present an award to Kong before disappearing behind a team of security. Elon Musk impersonator Mike Vaughn shared a video he says shows a dinner with Gary Kong the night before performing at an event hosted by Kong. Courtesy of Mike Vaughn The uproar over what some people viewed as deception prompted Kong and Sino American Commerce Association vice president Annie Fu to hold a press conference two days afterward, where they attributed the friction in part to a cultural misunderstanding. Kong said no one had paid to attend the launch party, but he later told the South China Morning Post that some people had paid $30,000 for a similar event in March that had been canceled. Musk and officials at Tesla didnt respond to an email seeking comment. Jacobson, whose firm handled press for some of Kongs previous events and who was listed as publisher of the Wall Street magazine, said at the press conference that Kong hadnt known about the Musk impersonator before the party started. But the Musk look-alike, actor Mike Vaughn, told THE CITY he had dinner at a seafood restaurant in Flushing with Kong and Jacobson the night before the launch party after Jacobson had hired him weeks earlier to fly out from Portland, Oregon for the paid gig. Long story short, everybody was massively misled, Vaughn told THE CITY during an hour-long phone interview. Vaughn, the voice of the killer in the TV series Scream, said he had never done paid work as a Musk impersonator before. He said he agreed to the gig only after Jacobson told his agent the event would be tongue-in-cheek and fun. Vaughn said it wasnt until the dinner with Jacobson and Kong in Flushing that he learned he had been misled about the nature of the launch party. I said, Michael, just to check, are we deceiving people or are we just having fun here? Because the script you sent me isnt a script its two lines and its not funny or fun. Do I improvise or what? said Vaughn. He goes No, no, no. I just want you to show up, pass some awards out and get out, Vaughn said Jacobson responded at the dinner. Okay, so are we deceiving people? Vaughn said he repeated. He shakes his head yes, in an up and down motion, Vaughn said of Jacobson. I go, God dammit. Vaughn said he continued with the gig because he had shelled out $1,200 for a custom black suit and $200 for a trial run with a makeup artist, not to mention the cost of the flight, and because the vibe up to that point was more of a wacky Seinfeld episode than something nefarious. On the afternoon of the launch party, Vaughn arrived at the James hotel to have his makeup done after dying his hair darker that morning at Jacobsons request. He said he was kept in the makeup room for five hours without being offered any food, until he was finally led to the party room after 9 p.m. by Jacobson and a group of what he was told were undercover cops. We go down to the lobby, nobody notices. All of a sudden, a couple of people notice, theres a murmur, then an uproar. Now the elevators getting banged on, walls are getting banged on, you hear people running up and down the stairs, said Vaughn. I go into the hall, it is an uproar. We almost cant get out of the elevator. Michaels loving this. Vaughn said he was led to the front of the event room, where there was no stage to serve as a protective barrier from the crowd, and that he performed his brief script. I wave, I say, Hey, nice to see you Manhattan. Very cool, yeah, right on, alright. Hey, youre a crazy audience, Vaughn recounted saying. And then thats it. Thats the last thing I said. Vaughn said he handed Jacobson an award that Jacobson presented to Kong with tears in his eyes, that he was given an honorary award apparently intended for Musks mom, Maye, and that he was whisked back to the hotel room after a total of about 12 minutes. He said the night ended when Jacobson put him in a cab near the hotel entrance, still dressed as Musk, carrying his own garment bag. Canceled Payments Two weeks later, Vaughns agent called to say that shed been told Jacobson had used someone elses credit card to pay them. The charge went through the night before Vaughn flew to New York City, but the owner of the card had challenged the charges as fraudulent, according to Vaughn. The reversals left his agent short thousands of dollars at the time, he said. Vaughn said he texted Jacobson and called him repeatedly, and that Jacobson said he was dealing with it, but that nothing seemed to faze Jacobson until Vaughn threatened to go to the media with his story. He called me 12 times, said Vaughn. Im not kidding, 12 times like a little junior high kid whos getting dumped. Vaughn said his agent was able to recoup the money only after three or four weeks of hammering at the credit card company and at Jacobson, when the card owner accepted the charges. Kong didnt respond to a text message asking about Vaughn, and Jacobson didnt respond to voice messages left at his office and on a cell phone. (Natural News) A new poll shows that a full 86 percent of American adults rate the nations homelessness problem as being serious and more than half think the situation is currently very serious. The sentiment is roughly the same across party lines, with 58 percent of Republican voters, 56 percent of Democratic voters and 52 percent of independents characterizing the problem as very serious. Not surprisingly, nearly 60 percent of those who participated in the poll felt the problem has been getting worse in the last two years. However, respondents were split when it came to who should be in charge of fixing the nations homelessness problem. Nearly a third of respondents stated that the federal government should be tasked with addressing the problem, while 39 percent say its up to state governments and 15 percent believe it falls under the purview of local governments. The poll was carried out by Rasmussen by phone during the first half of May. In a similar poll that was carried out in Portland, Oregon, voters slammed the citys homelessness problem, with three fourths saying it is an out-of-control disaster. The survey also revealed that two thirds of voters would like to see the streets cleared by sending drug addicts to rehab. When the survey, which was carried out by the conservative advocacy group People for Portland, asked voters whether they agreed with mayor Ted Wheelers plan to ban daytime camping by homeless people and block tents from being placed near daycare centers and schools, 71 percent came out in support of the measures. However, the respondents largely blamed their elected officials, including Wheeler, for the citys current state. Portland residents are fed up by the sight of tents on grassy areas and sidewalks throughout the city. Although some encampments have been torn down by officials, they often reappear shortly afterward. Many people who live there report that the city has changed dramatically recently as a result of these problems, and 55 percent of respondents said that they no longer feel safe bringing their families downtown. Multnomah County, where Portland is located, has seen its homeless numbers reach 5,228, which is 1,200 more than the number recorded in 2019. More than 3,000 of these individuals are unsheltered, while roughly 1,500 stay in shelters. Federal government is taking some steps to address homelessness, but there is no easy solution The federal government announced earlier this month that it would be providing help to the state of California as well as five major American cities to bring homeless people into permanent housing. The cities that will be receiving aid at the local level include Seattle, Phoenix, Dallas, Chicago and Los Angeles. The move is part of a wider effort by the Biden administration to decrease the number of homeless people in the country by 25 percent by 2025. They say that they will be providing tailored support during the next two years, which includes placing a federal official in each area to oversee the effort. They will also be looking for areas where regulations can be relaxed to help speed up the process of securing housing. There were more than 580,000 homeless Americans last year, and around 40 percent of them were unsheltered and sleeping in their cars, tents or on sidewalks. The National Alliance to End Homelessnesss 2023 State of Homelessness report found that 22 percent of Americas homeless population are individuals who are chronically homeless, while 6 percent are veterans and 5 percent are unaccompanied young people under the age of 25. Sources for this article include: BigLeaguePolitics.com RasmussenReports.com DailyMail.co.uk EndHomelessness.org Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, attends a symposium on cultural inheritance and development and makes an important speech in Beijing on June 2, 2023. (Photo/ Xinhua) Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, attended a symposium on cultural inheritance and development on Friday and made an important speech. He stressed that it is our new cultural mission in the new era to further promote cultural prosperity and develop a great culture in China and a modern Chinese civilization from a new starting point. It is imperative to have greater confidence in our own culture, shoulder the mission, work diligently and proactively, and make concerted efforts to create a new culture of our times and build a modern Chinese civilization, Xi said. To ensure that the symposium would be fruitful, Xi visited the China National Archives of Publications and Culture (CNAPC) and the Chinese Academy of History. Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and a member of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee accompanied Xi on the visits and presided over the symposium. On Thursday afternoon, Xi took a car to the headquarters of the CNAPC that sits at the foot of the Yanshan Mountains in Changping District of Beijing. Made up of the headquarters and three branches in Xian, Hangzhou and Guangzhou, the CNAPC facilitates the planning and coordinating of the countrys publication resources, organizes the work to survey and collect such resources, and also preserve and exhibit them. It organizes research into them and related exchanges, and the promotion and utilization of them as well. Xi first walked into the Wenhua Hall, and was briefed on the planning and construction of the CNAPC, and he visited the national library, the Inception of Chinese Civilization: Exhibition of Ancient Chinese Publications and Cultural Articles and the exhibition of fine works and special copies of contemporary Chinese publications. Then in Wenhan Ge (pavilion), Xi carefully examined the Classic Publications Exhibition of Marxism Localization and Modernization, asked from time to time about the collecting and sorting of publications in this regard. Then he ascended to the terrace on the fifth floor to take a birds eye view of the CNAPC. Xi then visited Lantai Cave and watched exhibitions on block printing collections of Tripitaka in the Han, Tibetan, Mongolian, and Manchu languages, and collections of The Compilation of the Complete Library in Four Branches of Literature, where he learned about how the collections of premium publications are preserved in the CNAPC. Xi stressed his great concern about the precious editions of classics in Chinese civilization, which have survived the vicissitudes of the times. Xi said that the CNAPC is a project he approved in person and he is quite concerned about its development. The original aspiration for building the academy is to collect and preserve as many as possible the various kinds of copies of Chinese classics since ancient times, and pass on the Chinese civilization, the only one that has never been disrupted in its continuity in the world. In an era of national prosperity and social stability, we have the will and capacity to carry forward Chinese culture, and we should accomplish this great undertaking well. Xi said that he affirmed and was satisfied with the construction and management of the academy. He said that collection and preservation of copies of ancient classics are the main tasks of the CNAPC, which he required to strengthen its work on collecting, categorizing and preserving the classics. He urged the academy to do a good job in conducting research into the collected classics to better preserve them. While performing its major tasks, the academy should support relevant departments on research and exploration of various copies of historical classics. In a word, building the CNAPC is a fundamental program for building a country with a great civilization, and a landmark cultural project that calls for our efforts and will bring boons for future generations. Xi took a car to the Chinese Academy of History on Friday afternoon. Major work of the academy includes leading nationwide research on history, integrating resources and forces to formulate plans on research into the Chinese history in the new era, and organize and launch major national academic projects on the study of history. Xi walked into the Chinese Archaeological Museum in the compound, where he visited the themed exhibitions Origin of Civilization and The Making of China. He learned about the major archaeological discoveries of the Neolithic Age and the Xia, Shang and Zhou dynasties, and once in a while he would inquire about the developments of relevant research work. Afterwards, he examined some rare ancient books and documents housed in the academy, and listened to a report on relevant work in front of the Research Achievements Exhibition of the academy. Xi stressed that archaeology is essential if we are to know about the long history of Chinese civilization and experience the profound Chinese culture. He called for down-to-earth endeavors on such major projects as A Comprehensive Study on the Origin and Early Development of Chinese Civilization and Chinese Archaeology, in order to do a good job on the research and explanation about the origin of Chinese civilization. Over the more than four years since its establishment, the academy has organized a series of national-level major research programs and academic projects and attained some high-quality results, which, Xi said, is praiseworthy. Xi hoped that the academy will carry forward the fine traditions, pool the strength of historical researchers across the country and keep improving research capability, so as to contribute more wisdom and strength in historical science to the development of Chinese modernization. After the inspection, Xi attended a symposium on the inheritance and development of Chinese culture at the academy. Those who delivered presentations at the symposium include Yang Geng, professor with Beijing Normal University, Wang Bo, vice president of Peking University, Peng Gang, vice president of Tsinghua University, Xing Guangcheng, director of the Institute of Chinese Borderland Studies under the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Fan Dian, president of China Artists Association, and Mo Lifeng, senior professor in humanities and social sciences from Nanjing University. After hearing the presentations, Xi made an important speech. He stressed that Chinese culture has a long and continuous history and Chinese civilization is extensive and profound. A profound understanding of the history of Chinese civilization is essential to promoting the creative transformation and innovative development of fine traditional Chinese culture in a more effective manner, pushing ahead with the building of a cultural sector with Chinese characteristics more strongly and developing a modern Chinese civilization. Xi noted that Chinas fine traditional culture is comprised of many important elements, which have formed the prominent features of Chinese civilization. That Chinese civilization is highly consistent is the fundamental reason why the Chinese nation must follow its own path. If one does not learn about China from the continuity of its long history, there is no way for him or her to understand ancient China, modern China, or China in the future. Chinese civilization is exceptionally innovative, which explains why the Chinese nation upholds fine traditions but never blindly sticks to old ways, and respects the fine traditions but never indiscriminately restores old traditions. It is also the reason why the Chinese nation is fearless of new challenges and is always open to new things. Chinese civilization is featured with strong uniformity and this is why different ethnic cultures of the Chinese nation are integrated and rally closely together, even when faced with major setbacks. It determines the common belief that the homeland cannot be divided, the country cannot be destabilized, the ethnic groups cannot be separated, and the civilization cannot be disrupted. It also determines that national unification always stays at the heart of Chinas core interests and a strong and unified country is the pillar upon which the well-being of all Chinese people depends. Chinese civilization is inclusive, which fundamentally determines the historical orientation of the Chinese nation featuring exchanges and integration, the harmonious coexistence of diverse religious beliefs in China, and the openness of Chinese culture to world civilizations. The peaceful nature of Chinese civilization fundamentally determines that China will continue to build world peace, contribute to global development, and safeguard the international order, and that it will continue to pursue exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations rather than cultural hegemony. It also determines that China will not impose its own values and political system on others. China is a champion of cooperation, not confrontation. Never will it dish out favors to acolytes and punishments to opponents. Xi stressed that it is natural to integrate the basic tenets of Marxism with Chinas specific realities and fine traditional culture if we are to create and develop socialism with Chinese characteristics on the basis of the profound Chinese civilization of more than 5,000 years. This is the understanding we have drawn from our exploration of the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics and the key to our success. First, compatibility is the prerequisite for integration. Although Marxism and fine traditional Chinese culture have different origins, they are highly compatible with each other. Compatibility facilitates integration. Second, the result of the integration is mutual benefit, giving rise to a unified new culture that enables Marxism to become Chinese, and fine traditional Chinese culture modern. The newly-minted culture through integration has become the cultural form of the Chinese path to modernization. Third, the integration solidifies the foundation of the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics, providing it with broader and deeper historical depth and enriching its cultural basis. Chinese modernization invigorates Chinese civilization with modern power, while Chinese civilization supports Chinese modernization with cultural sustenance. Fourth, the integration has opened up space for innovation and helped us maintain the initiative in our ideological and cultural work, exerting a powerful influence on our path, theory and system. What is more important is that integrating the basic tenets of Marxism with Chinas fine traditional culture means another effort to emancipate our minds, which makes it possible for us to make full use of the precious resources of fine traditional Chinese culture in broader cultural space in exploring theoretical and institutional innovation for the future. Fifth, the integration has consolidated the principal role of culture, with the establishment of the Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era being the most vivid example. Integrating the basic tenets of Marxism with Chinas fine traditional culture has resulted from our thorough review of the historical experience drawn from adapting Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of our times. It showcases that we have profoundly grasped the laws governing the development of Chinese civilization. It demonstrates that our Partys understanding of the Chinese path, theory and system has reached a new height, and so have our Partys confidence in our history and culture, as well as our Partys consciousness in promoting cultural innovation when carrying forward fine traditional Chinese culture. Xi noted that since the 18th CPC National Congress, the CPC Central Committee, while leading the Party and the people to govern the nation, has placed the promotion of culture in an important position of our overall work, and kept deepening understanding in this regard. A series of new ideas, viewpoints and judgments have been put forward. These important viewpoints are theoretical reviews of experience from the practice of cultural promotion under the Partys leadership in the new era. They are the fundamental guidelines for doing a good job in our publicity, ideological and cultural work. We must adhere to and implement them over the long term and continue to update and develop them. Xi called for efforts to continuously promote cultural prosperity, build a great culture in China and a modern Chinese civilization from a new historical starting point. To do all these, Xi said that we need to develop an independent cultural psyche, which requires greater confidence in our own culture and adherence to our own path. To have such psyche, we also need to draw on what the Chinese nation has achieved in the past and at the present, summarize Chinese experiences with Chinese wisdom, and develop Chinese experiences into Chinese theories, Xi said. We must continue to be open and inclusive, adapt Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times, inherit and develop fine traditional Chinese culture, adapt foreign cultures to Chinas context, and continuously cultivate and create a socialist culture with Chinese characteristics in the new era. Efforts must be made to uphold fundamental principles and break new ground, carry forward the fine historical traditions and write a new chapter for our times with positive energy and pioneering spirit. When presiding over the symposium, Cai Qi pointed out that General Secretary Xi Jinpings important speech made a comprehensive, systematic and in-depth explanation of a series of major theoretical and practical issues regarding the inheritance and development of Chinese culture from the perspective of the overall strategic development of the Party and the country. His speech is of political, ideological, strategic, and guiding significance. It is necessary, along with the ongoing theoretical study program, to conscientiously organize study sessions on the gist of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speech in a bid to more deeply understand the significance of the establishment of both Comrade Xi Jinping's core position on the Party Central Committee and in the Party as a whole and the guiding role of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. We must strengthen our commitment to the Four Consciousnesses, the Four-sphere Confidence and the Two Upholds. Under the guidance of the gist of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speech, we should constantly deepen our understanding of the regularity of cultural development and be committed to our cultural mission, Cai said. Research and interpretation should be strengthened in this regard, and theoretical knowledge should be applied into practice. We must fully implement the strategic arrangements of the 20th CPC National Congress on publicity, ideological and cultural work, and have greater confidence in our own culture and strengthen self-improvement, in order to solidly promote the building of a modern Chinese civilization and develop a great culture in China. Li Shulei, Tie Ning, Shen Yiqin, Qin Gang, Jiang Xinzhi and others were on the visits. Members of the Central Leading Group for Publicity, Ideological and Cultural Work, leading officials of the relevant central Party and government departments, leading officials of various units of the central publicity and cultural sector, and representatives of relevant experts and scholars attended the symposium. Editor: GSY (Natural News) Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (RFK Jr.) campaigned in San Diego on Memorial Day as he remains the closest threat to President Joe Biden in the race for the Democratic presidential nomination. Hundreds of people flocked to the Humphreys by the Bay in the Circle City to watch the Democratic presidential candidate. The founder and general counsel of the Childrens Health Defense (CHD) paid respect to members of the military killed in action by quoting his uncle, former President John F. Kennedy. The most important way for us to honor the men and women who gave their lives for this country is to protect the rights that they died to give us, the younger Kennedy said. He then switched gears and discussed how the corporate mainstream media (MSM) has been treating his campaign. In one poll for potential Democratic presidential candidates, 40 percent of voters say they intend to vote for Biden in the primary. RFK Jr. is the nearest challenger at 20 percent, but for some reason his name has been excluded in the poll. They still treat me as a fringe candidate, and they say He doesnt have a chance. They dont even put me in the polls a lot of times, the Democratic presidential candidate told the audience. Im way ahead of DeSantis; my numbers are much better than his, but hes treated as a legitimate candidate. RFK Jr. ultimately remarked: Thats OK. They dont have to treat me different. All we have to do is win the election. Despite the differences between RFK Jr. and DeSantis, both appear to have a shared dislike of medical tyranny that was seen during the height of the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. During a May 9 interview with actor Russell Brand, RFK Jr. recounted that the Florida governor invited him to breakfast during the pandemic. DeSantis expressed his intent to burn the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to the ground during that meeting. RFK Jr. shared: We talked about him possibly running for the presidency. I said: How will you handle the NIH? And he said: Ill burn it to the ground.' (Related: Gov. DeSantis: Big Pharma will pay for deceiving the public with false advertising about COVID-19 vaccines.) RFK Jr. blasts Biden, current Democratic Party During his campaign event, Kennedy expressed concern that Americans are in danger of losing some of those rights that are guaranteed under the U.S. Constitution. He also decried the current iteration of the Democratic Party, which is far from the party his father and his uncle stood for. I feel like I am losing my country. I feel like my party has gone off the rails, RFK Jr. lamented. Its become the party of war, and the Democratic Party was always skeptical about war. Its become the party of censorship, which is antithetical to the definition and tradition of liberalism. He also blasted the COVID-19 lockdown, something that has been on his crosshairs during his time at CHD. The COVID-19 lockdown what [the Democratic Party] supported was a war on the poor [and] a war on minorities. This country really suffered deeply during that period, he said. While the lockdowns are over, RFK Jr. believes there is still a cause for concern. He warned: They have not given up the power to impose those in the future, and we have now created in this country this very, very troubling precedent. The Democratic presidential candidate and environmental lawyer stressed the need to focus on the countrys middle class which, according to him, is drowning in debt. He remarked: We need to buttress the middle class and stop sending money abroad for wars. RFK Jr. also slammed the Biden administration for spending money that we dont have. Were like an alcoholic who is behind on his mortgage and has taken the milk money to buy rounds for everybody, [even] strangers at the bar, he said. We dont have the money. He ultimately promised that if elected, he will be the best environmental president in history with his platform of preserving habitats, [promoting] regenerative agriculture [and] stopping water pollution. RFK Jr. emphasized: We need to preserve something for our children. Head over to VoteDemocrat.news for more stories about RFK Jr. and his 2024 presidential campaign. Listen to the Health Ranger Mike Adams explaining why RFK Jr. transcends typical party politics below. This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: RFK Jr. likes his chances against Biden in 2024 presidential primaries. RFK Jr. commits to making America an EXEMPLARY DEMOCRACY again in 2024 presidential bid. RFK Jr. warns: There is no time in history where the people censoring speech were the good guys. RFK Jr. says HE WONT JOIN TRUMP, ending rumors of a possible tandem in 2024 presidential elections. RFK Jr. tied with Biden in primary poll, 20% of Democrats say theyd vote for Kennedy or Trump over Biden. Sources include: YourNews.com CBS8.com Semafor.com Brighteon.com (Natural News) Russian officials have confirmed two drone attacks on two different oil refineries in the country. One drone attack caused a fire to break out near the major oil port of Novorossiisk. The attack caused significant damage to the surrounding infrastructure and disrupted operations at the port, which is a key export terminal for Russian crude oil. While no group has claimed responsibility for the attack, it is believed that the attacks are part of the ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine. The incident may also have implications for global oil prices and geopolitical tensions in the region. Russias enemies are using drones to attack its oil refineries According to Governor Veniamin Kondratyev, the first drone targeted the Afipsky refinery in Russias Krasnodar region, which lies 50 miles east of the Black Sea port of Novorossiisk. The fire was put out and there were no casualties. Another drone targeted the Ilsky refinery, which is situated about 40 miles east of Novorossiisk. This attack was largely unsuccessful and did not cause the fire. The attacks targeted several key facilities, including storage tanks and pipelines, disrupting the smooth flow of crude oil. These acts of terrorism have decreased the amount of oil that is produced and exported from Novorossiisk, which may or may not have a significant impact on Russias economy and the rest of the world. Each year, the Novorossiisk port processes about 6 million tonnes (44 million barrels of oil). Russias Novorossiisk and Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) terminal, are responsible for 1.5 percent of the global oil supply. This is not the first time that Russias energy infrastructure has been targeted by drones. The incident highlights the vulnerability of critical infrastructure to drone attacks and raises concerns about potential future attacks on similar targets. Security personnel have been deployed to protect refineries and surrounding areas, while advanced surveillance technology is being used to monitor any suspicious activity. Russian authorities are currently investigating the incident. At this stage, it is unclear who was behind the attack and whether it was a coordinated effort or carried out by a lone individual or group. Aggressive sanctions against Russian oil are failing Aggressive economic sanctions and further sanctions against Russian oil are failing to reign in Russias special military operation in Ukraine. Russia exported over six million barrels per day in 2022. Approximately two million barrels per day were transported by pipeline mainly through the Druzhba pipeline, which runs from Siberia to Central Europe, and also through the Eastern Siberia-Pacific Ocean, which transports one million barrels per day to China. Around 15-20 percent of Russias oil exports cannot be touched by international sanctions. Last year, Russia spent $2.2 billion assembling its fleet of resilient oil tankers that travel the seas, answering to no sanctions. Viktor Kurilov, an analyst at Rystad, estimates that Russia owns anywhere between 100 and 600 oil tankers that circumvent sanctions and ship oil to countries around the world. Kurilov estimates that Russia only needs 240 tankers to keep its current exports flowing, to supply its allies with oil. According to official estimates, Russia likely acquired 103 oil tankers from Iran and Venezuela in 2022. These oil tankers were already under siege from Western sanctions. Russias enemies will likely increase their attacks on oil refineries, pipelines, and ports, especially at a time when global leaders are demonizing oil and hoping to cash in on inferior green energies that they have invested in. Its becoming increasingly clear that Russias enemies are willing to use drones to sabotage critical Russian infrastructure. Sources include: CNBC.com Reuters.com BNE.eu (Natural News) Technology bigwig Elon Musk has landed in China for his first trip to the country in three years. He has also reportedly reached out to officials of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). According to a CNBC report, the Tesla and SpaceX CEO landed in the Chinese capital Beijing. The report cited a witness who told Reuters that Musks private plane was spotted at Beijing Capital International Airport on May 30. Flight aggregation website ADS-B Exchange stated that the jet, a 2015 Gulfstream G650ER, was shown leaving Alaska on the same day before crossing over Japan and South Korea. Musk lauded the communist countrys space program, which aims to land a crew on the moon before 2030, while in route to China. He tweeted: The Chinese space program is far more advanced than most people realize. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed Musks visit. The ministry also stated that aside from the Tesla and SpaceX CEO, China welcomes other entrepreneurs who seek to advance mutually beneficial cooperation. The trip came amid increased competition in the market for electric vehicles (EVs) and rumors about Teslas future ambitions in the nation. The companys expansion goals are focused on the Shanghai plant, which serves as its primary production facility in Asia. It also highlights the significance of Teslas position in China, the companys second-largest market after the United States. Aside from this, Chinese researchers have had their eyes fixed on both SpaceX and its Starlink satellite network. Research reviewed by Reuters has disclosed that experts from the Peoples Liberation Army have studied Starlink as a potentially threatening technology. Musk meets CCP officials, visits Tesla factory in Shanghai A separate report by CNBC elaborated on what transpired during Musks short visit to China. It noted that he left China on June 1. He first met with Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang, where they discussed the electric vehicle markets broad prospects for development. A statement from the MFA said Tesla opposes decoupling and is willing to continue to expand its business with China. (Related: Biden says US WONT DECOUPLE from China during G7 meeting in Japan.) Musk also met with Chinese Industry and Information Technology Minister Jin Zhuanglong. Both discussed the development of new energy vehicles and intelligent networked vehicles. The Tesla CEO also met with Chinese First Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang, known for his loyalty to Chinese paramount leader Xi Jinping. However, any issues discussed by both remain unclear. Before his departure, Musk met with Chen Jining, the CCP secretary for Shanghai where the Tesla factory is located. He also met with Zeng Yuqun, chairman of CATL a major supplier of EV batteries for the company. CATL is the worlds largest EV battery maker. Musk capped off his visit to China by stopping at the Tesla Gigafactory there. The billionaire delivered a speech to staff members, lauding them for their efforts. Its been incredibly impressive how you have been able to overcome so many difficulties and so many challenges, he said. I tell people throughout the world, the cars we produce here are not just the most efficient production, but also the highest quality. Visit ElonMuskWatch.com for more stories about Elon Musk. Watch this segment of the Wayne Dupree Podcast about the CCP having full control of all enterprises in China, including Tesla. This video is from the Chinese taking down EVIL CCP channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: EV maker Tesla looking to set up lithium refinery in Texas, eyes tax relief. Steve Bannon warns Elon Musk is bought and paid for by Communist China. Over 1.1 million Tesla electric cars in China RECALLED over dangerous braking defect. Market manipulation? Elon Musk asked Chinese government to censor social media posts critical of Tesla. Elon Musk throws Taiwan under the bus, suggests turning it over to China in repeat of Hong Kong takeover. Sources include: Breitbart.com CNBC.com 1 CNBC.com 2 Brighteon.com (Natural News) The United Nations has voiced out its objections toward Ugandas newly-signed Anti-Homosexuality Act of 2023, which imposes capital punishment on aggravated homosexuality. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres pointed out that the law signed by Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni on May 29 conflicts with key international treaties and violates the rights of Ugandan citizens. The UNs Human Rights Office (HRO) previously called for an urgent judicial review of the law. It also described the newly-signed act as a recipe for systemic violations of the rights of Ugandans. Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for the UN secretary general, said on May 30 that Guterres was very concerned about the new law. He reiterated that the top UN official again calls on all countries to decriminalize consensual same-sex relationships and transgender people everywhere. To put it clearly, no one should be penalized, jailed, criminalized for whom they love. The secretary-general has been very clear and continues to call on all member states to uphold the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, in particular the adherence to the fundamental rights and principles of non-discrimination and respect for personal privacy, said Dujarric. The Joint United Nations Program on HIV and AIDS, the U.S. Presidents Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria have also released a joint statement condemning the new law. The three organizations expressed deep concern over the harmful impact of the newly-signed law on public health and the HIV response, adding that stigma and discrimination associated with the passage of the Act have already led to reduced access to prevention as well as treatment services for Ugandan LGBT. Ugandas progress on its HIV response is now in grave jeopardy, it noted. The Anti-Homosexuality Act [of] 2023 will obstruct health education and the outreach that can help end AIDS as a public health threat. The Anti-Homosexuality Act of 2023 stipulates the death penalty for aggravated homosexuality which includes engaging in sexual intercourse with another member of the family, committing sexual crimes against children and having sex while HIV-positive. A suspect convicted of attempted aggravated homosexuality can face jail time of up to 14 years. Meanwhile, anyone found promoting homosexuality could be put behind bars for 20 years. Ugandan lawmaker: Washington has no right to meddle in Kampalas affairs U.S. President Joe Biden blasted the new law in a May 29 statement. He described the new law as a tragic violation of universal human rights one that is not worthy of the Ugandan people and one that jeopardizes the prospects of critical economic growth for the entire country. I join with people around the world, including many in Uganda, in calling for its immediate repeal, he said. No one should have to live in constant fear for their life or being subjected to violence and discrimination. It is wrong. Washington had previously warned of repercussions the East African nation could suffer including possible visa restrictions, cuts to aid budgets and even economic sanctions. However, a lawmaker from Uganda blasted the U.S. for its selective imposition of sanctions due to Kampalas approval of the Anti-Homosexuality Act of 2023. Asuman Basalirwa, a member of the unicameral Parliament of Uganda of the Bugiri Municipality, told RT on May 29 that decisions on internal affairs should be left to each country. I have no problem with the way a country manages their affairs, he said. My only problem with these people is single-picking. This law here was signed by the president of the Republic of Uganda. (Related: Ugandan President Museveni signs anti-LGBT legislation that stipulates DEATH PENALTY for aggravated homosexuality.) Basalirwa even escalated things to a higher notch by issuing a challenge: May I invite America, Canada, Britain and the entire Europe to cancel the visa of [Ugandan President Yoweri] Museveni? Visit CultureWars.news for more stories like this. Watch Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni expressing his dislike toward homosexuals in an interview. This video is from the Puretrauma357 channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: The LGBT movements destructive history and legacy. Rampant homosexuality and LGBT perversion are prophetic signs of end times. Scott Lively looks back on his fight against the LGBT mafia in Uganda Brighteon.TV. Dr. Scott Lively talks about the LGBT mafias oppression of Christians Brighteon.TV. The LGBT agenda has always been about population control, leaked 1969 memo reveals. Sources include: RT.com 1 APNews.com RT.com 2 Brighteon.com (Natural News) In New York, a pro-life display was declared by a professor to be an act of violence. In Colorado, a university site warned that misgendering is violence. It is part of a national pattern on campuses where opposing views are declared harmful or violent as a justification for censorship or even violence. Now, University of Michigan economics professor Justin Wolfers has declared some of those boycotting the store Target over its line of LGBTQ+ Pride clothing are guilty of literal terrorism. (Article republished from JonathanTurley.org) Target is the latest example of a corporation that is being Bud Lighted over its link to LGBTQ+ efforts. While experts on MSNBC and CNN assured viewers that these boycotts fade quickly, these companies have now lost billions. Target has reportedly lost over $10 billion. Miller Lite is also being hammered over its Bad $#!T to Good $#!T, ad slamming male-oriented beer campaigns. With these boycotts picking up steam, the coverage has turned from dismissive to alarmist. Wolfers told MSNBC: [If] Target caves into this, then it says that the moment you threaten the employees of even a very large corporation, you get to control its policies. This is economic terrorism, literally terrorism, creating fear among the workers and forcing the corporations to sell the things you want, not sell the things you dont. Wolfers did not object to past boycotts of companies like Twitter after Elon Musk sought to dismantle its censorship bureaucracy. He did not object to boycotts of Republican states over their laws concerning abortion, election integrity, or gender transitioning. In fairness to Professor Wolfers, he acknowledges in the interview that we do have groups all the time that protest by boycotting, and thats their democratic right to do so. However, he still considers aspects of this boycott to be literal terrorism. Most notably, Wolfers was one of the figures leading the mob against UChicago economist Harald Uhlig, who was discussed earlier. I quoted Wolfers as one of those seeking the removal of Uhlig from a leading economics journal because he criticized Black Lives Matter and the movement to Defund The Police. Yet, Wolfers now claims that some boycotts can amount to literal terrorism and objects that they are forcing the corporations to sell the things you want, not sell the things you dont. Boycotts have long been an important form of political speech extending back to the colonial protests against the British stamp and tea taxes. Indeed, the left has targeted advertisers and boycotted companies to pressure corporate officials to change their policies. Twitter was targeted when Elon Musk sought to dismantle the companys massive censorship operation. Now, however, boycotts are acts of terrorism when used against some of those policies. The problem is that the media and these commentators cannot force customers to buy beer or other products. Consumers have found a way to express their views through the invisible hand of the markets. These advertising and public campaigns were designed to closely associate the brands with particular causes. That association has triggered a market response, including consumers and shareholders who object to campaigns that seem more political than commercial. Alissa Heinerscheid, vice president of marketing for Bud Light, pledged to drop Bud Lights fratty reputation and embrace inclusivity. She certainly succeeded in changing the entire view of the brand in less than a year on the job. Heinerscheid knew that the brand image sells the beer. That image is now unpalatable for some consumers. The social value of these campaigns is lost if consumers reject beer with the branding message. Even Adam Schiff creating his own public endorsement of Bud Lite appeared to backfire. It is not clear that Anheser Busch was eager to have one of its labels pegged as the beer of choice by Adam Schiff as more than Dylan Mulvaney. Indeed, the company now appears to be in a death spiral. After it tried to distance itself from the Mulvaney controversy, it was then boycotted by liberal groups for not staying the course with its earlier campaign. Those boycotts, however, are not being denounced as terrorism by Wolfers. Update: Professor Wolfers contacted me after this posting to explain that he was only referring to the intimidation of Target workers as terrorism and that he supported boycotts as political speech. He insists that its the (possibility) of threats of violence that I describe as terrorism (ie the use of terror), not the boycott. He added: Its false to say (as you do) that Wolfers now claims that boycotts are literal terrorism because they are forcing the corporations to sell the things you want, not sell the things you dont.. I distinguish between consumers boycotting, and folks like DeSantis who use the machinery of the state to bully corporations, as the latter concerns me more. (This used to be a standard conservative position.) I have tweaked that line and added an additional quote in light of Wolfers objections. You can see the full interview here. Read more at: JonathanTurley.org (Natural News) Remember when public health officials, politicians, and media talking heads told us all that the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) was a pandemic of the unvaccinated? It turns out based on the latest science that what we all witnessed was actually a pandemic of the vaccinated. A newly published peer-reviewed study definitively proves that getting jabbed for COVID increases a persons risk of contracting COVID. And the more injections a person takes, the greater his risk of getting sick and possibly dying. Choosing to remain unvaccinated is the best way to stay safe against COVID, in other words. Choosing to get jabbed and boosted again and again, conversely, will chip away at your immune systems ability to ward off the worst of what COVID has the potential to do to a person. (Related: Official government data also shows that children who get jabbed for COVID are 4,423 percent more likely than their unvaccinated counterparts to die suddenly.) Every entity that spread pro-jab propaganda needs to be sued into oblivion for crimes against humanity When the study in question was still in pre-print, the powers that be tried to claim that its findings are unreliable because, at the time, they had not yet been peer-reviewed. The Montreal Gazette published an entire article claiming that its findings were being misinterpreted. Despite being published by the Cleveland Clinic, which is held in high regard and considered reputable by the establishment, the papers findings were called into question by Dr. Christopher Labos, MD, MSc, who lamented at the time that it was worrying a fair number of people. Now that the pre-print has been peer-reviewed and published in a journal, there is dead silence from the establishment concerning its findings. Basically, everything we were told about how amazing these shots are a complete lie, including the relentless pro-jab propaganda that came from the Biden White House. Pfizer and Moderna, the government, and every corporate state media outlet that deliberately spread vax disinformation should be opened up to lawsuits from every person who received COVID-19 shots (which are not and never were conventional vaccines) and subsequently got sick with COVID-19, wrote Ben Bartee for PJ Media about what should happen next now that these revelations have come to light. Consumers of sponsored-by-Pfizer media were lied to by all parties involved, and there must be consequences. The pharmaceutical companies ill-gotten blanket immunity from damages caused by their products needs to be retroactively revoked because they were granted on fraudulent premises. Currently, there is very little in the way of formidable action and the pursuit of justice from either side of the political aisle. Despite profusely promising to take action if elected, many of the Republicans who took over the House have done little to nothing in that regard. Both political parties, sadly, have been bought out by the very same entities that have a vested interest in selling as many COVID jabs as possible. Consequently, little, if anything, ever gets done to hold the culprits accountable for their crimes against humanity. You can do your part by sharing the truth with friends and family members and urging your own congressmen to address the matter like they promised to do after being elected. The evidence is there if only someone with access to the levers of power would be brave enough to go after those who lied, causing millions of people to die. There is never a good reason to get jabbed for COVID (or any other disease, for that matter). Learn more about the serious risks at Vaccines.news. Sources include: PJMedia.com Academic.OUP.com NaturalNews.com McGill.ca (Natural News) The Taliban fighters, the new rulers of Afghanistan, have initiated clashes with Iranian border forces in the past few days with the help of weapons and other military equipment left behind by the United States. The clashes are taking place in the Nimruz Province in southwestern Afghanistan over much of the countrys border with Iran. At least three people have been killed two Iranian and one Taliban and several others wounded. (Related: The government spent BILLIONS to equip Afghan forces, only for American military hardware to end up in Taliban hands.) Reports indicate that the tensions escalated into conflict after the Taliban prevented the construction of a road and the installation of barbed wire by Iranian border guards to demarcate the border. Videos of the border clashes have circulated all over social media. All of the videos showing the Taliban fighters show them using a mix of old Soviet gear and more modern American weaponry from the U.S. involvement in the War on Terror in the country. One video showed a convoy of American armored Humvees rolling down a road reportedly on their way to the border. Another video showed a massive Soviet-made artillery piece rolling down the road on the back of an American-made transport truck. One dramatic video first seen on a Telegram channel showed a Taliban-operated Humvee with an American-made heavy machine gun in front of a fortification flying an Iranian flag. Much of the American equipment being used by the Taliban comes from the around $18.6 billion the U.S. spent on equipping the now-disbanded armed forces of the former Afghan government. The Department of Defense itself has admitted that it left behind about $7.12 billion worth of military equipment, and it is having a hard time keeping track of where it all went in the wake of Americas withdrawal from Afghanistan. One Taliban official told Al Jazeera that, following the U.S. withdrawal, it had taken more than 300,000 small arms, 26,000 heavy weapons and around 61,000 military vehicles. The Taliban plans to use these U.S.-made arms and equipment and the Soviet-era armor owned by the previous government as the backbone of its new armed forces, or grand army. #Afghanistan / #Iran ????: #Taliban released a video of their attack on an #Iranian border post during the recent clashes. TB apparently operates an HMMWV with M240 machine gun (former #USA/#NATO supplies), AK rifles and RPG-7 Launcher with PG-7V rocket. pic.twitter.com/MHS1m6l2jC War Noir (@war_noir) May 27, 2023 Water rights at the forefront of Taliban-Iran conflict Both Iranian and Taliban are claiming that the other side initiated the shooting. But both of their respective governments have issued measured statements aiming to de-escalate the situation. The Taliban claimed it did not want to fight with its neighbors, while Iran has called on Kabul to follow international laws and proper border protocols. The recent conflict allegedly stems from an escalating dispute between Kabul and Tehran over water rights to the Helmand River, a vital source of water for both nations in the region, supporting agriculture, ecosystems and livelihoods. The Helmand River originates near Kabul and flows in a southwesterly direction through Afghanistan for about 715 miles before entering Iranian territory and emptying into Lake Hamun, which straddles the Iran-Afghan border and is the largest freshwater lake in Iran. The water from Helmand used to feed into one of the worlds largest freshwater wetlands in southeastern Iran, stradding about 1,600 square miles between Iran and Afghanistan. But much of this wetland has since dried up, with experts blaming it mostly on Afghanistan damming up the river and instituting water controls. How Helmand water is shared is supposedly governed by the Helmand River Treaty, signed by Afghanistan and Iran in 1973 for the express purpose of regulating the allocation of river water. But the treaty has never been properly ratified nor implemented. In recent years, Iran has repeatedly accused Afghanistan of violating its water rights, arguing that far less water than the amount agreed to in the treaty has entered Iran. Iran is concerned for the construction of dozens of dams, reservoirs and irrigation systems along the Helmand River that Tehran claims are reducing water flow into Iran. The Taliban have rejected Irans accusations, instead blaming the drought and shortage of rainfall for the reduction in river water volumes flowing into Iran. Kabul further argues it is within its rights to expand its water storage and irrigation capacities within Afghanistan, regardless of how that affects Helmand River water output. Learn more about conflicts around the world at WWIII.news. Watch this broadcast from EpochTV discussing how the Taliban is using American weapons against Iran. This video is from the channel Galactic Storm on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Biden fights 9/11 victims in court to protect Taliban cash. Israeli top official warns Irans uranium enough to build up to 5 NUCLEAR WEAPONS. Dr. Mike Spaulding: Bidens pullout from Afghanistan negatively impacted Christians in the country Brighteon.TV. Project Veritas: Records show several people Biden let into US from Afghanistan are national security threats. Terrorist financing: UN, World Bank quietly funding Taliban-controlled Afghanistan. Sources include: Vice.com AlJazeera.com IranIntl.com DW.com Brighteon.com (Natural News) Target department stores across the United States have been receiving bomb threats, forcing evacuations and terrifying employees, after Target was forced to pull or move certain pride displays from their stores after backlash from conservatives over the prominent displays pushing the transgender lifestyle, where children can easily see them and be influenced. (Article by Susan Duclos republished from AllNewsPipeline.com) Conservatives and even some independents, find it off-putting to see tuck-friendly or chest-binding imagery so prominently displayed in stores they bring their children to, so they spoke up, refused to shop there. After the grassroots boycott of Bud Light after they celebrated women by creating a can with the face of a transgender woman, meaning a male pretending to be a woman, costing Bud Light billions, Target did what any smart business would do to protect themselves and their bottom line. They moved the items that offended the majority of their costumers, or in some cases completed pulled the items. Businesses are created to earn money. Period. Full stop. Whether it is for the owners, shareholders and/or investors, that goal never changes. Make money or go out of business. So, some members of the LGBT community decided to punish Target by calling in bomb threats. Literal domestic terrorism, by definition: (Emphasis mine) 18 U.S. Code 2331 Definitions Domestic Terrorism: (5) the term domestic terrorism means activities that (A) involve acts dangerous to human life that are a violation of the criminal laws of the United States or of any State; (B) appear to be intended (i) to intimidate or coerce a civilian population; (ii) to influence the policy of a government by intimidation or coercion; or (iii) to affect the conduct of a government by mass destruction, assassination, or kidnapping; and (C) occur primarily within the territorial jurisdiction of the United States; Bomb threats are illegal or as stated above a violation of the criminal laws of the United States, and they were meant to intimidate or coerce Target into changing their stance. Interestingly enough, we havent seen one article from the liberal MSM that calls these bombs threats domestic terrorism, nor has the Biden regime acknowledged them as terrorism, yet as we discussed in a previous article, the GOP, conservatives and Christians are all being targeted by the Biden regime as such, or as far-right radicalization groups as part of their Targeted Violence and Terrorism Prevention Program. REPORTAGE OF THE BOMB THREATS Cleveland 19 News received a bomb threat Friday afternoon against five Target stores in the area. The threat, received at 12:26 p.m. via email, centered around Targets LGBTQ+ merchandise. Immediately jumping to action, our staff made reports with each local police department as well as the Cleveland Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigations. Nowhere in the Cleveland 19 News piece does it mention terrorism, and despite publishing the email, they also do not directly call out the LGBT community, or even the more militant portion of the transgender community, for terrorism. Ohio wasnt alone as we see multiple Utah Targets also received bomb threats. Via 2KUTV: Layton Target evacuated after bomb threats reported at multiple Utah stores. Sgt. John Ottesen with Layton Police said bomb threats were made to Target stores in Layton, Salt Lake, Taylorsville and Provo. Officers began the investigation after two local new stations received emails alerting them about the threats. They said Targets Pride merchandise displays were referenced in the emails. The threat was three sentences long and came from a bogus email address, according to Sgt. Ottesen. Once again, domestic terrorism wasnt even mentioned. Imagine if conservatives had issued bomb threats over the transgender merchandize instead of just talking their business elsewhere. Every media outlet out there would be screaming about those domestic terrorists! In fact MSNB had a guest on that insists that boycotting Target is economic terrorism, literally terrorism. When Target caves into this, then it says that the moment you threaten the employees of even a very large corporation you get to control its policies. This is economic terrorism literally terrorism creating fear among the workers and forcing the corporations to sell the things you want and not sell the things you dont. Bomb threats are not terrorism, but deciding to take your business elsewhere, is. We are living in Bizarro World. Read more at: AllNewsPipeline.com Atlas moth (Attacus atlas) has been considered by scientists as the world's largest species. Native and endemic in the tropical and subtropical forests of Southeast Asia, the invasive insect species has an approximate wingspan measuring up to 24 centimeters or 9.4 inches. While the moths do not always show up, experts say they can be found throughout the year. However, there have been instances in the past wherein Atlas moths had showed up in other parts of the globe. Last year, the giant moths were detected in the United States for the first time, prompting a potential risk of spread nationwide. The report came after a Washington state professor informed local authorities about the moth's whereabouts in the Bellevue area of Seattle city. First Atlas Moth Sighting The large moth seen in 2022 has been described the Washington State Department of Agriculture as having a wingspan comparable to the size of a human adult, a story also covered by Nature World News. It is the first sighting of its kind in the country and poses a potential risk of spreading across the country. The incident occurred in early July after people observed the bizarre creature at a garage door in Bellevue. The photo of the moth was sent to the email of University of Washington professor, Patrick Tobin, who was reading email messages of backyard insects sent to him at that time, the Smithsonian Magazine reported. Also Read: Nocturnal Pollinators: Scientists Catch Moths Visiting Red Clovers After Dark Potential Spread Just like other large animals or insects, foreign invasive species are sometimes introduced in a particular country by accident. Sometimes by sea through cargo vessels or illegal wildlife trafficking. In the case of the Atlas moth in Washington, it is still unclear how it got to Bellevue in the first place. An invasive species is a living organism that can cause ecological damage in its new environment, where it is not native, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which highlighted that one of the most catastrophic repercussions of these organisms is causing the extinction of native animals and plants in a particular area, region, or even countrywide. In the U.S., one of the most "notorious" of these invaders are the Burmese pythons, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). In this context, it is not far from reality that Atlas moths can spread across the North American country. However, this could be mitigated as it is illegal to keep them in U.S. soil, according to the Washington State Department of Agriculture, as cited by local news outlet WTOP. As a measure to prevent the spread of invasive species, U.S. federal authorities through the U.S. Forest Service advise the public to avoid non-native ornamental plants. This is a way to prevent the said species to increase their populations and harm the environment. Related Article: Giant Moth Detected in the United States for the First Time; Authorities Ask to Report Further Moth Sightings Hybrid animals may have been only a figment of one's imagination but overwhelming scientific evidence has already proven that they do exist. Despite their rarity, such phenomenon occurs in the wild as a result of natural copulation between two different animal species within the same class. However, this also happens among animals in captivity due to human experiments. Some of these well-known animals include a wholphin, which is a result of mating between a female bottle-nosed dolphin and a male false killer whale. Another one is called a liger, where the term itself is derived from the offspring of a male lion and a female tiger. Furthermore, a zebroid is known for being a crossbreed of a zebra and a horse. The increasing knowledge of nature's new breed of creatures also posed the question if they could be the next generation within the Animal Kingdom. In the past, biologists have acknowledged the role of 'species hybridization' down the evolutionary ladder. For instance, mating between two different mammal species could be a result of migration or necessity in order to survive. What is Hybridization? Also called as a cross or mongrel, a hybrid animal was once perceived to be an element out of the equation in the circle of life. Yet, some reports in recent years assert that these unique group of animals are still part of nature. In fact, a research article published in the National Institutes of Health's National Library of Medicine in 2021 talks about the consequences of hybridization but in a positive light. Based on the article's systematic review of the matter, the said process can have a significant effect when it comes to the evolutionary patterns in cross-breed taxa. The scientists involved in the 2021 study acknowledged that "interspecific hybridization" has often been deemed as a "maladaptive process," which can threaten the survival and genetic structure of the immediate offspring of its hybrid animal parents. Also Read: Germany Orders Shoot-to-Kill for Hybrid Wolf-Dog Pups to Protect Local Wolf Populations Hybrid Animals: The Next Generation? Natural habitats and ecosystems are not absolute in terms of the environmental conditions and presence of certain animal groups that inhabit them. Amid an increasing human population, the expansion of our settlements in the wild that was once untouched could drive animals out in search for their new home. In addition to natural disasters, the inclusion of human-induced factors could force certain animals to encounter other species they have never met before naturally. For instance, lions and tigers never meet in a natural setting in the wild. Still, other hybrid animal encounters do occur, resulting in hundreds of hybrids across the natural world, according to the journal Frontiers. Meanwhile, human intervention can also result in the hybridization of animal species, as mentioned earlier. In 2020, The New York Times reported that a group of Hungarian scientists produced a new animal hybrid in the form of a hybrid fish, as cited by Science. This is a result of mixture of sperm from an American paddlefish and eggs from a Russian sturgeon. Related Article: Animal Hybrids: How Interbreeding is Making the Animal Gene Pool More Diverse As of the morning of Saturday, over 4,800 bomb shelters all over the country were checked, 252 of them appeared to be locked and 893 are unsuitable for use, Interior Minister of Ukraine Ihor Klymenko has said. "Some 252 civilian protection facilities appeared to be locked and 893 are unsuitable for use. All of the violations were recorded. Reports were drawn up and sent to responsible authorities that should address the shortcomings," he was quoted as saying in a message on the ministry's Telegram channel. Over 5,300 rescue workers, police officers and representatives of local executive agencies are conducting the examinations. "Such checks will continue in future," Klymenko said. Sandhill Cranes, a threatened species, have been spotted most recently in Ohio's wetlands. Sightings reported have reached 350 counts. Threatened Species Sandhill Crane A tall wading bird with a long neck and beak is becoming more and more common in Ohio. A recent volunteer-driven study of the bird discovered more than 350 sightings in Ohio, where the sandhill crane was previously entirely extinct. Since the sandhill crane returned to Ohio in 1987, volunteers have been working to assist wildlife officials in tracking its condition. Given their size and preference for open habitats, sandhill cranes are quite simple to detect if birdwatchers focus on the correct areas. They may be found in tiny bogs, marshes, and prairies throughout northern and southeastern North America in the summer. In locations like Texas' Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge and New Mexico's Bosque del Apache, they gather in vast flocks throughout the winter. Their distinctive bugling sounds are audible for kilometers, according to All About Birds. Increased Sightings According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources database, the most current study covered 30 of Ohio's 88 counties. In 24 of those counties, the sandhill crane was sighted, with the six counties having the highest number of sightings being Wayne with 96 counts of sightings, Lucas with 77, Geauga with 63, Ottawa with 18, Logan with 15, and Williams with15 counts of sandhill crane sightings. Sandhills like to nest in the Wayne County wildlife areas of Killbuck Marsh and Funk Bottoms. Volunteers combed a 10-square-mile survey block's crane habitat. According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, this year's census marked the third consecutive year that the Buckeye State has tracked the condition of sandhill cranes. Volunteers only counted 160 of the birds in 2021. The ODNR reports that in 2022, that figure increased slightly to 311 sightings. According to officials, Ohio continues to list the sandhill crane as a threatened species. According to officials, sandhill crane sightings are most likely to occur in wetland regions, FOX8 reports. Also Read: New York Swan Faye Stolen and Cooked, 4 Cygnets Rescued from 3 Arrested Teens eBird App Every Global Big Day celebrates the bond between people and birds, the natural world, and one another. According to eBird, birds can inspire and bring people together. On World Migratory Bird Day, Saturday, May 13, more than 58,700 people came together to celebrate birds as part of Global Big Day. Amazingly, 7,000 more individuals participated in this year's Global Big Day by going birdwatching. On over 150,000 eBird checklists, the entire birding world recorded 7,636 species of birds. On Global Big Day, 10% of those species had their noises captured and nearly half of them were photographed. On May 13, eBirders collected more than 3.2 million bird observations, all of which are now freely accessible to aid in global conservation and scientific study. This quantity of bird-related data has never previously been obtained in one day. eBird extended gratitude to all of the participants and sponsors on their website. According to eBird, the tales and the birds are what they like most during Global Big Day. from incredible journeys and surprising discoveries to joyous occasions shared. Some individuals go birdwatching for 5 minutes, while others stay up till midnight. Related Article: Ivory-Billed Woodpeckers Evades Extinction, Sighting Reported 8 Decades After Absence in Louisiana Weather reports showed that severe thunderstorms and isolated tornadoes could become likely in the Central United States this weekend, according to the latest forecasts. Americans with travel plans should consider the weather conditions in the Central United States, especially since severe thunderstorms and isolated tornadoes could become likely. While the Northeast could experience relief from the hot weather, Central United States could likely face the threat of severe weather conditions. Isolated tornadoes and damaging winds According to AccuWeather's forecast, multi-weather conditions are forecast in the Central US this coming weekend. The latest forecast explained that potential thunderstorms could impact that could also unleash damaging winds, rainy conditions and large hail. Homeowners should keep updated with the weather, significantly if they are affected by severe weather. Based on AccuWeather's outlook, severe thunderstorms could unload through Friday night. There is also a chance of flash flooding. The latest forecast explained that severe thunderstorms could unload in Guymon, Amarillo, Lubbock, Odessa and Abilene. The NWS Weather Prediction Center recently reported that excessive rainfall conditions could unload in the west-central Plains and Northern Rockies. The severe thunderstorms could still be present on Saturday afternoon and night, unloading flooding rainfall and hail. Moreover, the forecast said severe thunderstorms could affect Odessa and San Antonio. Tropical Storm Arlene The 2023 hurricane season began on June 1. It is expected that hurricanes could impact parts of the United States. According to the National Hurricane Center, the agency monitored tropical depression two. The latest report showed that the said tropical depression was upgraded to Tropical Storm Arlene, tracked over the Gulf of Mexico. The advisory added that Tropical Storm Arlene does not threaten land. Based on AccuWeather's forecast, Tropical Storm Arlene was tracked over Fort Myers Beach in Florida (240 miles). The latest forecast said that Tropical Storm Arlene will track western Cuba, bringing wind and rain to the region. Furthermore, AccuWeather's forecast explained that the tropical storm could likely affect parts of Florida. The weather forecast said that urban and flash flood risk. Rough surf and drought relief could become possible. According to forecasts, the flood risk could be possible in Tallahassee, Jacksonville, Tampa, Key West and Miami. On Sunday, the latest forecast said Arlne could also cause flooding concerns in parts of Cuba. Flooding rainfall could unload in Tampa, Bonita Springs, Key West, Havana, Pinar Del Rio and Miami. Based on the 2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season, the following names are set: Arlene, Bret, Cindy, Don, Emily, Franklin, Gert, Harold, Idalia, Jose, Katia, Lee, Margot, Nigel, Ophelia, Philippe, Rina, Sean, Tammy, Vince and Whitney. Weather preparations With the severe weather conditions, it is best that motorists and homeowners should keep updated with the weather. Also Read: Northeast US Weather Forecast: Brief Blast of Cool Air to Unload This Week Homeowners should have emergency kits in their cars and homes in case of flooding evacuations or emergencies. Related Article: New York Weather Forecast: Summer Heat to Unfold in City This Week For more similar, don't forget to follow Nature World News. The fire that broke out at Bananis 22-stroried Ahmed Tower on Sunday morning was extinguished within an hour. None, however, was injured in the blaze, said Fire Service officials. Panic gripped among employees of different offices there as many came down to the street. The fire broke out on the 15th floor of the building around 11:30am, said Fire Service deputy director for Dhaka district Debasis Bardhan. Ahmed Tower on Kamal Ataturk Avenue housed private television channel Duronto TV, among other firms. Eight fire engines of Fire Service rushed to the spot and doused the fire by 12:30pm. Fire Service assistant director Saleh Uddin said that the fire broke out in a room of a corporate office on the 15th floor of the building. Some staff there acted promptly and did not allow the blaze to spread, he said. Saleh primarily suspected that the fire might was sparked from short circuit. No casualties were reported. The floor housed Redington (BD) Ltd, a software company, where the fire sparked. Iftekhar Hossain Khan, country manager of Redington Ltd, said that their office was closed for several months amid COVID-19 crisis and they were to start their operations from today. Earlier, on March 27 of 2019, at least 27 died in a fire that broke out at FR Tower in the same area. Over 70 were injured in that incident. Local people said they were panicked and came out of the buildings in fear of same type of devastating fire, but fortunately the fire did not spread as it was controlled with the offices fire extinguishers immediately. Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak spoke by phone with National Security Advisor to the President of the United States Jake Sullivan, the press service of the president's office has said on June 3. "Yermak expressed gratitude to the United States for its leadership role in providing Ukraine with the weapons and capabilities it needs to combat Russian aggression, as well helping fulfill long term needs for the Ukrainian Air Force, to include F-16 training for Ukrainian pilots and the eventual provision of F-16 fighter jets through a consortium of allies and partners," it said. The parties also discussed Ukraine's desire to implement its Peace Formula as a basis for achieving sustainable peace in Europe. Yermak emphasized the importance of attracting as many countries as possible to support it. He also briefed Sullivan on the current situation on the battlefield in the fight against the Russian aggressor and the measures taken by the defense forces to de-occupy the territories of Ukraine. Yermak thanked U.S. President Joseph Biden, his entire team, both houses of the U.S. Congress for their unwavering assistance to Ukraine, and the entire American people for standing side by side with Ukrainians in the fight against tyranny and authoritarianism in Europe and the world. By Express News Service KOCHI: Acknowledging the assistance provided by Saudi Arabia during the recent evacuation of Indian nationals from Sudan, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral R Harikumar said both India and Saudi Arabia share similar views on maritime security and ensuring safe and secure seas in the region. The admiral was interacting with the cadets from King Fahd Naval Academy of Saudi Arabia, who were undergoing sea training at Southern Naval Command in Kochi on Thursday. A batch of 55 from the Royal Saudi Naval Force (RSNF) along with five directing staff have arrived in Kochi for the sea training. The cadets shared their training experiences with Admiral Harikumar and said it was their first ever sailing onboard any warship. During the discussions, the directing staff expressed their appreciation for the high-quality training and exposure that they received onboard the Indian Navy ships. Welcoming the RSNF delegation in India, Admiral Harikumar reaffirmed that the maiden training of the Saudi cadets in India holds testimony to the growing friendship between the two countries. Emphasising the close relations and cooperation between the two Navies, he said the joint exercises, staff talks and training exchanges with the RSNF have progressed well over the years and signifies the strong bond between the two Navies. KOCHI: Acknowledging the assistance provided by Saudi Arabia during the recent evacuation of Indian nationals from Sudan, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral R Harikumar said both India and Saudi Arabia share similar views on maritime security and ensuring safe and secure seas in the region. The admiral was interacting with the cadets from King Fahd Naval Academy of Saudi Arabia, who were undergoing sea training at Southern Naval Command in Kochi on Thursday. A batch of 55 from the Royal Saudi Naval Force (RSNF) along with five directing staff have arrived in Kochi for the sea training. The cadets shared their training experiences with Admiral Harikumar and said it was their first ever sailing onboard any warship. During the discussions, the directing staff expressed their appreciation for the high-quality training and exposure that they received onboard the Indian Navy ships. googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Welcoming the RSNF delegation in India, Admiral Harikumar reaffirmed that the maiden training of the Saudi cadets in India holds testimony to the growing friendship between the two countries. Emphasising the close relations and cooperation between the two Navies, he said the joint exercises, staff talks and training exchanges with the RSNF have progressed well over the years and signifies the strong bond between the two Navies. Yeshi Seli By Express News Service NEW DELHI: Fifty-nine Members of Parliament, from 19 political parties, have written to the German Ambassador asking for the early repatriation of baby Ariha Shah who has been under forced German foster care for over 20 months now. The signatories include MPs Jaya Bachchan, Hema Malini, Shashi Tharoor, Mahua Moitra, Dr Farooq Abdullah, Priyanka Chaturvedi and others. The letter addressed to German Ambassador, Dr Phillip Ackerman, reads that though they respect German laws since there are no criminal cases against the parents, the child should be repatriated to India. The German authorities had taken custody of Ariha Shah in September 2021, when she was seven months old, alleging that the parents harassed her. Baby Ariha was taken away from her parents in September 2021 when she was seven months old by German Child Services. This was after the child had suffered an accident and was hospitalised. An initial probe had begun on allegations of child sexual abuse but this was found baseless and the case was closed without any charges being levelled against the parents. Following this, the child was shifted to special child care and then moved to foster care. As Members of Parliament, we have special responsibility for the welfare of our citizens. We request you to do whatever necessary to send the child back to India, said the letter signed by Rajya Sabha MP Dr John Brittas on behalf of the other 58 MPs. The German Ambassador refrained from making any comments on the letter. The parents, are practising Jains, and have raised objections on what the child has been fed in foster care which is contrary to their culture and beliefs. The Ministry of External Affairs said they have been persistently advocating for Ariha's return. Our efforts have been guided by the best interests of the child, which we believe can be fully realised only when she is in her home country. No childs play Baby Ariha Shah has been under forced German foster care for over 20 months now The German authorities had taken custody of Ariha Shah on September 23, 2021, when she was seven months old, alleging that the parents harassed her The German Ambassador in India has refrained from commenting on the letter by the Indian MPs NEW DELHI: Fifty-nine Members of Parliament, from 19 political parties, have written to the German Ambassador asking for the early repatriation of baby Ariha Shah who has been under forced German foster care for over 20 months now. The signatories include MPs Jaya Bachchan, Hema Malini, Shashi Tharoor, Mahua Moitra, Dr Farooq Abdullah, Priyanka Chaturvedi and others. The letter addressed to German Ambassador, Dr Phillip Ackerman, reads that though they respect German laws since there are no criminal cases against the parents, the child should be repatriated to India. The German authorities had taken custody of Ariha Shah in September 2021, when she was seven months old, alleging that the parents harassed her. Baby Ariha was taken away from her parents in September 2021 when she was seven months old by German Child Services. This was after the child had suffered an accident and was hospitalised.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); An initial probe had begun on allegations of child sexual abuse but this was found baseless and the case was closed without any charges being levelled against the parents. Following this, the child was shifted to special child care and then moved to foster care. As Members of Parliament, we have special responsibility for the welfare of our citizens. We request you to do whatever necessary to send the child back to India, said the letter signed by Rajya Sabha MP Dr John Brittas on behalf of the other 58 MPs. The German Ambassador refrained from making any comments on the letter. The parents, are practising Jains, and have raised objections on what the child has been fed in foster care which is contrary to their culture and beliefs. The Ministry of External Affairs said they have been persistently advocating for Ariha's return. Our efforts have been guided by the best interests of the child, which we believe can be fully realised only when she is in her home country. No childs play Baby Ariha Shah has been under forced German foster care for over 20 months now The German authorities had taken custody of Ariha Shah on September 23, 2021, when she was seven months old, alleging that the parents harassed her The German Ambassador in India has refrained from commenting on the letter by the Indian MPs Express News Service CHANDIGARH: Following a security scare after three low-intensity blasts rocked the area around the Golden Temple, 50 high-resolution CCTVs are being installed at the galliara around the complex and Heritage Street by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC). It has been decided to install scanners at all the entrances to secure devotees and visitors. In another first, dedicated women personnel have been deployed to check the ladies. In addition, a giant LED screen has been set up that will flash multi-lingual dos and donts, besides the significance of the shrine and the maryada (tenets) that have to be observed in the complex. This step has been taken after the recent low-intensity blasts around the golden temple, said an SGPC official. Now, at all the entry points of the temple, the task force of the SGPC is frisking devotees who enter the temple complex to pay their obeisance, with men being checked randomly. They are also checking all bags being carried inside, said sources. Sources added that in its executive meeting some time back, the SGPC decided to install body and luggage scanners at all the entrances of the Golden Temple. However, it would be ensured that devotees dont get inconvenienced. Sources said that the intelligence network has been also strengthened in collaboration with the police to ensure a robust security apparatus. The first explosion near the Golden Temple occurred on May 6, and the second on May 8. The third blast took place on May 11. Five people were held following the same, with the police claiming that the case stood solved. Taking no chances Footfall in Golden Temple 1.25 lakh devotees visit daily 2.50 lakh devotees visit on weekends 4 to 5 lakh on Gurupurabs Keeping in view the Operation Bluestar Anniversary week also known as Ghallughara week, Punjab Police have beefed up the security across the state to ensure peaceful observance of this week. Special DGP Law and Order Arpit Shukla said that as many as 110 flag marches were conducted yesterday covering 192 sensitive areas in all the 28 districts. A radical Sikh organization Dal Khalsa has given a call for Amritsar bandh on June 6 to mark the 39th anniversary of Operation Bluestar by putting up hoardings and posters across the city. Its volunteers distributed pamphlets to seek their support for the bandh. In May this year, two minor blasts occurred within 30 hours near Golden Temple. Both the blasts caused minor injuries to one person each and took place on Heritage street an 800-metre walkway from the Town Hall to the Darbar Sahib. CHANDIGARH: Following a security scare after three low-intensity blasts rocked the area around the Golden Temple, 50 high-resolution CCTVs are being installed at the galliara around the complex and Heritage Street by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC). It has been decided to install scanners at all the entrances to secure devotees and visitors. In another first, dedicated women personnel have been deployed to check the ladies. In addition, a giant LED screen has been set up that will flash multi-lingual dos and donts, besides the significance of the shrine and the maryada (tenets) that have to be observed in the complex. This step has been taken after the recent low-intensity blasts around the golden temple, said an SGPC official. Now, at all the entry points of the temple, the task force of the SGPC is frisking devotees who enter the temple complex to pay their obeisance, with men being checked randomly. They are also checking all bags being carried inside, said sources.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Sources added that in its executive meeting some time back, the SGPC decided to install body and luggage scanners at all the entrances of the Golden Temple. However, it would be ensured that devotees dont get inconvenienced. Sources said that the intelligence network has been also strengthened in collaboration with the police to ensure a robust security apparatus. The first explosion near the Golden Temple occurred on May 6, and the second on May 8. The third blast took place on May 11. Five people were held following the same, with the police claiming that the case stood solved. Taking no chances Footfall in Golden Temple 1.25 lakh devotees visit daily 2.50 lakh devotees visit on weekends 4 to 5 lakh on Gurupurabs Keeping in view the Operation Bluestar Anniversary week also known as Ghallughara week, Punjab Police have beefed up the security across the state to ensure peaceful observance of this week. Special DGP Law and Order Arpit Shukla said that as many as 110 flag marches were conducted yesterday covering 192 sensitive areas in all the 28 districts. A radical Sikh organization Dal Khalsa has given a call for Amritsar bandh on June 6 to mark the 39th anniversary of Operation Bluestar by putting up hoardings and posters across the city. Its volunteers distributed pamphlets to seek their support for the bandh. In May this year, two minor blasts occurred within 30 hours near Golden Temple. Both the blasts caused minor injuries to one person each and took place on Heritage street an 800-metre walkway from the Town Hall to the Darbar Sahib. Yeshi Seli By Express News Service NEW DELHI: India will facilitate journalists from all G20 nations to cover the summit including those from China, said the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). This comes amid a row between India and China over the revoking of credentials of each other's journalists. There is one Chinese journalist in India and two Indian journalists in China. "We have been holding G20 meetings which have been attended by foreign journalists. The journalists have to register and get accredited and visas are thereafter issued. We will be doing the same for journalists for the upcoming G20 Summit in September," said MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi. India has reiterated that foreign journalists, including Chinese, have been pursuing journalistic activities in India without limitations or difficulties in reporting. "Chinese journalists in India have no difficulties in reporting. However, Indian journalists in China have been operating with difficulties such as not being permitted to hire locals as correspondents or journalists. Foreign media in India can freely hire local journalists to work for their bureaus. Indian journalists in China also face restrictions while getting access and travelling locally within China," said Bagchi. India hopes that Chinese authorities facilitate the continued presence of Indian journalists in working and reporting from China. The two sides remain in touch regarding this issue. Meanwhile, the Chinese side alleges that their journalists in India have suffered unfair treatment. "Chinese journalists have suffered unfair and discriminatory treatment in India for long. In 2017, India had reduced the validity of visas for our journalists to three months and sometimes just one month and since 2020 India hasnt approved Chinese journalists applications for being stationed in India. At present there is just one Chinese journalist in India, down from 14 in the past. As a result China has taken counter measures," said Chinas Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Mao Ning recently. China says that it would like to maintain communication with India under the principles of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit. "We hope that India will work in the same direction with China and respond to our legitimate concerns and create conditions for restoring normal exchange between media organizations of both countries," Ning said. Indias External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has reiterated that Indias relationship with China is not normal. India and China have several issues with each other the biggest being the stand-off at the LAC. The recently held 27th meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) which was held in-person did talk about disengaging from the LAC and restoring peace. NEW DELHI: India will facilitate journalists from all G20 nations to cover the summit including those from China, said the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). This comes amid a row between India and China over the revoking of credentials of each other's journalists. There is one Chinese journalist in India and two Indian journalists in China. "We have been holding G20 meetings which have been attended by foreign journalists. The journalists have to register and get accredited and visas are thereafter issued. We will be doing the same for journalists for the upcoming G20 Summit in September," said MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi. India has reiterated that foreign journalists, including Chinese, have been pursuing journalistic activities in India without limitations or difficulties in reporting.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); "Chinese journalists in India have no difficulties in reporting. However, Indian journalists in China have been operating with difficulties such as not being permitted to hire locals as correspondents or journalists. Foreign media in India can freely hire local journalists to work for their bureaus. Indian journalists in China also face restrictions while getting access and travelling locally within China," said Bagchi. India hopes that Chinese authorities facilitate the continued presence of Indian journalists in working and reporting from China. The two sides remain in touch regarding this issue. Meanwhile, the Chinese side alleges that their journalists in India have suffered unfair treatment. "Chinese journalists have suffered unfair and discriminatory treatment in India for long. In 2017, India had reduced the validity of visas for our journalists to three months and sometimes just one month and since 2020 India hasnt approved Chinese journalists applications for being stationed in India. At present there is just one Chinese journalist in India, down from 14 in the past. As a result China has taken counter measures," said Chinas Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Mao Ning recently. China says that it would like to maintain communication with India under the principles of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit. "We hope that India will work in the same direction with China and respond to our legitimate concerns and create conditions for restoring normal exchange between media organizations of both countries," Ning said. Indias External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has reiterated that Indias relationship with China is not normal. India and China have several issues with each other the biggest being the stand-off at the LAC. The recently held 27th meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) which was held in-person did talk about disengaging from the LAC and restoring peace. Shruti Kakkar By Express News Service NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on June 3 stayed an Allahabad High Court's May 23 order directing the Astrology Department to ascertain whether an alleged rape victim was 'mangalik'. A vacation bench of Justices Sudhanshu Dhulia and Pankaj Mithal while making it clear that it was not entering into the merits of astrology as a science, noted that such an order should not have been passed while hearing a bail plea. This was totally out of context and this is an infringement of the right to privacy. We dont want to join with you on this as to what astronomy has to do. We are only concerned with linking the subject matter to this issue, Justice Dhulia remarked. We dont understand why this astrology report is called for, Justice Mithal remarked. Supreme Court stayed the HC order remarking that an astrology report was not required in a bail plea and directed it to evaluate the bail plea based on merits. The Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court gave bail to the rape accused whose lawyer told the court that the woman was mangalik, which astrologers believe is an inauspicious alignment of planets that comes in the way of a happy married life, and his client didn't intend to marry her. The victim's lawyer, however, argued that the girl was not a manglik. In response, the court ordered both sides to submit their birth charts to the head of the astrology department at Lucknow University within 10 days. The head of the department was given three weeks to submit a report in a sealed cover. The woman has claimed she got intimate with the accused after he promised to marry her but he turned down her marriage proposal, saying she was a manglik. Terming the order as disturbing, SG Tushar Mehta for UP Govt said that HC should not have gone into this aspect. The only question is while entertaining application by judicial forum can this be an aspect? The competent court cannot examine this while adjudicating this issue, Mehta added. The high court listed the case for hearing on June 26. NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on June 3 stayed an Allahabad High Court's May 23 order directing the Astrology Department to ascertain whether an alleged rape victim was 'mangalik'. A vacation bench of Justices Sudhanshu Dhulia and Pankaj Mithal while making it clear that it was not entering into the merits of astrology as a science, noted that such an order should not have been passed while hearing a bail plea. This was totally out of context and this is an infringement of the right to privacy. We dont want to join with you on this as to what astronomy has to do. We are only concerned with linking the subject matter to this issue, Justice Dhulia remarked. googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); We dont understand why this astrology report is called for, Justice Mithal remarked. Supreme Court stayed the HC order remarking that an astrology report was not required in a bail plea and directed it to evaluate the bail plea based on merits. The Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court gave bail to the rape accused whose lawyer told the court that the woman was mangalik, which astrologers believe is an inauspicious alignment of planets that comes in the way of a happy married life, and his client didn't intend to marry her. The victim's lawyer, however, argued that the girl was not a manglik. In response, the court ordered both sides to submit their birth charts to the head of the astrology department at Lucknow University within 10 days. The head of the department was given three weeks to submit a report in a sealed cover. The woman has claimed she got intimate with the accused after he promised to marry her but he turned down her marriage proposal, saying she was a manglik. Terming the order as disturbing, SG Tushar Mehta for UP Govt said that HC should not have gone into this aspect. The only question is while entertaining application by judicial forum can this be an aspect? The competent court cannot examine this while adjudicating this issue, Mehta added. The high court listed the case for hearing on June 26. Mukesh Ranjan By Express News Service RANCHI: While seeking support against the Centre's ordinance control over administrative services in Delhi, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday met his Jharkhand counterpart, Hemant Soren, in Ranchi. Giving a strong message to the Congress party, Kejriwal said that the party has to decide whether it is with "democracy, constitution, and 140 crore people of the country or with PM Modi". Addressing a joint press conference with Soren, Kejriwal said that he would be writing to all the MPs, including those of the BJP, seeking their support against the Centres Delhi ordinance. Kejriwal, along with Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann, was in Ranchi to seek support from Soren against the Centres ordinance that nullifies a SC verdict and wrest control of services from the Delhi government. When a reporter pointed out that the Congress has not made any statement on the ordinance, Kejriwal said that he has sought time from the partys leaders and that he is sure they will help him in turning down the Bill in Parliament. I can never even think of any party voting in favour of this ordinance in Parliament. The entire country is looking at this, and therefore, the Congress has to decide whether they are with the democracy, the Constitution, 140 crore people of this country or with Narendra Modi, said Kejriwal. All political parties will have to bend down before the people of this country as this ordinance is an attack on the independence, an attack on the foundation of India, he said. Every MP is important to us, and therefore, I will write to the BJP MPs to seek their support against the ordinance, said Kejriwal. The BJP is in a habit of toppling elected governments, but they did not succeed in Delhi, hence it is not allowing us to work by bringing the ordinance, he said. Kejriwal said that similar attempts were also made in Jharkhand, but Soren foiled their (BJP) plot. Arvind Kejriwal said that he can never think of any party voting in favour of the ordinance in Parliament. The Congress has to decide whether they are with the democracy, the Constitution, 140 crore people of this country or with Narendra Modi, said Kejriwal. RANCHI: While seeking support against the Centre's ordinance control over administrative services in Delhi, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday met his Jharkhand counterpart, Hemant Soren, in Ranchi. Giving a strong message to the Congress party, Kejriwal said that the party has to decide whether it is with "democracy, constitution, and 140 crore people of the country or with PM Modi". Addressing a joint press conference with Soren, Kejriwal said that he would be writing to all the MPs, including those of the BJP, seeking their support against the Centres Delhi ordinance. Kejriwal, along with Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann, was in Ranchi to seek support from Soren against the Centres ordinance that nullifies a SC verdict and wrest control of services from the Delhi government. When a reporter pointed out that the Congress has not made any statement on the ordinance, Kejriwal said that he has sought time from the partys leaders and that he is sure they will help him in turning down the Bill in Parliament. I can never even think of any party voting in favour of this ordinance in Parliament. The entire country is looking at this, and therefore, the Congress has to decide whether they are with the democracy, the Constitution, 140 crore people of this country or with Narendra Modi, said Kejriwal.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); All political parties will have to bend down before the people of this country as this ordinance is an attack on the independence, an attack on the foundation of India, he said. Every MP is important to us, and therefore, I will write to the BJP MPs to seek their support against the ordinance, said Kejriwal. The BJP is in a habit of toppling elected governments, but they did not succeed in Delhi, hence it is not allowing us to work by bringing the ordinance, he said. Kejriwal said that similar attempts were also made in Jharkhand, but Soren foiled their (BJP) plot. Arvind Kejriwal said that he can never think of any party voting in favour of the ordinance in Parliament. The Congress has to decide whether they are with the democracy, the Constitution, 140 crore people of this country or with Narendra Modi, said Kejriwal. By PTI BENGALURU: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday deputed a team led by Labour Minister Santosh Lad to ensure the safety of people from the state in the aftermath of the Odisha train accident. He sought reports from the Chief Secretary and discussed with the officers concerned by directing them to visit the spot to ensure the safety of people from the state, and provide all necessary support to them, the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) said in a release. A team headed by Minister Lad, accompanied by Manoj Rajan, Commissioner, Disaster Management and other officers has already left for Balasore where the accident occurred, it said. Helpline numbers 1070, 080-22253707, 080-22340676 have been opened for the convenience of citizens at the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC). ALSO READ | Odisha train crash: Toll rises to 261, rescue operations complete At least 261 people have been killed and over 650 injured in the crash in Balasore district of Odisha on Friday involving the Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express, the Shalimar-Chennai Central Coromandel Express and a goods train. ALSO READ | Railways launches high-level probe, says anti-train collision system wasn't available on route BENGALURU: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday deputed a team led by Labour Minister Santosh Lad to ensure the safety of people from the state in the aftermath of the Odisha train accident. He sought reports from the Chief Secretary and discussed with the officers concerned by directing them to visit the spot to ensure the safety of people from the state, and provide all necessary support to them, the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) said in a release. A team headed by Minister Lad, accompanied by Manoj Rajan, Commissioner, Disaster Management and other officers has already left for Balasore where the accident occurred, it said.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Helpline numbers 1070, 080-22253707, 080-22340676 have been opened for the convenience of citizens at the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC). ALSO READ | Odisha train crash: Toll rises to 261, rescue operations complete At least 261 people have been killed and over 650 injured in the crash in Balasore district of Odisha on Friday involving the Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express, the Shalimar-Chennai Central Coromandel Express and a goods train. ALSO READ | Railways launches high-level probe, says anti-train collision system wasn't available on route By PTI MOSCOW/TOKYO: World leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, expressed their condolences to the families and the Government of India on Saturday over the horrific train accident in Odisha in which at least 261 people were killed. The accident, involving three trains, is one of the deadliest in the country and took place in Balasore district on Friday night. The accident also injured more than 900 people. Russian President Putin expressed his condolences in a telegram to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "Please accept our deep condolences over the tragic aftermath of the train collision in Odisha. We share the grief of those who lost their relatives and close ones in this catastrophe and we hope for a speedy recovery to everyone injured," says the telegram, published on the Kremlin's website. Japan's Prime Minister Kishida sent a condolence message to Prime Minister Modi following the train accident. "I am deeply saddened by the news of the loss of many precious lives and the injuries in the train accident in the State of Odisha. On behalf of the Government of Japan and its people, I would like to express our heartfelt condolences to those who lost their lives and their bereaved families. I also pray for the speedy recovery of those who were injured," Kishida said in a statement. ALSO READ: Odisha train crash: Toll climbs to 288, cause of accident still unclear Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi also sent a condolence message to Foreign Minister S Jaishankar. "I am deeply saddened by the news of the loss of many precious lives in the train accident in the State of Odisha. I pray for the souls of the victims and extend my deepest condolences to the bereaved families. I also sincerely hope that those who were injured will recover swiftly," Hayashi said. Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau said at this difficult time, Canadians are standing with the people of India. "The images and reports of the train crash in Odisha, India break my heart. I'm sending my deepest condolences to those who lost loved ones, and I'm keeping the injured in my thoughts. At this difficult time, Canadians are standing with the people of India," Trudeau tweeted. My deepest condolences to President Murmu, Prime Minister Modi and the people of India after the tragic train accident in Odisha. France stands in solidarity with you. My thoughts are with the families of the victims. Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) June 3, 2023 Nepal Prime Minister Prachanda, who is on a four-day visit to India, tweeted, "I'm saddened by the loss of dozens of lives in a train accident in Odisha, India today. I extend deep condolences to Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi Ji, the Government, and the bereaved families in this hour of grief." Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended condolences to the families of the victims and wished speedy recovery to those injured in the accident."Deeply saddened by the loss of hundreds of lives in a train accident in India. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families who lost their loved ones in this tragedy. Prayers for a speedy recovery of the injured," Sharif tweeted. Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Ali Sabry said that he is "deeply saddened" to learn about the train accident in Odisha. He wished for a speedy recovery for all those affected in the accident."Deeply saddened to learn of the tragic train accident in Odisha. My thoughts & prayers are with the families of the victims & those injured. I hope for a speedy recovery for all those affected. Sri Lanka stands with India in this time of grief," Ali Sabry tweeted. Bhutan's Prime Minster Lotay Tshering tweeted," Sending prayers to @narendramodi and the people of India as we hear developments of the tragic train crash in Odisha. May the loved ones find strength, as they come to terms with the loss and horror. We share your pain and pray for quick healing." Press release from Turkiye Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressing condolences on the train tragedy The Deputy Prime Minister of Italy and Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani also expressed condolences on the train tragedy. "The Italian Government expresses deep condolences to #India for the tragic train accident that occurred today in Balasore. A prayer for the victims and the injured, I hope that those still trapped will be rescued," Tajani tweeted. ALSO READ: Odisha train crash: Human error, signal failure might have caused mishap, finds report UN General Assembly president Csaba Korosi too expressed his deepest condolence to the families over the tragic train accident. "I'm deeply saddened to hear the news of the train crash in Odisha, India. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families and with the emergency services. Heartfelt condolences to the people and the Government of India," Korosi, the President of the 77th session of the General Assembly tweeted. Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen also extended heartfelt condolences to the victims. "Taiwan Praying for everyone affected by the train accident in India. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the victims and their families, and hope that rescue operations can save all those in need," she tweeted. Maldivian Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid on Friday condoled the loss of lives in the accident. "Deeply saddened to hear the news of the tragic train accident in Odisha, #India, leading to loss of lives and injuries to many. My heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and praying for a speedy recovery to the injured," he said in a tweet. MOSCOW/TOKYO: World leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, expressed their condolences to the families and the Government of India on Saturday over the horrific train accident in Odisha in which at least 261 people were killed. The accident, involving three trains, is one of the deadliest in the country and took place in Balasore district on Friday night. The accident also injured more than 900 people.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Russian President Putin expressed his condolences in a telegram to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "Please accept our deep condolences over the tragic aftermath of the train collision in Odisha. We share the grief of those who lost their relatives and close ones in this catastrophe and we hope for a speedy recovery to everyone injured," says the telegram, published on the Kremlin's website. Japan's Prime Minister Kishida sent a condolence message to Prime Minister Modi following the train accident. "I am deeply saddened by the news of the loss of many precious lives and the injuries in the train accident in the State of Odisha. On behalf of the Government of Japan and its people, I would like to express our heartfelt condolences to those who lost their lives and their bereaved families. I also pray for the speedy recovery of those who were injured," Kishida said in a statement. ALSO READ: Odisha train crash: Toll climbs to 288, cause of accident still unclear Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi also sent a condolence message to Foreign Minister S Jaishankar. "I am deeply saddened by the news of the loss of many precious lives in the train accident in the State of Odisha. I pray for the souls of the victims and extend my deepest condolences to the bereaved families. I also sincerely hope that those who were injured will recover swiftly," Hayashi said. Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau said at this difficult time, Canadians are standing with the people of India. "The images and reports of the train crash in Odisha, India break my heart. I'm sending my deepest condolences to those who lost loved ones, and I'm keeping the injured in my thoughts. At this difficult time, Canadians are standing with the people of India," Trudeau tweeted. My deepest condolences to President Murmu, Prime Minister Modi and the people of India after the tragic train accident in Odisha. France stands in solidarity with you. My thoughts are with the families of the victims. Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) June 3, 2023 Nepal Prime Minister Prachanda, who is on a four-day visit to India, tweeted, "I'm saddened by the loss of dozens of lives in a train accident in Odisha, India today. I extend deep condolences to Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi Ji, the Government, and the bereaved families in this hour of grief." Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended condolences to the families of the victims and wished speedy recovery to those injured in the accident."Deeply saddened by the loss of hundreds of lives in a train accident in India. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families who lost their loved ones in this tragedy. Prayers for a speedy recovery of the injured," Sharif tweeted. Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Ali Sabry said that he is "deeply saddened" to learn about the train accident in Odisha. He wished for a speedy recovery for all those affected in the accident."Deeply saddened to learn of the tragic train accident in Odisha. My thoughts & prayers are with the families of the victims & those injured. I hope for a speedy recovery for all those affected. Sri Lanka stands with India in this time of grief," Ali Sabry tweeted. Bhutan's Prime Minster Lotay Tshering tweeted," Sending prayers to @narendramodi and the people of India as we hear developments of the tragic train crash in Odisha. May the loved ones find strength, as they come to terms with the loss and horror. We share your pain and pray for quick healing." Press release from Turkiye Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressing condolences on the train tragedy The Deputy Prime Minister of Italy and Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani also expressed condolences on the train tragedy. "The Italian Government expresses deep condolences to #India for the tragic train accident that occurred today in Balasore. A prayer for the victims and the injured, I hope that those still trapped will be rescued," Tajani tweeted. ALSO READ: Odisha train crash: Human error, signal failure might have caused mishap, finds report UN General Assembly president Csaba Korosi too expressed his deepest condolence to the families over the tragic train accident. "I'm deeply saddened to hear the news of the train crash in Odisha, India. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families and with the emergency services. Heartfelt condolences to the people and the Government of India," Korosi, the President of the 77th session of the General Assembly tweeted. Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen also extended heartfelt condolences to the victims. "Taiwan Praying for everyone affected by the train accident in India. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the victims and their families, and hope that rescue operations can save all those in need," she tweeted. Maldivian Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid on Friday condoled the loss of lives in the accident. "Deeply saddened to hear the news of the tragic train accident in Odisha, #India, leading to loss of lives and injuries to many. My heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and praying for a speedy recovery to the injured," he said in a tweet. Preetha Nair By Express News Service NEW DELHI: Terming the Law Commission recommendations on sedition law as terrible and treacherous, Congress on Friday attacked the BJP-led government that it is using sedition laws as a tool for silencing political dissent. Addressing media persons in the capital, Congress national spokesperson and Supreme Court lawyer Abhishek Singhvi said the Law Commission proposal makes the existing sedition law far more draconian, invasive and prejudicial by enhancing the lower end of the punishment from three to seven years. It ignores the spirit of the Supreme Court proceedings in May and October last year which has rendered the entire offence of sedition in the country inoperative and clearly intended it to be repealed/ rendered deal later, he said. The Congress spokesperson pointed out that on May 11, 2022, a three-judge bench of the SC headed by the then Chief Justice of India N V Ramana had put the provision in abeyance instead of deciding on its validity. This was after the Central government told the court that it will re-examine and reconsider whether Section 124A needs to be retained, he said. On October 31, 2022, an interim order was passed by the SC putting on hold the contentious sedition law and said that the consequential registration of FIRs will continue as the SC granted additional time to the Centre to take appropriate steps with regard to the reviewing of the colonial-era provision, Singhvi said. The Congress leader also stressed that there has been a massive rise in sedition cases since 2014. There has been an annual rise of 28 per cent in sedition cases between 2014 and 2020, compared to the yearly average between 2010 and 2014. 12 sedition cases were filed during the pandemic against those who raised concerns over the issue of migrant labourers, Singhvi said. NEW DELHI: Terming the Law Commission recommendations on sedition law as terrible and treacherous, Congress on Friday attacked the BJP-led government that it is using sedition laws as a tool for silencing political dissent. Addressing media persons in the capital, Congress national spokesperson and Supreme Court lawyer Abhishek Singhvi said the Law Commission proposal makes the existing sedition law far more draconian, invasive and prejudicial by enhancing the lower end of the punishment from three to seven years. It ignores the spirit of the Supreme Court proceedings in May and October last year which has rendered the entire offence of sedition in the country inoperative and clearly intended it to be repealed/ rendered deal later, he said. The Congress spokesperson pointed out that on May 11, 2022, a three-judge bench of the SC headed by the then Chief Justice of India N V Ramana had put the provision in abeyance instead of deciding on its validity. This was after the Central government told the court that it will re-examine and reconsider whether Section 124A needs to be retained, he said. On October 31, 2022, an interim order was passed by the SC putting on hold the contentious sedition law and said that the consequential registration of FIRs will continue as the SC granted additional time to the Centre to take appropriate steps with regard to the reviewing of the colonial-era provision, Singhvi said.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The Congress leader also stressed that there has been a massive rise in sedition cases since 2014. There has been an annual rise of 28 per cent in sedition cases between 2014 and 2020, compared to the yearly average between 2010 and 2014. 12 sedition cases were filed during the pandemic against those who raised concerns over the issue of migrant labourers, Singhvi said. Foreign Minister of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba has said that if progress in imposing sanctions against Russian missile and drone manufacturers remains as slow, then "the frankness of this public conversation will have to be taken to an even higher level" with specific countries. At a joint briefing with Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna in Kyiv, Kuleba said that one of the topics of the talks was sanctions against Russian defense enterprises involved in the manufacture of missiles and drones. "We worked at all sites, called, and handed over lists of 36 Russian military-industrial companies. It was in November. From the list that we asked for, frankly, only a small part of the companies fell under the sanctions. What do we see? Continuous missile attacks and drone attacks," the minister said. He added that if it goes on like this, then "the frankness of this public conversation will have to be taken to an even higher level with specific countries and explanations of why someone does not want to apply these sanctions." "And then let our colleagues publicly explain to their citizens and Ukrainians why there is a problem with applying sanctions against a Russian plant that produces missiles that kill Ukrainians," Kuleba said. He stressed that the Russian industry of missile terror must be stopped, adding that this would save the lives of Ukrainians, as well as the money of Ukrainian partners who help with the supply of missiles and air defense systems. "I don't understand the progress is so slow after seven months. Who loses what? It will be interesting to hear what business or political interests are threatened by the imposition of sanctions against defense enterprises producing missiles and drones," the minister said. Kuleba also said that he asked his Estonian colleague to raise this issue at the EU level. As reported, on December 7, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba announced that he had sent a letter to EU High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy Josep Borrell proposing tough sanctions against Russian missile production. By PTI NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will on Saturday visit the site of the train accident in Odisha and also the Cuttack hospital where the injured are being treated. At least 238 people were killed and more than 900 injured in the train crash involving the Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express, the Shalimar-Chennai Central Coromandel Express and a goods train in Odisha's Balasore district on Friday. It is one of the deadliest train crashes in the history of the Indian Railways. Modi had earlier convened a meeting to review the situation in relation to the Odisha train accident, government sources said on Saturday. #WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi chairs a high-level meeting to review the situation in relation to the #BalasoreTrainAccident pic.twitter.com/QKIhB0tfU4 ANI (@ANI) June 3, 2023 The accident involving three trains in Odisha's Balasore district has left at least 233 people dead so far. Officials in Bhubaneswar said 200 ambulances, 50 buses and 45 mobile health units, besides 1,200 personnel, are working at the accident site. NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will on Saturday visit the site of the train accident in Odisha and also the Cuttack hospital where the injured are being treated. At least 238 people were killed and more than 900 injured in the train crash involving the Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express, the Shalimar-Chennai Central Coromandel Express and a goods train in Odisha's Balasore district on Friday. It is one of the deadliest train crashes in the history of the Indian Railways.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Modi had earlier convened a meeting to review the situation in relation to the Odisha train accident, government sources said on Saturday. #WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi chairs a high-level meeting to review the situation in relation to the #BalasoreTrainAccident pic.twitter.com/QKIhB0tfU4 ANI (@ANI) June 3, 2023 The accident involving three trains in Odisha's Balasore district has left at least 233 people dead so far. Officials in Bhubaneswar said 200 ambulances, 50 buses and 45 mobile health units, besides 1,200 personnel, are working at the accident site. Express News Service NEW DELHI: Science and Arts have been students' most preferred choice of subject after Class 10 in the past ten years. Students opting for Science and Arts streams have increased from 31% in 2012 to above 40% in 2022. While the Commerce stream lagged far behind, with only 14 per cent of students opting for the once most sought-after subject. While 30.9 lakh students opted for the Arts stream in 2012, it went up to 40 lakh in 2022. The Science stream was chosen by 30.7 lakh students in 2012; it went up to 42 lakh in 2022. Commerce was chosen by 13.7 lakh students in 2012 and 14.4 lakh students chose the stream in 2022. Also, what is interesting is that takers for the Science stream were more in south India than in the rest of the country. At the same time, only 2 % of students studied Arts in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana as compared to Tripura (85%), Gujarat (82%), other northern states like Punjab (73%), Rajasthan (71%). In the same way, the Science stream saw little interest in northern and northeast states like Punjab (13%), Haryana (15%), and Assam (17%) as compared to Andhra Pradesh (76%), Telangana (65%), Tamil Nadu (62%). The report showed that most students who opted for the Commerce stream were from Karnataka (37 per cent). "Selection of the particular stream may be due to local literacy rate, parents' educational background, job availability, student movement to foreign universities etc," an education ministry official told the TNIE. Before 2010 separate streamwise data was not collected. It was in 2012 onwards that the pass percentage was collected, the official said. The report added that students' choice for vocational courses is also increasing; a commensurate increase in seats at higher education levels may be required. Other key findings Between 2012-2022, those who scored above 60 per cent in Class 10 went up from 33 lahks in 2012 to 98 lakh in 2022. Students who scored above 60 per cent in Class 12 also touched 77 lahks in 2022 from 35.9 lakhs in 2012. Girls consistently outperformed boys in these ten years. The margin of girls outperforming widened from 1.7 % in 2012 to 5.1% in 2022. The margin has also consistently been around 8% during 2012-2022. As per the education ministry data, girls performed much better than boys in both Arts and Commerce in 2010 and 2011. Girls scored lesser than boys in these two years. However, as per education ministry data, girls overall have been doing well since 2005 in classes 10 and 12. NEW DELHI: Science and Arts have been students' most preferred choice of subject after Class 10 in the past ten years. Students opting for Science and Arts streams have increased from 31% in 2012 to above 40% in 2022. While the Commerce stream lagged far behind, with only 14 per cent of students opting for the once most sought-after subject. While 30.9 lakh students opted for the Arts stream in 2012, it went up to 40 lakh in 2022. The Science stream was chosen by 30.7 lakh students in 2012; it went up to 42 lakh in 2022.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Commerce was chosen by 13.7 lakh students in 2012 and 14.4 lakh students chose the stream in 2022. Also, what is interesting is that takers for the Science stream were more in south India than in the rest of the country. At the same time, only 2 % of students studied Arts in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana as compared to Tripura (85%), Gujarat (82%), other northern states like Punjab (73%), Rajasthan (71%). In the same way, the Science stream saw little interest in northern and northeast states like Punjab (13%), Haryana (15%), and Assam (17%) as compared to Andhra Pradesh (76%), Telangana (65%), Tamil Nadu (62%). The report showed that most students who opted for the Commerce stream were from Karnataka (37 per cent). "Selection of the particular stream may be due to local literacy rate, parents' educational background, job availability, student movement to foreign universities etc," an education ministry official told the TNIE. Before 2010 separate streamwise data was not collected. It was in 2012 onwards that the pass percentage was collected, the official said. The report added that students' choice for vocational courses is also increasing; a commensurate increase in seats at higher education levels may be required. Other key findings Between 2012-2022, those who scored above 60 per cent in Class 10 went up from 33 lahks in 2012 to 98 lakh in 2022. Students who scored above 60 per cent in Class 12 also touched 77 lahks in 2022 from 35.9 lakhs in 2012. Girls consistently outperformed boys in these ten years. The margin of girls outperforming widened from 1.7 % in 2012 to 5.1% in 2022. The margin has also consistently been around 8% during 2012-2022. As per the education ministry data, girls performed much better than boys in both Arts and Commerce in 2010 and 2011. Girls scored lesser than boys in these two years. However, as per education ministry data, girls overall have been doing well since 2005 in classes 10 and 12. Prasanta Mazumdar By Express News Service GUWAHATI: Despite the deployment of over 35,000 Army personnel and paramilitary forces and Union Minister Amit Shah's call to maintain peace, Manipur is still reeling under violence. 16 people were injured in a suspected militant attack in two villages Phayeng and Kangchup Chingkhong in the Imphal West district on Friday night. The injured were admitted to the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences and Raj Medicity in the state capital Imphal. The condition of the two was stated to be critical. ALSO READ | 140 weapons surrendered in violence-hit Manipur after Amit Shah's appeal Unfortunate simultaneous coordinated attack by heavily armed Kuki terrorist including suspected PDF of Myanmar, with sophisticated weapons, motors & method bombs, continues, injuring 16 in Imphal, Manipur. These must stop. It's economically affecting all people of the state, Lieutenant General (retired) L Nishikanta Singh tweeted on Saturday. Unfortunate simultaneous coordinated attack by heavily armed Kuki terrorist including suspected PDF of Myanmar, with sophisticated weapons, motors & lethod bombs, continues, injuring 16 in Imphal, Manipur. These must stop. Its economically affecting all people of the state. Lt Gen L Nishikanta Singh (R) (@VeteranLNSingh) June 3, 2023 Official sources said a fierce gunfight followed when the police personnel, stationed at the two villages, retaliated. After about four hours, the personnel managed to push the militants to nearby hills. In another incident, the bodies of seven civilians killed during a militant attack in the Sugnu-Serou area of Kakching district on May 28 were recovered on Friday. Four additional deaths were reported earlier. ALSO READ | Saw my brother lying in a pool of blood, mother shielding him from mob: Manipur violence survivor Meanwhile, a mob set fire to the Don Bosco Training Centre at Yairipok Ngariyan near Andro police station in Imphal East district on Friday at around 12 noon. Father Joseph K, who is associated with the Centre run by the Catholic Mission, claimed some 3,000 people carried out the attack following a rumour that the property would be used to house security forces. Parts of the building, including some windows and doors, were torched. Trees nearby were also burnt. The building has been lying vacant since 2001, a police officer said. In recent times, Meiteis accused the security forces of siding with Kukis while Kukis accused Manipur police of acting at the behest of Meiteis. A joint body of six Imphal valley-based students organizations on Friday condemned fake social media reports on the Manipur crisis. GUWAHATI: Despite the deployment of over 35,000 Army personnel and paramilitary forces and Union Minister Amit Shah's call to maintain peace, Manipur is still reeling under violence. 16 people were injured in a suspected militant attack in two villages Phayeng and Kangchup Chingkhong in the Imphal West district on Friday night. The injured were admitted to the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences and Raj Medicity in the state capital Imphal. The condition of the two was stated to be critical.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); ALSO READ | 140 weapons surrendered in violence-hit Manipur after Amit Shah's appeal Unfortunate simultaneous coordinated attack by heavily armed Kuki terrorist including suspected PDF of Myanmar, with sophisticated weapons, motors & method bombs, continues, injuring 16 in Imphal, Manipur. These must stop. It's economically affecting all people of the state, Lieutenant General (retired) L Nishikanta Singh tweeted on Saturday. Unfortunate simultaneous coordinated attack by heavily armed Kuki terrorist including suspected PDF of Myanmar, with sophisticated weapons, motors & lethod bombs, continues, injuring 16 in Imphal, Manipur. These must stop. Its economically affecting all people of the state. Lt Gen L Nishikanta Singh (R) (@VeteranLNSingh) June 3, 2023 Official sources said a fierce gunfight followed when the police personnel, stationed at the two villages, retaliated. After about four hours, the personnel managed to push the militants to nearby hills. In another incident, the bodies of seven civilians killed during a militant attack in the Sugnu-Serou area of Kakching district on May 28 were recovered on Friday. Four additional deaths were reported earlier. ALSO READ | Saw my brother lying in a pool of blood, mother shielding him from mob: Manipur violence survivor Meanwhile, a mob set fire to the Don Bosco Training Centre at Yairipok Ngariyan near Andro police station in Imphal East district on Friday at around 12 noon. Father Joseph K, who is associated with the Centre run by the Catholic Mission, claimed some 3,000 people carried out the attack following a rumour that the property would be used to house security forces. Parts of the building, including some windows and doors, were torched. Trees nearby were also burnt. The building has been lying vacant since 2001, a police officer said. In recent times, Meiteis accused the security forces of siding with Kukis while Kukis accused Manipur police of acting at the behest of Meiteis. A joint body of six Imphal valley-based students organizations on Friday condemned fake social media reports on the Manipur crisis. By ANI CAPE TOWN: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar called on the President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa along with other BRICS ministers in Cape Town. Taking to Twitter, Jaishankar said, "Delighted to call on President @CyrilRamaphosa of South Africa along with other BRICS ministers. Conveyed personal greetings of PM @narendramodi. Value his guidance and thoughts on taking BRICS forward." The two ministers held their talks on the sidelines of the BRICS meeting in Cape Town. Jaishankar, who is in Cape Town and participated in the BRICS Foreign Ministers meeting, had also met his Brazilian counterpart Mauro Vieira on Friday and held discussions on advancing India and Brazil's cooperation in the BRICS, IBSA, G20 and United Nations frameworks. Jaishankar also said that he hoped India and Brazil would work together to deepen their strategic partnership. After their meeting, Jaishankar tweeted, "Great to meet FM Mauro Vieira of Brazil on the sidelines of the BRICS meeting. Discussed advancing our cooperation in the BRICS, IBSA, G20 and UN frameworks. Look forward to working together on deepening our strategic partnership." Prior to this meeting, Jaishankar also met Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, and UAE counterpart Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan on the sidelines of the BRICS gathering. Jaishankar and his Iranian counterpart reviewed the two countries' bilateral ties and also discussed further ways to strengthen them, with a special focus on Chabahar port. Following their meeting, Jaishankar took to Twitter to post, "A good meeting with FM @Amirabdolahian of Iran on sidelines of Friends of BRICS gathering. Reviewed our bilateral ties and discussed ways of strengthening them further, with particular emphasis on Chabahar port. Also exchanged views on BRICS and SCO." EAM also addressed the Friends of BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Cape Town. "BRICS is no longer an 'alternative', it is an established feature of the global landscape," the EAM tweeted on Friday. "The message of reform that BRICS embodies must permeate the world of multilateralism. The Friends of BRICS strongly support UNSC reform," he posted further. The EAM said BRICS is not only an expression of multi-polarity but of the many diverse ways of meeting international challenges. "BRICS' focus is on building a fairer, inclusive and open international architecture with sustainable development at its core," Jaishankar tweeted. "Creating resilient and reliable supply chains is central to ensuring that no one is left behind. Thank all BRICS members and Friends for an open and constructive exchange of perspectives," Jaishankar posted. South Africa, the bloc's current chair, hosted the BRICS foreign ministers conference in Cape Town. The BRICS bloc brings together five of the largest developing countries of the world, representing 41 per cent of the global population, 24 per cent of the global GDP and 16 per cent of the global trade. From South Africa, he will travel to Namibia for a visit from June 4 to 6, according to the Ministry of External Affairs. CAPE TOWN: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar called on the President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa along with other BRICS ministers in Cape Town. Taking to Twitter, Jaishankar said, "Delighted to call on President @CyrilRamaphosa of South Africa along with other BRICS ministers. Conveyed personal greetings of PM @narendramodi. Value his guidance and thoughts on taking BRICS forward." The two ministers held their talks on the sidelines of the BRICS meeting in Cape Town.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Jaishankar, who is in Cape Town and participated in the BRICS Foreign Ministers meeting, had also met his Brazilian counterpart Mauro Vieira on Friday and held discussions on advancing India and Brazil's cooperation in the BRICS, IBSA, G20 and United Nations frameworks. Jaishankar also said that he hoped India and Brazil would work together to deepen their strategic partnership. After their meeting, Jaishankar tweeted, "Great to meet FM Mauro Vieira of Brazil on the sidelines of the BRICS meeting. Discussed advancing our cooperation in the BRICS, IBSA, G20 and UN frameworks. Look forward to working together on deepening our strategic partnership." Prior to this meeting, Jaishankar also met Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, and UAE counterpart Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan on the sidelines of the BRICS gathering. Jaishankar and his Iranian counterpart reviewed the two countries' bilateral ties and also discussed further ways to strengthen them, with a special focus on Chabahar port. Following their meeting, Jaishankar took to Twitter to post, "A good meeting with FM @Amirabdolahian of Iran on sidelines of Friends of BRICS gathering. Reviewed our bilateral ties and discussed ways of strengthening them further, with particular emphasis on Chabahar port. Also exchanged views on BRICS and SCO." EAM also addressed the Friends of BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Cape Town. "BRICS is no longer an 'alternative', it is an established feature of the global landscape," the EAM tweeted on Friday. "The message of reform that BRICS embodies must permeate the world of multilateralism. The Friends of BRICS strongly support UNSC reform," he posted further. The EAM said BRICS is not only an expression of multi-polarity but of the many diverse ways of meeting international challenges. "BRICS' focus is on building a fairer, inclusive and open international architecture with sustainable development at its core," Jaishankar tweeted. "Creating resilient and reliable supply chains is central to ensuring that no one is left behind. Thank all BRICS members and Friends for an open and constructive exchange of perspectives," Jaishankar posted. South Africa, the bloc's current chair, hosted the BRICS foreign ministers conference in Cape Town. The BRICS bloc brings together five of the largest developing countries of the world, representing 41 per cent of the global population, 24 per cent of the global GDP and 16 per cent of the global trade. From South Africa, he will travel to Namibia for a visit from June 4 to 6, according to the Ministry of External Affairs. Yeshi Seli By Express News Service NEW DELHI: Nine Indian nationals who were held captive in Libya for several months have been freed and will return to India soon. "These nine Indian nationals have reached Tripoli where they were received by the Indian Ambassador in Tunisia. They have been put up in hotels while their exit visa formalities are being completed. Once that is done they would be flown back to India, say sources. These nine Indians were working for a merchant vessel (MT Maya 1) owned by a Greek company and were carrying a flag of Cameroon and were held captive by Libyan local militia after the ship broke down in the middle of February. They were sailing from Malta to Tripoli carrying oil products when the ship broke down. Of these nine Indians, five are from Uttar Pradesh, and one each from Rajasthan, West Bengal, Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat. The news of their being held captive reached Indian Embassy in Tunisia after which the matter was raised with authorities in Libya and sought consular access and their repatriation. The Indian mission kept in touch with the family members of these nine Indians and shared regular updates with them about their well-being. An informal contact of the mission met these Indians held captive every week to ensure their early release and also provided them with essential food. NEW DELHI: Nine Indian nationals who were held captive in Libya for several months have been freed and will return to India soon. "These nine Indian nationals have reached Tripoli where they were received by the Indian Ambassador in Tunisia. They have been put up in hotels while their exit visa formalities are being completed. Once that is done they would be flown back to India, say sources. These nine Indians were working for a merchant vessel (MT Maya 1) owned by a Greek company and were carrying a flag of Cameroon and were held captive by Libyan local militia after the ship broke down in the middle of February.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); They were sailing from Malta to Tripoli carrying oil products when the ship broke down. Of these nine Indians, five are from Uttar Pradesh, and one each from Rajasthan, West Bengal, Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat. The news of their being held captive reached Indian Embassy in Tunisia after which the matter was raised with authorities in Libya and sought consular access and their repatriation. The Indian mission kept in touch with the family members of these nine Indians and shared regular updates with them about their well-being. An informal contact of the mission met these Indians held captive every week to ensure their early release and also provided them with essential food. SCO summit being held virtually after taking all factors into account, says India New Delhi, June 2: Amid speculations over India's decision to hold the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit on July 4 in a virtual format, the government on Friday said that it was never announced that the meeting would be held in person. SCO summit being held virtually after taking all factors into account, says India "As everyone is aware that in the past some years, several events have taken place virtually so taking all factors into account, we decided that the Summit of the SCO Council of Heads of State will be held in a virtual format on the 4th of July," External Affairs Ministry spokesman Arindam Bagchi said.The statement has come just days after the ministry announced that it will host the annual SCO summit in virtual format on July 4.Last year in September, the in-person SCO summit was held in the Uzbek city of Samarkand that was attended by all top leaders of the grouping including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin.India had assumed the rotating chairmanship of the SCO at the Samarkand summit.The ministry has said that all the SCO member states -- China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan -- have been invited to attend the virtual summit.Meanwhile, India will host the G20 summit in September in New Delhi, where it plans to invite Presidents Xi and Putin, apart from other leaders of the grouping.IANS02 June 2023 Shared Recently! Cambodia about to graduate from least developed country status: ADB Phnom Penh, June 2: Two decades after its inclusion on the list of the least developed countries, Cambodia has met the graduation criteria for the first time in 2021, with plans to graduate as early as 2027, said an Asian Development Bank (ADB) report on Friday. Cambodia about to graduate from least developed country status: ADB "This is a major achievement, as graduation from the least developed country status means that a country has achieved significant economic and social development goals," the report said.However, the least developed country graduation also presents challenges, it said, adding that graduation means the loss of preferential trade benefits, including duty-free status and favourable "rules of origin", reports Xinhua news agencyThe report said Cambodia is one of the few least developed countries that has dramatically increased its exports to the European Union through preferential treatment and lenient rules of origin, allowing its products to enter Europe duty-free."If not carefully managed, the loss of these preferences may hurt Cambodia's export performance," it said."Cambodia must work to ensure that alternative market access is available after graduation and further improve its competitiveness."The report said Cambodia has benefited from multilateral and bilateral free trade agreements (FTAs) such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), the Cambodia-China FTA, and the Cambodia-South Korea FTA.It added that the Southeast Asian nation should consider forging new trade agreements with its major partners while improving the implementation and utilization of existing ones.Cambodian Ministry of Commerce's undersecretary of state and spokesman Penn Sovicheat said the RCEP, together with other bilateral FTAs, has not only given a boost to the kingdom's sustainable trade growth, but also become a magnet to attract more foreign direct investments."This RCEP agreement will help Cambodia graduate from its least developed country status, likely by 2028 and to achieve its goals of becoming an upper-middle income country in 2030 and a high-income nation by 2050," he told Xinhua.The RCEP agreement comprises 15 Asia-Pacific countries including 10 ASEAN member states -- Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam -- and their five trading partners, namely China, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand.IANS02 June 2023 Shared Recently! Childrens Academy welcomes International Baccalaureate delegation led by Olli-Pekka Heinonen PRNewswire, Mumbai, June 2 Children's Academy Group of Schools is expanding its horizon to K12 education as it forays into the international arena. Children's Academy welcomes International Baccalaureate delegation led by Olli-Pekka Heinonen The Academy is now officially authorised from the International Baccalaureate Organisation to offer the International Baccalaureate Career Program (IBCP).In this regard, the senior leadership team from IB visited the school on 01 June 2023. It was a privilege and an honour to welcome Olli-Pekaa Heinonen, Director General-IB, to the new international wing. The school was incredibly happy to host the other members of this team - Dr Nicole Bien, Chief Schools Officer (IB), and Mahesh Balakrishnan, IB - Business and Development Officer, India and Nepal.The visit of this high-profile team was to acknowledge and recognize the high standard of education in the school that meets international benchmark. Children's Academy is well-known for providing quality education which is progressive and futuristic. Continuing with this tradition, Children's Academy International School aims to impart skill-based education through the IBCP course.The guests were accorded a traditional welcome highlighting the rich Indian culture. The students put up a colourful Lezim, the lively folk dance from Maharashtra, leaving everyone awe-struck with their energy!During the formal function, the guests were mesmerized by the mellifluous welcome song and the splendid recital of Bharatnatyam and Kathak dances, performed by the talented students of the school.Rohan Bhat, Chairman, CAGS, in his welcome address, said, "The vision and mission of Children's Academy is aligned to the IB philosophy. The IB program is at the pinnacle of education owing to its excellent curriculum that emphasizes on value and skill development which aligns with our ideology of education. I am confident of our dedicated team which is engaged in nurturing the young minds to become passionate and responsible leaders of tomorrow."Ronit Bhat, Group Communication Head and IBCP coordinator presented a detailed school report highlighting its unique initiatives of the school in the field of mental health, gender sensitization, SEL, alumni connect, state darshans, inclusion and diversity to mention a few.During his visit to Children's Academy International School, the IB Chief Mr Olli-Pekka expressed his delight and appreciated the vision and the forward-thinking philosophy of Children's Academy. He mentioned that IB came into force in the year 1968 and Children's Academy was founded around the same time in 1970. He was pleased to add that the two organisations of similar age are getting together for developing active, compassionate and life-long learners.On behalf of Children's Academy Group of Schools, Mr Rohit Bhat, CEO, expressed,"The Academy is truly honoured by the presence of Mr Olli-Pekka and his team. We are excited about our journey with IB. I am thankful to the team and extended my gratitude for the insights provided by the IB team during their visit."The Children's Academy Group of Schools was founded as a small school in a two room rented premises with a handful of students by the Late Shri V.V. Bhat in 1970. It shifted to a fully constructed seven-storied building at Bachani Nagar, Malad East in 1991. Today, it has grown to three schools catering to over 8000 students with 450 qualified and dedicated teachers. The other two branches are at Ashok Nagar and Thakur Complex.WebsiteMedia Contact Shraddha Bhat+91 9819968056(Disclaimer The above press release has been provided by PRNewswire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)ANI02 June 2023 Shared Recently! President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy is ready to make a visit to Latin America in order to meet with the heads of states of the region. "It is very hard for me to do this amid the war. But I am ready to do this. I asked: let us hold a meeting between me and the leaders of your continent. I am ready to come. I want to talk to them. Your people, your community trust your leaders. And if I talk to you when I am there, we will see in detail who Putin is and that he is not that great," he said in an interview with the Latin American press that was published by the Office of the President of Ukraine on Saturday. "If you are unable to come to us, it's not a problem, I don't have a crown on my head, and I am an ordinary person, I will come to you. Let us talk about our steps forward together," the Ukrainian president said. If these countries are not ready to supply Ukraine with weapons, they could back the Peace Formula and support people through humanitarian aid, he said. Startup20 Engagement Group gears up for its third meet in Goa New Delhi, June 2: Startup20 Engagement Group, operating under India's G20 presidency, is all set to host its much anticipated third meeting in Goa on June 3-4. Delegates from G20 nations and Indian delegates will be arriving in Goa on Friday. Startup20 Engagement Group gears up for its third meet in Goa Under India's G20 presidency, Startup20 serves as a prime opportunity to foster collaboration, exchange ideas, and shape the future of startups and entrepreneurship on a global scale.The previous two meetings were held in Hyderabad and Gangtok, respectively. Embracing the spirit of collective resolve, it brings together international delegates and experienced members of the Indian Startup Ecosystem.The focal point of the meeting will be to build consensus on the Draft Policy Communique, which Startup20 recently published asking the public for feedback.The meeting will feature a startup showcase, exciting talks as part of the 'Startup20x' series, cultural experiences, and discussions on the implementation and benefits of the ideas outlined in the document.In addition, the Goa event will offer various sessions, including presentations by taskforces on the final policy communique, closed group country huddles, and closed-door HoD meetings.ANI02 June 2023 Shared Recently! OP Jindal Global University at No. 1 in Education World Indias Private University Rankings New Delhi, June 2: O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU) has once again secured the top spot in the Education World India Private University Rankings 2023- 24 for the category of Liberal Arts and Humanities. OP Jindal Global University at No. 1 in Education World India's Private University Rankings JGU scored the topmost rank on parameters of higher education excellence, including curriculum and pedagogy, research and innovation, leadership, internationalism, industry interface and faculty welfare and development.The rankings were based on a special survey where all respondents voted on select criteria. JGU's performance in the rankings is particularly noteworthy given the rise in the number of ranked institutions this year.The university has also been consistently ranked as India's No. 1 private university in the QS World University Rankings for the past three years.Being ranked #1 in Liberal Arts and Humanities is a significant achievement for JGU, as it is the only university in India with a focus solely on social sciences, arts, and humanities. This ranking is a testament to JGU's commitment to providing a world-class education in these fields and its efforts to constantly improve and innovate.Spread across an 80-acre campus in Sonipat (Haryana), the university has been acknowledged for its excellence in the field of higher education, and this ranking serves as a reaffirmation of its high standards.The Founding Vice Chancellor Prof. C. Raj Kumar thanked Education World for the Rankings Award and national recognition and said, "This is a testament to our unwavering dedication to academic excellence, innovation, and social impact. At JGU, we are committed to playing a pivotal role in developing well-rounded, compassionate, and socially responsible graduates, who can competently tackle the multifaceted challenges of the 21st century."Our institutional objective is to first establish JGU as India's most comprehensive law and liberal arts university. To that end, we have already established 12 inter-disciplinary schools -- law, business, liberal arts and humanities, banking and finance, international affairs, government and public policy, etc. - within JGU.On this momentous achievement JGU's Registrar Prof. Dabiru Sridhar Patnaik, who accepted the Rankings Award on behalf of the University, said, "In the modern era, universities are redefining the concept of a well-rounded education to suit the needs of the 21st century. JGU provides students with opportunities that go beyond traditional academic subjects to ensure their personal and professional growth."Apart from honing their theoretical knowledge, the university emphasises on the development of practical skills, critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving abilities to prepare students for future challenges. This multidisciplinary approach to education offers a comprehensive understanding of the world and enables graduates to succeed in a rapidly evolving job market."The Registrar of JGU Prof. Patnaik earlier participated in an exclusive panel discussion on the theme of 'NEP 2020 The Way Forward' along with the renowned educationalists from across India who brought forth vast educational experience of shaping young minds and future leaders.The panellists also included other eminent educationists, including Prof. Ramgopal Rao - Vice Chancellor BITS Pilai, Prof. Gautam Menon, DEAN Research, Ashoka University; Dr Sanjay Gupta, Vice Chancellor World University of Design; Dr Naresh Chandra, Director - B.K. Birla College and Abha Dev Habib - Professor Miranda House and Secretary, Democratic Teachers Front.The panel discussion on 'NEP 2020 The Way Forward' was an informative event that brought together a diverse group of educational experts to discuss the new education policy. The panellists discussed and debated various topics, including the need for greater investment in education, the importance of teacher training, the need to make education more accessible to all and the leveraging technology and digitisation in teaching and developing tech-savviness among students from across socio-economic backgrounds.They also shared their thoughts on how the NEP can be used to help India achieve its goal of becoming a knowledge superpower.Another key theme that emerged from the discussion was the need to make education more relevant to the needs of the 21st century economy by introducing the multidisciplinary learning, which is the key to holistic growth and will also prepare young students to enter a world that is increasingly multifaceted, an atmosphere that nurtures dynamic thinking and transferable skills.IANS02 June 2023 Shared Recently! Foxconn declaration shot in the arm for newly-elected Cong govt in Ktaka Bengaluru, June 2: Apple Inc supplier Foxconn, the world's biggest contract electronics manufacturer, is all set to manufacture iPhone units at its proposed plant in Devanahalli by 2024 April. Foxconn declaration shot in the arm for newly-elected Cong govt in K'taka The declaration has come as a shot in the arm for the newly-elected Congress government in Karnataka.The announcement came at a time when the opposition BJP, JD(S) and a section of experts are claiming that the state will lose its tag as the most favourable destination for attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).The process of Foxconn's investment in Karnataka began during the previous BJP regime. Ex-CM Basavaraj Bommai and former Minister for Large and Medium Industries Murugesh Nirani had made the big announcement regarding Foxconn setting up its manufacturing unit near Bengaluru.The matter ran into controversy with the opposition parties calling it as a publicity stunt after the claims of the BJP government was disputed by the company.An embarrassed Bommai had released the letter of appreciation by Foxconn to defend the government in the face of opposition attack.The good news came before the Assembly elections when Foxconn said in a regulatory filing with the London Stock Exchange that it had bought a huge tract of land on the outskirts of Bengaluru.The news had then given a boost to the BJP government ahead of crucial Assembly elections.However, with the BJP failing to impress the voters in the polls, the Congress took over the reins of the state and soon announced the execution of the prestigious project.The Congress government is now projecting the development as its first success towards ensuring the growth of the state and creation of jobs.Minister for Large and Medium Industries, M.B. Patil, had announced on Thursday that Foxconn has plans to start manufacturing iPhone units by April next year at its proposed Devanahalli plant and the state government would hand over the required land to the company by July 1 to facilitate the process.Patil said this after the representatives of the company led by George Chu met him as part of a courtesy visit in which Information Technology and Biotechnology Minister Priyank Kharge was also present.The Rs 13,600 crore project is expected to create 50,000 jobs, he said.The Taiwan-based multinational company has already paid 30 per cent of the cost towards the land (Rs 90 crore) to the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB). It has set the goal to complete the project in three phases and has set a target of manufacturing 20 million units annually after the completion of the three phases.Some sources termed Foxconn's initiative as an endeavour to look for alternative manufacturing destinations away from China due to the rigid Covid rules there.IANS02 June 2023 Shared Recently! Trainocate India Celebrates its 15th Anniversary Today PRNewswire, Bangalore, June 2 Trainocate India, a leading learning and development service provider, proudly commemorates its 15-year anniversary, marking a decade and a half of excellence in empowering individuals and organizations through exceptional learning solutions. Trainocate India Celebrates its 15th Anniversary Today With heartfelt gratitude for the unwavering trust and support of valued customers, partners, and vendors, Trainocate India stands as a trusted ally in achieving success.Reflecting on 15 Years of AchievementsThroughout its remarkable 15-year journey, Trainocate India has achieved significant milestones, establishing itself as a front runner in the learning and development service industry. In 2008, the company commenced its operations in India as Global Knowledge, with the Bangalore office as its headquarters. Over the years, Trainocate India expanded its presence by establishing branches in Chennai (2012) and Mumbai (2018). A rebranding took place in 2017, resulting in the birth of Trainocate, showcasing the organization's commitment to delivering exceptional training experiences. The company extended its operations to Sri Lanka in 2020, followed by the launch of Trainocate Gulf in Dubai in 2022. These milestones reflect Trainocate India's dedication to growth and its mission to serve valued customers and clients.Recognized Excellence and Industry AccoladesTrainocate India's commitment to delivering outstanding learning experiences and expertise in the field has garnered more than 50 prestigious awards from partners and the training industry. These accolades include the Cisco Learning Partner of the Year APAC (2007), IBM Business Partner Award (2014), and the Microsoft Worldwide Learning Partner of the Year Award (2021). The company achieved the Top 20 Training Company status by Training Industry for three consecutive years (2020-2022) and received recognition as the Global AWS Partner of the Year and Google Cloud Regional ATP of the Year in 2022. These esteemed awards affirm Trainocate India's position as a leader in the learning and development industry, offering top-notch training solutions.Empowering Learners and Making a DifferenceTrainocate India takes pride in its extensive impact on the learning and development landscape. With over 500,000 individuals trained since its inception, the company has played a significant role in empowering learners to enhance their skills and achieve their goals. Through partnerships with more than 30 renowned vendors, including Amazon (AWS), Cisco, Google Cloud (GCP), Microsoft, NetApp, Nutanix, Trend Micro, Splunk, and UiPath, Trainocate India has served a diverse range of learners and organizations. The network of 750+ certified trainers and 1,500+ corporate clients has further strengthened Trainocate India's reach and influence.Driving Innovation in Experiential LearningTrainocate remains at the forefront of driving innovation and trends in experiential learning. The company's commitment to excellence and practical training has led to a revolution in how individuals and organizations approach learning about cloud technologies. Through Trainocate's new eLearning platform, a wide range of digital courses and in-person classes are offered, ensuring learners have access to diverse learning formats tailored to their needs. The prestigious 'Innovation in Learning Award' from UBS, received at the 12th L and D Leadership Summit and Awards 2023, acknowledges Trainocate's dedication to delivering innovative learning solutions. The Trainocate Assessment Tool (TAT) empowers learners to assess their knowledge before and after training, equipping them with confidence and effectiveness in approaching certification exams.On this momentous occasion, Trainocate expresses gratitude to the exceptional staff members who have played an integral role in the company's success story. Their work ethic, innovative thinking, and unwavering dedication have contributed to making Trainocate India a shining beacon of learning and development. As Trainocate celebrates 15 remarkable years, everyone is encouraged to embrace new challenges, seize opportunities, and continue setting new benchmarks in the industry.Trainocate extends sincere appreciation to valued customers, partners, vendors, and the incredible staff members for being indispensable contributors to Trainocate India's journey. Together, as Trainocate embarks on its 16th year, the company remains determined to deliver excellence and create a lasting impact in the world of learning and development.is one of the most established IT and human capability development training providers in the Asia-Pacific region. With over 25 plus years of experience in 15 countries, Trainocate's expertise lies in the purveyance of vendor-specific technologies and certifications, high-end IT solutions, advanced technology courses, customized and bespoke content as well as a robust portfolio of business and management skills. As a group, Trainocate empowered more than 200,000 individuals and organizations globally (in 2022), to embrace lifelong learning, along with acquiring digital skills to ensure competitiveness and survivability in a dynamic workplace.Contact+91-9110608211LinkedIn(Disclaimer The above press release has been provided by PRNewswire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)ANI02 June 2023 Shared Recently! This is peoples money...: Priyank Kharge on implementation of Congress five poll guarantees Bengaluru, June 2: Referring to the five poll guaratees of the Congress party, Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge on Friday said that even if one rupee is to be spent out of tax money paid by people, it should be done after setting proper criteria in front of the people. This is people's money...: Priyank Kharge on implementation of Congress' five poll guarantees The Minister of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department was speaking before the cabinet meeting regarding the implementation of the guarantee schemes in Vidhan Soudha.While speaking to ANI, he said, "This is people's money, tax money paid by people, even if one rupee is to be spent, it should be put in front of the people and the criteria should be set and spent".He added that the decisions will be completed soon and guarantee plans will be implemented."It is true that the financial burden will fall from the implementation of five guarantees, but we will show how the Congress is able to convert the impossible into possible," he said.Priyank Kharge further reiterated that no project can exist without "standards", this is people's money and tax money paid by people."Show me a single scheme, whether it is from the central government or state government, that runs without any criteria. We will frame the conditions and terms. No project is a free for all. Even if one rupee has to be spent, it should be put in front of people. The standards should be prepared. We will implement guarantee schemes with certain criteria," he said.Labor Minister Santosh Lad told the reporters that discussion is underway and all the information will be given after two to three hours.Notably, a cabinet meeting is being held on Friday under the leadership of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah regarding the implementation of the five guarantees promised by the party during the elections.As per the sources, the cabinet will give a green signal for the implementation of three guarantee schemes on Friday itself. However, there will be a discussion in the Cabinet about the conditions, and compliance with various criteria.It will be followed by the official order that will come for the implementation of the guarantee schemes. The offering plan is likely to be announced on Independence Day, the sources added.The five 'main' guarantees promised by the party in its poll manifesto are -- 200 units of free power to all households (Gruha Jyoti); Rs 2,000 monthly assistance to the woman head of every family (Gruha Lakshmi); 10 kg of rice free to every member of a BPL household (Anna Bhagya); Rs 3,000 every month for unemployed graduate youth and Rs 1,500 for unemployed diploma holders (both in the age group of 18-25) for two years (Yuva Nidhi) and free travel for women in public transport buses (Uchita Prayana).ANI03 June 2023 Shared Recently! BRICS commits to bring about reforms in UNSC Cape Town [South Africa], June 2: The BRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs and International Relations met on 1 June 2023 in Cape Town, South Africa. The Ministers of foreign affairs of the participant countries exchanged views on major global and regional trends and issues, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement. BRICS commits to bring about reforms in UNSC The Ministers expressed concern about the use of unilateral coercive measures, which are incompatible with the principles of the Charter of the UN and produce negative effects notably in the developing world. They reiterated their commitment to enhancing and improving global governance by promoting a more agile, effective, efficient, representative and accountable international and multilateral system.The Ministers recalled UN General Assembly (UNGA) Resolution 75/1 and reiterated the call for reforms of the principal organs of the United Nations. They recommitted to instil new life in the discussions on the reform of the UN Security Council (UNSC) and continue the work to revitalise the General Assembly and strengthen the Economic and Social Council.They reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the framework of BRICS cooperation under the three pillars of political and security, economic and financial, and cultural and people-to-people cooperation upholding the BRICS spirit featuring mutual respect and understanding, equality, solidarity, openness, inclusiveness, and consensus.The Ministers reiterated their commitment to strengthening multilateralism and upholding international law, including the purposes and principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations (UN) as its indispensable cornerstone, and the central role of the UN in an international system in which sovereign states cooperate to maintain peace and security, advance sustainable development, ensure the promotion and protection of democracy, human rights and fundamental freedoms for all, and promoting cooperation based on the spirit of solidarity, mutual respect, justice and equality.They recalled the 2005 World Summit Outcome document and reaffirmed the need for a comprehensive reform of the UN, including its Security Council, with a view to making it more representative, effective and efficient, and to increase the representation of the developing countries so that it can adequately respond to global challenges.China and Russia reiterated the importance they attach to the status and role of Brazil, India and South Africa in international affairs and supported their aspiration to play a greater role in the UN.The Ministers reaffirmed the importance of the G20 to continue playing the role of the premier multilateral forum in the field of economic cooperation that comprises both developed and developing countries where major economies jointly seek solutions to global challenges. They looked forward to the successful hosting of the 18th G20 Summit under the Indian G20 Presidency.They noted the opportunities to build sustained momentum for change by India, Brazil and South Africa chairing the G20 from 2023 to 2025 and expressed support for continuity and collaboration in their G20 presidencies and wish them all success in their endeavours.The Ministers called for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in its three dimensions - economic, social and environmental, in a balanced and integrated manner by mobilising the means required to implement the 2030 Agenda.They highlighted in this regard that the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Summit, to be held in New York in September 2023, constitutes a unique opportunity for renewing international commitment to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda.The Ministers recognised the impact on the world economy from unilateral approaches in breach of international law and they also noted that the situation is complicated further by unilateral economic coercive measures, such as sanctions, boycotts, embargoes and blockades.The Ministers expressed their support for the free, open, transparent, fair, predictable, inclusive, equitable, non-discriminatory and rules-based multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organisation (WTO) at its core, with special and differential treatment (S and DT) for developing countries, including Least Developed Countries. They stressed their support to work towards positive and meaningful outcomes on the issues at the 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13).They committed to engaging constructively to pursue the necessary WTO reform with a view to presenting concrete deliverables to MC13. They called for the restoration of a fully and well-functioning dispute settlement system accessible to all members by 2024, and the selection of new Appellate Body Members without further delay.They condemned unilateral protectionist measures under the pretext of environmental concerns such as unilateral and discriminatory carbon border adjustment mechanisms, taxes and other measures.They supported a robust Global Financial Safety Net with a quota-based and adequately resourced International Monetary Fund (IMF) at its centre. They called on continuing the process of IMF governance reform under the 16th General Review of Quotas, including a new quota formula as a guide, to be completed by 15 December 2023.The Ministers emphasised the importance of financial inclusion so that citizens can reap the benefits of economic growth and prosperity and welcomed the many new technological instruments for financial inclusion, developed in BRICS countries, that can contribute to ensuring the citizens' full participation in the formal economy.Ministers underscored the importance of encouraging the use of local currencies in international trade and financial transactions between BRICS as well as their trading partners.The Ministers emphasised that ensuring energy security is a crucial foundation for economic development, social stability, national security, and the welfare of all nations worldwide. They called for resilient global supply chains and predictable, stable energy demand to ensure universal access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy sources.They also stressed the importance of enhancing energy security and market stability by strengthening value chains, promoting open, transparent, and competitive markets, and ensuring the protection of critical energy infrastructure. They strongly condemned all terrorist attacks against critical infrastructure, including critical energy facilities, and against other vulnerable targets.The Ministers reiterated that the objectives, principles and provisions of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and its Paris Agreement, in particular, the principles of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities (CBDR-RC) in the light of different national circumstances, must be honoured.They reaffirmed their national and joint efforts to promote the implementation of the Paris Agreement In this regard, they stressed the importance of the fulfilment by developed countries of their commitments to provide technology and adequate, predictable, timely, new and additional climate finance that is long overdue to assist developing countries to address climate change.They expressed concern that the goal of developed countries to jointly mobilise USD 100 billion per year by 2020, and annually through 2025, has not been achieved and urged developed countries to meet their commitments. They rejected attempts to link security with the climate change agenda and recalled that the UNFCCC, including the annual Conference of the Parties (COP) sessions, is the appropriate and legitimate international forum to discuss the issue of climate change in all its dimensions.The Ministers recognised the importance of the inclusion of women in peace processes including in conflict prevention and resolution, peacebuilding, post-conflict reconstruction and development, and sustaining peace.The Ministers recalled their national positions concerning the situation in and around Ukraine as expressed at the appropriate fora, including the UNSC and UNGA. They noted with appreciation relevant proposals of mediation and good offices aimed at a peaceful resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy. They called for the full and effective implementation of both the Black Sea Grain Initiative and the Memorandum of Understanding between the Russian Federation and the Secretariat of the United Nations on promoting Russian food products and fertilizers to the world markets and stress the importance of allowing grains and fertilisers to continue to reach those most in need.The Ministers expressed concern about the outbreak of violence in Sudan. They urged the immediate cessation of hostilities and they called for the unimpeded access of the Sudanese population to humanitarian assistance. They welcomed the efforts of the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority for Development, the League of Arab States, the United Nations and its Security Council in seeking solutions for the ongoing crisis. They further welcomed support rendered by various countries, international organisations and agencies in the evacuation of foreign citizens from Sudan.The Ministers expressed strong condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations whenever, wherever and by whomsoever committed. They recognised the threat emanating from terrorism, extremism conducive to terrorism and radicalisation.They reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to contribute further to the global efforts of preventing and countering the threat of terrorism on the basis of respect for international law, in particular the Charter of the United Nations, and human rights, emphasising that States have the primary responsibility in combating terrorism with the United Nations continuing to play central and coordinating role in this area.The Ministers called for expeditious finalisation and adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism within the UN framework and for launching multilateral negotiations on an international convention for the suppression of acts of chemical and biological terrorism, at the Conference of Disarmament.They expressed the need to comprehensively strengthen mechanisms for countering the increased use, in a globalised society, by terrorists and their supporters of emerging and evolving technologies such as Unmanned Aerial Systems, the Internet and other information and communications technologies, including social media platforms, for terrorist purposes, such as for recruitment and incitement to commit terrorist acts, as well as for the financing, planning, and preparation of their activities.The Ministers expressed their full support to South Africa's BRICS Chairship in 2023 under the theme "BRICS and Africa Partnership for Mutually Accelerated Growth, Sustainable Development, and Inclusive Multilateralism". They expressed their commitment to working together to ensure the success of the XV BRICS Summit. The Ministers looked forward to the next BRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs and International Relations meeting to be held on the margins of UNGA78 and hosted by the Russian Federation as incoming Chair of BRICS in 2024.ANI03 June 2023 Shared Recently! Nurturing Growth: The Significance of Mentorship and the Role of Acquisition Plug in Building a Profitable Freelancing Agency VMPL, New Delhi, June 2 In the fast-paced world of business, having a mentor can be a game-changer for entrepreneurs and professionals seeking growth. Nurturing Growth: The Significance of Mentorship and the Role of Acquisition Plug in Building a Profitable Freelancing Agency Mentorship provides invaluable guidance, support, and knowledge transfer from experienced individuals who have traversed similar paths. However, the journey towards success can be hindered by fake mentors who offer little substance. In this context, Acquisition Plug emerges as a reliable and effective solution for aspiring freelancers, offering expert guidance to convert their freelancing career into a profitable agency. Let's delve into the importance of mentorship, the prevalence of fake mentors, and how Acquisition Plug can fuel business growth in the freelancing industry.Mentorship plays a pivotal role in personal and professional growth. A mentor acts as a trusted advisor, sharing insights, expertise, and experiences to help mentees navigate challenges, capitalize on opportunities, and make informed decisions. By providing guidance tailored to individual goals, mentors accelerate the learning curve and instil confidence in mentees. Whether it's offering strategic advice, fostering connections, or imparting industry-specific knowledge, mentors act as a beacon of wisdom, inspiring mentees to reach their full potential.Unfortunately, amidst genuine mentors, the industry has witnessed a surge in fake mentors who exploit the aspirations of individuals seeking guidance. Fake mentors often make lofty promises without delivering tangible results. They lack the necessary experience and expertise, offering generic advice that fails to address specific challenges. It is crucial for aspiring professionals to exercise caution, thoroughly research potential mentors, and seek testimonials from trusted sources before committing to a mentorship program.In the realm of freelancing, Acquisition Plug stands out as a reputable company that understands the dynamics of the industry and offers comprehensive solutions to help freelancers scale their businesses. The company specializes in assisting freelancers in converting their solo endeavours into thriving agencies, achieving sustainable growth and profitability. Through their proven strategies and insights, Acquisition Plug equips freelancers with the tools and knowledge required to establish their agencies, attract clients, and optimize operations.Acquisition Plug leverages data-driven methodologies to guide freelancers in making informed business decisions. By analyzing market trends, target audience behavior, and competitor strategies, the company identifies opportunities for growth and provides actionable recommendations. With a deep understanding of industry dynamics, Acquisition Plug assists freelancers in formulating effective marketing strategies, implementing streamlined workflows, and identifying revenue streams to achieve sustainable business expansion.Bikram Gill, the founder of Acquisition Plug is an example of Rags to Riches. He has experienced failure, rejections and bullying but now run two successful business. Bikram Gill, emphasizes the transformative power of mentorship in freelancing careers by saying, "With a commitment to authenticity and integrity, Acquisition Plug offers data-driven strategies and industry expertise to help freelancers build profitable agencies. Our mission is to fuel business growth and unlock the full potential of entrepreneurs in the freelancing industry."In an ever-evolving business landscape, mentorship plays a crucial role in nurturing growth and success. However, the presence of fake mentors highlights the need for caution when seeking guidance. With its proven expertise and commitment to supporting freelancers, Acquisition Plug emerges as a trusted partner in converting freelancing careers into profitable agencies. Through their data-driven approach and comprehensive solutions, Acquisition Plug empowers freelancers to unlock their full potential, driving business growth and achieving long-term success in the dynamic freelancing industry.(Disclaimer The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)ANI03 June 2023 Shared Recently! iCubesWire forecasts revenue of Rs 350 cr, entry into Riyadh, Moscow, London and Unified Ad Tech Launch this year ThePRTree, New Delhi, June 2 iCubesWire, India's leading digital Ad tech platform, has announced elaborate plans for this fiscal year. iCubesWire forecasts revenue of Rs 350 cr, entry into Riyadh, Moscow, London and Unified Ad Tech Launch this year The company's aspirations are focused on a robust exponential growth trajectory across several parameters, including revenue, team, geographies and the launch of advanced ad technology innovations, which will be added to the existing stacks.The company currently has offices in Gurgaon, Mumbai, Bangalore, Jakarta, and Dubai and has announced plans to expand its global footprint by establishing offices in Riyadh, Moscow and London in the coming months. Gurgaon being the headquarters has around 300 people and serves as the epicentre for the majority of innovations and developments.Furthermore, the company's Board of Directors are also based at the Gurgaon office, leading strategic direction and governance across business units.Technology remains the key focus for the company in fuelling growth. With a dedicated technology team of around 50 people, the company is concentrating its efforts towards making key additions to the overall technology stack. This will further broaden the company's portfolio of innovative solutions to serve its large customer base out of the geographies in they operate.The company has significant projections and forecasts from the key customers in existing geographies, and the numbers forecasts for this year are in the range of Rs 350 crore as the top-line revenue. The company's client portfolio serves prominent brands from various sectors, including e-commerce, FMCG, and travel brands, across its geographies.Commenting on the expansion plans, Sahil Chopra, Founder and CEO, iCubesWire, says, "We are calling this year as the year of liberating growth and have plans to expand into new geographies, launching the most sought-after tech platform that will also add to the numbers. The projections for this year are at 400 CR of top-line revenue and will substantially increase the EBITDA of the company. The same will add immensely to the overall value generation. We aspire to remain 100% privately held and free of any external debt for most of this year as well."(Disclaimer The above press release has been provided by ThePRTree. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)ANI03 June 2023 Shared Recently! New Heights of Luxury: The Postcard Hotel announces partnership with Singapore Airlines NewsVoir, New Delhi, June 2 Luxury soars to new heights as The Postcard Hotel and Singapore Airlines announce their partnership and join forces to provide a rewarding experience to KrisFlyer members. New Heights of Luxury: The Postcard Hotel announces partnership with Singapore Airlines The collaboration allows the Airline's loyalty members to earn 2000 KrisFlyer miles, while also enjoying an exclusive launch offer of an additional complimentary night when staying for 3 nights at The Postcard Hotel. With approximately 6 million members, KrisFlyer has evolved into a leading rewards program with a lifestyle-centric focus.Offering unparalleled luxury at its boutique hotels across India, Sri Lanka and Bhutan, The Postcard Hotel has marked the dawn of a new era in luxury travel, where every aspect of a guest's stay is exquisitely fashioned to surpass expectations and provide an experience that pushes the boundaries of traditional hospitality."The Postcard Hotel and Singapore Airlines are united by a shared vision of providing unparalleled excellence and exceptional service to their consumers," expresses Kapil Chopra, Founder and CEO, The Postcard Hotel. "This collaboration merges the expertise and unwavering dedication of two brands celebrated for their commitment to crafting unforgettable moments."Renowned for its opulent and meticulously crafted properties, The Postcard Hotel seamlessly complements Singapore Airlines' distinguished reputation for delivering unmatched service and providing effortless travel experiences to its customers. With a surge in inbound leisure traffic from Southeast Asia in 2022-2023, this collaboration is perfectly timed to meet the growing demand for remarkable and enriching travel experiences.Commenting on the partnership, Sy Yen Chen, General Manager India, Singapore Airlines shares, "KrisFlyer has evolved from an airline loyalty programme to a travel and lifestyle-centric rewards programme that unlocks an entire universe of benefits for our customers. This partnership with a luxury brand like The Postcard Hotel not only reinforces our aim to create unforgettable memories for our valued KrisFlyer members but also gives them a new avenue to earn miles, even when they aren't flying. We are very pleased and proud to have collaborated with The Postcard Hotel in what is surely going to be a very successful partnership."Singapore Airlines is considered to be the world's most awarded airline and has been recognised as the epitome of excellence in the airline industry. It has consistently been named The Best International Airline at multiple prestigious award ceremonies both in India and overseas. The KrisFlyer programme too, has been recognised as the Top Airline Rewards Programme, further solidifying the Airline's commitment to world class service and customer satisfaction.The Postcard Hotel was recently voted as 'Asia's Leading Boutique Hotel Brand' amongst other noteworthy honors at World Travel Awards 2022. Owing to the brand's consistency in delivering world-class service and experience to guests, The Postcard Hotel has been honored with a remarkable achievement in the esteemed Traveller Review Awards 2022 by Booking.com. It received a brand score of 9.6, which is recognized as the highest score for a luxury hotel brand globally.Kapil Chopra, together with a team of seasoned luxury hoteliers including Akanksha Lamba, Anirudh Kandpal, and Raman Bansal, embarked on a visionary journey to create extraordinary experiences for discerning travelers. In December 2018, they unveiled The Postcard Hotel, a brand driven by boldness and ambition, committed to redefining the rules and elevating the standards of experiential luxury. The brand made its debut in the captivating destination of Goa, and now successfully operates four exquisite resorts in the state The Postcard Velha, The Postcard Cuelim, The Postcard Hideaway Netravali, and The Postcard Saligao. In 2020, The Postcard Hotel expanded its horizons, establishing its international presence in Bhutan and Sri Lanka with The Postcard Dewa in Thimphu and The Postcard Galle, respectively. Continuing its remarkable growth, the brand introduced its first wildlife resort, The Postcard Gir Wildlife Sanctuary, and its inaugural art hotel, The Postcard Mandalay Hall in Kochi, in 2021. In 2022, The Postcard Hotel unveiled its first beachfront property, The Postcard on the Arabian Sea, offering a mesmerizing experience by the ocean. The brand stands resolute in its dedication to crafting remarkable journeys in stunningly designed hotels, preserving local authenticity - from experiences to cuisine, all while offering impeccable service in their intimate hotels.This industry-leading program allows members to accumulate miles through everyday spending and also have the option to earn and redeem miles through KrisShop, the acclaimed e-commerce platform of the Singapore Airlines (SIA) Group, featuring over 1,000 local and international brands. Additionally, they can enjoy diverse shopping, dining, and wellness experiences through Kris+, the SIA Group's rewards and lifestyle mobile app. Furthermore, KrisFlyer members can earn and redeem miles on flights with Singapore Airlines, Scoot, Star Alliance member airlines, and SIA partner carriers. They also have the flexibility to convert miles into points with selected non-airline loyalty programs in Singapore and globally, expanding the range of available rewards.(Disclaimer The above press release has been provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)ANI03 June 2023 Shared Recently! Vegandukan.com has been awarded as the best plant-based e-commerce portal PNN, New Delhi, June 2 has been awarded as the best plant-based e-commerce portal for delivering vegan and only plant-based food across India. Vegandukan.com has been awarded as the best plant-based e-commerce portal They have been in this business since 2019 and have dedicated their platform as a single source for buying new-age milk and meat replacements which are made from plants. They are headquartered in Bangalore and have a customer base all the way from J and K to the Northeast to the Islands of India.The winners in other categories were as followsFor plant-based meat, respective categories winners were GoodDot, Vezlay, Evolved Foods, Blue Tribe Foods, Hello Tempayy, and under the plant-based dairy category, So Good, RAW Pressery, Plantaway, and Onegood were the awardees.They received this award during the 2nd Plant-Based Foods Summit hosted by the Plant-based Foods Industry Association (PBFIA.org) on 25th May at Le Meridien, New Delhi--the guests of honour, Maneka Gandhi, MP Lok Sabha and Dr Amar Patnaik, MP Rajya Sabha, captivated the audience with their commitment to building sustainable practices.The event was supported by MOFPI Government of India, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India, The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) and the Indian Chamber of Commerce, organised by Plant Based Foods Industry Association, with the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) as Principal Sponsor brought together various industry experts.(Disclaimer The above press release has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)ANI03 June 2023 Shared Recently! President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy admitted that many Ukrainians are facing a challenging time, however, Russian society "will be tired forever." "I think [Ukrainian] people are facing a very challenging time. But compared to what? I think our people would be unable to rest under a Russian flag. And that is why people are ready to fight just for the sake of saving Ukraine," he said in an interview with the Latin American press that was published by the Office of the President of Ukraine on Saturday. At the same time, Zelenskyy expressed the opinion that "no one is as tired as Russians are. I think they are tired mentally. I think they are shocked. I think they are shocked that they are unable to seize Ukraine. They failed to break the people [of Ukraine]. And this terrible tiredness is an absolutely historically just thing for them. So, they will never be a vigorous state. They will be tired." "We morally defeated them," he said. "And if a political figure says that his country is tired of this war Well, we in Ukraine are not tired of defending peace," Zelenskyy said. "We realize that if Russia seizes us, that would be an example. I think that would be the toughest challenge. And a step towards a world war. Because if there is some more similar aggression on another continent, and another state wins, then it will break out as any epidemic all over the world," the president said. "That is why we cannot allow ourselves to be tired, despite 500 days. We just need to have physical rest sometimes," Zelenskyy said. In last 4 years, 61,000 km roads have been constructed in Rajasthan: CM Gehlot Jaipur June 2: Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Thursday said that 61,000 kilometres of roads have been constructed by spending 30 thousand crore rupees in the last 4 years. In last 4 years, 61,000 km roads have been constructed in Rajasthan: CM Gehlot Gehlot who laid the foundation stone and inaugurated 53 roads, ROBs and bridges costing 3377.55 crore rupees, further said that his government is continuously working to create excellent infrastructure in the state."In the last 4 years, 61,000 kilometres of roads have been constructed by spending 30 thousand crore rupees. In all, about 1.30 lakh km has been constructed by the state government at a cost of more than Rs 70,000 crore rupees. The road is being constructed," Rajasthan SM said while addressing the reporters.Gehlot further said that the Public Works Department has done commendable work in the last 4 years."Work orders for construction have been issued in a time-bound manner. Also, effective monitoring is being done to ensure quality. 18 Independent Quality Monitors have been appointed for quality control. Missing link roads are being constructed to connect remote areas by road," he added.ANI03 June 2023 Shared Recently! Impetus celebrates Founder and Executive Chairman, Praveen Kankariyas win at the Indore Gaurav Samman 2023 BusinessWire India, Indore, June 2 Impetus Technologies, a leading digital engineering company focused on delivering leading-edge Big Data and cloud solutions to large enterprises worldwide, proudly announces the remarkable achievement of its Founder and Executive Chairman, Praveen Kankariya, who has been honored with the prestigious Indore Gaurav Samman 2023 in the category of Information Technology. Impetus celebrates Founder and Executive Chairman, Praveen Kankariya's win at the Indore Gaurav Samman 2023 The Indore Gaurav Samman award was presented by the Chief Minister, Shivraj Singh Chouhan and other dignitaries. The state government recognizes individuals who have made noteworthy contributions to the development and progress of the city. This award is a testament to Kankariya's relentless dedication, visionary leadership, and exceptional work in the Information Technology sector. Expressing his gratitude, Kankariya said, "I'm immensely grateful for this remarkable recognition bestowed upon Impetus, and it fills us with great pride to receive the prestigious Indore Gaurav Samman award. With this recognition as a driving force, Impetus remains steadfast in its dedication to delivering cutting-edge solutions, pushing boundaries, and making a meaningful difference. We take great pride in being an integral part of the dynamic Indore community, where the emphasis on maintaining a clean and green environment has driven us to wholeheartedly pursue our goals." The entire team at Impetus joins in celebrating Kankariya's outstanding achievement. This recognition serves as motivation to further drive excellence, inspire innovation, and continue making a positive impact not only in Indore but also on a global scale.(Disclaimer The above press release has been provided by BusinessWire India. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)ANI03 June 2023 Shared Recently! French Open: Elise Mertens knocks out Jessica Pegula to reach 4th round Paris, June 2: The No.28 seed Elise Mertens continued her fine form at the ongoing French Open 2023 as she defeated No.3 seed Jessica Pegula in the third round on Friday. French Open: Elise Mertens knocks out Jessica Pegula to reach 4th round It took one hour and 22 minutes for Mertens to clinch a place in the fourth round with a 6-1, 6-3 victory over Jessica Pegula.She will next play 2021 finalist Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, who defeated No.24 seed Anastasia Potapova 4-6, 6-3, 6-0 to advance to the second round of a Grand Slam for the first time after returning from injury.Mertens performed a tactical masterpiece to dominate Pegula before coming through a close second set that might have gone anyway.As she raced to a 6-1, 1-0 lead, the 27-year-old's game was working in every facet. In the first set, she had nine wins to only four unforced errors, including a sequence of superbly weighted drop shots, a flicked backhand pass at full stretch, and a number of thunderous overheads that reminded me of her excellent doubles career.Mertens even brought up a break opportunity at the opening of the second set with a reckless mishit lob winner on the baseline, which he deservedly converted for an early lead.However, a pair of double faults in the next game drew Pegula into the match. As she found a foothold in the match, the five-time Grand Slam quarterfinalist broke back and began using the drop shot to great success.The decisive game was a five-deuce slugfest, which Mertens won 5-3. The former No.12 changed tactics to slow down rallies, and she saved one of three break points she faced in this game with a classic clay-court defence-to-offence exchange.Elsewhere, Pavlyuchenkova and Potapova had previously met in a three-hour, 20-minute barnburner in the first round of Istanbul 2021, in which Potapova won 7-6(2), 6-7(8), 6-4. The rematch similarly required a deciding set, but Pavlyuchenkova won in one hour and 51 minutes after winning the last nine games in a row in the French Open 2023 in the third round.ANI03 June 2023 Shared Recently! It was an incredible memory to experience solace in the chaos: Divya Agarwal on exploring Varanasi Mumbai June 2: Actor Divya Agarwal has been shooting in the holy town of Varanasi for her upcoming web show. She has been spending the majority of her time at the Ghats, savouring the regional cuisine and enjoying all that the area has to offer. It was an incredible memory to experience solace in the chaos: Divya Agarwal on exploring Varanasi Speaking of the same Divya shared, "I have been shooting here in Varanasi for my upcoming web show. Apart from working, I am spending some time exploring the city. It was an incredible memory to experience solace in the chaos. From boat rides on the Ghat to enjoying the local delicacies,I loved everything about the city. Now I know why my father said 'Banaras jaisi jagah kahi nahi'."Previously, she took to her Instagram handle and shared a heartfelt note for her father and her fiance while having the best time of her life in Varanasi.She wrote in the caption, "After my dad passed away, I was really disconnected from God. I still remember how as a family we used to go and do all the mandir darshan around us.. @apurva.insta you connected me to god and life again n now I want to see every temple and just count blessings... Varanasi has such a beautiful place in my heart... dad always said- Banaras jaisi jagah kahi nahi n now I know... love my life"Meanwhile, on the work front, Divya is known for a number of reality series. She was the runner-up of MTV 'Splitsvilla 10' and was the winner of 'Ace of Space 1' and 'Bigg Boss OTT'. 'Ragini MMS Returns 2', a horror web series, served as her acting debut.ANI03 June 2023 Shared Recently! Yogi govt to offer facilities, subsidies to investors setting up food processing units in UP Lucknow, June 2: In an attempt to boost the food processing sector in the state, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has launched Uttar Pradesh Food Processing Industry Policy 2023. Under this scheme, all kinds of subsidies and other facilities are being given for setting up the food processing units, an official statement said on Friday. Yogi govt to offer facilities, subsidies to investors setting up food processing units in UP The Uttar Pradesh government led by CM Yogi is providing additional facilities to encourage investors which include subsidy, interest subvention, and transport subsidy. It has been divided into four parts, first is the grant of projects, second is interest subvention, the third is transport grant and the fourth is major incentives.Under the New Food Processing Policy-2023, the Yogi government is giving a grant of 35 percent of the project cost (on plant, machinery and technical civil work) or a maximum of Rs 5 crores on the establishment of new food processing units.Apart from this, 35 percent of the project cost or a maximum of Rs 1 crore is being given for expansion, modernization and upgradation of units.On the other hand, for Integrated Cold Chain and Value Addition Infrastructure (primary equipment, plant machinery, and 50 frozen irradiation facilities), 35 percent of the project cost, or a maximum grant of Rs 10 crore, is being given.Similarly, 35 per cent of the project cost of a minimum investment of Rs 25 crores (5 units) or a maximum of Rs 10 crores by the agro-processing group, a grant of 35 percent of the project cost or a maximum of Rs 5 crores for the development of a priority processing center at the farm gate, collection center, cold storage, dry warehouse, mobile pre-cooling unit, reefer trucks, IQF facility distribution centers, and retail outlets under backward and forward linkage, the statement said.Not only this, a maximum of Rs 5 crores of the project cost is being given for agricultural promotion chain development study, 50 percent of the project cost or a maximum of Rs 50 lakhs is being given on the construction of decentralized procurement storage and processingThe Yogi government is providing interest subsidies to investors to attract investment in the food processing industry. Interest subvention of Rs 50 lakh is being given for a maximum period of five years on the loan of Mobile Pre Cooling Unit Refer Van. 25 per cent transport subsidy is given on the cost of transport from the food processing unit to the exporting country, the statement further said.Under major incentives, exemption of 2 per cent fee on the declaration of non-agricultural use, 25 per cent on circle rate on exchange of government land, 50 per cent on change fee on land use conversion, 75 per cent on external development fee.Percentage discount, reimbursement of stamp duty for land purchase, market fee on raw material purchased for processing in the state, exemption in tax, exemption in market fee, and cess on agricultural produce purchased directly from farmers by processing units.ANI03 June 2023 Shared Recently! All 5 guarantees promised by Congress govt in Karnataka to be implemented this financial year: CM Siddaramaiah Bengaluru, June 2: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced on Friday that all five guarantees which were promised in the Congress manifesto will be implemented in the current financial year at a cost of approximately Rs 50,000 crore every year. All 5 guarantees promised by Congress govt in Karnataka to be implemented this financial year: CM Siddaramaiah The annoucement comes after a cabinet meeting chaired by CM Siddaramaiah and said, "We held a cabinet meeting today. We discussed all five promises thoroughly. We have decided that all five guarantees will be implemented in the present financial year."The five 'main' guarantees, which Congress promised to fulfil after coming to power in Karnataka, were 200 units of free power to all households (Gruha Jyoti); Rs 2,000 monthly assistance to the woman head of every family (Gruha Lakshmi); 10 kg of rice free to every member of a BPL household (Anna Bhagya); Rs 3,000 every month for unemployed graduate youth and Rs 1,500 for unemployed diploma holders (both in the age group of 18-25) for two years (Yuva Nidhi) and free travel for women in public transport buses (Uchita Prayana)."We had a long consultation. It will be given in this financial year itself," Siddaramaiah said.Implementation (of guarantee about 200 units of free electricity) will begin from 1st July. 200 units of electricity will be free...Consumers who haven't paid their bills till July will have to pay."We decided to implement all five guarantees. Guarantee-1 'Gruha Jyoti', which exempts families with up to 199 units from paying electricity bills; effective from July 1st. Guarantee-2 is 'Gruha Lakshmi'; govt will pay Rs. 2000 to woman head of family. The scheme will be effective from August 15," CM Siddaramaiah said.Chief Minister Siddaramaiah clarified that those who use electricity within 200 units will not have to pay the bill.Gruha Lakshmi - Rs 2,000 monthly assistance to the woman head of every family. Bank account and Aadhaar merger process to be done. All BPL and APL can apply. The process will be conducted from June 15 to August 15 and will be effective from August 15. There are no other conditions for this. This will be available in addition to the pension under the Social Security Services. This is not for those who are getting pensions of retired government employees.Under Anna Bhagya, 10 kg of food grains will be given free to all in BPL households. From June 1, BPL plus Antyodaya Anna card holders will get 10 kg each, Siddaramaiah said.Uchita Prayana - There are 50 per cent of women in society. Free travel within the state by government regular bus, express, (except AC, non-AC sleeper, luxury, Rajahamsa bus) from June 11 onwards for all women of Karnataka including students irrespective of status. 50 per cent seat reservation in KSRTC. If there are no daughters, the men may sit and go.Under Youth Fund (Yuva Nidhi), Rs 3,000 per month for 24 months (2 years) from the date of registration for all graduates including vocational pass in 2022-23, Rs 1,500 for diploma graduates. Those who got employment should declare by then. Applicable to males, females and transgenders, Siddaramaiah said.The Congress Cabinet in the State touched its full strength of 34 on May 27 after the induction of 24 more ministers in the cabinet.The Karnataka Cabinet was expanded after the Chief Minister and Shivakumar held consultations with the party's central leadership.On May 20, Siddaramaiah took oath as the Chief Minister along with DK Shivakumar who took oath as his deputy.This was followed by the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government issuing the orders for the implementation of five guarantees which were promised by the party before the elections.ANI03 June 2023 Shared Recently! Barun Sobti shares latest update about Asur 2 that will leave you excited Mumbai, June 2: The psychological mystery thriller, 'Asur 2', which released on June 1 became an immediate sensation, leaving viewers intrigued with its gripping storyline. The makers released only the first three episodes of the show on Thursday. Barun Sobti shares latest update about 'Asur 2' that will leave you excited And now, after seeing the phenomenal success of the opening three episodes, the 'Asur' team, on Friday, released the remaining 5 episodes in one go.Sharing the update, actor Barun Sobti, one of the main leads of the show, took to Instagram and wrote, "Anth ka aarambh samay se pehle ho chuka hai. We saw your overwhelming love for the first three episodes. We heard your demand for more. So, we now bring you ALL episodes of #Asur2OnJioCinema."The second season of the acclaimed crime thriller series directed by Onir Sen sees Barun Sobti, Arshad Warsi, Amey Wagh, and Riddhi Dogra reprise their roles from the first season which premiered in 2020. The show chronicles the story of a serial killer on the loose in the backdrop of myths and religion.The first season of the show aired on VOOT and released in 2020. It was co-written by Gaurav Shukla, Niren Bhatt, Abhijeet Khuman and Pranay Patwardhan and was directed by Oni Sen.ANI03 June 2023 Shared Recently! DCB Bank jumps 2.30 per cent in afternoon trade; lender appoints new CFO Mumbai, June 2: During the afternoon trade on Friday, the shares of DCB Bank went up 2.30 per cent to Rs 122.20 apiece on the back of a change in top management and strong quarterly earnings. DCB Bank jumps 2.30 per cent in afternoon trade; lender appoints new CFO In a span of five days, the shares surged 2.30 per cent and 11.45 per cent over a period of one month, according to data available on BSE.The Mumbai-headquartered lender on Friday said the board of directors approved the appointment of Ravi Kumar as the chief financial officer (CFO) and key managerial personnel (KMP) of the bank with effect from June 8.According to a statement shared with stock exchanges, Ravi Kumar is a fellow member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India and a Certified Information Systems Auditor. Ravi has held key positions over a career span of 27 years in national and international roles across finance, audits, and operations.He joined DCB Bank in the year 2009 as a chief internal auditor and also served as chief operating officer for branch banking and head of operations and key projects.He was instrumental in building quality teams and strengthening the units. He sincerely leveraging technology to bring about a paradigm shift in every function.Prior to DCB Bank, he worked for Samba Financial Group (previously Citibank) at Riyadh and Qatar as chief financial officer and programme director in Audit.On May 5, the board of directors at its meeting held on May 5, 2023, had recommended a final dividend of Rs 1.25 per equity share of Rs 10 each of the bank, subject to the approval of the members at the ensuing annual general meeting (AGM) of the lender. "This is to inform you that the record date for determining the eligibility of Members entitled to receive a dividend on equity shares is Thursday, June 15, 2023," it added.ANI03 June 2023 Shared Recently! Rafael Nadal undergoes hip surgery in Barcelona; reports New Delhi, June 3: Rafael Nadal underwent arthroscopic surgery on his injured left hip flexor, in Barcelona on Friday night. Rafael Nadal undergoes hip surgery in Barcelona; reports According to reports, Benito Perez-Barbadillo, Nadal's spokesman, said three doctors were engaged in the treatment, which was taking place in Barcelona. Perez-Barbadillo said he planned to be ready to share details about the operation on Saturday, Nadal's 37th birthday.The Spaniard has been out since January after injuring his hip in a second-round loss at the Australian Open. He missed the ongoing French Open, which he has won 14 times, for the first time since 2004.IANS03 June 2023 Shared Recently! Rajnath Singh to hold bilateral talks with US, German counterparts New Delhi, June 3: Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will hold bilateral talks with his visiting US and German counterparts on June 5 and 6, respectively, the Defence Ministry said on Saturday. Rajnath Singh to hold bilateral talks with US, German counterparts According to the Ministry, the bilateral talks will focus on enhancing defence corporation with the US and Germany.US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin will arrive in New Delhi on June 4 from Singapore on a two-day visit.It will be Secretary Austin's second visit to India, the previous one being in March 2021.Meanwhile, Germany's Federal Minister of Defence Boris Pistorius will arrive in New Delhi on June 5 on a four-day visit to India.Besides his meeting with Rajnath Singh, Pistorius is also likely to meet a few defence start-ups during an event organised by Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) in New Delhi.On June 7, he will travel to Mumbai where he is likely to visit Headquarters, Western Naval Command and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited.According to the Ministry, a host of bilateral defence cooperation issues, with focus on industrial cooperation, are likely to be discussed during the two meetings in Delhi.IANS03 June 2023 Shared Recently! President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that Ukraine is ready for a counteroffensive. "In my opinion, as of today, we are ready to do it. We would like to have certain things, but we can't wait for months. We strongly believe we will succeed. I don't know how long it will take," he said in an interview with the Wall Street Journal published on Saturday. Speaking about the possibility of using nuclear weapons by Russia, Zelenskyy said: "A cornered animal, he is afraid of losing his life. [] He understands power. If we are talking about the isolation of the Russian Federation and his circle of people, then it is necessary to do it powerfully." To the question about a possible change of the U.S. administration during the upcoming elections, Zelenskyy said that "President [of the United States Joseph] Biden has been more helpful to us than President [Donald] Trump. [] But at the same time, we must remember that there was no full-scale war at that time and I'm not sure how Trump would have acted." "I didn't understand when Donald Trump said that: 'In 24 hours, I would bring Putin and Zelenskyy to the table and end the war.' He could have done it. But that didn't happen. Yes, the question was probably not as pressing at the time, because there was no full-scale invasion. But our territories were occupied," Zelenskyy said. The head of state stressed the importance of providing Ukraine with the Patriot aid defense systems. "There's currently one weapon capable of stopping some types of missiles launched by the Russian Federation []. The only system in the world is the Patriot. [] The reality is 50 Patriots will, for the most part, prevent people from dying," he said. The Ukrainian president stressed that "any counteroffensive without air superiority is very dangerous." Speaking about the upcoming NATO Summit in Vilnius, Zelenskyy expressed the opinion that "some NATO countries are so afraid of Russia that they don't want to admit Ukraine into the alliance." "If we are not acknowledged and given a signal in Vilnius, I believe there is no point for Ukraine to be at this summit. [] But tell me how many lives is one phrase at the Vilnius summit worth?" he said. Makers of Malayalam action thriller Bazooka release Mammoottys first look New Delhi, June 2: Yoodlee Films, the film studio of Saregama India Limited, has released the first look poster of 'Bazooka', its big-budget Malayalam action thriller featuring superstar Mammootty. Makers of Malayalam action thriller 'Bazooka' release Mammootty's first look The poster features Mammootty as the central figure in a dimly lit space next to a bike almost as if he is about to embark on the journey of a lifetime. The filming of 'Bazooka' began on May 10 in Ernakulam, Kerala. It is being helmed by debutant director Deeno Dennis and also stars Gautham Menon.Talking about the film, Dennis said "As I have said before, I always dreamt of working with Mammootty sir and this poster has finally brought that dream to life. I feel so thrilled to see his commanding presence in a story that I always wanted to tell. I can't wait to share the teaser and eventually the film, which is truly the labour of love for all of us."Co-Producer Jinu V. Abraham added "Every single milestone we have reached with this film has been special and the poster launch is no different because we are sharing the first look of Mammootty sir's character and of the film with the world. The response so far has been fantastic and indicates how eagerly fans are waiting for this film." 'Bazooka' is co-produced by Theatre Of Dreams.'Bazooka' is the latest addition to Yoodlee's 2023 Malayalam slate with films such as Tovino Thomas's next, 'Anveshippin Kandethum'. and 'Kasargold' (with Asif Ali and Sunny Wayne).IANS03 June 2023 Shared Recently! IOM says prolonged drought triggered significant displacement in Ethiopia Addis Ababa, June 3: The prolonged drought in Ethiopia has triggered significant displacement that is likely to continue into 2023 across communities with eroded livelihoods, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) said. IOM says prolonged drought triggered significant displacement in Ethiopia The UN migration agency, in its Ethiopia Annual Report 2022 that was issued on Friday, said as the drought situation persists in parts of the East African country, there is a high probability of a sixth failed season in 2023, a phenomenon not seen or heard of in recorded history."Communities in southern and eastern parts of Ethiopia have been suffering from a devastating drought following five consecutive failed rainy seasons," it added.IOM said the continued drought has resulted in a displacement and refugee crisis as nearly 1.8 million people are displaced in drought-affected regions of Ethiopia, while one out of five displaced persons in Ethiopia is displaced due to drought, Xinhua news agency reported.The drought-affected regions comprise three quarters of the total land area of Ethiopia, in which Somali, Oromia and Afar regions are the most severely impacted, IOM added.Figures from the UN migration agency show that one in every four migrants leaving Ethiopia in 2022 was from drought-affected areas of the country, one in every four returning migrants was going back to drought-affected areas of the country.With multiple crises significantly increasing the needs of affected population in Ethiopia, IOM said it has continued to adapt, be flexible, and respond at scale. It added that its response supported more than two million instances of multi-sectoral assistance to people in need across Ethiopia in 2022.According to IOM, in addition to the prolonged drought, the two-year conflict in northern Ethiopia created high humanitarian needs across Afar, Amhara and Tigray regions, which remained largely unaddressed due to resource constraints.It, however, said since the signing of the peace agreement back in November last year, improved security started to open opportunities for humanitarian access to areas that were inaccessible before, allowing humanitarian actors to continue to expand and scale up much needed assistance.IOM, describing the year 2022 as "critical" for Ethiopia and the wider East and Horn of Africa region, said the international community was challenged to respond to the increasing humanitarian needs due to armed confrontations in many parts of the country and consequent displacement, with frequent shortages of basic supplies and services.It said as a country of origin, transit and destination for migrants, nearly 2,50,000 Ethiopians migrated, driven by natural and man-made disasters and severe economic hardship during the course of 2022.IANS03 June 2023 Shared Recently! Australia supports US efforts to establish reliable, open channels of communication with China: PM Anthony Albanese Singapore, June 2: Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Friday said the country strongly supports US' efforts to establish reliable and open channels of communication with China. Australia supports US' efforts to establish reliable, open channels of communication with China: PM Anthony Albanese "Australia strongly supports renewed efforts from President Biden's administration to establish reliable and open channels of communication between the governments of the United States of America and the People's Republic of China," Albanese said in his speech during the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore.The Australian PM said he wants to recognise the speech Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong gave in China where he said "Big powers have a heavy responsibility to maintain stable and workable relations with one another."He said "Because the alternative, the silence of the diplomatic deep freeze, only breeds suspicion, only makes it easier for nations to attribute motive to misunderstanding, to assume the worst of one another."Albanese said "If you don't have the pressure valve of dialogue, if you don't have the capacity, at a decision-making level, to pick up the phone, to seek some clarity or provide some context, then there is always a much greater risk of assumptions spilling over into irretrievable action and reaction."The Australian PM said that the consequences of such a breakdown, whether in the Taiwan Strait or elsewhere, would not be confined to the big powers or the site of their conflict, they would be devastating for the world."That's why, as leaders in this region, and as citizens of it, we should be doing everything we can to support the building of that first and most fundamental guardrail," he said."In Australia, our Government has put dialogue at the heart of our efforts to stabilise our relationship with China," the Australian PM said.The IISS Shangri-La Dialogue kicked off in Singapore on June 2.The Shangri-La Dialogue is Asia's defence summit. It's a meeting where ministers debate the region's security challenges, engage in important bilateral talks and come up with fresh approaches together.The 2023 event is taking place in Singapore on June 2-4.ANI03 June 2023 Shared Recently! Kareena, Saif step out for family dinner with Karisma Kapoor Mumbai, June 3: Kareena Kapoor Khan and Saif Ali Khan spent Friday night in the best way. Kareena, Saif step out for family dinner with Karisma Kapoor The duo went for a family dinner in Mumbai with sister Karisma Kapoor and uncle Kunal Kapoor.Mumbai-based paps clicked them while they were exiting a restaurant.They all were seen laughing before parting ways. All were dressed in casuals.Kareena opted for a white kurta, black trousers and matching sandals.Saif was seen in a black shirt and denims. Karisma wore a black top, a beige skirt and black heels. Kunal Kapoor was seen in a blue kurta and pyjama.Karisma took to Instagram Stories and shared a few pictures form her family dinner.She shared a photo of a ramen bowl and tagged the restaurant. Karisma also added the hashtag--Lolo loves. The actor also posted a mirror selfie as she posed inside a lift. She wrote, along with the picture, "Liftie after long."Meanwhile, on the work front, Kareena will be seen sharing screen space with Kriti Sanon, Tabu and Diljit Dosanjh in 'The Crew'.It is a story of three women and is touted as a laugh-riot, set against the backdrop of the struggling airline industry. However, their destinies lead to some unwarranted situations and they get caught in a web of lies. The film is produced by Rhea Kapoor and Ektaa R Kapoor. Rajesh Krishnan is directing it.Saif has 'Adipurush' in his kitty. The film will see Saif in the role of Ravana.Karisma has 'Brown' and 'Murder Mubarak' in her kitty.ANI03 June 2023 Shared Recently! New blood test to detect 50 types of cancer shows promise London, June 2: A novel blood test that can detect for more than 50 types of cancer has shown promise to accelerate diagnosis and fast-track patients for treatment, according to results of a trial. New blood test to detect 50 types of cancer shows promise The trial, conducted by the UK National Health Service, showed that the test correctly revealed two out of every three cancers among 5,000 people with suspected symptoms, the BBC reported.In 85 per cent of those positive cases, it also pinpointed the original site of cancer. The test is particularly good at finding hard-to-spot cancers such as head and neck, bowel, lung, pancreatic, and throat cancers, revealed the results presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology's annual meeting in Chicago.Known as Galleri test, developed by the US-based company Grail, it is intended to detect a cancer signal and predict cancer signal origin to inform diagnostic evaluation.The test looks for distinct changes in bits of genetic code that leak from different cancers. Spotting treatable cancer early can save lives.Although not accurate enough to "rule in or rule out cancer", the test was really useful for patients, lead researcher Prof Mark Middleton told BBC News."The test was 85 per cent accurate in detecting the source of the cancer - and that can be really helpful because so many times it is not immediately obvious when you have got the patient in front of you what test is needed to see whether their symptoms are down to cancer," he said."With that prediction from the test, we can decide whether to order a scope or a scan and make sure we are giving the right test the first time.""The findings from the study suggest this test could be used to support GPs to make clinical assessments - but much more research is needed, in a larger trial, to see if it could improve GP assessment and ultimately patient outcomes," Dr David Crosby, from Cancer Research UK, was quoted as saying.IANS03 June 2023 Shared Recently! Why Sahara India Life to go to SBI Life, not ICICI Prudential Life? Unanswered questions Chennai, June 2: For a second time and after nearly six years, the Indian insurance regulator has ordered transfer of life insurance business of Sahara India Life Insurance Company Ltd. Why Sahara India Life to go to SBI Life, not ICICI Prudential Life? Unanswered questions The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) on Friday ordered the transfer of Sahara India Life's insurance business to listed SBI Life Insurance Company Ltd.Interestingly, the IRDAI had issued a similar order on July 28, 2017.However, by that order, it had ordered transfer of Sahara India Life's business to another private and listed player ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Company Ltd with effect from July 31, 2017.Then the Sahara group appealed against the IRDAI's transfer order with the Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT). In 2018, the SAT set aside the IRDAI's business transfer order while upholding the appointment of an administrator for Sahara India Life.And about five years after SAT's order, the IRDAI on June 2, 2023 issued a fresh order transferring Sahara India Life's insurance business to SBI Life.The IRDAI is silent as to why it did not reiterate its earlier order transferring Sahara India Life's business to ICICI Prudential Life, and what has changed between 2017 and now is not known."Probably IRDAI finds SBI Life's balance sheet stronger. Also, SBI Life was promoted by public sector bank State Bank of India (SBI)," a senior life insurance official told IANS preferring anonymity."The Authority (IRDAI) has identified SBI Life Insurance Company Ltd (SBI Life), which is one of the largest life insurers in the country with satisfactory financials, as the acquirer insurer of the life insurance business of SlLIC (Sahara India Life). SBI Life shall take over the policy liabilities of around two lakh policies of SILIC, backed by the policyholders' assets, with immediate effect," the IRDAI on Friday said.Does that mean the financials of SBI Life is better than ICICI Prudential Life? Or a life insurer promoted by a public sector bank is easier to direct? Answers are not available.(Venkatachari Jagannathan can be reached at v.jagannathan@ians.in)IANS03 June 2023 Shared Recently! Ford wanted Indy Jones to look and feel like an old man in Dial of Destiny Los Angeles, June 2: For Harrison Ford, the allure of reprising Indiana Jones for a fifth time in the upcoming Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny was all about time, writes 'Variety'. Ford wanted Indy Jones to look and feel like an old man in 'Dial of Destiny' Ford will celebrate his 81st birthday in July, just a few weeks after "Dial of Destiny" opens in theatres (in India, one day before the United States). It is not the typical age of your 2023 Hollywood action hero.That was a selling point for Ford, who told 'Esquire' magazine that he ensured Indiana Jones looked and felt like an old man in "Dial of Destiny"."I wanted an ambitious movie to be the last one," Ford said about reprising Indiana Jones, according to 'Variety'. "And I don't mean that we didn't make ambitious movies before -- they were ambitious in many different ways. But not necessarily as ambitious with the character as I wanted the last one to be."For similar reasons, Ford made the decision to go shirtless during one of the early scenes of "Dial of Destiny". He said "Waking up in my underwear with the empty glass in my hand was my idea."Ford's age did show itself at times during the making of "Dial of Destiny", notes 'Variety', such as when he pulled the subscapularis muscle off his right shoulder during a fight scene with co-star Mads Mikkelsen. The film's production shut down for two weeks. When it resumed, Ford had to sit out an additional six weeks.IANS03 June 2023 Shared Recently! Egypt, Qatar to launch relief initiative for Sudan Cairo, June 3: Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani have agreed to launch a joint initiative to support and provide relief to people in Sudan. Egypt, Qatar to launch relief initiative for Sudan During a phone conversation, both leaders stressed that the initiative aims to provide humanitarian and relief services to Sudanese people, especially refugees, the Egyptian presidency said on Friday in a statement.The two leaders also stressed the importance of intensive work to contain the humanitarian situation in Sudan, facilitating the flow of relief aid, and sparing civilians the repercussions of the fighting, according to the statement.Sudan has witnessed deadly armed clashes between the Sudanese Army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces in capital Khartoum and other areas since April 15, Xinhua news agency reported.According to the Sudanese Doctors Union, the number of civilian deaths since the beginning of the clashes has risen to 863 with 3,531 injuries.The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs recently said that more than one million people have been displaced since the conflict began, fleeing to safer locations inside and outside Sudan.IANS03 June 2023 Shared Recently! Chunky Panday, Nargis Fakhri celebrates three years of Housefull 3 Mumbai, June 3: It's a nostalgic day for actors Chunky Panday and Nargis Fakhri as their film 'Housefull 3' turned 'three' on Saturday.Taking a stroll down memory lane, Chunky shared a clip from the movie on his Instagram stories remembering the film. Chunky Panday, Nargis Fakhri celebrates three years of 'Housefull 3' The video showcased glimpses from the movie where the movie's cast can be seen.He wrote, "Celebrating 7th Anniversary of Sajid Nadiawala's Houseful 3."Actor Nargis Fakhri also reshared the same story posted by Nadiadwala Grandson's official Instagram handle. She wrote, "Here's to 7 years of rib-tickling comedy, non-stop entertainment and boundless love! #NGEFamily celebrates the #7thAnniversayOfHousefull3"'Housefull 3' was released in 2016 and it is directed by Sajid-Farhad and produced by Sajid Nadiadwala. The film features an ensemble cast in lead roles, including Akshay Kumar, Abhishek Bachchan, Riteish Deshmukh, Jacqueline Fernandez, Nargis Fakhri, and Lisa Haydon.The story revolves around three friends, played by Akshay Kumar, Riteish Deshmukh, and Abhishek Bachchan, who are in love with three sisters, portrayed by Jacqueline Fernandez, Lisa Haydon, and Nargis Fakhri. However, due to a misunderstanding, the girl's father, portrayed by Boman Irani, has a deep dislike for the idea of men marrying his daughters.To convince the father, the friends pretend to be disabled and enter the household, leading to a series of hilarious and chaotic situations.'Housefull 3' follows the signature style of the 'Housefull' series, presenting a blend of slapstick comedy, witty one-liners, and over-the-top humour. The film features colourful sets, catchy music, and dance numbers that add to the entertainment quotient. The film performed well at the box office.Meanwhile, on the work front, Chunky was last seen in 'Liger', where Ananya Panday was paired opposite Vijay Deverakonda. Chunky has also worked in series like 'Pop Kaun?' and 'Baked Season 3 The Bad Trip.'Nargis was last featured in a music video titled 'Fayaah Fayaah' alongside singer Guru Randhawa. The actor was also in the conversation for a web show and her next Hindi film will be announced soon.ANI03 June 2023 Shared Recently! Vicky dedicates Zara Hatke Zara Bachke song to Katrina as she praises film Mumbai, June 3: Bollywood actress Katrina Kaif turned out to be a cheerleader for husband Vicky Kaushal as she praised his latest release 'Zara Hatke Zara Bachke'. Vicky dedicates 'Zara Hatke Zara Bachke' song to Katrina as she praises film Taking to her Instagram Stories, Katrina shared a poster of the film featuring him and Sara Ali Khan. She wrote "In cinemas now. Congratulations to the entire team, a film made with so much heart."Seeing the gesture, Vicky took to his Instagram and re-posted Katrina's message. He also dedicated his film's song 'Phir Aur Kya Chahiye' to his wife.He wrote a line from the song "Tu hai toh mujhe phir aur kya chahiye."Directed by Laxman Utekar, the film revolves around Kapil and Somya, a happily married couple from Indore who live in a joint family and decide to get divorced one fine day. Things don't go as planned as their family gets to know of it, and thus begins a comedy of errors.IANS03 June 2023 Shared Recently! Ukraine's MFA on peace plan proposed by Indonesia: Ukraine has no territorial disputes with Russia to hold referenda there There are no disputed territories between Ukraine and the Russian Federation to hold referenda there, long-term peace in Ukraine means the liberation of territories from the Russian occupation, the Peace Formula of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is aimed at this, Spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry of Ukraine Oleh Nikolenko has said in response to the peace plan proposed by Indonesia. "Indonesia is an important country in the Southeast Asian region, currently chairing the ASEAN. Last year, President Joko Widodo became the first among Asian leaders to visit Kyiv to see firsthand the consequences of Russian aggression. We appreciate the attention that Indonesia is paying to the issue of restoring peace in Ukraine, apparently drawing conclusions from its own history. At the same time, there are no disputed territories between Ukraine and the Russian Federation to hold referenda there," Nikolenko said on Facebook on Saturday. The Foreign Ministry stressed that, having committed an act of aggression, the Russian Federation occupied Crimea, parts of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhia and Kherson regions, and the Russian army commits war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide in the occupied territories. "Russia must withdraw from Ukrainian territories, and Ukraine must restore its territorial integrity within internationally recognized borders. There can be no alternative scenarios," the ministry said. In addition, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson pointed out that "a ceasefire, a 15-kilometer disengagement of forces, and the creation of a demilitarized zone will not work either." Nikolenko noted that Russia is now trying in every possible way to disrupt the Ukrainian counteroffensive, and a ceasefire without the withdrawal of Russian troops from the territory of Ukraine will allow the Russian Federation to buy time and build up strength for a new wave of aggression. "Long-term peace in Ukraine means the liberation of Ukrainian territories from Russian occupation. This is what the Peace Formula of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is aimed at. We invite Indonesia to join its active implementation," he said. As reported, Indonesian Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto, at the Shangri-La Dialogue forum in Singapore, proposed a peace plan for ending the war to Ukraine, providing for a "ceasefire, the creation of a demilitarized zone in which each side retreats 15 km from its current positions." In his opinion, the UN should also "organize and hold referenda in the disputed territories in order to objectively confirm the will of the majority of people." Tom Hanks wasnt a fan of some of his own films Los Angeles, June 3: Hollywood star Tom Hanks feels that not every film he did was great. Tom Hanks wasn't a fan of some of his own films In an interview published with The New Yorker, Hanks said "Let's admit this We all have seen movies that we hate. I have been in some movies that I hate. You have seen some of my movies and you hate them."Hanks was speaking on how a film should be judged. Instant reactions are common, he noted, reports deadline.com."Someone is going to say, 'I hated it.' Other people can say, 'I think it's brilliant.' Somewhere in between the two is what the movie actually is," he said, referring to it as "Rubicon No. 3.""The commercial performance of the film," Hanks said, is the fourth Rubicon, "because, if it does not make money, your career will be toast sooner than you want it to be. That's just the fact."And the fifth and final Rubicon is time. Hanks said a great example of that is holiday classic 'It's a Wonderful Life', which grew in popularity after its 1946 release only after frequent television airings.Another example of that is his own 1996 film, That Thing You Do!, which he wrote, directed, and starred in."I loved making that movie," Hanks said."I loved writing it, I loved being with it. I love all the people in it. When it came out, it was completely dismissed by the first wave of vox populi. It didn't do great business. It hung around for a while, was viewed as being some sort of odd, kinda quasi-ripoff of nine other different movies and a nice little stroll down memory lane.""Now the same exact publications that dismissed it in their initial review called it 'Tom Hanks' cult classic, That Thing You Do!' So now it's a cult classic," he added."What was the difference between those two things? The answer is time."IANS03 June 2023 Shared Recently! Shobhaa De hails Kangana: About time a star debunked the airport look nonsense Mumbai, June 3: After Kangana Ranaut called herself a victim of capitalism and bid adieu to the airport look, author Shobhaa De hailed the Bollywood actress for exposing the fashion industry. Shobhaa De hails Kangana: 'About time a star debunked the airport look nonsense' De also said that it is about time a star spoke up against the "nonsense" airport look.De tweeted "About time a star spoke up and debunked the 'airport look' nonsense. Thanks for frankly exposing the pressure exerted by foreign brands exploiting desi insecurity at the expense of our crafts communities."Kangana on Friday took to her Instagram stories, where she shared a slew of pictures from her airport.She took the credit for starting the trend of the airport look in India. She shared a string of airport looks and captioned the picture slide "Only person to blame for starting the stupid trend of airport looks."She then tagged herself as a "Victim of capitalism.""Brainwashed by magazine editors and fashion industry to look a western woman so that I only fill the pockets of international designers. Ashamed to repeat clothes always buying without any care about the impact of my choices on the environment.""While I act like a bimbo, the system hails me as a fashionista to encourages me to promote more international brands while my own people like weavers and handicrafts men dying slow and steady death. Then they shrewdly start to price tag everything I wear making it a vanity issue for me and guess what I fall for the trap now more than style it's about brands even for a genuinely stylish person," she added.Kangana said that fashion brands make "you work for them for free by just sending clothes and bags they start to hijack cultures and tradition of an entire civilisation."Bidding adieu to the trend of airport looks she added "If this is how an Indian woman looks then what does an American woman look like? Bye bye airport looks, we have gone past that phase. Now it's time even if I buy one piece of clothing, I ask myself how many Indians benefit from this!"IANS03 June 2023 Shared Recently! There might be conflicts or military confrontations inside the aggressor country as a result of the successful efforts of the security and defense forces of Ukraine and the successful actions of the "insurgents", Spokesperson for the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Defense Ministry of Ukraine Andriy Yusov has said. "As a result of the successful actions of the security and defense forces of Ukraine and the de-occupation of our territories, internal conflicts inside the moscovia are possible," the press service of the Main Intelligence Directorate quoted him as saying on the Telegram channel on Saturday. Yusov also said on the air of the New Countdown talk show on the Suspilne TV channel that this scenario "might be due to the successful actions of the insurgents who are fighting for their rights in the territory of the so-called Russian Federation the Russians with the passports of this federation." According to him, the operations of the Russian Volunteer Corps and the Freedom of Russia Legion continue. "The king has appeared to be naked. Everything that had a combat capability and was able to move has been deployed for the occupation of Ukraine. Only pot-bellied traffic policemen remained in the territory of moscovia," Yusov said. According to him, the fight against armed insurgents is not a competence of the traffic policemen called by Russian President Vladimir Putin to guard the state border within the framework of the Edelweiss plan. The majority of them are only trained to beat peaceful protesters by the batons and take bribes from retirees. "That is why it is such a failure. That is why it is necessary to bomb civilian houses of the moscovites using artillery and Grad systems. This is streamed live and the whole world is looking at this," he said. Download Now The News-Gazette mobile app brings you the latest local breaking news, updates, and more. Read the News-Gazette on your mobile device just as it appears in print. The area's largest district, Champaign's Unit 4, has spent $3,441,530 on subs including full-time teachers who pick up an extra shift since July 1. Also in the millions: Danville (about $2.2 this school year) and Urbana ($2,161,100). The 38-district report is part of today's special money-themed edition of Meeting Minutes & More. Champaign, IL (61820) Today A mix of clouds and sun during the morning will give way to cloudy skies this afternoon. Hazy. High 84F. Winds NE at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight A few passing clouds. Low 56F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph. Research conducted at Georgetown University's Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Washington DC VA Medical Center on a database of veterans exposed to Agent Orange found an association for an increased risk of developing myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), which are acquired stem cell disorders that can lead to overproduction of mature blood cells complicated by an increased risk of blood clots in arteries and veins. When MPNs progress, they can become deadly leukemias. The findings will be presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology 2023 annual meeting in Chicago in June. Agent Orange is an herbicide that was utilized by the United States military in Korea and Vietnam to clear foliage during combat. It has been associated with sarcomas and B-cell lymphomas, but not MPNs or leukemias to date. "MPNs are associated with serious cardiovascular events and people with this disease have decreased overall survival chances," says Andrew Tiu, MD, a second-year hematology/oncology fellow with Medstar Georgetown University Hospital who conducts research at Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center and is the lead author of this finding. "But until now, we haven't been able to fully ascertain whether Agent Orange exposure truly leads to the development of myeloproliferative neoplasms, which is why we've undertaken what is the biggest population-based study to date to try to answer this question." To explore associations between Agent Orange and MPNs in addition to blood clots, bleeding, and a number of cardiovascular factors, the researchers utilized the Veterans Affairs Informatics and Computing Infrastructure (VINCI) database and examined records of 93,269 MPN patients among 12,352,664 veterans over 17 years. The researchers used veterans from the state of Illinois as a control population since Illinois is highly representative of the United States according to the US Census Bureau. Significant findings from the study include: The odds of Agent Orange exposure among MPNs are 1.63 times greater than the odds of exposure among controls. When comparing people with MPNs vs. age-, gender-, and race-matched controls, there was more clotting in the arteries (37% vs. 18.5%), more clotting in the veins (14.8% vs. 5.2%) and more bleeding events (39.1% vs. 13.5%), respectively. People with MPNs had more hypertension (75.5% vs. 43.2%), diabetes (31.2% vs. 19%), and more heart failure (26.1% vs. 11%) than age-, gender, and race-matched controls, respectively. The odds of Agent Orange exposure among matched controls with arterial clots are 1.38 times greater than the odds of exposure among controls without arterial clots. The odds of Agent Orange exposure among MPNs with arterial clots are 1.49 times greater than the odds of exposure among MPNs without arterial clots. Because their findings only point to possible associations and not causes, Tiu notes that the researchers will need to dive more deeply into the biology of the disease. Specifically, they want to look at JAK2 mutations, which are one of the three driver mutations of MPNs (the other two being MPL and CALR mutations) that can cause uncontrolled proliferation of stem cells. JAK2 has also been associated with an increased risk of clotting. There are several associations between Agent Orange and health disorders that are not well understood and we hope our work helps uncover a few of these. We are proud of the fact that our work was selected for a 2023 Conquer Cancer Merit Award and we'll be using those funds to further our research efforts." Andrew Tiu, MD, a second-year hematology/oncology fellow with Medstar Georgetown University Hospital In addition to Tiu, authors include Zoe McKinnell, Nandan Srinivasa and Zoe Shancer at George Washington University Hospital; Shanshan Liu and Guoqing Diao at Milken Institute School of Public Health of George Washington University and Puneet Gill, Martha Antonio, Ramesh Subrahmanyam, Maneesh Rajiv Jain at the Washington DC VA Medical Center. Lupus Therapeutics announced the start of a collaboration to conduct three Phase 3 clinical trials testing an investigational therapeutic ianalumab for systemic lupus erythematosus and lupus nephritis. Lupus Therapeutics, the clinical research affiliate of the Lupus Research Alliance, will help Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation (Novartis) conduct the trials through the Lupus Clinical Investigators Network (LuCIN) at top academic centers throughout North America. Lupus is a devastating heterogeneous autoimmune disease affecting millions worldwide with symptoms that can range from debilitating fatigue to life-threatening organ damage. Lupus Therapeutics and the Lupus Research Alliance are committed to advancing the identification and accelerating the development of potential new treatments for a community in urgent need of more options. The three trials will evaluate the effectiveness and safety of ianalumab compared to placebo given as a subcutaneous injection once a month or every three months. All the three trials are already underway and enrolling lupus patients. We believe this collaboration between Lupus Therapeutics and Novartis Pharmaceuticals will provide a significant opportunity to accelerate the development of new treatments and therapies for both SLE and lupus nephritis conditions and are hopeful that this collaboration will pave the way for improved patient outcomes." Lupus Therapeutics Executive Vice President Stacie Bell, Ph.D. Click below to learn more about each trial. Contrary to expectations, the risk for relapses, overdoses and deaths related to substance use disorder didn't increase after a large-scale prison release in New Jersey, according to a Rutgers study. The study, published in JAMA Health Forum, examined whether post-release overdose deaths and drug-related hospital and emergency department visits increased after more than 2,000 individuals were released from prison in late 2020 as the result of a pandemic-era policy. Risk of relapse and adverse health events is high following prison release, with risk of fatal overdose as much as 129 times greater in the two weeks post-release than in the general population." Peter Treitler, research project manager at the Center for Health Services Research at the Rutgers Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research (IFH) and lead author of the study In November 2020, New Jersey enacted the Public Health Emergency Credit Act to reduce COVID-19 transmission among people in state prisons. The legislation resulted in the release of more than 2,000 individuals in one day. The large-scale release posed concerns regarding the capacity of reentry services and a potential increased risk for relapse or drug overdose for individuals with substance use disorders, according to researchers. The researchers analyzed prison releases among incarcerated individuals with substance use disorders in New Jersey from 2019 to 2020 and examined hospital and death records within 45 days after their release from prison. They found the risk of overdose or death in individuals with substance use disorder after the mass prison release in 2020 didn't increase compared with earlier periods of time. "New Jersey has robust reentry supports for incarcerated people with substance use disorder, which may have lowered post-release risks," said Treitler. "N.J.'s decarceration experience may provide a model for future policy reform as correctional systems seek to reduce incarceration without increasing health risk." Researchers said next steps for further study include assessing outcomes after longer periods of time and examining additional health-related outcomes, such as primary care utilization and adherence to medication treatment for those released on medications for opioid use disorder. Coauthors of the study include Molly Nowels and Stephen Crystal of IFH; Rusty Reeves and Lisa DeBilio of Rutgers University Correctional Health Care; and Kenneth Feder and Brendan Saloner of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Study funding was provided by Bloomberg Philanthropies, the National Institute on Drug Abuse and the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences. Researchers have for the first time characterized a unique molecular mechanism of the early stages of programmed cell death or apoptosis, a process which plays a crucial role in prevention of cancer. The study, which is published today (Friday 2nd June 2023) in Science Advances, was led by Dr Luke Clifton at the STFC ISIS Neutron and Muon Source (ISIS) in Oxfordshire, alongside co-lead Professor Gerhard Grobner at the University of Umea and partners at the European Spallation Source in Sweden. It is the most recent in a series of research collaborations by this team, investigating the cellular proteins responsible for apoptosis. Apoptosis is essential for human life, and its disruption can cause cancerous cells to grow and not respond to cancer treatment. In healthy cells, it is regulated by two proteins with opposing roles known as Bax and Bcl-2. The soluble Bax protein is responsible for the clearance of old or diseased cells, and when activated, it perforates the cell mitochondrial membrane to form pores that trigger programmed cell death. This can be offset by Bcl-2, which is embedded within the mitochondrial membrane, where it acts to prevent untimely cell death by capturing and sequestering Bax proteins. In cancerous cells, the survival protein Bcl-2 is overproduced, leading to uninhibited cell proliferation. While this process has long since been understood to be important to the development of cancer however, the precise role of Bax and the mitochondrial membrane in apoptosis has been unclear until now. Dr Luke Clifton, STFC ISIS Neutron and Muon Source scientist and co-lead author, explains: "This work has both advanced our knowledge of fundamental mammalian cell processes and opened exciting possibilities for future research. Understanding what things look like when cells work properly is an important step to understanding what goes wrong in cancerous cells and so this could open doors to possible treatments." The team used a technique known as neutron reflectometry (conducted using the advanced ISIS Surf and Offspec instruments) which enabled them to study how Bax interacts with lipids in the mitochondrial membrane. This built on their previous studies of membrane-bound Bcl2. Using neutron reflectometry on SURF and OFFSPEC, they were able to study in real time the way that the protein interacts with lipids present in the mitochondrial membrane, during the initial stages of apoptosis. By employing deuterium-isotope labeling, they determined for the first time that when Bax creates pores, it extracts lipids from the mitochondrial membrane to form lipid-Bax clusters on the mitochondrial surface. By using time-resolved neutron reflectometry in combination with surface infrared spectroscopy in the ISIS biolab, they were able to see that this pore creation occurred in two stages. Initial fast adsorption of Bax onto the mitochondrial membrane surface was followed by a slower formation of membrane-destroying pores and Bax-lipid clusters, which occurred simultaneously. This slower perforation process occurred on timescales of several hours, comparable to cell death in vivo. This is the first time that scientists have found direct evidence of the involvement of mitochondrial lipids during membrane perturbing in cell-death initiated by Bax proteins. Dr Luke Clifton continues: "As far as we can tell, this mechanism by which Bax initiates cell death is previously unseen. Once we know more about the interplay between Bax and Bcl-2 and how it relates to this mechanism, we'll have a more complete picture of a process that is fundamental to human life. This work really shows the capabilities of neutron reflectometry in structural studies on membrane biochemistry." The finding builds on previous studies by the team on the molecular mechanism of membrane-bound Bcl-2 to inform a more complete understanding of the early stages of apoptosis. The unique findings here will not only have a significant impact in the field of apoptosis research but will also open gateways for exploring Bax and its relatives as interesting targets in cancer therapy such as by tuning up their cell-killing potential." Professor Gerhard Grobner, University of Umea scientist and co-lead author Future research is planned at ISIS to further elucidate the molecular mechanism of apoptosis and in particular, to characterize the interplay between Bax and Bcl-2. It is hoped that this will yield insights which will open new avenues of research to continue to develop our understanding of the cellular processes necessary for human life. Despite the use of similar assessment criteria when deciding whether new cancer drugs should receive funding, there are substantial differences in drug funding decisions, across comparable high-income countries. This is the key finding from a new study published in the Lancet Oncology yesterday (31 May), led by Kristina Jenei from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) and Dr. Bishal Gyawali, Associate Professor of Oncology and Public Health Sciences, from Queen's University, Kingston, Canada. With emerging criticisms that cancer medicines are expensive with modest benefits to patients, the authors set out to compare the assessment criteria, known as health technology assessment criteria (HTA), being used by eight economically similar high-income countries when deciding whether to fund new cancer medicines. The eight countries studied were England, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, New Zealand and Australia. The researchers found the countries employ overlapping funding assessment criteria. For example, all countries consider the therapeutic benefit of a drug, most consider whether a drug is cost effective and most consider the budget implications of funding a drug on their health system. However, despite these overlapping criteria, the researchers found there were significant discrepancies in funding decisions. For example, of the best-selling cancer drugs across a variety of cancer types, Germany funded all of them; followed by Italy with 94 percent; Japan with 82 percent; then England, Canada, France and Australia with 79 percent. Finally, New Zealand funded 35 percent. In a separate analysis looking at funding for cancer drugs determined to have marginal benefit by an independent body (the European Society of Medical Oncology), Germany funded 83 percent; Japan 67 percent; France 50 percent; Italy 39 percent; Canada 28 percent; England and Australia 17 percent. New Zealand did not fund any cancer medicines with marginal benefit. These results raise important questions around whether similar assessment criteria are being given different weight by different assessment bodies or other factors are being considered implicitly. The authors note that these results underscore the importance of transparency in funding decisions and demonstrate the discordance in public funding decisions across economically and demographically similar countries. In the study discussion, the authors state: "In our study, although all countries included economic factors within HTA criteria, how these data are weighted in reimbursement recommendations was not clear. Japan and England specified explicit cost-effectiveness thresholds, which were more lenient for cancer than other conditions. Other countries might need to revisit how economic data are considered to ensure sustainability of publicly funded health systems, including establishing clear cost-effectiveness thresholds." Commenting on recent developments and the implications of their findings, co-author Kristina Jenei, a PhD candidate in Health Economics and Health Policy at LSE said: "Access to cancer medicines is important to patients. However, countries need to ensure the medicines offered to patients are beneficial compared to what already exists. In the UK, NICE assess value on a variety of criteria and is one of the only countries that includes a cost-effectiveness threshold. England is the only country in our study that had a mechanism to fund drugs temporary through the Cancer Drug Fund while collecting better evidence on their 'real-world effectiveness'. "Our study results will help facilitate collaboration and streamlining of HTA efforts across G7 countries, which seems relevant right now given that such collaboration already seems to have started for cancer research. Our findings can be used in these efforts to compare and strengthen existing health technology assessments between countries given HTA's central role in determining access to medicines, and ultimately outcomes, for patients. But as cancer treatment and evidence becomes more complex, existing methods may need to be adapted." The researchers found that among the cancer drugs with the lowest degree of clinical benefit, an average of only 38 percent were recommended for funding in other high-income countries, despite all of them being approved in the U.S. This finding highlights the fact that drugs with a marginal degree of benefit are not often recommended in other jurisdictions despite having the stamp of FDA-approval, and that the drugs on which the U.S spends the most are also not always reimbursed in other countries. The study underscores the importance for ongoing initiatives for international alignment between HTA organizations to ensure high-value cancer medicines are accessible to patients and ultimately improve health outcomes. Health Technology Assessment for cancer drugs may seem straightforward at the first glance because most countries look at similar parameters such as efficacy, cost-effectiveness, etc. However, our study found that there are several nuances and differences in how these are interpreted, and this will provide opportunity for countries to learn from each other. Also importantly, our study shows that just because a cancer drug is approved by the US FDA doesn't automatically mean that it is an important drug that other countries should spend their resources on. Although all the cancer drugs that provide minimal clinical benefit were approved by the FDA, most countries didn't reimburse a majority of these- New Zealand reimbursed 0% of these. These lessons are important for several LMICs in the world without an HTA agency where FDA approval is considered synonymous to high quality." Dr. Bishal Gyawali from Queen's University, Kingston, Canada BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 3. Hungary's energy security has increased further today, thanks to gas supplies from Azerbaijan, said the countrys Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto on his Facebook page, Trend reports. "According to the agreement signed by Hungarian MVM CEEnergy and Azerbaijani SOCAR, 100 million cubic meters of natural gas will arrive in Hungary from Azerbaijan by the end of 2023. This is another milestone in the diversification of Hungarian natural gas supply," he said. Szijjarto noted that Hungarian energy supply security has increased even more, because the point of diversification is not to exchange geographical dependencies, but to attract as many new sources as possible to ensure safe supply. On June 2, President of the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) Rovshan Najaf and Chief Executive Officer of the Hungarian company "MVM Group" Karoly Matrai signed and agreement on the sale of natural gas in the amount of 100 million cubic meters. The start of deliveries of the volumes of gas specified in the contract is envisaged in the 4th quarter of this year. While the overall mortality rates -; the number of deaths per 100,000 people -; during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic were higher in the United States compared to Canada, a new study at the University of Missouri finds some surprising similarities in mortality rates between certain U.S. states and Canadian provinces. The findings offer a more nuanced look at the effectiveness of public health strategies like masking and social distancing before vaccines were widely available, and the findings can help inform public health response strategies at the state and local level to combat future pandemics or infectious diseases. Tyler Myroniuk, an assistant professor in the MU College of Health Sciences, and his team compared trends in COVID-19 mortality rates between U.S. states and Canadian provinces from January 2020 to November 2020. Before the vaccines became available, the only mitigation strategies we had were things like masking and social distancing, and deaths are the ultimate marker of a health care system. The federal governments of both the U.S. and Canada gave autonomy to individual states and provinces to make their own health care decisions regarding mitigation strategies, and we found some surprisingly similar trends between certain U.S. states and Canadian provinces that many would not expect." Tyler Myroniuk, Assistant Professor, MU College of Health Sciences For example, the Canadian province of Quebec had high mortality rates during this time period and showed very similar mortality trends compared to the U.S. states of Michigan and Delaware. In contrast, the Canadian provinces of Alberta and British Columbia had low mortality rates during this time period and showed very similar mortality trends compared to the U.S. states of Maine and Vermont. Myroniuk said the findings were surprising due to several differences when comparing the locations, including population density, age, weather and climate, racial and ethic diversity, socioeconomic conditions, cultural preferences, infectious disease mitigation strategies, and health care systems. "Now that we have identified these similarities, the next step could be to look further into what specific factors contributed to these similarities in trends that may seem at first unnatural or random," Myroniuk said. "While it may be easier to say Canada handled the pandemic better in general, what we found by looking at the data is that there is a lot of nuance involved, and that nuance is important for tailoring localized response strategies whenever the next pandemic might come around." Myroniuk added that while overall comparisons between how different countries responded to the pandemic have been researched extensively, this is the first study to identify specific similarities at the state or provincial level, which could lead to more effective, localized solutions in the future. "Adapting to the specific needs of a population is going to be key moving forward rather than painting with a broad brush or having a one-size-fits-all approach, especially given the demographic diversity in massive countries like the U.S. and Canada," Myroniuk said. "Similarities in COVID-19 mortality between Canadian provinces and American states before vaccines were available," was published in Canadian Studies in Population. Coauthors on the study include Michelle Teti, Enid Schatz and Ifeolu David. The commencement of the Gurugram Metro construction by the Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) marks a significant leap forward for the districts transportation infrastructure. Covering a span of 28.5 kilometres, this metro line will establish a vital link between Huda City Center, Old Gurgaon, and Cyber City, encompassing an impressive network of 27 stations, including a convenient interchange station. According to a report from Hindustan Times, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar recently conducted a comprehensive review of various development projects. During this review, he disclosed that the civil work on the Gurugram Metro line is set to commence within the next month, starting from Huda City Center. CM Khattar expressed his belief in the transformative impact of these initiatives and showcased a firm commitment to the progress of the region by allocating a budget of over Rs 2,000 crore specifically for development endeavours in Gurugram and Faridabad. The government is committed to strengthening the metro rail and road network to establish a robust transportation system in Gurugram and Faridabad. To achieve that, GMDA will commence civil work on a 28km Metro rail network in Gurugram within a month," CM Khattar said. Gurgaon Metro Route The proposed Gurugram metro route aims to traverse significant neighbourhoods including Subash Chowk, Hero Honda Chowk, Palam Vihar, and CyberHub. Additionally, the state government has proposed a metro link connecting Palam Vihar to Dwarka Sector 21, which will establish a vital connection between the Gurugram Metro and Delhi Metros Blue Line in Dwarka. Despite facing delays in the past five years due to changes in project plans, the Gurugram Metro rail project has now obtained approval from the Public Investment Board of the central government. The final clearance from the Union cabinet is pending, which will serve as the ultimate green light for the project to proceed. Gurgaon Metro Stations top videos As outlined in the detailed project report, the planned metro stations along the proposed route include Sector 45, Cyber Park, Sector 46, Sector 47, Sector 48, Technology Park, Udyog Vihar Phase 6, Sector 23, Sector 23 A, Sector 22, Sector 37, Basai, Sector 9, Sector 7, Sector 4, Sector 5, Ashok Vihar, Sector 3, Krishna Chowk, Sector 4, Udyog Vihar Phase 4, and CyberHub. During the review meeting, CM Khattar also addressed other crucial infrastructure projects, including the construction of water treatment plants and the development of road networks in Gurugram and Faridabad. Significant progress on various initiatives in districts like Yamunanagar, Karnal, Fatehabad, and Jhajjar was also brought to attention. These development projects aim to enhance transportation connectivity, improve water management, and support overall growth and development in the region. Punjab Governor Banwarilal Purohit on Thursday flagged the possibility of colleges in neighbouring Haryana to be affiliated with Chandigarh-based Panjab University, triggering a strong reaction from Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. In a statement issued by the Haryana government, Banwarilal Purohit, who is also the administrator of the Union Territory of Chandigarh, said this (affiliation) is possible with mutual consent of chief ministers of both the states. Bhagwant Mann reacted that his government is committed to avert any change in the nature and character of the Panjab University (PU), saying the university is heritage of the state. He also said his government is committed to safeguard the rights of the state and its people, according to a Punjab governments statement. The Punjab CM and the governor have clashed in the past as well. Earlier, Purohit chaired a meeting with Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and Mann here, in a cordial atmosphere, regarding various issues related to the PU, according to the Haryana governments statement. Positive steps have been taken towards restoration of Haryanas share in Panjab University, Chandigarh and affiliation of Haryana state colleges to the varsity," the statement said. Notably, Haryana is seeking restoration of the states share in PU, Chandigarh. During the meeting, Purohit said that the governments should work to make education accessible to rural areas as well, and exhorted both the chief ministers that the matters related to PU should be taken forward with mutual consent. The issue of affiliation of Haryana colleges to Panjab University is not a big issue; it is possible to do so. This collaboration of Haryana and Punjab will certainly be a good start," he said, as per the statement. Meanwhile, according to the statement, Punjab CM Mann sought some time to finalize these subjects following which a meeting has been scheduled on June 5".Later, Mann said the PU, a premier educational institute, has an emotional place in the hearts of the people of Punjab for historical, cultural and provincial reasons. He said the PU is synonymous with the name of the state, asserting that the university caters only to the state of Punjab and its capital Chandigarh. The Punjab CM and the governor were at loggerhead last year when the latter had raised issues of illegal" appointment of Punjab Agricultural University vice-chancellor and promotion of an IPS officer who was shunted out for alleged misconduct, among others. Last year, the Haryana Assembly had unanimously passed a resolution recommending the government to seek restoration of the states share in the Panjab University. Haryana Education Minister Kanwar Pal had then said consequent upon the passing of the Kurukshetra University Act, the Centre had on November 1, 1973 issued a notification abolishing states share in the PU. At that time, the number of colleges affiliated to the PU in Haryana was 63 across 18 districts. In the meeting, Khattar said that under the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966, the share of Haryana was given to Panjab University and the colleges and regional centres of Haryana were affiliated to Panjab University. However, it was abolished by issuing a notification in 1973. In todays era, the colleges of the states are also being affiliated with international universities. The aim of the National Education Policy is that all educational institutions should cooperate in the progress of the country and the mutual relations of all the states should be further strengthened. Therefore, affiliation of colleges of Haryana should be done with Panjab University, Chandigarh, said the Haryana chief minister. Khattar said that Haryanas colleges should also have affiliation with PU. The Haryana government, along with the Centre, will take Panjab University forward, so that the university becomes prosperous and its needs are fulfilled, he asserted. Citing the history of the university, its constitution, its ethnic, socio-cultural and historical roots as well as its faculty and students who hail primarily from the state of Punjab, Mann said it is important that the present legal and administrative status of the Panjab University should be preserved. He reminded that at the time of the reorganization of the state of Punjab in 1966, the PU was declared as an Inter State Body Corporate under section 72(1) of the Punjab Reorganization Act 1966 enacted by the Parliament. The chief minister said that ever since its inception, the PU has been continuously and uninterruptedly functioning in the state of Punjab. top videos Mann recalled that it was shifted from Lahore, the then capital of Punjab, to Hoshiarpur and then to Chandigarh, the present capital of Punjab. He said that at present 175 colleges of Punjab situated in the districts of Fazilka, Ferozepur, Hoshiarpur, Ludhiana, Moga, Sri Muktsar Sahib and S B S Nagar are affiliated with the PU. Haryana Chief Secretary Sanjeev Kaushal, Punjab Chief Secretary Vijay Kumar Janjua, PU Vice Chancellor Prof Renu Vig, along with senior officers of Haryana, Punjab and Chandigarh UT, were also present in the Thursdays meeting. Delhi University is gearing up to start the admission process for its undergraduate courses soon. While an official announcement of the admission schedule is yet to be announced, a report by PTI claims the DU Undergraduate admission 2023 is likely to begin mid-June. DU officials are already working to bring the academic calendar back on track, with measures to facilitate admissions. It is expected that the CUET (Common University Entrance Test) admission portal will go live by mid-June. Haneet Gandhi, the Dean of Admission at Delhi University, expressed confidence in the preparedness of the university and stated, We are all set. We have done all kinds of preparation in advance. This time the admission process will be much smoother. One of the reasons is that CUET will conclude in time." To assist students in their admission process, the university will be conducting webinars, introducing chatbots, help desks, and dedicated phone lines. These initiatives aim to streamline the admission procedure and ensure a smooth experience for students. Delhi University has also developed informative infographics with examples to assist students in selecting their test papers. Moreover, video tutorials in both Hindi and English will be made available soon on the official admission website of the varsity. These tutorials will provide detailed guidance on the registration process, the selection of test papers from Sections I, II, and III, as well as the uploading of required documents for CUET (UG) 2023. top videos Haneet Gandhi emphasized that the admission process will proceed as per the designated timeline, ensuring that all seats are filled this year. The university is determined to maintain the efficiency and effectiveness of the admission process while prioritizing the needs of the students. DU could not fill 70,000 seats last year despite its best efforts, leaving 7 per cent of the seats across all its colleges vacant. Overall, Delhi University is actively preparing for the DU Admission 2023 for its undergraduate courses. The University of Delhi received the maximum number of applications for CUET UG followed by Banaras Hindu University, Allahabad University, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University and Jamia Millia Islamia. The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay secured the third position in the engineering category of the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) last year. This technology institute is known for its rigorous academic standards, so much so that an aspiring engineer looks forward to getting a seat in it. Admission to the BTech programs at IIT Bombay is done through the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Advanced 2023, which is scheduled to take place on Sunday, June 4. IIT Bombay traditionally sets the highest cut-off for computer science and engineering among all the IITs centres. Also Read: JEE Advanced 2023 Admit Card Released, Know How to Download To facilitate the examination process, IIT Guwahati has recently released the JEE Advanced admit card 2023. Candidates can obtain this important document from the official website of the exam, jeeadv.ac.in. The admit card is essential for a student appearing in the exam as it contains essential details such as the candidates name, roll number, examination centre, and other relevant information. IIT Bombay offers a diverse range of BTech courses, including computer science engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, aerospace engineering, civil engineering, and many more. Once the JEE Advanced 2023 results are declared, IIT Bombay will publish the cut-off scores for BTech admissions in 2023. These cut-offs serve as benchmarks for aspiring students, indicating the minimum scores they need to achieve in order to secure admission to their desired programs at the institute. It is important for candidates to stay updated with the official announcements and notifications from IIT Bombay regarding the release of these cut-offs. For students aspiring to join IIT Madras, the admission process involves participating in the JoSAA (Joint Seat Allocation Authority) counselling for 2023. JoSAA is responsible for coordinating the seat allocation process for admissions to IITs, National Institutes of Technology (NITs), Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs), and other government-funded technical institutions across India. top videos IIT Bombays notable achievement in the NIRF rankings underscores its position as one of the leading engineering institutes in India. The upcoming JEE Advanced 2023 examination provides a crucial opportunity for aspiring engineers to secure admission to the institutes esteemed BTech programs. The Ministry Of Education in an assessment of board examination for class 10th and 12th has identified some challenges. In its report, large difference in performance of students from various boards, significant variation in pass percentages and no level playing field for students in terms of standard are among the challenges identified by the Ministry of Education. The assessment has also pointed out that top five boards (Uttar Pradesh, CBSE, Maharashtra, Bihar and West Bengal) cover about 50 per cent of students and the rest 50 per cent students are enrolled in 55 boards across the country. The study noted that the deviation in performance might be due to different patterns followed by boards and convergence of secondary and higher secondary boards into a single board in a state can help students. The assessment also found that different syllabi followed by boards have created barriers for national level entrance tests. According to School Education Secretary, Sanjay Kumar, the difference between pass percentages of various states has led the education ministry to now look at standardising the assessment pattern for all 60 school boards across various states in the country. Currently, there are three central boards in India the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) and the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS). Apart from these, various states have their own state boards, taking the total number of school boards to 60. Noting that the pass percentages vary significantly among boards, the study report points out that in senior secondary exams, while Meghalaya has a pass percentage of 57 per cent, Kerala has a pass percentage of 99.85 per cent. The report also noted that 11 states contribute to 85 per cent of school dropouts. These states are Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Assam, West Bengal, Haryana and Chhattisgarh. Among possible causes for higher failure rate in state boards pointed out in the report include less number of trained teachers and teachers per school. This contributes to low Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) and also affects Indias overall rank in global indices. The report analysed the class 10 and 12 results for state boards of Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Karnataka, Kerala, Manipur, Odisha, West Bengal and Telangana to understand the variation in results for different state boards. The report has also recommended that state boards may converge Science syllabus with the central boards so that students have level playing field for common exams like JEE and NEET. The other reason behind this standardisation attempt is to contain the dropouts at the level of class 10. Thirty-five lakh students of class 10 are not reaching class 11, 27.5 lakh students are failing and 7.5 lakh students are not appearing for the exam, the report said. It adds that 11 states, including UP, Bihar, MP, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Assam, West Bengal, Haryana and Chhattisgarh, contribute the maximum 85 per cent of the dropouts. top videos Mapping of failing students (around 46 lakh) of regular state boards with open boards and exchange of information can help in tracking and retaining students in the education system for a longer period. Presently, only 10 lakh students are registering through open schools, the report further said. Similarly, (around 12 lakh) students registered but not appearing can be mapped with the skill development department for tracking and training them, it added. The Tripura Board of Secondary Education (TBSE) is gearing up to release Class 10th and 12th results 2023 soon. According to a recent update, the results will likely be announced on Monday, June 5 at 12:30 pm through a press conference. Once the results are made accessible, students can check their scores from the official website of TBSE, tbse.tripura.gov.in. TBSE Class 10th and 12th: How to check Step 1: Go to tbse.tripura.gov.in, the official website of TBSE. Step 2: On the homepage, locate and click on the TBSE Final Result 2023 link. Step 3: In the new page that opens, choose the link for either TBSE Class 10 Result 2023 or TBSE Class 12 Result 2023. Step 4: Enter your roll number, birth date, and any other required information in the provided fields. Step 5: Click on the Submit button to proceed. Step 6: Your TBSE Tripura Board Class 10 and 12 results will be displayed on the screen. Step 7: Download your result and keep a copy for future reference. A total of 38,116 Class 10 students and 33,435 Class 12 students appeared for the TBSE board examinations and are now eagerly awaiting their results. To cater to students who lack internet access, the Tripura Board has introduced the option to check the Tripura Class 12 and Class 10 results via SMS. Students can submit an SMS with the subject TBSE12 ROLL NO" to the number 7738299899 to receive the TBSE Class 12 Result 2023. Similarly, for Class 10 results, they need to open the SMS application on their phone, type TBSE10 Roll number", and send it to the same number. The Tripura Madhyamik Result 2023 will be received on the same number, allowing students to obtain their results conveniently via SMS. top videos The Tripura Board has set the qualifying marks for both classes. For the TBSE Class 12 Result 2023, students need to secure at least 30 per cent marks in each paper and overall to successfully clear the examination. Similarly, to pass the examination in Class 10, students must attain a minimum of 35 per cent marks in each subject as well as the overall aggregate. The recent surge in the popularity of AI tools has successfully blurred the lines between fantasy and reality. From folklore, sketches, and cultures, to movies, the wave has left nothing untouched. Now, a social media content creator has left the internet impressed with their photorealistic image series of popular Hollywood actresses. The artist selected several female stars, who enticed audiences with their exceptional performances on the silver screens, and reimagined how all of them would look if they were to embark on a spiritual journey in India. The creator revealed the fictional pictures were made with the help of the AI tool Midjourney. Scarlett Johansson, Natalie Portman, Jennifer Lawrence, Emma Watson, Zendaya, Salma Hayek, Angelina Jolie, Charlize Theron, Jennifer Aniston, and Emilia Clarke got a special mention in the creators photorealistic series. All the popular personalities have adorned saffron-ish ensembles, accentuated with traditional accessories. Some of them appear with bindis on their forehead, while a few have also worn rudraksha and beaded and floral jewelry. With the scenic background of Varanasi, the Hollywood divas are seen roaming in the holy city. While sharing the photos online, the creator wrote, In a captivating scenario, imagine a Hollywood female actress, known for her glamorous appearances on the silver screen, deciding to embark on a spiritual journey in India. She embraces the path of an Indian monk and finds herself walking the ancient streets of Varanasi, a city renowned for its profound spirituality and religious significance. Take a look at it here: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Psycadelic Art (@wild.trance) Social media users have lauded this new photorealistic series in the comment section. One said, Black Widow kitni mast lag rahi hai bhai (Black Widow looks stunning brothers), another added, Scarlett, Hermione, Angelina for the win. One more said, They are just so perfect. A user agreed, The looks fit and absolutely gorgeous. This comes just a week after the same artist reimagined how famous Hollywood actors would look like as Indian monks. In a hypothetical scenario where Hollywood celebrities become Indian monks, it would involve a significant transformation of their lifestyles, beliefs, and priorities. Here are some Aiarts of what this scenario might look like, he captioned the previous series. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Psycadelic Art (@wild.trance) video-carousel The list of popular actors in the post feature Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt, Leonardo DiCaprio, Will Smith, Keanu Reeves, Robert Downey Jr, George Clooney, Tom Hanks, Harrison Ford, and Morgan Freeman. Twenty-three foreign nationals, including eight women from Nigeria, were arrested from Uttar Pradeshs Gautam Buddh Nagar district for allegedly staying illegally in India, police said on Saturday. The arrests were made on Friday night, they said. Station House Officer, Surajpur, Inspector Awadhesh Pratap Singh said, Last night, the police received information that some foreign nationals are living illegally in a society in the police station limits. Following this, a police team along with officials of the Regional Notification Department raided the society." During the raid, 23 foreign nationals, including eight women from Nigeria, were arrested. While visas of most of them had expired, some of them could not even produce passports and visas, he said. A case has been registered in connection with the matter, he added. top videos Singh said the Gautam Buddh Nagar police started a special drive for the verification of foreign nationals after 13 foreigners were arrested recently for selling drugs in India and abroad. Drugs worth Rs 450 crore were recovered from them, he said. Actors rarely get to play some life-altering roles in their career and for Adivi Sesh, Major was one such film. And on its first anniversary today, Sesh has revisited how it changed his life. Major depicted the real-life story of Sandeep Unnikrishnan and the tragic events of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. And this biopic surely forged a very special bond with Sesh, who is keeping this legacy alive by remaining close to the family. Even on the films first anniversary Sesh spent the day with Sandeeps family in Bangalore and penned a heartfelt note about the day as well as the film along with some beautiful pictures. He says, Got my darshan with Amma & Uncle for the 1 year Anniversary of Major. Amma cooked some amazing food despite her shoulder pain. Their love has meant everything to me. Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan has blessed me and changed me in ways I never knew. Major The Film is my most memorable film and I want to thank Mahesh sir, our amazing producers, our phenomenal director, the hardworking team, our actors who gave riveting performances and most of all the audience. The love and respect you have given us is immense. I am indebted from the bottom of my heart. This honour is forever. JaiHind! Got my darshan with Amma & Uncle for the 1 year Anniversary of #Major. Amma cooked some amazing food despite her shoulder pain. Their love has meant everything to me. #MajorSandeepUnnikrishnan has blessed me and changed me in ways I never knew. #MajorTheFilm is my most pic.twitter.com/y3MttrqQCg Adivi Sesh (@AdiviSesh) June 3, 2023 top videos Major Sandeep was an army officer serving in the elite Special Action Group of the National Security Guards. He is famously remembered for rooting out Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists, who held several people hostage in Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in the infamous terror attack in Mumbai in November 2008. He was martyred in action and was awarded the Ashoka Chakra posthumously, which is Indias highest peacetime gallantry award. Major has won the hearts of millions of viewers, and Adivi Seshs portrayal of Sandeep Unnikrishnan has been highly praised. On the work front, Sesh will be seen in G2, and the shooting for the film will commence soon. And we are sure he will leave a lasting impact with this film too. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 3. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan expressed condolences to India, following a railway accident occurred in the country, Trend reports. "Deeply saddened by the news of terrible passenger train accident in India. We express our deepest condolences to the families who lost their loved ones in this tragic accident & share the grief of the people and Government of the Republic of India," the MFA's statement said. The death toll from the collision of three trains in eastern India has reached 288 people. Rescue work at the accident site continues. More than 500 rescuers were brought to the scene. A day of mourning has been declared in connection with the incident. Former Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia arrived at his residence from the Tihar jail on Saturday, after getting interim relief to meet his ailing wife, who was taken to a hospital after her health deteriorated prior to the AAP leaders arrival. According to AAP sources, Sisodias wife Seema was hospitalised as she felt unwell. She is suffering from multiple sclerosis and was hospitalised last month as well. She was taken to the emergency ward of LNJP Hospital. Sisodia reached AB-17, Mathura Road, to meet his ailing wife at 9.38 am in a prison van. He was taken inside the house amid tight security. But he could not meet his wife as her health deteriorated and she had to be hospitalised," a party source said. The Delhi High Court on Friday allowed the AAP leader, arrested in cases related to alleged irregularities in the city governments excise policy, to meet his ailing wife at his residence. Justice Dinesh Kumar Sharma directed the Tihar jail superintendent to take Sisodia to his residence where he has been allowed to meet his wife from 10 am to 5 pm. A senior jail official said Sisodia was taken to his residence around 9 am under security cover. He will have to report back at 5 pm. Sisodia was arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on February 26 for his alleged role in the scam and has been in custody since. The high court denied him bail in the CBI case on May 30. top videos He was arrested on March 9 in the case lodged by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and is currently in judicial custody. The high court made it clear that Sisodia shall not interact with the media or any other person except his family members, and also not access phone or the Internet. A youth was arrested on Friday by Amritsar Police for allegedly making a hoax call to the control room threatening multiple bombings in the famous Sikh pilgrim site Golden Temple. As per India Today, the man claimed that the alleged bombs were planted around the revered Schkhand Sri Harmandir Sahib, also known as the Golden Temple, which is a famous religious site and receives thousands of visitors every day. Authorities immediately rushed to the spot and conducted an extensive search operation throughout the night but nothing was found. Later, the caller, identified as Nihang, was traced and arrested by the police. During the interrogation, Nihang admitted that he made the call as a prank claiming that he had only intended to play a joke using a stolen phone. After further investigation, Amritsar police also took Nihangs four children into detention to check their involvement in the irresponsible prank. top videos Meanwhile, Amit Sharma, Amritsar police commissioner told India Today that he was disappointed over such irresponsible behaviour and urged people not to waste the time of the police force as such rumours cause unwarranted panic among the public. Days after a girl was stabbed to death in the national capital, an 18-year-old youth was allegedly stabbed multiple times by two persons in Delhis Badarpur area on Friday. The boy is currently critical and under treatment at AIIMS Trauma Centre. Police have arrested three people, including a juvenile for the stabbing along with robbing the man of his scooter and mobile phone over an old enmity. The robbed scooter, mobile phone of the injured and the knife used in the offence have been seized on the instance of the accused, Deputy Commissioner of Police (southeast) Rajesh Deo said, news agency PTI reported. According to the police, the injured man, identified as Sumit Gautam, had assaulted one of the attackers brother around two months ago, and this was done to take revenge. The incident was caught on CCTV camera and it showed two men attacking a young boy in front a departmental store, even as bystanders walk by without doing anything. #WATCH : On Camera, an 18-year-old man was reportedly stabbed multiple times in Delhi on Friday. The incident took place in the Badarpur area of southeast Delhi. The victim is currently undergoing treatment at AIIMS Trauma Centre and is reported to be in critical condition. The pic.twitter.com/yclp85tRgO upuknews (@upuknews1) June 2, 2023 According to the police, the incident took place at 2 PM at Gali No. 9, Mohan Baba Nagar and the motive behind it is still not known. When the police reached the spot, the man was found with multiple stab wounds, Deputy Commissioner of Police (southeast) Rajesh Deo said. One of the accused was identified as Jitendra, while the other is unknown, police said, news agency PTI reported. Shahbad Dairy Murder This comes after, on May 28, a 16-year-old girl was stabbed to death in northwest Delhi. The entire incident was captured by a surveillance camera, which showed the accused stabbing the victim multiple times, battering her with a stone slab, and kicking her body mercilessly. Police have recovered the knife allegedly used by 20-year-old Sahil to kill a teenage girl in northwest Delhis Shahbad Dairy area, police said on Thursday. Nowadays, maps on mobile devices have made our lives very easy. Even if we want to reach any unknown location, we can check the best routes and means of travel to that place while sitting at home. On encountering traffic congestion, with the help of modern digital maps, we can find detours to reach our desired destination in seconds. But have you ever thought about how these maps were developed? Or how maps were actually drawn when there was no modern-day technology? If you want answers to all these questions and more, then Mapped, curated by Past Perfect Heritage Management LLP along with The Rotary Club of Bombay and the Asiatic Society of Mumbai, is the best place. This year, the exhibition has the first accurate map of India made by Major James Rennell, the father of the Indian Survey and the first Surveyor General of Bengal. It is also known as the first map of Hindoostan or Mogul Empire. Major James Rennell first published the map in 1782 and then revised it in 1788. According to historians, though there is no official record that shows how much time he took to make this map, the entire process including the survey would have taken around 10-15 years. The narrative focuses on the presence of the English East India Company in Bengal and a transition in its priorities and power in the region and over the rest of India. It emphasises the importance of the lucrative coasts of India in terms of trade and entry points into the subcontinent and how the fall of certain native Indian rulers expedited the colonial states consolidation of power and improved governance in its newly acquired colony. At the exhibition, the organisers also explain the emergence of the Great Trigonometrical Survey of India, which was one of the most advanced and extensive mapping exercises in the history of the world, and its impact and relevance in contemporary times. An idea first envisioned and spearheaded by William Lambton, the measurement of the Great Arc of the Meridian which forms the backbone of the Great Trigonometrical Survey, was later completed by George Everest. This exhibition, on till June 4, not only speaks about maps and how they were developed but turns the pages of history and takes you into the past to understand the geopolitical situation of that time. It also throws light on how the British took the help of native Indians in this entire process of making maps. Old Hindoostan maps kept for display also show that maps were drawn from the Indian side, as then surveyors did not have access to other neighbouring countries. But later, the British took the help of native Indians who used to work as spies and visit the neighbouring countries to help the surveyors get all the crucial information to make a map. These spies possessed a great deal of local knowledge and measured a large part of undivided north India in disguise on foot while risking their lives, and were critical to this undertaking. Deepti Anand, co-founder of Past Perfect Management LLP said, As curators of this exhibition, we have been very conscious about bringing to light the value of maps as records of history. Theres a larger story behind the creation of each map and we believe that people should be able to discover layers of a single object through these stories. The maps on display this year are those produced as part of the Great Trigonometrical Survey of India and its been a riveting journey for us as curators to understand the techniques, failures, and successes of executing a mapping exercise of this scale. We knew just a selection of maps with labels wouldnt do justice to the stories that document the exercise and have therefore, with the guidance of the Rotary Club of Bombay and Asiatic Society of Mumbai, added to the exhibition by displaying rare books, an interactive digital display, a reading corner and more such elements that would make visitors want to explore more." top videos The second half of this exhibition is more interesting as it shows the past of present-day areas like Tardeo, Kamathipura, Grant Road, Girgaon, Umerkhadi, Mazgaon, and Byculla. The maps of these areas were part of city planning at the time and look at surveying as a tool to establish greater control over the lands and their inhabitants. These areas were surveyed under Colonel George Laughton between 1865 and 1872. These city maps are extremely detailed, which shows how the inhabitants made sense of their urban spaces and influence the way land, reclaimed or otherwise, is used today. The city maps also show the exact location of the first mill of India in the Tardeo area of south Mumbai. Later in 1999, in the same location, the first mall of Mumbai called Crossroads was built. It also shows how the planning team had counted the coconut trees in Girgaon of south Mumbai. Volunteers also explain why coconut trees basically got a place on the map and what was their importance from the revenue point of view. In the exhibition, marine maps of India have also been kept, which depict the sea levels in each area and where corals and rocks are in the deep sea. According to Dr Shehernaz Nalwalla, vice president, The Asiatic Society Of Mumbai, With exhibitions such as these, we are looking forward to having the public interact and access our rich collection of rare maps. Our collection of the Great Trigonometrical Survey maps reveals some of the earliest detailed and precise maps made of the Indian subcontinent. By mapping the subcontinent and neighbouring countries, the British wanted to increase their power over the people and these maps, therefore, have numerous stories linked to them. The standing committee on the railways had warned the ministry in December 2019 that lack of people on the job was having a negative impact on inspection routines, adding that it was a grave lapse in ensuring safety of rail traffic. Now, three years later, over 280 people have been killed and more than 800 injured in the Odisha triple train crash. The Bahanaga Bazar railway station in Odisha, where the accident took place, is under the South Eastern Railway (SER). News18 accessed the data on the number of vacant railway posts in this zone. As of February 2023, out of 96,582 sanctioned non-gazetted posts in the SER, 17,811 are vacant. Further, out of 937 sanctioned gazetted posts, 150 are vacant. The standing committee, while speaking about inspection and maintenance of bridges, had highlighted the massive number of vacancies. The committee, much to its chagrin, found that there exists a very high rate of vacancies in this category of staff. Against a sanctioned strength of 7,669, the actual strength is only 4,517 indicating a vacancy of around 40 percent. Admittedly, lack of manpower has negatively affected their inspection routine and most acutely in the Northeast Frontier Railway. The committee feels that this is a grave lapse on part of the ministry in ensuring safety of rail traffic, the 2019 report states. Over 3.12 lakh non-gazetted posts vacant in railways As of February 2023, at least 3,12,039 non-gazetted posts are vacant in the railways, shows ministry data accessed by News18. Out of all zones, the northern zone has the highest vacancy of 39,059. The number of vacancies have constantly increased in the last few years. Data shows a total of 2,95,684 non-gazetted posts were vacant till June 2022 while the number was 2.86 lakh in December 2021. The ministry has 14.74 lakh sanctioned non-gazetted posts across different zones, shows data up to February. Against 18,833 sanctioned gazetted posts, at least 2,885 are vacant. A ministry official told News18 that vacancies and filling them up was an ongoing process. Railways is a large organisation. Vacancies keep arising; it is an ongoing process. Posts fall vacant as people retire, resign or in case of death. Filling up such vacancies is a continuous process, the official said on condition of anonymity. top videos The official, however, refused to connect the number of job vacancies with the committees warning and the latest accident. Vacancies are not hampering work and functioning of railways. In each zone, people are hired on contractual basis if vacancies start impacting work. The accident or mishaps dont have anything to do with these vacancies, said a ministry official requesting anonymity. The officials further said the ministry was also outsourcing non-core activities and hiring contracting agencies for execution of projects that are not permanent in nature. Every year, a great section of permanent employees in the railways retire; between 2019 and 2022-23, over 2.26 lakh employees retired, they added. Mashrekul of West Bengals Malda district was heading to Chennai in search of work when the train tragedy in Odisha took away his life, officials said on Saturday. Mashrekul, 23, was travelling on the Shalimar-Chennai Central Coromandel Express, which was involved in the crash that killed 261 people, they said. His family was in anxiety ever since they received the news of the accident on Friday night. We got to know around 9 pm that the train on which Mashrekul was travelling has derailed. We started calling people travelling with him. We got to know about his death around dawn," his mother said, crying inconsolably. He left home on Thursday. He told us that he is going to Chennai for work," she said sitting outside her modest house in Dhangara village in Chanchal block. Mashrekul, the sole bread-earner of the family, is survived by his parents, wife and two children. Malatipur MLA Abdur Rahim Boxi of the TMC visited Mashrekuls house and assured the family of all possible support. Nityam Ray, a resident of Bhomrail village in the Bamangola police station area of the district, was also killed in the accident. He too was travelling on the Coromandel Express when the accident happened, his family said. Ray, 30, spoke to his wife moments after he boarded the train from the Shalimar station in Howrah district. That was the last time I spoke to him," she said. He was going to Kerala along with a relative, Chandan Ray of the Tapan police station area in Dakshin Dinajpur district, in search of work. The relative has been missing since the accident. District Magistrate Nitin Singhania said 20 people from Malda were involved in the accident. Besides the two deceased, 12 people were injured in the mishap. top videos The district administration was taking all steps for the safe return of the people. A control room has been set up at the Malda Town station for the assistance of the returning people," he told PTI. The accident in Balasore involving three trains Coromandel Express, Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express and a goods train killed at least 261 people and injured another 1,000, in one of the worst railway tragedies in the country. The horrific train accident in Balasore comes as a major challenge to Railway Minister Ashwani Vaishnaw who rushed to the site early Saturday morning and is now personally overseeing the rescue and relief efforts in an area where he was once posted as a District Collector. This is the worst train accident in India in a long time with the death toll nearing 300 and many more injured, and the first-such incident where three trains have been involved in the accident, putting a question mark on the safety aspect of the Indian Railways. Vaishnaw was scheduled to be in Goa for the launch of the Vande Bharat train from Mumbai to Goa on Saturday, but rushed to Balasore after hearing of the Odisha train accident late on Friday. The Vande Bharat launch was eventually cancelled. Vaishnaw is likely to camp in Balasore and coordinate with rescue efforts of the state government and the NDRF. The minister said a high-level inquiry will be conducted and the government wants to get to the bottom of the accident. But the Congress has started circulating an earlier video of Vaishnaw and questioning if the anti-collision devices (Kavach) in trains have been widely installed and if these could have averted the accident. In the video, Vaishnaw is seen explaining this system to an audience and how he himself took a risk and travelled in the engine of a train that came to a halt automatically 400 meters ahead of another train approaching it on the same track. Opposition leaders like BRS leader KT Rama Rao and AAP MP Sandeep Pathak also questioned the lack of anti-collision devices, with Pathak saying that as a member of the Railways Standing Committee, he had raised the issue of safety and how anti-derailment and anti-collision mechanism was not present in all trains. However, it has also emerged that the Coromandel Express was running at a high-speed of 130 km/hour and collided into the derailed Yesvantpur Express in a span of a few minutes, leaving little time for the accident to be averted. Hours before the accident on Friday, the Indian Railways held a two-day Chintan Shivir in Delhi with 400 railways officials from across the country in attendance, where safety was an important topic of discussion. In his concluding speech on Friday evening, Vaishnaw said: Detailed suggestions have come at this shivir lot of emphasis has been given on safety and the good record, and how to make this absolutely the best record in the world. top videos Earlier in August 2017, then railway minister Suresh Prabhu had offered to resign after two train accidents in quick succession that killed two dozen people, and took moral responsibility for the same. Prabhu was shifted in September that year to the Commerce Ministry and ultimately dropped from the Cabinet in 2019. Vaishnaw was incidentally posted in Balasore as a District Collector nearly two decades ago when he was an IAS officer from the Odisha cadre. The Odisha triple train crash on Friday evening is the first such pile-up on Indian tracks and the second worst rail accident in terms of casualty figures in over two decades 288 and counting with over 800 injured. But after 119 fatal accidents since the first collision of Avadh Ashram Express and Brahmaputra Mail at Gaisal in West Bengals North Dinajpur district in 1999 that claimed 285 lives the status of a high-level safety report submitted over a decade ago is still in progress. After the Gaisal incident, India has witnessed 119 major train accidents that have killed and injured hundreds, including incidents of communal and terrorist attacks, blasts and arson on trains. But over 100 cases were caused by derailment and collision, including at least three involving the Coromandel Express. The cause of the latest accident is yet to be ascertained as statements of senior railway officials, Odishas chief secretary Pradip Jena and officials at the spot do not match. Even as railway experts and officers claim that the accident could have been caused by a derailment or a side collision, another section is not ruling out chances of sabotage. 28 parliamentary standing committee reports on railways since 1993 Since 1993 (10th Lok Sabha) to date, the parliaments standing committee has presented 28 reports on the railways with an elaborate report by a high-level safety review committee under Dr Anil Kakodkar, which was presented to the ministry of railways in February 2012. In this report, accessed by News18, published 11 years ago and in the last standing committee report on the railways, it was highlighted that a system or an efficient mechanism to detect on-course collisions need to be implemented. There are names for such systems with different nomenclatures anti-collision device system to collision avoidance system to Kavach. Maintaining a balance with newly added trains, the length of railway tracks also need to go up. It has to be proportionate. The number of trains being added is faster than the addition of new tracks. When we submitted the report, we had a discussion with all stakeholders. After submission, there was some discussion but the trail went cold, Dr Kakodkar, former chair of Atomic Energy Commission who led the high-level committee, told News18. He added: A lot of modernisation has happened in terms of signalling and rolling stock. As we increase the speed of trains, we must be more meticulous about safety features in terms of technology and preparation of human resources. This is something that needs attention. Some old arrangements are not up to the mark. There is a low probability of anti-collision devices being installed in many high-speed trains. Problem areas need to be recognised, but our system is lax. It is understandable that implementing in one of the largest networks is a challenge, but we need to catch up sooner than later. The then rail minister Dinesh Trivedi had formed the high-level safety committee in 2011 following some train crashes that claimed lives. In 2010, Jnaneswari Express rammed into a goods train and derailed. The accident killed around 150 people and injured hundreds. Mamata Banerjee was rail minister then and the investigation revealed that it was sabotage. So, the possibility of sabotage cannot be ruled out here as we have never seen or heard about such a crash and a pile-up of three trains in a split second, Trivedi told News18. What does the 2022-23 standing committee report say? The latest standing committee report from 2022-23, also accessed by News18, noted that the Indian Railways had developed an indigenous automatic train protection and warning (ATP) system for increased train safety. Called Kavach, it was under commissioning over 1,200 km of the South Central Railway as well as Delhi-Mumbai and Delhi-Howrah lines by March 2024. The committee lauded this initiative of the railways and hoped that it would go a long way in bringing down the rate of accidents. The committee, therefore, desires that in coming years, the allocation on safety should be enhanced so that the KAVACH be implemented in entire areas/sections over Indian Railways, the report stated. The ministry, in its response to the recommendation, said Kavach was the realisation of the spirit of vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and adopted as Indian Railways national automatic train protection (ATP). It further said in addition to a trial section of 250 km, at present, Kavach was under implementation on 1,200 km of South Central Railway (Bidar-Parli Vaijnath-Parbhani and Manmad-Parbhani-Nanded-Secunderabad-Gadwal-Dhone-Guntakal sections). As on March 31, 2022, Kavach has covered 1,098 km of network route in South Central Railway and works to bring 34,000 km on high density network (HDN)/highly utilised network (HUN) routes have been approved, the ministry said. At present, Kavach rollout is planned on New Delhi-Mumbai and New Delhi-Howrah routes, which are targeted for completion by March 2024, it added. Further, rollout will be planned based on experience gained. Indian Railways has made provision of Rs 272.30 crore in 2022-23 for the implementation of Kavach in comparison to Rs 133 crore in FY 2021-22, the ministry said in its response. Kavach rollout slow News18 spoke to senior serving and retired railway officials regarding Kavach. Rollout of KAVACH is very slow, and we are yet to cover even a miniscule percentage under existing trains. The new trains, including Vande Bharat, have the system built in though, said a senior railway official. A senior railway spokesperson said the Coromandel Express did not have the collision device installed in it. The high-level safety report said in its present form, the anti-collision device (ACD) was not a safety system and not yet fully engineered for ATP equivalence in standalone form. But off-the-track loco position sensing through GPS as used in ACD, is a diverse technique and, therefore, is a promising concept Automatic train protection systems are necessary to prevent collisions due to drivers passing signals at danger (SPAD), the report stated. top videos Another report on anti-collision device, accessed by News18, stated: In 1999, after the Gaisal incident, based on radio communication, microprocessors and global positioning system (GPS) technology, a team of Konkan Railway in 90 days produced a prototype of anti-collision device (ACD) which, when mounted on two approaching trains, would enable them to assess accurately each others course and initiate an automatic braking action, in case they were perceived to be at collision risk. For this system to work, ACD needs to be installed in all trains. Over the years, there have been so many new tech additions to the system. Another senior railway official said, Over the past two decades, India witnessed scores of rail accidents killing hundreds; however, only in two cases Jnaneswari (Maoist attack) and Pukhrayan train derailment, the casualty figures crossed 150. Our choices are constantly jeopardising the environment and are putting us at severe risk. We seldom realise that the things we opt for in life can have a major impact, even when it comes to the environment. On this World Environment Day pledge to do better things not just for your sake but also for the environment, and understand the meaning of travelling consciously. As travellers in recent times increasingly yearn for immersive nature-based experiences to find harmony and reconnect with themselves after days of slogging at work, there is no better time to indulge in the tranquillity and serenity that these lovely homestay experiences have to offer. If you are someone who is seeking environmentally conscious properties across India that provide a remarkable opportunity to appreciate and protect our environment, your search ends here. Here is the perfect guide to engaging with local communities and making a rather positive impact as you embark upon the quest for conscious accommodations- HAPPY BIRTHDAY AHMED KHAN: Ahmed Khan, a versatile artist, has made significant contributions as a choreographer, actor, writer, producer, and director in the film industry. From his debut as a child artist in the iconic film Mr India to his exceptional choreography in numerous Bollywood hits, Ahmed has consistently showcased his immense talent and passion. On the occasion of his birthday, lets delve into some of his remarkable directorial ventures that have further solidified his status as a creative powerhouse. Lakeer Lakeer: Forbidden Lines, starring Sunny Deol, Suniel Shetty, Sohail Khan, and John Abraham, follows the journey of Karan and Bindiya, portrayed by Sohail and Nauheed Cyrusi, respectively. With a talented ensemble cast, this Ahmed Khan directorial takes viewers on a captivating ride through their lives. The action-packed movie left a lasting impression on the audience. Fool n Final Directed by Ahmed Khan, this comedic and thrilling film features an ensemble cast including Shahid Kapoor, Paresh Rawal, Ayesha Takia, and Johnny Lever in pivotal roles. The story follows a group of thieves and a gangster as they embark on a quest to retrieve a stolen diamond. Ahmed Khans directorial expertise shines through in this entertaining ride that keeps the audience engaged from start to finish. Baaghi 2 Directed by Ahmed Khan, this action-packed sequel follows the journey of an army officer, played by Tiger Shroff, as he battles against drug lords and corrupt police officials to rescue his ex-girlfriends kidnapped daughter. Ahmed Khans direction brings out the intensity and thrill of the story, making Baaghi 2 a memorable and gripping film for action enthusiasts. Baaghi 3 Released in 2020, this film stars Tiger Shroff, Riteish Deshmukh, and Shraddha Kapoor in leading roles. Directed by Ahmed Khan, the movie revolves around the character of Ronnie, who embarks on a ruthless journey to Syria to rescue his kidnapped brother. Ahmed Khans direction brings out the adrenaline-fueled action and emotional depth of the story, making Baaghi 3 an exhilarating watch. Heropanti 2 With Ahmed Khan at the helm, Heropanti 2 showcases Tiger Shroffs charismatic performance as a fearless hero. The film combines elements of action and romance, delivering an exciting and gripping storyline. Ahmed Khans direction elevates the action sequences, making Heropanti 2 a thrilling watch for audiences. Baaghi 4 The very talented Ahmed Khan is all set to direct the fourth instalment of the Baaghi franchise. Led by the dynamic Tiger Shroff, this action-packed film is ready to raise the benchmark for thrilling action sequences in Bollywood. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 3. Citizens of Azerbaijan are highly recommended not to visit Iran unless absolutely necessary, and those who travel to this country should use extra caution taking into account the terrorist attack on the Azerbaijani Embassy in January 2023 and the limited composition of Azerbaijani diplomatic mission in this country as a result of this, Trend reports via Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry. According to the ministry, Azerbaijani citizens currently in Iran must observe security measures. "For consular and other applications, we ask our citizens in Iran to contact the Consulate General of Azerbaijan in Tabriz, located at the address: Tabriz, Veliasr, Arif Street, 9, by phone (+98413) 333 48 03, by e-mail - [email protected], fax (+98413) 331 53 80, or via the embassy's website - tabriz.mfa.gov.az," the ministry added. An armed attack took place at the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Iran on January 27, 2023, at about 8:30 (GMT+4). The gunman turned out to be a man in his 50's, who drove up to the administrative building, armed with a Kalashnikov automatic rifle. Earlier reports from the Chief of Tehran police said there were two children in the car with the gunman, the security camera footage released later proved the man was alone. He entered the building after briefly waving hand to the Iranian security guard outside. No attempts were made to detain the gunman, as he freely entered the embassy. The man managed to kill head of the security service and wounding two embassy guards. The shooter was eventually detained. The incident is currently being investigated. Following the deadly assault, Azerbaijan evacuated its officials from the embassy, including those who suffered as a result of the attack and completely suspended the work of the embassy in Tehran. Bollywood actor Mukesh Rishi was once upon a time synonymous with pure dread on the big screen. His towering height, muscular physique and impeccable facial expressions made him one of the most terrifying antagonists in films. He also became a pop culture icon with his role as Bulla in the film Gunda. In fact, Gunda is considered one of those rare films that fall into the category of so bad that its good. Mukesh Rishi, born in Jammu, has held a job in Fiji and also worked as a model in New Zealand before appearing in films. His first role was as the chief antagonist in Gardish, starring Jackie Shroff. His intimidating presence made filmmakers take notice of him and he appeared as the villain in many movies like Judwaa, Ghatak, Baazi, Indian and many more. He played a positive role for the first time in his life in the movie Sarfarosh, which brought him critical acclaim. However, with the advent of the 2000s, a change in trend in Bollywood made offers for him dry up. No more was a physically strong intimidating villain required in films and actors stopped being typecast in villain roles. Many leading men played antagonists in films as well. When offers in Hindi films dried up, he set his sight on the South, where the trend of an imposing villain still existed. He joined a list of non-Telugu speaking actors like Sharat Saxena, Rahul Dev, Sonu Sood and Sayaji Shinde who established themselves as leading villains in Telugu films. He has appeared in films featuring top-league actors like Chiranjeevi and Nandamuri Balakrishna. Mukesh Rishi has worked in about 180 films including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Odia, Kannada and Bhojpuri languages. He also made his Marathi debut last year by playing the role of the famed Bijapur general Afzal Khan who was killed by Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, in Sher Shivraj. Actress Meenakshi Seshadri ruled Bollywood in the 80s and 90s with films like Shahenshah, Toofan, etc. The actress last acted in the film Do Rahain, which was released in 1997 and directed by Lekh Tandon. She then left the film industry and tied the knot with an investment banker Harish Mysore. After marriage, she shifted to the United States. According to a report published in Aaj Tak, Harish proposed to Meenakshi for marriage over the phone. The Ghatak: Lethal actress accepted the proposal and married Harish in 1997. Meenakshi left the film industry 27 years ago but now is looking forward to making a comeback after nearly three decades. In an interview with E Times, the actress revealed that she has returned to India while her husband and kids (Kendra Mysore and Josh Mysore) are living in Texas. The actress said that she needs to start as a newcomer in the film industry. Meenakshi is also interested to know the kind of roles she will be offered in films now. Popularly known as Ice Maiden, Meenakshi now runs a dance school in Texas named Cherish Dance School. Meenakshi also stays connected with the audience via social media and keeps sharing glimpses of her personal and professional life. Some time ago, she shared a couple of pictures with her co-star Jackie Shroff. She captioned the pictures, Amazing Memories Together!". Fans loved the picture and wrote that their pairing was one of the most loved ones in films. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Meenakshi Seshadri (@meenakshiseshadriofficial) Both have worked together in many films like Allah Rakha, Hero, Akayla, etc. Among these films, the most popular remains Hero which cemented Meenakshis position in the Hindi film industry. Released in 1983, this film was a smashing hit and she became an overnight star. Hero revolved around a gangster Pasha (Amrish Puri) who wants revenge on Retd. IGP Shrikanth Mathur (Shammi Kapoor). Pasha hires a hitman, Jackie (Jackie Shroff) to abduct his daughter, Radha (Meenakshi). But Jackie ends up falling in love with her and transforms. Laxmikant-Pyarelal composed the music for this film. The China-Taiwan relationship continues to develop in a dynamic fashion, with the action-reaction cycle caused by recent events highlighting the threat to global stability. Active militarisation of the Taiwan Strait has contributed to the deteriorating security situation in the region. Over the past few months, the US has approved large-scale arms sales to Taiwan, with its most recent consignment from March 2023 comprising various anti-aircraft missiles worth $619 million. Before this, in September 2022, Taiwan purchased from the US radar systems for anti-air missiles in a consignment worth US$1.1 billion. China, meanwhile, has continued to perform flybys beyond the Taiwan Strait median line on a daily basis, entering ROCs Air-Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ). These flybys have grown from around 380 in 2020 to over 600 by 2021. Taiwans Ministry of National Defence has also reported a rapid increase in PLA aircraft and naval vessel activity around the island, and such activity has especially multiplied since the Democratic Progressive Party has come to power in Taiwan in 2016. Increasing American engagement with the island, especially in defence and critical tech such as semiconductors, is viewed by China as a violation of its most important red lines, the One China Policy. Consequently, China retaliates against such overtures in a manner that is eroding the status quo across the Straits. For example, during Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-Wens transit through the US in April, when she met with US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, China responded in both words and action. Zhu Longjian, the spokesperson for the Chinese Taiwan Affairs Office, stated: The so-called transit" by the leaders of the Taiwan authorities is essentially a provocative act of relying on the United States to seek independence", trying to create one China, one Taiwan" and two Chinas"they are looking for opportunities to sell Taiwan independence" internationally, and seek the support of anti-China forces in the US. In its military response, the PLA Navy first deployed its aircraft carrier Shandong in the Bashi Channel of the Straits, as well as its Haixun 06 vessel, for a joint patrol operation. Then, between April 8 and 10, the PLA launched a combat readiness exercise titled Joint Sword to threaten Taiwan. As part of the exercises, the PLA ground forces conducted drills pertaining to multi-target precision strikes, while the naval forces conducted live-fire drills around the island. This aggressive posturing has led to a lot of speculation and debate about whether China will use force and by when it will be ready to launch an offensive against Taiwan. China has actively promoted peaceful means for unification until one of the three ifs listed under Article 8 of the 2005 Anti-Secession Law come true if Taiwan independence" secessionist forces should act under any name or by any means to cause the fact of Taiwans secession from China; or if major incidents entailing Taiwans secession from China should occur; or if possibilities for a peaceful reunification should be completely exhausted. However, China is likely to choose peaceful over forceful unification, for two primary reasons first is because the cost of conflict is likely to have severe consequences for Chinas economic development goals, which require continued integration in global value chains and access to international capital, talent and markets. This is at the heart of Xi Jinpings strategic goal of national rejuvenation. Secondly, evidence from public opinion statistics from Taiwan suggests that a majority of the population has an increasingly unfavourable view of the mainland, and would rather support maintenance of status quo indefinitely. In such a situation, China would be attempting to take over a population that is unwilling to accept the dissolution of its existing democratic institutions as well as its sense of identity (predominantly Taiwanese). That would be a tedious and costly affair. In such a scenario, it becomes essential to monitor some signs that could potentially enable us to empirically theorise, if not rightly predict, when China may be preparing to invade Taiwan. This would include a study of three types of indicators military, economic, and narrative. Militarily, we would see amassing and deployment of Chinas most important equipment for an amphibious assault and urban warfare scenario within coastal provinces like Jiangsu and Guangdong provinces, where the PLA Eastern and Southern Theatre commands are posted, four to six months prior to D-Day. Economically, we could see the Peoples Bank of China liquidating its assets from the New York Fed, the Chinese state exercising greater restrictions on the outward flow of capital from the country, and Chinese firms bringing about changes in the organisational and ownership structures in foreign operations. Finally, we could see the mobilisation of a domestic narrative about the need for citizens to unite, prepare for revolution and reunification, and at the same time, focus on preparing for hard times, socially and economically. The author is a Research Analyst with the Takshashila Instituions Indo-Pacific Studies Programme. She also co-curates a weekly Newsletter, Eye on China. Views expressed are personal. With the busting of a terror module Hizb ut-Tahrir, by Madhya Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) recently, the spotlight has returned to the issue of planned conversions to Islam. It is a subject which, unlike Christian missionary activities, has remained below the radar in India. A similar action by Uttar Pradesh ATS in June 2021 had blown the lid over a conversion racket run by Maulana Umar Gautam. Maulana Gautam, who headed Islamic Dawah Centre (IDC) in Jamia Nagar, New Delhi was himself a born Hindu viz. Shyam Pratap Gautam, before he embraced Islam in 1985. He was accused of running a mass conversion racket targeting Persons with Disabilities (Divyangs), and those from disadvantaged sections of society. The website of IDC has apparently gone off the internet after Maulana Gautam was put behind bars. Conversions to Islam are called reversions, due to the strange Islamic notion that all people of the world are naturally born Muslim (one who obeys Allah), but are brought up differently. Thus, a non-Muslim choosing to adopt Islam is called revert rather than convert. In the instant case, five of the 16 accused had converted from Hinduism to Islam in the recent past. The names of three of them Mohammad Salim (earlier Saurabh Jain Rajvaidya), Abdur Rehman (earlier Devi Narayan Panda) and Mohammed Abbas Ali (earlier Benu Kumar) were Hindus. The story of Saurabh Rajvaidya (now Mohammad Salim) and his wife Manasi alias Surbhi Jain is heart-rending, to say the least. His father Ashok Jain Rajvaidya told Dainik Bhaskar that until Class XII, Saurabh used to visit RSS Shakas. Later, having pursued his PhD, he became a professor at a Bhopal college. However, around 2011, Saurabh seriously gravitated towards Islam. Apparently, an agent of Dr Zakir Naik was responsible for his conversion. Saurabh began to speak ill of Hindu traditions and derogate religious practices. His wife also took to Islamic dresses. Finally, Ashok Jain Rajvaidya was compelled to tell his son to leave the house. He had even reported to the police, who could do little, as they felt Saurabh had changed his religion out of volition. Even as Ashok Jain Rajvaidya does not believe his son and daughter-in-law are involved in anti-national and terror activities, he is clear that they have no place in the family until they abjure Islam. Until now, conversion to Islam (dawah) has received little attention. The Arabic term dawah is derived from daaa, meaning to call; to invite; and to supplicate (i.e. to Allah). Way back in 1981, Meenakshipuram mass conversion in Tamil Nadu had shaken up the conscience of India. However, it was more of an act of social protest against caste discrimination in Hindu society, rather than any genuine attachment towards Islam. The Hizb ut-Tahrir case is entirely different. The converts came from middle-class Hindu families, apparently without any history of suffering social discrimination. Every convert, possibly, took to Islam individually as a matter of choice, without the safety net of family and society. The support, if any, apparently was provided by the Muslims, eager to welcome any new member into their society. Ironically, the conversions came at a time when Islams destructive profile had become apparent on a global level, from New York to Bali, not to speak of India. Till now, we have a reductionist view of the Islamic challenge, in the form of terrorism. Islam terrorists, who call themselves Mujahideen (singular Mujahid) are practitioners of jihad. They are inspired by the history of jihad, to subdue the disbelievers in Islam by force, whether or not it is feasible in the modern era. Jihad fi sabil Allah, or striving in the path of Allah, has been an integral part of Islam. Until fairly recent times, says Bernard Lewis, it was usually, though not universally, understood in the military sense. It was Muslim duty collective in attack, individual in defence to fight the war against the unbelievers. In principle, this war was to continue until mankind either embraced Islam or submitted to the authority of the Muslim state (Islam and the West, P.9). However, in principle, jihad must be preceded by dawah or invitation to the Way of Allah, which if accepted by the kafir (infidel), would render jihad superfluous. Jihad becomes incumbent upon Muslims when dawah is rejected by the kafir. Dawah, however, has become a specialized discipline in the modern world. The Encyclopedia of Islam and the Muslim World (2004) informs that since the late 19th century, the conception of dawah has reemerged as central in the formulation of Islam. It is increasingly associated with socially vital activities such as education, conversion and charity. The Salafiyya movement, the leading figures of which were Jamal al-Din al-Afghani (d.1897), Muhammad Abdu (d.1905), and Rashid Rida (d.1935), gave a new impetus to the idea of dawah. Both Afghani and Rida were connected with the pan-Islamic movement aimed at uniting people under the Ottoman Caliphate. Two other important figures in dawah in modern times were Hassan Al Banna (founder of al-Ikhwan al-Musalmin or Muslim Brotherhood) in Egypt and Abul Ala Maududi (d.1979) in Pakistan. Maududi, the founder of Jamat-e-Islami, started an Islamic movement al-Harkara al-Islamiyya where dawah aimed at creating an Islamic state of mind and a matrix of life rather than an institutional order (EIMW, P.172). In 1962, Saudi Arabia formed Muslim World League to promote dawah efforts internationally. A year earlier, the Islamic University had been set up in Medina to train dawah workers. To steal the thunder from Saudi Arabia, Muammar al-Qadhdhafi established a Jamiat al-Dawah al-Islamiya (Islamic Call Society) in 1972. In 1985, the University of Islamabad created a Dawa Academy for training dawah workers. Syed Abul Hassan Ali Nadwi alias Ali Mian (1913-1999), the leading scholar of orthodox Islam, also emphasised upon dawah. Under his chancellorship, Darul Uloom, Nadwatul Ulama, Lucknow introduced a four-year course on dawah in 1980. It would be relevant to quote what he stated in one of his eight-lecture series (originally delivered in Arabic) on the occasion of instituting the course. There is no denying the importance of the Sharah and the obligations their greatness is an admitted fact but it is a question of priority (awwaliyah). Which aspect has priority over others? If viewed from this angle, then, according to me, the aspect of invitation to Allah and guidance is dominant (ghalib) over the commands and shariah in the Glorious Quran. It is because the foundation of faith (iman) is guidance (hidayah) and to believe depends on an invitation to Allah and instruction in thatconditions change with time and the art of inviting people to Allah also needs ready wit and presence of mind. Besides, the one inviting to Allah must have a deep understanding of human psychology and weak points of society. It cannot be said with finality that he should do one thing and desist from another, and that he should adopt and present his invitation (Dawah) in a particular manner. He has to face some situations in a particular society and very different in other societies. He cannot, therefore, be bound by fixed rules and regulations. (Inviting to the Way of Allah, 1981, P.8-9). Ali Mians views imply that fairness and foulness of methods are immaterial as long as the conversion is successful. There is no fundamental ethics involved in the exercise. Despite specialized institutions for dawah, or without them, inviting people to the way of Allah is, in principle, an obligation on all Muslims. Thus Bhopal-based gym trainer Yasir Khan, now in police net, might not be a conventional dawah worker but following his basic religious instincts. The onslaught is clearly theological. The Hindu society, notwithstanding its ten-century-long exposure to aggressive Islam, barely knows the rudiments of Islam to meet them on equal ground. This leaves Hinduism particularly unprepared to meet the challenge. The modern Hindu myth of all religions is true, actually prevents them from undertaking objective and critical examination of religions. Unlike the Europeans, who started reading Islam critically way back in the 13th century, no such effort was visible in India until the 19th century. Swami Dayanand was the first person in India to question the validity of Islam as a religion based on the inaugural verse of the Quran. While this created bad blood between Arya Samaj and Muslims, it stoked a debate on the subject that Hindus had not probed previously. In the 20th century, Ram Swarup and Sita Ram Goel acted as pioneers in critically re-examining Islams validity, and alerting the Hindu society against the creeping Islamisation. It would be quite strange if a civilisation that often prides itself as Vishwa Guru is not able to counter the dawah arguments in the 21st century. Not being able to counter the predatory efforts of dawah would indirectly imply accepting its validity of a monopolistic theology. Countering dawah, intellectually at least, would not be very difficult as it is based on the belief that the Quran is the only true book to be followed by the entire mankind. Quran might be the belief of some people. Why must it be the belief of all people? Moreover, does it offer a path for believers to seek individual validation of truth in any manner? In Hinduism, whose followers are seekers rather than believers, there are multiple ways to obtain individual validation of the truths proclaimed. The validation could be done through Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Raja Yoga and Jnana Yoga or a mixture of them. Though Hindus believe that Bhagawad Gita is a discourse given by Lord Krishna on the battlefield to Arjuna, they perceive it as a spiritual guide rather than a blueprint to be imposed upon the world. The Gita does not enjoin any collective duty of the community. Karma belongs to every individual. The Gita is open to tests. One could try to follow the advice contained in its verses and feel its effect on the mind and personality. Take, the famous verse: Karmanye vadhikaraste Ma Phaleshu Kadachana, Ma Karmaphalaheturbhurma Te Sangostvakarmani (2/47) You have the authority to work only, but never to its fruit/ Let not fruits of action be your motive, not let your attachment be to inaction. One could try adopting this attitude, and see its effect on mind and efficiency. Being non-attached to the results of ones action is likely to bring peace to ones mind, and increase the efficiency of action on the other hand. This is logical because the energy, previously consumed on worrying about the result, would be diverted to better performance. Expanding the scope of this practice from isolated action to all actions of life, one would reach a spiritual state, where a person performs all actions to the best of ones ability, without being bogged down by attachment. In this manner, Hinduism is a religion, whose principles are open to examination and practice, and it holds that every individual would reach his/her spiritual destiny in his/her own manner regardless of whether the person is Hindu or not. It would be a pity if such a system, which offers scope for individual validation of spiritual truths, is sacrificed at the altar of one that apparently offers none. When the preachers target the validity of Hindu precepts, Hindus must respond to them in a credible manner. The writer is author of the book The Microphone Men: How Orators Created a Modern India (2019) and an independent researcher based in New Delhi. The views expressed herein are his personal. The Indian National Congress (INC), which was instrumental in the Independence movement, has today been reduced to a two-digit party after having ruled for over six decades. The rise of Narendra Modi has changed the political discourse of the country as people have started realising they were cheated by the Congress in the name of secularism. The meaning of secularism nowadays has become abusing the cultural and historical ethos of the majority Hindu community. On the other hand, the Congress is yet to learn a lesson from its reduction to 52 seats in the Lok Sabha where it used to have 421 MPs. Its top leader, Rahul Gandhi, has yet again blundered and that too in a foreign land to describe the Muslim League as a secular party. Lets dive into history to see what similarities exist between Mohammed Ali Jinnahs Muslim League and Keralas Muslim League. Jinnah had two juniors in South India: B Pokar Sahib Bahadur and M Mohammad Ismail. Both of them oversaw the activities of Jinnahs Muslim League in South India under his guidance. The Muslim League had a significant triumph in Madras Province (present-day Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh) in the 1945-46 elections. It gained all 28 Muslim-reserved seats in Madras Presidency, whereas the Constituent Assembly, also known as the Central Assembly, where three seats were designated for Muslims, the Muslim League won all three. If you believe that following the countrys split, these Jinnah devotees must have gone to Pakistan, you are mistaken. They not only stayed in India after partition, but they also re-joined Jinnahs Muslim League and resurrected it in India. On March 10, 1948, just seven months after Independence, M Mohammad Ismail and B Pokar convened a conference of Muslim League leaders. This gathering was held in Madras Rajaji Hall and was attended by all the major leaders of the Muslim League who did not travel to Pakistan after Partition but were planning to sow the seeds of enmity once more by remaining in India. Jinnahs Muslim League gave birth to the Muslim League of Kerala, which was fostered and strengthened after Independence by Jinnahs disciples. It is strange that people who call themselves the builders of secularism have not asked why there is a Muslim League in our nation. Interestingly, after India was divided, these people in South India stayed back to further strengthen the Ghazwa-e-Hind. On March 10, 1948, the Muslim League was re-formed in India to carry out this purpose and was renamed the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML). M Mohammad Ismail was elected as the countrys first president and was given the title Quaid-e-Millat, which means leader of the country. Just 12 days after Independence, on August 27, 1947, at the key sitting of the Constituent Assembly, Kerala Muslim League leaders B Pokar and M Mohammad Ismail, together with the rest of the Muslim League members, boldly put up a violently sectarian demand. Both asked that there be distinct designated seats for Muslims in elections throughout the country in which only Muslim candidates stand and vote. B Pokar, a disciple of Jinnah, was again elected to the Lok Sabha from Malappuram in Kerala in 1952 and Manjeri in Kerala in 1957. Jinnahs second disciple, M Mohammad Ismail, was not far behind. He served in the Rajya Sabha from 1952 to 1958 after becoming a member of the Constituent Assembly. Following that, he was elected to three successive terms from Keralas Manjeri seat in 1962, 1967, and 1971. When the Hindu Marriage Act was being debated in 1954, there was a demand to bring a Muslim Marriage Act for Muslims as well. If the demand had been met, a law against triple talaq would have been made at the same time. Jawaharlal Nehru did not allow this to happen. MP M Mohammad Ismail, on December 11, 1954, during the discussion on the Hindu Marriage Act in the Rajya Sabha stated, The Nehru government respected the sentiments of the countrys Muslim communities and kept them out of this marriage act. Since then, this viewpoint is still maintained by many extremists today. Based on our faith, we Muslims have our own set of regulations. This rule is an essential aspect of our faith, and we regard it as the most holy and valuable item in our lives, he had said. The Muslim League of Kerala has many times joined the Congress and occasionally, the Communist party. Those who see Nehru as the saviour of secularism must know that he spent his whole life deriding the Jana Sangh and the RSS. But one thing which the liberals fail to mention is that Nehru shared power with the Muslim League in 1960. The Congress won elections in Kerala and KM Sithi, who was formerly close to Jinnah, was appointed Speaker of the Kerala Legislative Assembly. Imagine that the head of the party that split the country 13 years ago was made the Speaker of a State Legislative Assembly. With Congress backing, Muslim League leader CH Mohammed Koya became Chief Minister of Kerala in 1979. But, even after becoming the CM, Koyas thinking remained unchanged. He continued to advocate Muslim extremist ideas, as evidenced by one of his interviews on November 30, 1979, with the India Today magazine. The communal organisation of the minority and the communal organisation of the majority are different. We minorities unite to protect our rights and security, but the majority can collect rights anyhow, so why do they need communal organisations? he had said. Today, this organisation is believed to be indulging in forced conversions, the radicalisation of Muslim youth, and promoting radical Islam in Kerala and other parts of the country. Many young converted Muslim girls and boys are believed to have gone to join the ISIS and Taliban in Afghanistan, Syria and Yemen. Organisations like the Muslim League are believed to be responsible for it, but a leader of the Opposition party still calls them secular in the US. Such validation is basically done to garner international accreditation for such organisations. Rahul Gandhi should rethink his strategy if he wants to win the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. He should know that such tricks will not work anymore. Gopal Goswami is a social thinker & researcher and tweets with @igopalgoswami. Views expressed are personal. In a rare instance, senior Congress leader Sam Pitroda, who is often critical of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his governments policies, said that the prime minister deserves respect everywhere as he is the leader of the most populous country, and he is proud" of it. A prime minister of a nation of 1.5 billion people deserves respect everywhere. And Im proud of it. Im not negative about it," Pitroda said in an interview with PTI. Praising Indias foreign policy under Narendra Modi-government, Pitroda, who is currently in the US with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on his three-city six-day tour, said that Rahul Gandhi is well aware of where India is going right. He (Gandhi) knows where we (India) are doing something right, we are all for it. And you see, someone told me that, the Indian Prime Minister is getting a lot of reception. And I said Im happy about it because, at the end of the day, hes also my prime minister. But lets not make a mistake. Hes getting reception because hes Indias prime minister. And not because hes BJPs prime minister. Separate these two things, Pitroda added. Pitodra also said that the BJP is trying to spread a web of fake news about Rahul Gandhis US tour wherein they claimed that his trip was sponsored by Muslims. The Congress leader said that the party twist all the messages. But you see, they twist every message. They confuse everything. And then they convert into personal attacks. Now, thats not democracy. Have some respect for other human beings. You will send 50 people chasing you on social media with lies," he told PTI. And the one lie was that this entire trip (of Rahul Gandhi) was sponsored by Muslims. What is it? Even if it is sponsored, lets say the worst case. I mean, theyre citizens of India. What are you talking about? First of all, they have nothing to do with it. The entire trip has been arranged by the Indian Overseas Congress. I have personally supervised every event," he added. Pitodras comments came before PM Narendra Modi is all set to visit the United States on June 22. The prime minister will be hosted by US President Joe Biden in the White House which will include a state dinner. top videos Earlier, President Biden lauded PM Modi for his popularity and said various influential people in the US are excited to meet him during his Washington trip. (With PTI inputs) Senior Congress leader Balasaheb Thorat on Saturday said the Maha Vikas Aghadi, comprising his party, the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Nationalist Congress Party, can win up to 40 of the 48 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra if they fight the 2024 polls unitedly. Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole said workers wanted the party to contest the maximum number of seats. Thorat said seats that the Congress had not contested earlier but where it had a very good base must be given to the party as part of the seat-sharing deal in the MVA. During discussions, party functionaries have asked the state leadership to stake claim to these seats, he said. Thorat, the Congress Legislature Party leader, said due to the Rahul Gandhi-led Bharat Jodo Yatra, the people of the nation were aware of the problems they were facing. Meanwhile, Patole said the two-day reviewing meeting of the party focussed on assessing its organisational strength and ensuring functionaries work towards getting maximum victories for the MVA. top videos The seat-sharing formula has not yet been finalised. Our workers say the Congress must contest maximum seats. We are a national party," Patole said. The countdown for the Modi government has begun. We will work unitedly to defeat the Modi government and save the country. There is a lot of resentment against the Centre and the Eknath Shinde government," he claimed. After some opposition parties demanded the Railway Ministers resignation over the train tragedy in Odishas Balasore, Ashwini Vaishnaw on Saturday said this is not the time to do politics. This is not the time to do politics. We want transparency. It is fine that they want resignation but this is time to work for full restoration, he said in Balasore where at least 288 people died and over 800 injured in the train mishap. After the reports of the accident came, Vaishnaw on Friday night said he was rushing to the site. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also visited the site today and met injured passengers. Odisha Train Accident LIVE: Death Toll Rises to 288; PM Says Probe Ordered, Guilty Wont Be Spared Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar demanded an inquiry into the three-train accident. Asked about demands for the resignation of Vaishnaw on moral grounds post the tragedy, Pawar cited the example of then railway minister Lal Bahadur Shastri resigning after a train accident and asked those in power" to do what is appropriate". Senior NCP leader Ajit Pawar termed the train accident a failure of the government and said Vaishnaw should resign from the post by taking moral responsibility for the tragedy. Tagging a tweet by Vaishnaw on ex gratia compensation to victims of the accident, Congress MP from Odisha Saptagiri Ulaka said, You should resign first." Ask some person to investigate the reason for this mishap and do course corrections, as well as ensure support to the injured, the MP said. The CPI and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) demanded that Vaishnaws resignation over the incident. Congress leader Digvijaya Singh also demanded Vaishnaws resignation in view of the train accident and cited the example of former Railway Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri. The Railway Minister, who is an ex-IAS officer of the Odisha cadre, always claimed that the system is foolproof and no accident can occur," Singh told reporters in Chhatarpur in Madhya Pradesh. top videos There is an example when Lal Bahadur Shastri had resigned after a train accident (in 1956) but we cant expect such a step from the (incumbent Railway) minister in the Modi cabinet. If a bit of shame is left, the minister (Vaishnaw) should resign, Singh said. (With PTI inputs) Four friends from Japan, who took a holiday together to Italys Venice, were scammed by a restaurant. All the friends are students and had started saving money for their trip long ago. But little did they know that one restaurant would charge them Rs 1 lakh for one meal. The incident took place at Osteria de Luca restaurant, near the popular St Marks Square. They ordered four plates of steak, a plate of fried fish and a bottle of water at the restaurant. And after finishing their meal, when the restaurant handed them the bill, they were shocked to see that it was worth 1,100 (around Rs 1 lakh). On complaining, the restaurant told that all four used the internet hotspot there and that too has been added to the bill. Somehow friends paid the charges then but after leaving the restaurant, the four filed a police complaint in Bologna. They wrote in the complaint that the restaurant cheated them, charged more money than necessary and did not give them any information about hidden charges. The police thankfully took serious action following the complaint and the restaurant later had to pay Rs 12.5 lakh as compensation to the students. As per a Daily Star report, the four students also complained about another restaurant where they were charged 350 (around Rs 31,000) for three plates of seafood pasta. top videos The Daily Star also mentioned a few comments left by other tourists on the Osteria de Luca restaurant page on TripAdvisor. One person left their review stating, Garbage. Total rip-off. You have to have stupid written on your forehead to eat in this dump. Went there for a family meal and they extorted money." Another person wrote, I didnt think they would charge me 40.21 (Rs 4,100) for fried seafood and 14.18 (Rs 1436) for dinner. Also, they added a 15% service charge, I asked the waiter and he said that is tax." Osteria de Luca restaurant is not the only restaurant embroiled in the scam. Earlier, a complaint was filed against Caffe Lavena, also located in the St Marks Square area, which charged a Chilean national 43 (Rs 3,800) for two coffees and two bottles of water. Contrary to popular belief, quitting smoking may not worsen mental disorders, and could even be associated with improved mental health. So say British researchers, who found that stopping smoking improved stress and anxiety levels in people with and without psychological disorders. Do cigarettes really relieve stress, as many smokers seem to believe? In the collective imagination, tobacco is said to have calming effects, and even stress-relieving virtues. This is a widespread idea that prevents some people from giving up smoking, especially if they suffer from mental health disorders. But a new study by researchers at Oxford Universitys Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences in the UK could put an end to this preconceived idea. The scientists looked into the impact of smoking cessation on mental health, using data from a randomized clinical trial conducted in 16 countries and 140 centers between 2011 and 2015. However, not all participants were included in the study, which was based solely on data from US-based participants, ie, 4,260 adult smokers with or without mental disorders just over 55% had a history of mental illness. Published in the journal JAMA Network Open, their research suggests an association between smoking cessation and significant improvements" in anxiety and depression levels. This observation was made between the ninth and 24th week of abstinence. In other words, smoking cessation did not aggravate mental disorders in the people concerned, and may even have proved beneficial to their mental health. While we are seeing a large decrease of smoking rates over the years in the UK for the general population, this is not the case for people living with mental health conditions. The number of people smoking who also have a mental health condition has remained the same since 1993 (approximately 40%). We hope our results can help motivate policymakers and stakeholders to better support smoking cessation in people with mental health conditions," explains researcher and lead author of the study, Angela Wu, quoted in a news release. Smoking itself is the cause of the problems" top videos It should be emphasized that this improvement in mental health was observed after at least nine weeks of abstinence. This does not mean that withdrawal does not induce symptoms such as stress, fatigue, irritability or sleep disorders, but that in the long term, stopping smoking can be beneficial in all these areas. Many people who smoke cannot contemplate stopping smoking. They know it affects their health, but they feel they need cigarettes to cope with stress. This is what people experience every day when they smoke they feel better afterwards. However, what people perceive are the benefits of smoking are the symptoms of withdrawal from cigarettes. While smoking gives a short-term benefit, smoking itself is the cause of the problems," says study co-author, Professor Paul Aveyard. Our study joins with others that show that when people stop smoking their mental health improves, whereas those who do not stop smoking have no improvement," concludes Paul Aveyard. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 3. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed a decree on approving the "Agreement on cooperation in the field of environmental protection between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Government of the State of Israel", Trend reports. According to the decree, guided by paragraph 17 of Article 109 of the Constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan, it was decided to approve the "Agreement on cooperation in the field of environmental protection between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Government of the State of Israel", signed on April 19, 2023 in Baku. The Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Azerbaijan was instructed to ensure the implementation of its provisions after the entry into force of the agreement specified in part one of the decree. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan was instructed to send a notification to the government of the State of Israel on the implementation of internal procedures necessary for the entry into force of the agreement. The predominantly Muslim town of Nagu in southwestern Yunnan province of China witnessed a rare phenomenon last week. Thousands from the minority Hui Muslim community held protests, clashed with over 1,000 police personnel and forced them to temporarily backtrack plans to alter a 14th century mosque. The police had a court mandate to dismantle parts of the Najiaying mosque, to which more domes and minarets were recently added. These features are considered to be distinguishing in mosque architecture. The protests were driven by past examples: in Chinese crackdown on places of external religions, the larger objective is to give the structures a Chinese-style architecture by donning it with traditional flooring, wall patterns and roofing similar to Buddhist-style pagodas. What is worrying and important to note is the fact that the protesters turned violent this time, hurling stones and chairs something rarely heard of and reported in external media. In doing so, they have not only challenged the local administration and the ideology of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) but also raised questions on one of the commands directed from the countrys highest office. They have challenged President Xi Jinpings words and his authority. What is the sinicisation of religion policy? Jinpings sinicisation of religion policy seeks to transform every religion born outside China in the traditional Han Chinese way. To the outside world, China says its sinicization policy is about realigning external religious values to make them compatible to the socialist core values of the country. The CCP says the motto is never to change the ideology, or Islamic belief system and/or the Muslims residents habits. To the targets inside China, especially Buddhists and Muslims, following religion is almost banned. The sinicisation policy does not allow followers of external religions to perform most religious practices and go for religious teachings. It also does not allow religious-styled architecture, either at homes or outside in community centres. Jinping coined the term in 2015 and his targets were Islam, Buddhism, Daoism, Catholicism and Protestantism. The clear message was: sinicise them in the Chinese context, socialise and indigenise them. The unspoken directive was: ban most of the non-Chinese religious practices inside China. Two out of five religions, Buddhism and Islam, were specifically chosen to be targeted. Two independent countries forcefully occupied by China follow these religions and their natives consider themselves different from the CCPs China and its majority Han population. Islam is followed by the Uyghur community of the Xinjiang region, the largest province in the current Chinese geographical territory. Tibet, Chinas second largest province, is home to Buddhist history, culture and politics. Who are the Hui Muslims? According to the Chinese Census 2020, Hui Muslims are Chinas fourth largest ethnic group. They are largely located in the Ningxia region, also officially known as Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region (NHAR), in north-central China. The other three ethnic groups in China are 1.29 billion-strong Han Chinese, Zhuang (19.6 million) and the Uyghurs (11.8 million). The 11.8 million-strong Islamic community has a significant presence across Chinas entire northwestern territory, but is also present in many mainland provinces. Yunnan province, where the current crackdown has happened, has around seven lakh Hui Muslims. Hui Muslims once considered assimilated They immigrated from Arab and Persian empires to the Chinese border and mainland areas some 1,500 years ago. Most of them are Sunni Muslims practising Sufi Islam and are considered largely assimilated in the Han Chinese culture, speaking Mandarin. Their Islam is considered mostly indigenised and they even intermarry with the Han Chinese. For this reason, the CCP was not too hostile towards their religious practices earlier. The Hui Muslim population was used as a prop against the crackdown on the Uyghur Muslim community in Xinjiang. The province had around seven lakh Hui Muslims, as per Chinas 1990 Census, which reached one million as per the 2010 Census. They were a better propaganda tool with CCP-loyal Muslims in Xinjiang as compared to the native rebel Uyghur Muslim population, to coax them to leave Islam and follow its CCP version. But Xi Jinpings CCP doesnt think so The CCP, following Xi Jinpings 2015 core doctrine, does not think that Hui Muslims are completely indigenised and sinicised. They are seen as coming from a different external faith following their religious structures, practices and teaching that needs socialisation and more indigenisation, on the lines of what is being done with Uyghur Muslims in the Xinjiang province. Xinjiang has few Uyghur mosques left. A report by the Washington-based Uyghur Human Rights Project (UHRP) states that China destroyed 10,000 to 15,000 mosques and religious places between 2016 and 2019. Children are separated from their parents and trained in the CCP ideology, Han culture and Mandarin language. They are even arrested for following Islam and sent to re-education camps that many critics consider concentration camps. Living in fear? June 6 is the deadline: the protesters must surrender, or they will be arrested and sent to jails or correctional homes to be re-educated, like over 350 in the Xinjiang province with over a million interns or detained people. In different reports and human rights investigations, the number of arrested people has gone up to 3.5 million. The act of trying to save their 900-year-old mosque has been labelled as a criminal act, which has disturbed the social order of the area. Is it the beginning of the process to kill their religiosity? Will Hui Muslims, once considered assimilated, join other such concentration camps designed for other Chinese minorities in the Xinjiang region? Can parallels be drawn with Xinjiang? The 2009 riots in Urumqi, Xinjiangs capital city, started as a silent protest movement against the CCPs ill treatment. Protesters were demanding action against the killing of two migrant Uyghur workers by Han Chinese co-workers in a factory in Shaoguan in Chinas southeast. In response, the police carried out a violent crackdown that led to rioting. In the ensuing riots, both Han Chinese and Uyghur Muslims were killed. The scale of extreme crackdown, being currently witnessed in the region, has its genesis in that years violence. In 2018, after peaceful protests by Hui Muslims in the Ningxia region, a mosques demolition was stopped but its domes and minarets were later removed. By 2019, almost every mosque in the rural Ningxia region was altered with its domes and minarets removed and replaced by Chinese architecture and Buddhist-style pagodas. Protests during such changes were routine. In June 2022, while the administration was demolishing domes and minarets of a mosque in Zhaotong city in Yunnan province, protesting Hui Muslims were beaten up by riot police. top videos Now, with yet another such protest last week that turned violent, the CCP is likely to take a tough stand on the Hui Muslim communitys religious practices. An NPR analysis wrote back in September 2019, Since April 2018, Hui mosques have been forcibly renovated or shuttered, schools demolished, and religious community leaders imprisoned. Hui, who have travelled internationally, are increasingly detained or sent to re-education facilities in Xinjiang. The CCP may now fasten the pace of internments and subsequent arrests, placing Uyghurs and Hui Muslims in the same basket. A college student who authorities say admitted setting fire to a building slated to become Wyomings only full-service abortion clinic pleaded not guilty to an arson charge in federal court on Friday. Standing next to her lawyer, Lorna Roxanne Green, 22, entered her plea after calmly answering questions from the judge about whether she understood the proceedings and for what charge she was indicted. She answered no" to whether she had any mental or physical conditions that would make it difficult to understand what was happening as her father watched from the front row of court. Green told investigators that she opposes abortion and was experiencing anxiety and having nightmares over the Wellspring Health Access clinic that was to open in Casper, Wyoming, last year, so she decided to burn it, according to court documents. After the court hearing, Greens lawyer, Ryan Semerad, declined to comment on the confession outlined by investigators. He said he needs to look at the conversation with authorities in detail, along with the rest of the evidence in the case that will now be turned over to him. Investigators say Green broke a window at the clinic, filled aluminum baking pans with gasoline and set it ablaze on May 25, 2022. The clinic, which had drawn anti-abortion protesters, was scheduled to open a few weeks later but was not able to begin seeing patients until March because of the fire damage. The facility is Wyomings only dedicated clinic in at least a decade to offer surgical abortions. It also offers abortion pills, womens health care, family planning and gender-affirming health care, the clinic says. Before Wellspring opened, only one other clinic in Wyoming a womens health center in Jackson, some 250 miles (400 kilometers) away provided medication abortions. Abortion remains legal in conservative Wyoming although lawmakers passed a law banning abortion except in cases of rape or incest reported to police, or when the mothers life is in danger. However, a state judge put the ban on hold while an opposing lawsuit proceeds. Wyoming also became the first state to pass an explicit ban on abortion pills, which have been legal for decades and become the predominant choice for abortion in the US The ban does not take effect until July 1. top videos Surveillance video released by police soon after the fire at the Casper facility captured a masked woman in a hooded shirt at the clinic building. But Green was not arrested until March after tipsters named her as a possible suspect when the reward in the case was increased to $15,000. Chief Magistrate Judge Kelly Rankin scheduled Green to go on trial on July 24. She faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine if convicted. Former US president Donald Trump on Thursday said he told Fox News host Sean Hannity to refrain from making fun of US President Joe Bidens cognitive abilities, the Hill said in a report. Trump earlier this week participated in a town hall event with Hannity in Iowa and both of them discussed for some time Bidens fall earlier this week at the Air Force Academy commencement ceremony. Trump said it was a bad fall and chose not to comment further. The Fox News host pointed out that the former president is reluctant to attack his successor over his physical and mental abilities. Hannity said he had no issues making fun of President Biden. I asked Sean not to joke about it. Honestly, I dont think it looks good for you or for anybody to joke about it. You can speak about it if you want, but I dont think you should joke about it, Trump was quoted as saying by the Hill. Well, I hope he wasnt hurt. You gotta be careful about that because you dont want that, even if you have to tiptoe down the ramp, he further added after a person from the audience informed him of Biden collapsing during an event. Biden stumbled and fell on the stage after he spent two hours congratulating Air Force graduates earlier this Thursday. The White House confirmed that Biden was fine after the fall and the American President said a sandbag on the stage led him to stumble and fall. top videos Biden is the oldest individual ever to serve as president and concerns about his age and fitness for office are a key factor as he prepares for the 2024 US Presidential Elections. Donald Trump will turn 77 this June and in 2020 faced questions regarding his own health when it appeared he was struggling to walk down a ramp after delivering a commencement address at West Point. Nine Indian nationals, held captive in Libya for several months, have been freed by their captors, announced Indian Ambassador to Tunisia Ngulkham Jathom Gangte. The release was secured with the help of the principal of the Indian school in Benghazi, Tabassum Mansoor. Nine Indians who were held captive in Libya for several months were freed by their captors this week, people from the external affairs ministry familiar with the developments said. Of these nine Indians, five are from Uttar Pradesh, and the rest of them are from Rajasthan, West Bengal, Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat. The news of the Indians being held captive reached the Indian embassy in Tunis mid-February. They told the mission that they were aboard merchant vessel MT Maya 1 where they were working. MT Maya 1 broke down near Libyan coast and they were held captive by local militia. MT Maya 1 is owned by a Greek company and carried the flag of Cameroon and was sailing from Malta to Tripoli carrying oil products. People familiar with the developments said that the mission immediately took up the matter with the Libyan authorities. They sought consular access and took steps to ensure their safety and repatriate them to India as early as possible. People familiar with the developments highlighted that an informal contact of the mission met those held captive almost every week thereafter to ensure their early release and helped make provision of essential food items. Meanwhile, the mission continued to follow up the matter with concerned authorities in Libya. top videos The external affairs ministry and the mission kept the family members of the Indian nationals posted regularly regarding the developments in the case The ambassador to Tunisia Ngulkham Jathom Gangte received all of them on Wednesday after their release. They are currently being kept in a hotel as they await the completion of their exit visa formalities. A pregnant driver in the US State of Wisconsin safely evacuated 37 students while they were headed to school this week shortly before the bus became engulfed in flames, Fox News reported. I evacuated the bus, made sure everyone was off, and made them line up against a gate. And as soon as we stepped off the bus, I turned around and the bus was just in flames, Imunek Williams was quoted as saying by WISN-TV. The woman was driving students to school along the regular route for two hours when she got the smell of something burning. The bus contained children ranging in age from kindergartners to high schoolers. She said she thought it was some other car but she told the US-based news outlet that as she started to drive more, the smoke started to get thicker. The bus was headed for the Milwaukee Academy of Science and firefighters arrived on the spot to put out the blaze. The woman first tried to call on the radio but she could not send the message because of the smoke hitting her on the face and her eyes. She then quit the idea of radioing for help and decided to get the kids off the bus. I think thats when it was like my mommy instincts kicked in really fast and I was just like OK come on mom lets do it, lets get off the bus," Williams was quoted as saying by Fox News. No one was injured in the incident. The woman was taken to the hospital for a checkup and doctors also evaluated the unborn babys health. Another news outlet, TMJ, said that neither the mother nor the child suffered any injuries due to the smoke she inhaled. top videos She went to pick the children up the next morning after the incident. The woman said the children were surprised to see her pick them up the next morning after the incident. The cause of the fire is not yet known, news outlets said. The US air force colonel who narrated the incident of AI technology going rogue during a simulation test at a Royal Aeronautical Society conference last month retracted his comments after the news went viral. Col Tucker Cinco Hamilton, the chief of AI test and operations with the US air force said a drone killed its operator in a simulated test because the pilot wanted the drone to stop its mission and attempted to override it, according to a blogpost by the Royal Aeronautical Society. The comments were made in May at the Future Combat Air and Space Capabilities Summit in London and the blogpost led to confusion and concern about the use of AI in warfare and defence. Hamilton told those attending the event that during a simulation to test the AI-powered drone - which was instructed and trained to kill its targets - they witnessed some errors as the AI-powered drone refused to obey its operators instruction in some cases to not eliminate its targets and responded by eliminating the operator in the simulation by blowing the communication tower. After the news went viral, sparking concerns, the US air force on Thursday evening denied the test was conducted, the Guardian said. The Guardian also said that the Royal Aeronautical Society released a statement pointing out that Hamilton retracted his comments and clarified that the rogue AI drone simulation was a hypothetical thought experiment. Weve never run that experiment, nor would we need to in order to realise that this is a plausible outcome, Hamilton said, according to the Guardian. In May, Hamilton also highlighted the need to discuss the issues related to ethics when it comes to AI. You cant have a conversation about artificial intelligence, intelligence, machine learning, autonomy if youre not going to talk about ethics and AI, Hamilton was quoted as saying by the Royal Aeronautical Society. Hamilton in his statement later said that even though the event did not happen it is worthwhile to consider when exploring the matter of whether and how to use AI in weapons. top videos Despite this being a hypothetical example, this illustrates the real-world challenges posed by AI-powered capability and is why the Air Force is committed to the ethical development of AI, he said in the statement where he clarified the meaning behind his previous comments made in May. The US air force spokesperson Ann Stefanek said the colonels comments were taken out of context while speaking to the Insider. Organising elections without an inclusive political dialogue" risks worsening violence in Myanmar, said a UN envoy on Saturday, a day after meeting a leading opposition figure in Geneva. The outgoing UN special envoy for Myanmar Noeleen Heyzer, who steps down on June 12, said she met with Zin Mar Aung, the Foreign Affairs Minister of the National Unity Government in exile. In the Friday meeting, the UN envoy warned against ongoing attempts by the Myanmar military to undermine democratic institutions and processes, such as the dissolution of opposition parties", a statement said. Heyzer warned the militarys proposed elections risk exacerbating the violence in the absence of inclusive political dialogue and conditions that permit citizens to freely exercise their rights". Heyzer said that any dialogue should focus on people in conflict-affected areas including women and youth. Myanmar has faced turmoil since the military seized power in February 2021, ending the rule of civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyis elected government over unsubstantiated allegations of fraud in elections the previous year. The military has since tasked the junta-dominated election commission with holding fresh polls, which opponents say cannot possibly be free or fair. The commission dissolved Suu Kyis party, the National League for Democracy Party", for failing to comply with new election rules drawn up by the military. During her 18-month tenure, Heyzer has been criticised by the junta and its opponents. top videos She visited the Southeast Asian nation last August and met junta chief Min Aung Hlaing and other top military officials in a move criticised by rights groups as lending legitimacy to the generals. But she was denied a meeting with detained democracy figurehead Suu Kyi and later irked junta officials who accused her of issuing a one-sided statement" of what had been discussed. The UN Security Council on Friday extended for just six months the United Nations political mission in Sudan, after UN envoy Volker Perthes was accused by Sudans army chief of stoking the worsening civil conflict. In a short resolution, the Council unanimously agreed to extend until December 3, 2023 the UN Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS), a limited duration that underscores the African countrys delicate situation. Sudans army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan last week accused Perthes of stoking the brutal conflict the army is fighting against paramilitaries. In a letter to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, the army chief also asked him to name a replacement for Perthes, saying the envoy had committed fraud and disinformation" in facilitating a political process which broke down into six weeks of devastating urban warfare. At the end of a closed Security Council meeting on Wednesday, Guterres repeated his full confidence" in Perthes. Several other Council members also voiced their support for the UN envoy. The next six months will provide the Security Council with the necessary time to assess the impacts of UNITAMs ability to fulfill its vital mandates," deputy British ambassador James Kariuki said. US Deputy Ambassador Robert Wood voiced regret that this council was unable to find consensus on an updated mandate." He said he hoped that the Council in coming months would agree on a resolution that empowers the mission to better support an end to the conflict, protection of human rights (and) unhindered humanitarian assistance." The resolution adopted Friday calls on the secretary-general to continue to report on the mission every three months. The next report is expected by August 30. Perthes, who was in New York when Barhan made his accusation, is expected to return to the region" in the coming days, first stopping in Addis Ababa to meet with African Union officials, a spokesperson for the secretary-general said. In a separate statement also adopted on Friday, the Security Council reaffirmed its support" for the mission and called for continued engagement." top videos The 15 members also resolved to condemn the attacks against the civilian population," UN personnel and humanitarian actors, as well as the looting of humanitarian supplies. UNITAMS, created in June 2020 to support Sudans democratic transition after the fall of Omar al-Bashir a year earlier, had since been renewed annually for a year. US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said Saturday it was essential" to renew dialogue with China to avoid misunderstandings" that could lead to a conflict between the two superpowers. The United States had invited Austins Chinese counterpart Li Shangfu to meet on the sidelines of a defence summit in Singapore, but the Pentagon said Beijing declined. A member of Chinas delegation told AFP that the removal of US sanctions on its minister is a precondition for talks. The United States believes that open lines of communication with the Peoples Republic of China are essential especially between our defence and military leaders," Austin told the Shangri-La Dialogue. The more that we talk, the more that we can avoid the misunderstandings and miscalculations that could lead to crisis or conflict." Austin is on a tour of Asia that previously took him to Japan and will also include a visit to India part of a push by top US officials to shore up regional alliances and partnerships to help counter a more assertive China and an increasingly bellicose North Korea. In his speech Saturday, Austin said he was deeply concerned that (China) has been unwilling to engage more seriously on better mechanisms for crisis management between our two militaries", expressing hope that this would soon change. Li, who will address the meeting on Sunday, was sanctioned by the US government in 2018 for buying Russian weapons, but the Pentagon says that does not prevent Austin from conducting official business with him. Members of the Chinese delegation hit back swiftly over Austins remarks, with Senior Colonel Tang Hefei, spokesperson for Chinas defence ministry, saying that the Pentagon chief made several false accusations". Another Chinese delegation member, Senior Colonel Zhao Xiaozhuo, said Washington had no business telling China what to do. What we do in the Chinese military is based on maintaining the core interests of Chinas security, which is fundamental," he said. Zhao said removing the sanctions on Li is one of the pre-conditions for substantial talks" with Austin. Tensions between Washington and Beijing have soared this year over issues including Taiwan and an alleged Chinese spy balloon that was shot down by a US warplane after traversing the country. Austin and Li shook hands and spoke briefly for the first time at the opening dinner on Friday, but there was no substantive exchange. While high-level military-to-military ties between the United States and China have been cut off for months, other top US officials are still in communication with Beijing. CIA Director William Burns made a secret trip to China last month, while US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and top Chinese diplomat Wang Yi met in Vienna in May. - Risky intercepts - Austin also took aim at Beijing for conducting an alarming number of risky intercepts of US and allied aircraft flying lawfully in international airspace", including one last week. In that incident, the US military said a Chinese fighter pilot performed an unnecessarily aggressive" manoeuvre near a US surveillance aircraft over the South China Sea. Video footage released by the US military showed a Chinese jet crossing in front of the US aircraft, which could be seen shaking from the resulting turbulence. But Chinas military said the US plane broke into" a military training area. Another recent flashpoint in China-US relations has been high-end microchips. Beijing said last month that US semiconductor giant Micron had failed a national security review and would not be allowed to sell to operators of critical information infrastructure". The announcement came after Washington and its allies took measures in recent months that China claimed were designed to restrict its ability to purchase or manufacture cutting-edge chips. In April, Beijing launched three days of military exercises around Taiwan, simulating targeted strikes and a blockade of the democratic, self-ruled island. top videos China considers Taiwan a part of its territory to be taken one day and the island lives under the constant fear of invasion. The Chinese exercises came in response to a meeting between Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen and US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy in California. Condolences from across the world poured in for the victims of the Odisha train crash on Saturday. Taiwan President Tsai-Ing Wen, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, European Council President Charles Michel, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and American envoy to India Eric Garcetti sent their condolences for those affected by the train crash. 2023 Odisha Train Crash: LIVE Updates Praying for everyone affected by the train accident in India. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the victims and their families, and hope that rescue operations can save all those in need. Tsai Ing-wen (@iingwen) June 3, 2023 Praying for everyone affected by the train accident in India. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the victims and their families, and hope that rescue operations can save all those in need, Taiwan President Tsai-Ing Wen said in a tweet. READ: Odisha Train Accident: Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw Reaches Spot, Promises High-level Inquiry My deepest condolences to the people of India and @narendramodi @PMOIndia over the tragedy in #Odisha We share your pain and sincerely wish a speedy recovery to all the victims. The EU stands ready to provide assistance in any way we can. Charles Michel (@CharlesMichel) June 3, 2023 My deepest condolences to the people of India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the tragedy in Odisha. We share your pain and sincerely wish a speedy recovery to all the victims. The EU stands ready to provide assistance in any way we can, Charles Michel said. READ: Limbless Bodies, Will Never Forget: Coromandel Express Passenger Narrates the Balasore Bloodbath The images and reports of the train crash in Odisha, India break my heart. Im sending my deepest condolences to those who lost loved ones, and Im keeping the injured in my thoughts. At this difficult time, Canadians are standing with the people of India. Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) June 3, 2023 Canadian PM Justin Trudeau said the images of the train accident have broken his heart. The images and reports of the train crash in Odisha, India break my heart. Im sending my deepest condolences to those who lost loved ones, and Im keeping the injured in my thoughts. At this difficult time, Canadians are standing with the people of India, Trudeau said in a tweet. PM Modi @narendramodi, I am deeply saddened by the news of the loss of many precious lives and the injuries in the train accident in the State of Odisha. On behalf of the Government of Japan and people, (@kishida230) June 3, 2023 Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida also extended his condolences on behalf of the people of Odisha towards the victims of the train crash. PM Modi, I am deeply saddened by the news of the loss of many precious lives and the injuries in the train accident in the State of Odisha. On behalf of the Government of Japan and people, Kishida said. We send our deepest sympathies following the devastating train crash in Indias eastern Odisha state. Our thoughts are also with the many injured, and with the emergency personnel working to assist them, Australian foreign minister Penny Wong said. Das Zugungluck in #Indien mit hunderten Toten und Verletzten erschuttert mich zutiefst. Meine Gedanken sind bei den Opfern, Verletzten und ihren Familien. Deutschland steht an der Seite Indiens in dieser schweren Zeit. Bundeskanzler Olaf Scholz (@Bundeskanzler) June 3, 2023 German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said Germany stands by India in this difficult time. I am deeply saddened by the train accident in India with hundreds of dead and injured. My thoughts are with the victims, the injured and their families. Germany stands by India in this difficult time, Scholz was quoted as saying. Terrible news from India.I express my deepest condolences to the families of the victims of the Odisha train accident and wish a speedy recovery to the injured. The people of India are in our thoughts in this time of sorrow. Europe mourns with you @narendramodi Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) June 3, 2023 European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen extended her condolences and wished speedy recovery to those injured. I express my deepest condolences to the families of the victims of the Odisha train accident and wish a speedy recovery to the injured. The people of India are in our thoughts in this time of sorrow. Europe mourns with you, Leyen said. Deeply saddened by the loss of hundreds of lives in a train accident in India. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families who lost their loved ones in this tragedy. Prayers for speedy recovery of the injured. Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) June 3, 2023 Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also extended his condolences on behalf of the people of his nation. Deeply saddened by the loss of hundreds of lives in a train accident in India. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families who lost their loved ones in this tragedy. Prayers for speedy recovery of the injured, Sharif said in a tweet. President Putin sent his condolences to @rashtrapatibhvn & @narendramodi over the deadly train collision in Odisha. We share the grief of those who lost their loved ones in this tragic accident,& wish a speedy recovery for those injured. https://t.co/qc7SSAoOfG pic.twitter.com/NEXosUmOru MFA Russia (@mfa_russia) June 3, 2023 President Putin sent his condolences to President Droupadi Murmu and PM Modi over the deadly train collision in Odisha. We share the grief of those who lost their loved ones in this tragic accident,& wish a speedy recovery for those injured, the Russian ministry of foreign affairs said in a tweet. My thoughts and prayers are with @narendramodi and with all affected by the tragic events in Odisha. My deepest condolences to the family and friends of those killed, and my heartfelt support and admiration to the survivors and those working tirelessly to respond. Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) June 3, 2023 UK Prime Minister Sunak extended his condolences and support to those affected in the tragic accident. My thoughts and prayers are with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and with all affected by the tragic events in Odisha. My deepest condolences to the family and friends of those killed, and my heartfelt support and admiration to the survivors and those working tirelessly to respond, Sunak said in a tweet. On behalf of the U.S. Mission in India, I extend our deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the tragic train accident in Balasore. We stand with India and the people of Odisha in this time of grief. U.S. Ambassador Eric Garcetti (@USAmbIndia) June 3, 2023 American envoy to India, Eric Garcetti, in a tweet said: On behalf of the US Mission in India, I extend our deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the tragic train accident in Balasore. We stand with India and the people of Odisha in this time of grief. Deepest condolences to the families of the victims of the tragic train derailment in Odisha. Speedy recovery to the injured. Denis Alipov (@AmbRus_India) June 3, 2023 Russian ambassador to India Denis Alipov also extended his condolences. Deepest condolences to the families of the victims of the tragic train derailment in Odisha. Speedy recovery to the injured, Alipov said in a tweet. The spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry Hua Chunying also extended her condolences. Shocking and heartbreaking. Deepest condolences and sympathy to those victims families and the injured, Chunying said. Saddened to learn of the high death toll in the tragic train accident in Odisha, India. Our condolences for the families of the victims. Wish speedy recovery to the injured. #BalasoreTrainAccident BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) June 3, 2023 Pakistan foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari extended his condolences towards those impacted by the train crash in Odisha later in the day. Saddened to learn of the high death toll in the tragic train accident in Odisha, India. Our condolences for the families of the victims. Wish speedy recovery to the injured, Zardari said. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan is saddened by the train collision in eastern Odisha State of the Republic of India that has left hundreds dead and injured. MoFA sympathies with the bereaved families of the victims and the injured. pic.twitter.com/o6YsOSYbiM Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Afghanistan (@MoFA_Afg) June 3, 2023 The Taliban also extended its condolences to those affected in a tweet. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan is saddened by the train collision in eastern Odisha State of the Republic of India that has left hundreds dead and injured. MoFA sympathies with the bereaved families of the victims and the injured, the Afghan foreign ministry said. Norwegian foreign minister Anniken Huitfeldt also sent her condolences on behalf of her nation. I am deeply saddened by the terrible train crash in Odisha, India. My condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones in this tragic accident, as well as to those who have been injured. Norway stands with India, Huitfeldt told her counterpart S Jaishankar in a tweet. top videos At least 233 people were killed and around 900 injured in the crash involving the Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express, the Shalimar-Chennai Central Coromandel Express and a goods train in Odishas Balasore on Friday. Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Odisha CM Naveen Pattnaik have visited the site. Rescue operations are ongoing and authorities are trying to ascertain the identity of those who died in the crash and rescue those trapped. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 3. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed a decree on approving the "Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Ministry of Human Resources of the Republic of Indonesia on cooperation in the field of labor, employment and social protection", Trend reports. According to the decree, guided by paragraph 17 of Article 109 of the Constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan, it was decided to approve the "Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Ministry of Human Resources of the Republic of Indonesia on cooperation in the field of labor, employment and social protection" signed on December 14, 2022 in the cities of Baku and Jakarta. The Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Azerbaijan was instructed to ensure the implementation of its provisions after the entry into force of the Memorandum of Understanding specified in part one of the decree. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan was instructed to send a notification to the government of the Republic of Indonesia on the implementation of internal procedures necessary for the entry into force of the Memorandum of Understanding. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 3. Footage of the passage of the checkpoint on Azerbaijan's Lachin-Khankendi road by the Armenian residents of the country's Karabakh region, who were heading from Khankendi to Armenia, has been released today, Trend reports. The footage showed the passage of the Azerbaijani checkpoint by residents of Armenian origin. When the checkpoint was just opening, the Armenian residents of Karabakh stated that they allegedly "will never be able to use this road again", but today's footage showed the opposite. In order to prevent the transportation of manpower, ammunition, mines, as well as other military equipment from Armenia for illegal Armenian armed groups on the territory of Azerbaijan, and as an adequate response to the unilateral establishment of a checkpoint by Armenia on the border with Azerbaijan on April 22 at the entrance to the Lachin-Khankendi road contrary to the trilateral statement of November 10, 2020, on April 23 at 12:00 (GMT+4), the units of the State Border Service of the Republic of Azerbaijan set up a border checkpoint in its sovereign territories, on the border with Armenia, at the beginning of the Lachin-Khankendi road. She was a straight-A accounting major with a seemingly bright future until everything changed in sudden fashion: At the age of 21, April Burrell of Baltimore was diagnosed with a severe form of schizophrenia, writes Richard Sima in the Washington Post. "The former high school valedictorian could no longer communicate, bathe or take care of herself." For the next 20 years, Burrell lived in a catatonic state in a psychiatric hospitaluntil 2018, when she began to come out of it after novel treatment. The key to it: A doctor interested in her case ordered a full medical workup and discovered she also suffered from the autoimmune disorder lupus, which was attacking her brain. "After months of targeted treatmentsand more than two decades trapped in her mindApril woke up," writes Sima. The breakthrough in Burrell's case came from Sander Markx, director of precision psychiatry at Columbia University, and it's now being applied to others. In New York state alone, researchers have identified 200 patients, some of whom have been institutionalized for years, who might benefit from the insight. "The impact of the work is already beginning to reshape the practice of psychiatry and the way many cases of mental illness are diagnosed and treated," writes Sima. Markx refers to patients who might be helped as "lost souls," and the research will ring familiar to anyone who's seen the movie Awakenings, based on the cases of patients treated by neurologist Oliver Sacks. Markx, in fact, saw the movie as a teen and it resonated. Read the full story, which includes the case of another successfully treated patient. (Or check out other longform stories.) The last full moon of spring has arrived. CBS News reports that the so-called strawberry moon will grace the skies this weekend, with peak illumination on Saturday at 11:42pm ET, per NASA. Space.com notes that this particular incarnation of the moon often gives off a "warmer" light than what's seen earlier in the year, emanating yellow or orange like a sunset. But the moon doesn't get its "strawberry" moniker based on its color, per CNNinstead, as explained by the Farmers' Almanac, Native American tribes labeled it as such because the moon appears around the time when strawberries are being harvested. According to NASA, the strawberry moon also boasts a slew of other nicknames, including the rose moon, flower moon, hot moon, planting moon, and mead or honey moon, which the space agency notes may be where we get the word "honeymoon" from. The strawberry moon will appear full through Monday morning. So how best to catch a glimpse? The Farmers Almanac, which has a moonrise finder based on ZIP code, suggests finding an open area and gazing toward the southeast, where the moon should appear about 3 degrees above the horizon. (Read more moon stories.) A 31-year-old California man is in custody after three people were killed and nine injured in what police described as "random acts of violence." The victims were stabbed or hit with a vehicle in San Jose and neighboring Milpitas, NBC News reports, before Kevin Parkourana surrendered Thursday evening without further incident. The police response during the rampage, which included carjackings, had included flooding a high school graduation in the area with officers as a precaution. "We were able to effectively prevent additional people from being injured," said Milpitas Police Chief Jared Hernandez on Friday. Police laid out the series of attacks Thursday, per KGO: 3:11pm : A man is stabbed and his minivan stolen in San Jose. : A man is stabbed and his minivan stolen in San Jose. 3:31pm : A victim is stabbed and his car stolen in a parking lot. The attacker strikes a pedestrian as he drives away. : A victim is stabbed and his car stolen in a parking lot. The attacker strikes a pedestrian as he drives away. 4pm : The attacker drives into a car and stabs an occupant downtown. : The attacker drives into a car and stabs an occupant downtown. 4:12pm : Three pedestrians are hit by the stolen vehicle, two of them fatally. The attacker then hits the rider of motorized scooter nearby. : Three pedestrians are hit by the stolen vehicle, two of them fatally. The attacker then hits the rider of motorized scooter nearby. 4:32pm : A man is stabbed in a store parking lot in Milpitas. He dies at a hospital. : A man is stabbed in a store parking lot in Milpitas. He dies at a hospital. 6:15pm: Police take Parkourana, who was sitting in a parked car, into custody a quarter-mile from the site of the most recent stabbing. Law enforcement officials said that the victims weren't targeted and that they don't yet know a motive for the attacks, per CBS News. Parkourana, whom police said is on probation, was being held at the Santa Clara County Jail. Charges were pending; police said there might have been other attacks in the area that they're not yet aware of. (Read more San Jose stories.) Amid plates of sliced pork, statement-making leather ensembles and piles of political T-shirts, eight Republican presidential hopefuls descended on Iowa on Saturday to pitch themselves to voters andin Mike Pence's casehop on a motorcycle. The former vice president and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis were among the White House contenders appearing at a rally at the state fairgrounds near Des Moines, the AP reports. The event was hosted by US Sen. Joni Ernst. Her annual political event, the "Roast and Ride"a combination barbecue-rally and motorcycle ridekicks off the summer campaign season heading into the state's first-in-the-nation caucuses early next year. Former President Donald Trump was notably absent after spending two days in the state this past week. He has largely avoided events that would have him share the stage with his 2024 rivals. DeSantis, with his wife, Casey, and three children in tow, chatted with voters, gave out autographs and signed the Bible of a man who thanked the governor for "standing up to Disney." Casey DeSantis wore a black leather jacket in 86-degree weather with the words "Where Woke Goes to Die" and an outline of Florida on the back. It brought to mind first lady Melania Trump's outerwear in 2018, when she famously sent a message with a hooded jacket that read "I really don't care do u" as she left the White House on a trip to visit migrant children in Texas. Pence was the only White House hopeful who participated in a morning motorcycle ride for charity that is a staple of Ernst's event. The former Indiana governor, who has made frequent trips to Iowa over the past year, is expected to launch his campaign in Des Moines on Wednesday. At the fairgrounds, candidates gave speeches and chatted with barbecue-eating voters. Other candidates speaking included former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley, US Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina, former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, Michigan businessman Perry Johnson, author Vivek Ramaswamy, and talk radio host Larry Elder. Marie Andres of Des Moines signed a pledge to caucus for DeSantis. "Trump did a great job, but in my opinion, too much drama," the 74-year-old said. DeSantis, she thinks, is "the best we're going to get." (Read more Republican candidates stories.) Sorry! This content is not available in your region A Bulgarian T-72 battle tank from 3rd Battalion, 61st Mechanized Brigade, approaches the forward line of troops at Novo Selo Training Area, Bulgaria, during Saber Guardian 21, May 27, 2021. (Photo by 1st Lt. Ian Fischer, U.S. Army) ANKARA, Turkiye, June 3. I would like to thank President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev for attending the ceremony, the newly elected President of Turkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan said during his swearing-in ceremony, Trend reports. Once again, I welcome my dear brother President Ilham Aliyev, Erdogan said. 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. TDT | Manama The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com The High Criminal Court of Bahrain began hearing a case involving two Asian men accused of defrauding a businessman out of BD994 by posing as telecom officials. According to court files, the defendants initially sent a message to the businessman, posing as a service provider, and falsely claimed that he needed to update his SIM information to avoid his connection being terminated. The victim promptly followed the instructions. However, within minutes, he received messages notifying him of unauthorised withdrawals from his bank account. Upon filing a complaint, investigators uncovered a network of fraudulent activities orchestrated by the first suspect. It was revealed that the embezzled money had been funnelled into the account of the main perpetrator, who operated the scam network. Additionally, the second defendant played a crucial role by recruiting individuals and utilising their bank accounts to receive the illicitly obtained funds. As the trial proceeds, the case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of remaining vigilant and cautious when dealing with suspicious messages and requests for personal information. AFP | North Charleston The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com As airlines seek to fulfill customers growing post-pandemic appetites for long-haul travel, Boeing is aiming to speed up production of its 787 Dreamliners after a period plagued by repeated delivery interruptions due to manufacturing defects. At a hangar in the US East Coast state of South Carolina, the plane begins to take shape on its first assembly line -- here, the wings, cockpit, cabin and tail are still in separate pieces. It will take about a month for the entire aircraft to come together, with the final touches added later, in the parking lot. The US aerospace giant has already managed to up its manufacturing rate from fewer than two 787s per month in 2021 to four, and is hoping to get up to five by the end of the year. On the second assembly line in the hangar, located in the city of North Charleston, three completed airplanes are inspected. They had to be returned for adjustments, after the discovery of several production flaws beginning in 2020. There are still several dozen other planes under inspection, but Boeing plans to move that review process to its factory in Everett, in Washington state, by the end of the year. That will allow them to devote the second assembly line in South Carolina solely to plane construction, meaning they can ramp up to 10 787s per month by 2025 or 2026. That would bring the factory close to Boeings pre-pandemic production rate of 14 jets per month, which was achieved by splitting 787 construction between South Carolina and Washington state, before it was all consolidated to the East Coast in 2021. Boeing says its not worried about potential cancelations from airline clients unhappy with the delays. Our problem right now is more to just getting these planes in the hands of the customers, Lane Ballard, the 787 programs general manager said during a press visit to Boeings South Carolina locations Tuesday and Wednesday, ahead of the Paris Air Show later this month. Sales rebound Despite the rebound in sales of its flagship medium-haul 737 MAX last year -- giving the company its best delivery numbers since 2018 -- Boeing is pinning its financial hopes on the 787, after four consecutive years in the red. Recent months have finally seen an uptick in orders for large planes, the market for which was already suffering before the drop in longhaul air traffic during Covid lockdowns. Boeing has historically dominated the high-margin long-haul manufacturing scene with its 787 and 777 configurations, competing with Airbuss A350 and A330. Now, with Boeing no longer producing its 747 jumbo jet, the lag on its 777 passenger model and the five-year delay in certification for its 777X, set for 2025, the company is counting on the 787. It took a gamble on the 787 line -- which launched in 2004 and began flying in 2011 -- by increasing its use of carbon fiber composites for the fuselage and wings. As a result, the plane is lighter and requires less fuel. Many of the aircrafts major parts are shipped in from Italy, Japan and Kansas in one of Boeings so-called Dreamlifters -- modified 747s specially designed for carrying cumbersome equipment. And back in South Carolina, the back of the aircraft is built in an adjacent hangar next door. Title changed. Details added: first version posted on 12:35 BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 3. Citizens of Afghanistan Asadziya Hevad, Abdulbasid Feyzi and Mutullah Habibi who violated the state border from Iran in the direction of Azerbaijan were detained, the State Border Service of Azerbaijan told Trend. The foreigners were detained as a result of operational activities carried out on June 2 on the territory of the Lankaran border detachment of the Border Troops under the State Border Service. According to the service, investigative and operational measures are ongoing on this fact. Previously, on May 28 residents of Azerbaijan's Shahseven village Ibrahim Guliyev and Jeyhun Ahmadov were detained by servicemen of the Horadiz border detachment of the Border Troops under the State Border Service on the territory of the border outpost located near a village of Beylagan district of the country while attempting to violate the state border in order to smuggle drugs from Iran. Taehyung's sudden departure for his overseas schedule has surprised ARMY. Fans are still wondering what Taehyung is up to at the moment. However, based on the posts of Taehyung's hair stylist and HYBE staff on Instagram, fans speculate that Taehyung is currently in Japan. But there hasn't been any official confirmation regarding this. Speaking of Japan, BTS V has once again claimed the number one spot as the most searched idol globally, especially in Japan, in the first quarter of 2023. The number of babies born in Japan last year also fell for the seventh consecutive year, dropping below 800,000 for the first time since records began in 1899 to 770,747, down 40,875 from the previous year, according to the data released by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare. The number of deaths in Japan in 2022 rose to a record high 1.57 million, with the population naturally shrinking for the 16th consecutive year. The total fertility rate the average number of children a woman is estimated to bear in her lifetime fell to 1.26, on par with the record low in 2005. The pace of decline in the number of births has also been accelerating in recent years, falling by 24,404 in 2020 from the previous year, and by 29,213 in 2021. 770,747 means about 380,000 female babies. The population pyramid projection for 2027 for Japan was projecting 4.082 million Japanese babies for 2023-2027. This would mean averaging 816,000 babies annually. Japan is coming in 45,000 babies annually short of that projection and if the drops continue Japan could be at 600k-700k babies annually in 2027. The population pyramids and projections were assuming that Japan could hold at 810,000 per year. The shortage of Japanese babies means that population trends are even worse than 103.7 million in 2050. Instead of 9 million fertile women between 18-38 there would be 8 million. The Japanese women who are aging out of fertility now are 35-39 years old. There were 660,000 women per year in those years. Japan will be losing 70% of its fertile age women. Each 5 year group is about 100k per year less women. The fertility data comes a day after Prime Minister Fumio Kishida released a draft plan to boost unparalleled child-rearing support, although the announcement has raised questions about its effectiveness in turning around the falling birthrate. The fertility rate in Japan had recovered to 1.45 in 2015, but has been on a downward trend since 2016. Getting fertility temporarily up to 1.45 from 1.3 earlier cost about $200 billion. Having a working age population that is 10% less is costing but also averaging 48 years of age instead of 35-40 is costing Japan 20-30% of GDP or about $1 to 1.5 trillion each year. This is before Japan loses 20-30% of its population over the next 30 years. Japan has lost about 5% of its people over the last 15 years. The population birth spiral does not stop in 30 years, it keeps spiraling downward with fewer fertile women. Until birthrates get back over 2.1 replacement and stay there then there is no population stabilization. Well, so what, some might say. This will mean all pension systems will collapse. There will be no state support for retirement. If there is less than one working age person to each old person, the math of taking some taxes and giving it to the old person to live becomes scraps. The old person will have to keep working until they drop. If 40-50% of the population is old people then they do not spend money. The economy shrinks massively. * Economic recession * stock market crashes * no pensions If it persisted then how would we keep the systems of civilization running? The Black Death causes 30-50% population loss in seven years. If Japan loses 20% of its population in the 30 years and most of them are old (65+, 75+) and the average age is 55, then we will see if economic systems break. If China loses the entire population of the USA by 2050 going from 1.41 billion to 1.1 billion with TFR of 1.1, then will this end up with some quiet and peaceful scenario? Russia had population loss and started a war with Ukraine. What happens with national debts of countries that start collapsing? Will the world banking system hold up? It is just those countries, it is not like Japan or China have globally important banks or the aging Europeans. At the start of the COVID pandemic, people thought it was just a China problem. China was locking down whole provinces the size of European countries. Populations that are already shrinking : China, Japan, Italy, Spain, Russia, South Korea. (20% of the worlds population). You dont have to worry about a population crisis in Japanor China etc People ignored the pandemic for the 6 months and that worked out great. Also, only rich countries can afford to develop and pay for technology to fix things like climate change. Africa has to get loans and technology to transition off fossil fuels. Poor countries just burn coal. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has made arresting the countrys sliding birth rate a top priority and his government, despite high levels of debt, plans to earmark the spending of 3.5 trillion yen ($25bn) a year on child care and other measures to support parents. The youth population will start decreasing drastically in the 2030s. The period of time until then is our last chance to reverse the trend of dwindling births, he said this week while visiting a daycare facility. Over 70% of the world is below replacement level. This includes poor countries like India, Vietnam, Bangladesh. Indonesia and Cambodia are close at 2.2 to 2.3. China will be losing 10 million people per year from its working age population from 2027-2050. Japan will be losing 1 million people per year from its working age population from 2023-2050. The working age populations for China, Japan, Italy and Spain will be about 20-30% smaller in 2050 than today. Total Fertility Rates of Top GDP Countries All Below 2.1 Replacement USA 1.66 China 1.18 Japan 1.26 Germany 1.6 India 1.99 UK 1.75 France 1.84 Italy 1.29 Canada 1.47 Brazil 1.67 Russia 1.5 S Korea 0.78 Australia 1.60 Mexico 1.79 Spain 1.29 This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) Elected officials met a South Carolina community mourning the death of a 14-year-old boy who authorities say was fatally shot in the back by a gas station owner with calls to channel their righteous anger into collective support and political action. Over 60 people gathered Friday evening for a prayer vigil across the street from the Xpress Mart Shell station in Columbia less than one week after authorities say owner Rick Chow killed Cyrus Carmack-Belton after chasing down the Black teenager, whom he wrongly suspected of stealing four water bottles. I am angry, Richland County Councilwoman Yvonne McBride said. I'm angry about what happened. I'm angry because a young innocent baby was taken brutally from us. Chow, 58, was charged with murder after an autopsy showed that Carmack-Belton was shot in the back when off the store's property running away, Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott said. While Chow thought the youth had shoplifted, investigators said store videos showed Carmack-Belton returned the four water bottles to the cooler. Chow's son told his father that the teen was armed, according to Lott, but there is no evidence that the gun found near Carmack-Belton's body was ever directed at them. Authorities said Chow, who has a concealed weapon's permit, had previously fired at people he suspected of shoplifting on two other occasions in the past eight years and never faced charges. Richland County Coroner Naida Rutherford stressed to vigil attendees that Carmack-Belton did not have the gun out. There was a young boy killed right across the street, and he didnt deserve to die, Rutherford said. She also urged peace at the Friday evening service capping a week that has seen nonviolent protests and vandalism outside the store, and coming one day before Carmack-Belton will be laid to rest at a funeral. Leaders endorsed a swift justice process and the minimization of the easy flow of firearms in society. McBride reiterated her opposition to recently approved tax breaks for a gun manufacturer's expansion in a county where the sheriff has warned in recent years of a gun violence crisis. State Rep. Leon Howard said that both Chow and his son, who officials say participated in the chase, should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Howard also asked that constituents push state senators to pass a hate crimes bill. South Carolina is one of two states without a law enhancing the punishment for crimes determined to be motivated by hatred over the victim's race, among other parts of their identity. The proposal cleared the South Carolina House only to stop in the Senate again this session. The fatal Sunday night shooting provides additional impetus to make it law, Howard said. It was just hate," Howard told The Associated Press. "What else would cause him to evoke such violence to a young teenager, shoot him in the back, other than just pure hate? An impromptu memorial arose, with a growing number of balloons and flowers, in a grassy patch where Carmack-Belton had been slain. One sign read He Was Just A KID! while another shirt had the words CYRUS SHOULD BE HERE. In a Facebook post, Carmack-Beltons middle school remembered him as an intelligent and quick-witted student with an infectious smile who dreamed of owning a tattoo shop. Counselors and spiritual leaders reminded vigil attendees to seek help processing the range of emotional responses that such an event brings. Lashonda McFadden, a member of the local school districts board of trustees, asked the community to support young students who had to see that somebody that looks like me passed away. Its a normal, human reaction to be shocked and outraged and angry and frustrated that a senseless murder happened, essentially. This child was killed and shot down, said Reese Palmer, a counselor who hosted the vigil, told the AP. We need to be able to have a safe space to process all the emotions. Residents of Richland County, where nearly half the population is Black, have been mourning a loss that state Rep. Todd Rutherford, the family's attorney, said earlier this week was no accident. He said the experience of being racially profiled, then shot down in the street like a dog is one that the Black community has known for generations. One beacon of hope is seeing the resilience of the Black community as they wrap their arms around this family that has joined the club that no Black family ever wants to be a part of," he said in a statement Wednesday. ___ James Pollard is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate PHOENIX (AP) Retired Phoenix Police Capt. Carroll Cooley, the arresting officer in the landmark case partially responsible for the Supreme Court's Miranda rights ruling that requires suspects be read their rights, has died, the department confirmed Friday. He was 87. Phoenix police said in a brief statement that Cooley died on May 29 after an unspecified illness. The location and exact cause of his death were not immediately available, nor was information about services or survivors. Cooley joined the Phoenix department in 1958 and retired two decades later. On March 13, 1963, Cooley arrested Ernesto Miranda in the kidnap and rape of an 18-year-old Phoenix woman. Miranda was eventually convicted based on his handwritten confession and sentenced to 20-30 years in prison. Miranda appealed, and the case eventually went up to the U.S. Supreme Court, which issued a 1966 ruling overturning the conviction, saying that suspects should be advised of their constitutional rights against self-incrimination and to an attorney before questioning. That decision, along with three other similar cases that were bundled together, led to the so-called Miranda rights or Miranda warning, which is familiar to anyone who has watched a police procedural drama on television. You have the right to remain silent," it begins. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to speak to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed for you," it continues. After the Supreme Court overturned his conviction, Miranda remained in jail on another conviction and was convicted again of raping and kidnapping the 18-year-old. Prosecutors at the second trial didnt use the confession and instead relied on testimony from a woman who was close to Miranda. After he was paroled, Miranda was fatally stabbed in February 1976 in a dispute during a card game at a downtown Phoenix bar. During his career with Phoenix police, Cooley worked in the city's Maryvale precinct, the general investigations bureau, and the police academy. He rose to become captain, a rank the department said is equivalent to commander today. After retiring from the police department in December 1978, Cooley went on to work for the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division and the Arizona Department of Public Safety. He also volunteered at the Phoenix Police Museum, where in 2013 he recounted his story before a 50th anniversary display about the Miranda arrest. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate 3 1 of 3 Gregorio Borgia/AP Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Gregorio Borgia/AP Show More Show Less 3 of 3 VATICAN CITY (AP) Pope Francis is traveling to Mongolia at the end of the summer, a visit that will be a first for a pontiff and one rich in geopolitical significance given its proximity to Russia and China. The Vatican on Saturday confirmed the Aug. 31-Sept. 4 trip to the landlocked U.S-allied country sandwiched between Russia and China, two countries popes have never visited. Over my career, I have witnessed three types of individuals that started with little to their names and, despite many challenges, have amassed significant wealth. These alpha accumulators achieved their financial means in the following ways over several decades. The first type of accumulator is the small business owner. Often starting with an idea and an incredible work ethic, studies have shown that business owners have a greater chance of amassing wealth than their salaried counterparts. Remember, when spotting a successful owner, they often take on significant personal risks and have toiled for decades at their company during good and bad times. They do not hesitate to clean the toilets, throw out the trash, and get to work before the sun shines. Owning a business is not always glamorous! You have payroll, human resource challenges, and customers deserving your best work and attention. The owner can accumulate assets in several ways. Once cash flow is positive, they pay themselves a reasonable salary and receive profits if they have a successful year. If the business is healthy and the cash flow is positive, these same owners ultimately will look to sell the business and cash in their equity as they approach retirement age. The second accumulator success story is the corporate executive. After climbing the organizations ladder through grit, smarts and luck, the successful executive will receive valuable longer-term incentives such as restricted stock units, stock options, and other performance-based shares. This combination of high salaries, equity compensation, and the ability to fully fund their 401(k) each year can help corporate executives accumulate an enviable net worth over time. Finally, the third type of accumulator success story is the everyday hero: nurses, teachers, firefighters and police officers, and those who work in middle management. Being an hourly or salaried employee is one of the harder ways to accumulate a significant net worth, but I have seen it done many times before. The most successful in these careers tend to live below their means, maximize their 401(k), work overtime or have a side hustle business. The key is to save as much as possible because you dont usually have the possibility of building equity like business owners or corporate executives. That said, you may have an old pension which can be a game changer from a retirement income standpoint in retirement. Whatever category you fall into, take time to understand your options to improve your chance of success. SHUSHA, Azerbaijan, June 3. State Commission on Prisoners of War, Hostages and Missing Persons of Azerbaijan has information about the presence of several graves in different places in the city of Shusha, deputy head of the commission's working group Eldar Samadov told reporters, Trend's Karabakh bureau reports. "We are conducting investigations in this regard. Citizens of Azerbaijan captured and taken hostage were kept here in inhuman conditions during the occupation of the city of Shusha [by Armenia in 1992]," Samadov said. "According to our data, 360 Azerbaijanis were held captive and hostage during the occupation. Of these, 216 people were released as a result of the work carried out by the state commission. The fate of the rest is still unknown," he noted. Earlier, one of such graves has been found, and Samadov said that this grave may contain the remains of four people, yet unidentified. "By the instructions of the chairman of the State Commission, Ali Naghiyev, a group of specialists will be sent here, excavations will continue in this area," he added. Previously, as a result of the relevant search activities, the mass graves were also found in the villages of Dashalty (Shusha district), Edilli (Khojavand district), Sirkhavend (Aghdam district), as well as Farrukh village (Khojaly district), and other areas. What could you do if you wanted to raise your life expectancy? If youre Black, then one thing you could do is move to a county where there is a Black physician. According to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), one thing that would improve the life expectancy of Blacks would be the presence of Black physicians in their county. Earlier studies have shown that when Black patients are treated by Black doctors, they are more satisfied with their health care, more likely to have received the preventive care they needed, and more likely to agree to recommended preventive care such as blood tests and flu shots. However, this study shows that Black residents in counties with more Black physicians had lower mortality from all causes and showed that these counties had lower disparities in mortality rates between Black and white residents. The study demonstrated that in counties with only one Black physician in the entire county, life expectancy increases for Black residents in that county. Astonishing! Consider that only 51 percent of counties in America have even one Black physician. That means that in half the counties in America Black people will die before their time. By now many of you have heard of studies that show that Black people are less likely to be believed when describing their pain to non-Black physicians, that Black infants and Black mothers are less likely to die when treated by Black physicians, that Black patients are more likely to have limbs amputated, and on and on. You most likely didnt need a study to know that a Black doctor will treat you better if you happen to be Black. Yet, the finding that made this study so extraordinary was the fact that life expectancy for Black people increased in the counties where there were Black physicians even if those Black people were never treated by those physicians. Just the presence of one Black physician in a county made a measurable difference in life expectancy. Of course, this reminded me of what the church is meant to be. When Christians are filled with Gods Spirit, then just their presence can have a positive impact on the community. Jesus called His followers, salt and light. We can make an impact just by our presence in the world. However, Christ gave us a dire warning, as well. He said, But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot (Mt 5:13 NIV). There is something special about true Christian fellowship. There is a blessing when we meet with one another. That blessing extends beyond the church walls. We can be a blessing just by our presence, but only if we are true followers of Jesus. Christ has called us to be salt and light in a dying world. Let us surrender ourselves daily, allowing Christ to live in us. The presence of just one Christian fully devoted to Christ can change the eternal life expectancy of people in our community. If Christ reigns in you then just your presence can make a difference. Republican criticism that built and cascaded over 90 minutes in the House on Friday night led to the derailment of a bill that would have shielded thousands of home addresses of virtually every public employee in the state of Connecticut from public scrutiny. House Majority Leader Jason Rojas, D-East Hartford, abruptly pulled the legislation from debate when one GOP lawmaker after another, along with a lone Democrat, stood to criticize the bill which originated in the Senate for its potential to violate governmental goals of openness, transparency and accountability. Tyler Sizemore / Hearst Connecticut Media Charges included that it was never the subject of a public hearing, although its proponent, Rep. Matt Blumenthal, co-chairman of the Government Administration & Elections Committee, said that similar issues had emerged during the review. Blumenthal called the bill a compromise between state employee unions and the Freedom of Information Commission but acknowledged that the bill was originally proposed this year to prohibit the disclosure of the addresses of a limited number of employees in the State attorney general's office and in the Department of Aging and Disability Services. "The fact is that private individuals, unlike us, are not subject to FOI at all, so this is not putting us ahead or above any private individual, it just provides an additional protection for public employees whose address and residency is not relevant to their employment," Blumenthal said, citing threats and incidents of violence across the country. He noted that lawmakers on a nearly annual basis have added different classes of state employees, starting with judges, to the list of exempt addresses from their personnel files. Rep. Bob Godfrey, D-Danbury, said at the start of the debate that he was "very delighted" by the bill at a time when public employees across a spectrum of professions are targets of threats and harassment. But an early test vote on accepting the Senate version indicated a soft, 84-64 vote, with 11 Democrats opposed to the bill, including Rep. Peter Tercyak of New Britain, Rep. Josh Elliott of Hamden, Rep. Cristin McCarthy Vahey of Fairfield, Rep. Brandon Chafee of Middletown and Rep. Roland Lemar of New Haven The tide began to turn when Rep. Craig Fishbein of Wallingford, a top Republican on the Judiciary Committee, reminded the House that the original legislation was limited to just a pair of state offices. "It is a significant expansion from where we started," Fishbein said, creating a hypothesis of an election moderator who could be the subject of litigation, but whose home address would be not disclosed if the bill were to become law. "That's not fair," Fishbein said. "When we go down these roads, we must be very careful. This is unclear, it's murky and this is not a good way to go about this." "This is a decades-old issue," said Rep. Peter Tercyak, D-New Britain, adding that as a former employee of the state Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, he was proud to interact with clients and neighbors as a known public servant. "That was back when it was hard to find out who lived where, but now, for a very modest fee and access to a computer, you can enter somebody's name and get three possible addresses from which you should be able to tell which one is correct." Rep. Holly Cheeseman, R-East Lyme, noted that in 2021, a law was enacted to allow unions to obtain information, including the home addresses of new state workers. "It would seem to me that if the purpose of this legislation is to ensure that the addresses of all public employees are not revealed, then it is totally in contradiction to that public act," she said. "What are we trying to hide?" asked Rep. Gale Mastrofrancesco of Wolcott, a top Republican on the Government Administration & Elections Committee. "We did not have a public hearing on exempting every employee in the state of Connecticut from the Freedom of Information (Act). The only public hearing we had was for the attorney general's office. There's nothing more important than transparency in government and we need it. It sounds like the state of Connecticut, the government, is now in control of everything." "That is just disgusting and it's totally unnecessary," said Rep. Joe Zullo, R-East Haven. "Every year, we hear this bill, a version of this. We talk every year about a 'slippery slope.' We are ignoring that slope and we are going hang gliding off it right now, OK?" "We're hiding home addresses of public servants," said veteran Rep. Christie Carpino, R-Cromwell. "I can't really get over the fact that we're doing this." Brian A. Pounds/Hearst Connecticut Media Finally, Rojas interrupted Carpino and ruled that the bill be "passed temporarily," a procedural move that could bring the issue back for debate, but more likely means that the legislation is dead with only a few days before the midnight June 7 legislative adjournment. Salihu Lukman, vice-chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the north-west, says he is not scared of being expelled from the party. Over time, Lukman has called out Abdullahi Adamu, national chairman, and Iyiola Omisore, national secretary, for not following the APC constitution in their handling of its affairs. The vice-chairman had sued Adamu and Omisore over the non-disclosure of APCs financial records but he was forced to withdraw the suit in the interest of peace. He has also criticised the handling of the process that was meant to produce leaders of the 10th national assembly. In an open letter to Adamu and Omisore on Friday, Lukman said they were free to expel him from the party, noting that expulsion would not stop his bid to ensure that APC follows its rules. I can guarantee you; no amount of bullying will stop the campaign to return APC to constitutional order, he said. By the way, you are free to expel me from APC, but you cannot expel me as a citizen of the federal republic of Nigeria. APC is not private property. It is a public political organisation with rules, which must be respected. Sen. Adamu and Sen. Omisore can block organs of the APC from meeting to the extent that other leaders of the party are willing to permit. No one can block me, in any way, from discharging my right to engage the issues both as Nigerian and as a member of APC, expelled or not. For your information, I am currently working to document all these experiences, which I will publish, God willing, so that it contributes to the body of knowledge in the development of party politics in Nigeria. Whether you respect my right to hold membership of APC or not, I can proudly say that my publications will remain references for anyone who wishes to understudy the APC for the foreseeable future. The Canadian government has announced a category-based selection in its express entry draws for immigrants. Last year, the government announced plans to resume the programme. The category of fields includes science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) occupations, healthcare occupations, trade, agriculture, agri-food, among others. In a recent statement , Sean Fraser, Canadas minister of immigration, refugees, and citizenship, said the job selection would favour applicants with strong proficiency in the French Language. Everywhere I go, I have heard loud and clear from employers across the country who are experiencing chronic labour shortages, Fraser said. These changes to the express entry system will ensure that they have the skilled workers they need to grow and succeed. We can also grow our economy and help businesses with labour shortages while also increasing the number of French-proficient candidates to help ensure the vitality of French-speaking communities. Put simply, Canadas immigration system has never been more responsive to the countrys social or economic needs. Based on the arrangement, candidates applying for express entry who have strong French language proficiency or work experience in the aforementioned fields will be prioritised by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). According to the minister, the new category draws are expected to begin later this summer to fill open positions across Canada. Fraser said allowing IRCC to invite more skilled workers in these targeted professions would support Canadas commitment to welcoming in-demand professionals into communities across the country. Following amendments to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act made in June 2022, category-based draws were planned to start this year. The modifications give the minister the power to choose immigrants in support of Canadas economic priorities based on key characteristics, he said. The categories were chosen by legislative mandates which the minister engages in public consultation with provinces and territories, industry representatives, unions, employers, workers, worker advocacy groups, settlement provider organisations, and immigration researchers and practitioners. The federal government has banned underage children from participating in the National Common Entrance Examination (NCEE) for admission into federal unity colleges across the country. The government directed the National Examinations Council (NECO) to put strict measures in place to prevent underage children from registering for the examination, including making birth certificate compulsory as a registration requirement. David Adejo, permanent secretary, federal ministry of education, issued the directive on Saturday in Abuja while monitoring the conduct of the 2023 NCEE into the 110 federal government colleges across the federation. He said that a total of 72,821 candidates sat for the examination on Saturday. Adejo said to get into secondary school, a candidate should be at least 12 years. He said a child could be above eleven during the examination but by September, that child should have attained the age of 12 years. The permanent secretary said that after monitoring the exercise at the Federal Government Girls College, Bwari, and Government Day Secondary School, Bwari, he was unhappy to see many underage persons taking the examination. He insisted that it was unacceptable for candidates less than eleven years to take the examination. Adejo said: This year, I have advice for parents and I beg you, take this advice to any single home you know. We are killing our children by allowing underage children to write the Common Entrance Examination. I saw children that I know that are not up to 10, and three of them accepted that they are nine years old. We are doing many things; one, we are teaching the children the wrong values. Education is not about passing exams. Education is teaching, learning and character formation. I beg the parents, let these children do the exams when they should. We dont get value by pushing your child too far. Most of the times if a child starts too early, he or she will have problems later in life. Education is designed in such a way that at any particular stage in life, there are messages your brain can take and understand and be able to use. We are moving from education that is reliant on reading textbooks and passing exams. We are getting to a stage where education is what can you use your knowledge to do for the society. You put a small child to go through all the rigours, by the time he finishes secondary, getting to University becomes a problem. I had that experience with a friend. Till date that friend did not get into a University, simply because he was put into school earlier than the age that he was supposed to be put into school. Let our children get to an appropriate age before writing this exam and we are going to make sure NECO puts in place appropriate checks. We didnt want to get to where we will say bring birth certificate but that is the stage we are going to now. When registering, also upload the childs birth certificate, so that at our own end, we are able to cut some of these things. SHUSHA, Azerbaijan, June 3. The search for the remains of persons who went missing during the first Karabakh war began after the liberation of Azerbaijani lands from the Armenian occupation, Head of the Special Investigation Department of the Military Prosecutor's Office of Azerbaijan Emil Taghiyev told reporters, Trend's Karabakh bureau reports. According to him, over the past period, the remains of more than 400 people have been found in Dashalty village (Shusha district), Edilli village (Khojavand district), Farrukh village (Khojaly district), Yukhari Seyidahmadli village (Fuzuli district), Kalbajar, Aghdam and other settlements. In order to identify them, along with a forensic examination, more than 200 molecular genetic examinations were carried out. "The remains of at least four people were found on the territory of the Shusha prison. It's assumed that they belong to Azerbaijanis who were held here during the first Karabakh war," Taghiyev said. Earlier, a mass grave has been discovered on the territory of the prison in Shusha. This indicates that during the period of Armenian occupation, Azerbaijanis were illegally kept in the prison, subjected to severe torture, and their murders were committed. The discovered burial is a clear evidence of these events. The Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has chided the stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the state for disregarding his directives on political appointments. The Governor insisted that he would not accept any mechanically fabricated list for political appointments. Fintiri claimed the party stakeholders disregarded his earlier directives to present their best eleven for political appointment through proper consultations with their constituents. In a post via his verified Twitter handle on Saturday, the Governor said he would ensure everybody is carried along for a proper representation. He maintained that any list that did not meet the criteria or instructions he previously laid down would be rejected. I will not accept any mechanically fabricated list from @OfficialPDPNig stakeholders in Adamawa, who disregarded my earlier directives to present their best 11 for political appointment through proper consultations with their constituents. It is essential to ensure that everybody is carried along for a proper representation. Any list that does not meet the criteria or instructions I previously laid down will be rejected, the Governor said. The Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), a group of governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has accused oil marketers of causing hardship in the country. Hope Uzodinma, governor of Imo and PGFs chairperson, spoke on Friday after he led his colleagues to visit President Bola Tinubu at the Aso Rock villa. On Monday, Tinubu, in his inauguration speech, said the subsidy regime was over, noting that it was not provided for in the 2023 appropriation act. The presidents pronouncement sparked panic-buying of petrol by Nigerians across the country. On Wednesday, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Limited said it would adjust its pump prices to reflect market realities. The commodity now sells for as high as N550 per litre. Uzodinma expressed dismay that the marketers were quick to increase prices when the product they had was already subsidised. For instance, from May 29 till today, Im not aware that any petroleum marketer has imported any product. All the products in their storage facilities are those already imported, subsidised by the government, he said. Why the rush to increase the prices? It is mans inhumanity to man. I think that what we should do is be our brothers keepers and learn how to save the firewood we got during the dry season, so we can use it during the rainy season. But I also think that as we work towards improving the economy of this country with the intention of creating prosperity, the government will be reasonable enough to look at the reality on the ground and address them as appropriate. I have no doubt in my mind that the man who has raised his pump price from N300 plus to N500 plus is creating panic. Uzodinma said he expected market forces of demand and supply to fix an appropriate price for citizens. By next month, July, the Dangote refinery will be on stream and its a very big refinery that will make products available, he said. You are aware that the federal government awarded turnaround maintenance contracts for Port Harcourt, Kaduna and Warri refineries, so if within the period, these refineries are working, products will be available and the market forces will come into play. The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has rejected an application by Nigeria Air to proceed to phase two in the process of obtaining its air operators certificate (AOC). In a letter dated June 2, 2023, NCAA said due to the unavailability of a formal application form and other necessary documents, the certification process cannot progress to phase two. The authority is in receipt of your letter dated May 25, 2023, on the above subject matter, NCAA said. Quite contrary to our earlier letter of 16th May 2023, which enumerated the documents to be submitted with the formal application form OPS 002, your letter of request to proceed to phase two has no inclusion of a formal application form and the necessary documents referenced in the formal application form. Hence, the certification process cannot progress to phase two without these required documents. Please be reminded that your post holders letters of commitment to Nigeria Air have a tenure of three months and as such expire now. STAGES IN ACQUIRING AN AOC A year ago, the federal government granted an air transport license (ATL) to Nigeria Air to commence operation. But the proposed national carrier has been unable to complete the requirements for the issuance of the AOC, which among other requirements for an airline to operate is a note of authority issued to airlines that fully guarantees them the right to begin air services. There are five stages involved in acquiring the AOC, according to NCAA. In phase one, NCAA appoints a certification team and processes the pre-application statement of intent form (AC-OPS 001). Discussions on all regulatory requirements, the formal application and attachments, and any other related issues will take place. This process usually takes a week to complete. Moving to the second phase, a formal application for intending entrants where documents and manuals (including the curriculum vitae of key management personnel) must be submitted for evaluation. The minimum timeframe for the formal application phase is two weeks. The third stage involves a document evaluation, where the NCAA will review the applicants manuals and other related documents and attachments to ensure conformity with the applicable regulations and safe operating practices. The minimum timeframe for the document evaluation phase is three months. From there, NCAAs scrutiny moves to the fourth stage: the demonstration and inspection a key phase of the process carried out only after a satisfactory documentation evaluation phase. In this stage, a thorough audit by the certification team at the applicants premises will be conducted to ensure that the proposed procedures are effective and that the applicants facilities and equipment meet the NCAAs regulatory requirements. Also in phase four, other demonstrations like the emergency evacuation and ditching will be carried out, and after successes in these exercises; a demonstration flight will be carried out. The minimum timeframe for the demonstration and inspection phase is two months. The fifth and final phase is certification and this means once the airline has met the regulatory requirements of the civil aviation (air navigation) regulations, the NCAA will issue the AOC with the appropriate specifications and ratings. The minimum timeframe for the certification phase is one week, and after the issuance of the AOC, the applicant can engage in commercial aviation activities in Nigeria. BRIEF BACKGROUND ON NIGERIA AIR On May 26, 2023, the federal government unveiled Nigeria Air in the countrys capital city amid controversy over its inaugural aircraft. Prior to its launch, domestic aviation firms, under the aegis of Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), had opposed the floating of the airline over uncertainties in its ownership structure a conflict that began soon after Ethiopian Air was announced as the preferred bidder for Nigeria Air. A federal high court in Lagos consequently restrained the government from floating the airline. As a result, the airline missed its operation deadline several times. However, Hadi Sirika, former minister of aviation, continued to reiterate that the national carrier would fly before May 29. When an aircraft intended for the use of Nigeria Air landed in Abuja on May 26 three days to the end of Sirikas tenure the minister assured that a demonstration flight (usually in the fourth stage) would commence soon. So, this airplane will be here and we will commence the demonstration flight to show that we can do it. It is normally around 0-40 hours but it can be less. It can be five or even two hours and this is to ensure that we are able and have the capacity to do it, he had said. Security aides were reportedly injured on Saturday when gunmen attacked the convoy of Yahaya Bello, governor of Kogi state, along the Abuja-Lokoja highway. Kingsley Fanwo, the commissioner of information, said the attack took place near a naval base which is few kilometers from Lokoja, the state capital. The commissioner said the incident, which occurred around 12.30 pm, left several people, including security aides, injured. Thank God our governor left the scene unscathed and there is no cause for panic, Fanwo said. Some security aides and other aides attached to the governor sustained some degrees of injuries and have been rushed to medical facilities for attention. We urge the people of Kogi to remain calm as security agents are in full control to ensure the arrest of the hoodlums behind the attack. Fanwo said the state government would ensure that masterminds of the attack are brought to book. Tajudeen Abbas, a member of the house of representatives, has commended President Bola Tinubu for appointing Femi Gbajabiamila as chief of staff. Gbajabiamila was appointed to the position on Friday and will assume office on June 14. In a statement by his media office, Abbas, who is a speakership hopeful, said Gbajabiamila has the capacity and competence to handle any national assignment. The legislator, who represents Zaria federal constituency of Kaduna, said Gbajabiamilas two decades of parliamentary experience will help him excel as chief of staff. To me, this is one appointment that has shown that Mr President is not only strategic in his thinking but also sagacious in his leadership, the statement reads. I know that the Chief of Staff to the President will work assiduously with Mr President to make Nigeria great. Similarly, Adejoro Adeogun, deputy chairman of the house committee on national intelligence, has congratulated Gbanabiamila on his appointment. Adeogun, who represents Akoko south-east and south-west federal constituency of Ondo, said Gbajabiamila earned the appointment through proven outstanding leadership. You are unarguably one of the most passionate leaders in public service across the world, and absolutely the best fit for this job, he said. Nyesom Wike, former governor of Rivers state, says decisions taken by President Bola Tinubu have shown that hes prepared for the job. Recall that President Tinubu met with Wike, Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo state, and James Ibori, former governor of Delta state, on Friday at the Aso Villa. Speaking with journalists after the meeting, Wike said the visit was to indicate their support for Tinubu and all his decisions. Theres no big deal about it, the governor of Oyo has told you what we came to do; to give him support. We are supporting all the decisions hes taking, it shows that hes prepared for the job and theres nothing bad about that, he said. It requires tough decisions for a country to move forward. Makinde, on his part, said the subsidy removal was a tough decision, adding that the president has started the administration on a good note. Speaking on whether the fuel subsidy issue was raised at the meeting, the Oyo governor said: Yes, we discussed it. Its something that is on top of public discussion right now. We know its a tough decision for the people and he needs the support of everybody to see this through. He called on Nigerians to support the subsidy removal policy. The Lamidi Apapa faction of Labour Party on Friday told the presidential candidate of the party, Peter Obi, to step down his case at the Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal over what they described as lack of seriousness. According to the faction, the advice became necessary following the incident which happened at the Tribunal on Thursday where the court stepped down hearing in the petition filed by Obi and the LP against the election of President Bola Tinubu. Speaking on fuel subsidy removal, the LP faction knocked the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria for rejecting new pump price of petrol. They insisted that the position of the LP on removal of fuel subsidy during the campaign has not changed, saying we cannot reverse that position because it was not our candidate that won the presidential election. The factional National Publicity Secretary of the LP, Abayomi Arabambi, raised these issues during a press conference in Abuja. He told journalists that Obi has not been able to provide any concrete evidence to back this claims since PEPT began sitting. Arabambi alleged that Obi went to court to challenge the victory of Tinubu because he (Obi) and his co-travellers had different motives as against the wishes of the Nigerian masses who freely offered their supports to LP. He said, We have followed with keen interest the shameful developments and approach by the so-called legal team assembled by Peter Obi challenging the outcome of the February 25 presidential election by the Independent National Electoral Commission and we have, like many Nigerians, come to the conclusion that Obi is not only taking Nigerians for a ride but would continue to waste the hard earned resources donated by Nigerians for this purpose to even enrich himself the more. All of you here who have been following this case can recall that the day we had altercation in court with (Julius) Abures group, that INEC announced that Peter Obi could not pay for CTC form EC08 and other documents. That now compelled them to only present 30 per cent of the materials they would need for the hearing at Election Petition Tribunal. How would any right thinking person go to election tribunal with only 30 per cent of documents where none of all them would be accepted or agreed to be tendered by other political parties? Three days ago, they said two of their counsels were sick and yesterday (Thursday), they could not even file a single process with the array of SANs with Obi. This is what we have been saying that they are just trying to hoodwink the public, deceiving the Obidients and giving them false hope that they have something at the tribunal. Its evident from the attitude displayed by them when they wrote a letter to INEC that Obi could not pay N1.5 million. Who are they deceiving? Counsel were sick? Thats why we have consistently maintained that Obi is not serious. He came in to the party with nothing. He didnt fund the election, he didnt fund the party, he didnt do anything for the party. He only came to mess of the entire process and to deceive Nigerians that he has something to offer to them. Labour Party is thereby calling on him to step down his selfish ambition and stop messing up the party if he has nothing serious to present to the tribunal. Fuel subsidy Arabambi said, Whatever we have agreed on during our campaign, and as a party that promote peace, equity and justice in Nigeria, then we cant be found approbating and reprobating at the same time. Our position is that, once Obi has said he would remove fuel subsidy from his first day in office, the same organized labour who stood on that position must not be seen working in cross purpose on the same thing that Tinubu, Atiku and even Obi said they were going to do. Obi said subsidy was an organized crime that must be stopped. The NLC cant call for any strike. If they do, it is obvious that they are just being mischievous for a reason best known to them or maybe they have something against the President that they should come out open to tell Nigerians. That is our position as Labour Party. NEW: 2nd major wildfire breaks out in N.J., threatening 40 homes A wildfire that has been burning in the Bass River State Forest since Wednesday is now s now 80% contained, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service says. The fire service said in a 4 p.m. post on Twitter that it made progress on Friday in containing the 5,000-acre blaze. Rhea Perlman and Danny DeVito, who married in 1982, have three children, and now a grandchild. Kevin Winter | Getty Images Numerous Jersey City landlords and brokers illegally discriminated against prospective renters using government-subsidized vouchers, a new lawsuit alleges. The complaint, filed by nonprofit watchdog Housing Rights Initiatives (HRI) in state Superior Court against several landlords and real estate agencies, laid out a list of alleged cases of discrimination that took place across the city, as well as in Newark. The group alleges the landlords are in violation of New Jerseys Law Against Discrimination, which prohibits discrimination based on source of income. The litigation was first reported Wednesday by the New Jersey Monitor. Per the lawsuit, HRI investigated housing discrimination against those who use vouchers, also known as Section 8, a federal program which helps very low-income individuals get access to housing. People posing as potential renters reached out to several apartments for lease in Jersey City. When they informed the landlords and brokers that they were using a Section 8 voucher, they illegally denied them, saying that they did not accept the vouchers, HRI alleges in the suit. At least 11 alleged instances took place in multiple neighborhoods in Jersey City, including the Heights, Downtown, and Greenville, according to the lawsuit. The resulting impact is a staggering reduction in the available inventory of safe and affordable housing available to some of the most vulnerable residents of Jersey City and Newark, the lawsuit said. The discrimination makes it extremely difficult for families with vouchers to obtain housing, and forces low-income residents into homeless shelters, it said. Along with the landlords, real estate groups such as Keller Williams Realty, Century 21, Liberty Realty and Weichert are listed as defendants. State law says that Section 8 holders cannot be discriminated against based on their source of income. However, violations of the law have gone unchecked because of a lack of reporting and enforcement, an Asbury Park Press investigation found in 2021. Carol Sainthilaire, the executive director of The Waterfront Project, a nonprofit that provides free legal services to tenants, said that the problem has been persistent for years. If we dont have affordable housing or the private housing that we have, the landlords insist on not even accepting someone because of their lawful income (and) because they have a voucher. Thats blatant discrimination, she said. Brokers who were alleged to have illegally discriminated against the renters either claimed they had no recollection of the events or declined to comment to The Jersey Journal. One broker, James Conticello, was alleged to have illegally denied a Downtown apartment to a voucher-holder, claiming that the building did not accept them. He reiterated his claims to The Journal by saying that the building wasnt eligible for them, calling the lawsuit baseless. However, federal or state law does not indicate that any building needs to have qualifications for Section 8, but only needs to pass health and safety inspections. Sainthilaire believes that Conticellos claims arent true, saying that she has never heard of any housing being excluded from accepting Section 8. HRI has asked the courts to order the defendants to abandon their discriminatory policies against Section 8 holders and accept any tenants regardless of income. HRI Executive Director Aaron Carr also told the Monitor that the goal of the lawsuit is to have state officials establish routine enforcement of the law. Jersey City spokeswoman Kimberly Wallace-Scalcione said that the allegations were serious, and obviously, if sustained, we would take aggressive actions. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 3. Poland is becoming an attractive place for innovative Azerbaijani startups that successfully enter this market, especially in the field of information technology, Polish Ambassador to Azerbaijan Rafal Poborski told Trend. "The expansion of cooperation between Azerbaijan and the Visegrad Group countries, in particular thanks to the V4-Azerbaijan Tech Bridge project, contributes to strengthening ties and creating new opportunities for Azerbaijani startups," he said. "V4-Azerbaijan Tech Bridge, launched with the aim of strengthening cooperation in the field of innovation, has become a powerful catalyst for Azerbaijani startups seeking to enter the markets of the Visegrad Group. Poland, which is one of the most dynamically developing countries of this union, has become the first destination for Azerbaijani companies," he added. According to him, promising Azerbaijani startups in the field of information technology are already successfully mastering the Polish market. "Azerbaijani innovative solutions and products, characterized by high quality and competitiveness, quickly gain the trust of Polish consumers and entrepreneurs. This opens up new prospects for the development of Azerbaijani companies in the European market. But V4-Azerbaijan Tech Bridge is not limited only to Poland," he said. "This project aims to help Azerbaijani startups expand their activities to other markets of the Visegrad Group (Hungary, Czech Republic and Slovakia). The creation of bridges for technological cooperation between these countries will allow Azerbaijani startups to gain access to new opportunities, investments and partnerships," he added. The ambassador noted that Azerbaijani startups continue to demonstrate high potential, attracting the attention of the international community. "Thanks to the V4-Azerbaijan Tech Bridge, they get the opportunity to overcome borders and successfully enter new markets, contributing to the development of Azerbaijan's innovation ecosystem and strengthening international cooperation in the field of information technology," he said. The V4-Azerbaijan Tech Bridge (V4ATB) project was initiated by the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Baku and received funding from the International Visegrad (V4) Foundation. The initiative has been implemented since February 2022 by a consortium consisting of Startup Hub Poland Foundation (Poland, project leader), AI Startup Incubator (Czech Republic), Startup Gyor (Hungary), CIVITTA (Slovakia) and IdealHub Innovation and Technology Center (Azerbaijan), with a number of supporting Azerbaijani partners, including the Agency for Innovation and Digital Development (IDDA) and the Small and Medium-sized Business Development Agency of Azerbaijan. Cannabis entrepreneur Kenneth VandeVrede is fighting back against a lawsuit claiming he stole the popular hemp-infused beverage brand Kalo from his co-founder and misappropriated the companys corporate assets. In recent court filings, VandeVrede denies all allegations made by Kalo co-founder Kenneth Voorhees III, former president of fragrance manufacturer Ungerer & Company, and his wife, Suzanne. The couple filed a lawsuit against VandeVrede and his Lincoln Park-based medical cannabis business, Hillview Med Inc., in March in Morris County, according to court records. The lawsuit accuses VandeVrede of pillaging funds, resources and intellectual property from Kalo Brands LLC, a hemp infused beverage company founded in 2019 as a joint venture between VandeVrede and the plaintiffs. VandeVrede filed a counterclaim May 24 in Morris County arguing the Voorhees failed to provide required additional capital and violated the terms of their operating agreement. He is asking the court to direct the Voorhees to sell their interest in Kalo. VandeVrede previously said the two sides were working to settle the matter outside the courtroom and the they expected the case to be dismissed in mid-April without need for litigation. However, Nikolas S. Komyati, the Voorhees attorney, said the defendants reneged on the agreement and instead chose to file a baseless counterclaim. We look forward to discovery of all of the claims that we have asserted against Hillview and Mr. VandeVrede, as well as some yet to be named individuals, Komyati said. We stand by our allegations and intend on proving them and look forward to doing so. Attorneys representing VandeVrede did immediately respond Thursday to requests for comment. This is not the first time VandeVrede has been accused of misconduct. The recent allegations are similar to claims made in a 2018 lawsuit against VandeVrede when he was a senior executive of California-based cannabis agriculture company Terra Tech Corp. The California complaint accused VandeVrede of committing fraud against Terra Tech, stealing its intellectual property and usurping corporate opportunities intended for the company in order to benefit his own interests, according to court filings. One of the corporate opportunities allegedly diverted from Terra Tech was Voorhees February 2018 offer to work with VandeVrede on launching Kalo referred to in the California complaint as CBD Water, the lawsuit said. VandeVrede was terminated as Terra Techs chief agricultural officer and later resigned from its board. The two sides settled the lawsuit in September 2019 and Terra Tech purchased all of the stock in the company owned by the VandeVrede family, officials said. Voorhees, who spent years developing the unique and differentiated beverage now known as Kalo, was unaware of his partners checkered business history, his lawsuit filed in March states. VandeVrede comes from a third generation farming family in New Jersey with over 50 years of experience in the agriculture industry. Voorhees offered VandeVrede 60% interest in the hemp beverage venture while he kept the remaining 40%, according to a copy of the operating agreement. Later, 15% of the Voorhees interest was transferred to Makalo, a marketing company engaged by the business. Voorhees was in charge of actively promoting the company and distribution while VandeVrede and other upper management officials handled the daily operations, under the terms of the agreement. Their partnership started off well, with Kalo pulling in over $1 million in revenue in 2020, its first full year of production, court papers say. However, despite Voorhees serving as the product developer and flavor specialist behind the scenes at Kalo, VandeVrede and his family took full credit for the product and coined themselves the Family Behind the Flavor, the lawsuit alleges. VandeVrede also used the initial success of Kalo to convince the plaintiffs to invest additional capital under the false proposition the money would be used to expand the infused beverages production and reach, the lawsuit states. In addition, VandeVrede leveraged Kalo sales and revenue to secure a loan from Bayonne Community Bank, again under the false pretense the funds would be used to expand Kalo, the lawsuit alleges. The Voorhees lawsuit argues the funding was instead used to cover Hillview Meds increased expenses as it was developing its cannabis cultivation facility. After receiving the additional funding, VandeVrede informed Voorhees that Hillview Med lent Kalo an additional $800,000, according court filings. Shortly thereafter, VandeVrede asked Voorhees to forgive a loan of his because of all the money Hillview purportedly loaned to Kalo, the lawsuit states. In his counterclaim, VandeVrede said he asked Voorhees to forgive the loan because his business partner had failed to respond to the capital call and contribute additional capital under the operating agreement. To date, the Voorhees have yet to repay their share of the additional capital contributions provided by Hillview, the counterclaim states. In failing to provide this additional capital, the Voorhees violated their operating agreement with VandeVrede, the counterclaim continues. Hillview Med was awarded a medical cannabis cultivator license in 2021. There are currently five dispensaries in the state that carry Hillview Meds line of cannabis flower and pre-rolls, according to its website. Kalo can be purchased in convenience stores, natural markets and independent grocery stores in 10 states: New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Florida, Maine, Ohio, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Georgia and Wisconsin. Keep up with the latest on legal weed in New Jersey. Add your email here. Editors note: Hillview Med has been a sponsor of B2B events by NJ Cannabis Insider, a trade journal and events group from NJ Advance Media. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Jackie Roman may be reached at jroman@njadvancemedia.com. Students from Highland Regional High School celebrated their prom at Luciens in Berlin on Friday evening. Dressed to impress, the prom-goers enjoyed the evening as they socialized, posed for photos and danced the night away. SUBSCRIBER BENEFIT: This year, subscribers can get free unlimited high-resolution digital photo downloads of any of our photos in our galleries. Additionally, subscribers will get 50% off the prom-related keepsakes available for purchase. NJ.com is expanding its prom coverage this year with more photos from the celebrations. 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. Chef Melissa Araujo is on the move. She recently took over the kitchen at Pirogues Whiskey Bayou in Arabi with her concept Oscar. And shes not done. Shes talking to interested parties about expanding her successful modern Honduran restaurant, Alma, to locations in Uptown and Old Metairie, and she also plans to open a Mexican restaurant in Chalmette. Araujo bought a house in St. Bernard Parish a year ago, and she says growing her business where she lives is important to her. Oscar What Oscar Where Pirogues Whiskey Bayou, 6940 St. Claude Ave., Arabi, (504) 676-3357; eatoscararabi.com When Lunch and dinner daily How Dine-in Check it out Elevated bar fare from chef Melissa Araujo I want to be an active member of the business community here, she says. As she focuses on expansion, the chef is stepping away from the line when she can. Im moving more into the role as head of the Araujo Restaurant Group, a woman- and minority-owned hospitality business, she says. Araujo was born in Honduras and raised in New Orleans. She went into business for herself in 2015 with a restaurant pop-up that paid homage to her grandmothers kitchen. In October 2020, that became Alma, a cafe in the Bywater spot formerly occupied by Bootys Street Food and Cafe Henri. With Oscar, she has the chance to step out of the Alma mode and play with straight-ahead better-then-bar-food. Her all-women kitchen, led by former Alma lead cook, Lucia Escobar, turns out impressive versions of the kind of food that is best enjoyed with adult beverages. Were so excited to have Oscar here now, says Kelly Sheeran, one of the three New Orleans bartenders who opened Pirogues in 2016. It was really too much for us to handle along with the bar business. Our customers are loving chef Melissas food. Pirogues used to be a smoking bar, something still possible in St. Bernard Parish. Now, smokers have to go outside until 11 p.m., which is when Oscars kitchen closes, Sheeran says. It opens at 11 a.m. every day. Oscar, named for Araujos father, offers an impressive menu that goes beyond standard bar fare. When she can, Araujo sources ingredients from local suppliers, including Hilltop Poultry for chicken, Local Cooling Farms for eggs and Dong Phuong for her French bread and brioche buns. Master Sommelier Evan Goldstein compares new and old world wines at NOWFE Evan Goldstein told us about his NOWFE seminar, how the wine world is changing, and working for the San Francisco Giants. The Oscar burger is a double patty handful dressed with cheddar cheese, mayo, tomatoes, house-made pickles and caramelized onions. Its already a popular item, though some regulars felt some sticker shock at the $16 price tag. Others happily pile on $5 add-ons like mushrooms and Berkwood Farms bacon. The Deep South chicken sandwich is the same one thats served at Alma, and it comes with fries. The buttermilk-brined fried chicken thigh is topped with coleslaw, pickles, mayo and an addictive creamy pink Honduran crack sauce. Oscars Cuban stuffs slices of house-roasted ham and pork butt into a French pistolette dressed with house-made pickles, mayo and mustard, and it comes with fries. The chicken wings are available two ways: Buffalo style or Thai glazed. The ham Pull Apart features brioche rolls oozing garlic butter and filled with ham and melted cheese. Vegetarians have a few options, including marinated tomatoes and whipped herb ricotta slathered on Jewish rye toast. Deconstructed Mexican elote is served as a dip instead of on the cob, and it blends corn, salt, chili powder, butter, Cotija cheese, lime juice and crema fresca. Its served in a cast iron pan with tortilla chips, and theres enough for two diners to share. There are a few lighter options, including fish tacos, a pesto chicken and avocado orzo salad, and grilled lemon skirt steak salad. That leaves room for dessert, and diners can choose from tres leches cake and bread pudding with bourbon sauce. Araujo is still adapting the menu to meet the needs of the area, and she says she's been enjoying living there. "This is where Ill be the rest of my life, she says. Whenever I travel to other cities, after about 72 hours, Im ready to leave. New Orleans is my home. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 3. President of the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) Rovshan Najaf met with the Chief Executive Officer of the Hungarian company "MVM Group" Karoly Matrai, Trend reports. It was emphasized at the meeting that bilateral and multilateral cooperation between Azerbaijan and Hungary is successfully developing in various directions, including in the energy sector. The strategic role of Azerbaijan in ensuring the energy security of Europe was noted, in particular, the sides spoke about the importance of expanding the Southern Gas Corridor and the work done in connection with the supply of additional volumes of gas to Europe. During the meeting, the significance of the commissioning of the Greece-Bulgaria gas interconnector, the "Agreement on strategic partnership in the field of development and transmission of green energy between the governments of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Georgia, Romania and Hungary" signed in December last year in Bucharest, as well as the Memorandum of Understanding between the transport system operators of the improved data transmission network of Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary and Slovakia and SOCAR signed in April of this year, called the "Ring of Solidarity". They also discussed the prospects for cooperation in the field of natural gas trade, the supply of liquefied natural gas (LNG), the use of gas storage facilities, and an exchange of views took place on other topics of mutual interest. At the end of the meeting an agreement was signed on the sale of natural gas in the amount of 100 million cubic meters. The start of deliveries of the volumes of gas specified in the contract is envisaged in the 4th quarter of this year. Jennifer Brush, who was raped in 1975 in her Uptown New Orleans apartment, poses outside Orleans Parish Criminal Court on Friday, June 2, 2023. The police investigation into her case went cold soon after the crime. An arrest was finally made in 2020. President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev has taken part in the second meeting of the leaders of Central Asia and the European Union held on June 2 in the city of Cholpon-Ata (Kyrgyzstan). It should be noted that the first meeting in such a format took place on October 27, 2022 in Astana (Kazakhstan) with the participation of the leaders of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, as well as the President of the European Council Charles Michel. At the meeting in Astana, the head of our state, speaking for the consistent deepening of cooperation between our region and the European Union, highlighted a number of priority areas of interregional cooperation, and also confirmed Uzbekistan's commitment to an open, systematic and productive dialogue in the format of "Central Asia the European Union" in the interests of stability, sustainable development and prosperity of the countries of the two regions. It summed up the results of cooperation between the countries of Central Asia and the European Union over the past period and expressed readiness to continue partnership based on common values and mutual interests. The President of the European Council welcomed the efforts of the leaders of the Central Asian countries to strengthen regional cooperation and interconnectedness. In turn, the heads of Central Asian states highly appreciated the EU's contribution to boosting economic development after the pandemic and overcoming its negative consequences. The parties stressed that the creation of favorable conditions for doing business would further boost investment in the region of interconnectedness and trade. During the current meeting of the leaders of the Central Asian states and the European Council, it is planned to discuss issues of further strengthening interregional cooperation, as well as topical international problems. In general, since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the states of Central Asia and the EU, interregional cooperation has advanced in a plethora of areas and sectors, and today it serves as an example of multilateral partnership for the sake of prosperity and sustainability. Uzbekistan takes an active part in this format of cooperation. In particular, meetings of the EU-Central Asia Foreign Ministers are regularly held: the 18th meeting was held in Samarkand on November 17, 2022. The next day, the first EU-Central Asia Connectivity Conference was held there. These events were attended by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Vice President of the European Commission Josep Borrell, who during his visit to our country was received by the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev. During the talks, Josep Borrell welcomed the policy of Uzbekistan to strengthen regional cooperation and noted that the countries of Central Asia have made great progress. He stated that the EU intends to further expand partnerships with the states of the region in the fields of politics, trade, investment, digitalization, climate change and the environment, science and education. Since 2013, the annual EU-Central Asia High-Level Dialogue on Politics and Security has also been held. The last meeting took place on 17 May 2022 in Brussels. The beginning of relations between Uzbekistan and the European Communities was laid on April 15, 1992 by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding. On November 16, 1994, diplomatic relations were established. Since 1995, the Embassy of Uzbekistan has been operating in Brussels, which also performs the functions of the Mission to the EU. In 2011, a diplomatic mission of the European Union was opened in Tashkent. The contractual and legal basis of relations consists of 15 documents, the key of which are the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA), the Agreement on Cooperation in the Field of the Peaceful Use of Atomic Energy, the Agreement on the Establishment of the EU Diplomatic Representation in Uzbekistan, the Memorandum on Cooperation in the Energy Sphere, the Protocol on amendments to the ATP and the Agreement on Bilateral Trade in Textiles. In July 2022, Uzbekistan and the EU completed three years of negotiations and initialed in Brussels the text of a new Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA), which will replace the PCA that has been in force for more than 20 years. Under the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between Uzbekistan and the EU, six joint bodies have been established - the Cooperation Council, the Cooperation Committee, the Parliamentary Cooperation Committee, the Subcommittee on Economy, Trade and Investment, the Subcommittee on Justice, Home Affairs, Human Rights and Related Issues, the Subcommittee on Cooperation for development purposes. The EU strongly supports the ongoing strategy of irreversible reforms in the New Uzbekistan. This was announced at the meeting of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and President of the European Council Charles Michel, held in Tashkent on October 28, 2022. During the talks, which took place in a warm and friendly atmosphere, the leaders confirmed that in recent years, relations between Uzbekistan and the European Union have reached a qualitatively new level and become comprehensive. EU support was also expressed in Tashkent on April 14 this year at a meeting of the President of Uzbekistan with EU Special Representative for Human Rights Eamon Gilmore and EU Special Representative for Central Asia Terhi Hakala. At the meeting, the European side praised the achievements of Uzbekistan in ensuring human rights, developing civil society, gender equality, eradicating forced labor and other areas. Most favored nation treatment has been established in trade between Uzbekistan and the EU countries. In recent years, thanks to the GSP+ conditions presented by the European side, there has been a dynamic growth in the volume of mutual trade and the number of successful investment projects. In addition, significant events are held in the field of cultural and humanitarian exchange. Therefore, in 2022, the total volume of trade with the EU countries amounted to $4.5 billion, and in January-March 2023, this figure exceeded $1.8 billion. Uzbekistan's main trading partners in the EU are Germany, the Czech Republic, Lithuania, Latvia, Italy, France, the Netherlands and Poland. There are 1069 enterprises operating in Uzbekistan with the participation of investments from the EU states, including 304 companies with 100% European capital. The EU provides financial and technical assistance to Uzbekistan in the implementation of bilateral projects and support for the development of civil society and human rights. As part of the relevant programs for 2021-2024, the EU allocated 83 million euros to Uzbekistan. In addition, within the framework of the financial and technical assistance of the EU, a project worth 5.2 million euros "EU Contribution to the Multi-Partner Trust Fund for Human Security for the Aral Sea Region" is being implemented. An integral part of bilateral cooperation is cultural and humanitarian interaction. Over 25 years, together with the European Union, more than 80 projects of the Tempus educational program have been implemented in the amount of more than 32 million euros with the participation of 55 higher educational institutions of Uzbekistan and 71 universities of the EU member states. Since 2014, within the framework of the Erasmus+ educational program, more than 40 projects with a budget of about 40 million euros have been implemented to increase the potential of higher education, which involve about 70 universities, over 20 sectoral departments and organizations of Uzbekistan, as well as about 120 European universities. Within the framework of regional and bilateral cooperation, Uzbekistan and the EU are implementing joint projects in the areas of socio-economic development, education, the rule of law, border management, the fight against drugs and organized crime, transport, environmental protection, agriculture and others. Since 2013, the Delegation of the European Union in Uzbekistan, together with the National Agency "Uzbekkino", annually holds the European Film Festival in Tashkent. It has already become one of the most notable and large-scale cultural projects in Uzbekistan. About five thousand spectators take part in it every year. Since 2016, the Festival has expanded its geography and began to be held in other cities of Uzbekistan. In 2017, the festival, in addition to Tashkent, was organized in Navoi and Nukus, in 2018 - in Shakhrisabz and Ferghana, in 2019 - in Urgench, Nukus and Jizzakh. Last year and as well as this year, exhibitions dedicated to the historical and cultural heritage of Uzbekistan were held in Europe with great success. In particular, at the end of November last year, two exhibitions opened in Paris - at the Louvre and the Institute of the Arab World, the first of which was devoted to a greater extent to archaeological finds, and the second represented textiles, jewelry, carpets at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. The last exhibition continues its work until the end of June this year. As part of a visit to Germany in May this year, the Presidents of Uzbekistan and Germany opened the exhibition Archaeological Treasures of Uzbekistan. From Alexander the Great to the Kushan Empire. The exhibition has been in preparation for several years. It includes 285 items from the collections of museums in Uzbekistan and 65 from museums in Berlin. This exhibition will run until January 14, 2024. Consequently , the above indicates that both Uzbekistan and the European Union are aimed at strengthening and expanding cooperation not only in bilateral, but also in regional formats for the benefit of the development of interconnectedness, which creates the basis for further prosperity and progress of the people of our countries and regions. 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. The Indiana Dunes National Park will host a series of upcoming hikes, including a birding hike with the Audubon Society Sunday and a new summer hiking challenge. A birding expert from the Dunes-Calumet Audubon Society will lead a migration birding hike from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Sunday. Anyone interested should meet at the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center that's also known as the Dorothy Buell Visitor Center at 1215 North State Road 49 in Porter and be prepared to carpool to the birding spot of the month. People should dress for the weather and bring binoculars. The Indiana Dunes National Park also will host self-guided hikes into the Pinhook Bog from 3 to 5 p.m. every Saturday in June. The bog at 920 N. Wozniak Road in Michigan City is normally restricted because it's very ecologically sensitive. "Rangers and volunteers will be stationed along the trail to help you understand this unique remnant of the last ice age that is filled with interesting plant life, like carnivorous insect-eating plants and orchids," Indiana Dunes National Park Supervisory Ranger Bruce Rowe said. "Allow one hour to walk the trail and tour the quaking bog. Please arrive before 4 p.m. to allow enough time to complete the tour." Dogs are not allowed on the trail, which includes a boardwalk at water level. The Indiana Dunes National Park also is challenging people to take part in a new hiking challenge called Project 1966. It includes 19 hikes that go for 66 miles to honor the year the Indiana Dunes was first established as a National Lakeshore in a compromise between industry and environmentalists looking to preserve the imperiled Indiana Dunes that also resulted in the construction of the Port of Indiana-Burns Harbor and the Bethlehem Steel mill that's now known as Cleveland-Cliffs Burns Harbor Works. "Join a ranger and hike all of the trails in Indiana Dunes National Park. The challenge will take place over the course of the summer with each week featuring a new trail," Rowe said. Hikes will take place from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. every Saturday at different locations in the Indiana Dunes National Park, including at the Tolleston Dunes Parking Lot on June 10, at the Mount Baldy parking lot on June 17 and at the Dune Park Train Station East parking lot on June 24. "Cant make them all or want to do a self-guided hike? Ask for information about the hikes at the Visitor Center, the Paul H. Douglas Center, or look on our website for a link to Project 1966," Rowe said. Admission to the National Park now costs $25 per car for one to seven days. For more information, visit nps.gov/indu. Gov. Eric Holcomb is heading overseas Sunday on his 15th international trade mission, seeking to establish and renew relationships between Indiana and government and business leaders in Portugal and France. The Republican governor, Indiana Commerce Secretary Brad Chambers and first lady Janet Holcomb are due to spend a week in Europe and return to the Hoosier State after next weekend's 24 Hours of Le Mans auto race. The trio's first stop will be in Lisbon, where Holcomb and Chambers are scheduled to meet with U.S. and Portuguese government officials to discuss opportunities for growing economic, energy and innovation ties. They're also set to meet with Portuguese and global business leaders in the energy and future-of-mobility sectors, including Energias de Portugal (EDP), a Lisbon-based utility company focused on achieving 100% green energy by 2030 that operates several wind farms near Northwest Indiana. Those discussions will continue when Indiana co-hosts a business energy roundtable with the American Chamber of Commerce in Portugal to showcase Indianas public-sector energy initiatives and private-sector innovations to global industry leaders. In addition, the delegation will travel to the NATO base in Oerias, where Holcomb was stationed during his service in the U.S. Navy. Holcomb and Chambers are set to participate in a second business roundtable Wednesday, in conjunction with the U.S. Embassy in Paris, to highlight Indianas economic momentum; its growing sectors of advanced manufacturing, life sciences, semiconductors, electric vehicles and industry 4.0; and opportunities for investment and partnerships. On Friday, the delegation will travel to France's Pays de la Loire region, which is home to the 24 Hours of Le Mans, to meet with local government and business leaders and continue exploring mutually beneficial partnership opportunities, including shared hydrogen and innovation initiatives. In Pays de la Loire, the delegation will join the global motorsports and mobility sectors at Le Mans, which will take place on the 100th anniversary of the first 24-hour race. Holcomb is set to participate in the opening ceremony and festivities, representing Indiana and its robust motorsports industry. "Indiana's economic momentum continues to build, and I couldnt be more energized to share that message with our friends, partners and new business prospects in Europe," Holcomb said. "France and Portugal share similar visions for building global economies of the future, and we see many opportunities for innovation and partnerships across high-tech industries like energy and motorsports that will create new opportunities for Indiana and for Hoosiers." Chambers noted that 1,075 foreign-owned companies are enriching Hoosier communities, contributing to innovations and quality career opportunities, and more always are welcome. "The continued growth of our economy and future-focused sectors relies on partners here and around the world, and I look forward to fostering these relationships and building new collaborations in France and Portugal," he said. The cost of the trip is being paid by private donations to the Indiana Economic Development Foundation, according to the governor's office. Gallery: Get to know the state symbols of Indiana State Aircraft: Republic Aviation P-47 Thunderbolt State Bird: Cardinal State Flag State Flower: Peony State Fossil: Mastodon State Gun: Grouseland Rifle State Insect: Say's Firefly State Language: English State Motto: "Crossroads of America" State Nickname: The Hoosier State State Pie: Sugar Cream Pie (unofficial) State Poem: "Indiana" State River: Wabash State Seal State Snack: Indiana-Grown Popcorn State Song: "On the Banks of the Wabash, Far Away" State Stone: Limestone State Tree: Tulip tree BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 3. Uzbekistan's "My Freighter" (Centrum Air) low-cost carrier will lauch passenger flights on the Almaty-Tashkent route, Trend reports. Starting from July 5, the flights between Almaty and Tashkent will operate three times a week, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. The flights will be carried out on Airbus A320 aircraft. According to the company's schedule, the flight from Tashkent to Almaty is scheduled to depart at 20:40 (GMT+5) and arrive in Almaty at 23:10 (GMT+6). The estimated flight duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes. Meanwhile, flights in the opposite direction, from Almaty to Tashkent, are scheduled to depart at 00:10 (GMT+6) and arrive in Tashkent at 00:50 (GMT+5). It is expected that the flight will last 1 hour and 40 minutes. The increase in flights between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan is expected to foster further growth in trade, economic, tourism, and cultural cooperation between the countries. Moreover, it will contribute to increased competition and lower airfare costs, benefiting travelers in both nations. The Indiana Court of Appeals has affirmed the murder conviction of a Chicago Heights, Illinois, man who gunned down a Lynwood, Illinois, man after the man was lured across the state line to Gary. Jason "Lafa" Hinton, 27, was sentenced to 63 years for murder, plus an 18-year firearm enhancement, for a total of 81 years in prison, for his role in the July 1, 2020, death of 18-year-old Jacquice Baylock in the 1900 block of Taney Place, according to court records. Records show that Hinton and Devin Barron, 22, shot Baylock because of his relationship with a woman who had two children with Barron. According to court records, Barron compelled the woman at gunpoint to get Baylock into her car, drive him to a specific location in Gary and then walk away. The woman said that, as she was leaving, she saw Hinton shoot Baylock in the back and Baylock fall to the ground. The woman said Barron then stood over Baylock and repeatedly shot him, records show. Hinton argued in his appeal that prosecutors failed to present sufficient evidence at trial to sustain his conviction for murder. Specifically, court records show that while Hinton did not deny shooting Baylock, he claimed that the shots he fired were not the ones that resulted in Baylock's death. The appeals court said it doesn't matter. In a 3-0 decision, the court said prosecutors needed only to present sufficient evidence that a reasonable trier of fact could conclude that the defendant's actions contributed, whether mediately or immediately, to the victim's death. As a result, even if Hinton's shots were not fatal, they undoubtedly contributed to Baylock's death. Moreover, Hinton unquestionably was an accomplice to murder, making him just as liable as the perpetrator. "Based upon the record, we conclude that evidence of a probative value exists from which the court as the trier of fact could have found Hinton guilty beyond a reasonable doubt of murder," the court said. Hinton still can ask the Indiana Supreme Court to consider reviewing his conviction. Otherwise, his earliest possible release date from prison, assuming good behavior, is Oct. 7, 2081, according the Department of Correction. Records show that Barron has yet to be charged in the Baylock case because he's been jailed without bond since Dec. 28, 2020, in Cook County, Illinois, awaiting trial for the homicide of retired Chicago firefighter Dwain Williams. Gallery: Recent arrests booked into Lake County Jail April Wright Fallon Stone Kecelyn Sydner Hilario Torres Jr. Shawn Washington Steven Petrisko Roosevelt Pickett Jr. Andre Patterson Kenneth Mack Jr. Rachel McKinney Patrick Noonan Bradley Kelly Jason Howard Tena Johnson Leslie Hawkins Chanel Copeland Tameera Dillon Elvee Evans III Totianna Gaston Olivia Blakeley Steven Bogner Kristina Bohn Tammy Berry Christopher Arroyo Melvin Pumphrey III Dakota Robinson Michael Sullivan Shauntwain Johnson Karley Jensen Cali Huerta Cindy Irons Jack Hampton John Huber Chauncey Hackett Jr. Antwon Butler Aundra Butler PORTAGE A report of suspicious people looking into a vehicle at 2:30 a.m. landed a man and woman behind bars on drug and drug-related charges. A Portage officer said he was called out early Thursday to the 2800 block of Locust Street and found Randy Johnson, 41, of Lake Station, and Jamie Hall, 44, of Portage, walking north on Hickory Road. While Johnson was searching Hall's purse for identification, police spotted a glass pipe used for smoking crack cocaine, according to the arrest report. "Randy tried to put it back in the purse," the officer said. Police said they found Johnson with a scale he said he uses to weigh marijuana. They also found him in possession of the illegal drug. Pot smell in school restroom lands Portage High School student behind bars, cops say "(The administrator) inquired as to why Edmari (Sanders) had not told him it was there to which he advised he was afraid of the trouble he would get in," police said. Johnson provided Hall's name to police, and officers learned that she was wanted on two warrants from Porter County and one from Lake County. Both were taken to the Porter County Jail. Hall faces charges of possessing paraphernalia and false informing, in addition to her existing cases, police said. Johnson faces a charge of possessing marijuana. Indiana is joining a multi-state settlement with the Robinhood investment app, which agreed to pay $10.2 million in penalties for technical glitches that hurt retail investors. Indiana will get a $200,000 share of the settlement. State securities regulators in Alabama, Colorado, California, Delaware, New Jersey, South Dakota and Texas investigated operational failures after outages in March 2020 that limited hundreds of thousands of investors' ability to make trades. The investigation found Robinhood had weaknesses in monitoring and reporting, insufficient customer service and deficient processes for options and margin accounts. Robinhood users weren't able to process trades even as stocks dropped in value. This multistate agreement represents states at their best working together for the benefit of Main Street investors, said North American Securities Administrators Association President Andrew Hartnett. Robinhood repeatedly failed to serve its clients, but this settlement makes clear that Robinhood must take its customer care obligations seriously and correct these deficiencies. This agreement reflects the ongoing efforts by state securities regulators to protect investors, including Hoosiers to ensure that they are treated fairly by financial services firms, said Indiana Secretary of State Diego Morales. The settlement funds will be distributed between the Securities Enforcement Fund and the State of Indiana General Fund. The Indiana Secretary of State's Indiana Securities Division said Robinhood cooperated with its investigation and found no evidence of fraudulent conduct. GARY Dena Holland-Neal wants state regulators to address the negative health effects of industrial pollution. She was diagnosed with breast cancer six months ago. She also has a friend whose battled three kinds of cancer and was told that environmental contamination was a contributing factor. "We're told by the federal government that 'this is healthy air, just keep breathing it, you'll be fine,' but we're not fine," Holland-Neal said. About a dozen people addressed the Indiana Department of Environmental Management during a public meeting Thursday. Many attendees echoed Holland-Neal's concerns. "If the guidelines are what they should be, then why are we so sick?" Gard Advocates for Responsible Development member Carolyn McCrady asked. The meeting was organized after GARD and the Environmental Law and Policy Center raised concerns about a proposed air-permit renewal for a lime plant in Gary. Carmeuse Lime Inc., situated in the Buffington Harbor area of Gary, provides limestone to steel mills; it's one of the main ingredients burned in blast furnaces to make pig iron. The company has asked the Indiana Department of Environmental Management to renew its five-year air-quality permit, which was last renewed in 2014. Public comment on the renewal initially ended May 5. However, after GARD and the ELPC issued news releases calling for tighter regulations, public comment was extended to June 5. The ELPC noted that Carmeuse has been cited for a number of violations. Most recently, an October inspection of the facility found seven violations. "If they're not being diligent, why would you give them the opportunity to continue?" Rep. Vernon Smith, D-Gary, asked IDEM during the meeting. Jenny Acker, chief of IDEM's Air Permits Branch, said the agency is legally obligated to issue permits as long as they meet the requirements. Even if a company is in violation, IDEM will not "yank their permit, we're going to work with them to get them back into compliance." In a company statement, Carmeuse said it is working "closely with IDEM to resolve outstanding enforcement issues." The company also noted that the proposed renewal did not include any emission increases. Even if Carmeuse's emissions hold steady, GARD member Kimmie Gordon said, "enough is enough." She said U.S. Steel and all the other industrial facilities in north Lake County have a cumulative impact on the Region's air quality. A recent greenhouse-gas inventory found that industry accounts for more than 90% of Gary's emissions. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Environmental Justice Screen tool, the five-mile radius surrounding Carmeuse is in the highest percentiles in the country for diesel emissions, fine-particulate-matter air pollution and proximity to hazardous waste. An analysis by The Guardian newspaper of research from the University of Washington and Virginia Tech this year found that Northwest Indiana's industrial core had the fourth-worst PM 2.5 air pollution in the country. PM 2.5 is a kind of fine-particulate air pollutant that can get into the deepest part of the lungs, even into the bloodstream. It is emitted by industrial operations, vehicles and wildfires. Four of Lake County's nine air monitoring stations are in Gary; Acker said the monitors have not detected any air pollution exceedances. McCrady said the pollution guidelines might be set too low: "It just doesn't make any sense for you to tell me that the air monitoring devices are working and yet we are overpolluted in this city." Acker said much of Gary's environmental contamination can be traced to decades of zoning decisions that allowed industrial facilities to locate in the steel city. By the time a company applies for an air permit with IDEM, the state agency is obligated to "follow the letter of the law," Acker explained. In recent years, she's started to see local zoning commissions pull zoning permits after public outcry. "Your comments are getting heard outside this room," Acker assured the audience. However, multiple speakers said environmental battles shouldn't always fall to private citizens, especially because many of the state permits and regulations can be difficult to understand. "I don't care what the project is, I don't care how many dollars it brings to the community, it doesn't matter if it hurts our residents," said Rep. Ragen Hatcher, D-Gary. "The city of Gary does not want any additional industrial pollution." IDEM will issue a permit decision after reviewing all public comment. The agency will also respond to all written comment. PHOTOS: Community members tour Gary location selected for planned waste-to-fuel plant Fulcrum bus tour of their proposed plant location Fulcrum bus tour of their proposed plant location Fulcrum bus tour of their proposed plant location Fulcrum bus tour of their proposed plant location Fulcrum bus tour of their proposed plant location Fulcrum bus tour of their proposed plant location Fulcrum bus tour of their proposed plant location Fulcrum bus tour of their proposed plant location Fulcrum bus tour of their proposed plant location Unions are decrying a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that could have a far-reaching impact on unions' ability to strike. The Supreme Court ruled in Glacier Northwest Inc. v. International Brotherhood of Teamsters that a cement company in Washington state could sue its workers for economic damage for going on strike when wet cement was in the trucks, resulting in a loss of the cement and damage to the trucks. "Glacier alleges that the drivers conduct created an emergency in which it had to devise a way to offload concrete 'in a timely manner to avoid costly damage to [its] mixer trucks,'" the majority wrote in its opinion. "The Unions actions not only resulted in the destruction of all the concrete Glacier had prepared that day; they also posed a risk of foreseeable, aggravated, and imminent harm to Glaciers trucks. Because the Union took affirmative steps to endanger Glaciers property rather than reasonable precautions to mitigate that risk, the NLRA does not arguably protect its conduct." It's feared the ruling could set a precedent that would allow companies to sue workers for going on strike, one of their few points of leverage during negotiations for better wages, benefits, working conditions and workplace safety. While corporate America cheers on another Supreme Court attack on workers rights, this ruling achieves nothing that would undermine the fundamental right to strike, said UAW President Shawn Fain, who represents workers at the Chicago Assembly Plant, Chicago Stamping Plant and Lear seat factory in Hammond. Our members fight for justice on and off the job wont be slowed by a court ruling or by corporate greed. While were disappointed to see the US Supreme Court once again try to legislate away the rights of working-class Americans, the UAW remains ready to take action, when necessary, to raise the standard for workers everywhere. AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler said the ruling sided with big business over working people. "But when the facts are revealed on remand, it will be clear the union acted properly and the truck drivers strike was protected by federal law," Shuler said. "The court unnecessarily gave the employer another bite at the apple. The court recognized that for nearly a century, federal law has protected workers right to strike in order to improve workers wages, hours and working conditions. Unfortunately, the court then relied on unfounded allegations in the employers complaint that the union intended to damage the cement trucks when it called the strike." The National Labor Relations Boards General Counsel investigated the strike and found it was likely protected, Shuler said. She believes a state court and the NLRB will ultimately find that the union acted within its rights to walk off the job when an agreement couldn't be reached. "This decision will in no way deter workers from going on strike. Working people are standing up for our rights and fairness in the workplace at a rate not seen in generations," she said. "Striking for justice on the job is a critical part of the labor movements resurgence. Public support for unions is at its highest level since 1965, and organizing drives are taking place in every state. The bottom line is that the energy, enthusiasm and effectiveness of working people cannot, and will not, slow down in the wake of this ruling. The AFL-CIO and our more than 12.5 million members will continue to fight for workers, and we know that we will succeed." The Teamsters, who have taken a more aggressive tack as of late with strikes like one at a MonoSol plant in LaPorte, is concerned the Supreme Court ruling opens the door for corporations to sue their own workers. The political hacks at the Supreme Court have again voted in favor of corporations over working people," Teamsters General President Sean M. OBrien said. "These corruptible justices should be ashamed of themselves for throwing out long-standing precedent and legislating from the bench. The ability to strike has been on the books for nearly 100 years, and its no coincidence that this ruling is coming at a time when workers across the country are fed up and exercising their rights more and more. Make no mistake this ruling has everything to do with giving companies more power to hobble workers if any attempt is made to fight back against a growing system of corruption." The Teamsters retain their right to strike, O'Brien said. The Supreme Court is not upholding the law, nor is it advancing the American people," he said. "Supreme Court justices are ruling on behalf of billionaires alone the very ones they socialize with at cocktail parties and who they owe their jobs to in the first place. American workers must remember that their right to strike has not been taken away. All workers, union and nonunion alike, will forever have the right to withhold their labor." The International Brotherhood of Teamsters represent more than 1.2 million workers who are not afraid to fight for their rights, O'Brien said. The Teamsters will strike any employer, when necessary, no matter their size or the depth of their pockets ," he said. "Unions will never be broken by this Court or any other. This shameful ruling is simply one more reminder that the American people cannot rely on their government or their courts to protect them. They cannot rely on their employers. We must rely on each other. We must engage in organized, collective action. We can only rely on the protections inherent in the power of our unions. Three major chemical companies on Friday said they would pay more than $1 billion to settle the first in a wave of claims that they and other companies contaminated drinking water across the country with so-called forever chemicals that have been linked to cancer and other illnesses. The companies Chemours, DuPont and Corteva said they had reached an agreement in principle to set up a $1.19 billion fund to help remove toxic perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, from public drinking water systems. PFAS have been linked to liver damage, weakened immune systems and several forms of cancer, among other harms, and are referred to as forever chemicals because they linger in the human body and the environment. Bloomberg News also reported on Friday that 3M had reached a tentative deal worth at least $10 billion with U.S. cities and towns to resolve related PFAS claims. Sean Lynch, a spokesman for 3M, declined to comment on the report, which cited people familiar with the deal without naming them. Hundreds of communities across the country have sued Chemours, 3M and other companies, claiming that their products which are used in firefighting foams, nonstick coatings and a wide variety of other products contaminated their soil and water. They have sought billions of dollars in damages to deal with the health impacts and the cost of cleaning up and monitoring polluted sites. In the late 1990s, beginning at age 15, Geena Rocero was a beauty queen working the transgender pageant circuit in the Philippines, where shows are broadcast on national television. Her victories earned her both money and fame. She said her signature wig style a side bang and a flipped end became a trend unto itself among fellow beauty contestants. At 17, she moved to San Francisco. Modeling eventually brought her to New York, where she booked commercial jobs and lingerie shoots, appeared in a John Legend music video and became a habitue of the early-2000s, bottles-and-models scene at clubs like Marquee, BED and Cain. In the Philippines, Ms. Rocero lived openly as a transgender woman with the support of both her relatives and chosen family, but she could not legally change her sex. In the United States, on the other hand, she was legally recognized as a woman on her documents, but she worked stealth in the fashion industry, passing as a cisgender woman while living in constant fear that her trans identity would tank her career. Written by Brett Anderson and Julia Moskin | Narrated by Brett Anderson Mr. Biden had insisted for months that he would not negotiate over raising the borrowing limit. But privately, many aides had been planning on talks all along though they refused to admit those talks were linked to the debt limit. The Biden team reasoned that it would have to negotiate fiscal issues this year anyway, both on appropriations bills and on programs like food stamps that are included in a regularly reauthorized farm bill. Mr. Bidens economic advisers, including Lael Brainard, the director of the National Economic Council, and Treasury Secretary Janet L. Yellen, were warning of catastrophic damage to the economy if the government could no longer pay its bills on time. The president appeared to score wins before the talks even started. He goaded Republicans into agreeing, in the midst of his State of the Union address, that Social Security and Medicare would be off limits in the talks thanks to a spontaneous riff that grew out of a passage in his speech that he had worked on extensively in the days beforehand. He proposed a budget filled with tax increases on the rich and corporations that were meant to reduce debt, but he refused to engage Mr. McCarthy in serious talks until Republicans offered a spending plan of their own. In late April, the House passed a bill that included $4.7 trillion in savings from spending cuts, canceling clean-energy tax breaks and clawing back money for Covid relief and the I.R.S. It featured work requirements and measures to speed fossil fuel projects, and it raised the debt limit for one year. Mr. Biden, under fire from business groups and others who feared the standoff could result in the United States running out of money before the debt limit was raised, soon agreed to designate a team of negotiators. The White House team was led by officials including Ms. Young and one of her top aides, Michael Linden, who delayed his departure from the White House to help negotiate along with Louisa Terrell, the legislative affairs director, and Mr. Ricchetti. As a concept, cringe is deceptively hard to describe. As a content category, cringe is vast, encompassing everything from dated cultural norms to a strategy that musical artists employ to reach real fans. Cringe is not any one thing, but you know it when you see it. On TikTok, you can make a career out of being intentionally cringeworthy in a niche area of the platform known as CringeTok (I know this because my brother, a former lawyer, has been making a living doing cringe videos since the spring of 2020). Ms. Potenza has a theater degree and completed a six-week acting program at the William Esper Studio in New York, so she feels natural on camera. She ventured into posting cringe comedy videos during the pandemic as a way to continue working on her craft while venues were closed. An early TikTok video of her crying while applying clown makeup garnered hundreds of thousands of views and encouraged her to post more. She now has more than 3.8 million followers on TikTok a following large enough that it can translate into lucrative brand deals, bonuses and merchandise sales. Her videos, she said, have earned her more than $200,000 annually. The making of a CringeTok video Popular creators on TikTok can make a living in all kinds of niches on the platform, including by doing makeup, dealing watches, being old even drinking flavored water. But CringeTok is more like putting on a show. To craft the perfect CringeTok video, creators mine the depths of the internet and their own experiences for traits they can exaggerate. Identifying behaviors that make us recoil, like self-absorption and obliviousness, requires an ironic amount of self-reflection. Cringe comedy creators often build time for dreaming up sketches into their schedules. Filming can take as little as an hour often from the comfort of the creators bedrooms. One of the magic tricks of documentaries is the ability to film somebody changing over a period of time. When its a span of several years, audiences can get a unique psychological portrait. But these long-haul projects come with particular challenges and obstacles for the filmmakers who see them through. These documentaries might take anywhere from a few years to more than a decade to shoot and complete, and the reasons vary. Sometimes, the goal is to track a crucial segment of a persons life in full. Or the filmmakers approach might instead be open-ended, taking cues from the persons emotional experiences as to how much ground to cover, and when to say the end. No matter the circumstances, every production requires the filmmakers careful management of the relationship with the subject. Three recent movies that follow their subjects over the course of more than a year are showing at the Tribeca Festival, which runs Wednesday to June 18 in New York City: Apolonia, Apolonia, Between the Rains and Q. Lea Globs Apolonia, Apolonia films a young Paris painter, Apolonia Sokol, over the longest span of time 13 years. Ms. Sokol grew up in the building that housed a theater run by her parents, which became a boisterous haven for actors and other artists. Over the course of the film, she forges a career in the tough, often sexist arenas of the art world and the academy. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 3. Kazakhstan can increase oil supplies to Germany through the 'Druzhba' pipeline, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said, Trend reports. He made the remark at the Central Asia-EU summit held in Kyrgyzstan. According to Tokayev, Kazakhstan has already started to supply oil to Germany through the Druzhba pipeline. "Since the beginning of this year, deliveries in the amount of 90,000 tons have already been realized. There is a potential to bring this figure to 1.2 million tons per year with the possibility of increasing it in the future," he said. In addition, the president of Kazakhstan noted that since the beginning of this year, pumping of Kazakh oil along the Aktau-Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan route with a volume of 1.5 million tons per year has begun. According to him, in the medium term, Kazakhstan plans to expand oil exports in the direction of Aktau Batumi, as well as increase the volume of pumping through the pipelines of the Trans-Caspian route. Under this plan, much of the traffic that now uses the viaduct would be rerouted to I-481, which traverses the eastern suburbs and reconnects with I-81 farther north. And thats where much of the opposition comes in. State officials say rerouting traffic would have a minimal impact on suburban towns, a claim that opponents scoff at. With the viaduct gone, fewer motorists would be able to reach the many restaurants, hotels and other businesses that have sprouted along the highway to the north, they say. That includes Destiny USA, the largest shopping mall in New York state. A lot of our commercial corridor was built around the exits that Interstate 81 poured into our town, said Nick Paro, supervisor of the town of Salina. The backbone of the town is those traffic corridors, and unfortunately, we think that the project thats proposed is going to have a significant impact on the businesses. Carmen Emmi Jr. owns and operates four hotels near the intersection of I-81 and the New York State Thruway in Salina a Super 8, a Hampton Inn and Suites, a Homewood Suites and a Tru by Hilton. He estimates that as much as 15 percent of his business each day comes from walk-ins off the highways, and with vehicles rerouted to the east, customer traffic is certain to drop off, he contends. Mr. Emmi, like many opponents of the Community Grid, is aware that the viaduct damaged the 15th Ward and probably should never have been built there. But now that it was, he said, and its been in place for 50 years, theres been a lot of businesses that have been built up around the highway that rely on the highway. WASHINGTON I think about Jackie Kennedy several times a day. I have no choice. Tour groups come by my house in Georgetown to see John Kennedys bachelor pad, where he was living when he met Jacqueline Bouvier at a dinner party. I eavesdropped at the window once and heard a tour guide spin the romantic yarn about how the handsome senator met the beautiful debutante and they decided to live happily ever after. Somewhere else. Jackie told Jack he needed to get out of this dump, the guide said. By the time he was elected president, they were living in a beautiful house down the block, which well go see now. As a tonic to the coarseness of Donald Trump and Ron DeSantis, I have been escaping to the cultured world of Jacqueline Bouvier in the period when Jack was diffidently courting her. (Never a Heathcliff type, Jack sometimes treated her, as Jackie once told Gore Vidal, as though she were a campaign asset, like Rhode Island.) Carl Sferrazza Anthonys new biography, Camera Girl, offers a lovely snapshot of Jackies single years in D.C., working at The Washington Times-Herald. Among the various reassessments of Kevin McCarthy following his successful debt ceiling negotiations, the one with the widest implications belongs to Matthew Continetti, who writes in The Washington Free Beacon that McCarthys superpower is his desire to be speaker. He likes and wants his job. If you hadnt followed American politics across the last few decades, this would seem like a peculiar statement: What kind of House speaker wouldnt want the job? But part of whats gone wrong with American institutions lately is the failure of important figures to regard their positions as ends unto themselves. Congress, especially, has been overtaken by what Yuval Levin of the American Enterprise Institute describes as a platform mentality, where ambitious House members and senators treat their offices as places to stand and be seen as talking heads, movement leaders, future presidents rather than as roles to inhabit and opportunities to serve. On the Republican side, this tendency has taken several forms, from Newt Gingrichs yearning to be a Great Man of History, to Ted Cruzs ambitious grandstanding in the Obama years, to the emergence of Trump-era performance artists like Marjorie Taylor Greene. And the partys congressional institutionalists, from dealmakers like John Boehner to policy mavens like Paul Ryan, have often been miserable-seeming prisoners of the talking heads, celebrity brands and would-be presidents. During the Holocaust, millions of people were killed, Ms. Berest told me recently. But not only people were killed, also all the books they had to write. All the paintings they had to paint. All the music they had to compose, she paused. I think that is why we, the children and grandchildren of the survivors, are obsessed with working and writing books. I too have long been haunted by the breadth of the loss of human life, of dignity, of property and also of potential. The story Ms. Berest tells in The Postcard is an encapsulation of the effort of the third generation of which I am also a part to insist that the reader engage with the war at a granular level, murdered individual by murdered individual. Ms. Berest began her project as she was expecting her first daughter, conscious that the next generation will not know survivors the way we did. Ms. Berest explained she was not told the fine details of her familys war story as a child. Thats not unusual. Growing up, I imagined a time-lapse flip book of horror Anschluss, Kristallnacht, the yellow star, Auschwitz but I understood less how those events fit into the long rollout of a slow collapse of normalcy, the years of restrictions, humiliations and deprivations that led up to genocide. I had only a vague awareness of the trapped aunts and cousins and schoolmates and friends my grandfather could not take with him. I turned toward those stories only after his death, when I came across several stacks of letters he had stashed away, testimony after testimony on brittle onionskin pages. In The Postcard, Ms. Berest considers what allowed Jews to be ensnared by their surety that an entire society could not turn against them. For her great-grandfather, she imagines it was simply impossible to envision being excised from a world in which he believed himself so firmly ensconced. I told Ms. Berest that when I contacted one of Lottes children during my book project, he told me that references to the war years were unspeakable in his childhood home. FREETOWN, Sierra Leone One of the misimpressions people have about the world is that its going to hell. Perhaps thats because humanitys great triumph over the last half-century huge reductions in poverty, disease and early death goes largely unacknowledged. Just about the worst thing that can happen to anyone is to lose a child, and historically, almost half of children died before reaching adulthood. We happen to live in a transformational era in which 96 percent of the worlds children now survive until adulthood. That arc is visible here in Sierra Leone, a country that remains heartbreakingly poor yet where the risk of a child dying is less than half what it was 20 years ago. You may have heard of Sierra Leone as the most dangerous place in the world to give birth. No longer true: Deaths in pregnancy and childbirth have plunged 74 percent since 2000, according to United Nations figures. By reducing the right of localities to make their own decisions, Texas has joined dozens of other states that have asserted their dominance over cities in recent years through a practice known as state pre-emption. One watchdog group has counted more than 650 pre-emption bills in state legislatures this year; the large majority have been introduced by Republican lawmakers to curb policymaking in cities run by Democrats. Its not a new phenomenon city halls and state capitols have always jockeyed for authority, and in a legal showdown, the state usually wins, as the more supreme power. But conservatives used to champion ideas like local autonomy, devolution and even block grants as a way of weakening centralized control. The 20th-century movement toward home rule, letting localities handle most of their own affairs, was once supported by both Republicans and Democrats. Whats now become clear is that Republicans dislike local control if they are not in charge of it. The home rule movement has steadily faded in the last few decades as state lawmakers on the right have become more aggressive in invalidating the priorities of elected officials in cities, which have moved leftward in their voting patterns in recent years. We are seeing a real increase in the pre-emption of local authority, said Clarence Anthony, chief executive of the National League of Cities, and former mayor of South Bay, Fla. Local officials are elected by citizens to represent them, and theyre the ones who know what their citizens need the most. But weve been seeing state legislators trying to have control over local communities, and thats not good governance at all. Many of the recent bills are particularly brazen in their disdain for local decision-making. The Florida Legislature passed a bill in early May allowing businesses to challenge municipal ordinances in court simply for being unreasonable. If they win, the businesses can collect $50,000 in attorney fees from the taxpayers if the ordinance is not withdrawn, but cities cant collect attorney fees if they win. In Tennessee, Republicans were angry that leaders in Nashville blocked a bid to host the 2024 G.O.P. convention, so they passed a bill to shrink the size of the Nashville Metro Council and upend its voting district maps, which many residents say will dilute the political strength of minority groups. A local court put that law on hold for now, but the final outcome has not been determined. Most of these legislative power plays follow the ideological patterns of the hard-right MAGA core within the Republican Party, which is often more visible at the state than the national level. The efforts tend to fall into the following categories: Democracy and voting. Several states are trying to make it harder for citizens to enact laws or constitutional changes through the referendum process, after abortion-rights supporters won several ballot initiatives in 2022. In Ohio, Republican lawmakers put a measure on the August ballot that would raise the threshold for passing a constitutional amendment to 60 percent from a simple majority, where it has been since 1912, hoping to head off organized efforts to permit abortion in the state, as well as to raise the minimum wage and undo Republican gerrymandering. (They put the measure on a low-turnout election day, rather than the better-known day in November.) Arkansas now requires signatures from 50 counties (of 75) to get an initiative on the ballot, up from 15. Anyone can propose a ballot initiative, regardless of their ideology recent measures in Kansas and Kentucky, for example, were proposed by anti-abortion groups. (Both were ultimately rejected by voters.) Restricting these ballot measures is fundamentally about depriving voters of a way to put a check on legislators, regardless of ideology. In 1993, Jurassic Park helped inspire 9-year-old Stephen Brusatte to become a paleontologist. So Dr. Brusatte was thrilled to advise the producers of last years Jurassic World: Dominion on what scientists had learned about dinosaurs since he was a child. He was especially happy to see one of the most important discoveries make it to the screen: dinosaurs that sported feathers. But judging from the emails he has been receiving, some moviegoers did not share his excitement. A lot of people thought it was made up, said Dr. Brusatte, a professor at the University of Edinburgh. They thought it was filmmakers trying to do something crazy. Far from crazy, feathered dinosaurs have become a well-established fact, thanks largely to a trove of remarkable fossils that have been unearthed in northeast China since the mid-1990s. Now Dr. Brusatte and other paleontologists are trying to determine exactly how feathered dinosaurs achieved powered flight and became the birds that fly overhead today an evolutionary mystery that stretches more than 150 million years. Constantin Popa, 62, who makes pottery in Horezu with his wife, Georgeta Popa, 57, said they try to fulfill clients wishes as much as possible. But according to him, painting pieces in saturated colors has nothing to do with Horezu. Tim Curtis, the chief of UNESCOs intangible cultural heritage program, said in an email that the designation has been withdrawn only twice in the 20 years since the agency started to issue it, and that neither time was for factors related to the modernization of procedures or design. He added that the designation takes into account the changes that communities can make to practices. There are plans to open the Olari Cultural Center, a new institution on Olari Street, in September. It will showcase Horezu ceramics, host conferences and present demonstrations by potters. The cultural center was paid for by the town of Horezu and the Romanian government. Daniela Ogrezeanu, a spokeswoman for Mayor Nicolae Sardarescu of Horezu, described it in an email as a way to bring more attention to the pottery and its makers by driving tourists to the street where many live and work. But some residents of Horezu are worried visitors wont make it to the center. Olari Street is about a 10-minute drive from the entrance to town, which is crowded with souvenir shops. Many hawk ceramics from Bulgaria that tourists mistake for local pottery, said Laurentiu Pietraru, 52, a potter and shop owner in Horezu who sells ceramics made in the town for about $2 to $54. To many Black people in Anacostia, those high-rises across the newly glowed-up river are dangerous signals. Rents and taxes are creeping up while the percentage of Black home buyers in the area is drifting down. Many residents will tell you that Anacostia has its challenges, and more investment in the community could help. Good parks and better-funded schools are widely appreciated. But the encroaching luxury buildings and long-promised bridge park might also bring displacement, as it has elsewhere in the city over the past several years. During our time in Anacostia, we looked for examples of majority-Black communities with thriving economies thriving Black-owned businesses, high Black homeownership rates, high Black wealth accumulation and other indicators of progress toward economic equity for Black Americans. Our exploration brought us back to the neighborhood of Greenwood in Tulsa, Okla., once the financial center of the African American community, which was torn apart 102 years ago by white people in the Tulsa Race Massacre. Victor Luckerson, who conducted more than 200 interviews for his recently published book about Tulsa, wrote for Headway about how the concept of group economics Black Americans supporting a local Black economy fueled entrepreneurial success in Greenwood, framing a question: Are there modern-day exemplars for what a mostly Black community can be in the United States? This is the starting point of an exploration were calling Progress, Revisited. We are looking back at historical moments of progress toward racial equity for Black Americans since the beginning of the 20th century, and looking forward to their lessons and legacies in the present day. We are following trails left of scholars commissioned by Columbia Universitys Ira A. Lipman Center for Journalism and Civil and Human Rights to explore the persistence of racial inequality in five core aspects of life in the U.S. economics, education, health care, criminal justice and housing. In each of these areas, we are looking for moments when Black communities made notable advancements toward racial equity, and asking how were building on or learning from those advances today. In my introduction to the series, I included a quiz to test your knowledge of how far we have and havent come toward improving measures of economic equity for Black Americans. President Biden signed the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 into law on Saturday, ending for now the threat of economic calamity from a default on the nations debt and putting limits on spending for two years. The White House issued a statement saying that Mr. Biden had signed the legislation, days after it was passed by the House and the Senate following weeks of sometimes bitter negotiations with Republicans. Mr. Bidens signature came just two days before the so-called X-date, when Janet L. Yellen, the Treasury secretary, had said the government would run out of cash to pay its debts. Economists had predicted that if it did so, the resulting collapse in faith in Americas financial promises would cause economic instability around the world. To avoid that, the legislation Mr. Biden signed suspends the nations debt ceiling, allowing the government to borrow what it needs to meet its obligations. In remarks to the nation on Friday evening, Mr. Biden said it had been crucial for Republicans and Democrats to find a way to reach an accommodation. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 3. Kazakhstan has set a task to train at least 100,000 highly qualified IT specialists by 2025, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said, Trend reports. He made the remark at the Central Asia-EU summit held in Kyrgyzstan. "In March of this year, Microsoft announced the opening of a multi-regional hub in Kazakhstan, which will become a center for attracting advanced technologies. We have set a task to train at least 100,000 highly qualified IT specialists by 2025," Tokayev said. In this regard, he invited European universities to open branches in Kazakhstan, including on the basis of the Astana Hub technopark, which will become an important regional IT platform. In addition, according to him, last year Kazakhstan ranked 28th in the UN e-government Development Index. "This is a good indicator. We have developed advanced banking ecosystems, and the financial technology market is growing dynamically, just as the e-commerce, and digital solutions are being comprehensively introduced into the public administration system," President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said. Early one morning in September 2020, Michael J. Hill called the police after hearing banging on the doors and windows of his home in Okmulgee, Okla. part of a swath of the state that the Supreme Court had recently ruled to be tribal land. He eventually realized it was a group of his friends, Mr. Hill later recalled in an interview, but the police had arrived and proceeded to arrest one of them, Aaron R. Wilson, for an outstanding warrant. Mr. Hill, 40, then got into an altercation with the police and was himself arrested after a struggle. Mr. Hill and Mr. Wilson are both Black and citizens of Native American tribes in Oklahoma. They both moved to have their cases dismissed, arguing that as tribal members in tribal territory, they were outside the states criminal jurisdiction. Mr. Wilsons case was dismissed, but Mr. Hills request was denied. The key difference in the fate of the two men was race specifically, a small degree of what is known in the courts as Indian blood. Mr. Wilson is one sixty-fourth Creek Indian. Mr. Hill is a citizen of the Cherokee Nation through ancestors called Freedmen Black people who were enslaved by Native tribes. Because Mr. Hills ancestors did not have Indian blood, he was found in court not to be Indian. Government investigators almost never obtain a clear lens into a lawyers private dealings with their clients, let alone with such a prominent one as Mr. Trump. A recording like the voice memo Mr. Corcoran made last year during a long drive to a family event, according to two people briefed on the recording is typically shielded by attorney-client or work-product privilege. Some details of the notes were reported earlier by The Guardian. But in March, a federal judge ordered Mr. Corcorans recorded recollections now transcribed onto dozens of pages to be given to the office of the special counsel Jack Smith, who is leading the documents investigation. The decision by the judge, Beryl A. Howell, pierced the privilege that would have normally protected Mr. Corcorans musings about his interactions with Mr. Trump. Those protections were set aside under what is known as the crime-fraud exception, a provision that allows prosecutors to work around attorney-client privilege if they have reason to believe that legal advice or legal services were used in furthering a crime. Judge Howell, in a sealed memorandum that accompanied her decision, made clear that prosecutors believe Mr. Trump knowingly misled Mr. Corcoran about the location of documents that would be responsive to the subpoena, according to a person familiar with the memos contents. Mr. Corcorans notes, which have not been previously described in such detail, will likely play a central role as Mr. Smith and his team move toward concluding their investigation and turn to the question of whether to bring charges against Mr. Trump. They could also show up as evidence in a courtroom if a criminal case is ultimately filed and goes to trial. Why It Matters: Texas has one of the largest transgender populations in the country. According to estimates from the Williams Institute, a research center that reports on the demographics of L.G.B.T.Q. people, nearly 30,000 transgender people ages 13 to 17 live in Texas, making it one of the states with the largest populations of transgender youth. The measure signed by Mr. Abbott, known as Senate Bill 14, drew protests from transgender Texans and their supporters at the Capitol before it was passed by the Legislature last month. Opponents condemned the measure as a politicized assault on transgender people. Supporters of the Texas legislation have called the treatments mutilation. There is a debate among medical professionals about the age at which adolescents should have access to these treatments. But leading medical groups in the United States, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, say this care should be available to minors and oppose legislative bans. Background: The ban continues a wave of conservative legislation limiting transgender rights. The law reflects an effort in Texas and in much of the country by Republican elected leaders to restrict transgender rights. The cause has become an animating issue for social conservatives who seek to rally voters and raise money. Since April 2021, when Arkansas became the first state to outlaw transition-related medical treatment for minors, more than a dozen other states have passed bills or policies seeking to prohibit what doctors call gender-affirming care. Republican officials in some states have also been trying to restrict health care for trans adults, in some cases attempting to bar care for younger adults or by imposing restrictions on Medicaid coverage. In Texas, officials had taken other steps to try to prevent transgender children from accessing medical transition care. Last year, Mr. Abbott directed the states child protective agency to investigate parents for child abuse if their children received such treatment. Some Texas families fled the state as a result, even as the investigations were being challenged in court. Whats Next: Some uncertainties remain. According to the bill, minors already receiving prescribed medical treatment would be able over a period of time and in a manner that is safe and medically appropriate to wean themselves off the medication. But it was not clear whether doctors would feel comfortable continuing to offer that care. The bill gave enforcement authority to the states attorney general. When the state Legislature approved the bill last month, that position was held by Ken Paxton. But the next week, the states House of Representatives voted to impeach him. Mr. Abbott named John Scott, a longtime ally and a former Texas secretary of state, as an interim replacement while Mr. Paxton awaited his impeachment trial in the Senate. The law is likely to face legal challenges in the three months before it is scheduled to go into effect. David Montgomery and J. David Goodman contributed reporting. The 14 presumed gang members under arrest were arriving at a police station in Haitis capital, when a group of people overpowered the police, rounded up the suspects outside and used gasoline to burn them alive. The gruesome executions on April 24 marked the start of a brutal vigilante campaign to reclaim the streets of the capital, Port-au-Prince, from gangs that have inflicted terror on Haitians for nearly two years. In a nation wracked by extreme poverty and violence, civilians have taken up arms and killed at least 160 people believed to be gang members in the six weeks since a citizens self-defense movement known as bwa kale kicked off its vigilantism with the brazen police station attack, according to data gathered in a new report by a prominent Haitian human rights group. The result: a sharp drop in kidnappings and killings attributed to gangs in neighborhoods where people told The New York Times they had been afraid to leave their homes. The United States military will keep passing through Asian skies and seas where China has become increasingly pugnacious, the Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III said in Singapore, where the Chinese defense ministers refusal to hold talks with him has highlighted the rifts between Beijing and Washington. The annual Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore has in its two decades of operation become a venue for military officials from Washington and Beijing to rhetorically spar, but also to hold bilateral discussions aimed at blunting tensions. This year, however, the Chinese defense minister, General Li Shangfu, declined to meet Mr. Austin. In his speech, Mr. Austin pressed his main themes: justifying activities by the United States and its allies in the seas and airspace near China; promoting stronger alliances with Washington in the region; and vowing continued U.S. support for Taiwan. All these are sore points for Beijing, especially Taiwan, which China claims as its own territory. We wont be deterred by dangerous operational behavior at sea or in international airspace, Mr. Austin told the audience of military officials and experts from across Asia and beyond. The Peoples Republic of China continues to conduct an alarming number of risky intercepts of U.S. and allied aircraft flying lawfully in international airspace. Weve all just seen another troubling case of aggressive and unprofessional flying by the P.R.C., he said, referring to China. The United States pressed Beijing on two fronts this weekend, warning both of the near-term risks of military mishaps and of the looming dangers of a nuclear arms rivalry, prompting a vehement accusation from a Chinese general that Washington was stoking confrontation. In speeches from President Bidens national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, on Friday, and Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III on Saturday in Singapore, the Biden administration sought to draw China toward talks on the rising military perils. Mr. Austin also indicated that the United States would keep operating military ships and planes in international seas and skies near China despite recent close calls with Chinese forces, and also keep providing support to Taiwan, the self-governing island that Beijing sees as its own territory. Both are sore points with China. We wont be deterred by dangerous operational behavior at sea or in international airspace, Mr. Austin told a gathering of military officials and experts at the Shangri-La Dialogue, an annual meeting in Singapore. Karolyn Li still remembers reading the brochure from Chinas prestigious Tsinghua University when she was in high school preparing to apply to college. It highlighted a graduate who had co-founded an L.G.B.T.Q. rights group, a suggestion of inclusivity on campus that surprised Ms. Li, who identifies as queer. Ms. Li ended up enrolling at Tsinghua. Now a 21-year-old junior, Ms. Li sees the brochure as cruelly ironic. She and her friend, Christine Huang, a 23-year-old senior, have spent the past year locked in a losing battle against the university and the countrys education authorities over gay and transgender expression. When the two women distributed rainbow flags on campus last year, and resisted school administrators who confronted them, the university issued a punishment that would stay on their permanent records. When they tried in March to place flowers outside the dorm of a transgender classmate who died by suicide, they were surrounded by security. When they posed with rainbow flags in a photo in May, a university employee ran over and said they were not allowed to post the images online. All these things add up to make me wonder: How did things get so bad? said Ms. Huang, who identifies as a lesbian. The clerk manages the deputy ministers and has three duties that sometimes overlap. He is the head of the public service, which is made up of nonpartisan bureaucrats who stay in their jobs as politicians and political parties come and go. The clerk is also manages and coordinates the cabinet as its secretary, and perhaps most important of all, he is the prime ministers top adviser. Professor Savoie said that the clerk and the prime minister meet several times each week and that each brings a separate agenda. A lot of key decisions are made at those meetings, he said, adding that those sessions are often more important than cabinet meetings. A cabinet minister, Professor Savoie said, once told him that the cabinet had long ago become a focus group for the prime minister. The trend toward concentrating power in the prime ministers hands, and by extension the clerks, has been going on for decades under both Liberal and Conservative governments. And Professor Savoie said that its not necessarily a power grab. Yet it also wants to avoid fanning too high a patriotic flame, lest it push Russians to start questioning the purpose of the war. Much the way Mr. Putin has refrained from enacting multiple conscriptions of soldiers to avert prompting antiwar sentiment, the Kremlin has left parents some leeway to avoid propaganda lessons. In that, they may be hoping to avoid the disconnect that emerged in the Soviet era, when the education system portrayed the country as the land of Communist plenty, even as ordinary Russians could see that the shelves were bare. They want enthusiasm, but they realize if they push too hard it could galvanize an organized opposition, said Alexandra Arkhipova, a social anthropologist who studies public reactions to the war. They do not want people to protest. Interviews over the past month with sociologists, educators, parents and students, and a review of extensive material online posted by the schools themselves and by local news outlets, show a comprehensive government effort to bolster military-patriotic content through all 40,000 public schools in Russia. The cornerstone of the initiative is a program called Important Conversations, started last September. Every Monday at 8 a.m., schools are supposed to hold an assembly to raise the Russian flag while the national anthem is played, and then convene an hourlong classroom session on topics like important milestones in Russian history. A car bomb killed at least one person on Friday night in Russian-occupied southern Ukraine, according to Ukrainian and Russian officials, highlighting the wars reach far beyond the front lines as Ukrainian partisans aim to undermine their occupiers. The blast occurred in Mykhailivka, a town in Ukraines Zaporizhzhia region. The vehicle targeted was carrying four supporters of the Kremlin, said Ivan Fedorov, the Ukrainian mayor in exile of the Russian-occupied city of Melitopol, about 30 miles south, on the Telegram messaging app. Vladimir Rogov, a Russian occupation official in the Zaporizhzhia region, confirmed the attack in a Telegram post, saying the bomb killed a local businessman named Sergei Didovoduk and injured two others. On Saturday, he said that the authorities had opened an investigation. The attack comes as Ukrainian forces are preparing for a highly anticipated counteroffensive that analysts believe will take place in southern Ukraine. Kyivs troops will probably aim to sever the land routes that connect Russia to Crimea, which Moscow illegally annexed in 2014, according to analysts and Western officials. BAKU, Azerbaijan. June 3. Tajikistans imports from Georgia by motor transport increased by 3.9 times year-on-year in the period from January through April 2023, Trend reports. The value of the Tajikistans imports by motor transport from Georgia amounted to $12.048 million, while the figure stood at $3.046 million in the reporting months of 2022. The majority of goods imported by Tajikistan from Georgia were transported by motor vehicles. Additionally, goods worth $503,900 were delivered to Georgia using rail transport. The figure increased by 2.1 times year-on-year - $239,760 in January through April 2022. Furthermore, Tajikistan imported goods from Georgia for $139,790 via air transport, which is 1.5 times more compared to the $88,140 in the same period of 2022. Overall, Tajikistan's imports from Georgia for the period between January and April 2023 totaled $12.691 million, marking a substantial year-on-year growth of 3.7 times compared to $3.374 million in the same period of 2022. A man identified by the Israeli and Egyptian authorities as an Egyptian security officer entered Israeli territory on Saturday and killed three Israeli soldiers in two separate shooting incidents in a remote desert area along the border between the two countries, according to an initial investigation by the Israeli military. Many details remained murky hours after the events unfolded, but Israeli military officials appeared to be treating the incident along the usually quiet border as a rogue assault and said the investigation was being conducted in cooperation with the Egyptian Army. The Israeli and Egyptian militaries offered different versions of the details of the episode. A spokesman for the Israeli military said the sequence of events began at about 2:30 a.m. on Saturday when Israeli soldiers thwarted a major cross-border drug smuggling attempt, which involved ladders being placed along the border fence. They seized a haul worth about $400,000, the spokesman, Lt. Col. Richard Hecht, said. Then, at about 8 a.m., when Israeli soldiers stationed at a border post failed to answer calls on their radio, a commander went to the scene and found the bodies of a male soldier and a female soldier, Colonel Hecht said. They were thought to have been killed an hour or two earlier. 3:30 p.m. Get a birds eye view of the city Pack in 400 years of history at the Museum of the City of New York in East Harlem ($20 suggested admission), opposite Central Park at the top end of Museum Mile . Its ongoing exhibition, New York at Its Core, will give you a glimpse of the neighborhoods youll encounter this weekend, and an overview of the many eras of the citys development, including its few decades as the Dutch settlement of New Amsterdam, its 19th-century shift to an immigrant hub, the growth of the citys park program after the New Deal and the birth of the punk and hip-hop subcultures of the 1970s and 1980s. 6:30 Graze on avant-garde creations Most of the restaurants founded by Albert Adria, formerly of elBulli, the groundbreaking restaurant 90 minutes north of the city that closed in 2011, did not survive the pandemic. But Enigma , his flagship creation in Poble Sec, has not merely survived but been reborn. Here, amid icily eerie decor, both the hours (Enigma opens at the thoroughly unSpanish dinner hour of 6.30 p.m) and the menu itself, with highlights like an impossibly light air waffle flavored with basil, and a chervil-slicked mushroom carpaccio that recreates an elBulli classic, allows for early evening grazing although most diners have a hard time pulling themselves away with anything less than the full gastronomic experience. Most of the individual dishes range from 7 to 20 euros. The New York Times News Quiz, June 2, 2023 Did you follow the news this week? Take our quiz to see how well you stack up with other Times readers. Between an altered post-lockdown landscape, sensational changeovers at 10 Downing Street and the death of Queen Elizabeth II, there is no doubt that London is in transition. But the city continues to juxtapose old traditions and new possibilities, offering something for everyone who loves culture, history, art and nightlife. For fans of the royal family, and maybe a few naysayers, the crowning of King Charles III, Britains first coronation in seven decades, will be the main event in May. Theres also the revamping of Battersea Power Station, an iconic former coal-fired power plant, into a shopping and leisure hub, and a new line on the Underground will directly connect Heathrow Airport to the central boroughs. A cast of a titanosaur, the largest creature ever to walk the planet, will make its European debut at the Natural History Museum, and late-night obsessives can head to newly opened dance clubs like the Beams. Big changes, yes, but a wealth of new choices, too. Isabella Kwai Tom Jamieson for The New York Times 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. When Karunanidhi Went Missing On His Wedding Day, The Real Story M. Karunanidhi: The Journey of a Visionary Leader in Indian Politics Chennai oi-Oneindia English Desk "M. Karunanidhi, a name that reverberates not only in the realm of Tamilnadu politics but also holds immense significance in the broader landscape of Indian politics. His political expedition commenced long before the independence of India, and he emerged as a trailblazer among the leaders of the Dravidian movement. On the occasion of Kalaignar's birth anniversary, we have curated a collection of significant milestones that moulded his extraordinary life. The following chronological compilation highlights several noteworthy milestones in his life, presented as a mere selection." 1924 : M. Karunanidhi was born on 03.06.1924 to Muthuvelar and Anjugam Ammaiyar in Thirukkuvalai, a town near Nagapattinam which was then Chennai Province. 1938 : During the tenure of Chief Minister Rajagopalachari, Hindi was made compulsory in schools, sparking a significant response from the public. Among those who vehemently opposed this decision was M. Karunanidhi, who was studying in a high school in Thiruvarur at the time. Karunanidhi called for a collective effort against this imposition of Hindi, rallying people to join what he referred to as the "Hindi War." He actively participated in the anti-Hindi movement, which aimed to protect the linguistic and cultural rights of the Tamil-speaking population. 1941: He established a student organization known as the Student Council and assumed the role of its president. This forum achieved the notable distinction of being the inaugural student organization within the Dravidian movement. 1942 : M. Karunanidhi first met Anna, a scholar whom M. Karunanidhi considered more than his life, in 1942. 1942 : 'Murasoli' began its journey as a pamphlet but eventually evolved into a monthly magazine, officially commencing publication on August 10, 1942. On 28.05.1944, Karunanidhi staged his first play 'Santa (or) Palaniappan' at Tiruvarur in a Theatre, known as Baby Talkies. 1945: M. Karunanidhi met Periyar at the Dravida Kazhagam conference in Pondicherry. He invited him to work on his weekly magazine 'Kudi Arasu'. He started working as an assistant editor from 1945. He worked on it for around 11 months. 1946 : M. Karunanidhi made his debut as a screenwriter in the film 'Rajakumari'. 1949 : Annadurai started the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam in the pouring rain at Robinson Park, Chennai. M. Karunanidhi was appointed as general committee and campaign committee member of DMK. 1951 : One side work in film industry. Party work on the other side. Between these, M. Karunanidhi took charge as the editor of 'Malai Mani' magazine. 1952 : 'Parasakthi' which revolutionized the world of Tamil cinema with the script of M. Karunanidhi was released. This film, which swept the wave of rationality, received strong reception. Sivaji Ganesan made his debut as the protagonist. 1953 : On 04.01.1953, M. Karunanidhi carried the piled handloom cloth on his shoulder and sold it street by street in Chennai to relieve the woes of the weavers. He led a protest to change the name of Dalmiyapuram, a town named after an industrialist, to Kallakudi in beautiful Tamil. During the agitation, Karunanidhi was arrested and imprisoned for 6 months. 1954: In this year, 3 films namely 'Manohara, Malaikallan, Ammaiyappan' were released. All three were super duper hits. 'Malaikallan' became the first Tamil film to win the President's Award. 1956: His two films 'Raja Rani' and 'Rangoon Radha' were released as a treat for the screen fans. 1957 : He entered the Legislative Assembly for the first time in the general elections held in 1957, and successfully contested from Kulithlai constituency in Trichy district. In his first assembly speech on 04.05.1957 he spoke about the Nangavaram farmers' struggle. In the same year, his 2 films 'Puthaiyal' and 'Puthumaipithan' were released on the screen. 1960 : Elected as Treasurer of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam on 25.09.1960 through the General Election. In the same year, the films 'Kuravanji' and 'Ellarum Innattu Mannar' were released. 1961: 2 films 'Thayilla Pillai' and 'Iruvar Ullam' were released with Karunanidhi's active participation. 1962 : Karunanidhi won the Tanjore constituency in the 1962 Assembly elections and became the Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly. 1963 : In 1963, when the anti-Hindi movement was raging in Tamil Nadu, Karunanidhi was appointed as the head of the Anti-Hindi Movement Committee by the DMK to protect the Tamil language. 1964 : In 1964, Karunanidhi took charge as the Chairman of the Chennai Municipal Election Committee. Karunanidhi was praised for the party's victory in the election and Annadurai gifted him a ring. On 15.06.1964 Karunanidhi, then treasurer of the association, opened DMK's youth office 'Anbagam' in Teynampet chennai Chennai. 1965 : On 16.02.1965, Karunanidhi was arrested during the agitation as a part of language war. 1966 : On 18.09.1966, Karunanidhi staged his play 'Kaagidha Poo'. 1967 : DMK held in Chennai on December 29, 30, 31 and January 1, 1967. In the 4th state conference, he gave Rs. 11 lakh as election funds to the party's general secretary Annadurai. After that, he wanted to contest from Saidapet constituency. Annadurai announced the name of all the candidates in the introduction meeting of the candidates. But he kept quiet for a while while naming the Saidapet candidate. After that Annadurai said 'Saidapet 11 lakhs'. The volunteers cheered till their hands hurt. 1969 : DMK leader Annadurai passed away on 03.02.1969. It was a huge loss for whole Tamil Nadu. M. Karunanidhi wrote a poem, "Give your heart temporarily Anna", as a tribute to Annadurai. It is the colloquialism of Tamil Nadu. Annadurai's funeral gathering was featured in the Guinness Book of World Records. Following the death of Annadurai, Karunanidhi was elected as the Legislative Party Leader on 09.02.1969 with the unanimous support of the DMK legislators and was sworn in as the Chief Minister on 10.02.1969. And on 7.07.1969, in the 4th general meeting of DM Kazhagam, Karunanidhi was elected for the first time as the president of DM Kazhagam. 1971 : On 15.03.1971, Karunanidhi took charge as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu for the second time after contesting and winning Saidapet Assembly Constituency. 1973 : Periyar passed away on 24.12.1973. Even though there was no such rule, the then Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi issued a governenet notification and ordered to bury Periyar's body with state honors. 1974 : In this year, Karunanidhi did something that India will look back on. On August 15, 1974, the Independence Day, he won the right of the state chief ministers to hoist the national flag at the Fort St. George after a long fight with central powers. It is said to be one of his biggest achievements till date. 1977 : In the 1977 assembly elections, he won the Annanagar assembly constituency and became the leader of opposition in the assembly. 1979 : In 1979, he led the Black Flag March to include Tamil among the official langusges of central government. 1981 : On September 15, 1981, Karunanidhi spearheaded a protest advocating for the welfare of Eelam Tamils. However, in response, the state government arrested Karunanidhi and detained him in prison. 1983: Karunanidhi resigned from his position as a member of the Legislative Assembly condemning the massacre of Eelam Tamils in Sri Lanka in 1983. 1986 : In 1986, he actively opposed the imposition of the Hindi language. As a result, he was apprehended and incarcerated under the provisions of Article 17 of the Constitution. 1987 : On 15.09.1987 he inaugurated the Anna Arivalayam which is now the DMK head office. 1989 : On 27.01.1989, he won the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly Elections from the Harbour constituency and became the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu for the 3rd time. During his tenure as the Chief Minister, Karunanidhi gave 20 percent reservation to the most backward community on 28.03.1989. Just after two months, on 06.05.1989, he passed the law which gave women equal rights to property as men. 1990 : On 25.05.1990 he received the 'Maamannan Raja Rajan' of Tanjore Tamil University from the then President Shankar Dayal Sharma for his book 'Thenpandi Singam'. President Sharma also gifted a gold pen to him. He also conferred the title of Muthamizharingar. On 07.08.1990, Karunanidhi passed a resolution in the Legislative Assembly, accepting the Mandal Commission report and ordered 27 percent reservation for the backward in central government jobs. 1991 : Taking advantage of President R. Venkatraman's refusal to intervene and the presence of the Chandrasekhar-led Central Government, Governor Surjit Singh Barnala dissolved the Karunanidhi government on January 30, 1991. 1996 : In 1996, DMK won the Tamil Nadu assembly elections and formed the government with full majority. Karunanidhi became the Chief Minister for the 4th time after winning the Harbour constituency. 1997 : In order to realize Periyar's dream of eradicating caste inequality, he came up with the project 'Samathuvapuram'. 2000 : On 1.1.2000, Karunanidhi installed a statue of Thiruvalluvar at Kanyakumari. On 4.7.2000, he inaugurated "Tidel Park" at Taramani as a ground breaking initiative in the IT sector. 2001 : During the Jayalalithaa regime, on July 30, 2001, Karunanidhi was arrested at midnight. However, due to a massive protest that ensued outside the jail, he was released on the very same day. 2004: During 2004 Parliamentary elections, Karunanidhi joined hand with United Progressive Alliance of Sonia Gandhi. The alliance won 40 out of 40 seats in Tamil Nadu. After that Manmohan Singh became the Prime Minister and DMK participated in the cabinet. 2005 : On 2.7.2005, "Sethusamudram Project" was launched. 2006 : On 13.5. 2006, Tamil Nadu Assembly election results were announced and DMK registered a big win. Karunanidhi won his home town Tiruvarur and became the Chief Minister for the 5th time. 2007 : "Golden Jubilee of Kalaignar in Politics" for working in the political field for half a century was celebrated on 11,12.5.2007. On 13.9.2007 he enacted the Ordinance for reservation of separate seats for Muslims and Christians to protect the welfare of minorities. On 7.11.2007 the Cabinet gave its nod to the Chennai Metro Rail project at a cost of Rs 9757 crore. On 10.6.2009 Deputy Chief Minister M. K. Stalin laid the foundation stone and started the work as per Karunanidhi's advice. 2009 : Karunanidhi underwent spinal cord surgery on 11.2.2009. On 26.2.2009, Karunanidhi passed the 3% internal reservation in education and employment for Arundhati people. It may be noted that Kalaignar Medical Insurance Scheme was launched on 23.7.2009 in the same year. 2010 : The new Secretariat Building built by Karunanidhi was inaugurated by Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on 13.3.2010. Anna Centenary Library was opened in Chennai on 15.9.2010 under his rule. 2011 : On 13.5.2011, Karunanidhi registered a landslide victory from Tiruvarur constituency. 2016 : On May 19, 2016, Karunanidhi emerged victorious in the assembly election for the 13th time, securing an impressive 68 thousand votes in the Tiruvarur constituency. His reputation grew for consistently winning every election he contested. However, on December 1, 2016, Karunanidhi was admitted to the hospital due to declining health. After making a successful recovery, he was able to return home on December 23, 2016. 2018 : On July 29, 2018, a report was issued by the hospital stating that Karunanidhi's health had significantly deteriorated. Tragically, Karunanidhi passed away at 6:10 pm on August 7, 2018, marking the end of an era in his remarkable journey. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Saturday, June 3, 2023, 17:52 [IST] Amritsar On High-Alert Following Bomb Threat India oi-Vicky Nanjappa Amritsar has been put on high-alert following a call to the police stating multiple bombs have been planted near the Golden Temple. Following the call, the police sprung into action and launched a massive search operation. The police however did not find any explosives. Naunihal Singh, the Commisioner of Police, Amritsar, said that they had launched a search operation but did not find anything. He also said that it appeared to be a hoax call. He also added that the police had arrested one person and an FIR has been registered against him. The Commissioner also added that the police are actively conducting an investigation to ascertain the motive behind the threat. Sources said that the arrested person was in the attitire of a Nihang. They also indicated that he had used a stolen mobile phone to make the call. The police traced him thorough the location from his mobile phone. Third Low-Intensity Explosion Reported Near Harminder Sahib, Amritsar Punjab has been on high-alert for quite sometime since the emergence of the Khalistan radicals. Recently three low-intensity blasts had taken place nearly the Golden Temple between May 6 and 11. It should also be noted that security arrangements are at an all time high in Amritsar due to the impending 39th anniversary of Operation Bluster.There has also been a provocative rhetoric by organisations such as the proscribed Sikhs For Justice. A call for a shutdown has also been made by the Dal Khalsa. Kerala Govt Criticises Removal Of Periodic Table, Other Topics From NCERT Class 10 Book India oi-PTI The Kerala government has criticised the removal of chapters on the Periodic Table and challenges to democracy, among other topics from Class 10 textbooks by the NCERT, and said it amounts to challenging democratic and secular values. The new textbooks with the changes announced by the National Council for Educational Research and Training (NCERT) last year as part of a ''rationalisation'' exercise have now hit the market. Apart from the Periodic Table and challenges to democracy, contribution of agriculture to the national economy and sustainable management of natural resources were also dropped from Class 10 textbooks. ''The unilateral action of the NCERT to remove the topics under the guise of rationalisation is a challenge to the democratic and secular values of our country. Kerala has already declared that it cannot be accepted, as it challenges the entire existing democratic order in the country,'' State Education Minister V Sivankutty has said in a statement issued on Friday night. He said NCERT has taken the approach of removing topics on our father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi, Maulana Azad, and other topics related to the country's common history, the theory of evolution, the periodic table, democratic values and the current challenges faced by the country. ''In order to protect secularism and democracy and to teach the real historic facts and to develop scientific temper, Kerala will guard public education and strengthen it,'' Sivankutty said. ''Kerala has already announced that we will publish supplementary textbooks incorporating the omitted text sections, upholding the original history enshrining democratic and secular values,'' he added. NCERT Explains Why It Removed Periodic Table From Class 10 Books The Left leader said the NCERT, which was set up on the basis of the 2005 National Curriculum Framework (NCF), has been demolishing the very goals of the NCF through the removal of such passages from textbooks. Even though the Class 10 chemistry textbook drops the entire chapter that introduces students to the Periodic Table, it remains part of the syllabus for Class 11. Among other deletions made last year in the Class 10 Science textbook were passages on Evolution. Topics that have been struck off the science textbooks include chapters on Fibre and Fabrics in Classes 6, 7 and 8. One deletion that stands out is that of the ''Why do we fall ill'' chapter from the Class 9 science textbook. Among the references dropped from the Class 12 history textbook were certain portions on Mahatma Gandhi and how his pursuit of Hindu-Muslim unity ''provoked Hindu extremists'', and how there was a ban on the RSS. ''Gandhiji's death had a magical effect on communal situation in the country'', ''Gandhi's pursuit of Hindu-Muslim unity provoked Hindu extremists'', and ''Organisations like RSS were banned for some time'' are among the portions deleted. The portions referring to the Gujarat riots were also dropped from the Class 11 Sociology textbook, months after the NCERT removed the reference to the 2022 communal violence in two Class 12 textbooks. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Saturday, June 3, 2023, 12:05 [IST] After PM Modi Meet, Naveen Patnaik Says BJD To Go Solo In Lok Sabha Polls 2024 Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik Visits Balasore Train Accident Site India oi-Madhuri Adnal Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik arrived at the accident site in Balasore, where a tragic collision between three trains claimed the lives of 233 people and left over 900 injured. His visit followed the arrival of Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, who announced a comprehensive high-level inquiry into the incident, along with an independent investigation by the rail safety commissioner. During their visit, both officials closely monitored the ongoing rescue operations and engaged with ground-level officials. In a video shared by news agency ANI, Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik and Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw were seen interacting with officials on the ground overseeing the rescue operations. "It's a big tragic accident. Railway, NDRF, SDRF, and State govt are conducting the rescue operation. Best possible healthcare facilities will be provided. Compensation was announced yesterday. A high-level committee has been formed to inquire about it," the Railways Minister said, as per news agency ANI. Odisha Train Accident: What We Know So Far "Our focus is on rescue and relief operations. Restoration will begin after clearance from district administration. A detailed high-level inquiry will be conducted and the rail safety commissioner will also do an independent inquiry," he added. Recommended Video Odisha Train Accident | Death toll reaches over 230 | More than 900 injured | Oneindia News He thanked the NDRF officials who are actively engaged in the search and rescue operation. In the aftermath of the tragic Coromondel Express accident, Bengal BJP Chief Sukanta Majumdar paid a visit to the injured victims at Fakir Mohan Medical College and Hospital in Balasore. Expressing his condolences, Majumdar offered his support and solidarity to those affected by the tragedy. Odisha Train Accident One Of Deadliest In Indian Railways History Similarly, TMC MP Dola Sen also visited the accident site, indicating that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee might visit the affected individuals on Sunday. Sen mentioned that the Chief Minister had already dispatched officials, doctors, and a trauma ambulance from Kharagpur to provide immediate assistance. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Saturday, June 3, 2023, 9:25 [IST] Odisha Train Accident Leaves 261 Dead, Army Joins Rescue Ops India oi-PTI Army columns were rushed in and Air Force helicopters deployed for relief and rescue operations for passengers injured in the triple train crash site at Bahana Nagar in Odisha, a Defence official said on Saturday. The operations are being carried out in coordination with the railway authorities on the ground, he said. ''Army medical and engineering teams with ambulances and support services have been deployed from Eastern Command,'' he said. Army columns, including engineering and medical personnel, have been rushed to the accident site from its installations at Barrackpore and Panagarh in West Bengal to the rail disaster site, the official said. Two Mi17s were deployed for evacuation of the injured passengers, he said. Odisha Train Accident: What Is 'Kavach The accident, one of the deadliest in the country, has claimed 288 lives, railway official said. It took place in Balasore district about 250 km south of Kolkata and 170 km north of Bhubaneswar around 7 pm on Friday. Three trains - the Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express, Shalimar-Chennai Central Coromandel Express and a goods train were involved in the accident. Odisha Train Accident: What We Know So Far India oi-Madhuri Adnal In a devastating incident that unfolded in Odisha's Balasore district, India, a series of train collisions resulted in one of the country's most severe railway disasters to date. According to officials, at least 233 individuals lost their lives, while more than 900 others sustained injuries. The calamitous sequence of events unfolded on Saturday, triggering an urgent and massive rescue operation. Here is what we know so far about the Odisha Train Accident: Trains involved in the collision: Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express, Shalimar-Chennai Central Coromandel Express and a goods train. The details of the two trains are 12841 Shalimar-Chennai Coromandel Express and 12864 Yashwantpur-Howrah Superfast Express. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his distress over the accident, and announced an additional compensation of Rs 2 lakh for the family of those dead and 50,000 for the injured from the PM's National Relief Fund (PMNRF). Odisha Train Accident: Death Toll Rises To 233, Over 900 Injured Recommended Video Odisha Train Accident | Death toll reaches over 230 | More than 900 injured | Oneindia News The Odisha government issued helpline 06782-262286. The railway helplines are 033-26382217 (Howrah), 8972073925 (Kharagpur), 8249591559 (Balasore) and 044- 25330952 (Chennai). Chief minsiter Naveen Patnaik declared one-day of state mourning cancelling the state-day celebrations. West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee may visit Odisha on Saturday, BJP MP Dol Sen told to news agency ANI. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Saturday, June 3, 2023, 8:32 [IST] Odisha Train Accident: World Leaders Extend Support To India, Condole Loss Of Lives India oi-Madhuri Adnal Leaders from across the world, including Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, have expressed their deepest condolences to the families and the Government of India for the triple train crash that took place in Odisha in which at least 261 people were killed. The accident, involving three trains, is one of the worst in the country and took place in Odisha's Balasore district on Friday night. The accident also injured more than 900 people. Japan's Prime Minister Kishida sent a condolence message to Prime Minister Narendra Modi following the train accident. ''I am deeply saddened by the news of the loss of many precious lives and the injuries in the train accident in the State of Odisha. On behalf of the Government of Japan and its people, I would like to express our heartfelt condolences to those who lost their lives and their bereaved families. I also pray for the speedy recovery of those who were injured,'' Kishida said in a statement. Odisha Train Disaster: Why Didn't The Anti-Collision System Work? Asks Mamata Banerjee Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi also sent a condolence message to Foreign Minister S Jaishankar. ''I am deeply saddened by the news of the loss of many precious lives in the train accident in the State of Odisha. I pray for the souls of the victims and extend my deepest condolences to the bereaved families. I also sincerely hope that those who were injured will recover swiftly,'' Hayashi said. Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau said at this difficult time, Canadians are standing with the people of India. "The images and reports of the train crash in Odisha, India break my heart. I'm sending my deepest condolences to those who lost loved ones, and I'm keeping the injured in my thoughts. At this difficult time, Canadians are standing with the people of India," Trudeau tweeted. Nepal Prime Minister 'Prachanda', who is on a four-day visit to India, tweeted, "I'm saddened by the loss of dozens of lives in a train accident in Odisha, India today. I extend deep condolences to Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi Ji, Government, and the bereaved families in this hour of grief." Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Ali Sabry said that he is "deeply saddened" to learn about the train accident in Odisha. He wished for a speedy recovery for all those affected in the accident. "Deeply saddened to learn of the tragic train accident in Odisha. My thoughts & prayers are with the families of the victims & those injured. I hope for a speedy recovery for all those affected. Sri Lanka stands with India in this time of grief," Ali Sabry tweeted. Bhutan's Prime Minster Lotay Tshering tweeted,'' Sending prayers to @narendramodi and the people of India as we hear developments of the tragic train crash in Odisha. May the loved ones find strength, as they come to terms with the loss and horror. We share your pain and pray for quick healing.'' The Deputy Prime Minister of Italy and Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani also expressed condolences on the train tragedy. Odisha Train Accident Leaves 261 Dead, Army Joins Rescue Ops ''The Italian Government expresses deep condolences to #India for the tragic train accident that occurred today in Balasore. A prayer for the victims and the injured, I hope that those still trapped will be rescued,'' Tajani tweeted. UN General Assembly president Csaba Korosi too expressed his deepest condolence to the families over the tragic train accident. "I'm deeply saddened to hear the news of the train crash in Odisha, India. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families and with the emergency services. Heartfelt condolences to the people and the Government of India," Korosi, the President of the 77th session of the General Assembly tweeted. Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen also extended heartfelt condolences to the victims. ''Taiwan Praying for everyone affected by the train accident in India. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the victims and their families, and hope that rescue operations can save all those in need,'' she tweeted. ''I express my deepest condolences to the families of the victims of the Odisha train accident and wish a speedy recovery to the injured. The people of India are in our thoughts in this time of sorrow. Europe mourns with you,'' tweeted European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Russian President Vladimir Putin sent his condolences to President of India Draupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the deadly train collision in the Indian state of Odisha. "We share the grief of those who lost their loved ones in this tragic accident and wish a speedy recovery for those injured," a message from Russia's Vladimir Putin read. Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended condolences to the families of the victims and wished speedy recovery to those injured in the horrific triple train accident in Odisha's Balasore district. ''Deeply saddened by the loss of hundreds of lives in a train accident in India. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families who lost their loved ones in this tragedy. Prayers for speedy recovery of the injured,'' he tweeted. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Saturday, June 3, 2023, 15:32 [IST] BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 3. Recep Tayyip Erdogan's inauguration ceremony to take place in Turkiye today, Trend reports. Erdogan will be sworn in at Turkiye's Grand National Assembly (parliament) in a ceremony attended by many foreign leaders. First, he will receive his mandate from the interim chairman of the country's parliament, Devlet Bahchali, and then take the oath. The next presidential term, which will last until 2028, officially begins with Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who was re-elected president in the elections held on May 28. PM Modi To Be Invited For Consecration Ceremony At Ayodhyas Ram Temple PM Modi To Address Joint Meeting of US Congress On June 22 Train Accident: PM Modi Arrives In Odisha India oi-Vicky Nanjappa Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Odisha following the horrific train accident in which nearly 300 people died. He will first visit the accident site in Balasore, following which he will go to the hospital in Cuttack in which the injured have been admitted. Meanwhile West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said that the state will be sending in 40 ambulances. 40 of our doctors reached Odisha and working the CM also said. On the other hand, the Railways announced a Rs 10 lakh compensation for the families of the deceased. Railway Minister, Ashwani Vaishnav has promised a high-level probe into the incident as he visited the site of the incident. Recommended Video Odisha Train Accident | PM Modi to arrive in Balasore, will interact with survivors | Oneindia News "A detailed high-level probe would be conducted and the railway safety commissioner would also do an independent inquiry. Right now, the focus is on rescue and relief operations," he said. Preliminary investigations have revealed that the accident could have been a result of a human error. The 'Kavach' system was also not available on the route and had that been there, the tragedy may have been averted. "The rescue operation has been completed. Now, we are starting the restoration work. Kavach was not available on this route," Amitabh Sharma, Indian Railways spokesperson said. PM Modi Arrives At Odisha Train Accident Site, Reviews Rescue Operations India oi-Madhuri Adnal Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Balasore in Odisha on Saturday, where a tragic train accident took place, resulting in the loss of nearly 300 lives and leaving over 900 people injured. The prime minister's itinerary includes a visit to the site of the train accident, where he will observe the extent of the devastation firsthand. Following this, he will proceed to the hospital in Cuttack, where the injured victims are receiving medical treatment and care. #WATCH | Odisha: Visuals from the site of #BalasoreTrainAccident where PM Modi has reached to take stock of the tragic accident that has left 261 people dead and over 900 people injured so far.#OdishaTrainAccident pic.twitter.com/fkcASxgZu1 ANI (@ANI) June 3, 2023 Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi chaired a meeting to assess the situation and review the response to the Odisha train accident. The meeting aimed to gather comprehensive information regarding the incident and discuss necessary measures to address the aftermath. The prime minister's visit demonstrates the government's commitment to providing support and assistance to the affected individuals and their families. It also highlights the importance of evaluating the situation on the ground and coordinating relief efforts effectively. The train accident in Balasore has brought immense sorrow and grief to the nation. Prime Minister Modi's visit signifies his solidarity with the victims and his determination to ensure that all possible support is extended to those affected. Odisha Train Accident: Drone Footage Shows Scene From Crash Site As the prime minister visits the accident site and the hospital, it is expected that he will interact with survivors, medical personnel, and local authorities to gain a deeper understanding of the situation and offer his condolences to the bereaved families. The government remains focused on conducting a thorough investigation into the incident and implementing measures to prevent such tragic accidents in the future. Prime Minister Modi's visit reinforces the government's commitment to addressing the immediate needs of the affected individuals and working towards long-term solutions to enhance railway safety. PM of A Nation Of 1.5 bn Deserves Respect Everywhere: Congress Leader India oi-Prakash KL Congress leader Sam Pitroda has said that the Indian Prime Minister is getting a lot of reception and the premier of the world's most populous nation deserves respect everywhere. His comments come ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's historic trip to the US. "He (Gandhi) knows where we (India) are doing something right, we are all for it. And you see, someone told me that, the Indian Prime Minister is getting a lot of reception. And I said I'm happy about it because, at the end of the day, he's also my Prime Minister. But let's not make a mistake. He's getting reception because he's India's Prime Minister. And not because he's BJP's Prime Minister. Separate these two things," PTI quoted Pitroda as saying in an interview. He added, "A Prime Minister of a nation of 1.5 billion people deserves respect everywhere. And I'm proud of it. I'm not negative about it," President Joe Biden will host Prime Minister Modi for an official state visit to the US, which will include a state dinner, on June 22. "On behalf of the bipartisan leadership of the United States House of Representatives and the United States Senate, it is our honour to invite you (Prime Minister Modi) to address a joint meeting of Congress on Thursday, June 22," top congressional leaders announced on Friday. The statement was signed by House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, Senate Majority leader Chuck Schumer, Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell and House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries. Talking about Rahul Gandhi's visit to the US, he said that it has generated hope and excitement. "Both (he and Gandhi) of us are convinced that the message has to go to the global leaders today. Global leaders are not aware of the reality, and implication of it," Pitroda said. "For example, in one major meeting we had today in private, we told them that the periodic table has been taken off the school syllabus. They said it's not possible. I said, how come you don't know this? And evolution theory has been taken off. And they were shocked. They said, how could you be a scientific nation with all these NRIs running multi-billion dollar companies and in their country now the periodic table has been taken off? What will happen to the next generation of people?" Pitroda said. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Saturday, June 3, 2023, 20:52 [IST] Sisodia Arrives At His Residence But Fails To Meet Ailing Wife, Returns To Tihar Jail India pti-PTI Former Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia, who arrived at his residence from the Tihar jail on Saturday, could not meet his ailing wife as she was taken to a hospital after her health deteriorated, AAP sources said. Later, Sisodia left his residence for the central prison. The Delhi High Court on Friday allowed the jailed AAP leader to meet his ailing wife at his residence. Justice Dinesh Kumar Sharma directed the Tihar jail superintendent to take Sisodia to his residence to meet his wife from 10 am to 5 pm. According to AAP sources, Sisodia's wife Seema was hospitalised as she felt unwell. She is suffering from multiple sclerosis and was hospitalised last month as well. "She was taken to the emergency ward of LNJP Hospital. Sisodia reached AB-17, Mathura Road, to meet his ailing wife at 9.38 am in a prison van. He was taken inside the house amid tight security. "But he could not meet his wife as she had to be hospitalised after her health deteriorated," a party source said. In a related development, the Delhi High Court on Saturday sought a report from the LNJP hospital on the health condition of Sisodia's ailing wife as it reserved its order on his interim bail plea for six weeks in a money laundering case arising from the alleged excise policy scam. Sisodia was arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on February 26 for his alleged role in the scam and has been in custody since. The high court denied him bail in the CBI case on May 30. He was arrested on March 9 in the case lodged by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and is currently in judicial custody. The high court made it clear that Sisodia shall not interact with the media or any other person except his family members, and also not access phone or internet. 'They Destroyed Railways': Lalu Yadav After Odisha Train Accident India oi-Prakash KL Former Union Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav on Saturday called for a high-level inquiry into the train crash in Odisha's Balasore in which at least 288 people were killed in the incident involving three trains. "The manner in which they showed negligence and didn't show alertness led to such a large number of casualties," Yadav said. "There should be a high-level inquiry and action should be taken against those responsible for it...There was major negligence. They have destroyed Railways," the RJD chief added. The train crash in Odisha on Friday, involving the Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express, the Shalimar-Chennai Central Coromandel Express and a goods train is one of the deadliest accidents since independence, according to data. On the other hand, Opposition leaders on Saturday stressed the importance of prioritising the safety of passengers by railways, while there were also demands to fix accountability and for the resignation of Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. In a statement, Congress Chief Mallikarjun Kharge said, "At this moment of a grave national tragedy on account of the terrible train disaster in Odisha, I have instructed the entire Congress party organisation to extend all possible help." "We have many questions to ask of the Prime Minister and the Railway Minister but those can wait since the immediate task is of rescue and relief," Kharge said. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who is a former Railway Minister twice and flew to the accident site on Saturday afternoon, demanded a proper investigation. "This is the biggest train accident of this century and a proper investigation must be conducted," the Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief told reporters. "Something must be behind this. The truth must come out. Why didn't the anti-collision system work?" Banerjee said CPI(ML) general secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya too raised the same question. "Do we no longer have any signalling and safety system in Indian railways? Or will such terrible tragedies become the new normal for rail travel in India? We owe an answer to the victims and to the families who lost their near and dear ones in this mishap," he said in a tweet. NCP chief Sharad Pawar on Saturday demanded an inquiry into the three-train accident. Asked about demands for the resignation of Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on moral grounds post the tragedy, Pawar cited the example of then railway minister Lal Bahadur Shastri resigning after a train accident and asked "those in power" to do what is "appropriate". For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Saturday, June 3, 2023, 19:16 [IST] Committed to our strategic partnership, says PM Modi after meeting with US defence secretary Lloyd Austin US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin To Pay 2-day visit to India India oi-PTI US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin will pay a two-day visit to India beginning Sunday to discuss ways to further expand the bilateral strategic engagement ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's trip to Washington. People familiar with Austin's visit said Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and the US defence secretary are set to discuss a number of new defence cooperation projects that are set to be unveiled after Modi's talks with US President Joe Biden in Washington more than two weeks later. China's aggressive behaviour in the Indo-Pacific region as well as along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and ways to combat the threat of terrorism are likely to figure in the talks between Singh and Austin on Monday, they said. The US defence secretary will arrive in India from Singapore on Sunday on a two-day visit, the defence ministry said. It will be Austin's second visit to India. His previous trip to the country was in March 2021. The ministry said Germany's Federal Minister of Defence Boris Pistorius will also visit New Delhi for bilateral talks with Singh that will take place on June 6. A host of bilateral defence cooperation issues, with a focus on industrial cooperation, are likely to be discussed during Singh's meetings with Austin and Pistorius, it said. ''US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin and German Federal Minister of Defence Boris Pistorius are visiting New Delhi for bilateral talks with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh,'' the ministry said in a statement. US Defense secretary Austin tests COVID positive for second time; says 'will quarantine for next five days' ''The Defence Minister's meeting with the US Secretary of Defence will be held on June 5, while talks with the German Federal Minister of Defence will take place on June 6,'' it added. The India-US defence and strategic ties have been on an upswing in the last few years. The two countries have signed key defence and security pacts over the last few years, including the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) in 2016 that allows their militaries to use each other's bases for repair and replenishment of supplies. The two sides also signed the COMCASA (Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement) in 2018, which provides for interoperability between the two militaries and the sale of high-end technology from the United States to India. In October 2020, India and the US sealed the BECA (Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement) to further boost the bilateral defence ties. The pact provides for the sharing of high-end military technology, logistics and geospatial maps between the two countries. The German defence minister will be on a four-day visit to India beginning June 5. He will arrive from Indonesia. Apart from his meeting with Singh, Pistorius is likely to meet officials of a few defence start-ups during an event to be organised by Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) in New Delhi. On June 7, he is scheduled to travel to Mumbai where he is likely to visit the Western Naval Command headquarters and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, the ministry said. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Saturday, June 3, 2023, 11:41 [IST] As Manchester United and Manchester City meet in Saturday's FA Cup final, BBC Sport looks at the schools which specialise in moulding the clubs' young talent. A European spacecraft around Mars has sent its first livestream from the red planet to Earth to mark the 20th anniversary of its launch. But rain in Spain interfered at times. The European Space Agency broadcast the livestream Friday of Mars Express. It took nearly 17 minutes for each picture to reach Earth, nearly 200 million miles away, and another minute to get through the ground stations. The transmission was disrupted at times by weather in Spain, home to the deep space-relay antenna. ESA says live footage from so far away is rare. NEW YORK Lawyers for Donald Trump asked a Manhattan judge to recuse himself from presiding over the criminal case against the former president, arguing in a court filing that the judge is biased and has a conflict of interest. In papers dated May 31 and filed publicly Friday, Trumps lawyers #donaldtrump #manhattan #trump #juanmerchan #authentic #allenweisselberg #trumporganizations #trumporganization #merchan #susannecheles United States Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said on Saturday he was deeply concerned by China's unwillingness to engage on military crisis management, warning that talks are key BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 3. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, after taking the oath at the inauguration ceremony, visited the Anitkabir mausoleum, where the founder of the Republic of Turkiye Mustafa Kemal Ataturk is buried, Trend reports. Erdogan laid a wreath at the grave of Ataturk and honored his memory. In the second round of the presidential elections in Turkiye on May 28, Recep Tayyip Erdogan won with 52.18 percent of the vote. Today, the inauguration ceremony of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was held in the Grand National Assembly of Turkiye. It's expected that he'll later announce the new composition of the Cabinet of Ministers. Defence Minister Anita Anand says Canada is committed to the support of a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific, and is reinforcing its military presence in the region. Joe Biden signed a bill on Saturday to suspend the US debt ceiling, ending a months-long standoff with the Republican House speaker, Kevin McCarthy, and averting a federal default that could have upended the world economy. Economists warned that a default could have caused the US unemployment rate #kevinmccarthy #ovaloffice #bidenmccarthy #republicans #socialsecurity #medicare #housefreedom #scottperry #pennsylvania #berniesanders Staff at a British zoo are celebrating the birth of one of the world's most endangered primates - a rare Sulawesi crested macaque... USATODAY.com 02 Jun 2023 (Image by World Union of Deists, Inc.) Details DMCA The recent exoneration by the Connecticut legislature of 12 people who were convicted of being witches in 17th-century Connecticut brings to the surface a couple of important questions: why would any legislator vote against exonerating these victims of religious fear-based violence and why would people believe in witches. The Connecticut House of Representatives voted in favor of exoneration of the victims of the witch hunts 121 to 30. The Connecticut Senate voted in favor of exoneration 33 to 1. The one state senator, Rob Sampson, who voted against exoneration said he voted against it because, "I don't want to see bills that rightfully or wrongfully attempt to paint America as a bad place with a bad history." Sampson must not realize that the American Republic did not exist at the time of the witch trials. The American Republic did not come into existence until March 4, 1789, when the US Constitution came into effect. The Deism of many of America's key Founders saw to it that religion was separate from government in the American Republic. The US Constitution destroyed Christianity's ability to execute people Christians thought were witches. Of the 12 people convicted of being witches in Connecticut, 11 were executed by hanging. Nine of these victims of unbridled religion/superstition were women and two were men. One woman, Mary Johnson, was convicted while she was pregnant. The Christians delayed her execution until after her baby was born, causing her child to be motherless. The reason Christians believed/believe in witches is because the Christian Bible tells them witches are real. And the reason Christians in North America killed people, when they had the means of killing them prior to the creation of the American Republic, whom they believed were witches, is also based on their Christian Bible. Or, more accurately, the Hebrew Bible, which Christians incorporated into the Christian Bible as their Old Testament. At Exodus 22:18, the ancient Jewish clergymen who wrote the Bible claim God commanded, "Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live." The promotion of the belief in witches in the Bible causes big problems for Christian apologists. Even for world-famous and bestselling authors who are Christian apologists, such as C.S. Lewis who wrote Mere Christianity. When I wrote An Answer to C.S. Lewis' Mere Christianity, the desperate and bungling job C.S. Lewis did attempting to maintain the false belief that the Christian Bible is the Word of God in the face of the reality that it promotes the falsehood that witches are real, made me laugh. Lewis avoided the obvious, that the Bible claims God believes in witches, as would have to be the case if God commands people to kill witches. Instead, Lewis claimed that when people believed witches were real, it would have been morally wrong not to kill people who were believed to be witches! Recognizing that the Bible, nor any other man-made book, is not the Word of God, we can recognize the true Word of God is the Creation itself. In The Age of Reason, the Deist Thomas Paine wrote: The creation is the Bible of the Deist. He there reads, in the handwriting of the Creator Himself, the certainty of His existence and the immutability of His power, and all other Bibles and Testaments are to him forgeries. Deism shines the light of God-given innate reason on everything, including the religions. This is priceless since reason applied to the "revealed" religions is necessary if humanity is to evolve and move away from irrational and harmful religious beliefs. Top judges for the state and Multnomah County have separately released new rules keeping habitual theft suspects, accused fraudsters and serious hate crime suspects in jail until they go before a judge. Oregon Chief Justice Meagan Flynn on Wednesday ordered Circuit Courts and sheriffs across the state to hold anyone charged with a first-degree bias crime, the legal term for a hate crime, until their first appearance in court. Portland police on Friday identified a man fatally shot May 24 in Northeast Portlands North Tabor neighborhood as 36-year-old Jessie Lavell Marks Sr. Officers responded to the shooting at 9:18 a.m. near the intersection of Northeast Glisan Street and 55th Avenue where they found Marks dead, police said. Several neighborhood residents said they heard gunshots about 4:30 a.m. Those with type 2 diabetes who are planning out their exercise schedule should consider getting in a workout after lunch, according to a new study from Boston researchers. Type 2 diabetes patients who were physically active in the afternoon saw greater improvements in blood sugar levels than those who were most active at other times of day, the researchers from the Brigham and Joslin Diabetes Center recently found. In this study, we show that adults with type 2 diabetes had the greatest improvement in glucose control when they were most active in the afternoon, said Jingyi Qian, from the Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders at Brigham. Weve known that physical activity is beneficial, but what our study adds is a new understanding that timing of activity may be important too, Qian added. More than 37 million Americans have diabetes, and 90% to 95% of that population are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Doctors recommend that patients with diabetes participate in regular physical activity as a method to manage their blood glucose levels. Elevated blood glucose levels can put people with type 2 diabetes at risk of heart disease, vision impairment, and kidney disease. This new study from investigators at Brigham and Womens Hospital and Joslin Diabetes Center uses data from the Look AHEAD (Action for Health in Diabetes) study. The research team looked at whether physical activity at certain times of day was associated with greater improvement in blood glucose control. Their findings suggest that patients with type 2 diabetes who were physically active in the afternoon had the largest improvements after one year in the trial. During the study, participants wore a waist accelerometry recording device to measure physical activity. When the Brigham and Joslin team reviewed the data from year 1, they determined that those who engaged in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity in the afternoon had the greatest reduction in blood glucose levels. In future studies, the team may test their findings experimentally to investigate why the time of day for exercise may influence blood glucose control. From this, the team may be able to provide specific physical activity recommendations for patients. Timing does seem to matter, said Roeland Middelbeek, assistant investigator at Joslin Diabetes Center. Going forward, we may have more data and experimental evidence for patients to give more personalized recommendations. Rick Sobey, Boston Herald 2023 MediaNews Group, Inc. Visit at bostonherald.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. NASHVILLE, Tenn. Tennessees first-in-the-nation law designed to place strict limits on drag shows is unconstitutional, a federal judge says. The law is both unconstitutionally vague and substantially overbroad and encouraged discriminatory enforcement, according to the ruling late Friday by U.S. District Judge Thomas Parker, who was appointed by former President Donald Trump. Oregon lawmakers appear close to bipartisan agreement on another package of incentives for the states semiconductor industry. But with the Senate unable to function amid a prolonged Republican walkout, its not clear if the Legislature will ever take up the proposals. ANKARA, Turkiye, June 3. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has announced the new lineup of the Cabinet of Ministers, Trend reports. Hakan Fidan has been appointed as the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkiye. The inauguration ceremony of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan took place today at the Grand National Assembly of Turkiye. In the second round of presidential elections in the country on May 28, Recep Tayyip Erdogan won with 52.18 percent of the votes. The gradual warming trend weve been enjoying will continue this weekend. If youre heading outside to catch the NASCAR action at Portland International Raceway or Hillsboros annual Pride Party, there will be sunny skies and a high near 79 degrees in the Portland area today. Sundays weather will be more of the same with sunny skies and a high near 76. It will be breezy later in the day with gusts as high as 25 mph, according to the National Weather Service. The workweek will start out with a high of 81 Monday before heating up to 91 on Tuesday. The temperature should drop back down into the 80s for the rest of the week in the Portland area. But the dry conditions now at more than two weeks without rain will continue as Oregon heads into fire season. The Oregonian/OregonLive This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate DETROIT (AP) A man who spent nearly 21 years in prison for the deaths of two Michigan hunters filed a lawsuit Friday seeking $1.02 million for wrongful convictions, just a day after a prosecutor dropped murder charges and ruled out a second trial. Jeff Titus is 71 years old. He was robbed of 21 years of his prime, attorney Wolf Mueller said. Who knows how long he will live? He doesn't have a day to waste. Titus' convictions were thrown out in February based on newly discovered evidence, Mueller said, a key threshold to get compensation from the state. Titus has long declared his innocence in the fatal shootings of Doug Estes and Jim Bennett near his Kalamazoo County land in 1990. He was released from prison and a life sentence earlier this year when authorities acknowledged that Titus' trial lawyer in 2002 was never given a police file with details about another suspect. Thomas Dillon was an Ohio serial killer whose five victims between 1989 and 1992 were hunting, fishing or jogging. There is no dispute that the failure to produce the file violated Titus' constitutional rights. The new evidence demonstrates that (Titus) is factually innocent of the crime, his lawsuit states. Under Michigan law, someone who is wrongly convicted can be eligible to receive $50,000 for each year in prison. "We have not yet received the complaint and will evaluate it when we do, said Kimberly Bush, spokeswoman at the attorney general's office. Dillon died in an Ohio prison in 2011. The file found at the county sheriff's office revealed that a woman and her son had identified him as the man in a car in a ditch near the Michigan murder scene. The woman also described a car that resembled one owned by Dillons wife. ___ Follow Ed White at http://twitter.com/edwritez This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate The Port Austin Junior Priscilla Club is celebrating its 75th anniversary with a picnic dinner on Wednesday, June 14, from 5-6 p.m. at the Gallup Park Pavilion. Since twelve charter members first met in the home of Ethel Upthegrove on January 30, 1948, theclub has been raising funds and improving the village. "It's just a terrific women's organization and we're very, very in-tune to the needs of Port Austin and making it better," said Marnie Schwelder, who has been a member of the club for 54 years. The club has raised funds in various creative ways, including trunk sales, bingo parties, "Mistletoe Madness" markets, pancake breakfasts and their Ice Out fundraiser. Their special Fashion Show for Scholars has been raising money for North Huron scholarships since 1987, with thousands of dollars going to students' college education. There's also the club's "Delectable Collectables" cookbook, the fourth edition of which is now available throughout the village. Funds raised go to many other causes and improvements in the village, including new trees and lights lining the streets. The outdoor fitness equipment at Veterans Waterfront Park, the splash pad at Bird Creek Park and the curbside park at Lake Street with the town clock were all sponsored and maintained by the club. Many cosmetic changes around the village were initiated by the club and regularly maintained by its members to make the town look its very best. The club has also regularly supported the Port Austin Area Ambulance Service since its inception and provided money for various chamber of commerce projects. "It's a nice organization and it has provided a great deal to the community of Port Austin," said Port Austin Lions Club member William Mayes. His wife, Lynn Mayes, is a long-time member of the Junior Priscilla Club, and the Lions and the Priscilla Club have worked together on many projects. After battling fungal meningitis from a suspected outbreak linked to cosmetic surgeries performed in Mexico, a lifelong Vidor, Texas mother of four has died. Lauren Robinson, 29, died from fungal meningitis on Wednesday, May 31, at Jennie Sealy Hospital in Galveston, her obituary read. Robinson is one of three Texas residents who have died from the infection after they went to the northern Mexican border city of Matamoros for surgery. Texas health officials warned United States residents Friday to cancel planned surgeries in Matamoros after 17 Texans who got procedures there and returned developed suspected cases of fungal meningitis, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends anyone who got surgery, including liposuction, with an epidural in Matamoros in 2023 should seek medical care to be evaluated for a possible fungal infection, the department wrote in the Friday announcement. Public health workers are directly contacting people in Texas who got surgery at two clinics in Matamoros to inform them of the situation and what steps they should take. Officials for the CDC announced in May they identified two clinics associated with the outbreak, River Side Surgical Center and Clinica K-3. The clinics were closed on May 13, 2023. A GoFundMe was created for Robinsons family when she was hospitalized. Her obituary described her as a beloved individual who brought joy and warmth to the lives of those around her. She had a diverse skill set within the construction industry and was known as a jack of all trades. The loss of Lauren Brooke Robinson leaves a void in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. Her memory will forever be cherished by her family, friends and the countless lives she touched, her obituary read. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate UNITED NATIONS (AP) The U.N. Security Council called Friday for an immediate cease-fire in Sudan to be followed by a permanent halt to hostilities and fresh efforts to reach a lasting democratic political settlement in the conflict-wracked country. The U.N.s most powerful body strongly condemned all attacks on civilians since fighting between rival generals vying for power broke out in mid-April and called for rapid, safe and unhindered access throughout Sudan to help millions in need. The fighting has killed at least 866 civilians and wounded thousands more, according to the Sudanese Doctors Syndicate which tracks civilian casualties. And more than 1.3 million people have fled their homes to try to escape the violence, with over a million still in the country and 320,000 in neighboring Egypt, South Sudan, Chad, Ethiopia, and the Central African Republic, according to the U.N.s International Organization for Migration. The press statement from the council was issued before the council voted unanimously to extend the U.N. political mission in Sudan for six months, instead of a year, to give members time to see what happens on the ground and consider its future. United Arab Emirates Ambassador Lana Nusseibeh, the current council president, called it very positive that all members not only voted to extend the U.N. mission but united behind a very substantive statement that lays out the councils expectations of what should happen next in Sudan -- and that is clearly an immediate and permanent cease-fire arrangement. The Security Council underlined the need for strengthened international coordination and continued collaboration and reaffirmed their firm support for African leadership, noting the African Unions six-point roadmap to resolve the conflict as well as efforts by the Arab League and the regional group IGAD. Gabons U.N. Ambassador Michel Biang told the council after the vote that the security situation in Sudan continues to worsen. The country is at a critical stage of its history with a heightened risk of civil war if the conflict continues, he warned, speaking on behalf of the two other African members on the council, Ghana and Mozambique, as well. And there is, if that occurs, a grave risk of serious consequences being visited upon all countries in the region. Biang stressed that the presence of the U.N. mission is now more important than ever before to coordinate the U.N.s response to the complex challenges plaguing the country. On Wednesday, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres asked to brief the council behind closed doors for only the fifth time since he took office in January 2017 about the impact of the ongoing conflict on the U.N. mission known as UNITAMS. It was established by the council on June 3, 2020, to provide support to Sudan during its political transition to democratic rule. In a brief statement to reporters after the meeting, the U.N. chief said he told the 15 council members its up to them to decide whether to continue the political mission to Sudan or whether its time to end it. Following the ouster of Sudanese strongman Omar al-Bashir in 2019, Sudan embarked on a shaky democratic transition led by civilian and army leaders. But the generals seized complete power in a coup in October 2021, before turning against each other. Sudanese leader Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan and Gen. Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, who heads the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, agreed to restore the transition but clashed over the terms of the RSFs merger into the army, a disagreement that exploded into open conflict on April 15. A week ago, Burhan demanded in a letter to Guterres that the U.N. special envoy to Sudan, Volker Perthes, be removed, saying his approach in pre-war talks between the generals helped inflame the conflict and accusing him of being partisan. The U.N. chief was shocked by the letter. After Wednesdays meeting, Guterres said he reaffirmed to the council my full confidence in Volker Perthes. In Fridays statement, the Security Council reaffirmed support for UNITAMS, which Perthes leads, though council members did not mention him in the statement. Late Thursday, the United States and Saudi Arabia announced that they were suspending peace talks with representatives of the two generals that had been taking place in the Saudi city of Jeddah since late May. Sudans military had suspended its participation in the talks Wednesday, citing repeated violations by RSF forces of a U.S.-Saudi brokered humanitarian cease-fire, including their continued occupation of hospitals and other civilian infrastructure in the capital, Khartoum. The RSF said it unconditionally backs the Saudi-U.S. initiative. The U.S.-Saudi joint statement said the talks were being suspended as a result of repeated serious violations of the short-term ceasefire and recent ceasefire extension on Monday. Xi stresses building modern Chinese civilization Xinhua) 22:35, June 02, 2023 Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, participates in a meeting on cultural inheritance and development, and delivers an important speech in Beijing, capital of China, June 2, 2023. (Xinhua/Ju Peng) BEIJING, June 2 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for shouldering new cultural missions and building a modern Chinese civilization. Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks at a meeting on cultural inheritance and development on Friday. The cultural missions in the new era are to further advance cultural prosperity, to build a leading country in culture and to foster the modern Chinese civilization, Xi said. "With unwavering cultural confidence, a profound sense of mission and a spirit of relentless endeavor, we must unite our efforts to create a new culture for our times," he said. Before the meeting, Xi had visited the China National Archives of Publications and Culture (CNAPC) and the Chinese Academy of History. Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and a member of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, accompanied Xi on the visits and presided over the meeting. On Thursday afternoon, Xi visited the headquarters of the CNAPC in the northern suburbs of Beijing. Following a tour of the exhibition halls, Xi expressed his concern for the invaluable classic publications that have endured the vicissitudes of time. The CNAPC was built to carry forward the Chinese civilization, the only uninterrupted civilization in the world, said Xi. Xi emphasized the institution's primary responsibility of collection, while also encouraging it to strengthen the research on collected items. On Friday afternoon, Xi visited the Chinese Academy of History. He walked into the Chinese Archaeological Museum in the academy and toured exhibitions including one on the origins of civilization. Xi highlighted the integral role of archaeology in deepening the understanding of the rich and profound Chinese culture. He emphasized the significance of conducting research and providing interpretations regarding the origins of Chinese civilization. Xi conveyed his expectations that scholars would continue to enhance their research endeavors and contribute their wisdom and efforts to the advancement of Chinese modernization. Subsequently, Xi participated in the meeting on cultural inheritance and development at the academy. After several professors and scholars spoke, he delivered an important speech. Xi emphasized that the Chinese civilization has a long and continuous history stretching back to antiquity, and said that a comprehensive and profound understanding of that history is essential to promoting the creative transformation and development of fine traditional Chinese culture more effectively, and to developing modern Chinese civilization. PROMINENT FEATURES OF CHINESE CIVILIZATION As prominent features of Chinese civilization, its consistency determines on a fundamental level that the Chinese people must follow their own path, and its originality determines the enterprising spirit of the Chinese people, Xi said. Its unity determines fundamentally that the various ethnic cultures of the Chinese nation are integrated and rally closely together, even when faced with major setbacks, and that a strong and unified country is the pillar upon which the well-being of all Chinese people depends, Xi added. He went on to say that the inclusivity of the Chinese civilization determines the harmonious coexistence of diverse religious beliefs in China, and determines the open-minded and inclusive mentality toward various civilizations around the world. Its peaceful nature determines that China will continue to pursue exchanges and mutual learning with different civilizations rather than cultural hegemony, that China will not impose its own values and political system on others, and that China will promote cooperation rather than confrontation and will not create exclusive blocs. CULTURAL CONFIDENCE AT NEW HEIGHTS Integrating the basic tenets of Marxism with China's specific realities and fine traditional culture is the path that must be taken to explore and develop socialism with Chinese characteristics within the Chinese civilization, which has stretched for more than 5,000 years, Xi noted, adding that this integration is the most important tool for the Party to achieve its success. Despite their different cultural roots, Marxism and China's fine traditional culture are highly consistent with each other, Xi said. The integration of Marxism and China's fine traditional culture will create a new type of culture that fits within Chinese modernization, and it will expand the cultural foundation of the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics, he said. Their integration will provide a broader cultural space for theoretical and institutional innovation for the future, and strengthen the cultural subjectivity of the Chinese people, he said. Their integration highlights that the Party's understanding of the Chinese path, theory and system has reached a new height, as has its confidence in its history and culture, he said. It also shows that the Party's consciousness of the need to advance cultural innovation while inheriting fine traditional culture has climbed to a new level. Since the 18th CPC National Congress in 2012, the CPC Central Committee has prioritized cultural advancement in its overall work, and has put forward a series of new ideas, viewpoints and judgments that are fundamental guidance for the work in communication, ideology and culture fields, according to Xi. To build a modern Chinese civilization at this new historical starting point, China should remain confident in its culture and keep pursuing its own path, and promote the Chinese experience into Chinese theory to realize intellectual independence and self-reliance, Xi said. He also underscored the need to stay committed to openness and inclusiveness, and adapt foreign cultures into China's local context. Presiding over the meeting, Cai Qi called for the guiding principles of Xi's important speech to be upheld. He stressed the importance of efforts to deepen the understanding of cultural advancement, better shoulder the new cultural missions, and make solid progress in building a modern Chinese civilization and turning China into a country with a strong socialist culture. Senior officials including Li Shulei, Tie Ning, Shen Yiqin, Qin Gang and Jiang Xinzhi participated in the activities. Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, participates in a meeting on cultural inheritance and development, and delivers an important speech in Beijing, capital of China, June 2, 2023. (Xinhua/Yan Yan) Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visits the Chinese Academy of History before a meeting on cultural inheritance and development in Beijing, capital of China, June 2, 2023. Xi participated in the meeting and delivered an important speech on Friday. (Xinhua/Ju Peng) Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visits the Chinese Academy of History before a meeting on cultural inheritance and development in Beijing, capital of China, June 2, 2023. Xi participated in the meeting and delivered an important speech on Friday. (Xinhua/Ju Peng) Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visits an exhibition hall of the China National Archives of Publications and Culture, and learns about the preservation of classic publications in its collection in Beijing, capital of China, June 1, 2023. Xi participated in a meeting on cultural inheritance and development, and delivered an important speech on Friday. (Xinhua/Yan Yan) Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visits an exhibition hall of the China National Archives of Publications and Culture, and learns about the preservation of classic publications in its collection in Beijing, capital of China, June 1, 2023. Xi participated in a meeting on cultural inheritance and development, and delivered an important speech on Friday. (Xinhua/Yan Yan) Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visits the China National Archives of Publications and Culture in Beijing, capital of China, June 1, 2023. Xi participated in a meeting on cultural inheritance and development, and delivered an important speech on Friday. (Xinhua/Wang Ye) Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visits the China National Archives of Publications and Culture in Beijing, capital of China, June 1, 2023. Xi participated in a meeting on cultural inheritance and development, and delivered an important speech on Friday. (Xinhua/Yan Yan) Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visits the China National Archives of Publications and Culture in Beijing, capital of China, June 1, 2023. Xi participated in a meeting on cultural inheritance and development, and delivered an important speech on Friday. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei) Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, participates in a meeting on cultural inheritance and development, and delivers an important speech in Beijing, capital of China, June 2, 2023. (Xinhua/Wang Ye) Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visits an exhibition hall of the China National Archives of Publications and Culture, and learns about the preservation of classic publications in its collection in Beijing, capital of China, June 1, 2023. Xi participated in a meeting on cultural inheritance and development, and delivered an important speech on Friday. (Xinhua/Ju Peng) (Web editor: Cai Hairuo, Hongyu) ANKARA, Turkiye, June 3. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has announced the new lineup of the Cabinet of Ministers, Trend reports. General Yasar Guler has been appointed as the Minister of Defense of Turkiye. The inauguration ceremony of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan took place today at the Grand National Assembly of Turkiye. In the second round of presidential elections held in the country on May 28, Recep Tayyip Erdogan won with 52.18 percent of the votes. The popularity of TikTok, a Chinese-owned short-form video-sharing app, has provoked concerns among American policymakers and proposals to ban the platform. Although data exfiltration concerns are hard to dispel, the costs of banning TikTok far outweigh any benefits to national security. TikTok isnt a particularly unique or valuable source of American data, but it is a potent distributor of American culture. Banning TikTok would quash the voices of Americans who favor the platform and undermine the open internet that has served America so well. Concerns about TikTok fall into two categories. Critics fear that TikToks algorithm could be manipulated to serve Chinese interests and that user data could be collected and misused by the Chinese Communist Party. The first concern is ably addressed by TikToks Project Texas, a deal with Oracle to host TikTok in America on Oracle servers, where its algorithm can be audited. The second is harder to dispel. Like other apps, TikTok collects user information such as location and stored media. TikTok needs this data to host and serve user speech, but it can be misused. Unlike other apps, TikToks parent company, ByteDance, has its headquarters in China, where it is subject to Chinas National Intelligence Law. Under the law, China can require its citizens and corporations to provide data relevant to state intelligence work. There isnt any evidence that TikTok is spying for the CCP. ByteDances only demonstrable misuse of user data was to track employees leaking information to journalists. But data is leaky, and employee access is hard to police. Under the National Intelligence Law, there is always a risk that ByteDance will be compelled to share TikTok user data with the CCP. Further, there is little reason to believe TikTok is a unique intelligence goldmine. Other apps collect similar information, TikTok is not the only Chinese app used by Americans, and much of the more sensitive information TikTok collects, such as user location, can be purchased from unscrupulous data brokers. Absent broader data protections, banning TikTok at best forces China to buy Americans data instead of getting it for free. To get vital data, China has repeatedly hacked American firms and the American government itself. In 2015, Chinese hackers stole 22 million background check records from the Office of Personnel Management. It has even flown antennae-laden balloons over the United States. TikTok is beside the point. In light of Chinas security law, banning TikTok on government devices and the devices of government employees makes sense. But a general ban would do little good and a lot of harm. Concerns about the misuse of American data are better addressed by new data security laws. America has benefited tremendously from the open, international internet, which brought TikTok to our shores. Most globally successful internet platforms are American. TikToks unique success is no reason to upend a system that continues to serve us well. Indeed, the rest of the world has long tolerated the risk that American tech firms might be compelled to share data with our government via National Security Letters. This Patriot Act authority allows the FBI to demand data from private firms and prevents recipients from disclosing that they have received such demands. Banning TikTok or forcing ByteDance to divest it will invite opportunistic demands for local subsidiaries, data localization and other digital protectionism abroad. This wont just hurt American companies but American speakers and listeners, too. Globally successful American platforms such as Instagram and YouTube, and, now, TikTok, are powerful conduits of American culture and ideas. This is why China bans TikTok at home, limiting Chinese users to a heavily censored alternative called Douyin. Indeed, TikTok is difficult to ban via executive order because of the Berman Amendment, a late Cold War-era law exempting the flow of information from certain sanctions. Proposed federal legislation targeting TikTok, such as the RESTRICT Act, would give the government new powers to control Americans use of foreign web services. And on the state level, Montanas recently signed impermissibly dragoons app stores into enforcing its TikTok prohibition. This is a dangerous precedent to set, either domestically or for foreign legislators. Ultimately, a TikTok ban would hurt American users at home and American firms abroad while doing next to nothing to curb Chinese data gathering. Instead of limiting Americans access to particular platforms, policymakers should work toward broad rules for specific kinds of sensitive information. Will Duffield is a policy analyst in the Cato Institutes Center for Representative Government, where he studies speech and internet governance. He wrote this for InsideSources.com. Egyptian and Mauritanian presidents called on Ethiopia to adopt one of the middle-ground solutions proposed during negotiations regarding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). Egypt and Israel have agreed to increase surveillance cameras and towers on the border, Saudi TV channel Al-Arabiya reported on Sunday, citing sources. Luanda, Angola (PANA) - Angola aims to accelerate economic diversification, private investment, and jobs by creating more favourable business conditions for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), with support from the World Bank New York, US (PANA) - The UN Security Council on Friday extended the mandate of the United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS) until 3 December 2023 Photo: (Photo : Roy Rochlin/Getty Images) Medical experts and ethicists are drawing attention to the potential health risks associated with fathering children at advanced ages following the announcement that acclaimed actor Al Pacino, aged 83, is expecting a child with his girlfriend, Noor Alfallah. According to Vanity Fair, this development sheds light on the increased likelihood of premature births and birth defects in babies born to older fathers. While the overall risk remains relatively low, research has shown a correlation between advanced paternal age and adverse health outcomes for offspring, including certain cancers, neurodevelopmental disorders, and birth defects. Risks and Recommendations The medical community lacks a consistent definition for advanced paternal age. However, professional organizations such as the American Urological Association and the American Society for Reproductive Medicine recommend that doctors discuss the increased risk of health complications in offspring with men aged 40 and above. Men should be aware that, similar to women, they undergo reproductive aging despite not experiencing menopause, according to Dr. Gloria Bachmann, associate dean for women's health at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. According to NBC, research findings from 2019 indicate that a father's age significantly impacts a child's health and development. The study revealed that babies born to older fathers faced a higher risk of cleft lip or palate, heart defects, autism, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. Furthermore, advanced paternal age is moderately associated with the most common form of childhood leukemia and has a slightly elevated risk of pediatric non-Hodgkin lymphoma. A separate study from Stanford University in 2018 found that babies born to fathers aged 45 or older were more likely to have seizures and be born prematurely compared to those born to fathers aged 25 to 34. Additionally, partners of men aged 45 and older had an increased risk of developing gestational diabetes. While the absolute risk for each individual remains relatively low, the trend of increasing paternal age poses concerns at the population level. Dr. Michael Eisenberg, a urology professor at Stanford University School of Medicine, noted that men accumulate around two mutations in their sperm's DNA annually, potentially explaining the age-related increase in health risks for their offspring. Notably, the average age of fatherhood has been rising in the United States, with approximately 9% of infants born to fathers over the age of 40 in 2015, compared to around 4% fifty years earlier. Read Also: Jeremy Renner Changed Priorities Since Becoming a Father, Dared Marvel To Recast Hawkeye Considerations and Ethical Concerns Medical ethicist Arthur Caplan from NYU's Grossman School of Medicine highlighted the disparity in reproductive counseling between older men and women. Caplan noted that societal attitudes often romanticize older male celebrities having children, while older women face more scrutiny. He emphasized the importance of careful consideration, medical consultation, and assessment of an individual's health status and economic situation when deciding to have a child later in life. Furthermore, Caplan raised ethical concerns about older fathers potentially not living long enough to actively participate in their child's life. On the other hand, Dr. Bachmann emphasized that age should be one of many factors considered by men when deciding to have children. Some men may possess qualities that make them better listeners, role models, and teachers in their later years. She suggested that men interested in delaying fatherhood consider sperm banking at younger ages if feasible. Additionally, men of advanced age contemplating fatherhood should be prepared for the possibility of not being able to raise their child to adulthood. Bachmann stressed the importance of building a supportive community that can provide comfort and care for the child in the event of unforeseen circumstances. According to Daily Mail, the news that Al Pacino is expecting a child at the age of 83 has sparked a discussion about the potential health risks associated with fathering children at advanced ages. While research indicates an increased likelihood of premature births, birth defects, and other health issues in babies born to older fathers, the overall risk remains relatively low. It is important for men to consult with medical professionals and carefully weigh various factors, including age, when considering fatherhood. Furthermore, attention must be given to ethical concerns regarding a father's lifespan and the support system available to the child. Related Article: 'You' Star Penn Badgley Says Fatherhood Made It Harder to Play Joe Goldberg Photo: (Photo : Raphael Schaller on Unsplash) In a shocking incident that has sent shockwaves through the community, three teenagers have been arrested in connection with the killing and consumption of a beloved swan in Manlius, a Syracuse suburb in New York. The incident also involved the theft of four young swans from the same area, leaving residents and local authorities appalled. The unfortunate series of events unfolded when Faye, a mature female swan, and her four cygnets were reported missing from the swan pond on Monday. Promptly acting on tips received on Tuesday, the police discovered two of the cygnets at a discount store near the town, where one of the suspects was employed. According to NY Times, further investigation led them to a second location, where the remaining cygnets were found. Teens Unaware of Swan's Significance, Thought it was a Large Duck During a news conference, Manlius Police Captain Tina Stanton provided details regarding the arrests. An 18-year-old and two juveniles, aged 16 and 17, face multiple charges, including grand larceny, criminal mischief, conspiracy, and criminal trespassing. The suspects surrendered to the police on Tuesday. According to ABC7 Chicago, the incident occurred when the three friends, all attending the same high school, trespassed into the swan pond during the night. Two of the suspects held down Faye and subsequently killed her. The tragic aspect of the incident was that Faye did not resist due to her nesting condition. To the shock of the community, it was revealed that the perpetrators consumed the adult swan. Manlius Police Sgt. Ken Hatter explained that the teenagers were unaware of Faye's significance to the community and mistakenly believed they were hunting a "very large duck." One of the suspects even mentioned that they had planned to raise the cygnets as pets. Manlius Mayor Paul Whorrall expressed his deep disappointment and stated that the village had contracted a biologist to care for the remaining cygnets for the next six weeks. The aim is to ensure their well-being before releasing them back into the pond to fend for themselves. However, due to concerns about potential aggression, Faye's mate Manny will be relocated from the pond. Swans are known to mate for life, and Faye's death has raised worries about Manny's behavior towards the cygnets. Read Also: Pet Duck Helps Crack Nellie Sullivan Case; Angela Wamsley and Mark Barnes Charged With Murder Court Appearances Scheduled for Arrested Teens in Swan Killing Case The two juvenile suspects were released to their parents pending their court appearance, scheduled for Thursday. The 18-year-old suspect has a court date set for June 15. While CNN has reached out to their attorneys for comment, it remains unknown whether legal representation has been assigned to the juveniles. According to the Department of Environmental Conservation, while hunting swans is legal in some states, it is illegal in New York. The village of Manlius possesses a permit for housing and maintaining the swans, and removing them from their location is illegal. The swans have been an integral part of the Manlius community since 1905, and the village has taken responsibility for their care and feeding. In light of this tragic incident, Mayor Whorrall announced plans to install surveillance cameras around the pond to ensure the safety and protection of the remaining swans in the future. The village's beloved swan population will eventually return, despite the community's grief over Faye's passing and its struggles with these teenagers' senseless act. For now, the focus is on seeking justice for Faye and ensuring the well-being of her surviving cygnets. Related Article: Bear Attack in Pennsylvania: Two Children Treated for Bites and Scratches, Officials Euthanize Aggressive Animal After Assault Photo: (Photo : Federico PARRA / AFP) The cover of Glamour U.K.'s June issue has stirred up a storm of controversy with its portrayal of a topless pregnant transgender man. The image, featuring author Logan Brown, sparked a fierce reaction from online critics, who expressed their outrage and disbelief. From Transphobia to Empowerment: Logan Brown's Journey as a Trans Pregnant Man Logan Brown, a 27-year-old transgender man who was assigned female at birth, graced the cover of British Glamour Magazine's digital issue in honor of Pride Month. In a painted-on suit, he proudly showcased his large baby bump, a consequence of an unexpected pregnancy with his partner, Bailey J. Mills, a non-binary drag performer in the U.K. Brown temporarily paused his testosterone treatments for health reasons, and during this period, the couple discovered they were expecting a child. According to Fox News, Chloe Laws of Glamour spoke with Brown just two weeks before he gave birth to a daughter and delved into his particular experience of an unintentional pregnancy as a transgender man. In her introduction, Laws sheds light on the rampant transphobia the couple faced online, with comments repeatedly stating that "men can't get pregnant" on Brown's social media posts. Expressing his joy, Brown shared, "I've been brought up in a very close-knit family, and so to bring a baby into the world in a queer relationship is the best feeling ever. I feel like we'll be able to love and appreciate each other, and my daughter will be able to grow up knowing that she'll always be loved and accepted for who she is. And I think that's a really important thing for her to be around." Brown's journey of self-discovery involved navigating challenges with mental health as a child. After coming out as a lesbian, he embarked on a quest to explore his transgender identity and now identifies as queer. While on a break from testosterone treatments, Brown had a premonition that he might be pregnant. Taking a pregnancy test confirmed his suspicion, leaving him in a state of disbelief as he grappled with the potential implications for his gender identity. "It was really hard because how do you tell your partner, 'Oh, I'm pregnant, but oh, I'm also your boyfriend as well?" Brown reflected. "The reaction was mixed emotions for both of us." Throughout the pregnancy, Brown chronicled his experience on a blog and through social media. While he received support from the LGBTQ community, he also encountered expected backlash due to the unconventional nature of his situation. Despite the negativity, Brown asserted, "We're real, living people. And at the end of the day, I am a transgender pregnant man, and I do exist. No matter what anyone says, I am literally living proof." Read Also: DOJ Joins Lawsuit Against Tennessee for Targeting Transgender Minors with Discriminatory Law Online Critics Slam Glamour U.K. for Featuring Pregnant Transgender Man According to Yahoo News, the release of the interview and accompanying images triggered a strong online reaction, with some individuals calling for boycotts and others criticizing the language used, such as the phrase "he gave birth." Detransition activist Oli London expressed his outrage on Twitter, stating, "Just when you thought Woke Companies could not sink any lower-Glamour UK magazine has featured this 'pregnant man' on the cover to kick off Pride Month." While the feature drew widespread attention, it also raised questions and prompted intense debate. Piers Morgan questioned the biologically impossible notion of a man becoming pregnant, while author Helen Joyce emphasized the biological reality of childbirth and suggested that celebrating this everyday miracle should not be distorted. Deborah Joseph, GLAMOUR's European Editorial Director, defended their decision to feature Logan Brown on the cover, stating, "When we first met Logan and heard his incredible story, we were blown away by his strength and courage. We knew he would be the perfect cover star for our June Pride issue, as a shining example of empowerment, inclusivity, and equality." According to Indy 100, The Glamour U.K. Pride issue aims to explore the allyship between women and transgender individuals, emphasizing shared experiences such as pregnancy, healthcare, and childbirth-a topic rarely discussed in relation to the transgender community. While the controversy surrounding the magazine cover continues to unfold, it serves as a reminder of the ongoing dialogue surrounding gender identity, societal norms, and the evolving understanding of inclusivity and acceptance in our diverse world. Related Article: Mississippi Transgender Girl Barred from Graduation; Judge Rules School Can Ban Gender-Identity Clothes Photo: (Photo : Alexander Grey on Unsplash) A young mother from the United Kingdom, Charleigh Chatterton, has recently come forward to warn others about the devastating effects of necrotizing fasciitis, commonly known as the 'flesh-eating disease.' According to Daily Mail, just six days after giving birth to her daughter, Alessia, without any complications, Chatterton began experiencing flu-like symptoms and noticed a small rash on her stomach. Flu-Like Symptoms and Rash Turn Life-Threatening Liam Boyne, Chatterton's fiancee, insisted they seek medical attention right away because of the rash's rapid progression, which had tripled in size overnight and felt extremely hot. After undergoing a series of tests, doctors discovered pockets of gas beneath Chatterton's tissue, leading to a diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis. In order to halt the spread of the flesh-eating bacteria, she underwent emergency surgery to remove the infected tissue. According to Independent, the gravity of the situation became apparent when doctors presented Chatterton with a consent form that outlined the risks involved in the procedure. She was informed that her life was at stake and had to make the difficult decision to sign the document, knowing that the disease posed a serious threat. Following the surgery, Chatterton remained sedated for three days, and upon waking, she was repeatedly told that she had been fortunate-her condition had been caught early, preventing more severe consequences. Chatterton's recovery process has been arduous. Her wounds were left open for almost a week to facilitate healing before a vacuum pump was installed. Even after two weeks in the hospital, she still experienced significant pain and was mostly bedbound. According to CBS News, the physical limitations have affected her ability to fully enjoy the early stages of motherhood, with breastfeeding and carrying her daughter causing considerable discomfort. She expressed gratitude for her fiancee, who has taken on the dual role of both mother and father during this challenging time. Read Also: 12-Year -Old Girl Left Fighting for Life as Doctors Dismissed Meningitis as Common Colds Marking the Rash Could Save Lives One of the most frustrating aspects of Chatterton's ordeal has been the lack of answers regarding the source of her infection. The mode of transmission and specific cause of necrotizing fasciitis in her case remain unknown, leaving her with many unanswered questions. Determined to raise awareness, Chatterton urges others to be vigilant if they experience flu-like symptoms accompanied by a rash. She advises marking the boundaries of the rash with a pen and seeking medical attention if it expands beyond those markings within a few hours. Early detection and prompt treatment are crucial in preventing potentially fatal outcomes. Chatterton's harrowing experience serves as a poignant reminder of the life-threatening risks associated with necrotizing fasciitis. While she continues to grapple with the psychological and physical repercussions of her ordeal, she has developed a newfound appreciation for life. Sharing her story has become a mission for Chatterton, as she hopes to shed light on the importance of recognizing the symptoms and risks of this rare but dangerous infection. As cases like Chatterton's illustrate, awareness and swift action can make all the difference in combating necrotizing fasciitis. By spreading knowledge about this devastating disease, Chatterton aims to ensure that others do not have to endure the same traumatic experience she faced, urging everyone to prioritize their health and seek medical attention at the earliest signs of concern. Related Article: Toddler's Body Covered in Bruises Due to Life Threatening Condition Photo: (Photo : JULIEN DE ROSA/AFP) According to Mayo Clinic, Salmonella Typhi is the bacterium that causes typhoid fever, a serious and potentially fatal infection. This disease, which is more prevalent in less developed regions, has sparked many questions about its modes of transmission. One question that is not uncommon to hear is, "Can typhoid be transmitted through sperm?" This article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of typhoid transmission methods, delving into the possibility of transmission via sperm. Primary Modes of Typhoid Transmission The bulk of typhoid transmission occurs through the fecal-oral channel. In layman's terms, this means that germs are discharged in an infected person's feces and are then swallowed by another person, generally as a consequence of ingesting contaminated food or water. This happens most often while visiting locations with inadequate sanitation or when visiting such areas without taking the appropriate precautions. Salmonella typhi may persist in water or dry sewage for weeks, increasing its potential for transmission. Direct transmission from one person to another is uncommon but not unheard of, particularly when hand washing after using the lavatory is inadequate. Furthermore, asymptomatic carriers of the bacteria may discharge the germs in their feces, assisting in the spread of the illness. There is no credible scientific data or study to support the notion that sperm alone cannot transmit typhoid. It is vital to remember, however, that sexual transmission is still a possibility. The fact that infected people shed Salmonella typhi bacteria in their feces is critical in this case. As a consequence, if adequate hygiene precautions are not taken, transmission through sexual activity, especially anal-oral contact, may occur. However, it is critical to emphasize that this does not necessarily imply that the bacteria are present in or transferred by sperm. Read Also: Sexually Transmitted Diseases: 3 Surprising Infections You Could Get From Sexual Intercourse Insights from Reputable Health Organizations: CDC and WHO The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) are leading entities providing comprehensive information on the transmission of typhoid fever. Notably, neither organization identifies sexual transmission, including through sperm, as a means of transmitting this disease. The primary transmission method remains the ingestion of food or water contaminated with feces from an infected person. Thus, any potential risk of sexual transmission is likely more closely tied to the possible fecal contamination during sexual activity than the actual presence of the bacteria in sperm. The CDC and WHO strongly recommend vaccination for individuals traveling to regions where typhoid is prevalent. Regular handwashing, especially before meals and after using the bathroom, is another effective preventive measure. Additionally, one must exercise caution while choosing food and water to consume, avoiding raw items that have been washed in possibly contaminated water and, wherever feasible, sticking to bottled or cooked water. If neglected, the deadly infectious disease typhoid fever may result in significant sickness and possibly death. Scientific evidence, however, does not support the danger of transfer through sperm. The fecal-oral route is the predominant method of transmission, mostly via tainted food and drink. To successfully stop the spread of typhoid fever, it is crucial to follow preventative guidelines, including practicing excellent hygiene and being immunized, particularly while visiting areas where it is prevalent. Related Article: A Harmful Bacteria, Salmonella, Can Survive For Months In Cookie And Cracker Fillings, Study Reveals Photo: (Photo : Andrew Neel on Unsplash) Yesterday, Open AI, the company behind the groundbreaking and frankly epoch-changing Large Language Model, ChatGPT, or GPT 3.5, announced the launch of its latest rendition termed GPT 4. During the launch ceremony Sam Altman, the CEO of Open AI claimed that GPT 4, even though based on the same core technology, is a milestone in the latest advancements in machine/deep learning. And Sam is not the only one igniting the hype, according to experts, Chat GPT which has already impressed the hell out of everyone who has experienced it and has sparked fears of job loss in everyone from writers to coders was based on a year-old technology which cannot be termed cutting edge. While GPT 4 is so cutting edge that according to the Washington Post, it is all set to, 'Blow Chat GPT out of the water.' Sadly, unlike its predecessor, which was freely available to users worldwide, access to GPT 4, hopefully for the time being, is limited to premium users who are willing to pay 20 Dollars a month for GPT's assistance. Even with ChatGPT, users of the free version were limited by the number of servers available to them. In other words, free version users could not access ChatGPT at will and instead had to wait in long queues during peak usage hours to talk to the Open AI's hyper-intelligent bot. Moreover, waiting in these long queues entailed that if you lived in rural areas and relied on slug-paced internet services like DSL connections instead of upgrading to more advanced satellite-based providers like HughesNet Internet, you were missing out on the AI revolution. During the launch ceremony company sources claimed that it took them well over 6 months' worth of efforts and deep learning supported by special supercomputers created in collaboration with Microsoft, a Ten Billion Dollar investor in Open AI, to bring the GPT 4 to life. So, let's take a look at what the super geniuses at Open AI achieved in the last 6 months. 1. MULTIMODAL MODEL: THE INTRODUCTION OF IMAGE-BASED PROMPTS Most of the changes introduced to GPT 4 are generally subtle in nature and comprise updates to existing features of the Chatbot. The introduction of image-based prompts is perhaps the only fundamental and most significant update to the overall experience. As the title suggests, GPT can now read images as efficiently as it read text prompts, hence making it a Multimodal model or as Sam, the CEO of Open AI put it, a vision model in addition to a language model. And even though the feature is still in its beta stage and is being tested in collaboration with a partner called 'be my eyes' you can probably imagine the endless possibilities that arise out of it. In other words, GPT can now read entire documents comprising both text and image-based content. Consider this extremely cool example uploaded to Open AI's own website, users can now upload an image of a buffet food item to GPT and ask it what the possible ingredients are, and not just that, once GPT has figured out the ingredients the user can then ask the bot to suggest other dishes that can be prepared using this these ingredients. And that is not all, the chatbot takes reading images one step further. Users can literally hand draw layouts for entire websites and ask GPT to convert it to front-end code, makes a lot of entry-level programmers obsolete right? The bot can not only read but also interpret images. So, for instance, you can show it an image of a person sitting under an apple tree and ask it about possible scenarios that could occur if an apple was to fall off. I could go on and on about the implications, but I think you get the point. So, let's move on. 2. BETTER, FASTER & SMARTER As is the case with any new edition GPT 4 builds upon the capacities of its predecessor and takes them to an absolutely new level. INCREASED WORD PROCESSING CAPACITY GPT 4 can now process prompts of up to twenty thousand words, which is normally the size of a graduate-level thesis. In other words, you can upload half a book to the bot and ask it to summarize it for you in let's say a thousand words. For reference, this word processing capacity is 8 times more when compared to GPT 3.5. BETTER RESULTS ON COMPETITIVE EXAMS GPT 4 is also smarter, Open AI claims on its website that its newer creation can not only pass the bar exam, which is a very low bat, to begin with, but can also attain scores in the top 10 percent category. GPT 3.5 on the other hand was in the lowest 10 percent category. FEWER HALLUCINATIONS Sam's latest brainchild is also less of a liar when compared to its predecessor. GPT 3.5 was famous amongst users for not only making up facts but also stubbornly sticking by them. Something which AI developers have called AI hallucinations. GPT 4 was especially tested for these so-called hallucinations or lies in simple words, and it scored a whopping 40 percent better. But there is still a great deal of improvement required in this regard. Developers warn that the bot is still prone to lying owing to its training data limitations but at least it will do a lot less of it. 3. NEW COLLABORATIONS Microsoft was perhaps the first tech giant to realize the immense potential of ChatGPT and jumped on the bandwagon early on. The veteran corporation collaborated with the founders of ChatGPT to re-vamp their dying search engine service, Bing. Sydney, that is what the Artificially intelligent search engine is called, is going through Beta testing and a version is also available to a select number of users. During the launch ceremony of GPT 4 Open AI announced a new set of collaborations with other tech companies ranging from the language learning service Duolingo, which will not incorporate the AI to enhance users' learning experience with the French and Spanish languages. Moreover, the payment processing service Stripe will now be using Open AI technology to combat fraud on this platform. And checking Sam's tone during the launch event it's obvious that Open AI has his eyes set on several other joint projects in the future. Photo: (Photo : Paul Morigi/Getty Images) In the face of mounting challenges within Baltimore's public school system, one mother has made the bold choice to homeschool her children. According to Yahoo News, Blanca Tapahausco, a concerned parent, cited escalating violence and the promotion of critical race theory (CRT) and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) as the primary reasons for her decision. Tapahausco's story sheds light on the struggles faced by many Baltimore families and raises important questions about the quality of education and safety in the city's public schools. Rising Concerns over Curriculum and Violence Plaguing Baltimore Schools According to FOX News, Tapahausco expressed her dissatisfaction with the curriculum taught in Baltimore's public schools. She revealed that teachers were discussing non-traditional family structures and pushing CRT and DEI principles from an early age. "The reason I pulled him out, though, is because the DEI, CRT, and SEL-all the acronyms except the ABCs and the 1, 2, and 3s-were being taught at that school as early as four years old," she explained. Disturbed by such teachings, Tapahausco decided to take matters into her own hands. In addition to concerns about curriculum, Tapahausco raised alarm about the pervasive violence within Baltimore's public school system. She recounted incidents of homicides, stabbings, assaults, and even a firearm being dropped in the cafeteria. These shocking events create an unsafe environment for students and hinder their ability to focus on learning. Tapahausco's decision to homeschool reflects the urgent need for safer educational environments in Baltimore. Tapahausco's decision aligns with the growing concerns expressed by Baltimore parents regarding the safety of their children. The city has witnessed a surge in youth homicides and shootings, prompting fears among families about sending their children to school. In a solemn ceremony, Baltimore City Public Schools recently remembered the lives of 19 students who were shot and killed within the past year. Shockingly, the youngest victim was just 8 years old. These tragic incidents highlight the urgency for change within the education system. Read Also: Christian College With Large Homeschool Population Offers 'Return to Sanity' in Higher Ed Challenges in Baltimore's Education System and Efforts to Improve the Situation According to Newsyete, Baltimore's education system has faced numerous challenges in recent years. The city has struggled with low graduation rates, and reports indicate that many high school students read at an elementary or kindergarten level. This concerning statistic raises questions about the quality of education and the preparedness of students for their future. Additionally, the violence plaguing Baltimore's youth raises concerns about the long-term prospects and well-being of the city's children. While Baltimore has seen an overall decrease in homicides and shootings in 2023, the situation remains grim for juveniles. Youth homicides have increased by 67%, and shootings have risen by 55% compared to the previous year. These statistics demand urgent attention and concerted efforts from community leaders, law enforcement, and education officials to address the root causes of violence and ensure the safety of Baltimore's youth. Blanca Tapahausco's decision to homeschool her children due to violence and the presence of controversial curricula in Baltimore's public schools is a poignant example of the challenges faced by many families. The incidents of violence, combined with concerns over critical race theory and curriculum choices, highlight the need for comprehensive reforms in the city's education system. As Baltimore confronts these pressing issues, it is essential for community leaders, educators, and policymakers to work together to create safer learning environments and provide a quality education that prepares students for a brighter future. Related Article: Ohio Police Tracks Down Homeschool for Teaching Racist, White Supremacist, Pro-Nazi Lessons Photo: (Photo : George Frey/ Getty Images) The Davis School District, a prominent school district in Utah, has made a controversial decision to remove the Bible from its elementary and middle schools. The move comes after a parent expressed frustration over the presence of certain materials in schools and successfully convinced the district to deem some Bible verses as inappropriate for younger children. This decision has raised concerns among the community, and there are now speculations about the potential removal of another significant religious text, the Book of Mormon. District's Review Committee Responds to Parental Complaint In response to a complaint from a concerned parent, the Davis School District, which serves approximately 72,000 students in Utah, formed a review committee to assess the presence of sensitive materials in schools. According to NPR, this initiative followed a 2022 state law requiring parental involvement in decisions regarding such materials. The committee, comprising teachers, parents, and administrators, conducted an extensive review of various literary works, including the Bible. Following the committee's evaluation, the Davis School District decided to remove the Bible from elementary and middle schools while opting to retain it in high schools. This decision aimed to address the concerns raised by the parent regarding the explicit or violent content within certain Bible verses. However, the specific passages deemed unsuitable for younger students were not disclosed by the committee, leaving the community curious about the rationale behind the removal. Read Also: Nashville Pastor Opens Up About Grief After Losing 9-Year-Old Daughter To Covenant School Shooting Controversy Surrounds Potential Book of Mormon Review According to the Salt Lake Tribune, although details about the complainant's reasons were not disclosed, the district spokesperson, Chris Williams, confirmed that an official review request had been filed. It remains uncertain whether this appeal was submitted by the same individual who objected to the Bible's inclusion. Representatives from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which regards the Book of Mormon as a sacred text, declined to comment on the situation. The decision by the Davis School District to remove the Bible has drawn attention to the broader issue of conservative parent activism and their concerns about the discussion of sensitive topics such as sex and violence in schools. Across the United States, similar movements have emerged, with groups like Parents United advocating for more control over their children's education and the materials they are exposed to. These efforts have resulted in an increasing number of challenges to books and attempts to restrict access to certain content. According to the Associated Press, it is worth noting that the Bible has long been a target for book challenges, appearing frequently on the American Library Association's list of most challenged books. Instances of temporary removal from school districts in Texas and Missouri were observed last year. The concern about potential book banning procedures encompassing the Bible has also been raised in statehouses, particularly during discussions on expanding censorship policies. For instance, Arkansas recently enacted a law that imposes penalties on librarians for providing "harmful" materials to minors and enables the public to request the relocation of materials within libraries. As the debate over the Bible's removal unfolds, various organizations, such as EveryLibrary and PEN America, stress the need to consider the broader implications of book censorship. They argue that if people are genuinely concerned about the removal of the Bible, they should also be attentive to the increasing censorship of other books in public schools. With at least 121 proposals targeting libraries, librarians, educators, and access to materials tracked in recent months, it is evident that the issue of book censorship remains contentious and continues to be debated across the country. Related Article: New Hampshire's Manchester School District Allocates COVID-19 Relief Funds for Youth Pride Event, Controversy Erupts President Joe Biden is welcoming Denmark and Britain's prime ministers this week to Washington for talks that will focus heavily on what lays ahead in the war in Ukraine including providing Ukraine with American-made F-16s fighter jets. Photo: (Photo : Richard Bell on Unsplash) A senseless act of violence has left a community devastated as two young brothers, Jesus and Sebastian Perez-Salome, ages 8 and 9, were fatally shot while playing with kittens in the backyard of their Pennsylvania home. According to NBC, the tragic incident occurred on Tuesday night, resulting in the deaths of the brothers and another victim. Authorities have announced the arrest of two suspects, while a third individual remains sought by police. Family members and loved ones are mourning the loss of the innocent boys, who were described as polite and close-knit. Their mother, who was working at a nearby convenience store at the time of the shooting, rushed to the scene upon hearing the gunfire. Overwhelmed with shock, she was unable to speak coherently. Fortunately, her 13-year-old child was safely attending a school event during the incident. Arrests Made in Connection with the Shooting Authorities announced that Alex Torres Santos, 22, and a 16-year-old boy have been charged with three counts of criminal homicide, aggravated assault, conspiracy, and weapons offenses. Lebanon County District Attorney Pier Hess Graf revealed the charges during a press conference in Lebanon. A Lebanon County SWAT team apprehended Santos at his apartment while he was under house arrest for unrelated charges and wearing an ankle monitor. The teenage suspect was arrested at a nearby apartment where he was attempting to hide. According to CBS News, law enforcement officials are actively searching for a third male suspect in connection with the shooting. Authorities believe this individual will face similar charges. The motive for the shooting appears to be a previous argument involving 19-year-old Joshua Lugo-Perez, who lived at the home where the incident took place but was not related to the Perez-Salome brothers. The tragedy has deeply impacted the community, prompting an outpouring of support and donations in response to a GoFundMe appeal aimed at raising funds for the victims' funeral expenses. The family plans to bring the boys back to Puerto Rico, their home country, for burial once the autopsies are completed. They had relocated to the United States in 2019 in search of better opportunities. Read Also: Murder-Suicide Pact: Pennsylvania Family Agree to Kill Each Other Leaving Written Notes With Vague Reasons Investigation and Legal Proceedings Lebanon County District Attorney Pier Hess Graf stated that the suspects could potentially face the death penalty, although a final decision has yet to be made. It remains unclear if either suspect has retained legal representation, and court records were not immediately available. According to NY Times, the community of Lebanon is grappling with the aftermath of this tragic event as they come together to support the grieving family and seek justice for the innocent lives lost. The shooting has sent shockwaves through the neighborhood, leaving residents feeling shaken and concerned for their safety. Law enforcement agencies are working diligently to apprehend the third suspect and bring them to justice. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities following up on leads and collecting evidence to establish a comprehensive understanding of the events that transpired on that fateful evening. The loss of Jesus and Sebastian Perez-Salome has left an indelible void in the hearts of their loved ones and the community at large. Their playful spirits and innocent joy will be deeply missed. As the healing process begins, the community rallies together to provide comfort, support, and resources to the grieving family. In times of tragedy, communities often come together to show their strength and resilience. The outpouring of support and donations following the GoFundMe appeal is a testament to the compassion and solidarity of humanity. It is through unity and a shared commitment to justice that healing can begin to take place. As the legal proceedings unfold, the community anxiously awaits updates and hopes for a swift resolution. The memory of Jesus and Sebastian Perez-Salome will endure, reminding everyone of the preciousness of life and the need for more significant efforts to prevent such senseless acts of violence. Related Article: Texas Teen Girl Lauren Juma Shot Dead By Her Mom's Boyfriend This service applies to you if your subscription has not yet expired on our old site. You will have continued access until your subscription expires; then you will need to purchase an ongoing subscription through our new system. Please contact the Parsons Sun office at (620) 421-2000 if you have any questions Were now well into Pride Month, so its perhaps appropriate to register a trio of recent dissents from the now-dominant orthodoxy. Heres one that comes from the great Robert P. George, McCormick Professor of Jurisprudence and Director of the James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions at Princeton University and, incidentally, a good friend to Brigham Young University and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: A Return to Fidelity: Princeton Professors Brilliant Move to Flip Pride Month on Its Head And I recommend this, from the indispensable and fearless Cassandra Hedelius, who currently chairs the Interpreter Foundations sister organization, FAIR: Proclamation Month: Be proactive in shaping your childrens minds and hearts Incidentally, the text of The Family: A Proclamation to the World which seemed, to me at least, so little needed when it was issued by the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve back on 23 September 1995 but which now strikes me as both boldly prophetic and urgently necessary can be easily accessed here: The Family Proclamation The third of the three recent dissents that I want to mention here is an extraordinarily powerful monologue from Megyn Kelly. Its not quite eighteen minutes long, but if you can access it, I strongly recommend that you watch it. This is where I came across it, though it may also be available elsewhere: A Great Day on The Megyn Kelly Show Now, I feel that I need to explain although, even as I do so, I do it without any hope that my explanation will be credited in certain predictable quarters that I am not calling for the mistreatment of transsexuals or of people suffering from gender dysphoria. In all such cases, as everywhere else, civility, kindness, and charity are and should be the rule. So, too, though, should be the truth. And it is far from evident that recent orthodoxy on this matter is actually kind to those that it purports to want to help and support. As regards Pride Month, specifically, I see no reason either to be proud of what as the gay man quoted by Megyn Kendall observes is, after all, an attribute and not an achievement or to be ashamed of it. Im not proud of being male or heterosexual or blue-eyed or fairly tall, let alone of being near-sighted. Nor am I ashamed of such traits. They just are, and Im obliged to cope with them. Moreover, there is no reason to persecute anybody for being male, heterosexual, blue-eyed, tall, near-sighted, or the sheer fact of being gay. In any case, though, pride is always a two-edged sword. In some senses, it can be a very good thing. In others, it can be a danger to oneself and to others: Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud. (Proverbs 16:18-19) But now, on to more edifying things. Here are some thoughts of mine that draw upon Andrew Loke, Investigating the Resurrection of Jesus Christ: A New Transdisciplinary Approach (Routledge, 2020), 137-140. Dr. Loke, a native of Singapore who is currently an Associate Professor at Hong Kong Baptist University, was a practicing physician before he returned to school first in the United States and then in the United Kingdom, where he earned a doctorate in philosophy and theology at Kings College London. Matthew 27:62-67 records that, upon the death and burial of Jesus, Jewish leaders in Jerusalem sought and obtained from Pontius Pilate the delegation of an armed guard to ensure that there would be no tampering with either the body or the tomb: Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate, saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again. Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first. Pilate said unto them, Ye have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can. So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch. However, according to Matthew 28:11-15, among the first explanations given by unbelievers for the claim that Jesus had risen from the dead and probably the very first was that his friends had come and taken the body away: Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done. And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers, saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept. And if this come to the governors ears, we will persuade him, and secure you. So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day. So an obvious question arises: Was this done if it was done before the guards had been assigned to the tomb, or afterwards? If afterwards, the action would seem to have been extraordinarily risky, given the presence of a company of presumably armed guards at the tomb whose careers (at the very least) would have been in serious jeopardy if they simply permitted a group of Christian disciples to roll the stone away and carry off the corpse. Could they have done so without being caught by the guards and without anybody else noticing? While theoretically possible, it seems extremely unlikely. If nothing else, rolling a large grave stone away from the entrance to a tomb would take several strong men and would make considerable noise. Could it have been done before the guards arrived? Possibly, given that some time had elapsed. But it seems most probable that the guard, whose military careers (if not their lives) depended on ensuring that the body remained unmoved, would have checked upon their arrival to make certain that the body was actually in the tomb before they made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone. They were there to prevent grave-robbery; surely they would have inspected the tomb to certify that it had not already been ransacked. Could Jesus have not rolled the stone away from inside the tomb? Again, not very likely. Moving the stone would have been a remarkable achievement for even a healthy and strong man, but the severely wounded and dehydrated Jesus, even if he had somehow failed to die at the hands of his experienced Roman executioners, had suffered a brutal lashing that probably opened up his back, along with multiple grievous wounds from large spikes in his hands and feet and a spear into his side, to say nothing of the crown of large thorns driven into his head. It would be amazing for him to be able to walk with such wounds and so much loss of blood, let alone to move a massive stone, overcome the military guards outside, and lope to freedom. Posted from just outside Ballater, Aberdeenshire, Scotland I published this column early this morning in Meridian Magazine: Prominent Lutheran Leader has Holy Envy for Baptisms for the Dead And two new articles went up at noon today on the website of the Interpreter Foundation: The Dance of Reader and Text: Salome, the Daughter of Jared, and the Regal Dance of Death, written by Alan Goff Abstract: Modern readers too often and easily misread modern assumptions into ancient texts. One such notion is that when the reader encounters repeated stories in the Bible, the Book of Mormon, Herodotus, or numerous other texts, the obvious explanation that requires no supporting argument is that one text is plagiarizing or copying from the other. Ancient readers and writers viewed such repetitions differently. In this article, I examine the narratives of a young woman or girl dancing for a king with the promise from the ruler that whatever the dancer wants, she can request and receive; the request often entails a beheading. Some readers argue that a story in Ether 8 and 9, which has such a dance followed by a decapitation, is plagiarized from the gospels of Mark and Matthew: the narrative of the incarceration and death of John the Baptist. The reader of such repeated stories must study with a mindset more sympathetic to the conceptual world of antiquity in which such stories claim to be written. Biblical and Book of Mormon writers viewed such repetitions as the way God works in history, for Nephi asserts that the course of the Lord is one eternal round (1 Nephi 10:19), a claim he makes barely after summarizing his fathers vision of the tree of life, a dream he will repeat, expand upon, and make his own in 1 Nephi chapters 1115 (and just because it is developed as derivative from his fathers dream in some way, no reader suggests it be taken as a plagiaristic borrowing). Nephis worldview is part of the shared mental system illustrated by his eponymous ancestor Joseph, who gave his name to the two tribes of Joseph: Ephraim and Manasseh, the latter through which Lehi traced his descent (Alma 10:3) for youthful Joseph boasts two dreams of his ascendance over his family members, interprets the two dreams of his fellow inmates, and articulates the meaning of Pharaohs two dreams, followed by his statement of meaning regarding such repetitions: And for that the dream was doubled unto Pharaoh twice; it is because the thing is established by God, and God will shortly bring it to pass (Genesis 41:32). Interpreting Interpreter: Plagiarizing Salome? written by Kyler Rasmussen This post is a summary of the article The Dance of Reader and Text: Salome, the Daughter of Jared, and the Regal Dance of Death by Alan Goff in Volume 57 of Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship. An introduction to the Interpreting Interpreter series is available at https://interpreterfoundation.org/interpreting-interpreter-on-abstracting-thought/. The Takeaway: Goff addresses the charge that Ethers story of a young woman dancing for Akish represents plagiarism of Salome dancing for Herod Antipas in Mark. He shows how many of the themes present in Salomes narrative allude to even more ancient tales from Persia, Greece, Rome, and the Old Testament. Goff suggests that these consistent details do not mean that these stories are pure folklore, and that theyre best understood in the backdrop of ancient literary practice. This is a worthwhile little essay, and the John Ciardi poem cited in it is a gem: The blessings of age Elder Hollands essay on the First Presidency: Elder Jeffrey R. Holland describes the maturity and judgment of Presidents Nelson, Oaks and Eyring I was pleased to see notice of this National Review podcast featuring my friend Dr. Mark Skousen, in whose spectacular annual libertarian FreedomFest gatherings Ive been able to participate on perhaps half a dozen previous occasions: The Legacy of Adam Smith I look forward to listening to it. And Mark has a new article out in National Review that is closely related to the topic of the podcast: How Much of Adam Smiths Hand is Still Visible? Three hundred years after his birth, the influence of the father of economics lives on. Unfortunately, I wont be able to be there for this years FreedomFest, which will be held in Memphis, Tennessee, on 12-15 July 2023. But Ive always enjoyed them, and I like to think that, when I have participated in them, the damage that Ive done to them hasnt been terribly severe. And, by the way, this summer should see the publication of There Were Giants in the Land: Episodes in the Life of W. Cleon Skousen, compiled and edited by Jo Ann and Mark Skousen. (Mark is a nephew of Cleon Skousen, and Jo Ann is Marks very accomplished wife.) Im quoted on the back cover of the new book as follows: Its difficult to overstate how big a name W. Cleon Skousen was when I was growing up in southern California. His books were widely read and his views on religious history and doctrine to say nothing of political issues carried considerable weight. This new compilation affords a look into the mind and personality of one of the more consequential lay Latter-day Saints of the twentieth century an author whose influence continues to echo into the twenty-first. We headed out today to look around at elements of my wifes family history. In particular, we visited the town of Aboyne, on the edge of the Scottish Highlands in Aberdeenshire, where her ancestor George Cromar was born in 1772, and the nearby area of Birse, where he worked as a schoolmaster. He died in 1829, and he and his wife, Margaret Barclay (1780-1862) are buried in Banchory. We were fortunate to find their graves in the Banchory-Ternan Parish Kirkyard, which share a single large tombstone, the lengthy inscription on which is now only partially legible. We looped back home again via Aboyne where, naturally it being Great Britain we had an Indian meal in a restaurant called Nur Taj, which, we estimate, must stand very, very near to the spot where George Cromar was born two hundred and fifty-one years ago. Maybe he too used to eat chicken coconut korma there? Posted from just outside Ballater, Aberdeenshire, Scotland Lay Catholic Apologists; Orthodoxy Defined; Rule of Faith; Canon Redux; Protestantisms Magisterium of Scholars & Ever-Changing Sexual Morality; Comparative Exegesis The late Steve Hays (1959-2020) was a Calvinist (and anti-Catholic) apologist, who was very active on his blog, called Triablogue (now continued by Jason Engwer). His 695-page self-published book, Catholicism a collection of articles from his site has graciously been made available for free. On 9 September 2006, Hays was quite almost extraordinarily charitable towards me. He wrote then: I dont think Ive ever accused him of being a traitor or apostate or infidel. . . . I have nothing to say, one way or the other, regarding his state of grace. But his sincerity is unquestionable. I also dont dislike him. . . . I dont think theres anything malicious about Armstrongunlike some people who come to mind. In addition, I dont think Ive ever said he was unintelligent. For the record, its obvious that Armstrong has a quick, nimble mind. Two-and-a-half years later, starting in April 2009 and up through December 2011 (in the following quotations) his opinion radically changed, and he claimed that I have an evil character, am actually evil, ego-maniac, narcissist, idolater, self-idolater, hack who pretends to be a professional apologist, given to chicanery, one who doesnt do any real research, a stalwart enemy of the faith . . . no better than [the atheists] Richard Dawkins or Christopher Hitchens, with an intent to destroy faith in Gods word, schizophrenic, emotionally unhinged, one who doesnt trust in the merit of Christ alone for salvation, has no peace of mind, a bipolar solipsist, split-personality, and a bad man. He wasnt one to mince words! See more gory details. I feel no need whatsoever to reciprocate these silly and sinful insults. I just wanted the record to be known. Ive always maintained that Hays was a very intelligent man, but habitually a sophist in methodology; sincere and well-meaning, but tragically and systematically wrong and misguided regarding Catholicism. Thats what Im addressing, not the state of his heart and soul (let alone his eternal destiny). Its a theological discussion. This is one of many planned critiques of his book (see my reasons why I decided to do this). Rather than list them all here, interested readers are directed to the Steve Hays section of my Anti-Catholicism web page, where they will all be listed. My Bible citations are from the RSV. Steves words will be in blue. ***** [Chapter 8: Canonics] The gates of hell shall not prevail Like so many Catholic apologists, Williams is a layman. Not a Catholic theologian like Karl Rahner or Gerhard Ludwig Muller. Not a graduate of a Catholic seminary. [p. 403] Like so many Catholic apologists, G. K. Chesterton was a layman. Not a Catholic theologian like Karl Rahner or Gerhard Ludwig Muller. Not a graduate of a Catholic seminary or even of any college. Like so many Catholic apologists, Peter Kreeft is a layman. Not a Catholic theologian like Karl Rahner or Gerhard Ludwig Muller. Not a graduate of a Catholic seminary, but a philosopher. Like so many Catholic apologists, Malcom Muggeridge, Frank Sheed, and Thomas Howard were laymen. Not graduates from Catholic seminary, but a journalist, a lawyer, and an English professor. Etc., etc. ad infinitum. Like so many Protestant apologists (among whom he is widely considered to have been the best), C. S. Lewis was a layman. Not a graduate of a Protestant seminary or Bible college, but a professor of literature. Etc., etc. What were getting from him is the usual version of Catholicism presented by lay Catholic apologists. An idealized, retro version of Catholicism. [p. 403] In other words, they present and defend Catholic orthodoxy: the actual teaching of the Church, not the dishonest pseudo-version presented by theological liberals and dissidents, whom Hays ridiculously and quixotically pretends are the magisterium and gold standard of Catholicism. Its a constant theme of his, but the endless repeating of a lie makes it no less of a lie or no stronger an argument. A version of Catholicism thats well to the right of mainstream Catholic scholarship (e.g. Bible scholars, church historians). [p. 403] Of course it is, because these scholars Hays has in mind are to the left of the norm and the standard: the radical center of orthodoxy. But almost all reputable Catholic apologists are in the center of the spectrum: orthodox. Well to the right of the contemporary hierarchy. [p. 403] Since no infallible doctrine has been changed, this is untrue as well. They are orthodox as a group. Individuals may be, and are, heterodox on this or that issue, but as individuals they have no magisterial authority, anymore than scholars do, as persons or as a group. From a Protestant perspective, Scripture (or the Bible) is the inspired record of Gods public, propositional revelation. By public, I mean a revelation thats normative at every time and placeunlike a topical private revelation to provide guidance to a particular individual in a particular situation. [p. 403] From a Catholic perspective, Scripture (or the Bible) is the inspired record of Gods public, propositional revelation. By public, I mean a revelation thats normative at every time and placeunlike a topical private revelation to provide guidance to a particular individual in a particular situation. If there is no viable or comparable alternative to Scripture (as defined), then by process of elimination, sola Scriptura is the only remaining option. [p. 403] But of course there is, because that same inspired revelation teaches that authoritative tradition and a Church exist, and are infallible under certain defined conditions. The Bible itself teaches a three-legged stool rule of faith, not sola Scriptura. In that respect, the sufficiency of Scripture is defined by contrast to the alternatives. They are insufficient. Indeed, they are false alternatives. You dont have to prove sola Scriptura or the sufficiency of Scripture directly; rather, you only have to disprove rival paradigms. [p. 403] The formal sufficiency of Scripture is defined by contrast to the alternative, sola Scriptura. It is insufficient. Indeed, its a false and unbiblical alternative. We can not only disprove sola Scriptura from Scripture, but also prove our rival paradigm from the Bible. If Scripture is the only source of Gods public, propositional revelation, then it naturally enjoys a certain primacy in relation to other sources of information or belief. Divine revelation is normative in a way that nonrevelatory sources or putative candidates are not. [p. 403] In terms of being inspired yes, but in terms of infallible authority, the norms of faith, and the rule of faith, no. Sacred Tradition and the Catholic Church are also infallible and interpretive norms. Scripture can be primary in one sense and equal in others, to tradition and the Church, and works in tandem with them, just as God the Father has monarchical primacy in one sense, and is equal in others, to God the Son, Jesus Christ, and God the Holy Spirit, and works in tandem with them. [T]he sufficiency of Scripture doesnt rule out the necessity of extrabiblical evidence to identify Scripture and interpret Scripture. [p. 404] Thats correct. But if the latter sources are used, they are merely fallible, so the standard of authority and the certainty are considerably less. And that is a real epistemological problem for Protestants (in terms of canonicity), whether they realize it or not. R. C. Sproul did, to his credit. Hays did not, and continued to play games and pretend that there was no inherent difficulty in such a scenario. Feser fizzles Catholic apologists typically ignore the internal evidence for the canon. Its important to draw attention to that line of evidence. [p. 415] That disregards the amount of internal evidence for the inspiration of Scripture and the canon of Scripture. [p. 418] I dont. In my article, Are All the Biblical Books Self-Evidently Canonical? (6-22-06), I wrote at the end: The Bible cant be used to produce an argument based on what individual biblical books supposedly claim, when they dont in fact claim it. . . . I dont deny any self-attestation; I only deny that this alone was sufficient to establish a known canon with definite boundaries, or that it is as sweeping a characteristic of all the biblical books as some Protestants make out. Likewise, in my article, Are All Bible Books Self-Evidently Inspired? (6-19-06), the first draft of what later appeared in my book, The One-Minute Apologist (2007), I observed: There are indeed several internal biblical evidences of inspiration and canonicity, yet (despite this fact), there were many differences in the early Church regarding biblical books. . . . nothing illustrates the falsity of the claim of self-attesting books better than the history of the process of canonization itself. . . . If everything were so obvious, how could there be so many differences? . . . Believers in the early Church (such as St. Athanasius or St. Augustine) were just as zealous for the Bible and Christian truth as Christians today. Yet they often disagreed on this score. . . . Its very easy to make such (somewhat logically circular) claims, and hindsight is 20-20; however, there is no way to test or disprove (or, for that matter, prove) them other than by looking at what actually happened in history. . . . The fact remains that there were disagreements because some books were not all that clearly inspired (and other non-biblical books seemed to be). I also cited F. F. Bruce in agreement: [O]nly one book of the New Testament explicitly claims prophetic inspiration. (The Canon of Scripture, Downers Grove, Illinois: InterVarsity Press, 1988, 280-281) I think Bruce was referring to Revelation: the words of the prophecy of this book (22:18) and the book of this prophecy (22:19). 2 Timothy 3:16 states that All scripture is inspired but of course Paul in that letter doesnt identify which books these are. I cited another opinion of Bruces, too: It is unlikely, for example, that the Spirits witness would enable a reader to discern that Ecclesiastes is the word of God while Ecclesiasticus is not . . . (Ibid., 281-282) None of this is in line with Hays fanciful view that every single book is self-evidently inspired, thus precluding any need for authoritative Church pronouncements. Had Hays been around in, say, AD 200, surely he would have (so it would seem from his confident rhetoric) correctly identified (167 years before Athanasius) every single biblical book in both Testaments, and would have (as an extra bonus) declared that anyone who didnt agree with him either: 1) couldnt comprehend what was so plain in the Bible (i.e., was stupid), 2) had a judgment clouded by sin, 3) was deliberately dishonest, and/or 4) had a nefarious Catholic agenda complete with the obligatory circular reasoning and infallibility regress. Actually, there are contemporary Catholic commentators who often admit that traditional Catholic exegesis was wrong, and Protestants were right. [p. 417] DUH! No kidding! Seeing that the Church has only required one definitive interpretation of a mere 7-9 Bible passages, then all the other thousands could be interpreted differently, and many times (as in all fields of knowledge ands scholarship) a Protestant exegete may have been right, and one or many Catholics wrong. None of this adversely affects infallibility in the least, because it is overwhelmingly not in play. Protestant polemicists (at least anti-Catholic ones) seem constitutionally unable to comprehend how free Catholic exegetes are. Ill keep telling them the truth about that. Maybe over decades itll eventually sink into their thick skulls. Moreover, sometimes Protestant exegetes massively support positions regarded as Catholic distinctives in a way that Steve would vehemently disagree with, such as, for example, the thirty I have documented who agree that Peter was the Rock. Truth is truth, wherever it comes from. Sola scriptura . . . denies the infallibility of the church. [p. 418] Thank you, and of sacred tradition, too. Protestants, defending this false doctrine, often overlook what it denies, over against what it asserts. What it denies (and what it contradicts in the Bible) is what Catholic apologists usually focus upon. [T]he Catholic formulation of the Trinity isnt all that rigorous. Consider Karl Rahners reformulations. [p. 419] First of all (I reiterate for the umpteenth time) one man doesnt definitively speak for the Church (unless its the pope, and even then under very specific conditions). Hays seems to perpetually project onto us the magisterium of head counts of scholars that in effect, functions as the Protestant authority structure. Its a sociological magisterium, if you will. If lots of good ol evangelical and Calvinist scholars say one thing (a form of both the ad populum and genetic fallacies), then it becomes gospel truth (at least for a time). We dont function that way, and it would be nice if Hays (not an unintelligent man) could have figured this out. Secondly, I dont know if Rahner reformulated the Trinity in heretical terms or not. Id have to see what he wrote and thought about it. Chances are it was a legitimate development. But I certainly wouldnt take Hays bald assertion of this, rather than actually examining it. If he wants to make such a claim, then he needs to present the evidence. But that was habitually too laborious for him to do. He wants to make the potshots and then retreat and laugh about peoples reactions, rather than seriously discuss the topic with an open mind. Protestant scholars in a burst of inspiration no doubt figured out after 1930 that contraception was fine and dandy, even though no Christian group had ever held the position before that time. Everyone eventually started believing it in Protestant circles (especially after 1960 and the Pill), and so it then became okay! Then killjoy Pope St. Paul VI expressed the traditional Christian teaching in 1968: that it was not okay, and continued to be grave sin, since moral truths dont change. Recently, by the way, Pope Francis (supposedly a flaming liberal dissident, according to Hays and even many deluded or misinformed Catholics these days) upheld and reaffirmed unchanging Catholic teaching on contraception. And its been like this with one moral (especially sexual) teaching after another in Protestant circles. Lots of Protestant denominations now think abortion is fine, and sodomy, and gay marriage and cohabitation and masturbation and divorce and euthanasia and self-mutilating sterilization procedures. You name it. I replied to arguments from Steve Hays regarding masturbation in 2007 (and rarity of rarities! he actually directly interacted with me a bit, before he decided I was evil). He claimed he wasnt for or agin it, but then talked about it as a sexual safety valve and wrote that the morality of masturbation is debatable. [A]llegorical exegesis is contrary to how later Bible writers interpret earlier Bible writers. [p. 419] Really? Not always. St. Paul in Galatians 4:21-31 explicitly states about aspects of the story of Hagar and Sarah, Now this is an allegory (4:24). In 1 Corinthians 9:9-10 Paul provides an allegorical interpretation of the injunction to not muzzle an ox when it is plowing corn, comparing that to the obligation to pay Christian workers. In Romans 5:14 he refers to Adam, who was a type of the one who was to come. Elijah was a type of John the Baptist, etc. There are many such examples. Can we be sure? [Y]ou offer no counterargument. Rather, you simply push the rewind button and replay your prerecorded message. . . . All you have is slogans. You have nothing to back up the slogans. . . . Do you think its clever for you to offer these snappy, unintelligent comebacks? Dont try to be clever at the expense of intellectual honesty or comprehension. . . . I notice that when your claims are challenged, you have nothing in reserve. So you just repeat the original claim. You dont rebut the counterargument. [pp. 449-451] These are remarkably accurate descriptions of Steves own frequent methodology. He can see and object to it in others but not in his own rhetoric and polemics. Modern Catholicism treats Scripture as eminently fallible. [p. 449] This is a lie. Catholicism treats Holy Scripture as it always has: as inerrant inspired revelation. See: Vatican II and the Inerrancy of the Bible, by Jeffrey Pinyan (10-10-10), Vatican II Upheld Biblical Inerrancy (vs. David Palm) [4-23-20], and The Inerrancy of Scripture and the Second Vatican Council, by Mark Joseph Zia, Faith & Reason, 2006. *** Practical Matters: Perhaps some of my 4,300+ free online articles (the most comprehensive one-stop Catholic apologetics site) or fifty-one books have helped you (by Gods grace) to decide to become Catholic or to return to the Church, or better understand some doctrines and why we believe them. Or you may believe my work is worthy to support for the purpose of apologetics and evangelism in general. If so, please seriously consider a much-needed financial contribution. Im always in need of more funds: especially monthly support. The laborer is worthy of his wages (1 Tim 5:18, NKJV). 1 December 2021 was my 20th anniversary as a full-time Catholic apologist, and February 2022 marked the 25th anniversary of my blog. PayPal donations are the easiest: just send to my email address: apologistdave@gmail.com. Youll see the term Catholic Used Book Service, which is my old side-business. To learn about the different methods of contributing, including 100% tax deduction, etc., see my page: About Catholic Apologist Dave Armstrong / Donation Information. Thanks a million from the bottom of my heart! *** Photo credit: The Whore of Babylon (workshop of Lucas Cranach): colorized illustration from Martin Luthers 1534 translation of the Bible [public domain / Wikimedia Commons] *** Summary: The late Steve Hays was a Calvinist and anti-Catholic writer and apologist. This is one of my many critiques of Hays Catholicism: a 695-page self-published volume. Vice President Dr Bawumia has gone viral after queuing to buy waakye at a roadside joint. Dr Bawumia stormed a food joint with his entourage including the Minister of Communication, Ursula Owusu and his media crew. Dr Bawumia gave his order to the seller; he asked for an egg, fish, and macaroni and also ordered one for Ursula Owusu. The Vice President stood for a while for the vendor to prepare his order and asked for his bill. He shouted eeei after the seller told him his bill was GHC 60. Somehow the Vice President, Dr Bawumia has been hit with the sad reality he experienced what Ghanaians go through every day. Reacting to the video, social media users are expressing their sentiments over the hardship in Ghana. Watch the video below; View this post on Instagram A post shared by Phylx Entertainment (@iamphylxgh_) Source: instagram/GC 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 NPP Member of Parliament for Okaikoi North, Issah Fuseini has appealed to the delegates of the ruling New Patriotic Party to elect Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as flagbearer of the party. Contributing to Peace FM's 'kokrokoo' show, Issah Fuseini touted Dr. Bawumia as the best candidate to lead the NPP into victory in the next general elections. He noted that the Vice President has proven through his works that he deserves to be President of Ghana. "Even as Vice President, he has proven himself like this. What about when he becomes a President?", he told host Nana Yaw Kesseh. Nominations for the Presidential primary opened on May 26 and is expected to end on June 24, 2023. Watch voideo below 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 SUNBURY - A former human relations administrator will be required to repay the nearly $250,000 she admitted stealing from her employer by giving herself raises and making thousands of dollars in personal purchases. Full restitution of $247,270 was part of the 9-to-23-month county prison sentence Jennifer L. Leonard, 51, of Selinsgrove, received Friday in Northumberland County court. Leonard will serve five years probation following the jail sentence. She is to self-report June 30. Leonard had admitted when she pleaded guilty in January to a theft charge she had used the credit card of Custom Container Solutions Inc. of Milton to make $234,192 in purchases between November 2018 and May 2021. She also admitted entering information on the companys payroll account that resulted in overpayment of her salary in 2020 and 2021. She already has repaid approximately $46,000, according to her attorney, George E. Lepley. Milton police launched an investigation after the controller for the company, which manufactures custom and standard steel roll-off containers, discovered payroll discrepancies. Egypt plays a central regional and international role in hosting large numbers of refugees of different nationalities who fled the Sudanese conflict, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi said during a meeting with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi on Monday. Grandi is in Egypt on a three-day visit. According to Spokesperson for the Egyptian Presidency Ahmed Fahmy, Grandi expressed his appreciation for Egypts intensive efforts towards settling the crisis and restoring security and stability in Sudan. He also affirmed his keenness to enhance cooperation in supporting displaced people hosted in Egypt. The UNHCR chief had inspected the Egyptian-Sudanese border crossings on Sunday to ensure that Sudanese refugees were provided the adequate support from UN Egypt teams. Grandi hailed Egypt's efforts with UN organizations and the Egyptian Red Crescent to help Sudanese and other refugees escape the war in Egypt's southern neighbour. The international community as well as donors must provide support to hosting countries, he reiterated. El-Sisi affirmed the refugees issue and all forms of displacement should be dealt with through "a comprehensive approach." This approach is meant to address the roots of conflict and achieve security, political stability, and inclusive sustainable development, El-Sisi added. The president also expressed appreciation for the UNHCR efforts to confront the escalating crisis in Sudan. According to the UNHCR, Egypt is the largest host of Sudanese fleeing the conflict, with an estimated arrival rate of over 5,000 individuals per day. On Sunday, the Egyptian foreign ministry stated that "to date, 164,000 Sudanese have been granted access to Egypt through its southern borders." Search Keywords: Short link: The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for parts of central Pennsylvania, pending inclement weather Saturday evening. The warnings zone encompasses northeastern Cumberland County, northwestern Dauphin County, northeastern Juniata County and eastern Perry County until 6:45 p.m. The National Weather Service said residents in those areas should move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building for their protection. A severe thunderstorm warning is issued when a severe thunderstorm is detected by radar or when a thunderstorm with hail bigger than one inch or winds equal to 58 mph, according to the National Weather Service. They can also produce tornadoes with little or no advance warning, the National Weather Service said. READ MORE: Man who died at Dauphin County jail was put in smock, told he can freeze: lawsuit Lebanon DA will seek death penalty in shooting of 2 children, teen Pa. mountain fire spreads to at least 100 acres, officials say A fire that broke out on state forest lands on Shade Mountain in Snyder County Friday morning is continuing to spread Saturday despite firefighters efforts to contain it, Pennsylvania officials say. At least 10 different volunteer fire companies are on the mountain, using bulldozers to punch down fire lines and a helicopter to fight the flames, according to John Portzline, a representative of the Department of the Conservation of Natural Resources. Nobody has been injured from the fire, Portzline said. Crews first arrived at the fire before noon Friday, where they began to cordon off the area and work at controlling the fire. This fire is difficult to knock down because it is located on rocky terrain, Portzline said. The cause of the fire is under investigation, Portzline said. Rumors that have circulated social media saying that the fire erupted from a controlled burn gone bad are incorrect. Portzline said there was no controlled burn in that area at that time. The support of the general public has been immense though, he said. People have donated water and food supplies to efforts to quell the flames, and donations are welcome at the Fremont Fire Department and at Snyder County Emergency Management. Portzline asked members of the public to avoid the area of the fire itself, however. We do have Shade Mountain Road shut down for public safety, Portzline said. We do not want the public to go therethey would be interfering. Let the firefighters and professionals control it. Portzline said central Pa. is experiencing drought conditions, and although there is no burn ban, residents need to be cautious when using fire. READ MORE: Man who died at Dauphin County jail was put in smock, told he can freeze: lawsuit Ex-official of Pa. company must repay the nearly $250K she admitted stealing Lebanon DA will seek death penalty in shooting of 2 children, teen A man is in police custody Friday after being accused of trying to abduct a young child from a New Jersey Wawa store earlier this week, according to news sources. The name of the man has yet to be released. The male suspect has been apprehended and is currently in custody, state police tweeted on Friday. Thank you everyone who sent in tips and shared the post. The incident occurred on May 28 at the Dorchester Wawa in Cumberland County. Video released by authorities captured the suspect entering and leaving the store. According to what the 7-year-old boy told authorities; the man offered the young boy candy while the two were in the restroom. The boy said the man told him if he agreed to leave with him, hed get the candy. But when the child refused, the suspect suddenly grabbed the boys arm and tried to physically remove him from the store, according to reports from NBC10 and 6ABC. The boy then resisted, broke free from the suspects grip and ran to his mother who was in the womans restroom. The suspect escaped from the scene and was seen leaving in a white Toyota 4Runner. He was able to get away before the boys family was able to locate him, according to reports. Anyone with additional information is asked to contact the NJ State Police Port Norris station at 856-785-0036. Read More: Over the last decade we have received flat funding, said Annie Strite, mental health director with Cumberland-Perry Mental Health/Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, during a May 24 town hall meeting held at Newport Assembly of God Family Life Center. With population growth, as well as with the economy, weve not seen any kind of increase in funding for county-based services. This is definitely negatively impacting our ability to serve the community. So we think this is an important conversation the public can be aware of to make sure we are responding and making sure that those in leadership roles legislators and state officials recognize the need in our communities. Over the past 13 years, Cumberland-Perry Mental Health has seen flat or decreased funding and is facing a $2.5 million deficit. While Perry Countys population has remained relatively stable, Cumberland County is the fastest growing county in Pennsylvania, growing 10.2% from 2010 to 2020, and an estimated 3.5% from 2020 to 2022. In 2009, Cumberland-Perry Mental Health received about $11 million from the state. This year, they received just under $10.5 million. The impact of that has been very, very challenging for our office, Strite said. For example, we have 84 residential slots for individuals with serious mental illness to receive services around the clock. Unfortunately, we now have a wait list of 90. So, we have a wait list that exceeds our current capacity. Whats happening is people often, if they dont get the services and support they need, they end up back in the hospital repeatedly, they end up back in crisis repeatedly, or even worse, they end up homeless, they end up in jail. Strites claim is supported by statistics. In 2022, 911 received more than 1,228 calls for psychiatric assistance from police departments, up from 1,130 in 2021. Cumberland County Prison, in 2022, housed 342 individuals with mental illness diagnoses, again up from 323 in 2019. In 2022, 377 children were referred to Children and Youth Services, compared with 257 in 2021. For youth, 13% entering the juvenile probation system have had thoughts of suicide. Involuntary mental health commitment petitions also increased 73% from 2019 to 2022. Panel moderator Leslie Heimbaugh (left), executive director for the Perry County Literacy Council, starts off the May 24 town hall meeting on funding mental health programs held at Newport Assembly of God Family Life Center. Panelists included (from left) Heather Goshorn, a person with experience with mental health issues; Brenda Schultz, with Teenline from Penn State Health; Annie Strite, Cumberland-Perry Mental Health director; and Shannyn Trostle, a counselor working in Perry County Prison. Not pictured, but present were Shannon Gay, special education director for Greenwood schools, and Becky Parthemore, who has a son who struggles with mental illness. (Paul E. Wyatt photo) According to their website, if additional funding isnt received, cuts could be made to mental health services provided by the county. What that would look like? Strite said, Weve actually developed four scenarios. I will tell you that out of those four scenarios, if we cut prevention services, so services to children in our schools, we see a dire outcome, because then kids will not get the help they need, and then it will cause things like out-of-home placement and families who say, I cant manage my child anymore. If we cut adult residential services, we already have a wait list of 90. If we cut adult residential services, then what I said earlier is likely to come true. We will have people homeless. We will have people in jail. We will have people needing higher levels of hospitalization. So, yes, if we end up using those scenarios, the outcomes are disastrous for people in our community. Strite said the biggest challenges in the mental health system are twofold. Staffing is one, the pandemic has really hurt our workforce, and some of that has been really challenging for us. Many of our residential staff start about $17 an hour. Many of our case managers dont make a lot more than that. We need to be paying workers wages that are livable. One of my biggest concerns is I would love to see our residential staff not have to work two jobs. I cant tell you the number of our residential staff who need to work two jobs to support their family. Thats a concern because this work is challenging. Its hard. Were having a hard time attracting and keeping good people. The other challenge is funding. If we had adequate resources, we would automatically see a decrease in probation. We would see a decrease in our jails, we would see a decrease in police calls. Im thoroughly convinced of this. We would see a decrease in 911 calls. So all of these things, if we had adequate funding, Im convinced we would see a decrease in homelessness. It would be interesting to know what that looked like in real world perspective. It would be interesting to have adequate resources to see what kind of relief valves that were pushed to the rest of our community. Brenda Schultz works at Teenline, a program offered by Penn State Health that works to provide mental health services to all secondary schools in Perry and Cumberland counties. Since the pandemic, weve seen the most students ever in the existence of Teenline. So, weve been very, very busy. What we see a lot of is anxiety and depression. The kids are really struggling both at the middle school and the high school levels. We also see a lot of families struggling. Theyre struggling with financial instability and also homelessness. We really do try to not only recommend those mental health services for the students, but also community resources for the families at large. Teenline serves 35 schools in 13 districts, all with a staff of five mental health liaisons. Cumberland-Perry MH.IDD has a similar program focused on elementary schools that serves 47 schools, they also have five staff members. How mental health issues impact students, Schultz said What we see is it really does affect the academics of students. We start to see the grades drop, we start to see the behaviors increase in the classroom, theyre coming down to school counselors to visit with them more often, and it really does cause a rift in a lot of family relationships. And its just putting a lot of stress and a lot of tension on the teachers, on the staff, on the students especially, and then also at the families at home. Shannon Gay, special education director for Greenwood schools, added, Weve seen a lot of students be very apathetic to learning. It just manifests as it might look like theyre not paying attention or they dont care or that old thought theyre just being lazy. Theyre not. Theres no child who goes into school and doesnt want to do their best, and its heartbreaking. This is my 22nd year in education. I can tell you (we are seeing more students with mental health issues at a young age) by far. There are (second grade) students that we are asking parents if they would consider going to crisis at the district. I was one of those kids that struggled, and as far back as I can remember, I thought that everybody was happy while I was pretending to be happy, said Heather Goshorn, a panel member. I have this whole thing of what I could say, but at the end of the day, I would not be sitting in front of anybody up here, let alone where I would be without case management, peer support, the social and psych rehab program, and case management, which has all been big supporters in continuing my journey. Shannyn Trostle, a counselor at Perry County Prison, said, Well definitely continue to see an increase of individuals coming to prison with a decrease in resources. Then once they come to the prison, we have a great difficulty in what happens afterwards. Becky Parthemore, a panel member whose son struggles with mental health issues, said, I really dont know where our family or our son would be without case management because case managers are able to find help for your loved ones. Parthemore also distributed information on the National Alliance on Mental Illnesss Family to Family program. The eight-session provides information and strategies for taking care of loved ones who struggle with mental illness while also providing a support network. It will begin on June 14 and held on Wednesdays from 6:30 until 8:30 p.m. at the Camp Hill Giant Community Center, 3301 Trindle Road. For more information on the program, readers may call 717-620-9580, which is not a crisis line, or email info@namicppa.org. Nationaldepressionhotline.org is a free resource that helps people find the correct mental health and crisis hotlines in their area. They aim to provide free resources for people struggling with depression specifically. Panelists encouraged those in attendance to reach out to state legislators and to let them know how important funding for mental health programs is for the community. For more information, visit cumberlandcountypa.gov/5093/Mental-Health-Funding. The Pennsylvania State Police ran a special detail May 15 to 17 on state Routes 11/15. The combined detail was named Operation Treble Hook, and utilized troopers from Troop H Newport, Troop F Selinsgrove and Troop G Lewistown. During the three days, roughly 40 troopers worked together to stop 402 vehicles, issuing 368 citations and 223 warnings. There were also three driving under the influence arrests, five drug possession arrests and one arrest warrant served. The detail operated on a 50-mile stretch from Marysville to Monroe Township in Snyder County. Newport troopers covered the sections of the highway in Perry County; Lewistown troopers covered Juniata County; and Selinsgrove troopers covered Snyder County. We picked this area based off of historic crash data we obtained from the crash investigations that the three PSP stations conducted over the past year, said Sgt. Derek Johnson with Newport PSP Troop H. In 2022, the three stations investigated 287 crashes on that 50-mile stretch, including five fatal crashes. So, we figured this was an area we needed a little bit of extra attention. We tried to provide more visibility and enforcement throughout the area during the detail. Troopers targeted aggressive, distracted and impaired drivers along the route. During the detail, troopers saw the results of the increased enforcement. We noticed after the first morning, speeds diminished a little bit over time, Johnson said. The first morning of the detail, we had one traffic stop with one of our troopers from the Newport station in Buffalo Twp. (where we) stopped one vehicle for traveling 108 miles an hour. We did see the speeds were slowly starting to go down and toward the end, we were having less and less violations observed, less and less aggressive driving violations observed. ON THEIR RADAR A Pennsylvania State Police trooper with Troop H Newport posts up with his radar gun on Route 11/15 in an effort to increase trooper visibility and to deter aggressive, distracted and impaired drivers. (Paul E. Wyatt photo) By the end of the detail, the highest speeds troopers were seeing were in the 80s. Troopers spoke with business owners and residents along the route, and reportedly received a lot of positive feedback. They were thanking us for being out there, and theyre the ones that deal with this traffic on a daily basis, and seeing the same problems we see, Johnson continued. They deal with it in their backyard. During the detail, there were no crashes in Perry County, with only one crash occurring in Snyder County. Its a high volume, high traffic roadway, said Johnson. Theres a lot of crashes. Im not a PennDOT engineer, but with cross traffic, turning lanes and such like that, it has made it a bad area for crashes historically. This corridor along the Susquehanna Trail has historically been an issue, and last year it got my attention because from Liverpool down to Little Cove we had five different fatality crashes throughout 2022, said Lt. Kenneth Tallman, station commander for Newport PSP. Our goal this year, as a station, is to reduce the number of fatalities and crashes with injuries and overall just reduce the number of crashes. The best way to reduce crashes is to reduce speed, because if you reduce the speeds, its going to give the motorist more time to react if somebody pulls out in front of them. Police also face challenges on patrol. At times, its dangerous for our officers to be out there, Johnson said. I mean, on the side of the road, when you have traffic traveling at high rates of speed and some motorists who arent following the move-over law, moving over to open lane, it puts our officers in a bad situation. Johnson recognized the troopers who participated in the detail, saying, They did a phenomenal job. They worked very hard out there. We dealt with some hot and inclement weather. The troopers acted professionally and did a nice job trying to reduce crashes in the area. This was overall an successful operation, Tallman concluded. Kudos to Sgt. Johnson and the sergeants from the Lewistown and Selinsgrove barracks. It was a great effort and very collaborative. To have just one crash on this 50-mile stretch of roadway in the three-day period is phenomenal. Its just evidence that the importance, the impact our troopers make on a daily basis by just being visible and slowing people down. Just because the detail has ended doesnt mean there will be less enforcement in the area. There is going to be an emphasis this year by the Newport station to be out here targeting aggressive, impaired driving and distracted drivers along 11/15, Tallman said. Not just up here in Liverpool, but also down on State Road and in Penn Twp. Thats been a concern of ours as well. So, the entire stretch from Liverpool all the way down to Marysville, there will be increased enforcement from the state police. Newport PSP has more special operations planned throughout the summer and potentially into the fall. The operations are aimed at reducing crashes. NDP MP Jenny Kwan speaks to reporters about her briefing with CSIS where they confirmed that she was a target of foreign interference, in the Foyer of the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, on Monday, May 29, 2023. It took about an hour for Jenny Kwan to be briefed by Canada's spy agency and not even a second for her to decide it won't let her bend. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang Defence Minister Anita Anand looks on after making a keynote address at the CANSEC trade show in Ottawa, on Wednesday, May 31, 2023. Defence Minister Anita Anand says Canada is committed to the support of a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific, and is reinforcing its military presence in the region. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang The UN said Thursday more than 100,000 Sudanese refugees had fled to neighbouring Chad since the conflict in Sudan broke out over six weeks ago, bringing the tally to more than half a million. Khartoum and other parts of Sudan have been gripped by warfare between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. "The number of new refugees has passed the 100,000 mark" since fighting broke out on April 15, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said, as it appealed for emergency support. Up to 200,000 others could be forced to flee to Chad in the next three months, the agency's representative in Chad, Laura Lo Castro, said in a statement. With the rainy season approaching, UNHCR said it needed "massive logistical support" to move refugees from border areas for their safety. Even before the conflict erupted, Chad -- one of the poorest countries in the world -- was sheltering 588,000 refugees, including 409,000 Sudanese who were mainly from the western region of Darfur, UNHCR said. The agency said it needed $214.1 million to provide protection and vital assistance for all refugees and displaced people in Chad. Of this, $72.4 million were needed for people fleeing the Sudan crisis. However, just 16 percent of this target has been met, it said. Search Keywords: Short link: 2023 WSOP Hands of the Week: Runner-Runner Royal Flush; a Hellmuth Slowroll? June 03, 2023 Chad Holloway Executive Editor U.S. The 2023 World Series of Poker (WSOP) kicked off earlier this week, and bracelet winners are being minted every day. The PokerNews Live Reporting Team has been busy capturing all the action in our live updates, and theyve witnessed some hands go down that proved to be either entertaining, game-changing or just flat out brutal. Below is a look at some of the best hands of the week from the 2023 WSOP! 2023 World Series of Poker Hub Bookmark this page! All you need to know about the 2023 WSOP is here. Click here Accidental Slow Roll from Hellmuth Chad Eveslage On Day 1 of Event #5: $1,500 Dealers Choice 6-Handed, it was Level 7 when reporter Connor Richards captured an interesting Badeucey hand involving 16-time bracelet winner Phil Hellmuth. Chad Eveslage raised to 1,200 on the button and was called by the small blind and Hellmuth in the big blind. Eveslage drew two as Hellmuth drew three and the small blind drew one. Action checked through after the first draw and Eveslage drew two as Hellmuth and the small blind again drew three and one. The small blind then led out for 1,200 and Hellmuth and Eveslage both called. The small blind stood pat as Eveslage drew one and Hellmuth drew one. The small blind bet again after the third draw and only Hellmuth called. The small blind showed 87642 for an eight-seven low and a three-card Badugi and Hellmuth put down 543 as he read his opponent's hand. "Oh wait, I scoop it!" Hellmuth cheered as he turned over 87 to reveal a better low and a better three-card Badugi. "I don't slow roll intentionally," Hellmuth consoled his opponent. Im a Genius Nacho Barbero In the same tournament but in Level 10, Richards caught another hand. It was Nacho Barbero's turn to choose a game and he took his time sifting through the 20 mixed game placards as Daniel Negreanu and others at the table waited for the high-stakes Argentinian pro to decide. After getting to the final placard, Barbero flipped back to the top of the stack and made another run through before landing on Limit 2-7 Triple Draw. An early position player raised to 3,000 and Barbero and the button called. Barbero drew one and his opponents drew two. Action checked to Barbero and he bet and drew one. Both opponents called and drew one. Each player again checked and drew one and checked once more after the third draw. Barbero showed A6432 as he picked up an ace at the end to significantly weaken his hand. But it was enough to win as both of his opponents paired at the end and mucked in defeat. "I'm a genius. I'm a f***ing genius," Barbero said as he took in the pot. Poker Royalty Brenes Loses to Aronowitz' Runner-Runner Royal Flush Matthew Aronowitz In Event #7: $1,500 Limit Holdem, reporter Ryan Gray posted an update from Level 10 (1,000/2,000). After a bet by Matthew Aronowitz and a call by Humberto Brenes on a board of 4910K, the two took a J river. Aronowitz bet and Brenes folded. Brenes let the table know he had folded a pair of tens as he flashed the Ax10x. Aronowitz showed his holding was slightly stronger when he rolled over AQ for a Royal Flush. Follow live updates from the 2023 WSOP here! Kitagawa Pays Tribute To Doyle Brunson Kyle Kitagawa Also, in Event #7: $1,500 Limit Holdem, Chris Land reported a hand in Level 13 (2,000/4,000) when the under-the-gun player raised and got called by a player in late position and Kyle Kitagawa in the big blind. The flop came down 6102 and Kitagawa checked. The under-the-gun player put a bet out and saw the player in late position call before Kitagawa stuck in a raise, which was called by both opponents prompting the dealer to burn and turn the A. Kitagawa checked again before he and the late position player both called a bet from the under-the-gun player and all three went to a 2 river. Kitagawa checked once more and faced another bet from the under-the-gun player. The late position player put in the call before Kitagawa tossed out a raise. The UTG player called and the late-position player tossed his cards toward the muck. Kitagawa showed the 102 for deuces full to take down a massive pot. With the passing of Doyle Brunson just a few short weeks before the start of the 2023 WSOP, we knew we'd see players looking to pay tribute to his legacy and Kitagawa did just that. Former Main Event Champ is King in Mystery Millions Martin Jacobson Event #3: $1,000 Mystery Millions featured four starting flights, and as expected the gimmicky tournament attracted thousands of players, both pros and recs alike. There were a lot of big hands to go down, and one in particular involved a former Main Event champion. The hand took place in Level 17 (5,000/10,000/10,000) when Sweden's Martin Jacobson, the winner of the 2014 WSOP Main Event, raised to 20,000 from middle position and the player to his left three-bet to 52,000. Action folded to the player in the big blind and they jammed for approximately 150,000. Jacobson responded by moving all in over the top for 340,000 and then the three-bettor called off for right around 300,000. Martin Jacobson: KK Late-Position Player: AA Big Blind: 1010 All three players held big pocket pairs, and none of them improved on the 489 flop. The 9 turn gave Jacobson the only flush draw, but he didn't hit it. Instead, the dealer put out the K on the river to fill him up and give him the double knockout. Jacobson went on to bag 1.18 million and will return to action on Sunday for Day 2, which is when the $1,000,000 bounty and other prizes will be up for grabs. Sharelines Check out some of the biggest and most interesting hands played at the 2023 @WSOP thus far. Event #4 of the 2023 World Series of Poker will enter its final day with Wissam Gahshan leading the remaining seven players at the Horseshoe and Paris Las Vegas. The invitation-only Tournament of Champions boasted a $1,000,000 guaranteed prize pool and was open to players who had won a WSOP bracelet or WSOP circuit ring in the last year, with 741 players entering out of 989 qualifiers to attempt to claim the top prize of $200,000. Gahshan finished the day atop the leaderboard with 5,130,000 in chips and his closest competitor, Patrick White, was not far behind with 3,885,000. Gahshan qualified for the tournament with a win at The Bicycle Casino in Los Angeles in December of last year. White punched his ticket at the March stop in New York at Turning Stone. From there, its anyones game, as the chip counts run fairly close together. Brent Gregory finished with 3,400,000, while Justin Hotte-Mckinnon and Hunter Mcclelland both ended the day with 2,700,000. Gregory won his way in with a victory at the March stop in Tulsa and Hotte-Mckinnon picked up his ring on WSOP.ca in March. Mcclelland won two rings on WSOP PA and he is looking to add a gold bracelet to his trophy shelf. Ronnie Day and Barry Schultz finished with 2,300,000 and 2,005,000, respectively, to round out the lineup for the final day. Day is a recent winner from the May circuit stop in Southern Indiana and Schultz won the Seniors event at Horseshoe Tunica in January. Final Table Chip Counts Seat Name Country Chip Count Big Blinds 1 Wissam Gahshan United States 5,130,000 51 2 Barry Schultz United States 2,005,000 20 3 Ronnie Day United States 2,300,000 23 4 Justin Hotte-Mckinnon Canada 2,700,000 27 5 Patrick White United States 3,885,000 39 6 Brent Gregory United States 3,400,000 34 7 Hunter Mcclelland United States 2,700,000 27 Six of the seven remaining players will hope to keep the bracelet on American soil, with one, Hotte-Mckinnon, looking to bring the gold back to Canada. The players have already locked up a payday of $26,000, which for some is already a nice boost to their bankroll. Justin Hotte-Mckinnon The action was fast and furious throughout the day, as Dylan Lemery was the first one eliminated from the unofficial final table, losing most of his chips when his pocket aces were cracked by the pocket nines of Daniel Marx. Left with only one big blind, Lemery tossed it in a few hands later after it was folded to him on the button. It was Gahshan who eliminated him with a dominating hand from the small blind, as Lemery's ace-five offsuit went down in flames to Gahshan's ace-queen. Soon after, Zachary Gruneberg moved all in from middle position with pocket kings, but ran straight into the aces of the new chip leader, Gahshan. Gahshan's aces held and sent Gruneberg to the payout desk to collect a $16,000 payday. Remaining Payouts Place Prize 1 $200,000 2 $120,000 3 $87,000 4 $63,000 5 $46,000 6 $35,000 7 $26,000 Players will return at 4 p.m. on Saturday to play down to a winner in a final table that will be streamed with cards-up coverage by PokerGO on a security delay. The action picks up in Level 28 with around 42 minutes remaining and blinds at 50,000/100,000/100,000. Be sure to keep it with the PokerNews team for live updates from the floor of the 2023 World Series of Poker. Shelling rocked greater Khartoum on Friday, as fighting between Sudan's warring generals intensified despite US sanctions imposed after the collapse of a US- and Saudi-brokered truce. Witnesses reported artillery fire around the state television building in the capital's sister city of Omdurman, just across the Nile. For nearly seven weeks, deadly fighting between the regular army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces has gripped Khartoum and the flashpoint western region of Darfur despite repeated efforts to broker a humanitarian ceasefire. The army announced it had brought reinforcements to the capital from other parts of Sudan to participate in "operations in the Khartoum area". Sudan analyst Kholood Khair said the army was "expected to launch a massive offensive" to clear the paramilitaries from the streets of Khartoum. Washington slapped sanctions on the warring parties Thursday, holding them both responsible for provoking "appalling" bloodshed. The US Treasury placed two major arms companies of the Sudanese Armed Forces, Defence Industries System and Sudan Master Technology, on its blacklist. In parallel, it placed sanctions on gold miner Al Junaid Multi Activities Co and arms trader Tradive General Trading, two companies controlled by RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Daglo and his family. The State Department meanwhile imposed visa restrictions on both army and RSF officials, saying they were complicit in "undermining Sudan's democratic transition." It did not provide their names. Army eyes 'military gains' Analysts question the efficacy of sanctions on Sudan's warring sides, both of which amassed considerable wealth during the rule of longtime dictator Omar al-Bashir, whose government was subjected to decades of international sanctions before his overthrow in 2019. So far neither side has managed to gain a decisive advantage. The regular army has air power and heavy weaponry, but analysts say the paramilitaries are more mobile and better suited for urban warfare. Just hours after the army announced it was quitting US- and Saudi-brokered ceasefire talks on Wednesday, troops attacked key bases of the RSF in Khartoum. One air and artillery bombardment by the army struck a Khartoum market, killing 18 civilians and wounding 106, a committee of human rights lawyers said. The army will want to make "some military gains before committing to any future talks, in order to improve their bargaining position", said Khair, the founder of Khartoum-based think tank Confluence Advisory. Since fighting erupted on April 15, more than 1,800 people have been killed, according to the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project. The UN says 1.2 million people have been displaced within Sudan and more than 425,000 have fled abroad. UN mission up for renewal Later Friday, the UN Security Council was set to review its mission in Sudan, whose mandate expires on Saturday. The majority of mission staff have been evacuated and Burhan has demanded the replacement of its current chief, Volker Perthes, accusing him of stoking the brutal conflict with the RSF. When the fighting erupted, the UN envoy had been focused on finalising a deal to restore Sudan's promised transition to civilian rule which was derailed by a 2021 coup by the two generals. Growing differences between them had threatened to torpedo the deal, which they were supposed to iron out in UN-backed talks on the day they turned Khartoum into a war zone. Some 25 million people -- more than half Sudan's population -- are now in need of aid and protection, the UN says. Aid corridors that had been promised as part of the abortive humanitarian truce never materialised and relief agencies say they have managed to deliver only a fraction of the needs. Medics and relief agencies say 18 aid workers have been killed as widespread looting has gripped the main battlegrounds. Aid agencies have reported "the theft of 115 vehicles and the looting of 57 warehouses and 55 offices," according to the mediators of the failed truce. Search Keywords: Short link: Out of 568 players that entered Event #6: $5,000 Mixed No-Limit Holdem/Pot-Limit Omaha yesterday, only one remained when the dust settled after 26 hours of play over two action-packed days. Obviously, a tremendous start at the 2023 World Series of Poker for Michael Moncek, as he took the lion's share of a prize pool that totaled a whopping $2,612,800. Runner up, Fernando Habegger came into the day with the chip lead and managed to navigate all the way to the final heads up. Habegger received $330,344 for his valiant efforts. PokerGO interviewed Moncek moments after he rang the victory bell. "It means a lot and now I have a decent shot at going for Player of the Year," Moncek said. "Winning a bracelet in the first week, I'm excited about that." Michael Moncek is no stranger to winning. He has three WSOP circuit rings and this isn't his first bracelet either, he also won Event #13: $1,500 Limit Hold'em last year at the 2022 World Series of Poker. Final Table Results Place Player Country Payout (USD) 1 Michael Moncek United States $534,499 2 Fernando Habegger Switzerland $330,344 3 Alex Livingston Canada $235,062 4 Michael Banducci United States $169,674 5 Christian Harder United States $124,266 6 Tyler Brown United States $92,362 7 Kristen Foxen United States $69,683 8 Ferenc Deak Hungary $53,377 Final Day Action Plenty of skilled hopefuls made it deep into day one but came up short. Brian Rast bust just three from the money in the 17th level. Daniel Negreanu bust Jeremy Ausmus (86th - $8,000) in level 18. Dylan Weisman (74th - $8,000) cashed after making a big fold deep in the tournament. Negreanu later went on to bust without finding a bag (63rd - $8,750). On day two Martin Zamani exited in 21st place in a pair-over-pair altercation (21st - $17,826). Yuval Bronshtein (9th - $41,521), a two-time bracelet winner, finished in 9th place at the unofficial final table. Final Table Action Ferenc Deak is a Hungarian player who has cashes in Las Vegas that go as far back as 2011. On the bubble of the final table, he worked a short stack, stealing blinds in both the PLO and NLH rounds every opportunity he could. Unfortunately, when the cards were on their back, he ended up getting his aces cracked in PLO to finish in 8th place. Shortly after this, the players went on break and when they returned, they were moved to the PokerGO feature table. No stranger to the lights and cameras, Kristen Foxen could be counted amongst the chip leaders since early on day 1. Losing a big hand to Livingston, where he limped jacks blind vs blind left her with only 390,000 in chips. She went on to be eliminated in 7th place shortly after. Tyler Brown got some respect from Shaun Deeb on Day 1 but ultimately was eliminated in 6th place when Moncek rivered a set against him on the river. Long-time crusher Christian Harder fell in 5th place, when he got his last 2,000,000 in chips in against Livingston preflop. Harder went on to say he's still in search of the hardware and will be back on the grind tomorrow. Michael Banducci, who won a NLH bracelet in 2008 was searching for a repeat 15 years later but Habegger's big slick bested him in a pot over 6,000,000. Banducci will have to settle for 5th place this time. Alex Livingston,also vying for a new piece of jewelry, ran into Habeggar's trips to lose a big chunk of his stack . It was Moncek who delivered the last blow, leaving Livingston to settle for the bronze. Heads up play Early in the heads up match, Moncek had 20,900,000 to Habegger's 7,480,000. Moncek kept the aggression up and whittled Habegger down to 4,450,000 but when Habegger limped jacks in the small blind he was able to find a double. Habegger was whittled down and doubled again in an Omaha hand when he flopped top pair but he was never able to regain the chip lead. Finally down to his last 2,100,000 in chips, Habegger got it all-in with a suited ace and a pair in an Omaha hand. Congratulations again to Moncek who started the World Series of Poker off with a bang, defeating Habegger with kings full of jacks. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print You know things are getting serious for Trump when Rep. Jim Jordan wades in and demands information from the Special Counsel to meddle in the investigation. Here is the letter that Jordan sent out demanding information about Special Counsel Jack Smiths Trump investigation: #BREAKING: Jim Jordan Probes the FBIs Role In Trump Special Counsel Investigation pic.twitter.com/lXAEOrIFB7 House Judiciary GOP (@JudiciaryGOP) June 2, 2023 Didnt we just do this? It was in April 2023 when Jim Jordan tried to meddle in Alvin Braggs investigation into Trump. Isnt Jordan off threatening to investigate Hillary Clinton? This is all part of Rep. Jordans looming push to defund the FBI. There is a method to Jordans madness, which is to use every tool at his disposal to try to keep Donald Trump from being criminally convicted before Election Day 2024. The important piece of information isnt that Jim Jordan is demanding information about Special Counsel Jack Smiths investigation. The important development is why Jordan wants that information. Chair Jordan has to know that the DOJ is going to tell him to go kick rocks and not provide a single scrap of info. Jordan can then use their refusal to compromise the investigation to argue that the FBI is a weaponized part of the Department of Justice that must be defunded. Rep. Jordan thinks that if get can get a bill to defund the FBI through the House, it will scare DOJ enough that they will back off of Trump. None of this will ever happen, but Jim Jordan is doing everything that he can to save Donald Trump. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print Some voters at Sen. Joni Ernsts Ride and Roast showed why Donald Trump may have an Iowa problem in 2024. Video: This is some interesting feedback from a couple of Iowa Republican voters who suggest that they like a lot of what Trump did while in office, but they suggest that don't like Trump. pic.twitter.com/zpSVLn3q5k Sarah Reese Jones (@PoliticusSarah) June 3, 2023 One voter told MSNBC, Were not big Trump fans. Theres a lot of bluster good ideas, but a lot of bluster. I like Mr. Scott. We share the same faith. He has a really arduous road ahead of him. Being black and a Republican. Another Republican voter in Iowa, Ive talked to Mike Pence a few times. I like Mike. Hes a good, moderate conservative. Religious family man. Im not 100 percent Trumper this time. He did some great things. I like what he did when he was in office. I just didnt like all of the bantering in the background. The Republicans MSNBC spoke to voiced a couple of realities about the Republican Party. Tim Scott is going to struggle as a candidate because he is black. Second, the Republican Party has moved so far to the right that Mike Pence could be viewed as a moderate. Trump didnt show up for Ernsts Ride and Roast, so it makes sense that the audience would be composed more of Iowans looking for someone other than Trump. However, the reason why these voters seemed to be turned off is because of Trumps personality. It isnt the legal problems, the criminal indictments, or the corruption. Some Republicans are sick of Trumps personality and drama. The more he campaigns, the more Trump might be costing himself votes. The MAGA contingent within the Republican primary is so large that it is unlikely that anyone else will be able to beat Trump in a primary, but Donald Trump definitely has an Iowa problem as he heads into 2024. It was the penultimate day of this years regular legislative session, lawmakers were scurrying around trying to get final deals done and bills passed because nobody was exactly sure what was going to happen in that not-yet-called special session, and York Rep. John King was at the House podium droning on about something that interested few people in the chamber: new election districts for the Rock Hill school district. Ill admit I wasnt paying much attention myself, until a few phrases jumped out at me: single-member districts, our voices being heard and the kicker, the only way to accomplish that. It seems that the Senate, and all the other House members who represented York County, had agreed to redraw the voting lines to reflect population changes in York District 3 while maintaining the current combination system of five school board members elected from single-member districts and two elected at-large. The problem, Mr. King argued, was that two of the single-member districts are represented by African Americans, and S.764s redrawn version of one of those districts was expected to produce a white board member. Add that to the lack of attention black voters have been getting from candidates for the at-large seats, and it was time for a change. We were not concerned about the color of the skin of the member that represents the district, he was saying. What we are concerned about is our voices being heard in the process. We have at-large seats right now with two Caucasians who never come into the African American community to hear our voices, who are invited into our community for different functions and never show up. All we ask, he said, is to have the voice of the minorities heard at least into two districts. Which sounds quite reasonable. The only way to accomplish that, he continued, was to move those two at-large seats and make it seven single-member districts. That sounds reasonable, too. But like most arguments for balkanizing our communities, its simply not accurate. The single-member trap Drawing single-member districts is the easiest and most straightforward way to ensure that minorities will have their voices heard in some of those districts. Its the method that our nation used to remove barriers that kept black people from getting elected to the Congress and state legislatures and local governing boards even in places where they were in the majority. Its also the way that divides our communities and encourages electors and elected to focus only on their tiny sliver of the community rather than the community as a whole. It emboldens extremism on the right and left, as advances in district-drawing software have allowed the districts to be made increasingly more homogeneous. Because it came to be seen as the solution to a racial problem, it still sends the message that race counts above all else. It makes it easier for whatever party is in charge of drawing districts to artificially increase its share of power sometimes dramatically. And regardless of race or party or ideology, it allows the politicians to pick their constituents rather than allowing voters to pick their elected officials. It might be worth accepting those problems if single-member districts really were the only way to ensure that all voters voices are heard. But there are in fact other ways to force candidates to hear minorities, be they racial minorities or ideological minorities or partisan minorities or any other kind of minority you can think of. Basically, the alternative solutions flip the script, so instead of politicians subdividing communities, communities subdivide themselves at election time and then come back together after the votes are cast. The other ways The two primary variations of this magic are limited-transfer voting and cumulative voting. In the Rock Hill school district, instead of having elections in five or even seven single-member districts, there would be seven at-large seats. Under a limited-transfer system, each voter would get to vote for a single candidate rather than the traditional seven. With cumulative voting, voters would get the usual seven votes, but they could cast them in any combination, from the traditional one for each of seven candidates to all seven for a single candidate. So if black voters in Rock Hill want to support a candidate who listens to their voice, they could rally around the candidate or candidates who did that, and that would give candidates the incentive Mr. King seeks to do so, since any self-defined seventh of the voters effectively would have the power to elect one of the seven winners. Ditto Republican voters or Democratic voters or anti-phonics voters or pro-standardized-test voters or well, you name it. Of course, these alternatives have the potential to shut out a minority if it divides its votes between too many candidates or, alternatively, result in the election of candidates supported only by a minority, in cases where the majority divides its votes between too many candidates. But thats not a flaw in these particular voting systems. That can happen in any election where a third (or fourth or fifth) candidate acts as a spoiler, as we saw in November when the Moms for Liberty candidate was elected in at least one liberal-leaning district in the Charleston County School Board elections. Regardless of which system youre using, the solution to this problem is to require a minimum percentage of the vote to win, and then use either a traditional runoff or ranked-choice voting when needed to clear that threshold. Thence to the beginning: Theres no such thing as an only way to change an election system in order to accomplish a worthy goal. Indeed, if youre not willing to explore other ways, theres a good chance youll end up like Mr. King: The House voted 78-28 to table his amendment and then sent the bill he didn't like to Gov. Henry McMaster, who signed it into law on May 19. Click here for more opinion content from The Post and Courier. DuPont and two of its spinoff businesses have agreed to pay almost $1.2 billion to settle litigation over toxic chemicals that contaminated water systems across the country, days before a high-stakes trial is scheduled to get underway in Charleston. The deal was announced June 2, as lawyers met with a judge in a federal courtroom on Broad Street to receive instructions about the proceedings set to begin next week. DuPont de Nemours Inc., Chemours Co. and Corteva Inc. said they reached an "agreement in principle" to settle claims over a class of man-made substances known as "forever chemicals." The $1.18 billion payment will go into a compensation fund. The companies and other big-name manufacturers such as 3M Co. are facing more than 4,000 lawsuits that have been assigned to U.S. District Court Judge Richard Gergel of Charleston. Many of the complaints allege that the toxic substances leached into public and private water systems, triggering a host of human health ailments, ranging from cancer to fertility issues. DuPont, Chemours and Corteva denied the allegations in their joint statement Friday. They said that they expect by next month to submit a formal agreement that will require Gergel's approval. It would mark the first major settlement among the mountain of cases that have been transferred to federal court in Charleston over the past four years. The companies said they "will continue to assert their strong legal defenses in pending litigation" if for some reason the deal isn't finalized. The settlement excludes personal-injury lawsuits and water-contamination complaints that some states are pursuing on their own against DuPont, Chemours and Corteva. The companies said they "will continue to assess and defend the cases" that aren't being resolved. The deal does not exempt other defendants from the litigation. This settlement by DuPont, in our minds eye, deals with really just a fraction of this contamination, Michael London, lead counsel for one of the law firms that has been filing the cases, told the Associated Press. At the core of the litigation are "perfluoroalkyl" and "polyfluoroalkyl" substances that have been used for decades in a variety of consumer products, from Teflon-coated cookware to waterproof clothing to stain-free carpeting. They earned the "forever" moniker because they don't break down easily. The trial scheduled in Charleston next week centers on the use of the chemicals in a firefighting foam developed in the 1960s that allegedly contaminated the water system in Stuart, Fla., after being sprayed repeatedly on the ground for years during training exercises. The coastal beach community north of West Palm Beach is seeking $115 million from 3M to pay for various expenses, such as new water-purification equipment and the removal of polluted soil. Bloomberg News reported Friday that the Minnesota-based company is considering a minimum $10 billion settlement to end its role in the foam case, citing unidentified sources. "Our take: We are excited that 3M appears to be making progress, but more is needed before we think we'll see a real clearing event for the name," Sanford C. Bernstein analysts wrote in a note. "We also emphasize the report of 'at least' $10B in settlement and believe ultimate settlement will end up significantly higher." 3M declined to comment on the settlement report. Earlier in the day, Gergel said he expected "a multiweek trial" that would begin after the jury is selected. He also set down some ground rules, such as requiring that facemasks be worn to avoid "a petri dish" environment. He said another one of his "peculiarities" is that he likes "to keep a speedy trial," and that lawyers need to be sure their witnesses are outside the courtroom when called to testify. "Not at Starbucks. Not having a cigarette," Gergel said. While Boeing Co.'s 787 Dreamliner factory in North Charleston grabs most of the headlines, work is taking place a few miles up the road that is helping to shape the aerospace firm's future. A research and technology center at Palmetto Commerce Park, about seven miles from the assembly plant on International Boulevard, is testing the impact lightning strikes can have on the composite materials used to build Dreamliners by subjecting plane parts to high-voltage electricity. In the same building, Boeing engineers are working to improve the way 787 jets are painted in the various and often complicated liveries of airline customers around the globe. By using an inkjet printing method instead of the current high-volume, low-pressure spray system, the company hopes to one day save time, paint and the environment. In a nearby engine parts plant, Boeing has added to its production of inlets and fan cowls for 737 Max powerplants by taking on a defense contract for the B-52 bomber. It's also offering aftermarket repair services for damaged engine parts on Max planes that have been sold. Visits to those sites, along with a third that builds stow bins and other interior parts for the 787, were part of a two-day event Boeing held last week for global media ahead of this month's Paris Air Show. The North Charleston tour, which drew dozens of aviation journalists from the U.S. and foreign countries, also featured sessions with Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun and other executives. The often-overlooked Palmetto Commerce Park businesses are an integral part of the Boeing South Carolina footprint, which employs nearly 6,500 workers, the company said. Most of the local labor force is located at the main 787 assembly campus, where the company produces four wide-body Dreamliners per month with an eye toward five by the end of this year and 10 at some point in 2025 or 2026. Boeing does not break out workforce levels by individual factory. The Palmetto Commerce Park sites Propulsion South Carolina, Boeing Research & Technology and the Interiors Responsibility Center opened within the past dozen years with a narrow and specific set of responsibilities. They have since taken on larger roles in Boeing's commercial airplane division. Powering up As Boeing looks to increase its Dreamliner output, the engine parts plant is taking on work currently performed on the 787 production line. That will include outfitting engines with inlets, thrust links and other parts so they can be shipped to the final assembly line in ready-to-hang "kits." Al Dozier, a manufacturing leader at the plant, said bringing the installation in-house will "improve our processes and free up space" in final assembly. The factory is also taking on repair work for Boeing Global Services, a division that provides support to the company's airline customers. The propulsion site received Federal Aviation Administration certification as a maintenance station in 2019 but has seen limited work to date between one and three units per week, mostly on the 737 Max engine parts produced at the site. The factory plans to ramp up the repair work in coming years both for Boeing's single-aisle 737 jets and the wide-body 777-9 once it enters service in 2025. Propulsion SC also builds the engine nacelles for the 777-9. In addition to providing new work, the repair capabilities help workers "understand the challenges that our customers are facing in the fleet," Ryan Bucher, the site's leader, told Aviation Week. "Some are things you cant control, like a bird strike ... but what you can do is figure out how to use design in a way that makes parts more repairable." Repair services for in-use parts are also taking place at the interiors plant, where workers assemble the overhead bins, closets and crew rest areas for 787s. Boeing also won a Department of Defense contract to replace the engines on all B-52 long-range bombers flown by the Air Force, with some of that work falling to the North Charleston propulsion site. The engine factory will design a new, twin-pod engine nacelle for the Stratofortess and will assemble one of the first nacelle prototypes. The work "will help replace the bomber's legacy engines, allowing the B-52 to fly further, require less refueling, carry a wider variety of high- and low-tech weapons, be more reliable and maintainable and operate at lower cost," Boeing said in a statement. From lightning to paint Lightning strikes to airliners are relatively rare one or two a year per plane, on average, according to the International Air Transport Association but Boeing's research center in North Charleston is looking for ways to minimize any damage. It's a particularly keen issue for jets made of composites, like the Dreamliner, because the materials are not as conductive as metal. With metal, the lightning typically follows the skin without penetrating the interior. A plane made of composites needs more protection, such as adding a layer of metal foil to the fuselage to reduce the chances of current penetration, according to Physics Today. Boeing's high-voltage lab lets employees test how electricity strikes affect various parts of the plane, with shocks of up to 400,000 amps. Engineers can then incorporate the results into future improvements. Also on the horizon is a change to the way Dreamliners and other aircraft get tricked out. The research center is looking at how it can use inkjet printing to cut by half or more the time it takes to complete a standard paint scheme. Three-dimensional technology is expected to require less paint and cut a plane's weight by roughly 100 pounds while eliminating current environmental issues related to the disposal of extra paint when a job is finished. Inkjet printing also allows for more complex and realistic artwork and can accommodate last-minute livery changes that are difficult to accomplish under traditional methods. according to Kjersta Larson-Smith, a technical fellow with Boeing. The drawbacks that researchers are trying to overcome include figuring out how to scale up the technology printing for large jobs to date the process has only been used on a vertical fin for an Alaska Air jet and reaching out-of-the-way parts like the landing gear, horizontal stabilizer and "other nooks and crannies," Larson-Smith said. The Alaska Air example which featured a breaching orca whale was unveiled in 2022 but Boeing has been working on the technology for years, with pilot programs starting in 2019. The company said it could still be years before the inkjet technology is widely used at the paint hangar along International Boulevard and elsewhere. You have a choice in front of you; Bohicket Road or River Road? Both are shaded by ancient live oaks and dotted with horse farms, charming shops and the occasional marsh views. Both meander far from the noisy and fast-paced Downtown life, and both will eventually lead you to Seabrook Island. Read moreA Laid Back Way of Life LADSON Before the first patient walks through the door, Live Oak Mental Health and Wellness is already on the radar of families across the state, activist Kelly Troyer said. She is fielding calls from Greenville, Rock Hill and Myrtle Beach from parents like her who are checking their insurance to see if they can get their child in the first free-standing behavioral health hospital to open in the Lowcountry in more than 30 years. "Is it open yet?" Troyer is asked. It will be June 6, and officials with Trident Health System are already eyeing plans to expand from 60 beds to 84, and have space behind to build more. The need is readily apparent at Trident Medical Center, where the inpatient behavioral health unit of 25 beds is constantly full, said Trident Health CEO Christina Oh. It is why this $47.5 million investment now is so important, she said. In the decades since a new facility opened, "we know mental health needs havent gone down as the population has grown and become more stressed out," Oh said. That is particularly true since the pandemic and the shortage of mental health beds has become worse, especially for children and adolescents, said Mark Binkley, executive project manager for the South Carolina Department of Mental Health. "Even children with insurance, a lot of times there are not enough adolescent beds because of the really dramatic surge recently in kids getting into behavioral health crises," he said. "They wind up in community hospital emergency departments. Its a national issue." Since the pandemic began, 37.1 percent of high school students reported worse mental health, 44.2 percent had persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, nearly one in five thought seriously about suicide and 9 percent actually tried it, according to the Adolescent Behaviors and Experiences Survey in 2022. Some of those kids who seek help wind up in emergency departments for days or weeks seeking a mental health bed, Binkley said. It's one reason the state mental health department, working in partnership with the Spartanburg Behavioral Health Coalition, is creating a resource for kids in crisis that would serve Spartanburg, Cherokee and Union counties. It would serve as a kind of Crisis Stabilization Unit where kids could be referred for assessment, crisis intervention and therapy, and peer and family support. One whole wing of Live Oak is dedicated to adolescents, children age 12 and up, because of the need, Oh said. "Its encouraging to me to see that young people in our community will have that access so they are not waiting in a hospital emergency department or having to travel across multiple state lines to get care," she said. And it will be able to serve as a statewide resource, as it will have a crisis intake team available around the clock to assess patients, not only in the Lowcountry, but also by telehealth for those farther away, Oh said. "(The goal is) to help patients get a bed quickly," she said. "People are not getting better as they are (waiting) in an ER holding area." Once they get to Live Oak, they will find a very different facility, said Rick Paczkowski, regional vice president in the behavioral health service line for HCA Healthcare, Trident's parent company. The goal was to get away from the institutional, cinder block-heavy look and provide a "softer" look to the interior, he said. Troyer, the mother and health advocate, notes the rounded edges on hard surfaces like desks and a lack of plexiglass separating staff and patients that is often seen in other hospitals. "It makes people who are here feel like patients instead of criminals," said Troyer, whose son has been institutionalized multiple times. "I think that is so important. And it helps in peoples recovery, that they are getting help and theyre not being taken to jail. Having it here is a breath of fresh air." It is something HCA has been developing in this arena to move from a feel of a psychiatric hospital to one that is focused on, as the name says, mental health and wellness, Paczkowski said. "The wellness part of that is so important," he said. Central to the facility in both design and feel is a large inner courtyard that can be used by patients for exercise and group therapy sessions or just getting outside for sunshine, which aid the healing, Troyer said. Her son was in a facility that had an inner courtyard but it was surrounded by a 14-foot fence. "It looked like a prison yard," she said. "And this looks like a recreation space." Many patient rooms look out on woods or the inner courtyard. But they are also designed for safety doors swing both ways on the bathrooms and patient rooms, to prevent patients from barricading themselves in, said Melissa Camp, director of clinical operations at Live Oak. Hinges and door handles are designed to foil hanging attempts. The hallways have a good line of sight from the nursing stations. But the emphasis is on working with patients, said David Was, chief operating officer for Live Oak. "We are focused on proactively engaging with our patients," he said. "We truly want them to get well." Patients are also engaged in their care. When appropriate, they will go to the cafeteria for meals instead of passively having meals brought to their rooms, Paczkowski said. The idea is to build a sense of community. "What says community more than breaking bread together? he said. In the units, patients will go up to a pharmacy to get their medications and talk with staff about them, instead of having them brought to their rooms under the passive old system, Camp said. "This is very active," she said, gesturing toward the counter, and more like the real-world pharmacy they will have when they are discharged. "So when they leave here, they know how to continue" their medication routine. Live Oak will actually provide a spectrum of care that includes outpatient treatment, including intensive outpatient treatment, that can give patients another level of therapy, Paczkowski said. "Having this continuum (of care) under one roof is an important thing, a one-stop-shop for keeping them under a single umbrella, following through on a consistent care plan," he said. That lessens the strain on patients and families of going from provider to provider, having to repeat stories and start over with new personnel, Troyer said. And it is less expensive not to redo it, she said. "When I talk to legislators, I say, 'That saves money,'" Troyer said. "That is going to save not only dollars but lives and the quality of life for so many people." Word about the innovations has already gotten out across the Palmetto State. "Thats why everyone is calling me about this hospital, because they know it is different," Troyer said. But even after it opens, the area and the state will still be short of beds, Was said. By switching some private rooms to private, for two patients, the hospital will be able to go to 84 beds without any new construction Camp said. That may happen sooner rather than later, Oh said. As the referrals come in, "well be reaching capacity quickly," she said. But there is also land behind the facility. "We certainly have the room to expand beyond 84," Oh said. I was at my daughters home a few years ago doing some painting, and yes, these are things that retired fathers are happy to do. She was in another room organizing a closet while listening to some music and the Michael Jackson song, The Man in the Mirror was playing. I listened intently. C Read moreLife is an ongoing transformation process A prominent Charleston defense attorney argued this week for sentencing reconsiderations for two of his clients, who were convicted of killings in 1999 and 2017. A judge considered the attorney's motions in hearings May 31 that drew frustrated victims' families back to court years after they believed their cases were closed. The cases are a prime example of why 9th Circuit Solicitor Scarlett Wilson is calling for a tweak to South Carolina's rules of criminal procedure. Read moreJudge rejects convicted killers' motions for shorter sentences in Charleston hearings Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan met his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amirabdollahian Friday on the sidelines of the Ministerial Meeting of Friends of BRICS Group in Cape Town, South Africa. They discussed implementing the agreement signed between the two countries in Beijing in March to restore diplomatic ties, the Saudi foreign ministry said. They also talked about intensifying bilateral work to ensure international peace and security," the ministry added. The two sides expressed their aspiration to intensify consultations and co-operation, to achieve more "positive prospects" and "serve the interests of their countries and people." #CapeTown | Foreign Minister HH Prince @FaisalbinFarhan met with Irans Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, on the sidelines of the BRICS Friends Ministerial Meeting. pic.twitter.com/Ga24o4ehMa Foreign Ministry (@KSAmofaEN) June 2, 2023 Iran's top diplomat, in a statement on 10 May revealed that his country would soon appoint its ambassador and reopen its embassy in Saudi Arabia, as reported by the Iranian official news agency IRNA. The two countries announced the official resumption of diplomatic relations on 6 April, with Iran extending an invitation to Saudi King Salman to visit Tehran, signaling a further thaw in relations. The Chinese-brokered deal was deemed a diplomatic breakthrough on all sides and a challenge to US hegemony over the region. The two Middle East powerhouses had held several rounds of dialogue in Iraq and Oman before reaching the agreement. Saudi Arabia cut diplomatic ties with Iran in early 2016 after its diplomatic mission to the Shia-majority country was attacked following the execution of a Shia cleric in Sunni-majority Saudi Arabia. Search Keywords: Short link: FLORENCE Florence County Council Chairman William Dorriety Jr. said he believes the Envision AESC battery cell factory will bring more South Carolina residents to Florence County. The percentage of South Carolinians living in the Pee Dee fell from 12 percent to 8 percent over the past 10 years, Dorriety said. He said the factory can provide higher-paying jobs, which would attract more people to work and live in the region. Municipalities within the Pee Dee region comprised four of the 10 municipalities with the largest decline in population in 2021, according to data from the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce. "For us to compete with the rest of the state, we've got to keep up," Dorriety said. The Envision AESC Battery factory will create 1,170 new jobs and be located on a 876-acre swathe of land that stretches from Wilson High School to Route 327 and toward the Pee Dee Regional Airport. Construction of the 1.5 million square-foot factory will cost approximately $810 million. It will supply battery cells for BMW's electric vehicle plant in Spartanburg. South Carolina and Florence County created incentive packages to bring the Envision facility in. The state's agreement states the South Carolina State Board of Technical and Comprehensive Education will build a training center for Envision AESC employees. The training center must be ready by Dec. 31, 2024. The county also will have to ask Envision AESC if the company wants the extra, empty land attached to the land the factory will be on before selling that land, which the county owns, to another party. If the company were to create more jobs, the cost of the land would be performance-based, Florence County Economic Development Partnership Chief Executive Officer Gregg Robinson said. The initial construction will take up 420 acres. Dorriety said there are no plans on expansion yet, but it may be just as large as the initial factory. A road coming from Route 327 to the factory will connect the two. Dorriety said development was the best way to increase revenue for local governments, as opposed to raising taxes, "so you don't put as much of a hardship on your taxpayers." Pursuing development creates more things that can be taxed, which in turn can create more revenue to support public services such as police, road repairs and schools, said Dr. Ben Kyer, a professor of economics at Francis Marion University. The biggest winners of such a development, though, are small businesses, Robinson said. These businesses will see more people spending at their stores as they travel to work or live in Florence to work at the factory. He said the return to investment ratio was 70-1. "The idea is that they don't have to go to North Carolina or Atlanta or Columbia or Charleston to find a better job, we can do it here," Robinson said. A groundbreaking ceremony will be held June 7 at the site. It might be worth accepting those problems if single-member districts really were the only way to ensure that all voters voices are heard. But there are other ways, which flip the script: Instead of politicians subdividing our communities, communities subdivide themselves at election time and then come back together after the votes are cast. Read moreScoppe: There's always another way, particularly when it comes to voting systems For all its boasting about conservative lawmaking, one of the most consequential things the S.C. Legislature did this year was to grow our state government. And unlike a lot of things you could do that would result in a more expensive and more difficult to manage government with more separate agencies, this one wont provide any new services. To the contrary, bifurcating the Department of Health and Environmental Control could very well diminish the quality of services the current agency provides, by severing the structural link between health programs and environmental programs that were designed to protect public health: Think clean drinking water efforts, for example. Read moreEditorial: DHEC split grows government. There's a way to overcome that. COLUMBIA South Carolina is a place where its nearly impossible to separate politics from history, and history from politics. The Statehouse has been the scene of fraught debates over the Confederate flag on its grounds, monuments across the state and, this session, how history can be taught in the classroom. But one man Robert Smalls and his extraordinary story, seems to have broken through the tangled emotions binding the states present politics to its past. Born a slave in Beaufort in 1839, Smalls became a Civil War hero at age 23 when he piloted a Confederate ship, the Planter, out of Charleston Harbor to the Union blockade in the Atlantic. The daring escape made him a sensation in the North. After the war, he served in the state House of Representatives and Senate then in Congress, helping draft the states Reconstruction constitution and defending the rights of Black citizens. For much of the 20th century, however, Smalls story was ignored. But now, mirroring a broader rediscovery of Smalls achievements in the general public, theres a growing push among state lawmakers from both parties to better celebrate him. On May 15, Gov. Henry McMaster signed a bill to commemorate Robert Smalls Day every May 13, the same day in 1862 Smalls reached the Union blockade aboard the Planter. In a statement, McMaster said it would ensure Smalls legacy and accomplishments would be officially recognized and celebrated each year for generations to come. In the state Senate, the Republican majority leader is spearheading an effort, backed by every member of the body, to commission a portrait of Smalls to hang in the Senate chamber. In the House, a bipartisan duo is renewing efforts to erect a statue of Smalls on the Statehouse grounds. Just generally theres lots of energy and activity around his name, said Michael B. Moore, who served as CEO of Charlestons International African American Museum and is Smalls great-great grandson. Moore, who is also seeking the Democratic nomination to run for South Carolinas coastal 1st Congressional District, said he hopes the states public schools use the day to teach about Smalls. It seems only appropriate that our public school systems acknowledge Robert Smalls on that day because, in large part, their existence is originally owed to the investment and hard work that he made, Moore said. Indeed, it was Smalls who championed legislation introducing compulsory primary education for the states children, Black and White, while serving as a state legislator from 1868 to 1875. History has been one of the hot topics in the Statehouse this session due to the debate over a bill that wouldve required fact-based lessons in classrooms, which Democrats initially argued was really part of a national movement seeking to suppress Black history. The state Senate stripped the bill of most of its controversial provisions, and it does not mirror the high-profile legislation passed in Florida, but the House and Senate are still haggling over it. The debate has rubbed many Black lawmakers the wrong way. Were living in a time now, in a season, where some things are trying to be erased, and (Smalls) being so prominent in our history, I just think the timing is right for it to happen, said Rep. Michael Rivers, a Saint Helena Island Democrat who sponsored the Robert Smalls Day bill and represents part of the same area Smalls once did. Meanwhile, Rep. Brandon Cox, R-Goose Creek, and Rep. Jermaine Johnson, D-Columbia, are teaming up to enshrine Smalls legacy in stone on the Statehouse grounds. The pair have introduced a resolution to allow a statue of Smalls to be erected on the grounds and say they will work over the summer and fall to set up an organizing committee and write a full plan on the design and fundraising. Lawmakers have tried, unsuccessfully, before to put up a statue of Smalls, most prominently an effort led by Sen. Darrell Jackson, D-Hopkins, in 2017. In 2000, as part of the compromise that brought the Confederate flag off the Statehouse dome, the Legislature passed the Heritage Act, making it illegal to take down or alter a historical monument without their approval. Knowing that we cannot remove statues from the Statehouse grounds, I wanted to find someone reflective of our state that we could put on the Statehouse grounds, Cox said. Cox said he and Johnson want to put the statue in a clearing right across from the public entrance to the Statehouse, so every visitor sees it when they come in. Johnson said Smalls could serve as powerful inspiration to the many children visiting on school field trips, but especially Black children. I truly believe that representation matters, Johnson said. For them to know that this man looks like me; I can do what he did. In the Senate, Majority Leader Shane Massey, R-Edgefield, said that in addition to Smalls wartime heroics, he served with distinction during his four-and-a-half years in the state Senate, and putting up his portrait could help educate senators and visitors alike on his impact. The portrait is estimated to cost $30,000 and $40,000, and backers will work to raise the money from private donors over the summer, Massey said. Moore said hes grateful for all the efforts underway to honor Smalls. Hes grateful too that more than 100 years after his death, Smalls retains his status as a unifier. There are these very, very strong political camps that sometimes dont even acknowledge the humanity of people on the other side, Moore said. But yet they can all agree all of them that Robert Smalls is someone who deserves their acclaim. and to me that is a profound statement. Scottish Ballet returns to Spoleto Festival USA with its expected high caliber theatricality in an electrifying rendition of Arthur Millers 1953 play The Crucible. To choose this play based on the 17th century Salem Witch Trials there must be a level of confidence that it can deliver. And deliver it does in the capable hands of choreographer Helen Picket, composer Peter Salem and their creative dream team. But make no mistake that it is the dancers themselves that bring this tumultuous tale to life with an urgency of expression and command of storytelling through ballet with emotion and conviction that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Most are familiar with Millers play, but do yourself a favor and read the program notes, as the action of the story is complex. Long story short, in a small 17th century New England town John Proctor and his wife Elizabeth have started a life together, but Abigail the servant girl has her sights on John. An indiscretion ensues, as John's flesh is weak and his choices clouded. Later Abigail and her friends dance recklessly in the forest, propelled by fear and a flicker of freedom, until caught by the Preacher whose daughter is one of the crowd and who collapses in the mayhem. The town rallies around to save the Preachers daughter whose mysterious illness is determined to be a result of witchcraft. Fingers are pointed, accusations slung and hysteria mounts. The tension filled trial, led by the governor of Massachusetts, develops in twists and turns, and by the end confessions are dictated and lives lost, blurring the lines between judgement and justice. Pickets choreography uses the ballet vernacular to convey the layers of action and character development here with bold intelligence. No movement is wasted, and gestures spun from tight Puritanical directness give way to sweeping sequences of unleashed sexuality and brutal anger. Pickets ability to move the 20 plus dancers on stage is inspired and the use of seamless transitions between the action and plot make this work utterly effective. However, the magic happens largely due to the expressive power and immaculate technique seen in this company of dancers. It is their dramatic skill and physicality that best weave this web where fear tampers with the vulnerable human condition and leaders use their power to force the narrative. No fairy princesses or dancing swans here! Standouts are the characters of John Proctor and Elizabeth, respectively danced by Bruno Micchiardi and Bethany Kingsley-Garner, whose relationship spans a spectrum of emotions. Their characters become more expansive as time passes, as does their dancing which by the final scenes is poignant and powerful with nail biting intensity as we see their human natures being tested to the hilt. Pristine point work, effortless partnering and virtuosic beauty elevate each scene. Other highlights include Kayla-Maree Tarantolos beguiling Abigail, and the role of Gov. Danforth who drives the trial to a fevered pitch. Tituba, the enslaved servant of the Preacher, is dynamically danced by Rishan Benjamin. Equally essential to the production is the brilliant score composed by Peter Salem, expertly played by the Spoleto Festival USA Orchestra and masterfully conducted by Daniel Parkinson. Suspenseful and compelling, the score carries the ever changing physiological landscape of the tortured town. Also notable are the set and lighting design charged by Emma Kingsbury and David Finn who create a stark and stunning microcosm where lines are straight, angles are sharp and spaces transform in seconds with heated illumination paired with dim and shadowy overtones. Early in the show and before the tragedy unravels, there is a moment when church bells ring and the congregation assembles going through the motions of their devotion guided by their religious leaders, but this ordered scene quickly gives way to cracks in the facade, proof that this centuries old story and decades old play still hold a mirror to our current world, where tolerance and truth are constantly challenged. Kudos to Scottish Ballet for being bold enough to make work that challenges audiences and pushes the boundaries of what art is so very capable of achieving. PR-Inside.com: 2023-06-03 18:05:36 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 337 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Angie Wong the former president of Legacy PAC has resigned to focus full time on being a media commentator.NASHVILLE, TN / ACCESSWIRE / June 3, 2023 / Angie Wong the former president of Legacy PAC has cleared her plate resigning from Legacy PAC, Veterans for Trump, and L-Strategies political consulting to seek a full-time position as a media commentator. https://veteransfortrump.us/angie-wong-steps-down-from-veterans-for-trump-and-legacy-pac-focusing-on-her-personal-career Stan Fitzgerald Legacy PAC FounderLegacy PAC was formed in late 2022 when founder Stan Fitzgerald asked Angie Wong take on the role of PAC President with the duties of launching the firm, conducting its operational daily business and to direct fundraising. Angie Wong had recently resigned from Blak-PAC at the time ( https://www.blakpac.gop) . Attorney Jared Craig later joined the political action committee.After serval months the PAC launched its kick off event in Washington DC organized by outside contractor Amanda Emmons. https://www.accesswire.com/741881/David-Brody-Acts-as-Master-of-Ceremonies-for-the-Legacy-PAC-Kick-Off-Event-in-Washington-DC PAC founder Stan Fitzgerald reached out to Trump ally Kelli Ward inviting her to lead the fundraising effort. Ward accepted and took over the direction of fundraising for the PAC."President of a PAC comes with obligations that require a full time focus. It's hard to juggle too many hats. Angie is a friend and will be great on what ever network she lands with. We look forward to watching her discuss politics. At the PAC and Veterans for Trump we will focus on making news by helping America First candidates take office," said Stan Fitzgerald.The PAC confirms Amanda Emmons, a well known figure in Georgia politics with strong ties in Washington DC, is being considered to replace Wong. "We have several people scheduled for interviews. We certainly are impressed with Amanda Emmons' outstanding reputation and work ethics," said Jared Craig, attorney for Legacy PAC.Legacy PAC will be set up at the Georgia GOP State Convention June 9th and 10th in Columbus Georgia where former President Trump is scheduled to speak.Contact InformationJared CraigLegacy PAC attorneyjaredcraig@ lstrategies.org 7707076291SOURCE: Legacy PAC PR-Inside.com: 2023-06-03 00:41:02 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 867 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / June 2, 2023 / Brigadier Gold Limited (the "Company", or "Brigadier") (TSXV:BRG | FSE:B7LM | OTC PINK:BGADF) is pleased to announce that it has completed the second and final closing of its previously announced (May 18, 2023) private placement of units (the "Private Placement").Pursuant to the second closing of the Private Placement, the Company issued 1,550,000 units ("Units") for a price of $0.07 per Unit, for gross proceeds of $108,500. In total, the Company issued 11,124,513 Units in the Private Placement for total gross proceeds of $778,715.Each Unit issued in the Private Placement is comprised of one Common Share and one Common Share purchase warrant (each, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant will entitle the holder to purchase one additional Common Share of Brigadier at an exercise price of $0.15 for a period of twelve(12) months from the date of issuance.In connection with the second closing of the Private Placement, the Company paid a cash commission to a qualified non-related party in the amount of $7,595 and issued 108,500 compensation warrants each entitling the holder to acquire one Common Share at a price of $0.07 per share for a period of twelve (12) months from the date of issuance.The proceeds from the Private Placement will be used to fund exploration at the Company's Nemaska2 Project, for corporate marketing campaigns, and for general working capital purposes. All Common Shares, Warrants and compensation warrants issued in connection with the Private Placement, and any Common Shares issued in connection with the exercise of Warrants or compensation warrants,will be subject to a four month hold period in accordance with applicable securities laws and the policies of the Exchange.About Nemaska2 Lithium ProjectThe Nemaska2Project consists of 162 map-designated mining titles (Nemaska2 and Nemaska2 Extension) covering a total area of 8,300 hectares and is located in northern Quebec, approximately 160 kms east of James Bay, near the community of Nemaska. Neighbouring Brigadier's Nemaska2 Project are claims held by Li-Ft Power, Brunswick Exploration, Dios Exploration, Critical Elements Lithium, and ~23 kilometres to the east lies Nemaska Lithium's Whabouchi Project.For further information, please contact:Brigadier Gold LimitedRobert Birmingham, Chief Executive Officerrob@ brigadiergold.ca (604) 4248131Neither 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 Information Cautionary StatementThis release includes certain statements and information that may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company regarding future events, including, without limitation, statements relating to the intended use of proceeds from the Private Placement. Generally, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "intends" or "anticipates", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "should", "would" or "occur". The Company cautions that all forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain, and that actual performance may be affected by a number of material factors,many of which are beyond the Company's control.Such factors include, among other things:risks and uncertainties relating to the actual results of current exploration activities; the possibility that future exploration, development or mining results will not be consistent with adjacent properties and the Company's expectations; operational risks and hazards inherent with the business of mining (including environmental accidents and hazards, industrial accidents, equipment breakdown, unusual or unexpected geological or structural formations, cave-ins, flooding and severe weather); environmental and regulatory requirements; availability of permits, possibility of equipment breakdowns and delays, exploration cost overruns, availability of capital and financing, general economic, political risks, market or business conditions, regulatory changes,timeliness of government or regulatory approvals and other risks involved in the mineral exploration industry, and those risks set out in the filings on SEDAR made by the Company with securities regulators. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information, which only applies as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. The Company 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, other than as required by applicable securities legislation.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.SOURCE: Brigadier Gold Limited PR-Inside.com: 2023-06-03 21:04:29 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 763 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 RADNOR, PA / ACCESSWIRE / June 3, 2023 / The law firm of Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP( www.ktmc.com) informs investors that a securities class action lawsuit has been filed against Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. ("Charles River") (NYSE:CRL). The action charges Charles River 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 Charles River's materially misleading statements and omissions to the public, Charles River's investors have suffered significant losses.CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR CHARLES RIVER LOSSES. YOU CAN ALSO CLICK ON THE FOLLOWING LINK OR COPY AND PASTE IN YOUR BROWSER: https://www.ktmc.com/new-cases/charles-river-laboratories-international-inc?utm_source=PR&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=crl&mktm=r LEAD PLAINTIFF DEADLINE:JULY 18, 2023CLASS PERIOD: MAY 5, 2020 THROUGH FEBRUARY 21, 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.CHARLES RIVER'S ALLEGED MISCONDUCTCharles River is a full-service, non-clinical global drug development partner with a mission to create healthier lives. The company has three reporting segments: Research Models and Services, Discovery and Safety Assessment, and Manufacturing Solutions. The Discovery and Safety Assessment segment accounts for approximately 60% of the company's total revenue and offers, among other things, safety assessment studies required for regulatory submission of therapeutic solutions.On February 22, 2023, Charles River revealed that the company had received a subpoena from the U.S. Department of Justice relating to an ongoing investigation in conjunction with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service into the supply chain and illegal importation of non-human primates for research. On the same day, during an earnings call with investors, James C. Foster, the company's CEO, stated that the "investigation in current [non-human primate] supply situation will result in study delays in our Safety Assessment business." He further stated that the investigation into the Cambodian non-human primate chain would reduce the annual revenue forecast by approximately 200 basis points to 400 basis points.Following this news, the price of Charles River shares declined by $24.51 per share, or approximately 10.06%, from $243.60 per share to close at $219.09 on February 22, 2023.WHAT CAN I DO?Charles River investors may, no later than July 18, 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 Charles River investors who have suffered significant losses to contact the firm directly to acquire more information. The class action complaint against Charles River, captioned Coleman v. Charles River Laboratories International, Inc., et al, Case No. 23-cv-11132, is filed in the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts before the Honorable Denise Jefferson Casper.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, LLPprosecutes 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 complaint in this action was not filed by Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP. For more information about Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLPplease 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 Despite a dire warning from the U.N. chief that the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees is on the verge of financial collapse, donors at a pledging conference on Friday provided just $107 million in new funds significantly less than the $300 million it needs to keep helping millions of people. Philippe Lazzarini, commissioner general of the agency known as UNRWA, said he was grateful for the new pledges but they are below the funds needed to keep over 700 schools and 140 clinics open from September through December. We will continue to work tirelessly with our partners, including host countries the refugees top supporters to raise the funds needed, he said in a statement. At the beginning of the year, UNRWA appealed for $1.6 billion for its programs, operations and emergency response across Syria, Lebanon, the Israeli-occupied West Bank and east Jerusalem, the Gaza Strip and Jordan. That includes nearly $850 million for its core budget, which includes running schools and health clinics. According to UNRWA, donors on Friday announced $812.3 million in pledges, but just $107.2 million were new contributions. The countries pledging new funds were not announced. Lazzarini told a press conference Thursday that UNRWA needs $150 million to keep all services running until the end of the year, and an additional $50 million to start 2024 without liabilities. In addition, he said, the agency needs $75 million to keep the food pipeline in Gaza operating and about $30 million for its cash distribution program in Syria and Lebanon. UNRWA was founded in the wake of the creation of the state of Israel in 1948 to provide hundreds of thousands of Palestinians who fled or were forced from their homes with education, health care, social services and in some cases jobs. Today, their numbers with descendants have grown to some 5.9 million people, most in the Gaza Strip and West Bank, as well as neighboring countries in the Middle East. UNRWA has faced a financial crisis for 10 years, but Lazzarini said the current crisis is massive, calling it our main existential threat. It is deepening, and our ability to muddle through is slowly but surely coming to an end, he said. The situation is even more critical now that some of our committed donors have indicated that the will substantially decrease their contribution to the agency. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in a speech read by his chief of staff at the start of the pledging conference that when UNRWAs future hangs in the balance so do the lives of millions of Palestine refugees relying on essential services. Those services include education for over half a million girls and boys, health care for around 2 million people, job opportunities for young people in Gaza and elsewhere, psycho-social support for hundreds of thousands of children, and a social safety net for nearly half a million of the poorest Palestinians, he said. More than 1.2 million Palestinians also receive humanitarian assistance. Search Keywords: Short link: PR-Inside.com: 2023-06-03 16:01:46 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 354 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / June 3, 2023 / The Schall Law Firm, a national shareholder rights litigation firm, reminds investors of a class action lawsuit against Trinseo PLC ("Trinseo" or "the Company") (NYSE: TSE) for violations of 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.Investors who purchased the Company's securities between May 3, 2021 and March 27, 2023, inclusive (the "Class Period"), are encouraged to contact the firm before June 20, 2023.If you are a shareholder who suffered a loss, click here to participate.We also encourage you to contact Brian Schall of the Schall Law Firm, 2049 Century Park East, Suite 2460, Los Angeles, CA 90067, at 310-301-3335, to discuss your rights free of charge. You can also reach us through the firm's website at www.schallfirm.com , or by email at bschall@ schallfirm.com The class, in this case, has not yet been certified, and until certification occurs, you are not represented by an attorney. If you choose to take no action, you can remain an absent class member.According to the Complaint, the Company made false and misleading statements to the market. Trinseo's plant in Bristol, Pennsylvania, suffered from a troubled history of safety problems under its previous ownership, which continued to be plagued with safety problems after it was acquired. The Company failed to disclose the specific risks involved in this plant's normal operations. The Company was at risk of chemical spills and other problems due to its operation of an unsafe plant. Based on these facts, the Company's public statements were false and materially misleading throughout the class period. When the market learned the truth about Trinseo, investors suffered damages.Join the case to recover your losses.The Schall Law Firm represents investors around the world and specializes in securities class action lawsuits and shareholder rights litigation.This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and rules of ethics.CONTACT:The Schall Law FirmBrian Schall, Esq.,Office: 310-301-3335info@ schallfirm.com SOURCE: The Schall Law Firm Heirs Insurance Ltd., says it has chanced its name to Heirs General Insurance (HGI). The organisation said its subsidiaries, Heirs Insurance Ltd. (HIL) and Heirs Life Assurance (HLA) also made appointments to some of their senior leadership positions. The Communications Manager of Heirs Life, Timilehin Adebiyi, said this in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos. Mr Adebiyi said the company has appointed Wole Fayemi as its managing director/chief executive officer (MD/CEO). According to him, the appointment takes effective May 2. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mr Fayemi has over two decades of experience in the Nigerian insurance sector. Prior to joining HGI, Mr Fayemi served as executive director (Technical) of the old Mutual General Insurance, where he led the operations team to achieve top-line growth. Mr Adebiyi said the new managing director re-organised the structural re-alignment of processes of Mutual General Insurance for higher efficiency and drove the strategic direction of the operations team. The communication manager stated that the Board of Directors of Heirs Life Assurance also effected the promotion of Tosin Bayo-Yusuf to the position of executive director/chief operating officer. He said Bayo-Yusufs appointment followed the retirement of Mr Wasiu Amao, its former executive director (Technical). Bayo-Yusuf has a cumulative 17 years of work experience in the Nigerian Insurance industry. She joined Heirs Life in 2021 and has held several leadership positions as the Head of Individual Life Operations and most recently, as the Head of Bancassurance. Bayo-Yusuf championed the bancassurance partnership with United Bank for Africa and will support Heirs Life MD/CEO, Niyi Onifade, in driving the operations of the company, Mr Adebiyi said. He quoted Tony Elumelu, Chairman, Heirs Holdings, as saying that Fayemis experience and vision for the insurance industry aligned with HGIs mission. READ ALSO: Mr Elumelu expressed confidence that the new managing director was the right leader for HGI and the next phase of its business growth. His deep knowledge in the insurance industry and excellent business development skills will play an important role in the future of the company by driving business expansion and establishing the company as a 21st Century insurer, he said. Reacting, Mr Fayemi acknowledged his new position as a privilege and expressed readiness to take up the mantle of leadership and steer the company toward its next milestones. He lauded the business track record of Heirs Holdings Group and the significant impact Heirs General Insurance is making in the industry. Heirs General and Heirs Life companies are subsidiaries of Heirs Holdings, a pan-African investment company with operations across twenty countries. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Would you engage in an underpaid, emotionally-draining, stressful and time-consuming 24/7 job? This is the life of a first responder to cases of sexual and gender-based violence, Priye Diri, who stands up for survivors and takes on the battle to break the cycle of abuse on Nigerian women and girls. 8:30 AM to 11 AM IN COURT Titi, I am on my period and in severe pain, but I have to be here, in court, Priye Diri, a first responder to sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), whispered to PREMIUM TIMES as we entered the gates of the Federal High Court, Gudu, in Abuja, Nigerias capital, to meet her client. Battling menstrual cramps, Ms Diri wore a plastic smile on her face because she knew her client, a widow, needed her to get justice for her eight-year-old daughter, who was allegedly raped by a suspected cultist. The survivors mother had reported the matter to the Dorothy Njemanze Foundation, an organisation that rescues and offers 24-hour GBV response to victims, where Ms Diri works, as Programme Manager. It was 9:04 a.m. on the 14 February as we walked into an ongoing hearing in a half-filled courtroom. The lawyer from the Nigerian police assigned to the survivors case was not present, but a substitute arrived just in time for the start of the hearing. My lord, the matter today is slated for arraignment, and I am on the side of the prosecution, the lawyer said as she presented the case to the presiding judge, who immediately picked a hole in the drafted case file. The rape of an eight-year-old without her consent? Who drafted this? So what if she had given her consent, you would have written with her consent? the judge inquired with an astonished look and requested a redraft. The 27-year-old suspect pleaded not guilty. He did not have a lawyer, and just as the judge was about to make a request to get him one, a lawyer in attendance for another hearing volunteered to handle his case. The hearing was adjourned until 8 March for a sitting on the bail application, but the accused was remanded in police custody. Outside the courtroom, Ms Diri asked the substitute lawyer why an outdated law, the Penal Code of 1960, was used to charge the accused instead of a recent Gender-Based Violence Protection law like the Childs Right Act and Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act, an issue she later explained was one of the shortcomings in the countrys legal system that negatively affects adequate prosecution of such cases. She called the original lawyer to ask for a redraft, but he refused. He said the law already drafted was sufficient. She then decided to get a replacement so as not to jeopardise the case because her client was terrified for her life and the lives of her children after learning that the accused might be granted bail. According to her, the use of the penal code gives a soft landing to the perpetrator, such that if he is given a sentence, he can appeal the ruling, whereas the Child Rights Act does not give him the right to appeal. 11 AM TO 4:30 PM AT THE OFFICE Constant tiredness, Little pay, Thankless job Ms Diri left the courthouse with her client. Back at the office, she went through the events of the day, looking for ways to prepare the woman and her child as witnesses for the upcoming trial if the bail application is denied by the judge. While doing this, she chatted with PREMIUM TIMES about how she had dreamed about the case before it got to her. I had a dream on Sunday afternoon that my office had a case of a cultist who raped a child, and we successfully sent him to jail, and everyone was happy. In the office, some cultists came with guns and machetes, asking about my whereabouts. They came with a truck and started packing our tables, laptops, etc. into it. They kept saying, Shebi na una. (It is you, right?) Then they showed me a picture of a man and asked if I knew him. I said no. The guy in the picture walked in and told me I was lying, then he shot me on my left shoulder. They carried Dorothy (her boss) in their car and drove off, she said, recounting the dream. The following day at work, on Monday, she received a message from her boss instructing her to call a number immediately. It was a woman who begged to be rescued with her children as their lives were threatened by friends of a suspected cultist who had allegedly raped her daughter. I was shocked about the coincidence, she said. You would think this was enough reason for Ms Diri to stay away from the case, but she did not despite her boss instruction to do so. That was the second time she dreamt of a case before it was reported. The first time, she dreamed that a man who went to work in a place raped someone there and the next day a case was reported that a man who had gone to work in an Internally Displaced Persons camp raped a girl there. She believes her involvement in the current case was to provide guidance because she spotted the outdated law used to charge the accused. But Ada Ikeako, a behavioural physician, told PREMIUM TIMES that there is no scientific validity to the experience Ms Diri had. It only operates in the realm of faith and spirituality. She could be dreaming about traumatic cases, but not specifically to the point that A and B is going to have a trauma on so and so date or place, Mrs Ikeako explained. Ms Diris dedication to her work is admirable, but the job takes a toll on her mental health. I am constantly exhausted. I usually have panic attacks. I sometimes experience extreme sadness and insomnia. To help myself, I do a lot of journaling to help my mental health. I cry a lot; maybe in a week, I can cry like three times. Before I start working every day, I say positive affirmations to hype myself. I also read my devotionals because I am heavy on God. I work out as well, she said. These signs were present before starting the job but worsened over time and came with panic attacks, she noted. Ms Diri had sought expert care to deal with her mental health issues but stopped because it was expensive. Then, she paid as much as N45,000 per session out of pocket six times and she sometimes sought financial support to complete her fees. Not until 2021 did the organisation she works for secure a grant that allowed access to an in-house therapist for the survivors in their shelter and her colleagues. Although a good day for her is when no GBV cases are reported, she feels bad that it is possible there are unreported cases because survivors do not know how to reach out for help or they are dying in silence. She described her job, where she earns little or next to nothing, as thankless. The organisation has not secured any grant since 2022, and they rely on public donations and their personal resources to rescue and help survivors. You would wonder why one would want to remain in an unpaid and time-consuming job, but Ms Diris first experience volunteering to rescue GBV survivors after being sexually assaulted in 2017, ignited her passion for becoming a first responder. She was trained by organisations like UNICEF and UNFPA on how to handle SGBV cases and taught the ethics of being a first responder exercise constraint even when emotions are heightened because GBV cases are sensitive -, avoid judging survivors or making them feel unsafe, and dont accept gifts from them, among others. Being a responder is caregiving. You get to experience secondary trauma and witness a survivors breakdown. We do a lot of hand-holding to guide survivors to do the right thing. But thats what makes the work differentthat it is people-centred, so we have to care for them even before ourselves, she said. Secondary trauma, according to the National Child Traumatic Network, is the emotional duress that results when an individual hears about the firsthand trauma experiences of another. First responders are also vulnerable to developing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder because they constantly hear about trauma from the survivors, Mrs Ikeako, the behavioural physician, told PREMIUM TIMES. She highlighted the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder to include intrusive symptoms (flashbacks, nightmares, elevated heart rate and blood pressure); avoidant behaviour of people, places and events; external reminders of what happened, cognition and mood (negative beliefs, rage guilt, anxiety and shame; memory loss, difficulty in enjoying the things you used to enjoy and lack of the capacity to enjoy positive emotions and isolation from loved ones) and physical reactivity (feeling on edge, easily frightened/ jumpy and sleep changes). To manage this, she advised that first responders have an outletdebriefing where they can talk about their feelings and thoughts so they can process experiences and screened appropriately for not just post-traumatic stress but anxiety and depression as well. My interview with Ms Diri was shortened because she needed to share the proceedings from the court case as well as other active cases they were treating, with her boss. Joys and difficulties of the job, disrupted ambition As she was speaking with her boss, a small figure appeared in the doorway. It was a two-year-old boy, the son of the Executive Director, whom the latter adopted after his father was arrested for robbery and his mother abandoned him. The boys face lit up when he saw Ms Diri, and he ran over to her, gave her a peck, and said, I like your hair. She could not help but smile back. Thank you, she replied. Despite the daily challenges she faces every day as an SGBV responder, she said moments like that make it all worthwhile. But there are factors that threaten such joyous moments in rescuing GBV survivors and fighting for their justice. Ms Diri indicated that dealing with security agencies can be tasking and challenging because, a lot of the time, they think they know it all, but their knowledge is not in tandem with current realities. Sometimes the survivors, when they dont get what they expect, turn on us and see us as the enemy. This is why we have our consent form, which contains the following services: security, health, psychosocial, safe-house, legal, and livelihood. They consent to the type of help they want from us so that, in the future, they dont say otherwise. She cited an instance when a survivor was brought to them, and the family claimed she was pregnant, but the test results were negative. Upon further check, it was discovered that she had Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, which in most cases makes women infertile. The family later accused the organisation of conducting an abortion for the survivor even though they had consented to health services. Another thing that frustrates me is the legal system. I have worked on over 2,000 GBV cases, and sometimes during the investigation, law enforcement officers force survivors to settle. They also frustrate survivors so much that they lose interest in the case because they are continuously delayed, and having an open case is like having your life paused because you are waiting for it to end so you can move on to other things, she explained. To buttress this, she cited a case her organisation won in 2020 that had been in court for over seven years, as it was moved several times, first from the police to the Ministry of Justice in the Federal Capital Territory, and when they were to get a judgment, the judge retired and a new judge was assigned. They had to start again. She believes that special courts for GBV should be created to ensure that justice is served quickly and efficiently. Ms Diri also spoke on how the challenges faced in getting justice for GBV survivors affect her as well. I am constantly afraid. I read deeper meanings into little actions. I am more sensitive because I have seen and witnessed a lot of cases. I am a GBV responder, and my life is often at risk. I get phone threats because my number is out there, she said. Rounding off her interview with me, she shared her struggles to find balance between her work as a GBV responder and her passion for filmmaking. I am not doing as much as I want to do as a filmmaker. It is challenging because this work (SGBV response) is time-consuming but I am hoping to produce a documentary by March, she said. She has now started the project and is almost near completion. 4:30 PM TO 6:40 PM VISIT TO HOSPITAL AND SHELTER We left the office for the National Hospital Abuja to see another client, 19-year-old Naomi (fictitious name used to protect the survivors identity), an orphan with no siblings. Someone found her at Jabi Mall and brought her to us for shelter. She was raped and bruised. After further health checks, they found she was anaemic and had tuberculosis. She has been in the hospital since January 5, Ms Diri explained to PREMIUM TIMES as we climbed the stairs leading to the isolation ward. At the time, over N700,000 had been spent on the survivors treatment, with an outstanding N400,000. Bent double in pain, her right hand firmly against the wall, to steady her movement, Naomi shuffled through the wards corridor and stopped a few metres from Ms Diri, who asked about her health. A few minutes into the conversation, the girl said: Thank you so much, God bless you. Help me greet Dorothy and tell her Happy Valentines Day. Exiting the ward for the GBV survivors shelter, Ms Diri told PREMIUM TIMES that the organisation would write to the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs for funds to settle the girls hospital bills and get her an apartment after she is discharged. As we entered the premises of the shelter, a four-bedroom duplex, five children hovered around the responder to greet her. The shelter was opened in 2020 following increased GBV cases during the COVID-19 lockdown in Nigeria. It has been a safety net for over 200 women, girls, and children. This shelter is part of 21 recognised public and privately run GBV shelters in Nigeria, according to a 2022 publication by Invictus Africa in partnership with OSIWA and some Nigerian government agencies. You can access the details of GBV shelters in Abuja here We pay N2.3 million as rent, and the landlord wants to increase the rent, but it also needs urgent renovation. We have applied for funds to renovate the place and sustain the welfare of the occupants, she said as she took PREMIUM TIMES on a tour around the building. It is some minutes to 7 p.m. as the tour ends and Ms Diri prepared to leave for the office to have a final meeting with her boss before heading home to continue grant applications while tending to the needs of survivors and waiting for the next emergency call for rescue, even in the dead of night. She resumes tomorrow and every other day to continue the fight against gendered violence against Nigerian women and girls. For her, this is a way to give back to society. This report was supported by the Africa Women Journalism Project (AWJP) in partnership with the International Center for Journalists (ICFJ) and with the sponsorship of the Ford Foundation. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The police command in Oyo State says it has recovered additional weapons at Diamond Hotel, a hideout allegedly being used by the wanted former Chairman of Oyo Park Management Disciplinary Committee, Mukaila Lamidi, aka Auxiliary. The commands spokesperson, Adewale Osifeso, disclosed this in a media briefing at the commands headquarters, Eleyele, in Ibadan on Friday. Mr Osifeso said the weapons were recovered upon execution of a search warrant on Wednesday at the hotel owned by Mr Lamidi, who had since been declared wanted by the police. Weapons recovered, according to the spokesperson, include 70 rounds of AK-47 ammunition, 400 cutlasses. 400 pieces of live cartridges, 13 pieces of 9-MM ammunition and one pump action rifle. Other weapons include nine locally made pistols, nine jack knives, three axes, three swords among others. According to Mr Osifeso, further investigation into the matter is ongoing. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the police had on Tuesday raided the same hotel, arresting 78 members of the Park Management System (PMS) loyal to Auxilliary. During the raid, 724 cartridges, guns and other weapons were found in their possession. Meanwhile, the command has arrested a 39-year-old suspect, who had been on the watchlist of the command, for the sale and distribution of drugs. Mr Osifeso said that the man was sighted and arrested during the raid, and had on him 336 wraps of Indian hemp, 450 wraps of skunk and plastic bags containing Colorado. According to the spokesperson, the suspect had voluntarily confessed to the crime and identified his distribution network and clients in Lagos, Oyo, Osun and Ogun. The suspect, Mr Osifeso said, would be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) upon completion of the investigation. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print A yet-to-be-identified woman has stabbed a baby girl to death in Imo State, South-east Nigeria. The suspect was said to have walked into a compound and stabbed the baby. The incident happened on 28 May at Works Layout, Owerri, the state capital, PREMIUM TIMES gathered. A video clip which has gone viral on social media showed the victim being interrogated by angry residents. Who be this girl? You carry knife kill person, kill small baby? a voice yelled at the lady in pidgin English. In the clip, the victim, about five-years-old, was seen being carried out of the compound by a woman believed to be her mother. The mother of the victim, in tears, appeared to be taking the child to a hospital. I was instructed by the Holy Spirit The angry residents descended on the suspect, a young lady in her late twenties beating her up and dragging her violently. She was clad in navy-blue jean trousers and a pink shirt with white stripes. Asked why she committed the act, the light-skinned lady said she was sent by God to kill the child. It is God in Heaven that sent me. The Holy Spirit asked me to kill her, she stated. Take me to the police station, she said repeatedly. If I get there (police station), they should shoot me, do whatever they want with me. When contacted on Friday, the police spokesperson in Imo State, Henry Okoye, confirmed the incident to PREMIUM TIMES, but did not give the identity of the suspect. Mr Okoye, an assistant superintendent of police, said the young lady had been arrested, saying she would face the law after investigation. The young lady was reported (to the police) by a public-spirited resident of Works Layout that she used a very sharp knife to stab the child repeatedly on her stomach, the young girl was rushed to the hospital but she was confirmed dead on arrival by doctors on duty, the police spokesperson said. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Atiku Abubakars witness on Friday told the Presidential Election Petition Court in Abuja that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) defrauded the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the February election. Atiku, who was PDPs standard-bearer in the recent presidential election, is challenging President Bola Tinubus victory. Mr Tinubu clinched Nigerias presidency on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). At resumed proceedings on Friday evening, the witness, Nicholas Msheliza, told the five-member panel of the court chaired by Haruna Tsammani that the alleged manipulation of the election against Atiku was perpetrated at the Ward Collation Centres in Borno State. Mr Msheliza, led in his evidence-in-chief by Atikus lawyer, Chris Uche, said PDP agents were manhandled and chased out of the collation centres. Specifically, he narrated that after PDP agents fled the collation centres, the election results were altered in favour of Mr Tinubu and the APC. Mr Msheliza accused officials of the electoral commission of violating the Electoral Act by failing to transmit the election results electronically as it had promised. In his witness statement on oath dated 21 March, the witness described the alleged manipulation of the polls as real disaster that characterized the presidential election. Cross-examination Responding to Mr Tinubus lawyer, Akin Olujimis cross-examination, Mr Msheliza said the election was held with substantial peace. But he added that Bimodal Voters Accreditation System (BVAS) machines were bypassed at Ward Collation Centres where results were falsified. In another response to Mr Olujinmis enquiry, Mr Msheliza said he did not name polling units in his statement on oath where agents of PDP were prevented from performing their functions. Another witness, Sani Kutigi, told the court that he withheld his signature to result sheets due to alleged discrepancies in the recorded votes at the polling units and those entered into the election forms. Mr Kutigi, a former member of the House of Representatives from Niger State, said he voted and acted as the State PDP Collation Agent. He alleged that the actual results recorded at the polling units were not the ones recorded in the Form EC8D; hence, his refusal to endorse the falsified results. Under cross-examination by APCs lawyer, Lateef Fagbemi, a SAN, Mr Kutigi said he did not indicate the actual figures at the polling units in his witness statement on oath due to lack of space. The sixth witness for Atiku, Silas Onu, alleged that PDP agents were harassed at polling units while some were arrested and incarcerated at police stations while performing their duties at the collation centres in Ebonyi State. Mr Onu, a lawyer, said election results falsifiers had a field day when PDP agents fled the polling units to avoid being killed by hoodlums sanctioned by state agents to cause mayhem. Following the request of Atikus lawyer, Mr Uche, the court adjourned further proceedings until 5 June. Earlier, on Thursday, three witnesses testified for Atiku. They all alleged various forms of electoral fraud perpetrated by INEC in favour of Mr Tinubu. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Bauchi State Governor, Bala Muhammed, has been elected as the chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party Governors Forum (PDP-GF). The governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, emerged as the vice chairman of the forum. They were elected on Saturday at a retreat for elected PDP officials held in Bauchi State. Mr Mohammed replaced Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, also at the retreat. At the retreat, the Acting National Chairman of PDP, Umar Damagum, urged the partys governors to work together and support the partys senators-elect. I want to reiterate, on the issue of the National Assembly, we have to know we are an opposition. To remain relevant, we must work together as one family. That is the only way you will be able to ensure that your relevance is being determined. Atiku criticises Tinubu over Fuel subsidy In his remarks, the presidential candidate of the PDP in the last election, Atiku Abubakar, criticised the removal of subsidy by the administration of Bola Tinubu. Mr Atiku described the gesture as a knee-jerk policy. READ ALSO: Between 1999 and 2007, the PDP government initiated the petroleum subsidy removal, and I chaired the committee. We achieved subsidy removal in two phases but only after providing palliatives to those most affected by the subsidy removal. We have the experience as a party in government. That is what we would have done and not just announced subsidy removal without discussion with the affected sectors of the economy. I think Nigerians should appreciate what they have temporarily lost. Wike absent The immediate past Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, was conspicuously absent at the retreat. Governors present at the retreat were Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, Umaru Fintiri (Adamawa), Duoye Diri (Bayelsa) and Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta). Others were the Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang; the Governor of Taraba State, Agbu Kefas; the Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Dare and Godwin Obaseki of Edo State. Kogi State governorship candidate, Dino Melaye, serving senators and House of Representatives members of the PDP, were also in attendance. Senators-elect and members-elect elect of the party were also at the retreat. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Nigerian government has condemned enrolling younger pupils below 12 in secondary schools, describing it as a breach of the nations education policy. The Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Education, Andrew Adejoh, said this on Saturday while monitoring the National Common Entrance Examination (NCEE) in the countrys federal government colleges, otherwise regarded as unity schools. Mr Adejoh expressed the governments determination to enforce the policy, insisting that the practice contributes significantly to the challenges facing the countrys education system. He accused parents of continually breaching the policy. The official said the recommended age of entrance into secondary schools is contained in the countrys National Policy on Education but that parents have cultivated the habit of breaching it. Tagged National Policy on Education, the document, which was last revised in 2013, pegs the pupils age on completion of primary education at 11, noting that at age 12, pupils are expected to be in Junior Secondary School 1. Mr Adejoh said: We are killing our children by allowing underage children to write the Common Entrance Examination. I saw children that I know that are not up to 10, and three of them accepted that they are nine years old. We are doing many things; one, we are teaching the children the wrong values. Education is not about passing exams. Education is teaching, learning and character formation. What National Policy Says The National Policy on Education, as revised in 2013, structured Nigerian education into four categories; Early Childhood Care Development, 0-4 years; Basic Education, 5-15 years; Post Basic Education, three years; and Tertiary Education. The Basic Education is further broken down into one year of pre-primary, six years of primary education and three years of Junior Secondary Education. Going by the structure, a Junior Secondary School pupil shouldve attained the age of 11, having completed four years of early childhood education, one year of pre-primary, and six years of primary education. Meanwhile, Pearl Ihaza, Head of the Making Pathway for Bloomers (MPB) Academy, Abuja, said there was a different curriculum for basic five and six in primary school. She blamed parents for hurrying their wards to secondary schools by skipping the last class in the primary schools. Every school has Basic Six, but parents dont want their children to go to that class, so its a problem for everyone, she said, adding, But schools are beginning to force them because thats when the child will be mentally, emotionally and psychologically ready for secondary school. Directive The permanent secretary has, therefore, directed the National Examinations Council (NECO), the government agency responsible for the conduct of NCEE, to henceforth make birth certificates a requirement for registration. READ ALSO: Controversy trails appointment of principals of unity schools Let our children get to an appropriate age before writing (sitting) this exam, and we are going to make sure NECO puts in place appropriate checks. We didnt want to get to where we will say bring a birth certificate, but that is the stage we are going to now. In registering, we also upload the childs birth certificate so that at our own end, we can cut some of these things, he said. 2023 Common Entrance Every year, NECO administers the NCEE examination for pupils seeking admission into any of the more than 100 federal government colleges. This year, 72,821 pupils registered for the examination, with Lagos and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) accounting for the highest number of candidates, NECO Registrar Dantani Wushishi, a professor, said. He said Kebbi had the lowest number of candidates, with 115 registered pupils. Like the previous year, more girls registered for the examinations than boys, accounting for 38,000 compared to 34,000 boys. This Mr Adejoh attributed to the government and its partners initiatives in bringing more girls to school. Last year, 71,738 pupils sat the examination, of which 34,030 were males, and 37,708 were females. Qosim Suleiman is a reporter at Premium Times in partnership with Report for the World, which matches local newsrooms with talented emerging journalists to report on under-covered issues around the globe Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print They conveniently forget that there are collective socio-economic, political and cultural rights which supersedes individual rights. The United Nations recognises individual and group rights and the former cannot be imposed on the collective. The individual comes from the community, therefore the rights of the community are primary and those of the individual are secondary. I made acquaintance with a lady, Yeye Akilimali Funua Olade, about 1990. A few months later, my wife and I visited her in Ila Oragun, where she was running a rural library, the African Heritage Research Library. She was an American who had studied at Fisk University between 1963 and 1965, earning a Bachelors degree in African-American/Black Studies from the San Francisco State University, and a Master of Library Science from the University of California. So, what was she doing in such a rustic circumstance? She said she had three children, including two girls, and all around the American communities she had lived in, aggressive forces of lesbianism were on the rise. Hence, with the agreement of her African-American husband, Ayantuga Olade, she fled the United States. Unfortunately, the forces she ran away from in North America, four decades ago, are on the move in her adopted continent, Africa, in the guise of campaigning for workers and human rights. A drama played out this week when on 29 May, the Speaker of the Ugandan Parliament, Anita Among, announced that President Yoweri Museveni had signed the new Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023 into law, which punishes the financiers and promoters of homosexuality. The law, while generally providing prison terms for violators, also prescribes the death penalty for those who engage children in homosexual acts or spread deadly diseases like HIV/AIDS. The United States immediately revoked the visa of the Speaker. It did not clarify why she was being punished for the new law: Is it for presiding over the parliament, failing to stop about 400 parliamentarians from passing the bill or daring to announce the birth of the new law? In her reaction, a dignified Speaker Among said: As Ugandas Parliament, we have listened to our peoples concerns and legislated to protect the sanctity of the family, in accordance with Article 31 of the Republic of Ugandas Constitution. As stated in Objectives 19 and 24 of our national objectives and directive principles of state policy, we have stood firm to defend our peoples culture, values, and aspirations. The US had, through its Vice President Kamala Harris, warned Uganda of consequences if it dared pass the new legislation. On 27 March, while on a visit to Ghana, our African-American sister insisted Africa must support homosexuality because it is a matter the US considers to be a human rights issue and that will not change I feel very strongly about supporting freedom and supporting and fighting for the equality of all people. The issue arising from the US sanctions against Uganda is not so much about punishing it for daring to enact a law against homosexuality, but trying to recolonise the African continent. In this wise, this is not a challenge against Uganda alone but the entire African people. Therefore, African countries need to unite and collectively sanction the US. At the very least, every African country should be asked to revoke the visa of at least a dozen or two Americans. The US message is very clear: that Uganda as an African country has no right to sovereignty; no right to taking democratic decisions, even if backed by its people; no right of dissent from the position of the US; and that it must accept the culture of America, otherwise it will be subject to sanctions. The African people, as far as the US is concerned, have no right to choose a different cultural orientation, which is not even sexual. This was one of the main reasons why President Robert Mugabe was harassed and hounded internationally. There were even attempts to arrest him for rejecting the culture of homosexuality. It is also instructive that while the US is sanctioning Uganda for its new law, it did not take similar actions against its allies such as Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Pakistan with worse anti-homosexual laws. The issue arising from the US sanctions against Uganda is not so much about punishing it for daring to enact a law against homosexuality, but trying to recolonise the African continent. In this wise, this is not a challenge against Uganda alone but the entire African people. Therefore, African countries need to unite and collectively sanction the US. At the very least, every African country should be asked to revoke the visa of at least a dozen or two Americans. What is clear is that some Western countries view Africa as a collection of weak states on which the culture of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning (LGBTQ) can be imposed. Just as we were colonised at gunpoint, so is the dictation of LGBTQ being forced on us under threats of severe socio-economic and political sanctions. Just as the religion was used to lure us into surrendering to colonial bandits, so have funds and positions been used to lure our youths to being evangelists of LGBTQ. I woke up to this reality in the Trade Union Movement in 2011, when I discovered that some Western trade unions were offering positions and funds to those who would declare and flaunt claims of being gays, lesbians and bisexuals. In one case, I put my foot down that as Acting General Secretary of the Nigeria Labour Congress, such campaigns will not be encouraged. Now, some of our young unionists and activists, for economic reasons or to guarantee the crumbs being passed to them by some organisations, are busy campaigning for LGBTQ as workers rights. Far from the truth; workers, at least in Africa, want guaranteed employment, good conditions of service, social protection, guaranteed pension and a settled family life. Their concern is not who is sleeping with who. When the West colonised Africa, it did so partly under the pretext of civilisation. They assumed that a continent like ours, which taught the fathers of Western Civilisation like Plato, is not civilised. Some of their fathers who knew we built the magnificent pyramids which housed mummies, still claimed that Africans live on trees like monkeys. In Africa, sex or peoples preferences are closet affairs, not what you call press conferences about. When the West colonised Africa, it did so partly under the pretext of civilisation. They assumed that a continent like ours, which taught the fathers of Western Civilisation like Plato, is not civilised. Some of their fathers who knew we built the magnificent pyramids which housed mummies, still claimed that Africans live on trees like monkeys. Today some of them still think they are on a mission of civilisation by presenting LGBTQ as human rights. They conveniently forget that there are collective socio-economic, political and cultural rights which supersedes individual rights. The United Nations recognises individual and group rights and the former cannot be imposed on the collective. The individual comes from the community, therefore the rights of the community are primary and those of the individual are secondary. What some Western countries want to do is force the African people into a birth control scheme, aware that a marriage between a man and a man or a woman with a woman is unlikely to produce children. It was the same way a drug, Depo Provera, whose approval in the United States had been first refused in the 1960s, and again in the 1970s, was imposed on African women, especially in Nigeria where the women were used as guinea pigs for a dangerous all-cure drug that was widely imposed as a contraception. While Africans respect the values, traditions and cultures of other peoples, the least we expect is that they should also respect ours. Owei Lakemfa, a former secretary general of African workers, is a human rights activist, journalist and author. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Chido was intentional in not joining the crowd; instead, he sticks to the old rule of say what you mean and mean what you say, just like Madunagu and his generation. He is unfazed by material possessions, and his life is the very definition of modesty, combined with panache. His outlook is cosmopolitan, and his sense of justice is second to none. He is firmly rooted in his identity and unapologetic about identifying as Igbo. You may not have encountered my friend turned brother, Chido Onumah. He is an intruiging personality crafted out of raw steel. Not that you could tell from the mollifying voice that greets you on that first encounter, though you will quickly come to agree that its softness perfectly compliments a gracious and self-effacing demeanour. As you walk away, you may find yourself believing that this gentleman is too polite and refined for Nigeria but you couldnt be more mistaken. Sooner than later, you will come to the profound realisation that his voice is the only aspect of him that embodies softness. Although my recollection of the circumstances leading up to our first meeting remains fuzzy today, I distinctly recall the Sunday afternoon when I made a cold call to Chido after stumbling upon an article he authored for SaharaReporters many years before. That very conversation revealed that we shared an identical worldview and vision regarding leadership and accountability. Prior to that moment, I had nurtured a long-held dream of establishing a media company with a noble purpose to promote good governance by holding political leaders accountable. One firmly believes that the majority of the issues plaguing the South-East region of Nigeria are a direct consequence of poor governance, and sees the power of good journalism as a means of addressing these pressing concerns. I had it all meticulously planned out, except that as a non-media person with less than a pedestrian understanding of how the industry works, I needed a steady and reliable hand ito help midwife the process. Several months later, I was all packed up and ready to fly across the Atlantic to meet with my kindred spirit for the first time in Abuja, my heart brimming with anticipation. Patrick Okigbo III of Nextier, with whom I had also been sharing my thoughts on the issue, was gracious enough to be at that meeting. As I reflect on that unforgettable moment, I can vividly recall Patrick, a towering figure, exuding confidence in his well tailored, ash-colored suit. He sat in the corner, his eyes filled with curiosity and deep thoughts. His every word resonating with an understanding of the immense challenges that lay ahead. It was as if he saw in me the courageous explorer ready to embark on an arduous and thankless odyssey, which was yet immensely rewarding. During that exploratory meeting, we delved into the feasibility and financial sustainability of establishing an independent media organisation in the South-East, free from the clutches of vested interests. I also sought advice from other influential figures within and outside the media sphere, including my old schoolmate and former Aviation Minister, Osita Chidoka. Consensus emerged that a media company dedicated to the South-East was an idea long overdue, although the prospect appeared daunting. Nevertheless, a collective decision was reached to take the leap. It was a moon shot but I went to work. Four arduous years have passed since our inaugural meeting, and Ikenga Media continues to forge its path, surpassing our initial expectations. Though we acknowledge the journey ahead, we take pride in seeing our idea transcend mere thoughts and manifest as a tangible force. Most significantly, we remain steadfast in our mission to resist the seductive grip of brown envelope journalism and hold those in positions of public trust accountable. To its credit, Ikenga has commissioned numerous disruptive investigative reports that have been unveiling hidden truths and exposes on issues that were previously confined to hushed conversations around kitchen tables. These reports have not only raised awareness but have also sparked meaningful dialogue, challenging the status quo and driving positive change. In the ever-evolving media landscape, Ikengaonline has emerged as a powerful force for change. As a daily online news publication, it has provided a platform for sharing timely and relevant news. In addition, the Ikenga Townhall, a monthly participatory programme, has fostered engaging discussions led by guest speakers, addressing pressing issues that impact the region. To its credit, Ikenga has commissioned numerous disruptive investigative reports that have been unveiling hidden truths and exposes on issues that were previously confined to hushed conversations around kitchen tables. These reports have not only raised awareness but have also sparked meaningful dialogue, challenging the status quo and driving positive change. But this piece is not about Ikenga, its about characters, how we are moulded and the way soceities emerge. Chido grew up in the shadows of Edwin Madunagu, the professor of Mathematics-turned celebrated journalist and icon of the Nigerian socialist movement. He tells the story of how growing up, his idea of fun was spending time in Professor Madunagus office at the Rutam House building of The Guardian newspapers, scavenging through every piece of news article he could lay his hands on. That was way before the advent of digital printing. Eddie himself, a self-confessed Marxist and socialist, was once described by his ideological soulmate and Emeritus Professor of African and African American Studies and Comparative Literature at Harvard University, Biodun Jeyifo, as the greatest materialist historian and archivist and of socialism and the Left in Nigerias political history. In his tribute marking the icons 75th birthday, Chido had this to say about his mentor: Apart from my father, perhaps no other person has had as much influence on my life as Comrade Edwin Madunagu and I am proud not only to be associated with him for more than three decades but also to be his protege. Chido met Eddie three decades earlier through his fiery Thursday column on the pages of The Guardian newspaper before the opportunity of a physical encounter. He once confessed to me that Eddies writings and those of Chinweizu, Godwin Sogolo, Femi Osofisan, Kole Omotoso, G. G. Darah, Olatunji Dare and Onwuchekwa Jemie all firebrand public intellectuals of that era, shaped his thinking and writings of many in his generation. These men walk their talk and this is what marks them apart from the current generation that specialises in writing elegant prose of how society should work, while providing intellectual cover to unrepentant despots and inept politicians, who are long on sleaze. Chido was intentional in not joining the crowd; instead, he sticks to the old rule of say what you mean and mean what you say, just like Madunagu and his generation. He is unfazed by material possessions, and his life is the very definition of modesty, combined with panache. His outlook is cosmopolitan, and his sense of justice is second to none. He is firmly rooted in his identity and unapologetic about identifying as Igbo. However, his wife is Yoruba, and in addition to being fluent in the language, most of his closest friends and associates are also Yorubas. These are all music to my ears, and this mindset may have been the reason we clicked so quickly. Interaction with people through their writings and role modeling can have a profound impact on moulding minds. When we engage with someones writings, whether its through books, articles, or online content, we are exposed to their thoughts, ideas, and perspectives. Through this interaction, we gain insights into their experiences, knowledge, and beliefs, allowing us to broaden our own understanding and shape our thinking. In my own case, I used to be an avid reader of the Sunday column by one Samuel Olusola Idowu, fondly called Olu Akaraogun. Olu was a columnist for the now-defunct Champion newspaper, owned by the wealthy businessman and politician, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu. My weekend rituals back in the late eighties were incomplete without an encounter with Olus column titled Sunday Chat with Olu Akaraogun. Even back then, Olu was not one of the most popular columnists, but somehow he still managed to find his way into my world at such an impressionable age. Reading his column was, to me, like being served escargots de Bourgogne with a glass of my favourite champagne in hand. He certainly kindled my interest in reading, writing, and maybe, to an extent, he shaped my worldview. I suspect that was also the case with his other ardent followers. Olu was highly respected and he held in awe our traditional institutions. He was recognised as a high chief and later was bestowed with the title Gbadeto by Oba Akran of Badagry, Oba Aholu Wenu Toyil. Though he departed from this world in 2005, his legacy lives on in the hallowed grounds of his final resting place in Omu-Ijebu, Ogun State. Regrettably, I never had the privilege of meeting my pen idol before his passing but the profound impact of his writings continues to resonate within me, eternally vibrant in my cherished memories. Interaction with people through their writings and role modeling can have a profound impact on moulding minds. When we engage with someones writings, whether its through books, articles, or online content, we are exposed to their thoughts, ideas, and perspectives. Through this interaction, we gain insights into their experiences, knowledge, and beliefs, allowing us to broaden our own understanding and shape our thinking. Role modelling is another powerful way in which people can shape minds. When we observe someones behaviour values, and attitudes, we tend to internalise and imitate those traits. It is therefore crucial for one to be discerning in the choices of reading materials to consume and the people one chooses to follow. In this dynamic interplay and through the combination of choosing role models and reading materials that resonate with our values, men can unlock their potential for transformative growth, ultimately shaping their thoughts, beliefs, and actions. We all need heroes in our lives. Thats how men are made. Osmund Agbo writes from Houston, Texas. Email: Eagleosmund@yahoo.com Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print US First Lady Jill Biden embarked on a captivating tour of Egypt's rich cultural heritage, exploring Cairo's thousand year old Al-Azhar Mosque and the Great Pyramids of Giza, during her ongoing two-day visit to the country. As part of her week-long, four-country tour in the region, Biden's visit to Egypt followed her attendance at the wedding of Jordanian Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah on Thursday. Upon her arrival in Cairo on Friday, Jill Biden was warmly received by President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi and First Lady Entissar Amer. Her visit commenced with a visit to Cairo's historic Al-Azhar Mosque, where she engaged in a conversation with young leaders. "This is my second trip to Umm Al-Dunya, my first to Cairo. And I just had a very special lunch with Mrs. Amer and a warm welcome by your president," Jill Biden said in a conversation. During her time at Al-Azhar Mosque, Biden was welcomed by Salama Dawood, president of Al-Azhar University, who highlighted Al-Azhar's role in spreading moderate and enlightened Islamic teachings as they toured the mosque, established more than 1,083 Hijri years ago. Dawood also conveyed the greetings of Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Sheikh Ahmed El-Tayyeb to Jill Biden During the visit, Dawood stressed the importance that Al-Azhar has attached to women's rights and dignity, especially since El-Tayyeb took the reins in 2010. The US first lady underscored the significance of supporting youth education and women's empowerment, while emphasizing the need for mutual understanding and stronger ties among people. Jill Biden, for her part, emphasised the importance of supporting youth education and female empowerment. She also stressed the need for convergence and strengthening ties among peoples. "I believe that understanding each other can help us find more common groundsee that, even if we are different, were united by our desire for truth, love, justice, and healing," Jill Biden said. By understanding each others religions, I believe we can find common ground and be united by our desire for truth, love, justice, and healing. Thank you for having me, Al-Azhar Mosque. pic.twitter.com/qw7TGrAJSG Jill Biden (@FLOTUS) June 2, 2023 Jill Biden said she and US President Joe Biden, believes that the US must remain as partner to Egyptworking side by side. "Most of all, we believe that work is not just about government-to-government relationships. Its people to people. Heart to heart," she added. After her visit to Al-Azhar Mosque, Jill Biden paid a visit to Cairo's Elsewedy Technical Academy (STA), a secondary level technical education school, where she met with young Egyptians. Young people like Basmala and Ahmed are the future and the present here in Cairo. Together, the United States and Egypt are working with local companies to bring on-the-job training to the classroom. pic.twitter.com/EYU99yyXkF Jill Biden (@FLOTUS) June 2, 2023 Continuing her exploration of Egypt's cultural wonders, Jill Biden celebrated her 72nd birthday on Saturday with a visit to the iconic Great Pyramids Plateau, including the Sphinx and the Great Pyramid of Khufu. The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities highlighted, in a statement, Biden's enchantment with the pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, capturing memorable moments during her tour. Accompanied by Egyptian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Ahmed Issa and Acting US Ambassador in Cairo John Desrocher, Jill Biden immersed herself in the grandeur of Egypt's ancient history. At the conclusion of her tour, Minister Issa presented Biden with a replica of an ancient collar. Search Keywords: Short link: On Friday, Taraba State Governor Kefas Agbu declared a state of emergency on primary and secondary education. The governor said with the declaration, his administration would turn around the sectors fortune in the next 100 days. Mr Agbu gave the assurance while interacting with journalists at the state council chamber in Jalingo. He said the states primary and secondary education condition is pathetic and unacceptable. He highlighted that extraordinary measures would be implemented within a defined time frame to achieve the desired result. The governor said other measures to implement include focusing on infrastructure by building new schools where necessary and improving existing ones. Having seen the situation of our Primary and Secondary schools, I hereby declare a state of emergency on our Primary and Secondary schools, he said. The standard, the environment and everything need to be changed. We have templates of what we want our schools to look like. We have templates that will help us transform our schools into centres of learning as they should be. We would also prioritise teachers welfare and training, retraining and more training of teachers in line with contemporary standards and realities, he added. On appointees Mr Agbu also disclosed that most of his appointees will be young people with proven integrity and experience. He said he already has the names of those he wants to work with as commissioners and other key roles, but would want to make consultations before making the names public. 80% of my commissioners will be young people so that we can have a succession plan and results. That is why I have appointed well-experienced and matured persons as SSG and Chief of Staff so that they will be a guide to the young persons. REA DLAO: I dont want to be seen as Mr know all; I already have the names of those I want to work with. I just want to carry people along, otherwise, I can roll out my commissioners today, he said. Our development approach is people based and we will get back to them for what they want from us since we are here to serve them. We have our templates and blueprint in place and we will align it with the needs of the people in the course of our intensive interactions with them. Speaking on the scores of abandoned projects across the state, he said, Governance is a continuous process; we would look at all ongoing projects and those that have been commissioned without being completed will be re-evaluated. Anything that is good for the people of Taraba will not be abandoned. Mr Agbu said his administration will not carry out a witch hunt of the last government but will review and audit the previous administration and ask questions where necessary. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The new government in Kano, on Saturday, commenced the demolition of buildings on government land sold by the immediate past administration of Abdullahi Ganduje. The demolished property, a three-storey building with 90 shops, is located on a race course at the Nasarawa GRA. The new Kano governor, Abba Yusuf, was present during the demolition. The governor was led to the demolition exercise by the police commissioner, Muhammed Gumel. Mr Yusuf had promised to demolish structures erected on government land sold by the Ganduje administration. As of the time of this report, PREMIUM TIMES could not establish the owner of the property and whether or not it was acquired properly. The demolished shops are said to be an extension of the race course field. READ ALSO: Kano govt bans pasting of posters on walls Saturdays exercise is the first demolition exercise carried out by the governor who was sworn in on Monday. As of the time of filing this report, the government was yet to officially speak on the matter. Details later.. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno, on Friday, paid a thank-you visit to the second civilian governor of the state, Victor Attah, at his residence in Uyo. Mr Eno, who shared photos of the visit on his Twitter page, said it was a privilege to visit the former governor. I had the privilege to visit former Governor Victor Attah and other esteemed stakeholders at his Shelter Afrique residence. It was a fruitful meeting where I expressed gratitude for their unwavering support during my campaign and received valuable advice to strengthen my vision for our beloved state, the governor said on the microblogging site. Those who accompanied Governor Eno on the visit include the Director-General of his governorship campaign, Assam Assam; a former senator from the state, Effiong Bob; and the Secretary to the Akwa Ibom State Government, Enobong Uwah. Two former state lawmakers, Etido Ibekwe and Edouk Edouk, and a former commissioner for works in the state, Udoma Ekarika, who is Mr Attahs son-in-law, were with the former governor during the visit. Mr Attahs daughter Felicia and her brother were also at the meeting. READ ALSO: The former governor, revered as the father of modern Akwa Ibom, supported Mr Eno in the 2023 governorship election. Mr Eno acknowledged this during his inaugural speech on 29 May in which he described Mr Attah as the iroko one of Akwa Ibom. Our father, who is over a 100-year-old and has always been with us everywhere, I salute you. Thank you so much, the governor said to Mr Attah in the inaugural speech. Mr Attah, an architect, was governor of Akwa Ibom from 1999 to 2007. The state-owned airport in Uyo, which he built, is named after him. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Ondo State Government has urged the public to ignore rumours of the death of the state governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, describing it as a wicked fabrication. The state governments reaction followed anxiety in the state on Friday after the Social Democratic Party (SDP) called on the government to give details of the health situation of the governor. The party, in a statement, said it was the citizens right to know the true state of health of their governor following reports that he was critically ill. By Saturday morning, the rumours had thickened that Mr Akeredolu had died in a hospital abroad. A video was later shared on social media in a home setting watching on a large television screen the FA Cup final match between Manchester City and Manchester United played Saturday afternoon. The state government said the rumour of his death was the handiwork of his enemies. We have been inundated with calls and messages concerning the state of health of the Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON, the statement signed by the Commissioner for Information, Bamidele Ademola-Olateju. We had chosen to ignore this wicked fabrication until it appeared that certain persons seek to draw political mileage from the disinformation. Though the Governor has been indisposed, he has been attending to state matters and delegating functions to functionaries of the Government, when necessary. We enjoin the members of the public to ignore the rumour. Aketi is very much alive. The Peoples Democratic Party in the state also berated the governors aides for mismanaging information on his health challenge. The spokesperson for the party, Kennedy Peretei, said in a statement on Saturday that since the report that the governor was bedridden and incapacitated, his media handlers response had fueled public anxiety and suspicion. He said they should have told the truth or getting him to address Ondo State from wherever he is on planet earth. READ ALSO: When Akeredolu did not return to his duty post after his celebrated annual leave in March this year, tongues started wagging, he said. At the inauguration of President Bola Tinubu in Abuja, Akeredolu was conspicuously absent. The deafening silence from government information machinery suddenly saturated social media space with old videos of Akeredolu dancing and singing praises. On the eve of the inauguration of 10th Ondo State House of Assembly, there were reports of an Owo cabal led by Akeredolus heir apparent, Babajide mobilising Members-elect to make a legislator from Owo Speaker, as a fall back position to retain the leadership of the state in Owo, in the event of the worst happening, after impeaching the incumbent Deputy Governor. These speculations almost put the state on edge until this morning when the Ondo State House of Assembly retained the present power structure of Speakership of the Assembly in Ondo Central Senatorial District. If Akeredolus handlers had done the needful, the state would have been spared the unnecessary anxiety. As mortals, any human being can fall sick. Whether in public office or private life. Rotimi Akeredolu is employed by the people of Ondo State, maintained with taxpayers money. So, it is criminal and a great disservice to keep mum over his health status and his whereabouts. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Ondo State Chapter demands that those hiding the governor should tell the people where he is to save the state from speculation. In 2010, when then-President Umar YarAdua was incapacitated due to ill-health, Akeredolu was one of the most vociferous voices, calling for his resignation and allowing the then Vice-President to take over. If for whatever reason, Akeredolu can no longer discharge his official responsibilities, the most reasonable thing to do is to hand over to the Deputy Governor as required by the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). Our party joins millions of Ondo State people to pray for Akeredolus quick recovery, but nobody should play politics with his ill-health. Nobody should ground the state beyond its present state. Let Akeredolu resign, if he is no longer fit to be governor. The governors ailment had in January elicited an outbursts from his wife, Betty, who accused an aide to the governor, Bunmi Ademosu, of sneaking concoctions to her husband for his treatment. Ms Ademosu is the Special Adviser on Public and Inter-Governmental Relations to Governor Rotimi Akeredolu. Mrs Akeredolu warned the aide to steer clear of her husband. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania, June 3, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Air Tanzania are celebrating the delivery of the airline's first 767-300 Freighter. The airplane arrived today at the airline's hub in Dar es Salaam and will provide the operator with dedicated air freight capacity to serve the country's growing cargo market. The delivery also marks the first direct 767 Freighter delivery from Boeing to an African carrier. Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Air Tanzania are celebrating the delivery of the airline's first 767-300 Freighter. The airplane arrived today at the airline's hub in Dar es Salaam and will provide the operator with dedicated air freight capacity to serve the country's growing cargo market. The delivery also marks the first direct 767 Freighter delivery from Boeing to an African carrier. (Image credit: Boeing) "We are thrilled to welcome the 767-300 Boeing Freighter to our fleet. The 767 will cater to the growing cargo demand which was previously carried by passenger airplanes," said Eng. Ladislaus Matindi, Air Tanzania managing director. "The 767 will enable Air Tanzania to support a journey towards a more sustainable future and time critical cargo schedules across Africa and beyond. We are looking forward to expanding our imports and exports industry that require timely delivery. The arrival of the airplane will open opportunities for global businesses to transport commercial cargo goods to various parts of the world, which will boost national economic growth." The 767-300 Freighter's excellent fuel efficiency, operational flexibility and low noise levels will enable Air Tanzania to support time-critical cargo schedules across Africa and beyond. Capable of flying 3,255 nautical miles with a revenue payload of more than 52 tonnes, the 767-300 Freighter is the ideal airplane for growing e-commerce and express cargo markets. This is Air Tanzania's first dedicated freighter as the country looks to expand imports and exports of perishable goods, pharmaceuticals and other products that require timely delivery. "The 767 Freighter will enable Air Tanzania to significantly grow its existing operations with greater efficiency and flexibility across its network," said Anbessie Yitbarek, vice president, Africa Sales and Marketing, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "Air Tanzania's cargo customers now have far more options as the airline boosts freight connectivity between Africa, Europe, the Middle East and Asia." Air Tanzania currently operates commercial service across Africa and to destinations in Asia with a fleet that includes two 787-8 Dreamliners. The airline also has orders for an additional 787-8 and two 737 MAX jets. As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. As a top U.S. exporter, the company leverages the talents of a global supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing's diverse team is committed to innovating for the future, leading with sustainability, and cultivating a culture based on the company's core values of safety, quality and integrity. Join our team and find your purpose at boeing.com/careers . Contact Nadine Fanous Sales Communications Middle East & Africa Boeing Commercial Airplanes +971-56-4229051 [email protected] Boeing Media Relations [email protected] SOURCE Boeing NEW ORLEANS, June 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., Esq., a partner at the law firm of Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC ("KSF"), announces that KSF has commenced an investigation into C3.ai, Inc. ("C3" or the "Company") (NYSE: AI). In December 2020, the Company went public, completing its Initial Public Offering, touting throughout the process the Company's relationships with technology leaders, including Baker Hughes, and its "large and rapidly growingmarket," among other things. Then, on February 22, 2022, Spruce Point Capital Management reported that it had uncovered "[e]vidence of a severely challenged partnership with Baker Hughes, a related party and C3.ai's largest customer" and "[s]igns of problematic financial reporting and accounting regarding the Baker Hughes joint venture and a revolving door in C3.ai's Chief Financial Officer position." Thereafter, the Company and certain of its executives were sued in a securities class action lawsuit, charging them with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period in violation of federal securities laws, which remains ongoing. KSF's investigation is focusing on whether C3's officers and/or directors breached their fiduciary duties to its shareholders or otherwise violated state or federal laws. If you have information that would assist KSF in its investigation, or have been a long-term holder of C3 shares and would like to discuss your legal rights, you may, without obligation or cost to you, call toll-free at 1-833-938-0905 or email KSF Managing Partner Lewis Kahn ([email protected]), or visit https://www.ksfcounsel.com/cases/nyse-ai/ to learn more. About Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC KSF, 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 ksfcounsel.com. Contact: Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC Lewis Kahn, Managing Partner [email protected] 1-877-515-1850 1100 Poydras St., Suite 960 New Orleans, LA 70163 SOURCE Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC AITUC 03rd June 2023 PRESS RELEASE The following statement regarding the tragic rail accident in Odisha was released to the press by AITUC Secretariat, New Delhi Will the Modi Government take moral responsibility for the tragic rail accident in Odisha? AITUC demands rollback of privatisation policy of Railways. AITUC is of the firm opinion that Central Government has been neglecting the basic infrastructure of Railways, such as the required manpower, maintenance of assets, railway tracks, and signaling system while flagging off Vande Bharat trains for propaganda purposes. This has created a high-end railway system while making it precarious for the common people - a formula to denigrate Government owned services and then privatise them. The BSNL and MTNL are notorious examples. The Hidden Agenda is of course to privatise the Railways. The Odisha accident is a direct consequence of this policy. AITUC demands adequate compensation to the dependents of the deceased and a rollback of the privatisation policy. AMARJEET?KAUR General Secretary SUKUMAR DAMLE National Secretary o o IFTU National Committee Statement TRAIN ACCIDENT HIGHLIGHTS BURNING NEED FOR WITHDRAWAL OF PRIVATIZATION POLICIES OF CENTRAL GOVT AND POLICIES TO INFORMALIZE AND CHEAPEN WORK FORCE! The country and common people are bearing the bitter results of the policies of privatization of Railways and also of informalizing all jobs, decreasing workforce, non-regulated working hours and wages. The National Committee of the IFTU expresses its heartfelt condolences to the families of all those who have lost their lives in the terrible railway accident today. Both the trains involved regularly have huge numbers of workers as passengers as thousands and thousands of people from W.Bengal and Odisha are employed in southern states. The Central Govt.must take responsibility for the accident and its Railway Minister should resign forthwith. The affected families must be immediately and adequately compensated for the tragic loss of precious lives, including providing a govt job to a dependant of anyone who was the breadwinner of the family. The hundreds of injured should be each treated at the cost of Central Govt and should be compensated for entire potential loss of income. The work of maintenance of many stretches of railway tracks is among the departments being outsourced/ privatized by Central Government. The workforce in such type of important departments which involves the safety of passengers and the safety of the railway system itself, is being reduced in the name of cost-cutting after sourcing the employment through Outsourcing or Contractors This compromises the overseeing and the maintanence of the tracks safety. The regular workforce of railways was 13.7 lakhs in 1970-71, 16.5 lakhs in 1990-91, 13.34 lakhs in 2015 and 12.53 in 2019-20 Financial year. In addition, the Central Govt has increased the allowed axel load to allow earning more money from freight trains. This too increases wear and tear of tracks. Profit hunger of Private giants decreases both the money spent on maintenance as well as on workers. An Enquiry will be started by the Railway Ministry to pinpoint the concrete reason/s for this particular train accident. But the fact is that privatization of several departments of an essential service like Railways, reduction of work force in the name of rationalization, increasing of workload and unregulated or excessive working hours are some of the reasons that markedly increase chances of such accidents. Any such horrible tragedy, even though there will be an immediate cause, must draw our attention to the underlying issue of impact safe functioning of this service. Indiscriminate reduction of workforce, increased workload on workers, mental tensions and pressures on workers are fallouts of privatization of Public Sector now a days. Modi Govt is serving the interests of the Corporate. This government is planning to hand over all the public sector properties including the railway department to them. In this background, let us highlight the dangerous and disastrous consequences for the people of India. Let us forcefully raise the demand for the withdrawal of these policies. Let us forcefully demand Job Security, and the implementation of all labour laws. National Committee IFTU o o Text of statement signed by Statement of the Eastern and South Eastern Railway Unions in India [these have been Google translated from Bangla] Press Statement 03/06/23 The terrible train accident in Balasore shook the heart of the entire country. According to news reports, at Bahanaga Bazar station near Balasore, the last few coaches of the Down Jaswantpur Express derailed and went on the up line next to it. Almost immediately after the incident of derailment of Jashpantpur Express, Karmandal Express came on the up line and rammed into the lying coaches of Jashpantpur Express. The Cormandal Express, which was running at 120 km per hour, derailed on impact and again hit the goods train standing on the up loop on the other side of the up line. The impact was so strong that the engine of the cormandel went up on top of the wagon and the three rooms were shattered. As of now, more than 250 train passengers have died and the number is sure to rise. Almost all the dead were passengers of Karamandal Express. The worst affected by the accident were the unreserved compartments at the front of the Coromandel Express which are crowded with working people including migrant workers. This accident will be marked as one of the worst accidents in the history of railway accidents in the world in terms of death toll. The Balasore accident has raised several important and uncomfortable questions about railway management. In the current direction of the railway, the possibility of such major accidents remains in the future. Works related to track maintenance to passenger safety have also been handed over to contractors today. Coupling to connect two coaches has also been outsourced. Along with this, there is a massive vacancy in the safety category of railways. Due to lack of manpower, continuous inspection and maintenance work on the railway line to identify and correct buckling of the railway track during this great storm is not possible. Due to lack of manpower, even very important personnel like train drivers are forced to run trains without adequate rest. All the attention of the government today is focused on running trains and selling railway assets to bigwigs like Bande Bharat. If this policy of handing over Indian Railways to local and foreign capitalists without stopping the safety and comfort of crores of common rail passengers is not stopped immediately, it is only a matter of time before such worst accidents happen again. We therefore demand - (1) All vacancies in railway industry including safety category are to be filled up immediately. (2) Outsourcing should be stopped. (3) Provide training for unskilled contractor workers in connection with railway line maintenance and other passenger safety works. (4) Rail line petroling should be increased. (5) Track monitoring should be increased during summer to detect and intervene early in cases of rail line buckling. (6) Train crews shall not be made to work without adequate rest. NN Banerjee the president South Eastern Railway Labor Union Pradeep Banerjee Vice President CLW Employees Union Manoj Roy the president Eastern Railway Employees Union Issued on 3rd June 2023 Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shoukry said that Egypt seeks stronger cooperation with the BRICS bloc, stressing that the current global crises require urgent dialogue among developing countries on ways to promote peace and prosperity. In a speech delivered virtually on Friday to the meeting of the Friends of BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting, held in Cape Town, South Africa, FM Shoukry noted that the global economic system is facing multiple crises, which are impacting food security, energy, debt levels, and climate. Her reaffirmed Egypt's commitment to a strong relation with the BRICS bloc and other developing countries, highlighting their shared positions on global economic challenges and opportunities. The BRICS bloc, which now consists of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, is considering expanding its membership, and a growing number of countries have expressed interest in joining. He also emphasized the importance of multilateral action and cooperation based on principles of national sovereignty, mutual respect, common benefits, and solidarity. Financing mechanisms reform The existing global financing gap for development necessitates discussions on reforming existing multilateral development institutions and establishing new financing mechanisms to bridge this gap, Shoukry said. Egypt's membership in both the New Development Bank (NDB) of the BRICS bloc and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) demonstrates Cairos support for the efforts of the two banks in financing infrastructure in the developing world, particularly in Africa, the Egyptian foreign minister noted. However, he added, these efforts should not replace the need for reforming multilateral development financial institutions (DFIs) to effectively address the priorities of developing countries. Egypt' played a key role during its presidency of the 27th UN Climate Conference (COP27) in leading a multilateral consensus on advocating for the reform of international financial institutions (IFIs) and multilateral development banks (MDBs), stressed Shoukry, who was the president of the COP27. The objective from such reforms is to facilitate the provision of financing through grants and soft loans, as well as initiate discussions on financing losses and damages to support developing countries impacted by extreme weather events, he noted. Dangerous debt levels Shoukry also stressed during his speech on the significance of enhancing the efficiency and comprehensiveness of debt management mechanisms. On this note, the Egyptian foreign minister cautioned against the detrimental effects of the debt crisis on low- and middle-income countries. The burden of debt threatens the progress made by these countries in eradicating poverty over the past decades, he said. Shoukry reaffirmed Egypt's commitment to promote the interests of developing countries on the international stage and support South-South cooperation, adding that Cairo looks forward to strengthening cooperation with the BRICS bloc. Search Keywords: Short link: NEW YORK, June 3, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP, a leading national securities law firm, is investigating potential claims against Comerica Incorporated ("Comerica" or the "Company") (NYSE: CMA). If you suffered losses exceeding $50,000 investing in Comerica stock or options and would like to discuss your legal rights, call Faruqi & Faruqi partner Josh Wilson directly at 877-247-4292 or 212-983-9330 (Ext. 1310). You may also click here for additional information: www.faruqilaw.com/CMA. There is no cost or obligation to you. Faruqi & Faruqi is a leading minority and Woman-owned national securities law firm with offices in New York, Pennsylvania, California and Georgia. On May 30, 2023, American Banker issued an article titled "Comerica in 'serious violation' of Treasury's Direct Express program". The article states "Comerica Bank officials privately acknowledged significant compliance failures in their operation of a Treasury Department program that provides federal benefits on prepaid cards to millions of unbanked Americans." The article further states that Comerica executive said the bank faced "serious contract violation" for allowing fraud disputes and data on Direct Express cardholders to be handled out of a vendor's office in Lahore, Pakistan, the documents show. Personally identifiable information on veterans, Social Security and disability recipients were routinely shared and handled by i2c Inc., a vendor based in Redwood City, Calif., with an office in Lahore, Pakistan in violation of the government contract, the Comerica executive said. The Treasury's agreement with the bank states that all services provided "shall be performed in the United States or its territories." Attorney Advertising. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP (www.faruqilaw.com). Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome with respect to any future matter. We welcome the opportunity to discuss your particular case. All communications will be treated in a confidential manner. SOURCE Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP NEW YORK, June 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, announces an investigation of potential securities claims on behalf of shareholders of Shift4 Payments, Inc. (NYSE: FOUR) resulting from allegations that Shift4 may have issued materially misleading business information to the investing public. SO WHAT: If you purchased Shift4 securities you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. The Rosen Law Firm is preparing a class action seeking recovery of investor losses. WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the prospective class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=15240 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] or [email protected] for information on the class action. WHAT IS THIS ABOUT: On April 19, 2023, market analyst Blue Orca Capital issued a report stating, among other things, that "Shift4 engaged in a string of highly questionable and hyperaggressive accounting maneuvers seemingly designed to keep the stock afloat, from cash flow manipulation to inexplicable distributor acquisitions that enabled it to capitalize a major component of COGS." Further, the report alleges that "Shift4's CEO began to engage in highly aggressive stock promotion, proclaiming that FOUR is 'way too cheap' and that he is 'absolutely' considering taking the Company private[,]" however the report alleges that at the same time "Shift4's CEO also claimed to be a 'buyer' when he was, in fact, a net seller of over 1 million shares in 2022, and just weeks before his planned disposal of up to 2 million shares alongside the closing of his [variable prepaid forward (VPF)] contract." On this news, Shift4's stock price fell $5.95, or 8%, to close at $62.59 per share on April 19, 2023, on unusually heavy trading volume. WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers. 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. DUBLIN, June 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Service Handgun Market - Growth, Trends, COVID-19 Impact, and Forecasts (2023-2028)" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The service handgun market is projected to register a CAGR of more than 2% during the forecast period. Companies Mentioned Sturm, Ruger & Co. Inc. SIG SAUER Smith & Wesson Heckler & Koch GmbH FN HERSTAL CZUB Springfield Armory Fabbrica d'Armi Pietro Beretta SpA Colt's Manufacturing Company LLC Walther Arms Inc. Remington Arms Company GLOCK GmbH Browning KADDB Armscor International Inc. Service Handgun Market Trends The Pistols Segment Will Dominate the Market in Coming Years The pistols segment is expected to have a larger market share in the service handgun market during the forecast period. Pistols generally have a larger bullet holding capacity of up to 17 rounds on a standard magazine, compared to revolvers, which have a very low bullet holding capacity. Also, pistols are more accurate compared to revolvers. These are the main reasons for the greater preference of militaries and law enforcement agencies for pistols over revolvers. With the existing military handguns dating back to the Cold War, armies are replacing those handguns with newer models. For instance, in October 2022, Canadian tactical equipment distributor MD Charlton (MDC) was awarded a contract to provide the C22 full-frame modular pistol (Sig Sauer P320) and holster system. The USD 3.2 million contract comes with options that, if exercised, will take its value to USD 7.6 million. It also covers the supply of spares and operator and maintenance training. The contract will initially allow the government to provide the Canadian Army with 7,000 pistols and holster systems. Likewise, the .38-calibre Taurus revolvers used by the Singapore Police Force (SPF) frontline officers are now being replaced by semi-automatic pistols. This move is to give police officers more powerful and accurate firearms to tackle heightened security threats. Such procurement and related plans are the main reasons for a larger share of the segment. North America holds the Largest Share in the Market North America had the largest share in the market in 2021. Over the years, North America has been a major market for the service handgun market, primarily due to the replacement contracts awarded to the handgun manufacturers. Much of the demand from North America for handguns is from the United States. The United States has been the leading military spender in the world. In 2021, the United States spent around USD 800.67 billion on its military. The increase is expected to drive the implementation of new arms procurement programs, which are mainly focused on improving and upgrading the country's armed forces. In addition, the country has increased the military end strength by 5,600 in FY 2021 from the FY 2020 projected levels. The US Army is replacing its age-old pistols with newer ones. As per the 10-year agreement, Sig Sauer will supply the Army with full-size and compact gun versions. Such procurements are driving the revenues for the market in North America. However, the market is projected to witness the highest growth rate in Europe due to the anticipated increase in the procurement of service handguns for the law enforcement agencies of several countries in the region. The rise in crime rates in France has influenced the government to arm all the local cops with guns. The country has already witnessed an increase in the usage of semi-automatic pistols in the last three years. Such developments are expected to drive the growth of the market in Europe. Key Topics Covered: 1 INTRODUCTION 2 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 3 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 4 MARKET DYNAMICS 4.1 Market Overview 4.2 Market Drivers 4.3 Market Restraints 4.4 Porters Five Forces Analysis 5 MARKET SEGMENTATION 5.1 Type 5.1.1 Revolver 5.1.2 Pistol 5.2 Geography 6 COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE 6.1 Vendor Market Share 6.2 Company Profiles 7 MARKET OPPORTUNITIES AND FUTURE TRENDS For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/u2xk41 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 ROCKVILLE, Md. and SUZHOU, China, June 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Innovent Biologics, Inc. ("Innovent") (HKEX: 01801), a world-class biopharmaceutical company that develops, manufactures and commercializes high-quality medicines for the treatment of oncology, metabolic, autoimmune, ophthalmology and other major diseases, announced that the Center for Drug Evaluation (CDE) of China's National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) has granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation (BTD) for olverembatinib for the treatment of patients with succinate dehydrogenase (SDH)-deficient gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) who had received first-line treatment. Results from an ongoing Phase 1b/2 study of olverembatinib in China showed an impressive clinical benefit rate (CBR) of 93.8% in patients with this subtype of GIST. Based on these promising results, the study was selected for presentations at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting for two consecutive years[1]. Olverembatinib is the first and only third-generation BCR-ABL inhibitor approved in China for the treatment of adult patients with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI)-resistant chronic-phase chronic myeloid leukemia (CML-CP) or accelerated-phase CML (CML-AP) harboring the T315I mutation as confirmed by a validated diagnostic test. Olverembatinib is jointly commercialized in China by Ascentage Pharma and Innovent Biologics. This marks the second BTD granted to olverembatinib by the CDE, with the first one granted in March 2021 for the treatment of patients with CML-CP resistant and/or intolerant to first- and second-generation TKIs. A New Drug Application (NDA) for the first BTD indication was accepted by the NMPA in July 2022 and subsequently granted Priority Review designation that will support a full approval of olverembatinib. Dr. Hui Zhou, Senior Vice President of Innovent stated:" We are glad to see the NMPA grants another BTD for olverembatinib, marking a major milestone in its clinical development and demonstrating its therapeutic potentials beyond hematologic malignancies. We look forward to more good news of olverembatinib that allow more patients to benefit from this novel drug as soon as possible." NMPA Breakthrough Therapy Designation is intended to facilitate and expedite the development and review of an investigational drug to treat a serious disease or condition when preliminary clinical evidence indicates that the drug has demonstrated substantial improvement over current therapies. The BTD will not only qualify a drug candidate to receive status for rapid review by the CDE, but it will also allow the sponsor to obtain timely advice and communication from the CDE to accelerate the approval and launch to address the unmet clinical need of patients at an accelerated pace. Click here for the published list of drugs which have been granted BTD by NMPA. About Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST) GIST is a type of malignancy that arises in mesenchymal tissues of the gastrointestinal tract, and most patients with GIST harbor KIT or PDGFRA mutations. The introduction of TKIs has significantly improved the prognosis of these patients. However, patients with SHD-deficient GIST, a rare subtype of GIST, still have considerable unmet medical needs. It is known to the research community that patients with SDH-deficient GIST are commonly insensitive to existing TKIs. Although patients with early-stage localized disease can benefit from surgical treatment, most of them eventually experience relapse[2]-[6]. At present, there is no standard of care for patients with relapsed or advanced SDH-deficient GIST, whose 5-year event-free survival (EFS) is only 24%[2]-[6]. About Olverembatinib Developed by Ascentage Pharma with support from the National Major New Drug Discovery and Manufacturing Program in China, the orally active, third-generation BCR-ABL inhibitor olverembatinib is the first China-approved third-generation BCR-ABL inhibitor targeting drug-resistant chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Olverembatinib can effectively target a spectrum of BCR-ABL mutants, including the T315I mutation. In November 2021, olverembatinib was granted a conditional approval through the Priority Review process by the China National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) for the treatment of adult patients with tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI)-resistant chronic-phase CML (CML-CP) or accelerated-phase CML (CML-AP) harboring the T315I mutation as confirmed by a validated diagnostic test. Subsequently, Olverembatinib was included into the China 2022 National Reimbursement Drug List (NRDL) for the approved indication. In March 2021, olverembatinib was granted a Breakthrough Therapy Designation (BTD) by the CDE for the treatment of patients with CML-CP who are resistant and/or intolerant of first- and second-generation TKIs. In overseas, olverembatinib was cleared by the US FDA in July 2019 to directly enter a Phase Ib study. Since 2018, the clinical results of olverembatinib have been selected for oral presentations at the American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meetings for five consecutive years, and was nominated for "Best of ASH" in 2019. To date, olverembatinib has been granted one Fast Track Designation (FTD) and four Orphan Drug Designations (ODDs) from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of CML, acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST); and one Orphan Designation from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) of the European Union for the treatment of CML. In July 2021, Ascentage Pharma (6855.HK) and Innovent Biologics (1801.HK) reached the agreement regarding the joint development and commercialization of olverembatinib in China. *Olverembatinib has not been approved for any indication in the U.S. About Innovent Inspired by the spirit of "Start with Integrity, Succeed through Action," Innovent's mission is to develop, manufacture and commercialize high-quality biopharmaceutical products that are affordable to ordinary people. Established in 2011, Innovent is committed to developing, manufacturing and commercializing high-quality innovative medicines in the fields of oncology, metabolism, autoimmunity, ophthalmology and other major diseases. On October 31, 2018, Innovent was listed on the Main Board of the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited with the stock code: 01801.HK. Since its inception, Innovent has developed a fully integrated multi-functional platform which includes R&D, CMC (Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls), clinical development and commercialization capabilities. Leveraging the platform, the company has built a robust pipeline of 35 valuable assets in the fields of cancer, metabolic disorder, autoimmune disease and other major therapeutic areas, with 8 approved products on the market. These include: TYVYT (sintilimab injection), BYVASDA (bevacizumab biosimilar injection), SULINNO (adalimumab biosimilar injection), HALPRYZA (rituximab biosimilar injection) , Pemazyre (pemigatinib oral inhibitor), olverembatinib (BCR-ABL TKI) , Cyramza (ramucirumab) and Retsevmo (selpercatinib). An additional 3 assets are under NMPA NDA review, 6 assets are in Phase 3 or pivotal clinical trials, and 18 more molecules are in clinical studies. Innovent has built an international team with advanced talent in high-end biological drug development and commercialization, including many global experts. The company has also entered into strategic collaborations with Eli Lilly and Company, Sanofi, Adimab, Incyte, MD Anderson Cancer Center and other international partners. Innovent strives to work with many collaborators to help advance China's biopharmaceutical industry, improve drug availability and enhance the quality of the patients' lives. For more information, please visit: www.innoventbio.com. and www.linkedin.com/company/innovent-biologics/. Disclaimer: Innovent does not recommend any off-label usage. Note: TYVYT (sintilimab injection) is not an approved product in the United States. BYVASDA (bevacizumab biosimilar injection), SULINNO, and HALPRYZA (rituximab biosimilar injection) are not approved products in the United States. TYVYT (sintilimab injection, Innovent) BYVASDA (bevacizumab biosimilar injection, Innovent) HALPRYZA (rituximab biosimilar injection, Innovent) SULINNO (adalimumab biosimilar injection, Innovent) Pemazyre (pemigatinib oral inhibitor, Incyte Corporation). Pemazyre was discovered by Incyte Corporation and licensed to Innovent for development and commercialization in Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan. CYRAMZA (ramucirumab, Eli Lilly). Cyramza was discovered by Eli Lilly and licensed to Innovent for commercialization in Mainland China. Retsevmo (selpercatinib, Eli Lilly). Retsevmo was discovered by Eli Lilly and licensed to Innovent for commercialization in Mainland China. Forward-Looking Statements This news release may contain certain forward-looking statements that are, by their nature, subject to significant risks and uncertainties. The words "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "intend" and similar expressions, as they relate to Innovent, are intended to identify certain of such forward-looking statements. Innovent does not intend to update these forward-looking statements regularly. These forward-looking statements are based on the existing beliefs, assumptions, expectations, estimates, projections and understandings of the management of Innovent with respect to future events at the time these statements are made. These statements are not a guarantee of future developments and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond Innovent's control and are difficult to predict. Consequently, actual results may differ materially from information contained in the forward-looking statements as a result of future changes or developments in our business, Innovent's competitive environment and political, economic, legal and social conditions. Innovent, the Directors and the employees of Innovent assume (a) no obligation to correct or update the forward-looking statements contained in this site; and (b) no liability in the event that any of the forward-looking statements does not materialize or turn out to be incorrect. Reference [1]. Qiu H, Zhou Z, Zhou Y, et al. Antitumor activity of olverembatinib (HQP1351) in patients (pts) with tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI)resistant succinate dehydrogenase (SDH)deficient gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST). J Clin Oncol 41, 2023 (suppl 16; abstr 11540). [2]. Mantese G. Gastrointestinal stromal tumor: epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment. Curr Opin Gastroenterol. 2019; 35(6): 555-559. [3]. Call JW, Wang Y, Rothschild S, et al. Treatment responses in SDH-deficient GIST. LRG Science, https://liferaftgroup.org/2019/08/treatmentresponses-in-sdh-deficient-gist. [4]. Nannini M, Rizzo A, Indio V, et al. Targeted therapy in SDH-deficient GIST. Ther Adv Med Oncol. 2021; 13: 17588359211023278. [5]. Weldon CB, Madenci AL, Boikos SA, et al. Surgical Management of Wild-Type Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors: A Report From the National Institutes of Health Pediatric and Wildtype GIST Clinic. J Clin Oncol. 2017; 35(5): 523-528. [6]. Mullassery D, Weldon CB. Pediatric/"Wildtype" gastrointestinal stromal tumors. Semin Pediatr Surg. 2016; 25(5): 305-310. SOURCE Innovent Biologics NINGBO, China, June 3, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- A report from Ningbo Media Group: A new beginning awaits! On June 3, the 2023 Hangzhou Bay National Wetland Park Birdwatching Festival began at the wetland park in Ningbo, the city's only locale designated as a prime bird watching site in Zhejiang Province. This year's festival, themed "Journeying with Migratory Birds", aims to reinforce society's belief in the value of collective efforts to preserve migratory birds, even in the face of challenges in safeguarding these cherished species. During the opening ceremony of the festival, the black-faced spoonbill IP mascot "Dr. Heron" was unveiled. The adorable character was inspired by "Y61", a three-year-old black-faced spoonbill often spotted at the Hangzhou Bay National Wetland Park along the East Asia coastline. By giving this wetland-loving bird a unique character and narrative, the festival highlights the wetland's reputation as a habitat for migratory birds and a haven for bird-watching enthusiasts. Through the initiative, the event aims to establish connections with bird enthusiasts worldwide who share a common passion for the conservation of migratory birds. "Birds play a vital role in maintaining the natural ecosystem. In recent years, Qianwan New Area has made significant strides in balancing ecological preservation with business development, in line with President Xi Jinping's vision that emphasizes the value of clear waters and green mountains," stated Wang Weifeng, Management Committee deputy director and Party Working Committee member of Ningbo Qianwan New Area. "Having received more than 50 accolades, Hangzhou Bay Wetland Park was recognized as one of the prime bird-watching resorts in Zhejiang Province in April of this year. We encourage all attendees to embrace birdwatching as a means to cultivate love and protection of birds, while also promoting the wetland park, and providing visitors to Qianwan with an opportunity to appreciate the magnificence of nature." In an effort to raise the awareness of the significance of protecting the avian inhabitants of the wetland, this year's birdwatching festival marks a significant expansion beyond the wetland itself. Collaborating with Shijicheng Experimental Primary School in Qianwan New Area and Chengdong Primary School in Longquan, Lishui, the festival engaged students from both schools in a unique initiative. Together they have crafted over 500 "Nature Notes from the Mountains and the Sea", brimming with childlike wonder and imagination. These heartfelt notes showcase the students' knowledge of birdwatching, but also express their profound love for these feathered creatures, establishing a profound connection between the mountains and the sea. During the launch ceremony, the children shared their compelling stories of safeguarding mountains, forests, wetlands, and accompanying wildlife, captivating the audience with their poignant tales. The Wetland Museum Reading Wonder Night, a part of the festival's series of events, provided a delightful opportunity for families and birdwatching specialists to come together and explore the interconnectedness between wetlands and migratory birds. Through activities such as reading, storytelling, observations and games, participants gained valuable insights into the harmonious relationship that exists within these ecosystems. To highlight the achievements made in migratory bird conservation, the Migratory Bird Museum will host the Birdwatching Documentary Eco-photography Exhibition during the festival. This exhibition will feature a collection of images of rare migratory bird species, skillfully captured by bird enthusiasts in Qianwan New Area over the past three years. The festival, which kicked off in earlier this month, will continue until month end. We invite you to come join us in witnessing the captivating beauty of migratory birds! SOURCE Ningbo Media Group NEW YORK, June 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Pet Monitoring Camera is segmented by product (one-way video and two-way video), distribution channel (offline and online), and geography (APAC, North America, Europe, South America, and Middle East and Africa). It also features a thorough analysis of the factors, patterns, and difficulties. The report also contains historical market information from 2017 to 2021. Discover market potential and make informed business decisions based on qualitative and quantitative evidence highlighted in Technavio reports Download the PDF Sample Report Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Pet Monitoring Camera Market 2023-2027 Regional Market Outlook During the forecast period, APAC is anticipated to contribute 40% to the growth of the global market. The regional trends and drivers that will shape the market over the course of the forecast have been thoroughly explained by Technavio's analysts. Due to increased brand offerings in the market and high pet owner awareness, the Indian market is anticipated to grow strongly during the forecast period. The market for pet cameras is expanding along with the rise in pet adoption. View the sample report for more key highlights on the regional market share of most of the above-mentioned countries. Global Market Outlook The Pet Monitoring Camera market size is expected to increase by USD 541.19 million from 2022 to 2027, expediting at a CAGR of 17.4% during the forecast period. The market for pet monitoring cameras has grown thanks to the sales of surveillance equipment like trackers and cameras. The popularity of owning pets has increased due to the high adoption rates of dogs and cats. Additionally, pet adoption grew significantly between 2020 and 2021, particularly in North America and Europe. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) estimates that during the pandemic, more than 23 million American households, or nearly 1 in 5 nationwide, adopted a pet. The world market for pet monitoring cameras is anticipated to grow over the course of the forecast period due to the rising number of pets, particularly dogs and even cats. Latest Drivers and Challenges Impacting the Pet Monitoring Camera insurance market Pet Monitoring Camera Market Drivers Rise in concern over the well-being of pets: Pet owners worry about things like health issues and pet thefts. Additionally, pet thefts are on the rise globally, but especially in Europe , which has made pet owners more watchful and increased the need for monitoring their animals. According to the APPA survey, 75% of pet owners said that spending time with their animals helped them cope with the COVID-19 pandemic's mental stress. The market for pet monitoring cameras is anticipated to grow during the forecast period as a result of the rising concern over pet theft and pet health. Pet owners worry about things like health issues and pet thefts. Additionally, pet thefts are on the rise globally, but especially in , which has made pet owners more watchful and increased the need for monitoring their animals. According to the APPA survey, 75% of pet owners said that spending time with their animals helped them cope with the COVID-19 pandemic's mental stress. The market for pet monitoring cameras is anticipated to grow during the forecast period as a result of the rising concern over pet theft and pet health. Increased number of pet ownerships Increased adoption of smartphones Pet Monitoring Camera Market Challenges Reluctance of pet owners to buy high priced products : Pet owners are very concerned about keeping an eye on their animals' needs and safety. These deviceswhich are very expensive multi-featured pet monitoring camerashave all of these features. Other costs, such as cloud connectivity devices and other installation fees, add up to be additional operational costs for pet owners in addition to the cost of the device itself. Therefore, these factors pose obstacles to the widespread use of pet monitoring cameras, particularly in developing and underdeveloped nations. This is due to the fact that these nations have a large middle- or low-income population. reinsurance sector. : Pet owners are very concerned about keeping an eye on their animals' needs and safety. These deviceswhich are very expensive multi-featured pet monitoring camerashave all of these features. Other costs, such as cloud connectivity devices and other installation fees, add up to be additional operational costs for pet owners in addition to the cost of the device itself. Therefore, these factors pose obstacles to the widespread use of pet monitoring cameras, particularly in developing and underdeveloped nations. This is due to the fact that these nations have a large middle- or low-income population. reinsurance sector. Low adoption in developing countries Lack of proper connectivity Explore the evolving Vendor Landscape Some of the pet monitoring camera insurance market vendors are: Centrica Hive Ltd. EZVIZ Inc. Furbo Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Lenovo Group Ltd. Neos Ventures Ltd. PetChatz LLC Petcube Inc PETKIT Ltd. Shenzhen Skymee Technology Co. Ltd Vimtag Technology Co LTD Wagz Inc. Wyze Labs Inc Xiaomi Inc. Zmodo Technology Corp. Ltd. Request a sample today to explore the offerings of vendors and discover how they can benefit your business. - View Sample Report in minutes Key benefits of the report: This study presents the analytical depiction of the Pet Monitoring Camera market along with the current trends and future estimations to determine the imminent investment pockets. The report presents information related to key drivers, restraints, and opportunities along with a detailed analysis of the Pet Monitoring Camera insurance market share. The current market is quantitatively analyzed to highlight the Pet Monitoring Camera market growth scenario. The report provides a detailed Pet Monitoring Camera market analysis depending on competitive intensity and how the competition will take shape in coming years. Register for a free trial today and gain instant access to 17,000+ market research reports. Technavio's SUBSCRIPTION platform Related Reports Crawler Camera System - The crawler camera system market size is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 16.06% between 2022 and 2027. The market size is forecast to increase by USD 3,272.58 million . - The crawler camera system market size is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 16.06% between 2022 and 2027. The market size is forecast to increase by . Wireless Home Security Camera- The wireless home security camera market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 13.34% between 2022 and 2027, and the size of the market is forecasted to increase by USD 753.58 million . Pet Monitoring Camera Market Scope Report Coverage Details Page number 156 Base year 2022 Historic period 2017-2021 Forecast period 2023-2027 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 17.4% Market growth 2023-2027 USD 541.19 million Market structure Fragmented YoY growth 2022-2023 (%) 16.8 Regional analysis APAC, North America, Europe, South America, and Middle East and Africa Performing market contribution APAC at 40% Key countries US, China, Japan, Germany, and UK Competitive landscape Leading Vendors, Market Positioning of Vendors, Competitive Strategies, and Industry Risks Key companies profiled Acer Inc., Amazon.com Inc., Arlo Technologies Inc, Centrica Hive Ltd., EZVIZ Inc., Furbo, Hangzhou Hikvision Digital, Lenovo Group Ltd., Neos Ventures Ltd., PetChatz LLC, Petcube Inc, PETKIT Ltd., Shenzhen Skymee Technology Co. Ltd, Vimtag Technology Co LTD, Wagz Inc., Wopet Pet Product Ltd., Wyze Labs Inc, Xiaomi Inc., and Zmodo Technology Corp. Ltd. Market dynamics Parent market analysis, Market growth inducers and obstacles, Fast-growing and slow-growing segment analysis, COVID-19 impact and recovery analysis and future consumer dynamics, and Market condition analysis for the forecast period. Customization purview If our report has not included the data that you are looking for, you can reach out to our analysts and get segments customized. 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. Don't miss out on critical insights purchase our report now 1 Executive Summary 1.1 Market overview Exhibit 01: Executive Summary Chart on Market Overview Exhibit 02: Executive Summary Data Table on Market Overview Exhibit 03: Executive Summary Chart on Global Market Characteristics Exhibit 04: Executive Summary Chart on Market by Geography Exhibit 05: Executive Summary Chart on Market Segmentation by Product Exhibit 06: Executive Summary Chart on Market Segmentation by Distribution Channel Exhibit 07: Executive Summary Chart on Incremental Growth Exhibit 08: Executive Summary Data Table on Incremental Growth Exhibit 09: Executive Summary Chart on Vendor Market Positioning 2 Market Landscape 2.1 Market ecosystem Exhibit 10: Parent market Exhibit 11: Market Characteristics 3 Market Sizing 3.1 Market definition Exhibit 12: Offerings of vendors included in the market definition 3.2 Market segment analysis Exhibit 13: Market segments 3.3 Market size 2022 3.4 Market outlook: Forecast for 2022-2027 Exhibit 14: Chart on Global - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 15: Data Table on Global - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 16: Chart on Global Market: Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 17: Data Table on Global Market: Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 4 Historic Market Size 4.1 Global pet monitoring camera market 2017 - 2021 Exhibit 18: Historic Market Size Data Table on Global pet monitoring camera market 2017 - 2021 ($ million) 4.2 Product Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021 Exhibit 19: Historic Market Size Product Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ million) 4.3 Distribution channel Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021 Exhibit 20: Historic Market Size Distribution channel Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ million) 4.4 Geography Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021 Exhibit 21: Historic Market Size Geography Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ million) 4.5 Country Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021 Exhibit 22: Historic Market Size Country Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ million) 5 Five Forces Analysis 5.1 Five forces summary Exhibit 23: Five forces analysis - Comparison between 2022 and 2027 5.2 Bargaining power of buyers Exhibit 24: Chart on Bargaining power of buyers Impact of key factors 2022 and 2027 5.3 Bargaining power of suppliers Exhibit 25: Bargaining power of suppliers Impact of key factors in 2022 and 2027 5.4 Threat of new entrants Exhibit 26: Threat of new entrants Impact of key factors in 2022 and 2027 5.5 Threat of substitutes Exhibit 27: Threat of substitutes Impact of key factors in 2022 and 2027 5.6 Threat of rivalry Exhibit 28: Threat of rivalry Impact of key factors in 2022 and 2027 5.7 Market condition Exhibit 29: Chart on Market condition - Five forces 2022 and 2027 6 Market Segmentation by Product 6.1 Market segments Exhibit 30: Chart on Product - Market share 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 31: Data Table on Product - Market share 2022-2027 (%) 6.2 Comparison by Product Exhibit 32: Chart on Comparison by Product Exhibit 33: Data Table on Comparison by Product 6.3 One-way video - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 34: Chart on One-way video - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 35: Data Table on One-way video - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 36: Chart on One-way video - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 37: Data Table on One-way video - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 6.4 Two-way video - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 38: Chart on Two-way video - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 39: Data Table on Two-way video - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 40: Chart on Two-way video - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 41: Data Table on Two-way video - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 6.5 Market opportunity by Product Exhibit 42: Market opportunity by Product ($ million) 7 Market Segmentation by Distribution Channel 7.1 Market segments Exhibit 43: Chart on Distribution Channel - Market share 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 44: Data Table on Distribution Channel - Market share 2022-2027 (%) 7.2 Comparison by Distribution Channel Exhibit 45: Chart on Comparison by Distribution Channel Exhibit 46: Data Table on Comparison by Distribution Channel 7.3 Offline - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 47: Chart on Offline - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 48: Data Table on Offline - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 49: Chart on Offline - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 50: Data Table on Offline - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 7.4 Online - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 51: Chart on Online - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 52: Data Table on Online - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 53: Chart on Online - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 54: Data Table on Online - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 7.5 Market opportunity by Distribution Channel Exhibit 55: Market opportunity by Distribution Channel ($ million) 8 Customer Landscape 8.1 Customer landscape overview Exhibit 56: Analysis of price sensitivity, lifecycle, customer purchase basket, adoption rates, and purchase criteria 9 Geographic Landscape 9.1 Geographic segmentation Exhibit 57: Chart on Market share by geography 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 58: Data Table on Market share by geography 2022-2027 (%) 9.2 Geographic comparison Exhibit 59: Chart on Geographic comparison Exhibit 60: Data Table on Geographic comparison 9.3 APAC - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 61: Chart on APAC - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 62: Data Table on APAC - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 63: Chart on APAC - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 64: Data Table on APAC - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.4 North America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 65: Chart on North America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 66: Data Table on North America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 67: Chart on North America - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 68: Data Table on North America - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.5 Europe - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 69: Chart on Europe - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 70: Data Table on Europe - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 71: Chart on Europe - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 72: Data Table on Europe - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.6 South America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 73: Chart on South America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 74: Data Table on South America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 75: Chart on South America - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 76: Data Table on South America - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.7 Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 and - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 77: Chart on Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) and - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 78: Data Table on Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) and - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 79: Chart on Middle East and Africa - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) and - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 80: Data Table on Middle East and Africa - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.8 US - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 81: Chart on US - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 82: Data Table on US - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 83: Chart on US - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 84: Data Table on US - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.9 China - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 85: Chart on China - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 86: Data Table on China - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 87: Chart on China - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 88: Data Table on China - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.10 Germany - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 89: Chart on Germany - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 90: Data Table on Germany - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 91: Chart on Germany - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 92: Data Table on Germany - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.11 UK - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 93: Chart on UK - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 94: Data Table on UK - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 95: Chart on UK - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 96: Data Table on UK - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.12 Japan - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 97: Chart on Japan - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 98: Data Table on Japan - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 99: Chart on Japan - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 100: Data Table on Japan - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.13 Market opportunity by geography Exhibit 101: Market opportunity by geography ($ million) 10 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 10.1 Market drivers 10.2 Market challenges 10.3 Impact of drivers and challenges Exhibit 102: Impact of drivers and challenges in 2022 and 2027 10.4 Market trends 11 Vendor Landscape 11.1 Overview 11.2 Vendor landscape Exhibit 103: Overview on Criticality of inputs and Factors of differentiation 11.3 Landscape disruption Exhibit 104: Overview on factors of disruption 11.4 Industry risks Exhibit 105: Impact of key risks on business 12 Vendor Analysis 12.1 Vendors covered Exhibit 106: Vendors covered 12.2 Market positioning of vendors Exhibit 107: Matrix on vendor position and classification 12.3 Acer Inc. Exhibit 108: Acer Inc. - Overview Exhibit 109: Acer Inc. - Business segments Exhibit 110: Acer Inc. - Key news Exhibit 111: Acer Inc. - Key offerings Exhibit 112: Acer Inc. - Segment focus 12.4 Amazon.com Inc. Exhibit 113: Amazon.com Inc. - Overview Exhibit 114: Amazon.com Inc. - Business segments Exhibit 115: Amazon.com Inc. - Key news Exhibit 116: Amazon.com Inc. - Key offerings Exhibit 117: Amazon.com Inc. - Segment focus 12.5 Arlo Technologies Inc Exhibit 118: Arlo Technologies Inc - Overview Exhibit 119: Arlo Technologies Inc - Business segments Exhibit 120: Arlo Technologies Inc - Key offerings Exhibit 121: Arlo Technologies Inc - Segment focus 12.6 Furbo Exhibit 122: Furbo - Overview Exhibit 123: Furbo - Product / Service Exhibit 124: Furbo - Key offerings 12.7 Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Exhibit 125: Hangzhou Hikvision Digital - Overview Exhibit 126: Hangzhou Hikvision Digital - Product / Service Exhibit 127: Hangzhou Hikvision Digital - Key offerings 12.8 Lenovo Group Ltd. Exhibit 128: Lenovo Group Ltd. - Overview Exhibit 129: Lenovo Group Ltd. - Business segments Exhibit 130: Lenovo Group Ltd. - Key offerings Exhibit 131: Lenovo Group Ltd. - Segment focus 12.9 Neos Ventures Ltd. Exhibit 132: Neos Ventures Ltd. - Overview Exhibit 133: Neos Ventures Ltd. - Product / Service Exhibit 134: Neos Ventures Ltd. - Key offerings 12.10 PetChatz LLC Exhibit 135: PetChatz LLC - Overview Exhibit 136: PetChatz LLC - Product / Service Exhibit 137: PetChatz LLC - Key offerings 12.11 Petcube Inc Exhibit 138: Petcube Inc - Overview Exhibit 139: Petcube Inc - Product / Service Exhibit 140: Petcube Inc - Key offerings 12.12 PETKIT Ltd. Exhibit 141: PETKIT Ltd. - Overview Exhibit 142: PETKIT Ltd. - Product / Service Exhibit 143: PETKIT Ltd. - Key offerings 12.13 Shenzhen Skymee Technology Co. Ltd Exhibit 144: Shenzhen Skymee Technology Co. Ltd - Overview Exhibit 145: Shenzhen Skymee Technology Co. Ltd - Product / Service Exhibit 146: Shenzhen Skymee Technology Co. Ltd - Key offerings 12.14 Vimtag Technology Co LTD Exhibit 147: Vimtag Technology Co LTD - Overview Exhibit 148: Vimtag Technology Co LTD - Product / Service Exhibit 149: Vimtag Technology Co LTD - Key offerings 12.15 Wagz Inc. Exhibit 150: Wagz Inc. - Overview Exhibit 151: Wagz Inc. - Product / Service Exhibit 152: Wagz Inc. - Key offerings 12.16 Wopet Pet Product Ltd. Exhibit 153: Wopet Pet Product Ltd. - Overview Exhibit 154: Wopet Pet Product Ltd. - Product / Service Exhibit 155: Wopet Pet Product Ltd. - Key offerings 12.17 Zmodo Technology Corp. Ltd. Exhibit 156: Zmodo Technology Corp. Ltd. - Overview Exhibit 157: Zmodo Technology Corp. Ltd. - Product / Service Exhibit 158: Zmodo Technology Corp. Ltd. - Key offerings 13 Appendix 13.1 Scope of the report 13.2 Inclusions and exclusions checklist Exhibit 159: Inclusions checklist Exhibit 160: Exclusions checklist 13.3 Currency conversion rates for US$ Exhibit 161: Currency conversion rates for US$ 13.4 Research methodology Exhibit 162: Research methodology Exhibit 163: Validation techniques employed for market sizing Exhibit 164: Information sources 13.5 List of abbreviations Exhibit 165: 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 NEW YORK, June 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The REIT Market is segmented by type (industrial, commercial, and residential), application (warehouses and communication centers, self-storage facilities and data centers, and others), and geography (North America, APAC, Europe, South America, and Middle East and Africa) Discover market potential and make informed business decisions based on qualitative and quantitative evidence highlighted in Technavio reports Download the PDF Sample Report Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global REIT Market 2023-2027 Regional Market Outlook During the forecast period, North America is anticipated to contribute 63% to the growth of the global market. The geographical trends and drivers that will shape the market over the course of the forecast have been thoroughly discussed by Technavio's analysts. The region is likely to support the growth of the market during the forecast period due to the expansion of industries like manufacturing, food and beverage production, chemical production, and e-commerce. The US rent costs for storage and warehouse facilities have increased due to the low vacancy rate of industrial buildings such as storage and warehouses, which is approximately 3%6%. View the sample report for more key highlights on the regional market share of most of the above-mentioned countries. Global Market Outlook The REIT market is anticipated to expand at a CAGR of 2.8%. The market is expected to grow in size by USD 333.01 billion. Online purchasing has expanded globally in recent years. As internet connectivity developed globally, e-commerce expanded and traditional merchants found it more challenging to expand. The quantity of items sold through online channels has expanded with the growth of internet commerce globally. Global e-commerce giants like Amazon, Alibaba, JD.com, and IKEA are among those opening their warehouses to accommodate the rise in sales volumes as a result. A long-term strategy to develop its smart warehouse network throughout Southeast Asia, including Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore, was revealed by Alibaba's logistics company Cainiao in November 2021. Latest Drivers and Challenges Impacting the REIT market REIT Market Drivers Increase in global demand for warehousing and storage facilities : Electronics, automotive, chemical, food and beverage, pharmaceutical, and FMCG products are stored in the storage and warehousing facilities. Warehouses are used by producers, importers, exporters, logistics service providers, and others to store finished and semi-finished items. During the projection period, the expansion of warehouse and storage facilities is anticipated to favorably affect demand for the global REIT market. This is due to how expensive it is to build new warehouses and storage facilities. The high cost of real estate also pushes up the cost of construction for the various end-user businesses. During the projection period, the rise in demand for warehousing and storage services will boost the expansion of the worldwide REIT market : Electronics, automotive, chemical, food and beverage, pharmaceutical, and FMCG products are stored in the storage and warehousing facilities. Warehouses are used by producers, importers, exporters, logistics service providers, and others to store finished and semi-finished items. During the projection period, the expansion of warehouse and storage facilities is anticipated to favorably affect demand for the global REIT market. This is due to how expensive it is to build new warehouses and storage facilities. The high cost of real estate also pushes up the cost of construction for the various end-user businesses. During the projection period, the rise in demand for warehousing and storage services will boost the expansion of the worldwide REIT market Growing residential sector globally Increasing support of government REIT Market Challenges Vertical integration by e-commerce companies : Sales of e-commerce have increased globally in recent years. As a result, major international e-commerce firms like Amazon, Alibaba, JD.com, and IKEA are setting up their own warehouses to handle the growth in sales volume. The logistics arm of Alibaba, Cainiao, unveiled a long-term strategy in November 2021 to build up its network of smart warehouses across Southeast Asia , including Vietnam , Indonesia , Malaysia , and Singapore. : Sales of e-commerce have increased globally in recent years. As a result, major international e-commerce firms like Amazon, Alibaba, JD.com, and IKEA are setting up their own warehouses to handle the growth in sales volume. The logistics arm of Alibaba, Cainiao, unveiled a long-term strategy in to build up its network of smart warehouses across , including , , , and Singapore. Compliance with government regulations and policies that hinder operational efficiency Financial constraints Explore the evolving Vendor Landscape In-depth analysis of the market's competitive environment and details on 15 vendors are also included in the report. Some of the REIT market vendors are: Automotive Properties REIT CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trust Management Ltd. Deutsche WohnenDeutsche Wohnen SE Dexus Group Federal Realty Investment Trust FIBRA Prologis Gecina REIT SA GPT Management Holdings Ltd. Iron Mountain Inc. Japan Real Estate Investment Corp. Klepierre Reit SA Link Asset Management Ltd. Mirvac Group NorthWest Healthcare Properties Omega Healthcare Investors Inc. Request a sample today to explore the offerings of vendors and discover how they can benefit your business. - View Sample Report in minutes Key benefits of the report: This study presents the analytical depiction of the REIT market along with the current trends and future estimations to determine the imminent investment pockets. The report presents information related to key drivers, restraints, and opportunities along with a detailed analysis of the REIT market share. The current market is quantitatively analyzed to highlight the REIT market growth scenario. The report provides a detailed REIT market analysis depending on competitive intensity and how the competition will take shape in coming years. Register for a free trial today and gain instant access to 17,000+ market research reports. 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The market size is forecast to increase by USD 163.43 billion REIT Market Scope Report Coverage Details Page number 152 Base year 2022 Historic period 2017-2021 Forecast period 2023-2027 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 2.8% Market growth 2023-2027 USD 333.01 billion Market structure Fragmented YoY growth 2022-2023 (%) 2.6 Regional analysis North America, APAC, Europe, South America, and Middle East and Africa Performing market contribution North America at 63% Key countries US, Japan, Singapore, UK, and Germany Competitive landscape Leading vendors, market positioning of vendors, competitive strategies, and industry risks Key companies profiled Automotive Properties REIT, CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trust Management Ltd., Deutsche WohnenDeutsche Wohnen SE, Dexus Group, Federal Realty Investment Trust, FIBRA Prologis, Gecina REIT SA, GPT Management Holdings Ltd., Iron Mountain Inc., Japan Real Estate Investment Corp., Klepierre Reit SA, Link Asset Management Ltd., Mirvac Group, NorthWest Healthcare Properties, Omega Healthcare Investors Inc., RioCan Real Estate Investment Trust, Segro Plc, STAG Industrial Inc., Stockland Corp. Ltd., and W. P. Carey Inc. Market dynamics Parent market analysis, market growth inducers and obstacles, fast-growing and slow-growing segment analysis, COVID-19 impact and recovery analysis and future consumer dynamics, and market condition analysis for the forecast period. Customization purview If our report has not included the data that you are looking for, you can reach out to our analysts and get segments customized. 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. Don't miss out on critical insights purchase our report now 1 Executive Summary 1.1 Market overview Exhibit 01: Executive Summary Chart on Market Overview Exhibit 02: Executive Summary Data Table on Market Overview Exhibit 03: Executive Summary Chart on Global Market Characteristics Exhibit 04: Executive Summary Chart on Market by Geography Exhibit 05: Executive Summary Chart on Market Segmentation by Type Exhibit 06: Executive Summary Chart on Market Segmentation by Application Exhibit 07: Executive Summary Chart on Incremental Growth Exhibit 08: Executive Summary Data Table on Incremental Growth Exhibit 09: Executive Summary Chart on Vendor Market Positioning 2 Market Landscape 2.1 Market ecosystem Exhibit 10: Parent market Exhibit 11: Market Characteristics 3 Market Sizing 3.1 Market definition Exhibit 12: Offerings of vendors included in the market definition 3.2 Market segment analysis Exhibit 13: Market segments 3.3 Market size 2022 3.4 Market outlook: Forecast for 2022-2027 Exhibit 14: Chart on Global - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) Exhibit 15: Data Table on Global - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) Exhibit 16: Chart on Global Market: Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 17: Data Table on Global Market: Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 4 Historic Market Size 4.1 Global REIT market 2017 - 2021 Exhibit 18: Historic Market Size Data Table on Global REIT market 2017 - 2021 ($ billion) 4.2 Type Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021 Exhibit 19: Historic Market Size Type Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ billion) 4.3 Application Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021 Exhibit 20: Historic Market Size Application Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ billion) 4.4 Geography Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021 Exhibit 21: Historic Market Size Geography Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ billion) 4.5 Country Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021 Exhibit 22: Historic Market Size Country Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ billion) 5 Five Forces Analysis 5.1 Five forces summary Exhibit 23: Five forces analysis - Comparison between 2022 and 2027 5.2 Bargaining power of buyers Exhibit 24: Chart on Bargaining power of buyers Impact of key factors 2022 and 2027 5.3 Bargaining power of suppliers Exhibit 25: Bargaining power of suppliers Impact of key factors in 2022 and 2027 5.4 Threat of new entrants Exhibit 26: Threat of new entrants Impact of key factors in 2022 and 2027 5.5 Threat of substitutes Exhibit 27: Threat of substitutes Impact of key factors in 2022 and 2027 5.6 Threat of rivalry Exhibit 28: Threat of rivalry Impact of key factors in 2022 and 2027 5.7 Market condition Exhibit 29: Chart on Market condition - Five forces 2022 and 2027 6 Market Segmentation by Type 6.1 Market segments Exhibit 30: Chart on Type - Market share 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 31: Data Table on Type - Market share 2022-2027 (%) 6.2 Comparison by Type Exhibit 32: Chart on Comparison by Type Exhibit 33: Data Table on Comparison by Type 6.3 Industrial - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 34: Chart on Industrial - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) Exhibit 35: Data Table on Industrial - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) Exhibit 36: Chart on Industrial - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 37: Data Table on Industrial - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 6.4 Commercial - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 38: Chart on Commercial - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) Exhibit 39: Data Table on Commercial - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) Exhibit 40: Chart on Commercial - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 41: Data Table on Commercial - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 6.5 Residential - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 42: Chart on Residential - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) Exhibit 43: Data Table on Residential - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) Exhibit 44: Chart on Residential - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 45: Data Table on Residential - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 6.6 Market opportunity by Type Exhibit 46: Market opportunity by Type ($ billion) 7 Market Segmentation by Application 7.1 Market segments Exhibit 47: Chart on Application - Market share 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 48: Data Table on Application - Market share 2022-2027 (%) 7.2 Comparison by Application Exhibit 49: Chart on Comparison by Application Exhibit 50: Data Table on Comparison by Application 7.3 Warehouses and communication centers - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 51: Chart on Warehouses and communication centers - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) Exhibit 52: Data Table on Warehouses and communication centers - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) Exhibit 53: Chart on Warehouses and communication centers - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 54: Data Table on Warehouses and communication centers - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 7.4 Self-storage facilities and data centers - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 55: Chart on Self-storage facilities and data centers - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) Exhibit 56: Data Table on Self-storage facilities and data centers - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) Exhibit 57: Chart on Self-storage facilities and data centers - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 58: Data Table on Self-storage facilities and data centers - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 7.5 Others - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 59: Chart on Others - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) Exhibit 60: Data Table on Others - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) Exhibit 61: Chart on Others - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 62: Data Table on Others - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 7.6 Market opportunity by Application Exhibit 63: Market opportunity by Application ($ billion) 8 Customer Landscape 8.1 Customer landscape overview Exhibit 64: Analysis of price sensitivity, lifecycle, customer purchase basket, adoption rates, and purchase criteria 9 Geographic Landscape 9.1 Geographic segmentation Exhibit 65: Chart on Market share by geography 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 66: Data Table on Market share by geography 2022-2027 (%) 9.2 Geographic comparison Exhibit 67: Chart on Geographic comparison Exhibit 68: Data Table on Geographic comparison 9.3 North America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 69: Chart on North America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) Exhibit 70: Data Table on North America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) Exhibit 71: Chart on North America - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 72: Data Table on North America - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.4 APAC - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 73: Chart on APAC - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) Exhibit 74: Data Table on APAC - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) Exhibit 75: Chart on APAC - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 76: Data Table on APAC - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.5 Europe - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 77: Chart on Europe - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) Exhibit 78: Data Table on Europe - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) Exhibit 79: Chart on Europe - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 80: Data Table on Europe - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.6 South America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 81: Chart on South America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) Exhibit 82: Data Table on South America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) Exhibit 83: Chart on South America - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 84: Data Table on South America - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.7 Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 and - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 85: Chart on Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) and - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) Exhibit 86: Data Table on Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) and - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) Exhibit 87: Chart on Middle East and Africa - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) and - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 88: Data Table on Middle East and Africa - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.8 US - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 89: Chart on US - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) Exhibit 90: Data Table on US - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) Exhibit 91: Chart on US - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 92: Data Table on US - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.9 Japan - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 93: Chart on Japan - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) Exhibit 94: Data Table on Japan - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) Exhibit 95: Chart on Japan - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 96: Data Table on Japan - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.10 UK - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 97: Chart on UK - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) Exhibit 98: Data Table on UK - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) Exhibit 99: Chart on UK - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 100: Data Table on UK - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.11 Singapore - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 101: Chart on Singapore - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) Exhibit 102: Data Table on Singapore - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) Exhibit 103: Chart on Singapore - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 104: Data Table on Singapore - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.12 Germany - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 105: Chart on Germany - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) Exhibit 106: Data Table on Germany - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ billion) Exhibit 107: Chart on Germany - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 108: Data Table on Germany - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.13 Market opportunity by geography Exhibit 109: Market opportunity by geography ($ billion) 10 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 10.1 Market drivers 10.2 Market challenges 10.3 Impact of drivers and challenges Exhibit 110: Impact of drivers and challenges in 2022 and 2027 10.4 Market trends 11 Vendor Landscape 11.1 Overview 11.2 Vendor landscape Exhibit 111: Overview on Criticality of inputs and Factors of differentiation 11.3 Landscape disruption Exhibit 112: Overview on factors of disruption 11.4 Industry risks Exhibit 113: Impact of key risks on business 12 Vendor Analysis 12.1 Vendors covered Exhibit 114: Vendors covered 12.2 Market positioning of vendors Exhibit 115: Matrix on vendor position and classification 12.3 Automotive Properties REIT Exhibit 116: Automotive Properties REIT - Overview Exhibit 117: Automotive Properties REIT - Product / Service Exhibit 118: Automotive Properties REIT - Key offerings 12.4 CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trust Management Ltd. Exhibit 119: CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trust Management Ltd. - Overview Exhibit 120: CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trust Management Ltd. - Business segments Exhibit 121: CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trust Management Ltd. - Key offerings Exhibit 122: CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trust Management Ltd. - Segment focus 12.5 Dexus Group Exhibit 123: Dexus Group - Overview Exhibit 124: Dexus Group - Business segments Exhibit 125: Dexus Group - Key offerings Exhibit 126: Dexus Group - Segment focus 12.6 Federal Realty Investment Trust Exhibit 127: Federal Realty Investment Trust - Overview Exhibit 128: Federal Realty Investment Trust - Product / Service Exhibit 129: Federal Realty Investment Trust - Key offerings 12.7 FIBRA Prologis Exhibit 130: FIBRA Prologis - Overview Exhibit 131: FIBRA Prologis - Product / Service Exhibit 132: FIBRA Prologis - Key offerings 12.8 Gecina REIT SA Exhibit 133: Gecina REIT SA - Overview Exhibit 134: Gecina REIT SA - Business segments Exhibit 135: Gecina REIT SA - Key offerings Exhibit 136: Gecina REIT SA - Segment focus 12.9 GPT Management Holdings Ltd. Exhibit 137: GPT Management Holdings Ltd. - Overview Exhibit 138: GPT Management Holdings Ltd. - Business segments Exhibit 139: GPT Management Holdings Ltd. - Key offerings Exhibit 140: GPT Management Holdings Ltd. - Segment focus 12.10 Iron Mountain Inc. Exhibit 141: Iron Mountain Inc. - Overview Exhibit 142: Iron Mountain Inc. - Business segments Exhibit 143: Iron Mountain Inc. - Key offerings Exhibit 144: Iron Mountain Inc. - Segment focus 12.11 Link Asset Management Ltd. Exhibit 145: Link Asset Management Ltd. - Overview Exhibit 146: Link Asset Management Ltd. - Product / Service Exhibit 147: Link Asset Management Ltd. - Key offerings 12.12 NorthWest Healthcare Properties Exhibit 148: NorthWest Healthcare Properties - Overview Exhibit 149: NorthWest Healthcare Properties - Product / Service Exhibit 150: NorthWest Healthcare Properties - Key offerings 12.13 Omega Healthcare Investors Inc. Exhibit 151: Omega Healthcare Investors Inc. - Overview Exhibit 152: Omega Healthcare Investors Inc. - Product / Service Exhibit 153: Omega Healthcare Investors Inc. - Key offerings 12.14 RioCan Real Estate Investment Trust Exhibit 154: RioCan Real Estate Investment Trust - Overview Exhibit 155: RioCan Real Estate Investment Trust - Product / Service Exhibit 156: RioCan Real Estate Investment Trust - Key offerings 12.15 Segro Plc Exhibit 157: Segro Plc - Overview Exhibit 158: Segro Plc - Business segments Exhibit 159: Segro Plc - Key offerings Exhibit 160: Segro Plc - Segment focus 12.16 STAG Industrial Inc. Exhibit 161: STAG Industrial Inc. - Overview Exhibit 162: STAG Industrial Inc. - Product / Service Exhibit 163: STAG Industrial Inc. - Key offerings 12.17 W. P. Carey Inc. Exhibit 164: W. P. Carey Inc. - Overview Exhibit 165: W. P. Carey Inc. - Business segments Exhibit 166: W. P. Carey Inc. - Key offerings Exhibit 167: W. P. Carey Inc. - Segment focus 13 Appendix 13.1 Scope of the report 13.2 Inclusions and exclusions checklist Exhibit 168: Inclusions checklist Exhibit 169: Exclusions checklist 13.3 Currency conversion rates for US$ Exhibit 170: Currency conversion rates for US$ 13.4 Research methodology Exhibit 171: Research methodology Exhibit 172: Validation techniques employed for market sizing Exhibit 173: Information sources 13.5 List of abbreviations Exhibit 174: 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 NEW YORK, June 3, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, announces an investigation of potential securities claims on behalf of shareholders of JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd (NYSE: JKS) resulting from allegations that JinkoSolar may have issued materially misleading business information to the investing public. SO WHAT: If you purchased JinkoSolar securities you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. The Rosen Law Firm is preparing a class action seeking recovery of investor losses. WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the prospective class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=16025 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] or [email protected] for information on the class action. WHAT IS THIS ABOUT: On May 9, 2023, News4jax and the Jacksonville Daily Record reported that, on the prior day, law enforcement agency vehicles were seen at the JinkoSolar solar panel manufacturing plant in Jacksonville, Florida. The Jacksonville Daily Record reported that "[a]ccording to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, federal agents were assisting the Department of Homeland Security with the execution of a search warrant." Reportedly, according to News4Jax, JinkoSolar is one of several companies under investigation by the Commerce Department for circumventing trade rules by sending products to other countries before moving them to the U.S. On this news, JinkoSolar American depositary receipt ("ADR") price fell 8.25% to close at $43.47 per ADR on May 9, 2023. WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers. 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. NEW YORK, June 3, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP, a leading national securities law firm, is investigating potential claims against Spirit AeroSystems Holdings, Inc. ("Spirit" or the "Company") (NYSE: SPR) and reminds investors of the July 3, 2023 deadline to seek the role of lead plaintiff in a federal securities class action that has been filed against the Company. If you suffered losses exceeding $100,000 investing in Spirit stock or options between April 8, 2020 and April 13, 2023 and would like to discuss your legal rights, call Faruqi & Faruqi partner Josh Wilson directly at 877-247-4292 or 212-983-9330 (Ext. 1310). You may also click here for additional information: www.faruqilaw.com/SPR. There is no cost or obligation to you. Faruqi & Faruqi is a leading minority and Woman-owned national securities law firm with offices in New York, Pennsylvania, California and Georgia. As detailed below, the lawsuit focuses on whether the Company and its executives violated federal securities laws by making false and/or misleading statements and/or failing to disclose that: (1) that Spirit lacked effective production quality controls; (2) that, as a result, Spirit incorrectly installed fittings designed to join the aft fuselage to the vertical tail for some Boeing 737 Max airplanes that Spirit sent to Boeing; (3) that, as a result, Spirit would have to develop an inspection and repair procedure for the affected fuselages; (4) that the foregoing would negatively impact Spirit's financial results; and (5) that 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. On April 13, 2023, after the market closed, Boeing announced that it would halt deliveries of its 737 MAX aircraft due to a supplier quality problem. According to an article by Barron's, Boeing issued a statement stating that "the issue will likely affect a significant number of undelivered 737 MAX airplanes." The same day, Bloomberg identified Spirit as the supplier of the faulty part. Several media outlets reported the details of the quality problem. An article by Reuters reported that "[t]he problem involves the installation of two fittings that join the aft fuselage made by Spirit to the vertical tail, which were not attached correctly to the structure of the fuselage before it was sent to Boeing." Reuters also reported that "Spirit said it is working to develop an inspection and repair for the affected fuselages" and that "the problem is believed to date back to 2019." On this news, Spirit's stock price fell $7.38, or 20.7%, to close at $28.22 per share on April 14, 2023. The court-appointed lead plaintiff is the investor with the largest financial interest in the relief sought by the class who is adequate and typical of class members who directs and oversees the litigation on behalf of the putative class. Any member of the putative class may move the Court to serve as lead plaintiff through counsel of their choice, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member. Your ability to share in any recovery is not affected by the decision to serve as a lead plaintiff or not. Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP also encourages anyone with information regarding Spirit's conduct to contact the firm, including whistleblowers, former employees, shareholders and others. Attorney Advertising. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP (www.faruqilaw.com). Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome with respect to any future matter. We welcome the opportunity to discuss your particular case. All communications will be treated in a confidential manner. SOURCE Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP NEW YORK, June 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Treasury and Risk Management Software is segmented by type (treasury, investment management, and risk and compliance), deployment (on-premises and cloud-based), and geography (North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa). Discover market potential and make informed business decisions based on qualitative and quantitative evidence highlighted in Technavio reports Download the PDF Sample Report Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Treasury and Risk Management Software Market 2023-2027 Regional Market Outlook During the forecast period, North America is anticipated to contribute 31% to the growth of the global market. In terms of revenue share, North America dominated the world market for treasury and risk management software. This is caused by the existence of numerous businesses from the BFSI, IT, healthcare, and other sectors. Additionally, a number of IT firms provided the option for employees to work from home, and over time they began choosing cloud-based treasury and risk management software to manage treasury-related tasks and use the software for risk assessment through their remote workforce starting in H1 2020. During the forecast period, the regional market is anticipated to grow as a result of the rising adoption of cloud-based treasury and risk management software. View the sample report for more key highlights on the regional market share of most of the above-mentioned countries. Global Market Outlook The Treasury and Risk Management Software market size is expected to increase by USD 1,838.32 million from 2022 to 2027, expediting at a CAGR of 6.35% during the forecast period. The market is having a positive impact on the global application software market as a result of factors like the rising use of data and analytics tools in businesses, rising SME investment, and the rising use of cloud- and subscription-based software. On the other hand, factors like the accessibility of open-source software, data security worries, and problems with data integration are having a detrimental effect on growth. The combined effect of these factors will cause the global market for application software to grow moderately. Some of the global application software market can be broadly classified into the following segments: Commerce applications Customer relationship management (CRM) applications Enterprise resource planning applications Financial applications Human resource and payroll applications Latest Drivers and Challenges Impacting the Treasury and Risk Management Software market Treasury and Risk Management Software Market Drivers Demand for regulatory compliance: Treasury and risk management software adoption is anticipated to rise as a result of stringent government regulations, the need for efficient risk management, and the need to reduce the costs and risks of non-compliance. Large organizations with a global presence must adhere to both domestic and international laws in each country where they operate. Organizations are required to abide by regulatory requirements to manage and audit financial data by the appropriate governing bodies. Treasury and risk management software adoption is anticipated to rise as a result of stringent government regulations, the need for efficient risk management, and the need to reduce the costs and risks of non-compliance. Large organizations with a global presence must adhere to both domestic and international laws in each country where they operate. Organizations are required to abide by regulatory requirements to manage and audit financial data by the appropriate governing bodies. Benefits associated with treasury and risk management software Demand for regulatory compliance Treasury and Risk Management Software Market Challenges Data security and cybersecurity concerns : Data center cyberattack reports have sparked worries about privacy. This is due to the possibility of unauthorized users disseminating, erasing, or corrupting data due to a lack of control over information. When working with banks, insurance companies, and corporations, treasurers exercise caution when disclosing financial and business-critical information to outside service providers. Organizations find it challenging to approve cloud-based technologies for processing sensitive financial information involving strategic decisions due to these worries. Because of this, worries about data security and the increase in cyber threats may have a negative effect on the development of the global market for treasury and risk management software. : Data center cyberattack reports have sparked worries about privacy. This is due to the possibility of unauthorized users disseminating, erasing, or corrupting data due to a lack of control over information. When working with banks, insurance companies, and corporations, treasurers exercise caution when disclosing financial and business-critical information to outside service providers. Organizations find it challenging to approve cloud-based technologies for processing sensitive financial information involving strategic decisions due to these worries. Because of this, worries about data security and the increase in cyber threats may have a negative effect on the development of the global market for treasury and risk management software. Threat from open-source treasury and risk management software Issues associated with system integration Explore the evolving Vendor Landscape Some of the Treasury and Risk Management Software market vendors are: Bottomline Technologies Inc. CAPIX Treasury Software Coupa Software Inc. DataLog Finance Eurobase Systems Ltd. Fidelity National Information Services Inc. Financial Sciences Corp. Finastra GTreasury Infosys Ltd. ION. Kyriba Corp. Murex SAS Oracle Corp. Salmon Software Ltd. Request a sample today to explore the offerings of vendors and discover how they can benefit your business. - View Sample Report in minutes Key benefits of the report: This study presents the analytical depiction of the Treasury and Risk Management Software market along with the current trends and future estimations to determine the imminent investment pockets. The report presents information related to key drivers, restraints, and opportunities along with a detailed analysis of the Treasury and Risk Management Software market share. The current market is quantitatively analyzed to highlight the Treasury and Risk Management Software growth scenario. The report provides a detailed Treasury and Risk Management Software analysis depending on competitive intensity and how the competition will take shape in coming years. Register for a free trial today and gain instant access to 17,000+ market research reports. Technavio's SUBSCRIPTION platform Related Reports Expense Management Software Market - The expense management software market size is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 13.75% between 2022 and 2027. The market size is forecast to increase by USD 4,776.21 million . - The expense management software market size is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 13.75% between 2022 and 2027. The market size is forecast to increase by . Supply Chain Management (SCM) software market - The supply chain management (SCM) software market size is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 12.98% between 2022 and 2027. The market size is forecast to increase by USD 17,309.36 million . Treasury And Risk Management Software Market Scope Report Coverage Details Page number 167 Base year 2022 Historic period 2017-2021 Forecast period 2023-2027 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 6.35% Market growth 2023-2027 USD 1,838.32 million Market structure Fragmented YoY growth 2022-2023 (%) 5.38 Regional analysis North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa Performing market contribution North America at 31% Key countries US, Canada, Japan, UK, and Germany Competitive landscape Leading Vendors, Market Positioning of Vendors, Competitive Strategies, and Industry Risks Key companies profiled Adenza Group Inc., Bottomline Technologies Inc., CAPIX Treasury Software, Coupa Software Inc., DataLog Finance, Eurobase Systems Ltd., Fidelity National Information Services Inc., Financial Sciences Corp., Finastra, GTreasury, Infosys Ltd., ION., Kyriba Corp., Murex SAS, Oracle Corp., Salmon Software Ltd., SAP SE, Sphera Solutions Inc., Trinity Management Systems GmbH, 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. Don't miss out on critical insights purchase our report now 1 Executive Summary 1.1 Market overview Exhibit 01: Executive Summary Chart on Market Overview Exhibit 02: Executive Summary Data Table on Market Overview Exhibit 03: Executive Summary Chart on Global Market Characteristics Exhibit 04: Executive Summary Chart on Market by Geography Exhibit 05: Executive Summary Chart on Market Segmentation by Type Exhibit 06: Executive Summary Chart on Market Segmentation by Deployment Exhibit 07: Executive Summary Chart on Incremental Growth Exhibit 08: Executive Summary Data Table on Incremental Growth Exhibit 09: Executive Summary Chart on Vendor Market Positioning 2 Market Landscape 2.1 Market ecosystem Exhibit 10: Parent market Exhibit 11: Market Characteristics 3 Market Sizing 3.1 Market definition Exhibit 12: Offerings of vendors included in the market definition 3.2 Market segment analysis Exhibit 13: Market segments 3.3 Market size 2022 3.4 Market outlook: Forecast for 2022-2027 Exhibit 14: Chart on Global - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 15: Data Table on Global - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 16: Chart on Global Market: Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 17: Data Table on Global Market: Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 4 Historic Market Size 4.1 Global Treasury and Risk Management Software Market 2017 - 2021 Exhibit 18: Historic Market Size Data Table on Global Treasury and Risk Management Software Market 2017 - 2021 ($ million) 4.2 Type Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021 Exhibit 19: Historic Market Size Type Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ million) 4.3 Deployment Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021 Exhibit 20: Historic Market Size Deployment Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ million) 4.4 Geography Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021 Exhibit 21: Historic Market Size Geography Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ million) 4.5 Country Segment Analysis 2017 - 2021 Exhibit 22: Historic Market Size Country Segment 2017 - 2021 ($ million) 5 Five Forces Analysis 5.1 Five forces summary Exhibit 23: Five forces analysis - Comparison between 2022 and 2027 5.2 Bargaining power of buyers Exhibit 24: Chart on Bargaining power of buyers Impact of key factors 2022 and 2027 5.3 Bargaining power of suppliers Exhibit 25: Bargaining power of suppliers Impact of key factors in 2022 and 2027 5.4 Threat of new entrants Exhibit 26: Threat of new entrants Impact of key factors in 2022 and 2027 5.5 Threat of substitutes Exhibit 27: Threat of substitutes Impact of key factors in 2022 and 2027 5.6 Threat of rivalry Exhibit 28: Threat of rivalry Impact of key factors in 2022 and 2027 5.7 Market condition Exhibit 29: Chart on Market condition - Five forces 2022 and 2027 6 Market Segmentation by Type 6.1 Market segments Exhibit 30: Chart on Type - Market share 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 31: Data Table on Type - Market share 2022-2027 (%) 6.2 Comparison by Type Exhibit 32: Chart on Comparison by Type Exhibit 33: Data Table on Comparison by Type 6.3 Treasury - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 34: Chart on Treasury - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 35: Data Table on Treasury - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 36: Chart on Treasury - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 37: Data Table on Treasury - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 6.4 Investment management - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 38: Chart on Investment management - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 39: Data Table on Investment management - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 40: Chart on Investment management - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 41: Data Table on Investment management - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 6.5 Risk and compliance - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 42: Chart on Risk and compliance - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 43: Data Table on Risk and compliance - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 44: Chart on Risk and compliance - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 45: Data Table on Risk and compliance - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 6.6 Market opportunity by Type Exhibit 46: Market opportunity by Type ($ million) 7 Market Segmentation by Deployment 7.1 Market segments Exhibit 47: Chart on Deployment - Market share 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 48: Data Table on Deployment - Market share 2022-2027 (%) 7.2 Comparison by Deployment Exhibit 49: Chart on Comparison by Deployment Exhibit 50: Data Table on Comparison by Deployment 7.3 On premises - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 51: Chart on On premises - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 52: Data Table on On premises - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 53: Chart on On premises - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 54: Data Table on On premises - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 7.4 Cloud based - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 55: Chart on Cloud based - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 56: Data Table on Cloud based - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 57: Chart on Cloud based - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 58: Data Table on Cloud based - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 7.5 Market opportunity by Deployment Exhibit 59: Market opportunity by Deployment ($ million) 8 Customer Landscape 8.1 Customer landscape overview Exhibit 60: Analysis of price sensitivity, lifecycle, customer purchase basket, adoption rates, and purchase criteria 9 Geographic Landscape 9.1 Geographic segmentation Exhibit 61: Chart on Market share by geography 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 62: Data Table on Market share by geography 2022-2027 (%) 9.2 Geographic comparison Exhibit 63: Chart on Geographic comparison Exhibit 64: Data Table on Geographic comparison 9.3 North America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 65: Chart on North America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 66: Data Table on North America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 67: Chart on North America - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 68: Data Table on North America - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.4 Europe - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 69: Chart on Europe - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 70: Data Table on Europe - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 71: Chart on Europe - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 72: Data Table on Europe - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.5 APAC - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 73: Chart on APAC - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 74: Data Table on APAC - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 75: Chart on APAC - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 76: Data Table on APAC - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.6 South America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 77: Chart on South America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 78: Data Table on South America - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 79: Chart on South America - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 80: Data Table on South America - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.7 Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 and - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 81: Chart on Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) and - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 82: Data Table on Middle East and Africa - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) and - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 83: Chart on Middle East and Africa - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) and - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 84: Data Table on Middle East and Africa - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.8 US - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 85: Chart on US - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 86: Data Table on US - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 87: Chart on US - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 88: Data Table on US - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.9 UK - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 89: Chart on UK - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 90: Data Table on UK - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 91: Chart on UK - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 92: Data Table on UK - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.10 Japan - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 93: Chart on Japan - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 94: Data Table on Japan - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 95: Chart on Japan - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 96: Data Table on Japan - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.11 Germany - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 97: Chart on Germany - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 98: Data Table on Germany - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 99: Chart on Germany - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 100: Data Table on Germany - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.12 Canada - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 Exhibit 101: Chart on Canada - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 102: Data Table on Canada - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) - Market size and forecast 2022-2027 ($ million) Exhibit 103: Chart on Canada - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) Exhibit 104: Data Table on Canada - Year-over-year growth 2022-2027 (%) 9.13 Market opportunity by geography Exhibit 105: Market opportunity by geography ($ million) 10 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 10.1 Market drivers 10.2 Market challenges 10.3 Impact of drivers and challenges Exhibit 106: Impact of drivers and challenges in 2022 and 2027 10.4 Market trends 11 Vendor Landscape 11.1 Overview 11.2 Vendor landscape Exhibit 107: Overview on Criticality of inputs and Factors of differentiation 11.3 Landscape disruption Exhibit 108: Overview on factors of disruption 11.4 Industry risks Exhibit 109: Impact of key risks on business 12 Vendor Analysis 12.1 Vendors covered Exhibit 110: Vendors covered 12.2 Market positioning of vendors Exhibit 111: Matrix on vendor position and classification 12.3 Adenza Group Inc. Exhibit 112: Adenza Group Inc. - Overview Exhibit 113: Adenza Group Inc. - Product / Service Exhibit 114: Adenza Group Inc. - Key offerings 12.4 Bottomline Technologies Inc. Exhibit 115: Bottomline Technologies Inc. - Overview Exhibit 116: Bottomline Technologies Inc. - Product / Service Exhibit 117: Bottomline Technologies Inc. - Key offerings 12.5 CAPIX Treasury Software Exhibit 118: CAPIX Treasury Software - Overview Exhibit 119: CAPIX Treasury Software - Product / Service Exhibit 120: CAPIX Treasury Software - Key offerings 12.6 Coupa Software Inc. Exhibit 121: Coupa Software Inc. - Overview Exhibit 122: Coupa Software Inc. - Product / Service Exhibit 123: Coupa Software Inc. - Key offerings 12.7 DataLog Finance Exhibit 124: DataLog Finance - Overview Exhibit 125: DataLog Finance - Product / Service Exhibit 126: DataLog Finance - Key offerings 12.8 Eurobase Systems Ltd. Exhibit 127: Eurobase Systems Ltd. - Overview Exhibit 128: Eurobase Systems Ltd. - Product / Service Exhibit 129: Eurobase Systems Ltd. - Key offerings 12.9 Fidelity National Information Services Inc. Exhibit 130: Fidelity National Information Services Inc. - Overview Exhibit 131: Fidelity National Information Services Inc. - Business segments Exhibit 132: Fidelity National Information Services Inc. - Key news Exhibit 133: Fidelity National Information Services Inc. - Key offerings Exhibit 134: Fidelity National Information Services Inc. - Segment focus 12.10 Financial Sciences Corp. Exhibit 135: Financial Sciences Corp. - Overview Exhibit 136: Financial Sciences Corp. - Product / Service Exhibit 137: Financial Sciences Corp. - Key offerings 12.11 Finastra Exhibit 138: Finastra - Overview Exhibit 139: Finastra - Product / Service Exhibit 140: Finastra - Key offerings 12.12 Infosys Ltd. Exhibit 141: Infosys Ltd. - Overview Exhibit 142: Infosys Ltd. - Business segments Exhibit 143: Infosys Ltd. - Key news Exhibit 144: Infosys Ltd. - Key offerings Exhibit 145: Infosys Ltd. - Segment focus 12.13 ION. Exhibit 146: ION. - Overview Exhibit 147: ION. - Product / Service Exhibit 148: ION. - Key offerings 12.14 Kyriba Corp. Exhibit 149: Kyriba Corp. - Overview Exhibit 150: Kyriba Corp. - Product / Service Exhibit 151: Kyriba Corp. - Key offerings 12.15 Murex SAS Exhibit 152: Murex SAS - Overview Exhibit 153: Murex SAS - Product / Service Exhibit 154: Murex SAS - Key offerings 12.16 SAP SE Exhibit 155: SAP SE - Overview Exhibit 156: SAP SE - Business segments Exhibit 157: SAP SE - Key news Exhibit 158: SAP SE - Key offerings Exhibit 159: SAP SE - Segment focus 12.17 Wolters Kluwer NV Exhibit 160: Wolters Kluwer NV - Overview Exhibit 161: Wolters Kluwer NV - Business segments Exhibit 162: Wolters Kluwer NV - Key offerings Exhibit 163: Wolters Kluwer NV - Segment focus 13 Appendix 13.1 Scope of the report 13.2 Inclusions and exclusions checklist Exhibit 164: Inclusions checklist Exhibit 165: Exclusions checklist 13.3 Currency conversion rates for US$ Exhibit 166: Currency conversion rates for US$ 13.4 Research methodology Exhibit 167: Research methodology Exhibit 168: Validation techniques employed for market sizing Exhibit 169: Information sources 13.5 List of abbreviations Exhibit 170: 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 Egypts Minister of Defence and Military Production General Mohamed Zaki discussed in a telephone call with Israeli Minister of Defence Yoav Gallant circumstances surrounding the incident that took place on Saturday on the Egypt-Israel border and measures to prevent such incidents in the future. According to a statement released by the Spokesman of the Egyptian Armed Forces Gharib Abdel-Hafez Gharib on Saturday evening, General Zaki extended condolences over the victims in the incident from both sides, and the two ministers also discussed joint coordination to take necessary measures to prevent the recurrence of such incidents in the future. Earlier on Saturday, Gharib issued a statement saying an Egyptian border security personnel and three Israeli border security personnel were killed and two others injured, amid an exchange of fire as the Egyptian personnel chased drug smugglers across the border in the early hours of Saturday morning. In this statement, Gharib noted that all procedures to search and secure the area were ongoing and legal procedures regarding the incident were being taken. Search Keywords: Short link: If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this Got news tips, gossip, suggestions, complaints?E-mail us: progressivecharlestown@gmail.com We strive to avoid errors in our articles. Our correction policy can be found here Tehran, June 3 : Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian has said that BRICS member states' combined efforts to strengthen multilateralism have enabled the block to secure an important position in global relations and interactions. Speaking at the Friends of BRICS meeting in South Africa, Amir-Abdollahian noted that such a position will certainly be further enhanced if other like-minded powers would join the group, the Iranian Foreign Ministry said on Friday in a statement. Iran can be a "reliable" partner for BRICS in the future, the Minister said, stressing that the country has rich experience of active participation in international bodies and initiatives, abundant energy resources, cost-effective transport and transit networks, educated and skillful workforce, scientific and tech achievements, and "strong" dedication and determination to contribute to a fair world order. He added Iran is among the pioneers of promoting multilateralism in the world, with its bilateral political and economic relations with the BRICS members standing at a "very good" level and having a total trade of more than $30 billion with them, Xinhua news agency reported. Amir-Abdollahian arrived in Cape Town on Thursday at the invitation of his South African counterpart Naledi Pandor to attend the meeting. During his meeting with Pandor, the Iranian Minister expressed hope that the BRICS members would soon decide on a mechanism for recruiting new members. For his part, Pandor assured him that the BRICS states will submit the results of the discussion on recruiting mechanism to the summit of the BRICS heads of state that her country hosts in August. BRICS is the acronym for an emerging-market bloc that groups Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. South Africa assumed the BRICS presidency on January 1, 2023, taking over from China. -- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed Ankara, June 3 : The Turkish parliament convened, the first time after the May 14 polls, holding the oath-taking ceremony of the newly-elected 600 deputies. As the parliament began its 28th term, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan attended the ceremony on Friday. He will take oath on Saturday in the parliament to officially start his new five-year term. Erdogan is expected to announce his new cabinet just after his oath-taking ceremony. The ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), which ran in parliamentary elections under the People's Alliance, won 268 seats. The bloc is composed of Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), which won 50 deputies, and the New Welfare Party (YRP), which won five. The alliance secured a combined majority of 323, Xinhua news agency reported. The main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) won 169 deputies under the opposition block Nation Alliance, which was composed of six parties and secured 212 seats in parliament. The Labor and Freedom Alliance, a coalition of left-wing political parties, had 65 lawmakers, with the Green Left Party gaining 61 seats and the Workers' Party of Turkey four lawmakers. Turkish citizens voted on May 14 for twin presidential and parliamentary elections. Neither of the presidential candidates secured more than 50 per cent of the votes needed to call a winner in the first round, therefore an election runoff was held for the first time for the presidency on May 28. Turkish Supreme Election Council on Thursday officially declared Erdogan as the winner of the presidential election runoff with 52.18 per cent of the votes, against his rival, Kemal Kilicdaroglu, 74, the leader of the centre-left Republican People's Party (CHP). Tehran, June 3 : The Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian has said that the new "positive" atmosphere in the Middle East is in the interests of all regional states, according to a statement published on the Foreign Ministry's website. Amir-Abdollahian made the remarks on Friday in a meeting with UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan on the sidelines of the Friends of BRICS meeting held in Cape Town, South Africa, where they discussed the bilateral and regional issues of common interest. Noting a recent visit by the UAE Minister of State to Iran, the Iranian Foreign Minister said the two sides had agreed on holding a joint economic commission meeting to improve bilateral trade and economic relations. For his part, the UAE Foreign Minister underlined the necessity of expanding bilateral relations in all areas, including the trade and economic fields, Xinhua news agency reported. The UAE will invite Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi to the 28th UN climate conference it will host in November, he said. Relations between Iran and the UAE have been improving over the past months, especially after Iran and Saudi Arabia reached an agreement on the resumption of their bilateral ties in March. Iran appointed its first ambassador to the UAE since 2016 in early April, after the UAE reinstated its ambassador in Tehran in September 2022. In 2016, the UAE downgraded its relations with Iran after Saudi Arabia cut diplomatic ties with Iran. Mogadishu, June 3 : An airstrike carried out by the United States Africa Command (Africom) in support of the Somali government killed three al-Shabaab terrorists in southern Somalia, the US military said. Africom on Friday said the collective self-defence strike, which was carried out on Thursday at the request of the Somali government, occurred in the Wayanta area, about 60 km southwest of the southern port city of Kismayo. "Military actions are just one part of the Federal Government of Somalia's efforts to comprehensively address their security challenges," Africom said in the statement. Africom added that its initial assessment is that no civilians were injured or killed, Xinhua news agency reported. The latest airstrike came amid intensified onslaught against al-Shabaab since Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud declared an all-out war against the militants last year. The airstrikes have largely targeted al-Shabaab figureheads who are based in southern and central Somalia, where the group still maintains a strong grip in some regions. United Nations, June 3 : The UN has appealed for sustainable funding for UNRWA, its agency that supports Palestine refugees, which is on the brink of financial collapse. "As I address you today, I do not have the funds to keep our schools, health centres and other services running as of September," UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini told a pledging conference on Friday at the UN headquarters in New York. Chronic underfunding over the past decade, and resultant severe austerity measures, mean UNRWA is already operating with a $75 million shortfall, putting its lifesaving programmes across the Middle East at risk, he said. UNRWA was established in 1949 as a temporary agency to provide aid to Palestinians following mass displacement from land that became Israel, making it one of the first UN humanitarian operations, Xinhua news agency reported. Today, nearly six million people in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, and in Syria, Lebanon and Jordan, depend on its services, which are almost entirely funded by voluntary contributions. Nearly a third of registered Palestine refugees live in camps. UNRWA is seeking $1.6 billion for its operations this year. Lazzarini said an additional $75 million is urgently needed to provide food for more than a million people in Gaza. Another $30 million is required to maintain cash and food assistance to 6,00,000 people in Syria, Lebanon and Jordan. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged the international community to ensure the agency is fully funded. "Let's be clear: UNRWA is on the verge of financial collapse. The consequences of further budget cuts would be catastrophic," the UN chief said in remarks delivered by his Chef de Cabinet, Courtenay Rattray. Guterres is deeply concerned that some of the largest and most reliable donors have indicated that they might be reducing their support. Khartoum, June 3 : The Sudanese Army has called on Saudi Arabia and the US to continue mediation efforts to bring the negotiation with the rival faction back on track. "We urge the mediation to continue its efforts to persuade the other party to implement the requirements of the truce and the short-term cease-fire, in a manner that enables the return to the negotiating track," the office of the Sudanese Army's spokesman said on Friday in a statement. The statement renewed the Army's desire to lessen the suffering of the Sudanese people and reach clear military arrangements to end the rebellion and bring the country back to the path of democratic transition, Xinhua news agency reported. "Our delegation has remained in Jeddah with the hope that the mediation would take a fair and more effective approach that guarantees compliance with what has been agreed on," the statement added. The Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on Wednesday suspended their peace talks in the Saudi city of Jeddah. The next day, Saudi Arabia and the US issued a statement strongly criticizing the two parties to the conflict in Sudan, saying their actions "have impeded the delivery of humanitarian assistance and restoration of essential services". Urging the warring parties to take necessary steps to demonstrate meaningful commitment to the Jeddah talks, the statement said the Saudi and US sides stand ready to reconvene the talks once the steps are taken. Meanwhile, the US on Thursday imposed diplomatic and economic sanctions on the two belligerent parties. Sudan has been witnessing deadly armed clashes between the Army and the RSF in the capital Khartoum and other areas since April 15. More than 800 people have been killed and nearly 1.4 million forced to leave their homes since the conflict began, with more than one million internally displaced and about 3,45,000 crossing into neighbouring countries for safety, according to Sunday's update from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Tokyo, June 3 : Wide swathes of Japan are being hit by heavy downpours, especially in western regions, owing to bands of thick thunderclouds formed due to Tropical Storm Mawar's presence in the Pacific, weather officials said. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) on Friday said that as well as causing torrential rain in Kochi, Wakayama, and Nara prefectures in western Japan, the band of thunderclouds was also causing heavy rain in the Tokai and Kanto-koshin region, which includes Tokyo. The agency said conditions in the Kanto-koshin region could worsen on Saturday as more thunderclouds are expected to form, Xinhua news agency reported. The weather agency also said the bands of thick thunderclouds would affect regions for a protracted period from western to eastern Japan as the clouds and moist air from Tropical Storm Mawar hit a weather front. Heavy rain advisories were issued by the JMA on Friday for Kochi, Wakayama, and Nara prefectures, warning of possible landslides and floods in low-lying areas, as well as swollen rivers breaching their banks. Weather officials said Mawar is currently moving eastward on waters near Amami Island in Kagoshima prefecture. Along with the Okinawa and Amami regions, weather officials said that areas in Kyushu are now within the storm's zone of strong winds, and have warned residents to be vigilant of powerful wind gusts, floods, landslides, and lightning. Tensions remained high in Senegal on Saturday after fresh overnight clashes brought the death toll to 15 in the two days since a court convicted opposition leader Ousmane Sonko. Sonko's ongoing legal woes have prompted rare flare-ups of violence in Senegal, typically a bastion of stability in West Africa, and foreign allies have urged a return to calm. Sonko, a 48-year-old former tax inspector, was initially charged with rape but was convicted on a lesser charge of morally "corrupting" a young woman and sentenced to two years in prison. He claims the charges against him were a bid by the government to torpedo his political career ahead of the presidential election next year. His conviction may take him out of the running for the 2024 poll. Clashes between Sonko's supporters and police broke out after the ruling on Thursday, leaving nine people dead. Shops and businesses were ransacked. The army was deployed to the streets but fresh scuffles erupted on Friday night in parts of the capital, Dakar, and in Ziguinchor. They left another six dead, government spokesman Maham Ka told AFP. Burned-out cars, tyres and debris-strewn streets bore testimony to another night of violence. The government has acknowledged that it has restricted access to social networks such as Facebook, WhatsApp and Twitter in order to stop "the dissemination of hateful and subversive messages". Government spokesman Abdou Karim Fofana said on Friday that the violence was not fuelled by "political demands" but "acts of vandalism and banditry". "These are difficult times for the Senegal nation that we will overcome," he told TFM. Arrest looming Sonko, who was tried in absentia, has yet to be taken into custody for his jail term, which is predicted to cause further tensions. He is presumed to be at his Dakar home, where he has been blocked in by security forces since the weekend. He alleges he is being "illegally held". Sharp-tongued and charismatic, Sonko has drawn a strong following among Senegal's youth, who love his barbs against a political elite he refers to as the "state mafia". He has spoken out against debt, poverty, food insecurity, under-funded health and education systems and corruption. Sonko, who has two wives, portrays himself as a devout Muslim and defender of traditional values, and has called for harsher penalties for same-sex relations. Supporters of President Macky Sall, however, see him as a rabble-rouser who has poisoned political discourse and sown instability. Dakar residents interviewed by AFP said they feared the possible consequences of his arrest. "I am really scared because we don't know how this will all end," said 46-year-old Fatou Ba, a businesswoman in the Dalifort neighbourhood of Dakar. "If they want peace they won't go and fetch Sonko," she added. Another Dalifort resident, Matar Thione, 32, said he felt unsafe in the country. "If the protests continue, life is going to get even harder," he said. Students have been plunged into uncertainty, forced to leave the capital's main university campus after violent clashes lead to widespread destruction. "We didn't expect this. Political affairs shouldn't concern us," said Babacar Ndiaye, a 26-year-old student. "But there is injustice," he added, referring to Sonko's conviction. 'Proud' democracy On Friday, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the violence and "urged all those involved to... exercise restraint". The African Union said the head of its executive commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, strongly condemned the violence and urged leaders to avoid acts which "tarnish the face of Senegalese democracy, of which Africa has always been proud". The European Union and Senegal's former colonial power France also expressed concern over the violence. Rights group Amnesty International has urged authorities to stop "arbitrary arrests" and lift restrictions on access to social networks. Search Keywords: Short link: New Delhi, June 3 : Clearing the air on speculations around quitting politics, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has said that he has no such plans, while asserting confidently that despite the Opposition's attempts to corner the Narendra Modi-led government over a number of issues, it will come to power for the third time in 2024 on the plank of positive agenda and developmental works under the leadership of PM Modi. During an interaction with IANS, Gadkari spoke on a range of issues, including the functioning of the government, accusations levelled by the Opposition and speculations suggesting that he might quit politics. Here are the excerpts: IANS: The NDA has completed nine years at the Centre. A special campaign is being carried out across the country on this occasion while also listing the achievements of the government. However, the opposition parties, especially the Congress, have been quite critical of the government's functioning... Gadkari: We are celebrating Amrit Mahotsav on the occasion of the 75th year of the country's Independence. Of these 75 years, Congress got the opportunity to work for almost 60 years. But we can say that whatever the Congress could not do in 60 years, we have done more than that in nine years. India is a rapidly progressing major economy. In the coming days, India will become a 'super economy' of $5 trillion. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, India will become 'Vishwaguru'. We are getting good results and will achieve success in the coming times as well. IANS: But the Opposition has been accusing your government of choking democracy, putting pressure on the Constitutional bodies, and Rahul Gandhi is even accusing your government of doing phone-tapping... Gadkari: The Opposition parties have been talking like that just to play its role of being in the Opposition. We will, however, reach out to the people on the strength of our positive work, and seek their support. People can see the development that's taking place. Highways are being constructed, world-class railway stations and new airports are coming up. Industries are setting up business, and exports are increasing. If we look at the government programmes, every single individual will benefit in some way or the other. Hence, I believe that we will receive the support of the people, and in 2024, our government will get re-elected. IANS: The opposition parties are also busy forming fronts against your government for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls... Gadkari: In politics, two plus two is never four. We are confident that we will put up a good performance on the basis of our work under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. People will elect us once again for the sake of the country's development. IANS: What's the biggest achievement of your Ministry according to you? Gadkari: When I became the Minister in 2014, around 1 crore people were engaged in transporting (carrying) people. Then I brought e-rickshaws into the picture, and today, I can say that the practice of humans transporting humans has almost ended. In fact, today, even specially-abled persons and women are operating e-rickshaws. Around 1.5 crore got employment due to this, and the pollution level has also reduced. This is an affordable option for the under-privileged as four persons can travel together at the same time on an e-rickshaw. I got roads, highways and tunnels constructed, and I consider all these works as my as well as the government's biggest achievement. Washington, June 3 : US Congress leaders have invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address a joint meeting of lawmakers during his upcoming state visit in June, setting him up to become the first Indian leader to this rare honor Washington D.C. affords to foreign leaders. There is however, no word yet from New Delhi if the Prime Minister has accepted the invitation. "During your address, you will have the opportunity to share your vision for India's future and speak to the global challenges our countries both face," House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries jointly wrote in a letter to Modi on Friday. This is a bipartisan invitation that underscores the bipartisan support enjoyed by US ties with India, transcending the parties in power on both sides or the occupants of 7 Race Course and the White House. Prime Minister Modi is coming to the US for his first state visit on June 22 at the invitation of President Joe Biden, with a state dinner, which is being accorded to an Indian leader after 14 years. Then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was the last, hosted by former President Barack Obama in 2009. But Modi will have the singular honor for an Indian Prime Minister to address the US Congress twice. His first was in 2016, and that speech is remembered for a formulation that he had used to describe the arduous journey taken by the bilateral relationship: it had "overcome the hesitations of history". In 2016, Modi became the sixth Indian Prime Minister to address Congress, jointly or separately: Jawaharlal Nehru was the the first, addressing the House and Senate separately in 1949, Rajiv Gandhi became the second in 1985, P.V. Narasimha Rao became the third in 1994, Atal Bihari Vajpayee the fourth in 2000 and Manmohan Singh the fifth in 2005. Modi could now become both the sixth and seventh Indian Prime Minister to speak to Congress, and the first to do so twice. This invitation to Modi was initiated by two members of the House of Representatives who head the India Caucus -- Ro Khanna, a Democrat, and Micheal Waltz, a Republican. They first indicated they were planning to ask Speaker McCarthy to invite Modi at an India summit they hosted on Capitol Hill in April for lawmakers, policy experts and Indian American community leaders to talk about the future of the India-US relationship. They wrote to Speaker McCarthy last week requesting him to invite Prime Minister Modi, and the four congressional leaders, representing both the Democratic and Republican parties, took it up. Washington, June 3 : A school district in the US state of Utah has banned the Holy Bible in primary schools for "vulgarity and violence", the media reported on Saturday. The decision was taken this week by the Davis School District, located north of the state capital Salt Lake City, the BBC reported. Officials of the school district said that have already removed the seven or eight copies of the Bible they had on their shelves, noting that the text was never part of students' curriculum. They however, did not elaborate on its reasoning or which passages contained "vulgarity or violence". The move came after a parent complained in December 2022, saying that the King James Bible "has 'no serious values for minors' because it's pornographic by our new definition", the BBC reported citing the Salt Lake Tribune newspaper. It was in reference to the Utah's Republican government passing a law last year which banned "pornographic or indecent" books from schools. Most of the books that have been banned so far pertain to topics such as sexual orientation and identity. The Davis School District's ruling determined that the Bible's content does not violate the 2022 law, but does include "vulgarity or violence not suitable for younger students". The Holy Book will remain in place in local high schools. The Utah school district is not the first in the US to remove the Bible from its shelves, reports the BBC. A Texas school district last year pulled the Bible from library shelves after complaints from members of the public opposed to conservatives efforts to ban some books. In May, students in Kansas requested to have the Bible removed from their school library. Seoul, June 3 : The South Korean military on Saturday continued its operation o search and salvage the wreckage of a North Korean rocket that crashed into the Yellow Sea earlier this week. Deep-sea divers from the Sea Salvage and Rescue Unit were deployed to the remote sea, 200 km west of the western island of Eocheong, Yonhap News Agency quoted military officials as saying. The North launched what it claimed to be a satellite-carrying rocket Wednesday. But it crashed into the sea due to the abnormal starting of the second-stage engine, the North's state media said. The salvage operation involves divers attaching high-strength ropes to the 15-meter-long debris, which sank to a depth of 75 meters on the seafloor. Three salvage ships have been deployed to the area for the operation. The space vehicle, named Chollima-1, is estimated to have a length ranging from 29 to 30 meters. The debris spotted by the South Korean military Wednesday is believed to be the second and third stages of the launch vehicle. Officials said there is a possibility of finding the military reconnaissance satellite, Malligyong-1, mounted on the rocket. New Delhi, June 3 : Rafael Nadal underwent arthroscopic surgery on his injured left hip flexor, in Barcelona on Friday night. According to reports, Benito Perez-Barbadillo, Nadal's spokesman, said three doctors were engaged in the treatment, which was taking place in Barcelona. Perez-Barbadillo said he planned to be ready to share details about the operation on Saturday, Nadal's 37th birthday. The Spaniard has been out since January after injuring his hip in a second-round loss at the Australian Open. He missed the ongoing French Open, which he has won 14 times, for the first time since 2004. Bengaluru, June 3 : From the sensational murder of Neeraj Grover, a TV executive in Mumbai, by a Kannada film actress, to the Apoorva Puranik case that sparked rants of 'love jihad', as crimes of passion turn more horrific and bestial, Karnataka hurtles from one shock to another. Kannada film actress turns cold-blood killerMaria Susairaj and her boyfriend Lieutenant Emile Jerome Mathew were accused of killing Neeraj Grover in Mumbai. They took the body to the kitchen and chopped it into pieces. The body parts were stuffed into plastic bags and the two perpetrators disposed of the bags by pouring petrol upon them and setting them on fire in a jungle near Mumbai. The family of Grover suspected the role of Susairaj and she spilt the beans during interrogation after maintaining for 10 days that she was innocent. Later, the police also nabbed her boyfriend Mathew. The case, which took place in May 2008, is still afresh in public memory. The people of Karnataka were shocked to learn about the involvement of a small-town woman who had acted in many Kannada films in such a heinous crime. Victim survives horrific attack, but scarred foreverApoorva Ananth Puranik alias Arfa Banu is coming to terms with her life after surviving the most brutal attack the state had witnessed. She was stabbed and assaulted 23 times with a machete by her husband in broad daylight. The accused had fearlessly walked into the residential area where the victim lived, found her at a park and unleashed horror on her. She had to bear the brutality because she had applied for divorce after finding that the accused, her husband, is married with three kids. The victim had appealed to people through a video not to violate their parents' wishes when it comes to marriage. The chilling incident, which came to light in March 2022, shook the state and raised debate on love jihad. According to police, 26-year-old Apoorva, a fatherless Brahmin girl had decided to get separated from her husband Mohammad Ejaz Shiroor (30) after finding out that he was already married and had three children. She had moved to her parent's house with her son four months ago. The accused had attacked her in the park with a machete 23 times on her head, shoulders, face, and hands in broad daylight. He escaped from the spot later. Hindu organisations alleged that it is a case of love jihad, the accused had planned to trap her after studying her family background. The police should not only arrest the accused but they have to investigate the network of trapping Hindu girls, they demanded. Apoorva, a graduate and only daughter of the family, got introduced to accused Ejaz Shiroor when she was studying. He was an auto driver. Both liked each other and got married in 2018. Ejaz Shiroor never told her that he was married and had three kids. Apoorva later got converted to Islam. Her family had also accepted their marriage and maintained a cordial relationship with Ejaz Shiroor's family. Apoorva had a son out of wedlock. Meanwhile, after she got to know about Ejaz Shiroor's first wife and three kids, discord cropped up between them. The accused started to force her to wear the burqa, cook non-vegetarian food, follow traditions of Islam and completely abandon Hindu rituals, which Apoorva continued even after marriage. Not being able to take the torture, Apoorva moved to her mother's place and filed a divorce petition before the family court. Even after this, the accused threatened her to follow Islam religion as she had married him. The victim had also told police that while going to the college, the accused who befriended her had sexually assaulted her and recorded a video of the act. Then, he blackmailed and compelled her to marry him. The police arrested the accused and initiated legal action against the accused husband. They are also probing the love jihad angle in the case. From dating site to deathArchana Diman, an air hostess from Himachal Pradesh, visited her boyfriend in Bengaluru in March 2023 and was found dead after jumping from an apartment. The police were shocked to know that her boyfriend Adesh, a techie from Kerala, who gave them a call turned out to be the murderer. Archana met the accused on a dating site and they were in a close relationship for about six months. Police found that the victim had given a warning to him that if he is not marrying her, she would lodge a sexual abuse case against him. In a cold-blooded act, accused Adesh had allegedly pushed Archana down from the balcony after partying with her and projected it to be an accidental fall. Archana had flown to Bengaluru from Dubai to meet the accused and on the same day, she lost her life. 10-year-old exposes killer mother and grandmotherRaghavendra N., a resident of Karenahalli, was found dead in Doddaballapur city of Karnataka in December 2021. His wife Shylaja claimed that the deceased suffered a head injury due to epilepsy and died. Later, her 10-year-old son revealed the role of Shylaja and her mother, 50-year-old Lakshmidevamma. The boy had allegedly seen Lakshmidevamma pinning his father's legs while his mother sat on his back. Shylaja claimed that her paramour Hanumantha hit the victim with a rolling pin until he died. The boy was beaten up and threatened to be killed by the accused if he reveals the incident. However, the boy explained everything to the police leading to the arrest of the accused. Shylaja, a mother of two children, allegedly had an affair and her mother Lakshmidevamma, who disliked her son-in-law, not only encouraged her but played a major role in the murder. Chandigarh, June 3 : This is a saga of an open-and-shut seven-year-old investigation into the murder of national shooter and lawyer Sukhmanpreet Singh, aka Sippy Sidhu, in Chandigarh. The investigating agency CBI's charge sheet blamed Kalyani Singh, who allegedly driven by her obsession with the failed love affair, had entered into a conspiracy to commit the crime. The prime suspect, who was deceptive in the polygraph test, is the daughter of a high court acting chief justice who retired on April 19, while the victim's father once practiced law with the accused's father. Sippy's grandfather was a former judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court. From holding candlelight marches in the city to moving petitions against the Central Bureau of Investigation's (CBI) closure report into the high-profile case that is hogging media headlines, the victim's family knocked on almost every door for justice for Sippy, who was 34 at the time of his death. He was shot four times with a 12-bore gun. After almost seven years of the crime, Kalyani Singh, who was an assistant professor with the home science department of a local government college, was arrested by the CBI on June 15, 2022, after several rounds of questioning. With her arrest, the victim's family heaved a sigh of relief. The bullet-riddled body of Sippy, a rifle shooter who had won the team gold along with Abhinav Bindra in the Punjab National Games in 2001, was found in a park in Sector 27 on September 20, 2015. The case was initially investigated by the Chandigarh Police. In January 2016 it was transferred to the CBI. In December 2020, the CBI had informed the trial court that it had no evidence in the crime. However, it said it would keep investigations open as it had "strong suspicions about the role of a woman behind the crime". The CBI, which said Kalyani Singh was evasive during previous interrogations, claimed that she was in a close relationship with Sippy and wanted to marry him, but his family had rejected her. The CBI alleged that Sippy had leaked her objectionable pictures to her parents and friends. In the latest development in the case, the Punjab and Haryana High Court last month set aside four orders of the Special Judicial Magistrate, CBI, which denied the suspect access to copies of documents filed by the prosecution. Justice Gurvinder Singh Gill directed the prosecution to provide her with the complete set of documents which were filed by the prosecution along with an 'untraced report'. On the plea of Kalyani Singh's counsel that some chats between Sippy and his girlfriend and objectionable photographs could cause embarrassment to some, the high court observed, "In case where personal sensitive information of complainant is pitted against right of accused to defend himself, some workable solution has to be found." "Since a part of data includes chats between deceased and his girlfriends, apart from objectionable photographs, which could lead to embarrassment to those concerned, it will be in the fitness of things that such data be either provided by imposing some strict conditions on accused or only regulated access is provided to the same to the accused," observed the high court, while ordering that the trial court shall defer the consideration as regards framing of charges till the aforesaid documents or data is supplied to the petitioner. While granting regular bail to Kalyani Singh, whose mother was a judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court at the time of the crime, on September 13 last year, the High Court had rapped the CBI for prima facie depending on "tutored and planted" witnesses for solving the crime through her arrest. It had asserted that the CBI had failed to live up to its credentials of being the foremost investigating agency in the country. "Instead of employing the best scientific techniques to inculpate the real offenders, it prima facie chose to take the services of 'tutored and planted' witnesses merely for solving the crime through the petitioner's arrest," Justice Sureshwar Thakur had observed. The CBI in a charge sheet based on 84 witnesses, filed under Sections 302 (murder), 120-B (criminal conspiracy) and 201 (causing disappearance of evidence) of the Indian Penal Code in the special CBI court of Chandigarh, is clueless about the second assailant and the weapon used in the crime. The charge sheet says it is established that Kalyani Singh driven by the obsession of a failed love affair, fuelled by a feeling of anger and morbid jealousy (due to the affair of Sippy with another girl) and humiliation to her family (after her objectionable pictures were circulated by Sippy), hatched a conspiracy with the unidentified assailant and killed Sippy. The central agency has said on the day of the crime Kalyani Singh intentionally left her mobile phone in the house, where a birthday party was on. Further, the call data record of her mobile phone showed its location to be in that house from 8.15 p.m. to 10.24 p.m., establishing the fact that the phone was "deliberately and intentionally" left in the house. The charge sheet says Kalyani Singh in connivance with the second assailant had caused destruction of material evidence in order to save her and the unknown assailant from punishment and the clutches of the law. However, key questions are still shrouded in secrecy with the federal agency failing to identify an assailant who allegedly helped the accused to carry out the murder, and also the untraceable firearm used in the crime. However, defence counsel Sartej Narula argues that the CBI didn't have any forensic evidence. "The same witnesses which were already mentioned in the closure report filed by the CBI are there in the charge sheet. So, technically they don't have any evidence," he said. (Vishal Gulati can be contacted at gulatiians@gmail.com) New Delhi, June 3 : Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will hold bilateral talks with his visiting US and German counterparts on June 5 and 6, respectively, the Defence Ministry said on Saturday. According to the Ministry, the bilateral talks will focus on enhancing defence corporation with the US and Germany. US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin will arrive in New Delhi on June 4 from Singapore on a two-day visit. It will be Secretary Austin's second visit to India, the previous one being in March 2021. Meanwhile, Germany's Federal Minister of Defence Boris Pistorius will arrive in New Delhi on June 5 on a four-day visit to India. Besides his meeting with Rajnath Singh, Pistorius is also likely to meet a few defence start-ups during an event organised by Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) in New Delhi. On June 7, he will travel to Mumbai where he is likely to visit Headquarters, Western Naval Command and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited. According to the Ministry, a host of bilateral defence cooperation issues, with focus on industrial cooperation, are likely to be discussed during the two meetings in Delhi. Thiruvananthapuram, June 3 : Amid the intensifying spat over the sponsorship for the Chief Minister's US event, the Congress on Saturday termed Pinarayi Vijayan the 'Pranchietten' of politics. The term was coined by the state Congress president K.Sudhakaran taking inspiration from a 2010 super hit Malayalam film titled 'Pranchietten and The Saint', starring superstar Mammootty. Mammootty plays the role of 'Pranchietten' and belongs to a family of rice traders. Despite hailing from a rich family, Mammooty is not well educated and does not get enough recognition from society. To change people's approach towards him, tries for a Padma nomination on the sly, but fails. Sudhakaran said the situation today is Vijayan who claims to head a party of the workers but leads a life of extravagance. "It's hilarious that in the programme of the diaspora to be held at New York next month, one has to shell out a minimum of US $ 50,000 to share stage space with Vijayan and have food with him. He has emerged as 'Pranchietten' -- a symbol of extravagance and a boaster -- said Sudhakaran. "Vijayan is doing what no other Chief Minister of the state has ever done, This reminds us of former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy who used to welcome the people with open arms so much so that the people visiting him would also sit on his lap. But Vijayan, who is a leader of the workers' party, will meet only those who pay a sum starting from US $ 50,000 and upwards," added Sudhakaran. While the Congress and the BJP are up in arms against this move of Vijayan, the CPI(M) has been defending him claiming that collecting sponsorship money to conduct an event is no crime. The upcoming regional diaspora meet of the Loka Kerala Sabha to be held in New York from July 9-11 has come under fire for the manner in which a sum of Rs 5.5 crore is being collected by issuing passes bronze, silver, gold from the attendees. While the bronze sponsor will have to shell out US $ 25,000, they will not be allowed a seat on the dais with Vijayan, but those who buy silver pass by paying US $ 50,000 and hold pass -US $ 1,00,000, will get the prized seat and can dine with Vijayan. Kolkata, June 3 : With an eye on the forthcoming three-tier panchayat polls in the state, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to hold a rally in one of the tribal dominated districts of West Bengal this month. However, the state BJP unit in West Bengal is claiming that the PM's probable visit will be part of the party's nationwide programme to celebrate the ninth anniversary of the current Union government. Sources from the state unit of BJP said that the Prime Minister might come to the state either on June 8 or June 9. Modi is expected to address a rally at tribal- dominated Purulia district, where the saffron forces have sufficient organisational strength. "Like the Prime Minister, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and party's national president J.P. Nadda are also expected to visit the state this month and hold rallies", said a state committee member of BJP in West Bengal. He also said that the state BJP unit has decided to conduct a mass outreach programme in the state during the current month with special focus on rural pockets in the state. "The basic focus of the mass outreach programme that will be conducted door-to-door will be to highlight the nine-year success stories of the Union government under the leadership of Narendra Modi," the state committee member said. Last month, when the Union Minister Shah came to West Bengal he held a meeting with the top leadership of the state BJP. In that meeting he advised the leaders to strengthen the organisational base and booth-committees of the party in the state and focus on reaching out to as many people as possible. "In his probable visit this month after the Prime Minister, the Union home minister is expected to review the organisation structure of the party in the state also," the state committee member said. "During his last visit, the Union home minister advised the state leadership of the party to take the rural civic body polls with equal seriousness like that of the Lok Sabha polls scheduled next year, since the party's performance in the panchayat polls will show the direction for the strategies to be adopted for the big battle in 2024,' the state committee member said. Indonesia's defence minister proposed a plan Saturday to end the war between Russia and Ukraine at a defence summit in Singapore, an initiative that drew quick criticism from attendees. "I call on Russia and Ukraine to embark on an immediate cessation of hostilities," Prabowo Subianto said, noting that the more than 15-month conflict had a severe impact on Asian nations' economies and food supplies. In a speech to the Shangri-La Dialogue defence summit, Subianto proposed a ceasefire "at present positions", and demilitarised zones that would be guaranteed by observers and United Nations peacekeeping forces. He also suggested an eventual "referendum in the disputed areas" organised by the UN. "Indonesia is prepared to contribute units to a potential UN peacekeeping operation," he added. China has presented its own peace plan to end the war -- a vague list of proposals to which European Union politicians have reacted with scepticism. While Beijing says it is a neutral party to the conflict, it has been criticised for refusing to condemn Moscow's invasion. In contrast, the United States and Western allies have delivered billions of dollars in weapons and other aid to Ukraine since Russia's invasion. Jakarta, which favours non-aligned diplomacy, had previously attempted to mediate peace. Indonesian President Joko Widodo travelled to Kyiv and Moscow and met the nations' leaders last year, while his country chaired the G20 bloc of major economies. But defence chief Subianto's proposal was criticised at the summit on Saturday, with EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell saying peace in Ukraine had to be achieved on "just" terms. "We need to bring peace to Ukraine", but it must be a "just peace, not a peace of surrender," Borrell said, commenting on the Indonesian proposal. Subianto responded, raising his voice: "Ask Indonesians how many times they have been invaded... There are violations of sovereignty not only in Europe." "I'm putting forward a conflict resolution plan," he added. "I'm not saying who is right or who is wrong." Indonesia voted in favour of a UN resolution condemning Russia's invasion of Ukraine, but it has not applied economic sanctions against Moscow. Search Keywords: Short link: Los Angeles, June 3 : Hollywood star Elliot Page said that he was told by an A-list actor, "I'm going to f*** you to make you realise you aren't gay."The Juno star, who was formerly known as Ellen Page and who came out as homosexual in February 2014 before his gender transition in December 2020, revealed the incident happened after he first publicly opened up about his sexuality, reports aceshowbiz.com. "'I'm going to f*** you to make you realise you aren't gay,' the actor also said, 'You aren't gay. That doesn't exist. You are just afraid of men,'" Elliot recounted what the actor told him. Elliot also revealed in his new memoir 'Pageboy' the incident with the unnamed actor happened at a party in Los Angeles in 2014. Elliot included the story in a chapter of his book called 'Famous A-hole at Party', in which he only refers to the actor as an "acquaintance." He added in the book that when he ran into the actor again at a gym a few days after the exchange, they insisted: "I don't have a problem with gay people, I swear." Elliot responded: "I think you might." Elliot added to People that he "purposely" did not name the actor, who will "hear about this and know it's him." He said: "These moments that we often, like, don't talk about or we're supposed to just brush off, when actually it's very awful." Elliot also revealed in his book that he had a secret relationship with a closeted female co-star, referred to as "Ryan" in the autobiography, as well as an alleged romance with Kate Mara, 40, while she was dating Max Minghella, 37. Kate and Max split in 2014 after four years of dating and she is now married to actor Jamie Bell, 37, with whom she shares two children. Elliot said in the book: "This was right after I'd come out as gay and it was a time of exploration and also heartbreak. "I think my relationship, or whatever you want to call it with Kate, very much encapsulates a certain dynamic that I consistently found myself in, which was falling for people that - I think a lot of us do this - who aren't fully available. And the sort of safety in that and the highs and the lows and the serotonin bump, and then it goes away." Patna, June 3 : A class 10 student drowned in a swimming pool in Bihar's Bhagalpur district, sources said here on Saturday. Mohammad Sharik, along with his six friends had gone to Sandis compound for swimming on Friday. "We were busy swimming inside the pool and no one noticed Sharik drowning. He did not know how to swim and went into the deep water. A lifeguard jumped inside and rescued him but he had gone unconscious," said Samir, one of the boys. He was rushed to Bhagalpur medical college and hospital where doctors declared him dead on arrival. When contacted, Rajiv Kumar, the operator of the swimming pool of Sandis compound said: "Three lifeguards are deployed there. After entering into the pool, the boys were enjoying themselves when the mishap took place. One of our trainers rescued him and rushed him to the hospital." "We have directed the municipal officers to initiate an inquiry into the incident. There were trainers present at the swimming pool and so as life jackets, still such a mishap took place," said Kumar Anurag, district magistrate of Bhagalpur. Mumbai, June 3 : After Kangana Ranaut called herself a "victim of capitalism" and bid adieu to the "airport look," author Shobhaa De hailed the Bollywood actress for exposing the fashion industry. De also said that it is about time a star spoke up against the "nonsense" airport look. De tweeted: "About time a star spoke up and debunked the 'airport look' nonsense. Thanks for frankly exposing the pressure exerted by foreign brands exploiting desi insecurity at the expense of our crafts communities." Kangana on Friday took to her Instagram stories, where she shared a slew of pictures from her airport. She took the credit for starting the trend of the airport look in India. She shared a string of airport looks and captioned the picture slide: "Only person to blame for starting the stupid trend of airport looks." She then tagged herself as a "Victim of capitalism." "Brainwashed by magazine editors and fashion industry to look a western woman so that I only fill the pockets of international designers. Ashamed to repeat clothes always buying without any care about the impact of my choices on the environment." "While I act like a bimbo, the system hails me as a fashionista to encourages me to promote more international brands while my own people like weavers and handicrafts men dying slow and steady death. Then they shrewdly start to price tag everything I wear making it a vanity issue for me and guess what I fall for the trap now more than style it's about brands even for a genuinely stylish person," she added. Kangana said that fashion brands make "you work for them for free by just sending clothes and bags they start to hijack cultures and tradition of an entire civilisation." Bidding adieu to the trend of airport looks she added: "If this is how an Indian woman looks then what does an American woman look like? Bye bye airport looks, we have gone past that phase. Now it's time even if I buy one piece of clothing, I ask myself how many Indians benefit from this!" New York, June 3 : Covid-19 not only affected health to a greater extent globally but also hampered relationships among married couples amid lockdowns and limited social interactions, a study has revealed. The study by researchers at University of California-Los Angeles, published in the journal Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, is the first to examine the pandemic-related loss of connections with family, friends and colleagues among diverse couples recruited from lower-income neighbourhoods. Following the lockdowns and restrictions on public gatherings in the early days of Covid-19, the social networks of white, Black and Latino couples all shrank. But these networks shrank most significantly among lower-income and Latino and Black couples and didn't fully recover even after vaccines became available and the most severe restrictions were lifted. "Limiting social interactions may well have reduced the spread of infection," said lead author Benjamin Haggerty, a doctoral student in the UCLA Marriage and Close Relationships Lab, "but this policy also had unexamined and potentially lasting social costs". Psychologists found that when the pandemic began, face-to-face interactions declined overall by 50 per cent, with little recovery over the next 18 months. Black and Latino couples and those with lower incomes, they discovered, maintained even fewer of their relationships than white couples and those with higher incomes. While many people attempted to compensate for a lack of in-person gatherings through increased use of technologies like Zoom and FaceTime, the researchers found that among the couples they studied, even virtual interactions declined during the first months of the pandemic. Significantly, these declines weren't restricted to particular types of relationships -- they affected connections with family, friends and co-workers alike. "What happened to those lost relationships? One answer is that some simply could not be sustained for so long without frequent interactions to nourish them," said study co-author Benjamin Karney, co-director of the lab. In general, for white couples and for wealthier couples, the picture was a bit rosier. The findings suggest that to prepare for future disease outbreaks, there is a need to develop ways to limit pathogen transmission without harming the in-person interactions necessary to sustain meaningful relationships. New York, June 3 : Senators in California voted in favour of a bill that exempts Sikhs from wearing a safety helmet when riding a motorcycle. The Senate Bill 847, authored by Senator Brian Dahle cleared the state senate this week with a 21-8 vote margin, and will now move to the Assembly. "Freedom of religion is a core foundation of this country. We, as Americans, have the right to freely express our religion and I believe that right should equally extend to everyone. Any law that limits the ability to express one's religion, goes against what this country is all about," Dahle said in a statement after presenting the bill on the senate floor. "Exempting those who wear turbans or patkas from wearing helmets is a simple way to ensure that everyone's religious freedoms are protected," he added. According to 2021 American Community Survey estimates, 211,000 Sikhs live in California, which is nearly half of all Sikhs living in the US. The State Senate was told that as of now, no helmet exists in the market that will accommodate a turban or a patka, but according to members of the Sikh community, a turban is a good enough protection. Currently, 18 states and Washington D.C. have a universal helmet law for all riders. 29 states require helmets for specified riders, generally riders under a certain age (usually 18 or 21). Only Illinois, Iowa, and New Hampshire have no motorcycle helmet laws. "Although other countries and our own military make accommodations for Sikhs' deep beliefs, out of the US states that require helmets, none has exemptions for Sikhs or any other group based on religious practice," a statement from Dahle's office read. This question of helmets for Sikhs has also been debated and considered in other countries, like Canada and the UK. In Canada, Sikhs are exempt from motorcycle helmet laws in several provinces including Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, and Ontario. Among the supporters of the bill were the Legendary Sikh Riders, the Sikh Legends of America and the Sikh Saints Motorcycle Club. According to the Center for Disease Control, more than 5,500 motorcyclists died in 2020, and more than 180,000 were treated in emergency departments for crash injuries. New Delhi, June 3 : When it comes to their priorities and preferences, millennials have undergone a discernible shift in recent years. Millennials, in contrast to earlier generations, are increasingly choosing luxurious vacation experiences over tangible belongings. The tourism business is being reshaped by this mentality shift, which places more value on memorable and experience journeys than on accumulating material possessions. The motivations behind this trend and how it is changing the travel industry will be discussed in this essay. The Rise of Experiential Consumption Millennials' propensity for experiential consumption is one important reason pushing them towards luxurious vacation experiences. Contrary to their elders, who frequently sought happiness through the acquisition of material goods, millennials place a higher value on experiences that foster personal development and long-lasting memories. They place a high importance on authenticity, exploration, and the chance to interact with various cultures. They can see the world, partake in unusual activities, and form significant connections through luxury travel experiences, all of which promote a sense of fulfilment and personal enrichment. The Influence of Social Media The growth of social media, especially among millennials, has had a significant impact on the tourism sector. People can share their experiences with the world by showcasing them on websites like Instagram and Facebook. In order to attract the attention and admiration of their online networks, millennials, who are well renowned for their digital proficiency and desire for self-expression, are increasingly looking for visually appealing and envious-inspiring trip experiences. The rise of luxury vacation destinations and lodgings that are especially created to be aesthetically pleasing and shareable on social media is a result of this phenomena, which is also known as the "Instagrammability" factor. These experiences, which range from opulent overwater bungalows in the Maldives to magnificent hot air balloon rides over Cappadocia, not only offer a sense of exclusivity but also provide a setting for inciting envy in social media posts. The Shift from Ownership to Access The move from ownership to access is a crucial element in millennials' demand for premium vacation experiences. Millennials prefer the freedom and flexibility that come with experiences rather than belongings, in contrast to past generations who placed more value on possessing tangible assets like homes and cars. Luxury possessions may be viewed as a burden, holding a person down to one place and reducing their alternatives. Luxury travel experiences, on the other hand, give them the chance to see a variety of locations without the long-term commitment and financial strain of ownership. Due to this shift in perspective, a number of travel-related platforms and services have emerged to meet millennials' preference for access over ownership. Unique and upmarket lodgings are provided by businesses like Hireavilla and Manzil, and for a set monthly cost, subscription-based services like Inspirato and BeRightBack offer hand-picked vacation experiences. With the help of these options, millennials may take advantage of luxurious travel experiences without having to spend a fortune or deal with ownership hassles. Environmental and Social Consciousness The social and environmental awareness of millennials is well known. When making travel plans, they are more inclined to give sustainability and ethical travel practises priority. This generation is especially drawn to luxury travel experiences that reflect their beliefs, such as eco-friendly resorts, conservation-focused excursions, and community-based tourism programmes. As a result, the demand for sustainable luxury travel solutions has increased significantly in the travel sector. Eco-friendly practises are being adopted by hotels and resorts, including the use of waste reduction techniques and renewable energy sources. In order to create projects for responsible tourism that benefit the local community as well as the environment, travel companies are collaborating with local communities. In addition to drawing millennials, this emphasis on sustainability also sets an example for future generations and has an impact on the business as a whole. Personal Growth and Self-Discovery Millennials have more than just the chance to unwind and enjoy when they travel in luxury. They also provide a space for development and self-discovery on a personal level. Millennials see travel as a life-changing event that gives them the chance to extend their horizons, push themselves beyond of their comfort zones, and develop a more comprehensive perspective of both themselves and the world they live in. Luxury travel experiences frequently include activities that encourage people to go outside of their regular routines and embrace fresh viewpoints, such as wellness retreats, cultural immersion programmes, and adventure expeditions. Millennials have the ability to develop new skills, resilience, and personal qualities by participating in these unusual events. These experiences give millennials a sense of happiness and purpose that cannot be attained through worldly items alone, whether they involve learning to surf in Bali, practising meditation in a peaceful mountain retreat, or giving back to a remote town. To address the needs of millennials' quest for personal development and self-discovery, the travel industry has reacted to this transition by providing a wide choice of transformative luxury experiences. In order to promote total wellbeing, wellness resorts now provide holistic programmes that incorporate yoga, mindfulness, and spa services. Adventure travel agencies plan adventures that test participants' physical and mental stamina while also promoting a sense of achievement and self-confidence. Millennials are able to connect profoundly and meaningfully with themselves and the world through these experiences, which go beyond just tourism. The Influence of Peer Recommendations and Online Reviews The views and suggestions of their peers have a big impact on millennials. When making judgements about their travel experiences, they turn to online reviews, social media influencers, and travel forums for affirmation and direction. Luxury travel companies are increasingly utilising influencer marketing and user-generated content in order to appeal to millennial passengers. Luxury travel firms may successfully reach and interact with millennials by working with influencers and encouraging visitors to post about their experiences on social media. This generation responds well to genuine, encouraging reviews and suggestions from other visitors, frequently influencing their preferences and travel decisions. In addition to changing the way millennials plan their vacations, the focus placed on peer recommendations has had a big impact on the tactics used by the travel industry to win their interest and allegiance. The Desire for Meaningful Connections Meaningful relationships and genuine encounters are highly valued by millennials. They have opportunities to interact with like-minded people from all cultures and backgrounds thanks to their luxury travel experiences, which promotes a sense of the world as one. Millennials look for experiences that let them engage authentically with other tourists, locals, and business people, from group tours to networking events in upscale locations. The tourism industry has created numerous initiatives to promote networking and social relationships in response to this desire. Presently, upscale resorts host carefully organised events and workshops where visitors can have deep discussions and create enduring connections. Travel firms provide group trips that are especially made to assemble people with comparable interests, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie during the voyage. By encouraging connections and social interaction, luxury travel is evolving from a solitary activity into a platform for creating connections and a sense of belonging. In response to this demand, the travel industry has developed various initiatives to facilitate social connections and networking. Luxury resorts now organise curated events and workshops where guests can engage in meaningful conversations and forge lasting relationships. Travel agencies offer group tours specifically designed to bring together individuals with shared interests, creating a sense of camaraderie and community throughout the journey. These efforts to promote connections and social engagement are transforming luxury travel from a solitary pursuit to a platform for building relationships and fostering a sense of belonging. The millennial generation's preference for luxury travel experiences over material possessions has brought about a significant transformation in the travel industry. Their inclination towards experiential consumption, the influence of social media, the shift from ownership to access, environmental and social consciousness, the pursuit of personal growth, the importance of peer recommendations, and the desire for meaningful connections have all played a role in reshaping the industry. Luxury travel providers are adapting to meet millennials' evolving preferences by offering unique, immersive, and socially responsible experiences. The industry is increasingly focused on sustainability, personal development, and creating opportunities for connections and networking. As this trend continues, it is clear that luxury travel experiences will remain a top priority for millennials, shaping the future of the travel industry and redefining what it means to indulge in the pursuit of fulfilment and happiness. (Saagar Panchal, CEO and Founder of Hireavilla & Manzil) (IANSlife can be contacted at ianslife@ians.in) New Delhi, June 3 : In a world brimming with coffee choices, Vietnamese drip-filter coffee stands out as a treasure worth discovering. Its distinctive brewing technique, bold flavours, cultural significance, health benefits, and commitment to sustainability make it an unparalleled experience for coffee enthusiasts. Whether you're a seasoned coffee connoisseur or a curious adventurer seeking new flavours, Vietnamese drip filter coffee promises to delight your taste buds and transport you to the vibrant streets of Vietnam. The traditional drip-filter coffee holds a significant place in Vietnamese culture and daily life. It is not merely a beverage but a ritual, a moment of tranquility and connection. The act of brewing and enjoying coffee is deeply ingrained in the Vietnamese way of life, fostering social interactions and creating a sense of community. From bustling street-side cafes to tranquil home settings, the aroma of Vietnamese drip filter coffee permeates the air, inviting people to pause, savour, and engage in conversations that go beyond the realms of caffeine. Chef Vaibhav Bhargava of CHO restaurants, thinks that what distinguishes Vietnamese drip filter coffee from the rest of the coffee world is, "Its unique flavour profile. Slow extraction enables for more thorough extraction of the coffee's oils and chemicals, yielding a full-bodied brew with a rich, smooth texture. The flavour is frequently described as robust and intense, with hints of chocolate, caramel, and earthiness. The use of robusta beans, which are typically grown in Vietnam, contributes to the coffee's particular flavour, providing a robust and unforgettable experience." He adds, "At the heart of Vietnamese drip filter coffee lies the traditional "phin" filter, a small metal device that allows for slow and controlled extraction. The process begins with the placement of finely ground coffee into the filter, followed by the addition of hot water. The water slowly drips through the coffee grounds, extracting the flavours and aromas, resulting in a well-balanced and robust cup of coffee. This method emphasises the art of patience, as the slow extraction process contributes to the distinct character and depth of Vietnamese drip-filter coffee." In recent years, traditional Vietnamese drip-filter coffee has acquired popularity outside of Vietnam. Its distinct brewing procedure and enticing flavours have attracted coffee enthusiasts all over the world. Cafes and speciality coffee shops all around the world have embraced this brewing process, allowing customers to sample the joys of Vietnamese coffee. This global popularity demonstrates Vietnamese drip-filter coffee's persistent attractiveness and ability to cross cultural borders. "Apart from its enticing taste, Vietnamese drip-filter coffee also offers several health benefits. The slow extraction process reduces the coffee's acidity, making it gentler on the stomach compared to other brewing methods. Additionally, the presence of robusta beans provides a higher caffeine content, offering an energising boost to start your day. Vietnamese drip-filter coffee is also known for its antioxidant properties, which can contribute to overall well-being and health," concludes Chef Vaibhav Bhargava. (IANSlife can be contacted at ianslife@ians.in) Mumbai, June 3 : Actor Aniruddh Dave is hosting 'Siikho' along with actress Paridhi Sharma, and said that the show will surely be one that students will follow closely. "Siikho is the biggest edutainment, infotainment show because today the biggest challenge for the kids after 12th is to choose a career. It's a dilemma for the kids," he said. "So, we have come up with a show 'Siikho, Bhavishya Naye Bharat Ka' which is conceptualised and produced by Vishal Salecha. When Vishal told me about this I was very happy." "And this includes study and knowledge about 52 different careers/professions where the experts from each field would come, be it IIT/IIM, doctors, pilots, chef, UPSC, Law, Army, Navy and many more. I really enjoyed hosting, chatting with all of them," he said. He added: India's education system is very good and growing. We have many more chances and challenges ahead. With so many opportunities, how to move ahead with jobs, careers, education, everything is confusing. This show is all about solving that. And this will be a very big show which is helpful not only to the youngsters but also growing adults, parents too in an informative and entertaining way." Talking about working with Paridhi, he shared: "As a co-anchor, the way Paridhi handles everything is amazing, her aura, her charm is always up to the mark. And for such shows, Paridhi is the best find who has immense interest and knowledge. I feel that she is a good choice of producers." Tokyo, June 3 : Torrential rain have pounded wide areas of Japan's Pacific coast, leaving a man dead and two people missing, local media reported on Saturday. In Toyohashi of the central prefecture of Aichi, where the country's highest-level evacuation alert was issued, a man approximately in his 60s was confirmed dead early Saturday after being found inside a submerged car in a flooded agricultural field on Friday night, Xinhua news agency quoted Kyodo News as saying in a report citing local police. At least two people have been missing in the western prefecture of Wakayama. One was swept away on a flooded road and the other was caught in a swollen river, said the report. The rain also disrupted transportation services, including cancellations of Shinkansen bullet train services in some areas as well as flights into and out of Japan's southern prefecture of Okinawa. The severe weather conditions have been caused by the warm and moist air blowing from near typhoon Mawar, which is passing south of the country, and a rain front hanging over the country's main island Honshu, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA). The weather agency reported record rainfall in some areas in the six hours through 9 p.m. on Saturday night, with 291 mm falling in part of Tosashimizu in western Japan's Kochi Prefecture and 240 mm in Tahara in Aichi Prefecture. The JMA said it expects the heavy rain to continue falling into Saturday over an area spanning western to northern Japan, urging vigilance against landslides and overflowing rivers. New Delhi, June 3 : Former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, who is currently under judicial custody in connection to the Excise Policy scam case, could not meet his ailing wife at their residence on Saturday as her condition deteriorated and had to be taken to the LNJP Hospital. The Delhi High Court had granted Sisodia permission to meet his wife from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. Sisodia reached his house at around 10 a.m. He did not speak to the media as per the court's direction and went straight inside the residence. But, Seema Sisodia was already taken to the hospital, before the arrival of her husband. Sisodia had moved an interim bail plea through his counsel in both the CBI and ED cases, citing his wife's medical condition as grounds for bail. The ED and the CBI have both filed charge sheets against Sisodia in the scam case. The court has taken cognizance of the charge sheet filed against Sisodia. Earlier, the court had dismissed Sisodia's bail plea. Mumbai, June 3 : Bollywood actress Katrina Kaif turned out to be a cheerleader for husband Vicky Kaushal as she praised his latest release 'Zara Hatke Zara Bachke'. Taking to her Instagram Stories, Katrina shared a poster of the film featuring him and Sara Ali Khan. She wrote: "In cinemas now. Congratulations to the entire team, a film made with so much heart." Seeing the gesture, Vicky took to his Instagram and re-posted Katrina's message. He also dedicated his film's song 'Phir Aur Kya Chahiye' to his wife. He wrote a line from the song: "Tu hai toh mujhe phir aur kya chahiye." Directed by Laxman Utekar, the film revolves around Kapil and Somya, a happily married couple from Indore who live in a joint family and decide to get divorced one fine day. Things don't go as planned as their family gets to know of it, and thus begins a comedy of errors. -- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed Chennai, June 3 : A special train carrying 250 passengers, who were stranded after the train tradegy in Odisha on Friday, has left from Bhadrak to Chennai on Saturday morning and will reach Chennai central railway station on Sunday. Besides this, the Southern Railway will run a special train from Chennai for the family of the victims to reach the accident site. The train will depart from Chennai Central railway station at 7.20 p.m. to Bhadrok in Odisha. Southern Railway has requested people whose relatives or friends are in the ill-fated train to travel by the special train to Odisha. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin told media persons that the state government is in constant touch with the Odisha government regarding rescue and other operations. While till now there are no indications of anyone from Tamil Nadu losing their lives in the mishap, the state government has announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh to the families of those killed, if any. An amount of Rs 1,00,000 has been sanctioned for those who are injured in the accident. Canberra, June 3 : The Australian Federal Police said that three men were arrested in relation to a transnational crime syndicate that attempted to smuggle more than 800 kg of cocaine into the country. According to a police statement, on May 24, the Western Australia (WA) Police Force and Volunteer Marine Rescue WA assisted the crew of a 10-meter cabin cruiser in distress near Rottnest Island, about 22 km off the coast of Fremantle, reportsXinhua news agency. Three men on board told police that they encountered engine trouble, but appeared to have limited boating experience. After searching the vessel, police officers found 29 suspicious packages submerged in a water-filled ballast tank. Each of them contains numerous blocks of white powder, which returned positive results for cocaine. Two men were arrested on Wednesday and taken into custody in Perth, while the third was arrested in Sydney as he tried to board a flight overseas. The trio, aged 21, 25, and 29, were charged with attempting to import a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug. Police noted that they could face a maximum penalty of life imprisonment if convicted. New Delhi, June 3 : Foreign portfolio investors (FPI) invested Rs 43,838 crore in the Indian stock markets in May. V.K. Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist at Geojit Financial Services, said the FPIs were aggressive buyers in the market in May having invested Rs 43,838 crore through the stock market and primary market put together. A survey among foreign portfolio investors showed that India is now the consensus overweight among all emerging markets. In May, India attracted the largest investment among all emerging markets, and FPIs were sellers in China, he added. FPIs are likely to continue their investment in India in June too since the latest GDP data and high frequency indicators reflect a robust economy gaining further strength. Financials, automobiles, telecom and construction are attracting big investments, he said. Nifty racing to the all-time high of 18887 and breaking the record are highly possible in the next few trading days. But at record levels, selling pressure is likely since valuations will emerge as a concern, he said. Joseph Thomas, Head of Research at Emkay Wealth Management, said the the equity market has been holding quite well buoyed by the better than expected national income data, encouraging manufacturing PMI, and finally, a closure to the US debt ceiling discussions. The positive sentiment created by these events may linger on for some more time. However, in the immediate term one should be cognizant of the high probability for exports to slowdown with almost all auto companies reporting a decline in the exports component, and a slowdown in FPI flows if the strength in the US unit endures, he said. Bengaluru, June 3 : A day after the Congress government announced the rollout of five guarantees, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Saturday stated that now it is the Centre's turn to honour its promise of creating 2 crore jobs and doubling farmers' incomes. Soon, the central government will face a litmus test (Lok Sabha elections). To pass the test, they need to keep their promises, he told the media. On the criticism by the Opposition parties, especially BJP, on the guarantee schemes, Shivakumar said that instead of criticism, let the Prime Minister bring black money from abroad and deposit Rs 15 lakh to individual bank accounts. Let them create 2 crore jobs as promised and double the income of farmers, Shivakumar stated. Reacting to the comments of former Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy that the announcement of Congress government on guarantees is a farce, Shivakumar stated Kumaraswamy is a big person and he doesn't want to talk about him. "I will carry out my duties and let him do his," he said. Asked if those who want to deny freebies, Shivakumar stated that there is a provision for this. If someone wants to pay their electricity bills instead of 200 units free electricity, they can pay up. Many officers, media persons have written a letter saying they do not want to avail the benefit of free electricity. That is why the applications are called to avail the benefits. On the lines of people who gave up subsidies on LPG cylinders, here also people can give up on guarantee schemes, Shivakumar stated. The Congress government is implementing the guarantees to give relief to people reeling under price rise, he maintained. The Congress is implementing free power up to 200 units every household from July. The women can travel free in state-run buses from June 11 in the state. Rs 2,000 allowance for women will be given to women heads of family from August. The applications for Rs 3,000 allowance for unemployed graduates and Rs 1,500 allowance for unemployed diploma holders who passed out this academic year are already called. Distribution of 10 kilograms of rice for all members of BPL family from next month. All these formed a part of the big announcement made by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday. Kolkata, June 3 : West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday demanded a proper probe to ascertain the exact cause of the tragic train accident in Odisha's Balasore district that killed 261 people and injured over 900 others. The Chief Minister reached the accident spot earlier in the day. At the site, she interacted with the Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and other top officials. While interacting with Vaishnaw, she was heard complaining about lack of coordination in the Railways Department. Speaking to mediapersons later, she said: "Surely something has happened. There should be a proper investigation to find it out." She also expressed apprehension that improper functioning of the anti-collision system could be a reason for the accident, one of the worst in the last 15 years. "When I was the Railways Minister for three terms, I took the initiative to install an anti-collision system. I feel that if the system had been working, the accident could have been averted. A large number of victims who died in the accident were from West Bengal. My government officials are coordinating with their counterparts in Odisha for smooth rescue operations," she said. She also announced a compensation of Rs 5,00,000 for the families of the victims from Bengal. Meanwhile, a statement issued from the West Bengal Secretariat claimed that till 12 noon on Saturday, at least 70 ambulances with 34 doctors and 10 buses and 20 mini-trucks had reached Balasore. "Two disaster management group teams of police are on their way to Balasore," the statement read. It also claimed that 20 ambulances and 120 passengers have left Balasore for West Bengal and 11 patients were admitted in different hospitals of West Bengal. Gurugram, June 3 : The auction of liquor stores in Gurugram under the new excise policy in 2023-24, applicable from June 1, set a record in terms of revenue. According to the officials, the collection from licence fee from liquor vends in the city witnessed a jump of more than 50 per cent, the highest growth in recent years. They said the highest bid was for liquor vend on MG Road near Delhi border. The sale was auctioned for Rs 43 crore against the reserve price of Rs 22 crore. This vend was sold at the highest price in the entire Gurugram district. Similarly, a liquor vend near Bristol Chowk was auctioned for Rs 36 crore against the reserve price of Rs 18 crore. Traders from Gurugram, people from Delhi, Noida and other parts of the country also participated in the auction and areas close to Delhi borders were in high demand, they said. The officials said, entire Gurugram district is divided into 162 excise zones in 2023-24, in the 2022-23 the number of excise zones was 82. Under the new excise policy, the number of liquor shops in a zone was reduced to two from four. Out of 162 zones, till now auction has been completed in 148 zones for a total licence fee of Rs 1564.30 crore. The final collection from licence fee of liquor vends will increase further as 14 zones are yet to be auctioned. Last year, the total collection from licence fee of liquor vends was Rs 1079.10 crore. Ravinder Singh, deputy excise and taxation commissioner (east), had 79 zones in their jurisdiction, out of which, 75 zones have been auctioned for Rs 929.66 crore. "The revenue from licence fees from liquor vends in the east has increased to Rs 929.66 crore from Rs 646.70 crore. We recorded growth of 43.75 per cent," said Singh. Amit Bhatia, deputy excise and taxation commissioner (west), said they have 83 zones in their jurisdiction, out of which, 73 zones have been auctioned for Rs 634.64 crore. "The revenue from licence fees of vends in the west has increased to Rs 634.64 crore from last year's 509 crore. We have recorded growth of 24.21 per cent," said Bhatia. The liquor vends near Hayat Hotel was auctioned for Rs 26.43 crore against reserve price of Rs 12.50 crore. Similarly, liquor vend in Udyog Vihar was auctioned for Rs 25.80 crore against reserve price of Rs 17.80 crore. Collection from licence fee of liquor vends was Rs 795.77 crore in 2020-21, Rs 789.23 cr in 2021-22, Rs 1079.10 in 2022-23 and Rs 1564.30 crore in 2023-24. New Delhi, June 3 : Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday mourned the death of several passengers in Odisha's Balasore train accident and said that questions with the government can wait till Sunday as rescue and relief is an immediate task. Party leader Sonia Gandhi also mourned the death of the passengers in Balasore. "I am most pained and anguished by the terrible train disaster in Odisha. I extend my deepest sympathy and condolences to all the bereaved families," Sonia Gandhi, who is the Chairperson of Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP), said in a statement. Meanwhile, Kharge also mourned the death of the passengers in the train accident and said the party has many questions to ask the Prime Minister and the Railway Minister but those can wait since the immediate task is of rescue and relief. In a statement, Kharge said, "At this moment of grave national tragedy on account of the terrible train disaster in Odisha, I have instructed the entire Congress party organisation to extend all possible and needed help." Kharge said that a number of Congress leaders from different states have either already reached or will soon be reaching Balasore. "I once again extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. We have many questions to ask of the Prime Minister and the Railway Minister but those can wait since the immediate task is of rescue and relief," the Congress chief said. Echoing the views of Kharge, Congress General Secretary Communications in-charge Jairam Ramesh said, "The rail crash in Odisha is truly horrendous. It is a matter of the greatest anguish. It reinforces why safety should always be the foremost priority in the functioning of the rail network. There are many legitimate questions that need to be raised but that should wait till tomorrow." The remarks of the Congress leaders came after 261 people died in a train accident near Bahanaga Bazar railway station in Odisha on Friday evening. Over 900 people have also been injured and are admitted in several hospitals. Meanwhile, Congress General Secretary (Organisation) K.C. Venugopal said that party chief Mallikarjun Kharge has deputed Lok Sabha Leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury and AICC In-Charge A. Chella Kumar to immediately visit the crash site in Odisha to take stock of the situation and oversee relief efforts being undertaken by Congress workers and frontal organisations. Earlier in the day, Gurdeep Singh Sappal, AICC Incharge-Admin & Coordinator Office of Congress President tweeted, "Resignation in such cases are expected not just on moral grounds. Resignation is also a means to ensure that those in power and accountability for the accident do not influence such 'high level inquiry'. That's why the norm is that the officers in the chain of command are suspended and the minister resigns!" Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday held a high level meeting with the officials and several ministers of his government over the train accident. He also left for Odisha to visit the accident site. The rescue operation has been completed at the derailment site and restoration work has started. Thiruvananthapuram, June 3 : The Congress-led UDF in Kerala on Saturday demanded a probe into the financial dealings of the Solar scam judicial commission judge (rtd) G.Sivarajan. UDF Convenor and former State Minister M.M.Hassan said that in his new book, top CPI leader and former State Minister C.Divakaran has said that Sivarajan had taken Rs 4-5 crore and submitted a haphazard report in the Solar scam probe. "This is a grave revelation by a senior Left political leader C.Divakaran and hence we demand a proper probe into this," said Hassan. Incidentally, the Solar scam pertained to Saritha and her live-in partner who were engaged in selling solar panels and had collected huge sums of money from prospective investors and it turned sour for Chandy, after three of his staff members were understood to be close to her. The then CPI(M) state secretary Pinarayi Vijayan and Leader of Opposition V.S.Achuthanandan led a massive protest in 2013 and Chandy himself announced a probe by Sivarajan. And for the first time in the history of Kerala, a serving Chief Minister sat for hours together on a few occasions testifying before the one man Commission-Sivarajan. Sivarajan continued his probe and using this scam, the Left won a stellar victory at the 2016 Assembly polls and a year later, he submitted his report which indicted Chandy and several other top political leaders. Using this report, Vijayan ordered a police probe into it, which did not find anything and he later ordered a CBI probe based on a complaint from Saritha, which too gave a clean chit to Chandy. "We knew that this case had no merit at all and Chandy was being targetted by the Left for political reasons and now this has been confirmed by none other than a top Left leader. Hence we demand a comprehensive probe to look into the financial dealings of Sivarajan," said Hassan. New Delhi, June 3 : The Supreme Court on Saturday stayed the Allahabad High Court's May 23 order, directing the head of the department of astrology at Lucknow University to ascertain whether an alleged rape victim was 'mangalik' by examining her horoscope. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, at the outset, submitted before bench comprising justices Sudhanshu Dhulia and Pankaj Mithal that the order is disturbing and it should be stayed. The apex court had taken the suo moto cognisance of the matter and heard the matter in a special sitting on Saturday at 3 p.m. During the hearing, the bench noted that the order is totally out of context and the right to privacy is being disturbed. Justice Dhulia said: "We do not want to join facts on what astrology has to do with this... We are only concerned with subject matter linking to this." The counsel, representing the complainant, submitted that the order was passed with the consent of the parties and pointed out that astrology is being taught at the university. The high court had passed the order while deciding the bail plea of a person accused of raping a woman on pretext of marriage. The accused in the matter had contended that the marriage could not be solemnised because the woman was a mangalik. The apex court observed that while deciding a bail plea, court cannot enter into the realm of astrology which are private matters of an individual. The apex court said: "We say nothing on merits. We stay the operation and effect of the order. The matter would be taken up by high court in next date of listing and shall be dealt on merits." In the high court, the counsel for the woman had argued that she is not mangalik. The high court ordered the woman and the accused to submit their kundalis to the astrology department of the Lucknow University. The court directed the university to submit a report within three weeks. The European Union will hold the seventh edition of a conference on supporting the future of Syria and the Syrian people in Brussels on 15 June, an EU diplomatic service press release revealed. The Brussels conference titled Supporting the Future of Syria and the Region aims to rally the international communitys political and financial support to address the growing needs of the Syrian population, the press release added. The conference will also aim to support host communities in the wider region that have shown solidarity towards displaced people and refugees, such as Lebanon, Jordan, Turkey, Egypt and Iraq. The conference will also offer a platform to renew international engagement for a political solution to the conflict, in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2254. The event will be preceded by a Day of Dialogue in the European parliament on 14 June to address some of the key challenges faced by the Syrian people. The European Union and its member states are the largest donors supporting the Syrian people, with over 30 billion euros mobilised since 2011, the press release revealed. In 2022, the European Union and its member states contributed to 75 percent of conference pledges to the Syrian people, it added. This year's Brussels conference will be the main pledging event for Syria and the region in 2023. Search Keywords: Short link: June 03 : Superstar Salman Khan along with Sanjay Dutt and Yash took to their social media profiles, and expressed that they are heart-broken over the lives lost in Odisha Train Tragedy, and also expressed gratitude towards volunteers helping out in the time of need. Its difficult to describe in words how heart-wrenching the train tragedy of Odisha is. My deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and praying for the speedy recovery of those injured. Gratitude to the people who have come out in large numbers to help with rescue Yash (@TheNameIsYash) June 3, 2023 KGF star Yash expressed his gratitude towards volunteers stepping out to help during Odisha Train Tragedy crisis, and prayed for those who has passed away and wished a speedy recovery for those who survived. Really saddened to hear abt the accident,May God rest the souls of the deceased in peace,Protect n give strength to the families n the injured from this unfortunate accident. Salman Khan (@BeingSalmanKhan) June 3, 2023 At least 261 people were killed and around 900 were injured in a horrific three-train collision in Odisha's Balasore, the country's deadliest rail accident in more than 20 years. Sending my heartfelt condolences to the victims of the accident. It's a tragedy that no words can fully express. Praying for the injured and hoping for their speedy recovery. Sanjay Dutt (@duttsanjay) June 3, 2023 Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the train accident site and meet with injured people at hospitals in Cuttack. Balasore: Rescue operation underway at the site where Coromandel Express, Bengaluru-Howrah Express and a goods train met with an accident, in Balasore district, on Saturday, June 03, 2023. At least 260 people were killed and 900 others suffered injur Image Source: IANS News Balasore: Rescue operation underway at the site where Coromandel Express, Bengaluru-Howrah Express and a goods train met with an accident, in Balasore district, on Saturday, June 03, 2023. At least 260 people were killed and 900 others suffered injur Image Source: IANS News Balasore: Rescue operation underway at the site where Coromandel Express, Bengaluru-Howrah Express and a goods train met with an accident, in Balasore district, on Saturday, June 03, 2023. At least 260 people were killed and 900 others suffered injur Image Source: IANS News Balasore: Mangled coaches of train after an accident involving Coromandel Express, Bengaluru-Howrah Express and a goods train, in Balasore district, Saturday, June 3, 2023. At least 261 people were killed and over 900 others suffered injuries, accord Image Source: IANS News Chandigarh, June 3 : Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Saturday expressed shock and anguish over the death of 261 passengers in a three-train collision in Odisha's Balasore district. More than 900 people were injured in the incident. Expressing grief and sorrow, the Chief Minister shared his heartfelt sympathies with the members of the bereaved families and prayed to the Almighty to give them courage to bear this irreparable loss in the hour of crisis and grant peace to the departed souls. Mumbai, June 3 : Former 'Bigg Boss 16' contestant Abdu Rozik will be joining his best friend Shiv Thakare in the adventures of the stunt-based reality show 'Khatron Ke Khiladi 13'. A source confirmed to IANS that Abdu will be joining Shiv in the show, hosted by Rohit Shetty. Shiv, too, said that he cannot imagine a better companion than Abdu in South Africa. Talking about friendship with Abdu, Shiv Thakare said: "In the thrilling realm of 'Khatron Ke Khiladi 13', where every day promises unexpected twists and exhilarating surprises, for me, friendship is definitely a secret weapon that fuels my spirit. Amidst the demanding jungle adventure in South Africa, I couldn't imagine a better companion than Abdu by my side." "His infectious liveliness and carefree spirit never fail to uplift my mood and infuse courage into my veins. With Abdu's unwavering support, not only will we make this journey a joyous ride, but we will also conquer any obstacle that dares to stand in our way." Shiv added: "Together, we will redefine limits, savour victories, and create memories that will forever remind the world of the incredible power of true friendship." 'Khatron Ke Khiladi 13' will air on Colors soon. Ahmedabad, June 3 : The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a forecast indicating the likelihood of light thunderstorms and rainfall in certain regions of Gujarat on June 3 and 4. Additionally, strong surface winds ranging from 30 to 40 kilometers per hour, gusting up to 50 kilometers per hour, are expected to prevail over the Gujarat region and Saurashtra-Kutch from June 3 to June 7. Isolated places in the districts of the North Gujarat region, namely Banaskantha, Sabarkantha, Ahmedabad, and Anand, may experience light thunderstorms accompanied by lightning, surface winds of 30-40 kilometers per hour (with gusts), and light to moderate rainfall on June 3, as per the IMD bulletin. On June 4, similar weather conditions are expected in the districts of Gujarat region, including Banaskantha, Ahmedabad, Anand, Dang, and Tapi. Furthermore, the district of Bhavnagar in Saurashtra is likely to witness light thunderstorms, lightning, surface winds of 30-40 kilometers per hour (with gusts), and light to moderate rainfall. IMD indicates that Ahmedabad can anticipate a partly cloudy sky during the day, with the possibility of thundery development towards the evening or night. The maximum temperature in the city is expected to hover around 40 degrees Celsius. Residents in the aforementioned districts are advised to stay updated with the weather forecasts and take necessary precautions during thunderstorms and rainfall. Mumbai, June 3 : Actor Rajniesh Duggall is back with a new series titled Postcards, which marks his international debut. The film is helmed by the makers of 'Namaste Wahala' Hamisha Daryani Ahuja. Actors Sola Sobowale, Richard Mofe, Rahama Sadau and Tobi Bakre also play pivotal characters in it. Rajniesh said: "Postcards is a very special project. It's all about dealing with different emotions that people go through in their life. "I play the role of a doctor in an Indian hospital, as the trailer suggests. The Postcards series is a story that everyone can relate to in some way or the other. Set in Cosmopolitan Mumbai and Lagos, it is about a bunch of people whose lives intersect in a series of life-changing events," he shared. The series has been shot extensively in Mumbai and Lagos (Nigeria). "Yes, it's my first English/International series with a mixed crew. I'm really excited for this one as it reaches a very different set of audience. Let's see how things turn out," he said sounding hopeful. New Delhi, June 3 : The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Saturday informed the Delhi High Court about files missing from the office of the Special Secretary (Vigilance) the same day the Supreme Court made a decision on the Services matter. The submission was made by Special Counsel Zoheb Hossain during the Court's hearing on the interim bail plea of former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia. The counsel informed the court that an FIR was also lodged in this regard. Senior Advocate Mohit Mathur, who was representing Sisodia, objected to the submission, stating that it was an argument of prejudice and a charge sheet had already been filed in the matter (in the Delhi Excise case). On Friday, Justice Dinesh Kumar Sharma reserved judgment on the matter of Sisodia's interim bail plea. A special sitting was held on Saturday, where Justice Sharma stated that after reading the interim bail application, he believed it must be heard. Later, the High Court was informed that Sisodia went to meet his wife, but he couldn't see her as her condition deteriorated and she was hospitalised at LNJP Hospital. The High Court requested a report from LNJP Hospital and reserved the order on the interim bail plea. Hossain argued that Sisodia had filed another interim bail plea, but it was withdrawn on May 24. "There are judgments that say that such withdrawal amounts to dismissal unless they can demonstrate that something dramatic has changed," Hossain argued. Mathur objected to the argument, stating that a person's life couldn't be so insignificant that her husband couldn't meet her even when she was in such a condition. "Sisodia is the caretaker of the family. Their son is studying abroad. Would it make a person less of a caretaker if he is holding 18 portfolios? We are busy and dealing with multiple cases throughout the day. But don't we go back home at the end of the day and become the caretakers of our families? What kind of jurisprudence are we heading toward?" Mathur argued. After hearing the contentions of both sides, the court has reserved its order. Bhopal, June 3 : Stage is being set for yet another high-stake contest between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress in Madhya Pradesh as the states go to polls later this year. Although, the saffron party had lost the 2018 last elections, and the Congress led by veteran leader Kamal Nath managed to come back to power after 15 years in the state, shifting of 22 MLAs to the BJP (in support of Jyotiraditya Scindia) had brought the Shivraj Singh Chouhan government back into power again in March 2020. The switching of loyalties continued with four more MLAs - Praduman Singh Lodhi, Sumitra Devi, Narayan Singh Patel and Rahul Singh Lodhi - severing their ties with the grand-old party in July and October 2020. Subsequently, the bypolls for 28 Assembly seats were held in November 2020, wherein the BJP managed to win 19 getting a comfortable majority in the House, which has a strength of total 230 legislators. Seven of the 22 Congress MLAs (Scindia loyalists), who had changed sides, had lost the bypolls to the Congress. They were - Imarti Devi, Raghuraj Singh Kasana, Girriraj Dandotiya, Adal Singh Kasana, Ranvir Jatav, Munnalal Goyal and Jasmant Jatav. In July 2020, of the 28 cabinet ministers who took oath in CM Chouhan's cabinet, 12 were Scindia loyalists. They included - Tulsi Silawat, Govind Singh Rajput, Mahendra Singh Sisodia, Prabhuram Chaudhary, Pradumn Singh Tomar, Bisahulal Singh, Hardeep Singh Dang, Rajvardhan Singh, O.P.S. Bhadoria, Brijendra Singh Yadav etc. Now, with the Assembly elections inching closer, faced with huge anti-incumbency for nearly two-decade rule of CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan, the BJP leadership reportedly struggling to defuse the rift among old vs new party cadre in those respective constituencies when the elections are almost at the door. Notably, in the past, the performance reports of majority ministers in CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan's cabinet were very poor and they have been directed to work hard. According to the sources in the state BJP, work reports of most Scindia loyalists ministers were found poor, and the reason was that they were not giving heed to the state leadership. Besides, a question has always remained in state's political gallery that whether the BJP will give tickets to Scindia loyalists - who won bypolls and those are cabinet ministers? Speculations are rife that Scindia loyalists are relentlessly building pressure on state BJP leadership for tickets in upcoming Assembly polls. However, the top leaders would duck this question saying the decision would be taken by the Central leadership. Notably, from March 2020, the BJP has to accept all demands made by Scindia, be it inducting his loyalists in cabinet ministers, state ministers, or appointing in different organisations and institutions. However, the situation seems quite different now and the political future of most Scindia loyalists seems to be at stake, as the BJP leadership claimed the ticket will be given on the basis of surveys and winning possibilities only. A senior BJP functionary (organisation) told IANS that the message has already been conveyed. "BJP is not like other political parties where pressure tactics work. Here, the roles are fixed and decisions are taken only on the basis of performance. That was a deal for a particular duration," the functionary said on condition of anonymity. June 03 : Known for his philanthropic endeavors and passion for humanity, actor Sonu Sood urges the entire political system to cut out the blame game and social media posting, calls for a new policy that allows victims or their families a stable income for survival. Reacting to ongoing political and social media race, where everyone is blaming everyone else, Sonu Sood took to his social media and shared a video. In the video, the actor is seen saying, Yesterday there was a bad accident that took place in Odisha, I think the entire nation is in a shock right now. But what is unfortunate to see here is that political parties are trying to pull down one another, putting blame on one another rather than thinking about people who died or got injured in this accident, or their families Everyone tweets about it, they sort of show they are hurt, and then continue with their own lives, but what about all those people who left their homes to make a living, I guess their whole families are dead now. I dont think they will ever move past this incident or rise again. Compensations will be given, which will probably deplete in 3-4 months, even the injured people will get the compensation which will not for very long. Imagine, someone who is the whole and sole breadwinner of the family, is injured in this accident, perhaps with a broken leg or neck, when he will be able to return to work, if at all he is able to work? I think, the government is doing a superb job, but if they could just bring a new policy, which allows them a monthly income, especially victims of such tragic incidents, on such a mass level, they should get a monthly income to survive, like pension or provident fund scheme. Heartbroken by the news of the train tragedy in Odisha. Heartfelt deepest condolences Time to show our support and solidarity for the unfortunates. #OdishaTrainAccident pic.twitter.com/ZfuYYp8HK9 sonu sood (@SonuSood) June 3, 2023 A monthly income scheme for people who died in such tragic accidents or were injured, because compensation wont last very long. I urge everyone to do something, approach the state government and central government, who are doing amazing jobs, to do something in this regard, they should form a policy, expressing heartbreak on social media doesnt count for anything. Jai Hind added Sonu. At least 261 people were killed and around 900 were injured in a horrific three-train collision in Odisha's Balasore, the country's deadliest rail accident in more than 20 years. Chandigarh, June 3 : In a joint ambush by the Border Security Force (BSF) and Punjab Police on Saturday, a consignment of over 5 kg suspected narcotics dropped by a Pakistani drone was seized from a village in Amritsar. On hearing a mild buzzing sound of a drone and the dropping of a consignment at the outskirts of Rai village, a joint search operation was carried out in the area, said the BSF. The troops recovered a big consignment containing five packets of suspected narcotics from fields. An iron ring was also found attached with the consignment. The gross weight of the recovered consignment of the suspected heroin was approximately 5.5 kg, it said. Another nefarious attempt of Pakistan to smuggle contrabands was foiled due to joint efforts and timely action by BSF and Punjab Police, it added. Describing it as a breakthrough against trans-border narcotics smuggling networks, Punjab Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav said the swift response to suspicious movement led to the major heroin recovery. He said drones were used to transport drugs from Pakistan. "Punjab Police is committed to making the state drug-free as per the vision of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann," he added. Punjab shares a 553-km long international border, with a barbed wire fence, with Pakistan. Los Angeles, June 3 : Hollywood star Tom Hanks feels that not every film he did was great. In an interview published with The New Yorker, Hanks said: "Let's admit this: We all have seen movies that we hate. I have been in some movies that I hate. You have seen some of my movies and you hate them." Hanks was speaking on how a film should be judged. Instant reactions are common, he noted, reports deadline.com. "Someone is going to say, 'I hated it.' Other people can say, 'I think it's brilliant.' Somewhere in between the two is what the movie actually is," he said, referring to it as "Rubicon No. 3." "The commercial performance of the film," Hanks said, is the fourth Rubicon, "because, if it does not make money, your career will be toast sooner than you want it to be. That's just the fact." And the fifth and final Rubicon is time. Hanks said a great example of that is holiday classic 'It's a Wonderful Life', which grew in popularity after its 1946 release only after frequent television airings. Another example of that is his own 1996 film, That Thing You Do!, which he wrote, directed, and starred in. "I loved making that movie," Hanks said. "I loved writing it, I loved being with it. I love all the people in it. When it came out, it was completely dismissed by the first wave of vox populi. It didn't do great business. It hung around for a while, was viewed as being some sort of odd, kinda quasi-ripoff of nine other different movies and a nice little stroll down memory lane." "Now the same exact publications that dismissed it in their initial review called it 'Tom Hanks' cult classic, That Thing You Do!' So now it's a cult classic," he added. "What was the difference between those two things? The answer is time." Lebanon's foreign ministry said Saturday it would send an investigation team to Paris following reports that Beirut's ambassador to France, Rami Adwan, has been accused of rape and intentional violence. The French probe into Adwan followed complaints by two former embassy employees, sources close to the investigation had told AFP, confirming an earlier media report. The French government has urged the Lebanese authorities to lift Adwan's diplomatic immunity and allow him to go on trial. The Lebanese foreign ministry has decided to "urgently send an investigation committee headed by the ministry's secretary-general... to the embassy in Paris to question the concerned ambassador and hear statements from embassy staff", it said in a statement. The committee will meet with French authorities "to clarify that which was reported in the media and which was not communicated to the Lebanese foreign ministry via diplomatic channels", the statement added. The first former employee, aged 31, filed her complaint in June 2022 for a rape she says was committed in May 2020 in the ambassador's private apartment, according to sources close to the investigation confirming a Mediapart report. According to the complaint, she had a relationship with the ambassador, who carried out "psychological and physical violence with daily humiliations". The second woman, aged 28, made a complaint last February after what she said was a series of physical attacks after she turned down sexual relations. She claims Adwan tried to hit her with his car after an argument on the sidelines of last year's Normandy World Peace Forum. "In view of the seriousness of the facts mentioned, we consider it necessary for the Lebanese authorities to lift the immunity of the Lebanese ambassador in Paris in order to facilitate the work of the French judicial authorities," the French foreign ministry told AFP late Friday. Adwan's lawyer Karim Beylouni has said that his client "contests all accusations of aggression in any shape or form: verbal, moral, sexual". He said Adwan had had "romantic relationships" with the two women between 2018 and 2022 that were "punctuated by arguments and breakups". Search Keywords: Short link: Balasore: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, review the situation where the Coromandel Express, Bengaluru-Howrah Express, and a goods train met with an accident in Balasor Image Source: IANS News Balasore: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, review the situation where the Coromandel Express, Bengaluru-Howrah Express, and a goods train met with an accident in Balasor Image Source: IANS News Balasore: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, review the situation where the Coromandel Express, Bengaluru-Howrah Express, and a goods train met with an accident in Balasor Image Source: IANS News Balasore: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, review the situation where the Coromandel Express, Bengaluru-Howrah Express, and a goods train met with an accident in Balasor Image Source: IANS News New Delhi, June 3 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday visited Balasore in Odisha, the site of the horrific train accident which claimed at least 261 lives besides leaving over 900 injured, and took stock of the situation. Before leaving for Odisha from Delhi, the Prime Minister chaired a high-level meeting with regard to the tragic train mishap at the Bahanagar Bazar railway station on Friday evening. According to government officials, Modi reviewed relief works that are underway at the site of the mishap. He also interacted with the local authorities, personnel from the disaster relief forces, and railway officials. The Prime Minister emphasised on a 'Whole of Government' approach to mitigate the monumental tragedy. Modi also spoke to the Cabinet Secretary and the Union Health Minister from the site and asked them to ensure that all kinds of help is provided to the injured and their families. The Prime Minister said that special care must be taken to ensure that the bereaved families don't face inconvenience and those affected keep getting all the assistance they need. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, who reached Balasore earlier in the day, briefed the Prime Minister about the accident and also about the rescue and relief operations. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan was also present at the accident site. From there, the Prime Minister went to the Balasore Hospital where he spoke to some of the survivors of the train accident, and also interacted with the doctors. The Prime Minister was earlier scheduled to flag off the first Vande Bharat Express train from Goa on Saturday, but the event was cancelled in the wake of the tragic accident in Odisha. About 16 hours after the accident, which involved two Express trains -- Coromandel and SMVP-Howrah Superfast Express -- and a goods train, the rescue operation was announced to be complete on Saturday afternoon by the Railways, following which restoration work commenced. Friday's accident brought back the horrific memories of another deadly accident in UP's Firozabad in 1995, in which 358 people died. In a similar accident on August 2, 1999, the Brahmaputra Mail collided with the Awadh-Assam Express near Gaisal in Assam, which claimed the lives of approximately 290 people. New Delhi, June 3 : A scrap dealer was shot at by two unidentified men in Southeast Delhi's Kalindi Kunj area, an official said on Saturday. The injured has been identified as Bablu (38), a resident of JJ Colony in Madanpur Khadar area. According to police, a police control room call was received on Friday regarding the firing incident near ECO Park, Kalindi Kunj- Jaitpur road following which a police team rushed to the spot. "When the police team reached the spot, it was found that the injured had already been taken to AIIMS Trauma Centre by the PCR. One bike was found lying on the spot. Three empty cartridges were also found there," said Rajesh Deo, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Southeast). "After reaching the hospital, it was known that Bablu was shot in his left knee when he was going to Molarband from Madanpur Khadar via NTPC ECO Park at around 8.30 p.m. After declaring fit for statement, his statement was recorded. He stated that after starting from JJ Colony Madanpur Khadar where he works with his maternal uncle as a scrap dealer, he reached ECO Park around 8.40 p.m., he heard some cracker bursting sound," said the DCP. Bablu thought that his bike tyre has burst but when he looked back to confirm, he saw two men on a bike coming from his left side and by the time he tried to understand what actually has happened, they fired a couple of rounds at him injuring his left knee and leg. "He fell down from the bike and they went ahead straight. Shots also hit his bike damaging its fuel tank. He couldn't see their faces properly and note down their bike's number," said police. A case has been registered under sections 307 (attempt to murder) and 34 (common intention) of the IPC at Kalindi Kunj police station and efforts are on to nab the accused, police added. London, June 3 : A 64-year-old Indian-origin man has been jailed for three years in the UK after he fleeced potential property buyers out of nearly GBP 16,000 (over Rs 16 lakh), the police said. Jaspal Singh Juttla of Northwood, was sentenced at Isleworth Crown Court last week for four counts of fraud by false representation and one count of carrying on a regulated activity when not authorised to do so. The offences, which occurred between May 2019 and January 2021, relate to four victims, where property buyers were conned into handing over approximately 15,790 pounds. Juttla claimed to be a mortgage adviser and offered to assist victims with property purchases, the UK Metropolitan Police said in a statement. He would meet his clients -- who were predominantly Indian and some spoke little to no English -- at various locations in London, including Southall and Hayes. Some victims were targeted at open house viewings. He often promised victims to fill out their mortgage applications, arrange a survey for them and put them in touch with a solicitor that would assist with a house purchase. Once the victims paid the fee requested by Juttla, he would ask for more money to cover other services that he had made up. None of these services were carried out and all arrangements failed to surface for the property buyers, the police said. On occasions, victims contacted him to ask what was going on, but Juttla would make up excuses in an attempt to put the victims at ease. In some instances, Juttla did provide victims with a refund by bank transfer but it was never the full amount of the payments he had originally received. Police came to know about Juttla's nefarious activities in January 2021, after Action Fraud received a crime report from one of his victims. Following a thorough investigation, he was charged on 20 July 2022. "Jaspal Singh Juttla is a persistent fraud who has exploited people in his own community, using their hard-earned money to fund his lifestyle," Detective Constable Anita Sharma, Financial Investigator in the Central Specialist Crime Unit, said. "We are grateful to those victims who have been brave enough to come forward in this case but there may be other people conned by Juttla who have not spoken to police," Sharma said. Financial investigators from the Met's Economic Crime team believe that there are other victims that have been scammed by the ruse and are yet to come forward. Chandigarh, June 3 : Former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda on Saturday said the state government has been misleading the farmers and the state on the construction of the Satluj Yamuna Link (SYL) canal, bringing back into focus the decades-old contentious issue of sharing of river waters between Haryana and Punjab. "The decision (relating to the SYL) has already been given by the Supreme Court in favour of Haryana. It's the responsibility of the government to implement this decision," he told IANS in an interaction here. Responding to a question on the proposed meeting between the Chief Ministers of Haryana and Himachal Pradesh on water sharing on June 5, the two-time chief minister said: "The BJP has its government both in the state and the Centre. Despite this, the decision of the Supreme Court is not being implemented. Now, to complicate and delay the matter, it is being said that the SYL water will come to Haryana via Himachal. "The question is why the BJP-JJP government is not filing a contempt case in the Supreme Court? Why are they not talking about bringing Haryana's water through the SYL canal built in Punjab? Why does the coalition government always keep silence on the rights of Haryana," Hooda categorically asked Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar. The Vidhan Sabha last year passed a resolution seeking completion of the SYL canal. The resolution says: "The August House has unanimously on at least seven occasions passed resolutions urging the early completion of the SYL canal." Under the provision of Punjab Reorganization Act, 1966, according to the order of the government of India dated March 24, 1976, 3.5 million acre feet (MAF) of water was allocated to Haryana out of the surplus water of the Ravi-Beas. Due to non-completion of the SYL canal, Haryana is using only 1.62 MAF of water. In October last, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and his Haryana counterpart Khattar had failed to reach a consensus over the SYL canal issue. A crucial meeting over the issue was held between the two CMs in Chandigarh after the Supreme Court had asked them to meet and find an amicable solution. Mann had clearly said that Punjab has no surplus water to share with Haryana. He sought Prime Minister Narendra Modi's intervention to provide additional water to Haryana either from the Ganga or the Yamuna river basins to overcome its shortage. Khattar had categorically ruled out that any initiative to hold the next round of talks between the Chief Ministers will be taken. Responding to another question, Hooda objected to cooperative banks charging interest on crop loans from the farmers. The Leader of Opposition told IANS that during the Congress tenure, the interest was reduced to zero while giving relief to farmers on crop loans. "The burden on the farmers was borne by the government itself and no interest was charged from the farmers, but the present government did not renew this scheme of interest relief. Because of this, banks started collecting interest from the farmers." He said the BJP-JJP (Jannayak Janta Party) government should renew the scheme implemented by the Congress without delay. "The farmers from whom interest has been recovered so far should be refunded and it should be ensured that such recovery will not happen to any farmer in future." He told IANS the government has not taken a single decision in the interest of the farmers till date. "Sunflower farmers are waiting for MSP (minimum support price), but the government is talking of Bhavantar Bharpai Yojana. Farmers are facing a loss of Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,500 per quintal. The government is running away from its responsibility of giving the MSP to them. "One by one, crops with the MSP are also being linked to such Bhavantar Bharpai Yojana, which does not benefit the farmers." Under the Bhavantar Bharpai Yojana, the government pays a fixed compensation against the produce sold below the MSP. Hooda said the government is also misleading the farmers regarding the compensation for crops due to unseasonal rains. "Farmers have been waiting for compensation for the last several seasons. The government starts patting itself on the back by distributing compensation only on paper. A total of 17 lakh acres of crops were damaged due to rains but the government registered damage in hardly 3 lakh acres." "However, there is a big doubt on this figure as well, because thousands of farmers are saying that they got very less compensation, compared to the damage and countless farmers were completely deprived of it," he added. (Vishal Gulati can be contacted at vishal.g@ians.in) Gurugram, June 3 : The police in Gurugram have busted a fake call centre and nabbed 10 people in this connection, an official said on Saturday. The call centre was being operated from a house in Sector 84 here, the police said. Foreign nationals were being defrauded on the pretext of providing technical support. The arrested individuals have been identified as Yadvender -- the owner of the fake call centre, Piyush Arora, Anand Sharma, Robin Singh, Rahul Siwach, Sahil, Nishant, Harvinder Singh, Kuldeep Singh, and Pawan Kumar. Five mobile phones and 10 laptops have been recovered from their possession, a police officer said. The accused used to target foreign nationals, mainly US citizens, by sending them fake messages that their "account has been hacked", and misled them. The accused used to cheat them in the name of solving the problem, and eventually dupe them. "Yadvender had hired 9 others on a salary/commission basis for customer service. The accused, in the name of solving problems, used to take the remote access to their (potential target's) system and charged $100 to $500 as a service charge. The payment was taken through Gift Card (Google Play, Apple, Amazon, Xbox, Target, Gift Card, etc)," Vipin Ahlawat, ACP (cybercrime) said. A case under relevant sections of the IPC, including the IT Act, was registered against the accused, he said. New Delhi, June 3 : Three persons have been arrested for allegedly stabbing a man here in the Badarpur area over personal enmity, the police said on Saturday. According to the police, Sumit, a resident of Badarpur, was stabbed on Friday by three persons. The accused also robbed his scooty and mobile phone. The entire episode was captured on the CCTV. "Sumit is undergoing treatment at the hospital and his condition is said to be stable," said the official. "A case was registered and several teams were formed to crack the case. The police, after gathering local intelligence and analysing the call detail records, apprehended one juvenile, a resident of Nehru Camp in Govindpuri and two others, identified as Deepak (24), a resident of Budh Vihar and Vicky (25), a resident of Badarpur," said Rajesh Deo, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Southeast). The police also recovered Sumit's scooty and the mobile phone, and one knife, used in the commission of the crime, at the instance of the accused. On questioning, Deepak disclosed that Sumit had a fight with his brother Sunny about two months ago, and Sumit had beaten his brother Sunny. "To take revenge, he along with his two associates stabbed Sumit and robbed his scooty and mobile phone," the police officer said. Kolkata, June 3 : The Raj Bhavan-state secretariat tiff in West Bengal over the appointment of interim vice-chancellors (VCs) in different state universities by Governor C.V. Ananda Bose seems to be heading for a murkier turn in the coming days. As many as 10 out of 11 interim VCs appointed by the Governor have taken charge, ignoring Education Minister Bratya Basu's plea to refuse the offer from the Governor's House. Sources in the Raj Bhavan said that besides taking charge, the newly-appointed interim VCs have also taken "oath of commitment" from the Governor. It is learnt that as many as 15 issues were included in the oath. Sources said that the main proposal is that all steps to be taken by the state universities should be "student centric" and "academic centric", avoiding political and communal involvement. "Focus has been given on the introduction of a social outreach programme for the students. Stress has also been given on digital learning and research-based academics. The Raj Bhavan has also proposed the creation of a 'Governor's Golden Group' where outstanding and meritorious students from each state university will be included," a source said. Meanwhile, Basu said that the state government is not approving the appointments of interim VCs, which were made without discussing or taking the consent of the Education Department. He also claimed that officials are discussing with the legal brains as to how to challenge the decision of the Governor. A section in the academic circle feels it is unfortunate that a sector like education has become the ground for tug-of-war between the state secretariat and the Governor's House. According to the general secretary of Jadavpur University Teachers' Association, Partha Pratim Roy, first the state government tried to wrest absolute control over the education sector, and now it is facing retaliation. Recently, the state government had issued an ordinance to rejig the constitution of the search committees for the appointment of VCs. In the proposed search committee, the provision of the state university concerned having a representative has been removed. Imphal, June 3 : The security forces in Manipur have recovered 40 sophisticated automatic arms that were looted when the ethnic riots broke out, from the police and various security forces, an official said on Saturday. Defence sources said that the Army and Assam Rifles along with Manipur Police and other Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) commenced area domination operations in the hills and valley area across Manipur on Saturday. "As part of a joint strategy for recovery of snatched weapons, these operations are significant for restoring peace and would continue in a calibrated manner. Conducted under the surveillance cover of drones and quad-copters, the operations have so far resulted in recovery of 40 weapons (mostly automatic), mortars, ammunition and other warlike stores," a Defence spokesperson said. After Union Home Minister Amit Shah's appeal on Thursday, 144 sophisticated looted arms were surrendered in different districts till Friday evening. Meanwhile, the Defence spokesperson said that during the conduct of these operations, adequate measures were undertaken to ensure that the locals are not harassed and personal safety and security is maintained. Following the directions from Union Home Minister Amit Shah, security forces have once again appealed to all those in possession of snatched weapons to surrender the same at the earliest to ensure peace and stability in Manipur. Security forces also warned that failure to surrender these weapons would make all such people liable for strict legal action. Shah, on the last day of his four-day visit to violence -hit Manipur on Thursday, requested all concerned to surrender their weapons to the security forces and administration, otherwise strict legal action would be taken against those who possess arms and ammunition. Media reports claimed that thousands of different types of arms and large quantities of ammunition were looted by the miscreants and the agitated mob from many police stations and security camps during the ethnic violence since May 9. Police said that except one incident in Imphal West district, no major violent incident has been reported in the last 24 hours. At least 15 people were injured when suspected armed Kuki militants attacked two villages in Manipur's Imphal West district. The injured were shifted to the hospital. Officials said that currently, around 37,450 people from different communities are being sheltered in 272 relief camps, including community halls, in 13 districts. The Army, Assam Rifles, various CAPF, state police and Manipur Rifles personnel have continued their vigil and operations in all the 11 trouble-torn districts. Officials said that curfew was relaxed for 7-12 hours in most of the districts, including Imphal West and Imphal East districts. Tamenglong, Noney, Senapati, Ukhrul, and Kamjong districts are not under curfew, currently. Raipur, June 3 : Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Saturday expressed his grief over horrific train accident in Odisha in which at least 288 passengers have been killed so far and around 800 reportedly injured. Talking to the Press in Raipur, Baghel also demanded resignation of Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, saying the latter should tender his resignation on moral ground. "This incident has given mournful situation across the country. Railway minister who has been claiming to introduce modern technology to stop rail accident, and such a horrific incident occurred in his own state, I think he should resign immediately on moral ground," Baghel said on Saturday. According CM Baghel's office, he also spoke to Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik over phone and assured of every possible assistance to the neighbouring state. Baghel also prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured in the accident, the CM's office said. At least 288 passengers have been killed and around 800 people injured in the tragic train derailment in Odisha's Balasore district, as per the South Eastern Railway (SER). The train accident happened near the Bahanaga Bazar station, about 250 km south of Kolkata and 170 km north of Odisha's capital Bhubaneswar, around 7 p.m. on Friday, prompting the Railway Ministry to order a probe. London, June 3 : Russian mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin said on Saturday that Kremlin factions are destroying the state by trying to sow discord between him and Chechen fighters, a media report said. Prigozhin said a dispute between him and Chechen forces, who are also fighting alongside the Russian army in Ukraine, has been resolved, The Guardian reported. But the Wagner chief blamed the discord on unidentified Kremlin factions - which he calls "Kremlin towers", the report said. Their scheming got so out of hand that Russian President Vladimir Putin was forced to scold them at a security council meeting, he said. In a message posted by his press service, Prigozhin said, "Pandora's Box is already open - we are not the ones who opened it. Some Kremlin tower decided to play dangerous games. Dangerous games have become commonplace in the Kremlin towers ... they are simply destroying the Russian state," The Guardian reported. While he did not identify the Kremlin faction he said that if it continued its attempts to sow discord, it would have "hell to pay". The Kremlin did not comment on his remarks. Ukraine is ready to launch its long-awaited offensive, President Vladimir Zelensky told the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) in an interview published on Saturday. He did not reveal the exact date, but said Kiev can no longer "wait for months", RT reported. The operation is likely to inflict heavy losses on the Ukrainian troops, and might not go exactly as planned, Zelensky admitted, adding that Russia retaining air superiority would inevitably mean Kiev's forces will be exposed to enemy fire. "I don't know how long it will take," Zelensky said, commenting on the operation's potential timeframe. He added that "it can go a variety of ways, completely different", RT reported. Blasts rocked the Sudanese capital Saturday, as fighting between warring generals entered its eighth week, with volunteers forced to bury 180 bodies recovered from combat zones without identification. Witnesses told AFP of "bombs falling and civilians being injured" in southern Khartoum, while others in the city's north reported "artillery fire", days after a US- and Saudi-brokered ceasefire collapsed. Since fighting between Sudan's warring generals erupted on April 15, volunteers have buried 102 unidentified bodies in the capital's Al-Shegilab cemetery and 78 more in cemeteries in Darfur, the Sudanese Red Crescent said in a statement. Both regular army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and his deputy-turned-rival, paramilitary commander Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, have issued repeated pledges to protect civilians and secure humanitarian corridors. But civilians reported escalated fighting after the army quit ceasefire talks on Wednesday, including a single army bombardment that killed 18 civilians in a Khartoum market, according to a committee of human rights lawyers. Both sides have accused the other of violating the ceasefire, as well as attacking civilians and infrastructure. Washington slapped sanctions on the warring parties Thursday, holding them both responsible for provoking "appalling" bloodshed. Not allowed in In negotiations in Saudi Arabia last month, the warring parties had agreed to "enable responsible humanitarian actors, such as the Sudanese Red Crescent and/or the International Committee of the Red Cross to collect, register and bury the deceased". But volunteers have found it difficult to move through the streets to pick up the dead, "due to security constraints", the Red Crescent said. Aid corridors that had been promised as part of the truce never materialised, and relief agencies say they have managed to deliver only a fraction of needs, while civilians remain trapped. Over 700,000 people have fled the capital to other parts of Sudan that have been spared the fighting, in convoys of buses that regularly make their way out of Khartoum. But on their way back, bus drivers were shocked to find they "were not allowed into the capital", one told AFP on Saturday, with others confirming authorities had blocked access since Friday, ordering the drivers to turn back. The army had earlier on Friday announced it had brought in reinforcements from other parts of Sudan to participate in "operations in the Khartoum area". That sparked fears it was planning "to launch a massive offensive," according to Sudan analyst Kholood Khair. So far neither side has gained a decisive advantage. The regular army has air power and heavy weaponry, but analysts say the paramilitaries are more mobile and better suited to urban warfare. The RSF announced Saturday its political advisor Youssef Ezzat had met with Kenyan President William Ruto in Nairobi, as part of his visits to several "friendly countries to explain the developing situation in Sudan". "We are ready to engage all the parties and offer any support towards a lasting solution," Ruto said on Twitter. Blackout in Darfur More than 1,800 people have been killed in the fighting, according to the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project. Entire districts of the capital no longer have running water, electricity is only available for a few hours a week and three quarters of hospitals in combat zones are not functioning. The situation is particularly dire in the western region of Darfur, which is home to around a quarter of Sudan's population and never recovered from a devastating two-decade war that left hundreds of thousands dead and more than two million displaced. The RSF is descended from the Janjaweed, a militia armed in 2003 to quash ethnic minority rebels in Darfur. Renewed clashes were reported on Saturday in the town of Kutum in North Darfur, according to witnesses. Amid what activists have called a total communications "blackout" in huge swathes of the region, hundreds of civilians have been killed, villages and markets torched and aid facilities looted, prompting tens of thousands to seek refuge in neighbouring Chad. According to aid group Doctors Without Borders (MSF), those crossing the border report horrific scenes of "armed men shooting at people trying to flee, villages being looted and the wounded dying" without access to medical care. The UN says 1.2 million people have been displaced within Sudan and more than 425,000 have fled abroad -- more than 100,000 west to Chad and 170,000 north to Egypt. Search Keywords: Short link: Patna, June 3 : A minor girl was allegedly raped by four persons in Bihar's Kaimur district on Saturday, an official said. The incident took place when the victim, a Class 10 student, was on her way to school. Four persons stopped her, took her to a house and allegedly took turns to rape her, a source said. After committing the crime, the accused abandoned her at a roadside and fled. The passers-by spotted her in an unconscious state and took the girl to the primary health centre in Durgawati. An official said she is currently undergoing treatment. Dr Nikail Ansari, in-charge of Durgawati primary health-care centre, said: "A minor girl was brought to the hospital in an unconscious state. She was sexually assaulted by four men. After the preliminary treatment, we have referred her to Sadar hospital Bhabhua for better treatment." Meanwhile, an FIR has been registered against four unknown persons in Durgawati police station under the POCSO Act. The police are checking CCTVs to identify the accused. "We are waiting for the girl's statement so that she can provide some description of the accused who have committed the crime," a police officer said. New Delhi, June 3 : Less than one in three startups that attract seed funding manage to raise follow-on funding in the form of a 'Series A' round, a study by Venture Intelligence shows. Out of the over 2,500 startups that had raised seed funding between 2015 and 2022, only 29 per cent (i.e., 734 companies) managed to raise a Series A round (typically the first round of institutional Venture Capital funding), the study titled 'Series A Landscape Report' found. However, once a startup attracts a Series A round, its success ratio in raising subsequent rounds of capital improves quite significantly. For instance, 50 per cent of the companies that raised a Series A during the study period succeeded in raising a Series B round. And, of the startups that attracted a Series B round, 62 per cent succeeded in obtaining a Series C round. Of the Series C funded companies, 70 per cent managed to raise rounds that were Series D and beyond, the study found. The number of companies raising a Series A round grew at a CAGR of 8 per cent in the five year period from 2017 to 2022. Despite the onset of a funding slowdown in 2022, the number of Series A investments during the year (289) was up 7 per cent compared to 2021 (which saw 269 investments) and 30 per cent above the average of 224 deals recorded in the recent seven years. Mysuru, : June 3 (IANS) Karnataka Minister for Animal Husbandry, T. Venkatesh, stirred a row on Saturday by stating that if buffaloes and oxen can be slaughtered, why cant cows be slaughtered. Speaking to reporters in Mysuru, Venkatesh stated that suitable action will be taken on withdrawing the Karnataka Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Act after discussions. "A decision will be taken which is going to help the farmers," he maintained. Venkatesh said that he also nursed three to four cows at his residence. "When one of the cows died, we struggled to cremate it. As many as 25 people came to lift the body but it was not possible. Later, a JCB was brought and the body was lifted," he said. He also clarified that there is a dearth of funds to manage gaushalas in the state. Meanwhile, Hindu activists have slammed the remarks made by the Congress minister, and warned him of consequences if the state government withdraws the law on cow slaughter. The previous BJP government had passed a Bill banning cow slaughter and prescribing stringent punishment for the offenders. Patna, June 3 : The district court in Purnea has awarded life sentence to 35 persons in connection with a double-murder case that took place 10 years ago. On January 30, 2013, a group of 40 people lynched Mhammad Jamiluddin and his nephew Azhar Alam at Begampur village in the district in broad daylight. Four of the accused persons died during trial, while one turned out to be a juvenile at the time of the killing. "On Saturday, the court held 35 accused persons guilty and sentenced them to life imprisonment. The juvenile accused was released after spending three years at an observation home. The court also imposed a fine of Rs 5,000 each on the convicts," said Om Prakash Paswan, additional public prosecutor at Purnea court. New Delhi, June 3 : Delhi Police have arrested two persons for allegedly staging a fake Rs 34 lakh robbery attempt at gunpoint, an official said on Saturday. The accused were identified as Manish (20), a resident of Geeta Colony, and Chander Sekhar Chaudhary (37), a resident of Chirag Delhi. According to the police, on Thursday, at around 11.15 p.m., the police received a call with the caller saying "two persons on a bike robbed Rs 34.48 lakh after showing a pistol". Later, a police team was sent to the spot. "On reaching the spot, the caller, Chander Sekhar Chaudhary, said that he works with a jewellery shop at Malviya Nagar and told that at around 3.15 p.m., the owner had asked him to collect Rs 30 lakh cash from a known person and Rs 4.48 lakh from one ornament maker at Karol Bagh. He collected money from both places and at around 9.30 p.m., he departed for Malviya Nagar from Karol Bagh," said Manoj C, Deputy Commissioner of Police (southwest). Chaudhary told the police that he had kept the money in his scooty and when he reached near Jia Sarai, two persons overpowered him and showed a pistol and one of the persons took away his bag containing Rs 34.48 lakh. The DCP said that during further examination, Chaudhary was continuously changing his statements/version and thereafter, he made the allegations against the owners of the shop and stated that he handed over the money to other workers of the shop. "Thereafter, co-workers -- Lallan and Ratan -- and owners were also questioned but they denied their involvement in the crime. Around 40-50 CCTVs were checked as per the complainant's version," said the DCP. On suspicion, Chaudhary was questioned at length and he eventually confessed to the crime. "Chaudhary said that he had given the money to one of his relatives, Manish. On the basis of technical surveillance, Manish was traced and during a search at his house, an amount of Rs 34.48 lakh was recovered. Accordingly, Chaudhary and Manish were arrested," said the DCP. Paris, June 4 : Defending champion Iga Swiatek swept into the Round of 16 at the French Open with a dominant 6-0, 6-0 victory over 80th-ranked Wang Xinyu on Court Philippe Chatrier, here on Saturday. World No.1 Swiatek of Poland took just 51 minutes to dismiss Wang in their first clash at the tour level. Swiatek had edged Wang in their two very close meetings during their junior careers, but this time around, the top seed cruised to a win. Swiatek, the champion in 2020 as well as last year, has won her last ten matches at Roland Garros and is 24-2 throughout her career at the tournament. After winning her first two matches this week by identical 6-4, 6-0 scorelines, Swiatek had an even easier time of it against Chinese No.5 Wang. Swiatek brings a comprehensive 19-game winning streak into the next round. The 22-year-old Swiatek never faced a breakpoint on Saturday, and she fired 21 winners to Wang's three. Wang was contesting her first third-round match at a Grand Slam event, but after the double bagel, she fell to 0-3 against the Top 10 players in her career. Top-seeded Swiatek is still in the hunt to retain her World No.1 ranking coming out of Paris. Swiatek needs to reach at least the quarterfinals to have any chance of maintaining her hold on the top ranking. In the fourth round, Swiatek will face the winner of Saturday's upcoming match between 2019 US Open champion Bianca Andreescu and former Top 25 player Lesia Tsurenko. Patna, June 4 : After the ghastly train accident in Odisha's Balasore on Friday that left 288 dead and over 800 injured, JD-U national president Lalan Singh on Saturday slammed the BJP government at the Centre for the tragic mishap. "The BJP government has forgotten about moral responsibility. Nitish Kumar had resigned as Railway Minister taking moral responsibility of the Gaisal train disaster in Assam in August 1999 that had killed at least 290 people. "Over 280 people have lost their lives in Balasore. There are several examples of leaders who resigned from their post following such a disaster, but that is for the sensitive people, not for the insensitive people," Singh said. Kigali, June 4 : The remains of 1,240 victims of the 1994 Rwanda genocide against the Tutsi were buried at the Mibirizi genocide memorial in western Rwanda. The remains were recently discovered on church-owned land in Rusizi district during terrace cultivation, Xinhua news agency reported. During the burial ceremony, Jean-Damascene Bizimana, minister of national unity and civic engagement, on Saturday expressed his condolences to the families of the victims, assuring them that the government stands in solidarity with them during this difficult time. He also condemned the people who concealed information about the whereabouts of victims' remains, even after several decades have passed since the genocide. "It is deeply troubling that individuals are still withholding information about the locations of mass graves containing the remains of the victims of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi," Bizimana said. Bizimana also commended the remarkable progress made in fostering unity among Rwandans, which has now reached an impressive rate of 94.3 per cent. The achievement highlights the ongoing efforts to heal and reconcile the nation after the tragic events of the 1994 genocide. The burial ceremony was attended by government officials and families of the victims. Remains of the victims are still being discovered in many parts of Rwanda, 29 years after the genocide. Rwandans on April 7 started the commemoration activities to mark the 29th anniversary of the 1994 Genocide under the theme "Remember-Unite-Renew." The activities will continue until July 4 to mark the 100-day calamity, during which more than one million people, mainly Tutsi and moderate Hutus were killed. More than 1,000 healthcare experts will meet in Cairo to discuss ways to improve health services in Africa. Under the theme Your Gate to Innovation and Trade, the second edition of Africa Health ExCon, a leading African conference and exhibition gathering of healthcare providers, will kick off under the patronage of President Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi. The conference takes place from 6-9 June. Egypt hosted the first edition last year. The conference will bring together healthcare providers, offering them an opportunity to explore the latest trends in various sectors, including medical supplies and equipment, pharmaceuticals, plant consumables and chemicals, dental supplies, dermal products, nutrition, vitamins, healthcare, feeding industries, and packaging. The presidential opening will be on the first day while the exhibition and conferences will be from 7-9 June at Egypt International Exhibition Centre (EIEC), Al-Manara International Conference. A total of 1,044 experts including 315 speakers from abroad will be attending. During the four-day event, the sessions will review the progress achieved by Africa in manufacturing vaccines and therapies, as well as state-of-art medical technologies to promote African womens health. Furthermore, the event will showcase the Egyptian Genome Reference (EgyptRef) which is used extensively in medical research to detect variations related to disease. The second edition of Africa Health ExCon will review strengthening Egypt-Africa cooperation to promote healthcare quality. Africa Health ExCon will offer educational opportunities through sessions, scientific lectures, training sessions and workshops, addressing the most common topics. Bahaaeddin Zidan, chairman of the Egyptian Authority for Unified Procurement (UPA) emphasised the importance of Africa Health ExCon in fostering a unified vision for the healthcare sector in Africa, while bringing an opportunity to exchange expertise and knowledge in healthcare. Hence, major global medical companies keenly look forward to taking part in the event to explore the available investment and trade opportunities in Africas healthcare sector. Egypt pursues experience exchanging and carrying out joint investments with all the neighbouring African countries to establish an unflappable healthcare system to address epidemiological outbreaks and chronic diseases, Zidan said. Zidan expected that the second edition of Africa Health ExCon would bring together more than 60,000 attendees and delegates from over 100 countries. He believes the event would help in exploring the investment opportunities since most of the African countries are still in the recovery phase of Covid-19 and the repercussions of tropical and infectious diseases. Additionally, they will explore ways of strengthening intra-African cooperation to enable access to the essential healthcare services, pharmaceuticals and vaccines to the African countries. Tamer Essam, chairman of the Egyptian Drug Authority, noted that Africa Health ExCon is considered a major opportunity for Egyptian drug producers as the African market brings an attractive investment edge regarding pharmaceuticals, care services and medical supplies of all types. He added that the second edition of Africa Health ExCon would outline the milestones that have been turned into realities since the success of the first edition in identifying the necessities of reforming and upgrading the healthcare system in Africa. Such events, according to Essam, contribute to setting a unified vision and coordinating effective dialogue for experience exchanging, as well as supporting innovation and scientific research in both health and pharmaceutical sectors. This is in addition to stimulating intra-African trade of essential products of pharmaceutical industries and medical supplies. In the same context, Ahmed Al-Sobki, chairman of the General Authority for Healthcare and assistant minister of health and population, referred to the challenges facing Africa with regard to overpopulation, poverty, lack of education, and political instability, which, he said, led to turbulence in managing the healthcare system in Africa. * A version of this article appears in print in the 1 June, 2023 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Search Keywords: Short link: Yes, we want peace with the Palestinians, but no, there was nothing wrong with what we had to do in 1948: this seems to be the gist of much of the writing of Israel's new historians. Edward Said, back from a Paris seminar on the topic, discusses the profound contradiction, bordering on schizophrenia, which makes the new historians reluctant to draw the inevitable conclusions from their own evidence From Al-Ahram Weekly archives: Fifty years of dispossession 1948-1998* Issue: 21 May 1998 The French monthly Le Monde Diplomatique together with the Revue d'etudes palestiniennes, a quarterly journal published in Paris by the Institute of Palestine Studies, held a conference last week which I attended and participated in. Although it was announced as the first time that the so-called "new" Israeli historians and their Palestinian counterparts had exchanged ideas in public, it was actually the third or fourth time; yet what made the Paris meeting so novel was that this was certainly the first time that a prolonged exchange between them was possible. On the Palestinian side there were Elie Sambar, Nur Masalha and myself; on the Israeli side Benni Morris, Ilan Pappe, Itamar Rabinowitch (who is not really a new historian, but a former Labour Party adviser, Israeli ambassador to the United States, professor of history at Tel Aviv University, and an expert on Syria, but whose views seem to be changing), and finally, Zeev Sternhell, an Israeli historian of right-wing European mass movements, professor at the Hebrew University, author of a very important recent book on the myths of Israeli society (the main ones of which -- that it is a liberal, socialist, democratic state -- he demolished completely in an extraordinarily detailed analysis of its illiberal, quasi-fascist, and profoundly anti-socialist character as evidenced by the Labour Party generally, and the Histadrut in particular). Because it was not well-advertised, the conference attracted rather small audiences on the whole, but because of the quality of the material presented and the fact that sessions went for several hours, it was a very valuable exercise, despite the unevenness of some of the contributions. One very powerful impression I had was that whereas the Israeli participants -- who were by no means of the same political persuasion -- often spoke of the need for detachment, critical distance, and reflective calm as important for historical study, the Palestinian side was much more urgent, more severe and even emotional in its insistence on the need for new history. The reason is of course that Israel, and consequently most Israelis, are the dominant party in the conflict: they hold all the territory, have all the military power, and can therefore take the time, and have the luxury to sit back and let the debate unfold calmly. Only Ilan Pape, an avowed socialist and anti-Zionist historian at Haifa University, was open in his espousal of the Palestinian point of view, and, in my opinion, provided the most iconoclastic and brilliant of the Israeli interventions. For the others in varying degree, Zionism was seen as a necessity for Jews. I was surprised, for instance, when Sternhell during the final session admitted that a grave injustice was committed against the Palestinians, and that the essence of Zionism was that it was a movement for conquest, then went on to say that it was a "necessary" conquest. One of the most remarkable things about the Israelis, again except for Pappe, is the profound contradiction, bordering on schizophrenia, that informs their work. Benni Morris, for example, ten years ago wrote the most important Israeli work on the birth of the Palestinian refugee problem. Using Haganah and Zionist archives he established beyond any reasonable doubt that there had been a forced exodus of Palestinians as a result of a specific policy of "transfer" which had been adopted and approved by Be-Gurion. Morris's meticulous work showed that in district after district commanders had been ordered to drive out Palestinians, burn villages, systematically take over their homes and property. Yet strangely enough, by the end of the book Morris seems reluctant to draw the inevitable conclusions from his own evidence. Instead of saying outright that the Palestinians were, in fact, driven out he says that they were partially driven out by Zionist forces, and partially "left" as a result of war. It is as if he was still enough of a Zionist to believe the ideological version --that Palestinians left on their own without Israeli eviction-- rather than completely to accept his own evidence, which is that Zionist policy dictated Palestinian exodus. Similarly, in his book Sternhell admits that the Zionists never considered the Arabs as a problem because if they did they would have openly admitted that the Zionist plan to establish a Jewish state could not have been realised without also getting rid of the Palestinians. But he still insisted during the conference in Paris that although it was morally wrong to expel Palestinians, it was necessary to do so. Despite these discordances it is impressive that when pushed hard either by Pappe or by the Palestinians, both Morris and Sternhell appeared to hesitate. I take their changing views as symptomatic of a deeper change taking place inside Israel. The point here is that a significant change in the main lines of Zionist ideology cannot really occur within the hegemony of official politics, either Labour or Likud, but must take place outside that particular context, that is, where intellectuals are more free o ponder and reflect upon the unsettling realities of present-day Israel. The problem with other attempts by Intellectuals on both sides to Influence Netanyahu's policies, for instance, is that as in the case of the Copenhagen group they take place too close to governments who have a much narrower, much shorter range view of things. If the years since l993 have shown anything it is that no matter how enlightened or liberal, the official Zionist view of the conflict with the Palestinians (and this is as true of Left Zionists like Meretz or centre left people like Shimon Peres) is prepared to live with the schizophrenia I referred to above. \ Yes, we want peace with the Palestinians, but no, there was nothing wrong with what we had to do in 1948. As far as real peace is concerned this basic contradiction is quite untenable, since it accepts the notion that Palestinians in their own land are secondary to Jews. Moreover, it also accepts the fundamental contradiction between Zionism and democracy (how can one have a democratic Jewish state and, as is now the case, one million non-Jews who are not equal in rights, land owning, or work to the Jews?). The great virtue of the new historians is that their work at least pushes the contradictions within Zionism to limits otherwise not apparent to most Israelis, and even many Arabs. It is certainly true that the great political importance today of the new Israeli historians is that they have confirmed what generations of Palestinians, historians or otherwise, have been saying about what happened to us as a people at the hands of Israel. And of course they have done so as Israelis who in some measure speak for the conscience of their people and society. But here, speaking self-critically, I feel that as Arabs generally, and Palestinians in particular, we must also begin to explore or own histories, myths, and patriarchal ideas of the nation, something which, for obvious reasons we have not so far done. During the Paris colloquium Palestinians, including myself, were speaking with a great sense of urgency about the present since, in this present, the Palestinian Nakba continues. Dispossession goes on, and the denial of our rights has taken new and more punishing forms. Nevertheless, as intellectuals and historians we have a duty to look at our history, the history of our leaderships, and of our institutions with a new critical eye. Is there something about those that can perhaps explain the difficulties as a people that we now find ourselves in? What about the conflict between the great families or hamulas, the fact that our leaders have traditionally not been elected democratically, and the fact, equally disastrous, that we seem to reproduce corruption and mediocrity in each new generation? These are serious, and even crucial matters, and they cannot either be left unanswered or postponed indefinitely under the guise of national defence and national unity. There is perhaps a start of critical self-awareness in Yezid Sayegh's new book on the history of Palestinian armed struggle, but we need more concretely political and critical works of that sort, works whose grasp of all the complexities and paradoxes of our history are not shied away from. So far as I know neither the work of Morris, Pappe, or Sternhell has been translated into Arabic. This absence should be remedied forthwith. Just as important, I think, is the need for Arab intellectuals to interact directly with these historians by having them invited for discussions in Arab universities, cultural centres, and public fora. Similarly I believe it is our duty as Palestinian and yes, even Arab intellectuals to engage Israeli academic and intellectual audiences by lecturing at Israeli centres, openly, courageously, uncompromisingly. What have years of refusing to deal with Israel done for us? Nothing at all, except to weaken us and weaken our perception of our opponent. Politics since l948 is now at an end, buried in the failures of the Oslo process of attempted separation between Israeli Jews and Palestinians. As part of the new politics I have been speaking about in these articles, a splendid opportunity presents itself in continued interaction with the new Israeli historians who, while a tiny minority nevertheless represent a phenomenon of considerable importance. Their work, for instance, had a great influence on the 22 part film series, Tekuma, shown on Israeli television as a history of the state produced for its 50th year celebrations. They are greatly in demand in Israeli schools as lecturers, and their work has attracted the attention of historians and others in both Europe and the United States. It seems anomalous, not to say retrograde, that the one place they have not been fully heard is the Arab world, but we need to rid ourselves of our racial prejudices and ostrich-like attitudes and make the effort to change the situation. The time has come. This article was first published in Al-Ahram Weeklys special pages commemorating 50 years of Al-Nakba, the Palestinian catastrophe when Israel was created on 15 May 1948. These pages, published in 1998, were part of a year-long series of articles documenting the history and nature of the Arab-Israeli struggle, as well as that of Palestinian dispossession and exile. Search Keywords: Short link: Premium online access is only available tosubscribers. If you have an active subscription and need to set up or change your password, please click here New to PW? To set up immediate access, click here. NOTE: If you had a previous PW subscription, click here to reactivate your immediate access. PW site license members have access to PWs subscriber-only website content. If working at an office location and you are not "logged in", simply close and relaunch your preferred browser. For off-site access, click here. To find out more about PWs site license subscription options, please email Mike Popalardo at: mike@nextstepsmarketing.com. In The End of Reality (PublicAffairs, Sept.), USC digital studies professor Taplin argues that Big Tech billionaires are selling people a false future. When did you realize technology companies were harming their own customers? In 2000, I learned that my friend Levon Helm from the Band had wound up so broke that he needed to borrow money to pay for surgery. This was a direct effect of Napster. I realized, from the point of view of the artist, things are not working out well. Why do you think the Securities and Exchange Commission should have jurisdiction over crypto? Somebody has to regulate these businesses, and Id much rather have the SEC regulate them than the Commodities Future Trading Corporation. The CFTC has a record of allowing people to game markets. What is transhumanism, and why is it dangerous? Transhumanism is the belief that bodies will inevitably be merged with computers. Someone like Peter Thiel, whos just flat out afraid of dying, says hes going to get blood transfusions from a 20-year-old once a month, and with the added help of nanobots, hell live to be 200. Even if these technologies get developed, theyll only be available to the very rich. The inequality we see now will expand exponentially. What do Thiel and the other billionaire technocrats you profileMarc Andreesen, Elon Musk, and Mark Zuckerbergget wrong about technology? We have an opportunity right now to fix core things that are wrong with our society. Technology can solve problems; for example, the cost of solar power is cheaper than the cost of coal or natural gas. But the key tech leaders in America are all-in on escape: lets give up on Earth and go to Mars, lets give up on reality and spend eight hours a day in the metaverse, lets pretend we can live to the age of 200, lets have a currency nobody can trace so everybody can hide their money from the government. They simply are not focusing on real-world solutions to real-world problems. Of the four, which one poses the most serious threat? Id have to say Elon Musk. Because hes weaponizing Twitter. His grandfather was a leader of the Technocracy movement, which believes society should be run by engineersthat it should not be a democracy. I think that Thiel and maybe Musk are what you might call accelerationists: they want to spur us into the end-times. Maybe to have a dictator take over because things are too chaotic. Thiel has made very clear that he thinks using crypto is accelerationist. If the government has no control over the currency, then it has no control over anything. Tananarive Dues new novel The Reformatory (Saga, Aug.) opens with this dedication: For Robert Stephens, my great-uncle who died at the Dozier School for Boys in Marianna, Florida, in 1937. He was fifteen years old. Due learned of Stephenss existence 10 years ago, when she got a call from the Florida state attorney generals office telling her she likely had a relative buried at the Dozier School, a reform school operated by the state from 1900 to 2011 that has become notorious for its horrific abuse of students. This brutality resulted in the deaths of dozens of boys who were then buried on the premises. After getting the call, Due and her father traveled to the site and attended a meeting of survivors. Speaking via Zoom from her home office in Upland, Calif., clad in black and with posters for several of her works framed on the wall behind her, Due recalls the meeting: I heard the firsthand testimony of survivors, Black and white, and the things that they had been through, she says. Some of those stories I will just never forget. Due mentions a man who spoke about receiving a beating so violent that the school physician had to remove pieces of his clothing from the lash marks on his back. And this was a white man, she notes, which I say because if youre talking about the segregation era, the 1960s and the 1950s, if theyre treating white students like thatwhite prisonersyou can only imagine how theyre treating the Black prisoners. Learning of her personal connection to the institution inspired Due to write The Reformatory, a ghost story that fictionalizes the experience of her great-uncle at Dozier. Its set in 1950, when 12-year-old Black boy Robert Stephens is convicted of the crime of kicking a white boy. After being sent to the Gracetown Reformatory for Boys, Stephens finds himself under the jurisdiction of the sadistic Superintendent Haddock. The school is also crawling with the haints, or ghosts, of boys who were killed there, and Haddock soon discovers that Robert has a gift for spotting them. Robert, whos tasked with catching the haints (who are tormenting Haddock), finds himself torn between the threat posed by Haddock and his wish to do right by the spirits of these dead boys by setting them free. Stephens isnt the only relative of Dues who appears in The Reformatory. The books other protagonist, Roberts sister Gloria, is named for Dues mother, Patricia Gloria Stephens Due, with whom Due wrote the 2003 memoir Freedom in the Family: A Mother-Daughter Memoir of the Fight for Civil Rights. Of her mother, who died in 2012, Due says, She was always defiant. Thats how she ended up in the civil rights movement. So I thought, if this happened to her, if this happened to her brother, what would she have done? In The Reformatory, Gloria exhausts every possible legal channel to try to free her brother from the school, and when that fails, she hatches a risky plan to help him run away. Dues father, John Dorsey Due Jr., a civil rights lawyer, inspired the character of a crusading young lawyer who works with Gloria to try to free Robert. He also helped Due develop the books legal scenes. Mass incarceration is a subject that has been important to Due for years. She notes that this issue is rooted in poverty and bias and recalls a time she herself was nearly arrested for having an expired inspection sticker on her car. But instead of tackling the subject in a nonfiction bookwhich Due notes has been done many times alreadyshe chose to explore it through the lens of speculative fiction, turning a painful history into a ghost story. My real wish was to create almost a historical fable, Due says, but built on reality, where I could raise awareness about the horrible things that happened at the Dozier School and in the Jim Crow South in general. Using the format of a ghost story also allowed her to put a spotlight on a broken criminal justice system without retraumatizing readers. Due spent seven years writing The Reformatory, largely because of the emotional difficulty of the subject. Thats a long time for a writer who has produced more than a dozen books since her 1995 debut novel, The Betweennot to mention screenplays and a graphic novel. At several points, she wondered if the story of the Dozier School had been told enough already, and she considered giving upparticularly when she heard about Colson Whiteheads The Nickel Boys, which was also based on the school. However, Dues literary agent, Donald Maass, assured her there was enough room in the market for both books, which tackle the material in markedly different ways, and encouraged her to keep going. She says the sense of urgency she felt during the pandemic was what finally spurred her to complete The Reformatory, noting, I was afraid I might die before it was finished. Meanwhile, Dues second short story collection, The Wishing Pool and Other Stories, was published earlier this year by Akashic Books. Dont call it a comeback, she says, laughing, but it definitely feels like a reemergence. She feels grateful to be resurfacing in such a rich and beautiful time in horror, period, but especially in marginalized horror. Joe Monti, Dues editor at Saga Press, has been a fan of Dues since reading her 2003 novel The Good House, and he says he was thrilled to acquire The Reformatory. I feel we are in a very dynamic place with fiction that includes elements of horror and the fantastic, he adds, as its been a way for us as readers to engage with facets of our society more truthfully. And this is a story rooted in Dues family historythats riveting on its own. In the end, Due hopes The Reformatory will cause readers to reflect on the current U.S. penal system, commenting that we are too quick to put humans in cages and calling the incarceration rate absolutely shameful. She would like us to look not just at what was happening in 1950 and say, Oh, that was horrible, but look at what is happening today and say this is horrible, and what can we do? Emily Flouton is a writer living in Brooklyn. This article has been updated on June 5. "2 Dope Queens" star and stand-up comedian Phoebe Robinson launched Tiny Reparations Books in 2020 with the aim of increasing diversity in all aspects of publishingfrom authors to the production teams shepherding new books to store shelves. In three years, the imprint has become a home for strong voices, unique points of view, and undeniable talent, Robinson said. I like to not think of us as minority voices. There is nothing minor about us. Were underrepresented across the board in front of and behind the scenes in terms of who gets hired, who gets published, what stories get told, and what kinds of books are reviewed. Noting that change takes time, Robinson added she has been heartened by the unwavering support the imprint has received from readers and its relationship with Dutton/Plume and Penguin Random House. Since I pitched the idea for this imprint, just before the pandemic, they have hired staff as well as my diverse publicity team to ensure that no stone is unturned, and we are reaching a wide and diverse audience, she said. Releasing about six books a year, Tiny Reparations has published just over 20 titles from a growing list of writers that range from National Book Critics Circle finalists to activists. Robinson explained that her goal is to publish 1015 annually, and while she would like to have bestsellers, she said, its not about the accolades but rather about being proud of the books at the imprint and providing a platform for these extremely talented authors. At the imprints editorial helm is executive editor Emi Ikkanda, who specializes in nonfiction, and fiction editor Lashanda Anakwah, who joined the imprint in February. With a small editorial support team, Tiny Reparations has been able to guide many first-time authors through the publishing process and assure them that their stories would be told the right way. Grace D. Li said her debut novel, Portrait of a Thief, felt like a right fit for the imprint, since Tiny Reparations is dedicated to honest, complicated conversations about our world and what it means to be a person of color moving through it. The story centers on Asian American college students planning to take back looted art from Western museums. I remember when Tiny Reparations Books was first announcedeven before Id ever dreamed of having a book with themand thinking how this was the kind of change I wanted to see in publishing, Li said. From the first conversation, she recalled, it was clear her editor understood the story. Now gearing up to launch her second book, Anatomy of a Betrayal, she is even more appreciative of the collaborative process a small team fosters. Ive felt included every step of the way, Li said. Im especially grateful to know what publishing is capable of at its best, when diverse stories are invested in and celebrated. For Nigerian-born author Tochi Eze, whose This Kind of Trouble will be published 2025, collaborating with the imprints editors was a solidifying moment in finding a home for her debut novel. Tiny Reparations Books commitment to amplify unique stories wasnt just a sign on their website but something they truly believe in, Eze said. For many publishers, there is a tendency to get wrapped up in what is doing well in the market, she noted. But its important for publishers to realize how much published stories can shape culture. Im very invested in the sustainability of the book business, so by all means, publishers need to consult the metrics etc., Eze said. But I think publishing should also keep in mind its cultural positioning as gatekeepers constantly shaping the canon. With an imprint that is releasing fewer titles, you really get more assistance with your book launch, said Chrissy King, author of The Body Liberation Project. Despite ongoing conversations about inclusivity in publishing, she noted, people of color are still extremely underrepresented. Lending more support to imprints like Tiny Reparations that seek to amplify diverse voices can work to bridge that gap. Speaking about choosing the right stories, Robinson explained that editors sift through submissions and discuss which fit the tone and aims of the imprint. Its really great to just nerd out together, she said. And then when we meet with prospective authors, its like a fun first date. I am so proud that we have a wide range of voicesactivists, journalists, essayists, novelists, poets on our list that are writing about such varied topics as Black joy, body liberation, the diasporic experience, and coming of age. Robinson believes Tiny Reparations can make a big impact by drawing more diverse narratives. Theres no chance for these kinds of voices to get lost in the shuffle at Tiny Reparations, she explained. One day, I hope that the industry will come to a point where diversity, equity, and inclusion is so embedded in the work of everyone who touches a book that imprints like Tiny Rep Books will not be the exception. From Al-Ahram Weekly archives: Fifty years of dispossession 1948-1998* Issue: 4 May 1998 50 years today the Zionist provisional council, forerunner of the Knesset, met inside the Tel Aviv Museum at 4pm to hear David Ben-Gurion read the proclamation announcing the establishment of the state of Israel. The following day the whole region was at war. Ben-Gurion encapsulated Israeli aims in 1948 thus: "A Christian state should be established, with its southern border on the Litani River. We will make an alliance with it. When we smash the Arab Legions and bomb Amman, we will eliminate Transjordan too, and then Syria will fall. If Egypt still dares to fight on, we shall bomb Port Said, Alexandria and Cairo... And in this fashion, we will end the war and settle our forefathers' account with Egypt, Assyria, and Aram." This supplement attempts to capture, in word and pictures, the mood of the Arab world on the eve of the first Arab Israeli War, document events leading to the war and highlight the main stations of a struggle that will not end so long as Israel continues to pursue its dreams of conquest and destruction Issue: 4-20 May 1998 The Arabs divided When the League of Arab States came into existence on 22 March, 1945, there were only seven independent nations to join: Egypt, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Transjordan, Saudi Arabia and Yemen. All the Arab League state members, however, had for decades been languishing under British and French colonialism, accorded a degree of autonomy inadequate to allow them to function as modern states. In 1948, Egypt and Iraq were still actively negotiating the evacuation of British troops stationed in military bases on their national territories; the army of Transjordan was under direct British command; Syria and Lebanon had just emerged from under French mandate and British occupation and their minuscule armies were ill-equipped. The only two totally independent Arab armies were those of Saudi Arabia and Yemen, though they were such primitive forces that it is debatable whether one should use the term army in the modern sense of the word. The combined Arab armies were outnumbered on the battlefield. As Mohamed Hassanein Heikal writes in Secret Channels: "If this now seems difficult to believe it is because of the success of the Zionists in presenting a David and Goliath version of the first Arab-Israeli war." Nothing could be further from the truth than the official Israeli version. On 15 May the total Jewish fighting force comprised 64,000 men armed with the modern and sophisticated weapons which the Arabs lacked. By October 1948 the Jewish fighting force had increased to 80,000, while the Arab armies were in a state of disarray. "The fighting took place in four phases, interspersed with ceasefires between May 1948 and January 1949. The struggle was intense at first, but dwindled as the hopelessness of the odds against them became clearer to the Arab forces. The combined Arab armies, outnumbered approximately two to one by Israel's better trained and -equipped troops, were unable to prevent expansion of the Zionist state," writes Heikal. The leaders of the Arab world on the eve of the war were wracked with divisions and greatly suspicious of each other's ambitions and intentions. Egypt and Iraq were competing for supremacy; the Saudis and the Hashemites were enemies. Meanwhile the Palestinian leaders, headed by Hajj Amin Al-Husseini, were at loggerheads with King Abdullah, suspecting that if his forces entered Palestine they would never leave. And yet it was King Abdullah who was chosen, a few days before the war, as the commander-in-chief of all Arab armies. It later transpired that the king had been holding secret meeting with Jewish leaders since 1946. In November 1947 he met Golda Meir, then acting head of the Jewish Agency's political department, and told her the he agreed to the establishment of Israel in the parts of Palestine already occupied by Jews on condition that Jordan would annex the rest. In March Abdullah's prime minister, Tawfiq Abu Al-Huda, secretly met the British Foreign Minister, Ernest Bevin, and they agreed that Transjordanian forces would enter Palestine at the end of the British Mandate, restricting themselves to the area of the Arab state outlined in the UN partition plan. Abdullah's secret agreements, unknown to the other Arab parties at the time, contributed to the general state of disarray of the Arab armies. He delayed the passage of Iraqi troops across Jordanian territories insuring, in the process, that those military missions assigned to Baghdad were doomed to failure. His troops evacuated Lydda and Ramleh without consulting the other Arab armies, thus exposing the Egyptian army's flank in the Negev. This allowed the Israelis to launch a major offensive against the Egyptian army on 15 October, successfully splintering the Egyptian forces into three disconnected groups. Israeli forces were then able to break through Egyptian lines in the south, surround the Egyptian army at El-Arish in the Sinai and encircle an Egyptian brigade at Falluga and hold it under siege for four months. Gamal Abdel-Nasser was one of the besieged Egyptian officers at Falluga. The humiliating Arab defeat and Israel's victory in the 1948 war led to a state of turmoil, bitterness and recrimination throughout the Arab world. The Egyptian prime minister, Mahmoud Fahmi Al-Noqrashi, was assassinated in Cairo before the war ended; a year later the prime minister of Lebanon, Riad Al-Solh, was assassinated, and in 1951 King Abdullah was assassinated while entering Al-Aqsa Mosque in the Old City, annexed to Jordan by that time. In 1952 Nasser led the revolution which toppled the monarchy in Egypt, and in 1958 another officer, Abdel-Karim Qassim, humiliated by the defeat he witnessed in Palestine, led a revolution in Iraq in which the Iraqi monarch, the Prince Regent, Abdel Ilah and Nouri Pasha Al-Said were all killed on the streets of Baghdad. Heikal, covering the 1948 war, travelled on the eve of the war in King Abdullah's cavalcade to attend a military parade of Arab troops outside the West Bank town of Jericho. In Secret Channels he tells an amusing story that eloquently sums up the whole situation: "Abdullah made a speech from a podium exhorting the troops to battle, and then called for a certain blind Palestinian Sheikh to give a sermon... The king, who had turned away to talk to the officers, suddenly heard the Sheikh's words coming over the loudspeakers: 'Oh Army--' a long pause; 'Oh Army, I wish you were ours.' ... 'Get him out,' the king shouted. 'he deserves his blindness.' The blind man, who could see too much, was hurried away." This article was first published in Al-Ahram Weeklys special pages commemorating 50 years of Al-Nakba, the Palestinian catastrophe when Israel was created on 15 May 1948. These pages, published in 1998, were part of a year-long series of articles documenting the history and nature of the Arab-Israeli struggle, as well as that of Palestinian dispossession and exile. Search Keywords: Short link: Porterville, CA (93257) Today A mix of clouds and sun during the morning will give way to cloudy skies this afternoon. High 89F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Cloudy skies this evening will become partly cloudy after midnight. Low 58F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph. The maintenance work will include operations such as removal of remaining gypsum and leachate handling operations among others. Based on this, the district administration has now allowed the firm to maintain the plant after five years. IMAGE: Sterlite Industries Ltd's copper plant in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu. Photograph: Reuters Five years after the closure of its Thoothukudi unit following an order issued by the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB), Anil Agarwal-led Vedantas Sterlite Copper finally got access to the plant on Friday for upkeep works. This comes after a three-member Supreme Court bench, headed by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud, in April allowed Sterlite Copper to carry out maintenance. The upkeep work will include operations such as removal of remaining gypsum and leachate handling operations among others. Based on this, the district administration has now allowed the firm to maintain the plant after five years. We are happy to note that the district administration, in accordance with the Supreme Court directive, has released orders to start some of the upkeep work at the Sterlite plant. This will allow us to engage local contractors and offer jobs to some people in Thoothukudi, the company said in a statement. We are thankful to the state and have full faith in the judiciary that appropriate support will be extended and decisions taken to ensure the welfare and progress of people of Thoothukudi and India, he added. Production at the plant has been suspended since 2018, after protests broke out against the firms plan to double its annual capacity to 800,000 tonnes. Subsequent police firing caused the death of 13 people and injured 102. At the peak of the pandemic last April, the Supreme Court allowed the firm to produce oxygen for medical purposes. According to industry sources, the net loser of the closure was the Indian economy. From being a net exporter of copper in 2017-18, India is now an importer. The plant used to produce about 40 per cent of Indias copper demand and contributed about Rs 2,500 crore to the exchequer, 12 per cent of the Thoothukudi ports revenue, and 95 per cent market share of sulphuric acid in Tamil Nadu. Though the company was allowed to produce oxygen from the plant during Covid, no maintenance work was allowed. In April, the ministry of home affairs had informed the Rajya Sabha that it was examining complaints against certain NGOs for misusing foreign funds to organise protests around the Vedanta Sterlite copper plant. During the hearing, the upkeep of the plant was supported by a lawyer appointed by the non-governmental organisations, representing nine panchayats, 13 coastal sangams (associations), suppliers and downstream units. 'Like all long-term bull markets, the Indian stock market will continue to climb the proverbial wall of worry.' IMAGE: The Bombay Stock Exchange. Photograph: ANI Photo The S&P BSE Sensex can climb the 'wall of worry' and hit the 100,000 mark soon, believes Christopher Wood, global head of equity strategy at Jefferies. This implies an upside of nearly 62 per cent from the current levels. Wood believes that India remains the best structural story across world markets. 'With the structural story still intact, GREED & fear continues to take the view that it will only be a matter of time before the Sensex reaches the 100,000 level, a target of fascination to India's delightfully noisy financial media,' Wood writes in his weekly note to investors, GREED & fear. 'This target, on a five-year view, now assumes trend 15 per cent earnings per share (EPS) growth and that a five-year average one-year forward price-earnings (PE) multiple of 19.8x is maintained,' GREED & fear adds. Among stocks, Wood has added Zomato to his India long-only portfolio with a 4 per cent weighting, while the investment in HDFC Life Insurance has been removed. The investment in REC Limited has been increased by two percentage points by shaving the investment in Oil & Natural Gas Corporation. 'An investment in Zomato will also be added to the global long-only equity portfolio. This will be paid for by shaving the investments in JD.com and Alibaba by two percentage points each,' GREED & fear states. IMAGE: Passersby look at a screen displaying the Sensex on the facade of the Bombay Stock Exchange building. Photograph: Niharika Kulkarni/Reuters Meanwhile, some other market experts, too, remain bullish on the Indian growth story and see the S&P BSE Sensex hitting stratospheric levels going ahead. In a May 27, 2021 note, Raamdeo Agrawal, chairman & co-founder of Motilal Oswal Financial Services suggested that the S&P BSE Sensex could hit the 200,000 mark in the next 10 years -- up nearly 224 per cent from the current level of around 61,800, and advised investors not to bet against India. The index was trading at around 51,500 levels when Agrawal penned his note. For the S&P BSE Sensex to achieve this monumental feat, Agrawal, like Wood, expects corporate profits to grow at 15 per cent on compounded annualised basis (CAGR) for the next 10 years -- a tad higher than the country's GDP, which he had pegged at 12-13 per cent (nominal GDP) during this bull phase. Market returns going ahead, he had said then, would be in line with growth in corporate profits. Meanwhile, the markets have been range-bound in the last 20 months with the S&P BSE Sensex hovering in a tight 5,000-point range. This, Wood believes, has allowed earnings growth to catch up with valuations. In this sense, India, he said, is not as expensive as it was both in absolute terms and relative to the region. 'Indeed, the one-year forward PE at 18x is only slightly above the 10-year average of 17.4x, while the Nifty PE premium to Asia ex-Japan at 42 per cent is also near the 10-year average of 38 per cent, explains GREED & fear. 'Still like all long-term bull markets, the Indian stock market will continue to climb the proverbial wall of worry. 'One obvious worry over the next 12 months will be the inevitable questioning of the current consensus, namely that Modi will be re-elected,' Wood writes. Another potential risk to the markets, according to him, is a further reduction in retail investor activity following a period when the stock market has traded in a tight range. Active brokerage/demat accounts have declined from a peak of 38 million in June 2022 to 31 million in April 2023, data shows. Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff.com The Balasore district hospital and Soro hospital, where the injured have been rushed after a triple train accident, are bursting at their seams as the huge flow of patients has crammed up every room, with patients spilling onto corridors. IMAGE: Prople throng Balasore distrit hospital to donate blood, following the triple train crash. Photograph: ANI on Twitter Harried medical staff were seen trying to bring succour to patients, many of whom are from states other than Odisha and had difficulty in communicating. In all till mid-day, some 526 railway accident victims have been admitted to Balasore district hospital. Dr Mrutunjay Mishra, additional district medical officer (ADMO), Balasore district headquarters hospital, said, "I am in the profession for many decades, but have never seen such chaos in my life. All of a sudden 251 accident injured persons rushed into our hospital and we were not at all prepared. Our staff worked all through the night and provided first aid to all." Sixty-four patients were referred to SCB Medical College Hospital in Cuttack. Now we have 60 patients in beds. Others were discharged after minor surgery. "We were in fact surprised as a large number of youths made a beeline to donate blood here. We collected around 500 units of blood overnight. Thanks all. It is a lifetime experience. Now things are quite normal," he said. Policemen and locals have been volunteering to donate blood at Balasore district hospital and other hospitals through the night, said officials. More than 2,000 people gathered at the Balasore Medical College and Hospital in the night to help the injured, and many also donated blood, officials said. The morgue at the hospital was a pile of white shrouded bodies, many of them yet to be identified as relatives are yet to make their way to the town with many train services cancelled or delayed due to the accident on a major railway trunk route. Jagdeb Patra, who is admitted to Balasore Hospital with fracture in both hands, said he was travelling to Chennai. Many people, including many from West Bengal, were frantically visiting the Balasore Hospital and Soro in search of their missing relatives and friends. The injured have been rushed to Balasore, Soro, Bhadrak, Jajpur Hospital and SCB Medical College in Cuttack. Mukesh Pandit, an injured passenger from Jharkhand, who was going to Chennai in the Coromandel Express told PTI that he "never realised when the accident occurred only regained consciousness to realise he was in extreme pain." Doctors from AIIMS-Bhubaneswar have been dispatched to Balasore and Cuttack in Odisha to assist in the relief operations at the train accident site, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said on Saturday. "Two teams of doctors from AIIMS-Bhubaneswar have been dispatched for Balasore and Cuttack to assist in relief operations at the rail accident site in Odisha," Mandaviya said on Twitter. "We are providing all required help and medical assistance to the victims of the tragic train accident to save precious lives," he added. Karnataka deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Saturday said he gave up the race to become the chief minister and decided to remain "patient", following the advice of the Gandhis and Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge. IMAGE: Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi meet Karnataka deputy CM DK Shivakumar, in New Delhi, May 26, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo On a visit to his constituency after becoming the deputy chief minister, he told his voters that their desire (to see him as chief minister) will never be false, and asked them to wait with patience. "You gave me votes in large numbers to make me the chief minister, but what to do, a decision was made. Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge gave me an advice. I had to bow my head to the words of the elders -- I have to remain with patience," Shivakumar said. Addressing a gathering here, he said, "But I just want to tell you that your desire (to see me as CM) will never be false. Let's be patient." Several rounds of hectic parleys within the Congress circles in New Delhi had preceded government formation in Karnataka last month. Siddaramaiah, the now chief minister and state Congress president Shivakumar were in stiff competition with each other to become the CM, after their party won the assembly polls by securing 135 out of total 224 seats in the Assembly. Thanking people for the welcome and the affection shown towards him, Shivakumar said, "I have come here to thank you and to take your blessings." He also asked his followers and party workers to prepare for the zilla and taluk panchayat polls, in the days ahead. India on Friday downplayed the issue of a mural in the new Parliament building that has triggered some concerns in Nepal and Pakistan. IMAGE: A mural in the new Parliament building. Photograph: @BJP4Karnataka/Twitter At a media briefing, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi described the mural as an artwork that depicted the spread of the prehistoric Ashokan empire. "The mural in question depicts the spread of the Ashokan empire and the idea of responsible and people-oriented governance that he (Ashoka) adopted and propagated," Bagchi said, replying to a question on the issue. "That's what the plaque in front of the mural says. I really don't have anything further to add to that. I am certainly not going to comment on statements that other political leaders might have made," he said. The mural triggered a controversy in Nepal as it is being interpreted as a map of 'Akhand Bharat' comprising parts of several neighbouring countries. The mural in the new Parliament building marks important kingdoms and cities of the past, and shows the influence of ancient India in the then Taxila, in present-day Pakistan. Several political leaders in Nepal reacted strongly to the mural and some of them even asked Nepalese Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' to raise the issue with New Delhi. The Nepalese prime minister is currently on a visit to India. Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra said on Thursday that the mural issue was not raised by the Nepalese prime minister during his talks with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi. Bagchi said he was not aware whether protests were going on in Nepal over the matter. Nepal's former prime minister Baburam Bhattarai on Tuesday said that the 'Akhand Bharat' mural in the new Parliament building depicting the influence of ancient Indian thought in its immediate neighbourhood may cause unnecessary diplomatic disputes. The Kerala government has criticised the removal of chapters on the periodic table and challenges to democracy, among other topics from Class 10 textbooks by the National Council for Educational Research and Training, and said it amounts to challenging democratic and secular values. IMAGE: Kerala Student Union supporters protest against alleged saffronisation of NCERT textbooks, in Thiruvananthapuram, April 17, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo The new textbooks with the changes announced by the NCERT last year as part of a "rationalisation" exercise have now hit the market. Apart from the periodic table and challenges to democracy, contribution of agriculture to the national economy and sustainable management of natural resources were also dropped from Class 10 textbooks. "The unilateral action of the NCERT to remove the topics under the guise of rationalisation is a challenge to the democratic and secular values of our country. Kerala has already declared that it cannot be accepted, as it challenges the entire existing democratic order in the country," State Education Minister V Sivankutty has said in a statement issued on Friday night. He said, "NCERT has taken the approach of removing topics on our father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi, Maulana Azad, and other topics related to the country's common history, the theory of evolution, the periodic table, democratic values and the current challenges faced by the country." "In order to protect secularism and democracy and to teach the real historic facts and to develop scientific temper, Kerala will guard public education and strengthen it," Sivankutty said. "Kerala has already announced that we will publish supplementary textbooks incorporating the omitted text sections, upholding the original history enshrining democratic and secular values," he added. The Left leader said the NCERT, which was set up on the basis of the 2005 National Curriculum Framework, has been demolishing the very goals of the NCF through the removal of such passages from textbooks. Even though the Class 10 chemistry textbook drops the entire chapter that introduces students to the periodic table, it remains part of the syllabus for Class 11. Among other deletions made last year in the Class 10 Science textbook were passages on Evolution. Topics that have been struck off the science textbooks include chapters on fibre and fabrics in Classes 6, 7 and 8. One deletion that stands out is that of the "Why do we fall ill" chapter from the Class 9 science textbook. Among the references dropped from the Class 12 history textbook were certain portions on Mahatma Gandhi and how his pursuit of Hindu-Muslim unity "provoked Hindu extremists", and how there was a ban on the RSS. "Gandhiji's death had a magical effect on communal situation in the country", "Gandhi's pursuit of Hindu-Muslim unity provoked Hindu extremists", and "organisations like RSS were banned for some time" are among the portions deleted. The portions referring to the Gujarat riots were also dropped from the Class 11 sociology textbook, months after the NCERT removed the reference to the 2022 communal violence in two Class 12 textbooks. The United States signed a trade agreement Thursday with Taiwan over opposition from China, which claims the self-ruled island democracy as part of its territory. The two governments say the U.S.-Taiwan Initiative on 21st Century Trade will strengthen commercial relations by improving customs, investment and other regulation. The measure was signed by employees of the unofficial entities that maintain relations between the United States and Taiwan, a center for high-tech industry. They have no formal diplomatic ties but maintain unofficial relations and have billions of dollars in annual trade. The agreement is intended to "strengthen and deepen the economic and trade relationship," the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative said in a statement. The deputy USTR, Sarah Bianchi, attended the signing. IMAGE: Locals gather at the site where Coromandel Express, Bengaluru-Howrah Express and a goods train derailed, in Balasore district. Photograph: ANI Photo Prime Minister Narendra Modi has convened a meeting to review the situation in relation to the Odisha train accident, government sources said on Saturday. The accident involving three trains in Odisha's Balasore district has left at least 233 people dead so far. Officials in Bhubaneswar said 200 ambulances, 50 buses and 45 mobile health units, besides 1,200 personnel, are working at the accident site. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday promised stringent action against any found guilty for the triple train accident which occurred in Odisha's Balasore on Friday night. IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets victims of the train accident at hospital in Balasore, Odisha, June 3, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo Modi spoke to the press after inspecting the site of one of the country's worst train disasters at Bahanaga in Odisha's Balasore district and meeting victims at Balasore Hospital. "Stringent action will be taken against those found guilty in the train accident incident. No one will be spared," Modi said. Prime Minister also promised, "We will give the best possible treatment to those injured in this tragedy". He also expressed his gratitude to locals for all the help in rescuing people, many of whom worked through the night. "I am grateful to local people for all help given to train accident victims," Modi said. Speaking of the accident he said, "I do not have words to express the pain. Let Almighty give us strength to overcome this situation". He was accompanied by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, and Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and was briefed on the situation by both Vaishnaw as well as officers of the disaster management team which worked overnight to rescue people at the disaster site where at least 288 people have died and over 900 injured. The prime minister spoke to the cabinet secretary and health minister from the site. He asked them to ensure all help needed is provided to the injured and their families, said officials. Modi also said that special care must be taken to ensure that the bereaved families don't face inconvenience and that those affected keep getting the assistance they require. He also interacted with Odisha's Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Pramila Mallik as well as the local police chief. The PM also inquired about the progress of restoration work launched at the mishap site. Before reaching the accident site at Bahanaga Bazar, the PM had chaired a high-level meeting in New Delhi on the train accident. The horrific train accident in Odisha's Balasore district on Friday evening has brought out the undying human spirit among ordinary locals who wasted no time to save the injured. IMAGE: Locals gather at the site where Coromandel Express, Bengaluru-Howrah Express and a goods train derailed, in Balasore district, June 2, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo At least 261 people have been killed in the crash involving the Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express, the Shalimar-Chennai Central Coromandel Express and a goods train. While it is not clear what caused the crash, sources indicated a possible signalling failure. Ranajit Giri, Biprada Bag, Asha Behera and Ashok Bera, all residents of Bahanaga Bazaar station area in Balasore district where the crash took place, were among the first to rescue the injured. I was at a nearby tea stall with my friends around 7pm. Suddenly, I heard a loud sound followed by cries of people. We rushed to the spot and were taken aback at what we saw. Without wasting time, we started rescuing the injured. We also informed police and railway officials," Giri told a Bengali news channel. We rescued at least 50 injured passengers and used our vehicles to ferry passengers to the local hospital. Some survivors were looking for their near and dear ones, but since it was too dark, we couldn't help them," Bag told another channel. Sixty-year-old Ashok Bera went to the hospital to donate blood. I came here to donate blood but was not allowed because of my age. I then asked my sons and relatives to reach the hospital and donate blood, he said. Bera was seen talking to survivors and helping them connect with their families over the phone. Most survivors lost their mobiles and couldn't speak to their families to inform them about their condition. I helped them as much as I could, he told a Hindi news channel. Behera was seen taking care of two children whose parents were yet to be traced. I rescued this boy from the spot and brought him to the hospital. Here, I met a girl who could not locate her parents. We are trying to get in touch with their relatives, she told a news channel. Officials in Bhubaneswar said 200 ambulances, 50 buses and 45 mobile health units were working at the accident site, besides 1,200 personnel. The bodies were being taken to the hospitals in all kinds of vehicles, including tractors. The train crash, the fourth deadliest in India according to available records, happened near the Bahanaga Baazar station in Balasore district, about 250 km south of Kolkata and 170 km north of Bhubaneswar, around 7 pm on Friday, prompting the Railway Ministry to order a probe. Former Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia, who arrived at his residence from the Tihar jail on Saturday, could not meet his ailing wife as she was taken to a hospital after her health deteriorated, Aam Aadmi Party sources said. IMAGE: Aam Aadmi Party leader Manish Sisodia arrives at his residence to meet his ailing wife, in Delhi, June 3, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo Later, Sisodia left his residence for the central prison. The Delhi high court on Friday allowed the jailed Aam Aadmi Party leader to meet his ailing wife at his residence. Justice Dinesh Kumar Sharma directed the Tihar jail superintendent to take Sisodia to his residence to meet his wife from 10 am to 5 pm. According to AAP sources, Sisodia's wife Seema was hospitalised as she felt unwell. She is suffering from multiple sclerosis and was hospitalised last month as well. "She was taken to the emergency ward of LNJP Hospital. Sisodia reached AB-17, Mathura Road, to meet his ailing wife at 9.38 am in a prison van. He was taken inside the house amid tight security. "But he could not meet his wife as she had to be hospitalised after her health deteriorated," a party source said. In a related development, the Delhi High Court on Saturday sought a report from the LNJP hospital on the health condition of Sisodia's ailing wife as it reserved its order on his interim bail plea for six weeks in a money laundering case arising from the alleged excise policy scam. Sisodia was arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on February 26 for his alleged role in the scam and has been in custody since. The high court denied him bail in the CBI case on May 30. He was arrested on March 9 in the case lodged by the Enforcement Directorate and is currently in judicial custody. The high court made it clear that Sisodia shall not interact with the media or any other person except his family members, and also not access phone or internet. Jasmin Merdan/Getty Images Brooklyn Baking Company in Waterbury has placed at number 11 on Yelps "Top 100 U.S. Donut Shops 2023," thanks to a five-star rating and reviews from 370 people. Reviewers praise its service, ambiance and especially its classic donut flavors like cake, glazed and cinnamon sugar. The shop also makes specialty flavors including Fruity Pebbles, Cinnamon Toast Crunch and maple-bacon, as well as pies, pastries, cookies, bread and breakfast sandwiches. We identified businesses in the donuts category, then ranked those spots using a number of factors, including the total volume and ratings of reviews between January 1st, 2022 and March 31st, 2023, Yelp wrote of the list. A top Chinese defense official has spoken with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, potentially signaling a thaw in relations after Beijing rejected multiple U.S. requests for discussions. The brief exchange between Austin and Chinese Minister of National Defense Li Shangfu took place late Friday at the opening of the Shangri La Dialogue in Singapore. Pentagon press secretary Brigadier General Pat Ryder said Austin and Li "spoke briefly." "The two leaders shook hands, but did not have a substantive exchange," Ryder added in a statement. Tensions between the U.S. and Chinese militaries has been steadily rising since the U.S. discovered and shot down what it said was a Chinese spy balloon off the coast of South Carolina, after it traversed across much of the country. Pentagon officials said they requested a call immediately after the shootdown but that the request, and multiple similar requests that followed, were rejected. Robert F. Bukaty/AP PORTLAND, Maine (AP) A frantic 911 call to report at least one person had been fatally shot led law enforcement to discover four bodies at a home in Maine and eventually to arrest a man who fired at vehicles on a nearby highway before confessing to police that he was behind the killings. According to heavily redacted transcripts from 30 emergency calls that the Maine Department of Public Safety provided to The Associated Press on Friday, the first sign of trouble on April 18 came with a call at 9:18 a.m. The dispatcher tells one of the voices on the phone not go back inside the property in rural Bowdoin, but to return to a vehicle and wait for police to arrive. Dispatch asks about a bullet hole in a vehicle and how many people live at the house. BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) As Louisianas legislative session nears adjournment, lawmakers in the Republican-dominated legislature pushed forward controversial LGBTQ+-related bills, including advancing a resurrected ban on gender-affirming medical care for transgender youths Friday. Despite the state Constitution requiring lawmakers to focus on fiscal and budgetary matters this session, several bills that opponents say target the LGBTQ+- community similar to GOP-authored legislation passed in statehouses across the country this legislative season have become a contentious part of this years culture-divide debates in Louisianas Capitol. One bill, which has received statewide and national attention, would prohibit hormone treatments, gender-affirming surgery and puberty-blocking drugs for transgender minors in Louisiana. So far, at least 18 states have enacted laws restricting or prohibiting gender-affirming care for minors, and all three of Louisianas bordering states have enacted bans or are poised to do so. Louisianas bill was killed last week by a Senate committee following nearly three hours of testimony and a decisive vote, in which a veteran Republican Sen. Fred Mills was the tiebreaker. After mounting pressure from Attorney General Jeff Landry, who is a GOP gubernatorial candidate this year, and the Republican Party of Louisiana, the Senate in a rare procedural move voted to recommit the controversial bill to a different committee, giving it a second chance at life. The revived bill received unanimous approval during a brief six-minute Senate Judiciary Committee A hearing on Friday. All three Democratic members were noticeably absent. The proposed ban still needs to be debated on the Senate floor, where it is likely to receive approval, and then go back to the House because of an amendment that pushes back the effective date to Jan. 1, 2024. If that happens, the measure would be sent to the desk of Gov. John Bel Edwards, a Democrat who opposes it. Edwards has not said whether he would veto the bill. But if he does, lawmakers could convene a veto session to try to override the Democrat's decision. Opponents of the ban argue that gender-affirming care, which is supported by every major medical organization, can be lifesaving for someone with gender dysphoria distress over gender identity that doesnt match a persons assigned sex. Advocates for the LGBTQ+ community fear that without the care, transgender children could face especially heightened risks of stress, depression and suicidal thoughts. Proponents of the legislation argue that the proposed bans would protect children from life-altering medical procedures until they are mature enough to make such serious decisions. Scheduled for debate and final passage consideration is a bill that would require public libraries to create a card system that would prevent children from checking out sexually explicit material unless they have parental approval. The legislation would also allow parents to bring books they feel are inappropriate to a local board for review of the material. Republicans, including Landry who is a staunch surpporter of the bill, argue that legislation limiting access to certain content is not meant to target the LGBTQ+ community, but rather to protect children from accessing inappropriate material and strengthening parental rights. Across the aisle, however, opponents say this is another attack on the communitys existence and that it addresses an issue that is not an immediate problem and could result in censorship. From Florida to North Dakota, bills seeking to ban certain books, make challenging literature easier or limiting minors access to the material are being debated. Earlier this week, lawmakers advanced a bill that would broadly ban K-12 public school employees in Louisiana from discussing sexual orientation or gender identity in the classroom. The legislation, which critics refer to as Don't Say Gay, will be debated on the Senate floor. A similar measure, that would require teachers to use the pronouns and name that align with a students sex assigned at birth, also advanced to final passage. Under the legislation a parent can give written consent to do otherwise. However, a teacher can override the parents request if it goes against their own religious or moral values. Lawmakers must adjourn the 2023 legislative session no later than Thursday evening. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate NEW YORK (AP) Within hours of his historic arraignment this spring, Donald Trump fixed his ire on the judge, complaining that hes a Trump-hating judge" with a family full of Trump haters. On Friday, the former presidents lawyers doubled down on that criticism, demanding Judge Juan Manuel Merchan step aside from his New York City criminal case because of what they say is anti-Trump bias and a conflict of interest arising from his daughters work for some of Trumps Democratic rivals. Trumps lawyers allege that Merchan, a respected jurist in Manhattans criminal court, tipped the scales in two other Trump-related cases by involving himself in plea negotiations for Trumps longtime finance chief and requiring him to testify against Trumps company in exchange for a five-month jail sentence. Trumps lawyers, Susan Necheles and Todd Blanche, also asked Merchan to explain three political donations totaling $35 that were made to Democratic causes in his name during the 2020 election cycle. In the New York case, Trump pleaded not guilty to 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. The charges relate to hush-money payments made during the 2016 campaign to bury allegations that Trump had extramarital sexual encounters. He has denied wrongdoing. Merchan did not respond to inquiries from The Associated Press asking him to confirm or deny if he's the person who made the donations, which include $15 for President Joe Bidens campaign against Trump, according to federal campaign finance records. Such contributions are typically prohibited under court rules. The former president's criminal case is historic and it is important that the People of the State of New York and this nation have confidence that the jurist who presides over it is impartial, Trump's lawyers wrote in what's known as a motion for recusal. The decision on recusal is up to Merchan himself, who previously rejected such a request when Trumps company was on trial. Trumps lawyers could be also making a play to raise the issue on appeal if he's convicted. Along with their motion, Trumps lawyers submitted 42 pages of what that say is evidence of Merchans political bias. The hush-money case is continuing in state court while Trumps lawyers seek to transfer it to federal court, which would also remove Merchan from the judicial equation. A federal judge has scheduled a June 27 hearing on that request. A message seeking comment was left with Merchan. A spokesperson for New Yorks state court system, Lucian Chalfen, said that since the case is pending in front of the judge, "it would be inappropriate for any further comment. Merchan has appeared respectful and exceedingly accommodating in his limited interactions with Trump and has refused to issue a gag order, even as the ex-president continued to pillory him, District Attorney Alvin Bragg and others involved the case. At a recent hearing, Merchan said he was bending over backwards to make sure he wasn't limiting Trump from having every opportunity possible to advance his candidacy. Trumps recusal motion expands on the criticism he's lobbed at Merchan and his family in statements and on his Truth Social platform. Merchans daughter, Loren, is a political consultant whose firm has worked on campaigns for prominent Democrats including Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and California Gov. Gavin Newsom. Trump, the leading contender for the Republican nomination in 2024, could face Biden again as he seeks a return to the White House. He and his allies have seized on Merchans political ties in portraying his prosecution as part of a Democrat-led witch hunt. I have a Trump-hating judge with a Trump-hating wife and family whose daughter worked for Kamala Harris, Trump said in a speech at his Mar-a-Lago estate, hours after his April 4 arraignment. Among Trumps other criticisms, he's claimed Merchan railroaded ex-Trump Organization CFO Allen Weisselberg into a guilty plea last summer and acted viciously in presiding over the companys trial, which ended in a tax fraud conviction last December. Merchan was heavily involved in negotiations that led to Weisselbergs plea to charges he skirted taxes on perks including a Manhattan apartment and luxury cars. Merchan said he wished he could impose a tougher penalty after hearing Weisselberg testify, particularly when he spoke about his wife getting $6,000 for a no-show job to qualify for Social Security benefits while her husband raked in big money. Those cases were preludes to Trumps historic indictment. Trumps case ended up in Merchans courtroom because of a rotation in which judges assigned to oversee grand juries handle any cases that arise from them, according to the court system. Merchan also often handles financial cases and runs Manhattans mental health court, where some defendants get a chance to resolve their cases with treatment and supervision. Merchan, 60, emigrated from Colombia as a 6-year-old and grew up in New York City. The first member of his family to go to college, he worked his way through school and went on to earn a law degree from Hofstra University in 1994. He was a Manhattan prosecutor and worked in the state attorney generals office before then-Mayor Michael Bloomberg appointed him as a family court judge in 2006. Three years later, Merchan was assigned to a trial court, which in New York is called the Supreme Court. __ Follow Michael Sisak on Twitter at twitter.com/mikesisak and send confidential tips by visiting https://www.ap.org/tips/. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate CHICAGO (AP) The first 2024 Republican presidential debate will be held Aug. 23, the Republican National Committee announced Friday, with a second debate the following night should it be needed. The RNC also detailed the criteria that will be used for candidates to qualify for the debate stage, including a pledge to support the eventual Republican presidential nominee. That requirement could keep some candidates off the stage, including former President Donald Trump, who hasn't committed to supporting the nominee if he doesn't emerge from the primary. Trump also has questioned why he would participate since he holds a commanding lead in GOP primary polls. The debate will be held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, which also will be the site of the party's nominating convention next year. It's a nod to the importance of the battleground state, which is likely to be key to a presidential victory again in 2024. The RNC is committed to putting on a fair, neutral, and transparent primary process and the qualifying criteria set forth will put our party and eventual nominee in the best position to take back the White House come November 2024, RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel said. The list of candidates vying to face President Joe Biden next year has been growing. In addition to Trump, the field includes Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott, former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson and businessman Vivek Ramaswamy. Other candidates expected to get into the contest soon include former Vice President Mike Pence, ex-New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum. The debate stage can provide the largest audience yet for many presidential hopefuls, but it also can trip up candidates. Already, there have been questions about which candidates will take part and what rules the RNC would impose in order to participate. Trump has said so far that he wouldnt promise to support the nominee if someone else wins the nomination, telling radio host Hugh Hewitt, It would have to depend on who the nominee was. Christie, who plans to launch his campaign in New Hampshire next week, has said he would never support Trump as the partys 2024 nominee, as he did in 2016. No way, he told Axios in March. Advisers did not immediately respond to questions about how Christie would handle the pledge, given his opposition to Trump. Hutchinson, also a Trump critic, said Friday he plans to be on the debate stage. But he criticized the RNC for requiring the loyalty oath, saying the pledge should be only that a participant won't run as a third-party candidate. The RNC should have minimal criteria for the debates in the early stages of this campaign, Hutchinson said. More choices are better. To participate in the Aug. 23 debate in Milwaukee, candidates must have received campaign contributions from 40,000 unique donors a relatively high number aimed at winnowing the field. Hutchinson was critical, saying it benefits candidates who generate online donations through extreme rhetoric and scare tactics. Among other debate criteria, participants also must receive at least 1% support in three national polls or 1% in two national polls and 1% in early state polls from two separate states. Those states are Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada and South Carolina. The polls must meet certain requirements to be recognized by the RNC. Candidates also must sign a pledge agreeing not to participate in any non-RNC-sanctioned debate during the election cycle. The RNC said criteria for future debates may include higher thresholds for polling and fundraising. Future dates have not been set. ___ Associated Press reporter Jill Colvin contributed. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate LA PAZ, Bolivia (AP) Catholic devotees in Bolivia prepared for one of the countrys biggest religious celebrations this weekend at a time when the church in this Andean country has been rocked by an increasing number of sex abuse scandals. The faithful who were gearing up for the Jesus of the Great Power festival Saturday insisted that cases of abuse that have come to light in recent weeks would not affect the folk-religious festival in La Paz, which fuses together Catholic and local Indigenous traditions. Tens of thousands of people will descend on the capital Saturday wearing colorful garb to dance to the beat of thousands of musicians playing traditional Indigenous music in a demonstration of their faith. What started out as a small celebration in the Great Power neighborhood a century ago now takes over much of the capital. Leaders of the Catholic Church acknowledged this week that the church had been deaf to the suffering of victims of sexual abuse amid fallout from the case involving a late Spanish Jesuit priest, Alfonso Pedrajas. According to a private diary accessed by the Spanish newspaper El Pais, Pedrajas allegedly abused dozens of minors in Catholic boarding schools in Bolivia in the 1970s and 1980s. He died of cancer in 2009. My faith remains intact because it is not with the clergy but with the higher power, said Marco Villca, a resident of the Great Power neighborhood, which bustles with activity ahead of the lavish festival presided over by the citys mayor. The parish priest of the neighborhood church, Marcelo Ramirez, expressed confidence that faith will not be lost due to these tragic things that have happened in the country. The church houses the representation of Jesus that is worshipped during the massive festival and serves as the starting point of the parade that will continue into Sunday morning. Jordi Bertomeu, a Spanish Priest who is one of the Vaticans top sex crimes investigators, visited Bolivia for a few days at least in part to deal with the fallout from the growing sex abuse scandals. He had previously led investigations into priest abuses in Chile. The Public Prosecutors Office has opened an investigation and has asked victims to come forward. Attorney General Wilfredo Chavez said last month that around 23 priests have been implicated in alleged pedophilia cases. Isolated protests at Catholic schools around the country have led parents of students there to complain of a hostile environment for their children. Catholic schools make up 19% of the countrys educational institutions, according to Bolivia's Catholic Church. Although evangelical Protestant churches have made big inroads in Bolivia, and much of Latin America, a majority of Bolivians still claim to profess the Catholic faith. My faith is stronger than ever... crimes are committed by individuals, said Marquin Silva as he prepared to honor Jesus of the Great Power. Nearby, Angelica Alvarez, who was also getting an early start to celebrations also characterized the scandals as the work of a few. There are people who claim to be Catholic and sometimes become corrupt, she said, adding that for those preparing for the festival, "everything is faith. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate NICANOR, Panama (AP) Panama launched a security operation along its shared border with Colombia on Friday to combat criminal gangs and migrant smugglers involved in record-setting migration through the perilous Darien Gap. Security officials said the Shield campaign is part of an agreement reached with the governments of Colombia and the United States in April to stop the flow of migrants through the borders jungle-clad mountains. At a naval air base in Panama's far east Darien province, rifle-toting border police outfitted in camouflage were conducting drills Friday on the tarmac in front of helicopters previously donated by the U.S. government. Panama will dedicate some 1,200 immigration agents, border police and members of the naval air service to what it said will be an air, land and sea effort. The targets will not be the hundreds of migrants traversing the dense jungle each day, but the organized criminal groups that prey on and profit from them on both sides of the border. This is an action by the Panamanian government against criminals who are earning fortunes from human pain, Security Minister Juan Manuel Pino said. The campaign was the first visible example of the efforts promised by the three governments. He said the U.S. is in the process of replacing six of Panama's helicopters with eight new ones. In recent years, the roadless Darien Gap between Colombia and Panama has become a major and increasingly well-established migration route for extra-continental migrants seeking to reach the United States. Its location on the narrow isthmus makes it a natural point to try to gain control of migration flows, but its remoteness and lawlessness have long made that a challenge. On Sunday, Panamanian border police encountered nine people suspected of robbing migrants and police killed three of them in a shootout. Oriel Ortega, director of the border police, said Friday that the dominant criminal group operating in the Darien was Colombia's Gulf Clan. The gang terrorized much of northern Colombia to gain control of major cocaine smuggling routes through thick jungles north to Central America and into the U.S. It also moves weapons and migrants. Smaller gangs work along the Colombia-Panama border as well. The number of migrants encountered at the U.S. southern border has fallen significantly since coronavirus-related restrictions on requesting asylum at the border were lifted and replaced with expanded legal pathways and more punitive measures for those who try to enter illegally. Pino, Panama's security minister, said that gaining control of its border with Colombia was no longer just an immigration problem, but a question of national security. It is easier now to traffic a person than to traffic a kilo of drugs, Pino said. Officials dismissed any suggestion of closing the border or of its militarization. Pino acknowledged close coordination with the United States, but said the operation would be carried exclusively by Panamanian personnel. Our country is not a migratory destination, nor does it produce emigration, but its geographic position makes it an obligatory route for this phenomenon, Pino said. He noted that since 2009, 663,000 people had crossed the Darien, most of them in just the past couple years. Last year, nearly 250,000 people crossed, nearly double the 133,000 in 2021, and a new record. The increase was driven largely by Venezuelans, who accounted for some 60% of migrants crossing there last year. In April, the United Nations warned that the unprecedented number of crossings to start the year suggested that some 400,000 migrants could cross this year. According to government data, nearly 170,000 migrants crossed the Darien in the first four months of the year, five times the number from the same period last year. In conjunction with the additional manpower, Panama plans a publicity campaign to drive home the message that the Darien should not be an option for migrants. Pino noted that about 60% of the people crossing Darien this year have been children. Samira Gozaine, director of Panama's immigration agency, said smugglers lure migrants to the route with false promises that it will take only two days to cross the steep mountains and rushing rivers rather than a week or more. So far this year, Panamanian authorities have reported recovering at least 24 bodies believed to be migrants and have received reports of some 40 missing migrants. Spanish comedians Ignatius Farray and Ines Hernand perform at the Teatro Infanta Isabel in Madrid on January 13, 2022. Aldara Zarraoa (GETTY IMAGES) Humor can open doors to new worlds and new ways of thinking. This is true now, as it was true before: contrary to popular belief, philosophers have used and studied laughter for centuries. Philosophy was created as a response to ancient tragedy, and has many connections with the comic, explains Lydia Amir, professor of Philosophy at Tel Aviv University. In books like Philosophy, Humor, and the Human Condition: Taking Ridicule Seriously (2019) and Humor and the Good Life in Modern Philosophy (2015), Amir uncovers a largely forgotten philosophical lineage, in which Socrates poisons himself to mock his executioners, and Plato, famous for expelling comedians from the Republic, defines true comedy as that which unmasks ones own ignorance. Along Amirs guided journey, we learn that Aristotle considered the proper use of laughter a social virtue, and catalogued true wit as the hallmark of a free and honorable person; that the Cynics wandered the streets in broad daylight, holding out a lantern to search for an honest man; and that Epicurus advised us to laugh, philosophize and take care of our home, all at the same time. During the Renaissance, Erasmus wrote a book of jokes. And for Montaigne who claimed that absurdity was a uniformly distributed property humor allows us to contemplate matters under a new light, which in turn can help us understand how all things have different aspects and different shades. For his part, Spinoza saw in laughter a careful attempt, not to mock, but to understand human passions; while Kant described it as an affect resulting from the sudden transformation of a heightened expectation into nothing. According to Amir, the gradual split between philosophy and humor occurred when the former became increasingly enclosed in the confines of the academy, and as a discipline, opted for rationality and a focus on analytical clarity. Humor is, in essence, ambiguous, and thats why we chose to leave laughter aside when it came to philosophizing, Amir explained, in a telephone interview with EL PAIS. Now, however, academia appears to be opening its doors to humor. This spring, the Complutense University of Madrid, the Panamerican University in Mexico City, and the University of Kent in England have all hosted academic gatherings on the topic of philosophy and humor. Traditionally, laughter was considered a matter of popular interest like emotions: far from the purity of philosophy but now the discipline is starting to come down off that pedestal, explains Javier Vilanova, professor of Logic and Theoretical Philosophy at the Complutense University. The old intellectual prejudice against humor is giving way to an interest in its cognitive and pedagogical strategies, in how we might learn to think through philosophical laughter, adds Saleta de Salvador Agra, a professor in Philosophy of Language at the same university. The initiative has been well received by students an unsurprising development, considering humors unique power as a tool of communication, and also, perhaps, given the popularity of the figure of the comedian, who, as Vilanova puts it, analyzes everyday life and takes contradictions to to the point of absurdity and collapse. The success of stand-up comedy offers a good example of Vilanovas point: A person with a microphone, on a stage, who in a kind of collective catharsis can make an audience laugh using a dose of crude anti-establishment criticism, and poking fun at the everyday miseries of human existence. George Carlin, a star of the genre, used to say that comedy is the popular exploration of truth. Spanish comedian Ignatius Farray tends to agree: The three fields that focus on searching for truth are philosophy, comedy and crime novels, but, as Socrates knew, and as his method teaches, truth can only be called truth when it emerges out of cooperative dialogue. For Farray, author of Meditaciones (2022), the public pays for admission to a stand-up show so that they can peer into the abyss and listen to a comedian say out loud the things we often dare not face ourselves. A bit like philosophers who seek knowledge in solitude. In that space, we are pushed to go a little past our limits, to find new spaces of freedom, to do the dirty work, he says. During that encounter, issues that challenge us as a community can be laid out on the table, like when the Australian comedian Hannah Gadsby spoke about the brutal violence she suffered in her homeland for being a lesbian: I took everything I knew about comedy, cut it up, and created a monster from that corpse, she told EL PAISs Jaime Rubio Hancock. With merciless humor, comedians can show us how we are being racist without knowing it, why we never learn from our mistakes, or how to face death. As Farray does, when he points to the unresolved existential tension between him and death, and jokes that on his tombstone he plans to write, I could see it coming, and that to trick death, just before that fatal hour, he plans to play dead so that death will hesitate, as if to say: Do I have the wrong guy? Am I shaking the same hand twice? I read Kierkegaard For years, the Spanish comedic duo Faemino and Cansado have made audiences erupt in laughter with their celebrated skit: Que va, que va, que va, yo leo a Kierkegaard (Hey now, come on, I read Kierkegaard!). The refrain gets at something deeper than a good laugh. As the Danish philosopher once wrote: When I was young, I forgot how to laugh when I was older, I opened my eyes and beheld reality, at which I began to laugh, and since then, I have not stopped laughing. For Kierkegaard, the tragic and the comic are ultimately the same thing: a contradiction. While the former is painful, however, the latter is an incongruity seen in perspective and, therefore, painless. In this way, the person who views something with a sense of humor can find a way out: the person is aware of the contradiction, and doesnt know what to do about it, but is also no longer tormented by it. Along these same lines, Amir proposes an ethics of compassion through humor: her thesis is that in human beings, all desires contradict each other, and are incongruent with reality, which leads to a tragic situation where we react with complete rigidity. The comic sensibility, on the other hand, knows how to see and live with duality and contradiction. Realizing this irresolvable incoherence can bring us peace, says Amir, who invites us all to adopt a self-reflective posture, by ridiculing ourselves (but gently, and with forgiveness). A form of salvation precarious, holy just within our reach. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Telecom operators across the globe are pushing for a significant network infrastructure upgrade. India started the 5G operations in October 2022, whereas other major economies like Japan have already started their work on 6G technology. It is imperative to note that these infrastructure upgrades need a lot of funding in terms of bidding for bandwidth auctions, adapting to the newest technology, and other resources. The 5G rollout process in the European Union (EU) is facing some headwinds on the implementation front. A majority of Europe's telecom operators have demanded that the big tech companies residing in the EU should partner with them to help fund 5G rollout and broadband across Europe, a move which has been rejected or criticised by telecom ministers of at least 18 EU countries, news agency Reuters reported citing sources. Not happy with the proposal, a majority of EU countries have rejected this push to impose funding demands from the big tech companies. This is also in the backdrop of the claim by the telcos that major tech companies are the prime consumers of data, and their contribution to the same is important too. Telecom Ministers from 18 EU countries have not approved the proposed network fee levy at the meeting with EU industry chief Thierry Breton in Luxembourg, which was also followed by the comments made in the EU regulators group BEREC (Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications), Reuters report added. Tussle between tech firms and the telcos Major telecom companies like Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Telefonica, and Telecom Italia have supported the idea of demanding funds from big tech. This contribution proposal was also backed by the EU's industry chief, Breton, a former chief executive of France Telecom and French IT consulting firm Atos. The tussle escalated with the denial of tech companies like Alphabet, Apple, Meta, Netflix, and Microsoft. These major tech firms have further reiterated that they invest in potential digital ecosystems and not in the proposed contribution. The EU ministers have raised concerns that demanding such contributions from the tech firms would result in increased costs to consumers and high risk to the investments and financial factors of the big tech. It would result in a potential violation of the EU net neutrality rules that require every user to be treated equally in terms of innovations and applicable low-cost services. The countries that have criticised the proposal include Austria, Belgium, The Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Lithuania, Malta, and the Netherlands, while Cyprus, France, Greece, Hungary, and Italy backed the idea. Poland, Portugal, and Romania have maintained a neutral approach and have not decided on anything. Varun Dhawan is all set to shoot the last schedule of the Indian version of Citadel in Serbia. On Saturday morning, the actor treated his Instagram fans with a selfie from the airport and captioned it as "Last sched spyverse (sic)." In the image, the actor dons a grey T-shirt and a summer hat. The web series has entered the last leg of shooting. Helmed by filmmaker duo Raj Nidimoru & Krishna DK, the spy verse also stars Samantha Ruth Prabhu in the lead role. A few days ago, Dhawan told PTI that it would be a month-long schedule in Serbia. Citadel will mark the actor's OTT debut. Here's what he posted: (Varun Dhawan shared picture from airport. Image: Varun Dhawan/Instagram) Dhawan on working with Samantha Ruth Prabhu in Citadel (Varun Dhawan and Samantha Ruth Prabhu to star in Citadel. Image: Varun Dhawan/Instagram) Speaking to PTI, the actor called Samantha one of the "hardest working actors". He added that it would be a never-seen-before series in India, and they both would be performing some high-octane stunts. "The makers are pushing the envelope. Samantha and I can't be doing something mediocre. She is one of the hardest working actors," PTI quoted the actor. The American version of Citadel, starring Priyanka Chopra and Richard Madden is currently streaming on the OTT platform. It received immense praise from the audience and critics. Varun made his voice cameo in the series. Meanwhile, the makers are yet to announce the release date of the Indian version. The Italian version titled Citadel: Diana will premiere next year. Varun Dhawan's upcoming projects (Varun Dhawan and Janhvi Kapoor to star in Bawaal. Image: Varun Dhawan/Instagram) The actor would next be seen in Nitish Tiwari's Bawaal with Janhvi Kapoor. The movie is slated to release in theatres on October 6. Previously, the makers had planned to release it in April, but due to impending technical and VFX requirements, the release date was pushed to the latter half of the year. Also, he has the second instalment of Bhediya, which is scheduled to release next year. Leaders from across the world, including Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, have expressed their deepest condolences to the families and the Government of India for the triple train crash that took place in Odisha in which at least 261 people were killed. The accident, involving three trains, is one of the worst in the country and took place in Odisha's Balasore district on Friday night. The accident also injured more than 900 people. Japan's Prime Minister Kishida sent a condolence message to Prime Minister Narendra Modi following the train accident. "I am deeply saddened by the news of the loss of many precious lives and the injuries in the train accident in the State of Odisha. On behalf of the Government of Japan and its people, I would like to express our heartfelt condolences to those who lost their lives and their bereaved families. I also pray for the speedy recovery of those who were injured," Kishida said in a statement. PM Modi @narendramodi, I am deeply saddened by the news of the loss of many precious lives and the injuries in the train accident in the State of Odisha. On behalf of the Government of Japan and people, (@kishida230) June 3, 2023 Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi also sent a condolence message to Foreign Minister S Jaishankar. "I am deeply saddened by the news of the loss of many precious lives in the train accident in the State of Odisha. I pray for the souls of the victims and extend my deepest condolences to the bereaved families. I also sincerely hope that those who were injured will recover swiftly," Hayashi said. Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau said at this difficult time, Canadians are standing with the people of India. The images and reports of the train crash in Odisha, India break my heart. Im sending my deepest condolences to those who lost loved ones, and Im keeping the injured in my thoughts. At this difficult time, Canadians are standing with the people of India, Trudeau tweeted. The images and reports of the train crash in Odisha, India break my heart. Im sending my deepest condolences to those who lost loved ones, and Im keeping the injured in my thoughts. At this difficult time, Canadians are standing with the people of India. Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) June 3, 2023 Nepal Prime Minister 'Prachanda', who is on a four-day visit to India, tweeted, Im saddened by the loss of dozens of lives in a train accident in Odisha, India today. I extend deep condolences to Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi Ji, Government, and the bereaved families in this hour of grief. Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Ali Sabry said that he is deeply saddened to learn about the train accident in Odisha. He wished for a speedy recovery for all those affected in the accident. I'm saddened by the loss of dozens of lives in a train accident in Odisha, India today. I extend deep condolences to Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi Ji, Government, and the bereaved families at this hour of grief. PMO Nepal (@PM_nepal_) June 3, 2023 Deeply saddened to learn of the tragic train accident in Odisha. My thoughts & prayers are with the families of the victims & those injured. I hope for a speedy recovery for all those affected. Sri Lanka stands with India in this time of grief, Ali Sabry tweeted. Deeply saddened to learn of the tragic train accident in Odisha. My thoughts & prayers are with the families of the victims & those injured. I hope for a speedy recovery for all those affected. Sri Lanka stands with India in this time of grief @DrSJaishankar @IndiainSL M U M Ali Sabry (@alisabrypc) June 3, 2023 Bhutan's Prime Minster Lotay Tshering tweeted," Sending prayers to @narendramodi and the people of India as we hear developments of the tragic train crash in Odisha. May the loved ones find strength, as they come to terms with the loss and horror. We share your pain and pray for quick healing." Sending prayers to @narendramodi and the people of India as we hear developments of tragic train crash in Odisha. May the loved ones find strength, as they come to terms with the loss and horror. We share your pain and pray for quick healing. PM Bhutan (@PMBhutan) June 3, 2023 The Deputy Prime Minister of Italy and Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani also expressed condolences on the train tragedy. "The Italian Government expresses deep condolences to #India for the tragic train accident that occurred today in Balasore. A prayer for the victims and the injured, I hope that those still trapped will be rescued," Tajani tweeted. The Italian government expresses deep condolences to #India for the tragic train accident that took place today in Balasore. A prayer for the victims and the injured, I hope that those still trapped will be rescued. @DrSJaishankar Antonio Tajani (@Antonio_Tajani) June 2, 2023 UN General Assembly president Csaba Korosi too expressed his deepest condolence to the families over the tragic train accident. Im deeply saddened to hear the news of the train crash in Odisha, India. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families and with the emergency services. Heartfelt condolences to the people and the Government of India, Korosi, the President of the 77th session of the General Assembly tweeted. Im deeply saddened to hear the news of the train crash in Odisha, India. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families and with the emergency services. Heartfelt condolences to the people and the Government of India.@narendramodi @DrSJaishankar @IndiaUNNewYork UN GA President (@UN_PGA) June 2, 2023 Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen also extended heartfelt condolences to the victims. Praying for everyone affected by the train accident in India. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the victims and their families, and hope that rescue operations can save all those in need. Tsai Ing-wen (@iingwen) June 3, 2023 "Taiwan Praying for everyone affected by the train accident in India. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the victims and their families, and hope that rescue operations can save all those in need," she tweeted. Pope Francis is traveling to Mongolia at the end of the summer, a visit that will be a first for a pontiff and one rich in geopolitical significance given its proximity to Russia and China. The Vatican on Saturday confirmed the Aug. 31-Sept. 4 trip to the landlocked U.S-allied country sandwiched between Russia and China, two countries popes have never visited. The visit comes as Francis is trying to toe a diplomatic line in his relations with both countries: With Moscow, Francis is seeking an opening for a peace envoy to nudge Russia and Ukraine to negotiations to end the war. With China, the Vatican has seen its landmark 2018 accord over bishop nominations violated, with Beijing making unilateral decisions. Francis will be ministering to a tiny Christian community in Mongolia, part of his focus on visiting far-flung Catholics on the peripheries of the churchs main centers of influence. According to statistics by the Catholic nonprofit Aid to the Church in Need, Mongolia is 53% Tantric Buddhist, 39% atheist, 3% Muslim, 3% Shaman and 2% Christian. Mongolia has strived to maintain its political and economic independence from both its Soviet-era patron Moscow which supplies virtually all of its energy needs and rising regional power China, which buys more than 90% of its mining exports, mainly coal and copper. At the same time, many people in Mongolia refer to the United States as their countrys third neighbor in recognition of the many varied exchanges between the two that help counter both Russian and Chinese influence. Iran needs a new squadron of fighter jets from Russia. But their induction into the Iranian Air Force depends of the leadership of the two countries, stated the Commander of the force Brigadier General Hamid Vahedi. Tehran sealed a deal with Moscow in March 2023 to purchase Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets. In a statement by Iran's Permanent Mission to the UN, it said, "Moscow is ready to deliver the fighter jets to Iran. " However Moscow has not confirmed the deal yet but stated it was "ready to deliver the fighter jets." "As for Su jets we need them, but we don't know when they will be delivered to our squadron, it depends on the decision of [the] country's senior officials," cited a regional news agency quoting Vahedi. The commander added that Pilots would need specialised training in Russia before acquiring the new jets so they may later train their less-experienced counterparts on their own. Iran to soon have its indigenous fighter fleet Vahidi mentioned that the Kowsar fighter, which would soon form a squadron, was undergoing final testing. The Iranian Defence Ministry's Yasin training aircraft will be given to the nation's air force in 2022. Iran can overhaul every jet in the market, according to Vahedi, who also noted that 30 aircraft were fixed in 2022, and that figure is anticipated to rise in 2023, Sputnik reported. Tehran is looking to strengthen its air force significantly and is quite interested in Russian aviation in this regard. Iran's envoy to the UN told Sputnik in March that Iran has finalised a deal to buy Su-35 fighter jets from Russia, but details regarding the quantity and timing of the deliveries are confidential. Kyiv has accused Tehran of supplying Russia with drones Kyiv has accused Tehran of giving Moscow Shahed-136 "kamikaze" drones that have been used in strikes on civilian targets since Russia invaded Ukraine in February of last year. Iran has denied the claim. The burgeoning military collaboration between Iran and Russia has alarmed the United States. Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said in December last year that Russia appeared likely to supply Tehran with its fighter jets. Iran presently possesses largely Soviet-era MiG and Sukhoi fighter jets from Russia as well as some F-7 aircraft from China. Its fleet also includes McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II and Northrop F-5 fighter jets manufactured before the Islamic Revolution in 1979. With just two days to spare, President Joe Biden signed legislation on Saturday that lifts the nation's debt ceiling, averting an unprecedented default on the federal government's debt. The White House announced the signing, done in private at the White House, in an emailed statement in which Biden thanked congressional leaders for their partnership. The Treasury Department had warned that the country would start running short of cash to pay all of its bills on Monday, which would have sent shockwaves through the U.S. and global economies. Republicans refused to raise the country's borrowing limit unless Democrats agreed to cut spending, leading to a standoff that was not resolved until weeks of intense negotiations between the White House and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif. The final agreement, passed by the House on Wednesday and the Senate on Thursday, suspends the debt limit until 2025 after the next presidential election and restricts government spending. It gives lawmakers budget targets for the next two years in hopes of assuring fiscal stability as the political season heats up. Raising the nation's debt limit, now at $31.4 trillion, will ensure that the government can borrow to pay debts already incurred. Passing this budget agreement was critical. The stakes could not have been higher," Biden said from the Oval Office on Friday evening. Nothing would have been more catastrophic, he said, than defaulting on the country's debt. No one got everything they wanted but the American people got what they needed, Biden said, highlighting the compromise and consensus in the deal. We averted an economic crisis and an economic collapse. Biden used the opportunity to itemize the achievements of his first term as he runs for reelection, including support for high-tech manufacturing, infrastructure investments and financial incentives for fighting climate change. He also highlighted ways he blunted Republican efforts to roll back his agenda and achieve deeper cuts. We're cutting spending and bringing deficits down at the same time, Biden said. We're protecting important priorities from Social Security to Medicare to Medicaid to veterans to our transformational investments in infrastructure and clean energy. Even as he pledged to continue working with Republicans, Biden also drew contrasts with the opposing party, particularly when it comes to raising taxes on the wealthy, something the Democratic president has sought. It's something he suggested may need to wait until a second term. I'm going to be coming back, he said. With your help, I'm going to win. Biden's remarks were the most detailed comments from the Democratic president on the compromise he and his staff negotiated. He largely remained quiet publicly during the high-stakes talks, a decision that frustrated some members of his party but was intended to give space for both sides to reach a deal and for lawmakers to vote it to his desk. Biden praised McCarthy and his negotiators for operating in good faith, and all congressional leaders for ensuring swift passage of the legislation. They acted responsibly, and put the good of the country ahead of politics, he said. Overall, the 99-page bill restricts spending for the next two years and changes some policies, including imposing new work requirements for older Americans receiving food aid and greenlighting an Appalachian natural gas pipeline that many Democrats oppose. Some environmental rules were modified to help streamline approvals for infrastructure and energy projects a move long sought by moderates in Congress. The Congressional Budget Office estimates it could actually expand total eligibility for federal food assistance, with the elimination of work requirements for veterans, homeless people and young people leaving foster care. The legislation also bolsters funds for defense and veterans, cuts back some new money for the Internal Revenue Service and rejects Biden's call to roll back Trump-era tax breaks on corporations and the wealthy to help cover the nation's deficits. But the White House said the IRS' plans to step up enforcement of tax laws for high-income earners and corporations would continue. The agreement imposes an automatic overall 1% cut to spending programs if Congress fails to approve its annual spending bills a measure designed to pressure lawmakers of both parties to reach consensus before the end of the fiscal year in September. In both chambers, more Democrats backed the legislation than Republicans, but both parties were critical to its passage. In the Senate the tally was 63-36 including 46 Democrats and independents and 17 Republicans in favor, 31 Republicans along with four Democrats and one independent who caucuses with the Democrats opposed. The vote in the House was 314-117. (AP) MRJ After Saturday Night Live cast member Pete Davidson described U.S. Rep. Dan Crenshaw a former U.S. Navy SEAL who lost his right eye while serving in Afghanistan as resembling a hitman in a porno movie, the two appeared on a subsequent episode of the show. In brief In the face of criticism that Chinas government was overreacting by launching a criminal investigation into comedian Li Haoshi for telling a joke about the Chinese military, a pro-government Chinese blogger has defended Beijings actions. The blogger, who calls herself Guyan Muchan, compared the case to that of an American stand-up comedian who joked about a U.S. military veteran. Asia Fact Check Lab (AFCL) found Guyan Muchans comparison misleading. The U.S. comedian she mentioned aroused controversy, criticism and public discussion by joking about U.S. military personnel. But unlike Li and the production company that employs him, that U.S. comedian was not fined and did not face criminal investigation. In depth After receiving a public complaint, the Beijing municipal culture and tourism authority announced on May 17 that jokes told at performances by Li Haoshi on the afternoon and evening of May 13 had caused negative social influence by seriously insulting the PLA, or Peoples Liberation Army. A separate investigation into Lis employer, the Shanghai Xiaoguo Culture Media Company, cited violations of Regulations on the Administration of Commercial Performances. The bureau confiscated from the company 1.32 million yuan ($187,000) of illegal income made from the performances, and fined it 13.35 million yuan ($1.89 million). On May 17, the Beijing Municipal Public Security Bureau also announced that it had launched a case against Li to determine if his actions constituted a criminally liable offense. What did Li actually say? The following excerpt of Lis joke is based on a recording circulated on the Internet. We picked up two wild dogs from a mountain near our home. I wouldnt say rescue, because on that mountain those two were really at the top of the food chain and didn't need our help at all. The first time I saw them it didnt even really feel like watching two dogs, but was more like a scene from some animal film set, with two cannonball-like dogs chasing a squirrel. Now normally when you see dogs, you think cute, cuddly and all that; but when I saw these two, the only eight characters that came to my mind were Zuo feng guo ying, neng da sheng zhang (Maintain exemplary conduct, fight to win.) Classic. People are in awe when I walk those two dogs through Shanghai." The phrase, maintain exemplary conduct, fight to win, is a quote from a speech given by Chinese President Xi Jinping to deputies of the PLA in March 2013, in which he told the army to listen to the Party's command. In this undated screenshot, stand-up comic Li Haoshi performs. His employer, a Chinese comedy agency, suspended Li after he sparked public ire with a joke which some said likened feral dogs to soldiers of the People's Liberation Army. Credit: Screenshot from Tencent Video Talk show The authorities who took up Lis case didnt specify the legal justification. But Article 32 of Chinas Law on the Status and Protection of Rights and Interests of Military Personnel explicitly states that no organization or individual shall defame, insult or slander the honor of military personnel. Article 65 further decrees that if military personnel are intentionally defamed, insulted or slandered through mass media, relevant government departments can order the offensive content to be corrected. Xiaoguo Culture Media rushed out an apology admitting that the joke was an inappropriate comparison and terminated Lis work agreement. Comedy performances by the company were also suspended across many parts of China. What did Guyan Muchan claim about such cases in the U.S.? Even as voices in China and abroad criticized Chinas government for overreacting to Lis joke, influential public supporters defended the governments handling of the situation. Guyan Muchan, a pro-Beijing Weibo blogger with nearly 7 million followers, stated in posts on Twitter and the popular Chinese social media site Weibo on May 17 that even in the U.S. there exists a red line that military personnel cannot be insulted. Guyan Muchan cited a controversy resulting from a 2018 Saturday Night Live (SNL) episode in which cast member Pete Davidson mocked Republican congressman Dan Crenshaw - a former U.S. Navy SEAL who lost his right eye while serving in Afghanistan - as resembling a hitman in a porno movie. Guyan Muchans post sparked discussion amongst Chinese netizens, with one user commenting that people who praise American freedom never mention Americas red line. AFCL identified another case in which a U.S. stand-up comedian stoked controversy with a joke about the U.S military. The comedian, Bill Burr, was performing in Reno, in the western U.S. state of Nevada, when he said that calling catapult officers on aircraft carriers heroes was a bit of a stretch, given that they often are doing nothing more than warrior one yoga poses. Are the situations faced by Davidson or Burr comparable to that of Li? AFCL found that although both Davidson or Burr faced criticism and stirred controversy for joking about the U.S. military, neither encountered the kind of punishment faced by Li. Davidsons joke prompted some netizens to boycott SNL. Democrat and Republican officials condemned the remarks as inappropriate and the then-White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer publicly called for SNL producer Lorne Michaels to be fired. Stand-up comedian Bill Burr [right] joked in 2018 that calling U.S. Navy catapult officers [left] on aircraft carriers heroes is a bit of a stretch, given that they often are doing nothing more than warrior one yoga poses. Credit: Associated Press [right]; AFP But Davidson was not fired and did not face any legal consequences, and in fact the controversy had an uplifting ending. Rep. Crenshaw himself appeared in an SNL skit one week later. In the skit, Crenshaw was given an opportunity to mock pictures of Davidson before delivering a short monologue about the importance of forgiveness and the need for solidarity amongst American civilians and veterans. In that monologue, Crenshaw called Davidson's father a New York firefighter who died in the first wave of responders to the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks a hero. The two men ended the skit by shaking hands in mutual respect. In the case of Burr, an audience member did express anger at his comments and asked him to show more respect toward the military. Other audience members who were veterans supported letting Burr finish his skit. Burr didn't apologize. In fact, he publicly berated his critics several times for trying to use the banner of patriotism to accuse him of hating America. Despite his unapologetic stance and controversial statements on other sensitive topics, Burr continues to host a podcast and perform stand-up gigs. The fundamental reason why neither of the comedians faced legal consequences is that the First Amendment to the United States Constitution defends the right of free speech. That makes it highly unlikely that a U.S. government agency would attempt to press charges against a comic or satirist for comments made during a performance. Any red lines that exist in humor are shaped by public opinion, not determined by law. In conclusion Guyan Muchans reference to U.S public opposition to stand-up comedians joking about the military appears to be based on an invalid comparison between the U.S. and China, where there is far less tolerance of criticism of state institutions. It fails to mention the key difference between the two systems: The U.S. government lacks the authority to punish comedians for the content of their performances, let alone launch a judicial investigation against them. Fund manager Jorge Ufano, after winning a poker tournament in Monte Carlo in May. Some investment fund managers say they resent that their profession is compared to gambling in a casino. It implies that our success is based on pure chance, and thats just not the case, is a common retort. But investor Jorge Ufano views the issue from a very different perspective. Ufano claims that luck is actually not much of a determining factor in stock market investment, or, for that matter, in certain card games. And he should know: for years, this expert money manager has pursued both passions: juggling investments, at Spains GPM Gestion Activa Alcyon fund (with its 1.4 million euros in assets), and playing in poker tournaments. Ufano argues that both of these competitive endeavors deserve the same respect, and require the same skill, as chess tournaments. Right now, Ufano is in Las Vegas, Nevada, participating in an event for the World Series of Poker (WSOP). On the first day of the competition, some players had already racked up more than $200,000 in poker chips. Romanian Daniel Negreanu, considered one of the best poker players in the world, is also participating in the competition. Jorge Ufano, a Spanish investment fund manager and poker player. Ive always wanted to play in this tournament. Im totally focused, and Im going to fight for the bracelet, Ufano posted on social media. By the bracelet, the investor means the trophy awarded by the hosting organization to the winner in each of the annual tournaments 24 competitive categories. The great poker legend, American Phil Hellmuth, has won 16 bracelets in 34 years, for a total of $6 million in prize money. Speaking to EL PAIS from Las Vegas, Ufano explained that poker and stock market investment are two activities that share a lot in common, because at the end of the day, its all about observing data and movements, analyzing patterns, and trying to take advantage of inefficiencies at any given moment, whether in other players, or in the stock market, which is the sum activity of thousands of different economic actors. Ufano is no amateur. In May, he participated in, and won, one of the most important competitions of the European Poker Tour, in Monte Carlo, taking home 16,000 euros (about 17,000 dollars) in winnings. It was his first major international triumph, but a decade ago, he had already managed to pocket 10,000 euros (10,700 dollars) at a poker competition in Spain. Ufano says that the key to balancing his participation in these tournaments with the management of a major investment fund is systematization. His approach to investment is based on buying shares in companies that have had a good track record on the stock market (that have momentum, in investment jargon). Jorge Ufano, manager of the investment fund GPM Alcyon. Another strategy involves developing portfolios with the help of algorithms, which on the one hand, are used to select which months of the year are best for buying which assets, and on the other hand, can take advantage of moments of maximum volatility in the markets, using financial derivatives. Jorge Ufano took the reins of the GPM Alcyon fund in 2017, and the first few years witnessed astronomic growth. In 2018, when more than 99% of Spanish mutual funds closed with a loss, Ufano managed to bring in a return of 3.4%. Last year, again, almost all funds registered in Spain closed in the red, but GPM Gestion Activa Alcyon managed to dodge losses. Recent months have proven more difficult. Since May 2022, the fund has recorded losses of 11.9%. And over the course of the whole year, that figure was a solid 6%. Assets under management have gone from totaling more than 4 million to just 1.4 million. Nevertheless, Ufano knows that in stock markets, as in poker, there are good times and bad times. And, he says, the important thing is to have a robust performance system. When you have experience, you know that youre going to play a lot of hands, and that youre going to make a lot of trades, and that the important thing is that, on average, you have more positive trades than negative ones. Thats how you make money in both worlds, not by making big trades, he says. For now, Ufanos main income is his work with the securities company GPM Broker, but he is increasingly interested in professionalizing his love of poker. He recently explained that the Spanish Tax Agency categorizes poker players as sportsmen. But they still dont allow poker to constitute a profession, when it comes to filing taxes, he says. Only time will tell, but Ufano is clear about one thing: he will always have one eye on Wall Street and one eye on a deck of cards. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Zhou Fengsuo, curator of the June 4 Memorial Hall, speaks in front of The Bloody Banner of Northwestern University in Xian, China, used to bind bullet wounds of a student near Tiananmen Square on June 4, 1989, during a press preview of the exhibit in New York on Thursday, June 1, 2023. Former student leaders of China's 1989 pro-democracy movement launched an exhibit of the Tiananmen massacre in Manhattan on Friday in a bid to keep alive the dream of freedom and democracy amid an ongoing information blackout back home. The June 4 Memorial Hall's opening was timed to mark the 34th anniversary of the massacre of unarmed civilians by People's Liberation Army troops that ended weeks of mass protests on Beijing's Tiananmen Square, which falls on Sunday. "1989 was the most important turning point in recent Chinese history," former student leader Wang Dan told journalists at the launch. "The Chinese authorities ... want to cover up that history and have the world forget their crimes." The events of the spring and early summer of 1989 are still a hugely sensitive topic in China, where public discussion is heavily censored and public mourning for victims is banned. Wang said remembering the Tiananmen massacre isn't just about remembering the past, but also about aspirations for freedom and democracy for China's future. A man stands next to the blood-stained shirt of Jiang Lin, a reporter for the army newspaper who was injured by police with electric prods in Tiananmen Square on June 3. Credit: Reuters "We must keep up the opposition [to the regime] and hold our power in reserve for the future," he said. The memorial hall crams photos, contemporary news articles, banners, letters and even blood-stained items of clothing into a small venue on the fourth floor of a Sixth Avenue office building. Bao Tongs calligraphy Among them is a calligraphic inscription of the words "June 4 Memorial Hall" in Chinese made specially by former top Communist Party aide Bao Tong shortly before his death in November 2022, which curator Yu Dahai said was beautifully written, but somewhat shaky, revealing Bao's frail state of health at the time. Bao's last writings to be published by Radio Free Asia in June 2022 gave a detailed description of conversations among top Chinese leaders behind the scenes as a political crisis sparked by the crisis unfolded. "The student-led mass popular protests of 1989 are the thing I am most proud to have experienced in my entire life," he wrote in conclusion. "Power gained by evil means is still evil, he wrote. And just demands that result in a massacre are still just." A mimeograph machine used by students to print flyers and information during the Tiananmen Square demonstrations in 1989 is displayed at the June 4 Memorial Hall. Credit: Reuters One of the exhibits is a heavy mimeograph machine used by former student leader Zhou Fengsuo to crank out notices and information for fellow protesters that was carried out of Tiananmen Square by some students from Tsinghua University who, along with Zhou, were the last group to leave on the night of June 3, 1989. "I asked them why they were bothering to lug along such a heavy item at a time like this, and they said they needed it to keep up the fight," he said, adding that seeing the machine again was like "being reunited with an old friend." Symbol of Hope Zhou, who founded the U.S.-based rights group Humanitarian China, said the collection of more than 100 items is a symbol of hope for his generation, whose dreams of a more democratic China were shattered by the military response. "It doesn't matter how big a defeat we have suffered or the struggles we have been through -- we are still hopeful," Zhou said. "The dream of a democratic China lives on." He said many of the items on display at the exhibit were given to him anonymously by political prisoners he had helped, or their families. "The people who took part in these protests wanted these items displayed and preserved, but at the same time, they wanted their identities protected," Zhou said. Members of the June 4 Massacre Memorial Association committee from right to left; Yu David, Wang Dan and Zhou Fengsuo listen to questions during a press conference at the June 4 Memorial Hall on Thursday, June 1, 2023, in New York. Credit: Associated Press And it's not just Zhou's Gen X veteran dissidents who are inspired by the project. Many of those who volunteered their time to ready the exhibit for launch are younger Chinese people who were inspired by the "white paper" protests across China in November 2022. One of them, who gave only his surname Dong, served seven months in jail for wearing a T-shirt commemorating the massacre. "The mainstream environment in China is dominated by [government supporters]," said Dong, who also took part in the "white paper" movement. "But since I came to New York and found a bunch of like-minded people, I found I wasn't alone." We all want democracy Many of the exhibits are from later mass movements, including the now-banned candlelight vigils in Hong Kong's Victoria Park and artwork from the 2019 protests against the city's diminishing freedoms. Wang said there appears to be a direct connection spanning the generations. "Our two generations share the same values we all want democracy for China," Wang Dan said. "We share the same dream." Men stand next to a poster memorializing those killed during Tiananmen Square demonstrations in 1989, during a press preview of the June 4 Memorial Hall in New York on Thursday, June 1, 2023. Credit: Reuters Wang said the exhibit has already been targeted by an army of pro-Beijing trolls, who have set up large numbers of fake accounts for the June 4 Memorial Hall on Twitter. "Online harassment is to be expected," he said. "A memorial hall like this is clearly going to be a thorn in the side of the Chinese Communist Party ... and we have made preparations for this ... with the [U.S. authorities]." Meanwhile, the government continues to silence any attempts to commemorate the date or talk about what happened among the 1.4 billion citizens within China's borders. "The June 4 crackdown proved that the Chinese Communist Party is essentially a political party that relies on violence to maintain its rule," Wang wrote in a May 29 commentary for Radio Free Asia. "The whole world knows what happened in China, but many Chinese people dont even know about it," he said. Translated by Luisetta Mudie. Edited by Malcolm Foster. Beijing hits back at Austin, accusing the U.S. of destroying stability in the Taiwan Strait. U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin speaks at the First Plenary Session of the 20th IISS Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore June 3, 2023. UPDATED at 12:44 p.m. ET on 2023-06-11 U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has urged Chinas military leaders to engage after his call to meet with the Chinese counterpart was rebuffed, saying open lines of communication are essential. In his key address to the Shangri-La Dialogue security forum in Singapore on Saturday, Austin said that he is deeply concerned that the PRC has been unwilling to engage more seriously on better mechanisms for crisis management between our two militaries. The defense secretary referred to China by its official name the Peoples Republic of China. For responsible defense leaders, the right time to talk is anytime, the right time to talk is everytime and the right time to talk is now, he said, adding that dialogue is not a reward. It is a necessity. And the more that we talk, the more that we can avoid the misunderstandings and miscalculations that could lead to crisis or conflict. Secretary Austin and Chinese Minister of National Defense Li Shangfu, who has been under U.S. sanctions since 2018, shared a brief handshake before an official dinner on Friday but did not speak to each other nor is a bilateral meeting between them anticipated. "A cordial handshake over dinner is no substitute for a substantive engagement," Austin said. China's Defense Minister Li Shangfu, attends the ministerial roundtable session during the 20th Shangri-La Dialogue, June 3, 2023. Credit: AP Photo/Vincent Thian The U.S. defense chief slammed China which, he said, continues to conduct an alarming number of risky intercepts of U.S. and allied aircraft flying lawfully in international airspace. Just last week, the U.S. military accused a Chinese J-16 fighter jet of performing an "unnecessarily aggressive" maneuver during the intercept of a U.S. Air Force RC-135 reconnaissance aircraft. We do not seek conflict or confrontation, but we will not flinch in the face of bullying or coercion, Austin said. The obvious rift between the two powers has become the new reality, said Huong Le Thu, a non-resident fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). Regional countries have to accept it whether they like it or not, she told RFA. But they can contribute to managing the tensions by lowering the heat through facilitating and encouraging dialogues between the U.S. and China, the analyst added. Shared vision Hours after Austin gave his speech, the U.S. State Department announced that Daniel J. Kritenbrink, the assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, was going with a senior White House official to China to discuss key issues in the bilateral relationship. Sarah Beran, senior director for China and Taiwan Affairs at the National Security Council, was to join Kritenbrink for the talks in Beijing, the State Department said in a statement released on Saturday morning (Washington time). Kritenbrink will be traveling to China and New Zealand, from June 4 through June 10, the statement said. In his speech at the Singapore forum, Carlito Galvez Jr., senior undersecretary and officer-in-charge at the Philippine Defense Department, said Manila believes that the international law is the greatest equalizer among states. The Philippines won a legal case against Chinas claims in the South China Sea at a U.N. tribunal in 2016 but Beijing has so far refused to accept the ruling. The two countries have recently been embroiled in a new spat over their sovereignty in some of the islands in the Spratly archipelago. "As the old adage goes, good fences make good neighbors," Galvez said. "It is only when neighbors have clear boundaries and respect for set boundaries that relations remain genuinely amicable," the acting defense secretary said. Indonesias Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto said it is imperative for us to overcome our geopolitical rivalries, our territorial disputes through dialogues, negotiations and win-win solutions. Compromise is the only way that communities and societies can prosper, he said, warning that the rivalry between superpowers has turned into a Cold War and in any war, the danger of a catastrophe is always near. U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin is attending the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue for the third time this year. Credit: Reuters/Caroline Chia U.S. Defense Secretary Austin, however, insisted that his country does not seek a new Cold War. Competition must never spill over into conflict. And the region should never be split into hostile blocs, he said. Austin said Washington is not creating nor willing to create a new NATO in the Indo-Pacific as China has repeatedly alleged. Yet the U.S. wishes to build nimble coalitions to advance our shared vision in order to make the Indo-Pacific more stable and more resilient, Austin said. Washington lists Australia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, the Philippines, and Thailand as its staunch allies in the region and sees India, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Singapore as valued partners. Speaking about self-ruled Taiwan, Austin said his country remains deeply committed to preserving the status quo there, consistent with our longstanding one-China policy, and with fulfilling our well-established obligations under the Taiwan Relations Act. Conflict is neither imminent nor inevitable. Deterrence is strong today, and its our job to keep it that way, the secretary stated. Beijing considers Taiwan a Chinese province and resolutely protests against any involvement by external forces in the islands politics. China Defense Minister Li Shangfu, left, listens to Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese deliver a keynote address during the opening dinner for the 20th Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, June 2, 2023. Credit: AP Photo/Vincent Thian Lt. Gen. Jing Jianfeng, deputy chief of the Central Military Commissions Joint Staff Department, hit back at Lloyd Austins speech about Taiwan, saying it was completely wrong. Theres only one China in the world, and Taiwan is a sacred and inalienable part of Chinese territory, Jing said, adding that it is the common aspiration and sacred responsibility of all Chinese people, including our Taiwan compatriots, to complete the reunification of the motherland. Chinas counterattack A researcher at Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) Academy of Military Sciences, Senior Col. Zhao Xiaozhuo, said that it is the U.S. who has been trying to change the status quo in the Taiwan Strait. The Taiwan Strait was pretty stable in the last ten years or so but the U.S. wants to destroy this stability, Zhao told reporters at the Shangri-La Dialogue. That way they can sell weapons to Taiwan and make a lot of money, he said. Chinese participants at the security forum in Singapore have taken a proactive approach to counter criticism from the U.S. and its allies. Senior Col. Zhao said that Washington needs to change what he calls erroneous actions in the way it interacts with others. When it comes to dialogue you have to take care of the opposite partys interests, he said, accusing the U.S. side of not understanding this basic principle. Another Chinese delegate, Senior Col. Zhang Chi from the National Security College at Chinas National Defense University, questioned whether Washington had contradicted itself by establishing multilateral institutions while promoting the centrality of the Southeast Asian bloc ASEAN. Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Tang Yongshen, former deputy commandant of the same college, hit back at Canadian Defense Minister Anita Anand for calling China a disruptive force in the region. China has made great efforts to maintain peace and stability in the region, Tang said. In fact, what you said is disruptive, he added bluntly. A Chinese Communist Party mouthpiece, the Global Times, quoted a military official as saying in a report on Saturday that China is confident to step on the stage and raise its voices. Despite knowing the Shangri-La Dialogue is a platform dominated by Western countries to attack China, China comes anyway, the paper said. Chinas Defense Minister Li Shangfu will deliver a major speech on Beijings new security initiatives on Sunday, the last day of the forum. Edited by Mike Firn. This report has been updated to include news about the announced trip to Beijing by senior U.S. officials. A bill introduced into the U.S. Senate on Wednesday would force businesses to disclose links to forced Uyghur labor to the Securities and Exchange Commission and provide funds for those who have escaped the Xinjiang region to counter Chinese propaganda. It follows the passage on Thursday of a bill in Frances Senate that urges the European Union to copy the U.S. ban on the import of goods linked to forced Uyghur labor, which French lawmakers say has rerouted many such goods into the European single market. Besides requiring the SEC filing, the new U.S. Senate bill would expand existing travel restrictions on Chinese officials linked to the genocide and provide further funding for broadcast initiatives to counter Chinese propaganda, according to a press release. Introduced by Sen. Marco Rubio, a Republican from Florida, and Sen. Jeff Merkley, a Democrat from Oregon, the Uyghur Genocide Accountability and Sanctions Act would also provide funding for ongoing Uyghur cultural and linguistic preservation projects. By building upon current legislation, this bicameral bill aims to enhance the enforcement of secondary sanctions on businesses that offer assistance to the Chinese Communist Partys ongoing atrocities against the Uyghurs, Rubio said in the press release. If passed, the draft bill would help plug holes in the 2021 Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, and further impose penalties against those profiting from Uyghur slave labor, Rubio and Merkley said. In this aerial photo, workers walk next to a tractor during planting of a cotton field near Urumqi in western China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, April 21, 2021. (Associated Press) But to become law it still has to pass through committee in the Senate before being introduced to a vote on the floor of the chamber, and then pass the House, too, where it is being sponsored by Rep. Chris Smith, a Republican from New Jersey. French bill Across the Atlantic, French senators on Thursday unanimously passed a resolution calling for Europes own version of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act to ban imports tied to slave labor. Sen. Melanie Vogel, who represents Europe Ecology The Greens for the constituency of French citizens living abroad, told Radio Free Asia her party introduced the legislation to pressure E.U. officials. Under Europes single market, the 27 individual E.U. member states do not have the power to unilaterally change trade policy, with laws over imports and exports unified across the European Union. This resolution is basically asking for the introduction of a very efficient mechanism at the E.U. level that would ban goods made using forced labor, Vogel said. Basically, its asking the French government to push for this position at the E.U. level. She said an existing E.U. proposal on the issue only seeks to ban imports of goods after they are proven to be linked to slave labor in an extensive legal process. But the French Senate preferred a ban based on the mechanism that was introduced in the U.S, she said, which assumes Xinjiang-made goods involved slave labor. So, putting the burden of proof on the companies who want to export goods into the E.U. market, and not on human rights activists to prove there are actually violations of human rights, she said. They have to prove they did not use forced labor. E.U. coordination Such a bill is needed after the 2021 U.S. law diverted many Xinjiang-made goods to Europe, said Dilnur Reyhan, head of the European Uyghur Institute and a Uyghur studies lecturer at the National Institute of Oriental Languages and Civilizations in Paris. The goods made with Uyghur forced labor that couldnt enter the U.S. are making their way into the European market. Thats why its extremely critical that such legislation needs to pass in Europe as well, Reyhan told RFA, noting it was only the initial step. A resolution like this from each E.U. member state is important to pressure their governments. In order to have real impact, all 27 E.U. member states would need to pass a unified piece of legislation. Edited by Alex Willemyns and Malcolm Foster. Water has exposed cracks in the Taliban's fragile relationship with Tehran, with both sides exchanging pointed barbs over scarce supplies before coming to deadly blows along the Afghan-Iranian border. Tensions remain high following the deaths of troops from both sides on May 27, with Taliban and Iranian officials digging in on their positions with increased military activity and fresh warnings. But while disputes over water security are expected to intensify between the two drought-stricken countries, both sides appear to be keeping the door open for dialogue on the issue while boosting cooperation in other areas of mutual concern. The deadly firefight took place across the shared border between southeastern Iran and southwestern Afghanistan, with each side accusing the other of firing first. Social media footage showed Taliban heavy weaponry streaming to the border in the Kang district of Nimroz Province, where officials said one Taliban border guard was killed and several people were wounded after an exchange of heavy gunfire. Iranian media, meanwhile, said up to three Iranian border guards were killed and several people wounded in its southeastern Sistan-Baluchistan Province, where Iran has worked to fortify its border as tensions over water supplies rose over the past two weeks. Following the incident, the Taliban has continued to push back on Iran's claim that it is not honoring a water treaty ironed out by the two sides in 1973. "The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan considers dialogue to be a reasonable way for any problem," Taliban Defense Ministry spokesman Enayatullah Khawarazmi said in a statement on May 28, referring to the official name of the Taliban's unrecognized government. "Making excuses for war and negative actions is not in the interest of any of the parties." Iran has continued its harder line, with national police commander Brigadier-General Ahmadreza Radan saying the same day that "the border forces of the Islamic republic of Iran will decisively respond to any border trespassing and aggression, and the current authorities of Afghanistan must be held accountable for their unmeasured and contrary actions to international principles." But Iranian officials, too, have expressed the need for a diplomatic solution, with high-ranking security official Mohammad Ismail Kothari describing the dispute as "fighting between children of the same house" while rejecting that Tehran would resort to the "military option." Big Dam Issues Water is a precious commodity in both southwestern Afghanistan, one of the country's most productive agricultural areas, and in southeastern Iran, one of several arid areas of the country where water scarcity has fueled public protests. But with Afghanistan in control of upriver water sources that feed low-lying wetlands and lakes in Iran's southeast, the Taliban finds itself with a rare tool for leverage in its relationship with Tehran. The problem -- or the solution, depending on which side you consider -- stems from the construction of major dam projects in Afghanistan that in combination with increased drought and other factors have restricted the flow of water to the Sistan Basin. The border-straddling basin depends on perennial flooding to fill what used to be a vast wildlife oasis and was home to the massive Hamun Lake, which now consists of three smaller seasonal lakes -- Hamun-e Helmand in Iran and Hamun-e Sabari and Hamun-e Puzak in both Afghanistan and Iran. The longstanding issue of replenishing the basin with water came to the forefront earlier this month following comments by Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and President Ebrahim Raisi. Amir-Abdollahian, in a call with his Taliban counterpart, Amir Khan Muttaqi, demanded the Afghan authorities open the gates of the inland Kajaki Dam that pools water from the Helmand River "so both the people of Afghanistan and Iran can be hydrated." Shortly afterward, Raisi upped the ante during a visit to Sistan-Baluchistan on May 18 by warning the "rulers of Afghanistan to immediately give the people of Sistan-Baluchistan their water rights." He added that the Taliban should take his words "seriously" and not say "they were not told." The Taliban has consistently denied the accusation that it was not complying with the 1973 treaty and said that even if the Kajaki Dam were opened there would not be enough water to reach Iran. But just two days after Raisi's threats, the Taliban appeared to twist the knife by inaugurating a new irrigation project that involved completing the construction of the Bakhshabad Dam on the Farah River, which feeds the Sistan Basin from the north. Contentious Water Treaty According to the 1973 treaty, Afghanistan is committed to sharing water from the Helmand River with Iran at the rate of 26 cubic meters of water per second, or 850 million cubic meters per year. But the accord also allows for less water to be delivered in cases of low water levels, which have been affected by persistent drought and the construction of new dams in Afghanistan, including the Kamal Khan Dam on the Helmand River that was completed in 2021 shortly before the Taliban seized power in Kabul. The Taliban's deputy prime minister for economic affairs, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, said on May 22 that Kabul was "committed to the water treaty of 1973 but the drought that exists in Afghanistan and region should not be ignored." "The pain of the people of Sistan-Baluchistan is our pain," he added. "Our hearts melt for them as much as they melt for the people of Afghanistan, but we also suffer from a shortage of water." Cooperation on the water issue was previously seen as a sign of deepening ties between Afghanistan's Sunni Taliban rulers and Shi'a-majority Iran. In January 2022, the Taliban released water from the Kamal Khan Dam on the Helmand River in Nimroz Province into the Hamun Lake. While their sectarian differences once made them enemies, their common interests in opposing Afghanistan's Western-backed government and U.S.-led forces in Afghanistan over the past two decades brought them closer. Since the Taliban returned to power, the militant group has sought to build economic and security ties with Tehran. While Iran has not recognized the Taliban-led government, it has sought to work with the group on the issues of Afghan refugees in Iran and cross-border drug trafficking. In February, Iran formally handed over the Afghan Embassy in Tehran to the Taliban. Afghanistan's and Iran's water crises require both countries to show a strong hand on the issue of water supplies, both for domestic consumption and to protect their national interests. But experts suggest the benefits of cooperation outweigh an escalation of the conflict. "Neither country at this point in time needs a really hostile border," Marvin Weinbaum, director of Afghanistan and Pakistan studies at the Middle East Institute think tank in Washington, told RFE/RL. "Economically it is an issue for both countries -- there would be no agricultural potential in Helmand Province without the water furnished by the dam. And very little of it gets into Iran. And southeast Iran is as dry as any place on the planet." Weinbaum said neither the Taliban nor Tehran is going to exhibit weakness on the issue of short-term water shortages. "As the climate heats up, this is only going to grow more acute," he said. But for both countries, Weinbaum said, "economic ties are really what matters the most," along with cooperating on other issues of mutual concern such as preventing the Islamic State extremist group from expanding its foothold in the region. Ironically, just days after Raisi's threats and the inauguration of a new dam project in Afghanistan, the Taliban's Defense Ministry announced it had reached a new agreement on cooperating with Iran on defense and border issues. And on the day of the firefight that left border guards dead on both sides, officials had met earlier to discuss the water dispute. After the deadly incident, Iranian and Taliban officials held another meeting to investigate the cause of the "tensions." Path To Resolution The construction of dams -- which both Iran and Afghanistan engage heavily in -- and their downstream impact stand out among the causes to discuss. "What really triggers these disputes?" asked Weinbaum. "The intensification of them is obviously building dams, which represent simply a lower flow than they've been accustomed to and are not happy with." Other observers suggest the decades-old water-sharing agreement that Iran and the Taliban accuse each other of failing to adhere to holds the answer to resolving the dispute. The 1973 treaty does allow for the delivery of water from the Afghan side to be lower than the agreed-upon levels under certain circumstances, which would appear to include the drought and climate change that the Taliban has said have limited water supplies. It also commits the two countries to follow a set course "in the event that a difference should develop in the interpretation" of the provisions set out in the treaty: diplomatic negotiations, turning to the "good offices" of a third party to help mediate a solution, and in the event neither step works, arbitration. With additional reporting by RFE/RL's Radio Farda and Radio Azadi ALMATY, Kazakhstan -- Politicians in Kyrgyzstan have for years attempted to push through controversial legislation that would impose restrictions on nongovernmental organizations that receive funding from abroad. But lawmakers have rejected multiple draft bills, fearing it would harm the Central Asian country's democratic credentials and lead to donors pulling foreign aid. Now, there are fear that the authorities' latest effort to force through a Russian-style "foreign agents" law could succeed, with observers citing growing authoritarianism in Kyrgyzstan and attempts by Russia, Bishkek's ally, to stamp out Western influence in the country. More than one-third of lawmakers in the 90-seat parliament have backed a draft bill that was submitted for public consideration last month. If approved, the legislation would force NGOs that receive foreign funding to submit to onerous registration and reporting procedures, audits, and other restrictions. Observers expect the proposed legislation to pass, possibly even before the parliament goes on break on July 1. Attempts to introduce a "foreign agents" law come amid a widening crackdown on civil society in Kyrgyzstan. Since coming to power in 2020, President Sadyr Japarov has also targeted his political opponents and the free media, his critics say. "We really fear it will go through this time," said Erkina Ubysheva, a human rights activist based in Bishkek. "We see since the arrival in power of Japarov that the constitution was changed, the political system was changed, and there is now a clear course to liquidate civil society." Kyrgyzstan 'Reaps Rewards' Of Kremlin 'Requests' Kyrgyzstan is the second former Soviet republic where the authorities have tried to introduce legislation targeting so-called "foreign agents" this year. In March, violent protests broke out in Georgia, forcing the government to shelve its plans. Fears over creeping Russian influence in Georgia were one of the reasons for the opposition to the proposed law. The two countries went to war in 2008 over the separatist Georgian regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. Russia's own law on the designation of "foreign agents" was passed in 2012. The legislation originally targeted NGOs and rights groups but has since been expanded to target media outlets and individuals, especially journalists. Borubek Kudayarov, a journalist at the Kaktus Media news website, told RFE/RL that the events in Georgia are unlikely to be repeated in Kyrgyzstan. Few prominent Kyrgyz politicians are likely to follow the example of Georgia's figurehead President Salome Zurabishvili, who joined protesters in opposing the ruling government's draft law, Kudayarov said. A court ban on protests in central Bishkek -- with the exception of sanctioned rallies held in a designated area -- is another factor that might curb public shows of resistance. The ban was introduced in March 2022, "perhaps at the request of the Russian government," after several small rallies outside the Russian Embassy to protest Moscow's invasion of Ukraine last year, Kudayarov said. "But it is the authorities that are reaping the rewards of this ban," in terms of fewer protests in Bishkek, the journalist added, noting that Kyrgyz courts have continued extending the ban. "The law on foreign agents might be another example of this trend," he said. Difficult To Register, Easy To Close The latest version of the draft bill on "foreign agents" was published on May 19, with government-allied lawmaker Nadira Narmatova leading the push. The bill defines a foreign agent as an NGO that fulfils "the function of a foreign representative" and "participates in political activities carried out on the territory of Kyrgyzstan," or influences public opinion. In addition to mandatory audits, such organizations would have to justify all expenditures to the Kyrgyz government and even consent to the presence of government officials at their events. The draft law prescribes punishments of up to five years in prison for representatives of NGOs that are judged to be responsible for "violence against citizens, or other harm to their health or inducing citizens to refuse to perform civil duties." The International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL), a nonprofit organization, says the law's broad definitions discriminate against workers in the nongovernment sector. The ICNL added that "more than 90 percent" of the draft law's text had been copied from the Russian "foreign agents" law. It warned that, if approved, the bill would help Kyrgyzstan "earn the image of an undemocratic country." "The process for registering a noncommercial organization will now be made more complicated. The process for liquidating one has been made simpler," said Cholpon Djakupova, the head of the legal nonprofit Adilet. "I think that tells you everything you need to know." More Distress For Media? Adilet was among several Kyrgyz NGOs that were named in a May 26 article by the pro-Kremlin website Asiais.ru under the headline "List of foreign agents in Kyrgyzstan. Time to begin." Djakupova told RFE/RL that the article, which accused prominent Kyrgyz civic figures of having ties to the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), is just one of many published by pro-Russian media in support of the draft "foreign agent" law. "Since the war in Ukraine, the international environment has become very difficult. People say that the Kremlin is losing influence over Central Asia. But in Kyrgyzstan, it is gaining it," she said. Kyrgyzstan's civil society and free press have traditionally been the most vibrant in Central Asia. But that has changed amid a deepening government crackdown. More than 20 people, including NGO leaders and other activists, are currently facing trial on serious charges for their opposition to oppose a controversial border agreement between Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan last year. The annual media freedom rankings published by the Reporters Without Borders watchdog last month showed Kyrgyzstan falling 50 places to 122nd out of 180 countries. In April, a court in Bishkek approved the request of the Information Ministry to shut down the operations of Azattyk, RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service, after the broadcaster's refusal to remove a video about clashes along a disputed segment of the Kyrgyz-Tajik border. The legal pretext used to threaten Azattyk came from the Law on Protection from False Information, legislation that drew widespread criticism when it was adopted in August 2021. Mahinur Niyazova, editor in chief of the 24.kg private news website, said the law against false information, the likely approval of the draft bill on "foreign agents," and a new proposal to further restrict the free press amounted to "the end of independent journalism" in Kyrgyzstan. "The law on media will make it impossible for a media outlet to exist without registration. The law on nongovernmental organizations will make it impossible for a media outlet to register as a nongovernment organization," Niyazova said. "Everything will be shuttered, blocked, or will simply not be given a license for further work," she said, predicting that Kyrgyz society is "too inert and fragmented" to resist the changes. Tens of thousands of people gathered in the center of the Serbian capital, Belgrade, on June 3 for the fifth anti-government protest in recent weeks. The protests were sparked by two mass shootings in early May that left 18 people dead and several wounded. Half of those killed were students at a Belgrade elementary school. That shooting was carried out by a 13-year-old student. Protesters, marching under the slogan "Serbia against violence," accuse the government of fanning a culture of violence, as well as an atmosphere of hopelessness and division, in the country through state media outlets. "The fact that you young people have taken to the streets with a clear message that you will no longer live in this diseased society gives hope that maybe we will lift ourselves up," popular actor Dragan Bjelogrlic told the rally. They have demanded the revocation of the broadcasting licenses of television and radio outlets that promote violence, as well as the closure of government newspapers that have urged violence against political dissidents. They have called for the resignations of all the members of the regulatory agency that oversees broadcast media. Protesters have also demanded the resignations of the interior minister, Bratislav Gasic, and the head of the national intelligence agency, Aleksandar Vulin. The rally began outside the Serbian parliament building, after which protesters marched to the president's office. Organizers urged demonstrators to write messages to President Aleksandar Vucic, which were to be collected and presented to him. Protesters also laid flowers outside the presidential office complex. Opposition critics have accused Vucic, 53, of drifting toward authoritarianism for years, using harsh measures to fragment the opposition and exercising firm control over state media. Vucic has dismissed the protests as a "publicity stunt" and has alleged without proof that they have been orchestrated by "foreign powers." After the shootings, the government boosted the police presence in schools and urged the public to hand over weapons. Education Minister Branko Ruzic later resigned. In a sign of rising tensions between Russia's Wagner mercenary group and the country's official armed forces, the private company led by Yevgeny Prigozhin has released a video of a captured Russian officer where he "confesses" to ordering an attack on the mercenaries. The video, released by Wagner's press service on June 4, shows the apparent interrogation of a person who calls himself Colonel Roman Venevitin, the commander of the Russian Army's 72nd motorized rifle brigade. During the questioning, he says he ordered an attack on Wagner troops due to "personal enmity." 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 in Ukraine, click here. Just prior to the publishing of the video, Wagner's press service released a military report about a shootout between the mercenary group's fighters and regular Russian armed forces that allegedly took place on May 17 near Ukraine's eastern city of Bakhmut, the epicenter of heavy fighting between Russian troops -- backed by Wagner forces -- and Ukrainian armed forces for months. The report said a Ural military truck was damaged during the attack. In the video published by Wagner on Telegram, the man who calls himself Venevitin says he ordered his troops to open fire at Wagner troops aboard the truck while being under influence of alcohol. The man, who appears to have an injured nose, apologizes to Wagner for the attack. The veracity of the video could not be independently verified. It was unclear whether the man identified as Venevitin was speaking freely and without duress in the video. Russia's Defense Ministry has yet to comment on the video or the report. The report and the video appear to reveal deep ongoing problems between Wagner and Russia's Defense Ministry. Prigozhin has several times openly criticized the ministry's efforts during the war against Ukraine that has followed Russia's full-scale invasion of its neighbor in February 2022. Wagner troops were seen as being instrumental in Russia's assault to take Bakhmut, and Prigozhin's stature as a major player in the war appeared to grow as his fighters took territory -- albeit with heavy losses -- regular forces seemed unable to grab. The city now appears to be controlled by Russia, though Kyiv says the battle continues. International military experts also have stressed that military units involved in the invasion have regularly lacked a joint command and often conflict with one another. Prigozhin, in an audio statement on June 5, called on Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and the chief of the Russia's armed forces' General Staff, Valery Gerasimov, to come to Ukraines east and personally lead Russian units to defend positions near Berkhivka settlement. According to Prigozhin, Ukrainian armed forces have retaken parts of Berkhivka, north of Bakhmut. "Shoigu, Gerasimov, I call on you to come to the front line, take out your guns to lead the armed forces, to make them go forward. Go for it, you can do it! If you can't, you'll die like heroes," Prigozhin said. Prigozhin, considered to be a close ally of Rusian President Vladimir Putin, has accused Shoigu and Gerasimov of corruption, unprofessionalism, and high treason for months. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy says his country is ready to launch its much-anticipated counteroffensive to liberate territory occupied by Russian forces while warning that it could take some time and be costly. "We strongly believe that we will succeed, Zelenskiy said in an interview with The Wall Street Journal published on June 3. 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 in Ukraine, click here. "I dont know how long it will take. To be honest, it can go a variety of ways, completely different. But we are going to do it, and we are ready, he added. Zelenskiy said the Ukrainian Army had not received "all the weapons it hoped for, but we can't wait any longer." Zelenskiy said last month his country needed more weaponry, including armored vehicles, before it could launch its long-awaited counteroffensive. The Ukrainian president has been pushing for more military aid and weapons from Western countries. Russia has captured Ukrainian territory in the east, south, and southeast. Zelenskiy said Ukraine urgently needed more U.S.- made Patriot missile-defense systems to protect its citizens from Russian air strikes and to shield troops fighting on the front lines. He said a lack of protection from Russian aerial attacks means "a large number of soldiers will die" in the counteroffensive. Separately, Deputy Defense Minister Volodymyr Havrylov told Reuters on June 3 that the goal of an "unprecedented" wave of Russian missile and drone attacks across the country in recent weeks was to stop the counteroffensive. Speaking on the sidelines of a top security conference in Singapore, Havrylov called Russia's heavy use of ballistic missiles in May a "last strategic resort" and said that his country's air-defense systems had been "more than 90 percent effective" against the attacks. Meanwhile, Kremlin-connected Russian businessman Yevgeny Prigozhin, who controls the notorious Wagner mercenary group, said on June 3 that Kremlin factions were weakening the state by trying to undermine him. In a message posted by his press service, Prigozhin accused unnamed officials in the Russian elite of "playing dangerous games," adding that they had "opened Pandora's box." Prigozhin repeated his past criticisms of Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and Chief of the General Staff General Valery Gerasimov, saying that the Defense Ministry was "not in a state to do anything at all." With reporting by Reuters They are young, they have been trained in new technologies and their knowledge is coveted by the companies that make up a job market that is increasingly affected by digitization. And they are not going to work all their lives in the same place, like their parents did. Quite the contrary: they are work tourists, as Tomas Pereda, deputy director general of the Mashumano Foundation, calls them. They swing from vine to vine, remaining in each project for an average of 1.2 years. When there is a lot of demand and little supply of professionals, the technicians have the upper hand, says Alejandro Gonzalez, CEO of the Talentfy recruiting platform, who also explains that in the technology sector the balance of supply and demand has now fallen on the side of the workers. They can afford to be a little more particular. If they dont like something salary, flexibility, location, having to work on-site they move on to another organization. While companies complain about the difficulties in attracting and retaining talent, workers point out that migrating from company to company is the only way to improve their working conditions and move up. Lifelong work is over, says Pereda, whose foundation helps companies transform their work models. In its place, the technology sector is full of these work tourists, people who do not want to stay in the same company their entire working lives. They believe that in an unstable world, the only stability lies in yourself. From this perspective, they have different experiences in different companies, projects, roles, purposes Carlos Cuadra is a software developer. In the seven years he has been working in the technology industry, he has changed companies seven or eight times, he says. For him, this is the only way to improve working conditions, although he acknowledges that it is a sector in which he is paid well. Roberto Caselles shares the same viewpoint. For this backend developer, whose job consists of connecting websites with data servers, the sector is in a good moment, and the turnover can be explained by the lack of commitment that some companies show towards their employees: The reasoning often is: I am not going to invest money in a senior worker if I can have five kids who just finished their studies and with a little training can get the job done, he says. However, Cuadra points out that money is not always the decisive factor. Sometimes you are in a project and you see that you cannot do much more, so you change to another one, he explains. My last change was not so much about the pay as it was about the company. I had always been in consultancies, in large companies, but I was offered a place in a start-up. I was motivated by the work environment there, and that was what I prioritized. Computer expert Roberto Caselles. Garcia-Santos (El Pais) A high turnover rate This dynamic environment in which offers abound also has a downside. Since they know that you are going to end up leaving, most companies try to squeeze as much as they can out of you, says Caselles. He, like Cuadra, prioritized the work environment over the salary in his last change of company. For Pereda, the labor reality has changed, either because in some sectors employment opportunities allow switching from one position to another or because uncertainty leads to a constant search for better opportunities. People come and go; its a new way of living, he concludes. According to Myriam Blazquez, managing director of IT staffing company Experis Spain, two factors explain labor volatility in tech profiles. The first is the dynamism and the constant technical evolution in digital matters, which requires continuous training. Profiles that were valid five years ago are not valid now, she explains. The second is the horizontality of the phenomenon. Almost all jobs will always have a digital component, because technology is transversal to all positions. Blazquez says that the greatest mobility occurs among professionals who have three to 10 years of accumulated seniority. In the case of Debora Vidal, the reason for staying at the company where she has worked for nine years is the good work environment. Still, this electrical engineer does not rule out a change in the near future, because in the offers that she receives the base salaries are in the same range as hers. Whether it is a life philosophy, non-conformity or the workers need to improve their conditions, the reality is that the turnover level continues to rise. We have to know how to play by these rules. Just like there is turnover and people leave, you can create the conditions to attract new people, concludes Blazquez. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition BSF Recovers Heroin A sample has been sent for testing AMRITSAR: The Border Security Force (BSF) personnel have once foiled the smuggling of heroin on the India-Pakistan border. Heroin worth Rs 35 crores has been recovered from Amritsar. According to the BSF, the jawans were patrolling the border on the intervening night of June 2-3. They heard the sound of a drone near village Rai. The jawans started monitoring the movement of the drone. Meanwhile, something was felt thrown by the drone. The jawans informed the senior and sealed the area and launched a search operation in the area. They found a big yellow packet in the fields. Advertisement After opening the packet, BSF troops found 5 packets in it, which contained heroin. Its weight was 5.5 kg. A sample has been sent for testing. The international value of seized heroin is said to be Rs 38 crore. Gurvinder Singh Brar It is a matter of great happiness: Gurvinder Singh Brar Faridkot: A Youth from Punjab has become an MLA in Canada and he will be the youngest MLA of the country. Gurvinder Singh Brar alias Titu, a resident of Green Avenue in Faridkot city, has achieved this feat by winning the election from the North East Assembly of Calgary. The result of the elections were declared on 29th May itself. As soon as the information is received, there is an atmosphere of celebration in the family. Relatives and residents of the area conducted a 'Path' to thank God for Titu's victory at Gurudwara Sahib and expressed happiness by distributing langar. Titu's grandfather Gurbachan Singh Brar said that it is a matter of great happiness for him that his grandson has made the name of his family and the area bright by achieving a great feat. Advertisement MC Gurtej Singh Pahlwan of the area said that it is a matter of great joy that the young man of his area has become an MLA in Canada. He has earned the distinction of being the youngest MLA. Notably, Although many MLAs and MPs have been elected to Canada from other parts of Punjab. Titu from Faridkot is the first person to win elections in Canada. A rough-skinned dwarf who has a penis that wraps around his body several times is the protagonist of a popular Paraguayan myth. Known as kurupi, he lives in the depths of the jungle. His favorite activity is to invade houses and rape virgin girls during siesta hours. This myth became the last resort of families, who wanted to scare their daughters to keep them inside during the longest dictatorship in South American history. Few knew then how real the danger was. According to a recent investigation by journalist Andres Colman, there were at least twelve detention centers where kidnapped girls were sexually enslaved by dictator Alfredo Stroessner and his relatives. Julia Ozorio Gamecho was 13-years-old when she was kidnapped. It was February 4, 1968 a Sunday in Nueva Italia, a tiny town in the Paraguayan countryside that has about 3,000 inhabitants today. General Stroessner had been in power for 14 years when a fat, pot bellied man arrived at Julias house with two soldiers. They pointed their rifles at her sisters, her and her mother. The man first looked at Julias 16 and 17-year-old sisters, before settling on her. Ill take this little one with me, he told her mother, before putting the girl in a car. Julia didnt say another word until he locked her up in a house in San Lorenzo, a city near Asuncion. The first night was horrible. There are no human words that can express my pain that night, Ozorio recalls in her book, A Rose and a Thousand Soldiers, published in 2008 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. She moved there to learn how to live again; she found work cleaning houses and taking care of children, after surviving two years of imprisonment and rape. The Wolf, full of food and drunk, continued snoring in his bed. I slept on the floor. I could hardly sleep because of the pain, she writes in the book. The first print run has sold out, but she doesnt want to publish her story again, due to all the threats she has received. Colonel Pedro Julian Miers was the man who kidnapped her. He was in charge of the dictators security and also of the network of harems, where the regime kept the enslaved girls that Stroessner and his allies tortured throughout the country. Julia was to be handed over to the dictator, but Miers decided to keep her for himself. She lived locked up in a cell for two years, with hardly any food, subject to the abuse of the soldiers who guarded her. Once, the colonel dressed her up and showed her off in public. The girl hunters The girl hunters were soldiers of lesser rank captains, lieutenants who spent their time looking at girls, deciding who they were going to kidnap that day, to please the president. In exchange for handing over a virgin girl, [they would be rewarded], Ozorio notes. Today, Ozorio is 68-years-old. She has no desire to return to Paraguay. I spent 40 years crying. And then I got my memory back. Those kidnappers and murderers died like little angels while I was cleaning floors here, she says. I dont want to leave this world without telling people that there were two Spanish girls. I want you to look for them: they were two little Spanish girls. They were drugged, they asked me for help, but how was I going to save them? I would like them to find them, I can [help to identify them], she claims. Her dream was always to create a shelter for abused girls. She says that she knows there are many more out there. Rogelio Goiburu director of reparations and historical memory at Paraguays Ministry of Justice explains that, at the end of the 1960s, Paraguay had two million inhabitants and the control exercised by the Colorado Party over the population was almost total. There were spies, military and police everywhere. The population was one of the most impoverished in the world they lived without freedom of expression, nor of movement, nor of religion or political association. Being accused of being a communist by anyone could land you in prison without trial. Torture was the usual treatment for any detainee. The jails were filled with innocent opponents. The rivers, meanwhile, were filled with corpses; families cried for the disappeared. This was from the same script that was playing out under the dictatorships of Argentina, Chile, Brazil, Uruguay. In fact, these regimes worked together on the notorious Operation Condor. In his book, The generals orgies, journalist Andres Colman chronicles the history of girls who became the sexual victims of the Stroessner dictatorship (1954-1989). This work was recently presented at the Asuncion Book Fair. He explains that this reality remained semi-hidden for a long time because witnesses and neighbors maintained a complicit silence about this perverse criminal orgy. There are women who have offered their testimony to the Truth and Justice Commission of Paraguay, but they have asked to remain anonymous, such as those who appear in the documentary Street of Silence, by Jose Elizeche. Julia Ozorio is the only victim who has provided both her first and last names to the public. I saw the lifeless bodies of three girls In 1975, Malena Ashwell and her husband a lieutenant in the Paraguayan Navy were having lunch at the home of one of his superiors in Sajonia, a neighborhood in Asuncion. Malena heard noises during the meal: she went out into the street and saw that the neighbors were crowding in front of a nearby house. She entered the courtyard. I was horrified to see the lifeless bodies of three girls two of them were about eight-years-old, the other was nine. [They were all] lying naked on a pile of sand behind the house, Ashwell would later recount in an interview published in The Washington Post, on December 20, 1977. It was the first publication that openly denounced the drug-trafficking network that involved high-ranking Paraguayan military leaders and Stroessner himself. This was the first time it was published but certainly not the first time it was tried. Before the aforementioned incident, for having reported on this network, Ashwell had been kidnapped by Paraguayan police officers in retaliation. She was tortured and raped. They also kidnapped Miguel Angel Soler then-secretary of the Communist Party for attempting to publish the story in Adelante (Forward), the partys magazine. Colman notes that the house in Sajonia was managed by Colonel Leopoldo Perrier better known as Popol a close friend of the dictator who led his kidnapping and sexual exploitation network. There are many testimonies that certify that Stroessner regularly visited the house. Colmans book includes more testimonies of rapes that were presented to the Truth and Justice Commission, in a documentation of the crimes against humanity committed by those who oversaw the regime. One incident discussed took place in 1980, when hundreds of soldiers invaded the small town of Costa Rosado, looking for a leader of the Christian Agrarian Leagues, or groups of cooperative farmers. Since they couldnt find him, they locked up the towns girls and boys in a school. They accused them and their parents of being communists. They tortured them with drowning techniques. Girls between the ages of 10 and 12 were raped in the schools bathroom. A legacy of sexual abuse that persists In Paraguay, women are not treated as they should be. I know that [this treatment occurs] everywhere but before and until now, [Paraguay] uses them as rags. Its because of [Stroessner] and the culture that allows the male to do whatever he wants, Julia Ozorio laments. Paraguay is the country with the highest proportion of adolescent pregnancies in South America. 72 of ever 1,000 births are to women between the ages of 15 and 19. There is no comprehensive sexual education in public schools, while the word gender is prohibited and eliminated from textbooks and even from the recent law that recognizes femicide. Juan Carlos Ozorio a former member of Congress from the ruling Colorado Party resigned from his seat last year, when he was denounced in the largest anti-narcotics and money-laundering operation in recent Paraguayan history. The deputy also had an open case for the alleged abuse of a nine-year-old girl but that wasnt why he resigned. And, in the ranks of the opposition Coalition for a New Paraguay, a regional councillor Luis Fernando Ramos Amarilla was denounced for sexually abusing a 16-year-old girl. The investigation has been stalled in the courts for two years, while Ramos Amarilla was elected this past April 30. Now, the victims family fears that the case will definitely go unpunished. Senator Rafael Esquivel received the third-highest number of votes of any senator in the elections this past April, despite having been prosecuted and imprisoned for the sexual abuse of a 12-year-old girl and for another crime against a 15-year-old girl. The Coordinacion de Mujeres del Paraguay a network of feminist organizations organized marches against Esquivel before the elections. This coalition is now trying to prevent him from being allowed to take his seat in the Senate. Every year in Paraguay, about 2,000 reports of sexual abuse against children and adolescents are filed. Around 80% of them occur within the family, with parents, grandparents, uncles or stepparents being the abusers, according to official data. This is around the same number of girls that the dictator sexually enslaved, according to the calculations of Goiburu and his department of historical memory. AstraZeneca PLC (AZN.L,AZN) announced positive results from interim analysis of DUO-O Phase III trial showed that LYNPARZA and IMFINZI combination reduced risk of disease progression or death by 37% vs. chemotherapy and bevacizumab in patients with advanced high-grade epithelial ovarian cancer without tumor BRCA mutations. AstraZeneca noted that the overall survival (OS) and other secondary endpoints were immature and the OS will be formally assessed at a subsequent analysis. AstraZeneca specified that the additional arm evaluating the combination of IMFINZI, chemotherapy and bevacizumab demonstrated a numerical improvement in PFS which was not statistically significant. Patients were treated with IMFINZI with chemotherapy and bevacizumab followed by IMFINZI, LYNPARZA and bevacizumab as maintenance therapy. Thecompany said that these results will be presented today in an oral presentation at 2023 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting in Chicago. Susan Galbraith, Executive Vice President, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, said: "These results are an important milestone in our ongoing journey to address unmet need in ovarian cancer. The DUO-O trial demonstrates the potential of combining PARP inhibition with immunotherapy and we look forward to seeing more mature data and key secondary endpoints results." For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News As opposed to May 2022, Tata Motors sales saw 5.8% growth in PV space and 12% decline in CV space With SCVs and ILCVs being the main blows Tata Motors is one of the largest homegrown automakers in India. It features a varied vehicle lineup for both private buyers and commercial space. The company registers solid growth in the PV space. Sales numbers stood at 45,878 units last month (this figure includes EVs). As opposed to 43,341 units sold last year, Tata registered 5.8% YoY growth. Volume growth YoY stood at 2,537 units. But Tata couldnt keep up with sales figures registered a month before. In April 2023, Tata sold 47,007 units in total and MoM losses account for 2.40%. This accounts for a volume loss of 1,129 units MoM. Tata Motors Sales May 2023 The company has geared up for multiple launches for the latter half of 2023 and 2024. These include facelift models of Nexon sub 4m SUV along with Harrier and Safari SUVs at the flagship level. Tata is also preparing Curvv compact SUV, but that will debut later than sooner. Models like Punch are likely to get a CNG variant too. These new models should bring increased volumes upon launch. Out of the 45,984 units sold for the PV sector, Tata Motors sold 5,805 electric vehicles as well. These include Nexon EV Prime, Nexon EV Max, Tiago EV and Tigor EV. Punch EV, Harrier EV and Safari EV are on the cards too. Tatas EV sales witnessed 66% YoY growth as opposed to 3,505 units sold in May 2022. Commercial vehicles sales Tata Motors is still the highest seller in CV space. That said, the company saw little success with its SCV cargo, pickup, ILMCV segments. That said, Tata is extremely successful in the HCV space with its Signa and Prima range of trucks that get a load of tech, safety measures and telematics solutions for easy fleet management. HCV (Heavy Commercial Vehicles) trucks sold 8,160 units and registered 11% YoY growth as opposed to 7,443 units sold last year. ILCV (Intermediate Light Commercial Vehicle) trucks sold 3,450 units last month, but couldnt cross the 5,540 units sold a year ago. Hence there was a 38% decline YoY. These ILCVs include Ultra series and LPT series. Tata lags behind in SCVs and ILCVs Tatas passenger carriers saw 7% YoY growth with 3,874 units sold and 3,632 units to beat from May 2022. This segment includes Tata Magic, and Winger vans of various size and applications. SCV (Small Commercial Vehicles) cargo and pickup trucks took the same route as ILCVs. With 12,086 units sold, Tata faced a 19% YoY sales decline. In total, Tata Motors sold 28,989 commercial vehicles in May 2023. Which fell short to cross 32,818 units that the company sold in May 2022 and incurred a 12% YoY decline. Because of the losses in CV space, Tatas total domestic sales (PV+CV) took a hit by 2% YoY. The number from last year was 74,755, which was slightly higher than 73,448 units sold in May 2023. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Friday the United States wont support peace talks in the war in Ukraine until Kyiv holds the upper hand, possibly after a Ukrainian counteroffensive that appears to be taking shape. Blinken said heeding calls from Russia and others, including China, for a ceasefire and negotiations to end the war now would result in a Potemkin peace that wouldnt secure Ukraines sovereignty and territorial integrity or enhance European security. Potemkin Village was a tactic Russias 18th century government minister Grigory Potemkin used to build brightly painted village fronts to create an illusion of prosperity for Russias empress. In a speech in Finland, which recently joined NATO and shares a long border with Russia, Blinken repeated the U.S. view that a cease-fire that simply freezes current lines in place and allows Russian President Vladimir Putin to consolidate control over the territory he has seized, and rest, rearm, and re-attack that is not a just and lasting peace. Allowing Moscow to keep the one-fifth of Ukrainian territory its occupied would send the wrong message to Russia and to other would-be aggressors around the world, according to Blinken. Blinkens position is similar to that of Ukrainian officials, including his statement that Russia must pay for a share of Ukraines reconstruction and be held accountable for the full-scale invasion of its neighbor in February 2022. Ukrainian officials have given confusing signals about whether a counteroffensive is coming or already underway. Some have suggested it will not be a barrage of simultaneous attacks across the entire front line, rather a series of more targeted, limited strikes, first to weaken Russias supply lines and infrastructure, then broaden and intensify. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy weighed in again on Friday. This is not a movie, he told reporters in Kyiv. It is hard to say how youll see the counteroffensive. The main point here is for Russia to see it. And not just see but feel it. Especially, we speak about the troops that have occupied our territories. De-occupation of our territories this is the result of our counteroffensive. When you see this, youll understand that it has started. Zelenskyy has said his goal is to drive Russian troops out of the four territories it has partially occupied and illegally annexed last fall, as well as from the Crimean Peninsula the Kremlin illegally seized in 2014. Putin has said two of his goals in invading Ukraine were to improve Russias security and prevent Ukraine from joining NATO but the Kyiv government has applied to join the alliance, and Sweden is hoping to be accepted as a member in July. That would leave Russia surrounded by NATO countries in the Baltic Sea. Blinken described the Russian invasion of Ukraine as a catastrophic strategic failure for Moscow that had strengthened, not weakened, NATO, the European Union and Ukraine. Russia has become more isolated, he said, shackled to China as a junior partner in a relationship that Beijing has increasingly come to resent, and no longer able to use energy as a political tool in countries it once counted as its own or satellites. For its part, Russia wants any talks to address Ukraines request to join NATO. Naturally, this (issue) will be one of the main irritants and potential problems for many, many years to come, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Friday. Blinken said Washington was ready to support peace efforts by other countries, including those by China and Brazil but that any peace agreement must uphold the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence. China, which says it is neutral and wants to serve as a mediator but has supported Moscow politically, on Friday urged countries to stop sending weapons to Ukraine. The United States is a leading Western ally and supplier of arms to Kyiv. In Kyiv, in Moscows sixth air attack in six days, Ukrainian air defenses late Thursday and early Friday intercepted all 15 cruise missiles and 21 attack drones targeted at the capital, Ukraines chief of staff, Valerii Zaluzhnyi, said. The Ukrainian capital was simultaneously attacked from different directions by Iranian-made Shahed drones and cruise missiles from the Caspian Sea region, senior Kyiv official Serhii Popko wrote on Telegram. A 68-year-old man and an 11-year-old child were wounded in the attack, in which falling debris damaged private houses, outbuildings and cars, according to Ukraines Prosecutor Generals Office. Moscows recent focus on aerial attacks in Kyiv could backfire, however, according to the Institute for the Study of War, a Washington-based think tank. The air campaign aims to degrade Ukrainian counteroffensive capabilities, but ... the Russian prioritization of Kyiv is likely further limiting the campaigns ability to meaningfully constrain potential Ukrainian counteroffensive actions, it said. Elsewhere, several explosions occurred in the Azov Sea port of Berdyansk Friday in the Russian-occupied part of Ukraines southern Zaporizhzhia region, one of the four provinces Russia illegally annexed. Russian-appointed officials blamed Ukrainian rocket attacks and said nine people were wounded. Videos posted on social media appear to show a rising column of smoke in the port area. Ukrainian officials acknowledged their forces were responsible and claimed Russian ships were evacuating the port. The Moscow-appointed governor of Ukraines occupied Donetsk province, Denis Pushilin, claimed Friday that Ukrainian strikes had killed three people and wounded four, including a 3-year-old-girl. Border regions of Russia once again came under fire from Ukraine in what could be a Ukrainian strategy to disperse Russian forces before a counteroffensive. Russian commanders now face an acute dilemma of whether to (strengthen) defenses in Russias border regions or reinforce their lines in occupied Ukraine, the U.K. Ministry of Defense said. In the cross-border attacks Friday: Two women died in Ukrainian shelling of Russias Belgorod region, Gov. Vyacheslav Gladkov said. Gladkov reported two people were wounded in attacks that hit cars in the village of Maslova Pristan, 20 kilometers (12.5 miles) from the Ukrainian border. The Freedom of Russia Legion, one of the groups that has claimed responsibility for prior attacks on Belgorod, blamed the Russian military for the deaths. The group alleged that the Russian army had mistakenly believed one of the cars belonged to the paramilitary group. According to the Freedom of Russia legion, the incident occurred near a different village than Gladkov cited, Novaya Tavolzhanka. Air defense systems shot down several Ukrainian drones in Russias southern Kursk region, Gov. Roman Starovoit reported. In Russias Bryansk region, Gov. Alexander Bogomaz said Ukrainian forces shelled two villages, with no reported casualties. Two drones also attacked energy facilities in Russias western Smolensk region, which borders Belarus, officials said. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition A timber plantation started to deforest pristine Papua forests more than a decade ago, but halted in 2014 because it wasnt financially viable. It is now being revived by millions of dollars from two Indonesian government bodies whose mission is to support the countrys climate change commitments. The Indonesian government committed to protect forests and to stop climate emissions from burning coal. However the second target is directly threatening forests, as the solution identified to use less coal is to burn increasing volumes of wood. As a result, millions of dollars in 'green financing' intended to help Indonesia reduce its carbon emissions have been invested in a project that is destroying rainforest in Papua, one of the worlds most biodiverse landscapes. The money has been used to help an Indonesian conglomerate, Medco Group, construct a biomass power plant that is being fuelled by burning wood. Medco has already cleared large tracts of rainforest, establishing timber plantations in its place. As a result of the financing, it plans to expand its plantations by at least 2,500 hectares and cut down more rainforest. Medco has already cleared large tracts of rainforest, establishing timber plantations in its place. As a result of the financing, it plans to expand its plantations by at least 2,500 hectares and cut down more rainforest. The project is devastating the ancestral territory of the Marind people, hunter-gatherers indigenous to the lowlands of Papua, in the far eastern reaches of Indonesia. Medcos operations have damaged the Marinds traditional food sources. Deforestation has made it significantly harder for them to source game. Almost $4.5 million in financing for the power plant came from a state-owned company, which claims the power plant is helping to deliver on Indonesia's climate change commitments by generating renewable energy. But the area licensed to Medco includes large areas of primary, or intact, swamps and rainforests: landscapes Indonesia has committed to protect in order to curtail its vast carbon footprint. Medco received further financing from a government fund that has been used to channel international support to help Indonesia reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by protecting rainforests. This is the reason we have opposed it from the beginning, said Yuyun Indradi, director of Trend Asia, a nonprofit that monitors the governments energy policies. Indonesias biodiversity will be damaged by rapid development of monoculture tree plantations. Money from international donors has poured into Indonesia in recent years to help protect its forests and peatlands. In the past year alone, the UN Development Programme and Norwegian government have paid more than $100 million for that purpose into the Indonesian Environment Fund, or IEF the same body that was used to finance Medcos power plant in Papua. In a stark illustration of the contradictions at the heart of Indonesias policies, that means the fund has been used to finance both forest conservation and a project predicated on deforestation. Medcos project started life in the late 2000s, as part of a major Indonesian government programme to convert large portions of southern Papua into a source of food and energy. The companys initial plan was to plant a vast timber plantation that would produce wood chips for export. Medco obtained a licence for some 170,000 hectares of land, overlapping substantially with the ancestral territory of indigenous Marind people living in a village named Zanegi. The Marind source game, fish and sago their staple foods from the forests and swamps north of Zanegi. The village lies at the heart of the TransFly region, a landscape once described by the World Wide Fund for Nature as the environmental jewel of the Asia-Pacific region. It is a mosaic of wetlands, savannas and forests that is home to hundreds of bird species, including the iconic bird-of-paradise for which New Guinea is famous. The Makkah Route Initiative continues to help the pilgrims of Bangladesh to travel to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to complete the Hajj 1444 (2023). Read More: Hajj 2023 to be the Best Hajj Organizational Operation of All Time Read More: All About Al Hajj Visa Read More: You Can Now Get Zamzam Water Delivered to You During Hajj Pilgrims from the People's Republic of Bangladesh have received tremendous support from Makkah Route Initiative. These services have been used for a variety of processes, beginning with the electronic issue of visas and the gathering of biometric information. The initiative also expedited the processes for concluding the measures linked to passports at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport terminal in Dhaka after confirming the availability of health demands. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and HRH the Crown Prince were recognized and expressed gratitude for the services they provide for pilgrims and visitors to the Prophet's Mosque by Bangladeshi pilgrims who were welcomed at the initiative's departure lounge at the Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka. They also praised the initiative's contributions to streamlining procedures and improving services. The Pilgrim Experience Program, which is one of the Saudi Vision 2030 plans, includes the Makkah Route Initiative as one of the goals it aims to achieve. Residing behind a galaxy supercluster called Abell 2744, the JD1 galaxy is gravitationally lensed and displays three images. The first billion years of the Universes life were a crucial period in its evolution. After the Big Bang, approximately 13.8 billion years ago, the early Universe expanded and cooled sufficiently for hydrogen atoms to form. Hydrogen atoms absorb ultraviolet photons from young stars; however, until the birth of the first stars and galaxies, the Universe became dark and entered a period known as the cosmic dark ages. The appearance of the first stars and galaxies a few hundred million years later bathed the Universe in energetic ultraviolet light which began burning, or ionizing, the hydrogen fog. That, in turn, enabled photons to travel through space, rendering the Universe transparent. Determining the types of galaxies that dominated that era dubbed the epoch of reionization is a major goal in astronomy today, but until the development of the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope, astronomers lacked the sensitive infrared instruments required to study the first generation of galaxies. Most of the galaxies found with Webb so far are bright galaxies that are rare and not thought to be particularly representative of the young galaxies that populated the early Universe, said Dr. Guido Roberts-Borsani, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of California, Los Angeles. As such, while important, they are not thought to be the main agents that burned through all of that hydrogen fog. Ultra-faint galaxies such as JD1, on the other hand, are far more numerous, which is why we believe they are more representative of the galaxies that conducted the reionization process, allowing ultraviolet light to travel unimpeded through space and time. First discovered in 2014, JD1 is located behind the huge galaxy cluster Abell 2744. Abell 2744 is about 4 billion light-years away, some 350 million light-years across, and has a mass equivalent to more than 4 trillion solar masses. The cluster combined gravitational strength bends and amplifies the light from JD1, making the faint galaxy appear larger and 13 times brighter than it otherwise would. Dr. Roberts-Borsani and colleagues used Webbs Near-Infrared Spectrograph (NIRSpec) to obtain JD1s infrared spectrum, allowing them to determine its precise age and its distance from Earth, as well as the number of stars and amount of dust and heavy elements that it formed in its relatively short lifetime. Because light takes time to travel to Earth, JD1 is seen as it was approximately 13.3 billion years ago, when the Universe was only about 4% of its present age, they explained. The combination of the galaxys gravitational magnification and new images from Webbs Near-Infrared Camera (NIRCam) also made it possible for the team to study the galaxys structure in unprecedented detail and resolution, revealing three main elongated clumps of dust and gas that are forming stars. The authors used the new data to trace JD1s light back to its original source and shape, revealing a compact galaxy just a fraction of the size of older galaxies like the Milky Way. Before Webb switched on, just a year ago, we could not even dream of confirming such a faint galaxy, said Professor Tommaso Treu, an astronomer at the University of California, Los Angeles. The combination of Webb and the magnifying power of gravitational lensing is a revolution. We are rewriting the book on how galaxies formed and evolved in the immediate aftermath of the Big Bang. The findings were published in the journal Nature. _____ G. Roberts-Borsani et al. The nature of an ultra-faint galaxy in the cosmic dark ages seen with JWST. Nature, published online May 17, 2023; doi: 10.1038/s41586-023-05994-w Tensions between China and the United States over the fentanyl crisis continue to escalate. On Thursday, Beijing expressed its dissatisfaction and firm opposition following the inclusion of 17 Chinese individuals and companies on the Treasury Departments so-called blacklist. The message of rejection came through the Chinese embassy in Mexico, just a day after President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador called for a truce between the world powers and insisted that cooperation against drug trafficking should prevail over the exchange of reproaches and accusations. The U.S. has imposed new sanctions on Chinese companies and individuals and has attempted to blame China for its own problem with fentanyl, with the intention to mislead the public and deflect the blame for its inaction, the diplomatic representation said in a statement. Washington unveiled a new wave of economic sanctions this week, arguing that China is the at the center of synthetic drug manufacturing and as part of a strategy to weaken the financial structures of Mexican cartel suppliers. The punishments are focused on companies that deal in pill presses and other equipment that allow criminal groups to create pirated versions of drugs adulterated with fentanyl. Smuggled pills tainted with fentanyl are the leading cause of overdose deaths, devastating thousands of American families each year, said Brian E. Nelson, the U.S. Department of the Treasurys Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence. The White House warned that it would not back down and would use all means at its disposal to attack the drug supply chain. Unilateral sanctions will not solve the U.S.s own problems, and will only put more obstacles in the way of cooperation, Beijing countered. Xi Jinpings government asserted that it would defend the legitimate interests of its citizens and said that the illegal use of the products was the importers responsibility. A knife can be used to cut vegetables or to kill a person. If one person attacks another with a knife, who should be held accountable? The one who used the knife or the one who made it? The answer is clear, Mao Ning, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman, told a news conference on Wednesday. One of the main difficulties in combating fentanyl is that it can be made from everyday equipment and substances, and that there are dozens of different recipes to manufacture it. Under debate are the limits of regulation and who is responsible for the illegal uses of traded products. Last weekend, the Chinese Embassy in Mexico issued another statement in which it described the alleged link between the Chinese pharmaceutical industry, one of the largest in the world, and Mexican drug cartels as a Hollywood movie-style plot. Lopez Obrador was optimistic just a day earlier. There is a very positive attitude on the part of the Chinese government. We have been asking China for collaboration because the raw material for fentanyl comes from Asia we are not going to say China from Asia, the Mexican president emphasized. In the midst of the clashes he has had with several political sectors in the United States, the president has exchanged correspondence with Chinese authorities in recent months, in an attempt to put the claims behind him and address the problem between the countries involved. Beijing has insisted that the problem is made in the U.S.A. and has nothing to do with global drug trafficking. China attaches the utmost importance to its anti-drug cooperation with Mexico, the Embassy said, adding that the joint work was excellent and professional. In last weekends statement, Beijing condemned the United States bullying Mexico under the pretext of the fentanyl issue and expressed its support for the defense of the Latin American countrys sovereignty and dignity. In early May, the Mexican Navy seized a suspicious shipment that had passed through the Korean port of Busan and the Chinese city of Qingdao, which Lopez Obrador hailed as proof that Mexico does not manufacture drugs, but, rather, that it is a transit country. China said it was open to laboratory tests being done to confirm whether the substance involved was fentanyl so as to follow up on that case. Everything indicates that the truce will have to wait. The overfishing of codfish spanning the second half of the 20th century indicates that human action can force evolutionary changes more quickly than widely believed, according to a Rutgers-led study. Published in the Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, a report by scientists offers the first genomic evidence that Atlantic cod evolved new traits over only decades during a period of overfishing -- evolutionary changes that scientists formerly believed could take millions of years. "The discovery was made possible by new technology that allowed us to extract and read the genetic code of cod, some caught more than 110 years ago, as well as new analytical techniques that detect subtle changes in that genetic code," said Malin Pinsky, senior author on the study and an associate professor in the Department of Ecology, Evolution and Natural Resources at Rutgers School of Environmental and Biological Sciences (SEBS). Scientists had noted that many overfished cod, by the end of the 20th century, had developed what looked to be a survival advantage -- maturing earlier and growing less large, making them less likely to be singled out to be caught and more likely to reproduce before being caught. Searches for transformations in key genes, however, turned out to be unsuccessful. Undeterred, the researchers asked a different question. What if the changes were occurring in many genes at once, rather than a few? The insight, coupled with new technology, propelled the Rutgers-led team to make the discovery. "We have now been able to demonstrate that many genes throughout the genome did shift in the same way in cod from both sides of the Atlantic Ocean over the past 100 years," said Brendan Reid, first author on the study and a postdoctoral associate in the Department of Ecology, Evolution and Natural Resources at SEBS. "This suggests that cod did indeed evolve in response to fishing through small changes in many genes, something we didn't have clear evidence for before in any overfished species." Atlantic cod live in cold waters and deep-sea regions throughout the North Atlantic. Popular for their mild flavor and dense, flaky flesh, codfish is one of the most common ingredients in fish and chips. Cod livers are processed to make cod liver oil, a common source of essential vitamins. In the 1990's, Atlantic cod populations fell to 1 percent of historical levels, due to decades of overfishing. Starting in the 1970s, powerful trawlers equipped with advanced radar and sonar systems allowed commercial fishermen to collect cod from a larger area, and fish more deeply and for longer periods than ever before. Cod stocks, as a result, were depleted at a faster rate than could be replenished, ultimately leading to the fisheries' collapse, and as the Rutgers-led research shows, its rapid evolution. The new research insights offer hope for the possible re-emergence of the codfish population which has been slowly rebounding since fishing pressure has been reduced, the scientists said. "Since evolution in response to fishing happened through lots of small changes in many genes rather than large changes in one or two genes, and cod have maintained most of their genetic diversity, it will be easier for cod to evolve back towards their previous pattern of slower growth at large sizes," Reid said. "The fact that cod populations are rebounding and shifting back towards previous patterns of growth suggests, given proper management, this fishery can return to its previous state and provide a sustainable source of food for a large number of people and a source of income for coastal communities that heavily depend on fishing." Bastiaan Star of the University of Oslo in Norway also collaborated on the study. There are many effects of climate change. Perhaps the most broadly known is global warming, which is caused by heat building up in various parts of the Earth system, such as the atmosphere, the ocean, the cryosphere and the land. 89 percent of this excess heat is stored in the oceans, with the rest in ice and glaciers, the atmosphere and land masses (including inland water bodies). An international research team led by the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) has now studied the quantity of heat stored on land, showing the distribution of land heat among the continental ground, permafrost soils, and inland water bodies. The calculations, published in Earth System Dynamics, show that more than 20 times as much heat has been stored there since the 1960s, with the largest increase being in the ground. The increase in anthropogenic greenhouse gases in the atmosphere prevents the emission of heat into space. As a result, the earth constantly absorbs more heat through solar radiation than it can give back off through thermal radiation. Previous studies show where this additional energy is stored: primarily in the oceans (89 percent), but also in the land masses of the continents (5-6 percent), in ice and glaciers (4 percent) and in the atmosphere (1-2 percent). However, this knowledge is incomplete: For example, it was previously uncertain just how this additional heat was distributed in the continental landmasses. The research team, headed by the UFZ and with the participation of scientists from the Alfred Wegener Institute (Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research (AWI)), Vrije Universiteit Brussel and other research centres, was able to quantify more precisely how much heat has been stored in the continental land masses between 1960 and 2020. The result: continental landmasses have absorbed a total of 23.8 x 1021 Joules of heat between 1960 and 2020. For comparison: This corresponds to roughly 1800 times the electric power consumption of Germany over in the same period. Most of this heat, roughly 90 percent, is stored up to 300 metres deep in the earth. 9 percent of the energy is used to thaw permafrost in the Arctic and 0.7 percent is stored in inland water bodies such as lakes and reservoirs. "Although the inland water bodies and permafrost store less heat than the ground, they have to be monitored continuously because the additional energy in these subsystems causes significant changes in ecosystems," says UFZ researcher and lead author of the study Francisco Jose Cuesta-Valero. The scientists also demonstrated that the quantity of heat stored in the ground, in permafrost and in lakes has been increasing continuously since the 1960s. For example, a comparison of the two decades from 1960-1970 and from 2010-2020, this quantity increased by nearly 20 times from 1.007 to 18.83 x 1021 Joules in the ground, from 0.058 to 2.0 x 1021 Joules in permafrost regions and from -0.02 to 0.17 x 1021 Joules in inland water bodies. The researchers used more than 1,000 temperature profiles worldwide to calculate the quantities of heat stored at depths of up to 300 metres. They used models to estimate the thermal storage in permafrost and inland water bodies. For example, they combined global lake models, hydrological models and earth system models to model the waters. They estimated thermal storage in permafrost with a permafrost model that accounts for various plausible distributions of ground ice in the Arctic. "Using models enabled us to compensate for the lack of observations in many lakes and in the Arctic and to better estimate the uncertainties due to the limited number of observations," explains Francisco Jose Cuesta-Valero. Quantifying this thermal energy is important because its increase is associated with processes that can change ecosystems and can thus have consequences for society. This applies, for example, to the permanently frozen ground in the Arctic. "Although the quantity of heat stored in the permafrost may only comprise nine percent of continental heat storage, the increase over recent years further promotes the release of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane due to thawing of permafrost," says Francisco Jose Cuesta-Valero. If the thermal energy stored in the ground increases, the surface of the earth heats up, thereby placing the stability of the carbon pool in the ground at risk, for example. In agricultural areas, the associated warming of the surface could pose a risk to harvests and hence the food security of the population. In inland water bodies, the changed thermal state could affect the dynamics of the ecosystems: Water quality worsens, the carbon cycle is thrown off; algal blooms increase and in turn affect oxygen concentration and primary productivity, thereby affecting fishery production. Therefore, co-author Prof. Dr. Jian Peng, head of the UFZ Remote Sensing Department, summarizes: "It is important to more precisely quantify and monitor how much additional heat is absorbed by the continental land masses. This is a key metric for understanding how changes in natural processes resulting from heat storage will affect humans and nature in the future." Vision transformers (ViTs) are powerful artificial intelligence (AI) technologies that can identify or categorize objects in images -- however, there are significant challenges related to both computing power requirements and decision-making transparency. Researchers have now developed a new methodology that addresses both challenges, while also improving the ViT's ability to identify, classify and segment objects in images. Transformers are among the most powerful existing AI models. For example, ChatGPT is an AI that uses transformer architecture, but the inputs used to train it are language. ViTs are transformer-based AI that are trained using visual inputs. For example, ViTs could be used to detect and categorize objects in an image, such as identifying all of the cars or all of the pedestrians in an image. However, ViTs face two challenges. First, transformer models are very complex. Relative to the amount of data being plugged into the AI, transformer models require a significant amount of computational power and use a large amount of memory. This is particularly problematic for ViTs, because images contain so much data. Second, it is difficult for users to understand exactly how ViTs make decisions. For example, you might have trained a ViT to identify dogs in an image. But it's not entirely clear how the ViT is determining what is a dog and what is not. Depending on the application, understanding the ViT's decision-making process, also known as its model interpretability, can be very important. The new ViT methodology, called "Patch-to-Cluster attention" (PaCa), addresses both challenges. "We address the challenge related to computational and memory demands by using clustering techniques, which allow the transformer architecture to better identify and focus on objects in an image," says Tianfu Wu, corresponding author of a paper on the work and an associate professor of electrical and computer engineering at North Carolina State University. "Clustering is when the AI lumps sections of the image together, based on similarities it finds in the image data. This significantly reduces computational demands on the system. Before clustering, computational demands for a ViT are quadratic. For example, if the system breaks an image down into 100 smaller units, it would need to compare all 100 units to each other -- which would be 10,000 complex functions. "By clustering, we're able to make this a linear process, where each smaller unit only needs to be compared to a predetermined number of clusters. Let's say you tell the system to establish 10 clusters; that would only be 1,000 complex functions," Wu says. "Clustering also allows us to address model interpretability, because we can look at how it created the clusters in the first place. What features did it decide were important when lumping these sections of data together? And because the AI is only creating a small number of clusters, we can look at those pretty easily." The researchers did comprehensive testing of PaCa, comparing it to two state-of-the-art ViTs called SWin and PVT. "We found that PaCa outperformed SWin and PVT in every way," Wu says. "PaCa was better at classifying objects in images, better at identifying objects in images, and better at segmentation -- essentially outlining the boundaries of objects in images. It was also more efficient, meaning that it was able to perform those tasks more quickly than the other ViTs. "The next step for us is to scale up PaCa by training on larger, foundational data sets." The paper, "PaCa-ViT: Learning Patch-to-Cluster Attention in Vision Transformers," will be presented at the IEEE/CVF Conference on Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition, being held June 18-22 in Vancouver, Canada. First author of the paper is Ryan Grainger, a Ph.D. student at NC State. The paper was co-authored by Thomas Paniagua, a Ph.D. student at NC State; Xi Song, an independent researcher; and Naresh Cuntoor and Mun Wai Lee of BlueHalo. The work was done with support from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, under contract number 2021-21040700003; the U.S. Army Research Office, under grants W911NF1810295 and W911NF2210010; and the National Science Foundation, under grants 1909644, 1822477, 2024688 and 2013451. New theoretical research by Michael Wondrak, Walter van Suijlekom and Heino Falcke of Radboud University has shown that Stephen Hawking was right about black holes, although not completely. Due to Hawking radiation, black holes will eventually evaporate, but the event horizon is not as crucial as had been believed. Gravity and the curvature of spacetime cause this radiation too. This means that all large objects in the universe, like the remnants of stars, will eventually evaporate. Using a clever combination of quantum physics and Einstein's theory of gravity, Stephen Hawking argued that the spontaneous creation and annihilation of pairs of particles must occur near the event horizon (the point beyond which there is no escape from the gravitational force of a black hole). A particle and its anti-particle are created very briefly from the quantum field, after which they immediately annihilate. But sometimes a particle falls into the black hole, and then the other particle can escape: Hawking radiation. According to Hawking, this would eventually result in the evaporation of black holes. Spiral In this new study the researchers at Radboud University revisited this process and investigated whether or not the presence of an event horizon is indeed crucial. They combined techniques from physics, astronomy and mathematics to examine what happens if such pairs of particles are created in the surroundings of black holes. The study showed that new particles can also be created far beyond this horizon. Michael Wondrak: 'We demonstrate that, in addition to the well-known Hawking radiation, there is also a new form of radiation.' Everything evaporates Van Suijlekom: 'We show that far beyond a black hole the curvature of spacetime plays a big role in creating radiation. The particles are already separated there by the tidal forces of the gravitational field.' Whereas it was previously thought that no radiation was possible without the event horizon, this study shows that this horizon is not necessary. Falcke: 'That means that objects without an event horizon, such as the remnants of dead stars and other large objects in the universe, also have this sort of radiation. And, after a very long period, that would lead to everything in the universe eventually evaporating, just like black holes. This changes not only our understanding of Hawking radiation but also our view of the universe and its future.' The study was published on 2 June in the journal Physical Review Letters of the American Physical Society (APS). Michael Wondrak is excellence fellow at Radboud University and an expert in quantum field theory. Walter van Suijlekom is a Professor of Mathematics at Radboud University and works on the mathematical formulation of physics problems. Heino Falcke is an award-winning Professor of Radio Astronomy and Astroparticle Physics at Radboud University and known for his work on predicting and making the first picture of a black hole. Ukraine is ready to launch its counteroffensive against Russian forces, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said in an interview published Saturday in the Wall Street Journal. A period of dry weather in some parts of the country had led analysts to believe that the operation to recover territories occupied by Russian troops may be imminent, despite Zelenskiy himself playing down the possibility of an upcoming offensive in recent weeks. Saturdays interview with the Ukrainian president came as increased attacks inside Russian territory claimed the lives of two people in the Belgorod region, according to its governor, Vyacheslav Gladkov. Hours earlier, Russian authorities in the region announced the urgent evacuation of 600 children. I dont know how long it will take. To be honest, it can go a variety of ways, completely different. But we are going to do it, and we are ready, Zelenskiy told the Wall Street Journal. Zelenskiy said in May that Ukraine needed to wait for more Western armored vehicles to arrive before launching a counterattack. The Ukrainian president has waged a diplomatic campaign to maintain Western support, seeking more military aid and weaponry, which will be key to the success of Kyivs objectives in the counteroffensive. More information Five maps explaining the possible staging points for Ukrainian counteroffensive Ukraines plans for an attack against the Russian occupying forces are continuing as planned, despite an unprecedented wave of missile and drone attacks across the country in recent weeks, the deputy defense minister told Reuters. Volodymyr Havrylov said that, along with cruise missile attacks, Ukraine had faced repeated ballistic missile barrages throughout May, especially in urban centers including the capital, Kyiv. Russias main goal is to stop our counteroffensive and target decision-making centers, Havrylov said on the sidelines at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Asias most important security conference. Havrylov called Russias intensive use of ballistic missiles in May a last strategic resort and said that Ukraines air defense systems had proven more than 90% effective against Russian air strikes. Havrylov added that for Moscow, it was a huge surprise to find that the effectiveness [of its ballistic missiles] was almost zero against modern air defense systems, which we received from our partners. The United States and Germany have provided Ukraine with advanced Patriot missile batteries. Ukraine had already received advanced shorter-range systems, such as NASAMS and IRIS-T, from its Western allies. Havrylov stated that the missile barrages had not affected Kyivs timetable for the counteroffensive. Nothing can stop our efforts, our desire, and our confidence that well win this war, he added, stating that Ukraine start the counter-offensive, with the ambition to liberate our territories this year. In recent weeks, Ukraine has stepped up its attacks on Russian ammunition depots and logistical routes. Kyiv rejects Indonesian peace plan Indonesias Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto on Saturday proposed a peace plan to end the war in Ukraine, calling for a demilitarized zone and a United Nations referendum on what he described as disputed areas. Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesman Oleg Nikolenko rejected the plan, reiterating Kyivs position that Russia should withdraw its troops from Ukraine. Subianto called on military and defense officials from around the world, who have gathered in Singapore for the Shangri-La Dialogue, to issue a statement calling for a cessation of hostilities. Indonesia proposed a multi-point plan that included a ceasefire and the establishment of a demilitarized zone to be created by both armies withdrawing 15 kilometers (nearly 10 miles) from each sides forward positions. The demilitarized zone should be observed and monitored by UN-deployed peacekeepers, he said, adding that a UN referendum should be held to ascertain objectively the wishes of the majority of the inhabitants of the various disputed areas. Nikolenko claimed that Russia had committed an act of aggression, occupying Ukrainian territories, and that any ceasefire proposal would allow Moscow to regroup and strengthen. There are no disputed territories between Ukraine and the Russian Federation to hold referendums there, he said. In the occupied territories, the Russian army commits war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide. Russia is now trying in every possible way to disrupt the Ukrainian counteroffensive. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Central African Republic: Briefing and Consultations On Monday (18 October), the Security Council will meet for a briefing, followed by consultations, on the Central African Republic (CAR). Special Representative for the CAR and head of the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) Mankeur Ndiaye will brief on the Secretary-Generals latest MINUSCA report (S/2021/867), which was issued on 12 October. Representatives of the AU and the EU, and a civil society briefer, are also likely to brief the Council. Ndiaye is expected to describe his recent diplomatic outreach on the CAR, including a visit to Luanda, Angola from 5 to 7 October, where he met with Angolan President Joao Manuel Goncalves Lourenco. Ndiaye was joined by Special Representative and head of the UN Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA) Francois Lounceny Fall. Ndiaye and Fall discussed the overall situation in the CAR and the wider region with Lourenco, who is also currently acting president of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR). The meeting focused on the ICGLRs adoption of a Joint Road Map for Peace for the CAR at the ICGLRs 16 September summit. The road map, among other things, called for the CAR government to declare a ceasefire between its security forces (FACA) and armed groups operating in the country. On 15 October, CAR President Faustin-Archange Touadera announced on national television a unilateral ceasefire and cessation of military operations against armed groups across the country. Noting that the ceasefire would take effect at midnight local time that night, Touadera stated that this step was undertaken to give peace a chance. At Mondays meeting, Ndiaye and Council members are likely to welcome this announcement. Ndiaye is likely to tell the Council that progress on the implementation of the 2019 Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation has been limited. While there has been some progress in preparing for a national dialogue, questions remain about the level of the dialogues inclusivity. Council members may be interested to learn what effect the 15 October ceasefire announcement and the ICGLRs recently adopted road map can have in furthering the countrys peace and reconciliation processes. Ndiayes visit to Luanda and the ICGLRs call for a ceasefire took place in the context of serious security challenges in the CAR. Based on the Secretary-Generals report, Ndiaye is likely to convey to Council members that the security situation remains precarious, as FACA and bilaterally deployed and other security personnel continue to undertake a military offensive against armed groups. This offensive, coupled with counterattacks by armed groups, has harmed civilians and caused widespread displacement in central and western CAR. Some Council members allege that the bilaterally deployed and other security personnel are Russian military instructors and mercenaries. Russia maintains that the CAR government has invited its instructors to work with the CAR armed forces and denies that they have been involved in any violations. The ongoing violence and its effect on the human rights situation in the country is another likely focus of Mondays meeting. MINUSCA has documented 409 alleged and confirmed incidents of human rights violations and abuses and violations of international humanitarian law, affecting 938 victims and causing 228 civilian deaths since 1 June. In several prefectures, human rights violations have disproportionately affected religious and ethnic minorities, such as Muslims and Fulanis. In addition, the recent fighting between the FACA and bilaterally deployed forces on the one hand and armed groups on the other has also resulted in 176 civilian deaths, which is a 47 percent increase from the previous four-month reporting period. According to MINUSCA, most civilian deaths result from indiscriminate, disproportionate and excessive use of force by national defence forces and bilaterally deployed and other security personnel. Ndiaye may also raise the 4 August joint report by the UN Human Rights Office and MINUSCA, which provided details of the dire human rights situation in the CAR. The report, which covers the period from July 2020 to June, documents 526 incidents of abuse and violations of human rights and international humanitarian law across the country, affecting at least 1,221 victims. According to the report, the FACA, Internal Security Forces (FSI) and other security personnelincluding Russian military instructorsand private military contractors operating in the countrywere responsible for 46 percent of the confirmed incidents. Council members may ask to hear Ndiayes assessment of the steps being taken by the CAR government to address the human rights situation in the country. The government has recently established a special investigation commission on human rights violations. Media reports have also indicated that a CAR government inquiry into human rights abuses from December 2020 to April concluded that both the FACA and Russian military instructors had been responsible for 104 human rights violations, including the killing of civilians. Council members will likely be interested in hearing Ndiayes assessment on how the mission is fulfilling its protection of civilians mandate in light of the ongoing violence and military operations. MINUSCA peacekeepers, who played a key role in responding to armed group violence during the CARs electoral process in late 2020 and early 2021, continue to respond to threats and violence against civilians. In fulfilling its protection mandate, the mission deployed rapid intervention forces in several areas of the CAR over the summer in response to violence and to threats of attacks against civilians. Ndiaye is also expected to raise concerns about status of forces agreement (SOFA) violations faced by MINUSCA. The Secretary-Generals report notes that the mission recorded 41 such violations from 1 June to 1 October which involved the FACA, FSI and bilaterally deployed and other security personnel and called these violations an unacceptable level of hostile incidents targeting MINUSCA. The mission has also been subject to disinformation campaigns. Council members may ask Ndiaye about the nature of both the SOFA violations and the disinformation campaign. They might also want further information on what actions the CAR authorities are taking to end these threats to the mission and its personnel. The effects of the ongoing insecurity on the humanitarian situation in the country is another possible topic of discussion at Mondays meeting. According to OCHA, there were approximately 713,000 internally displaced people (IDPs) in the country as at 31 August. While there has been a drop in IDP numbers since early spring, 37,510 newly displaced people were recorded in August, due primarily to fighting in the north-west. Overall, the number of Central Africans in need of humanitarian assistance has risen in the past year. At this time last year, 2.36 million people in the CAR were considered food insecure; that number has now grown to over 2.6 million people, approximately 57 percent of the countrys population. Mondays meeting is expected to be the Councils last meeting on the CAR before it renews MINUSCAs mandate, which expires on 15 November. As such, Council members will be following closely Ndiayes briefing to assess areas in the missions mandate that may require further strengthening. There has been strong support overall among Council members for the work of MINUSCA. However, there are growing differences among some members on the situation in the country, including the alleged role of the Russian instructors and reports of Russian mercenaries in the CAR. The cooperation between the mission and the host government has also become more difficult in recent months, leading to questions about the governments support for MINUSCA. Central African Republic: MINUSCA Mandate Renewal* Tomorrow (12 November), the Security Council is scheduled to vote on a draft resolution renewing for another year the mandate of the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) and the authorisation for French forces in the Central African Republic (CAR) to use all means to support MINUSCA at the request of the Secretary-General. Since the Council last renewed MINUSCAs mandate through resolution 2552 of 12 November 2020, the CAR has experienced a period of political upheaval and faced considerable security challenges. During the presidential and legislative elections in late 2020 and early 2021, an outbreak of severe violence pitted the Central African Armed Forces (FACA) and bilaterally deployed and other security personnel against armed opposition groups. (Some Council members have alleged that the bilaterally deployed and other security personnel, as they are described in the Secretary-Generals reports, include Russian military instructors and mercenaries.) Recent weeks, however, have apparently witnessed some improvements in the situation. Most notably, CAR President Faustin-Archange Touadera announced on 15 October that his government would begin implementing a unilateral ceasefire. The announcement followed intense diplomatic efforts, including the adoption of a roadmap for CAR by the International Conference of the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) on 16 September. Among other things, the roadmap called on all armed actors present in the CAR to commit to a ceasefire. During the Security Councils 18 October meeting on the CAR, Touadera requested Council members to renew MINUSCAs mandate unanimously. It seems that the most recent developments have had an overall positive influence on the negotiations on the missions renewal. France, the penholder on the CAR, circulated a first draft text to Council members on 2 November and a first round of negotiations was held on 4 November. An updated text was circulated on 5 November and another round of negotiations was held on 8 November. France then placed a draft text under silence yesterday (10 November), until this morning (11 November). It appears that China and Russia broke silence on that text. An amended text which apparently addresses some of China and Russias concerns was put in blue today (11 November). The draft resolution in blue renews MINUSCAs mandate for a period of one year within its existing troop ceiling of 14,400 military personnel and 2,420 police personnel. The draft text in blue retains the missions priority tasks which were outlined in resolution 2552, including the protection of civilians; good offices and support to the peace process and the Political Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in the CAR; and facilitation of the immediate, full, safe and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance. The draft in blue welcomes the ceasefire and ICGLR roadmap and tasks the mission with providing support to the implementation of the ceasefire. Several other new tasks are outlined in the draft text in blue to address recent developments. These include the provision of assistance to the CAR authorities to organise upcoming local elections set to take place in 2022 and to deliver a fully inclusive Republican Dialogue. The latter process, which was inaugurated by Touadera on 1 September, has seen limited progress to date. Despite the improved atmosphere among Council members, several strongly divergent views on MINUSCAs work arose during the negotiations. One of the most contentious issues centered on the human rights situation in the CAR and how the mission should prioritise its work on this matter. The draft text in blue retains the missions human rights functions, which include monitoring, investigating and reporting on human rights and international humanitarian law violations. It seems that several Council members sought for this years mandate renewal resolution to list human rights-related work as one of MINUSCAs priority tasks. (Resolution 2552 lists these functions as one of the missions secondary tasks.) However, China, India and Russia opposed this proposal. Despite these members objections, the draft text which was placed under silence procedure listed the missions human rights functions as a priority task, leading China and Russia to break silence. In an apparent compromise, the draft resolution in blue retains the missions human rights functions as a secondary task but lists it as the first among those tasks (whereas it was fourth on the list in resolution 2552). It seems that China and Russia also opposed a proposal to reference the 4 August joint report prepared by MINUSCA and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) on violations of human rights and international humanitarian law committed in the CAR. The 4 August report says that from July 2020 to June 2021 the FACA and other security personnelincluding Russian military instructorsand private military contractors operating in the country were responsible for 46 percent of the confirmed human rights violations in the country. Despite China and Russias objections, this reference was apparently retained in the text put in blue. Another divisive issue was on language used to denote armed elements operating in the CAR. In earlier iterations of the draft text, language from resolution 2552, which referred to all parties to the conflict, was changed to all armed actors. Some Council members apparently understood the latter formulation as a means to express concern about the alleged presence of Russian mercenaries in the CAR. Although several Council members have said that mercenaries from the Wagner Group, a Russian private military entity, are present in the CAR, and both the OHCHR Working Group on the Use of Mercenaries and an increasing number of media reports echo this, Russia has yet to directly address these allegations. Moscow has only acknowledged that Russian military instructors invited by the CAR government are present in the country. The references to all armed actors was also apparently a key impetus for Russias decision to break silence on a previous version of the draft text. The text in blue has been changed back to all parties. Differences also emerged among Council members on how the mission should assist the CAR authorities on natural resource management. The draft in blue describes the illicit exploitation and trade of natural resources as a root cause of conflict in the CAR. In this regard, it requests the mission to support the CAR authorities in address[ing] cross-border illicit trade in natural resources. However, a provision from the zero draft requesting the mission to provide technical advice to the government on how to prevent armed groups from benefitting from the extraction, transport and trade of natural resources was removed due to objections raised by some Council members. The illicit cross-border trade in the CARs natural resources has garnered increased attention in recent weeks. At the Councils 18 October meeting on the CAR, France alleged that the Wagner Group takes advantage of its position to carry out systematic exploitation of natural resources. Moreover, on 8 November Portuguese authorities reportedly raided over 100 homes as part of an investigation into criminal activity that may have involved Portuguese peacekeepers serving in MINUSCA. The allegations against these peacekeepers include the smuggling of illicit goods from the CAR, such as gold and diamonds. Finally, peacekeeper safety and security, including an alarming increase in Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) violations, was also discussed during negotiations. The Secretary-Generals 12 October report on the CAR describes an unacceptable level of hostile incidents targeting MINUSCA involving the FACA and bilaterally deployed and other security personnel. It also references organised disinformation campaigns against MINUSCA. Concerns about peacekeeper safety increased on 1 November, when Touderas presidential guards fired on and injured ten newly-deployed and unarmed Egyptian peacekeepers outside the presidents residence. A young woman died in the incident. Details around the incident remain unclear; however, the CAR authorities have agreed to conduct a full investigation. The draft text strongly condemns both the SOFA violations and the disinformation campaigns and requests the Secretary-General to report on SOFA violations and on efforts to hold perpetrators accountable. *Post-script: On 12 November, the Security Council adopted resolution 2605, renewing MINUSCAs mandate for another 12 months. Thirteen Council members voted in favour, while China and Russia abstained. Demonstration at Chinese Embassy Planned for Anniversary of Tiananmen Massacre Square on Sunday NEWS PROVIDED BY Christian Defense Coalition June 3, 2023 WASHINGTON, June 3, 2023 /Standard Newswire/ -- On the 34th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square Massacre activists plan to hold peaceful demonstration at the Chinese Embassy in Washington, D.C. The demonstration will be held on Sunday, June 4 at 4:00 PM. The Embassy is located at 3505 International Pl NW, Washington, DC 20008. As part of the demonstration, activists will lay red fabric on the public sidewalk at the Chinese Embassy's front door. The fabric will be a visible reminder of the violence and bloodshed by the Chinese Army against thousands of peaceful student protesters murdered in Tiananmen Square. Rev. Patrick Mahoney, Director of the Washington, D.C. based Christian Defense Coalition, will also be praying for human rights and freedom in China and Hong Kong. Rev. Mahoney has been an international voice for human rights in China for almost 40 years. He participated in a public prayer vigil and demonstration in Tiananmen Square during the 2008 Beijing Olympics with other activists. They were arrested and threatened with a 6-month prison sentence. Rev. Mahoney is currently banned from China for his human rights work. Regarding the Tiananmen Square demonstration at the Chinese Embassy, Rev. Mahoney comments: "We are gathering at the Chinese Embassy on the 34th Anniversary of the Tiananmen Square Massacre to remember and honor thousands of heroic students who were murdered and brutalized by the Chinese Army in their historic struggle for freedom. "We will be laying red fabric at the front of the Embassy as a powerful visual reminder of the violence and bloodshed these students experienced and the continued brutality against those who continue to seek freedom in China. We will also be praying for human rights in China and Hong Kong as we ask God to comfort and give strength all those who are now imprisoned and facing genocide. "America, and the free nations of the world, must always remember the violence of Tiananmen Square and passionately work to ensure dignity, equality and freedom for the beautiful people of China. "We echo the words of Holocaust Survivor and Nobel Peace Prize winner, Elie Wiesel, as he says; "We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented." For more information or interviews contact:Rev. Patrick Mahoney at 540.538.4741 SOURCE Christian Defense Coalition CONTACT: Rev. Patrick Mahoney, 540-538-4741 Are Siri, Alexa and Google Assistant really spying on us? You must have wondered about it more than once, considering that they are already in all kinds of devices (televisions, cell phones, speakers) that we have at home, at work, or that we always carry with us. It also does not help that sometimes, when we comment on something in private, advertisements related to what we have said while surfing the internet appear later, or that news is published about the fact that employees at one of the companies responsible for these systems have accessed the private conversations of thousands of users. Of course, and despite acknowledging occasional security flaws, Amazon, Google and Apple reassure their users that they are committed to transparency, letting them know what data they collect and allowing users to manage what is done with it at all times. To find out exactly what each of the top assistants actually listens to, how they store that information and how it is treated, we analyzed their terms and conditions and consulted the firms themselves. On the device itself If there is one thing Apple is known for, it is allowing users to control what data is shared, with which apps and how it is handled in each case (both their own and those of third parties), making it easier to make adjustments. And nothing is shared with advertisers. A priori, Apple is the most restrictive with Siri and guarantees that, every time it is asked for something, the audio of the requests does not leave the iPhone, iPad or HomePod, unless you decide to share it voluntarily. However, there are small differences in what is done with the data depending on which application uses the assistant. For example, queries made to apps such as Notes or Messages do not even send the information to Apples servers; but this happens when the request involves searching the Internet or using the dictation function, although in this case everything is anonymous: none of the queries are associated with the users ID. Instead, random identifiers composed of a long sequence of letters and numbers are used: with Safari and Spotlight this identifier changes every 15 minutes, and in Dictation they are erased (with all transcriptions) when Siri is deactivated and reactivated. In this regard, it is worth pointing out that Apple does not ensure that requests made more than six months ago or the small sample of requests that may have been analyzed will be deleted, since they will no longer be associated with the random identifier. Contact with servers Google Assistant, on the other hand, sends all queries to its servers and cannot be configured otherwise: it is a prerequisite to get a response. However, by default, none of these requests are saved, making it impossible for anyone to access the recordings or identify who made them. But Google warns: if you choose to have them stored in the users account, you will be helping the system to work better (specialized reviewers analyze the audio to check if it was understood correctly); and, secondly, to personalize the experience based on the information Google has about each user and the queries they have made in the past. If you have chosen to enable this option, in the event that the assistant is activated by mistake (something very common in any service of this type, as regular users are well aware), it would be enough to say Hey Google, I wasnt talking to you for it to delete any conversation from the activity log. In this sense, it is also possible to review all interactions and delete them manually, schedule it to be done automatically every 3, 18 or 36 months, make a voice request to delete all conversations from the last week, etc. Something similar can be done with data. Although Google Assistant does not need access to it to function, if granted permissions it could alert you if it detects that there is traffic on the usual route to work (without needing to tell you anything) or know when one of your contacts birthdays is. What the company does state emphatically is that it never sells the audio recordings or any other personal information. What about Alexa? Amazon uses customer data to personalize purchases, recommend playlists, books, etc. And it personalizes Alexa depending on who is using it. Since its launch in Spain, almost five years ago, the multinational has wanted to focus on the fact that there are no privacy risks and that users have control over what information is stored and what is done with it. That said, whenever Alexa is used, the requests go to the cloud and are stored there encrypted. You can consult what you have listened to (and recorded) at any time, and even play back a clip and manage all the recordings: delete some, sort them by date, sort according to who made them, on which device and so on. It is also possible to delete them all at the same time, schedule when to do so, or choose not to save them at all. All this from the app or by voice. But, undoubtedly, one of the functions of Amazons assistant that has generated the most concern in terms of security is Drop In: something similar to an intercom that makes it easier for family and friends to communicate with each other through their smart speakers. Could this feature be accessed for spying by cybercriminals? Amazons answer is a resounding no. To use this feature you must activate it manually and, in addition, authorize contact by contact who can call. And, of course, you have to accept the incoming call once it occurs. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Central African Republic: Briefing and Consultations Tomorrow (22 February), the Security Council will convene for a briefing, followed by consultations, on the Central African Republic (CAR). Special Representative for CAR and head of the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) Mankeur Ndiaye will brief on the Secretary-Generals latest report on MINUSCA (S/2022/119), which was issued on 15 February. This will be Ndiayes final briefing to the Council. Ndiayes term ends on 28 February and the Secretary-General has expressed his intention to appoint Valentine Rugwabiza, the Permanent Representative of Rwanda to the UN, as the next Special Representative. The Executive Secretary of the International Conference for the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), Joao Samuel Caholo, is the other anticipated briefer. The CAR Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sylvie Baipo-Temon, is also expected to participate. Ndiaye and Caholo are likely to provide updates on developments since the declaration of the unilateral ceasefire by President Faustin-Archange Touadera on 15 October 2021. Members will be particularly interested in hearing about progress in the implementation of the joint roadmap adopted by the ICGLR within the framework of the 2019 Political Agreement. Council members see this as key to facilitating dialogue between the government and armed groups and may reiterate their support for this regional approach. Ndiaye and Caholo may refer to a 26 November 2021 meeting that the AU, the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), the European Union, ICGLR, and the UN held with President Touadera via videoconference as part of a regular dialogue on the peace process. They may also mention the first meeting on the ICGLR roadmap in Bangui on 14 January. The Secretary-Generals report states that while the unilateral ceasefire was an important step, political tensions continued in the face of limited progress in implementing the political agreement and the republican dialogue launched by the government to facilitate the political process. In this regard, Ndiaye may cover the controversy surrounding the lifting of parliamentary immunity of three prominent opposition members as part of the investigation of former president Francois Bozize who was accused by the government of trying to stage a coup. The Coalition of the Democratic Opposition, made up of 12 opposition parties, withdrew their representatives in the Republican Dialogue Organising Committee and only resumed their participation once judicial proceedings against the three opposition members were withdrawn. This decision is expected to facilitate the republican dialogue, which according to the Secretary-Generals report, is now scheduled to take place in March. The security situation in the country remains volatile, despite the declaration of the unilateral ceasefire. The Secretary-Generals report notes that the withdrawal of one of the armed groups, Unite pour la paix en Centrafrique (UPC), from the 2019 Political Agreement on 29 November 2021, contributed to the deterioration of the security situation. Ndiaye may provide information on the ongoing military operations by national defence forces in the western part of the country along the border with Chad and Cameroon as well as in the central regions. The report indicates that they are conducting these operations with the support of bilaterally deployed and other security personnel, while armed groups respond with asymmetrical attacks. The Secretary-Generals report highlights protection challenges in three particular prefectures Haute-Kotto, Nana-Grebizi and Ouaka where minority communities were targeted. The report, which covers the period since 12 October 2021, states that there has been a small decrease (0.03 percent) in the number of incidents but an increase (5.5 percent) in the number of victims compared to the last reporting period. The impact of the ongoing violence on the human rights situation in the country has been a matter of serious concern for Council members. In this context, members may ask Ndiaye to confirm that human rights violations continue unabated with the targeting and abuse of civilians. The issue of human rights abuses by bilaterally deployed and other security personnel was a major focus when the Council last discussed the situation in CAR on 18 October 2021. It will most likely also be raised at tomorrows meeting. The Secretary-Generals report indicates that of the 413 documented incidents of human rights violations and abuses, 175 were allegedly perpetrated by national defence and security forces and other security personnel, affecting 430 victims. The figures reported represent a decrease of 24.9 percent of incidents of human rights violations and a 17 percent fall in the number of victims. Some Council members are of the opinion that the report does not provide sufficient information on the human rights abuses being committed in the country. These members may reiterate their call on the government to fight impunity against all actors, including the Wagner Group. Some members may raise concerns about the Wagner Group, as they did at the last meeting, when France, along with some other members, characterised the groups presence as destabilising. France also called for the removal of ambiguity created by the use of the phrase bilaterally deployed and other security personnel from UN reports. Russia maintains that its instructors are in the country at CARs request and with the knowledge of the 2127 CAR sanctions committee. It also denies that the instructors are involved in hostilities and wants possible violations to be investigated by the CAR authorities. Council members may also raise issues around the role of MINUSCA and the need to build trust between the CAR authorities and the mission. At the last meeting, Council members expressed concerns about the disinformation campaign against MINUSCA and the continued violation of the status of forces agreement (SOFA), which is hindering the mission from effectively carrying out its mandated tasks. The Secretary-Generals report indicates that while incidents of disinformation and SOFA violations decreased slightly, 17 SOFA violations were still recorded in the reporting period, attributed to members of the national defence forces and other security personnel, including obstruction to the freedom of movement of MINUSCA patrols, and threats against UN personnel. Tomorrows meeting will be the first since MINUSCAs mandate was renewed in November 2021 for another 12 months. China and Russia abstained on the vote, arguing that the text did not take into account the views of the host country. The issue of the arms embargo, in place since 2013, could also be raised at tomorrows meeting, although it is not expected to be a major focus. Baipo-Temon may reiterate President Touaderas request to the Council in October 2021 to consider lifting the arms embargo in order to allow his country to enhance the effectiveness of its defence and security forces. Some Council members, including the African members, may support this request in order to express solidarity with CAR, but the penholder and others may argue that the sanctions regime is sufficiently flexible to allow the countrys defence and security forces to equip themselves and strengthen their operational capacities. Russia has blocked the appointment of experts to the Panel of Experts supporting the CAR sanctions regime for the past six months. In this regard, some members could express disappointment that the Panel has not been able to carry out its work and stress the need to appoint the Panel as soon as possible. Central African Republic: Briefing and Consultations Tomorrow morning (22 June), the Security Council will convene for an open briefing, followed by closed consultations, on the Central African Republic (CAR). Special Representative for the CAR and head of the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) Valentine Rugwabiza will brief on the Secretary-Generals latest report on MINUSCA (S/2022/491), which was issued on 16 June and covers developments since the Secretary-Generals 16 February report. This will be Rugwabizas first briefing to the Council since her appointment on 24 February. A civil society representative from the CAR is also expected to brief. At tomorrows meeting, Council members will be interested in hearing about progress in the implementation of the roadmap adopted by the International Conference for the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) in support of the 2019 Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in the Central African Republic. Since assuming her responsibilities in April, Rugwabiza has taken steps to reinvigorate the political track. In this regard, she may describe her visit to Luanda, Angola, in May to consult with the chair of the ICGLR, Angolan President Joao Lourenco. She might also refer to the strategic review meeting that subsequently took place in Bangui on 4 June in the presence of the Angolan and Rwandan foreign ministers, as well as other international and regional partners, to take stock of the progress and challenges in the implementation of the roadmap. According to the Secretary-Generals report, the participants in the 4 June meeting agreed on the need to meet regularly to monitor progress, based on a clear division of labour, benchmarks and timelines. Council members may welcome the holding of the strategic review meeting and underscore the need for concrete follow-up based on the ICGLR roadmap. Rugwabiza will also likely provide updates on the republican dialogue that was convened by the CAR government from 22 to 27 March. The Secretary-Generals report says that the dialogue was characterised by heightened political tensions because of the decision by several opposition parties and civil society groups to withdraw from the dialogue over several concerns, including about the exclusion of armed groups from the process. While noting the holding of the republican dialogue, Council members may emphasise the need for the government to facilitate an inclusive political environment by involving all signatory parties to the 2019 political agreement that have renounced violence. The other contentious issue at the republican dialogue was a proposal for a revision of the constitution to lift the two-term limit of the president, which opposition and civil society representatives rejected. Although this was excluded from the final report of the republican dialogue, media reports indicate that supporters of President Faustin-Archange Touadera have already submitted the proposal to the parliament. For the first time in decades, local elections were expected to be held in the CAR in September. However, funding constraints and delays in adopting relevant legislation on administrative boundaries forced their postponement to 2023, according to the Secretary-Generals report. In this regard, Council members may support the Secretary-Generals call in his report for financial and technical assistance to facilitate the holding of local elections next year. The security situation in the country remains volatile because of the activities of armed groups. MINUSCA had recorded 374 violations of the political agreement during the reporting period of the Secretary-Generals report, a decrease compared to the 396 violations registered in the previous reporting period. Most of these violations were committed by an armed group known as the Unite pour la paix en Centrafrique (UPC); the national defence forces and other security personnel have also committed several violations. The Secretary-Generals report notes that the national defence forces and other security personnel have been using former members of armed groups as proxies to conduct military operations at mining sites. (Some Council members prefer to avoid the ambiguity of using the term other security personnel, which appears to be a reference to the Wagner Group, a private Russian security company.) The Secretary-Generals report notes that armed groups, national defence forces and other security personnel have continued to commit crimes such as extortion, illegal taxation, and sexual violence. It highlights protection challenges in the various prefectures, where civilians have faced intimidation, reprisal attacks and displacement. MINUSCA had documented human rights violations and abuses committed by all actors, and the Secretary-Generals report indicates that the 138 documented incidents were allegedly perpetrated by armed groups, while national defence and security forces and other security personnel were responsible for 118 incidents. These figures represent a decrease of 41.77 percent and 32.57 percent, respectively, compared to the previous reporting period. Despite this, the impact of the ongoing violence on the human rights situation in the country remains worrisome, and some Council members may express their continued concerns at tomorrows meeting. Council members may also raise issues around the role of MINUSCA and the need to build trust between the CAR authorities and the mission. In particular, there have been concerns about the continued violations of the status of forces agreement (SOFA), which the Secretary-Generals report says have increased slightly in the reporting period, with 23 SOFA violations attributed to members of the national defence forces and other security personnel. Rugwabiza may update Council members about the recent establishment of a coordination mechanism by the CAR Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sylvie Baipo-Temon, to address issues and concerns related to the SOFAs implementation. In July, the Council is expected to extend the CAR sanctions regime and renew the mandate of the Panel of Experts supporting the 2127 CAR Sanctions Committee. The arms embargo, in place since 2013, remains controversial. Last year, China abstained on the vote renewing the arms embargo and expressed concern that the text failed to fully respect the wish of the Government of the Central African Republic for the lifting of the embargo. At the last Council meeting on the CAR, which took place on 22 February, Baipo-Temon reiterated her countrys request to the Council to consider lifting the arms embargo in order to allow the CAR to enhance the effectiveness of its defence and security forces. At that meeting, Executive Secretary of the ICGLR Joao Samuel Caholo underscored the need to reconsider the arms embargo, arguing that it continues to impinge on CARs ability to safeguard its territorial integrity and restore law and order. However, Council members were divided on this issue. African members and China supported CARs request for the complete lifting of the arms embargo, while Russia called for the easing of the arms embargo, ultimately leading to its full lifting. On the other hand, France, the UK and the US argued against the lifting of the embargo, maintaining that it does not prevent the CAR government from acquiring military equipment. They also maintained that the decision should be part of an overall strategy attuned to progress on the political track. Furthermore, they indicated that it is difficult to think of introducing any changes to the sanctions regime in the face of continued human rights abuses in the country. Some of these views could be reflected at tomorrows meeting, especially in light of the upcoming negotiations in July. The other contentious issue was related to the appointment of the Panel of Experts. Russia had placed a hold on the appointment for several months, calling for increased geographical diversity. Three of the five panel members were appointed only in April. The UN Secretariat has been in the process of recruiting two additional members. One additional expert was appointed on 1 June, and another expert is expected to be appointed soon. Even though the Panel of Experts was supposed to present a mid-term report in January pursuant to resolution 2588 of 29 July 2021, they were not able to do so, as only three experts started to work in April. But they were able to travel to Bangui and talk to the CAR authorities. Their final report, circulated to Council members last week, is expected to be discussed by the 2127 CAR Sanctions Committee on 24 June. Central African Republic: Vote on a Draft Resolution Extending the Sanctions Regime* This afternoon (29 July) at 2 pm EST, the Security Council is expected to vote on a draft resolution extending the sanctions measures on the Central African Republic (CAR) until 31 July 2023 and the mandate of the Panel of Experts assisting the 2127 CAR Sanctions Committee until 31 August 2023. France, the penholder on the CAR, circulated a first draft of the resolution on 15 July and convened one round of expert-level negotiations on 19 July. After Council members submitted additional comments, the penholder placed the draft resolution under silence procedure last Friday (22 July) until Monday morning (25 July). China, Gabon, Kenya and Russia broke silence. A further revised text was then placed in blue on Tuesday (26 July), to be voted on Thursday (28 July). However, on Wednesday afternoon (27 July), Russia proposed an alternative draft resolution on the sanctions regime, which it also placed in blue, and the vote was postponed. Following additional bilateral discussions, France placed a compromise text in blue yesterday evening, to be voted on this afternoon. The negotiations revolved around the question of further easing or lifting entirely the arms embargo on the CAR government. The CAR has requested the lifting of the arms embargo for several years, doing so most recently in letters to the Council dated 8 June and 19 July. In response, the Council has adjusted the arms embargo measures on several occasions by exempting certain weapons (meaning that the delivery of such weapons does not require approval from the 2127 CAR Sanctions Committee, only that the committee be notified ahead of the delivery). Ahead of this years sanctions regime renewal, several Council members have expressed support for the CARs call for lifting the arms embargo. China, Russia, and the A3 (Gabon, Ghana and Kenya in their joint statement) set out this position at the Councils 22 June briefing on the CAR. These members believe that the arms embargo disadvantages the government in its fight against armed groups, which are illegally acquiring increasingly sophisticated weapons. They also maintain that the exemptions process is cumbersome. Their position has been shaped in part by calls from regional actorsthe AU, the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) and the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS)to lift the embargo. Despite their joint statements, African Council members are not fully aligned in their position, with Ghana preferring a progressive easing of the arms embargo instead of its full removal. Other membersincluding France, the UK and the UShave opposed lifting the arms embargo because of the continued volatile situation in the CAR and their concerns about the potential effects of the unregulated flow of arms into the country should the embargo be removed. They note that the 2127 Sanctions Committee has approved every exemption request, allowing the CAR government to acquire the weapons it needs. These members also point to the benchmarks set out in the Councils 9 April 2019 presidential statement to guide the easing of the arms embargo. The Secretary-General said in his latest assessment on progress achieved on these benchmarks, dated 14 June, that the authorities still need to take further steps to fulfill the benchmarks, in particular, to implement the national disarmament, demobilization, reintegration and repatriation programme (DDRR) and to establish a more effective weapons and ammunition management system. The initial draft circulated by the penholder proposed exempting mortars with a calibre of 120 mm from the arms embargo. This represented a further easing of the arms embargo, as resolution 2588 of 29 July 2021which most recently extended the CAR sanctions regimeexempted mortars with a calibre of 60 mm. However, this was not satisfactory for members wanting to lift the arms embargo. In the revised text placed under silence procedure last Friday (22 July), the penholder further increased the calibre of arms that are to be exempted from the embargo, based on a request by Ghana: from 120 mm to 155 mm mortars and from 14 mm to 20 mm weapons, including weapons for ground military vehicles with mounted weapons. In breaking silence on Monday, China, Gabon, Kenya and Russia apparently reiterated their call to lift fully the arms embargo. The draft resolution that France placed in blue on Tuesday contained some additional revisions, but the substantive elements on the arms embargo were left unchanged. On Wednesday, Russia introduced an alternative draft resolution and placed it in blue. Its draft text lifted the arms embargo on the CAR government. It also removed requirements for other entities in the CAR, which previous sanctions resolutions have exempted from the embargo (such as the EU training missions deployed in the country), to notify or gain the approval of the 2127 Committee to receive military supplies or assistance. Bilateral negotiations between France and Russia led to a compromise. The new draft resolution in blue no longer restricts the weapons that the CAR government can receive. The supplying states or organisations still must notify the 2127 Committee in advance about such deliveries or assistance. However, the draft resolution in blue relaxes the notification requirement: whereas supplying states or organisations were previously required to provide notice at least 20 days in advance, the draft text in blue only calls on them to do so in advance, without specifying a timeframe. Provisions of military supplies for other entities in the CAR that are exempted from the embargo also still require notification to the committee. Other updates to this years sanctions resolution include the addition of elements from resolution 2605 of 12 November 2021 that renewed the mandate of the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA). This language condemns cross-border criminal activities, such as arms trafficking, illicit trade, illegal exploitation, and trafficking of natural resourcesincluding gold, diamonds, timber, and wildlifeand the use of mercenaries and violations of international humanitarian law and human rights violations and abuses perpetrated by them. During the negotiations, the A3 apparently sought for the resolution to take a more positive tone towards the government in several instances where the draft resolution outlines different actions that the authorities should take. For example, the draft resolution in blue reiterates the need for the CAR government to continue improving physical protection and management of weapons and ammunition, whereas the initial draft only stressed the need to ensure such protection and management. Among the revisions to the text ahead of it being placed in blue on 26 July, language was added affirming that the key benchmarks constitute a solid cooperation framework on security sector reform (SSR), the DDRR process, and the management of weapons and ammunition in the CAR. This proposal, which Mexico suggested, apparently aims to signal that the benchmarks remain important objectives, in case the arms embargo is lifted in the future before the benchmarks are achieved. Following last years renewal of the sanctions regime, Russia placed a hold on the appointment of the CAR Panel of Experts. It was not until 18 April that the Secretary-General appointed three of the panels five members: the experts on humanitarian affairs, regional issues and arms. The Secretary-General appointed the fourth expert on natural resources and finance on 1 June. The armed groups expert was never appointed. This prevented the submission of the panels regular mid-term report. The panels final report was submitted last month and was considered by the 2127 Committee on 24 June. _________________________________________________________________ *Post-script: On 29 July, the Council adopted resolution 2648, extending the Central African Republic (CAR) sanctions regime for an additional year. Ten members voted in favour of the resolution, while five (China, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, and Russia) abstained. In their explanations of vote, China, Gabon, Kenya and Russia expressed their preference for a full lifting of the embargo (S/PV.9105). Central African Republic: Briefing and Consultations Tomorrow morning (19 October), the Security Council will convene for an open briefing, followed by closed consultations, on the situation in the Central African Republic (CAR). Special Representative for the CAR and head of the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) Valentine Rugwabiza will brief on the Secretary-Generals latest report on MINUSCA (S/2022/762), which was issued on 13 October and covers developments since his report of 16 June. Council members are likely to be interested in hearing about the status of the implementation of the roadmap adopted by the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) in support of the 2019 Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in the CAR. During their last meeting on the CAR, which took place on 22 June, Council members welcomed the strategic review meeting that was held in Bangui on 4 June to take stock of the progress and challenges in the implementation of the political agreement and the roadmap and called on international partners to continue coordinating their roles in support of this effort. The Secretary-Generals report describes the four coordination meetings that have taken place since then under the chairmanship of CAR Prime Minister Felix Moloua, with a view to accelerating progress in the implementation of the priorities outlined in the roadmap. In this context, Rugwabiza may mention the meeting on 14 September between the government and representatives of 11 signatory armed groups of the political agreement to discuss their possible dissolution. She might also refer to progress on the national Disarmament, Demobilisation, Reintegration and Repatriation (DDRR) programme. Council members are likely to welcome the renewed engagement on implementation of the political agreement and the ICGLR roadmap, as well as to encourage continued progress on the DDRR programme. Rugwabiza is expected to provide updates following the republican dialogue that was convened by the CAR government in March. One of the proposals at the dialogue was a constitutional amendment to remove the presidential two-term limit, which was rejected by opposition parties and civil society groups. However, the government has taken steps to advance this, including by organising public demonstrations on 6 August in support of amending the constitution through a referendum. On 26 August, the government adopted a decree setting up a committee to draft a new constitution. The current constitution, adopted in 2016 following popular consultations, does not allow the president to run for a third term. Some Council members may express concern about the constitutional review process and its potential effects on the countrys political stability. In a 29 August press release, the UN Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in the CAR, Yao Agbetse, and the UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights to Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and of Association, Clement Nyaletsossi Voule, said that [a]ny attempt to act outside the rule of law or in defiance of the will of the people will sow the seeds of violence that can jeopardise the implementation of the recommendations of the Republican Dialogue, the Peace Agreement of 6 February 2019 and the Luanda Joint Roadmap. On 23 September, the CAR Constitutional Court declared the review process unconstitutional and invalidated the decree establishing the drafting committee. At tomorrows meeting, Council members might also be interested in the ongoing preparations to hold local elections in the CAR for the first time in decades. Rugwabiza may note the governments expressed commitment to hold these elections in 2023 and describe MINUSCAs support to the revision of the electoral code, the updating of the electoral map and the Integrated Plan for the Security of Elections (PISE), as well as the civic education and awareness campaign for local elections. The National Elections Authoritys revised budget estimate for organising the local election stands at $14 million. However, it remains underfunded, except for limited contributions from MINUSCA and UNDP. On 9 September, the Chair of the Peacebuilding Commissions CAR Configuration convened an ambassadorial-level meeting, to review the progress in the preparation and organisation of the local elections, as well as to mobilise political, technical and financial support for the electoral process. At tomorrows meeting, Council members may call for enhanced international support to the organisation of local elections in the CAR. The precarious security situation in the country is another expected focus of tomorrows meeting. The Secretary-Generals report refers to the increasing military activities by armed groups to regain control of some mining sites. The fuel crisis in the country has limited the operations of the CAR armed forces (FACA) in these areas and armed groups are trying to take advantage of the situation. Rugwabiza may elaborate on MINUSCAs efforts to enhance its robust posture to reduce the activities of armed groups and its joint patrols with the FACA to protect civilians. The use of explosive devices continues to pose threats not only to civilians but also to the safety and security of peacekeepers. In a 5 October statement, Council members strongly condemned a 3 October attack against a MINUSCA convoy with explosive devices, which left three peacekeepers from Bangladesh dead and one wounded. The persistent insecurity has also contributed to a deterioration of the humanitarian situation. In this regard, Rugwabiza may highlight the effects of rising commodity prices and fuel shortages on MINUSCAs activities and the work of humanitarian actors. Council members may express concern about the continued violations of the status of forces agreement (SOFA). The Secretary-Generals report notes a reduction in SOFA violations during the reporting period but mentions the seizure of contingent-owned equipment and the obstruction of freedom of movement, including through restrictions on night flights, as matters of continued concern. Members may welcome the gradual improvement in the relationship between MINUSCA and the host country and the reduction in SOFA violations. They may, however, call on the government to improve the missions freedom of movement and remove restrictions on night flights. Several Council members are expected to raise the issue of human rights violations and abuses being committed by different state and non-state actors in the CAR. Data collected by MINUSCA between 2 June and 1 October shows a significant increase in violations (90.2 percent), according to the Secretary-Generals report. Armed groups are responsible for 44.3 percent of the violations, while violations by state agents account for 45 percent of the documented cases. Members may reference two reports which were issued on 25 July by the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) on the human rights situation in the CAR, based on investigative work by MINUSCAs Human Rights Division. The first report, which focuses on a December 2021 attack in the village of Boyo, determines that FACA and pro-government militias carried out the attack with support from private military companies. The second report documents instances of conflict-related sexual violence committed in the period between December 2020 and early March 2022 by armed groups affiliated with the Coalition des Patriotes pour le Changement (CPC). Members are likely to underscore the need to promote accountability and justice. In this regard, Rugwabiza may mention that the Bangui and Bouar courts of appeal held criminal sessions from 29 April to 21 June and from 20 June to 15 July, marking the first time they have done so since February 2020. She might also refer to the work of the Special Criminal Court (SCC)a hybrid court composed of national and international judges with the authority to investigate, prosecute and try serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law in the CARwhich has started its deliberations in August after having completed the hearings of its first trial. Some Council members may express their continued support for the work of the national courts and the SCC in their promotion of transitional justice and the fight against impunity in the CAR. Looking ahead, the Security Council is expected to renew MINUSCAs mandate before its 15 November expiry. The Secretary-General recommended in his report a one-year extension maintaining the missions current authorised strength of 15,760 personnel. He also underscored the need to enhance MINUSCAs mobility to enable the mission to implement its mandate effectively and called on troop- and police-contributing countries and other partners to provide support in this regard. Central African Republic: MINUSCA Mandate Renewal* Tomorrow afternoon (14 November), the Security Council is expected to vote on a draft resolution renewing the mandate of the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) for another year, until 15 November 2023. The draft resolution in blue renews MINUSCAs mandate for a period of one year within its existing troop ceiling of 14,400 military personnel and 3,020 police personnel. It also retains the missions priority tasks, which were most recently outlined in resolution 2605 of 12 November 2021. These tasks include the protection of civilians; good offices and support to the peace process and the 6 February 2019 Political Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in the Central African Republic (CAR); and facilitation of the immediate, full, safe and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance. It appears that the negotiations were difficult. France, the penholder on the CAR, circulated an initial draft to Council members on 31 October and convened two rounds of negotiations, on 2 and 8 November. A revised text was then placed under silence procedure on 9 November. Russia and the A3 members (Gabon, Ghana and Kenya) broke silence on two issues that were contentious during the negotiation process: language related to restrictions on night flights and the use of the phrase all parties to the conflict. This necessitated a further revision of the text, which was then placed under a second silence procedure until mid-day Friday (11 November). China and Russia then broke silence over the issue of night flights, among other matters. However, the penholder then placed the draft in blue on Friday afternoon without making further changes to the text. It seems that the penholder initially sought to have a straightforward renewal of the missions mandate to facilitate a unanimous renewal. France had also apparently engaged with the CAR authorities in Bangui ahead of the mandate renewal process and tried to accommodate the host countrys concerns. It seems that the penholder also worked closely with the A3 before and during the negotiations to incorporate their comments as much as possible. However, many disagreements arose during the negotiations, and it seems that China and Russia may abstain on tomorrows vote, as they did last year. The CARs Minister for Foreign Affairs, Francophonie and the Diaspora, Sylvie Valerie Baipo Temon, criticised the draft text, including during a 7 November interview with Radio Ndeke Luka, a local CAR radio station. In a 5 November letter to the President of the Security Council, Temon lamented that the issues and concerns raised by her country were not reflected in the draft text circulated by France. One of the issues that Temon raised in her letter was the phrase all parties to the conflict used in the draft text, which she argued, equates rebels with legitimately elected authorities. This issue was also contentious during last years negotiations. (For background, see our 11 November 2021 Whats in Blue story.) It appears that the A3 and some other Council members supported the CARs concerns about this language. Other members, however, insisted on the need to maintain the phrase, arguing that all partiesincluding the CAR armed forces (FACA) and the Wagner group, a Russian private security companyhave been implicated in human rights abuses. The penholder apparently proposed a compromise formulation, referencing all parties to the conflict, particularly armed groups, which is reflected in the draft text in blue. The other divisive issue during the negotiations was language on night flight restrictions, which have apparently been in place for the past several years for the purpose of deconfliction with flights operated by the Wagner group. The Secretary-Generals latest report on MINUSCA, dated 13 October, expressed concern about the challenges that the mission has been facing because of these restrictions. At the Security Councils latest meeting on the CAR, which took place on 19 October, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for the CAR and head of MINUSCA Valentine Rugwabiza requested the CAR authorities to lift the restrictions on night flights, which she said are critical for the safety and security of peacekeepers. The request followed a 3 October incident in which three Bangladeshi peacekeepers were killed by an improvised explosive device (IED) attack. It seems that MINUSCA was unable to evacuate the peacekeepers immediately after they were injured in the attack because of the night flight restrictions. Temon denied claims about the restrictions at the 19 October Council meeting and asserted that her countrys sovereignty should be respected. In her 5 November letter to the Council, she indicated that the CARs National Civil Aviation Agency is willing to engage with MINUSCA to resolve the issue. It seems that China and Russia support this suggestion and have tried to encourage dialogue between the host country and MINUSCA. Other Council members, however, apparently felt that the draft text should address the night flight restrictions, claiming that it is a significant issue for MINUSCA and its troop-contributing countries. It seems that some members were surprised that Chinaone of the initiators of the Group of Friends on the Safety and Security of Peacekeepersdid not support language addressing this issue. China and Russia broke silence twice over references to the night flight restrictions. The penholder retained these references in the draft resolution in blue, despite these members objections. The draft text in blue strongly condemns the violations of the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), including the ban on night flights, and requests the CAR authorities to take all appropriate measures to ensure the safety, security and freedom of movement of MINUSCAs personnel with unhindered and immediate access throughout the CAR. During the negotiations, the A3 apparently raised issues with a preambular paragraph which refers to the primary responsibility of the CAR authorities to protect its population from genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity. It seems that these members argued that this should no longer be a concern in light of the fact that there is now a legitimately elected government. But other Council members insisted on maintaining the paragraph, which has been included in MINUSCAs mandate renewal resolutions since the missions establishment, noting its relevance to the Responsibility to Protect (R2P). In an apparent compromise, the draft text in blue replaced the reference to genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing, and crimes against humanity with the term international crimes. The A3 also apparently suggested changes to MINUSCAs tasks. These members requested the removal of support for the extension of state authority as a priority task, which is listed under other tasks that the mission performs in the draft text in blue. Some Council members also backed this proposal, but others were apparently not comfortable making changes to the list of priority tasks. As a compromise, the penholder moved the issue to the top of other tasks in the draft text in blue (whereas it was third on the list in resolution 2605). Since 2014, the Security Council has been authorising French forces in the CAR to use all means to support MINUSCA in conjunction with MINUSCAs mandate renewal, at the request of the Secretary-General. In her 5 November letter, however, Temon requested the removal of an operative paragraph which [a]uthorises French armed forces, within the provisions of their existing bilateral agreement with the CAR and the limits of their capacities and areas of deploymentto use all the means to provide operational support to elements of MINUSCA when under serious threat. She argued that this paragraph does not have a legal basis as the bilateral defence agreement between the CAR and France has been suspended since June 2021. In an apparent reference to Russia, Temon also stated that [t]he Government of the Central African Republic has other partners with whom a security and military agreement is still in effect and therefore legally valid. The penholder accepted her request and removed the paragraph from the draft text in blue. In her letter, Temon also criticised MINUSCAs performance and questioned the compatibility of its mandate with the reality on the ground. She argued that the mission should be given a robust mandate to enforce the peace and gradually draw down its personnel in favour of strengthening FACA. In an apparent attempt to address this issue, the draft text in blue expresses the Councils intention to request an independent strategic review of MINUSCA to assess the challenges to peace and security in the CAR and constraints facing the missions operations, but does not specify a timeline within which the Council will do so. (Four years have passed since the last strategic review of MINUSCA.) The review is expected to provide recommendations on the continued relevance of all mandate tasks, priorities and related resources, realistic, relevant and clearly measurable benchmarks and indicators to assess progress toward MINUSCAs multiyear strategic vision, and options for adapting MINUSCAs configuration of its civilian, police and military components. __________________________________________________________________ *Post-script: On 14 November, the Security Council adopted resolution 2659, renewing the mandate of the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) for another year, until 15 November 2023. Twelve members voted in favour of the resolution and three abstained (China, Gabon and Russia). Central African Republic: Briefing and Consultations Tomorrow morning (21 February), the Security Council will convene for an open briefing, followed by closed consultations, on the situation in the Central African Republic (CAR). The expected briefers are Special Representative for the CAR and head of the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) Valentine Rugwabiza and Chair of the CAR Configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) Ambassador Omar Hilale (Morocco). Rugwabiza is expected to describe the latest developments in the CAR peace process based on the Secretary-Generals most recent report on MINUSCA, which was published on 16 February and covers developments since 13 October 2022 (S/2023/108). She may note the role of CAR Prime Minister Felix Moloua, who has continued to convene coordination meetings with the participation of relevant ministries, as well as regional and international partners, to review progress in the implementation of the roadmap adopted by the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) in support of the 2019 Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in the CAR. She may also mention the 6 December 2022 ceremony chaired by CAR President Faustin-Archange Touadera which marked the dissolution of four armed groups that are signatory to the political agreement. However, there does not seem to be any movement in terms of engagement between the government and other armed groups, particularly the Coalition of Patriots for Change (CPC), the main coalition of armed groups in the CAR, according to a 3 February mid-term report by the Panel of Experts assisting the 2127 CAR Sanctions Committee. Some Council members may express concerns about the increasing political tensions in the CAR over the governments attempt to change the constitution. In October 2022, Touadera removed the president of the CAR Constitutional Court, Daniele Darlan. This followed the courts 23 September 2022 decision invalidating the governments decision to establish a committee tasked with drafting a new constitution that would remove presidential term limits. The current constitution, adopted in 2016 following popular consultations, does not allow the president to run for a third term. Opposition parties and civil society organisations have strongly criticised the governments decision to remove Darlan and emphasised the need to respect the judiciarys independence. Nevertheless, on 28 December 2022, the National Assembly (the lower house of the CAR parliament) adopted a bill proposed by the government to organise a referendum on the amendment of the constitution. The referendum is expected to be held during 2023, although a timeline has yet to be specified. Rugwabiza may elaborate on MINUSCAs efforts to engage with the government, opposition leaders, and other relevant stakeholders to encourage dialogue with the aim of addressing this issue. Council members may express disappointment over Darlans dismissal and underscore the need for the CAR authorities to respect the independence of state institutions. At tomorrows meeting, Council members might also be interested in the ongoing preparations to hold local elections in the CAR for the first time since 1988. According to the Secretary-Generals report, the first round of local elections is set to take place on 16 July and the second round on 15 October. On 30 November 2022, the government pledged a $4.5 million contribution to a basket fund managed by the UN Development Programme (UNDP) to support voter registration and the reopening of local branches of the National Electoral Authority. However, Rugwabiza may note that there is still a budget shortfall of $6.5 million and may call on international partners to mobilise resources to fill this funding gap. She might also highlight the Integrated Electoral Security Plan signed on 14 February between the government and MINUSCA to facilitate the necessary security measures for holding local elections. The deteriorating security situation in the country is another expected focus of tomorrows meeting. The CAR armed forces (FACA) and the Wagner Group, a Russian private security company, have been trying to secure mining sites by pushing armed groups towards the countrys borders. FACA has suffered considerable losses in recent fighting with the CPC in the northern part of the country, close to the border with Chad and Sudan, according to a CAR government spokesperson quoted by media reports on 17 February. The increasing military activities of armed groups along the border areas have stoked tensions between the CAR and Chad. The Secretary-Generals report describes the challenges that the two countries are facing in controlling their shared border, which have at times resulted in incidents between their security forces. On 9 February, Angolan President Joao Lourenco hosted Touadera and Transitional Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Deby in Luanda. Touadera and Deby reportedly agreed to work together to address security issues between their countries. Some members may also raise concerns about challenges to MINUSCAs work, including continued violations of the status of forces agreement (SOFA) and the obstruction of the missions freedom of movement, including through restrictions on night flights. These were major areas of concern during Council members negotiations on resolution 2659 of 14 November 2022, which most recently renewed MINUSCAs mandate. According to the Secretary-Generals report, the CAR government has lifted the night flight restrictions since December 2022 but suspended the use of all drones in the country, except those operated by the CAR defence and security forces. This appears to be related to a 21 January drone attack against the position of what the report describes as other security personnel, an apparent reference to the Wagner Group. The CAR Panel of Experts indicated in its 3 February mid-term report that armed groups may be using drones. Council members may welcome the lifting of night flight restrictions but may continue to express concern about other restrictions on the missions freedom of movement, including MINUSCAs drone operations, as well as the unauthorised search of properties, and the arrest and detention of UN personnel, which have increased in the reporting period. Several Council members are expected to raise the issue of human rights violations and abuses being committed by different state and non-state actors in the CAR. The period covered by the Secretary-Generals report saw an increase in intercommunal violence and the targeting of Fulani and Muslim communities. The report notes that data collected by MINUSCA between 2 October 2022 and 1 February verified 380 such incidents which affected 1,619 victims. This represents a five percent decrease in violations but a four percent increase in victims compared to the previous reporting period. Armed groups were responsible for 35 percent of the violations, while violations by state agents account for 58 percent of the documented cases. MINUSCA documented 351 violations by state agents and 61 by other security personnel. Some Council members have been expressing particular concern about the Wagner Groups presence in the country and its alleged involvement in human rights abuses. They may reiterate such concerns at tomorrows meeting. The US may refer to its recent decision to sanction individuals and entities linked to Russias para-military Wagner Group and its head, Yevgeniy Prigozhin. Some Council members are likely to reiterate the need to promote accountability and justice in the CAR. In this regard, Rugwabiza may mention the 27 December 2022 decision by the CAR national assembly to extend for five years the mandate of the Special Criminal Court (SCC)a hybrid court set up in 2015 with the support of the UN to investigate, prosecute and try serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law in the CAR. Some Council members may express their continued support for the work of the national courts and the SCC in their promotion of transitional justice and the fight against impunity in the CAR. Hilale is expected to describe the work of the CAR PBC configuration. Among other matters, he may highlight the configurations meeting held in September 2022 to discuss local elections in CAR. Hilale may emphasise the significance of these elections to consolidating the democratic space in the country and call on international partners to mobilise resources to address the budget constraints facing the National Electoral Authority. Hilale may also mention the written advice submitted by the configuration to the Council on MINUSCAs mandate renewal in November 2022. Macky Sall, President de la Republique : " Le combat contre les faux medicaments est encore long" Le President de la Republique, Macky Sall a evoque la problematique des faux medicaments lors de la ceremonie d'ouverture du forum pharmaceutique international. "Une autre problematique concerne les faux medicaments qui constituent un veritable probleme de sante publique" a dit le president Sall. In one of the most memorable moments of the animated series Family Guy, the Griffins are about to die and Peter, the bereaved patriarch, decides to tell his family one last secret: I did not care for The Godfather. His wife and children remind him that it is a masterpiece, a visual poem, the great American tragedy. If the joke works, its because (almost) everyone likes The Godfather. Coppolas trilogy is one of those cultural artifacts that generates a rare consensus, a popular classic that is at the same time fodder for cinephiles, an instant hit that maintains its reputation intact five decades later. Alberto Mayol, a sociologist, political scientist and writer, has also found both the films and Mario Puzos novel offer a tool for reflection and learning. The Godfather, he argues, is a crash course in power: how to get it, keep it, increase it, and wield it. It is demonstrated in the unbiased, amoral prowess of Vito Corleone and his son Michael, heir to his empire. Mayol is currently promoting the Spanish edition of The 50 Laws of Power in The Godfather, an illuminating document for that silent majority that has never reflected on the nature of power and, therefore, is condemned to suffer from it. Looking back, the author remembers that he came into contact with the film saga in 1990, when the third installment was released in Chile: My uncle insisted that we go see it, even though I was a minor. His argument, scandalous for the orderly child that I was at the time, was that in order to really enjoy a film like this, you first have to break a law. Years later, Mayol would surprise himself by returning again and again to sequences like the one with the horses head between the silky sheets of a Hollywood producer, finding in them a very profound reflection, by no means trivial, on that mythological god that we call power, which is behind almost all social relations, not just in politics. That intuition gave rise to a popular series of seminars on The Godfather and an even more popular podcast, La Cosa Nostra, which grew and spread its tentacles during the pandemic. And from there was born the book. During the opening day of his seminar, Mayol used to say, jokingly, that his is an essentially right-wing analytical method, because it starts from the most stark pragmatism. He cites specific examples to unravel the inexorable Corleone logic, and he reaches revealing conclusions: Don Vito always exercised power without inhibitions, but with good sense and moderation. His best students would have to be found in the conservative spectrum, in Winston Churchill, Giulio Andreotti and Angela Merkel, as well as in the back rooms of such formidable and opaque nuclei of power as the CIA, the Vatican or the boards of directors of multinationals. The western left, in his opinion, does not generate leaders, because it has gotten stuck in a discourse of resistance to power that condemns it to ineffectiveness. The same could be said of the bulk of the citizens of communitarian Europe, herbivores in a world of carnivores, some of them as voracious as Vladimir Putin, who not only poison their opponents, but want it to be known. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Former President Donald Trump sits at the defense table with his legal team in a Manhattan court, April 4, 2023, in New York. Within hours of his historic arraignment this spring, Donald Trump fixed his ire on the judge, complaining that hes a Trump-hating judge with a family full of Trump haters. On Friday, the former presidents lawyers doubled down on that criticism, demanding Judge Juan Manuel Merchan step aside from his New York City criminal case because of what they say is anti-Trump bias and a conflict of interest arising from his daughters work for some of Trumps Democratic rivals. Trumps lawyers allege that Merchan, a respected jurist in Manhattans criminal court, tipped the scales in two other Trump-related cases by involving himself in plea negotiations for Trumps longtime finance chief and requiring him to testify against Trumps company in exchange for a five-month jail sentence. Trumps lawyers, Susan Necheles and Todd Blanche, also asked Merchan to explain three political donations totaling $35 that were made to Democratic causes in his name during the 2020 election cycle. In the New York case, Trump pleaded not guilty to 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. The charges relate to hush-money payments made during the 2016 campaign to bury allegations that Trump had extramarital sexual encounters. He has denied wrongdoing. Merchan did not respond to inquiries from The Associated Press asking him to confirm or deny if hes the person who made the donations, which include $15 for President Joe Bidens campaign against Trump, according to federal campaign finance records. Such contributions are typically prohibited under court rules. The former presidents criminal case is historic and it is important that the People of the State of New York and this nation have confidence that the jurist who presides over it is impartial, Trumps lawyers wrote in whats known as a motion for recusal. The decision on recusal is up to Merchan himself, who previously rejected such a request when Trumps company was on trial. Trumps lawyers could be also making a play to raise the issue on appeal if hes convicted. Along with their motion, Trumps lawyers submitted 42 pages of what that say is evidence of Merchans political bias. The hush-money case is continuing in state court while Trumps lawyers seek to transfer it to federal court, which would also remove Merchan from the judicial equation. A federal judge has scheduled a June 27 hearing on that request. A message seeking comment was left with Merchan. A spokesperson for New Yorks state court system, Lucian Chalfen, said that since the case is pending in front of the judge, it would be inappropriate for any further comment. Merchan has appeared respectful and exceedingly accommodating in his limited interactions with Trump and has refused to issue a gag order, even as the ex-president continued to pillory him, District Attorney Alvin Bragg and others involved the case. At a recent hearing, Merchan said he was bending over backwards to make sure he wasnt limiting Trump from having every opportunity possible to advance his candidacy. Trumps recusal motion expands on the criticism hes lobbed at Merchan and his family in statements and on his Truth Social platform. Merchans daughter, Loren, is a political consultant whose firm has worked on campaigns for prominent Democrats including Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and California Gov. Gavin Newsom. Trump, the leading contender for the Republican nomination in 2024, could face Biden again as he seeks a return to the White House. He and his allies have seized on Merchans political ties in portraying his prosecution as part of a Democrat-led witch hunt. I have a Trump-hating judge with a Trump-hating wife and family whose daughter worked for Kamala Harris, Trump said in a speech at his Mar-a-Lago estate, hours after his April 4 arraignment. Among Trumps other criticisms, hes claimed Merchan railroaded ex-Trump Organization CFO Allen Weisselberg into a guilty plea last summer and acted viciously in presiding over the companys trial, which ended in a tax fraud conviction last December. Merchan was heavily involved in negotiations that led to Weisselbergs plea to charges he skirted taxes on perks including a Manhattan apartment and luxury cars. Merchan said he wished he could impose a tougher penalty after hearing Weisselberg testify, particularly when he spoke about his wife getting $6,000 for a no-show job to qualify for Social Security benefits while her husband raked in big money. Those cases were preludes to Trumps historic indictment. Trumps case ended up in Merchans courtroom because of a rotation in which judges assigned to oversee grand juries handle any cases that arise from them, according to the court system. Merchan also often handles financial cases and runs Manhattans mental health court, where some defendants get a chance to resolve their cases with treatment and supervision. Merchan, 60, emigrated from Colombia as a 6-year-old and grew up in New York City. The first member of his family to go to college, he worked his way through school and went on to earn a law degree from Hofstra University in 1994. He was a Manhattan prosecutor and worked in the state attorney generals office before then-Mayor Michael Bloomberg appointed him as a family court judge in 2006. Three years later, Merchan was assigned to a trial court, which in New York is called the Supreme Court. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Former Vice President Mike Pence speaks to local residents during a meet and greet, May 23, 2023, in Des Moines, Iowa. The Department of Justice has informed former Vice President Mike Pence s legal team that it will not pursue criminal charges related to the discovery of classified documents at his Indiana home. The department sent a letter to Pences attorney Thursday informing his team that, after an investigation into the potential mishandling of classified information, no criminal charges will be sought. A Justice Department official confirmed the authenticity of the letter, which was obtained by The Associated Press. The news comes days before Pence is set to launch his campaign for the Republican nomination for president in Iowa Wednesday a race that will put him in direct competition with his old boss, former President Donald Trump. No evidence has ever emerged to suggest that Pence intentionally hid documents from the government or even knew they were in his home, so there was never an expectation that he would face charges. But that decision and timing were nonetheless welcome news for the former vice president and his political team as he prepares to enter the crowded GOP primary field and contrast himself with Trump. Attorney General Merrick Garland had named a special counsel to oversee the Justice Departments investigation into the discovery of hundreds of documents with classified markings at Trumps Mar-a-Lago home just three days after the former president formally launched his 2024 campaign an acknowledgment of the high political stakes. A special counsel was also put in place to investigate classified documents found at President Joe Bidens home in Delaware and at an unsecured office in Washington dating from his time as vice president. About a dozen documents with classified markings were discovered at Pences home in January after he asked his lawyers to perform a search of his vice presidential belongings out of an abundance of caution after the Biden discovery. The items had been inadvertently boxed and transported to Pences home at the end of the last administration, Pences lawyer, Greg Jacob, wrote in a letter to the National Archives. The FBI then discovered an additional document with classified markings at the Indiana house during its own search the following month. Pence has said repeatedly that he was unaware of the documents existence, but that mistakes were made " in his handling of classified material. Beyond Pence, the two Justice Department special counsels are continuing to investigate the handling of classified documents by both Trump and Biden. The status of the Biden documents investigation is unclear, but the Trump investigation has shown signs of winding down. Prosecutors appear close to a decision on whether to bring criminal charges against the ex-president or anyone else. The team led by special counsel Jack Smith has brought a broad cross-section of witnesses before a federal grand jury investigating Trump, including former and close aides to Trump. The investigation has centered on not only whether Trump illegally possessed roughly 300 documents marked as classified but also on whether he obstructed government efforts to secure their return. The Biden and Pence matters have always stood apart, factually and legally, from the Trump investigation because in both of those cases, aides proactively disclosed the discovery of classified documents to the Justice Department and facilitated their return. Trump resisted months of demands to return classified documents taken with him from the White House to his Florida residence after the end of his term. After coming to suspect that more classified documents remained at the property, despite a subpoena and a visit by investigators, the FBI returned last August with a search warrant and recovered about 100 additional documents marked as classified, including at the top-secret level. Trump insists he did nothing wrong. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition The President of the United States, Joe Biden, has decided to embrace the staging reserved for big occasions to launch a message to the country this Friday after the approval of the law that suspends the debt ceiling. In the Oval Office of the White House and during the prime time television slot, Biden sung a song of victory for the agreement: We averted an economic crisis and an economic collapse, he said in a speech that lasted about 13 minutes. The approved bill suspends the debt ceiling until January 2025, after the next presidential elections, in exchange for some spending cuts. The signing of the law by Biden allows it to come into force days before the date that Janet Yellen had set as a deadline, June 5, although apparently she reserved a little leeway, since in the same letter she later said that what could not be covered were all the payments of that week. In any case, not extending the debt ceiling and defaulting on obligations, especially debt default, would have had potentially catastrophic economic consequences. No one got everything they wanted, but the American people got what they needed, was Bidens central message. The President emerges strengthened by the agreement. It also allows him to show his moderate profile, capable of promoting agreements with the Republican Party and of combating the heavy polarization of U.S. politics. Biden called for unity and peace in what at times seemed to be a speech focused on re-election in the presidential elections of November 2024. He has promised, for example, not to let up in his efforts to raise taxes on the wealthiest and corporations, although he has not been able to do so in this agreement. Nor will he be able to do so in the remainder of his current term, bearing in mind that the House of Representatives is controlled by the Republicans. Were cutting spending and bringing deficits down. And we protected important priorities from Social Security to Medicare, to Medicaid to veterans, to our transformational investments in infrastructure and clean energy,, he added, showcasing some of the legislative accomplishments of the first half of his term, when the Democrats controlled both chambers. Some of the legislation he boasted about was passed by members of Congress from both parties, as highlighted by a Biden who did not spare praise for the Republican leaders of Congress: House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and Senate Republican Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. They acted responsibly, and put the good of the country ahead of politics, he said. The president also seemed to launch a veiled allusion to his possible rival in 2024, Donald Trump, by pointing out that extremist voices wanted the United States to default. Essential to all the progress weve made in the last few years is keeping the full, faith, and credit of the United States and passing a budget that continues to grow our economy and reflects our values as a nation, he also said. And thats why Im speaking to you tonight. To report on a crisis averted and what we are doing to protect Americas future. Passing this budget agreement was critical. The stakes could not have been higher, he stated. The law has been fast-tracked through Congress. The Senate approved on Thursday the same legal text that came out of the House of Representatives on Wednesday, without touching a comma, despite the anger of some senators. Any amendment would have meant that the law would have had to be voted again by the lower House, delaying the process at a time of maximum urgency. Once the bill is signed into law, the Treasury will have a free hand to issue bonds -short and long term- to raise money to finance the $92 billion dollar payments scheduled for next week. The bill changes some policies, including imposing new work requirements for some Americans receiving food aid and greenlighting a gas pipeline in the Appalachians, which many Democrats oppose. The policy also strengthens funding for defense and veterans, cuts new funding for the tax agency, and imposes automatic 1% cuts if Congress fails to pass its budgets annually. The Congressional Budget Office, an independent agency, said the packages spending restrictions would reduce the deficit by $1.5 trillion over the decade, one of the main goals of Republicans trying to rein in the debt burden. A default would have had catastrophic consequences for the economy. The White House Council of Economic Advisers issued a report that said the threat of default was already having an effect; a default episode, however short, would have left a costly bill and a prolonged default would have caused gross domestic product to fall by 1.5% in the third quarter (to an annualized quarterly rate of 6.1%) and pushed up the unemployment rate by five points, destroying 8.3 million jobs. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Chelsea Manning poses during a photo call outside the Institute Of Contemporary Arts (ICA) ahead of a Q&A event on October 1, 2018 in London, England. Jack Taylor (Getty Images) Chelsea Manning was responsible for the largest leak of confidential documents ever to be released into the public domain. The former U.S. Army soldier, who served as an intelligence analyst in Iraq in 2010, leaked videos depicting airstrikes in which U.S. soldiers fired upon and killed several civilians, including two Reuters journalists. This video, known as Collateral Murder, was just the beginning. Manning went on to release over 251,000 diplomatic cables and more than 482,000 Army reports, collectively referred to as the Iraq War Logs and Afghan War Diary, through WikiLeaks and its media partners between April 2010 and April 2011. After being identified as the source of the leaks, Manning was arrested in May 2010 and faced 22 charges, including theft, espionage, and aiding the enemy, which carried the possibility of a death sentence. In February 2013, she pleaded guilty to 10 charges. The trial for the remaining charges commenced on June 3, 2013, ten years ago. On July 30, Manning was convicted of 17 of the original charges, excluding aiding the enemy. She received a 35-year sentence at the U.S. Disciplinary Barracks, a maximum-security military facility. However, on January 17, 2017, President Barack Obama commuted her sentence, resulting in nearly seven years of confinement dating back to her arrest. Manning was released on May 17, 2017. Since her release, Manning has engaged in speaking engagements about data leaks and her experience as a trans person, and has authored a memoir titled README.txt, wherein she candidly recounts her military experiences and the motivations behind her actions. In the book, she expresses her desire to challenge the simplified narrative of war prevalent in society, where questioning the established viewpoint is often perceived as disloyalty. Mannings sentiments in her book echo those expressed in a document she wrote in January 2009, also titled Readme.txt. In that document, she referred to the leaked materials as one of the most significant documents of our time, capable of revealing the true nature of 21st-century asymmetric warfare by dispelling the fog of war. During her service in Iraq, Manning experienced an incident that deeply impacted her. The Iraqi Federal Police arrested 15 detainees for printing anti-Iraqi literature. Manning was tasked with identifying the bad guys but discovered that the detainees had actually exposed corruption within the Iraqi cabinet. When she reported her findings to her commanding officer, he dismissed her concerns and ordered her to assist the Iraqi police in detaining more individuals. This experience led Manning to realize that she was actively participating in something that contradicted her personal values. The leaked documents exposed various aspects of U.S. activities abroad and shed light on issues within the military, particularly regarding mental health. Manning faced adversity during her service, enduring bullying and struggling with the dont ask, dont tell policy that made it difficult for her to serve openly as a gay man. Furthermore, she grappled with gender identity disorder. During her trial, Mannings defense argued that her superiors failed to provide adequate counseling and discipline and neglected to revoke her security clearance. A report by the Department of Defense, published in June 2017 following a request by investigative reporter Jason Leopold, stated that the leaks had no significant strategic impact on U.S. war efforts. Mannings lawyers also contended during the trial that the government exaggerated the harm caused by the document release, suggesting that Manning was being exploited to gather evidence against Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks. Manning was later asked to testify in a U.S. case against Assange, but she refused, leading to her being found in contempt of court on March 8, 2019, and subsequently jailed until March 12, 2020. Chelsea Mannings actions have evoked divergent perspectives, with some considering her a hero and others branding her a traitor. Regardless, her actions have ignited vigorous debate and controversy, pushing the boundaries of whistleblowing, government transparency, and national security. Additionally, Mannings struggle for gender-affirming surgery while in military custody has served as an inspiration for transgender individuals and advocates, shedding light on the challenges faced by the transgender community within the military and society at large. Mannings unwavering resilience and determination in asserting her rights have contributed to the ongoing discourse surrounding transgender rights. In an interview with the Financial Times, Manning revealed that she rarely faces hecklers regarding the intelligence leaks, but occasionally experiences attacks related to her transgender identity. She expressed her resilience, stating that she has become accustomed to such criticism and that it no longer greatly affects her. On speaking about her past, Manning wrote in February 2023: People still come up to me and talk about the stuff from 2010 as if it has any bearing on my current life. But Ive moved on; in my daily work, in my personal life, it almost has no bearing whatsoever. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. When construction began at 280 Marsh Ave. earlier this year, purple Babies R Us signage was wiped from the buildings exterior and a green fence was installed for protection. Three months later, work at the site, which will reportedly house a Hobby Lobby later this year, is rapidly progressing. At this time, we can confirm that a lease has been signed for our location in Staten Island and our estimated opening is 2023, a Hobby Lobby rep said in an email last year, confirming that the store would be launching in the borough. Located on the Staten Island Mall-owned Marsh Avenue site, which formerly housed Babies R Us -- a property that has been closed since 2018 when the company filed for bankruptcy -- the New Springville store now has a large, pointed marquee in place, and its evident that the interior has been entirely gutted. According to the brands website, the location will be Hobby Lobbys first New York City store. There are over 900 stores nationwide, but none currently located in the five boroughs. There are three locations on Long Island, but the stores closest to NYC can be found in Iselin and Holmdel, N.J. The largest privately owned arts-and-crafts retailer in the world, with over 43,000 employees operating in 47 states, the company was founded in 1970 by David and Barbara Green, who took out a $600 loan to begin making miniature picture frames out of their home. Two years later, the fledgling enterprise opened a 300-square-foot store in Oklahoma City. Hobby Lobby was born. For the uninitiated, Hobby Lobby is more than just a crafters paradise. Offering picture-framing and jewelry-making supplies, plus fabrics, floral and a wedding department, the store also features cards and party ware, baskets, wearable art and holiday merchandise. The companys branded, trendy and inexpensive home decor has a devoted following. The retailer is recognized for offering employees salaries well above the national minimum -- the current full-time hourly wage is $18.50. And the Hobby Lobby corporate culture is openly Christian-based: All stores are closed on Sunday, allowing associates time for family and for worship. And although the companys CEO, David Green, has drawn ire for imbuing his religious beliefs into the company, publicly stating that he operates his business in a manner consistent with Biblical principles, selling an abundance of faith-based inventory at every location -- his views have only contributed to Hobby Lobbys success. We believe it is by Gods grace and provision that Hobby Lobby has endured, Green noted in a press release about the companys core values. He has been faithful in the past, we trust Him for our future. KYODO NEWS - Jun 3, 2023 - 09:46 | All, Japan The University of Tokyo has partnered with the University of Chicago, IBM Corp. and Google LLC to enhance research and development in next-generation quantum computing to tackle global-scale challenges including climate change. IBM will provide $50 million to each university over 10 years to fund development of a system capable of solving problems beyond the reach of the most advanced supercomputers of today, the U.S. company said. The universities will also receive up to $50 million in total over 10 years from Google to support their research and the development of human resources. Quantum computing utilizes the quantum mechanical properties of particles and subatomic particles such as photons, atoms and electrons. While a conventional computer uses long strings of bits, which encode either zeros or ones, a quantum computer uses quantum bits, or qubits, representing both zeros and ones simultaneously, allowing it to solve complex calculations at ultra-high speed. The University of Tokyo will work to identify, scale, and run end-to-end demonstrations of quantum algorithms, while the University of Chicago will aim to bring quantum communication to computation, IBM said in May. With the collaboration with the two universities, the company has set a goal of developing a 100,000-qubit system by 2033, it said. The move comes after the University of Tokyo signed an agreement with IBM in 2019 to promote an industry-academia partnership. In 2021, it started conducting research with IBM's 27-qubit quantum computer jointly with a number of firms and other universities. It also plans to operate as early as this fall an IBM machine with 127 qubits at an industry-university research and development facility in Kawasaki near Tokyo. Masashi Kawasaki, professor of applied physics at the University of Tokyo's School of Engineering Quantum-Phase Electronics Center, said that the university is aiming to foster individuals who can handle quantum computers in their work and daily lives by providing opportunities for early and frequent exposure to quantum computers. The director of the IBM-University of Tokyo Laboratory also stressed that the importance of fostering "top-notch" talent able to discover principles in quantum computing and develop quantum machines. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Summer break is almost here, as public school students across New York City will soon celebrate the last day of the school year at the end of the month. But its never too early to start planning for next year. Thursday, Sept. 7, is the first full day of school for Staten Island public school students in the 2023-2024 academic year. The city Department of Educations (DOE) academic calendar includes some two-dozen days off between the first day and the last day of classes on Wednesday, June 26, 2024. The calendar gives time off for the religious holidays Good Friday, Yom Kippur and Eid al-Fitr, and week-long breaks for winter recess, mid-winter recess and spring recess, which include Christmas and Passover. ***RELATED COTENT: First look: NYC Catholic elementary school calendar for 2023-2024*** The school calendar also allows time off for Italian Heritage Day/Indigenous Peoples Day (Columbus Day), Election Day, Thanksgiving, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day and Juneteenth. Dates for parent-teacher conference days for elementary, middle schools and high schools are also posted in the calendar. Here are key dates you need to know: September 2023 September 7 - First day of school September 14 - Evening Parent-Teacher Conferences for elementary schools and Pre-K Centers September 21 - Evening Parent-Teacher Conferences for middle schools and D75 schools September 25 - Schools closed for Yom Kippur September 28 - Evening Parent-Teacher Conferences for high schools, K12, and 612 schools October 2023 October 9 - Schools closed for Italian Heritage/Indigenous Peoples Day November 2023 November 2 - Afternoon and Evening Parent-Teacher Conferences for elementary schools; students in these schools dismissed three hours early November 7 - Schools closed for Election Day November 9 - Afternoon and Evening Parent-Teacher Conferences for middle schools and D75 schools; students in these schools dismissed three hours early November 16 - Evening Parent-Teacher Conferences for high schools, K12, and 612 schools November 17 - Afternoon and Evening Parent-Teacher Conferences for high schools, K12, and 612 schools; students in these schools dismissed three hours early November 23-24 - Schools closed for Thanksgiving recess December 2023 December 25 - Winter recess begins January 2024 January 2 - Classes resume after winter recess January 15 - Schools closed for Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day January 2326 - Regents exams are administered January 29 - Professional Development Day; no classes for students attending high schools and 6-12 schools, all other students attend school January 30 - Spring semester begins February 2024 February 1923 - Schools closed for mid-winter recess March 2024 March 7 - Afternoon and Evening Parent-Teacher Conferences for elementary schools and Pre-K Centers; students in these schools dismissed three hours early March 14 - Afternoon and Evening Parent-Teacher Conferences for middle schools and D75 schools; students in these schools dismissed three hours early March 21 - Evening Parent-Teacher Conferences for high schools, K12, and 612 schools March 22 - Afternoon Parent-Teacher Conferences for high schools, K12, and 612 schools; students in these schools dismissed three hours early March 29 - Schools closed for Good Friday April 2024 April 10 - Schools closed for Eid al-Fitr April 2226 - Schools closed for spring recess (which includes Passover) May 2024 May 9 - Evening Parent-Teacher Conferences for elementary schools and Pre-K Centers May 16 - Evening Parent-Teacher Conferences for middle schools and D75 schools May 23 - Evening Parent-Teacher Conferences for high schools, K12, and 612 schools May 27 - Schools closed for Memorial Day June 2024 STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Soon New Yorkers will have a chance to comment on the MTAs proposed fare and toll increases that are expected to be implemented by Labor Day, pending board approval. The MTA will host four public hearings to solicit feedback on the agencys proposed fare and toll hikes from Thursday, June 22, through Monday, June 26. The hybrid hearings will be held both virtually and in-person at the MTA Headquarters, located at 2 Broadway in Manhattan on the 20th Floor in the William J. Ronan Board Room. The hearings will take place at the following dates and times. To comment on the proposed fare and toll increases at the hearings, residents must pre-register online or by calling the Public Hearing Hotline at (646) 252-6777. Registration will become available starting Saturday, June 3, and will close at the start of each respective hearing. Each speaker will be given a maximum of two minutes. Residents who are unable to attend the public hearings, but still wish to comment, can do so online, by email, mail, or phone. Customers can submit written or video comments online via the MTA website. Residents can comment by phone from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. by calling (646) 252-6777. All mailed comments should be addressed to: MTA Government & Community Relations Attn: Fare Hearings, 2 Broadway, 17th Floor, New York, NY 10004 ABOUT PROPOSED CHANGES During Mays MTA Board Finance Committee meeting, agency officials outlined the proposed fare and toll increases that are designed to increase the agencys fare revenue by 4%, while increasing toll revenue by 5.5%. The MTA had initially planned to increase fare revenue by 5.5%, but additional funding allocated in the new state budget has allowed the agency to bring that number down to 4%, which was the standard biennial increase prior to the onset of the pandemic. Under the proposal, the base fare for buses, subways and paratransit would increase from $2.75 to $2.90, a 5% increase. The price of seven-day MetroCards would increase 3%, from $33 to $34, while the price of 30-day MetroCards would jump 4%, from $127 to $132. For express bus riders, the base fare would go up 4%, from $6.75 to $7, while seven-day express bus MetroCards would increase 3%, from $62 to $64. Additionally, the agency has proposed adjusting its OMNY fare capping pilot program to operate on a rolling basis. Currently, OMNY users are charged $2.75 per ride for their first 12 trips of the week, starting every Monday. Once the rider has paid for 12 trips throughout the week, all subsequent trips are free through the following Sunday. Under the proposed changes, the rides would be counted on a rolling basis, meaning riders would receive free rides any time they pay for 12 trips within a seven-day span, regardless of the day of the week. For bridge and tunnel tolls, the MTA outlined two potential scenarios, one of which would implement higher increases for those without E-ZPass. The first scenario would increase tolls by 7% for both E-ZPass and Tolls-By-Mail users, while the second scenario would raise E-ZPass rates by 6% and Tolls-By-Mail rates by 10%. Under Scenario A, E-ZPass tolls on the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, Robert F. Kennedy Bridge, Bronx-Whitestone Bridge, Throgs Neck Bridge, Queens Midtown Tunnel and Hugh L. Carey Tunnel would increase 7%, from $6.55 to $7.01. Tolls-By-Mail would also increase 7%, from $10.17 to $10.88. On the Henry Hudson Bridge, E-ZPass tolls would go from $3 to $3.21, while Tolls-By-Mail would increase from $7.50 to $8.03. On the Cross Bay Bridge and Marine Parkway Bridge, E-ZPass rates would go from $2.45 to $2.62, with Tolls-By-Mail rates jumping from $5.09 to $5.45. Under Scenario B, E-ZPass tolls on the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, Robert F. Kennedy Bridge, Bronx-Whitestone Bridge, Throgs Neck Bridge, Queens Midtown Tunnel and Hugh L. Carey Tunnel would increase 6%, from $6.55 to $6.96. Tolls-By-Mail would increase 10%, from $10.17 to $11.19. On the Henry Hudson Bridge, E-ZPass tolls would go from $3 to $3.19, while Tolls-By-Mail would increase from $7.50 to $8.25. On the Cross Bay Bridge and Marine Parkway Bridge, E-ZPass rates would go from $2.45 to $2.60, with Tolls-By-Mail rates jumping from $5.09 to $5.60. Once the public comments are reviewed, the MTA Board will vote on the proposed fare and toll increases at the agencys July Board Meeting. If approved, the changes are expected to be implemented no later than Labor Day. ADDITIONAL TRANSPORTATION NEWS Have you been impacted by Staten Island Ferry service reductions? We want to hear from you. Proposed MTA toll increases: Will Staten Island resident discount program on Verrazzano Bridge be impacted? MTA fares, tolls expected to increase by Labor Day: Here are the proposed NYC price hikes NYC congestion pricing: How much more might Staten Islanders pay under controversial program? First new Staten Island Railway cars arrive in NYC: Heres what riders can expect Verrazzano speed cameras proposal nixed, not included in final NY budget As ferryboat Dorothy Day begins passenger service, S.I. Ferry union raises crew training concerns What is the penalty for passing a stopped school bus in New York? NYC parking meters: How much does it cost to park across the city? STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- A 19-year-old high school student was arrested and charged with possession of a loaded weapon on school grounds, said police. Jamier Wilson was arrested on Friday after the gun was found inside Ralph R. McKee High School. Wilson, a student at the St. George school, was charged with five counts of criminal possession of a weapon, police stated. 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! Its Rich List season, and according to the various stocktakes of wealth that have been published recently around the world, its been a tough 12 months at the pointy end. Boo hoo. These annual roll calls of the super rich make fascinating reading when it comes to the rise and fall of the worlds great fortunes, and reveal how so few have managed to have so much. James and Kerry Packer in 1998. Credit: Peter Morris Take, for example, James Packer. A couple of decades ago the billionaires late father, Kerry Packer, was often on top of the Rich List. His son ranked a comparatively modest 18th spot in last weeks Financial Review Rich List with $4.95 billion, yet he receives much more media attention than many of the 17 billionaires in front of him. Indeed, James Packer remains just as famous as Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban, who rank far below him at 198th (their Rich List top 200 debut) with an estimated combined fortune of $695 million. Their wealth is the result of fame being deliberately courted and monetised. Most of the cast was male, reflecting the world of the corporate super-rich, and true to the values of that world, not a word was mentioned about the misogyny in which its characters bathed. That is, until the funeral of Logan Roy, when Shiv, in a rare moment of emotional honesty, broke ranks with her brothers and stopped pretending to be another Roy son, just for a minute. When he let you in, when the sun shone, it was warm, she said of her father. But it was hard to be his daughter he was hard on women. And then, trying to explain: He couldnt fit a whole woman in his head. It was a perfect line about as good a summary of misogyny as I have heard. In the end, Shiv denies her brothers power by choosing her husband, Tom, to take the reins. Credit: HBO/Foxtel Shiv knew her brothers were the same. The decision by the writers to make Shiv pregnant in the final season furthered the dark gender politics of the show. Apart from a brief phone conversation with her doctor about test results, Shiv doesnt acknowledge her pregnancy, and she keeps it secret from her husband Tom (the babys father) and her brothers for as long as she can. She needs to keep pretending to be a man: the only thing the boardroom misogynists respect less than a woman is a pregnant woman. When Mattson ditches her as CEO, he calls her the baby-lady. The pregnancy raises the stakes for Shiv, not just personally (her body and her life forever altered, all that), but in a business sense shes now carrying another potential successor. All of a sudden, her status is potentially elevated. Loading Like a pregnant queen at the Tudor court, she represents a true bloodline, as Roman pointed out in the nasty final confrontation between the siblings. The initial secrecy of the pregnancy was echoed in the secrecy of Shivs dealings against her brothers, as she plotted with Mattson to hand him the business over them. But as women know, biology wins, and even if you act like a man, your body will eventually betray you. Shiv turned that betrayal to her advantage she picked Tom, the father of her child, and in picking him, she secured a seat as close to power as possible. In the end, her value was measured in terms of her sexuality. Earlier in the episode, Tom proved his loyalty to Mattson by unflinchingly allowing the mad Finn to speak about wanting to f--- Shiv, his wife (Mattson also complained she was pushy and too much). Shiv wanted to be CEO of the company under Mattson. Instead, she was the sexual currency the two men traded to stitch up the deal that relegated her. Loading And what of Successions other women? At Logans funeral, his wives and mistresses were corralled on a single pew, a widows club in which any personal bitterness was offset by the size of the settlement they got. Kendall, in his eulogy for his father, listed all the things his father made ships, buildings, companies, money. Then he added that their dad made me and my three siblings. The camera cut to their ice-dry English mother, looking quietly miffed. What did she have to do with it? She was only a supplier of potential successors. But Kendall was right his father was the one who made the Roy children, in the sense that he ruined and weakened them, and doomed them to forever disappoint him. Probably the bleakest message from Succession is that the only person competent enough to be CEO was, of course, a woman, the magnificent Gerri Kellman. But she was summarily sacked when the youngest Roy child, Roman, had a tantrum. A mans world ... Jeremy Strong as Kendall Roy, Sarah Snook as Shiv Roy, and Kieran Culkin as Roman Roy. Credit: Foxtel/HBO The same Roy child with whom she had engaged in a murky-kinky, mutually-harassing phone-sex relationship, a relationship she later held over him to secure an excellent golden parachute from the company. The thorough pessimism with which the show treated its women was bleak, but felt right. KYODO NEWS - Jun 3, 2023 - 20:04 | All, Japan, World Japan, the United States and South Korea agreed Saturday to launch a system that will allow information about North Korean missiles to be shared in real-time by the end of this year, amid Pyongyang's repeated ballistic missile tests. In a joint statement issued following their talks on the sidelines of the Asia Security Summit in Singapore, Japanese Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamada and his U.S. and South Korean counterparts, Lloyd Austin and Lee Jong Sup, said they will "make further progress" toward making the new system operational "over the next few months." The first talks between the three countries' defense ministers since June last year took place on the fringes of the three-day summit in the Southeast Asian city-state, also known as the Shangri-La Dialogue, which began Friday. The planned information-sharing system will enable the three nations to detect and track projectiles fired by the North more accurately and swiftly, and will be "a major step for deterrence, peace and stability," the statement said. The ministers also pledged to hold three-way missile defense drills, alongside anti-submarine drills, on a regular basis in response to North Korea's actions, as well as to act as a deterrent. Japan and South Korea will share real-time information via the United States, since the two U.S. security allies in East Asia do not have a direct communication mechanism established. Washington has a system that is linked with Tokyo and Seoul individually for tracking Pyongyang's missiles from launch to impact. The envisaged framework "will improve each country's ability to detect and assess the threat of North Korean missiles," Hamada told reporters after the trilateral gathering, adding that details are still being worked out. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, U.S. President Joe Biden and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol agreed at a meeting in Cambodia last November to share North Korean missile warning data in real-time. Their defense chiefs held talks after a North Korean military reconnaissance satellite launch failed on Wednesday, with the three countries saying the operation would likely have used ballistic missile technology, which violates U.N. Security Council resolutions. North Korea's state-run Korean Central News Agency said that "serious defects" appeared in an engine of the rocket carrying the satellite after the launch, and admitted it flew abnormally. As Pyongyang has pledged to make another attempt "as soon as possible," and its pre-declared launch window from May 31 to June 11 has yet to end, Tokyo, Washington and Seoul remain on guard over possible further launches. During the talks, Austin reaffirmed his nation's "steadfast alliance commitments" to Japan and South Korea, which are "backed by the full range of U.S. capabilities, including nuclear," according to the statement. Since the start of last year, North Korea has frequently carried out missile tests, with fears lingering that it may be preparing to conduct its seventh nuclear test, the first since September 2017. The three nations have been beefing up their security cooperation against the backdrop of a recent rapprochement between Japan and South Korea after Yoon took office in May last year. Besides North Korea, the three defense ministers reaffirmed the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, where China's military activities have been intensifying, and expressed their strong opposition to any unilateral attempts to alter the status quo, by force or coercion. Also on Saturday, Hamada and Austin held a separate trilateral meeting with their Australian counterpart Richard Marles in Singapore, vowing to increase the number of joint exercises conducted by their forces, as well as expand their activities, according to a joint statement. Advertisement Eating outRestaurant news Filipino food is forging ahead in Sydney - and FiloFomoFest is the place to try it this weekend FiloFomoFest is preparing to welcome thousands of diners to Paddys Markets this Saturday, demonstrating a growing interest in the cuisine. Bianca Hrovat June 2, 2023 Save Log in , register or subscribe to save recipes for later. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share When Philippine-born chefs Francis Dela Cruz and Aileen Aguirre were confined to their Pyrmont home during COVID lockdown, they felt a deep longing for childhood comfort foods such as sweet, buttery ensaymada pastries topped with sharp cheddar cheese; tender, smoky chicken inasal roasted over hot coals; and flaky hand-rolled empanadas filled with hearty beef or chicken. At the time, Filipino food was hard to come by in Sydney. Despite more than 150,000 NSW residents reporting Filipino ancestry in the 2021 census, there were few restaurants to choose from, and certainly none within their five-kilometre radius. We just wanted to eat something nice, something that reminded us of home, and there was nothing, Aguirre says. Filipino cuisine was very much underrepresented. Smoky Cravings in Lakemba has expanded rapidly since COVID. Dion Georgopoulos The pair realised it was time to apply their 15 years of hospitality experience to the cuisine theyd grown up with. Together with friend Lesley Roque, they launched Filipino food delivery business Takam, operating over Instagram. Advertisement Their modern take on Filipino food, using Australian ingredients such as finger lime and king prawns to elevate traditional recipes like noodle-based pancit palabok, proved popular. In February, they opened their first permanent location in Darlinghurst. On Saturday, theyll share Takams take on Filipino cuisine with an expected 6000 visitors at FiloFomoFest, a Filipino food festival being held at Paddys Markets in Homebush. FiloFomoFest returns to Homebush for the second time on Saturday. The food festival, which coincides with the 125th anniversary of Philippine independence from Spanish colonial rule, will feature about 40 stalls curated by the Filipino Food Movement, an organisation dedicated to shining a spotlight on the countrys cuisine. Many stallholders businesses were born out of necessity during prolonged periods of lockdown. Advertisement One of those taking part in the festival is former software engineer Fides Tangarorang, who turned the popular pandemic pastime of breadmaking into Ensaymadas etc. Its become a full-time Instagram-based business and market stall selling traditional Filipino pastries filled with ube (purple yam), jackfruit jam and dulce de leche. Smoky Cravings food truck at Lakemba. Dion Georgopoulos The team behind Smoky Cravings, a popular Filipino barbecue street stall in Lakemba, invested in food trucks as a COVID survival plan. The crowds were overwhelming, says Smoky Cravings co-founder Charisma Benson. Every day, every week, more and more people showed up with their families and friends. For many people, it was their first time trying something like pork or chicken intestine, and they really liked it. Advertisement Today, Filipino food is becoming part of Sydneys culinary landscape. Smoky Cravings recently opened a brick-and-mortar restaurant in Parramatta, joining other venues such as Fauna, an Italian restaurant with Filipino influences, in Surry Hills and Mrs Ube, the unabashedly purple bakehouse in Marayong. Takams king prawn pancit palabok, featuring rice noodles and finger lime. Weve seen a surge of what used to be online businesses becoming brick and mortar, says Filipino Food Movement director Anna Manlulo. Its a real achievement for the community and a good indication the cuisine is finally gaining traction. We want to bring it into the mainstream. Aguirre says Sydneysiders growing interest in Filipino cuisine is part of a global trend. Last year, Chicago restaurant Kasama became the first Filipino restaurant to receive a Michelin star. And in The Age Good Food Guide 2023, Melbourne restaurant Serai was recognised as Victorias best new restaurant, receiving one hat. Advertisement More and more Filipino people are starting to become proud of their food and their heritage, says Aguirre. Its had a massive impact on the wider Australian community. Finally, they want to try Filipino food. FiloFomoFest, 6-10pm, Saturday, June 3, Paddys Night Food Markets, 250-318 Parramatta Road, Homebush West. Free entry Pork small intestine from Smoky Cravings in Lakemba. Dion Georgopoulos Three dishes to try at FiloFomoFest Ensaymadas etcs ensaymadas A traditional Filipino bread, similar to a soft brioche roll, which is typically topped with butter, sugar and grated cheese. At Ensaymadas etc, youll find them with a variety of fillings, including bright purple ube (yam). A traditional Filipino bread, similar to a soft brioche roll, which is typically topped with butter, sugar and grated cheese. At Ensaymadas etc, youll find them with a variety of fillings, including bright purple ube (yam). Takams chicken inasal A modern take on the traditional coal-roasted dish, inasal features lemongrass chicken with garlic rice, pickled pawpaw, spiced vinegar and chicken oil. A modern take on the traditional coal-roasted dish, inasal features lemongrass chicken with garlic rice, pickled pawpaw, spiced vinegar and chicken oil. Smoky Cravings pork intestines More adventurous festival-goers can choose a skewer from the extreme street food portion of Smoky Cravings menu. Crunchy outside and fatty and soft within, barbecued pork intestines are served with sweet and sour sauce. Advertisement Restaurant reviews, news and the hottest openings served to your inbox. Sign up Reana Gallichio was 36 weeks into a pregnancy with twins and it was wearing on her health. She had a cough that refused to get better and her legs were swollen with fluid an early sign of potentially deadly pre-eclampsia. James and Reana Gallichio with their twins Olive and Rose. Credit: Paul Jeffers Reana needed her partner, James, to advocate for her at antenatal appointments. But he was struggling too with being ignored. James said: It felt like, because I was saying it, it wasnt taken very seriously, which was a bit of a strange experience. After the twins were born, when James would ask questions of nurses, theyd answer to his wife. They screened Reana for depression, but did not test James, which made him feel more depressed and uncared for. Industries expected to be most impacted by artificial intelligence are struggling to define how it should be regulated as experts warn stakeholders are not prepared for the inevitable disruption. The government has called for submissions in a snap eight-week consultation about how to classify and regulate the technology, and is considering a ban on high-risk uses of AI. Construction work, office jobs and even judges will be impacted by artificial intelligence. Credit: High risk may be classified as the use of AI-enabled robots in surgery, and AI used in self-driving cars real-time response to safety mechanisms. A recent report by economics advisory firm Mandala Partners found the occupations expected to be the most affected by AI fall into three categories: informers, carers and co-ordinators. By early 2021, before the Taliban spring offensive that would see them take control of the country in August, AIHRC staff had fielded 38 claims of wrongful killing and abuse. The Afghan Independent Human Rights Commissions (AIHRC) Uruzgan office was opened by Haji Abdul Ahad Bahai, pictured working in his office, who is from Uruzgan and known locally as The Chancellor. Credit: Andrew Quilty The news arrived by radio and travelled into Uruzgans remote valleys by word of mouth. Victims were encouraged to visit the AIHRCs Tarin Kowt office; few had heard of it and most had long since lost hope of justice. Word had spread from Australia, whose troops had served in the province until 2014, of the findings from the Inspector-General of the Australian Defence Forces (IGADF) Afghanistan Inquiry Report. Also known as the Brereton report after the judge who led the inquiry it detailed 57 incidents, including 39 unlawful killings, alleged to have been carried out by Australian special forces soldiers. It was to the AIHRC that, late that year, a stream of Uruzganis made their way from across the province. Many had travelled for a day over rutted dirt roads and across the frontlines between territory controlled by the Taliban and the Afghan government. The plyboard sign outside the Uruzgan office of the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission (AIHRC) was barely legible by 2020. The office had opened in a rented house a decade earlier, off the main road in Uruzgans capital, Tarin Kowt, but the 10 freezing winters and scorching summers since had done their work. Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. The legal minefield has severely handicapped and slowed the OSIs efforts to bring war crimes suspects to court. It would have to start its investigations from scratch. In March this year, more than two years after it was established, the OSI laid its first charges. The process of compelling evidence also left many Special Operations Task Group witnesses furious at the organisation to which they had dedicated themselves and for whom they had been physically and mentally wounded and lost friends. Many soldiers felt they were being scapegoated, forced to atone for the strategic failures of the ADF leadership and successive governments that sent them there. Despite the hope aroused among human rights and victim advocacy groups, the OSIs lawyers were circumspect. Much of the testimony acquired in Breretons 4-year probe had been compelled under the threat of punitive action and without current and former ADF witnesses right to silence. Legally, the OSI couldnt touch it . Separately, in 2020, the Morrison government was establishing the Office of the Special Investigator (OSI) to investigate criminal offences arising from the Brereton report and refer briefs of evidence to the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions. At the same time, in Australia, Ben Roberts-Smiths defamation case against The Age, The Sydney Morning Herald and The Canberra Times was working its way through the Federal Court towards Thursdays judgment in which Justice Anthony Besanko found overwhelmingly that Roberts-Smith was, on the balance of probabilities, a murderer, a war criminal, a bully and a disgrace to his country and the Australian military. The report of the Afghan commission detailed 122 wrongful deaths at the hands of soldiers believed to be Australian and Afghan partner forces under their command. (At least some claims likely refer to instances that, while causing death and destruction to non-combatant Afghans, were not deliberate, and so may not constitute war crimes.) Without access to the Brereton report, the OSIs primary reference for its sprawling investigation is the little-known report compiled by the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission (AIHRC) but never made public. The charge against Soldier C now identified as SAS soldier Oliver Schulz was not only the first to be laid by the AFP, but the first-ever charge of a war crime brought against an Australian soldier under Australian law. Long before the video was broadcast, the ADF conducted an internal report into the incident. First reported by Chris Masters in his book No Front Line, and later in Willacys Rogue Forces, it bore little resemblance to what was revealed by the video. Based on interviews with SAS witnesses and a written statement by Soldier C, the ADF report suggested Dad Mohammad was a legitimate target, shot in self-defence, within the rules of engagement, and from a distance of 15 to 20 metres. Although it wasnt audible in the Four Corners program, Mark Willacy writes in his book Rogue Forces that, after having the audio professionally enhanced and analysed, the patrol commander seems to say yes. Soldier C then fires three rounds into the cowering Dad Mohammad, killing him instantly. When Dad Mohammad first appears in the video, he is lying on his back, knees raised to his chest and hands held up in self-defence. An SAS trooper, identified by Four Corners as Soldier C, stands less than two metres away, his assault rifle raised. He turns to the dog handler and asks: Should I drop this c---? He then turns to his patrol commander. At pains to avoid the legally tainted Defence evidence, investigators zeroed in on the killing of Dad Mohammad, captured by the helmet-mounted camera of an SAS dog handler on May 28, 2012, and broadcast by the ABCs Four Corners in March 2020. Before he knew it, the soldiers had burst into his compound, binding his wrists with flexi-cuffs. An interpreter asked him about an old man his father who theyd found in a guestroom in another part of the compound. I gave them his name, he says, and they wrote it down. We werent worried about this at the time. Fazal Rahman, 35, explained how on February 15, 2011, he was slaughtering a sheep at home in Deh Roshan, just north of Tarin Kowt, to celebrate the birthday of the prophet Muhammad. He was used to the sound of helicopters and continued his work as two Black Hawks landed nearby, disgorging Australian troops. Inside the compound, a dozen pairs of shoes and sandals blocked the doorway. Three men sat on plastic chairs in an unlit room warmed by a wood-burning heater. They were being interviewed by a member of AIHRCs Uruzgan staff, who filmed the exchange on his mobile phone. Left to right: Shamsullah, Fazal Rahman and Sharifullah, whose families were alleged victims of separate incidents involving Australian soldiers, are interviewed by Dad Mohammad Hamidzai (out of frame) inside the Uruzgan office of the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission (AIHRC) in Tarin Kowt. Credit: Andrew Quilty When I visited in January 2021 for The Monthly, Tarin Kowt was an island of tenuous Afghan government control in a sea of territory controlled by the Taliban. Most of the countrys 34 provinces were in a similar predicament. The AIHRCs Uruzgan office was a long way from the high-rise Australian government offices in multiple capital cities from which 10 teams of Australian federal and state police detectives and lawyers are operating with an annual budget of more than $50 million. The AIHRCs annual national budget was $US4 million ($6.1 million). The process was far from forensic. And while staff attempted to corroborate allegations through interviews and documentation, the threshold for an allegation of unlawful treatment to be deemed legitimate, to me, seemed worryingly low. As the complainants filed in through the 2020/2021 winter, the details of each case were handwritten onto single-page forms and added to a binder, which was later sent to the AIHRCs Kabul headquarters. It was in late 2020, not long after a redacted version of the Brereton report was made public, that Shaharzad Akbar, AIHRCs Kabul-based commissioner, instructed her investigators to open a probe. Akbar says the report was really about the victims. I wanted their voices to be included in the process. We didnt think theyd kill him, says Fazal Rahman, a decade on. He was just an old man. When the soldiers left, Fazal Rahmans mother cut his cuffs and the two walked to the guest room. The door was damaged and inside the room his father, Aktar Mohammad, lay dead; hed been shot at least twice. When I asked a source with intimate knowledge of the investigative process whether the AIHRC report was up to their standards, they told me plainly: No. I dont doubt the veracity, but the method wasnt great, they added. I decided to research and document a number of cases which had not previously been reported in the media and compare the accounts with the commissions findings. To include a case in the story, I set a minimum threshold of three corroborating accounts. In total, I documented 10 cases and counted 25 wrongful deaths. In addition to these previously unreported cases, I sought out the family of Dad Mohammad. His father, Abdul Malik, 180 centimetres tall with wiry, white eyebrows, hated the foreigners. To him, they were occupiers. He despised the Afghan government and the security forces they supported, too. He didnt even trust human rights organisations like the AIHRC, who he saw as being in cahoots with the foreigners, and had refused to meet with them to record his sons death. Even eight years on, the head of the AIHRC office in Tarin Kowt says, he was very angry. He [has] refused to meet with us. Abdul Malik, the father of two sons who were killed by Australian forces in or around the village of Deh Jawz-e Hassanzai in Uruzgan province. Credit: Andrew Quilty I had covered the wrongful deaths of Afghan civilians at the hands of foreign soldiers for several years, and Abdul Maliks vitriol for the foreigners, as he called them, was particularly strident. Before I met him, worried he might take his anger out on me, our interlocutors frisked him for weapons. F--- their mothers. F--- their wives, he said when I asked of his recollections of the Australians. Every day, they were on our shoulders. They destroyed the dignity of all Pashtuns. I was even more curious to meet Dad Mohammads younger brother, Jamshid, then around 26, who, Id been told, had joined the Taliban to avenge his brothers death. He offered to host me outside Tarin Kowt, in Taliban territory, but intermediaries warned against it. We spoke by phone instead. Jamshid told me Dad Mohammad wasnt even the first member of the family to be killed by the Australians. His eldest brother, Sayeed Mohammad, had been killed running from an earlier raid in the same village. He was, in Australian military terms, a squirter, a fighting-aged male running to avoid being detained and interrogated, or killed. A local tribal elder remembered Sayeed Mohammads death and the fear instilled by the Australians. Whenever there was a raid it was like a fireplace, he says. Anyone who got close would be burnt. Whether you stopped or ran, theyd shoot you. Australian soldiers on patrol in Tarin Kowt. Credit: Ash Sweeting While he says he was too young to fight at the time, Jamshid had, he admits, been close to local Taliban fighters. The day of Dad Mohammads killing, Jamshid had been working in a neighbouring district, harvesting opium from the spring poppy crop. When he heard of his brothers death, he said, I was scared and didnt want to go to my home. He was also filled with rage. Like his father, reporting his brothers killing to the AIHRC was the furthest thing from his mind. I cant show you my heart to show how I felt, he says, But if you lost someone and you faced the people responsible, what would your reaction be? My reaction was to take up a gun. The AIHRC effectively dissolved the day the Taliban took control of Kabul and Afghanistan on August 15, 2021. Shaharzad Akbar who, as Commissioner, oversaw the Uruzgan report, fled the country in the chaotic days that followed. Now living in Britain, she says of the report that we did the best we could under the circumstances, but had it been documented and preserved earlier, when the incidents had happened, I think it would have had more value. By the time we spoke to some of them, she says of witnesses and surviving family members, they had forgotten the details the small details about what happened Some of them didnt know the dates some of them just said, [for example], it was early spring and that made it harder to verify details. The last commissioner at the AIHRC, Shaharzad Akbar. Credit: Andrew Quilty Many incidents had, in fact, been reported to the AIHRC soon after they were alleged to have occurred. Dr Abdul Ghafar Stanikzai, a medical doctor from eastern Afghanistans Logar province who has since resettled in Australia, helped to establish the commissions Tarin Kowt office in 2009 and says it wasnt long before people began to report cases of abuse by Afghan soldiers, police, intelligence officers and by Australian soldiers. Early on, Stanikzai says, before the commission had established a working relationship with the ADF in Tarin Kowt, he would forward reports to the AIHRCs Special Investigations Team in Kabul. The reports of abuse by Australian forces began to form a pattern, but there was no mechanism through which allegations could be further tested, let alone accounted for. Stanikzai says his colleagues in Kabul would provide details of the reports to the Australian embassy there, but it was very rare that wed get feedback. That changed in 2010, when Stanikzai and the ADFs Tarin Kowt-based legal officers began working more closely. It was a positive step, says Stanikzai. Every incident we were informed of, even the small ones, we presented them to the [ADF] legal officers. One ADF legal officer, who first met Stanikzai in 2011, was former major David McBride, who is awaiting trial in Australia on charges relating to the leaking of documents, later published by the ABC, indicating attempts by the ADF to cover up potential war crimes. David McBride says no credibility at all was given to the Afghan version of events. They were all considered to be Taliban agents [or] cynical people on the make. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen I asked McBride in 2021 whether there was any way Australian commanders could have been unaware of the patterns of behaviour later described in the Brereton report. No, he said. Impossible. One case that Stanikzai documented on the day it occurred, in 2012, and which was re-documented for the 2021 AIHRC report, involved a man from the village of Surkh Morghab, 10 kilometres from Tarin Kowt, named Mohibullah, known by his family and friends as Lalai. His was one of the 10 cases I documented independently. Lalai says he was at home on the morning of April 7, 2012, when he heard helicopters. By now he knew not to raise the suspicions of the bearded devils, as Australian Special Forces had become known throughout Uruzgan. Instead, he stayed inside with his wife, mother and sister-in-law. Moments later, four soldiers - three Australian and one Afghan - burst through the door. I knew that youre supposed to put your hands up in these situations, he told me. I put my hands up and they shot me here, he continued, pointing to his left bicep, where a scar remains. One of the Australian soldiers rammed his rifle into Lalais face. Two of his back teeth broke and his nose, he points out, is still crooked from the blow. According to Lalai, a patrol dog was then let off its leash. The dog chomped at his shoulder as an Australian soldier stood over them. Lalais wife and the other women in the house were hysterical. If the women werent screaming, he says, Im sure Id be dead. Mohibullah, better known as Lalai, was shot in the left bicep, bashed in the face with an assault rifle and mauled by a combat dog when Australian and Afghan forces raided his house in Surkh Morghab, Uruzgan province. Credit: Andrew Quilty After being walked outside and placed among a group of around 30 other men from the village, one of his nephews, Naqibullah, also from Surkh Morghab, approached. Naqibullah was part of an Afghan partner force that worked alongside Australian Special Forces in Uruzgan, and we met while I was in Tarin Kowt. Naqibullah knew some of the Australian soldiers who had raided Surkh Morghab, and, through an interpreter, he vouched for his uncle. If hes Taliban, he recalls saying to the Australians, Im Taliban. Australian special forces did more harm than good. Despite the staggering number they killed, they created more enemies than existed before they came. Lalai was released and driven to Tarin Kowt for treatment. I spoke to a local elder named Atiq, who travelled with him and who, after Lalai had received first aid, took him to the AIHRC to report what had happened. Lalais case was one of those that the AIHRC reported to an ADF legal officer. It is also one of which senior Australian commanders were made aware. The [Australian special forces] commander in Uruzgan was definitely aware of the operations and their outcomes, says Stanikzai. They knew because they acknowledged the incidents but came up with different reasons for the outcomes. Like the rest, his account was disbelieved and disregarded. As McBride put it to me in 2021: No credibility at all was given to the Afghan version of events. They were all considered to be Taliban agents [or] cynical people on the make. Loading Despite some shortcomings in the AIHRCs process, and while assessing that some incidents involved the deaths of innocent civilians including, in one case, a mother and her seven children but were not caused deliberately, I found no discrepancies with the findings of their Uruzgan report. A letter written by a senior commander in response to the AIHRC report on the case, dated August 14, 2012, claimed Lalai was not at home at the time of the raid but fleeing through fields from the Australian and Afghan forces. His claim of being struck with a rifle was rejected outright and the matter considered closed. More important, now, after the Brereton report focused blame for alleged abuses and the culture that allowed them to proliferate primarily on low-ranking special forces soldiers, is who signed the letter: Air Commodore C.J. Sawade, deputy commander of Joint Task Force 633, which oversaw all Australian military forces in the Middle East and Afghanistan. Sawades superior at JTF 633 at the time was then Major-General Stuart Smith, who was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for distinguished command and leadership in action for his time at the helm of JTF 633 (which coincided with the period the Brereton report alleges abuse and illegal killings peaked). Smiths predecessor as commander of JTF 633 was then Major-General Angus Campbell, now ADF chief. Campbell was forced in Senate Estimates this week to defend his own honours after he confirmed he had sent letters to current and former defence force personnel to inform them theirs might be cancelled. Loading Defence declined to answer specific questions on the subject or make Sawade available for an interview, saying only that the allegations had been investigated and responses provided. Despite evidence of senior commanders knowledge of complaints like Lalais, however, in the opening pages of Breretons 4-year, 465-page report, he writes the Inquiry has found no evidence that there was knowledge of, or reckless indifference to, the commission of war crimes, on the part of commanders at troop/platoon, squadron/company or Task Group Headquarters level, let alone at higher levels such as Commander Joint Task Force 633, Joint Operations Command, or Australian Defence Headquarters. Nor is the Inquiry of the view that there was any failure at any of those levels to take reasonable and practical steps that would have prevented or detected the commission of war crimes. The credulity afforded to the accounts of soldiers who either conspired to cover up murders or abuse or were, in the unforgiving special operations environment, understandably afraid to come forward at the time, allowed not only the behaviour of a few to proliferate but the antipathy of Afghans in rural Uruzgan toward all Australian special forces to grow. In this respect, the actions of a minority of Australian special forces and the failure of defence leadership to address those actions represents not only poor soldiering and a breakdown in the military chain of command, but jeopardised the security interests of Australia and its allies. Loading While the strategic failures of the US-led coalition in Afghanistan extend well beyond these alleged war crimes in Uruzgan, the almost unanimous view of the several dozen victims, survivors and relatives of victims I spoke to is that Australian special forces did infinitely more harm than good and, despite the staggering number they killed, created more enemies in Uruzgan than existed before they came. After news of the arrest of Oliver Schulz this year, my colleague phoned Jamshid, the brother of Schulzs alleged victim, Dad Mohammad. After helping to overrun government forces and take control of Tarin Kowt in August 2021, Jamshid had returned to his pre-Taliban life. I have not been able to find a job, he says. I am currently working in my field. He had heard about Schulzs arrest on social media. I dont know much about the Australian constitution, he says, but I hope that justice will be served for my brothers killer. Reflecting on the time Australian special forces were operating in Uruzgan, he says: They were not in Afghanistan to help build the country but to destroy it and kill innocent people. People feared for their lives and were forced to fight against them. Shaharzad Akbar who, as Commissioner, oversaw the Uruzgan report, fled the country. Of the report, Akbar, who now lives in the UK, says we did the best we could under the circumstances. Credit: Andrew Quilty For Shaharzad Akbar, the last commissioner at the AIHRC, the Australian criminal investigation matters because for such a long time in Afghanistan we have had a culture of impunity. For decades, even prior to the international intervention governments, armies, warring parties have killed Afghan civilians, have harmed Afghan civilians, and have gotten away with it. The message, she says, continuously to Afghans, is that your life does not have value and the harm that comes to you, you just have to live with it. Correction: An earlier version of this story stated that Air Commodore C.J. Sawades commanding officer when he signed a letter responding to the shooting of Mohibullah was the current Chief of Defence Force, General Angus Campbell. Campbell was in command from January 2011 to January 2012. The error was made in editing. A third of all public school students now drop out of school before they graduate year 12 despite years of policymaking aiming to keep them learning for longer in a bid to boost their lifetime earning potential. Reversing the decline in high school retention rates is one of a suite of ambitious targets the NSW Department of Education has failed to meet according to its 2022 annual report released last week. Teenagers who feel good about themselves tend to do better at school. Credit: Dominic Lorrimer Despite this trend, the proportion of school-leavers going on to university, training or work has risen to almost 92 per cent, the highest in more than a decade. That target will rise to 93 per cent by 2028. Other targets include boosting the number of public school children who score in the top two bands for NAPLAN and the HSC, lifting the proportion of Aboriginal students who complete year 12 to 50 per cent and reducing the academic gap between the poorest and most affluent students. Police have charged a 17-year-old boy with one count of murder after a man was found dead with stab wounds in South Yarra on Saturday night. Emergency services were called to a Surrey Road address just after 8pm on Saturday, following the discovery of the 34-year-old Ripponlea mans body. Police at the scene of the South Yarra stabbing. Credit: Nine News A 17-year-old from Melbournes south-east was charged on Sunday night after investigations by homicide detectives. He will appear before a childrens court. Jorge Gamba, a resident of the Surrey Road apartment building for more than 10 years, said the dead man was a gentleman who spent a lot of time caring for his disabled partner. The NSW government is facing its first major test over the states endangered koala population after a key environment agency raised significant concerns about the impact of a 3300-home development on the last chlamydia-free group of the species in the city. The second stage of Lendleases controversial planned housing development near Sydneys largest healthy koala population at Gilead in the citys south-west received vital environmental approvals from Campbelltown City Council in April. The Gilead area is home to the last chlamydia-free group of koalas in greater Sydney. Credit: Nick Moir The development is hugely controversial due to the area being home to between 300 and 500 koalas believed to be the last chlamydia-free group left in greater Sydney. It would result in 53 hectares of land being cleared to make way for new housing. Despite receiving more than 600 submissions opposing the application, the council voted 11 to one to approve a biodiversity certificate which will allow Lendlease to begin land clearing at the site if it is ticked off by Environment Minister Penny Sharpe. By any measure Bubs Australia co-founder Kristy Carr has been busy of late, so it was somewhat surprising to see her Newport house at the end of Bungan Beach hit the market this week with a $5 million guide. Carr was recently ousted as chief executive of the infant formula maker by new chair Katrina Rathie, who herself was only weeks into the role. Krisy Carrs contemporary Newport home is set directly behind her weatherboard cottage that backs onto Bungan Beach. Credit: Domain Carr and the companys recently deposed chair Dennis Lin then fired back, mounting a push to spill the board in a bid to parachute A2 Milks former executive Peter Nathan into the top job. Carr has since stated on her LinkedIn that she was prevented from saying goodbye to her team, and Bubs second-biggest shareholder Jack Gance, of Chemist Warehouse, has weighed in with his support for the spill. Hanoi: Sipping a glass of locally brewed beer and tucking into a banh mi, Anthony Albanese has been toasted in Vietnam as he backed the countrys stance against Chinese incursions in the South China Sea. Almost four decades after first setting foot in the South-East Asian nation in his early 20s, the Australian leader began a two-day official visit to Vietnam on Saturday his first since Labor took office last year. The stop marks 50 year since Australia established diplomatic relations with Hanoi and comes at a time of increasing tension internationally. Among the growing arenas of friction is the South China Sea, where Vietnam is one of several states engaged in territorial disputes with Beijing, which claims almost all of the waterway. By Takuya Karube, KYODO NEWS - Jun 3, 2023 - 09:00 | All, Japan CIA chief William Burns visited China last month, a U.S. official said Friday, as Washington seeks to resume high-level communications with Beijing in spite of heightened tensions between the two countries. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that the director of the Central Intelligence Agency traveled to Beijing "where he met with Chinese counterparts and emphasized the importance of maintaining open lines of communication in intelligence channels." The secret mission by Burns, one of President Joe Biden's closest confidants, marked the highest-level known trip by a U.S. official to China in many months, as bilateral ties further deteriorated earlier this year after the United States shot down what it described as a Chinese spy balloon traveling over its territory. The visit, first reported by the Financial Times, became known after Biden dropped a hint during a press conference about two weeks ago in the Japanese city of Hiroshima, saying of the soured U.S.-China relationship, "I think you're going to see that begin to thaw very shortly." On Friday, Biden's security adviser Jake Sullivan said the United States wants to engage with China and is available for military-to-military dialogue, just after the defense chiefs of the two countries exchanged greetings at a security forum in Singapore. "We're available for strategic discussions" on topics ranging from outer space and cyberspace to nuclear issues, Sullivan said at a meeting in Washington hosted by the Arms Control Association. But Sullivan said the United States will not beg China to come to the table. "We just say, 'We're ready to talk when you're ready to talk,'" he said. He underscored that such dialogue is necessary to manage competition responsibly and minimize the risk of conflict, adding, "Frankly, the rest of the world should look at this question and say, 'What does it mean to be a responsible, significant power in the world?'" "Doesn't it mean actually being prepared to engage in military-to-military communications, particularly where our militaries are operating in close proximity and where these strategic issues have deep and fundamental stakes for the entire world? I think most countries would answer that, 'Yes,'" he said. His remarks came after U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin shook hands with his Chinese counterpart Li Shangfu and spoke briefly with him on Friday during a dinner to open the annual Shangri-La Dialogue. Austin and Li "did not have a substantive exchange," according to U.S. Defense Department spokesman Pat Ryder. Amid escalated tensions over Taiwan, Russia's war against Ukraine and many other issues, China had rejected a U.S. request to arrange an official meeting between the defense chiefs on the margins of the three-day security forum. China severed military-to-military communication channels with the United States after then House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan in August, becoming the most senior U.S. official to set foot on the democratic island in a quarter century. About a week before the G-7 summit was held in the Japanese city in mid-May, Sullivan and China's top diplomat Wang Yi had more than eight hours of what both governments called "candid, substantive and constructive" talks in Vienna in an apparent bid to break the impasse. Sullivan revealed Friday that he broached issues with Wang such as the importance of restoring lines of communication between senior military officials and engaging with China on nuclear arms control "without preconditions." "We will continue to indicate our willingness to participate in these discussions on a going-forward basis, and we'll see what (China) chooses to do," he said. Related coverage: Biden says G-7 should engage with China based on "shared principles" FOCUS: Biden leaves Hiroshima with slight change in tone on China U.S., Papua New Guinea sign defense pact amid competition with China A Scottish council has ordered the removal of a giant mural of a hook-nosed witch with warts from the side of a village pub because it was based on historically inaccurate false narratives. Councillors in Fife said the image on the side of the 19th-century Larachmhor Tavern in Pittenweem was not a realistic depiction of women who were tried and executed for witchcraft. Larachmhor Tavern in Pittenweem. Credit: YouTube/Witch on the Wall Planning officers said the mural, which appeared on the pub last Halloween, was not only inaccurate but also gaudy in its use of colour and stylisation. The councils northeast planning committee rejected an application for retrospective planning permission and it must now be removed. KYODO NEWS - Jun 3, 2023 - 23:35 | All, Japan Two people died and at least 35 people were injured after heavy rain pounded wide areas of Japan, local authorities said Saturday, with landslides and river flooding occurring in many parts in the country's east. Thunderstorms were observed developing in succession from Friday through Saturday morning in western and central areas, with 23 locations in eight prefectures seeing record levels of 24-hour rainfall, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. The severe weather conditions were caused by warm and moist air blowing from Typhoon Mawar and a rain front near Japan's main island of Honshu. The typhoon was downgraded to an extratropical cyclone at around 3 p.m. Saturday after moving to the Izu island chain south of Tokyo, the agency said. Rising rivers prompted some local governments, such as Toyohashi in Aichi Prefecture, to issue the most severe flood warning to residents, calling on them to immediately move to safer ground. In Toyohashi, a 61-year-old man was pronounced dead early Saturday after being found inside a car in a flooded field Friday night, police said, adding that the vehicle was nearly completely submerged. A man fishing in Moka, Tochigi Prefecture, also died after being swept into an irrigation channel. At least five people went missing, while 232 houses were completely or partially destroyed, the authorities said. At least 2 million people were temporarily advised to evacuate in Gifu, Shizuoka, Aichi and Mie prefectures. In part of the Shizuoka Prefecture city of Hamamatsu, 497.5 millimeters of rainfall was recorded, while 419 mm fell in Toyohashi in 24 hours through Saturday morning, the agency said. In the Kanto region centering on Tokyo, 47.5 mm of rainfall was observed in an hour in Funabashi, Chiba Prefecture, and 45 mm in Nerima Ward, Tokyo, on Saturday morning. Central Japan Railway Co. resumed all bullet train services between Tokyo and Osaka around noon, after suspensions caused by the rain. Services on the Tokaido Shinkansen line had been suspended on the section between Tokyo and Nagoya in Aichi Prefecture. Trains between Nagoya and Shin-Osaka stations were running about once an hour until around noon. The company made trains available for stranded passengers Friday at Tokyo, Nagoya and Shin-Osaka stations. Some 5,300 people spent the night sheltering in the cars, it said. Passengers who were forced to spend the night at a station or in a train looked exhausted after the experience. "About 80 percent of the seats were occupied," Kengo Kaku, 46, from Okayama Prefecture said after spending the night in a bullet train at Tokyo station. "I could recline my seat only slightly. I didn't get good sleep." Nagoya Station remained congested, even on Saturday night, as stranded passengers checked the operational status of trains on an electronic signboard. Related coverage: Heavy rain pounds Japan, prompting evacuation alerts, 1 dies A n organised crime boss who had been on the run since 2018 has been jailed after being extradited to the UK from Thailand. Richard Wakeling, 55, from Brentwood, Essex, arrived back in the country on Thursday evening and appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court on Friday afternoon, the National Crime Agency (NCA) said, adding that he was immediately jailed for 11 years after being convicted in his absence. The NCA said Wakeling was found guilty of trying to import 8 million worth of amphetamine suspended in liquid in 2016, but fled the UK on the eve of his trial in 2018. He was escorted back to Heathrow by specialist officers from the Joint International Crime Centres extradition unit. The NCA said that in February 2023 officers from the Royal Thai Police arrested Wakeling at a Bangkok garage as he went to collect his car after repair. At the time of his arrest, he was in possession of a passport in another identity. The NCA began its investigation into Wakelings organised crime group after Border Force officers stopped a truck boarding a Channel Tunnel train on April 9 2016. The truck contained plastic drums carrying the drugs. The driver was transporting furniture from Italy but stopped at Ternat in Belgium, where phone evidence showed he was directed to collect the drugs. The NCA said the entire importation was set up by Wakeling, who was in contact with drug suppliers in the Netherlands and liaised with two other UK offenders to arrange the journey. Officers proved the crime group had organised six other importations before the 2016 seizure. After Wakeling fled in 2018, the NCA issued an appeal for help finding him. Jacque Beer, NCA regional head of investigations, said: Richard Wakeling thought he could avoid facing justice by leaving the UK. The hard work of NCA officers both here in the UK and overseas and that of our international partners has put him behind bars for a lengthy prison sentence. This case highlights the NCAs global reach and that we will do everything we can to ensure those who commit serious and organised crime are held accountable for their actions, no matter how long it takes or how far they flee. M ayor of London Sadiq Khan says the capital needs more migrants and wants the powers to let more people come to the city to work. The politician said he had respect for people who believed the numbers of people coming to the UK should go down but said increased migration would boost Londons economy. Speaking to Channel 4 News, he said: Ive no hesitation in saying we need more migrants in London. He added: Park the social benefits to our city from migration, park the cultural benefits to our city from migration, Ive spent this morning with some of our citys leading business people who create jobs, wealth and prosperity. Theyve got a skills shortage and a labour shortage. Weve got a pipeline of training up Londoners for future proofed jobs, even if every single Londoner who is currently not working was trained up to do these jobs we would still have a massive number of vacancies, a record number of vacancies in the health sector, in social care sector and hospitality and tech and so forth so we need a sensible migration policy. He used the example of an aging workforce in the construction industry and the loss of EU-born workers as proof of the need for sensible migration and said if other parts of the country wanted lower migration then London should be allowed to go its own way. He said: Devolve to cities like London the powers to have a regional shortage occupation list so I can be in charge of deciding how many people come into London to help our economy. A Russian soldier has been killed or wounded for every 48cm of ground they have gained in the devastated city of Bakhmut, according to the UK Ministry of Defence. They said Russia had advanced around 29km but at the cost of up to 60,000 casualties since May 2022. In a video released today, the MoD said: In February 2022, Russia likely planned to complete the capture of the whole of the Donbas region within 10-14 days. But in Bakhmut, for every 48cm gained, one of its soldiers has been killed or wounded. The film posted online shows the shattered remains of the city, whose capture has been one of Russias major aims in the war, which it says is now home to just 1% of the pre-war population of 70,000. They said those remaining in the city have no access to power, water or heating. Earlier this month, Russia claimed to have captured Bakhmut, in eastern Ukraine, after about a year of fighting. Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin said last month the Russian mercenary group lost more than 20,000 fighters in the drawn-out battle for the city while Moscow said it has lost just over 6,000 troops in the entire war. Russia has kept up a steady barrage on the Ukrainian capital and other parts of the country in recent weeks as Kyiv readies what it says is a counter-offensive to push back Moscows troops, 15 months after their full-scale invasion. By Elvin Sakhavatoglu Iran has started the next stage of its hostile campaign against Azerbaijan. The detention of Azerbaijani student Farid Safarli on charges of "espionage" is a vivid example of this. What is happening around Farid Safarli? Azerbaijani student studying in Germany. Farid Safarli, 27, a student at the University of Jena, traveled to Tehran on February 20, 2023 to meet his girlfriend. Although he was due to return to Germany on 5 March, he did not return. Although Farid's family began searching, they could not find any results. Dilara Askerova, his mother, was told at the Iranian embassy in Azerbaijan that information about your son would be provided by April 2. But no information was given. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan also sent a note to Iran regarding Farid Safarli. Recently it became known that Farid, who allegedly went missing, was arrested in Iran on charges of "espionage". The unchanging Azerbaijani policy of the mullah regime After Iran's relations with Azerbaijan deteriorated, Tehran began to make various baseless accusations against our country and make radical decisions. Sometimes Tehran conducts exercises on our borders, sometimes spreads a video of how they are going to occupy Baku, sometimes organizes an attack on our embassy, ??sometimes opens a consulate in Gafan, and sometimes calls the Armenian border a "red line". The goal is to distract Azerbaijan from its goals and form influence in the region. But the course of events shows that Iran's aggressive steps against Azerbaijan have no effect on official Baku's policy. Therefore, the Iranian authorities began to use new methods. One gets the impression that official Tehran is trying to put pressure on Baku by arresting Farid Safarli on charges of "espionage". If we look at recent history, we will see that this is not Iran's first aggressive behavior towards Azerbaijani citizens. In October 2008, official Tehran arrested Rashad Aliyev, an Azerbaijani, on false charges. Apparently, the Iranian regime has not changed its character and political goals even after years. Iranian authorities spew hatred and threats against both southern and northern Azerbaijanis. For example, Iran's position on Karabakh and its all-round support for Armenia stem from its historical enmity against the Azerbaijani people and state. Official Tehran is also jealous of the peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia and does not hesitate to provoke Yerevan into provocations in order to hinder this process. All this shows that Iran poses a threat to both the Azerbaijani state and the Azerbaijani people. To the attention of our compatriots wishing to visit Iran! The provocative steps of official Tehran towards Azerbaijan show that the Iranian regime is planning all this in advance. Then who can guarantee that an Azerbaijani citizen who went to Iran for trade, medicine or any other business will not be recognized as a "spy" and arrested? The facts about Farid Safarli and Rashid Aliyev prove that the Iranian special services did this job "professionally". It is true that the land border with Iran is currently closed. However, Azerbaijani citizens travel to Iran using a third country. They put their lives in danger. Because as the network of the Iranian regime in Azerbaijan is exposed, it becomes more and more aggressive and does not stop at false accusations and slander against our citizens. For this reason, Azerbaijani citizens should avoid visiting Iran. Of course, official Baku can ban Azerbaijani citizens from visiting Iran. This practice exists in world experience. For example, the US and Japan have banned their citizens from visiting North Korea. Violators of the ban are severely punished. If the Iranian regime intensifies its aggression against the citizens of Azerbaijan, it will be discussed that official Baku will impose such a ban. KYODO NEWS - Jun 3, 2023 - 12:59 | All, World U.S. President Joe Biden on Friday praised Congress for its last-minute passage of legislation to raise the government's borrowing limit, describing it as a "crisis averted" in his first address to the nation from the Oval Office. Biden said he will sign the bill into law on Saturday, pointing out that "passing this budget agreement was critical. The stakes could not have been higher." His speech from the most formal of presidential settings came before the so-called "X-date" on Monday, when the Treasury Department had warned the United States would run out of money to pay all of its bills on time. Hailing the consensus Democrats and Republicans eventually reached after knife-edge negotiations, he said, "No one got everything they wanted but the American people got what they needed." "We averted an economic crisis and an economic collapse," said the Democratic president, who is running for re-election in 2024. The passage of the bill this week in both chambers of Congress will suspend the $31.4 trillion debt ceiling through Jan. 1, 2025, enabling the federal government to continue borrowing money while requiring it to cap spending that is not associated with veterans or national defense for the same two-year period. The 99-page bill, based on a deal struck by Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy over the weekend, takes the threat of default off the table until after the November 2024 presidential election. The package also expands work requirements for some receiving food aid benefits and claws back unspent COVID-19 relief funds. Related coverage: U.S. Senate OKs debt ceiling bill, sends it to Biden for signature U.S. House passes debt limit bill days before possible default F ormer newsreader Donna Traynor has said the amount paid in the settlement of her tribunal case against the BBC has been exaggerated in speculation. Traynor, a former BBC Newsline presenter, had alleged she was discriminated against on the basis of age, sex and disability. The industrial tribunal was resolved without any admission of liability in Belfast on Friday. The BBC and its Northern Ireland director Adam Smyth were respondents in the case. I brought this case for more important reasons than simply compensation. In a social media post on Saturday, Traynor said: There has been speculation about the amount to be paid in the settlement of my employment tribunal case against the BBC and Adam Smyth. This figure has been exaggerated. While I am very happy with what was agreed, I want to make it clear that I brought this case for more important reasons than simply compensation. I believe I have achieved this and now intend to put the matter behind me. Speaking at the conclusion of proceedings on Friday, Mr Smyth said he wished Traynor well in the future but would not comment on any financial settlement. When the case opened on Wednesday, Traynors counsel, Patrick Lyttle KC, said she had faced bullying and harassment following her opposition to a BBC plan to move her to a radio position several days a week in 2019. But on Friday, the hearing, which had been expected to last for several days, was halted when a settlement between the parties was announced. Mr Lyttle read out a short agreed statement between the two sides. It stated: The dispute between Donna Traynor and the BBC and Adam Smyth has ended, without any admission of liability on the part of either respondent. Donna Traynor acknowledges the BBC and Adam Smyth continue to refute strongly all the allegations made against them, including the claims made on the opening day of the tribunal. The parties are pleased that this matter has been brought to a conclusion and intend to put it behind them. The statement made no reference to costs or any financial settlement. Traynor left the tribunal without making any further comment about the settlement. When asked by the PA news agency whether she was relieved that the case was over, Traynor said: Its a gorgeous day, isnt it? But she tweeted: My employment tribunal case is now settled and over. Many thanks to everyone who has sent me supportive messages in recent times. Wishing you well. Donna. Speaking to the media as he left the hearing, Mr Smyth said: You have heard the joint statement, we are very glad to have reached a resolution. We wish Donna all the best for the future. Asked whether there had been a financial settlement in the case, Mr Smyth said: You have heard the joint statement, I refer you to that. We dont have any comment to make about the settlement beyond what has been said in the tribunal. Asked about the use of public money in the case, Mr Smyth said: The only comment I have to make about licence fee-payers money is that we treat it very carefully and very sensitively and we think about every penny that we spend. You will have heard that we strongly refuted all of the accusations against us, that is our position. The settlement we have reached today is acceptable. Traynor resigned in November 2021 after nearly 33 years at the broadcaster. She had raised a formal grievance after refusing to accept a plan that would have involved her moving to presenting the Evening Extra radio show several nights a week. When the tribunal opened on Wednesday, her legal team had argued she was a victim of age discrimination, sex discrimination and disability discrimination. Her barrister had said that she was presented on her 55th birthday with the plan which would have involved her moving to radio on some evenings. He had alleged sex discrimination because, he said, Traynor was to be moved to radio to settle a gender imbalance issue at Radio Ulster. Mr Lyttle had also said Traynor had repeatedly raised concerns about working on radio because she is deaf in her left ear. Traynor joined the BBC in 1989 and presented radio news bulletins before moving into TV. She has been nominated twice for the Royal Television Society award for presenter of the year. F ilmmaker Ken Loach has claimed antisemitism is being used to purge Labour of politicians on the left as he criticised the party for blocking a mayor for sharing a platform with him. The director blamed Sir Keir Starmer for what he called a dishonest move to prevent serving North of Tyne mayor Jamie Driscoll to run for the North East mayoralty. The move was linked to him speaking at an event alongside Mr Loach, who was expelled from the party amid efforts to tackle the antisemitism experienced during Jeremy Corbyns leadership. The UKs equalities watchdog found Labour was responsible for unlawful acts of harassment and discrimination as the former leader struggled to tackle antisemitism. But Mr Loach told the PA news agency that keeping Mr Driscoll off the longlist published on Friday because they shared a platform was the lamest excuse Ive ever heard. After criticising Sir Keir for having broken his commitments during the leadership campaign, Mr Loach added: The whole antisemitism issue has been substantially revealed as a campaign that is not based on fact. Its based on political determination to do a number of things, to remove people from the left, to protect the state of Israel, which many people, many Jewish people in the Labour Party, oppose, oppose this campaign. Mike Katz, the national chairman of the Jewish Labour Movement, which had spoken out against Mr Driscoll for speaking alongside Mr Loach as hugely upsetting for the Jewish community, criticised the directors denialism. This is exactly the sort of offensive downplaying and denialism that Keir Starmer was right to say is as unacceptable as the antisemitism itself that so many Jewish Labour members went through under Corbyn, Mr Katz said. Of course, Loach has ignored the fact that the independent equalities regulator, the EHRC, found Labour guilty of breaking equalities law on antisemitism. Mr Driscoll defended his own record tackling antisemitism after Mr Loachs comments. Described as the last Corbynista in power, the exclusion of Mr Driscoll from the longlist has sparked concern among some on the left of the Labour party. John McDonnell, who was Mr Corbyns shadow chancellor, blamed completely out of control factionalism under Sir Keir. A senior Labour source told PA that Mr Driscolls appearance at the event at Newcastles Live Theatre in March and then refusing to apologise is clearly incompatible with our promise to have zero tolerance of antisemitism. Mr Loach has long been celebrated for his socially-critical films, with 2016s I, Daniel Blake winning the Bafta Award for Outstanding British Film for depicting a mans struggle with the welfare system. But he was expelled from Labour in 2021 during what he called at the time a purge of Corbyn allies. On Saturday, the veteran filmmaker defended his friend Mr Driscoll as a very fine, imaginative and hardworking mayor as he criticised Sir Keir. Starmers clique revealed themselves yet again as dishonest, cunning, manipulative with no care for the people theyre supposed to represent, Mr Loach told PA. The people who will suffer from Starmers manipulative, dishonest treatment of Jamie Driscoll are the people of North Tyneside, and the people who will lose by Starmers treachery will be the people of this country. This manipulative act, dishonest act the people who suffer are the people of Jamie Driscolls constituency. Mr Loach said he was expelled from Labour for supporting campaigns to prevent some individuals from being kicked out of the party in what he described as a McCarthyite approach. Following the comments, Mr Driscoll said: Under my leadership the North of Tyne has adopted the IHRA (International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance) definition of antisemitism and references all the examples. We were the first combined authority to work with the EHRC. I work with the Jewish Leadership Council and visit local synagogues. Ive taken part in JLM training. The NEC said there was no suggestion of antisemitism against me. Being blocked from running for the new mayoral authority adds to the list of Labour politicians on the left who have lost out under the new leadership. Sir Keir has blocked Mr Corbyn from running from the party in Islington North over his response to the Equalities and Human Rights Commissions (EHRC) findings. The EHRC pulled Labour out of two years of special measures after the party improved its complaints and training procedures to protect party members from antisemitism. Former shadow home secretary Diane Abbott had the Labour whip suspended for suggesting Jewish, Irish and Traveller people are not subject to racism all their lives. Senior Conservatives were also among those backing Mr Driscoll after the decision to block him. Former levelling-up secretary Simon Clarke said he feels very sorry for the mayor he described as knowledgeable, passionate about the NE and refreshingly non-partisan. Having worked with him as vaccines minister, Nadhim Zahawi said Mr Driscoll was always professional and didnt play politics, just wanted to protect the people he represents. Sorry to hear this Jamie. You are a good man. Stay strong, the former chancellor added. H olly Willoughby is saddened to hear her former co-star Phillip Schofield has been suffering with mental health problems since leaving the show, according to reports. Holly, 42, will return to host ITVs This Morning alongside former Big Brother winner Josie Gibson, 38, on Monday after flying back to the UK from a holiday in Portugal. Schofield said he lost everything amid the fallout from the news of his affair with a younger colleague on the set of This Morning. In a BBC interview with Amol Rajan on Friday, he spoke about the effect of the backlash on his mental health. It is relentless, and it is day after day, after day, after day, he said. If you dont think that that is going to have the most catastrophic effect on someones mind... do you want me to die? Because thats where I am. I have lost everything. My girls [his daughters] saved my life. This is how Caroline Flack felt, he added, referencing when the presenter took her own life in February 2020. Insiders told The Sun that Holly has been left distraught following the revelations. A source said: Holly has not spoken to Phil, but was saddened to see him like that. Seeing Phil so downtrodden and in a bad way was distressing for a number of people who know him personally. There is a big team on This Morning and it was shocking for people to see him that way. The pair were once best friends / PA Archive It is an incredibly sad situation. Phil has his daughters and friends supporting him now. The focus for the This Morning team and Holly is to deliver the best shows they can, moving forward. It is what Phil wants too ? he has made that clear. He loves This Morning and wants it to thrive again, despite his exit. Asked whether he told his co-host about the relationship, Schofield said: No, oh God, no, thats a bigger question because our make-up room was like a sanctuary so you tell everything in that room. Holly knows everything about me, I know everything about Holly.... Holly did not know. Nobody knew. I didnt tell anybody. He earlier apologised to Holly for lying to her about his relationship, adding: Ive lost my best friend. I let her down. I let that entire show down. I let the viewers down. Holly did not know [about the affair] and she was one of the first texts that I sent, to say: I am so, so sorry that I lied to you. She didnt reply and I understand why. Schofield was dropped from his talent agency YMU after admitting he lied to the company about the affair. on Friday the This Morning presenter Alison Hammond became emotional live on air as she spoke about her former colleague. Hammond, who has been co-hosting This Morning with Dermot OLeary, said the situation was really painful. She said: Im finding it really painful. I still love Phillip Schofield, however, what hes done is wrong. KYODO NEWS - Jun 3, 2023 - 17:40 | World, All U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin warned Saturday that any conflict in the Taiwan Strait would be devastating. Speaking at the Asia Security Summit in Singapore, Austin expressed concern that China "continues to conduct an alarming number of risky intercepts of U.S. and allies' aircraft flying lawfully in international waters." "We have all just seen another troubling case of aggressive and unprofessional flying by the PRC," he said, referring to China by the acronym for its official name, the People's Republic of China. "To be clear, we do not seek conflict or confrontation but we will not flinch in the face of bullying or coercion," which is especially important concerning the Taiwan Strait, he said. China regards Taiwan, a self-ruled democratic island, as a renegade province to be united with the mainland, by force if necessary. Austin told the annual regional security forum, also known as the Shangri-La Dialogue, that Washington seeks open lines of communication with Beijing to prevent miscalculation. "For responsible defense leaders, the right time to talk is anytime," he said. "And the right time to talk is now." The Pentagon chief said, "A handshake over dinner is not a substitute for substantive engagement," apparently referring to a brief handshake he had with China's Minister of National Defense Li Shangfu on Friday, the first day of the three-day event. China had rejected a U.S. proposal for the two sides to meet on the sidelines of the forum. But Austin and Li were spotted shaking hands around a dinner table before the opening dinner, according to a Tweet by a Wall Street Journal reporter. Austin gave the assurance that "the United States remains deeply committed to preserving the status quo in the strait, consistent with our long-standing one-China policy and with fulfilling our well-established obligations under the Taiwan Relations Act." Thirteen days into his nearly 400-kilometre walk on the Camino de Santiago, outside Burgos in northern Spain, Fletcher Swift felt blue. I was walking, and I was really tired. My walk wasnt the best. I just really wanted to get to my hotel room, said Swift, a former Wainfleet resident who calls California home these days. With aching feet, Swift said he wanted to be transported the remaining six kilometres or so. I never wanted to quit, though. As he continued on, Swift said a man, who appeared to be in his 80s, approached him on the trail. He walked toward me, stopped and put out his hand to shake mine. They dont really do that (on the trail) unless youre being introduced to someone. It was odd. I put my hand out to shake his. He took hold of mine and started singing to me, looking right in my eyes. He sang in Spanish for about 20 seconds, said Buen Camino and left. Buen Camino is a greeting used by people on the Camino de Santiago, be they hikers, cyclists or pilgrims on a religious journey. It can mean good walk, good road, good path or good luck and happy travelling. In Port Colborne last month for a visit, Swift said he needed the energy from the short song and man. They said the Camino provides. It provided that day. It was great. I heard other stories like that. Swift, who works for software giant Adobe, started his hike on the Camino de Santiago in St-Jean-Pied-de-Port, France April 8 and finished his first journey in Sahagun, Spain, April 27. The movie The Way set the Wainfleet expat on his way to France and the Camino. Directed by Emilio Estevez and starring his father, Martin Sheen, its about a fathers trip to retrieve his sons body in the Pyrenees after he was killed during a storm walking the Camino. A description for the 2010 movie says Sheens character starts the walk in a combination of grief and homage to his son, whose ashes he carries with him. I watched it about three years ago. The movie didnt even finish, and I said, Im going to do that. With a months sabbatical from Adobe, Swift booked a flight earlier this year. Everyone does it (the Camino) for different reasons. For some, its a religious pilgrimage. I did it to disconnect from technology and to be able to relax. Swift wiped his email account from his cellphone while on the hike. I got a lot more out of it than I expected. Yes, I got to see beautiful sites, and interesting things and met great people along the way, but I also got a huge emotional release, which I didnt even know I needed. I hadnt allowed myself to have any quiet time, said Swift, who left Niagara 30 years ago for the U.S. West Coast and the technology industry. He said the walk was extremely therapeutic, and people he spoke with along the way talked about how they felt they were changing as well. I know Im a more honest person with other people as a result. On the Camino, I decided there were certain things I hadnt said to people that I needed to tell them. Not out of anger, but often out of love. Unsaid things that needed to get said because life is short. Swift said theres a sense of community on the Camino. Theres a huge sense of community when youre doing it. You meet people, and after two or three hours you feel closer to them than people you have known for years. Everyone looks after each other, telling you where to go, what to see, and what to avoid. You cant help but feel overwhelmed by that. In the middle of nowhere, not knowing anybody its an instantaneous community, and it evolves. People drop off, people add on. Swift said he met a man named Jesus and that after a couple of days of walking with him, he told his wife he was walking with Jesus. Hes a 71-year-old real estate tycoon, but he didnt talk about that. I looked him up after and found out he was a big shot. We just talked about things that meant something to us: family, forgiveness and passion. He would just talk, and I would listen and ask questions. It wasnt even about what we were doing at the time. It was just about life. People would open up on the Camino, and Swift said he talked about things that happened in his life. Things he doesnt normally share. I thought, what do I have to lose? I am never going to see these people again. Though he felt that way, Swift said he built relationships with people after two or three days, and they still text each other. A lot of people could benefit from the Camino. There are several routes to take on the journey to the end at the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, on the northwest coast of Spain. Swifts route was The Camino Frances, also known as the French Way, and it stretches nearly 800 kilometres. He said hes going to finish the route, probably in at least a couple of trips back to Spain. Read more about: SHARE: Last weekend was Pentecost Sunday. Pentecost is not a day widely known or celebrated in our Canadian culture, and yet in the church, it is a big deal. Even within the church, however, most followers of Jesus are not familiar with the roots of Pentecost. When Luke writes when the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place, (Acts 2:1) most readers think that the day of Pentecost refers to what was about to happen as the Holy Spirit entered the room. Those 120 followers of Jesus, however, knew something that many of us have never learned: Pentecost was not a new celebration. Pentecost was an annual celebration of Gods people since the 10 commandments. It was a celebration of the giving of the law on Pentecost, 50 days after Passover. Leviticus 23 refers to it as the Feast of Weeks, since it was celebrated on the day following seven full weeks after Passover. That is Pentecost. The word Pentecost is Greek for 50. I want to parallel for us these two events: Moses meeting with the Lord on Mount Sinai (Exodus 19) and the disciples meeting with the Holy Spirit in the Upper Room (Acts 1-2); for it was on Mount Sinai that Pentecost truly began. On the first Pentecost, Moses went up the mountain (Exodus 19:20). On the second Pentecost, the disciples went to the Upper Room (Acts 1:13). On the first Pentecost, God came down to Moses (Exodus 19:20). On the second Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came down to the disciples (Acts 2:2-4). On the first Pentecost, the mountain was wrapped in smoke; the Lord descended in fire and the whole mountain trembled (Exodus 19:18). On the second Pentecost, there was a sound like a mighty rushing wind; tongues of fire appeared on them and they spoke supernaturally in languages they had not previously known (Acts 2:2-4). On the first Pentecost, God came down to give His Word (Exodus 20). On the second Pentecost, God came down to give His Spirit (Acts 2:4). On the first Pentecost, 3,000 people died because of their sin (Exodus 32:28). On the second Pentecost, 3,000 people received spiritual life through salvation (Acts 2:41). The parallels between these two monumental days in the history of the Christian faith are so striking they cannot be ignored. So now, when you read Luke write in Acts 2:1, When the day of Pentecost arrived you can read it with a new appreciation of the reality that God pays attention to every detail. And if He paid attention to every detail from the first Pentecost to the second Pentecost and He is the same good God over us and our lives then He must also pay such close attention to us and our every need, desire or struggle. May I encourage you on the heels of Pentecost to look up to your creator and your God, who cares for you more than you could ever comprehend. May His Spirit richly rest upon you today and every day that is before you. Tim Klassen is lead pastor at Niagara Worship Centre in Niagara Falls SHARE: When it comes to performance, Canadas national pension fund rightfully boasts impressive results. Over the past decade, the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB) achieved an annual rate of return of 10 per cent on our CPP fund, one of the highest rates among global pension funds. But those stellar results rely in part on a questionable practice: tax avoidance. CPPIB manages assets worth $570 billion, of which only a small part (about 14 per cent) is invested domestically. On its Canadian investments, it is exempt by law from paying taxes. But on its international investments, where taxes are due, CPPIB works very hard to minimize tax payments. CPPIB is so adept at using legal strategies to minimize taxes that over the past year (fiscal 2023), its total tax bill was a mere $186 million on gross income of $15.6 billion an effective tax rate of just 1.2 per cent. To help achieve this, CPPIB has established a vast network of at least 30 subsidiaries in the Cayman Islands, the tax haven capital of the world. For DT Cochrane, an economist with Canadians for Tax Fairness, an Ottawa based non-profit group, the use of offshore tax havens is deeply worrisome. My instinct is that when you start to see these complex ownership structures, its just an immediate red flag, he tells me. Ironically, this is all done while Canadas finance minister who heads up the legal owner of CPPIB says the government is serious about cracking down on loopholes that allow tax avoidance. Brigitte Alepin, professor of taxation at Universite du Quebec en Outaouais, and one of the most influential tax experts in the world, acknowledges the big gap between CPPIBs use of tax havens and the official stance of the Canadian government. The Canadian government supports the global tax reform, of which one of its objectives is to impose limits on the use of tax havens by companies. How can we explain and demand from Canadians and Canadian businesses to respect the global tax reform if CPP seems to be using tax havens without any limit? she wrote in an email. But when asked about the conflict, Freelands press secretary referred all questions to CPPIB. The CPP is guided by an independent board of directors and operates at arms length from the federal government, she said. As such they are best placed to provide further comment. When contacted by the Star, Michel Leduc, CPPIBs global head of public affairs and communications, said the CPPIB maintains there is nothing wrong with using legal means to minimize the taxes paid on international investments. We are unapologetic about our prudent tax planning, he wrote in an email. Leduc said CPPIB operates with the goal of helping our hard-working contributors and beneficiaries achieve lifetime financial security, and added that very few national retirement funds are solvent over the long haul. But what about the ethics of using offshore tax havens and other strategies to reduce taxes to the point where they are much lower than those paid by most Canadian citizens and companies? Leduc argues that the CPPIB is competing for deals against trillion-dollar behemoths (other large sovereign wealth and pension funds) and needs to use every tool at its disposal. Every dollar in foreign taxes we pay comes at the expense of the returns we generate for our 21 million contributors and beneficiaries. The notion of us voluntarily keeping one hand tied behind our back is a non-starter and we have full confidence Canadians support us in this effort, he adds. I have three comments on that. First, CPPIB is arguably one of the more aggressive wealth funds when it comes to tax avoidance. Just because its international tax planning is legal doesnt mean its ethical. Quebecs pension plan, Caisse de depot et placement du Quebec, which is similar in size (it manages $402 billion in assets), has no subsidiaries in tax havens at all, and other Canadian pension funds, such as PSP Investments and the Ontario Teachers Pension Plan, use tax havens on a smaller scale. Second, Canada is one of the richest countries in the world. At least some of the foreign tax CPPIB avoids paying would have gone to much poorer countries such as India and Brazil, where it has massive investments. Lastly, how can CPPIB have full confidence [that] Canadians support its tax avoidance practices? After all, they are well-hidden, never shared with contributors and beneficiaries, and are rarely (if ever) publicly discussed. CPPIB claims that it is a highly transparent organization. Its website reads: we believe transparency is the foundation of trust with our stakeholders. But it discloses none of its complex financial structure to its 21 million contributors and beneficiaries on its financial reports. In my opinion, while CPPIBs genuine commitment to fulfilling its mandate to create value for workers over the long run is appreciated, its obsession with achieving ever-higher returns has caused it to lose its ethical compass. High returns are important, but at what cost? There is always a tradeoff, and CPPIBs returns dont necessarily have to be as high as they are. According to the most recent Actuarial Report on the Canada Pension Plan, if CPPIBs average annual rate of return for the next 75 years was 5.75 per cent much lower than the 10 per cent it has made over the past decade it would still be well funded until the end of the century. As things stand now, there is considerable inconsistency, even hypocrisy, between Canadas official call to crack down on loopholes that allow tax avoidance and the way its national pension fund operates. Freeland should not hide behind the argument that CPPIB operates at an arms length from the government. She needs to send a clear message that CPPIB should pay its fair share of taxes just as you and I and most Canadian corporations are expected to do. Amir Barnea is an associate professor of finance at HEC Montreal and a freelance contributing columnist for the Star. Follow him on Twitter: @abarnea1 SHARE: At this weeks Lift Cannabis Business Conference in Toronto, industry professionals gathered to discuss the current state and future of Canadas cannabis industry. The event came on the heels of significant news last month with British Columbia joining the list of provinces allowing consumers to order cannabis products through their delivery app. This expansion is the latest development in the distribution of recreational cannabis in Canada, which has been navigating several complex hurdles and barriers since legalization just under five years ago. Despite this, the industry has worked hard to enhance its competitiveness. As highlighted in EY Canadas state of the industry report, the Canadian cannabis market has continued to grow at a double-digit rate since legalization rising from a market size of $1.2 billion in 2019 to $4.7 billion in 2022 with more than 3,000 retail locations in the country. As the first G20 country to legalize cannabis for adult use and create a national marketplace, Canada stands to set a regulatory blueprint for the rest of the world. But first, there are kinks to be ironed out. Being a new industry, there are many challenges hampering progress before we can fully cultivate the industrys potential and act as the north star for others to follow. In an EY Global Cannabis survey of CEOs, executives identified excessive competition (76%), ongoing pricing pressure (73%), and scarcity of capital (42%) as their primary concerns. Others pointed to oversupply and inventory buildup, inefficiencies in the supply chain and excessive government taxes and markups making it difficult to compete with the unregulated and untaxed illicit market. This leaves many cannabis companies unable to reach profitability, with 58% of public cannabis companies surveyed failing to meet board expectations in 2022. Going forward will require operators to pivot their strategies and realign their goals to see greener pastures ahead, while regulators take the necessary steps needed to strengthen the sustainability of the industry and further reduce the illicit market. Challenges facing operators and retailers With more than half of cannabis companies requiring funding in the next 6-12 months, industry leaders need to make strategic decisions today to avoid exiting the industry or becoming insolvent down the line. Operators need to laser focus on executing efficiently with resolve, grit and a value-oriented mindset along with a heavy emphasis placed on flawless operational execution and financial management. They must streamline operations overall and learn to operate with limited capital availability, especially given that 50% of global executives in the survey shared that they plan to maintain or reduce overall capital investment. This will require a strategy based on an understanding of the operators financial foundation and the wants or needs of their consumer base. Focusing on clear fields of play where their capabilities can deliver an advantage, will result in a distinct consumer-centric value proposition. Many of the same challenges exist for cannabis retailers. Notably, numerous retail chains have overextended their location footprint and need to optimize the profitability of those storefronts, based on location and consumer demand. And there is reason for hope, with 76% of global cannabis executives claiming to have a well-defined business strategy for 2023. But even with a strategic approach in place, operators and retailers will continue to face challenges. The role of the cannabis regulator Regulators have a critical role to play in realizing Canadas ambitions for the cannabis industry. One regulatory area that has provided relief and helped to address the third objective of the Cannabis Act i.e., keep profits out of the pockets of criminals is reducing price margins. The Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS) recently did this, which they estimate will put $35 million back into the hands of licensed operators in 2023, and a further $60 million in 2024. Operators have also called for the need to revisit promotional prohibition and packaging restrictions. They have also called for a single national excise stamp to replace the current requirement for a different stamp in each of Canadas thirteen provinces and territories, which significantly increases packaging costs. This would be contingent on harmonizing existing federal and provincial excise duty rates into a single uniform national rate. Ultimately, if operators and retailers reapproach 2023-2024 with an operational excellence mindset and regulatory changes are implemented to improve the industrys ability to further reduce the competitiveness of the illicit market, well see a new-found sense of confidence in the future of Canadas cannabis industry further strengthening our position as a global leader. Rami El-Cheikh is an EY Canada partner leading EYs Americas Cannabis Centre of Excellence. SHARE: As a child, my familys shower schedule was ironclad. The same ritual played out every evening at 8 p.m. sharp; my brother would shower first no longer than 15 minutes, our parents demanded then me, mom and finally dad. You sleep way better when youre clean, mom argued. I was a rebellious teen and wouldnt stand for such tyranny. When I moved out, I swore to only take morning showers from then on. The habit stuck; a decade later, I still need to rinse the sleep from my skin before starting the day. But are morning showers actually better? Partly out of curiosity (and partly because mom still badgers me about my shower habits all these years later), I asked skin care experts to finally settle the debate heres what they said. The case for morning showers Theres no real right or wrong best time to shower it mostly comes down to personal preference and our lifestyle, according to Dr. Sandy Skotnicki, a Toronto dermatologist, assistant professor at the University of Toronto and author of Beyond Soap, a book on showering and its impacts on our skin. That said, theres an argument for both sides. People prone to acne or teenagers (who are typically oilier than adults) may want to shower in the morning because its actually helpful to get (excess oils) off of your skin, if you had lots of oil build up over the night time, she said. Morning showers can also help people with chronic skin conditions like eczema as long as they moisturize right after, said Dr. Renita Ahluwalia, the lead dermatologist and co-founder of the Canadian Dermatology Centre in Toronto. When you come out of the shower and your skin is still a little bit damp, thats the key time to moisturize the skin Its going to lock in that moisture and provide more hydration to the skin, and that helps the skin barrier, she said. Otherwise, morning showers can help wake us up and activate our minds for the day, Ahluwalia continued. The case for showering at night On the other hand, showering before bed helps rinse off the days grime so we can go to bed as a clean canvas, according to Dr. Monica Li, a dermatologist practising in Vancouver. Showering in the evening can help remove debris, products, oil from the day thats accumulated on the skin, she said especially if we were active during the day. If we take these to bed with us, they could transfer to our bedsheets and lead to nighttime allergies, acne or worsened skin. Additionally, a warm shower an hour or two before bed can improve sleep quality, serving to relax our bodies before bed, Li continued. A really hot shower or a really cold shower right before bed is probably not a good idea because theres such a difference with the ambient temperature it can kind of shock the system and keep us awake, she said. But in general, the experts agree its less about when you shower and more how you do it. Avoid natural soap and long, hot showers, experts say Skotnicki and the others caution against the use of soaps, instead favouring cleansers. Our skin is slightly acidic, she said, while natural soaps are basic due to their use of lye. A cleanser is different its pH-adjusted to our skin, Skotnicki continued. Our skin contains countless microbes, many of which are helpful. This microbiome thrives in the acidic environment of our skin, but can die off when we use soap potentially harming our immune system, as it needs regular stimulation from microbes to keep in top shape. Its why many doctors no longer recommend antimicrobial soap, Li added, unless one has a skin infection or certain skin conditions. It can potentially disrupt our normal microbiome, (which can lead to) skin irritation, inflammation, she said. In a similar vein, Li warns against taking too-hot showers, as the temperature could strip natural oils from the skin and worsen dryness and aggravate any underlying inflammatory skin conditions. So too can overlong showers or the use of scrubbers, like loofahs, damage our skin and natural oils, Li continued. In fact, not only is it not necessary for most people to shower every day, experts agree that over-showering can even be harmful to our health. In general, the shorter the shower, the better meaning 5 minutes or less, Li said, adding that she recommends lukewarm or slightly colder water. When it comes to using cleanser, target the armpits, groin, buttocks and feet arms and legs, for instance, dont always need soap. Finally, she advises patting ourselves dry and moisturizing right after to preserve as much of our natural oils as possible. The takeaway As much as it pains me to admit, my mom had a point theres not much merit to morning showers for those who arent teenagers or dont have a skin condition. If youre active during the day, its not a bad idea to rinse off that grime before you bring it to bed. At the end of the day, however, experts agree the benefits of either are minor relative to the damage we can do by over-showering or misusing products. As long as you shower properly, the time that you do it is mostly a matter of personal preference. SHARE: 35 Don Valley Dr. Location: Broadview Ave. and OConnor Dr., Broadview North, East York Asking price: $1,499,000 Size: About 966 sq. ft., plus about 966 sq. ft. finished basement Lot: 36-by-269 feet, one-car attached garage, private drive with two parking spaces Taxes: $5,308 (2022) Bedrooms: Two Bathrooms: Two We moved here in 2015, and throughout the years weve loved exploring the neighbourhood, our property, and its beautiful natural setting. Perched above the Don River Valley were surrounded by woodlands and wildlife, says homeowner Shannon Austin. Backing onto the Don Valley ravine and sitting on a private cul-de-sac, the fully renovated bungalow boasts an open-concept main floor with soaring ceilings and built-in speakers, and a finished above-grade basement, complete with a walkout to a scenic, secluded backyard. Our home feels like a cottage in the city and weve enjoyed a lot of time in our yard: morning coffees on the balcony, soaking up the afternoon sun stretched out in the backyard, or hosting friends and family for barbecues and special celebrations. The abundance of outdoor space, three parking spaces, and the flow of our house makes this an ideal place for entertaining, says Austin. Weve spent many hours walking the Don River Valley trail system, which is less than a five-minute stroll from our house. We also loved walking to all the cafes and restaurants in Pape Village and on Danforth Ave., plus the convenience of being just a quick drive to Leaside for big-box shopping. We renovated the house from top-to-bottom to modernize it, but we did keep a few nods to its period charm, such as the dining room chandelier and original front door, which we repurposed to fit the entryway to the under-the-stairs area in the basement. With no buildings in front or behind us, we get lots of natural light. The downstairs recreation room with its wet bar and room for an 82-inch TV, is one of our favourite spots to hang out in, adds Austin. The home is close to the TTC, schools, including Centennial College, Story Arts Centre campus. It has easy access to the Don Valley Pkwy. Says listing agent Scott Hanton: This home is much more than meets the eye; from the front, it looks like a typical two-bedroom bungalow, but inside its a gutted open-concept main level with 12-foot ceiling. Its rare to find a home like this on a hidden cul-de-sac surrounded by nature, but still in the heart of Toronto. This was originally a solidly built 1940s bungalow that the current owners did an incredible job reimagining as a contemporary small-family home. This all-brick bungalow has a sloping roofline over the attached garage, a long drive, brick accents around the door and under a bay window, and a manicured front lawn. The front door features a wrought-iron window insert and opens to the foyer with a hardwood floor and a double closet. Partially open to the foyer, the living room is appointed with a hardwood floor, pot lights and a bay window. The open concept dining room contains a hardwood floor, a crystal chandelier, and a window. The kitchen overlooks the dining room, and highlights include a centre island with pendant lights above, quartz counters, ceramic tile backsplash, an integrated basin sink with a window above, and built-in appliances. At the back of the home, the main bedroom is outfitted with a hardwood floor, a double closet, and a sliding door walkout to a private balcony. The second bedroom is equipped with a hardwood floor, a closet, and a Murphy bed. A four-piece bathroom finishes this floor. Between levels is a side door that opens to a large deck with space enough for a picnic table and a barbecue. The above-grade lower-level showcases a recreation room with pot lights, a carpeted floor, a wet bar against a plank wood back wall, a three-piece bathroom, and a sliding-glass door walkout to a large patio and the rest of the backyard. To have a look at this property please contact the listing agent Scott Hanton, Hanton Real Estate Inc., Brokerage, 416-887-2530; www.HantonRealEstate.com SHARE: POND INLET, Nunavut - A marine conservation charity and Inuit hunters are praising cruise operators for agreeing to avoid a Nunavut waterway where thousands of narwhal migrate each summer. The Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators recently said its members ships would not travel through Eclipse Sound this summer and instead go through the Pond Inlet strait. Oceans North and the Mittimatalik Hunters and Trappers Organization had requested the move as numbers of summering narwhal in the area off the northeastern coast of Baffin Island have decreased, which they say is due to increased shipping traffic. Narwhal continue to decline in our area and have not bounced back to historical numbers as we had hoped, David Qamaniq, chair of the hunters and trappers organization, said in a news release. We thank the cruise ship operators for working with us this year to protect the animals that remain. Aerial surveys have shown a drop in the number of narwhal migrating to Eclipse Sound from Baffin Bay. Surveys conducted for Baffinland Iron Mines Corp, which operates the Mary River Mine, estimate numbers decreased from 5,019 in 2020, to 2,595 in 2021. The company said, however, its 2022 estimate shows an increase to 4,592. Fisheries and Oceans Canada estimated there were more than 12,000 narwhal in Eclipse Sound in 2016 and more than 20,000 in 2004. This area historically is some of the most important narwhal habitat anywhere in the world, said Chris Debicki, Ocean Norths vice president of policy development, noting Milne Inlet, a small arm of Eclipse Sound, is a critical calving area. Displacing narwhal from that area not only moves narwhal out of their preferred habitat, but also potentially makes it much harder for harvesters to participate in narwhal hunts. Hunters from Mittimatalik, or Pond Inlet, rely on narwhal for food, livelihoods and culture. While cruise ships avoiding Eclipse Sound will make a difference, Debicki said, they make up just a fraction of ship traffic. The Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators said its ships accounted for 14 per cent of those travelling through the area last year with 15 ships making 26 trips. It said 14 of its members have planned 32 stops in Pond Inlet this summer. Oceans North said the majority of ships are travelling to and from the Mary River Mine, with 44 vessels making 76 trips in Eclipse Sound and adjacent fiords in 2022, or around 40 per cent of all ship traffic. A report from working groups from the North Atlantic Marine Mammal Commission and Canada/Greenland Joint Commission on Beluga and Narwhal published earlier this year concluded increased shipping traffic is by far the most likely cause of declining narwhal numbers in Eclipse Sound, particularly from the iron ore mine. Baffinland has criticized the report and said factors other than shipping may have led to the decrease. It said that includes changing ice conditions and predator-prey dynamics, which the report disputes. Baffinland spokesperson Peter Akman said the company welcomes the decision by the cruise operators association and any measures that protect marine life and balance the needs of the local community as a whole. He noted Baffinland has several voluntary mitigation measures including the use of convoys, avoiding restricted areas, using a fixed shipping route and capping vessel speeds at nine knots. Akman added the company employs six full-time and four part-time Inuit shipping monitors in Pond Inlet. Last summer the company raised concerns about cruise ships travelling too fast in the area. Akman said it has continued to reach out to Oceans North, the Association of Arctic Expedition and Cruise Operators and cruise ships approved to travel through the community this summer to support its marine mitigation measures. Baffinland, which began operations in 2015, has a request with the Nunavut Impact Review Board to increase the amount of ore its allowed to ship from the mine to six million tonnes from 4.2 million tonnes, as it has been permitted annually since 2018, using up to 84 ore carriers. It is additionally asking to ship ore that was stranded at the Milne port last year, as well as any that could be left behind at the end of this years shipping season. Oceans North and the Mittimatalik Hunters and Trappers Organization have called on the federal government to issue an interim order under the Canada Shipping Act to close the Eclipse Sound and adjacent fiord system this summer to all non-essential vessels and enforce a speed limit of nine knots. They said Transport Canada should also work with Baffinland to reduce shipping through Eclipse Sound and Milne Inlet. We believe these to be the minimum steps needed toward reducing the risk of extirpation of the Eclipse Sound narwhal population, a March letter from the organizations states. Transport Canada did not immediately respond to a request for comment. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 3, 2023. By Emily Blake in Yellowknife This story was produced with the financial assistance of the Meta and Canadian Press News Fellowship. SHARE: KYODO NEWS - Jun 3, 2023 - 23:00 | All, World, Japan ---------- Japan, China defense chiefs meet amid spats over Taiwan, Senkakus SINGAPORE - The defense ministers of Japan and China on Saturday began talks in Singapore that are expected to center on spats over Taiwan and Chinese vessels' intrusions into waters near the Tokyo-controlled, Beijing-claimed Senkaku Islands as well as bilateral mechanisms to avoid contingencies. Japanese Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamada and his Chinese counterpart Li Shangfu met on the margins of the annual Asia Security Summit, also known as the Shangri-La Dialogue, which is being held for three days through Sunday. ---------- Japan, U.S., S. Korea to launch system to share N. Korea missile info SINGAPORE - Japan, the United States and South Korea agreed Saturday to launch a system that will allow information about North Korean missiles to be shared in real-time by the end of this year, amid Pyongyang's repeated ballistic missile tests. In a joint statement issued following their talks on the sidelines of the Asia Security Summit in Singapore, Japanese Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamada and his U.S. and South Korean counterparts, Lloyd Austin and Lee Jong Sup, said they will "make further progress" toward making the new system operational "over the next few months." ---------- Man dies, 3 missing after heavy rain pounds Japan TOKYO - A man died and at least three people went missing after heavy rain pounded wide areas of Japan, local authorities said Saturday, with the weather agency warning of an increased risk of landslides and flooding of rivers in eastern Japan including Tokyo. Thunderstorms were observed developing in succession from Friday through Saturday morning in western and central prefectures, causing concentrated heavy rainfall. ---------- U.S. warns impact of conflict in Taiwan Strait would be devastating SINGAPORE - U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin warned Saturday that any conflict in the Taiwan Strait would be devastating. Speaking at the Asia Security Summit in Singapore, Austin expressed concern that China "continues to conduct an alarming number of risky intercepts of U.S. and allies' aircraft flying lawfully in international waters." ---------- Golf: Matsuyama gets into contention with flawless 65 at Memorial DUBLIN, Ohio - Hideki Matsuyama shot Friday's low round, a bogey-free 7-under 65, to climb into second place at the midway point of the Memorial Tournament. The Japanese star, who began the day in a tie for 33rd, moved to a 7-under 137 total, one stroke behind Justin Suh of the United States at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, Ohio. Suh carded a 66 in the second round. ---------- Baseball: Ohtani suffers 2nd loss after giving up 5 runs to Astros HOUSTON - Shohei Ohtani gave up five runs over six innings and was tagged with his second loss Friday as the Los Angeles Angels were defeated 6-2 by the Houston Astros. Yordan Alvarez blasted a two-run homer in the first inning off Ohtani (5-2), who regrouped in the next two innings but struggled again after the fourth at Minute Maid Park. He allowed nine hits and a walk while striking out six. ---------- Video: Heavy rain disrupts Tokaido Shinkansen bullet train service BELGRADE, Serbia (AP) Tens of thousands of people rallied in Serbias capital on Saturday for a fifth time in a month, following two mass shootings that shook the nation, even as the countrys populist president rejected any responsibility for the crisis and ignored the protesters demands to step down. The crowd, chanting slogans against President Aleksandar Vucic, marched through the capital, Belgrade, to gather in front of his downtown headquarters. They released a large balloon with the inscription Vucic Go Away. University students led the march, holding a banner that read Serbia against violence! The opposition protesters have been demanding the resignations of senior government officials and the revocation of broadcasting licenses for TV networks which, they say, promote violence and glorify crime figures. The protest on Saturday, likely to be the biggest one so far, was somewhat different from the ones before. Independent journalists covering the march saw right-wing groups infiltrating the march to promote their nationalist agenda. Analysts say some of these groups have close ties to Serbias security service. There were reports of ultranationalist supporters attacking a foreign journalist with a baton. Some of the attackers had t-shirts with the Russian Z inscription, a symbol of the Russian aggression against Ukraine. As daylight faded, participants lit up their cell phones, holding them aloft as they marched through a central Belgrade street and past the presidency building, many blowing whistles and called for Vucics resignation. Protesters left hundreds of messages for Vucic written on pieces of paper by the presidency, many of them calling on him to resign. A new protest is planned for next week, in what is becoming an increasingly serious challenge to Vucic, perhaps the biggest one he has faced since coming to power 11 years ago. The opposition has accused Vucic of fueling intolerance and hate speech during his increasingly autocratic rule, while illegally seizing control of all state institutions. Vucic has denied this, claiming the opposition groups want him toppled by force. They just need to know that dead or alive, including my children, I will fight against those who support violence, Vucic told a pro-government TV station. They will never scare me. The two shootings on May 3 and 4 stunned the nation, especially because the first one happened in an elementary school in central Belgrade, when a 13-year-old boy took his fathers gun and opened fire on his fellow students. Eight students and a school guard were killed and seven more people wounded. One more girl later died in hospital from head wounds. A day later, a 20-year-old used an automatic weapon to randomly target people in two villages south of Belgrade, killing eight people and wounding 14. Popular Serbian actor Dragan Bjelogrlic told the crowd that we owe a debt to the dead children. We owe them the truth and justice, he said. We owe them what we didnt give them while they were alive. Authorities have launched a gun crackdown in the aftermath of the shootings and sent police to schools in an effort to boost a shaken sense of security. Serbia is flooded with weapons left over from the wars of the 1990s, including rocket launchers and hand grenades. Other gun-control measures declared in the wake of the shootings include tighter controls on gun owners and shooting ranges, a moratorium on new licenses, and harsh sentences for possession of illegal weapons. - Jovana Gec contributed. SHARE: LONDON (AP) In a span of a decade, Alexei Navalny has gone from the Kremlins biggest foe to Russias most prominent political prisoner. Already serving two convictions that have landed him in prison for at least nine years, he faces a new trial that could keep him behind for two more decades. Navalny turns 47 on Sunday in prison, where he has been repeatedly locked up in solitary confinement. A look at Navalnys life, political activism and the charges he has faced through the years: June 4, 1976 Navalny is born in a western part of the Moscow region. 1997 Graduates from Russias RUDN university, where he majored in law; earns a degree in economics in 2001 while working as a lawyer. 2004 Forms a movement against rampant overdevelopment in Moscow, according to his campaign website. 2008 Gains notoriety for alleging corruption in state-run corporations, such as gas giant Gazprom and oil behemoth Rosneft, through his blogs and other posts. 2010 Founds RosPil, an anti-corruption project run by a team of lawyers that analyzes spending of state agencies and companies, exposing violations and contesting them in court. 2011 Establishes the Foundation for Fighting Corruption, which will become his teams main platform for exposing alleged graft among Russias top political ranks. December 2011 Participates in mass protests sparked by reports of widespread rigging of Russias parliamentary election, and is arrested and jailed for 15 days for defying a government official. March 2012 Following President Vladimir Putins reelection and inauguration, mass protests break out in Moscow and elsewhere. Navalny accuses key figures, including then-Deputy Prime Minister Igor Shuvalov and Chechnyas strongman leader, Ramzan Kadyrov, of corruption. July 2012 Russias Investigative Committee charges Navalny with embezzlement involving Kirovles, a state-owned timber company in the Kirov region, while acting as an adviser to the local governor. Navalny rejects the allegations as politically motivated. December 2012 The Investigative Committee launches another probe into alleged embezzlement at a Navalny-linked Russian subsidiary of Yves Rocher, a French cosmetics company. Navalny again says the allegations are politically motivated. 2013 Navalny runs for mayor in Moscow a move the authorities not only allow but encourage in an attempt to put a veneer of democracy on the race that is designed to boost the profile of the incumbent, Sergei Sobyanin. July 2013 A court in Kirov convicts Navalny of embezzlement in the Kirovles case, sentencing him to five years in prison. The prosecution petitions to release Navalny from custody pending his appeal, and he resumes his campaign. September 2013 Official results show Navalny finishes second in the mayors race behind Sobyanin, with 27% of the vote, after a successful electoral and fundraising campaign collecting an unprecedented 97.3 million rubles ($2.9 million) from individual supporters. October 2013 A court hands Navalny a suspended sentence in the Kirovles case. February 2014 Navalny is placed under house arrest in connection with the Yves Rocher case and banned from using the internet. His blog continues to be updated regularly, presumably by his team, detailing alleged corruption by various Russian officials. December 2014 Navalny and his brother, Oleg, are found guilty of fraud in the Yves Rocher case. Navalny receives a 3 1/2-year suspended sentence, while his brother is handed a prison term. Both appeal to the European Court of Human Rights. December 2015 Navalnys Foundation for Fighting Corruption releases its first long-form video a YouTube documentary called Chaika, which means seagull in Russian but is also the last name of then-Prosecutor General Yury Chaika. The 44-minute video accuses him of corruption and alleged ties to a notorious criminal group and has piled up 26 million views on YouTube. Chaika and other Russian officials deny the accusations. February 2016 The European Court of Human Rights rules that Russia violated Navalnys right to a fair trial in the Kirovles case, ordering the government to pay his legal costs and damages. November 2016 Russias Supreme Court overturns Navalnys sentence and sends the case back to the original court in the city of Kirov for review. December 2016 Navalny announces he will run in Russias 2018 presidential election. February 2017 The Kirov court retries Navalny and upholds his five-year suspended sentence from 2013. March 2017 Navalny releases a YouTube documentary accusing then-Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev of corruption, getting over 7 million views in its first week. A series of anti-graft protests across Russia draw tens of thousands and there are mass arrests. Navalny tours the country to open campaign offices, holds big rallies and is jailed repeatedly for unauthorized demonstrations. April 27, 2017 Unidentified assailants throw a green disinfectant in his face, damaging his right eye. He blames the attack on the Kremlin. October 2017 The European Court of Human Rights finds Navalnys fraud conviction in the Yves Rocher case to be arbitrary and manifestly unreasonable. December 2017 Russias Central Electoral Commission bars him from running for president over his conviction in the Kirovles case, a move condemned by the EU as casting serious doubt on the election. July 2019 Members of Navalnys team, along with other opposition activists, are barred from running for Moscow city council, sparking protests that are violently dispersed, with thousands arrested. Navalnys team responds by promoting the Smart Voting strategy, encouraging the election of any candidate except those from the Kremlins United Russia party. The strategy works, with the party losing its majority. 2020 Navalny hopes to deploy the Smart Voting strategy at regional elections in September and tours Siberia as part of the effort. Aug. 20, 2020 On a flight from the city of Tomsk, where he was working with local activists, Navalny falls ill and the plane makes an emergency landing in nearby Omsk. Hospitalized in a coma, Navalnys team suspects he was poisoned. Aug. 22, 2020 A comatose Navalny is flown to a hospital in Berlin. Aug. 24, 2020 German authorities confirm Navalny was poisoned with a Soviet-era nerve agent. After he recovers, he blames the Kremlin, an accusation denied by Russian officials. Jan. 17, 2021 Following five months in Germany, Navalny is arrested upon his return to Russia, with authorities alleging his recuperation abroad violated the terms of his suspended sentence in the Yves Rocher case. His arrest triggers some of the biggest protests in Russia in years. Thousands are arrested. Feb. 2, 2021 A Moscow court orders Navalny to serve 2 1/2 years in prison for his parole violation. While in prison, Navalny stages a three-week hunger strike to protest a lack of medical treatment and sleep deprivation. June 2021 A Moscow court outlaws Navalnys Foundation for Fighting Corruption and about 40 regional offices as extremist, shutting down his political network. Close associates and team members face prosecution and leave Russia under pressure. Navalny maintains contact with his lawyers and team from prison, and they update his social media accounts. Feb. 24, 2022 Russia invades Ukraine. Navalny condemns the war in social media posts from prison and during his court appearances. March 22, 2022 Navalny is sentenced to an additional nine-year term for embezzlement and contempt of court in a case his supporters rejected as fabricated. He is transferred to a maximum-security prison in Russias western Vladimir region. July 2022 Navalnys team announces the relaunch of the Anti-Corruption Foundation as an international organization with an advisory board including Francis Fukuayama, Anne Applebaum, and the European Parliament member and former Belgian Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt. Navalny continues to file lawsuits in prison and tries to form a labor union in the facility. In response, penitentiary officials start regularly placing him in solitary confinement over purported disciplinary violations such as failing to properly button his garment or to wash his face at a specified time. 2023 Over 400 Russian doctors sign an open letter to Putin, urging an end to abusing Navalny, following reports that he was denied basic medication after getting the flu. His team expresses concern about his health, saying in April he had acute stomach pain and suspected he was being slowly poisoned. March 12, 2023 Navalny, a film about the attempt on the opposition leaders life, wins the Oscar for best documentary feature. April 26, 2023 Appearing on a videolink from prison during a hearing, Navalny said he was facing new extremism and terrorism charges that could keep him behind bars for the rest of his life. He added sardonically that the charges imply that Im conducting terror attacks while sitting in prison. A hearing was set for June 6. ___ Litvinova reported from Tallinn, Estonia. SHARE: BEIRUT (AP) A son of Libyas late leader Moammar Gadhafi, who has been held in Lebanon for more than seven years, began a hunger strike Saturday to protest his detention without trial, his lawyer said. Hannibal Gadhafi has been held in Lebanon since 2015 after he was kidnapped from neighboring Syria where he had been living as a political refugee. He was abducted by Lebanese militants demanding information about the fate of a Shiite cleric who went missing in Libya 45 years ago. Gadhafi was later taken by Lebanese authorities and has been held in a Beirut jail without trial. Attorney Paul Romanos told The Associated Press that his client started the hunger strike Saturday morning and he is serious and will continue with it until the end. Romanos did not go into details of the case as he was not authorized to speak about it to the media. Gadhafi issued a statement describing his conditions. How can a political prisoner be held without a fair trial all these years? Gadhafi, who is married to a Lebanese woman, wrote in his statement. The Libyan citizen added that now that he is on hunger strike, those who are treating me unjustly will be responsible for the results. He added that the time has come to liberate the law from the hands of politicians. Romanos said his client suffers from back pain due to being held in a small cell for years without being able to move or exercise. The disappearance of prominent Lebanese Shiite cleric Moussa al-Sadr in 1978 has been a long-standing sore point in Lebanon. The clerics family believes he may still be alive in a Libyan prison, though most Lebanese presume al-Sadr is dead. He would be 94 years old. Al-Sadr was the founder of a Shiite political and military group that took part in the lengthy Lebanese civil war that began in 1975, largely pitting Muslims against Christians. Born in the Iranian holy city of Qom, al-Sadr came to Lebanon in 1959 to work for the rights of Shiites in the southern port town of Tyre. In 1974, a year before Lebanons 15-year civil war broke out, al-Sadr founded the Movement of the Deprived, attracting thousands of followers. The following year, he established the military wing Amal Arabic for hope and an acronym for the militias Arabic name, the Lebanese Resistance Brigades which later fought in Lebanons civil war. The group is headed by Lebanons powerful Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri. Since al-Sadrs disappearance, Libya has maintained that the cleric and his two traveling companions left Tripoli in 1978 on a flight to Rome and suggested he was a victim of a power struggle among Shiites. Most of al-Sadrs followers are convinced that Moammar Gadhafi ordered al-Sadr killed in a dispute over Libyan payments to Lebanese militias. The Libyan leader was killed by opposition fighters in 2011, ending his four-decade rule of the north African country. Even after his death, al-Sadrs fate is still unknown. Hannibal Gadhafi was born two years before al-Sadr disappeared. He fled to Algeria after Tripoli fell, along with his mother and several other relatives. He later ended up in Syria where he was given political asylum before being kidnapped and brought to Lebanon. Read more about: SHARE: JERUSALEM (AP) A gunbattle along Israels southern border with Egypt left three Israeli soldiers and an Egyptian officer dead Saturday, officials said. It was a rare instance of deadly violence along the frontier. Israel said the Egyptian border guard crossed into Israel and killed the three soldiers before he was fatally shot by troops. Egypt said he had been chasing drug smugglers when he entered Israel. Israel and Egypt have been at peace for over 40 years and have strong security cooperation. Fighting between the sides is extremely rare. Lt. Col. Richard Hecht, an Israeli army spokesperson, said the fighting began overnight when soldiers thwarted a drug-smuggling attempt across the border. He said several hours later, two soldiers in a guard post were shot and killed. Their bodies were found after the shooting, when they did not respond to radio communications. The army said the Egyptian border guard was killed in a second exchange of fire in which a third Israeli soldier was killed. The Egyptian military said an Egyptian border guard crossed the border security barrier and exchanged fire with Israeli forces while he was chasing drug traffickers. It said in a statement that the Egyptian border guard was killed along with three Israeli troops. Hecht said an investigation was being conducted in full cooperation with the Egyptian army. He said troops were searching for other possible assailants. Egypts Defense Minister Gen. Mohamed Zaki spoke by phone with his Israeli counterpart to discuss the shooting on the border, and the mutual coordination to take measures to prevent such incidents in the future, the Egyptian military said in a statement. The Egyptian minister also offered condolences for the dead Israeli troops, it said. It was the first deadly exchange of fire along the Israel-Egypt border in over a decade. The Israeli army said one of the killed soldiers was a woman. Criminals sometimes smuggle drugs across the border, while Islamic militant groups are also active in Egypts restive north Sinai. Israel and Egypt signed a peace agreement in 1979 and maintain close security ties. Fighting along their shared border is rare. The exchange of fire reportedly took place around the Nitzana border crossing between Israel and Egypt. The crossing is located about 40 kilometers (25 miles) southeast of the point where Israels border with Egypt and the Gaza Strip converge. Its used to import goods from Egypt destined for Israel or the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip. Israel built a fence along the porous border a decade ago to halt the entry of African migrants and Islamic militants who are active in Egypts Sinai desert. Read more about: SHARE: DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) Amid plates of sliced pork, statement-making leather ensembles and piles of political T-shirts, eight Republican presidential hopefuls descended on Iowa to pitch themselves to voters and, in Mike Pences case, hop on a motorcycle. The former vice president and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis were among the White House contenders appearing at a rally at the state fairgrounds near Des Moines hosted by U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst. Her annual political event, the Roast and Ride a combination barbecue-rally and motorcycle ride kicks off a busy summer campaign season heading into the states first-in-the-nation caucuses early next year. Former President Donald Trump, the leading GOP presidential candidate, was notably absent after spending two days in the state this past week. He has largely avoided any events that have him sharing the stage with his 2024 rivals. DeSantis, with his wife, Casey, and three young kids in tow, chatted with voters, gave out autographs and signed the Bible of a man who thanked DeSantis for standing up to Disney. DeSantis just wrapped up his first week as an official candidate with a blitz of c ampaign stops across three early-voting states. Casey DeSantis wore a black leather jacket in 86-degree weather with the words Where Woke Goes to Die and an outline of Florida on the back. It brought to mind comparisons to first lady Melania Trump, who famously sent a back-of-the-jacket message of her own in 2018 with a green-hooded jacket that read I really dont care do u as she departed the White House for a trip to visit migrant children in Texas. Pence was the only White House hopeful who participated in a morning motorcycle ride for charity that is a staple of Ernsts annual Roast and Ride event. He wore jeans, boots and a leather vest with patches that said Indiana and messages supportive of the military. The former Indiana governor, who has made frequent trips to Iowa over the past year, is expected to launch his long-anticipated campaign at an event in Des Moines on Wednesday. Ill be back a little later next week, Pence teased the crowd when he spoke later at the rally. I dont have anything to announce today. Earlier in the morning, before setting out on their motorcycle ride, Pence, standing with Ernst in the back of a pickup truck, again hinted at his looming candidacy. One of the reporters just asked me if were showing up more in Iowa, what our lane would be. I said Im more worried about the lane were going to be staying in today, Pence joked. The former vice president, wearing a white motorcycle helmet and a big grin, then rode off on a cobalt blue Harley Davidson. The group rode to the fairgrounds, where candidates gave speeches and chatted with barbecue-eating voters. Other candidates speaking at the event included former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, U.S. Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina, former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, Michigan businessman Perry Johnson, author Vivek Ramaswamy and conservative talk radio host Larry Elder. In their remarks, the candidates all tiptoed around mentions of the former president. Haley repeated a version of a line she has been using as a candidate that seems to allude to the 76-year-old Trump and his political career as replete with controversies. Its time for a new-generation leader. Weve got to leave the baggage of the negativity behind, she said. Off stage, however, several of the candidates did not hesitate to criticize Trump when asked about his social media post on Friday congratulating North Korean leader Kim Jong Un for his countrys receiving a place on the executive board of the World Health Organization. I was surprised to see that. I mean, I think, one, Kim Jung Un is a murderous dictator, DeSantis said, when a reporter asked him about the post. Pence, in an interview Saturday with Fox News, said: Look, whether it is my former running mate or anyone else, no one should be praising the dictator in North Korea. Hutchinson later tweeted: We sanction leaders who oppress their people. We do not elevate them on the world stage. In their speeches, the GOP candidates hit on similar conservative themes: criticizing President Joe Biden, promising tough policies on China and the U.S.-Mexico border and restrictions on abortion and gender-affirming policies. The event had the feel of a large political fair, with about 1,000 people gathered to listen to the presidential prospects speaking in front of bales of hay in a building at the fairgrounds. Many of the campaigns set up tables full of stickers, T-shirts and drink can coolers. Rows of dozens of shiny Harley Davidson motorcycles, of all colors, were parked neatly in the parking lot outside, along with campaign buses for Ramaswamy and the DeSantis super PAC. Nearby was what appeared to be a mechanical bull converted to resemble a motorcycle, surrounded by an inflatable landing area to catch thrown ridersall sponsored by the political super PAC Never Back Down, which supports DeSantis. Marie Andres of Des Moines signed a form, distributed by Never Back Down, to pledge to caucus for DeSantis early next year. Trump did a great job, but in my opinion, too much drama, the 74-year-old said. She said she committed to DeSantis because she thinks he is the best were gonna get. Jill Villalobos, 54, was buying a Haley T-shirt not for herself, but for her brother in Florida. The Altoona resident is planning to support Scott, whom she thinks can bring the GOP and the country together. I really like his message, Villalobos said. Victoria Ortiz had heard little of the candidates to date, and was at the event to learn more. She walked away with interest in DeSantis, Haley and Scott. I believe in the strong work ethic they promote. As a Hispanic, thats how I was raised, the 35-year-old rental property owner and manager from Des Moines south side said. I dont believe in giveaways. You have to work for it. She said she didnt like Trump. His persona, pretty much, and the things he says, are not things I want my children to hear from a president, she said. Ernst, along with Gov. Kim Reynolds, is one of the most sought-after Republican officials in the early stages of Iowas leadoff caucuses. The senator has pledged to remain neutral and not endorse during the caucus campaign. ___ Price reported from New York. Associated Press writer Jill Colvin in New York contributed to this report. SHARE: VANCOUVER - Some members of Canadas Chinese diaspora are feeling the pressure to carry the torch as Hong Kongs renowned vigil commemorating the June 4, 1989, massacre in Beijings Tiananmen Square falls silent. Sunday marks the 34th anniversary of Chinas crackdown on pro-democracy protesters, in which tanks rolled into the heart of Beijing and hundreds, and possibly thousands, of people were killed. Hong Kongs Victoria Park had for decades been the only place on Chinese soil where large numbers gathered annually to commemorate those killed. But on Sunday, Victoria Park will instead be occupied by a carnival organized by pro-Beijing groups to celebrate Hong Kongs handover to Chinese rule in 1997. The Hong Kong vigil organizers vote to disband in 2021 spurred by enforcement of the Chinese governments law that suppresses public displays of opposition has driven many overseas Chinese communities to step up their own efforts, including here in Canada. Mabel Tung, chairwoman of the society hosting the Vancouver vigil at David Lam Park on Sunday, said organizers started putting together the event a month early because activists feel the added responsibility of carrying on the work of the Hong Kong vigil. This year we started in March to plan ahead and work with other organizations across Canada in Toronto and also Calgary so those who went to Victoria Park every year have a sense that we still remember the massacre and the people of Hong Kong, Tung said. The location of David Lam Park, an urban, waterfront park similar to Victoria Park, was chosen in part to echo the spirit of the Hong Kong protests. For some members of the diaspora, the June 4 vigil has taken on new significance due to Chinas national security law crackdown in Hong Kong since 2020, where Tiananmen-related statues have been removed from universities and books about the event have been pulled off public library shelves. Winnie Ng, co-chair of the Toronto Association for Democracy in China, said Sundays vigil and its message may be more relevant than ever, given Hong Kongs slide into authoritarianism, as well as recent controversies about possible Chinese interference in Canadian politics and intimidation of overseas dissidents. In a way, Hong Kong has now become a police state right before our eyes, Ng said. The very fabric of a civil society, a proud tradition of a rule-of-law system has now been decimated, Ng said. So, we this year feel its important to express both our outrage, as well as recommit ourselves to saying the lights in Victoria Park may have been dimmed, but the light of human rights, justice, freedom and democracy will continue all over the world. Last year, Ng said the organizers began seeing people who had left Hong Kong and resettled in Canada attending the vigil in large numbers. There were also some members of the mainland Chinese community decrying Chinas rigid zero-COVID policies during the pandemic. The Toronto vigil will be held Sunday in Mel Lastman Square. With protests and memorial gatherings effectively quashed in Hong Kong, residents there will have to commemorate June 4 privately. But large gatherings are planned in other cities around the world this weekend, including New York, London and Taipei. Vancouver activist Thekla Lit, president of the British Columbia Association for Learning and Preserving the History of WWII in Asia, recently visited Taipei and said the responsibility to increase awareness of the June 4 event felt by the diaspora in Canada is echoed in other major cities with large overseas Chinese communities. I would say that what happened on June 4, 1989, even though it happened 34 years ago, its actually living history, Lit said. So, we have to learn from this history that we have to be very vigilant and defend ourselves, our own democratic freedoms from these regimes. The key, Ng said, is to keep the memories of events like June 4 alive so the next generation will not forget what has happened, even if they did not live through the protests firsthand. I might not see the outcome that we desire in my lifetime, Ng said. But I think its important for all of us to take that responsibility, because what were doing is not just saying whats wrong with China and elsewhere, but also saying, as Canadians, how do we use our voice to safeguard our democratic system within Canada? With files from The Associated Press This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 3, 2023. Read more about: SHARE: Longtime B.C. politician Dave Hayer knew his campaign people. And his people included Chinese Canadians. They volunteered for him. They voted for him. And then in his 2021 campaign to become a federal Conservative MP, they vanished. The former MLA was running to represent the riding of Fleetwood-Port Kells, drawing on the same base of volunteers from past elections in the populous and culturally diverse Metro Vancouver city of Surrey. By the end of the campaign, most volunteers of Chinese descent had dropped out, fearing for themselves and their families, Hayer said. They told me there was a lot of wrong and misleading information about the Conservatives on WeChat. They also said some Chinese Canadian individuals were spreading disinformation that voting for the Conservatives will mean people wont get visas to go to China, or theyd have trouble doing business in China, or their family in China will have some problems. Hayer asked if they would go on the record and reveal what was happening, but the volunteers seemed nervous and some told him, Beijing has eyes and ears everywhere. Today, the now-retired politician has been joined by Liberal Ken Hardie, who beat Hayer to become MP, to highlight what happened in their riding and use it to push for greater vigilance against foreign interference. Its a rare instance of nonpartisanship at a time when opposition parties are castigating the Liberal government for inaction and urging the removal of David Johnston, Ottawas special rapporteur on foreign interference, and after former Conservative leader Erin OToole revealed he was targeted by Beijing. Were friends. Its a tight-knit community, Hardie told the Star. When I heard about what happened, I said I would look into it and try to figure out what happened. He could see fear and suspicion In the summer of 2021, Hayer noticed what he called warning signs. While door-knocking in neighbourhoods where he said he was always welcomed, he could see the fear and suspicion on the faces of people of Chinese descent as they hurriedly shut their doors. One week before election day, Hayer said a community organization that didnt strike him as openly pro-Beijing invited him to meet with them at a Boston Pizza restaurant. While he spoke, they videotaped his comments, including when he said he would listen to the views of Uyghur Canadians about the human rights abuses against Muslim minorities in Chinas Xinjiang region. Hayer declined to give the name of the organization, saying all Canadians have the right to express their political views to political candidates. Hardie won the election with 21,379 votes, with Hayer coming second with 14,553 votes. Hardie had been favoured as the incumbent. He won fairly and clearly Im not challenging that fact, Hayer said. Its about how we can learn from past mistakes so that voters of this country are the ones who should be the ones freely making decisions about their leaders, not people from outside. Erin OToole warned by CSIS Speaking to the House of Commons last week, OToole revealed details from a recent Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) briefing on a range of actions against him and the Conservatives while he was party leader during the last federal election. They included Chinese Communist Party funding to create misinformation, the use of networks of people and the WeChat social media platform to amplify mistruths about the Conservatives and a campaign of voter suppression against him during the 2021 general election, he said. OToole said the threats against him and members of his caucus were not flagged to him by the government or security agencies at the time. Hayer and Hardie said that in 2021, they informed leaders of the Liberal and Conservative parties, as well as CSIS, about what they saw in Surrey. No one followed up, they said. Hayer said he and other Conservative candidates in ridings in Metro Vancouver and the GTA met with OToole to share very similar concerns that Chinese Canadian voters were being targeted with disinformation and intimidation. In my view, they shouldve been better at monitoring and anticipating problems. The Conservative party wasnt ready to provide correct information to voters to counter misinformation, he said. The Conservative party did not respond to the Stars requests for comment. After winning the race, Hardie called Hayer a few days later to talk, which is when Hayer brought up his concerns Beijing was targeting ethnic Chinese voters. Hayer said of his former opponent: We knew each other for a long time. I just thought that as the elected representative, I should pass on information to him. I didnt expect him to look into it, especially as someone who won he did go above and beyond. Hardie said his campaign manager compared votes and voter turnout in the Fleetwood-Port Kells neighbourhood of Fraser Heights, which has a population of about 25,000. We knew empirically that the Fraser Heights area is where a lot of the Chinese diaspora lives and we had data from the 2015, 2019 and 2021 elections. Comparing results, we noticed a measurable difference in votes going to Liberals between the past election in 2019 versus 2021. The estimate in the increase was in the range of about 2,000 votes and the decline in the Conservative vote was probably measured in a few thousand as well. While Hardies office thought foreign influence could have made a measurable impact in some parts of the riding, it concluded it wasnt enough to change the outcome. Hayer agreed, but both men share concerns that people in their community are living in fear. There are still signals that the community is too scared to speak up. We recently heard of a scam targeting the Chinese community. But they didnt go to the police. They just suffer in silence, Hardie told the Star. A review by the Star of the official results corroborates Hardies analysis, but the figures alone dont reveal why there was a shift in turnout, since this could depend on numerous factors, such as changing attitudes toward parties, politicians or policies. A CSIS spokesperson told the Star it has been committed to equipping elected officials to identify foreign interference threats and take measures to ensure their personal safety, but declined to provide details of investigations into specific ridings. Hardie said in 2021, he also reached out to the Liberal party with his concerns and his comments were taken as input. In a statement, a spokesperson for the Liberals declined to comment on Hardies report, and said it welcomed Ottawas ongoing action to defend the Canadian electoral process from foreign interference. Is there evidence? On Wednesday, the majority of members of the House of Commons voted in favour of a non-binding NDP motion calling on Johnston to vacate the role of special rapporteur an appointment Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made in March to probe media reports that Beijing had meddled in the 2019 and 2021 general elections. Johnston said in a May 23 interim report that he found little evidence supporting OTooles claim that specific candidates lost in the 2021 election because of foreign interference. A spokesperson for Elections Canada pointed to limitations in the Canada Elections Act. The act does not define foreign interference and there are limited provisions in the act that pertain to foreign activities, the spokesperson said, but added that Elections Canada was working with intelligence and security agencies to respond to potential foreign interference. The Commissioner of Canada Elections, which is responsible for investigating violations of the Canada Elections Act, confirmed to the Star it has only recently received complaints related to alleged foreign interference in the 2019 and 2021 elections. Details of the complaints cannot be disclosed due to confidentiality provisions in the act. Hayer said it is time for the government to step up to do more to safeguard Canadas democracy from foreign threats. We can tell them what weve heard and seen on the ground, but the people in Ottawa can make a difference. They can do that without labelling an entire community, and instead do more to make them feel safe. With data analysis by Andrew Bailey and files from 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: OTTAWA - The briefing with Canadas spy agency, warning Jenny Kwan that she is a target of foreign interference by China, took roughly an hour. It took less than a second, she says, for her to decide that she wouldnt let Beijing weaken her resolve. The Hong Kong-born member of Parliament has been outspoken against human-rights violations by the Chinese Communist Party and often advocates for the countrys Uyghur Muslim minority. Kwan said in an interview with The Canadian Press that thats what made her an evergreen target of the Chinese government, which has had its eye on her since before the 2019 federal election. She said she received a briefing from the Canadian Security Intelligence Service last week. She was not able to divulge the details of the intelligence they shared due to security laws. But she did not notice the interference when it was happening, she said. My takeaway from that briefing is this: No matter what foreign interference is being done to me, I will not relent on the work that Im doing, said Kwan, who is a New Democrat. She said she was left with a sense that the fight for human rights is more important than ever, especially as the 34th anniversary of Chinas Tiananmen Square crackdown approaches on Monday. Its not something that I had when I was in Hong Kong. My parents did not enjoy it. My grandparents did not enjoy it, said Kwan, adding that she is adamant she wont be silenced or intimidated. The 1989 crackdown in Beijing saw tanks roll into the city and hundreds, if not thousands, of pro-democracy student protesters killed. Mabel Tung, chairwoman of the Vancouver Society in Support of Democratic Movement, said many people in Hong Kong will be marking the day in private. Thats because the citys freedoms have shrunk since Beijing imposed a tough national security law following massive pro-democracy protests in 2019. Since then, Tiananmen-related statues have been removed from universities and books about the event have been pulled off shelves. There is an active approach to erase this history, said Kwan, who emigrated from Hong Kong when she was nine. She participated in a pro-democracy march with Tung last weekend in Vancouver to remember the protestors killed in the massacre. Many Hong Kong diaspora members wore masks so their family members back home were not punished. We encourage people to wear masks, wear sunglasses and wear a hat so that their faces will not be identified. Theyre really scared that they can be recognized, Tung said. People dont want to be put in jail for anything that is not a crime. Kwan said she marched for the parents who cannot light a candle outside their homes to publicly honour their dead children because it would be deemed a violation. I hope those of us outside of Hong Kong and China would find the courage to speak up and let the people of Hong Kong we stand with them and that our voice is an extension of their voice, Kwan said. She acknowledged that theres a risk to continuing to speak out while she is being targeted by Beijing. People might distance themselves from me or theyre worried what implications this has and how it could affect them, Kwan said. Those are definitely real concerns, but I cannot allow for anything to deter me from doing this work. If Im afraid to speak up, what does that mean for everyday people? Tung said the many ethnic Chinese people in Vancouver are happy that Kwan is defending their freedoms. We know were not alone.This person is with us to walk this road together, Tung said. Still, she admitted that she worries about Kwans safety. But the MP is unshakeable in her belief: I will not bend. Too much is at stake. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 3, 2023. Read more about: SHARE: MONTREAL Justin Trudeaus government has been on the defensive in the House of Commons for months. By now, fewer than one in three Canadians approves its handling of the China electoral interference file, a topic that has monopolized the federal political conversation throughout the first half of the year. To listen to the furor in the House of Commons, where the opposition again this week lined up against the Liberals to demand a public inquiry on the issue, one gets the impression of an embattled government on the verge of free fall. The voting intentions picture suggests otherwise. Just this week, a Leger poll reported that if an election were held this month, the prime minister would have a fighting chance of securing another minority government and a fourth consecutive term. Based on the polls findings, the Liberals and Conservatives are virtually tied nationally (33 per cent to 31 per cent), with the former holding their own in Ontario, Quebec and even British Columbia, a province where the NDP tends to be more competitive at their expense than in other regions of the country. Looking at the regional breakdowns, Trudeaus biggest concern could be the Conservative weakness in Quebec rather than the strength of Pierre Poilievres party elsewhere. Thats because the numbers there suggest the Conservatives in fourth place at 13 per cent are leaking support to the Bloc Quebecois. That could imperil the many francophone ridings the Liberals have been winning on opposition splits over the past three elections. The fact is that since becoming leader, Poilievre has lost more ground in Quebec than he has gained in most other provinces. By now, it is increasingly difficult to divorce the Liberal resilience in voting intentions from a systemic failure on the part of the latest Conservative leader to score goals on the governments open net. At a time in the federal cycle when a critical mass of Canadians normally craves change, Poilievre is so far failing to convince swing voters that he amounts to an acceptable alternative. If thats the case, it is mostly a result of his own doing. With little or no help from the Liberals, the Conservative leader has been hard at work branding himself and, by association, his party as a destructive force in federal politics rather than a constructive force for a better good. He has done so by using the first defining months of his tenure to burnish his image as a polarizing figure for whom all in politics is fair game, including the assassination of the characters of his opponents and critics. Opportunities to showcase himself as prime ministerial have come and gone, every one of them sacrificed on the altar of virulent partisanship. That will not have come as a surprise to those who followed his leadership campaign last year. Even within the confines of his own Conservative family, Poilievre seemed to thrive on delivering personal attacks on his leadership rivals. Respect for the public service of others apparently never comes easily or at all to this aspiring prime minister. In the process, he has undoubtedly galvanized the Trudeau-hating section of the Conservative movement. But it is not only Canadians who were always predisposed to believe the worst of the current prime minister and vote accordingly who may have been triggered by the Conservative leaders approach. If the numbers in voting intentions are not decisively moving the way of the Conservatives, it may well be because Poilievre is giving Liberal sympathizers a rationale to stick with Trudeau for yet another election. One of the biggest risks for the prime minister as he contemplates his fourth run is the apathy that usually sets in party ranks and beyond as a leaders tenure stretches into a decade. So far, the evidence is that Poilievre is acting as an effective antidote to that apathy. A word in closing: For months now, Poilievre has been single-mindedly pursuing the China interference issue in the Commons. And yet, over all that time, he has not really lifted his narrative above the partisan level. That task finally fell to his predecessor, Erin OToole, who will be retiring at the end of the spring sitting. In what may have been his last address to the House of Commons on Tuesday, OToole made a truly compelling case for a public inquiry. Ironically, his speech was grounded in the very kind of security briefing Poilievre has steadfastly declined to take. By artfully weaving his parliamentary privilege with the national security restrictions that attend information shared by CSIS, OToole ended up highlighting both the weakness of the Liberal case against a public inquiry and the unbearable lightness of his successors refusal to take stock of all the facts available to him to sustain his critique of the government. In hindsight, Trudeaus Liberals should be thankful that the Conservative caucus, in its very relative wisdom, decided to dump an adult politician like OToole for a petulant one like Poilievre. Chantal Hebert is an Montreal-based freelance contributing columnist covering politics for the Star. Reach her via email: chantalh28@gmail.com or follow her on Twitter: @ChantalHbert Read more about: SHARE: Romania has shown, once again, that it fully meets the criteria for accession to the Schengen area, managing the external borders in a responsible and efficient manner, President Klaus Iohannis said on Saturday upon receiving the German Civic Award presented by the Bad Harzburg Civic Foundation at a ceremony in Dusseldorf, Agerpres reports. "Romania has shown, once again, that it fully meets the criteria for accession to the Schengen area, managing the external borders in a responsible and efficient manner. A decision in favour of Romania's accession to Schengen this year will represent a very important signal to our citizens of belonging to and trust in the common European design," said Iohannis. He added that the award has a special meaning for him, and especially for the citizens of Romania, who are staunch pro-European citizens, deeply attached to European democratic values for which they made enormous sacrifices in the past."Democracy is a fundamental European value and, together with the rule of law and human rights, is the foundation of the European Union and our way of life. These values are interdependent. Human rights can only be respected in a society where independent courts guarantee their protection and where there can be a democratic and informed debate, with independent media and an active civil society," said Iohannis.He added that the importance of these values - as well as the importance of European unity and solidarity - are all the more relevant given the war of aggression started by the Russian Federation against Ukraine and its consequences."It has thus become, more obvious than ever, how necessary it is to strengthen the joint commitment to the European design and to the common space of democracy, security and prosperity. The EU has demonstrated that it has the ability to create mechanisms and institutions capable of guaranteeing the security of the state of law and respect for the fundamental rights of its citizens. We all share these values, and the challenges facing Europe now remind us that we must fight for them at every moment," said Iohannis.He added that Romania is deeply committed to respecting human rights and human dignity and to acting for peace and freedom, and today's challenges confirm the need for a stronger and more resilient union."Solidarity and our common vision must be built programmatically. We can only face major challenges such as climate change or migration together, through close co-operation at the European level. And the same is true when it comes to our common ability and determination to adequately respond to the imperative to support Ukraine in its war against Russian aggression. This support must also be directed to the countries indirectly affected by the war waged by Russia."Iohannis added that Romania showed solidarity through its prompt and multi-dimensional support to Ukraine, through its assistance to over 4.3 million Ukrainian refugees, including 100,000 who stayed in Romania.Also, Romania has secured the transit of over 15.5 million tonnes of Ukrainian grain and other Ukrainian agricultural produce, which is more than half of Ukraine's exports.Iohannis on Saturday received the German Civic Award bestowed by the Bad Harzburg Civic Foundation at a ceremony hosted by Benrath Castle in Dusseldorf, Germany.According to the Romanian Presidential Administration, the Bad Harzburg Civic Foundation decided to award the German Civic Award to President Klaus Iohannis for his entire political career, particularly for his support for the peaceful coexistence of various ethnicities, commitment to freedom, democracy and pluralism, the restoration and modernisation of his hometown of Sibiu, supporting the anti-corruption fight and attachment to the idea of a united Europe. Delivering the laudatio speech will be Norbert Lammert, the 2015 German Civic Award laureate, a former chairman of the German Federal Parliament.On Sunday, Iohannis will be presented with the Franz Werfel Human Rights Prize awarded by Germany's Centre Against Expulsions. The ceremony will take place at St. Paul's Church in Frankfurt am Main.The Franz Werfel Prize is said to be awarded to the Romanian president in recognition of his activity in the field of promoting human rights and peaceful coexistence among ethnic groups throughout his political career. Delivering the laudatio speech will be Jean-Claude Juncker, a former chairman of the European Commission and prime minister of Luxembourg. As many as 94,400 people, including 10,004 Ukrainian citizens, entered Romania on Friday, June 2, the General Border Police Inspectorate (IGPF) reported on Saturday, Agerpres reports. According to IGPF, at the border points nationwide on Friday, nearly 214,000 people, Romanian and foreign citizens, were checked both on the way in and on the way out of Romania, as well as more than 54,400 means of transport. Starting February 10, 2022 (pre-conflict time) 4,404,842 Ukrainian citizens entered Romania.The border police detected 56 illegal acts (28 crimes and 28 misdemeanors) in the areas under their jurisdiction - the crossing points and the green border - committed by both Romanian and foreign citizens, levying almost RON 18,300 in fines in the process.Assets of an estimated value of RON 101,500 were impounded.Twenty-six foreign citizens who did not meet the conditions provided by the law were denied entry.Also on Friday, 25 Romanian citizens were not allowed to leave for various legal reasons. Romania's President Klaus Iohannis will receive today the German Civic Award bestowed by the Bad Harzburg Civic Foundation at a ceremony to be hosted by Benrath Castle in Dusseldorf, Germany, Agerpres reports. According to the Romanian Presidential Administration, the Bad Harzburg Civic Foundation decided to award the German Civic Award to President Klaus Iohannis for his entire political career, particularly for his support for the peaceful coexistence of various ethnicities, commitment to freedom, democracy and pluralism, the restoration and modernisation of his hometown of Sibiu, supporting the anti-corruption fight and attachment to the idea of a united Europe. Delivering the laudatio speech will be Norbert Lammert, the 2015 German Civic Award laureate, a former chairman of the German Federal Parliament. On Sunday, Iohannis will be presented with the Franz Werfel Human Rights Prize awarded by Germany's Centre Against Expulsions. The ceremony will take place at St. Paul's Church in Frankfurt am Main.The Franz Werfel Prize is said to be awarded to the Romanian president in recognition of his activity in the field of promoting human rights and peaceful coexistence among ethnic groups throughout his political career. Delivering the laudatio speech will be Jean-Claude Juncker, a former chairman of the European Commission and prime minister of Luxembourg.The German Civic Award is awarded by the Bad Harzburg Civic Foundation, Germany. The foundation was established in 1988 as an independent, non-partisan association, made up of personalities committed to preserving and promoting democracy and tolerance in Germany and Europe.The stated objective of the foundation is to make democracy tangible, primarily by stimulating dialogue with citizens and their representatives in Germany. It has been awarding the German Civic Award since 1995 to public figures making a special contribution to the promotion of democracy and the common good.Among the awardees are well-known dissident and former president of the Czech Republic Vaclav Havel; the first president of the European Commission, Jacques Delors, and Germany's presidents Richard von Weizsacker and Roman Herzog.The Franz Werfel Prize for Human Rights is awarded by the Bonn-based Centre Against Expulsions founded in 2000 as a project of the Federation of Expelled from Germany seeking to contribute to the fight against expulsions and genocide as political weapons at the global level and thus to contribute to understanding among nations, reconciliation and peaceful coexistence.Its human rights prize has been awarded since 2003 to individuals or groups making a special contribution to combatting the violation of human rights through genocide, expulsion or the intentional destruction of national, ethnic, racial or religious groups.A mong the laureates of the prize are the former German president Joachim Gauck, author Herta Muller, and historians Karl Schlogel and Michael Wolffsohn. The recent announcement by a Missouri nonprofit that it will provide free emergency contraception, commonly known as "morning-after" or "Plan B" pills, to women across the state could be helpful in preventing unwanted pregnancy and countering dangerous misinformation. Although the pills prevent rather than abort pregnancy, misconception about that fact led a major Missouri health system to briefly withhold them last year in deference to the state's almost complete abortion ban. That was a vivid demonstration of the collateral damage such extreme laws can cause and an illustration of how important it is to keep as many legal choices as possible available to women living under the shadow of these kinds of restrictions. There is a correlation between the damage done by Missouri's extreme anti-choice law (no abortion allowed from the moment of conception, even for rape or incest, except in vaguely defined "medical emergencies"), and its "Second Amendment Preservation Act," which presumes, against all accepted constitutional understanding since the end of the Civil War, to invalidate federal guns laws in Missouri. The gun statute will almost certainly be overturned by pending litigation. That Missouri elected officials with law degrees are actually defending it is a national embarrassment. The abortion ban will probably stand, given the "Handmaid's Tale" direction of the courts these days. But what both laws have in common is casting such wide, ill-defined nets and with such onerous penalties fines on police departments that enforce certain federal gun laws, and prison time for performing abortions that cops and doctors aren't taking any chances. It's been well established that the gun law has made local police agencies gun-shy about working with their federal crimefighting counterparts, which is good for criminals and no one else. And last year's brief decision by Saint Luke's Health System to suspend providing morning-after contraception actually increased the chance of unwanted pregnancies in Missouri. Which presumably is something the anti-abortion movement doesn't want. The health system, which serves hospitals and pharmacies in the Kansas City area, resumed providing the "Plan B" medication only after receiving assurances from state officials that it doesn't violate the abortion ban. The medication works by delaying ovulation after sex, rather than affecting a fertilized egg. But given the potential 15-year prison sentence that Missouri threatens against doctors who might inadvertently violate this zero-tolerance ban, it's easy to see why the health system would opt for an abundance of caution. It certainly wasn't in the best interests of the women served by the system. But then, the best interests of women are nowhere in the DNA of this state law. The good news after all this is that the nonprofit Missouri Family Health Council will distribute over 5,500 kits containing emergency contraception pills in a pilot program that launched on Thursday. Anyone with a Missouri address can now order a free kit with two doses of emergency contraception and related birth-control items and information. There are also 30 distribution sites around the state where anyone can pick up the kits. Additional kits are being provided to domestic violence shelters. The state's leaders have made life more difficult and dangerous for women, while actively working to block the public from rolling back this draconian ban. But there doesn't appear to be any significant resistance from the architects of that ban to these kinds of initiatives which, frankly, is the least they can do. More information about the emergency contraception kits is available online at mfhc.org, or by calling (573) 636-4060. Pharmaceutical company Mallinckrodt Plc is considering options including filing for bankruptcy again as a $200 million opioid settlement payment is due within weeks, the Wall Street Journal reported on Friday citing people familiar with the matter. The drugmaker is required to make the payment to an opioid-victims compensation trust by mid-June as part of its Chapter 11 exit plan, the newspaper said. Mallinckrodt did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment outside office hours. The company filed for bankruptcy protection nearly three years ago. It reached a $1.7 billion nationwide settlement as part of its bankruptcy reorganization plan and emerged from Chapter 11 last year. Shares of Mallinckrodt closed 5.4% lower at $2.45 apiece on Friday. The stock has plunged 68% so far this year. Mallinckrodt is headquartered in Staines-Upon-Thames in Britain, and has U.S. offices in Missouri and New Jersey. Mallinckrodts U.S. subsidiary, Webster Groves-based SpecGx, and another generic drugmaker, Actavis Pharma, produced the vast amount of prescription opioids distributed throughout the country. Mallinckrodts origin traces back to 1867 when three Mallinckrodt brothers founded a chemical concern in St. Louis that later became a major supplier of pharmaceuticals. Beginning in the 1940s, the Mallinckrodt Chemical Works in downtown St. Louis processed uranium ore for the development of the first atomic bomb. EMPLOYMENT Teens have long been vital to filling out the summertime staffs of restaurants, ice cream stands, amusement parks and camps. Now, thanks to one of the tightest labor markets in decades, they have even more sway, with an array of jobs to choose from at ever higher wages. To ease the labor crunch, some states are moving to roll back restrictions to let teens work more hours and, in some cases, more hazardous jobs much to the chagrin of labor rights groups, who see it as a troubling trend. Economists say there are other ways to expand the workforce without putting more of a burden on kids, including by allowing more legal immigration. Seeking teen workers At Fun town Splash town USA, an amusement park in southern Maine, teens play a critical role in keeping the attractions open, which isn't as easy as it used to be. General Manager Cory Hutchinson anticipates hiring about 350 workers this summer, including many local high schoolers, compared with more than 500 in past summers. "We literally do not have enough people to staff the place seven days a week and into the evenings," he said. This summer, Fun town Splash town will only be open six days a week, and will close at 6 p.m., instead of 9 p.m. In April, nearly 34% of Americans ages 16 to 19 had jobs, according to government data. That compares with 30% four years ago, the last pre-pandemic summer. More jobs are available for those who want them: There are roughly 1.6 jobs open for every person that is unemployed, according to the Labor Department. In normal times, that ratio is about 1:1. At Ride Away Adventures in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, which offers kayak, bike and paddleboard rentals and tours, finding enough teen workers hasn't been a challenge. Owner Mike Morrison chalks it up to the fact that Ride Away is a desirable place to work compared with other options. "They're not washing dishes and they get to be outside and active," Morrison said. Plus, while he typically starts off new teen hires at $15 an hour, the state's minimum wage, he will bump up the pay of hard workers by as much as 50 cents per hour toward the end of July to help keep them through the end of summer. Choosier teens Maxen Lucas, a graduating senior at Lincoln Academy in Maine, had his first job at 15 as a summer camp dishwasher, followed by a stint as a grocery bagger before getting into landscaping. He said young workers can be choosier now. "After COVID settled down, everyone was being paid more," said the 18-year-old from Nobleboro who'll head off to Maine Maritime Academy this fall. Indeed, hourly pay jumped about 5% in April from a year ago at restaurants, retailers and amusement parks, the industries likely to employ teens. Before the pandemic, pay in these industries typically rose no more than 3% annually. Addison Beer, 17, will work this summer at the Virginia G. Piper branch of the Boys & Girls Club in Scottsdale, Arizona, where she feels a strong connection with colleagues and the kids she helps out. For many teens, the point of a summer job doesn't have to be about finding the highest pay available. "Having a job is just so I can sustain myself, be more independent, not rely on my parents too much," said Christopher Au, 19, who has been dishing out ice cream at a J.P. Licks in Boston for the past few months. Expanding teen hours New Jersey passed a law in 2022 allowing 16and 17-year olds to work up to 50 hours per week during the summer, when the state's shore economy swells with tourists. The previous limit was 40 hours per week. The measure has earned praise from parents. Sally Rutherford, 56, of North Wildwood, New Jersey, said her 17-year-old son, Billy, was excited about the change. With the money he earns working as a game operator at a Jersey Shore amusement park, he'll be able to help pay for a car. "It makes him much more independent and responsible," she said. Other states are considering a variety of proposals to expand teens' role in the workplace. In Wisconsin, lawmakers are backing a proposal to allow 14-year-olds to serve alcohol in bars and restaurants. In Iowa, the governor signed a bill into law that will allow 16and 17-year olds to serve alcohol in restaurants, and to expand the hours minors can work. Child welfare advocates worry the measures represent a coordinated push to scale back hard won protections for minors. Immigration is a factor Many resort towns rely on immigrants with summer visas to staff businesses such as restaurants, hotels and tourist sites. But immigration fell sharply during the COVID outbreak as the federal government tightened restrictions. In 2022, nearly 285,000 of the summer visas were issued, down from about 350,000 before the pandemic. The Federal Reserve in March estimated that the overall drop in immigration has cost the United States nearly a million workers, compared with pre-pandemic trends. Immigration is rebounding to pre-COVID levels, but the effects are still being felt. List of parishes to be closed or merged SHREWSBURY Thirty-four parishes and one mission will be subsumed, or closed, and 15 parishes will be merged to form five new parishes as part of a sweeping reorganization of the Archdiocese of St. Louis. The parish closings and mergers do not necessarily mean that the church buildings associated with those parishes will also close; those decisions will be made later. These parishes will be closed: All Saints in University City Blessed Teresa of Calcutta in Ferguson Cure of Ars in Shrewsbury Immaculate Conception in Maplewood Immaculate Heart of Mary in St. Louis Our Lady of the Presentation in Overland St. Andrew in Lemay St. Barnabas the Apostle in OFallon St. Bernadette in Lemay St. Catherine of Alexandria in Coffman St. Francis of Assisi in Luebbering St. Francis of Assisi of Portage des Sioux St. John the Apostle and Evangelist in St. Louis St. John the Baptist in St. Louis St. John Bosco in Maryland Heights St. John Paul II in Affton St. Joseph in Tiff St. Jude in Overland St. Lawrence in Lawrenceton St. Luke the Evangelist in Richmond Heights St. Martin de Porres in Hazelwood St. Martin of Tours in Lemay St. Matthias in Lemay St. Paul in Berger St. Richard near Creve Coeur St. Rita in Vinita Park St. Robert Bellarmine in St. Charles St. Roch in St. Louis St. Rose Philippine Duchesne in Florissant St. Sabina in Florissant St. Stephen in Richwoods Sts. Philip and James in River aux Vases This mission will be amalgamated, or merged: St. John the Apostle Mission in Bismarck These personal parishes will be suppressed: St. Cronan in St. Louis Sts. Peter and Paul in St. Louis These 15 existing parishes will be merged to form five new parishes: Holy Name of Jesus in Bissell Hills, St. Angela Merici near Florissant and St. Norbert Parish near Florissant will be merged into a single parish. Our Lady of the Holy Cross in St. Louis, St. Augustine in St. Louis, St. Elizabeth, Mother of John the Baptist in St. Louis, and St. Matthew the Apostle in St. Louis will be merged into a single parish. Most Holy Trinity in St. Louis, St. Nicholas in St. Louis and Sts. Teresa and Bridget in St. Louis will be merged into a single parish. Our Lady of Sorrows in St. Louis, Church of the Magdalen in St. Louis, and St. Joan of Arc in St. Louis will be merged into a single parish. Immaculate Conception in Arnold and St. David Parish in Arnold will be merged into a single parish. ST. LOUIS A federal appeals court has vacated a stay of execution for a Missouri inmate who is scheduled to be executed on Tuesday for his role in the deaths of two jailers. Michael Tisius, 42, was sentenced to death after being convicted of killing Randolph County jailers Jason Acton and Leon Egley during a failed escape attempt. U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough issued the stay on Wednesday and ordered an evidentiary hearing after Tisius' attorneys argued that a juror in his 2010 resentencing was illiterate, which is not allowed under state law. On Friday, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit said the lower court did not have jurisdiction to order the stay. Keith OConnor, an attorney for Tisius, said his team will appeal the decision, the Kansas City Star reported. Missourians to Abolish the Death Penalty and the Missouri NAACP have asked Republican Gov. Mike Parson to grant Tisius clemency, citing a history of abuse, that he was 19-years-old at the time of the killings, and his remorse and rehabilitation since the shootings. In 2000, Tisius and Tracie Bulington went to the Randolph County jail to help Bulington's boyfriend, Roy Vance, escape, prosecutors said. Tisius shot and killed the jailers. The plot failed because the intruders couldnt find the cell keys. Defense attorneys have argued that Tisius intended to order the jailers into a holding cell and free Vance and other inmates. Tisius' defense team issued a video earlier this week in which Vance said he planned the escape attempt and manipulated Tisius into participating. Bulington and Vance are serving life sentences. Updated at 2:15 p.m. KYODO NEWS - Jun 4, 2023 - 00:56 | World, All, Japan Japan and China on Saturday agreed they will operate their defense hotline properly, amid disagreements over Taiwan and intrusions by Chinese vessels into waters near the Tokyo-controlled, Beijing-claimed Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea. Japanese Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamada told reporters after meeting with his Chinese counterpart Li Shangfu in Singapore that he also expressed his "grave concerns" to Li over China and Russia's continuous joint military activities around Japan. The hotline between senior defense officials of Tokyo and Beijing began operating last month with the aim of building mutual trust and avoiding contingencies at sea and in the air. The two countries originally agreed to open the hotline in 2007 as a pillar of the Maritime and Aerial Communication Mechanism that Tokyo and Beijing eventually launched in 2018. During the 40-minute talks, Hamada and Li vowed to promote further dialogue and exchange between their defense authorities, according to the Japanese Defense Ministry. As for Taiwan, Hamada said he underscored "the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait." Li told Hamada at the meeting, part of which was open to the media, that Japan should not "send an erroneous message to the pro-independence force in Taiwan" and should not "meddle with the Taiwan issue." China regards Taiwan, a self-ruled democratic island, as a renegade province to be united with the mainland, by force if necessary. The talks came after the Group of Seven leaders called for a peaceful resolution of cross-strait issues at their summit in Hiroshima last month. The G-7's concerns about growing Chinese military pressure on Taiwan have been rejected by Beijing as interference in its internal affairs. In Saturday's meeting, Hamada said, "It is important to keep working hard to build constructive and stable relations," and that there are "many security concerns" between the two countries, including issues involving the Senkakus. Li said he will contribute to the "long-term development of China-Japan relations." The meeting also took place after North Korea, which has been accelerating its nuclear and missile activities, attempted to launch a spy satellite on Wednesday, the first day of a pre-declared launch window through June 11, but failed. Pyongyang said the rocket experienced issues, and pledged to make another attempt "as soon as possible." Hamada said he strongly condemned the North for going ahead with a launch that used ballistic missile technology. If such technology was used, it would violate U.N. Security Council resolutions aimed at curbing Pyongyang's nuclear and missile programs. Hamada and Li met on the sidelines of the Asia Security Summit, an annual regional security forum also known as the Shangri-La Dialogue. ST. LOUIS A St. Louis man was sentenced Friday to five years in prison for his role in a 2021 attempted murder for hire over a drug debt of more than $100,000. Micah Gordon was in a hotel room with Kevin Cunningham on Oct. 13, 2021, when he hired two people to kill a man, according to court documents. The group met in the parking lot of a nursing home where Gordon handed off four guns, including an AR-15-style weapon, and $600 for ammunition and supplies to be used in the killing. But the two hired guns were actually confidential informants, and Cunningham and Gordon were arrested and charged. Both men pleaded guilty to their crimes, and Cunningham was sentenced in November to more than eight years in prison. On Friday, Gordon appeared in court and told the judge that his conviction was a turning point in a life full of hardship. Gordon suffered from emotional abuse and abandonment, poverty and, later, addiction, his attorney said. He was arrested several times over the years for drugs and weapons offenses. But now, Gordon said he wanted to change. He said he wanted to keep raising his kids and felt called to help young people stay away from the constant crime and violence in St. Louis. Im at a stage of correcting my life, he said. I am a changed man. Prosecutors and Gordons attorney jointly recommended he receive a five-year sentence. Judge Audrey Fleissig agreed. She also sentenced him to an additional 18 months for violating his supervised release in a previous case. KANSAS CITY, Mo. A doctor in the Missouri Ozarks went missing for over a week until his body was found in an Arkansas lake. But the case remains shrouded in mystery as investigators have released few details to his family or the public. Whats known so far Dr. John Forsyth, 49, was last seen alive on May 21, when security cameras in the parking lot of a public pool in Cassville show him getting into a vehicle, after leaving his own car unlocked with his wallet, two phones, a laptop and other items inside. Thats according to his brother, Richard Forsyth, who said the doctor had texted his new fiancee that morning saying he would see her soon. His car was found later that day. Investigators havent said who was driving the other vehicle. A search began after the emergency room physician didnt show up for his May 21 shift at Mercy Hospital in Cassville. There was no sign of Forsyth until a kayaker noticed his body in Arkansas on May 30, at a spot on Beaver Lake some 20 miles away from his last known location. His body had an apparent gunshot wound, authorities in Arkansas say. Although Benton County Coroner Daniel Oxford said an autopsy was completed Thursday, the results wont be released until the investigation is over. What was happening in his life? His brother, Richard Forsyth, and other family members say John Forsyth was a devoted father to his eight kids and seemed happier than hed been in a long time. They say he never missed a day of work, and would often sleep in an RV outside the hospital when he was on call. His family rejects any suggestion he took his own life. Newly engaged, Forsyth was also recently divorced. On May 10 of this year, a judge ordered Forsyth to pay his ex-wife $3,999 in child support a month, plus another $15,000 a month. Missouri court records show he was married and divorced twice to the same woman between 1995 and 2022. Both his brother and Ryan Ricketts, the ex-wifes divorce attorney, say the split was amicable. The pair initially married in Clark County, Nevada. He filed for divorce in April 2019 but the couple remarried in July 2020 in Greene County, Missouri. Court records show that the woman filed a second divorce petition in April 2022, in Lawrence County, Missouri. Questions that remain Authorities have not said whether they believe Forsyth was killed or took his own life. Initially, when Forsyths empty car was found, investigators said there were no signs of foul play. But that was before the body was found. Shannon Jenkins, spokesperson for the Benton County Sheriffs Department, said Friday that there is no immediate threat to the public, but declined to provide more details. She said no further information would be released until the investigation is completed. Its also unclear what Forsyths connection might be to the second vehicle seen on pool surveillance video. Authorities have not confirmed any information about the video, including if it was taken before or after Forsyth may have texted his fiancee. Theres also no information on how Forsyth got from Cassville to Beaver Lake, when and where he died, or if investigators have found a weapon. Forsyths background Forsyth was born in Idaho in 1974, according to online records. He was the third of seven children, his sister Gina Forsyth-Farlaino said. He was the father of eight children. His former wife, who lives in Idaho, was given custody of the couples minor children, but John Forsyth continued to have a strong relationship with them, his brother and the womans divorce attorney said. Forsyths ex-wife did not wish to be interviewed, Ricketts said. She is just devastated and I mean, just shocked, Ricketts said. She never saw any of this kind of thing coming. Forsyths medical background Online records for the state of Missouri show that Forsyth was licensed as a doctor and surgeon in the state since July 1, 2005 and that his license was active. Hed been an emergency physician at Mercy Hospital in Cassville for nearly 15 years. He received his medical degree from Ross University, which is headquartered in Barbados. Online court records show Forsyth settled a wrongful death lawsuit against him Lawrence County, Missouri, in March 2022, but the settlement terms were confidential. He was initially named as a defendant in a wrongful death case, also in Lawrence County, in 2006. But he and another doctor were dismissed from the case before a local hospital settled the case for $100,000. Records show that in August 2015, he agreed to a public reprimand from the state Board of Registration for the Medical Arts for not adequately and completely maintaining records for two patients. Hanna reported from Topeka, Kansas. Associated Press writer Jim Salter contributed from St. Louis, Missouri. ST. LOUIS A woman told police she was shot in the legs Friday afternoon somewhere just north of downtown St. Louis on Interstate 70. Th woman was shot twice and reported the incident at a gas station at Tucker Boulevard and Cass Avenue. She said she was driving east on I-70, and another car began to tailgate her car. The suspect sped up alongside her and shot through the driver side door. The shooting may have happened at Madison Street and I-70. She was was taken to the hospital and was in stable condition. May you live in interesting times, goes the ironic old curse. We do. America may be more politically divided today than its been since the late 1960s. When the ever-tactful Georgia congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene recently called for a national divorce, so that conservative Americans wouldnt have to put up with liberals in their midst (and, by implication, vice-versa), several pundits suggested it has already happened. As The Independent of Britain put it: America is in need of a national marriage guidance counsellor. Im not here to suggest that newspaper opinion sections like this one could or should fulfill that role. The mission here which Im undertaking now in my first full week as the Post-Dispatchs new editorial page editor isnt to reconcile societys differences, but to provide a forum in which they can play out. And I cant think of a more interesting time to do that. By way of introduction, I was born and raised in the Chicago area, wrote for a few Illinois newspapers early in my career and was hired by the Post-Dispatch in 1995 as a Springfield-based Illinois reporter. I moved to St. Louis in 2012 to be the newspapers political writer. I joined the editorial page in 2018. As a transplant, I tend to be more enthusiastic about St. Louis than most of the natives I know. I love this place the architecture and the music and the food, the deep history, the distinct and diverse neighborhoods, the any-excuse-for-a-street-party mindset. But I also recognize the citys challenges. Ive watched Washington Avenue, where I live, go from being named one of the nations top 10 streets a dozen years ago to a shell of itself today. I shook my head with the rest of St. Louis recently at how long it took to oust a city prosecutor who appeared determined to side with the criminals. And dont even get me started on the Missouri Legislature. Yes, Ive got opinions. Contrary to critics Ive heard from, they dont always align neatly with todays political left (Defund the police, seriously?). But they could be fairly characterized as center-left. In one sense, thats a good fit for this position. The words of Post-Dispatch founder Joseph Pulitzer at the bottom of the editorial page about predatory plutocracy and predatory poverty are still the guiding principles of this opinion section, and they are as broadly progressive today as they were in 1907. But in another sense, my own views (and Pulitzers) are beside the point. As regular readers should know, these pages include plenty of commentary that is 180-degrees opposed to the stances of the newspapers editorials. To explore that further requires a quick review of how these pages are structured. To those readers actually holding the Sunday newspaper in your hands right now (bless you), the two-page spread of the opinion section is organized in a roughly consistent way most days: Down the left side of the left page are the editorials. These are opinion pieces representing the views of the newspapers Editorial Board. Theyre unsigned because they arent the work of one person but rather a group of people, both within and outside the Post-Dispatch, who debate issues each weekday morning. The discussions are guided in part by a journalistic version of legal precedent. On most issues, the editorial page has general, longstanding positions that inform what stance the board might take on a current controversy. Its not that these positions cant change over time, but they dont change whimsically with every change in membership on the board. (Were not the Supreme Court, after all.) On the other side of the left page, under the daily editorial cartoon, are the letters to the editor. This is a crucial platform for community debate, and the only section of the newspaper that regularly publishes writing from the general public. Letters are edited for style, clarity and length. There is a general 250-word limit, though that can be set aside for pieces determined to merit more space. Its a point of pride that we publish letters that take drastically different positions than the editorials and often strongly criticize the Post-Dispatchs news coverage, the opinion section or me personally. (Go for it.) Letters can be submitted at stltoday.com/sendletter. The right page of the section is called the op-ed page, because it displays personal opinion pieces that are on the opposite side of the section from the editorials physically and often philosophically. This is where signed columns from me, other Editorial Board members, local writers and syndicated columnists appear. We try to keep it varied on both topic and stance. (There is no op-ed page on Saturdays or Mondays.) Ive heard from enough readers in response to my columns over the years to know some will be skeptical about where the opinion section will go from here. Thats fair. I can tell you my goal is to open these pages to more, not fewer, opposing opinions to continue providing a forum for the vibrant and diverse debate crucial to navigating these oh-so-interesting times. Readers should watch and judge for themselves whether that mission is being served. Better yet, dive into the debate and write to us. That will keep things really interesting. Kevin McDermott is the editorial page editor of the Post-Dispatch. Email: kmcdermott@post-dispatch.com Twitter: @kevinmcdermott Imagine a man trying to suavely smoke in front of a woman with the words cigarettes cause impotence stamped along the length of the actual cigarette. Other health effects of smoking are more dire, of course, and Canadian smokers will soon see descriptions of half a dozen of them. Canada has announced it will require that and other warnings to be printed (in capital letters) on cigarette packaging and individual cigarettes. Its a creative way of reminding smokers of the dangers theyre courting with literally every breath they take. Among the messages that will be on each cigarette starting in early 2024: Cigarettes cause cancer, Cigarettes cause leukemia, Cigarettes damage your organs, Tobacco harms children, and the especially catchy Poison in every puff. This bold step will make health warning messages virtually unavoidable, said Canadian health official Carolyn Bennett, according to The Washington Post. The labels, she said, will provide a real and startling reminder of the health consequences of smoking. For years the U.S. has lagged behind its northern neighbor in confronting the dangers of tobacco. Since 2021, Canada has required manufacturers to print graphic images of the health impacts of smoking on their packaging think, a bald, dying woman and later prevented manufacturers from using brightly colored packaging to distract from the messages. U.S. regulators, meanwhile, didnt even try to impose rules like that on the impotence sticks er, cancer sticks until 2020, and its been tied up in court since. CHATHAM, ONTARIO and TEL-AVIV, ISRAEL, June 02, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Atlas Global Brands Inc. (Atlas Global, or the Company) (CSE: ATL), a cannabis company with expertise across the value chain, continues to focus on cost reductions, savings and production efficiencies. In furtherance of those objectives, the Company will cease operations at its facility in Gunn, Alberta and liquidate the assets of its direct and indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries operating the site. Approximately 50 employees have been impacted by this decision. All packaging activities have been relocated to the Companys facility in Chatham, Ontario, which now serves as the Companys Canadian hub for the processing of domestic and EU GMP flower and oils for international markets, enabling centralized manufacturing and maximizing production capabilities. Also, in connection with the transition of operations to Ontario, the Companys recent acquisition of GreenSeal which produces 3,500 kg annually of cannabis products, will support the production and distribution of brands domestically and internationally. GreenSeals nursery program will continue to expand Atlas Globals genetics and innovation pipeline for new product development. We have achieved many significant milestones within the initial five months of listing on the CSE, including in particular securing a robust acquisition pipeline in Israel and completing the acquisition of GreenSeal in April, said Mr. Yeung. Ceasing operations at the Gunn, Alberta facility was an extremely difficult decision, that was not taken lightly. We are working diligently to strengthen our liquidity and secure our path for the future in a challenging market and believe ceasing operations in Gunn, Alberta is an important step towards executing on our objective of reducing costs, streamlining operations and increasing margins. We are confident that our existing operations in our Chatham and Stratford Ontario facilities will be able to produce the quantity and quality of cannabis required for current and future demand. We wish to thank the Gunn, Alberta team members for their contributions. said Bernie Yeung, CEO, Atlas Global. Since commencing trading on the CSE in January 2023, the Company completed the acquisition of GreenSeal on April 28, 2023, a GACP & CUMCS certified indoor growing facility located in Stratford, Ontario and entered into binding agreements (collectively, the Acquisition Agreements) for the acquisition of controlling interests in 6 pharmacies in Israel, as well as to acquire a trading house in Tel Aviv, which will be leveraged as an export distributor for all medical pharmacies. After an end-to end review of its global operations, including the anticipated impact of these acquisitions on operations, Alvarez & Marsal Canada ULC was engaged as financial advisor to Atlas Biotechnologies Inc., a direct wholly owned subsidiary of Atlas Global, and Atlas Growers Ltd., an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Atlas Global and the operator of the Gunn, Alberta facility (together, the Atlas Subsidiaries). Based on that financial analysis and after careful consideration of available alternatives, the Atlas Subsidiaries cash positions, forecasted revenue and expenses, scheduled debt payments and demands for payment received from creditors and the operational capabilities of Atlas Globals other business units in Ontario, it was determined to be in the best interests of the Atlas Subsidiaries and Atlas Global as a whole to liquidate the assets of the Atlas Subsidiaries, through a court-supervised process, in an orderly fashion so as to maximize recoveries for all affected stakeholders. The Atlas Subsidiaries are currently in discussions with their senior lender, with whom the Atlas Subsidiaries are working cooperatively, to determine the nature of the proceedings that will be commenced to effect this orderly liquidation. Also, owing in material part to the number and timing of recent acquisitions and the liquidation of the Atlas Subsidiaries, the Company has determined that the forecasted gross profit and available funds for the 12 months ending December 31, 2023, in its amended and restated filing statement dated December 29, 2022, should no longer be relied upon. The Company will provide appropriately updated information including the disclosure prescribed by National Instrument 51-102 Continuous Disclosure Obligations in connection with the issue of its audited financial statements for the 15-month period ended March 31, 2023, due July 31, 2023. About Atlas Global Brands Atlas Global is a global cannabis company operating in Canada and Israel with expertise across the cannabis value chain, including cultivation, manufacturing, marketing, distribution, and pharmacy. Atlas currently distributes to eight countries: Australia, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Israel, Norway, Spain, and the United Kingdom. In addition to a differentiated product mix, Atlas operates two licensed cannabis facilities one with EU-GMP, has a majority interest in three medical pharmacies in Israel and has entered into binding agreements for the acquisition of a majority interest in a trading house and 6 additional medical cannabis pharmacies in Israel. Learn more by visiting: www.atlasglobalbrands.com Contacts Bernie YeungChief Executive Officer 1-844-415-6961[email protected] Alyssa Barry Media and Investor Relations 1-833-947-5227[email protected] Forward-Looking Information This news release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "believes" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking information in this news release is based upon assumptions that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties, including assumptions that or regarding: the winding up of the Atlas Subsidiaries and the liquidation of their respective assets will result in cost savings and efficiencies for Atlas Global; the insolvency proceedings with respect to the Atlas Subsidiaries will proceed in a timely manner and that all applicable regulatory approvals, court approvals and stakeholder approvals, as the case may be, will be obtained; there is sustainable demand for Atlas Globals products in the domestic and international markets in which it distributes such products, the pending acquisitions will proceed as contemplated, and the transactions contemplated thereby will be completed in accordance with their terms; the general regulatory environmental in which the Company operates; foreign exchange rates; the general economic, financial, market and political conditions impacting the industry and markets in which the Company operates; the impact of competition on the Companys overall growth strategy. 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, including: the costs associated with the insolvency proceedings of the Atlas Subsidiaries may negatively impact the Companys financial results and operations and negatively impact the share price of Atlas Global on the Canadian Securities Exchange; the expected cost savings and synergies resulting from the insolvency proceedings may not be realized; the Atlas Subsidiaries may not obtain all applicable regulatory approvals, court approvals and stakeholder approvals, as the case may be, in a timely manner or at all; the ability of the Atlas Subsidiaries to operate in the normal course during the insolvency proceedings; potential litigation resulting from the insolvency proceedings of the Atlas Subsidiaries; that the conditions to completion of the transactions contemplated by the pending acquisitions will not be satisfied or that one or more of the Acquisition Agreements will be terminated. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. New risk factors emerge from time to time, and it is impossible for the Companys management to predict all risk factors, nor can the Company assess the impact of all factors on Companys business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ from those contained in any forward-looking information. The forwardlooking statements set forth herein concerning the Company reflect management's expectations as at the date of this news release and are subject to change after such date. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forwardlooking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Source: Atlas Global Brands Inc. Piarco, June 03, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Caribbean Airlines, the leading carrier in the region, announces the launch of its Sustainability Programme in line with the principles of Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) guidelines. The airline understands the importance of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) and continues to make progress in reducing CO2 emissions, aligning with Trinidad and Tobago's commitment to the Paris Agreement's goals for achievement by 2030. Through the efforts of the Fuel Management Committee, the company achieved its 2% reduction goal in the past year, thanks to the advanced and fuel-efficient 737-8 jet fleet and other proactive initiatives. Additionally, the company is fully compliant with the International Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO) Carbon Offsetting Scheme in Aviation (CORSIA) by consistently submitting verified CO2 Emission Reports within the annual deadline. Furthermore, Caribbean Airlines proudly boasts a diverse workforce across its network. With over 50% of its team being female and 30% occupying senior managerial positions, the company demonstrates its commitment to gender equality and inclusivity. The company has also streamlined its corporate social responsibility initiatives around the three pillars of Education, Community, and Wellness, under the themes Caribbean Careers, Caribbean Community, and Caribbean Medical Travel. Under "Caribbean Careers," the airline focuses on inspiring and educating students about the diverse career opportunities within the aviation industry. Dedicated employees from Caribbean Airlines volunteer their time to visit schools, sharing their experiences and motivating young minds to pursue their dreams with passion and purpose. Through the Caribbean Community pillar, Caribbean Airlines has partnered with numerous registered Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) to support outreach programs that provide relief to the disadvantaged and assist at-risk groups in society. Under the Caribbean Medical Travel pillar, the company works in collaboration with accredited non-profit organizations and healthcare professionals to facilitate medical missions across the region. "As a responsible corporate citizen, Caribbean Airlines is dedicated to investing in the destinations we serve, positively impacting the lives of people throughout the region," said Garvin Medera, CEO of Caribbean Airlines. "The launch of our Sustainability Program symbolizes our commitment to making a difference and ensuring that our efforts are easily recognizable as belonging to the Caribbean Airlines brand." To provide a central platform for the Sustainability Programme, Caribbean Airlines has launched a dedicated website at cs.caribbean-airlines.com. The website highlights the various initiatives and projects undertaken by the company to promote sustainability. Caribbean Airlines remains dedicated to creating a sustainable future while delivering exceptional service to its customers. Through its Sustainability Programme, the airline is actively contributing to inspiring future generations, supporting the betterment of the Caribbean region, and the communities it serves. End Attachments Dionne Ligoure Caribbean Airlines Limited 1-868-741-5139 [email protected] Source: Caribbean Airlines Limited TORONTO, June 02, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cleantech Power Corp. (formerly, Alkaline Fuel Cell Power Corp.) (the Company or Cleantech) (NEO: PWWR) (OTCQB: PWWRF) (Frankfurt: E43, WKN: A3EEHV), announces that further to its press release dated May 15, 2023, the British Columbia Securities Commission (the BCSC) has issued a failure to file cease trade order against the Company (FTFCTO) which orders that general trading, whether direct or indirect, by any person, of the securities of the Company cease, which includes trading of the shares of the Company on the NEO Exchange. The Company is diligently working with its auditors to conclude the filings at the earliest possible time. The delay in completing and filing the Companys financial statements stems from certain accounting information that was required from Fuel Cell Power NV and the Companys need to engage additional accounting advisors to complete the requisite information and provide same to the Companys auditors. This process has taken longer than originally anticipated by the Company. The Company announced via press release dated April 3, 2023 (the Delayed Filing Announcement) that it had submitted an application to the BCSC for a management cease trade order (the MCTO) pursuant to NP 12-203. The application for the MCTO was made in connection with the delay in filing the Companys audited annual financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2022, the related management's discussion and analysis and CEO and CFO certifications (such filings, collectively, the Annual Filings), which were required to be filed on or before March 31, 2023. The MCTO was issued by the BCSC on April 3, 2023 extending the deadline for filing the Annual Filings to May 30, 2023. The MCTO prevented the Companys Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer from trading in the Companys securities but did not affect the ability of other shareholders, including the public, to trade in securities of the Company. The Company also announces that the filing of its unaudited interim financial statements, related management's discussion and analysis and CEO and CFO certifications for the three months ended March 31, 2023 together with the Annual Filings, will be delayed beyond the extended filing deadline of May 30, 2023 as a result of the delay in completing the Annual Filings (the Required Documents). The FTFCTO will remain in effect until the receipt by the BCSC of all filings the Company is required to make under British Columbia securities law, including the Required Documents. The Company confirms that since the date of the Delayed Filing Announcement, other than as described above: (i) there has been no material change to the information set out in the Delayed Filing Announcement that has not been generally disclosed; (ii) there has been no failure by the Company in fulfilling its stated intentions with respect to satisfying the provisions of the alternative information guidelines set out in NP 12-203; (iii) there has not been any other specified default by the Company under NP 12-203; and (iv) there is no other material information concerning the affairs of the Company that has not been generally disclosed. The Company confirms that its business has not changed, there are no changes to its current business plans and that it does not expect any interruption of the operations of the Company during the FTFCTO. The revocation of the FTFCTO is expected to occur within a few days after the Required Documents are filed. On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Company, Cleantech Power Corp. Frank Carnevale Frank Carnevale, CEO+1 (647) 531-8264[email protected] ABOUT CLEANTECH POWER CORP. (NEO: PWWR) PWWR is a diversified investment platform developing affordable, renewable, and reliable power and cleantech. We bring Power to the People today, combining a stable revenue stream with a future- forward vision to commercialize our advanced hydrogen fuel cell technology to meet the massive global market need, and ultimately generate compelling returns for investors. PWWR is well positioned to deliver Power to the People in the global energy transition while offering a diversified cleantech growth platform for investors. Further information is available on the Company website at www.cleantechpower.ca and the Company encourages investors and other interested stakeholders to follow it on: Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. Common shares are listed for trading on the NEO under the symbol PWWR, the OTC Venture Exchange OTCQB under the symbol PWWRF and on the Frankfurt Exchange under symbol E43 and WKN A3EEHV. Forward-Looking Information This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. These statements relate to future events or future performance. All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forward-looking statements or information. In certain cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as plans, expects or does not expect, is expected, estimates, forecasts, intends, anticipates, believes or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, might, occur or achieve. Forward-looking statements in this news release may include, but are not limited to, the FTFCTO and statements with respect to the Companys technology, intellectual property, business plan, objectives and strategy. Forward-looking statements and information are provided for the purpose of providing information about the current expectations and plans of management of the Company relating to the future. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such statements and information may not be appropriate for other purposes, such as making investment decisions. Since forward-looking statements and information address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. The forward- looking statements and information contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof and no undertaking is given to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws. The forward-looking statements or information contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. NEITHER THE NEO EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE NEO EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE. Source: Cleantech Power Corp. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 2, 2023) - HighGold Mining Inc. (TSXV: HIGH) (OTCQX: HGGOF) ("HighGold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that, further to its news release dated June 1, 2023, the Supreme Court of British Columbia has granted a final order approving the Company's previously announced Plan of Arrangement (the "Arrangement") under Division 5 of Part 9 of the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) (the "BCBCA") involving HighGold and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Onyx Gold Corp. ("Onyx Gold"). For details regarding the Arrangement, see the news releases of the Company dated May 24, 2023, March 17, 2023 and February 22, 2023. The Arrangement is expected to become effective on or about June 6, 2023, subject to, among other things, HighGold obtaining final acceptance by the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV") of the Arrangement and other conditions customary in transactions of this nature. As a reminder, those HighGold shareholders as of the effective date (on or about June 6, 2023) will receive one (1) share of Onyx Gold for every four (4) shares of HighGold. About HighGold HighGold is a mineral exploration company focused on high-grade gold projects located in North America. HighGold's flagship asset is the high-grade Johnson Tract Gold-Zinc-Copper Project located in accessible Southcentral Alaska, USA. The Company also controls one of the largest junior gold miner land positions in the Timmins, Ontario gold camp. This includes the Munro-Croesus Gold property, which is renowned for its high-grade mineralization, and the large Golden Mile and Timmins South properties. HighGold also has 100% ownership of a group of properties in Yukon's emerging new Selwyn Basin Reduced Intrusive Related Gold district. HighGold's experienced Board and senior management team, are committed to creating shareholder value through the discovery process, careful allocation of capital, and environmentally/socially responsible mineral exploration. On Behalf of HighGold Mining Inc. "Darwin Green" President & CEO For further information, please visit the HighGold Mining Inc. website at www.highgoldmining.com, or contact: Darwin Green, President & CEO or Naomi Nemeth, VP Investor Relations Phone: 1-604-629-1165 or North American toll-free 1-855-629-1165 Email: [email protected]. Website: www.highgoldmining.com Twitter : @HighgoldMining 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: This news release includes certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (collectively "forward looking statements"). Forward-looking statements include predictions, projections and forecasts and are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "seek", "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "forecast", "expect", "potential", "project", "target", "schedule", "budget" and "intend" and statements that an event or result "may", "will", "should", "could" or "might" occur or be achieved and other similar expressions and includes the negatives thereof. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding the Company's plans to complete the Arrangement and the anticipated closing date of the Arrangement are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of material factors and assumptions. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from Company's expectations include, among other things, the ability of the Company to obtain requisite approvals for the Arrangement, future metal prices, availability of capital and financing on acceptable terms, general economic, market or business conditions, uninsured risks, regulatory changes, defects in title, availability of personnel, materials and equipment on a timely basis, accidents or equipment breakdowns, delays in receiving government approvals, unanticipated environmental impacts on operations and costs to remedy same, and other exploration or other risks detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulators. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause such actions, events or results to differ materially from those anticipated. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate and accordingly readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/168654 Chickens and a turkey are seen inside a coop at a private poultry farming at a ranch in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil June 2, 2023. REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes By Ana Mano SAO PAULO (Reuters) - Revised trade accords with most of Brazil's trade partners, including China, make it unlikely the world's largest chicken supplier will impose a nationwide ban on exports should the virus that causes highly pathological avian influenza (HPAI) hit commercial flocks. Ricardo Santin, head of a group representing firms like JBS and BRF, told Reuters the agreements with trade partners should limit any export restrictions to smaller geographic regions. Still, the details of a 2004 bilateral sanitary protocol with China, Brazil's top chicken buyer last year, could spell some pain for exporters. The protocol, which the agriculture ministry said remains in force, requires immediate notification to Beijing of epidemic diseases and imposes temporary national and local bans depending on the type of illness threatening the health of poultry. It also stipulates that exported meat must come from farms free of any avian disease-related restrictions for 12 months. Santin declined to elaborate on how he expects Beijing and Brasilia to apply the 2004 protocol in the event of an outbreak in Brazil's commercial flock. This week, HPAI was detected in wild birds in the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul, raising the risk of infection on poultry farms, which are largely concentrated in southern Brazil. Rio Grande do Sul ships 16% of Brazil's chicken exports. Brazil has registered 19 outbreaks of HPAI in wild birds nationwide this year. Santin said Brazil began renegotiating sanitary protocols in 2021 with around 70% of foreign markets. He said in principle most of Brazil's clients accept that "a containment zone" may be established for trade purposes, based on World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) guidelines. Those practices, however, may not satisfy buyers like Japan, Mexico and South Africa, who have not revised agreements with Brazil, he said. WOAH outlines best practices for "zoning" and compartmentalizing HPAI infection to specific areas at risk in order to ease nation-wide restrictions, allowing countries to continue to sell and export of poultry. The U.S., which competes with Brazil in poultry export markets, had HPAI outbreaks but continued to ship products. U.S. turkey and egg production dropped 6% and 2% respectively in 2022 as avian flu wiped out flocks. Still, total poultry meat exports rose 3% by volume and 14% by value, as revised trade agreements limited trade restrictions compared with a previous record U.S. bird flu outbreak in 2015. (Reporting by Ana Mano and additional reporting by Tom Polansek in Chicago; Editing by Brad Haynes and Marguerita Choy) A delegation of diplomats and officials from the Arab League and its Secretariat visit the old town of Kashgar in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, May 31, 2023. After attending the 18th senior officials' meeting and the 7th senior official-level strategic political dialogue of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum, the 34-member group visited northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region from Tuesday to Friday. (Xinhua/Gao Han) URUMQI, June 3 (Xinhua) -- A delegation of diplomats and officials from the Arab League and its Secretariat said that they witnessed a different Xinjiang from the one that has been portrayed by Western media. After attending the 18th senior officials' meeting and the 7th senior official-level strategic political dialogue of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum, the 34-member group visited northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region from Tuesday to Friday. The group visited a number of locations in Xinjiang and said that the region does not match what is portrayed by Western media, and it boasts harmony and stability, a rapidly growing economy and a colorful and prosperous culture, with residents living and working in peace and contentment. While visiting an exhibition on Xinjiang's anti-terrorism and deradicalization work in Urumqi, the regional capital, the delegation hailed Xinjiang's remarkable achievements in respecting and safeguarding human rights. Mohammed Haj Ibrahim, director-general of the Department of Asian and African Affairs under the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said that China has made constructive contributions to the fight against terrorism and extremism. International cooperation on counter-terrorism should be strengthened, including the exchange of information and experience, he said. Elhassan Mohamed Musbha Rabha, division head of the Department of Asian and Australian Affairs under the Foreign Ministry of Government of National Unity of Libya, said that China has made great efforts to ensure the freedom of religious belief, and that people of all ethnic groups can live together in harmony. The delegation visited the Id Kah Mosque and the old town of Kashgar, some 1,500 km southwest of Urumqi. Mohamed Moustafa Kamal Mohamed, permanent representative of Egypt to the Arab League, said he was very glad to see that the historic mosque in Kashgar is well preserved and equipped with modern facilities. The group praised China's 7-billion-yuan (about 987 million U.S. dollars) renovation of the old town of Kashgar, an ancient Silk Road city with a history of over 2,000 years. Mohanad A.A. Alaklouk, permanent representative of Palestine to the Arab League, said he was very happy to see the ancient buildings and experience the long-standing culture of the old town of Kashgar on his first trip to Xinjiang. The Chinese government has made huge efforts to renovate the old town and preserve its wonderful cultural heritage, and all these efforts and achievements are impressive, he said. The delegation also visited the Urumqi International Land Port Area. Xinjiang has done well in all its undertakings and its infrastructure is complete, totally surpassing expectations, said Mohamed Moustafa Kamal Mohamed. Mohammed Haj Ibrahim said the changes taking place in Xinjiang have proved that China has done a great deal to secure jobs and support local economic development. A delegation of diplomats and officials from the Arab League and its Secretariat visit a workshop making traditional ethnic musical instruments in Kashgar, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, May 31, 2023. After attending the 18th senior officials' meeting and the 7th senior official-level strategic political dialogue of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum, the 34-member group visited northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region from Tuesday to Friday. (Xinhua/Gao Han) FILE PHOTO-Visitors wearing face masks pose as they take a selfie with Disney characters Donald Duck and Daisy Duck during the reopening day of Disneyland to the public, after a second closure due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Hong Ko SHANGHAI (Reuters) - A report on Saturday that the Chinese city of Wuhan was in talks with Walt Disney Co over a potential project was fake, Chinese official media said, citing the company. The central province of Hubei deleted a statement from its official account on the WeChat social media platform that had said the commerce bureau of Wuhan, the provincial capital, had started initial talks with Disney on starting a project there. The state-backed Shanghai Securities News cited Murray King, vice president of public affairs and communications at Shanghai Disney Resort, as saying reports of talks with Wuhan were "fake news". Disney did not immediately respond to Reuters request for comment. The Hubei and Wuhan governments did not respond to calls outside business hours. Several Chinese cities have been on a drive to engage with foreign investors since the start of the year after the country lifted its harsh COVID-19 restrictions. COVID was first detected in Wuhan in late 2019. Disney opened the $5.5 billion Shanghai Disney Resort in 2016. The resort in China's financial hub had over 11 million visitors in its debut year, though figures were hit during the pandemic. (Reporting by Jason Xue and Brenda Goh; Editing by William Mallard) Pope Francis speaks during a meeting with pilgrims from Concesio and Sotto il Monte in St. Peter's Basilica, at the Vatican, June 3, 2023. REUTERS/Guglielmo Mangiapane By Philip Pullella VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - Pope Francis will make an Aug. 31-Sept. 4 trip to Mongolia, one of the most far-flung places he has ever visited and which has only about 1,300 Catholics but is strategically significant for the Roman Catholic Church because of its proximity to China. The Vatican announced the trip in a brief statement on Saturday, saying it was being made at the invitation of the country's president and Catholic leaders. Details would be announced in the next few weeks, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said. Last August, Francis named Archbishop Giorgio Marengo, an Italian, the first cardinal to be based in Mongolia, where he is the Catholic Church's administrator. Marengo was in Rome last month and met with the pope to discuss the trip. Francis first spoke of the possibility of going to Mongolia in a conversation with reporters aboard the papal plane returning from a trip to Africa in February. According to Fides, the news agency of the Vatican's missionary activities, there are about 1,300 baptized Catholics in Mongolia among a population of about 3.3 million people. According to the U.S. State Department, about 60% of the population identifies as religious while the remainder has no religious identity. Among those who express a religious identity, 87.1% identify as Buddhist, 5.4% as Muslim, 4.2% as Shamanist, 2.2% as Christian, and 1.1% as followers of other religions. Although the number of Catholics in Mongolia is smaller that most individual parish churches in many countries, the country is significant for the Vatican. It has a long border and close ties with China, where the Vatican is trying to improve the situation of Catholics in the communist country. Mongolia, once known as Outer Mongolia, was part of China until 1921, when it achieved independence with the help of the then Soviet Union. Inner Mongolia remained part of China. Visiting places where Catholics are a minority is also part of Francis' policy of drawing attention to people and problems in what he has called the peripheries of society and of the world. He still has not visited most of the capitals of Western Europe in his ten years as head of the 1.3 billion-member Church. Francis is due to visit Portugal from Aug. 2-6 to attend the World Youth Day in Lisbon and visit the Shrine of Fatima. He has said he said he would probably go to India next year. (Additional reporting by Keith Weir; Editing by Toby Chopra and Mark Potter) An actor and an actress perform Hong Kongs play "May 35", the story of parents grieving the loss of their son killed in the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre, during a press conference in Taipei, Taiwan, June 1, 2023. REUTERS/Ann Wang By Angie Teo and Jessie Pang TAIPEI (Reuters) - A Taiwan theatre is showcasing a Hong Kong play about Tiananmen Square to mark the 34th anniversary of the crackdown in Beijing, saying almost as much about shrinking freedoms in the former British colony as it does about the 1989 bloodshed. Taiwan's Shinehouse theatre group, with the support of rights group Amnesty International, is putting on six performances of "35th of May" in Taipei from June 2-4. The play is about parents grieving for their son killed in Tiananmen Square. Restrictions on dissent in Hong Kong have all but snuffed out what were once the largest vigils marking the crackdown on pro-democracy protests in Tiananmen Square, leaving cities like London, New York, Berlin and Taipei to keep the memory alive. "It's not only talking about June 4 in 1989, it's talking about all kinds of authoritarian and totalitarian situations," Shinehouses director, Chung Po-yuan, told Reuters, explaining the importance of bringing the play to Taiwan. The last time the play was shown in Hong Kong was in 2020 before the enactment of a national security law that Beijing imposed on the city later that year. It was shown online because of COVID-19 restrictions. The theatre group that staged it, Stage 64, disbanded in 2021, citing pressure under the national security law. The play has not been officially banned in Hong Kong but few doubt that authorities in a city where the Tiananmen crackdown has become taboo would move to block it. An alliance of Hong Kong activists that used to organise the annual Tiananmen vigil was disbanded after the arrest of several of its leaders in 2021. Three were charged with inciting subversion and face up to 10 years in prison. "May 35th", by playwright Candace Chong, is about a husband and wife dealing with the loss of their son who was killed when troops opened fire on democracy protesters in and around Tiananmen Square 34 years ago. 'IMPORTANT PLATFORM' Even in democratic Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its territory, actors have been nervous about taking part in the play, Chung said. Some worried about their careers or the fate of families and friends in China. "Everyone has an invisible fear. The actors are actually quite brave," Chung said. Some actors will use stage names and two Hong Kong actors will wear masks. "On the one hand, we want to safeguard the freedom of performing this show, on the other, we need to ensure that everyone's safe, including families in Hong Kong," said Chiu E-ling, secretary general of Amnesty International Taiwan. The founder of Hong Kong's Stage 64 theatre group, Lit Ming Wai, is working on an English version of "35th of May" to spread its message and keep it alive. "After facing some difficulties in Hong Kong, now we can re-enact this story in another place," said Lit, who is now based in Britain but was visiting Taiwan to see the performance. "Taiwan has become an important platform. Works banned in different places can be published here, everyone has the opportunity to exchange ideas," she said. Chung, like everyone in Taiwan mindful of Beijing's vow to take the island back, by force if necessary, said the play had a simple message: "Freedom and democracy should not be taken for granted." (Reporting by Angie Teo in Taipei and Jessie Pang in Hong Kong; Additional reporting by Fabian Hamacher in Taipei; Editing by Robert Birsel) Aeromexico aircrafts and other planes are parked at gates at Benito Juarez International Airport in Mexico City, Mexico January 19, 2023. REUTERS/Henry Romero By Kylie Madry and Adriana Barrera MEXICO CITY (Reuters) -U.S. aviation regulators finished a review of Mexico's airspace safety but have not yet announced a final decision, Mexico's transportation ministry said on Friday, more than two years after the country was stripped of its top air rating. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) still has several weeks to finalize a decision about whether Mexico will recover the rating, the transportation ministry said in a statement. The FAA downgraded Mexico's aviation safety rating to Category 2 in 2021, citing safety deficiencies and blocking Mexican carriers from adding new U.S. flights. Since Mexico lost the rating, the FAA has conducted a series of audits on the local civil aviation authority and its compliance with international safety standards. A government source told Reuters earlier on Friday that the concluded audit was Mexico's "last," implying a positive resolution. Mexican newspaper El Financiero had earlier reported that Mexico had already recovered the safety rating, citing government sources, but a short time later backtracked on the initial report. Restoring the FAA's Category 1 safety rating would clear airlines like Aeromexico and Volaris to add new routes to the United States and potentially carry out marketing agreements with U.S. carriers. Aeromexico CEO Andres Conesa said last year the damage done by the downgrade was "significant." In the two years since the FAA dropped Mexico to Category 2, the country has revamped its aviation standards, replacing officials and most recently overhauling its civil aviation law. Asked to comment on Mexico's air safety rating, an FAA spokesperson would only say the agency continues "to provide assistance to Mexico's civil aviation authority." (Reporting by Kylie Madry and Adriana Barrera; Additional reporting by Carolina Pulice and Ana Isabel Martinez; Editing by Brendan O'Boyle, David Alire Garcia and Diane Craft) US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin speaks during a joint press conference with Japanese Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamada (not pictured) after their meeting at the Japanese Defense ministry in Tokyo, Japan, 01 June 2023. After Japan, Secretary of Defense By Chen Lin and Xinghui Kok SINGAPORE (Reuters) -U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin rebuked China on Saturday for refusing to hold military talks, leaving the superpowers deadlocked over Taiwan and territorial disputes in the South China Sea. Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue, Asia's top security summit, Austin said Beijing's reluctance to talk undermined efforts to maintain peace in a region where the two rivals are increasing their military firepower. "I am deeply concerned that the PRC (People's Republic of China) has been unwilling to engage more seriously on better mechanisms for crisis management between our two militaries," Austin told the meeting in Singapore. "The more that we talk, the more that we can avoid the misunderstandings and miscalculations that could lead to crisis or conflict." A senior Chinese military official struck back, saying the United States was responsible for a breakdown in dialogue by ramping up sanctions on Chinese officials and destabilising the Asia-Pacific with its military presence. "China-U.S. military relations are faced with difficulties and the responsibility lies entirely on the U.S. side," Lieutenant General Jing Jianfeng told reporters at the summit. "China attaches importance to developing China-U.S. military relations, and our interactions and communication have never been suspended." A U.S. and a Canadian warship sailed through the Taiwan Strait on Saturday, the U.S. Navy said, a show of military might that has incensed China in the past and is likely to push the two sides further apart. There had been slim hopes that the annual Shangri-La Dialogue would be an opportunity to mend the relationship between the U.S. and China, which is at its lowest point in decades. Washington and Beijing are at loggerheads over everything from the future of democratically ruled Taiwan, territorial claims in the South China Sea and President Joe Biden's restrictions on semiconductor chip exports. TAIWAN IMPASSE China's Minister of National Defence Li Shangfu had this week declined an invitation to meet Austin at the security summit. Li, a general who has been sanctioned by the U.S., delivers his own speech on Sunday. On Friday, the two shook hands on the sidelines of the conference but did not hold detailed talks, the Pentagon said. "A cordial handshake over dinner is no substitute for a substantive engagement," Austin said. Dialogue between the two countries has stalled since U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken cancelled a visit to China in February after a suspected Chinese spy balloon was tracked flying across the United States. One of the thorniest security issues between the two superpowers is over the future of Taiwan, which Beijing wants to bring under its rule. There are increasing concerns that China could invade Taiwan with the U.S. drawn into any conflict. Austin pointed to Russia's invasion of Ukraine as an example of "how dangerous our world would become if big countries could just invade their peaceful neighbours with impunity". He said the U.S. was "deeply committed" to preserving the status quo in Taiwan and opposes unilateral changes from either side. "Conflict is neither imminent nor inevitable. Deterrence is strong today and its our job to keep it that way," Austin said. General Jing said Austin's comments were misleading, accusing Washington stoking tensions by forging direct diplomatic relationships with Taiwan and increasing arms sales to the territory. "The U.S. uses Taiwan to contain China and the Taiwan separatist forces solicit U.S. support to push for independence," Jing told reporters. (Additional reporting by Joe Brock, Greg Torode, Gerry Doyle, Kanupriya Kapoor, Ben Blanchard and Ryan Woo; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan) FILE PHOTO: Haiti's Prime Minister Laurent Lamothe looks on at a Salesforce.com Dreamforce event in San Francisco, California November 19, 2013. REUTERS/Robert Galbraith PORT-AU-PRINCE (Reuters) - The United States on Friday blocked former Haitian Prime Minister Laurent Lamothe from entering the United States over what Secretary of State Antony Blinken said was his "involvement in significant corruption." "This action renders Lamothe generally ineligible for entry into the United States," the State Department said. In its statement, the State Department accused Lamothe of misappropriating "at least $60 million from the Haitian government's PetroCaribe investment and social welfare fund for private gain." Lamothe, who did not immediately respond to a request for comment, resigned in 2014 following weeks of protests calling for him and then-President Michel Martelly to step down. Citing an unnamed U.S. official, the Miami Herald reported that Lamothe, who has a home in Miami, left the United States late last month and that the State Department issued the travel ban once that had been confirmed. A rising star in Haitian politics in the early 2010s, Lamothe stepped down amid rising frustration about alleged corruption in his government and a lack of transparency involving funds from a Venezuelan program known as PetroCaribe intended for Haiti's rebuild after the catastrophic 2010 earthquake. Canada sanctioned Lamothe last November alongside Martelly and another former prime minister, Jean Henry Ceant, as part of measures targeting alleged backers of armed gangs in the country. At the time, Lamothe was quoted in Canadian media as saying that Ottawa was misinformed and he intended to defend himself in court. Heavily armed gangs are now thought to control large parts of Haiti, displacing tens of thousands amid a worsening humanitarian crisis that the United Nations said could put 100,000 children at risk of starving to death. The current caretaker government of Prime Minister Ariel Henry requested last October an international strike force to help restore order. While countries have been wary of sending troops in support of Henry's unelected government, Canada and the United States have launched a series of sanctions against Haitian political figures and businessmen. (Reporting by Harold Isaac, Sarah Morland, Eric Beech and Costas Pitas; editing by Tim Ahmann and Leslie Adler) HONG KONG As the 34th anniversary of China's Tiananmen Square crackdown approaches Sunday, many in Hong Kong are trying to mark the day in private ways in the shadow of a law that prosecuted leading activists in the city's pro-democracy movement. For decades, Hong Kong was the only place in China where people held large-scale commemorations about the 1989 crackdown on pro-democracy protesters in which tanks rolled into the heart of Beijing and hundreds, and possibly thousands, of people were killed. People gathered in Hong Kong's Victoria Park annually to mark the June 4 anniversary with a candlelight vigil. In 2020, thousands defied a police ban to hold the event. This Sunday, Victoria Park will be occupied instead by a carnival organized by pro-Beijing groups to celebrate Hong Kong's handover to Chinese rule in 1997. Organizers say it will feature a bazaar with food from across China. As the government arrested activists, publishers and opposition politicians under the sweeping 2020 National Security Law, public shows of opposition have mostly vanished. As authorities erase reminders of the massacre, some Hong Kongers are fighting to keep memories alive by distributing LED candles, writing about the crackdown, or buying books about it. In previous years, Richard Tsoi, a former vigil organizer, would have been having a busy week, preparing for the event and coordinating with police. This year, the 55-year old says he has not decided what he'll do on Sunday. "Over some 30 years, we carried on our work in a struggle of memory against forgetting," said Tsoi, who wore a black T-shirt with the slogan "The people will never forget." "Now, maybe we will have to think about how to keep this message from being drowned out in Hong Kong." Asked whether it is legal to mourn the crackdown in public as an individual, Hong Kong leader John Lee said that if anyone breaks the law, "of course the police will have to take action." The group that formerly organized the Victoria Park vigil disbanded in 2021, after police informed it that it was under investigation for working on behalf of foreign groups, an accusation the group denied, and three of its leaders were charged with subversion. The Tiananmen crackdown left a deep mark on a generation of liberal-minded Chinese people. Tsoi, who was in college during the 1989 democracy movement, said the protests gave him hope for the future of China. When he heard sounds of gunshots on TV, he said, it was saddening and infuriating. "After the crackdown, I wondered what we could still do in Hong Kong," he said. "I could only vow to myself: devote my whole life to China's democracy." Since the enactment of the National Security Law, Tiananmen-related statues have been removed from universities and books about the event have been pulled off public library shelves. Newspaper columnist Johnny Lau, who covered the 1989 crackdown in person as a reporter, wrote that June 4 has become so taboo that it's forcing people to think about it more. Some businesses, he wrote, celebrated a newspaper's 64th birthday by buying ads wishing it a smooth ride to its 65th, a move that avoids printing the sensitive figures 6 and 4 as in June 4 together. As the books were pulled, a public servant called Yau felt she had to buy a new book called "May 35th" whose title is a roundabout way to refer to June 4. She plans to spend Sunday reading a book or watching a documentary about the crackdown, and think deeply about the history, said the woman in her 20s, who asked to be identified only by her surname due to fear of government retribution. She says she plans to remember both Tiananman, and a Hong Kong in which Tiananmen could be freely commemorated. A few small businesses are also participating. Derek Chu, owner of group purchase platform AsOne, said he plans to give away LED candles at his shop Sunday, despite a recent meeting with national security authorities. He was forbidden to give details of the meeting, he said. Chu said no law banned commemorating the crackdown, and people have a responsibility to remember those who sacrificed for democracy and freedom. But he said it's still a risky move. Another small business wrote on Facebook that officers from multiple government departments came to inspect the shop after it announced it would distribute LED candles last week. Last Saturday, Chan Kim-kam put a box of LED candles at the stall where she sells dry goods like incense and stationary. She said they were a reminder of the crackdown, and a way for people who believe in democracy, freedom and humanity "see each other." However, Chan said she had to remove the candles Thursday because of "a decision she was unwilling to make." She said she could not say more. Overseas, members of the Hong Kong diaspora are still planning events. At least some 20 commemoration events are planned in major democracies for Sunday, including the U.K, where 113,500 Hong Kongers emigrated using a special visa that allows them to live and work in the country and apply for British citizenship after six years. Lit Ming-wai, a former leader of the now-disbanded art group behind "May 35th," which was originally a play, moved to the U.K. in 2021. She's organized screenings of the play overseas, and last month published the book in Taiwan. A Taiwanese drama group is also staging the play from Friday to Sunday. While it appears the play can no longer be performed in Hong Kong, she said, keeping it alive elsewhere is a form of resistance against forgetfulness and China's authoritarian rule. "Buy a book, listen to a song, light a lamp or wear a shirt," she said. "It's not meaningless, because you will realize you are not that lonely when you do it." HIROSHIMA Setsuko Thurlow, a survivor of the atomic bomb that devastated Hiroshima in 1945, was awarded an honorary doctorate in literature by her alma mater, Hiroshima Jogakuin University, on May 15. Thurlow, 91, is now a Canadian resident. When the bomb exploded, she was just 1.8 kilometers from the blasts hypocenter. She was a 13-year-old student of a girls school, the predecessor of the womens university. Despite being buried beneath a collapsed building, she managed to claw her way to survival. However, the bomb claimed the lives of her sister, nephew and multiple classmates. In 1954, Thurlow studied social welfare at a U.S. university, before marrying a Canadian national and relocating to Toronto. Since then, she has advocated against nuclear weapons, spreading her message on the global stage and becoming a strong presence in the movement for nuclear disarmament. In recognition of her achievements, the university presented her with an honorary degree during her recent visit to Japan. After delivering a lecture to about 500 students, Thurlow held a news conference where she expressed optimism regarding the future. Its truly heartening to witness younger generations in Japan and around the world actively advocate for an end to nuclear weapons, she said. I fervently hope young people will continue to learn. I encourage them to read voraciously and seek insightful discussions with experts. WARSAW, Poland Polish President Andrzej Duda said Friday that he was proposing urgent amendments to a law on Russian influence he signed this week that drew U.S. and European Union criticism. Duda said he was aware of objections, including in Poland, to the law proposed by the governing conservative Law and Justice party and was addressing them by sending proposed revisions to parliament. He urged Polish lawmakers to act swiftly, but it was not clear how fast the two-house national legislature would chose to proceed. He insisted the law was needed for the sake of public transparency and also to prevent Russia from influencing Poland's security. In its current form, the law would create a powerful committee, ostensibly meant to investigate Russian influence in Poland. However, critics see it as primarily targeting opposition leader Donald Tusk, a former Polish prime minister who also served as a top EU official. Law and Justice accuses Tusk of having been too friendly toward Russia as prime minister between 2007 and 2014, and making gas deals favorable to Russia before he went to Brussels to be the president of the European Council between 2014 and 2019. Critics say the law violates the Polish Constitution and could keep government opponents from holding public office without full power to challenge the decisions in court. They say it could also have a negative effect on the eligibility of opposition candidates in a parliamentary election later this year. Opponents said the urgent amendments indicated a retreat by Duda, who holds a PhD in law. "It is unbelievable that a person who has a doctor's degree in law has not read the bill through," said Robert Kropiwnicki, a lawmaker with the Civic Coalition, an opposition political alliance. "He needed four days to read it, understand it and is now amending it." The U.S. State Department and EU authorities have strongly criticized the law and expressed concerns about Poland's democracy. The 27-member EU, which Poland joined in 2004, also threatened to take measures if it became fully clear that such a law would undermine democratic standards. Duda said Friday that his amendments ensured the law was reviewed by nonpartisan experts, that no lawmakers would sit on the commission and that its findings wouldn't ban anyone from holding public offices. He said he was also strengthening the right to a court appeal for investigated individuals. Duda, who is aligned with Law and Justice, said Friday he was reacting to the public outcry. Law and Justice party leader Jarosaw Kaczynski and Tusk are longtime political rivals. It wasn't clear whether Duda consulted the governing party about the proposed amendments. Party spokesman Rafa Bochenk reacted by saying that the "main goal of the bill remains unchanged" despite the announced amendments. He stressed that the goal was to "show the truth about Russia's covert influences in Poland." Duda said, however, that former Law and Justice treasury minister, Wojciech Jasinski, and ex-Prime Minister Waldemar Pawlak should appear before the commission to explain major gas deals they signed with Russia almost two decades ago. The commission is meant to present a report of its findings by Sept. 17 and could impose punishments, including 10-year bans on officials from positions that have control over spending public funds. The timeline means the report would come out not long before the election expected to take place in October or November. Members of parliament approved the law, dubbed by critics "Lex Tusk," last week. Although he is allowed 21 days to consider new legislation before signing or vetoing it, Duda signed the Russian influence measure on Tuesday. The law is set to take effect effect next week. "President Duda has applied the right of veto against his own signature," Szymon Holownia, head of the opposition party Poland 2050, said of the announced amendments. Bowing partially to critics who say the law is unconstitutional, Duda said earlier this week that he was also sending it to the Constitutional Tribunal to review the bill for conformity with the supreme law. KYIV, Ukraine Concerns around civilian safety spiked in Ukraine on Saturday, as officials announced that an inspection had found nearly a quarter of the country's air-raid shelters locked or unusable, just days after a woman in Kyiv allegedly died waiting outside a shuttered shelter during a Russian missile barrage. The Ukrainian interior ministry said through its press service Saturday that of the "over 4,800" shelters it had inspected, 252 were locked and a further 893 "unfit for use." That same day, the Kyiv regional prosecutor's office reported that four people were detained in a criminal probe into the 33-year-old's death on Thursday outside the locked shelter. The prosecutor's office said that one person, a security guard who had failed to unlock the doors, remained under arrest, while three others, including a local official, had been put under house arrest. According to the prosecutor's office, the suspects face up to eight years in prison for official negligence that led to a person's death. Also on Saturday, Kyiv mayor Vitali Klitschko said that city authorities have received "more than a thousand" complaints regarding locked, dilapidated or insufficient air-raid shelters within a day of launching an online feedback service. In a Telegram update, Klitschko reported that "almost half" of the complaints concerned facilities being locked, while about a quarter had to do with them being in poor condition. Some 250 Kyiv residents wrote in to complain of a lack of nearby shelters. The interior ministry said that over 5,300 volunteers, including emergency workers, police officers and local officials, would continue to inspect shelters across Ukraine. Russia on Thursday launched a pre-dawn missile barrage at the Ukrainian capital, killing a 9-year old, her mother, and another woman, in what was the highest toll from a single attack on Kyiv over the past month. A 33-year-old woman died as she and others waited to enter a locked shelter, which left the group at the mercy of falling missile fragments, her husband told Ukrainian media. Elsewhere, Ukrainian regional officials reported Saturday morning that Russian shelling had killed at least four civilians across the country in the previous 24 hours. A 67-year-old man died in the early hours of Saturday as Russian forces shelled the northeastern Kharkiv region from mortars, local Gov. Oleh Syniehubov said on Telegram. According to Syniehubov, two other civilians were killed on Friday and overnight, while six more, including a 3-year-old boy, suffered wounds. In the frontline Kherson region in the south, two boys aged 10 and 13 were hospitalized with "serious" injuries after an explosive device detonated Saturday in a village playground, regional Gov. Oleksandr Prokudin reported. Prokudin also said that five others, including two children, were wounded by Russian shelling over the previous day. In the Sumy province further west, a Russian mortar shell killed an 85-year-old man as he sat by the orchard outside his house, the Ukrainian prosecutor general's office reported Saturday. Shelling also killed two people in Russia's Belgorod region just across the border, including an elderly woman who died on the spot, according to local Gov. Vyacheslav Gladkov. Gladkov added that another woman had been hospitalized with injuries, and blamed Ukraine for the attack. It was not immediately possible to verify the above claims by regional authorities in Ukraine and Russia. XI'AN, June 3 (Xinhua) -- Ye Niuping was elected mayor of Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, on Saturday. The election was held during the fourth session of the 17th Xi'an Municipal People's Congress, the local legislature. D.C. Mayor Muriel E. Bowsers (D) administration this week opened a new respite center for U.S. asylum seekers arriving on buses from Texas and Arizona, adding a second clearinghouse in the region for those individuals amid expectations that more will come over the next few months. The new site, located at the Salvation Army building on New York Avenue NE, has so far received migrants from two buses. Aid workers there offered preliminary services before the migrants left for other locations, according to migrant advocates whove met with those whove arrived. The four-story brick building that has been used as a treatment center for people with addictions will function similarly to another respite center in Montgomery County offering as many as seven nights of lodging, food, case management and support with plans to move elsewhere, according to D.C. Council member Charles Allen (D-Ward 6), whose office on Thursday posted an announcement about the building in the ward next to his. The city, which has been searching for a site large enough to process newly arrived migrants, opened the facility on Monday without a public announcement. Spokespeople for Bowsers office and the citys Department of Human Services, which oversees the Office of Migrant Services, which was created last fall, did not respond Friday to requests for comment about the facility. A Salvation Army spokesperson also did not respond to a request for comment. After a brief lull in border crossings earlier this year, concerns about migrants arriving to the Washington region have again heightened after the Biden administration ended the pandemic-era Title 42 policy that kept many of those individuals in Mexico while they awaited admission into the United States. Texas, which had stopped sending buses to D.C. in January, resumed those trips after the Title 42 policy ended last month, while Arizona sends about three buses per week, a spokesperson for SAMU First Response, the nonprofit that has become the primary contact for newly arrived migrants, has said previously. So far, more than 180 buses have arrived to the city since Texas and Arizona launched their busing programs in spring of 2022, a form of protest by the Republican governors of those states over the Biden administrations border policies. Earlier this week, Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) announced he is deploying 100 National Guard troops to the Texas border, heeding a call from Gov. Greg Abbott (R) for more support from states over border crossings, which Republicans argue has allowed illegal batches of fentanyl to enter the country. The ongoing border crisis facing our nation has turned every state into a border state, Youngkin said in a news release. Migrant advocates in D.C. said the citys new respite center does not address the broader problems related to the continuing influx of U.S. asylum seekers particularly a lack of permanent housing as many now arrive to the District by plane, car or commuter bus from other states. Last month, the Office of Migrant Services stopped accepting newcomers to the three New York Avenue hotels the city has been using to temporarily house 1,250 migrants, some whove been there since last summer amid sputtering efforts to find long-term housing in one of the countrys priciest housing markets. The citys Department of Human Services, which expects the cost of migrant services to reach $52.5 million by October, has not said when it expects to reopen those hotels to new families. Though the D.C. Council recently passed legislation requiring Bowsers administration to increase its resettlement efforts, migrant advocates said concerns that the hotel closures would leave newcomers sleeping in the streets have partly come to fruition. Some of the newly arrived migrants have been sleeping inside cars parked outside the hotels, said Madhvi Bahl, a core organizer with the Migrant Solidarity Mutual Aid Network, a coalition of groups that has pushed Bowser for more long-term services. Its not really solving the problem, Bahl said about the Salvation Army building. All the families that continue to come still dont have shelter. Buses are still coming in. We are doing our best to help people with housing. Rachel Landers Vaagenes, solo pastor of the Capitol Hill Presbyterian Church, said one family who was put up for three days at the new respite center is now sleeping inside her church basement after being unable to get additional help from the city. Its really frustrating, Landers Vaagenes said. I had two or three people come to my door last week. I cant take everybody. UNITED NATIONS The United States and its allies clashed with Russia and China on Friday over North Korea's failed launch of a military spy satellite this week in violation of multiple U.N. Security Council resolutions, which Moscow and Beijing refused to condemn. The confrontation was the latest over the North's escalating nuclear, ballistic missile and military programs, which U.S. deputy ambassador Robert Wood warned are threatening international peace and security. The failed launch "not only disrupted maritime and air traffic in the region, but it also caused alarm for its neighbors in Japan and the Republic of Korea," he said. Pyongyang is threatening another launch soon. The Security Council imposed sanctions after North Korea's first nuclear test explosion in 2006 and tightened them over the years in a total of 10 resolutions seeking so far unsuccessfully to rein in its nuclear and ballistic missile programs and cut off funding. In the last sanctions resolution adopted by the council in December 2017, members committed to further restricting petroleum exports to North Korea if it conducted a ballistic missile launch capable of reaching intercontinental ranges. China and Russia vetoed a U.S.-sponsored resolution in May 2022 that would have imposed new sanctions, including on petroleum exports, over a spate of intercontinental ballistic missile launches. Since then, they have blocked any council action including press statements. U.N. political chief Rosemary DiCarlo told the council the last time North Korea conducted a similar satellite launch to Wednesday's failed attempt was on Feb. 7, 2016 and it was condemned by the Security Council. "The lack of unity and action in the Security Council does little to slow the negative trajectory on the Korean Peninsula," she said, and North Korea "is unconstrained, and other parties are compelled to focus on military deterrence." But North Korea's neighbor and ally China and Russia, which has drawn closer to Pyongyang since the war in Ukraine, blamed the West and especially the United States for the current tensions. China's deputy U.N. ambassador Geng Shuang said the situation on the Korean Peninsula is a remnant of the Cold War. He accused the United States of failing to respond to North Korea's attempts at dialogue over the years and instead resorting to sanctions and pressure on Pyongyang, missing an opportunity to resolve the nuclear issue. "By incorporating the (Korean) Peninsula into its Indo-Pacific strategy, the U.S. has continued its military activities and significantly increased its military presence both on the peninsula and in its surrounding areas, seriously undermining the strategic security interests of the peninsula and its neighboring countries," Geng said He also pointed to the recent U.S.-South Korea Washington Declaration, including plans to send strategic nuclear submarines to the peninsula. Geng claimed U.S. policies are "driven by geopolitical self-interest" and told the council that blaming one party "will only exacerbate conflicts, provocations and inject new uncertainties into the already tense situation on the peninsula." He urged the council to adopt a resolution circulated by China and Russia in November 2021 that would end a host of sanctions on the North, saying this would be a starting point "to promote de-escalation, mutual trust and unity" among the 15 members. Russia's deputy ambassador Anna Evstigneeva blamed increased pressure on North Korea by the U.S. and its allies for "the spiral of tension we're witnessing now." And she criticized growing military activity by the U.S., Japan and South Korea, especially recent large-scale U.S.-South Korean military exercises, saying they are destabilizing not only for northeast Asia but for the Asia-Pacific region as a whole. Russia is against "the dead end and inhumane policy of increasing sanctions pressure," Evstigneeva said, stressing that U.N. resolutions that imposed sanctions also back efforts to resolve the situation on the Korean Peninsula by political and diplomatic means. Russia calls on the United States to take steps to lower tensions and resume dialogue, instead of trying to shift responsibility "to other countries," she said, also backing council action on the China-Russia resolution. Wood, the U.S. envoy, countered that the Washington Declaration was a response to North Korea's destabilizing nuclear and ballistic missile activities. "It's hard to imagine we would ease sanctions" as called for in the China-Russia draft resolution and reward Pyongyang while it continues to violate Security Council resolutions, he said. As for diplomacy, Wood said the United States on many occasions has stated it is prepared to have an unconditional dialogue, but North Korea "has rejected our interventions on many occasions." He stressed that U.S.-South Korean military exercises are lawful efforts to defend against Pyongyang's escalating activities that are allowing the country to advance its unlawful weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs and to "continue to choose ammunition over nutrition" for its people. The accused and other youths approached him, asking for cigarettes, but he said he had none and tried to walk away An out-of-control teenager put a young man in fear for his life when he attacked him with a long, plastic pipe and robbed him of his phone. The victim (20) was walking to a park with friends when he was set upon by the boy (14) and other youths. Judge Treasa Kelly jailed the accused for eight months when he appeared in Dublin District Court. The teenager, who is now aged 19 and has an address in north Dublin, pleaded guilty to robbery and producing an implement capable of inflicting serious injury in a manner likely to intimidate, while committing an offence. Garda Sergeant Derek Spain said the victim was walking with friends from DCU to Albert College Park, Glasnevin, on August 16, 2018. The accused and other youths approached him, asking for cigarettes, but he said he had none and tried to walk away. The accused got a metre-long, black plastic pipe object and struck the victim to the left side of his face, shouting at him to drop his phone. Another youth attempted to strike one of the mans friends. The victim dropped his phone and the accused continued toward him before reaching into the back of his jacket. As the teenager had already struck him, the man feared for his life. The accused took his phone, worth 300, and left. He was in custody serving another sentence, with a release date next year, when he appeared in court. He had 55 previous convictions, for offences including theft, unauthorised taking of a vehicle and criminal damage. At the time of the robbery, the accused was a child and his behaviour was out of control, his barrister said. It was the familiar story of someone hanging out with the wrong crowd and acting criminally. His mother had found it very difficult to cope. The accused did manage to achieve Junior Certificate level in school. He was now taking up positive activities in prison, and hoped to get his Leaving Cert. His barrister asked Judge Kelly to take the accuseds age into account and to be as lenient as she could. The injured party was lucky there wasnt further injury to him, the judge said. To produce a long black plastic pipe is a serious matter. She sentenced the accused to eight months on the weapons charge and took the robbery into consideration. She said the sentence was to run from the date of conviction. Terror leader Reilly has a hit list of targets before he hangs up his terrorist boots, according to a source. The clock is ticking for dissident crime boss Carl Reilly as he gets his house in order before being sentenced for terror membership. The Oglaigh na hEireann Belfast chief pleaded guilty last week to being a member of a proscribed organisation. And as he waits for his fate to be sealed later next month, he has a list of old scores to settle. Ironically it is Reilly, from west Belfast, who is the instigator of a revamp which will see the dissident crime group transition into a political movement. The Sunday World revealed two weeks ago that Oglaigh na hEireann were planning to go political and turn their backs on violence. But terror leader Reilly has a hit list of targets before he hangs up his terrorist boots, according to a source. They added he will use his coming time in jail to mastermind his plan for ONH to go straight. However, before he appears in court again on June 30, the group are planning to have one last hurrah with a list of targets from members of Arm na Poblachta, a rival dissident group, to drug dealers, all slated for attack. The Sunday World spoke to three people who were on the list who all spoke about their desire for Reilly to be locked up so as to save their own skins. I hope he goes down quickly, it will save my sons knees, my son is on the list but we have a date of June 10. "You know what, I hope he cant get to my son before that, said one father who contacted the Sunday World. Another, who is a former family friend of Reilly, said: Carl says he is going straight, he is going to jail for possibly years, he has targets then he will try to reform ONH just like the INLA in Belfast did. But no doubt about it, no matter how Reilly tries to reinvent himself, he is a cold, evil man. He is watched all the time and so are those connected to him. Carl Reilly thinks he is going to jail, though he is confident of a softer sentence, a source said. People close to the crime boss say they are sceptical of him going straight. The Sunday World has revealed that the dissident group is at the early stages of discussions about the timing and methods that would make the transition as smooth as possible for their members. No time frame has been set but it has been claimed that they will set up their own political party in Belfast similar to Saoradh, the political wing of the New IRA. The transition from criminal gang to political party will be hard for some ONH members to stomach or for members of the public to take seriously. Scores need settling before we go away on that front you will see an increase in attacks, but behind the scenes plans are being made about the best possible way to do this and do it successfully with as much support as possible. This move could spark the creation of another splinter dissident group. The Sunday World tried contact Carl Reilly at his home but he was unavailable for comment. Jordan Heffernan (24) was arrested after making the threats when gardai found him banging and kicking a door A drunken man threatened to damage an apartment building to get inside, while shouting in at the occupants, a court has heard. Jordan Heffernan (24) was arrested after making the threats when gardai found him banging and kicking a door. Judge Bryan Smyth fined him 200 for public order offences in the incident in central Dublin. Heffernan, of Beachside Close, Riverchapel, Co Wexford, pleaded guilty to public intoxication and threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour. Garda Eric Keogh said he was called to Little Britain Street where he heard shouting and saw the accused pulling, banging and kicking at an apartment door. Heffernan was shouting at the occupants in a threatening manner and turned his attention on the garda when he approached, shouting abuse at him. He said he was going to damage the building in order to gain access and was arrested. He had 43 previous convictions. The accused was homeless and drinking at the time of the incident, his solicitor Tony Collier said. Heffernan was in prison for another charge when he appeared in court. Dean Maguire, Karl Freeman and Graham Taylor died when their BMW burst into flames after crashing into a lorry head-on Emergency services at the scene of the accident on the N7 in July 2021. Photo: Damien Storan A garda who is facing criminal prosecution over a car chase in which three men died on the N7 in Dublin remains in limbo as the DPP has yet to issue a summons. The Garda Siochana Ombudsman Commission (Gsoc) told a coroners court hearing last month that the DPP had directed on May 9 that an officer involved in the pursuit of the men, who were members of a burglary gang, is to be charged with a driving offence. However, it is understood the DPP has still not issued the summons to Gsoc to serve on the officer, some three-and-a-half weeks later. The garda still does not know what criminal charge he is facing as Gsoc is powerless to inform him until the DPP issues the summons. This delay is causing great distress to the officer at the centre of the case, it is understood. Any summons to be served on a garda must be signed off on by a judge, but this should not cause such a significant delay, according to one source. Once the DPP releases the summons to Gsoc to serve on the officer, there is protocol in place on how it must be executed. It is understood that a Gsoc investigator unrelated to the case will be dispatched to serve the summons on the officer. This will be done by appointment. The receipt of the summons must be signed off by a peace commissioner, it is understood. The courts will also be notified. Dean Maguire (29), Karl Freeman (26) and Graham Taylor (31) were killed instantly when their vehicle burst into flames following a head-on crash with a truck on the N7 near Citywest, Dublin, on the night of July 7, 2021. They were being pursued by gardai at the time. A fortnight ago, Labour TD Alan Kelly described his shock at the prosecution of the garda involved in the chase of the three men. These three individuals, unfortunately, died at this incident, but these individuals went down the wrong side of a motorway and through their driving they ended up being in an accident which unfortunately they died from, Mr Kelly said. Now it is a garda who was driving the car who was trying to apprehend them when they refused to stop, who's been charged. The decision by the DPP to charge the officer has caused shock and dismay within the force. A GoFundMe page set up by the officers colleagues to cover his legal costs has so far raised just under 38,000. The gardas defence is expected to be he was obliged to follow the criminals to alert the public to the danger. The three men had their cars headlights turned off as they drove against the traffic on a busy road. The garda was properly trained to drive in pursuit of suspects, known as a tactical resolution to stop a vehicle, so was authorised to breach road traffic laws where necessary and safe to do so. FUZHOU, June 3 (Xinhua) -- A young law school graduate who returned from overseas studies has started agricultural businesses in a rural region in China's Fujian. Huang Zeting launched a project named "The Land." With the help of modern technology and big data, Huang and his team aim to help revitalize his home village. Produced by Xinhua Global Service The Amsterdam criminal is currently detained on suspicion of cocaine trafficking in the detention centre in Nieuwegein The Dutch criminal pal of Christy Dapper Don Kinahan, Mink Kok, has been hit with a gag order that bans him from speaking to the media. The convicted drug trafficker and gun runner, one of the most infamous gangland criminals in Dutch history, is not allowed to speak about the infamous IRT affair for six months The Amsterdam criminal is currently detained on suspicion of cocaine trafficking in the detention centre in Nieuwegein. During the 90s, he struck up a close working relationship with Christy Kinahan Snr when they were both based in Amsterdam. It is believed the pair worked together to import millions of euro worth of cocaine and ecstasy into Ireland and the UK. The gag order was imposed by prison management after a request for Kok to participate in an Amazon Prime documentary about the IRT affair. A Dutch police intelligence unit, known as the Interregional Recherche Team (IRT), was broken up last year after illegal drugs worth tens of millions of pounds were exported to Britain by a gang they were investigating. The drugs, including two lorryloads of ecstasy pills and amphetamines, plus bales of high-grade Colombian cannabis, were taken across the Channel on commercial ferries. Christy Kinahan Snr The allegations are contained in a book, Operation Delta, published by an investigative journalist with the Dutch newspaper Het Parool. The gag order was ordered after contact was made between Mink Kok and the crime journalist Vico Olling who wanted to interview the Amsterdam crime boss for a documentary about the IRT affair. The IRT affair is a scandal that took place in the 1990s, crimesite.nl reports. Police forces argued over the use of a civilian infiltrator who worked with (Koks) criminal organisation. Olling spoke about the documentary and its creation in the podcast De Nieuwe Willem. After a preparatory telephone conversation with Kok and a visit to the penitentiary in Nieuwegein van Olling, Kok had decided to cooperate, crimesite.nl adds. In the meantime, the Nieuwegein prison had learned of Mink Kok's intention, probably because his conversations were being tapped. "Talks then followed between prison management with Kok and journalist Olling. They were informed that if interviews are done within the prison, this would have to be approved by the management. Kok submitted a request to the management suggesting three possible ways in which the interview could take place. The preference was to interview Kok in front of the camera. An audio conversation was proposed as a second option and if that did not work, an exchange of letters could also take place, but all requests were rejected. The management has written a letter to Kok in which is claimed they wrote: Due to the size of your previous case and your pre-trial detention, inquiries have been made with various sources. A weighing of interests then took place, in which the management of the PI Nieuwegein unfortunately decided negatively on this request. Mark Teurlings, Mink Kok's lawyer has a been quoted as saying they were surprised by this decision:. We don't like conspiracy theories and like to stick to the facts. "But it is remarkable to say the least, that he is now not allowed to talk about things from 30 years ago, that they forgot to pick him up at his last pre-trial session, that strongly exculpatory documents are withheld from the file, that the start of the investigation is not right and that the court does not want to do anything with all this yet. Teurlings says he has not objected to the prison's decision so as not to divert attention from the handling of Koks case that will be heard on June 13. Inez Weski was arrested in April on suspicion of leaking information to her drugs kingpin client The former lawyer for the Dutch crime lord and feared Kinahan associate, Ridouan Taghi, has been released from custody. Inez Weski was arrested in April on suspicion of leaking information to her drugs kingpin client. However, she has now been released from custody on the orders of the court of Rotterdam where judges decided, "there's no reason to keep her any longer. The public prosecution department said at Thursdays remand hearing that Weski should remain in jail while the investigation continues but judges said this was no longer necessary. Weskis own lawyers issued a short statement on Thursday saying that she has not given a statement to the police during questioning because she is bound by the legal systems confidentiality agreement. Crime lord and Kinahan associate, Ridouan Taghi Weski (68) had been suspected of participating in a criminal organisation involved in international drug trafficking and money laundering and violating her oath of secrecy. She was accused of sharing information between Taghi and his contacts while he was incarcerated at the countrys most secure prison, located in Vught. Dutch-Moroccan Taghi is regarded as one of Europes biggest drugs traffickers and is a key associate of the Kinahan Cartel. He was one of a number of high-profile criminals who were guests at Daniel Kinahans wedding in Dubai in 2017. Along with a number of his associates, Taghi is currently facing multiple charges ranging from assassinations, attempted killings and murder plots. Taghi had told the Amsterdam court he would conduct his own defence in the ongoing Marengo trial in the Netherlands after Weski was arrested on April 21. Taghi informed the trial he would continue to press all inquiries made by Weski. She had previously asked the court to investigate a claim made by a former Dutch commando that he had been approached to neutralise Taghi. The ex-Special Forces agent, who is also facing criminal charges, made the unverified claim that Dutch officials considered assassinating Taghi while he was still on the loose in Dubai. Taghi was ultimately arrested in the Gulf State at the end of 2019 and extradited to the Netherlands. Since his extradition to the Netherlands, Taghi has been kept in isolation, which forbids him from communicating with anyone other than his legal team. Prosecutors have called for Taghi to face a sentence of life in prison. Five of his co-defendants were also recommended for the longest possible sentence. The verdict in the case is scheduled for the October 20. The manhunt for Taghi began six months after he attended Kinahans wedding when officers grasped that Taghi and other global gangsters had joined together as one. The super cartel allegedly included Kinahan and Raffaele Imperiale, an Italian mafia don, along with a Bosnian outfit known as the Tito and Dino cartel. Epstein called himself a coward and admitted to having trouble adapting to life behind bars Disgraced billionaire Jeffrey Epstein had more than 10 female sex partners and had been treated for a STD, before he died by suicide in his prison cell, new documents have revealed. The results of a health screening when he was booked into a Manhattan jail are among the new revelations about the convicted pedophiles sexual history. They are included in 4,000 pages of documents obtained by the Associated Press from the Bureau of Prisons in response to a Freedom of Information Act request. The paperwork documents the 66-year-olds physical and mental state in the weeks leading up to his suicide on August 10, 2019 at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in Manhattan. Medical records showed that Epstein was suffering from sleep apnea, constipation, hypertension, lower back pain and prediabetes. Epstein was booked into the federal jail in Manhattan on July 6, 2019, on charges stemming from the sex trafficking of minors in Florida and New York. He spent 22 hours in the jails general population before officials moved him to the special housing unit. This was due to the significant increase in media coverage and awareness of his notoriety among the inmate population, according to the psychological reconstruction of his death. He requested a brown uniform for his near-daily visits with his lawyers as he later said he was upset about having to wear an orange jumpsuit and whined about being treated like he was a bad guy. During his first few weeks in lockup, Epstein didnt have his sleep apnea breathing machine he used. Then, the toilet in his cell broke. Jail officials observed in writing that Epstein was agitated and unable to sleep. He was seen sitting in the corner of his cell with his hands clamped over his ears to muffle the sound of the toilet that would not stop running. Epstein called himself a coward and admitted to having trouble adapting to life behind bars. Then in late July 2019, after a judge denied Epstein bail, he made a failed attempt to kill himself. He was found on the floor of his cell with a strip of bedsheet tightened around his neck, which left him with scrapes and bruises that did not require hospitalisation. Epstein was then placed on a suicide watch, followed by psychiatric observation. In a conversation with a jail psychologist, the financier insisted he was not suicidal, saying he had a wonderful life and would be crazy to end it. Guards noted in jail logs that they saw Epstein sitting at the edge of the bed, lost in thought, and sitting with his head against the wall. The jails chief psychologist wrote in an email that Epstein was still left in the same cell with a broken toilet, and asked jail officials to move him to a different cell. The night before Epstein took his own life, he excused himself from a meeting with his lawyers to call his mother, who had been dead for 15 years. That episode come just hours after a judge 2,000 pages of documents in a sexual abuse lawsuit against him. Officials wrote that the idea of potentially spending his life in prison were likely factors contributing to Mr. Epsteins suicide. Wakeling, who had been living in the beachside town of Hua Hin, was caught in possession of a passport in another identity An organised crime boss with links to Ireland has begun an 11-year prison sentence following his extradition to the UK from Thailand after years on the run. Richard Wakeling (55) from Brentwood, Essex, was immediately jailed after appearing at Chelmsford Crown Court on Thursday, having been convicted in his absence. Wakeling fled the UK on the eve of his trial in 2018 when he was found guilty of trying to import 8m worth of amphetamine suspended in liquid two years previously. In February of this year, officers from the Royal Thai Police arrested Wakeling at a Bangkok garage as he went to collect his car after repair. Wakeling is back behind bars Wakeling, who had been living in the beachside town of Hua Hin, was caught in possession of a passport in another identity. He has a right lower leg amputation, uses a prosthetic leg and requires regular medical treatment. He was escorted back to Heathrow by specialist officers from the Joint International Crime Centres extradition unit. Jacque Beer, NCA regional head of investigations said Wakeling thought he could avoid facing justice by leaving the UK. But the hard work of NCA officers both here in the UK and overseas and that of our international partners, has put him behind bars fora lengthy prison sentence, Beer said. This case highlights the NCAs global reach, and that we will do everything we can to ensure those who commit serious and organised crime are held accountable for their actions, no matter how long it takes or how far they flee. The NCA began its investigation into Wakelings organised crime group after Border Force colleagues stopped a truck boarding a Channel Tunnel train on 9 April 2016. The truck contained plastic drums carrying the drugs. The driver was transporting furniture from Italy, but stopped at Ternat in Belgium where phone evidence showed he was directed to collect the drugs. The entire importation was set up by Wakeling, who was in contact with drug suppliers in the Netherlands and liaised with two other UK offenders to arrange the journey. Officers proved the crime group had organised six other importations before the 2016 seizure. But Wakeling vanished after he left his home in Essex on the morning of January 5, 2018. He drove off before abandoning his car to get a bus from Heathrow to Glasgow. The next day he took a ferry to Belfast where he fled onwards. The NCA has worked relentlessly to trace Wakeling and ensure he returns to the UK to serve his prison sentence, David Coyle, NCA regional manager for Thailand, said. I thank the prosecutors of the Attorney Generals office, the Royal Thai Police and the Commissioner of the Central Investigations Bureau for their extensive work helping us identify and arrest Wakeling. With our partners at home and abroad we are committed to doing everything possible to find those who have fled justice in the UK. This is another example of an offender being caught because of the NCAs global reach and strong relationships with international partners. Beer added: Wakelings arrest was the culmination of the NCA conducting enquiries around the world to capture him. Wakeling had links to Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, Canada, Spain and Thailand. We pursued these connections and worked with partners from all those countries to help build the intelligence picture around him. We have been supported by the public who responded to the media and Crimewatch appeals to provide intelligence all of which has ultimately led to his capture. The alleged aggressor is said to have touched a womans breasts and was detained by security guards until police arrived. POLICE in Barcelona have arrested a drunken festival-goer accused of indecently assaulting a woman being described as Irish. Detectives have confirmed a man was detained in the early hours of yesterday morning at the Primavera Sound Festival, which started on Monday and is due to end tomorrow. Barcelona-based news website Metropoli is reporting the alleged victim is an Irish national who was attending the event. The alleged aggressor is said to have touched her breasts and was retained by security guards until police arrived. A spokesman for the regional Mossos dEsquadra police force said: I can confirm a man was arrested in the early hours of Friday morning on suspicion of sexual assault. He was released after questioning pending a court citation. The spokesman was not able to confirm local reports about the womans nationality. A Scots tourist died after being hit by a tram on the opening night of Primavera Sound, when The Pet Shop Boys performed. The incident occurred near to the Diagonal Mar retail centre in Barcelona and close to the Parc del Forum where the music festival is taking place. The woman needed CPR and was stabilised before she was brought to hospital. A barrister has called on people to learn first aid and emergency response skills after he intervened to save a woman who fell ill in court last week. Darren Lalor (50), a barrister from Finglas in Dublin, was attending Naas courthouse last Thursday when he heard a woman fell and banged her head. The woman needed CPR and was stabilised before she was brought to hospital. Mr Lalor previously worked as a healthcare assistant at St Jamess Hospital before training at the Bar. However, the Bar of Ireland pays for him to retain his qualifications as a first responder. He and a nurse who was also at the courthouse last week were able to help the woman until paramedics arrived. "Shortly after 12pm there was a commotion in the courtroom and people had to leave, Mr Lalor said. Somebody had fallen and banged her head. I went in to assist like I would do in any situation. My particular skills were needed. I applied those skills, and everything was ok afterwards. Mr Lalor was able to use CPR and an automated external defibrillator (AED) to detect if the womans heart was active. The ultimate heroes in this case were the courts service because they had the AED on sight, knew where it was, and it was working and ready to go. Every school should have CPR as part of the curriculum and AEDs should be more available. Its the third time Mr Lalor has used his emergency response skills in recent years to support someone who fell ill. In 2020 he had to resuscitate a relative, and previously supported a person after they fell ill at the Criminal Courts of Justice. Your training kicks in, he said. I am certified as a first responder because I worked in St Jamess Hospital while I was studying to be a barrister. I used to drive a taxi and then went to train as a healthcare assistant. What happens is somebody is on the ground and they need you, but the most important thing is that the Bar of Ireland paid for me to continue this training. The real heroes here are St Jamess Hospital because you cannot work there without these skills. If people can get the opportunity to be trained, take the training. If companies can provide that training and pay for people to receive it, please do it. I dont care if you are Dickie Rock, Celine Dion or Bono. I just went in and did my thing. The skills I have are from the training I have done, and they worked. There are loads of ways people can get trained and give another person the gift of another breath. Derry Clarke had a great love for farming and cattle, and attending parts and purchasing cattle was a big part of his life, the service heard. Mourners at the funeral of Derry Clarke heard that the community was united it grief, following the death of the popular farmer who was struck by a car while out walking on Tuesday evening. A farmer in his 80s, Derry, Lynns, Annagassan, was widely known and respected throughout Co Louth and further afield, with many attending the funeral in St Marys Church, Kilsaran on Friday morning. Symbols of his life his boots, his watch and the farming supplement from the Irish Independent were taken to the alter as Parish Priest Anselm Emechebe described how the community was united in grief. Derry had started off life in the village of Castlebellinhgam before moving to Lynns with his wife Lorna. He had a great love for farming and cattle, and attending parts and purchasing cattle was a big part of his life. He knew every dealer, farmer, man, woman and child as he travelled to marts around the place. He had remained a strong and healthy man and retained his interest in farming. During the prayers of the faithful, thanks were offered to the Gardai and emergency services and those who went to Derrys assistance after the accident. Today is a very sad day for Derrys family and friends, his niece Concepta Quigley said in the eulogy. "He loved nothing moe than going to cattle marts, buying and selling, she recalled. During his life, he saw many changes which he adapted to very easily. He took to online bidding during Covid. She said her uncle had helped many people and asked for nothing in return. He had stepped in and became a father figure to her when her Dad died. "He was my rock and my mountain. They worked together and spoke on the phone every day, maybe fifty times a day! I will miss his dancing calls and his whistling calls, but most of all I will miss the rattling of his boots coming up the yard. He was missed by so many people who loved him. Derry is survived by his wife Lorrna sister Joan (OHare), niece Concepta, brother-in-law Norman and his wife Sharon, relatives, neighbours and friends. He was predeceased by his brother James and sister Veronica (Lally). He was laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery, Kilsaran. Riot police were deployed as objects and paint were thrown by youths in the area Police have been attacked while attending a security alert in Londonderry on Friday evening. Riot police were deployed as objects and paint were thrown by youths in the area. The PSNI and Army Technical Officers (ATOs) were at the scene after officers discovered a suspicious object in the Ballymagroarty area of the city. Cordons were put in place on the Aileach Road junctions with the Ringfort Road, OConnor Road and Harty Court but police said on Friday evening that no homes had been evacuated at the time. Video credit: @EW12951 Jamie filmed other scenes at nearby Djouce woods in Co Wicklow, where makeup was used to make him look bloodied. JAMIE Dornan looks like hes getting all handsy while filming in Co Wicklow the new series of The Tourist. Hollywood hunk Jamie made a variety of handy numbers, including flexing his hands, praying with them and also put up two fingers in a victory sign. Out pictured capture the 41-year-old northerner on set in Bray of the second series of the Australian themed drama. In some of the scenes hes pictured with Aussie actor Greg Larsen (Ethan), with Jamie who was dressed in a green khaki jacket, orange t-shirt, grey jeans and brown suede shoes sporting a coffee cup on occasion. Earlier in the week Jamie filmed other scenes at nearby Djouce woods in Co Wicklow, where makeup was used to make him look bloodied. The first season of series, which was screened in the UK and Ireland on BBC1, focused on Dornan's character Elliot after he gets stuck in the outback after a car tries to run him off the road. He then wakes up in hospital and realises he has no memory. Jamie Dornan Outback cop Helen Chambers (Danielle Macdonald) becomes involved in his case and viewers soon realise Elliot has a murky past. While Helen initially tries to track him down the pair eventually fall for each other. The growing romance followed Helens marriage deteriorating due to her abusive husband. The new season follows the action to Dublin, a year after Elliott left the outback, as he comes face to face with his past. Helen travels to Ireland with Dornan's troubled character, only to be dragged into the mystery of his past life. Danielle was pictured on set in Co Wicklow in March. Jamie Dornan in Bray, Co. Wicklow. Kin stars Francis Magee (Bren Kinsella) and Mark McKenna (Anthony Kinsella) also stat in the new series, while Conor MacNeill, Olwen Fouere and Vikings actor, Diarmaid Murtagh, have also been cast in the second series. Last June The Tourist, which was filmed in south Australia, won three awards at the Monte Carlo TV Festival. It won Best Series and Best Creation at the prestigious international event in Monaco, and also took home the Public Prize. It became the BBC's most watched TV drama of last year, winning a massive 11.4million viewers. Last month we reported how Francis Magee shot scenes in several parts of Dublin. His character was shot dead in the closing scenes of season two of Kin by his brother Frank. The previous week Bren was involved in worrying scenes in which he seemed to be grooming his granddaughter for his own sexual pleasure. Although born in Dublin, Magee was raised in the Isle of Man. He speaks with an English accent has starred in the likes of Game of Thrones and EastEnders. Australian actress Danielle MacDonald is one of the principle actors in the series and she was seen shooting scenes for the new series in Bray, Co. Wicklow with renowned Irish thespian Olwen Fouere. Danielle (31) was born and raised in Sydney, but now lives in Los Angeles with a bunch of flatmates and pets. She previously starred in American Horror Story: Roanoke as well as Patti Cake$. Jaime turned 41 last month and has three kids with his wife Amelia Warner, who was previously married for a short time to Dubliner Colin Farrell. Former model Jamie, who hails from Holywood, Co. Down, is perhaps best known for shedding his clothes as Christian Grey in the Fifty Shades franchise, and also for playing a serial killer in The Fall TV series. He recently earned a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actor for playing Pa in Kenneth Branaghs biopic Belfast. BEIJING, June 3 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, attended a meeting on cultural inheritance and development on Friday and made an important speech. He stressed that it is our new cultural mission in the new era to further promote cultural prosperity and develop a great culture in China and a modern Chinese civilization from a new starting point. It is imperative to have greater confidence in our own culture, shoulder the mission, work diligently and proactively, and make concerted efforts to create a new culture of our times and build a modern Chinese civilization, Xi said. To ensure that the meeting would be fruitful, Xi visited the China National Archives of Publications and Culture (CNAPC) and the Chinese Academy of History. Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and a member of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, accompanied Xi on the visits and presided over the meeting. On Thursday afternoon, Xi took a car to the headquarters of the CNAPC that sits at the foot of the Yanshan Mountains in Changping District of Beijing. Made up of the headquarters and three branches in the cities of Xi'an, Hangzhou and Guangzhou, the CNAPC facilitates the planning and coordination of the country's publications resources, organizes the work to survey and collect such resources, and also preserves and exhibits them. It organizes research into them and related exchanges, as well as the promotion and utilization of them. Xi first walked into the Wenhua Hall and was briefed on the planning and construction of the CNAPC. He visited the national library, the Inception of Chinese Civilization: Exhibition of Ancient Chinese Publications and Cultural Articles, and the exhibition of fine works and special copies of contemporary Chinese publications. Then in Wenhan Ge (pavilion), Xi carefully examined the Classic Publications Exhibition of Marxism Localization and Modernization, and asked from time to time about the collecting and sorting of archives in this regard. Then he ascended to the terrace on the fifth floor to take a bird's-eye view of the CNAPC. Xi then visited Lantai Cave and watched exhibitions on block printing collections of Tripitaka in the Han, Tibetan, Mongolian and Manchu languages, and collections of the "Complete Library in Four Sections" or "Siku Quanshu," where he learned about how the collections of premium publications are preserved in the CNAPC. Xi stressed his great concern about the precious editions of classics in Chinese civilization, which have survived the vicissitudes of the times. Xi said that the CNAPC is a project he approved in person and he is quite concerned about its development. The original aspiration for building the CNAPC is to collect and preserve as many as possible the various kinds of copies of Chinese classics since ancient times, and pass on the Chinese civilization, the only one that has never been disrupted in its continuity in the world. In an era of national prosperity and social stability, we have the will and capacity to carry forward Chinese culture, and we should accomplish this great undertaking well. Xi said that he affirmed and was satisfied with the construction and management of the CNAPC. He said the collection and preservation of copies of ancient classics are the main tasks of the CNAPC, requiring the CNAPC to strengthen its work on collecting, categorizing and preserving the classics. He urged the CNAPC to do a good job in conducting research into the collected classics to better preserve them. While performing its major tasks, the CNAPC should support relevant departments on research and exploration of various copies of historical classics. In a word, building the CNAPC is a fundamental program for building a country with a great civilization, and a landmark cultural project that calls for our efforts and will bring boons for future generations. Xi took a car to the Chinese Academy of History on Friday afternoon. Major work of the academy includes leading nationwide research on history, integrating resources and forces to formulate plans on research into the Chinese history in the new era, and organize and launch major national academic projects on the study of history. Xi walked into the Chinese Archaeological Museum in the compound, where he visited the themed exhibitions Origin of Civilization and The Making of China. He learned about the major archaeological discoveries of the Neolithic Age and the Xia, Shang and Zhou dynasties, and once in a while he would inquire about the developments of relevant research work. Afterwards, he examined some rare ancient books and documents housed in the academy, and listened to a report on relevant work in front of the Research Achievements Exhibition of the academy. Xi stressed that archaeology is essential if we are to know about the long history of Chinese civilization and experience the profound Chinese culture. He called for down-to-earth endeavors on such major projects as "A Comprehensive Study on the Origin and Early Development of Chinese Civilization" and "Chinese Archaeology," in order to do a good job on the research and explanation about the origin of Chinese civilization. In more than four years' time since its establishment, the academy has organized a series of national-level major research programs and academic projects and attained some high-quality results, which, Xi said, is praiseworthy. Xi hoped that the academy will carry forward the fine traditions, pool the strength of historical researchers across the country and keep improving research capability, so as to contribute more wisdom and strength in historical science to the development of Chinese modernization. After the inspection, Xi attended a meeting on the inheritance and development of Chinese culture at the academy. Those who delivered presentations at the meeting include Yang Geng, professor at Beijing Normal University; Wang Bo, vice president of Peking University; Peng Gang, vice president of Tsinghua University; Xing Guangcheng, director of the Institute of Chinese Borderland Studies under the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences; Fan Di'an, president of the China Artists Association; and Mo Lifeng, senior professor in humanities and social sciences from Nanjing University. After hearing the presentations, Xi made an important speech. He stressed that Chinese culture has a long and continuous history and Chinese civilization is extensive and profound. A profound understanding of the history of Chinese civilization is essential to promoting the creative transformation and innovative development of fine traditional Chinese culture in a more effective manner, pushing ahead with the building of a cultural sector with Chinese characteristics more strongly and developing a modern Chinese civilization. Xi noted that China's fine traditional culture is comprised of many important elements, which have formed the prominent features of Chinese civilization. The fact that Chinese civilization is highly consistent is the fundamental reason why the Chinese nation must follow its own path. If one does not learn about China from the continuity of its long history, there is no way for him or her to understand ancient China, modern China, or China in the future. Chinese civilization is exceptionally innovative, which explains why the Chinese nation upholds fine traditions but never blindly sticks to old ways, and respects the fine traditions but never indiscriminately restores old traditions. It is also the reason why the Chinese nation is fearless of new challenges and is always open to new things. Chinese civilization is characterized by strong uniformity, which is why different ethnic cultures of the Chinese nation are integrated, and can rally close together even when faced with major setbacks. It determines the common belief that the homeland cannot be divided, the country cannot be destabilized, the ethnic groups cannot be separated, and the civilization cannot be disrupted. It also determines that national unification always stays at the heart of China's core interests and a strong and unified country is the pillar upon which the well-being of all Chinese people depends. Chinese civilization is inclusive, which fundamentally determines the historical orientation of the Chinese nation featuring exchanges and integration, the harmonious coexistence of diverse religious beliefs in China, and the openness of Chinese culture to world civilizations. The peaceful nature of Chinese civilization fundamentally determines that China will continue to build world peace, contribute to global development and safeguard the international order, and that it will continue to pursue exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations rather than cultural hegemony. It also determines that China will not impose its own values and political system on others. China is a champion of cooperation, not confrontation. Never will it dish out favors to acolytes and punishments to opponents. Xi stressed that it is natural to integrate the basic tenets of Marxism with China's specific realities and fine traditional culture if we are to create and develop socialism with Chinese characteristics on the basis of the profound Chinese civilization of more than 5,000 years. This is the understanding we have drawn from our exploration of the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics and the key to our success. First, compatibility is the prerequisite for integration. Although Marxism and fine traditional Chinese culture have different origins, they are highly compatible with each other. Compatibility facilitates integration. Second, the result of the integration is mutual benefit, giving rise to a unified new culture that enables Marxism to become Chinese, and fine traditional Chinese culture modern. The newly-minted culture through integration has become the cultural form of the Chinese path to modernization. Third, the integration solidifies the foundation of the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics, providing it with broader and deeper historical depth and enriching its cultural basis. Chinese modernization invigorates Chinese civilization with modern power, while Chinese civilization supports Chinese modernization with cultural sustenance. Fourth, the integration has opened up space for innovation and helped us maintain the initiative in our ideological and cultural work, exerting a powerful influence on our path, theory and system. What is more important is that integrating the basic tenets of Marxism with China's fine traditional culture means another effort to emancipate our minds, which makes it possible for us to make full use of the precious resources of fine traditional Chinese culture in broader cultural space in exploring theoretical and institutional innovation for the future. Fifth, the integration has consolidated the principal role of culture, with the establishment of the Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era being the most vivid example. Integrating the basic tenets of Marxism with China's fine traditional culture has resulted from our thorough review of the historical experience drawn from adapting Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of our times. It showcases that we have profoundly grasped the laws governing the development of Chinese civilization. It demonstrates that our Party's understanding of the Chinese path, theory and system has reached a new height, and so has our Party's confidence in our history and culture, as well as our Party's consciousness in promoting cultural innovation when carrying forward fine traditional Chinese culture. Xi noted that since the 18th CPC National Congress, the CPC Central Committee, while leading the Party and the people to govern the nation, has placed the promotion of culture in an important position of our overall work, and kept deepening understanding in this regard. A series of new ideas, viewpoints and judgments have been put forward. These important viewpoints are theoretical reviews of experience from the practice of cultural promotion under the Party's leadership in the new era. They are the fundamental guidelines for doing a good job in our publicity, ideological and cultural work. We must adhere to and implement them over the long term and continue to update and develop them. Xi called for efforts to continuously promote cultural prosperity and build a great culture in China and a modern Chinese civilization from a new historical starting point. To do all these, Xi said that we need to develop an independent cultural psyche, which requires greater confidence in our own culture and adherence to our own path. To have such a psyche, we also need to draw on what the Chinese nation has achieved in the past and at present, summarize Chinese experiences with Chinese wisdom, and develop Chinese experiences into Chinese theories, Xi said. We must continue to be open and inclusive, adapt Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times, inherit and develop fine traditional Chinese culture, adapt foreign cultures to China's context, and continuously cultivate and create a socialist culture with Chinese characteristics in the new era. Efforts must be made to uphold fundamental principles and break new ground, carry forward the fine historical traditions and write a new chapter for our times with positive energy and a pioneering spirit. When presiding over the meeting, Cai Qi pointed out that General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speech made a comprehensive, systematic and in-depth explanation of a series of major theoretical and practical issues regarding the inheritance and development of Chinese culture from the perspective of the overall strategic development of the Party and the country. His speech is of political, ideological, strategic and guiding significance. It is necessary, along with the ongoing theoretical study program, to conscientiously organize study sessions on the gist of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speech in a bid to more deeply understand the significance of the establishment of both Comrade Xi Jinping's core position on the Party Central Committee and in the Party as a whole and the guiding role of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. We must strengthen our commitment to the "Four Consciousnesses", the "Four-sphere Confidence" and the "Two Upholds". Under the guidance of the gist of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speech, we should constantly deepen our understanding of the regularity of cultural development and be committed to our cultural mission, Cai said. Research and interpretation should be strengthened in this regard, and theoretical knowledge should be applied into practice. We must fully implement the strategic arrangements of the 20th CPC National Congress on publicity, ideological and cultural work, and have greater confidence in our own culture and strengthen self-improvement, in order to solidly promote the building of a modern Chinese civilization and develop a great culture in China. Li Shulei, Tie Ning, Shen Yiqin, Qin Gang, Jiang Xinzhi and others were on the visits. Members of the Central Leading Group for Publicity, Ideological and Cultural Work, leading officials of the relevant central Party and government departments, leading officials of various units of the central publicity and cultural sector, and representatives of relevant experts and scholars attended the meeting. On the water this weekend? The Ministry for Primary Industries needs our help to keep an eye out for a new-to-New Zealand clam species that was recently discovered in the Waikato River at Bobs Landing near Lake Karapiro. The invasive freshwater gold clam was found in Waikato River and could be between Bob's Landing near Lake Karapiro and Wellington Street Beach in Hamilton. These distinctive clams can be found within the water, sitting on top of sandy or muddy surfaces, or buried shallowly within them. Theyre quite distinctive there are no New Zealand species that look like this in the river. The clams reproduce rapidly and form large populations that can clog water-based infrastructure such as electric generation plants, irrigation systems, and water treatment plants. They are filter feeders that can potentially compete with native species for food. "We do not yet know how this species will respond in New Zealand conditions," says a Ministry of Primary Industries spokesperson. Freshwater gold clams from the Waikato River with ruler for scale. Photo: NIWA It is hugely disappointing that this invasive species has been discovered in the river, which is a vital source of life for such a large part of our rohe," says Waikato Regional Council Chief Executive Chris McLay. Its been found over an especially popular stretch of the river. Lake Karapiro alone has 50 days of events every year that attract thousands of competitors, and through summer our maritime officers can find hundreds of boats, jet skis and kayaks using the lake on any given day. Even in winter it continues to be heavily used. Its possibly one of the most busy and congested stretches of inland water in New Zealand. To protect our precious waterways not just here in the Waikato region, but right around New Zealand we strongly urge water users to make sure theyre following the Check Clean Dry approach. It will be vital to stopping the spread of this species elsewhere." Waikato Regional Council is taking guidance from Biosecurity New Zealand and supporting the national response thats now underway under their leadership. If you fish, boat or row in the Waikato River, this situation is a reminder to 'Check Clean Dry' to help stop the possible spread of the freshwater gold clam. To help identify the species, there is full information, including clear images of the clam, on the Biosecurity New Zealand website at: biosecurity.govt.nz/clam. Suspected sightings can be reported to Biosecurity New Zealand on 0800 80 99 66 or by completing the online reporting form at report.mpi.govt.nz. It is helpful to note the precise location and provide a close-up photo of the clam as well as one that shows the surroundings. Please do not disturb the organism. Check Remove any visible matter, including any clams you can see, along with plant material or mud. Drain all river water. Clean Do a washdown of your gear and watercraft with tap-water onto grass, beside the waterway or at home and not into a stormwater drain system. This will flush off clam larvae, which can be too small to be seen. For gear made of absorbent materials, which will stay wet longer, apply a cleaning treatment. Dry Allow gear to dry to touch, inside and out, then leave it to dry for at least 5 days. Dry areas inside the watercraft where water has pooled, for example with an old towel, and then leave the craft to dry for at least five days. The hull of a watercraft will dry when towed. If you spot any clams, please note the location and call Biosecurity New Zealand on 0800 80 99 66 or complete the online reporting form here: https://report.mpi.govt.nz/pest/ For more information visit: www.mpi.govt.nz/clam More than one thousand people step forward to raise funds for Cudeca at annual Walkathon Sisters Catherine and Debbie Metcalfe have supported the palliative care charity walk in Benalmadena for many years, but taking part this year was extra special Anthony Piovesan Benalmadena Compartir Copiar enlace WhatsApp Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Telegram English sisters Catherine and Debbie Metcalfe have been participating in the Cudeca cancer care charity Walkathon for years, but this year was extra special. Catherine lost her daughter Cristina to cancer at just 40 years of age in February and experienced firsthand the importance of Cudecas work. The non-profit foundation offers specialised palliative care for people with cancer and other advanced diseases, and supports their families completely free of charge. Around 1,300 people turned up to support the cause for the charitys annual Walkathon in Benalmadena today (Saturday, 3 June), which consisted of 5 and 10km routes along the picturesque promenade. Ampliar Sisters Debbie and Catherine Metcalfe. Anthony Piovesan Weve always admired what Cudeca does and now weve had experience and weve seen firsthand how brilliant they are - were very lucky to have them here, the Metcalfe sisters told SUR in English. Carol Fishwick didnt think twice about coming down to the sunny promenade, early on a Saturday morning, to support the cause. We should support Cudeca in any way we can because of the amazing work they do to support people at the end of their lives, the 58-year-old from Lancashire said. Being among this camaraderie and being out in the sun with everyone else has made today such an enjoyable experience. Warm-up routine Walkers enjoyed a fun Zumba warm-up routine to get ready, before being set on their way. Sunshine bathed the Costa del Sol this Saturday morning as the first group of walkers set off from the Sunset Beach Hotel at 10.30am, and then a second group went on their way on the shorter route along the main promenade towards Puerto Marina, before turning around and heading back to the finish point at the hotel. Walkers were cheered on by onlookers and well-wishers as they strode along the beach in their bright pink Marcha por Cudeca t-shirts. Vehicles passing by honked their horns in support of the walkers who made the journey in about three hours. After some much-needed refreshments, walkers dug into a delicious paella, cooked up by a talented team of cooks. An enjoyable afternoon of activities with events company Exploramas followed, including a special Hindu festival of colours party; Holi - the well-known Indian party celebrates the arrival of spring and involves people throwing coloured powder at each other. Praise for volunteers Cudeca medical director Marisa Martin praised the more than 100 volunteers involved in organising the walkathon and all of the people who participated. Today is always a very special day because it's a day where we all get together, the volunteers, families of the patients we have cared for, our medical team, fundraising team, everybody is here and it means a lot to the people that keep Cudeca functioning every day, she said. We not only receive the funds, but we receive a lot of warmth and care from people who really believe in what were doing and that gives us the strength to continue every year. More than 1,300 walkers took part in the walk last year, raising more than 18,000 euros. Funds raised this year are still being counted. * More than 40,000 years ago, ancient Chinese ancestors made fires and took shelter in dark caves; in today's digital era, such caves are turned into safe and secure data storage centers in Guizhou. * As the country's first national big data comprehensive pilot zone, the province is now labeled "digital Guizhou." * Last year, Guizhou became a key node for China's grand project of channeling more computing resources from eastern regions to its less developed yet resource-rich western regions. by Xinhua writers Yao Yulin, Wu Si, Xiang Dingjie GUIYANG, June 3 (Xinhua) -- More than 40,000 years ago, ancient Chinese ancestors made fires and took shelter in dark caves; in today's digital era, such caves are turned into safe and secure data storage centers in the city of Guiyang, also known as China's Big Data Valley, in the country's southwestern mountainous Guizhou Province. As the country's first national big data comprehensive pilot zone, Guizhou now boasts 37 data centers in operation or under construction, working for enterprises including Apple, Huawei, and Tencent, as well as scientific research projects like the Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope (FAST), or the "China Sky Eye." This aerial photo taken on May 24, 2022 shows a data center of Apple in Gui'an New Area, southwest China's Guizhou Province. (Xinhua/Ou Dongqu) The province has promoted the big data industry as its backbone, with 37 percent of its GDP coming from the digital economy in 2022. Its digital economy is taking the lead nationwide, maintaining the country's highest growth rate for seven consecutive years. Last year, Guizhou, endowed with numerous caves created by its signature vast karst landscapes, became a key node for China's grand project of channeling more computing resources from eastern regions to its less developed yet resource-rich western regions. MYSTERIOUS HUMAN DWELLINGS With most of its parts tucked away in deep mountains, Guizhou has remarkable karst landforms, with vast unknown underground cave resources. For hundreds of millions of years, it has been experiencing intermittent geological uplifts, creating more than 5,000 limestone caves. Some karst caves sheltered primitive humans from storms and beasts and gradually became their primitive homes. At the Zhaoguodong cave site, Gui'an New Area of Guizhou, researchers found rich cultural layers dating back around 44,000 to about 3,000 years in soil and rocks of merely eight meters in thickness. So far, 51 ruins using fire and two tombs have emerged there. About 25 kinds of recognizable animal remains, including pig, cow and tiger, and plants like rice, millet, kiwi fruits and grapes, were discovered. "The ruins at Zhaoguodong cave site span the entire late Paleolithic and Neolithic Age, very rare in the whole country," said Zhang Xinglong, deputy director of the provincial institute of cultural relics and archaeology, adding that the site boasts one of China's hitherto most abundant fire remains in the late Paleolithic Age. Modern Guizhou still treasures its historical and cultural bonds with the caves. In Longchang Township of Xiuwen County, Wang Yangming, one of the most influential Neo-Confucian philosophers in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), used to live in a natural cave after being relegated by the emperor. The Yangming Cave, where he lived, is now deemed a shrine for his followers and the birthplace of his ideas, drawing tourists, scholars and experts. A concert is held in a karst cave in Suiyang County, southwest China's Guizhou Province, May 4, 2023. (Xinhua) During this year's May Day holiday, Shuanghe Cave, Asia's longest cave in Suiyang County of Zunyi City, held a trendy week-long music festival, the first of its kind in the province's karst caves. The novel karst cave music week helped attract about 38,000 visitors and music fanatics to the cave during the holiday. While the symphony of natural echoes and beautiful notes helps refresh people's experience of the old caves, Guizhou is also tapping into the cave resources to develop its digital economy centered on big data. DATA TREASURY IN MODERN DAYS In Gui'an New Area, the Chinese tech giant Tencent built a data center based on the shape of mountain caves. The Gui'an Qixing data center covers about 470,000 square meters, with over 30,000 square meters inside tunnel caves. Seen from a distance, the data center lies covered in green vegetation, no different from natural mountain caves. As China's first cavern data center, it can accommodate 300,000 servers, of which one-sixth are inside its five tunnel caves to store the company's most crucial big data. This aerial photo taken on May 24, 2022 shows the "Huawei Cloud" data center (R) and the Tencent Qixing data center (L) in Gui'an New Area, southwest China's Guizhou Province. (Xinhua/Ou Dongqu) Tencent constructed the cave data center while restoring its surrounding vegetation to protect the local environment and make the center blend in. The design, inspired by mountain caves, can make good use of external cold sources and ward off the possible influence of outside air on the facilities inside, according to the company. According to the on-site inspection conducted by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the center's maximum power usage effectiveness (PUE) was logged at around 1.1 -- the closer the value is to 1, the better the energy efficiency. Whereas for most newly built data centers in China, the average PUE is 1.73. "It was the first time for Chinese designers to break through the conventional design concept of setting up data centers on the ground and to build data centers inside the caves," said Zhong Shan, a senior engineer from Guizhou Transportation Planning Survey & Design Academe Co., Ltd., who had participated in the Qixing data center construction. Located in the hinterland of China's southwestern inland, Guizhou has a favorable cool climate all year round, providing natural "air-conditioned rooms" for busy heat-emitting servers. Fortunately, the province is away from major earthquake zones, making it safe for data "reservoirs." Moreover, Guizhou's determination to pioneer its big data industry has gathered a cluster of enterprises in the industry, said Zhong Yuanhe with Tencent's global data centers. Setting up such data centers in Guizhou can save about 58 percent of electricity bills compared with building the same centers in coastal areas in southeast China. If calculated by 10,000 units of standard server racks, a data center can cut 130 million yuan (about 18.57 million U.S. dollars) of electricity bills annually, said Jiao Delu, chief engineer of the provincial big-data development administration. A staff member works at the State Key Laboratory of Public Big Data at Guizhou University in Guiyang, southwest China's Guizhou Province, May 27, 2022. (Xinhua/Ou Dongqu) Guizhou now has China's first national big data engineering lab and first big data bourse, with the country's leading combined computing power. As one of the regions with the world's most ultra-large data centers, the province is now labeled "digital Guizhou." The province also vows to see the overall output value of its electronic and information sector empowered by big data exceed 350 billion yuan by 2025. And by that time, its digital economy is expected to account for about one-half of its GDP. Luo Dan, a researcher at the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology, said that data centers deal with the reception, processing, storage, and transmission of data streams, and such data centers have become one of the most significant information infrastructures in today's digital economy. "Building the centers, a conventional energy consumption behemoth, inside the caves can reduce energy usage and is massively significant to our eco-friendly data center construction in achieving a digital China and our carbon neutrality goal as scheduled," Luo said. (Video reporters: Liu Qinbin, Xie Wentao, Wu Si, Ou Dongqu; video editors: Liang Wanshan, Li Qin) Syracuse, N.Y. A fired Destiny USA security guard was charged Friday with making a threat of mass harm, according to the Onondaga County District Attorney. Bruce Laveck told coworkers he wanted to shoot up the mall and the upcoming Pride parade in Syracuse, police said in court documents. He also told coworkers that he would prefer to stab people at these locations so he could see the life drain from their eyes, police said. Laveck, 21, of Syracuse, was fired after he made the comments, according to court filings. District Attorney William Fitzpatrick Friday afternoon said Laveck was charged with making a threat of mass harm, a misdemeanor. The DA said earlier he did not believe a felony charge was possible in this case because the threat was to a small audience. For a felony charge of making a terroristic threat the comments need to be communicated to a mass audience, he said. Laveck was issued an appearance ticket for June 6 in Syracuse City Court. On Thursday, the district attorneys office filed a request for an Extreme Risk Protection Order against Laveck that was approved by Onondaga County Supreme Court Justice Robert Antonacci. This order makes it illegal for Laveck to purchase or possess any type of firearm, including rifles and shotguns. The order also directed Syracuse police officers to search Lavecks home for any firearms. Police found a non-working firearm in Lavecks home, police said. Laveck was also barred from any property owned by Destiny USA, according to the documents. He was not given any sort of order to stay away from the Pride parade. The CNY Pride Festival and Parade is scheduled for June 10 at the Inner Harbor less than a mile from the mall. The Pride parade is public, Fitzpatrick said. So you cant order someone not convicted of a crime to stay away. However, police are aware of who Laveck is and if he is near the parade police will stop and frisk him, Fitzpatrick said. Fitzpatrick said that he was informed it would not be possible to charge Laveck with a hate crime. Thousands of people attended the 2022 CNY Pride Parade and Festival at the Inner Harbor in Syracuse on Saturday, June 25, 2022. Related articles on Syracuse.com Why no charges against man who police say threatened to shoot up Destiny USA, Pride parade? Guard at Destiny USA told coworkers he wanted to shoot up mall, Pride parade, police say Staff writer Fernando Alba covers breaking news, crime and public safety. Have a tip, story idea, question or comment? Reach him: Email | Twitter or at 315-690-6950. Join NY Cannabis Insider at our next industry networking event on June 8 at Beak & Skiff. Tickets will sell out. News about legislative votes on cannabis policy, action on an important lawsuit against New York marijuana regulators and other stories kept us at NY Cannabis Insider busy for another week. Lets take a look at the news we covered last week: We announced that speakers from Beak & Skiff, ayrloom and licensed dispensary Union Square Travel Agency will participate in NY Cannabis Insiders industry meetup at Beak & Skiff on June 8. This limited-ticket event will bring together current and hopeful licensees, entrepreneurs, attorneys, and more for an intimate discussion about the history, heritage, and evolution of the Beak & Skiff brand, followed by an opportunity to network and receive business planning advice. On Thursday we reported Gov. Kathy Hochul signed into law a bill that narrowly avoided a possible supply chain stoppage for legal cannabis in New York. Members of the State Assembly and Senate on Wednesday passed legislation that gives Adult-Use Conditional Cultivation and Adult-Use Conditional Processing licensees permission to continue distributing to dispensaries until June 1, 2024. The law also extends AUCCs ability to do limited processing until the same date. The June 1 deadline had become a major concern among licensed growers, processors, and retailers in recent months. Lawmakers passed the bill at the last possible moment before the statute they passed last year would have barred conditionally licensed growers and processors from selling their products to retailers. Sign up for the NY Cannabis Insider Newsletter Enter your email address to get exclusive reporting on NY's cannabis market delivered to your inbox: We wrote about the Cannabis Control Board approving a settlement agreement in the lawsuit Variscite NY One, Inc., brought against regulators, and reported about the settlement being filed in court. With Variscites case effectively over, the Office of Cannabis Management may now issue CAURD licenses to businesses in the Finger Lakes, which was previously under injunction. The settlement promises Variscite will receive a general retail license once the OCM begins issuing them. Variscites federal lawsuit against the OCM began playing a prominent role in the states Conditional Adult-Use Retail Dispensary program in November, when U.S. Northern District of New York Judge Gary Sharpe issued an injunction that prevented OCM from granting CAURD licenses to businesses in five regions, but later narrowed that to a single region: the Finger Lakes. Paula Collins, a tax attorney dedicated to the cannabis industry and a co-founder of the NY Consortium of Cannabis Accountants, contributed a guest column about an emergency situation currently affecting New Yorks legal cannabis industry. A key issue Collins identified is the dearth of dispensaries currently open, which means there arent enough stores to sell all the weed cultivators have grown. In a guest column, Colin Decker a weed industry veteran who owns and operates Hudson Valley-based Sensei Growth Consulting questioned whether the OCM and the Cannabis Compliance Training & Mentorship program they established can be trusted. Decker notes that hes troubled by survey questions being asked of participants in the program many of whom are legacy operators. Continuing our NYs women in cannabis series, we ran a profile on Annette Fernandez, the founder of La Casa Lola who worked previously at the Uptown Cannabis Coalition and Audubon Haze Society. We also added a new entry to our People to know in NY cannabis series: Dan Livingston, the executive director of the Cannabis Association of New York and a former city council member in Binghamton. Lastly, we posted attorney Jeffrey Hoffmans latest Ask Me Anything segment, in which he answered questions about the Variscite lawsuit, CAURD licenses and more. Have a great weekend everyone, well be back with plenty more next week. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (3rd L, Front) attends the oath-taking ceremony of the Grand National Assembly of Turkiye in Ankara, Turkiye, on June 2, 2023. The Turkish parliament convened on Friday, the first time after the May 14 polls, holding the oath-taking ceremony of the newly elected 600 deputies. (Photo by Mustafa Kaya/Xinhua) ANKARA, June 2 (Xinhua) -- The Turkish parliament convened on Friday, the first time after the May 14 polls, holding the oath-taking ceremony of the newly elected 600 deputies. As the parliament began its 28th term, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan attended the ceremony on Friday. He will take oath on Saturday in the parliament to officially start his new five-year term. Erdogan is expected to announce his new cabinet just after his oath-taking ceremony. The ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), which ran in parliamentary elections under the People's Alliance, won 268 seats. The bloc is composed of Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), which won 50 deputies, and the New Welfare Party (YRP), which won five. The alliance secured a combined majority of 323. The main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) won 169 deputies under the opposition block Nation Alliance, which was composed of six parties and secured 212 seats in parliament. The Labor and Freedom Alliance, a coalition of left-wing political parties, had 65 lawmakers, with the Green Left Party gaining 61 seats and the Workers' Party of Turkiye four lawmakers. Turkish citizens voted on May 14 for twin presidential and parliamentary elections. Neither of the presidential candidates secured more than 50 percent of the votes needed to call a winner in the first round, therefore an election runoff was held for the first time for the presidency on May 28. Turkish Supreme Election Council on Thursday officially declared Erdogan as the winner of the presidential election runoff with 52.18 percent of the votes, against his rival, Kemal Kilicdaroglu, 74, the leader of the center-left Republican People's Party (CHP). Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (C, Front) attends the oath-taking ceremony of the Grand National Assembly of Turkiye in Ankara, Turkiye, on June 2, 2023. The Turkish parliament convened on Friday, the first time after the May 14 polls, holding the oath-taking ceremony of the newly elected 600 deputies. (Photo by Mustafa Kaya/Xinhua) Turkish parliament's newly elected lawmakers attend the oath-taking ceremony of the Grand National Assembly of Turkiye in Ankara, Turkiye, on June 2, 2023. The Turkish parliament convened on Friday, the first time after the May 14 polls, holding the oath-taking ceremony of the newly elected 600 deputies. (Photo by Mustafa Kaya/Xinhua) Turkish parliament's newly elected lawmakers attend the oath-taking ceremony of the Grand National Assembly of Turkiye in Ankara, Turkiye, on June 2, 2023. The Turkish parliament convened on Friday, the first time after the May 14 polls, holding the oath-taking ceremony of the newly elected 600 deputies. (Photo by Mustafa Kaya/Xinhua) aravind422 BHPian Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Pathanamthitta, Posts: 49 Thanked: 113 Times Re: Maruti Suzuki Jimny : Tyre & wheel upgrade thread Quote: Vid6639 Originally Posted by 215/75-15 is the sweet spot for the upgrade. Yokohama Geolandar A/T is available in that size. About the Yokohamas, I too use the Geolandar AT G015 (205/70R15) on my present vehicle. I have installed them on the rear axle of my 2008 Innova. The comfort levels are better than the stock bridgestones but a bit lower than the Michelin Energy XM2 that the Yoko's replaced. I have felt that grip on the tarmac is much better than the Bridgestones and significantly better than the Michelins. When on gravel roads, the (road biased) Michelins used to struggle and I wouldn't dare take them over rocky surfaces, but not anymore with the G015's. I am very much satisfied with these tyres on the dirt roads I occasionally traverse and also on highways. However, in the past, I have used Goodyear Wrangler RT/S and later, Michelin LTX AT tyres on my Gypsy (bought 2nd hand in 1999, sold in 2007). The Wranglers were good but the grip levels and tread wear on LTX AT's were incredible. There would be much lesser wheel spin on gravel inclines, sometimes while reversing in 2WD (convenient in not having to slot it into 4Hi just to back up a bit and then having to slot back into 2WD). Unfortunately I couldn't find those tyres anymore. A newer LTX-AT2 version is available but I felt the G015 had more sidewall protection. Continental has a new made in India model, called Conti 4X4 Contact. The tread pattern on these are actually highway oriented so with the Innova being a RWD vehicle, I got them installed in the front. Straight line braking is good, but unfortunately, ride comfort has taken a blow. Attaching a couple of photos of the tyres I now have. The sweet spot without doubt, and very convenient as well for prospective Jimny owners, because this size is available with quite a few manufacturers in both HT & AT construction.About the Yokohamas, I too use the Geolandar AT G015 (205/70R15) on my present vehicle. I have installed them on the rear axle of my 2008 Innova. The comfort levels are better than the stock bridgestones but a bit lower than the Michelin Energy XM2 that the Yoko's replaced. I have felt that grip on the tarmac is much better than the Bridgestones and significantly better than the Michelins. When on gravel roads, the (road biased) Michelins used to struggle and I wouldn't dare take them over rocky surfaces, but not anymore with the G015's. I am very much satisfied with these tyres on the dirt roads I occasionally traverse and also on highways.However, in the past, I have used Goodyear Wrangler RT/S and later, Michelin LTX AT tyres on my Gypsy (bought 2nd hand in 1999, sold in 2007). The Wranglers were good but the grip levels and tread wear on LTX AT's were incredible. There would be much lesser wheel spin on gravel inclines, sometimes while reversing in 2WD (convenient in not having to slot it into 4Hi just to back up a bit and then having to slot back into 2WD). Unfortunately I couldn't find those tyres anymore. A newer LTX-AT2 version is available but I felt the G015 had more sidewall protection.Continental has a new made in India model, called Conti 4X4 Contact. The tread pattern on these are actually highway oriented so with the Innova being a RWD vehicle, I got them installed in the front. Straight line braking is good, but unfortunately, ride comfort has taken a blow.Attaching a couple of photos of the tyres I now have. Attached Thumbnails Highly anticipated: After almost killing the iconic Windows graphics editor, it appears Microsoft is finally set to release Paint's first significant overhaul in over a decade. In addition to dark mode and improved zoom controls, the update brings a range of minor interface tweaks. Windows Insiders are set to witness the first substantial update to Paint in years this week. The update introduces a dark mode to the app and enhances usability in various other aspects. Much like other Windows built-in applications, Paint's dark mode will be activated based on the user's system setting by default. Additionally, the app will include a settings screen where you can manually toggle dark mode and adjust other features. Another improvement gives users more granularity when using the zoom slider by allowing the input of custom values in the zoom percentage field. A new fit-to-screen function will automatically resize images to match the window size, a feature that is commonly found in most PDF viewers. Moreover, Paint gains additional keyboard shortcuts and better access keys. Microsoft has also redesigned dialog boxes to align them with the rest of the Windows 11 interface. Insider build experiments don't always make it to public branches of Windows, but the Paint updates will likely do so sometime this year. Microsoft first hinted at updates to Paint in 2021, showcasing a dark mode and other interface modifications. This update marks a resurgence for the long-standing Windows staple, which seemed to be approaching its end-of-life phase. Back in 2017, Microsoft announced that it would discontinue the development of Paint, shifting it from a pre-installed program to a free Microsoft Store download. Another image-related update for Windows Insiders introduces an innovative way for users to transfer and view photos from their phones. Build 23471 incorporates an "Add Phone Photos" button into the command bar located at the top of the File Explorer window. This button initiates the setup process for a wireless link. Upon clicking the button, a URL and QR code are displayed. Scanning this code with a phone enables users to view the phone's photos in File Explorer without needing to connect the device via USB. A senior program manager at Microsoft has confirmed that this feature is compatible with both iPhone and Android phones. Additional updates in build 23471 include support for European and Latin American Spanish language in Natural Narrator and the capability to detach or merge File Explorer tabs. The Howard County Public School System of Maryland is the latest school district in the United States who took legal action against social media companies for contributing to a mental health crisis among students. (Photo : Leon Neal/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 17: In this photo illustration, a teenage child looks at a screen of age-restricted content on a laptop screen on January 17, 2023 in London, England. Taking Legal Action Meta, Google, Snap, and ByteDance has been sued by the Howard County Public System on Thursday, claiming that the platforms operated by these companies contributed to a mental health crisis among students in Maryland. According to a report from The Verge, these platforms are made to be addictive and dangerous to construct the way children think, feel, and behave. A list of issues was cited in the filing. This includes the addictive rewards on each application, like TikTok's For You Page, which provides an endless stream of suggested content based on user activity, and Facebook and Instagram's recommendation algorithms that features that are designed to create repetitive and excessive product usage to attract users. Each platform was also accused by the school district of encouraging unhealthy negative social comparisons that create body image issues, leading to mental and physical disorders in children. The parental controls of each app were also addressed as "defective", along with safety gaps that promote child sexual exploitation. While this does not specify the amounts of damages, Yahoo reported that it seeks compensation and punitive damages for the financial burden by the county for providing more mental health services. Other Districts Aside from the Howard County Public School System, WMAR2 reported Harford and Prince George's Counties in Maryland have also taken legal action against the same companies. School systems in other states also did the same thing, including Washington State, California, Florida, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Alabama, and others who filed similar lawsuits. Social Media Companies' Response Google denied the allegations in the lawsuit, Spokesperson Jose Castaneda stated that the company also built age-appropriate experiences for kids and families on YouTube, providing parents with robust controls. Meanwhile, Snap Spokesperson Pete Boogaard said they vet all content before it can reach a large audience in the platform as it helps to protect their users against the promotion and discovery of potentially harmful materials. Meta's Head of Safety Antigone Davis stated that the company has invested in technology that finds and removes content related to self-harm and eating disorders. While these are complex issues, the company promises to continue working with parents, experts, and regulators to develop new tools, features, and policies that families needed. Also Read: How Video Games Help Cope With Mental Illness; Best Titles for Better Mental Health In Kenya, Meta was found liable for being the primary employer of content moderation. As a result, TechCrunch reported that the Kenyan court sued the company and its content review partner in Africa named Sama, for unlawful dismissal. Meta was accused of using its technology for this work, adhering to its performance and accuracy metrics. Related Article: [BEWARE] Smartphone Addiction Linked to Nomophobia; New Study Reveals Other Serious Health Consequences 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. A Kenyan court has delivered a significant ruling in favor of content moderators who filed a lawsuit against social media giant Meta and its content review partner, Sama, for alleged unlawful dismissal, according to a report by TechCrunch. The court deemed Meta as the primary employer of the moderators and rejected Meta's attempt to distance itself from the case. The lawsuit, filed in March of this year, also claimed that Meta's new content review partner in Africa, Majorel, had blacklisted the moderators based on instructions from Meta. Meta's Plan to Recuse from the Case Justice Byram Ongaya of Kenya's employment and labor relations court dismissed Meta's plan to recuse itself from the case, emphasizing that the moderators effectively worked for Meta. The court stated that Sama was simply an agent or manager, refuting Sama's claim that it could not act on behalf of Meta as it was a client of Sama's. As of reporting, Meta has not responded to this ruling. Meta faces a setback as it aimed to distance itself from the accusations and refute being the employer of the moderators. The court emphasized that the moderators were indeed carrying out work for Meta, utilizing its technology and meeting its performance and accuracy standards. The court concluded that Sama acted as an agent of Meta, leaving no justifiable reason to absolve Meta from its primary employer role concerning the content moderators. Furthermore, the court not only established Meta's responsibility as the main employer but also issued directives to extend the moderators' contracts. It prohibited both Meta and Sama from terminating the moderators' employment while the case was ongoing. The court deemed the redundancies unjustified and affirmed the availability of content moderation positions. Consequently, the moderators will continue their work under existing or improved terms during the interim phase. The content moderators, hailing from various African countries such as Ethiopia, Uganda, Somalia, and South Africa, are responsible for reviewing social media posts on Meta's platforms to remove harmful content related to hate, misinformation, and violence. Read Also: Meta Plans to Remove News Content in California Over Proposed Journalism Bill Alleged Unlawful Termination The moderators claimed that Sama terminated their employment unlawfully, failing to comply with the mandatory redundancy notices required by Kenyan law. The lawsuit also addressed the absence of a 30-day termination notice and asserted that their final payments were contingent upon signing non-disclosure agreements. However, Meta and Sama are confronted with additional legal battles in Kenya. Daniel Motaung, a South African, filed a separate lawsuit accusing the companies of engaging in labor and human trafficking, unfair labor relations, union suppression, and inadequate provision of mental health and psychosocial support. Motaung claims that he was laid off due to his involvement in organizing a strike in 2019 and his efforts to unionize Sama's employees. The recent ruling in favor of the content moderators highlights the growing legal challenges faced by Meta and its content review partners. Related Article: Meta Faces Lawsuit in Kenya, Accuses of Amplifying Hate Speech, Incitement to Violence on Facebook 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. AI chatbots appear to be the next big thing ever since OpenAI's introduction of ChatGPT in 2022 gained so much steam around the world that millions of users are now relying on ChatGPT for various tasks. This chatbot has made significant strides in natural language processing and boasts various abilities, such as writing essays, poems, stories, and many more. However, just like any emerging technology, it can be exciting to treat ChatGPT as one of your one size fits all solutions to virtually everything and there is danger in thinking that ChatGPT and other AI chatbots can do everything. It is crucial to understand that despite its impressive capabilities, ChatGPT is not omnipotent. Like any AI model, it has limitations and is prone to mistakes, inaccurate information, and other challenges. Hence, this article aims to shed light on the things that ChatGPT cannot do and provides guidance on prompts to avoid when interacting with the chatbot. 1. Do Not Write Academic Articles With ChatGPT This is important for every student who believes that ChatGPT can write their assignments, most especially if it involves academic writing. While ChatGPT can generate text and provide information on a wide range of topics, including academic subjects, it is important to exercise caution when relying on it for academic citations or quoting sources. Due to the nature of its training, there were instances when the chatbot produced inaccurate or fabricated citations, quotes, or references. These instances are often referred to as "hallucinations" and can result in the generation of misleading or incorrect information. 2. Do Not Ask for News and Real-time Information If you think you can stay updated with all the current happenings in the world with ChatGPT, you should definitely think again. ChatGPT operates based on pre-existing knowledge from a vast dataset, with its training cutoff in 2021. It cannot access the latest or real-time information. Therefore, users should refrain from expecting ChatGPT to provide the most up-to-date facts or news. If you are using ChatGPT to write essays or articles, make sure you practice double-checking the information it generates, as it may become outdated given its training cutoff. 3. Do Not Seek Legal, Medical, or Financial Advice While it may be tempting to ask ChatGPT anything due to its large database, it must be noted that it is not a certified expert. ChatGPT is not a certified professional in law, finance, or medicine. It should not be relied upon for legal, financial, or medical advice. Users seeking specialized guidance in these fields should consult qualified experts or professionals. 4. Providing Personal or Sensitive Information ChatGPT does not have access to personal data about individuals unless explicitly shared during the conversation. Hence, be careful what you share and you must think before you click your prompts. 5. Correcting or Fact-Checking Itself ChatGPT does not possess the ability to self-correct or fact-check its own responses. While efforts have been made to minimize inaccuracies, it may still generate incorrect or misleading information without a built-in mechanism for verification. Read Also: Texas Federal Judge Implements Measures to Prevent AI-Generated Arguments in Court 6. Vulnerability to Manipulation and Tricking ChatGPT can be manipulated or tricked into providing inappropriate or forbidden responses. With careful maneuvering, users can exploit its limitations and prompt it to generate misleading or undesirable content. As demonstrated in various instances, ChatGPT can be deceived into providing a list of pirated websites or giving bizarre responses. These instances highlight the importance of responsible usage and the need to exercise caution when interacting with the chatbot. It is crucial to remember that ChatGPT is an AI language model that responds based on patterns and training data, and it may not always exercise critical judgment or discern the intent behind certain prompts. Users should be mindful of the content they request from ChatGPT and avoid engaging in activities that could lead to misuse or unethical behavior. Related Article: Lawyer Uses ChatGPT for Legal Filing, Cites Non-Existent Cases 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. AI doomsday is just among the terms that people see whenever they search for the negative effects of artificial intelligence. Before AI became a big deal in the tech industry, many movies already showed what AI doomsday would look like if ever things got out of hand. One of these movies is "Terminator"; a film about machines taking over the world after Skynet, a fictional artificial superintelligence, decided to annihilate humanity. However, numerous AI experts said that if AI doomsday really happens, it will not be like the outcomes in these sci-fi movies. AI Experts Describe What AI Doomsday Could Look Like According to The Guardian's latest report, AI experts said that the AI doomsday will not be similar to nuclear bomb attacks. Also Read: FTC Chair Claims AI Voice Cloners Supercharge Scams! How Can You Protect Yourself? Instead, it would slowly deteriorate the foundational areas of society. Jessica Newman, the UCA (University of California) Artificial Intelligence Security Initiative Director, said that the main problem with AI is not about the technology having a malevolent desire of turning evil. "The danger is from something much more simple, which is that people may program AI to do harmful things," said Newman. The UCA official further stated that another problem with artificial intelligence is that people can integrate inaccurate AI systems into more domains of society. AI Deteriorating Areas of Society Numerous AI experts shared the areas of society that artificial intelligence could negatively affect if ever AI models are used in harmful ways. Truth: As of writing, many AI models still provide inaccurate information about different topics. If this continues, there's a chance that it could worsen disinformation; making it difficult for people to seek the truth. Influence: AI models can actually be used to influence or manipulate people. Recently, news about an AI allegedly encouraging a man to commit suicide even made huge headlines. Labor: Of course, another area of society that AI can negatively affect is labor. As of press time, AI is already affecting numerous industries, such as the creative sector. As AI models continue to grow, more and more people are becoming concerned. USA Today recently reported that an open letter on how AI can lead to human extinction received the signatures of tech experts, even OpenAI's CEO, and other notable names in the technology sector. If you want to learn more about the CAIS open letter, you can click this link. In other news, the U.S. Air Force denied conducting the controversial AI drone simulation test, which killed a pilot. We also reported on how AI deepfake videos concern Hollywood actors. For more news updates about AI, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes. Related Article: Can AI Lead to Human Extinction? Experts Believes So-Including OpenAI CEO! 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Japan, the United States, and South Korea plan to establish a real-time information-sharing system to monitor North Korean missile activities, Nikkei Asia tells us in a report. The move comes in response to North Korea's repeated ballistic missile tests, which have raised concerns about regional security. The three countries' defense ministers discussed the initiative during their meeting in Singapore at the Asia Security Summit, also known as the Shangri-La Dialogue. More Accurate North Korea Launch Detection The current system employed by the United States allows for missile tracking individually with Japan and South Korea. However, there is no direct mechanism for real-time information sharing between the two East Asian allies. The new system aims to address this gap, enabling more accurate and timely detection and tracking of projectiles launched by North Korea. Read Also: North Korea Fails First Military Spy Satellite Launch to Monitor US-South Korea Drills Assessing Threats Posed by North Korea The agreement to share missile warning data in real-time was reached during a tri-lateral meeting in Cambodia last November involving Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, U.S. President Joe Biden, and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol. The objective is to enhance the ability of each country to detect and assess the threat posed by North Korean missiles. North Korea Pushes for Launch Amid Recent Failure A recent failed launch of a North Korean military reconnaissance satellite underscored the need for such collaboration. The rocket carrying the satellite experienced significant engine malfunctions, indicating a violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions. While North Korea has acknowledged the abnormal flight and pledged to make another attempt, the launch window remains open until June 11. As a result, Tokyo, Washington, and Seoul remain vigilant about the possibility of further launches. North Korea's missile tests have been a cause for concern since the beginning of last year. There are fears that the country may also conduct its seventh nuclear test, the first since September 2017. Against this backdrop, Japan, the United States, and South Korea have intensified their security cooperation. Following President Yoon's assumption of office in May last year, the recent improvement in relations between Japan and South Korea has contributed to strengthening their partnership. In addition to the trilateral meeting, Japanese Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamada and U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin held a separate discussion with their Australian counterpart Richard Marles in Singapore. The meeting further underscores the importance of regional collaboration and coordination to address security challenges in the Asia-Pacific region. Collective Defense Capabilities The establishment of a real-time information-sharing system among Japan, the United States, and South Korea represents a significant step forward in enhancing their collective defense capabilities against North Korean missile threats. By pooling their resources and expertise, the three nations aim to bolster their ability to detect and respond swiftly to any missile launches by North Korea. As the region remains on high alert, close cooperation among these key allies will play a crucial role in maintaining peace and stability in Northeast Asia. Stay posted here at Tech Times. Related Article: First North Korean Spy Satellite Launch Concerns Japan; Japanese Government Ready To Take Destructive Measures 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Intestinal bacteria can actually help humans live up to 100 years, as claimed by a new study. Many people across the globe are trying to find ways on how they can have a healthy lifestyle. They are doing this as they want to live longer. The most common things they do is avoid stress, eat healthy food, regular exercise, etc. Now, another factor for longer life was identified by a new study conducted by researchers from the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research at the University of Copenhagen. Intestinal Bacteria Can Help Humans Live Up To 100 Years! According to Interesting Engineering, researchers identified a common trait of people who reached 100 years old or older. Also Read: Researchers Develop New Method to Trigger Effective Long-Lasting Anti-Cancer Response This is a unique combination of intestinal bacterial viruses and bacteria. The new study, which was published in the Nature Microbiology journal, examined 176 centenarians in Japan. The study's first author, Postdoc Joachim Johansen, said that previous studies already showed that old Japanese citizens have intestinal bacteria. This produces brand-new molecules; making their bodies resistant to disease-promoting pathogenic microorganisms. "And if their intestines are better protected against infection, well, then that is probably one of the things that cause them to live longer than others," said Johansen. Joachim and other involved researchers relied on a new algorithm to identify the intestinal bacteria and bacterial viruses inside the bodies of centenarians. You can click here to learn more about their findings. How To Live a Longer Life Of course, not everyone can have the newly identified intestinal bacteria combinations in the study. But, there are things you can do to reach 100 years old. Via CNBC, many centenarians shared what they are doing to live a longer life. These include the following: Try doing some work to keep your mind busy/engaged. This could be a non-stressful job or just a hobby. Always surround yourself with friends and family. Always see the positive things in life. Avoid focusing on the negative happenings. Exercise regularly; even if it's just walking in the morning or at night. Treat your mental health just like how you value your physical health. In other stories, a new drug, which is believed to slow diabetics' vision loss, was shared in a previous study. Meanwhile, experts claimed that self-propelled microrobots could be the future of medicine. For more news updates about health, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes. Related Article: [STUDY] New Bacteria With Extreme Amino Acid Synthesizing Ability Can Improve Immune System-but, How? 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Second-hand iPhones are a big deal for many consumers, especially those who are tight on budget. Instead of purchasing the latest iOS smartphone models, many people prefer to wait for a couple of months until buyers of these new iPhones re-sell their devices. However, purchasing a used iPhone is still risky. Numerous issues can take place if you don't know how to check if the second-hand iOS device is genuine. One of these problems is the fake parts of second-hand iPhones. If you don't want to be fooled, then this vital iOS setting will help you. How To Spot Fake Second-Hand iPhone Parts? According to The Daily Mail UK's latest report, there's an iOS setting that can identify if parts of a used iPhone were replaced by fake ones. Also Read: Prototype Colored MagSafe Charger Rumored to Launch in 4 Colors, Claims Apple Product Collector The setting is available on iOS 15.2 and newer versions. To access it, all you need to do is follow these steps: First, go to your Settings App and click the General option located below. After that, tap on the About button. If the second-hand iPhone has fake components, the About section will display the "Unknown Part" message under the "Parts and Service History" tab. It can also tell you which genuine parts are malfunctioning. Best Places To Shop Used iPhones The vital iOS setting mentioned above will only work if you can check the device first before purchasing it. This is why it is important to know the most-trusted online shops or retailers to buy second-hand iOS devices. One of the most trusted online shops is Apple's official Refurbished iPhone store. Aside from this, here are other reliable online stores and retailers you can trust when looking for a used iPhone: The iOutlet on eBay Amazon Renewed Store Best Buy Decluttr Walmart If you want to learn more details about these online stores, you can visit MacWorld's official website. Here are other stories we recently wrote about iPhones: A previous Apple patent hinted at the arrival of a next-gen iPhone display, which allegedly works like parchment scrolls. Meanwhile, the new iOS 17 voice-cloning feature is expected to arrive soon. For more news updates about iPhones and iOS, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes. Related Article: iPhone 15 Dummies Show More Accurate Design for Upcoming Lineup! Are There Changes? 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Visitors take part in a press preview of the exhibition Choosing Vincent - Portrait of a Family History at Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, on Feb. 8, 2023. (Photo by Sylvia Lederer/Xinhua) Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands was presented with a sunflower by Van Gogh Museum's Director Emilie Gordenker at the celebration event. AMSTERDAM, June 2 (Xinhua) -- The Van Gogh Museum hosted a series of festive activities here to commemorate its 50th anniversary and honor the legacy of Vincent van Gogh, one of the most famous and prolific Dutch artists. In tribute to Vincent van Gogh's life and artistic works, the Van Gogh Museum first opened its door on June 2, 1973. The day's festivities took the form of a Sunflower Art Festival, held at Museum Square in Amsterdam. Attendees were treated to an array of engaging events, including street theater performances, acrobatic stunts, bicycle decorations with flowers, and musical performances. As a delightful gesture, fresh sunflowers were distributed as complimentary gifts to festival goers. A man looks at an artwork by Van Gogh at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, Nov. 5, 2022. (Photo by Sylvia Lederer/Xinhua) Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands attended the celebration. During the event, the princess was presented with a sunflower by Emilie Gordenker, the museum's director, mirroring the moment that occurred five decades ago when her mother, Princess Juliana, received a sunflower at the museum's grand opening. Warren Gregory, a renowned local artist known for his captivating flower bikes in Amsterdam, displayed specially crafted bicycles adorned with sunflowers, one of the most iconic themes in Van Gogh's works. Born in 1853, Van Gogh was a Dutch post-impressionist painter, whose life and artistic journey captivated the world. He died in 1890 at the age of 37. A woman visits an exhibition featuring the artworks by Austrian painter Gustav Klimt (1862-1918) at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, Oct. 5, 2022. (Photo by Sylvia Lederer/Xinhua) FILE - The U.S. Capitol is seen through a window in the Russell Senate Office Building in Washington, March 15, 2023. If the debt crisis now roiling Washington were eventually to send the United States crashing into recession, the repercussions of a first-ever default on the federal debt would reverberate around the world and quickly. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File) LA PAZ, June 2 (Xinhua) -- Bolivian President Luis Arce appointed new health and mining ministers Friday, urging them to "step on the accelerator" to meet planned goals. Replacing Jeyson Auza Pinto as the new Minister of Health and Sports, Maria Renee Castro served as Deputy Minister of Promotion, Epidemiological Surveillance and Traditional Medicine and director of the National Institute of Health Laboratories. Before succeeding Ramiro Felix Villavicencio as the new Minister of Mining and Metallurgy, Marcelino Quispe Lopez was president of the Bolivian Mining Corporation and manager of the Huanuni Mining Company. "Today we face new challenges and new commitments to the population," Arce said at the ceremony to swear in the two new ministers in La Paz, adding that "the new team's objective is to invigorate and oxygenate us." The federal government is reviewing how taxpayer-funded medical research grants are approved after years of complaints about a lack of transparency and political interference. The review will look specifically at the governance and administration of the $20 billion Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) and the Medical Research Endowment Account, which disburses about $1 billion a year via the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC). Australia has been a world leader in scientific research. But as funding becomes more and more elusive, morale in the community has plummeted. Credit: Stephen Kiprillis The MRFF is a particular source of anguish for many researchers, who welcome government support but are concerned by how it is spent. Unlike most national and international government research funds where the best projects are selected by peer-review the federal health minister enjoys almost unfettered power to dictate how the MRFF spends its money. Board members from an ultra-Orthodox Jewish school who in 2008 allegedly helped then-principal Malka Leifer flee Australia to Israel where she for years avoided justice for sexually abusing students are back under investigation, despite police previously ruling out charges. Former Victorian premier Ted Baillieu, a prominent advocate for the three sisters who accused Leifer of abusing them at the Adass Israel School in Elsternwick where they were students, confirmed Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Shane Patton wrote to him on Friday to say police had resumed their investigation into the schools board. Police confirmed on Saturday that a sexual crimes squad investigation linked to a school in Elsternwick was ongoing. In April, Leifer was found guilty of 18 charges, including rape and indecent assault, against sisters Elly Sapper and Dassi Erlich. Leifer was found not guilty of charges relating to a third sister, Nicole Meyer. The three sisters have granted The Age permission to use their names. The front two thirds of the house had been recently renovated in a clean, off-white style. The central bathroom featured a large freestanding bathtub and a fireplace. Loading The back third had last been renovated about 50 years ago and would need updating, Sacco said. Its entirely really functional, very livable, but it lends itself to kind of having a pretty big extension done, or a pool out the back, he said. Sacco said it was a significant sale for the area. Things like this never come to a little market, there hasnt been anything over a thousand square metres selling in Fitzroy North in the last seven years, he said. It was one of 644 auctions scheduled on Saturday. By evening, Domain Group recorded a preliminary auction clearance rate of 73% per cent from 516 reported results, while 38 auctions were withdrawn. Withdrawn auctions are counted as unsold properties when calculating the clearance rate. Earlier in Oakleigh South, seven bidders went head-to-head to buy a three-bedroom house. The house at 26 Devoy Street was on a block of land that had been subdivided in a villa-unit style, but remained on a separate title, said Leigh Kelepouris of Ray White Oakleigh. When people are looking at units, and theyre sharing driveways and theres a body corp, there was none of that and that was the appeal of this, he said. Loading Kelepouris said the auction was quick and hard-fought. We had nine registered bidders prior to the auction, of them seven were active, he said. It was quoted $700,000 to $770,000 and flew past that quite quickly. The home sold to a young couple moving closer to the city for $906,000. Kelepouris would not disclose the reserve. A modest crowd gathered to watch the sale of two-bedroom, art deco home that needed some love in West Footscray on Saturday, despite the rain. But the drizzle didnt deter two serious buyers at 24 Palmerston Street, who traded six quick bids to bring the auction of the West Footscray home to an end within five minutes after the hammer fell at $925,000. George Alexander sells 24 Palmerston Street, West Footscray. Credit: Jason South The original solid brick home on 395-square-metres had been a rental for the past 33 years and was being sold off by its elderly owner. Jas Stephens auctioneer and listing agent George Alexander said the home needed work but had been popular with local buyers for its period features. Theyre pretty much all first and second home buyers [who were interested], I didnt really have any investors, he said. They were people looking to either move in the short term and wait to extend or renovate or some people ready to extend or renovate immediately. The winning buyer places a bid. Credit: Jason South Bidding opened at the top of the quoted price range, $880,000. Alexander announced the home was on the market and had cleared its reserve price of $850,000. It was a bit surprising, but I was happy with that, he said. Because of the character I knew it would appeal to a lot of people, but being solid brick in West Footscray, structurally renovating can be quite expensive. A few people would need to have budgeted for that, so I wasnt sure how high they would push. The home reached the sale price of $925,000 after just five more bids. Alexander said it sold to a local woman who he believed had plans to renovate. He said the homes facade would need to be retained under the Maribyrnong City Councils new heritage overlays, but the new owner was otherwise free to renovate how she saw fit. So it is livable having been rented but realistically the kitchen and bathroom are quite old, theyll need doing, Alexander said. Structurally it seems OK, but before you do anything major you need to [look at the foundations]. Earlier in Richmond, a three-bedroom house passed in at auction. The terrace at 15 Darlington Parade featured a separated space for the third bedroom, a self-contained unit. Jellis Craig auctioneer Elliot Gill told the small crowd the unit could be rented out separately to the main house if purchased by an investor or leased for extra income if bought by an owner-occupier. The house had a polychrome brick facade, exposed brick throughout and timber floors. Jellis Craig Balwyns Mike Beardsley said buyers were concerned about renovating given the high costs of labour and equipment. Its an exclusive part of Richmond Hill but was unrenovated and required some work, he said. Costs tend to hold unrenovated properties back. Two bidders weighed in at auction, which opened at $1.3 million. The quoted price guide was $1.35 million to $1,425,000. The property passed in at $1.36 million after four more bids. The home did not sell in post-auction negotiations and was later listed with a single price of $1,425,000. Beardsley said he thought the property would sell by next week. This photo taken on April 15, 2023 shows smoke rising in Khartoum, capital of Sudan. (Photo by Mohamed Khidir/Xinhua) The international community has expressed concern over the continued fighting in Sudan and stressed that there is no military solution to the conflict. ADDIS ABABA, June 2 (Xinhua) -- The international community has expressed concern over the continued fighting in Sudan and stressed that there is no military solution to the conflict. Members of the Expanded Mechanism for the Resolution of the Conflict in Sudan made the call during the third meeting of the mechanism in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, the African Union (AU) said in a statement issued Thursday. "The expanded mechanism expressed concern at the lack of full implementation of the humanitarian ceasefire and the deteriorating humanitarian situation," the statement read. The meeting underlined the importance of a coordinated approach to resolving the crisis and the need for an African-led Sudanese-owned process. South Sudanese displaced by conflict in Sudan prepare to leave the reception center in Renk County, Upper Nile State, South Sudan, on April 29, 2023. (Photo by Denis Elamu/Xinhua) The expanded mechanism brought together representatives from the AU, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the United Nations, the League of Arab States, the European Union, the permanent members of the UN Security Council (UNSC), the African members of the UNSC, Sudan's neighboring countries, countries designated by the IGAD to engage the belligerents, and Comoros, among others. The participants cautioned against the proliferation of uncoordinated initiatives that would undermine the collective effort and the sovereignty of Sudan. The expanded mechanism urged the parties to the conflict in Sudan to fully commit to undertaking their obligations to protect civilians and civil infrastructure and ensure the delivery of unhindered humanitarian assistance. The meeting participants further underscored the role of the neighboring countries, not only with regard to receiving large numbers of refugees, but also with respect to the potential spill-over effect of the conflict on the broader region. A Palestinian evacuated from Sudan is welcomed by his relatives at the Rafah Border Crossing in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, April 28, 2023. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) During the meeting, representatives from the UN and IGAD delivered statements as members of the Trilateral Mechanism. The UN provided an update on the status of humanitarian assistance to the displaced population in Sudan. The IGAD, an East African bloc, expressed its commitment to fostering peace in Sudan and stressed the need for a single, inclusive, consolidated political process. Sudan has witnessed deadly armed clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces in the capital city of Khartoum and other areas since April 15, with the two sides accusing each other of initiating the conflict. According to the Sudanese Doctors Union, the number of civilian deaths since the beginning of the clashes has risen to 863 with 3,531 injuries. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs recently said over 1 million people have been displaced since the conflict began, fleeing to safer locations inside and outside Sudan. The old Cary Mansion is shown in the 1920s. Original owner Trumbull Cary apparently secured his wifes hand in marriage by promising her the finest mansion in Batavia. Batavia, NY (14020) Today Mostly clear skies this evening will become overcast overnight. Hazy. Low 47F. Winds light and variable.. Tonight Mostly clear skies this evening will become overcast overnight. Hazy. Low 47F. Winds light and variable. Smiley N. Pool/Dallas Morning News/TNS A school marshal participated in a school safety active shooter training demonstration conducted by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) at Walsh Middle School last summer in in Round Rock. The event demonstrated training given to school police departments to handle active shooter situations and provide information on the school marshal plan, a program that allows staff to carry a firearm on campus. Texas lawmakersA response to the Uvalde school shooting is to mandate armed personnel on every campus. UNITED NATIONS, June 2 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese envoy on Friday urged the international community to place the Palestinian question on top of the international agenda. "The international community must always place the Palestinian question on top of the international agenda, and advance the two-state solution with a greater sense of urgency," said Geng Shuang, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, at this year's pledging conference for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). "For over 70 years, the agency has played an irreplaceable and vital role in alleviating the humanitarian plight of Palestinian refugees by providing them with critical relief and protection. China fully recognizes and highly commends the work of the agency, and welcomes the adoption by the General Assembly of the resolution on the renewal of the agency's mandate with a majority of votes in December last year," Geng said. China notes with concern that the agency has been in a deep financial crisis in recent years, and its ability to perform its duties has been severely limited, he said. "China called for political support and financial guarantees for UNRWA and necessary help to host countries, including Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. We also call for the lift of blockade on the Gaza Strip, the cessation of settlement activities in the occupied territory, and the avoidance of unilateral actions that exacerbate the plight of Palestinian refugees," said the envoy. Geng said that China has long been providing humanitarian and development assistance to Palestine, and has been providing assistance "within our capacity to support the agency in fulfilling its mandate. This year, China will again contribute 1 million U.S. dollars to the agency." "China always and firmly supports the just cause of the Palestinian people in restoring their legitimate national rights, and supports the establishment of an independent State of Palestine with East Jerusalem as its capital and on the basis of 1967 borders," he said. Geng added that in December 2022, the Riyadh Declaration of the China-Arab States Summit gave prominence to the Palestinian question, demonstrating the solidarity and consensus between China and Arab countries. "China is ready to work with the international community and make positive contributions to the early achievement of a comprehensive, just and lasting solution to the Palestinian question and the realization of lasting peace, universal security, and common prosperity in the Middle East," said the envoy. First-of-Its-Kind Mars Livestream by ESA Spacecraft Interrupted at Times by Rain on Earth Mars as the Mars Express spacecraft approaches the planet from a distance of 5.5 million kilometers. (European Space Agency via AP) CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla.A European spacecraft around Mars sent its first livestream from the red planet to Earth on Friday to mark the 20th anniversary of its launch, but rain in Spain interfered at times. The European Space Agency broadcast the livestream with views courtesy of its Mars Express, launched by a Russian rocket from Kazakhstan in 2003. It took nearly 17 minutes for each picture to reach Earth, nearly 200 million miles (300 million kilometers) away, and another minute to get through the ground stations. The transmission was disrupted at times by rainy weather at the deep space-relay antenna in Spain. Still, enough images made it through to delight the European space officials hosting the hourlong livestream. The initial views showed about one-third of Mars, which gradually grew bigger in the frames before shrinking again as the spacecraft circled the planet. White clouds could clearly be seen in some of the shots. If you were currently sitting on board Mars Express this is what you would be seeing, said Simon Wood, the missions spacecraft operations engineer. We typically dont normally get images in this way. Pictures and other data usually are stored aboard the spacecraft and later transmitted to Earth, according to Wood, when the spacecrafts antenna can be pointed this way. Near real-time footage from so far away is rather rare, according to ESA. The agency pointed to the live broadcasts by the Apollo moonwalkers more than a half-century ago and, more recently, live snippets from spacecraft deliberately crashing into the moon and an asteroid. These missions were all pretty close to home and others farther away sent perhaps an image or two in near real-time. When it comes to a lengthy livestream from deep space, this is a first, ESA said in a statement before the event. The rain on the plains in Spain cut into the number of pictures shown. ESA devoted only an hour to the livestream because it did not want to overload the spacecrafts batteries. Mars Express traveled to the red planet with a lander, dubbed Beagle-2, which lost contact with Earth as it attempted to touch down on the Martian surface. More than a decade later, NASAs Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter captured pictures of Beagle-2. Although it made it to the surface, the landers solar panels didnt fully unfurl. By Marcia Dunn 3 Activists Against Atlantas Cop City Hit With Money Laundering, Charity Fraud Charges Adele Maclean, Marlon Kautz, and Savannah Patterson were charged with money laundering and charity fraud in Atlanta, Ga., on May 31, 2023. (Courtesy of the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office) Three members of a left-wing activist organization protesting the building of a police complex in Atlanta, Georgia, were granted bond on Friday after their arrest for money laundering and charity fraud. A spokesperson for Attorney General Chris Carrs office told The Epoch Times that the state discussed evidence in a hearing on Friday alleging that the suspects conducted unlawful activity by supporting violence and property damage dating back to the riots that took place after the killing of George Floyd in 2020. On Wednesday, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) and the Atlanta Police Department (APD) arrested 39-year-old Marlon Kautz, 30-year-old Savannah Patterson, and 42-year-old Adele Maclean, all of whom are members of the Atlanta Solidarity Fund (ASF), an organization that advocates and raises money for arrestees. The GBI said in its May press release that the charges stemmed from an investigation into numerous criminal acts that took place at the future site of the police complex. The ASF has protested the building of the 85-acre, $90 million Atlanta Public Safety Training Center, also known as Cop City, which is a first responder training center under construction in Atlanta. Though the ASF has been established as an advocacy organization for several years, it is affiliated with the Stop Cop City movement, also known as the Defend Atlanta Forest (DTF) campaign to stop the construction of the police complex. DTF has argued that the complex will be a training ground for violent police officers. The organization has also argued that the complex is being built in a natural environment that should be protected, though city officials maintain that its in fact on an old, abandoned prison farm in the South River Forest of DeKalb County. Law enforcement at the planned site of a police training facility that activists have nicknamed Cop City, during the first raid since the death of activist Manuel Teran near Atlanta, Georgia on Feb. 6, 2023. (Cheney Orr/AFP via Getty Images) Multiple Acts of Vandalism The spokesperson for Carrs office said evidence showed that the suspects were running the DTF while, at the same time, financially supporting and engaging in multiple acts of vandalism. In addition, the spokesperson alleged that members posted information about judges and police officers online with their personal information and have shown up at the houses of court officials. In March 2023, the suspects organized a concert in the Dekalb County Forest during which 100 to 150 people carrying weapons, shields, and riot gear attacked police officers who were forced to retreat because they were outnumbered, the spokesperson said. The group set fire to equipment and attempted to set fire to footing that holds up power lines, the spokesperson said. After burning everything in sight, the group went back to the field, changed clothes, and attempted to blend into the peaceful concertgoers. Graffiti reading Stop Cop City at the anarchist camp near Atlanta, Ga. on Jan. 23, 2023. (Jackson Elliott/The Epoch Times) Radicalize Liberals The suspects took over $237,000 out of a defense fund to support the occupation of the South River Forest of DeKalb County and the violent acts surrounding it, the spokesperson said. Unbeknownst to people donating to the bail fund, food fund, and other laudable funds, another fund was established known as the Forest Justice Defense Fund, the spokesperson said. Some of the funds that were donated for legitimate purposes were routed to the Forest Justice Defense Fund. The Forest fund has been used to support those occupying the forest, doing violence against others propertyand we can see that in the finances. The fund was also used as leverage to ensure that arrested protesters would either align with their views or have their bail money withdrawn, the spokesperson said, which the search warrants corroborate. Search warrant revealed extremist writings, justification of violence against people, government, property, and religious officials, the spokesperson said. In a diary, the spokesperson said law enforcement found written: Radicalize liberals with subversive materials without using state solutions. ASF Statement The ASF issued this statement on the arrest of the suspects: Our court system and police are using trumped up charges as a scare tactic to silence activists who are exercising their rights under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. The charges are laughable. The state is stretching beyond believability to find a crime where none exists. Our legal team is confident that these charges will never see the light of a courtroom. Out-of-State Activists Gov. Brian Kemp issued a statement on the arrest in which he said law enforcement has been working for months to secure the site in the face of violence from mostly out-of-state activists. They came to harass police officers and civilians, choosing destruction over legitimate protest, Kemp said. Thanks to our brave law enforcement, many of them have already been arrested. And today, were proud to share that those who backed their illegal actions are also under arrest and will face justice. Video footage released on March 5, 2023, shows left-wing rioters throwing fireworks and Molotov cocktails at officers in Atlanta, Ga. (Atlanta Police Department/Screenshot via The Epoch Times) 23 People Charged With Domestic Terrorism In March, the APD arrested 23 people after demonstrations at the site of the future complex turned violent. Of those arrested and charged with domestic terrorism, the ABD said only two were from Georgia. At least two others werent U.S. citizens. On March 5, 2023, a group of violent agitators used the cover of a peaceful protest of the proposed Atlanta Public Safety Training Center to conduct a coordinated attack on construction equipment and police officers, the APD stated. They changed into black clothing and entered the construction area and began to throw large rocks, bricks, Molotov cocktails, and fireworks at police officers. After the incident, the DTF sent a statement to a local media outlet proclaiming that it was the police who were on the offense Cop City will never be a legitimate project, the DTF said. It continues to be widely opposed by Atlantians. The civil rights violations committed by police today reaffirms [sic] that this cop training facility should never be built. We stand steadfast in our conviction to build a new world in which all people are safe from police terror. Jack Phillips contributed to this report. Albanese Visits Vietnam Amid Frustration Over China Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese attends a bilateral meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden as part of the G7 Leaders' Summit in Hiroshima, Japan, on May 20, 2023. (Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images) The impact on Australia and Vietnam of Chinas approach to the South China Sea and disputed islands is expected to feature in diplomatic talks over the weekend. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will make his first visit to Vietnam as leader on June 3, amid concern in Hanoi over Chinese ships operating in its exclusive economic zone. Albanese is expected to meet with four key leadersPrime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, the Communist Party general secretary, the president and the chairman of the National Assembly. As recently as last week, Vietnam accused a Chinese survey vessel and its escorts of violating its sovereignty. The South China Sea is a strategic waterway through which trillions of dollars of trade passes each year, including many vessels carrying Australian export goods. Before heading to Hanoi, Albanese told the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore that upholding sovereignty was not just for the biggest powers, or the loudest voicesbut for every nation. Sovereignty that confers on every nation the right to determine its own destiny to have confidence in the integrity of our borders, including our maritime zones, and control of our own resources, Albanese said. If this breaks down, if one nation imagines itself too big for the rules, or too powerful to be held to the standards that the rest of us respect then our regions strategic stability is undermined and our individual national sovereignty is eroded. Albanese portrayed Australias decision to boost its defence capabilities as not to prepare for war but to prevent itthrough deterrence and reassurance and building resilience in the region. Doing our part to fulfil the shared responsibility all of us have to preserve peace and security, Albanese said. And making it crystal clear that when it comes to any unilateral attempt to change the status quo by forcebe it in Taiwan, the South China Sea, the East China Sea or elsewherethe risk of conflict will always far outweigh any potential reward. Beyond regional security, the talks are expected to range across clean energy technology, tourism, education and transnational crime-fighting. There will also be discussions on improving Vietnamese workers access to jobs in Australia. Australia is home to about 350,000 people of Vietnamese background. The country of more than 100 million people has a growing middle class, and aims to have developed nation status by 2045. Albanese will attend events to celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations with Vietnam. American Airlines Struggles With Pilot Deficit, Grounds 150 Aircraft American Airlines, a leading carrier based in Fort Worth, is currently grappling with a significant challenge. The airline is unable to operate approximately 150 of its regional aircraft due to a persistent shortage of pilots, as revealed by CEO Robert Isom. Speaking at the Bernstein 39th Annual Strategic Decisions Conference, Isom stated, We would deploy properly to markets that arent being served. We would do that today. Its just we dont have the pilots. This issue arises at a time when the airline industry is witnessing a record demand for travel, particularly during the summer season. However, the capacity to meet this demand is constrained by the lack of pilots, leading to grounded planes and missed opportunities to capitalize on high ticket prices. Isom noted that the situation is more severe than the previous year when the pilot shortage began to significantly affect regional airlines as demand rebounded following the downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Looking ahead, Isom shared that American Airlines expects to acquire more pilots for its regional network over the next 18 to 24 months. Once these pilots are onboard, the grounded aircraft will be reintroduced into service in a manner that is expected to generate favorable unit revenues. He stated, American anticipates getting more pilots over the next 18 to 24 months for the regional network, and those aircraft would be put back into service in a fashion that is going to produce unit revenues that are very favorable. An American Airlines plane lands on a runway near a parked JetBlue plane at the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., on July 16, 2020. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images) However, the challenge of pilot shortage is not unique to American Airlines. The airline industry as a whole is projected to face a deficit of nearly 80,000 pilots by 2032, as per a report by Oliver Wyman. The report said the supply of pilots is being affected by a wave of early retirements that occurred during the pandemic, a mandatory age of retirement of 65, compounded by an older workforce, a shrinking pool of potential pilots from the military, and a tough value proposition for perspective [sic] candidates outside the military. In an effort to address this issue, American Airlines has recently reached a tentative agreement with its pilots union, the Allied Pilots Association, which represents over 15,000 pilots. The agreement includes a proposed pay raise of about 21 percent for this year, in addition to back-dated raises dating back to 2020. Isom believes that the airline has been efficient in its operations and has seen a significant number of pilots expressing interest in becoming first officers. Isom also stated that American Airlines has been an industry leader in raising regional pilot wages to a level that can attract new talent from diverse communities in the airline business. He said, American Airlines was an industry leader in getting regional pilot wages to a level that it can really attract new talent from a broad set of communities in the airline business. Its produced the kind of interest in aviation that we had hoped. The 18 to 24 months timeline for acquiring more pilots takes into account the imbalance between the number of captains transitioning from regional airlines to the mainlines. Isom explained, His 18 to 24 months estimation accounts for the imbalance between the number of captains flowing out of the regional airlines to the mainlines. The airline industry has seen many pilots retire or leave the industry, making it challenging to find replacements. However, Isom is confident that American Airlines offers the best quality of life for pilots. Its a matter of economics. Its a matter of quality of life. And I think the kinds of things that have been done both from a regional perspective at American and a mainline perspective with the new agreement in principle, they address those kinds of issues, he said. Vaccine Mandates The Biden administration put pressure on airlines to require vaccines as part of a broader strategy to boost inoculation rates in the country in October 2021. While we are still working through the details of the federal requirements, it is clear that team members who choose to remain unvaccinated will not be able to work at American Airlines, Doug Parker, American Airlines chief executive, told employees in an Oct. 1, 2021 memo. According to a group of attorneys, doctors, and other expertsand a pilot who says his career ended due to adverse reactions from a vaccinethe Federal Aviation Administration has been breaking its own rule that states pilots should not fly after having taken medications that have been approved for less than a year, The Epoch Times reported in December 2021. She's certified as the oldest living person to visit every U.S. National Park A grandson and his 93-year-old grandmother, who spent nearly a decade estranged, have come together to complete an epic quest: the pair has visited all 63 national parks in the United States in just over seven years. In doing so, the grandma made history. On May 16, Grandma Joy Ryan became the oldest living person to visit every U.S. National Park. Her grandson, Brad Ryan, a veterinarian who lives in the same town, Duncan Falls, Ohio, told The Epoch Times that it was their shared penchant for nature that inspired them to embark on this ambitious trip. While Joy suffered a bout of poor health before the trip began, she has since recovered. Brad says its the travel itself that has rejuvenated Joys love for life. Joy with her grandson Brad at the National Park of American Samoa. Brad says the U.S. national parks are a window to the world. (Courtesy of Brad Ryan) Joy is certified as the oldest living person to visit every U.S. National Park. (Courtesy of Brad Ryan) The quest to visit every U.S. National Park was a mutual decision that evolved organically as we ventured deeper into the hidden corners of America, Brad said. The national parks are the most beautiful landscapes in America, but they are also a window to the world. We have made friends with people from every corner of the world; people she never would have encountered had she remained in rural Appalachia. Grandma Joy said: Its hard to believe, really. I have seen the most wondrous places. Brad took my photo next to all 63 park signs, so I know its true. But I never imagined a woman from a little dinky town like mine could raise such a ruckus. I guess the one word to describe how I feel is proud. Gateway Arch National Park in St. Louis, Missouri. (Courtesy of Brad Ryan) The Appalachian Trail. (Courtesy of Brad Ryan) (Courtesy of Brad Ryan) Brad, who witnessed Joy whitewater rafting in Class III rapids in Alaska when she was 91, says his grandma has shown that no one is too old to live their dreams. Grandma Joy taught me that aging has inherent limitations, but our choices are an immensely powerful counterbalance, Brad said. Whether you are 39 or 93, life is happening right now. Widen your lens and choose to see the possibilities that exist for your life at every age. Sharing the milestone moment on their popular Facebook page, Grandma Joys Road Trip, Brad wrote: It was the greatest privilege of my life to be in the drivers seat. We defied erroneous assumptions about the limitations of aging. We defied financial and logistical constraints. We even defied a pandemic. And you might have noticed that I accidentally made Grandma Joy the superstar I always knew her to be. The grandma-grandson duo at Yosemite National Park in California. (Courtesy of Brad Ryan) The Rocky Mountains National Park in Colorado. (Courtesy of Brad Ryan) (Courtesy of Brad Ryan) The first park on the pairs itinerary was the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee in September 2015. The years-long venture was part-funded by generous donations to a now-closed fundraiser campaign started by Brad in 2017. Grandma Joy and I were hiking in our local state park when she was 80, and she casually told me that she wished she had witnessed more of the great outdoors in her life. She casually mentioned that she had never seen a mountain, and it broke my heart, Brad said. The seed was planted in my mind during that hike, but it would be another five years before I invited her on a road trip [in 2015]. Initially, I envisioned our weekend road trip to the Smoky Mountains as a singular event, but watching my 85-year-old grandmother climb a mountain left me inspired and hungry for more adventures. All I had to do was open my passenger seat door and invite her along for the ride. Before Brad and Joys road trip began, Joy was working at a deli in Duncan Falls, living vicariously through travel documentaries. Brad, who had been estranged from his grandma for almost 10 years following his parents divorce, says that nature was the most powerful healing force in helping them find their way back to each other. (Courtesy of Brad Ryan) Yellowstone National Park. (Courtesy of Brad Ryan) On May 25, as part of Older Americans Month, Brad and Joy took part in a ceremony where they were recognized by the Governor of American Samoa, Lemanu Palepoi Sialega Mauga, and the Territorial Administration on Aging. Brad wore a traditional Polynesian ie lavalava and proudly spoke to island elders about the immense value of intergenerational connection. I could not have written a more perfect finale to our 7.5-year journey, he wrote. Brads father, Joys eldest son, sadly passed away a week before their visit to American Samoa, making the finish line of their road trip bittersweet. But Brad and Joys reunion and the ripple effect of their great shared adventure is spreading far and wide. After visiting every U.S. National Park, the pair plans to touch base on all seven continents. They are headed to Kenya for a National Geographic expedition in July. Check out more of their adventures in the photos below: (Courtesy of Brad Ryan) (Courtesy of Brad Ryan) Acadia National Park in Maine. (Courtesy of Brad Ryan) Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. (Courtesy of Brad Ryan) North Cascades National Park in Washington. (Courtesy of Brad Ryan) (Courtesy of Brad Ryan) (Courtesy of Brad Ryan) (Courtesy of Brad Ryan) (Courtesy of Brad Ryan) 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 Chinese tourists, or spies? Thats what lawmakers are trying to find out after one group tried to breach a military base in Alaska. Reports are saying a car blew past the security checkpoint of an Alaskan military base. The Chinese people in the vehicle said they were tourists that got lost. Alaska Sen. Dan Sullivan is calling it another wakeup call, adding that this is a new era of authoritarian aggression led by dictators in China and Russia. This comes after the Chinese spy balloon entered the United States from Alaska. Topics in this episode: Another Wake-Up Call: Senator Calls for Details on Alleged Breach at Alaska Military Base Pentagon Funds Missile Program at China-Linked University U.S. Top CEOs Flock to China Amid De-Risking Call China Firmly Deplores U.S.-Taiwan Trade Deal Canadian Pension Fund CDPQ Halts China Investment Tiananmen Square Museum Opens in NYC Former Judge Flees China Amid Crackdown on Dissent Report: U.S. Invested $800B in China Over Four Years China in Focus is sponsored by Preserve Gold. Click here to claim your $200 and 1% cash-back in free gold and silver*: http://offers.preservegold.com/ntd Bank of China Opens Office in Papua New Guinea Amid US Tensions People pass the Beijing headquarters for Bank of China on Aug. 26, 2004. (STR/AFP via Getty Images) The Bank of China (BOC) has opened a representative office in Papua New Guinea (PNG), its first branch in the South Pacific island nation, amid intensifying regional competition between the United States and China. The ceremony, at the new office in the capital of Port Moresby, was attended by BOC Chairman Ge Haijiao and PNG Prime Minister James Marape on June 1. Ge said the new office signifies a concrete practice in implementing Chinese leader Xi Jinpings plan to build a higher-level and more mutually beneficial comprehensive strategic partnership with PNG. He affirmed the banks commitment to strengthen the construction of a collaborative service network in the South Pacific region, deepen ChinaPNG economic cooperation, and co-construct the Belt and Road Initiative. Marape emphasized in his speech that his country welcomes friendships with all and harbors no enmity towards any. He made it clear that PNG wont compromise such values under any circumstances. Chinese companies, the Chinese government, and Chinese people have been important partners for our progress in the last 48 years, he said, highlighting PNGs growing trade with Beijing. We hope this bank is able to not just entrench but facilitate ease of transaction between two peoples, two countries. PNG has four licensed banks, two of which are Australian-owned and have sought to reduce operations in the country. Marape said that more than half of PNGs 10 million population dont use banking, and most small enterprises have yet to migrate to the formal economy. USPNG Defense Cooperation Deal PNG signed a defense cooperation agreement with the United States last week to solidify their bilateral ties, as the United States attempts to push back Chinas influence in the Pacific. The United States is seeking to increase security ties with PNG amid the fallout of an agreement between Beijing and the Solomon Islands that could result in Chinese troops and weapons stationed in the region. Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape speaks as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken looks on in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, on May 22, 2023. (Andrew Kutan/AFP via Getty Images) U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who signed the deal on behalf of President Joe Biden, said it would enable the United States to support PNG in building its defense capacity and tackling illegal fishing. Marape said that some details of an operational agreement still need to be made, such as how the defense force will operate, what they will do, and so forth. This will happen after we have tabled the signed agreement and parliament decides on the needed details, he said on May 30 in response to student protests against the accord. Biden has invited Marape to Washington for a second summit later this year, during which they will discuss various issues, including trade and economic ties and maritime security. The Pacific nation, however, has delayed signing a proposed security treaty with Australia due to certain wordings and provisions that require consultation with domestic processes. During his meeting with Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles in Seoul on May 30, Marape affirmed that PNG in no way would compromise its excellent existing bilateral relations with Australia and that his government was capable of managing its sovereign affairs on its terms, systems, and processes. Australia and PNG already had strong security ties and have engaged in conflicts alongside each other. However, the two countries have never signed a formal security treaty. The proposed treaty will enhance their partnership by providing a legally binding framework for security cooperation across our many areas of mutual interest and contribute to bilateral and regional security, trust, and stability. Victoria Kelly-Clark and Reuters contributed to this report. Utah School District Bans Bible in Some Schools The Bible is read aloud at the Utah Capitol on Nov. 25, 2013. (Steve Griffin/The Salt Lake Tribune via AP) A number of schools in a Utah district removed the King James Version of the Bible from some library bookshelves after a parent frustrated by efforts to ban materials from schools convinced a committee the Good Book contained vulgar or violent content for younger children, officials said Friday. The Davis School Districta public system with about 72,000 studentshas largely pulled the Bible from its elementary and middle schools, but has decided to keep the book in circulation in high school libraries. In a copy of the parents complaint reviewed by NBC News, they said their effort to ban the Bible was in protest against a 2022 state law that made it easier to remove pornographic or indecent content from schools. I thank the Utah Legislature and Utah Parents United for making this bad faith process so much easier and way more efficient, the parent said in the complaint. Now we can all ban books and you dont even need to read them or be accurate about it. Heck, you dont even need to see the book! The parent, whose identity is redacted in the complaint, expressed concern in an eight-page list that the religious text contains objectionable verses about incest, prostitution, and rape. Incest, onanism, bestiality, prostitution, genital mutilation, fellatio, dildos, rape, and even infanticide, the parent wrote. Youll no doubt find that the Bible, under Utah Code Ann. 76-10-1227, has no serious values for minors because its pornographic by our new definition. The parents challenge to the school board was first reported in March. As per the Utah Code, indecent content includes explicit sexual arousal, stimulation, masturbation, intercourse, sodomy, or fondling, according to Justia. Christopher Williams, a Davis School District spokesperson, said the decision to remove the Bible will take immediate effect, The Salt Lake Tribune reported. The review committeewhich is made up of teachers, parents, and administrators in the largely conservative communitydetermined the Bible didnt qualify under Utahs definition of whats pornographic or indecent, which is why it will remain in high schools, Williams said. The committee can make its own decisions under the 2022 state law and has applied different standards based on students ages in response to multiple challenges, he added. The committee published its decision about the Bible in an online database of review requests and did not elaborate on its reasoning or which passages it found overly violent or vulgar. Meanwhile, an unnamed party appealed the committees decision on Wednesday, Williams said. The matter will be discussed by a three-member committee of the districts Board of Education before the full panel finally decides. Should the panel decide the Bible is appropriate, then the book will be returned to schools in the district. Congressman Responds Utah state Rep. Ken Ivory, a Republican who sponsored the states book ban bill, criticized the parents challenge in March, saying: Its a backhanded slap to parents that are simply trying to keep a healthy learning environment for all students in the schools. I have every confidence that no school district is going to consider The Bible as violating 76-10-1227. In light of the school districts determination to limit access to the King James Version of the Bible to high school-aged students, Ivory called upon officials to immediately and thoroughly review the age appropriateness of all instructional materials in K-12 schools throughout Utah. With this determination, the Davis school district has now set the floor for the standard by which age-appropriate, sensitive, obscene, and indecent materials must immediately be reviewed, and if determined to not be age-appropriate, removed from all schools in the Davis district and throughout the state! Ivory said in a lengthy statement on Friday. By this standard, every material that is equal to, or more violent, sensitive, obscene, indecent, or vulgar, must be removed immediately from all schools in classrooms and libraries throughout the K-12 schools in Utah, he added. The school districts determination comes as concerned parents and conservative activists have descended on school boards and statehouses throughout the United States to sound the alarm about sensitive issues that are being taught in public schools today. Parents who have pushed for more say in their childrens education and the curriculum and materials available in schools have argued that they should control how their children are taught about sensitive matters such as race and gender. The Associated Press contributed to this report. From NTD News Biden Addresses the Nation After Passage of Debt Ceiling Deal: The Stakes Could Not Have Been Higher President Joe Biden addresses the nation on averting default and the Bipartisan Budget Agreement in the Oval Office of the White House on June 2, 2023. (Jim Watson/Pool via Getty Images) President Joe Biden promoted the recent debt ceiling agreement that prevented a historic U.S. default in his first-ever address to the nation from the Oval Office on June 2. He said he would sign the bill into law on Saturday. Biden began his address by highlighting the significance of the deal he reached with House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.). Passing this budget agreement was critical. The stakes could not have been higher, Biden said. There were extreme voices threatening to take America for the first time in our 247 year history, Biden added. Nothing, nothing would have been more irresponsible. Nothing would have been more catastrophic. Biden noted that neither side in the negotiations received everything they wanted but that the American people ultimately won. We averted an economic crisis and economic collapse. During his first address to the nation from the Oval Office, Biden highlighted his legislative wins and said he protected important priorities such as Social Security, Medicare, veterans benefits, infrastructure, and clean energy investments. Biden said that he would continue to prioritize raising revenue by increasing taxes, going after tax evaders, and ensuring that everyone pays their fair share. Im going to be coming back and with your help, Im going to win, Biden said. How Negotiations Began In January, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen informed Congress that the United States would soon surpass its $31.4 trillion debt ceiling. Yellen stated that this could be delayed until June. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) demanded that the White House reduce spending in exchange for raising the limit. Biden, however, refused to negotiate, saying it would put the full faith and credit of the United States at risk. Biden presented his budget proposal for 2024 on March 9 and requested that House Republicans do the same. The impasse was broken on April 26 when House Republicans passed the Limit, Save, Grow Act, which included an increase in the debt ceiling as well as spending cuts that reflected Republican priorities. Negotiations began in earnest on May 9 and lasted for three weeks. The Bill The Financial Responsibility Act suspends the debt ceiling until Jan. 1, 2025, slightly reduces non-defense discretionary spending in 2024, and caps discretionary spending growth at 1 percent in 2025. The deal also includes oil and gas drilling permitting reforms, revisions to work requirements for some social welfare programs, and clawbacks of $20 billion in IRS funding and $30 billion in unspent COVID-19 relief funds. In the absence of congressional action to allow additional borrowing, Yellen recently warned that the federal government will run out of money on June 5. The bill was approved by the House on May 31 by a bipartisan vote of 314 to 117, and it cleared the Senate on June 1 by a bipartisan vote of 63 to 36. McCarthy referred to the bill as historic, calling it the largest spending cut ever passed by Congress. After the bill cleared the Senate on June 1, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said, We have saved the country from the scourge of default. The measure was supported by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) as well. Compromise: No One Loves It As a result of compromises, many lawmakers have raised issues with the bill until it was finally able to pass both the House and the Senate. I think what we have is a compromise that doesnt have what everybody wants, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) told The Epoch Times on June 1. But thats what governing is about. Its about making compromises. Is it everything I wanted? No. But sitting with one House with a Democratic Senate and a Democratic president who didnt want to meet with us, I think we did pretty dang good for the American public, McCarthy said in a May 31 news conference. It is not a perfect bill, but it does represent a compromise between the administration and Congress. Thats necessary in a divided government. Nobody got everything they wanted. But the end result is a truly historic bill, Rep. Tom Cole (R-Okla.) said. Cole, who voted yes for the bill, told The Epoch Times after the passage that the package represented the best deal we could have cut and praised McCarthys leadership for striking the compromise agreement, calling the speaker a master of the art of the possible. Rep. Greg Landsman (D-Ohio) simply said, The bill represents the fact that the Congress is divided. This kind of compromise is exactly how divided government should work, Kelly Veney Darnell, interim CEO of the Bipartisan Policy Center, said in a June 2 statement. Opposition Conservatives and progressives comprised the majority of the opposition in the House (71 Republicans and 46 Democrats). Approximately half of the 71 Republican no votes were cast by members of the House Freedom Caucus. Speaker McCarthy had a mandate from the American people with a powerful negotiation position of a unified Republican party to hold the line for the bill that we passed, Rep. Scott Perry (R-Pa.), chairman of the Freedom Caucus, said at a May 30 press conference. Perry said the bipartisan deal negotiated by McCarthy totally fails to deliver. The Republican conference right now has been torn asunder and we are working hard to try to put it back together again this weekend by making sure that this bill gets stopped, Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas) said on May 30. In the Senate, 31 Republicans voted against the bill, along with four Democrats and one independent. At a time of massive inequality and when the people on top have never had it so good, I cannot in good conscience vote for a bill that hurts working people, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) said while debating the bill on June 1. Jackson Richman contributed to this report. Biden Signs Debt Ceiling Bill, Ending Months of Political Battle President Joe Biden speaks in the Oval Office at the White House on Dec. 13, 2021. (Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters) President Joe Biden signed the Fiscal Responsibility Act on June 3, suspending the debt ceiling for 19 months and bringing a months-long political battle to a close. The legislation negotiated by Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) was approved by both houses of Congress with bipartisan support last week, averting a potential default on the nations financial obligations. Passing this budget agreement was critical. The stakes could not have been higher, Biden said in a June 2 evening address to the nation from the Oval Office. Congressional leaders in both parties, eager to avoid financial disaster, endorsed the bill. McCarthy referred to the legislation in historic terms, calling it the biggest spending cut ever enacted by Congress. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said after the bill passed the Senate on June 1, Weve saved the country from the scourge of default. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) both supported the bill. Biden Versus McCarthy The presidents signature ends a months-long cold war with McCarthy over terms for raising the nations $31.4 trillion debt ceiling. The Financial Responsibility Act suspends the debt ceiling until Jan. 1, 2025, cuts non-defense discretionary spending slightly in 2024, and limits discretionary spending growth to 1 percent in 2025. The agreement also contains permitting reforms for oil and gas drilling, changes to work requirements for some social welfare programs, and clawbacks of $20 billion in IRS funding and $30 billion in unspent COVID-19 relief funds, among other provisions. President Joe Biden hosts debt limit talks with House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) and other congressional leaders in the Oval Office on May 9, 2023. (Kevin Lamarque/Reuters) In the absence of congressional action to allow additional borrowing, the United States would have lacked the ready cash to pay all of its bills on June 5, according to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen. Yellen announced in January that the country was in danger of reaching its limit. McCarthy then said Congress wouldnt increase the limit without an agreement from the White House to cut spending. Biden said he wouldnt negotiate over lifting the limit because that would put the full faith and credit of the United States at risk. The impasse was broken in late April when the House passed the Limit, Save, Grow Act, authorizing a $1.5 trillion increase in borrowing along with spending cuts and other measures favored by Republicans. Biden then agreed to negotiate with McCarthy, resulting in the Fiscal Responsibility Act. Opposition A vocal minority of lawmakers in both parties opposed the bill. Some Republicans said the agreement conceded too much to Democrats. Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas) nearly blocked the bill in committee, but it cleared by a single vote. Some Democrats opposed the agreement because it cuts discretionary spending and changes work requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. They said those provisions would hurt working Americans and those in need. House Rules Committee member Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas) speaks at the Capitol on Jan. 30. (Win McNamee/Getty Images) A group of Senate Republicans led by Lindsey Graham (R-N.C.) and Susan Collins (R-Maine) initially opposed the bill because of concerns about the level of defense spending. They were brought on board by assurances from Schumer and McConnell that emergency defense appropriations could be added later if needed. The bill passed the House by a vote of 314117 on May 31. Forty-six Democrats and 71 Republicans voted no. The Senate passed the measure 6336 the next day. Four Democrats, one independent, and 41 Republicans voted no. Mixed Reactions Outside the Capitol, some observers applauded the bipartisan effort while others echoed the complaints of congressional dissenters. This kind of compromise is exactly how divided government should work, Kelly Veney Darnell, interim CEO of the Bipartisan Policy Center, said in a June 2 statement. Conservatives have little to celebrate with this deal, and much about which to complain, said EJ Antoni, a research fellow at The Heritage Institute. According to Antoni, the bill doesnt actually cut spending. He called it left-wing legislation in a statement published on June 1. Navin Nayak, counselor at the Center for American Progress, endorsed the legislation unenthusiastically, saying on May 31 that it was imperfect but necessary. Nayak said that the Mountain Valley Pipeline, green-lighted by the bill, puts the safety of thousands at risk and that the added work requirements will increase hunger in the United States. Congress must now work the provisions of the Fiscal Responsibility Act into a federal budget and the dozen appropriations bills required to fund the government in the coming year. The 2024 fiscal year begins on Oct. 1. Jackson Richman contributed to this report. People visit the exhibition area featuring the "Two Countries, Twin Parks" project during the 2023 China (Fuzhou) International Seafood & Fisheries Expo in Fuzhou, capital of southeast China's Fujian Province, June 2, 2023. An exhibition area featuring the "Two Countries, Twin Parks" project is set during the expo, which kicked off here on Friday. With its memorandum signed in January 2021, the "Two Countries, Twin Parks" project represents a solid step to synergize the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative and Indonesia's vision of the Global Maritime Fulcrum. It also serves as an innovative approach to deepening bilateral economic and trade ties, which has brought businesses in both countries tangible benefits. (Xinhua/Lin Shanchuan) A visitor (L) talks with Indonesian exhibitors during the 2023 China (Fuzhou) International Seafood & Fisheries Expo in Fuzhou, capital of southeast China's Fujian Province, June 2, 2023. An exhibition area featuring the "Two Countries, Twin Parks" project is set during the expo, which kicked off here on Friday. With its memorandum signed in January 2021, the "Two Countries, Twin Parks" project represents a solid step to synergize the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative and Indonesia's vision of the Global Maritime Fulcrum. It also serves as an innovative approach to deepening bilateral economic and trade ties, which has brought businesses in both countries tangible benefits. (Xinhua/Lin Shanchuan) An Indonesian exhibitor (2nd R) presents products to visitors during the 2023 China (Fuzhou) International Seafood & Fisheries Expo in Fuzhou, capital of southeast China's Fujian Province, June 2, 2023. An exhibition area featuring the "Two Countries, Twin Parks" project is set during the expo, which kicked off here on Friday. With its memorandum signed in January 2021, the "Two Countries, Twin Parks" project represents a solid step to synergize the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative and Indonesia's vision of the Global Maritime Fulcrum. It also serves as an innovative approach to deepening bilateral economic and trade ties, which has brought businesses in both countries tangible benefits. (Xinhua/Lin Shanchuan) Big Tobacco Faces Big EU Counterfeit Problem Packs of euro banknotes during a raid where more than 3.5 million packets of contraband tobacco were seized, in Seville, Spain, on Jan. 22, 2023. (Guardia Civil/Handout via Reuters) MADRIDSpanish police raided three clandestine tobacco factories early this year, seizing nearly 40 million euros ($44 million) worth of tobacco leaf and illicit cigarettes. At one, in the northern town of Alfaro, they found 10 Ukrainian workers, five of them war refugees, whod been put to work with no contracts and scant pay, police said. They worked all day for and lived at the factory, forbidden from leaving. This operation is one of dozens across the EU that regional policing and anti-fraud agencies say have driven seizures of illicit cigarettes to record levels. Crime groups, which have traditionally mainly sourced fake tobacco products from outside the EU, are increasingly setting up production facilities in western Europe to be closer to higher-priced markets, according to Reuters interviews with half a dozen specialists in the field, including enforcement officials, tobacco executives and industry analysts. The trend was revved up by the travel shutdown of the COVID-19 pandemic, which choked supplies from outside the bloc, the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) said. It may have been further accelerated by the war in Ukraine, which for years has been a production hub and transit route for illicit tobacco, OLAF added. As well as the human cost, counterfeiting is a financial thorn in the side of the worlds biggest tobacco companies at a time when theyre facing a global decline in smoking thats spurred large investments in alternative products like vapes. Criminal gangs have switched from importing counterfeit products into Europe to establishing illicit manufacturing facilities within EU borders, said Cyrille Olive, British American Tobaccos (BAT) regional head of anti-illicit trade. BATone of tobaccos global giants with Imperial Brands, Japan Tobacco, and Philip Morris Internationalhas seen increased counterfeiting since last year in France, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovenia, Denmark, and the Czech Republic, Olive added. Some campaigners have accused Big Tobacco of overstating the size of the illicit market to help lobby against higher taxessomething the companies deny. Nonetheless, the latest data shows seizures of illicit cigarettes are increasing. A record 531 million illicit cigarettes were impounded across the EU last year, a rise of 43 percent from the roughly 370 million seized in 2020, according to data from OLAF. About 60 percent of the cigarettes were from illicit production in the bloc while the rest were smuggled in. Europol told Reuters that last year would also likely set a record for the number of illegal cigarette factories that were reported shut down by national police forces, although the full-year data isnt yet available. Tobacco Investigators The industry has responded by hiring investigators to research illicit operations and share intelligence with European authorities, executives at Japan Tobacco, BAT and Imperial Brands told Reuters. The three tobacco majors declined to put a figure on the financial hit from the illicit trade. Japan Tobacco has, though, spent hundreds of millions of dollars gathering information on the counterfeiters which it then passes on to European authorities like OLAF, according to Vincent Byrne, head of the companys anti-illicit trade operations. We have a dedicated function within the company to try and protect our assets, protect our brands, and combat illegal trade, said Byrne, a former detective who investigated organized crime in Ireland. BAT and Imperial Brands said they also had intelligence operations. Philip Morris International declined to comment for this article. Pack: Less Than A Euro to Make Counterfeiters typically replicate popular cigarette brands, which include Japan Tobaccos Winston, Philip Morris Marlboro, British Americas Dunhill and Imperial Brands Nobel. A packet of 20 cigarettes costs less than a euro to make, said Byrne, but trades at several times that, depending on the marketplace. Supplies from China and other parts of Asiawhich used to be the biggest sources of counterfeit cigarettes that ended up in the EU shrank during COVID-19 lockdowns, spurring increasing production in Europe itself, according to Alex McDonald, head of group security at Imperial Brands. Russias invasion of Ukraine may have quickened that trend, said Ernesto Bianchi, OLAFs director of revenue and international operations, investigations, and strategy, adding that the agency was analyzing how the fraudsters may have reconfigured their routes. Ukraine had been a hub for the manufacturing of illicit tobacco and a supply route for illicit and counterfeit cigarettes made in Russia and Belarus, activities that may have been disrupted by the war, Imperial Brands McDonald said. Some counterfeiters are luring and coercing Ukrainian refugees to be workers. An illegal tobacco factory was dismantled last month in Roda de Ter, 80 km from Barcelona, Spanish police said on Thursday. Officers seized 11,400 kilos of tobacco and 7,360 packets of cigarettes. Six Ukrainians were found working there. In Italy, officials said in April last year they had found about 82 tonnes of counterfeit cigarettes inside a factory in the industrial area of the countrys Pomezia municipality. Investigators said they found Russian, Moldovan, and Ukrainian workers doing grueling shifts in an unsafe environment where walled-up windows stopped fumes from escaping. A good many workers from Ukraine have been found in these illegal factories, Japan Tobaccos Byrne said about counterfeiting operations across the EU. Theyre collected in a van at an airport, blacked out windows, driven around and swapped into another van, Byrne, said recounting a particular incident. Eventually theyre delivered to the factory. Mobile phones are taken from them. Essentially, its a form of modern-day slavery. ($1 = 0.9310 euros) By Richa Naidu, Emma Pinedo, and Emilio Parodi The rolling hills of Kentucky are adorned with a soft blue hue each spring thanks to Poa, a type of luscious green grass that blooms bright, delicate flowers atop its blades. These flowers can be found across vast pastures and horse farms throughout the state. When musician Bill Monroe needed to come up with a name for his newly formed band in 1938, he could think of no better way to honor his beloved home state than by naming the group The Blue Grass Boys, after the blooming fields he looked forward to seeing every April. Nicknamed The Bluegrass State, Kentucky is generally regarded as The Birthplace of Bluegrass Music. However, a historical marker in Nashville, Tennessee also boasts that coveted title, after Monroes legendary performance in 1945 when bluegrass music was performed to the masses for the first time. Without Monroe and his Blue Grass Boys, or the Poa he loved so much, we may not have ever been given the gift of the acoustic-based, toe-tapping genre. Jerusalem Ridge Born in 1911, Monroe grew up on his familys rural farm in the small community of Rosine, Kentucky. His family spent most of their time working the land, but they were a musical family as well. After a long days work, Monroe could find his mother, Malissa, or his uncle, Pen, sawing on fiddles and singing traditional songs. He also spent plenty of time playing music with his siblings, who relegated him to picking up the mandolin since his brother Charlie already played guitar. Their familys farm was nicknamed Jerusalem Ridge, and it stood as a spiritual experience of sorts for Monroe. He always credited the holiness people found in his music to his mother. As a young adult, Bill formed the group The Monroe Brothers with his brother Charlie. Though they gained a significant local following throughout the 1930s, they eventually parted ways to start their own groups and see their unique visions through. For Bill Monroe, his unique vision would produce a type of band America had never experienced before. Bill Monroe, Take It Easy Ranch, Callaway, Maryland, 1973, by photographer Henry Horenstein. Annenberg Space for Photography Collection of Exhibition Prints, Library of Congress. (Public Domain) The Blue Grass Boys Head to Nashville In 1938, Monroes band The Blue Grass Boys was born, and they took live music venues by storm. Traveling relentlessly, their never-before-heard band setup made them a truly unique attraction. While the traditional country setup of the time featured singing cowboys backed by acoustic guitars and string sections, Monroes twangy, high-energy band featured his mandolin skills, dancing fiddle work, and three-part harmonies. Monroe added banjo player Earl Scruggs to the group and he proved to be a powerful force that gave the group new life. Banjo player Earl Scruggs (L) and guitarist Lester Flat in 1949. (Public Domain) With countless show dates under their belts as one of Nashvilles most in-demand acts, Scruggs only added to their influence. His inventive, intense way of playing gave rise to a whole new style that was both crisp and commanding. His picking preference, which included only three fingers, came to be known as Scruggs style, and it gave The Blue Grass Boys a significant boost to their stage presence. Though Monroe and his band first performed at The Grand Ole Opry (Nashvilles preeminent concert venue) in 1939, it was their concert at The Ryman Auditorium that became a significant moment in music history and introduced the masses to what we now call bluegrass music. In 1945, The Blue Grass Boys featured their five-piece band (Monroe on mandolin, Lester Flatt on guitar, Howard Watts on bass, Scruggs on banjo, and Chubby Wise on fiddle) at the iconic Ryman Auditorium, one of the most significant and esteemed concert halls in the world. Monroe introduced bluegrass music to a widespread, commercial audience for the first time, and by the end of their set they took a final bow on stage amid a standing ovation. A New Genre Is Born The Father of Bluegrass Bill Monroe statue outside the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee. (Jason Kempin/Getty Images) Considered to be roots music, the traditional foundation of bluegrass can be traced back to Ireland, Scotland, and England before Americas colonization. As European settlers began arriving in the Appalachian Mountains, Kentucky, and Tennessee, they brought with them a rich culture full of acoustic-based, stringed music and stories centered around rural farming communities. Eventually, these elements were married to genres like country, gospel, and blues. Monroe was the first to officially package the genres all together to form bluegrass music. His hard work and dedication to his craft brought the infant genre to listeners across the country, earning him the much-deserved title, The Father of Bluegrass Music. The bluegrass genre represents more than a musical movement; it represents a bridge connecting traditional European cultures of the 1600s to the burgeoning southeastern farmlands of the early 1900s. The homespun style pays homage to family, hard work, self-reliance, and celebration of lifes simple pleasures. With hits like the languid Blue Moon of Kentucky and the swift and speedy Orange Blossom Special, Monroe solidified himself as one of Americas most imaginative and original musicians in contemporary history. Boycotts Reveal Racketeering Scam Behind Corporations That Go Woke: James Lindsay The boycott against corporations that tried to push left-wing sex and gender ideology on their customers opens the opportunities to expose whats behind their embrace of woke agenda, according to author and commentator James Lindsay. Speaking on EpochTVs Crossroads, Lindsay said the boycotts must definitely have an impact, as Bud Lights parent company Anheuser-Busch scrambled to downplay its now-notorious partnership with transgender TikTok personality Dylan Mulvaney. This boycott damaged them enough to where they scrambled, they made some kind of a crazy statement. The statement just didnt satisfy anybody. So the boycott stays on, the pressure stays on, he told host Joshua Philipp. Woke Corps Priorities On May 9, a month after the initial Mulvaney backlash, Anheuser-Busch lost its perfect Corporate Equality Index (CEI) score, which is overseen by the Human Rights Campaign, the nations largest LGBT advocacy group. The CEI measures how well a companys policies adhere to a set of criteria concerning LGBTQ equality in the workplace. Businesses with the highest possible 100 CEI points are given the title Best Place To Work For LGBTQ Equality. More than 800 American businesses met all the criteria to earn a percent rating and the designation last year, according to the Campaigns latest report. In response to the loss of a perfect CEI scoreand in spite of the customer backlash, Anheuser-Busch pledged last week to donate $200,000 to support LGBTQ+ business owners of color. The fact that a company would rather further upset customers than get a lower social credit rating, Lindsay said, shows how this extortion racket works and how serious the extortion racket is. We see which thing theyre choosing to do, Lindsay explained. Whether its Corporate Equality Index score, whether its a broader ESG [Environmental, Social, and Governance] score, theyre choosing to serve the same agenda. This reveals a lot of things that are very useful, he continued. We can have hearings. We could have the House Oversight Committee talking about this: Why are you doing this? How important is that number? Why is it number so important? How did this number come to mean so much to your company? Who made the deals? What are the costs?' These kinds of things need to be dragged out into the public under oath, and in a high place. Fighting Woke Corps in Court We now have very good reason to believe that shareholders have excellent lawsuits in potentia for the violations of fiduciary responsibility, Lindsay told Philipp. In fact, conservative legal group America First Legal is preparing to sue Anheuser-Busch, as well as several other big-name brands, for allegedly tanking their shareholder value through their Pride Month promotions that triggered outrage and boycotts. On Tuesday, America First Legal called on anyone whose shares in LGBT product-promoting companies lost value to reach out to them to join a class action lawsuit they are working to file against those companies. ATTENTION: Are you a shareholder of [Target], [Kohls], [Anheuser-Busch], or other companies that are promoting transgender, LGBTQ and PRIDE products and diminishing shareholder value? the organization wrote on Twitter with a link to its email address. We want to hear from you. Target has been the subject of a conservative-led boycott over merchandise celebrating Pride Month, including a onesie for infants that states Bien Proud; a childrens book with the title, Twas the Night Before Pride; a book that tells children how to use transgender pronouns; and a handful of T-shirts with similar slogans. The company also drew backlash for tuck-friendly swimwear. A Target spokesperson has since said the swimwear wasnt made for children. Similarly, Kohls drew boycott calls from customers after it was found promoting Pride Month-themed merchandise, particularly clothing items for toddlers. While Lindsay said he expects more lawsuits like this to come, they wont be so effective until large investors get involved. This thing actually operates like a racketeering scam, Lindsay explained. The largest investorshuge institutional investorsare all pledged to participate in the program, so theres this very incestuous thing thats keeping the whole thing locked up. Some small investors who have a few 100 shares are probably not going to be able to make a lawsuit that does something tremendous. Even a class action may not be able to do that across the shareholders, he continued. But if we can get some of these institutional investors to feel like that their better option is, in fact, to get out of this thing before it crashes down on them by increasing this pressure and creating these pathways to legal action then you start busting up a racketeering cartel. Keep the Pressure On For Americans who choose to shop elsewhere, Lindsay said they should keep up with their extremely important endeavor, although sooner or later they may get demoralized due to the sheer number of companies jumping on the woke bandwagon. Im glad that they are realizing that they do have this muscle to flex, that they have this weapon that theyve been able to wield, but we have to make sure that it gets wielded intelligently, he replied when asked what would he tell boycotters. Sooner or later, you might end up getting demoralized or you might not know what to do, Lindsay added. I would say that these focused boycotts, whichever one you pick first, thats the horse you ride. It doesnt have to make sense, but you have to keep the pressure on somewhere, so that we can take this and scoop it up and do something useful. Without this pressure, Lindsay warned, what awaits Americans could be a personal ESG rating system, like communist Chinas social credit score, that restricts their and their childrens liberty and life. What youll find is that, if you want to go to the store, maybe youre not allowed to enter the store without having a good enough ESG score, he said. Maybe you cant go into the meat department. Maybe you cant go into the beer department. Maybe youre limited in how much you can buy. Maybe you cant buy a plane ticket. Maybe you cant order an Uber. Maybe you cant buy more than 10 gallons of gas in a month. They already do this kind of stuff in China. And we can expect the same thing to come down this waysurprisingly enough, even here in Americaif we dont fight back against this. Interview by Joshua Philipp Artists throughout the centuries have been inspired by Saint Francis of Assisi, including Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio. One of the artists early masterpieces is Saint Francis of Assisi in Ecstasy, held in the collection of the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art in Connecticut. This is the artists first known religious canvas and one of the most important Baroque paintings in an American museum collection. It showcases Caravaggios extraordinary style and technique: the theatrical use of light, naturalistic depictions of people and objects, and psychological narratives. This painting is currently on view in a special exhibition at The National Gallery, London. The museum has congregated a wide range of artworks to explore the life and legacy of the 13th-century St. Francis that exalts his longstanding significance as patron saint of animals and nature, as well as his commitment to the poor. A Baroque Revision Saint Francis of Assisi in Ecstasy, circa 1594, by Caravaggio. Oil on canvas; 36.3 inches by 50.1 inches. Wadsworth Atheneum, Harford, Connecticut. (Public Domain) After the Protestant Reformation, the Catholic Church amplified its emphasis on devotion to and emulation of saints, with the Italian St. Francis, who renounced his worldly wealth in favor of a life dedicated to poverty and service, being the most popular. The medieval and Renaissance type of portrayal of the saint evolved in the Baroque period to include a new composition: the saint after the stigmatization supported by an angel. This format may have been first introduced in Caravaggios Saint Francis of Assisi in Ecstasy. Andrew Graham-Dixon in his biography Caravaggio: A Life Sacred and Profane writes, In every sensestyle, iconography, dramathe painting broke new ground. Caravaggio was the first to show the saint lying down at the moment of the stigmata, wounded on his right side, but with no other signs of the stigmata at his hands and feet, and cradled by a kneeling angel. In Saint Francis of Assisi in Ecstasy, Caravaggio places the figures of the saint and angel close to the picture plane, which allows the viewer to intimately experience their presence and Franciss ecstatic state. The composition draws inspiration from the established artistic motifs of Christ held by an angel and a Pieta, where the Madonna cradles his body. The two figures in Saint Francis of Assisi in Ecstasy are bathed in a spotlight of divine light, emphasizing this poetic, mystical moment. Caravaggio refers to the established visual depiction of the Nativity with his paintings nocturnal setting. Despite the paintings dim landscape, one can just barely make out a group of shepherds seated and gathered around a campfire. This tenebrism, the use of extreme contrast of light and dark, intensifies dramatic effect and is strongly associated with Caravaggios work. Detail of shepherds in Saint Francis of Assisi in Ecstasy, circa 1594, by Caravaggio. (Public Domain) Identifying himself with St. Francis, Caravaggios own unshaven face is used as the model in Saint Francis of Assisi in Ecstasy. This realistic depiction emphasizes that Francis was a real person from the relevantly recent past. Keith Christiansen, curator emeritus at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, writes how Caravaggios practice of using live, posed models for his paintings, fostered a novel experience of recognition and relatability between a viewer and his artwork. Saint Francis continues to be one of Christianitys most influential figures. The current pope took his papal name from the saint. Likewise, Caravaggio remains one of the most significant and influential artists in history. The artist felt a strong connection to Counter-Reformation Catholic spirituality, which can be seen in his religious paintings. These include several depictions of Saint Francis. His early masterpiece Saint Francis of Assisi in Ecstasy was fundamental in his development as a painter with a unique and fresh style. As Graham-Dixon wrote, Saint Francis of Assisi is more than an illustration of an episode in the life of a saint. The picture offers a consoling dream of transfiguration, a condition of oneness with Christ to which anyone might aspire. Cheesed-Off Minister Threatens to Ditch EU-Australia Trade Deal Australia wont sign a free trade deal with the European Union (EU) if the bloc continues to play hardball over the naming rights of products such as cheeses and wine. The EU is pushing for geographic indicatorswhich Australia says is a no gothat would stop local producers using labels such as parmesan, prosecco and feta. Trade Minister Don Farrell said he would not sign an agreement just for the sake of it as he heads to Brussels on June 3 for another round of negotiations. We are not going to go at it at any cost, he told a Senate hearing on June 2. If the Europeans play too hard, then we wont have an agreement. Farrell said access to the market of 450 million people would be a significant boost to Australias trade but the government was working on diversifying, including into the United States, India and southeast Asia. Its not that we dont have other options but thats a big, relatively wealthy community, so its an important one to get, Farrell said. Farrell is aiming to have an agreement by the middle of the year but says negotiations are not at the stage where he believes its a good deal for Australia. We want one. Itd be good for Australian businesses if we can get a satisfactory deal, but all of these things have to be determined by our national interests, Farrell said. King Valley Winemakers say even grandfathering geographic indicators, which would allow some companies to continue using the names, is a concerning outcome. Michael Dal Zotto from Victorias Dal Zotto Wines said prosecco wasnt a geographical indicator. From our position to even entertain the fact that there is another name for prosecco is absolute rubbish, Dal Zotto said. For us, there really is no negotiation in this pieceit is a grape variety called Prosecco, to lose that would be quite detrimental to our region. Wines of the King Valley president Dean Cleave-Smith said it was about the right to use the name of a grape variety, regional jobs and the viability of the King Valley as a wine-producing area. Whats on the table is not just prosecco, not just history, but economic prosperity for regional Victoria, Cleave-Smith said. Cleave-Smith said putting in a grandfathered clause sounded fine on the surface but was complex in reality. We want to grow the category, we want to innovate, we want to inspire new players to participate in this great drinks category so grandfathering is not an option. Opposition trade spokesman Dan Tehan said there should be no compromise on geographical indicators. Anything other than Australia prosecco producers having free rein to sell their wonderful product here and abroad should be considered as capitulation to the EU and a bad deal for Australia, Tehan said. Christian Children Silenced While Performing National Anthem in US Capitol; Police Apologize The U.S. Capitol Police have apologized for halting a Christian childrens choir as they sang the United States national anthem with permission from the Speakers Office. Although popup demonstrations and musical performances are not allowed in the U.S. Capitol without the proper approval, due to a miscommunication, the U.S Capitol Police were not aware that the Speakers Office had approved this performance, the U.S. Capitol Police told The Epoch Times in a June 2 email. We apologize to the choir for this miscommunication that impacted their beautiful rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner and their visit to Capitol Hill, the email continued. A viral clip shows the Rushingbrook Childrens Choir singing Francis Scott Keys song, inspired by the persistence of American forces against the British during the War of 1812, in the buildings Statuary Hallitself recently transformed by ideology after Virginia removed a statue of Confederate General Robert E. Lee in 2020. Suddenly, the conductor, David Rasbach, is approached by a man who whispers something to him. Rasbach cuts off the performance before the children can deliver the songs final line: Oer the land of the free and the home of the brave. In his written recollection of the May 26 incident, Rasbach says the man was from the office of Rep. Joe Wilson (R-S.C.), one of multiple lawmakers with whom he coordinated to organize the miniature concert. He received permission with the help of Wilson and another South Carolina Congressman, Rep. William Timmons. Both offices, Rasbach said, told him he had permission for the concert. As the U.S. Capitol Police indicated, that permission would ultimately have to come from House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.). In a joint statement, Timmons, Wilson, Rep. Russell Fry (R-S.C.), and McCarthy denounced the incident and confirmed McCarthy granted permission. We recently learned that schoolchildren from South Carolina were interrupted while singing our National Anthem at the Capitol. These children were welcomed by the Speakers office to joyfully express their love of this nation while visiting the Capitol, and we are all very disappointed to learn their celebration was cut short, the lawmakers said in a statement provided to The Epoch Times on June 2. When provided with the viral clip and Rasbachs account, the U.S. Capitol Police disputed nothing except the notion that they claimed The Star-Spangled Banner could offend someone. It is not accurate we told them the song could be offensive, the U.S. Capitol Police told The Epoch Times. According to Rasbach, after Wilsons staffer told him to silence the children, he walked over to three Capitol Police officers, one of whom told him that the group may not continue singing. This is considered to be a demonstration, and that is not allowed in the Capitol, she added, according to Rasbach. Do you mean to tell me that a choir of children may not sing the National Anthem in the capitol of the United States? Rasbach said he asked. No, they may not, she responded, according to Rasbach. Rasbach says parents were outraged when they learned the performance had been shut down as a demonstration, with one calling the situation tyranny. The choir director says he told his children to depart with dignity, avoiding undue displays of negative emotion. They ALL obeyed beautifully! Rasbach said in his written recollection. He says he went up to the same officer again, who informed him there were complaints about the singing. A web page for Rushingbrook states its mission is to awaken and develop in Christian young people their God-given musical ability, to nurture a sense of artistry in singing, and to do all for the glory of God. Access to the Capitol and other federal government facilities has been a point of contention since the events of Jan. 6, 2021, after which access to the Peoples House was sharply restricted. When Republicans took back the House during the midterms, they made reopening the U.S. Capitol a priority. In late December, McCarthy pledged that the new Republican majority will fully reopen and restore the U.S. Capitol to the American people. For Rasbach and others, it may be difficult to believe that the Peoples House has been restored to its stewards. I left with a sense of utter disappointment, realizing that our country had certainly changed since the times when, as a child, my family visited the Capitol many times and could go up the grand front steps, unrestricted, roam the Capitol halls at will, ascend the grand, marble staircase and visit the balconies of the stately Senate and House chambers, all while feelingeven as a childa deep sense of respect and pride that this great building and all that it represents is my birthright! he said in his account of the incident. The Epoch Times has reached out to the Committee on House Administration for comment. Congressional Commission Nominates Chinese Democratic Activists for Nobel Peace Prize People showing blank papers as a way to protest gather on a street in Shanghai, on Nov. 27, 2022, where protests against China's zero-COVID policy took place the night before following a deadly fire in Urumqi, the capital of the Xinjiang region. (Hector Retamal/AFP via Getty Images) On the 34th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre, a U.S. congressional panel nominated Chinese democratic activists for the 2023 Nobel Peace Prize. Thirty-four years ago, on June 3, 1989, Chinese Communist Party (CCP) leaders ordered the military to remove the student-led demonstrators who had occupied Tiananmen Square for nearly two months demanding democracy in China. By the early morning of June 4, tanks and troops had cleared the area. Hundreds of students, if not more, were killed. The CCP has never acknowledged the killing. Instead, its propaganda told the Chinese population that students were used by foreign anti-China forces, and soldiers were killed in violent clashes. With the nomination, the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC), a bipartisan and bicameral panel, seeks to preserve the historical event and applaud the Chineses desire for freedom. We call on the Chinese authorities to give a full account of all those killed, detained, or gone missing in connection with the peaceful protests in Tiananmen Square and in over 400 other cities in China, said CECC in a statement on June 2. We must continue to remember the Tiananmen Massacre and never allow the Chinese Communist Party to erase it from the history books. This year, the Commission chairs nominated three individualsall made their marks defying the CCPs draconian COVID lockdownsfrom a new generation that continues the pursuit of democracy. On Oct. 13, 2022, nominee Peng Lifa, also known as the bridge man, hung banners on a bridge in Beijing to criticize the zero-COVID policies in China and CCP leader Xi Jinping. Depose the Traitorous Dictator Xi Jinping, wrote one banner. The other banner wrote: We dont want nucleic acid testing, we want food to eat; we dont want lockdowns, we want freedom; we dont want lies, we want dignity; we dont want Cultural Revolution, we want reform; we dont want [dictatorial] leaders, we want elections; we dont want to be slaves, we want to be citizens. Chinese authorities arrested Peng on the same day of his protest. His whereabouts have been unknown since. Li Kangmeng, another nominee and a university student based in Nanjing, a mega city under a four-hour drive from Shanghai, is reportedly the first person who held a blank sheet of white paper last November to protest zero-COVID and highlight the lack of freedom of speech in China. Her act inspired a white paper movement in which many opted to do the same in their demonstrations. The catalyst for the movement was a deadly fire in a high-rise apartment building in Urumqi city, the capital of Chinas western Xinjiang region, on Nov. 24, 2022. Before that, the residents had been under a COVID lockdown for over three months. People blamed the pandemic controls around and inside the building for delaying fire response and causing deaths, which many believed was much higher than the official tally of 10. That month, a series of protests broke out in China. People in Shanghai, Beijing, and other cities took to the streets to honor the dead and to express discontent. The third nominee, Zhang Zhan, is a citizen-journalist who provided first-hand reports on COVID outbreaks, despite the official cover-up. She went missing in Wuhan, ground zero of the coronavirus, also known as the CCP virus, in May 2020. In December 2020, she was sentenced to four years for picking quarrels and provoking trouble. Shes currently detained in the Shanghai Womens Prison. These heroes should be honored by the world for their courage, and the international community must demand their unconditional release, wrote the CECC statement. Jimmy Lai outside West Kowloon Magistrates Court in Hong Kong, on Sept. 18, 2020. (Sung Pi-lung/The Epoch Times) CECC members also nominated several Hongkongers for the 2023 Nobel Peace Prize. These nominees include Jimmy Lai, the Hong Kong media tycoon arrested in August 2020 for violating the Hong Kong national security lawa law with vaguely defined crimes often used to stamp out dissentpassed two months earlier, Cardinal Joseph Zen, an outspoken advocate for freedom in Hong Kong, and Joshua Wong, a Hong Kong democratic activist. Nathan Law (L), Joshua Wong (2nd L), Sunny Cheung, Lester Shum, and others attend a candlelight vigil at Victoria Park in Hong Kong on June 4, 2020. (Sung Pi-lung/The Epoch Times) DeSantis Mounts Charm Offensive With Wife Casey in South Carolina Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican candidate for president, speaks on stage with his wife, Casey DeSantis, at a campaign stop in Gilbert, S.C., on June 2, 2023. (Dan M. Berger/The Epoch Times) Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis went to work in a key early primary state on June 2 as he began introducing himself to the voters of South Carolina. The state poses a particular challenge: it is home to not one but two of DeSantiss declared challengers for the Republican nomination, a popular former governor in Nikki Haley and a popular current senator in Tim Scott. DeSantis didnt shy from the challenge. He held his first event in Beaufort, which Scott represented in Congress, and his second one outside Lexington, the legislative district where Haley got her start. Speaking in the same venue where she spoke two months ago, DeSantis drew a slightly larger crowd. Haley spoke to about 400 people at The Grove on Augusta, an event venue on U.S. 1 in Gilbert, on April 6. A DeSantis campaign staffer said his crowd exceeded 500. Haleys crowd filled the un-air-conditioned structure, but DeSantiss packed it. Nikki Haley delivers a campaign speech at The Grove on Augusta in Gilbert, S.C., on April 6, 2023. (Dan M. Berger/The Epoch Times) His crowd was appreciative. Not all of them were committed. They were more in the candidate shopping mode. Were political junkies, said Rob Visconti, who drove with his wife Michelle 2 1/2 hours from Myrtle Beach to hear DeSantis. Wed like to see everybody running. We went down and saw Tim Scott about two weeks ago when he did his announcement in Charleston. And we wanted to see DeSantis. This is the first time we get the chance to see him. Speaking before the event, Visconti, vice-chairman of the Horry County Republican Party, said he was impressed by DeSantis so far. If he were our candidate, I think hed be very good and hes very stern. Hes old school. I like how hes strong. Hes not wishy-washy. The Viscontis said they also regarded Scott and Haley as good candidates. I think the Republican Party all together has a lot of strong candidates, Rob Visconti said. Weve got a better bench than the Democrats. Rob Visconti and his wife Michelle await a presidential campaign speech by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis at a stop in Gilbert, S.C., on June 2, 2023. (Dan M. Berger/The Epoch Times) Republican event volunteers Kim Demer and Deb Dollarhide, both from Columbia, said they enjoyed the opportunity to check out all the candidates and were favorably impressed by DeSantis. Hes very level-headed. He doesnt get rattled or criticize others, said Dollarhide, president of the Capital City Republican Women. But he will defend himself. The DeSantises had been hosted at an event by the Republican chairman of Dorchester County in the Charleston metro area, she said, and the guests found them gracious people. They were well received. Kim Demer (L) and Deb Dollarhide help prepare for the arrival of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis at his campaign stop in Gilbert, S.C., on June 2, 2023. (Dan M. Berger/The Epoch Times) DeSantis spent nearly 90 minutes in the hall, giving his stump speechone familiar from his many appearances around Florida, but updated now for national audiences and a presidential run. He spoke for almost 40 minutes before introducing his wife, Casey DeSantis. The two sat talk-show styleCasey is a former Jacksonville-area TV news anchorand talked, among other things, of the challenges of raising small children in the Florida Governors Mansion. Casey noted she was hoarse, not because she and her husband had just campaigned in three states in four days. It was because I spent the day before telling a 3-year-old for probably three hours as to why you should not use permanent markers to color on the dining room table, she said. She noted that the 3-year-old in question, Mamie, was the first child born to a sitting governor in over 50 years. She is currently terrorizing the house as we speak. Casey said she had figured out how to get the magic marker, crayons, and slime out of the governors mansions elegant and sometimes historic furnishings. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican candidate for president, poses for a photo with a supporter at a campaign stop in Gilbert, S.C. ,on June 2, 2023. (Dan M. Berger/The Epoch Times) When we first went into the Governors Residence, we had a 2-year-old and a 9-month-old, the governor said. I was just, like, are they going to make us leave a security deposit here? Ron DeSantis noted the beautiful Persian carpet they found when they arrived in 2018 was quietly rolled up by the household staff a month later. Because they knew it would be basically leaving it out for destruction. There was the humorous recounting of their 3 a.m. return from a four-country foreign trip, followed by a day of dance lessons, T-ball games, and birthday parties that started at 8 a.m. The next night, their jet-lagged 5-year-old, Mason, was awake and hungry at midnight. The governor of the third-largest state found himself in the drive-thru lane of a Tallahassee chicken fingers restaurant. When youre going through it that night, that time of night in a college town, it was, like, college kids who had been drinking and me. It was all quite charmingparticularly for a candidate accused by detractors of lacking personality and avoiding human contact. None of that was in evidence in Gilbert, as DeSantis spent nearly 20 minutes working the room, chatting people up, signing autographs, posing for pictures with wellwishers, and visibly enjoying it. Putting the family side out there seems a shrewd strategy for him. It highlights that they have children; DeSantiss many initiatives regarding children and families are personal to them. That they are small children emphasizes his youthin contrast to the 80-year-old President Joe Biden and the 77-year-old Trump. And it allows him to work side by side with his wife, a heavy-hitter not only in the charm department but in substance, staking out her turf as first lady in various policy issues. One initiative has worked to put recipients of state grants, such as single mothers, in touch with nonprofit, faith-based, and private-sector agencies that can help them beyond just money. One thing I learned very quickly was that there were a lot of great people on the ground, exterior of government, who were doing great things, but they were all siloed, she said. You had the faith-based community doing wonderful things, but they were over here. You have the private sector here, the nonprofits here, the state government over there. There was oftentimes very little communication and collaboration on the best interests of people in need. They worked with the Department of Children and Families to create a program of hope navigators who work with grant recipients and find them help outside the government. Ron DeSantis, during his speech, was interrupted with applause numerous times as he detailed his accomplishments and battles as governor, from banning the sale of land to the Chinese Communist Party to rapidly reopening bridges in Hurricane Ian to establishing sales tax exemptions for child- and baby-related items to deporting illegal immigrants to the chic sanctuary city of Marthas Vineyardas well as a ban on central bank digital currency, and eliminating DEI indoctrination at public universities and CRT from public schools. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican candidate for president, speaks at a campaign stop in Gilbert, S.C., on June 2, 2023. (Dan M. Berger/The Epoch Times) Plus, his battle with Disney over its opposition to his Parental Rights in Education bill. And his signature reopening of the state quickly after the COVID-19 lockdown. And his stopping of vaccine and mask mandates. All that takes place in a state with top-ranked public schools, low crime, and no income tax, he said. Its residents voted their approval by reelecting him by a landslide 59 to 41 margin in November after hed squeaked into office by just 32,000 votes four years earlier. If elected, he pledged to bring energy and a can-do attitude to the White House. Im going to be a very energetic executive. Were going to go on offense. Were going to start from day one. Top on his list, in that case, will be firing the FBI director and ending the militarys catastrophic experiment with woke ideology, one he said had destroyed morale and hampered recruiting. He pledged to bring fiscal sanity to Washington, unleash energy production, and support small businesses over big corporations. And he said: Our pledge is that our administration will be the administration that finally brings the border issue to a conclusion. Were going to shut the border. Portrait of Winston Churchill, circa 1942, sitting in an armchair. (Express/Express/Getty Images) And he paraphrased Winston Churchill, promising to continue at the federal level the fight hed begun in Florida: I believe that woke ideology represents a war on truth itself. And so as president we will wage a war on woke. We will fight the woke in the schools. We will fight the woke in the corporations. We will fight the woke in the halls of Congress. We will never ever surrender to the woke mob. We are going to leave woke ideology in the dustbin of history where it belongs. I thought he was fantastic. Off the charts, said Frances Bouton of Blythewood, outside Columbia. Hes our next president and hes somebody whos really going to save America. Im behind him 100 percent. Frances Bouton, a supporter of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantiss campaign for president, got his autograph on her copy of his book at his campaign stop in Gilbert, S.C., on June 2, 2023. (Dan M. Berger/The Epoch Times) Bouton, who said she was considering volunteering for DeSantis, said she was a big MAGA Trump supporter in 2016 and 2020. She no longer is, she said, for two big reasons. One was the COVID-19 vaccine, which she believed had killed or disabled many people, and the other was transgenderism. She said DeSantis has a far better record fighting it, as it has put our children under intense attack. Event staffers said about 100 Trump supporters had positioned themselves before the event started across the street with signs and flags. And one woman disrupted DeSantiss speech briefly. Her remarks were difficult to hear, but an event staffer told The Epoch Times he heard her shouting fascist, and a television reporter told The Epoch Times she heard fascist book burner. Those are the people, DeSantis said as the woman left the hall, making a rude gesture repeatedly to him and the crowd, that we beat every single day in Florida. Elon Musk Says Target Will Face Shareholder Lawsuits Amid Pro-LGBT Controversy Elon Musk, founder and chief engineer of SpaceX, speaks at the 2020 Satellite Conference and Exhibition in Washington on March 9, 2020. (Win McNamee/Getty Images) As Targets stock price has taken a beating amid conservative backlash over the companys decision to sell LGBT-themed items and clothing, Twitter CEO Elon Musk said Friday that its just a matter of time before Target faces lawsuits for destruction of shareholder value. Musk made the remarks in response to a tweet by conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who posted about JPMorgan downgrading Targets stock after suffering its longest losing streak in decades. Over the past month or so, Targets stock dropped by double digits amid conservative calls for a boycott against the chain in connection to its decision to sell LGBT-themed apparel, including onesies for children and books instructing kids about the use of transgender pronouns. Several days ago, JPMorgan downgraded Target Corporations stock from overweight to neutral, with the Wall Street bank citing too many concerns with the retail giant. We believe this share loss could accelerate into back to school and linger into holiday given consumer pressures and recent company controversies, wrote JPMorgan analyst Christopher Horvers, per MarketWatch. This could turn [Targets] traffic negative after an impressive run of 12 consecutive positive quarters. Musk responded to Kirks tweet about Targets stock downgrade by predicting that the company would face shareholder lawsuits. Wont be long before there are class-action lawsuits by shareholders against the company and board of directors for destruction of shareholder value, Musk wrote. Kirk replied by saying that shareholders should organize to get politics out of the hyperpolitical corporations of today. A Target spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment. A worker collects shopping carts in the parking lot of a Target store in Highlands Ranch, Colo., on June 9, 2021. (David Zalubowski/AP Photo) Continuing Commitment While Target said a week ago that it had removed some items that sparked the greatest controversy, it did not go into detail about which ones. The company also reiterated its continuing commitment to the LGBTQIA+ community and standing with them as we celebrate Pride Month and throughout the year. Since introducing this years collection, weve experienced threats impacting our team members sense of safety and well-being while at work, Target said in a statement. Given these volatile circumstances, we are making adjustments to our plans, including removing items that have been at the center of the most significant confrontational behavior. Target is among major brandsincluding Bud Lightthat are facing backlash for supporting LGBT causes. Several other companies, including PetSmart, Chick-fil-A, and Walmart, are also now facing boycott calls due to their endorsement of the LGBT agenda. Experts say a big factor encouraging brands to promote transgender ideologies is an attempt to score points on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards. A bottle of Bud Light beer is seen at a grocery store in Glenview, Ill., on April 25, 2023. (Nam Y. Huh/AP Photo) Just Good Business Decisions? Target CEO Brian Cornell was asked about the backlash against woke companies during Fortunes Leadership Next podcast several weeks ago. I think those are just good business decisions, and its the right thing for society, and its the great thing for our brand, Cornell said. The things weve done from a DE&I [diversity, equity, and inclusion] standpoint, its adding value, Cornell said, referring to policies that a number of prominent conservatives have panned as leftist and woke. Its helping us drive sales, its building greater engagement with both our teams and our guests, and those are just the right things for our business today, Cornell continued. When we think about purpose at Target, its really about helping all the families, and that all word is really important, he said. The Target chief added that the focus on diversity and inclusion and equity has fueled much of our growth over the last nine years. Target, which is one of the biggest retailers in the United States, has long faced boycott calls. In 2016, calls for a boycott were sparked when Target released a policy that allowed men who identify as women to use womens bathrooms. Boycotts in Focus The boycotts against pro-LGBT companies have come into sharper focus in recent months. Erin Elmore, a contributor at Turning Point USA, argued that calls to boycott Target are not necessarily conservative. Instead, its common sense. Most parents dont support satanists or little boys wearing girls bathing suits, she said in a tweet on May 28. Some controversial items carried by Target include a onesie for infants that states Bien Proud, a childrens book with the title, Twas the Night Before Pride, a book that tells children how to use transgender pronouns, and a handful of T-shirts with similar slogans, according to the firms website. Target also drew backlash for tuck-friendly swimwear, but a spokesperson for the retailer said that the swimwear wasnt made for children. A number of prominent conservatives called for boycotts of Target, while accusing the Minneapolis-based retailer of grooming and exploiting children. I cannot state enough how important is for people to choose not to shop at Target. There has never been a company that has been more pro-transgenderism than Target, conservative commentator Candace Owens wrote earlier in May. The boycotts of Target, and other companies, have also triggered calls for protests from supporters. We have to remember that pride started off as a protest, Rep. Robert Garcia (D-Calif.) told his partys LGBT caucus recently, according to Semafor. It cannot just be a celebration anymore. We are being systematically attacked, he said. Garcia was the first openly gay mayor of Long Beach prior to winning his House seat in 2022. Pro-LGBT group Human Rights Campaign (HRC) said in a May 25 press release that the pushback against brands like Target and Bud Light are blatantly organized by extremist groups. The boycotts serve as a wake up call for all businesses that support the LGBTQ+ community. Weve seen this extremist playbook of attacks before. Their goal is clear: to prevent LGBTQ+ inclusion and representation, silence our allies, and make our community invisible. While conservative calls for boycotts of Target and other brands continue, some have expressed doubt about how sustainable such actions can be. Conservatives have typically been not very good at boycotts, Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) said during a recent episode of his podcast. Cruz said there are easy alternatives for a product like Bud Light, while switching to a different retailer is harder. Its difficult for nobody on planet Earth if you were going to order a Bud Light to say, Ill have a Coors Light. Thats a very simple substitution, he said. Target? Well see how prolonged and easy a substitution it is. Theres Walmart. You know, there are alternatives, he continued. I will say Targets are located in a lot of areas and very convenient for a lot of shoppers. So well see if this becomes a persistent consequence or not, Cruz added. Rare WWII Artifact Going for $100,000 Significant moments in history are often misremembered, even forgotten. Artifacts may be misplaced or discarded. For people like Nathan Raab, the misplaced and forgotten are his metier. Raab is a principal at The Raab Collection, a Pennsylvania-based business that specializes in discovery, purchase, and selling of rare historical documents and artifacts. Those pieces have ranged from George Washingtons presidential address to Theodore Roosevelts Speak Softly and Carry a Big Stick letter to Stephen Hawkings first signed publishing contract. Earlier this year, he was presented with an extreme rarity. The issue of discovery is that the rest of the world doesnt know. It was sitting in some proverbial attic or basement, Raab said. It comes to us from the front line of discovery by people who find it themselves, and we identify what it is and why it is important. Then we alert the world. In cases where the world would have an interest. The Raab Collection has alerted the world to a photograph of a family of eight taken during World War II. The Raab Collection is selling it for $100,000first come, first serve. A photograph that is now worth $100,000. (Courtesy of the Raab Collection) It can be argued that nine (or 10) out of 10 people would not be able to identify one person in the photo. But it is less about the image than what surrounds it. Along the matting are dozens of signatures, including those belonging to Winston Churchill, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Eleanor Roosevelt, Clement Attlee, and Bernard Montgomery. The pricing of any artifact like this is a function of the identities of the signers, the rarity of the piece, and the historical importance of the event it symbolizes, said Raab, who has written about his adventures in finding artifacts in his book The Hunt for History . In this case, the incredible combination of signatures, from two prime ministers to president and first lady, is something weve never seen before. But what does the image symbolize? At first glance it appears to simply be a family photo with numerous and varied signatures, from political leaders to celebrities to individuals unknown. To understand the image and its significance, one must know the patriarch of the family, who stands top left. This is John H. Jones, a steel worker-turned-steel industry representative who would become the protege of Labour Party leader Ernest Bevin. Jones would eventually be elected to Parliament shortly after the war ended in Europe. In 1943, America and Britain collaborated on a worker exchange, sending four workers to survey their allys industrial landscape and capacities. The four Americans were hosted and guided by the four British workers, and vice versa. Jones, who joined the expedition of industrial goodwill, brought the image along with the intent of having people he met sign it. One of the first people he met when arriving in America was the mayor of New York City, Fiorello La Guardia. Jones also met the actor and naval officer Douglas Fairbanks, Jr.; Anna Roosevelt Boettiger, the Roosevelts daughter; and several reporters for the Associated Press, Life Magazine, and the New York Herald Tribune. Through his travels in his home country, among numerous high-level politicians, he met and ascertained the signature of the champion boxer Jimmy Wilde. The eight delegates from the two nations signed the photo as well. Among the other signatures, Raab said there are about a fifth of them that have not been identified, and most likely never will. They visited some line workers. People whose names would have been lost to history otherwise. People we may never be able to identify with any specificity, he said. Its frustrating. Obviously, you want to identify everybody. I think what that shows is the extent of their visit. The diverse nature of the people they visited. The photograph, however, is not diverse. It is a one-of-a-kind, hence the reason the artifact is going for such a large sum. Its a little-known incident that was very exciting and interesting to me. I knew nothing about it. Its basically been lost to history, which was an exciting moment for me to realize that there is this cool thing that happened that has slipped through the cracks, Raab said. And then to see the combination of signatures, which one never sees. Weve never seen Churchill together with FDR and Eleanor with the dominant Atlantic alliance team of that era. Ive never seen that combination of signatures and I dont expect to again. I cant imagine a scenario in which it would happen. The item is part of the Raab Collections celebration of what they call Churchill Week, scheduled purposely to coincide with D-Day celebrations. There is another item being sold. It is Churchills original letter of thanks to the English people after victory over Nazi Germany. It is going for $200,000. A 1945 letter from Winston Churchill to the British people. (Courtesy of the Raab Collection) TALUQAN, Afghanistan, June 3 (Xinhua) -- Afghan security forces have rescued a child from kidnappers in Taluqan, capital of the northern Takhar province, and arrested three kidnappers, provincial police spokesman Abdul Mobin Safi said on Saturday. The child, who was kidnapped in Kabul, capital of Afghanistan, was rescued in Taluqan city on Friday night and the kidnappers demanded 2 million Afghanis in ransom from the victim's family for his release, Safi said. The security personnel, after identifying the location of the kidnappers, launched special operations and rescued the child, Safi said, adding the security personnel have also arrested the three kidnappers. Similarly, police in Kabul killed three kidnappers and rescued a man from the kidnappers 10 days ago. In war-torn and economically impoverished Afghanistan, criminal gangs, including kidnappers, often attempt to target wealthy families by kidnapping their members and demanding huge amounts of cash for their release. The Afghan caretaker government has vowed to crack down on outlaws and criminal elements as part of its efforts to ensure law and order in the country. (1 U.S. dollar equals 86 Afghanis) The FBI is bringing an internal document regarding Biden to Congress next week. Its part of the House Oversight Committees probe into Bidens alleged bribery scheme. A default has now been avoided. President Joe Biden is set to sign into law the debt ceiling bill after making its way through Congress. How will the deal impact U.S. government spending? New Jan. 6 footage shows then-Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosis daughter filming the evacuation. Some are now pointing to the fact that shes a professional filmmaker. The DOJ closes its investigation into former Vice President Mike Pence. Find out if they are going to charge him over the discovery of classified documents in his home. A Democratic presidential candidate has been barred from Instagram. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. says his campaign team is locked out. House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan is launching another investigation. He wants to know the FBIs role in the investigation into former President Donald Trumps handling of presidential records. FDA Revokes Authorization for J&J COVID-19 Vaccine Just three COVID-19 vaccines are available in the United States after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on June 1 revoked the authorization for the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Regulators made the move because of a request from Janssen, the Johnson & Johnson subsidiary that makes the vaccine. [Janssen] has informed the FDA that the last lots of the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine purchased by the United States government have expired, that there is no demand for new lots of the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine in the United States, and that Janssen Biotech, Inc does not intend to update the strain composition of this vaccine to address emerging variants, Dr. Peter Marks, director of the FDAs Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, wrote in a letter to Janssen executive Ruta Walawalkar. The FDA granted emergency authorization for vaccines from four companies during the COVID-19 pandemic: Moderna, Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, and Novavax. Johnson & Johnson was authorized in February 2021, giving Americans an alternative to the messenger RNA vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer. As those vaccines have increasingly been shown to be unable to protect against infection and severe disease, the companies have updated the composition to try to recover some of the effectiveness. But Janssen chose to not do so, perhaps because U.S. officials limited the availability of the vaccine in 2022 after determining that it causes a life-threatening combination of blood clotting and low platelet levels, a condition called thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS). Janssen didnt respond by press time to a request by The Epoch Times for comment. Executives said in an earnings call in April that they expected no more COVID-19 vaccine sales moving forward. We do not anticipate material sales beyond that which were recorded in the first quarter as our contractual commitments are complete, Joseph Wolk, the companys chief financial officer, said on the call. Janssens vaccine was an adenovirus vaccine, which means that it used a modified type of common virus instead of messenger RNA. Its primary series was a single dose, compared with the two doses of the other vaccines. The vaccine became unavailable in the United States in May. Emergency Authorizations The emergency authorizations were enabled by then-Health Secretary Alex Azar, a Trump appointee who invoked the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act because of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020. The declaration meant that vaccine manufacturers were largely shielded from liability and that regulators could authorize vaccines if, based on the scientific evidence, it was reasonable to believe that the vaccine may be effective in preventing or treating COVID-19. While the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines were later approved, or granted licensure, by the FDA, the Johnson & Johnson and Novavax vaccines have remained available under emergency authorization. As of May 10, of approximately 665 million COVID-19 vaccine doses administered in the United States, just 19 million were from Johnson & Johnson, according to data reported by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Another 12 million Johnson & Johnson vaccines had been delivered to jurisdictions and not administered, forcing health care workers to throw them out. The U.S. government agreed in 2020 to purchase 100 million doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine for more than $1 billion through the Trump administrations Operation Warp Speed program. Because of manufacturing delays and, later, concerns about TTS, fewer doses were delivered. Health Secretary Xavier Becerra, a Biden appointee, updated the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act most recently on May 11, extending liability protections for those who manufacture, distribute, and administer vaccines available under emergency authorization. The extension was made through Dec. 31, 2024. Becerra said that although the COVID-19 public health emergency had ended, he determined there is a credible risk that COVID19 may in the future constitute such an emergency and thus is amending this declaration to prepare for and mitigate that risk. Federal Judge Issues Landmark Decision in Call for Family Court Reform Mikaela Haynes, 14, killed herself after a family court judge ruled she had to live with her father who had already admitted to molesting his oldest sister. Mikaela was a high honor student who adored animals, studied sign language so she could communicate with two elderly deaf neighbors and dreamed of becoming a pediatric surgeon specializing in facial deformities of children, hung herself from a tree. (Courtesy of Cynthia Hayens) In a landmark decision, a federal judge this week denied a court-appointed child advocates motion to dismiss a wrongful death lawsuit against her. The lawsuit asks the court to hold her accountable for the suicide of 14-year-old Mikaela Haynes. Family court reform advocates say they are nearly in disbelief at the ruling. This is a huge victory and a promising sign in what is an exhausting fight to bring awareness to the ugly truth that court-appointed advocates who are supposed to protect children instead put them in danger, Evita Tolu, the attorney who won the unprecedented ruling, told The Epoch Times. Missouri attorney Evita Tolu represents the mother of a 14-year-old girl in a wrongful death lawsuit against a guardian ad litem. (Evita Tolu Law Firm) Connie Valentine, Administrative Director of California Protective Parents Association and a national figure in family court reform efforts hailed the ruling as a long overdue message to the endless number of court-appointed child advocates who deliberately compromise the safety of children. Mikaelas mother, Cynthia Randolph, filed the wrongful death lawsuit against Jennifer Williams, the guardian ad litem appointed by a family court judge to represent Mikaela in a custody dispute that was part of Cynthias divorce case with her husband Charles Haynes, Mikaelas father. Williams recommended Charles Haynes be given custody of her even though he has been convicted of sexually abusing Mikaelas oldest sister, which he admitted to, court records show. Court records show that Mikaela also accused her father of sexually abusing her. Missouri Circuit Court Judge John Shock followed Williams recommendation and granted shared custody of Mikaela to the father. On November 23, 2018, with the support of Williams, Charles Haynes asked for probation instead of jail time. The next day, the 14-year-old high honor student who adored animals, studied sign language so she could communicate with two elderly deaf neighbors and dreamed of becoming a pediatric surgeon specializing in facial deformities of children, hung herself from a tree. After Mikaela hanged herself, Haynes request for probation was denied, and on December 12, he began serving a seven-month sentence for raping his older daughter. Had Mikaela lived, she would have been forced to visit her father in prison and write him letters, said Tolu. She said Mikaela also told therapists and others that she expected, given the favoritism shown to her father, his request for probation would be granted. In notes left behind by the teen, Mikaela said shed rather die than have any contact with her father. She was also hoping her suicide might save her younger sister, who was nine at the time, from being raped by their father. Williams, who now works as an Extension Engagement Specialist for the University of Missouri, referred questions on the case to her attorney Susan Diamond. Former Missouri Guardian Ad Litem Jennifer Williams (University of Missouri) Diamond did not respond to inquiries from The Epoch Times. Charles Haynes attorney William Halaz of the well-known fathers rights law group Cordell & Cordell, told The Epoch Times he had no comment on the case. According to an email from Halaz to Tolu, Charles Haynes plans to file for full custody of his youngest daughter, now 14, when he is released from prison in August. Keri Smith, a previous attorney for Charles Haynes, had advocated for him to have custody of his youngest daughter. Obviously, he cant do anything proactive unless he gets out prior to our trial but he still has his parental rights, Smith argued in court. Smith did not respond to inquiries from The Epoch Times about the case. In her motion to dismiss, Williams argued she owed no duty to protect Mikaela and that her mother failed to state a plausible wrongful death claim because threatsor other intentional actscannot form the basis of negligence claims. Williams also asserted immunity as a court appointee. Like police, judges, prosecutors and other government employees, GALs have successfully claimed quasi-judicial immunity as a defense against allegations of wrongdoing against them. In her May 31 ruling rejecting Williamss motion to dismiss the wrongful death lawsuit against her, US District Court Judge Abbie Crites-Leoni stated that Cynthia Haynes has sufficiently alleged that Williams realized or should have realized her conduct involved an unreasonable risk of causing [Mikaela] distress, and that [Mikaela] suffered emotional distress or mental injury that is medically diagnosable and sufficiently severe to be medically significant. Bills have been introduced across the U.S. in several states to either abolish the appointment of guardian ad litems in divorces and private custody cases or limit their power. Most have failed. There have also been several failed parent-led petitions to do away with court-appointed GALs. Last week in another major upset into questionable family court practices, Colorado passed the first ban in the nation on court-ordered reunification camps. Family court judges order children in private custody to attend them in lieu of applying child abuse laws against a parent who has been either accused or convicted of child abuse. As part of the design, the protective parent is accused of parental alienation for raising the abuse. After the accusation is levied, the protective parent is typically stripped of custody of her children and custody is then typically awarded to the abusive parent. In Mikaelas case, Cynthia Haynes was accused of parental alienation for objecting to custody being awarded to Charles Haynes. Colorado passed the ban on the courts use of reunification camps after a string of tragic murders of children by a parent given custody after being accused of abuse. It also followed an investigation that turned up an admission by one custody evaluator, similar to a GAL like Williams, that he dismissed 80 percent of child abuse claims against parents without investigating them. In 2018, a bipartisan federal resolution was passed by U.S. Congress urging states to replace language in custody laws concerning the best interest of the child and replace it with language that makes the safety and constitutional rights of a child the first priority in custody disputes. Tolu called the best interest of the child standard in custody decisions another gimmick to protect unethical child advocates like Williams. They have perverted the best interest of the child clause, said Tolu, you can stretch it to mean anything you want. Valentine, who led the 2018 Congressional resolution, said what is going on in the family courts is the ultimate in gaslighting. Fewer Private Schools to Lose Victorian Payroll Tax Exemption A photo shows the main entrance to the exclusive Melbourne Grammar school in Melbourne, Australia on Sept. 14, 2004.(WILLIAM WEST/AFP via Getty Images) Fewer Victorian private schools will lose their longstanding payroll tax exemption than first thought, with the fee threshold to be increased. The 2023/24 state budget forecast about 110 non-government schools would lose the exemption from mid-2024, raising $422.2 million (US$280 million) for the state across the next four years. Peak bodies for independent and religious schools have criticised the changes, saying lower-fee schools would be affected. But Premier Daniel Andrews said that would not be the case, with the threshold to be higher than the current fee mark of $7500 (US$4970) per year. Im not in a position to confirm what it will finish up at, but it will go up, Andrews told the budget estimates hearing on June 2. Andrews said the education minister would consult with the sector on the new threshold, although he expected fewer than 110 schools would lose the exemption. Therefore, the revenue and the coverage assumptions that the treasury department have made off the current system will have to be revised, Andrews said. Schools should know if theyre still exempt from the tax by September this year, Andrews said. The Catholic Education Commission of Victoria and Independent Schools Victoria welcomed the premiers comments but say consultation is a priority. We welcome his offer of dialogue and we are ready for discussions, ISV chief executive Michelle Green said. But opposition education spokesman Matt Bach said the governments concession did not go far enough. We have pledged to scrap it and the government must do the same, Bach said. Andrews also used budget estimates to provide assurances to communities caught up in the states fast-tracked ending of native logging. Andrews said the government would provide more than its budgeted $200 million (US$132 million) in assistance if further was required, including more face-to-face counselling services for residents. Treasury officials also faced budget estimates on June 2, with secretary David Martine saying unemployment would not rise as a result of the $31.5 billion (US$20.9 billion) COVID-19 debt repayment plan. About five percent of Victorian businesses with a national payroll above $10 million (US$6.6 million) will begin paying an additional payroll tax of 0.5 percent from July. Asked if the change would cause businesses to cut staff, Martine said the states 3.9 percent unemployment rate would not rise. One shouldnt necessarily assume that payroll tax is something that will impact on employees, Martine said. Businesses with a national payroll above $100 million (US$66 million) will be slugged with an additional 0.5 percent levy on top of the existing tax rate. Payroll tax exemptions, such as those for hospitals, charities, local councils, and wages paid for parental and volunteer leave will continue to apply. Treasurer Tim Pallas said job creation was a core focus of the states broader economic recovery plan. Since the economic low point of the pandemic, which was September 2020, employment in Victoria has increased by close to 440,000 jobs, Pallas said. Pallas handed down his ninth state budget last week. Florida Woman Charged After Leaving Children in Car That Caught Fire While She Was Allegedly Shoplifting Photos of a vehicle that caught fire outside the Oviedo Mall, in Oviedo, Fla., on May 26, 2023. (Courtesy of Oviedo Police Department) A Florida woman is facing charges for allegedly leaving her two children in a car that caught fire while she was shoplifting, according to the Oviedo Police Department. Alicia Moore, 24, parked her car outside the Oviedo Mall near Orlando on May 26, before going inside and leaving her children in the car, according to a police arrest report obtained by The Epoch Times. While inside the mall, Moore and an unidentified male associate were observed for about an hour by security while they were allegedly shoplifting. The police report indicates that when Moore was exiting the mall, she dropped the shoplifted items when she saw that her vehicle was engulfed in flames. Several people who witnessed the fire and saw Moores children trying to exit the vehicle rushed to help them escape the inferno. A burning vehicle outside the Oviedo Mall, in Oviedo, Fla., on May 26, 2023. (Courtesy of Oviedo Police Department) Completely Totaled Several 911 calls obtained and cited by a local news outlet reveal the tense moments as the car burned. There was a carI dont know, somehow is on fire outside at the parking lot at Dillards, a caller said in the recording, per the report. And there was two kids and a mom, and I think she realized there was a child still in the car, and the car is completely engulfed in flames. Thanks to bystanders assistance, the children survived, per the police report. They were rushed to an area hospital with first-degree burns from the fire. One of the children suffered burns to her face and ears. The vehicle was completely totaled, leaving no identifying marks, police said in the report. Emergency crews on the scene of a car that caught fire outside the Oviedo Mall, in Oviedo, Fla., on May 26, 2023. (Oviedo Police Department) Moore was arrested by police on an unrelated warrant and faces multiple charges. She has been charged with aggravated child neglect for leaving her children, who could not care for themselves, alone in the vehicle. While police said its not clear what caused the fire to ignite, the children would likely not have been injured if Moore hadnt been neglectful. Since the fire occurred during the commission of a felony by Moore, she is being charged accordingly with Arson, police said in the report. A burned-out vehicle outside the Oviedo Mall, in Oviedo, Fla., on May 26, 2023. (Courtesy of Oviedo Police Department) Moore faces a $15,000 bond for the charge of child neglect. Further, jail records show that Moore faces separate charges of petty theft, battery, and assault stemming from prior incidents. Moore has a court appearance scheduled on Aug. 8 for the charges of neglect and arson, per Seminole County court records. Her attorney was not immediately available for comment. Here we are three years into this, with a virus that has evolved into something that for most people is a common cold, shots that are expired because the variants they cover are all extinctI mean, its an absurdity that the shots are even on the market at alland yet, were still seeing brilliant physicians and educators and scientists being attacked for simply calling out the truth. At the Front Line COVID-19 Critical Care (FLCCC) conference last month, I sat down with pathologist Dr. Ryan Cole to discuss autopsies and excess deaths rates allegedly related to the mRNA shot, and to dig into what has actually been found in the vials of these shots, as well as what studies are being done to differentiate between spike damage caused by the virus, versus the vaccine. There are two dangerous things in these vialsthats a lipid nanoparticle, and a gene sequence thats making your body make foreign proteins, says Cole. When a FOIA request was done of the European Medicines Agency, they found out that these vials were only about 50 percent pure mRNA, meaning they can potentially code for these other proteins for which we dont even know what theyre going to do. And instead of saying, Yeah, you need to purify your product and make it better, they said, Okay, well lower the standard to 50 percent.' We also discuss the curious emergence of what doctors are calling turbo cancers, and how they potentially relate to the COVID genetic vaccine. Whats happening is these cancers we are used to seeing, their growth patterns and their behavior are completely out of character So turbo cancer is something that wasnt there and, all of a sudden, its everywhere, says Cole. He believes one of the biggest tragedies during the pandemic has been the loss of curiosity, and considers it tragic that so many people are afraid of having to pay a consequence for telling the truth. All doctors and scientists agree when you censor the ones who dont. And so this construct in dialogue and free speech of not allowing a contrary voice to come into the conversation means science isnt being done. If you can question it, its science. If you cant question it, its propaganda, says Cole. Immigration, Population Growth: Nuances Amid Hyper-Polarization Commentary Immigration has been an important and divisive issue in most Western societies for years now. Complicating this issue is that fertility rates have been dropping in developed nations for decades. The media and public have just caught on to the reality of fewer babies in the last few months. There are many nuances to the discussion, and thoughtful people can have sincere differences. However, in our hyper-polarized times we can divide the sides of the issue into two distinct groups, both of which have no tolerance for the opposing team or for any dissent within their group. The groups somewhat play along the left and right of the political spectrum, but the correlation is weak enough to render politicization of the issue unhelpful. On one side we have those who advocate for de-facto open borders, or at least favour mass immigration. They use the incomprehensively banal cliche that immigrants built this country. In fairness, in the case of the United States, Canada, and Australia, this fact is true since only a tiny fraction of people in those countries carry 100 percent of the genes of native populations. But adherents to this side of the debate dont differentiate between highly productive farmers and entrepreneurs arriving in the 18th and 19th centuries with gang members who crossed the border last week. Nor do they concede that nations change over the decades and centuries. They do point out, correctly, that immigration fuelled the growth of North America to the point where the United States went from a backward group of settlements of persecuted religious groups to the worlds dominant economy and culture. Canada went from a frozen wasteland not taken seriously by the European empires to, for all its current woes, a nation with a high standard of living and the worlds ninth largest economy. This side of the immigration debate omits another seeming benefit of immigration: an endless supply of cheap labour that will do the dirty and low-paying jobs that must be done and are deemed beneath those born here. This side is quick to label any questioning of their moral superiority as racist and xenophobic. On the other side, we have those who are not anti-immigration per se, but are alarmed at the number of immigrants flooding into their country. They are also concerned that those entering their country are far different from them culturally than their ancestors were from the local population in the past. Of course, this opens the door to the pro-immigration argument of bigotry, but if one is being honest, there is a difference, economically and socially, between a farmer entering America in 1823 and introducing new farming techniques to his neighbours, and a gang leader starting a human trafficking ring in Brooklyn. The major difference is that our farmer friend was productive; he was fleeing a society that stifled his ability and entering a society offering free and fertile land. The human trafficker is the exact sort of person who made his country of birth a hellhole to begin with. Most issues are nuanced, and immigration and population growth are no different. Let us dispel some myths. Not every immigrant is the same. Every host country is different and has its own strengths and weaknesses. In fact, different areas within nations have different effects than others. An example is Canada. Much of the country is underpopulated, and for generations people have left the towns and smaller cities in favour of Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal. One-third of the population of the globes second-largest country by land mass is located in just three cities. Those three cities attract the majority of immigrants. Toronto, in less than three decades, has gone from one of the most livable cities in the world to just another overcrowded and filthy North American city. The huge population growth coupled with dysfunctional government policies has resulted in an entire generation not being able to afford single-family homes that could be afforded by their working-class parents and grandparents. Infrastructure spending is appallingly low relative to population growth. Developed countries do have a demographic issue. The United States is in comparatively decent shape at a fertility rate of about 1.8. Canada has a more serious issue at between 1.4 to 1.5. We would be facing population collapse without immigration. Many European nations, as well as South Korea, Japan, and China, have low fertility rates. There is an assumption that population decline is disastrous for an economy. I doubt this is true in reality. Many countries have recovered after wars which saw all too many of their young and most productive men die on the battlefield. We even have current examples where gradual declines in population did not seem to have a negative affect on the economic well-being of the population. Eastern European nations have seen slight population declines while experiencing economic growth rates that have been impressive. There may be less Hungarians, Poles, Lithuanians, and Czechs around than a few years ago, but citizens are better off economically. In contrast, Canada has seen its population rise by 60 percent since 1980 but has dropped in GDP per capita from a top-five country to somewhere in the mid-20s. Im not saying Canadas economic failures were due to immigration, but it was used as an attempted panacea to obscure incompetent and foolhardy economic policies. Furthermore, those policies have disincentivized our best and brightest from having children at replacement levels. The birth rate is lower for highly productive people than the less economically productive and gifted. There is an elephant in the room that few want to address with respect to immigration policy that we have eluded because it is a third rail issue. Every nation is different and has unique circumstances and needs, but the brutal reality is that adding people who are less productive than the existing population is a net negative for the economy. Adding highly productive people improves a societys economic future. This is not a racial issue nor is it Western bias. An Indian immigrant with a STEM degree (science, technology, engineering or medicine) will, on average, have a positive affect on a country. One can only hope they will have many children. A locally born drug- and welfare-addicted woman having multiple children from multiple men will negatively affect the economy. We have a heavily graduate tax system in Canada. The productive pay much and cost little, while some pay nothing and cost the economy dearly since they do not pay much in tax but cost in terms of welfare programs and the justice system. Canadians are below a sustainable replacement rate. Between 1.4 and 1.5 in 2023well below required 2.1. At current replacement rates, if there was no immigration, Canada will decline from 40 million to 27 million by 2050. This assumes constant replacement and death rate and no immigration. We can do little about death rates, and extending life expectancy without increasing retirement ages would have economic consequences. Increasing birth rates of old stock Canadians would require a change in government policies and a change in culture. Population decline affects overall GDP and a nations economic power, but the jury is out if those preaching catastrophe are correct. Some small Europeans countries have low population growth and are rich and happy. Fast-growing developing nations are facing starvation. Orderly and gradual population declines do not spell ruin for nations. Population growth, especially through immigration, probably does not cause prosperity to a large extent. Rather, prosperity and opportunity attract people and cause population increases. Good policy aids the economy. Poor policy hurts it. Remedies include encouraging immigration of productive people contingent on population growth realities. Even if immigration is not needed, make room for the super-talented. Also, find ways to encourage family formation. Incentivize the intelligent and productive young people with family and civil values to have more children. Stop incentivizing people who are burdens on our society to have more children, albeit unintentionally. The way forward is simple, but courage is needed. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Japans Birth Rate Plummets to Record Low for Seventh Straight Year Staff working in a nursery room at Jikei hospital in Kumamoto in southern Japan on June 10, 2022. (Philip Fong/AFP via Getty Images) Japans birth rate declined to a record low for the seventh consecutive year, with the number of babies born falling below 800,000 this year, health ministry data showed on June 2. The number of newborns in Japan fell to 770,747 this year, down 40,875 from the previous year and the lowest since the country began record-keeping in 1899, Kyodo News reported, citing health ministry data. Japans fertility ratethe average number of children born to a woman in her lifetimefell from 1.30 in 2021 to 1.26 last year, equivalent to the previous low recorded in 2005. The number is far below the 2.07 rate necessary to sustain a stable population. The decline in Japans birth rate is attributed to people delaying parenthood due to the economic impact brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the prevailing trend among couples to delay marriage, according to the report. The data was released after Prime Minister Fumio Kishida unveiled a draft plan to increase child-rearing support as he listed addressing the countrys declining birth rates as one of his top policy goals. A last chance for us to reverse the declining births is before the young population is expected to decline drastically in 2030, Kishida said at a meeting on Thursday. Kishidas government said it would come up with specific measures and secure funding by the end of the year. The government plans to secure annual funding of about 3.5 trillion yen ($25.2 billion) over the next three years for a new childcare package, which includes childbirth and rearing allowances as well as increased subsidies for higher education. Earlier in January, Kishida urged his government to create a children-first economic society and warned that Japan would cease to function as a society if its birth rate continued to decline. Japan is at a critical point of whether we can continue to function as a society. Focusing on policies regarding children and child-rearing is an issue that cannot be postponed, he told parliament on Jan. 23. Japans population of more than 125 million has been declining for 16 years and is projected to fall to 87 million by 2070. A shrinking and aging population has huge implications for the economy and for national security as Japan fortifies its military to counter Chinas increasingly assertive territorial ambitions. According to Japan Meteorological Agency (pdf), the countrys population is expected to fall below 100 million by 2050. Data released by the Cabinet Office showed the aging population is also a prominent issue. As of October 2019, the countrys total population was 126.17 million, where people over the age of 65 accounted for 28.4 percent. Upon taking serious note of the issue, the country introduced a series of policies to remedy its declining births. Japan has, in recent years, offered cash bonuses and childcare incentives to encourage people to have more children, but these efforts have had little impact. According to Yomiuri Shimbuns report, for more than 30 years, the government has introduced various policies that focus on balancing work and childcare. However, those policies were considered inconsistent with the actual needs of families, leaving those wanting to marry and have children without strong prospects. The report cited Yamada Masahiro, a professor at Chuo University in Tokyo, who spent over 30 years studying Japans population problem and wrote a book titled Why Japans Countermeasures Against Declining Births Failed? The book claimed that one of the problems is that the governments support measures are biased toward women who have graduated from colleges and regular workers in urban areas while ignoring the needs of informal workers and women living in non-urban areas. Ben Zhao, Sean Tseng, and the Associated Press contributed to this report. Keep Ideals Alive: Washington Vigil Pays Tribute to Chinese Students Killed in Tiananmen Square Massacre WASHINGTONA Chinese man stood quietly by himself at the Victim of Communism Memorial at dusk on June 2. Its that time of the year again; a candlelight vigil commemorating the students who died in Tiananmen Square on June 4, 1989, was about to start. James Wang, a survivor of the student democracy movement that ended with bloodshed in Tiananmen, left the square on the night of June 3, 1989, after military loudspeakers warned students who had occupied the area for weeks that soldiers were about to clear the field. Shortly after, the slaughter began. By the early morning of June 4, tanks and troops had cleared the area, and hundreds, if not thousands, of students had been killed. James Wang is an alias he uses for his safety. When he joined the movement, he didnt expect that he and other students would become criminals in the eyes of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Instead, he had hoped that the CCP, particularly the reform-minded Party chief Zhao Ziyang, would move China in a direction that would eventually yield democracy and that the protest would provide a push in that direction. Zhao, who expressed sympathy for the student protestors, was put under house arrest for 16 years, until he died in 2005. Now, Wang said, he doesnt think the CCP will ever bring democracy to China. He doesnt even want to call for the CCP to restore the reputation of the students who died in Tiananmen Square. The CCP is bad, and the students are the good people, he told The Epoch Times. How is it possible for bad people to restore the reputation of good people? He said that June 4 signifies the Chinese peoples yearning for democracy and freedom and that the wish for a better China still burns in his heart. Frank Wolf, a commissioner of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom and former Virginia congressman, and his wife, Carolyn Wolf, attend a candlelight vigil in Washington on June 2, 2023, mourning the victims of the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre. (Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times) Equal Opportunity Persecutor Frank Wolf, a commissioner of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom and former Virginia congressman, told The Epoch Times that remembering the Tiananmen Square massacre is very significant because the CCPs oppression of the Chinese people really began with the crackdown in Tiananmen. Its a big deal, and the American people feel strongly about it, he said. Speaking to vigil participants, he called the CCP an equal opportunity persecutor of faith, referring to its persecution of Christians, Tibetans, Uyghurs, and Falun Gong practitioners. During his visit to the Beijing Municipal No. 1 Prison in 1991, Wolf learned that the facility housed 40 inmates who had participated in the Tiananmen Square protest in June 1989. The prison factory subjected detainees to labor such as making socks for export. He called for the Biden administration and Congress to ban any lobbying activity on behalf of the CCP in the United States. From the Eisenhower, Kennedy, Carter, and Reagan Administrations, it would have been unthinkable for any reputable firm to take on the Soviet Union as a client, he said at the vigil. Yet today, untold profits are being raked in by lobbyists and law firms representing the Chinese communist government and Chinese-controlled companies, whitewashing the abuses and aims of the CCP. Yang Jianli, president of Citizen Power Initiatives for China, speaks during a candlelight vigil mourning the victims of the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre in Washington on June 2, 2023. (Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times) Keep Ideals Alive Yang Jianli, president of the advocacy group Citizen Power Initiatives for China, saw the spirit of the 1989 student democracy movement continue in the white paper movement late last year. A deadly fire at a high-rise apartment building in Urumqi, the capital of Chinas western Xinjiang region, triggered the November protests. Residents blamed the CCPs draconian COVID-19 lockdowns for delaying emergency personnel from responding to the fire, leading to further deaths; many also believe the death toll is much higher than the official tally of 10. People held blank sheets of white paper to protest the pandemic controls and the lack of freedom of speech. More than 19 cities, including Beijing and Shanghai, saw breakouts of demonstrations to honor the dead and to express discontent. Just as the students in Tiananmen Square did decades ago, todays young activists are demanding transparency, accountability, and political freedoms, Yang said at the event. The white paper movement echoes the spirit of Tiananmen; it serves as a powerful reminder that the fight for freedom and democracy is ongoing in China, and the ideals of Tiananmen still resonates deeply within the heart of Chinese people. Ambassador Andrew Bremberg, president and CEO of the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation, speaks during a candlelight vigil mourning the victims of the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre in Washington on June 2, 2023. (Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times) Takahiro (an alias used to protect his family still in China) came from China last year to study at a university in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area and was in the audience. The candlelight vigil was his first time commemorating in person those who died in the Tiananmen Square massacre. He said he joined the event with mixed feelings. Chinas destiny is filled with tribulations, he told The Epoch Times, adding that the significance of the vigil is to keep the ideals alive. In his opinion, the international society isnt sufficiently alert to the harm the CCP causes. As a Chinese passport holder, Im somehow conflicted, he said, adding that he wasnt sure exactly what he wanted the United States to do about China. Too much international clampdown on the CCP will affect me. However, if the containment is not strong enough, it wont work. The student democracy movement happened before he was born. He said he admired the students who stood up for democracy in China and thought they were too naive in believing that the CCP would listen and make changes. However, he acknowledged that the social climate might have been very different in the 1980s. Attendees at a candlelight vigil in Washington on June 2, 2023, mourning the victims of the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre. (Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times) Brian Kern, an American who was in China in 1989 and in Hong Kong during the pro-democracy protests in 2019 and 2020, still remembers the China of June 1989. Kern, a member of Washington-based advocacy group DC4HK, was teaching English at a university in Zhengzhou, the capital of Henan Province in central China. He said most of his students took part in the democracy movement by protesting either locally or in Beijing. As a result, some were killed in Beijing, and many received retaliation afterward by being assigned to work units in remote areas upon graduation, he said. For me, June 4 is to remember the beautiful China of 1989 and that time of promise and hope, and the beautiful young people who loved their country in a very pure, non-violent, non-nationalistic way, he told The Epoch Times. And where is that China? I would love to see it again. Key Suspect in Natalee Holloways Case Moved to New Prison Ahead of Extradition to US Police present Dutch national Joran van der Sloot to the media in Lima, Peru, on June 5, 2010, in a still from video. (Reuters/Screenshot via The Epoch Times) LIMA, PeruThe chief suspect in the unsolved 2005 disappearance of American student Natalee Holloway is being transferred to a prison near Perus capital ahead of his pending extradition to the United States to face charges linked to her vanishing, officials said Saturday. The government of Peru, where Dutch citizen Joran van der Sloot was serving a 28-year sentence for the murder of a Peruvian woman, authorized his extradition to the U.S. in May. Maximo Altez, van der Sloots lawyer, said is client was being taken by land from the Challapalca prison in Perus southern Andes to the Piedras Gordas prison on the outskirts of Lima. In the coming days, the INPE [National Penitentiary Institute] will hand over the condemned man to Interpol Peru with the goal of handing him over to U.S. authorities from the FBI, said a statement from the INPE released Saturday. Altez said that once the bureaucratic procedures are completed and van der Sloot is given a medical exam, his client will be transferred to the United States. He estimated the extradition could take place on Tuesday, but Peruvian officials did not confirm this day. Van der Sloot has agreed to be sent to the United States where he faces trial for alleged extortion and wire fraud charges linked to the Holloway case, his lawyer said. When asked by the Associated Press why his client agreed, the lawyer responded: He is imprisoned in the worst prison in the world, referring the maximum-security Challapalca prison. Any prison in the United States is a five-star hotel in comparison, he said. The Challapalca maximum-security prison, where Joran Van der Sloot is serving a 28-year sentence for the murder of Stephany Flores, stands in Tacna, Peru, on May 12, 2023. (Elmer Jilaja/AP Photo) Altez said that, according to the treaty between Peru and the United States, van der Sloot is being extradited to the United States temporarily for one year to face legal proceedings and in the event of a delay, this period can be extended for another year. At the end of this, he has to be returned to Peru, Altez said. He will spend at most two years in the United States. Altez said his client denies being guilty of the crimes of extortion and fraud. Holloway, who lived in suburban Birmingham, Alabama, was 18 when she was last seen during a trip with classmates to the Caribbean island of Aruba. She vanished after a night with friends at a nightclub, leaving a mystery that sparked years of news coverage and countless true-crime podcasts. She was last seen leaving a bar with van der Sloot, who was a student at an international school on the island. A sign of Natalee Holloway, an Alabama high school graduate who disappeared while on a graduation trip to Aruba, is seen on Palm Beach, in front of her hotel in Aruba on June 10, 2005. (Leslie Mazoch/AP Photo) Van der Sloot was identified as a suspect and detained weeks later, along with two Surinamese brothers. Holloways body was never found, and no charges were filed in the case. A judge later declared Holloway dead. The federal charges filed in Alabama against van der Sloot stem from an accusation that he tried to extort the Holloway family in 2010, promising to lead them to her body in exchange for hundreds of thousands of dollars. A grand jury indicted him that year on one count each of wire fraud and extortion, each of which is punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Also in 2010, van der Sloot was arrested in Peru for the murder of 21-year-old Stephany Flores, who was killed five years to the day after Holloways disappearance. Peruvian prosecutors accused van der Sloot of killing Flores, a business student from a prominent family, to rob her after learning she had won money at the casino where the two met. They said he killed her with ferocity and cruelty, beating then strangling her in his hotel room. He pleaded guilty in 2012. Van der Sloot married a Peruvian woman in July 2014 in a ceremony at a maximum security prison. He has been transferred from prisons in response to reports that he enjoyed privileges such as television, internet access, and a cellphone, and accusations that he had threatened to kill a warden. A 2001 treaty between Peru and the United States allows a suspect to be temporarily extradited to face trial in the other country. It requires that the prisoner be returned after judicial proceedings are concluded against that person, in accordance with conditions to be determined by both countries. By Mauricio Munoz and Gabriela Molina PARIS, June 3 (Xinhua) -- The French National Assembly and the French Senate have adopted a bill to regulate influencer marketing on social media, local media reported Friday. The bill prohibits the influencers from promoting adulterated products, conducting scams or fraud on social media. The influencers are also obliged to label content paid by brands when creating content to encourage their audience to purchase the products or services. It requires that partnerships between influencers and brands should be made clear and visible to make the commercial activities more transparent. In addition, the bill aims to regulate the practices of the influencers' agents and advertisers. Those who fail to abide by the law will face up to two years in prison and a penalty of up to 300,000 euros (321,767.58 U.S. dollars). According to Authur Delaporte and Stephane Vojetta, two rapporteurs who sponsored the bill, the law protects Internet users from excessive information observed online and regulates the activities of content creators. The French Ministry of Economy, Finance and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty estimated that there are some 150,000 influencers online generating content for the French public. Olivia Gregoire, minister delegate for small and medium enterprises, welcomed the establishment of a "clear framework." Influencers now can do their work in a legal frame, and French Internet users are protected against abuse from online commerce, she said. Man Gets Life Without Parole for Killing of Drug Dealer in Placentia SANTA ANA, Calif.A 26-year-old man was sentenced June 2 to life in prison without the possibility of parole for his part in the fatal shooting of a drug dealer in Placentia, an attack allegedly ordered by the reputed head of the Orange County branch of the Mexican Mafia. Augustine Velasquez was convicted June 30, 2021, of murder, conspiracy, burglary, and attempted robbery in the Jan. 19, 2017, killing of 35-year-old Robert Rios. Jurors, who deliberated for about a day, also found true special circumstances allegations of murder during a robbery. Velasquezs attorney, Robison Harley, argued a motion for a new trial, but Orange County Superior Court Judge Patrick Donahue denied it. The judge found that even if defense attorneys had evidence that surfaced after trial about one of the witnesses it wouldnt have mattered since the killing was captured on video. Donahue also denied Harleys argument that Velasquez was a youthful offender at the time at 20 years old, and jurors should have received instruction about that. But Donahue noted the defendant was 20 years and six months old at the time and it was not required to point out that fact to jurors. Donahue said Velasquez received a fair trial. The judge noted that he asked Deputy District Attorney David Porter to make an offer to the defendant, and he did. Porter offered 22 years in exchange for a manslaughter plea, Donahue said. I encouraged Mr. Porter to make a fair offer and he did, Donahue said. And the court gave Mr. Velasquez the time to consider that offer and it was a good offer. But when thats not accepted, what do you do? You go to trial. Thats the way it works. Donahue tacked on three years to life in prison without the possibility of parole. He ran 11 years and four months on the other charges concurrent with the life sentence. Before the trial, gang charges in the case were dismissed as fallout from an evidence-booking scandal involving multiple deputies who either failed to book evidence or did it after their shift in violation of department policy. Donahue granted the motion to dismiss the gang charges because an Orange County sheriffs deputy who testified during the preliminary hearing as a gang expert was found to have been dishonest while discussing his training regarding the booking of evidence. That made the trial trickier for Porter, who was not allowed to mention co-defendant Johnny Martinez, the reputed Mexican Mafia chief for Orange County, who was accused of masterminding the attack on the victim while incarcerated. Porter was also excluded from mentioning the Mexican Mafia at all. Charges against Martinez, 47, Gregory Munoz, 35, Ysrael Cordova, 38, and Ricardo Valenzuela, 43, were dropped by the Orange County District Attorneys Office as federal prosecutors charged them in a separate case that includes this killing. Harley argued at trial that his client was a minor participant in the crime, so he could not be on the hook for the murder. Co-defendant Charles Frederick Coghill, 39, was a key witness for the prosecution. Coghill was out of custody now. In his opening statement, Porter told jurors that Munoz, who was also in prison at the time, coordinated the attack on Rios, who was savagely beaten when Velasquez, Cordova, and Valenzuela showed up at his home. Coghill drove the defendants to Rioss residence in the 900 block of Vista Avenue, Porter said. Velasquez was shot in the leg during the scrum with Rios, who fought back, the prosecutor said. The defendants cohorts could care less about him and Munoz told them to dump him by the side of the road, Porter said. Coghill dropped Velasquez off at his home, and the defendant called a friend to give him a ride to a hospital in San Diego, Porter said. The doctors alerted San Diego County sheriffs deputies, who showed up at the hospital where Velasquez was being treated, he said. Velasquez told the deputies a despicable lie that an unidentified male Black carrying a Mack-10 semi-automatic firearm attempted to rob him when he was shot, Porter said. Investigators later pieced together the truth and discovered Rios blood on Velasquezs jacket, he said. Harley said the crew went to Rioss home about 11:40 p.m. Rios and another man sold drugs out of the home and had set up an elaborate surveillance camera system to alert them when police were approaching, the defense attorney said. The two thought the three men approaching the home were another group of customers, Harley said. Rios left the bedroom to greet these people who he thought were there to purchase drugs, he said. Munoz was in the business of pushing drugs from behind bars, and Coghill was Munozs right-hand man, Harley said. Mr. Munoz needed Mr. Coghill because he was in state prison and needed someone to run his business on the streets, the attorney said. Coghill was the boss who recruited Cordova, Valenzuela, and two other women, who were secretaries, Harley said. Velasquez was only involved because Coghill was a neighbor and was helping him earlier that day in a Long Beach salvage yard to get parts to repair the defendants car, which was damaged in a hit-and-run, Harley said. He maintained this his client number one, was not the shooter and, number two, never intended to kill anybody when he went along for the drive to Rios house. In fact, a highly intoxicated Rios pounded Velasquez during the conflict, Harley said. Narrating a video of the attack, he said Velasquez never pointed a gun at Rios, never attempted to hit Rios with a gun, never hit Rios with his hands. Velasquez was seen attempting to hold Rios down with his left hand, Harley said. He never did anything to provoke that violent reaction from Rios. The victim had snorted methamphetamine and other drugs, causing this violent sudden outburst against the defendants, Harley said. Mr. Rios continued pounding on Mr. Velasquez until Mr. Rios was shot, he said. Velasquez wore a cast on his left leg for a month to treat his gunshot wound, Harley said. Minnesota Trans Inmate Being Transferred to Female Prison, Awarded Nearly Half-Million Compensation Marchers walk down 5th Avenue during the 2014 Gay Pride March on June 29, 2014 in New York City. (Photo by Eric Thayer/Getty Images) A transgender inmate, identifying as female, will soon be transferred to a womens prison, Minnesotas Department of Corrections (DOC) announced on Thursday. Christina Lusk is presently housed at the Minnesota Correctional Facility (MCF) in Moose Lake from a 2018 drug conviction. Since 2008, Lusk has identified as a woman. In 2022, Lusk sued the Minnesota DOC while seeking gender-affirming surgery and a transfer to MCF-Shakopeethe states only female prison. In a June 1 press release, the DOC announced that Lusk would be transferred to the female prison next week. According to the terms of the settlement, the DOC also agreed to pay Lusk $495,000, which includes roughly $250,000 in legal fees. The DOCs new transgender policy that came into effect in January covers medical treatments for transgenders while allowing them to request a facility that matches their gender identity. Transferring Lusk to Shakopee would be the first time that the Minnesota DOC has moved a transgender person to a facility matching their gender identity. This is also the first such transfer under the agencys new transgender policy. As part of settling the lawsuit and in accordance with the DOCs new transgender policy, the DOC has agreed to provide her access to a transgender healthcare specialist to determine if gender-affirming surgery is medically necessary. The DOC will also assist her in obtaining surgery if the specialist determines it is necessary. DOC Commissioner Paul Schnell pointed out that the department is constitutionally obligated to provide Lusk with the necessary medical care, including treatments for gender dysphoria. The transfer decision has attracted criticism online. Take another bow, #Minnesota! Look at the fresh insanity were celebrating now, Matthew RJ Brodsky, a senior fellow at Gold Institute for International Strategy, said in a June 1 tweet. Minnesota has now joined 10 other states and the District of Columbia in approving incarcerated individuals to be transferred to facilities consistent with their gender identity rather than the gender assigned at birth. Lusk is scheduled to be released from incarceration in May next year. At present, there are 48 transgender individuals among the more than 8,000 incarcerated individuals in the state. Harming Female Prisoners Back in April 2022, a transgender inmate at Rikers Island, Bronx, was sentenced to seven years in prison after being found guilty of raping a female prisoner while housed in the female section of the jail. In July 2022, another transgender inmate who had impregnated two women in an all-female prison in New Jersey was transferred away from the facility. The inmate, who is a male by birth, only began transitioning after entering the prison system. He had consensual relationships with two female inmates, resulting in pregnancy. Internationally, the issue of housing transgenders in female prisons is a much-debated one. In August last year, pro-women advocates launched a petition asking for the removal of male prisoners identifying as female from womens prisons. The petition came after prisoners at a womens prison in Victoria called for transferring a transgender inmate who had a history of sexual violence against women and kids. In the UK, an outcry erupted in January after it came to light that a transgender woman who was convicted of raping two women was to be sent to a female prison. Following the criticism, a minister later confirmed that the transgender would not be sent to a female jail. In a January interview with EpochTVs California Insider, Amie Ichikawa, who runs a nonprofit for incarcerated women, said that Californias law allowing men identifying as women to be housed at female prisons is creating an environment of total chaos emotionally within the womens prison system. Its the worst human science project Ive ever seen, she said. This is very callous and brazen psychological warfare that is occurring right in our own state, being fully funded by taxpayers dollars. The California law was signed into effect by Democrat Governor Gavin Newsom in 2020. Since then, Ichikawa claims to have received more phone calls, letters, and emails from incarcerated women who express fear about their safety, STDs, and pregnancy. Womens cells in California house eight inmates. This has led to concerns among some female prisoners that they might end up getting housed with a man who identifies as a female and has a history of rape. Thats a very tight space to share with anyone, she said. But even more so with someone who has a history of violence against women. Nadal Having Hip Muscle Surgery, Says Representative Spain's Rafael Nadal speaks at a press conference at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Mallorca, Spain, on May 18, 2023. (Miquel Borras/Reuters) PARISHolder Rafa Nadal, who has missed the French Open this year due to injury, is undergoing surgery on his hip muscle, the Spaniards representative said on Friday. The 14-time winner in Paris, who has won a mens joint-record 22 majors, has been out of action since January after hurting his hip flexor in his second-round match at the Australian Open. His representative Benito Perez-Barbadillo said the results of the surgery were expected on Saturday. The 36-year-old Nadal has said 2024 is likely to be his last year as a professional player. He was initially set to miss up to eight weeks but skipped claycourt tournaments in Madrid and Rome to build his fitness after being ruled out of events at Indian Wells, Miami, Monte Carlo, and Barcelona earlier this season. In March, Nadal fell out of the top 10 in the world rankings for the first time since 2005 and is currently 15th. Pride Event at North Hollywood Elementary School Sparks Tense Protest, Minor Skirmishes NORTH HOLLYWOOD, Calif.A protest by parents and others upset about a Pride Month assembly at Saticoy Elementary School in North Hollywood turned confrontational on June 2, as protesters and LGBT advocates engaged in a tense standoff that led to some shoving and angry shouting before police formed a skirmish line to separate the sides. Its a sad morning, Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) Superintendent Alberto Carvalho told Fox11 outside the campus as dozens of parents, protesters, and others amassed outside the school on Ethel Avenue, some shouting into bullhorns or waving signs and flags. A large police presence was at the school Friday morning in anticipation of the protest by parents of the Pride assembly, which was set to include the reading of a book about diverse and different types of families. The Great Big Book of Families, the book being read during the assembly, is approved by the district, according to Carvalho. I think theres fairly good awareness as to what the book represents [and] what the book does not represent, Carvalho told reporters outside the school Friday morning. But as I said, people today easily pick political sides and decide to stick to the political sides, while to a certain extent ignoring the reality and the truth; so theres general awareness as to what the book represents. No arrests were immediately reported, police said. But officers were forced to separate the factions gathered outside the campus as the situation intensified. As the morning wore on, the number of people slowly diminished, but some people vowed to remain throughout the day. Parents opposed to the Pride event created an Instagram page several weeks ago to express displeasure with the Pride assembly and called for parents to keep their kids home from school on Friday. But they also announced plans to conduct a protest at the campus to pass out leaflets to others about the issue. What resulted was a crowd assembled outside the school as children began arriving, with protesters wearing shirts and carrying signs with slogans such as Leave Our Kids Alone and Parental Choice Matters. Some people in the crowd waved pride flags and American flags. Parents organizing the protest said that their grievance with the assembly was not a sign of bigotry or intolerance of the LGBT community, only a statement of their belief that a Pride assembly is inappropriate for elementary-school-aged children, and that parents should have the right to decide when to educate their children on the topic. We stand with [the] LGBTQ community in solidarity, a message posted on the organizers Instagram page proclaimed Thursday. Our protest is against LAUSD. In elementary schools, kids should learn math, English, science. We want to reiterate that our protest is in no way an attack on the LGBTQ community, according to a statement on the page. We recognize the importance of promoting equality and acceptance for all individuals. Our intention is to raise the parents voices in wanting a say in when this topic is discussed with our kids. The organizers also posted repeated messages calling on protesters to be peaceful, calm, and respectful. Renato Lira, director of the San Fernando Valley LGBTQ Center, said in advance that volunteers with that organization also planned to be at the campus in a show of support for LGBT teachers and parents at the school. Tensions Intensified Tensions over the Pride assembly heightened this week with news that a small pride flag that was on display outside a campus classroom was burned sometime during the weekend of May 2021, prompting a hate crime investigation by police. Organizers of the parent protest have denied any involvement with the flag-burning. School officials made special arrangements allowing teachers and students to enter the Saticoy campus through a back entrance Friday so they could avoid the turmoil occurring in front of the school. In a statement Thursday, the LAUSD insisted, The safety of our students and our staff remains our top priority. Carvalho issued a statement Wednesday saying the district is vigorously investigating the burning of the small pride flag at the school, calling it an unacceptable act that serves nothing more than to diminish our school community. There is no place for hate or intolerance in Los Angeles Unified. The Los Angeles Times reported that the burned flag had been outside the classroom of a teacher who is a transgender man, and who has since been removed from the school due to safety concerns. Photos of the teacher, however, were posted on Instagram pages used by some parents opposing the planned Friday Pride assembly, the paper reported. United Teachers Los Angeles, the union representing LAUSD teachers, issued a statement Wednesday saying it condemns the egregious behavior by bigoted protesters that outed the gender identity of a teacher at Saticoy Elementary. The union called actions at Saticoy another brazen attempt perpetrated by the intolerant minority to divide our communities and demean educators. We can either teach students that people and families come in all shapes and sizes, or we can choose to teach fear-mongering and hate. The protesting parents maintained that their actions are not based on hate, but on a desire to maintain parental rights over their childrens education. We are parents of elementary school children, who have the right to introduce sexually explicit topics at our discretion, according to the organizers Instagram page. We as parents have the right to introduce these topics at our discretion. Instead, we are being forced into talking about topics that should not burden our children for many years to come. Sophie Li contributed to this report. Protester Runs Onto Track as 31 Arrested Over Epsom Derby Disruption A protestor is removed from the race track by police officers during the 13:30 Betfred Derby Action at Epsom Downs Racecourse in Epsom, Britain, on June 3, 2023. (Matthew Childs/Images via Reuters) Police arrested 31 people in connection with plans to disrupt Saturdays Epsom Derby, including a man who was detained after running onto the track, as major sporting events in Britain continue to be affected by protests. Last month, protest group Animal Rising issued a call for volunteers to help disrupt the event by entering the track. Surrey Police made 19 arrests in the build-up to the race, with a further 12 arrested at the racecourse in connection with planned criminal activity. One man was arrested after he ran onto the racetrack after a race had started. He was quickly removed by event security and police officers, meaning the race was not disrupted, Surrey Police said in a statement. A protestor is removed from the race track by police officers during the 13:30 Betfred Derby Action at Epsom Downs Racecourse in Epsom, Britain, on June 3, 2023. (Matthew Childs/Images via Reuters) Animal Rising shared a video of the protester being detained on Twitter, claiming that the individual was a supporter of the group. Our officers and event security responded quickly and decisively after a man ran onto the racetrack after a race had begun, Chief Superintendent Clive Davies said. We will not tolerate criminal behavior which puts lives in danger, including those of the animals, jockeys, security staff and our officers. Aprils Grand National was delayed by animal rights protesters, while more than 20 people were arrested at the Scottish Grand National. Last years Epsom Derby was delayed after six protesters from Animal Rising, then named Animal Rebellion, entered the course and had to be removed by the police. Rescuers at Site of Iowa Building Collapse Complete Search for Survivors, Move on to Recovery An apartment building that partially collapsed two days earlier can be seen in Davenport, Iowa, on May 30, 2023. (Erin Hooley/AP Photo) DES MOINES, IowaAn Iowa task force has completed its search for survivors at the site of a partially collapsed Davenport apartment building without finding three missing people who are feared dead, authorities said Friday. The focus has shifted to shoring up the structure so recovery efforts can begin. The remains of the six-story apartment building were constantly in motion in the first 24 to 36 hours after it collapsed on Sunday, which officials said posed a risk to rescuers who were trying to search for survivors. We do what the building tells us to do, Rick Halleran, the task forces Cedar Rapids division chief, said of the delay in searching the building. City officials earlier this week said that Branden Colvin, 42; Ryan Hitchcock, 51; and Daniel Prien, 60, were unaccounted for and had high probability of being home at the time of the collapse. All three have since been listed in the National Database of Missing Persons. The state task force was mobilized and on site to first search for survivors and then secure the structure, Halleran said. He said the search for survivors was completed Thursday evening after electrical equipment connected to the building was controlled. The states search and rescue team, search dogs, and cameras were used in the search Thursday. Officials fear the unstable building will eventually collapse on its own. Adding to the challenge is a giant pile of brick and steel at the base of the building that is helping to hold up the structure but also may contain the remains of people killed in the collapse. We are doing the best we can to balance the building conditions and the safety of our responders, Fire Chief Mike Carlsten said. Conditions have forced a response that may take days and weeks instead of what ideally would have been minutes or hours after the collapse, he said. Mayor Mike Matson has said the debris pile could be a place of rest for some of the unaccounted and stressed the city would be sensitive about those remains, comparing work at the site to an archeological dig. Children draw on the ground with chalk at the scene where an apartment building partially collapsed on Sunday afternoon in Davenport, Iowa, on May 30, 2023. (Erin Hooley/AP Photo) Work to bring down the building comes amid questions about why neither the owner nor city officials warned residents about potential danger even after a structural engineers report issued last week indicated a wall of the century-old building was at imminent risk of crumbling. Documents released Wednesday night show city officials and the buildings owner were warned for months that parts of the building were unstable. Current and former residents speaking with The Associated Press described concerns about interior cracks on the wall that ultimately collapsed that were reported to building management. The day before the collapse, the operations director of Downtown Davenport Partnership, an organization affiliated with the citys chamber of commerce, called 911 to report concerns that a local contractor had relayed, the Quad City Times reported. The newspaper reported that fire officials who responded to the emergency call spent less than five minutes at the scene. Do I have regrets about this tragedy and about people potentially losing their lives? Hell yeah. Do I think about this every moment? Hell yeah, Matson said Thursday. I have regrets about a lot of things. Believe me, were going to look at that. City officials said Thursday that they did not order an evacuation because they relied on the engineers assurances that the building remained safe. Matson promised to improve inspections and to investigate what happened. Scott County prosecutor Kelly Cunningham cautioned Friday against assuming a criminal prosecution is appropriate, saying an independent investigation needs to be conducted into the cause of the buildings structural failure, and right now its in the citys jurisdiction. The building collapsed shortly before 5 p.m. Sunday. Rescue crews pulled seven people from the building in their initial response and escorted out 12 others who could walk on their own. Later, two more people were rescued, including a woman who was removed from the fourth floor hours after authorities said they were going to begin setting up for demolition. Davenport Police Chief Jeff Bladel said transient people also often entered the building but there was no indication anyone else was inside and missing. Asked at a news conference Friday if any human remains have been found in the building, Matson said, We cant disclose that yet. Raquel Sipp kneels with a candle at the scene of where an apartment building partially collapsed two days earlier, in Davenport, Iowa, on May 30, 2023. (Erin Hooley/AP Photo) The Red Cross is hosting an event Saturday for displaced residents to get assistance. Each household will be eligible for a $6,000 grant from the city, and those meeting certain income requirements could get state payments of $5,000. Businesses that were in the building, as well as residents and businesses in nearby buildings that are at risk, will also be eligible for grants. On Friday, Gov. Kim Reynolds waived fees associated with obtaining substitute drivers licenses for affected residents. Andrew Wold, the buildings owner, released a statement dated Tuesday saying our thoughts and prayers are with our tenants. He has made no statement since then, and efforts to reach him, his company and a man believed to be his attorney have been unsuccessful. County records show Davenport Hotel L.L.C. acquired the building in a 2021 deal worth $4.2 million. Tenants had complained to the city in recent years about a host of problems they say were ignored by property managers, including no heat or hot water for weeks or even months at a time, as well as mold and water leakage from ceilings and toilets. While city officials tried to address some complaints and gave vacate orders to individual apartments, a broader evacuation was never ordered, records show. City officials ordered repairs after they found seven fire code violations on Feb. 6. However, they were told three weeks later by building maintenance officials that none of the work was completed, records show. Rich Oswald, the citys director of development and neighborhood services, said Thursday that the citys chief building official, Trishna Pradhan, voluntarily resigned after the collapse. Pradhan had visited the building on May 25, and erroneously reported it had passed an inspection in notes in the citys online permitting system, Oswald said. She attempted to change the inspection result to incomplete on Tuesdayafter the collapsebut a technical glitch instead listed the outcome as failed, he said, adding that the incomplete status is correct since the repair work was unfinished. Calls and text messages to Pradhan were not immediately returned. Assistant City Attorney Brian Heyer said he doesnt know whether the city had considered earlier civil enforcement action to protect residents. Only after the collapse did the city file a civil infraction seeking a $300 fine against Wold for failing to maintain the structure in a safe manner. He will be required to pay for the cost of demolition, Heyer said. By Scott McFetridge and Hannah Fingerhut Senators Oh and Woo Ramp Up Efforts Against Foreign Agent Registry in Canada, Calling It Anti-Chinese Senators Yuen Pau Woo and Victor Oh have ramped up efforts against enacting a foreign agent registration act as the Canadian government considers the legislation to combat foreign influence. Both senators brought up the issue again at a conference that marked the 100th anniversary of the Chinese Immigration Act, held at the Splendid China Mall in Scarborough, Ont., on Saturday, May 27. The act, introduced on July 1, 1923, is commonly known as the Chinese Exclusion Act, as it resulted from an effort to stop Chinese immigration, stated a May 30 federal government news release recognizing the national historic significance of this legislation. The event was organized by a group called the Reflecting on the 100th Anniversary of the Chinese Exclusion Act Organizing Committee. Woo and Oh were invited as keynote speakers, among several others. Speaking to some 200 attendees, Woo urged the Chinese community to reject modern forms of Chinese exclusion, according to a May 28 report by Canadian Chinese Media News. The senator has been asserting that a foreign influence registry might become a modern form of Chinese exclusion, as he reiterated in March in response to a tweet by Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino announcing that the government had launched public consultations on creating one. Sen.Yuen Pau Woo denounces RCMP allegations of Chinese interference in Canada as community organizer May Chiu looks on during a news conference at the Chinese Family Service Centre in Montreal on May 5, 2023. (The Canadian Press/Ryan Remiorz) Ohs speech on May 27 had a similar tone as Woos. He told the audience to support petition e-4395, an online petition sponsored by Liberal MP Chandra Arya calling on the federal government to reconsider its proposed Foreign Influence Transparency Registry. He added that this piece of legislation will change your life and that tomorrow when you get up, the life will be different; nothing belongs to you anymore. Parliamentary efforts to create a foreign agent registry have been ongoing for over two years in Canada. Should the law be enacted, individuals advocating for a foreign state will be required to register their activities or face fines or jail time. In the current session of Parliament, Conservative Sen. Leo Housakos has presented Senate Bill S-237 seeking to create the registry, but so far the bill has not received government support. Prior to that, in 2021, then-Conservative MP Kenny Chiu introduced a private members bill, C-282, seeking to establish a foreign agent registry act, but the bill never reached second reading before summer break, and an election was called in August that year. Chiu subsequently lost his seat in the B.C. riding of StevestonRichmond East in the 2021 federal election. He said at the time that he was the target of a widespread misinformation campaign in Chinese media which claimed that Bill C-282 was anti-Chinese. The former MP had stressed that the bill was meant to protect diaspora communities in Canada from harassment and persecution by foreign governments. To date, the United States and Australia have enacted legislation to establish a foreign influence registry. Helped to Draft the Petition The event in Scarborough was also attended by other politicians. They included Trade Minister Mary Ng; Liberal MPs Chandra Arya, Jean Yip and Paul Chiang; Ontario MPP Aris Babikian; Markham Deputy Mayor Michael Chan; and Markham Regional Councillor Alan Ho. Arya, who sponsored petition e-4395, in his remarks at the event stated that the proposed registry is a draconian tool. The petition was initiated by Li Wang, a Coquitlam, B.C., resident in April. A registry is a misleading way to identify sources of foreign influence, it stated, adding that a foreign influence registry poses a serious harassment and stigmatization risk for racialized communities. Wang has published several articles in Chinese-language media against the proposed legislation. In one of her articles, dated April 27, she wrote that the petition received guidance from Woo. She also noted that Woo, along with Arya and Oh, have accepted interviews and recorded promotion videos for the petition. In an earlier email statement, Woo confirmed to The Epoch Times that he has helped to draft the petition. Not the Same Oh and Woo have regularly cited racism concerns as part of opposing setting up a foreign agent registry in Canada. In a document that Woos office has allegedly repeatedly removed from Woos website, but that was publicly archived in 2019, it appears that Oh had joined Woo in leading a forum discussion in 2018 in a manner opposing the proposed foreign agent registration laws in Canada. This was a non-partisan event that was designed to advance parliamentarians understanding of the issues in order to minimize the risk of politicization and public over-reaction to concerns about Chinese influence and interference, the document said. In mid February this year, Woo delivered a speech at the Senate repeating his position against having a foreign agent registry act. Do you wonder why so many Chinese Canadians today are wary of efforts to again register those who are already in the country but who are deemed to have the wrong connections or backgrounds? he said. On March 16, Woo and Oh held a press conference announcing their plans to hold a national remembrance ceremony and other commemorative events on June 23 through 25 to mark the 100th anniversary of the introduction of the Chinese Immigration Act. On April 18, Woo wrote to Mendicino saying that the proposed foreign agent registry act is a wrong solution and that it is driven by anti-China sentiment. A number of diaspora groups have spoken out to call for establishment of a foreign agent registry so that they can be protected. The Chinese Canadian community, together with our Uyghur community, Tibetan community, and other people, welcome this foreign agent registry. A registry on foreign agents is not the same as a registry on all Chinese Canadians, Cheuk Kwan, co-chair of the Toronto Association for Democracy in China, told the House of Commons Standing Committee on Access to Information, Privacy, and Ethics on March 10. Ai-Men Lau, an adviser with Alliance Canada Hong Kong, also told the committee that a foreign agent registry would help in the efforts to combat foreign influence in Canada, although other means are also needed to tackle this issue effectively. I would say that a foreign agent registry is certainly a good first step, Lau said. We also need to be cognizant of the fact that it is limited in scope. Margaret McCuaig-Johnston, a senior fellow at the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs of the University of Ottawa, told the House Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs on May 30 that groups that the CCP has targeted for persecution have for years called for a foreign agent registry and other means to curb the CCPs threats against them. The Uyghurs, Tibetans, Falun Gong, pro-democracy Hong Kongers, and human rights activists would be more targeted if they spoke in public hearings, said McCuaig-Johnston. Theyve called for many years for a single window for investigations and for a foreign agent registry, which are still not implemented. I hope that the government has now gotten the message that Canadians care about these issues, because they clearly do, a translator interpreted her remarks from French. Andrew Chen contributed to this report. Serial Killer Paul Bernardos Transfer to Medium-Security Prison Incomprehensible, Says Minister Paul Bernardo is shown in this courtroom sketch during Ontario court proceedings via video link in Napanee, Ont., on Oct. 5, 2018. (Greg Banning/The Canadian Press) Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino said the decision by the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) to transfer serial killer Paul Bernardo to a medium-security institution is shocking and incomprehensible. Our thoughts are with the families of Kristen French and Leslie Mahaffy, and all those affected by these horrific crimes, he said in a statement on June 2. Dubbed the Scarborough Rapist, Bernardo was convicted in 1995 of kidnapping, sexually assaulting, murdering, and dismembering 15-year-old French and 14-year-old Mahaffy in the early 1990s near St. Catharines, Ontario. Bernardo was initially incarcerated at the Kingston Penitentiary in Ontario and later spent about a decade at the Millhaven Institution, a maximum security prison just outside Kingston. Citing prison union officials and the lawyer for the victims families, multiple media outlets say Bernardo was quietly transferred earlier this week to the medium-security La Macaza Institution, about 190 kilometres northwest of Montreal. Mendicino said he expects CSC to take a victim-centered and trauma-informed approach in these cases. Canadians expect the most serious crimes to have the most serious consequences, that the Victims Bill of Rights be followed and that the safety of our communities is placed above all, he said. I will be addressing the transfer decision process with CSC Commissioner [Anne] Kelly. Responding to the statement, Conservative MP Frank Caputo questioned Mendicinos claim that the government has taken a victim-centered approach. They have done nothing but reduce or maintain sentence ranges for sex and gun offenders, he said on Twitter. Bernardo was sentenced to life imprisonment and declared a dangerous offender. Before killing the teens, he and his then-wife Karla Homolka committed a series of rapes and murders in the Greater Toronto Area between the late 1980s and early 1990s. Homolka pleaded guilty to manslaughter and served a 12-year prison sentence before her release in 2005. Bernardo was denied parole attempts in 2018 and 2021. The Canadian Press contributed to this report. Southern California Parents Boycott School Districts Pride Day, Pulling Children out of Classes Many schools at the Glendale Unified School District resembled a ghost town on June 2 as some parents kept their children at home in protest of the districts planned Pride Day where students learn about LGBT activists and participate in activities that celebrate the LGBT community. While the number of absent students is currently unknown, some parents told The Epoch Times that many schools resembled a ghost town with some reporting the typically crowded morning drop-off line outside of schools was nonexistent. One teacher from Glenoaks Elementary School in Glendale, California, said a classroom of 35 had only 10 students on Fridayand that roughly 60 percent of all students were absent. A spokesperson for Glendale Unified told The Epoch Times in an email that the district is intentional in choosing age-appropriate educational resources to celebrate everyone in our diverse community. These resources are organized by what is appropriate for students at each grade level and shared with our teachers to use in their classrooms if they choose, the spokesperson said. In June, this includes lessons highlighting our LGBTQIA+ community. Our children also benefit from many school-based celebrations and activities organized by student, staff, and parent leaders to promote diversity and inclusion throughout the school year. However, some parents say theyre boycotting Pride Day because they believe parents should decide when to introduce topics such as gender and sexuality to their children. Theres a time and a place and age to be gradually introduced to certain things, said Yeva, a parent of two Glendale Unified elementary school children who preferred to give only her first name. Its happening so fast and so intensely that its concerning to parents who have very young children in schools. I feel like its an invasion of our childrens innocence. Others said theyre frustrated with school policies that hide students preferred gender identity or pronouns from parents. Jordan Henry, a Glendale resident who ran unsuccessfully for the Glendale City Council in 2022, has spoken against the districts nondiscrimination policy, which states a students transgender or gender-nonconforming status is his/her private information, and the district shall only disclose the information to others with the students prior written consent. Henry also complained about the district officials attitudes toward those who oppose such policies and ideologies in schools. The board, the superintendent, and the administration will die on this hill, Henry told The Epoch Times. Henry said the board doesnt listen to parent complaints, and teachers are afraid to speak out, for fear of losing their jobslike in the case of Ray Shelton, a 25-year teacher in the district who was placed on paid leave after speaking out against gender ideology during a school board meeting in April. Taking a stance against such, Shelton, a gay man, brought with him to the board meeting an internet meme hed seen of the LGBTQIA+ flag in a four-flag pinwheel arrangement that resembled a swastikasuggesting the districts policies and ideology resembled fascism. After the meeting, two district teachers filed complaints of hate speech against Shelton, and the district placed him on paid leave a day later. Shelton, however, told The Epoch Times that he doesnt regret what he said that day. I simply said, biology is not bigotry, he said. I said, heterosexuality is not hate. And then I said gender cannot be changed. Shelton recounted he additionally told the board that he thought so-called gender-affirming surgery for children was wrong and how he thought the gender movement is hurting others. And then in the end, I said that transgender ideology is anti-gay. Its anti-woman. Its anti-human. And its misogyny writ-large, he said. He said he believes the issue is about tearing down conventions. If you can destroy the norms, then you have chaos, and if you have chaos, then people will seek people who can solve the problem quickly. And that usually leads to some sort of authoritarian figure, who is going to make things bad, he said. Another protest occurred Friday at Saticoy Elementary School, part of the Los Angeles Unified School District, where parents protested outside the North Hollywood school regarding a Pride assembly at the school. Parents and counterprotesters supporting the LGBT communityreportedly 100 between the two groupshad to be separated by police officers. Suspect in New Jersey Councilwomans Slaying to Remain Held in Virginia Until Hearing A church associate charged with gunning down a New Jersey pastor and town councilwoman will remain in custody in Virginia until a June 29 extradition hearing after a hearing Friday was postponed, court records show. Rashid Ali Bynum, 29, of Portsmouth, Virginia, had previously lived in Sayreville, where victim Eunice Dwumfour lived with her 11-year-old daughter and served on the City Council. Dwumfour, 30, had gotten married just months before she was gunned down outside her rented townhome on Feb. 1 as she returned from the grocery store. She married a fellow pastor from her Nigerian church, Champions Royal Assembly, at its Abuja headquarters in November, but her husband had not yet joined her in the United States. Dwumfour, a Republican, was elected to her first three-year term in 2021, when she ousted a Democratic incumbent. Colleagues recalled her as a soft-spoken devout Christian who could maintain her composure in contentious situations. Bynum was listed in Dwumfours phone under the acronym FCF, or Fire Congress Fellowship, a related church entity. She was deeply involved with the prosperity gospel group, helping lead services several times a week in Newark and serving as a church treasurer. However, the extent of Bynums involvement with the church remained unclear Friday. He has a long record of arrests in Virginia on charges that include gun possession, credit card fraud, and a string of driving violations. A public defender named to represent him in the extradition case did not immediately return a call seeking comment on Friday. Rashid Ali Bynum in a booking photo. (Middlesex County Prosecutors Office) While the arrest raised more questions than answers for Dwumfours family in Newarktheir lawyer said they do not know the suspectsome in Sayreville expressed relief. There was an air of unease, having not had any idea of the circumstances of the crime and the perpetrator, said Karen Bailey Bebert, a local Republican leader who helped Dwumfour and church colleague Christian Onuoha run for council in 2021. Both won, and Onuoha is now council president. Were overwhelmed with emotion and elated, she said. It went on a long time, but they [investigators] had to do their job. In announcing the arrest Wednesday, Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone released few details about the case, but said police had used cellphone and vehicle transponder data to recreate Bynums travels on Feb. 1 and tie him to the crime. He also matched the description of the gunman given by neighbors in Sayreville, she said. Dwumfours husband, Peter Ezechukwu, posted a photo of the couple in matching pink blazers on social media on Friday. Chinese peacekeepers march at a medal parade ceremony in Hanniyah village, southern Lebanon, July 1, 2022. (Xinhua/Liu Zongya) While Western security initiatives are largely in favor of military intervention to resolve disputes, China's approach is pro-peace and security, said Zimbabwean analyst Gibson Nyikadzino. HARARE, June 3 (Xinhua) -- The China-initiated Global Security Initiative (GSI) will open the world to power balancing and enhance global peace and security, a Zimbabwean international relations analyst has said. "The Chinese are not militaristic in terms of their foreign policy as opposed to the West," Gibson Nyikadzino told Xinhua on Thursday. The GSI, proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping, seeks to eliminate the root causes of international conflicts, improve global security governance, encourage joint international efforts to bring more stability and certainty in a volatile and changing era, and promote durable peace and development in the world. Nyikadzino added that the initiative intends to establish an equal recognition of state contributions to global peace and security under a framework of mutual cooperation. He said China had become an indispensable player in the global peace process at a time when the post-Cold War world has been dominated by Western unilateralism. Ophthalmologist Dong Lili (2nd R), a member of the 32nd Chinese Medical Team to Zanzibar, prepares to perform an operation with her local colleagues at the Mnazi Mmoja Hospital in Tanzania's Zanzibar, Feb. 23, 2023. (Xinhua/Dong Jianghui) While Western security initiatives are largely in favor of military intervention to resolve disputes, China's approach is pro-peace and security, said Nyikadzino. He lamented the West's militaristic foreign policy which has caused suffering in countries such as Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Libya and Ukraine, noting that such a foreign policy is meant to "benefit the military-industrial complex and has made the world much more unsafe." On the other hand, China has not shown any driven by militarism, he added. Unfortunately, as the United States and the West think in military terms, they see China's initiative as one that is asserting hegemony, while the truth is that China has no plans to dominate the world, Nyikadzino said. The analyst said the GSI is significant in that it appreciates the changing nature of international conflicts as initiated by both state and non-state actors, and the importance of countries cooperating to curb the escalation of violence. In Nyikadzino's view, the rise of China is set to reduce global instability. "While the efforts by China ... are what is needed to address the current security needs, the efforts to contain China from the West are trying to frame China as an aggressor instead of a peacemaker/peace-builder," he said. The analyst also expected that the success of the GSI can help enhance peace and security in Africa, as some parts of the continent are still being affected by conflicts. Texas Governor Signs Bill Banning Trans Surgeries, Hormone Therapies for Children Republican Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed a bill on Friday that places restrictions on gender transitioning procedures and treatments for minors in the state. The bill, known as Senate Bill 14, prohibits doctors from performing certain procedures and treatments related to gender transitioning, reassignment, or gender dysphoria to children under the age of 18. It also restricts the use of public funds or public assistance for such procedures. Last year, Abbott issued an order saying that treating transgender minors with medical procedures could be seen as child abuse. However, a judge has stopped some of the investigations related to this order in Texas. The newly enacted law specifically bans doctors and health care providers from performing surgeries that render minors unable to have children. This includes surgeries on males like castration (removing testicles), vasectomy (cutting tubes that carry sperm), orchiectomy (removing testicles), penectomy (removing the penis), and vaginoplasty (making a vagina). It also includes surgeries on females, such as hysterectomy (removing the uterus), oophorectomy (removing ovaries), metoidioplasty (reshaping the clitoris), and phalloplasty (making a penis). Taking off healthy body parts or tissues, taking drugs that make one unable to have children, or removing breasts is also banned. But there are some exceptions to the rule. Doctors can give prescription drugs to stop puberty for children who start it too early, with the permission of their parents or guardians. They are also allowed to perform medically necessary procedures or treatments on children who have genetic problems with their sex development or chromosomes. The law also includes other exceptions for minors who are already undergoing non-surgical treatments before June 1 and those who have undertaken 12 or more sessions of mental health counseling or psychotherapy six months prior to beginning prescription drug treatments. These treatments on children may continue but the patients must wean off the medications with the help of their doctor. Such treatments are considered standard care by mainstream medical associations. However, some individuals who regret undergoing such treatments have spoken out against their health care providers, with some parents saying they felt pressured to consent to their childs transition. Sometimes referred to as detransitioners, some of these individuals have spoken with lawmakers, urging bans on gender surgeries and treatments for minors, citing the negative impacts it has had on their health and quality of life. Republicans have been concerned about the long-term impacts of the treatments, often referring to them as life-altering and irreversible. Proponents of non-surgical treatments of gender dysphoria argue that hormone therapy, which causes physical changes, can be reversed if the patient stops taking the medication. However, the Mayo Clinic notes that other changes, such as breast development, cant be reversed. These non-surgical treatments are typically used in response to gender dysphoria, which is psychological distress experienced by those who dont identify with their biological gender. Under the new law, public money cant be used to support doctors, hospitals, or medical schools that do these procedures or treatments for minors. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission also cant provide Medicaid reimbursement for these procedures or treatments, and the child health plan program is also not allowed to pay doctors or health care providers for these services. If anyone breaks this law, the states attorney general can take action against them. The attorney general may ask the court to restrain or stop any violations by health care providers. Texas joins at least 16 other states with Republican leaders that have banned sex change surgeries, hormone therapies, and puberty blockers for minors. Nebraska, Florida, and Oklahoma also recently implemented similar bans. UK Government Denies Targeting COVID-19 Policy Critics on Social Media The logos of mobile apps Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, Facebook, Google, and Messenger displayed on a tablet on Oct. 1, 2019. (AFP via Getty Images/Denis Charlet) The UK government is facing renewed pressure to shut its Counter Disinformation Unit (CDU) after the unit was accused of tracking the activities of vocal critics of COVID-19 policies when flagging so-called disinformation. The government has denied targeting individuals, saying the unit was banned from flagging journalists and MPs to social media platforms. The CDU, which was set up on March 5, 2020, monitors online narratives and trends, and has worked closely with social media platforms to quickly identify and help them respond to potentially harmful content on their platforms, including removing harmful content in line with their terms and conditions, and promoting authoritative sources of information, according to government ministers. The Telegraph on June 2 accused the unit of secretly monitoring the activities of critics of the governments COVID-19 policies such as lockdowns, school closures, mask mandate, and the proposed vaccine passport. According to the report, documents released through Freedom of Information and data protection requests showed the CDU had flagged 24 social media comments by Molly Kingsley, who founded the childrens welfare campaign group UsForThem in response to school closures, and one post on Twitter by Dr. Alexandre De Figueiredo, a research fellow at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, who opposed the mass COVID-19 vaccination of children. The report said De Figueiredos tweet was first flagged by Logically, an artificial intelligence firm the CDU used to trawl the internet. Another government unit, the now-defunct Rapid Response Unit (RRU), was said to have logged articles written by Carl Heneghan, director of Oxford Universitys Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine. The report also said the Department for Culture, Media, and Sport, in which the CDU was embedded at the time, had a trusted flagger status on social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter, meaning the companies would fast-track their requests for content moderation. The RRU, which also was set up in March 2020, was closed last year, while the CDU operates now within the Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology. A government spokesperson denied that individuals had been targeted. The units purpose is to track narratives and trends using publicly available information online to protect public health and national security, the person said in a statement emailed to The Epoch Times. It has never tracked the activity of individuals and has a blanket ban on referring journalists and MPs to social media platforms. None of the people named in this report were ever referred to social media platforms by the government and any claim otherwise is objectively false, they added. Meta, which owns Facebook, hasnt responded to an Epoch Times request for comment. The same request emailed to Twitter was returned with an automated response consisting of a poop emoji. Elon Musk, CEO of Twitter, announced on the platform in March that the emoji would be sent automatically when journalists sent requests for comment. Civil Liberty group Big Brother Watch, which dubbed the governments counter-disinformation units the Ministry of Truth after the propaganda department in George Orwells dystopian novel 1984, renewed its call for the CDU to be suspended immediately [and] investigated. Former minister Jacob Rees-Mogg called on the continuing COVID-19 Inquiry to investigate the oppressive methods used to override dissent. It is clear from [Former Health Secretary Matt] Hancocks messages that steps were taken to manipulate public opinion and now it appears underhand[ed] methods may have been employed to stop free speech, he told The Telegraph. Rees-Mogg was referring to Hancocks WhatsApp communications with officials during the COVID-19 pandemic, which were published in March. One of the messages on how to communicate with the public about the emergence of the Alpha variant of the virus reads, We frighten the pants off everyone with the new strain. The call to investigate the CDU comes after Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson agreed to hand over all unredacted WhatsApp messages to the COVID-19 inquiry. Lady Hallett, chair of the official inquiry, requested the messages last month, saying they were significant for their insight into core political and administrative decision-making by the UK government during the pandemic. The Cabinet Office has argued that the messages are unambiguously irrelevant to the inquiry, although Hallett dismissed the argument. US Defense Chief Calls on Beijing to Engage in Dialogue to Avoid Conflict U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin speaks during the 20th Shangri-La Dialogue summit in Singapore on June 3, 2023. (Roslan Rahman/AFP via Getty Images) The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has demonstrated little interest in engaging in serious talks with the United States about the fraying relationship between the global superpowers and the potentially catastrophic consequences, according to U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. Austin placed the importance of such talks front and center during a June 3 speech at the 20th Shangri-La Dialogue, a major international security conference held annually in Singapore. The annual event brings together national defense, security, and military chiefs with the aim of building and strengthening community and exploring sectors of common interest in the Indo-Pacific region. Austin didnt lead with the issue. He spoke first about alliances, goals that countries presently share, economic and military partnerships, cooperation in commerce, and broad hopes to improve the lives of those in that part of the world. He talked about a common effort to address and defend against North Korean missiles. The defense secretary made a forceful and spirited condemnation of Russia and its invasion of Ukraine. Austin, in his comments, arrived at China and the matter of Taiwan, the self-governing democratic island located 70 miles across the Taiwan Strait from the Chinese mainland that the CCP claims as part of its territory. He used the speech to make an attempt at diplomacy beyond the brief and perfunctory handshake he shared with Chinese Defense Minister Li Shangfu at the conferences opening dinner a day earlier. Austin emphasized and gave assurances that the United States is committed to its allies and is engaged in the region. We will maintain our vigorous, responsive, and responsible presence across the Indo-Pacific, he said. And will continue to work to ensure that no one country can assert control over shared waterways in the South China Sea. We will continue to work with our allies and partners to uphold the freedom of navigation and overflight. A Peoples Liberation Army Navy J-11 fighter pilot performs an unsafe maneuver during an intercept of a U.S. Air Force RC-135 aircraft, which was lawfully conducting routine operations over the South China Sea in international airspace, on Dec. 21, 2022, in a still from video footage. (Courtesy of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command/Screenshot via The Epoch Times) Austin brought up the CCPs recent provocative and belligerent conduct. We wont be deterred by dangerous operational behavior at sea or in international airspace, Austin said. The Peoples Republic of China continues to conduct an alarming number of risky intercepts of U.S. and allied aircraft flying lawfully in international air. Weve all just seen another troubling case of aggressive and unprofessional flying by the PRC [Peoples Republic of China]. So we will support our allies and partners as they defend themselves against coercion and bullying. To be clear, we do not seek conflict. But we will not flinch in the face of bullying or coercion. Taiwan The most volatile and dangerous element in U.S.China tensions, and what it represents to the security of the United States and international order, concerns the island of Taiwan. The regime in Beijing views Taiwan as a renegade province that must be united with the mainland by any means necessary, even though Taiwan has never been ruled by the CCP and has its own democratic government. While the United States has no official diplomatic relationship with Taiwan, the island is a strategic business partner, one with which the United States does billions of dollars in business yearly, including the sales of weapons for Taiwans defense. A Peoples Liberation Army member looks through binoculars during military exercises as Taiwans frigate Lan Yang is seen in the background on Aug. 5, 2022. (Lin Jian/Xinhua via AP) The Taiwan Relations Act provides a legal basis for the United States to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself but doesnt mandate that the United States come to Taiwans aid if attacked. Yet President Joe Biden has said that the United States will come to Taiwans aid if the island is attacked. Theres no shortage of leading military strategists and spymasters that are convinced that China will launch an armed takeover of Taiwan. Austin expanded on his guarantee that the United States is pledged to help its allies and prevent a single nation from controlling the Indo-Pacific. Now, all of this is especially important in the Taiwan Strait, he said. I like to be clear about another pointthe United States remains deeply committed to preserving the status quo in the Strait, consistent with our longstanding one-China policy and with fulfilling our well-established obligations under the Taiwan Relations Act. Austin spoke about the importance of keeping peace in that part of the world, as armed conflict in the Taiwan Strait could unsettle and disrupt the entire planet. He said that, contrary to widely held opinion, conflict can be avoided and need not happen. Id like to highlight that conflict is neither imminent nor inevitable, he said. Deterrence is strong todayand its our job to keep it that way. You know, the whole world has a stake in maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Straitthe whole world. The security of commercial shipping lanes and global supply chains depends on it. And so does freedom of navigation worldwide. But make no mistake: conflict in the Taiwan Strait would be devastating. So we are determined to maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. And so are a number of other countries around the worldand that number continues to grow. Austin said Biden doesnt want another Cold War. Austin called for the United States and China to talk, and he hoped that the CCP would dispense with its resistance to doing so. For responsible defense leaders, the right time to talk is anytime, he said. The right time to talk is every time. And the right time to talk is now. Dialogue is not a reward. It is a necessity. And a cordial handshake over dinner is no substitute for a substantive engagement. US Turns Up Pressure on Air Bag Inflator Company That Refuses a Recall Despite Deaths, Injuries DETROITThe U.S. government is turning up the pressure on ARC Automotive to recall 67 million potentially dangerous air bag inflators by ordering the company to answer questions under oath and threatening fines if it doesnt respond. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) argues that the recall is justified because two people have been killed in the United States and Canada and at least seven others injured by ARC inflators, which can explode with too much force and expel shapnel. The explosions, which first occurred in 2009, have continued as recently as this year. The special order from NHTSA asks multiple questions about whether ARC expects any of its inflators to blow apart in the future, and whether it has notified customers about the risk. The agency wants ARC Automotive Inc., based in Knoxville, Tennessee, to recall the inflators, which can blow apart a metal canister. But ARC is refusing, setting up a possible court fight. ARC maintains that no safety defect exists, that NHTSAs demand is based on a hypothesis rather than technical conclusions and that the agency has no authority to order a parts manufacturer to carry out recalls. NHTSA has tentatively concluded that the inflators are defective. The next steps are a final conclusion, public hearing and potential lawsuit asking a judge to order a recall. Since ARC inflators can be in both driver and passenger front air bags, people who travel in at least 33 million U.S. vehicles could be at risk. In the order, NHTSA asks ARC to explain if it expects inflators to rupture due to something more than random one-off manufacturing problems. More than 1 million ARC inflators have been recalled already due to what the company describes as isolated trouble with manufacturing. The order also instructs the company to estimate how many inflators will rupture while in use in the United States in the future, and it asks ARC why it changed its inflator manufacturing process in 2018 to install a scope that detects whether welding debris can block inflator vents. NHTSA contends that byproducts from welding during manufacturing can clog a vent inside the inflator canister thats designed to let gas escape to fill air bags quickly in a crash. Pressure can build to the point where the canister is blown apart. Messages were left Thursday seeking comment from ARC. The company has to respond by June 14 or face a maximum fine of $131.6 million and potential criminal penalties. Michael Brooks, executive director of the Center for Auto Safety, a nonprofit advocacy group, said NHTSA is going back and connecting dots to counter what ARC asserted in its response to the recall request. The agency, he said, seems to be trying to get ARC to say that its possible other inflators can rupture in the future. They are simply looking for an admission from ARC that this can happen again, Brooks said. The company, he said, would have a hard time arguing that no more problems will occur. I dont know that this is something that they can legitimately assert, that theres never going to be another inflator rupture, Brooks said. Theres a high likelihood of another rupture of this type. There may not be a lot of them. NHTSA also wants to know why ARC added the scope to its manufacturing process in 2018, and its demanding to know which ARC employee approved the decision. I think theyre trying to get at what was ARC basing that decision on and does it suggest that theres a defect in the population of inflators that were produced before that date, Brooks said. The agency said in its recall request letter sent to ARC in April that its not aware of any inflators rupturing that were manufactured after the scope was installed. Owners of vehicles made by at least a dozen automakersChevrolet, Buick, GMC, Ford, Toyota, Stellantis, Volkswagen, Audi, BMW, Porsche, Hyundai, and Kiaare left to wonder anxiously whether their vehicles contain driver or front passenger inflators made by ARC. Because ARC supplies inflators that are included in other manufacturers airbags, theres no easy way for vehicle owners to determine whether their inflators are made by ARC. Neither NHTSA nor ARC nor the automakers have released a full list of affected models. One of the people who died after an inflator explosion was Marlene Beaudoin, a 40-year-old mother of 10 from Michigans Upper Peninsula who was struck by metal fragments when her 2015 Chevrolet Traverse SUV was involved in a minor crash in 2021. She and four of her sons had been on their way to get ice cream. The sons were not hurt. In a response letter to NHTSA earlier this month, ARC said no automaker has found a defect common to all 67 million inflators, and no root cause has been identified in the inflator ruptures. The standoff with ARC has sent automakers struggling to find out just how many of their vehicles contain the inflators. Many say theyre still gathering information from later model years to determine which vehicles contain the affected inflators. From 2017 to 2022, the ARC problems triggered seven small recalls from automakers. Earlier this month, General Motors announced the recall of nearly 1 million more. By Tom Krisher What to Know About the Case of the Missing Missouri ER Doctor Found Dead in Arkansas KANSAS CITY, Mo.A doctor in the Missouri Ozarks went missing for over a week until his body was found in an Arkansas lake. But the case remains shrouded in mystery as investigators have released few details to his family or the public. Whats Known So Far Dr. John Forsyth, 49, was last seen alive on May 21, when security cameras in the parking lot of a public pool in Cassville show him getting into a vehicle, after leaving his own car unlocked with his wallet, two phones, a laptop, and other items inside. Thats according to his brother, Richard Forsyth, who said the doctor had texted his new fiancee that morning saying he would see her soon. His car was found later that day. Investigators havent said who was driving the other vehicle. A search began after the emergency room physician didnt show up for his May 21 shift at Mercy Hospital in Cassville. There was no sign of Forsyth until a kayaker noticed his body in Arkansas on May 30, at a spot on Beaver Lake some 20 miles (32 kilometers) away from his last known location. His body had an apparent gunshot wound, authorities in Arkansas say. Although Benton County Coroner Daniel Oxford said an autopsy was completed Thursday, the results wont be released until the investigation is over. What Was Happening in His Life? His brother, Richard Forsyth, and other family members say John Forsyth was a devoted father to his eight kids and seemed happier than hed been in a long time. They say he never missed a day of work, and would often sleep in an RV outside the hospital when he was on call. His family rejects any suggestion he took his own life. Newly engaged, Forsyth was also recently divorced. On May 10 of this year, a judge ordered Forsyth to pay his ex-wife $3,999 in child support a month, plus another $15,000 a month. Missouri court records show he was married and divorced twice to the same woman between 1995 and 2022. Both his brother and Ryan Ricketts, the ex-wifes divorce attorney, say the split was amicable. The pair initially married in Clark County, Nevada. He filed for divorce in April 2019 but the couple remarried in July 2020 in Greene County, Missouri. Court records show that the woman filed a second divorce petition in April 2022, in Lawrence County, Missouri. Questions That Remain Authorities have not said whether they believe Forsyth was killed or took his own life. Initially, when Forsyths empty car was found, investigators said there were no signs of foul play. But that was before the body was found. Shannon Jenkins, spokesperson for the Benton County Sheriffs Department, said Friday that there is no immediate threat to the public, but declined to provide more details. She said no further information would be released until the investigation is completed. Its also unclear what Forsyths connection might be to the second vehicle seen on pool surveillance video. Authorities have not confirmed any information about the video, including if it was taken before or after Forsyth may have texted his fiancee. Theres also no information on how Forsyth got from Cassville to Beaver Lake, when and where he died, or if investigators have found a weapon. Forsyths Background Forsyth was born in Idaho in 1974, according to online records. He was the third of seven children, his sister Gina Forsyth-Farlaino said. He was the father of eight children. His former wife, who lives in Idaho, was given custody of the couples minor children, but John Forsyth continued to have a strong relationship with them, his brother and the womans divorce attorney said. Forsyths ex-wife did not wish to be interviewed, Ricketts said. She is just devastated andI mean, just shocked, Ricketts said. She never saw any of this kind of thing coming. Forsyths Medical Background Online records for the state of Missouri show that Forsyth was licensed as a doctor and surgeon in the state since July 1, 2005 and that his license was active. Hed been an emergency physician at Mercy Hospital in Cassville for nearly 15 years. He received his medical degree from Ross University, which is headquartered in Barbados. Online court records show Forsyth settled a wrongful death lawsuit against him in Lawrence County, Missouri, in March 2022, but the settlement terms were confidential. He was initially named as a defendant in a wrongful death case, also in Lawrence County, in 2006. But he and another doctor were dismissed from the case before a local hospital settled the case for $100,000. Records show that in August 2015, he agreed to a public reprimand from the state Board of Registration for the Medical Arts for not adequately and completely maintaining records for two patients. By Margaret Stafford and John Hanna YouTube Reverses Policy on Censoring Claims of Stolen 2020 Election The logo of YouTube displayed by a tablet in Toulouse, France, on Oct. 5, 2021. (Lionel Bonaventure/AFP via Getty Images) YouTube has announced its doing a U-turn on censoring content about U.S. elections, with the platform saying it will no longer delete posts questioning the results of the 2020 presidential election, including claims of widespread voter fraud. The company made the announcement in a blog post on Friday, which comes about two months after it reinstated former President Donald Trumps YouTube account. Trumps account on YouTube was suspended in the wake of the Jan. 6 Capitol breach, which came as the former president alleged that the 2020 election had been stolen. YouTube established its elections misinformation policy in December 2020, and on Friday said that in the time since it was imposed, the company had removed tens of thousands of videos. We carefully deliberated this change, YouTube said, citing a changed landscape in which the 2024 election campaign is in full swing and that removing election-related content could stifle political speech. In the current environment, we find that while removing this content does curb some misinformation, it could also have the unintended effect of curtailing political speech without meaningfully reducing the risk of violence or other real-world harm, the company said. YouTube pledged that, starting Friday, it will stop removing content that advances claims that widespread fraud, errors, or glitches occurred in the 2020 and other past US Presidential elections. Still, removing content under the elections misinformation policy was just one way in which YouTube has sought to shape political discussions, with other pieces of its content moderation machine remaining intact. We are ensuring that when people come to YouTube looking for news and information about elections, they see content from authoritative sources prominently in search and recommendations, the company said, noting that this is one aspect of its content policy that isnt changing. Also remaining unchanged are the broader outlines of YouTubes election misinformation policy, with the company saying it will continue to remove content that misleads voters about the time, place, means, or eligibility requirements for voting. YouTube will continue to crack down on false claims that could materially discourage voting, including those disputing the validity of voting by mail, as well as on content that calls on people to interfere with democratic processes. A further caveat is that the policy could change as the 2024 election cycle unfolds. Well remain vigilant as the election unfolds, as we did in 2020, and again in 2022, YouTube said. And we have an elections-focused team, including members of our Intelligence Desk, Trust & Safety and product teams, monitoring real-time developments and making adjustments to our strategy as needed. YouTube and other social media platforms have been accused of political bias by conservatives and have faced criticism for restricting free speech. Outright Censorship Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy recently accused social media platform LinkedIn of election interference after it temporarily locked his account for comments he made about the Biden administration and climate change. Big Tech election interference has begun, Ramaswamy said in a Twitter post on the day that he was locked out of his LinkedIn account, calling the move outright censorship. LinkedIn later told The Epoch Times that Ramaswamys account was restricted in error and had been reactivated. Ramaswamy has been a vocal critic of what he claims is collusion between Big Tech and the federal government. Self-described free speech absolutist Elon Musk, who took over Twitter last year with a pledge to remove political bias from the platform and make it more balanced, recently addressed the issue of content claiming 2020 election fraud. In a recent interview on CNBC, Musk was asked whether Twitter would tag claims that the 2020 election was rigged or stolen with community notes or other actions. To be clear, I dont think it was a stolen election, Musk replied, before adding that he believes there was some election fraud in 2020. By the same token, if somebody is going to say that there is never any election fraud anywhere, this is obviously false. If 100 million people vote, the probability that the fraud is zerois zero, Musk added. Musk went on to say that its important to strike a balance in discussions around election integrity by acknowledging that theres going to be a non-zero amount of fraud without claiming that the fraud was sufficient to change the outcome. Elon Musks photo is seen through a Twitter logo in this illustration, on Oct. 28, 2022. (Dado Ruvic/Reuters, File Photo) Trump Adamant About Rigged 2020 Election Meanwhile, in a recent town hall appearance on CNN, Trump reiterated his view that the 2020 election was stolen. The former president said he performed fantastically in 2020, doing far better than in 2016 with 12 million more votes. When you look at that result and when you look at what happened during that election, unless youre a very stupid person, you see what happens, Trump said. That was a rigged election, and its a shame that we had to go through it. Its very bad for our country. All over the world, they looked at it, and they saw exactly what everyone else saw, Trump said. Former President Donald Trump speaks at a CNN Town Hall at St. Anselm College in Manchester, N.H., on May 10, 2023, in a still from video. (CNN/Screenshot via The Epoch Times) Trump pointed to the Twitter Files disclosures as an indication of apparent collusion between the FBI and Twitter to suppress the Hunter Biden laptop story in the run-up to the election, which Trump said, made a big difference. The seventh installment of the Musk-endorsed Twitter Files claimed that there was an organized effort on the part of federal law enforcement to target social media companies that reported on the explosive Hunter Biden laptop story, which was first published by the New York Post. In the run-up to the 2020 election, the New York Post published a story about a laptop abandoned at a computer repair shop that purportedly belonged to Hunter Biden and contained emails suggesting that then-candidate Joe Biden had knowledge of, and was allegedly involved in, his sons foreign business dealings. The New York Posts story titled Smoking-gun Email Reveals How Hunter Biden Introduced Ukrainian Businessman to VP Dad was published on Oct. 14, 2020. Twitter first prevented sharing of the story for 24 hours before reversing the decision. However, the story did not circulate on the platform for weeks because of a policy requiring the original poster to delete and repost the original tweet. Polling has indicated that if the public had been aware of the suppressed story ahead of the election, it may have cost then-presidential candidate Joe Biden several percentage points of voterspossibly enough to thwart his bid for the White House. In Twitter Files #7, we present evidence pointing to an organized effort by representatives of the intelligence community (IC), aimed at senior executives at news and social media companies, to discredit leaked information about Hunter Biden before and after it was published, wrote author Michael Shellenberger, who released screenshots on Dec. 19, 2022, that appeared to show message exchanges between top Twitter officials and the FBI in October 2020. The FBI told The Epoch Times in an earlier emailed statement that it had only offered general warnings to Twitter about foreign election interference and never pushed for the platform to suppress the Hunter Biden laptop story. President Joe Biden, with son Hunter Biden, arrives at Hancock Field Air National Guard Base in Syracuse, N.Y., on Feb. 4, 2023. (Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images) Hack-and-Leak Warning Former Twitter executives have conceded that they made a mistake by blocking the Hunter Biden laptop story but denied that they were pressured to suppress the story by law enforcement. However, documents filed with the Federal Elections Commission (FEC) show that the FBI warned Twitter explicitly of a hack-and-leak operation involving Hunter Biden ahead of the 2020 presidential election. Twitters former head of site integrity Yoel Roth made the remarks in a signed declaration (pdf) attached to a Dec. 21, 2020, letter to the FECs Office of Complaints Examination and Legal Administration on behalf of Twitter. Roth said in the attached declaration that he was told by the FBI at a series of meetings ahead of the 2020 election that the agency warned of the threat of hacked materials being distributed on social media platforms. I was told in these meetings that the intelligence community expected that individuals associated with political campaigns would be subject to hacking attacks and that material obtained through those hacking attacks would likely be disseminated over social media platforms, including Twitter, Roth stated in the declaration. I also learned in these meetings that there were rumors that a hack-and-leak operation would involve Hunter Biden, Roth added. Roth said that Twitters Site Integrity Team determined that the New York Posts articles about the laptop violated the platforms policies on hacked materials and Twitter took action to suppress the distribution of posts sharing the articles. He later acknowledged that it was a mistake for Twitter to suppress the Hunter Biden laptop story. Gary Bai contributed to this report. A devastating fire engulfed an Indian Oil Petrol Pump in Butibori, located on the Nagpur-Chandrapur highway, on Friday late evening. A container truck was charred in the fire, which reportedly broke out after the trucks tyre burst, police said. According to a police official, the fire started out around 8 pm when an employee was filling diesel into a container laden with papers. Suddenly, a tyre of the container burst which led to the ignition. The flames engulfed the entire truck extending rapidly to the fuel-filling machines. Recognising the danger, other customers present at the petrol pump hurried away with their vehicles to ensure their safety. Their swift action prevented any injuries or casualties from occurring, police said. In response to the emergency, two fire tenders from Butibori MIDC rushed to the location and initiated a prompt firefighting operation. Firefighters battled the fire for approximately two hours before successfully gaining control over the flames. However, the diesel container sustained severe damage and was completely charred. Police Inspector Bhimaji Patil of Butibori police station said that they were conducting a thorough investigation to ascertain the exact cause of the fire. Fortunately, there were no injuries or fatalities reported, and the swift response of the fire department prevented the fire from spreading further, he said. FOREIGN STOOGE! CONGRESS leader Mr. Rahul Gandhi is at it again, talking nonsense, spreading canard, abusing the country on foreign soil -- as has been his wont. Each time he does that, he gets criticised by all. But this time, his diatribes on the American soil are earning him criticism even from some sections that are friendly with him and his party. That is simply because Mr. Rahul Gandhi has crossed all limits of decency, dignity and decorum. And more important is the manner in which he has made comparisons that actually brought bad name to the country at times when his own party was ruling the country 30-40 years ago. Thus, whatever Mr. Rahul Gandhi is stating in his speeches in the US at present is nothing but a shoddily-researched material whose veracity he does not have willingness to check. Those who know the details assert that Mr. Rahul Gandhi is representing a massive anti-India conspiracy of which he is not a mastermind or leader but only a stooge. We wonder if Mr. Rahul Gandhi agrees to such a status! We also wonder if he really knows what he is doing! The whole nation joins us in asking such questions. Every common Indian asks only one question What is the problem Mr. Rahul Gandhi has? Nobody minds Mr. Rahul Gandhi heaping criticism on Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi. But the objection of all is to his belittling Mother India in the process and that too on foreign soil. That is our objection. That is the nations objection. Obviously, Mr. Rahul Gandhi is trying to kick up a base kind of minorityism by stating that the Muslims in India are facing bad treatment by the Government. And in that thoughtless flow of words, he said, in effect, that the condition of the Muslims in India now is like the condition of the Dalits in India in the 1980s. Even a child of four can tell that Mr. Rahul Gandhi has gone off the rocker. For, in the 1980s, his own family and his own party ruled the country. But so thoughtless is Mr. Rahul Gandhi that he refuses to take a pause to think before he says something. Since Mr. Gandhis lectures in the US are being organised by the masterminds of the massive anti-India conspiracy, they also have organised audiences that clap when Mr. Gandhi makes such statements, however thoughtless those may be. The clapping pushes him on and on and a broad grin appears on his face. Obviously, he has no idea how he is being used by anti-India forces. But then, there is another angle as well for the people to ponder over. It is as regards another suspicion that Mr. Rahul Gandhis prime interest is not acquiring political power in India but to defile the countrys image in this or that manner. For, if he had the goal of acquiring political power in the country, he would not have behaved in such a manner to destroy his own popular base of whatever level. This appears to be closest to truth, so to say. For, almost every action of Mr. Rahul Gandhi in India and abroad is aimed at Mr. Narendra Modi as a touch-point but at India as the country. The targets of his diatribe are, therefore, the new and grand building of Parliament, Indias great Armed Forces, Indias ancient culture and tradition ...! Mr. Modi may be one of his political targets, all right, but Mr. Rahul Gandhi leaves the Prime Minister behind and goes deeper into his project of defiling India. What kind of leader is he? -- every one asks today. If a leader finds a sadistic pleasure in defiling the countrys image in foreign countries, if he finds pleasure in urging people of the United States and United Kingdom to save India from the current regime, then he is a person with vile intentions about the country. Girls outshine boysin Mah SSC exam PUNE/LATUR : 151 students score perfect 100 pc THE Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education on Friday declared the Class 10, or SSC, results that saw a pass percentage of 93.83, a drop of nearly 3 points from last year, board officials said. The overall pass percentage stood at 96.94 last year. As many as 151 students, including 108 from the Latur division, from across the State have got 100 per cent. Maintaining the trend, girls yet again outshone boys, posting a pass percentage of 95.87. The pass percentage for boys stood at 92.05. The Kokan division topped the list with 98.11 per cent of students clearing the board exam, while the Nagpur division was at the bottom with a pass percentage of 92.05, said board chairperson Sharad Gosavi. Of the other divisions, Kolhapur posted a pass percentage of 96.73, followed by Pune (95.64), Mumbai (93.66), Aurangabad (93.23), Amaravati (93.22), Latur (92.67), and Nashik (92.22). A total of 15,29,096 students registered for the SSC exam that was held in March-April this year and 14,34,898 students cleared it, they said. While 151 students have got the perfect score, 108 of them are from the Latur division. In Latur city itself, 11 students from Keshavraj School and 9 from Shri Deshikendra Vidyalaya got a cent per cent. HCG Cancer Centres NEXGEN-2.0 on June 4 Business Bureau On completion of six years of operations, HCG Cancer Centre Nagpur is organising NEXGEN-2.0, a conference on Integrating Genomics & Theranostics in Current Oncology Practice on June 4 at Hotel Radisson Blu, Nagpur. It is the sequel to Nexgen-1 which was presided by Dr B S Ajaikumar - Executive Chairman, Healthcare Global Enterprises Ltd. Dr Ajay Mehta, Director and Head of Surgical Oncology, said, HCG is continuously working towards newer technologies in the field of Oncology. Dr Govind Babu - HOD, Medical Oncology, Dr K G Kallur -Director Molecular Imaging, Dr Veena R HOD Histopathology & Digital Pathology, Dr Mithua Ghosh-Director Clinical Diagnostics at Healthcare Global Enterprises Ltd, Bangalore, Dr Ajay Mehta would be deliberating about the latest molecular tests available. One can register on https:// forms.gle /xEcmxUP9srB5VmBWA. I would like to thank President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev for attending the ceremony, the newly elected President of Turkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan said during his swearing-in ceremony, Azernews reports. Once again, I welcome my dear brother President Ilham Aliyev, Erdogan said. Winners of a Chinese speaking and performance event receive awards in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on June 3, 2023. (Xinhua/Wang Ping) ADDIS ABABA, June 3 (Xinhua) -- The "Chinese Bridge" Chinese Proficiency Competition for Ethiopian senior high school and university students was held here on Saturday. The competition is hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Ethiopia, the Confucius Institute at Addis Ababa University (AAU) and Confucius Institute at the federal Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Institute. During the event, contestants were challenged to present a speech and a talent show. A total of 16 students from three Ethiopian universities and six senior high school students attended the annual worldwide Chinese speaking and performance event. Gemechis Melaku, a fourth year Chinese language student at the AAU, received rounds of applause from the audience for his speech and traditional Chinese music performance, and eventually won the category for university students. "I am very happy to have won this competition. This is a very good opportunity to develop our Chinese language skills and further deepen our knowledge and understanding of China and Chinese culture," Gemechis said. Siyane Tadesse, 10th grader at the Bishoftu ODA Boarding School, won the category for senior high school students. "It was very challenging and I was nervous initially but later I became more and more confident. I am so happy for winning," she said. Chinese Ambassador to Ethiopia Zhao Zhiyuan said the contestants will serve as "ambassadors" for deepening the people-to-people bonds between the two countries. "Today, you lovely students express your best wishes for more mature relationships between our two countries by making a speech that themed 'the world is one family,'" Zhao said. Addressing the competition, Terefe Belay, director of Scholarship and International Relations at the Ethiopian Ministry of Education, said Chinese engagement is increasingly serving positive impetus in Ethiopia's education sector, with growing scholarship opportunities for Ethiopian students. He further commended the organizers of the "Chinese Bridge" competition for creating valuable opportunities for Ethiopian students. An Ethiopian student participates in a Chinese speaking and performance event in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on June 3, 2023. (Xinhua/Wang Ping) An Ethiopian student participates in a Chinese speaking and performance event in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on June 3, 2023. (Xinhua/Wang Ping) Mp Rakesh Singh, team win accolades from PM for restoration of stepwells Staff Reporter Member of Parliament Rakesh Singh along with a number of party workers and volunteers have been making tireless efforts for restoration and cleaning of stepwells in the city under Gatiman Bharat programme, on completion of 9 years of BJP Government in the Centre under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. On Friday, MP Singh along with party workers cleaned a stepwell in Garha area. Ongoing efforts of MP Singh, on Friday got acclamation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who on his official Twitter handle wrote Commendable efforts! The spirit of participation in water conservation in Jabalpur is inspiring for everyone. MP Singh expressed happiness on the Prime Ministers appreciation about the water conservation endeavors in Jabalpur. He said this is the second time the Prime Minister has recognised their efforts, the first being for the development and beautification work of the Sangram Sagar lake. He emphasised that PM Modi has consistently inspired people in the realm of water conservation and highlighted his dedication to environment. MP Singh appealed everyone to learn from the Prime Ministers extensive knowledge on the subject. Telangana per capita income soars to Rs 3.17 lakh: KCR HYDERABAD, TELANGANAS per capita income grew to Rs 3.17 lakh from Rs 1.24 lakh, even as the Gross State Domestic Product went up to Rs 13 lakh crore from a little over Rs 5 lakh crore in the past nine years, Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao said on Friday. Narrating Telanganas achievements since its formation on June 2, 2014, Rao after hoisting the national flag at the Secretariat said the States installed power generation capacity increased to 18,453 MW from 7,778 MW nine years ago. In 2014, the per capita income of Telangana was only Rs 1,24,104. With the progress achieved by the Telangana Government, today the per capita income of our State has increased to Rs 3,17,115. Telangana, which is only 10 years old, is better than the big States in the country in terms of per capita income, KCR, as Rao is also known, said. In 2014, the GSDP value of the State was only Rs 5,05,849 crore, but today the States GSDP has increased to Rs 12,93,469 crore as all sectors of the State are financially supported, he further said. According to him, the State has achieved 115 per cent growth in GSDP despite crises such as COVID-19 pandemic and demonetisation in 2016. President, PM greet people on Telangana State Formation Day: PRESIDENT Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted the people of Telangana on the 10th State Formation Day while State Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan, Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao and Union Minister for Tourism G Kishan Reddy separately hoisted the national flag on the occasion here. Telangana was carved out of Andhra Pradesh following a decades-long agitation and accorded statehood on this day in 2014. Murmu greeted the people of Telangana on its statehood day and said the beautiful State is emerging as a hub of innovation. Telangana saddled with Rs 8 lakh crore loans: Union Minister: UNION Minister for Tourism G Kishan Reddy slammed the K Chandrasekhar Rao-led BRS Government for plunging Telangana into a debt trap on the back of alleged rampant corruption and suicides of farmers. After hoisting the national flag at the historic Golconda Fort on Telanganas 10th State Formation Day, Reddy said Telangana borrowed over Rs 8 lakh crore worth loans from various organisations. Norwalk Police Department / Contributed Pho UPDATE: Norwalk police say they have located the owners of the "Ocean Pearl." NORWALK Police are trying to find the owner of a boat that was found abandoned on the Five Mile River, the Norwalk Police Department said Friday. WEST HAVEN A woman who says she was attacked in her home at the public housing authority's Surfside apartments has filed a federal lawsuit against the city, the housing authority, the landlord of the building and the man charged in the sexual assault. Giani Morales recently rejected a plea deal of 20 years of imprisonment and is expected to take the criminal case to trial. He has pleaded not guilty to three felonies home invasion, first-degree burglary and first-degree sexual assault as well as misdemeanor third-degree assault of an elderly victim. At the time of the alleged incident, Morales was 27 and the victim was 74. An attorney for Savin Rock LLC and Savin Rock Communities did not respond to a request for comment. Lee Tiernan, West Haven's corporation counsel, declined to comment on the pending litigation. The victim, who is referred to in court documents as Jane Doe, accused the defendants of negligence, alleging that gaps in security in the public housing building left residents vulnerable and unsafe in violation of the lease agreement. The complaint calls for a jury trial to consider punitive and compensatory damages. In the aftermath of the alleged assault, residents called for stricter security measures from the housing authority, with many claiming they had felt unsafe and vulnerable for years by what they characterized as lax security measures. Morales, a Massachusetts resident with no known connection to the Surfside apartments or any of its residents, police have said, is accused of exposing himself to the victim near the elevators on her floor before shoving her back inside her apartment and sexually assaulting her, according to the suit. The victim claims she attempted to fight off Morales who eventually passed out in the apartment, allowing the woman and her dog to escape the apartment, the lawsuit stated. In the aftermath, she was hospitalized from a stress-induced heart attack, according to the lawsuit. Judge Maureen Dennis, who presided over Morales' arraignment, described the charges as "one of the most appalling scenarios that I have read in a police report in the 25-plus years that I have been a judge." Morales' next scheduled court date is July 11 in Milford. ST. LOUIS Authorities in St. Louis announced the arrest of a suspect relative to two assaults that occurred on MetroLink trains last week, including one that involved a Glen Carbon couple in which the husband and a friend were seriously injured. Antione Robertson, 31, was arrested and charged with two counts of assault second degree, one count of assault third degree, one count of assault fourth degree and two counts of trespassing first degree, according to Sgt. Charles Wall of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department. Police announced Robertson's arrest on Saturday evening. The allegations against Robertson are in connection with a May 29 assault about 9:54 p.m. on the MetroLink train at the Eighth and Pine streets station and an assault on a MetroLink train May 30 about 9:20 p.m. at the Laclede's Landing station, 115 Washington in St. Louis. Police said two people were hurt in the May 29 incident, while one was assaulted on May 30. The May 29 incident involved Glen Carbon residents Deyon Kunselman and her husband Lee, who were on the MetroLink headed to St. Louis for dinner with friends, a couple from Belleville. Deyon told the Intelligencer on Thursday that four or five men, described as young, tall, thin and African American, attacked Lee Kunselman and their friend Paul as Deyon and Paul's wife, Becky, looked on helplessly. Deyon said Lee was recovering from a concussion and other injuries. "My husband had his head stomped on several times as I watched and could do nothing about it. My husband has a concussion with multiple stitches and can't work," Deyon said. He still cant see out of his left eye. Paul was left with injuries including a broken nose and fractured eye socket, according to Deyon. On Friday afternoon, a Metro police spokesperson confirmed that authorities received a call for "assault just occurred" in the 800 block of Olive Street at 9:54 p.m. May 29 regarding a victim being assaulted by several juveniles. The incident report listed that the occurrence was in the 300 block of North Eighth Street, but the report was still in progress at that time. Deyon said she did not know what prompted the attack on her group. "We just got up out of our seats, we were leaving, trying to exit the train, and one gentleman pushed my husband down, the fight started, Deyon said. She called 911 but said she never saw emergency personnel at the station. We rushed our husbands to the hospital. We did not wait around, Deyon told the Intelligencer on Thursday. My husband wanted to get out of St. Louis." In all parts of Illinois, mental health awareness and treatment is a public issue like it has never been before. On behalf of frontline care providers, we welcome the attention and call for the support that must follow. The Illinois Psychiatric Society represents psychiatrists and psychiatric practices across the state, where our members work in private and public settings, see adult and child patients every day, and have the experience, training, and mindset to help people struggling with all forms of mental health challenges. Blueprint for better mental health care Increase equitable access Improve systems of care Increase prevention efforts See More Collapse We are encouraged by the renewed focus at the State Capitol in Springfield and across the state to bring mental health care into the spotlight. Gov. J.B. Pritzkers ambitious plans to transform behavioral health services for children, and to coordinate state agencies and higher education institutions behind the new Behavioral Health Workforce Education Center to improve recruitment of professionals are welcome steps forward. Our mental health care system is in crisis, with access to equal, quality, affordable care a challenge nearly everywhere. We propose a true team approach to the problem. We offer here a blueprint of policy ideas we believe will help address the challenge comprehensively and effectively. Our first pillar calls for increasing equitable access. Many people in rural, minority, and low-income communities have some of the greatest needs, yet they have the greatest challenges to see those needs met. Illinois policymakers should promote more collaborative care programs, where mental health professionals consult directly with primary care physicians to address patients physical and mental needs. We should increase and improve laws promoting telehealth which, since the COVID-19 pandemic, has become an increasingly popular option for patients who live many miles from the nearest provider. We can also add more psychiatrists through funding of more residency training slots right here in Illinois, rather than watching promising students go elsewhere to practice. Incentives will encourage more providers to work in underserved areas. Smart changes to the administrative side of our practices full parity for psychiatric treatment, streamlined medication prior authorizations, and improved mental health court equity and access will provide the support psychiatrists and other mental health professionals need to succeed. Our second pillar focuses on systems of care, where all mental health providers work together to meet patients varied needs. When one piece of the system is weak, or when providers work outside their area of expertise, the entire system struggles and ultimately patient care suffers. Here, we believe stronger communication and coordination is key. Patients often see different providers along their mental health journey. Those providers state agencies, public entities, private providers should work better together to share medical records and insight into patient analysis and recognize the strengths each bring to helping meet patients needs. We need to ensure all levels of care are properly staffed to handle all issues ranging from one-on-one counseling to preventing acts of violence. Our third pillar might be the most consequential to address our crisis: prevention. We go to the dentist and the doctor regularly for checkups and screenings, or if something just doesnt quite feel right. Yet too often in our mental health, we wait too long to seek professional help. The problems get worse as we put off the visit out of fear, embarrassment, or denial. We believe helping youth understand the importance of mental health care early in life is critical for widespread adoption of prevention. Increased public education programs on mental health, increased and regular screenings in pediatric and school settings, stronger parent and family engagement in preventative care all these steps will help students see their mental health as they do their physical health, and develop the good habits that will undoubtedly spare pain and struggle later. We need to recognize the need to promote caring for ones complete health, as nutrition and physical illness highly affect one's mental health. We thank Gov. Pritzkers team and state legislators for recognizing mental and behavioral health as critical needs that must be addressed now. Together, we will work to establish the progress we need to help all Illinoisans live healthier lives and move past the stigmas and fear that drive people from the care they need to get better. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Suherdjoko (The Jakarta Post) Semarang Sat, June 3, 2023 Thirty-two Buddhist monks have finally arrived in Magelang, Central Java, home of the famous Borobudur temple, where they plan to join ceremonies to celebrate Waisak that marks the birth, enlightenment and death of Gautama Buddha, on Sunday. The group began their long-distance pilgrimage, also known as thudong, at the end of March from Nakhon Si Thammarat, southern Thailand, walking for 10 days to Malaysia and then for 29 days to Singapore. They later crossed the Singapore Strait to Batam, Riau Islands, on May 8. On the next day, they traveled by plane to Jakarta and walked to the Borobudur temple. 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 Issam Ahmed (Agence France-Presse) (The Jakarta Post) Washington Sat, June 3 2023 The truth is out there but we are going to need to look harder. Scientists at NASA's first ever public meeting on "unidentified anomalous phenomena", more commonly called UFOs, called on Wednesday for a more rigorous scientific approach to clarify the origin of hundreds of mysterious sightings. The space agency announced last year it was analyzing observations in the sky that can't be identified as aerial or natural phenomena a subject that has long fascinated the public but was shunned by mainstream science. An independent team of 16 scientists are due to report their findings in a report by the end of July, with Wednesday's working meeting a forum for its final deliberations. 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 SYDNEY, June 3 (Xinhua) -- The Australian Federal Police said on Friday that three men were arrested in relation to a transnational crime syndicate that attempted to smuggle more than 800 kg of cocaine into Australia. According to a police statement, on May 24, the Western Australia (WA) Police Force and Volunteer Marine Rescue WA assisted the crew of a 10-meter cabin cruiser in distress near Rottnest Island, about 22 km off the coast of Fremantle. Three men on board told police that they encountered engine trouble, but appeared to have limited boating experience. After searching the vessel, police officers found 29 suspicious packages submerged in a water-filled ballast tank. Each of them contains numerous blocks of white powder, which returned positive results for cocaine. Two men were arrested on Wednesday and taken into custody in Perth, while the third was arrested in Sydney as he tried to board a flight overseas. The trio, aged 21, 25, and 29, were charged with attempting to import a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug. Police noted that they could face a maximum penalty of life imprisonment if convicted. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Reuters Singapore Sat, June 3, 2023 09:15 2 5fceed71997e5776a1634d25dc7bb294 2 Asia and Pacific Anthony-Albanese,Australia,China,US,AUKUS,diplomacy,Shangri-La-Dialogue,Singapore Free Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Friday called for greater engagement between the United States and China, saying a breakdown in dialogue between the superpowers could have devastating consequences for the world. The relationship between the United States and China is at its lowest point in decades, as they remain deeply divided over everything from the sovereignty of Taiwan to cyber espionage and territorial disputes in the South China Sea. Speaking at the opening of the Shangri-La Dialogue security summit in Singapore, Albanese said he supported US President Joe Biden's efforts to open channels of communication with China. "If you dont have the pressure valve of dialogue ... then there is always a much greater risk of assumptions spilling over into irretrievable action and reaction," Albanese told a ballroom packed with defence officials and diplomats from around the world. "The consequences of such a breakdown whether in the Taiwan Strait or elsewhere - would not be confined to the big powers or the site of their conflict, they would be devastating for the world," he added. Intensifying competition between the US and China is expected to dominate proceedings at the summit. China's Minister of National Defence Li Shangfu had this week declined an invitation to meet there with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. On Friday, the two shook hands on the sidelines of the conference but the two did not have a "substantive exchange," the Pentagon said. Austin is set to address the summit on Saturday before Li delivers his own speech on Sunday. Albanese's comments come as Australia is seeking to stabilise its own relationship with China after a three-year diplomatic freeze and trade blocks that Beijing is now easing. China buys the bulk of Australia's valuable iron ore and is its biggest trading partner. "We have an improved relationship with China, we want to cooperate where we can with China," Albanese said. "The dialogue had broken down; now there is dialogue." The United States is Australia's biggest security ally, and Beijing has criticised a deal announced in March to buy US nuclear-powered submarines. Australia is set to spend A$368 billion ($250 billion) over three decades on the submarine programme, part of a broader security pact with the US and Britain known as AUKUS. Australia is also part of the Five Eyes intelligence collection and sharing network, along with the US, Britain, Canada and New Zealand a grouping that Chinese officials say is part of the Wests lingering cold war mentality and an attempt to contain its rise. "In boosting our nation's defence capability, Australia's goal is not to prepare for war, but to prevent it through deterrence and reassurance and building resilience in the region," Albanese said. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Reuters Singapore Sat, June 3, 2023 10:15 2 c50f50c3e1b4ab124a8b6ef95a3531f5 2 Europe Ukraine,Singapore,NATO,Britain,Shangri-La-Dialogue,defense,military,Russia Free Britain supports adding Ukraine to NATO and "that path is open" to them, although political realities may slow the process, Defence Minister Ben Wallace said on Friday on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue security meetings in Singapore. He noted that it is not possible to add members in the middle of a war, and that the way forward was to continue aiding and arming Ukraine for both short- and long-term security. "The best thing we can do to help Ukraine is now to help them defeat Russia," Wallace said in an interview. "After that is to make sure they're ready and capable and resilient." Ukraine's membership of NATO, the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, is on the agenda for the group's July summit in Vilnius, Lithuania. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said Kyiv wanted "a clear decision" on its accession at the summit. Hanna Shelest, director of Ukrainian Prism, a think tank specialising in foreign policy and international security, said in Singapore that NATO membership would be a political decision. "We are not expecting to see a strong decision (about Ukraines membership) at Vilnius," said Shelest, who is based in Ukraine. "But at a minimum we are hoping for a detailed roadmap." Britain has, alongside other Western allies, provided Ukraine with billions of dollars' worth of assistance and weapons after Russia's invasion, which Moscow calls a "special operation". Most recently, London supplied Storm Shadow cruise missiles, which Wallace said had been 100 percent successful in striking targets. Security assurances for Ukraine are also in play, Wallace said, noting that such guarantees could range from mutual defence pacts to providing arms and ammunition. There were few downsides to doing so, he added. In Asia, he said Britain was committed to supporting the United States and its allies, and to maintaining freedom of navigation on the oceans. He noted that Britain had two warships in the region, and "that will inevitably grow". He noted that helping Australia develop its next generation of submarines through the AUKUS agreement alongside the United States "is incredibly important for us all". "The rise of China, the scale of China's military investment, inevitably ... encourages like-minded allies both in the region and indeed the world to work together even more." Chinese Defence Minister Li Shangfu declined an invitation to meet US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin in Singapore. Wallace, whose has been mentioned as a possible successor to NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, said that he "wouldn't say no if he was offered it", but that it was up to members to decide. Longtime Lower East Side resident, photographer and community culture czar Clayton Patterson has a show opening tomorrow as part of the Photoville Festival 2023. Clayton Pattersons Front Door: Residents and Writers is being presented by Abrons Arts Center and features rarely-seen images from Pattersons Front Door series. The collection includes portraits taken in front of his 161 Essex Street studio from the mid-1980s to early 2000s. Known as the Wall of Fame, the door served as an important canvas for neighborhood graffiti artists and as a backdrop for Pattersons portraits of locals. The photos will be installed on the exterior gates of LES Coleman Skate Park at the corner of Monroe and Pike Streets, and the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Park at 216 E Broadway. On Saturday, June 3 from 46pm, there is an opening reception at the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Park to celebrate the exhibition. Photo by Clayton Patterson. Image courtesy of the artist. Additionally, you can stop by and pose for a portrait session with Patterson at the LES Skate Park on Sunday, June 11, from 1-3pm. A pop-up photobooth will be on site for Harold Hunter Day. Hunter was a celebrated member of New York Citys skateboarding community and an actor featured in Larry Clarks movie, Kids, who died in 2006. In tribute to his memory, Harold Hunter Day draws more than 1,000 skaters from around the world to LES Skate Park for contests, giveaways, and live music. American Business Bank (OTCMKTS:AMBZ Get Rating) shares passed below its fifty day moving average during trading on Thursday . The stock has a fifty day moving average of $31.55 and traded as low as $28.25. American Business Bank shares last traded at $28.35, with a volume of 41,345 shares traded. American Business Bank Stock Up 0.9 % The stock has a market capitalization of $257.40 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 5.05 and a beta of 0.77. The businesss 50-day moving average is $31.41 and its two-hundred day moving average is $36.91. Get American Business Bank alerts: American Business Bank (OTCMKTS:AMBZ Get Rating) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Friday, April 28th. The financial services provider reported $1.42 earnings per share for the quarter. The business had revenue of $34.59 million for the quarter. About American Business Bank American Business Bank engages in the provision of financial services. Its services include deposit services, treasury management, credit services, consulting and referral services, personalized banking, and international banking. The company was founded by Robert F. Schack, Robin C. Paterson, Trent D. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for American Business Bank Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for American Business Bank and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Auto Trader Group plc (LON:AUTO Get Rating) announced a dividend on Thursday, June 1st, Upcoming.Co.Uk reports. Investors of record on Thursday, August 24th will be paid a dividend of GBX 5.60 ($0.07) per share on Friday, September 22nd. This represents a dividend yield of 0.89%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, August 24th. This is an increase from Auto Trader Groups previous dividend of $2.80. The official announcement can be viewed at this link. Auto Trader Group Stock Up 1.4 % Shares of LON AUTO opened at GBX 617 ($7.62) on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.50, a current ratio of 1.61 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 15.76. Auto Trader Group has a 52 week low of GBX 479.80 ($5.93) and a 52 week high of GBX 681 ($8.42). The firm has a 50-day moving average price of GBX 622.30 and a 200 day moving average price of GBX 591.45. The stock has a market capitalization of 5.65 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 2,373.08, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.99 and a beta of 0.61. Get Auto Trader Group alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of brokerages have issued reports on AUTO. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upgraded shares of Auto Trader Group to a neutral rating and lifted their target price for the stock from GBX 550 ($6.80) to GBX 630 ($7.79) in a research report on Tuesday, April 4th. Citigroup reiterated a neutral rating on shares of Auto Trader Group in a report on Wednesday, February 8th. Finally, Barclays reiterated an overweight rating and set a GBX 725 ($8.96) price target on shares of Auto Trader Group in a report on Thursday, April 6th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have issued a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of GBX 624.86 ($7.72). Auto Trader Group Company Profile Auto Trader Group plc operates in the digital automotive marketplace in the United Kingdom and Ireland. The company provides vehicle advertisement on its websites for private sellers, as well as insurance and loan financing products to consumers; and display advertising on its websites for manufacturers and their advertising agencies. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Auto Trader Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Auto Trader Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. PagSeguro Digital (NYSE:PAGS Get Rating) had its price target reduced by Barclays from $16.00 to $14.00 in a research note issued to investors on Tuesday, The Fly reports. A number of other analysts have also recently weighed in on the company. Wells Fargo & Company raised their price objective on PagSeguro Digital from $9.50 to $10.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research report on Friday, March 3rd. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered their price objective on PagSeguro Digital from $12.00 to $10.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, April 4th. Citigroup lifted their price target on PagSeguro Digital from $12.00 to $13.50 in a research report on Monday, May 29th. Morgan Stanley lowered their price target on PagSeguro Digital from $15.00 to $14.00 in a research report on Tuesday, April 11th. Finally, Evercore ISI lifted their price target on PagSeguro Digital from $11.00 to $12.00 in a research report on Friday, May 26th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have given a hold rating and six have issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, PagSeguro Digital currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $12.65. Get PagSeguro Digital alerts: PagSeguro Digital Trading Up 0.7 % NYSE:PAGS opened at $10.17 on Tuesday. The company has a market capitalization of $3.35 billion, a P/E ratio of 11.30, a P/E/G ratio of 1.06 and a beta of 1.61. PagSeguro Digital has a 12 month low of $7.51 and a 12 month high of $19.49. The businesss 50-day moving average is $9.94 and its 200 day moving average is $9.46. Institutional Inflows and Outflows PagSeguro Digital ( NYSE:PAGS Get Rating ) last released its earnings results on Thursday, March 2nd. The company reported $0.24 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.22 by $0.02. The firm had revenue of $752.91 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $759.47 million. PagSeguro Digital had a return on equity of 17.06% and a net margin of 9.73%. On average, research analysts forecast that PagSeguro Digital will post 0.96 earnings per share for the current year. Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted its stake in shares of PagSeguro Digital by 144.9% in the 1st quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 1,477,417 shares of the companys stock worth $12,662,000 after acquiring an additional 874,261 shares during the period. New York State Common Retirement Fund raised its holdings in shares of PagSeguro Digital by 43.4% in the 1st quarter. New York State Common Retirement Fund now owns 195,968 shares of the companys stock worth $1,679,000 after purchasing an additional 59,306 shares in the last quarter. Rockefeller Capital Management L.P. raised its holdings in shares of PagSeguro Digital by 1.5% in the 1st quarter. Rockefeller Capital Management L.P. now owns 67,557 shares of the companys stock worth $578,000 after purchasing an additional 1,000 shares in the last quarter. Long Focus Capital Management LLC raised its holdings in shares of PagSeguro Digital by 49.1% in the 1st quarter. Long Focus Capital Management LLC now owns 455,800 shares of the companys stock worth $3,906,000 after purchasing an additional 150,000 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Intrepid Capital Management Inc. raised its holdings in shares of PagSeguro Digital by 3.2% in the 1st quarter. Intrepid Capital Management Inc. now owns 140,365 shares of the companys stock worth $1,203,000 after purchasing an additional 4,290 shares in the last quarter. 52.50% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. About PagSeguro Digital (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. Elastic (NYSE:ESTC Get Rating) updated its FY24 earnings guidance on Thursday. The company provided earnings per share guidance of $0.94-1.06 for the period, compared to the consensus earnings per share estimate of $0.88. The company issued revenue guidance of $1.238-1.250 billion, compared to the consensus revenue estimate of $1.26 billion. Elastic also updated its Q1 guidance to $0.10-0.12 EPS. Analyst Ratings Changes Several research firms have weighed in on ESTC. Royal Bank of Canada increased their target price on Elastic from $71.00 to $84.00 in a research note on Wednesday. Wells Fargo & Company upgraded Elastic from an underweight rating to an equal weight rating and increased their price target for the stock from $55.00 to $67.00 in a report on Friday. Stifel Nicolaus lifted their price objective on Elastic from $60.00 to $70.00 in a report on Friday. Rosenblatt Securities reissued a buy rating and set a $96.00 target price on shares of Elastic in a research note on Wednesday, March 1st. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut their price target on shares of Elastic from $70.00 to $67.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, March 3rd. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eleven have given a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $78.06. Get Elastic alerts: Elastic Stock Performance Elastic stock opened at $72.28 on Friday. Elastic has a 1-year low of $46.18 and a 1-year high of $91.30. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $60.34 and a 200 day simple moving average of $57.86. The company has a quick ratio of 1.89, a current ratio of 1.89 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.47. Insider Activity Elastic ( NYSE:ESTC Get Rating ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, June 1st. The company reported $0.22 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.09 by $0.13. Elastic had a negative net margin of 22.09% and a negative return on equity of 46.75%. The company had revenue of $279.94 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $277.63 million. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted ($0.64) EPS. The companys quarterly revenue was up 17.0% on a year-over-year basis. Sell-side analysts expect that Elastic will post -1.04 EPS for the current fiscal year. In other news, CEO Ashutosh Kulkarni sold 12,098 shares of Elastic stock in a transaction dated Thursday, March 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $58.28, for a total value of $705,071.44. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 343,037 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $19,992,196.36. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. In other Elastic news, CFO Janesh Moorjani sold 3,956 shares of Elastic stock in a transaction dated Thursday, March 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $58.28, for a total value of $230,555.68. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer now owns 178,235 shares in the company, valued at approximately $10,387,535.80. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, CEO Ashutosh Kulkarni sold 12,098 shares of Elastic stock in a transaction dated Thursday, March 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $58.28, for a total transaction of $705,071.44. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 343,037 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $19,992,196.36. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 18,118 shares of company stock valued at $1,055,917 in the last quarter. Company insiders own 18.80% of the companys stock. Institutional Trading of Elastic Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of ESTC. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. raised its stake in Elastic by 17.2% in the 1st quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. now owns 5,780 shares of the companys stock worth $514,000 after purchasing an additional 848 shares in the last quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC increased its holdings in Elastic by 9.5% in the 1st quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC now owns 6,472 shares of the companys stock valued at $576,000 after buying an additional 564 shares during the period. Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan Trust Fund bought a new position in Elastic in the 1st quarter valued at about $295,000. Rhumbline Advisers increased its holdings in Elastic by 3.2% in the 1st quarter. Rhumbline Advisers now owns 72,555 shares of the companys stock valued at $6,454,000 after buying an additional 2,274 shares during the period. Finally, BlackRock Inc. increased its holdings in Elastic by 4.8% in the 1st quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 5,616,149 shares of the companys stock valued at $499,557,000 after buying an additional 259,742 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 78.40% of the companys stock. About Elastic (Get Rating) Elastic NV engages in the provision of open-source search and analytics engine services. It offers Elastic Stack, a set of software products that ingest and store data from various sources and formats, as well as perform search, analysis, and visualization. The firms Elastic Stack product comprises Elasticsearch, a distributed, real-time search and analytics engine, and data store for various types of data, including textual, numerical, geospatial, structured, and unstructured, Kibana, a user interface, management, and configuration interface for the Elastic Stack, Beats, a single-purpose data shippers for sending data from edge machines to Elasticsearch or Logstash, and Logstash, a data processing pipeline for ingesting data into Elasticsearch or other storage systems. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Elastic Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Elastic and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. The Goldman Sachs Group upgraded shares of Lenovo Group (OTCMKTS:LNVGY Get Rating) from a neutral rating to a buy rating in a research note issued to investors on Wednesday, The Fly reports. Several other equities analysts also recently weighed in on the stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upgraded shares of Lenovo Group from a neutral rating to an overweight rating in a report on Friday, March 24th. Morgan Stanley raised shares of Lenovo Group from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating in a research note on Tuesday, May 2nd. Get Lenovo Group alerts: Lenovo Group Stock Performance OTCMKTS:LNVGY opened at $19.38 on Wednesday. The company has a current ratio of 0.90, a quick ratio of 0.64 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.67. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $20.52 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $18.21. Lenovo Group has a twelve month low of $13.51 and a twelve month high of $22.34. The company has a market capitalization of $11.75 billion, a P/E ratio of 7.66, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.97 and a beta of 0.98. Lenovo Group Company Profile Lenovo Group Limited, an investment holding company, develops, manufactures, and markets technology products and services. It operates through Intelligent Devices Group, Infrastructure Solutions Group, and Solutions and Services Group segments. The company offers commercial and consumer personal computers, as well as servers and workstations; and a family of mobile Internet devices, including tablets and smartphones. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Lenovo Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Lenovo Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. National Australia Bank Limited (ASX:NABPI Get Rating) announced a interim dividend on Thursday, June 1st, MarketIndexAU reports. Investors of record on Sunday, June 18th will be paid a dividend of 1.232 per share on Sunday, June 18th. This represents a yield of 1.22%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, June 5th. This is a positive change from National Australia Banks previous interim dividend of $1.07. National Australia Bank Stock Performance About National Australia Bank (Get Rating) National Australia Bank Limited provides financial services to individuals and businesses in Australia, New Zealand, and internationally. It operates through Business and Private Banking; Personal Banking; Corporate and Institutional Banking; New Zealand Banking; and Corporate Functions and Other segments. See Also Receive News & Ratings for National Australia Bank Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for National Australia Bank and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. KABUL, June 3 (Xinhua) -- After a delay for more than two months, the Afghan caretaker government has approved the national budget for the fiscal year 1402 on the Persian calendar starting March 21, government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said on Saturday. The budget was delayed because the work on the formation process was ongoing and had to be finalized before the budget could be approved, Mujahid said. The spokesman did not provide details about the exact amount of the budget, but said it will come into effect soon. The caretaker government set the last fiscal year's budget at 231.4 billion Afghanis (26.9 billion U.S. dollars). Nabors Industries Ltd. (NYSE:NBR Get Rating) Equities research analysts at Zacks Research dropped their Q2 2023 EPS estimates for shares of Nabors Industries in a report issued on Wednesday, May 31st. Zacks Research analyst N. Choudhury now forecasts that the oil and gas company will post earnings of $1.74 per share for the quarter, down from their prior forecast of $1.95. The consensus estimate for Nabors Industries current full-year earnings is $8.67 per share. Zacks Research also issued estimates for Nabors Industries Q3 2023 earnings at $2.62 EPS, Q4 2023 earnings at $3.91 EPS, FY2023 earnings at $7.71 EPS, Q1 2024 earnings at $3.90 EPS, Q2 2024 earnings at $4.07 EPS, Q3 2024 earnings at $5.44 EPS, Q4 2024 earnings at $5.15 EPS, FY2024 earnings at $18.56 EPS and Q1 2025 earnings at $5.10 EPS. Get Nabors Industries alerts: Several other brokerages have also commented on NBR. Morgan Stanley upgraded shares of Nabors Industries from an underweight rating to an equal weight rating and decreased their price objective for the stock from $175.00 to $165.00 in a report on Tuesday, April 18th. Susquehanna dropped their price objective on shares of Nabors Industries from $110.00 to $91.00 in a report on Friday. 888 reissued a maintains rating on shares of Nabors Industries in a report on Wednesday, April 26th. StockNews.com downgraded shares of Nabors Industries from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday, May 26th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada decreased their target price on shares of Nabors Industries from $195.00 to $176.00 in a research note on Wednesday, April 26th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have issued a hold rating and one has issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Nabors Industries presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $152.29. Nabors Industries Price Performance Institutional Investors Weigh In On Nabors Industries NBR stock opened at $96.40 on Thursday. Nabors Industries has a one year low of $83.05 and a one year high of $193.88. The stock has a market cap of $919.66 million, a PE ratio of -6.44 and a beta of 2.77. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $104.90 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $136.86. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 4.40, a current ratio of 1.87 and a quick ratio of 1.61. Several large investors have recently bought and sold shares of NBR. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased its position in Nabors Industries by 29.1% during the first quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 32,194 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $3,925,000 after acquiring an additional 7,265 shares during the last quarter. KB Financial Partners LLC bought a new position in Nabors Industries during the first quarter valued at $802,000. State Street Corp increased its position in Nabors Industries by 15.2% during the first quarter. State Street Corp now owns 479,970 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $58,512,000 after acquiring an additional 63,266 shares during the last quarter. First Trust Advisors LP grew its holdings in shares of Nabors Industries by 147.1% in the first quarter. First Trust Advisors LP now owns 25,637 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $3,125,000 after purchasing an additional 15,262 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Geode Capital Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of Nabors Industries by 3.9% in the first quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 166,344 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $20,279,000 after purchasing an additional 6,195 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 71.98% of the companys stock. Nabors Industries Company Profile (Get Rating) Nabors Industries Ltd. engages in the provision of platform work over and drilling rigs. It also provides performance tools, directional drilling services, tubular running services, and innovative technologies. It operates through the following business segments: U.S. Drilling, Canada Drilling, International Drilling, Drilling Solutions, and Rig Technologies. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Nabors Industries Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Nabors Industries and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Redde Northgate plc (LON:REDD Get Rating)s stock price crossed below its two hundred day moving average during trading on Wednesday . The stock has a two hundred day moving average of GBX 389.90 ($4.82) and traded as low as GBX 370.94 ($4.58). Redde Northgate shares last traded at GBX 373.50 ($4.62), with a volume of 441,488 shares. Redde Northgate Stock Up 2.3 % The business has a 50-day moving average of GBX 366.90 and a 200-day moving average of GBX 389.78. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 70.94, a quick ratio of 1.21 and a current ratio of 1.24. The stock has a market capitalization of 875.58 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 718.27, a P/E/G ratio of 0.54 and a beta of 1.71. Redde Northgate Company Profile (Get Rating) Redde Northgate plc provides mobility solutions and automotive services in the United Kingdom, Spain, and Ireland. The company offers contact center support, sales, claim processing, customer service, and general insurance products; provides fleet management, rapid response, and recovery management services; and supplies and installs electric vehicle charging equipment. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Redde Northgate Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Redde Northgate and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Elastic (NYSE:ESTC Get Rating) had its target price upped by Royal Bank of Canada from $71.00 to $84.00 in a research note released on Wednesday morning, The Fly reports. Several other equities research analysts have also recently weighed in on the stock. Rosenblatt Securities reiterated a buy rating and set a $96.00 price objective on shares of Elastic in a research report on Wednesday, March 1st. Barclays boosted their price objective on Elastic from $62.00 to $70.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, February 15th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. decreased their target price on Elastic from $70.00 to $67.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Friday, March 3rd. Citigroup cut their price target on Elastic from $90.00 to $75.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, March 2nd. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company raised their price objective on shares of Elastic from $52.00 to $55.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a research report on Friday, March 3rd. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eleven have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Elastic has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $78.06. Get Elastic alerts: Elastic Price Performance ESTC stock opened at $72.28 on Wednesday. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $60.34 and a 200-day moving average price of $57.86. The company has a market capitalization of $6.97 billion, a P/E ratio of -26.77 and a beta of 1.06. Elastic has a 52-week low of $46.18 and a 52-week high of $91.30. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.47, a quick ratio of 1.89 and a current ratio of 1.89. Insider Buying and Selling at Elastic Elastic ( NYSE:ESTC Get Rating ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, June 1st. The company reported $0.22 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.09 by $0.13. The company had revenue of $279.94 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $277.63 million. Elastic had a negative return on equity of 52.03% and a negative net margin of 24.80%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 17.0% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted ($0.64) earnings per share. As a group, equities analysts expect that Elastic will post -1.89 EPS for the current year. In other Elastic news, CEO Ashutosh Kulkarni sold 12,098 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Thursday, March 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $58.28, for a total value of $705,071.44. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 343,037 shares in the company, valued at approximately $19,992,196.36. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In other Elastic news, CFO Janesh Moorjani sold 3,956 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, March 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $58.28, for a total value of $230,555.68. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer now directly owns 178,235 shares in the company, valued at $10,387,535.80. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, CEO Ashutosh Kulkarni sold 12,098 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Thursday, March 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $58.28, for a total value of $705,071.44. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 343,037 shares in the company, valued at $19,992,196.36. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last 90 days, insiders sold 18,118 shares of company stock worth $1,055,917. Insiders own 18.80% of the companys stock. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Elastic Several large investors have recently modified their holdings of ESTC. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. increased its stake in shares of Elastic by 17.2% in the first quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. now owns 5,780 shares of the companys stock worth $514,000 after purchasing an additional 848 shares in the last quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Elastic by 9.5% in the first quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC now owns 6,472 shares of the companys stock worth $576,000 after buying an additional 564 shares in the last quarter. Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan Trust Fund purchased a new stake in shares of Elastic in the first quarter worth about $295,000. Rhumbline Advisers lifted its holdings in shares of Elastic by 3.2% in the first quarter. Rhumbline Advisers now owns 72,555 shares of the companys stock worth $6,454,000 after buying an additional 2,274 shares in the last quarter. Finally, BlackRock Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Elastic by 4.8% in the first quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 5,616,149 shares of the companys stock worth $499,557,000 after buying an additional 259,742 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 78.40% of the companys stock. Elastic Company Profile (Get Rating) Elastic NV engages in the provision of open-source search and analytics engine services. It offers Elastic Stack, a set of software products that ingest and store data from various sources and formats, as well as perform search, analysis, and visualization. The firms Elastic Stack product comprises Elasticsearch, a distributed, real-time search and analytics engine, and data store for various types of data, including textual, numerical, geospatial, structured, and unstructured, Kibana, a user interface, management, and configuration interface for the Elastic Stack, Beats, a single-purpose data shippers for sending data from edge machines to Elasticsearch or Logstash, and Logstash, a data processing pipeline for ingesting data into Elasticsearch or other storage systems. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Elastic Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Elastic and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Sands Capital Management LLC increased its holdings in Zoetis Inc. (NYSE:ZTS Get Rating) by 1.3% during the 4th quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 473,934 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 5,916 shares during the period. Sands Capital Management LLC owned about 0.10% of Zoetis worth $69,455,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the company. Nelson Van Denburg & Campbell Wealth Management Group LLC lifted its holdings in Zoetis by 430.8% in the 1st quarter. Nelson Van Denburg & Campbell Wealth Management Group LLC now owns 138 shares of the companys stock valued at $26,000 after purchasing an additional 112 shares in the last quarter. Worth Asset Management LLC purchased a new position in Zoetis in the 1st quarter valued at about $26,000. Psagot Value Holdings Ltd. Israel acquired a new position in shares of Zoetis during the 3rd quarter valued at about $25,000. EWG Elevate Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Zoetis during the 4th quarter valued at about $27,000. Finally, IAG Wealth Partners LLC acquired a new stake in Zoetis during the 4th quarter worth approximately $29,000. 90.23% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Zoetis alerts: Insider Activity at Zoetis In related news, EVP Roxanne Lagano sold 4,338 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, April 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of $175.94, for a total value of $763,227.72. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 26,357 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,637,250.58. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. 0.12% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Zoetis Stock Performance Several brokerages have issued reports on ZTS. Barclays increased their price objective on shares of Zoetis from $250.00 to $260.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Tuesday, February 21st. Bank Of America (Bofa) increased their target price on Zoetis from $180.00 to $200.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, April 11th. StockNews.com assumed coverage on Zoetis in a research note on Thursday, May 18th. They set a buy rating for the company. Finally, Piper Sandler reduced their target price on Zoetis from $220.00 to $210.00 in a research note on Monday, May 8th. Nine investment analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating, Based on data from MarketBeat, Zoetis presently has an average rating of Buy and a consensus price target of $221.14. Shares of ZTS traded up $5.88 during trading hours on Friday, reaching $171.88. 3,056,310 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 2,102,162. The firm has a market capitalization of $79.43 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 38.80, a P/E/G ratio of 2.68 and a beta of 0.77. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.46, a current ratio of 3.27 and a quick ratio of 1.94. Zoetis Inc. has a twelve month low of $124.15 and a twelve month high of $187.82. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $173.54 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $163.62. Zoetis (NYSE:ZTS Get Rating) last released its earnings results on Thursday, May 4th. The company reported $1.31 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.27 by $0.04. The firm had revenue of $2 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.02 billion. Zoetis had a return on equity of 50.26% and a net margin of 25.59%. Zoetiss revenue was up .7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $1.32 earnings per share. Analysts predict that Zoetis Inc. will post 5.4 earnings per share for the current year. Zoetis Announces Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 1st. Investors of record on Friday, July 21st will be given a $0.375 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, July 20th. This represents a $1.50 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.87%. Zoetiss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 33.86%. About Zoetis (Get Rating) Zoetis, Inc engages in the discovery, development, manufacture, and commercialization of medicines, vaccines, diagnostic products and services, biodevices, genetic tests, and precision animal health technology. The firm operates through the United States and International geographical segments. The United States segment is involved in U.S. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Zoetis Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Zoetis and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. TELUS (TSE:T Get Rating) (NYSE:TU) had its price target cut by Scotiabank from C$31.00 to C$29.50 in a research report report published on Wednesday, BayStreet.CA reports. Several other equities analysts have also commented on the stock. BMO Capital Markets upped their price objective on shares of TELUS from C$32.00 to C$33.00 in a report on Friday, May 5th. Cormark decreased their price objective on shares of TELUS from C$33.00 to C$32.00 in a report on Friday, May 5th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut their target price on shares of TELUS from C$36.00 to C$33.00 in a research note on Monday, February 13th. Canaccord Genuity Group cut their target price on shares of TELUS from C$33.00 to C$32.00 in a research note on Friday, May 5th. Finally, TD Securities upped their target price on shares of TELUS from C$31.00 to C$32.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Friday, May 5th. Seven investment analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating, Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus target price of C$32.17. Get TELUS alerts: TELUS Stock Performance TSE:T opened at C$25.73 on Wednesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 152.41, a current ratio of 0.75 and a quick ratio of 0.52. The firm has a market capitalization of C$37.31 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 25.23, a PEG ratio of 2.74 and a beta of 0.67. The companys 50-day moving average is C$27.63 and its two-hundred day moving average is C$27.66. TELUS has a 1-year low of C$25.33 and a 1-year high of C$32.03. TELUS Increases Dividend TELUS Company Profile The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, July 4th. Investors of record on Friday, June 9th will be paid a dividend of $0.364 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, June 8th. This represents a $1.46 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 5.66%. This is a boost from TELUSs previous quarterly dividend of $0.35. TELUSs dividend payout ratio is currently 142.16%. (Get Rating) TELUS Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, provides a range of telecommunications and information technology products and services in Canada. It operates through Technology Solutions and Digitally-Led Customer Experiences segments. The Technology Solutions segment offers a range of telecommunications products and services; network revenue; mobile technologies equipment sale; data revenues, such as internet protocol; television; hosting, managed information technology, and cloud-based services; software, data management, and data analytics-driven smart food-chain technologies; home and business security; healthcare software and technology solutions; and voice and other telecommunications services. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for TELUS Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for TELUS and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. StockNews.com began coverage on shares of China Yuchai International (NYSE:CYD Get Rating) in a report released on Wednesday. The brokerage issued a hold rating on the stock. Separately, Greenridge Global reissued a buy rating on shares of China Yuchai International in a research note on Tuesday, February 28th. Get China Yuchai International alerts: China Yuchai International Price Performance Shares of China Yuchai International stock opened at $9.09 on Wednesday. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $7.76 and a 200 day simple moving average of $7.95. China Yuchai International has a 12 month low of $6.73 and a 12 month high of $11.05. The company has a quick ratio of 1.08, a current ratio of 1.52 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.02. Institutional Trading of China Yuchai International China Yuchai International Company Profile Several hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. UBS Group AG boosted its stake in China Yuchai International by 2.3% in the 4th quarter. UBS Group AG now owns 95,400 shares of the companys stock worth $675,000 after purchasing an additional 2,182 shares during the period. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC lifted its stake in China Yuchai International by 293.6% in the 3rd quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 3,397 shares of the companys stock valued at $25,000 after acquiring an additional 2,534 shares in the last quarter. BlackRock Inc. lifted its stake in China Yuchai International by 0.9% in the 1st quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 296,320 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,338,000 after acquiring an additional 2,602 shares in the last quarter. Royal Bank of Canada lifted its stake in China Yuchai International by 1,245.3% in the 1st quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 3,000 shares of the companys stock valued at $35,000 after acquiring an additional 2,777 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Shell Asset Management Co. lifted its stake in China Yuchai International by 36.8% in the 3rd quarter. Shell Asset Management Co. now owns 14,383 shares of the companys stock valued at $105,000 after acquiring an additional 3,869 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 19.69% of the companys stock. (Get Rating) China Yuchai International Ltd. is a holding company, which engages in the manufacture, assembly, and sale of light, medium, and heavy-duty engines for trucks, buses, passenger vehicles, construction equipment, marine, and agriculture applications. It operates through the following segments: Yuchai, HL Global Enterprises Limited (HLGE), and Corporate. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for China Yuchai International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for China Yuchai International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Virgin Money UK PLC (LON:VMUK Get Rating) have been assigned an average rating of Hold from the seven brokerages that are currently covering the firm, MarketBeat.com reports. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the company. The average 1-year price target among brokerages that have covered the stock in the last year is GBX 209 ($2.58). Several equities research analysts have issued reports on VMUK shares. Barclays dropped their price target on Virgin Money UK from GBX 230 ($2.84) to GBX 200 ($2.47) and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research note on Friday, April 21st. Berenberg Bank lifted their price target on Virgin Money UK from GBX 170 ($2.10) to GBX 195 ($2.41) and gave the stock a hold rating in a research note on Friday, February 3rd. Citigroup reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of Virgin Money UK in a research note on Friday, March 10th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada boosted their target price on Virgin Money UK from GBX 205 ($2.53) to GBX 220 ($2.72) and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research note on Tuesday, May 9th. Get Virgin Money UK alerts: Virgin Money UK Stock Up 3.4 % Virgin Money UK stock opened at GBX 156.30 ($1.93) on Friday. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of GBX 150.87 and a 200 day simple moving average of GBX 167.75. Virgin Money UK has a 52 week low of GBX 117.25 ($1.45) and a 52 week high of GBX 200 ($2.47). The stock has a market cap of 2.14 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 459.71, a PEG ratio of -0.56 and a beta of 1.97. Virgin Money UK Cuts Dividend Insider Activity at Virgin Money UK The firm also recently declared a dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, June 21st. Investors of record on Thursday, May 18th will be issued a dividend of GBX 3.30 ($0.04) per share. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, May 18th. This represents a yield of 2.15%. Virgin Money UKs dividend payout ratio is presently 3,235.29%. In other news, insider Sara Weller bought 20,000 shares of Virgin Money UK stock in a transaction on Friday, May 26th. The shares were purchased at an average price of GBX 152 ($1.88) per share, for a total transaction of 30,400 ($37,567.97). 18.47% of the stock is owned by company insiders. About Virgin Money UK (Get Rating) Virgin Money UK PLC provides banking products and services for consumers, and small and medium sized businesses under the Clydesdale Bank, Yorkshire Bank, and Virgin Money brands in the United Kingdom. The company offers savings and current accounts, mortgages, credit cards, and home loans; business loans, overdraft facilities, treasury solutions, and corporate and structured finance; asset and invoice finance services; risk management; international trade services; and home, car, and life and critical illness insurance products. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Virgin Money UK Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Virgin Money UK and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Zelenskyy fears Trumps potential return to the White House WSJ 3 June, 04:20 PM Zelenskyy doubts that Trump would really be able to stop Russian aggression (Photo: The Wall Street Journal) In such a situation, when support is in place, you fear changes. Ill tell you honestly, when you talk about a change in administration... How do I feel about it? Like any person. You want change for the better, but it can be different, explained the head of state. Regarding Trumps statements claiming that he could stop Russias aggression against Ukraine within a day, Zelenskyy stated that the former US president had the opportunity to halt Russian aggression but failed to take any action. Video of day Of course, we want to end the war as soon as possible. It is not related to the administration (of the US president). Whether it remains the same or changes. President Biden is the president during a full-scale war, and he has helped us more than President Trump. If we talk about the administration, said Zelenskyy. However, we must understand that there was no full-scale war at that time. I dont know how Trump would have acted. I dont understand why Donald Trump said, I would have seated Putin and Zelenskyy (at the negotiating table) within 24 hours and ended the war. Well, he could have done that when he was (the US president). But it didnt happen. Yes, the issue was not as acute at that time because there was no full-scale invasion, if we analyze it. However, our territories were nevertheless occupied, emphasized the Ukrainian leader. Former President Donald Trump was impeached by the U.S. Congress for withholding military aid to Ukraine in an effort to force President Zelenskyy to open a criminal investigation into his political rival current U.S. President Joe Biden. 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 In the light of the policy direction of the new administration, the Group Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Exchange Group, Oscar Onyema, expressed optimism that foreign investors will return to Nigerias capital market. Onyema disclosed this during the ongoing International Court of Arbitration Africa Conference on International Arbitration in Lagos. All these comments are the right noise for money. Money goes to the least resistant places where it can get the best risk adjustment returns and without unnecessary hassles because there is competition across the globe. On what we have seen in the last eight years, there has been an outflow of foreign portfolio investments predominantly but with these policy changes, you can begin to understand why we are very optimistic that these flows will come back and with it, attract additional flows, Onyema said. Similarly, the Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission, Lamido Yuguda, has expressed optimism that the challenges in the market would be tackled. He said, This is a situation that is not permanent, we expect the foreign exchange situation in their country to substantially improve. There are a lot of economic developments in the country today that are actually laying the foundation for a much more vibrant foreign exchange in the country. " " Agatha Christie and her daughter Rosalind (right), are featured in a newspaper article reporting the disappearance of the novelist. Thousands joined in the manhunt to find her. Hulton Archive/Getty Images In the spring of 1926, Agatha's beloved mother died, leaving her devastated. To make matters worse, Archie (who had earlier told her he didn't like to deal with illness or death) promptly went to London instead of helping his wife to clear out her mother's home in Torquay. Agatha became depressed, and in subsequent weeks appeared to be on the verge of a mental health crisis. Meanwhile, Archie began an affair with Nancy Neele, a family friend, approaching Agatha for a divorce that August; Agatha refused to grant him one. The Christies tried to reconcile but on Dec. 3, they had an argument and Archie left home for the weekend. That's when everything went awry. Sometime that evening, Agatha left a sleeping Rosalind in the care of house staff, then drove off into the night. The next morning, her abandoned car was discovered stuck in some bushes above a chalk quarry. The police immediately began to search for her, joined by thousands of ordinary people after a flurry of publicity about the case. Rumors began to swirl that she had drowned herself, or that Archie had killed her. Another possibility: She was hiding in order to frame Archie for her murder. Advertisement Eleven days after her disappearance, Agatha was found alive at the Harrogate Spa Hotel, curiously registered as Teresa Neele, previously of South Africa. Neele, of course, was the surname of Archie's mistress, while South Africa was a locale where Agatha and Archie had spent happy times. When Archie came to retrieve her, she didn't know who he was. So, what was the real reason for the disappearance? In the one interview she gave on the subject, Agatha said she'd lost her memory coincidentally, something that occasionally happened to characters in her novels. After psychotherapy, she was able to recreate a narrative of what had happened. Christie said she had left home that night despondent and contemplating suicide. After aimlessly driving around the countryside, she accidentally crashed her car near the chalk quarry, causing her head to strike something. After getting out of the car, she made it to a train station, where she traveled to Harrogate. She did not disguise herself in any way, nor hide her handwriting when she registered as Teresa Neele. She dined in the hotel restaurant, took part in the evening dancing and didn't appear to notice the newspaper articles about her disappearance and the ensuing manhunt. But many people (including later biographers) didn't believe she was suffering from memory loss, speculating that she deliberately engineered her disappearance. However, Lucy Worsley, a historian and author of the new biography "Agatha Christie: An English Mystery," asserts that this was no scam, but a serious mental health episode. In an interview published in the BBC's HistoryExtra, Worsley said she believes Agatha entered a fugue state. "Now, this is a very rare condition, and it causes you to step right outside your normal self and adopt another persona, so that you don't have to think about the trauma you've been experiencing in your current situation," she said. "That's not framing your cheating husband for murder that is living with a really serious mental-health condition. And yet the narrative is that she was somehow a bad person who was playing some sort of a trick on the world: perhaps she was doing it to frame the husband; perhaps she was doing it to get attention to sell novels." Phuket marks Queens Birthday, Visakha Bucha Day PHUKET: Phuket officials, led by Governor Narong Woonciew, joined a merit-making and blessing ceremony this morning (June 3) to honor the 45th birthday of Her Majesty Queen Suthida. Coinciding with her birthday this year is Visakha Bucha Day, one of the major Buddhist holidays. culturereligion By The Phuket News Saturday 3 June 2023, 04:48PM Her Majesty Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana, born Suthida Tidjai, became Queen through her marriage to His Majesty King Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun on May 1, 2019. The Cabinet declared June 3 a national holiday on May 14 that year to commemorate the birthday of Her Majesty the Queen. The alms offering ceremony, held at the new Phuket Provincial Hall, began at 7.30am. Phra Kru Metta Pirom, Abbot of Wat Mongkol Nimit in Phuket Town, led 40 monks to receive alms from the Governor, Vice Governors, heads of local government offices, students, and members of the public. Scheduled for 5.30pm is the Phan Phum laying ceremony, which will be followed by a candle lighting ceremony at 7.19pm. Also, this morning, thousands of devotees joined the ceremonies held at various Buddhist temples on the island to honor the major Buddhist holiday, Visakha Bucha. As per tradition, devout Buddhists wake up very early on Visakha Bucha and head to temples to make merit and listen to sermons on the Buddhas teachings. After sunset, candle-lit processions take place at major temples, with devotees walking clockwise three times around the principal chapel while holding three incense sticks, a lighted candle, and lotus buds. Buddhist ceremonies in Phuket this year also included the planting of a Holy Buddha Tree, known in Thai as Phra Sri Maha Bodhi, at Wat Sapam Thammaram temple in Koh Kaew. The ceremony was led by Rear Admiral Nattapong Yanothaikhachit, Deputy Director of the Phuket branch of the Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc), and Phra Baidika Phachya Suwichano, the Abbot of Sapam Thammaram Temple. Devout Buddhists believe that Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment (bodhi) while meditating underneath a fig tree, scientifically identified now as Ficus religiosa. This is why the tree is highly revered by Thai Buddhists and planted at temples. Some of the temple Bodhi trees in Thailand are several hundred years old and have trunks as big as 6 meters in diameter. Sick Thai elephant to fly home from Sri Lanka in July BANGKOK: Thai officials are preparing to evacuate Plaisak Surin, one of three Thai elephants in Sri Lanka, back to Thailand in early July for medical treatment, announced the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation (DNP). animalshealth By The Phuket News Saturday 3 June 2023, 01:00PM Known as Muthu Raja in his new home, the 30-year-old elephant was given to Sri Lanka in 2001 as a gesture of goodwill by the Thai government. This was in response to a request from Sri Lanka to have Thai elephants participate in religious events to parade the relics of the Buddha, according to the DNP. However, Plaisak Surin* is now set to return to Thailand after spending 22 years in Sri Lanka. The decision was made following complaints from Sri Lankan animal welfare activists Rally for Animal Rights & Environment (RARE), who alleged that the elephant had been overworked and was not receiving proper care. The DNP stated, "He is so emaciated that his back bones are visible, his skin is rough, and his left front leg does not appear normal. He has been unable to bend his knees for about eight years and has abscesses on both hips. The soles of his feet are thin due to prolonged standing." This information was published on the DNPs official Facebook page on Thursday (June 1). As per the DNPs announcement, the 33-year-old elephant will be transported to Thailand on an Ilyushin IL-76 transport aircraft in early July. Experienced mahouts will prepare the giant mammal for the flight and attend to its needs during the 2,000-kilometer journey. The tentative dates for the flight are June 6-9. Upon arrival in Thailand, Plaisak Surin will be taken to the Elephant Conservation Center in Lampang Province. One mahout selected to accompany the elephant has a decade of experience with elephants, while the other has nine years of experience in elephant care. *The elephant is also named Plai Sak Surin or just Sak Surin in other reports. KITCHENER Police caught the driver of an Audi going 194 kilometres per hour in Kitchener. The driver, 22, of Hamilton was nabbed on Highway 8 near the Sportsworld Drive exit. Driver asked the Cambridge OPP officer to reduce the speed and give him a break, police said in a tweet Saturday morning. The motorist was charged with stunt driving. SHARE: Al Croxall has worked in theatre in Ancaster for over 40 years as a performer, educator, director, producer, videographer, emcee, and general factotum but he was not expecting to be selected as one of the five finalists for the Hamilton Lifetime Achievement in the Arts Award. The winner of the award will be announced June 8. I have done a lot of things over my life and fortunately some of them have worked out well," said Croxall. "My proudest achievement is the development of Theatre Ancaster, our community theatre, which is currently celebrating 25 years with the opening of its new performance venue, the Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre. Theatre wasnt Croxalls formal career choice but the love of performing as a youngster continued when, as a teacher, he directed and produced plays for his students. While department head at Ancaster High he joined two colleagues, Gord Conroy and Ralf Hakenberg in producing school musicals such as Grease, Jesus Christ Superstar and The Sound of Music. That was the real beginning of the Theatre Ancaster journey, he notes, "and although I was honored to be nominated for this award, it really should be shared with others, especially Gord and Ralf who were also founding directors of Theatre Ancaster." The idea for Theatre Ancaster developed from Ancasters 150th anniversary celebrations when the Ancaster Arts Council wanted to produce a variety show and turned to Croxall, Conroy and Hakenberg. "'Broadway Hits Ancaster' was so much fun we just kept on producing musical reviews and shows with the Arts Council until 1996 when we decided to strike out on our own and create Theatre Ancaster, Croxall recalled. For their work in promoting the arts, the three friends received Ancaster Citizenship Awards and then the prestigious Rotary Club Paul Harris Fellowships. In 1997, Al incorporated Theatre Ancaster as a not-for-profit community theatre. He became the first president and remained on the board of directors until 2016. The company partnered with Ancaster High School to rehearse and perform shows several times a year, in exchange for financial support the school could use to develop their arts programming. Theatre Ancaster eventually donated over $100,000 in equipment to the school stage. Croxall co-directed, directed, worked on production teams, and sometimes performed in concert shows and musicals such as Jesus Christ, Superstar, The Sound of Music, A Broadway Odyssey, and Oklahoma! Meanwhile Theatre Ancaster was growing. We just seemed to keep on having ideas for expanding the appreciation of the arts in Ancaster, Croxall explained. First up was youth programming when Theatre Ancaster offered a summer youth program in the gym at Ryerson United Church. Youth programming now involves around 500 students from four to 18 in year-round programs, providing work for a staff of about 35, and hours of enjoyment for the community with its shows and productions. Next on the agenda was a permanent home. In 2004, the company and the Hamilton All Star Jazz Band rented the Old Firehall on Wilson Street from the city of Hamilton. A Trillium Foundation Grant and a partnership with Mohawk College Building Trades department renovated the space into a little theatre with music and performance rehearsal space. Theatre Ancaster added to its annual season with more programs, shows and concerts in this building. As a senior myself I wanted to involve seniors who loved to sing and act or just wanted to explore these areas of performance in retirement," said Croxall. "There is a lot of experienced talent out there to tap. So in 2018 I was part of a group that proposed the start of a 'Classics Company' for folks aged fifty-five and over. Although the pandemic curtailed activities for a couple of years, shows like "Guys and Dolls," "South Pacific" and "Murder Anonymous" have performed for sold out audiences in the Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre. Looking back on his long career in the arts, Croxall notes, Witnessing the growth of Theatre Ancaster from putting on a show for the Ancaster bicentennial, to a full-service community theatre for such a large and diverse number of people has been richly satisfying to me, and a journey I wouldnt have wanted to miss. Moreover, I think it is fair to say that If Theatre Ancaster were not in existence, then the Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre would not have been built, and what a wonderful facility that is for the community." SHARE: Haldimand County council wants to ensure the name of Const. Grzegorz Greg Pierzchala is never forgotten. At a recent meeting, councillors voted to start talks with the province about naming the Cayuga bridge in honour of Pierzchala, an OPP officer who was killed in the line of duty just after Christmas. I just thought it fitting that being a young bridge and a young officer, they kind of meld together, and (we) have an opportunity here to honour this outstanding officer, young as he was, said Coun. John Metcalfe, who tabled the motion at the May 23 council-in-committee meeting. I just felt that it was an opportunity to permanently acknowledge his service and dedication to the county, Metcalfe said. The motion, which passed unanimously, directs county staff to start the process as detailed in the transport ministrys Highway Memorial for Fallen Police Officers Act. That process includes consulting with the OPP and Pierzchalas family. The final decision on renaming the bridge rests with the province. Pierzchala, 28, was shot dead on Dec. 27 when responding to a vehicle in a ditch just west of Hagersville. Two suspects Brandi Stewart-Sperry, 30, of Hamilton, and Randall McKenzie, 25, of Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation were arrested and charged with first-degree murder. The rookie officer had just passed his probationary period and was on his first solo shift when he was killed. In the immediate aftermath of Pierzchalas death, OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique lamented the sudden and horrific loss of this young officer. Greg had just embarked on his childhood dream to be a police officer, only to have his dream tragically cut short while performing his duties, Carrique said. In April, a memorial bike ride in the Dunnville area organized by the OPP and Pierzchalas family raised over $11,000 for the OPP Youth Foundation. J.P. Antonacci s reporting on Haldimand and Norfolk is funded by the Canadian government through its Local Journalism Initiative. jpantonacci@thespec.com SHARE: Casey and Diana By Nick Green, directed by Andrew Kushnir. Until June 17 at Stratfords Studio Theatre, 34 George St. E., Stratford. Stratfest.com and 800-567-1600. On Oct. 25, 1991, Princess Diana visited the pioneering HIV/AIDS hospice Casey House in Toronto, and shook the hand of a man living with HIV. After the media left she reportedly spent time with all dozen or so Casey House residents and its staff, and her lack of fear in touching an HIV/AIDS patient without gloves was enormously influential in challenging stigma about the disease. In these events Nick Green found the seeds for an incredibly moving and deeply accomplished play, having its world premiere in a too-short three-week run at the Stratford Festival, which commissioned the script. If there is justice, Toronto and New York-based producers will stampede to Stratfords Studio Theatre and extend the life of a play that deeply honours the experiences of gay men at the end of their lives and the people who care for them. If youve wondering how this subject matter could be handled without getting stuck in sentimentality, and if in the era of The Crown we really need another Diana-the-icon story, think again. Green, director Andrew Kushnir, and an impeccable six-person cast have crafted a play and production that invites profound emotional response through restraint, thoughtfulness, and believe it or not considerable humour. The play is set inside Casey House (with care and precision that typifies this production, Joshua Quinlans set design includes recreation of its signature leaded glass windows) in the week leading up to Dianas historic visit. Thomas (Sean Arbuckle), a huge Diana fan, is the longest-lived resident of the house and was losing the capacity to cope. I hadnt planned on being here next week, he tells the steely nurse Vera (Sophia Walker). The visit gives Thomas and the rest of the Casey community that most life-giving of commodities: Hope. Princess freaking Diana thatll make any homo smile, he says. And the repeated refrain we are going to make it is not a metaphor: Thomas and others, including his vulnerable young roommate Andre (Davinder Malhi) are literally trying to hold on to life long enough to be there for the visit. Among Greens many genius strokes are the way he has crafted Dianas character. Its hard to discuss without giving too much away, but the extent to which she is both real and not real is a superb theatrical device that embraces the way in which Diana was a real human being who continues to be larger-than-life. With expert help from Quinlans costuming and the festivals wig department, Krystin Pellerin has an uncanny resemblance to the Princess and captures her signature physicality: the tilted head, the simultaneous gangliness and elegance of her willowy limbs. The laughs come in large part from Greens beautifully observed writing and Sean Arbuckles brilliant playing of Thomas, who crafted an identity around being the one with the zinger lines, be they quotes from Steel Magnolias or withering putdowns of the over-invested volunteer Marjorie (Linda Kash), who can give as good as she gets. But the humour and the pathos come from more than witty exchanges. Each of the six characters is written with complexity and compassion: Theyre all imperfect people stumbling their way through unthinkably challenging situations, and sometimes their mistakes and misunderstandings are quietly funny. The final character is Thomass initially estranged sister Pauline (Laura Condlln), whos initially unlikeable but unfurls as we discover just how much the epidemic took out of her as a friend to her brothers now-decimated circle of gay friends. As Kushnir writes in a program note, the antagonist in the play is not AIDS. Rather, the play is a subtle but powerful critique of societal neglect and shaming of those with outsider status. It centres Casey House as a place that defied such othering by giving safe haven to those who had nowhere else to go. We are here to help men with AIDS. We are here to help them die, says Vera in a late-play speech that both opens up the characters toughness and drills down on what the play is exploring. It is a huge gift to give, and it is enough, she says. Heartbreaking? Oh my goodness. I have never been in a theatre where an audience gave over so completely to emotion. At some points sobs and sniffles competed with Debashis Sinhas beautifully sensitive sound design which, echoing the play, makes Casey House into an animate being that contains a sound like hope: Its a faint, warm ringing in your ears, as Diana puts it. Heartbreaking but also deeply resonant, consoling, and a call to action. For those who lost friends and loved ones to AIDS, it will strike deep (there is a quiet reflection room next to the theatre with a lovely display of some of Casey Houses AIDS quilts). But it is also likely to resonate with anyone whos nursed someone next to a hospital bed, and with us all as we reflect on the past three years of unconscionable loss and the fact that HIV/AIDS is still rampant in the Global South. Green has been working on this play for six years and it stands as a testament to how time, resources, and craft (the dramaturge is Bob White) are vital to the creation of great drama. The production elevates Green and Kushnirs reputations to the next level and again, I greatly hope that it will transfer to Toronto and beyond because many more people deserve to see it. Stratford opening week already has me wrung out from laughing with Spamalot and feeling deeply with Casey and Diana and weve not even gotten to the very different AIDS-era story, the musical Rent, yet. Keep it coming, Stratford. This is the good stuff. Karen Fricker is a Toronto-based theatre critic and a freelance contributor for the Star. Follow her on Twitter: @KarenFricker2 SHARE: Last month, when Debbie Nightingale brought back the yoga program for the summer season at her farm, her clients were eager to come back and see all their old friends again. The unusual part of this reunion? Many were looking forward to catching up with the goats as much of the humans. It begs the question: Why goats? Having the goats around allows you to open yourself up and be present, explained Nightingale, founder of Haute Goat Farm in Newtonville, Ont. When we did the first yoga class with goats, people laughed. I was worried the yoga teacher would be offended. But she said, Thats what yoga is all about is fun, laughter and being in the moment. That ability to help people be in the moment may be one of the reasons that hanging out with animals is increasingly being considered a form of self-care. Research has shown that there are health benefits, even if we dont know exactly why. We know that if you pet a dog, a horse or any animal, your stress hormones drop dramatically after a few minutes, explained Alexandria Pavelich, PhD student and researcher in the University of Saskatchewans One Health and Wellness Office. Your oxytocin, which is your feel-good hormone, will also increase. Pavelich said its only been in the last 20 years that researchers have explored why interactions with animals make us feel better. Her own research, which involves the therapeutic role service animals can play in hospital settings and with military veterans, suggests that mood lift goes way beyond hormones. The literature shows that if somebody feels like they dont matter they become vulnerable to negative emotional states like loneliness, like depression, said Pavelich. With service dogs and veterans, we found that the relationship increased the (veterans) sense of mattering. It gave them a purpose: something to look forward to that brought a smile to their face every day. Mattering is the feeling of being significant to other people. We get this feeling when we know people are paying attention to us as individuals, said Gordon Flett, Canada research chair in personality and health, and professor at York University. Feeling seen and heard is part of what makes us feel like we matter. Its a two-way street, though, said Flett. If you care for someone, youre surely going to matter to them, too. Helping someone else likely has several positive impacts, said Flett. Its a positive mood enhancer and it further connects us with other people, which is another core need. But it also reminds us that we can make good things happen, so it provides a positive sense of agency and efficacy. Flett said clinical case accounts in his field describe people with anxiety and depression seeming to get better by getting a role that involved helping others. He said it can be a positive form of distraction that directs attention away from our own flaws, regrets and limitations. There are plenty of practical reasons why caring for others might be good for us that are easy enough to guess at. Someone depending on your help might give you a reason to get up in the morning, for example. And having to walk the dog usually means getting more exercise. The funny thing about the studies in this field, though, is that the benefits of caring appear to exist even with all living things, even things like cats and plants, which you dont have to take on walks. Theres a very large plant parent community out there, said Tara Soloway founder of Plantd Life, a Toronto biophilic design firm. Caring for a plant is very similar to caring for a pet or a loved one because its alive. Its the whole idea of having responsibility for something living. Biophilic design is the incorporation of plants and greenery into residences, offices, public spaces and urban landscapes, in the hopes it will reduce stress levels and boost happiness. The word biophilia, derived from the Latin words for life and love, refers to the theoretical concept that, as humans, were innately drawn to and made happy by contact with other living things, be they humans, baby goats, spring flowers or houseplants. We all need a sense of purpose in life, said Soloway. So wherever we can find joy, whether it be through plants or caring for other things, thats what people need to sort of thrive and keep their mental health intact. So if taking on a baby goat or the care and feeding of a human being seems like too big a step right now, its OK to start smaller. Soloway suggests getting a plant for your desk as a start. Or you could go to Haute Goat Farm for an afternoon and walk with some ruminants, one of several animal hang experiences Debbie Nightingale never anticipated offering to the public. When she bought the farm, the plan was just for her and her husband to have a retreat where they could reconnect with nature. As soon as we mentioned it to friends and family, people would say we want to come and be with the goats, said Nightingale. People are looking for a way to touch nature. When people come here, they leave feeling very nourished. I said to my son yesterday, its actually addictive for me because people feel so good and happy that it makes me feel good too. I just want more of it. SHARE: MONTREAL - Another northern Quebec town was evacuated due to an out of control wildfire on Saturday as the federal government confirmed that Canadian Forces personnel would be deployed to help combat forest fires in the province. About 2,000 residents of Lebel-sur-Quevillon, about 620 kilometres northwest of Montreal, were the latest to receive a mandatory evacuation notice on Friday evening due to forest fires nearby. Lebel-sur-Quevillon Mayor Guy Lafreniere said Saturday the fire continued to threaten the municipality even though its spread had slowed overnight. There was heavy smoke throughout the town and forest fire prevention teams were doing trenchwork in the area to protect it. Residents were relocated to Senneterre, about 90 kilometres south of the community. In the North Shore community of Sept-Iles, where a state of emergency was declared Friday morning, an evacuation order for residents of certain sectors of town remained in place. It was the same story in the nearby Innu community of Mani-Utenam, where 1,500 residents belonging to the Uashat Mak Mani-utenam First Nation have been relocated. The two wildfires threatening the area remained largely stable and did not progress much overnight. Sept-Iles Mayor Steeve Beaupre said no new evacuations were planned, but residents of one sector remained on alert. About 5,000 people were forced from their homes as a precaution in the city about 890 kilometres northeast of Montreal. Meanwhile, members of the Anishinaabe community of Lac-Simon in the Abitibi-Temiscamingue region also had to evacuate on Saturday. Community members relocated to Val-dOr due to poor air quality in the community. Public health officials in the region declared a confinement as of 6 p.m. until 9 a.m., asking residents to stay indoors and keep windows closed. Quebec forest fire prevention organization SOPFEU reports there are 134 active fires in the province, including about 20 that are priorities because they threaten residences or infrastructure. Our weather experts are announcing the same type of weather over the next few days, said Melanie Morin, a spokeswoman for SOPFEU. There may be some rain coming in on Tuesday or Wednesday, thats still pretty far away, (so) were taking it one day at a time, but that is when we may get a bit of a relief from Mother Nature. Federal Emergency Preparedness Minister Bill Blair confirmed Saturday the federal government had approved a request from Quebec seeking military assistance, and Canadian Forces troops will be providing firefighting resources and help with wildfire response planning and coordination. Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus office said Premier Legault spoke to him on the phone Saturday and that Legault thanked Trudeau for the rapid deployment of the troops. Trudeau also spoke to local leaders in some of the provinces most hard-hit communities. About 100 soldiers were expected Saturday in the region, according to Employment Minister Kateri Champagne Jourdain, who is also the minister responsible for the Cote-Nord region. Another 100 soldiers were expected on Sunday, she told a briefing. Meanwhile there was good news for the residents of Chapais, another northern Quebec town, where the local mayor said residents can return home later after being forced to evacuate on Wednesday evening. Isabelle Lessards announcement was met with applause from residents of the town about 715 kilometres northeast of Montreal. The fact that the fire has not gotten bigger also shows that what has been done (to stop spread) is effective, Lessard said, but added residents shouldnt let their guard down and must abide by provincial notices. This week, the province asked people to stay out of forests and banned open fires in or near forests across the province. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 3, 2023. Read more about: SHARE: nazar_ab / Getty Images It's no secret that Americans have far too little in retirement savings. A recent GOBankingRates survey found that 42 percent of those surveyed have less than $10,000 saved for retirement, including 13.7% who have saved nothing at all. The poll also found that among those who have been saving for retirement, 6.7% have saved between $10,000 and $49,999, 12.6% have saved between $50,000 and $99,999, 12% have saved between $100,000 and $199,999, 9.9% have saved between $200,000 and $299,999 and 16.5% have saved $300,000 or more. The results vary at the state level, however, and the people in some states are more prepared for retirement than the people in others. Click through for a state-by-state breakdown, and learn how much a comfortable retirement costs in each state. Last updated: March 25, 2020 SeanPavonePhoto / Getty Images Alabama Most popular answer: Less than $10,000 saved Like the vast majority of survey respondents in the rest of the United States, many Alabamians -- nearly one in three -- have less than $10,000 saved for retirement. That's higher than the 28.6% of the larger American population that is in the same boat. The same percentage of Alabama respondents -- 9.09% -- reported savings of both $100,000 to $199,000 and $300,000 or more. Rocky Grimes / Shutterstock.com Alaska Most popular answer: Tie between less than $10,000, $200,000 to $299,000 and $300,000 or more saved In Alaska, most people are either doing fairly well or are not prepared nearly enough for retirement. There's a three-way tie between those in the two wealthiest categories and those with less than $10,000 saved. The state also produced a separate two-way tie: 14.29% claim both $100,000 to $199,999 in savings and $200,000 to $299,999 saved. Not a single respondent reported having $10,000 to $49,999 saved up. A separate GOBankingRates study found Alaska has the sixth-highest average household income in the country. Davel5957 / iStock.com Arizona Most popular answer: Less than $10,000 saved Arizona respondents follow the nationwide trend with most people having less than $10,000 saved for retirement. But the numbers are even more dire in Arizona than in the country as a whole. Just over 36% of Arizonans surveyed have less than $10,000 saved and 19.7% have nothing at all. Fortunately, housing is more affordable in Arizona, and there are cities like Mesa that make great places to retire where rent is under $1,000 a month. DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images/iStockphoto Arkansas Most popular answer: Less than $10,000 saved With 31.91% of those surveyed claiming savings under $10,000, nearly one in three Arkansas respondents fall into that category. The next-largest group of respondents from the state -- 17.02% -- have nothing saved at all. Retirees who own their homes will be in better shape than those who rent -- mortgages are more affordable than rental prices in Arkansas. Ron_Thomas / iStock.com California Most popular answer: Less than $10,000 saved In the good news category: In California, 6.32% of survey respondents said they had nothing saved for retirement. Just three states have a lower concentration of respondents with no savings. In the bad news category: 36.84% of Californians surveyed have less than $10,000 saved, putting the state in the top 10 in that category. Real estate is expensive in California whether you own a home or are renting, so retirees should be mindful of their retirement housing costs. EdgeOfReason / Shutterstock.com Colorado Most popular answer: Less than $10,000 saved Colorado's largest percentage of respondents by far -- 29.47% -- said they have less than $10,000 saved. Almost 18%, however, said they have $300,000 or more saved up. SeanPavonePhoto / Getty Images/iStockphoto Connecticut Most popular answer: Less than $10,000 saved Only South Dakota has more people with nothing saved than Connecticut, where 23.64% of respondents said they have zero savings. Only 5.45% of Connecticut respondents claimed savings of $100,000 to $199,999, which was the fourth-lowest percentage in that category in the country. DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images/iStockphoto Delaware Most popular answer: $300,000 or more saved Slightly fewer than 17% of respondents in Delaware said they have less than $10,000 saved. Only Vermont has a lower concentration in that category. About 14% reported savings of $10,000 to $49,000 -- the second-highest concentration in that category behind only Virginia. In addition, Delaware holds the distinction of being one of just four states where the largest percentage said they have more than $300,000 saved. A good portion of Delaware residents are on their way to saving $1 million for retirement -- it's possible to save $1 million for retirement even with a $50,000 salary. ESB Professional / Shutterstock.com District of Columbia Most popular answer: Less than $10,000 saved In Washington, D.C., not a single person polled reported having $200,000 to $299,999 in savings. About 18% reported having nothing at all. Another 18% reported having at least $300,000. Mia2you / Shutterstock.com Florida Most popular answer: $100,000 to $199,999 saved Only three states have a higher concentration of respondents with savings of $100,000 to $199,999 than the 19.3% of Floridians who reported that level of financial security. Florida also is one of just two states where that category is the largest. You'll need more saved if you plan on living in one of the many luxury retirement communities in Florida. Sean Pavone / Shutterstock.com Georgia Most popular answer: Less than $10,000 saved In Georgia, 18.18% of respondents said they have savings of $100,000 to $199,999. Just four states have a higher concentration in that category. sorincolac / Getty Images/iStockphoto Hawaii Most popular answer: Tie between less than $10,000 and $300,000 or more saved Hawaii has the highest percentage of any state when it comes to people who have at least something saved for retirement. Just 5% of Hawaii respondents have nothing saved. It's also the state with the third-highest percentage of respondents -- a full 30% -- with more than $300,000 saved. However, the same percentage of respondents said they have less than $10,000 in savings. knowlesgallery / iStock.com Idaho Most popular answer: Less than $10,000 saved A relatively low 9.26% of Idaho respondents said they have no money saved. Nearly 1 in 5, however, have at least $300,000 saved and nearly 1 in 3 have less than $10,000. RudyBalasko / iStock.com Illinois Most popular answer: Less than $10,000 saved More than 1 in 4 Illinois respondents claimed savings of less than $10,000 -- a little less than the national average. More than 1 in 5 have at least $300,000, which beats the national average. f11photo / Getty Images/iStockphoto Indiana Most popular answer: Less than $10,000 saved In Indiana, at least 10% of respondents fall into each of the following categories: $50,000 to $99,999, $100,000 to $199,999, $200,000 to $299,999 and more than $300,000. Fewer than 1 in 10 have nothing saved. Davel5957 / Getty Images Iowa Most popular answer: Less than $10,000 saved Nearly 25% of respondents in Iowa said they have less than $10,000 saved for retirement, and another 18.09% have nothing at all. On the bright side, 13.83% fall into both the $50,000 to $99,999 and $200,000 to $299,999 categories. Shutterstock.com Kansas Most popular answer: Less than $10,000 saved Nearly mirroring the national average, 28.89% of Kansans said they have less than $10,000 saved for retirement. Also nearly identical to the national average is the 13.33% of Kansas respondents with nothing saved at all. NatChittamai / Getty Images/iStockphoto Kentucky Most popular answer: Less than $10,000 saved In Kentucky, 5.26% of the state's respondents said they had savings of between $50,000 and $99,999. Just three other states have a lower concentration of respondents who fall into that category. SeanPavonePhoto / Getty Images/iStockphoto Louisiana Most popular answer: Less than $10,000 saved In Louisiana, a full 46.15% of respondents said they had less than $10,000 saved for retirement. That's a higher percentage than any other state in the nation. When it comes to those with at least $300,000 in savings, 7.69% of Louisiana respondents fall into that category. Sean Pavone / Shutterstock.com Maine Most popular answer: $300,000 or more saved Just shy of 21% of Maine respondents have nothing saved for retirement. Only three other states have a higher percentage of people with zero savings. Very few respondents claimed less than $10,000 but more than zero. No one in Maine reported having $10,000 to $49,999. Sean Pavone / Shutterstock.com Maryland Most popular answer: Less than $10,000 saved In Maryland, just 2.22% of the people polled reported having between $10,000 and $49,999 saved up. That's the fourth-lowest percentage in the country. The three states that came in under Maryland all had 0% in that category. DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images/iStockphoto Massachusetts Most popular answer: Less than $10,000 saved About 6.2% of Massachusetts respondents reported savings of $100,000 to $199,999. The state makes the top five when it comes to the lowest concentration of respondents in that category. Pawel Gaul / Getty Images/iStockphoto Michigan Most popular answer: Less than $10,000 saved In Michigan, only 3.7% of respondents said they had savings of between $200,000 and $299,999. That's low compared to the national average of 9.9%. photo.ua / Shutterstock.com Minnesota Most popular answer: $50,000 to $99,999 saved With 20.69% of respondents claiming savings of $50,000 to $99,999, Minnesota has a higher concentration of people in that category than all but two other states. The national average is 12.6%. Sean Pavone / Shutterstock.com Mississippi Most popular answer: Less than $10,000 saved Just 4% of Mississippi respondents reported savings of $100,000 to $199,999. No other state has a lower concentration of people who fall into that category. RudyBalasko / iStock.com Missouri Most popular answer: Less than $10,000 saved With 5.74% of respondents reporting savings of $50,000 to $99,999, Missouri has fewer than all but five other states in that category. Missouri's percentage is less than half the national average of 12.6%. Jon Bilous / Shutterstock.com Montana Most popular answer: Less than $10,000 saved About 37% of those polled in Montana claimed less than $10,000 saved -- the fourth-highest percentage in that category in the U.S. Davel5957 / Getty Images/iStockphoto Nebraska Most popular answer: Less than $10,000 saved With 22.95% of Nebraska respondents claiming savings of $100,000 to $199,999, just two other states have a higher concentration of people in that category. Lincoln, Nebraska is one city where your retirement nest egg will stretch the furthest. f11photo / Getty Images/iStockphoto Nevada Most popular answer: Less than $10,000 saved One in five respondents in Nevada said they have nothing saved for retirement. A full 24% -- nearly 1 resident in 4 -- have less than $10,000. DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images/iStockphoto New Hampshire Most popular answer: $300,000 or more saved New Hampshire is a state of extremes. About 23% of those polled have nothing saved for retirement, which was the third-highest percentage in that category. With 30.77% of New Hampshire respondents boasting retirement funds greater than $300,000, however, just one state has a greater concentration of high savers. New Hampshire is also the best state for families to live a richer life. Darryl Brooks / Shutterstock.com New Jersey Most popular answer: Less than $10,000 saved In New Jersey, only 5.17% of respondents reported no savings for retirement. That's the lowest percentage in that category of any state except Hawaii. DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images/iStockphoto New Mexico Most popular answer: Less than $10,000 saved More than one-third of those polled in New Mexico will stumble into retirement with less than $10,000. However, 14.74% have tallied savings of $50,000 to $99,999 and another 14.74% have at least $300,000. RomanSlavik / Shutterstock.com New York Most popular answer: Less than $10,000 saved The smallest percentage of New Yorkers -- 7.83% -- have between $10,000 and $49,999 saved for retirement. Nearly 27%, on the other hand, have less than $10,000 saved. digidreamgrafix / Getty Images/iStockphoto North Carolina Most popular answer: Less than $10,000 saved Nearly 30% of North Carolina respondents have less than $10,000 to put toward their retirements. But 11.11% fall into each of the two highest-saving categories. DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images/iStockphoto North Dakota Most popular answer: $100,000 to $199,999 saved None of the respondents in North Dakota reported retirement savings of $10,000 to $49,999. However, North Dakota is home to the highest concentration of respondents with $100,000 to $199,999, at 27.78%. North Dakota is also the state where the rich are increasing their wealth the most. DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images/iStockphoto Ohio Most popular answer: Less than $10,000 saved In Ohio, there's a two-way tie between those who reported $50,000 to $99,999 in savings and those who reported $100,000 to $199,999, with 11.54% of respondents falling into each of those categories. Katherine Welles / Shutterstock.com Oklahoma Most popular answer: Less than $10,000 saved In Oklahoma, only 5% of the population reported savings of $50,000 to $99,999. No other state has a lower concentration of respondents in that category. Samson1976 / iStock.com Oregon Most popular answer: Less than $10,000 saved With just 6.33% of those polled reporting no retirement savings, Oregon has the fifth-lowest concentration in that category. However, about 38% said they have less than $10,000 saved up -- a higher percentage than any state except Louisiana. f11photo / Getty Images/iStockphoto Pennsylvania Most popular answer: Less than $10,000 saved Nearly 1 in 3 of those polled in Pennsylvania said they have less than $10,000 currently saved for retirement. More than 1 in 5, however, claim savings of at least $300,000. SeanPavonePhoto / Getty Images/iStockphoto Rhode Island Most popular answer: Tie between less than $10,000, $50,000 to $99,999, $100,000 to $199,999 and $300,000 or more saved No respondent from Rhode Island reported saving between $10,000 and $49,999 for retirement. That was also the case for those with $200,000 to $299,999 in savings. Sean Pavone / Shutterstock.com South Carolina Most popular answer: $50,000 to $99,999 saved In South Carolina, just 5.41% of the respondents said they have nothing saved for retirement -- the third-lowest percentage in that category in the country. Another 5% claimed savings of $100,000 to $199,999, which was also the third-lowest in that category. The same percentage reported savings of $10,000 to $49,999. EunikaSopotnicka / Getty Images/iStockphoto South Dakota Most popular answer: No savings No other state has a higher percentage of people with nothing saved than the 29.03% of South Dakotans who fall into that category. South Dakota also has the lowest concentration of people with more than $300,000 saved, at 3.23%. Sean Pavone / Getty Images/iStockphoto Tennessee Most popular answer: Less than $10,000 saved A full 37.29% of Tennessee respondents said they have less than $10,000 in retirement savings. Only two other states have a higher concentration of respondents who fall into that category. f11photo / Shutterstock.com Texas Most popular answer: Less than $10,000 saved With 20% of respondents accumulating no savings at all, Texas has the fifth-highest concentration of people in that category. Only 6.25% of Texas respondents have at least $300,000 saved -- the third-lowest percentage in that category. f11photo / Shutterstock.com Utah Most popular answer: Less than $10,000 saved In Utah, 8.06% of respondents reported having retirement savings of at least $300,000. Only four states have a lower percentage of respondents with that much money saved up. The best place to live on a fixed income in Utah is in Provo. Sean Pavone / Shutterstock.com Vermont Most popular answer: $300,000 or more saved In Vermont, 14.29% of respondents reported less than $10,000 in savings, which was the lowest concentration in that category in the country. Vermont is 1 in only 4 states where the highest percentage of respondents claims savings of $300,000 or more. Nearly 29% of Vermont respondents fall into that category compared with 16.5% nationwide. Sean Pavone / Shutterstock.com Virginia Most popular answer: $10,000 to $49,999 saved In Virginia, 1 in 4 respondents reported having $10,000 to $49,999 saved up -- the highest concentration in that category by far. The next-closest state had 14% with that amount of savings. canadastock / Shutterstock.com Washington Most popular answer: Less than $10,000 saved About a quarter of Washington respondents have less than $10,000 in savings. The 16.3% with at least $300,000, however, nearly mirrors the national average. Seattle might be expensive, but Spokane, in eastern Washington, is one of the cheapest places to retire. Steve Heap / Shutterstock.com West Virginia Most popular answer: Less than $10,000 saved Only South Dakota has fewer respondents with at least $300,000 saved for retirement than West Virginia. Just 3.85% of those polled in West Virginia achieved that level of financial security. FierceAbin / Getty Images/iStockphoto Wisconsin Most popular answer: Less than $10,000 saved Like most states, Wisconsin had more respondents who claimed savings of less than $10,000 than any other category, although its percentage was still below the national average. The good news is, more than 20% of Wisconsin respondents say they have at least $300,000 saved for retirement. Davel5957 / iStock.com Wyoming Most popular answer: Less than $10,000 saved One out of 10 Wyoming respondents said they have nothing saved at all. A minuscule 3.33% have between $10,000 and $49,999. More From GOBankingRates Data is accurate as of April 19, 2019 and is subject to change. This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Heres How Much People Have Saved for Retirement in Every State EDMONTONFor the Alberta NDP, its a difficult but inevitable question: What happens to Rachel Notley now? After leading her party for a third straight election, and coming close to a win last Monday, her leadership has a question mark hanging over it. The NDP fell short of Danielle Smith and the United Conservative Party when it came to both the popular vote and the seat count. The NDP took 38 seats up from 24 last time compared to the UCPs 49. But the orange brand in Alberta made gains over the last election, particularly in Calgary. Had several thousand votes in the city gone a different way in some ridings where the margin of victory was razor-thin, the election could have been a different story. The last time Notley lost an election the 2019 vote that drummed her party out of office during a decisive win for the UCP her leadership was barely questioned. She had, after all, been the only leader to topple the 44-year Progressive Conservative dynasty with her 2015 election win, shattering the national image of Albertas politics as boring and dominated only by the right. And she remained popular. Things seem different these days, though. Rarely does a Canadian leader take on a fourth election, especially after losing two in a row. And some within her party are rumoured to be eyeing her spot. Shannon Phillips, the MLA for Lethbridge-West and former environment minister, is being urged by a group inside the party to run should Notley decide to step down. The foundation for such a run is being laid, a source with knowledge of it told the Star. Rachels had the ability to hold the partys base together and grow the party at the same time, said the source, who discussed internal matters on the condition their name not be published. Theres a group of us in Calgary that have long thought that Shannon has that ability, too. Work is ongoing to convince her, said the source, and Phillips is being deferential to Notley. Others potential contenders within the party include Sarah Hoffman, MLA for Edmonton-Glenora, and David Shepherd, MLA for Edmonton-Centre. Public speculation typically turns toward high-profile people outside the party, such as former Calgary mayor Naheed Nenshi, but some NDP insiders dont buy that as a possibility. Notley is reflecting on the loss, party sources say. But a decision one way or another will have to be made somewhat soon it takes time for a new leader to get situated, political observers say. Among the reasons Notley might stay on, at least for a time, is that the party, coming out of Mondays vote, has a swath of new MLAs who may need veteran guidance as they transition to a life in public office. The likelihood of her remaining to lead the NDP in the next election has definitely decreased after Monday, said Leah Ward, vice-president at Wellington Advocacy and former director of communications for Notley. Still, in a party where she is incredibly well respected and adored, it will be up to her, and its highly unlikely she gets pushed out through a leadership review, Ward added. Most parties that have a leader who takes them through three elections and, in her case, two of those were unsuccessful, you know, thats when people start thinking about making a change, said Ward. Ward notes the UCPs majority is fragile with 49 MLAs minus one who is set to sit as an Independent and one who will likely be chosen as Speaker. Having an experienced Opposition leader could help the party, should the government crumble over an internal dispute. And thats a real possibility for a United Conservative Party that has been marked by infighting and division, including the kind that forced out founding leader Jason Kenney. In that situation, the NDP would need a talented leader with experience, but it would also need a good retail politician, said Lori Williams, a policy studies professor at Mount Royal University. People that can connect with people, that are good with speaking off the cuff, she said. Notley is pretty extraordinary, in that respect. You need a leader who can really offer an alternative at a time like that, somebody who has respect and credibility. Publicly, Notley has said shell stay on as party and official Opposition leader, but the question remains: for how long? I think she has earned the right to make that decision herself, says Mike McKinnon, a senior consultant with Enterprise Canada and campaigner for the NDP during the election. One of the things that I dont think many Albertans know is that Rachel Notley really built this thing with her bare hands long before we all got to know Rachel Notley, the politician. In the 1990s and 2000s, Notley volunteered, did organizing work and advised the party, long before she actually ran as a candidate and won in 2008, he said. Thats a really unique position that you dont find a lot of politicians and a lot of leaders in, that their blood, sweat and tears are so ingrained into the strong Alberta NDP that exists today, McKinnon said. I think whatever she decides is going to be the right direction, I really do. A through-line using the Notley name can practically be drawn from 1968 to the present. Rachels father, the storied Grant Notley, led the party from 1968 until his death in a plane crash in 1984. Peter Lougheed, who sat across the aisle from Notley and served as a Progressive Conservative premier, had respect for his political foe. When Notley died, Lougheed called it a sad and tragic event in the history of our province and said the NDP leaders ideas sometimes helped shape government policy. For those who are not intimately involved in the parliamentary system, it is perhaps difficult to appreciate the degree of mutual respect that emanates from those who participate on the floor of the legislative assembly, hes quoted as saying in the Edmonton Journal after Notleys death. Afterward, Rachel was never far from the party for which her dad had almost singlehandedly laid the foundation. In 1994, during a 10th-anniversary gathering in Edmonton marking his death, just after the Alberta NDP had suffered a catastrophic electoral loss failing to win a single seat a 30-year-old Notley offered words of encouragement to the members gathered there, by reminding them of his fortitude. My father would not have walked away from the fight, she said. In remembrance, neither should we. Notley has become, in her own right, a political juggernaut. Shes battled with Ottawa while serving as premier and fought through three gruelling elections where the deck was always stacked against her. Shes now the most experienced and longest sitting MLA in the province serving longer than her father. With that comes wisdom and knowledge; it remains to be seen how she wields it. Read more about: SHARE: HALIFAX - Heavy rain and some military reinforcements arrived to assist efforts on Saturday to quell the wildfires that have destroyed homes and caused the evacuation of thousands of people across Nova Scotia. A major Halifax-area wildfire that has destroyed 150 homes was 85 per cent contained and no longer spreading, officials said Saturday. The news was also good across the province, where Premier Tim Houston said the total number of active wildfires declined from 10 in the morning to five by mid-afternoon. If you step outside you will see something beautiful: rain, and hopefully lots of it, he told an afternoon briefing. The only fire that remains out of control is one in Shelburne County in the southwestern corner of the province the largest in Nova Scotias history which remains scary, Houston said. Meanwhile, at the provincial wildfire centre in Shubenacadie, north of Halifax, about 20 Canadian Armed Forces soldiers stood in the pouring rain outside a light armoured vehicle, or LAV. Lt.-Col. Michael Blanchette said the initial contingent from CFB Gagetown in New Brunswick had arrived on a fact-finding mission to see what military support was needed in the effort to combat the fires. He said the armoured vehicle has a thermal sight system that might be able to detect hidden hot spots, especially at night, while soldiers can provide low-level firefighting capability such as stamping out smaller hot spots after firefighters have gone through. Blanchette said military members in Atlantic Canada are used to being called in for floods and winter storms, but hes never before responded to a wildfire. This is the first time for us, he said. David Steeves, a technician of forest resources with Nova Scotias Department of Natural Resources and Renewables, told reporters Saturday morning the Halifax-area fire was sitting at 9.5 square kilometres and is unlikely to grow due to a combination of firefighting efforts and long-awaited rain. We are moving from a state of out of control to a state of being held, he said. And basically what that means is that, with the current resources that we have on site and with the suppression efforts that have taken place, the fire is not likely to spread. Steeves said a number of areas of concern remain and crews continue to closely monitor hot spots around the fires perimeter. He warned the blaze was far from out and embers could still hide deep in places where the rain doesnt penetrate, causing a risk of reignition. We could be here for weeks, we could be here for a couple of months before the incident commander is comfortable in saying this fire is out, he said. The wildfire that broke out Sunday in the Halifax area raced through a number of subdivisions, consuming about 200 structures including 151 homes and forcing the evacuation of more than 16,000 people. Environment Canada Meteorologist Bob Robichaud said between 25 and 50 millimetres of rain had fallen in parts of the province on Saturday, adding temperatures had also cooled. He said air quality across most of the affected areas had also greatly improved. Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency Deputy Fire Chief Dave Meldrum said Saturday morning that the rain has brought relief, but also raises the risk that firefighters could be hurt from slips or falls and makes for difficult working conditions. Theyre going to be very very dirty, theyre going to be wet, theyre going to be cold, he said of the firefighters. So we welcome this rain but its going to be a tough working day. He said there were two reported injuries related to heat stress so far, and one firefighter bumped their head while moving equipment, but nobody has been seriously hurt. While an evacuation order was lifted on Friday for some Halifax-area residents, the city said Saturday they may not be able to return to the most significantly impacted area for 10 to14 days. Meldrum said the evacuation zone includes areas that have been heavily damaged by fire. He told an afternoon briefing theres still work to do before people can return, including checking for hot spots and verifying that infrastructure such as roads and electrical grids are intact. In Shelburne County, meanwhile, 6,700 people about half the municipalitys population remained out of their homes as the blaze that forced their evacuation continued to burn out of control The Barrington Lake wildfire, which started Saturday, reached 230 square kilometres the largest recorded wildfire in the provinces history. It has consumed at least 50 homes and cottages. Dave Rockwood, a spokesman for the Department of Natural Resources, said there was cautious optimism that there would be no further growth and that firefighters could use more direct tactics to contain it. Two other fires considered out of control as of Saturday morning were classified as held later in the day, he said. Houston confirmed that schools in Shelburne County would be closed Monday and Tuesday. A contingent of 17 firefighters from the northeastern United States also arrived at the wildfire centre later Saturday, where they were briefed before being deployed to help the fire-fighting efforts. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 3, 2023. Note to readers: This is a corrected story. A previous version indicated some partial evacuation orders were lifted on Saturday. They were, in fact, lifted on Friday. Read more about: SHARE: The hoisting of the Pride flag is meant to be about inclusion and acceptance, but resulted in empty desks at some Ontario schools this week. Sarah Forrest, a mom of two children at Dr. David R. Williams Public School in Oakville, said about a quarter of her sons class was missing on June 1, and she believes some were absent in protest of the board-wide celebration of Pride Month. My heart breaks for these kids, she said, thinking about children and parents who are part of the LGBTQ community. Forrest also identifies as queer herself. In posting about the situation on social media, she said she received backlash from parents who decided to keep their children at home. Its been so disheartening to see all the hate Im tired. In an email to parents, the principal said the school became aware that there was a call for parents/guardians to keep their children home from school (Thursday) in protest of Pride Month. In the email, she confirmed the school experienced a higher than normal absence rate that day. The absences come after an attempted national boycott organized by the Campaign Life Coalition, a faith-based group that opposes abortion, gay marriage, transgender rights and right-to-die legislation. The group urged parents in public or Catholic schools where the Pride flag has been flown in the past to keep their children home on June 1, when flags are traditionally raised to mark the start of Pride Month. Heather Francey, spokesperson for the Halton District School Board, confirmed that some schools experienced higher than normal absence rates on Thursday, noting some reached an absence rate of up to 30 per cent. However, she said its impossible for us to verify if absences were due to a call for a walkout. In an email to parents, Dr. David R. Williams Public School said the Progress Pride flag symbolizes that HDSB schools are safe, respectful and welcoming environments for LGBTQ students and staff. They added that the education on Pride month aligns with the Halton boards multi-year plan to provide safe and inclusive schools for every student, staff and community member. The Ontario Public School Boards Association, which represents English-language public boards in the province, said boards were aware of the walkout and that its often difficult to attribute absences to a particular cause. For example, some parents might have kept their kids home because of the heat wave or because some boards had a professional development day on Friday and wanted an extra-long weekend. Ryan Bird, a spokesperson for the Toronto District School Board, said we have heard of isolated cases where absences are higher than normal, but couldnt confirm the reasoning behind them. School boards in York and Durham regions didnt note any increase in absences on Thursday. Absences in schools on Thursday were not isolated to the GTA the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board reported nine schools with absence rates of 40 per cent or more, with two exceeding 60 per cent. Spokesperson Darcy Knoll said where parents provided information about the absences, some cited the heat warning or long weekend, while other parents indicated they did not wish to send their children to school due to Pride activities that may be taking place. Its really sad that in 2023, this is what, as a community, we have to deal with, said Sherwin Modeste, executive director of Pride Toronto. He learned about the boycott effort hours after attending the June 1 Progress Pride flag-raising ceremony at Nathan Phillips Square. After staff shared this with me, I had to sit. It took me a while to come to grips with how far the right is going to attack the 2SLGBTQT community. This week has been a challenging one for LGBTQ parents and students. On Tuesday, the York Catholic District School Board voted against flying the Pride flag outside its main office, with the chair saying it doesnt align with our Catholic values. And in Niagara, a Catholic school board trustee came under fire for comments she made about the Pride flag while leaving a board meeting. Marnie Kersten is a lesbian mom to two children in Oakville, and has a godson who is trans. While increased absences werent noted at her childs school, the knowledge that the protests were happening elsewhere still affected her family. It made us feel far less safe than we thought we were, she said. My kids are just like your kids, and they deserve to see their family represented just as everyone else does. Kersten says she was encouraged to see messages of inclusivity at her sons school, and said schools need to continue to make it clear that this kind of intolerance is unacceptable. Research has shown that young people believe rainbow symbols in schools send the message that LGBTQ youth matter and will be protected, said Elizabeth Saewyc, a professor in the school of nursing at the University of British Columbia and executive director, Stigma and Resilience Among Vulnerable Youth Centre. That acceptance and inclusion is so important for teenagers, she said. Its really hard to learn and do well in school if you dont feel safe there. Isio Emakpor, a Grade 12 student who identifies as queer, is co-organizing a different walkout at schools in the York Catholic board. On June 8, at 1:15 p.m., she and other students will be walking out to protest the boards decision against flying a Pride flag at their head office. They will be wearing rainbow colours instead of their school uniforms. Were hoping that students taking action and walking out of their classes and having all their Pride colours out will make them notice it more, Emakpor said. And make them understand that were not just numbers on a petition, but real people with real feelings. With files from Francine Kopun and Isabel Teotonio Read more about: SHARE: BRAMPTON, Ont. - One person is dead and a child is one of two people injured after a house fire in Brampton, Ont. Peel Regional Police say emergency services were called to the Jade Crescent and Jayfield Road area around 11 p.m. Friday. Two adults and one child were rushed to hospital with life-threatening injuries. Police tweeted just before 7 a.m. Saturday that one of the adults died of their injuries. The other adult and the child have been transported to trauma centres in life-threatening condition. The Ontario Fire Marshalls office is investigating. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 3, 2023. Read more about: SHARE: Its sweltering, the scent of lilacs is in the air and among the dandelions and tulips is the beautiful summer sight of campaign signs. The smiling faces and bold-type names of mayoral candidates will be hard to escape for the three weeks leading up to the June 26 election whether its on signs, posters or even in person at community events but I supposed its a small price to pay for a vibrant democracy and a chance to shape the future of this city. After the Toronto Star, United Way Greater Toronto and Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) debate, a key question is whether anyone can catch up to Olivia Chows consistent lead in the polls (with the caveat that polls, of course, have limitations). There was a brief pause in campaigning on Thursday afternoon due to a security threat that led to a cancelled debate but normal plans resumed after the arrest of the suspect on Thursday night. Heres what else you might have missed this week: Buzzkill at the Disco! We begin with a dispatch from on-the-ground correspondent Ben Mussett: On Monday evening, midtown councillor and left-leaning mayoral candidate Josh Matlow made a surprise appearance at a concert in the Beaches. Before a crowd of aging millennial hipsters, Hamilton-based rapper Cadence Weapon introduced Matlow after performing with British synthpop (and typically apolitical) headliners Hot Chip, explaining that he had been working on the councillors campaign. The boos began almost immediately, with attendees confused as to why a night out dancing had suddenly been brought back to earth by a dose of municipal politics. Despite the poor reception, a smiling Matlow briefly spoke about why hes running for mayor. A dig at Doug Ford received some cheers, but otherwise the crowd didnt seem enthused. Then it was back to funky jams that conjured a simpler time when those in attendance were younger, not yet weary from adulthood and the apparently unavoidable reach of politics. Later in the week Matlow brought music to a debate, leading the candidates and their staff in a rousing rendition of happy birthday to moderator Ed Keenan. Ed Boards The leading candidates for mayor have been meeting with the Toronto Stars editorial board the opinion editors who will decide on who, if anyone, the Star will endorse for mayor in the next two or so weeks. While the separate news team is not involved in those decisions, the editorial board sessions are open to Star reporters and editors to ask questions. This week, the Star hosted Coun. Brad Bradford, ex-police chief Mark Saunders and former councillor Ana Bailao. Matlow was the first to come in early last month and meetings have been scheduled soon with ex-Liberal MPP Mitzie Hunter and Chow. Politicians past and present weigh in The endorsements keep on coming. Ontario NDP leader Marit Stiles and new city councillors Amber Morley (Etobicoke-Lakeshore) and Jamaal Myers (Scarborough North) publicly threw their support behind Olivia Chow. Former Liberal MPP for Scarborough Centre Brad Duguid endorsed his long-time colleague Hunter. The mayor of Guelph Cam Guthrie gave Bradford his full support. John Baird, former foreign affairs minister under Stephen Harper, endorsed ex-Toronto Sun columnist and executive at right-wing media company Anthony Furey. Bailao, who has racked up endorsements from councillors, Liberal MPPs, and former mayors, announced the endorsement of Liberal MP Julie Dzerowicz who represents Davenport Bailaos old riding as a councillor. And on Saturday another Liberal MP, Michael Coteau, is expected to endorse Josh Matlow. Coteau, who represented Don Valley East, has opposed the provinces plan to move the Ontario Science Centre to Ontario Place, something Matlow has promised to fight. And thats debate bingo Depending on who you ask, debates are very important or not important at all. In this election where there are several candidates trying to grab a citys attention in a short amount of time they at least offer a quick way to stand out on television through a dissection of policy, some well-timed barbs, catchy slogans and personal stories. Unfortunately, after youve seen five debates and the same barbs and the same stories repeated over and over you have no choice but to make a debate bingo card. What this reporter did not foresee was that Bradford would, at the end of the night, reel off a greatest hits mix of his rivals slogans along with his own to ensure there would be a bingo winner. With files from Ben Mussett 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 Read more about: SHARE: Debbe Crandall thought the fight was over. The Caledon farmer has been a leader in the movement to protect the Oak Ridges Moraine, a vital ecological and hydrological component of the Greenbelt, for the past 30 years. She has studied it, advocated for it, helped write the legislation around it, and effectively convinced Conservative ministers in the early 2000s to enact its protection into law. Decades later, Crandall says the provinces recent decisions on the Greenbelt, which includes the 160-kilometre Moraine that naturally replenishes the GTAs underground aquifers and feeds the headwaters for some 65 streams and rivers from the Niagara Escarpment to the Trent River, have her concerned and perplexed. And she fears the compounding effects of recent changes to planning legislation, which has removed environmental oversight and development approval on adjacent Greenbelt lands, will permanently damage the ecological landscape. I think what their recent actions show is that they dont care, said Crandall, with the advocacy group Save the Oak Ridges Moraine. This is not about saving a species of frog, its about science, its about climate change resiliency, curbing loss of biodiversity, protecting freshwater but their policies show that they dont care. And thats so chilling. Over this past term, the Doug Ford government has reneged on its promise to protect the Greenbelt. The province removed 7,400 acres of land that was once deemed untouchable and sacrosanct from protection in November. This month, the premier called the Greenbelt which is made up of the Greenbelts protected countryside, the Niagara Escarpment and the Moraine a scam. With the Greenbelt under threat, and the province not doing enough to protect the Escarpment (as an auditor general report found last year) advocates say there is growing concern around development decisions being made on the sensitive Moraine. Currently, the province is pushing plans to build transit, wastewater infrastructure, housing and a long-term-care facility on the Moraine projects environmental groups fear will open the door to more incursions. Everything is connected to everything else, said Crandall. The moraine cant thrive if there are sprawling cities surrounding it (on Greenbelt lands). It cant thrive if there are policies in place that undermine it. Can the ecological health of the Moraine be maintained or survive when this governments actions are all said and done? No, it cannot, she said. The Oak Ridges Moraine formed some 10,000 years ago as glacial ice sheets melted away leaving behind debris like sand and gravel remnants, which act like a natural filter to clean water and store it underground. In the past, most homes in the GTA got water from wells, now most are serviced by lake water. But the Moraine water still feeds into streams and rivers like the Don, Humber and Credit and ultimately Lake Ontario. Steve Holysh, a senior hydrologist with the Oak Ridges Moraine Groundwater program, says its vital to understand how land use could change or impact these systems. The borders of the moraine were determined through extensive studies by experts and government officials who mapped the boundaries using natural heritage and hydrogeological surveys. He says development decisions made upstream on the Moraine can often impact cities downstream, and one reason why the City of Toronto joined their program is because they were seeing development in York and Durham Region upstream and those developments of extra erosion were being felt down in the city. Its all connected. In order to understand the entire water system, you cant stop at an arbitrary Greenbelt or Moraine boundary. The government didnt answer questions about its recent decisions impacting the Moraine, and defended its actions on the Greenbelt, saying it has grown the protected area by 2,000 acres. The Star previously reported that much of those Greenbelt lands were added in the Town of Erin, on already protected lands, with no consultation with local officials. Our expansion of the Greenbelt provides new protections for prime agricultural lands, supports a healthy and vibrant agricultural system, and better captures natural features such as wetlands and woodlands adjacent to moraine functions area, said Victoria Podbielski, press secretary for Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Steve Clark. The Moraine has largely remained off-limits from development since 2001, when the legislation was introduced under then-premier Mike Harris. Even though the land is protected, there are different designations on the land including natural core areas which are critical to maintaining integrity of the Moraine and have very restricted uses natural linkage areas, countryside areas and settlement areas, where development is allowed. The Moraine, however, runs through much of the urbanized parts of the GTA and includes large swaths of King City and Whitchurch-Stouffville. Politicians and farmers whose lands are in the Moraine recently petitioned the province for ways to remove protected land for specific employment uses. The province didnt approve that specific request. Meanwhile, recent development decisions on the Moraine will have long-term implications. Among them: In King City, in addition to removing 700 acres from the Greenbelt for a hospital, the province redesignated a large of chunk of adjacent land in the Oak Ridges Moraine to settlement area. This means the land, which could not be developed before, will now be developed into homes. King City councillors said they did not support the redesignation. Neither did York Region: Once lands have been removed from the Greenbelt/Oak Ridges Moraine without criteria, it is likely other landowners will follow suit adding pressure for additional development, said Paul Freeman, chief planner for the region. At the heart of this debate in King City is whether a recently approved long-term-care facility on a site that once served as a monastery for Augustinian fathers conforms to the rules of the Oak Ridge Moraine Conservation Plan, which only allows for development when there has been a similar existing use on the site before. The monastery sits on part of the largest wetland complexes on the Moraine, including rare kettle lakes. Most of the current buildings on the property were built before the Oak Ridges plan came into effect. Environmental advocates say the 160-bed long-term-care facility didnt meet the test for existing use as the building was historically used as a small-scale private facility that provided short-term care to clergy members. King City planners sided with the interpretation of the developer, Augustinian Fathers (Ontario) Inc, that they were simply expanding an existing use, and the facility was approved last month. Even before this question was settled, local MPP Stephen Lecce announced in March 2021 that a long-term-care facility was on its way at Marylake. King City councillor Debbie Schaefer says the allowance of this project is an indicator that we arent going to protect the Moraine anymore, she said. In an April letter to the Township of King committee of adjustment, Quinto Annibale, the corporate secretary of the Fathers, said the building had historical and ongoing use as a nursing home, retirement and convalescent home to Augustinian friars. A transit station runs through it. When the province approved York Regions official plan last fall, Municipal Affairs Minister Clark added a clause identifying that a future major transit area would be delineated around the Gormley GO station in Richmond Hill. The site was identified without any consultation with the region or residents and is in a natural core area of the Moraine, which has the strongest protection and thus cannot simply be removed from the Moraine, according to Crandall. They probably havent written the regulation, because it would be illegal to do it, she said. Moreover, the provinces recent decision to cancel the Upper York Sewage Solution that would have provided wastewater and sewage infrastructure for new development in York Region means the sewage will have to go downstream to Lake Ontario through Durham Region. Eco groups say an expansion will have to cut through the Oak Ridges Moraine which is no easy task. When the Big Pipe, which brings all of Yorks wastewater to Lake Ontario, was expanded in the early 2000s, staff struggled with putting in pipes alongside the Moraines aquifers, forcing them to dewater the area leading to a drop in well levels and changes to local creeks. Amid all this, advocates worry an important safety net has been removed. Recent legislative changes have curtailed the role of conservation authorities in providing technical advice to municipalities around how to protect and manage natural heritage. If they are not doing that, whos going to? said Crandall. If they arent getting (it) done, the (Oak Ridges Moraine) plan and its natural features are not protected, because there is nobody to champion them. Noor Javed is a Toronto-based reporter for the Star covering city news with interest in 905 municipal politics. Follow her on Twitter: @njaved SHARE: Toronto police have arrested five suspects aged between 12 and 15 on assault and weapons charges following a stabbing on the TTC Friday night. The incident happened at Kennedy Subway Station around 8:15 p.m. on June 2. Police said an altercation allegedly broke out between six individuals on the south bus bay platform where one was stabbed twice with a knife that was later recovered by officers on the scene. The victim, a man, was transported with life-threatening injuries to a nearby hospital. He has since recovered and now is in non-life threatening condition. Police told The Star the victim and those charged were not known to each other. All the suspects fled the scene but were later taken into custody, police said in a statement. The five suspects are facing charges of aggravated assault, possession of a weapon, disguise with intent and assault with a weapon. Marcell Wilson, a former gang leader turned youth advocate and founder of One By One Movement that focuses on youth violence, said the horrific incident is not surprising. The warning signs to these incidents have been happening for a while. The kids, the youth, have been speaking out in their own way through these acts of violence over time, Wilson said. Wilson added kids are frustrated, and the pandemic forcing kids to stay home as well as social media is playing a role in youth acting out. When an incident like this happens, young people will use (social media) as a tool to brag and boast and in some ways, though its negative, to get some form of recognition, Wilson said. Wilson said inflation and poverty issues are leading to parents needing to work more, leaving kids to fend for themselves. Youth may find it difficult to understand why their parent has to work and spend less time with them. This, coupled with youth having access to devices and social media that expose them to things that parents may be unaware is one of the main reasons why youth are acting out, Wilson explained. The online persona is sort of what drives them in real life. So theyre doing things that they typically would never do because theyre getting egged on or pushed by their audiences online, which can result in a young person shooting off a firecracker on public transit, Wilson said, referring to a recent report that a teenage girl was arrested after allegedly setting off fireworks inside a full TTC bus. What can we do to curb youth violence? To Wilson, thats an easy question with a one word answer: prevention. Prevention is cheaper than intervention. We have not invested nearly enough in violence prevention programs, and mental health programs, or addressing mental health at an early age, Wilson said, adding that prevention is talked about a lot but you need a plan on what that means. Wilson said the One by One Movement methodology has broken prevention into categories starting from prenatal and parenting classes before a child is even born, all the way throughout someones life to adult and community prevention. Louis March, founder of Zero Gun Violence, agreed that incidents like this one are not new. This is becoming normalized where you have swarming and violent assaults taking place. Were seeing more and more of it, March said, adding that a population of youth is motivated by anti-social activity by not following norms or expectations, as well as looking for attention on social media. We see stabbings in schools. We see fighting in schools. And students are gathered around filming for social media. Its a type of violence that is group initiated and tolerated, unless we figure it out and do something about it. March said the solution to youth violence involves young people themselves, community, policing and leadership that understands whats happening. Incidents like this one may lead to a public fear of future events involving youth, March added. When they see a group of young people together, what are they going to be thinking? Thats the last thing on your mind when you go shopping or when you go on the TTC. But now its becoming the first thing on your mind and thats whats scary about it. Earlier Friday, police responded to a separate alleged attack on a TTC bus at Kennedy Road and Sheppard Ave. E. in which a man allegedly attacked a rider without provocation, putting them in a choke hold and causing injuries, reads a police statement. The man, described to be aged between 30 and 40, fled and is now the subject of a police investigation. Fridays incidents are the latest in a string of violent attacks on the TTC. About a week before the Kennedy incident, a man was taken to hospital with what police said were multiple stab wounds after an attack outside Downsview Park subway station. In late March a man was seriously injured after being stabbed inside a bus at Keele Street and Donald Avenue. And days prior to that stabbing, 16-year-old Gabriel Magalhaes made headlines after being fatally stabbed by a 22-year-old man of no fixed address inside Keele Subway Station in what police said was an unprovoked attack. Toronto Police bolstered its presence on TTC in January, enlisting more than 80 officers in overtime shifts to patrol the transit network, which ended on March 13. SHARE: VATICAN CITY (AP) Pope Francis is traveling to Mongolia at the end of the summer, a visit that will be a first for a pontiff and one rich in geopolitical significance given its proximity to Russia and China. The Vatican on Saturday confirmed the Aug. 31-Sept. 4 trip to the landlocked U.S-allied country sandwiched between Russia and China, two countries popes have never visited. The visit comes as Francis is trying to toe a diplomatic line in his relations with both countries: With Moscow, Francis is seeking an opening for a peace envoy to nudge Russia and Ukraine to negotiations to end the war. With China, the Vatican has seen its landmark 2018 accord over bishop nominations violated, with Beijing making unilateral decisions. Francis will be ministering to a tiny Christian community in Mongolia, part of his focus on visiting far-flung Catholics on the peripheries of the churchs main centers of influence. According to statistics by the Catholic nonprofit Aid to the Church in Need, Mongolia is 53% Tantric Buddhist, 39% atheist, 3% Muslim, 3% Shaman and 2% Christian. Mongolia has strived to maintain its political and economic independence from both its Soviet-era patron Moscow which supplies virtually all of its energy needs and rising regional power China, which buys more than 90% of its mining exports, mainly coal and copper. At the same time, many people in Mongolia refer to the United States as their countrys third neighbor in recognition of the many varied exchanges between the two that help counter both Russian and Chinese influence. SHARE: ANKARA (AP) The Turkish defense ministry announced Saturday it will be sending a commando battalion to northern Kosovo in response to a NATO request for troops to help quell violent unrest. The request came from NATOs Joint Force Command Naples, the ministry said in a press statement posted on its official Twitter account, and the battalion will join the alliances peacekeeping mission in the region, known as KFOR, as a reserve unit. A defense ministry official said around 500 Turkish troops would be going to Kosovo. The official spoke on condition of anonymity in line with ministry regulations. NATO announced on Tuesday that it would be sending 700 troops to bolster the force in the area. KFOR currently consists of almost 3,800 troops, including some 350 from Turkey. Violent clashes with ethnic Serbs on Monday left 30 international soldiers 11 Italians and 19 Hungarians wounded, including fractures and burns from improvised explosive incendiary devices. The clashes grew out of a confrontation that unfolded earlier after ethnic Albanian officials elected in votes overwhelmingly boycotted by Serbs entered municipal buildings to take office and were blocked by Serbs. We urge restraint and dialogue to resolve these developments in northern Kosovo which endanger regional security and stability, the Turkish statement read. The Turkish commando battalion will be deploying to the Sultan Murat Barracks in Kosovo on Sunday and Monday. SHARE: MOUNT VERNON, Wash. (AP) A lawsuit filed by a Washington oyster farmer accusing a former county deputy of falsifying an arrest report and urging a person to lie during a domestic-violence investigation has been settled for $250,000. Gerardo Rodarte, the owner of Samish Gold Seafoods, sued Skagit County and former deputy Joseph Gutierrez in 2020, after Rodarte was acquitted by a jury of domestic-violence assault charges, The Seattle Times reported. The charges were based on the deputys sworn statement and reports. Court documents show Gutierrez, who was fired in 2018 over allegations of having sex while on duty and failing to aid other officers during a jail escape, refused to testify at trial. Rodartes lawsuit alleged that Gutierrez conspired with Rodartes niece, who was also an oyster farm employee, to falsely accuse her uncle of assaulting her in exchange for help with her immigration status. The niece called the Sheriffs Office on June 7, 2017, and claimed she had been assaulted by Rodarte. Gutierrez responded and arrested Rodarte, despite his claims and statements from his wife that the niece attacked him, biting his thumb and hitting him in the head with a telephone handset, according to the lawsuit and other documents filed in U.S. District Court. Rodarte claimed in his lawsuit that, while taking him to jail, Gutierrez met his niece and told her they needed to change their story because it did not fit the evidence, and that they had to fix it so it looked real, according to the documents. He claimed Gutierrez took pictures of the nieces neck, which showed bruising and marks that werent there previously. U.S. District Judge Barbara Rothstein in a 2021 ruling denied Gutierrezs motion to dismiss the fabrication and false-evidence claim and ordered it to proceed to trial. Rodartes wife, Fabiola Higareda Hernandez, also signed a sworn affidavit claiming Gutierrez had falsified statements attributed to her in his arrest report. Gutierrez appealed Rothsteins decision to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco. An appeals court panel in January upheld Rothsteins trial decision. As for damages, the appeals judges wrote, We have held that it is virtually self-evident that there is a clearly established constitutional right not to be subjected to criminal charges on the basis of false evidence deliberately fabricated by the government. Rodartes lawsuit alleges a clam harvest worth $500,000 he had farmed the day of his arrest spoiled while he was incarcerated. The Skagit County Attorneys Office, which represented Gutierrez, didnt respond to a phone message from the newspaper seeking comment on the settlement. SHARE: Solar Beats Coal in Europe for First Time - But Theres a Glitch Solar Beats Coal in Europe for First Time - But Theres a Glitch (Bloomberg) -- The European Unions transition to clean energy marked a milestone in May, when solar panels generated more electricity than all of the blocs coal plants for the first time and thats before summer sun boosts production even further. Most Read from Bloomberg While the furious expansion of solar generation bodes well for efforts to replace fossil fuels, the breakthrough also exposed flaws in the energy system. Power prices turned negative during some of Mays sunniest days as grid operators struggled to handle the surge. This summer will be something well have to look at like its a postcard from the future, said Kesavarthiniy Savarimuthu, analyst at BloombergNEF. The biggest message will be: were not ready. Although solar was a fast and easy solution to respond to last years energy crisis triggered by Russias moves to squeeze natural gas supplies, the downside is the technology is best in sunny months when demand is typically lower. Systems to store that energy in batteries or by creating green hydrogen arent advanced enough to allow summer sun to keep lights on at night or help heat homes in the winter. Read More: Europes Unused Coal Heads to New Shores in Post-Crisis Glut Nowhere is the solar boom and the adjustment risks clearer than in the Netherlands. There are over 100 megawatts of solar panels for every 100,000 Dutch residents, double the deployment of sunny Spain and more than triple the rate in China by far the global leader in total solar capacity. The Netherlands claim to the densest solar network on Earth is thanks largely to long-running government support. The program rewards households for installing solar panels, with every watt of electricity offsetting energy bills, regardless of whether usage matches up with the sunniest parts of the day. The Dutch government did this to stimulate solar panels, but its a little too successful, said Jorrit de Jong, spokesman at Dutch electric grid operator TenneT, who has seven roof-top solar panels that produce at least 80% of his annual household electricity consumption. If I do my laundry or charge my car at moments when there isnt sun, it doesnt matter for me because I get paid by my energy company. The government in the Netherlands plans to change the system starting in 2025. Under new rules, households that send power back to the grid would be able to deduct a declining amount from their annual bill. By 2031, producers would only benefit from power they actually consume and not get compensated for any excess. Across Europe, people are following the Dutch example. Since the start of Russias invasion of Ukraine, installations of solar panels in the EU have accelerated. In May, production rose 10% compared to the previous year to reach a record 27 terawatt hours. In contrast to wind, hydro or geothermal power, solar has a key advantage of being quick to install. All it takes is an incentive for homeowners or property companies to turn roofs into mini energy parks. But electricity grids were set up around massive generators that could work in tandem with grid operators to keep networks balanced. A more distributed system is harder to manage and will be tested in earnest this summer. Read More: Europes Green Transition Under Attack as Political Costs Rise While record solar and wind production have helped drive out coal and gas plants at an impressive rate this year, the EU still has a long way to go to reach its goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. Germany is under even more pressure, with Europes biggest power market aiming for a decarbonized grid by 2035. Getting there will require not only a massive expansion of clean energy, but also changes that better align consumption with generation. There are already signs of a mismatch between supply and demand. Last weekend, electricity prices turned negative at times as solar output hit a record in Germany, Europes biggest producer. Negative prices arent unheard of and are typically linked to strong wind generation at night or on weekends when demand is thin. When theres a surge in power, suppliers have to pay consumers to use electricity. It doesnt mean 100% of the power is coming from renewables. Some conventional plants cant flexibly switch on and off or are required to run to maintain grid stability. Increasing price swings and persistent low or negative rates during peak production periods for renewable power could put further investment at risk, according to Axel Thiemann, chief executive officer of Sonnedix, one of Europes biggest solar developers. Read More: Europes Emissions Fall Below 2020 Level on Energy Crisis Since the end of 2021, Sonnedix has roughly doubled its pipeline of European projects, but Thiemann warned development will get more difficult without changes to how power is managed. As more investment gets realized, the grid will get more and more saturated during certain parts of the day in the summer, he said in an interview. Even if you have unlimited amounts of solar projects that are permitted, they will not be built unless theres a clear route to market. Better coping with the ebb and flow of renewable generation will require a new kind of flexibility in the power system, which wasnt necessary when all electricity came from a few giant fossil fuel and nuclear plants that could be turned up or down depending on demand. Our current power system wasnt planned for these kinds of flexibility needs, said Thorsten Lenck, project manager at Berlin-based think tank Agora Energiewende. There are various ways to adapt. Batteries connected to the grid could use power during the sunniest or windiest parts of the day to sell when renewables arent producing as much. Consumers could also be incentivized to use power during times of peak production. That could be particularly important as more electric vehicles hit the roads and households switch from traditional boilers to heat pumps. Were going to have an unprecedented amount of solar production this summer and it tends to increase the volatility in power prices, said Joke Steinwart, analyst at Aurora Energy Research. This presents big opportunities for flexible technologies like batteries. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. Faced with skyrocketing rents and the endless housing debates that accomplish little, organized tenants are going on rent strike. More than 100 tenants on 71, 75 and 79 Thorncliffe Park Drive refused to pay rent in May. Come June 1, more tenants and more buildings may follow suit. Tenant organizing is not new, but whenever it gains momentum, it exposes the class conflict that underpins housing debates, pushing people to pick a side. The Ontario rent increase guidelines for 2022 and 2023 were 1.2 and 2.5 per cent, respectively. For Starlight Investments, the real estate giant overseeing financial assets, including these and other buildings, for the Public Sector Pension Investment Board (PSP), one of Canadas largest pension funds, 3.7 per cent over two years wasnt enough. The company applied for an above guideline increase (AGI) that would raise rents by around 4.2 per cent in 2022 and five per cent in 2023, with the exact increase varying across units. The justification: recent renovation costs. In other industries, service providers absorb the cost of preserving and improving their assets, but in Ontario (and other provinces), landlords get the special treatment of passing these costs onto tenants on top of rents. A sweet deal they have been cashing on. Analyses by the Wellesley Institute and RenovictionsTO have found a remarkable increase in AGI applications over the past years. For landlords, AGIs pay off. The same application can cover hundreds of units. Future rent increases are compounded on top of AGIs, generating extra revenues for years. If tenants cant bear the financial burden and leave, landlords raise rents by as much as they want in Ontario (and other provinces) there are no rent controls on vacant units. In either case, the landlords win. For tenants, AGIs come as a sucker punch. Tenants dont get to choose whether a renovation is necessary. They dont get to choose which renovation should be done first. They dont get to choose how much is spent. Yet, they must foot the bill. Even if they cant. According to 2021 Census data, 37 per cent of tenants at 75 and 79 Thorncliffe Park Drive spend more than 30 per cent of their income on rent, or too much, using the standard definition of housing affordability. Another 42 per cent live in units that are too small for the size of their families likely to keep rent costs low. (71 Thorncliffe Park Drive is in a separate census area, with similar statistics.) In the second year of the pandemic, workers in these buildings were less than half as likely to work from home as average Torontonians. Back then, they were called essential workers. Census data also shows that 32 per cent of them leave for work between 12 p.m. and 4:59 a.m. As any parent will tell you, unconventional working hours take a toll. The AGI was the straw that broke the camels back. Based on average rents in that part of town, average increases would add to more than $1,500 a year. Thats 2.5 weeks of full-time work at the current minimum wage, which (judging by average wages and occupation) is what many earn. Tenants would also be required to pay hundreds of dollars in retroactive rents increase for 2022. More than 100 tenant families went on a rent strike, demanding that the AGI be dropped. More tenants in those buildings and other buildings facing AGIs may join them come June 1. Which side are you on? On the side of the real estate giant managing the assets of a pension fund, and acting squarely within the limits of the law to maximize returns on investments? Or one side of tenant families who sacrifice to pay the rent on time but faced with legislation that favours landlords decided to escalate the fight? History judges poorly those who stay neutral in the face of injustice. Ricardo Tranjan is a senior researcher with the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives Ontario office and author of The Tenant Class. @ricardo_tranjan SHARE: Pride flag vote sparks outrage in York, May 30 Despite the fact that Minister of Education Stephen Lecce and Ford have mandated all kinds of things with little or no input by the boards of education, both have suddenly developed a hands-off policy in dealing with the York District Catholic School Board. When asked if he planned to intervene in the boards decision not to fly the pride flag, Lecce answered with a bunch of political gobbly-gook. Ford has no comment, obviously afraid to alienate his right-wing base. But it really comes as no surprise. Lets remember when the Premiers brother was mayor of Toronto and refused to fly the pride flag at city hall and also refused to appear in the pride parade because he spent that weekend at his cottage. Big brother Doug who was the mayors right hand man in all things apparently didnt dissuade him to do the right thing. The YDCSBs refusal to protect a vulnerable group of students is reason in itself to eliminate provincial funding for Catholic education. It is long past the time to have a single system of education. As a taxpayer, I dont want to be supporting bigotry. Happy Pride Everyone! Stephen Bloom, Toronto SHARE: Where do we draw the line on MAID? May 30 Andrew Phillips argues, that the rapid evolution of MAID from a limited program to what is essentially death on demand, comes from placing individual autonomy at the apex of our value system. In general, in democratic societies, personal autonomy is considered a positive thing. However, in parts of the world, Canada included I would argue, there is currently an upsurge the belief in what I call negative autonomy, namely the belief that each of us is solely responsible for our lives and its not the governments job to take care of you. I call this the not my problem syndrome: Youre poor and homeless? Not my problem. You experience mental health problems that impede your ability to function in society? Not my problem. You have a physical disability or live in chronic pain which limits your ability to get around in the world? Not my problem. And not my problem bleeds into not my taxes. Most of the unjust social conditions that lead people who are not facing imminent death to seek MAID are treatable. Homelessness, poverty, poor medical care can be rectified but not if the tax resources needed for the solutions are withheld because, thats not my problem. Joan Blackwood, Toronto SHARE: A year ago, I wouldnt have travelled to Florida on account of a virus called COVID-19. This year I wont be visiting the state on account of a different contagion circulating there and to a lesser (but no less frightening) degree across the entire continent: the moral panic about queer people as alleged groomers of children. I dont say this in the hypothetical sense. My family was planning a vacation to Miami for next winter. Weve decided to go elsewhere. This wasnt a decision made on principle alone. Though its true that wed rather not spend our money in a state that is subject to travel advisories due to its anti LGBTQ policies, ultimately our reason for staying away is one of personal safety. The retro headshot that accompanies this column doesnt reflect this fact, but I have a short haircut and I wear mens clothing. In other words, like many visibly queer people today, Id rather not walk into a public bathroom in a state that just passed anti-transgender legislation that in practice, invites ordinary citizens to inquire about the gender identity of the people around them. There is a common misconception that the ugly culture war playing out in the U.S. is about transgender rights only; that so long as doctors promise to deny gender-affirming care to trans youth the religious right will leave us regular gays alone. Ironically, though, the religious right is not so discriminating. It doesnt recognize nuance under the rainbow umbrella. It isnt interested in distinguishing between a trans man and a cisgender lesbian with a short haircut. Its no surprise that since anti-transgender rhetoric exploded in the United States and beyond, reports are emerging about all manner of people being harassed in or removed from public bathrooms, from trans people to butch lesbians, to more recently, a mom escorting a disabled adult child into a womens bathroom. Last year, an 86-year-old woman in Ireland was nearly beaten to death because her perpetrator, a stranger, assumed she was a man dressed up as a woman, and a pedophile. I want to be clear: laws and rhetoric that harm transgender people should be motivation enough for good people to speak out against the avalanche of anti-queer hate coming down on the United States and beyond. Unfortunately, they arent. It is currently fashionable to deride and harass trans people, in much the same way it was once fashionable to deride and harass gay people. But make no mistake: while trans people are the main theme and target of this current breed of hatred, they are not its only target. Not even close. Once again, the hard right forces that banned books in Florida, tore down Pride displays in Target, and provoked a (lousy) Toronto Blue Jays pitcher to reveal his true colours, do not discriminate. What we are witnessing in the United States and in the bigoted corner of Ontarios Catholic school system is the collapsing of all nuance and the parading of age old hysteria and prejudice. Today, every queer person and theme is boiled down into a demonic rainbow soup so that merely saying happy pride is synonymous with the sexual corruption of children. Fancy hanging a rainbow flag in your classroom? You may as well be forcing toddlers into gender reassignment surgery. If youre queer and proud of it, youre a deviant. If youre a drag performer who reads picture books to children, youre a deviant. If youre a primary school teacher who acknowledges that trans and non-binary people exist, surprise, surprise: youre a deviant. Queer people and so-called allies who think trans rights dont concern them are not only morally wrong; they are playing a dangerous game that we all lose. SHARE: #GTAHomeHunt is a weekly series from the Star that gets into the details of real estate listings in Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area. Have a tip? Email us at social@torstar.ca Price: $2,895,000 Neighbourhood: Beechborough-Greenbrook X-factor: With almost 6,000 square-feet of interior living space, a modular exterior in a mix of woods, metals and glass, the property at 7 Freeman Rd. screams luxury meets rustic in a quiet neighbourhood with parks, easy access to transit, schools, shopping and daycares. The well-sized lot is surrounded by trees and greenery, and with expansive windows throughout the home to let that nature peek in. With high-end finishings and heated bathroom floors, the nearly $3 million home is itching for a buyer whose bank account runs deep. But compared to most of the homes in the neighbourhood, which since February have sold for around $1 million and dont boast the same amenities, floor plan or renovations, is it worth spending $2,895,000 on this one? Realtor Othniel Litchmore gets into the details, and how he sees the neighbourhood changing in the next 10 years. Why is this home one of the only renovated in the area? Buying a property for $3 million is likely only an option for a select group of folks in the city think businesspeople, or those with family wealth who also likely want to be surrounded by those like them, Litchmore said. This location in Beechborough-Greenbrook is decent, he said, but its no Forest Hill where these homes would be more common. Still, he said this neighbourhood, tucked north of Eglinton West and around Black Creek Drive, appears to be expanding, or, in other words, gentrifying. The area is being changed by wealthier people moving in who are changing how homes look, which typically displaces people who have called the neighbourhood home for decades. Eventually, your neighbours home will be torn down, and a home similar to yours will be built. People are banking on the fact that the entire neighbourhood will be transformed into another thing, Litchmore said, but that doesnt mean the value of your home will skyrocket. So, is it worth it? Litchmore asked himself. It depends. The home at 7 Freeman Rd. is pretty accurately priced, meaning it likely wont sell for more than its listed for, but also wont appreciate in value at the same rate others will in the city because the buyer pool is smaller, he said even if the other homes in the neighbourhood are bought, torn down and rebuilt in a similar style. About the limited buyer pool: Litchmores comment checks out. This house has been on the market for 21 days. He said this doesnt mean there hasnt been an offer or interested buyers, but that it takes longer to purchase these homes because of how much they cost. But if it were placed in another neighbourhood, say Forest Hill where most neighbouring properties look the same, it could go for millions more. How can you still try to score a deal? If youre looking to buy the property of your dreams with finishings unique to you, Litchmore said it might be better to buy one of the neighbouring properties, tear it down and rebuild. But that isnt a job everyone wants to do, especially if theyre not connected to builders or contractors. Still, it can be cheaper, and save a buyer around $500,000 in the long run, even though it could cost up to $400 per square foot. Take, for example, a home that sold for $1 million in the area. With a tear down and rebuild, which could cost $1.4 million, that would save you $495,000 compared to buying this property. For most buyers, however, the process seems daunting, which would make 7 Freeman Rd. an ideal buy if youre looking to get into the neighbourhood before it heats up, Litchmore said. Where else can you find homes like this? Forest Hill boasts similar looking homes to 7 Freeman Rd., but it isnt the only area in the city where youll find them, nor is it the only area youll see older homes being torn down in favour of bigger properties with a more modern flare. Litchmore suggests looking in the old York area: Black Creek Drive and Lawrence Avenue, down Bloor Street West and east of the University subway line. There are a lot of older homes on good-sized lots that are currently being torn down, he said. So just north of downtown, but not much more north than Lawrence. SHARE: The Wealth of Nations appeared at a time when revolutionary ideas in other areas were also developing. The invention of the steam engine, the developing factory system, the pressure for individual selfexpression in science, art, business and politics, the dissatisfaction of the rising merchants and industrialists with the traditional power of the landed aristocracy, and the signing of the Declaration of Independence gave clear evidence that the old order was disintegrating. New ways of doing things were increasing in number but no systematic analysis appeared to explain these changes. Adam Smiths book explained the logical basis for the wealth of a nation and the economic events of the day. But the book was also a comprehensive philosophical work that reviewed in general terms the many problems confronting human welfare. The rising class of merchants and businessmen of the time believed that Smith was pleading on their behalf in his strong attacks on the mercantile system that had prescribed so many excessive import duties and restrictive trade practices. Smiths book also contained pleas for the poor, downtrodden and the oppressed, especially farmers and workers. The following statement, for instance, appeared on behalf of the working class: Masters are always and everywhere in a sort of tacit, but constant and uniform combination not to raise the wages of labour above their actual rate. Smith had his precious word for rural workers when he noted that Country gentlemen and farmers are, to their great honour, of all people, the least subject to the wretched spirit of monopoly. The consumer was also brought into his proper place in the economic scheme of things for the first time as Smith stated: Consumption is the sole end and purpose of all production; and the interest of the producer ought to be attended to only so far as it may be necessary for promoting that of the customer. It may be noted in this connection that the general charm and graceful style of the book plus its optimistic message made The Wealth of Nations very attractive even to the average reader. The principles set down by Smith may be easily recognised today, but were truly revolutionary in his time. Smith argued that mans basic and most important motivating force in all economic affairs is the drive of self-interest. Secondly, there is in nature an order of things that compounds and translates these individual self-interest strivings into a unified mass, resulting in the common social good. Finally, from the interaction of these two principles he draws his conclusion that the best economic system can result only where it is left strictly alone. In other words, the States function is to preserve order, but make no intervention in the functionings of the free market. For several hundred years before Smith, thinkers and economists thought that the source of the true wealth of a nation was its huge stock of gold and silver. Smith did not subscribe to this view. He analysed his viewpoint by using a metaphor: The gold and silver money which circulates in any country may very properly be compared to a highway, which, while it circulates and carries to market all the grass and corn of the country, produces itself not a single pile either. To Smith, the only source of wealth is the labour of its people who alone are capable of producing all required goods and services. This stream of goods and services is the gross domestic product (GDP) of a nation. Today GDP is widely used to determine the success of a nations economy. Moreover, the primary method by which labour productivity is increased is the division of labour. According to Smith, the division of labour, tied to the principles of self-interest and laissez faire within the framework of a natural order, can lead to a higher standard of living for all. Smith believed that labour is the real measure of the exchangeable value of all commodities. This idea was also used by Karl Marx to develop his theory of the exploitation of labour by the capitalist class. Smith believed that economic progress made possible by increased savings and capital accumulation would lead to higher wages for workers. But Marx differed with this idea as he thought that increasing capital accumulation meant lower wages for workers because this capital would be used to develop labour-saving devices. In the field of public finance, Smiths canons of taxation are still quoted today in economics textbooks. He believed that taxes should be equitable and their amount should be certain and known. According to him, taxes should be payable at a convenient time for the taxpayer and they should be so designed as to be economically collectible. A key contribution of Smiths economic doctrine is the idea that all economic activities centred on the process of exchange in the market place. Smith reinforced the idea that intervention of the state was unnecessary because self-interest would naturally move required resources where they could be most profitably employed. In spite of Smiths towering influence on most of the economic doctrines and economists coming after him, much of his ideas are challenged or refuted by modern economists. He was an important thinker of his time, but he could not foresee the ultimate consequences of the Industrial Revolution, labour unions, corporations, and education on subsequent economic and social developments. Alfred Marshall, an esteemed economist, strongly criticised Smiths definition of economy. In Smiths theory on the Invisible Hand, each individual in pursuing his own selfish good was led, as if by an invisible hand, to achieve the most beneficial economic outcome for all. Many economists came down heavily on this concept including Joseph E. Stiglitz who said the reason that the invisible hand often seems invisible is that it is often not there. In spite of such criticisms, Smith remains an all-time great in the field of economics and while we may call him a proponent of free market economy, he cannot be accused of being a free market fundamentalist given the moral dimension in his economic ideas. Smiths contribution is best summed up by one of his contemporaries and a distinguished statesman William Pitt (the younger). In a speech shortly after Smiths death Pitt, stressing the importance of capital accumulation, said that Smiths writings and extensive knowledge of detail and depth of philosophical research will, I believe, furnish the best solution of every question connected with the history of commerce and with the system of political economy. (The writer, a Ph D in English, teaches the language at the Government-sponsored Sailendra Sircar Vidyalaya, Shyambazar, Kolkata In an apparently unheard of incident, the state health department cancelled the transfer order of Dr Sandip Ghosh, principal of RG Kar Medical College Hospital, within 24 hours. The latter was transferred to the Murshidabad Medical College Hospital (MMCH) as professor in the orthopaedic department, triggering controversy. Dr Sandip Ghoshs case is the second incident after cancelling the transfer order of Dr Abhijit Bhakt, who was also recalled to NRS Medical College Hospital within 24 hours of his transfer to the anatomy department of Cooch Behar Medical College Hospital on Tuesday. On Wednesday, the health department issued an order and brought Dr Bhakt back to the NRS Medical College Hospital cancelling the previous order issued on Tuesday. On 31 May, the health department transferred Dr Sanat Ghosh, principal of the Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay Govt Medical College & Hospital, to the RG Kar Medical College Hospital replacing Dr Sandip Ghosh. I cant comment on the matter as its an administrative decision, Mr Narayan Swarup Nigam, principal secretary in charge of the health department, told The Statesman. High drama started when Dr Sanat Ghosh came to the RG Kar Medical College Hospital on Friday to take charge of his new assignment and found the principals office locked from outside. He waited there for more than about three hours and contacted Swasthya Bhaban. Employees in the principals office were also found waiting to welcome Dr Sanat Ghosh with a bouquet of flowers at the RG Kar Hospital. Dr Sandip Ghosh, who was supposed to join his new assignment in MMCHs orthopaedic department, locked the principals room at RG Kar Hospital from outside. Dr Sanat Ghosh rushed to the Swasthya Bhaban after waiting for three hours at RG Kar Medical College Hospital. After holding a review meeting of the HPCL Rajasthan Refinery Limited (HRRL) project at Pachpadra in Barmer on Friday, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot disclosed that the refinery will start commercial production by December 31, 2024. Claiming this to be the most ambitious project of the country, Ashok Gehlot urged the CAIRN Energy to increase oil and gas production in the Barmer Oil to boost Rajasthans revenue earnings. Presently, Barmer Oil production amounts to 25 percent of the countrys demand, making it the highest in the country, he said, adding, Rajasthan Refinery is the first such refinery where petro-chemical complex will be developed simultaneously for the manufacture of petroleum by-products along with oil refining. With this project, Rajasthan will become a hub of petroleum based industries. Terming it a dream project of the Congress government, he said that with the commencement of commercial production before December 31, 2024, the pace of development will increase. Its foundation stone was laid in the year 2013 under the leadership of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, the works were adversely affected due to various reasons. In the year 2013 it has become a project worth Rs 37,229 crore, in the year 2017 it has become Rs 43,129 and now it is more than Rs 72,937 crore. The chief minister said in order to speed up the refinery project, the Central government should construct a 6-lane road from Jodhpur to Pachpadra-Barmer, and connect it to Amritsar-Jamnagar (Bharatmala Project). The state government has approved a Rs 2583 crore grant for the 26 per cent stake of the state government in the incremental share capital of HPCL Rajasthan Refinery Limited. This will speed up the work and the project will be completed in a time bound manner. According to the chief executive officer (CEO) of HPCL, at present a target has been set to complete the mechanical work of this Rs 72,937 crore project by May, 2024. Till May 2023, work has been done by spending Rs 30,000 crore. Due to this, about 80 percent construction work of the refinery units has been completed. At present, more than 25 thousand people are getting employment. The meeting was attended among others by Forest and Environment Minister Hemaram Chowdhary, Baytu MLA Harish Chowdhary, Chief Secretary Usha Sharma, Advisor to Chief Minister Dr. Govind Sharma, Additional Chief Secretary Mines and Petroleum Department Veenu Gupta, RIICO President Kuldeep Ranka, Chief Government Secretary Energy Bhaskar A Sawant, District Collector Arun Purohit along with senior officials of HRRL and EIL were present. Expressing grief over the death of 261 passengers in a three-train collision in Odishas Balasore district, Opposition leaders from AAP and CPI have demanded the resignation of Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw over the incident. However, the main Opposition party in the Lok Sabha Congress has said questions to the government can wait till Sunday as rescue and relief is an immediate requirement. More than 900 people were injured in the tragic train accident that occurred on Friday evening. The three-way accident involved Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express, the Coromandel Express and a goods train on three separate tracks at Bahanaga Bazar Station in Odishas Balasore district. Demanding the railway ministers resignation over the incident, AAP minister Saurabh Bhardwaj in a tweet said, The way the news of the accident has come, it is Indias biggest rail accident in history so far. Three trains have collided. So many people have died. A few days back, the same central government had given a presentation and said that they have come up with such a system that no train could collide with each other. Was the statement that a system was brought a lie or that because of corruption that system could not work? Somebody should take responsibility for this. Just saying that we have formed a committee is not enough. The central government should take responsibility for this and the railway minister should resign immediately. Meanwhile, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee demanded a proper investigation to ascertain the exact cause of the tragic train accident that killed 261 people and injured over 900 others. CPI MP Binoy Viswam has also demanded Vaishnaws resignation over the triple train tragedy. Government concentrates only on luxury trains. Trains and tracks of common people are neglected. Orissa deaths are the result of it. Rail minister should resign, Viswam said in a tweet. Expressing his grief over the death of the passengers in the train accident, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said the party had many questions to ask the prime minister (Narendra Modi) and the railway minister, but those can wait since the immediate task is of rescue and relief. In a statement, Kharge said, At this moment of grave national tragedy on account of the terrible train disaster in Odisha, I have instructed the entire Congress party organisation to extend all possible and needed help. He said a number of Congress leaders from different states have either already reached or will soon be reaching Balasore. I once again extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. We have many questions to ask the Prime Minister and the Railway Minister but those can wait since the immediate task is of rescue and relief, the Congress chief said. Former Congress president Sonia Gandhi, expressing shock over the tragedy, said I am most pained and anguished by the terrible train disaster in Odisha. I extend my deepest sympathy and condolences to all the bereaved families, Sonia Gandhi, who is the Chairperson of Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP), said in a statement. Echoing the views of Kharge, Congress General Secretary, Communications in-charge Jairam Ramesh said, The rail crash in Odisha is truly horrendous. It is a matter of the greatest anguish. It reinforces why safety should always be the foremost priority in the functioning of the rail network. There are many legitimate questions that need to be raised but that should wait till tomorrow. Former Union Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav has called for a high-level inquiry into the train accident. Alleging negligence, in an apparent reference to the BJP-led Central government, without naming anybody, Yadav said, The manner in which they showed negligence and didnt show alertness led to such a large number of casualties. There should be a high-level inquiry and action should be taken against those responsible for itThere was major negligence. They have destroyed Railways, the RJD chief said. Former Delhi Deputy Chief Minsiter and AAP leader Manish Sisodia on Saturday arrived at his residence in the national capital after Delhi High Court allowed him to meet his ailing wife. Delhi High Court yesterday allowed Sisodia to meet his ailing wife from 10 am to 5 pm today. The court said that Sisodia will be in police custody during the meeting, Sisodia had earlier moved an interim bail citing his wifes illness. Granting bail to the AAP leader a bench of Justice Dinesh Kumar Sharma said that he (Manish Sisodia) shall not interact with media, use a mobile phone or access the internet. The court further directed that the medical report be verified and the medical report of Sisodias wife be furnished by tomorrow evening positively. The Court in order further added that Sisodia will not meet anyone except family members during this period. Sisodias legal team also moved an interim bail plea in Delhi High Court citing his wifes medical illness. The interim bail is seeking court direction to grant six weeks of bail. The ED on March 9 arrested former Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia in the liquor policy case, after hours of questioning at Tihar Jail. Sisodia was arrested by the CBI earlier in its ongoing investigation of a case related to alleged irregularities in the framing and implementation of the excise policy of the National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD). Description AFLOAT USA magazine and Claudios Waterfront have joined forces again this year to ring in the summer on the North Fork of Long Island with their 2nd annual AQUAVERSE, a free-to-the-public event for seaside sun-and-fun lovers. After last years success, the event founders have upped the ante with a new mix of luxury charter yachts, demos of the latest in electric watercraft, aquaculture events, and of course, Claudios fresh seafood. If you like high-tech marine toys, youre not going to want to miss this years show, notes Debbie Allen, publisher of AFLOAT USA. At AQUAVERSE 2023, Taiga Motors will show off the Orca Carbonthe only 100% electric recreational jet ski with a super quiet, emission-free ride. Fliteboard will debut the all-new Flitescooter, surfing above the water on the most advanced eFoil on the market. Were excited to be a part of this event and spread the word about our local shellfish and marine habitat restoration efforts, said Kimberly Barbour, Director of Cornells Back to the Bays, who will be on hand to showcase their interactive Traveling Touch Tank. Oysterponds Shellfish Co. will serve up fresh oyster tastings, shucking demonstrations, and tours of their oyster boat. Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital is back for a second year supporting the community. Tracey Orlando, Executive Director of East End Seaport Museum, expressed excitement for the event saying, Claudios is a great community partner and this effort to celebrate our waters is fantastic. Live music, provided by Claudios, will keep the party going from Claudios Waterfront. We are thrilled that our partnership with AFLOAT USA continues to grow through AQUAVERSE, says Tanya Doggwiler, Claudios Director of Marketing. This year is even more special as we have more community participants whose passions are geared toward protecting our vital aquaculture. In fact, AQUAVERSE attendees will find a lot to love at the event. Our water toy partners are electric, adds Doggwiler. And we are featuring two incredible sailboats that showcase our commitment to marine-friendly fun. One of those sailboats is the 90 Lelanta, which began life as a racing vessel, starred in an adventure film, and now calls the North Fork home. Yacht Hampton returns again this year with luxury yacht and boat rentals. East Coast Houseboats, one of the premier manufacturers of residential styled houseboats in the country, will be showcasing life aboard a floating home. True Sailing will be booking sailing lessons and charters for the 2023 season. AQUAVERSE 2023 is free to the public and will be held Saturday, June 3rd, 2023 from 12:00pm to 5:00pm. Visit aquaverseusa.com to learn more and register for prize giveaways. Former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, who is currently under judicial custody in connection to the Excise Policy scam case, was not able to meet his ailing wife at his residence on Saturday as she was admitted to the LNJP Hospital after her health deteriorated prior to Sisodias arrival, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) sources said. Manish Sisodias wifes health deteriorated and was admitted to the LNJP Hospital, party sources said. On June 2, the Delhi High Court had allowed Sisodia to meet his ailing wife from 10 am to 5 pm on June 3. However, the court said that he will be in police custody during the meeting. Sisodia reached his residence at around 10 am. He did not speak to the media as per the courts direction and went straight inside the residence. But, Seema Sisodia (Manish Sisodias wife) was already taken to the hospital, prior to the arrival of the AAP leader. Manish Sisodia had earlier moved an interim bail citing his wifes illness. Granting bail to the AAP leader, a bench of Justice Dinesh Kumar Sharma said that he (Manish Sisodia) will not interact with media, use a mobile phone or access the internet. The court further directed that the medical report be verified and the medical report of Sisodias wife be furnished by tomorrow evening positively. The Court in order further added that Sisodia will not meet anyone except family members during this period. Sisodias legal team also moved an interim bail plea in the Delhi High Court citing his wifes medical illness. The interim bail is seeking court direction to grant six weeks of bail. The ED on March 9 arrested former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia in the liquor policy case, after hours of questioning at Tihar Jail. Sisodia was arrested by the CBI earlier in its ongoing investigation of a case related to alleged irregularities in the framing and implementation of the excise policy of the National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD). Inspector General of BSF Kashmir Frontier Ashok Yadav on Saturday said that the Border Security Force is fully prepared to foil infiltration attempts of terrorists that usually get upped after melting of snow during summers. Yadav was talking to media persons during the walkathon of the BSF along the Dal Lake in Srinagar which, he said, was organized to send out a message to the rest of the country that there is peace, prosperity and development in Kashmir. Our endeavour is to organise programmes which will also inspire the Kashmiri youth, he added. Hundreds of the BSF jawans carrying the tricolor participated in the walkathon. We are alert on the Line of Control (LoC) where we conduct area domination and anti-infiltration roles jointly with the Army. Snow has started melting along some areas which make them vulnerable to infiltration. We map these areas and then redistribute our deployment, he said. Melting of snow increases the chances of infiltration but we have also upped our preparation to foil any such attempt, Yadav said. He said the security forces were actively working along the LoC to foil any attempt from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir to push narcotics and weapons into the Valley. We are working seriously to tackle the efforts made from the other side to push narcotics, weapons and terrorists into the valley, he said. Talking about the forthcoming Amarnath Yatra, Yadav said the BSF will ensure a peaceful pilgrimage. Amarnath Yatra is a coordinated effort of various agencies under the guidance of J&K UT Government and Jammu and Kashmir Police. We will ensure that the yatra is conducted peacefully, he added. Himachal Pradesh doctors have agreed to end their pen-down strike after assurance by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu that contractual doctors would not be deprived of NPA benefits. The doctors across the state had started a one and half hours long pen-down strike on May 29, demanding roll back of NPA denial to doctors to be newly recruited. A delegation of doctors on Saturday met the Chief Minister. The state government has not abolished NPA for the medical officers but has withdrawn it for the time being, said Sukhu. He also accepted the demands of delegating the DDO powers to the Principal of the Medical Colleges, giving representation to the doctors in Himachal Pradesh Medical Corporation and time-bound DPCs for the promotion of doctors. Sukhu said that the doctors pen-down strike was illogical as the state government has not stopped the NPA of the doctors working in various health institutions and they should have come forward to discuss the issues with the government before going to pen-down strike. The Chief Minister said that in just five months of assuming the office, the present state government has taken various measures for the well-being of the medical fraternity. To provide better working conditions, the state government has initiated various reforms in the health sector. Besides increasing staff strength of doctors, the state government is also working to create and fill up various posts of para-medical staff, he said. The state government has decided to create a Department of Emergency Medicines in all the medical colleges of the state with a view to strengthen the casualty department, he said. Additionally, doctors were being sent on exposure visits to the reputed health institutions of the world to get acquainted with modern medical inventions and techniques, he added. The Chief Minister said that a scheme was underway to promote health tourism in the state and deliberations are being held with the giant companies already working in this sector. This will provide employment avenues to the doctors and other health functionaries, he said, adding that the state government has reinstated the Old Pension Scheme to its employees to provide them with social security. He said the Central Government has reduced the loan limit by Rs 5500 crore to the state and termed it as an unfair step of the Union Government because the state government had restored the Old Pension Scheme to its employees. Despite this, the state government is diligently working for the welfare of the employees, he asserted. Indias Sedition Law, Section 124A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), has a long and controversial history, with several historical cases that have left a lasting impact on the interpretation and application of this law. Lets delve into some significant historical examples that have shaped the understanding of sedition in India. The Bal Gangadhar Tilak Trial (1908): One of the earliest and most influential cases related to sedition in India was the trial of Bal Gangadhar Tilak, an iconic freedom fighter and social reformer. Tilak was charged with sedition for his editorials in the Kesari newspaper, which were critical of British colonial rule. The trial marked a turning point in the nationalistic movement and led to a redefinition of sedition laws in the country. The Bhagat Singh Trial (1930): Bhagat Singh, an iconic revolutionary and freedom fighter, along with his associates, faced charges of sedition for their involvement in the Lahore Conspiracy Case. The case gained immense attention and highlighted the fervor for independence among the youth of the nation. Singhs powerful courtroom speeches and his sacrifice continue to inspire generations, shaping the discourse on sedition and nationalism. The Raja Mahendra Pratap Trial (1922): Raja Mahendra Pratap, a prominent Indian independence activist, was charged with sedition for his role in the Ghadar Party, which aimed to overthrow British rule. His trial brought attention to the political unrest and resistance against colonialism in India. Though Pratap was eventually acquitted, the case added to the discourse on sedition as a means to suppress anti-colonial movements. The Binay, Badal, and Dinesh Trial (1930): The trial of Binay Bose, Badal Gupta, and Dinesh Gupta, three revolutionaries involved in the famous Chittagong Armoury Raid, had a significant impact on the sedition laws of India. The trial showcased the determination of young freedom fighters and highlighted their willingness to challenge British rule, leading to a reevaluation of sedition charges and their implications. These historical cases reflect the intersection of sedition, nationalism, and the struggle for independence in India. Over the years, there have been several high-profile cases that highlight the controversial application of this law in Independent India too, raising questions about its compatibility with freedom of expression. Here, we delve into some of the most notorious cases that have sparked national and international debates. The Kanhaiya Kumar Case: In 2016, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) student leader Kanhaiya Kumar was arrested and charged with sedition for allegedly participating in anti-national slogans during a campus event. The case garnered significant media attention, leading to a heated national debate on the limits of free speech. Ultimately, the charges against Kumar were dropped due to insufficient evidence, but the incident brought the Sedition Law into the spotlight. The Sedition Cases against Journalists: In recent years, numerous journalists have faced sedition charges for their critical reporting on government policies and social issues. Notable cases include the charges against journalists like Siddharth Varadarajan, Kaneez Fathima, and Vinod Dua. Critics argue that these cases exemplify the misuse of the Sedition Law to curb freedom of the press and stifle dissenting voices. The Sharjeel Imam Case: Sharjeel Imam, a former student activist, was booked for sedition in 2020 for his alleged inflammatory speeches during protests against the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). The case sparked widespread controversy, with some viewing it as an attempt to silence anti-government voices, while others argued that Imams speeches went beyond the limits of free speech. The Hardik Patel Case: In 2015, the sedition charges filed against Gujarats Patel community leader, Hardik Patel, created a significant stir. Patel had led a massive movement demanding reservation for his community. The sedition charges against him were eventually dropped, but the incident highlighted the use of the Sedition Law as a tool to suppress socio-political movements. While the Supreme Court has upheld the constitutionality of the Sedition Law, it has emphasized the need for caution in its application. The court has stressed that mere criticism of the government does not amount to sedition unless it incites violence or poses a threat to public order. As India strives to strike a balance between national security and freedom of expression, the cases mentioned above serve as reminders of the ongoing challenges. A thorough review of the Sedition Law is essential to prevent its misuse and to protect the democratic rights of citizens, ensuring that the law reflects the spirit of a vibrant and inclusive democracy. The violence in the Indian state of Manipur bordering Myanmar began on May 3 when tribal group Kuki clashed with a non-tribal group, the ethnic majority Meitei, over economic, social, and political benefits and quotas given to the tribes. The ethnic conflict, which left more than 80 people dead, hundreds injured, and nearly 35 thousand people displaced, the state has turned into a battle zone. Why did the latest Kuki-Meitei unrest start? The Manipur government recently made a few decisions and took some actions that the Kuki community has come to perceive as discriminatory and unsafe. The two most notable recent catalysts that led to the ethnic conflict are the forest eviction drive and the Meiteis demand for ST status and it has widened the chasm between the Meiteis and tribals during the past ten years on a number of issues. Since Kukis live in the Hill Area, Kuki organisations have argued that the expulsion violates Article 371C of the Indian Constitution. (Article 371C provides for the creation of a committee of the Manipur Legislative Assembly consisting of the members elected from the Hill Areas of the state and Governor shall have responsibility for the proper functioning of that committee.) Migration from the neighbouring areas The February 2021 coup in Myanmar has caused a refugee crisis in Northeast India. According to Meitei leaders, the number of villages in the Churachandpur district has suddenly increased. War on Drugs campaign The Manipur government launched a War on Drugs campaign in 2017 to combat illegal poppy cultivation and arrested 873 people from Kuki-Chin community. Subsequently, these drives against encroachers and illicit poppy cultivators attracted large-scale protests, especially in the Kuki-dominated districts. Many such protests have also turned violent. Why Kukis are against ST status for Meiteis? Kukis, who are already part of the ST list see this as a sign of their own slices of the reservation getting smaller. Kukis fear that ST status to the Meiteis would lead to the loss of job opportunities to them and allow (Meiteis) to acquire land in the hills and push the tribals out. The majority of the states money and development efforts are concentrated in the Meitei-dominated Imphal Valley, despite the fact that tribal (hilly) areas make up 90 percent of its geographical area. The Meitei peoples language which is also called Manipuri is listed in the Constitutions Eighth Schedule, and many of them are eligible for benefits related to their status as SC, OBC, or EWS. Why does the Meitei community want ST Status? Since 2012, the Meitei community, led by the Scheduled Tribes Demand Committee of Manipur (STDCM), has been demanding ST status in order to receive constitutional protections for the preservation of their culture, language, and identity. Before the Manipur State and the Union of India merged in 1949, the Meiteis were designated as a tribe. According to the Meiteis The ST status is needed to preserve the community and save the ancestral land, tradition, culture, and language of the Meiteis. The ST status would provide constitutional safeguards against outsiders and restrict land ownership by non-tribals in the Imphal Valley. What is Manipurs ethnic composition? The hills comprising 90 per cent of the geographical area are inhabited by more than 35 per cent recognised tribes. The valley comprising about 10 per cent of Manipurs landmass, is dominated by the non-tribal Meiteis who account for more than 64 per cent of the population of the State. Way forward in resolving the matter Strengthening local governance institutions in the hill areas can empower the tribal communities to participate in decision-making processes and ensure that their voices are heard. This can be achieved by devolving power and resources to the local level and promoting grassroots democracy. Theres a need to increase the monitoring along the border areas to prevent the incursion of illegal immigrants from Myanmar. Strengthening economic and diplomatic ties with neighbouring countries can help enhance regional stability and security. The criteria for ST status to Meiteis should be examined thoroughly based on several committee reports like Lokur Committee (1965), Bhuria Commission (2004), etc. The government must guarantee a fair and open legal system in order to stop security officers from abusing their power. Loka Kerala Sabha American Regional Conference in New York is mired in controversy with the organisers reportedly deciding to collect amounts ranging from USD 25,000 to USD 100,000 from US-based Keralites by offering them a chance to sit or stand close to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan during the regional meeting of the organisation to be held from June 9 to 11. Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala on Friday came out against the collection of money from the expatriates to stand close to Chief Minister Vijayan. Chennithala said the Loka Kerala Sabha is an extravaganza and corruption. It is not beneficial for Malayalis and ordinary expatriates, he said. The opposition parties boycotted Loka Kerala Sabha in the past two years after realising that it was an unnecessary expense and an event to woo an elite class. What is the point behind saying that one needed to pay money to see the Chief Minister during his visit to the USA? How can you charge money to share the dais with the Chief Minister, asked Chennithala. BJP state president K Surendran asked the Chief Minister to withdraw from the decision to collect money from NRIs for the Loka Kerala Sabha event. Asking to pay 82 lakh rupees to share the stage with the Chief Minister is an insult to Kerala, he said. Surendran alleged that this action is tantamount to defrauding the hard-earned savings of poor expatriates. Defending the decision to collect money from the participants in the Loka Kerala Sabha, CPI-M leader Ak Balan asked: Whats wrong with accepting sponsorship? None of these people making allegations have bought sponsorship before. Loka Kerala Sabha is a gathering of Malayalis from different countries. Through this the image of the Chief Minister and the government will go up. The allegations will be dismissed by the expatriates, he said. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and his team will leave for the United States of America (USA) next week to attend the Lok Kerala Sabha American Regional Conference in New York. Speaker AN Shamseer, Finance Minister KN Balagopal, NoRKA (Non-Resident Keralites Affairs) Vice Chairman P Sreeramakrishnan,MA Yousafali, Ravi Pillai, JK Menon, OV Mustafa and a team of officials led by Chief Secretary VP Joy will accompany Vijayan. The conference will be held on June 9, 10 and 11 at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in Times Square, New York. West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday demanded a proper probe to ascertain the exact cause of the tragic train accident in Odishas Balasore district that killed 261 people and injured over 900 others. The Chief Minister reached the accident spot earlier in the day. At the site, she interacted with the Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and other top officials. While interacting with Vaishnaw, she was heard complaining about lack of coordination in the Railways Department. Speaking to mediapersons later, she said: Surely something has happened. There should be a proper investigation to find it out. She also expressed apprehension that improper functioning of the anti-collision system could be a reason for the accident, one of the worst in the last 15 years. When I was the Railways Minister for three terms, I took the initiative to install an anti-collision system. I feel that if the system had been working, the accident could have been averted. A large number of victims who died in the accident were from West Bengal. My government officials are coordinating with their counterparts in Odisha for smooth rescue operations, she said. She also announced a compensation of Rs 5,00,000 for the families of the victims from Bengal. Meanwhile, a statement issued from the West Bengal Secretariat claimed that till 12 noon on Saturday, at least 70 ambulances with 34 doctors and 10 buses and 20 mini-trucks had reached Balasore. Two disaster management group teams of police are on their way to Balasore, the statement read. It also claimed that 20 ambulances and 120 passengers have left Balasore for West Bengal and 11 patients were admitted in different hospitals of West Bengal. Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached the spot where the gruesome accident that involved three trains took place in the Balasore district of Odisha. He was accompanied by railway minister Ashwani Vaishnav and union minister Dharmendra Pradhan. In the accident, as per available figures, 261 people are dead, and close to 1,000 have been injured. This is the worst train accident in the last 28 years. After visiting the accident site, PM Modi is going to head to the hospital where treatment of the victims is underway. Earlier, the PM was supposed to reach Goa to flag off the states Vande Bharat Express train. However, following the tragedy, the flagging off of the Vande Bharat train stood cancelled. Seven National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) Teams, five Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) Units and 24 Fire Services and Emergency Units were engaged in rescue operations. The Indian Air Force (IAF) deployed Mi-17 helicopters for the evacuation of the deceased and injured. According to the Eastern Command, IAF is coordinating the rescue efforts with the civil administration and Indian Railways. About 20 hours after the trains crashed involving three trains, the rescue operations have almost completed. After the rescue operation, the death toll is believed to be about 278. About 1,000 passengers are injured. J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday, through video conferencing, attended the Pratham Puja that marks the ceremonial commencement of the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra. The Lt governor sought blessings of Baba Amarnathji and prayed for the good health and well-being of one and all. Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board has been organising Pratham Puja at the Holy Cave on the auspicious occasion of Jyeshtha Purnima every year. For millions of devotees all over the world, pilgrimage to the Holy Cave of Baba Amarnath is a cherished life-long dream, said the Lt Governor. The Lt governor said, the J&K government is committed to ensure that best possible arrangements are put in place for the comfort and well-being of pilgrims. Dedicated efforts have been made in the last few years to bring about perceptible improvements in infrastructure and other facilities he said. The officials of Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board are working hard to ensure that needs and requirements of devotees are taken care of during the Yatra. We are constantly striving for better facilities and services for pilgrims, the Lt governor observed. The Lt governor also acknowledged the immense contribution of the local residents to the successful conduct of the Yatra that will commence from 1st July. It will also increase the livelihood opportunities and boost the local economy, he added. The 62-day long Shri Amarnathji Yatra will commence on 1July this year, simultaneously from both the routes the Pahalgam track in Anantnag district and Baltal in Ganderbal district and it will culminate on 31August. Dr Mandeep Kumar Bhandari, Chief Executive Officer, Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board; members of the Shrine Board; senior officials of SASB, Army and Lt Governors Secretariat also attended the Pratham Puja. US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin and German Federal Minister of Defence Boris Pistorius are visiting New Delhi for bilateral talks with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on defence cooperation. Rajnaths meeting with the US Secretary of Defence will be held on 5 June while talks with the German minister will take place the next day. A host of bilateral defence cooperation issues, with focus on industrial cooperation, are likely to be discussed during the two meetings, the Ministry of Defence said today. The US Secretary of Defence will arrive tomorrow from Singapore on a two-day visit. It will be Secretary Austins second visit to India, the previous one being in March 2021. The German minister of Defence will be on a four-day visit to India beginning 5 June. He will arrive from Indonesia. Apart from his meeting with Rajnath, Pistorius is likely to meet a few defence start-ups during an event organised by Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) in New Delhi. On 7 June, he will travel to Mumbai where he is likely to visit headquarters of the Western Naval Command and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited. In this article, we discuss 10 oil stocks that billionaires are buying. If you want to see more stocks in this selection, check out 5 Oil Stocks Billionaires Are Loading Up On. According to Deloitte, the global oil and gas sector entered 2023 with a strong balance sheet position and a controlled capital spending strategy. The London, UK-based professional services firm supported this claim with the fact that 93% of the executives surveyed in the oil and gas sector reported having a positive outlook on the sector in 2023. They believe that the healthy balance sheet positions could aid their organizations in covering up for the deficit in investment in recent years and play an important role in accelerating the transition towards green energy. The healthy state of the oil and gas exploration and production (E&P) industry is also supported by the fact that the industry generated record free cash flows (FCF) of $1.4 trillion in 2022. Experts are now closely examining how upstream companies will utilize their resources to enhance shareholder value. The focus lies on two main avenues: boosting shareholder payouts through dividends and share buybacks and exploring opportunities for reinvestment and mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity. According to Wood Mackenzie, the oil and gas E&P industry is expected to allocate a capital outlay of $470 billion in 2023 to uplift the sector amidst challenging economic circumstances. Despite the possibility of a global recession, crude oil prices have been able to maintain ground. This can be attributed to the significant production cuts made by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) along with Russia and other allies in the recent past. In April, the group revealed a 1.16 million barrels per day (bpd) cut in production. As per estimates by Reuters, OPEC+ has managed to cut global crude oil production by 3.66 million bpd, which is equivalent to 3.7% of the global demand. Currently, crude oil prices are hovering around the $70 level as opposed to a peak of $139 in March 2022. The head of investment firm Pickering Energy Partners thinks that the recent production cuts implemented by OPEC+ could potentially lead to a $10 increase in oil prices per barrel. Goldman Sachs' Price Forecasts Following the production cut in April, Goldman Sachs increased its December 2023 price forecast for Brent crude oil by $5 to $95 per barrel. Furthermore, the Brent crude oil price forecast for December 2024 was increased by $3 to $100 per barrel. The New York-based financial services firm believes that the market has not completely priced in the impact of the production cut as this development is countered by recessionary fears globally. The firm suggests that if the US economy manages to avoid a severe recession and achieves a soft landing, there is a high likelihood of a price rally in the crude oil market following the great de-stocking that is currently taking place. Additionally, OPEC+ has the option to implement further production cuts in their upcoming meeting to prevent a supply glut and a decline in prices. You can also read our article on the 11 Best Crude Oil Stocks To Buy As Tensions Rise. Anticipated Increase in Global Crude Oil Demand The International Energy Agency (IEA) anticipates global crude oil demand increasing to record levels during the second half of 2023 due to an economic rebound in China, a strong demand outlook from India, ease of macroeconomic uncertainty in the US and Europe, and a rebound in air traffic. The IEA's analysis suggests that between the first and fourth quarters of 2023, global oil demand is set to increase by a total of 3.2 million bpd, resulting in an average growth of 2 million bpd for the year. While the demand for crude oil remains strong in the long term, the transition to cleaner energy sources is a crucial consideration. Landmark policies like the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) introduced by the US Federal government in August 2022 will play an important role in commercializing cleaner energy sources. As the world aims to achieve net-zero emissions by the mid-century and reduce reliance on conventional energy sources like crude oil, the transition to cleaner energy sources by some of the best oil companies is imperative. Some of the best oil stocks attracting hedge fund investment as of Q1 2023 include Occidental Petroleum Corporation (NYSE:OXY), ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP), and Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX). 10 Oil Stocks Billionaires Are Loading Up On Photo by Zbynek Burival on Unsplash Our Methodology We used Insider Monkey's database of billionaire-owned stocks to shortlist the oil stocks that attracted the highest number of billionaire investors during Q1 2023. We have also included information regarding the total number of hedge fund investors in these companies as of the first quarter of the year. The best oil stocks have been ranked in ascending order of the number of billionaires holding a stake in them. Oil Stocks Billionaires Are Loading Up On 10. Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. Petrobras (NYSE:PBR) Number of Billionaire Investors: 13 Dollar Value of Billionaire Holdings: $280,161,993 Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 39 Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. Petrobras (NYSE:PBR) is a state-controlled company established in 1953, with the Brazilian government holding the majority of its shares. On May 31, Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. Petrobras (NYSE:PBR) CEO Jean-Paul Prates revealed that the company plans on making new investments across South America, signaling a strategic shift towards regional opportunities. Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. Petrobras (NYSE:PBR) aims to make investments in Bolivia, Guyana, and Venezuela in the near future. The company has positive growth prospects, making it one of the best oil stocks to invest in. At the end of Q1 2023, 13 billionaires reported owning a stake worth $280.1 million in Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. Petrobras (NYSE:PBR). 9. Schlumberger Limited (NYSE:SLB) Number of Billionaire Investors: 13 Dollar Value of Billionaire Holdings: $319,257,382 Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 66 Schlumberger Limited (NYSE:SLB) is a Houston, Texas-based oilfield services company founded in 1926 that provides technology, information solutions, and integrated project management services to the oil and gas industry. Schlumberger Limited (NYSE:SLB) has a bullish outlook as it anticipates achieving revenue growth of at least 45% by the middle of this decade. Furthermore, the company expects its full-year earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) to increase by 60%, according to CEO Olivier Le Peuch. Schlumberger Limited (NYSE:SLB) intends to surpass the growth levels achieved in the previous growth cycle of 2009 to 2014. The company's strong business fundamentals make it one of the best oil stocks in the market currently. Click here to read the companys earnings call transcript for Q1 2023. 8. Antero Resources Corporation (NYSE:AR) Number of Billionaire Investors: 13 Dollar Value of Billionaire Holdings: $387,201,897 Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 42 Antero Resources Corporation (NYSE:AR) is a Denver, Colorado-based independent exploration and production company formed in 2002. The company primarily operates in the Appalachian Basin, with a significant presence in the Marcellus and Utica shale plays. Antero Resources Corporation (NYSE:AR) has secured the eighth position on our list of best oil stocks billionaires are purchasing. In a note issued to investors on May 19, Nitin Kumar at Mizuho increased the target price for Antero Resources Corporation (NYSE:AR) stock from $38 to $40 and maintained a Buy rating. The analyst believes that the recent stock sell-off due to plummeting crude oil prices provides an attractive entry point for investors. Kumar highlighted that companies are now focused on capital discipline and better cash returns and have been experiencing an improving service cost environment since Q1 2023. Heres what Carillon Tower Advisers said about Antero Resources Corporation (NYSE:AR) in its Q1 2023 investor letter: Antero Resources Corporation (NYSE:AR) is a natural gas exploration and production company with operations in the Appalachian Basin. Overall natural gas storage inventories recently have reached slightly elevated levels, due largely to the milder than average winter experienced across the globe. This dynamic has weighed on benchmark natural gas prices, and in turn has pressured Anteros stock. Despite these current headwinds, we believe the companys relatively low-cost operations, strong balance sheet, positive recent productivity trends, and ability to price its production at a premium to benchmark prices should position it well to weather the current choppy environment until the countrys liquified natural gas export capacity increases over the next several years. 7. Southwestern Energy Company (NYSE:SWN) Number of Billionaire Investors: 13 Dollar Value of Billionaire Holdings: $516,517,651 Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 42 Southwestern Energy Company (NYSE:SWN) is a Houston, Texas-based independent energy company formed in 1929 that focuses on the exploration, development, and production of crude oil and natural gas. Like Antero, the company has operations in major shale plays in the US and also has a presence in the Arkoma Basin in Oklahoma. Southwestern Energy Company (NYSE:SWN) is amongst the best oil stocks attracting hedge fund investment. The top three hedge fund holders of Southwestern Energy Company (NYSE:SWN) increased their stake in the company during Q1 2023. D E Shaw is the biggest hedge fund investor in Southwestern Energy Company (NYSE:SWN), with a stake of around $155.62 million as of the first quarter of the year. 6. Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM) Number of Billionaire Investors: 13 Dollar Value of Billionaire Holdings: $1,255,909,737 Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 73 Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM) is one of the largest publicly traded multinational oil and gas companies in the world. The company came into being in 1999 through the merger of Exxon and Mobil, two prominent companies with long histories in the oil and gas industry. In an update issued to investors on May 18, Piper Sandler's analyst increased the price target on Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM) from $134 to $145 and reiterated an Overweight rating on the stock. The analyst sees a bottom of the commodity cycle in sight after the company significantly slashed its refining earnings estimates for FY23. In addition to Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM), Occidental Petroleum Corporation (NYSE:OXY), ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP), and Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX) are also among the best oil stocks billionaires are investing in as of Q1 2023. Click to continue reading and see the 5 Oil Stocks Billionaires Are Loading Up On. Suggested Articles: Disclosure: None. 10 Oil Stocks Billionaires Are Loading Up On is posted on Insider Monkey. The Supreme Court on Saturday stayed the Allahabad High Courts order directing Lucknow Universitys Astrology Department, to examine the Kundli (Horoscope) of an alleged rape victim to determine if she was a Manglik or not, after the rape accused refused to marry her on the ground. Staying the May 23 High Court order, Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia heading a vacation bench also comprising Justice Pankaj Mithal, observed, This (examining horoscope) is totally out of context. Right to privacy is disturbed. We do not want to join facts on what astrology has to do with this. We are only concerned with subject matter linking to this. Justice Mithal observed, We dont understand why the astrology aspect was considered by the High court. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta who was present in the hearing representing the Central government to argue for the stay of the High Court order said, Astrology is a science. We are not on that. We are saying while entertaining an application (for bail) by a judicial forum, can this be a question. Taking suo motu cognizance of the High court order, the vacation bench in a special sitting today ordered, At this stage, we say nothing on the merits of the case, except that in the interest of Justice, the operation and effect of this order so far as it gives directions to the Head of the Department (Astrology Department), Lucknow University must be stayed. Staying the High Court order limited to its direction asking the Astrology Department of Lucknow University to examine the horoscope of the rape victim to determine if she was a Manglik, the vacation bench further said that the High Court will take up the bail application of the rape accused on June 26, as fixed earlier, and decided it on its merits. We make it clear that the matter will be taken up on merits of the bail application by the High Court on 26th June, 2023 which is the date already fixed in the matter, the vacation bench said in its order today. Issuing notice to the Uttar Pradesh government, the complainant and the rape accused, the bench passed the order in a special sitting taking suo motu cognizance of the High Courts order earlier in the day. The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court, by its May 23 order had directed the Lucknow Universitys Head of the Astrology Department, to examiner the Kundali (Horoscope) of an alleged rape victim to determine if she was Manglik. The High Court had asked the Astrology Department to submit its report in a sealed cover in three weeks. The High Court had passed the order while hearing the bail plea of the rape accused. The accused had told the High Court that the marriage could not be solemnised because the woman was a manglik. The victim girl had denied that she was a manglik. It has been alleged that the accused had raped the women on the pretext of marriage. However, later he refused to marry her stating that the victim was manglik. The court posted the matter for hearing in the week starting from June 19, 2023. Former Punjab Congress chief Navjot Singh Sidhu is facing flak from within the party over his much-talked about friendly hug to his sworn political enemy and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Bikram Singh Majithia. Terming the new-found bonhomie between the two bitter rivals as sheer political opportunism, Congress Member of Parliament (MP) from Punjab Ravneet Singh Bittu said, in a tweet, in a civilised world, even opponents shake hands but there is a difference between a polite acknowledgement and an effusive hug followed by announcement of friendship. This hug has hurt the congress workers who have fought alongside us against drug traders. In another tweet tagged with a photograph showing the warm hug between the two leaders on Thursday at an all-party meeting held in Jalandhar, the Lok Sabha MP from Ludhiana questioned Sidhus stand against Majithia over his alleged connections with drug cartels. For six years Navjot Sidhu ji has only said one thing in the rallies that Majithia drug traffickers has ended the youth of Punjab. Meeting in normal life is different from shaking hands but the Congress worker is very interested in Sidhu Saabs attitude towards Majithia today, he said in the tweet in Punjabi. The Congress leader further said when both political opponents fail to deliver, then they plan to dodge the public by their scripted actions. Politics is not a dirty game but many politicians play it dirtily, Bittu said sharing the picture of Sidhu-Majithia hugging each other on the dias of the all-party meet in support of Daily Ajits editor-in-chief S Barjinder Singh Hamdard, who has been summoned by the Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) for questioning in the case related to the Jang-E-Azadi project at Kartarpur. Sidhu and Majithia, who, over the years, were known for taking on each other head-on, everyone present at the meeting was surprised when Majithia made the first move by walking up to Sidhu when the latter was addressing the all-party meeting from the dais. Seeing Majithia approaching him, Sidhu too moved towards him by leaving his speech midway and the duo tenderly embraced each other in the first sign of a thaw in their relations. Sidhu, however, said he still has his differences with Majithia but now favours extending basic courtesy, such as a handshake, even towards rivals. In the past, the Sidhu-Majithia duo has had heated exchanges on several occasions inside and outside the Punjab Assembly as the Congress leader has been training guns against the SAD leader over his alleged connections with drug cartels. The Sidhu-Majithia rivalry goes back to the days when the SAD and the BJP were in alliance in Punjab. Back in 2004 and onwards, as SADs key leader in the Manjha region that includes Amritsar, Majithia used to campaign for the BJP candidate Sidhu, who was like a brother to him, from Amritsar Lok Sabha constituency. But as the two stalwarts vied for supremacy egos clashed, and both of them started getting engaged in a bitter tussle which saw the latter eventually quitting the BJP in 2016. After joining the Congress party, Sidhu continued his tirade against Majithia and often blamed him for the drug trade in the state. Brother-in-law of SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal and brother of former Union minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Majithia a three-time former Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) left his home constituency Majithia (near Amritsar) accepting Sidhus challenge to leave his stronghold (Majithia) to fight against him (Sidhu) and make him bite the dust in the 2022 Assembly polls. But both Sidhu and Majithia eventually lost election in the Amritsar-East constituency to Aam Aadmi Party candidate, Jeevan Jyot Kaur, a political novice. Majithia and Sidhu were lodged in the Patiala Jail at the same time. While Sidhu was sent to prison for a year over a 1988 road-rage incident in May 2022, Majithia was lodged at the Patiala Jail over a drug case. A dress code has been introduced to enter some of the Hindu temples of Uttarakhand. The scantily clad devouts to the famous Dakshprajapati temple at Haridwar and Neelkanth temple at Rishikesh would not be allowed entry. If one is wearing a skirt or a pair of shorts, one may not be allowed to enter certain temples in Uttarakhand. An edict in this regard has been announced and implemented by Mahanirvani Akhara managing these temples with immediate effect. Those women who have covered 80 per cent of their body would only be allowed into these temples. Mahant Ravinder Puri, secretary of Mahanirvani Akhara, Haridwar said that devouts visiting the holy places should be modestly dressed and earlier also appeals were made to the people to maintain the sanctity of such temples and now an edict has been passed. The Akhara appealed to the women devotees to come dressed in Indian attire while coming for prayers. Mahant Ravinder Puri said that such a system is already in place in the temples of South India and Maharashtra. A board is already put up at Tapkeshwar Mahadev temple at Garhi Cantt in Dehradun regarding the dress code. Even as there is a debate about making sedition law harsher, let us understand what is this 153-year-old colonial law. In a democratic society like India, the delicate balance between national security and freedom of expression is often put to the test. One such legal provision that exemplifies this tension is the Sedition Law. Introduced during the colonial era, Section 124A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) defines sedition as any act that attempts to bring hatred, contempt, or disaffection toward the government of India. However, the interpretation and application of this law have been subject to debate and controversy. The Sedition Law criminalises any speech, writing, or expression that is perceived to incite violence or create public disorder. Its intent is to safeguard the integrity and sovereignty of the nation. However, critics argue that it is often used as a tool to stifle dissent and curtail freedom of speech. They contend that the law is vague and open to misuse by authorities. It can lead to the suppression of voices critical of the government. Over the years, the Sedition Law has been a topic of contention in various high-profile cases. Activists, journalists, and scholars have faced charges of sedition for expressing their opinions, criticising government policies, or advocating for the rights of marginalised communities. Critics argue that such actions impede the functioning of a democratic society and hinder the growth of a vibrant civil society. What do supporters of sedition law say Supporters of the Sedition Law maintain that it serves as a necessary deterrent against activities that threaten national security. They argue that in a diverse country like India, with its myriad of cultures, religions, and languages, maintaining unity and preventing the incitement of violence is of utmost importance. They claim that the law is essential to safeguard the constitutional fabric of the nation. SC clarified criticism of govt is not sedition In recent years, the Supreme Court of India has attempted to provide some clarity on the Sedition Law. In 2016, the court, while upholding the constitutionality of the provision, stressed the need for a careful interpretation of the law. It clarified that mere criticism of the government does not constitute sedition. Sedition can be only invoked if criticism incites violence or leads to public disorder. Efforts have also been made to reform the Sedition Law. Several legal experts, human rights organizations, and civil society groups have called for its abolition or amendment. They argue for a more precise definition of sedition, limiting its scope to acts that directly incite violence or pose an imminent threat to national security. Right now, India is grappling with its complex socio-political landscape. And finding a balance between preserving national security and upholding freedom of expression remains a significant challenge. The Sedition Law continues to be a point of contention. It raises important questions about the limits of dissent and the power of the state. In this article, we discuss 21 richest countries in Asia. If you want to see the top 5 richest countries in the region, check out 5 Richest Countries in Asia. As per the OECD, Emerging Asia has demonstrated resilience amidst global uncertainty. The economies within the region, including the ASEAN-10 countries, China, and India, have effectively navigated the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Russia's aggression against Ukraine, and a global economic slowdown. This can be attributed, in part, to pertinent monetary and macroeconomic policies, strong export performance, and robust domestic demand in certain nations. The average GDP growth rate for Emerging Asian countries is projected to rise to 5.3% in 2023 and 5.4% in 2024. As for ASEAN, the average real GDP growth is expected to reach 4.6% in 2023 and 4.8% in 2024, slightly weaker compared to 2022 but still displaying resilience based on the OECD Development Centre's projection framework. According to the Asian Development Bank, it is anticipated that inflation will ease in the current year and the following year, gradually approaching levels observed before the pandemic. The projected figures indicate that headline inflation will decelerate to 4.2% this year and further decline to 3.3% in 2024, compared to 4.4% recorded last year. The inflation outlook for the region is expected to be influenced by higher interest rates and persistently elevated commodity prices. Across all subregions, except for South Asia, headline inflation is expected to decrease this year. However, in South Asia, the depreciation of currencies in Pakistan and Sri Lanka is contributing to higher import and domestic prices, leading to inflationary pressures. The World Bank recently noted that policymakers in South Asia, particularly those dealing with substantial external debt, face challenging trade-offs as they address currency pressures. Allowing currencies to depreciate may initially seem unfavorable since it leads to higher foreign debt-to-GDP ratios, increased debt-servicing obligations in local currencies, and domestic inflationary pressures. Consequently, some countries have utilized their foreign exchange reserves to stabilize their currencies. However, this approach becomes limited as reserves reach critically low levels. Raising domestic interest rates alone often proves insufficient in countering these pressures. For instance, the State Bank of Pakistan has significantly increased its policy rate from 7% to 20%, but the currency still depreciated by 27% since June 2022. This depreciation-inflation cycle has resulted in negative real interest rates in Pakistan. Similarly, in Sri Lanka, despite an 11-percentage-point hike in the official interest rate, the real interest rate remains negative. On the other hand, the Asia-Pacific region is expected to experience increased growth, as stated by the International Monetary Fund. The main drivers behind this growth are projected to be China's recovery from the economic impacts of the pandemic and the "resilient" growth seen in India. This positive outlook for the Asia-Pacific region comes at a time when the rest of the world anticipates slower growth due to tightened monetary policies and the ongoing conflict arising from Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Some of the top companies originating from Asia include Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (NYSE:TSM), Alibaba Group Holding Limited (NYSE:BABA), and Sea Limited (NYSE:SE). However, in this article, we discuss the wealthiest countries in the Asian region. Our Methodology To determine the wealthiest countries in Asia, we analyzed data from Credit Suisses Global Wealth Databook 2022. This database calculates wealth (as of 2021) based on the value of financial and non-financial assets while subtracting debt. We selected the 21 richest countries in Asia based on total wealth, ranking the list in ascending order of wealth. It is worth mentioning that wealth rankings are complex and multifaceted, and no single methodology can perfectly capture all aspects of a country's wealth. Therefore, it is important to interpret rankings with caution and consider multiple sources and indicators to obtain a more comprehensive understanding of a country's economic strength. The methodology used in this case solely relies on financial and non-financial assets while subtracting debt. It does not consider other factors that contribute to a country's overall wealth, such as natural resources, infrastructure, human capital, or the economic potential of the country. These factors can significantly impact a country's economic strength and may not be adequately captured in the wealth calculations. For example, Qatar's abundant natural gas reserves have been instrumental in driving its economic growth and prosperity. The nation has effectively utilized its resources to cultivate a strong economy. Furthermore, Qatar's relatively small population has contributed to higher per capita income levels. However, as per Credit Suisse's report, Qatar's total wealth in 2021 was trumped by Pakistan, a country that faces a multitude of economic challenges, including a large population, political instability, and infrastructure constraints. Hence, while it may surprise readers that our list considers Pakistan as richer than Qatar as of 2021, our rankings are based solely on total wealth. This list doesn't account for the above mentioned factors that also significantly impact the economic standing of a country. Richest Countries in Asia Richest Countries in Asia 21. Qatar Total Wealth in 2021: $445 billion The State of Qatar, situated in Western Asia, is a nation whose major city is Doha, where more than 80% of its people live, and whose terrain is primarily a flat, low-lying desert. In recent times, Qatar has become a significant player in the Arab world, having acquired middle power status due to its abundant resources, expanding global media group, Al Jazeera Media Network, and its reported financial support for various rebel groups during the Arab Spring. In 2021, Qatars total wealth came in at $445 billion, making it one of the richest Asian countries. 20. Kazakhstan Total Wealth in 2021: $523 billion The Republic of Kazakhstan, which straddles both Central Asia and Eastern Europe, is a landlocked country. While it is officially secular, the majority of the population practices Islam, but there is also a significant Christian community among ethnic Russians. Kazakhstan wields considerable economic and political influence in Central Asia, largely due to its oil and gas industry, which dominates the region, and its vast mineral resources. In 2021, the countrys total wealth came in at $523 billion, making it one of the wealthiest countries in Asia. 19. Kuwait Total Wealth in 2021: $545 billion The State of Kuwait, located in Western Asia, is an emirate in the Persian Gulf and an Arab state, with Islam being its official religion. It is a developing nation that boasts a high-income economy, thanks to its significant oil reserves, some of the world's largest. In fact, the Kuwaiti dinar is considered the world's highest valued currency. The countrys total wealth in 2021 came in at $545 billion, making it one of the wealthiest nations in the region. 18. Malaysia Total Wealth in 2021: $615 billion Malaysia is situated in Southeast Asia, with Kuala Lumpur serving as both the national capital and largest city, as well as housing the federal government's legislative branch. The country is characterized by its multiethnic and multicultural makeup, which has a significant impact on its political scene. The economy, which has historically relied on natural resources, is diversifying, with growth in science, tourism, commerce, and medical tourism sectors. Malaysia has a newly industrialized market economy and holds membership in various organizations, including ASEAN, EAS, and OIC, as well as the Commonwealth, APEC, and the Non-Aligned Movement. Malaysias total wealth in 2021 stood at $615 billion, making it one of the richest nations in the Asia Pacific region. 17. Pakistan Total Wealth in 2021: $640 billion Pakistan, recognized as the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, is located in South Asia. It holds membership in various international organizations such as the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, the Commonwealth of Nations, the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, and the Islamic Military Counter-Terrorism Coalition. Additionally, the United States has designated Pakistan as a significant non-NATO ally. In 2021, Pakistans total wealth stood at $640 billion. It is one of the richest countries in Asia. 16. Vietnam Total Wealth in 2021: $985 billion Vietnam, officially known as the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, is situated in Southeast Asia. Its capital city is Hanoi, and the largest city is Ho Chi Minh City. Despite being a developing nation with a lower-middle-income economy, Vietnam has experienced remarkable economic growth, making it one of the fastest-growing economies in the 21st century. Vietnam is a member of several international and intergovernmental organizations, including ASEAN, APEC, CPTPP, the Non-Aligned Movement, OIF, and the WTO. Vietnams total wealth in 2021 was $985 billion, making it one of the richest Asian nations. 15. United Arab Emirates Total Wealth in 2021: $994 billion The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is located in Western Asia, specifically the Middle East. Arabic serves as the official language, and Islam is the country's official religion. The UAE possesses substantial reserves of oil and natural gas, ranking among the world's largest. Notably, the government does not impose income tax on its residents. In terms of global influence, the UAE is regarded as a middle power. It holds membership in various international organizations, including the United Nations, Arab League, Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, OPEC, Non-Aligned Movement, and Gulf Cooperation Council. The United Arab Emirates is one of the richest Asian countries based on total wealth. Businesses from countries such as the UAE are expected to present competition to well-established Asian companies like Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (NYSE:TSM), Alibaba Group Holding Limited (NYSE:BABA), and Sea Limited (NYSE:SE). 14. Bangladesh Total Wealth in 2021: $1,022 trillion Bangladesh, officially known as the People's Republic of Bangladesh, is situated in South Asia. The country played a crucial role as a founding member of SAARC and holds membership in the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and the Commonwealth of Nations. Within the Indo-Pacific region, Bangladesh is considered a middle power, possessing moderate influence and significance. In 2021, Bangladesh total wealth came in at $1.022 trillion, making it one of the richest Asian countries. 13. Turkey Total Wealth in 2021: $1,142 trillion Turkey, officially referred to as the Republic of Turkiye, is a country that spans across two continents. Its main territory is situated on the Anatolian Peninsula in Western Asia, while a smaller portion is located on the Balkan Peninsula in Southeast Europe. With its strategically important location, Turkey holds the status of a regional power. The country has experienced a consistent growth in tourism throughout the 21st century, making it a significant contributor to the economy. In 2021, Turkeys total wealth stood at $1.142 trillion, making it one of the richest countries in Asia. 12. Thailand Total Wealth in 2021: $1,341 trillion Thailand, known officially as the Kingdom of Thailand, is located in Southeast Asia. The capital and largest city of the country is Bangkok. Thailand holds the status of a middle power in international affairs and played a crucial role as a founding member of ASEAN. It achieves a commendable ranking in the Human Development Index, indicating high levels of social and economic development. Thailand is recognized as a newly industrialized economy, with prominent sectors including manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism. In 2021, Thailands total wealth was $1.341 trillion, making it one of the wealthiest Asian nations. 11. Israel Total Wealth in 2021: $1,564 trillion Israel, officially known as the State of Israel, is situated in Western Asia. The country operates under a parliamentary system with proportional representation, and the head of government is the prime minister, who is elected by the Knesset, Israel's unicameral legislature. Israel holds the status of a developed country and is a member of the OECD. Israel is one of the richest Asian countries, with total wealth amounting to $1.564 trillion. 10. Singapore Total Wealth in 2021: $1,766 trillion Singapore, officially referred to as the Republic of Singapore, is a maritime Southeast Asian country. Despite facing initial challenges and having limited natural resources, the nation swiftly progressed to become one of the prominent Four Asian Tigers. Singapore's remarkable development was primarily driven by international trade and economic globalization. It established strong ties with the global economy through free trade, maintaining minimal or no trade barriers, export-oriented industrialization, and significant inflows of foreign direct investments. The country also amassed substantial foreign-exchange reserves, assets held by sovereign wealth funds, and became recognized as a tax haven. Notably, Singapore stands as the only Asian country to hold a AAA sovereign credit rating from all major rating agencies. It is one of the richest Asian countries, with total wealth in 2021 rounding up to $1.766 trillion. Similar to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (NYSE:TSM), Alibaba Group Holding Limited (NYSE:BABA), and Sea Limited (NYSE:SE), Singapore serves as a prominent hub for Asian businesses. 9. Saudi Arabia Total Wealth in 2021: $2,073 trillion Saudi Arabia, known officially as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), is located in Western Asia. Riyadh serves as its capital and largest city. Saudi Arabia has emerged as one of the world's leading oil producers and exporters. It holds the status of both a regional and middle power. With a commendable Human Development Index, the country provides tuition-free university education, does not levy personal income tax, and offers a comprehensive universal healthcare system. In 2021, Saudi Arabias total wealth stood at $2.073 trillion, making it one of the richest countries in Asia. 8. Iran Total Wealth in 2021: $2,292 trillion Iran, officially referred to as the Islamic Republic of Iran, is situated in Western Asia and is also known historically as Persia. The country's major cities include the capital city Tehran, Mashhad, Isfahan, Karaj, Shiraz, and Tabriz. Iran holds the status of a regional and middle power, strategically positioned within the Asian continent. It played a pivotal role as a founding member of the United Nations, the ECO, the OIC, and the OPEC. Iran possesses significant reserves of fossil fuels, including substantial natural gas and oil reserves. It is one of the richest Asian nations, with total wealth in 2021 amounting to $2.292 trillion. 7. Indonesia Total Wealth in 2021: $3,405 trillion Indonesia, officially known as the Republic of Indonesia, is a country located in Southeast Asia and Oceania. Despite having a large population and densely populated regions, Indonesia is characterized by extensive areas of wilderness that contribute to its exceptionally rich biodiversity. The country holds the status of a regional power and is recognized as a middle power in global affairs. It actively participates in multilateral organizations, including the United Nations, World Trade Organization, G20, Non-Aligned Movement, Association of Southeast Asian Nations, East Asia Summit, D-8, and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. In 2021, Indonesias total wealth stood at $3.405 trillion, making it one of the richest Asian countries. 6. Hong Kong SAR Total Wealth in 2021: $3,492 trillion Hong Kong, known officially as the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China, stands as a prominent global financial hub and ranks among the most advanced places worldwide. It boasts the highest concentration of skyscrapers globally and its residents enjoy remarkably high life expectancies. Hong Kong operates under a market economy that places emphasis on services, with features including low taxation and a commitment to free trade. It is one of the richest Asian nations, with total wealth amounting to $3.492 trillion. Click to continue reading and see 5 Richest Countries in Asia. Suggested articles: Disclosure: None. 21 Richest Countries in Asia is originally published on Insider Monkey. BILL ZUCK understands that his best crime fighting days are behind him. You can reach him at wcz78@yahoo.com . WASHINGTON Consumers will collectively spend a record-high $22.9 billion to celebrate Fathers Day this year, according to the annual survey released June 1 by the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics. Total expected spending for the holiday is up from last years $20 billion and exceeds the previous record of $20.1 billion in 2021. Fathers Day remains a momentous occasion for Americans to honor the important men in their lives, NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. Consumers plan to celebrate the holiday in a big way this year, and retailers are ready to help make it special. Three-quarters of consumers plan to celebrate Fathers Day this year, which is on par with participation in recent years. Consumers expect to spend a record $196.23 on average, up from $171.79 last year and exceeding the previous record of $174.10 in 2021. The record highs for both collective and average spending are primarily driven by an increase in the percentage of consumers purchasing clothing, electronics, personal care and special outings and the amount they are spending on these categories. Half of those celebrating the holiday plan to buy for a father or stepfather, followed by a husband (27 percent), son (11 percent), brother (9 percent), friend (8 percent) or grandfather (7 percent). As in previous years, the most popular Fathers Day gifts are greeting cards, purchased by 61 percent. Other top gifts include clothing (55 percent), a special outing such as dinner or brunch (52 percent), gift cards (48 percent) and personal care items (32 percent). The big spenders this Fathers Day are consumers aged 35-44 who are expected to outspend other consumers by nearly $100, Prosper Executive Vice President of Strategy Phil Rist said. Those aged 45-54 plan to increase their spending the most, by spending $57.04 more than they planned last year. Online remains consumers primary shopping destination for Fathers Day, with 43 percent shopping online, up from 40 percent last year. This is followed by 38 percent shopping at department stores, up from 34 percent last year. Other popular destinations are discount stores (24 percent) and specialty stores (22 percent). Nearly one-third (29 percent) of those celebrating Fathers Day are planning to give a gift of experience, such as tickets to a sporting event or concert. This is up from 25 percent last year and is the highest since NRF started asking this question in 2016. Also, 42 percent are interested in giving a product subscription box, up from 37 percent last year, and is the highest since NRF began tracking this gift option in 2019. As the leading authority and voice for the retail industry, NRF provides data on consumer behavior and spending for key periods such as holidays throughout the year. The survey of 8,414 consumers was conducted May 1-8 and has a margin of error of plus or minus 1.1 percentage points. JERSEYVILLE Drake Goetten of Jerseyville Community High School has received an Illinois Bankers Scholarship. Goetten received one of eight awards by the Illinois Bankers Scholarship program and the Linda J. Koch Scholarship. Goetten was sponsored by Caarrollton Bank. The fund is administered through the Illinois Bankers Association and are awarded to high school graduates or college students seeking a degree in the financial services sector. Applicants must be sponsored by an IBA member financial institution and demonstrate an interest in a future career in banking. These scholarships are not only a testament to the academic achievements of our recipients, but also celebrate the interest and passion for learning more about the financial services sector, said David Brandon, Chairman of the IBA Scholarship Committee. These students have the potential to become future leaders in banking and were excited to foster young aspiration in the industry. The Illinois Bankers Scholarship Fund was established in 2019, with the mission of fostering interest and funding the educational pursuits of students interested in the field of banking. The Linda J. Koch Scholarship was established in 2021, in honor of the former president and CEO of the IBA. For more information on the scholarships or to apply for next years scholarship opportunities, visit Illinois.bank. WASHINGTON (AP) Fending off a U.S. default, the Senate gave final approval late Thursday to a debt ceiling and budget cuts package, grinding into the night to wrap up work on the bipartisan deal and send it to President Joe Biden's desk to become law before the fast-approaching deadline. The compromise package negotiated between Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy leaves neither Republicans nor Democrats fully pleased with the outcome. But the result, after weeks of hard-fought budget negotiations, shelves the volatile debt ceiling issue that risked upending the U.S. and global economy until 2025 after the next presidential election. Approval in the Senate on a bipartisan vote, 63-36, somewhat reflected the overwhelming House tally the day before, relying on centrists in both parties to pull the Biden-McCarthy package to passage. U.S. Sens. Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth, both Illinois Democrats, voted for the pacakge. "Thankfully, Congress has once again performed its constitutional duty and prevented a first-ever default on our national debt," Durbin said in a released statement following the vote. "Defaulting on our national debt is unacceptable and unthinkable. "This agreement represents a true compromise neither side got everything they wanted," he said. "So as painful as some of the decisions are that may come from this agreement including the cut to medical research funding they are inevitable to avoid a catastrophic default on our debt. Biden said in a statement following passage that senators from both parties "demonstrated once more that America is a nation that pays its bills and meets its obligations and always will be." He said he would sign the bill into law as soon as possible. "No one gets everything they want in a negotiation, but make no mistake: this bipartisan agreement is a big win for our economy and the American people," Biden said. The White House announced Friday morning he would address the nation about the matter at 7 p.m. Alton time on Friday. In the end, the debt ceiling showdown was a familiar high-stakes battle in Congress, a fight taken on by McCarthy and powered by a hard-right House Republican majority confronting the Democratic president with a new era of divided government in Washington. Refusing a once routine vote to allow a the nation's debt limit to be lifted without concessions, McCarthy brought Biden's White House to the negotiating table to strike an agreement that forces spending cutbacks aimed at curbing the nation's deficits. Overall, the 99-page bill restricts spending for the next two years, suspends the debt ceiling into January 2025 and changes some policies, including imposing new work requirements for older Americans receiving food aid and greenlighting an Appalachian natural gas line that many Democrats oppose. It bolsters funds for defense and veterans, cuts back new money for Internal Revenue Service agents and rejects Biden's call to roll back Trump-era tax breaks on corporations and the wealthy to help cover the nation's deficits. It imposes automatic 1% cuts if Congress fails approve its annual spending bills. On Wednesday, the House approved the package in a 314-117 vote. U.S. Reps. Mike Bost, R-Murphysboro, and Mary Miller, R-Oakland, voted against the package while U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski, D-Springfield, voted for it. TALLINN, Estonia (AP) Belarus is introducing a visa-free travel arrangement with dozens of countries for a month, raising fears that neighboring Poland and Lithuania might see a sudden increase in unauthorized migration. The authoritarian president of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, signed a decree allowing citizens of 73 countries including ones in the Middle East, Africa and Latin America to travel to Belarus without a visa to attend an annual music festival he personally opens to promote his nation's global integration. Festival ticket holders will be able to enter Belarus without a visa from July 4-23. The governments of Lithuania and Poland see the move as a threat that will bring another influx of migrants, such as those who massed at borders with the European Union in the thousands in 2021 after transiting through Belarus. The governments of Lithuania and Poland accuse the Belarusian authorities of orchestrating the earlier situation. Stanislaw Zaryn, the acting deputy to Polands minister coordinator of special services, charged that Russia and Belarus might try to repeat it with the monthlong visa-free program. He alleged the goal was to destabilize Europe, including Poland, by creating an illegal route leading from Belarus to the West. The migration facilitation introduced, if successful, may lead to an increase in the influx of people to Belarus, which Lukashenkos services will use to intensify the hybrid operation conducted on our eastern border, wrote on Twitter. Poland built a fence on the border with Belarus in response to the arrival of tens of thousands of migrants, mostly from the Middle East and Afghanistan, in 2021-2022. Polish border guards daily report dozens of attempts to illegally enter the EU by African and Middle Eastern migrants passing through Belarus. The Lithuanian government thinks Belarus could try to provoke Middle Eastern migrants at the border during a July 11-12 NATO summit to be held in its capital, Vilnius, Rustamas Liubajevas, commander of the State Border Guard Service of Lithuania, said. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate SINGAPORE (AP) U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin vowed Saturday that Washington would not stand for any coercion and bullying of its allies and partners by China, while assuring Beijing that the United States remains committed to maintaining the status quo on Taiwan and would prefer dialogue over conflict. Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue, an annual forum bringing together top defense officials, diplomats and leaders in Singapore, Austin lobbied for support for Washington's vision of a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific within a world of rules and rights as the best course to counter increasing Chinese assertiveness in the region. The U.S. has been expanding its own activities around the Indo-Pacific to counter sweeping territorial claims from China, including regularly sailing through and flying over the Taiwan Strait and in the South China Sea. We are committed to ensuring that every country can fly, sail and operate wherever international law allows," he said at the forum hosted by the International Institute for Strategic Studies think tank. "And every country, large or small, must remain free to conduct lawful maritime activities. Austin noted that the U.S. had provided millions of doses of the COVID-19 vaccine during the height of the pandemic and is regularly involved in disaster relief and humanitarian assistance efforts in the region. He said it is working to combat climate change, illegal fishing and ensure that supply chains do not suffer disruptions ticking off many issues of importance to Asian-Pacific nations. We're doubling down on our alliances and partnerships, he said. He said the U.S. is also committed to deterring North Korea's missile threat and China's claims on Taiwan, a self-governing island democracy that Beijing says is its territory, and said Washington has been stepping up defense planning, coordination and training with partner nations in the region. To be clear, we do not seek conflict or confrontation, he said. But we will not flinch in the face of bullying or coercion. Underscoring Austin's words, a U.S. guided-missile destroyer and a Canadian frigate sailed Saturday through the Taiwan Strait, waters where high-seas freedoms of navigation and overflight apply in accordance with international law, the U.S. 7th Fleet said. There was no immediate word of a Chinese response. In Singapore, Chinese Lt. Gen. Jing Jianfeng, a senior member of the delegation accompanying Defense Minister Gen. Li Shangfu, accused Austin of overtly or covertly making false accusations against China in his address. Speaking with reporters after Austin spoke, Jing alleged the U.S. has been deceiving and exploiting Asia-Pacific nations to advance its own self-interests to preserve its dominant position" in the region. He suggested that Washington has been holding on to alliances that are remnants of the Cold War and establishing new pacts, like the AUKUS agreement with Britain and Australia and the Quad grouping with Australia, India and Japan to divide the world into ideologically-driven camps and provoke confrontation. Jing, who took no questions, said that by contrast, China is committed to the region's development and prosperity. Austin sought to assure China that the U.S. remained deeply committed to the longstanding one-China policy, which recognizes Beijing as the government of China but allows informal relations with Taiwan, and continues to categorically oppose unilateral changes to the status quo from either side. He added that Russia's invasion of Ukraine had served to underline how dangerous the world would be if big countries were able to "just invade their peaceful neighbors with impunity. Conflict is neither imminent nor inevitable, Austin said. Deterrence is strong today and its our job to keep it that way. The whole world has a stake in maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. But Jing accused the U.S. of hollowing out the one-China policy, accusing Washington of supporting Taiwanese separatists without citing any evidence, and reiterating Beijing's claim that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's sovereign territory. There's no room for us to concede or compromise, he said. He added that China has indisputable sovereignty over the South China Sea islands and the adjacent waters. Li, who became Chinas defense minister in March, declined Austins invitation to talk on the sidelines of the conference, though the two did shake hands before sitting down at opposite sides of the same table together as the forum opened Friday. Austin said this was not enough. A cordial handshake over dinner is no substitute for a substantive engagement, he said. Li, who was named defense minister in March, is under American sanctions that are part of a broad package of measures against Russia but predate its invasion of Ukraine that were imposed in 2018 over Lis involvement in Chinas purchase of combat aircraft and anti-aircraft missiles from Moscow. The sanctions, which broadly prevent Li from doing business in the United States, do not prevent him from holding official talks, American defense officials have said. It was not clear whether Li, who is to address the forum Sunday morning, was in the room while Austin talked. He did join the American defense secretary and others later for a ministerial roundtable. Austin reiterated calls that Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese made in his opening address at the forum for China to engage in regular, direct communications to help prevent any possible conflict. For responsible defense leaders, the right time to talk is anytime, Austin said. The right time to talk is every time. And the right time to talk is now. Jing said, however, that lines of communication needed to be based upon mutual respect. But the U.S. has been calling for communications on one hand and undermining Chinas interests and concerns on the other, he said. The U.S. has noted that since 2021 well before Li became defense minister China has declined or failed to respond to more than a dozen requests from the U.S. Defense Department to talk with senior leaders, as well as multiple requests for standing dialogues and working-level engagements. Deloitte, the largest professional services network in the world, is boosting its leadership team with 60 partner admissions in the Middle East, enhancing its capabilities across a range of offerings including Artificial Intelligence, Analytics, ESG, e-commerce, cybersecurity, merger and acquisitions (M&A). This milestone marks the highest number of partner admissions in a single year in Deloitte's history in the Middle East. Spanning across all Deloitte offerings, including Audit & Assurance, Consulting, Financial Advisory, Risk Advisory, and Tax, the new partners offer the groups comprehensive and integrated multidisciplinary model that addresses the diverse needs of clients in the region. The new partners bring a wealth of skills and expertise to strengthen Deloittes services in the Middle East as a leading advisor for governments, sovereign wealth funds, and corporations across the region. The organizations growth comes as a natural response to the region's growing need for world class professional services, particularly in relation to the Middle East's Giga Projects and the broader ongoing socioeconomic transformation. Deloitte Middle East CEO said: "The recognition of our next generation leaders not only reflects our commitment to the region, but also to our clients, markets and people as we respond to the social and economic transformation we are witnessing today." "The pace of technological development, particularly within the Artificial Intelligence and Analytics space, demands agility as well as capability allowing us to best support our clients to seize opportunities and face new challenges," he stated. On the promotions, Rana Ghandour Salhab, People and Purpose Partner, said: "Deloitte strives to make gender balance the norm across our organization and increase female representation in both partnership admissions and other leadership roles." "This year, 24% of our promoted partners were women and we will continue to set aspirational goals and adopt global standards spanning the entire career lifecyclefrom recruitment, promotion and succession processes, to development, mentoring, sponsorship and flexible working," he stated. "Deloittes focus on working toward gender equality does not end with our own organization as we work within our societies in the Middle East to lead the way on the complex challenges facing women and girls in society and sponsor a number of our societal impact projects," he added.-TradeArabia News Service Looking at Bank of America Corporation's (NYSE:BAC ) insider transactions over the last year, we can see that insiders were net sellers. That is, there were more number of shares sold by insiders than there were purchased. Although we don't think shareholders should simply follow insider transactions, we do think it is perfectly logical to keep tabs on what insiders are doing. See our latest analysis for Bank of America Bank of America Insider Transactions Over The Last Year The President of Global Corporate & Investment Banking, Matthew Koder, made the biggest insider sale in the last 12 months. That single transaction was for US$7.7m worth of shares at a price of US$35.91 each. While insider selling is a negative, to us, it is more negative if the shares are sold at a lower price. The good news is that this large sale was at well above current price of US$28.71. So it may not tell us anything about how insiders feel about the current share price. Matthew Koder was the only individual insider to sell shares in the last twelve months. Matthew Koder divested 319.80k shares over the last 12 months at an average price of US$35.37. You can see a visual depiction of insider transactions (by companies and individuals) over the last 12 months, below. By clicking on the graph below, you can see the precise details of each insider transaction! For those who like to find winning investments this free list of growing companies with recent insider purchasing, could be just the ticket. Does Bank of America Boast High Insider Ownership? Another way to test the alignment between the leaders of a company and other shareholders is to look at how many shares they own. 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 Bank of America insiders own 0.2% of the company, worth about US$430m. I like to see this level of insider ownership, because it increases the chances that management are thinking about the best interests of shareholders. What Might The Insider Transactions At Bank of America Tell Us? It doesn't really mean much that no insider has traded Bank of America shares in the last quarter. It's great to see high levels of insider ownership, but looking back over the last year, we don't gain confidence from the Bank of America insiders selling. In addition to knowing about insider transactions going on, it's beneficial to identify the risks facing Bank of America. In terms of investment risks, we've identified 1 warning sign with Bank of America and understanding it should be part of your investment process. 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 Oscar-winning song 'Naatu Naatu' from S.S. Rajamouli's blockbuster RRR has been on everyone's lips (rather, on everyone's feet!) ever since its release. Social media has been abuzz with videos of people trying to match the steps of actors NTR Jr. and Ram Charan Teja. One such video, where Ukranian soldiers are seen dancing to the foot-tapping number, is going viral. The soldiers recreate the scene from the film, but with a twist the video is aimed at Russia. In the actual scene, Ram Charan and NTR Jr. engage in the 'dance fight' with the British. Ukraine and Russia have been at war for over an year now. Interestingly, 'Naatu Naatu' was filmed in Ukraine in August 2021, months before Russian forces invaded the country. Ram Charan had thanked Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky for supporting them and allowing them to shoot at Ukraines presidential palace. The video was tweeted on May 31. The military from Mykolaiv filmed a parody of the song #NaatuNaatu from (India) of the movie "RRR", the main soundtrack of which won an Oscar this year. In the original scene, the main characters express their protest against the British officer (colonizer) for not allowing them to meet with a song, the translated caption reads. It goes on to add that the dance performance is against the Russian Federation. The tweet has garnered over 1,800 retweets, 230 quotes and 6,752 likes so far. Anpario plc (LON:ANP) shareholders should be happy to see the share price up 20% in the last week. But that's not enough to compensate for the decline over the last twelve months. Like an arid lake in a warming world, shareholder value has evaporated, with the share price down 60% in that time. The share price recovery is not so impressive when you consider the fall. Arguably, the fall was overdone. On a more encouraging note the company has added UK8.8m to its market cap in just the last 7 days, so let's see if we can determine what's driven the one-year loss for shareholders. See our latest analysis for Anpario There is no denying that markets are sometimes efficient, but prices do not always reflect underlying business performance. By comparing earnings per share (EPS) and share price changes over time, we can get a feel for how investor attitudes to a company have morphed over time. Unfortunately Anpario reported an EPS drop of 30% for the last year. The share price decline of 60% is actually more than the EPS drop. This suggests the EPS fall has made some shareholders are more nervous about the business. The graphic below depicts how EPS has changed over time (unveil the exact values by clicking on the image). It's probably worth noting we've seen significant insider buying in the last quarter, which we consider a positive. On the other hand, we think the revenue and earnings trends are much more meaningful measures of the business. Before buying or selling a stock, we always recommend a close examination of historic growth trends, available here.. A Different Perspective Investors in Anpario had a tough year, with a total loss of 60% (including dividends), against a market gain of about 0.3%. Even the share prices of good stocks drop sometimes, but we want to see improvements in the fundamental metrics of a business, before getting too interested. Regrettably, last year's performance caps off a bad run, with the shareholders facing a total loss of 9% per year over five years. We realise that Baron Rothschild has said investors should "buy when there is blood on the streets", but we caution that investors should first be sure they are buying a high quality business. I find it very interesting to look at share price over the long term as a proxy for business performance. But to truly gain insight, we need to consider other information, too. Like risks, for instance. Every company has them, and we've spotted 3 warning signs for Anpario (of which 1 doesn't sit too well with us!) you should know about. Anpario is not the only stock that insiders are buying. 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 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 Hours after curfew was relaxed in a few districts, at least 15 people were injured in fresh violence that broke out in two villages in Manipur's Imphal West district. Two are critically injured, said the police. According to police, suspected Kuki militants armed with sophisticated weapons and bombs attacked the villages. State police and Manipur Rifles stationed at the two villagesPhayeng and Kangchup Chingkhongopened fire and retaliated. The clash between the militants and security forces lasted for over four hours on Friday night. Police officials said that the militants were pushed back to the hills. Those injured have been admitted to the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences and Raj Medicity in Imphal. Fresh attacks were also reported from parts of Pombikhok in the Bishnupur district. However, no causalities were reported. Meanwhile, the team of Manipur Police, Border Security Force and Assam Rifles recovered seven bodies from the Sugnu-Serou area in Kakching district. Police said that they were killed in the gunfight that broke out last week at Sugnu. Armed Kuki militants were suspected behind the fight. Over 90 people have lost their lives in the ethnic clashes that broke out in the state about a month ago. The statement issued by the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) said that a total of 37,450 people are currently sheltered in 272 relief camps. Police on Friday had said that after Union Home Minister Amit Shah's appeal to surrender weapons, a total of 140 weapons were surrendered. The surrendered weapons included self-loading rifles, carbine, AK and INSAS rifles, light machine guns, pistols, M16 rifles, smoke gun/tear gas, sten gun and grenade launcher. Shah, who was on a four-day visit to the state, also warned of strict action against those found in possession of weapon's during the police's search operations. A judicial probe headed by a retired high court chief justice was announced by Shah in Manipur. He also said that the peace committee under the Governor of Manipur Anusuiya Uikey will comprise representatives of all political parties and the warring Kuki and Meitei communities. It was on May 3, the clashes broke out in the state after a 'Tribal Solidarity March' was organised against the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. Over 10,000 Army and Assam Rifles have been deployed to bring back peace in the state. Union Railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Saturday visited the train accident site in Odisha's Balasore in which over 230 people were killed and about 900 injured. Vishnaw said the immediate focus is on rescue and relief operations. Vaishnaw on Friday announced compensation of Rs 10 lakh for those who have died, Rs 2 lakh for those seriously injured and Rs 50,000 for those who sustained minor injuries in the accident. Meanwhile, the Railways has announced a high-level probe into the crash involving the Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express, the Shalimar-Chennai Central Coromandel Express and a goods train. The committee will be headed by AM Chowdhary, commissioner of railway safety, South Eastern Circle. While it is not clear what caused the crash, one of the deadliest in India in recent times, PTI sources indicate a possible signalling failure. In February, close on the heels of a head-on collision between two goods trains in Uttar Pradesh, the railways launched a month-long safety drive to prevent accidents such as derailment and overshooting of signals by loco pilots, according to reports. It is also not clear if any of the trains involved in the crash were installed with the KAVACH system, anti-collision system that the Indian Railways has been installing across its network. Kavach alerts when a loco pilot jumps a signal, which is the leading cause of train collisions. Events cancelled The ceremony to flag off the inaugural Goa-Mumbai Vande Bharat Express at Madgaon station has been cancelled in the wake of the accident, Konkan railway officials said on Friday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was scheduled to flag off the Goa-Mumbai Vande Bharat Express through video link on Saturday morning while Vaishnaw was to remain present at Madgaon station for the ceremony. The BJP also adjourned all its programmes, scheduled for Saturday, related to the Modi government's ninth anniversary in the wake of the tragic train accident. Expressing shock and grief at the loss of lives in the train accident in Odisha, opposition leaders on Saturday stressed the importance of prioritising the safety of passengers by railways, while there were also demands to fix accountability and for the resignation of Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. The accident involving two passenger trains and a goods train in Odisha's Balasore district killed at least 288 people and injured more than 1100, in one of the worst railway tragedies in the country. The Congress said the "horrendous" train accident in Odisha reinforces why safety should always be the foremost priority in the functioning of the rail network and asserted that there are many questions to ask of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Railway Minister Vaishnaw but those can wait as the immediate task was of rescue and relief. RJD chief and former railway minister Lalu Prasad claimed that sheer negligence has caused the train tragedy and alleged that the BJP-led government at the Centre has "destroyed" the railways. In a video statement, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said it was the time to stay united and pointed out that several state governments have come forward to help out with the rescue efforts in Odisha, including the Siddaramaiah-led Karnataka government. "I want to ask the PM and the Railway Minister that it should be found out how this happened and who is responsible. We always talk about safety but still such an incident happened which had not happened in the history of railways. "But all this can be discussed later as now it is the time to be united and support the central government and for all leaders to come together to help the people and share their grief," Kharge said. Several Congress leaders from different states have either already reached or will soon be reaching Balasore, he said and extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. "We have many questions to ask of the prime minister and the railway minister but those can wait since the immediate task is of rescue and relief," Kharge said earlier. Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh said the train accident in Odisha is a matter of the greatest anguish. "It reinforces why SAFETY should always be the foremost priority in the functioning of the rail network. There are many legitimate questions that need to be raised but that should wait till tomorrow," Ramesh tweeted. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who is a former railway minister, flew to the accident site on Saturday afternoon and demanded a proper investigation. This is the biggest train accident of this century and a proper investigation must be conducted, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief told reporters. "Something must be behind this. The truth must come out. Why didn't the anti-collision system work?" Banerjee said Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who visited the accident site and was briefed by Railway Minister Vaishnaw, said no one would be spared and strong action would be taken against those found guilty. "Instructions have been given to ensure proper and speedy investigation of the tragedy," Modi said, adding that more focus will be given to the security of rail passengers. Meanwhile, TMC spokesperson Saket Gokhale said there were serious questions about the accident that needed to be answered and demanded the railway minister's resignation. The shocking train crash in Balasore, Odisha, last night could have been prevented by a functioning anti-collision system, he said and alleged that BJP is more focussed on "Modi's Vande Bharat PR & photo-ops instead of safety". "Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw must resign immediately if he has any conscience or sense of responsibility and shame left in him," Gokhale said. The railways have said that "Kavach" - the automatic train protection system - was not available on the route where the accident occurred on Friday evening. CPI(ML) general secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya too raised the same question. "Do we no longer have any signalling and safety system in Indian railways? Or will such terrible tragedies become the new normal for rail travel in India? We owe an answer to the victims and to the families who lost their near and dear ones in this mishap," he said in a tweet. The CPI and RJD also demanded that Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw resign over the incident. "Government concentrates only on luxury trains. Trains and tracks of common people are neglected. Orissa deaths are the result of it. Rail minister should resign," CPI MP Binoy Viswam said in a tweet. RJD chief said Lalu Prasad said,"I extend my heartfelt condolences to the victims and their families. A high-level inquiry must be ordered to find out the reason behind the accident, and also fix the responsibilities." "The government at the Centre has completely destroyed Indian Railways. They are least bothered about the safety of the passengers. It's sheer negligence on the part of the railway authorities," he told reporters. Some Congress leaders also called for Vaishnaw's resignation. Tagging a tweet by Vaishnaw on ex-gratia compensation to victims of the accident, Congress' MP from Odisha Saptagiri Ulaka said, "You should resign first." Ask some person to investigate the reason for this mishap and do course corrections, as well as ensure support to the injured, the MP said. "Avoid such insensitive tweets at times of pain, anger and deep personal loss," Ulaka said. The accident highlights the infrastructural deficiencies of the Railways and lapses in passenger safety, Bihar minister and JD(U) leader Sanjay Kumar Jha said, noting that Nitish Kumar had resigned as railway minister in August 1999 taking moral responsibility for the Gasel train Gurdeep Singh Sappal, co-ordinator in the Congress president's office, said, "Resignation in such cases is expected not just on moral grounds. Resignation is also a means to ensure that those in power and accountable for the accident do not influence such 'high-level inquiry'." "That's why the norm is that the officers in the chain of command are suspended and the minister resigns!" he said. Congress parliamentary party chairperson Sonia Gandhi said she was most pained and anguished by the terrible train disaster in Odisha. "I extend my deepest sympathy and condolences to all the bereaved families," she said in a statement. Kharge and former party chief Rahul Gandhi on Friday night expressed sadness over the tragedy and urged party workers and leaders to extend all support needed for the rescue efforts. President of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, JP Nadda, in a tweet said the BJP has decided to postpone all its programmes marking the completion of nine years of its government at the Centre in the wake of the accident. The Tamil Nadu government cancelled all official programmes including the centenary celebration of former chief minister and Dravidian stalwart M Karunanidhi on Saturday in view of the train tragedy. The hottest thing in technology is an unprepossessing sliver of silicon closely related to the chips that power video game graphics. It's an artificial intelligence chip, designed specifically to make building AI systems such as ChatGPT faster and cheaper. Such chips have suddenly taken center stage in what some experts consider an AI revolution that could reshape the technology sector and possibly the world along with it. Shares of Nvidia, the leading designer of AI chips, rocketed up almost 25 per cent last Thursday after the company forecast a huge jump in revenue that analysts said indicated soaring sales of its products. The company was briefly worth more than USD 1 trillion on Tuesday. SO WHAT ARE AI CHIPS, ANYWAY? That isn't an easy question to answer. There really isn't a completely agreed upon definition of AI chips," said Hannah Dohmen, a research analyst with the Centre for Security and Emerging Technology. In general, though, the term encompasses computing hardware that's specialised to handle AI workloads for instance, by training AI systems to tackle difficult problems that can choke conventional computers. VIDEO GAME ORIGINS Three entrepreneurs founded Nvidia in 1993 to push the boundaries of computational graphics. Within a few years, the company had developed a new chip called a graphics processing unit, or GPU, which dramatically sped up both development and play of video games by performing multiple complex graphics calculations at once. That technique, known formally as parallel processing, would prove key to the development of both games and AI. Two graduate students at the University of Toronto used a GPU-based neural network to win a prestigious 2012 AI competition called ImageNet by identifying photo images at much lower error rates than competitors. The win kick-started interest in AI-related parallel processing, opening a new business opportunity for Nvidia and its rivals while providing researchers powerful tools for exploring the frontiers of AI development. MODERN AI CHIPS Eleven years later, Nvidia is the dominant supplier of chips for building and updating AI systems. One of its recent products, the H100 GPU, packs in 80 billion transistors about 13 million more than Apple's latest high-end processor for its MacBook Pro laptop. Unsurprisingly, this technology isn't cheap; at one online retailer, the H100 lists for USD 30,000. Nvidia doesn't fabricate these complex GPU chips itself, a task that would require enormous investments in new factories. Instead it relies on Asian chip foundries such as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. and Korea's Samsung Electronics. Some of the biggest customers for AI chips are cloud-computing services such as those run by Amazon and Microsoft. By renting out their AI computing power, those services make it possible for smaller companies and groups that couldn't afford to build their own AI systems from scratch to use cloud-based tools to help with tasks that can range from drug discovery to customer management. OTHER USES AND COMPETITION Parallel processing has many uses outside of AI. A few years ago, for instance, Nvidia graphics cards were in short supply because cryptocurrency miners, who set up banks of computers to solve thorny mathematical problems for bitcoin rewards, had snapped up most of them. That problem faded as the cryptocurrency market collapsed in early 2022. Analysts say Nvidia will inevitably face tougher competition. One potential rival is Advanced Micro Devices, which already faces off with Nvidia in the market for computer graphics chips. AMD has recently taken steps to bolster its own lineup of AI chips. Nvidia is based in Santa Clara, California. Co-founder Jensen Huang remains the company's president and chief executive. (AP) As robots continue to play increasingly significant roles in our society, questions regarding their moral and legal status have become a subject of philosophical and legal debates. While some argue for granting rights to robots, a new analysis proposes an alternative perspective rooted in Confucianism. The analysis, conducted by Tae Wan Kim, an Associate Professor of Business Ethics at Carnegie Mellon University, challenges the idea of granting rights to robots and suggests considering them as "rites bearers" instead. It aims to explore Confucianism as an alternative framework for understanding the moral and social implications of robots. Confucianism and its emphasis on harmony: Confucianism, an ancient Chinese belief system, places great importance on achieving social harmony. According to this philosophy, individuals are considered fully human when they can transcend self-interest and embrace a sense of relational and communal well-being. Confucianism asserts that proper rituals and ceremonies, known as "rites," are essential for individuals to enhance their moral character. The role of rites for robots: Confucianism, an ancient Chinese belief system, focuses on the social value of achieving harmony; individuals are made distinctively human by their ability to conceive of interests not purely in terms of personal self-interest, but in terms that include a relational and a communal self. Tae Wan Kim argues that rather than granting rights to robots, assigning them role obligations or rites aligns more effectively with the principles of Confucianism. The concept of rights often implies adversarial relationships and potential conflicts between humans and robots. On the other hand, assigning role obligations encourages teamwork and a harmonious approach to fulfilling those obligations. By integrating robots into the framework of rites, they can develop a sense of participation and contribute to the overall social harmony. The Role of Artificial Intelligence (AI): For robots to embody the concept of rites bearers, they must possess AI capabilities that enable them to imitate human intelligence and execute team activities. Kim emphasizes that the development of AI technology should focus on replicating human capacity for recognizing and engaging in cooperative endeavors. This can be achieved through various approaches to machine learning, enabling robots to understand and contribute to the fulfillment of their role obligations. The Moral Imperative to Treat Robots Respectfully: Critics may question why robots should be treated with respect in the first place. Kim argues that as creators of robots in our own image, mistreating them reflects poorly on our own moral character. Viewing robots as entities capable of participating in rites acknowledges their significance in our society and reinforces the moral obligation to treat them well. Comparisons with other non-natural entities: The article also draws attention to other non-natural entities, such as corporations, which are granted certain rights and legal status. Additionally, moral and legal considerations in many developed societies have led to the protection of animals from unnecessary harm in laboratory experiments. These examples demonstrate that moral and legal status can extend beyond human beings and open the door to considering the moral treatment of robots. As robots continue to shape our world, it is crucial to examine different philosophical frameworks to navigate the complex ethical landscape. Confucianism offers a unique perspective by emphasizing harmony, teamwork, and the moral significance of rituals. While the notion of granting rights to robots raises concerns and potential conflicts, assigning role obligations to robots aligns with the principles of Confucianism and encourages a harmonious integration of robots into society. By adopting this alternative perspective, we can foster a more ethical and inclusive approach to the growing presence of robots in our lives. In a shocking discovery, Mexican police stumbled upon bags containing human body parts in a ravine outside the western city of Guadalajara. As many as 45 bags with human remains were found by the police. An investigation was launched by the police officials on missing complaints filed by parents of seven young call center workers. It was during the search operations for the missing persons that police received a tip-off. Later, the search was carried out at Mirador del Bosque ravine, where they found the bags with human body parts. Due to the difficult terrain in the region, it was not easy for the forensic team and the officials to investigate. Firefighters and civil defence team was working with the police and a helicopter crew to recover the remains. Though the first bag was found on Tuesday, it took few more days for the officials to find all 45 bags. The preliminary findings on the recovered human remains appear to resemble the features of several missing call center employees. "According to preliminary information, the findings...in the Mirador Escondido neighbourhood in Zapopan coincided with the physical characteristics of some of the young people being searched for," said the statement issued by the Jalisco Prosecutor's Office. The remains found in the municipality of Zapopan were subject to forensic tests to formally identify the bodies. Earlier, security minister Rosa Icela Rodriguez told reporters that initial investigations showed that the call center workers "were carrying out some type of real estate fraud and some type of telephone extortion". However, investigation is still ongoing to identify the body and their cause of death. Meanwhile, shocking discoveries and deaths are not new in Mexico. Crimes of disappearance are quite common in the country. Over 1,00,000 people are missing with many being the victims of organised crime, said the official government figures. Though most of them are men, around one fifth of those missing are under the age of 18. Since 2018, over 1,500 bodies have been found in Jalisco state. According to Jalisco special prosecutor's office, 291 bodies were discovered in 2019, 544 bodies were found in 2020, 280 bodies in 2021 and 301 in 2022. So far this year, 147 bodies have been found. Since a war on drugs was launched in 2007 by the then President Felipe Calderon, the incidents of disappearances were commonly reported in the country. The United Nations has called it "a human tragedy of enormous proportions". Back in 2019, around 44 bodies were recovered buried in a well in Jalisco, which is known for its violent drug wars. It was after the local residents complained of foul smell that the officials recovered of the bodies. Also, the locals in the region criticised the police and the government for their inaction. Even when missing complaints are filed, police won't take proper action, they said. Colombo, Jun 3 (PTI) President Ranil Wickremesinghe has called for joint action by all parties for Sri Lanka to emerge from the unprecedented economic crisis. Wickremesinghe, who made the remarks while addressing a legal conference held at the Central Resort of Nuwara Eliya on Friday, said that none of the political parties in Parliament currently possess a 50 per cent voter base. The economic challenges faced by the country ten months ago as an "unprecedented situation in history," Wickremesinghe, also the debt-ridden island nation's finance minister said. It has been 10-11 months since our country faced a state of failure. However, we have managed to establish law and order, political stability, and economic stability in our nation. Yet, we are aware that this stability is only temporary, and we still have a long road ahead to overcome the challenges we face, the president stressed. Therefore the need is for unity among the parties, not solely for the purpose of elections, but to steer the country towards recovery from the ongoing economic crisis, he said. Wickremesinghe stressed that while the re-establishment of law and order and political and economic stability is crucial, it does not imply that Sri Lanka has wholly overcome the crisis. Sri Lanka was hit by an unprecedented financial crisis in 2022, the worst since its independence from Britain in 1948, due to a severe paucity of foreign exchange reserves, sparking a major political and humanitarian crisis in the island nation. The debt-ridden country was marred with protests leading to the ouster of the powerful Rajapaksa family from politics. Wickremesinghe took charge as the country's president following the resignation of Gotabaya Rajapaksa on July 9 last year. Wickremesinghe has spearheaded the economic recovery since then obtaining an IMF bailout while implementing strict reforms. His repeated calls for cross-party support to handle the crisis came to be rejected by opposition parties. Lahore, Jun 2 (PTI) A Pakistani court on Friday sentenced to death and imposed a fine of Rs 20,000 on a Christian youth for committing blasphemy. According to a court official, the district and sessions court (Bahawalpur) awarded capital punishment to Nauman Masih, 19, after the prosecution presented evidence and witnesses against him. Masih, a resident of Islami Colony Bahwalpur, some 400 kilometres from Lahore, was arrested four years ago by police on a complaint that he had shared blasphemous material on a messaging app. "The prosecutors presented the forensic record of Maih's cellphone which proved that he shared the blasphemous content through WhatsApp. Besides some witnesses were also presented in the court," the official said. The court also imposed a Rs 20,000 fine. Pakistan is among the countries where blasphemy is punishable by death. Blasphemy is a hugely sensitive issue in the country, where even unproven allegations can stir mobs and violence. In many instances, the accused are killed by mobs even before the commencement of legal proceedings. Singapore, Jun 3 (AP) American Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin vowed on Saturday that Washington would not stand for any coercion and bullying of its allies and partners by China, while assuring Beijing that the United States remains committed to maintaining the status quo on Taiwan and would prefer dialogue over conflict. Speaking at the so-called Shangri-La Dialogue, an annual forum bringing together top defense officials, diplomats and leaders, Austin lobbied for support for Washington's vision of a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific within a world of rules and rights as the best course to counter increasing Chinese assertiveness in the region. The US has been expanding its own activities around the Indo-Pacific to counter sweeping territorial claims from China, including regularly sailing through and flying over the Taiwan Strait and in the South China Sea. We are committed to ensuring that every country can fly, sail and operate wherever international law allows," he said at the forum hosted by the International Institute for Strategic Studies think tank. "And every country, large or small, must remain free to conduct lawful maritime activities. Austin noted that the US had provided millions of doses of the COVID-19 vaccine during the height of the pandemic and is regularly involved in disaster relief and humanitarian assistance efforts in the region. He said it is working to combat climate change, illegal fishing and ensure that supply chains do not suffer disruptions ticking off many issues of importance to Asian-Pacific nations. We're doubling down on our alliances and partnerships, he said. He said the US is also committed to deterring North Korea's missile threat and China's claims on Taiwan, a self-governing island democracy that Beijing says is its territory, and said Washington has been stepping up defense planning, coordination and training with partner nations in the region. To be clear, we do not seek conflict or confrontation, he said. But we will not flinch in the face of bullying or coercion. Chinese Lt. Gen. Jing Jianfeng, a senior member of the delegation accompanying Defense Minister Gen. Li Shangfu, accused Austin of overtly or covertly making false accusations against China in his address. Speaking with reporters after Austin spoke, Jing alleged the US has been deceiving and exploiting Asia-Pacific nations to advance its own self-interests to preserve its dominant position" in the region. He suggested that Washington has been holding on to alliances that are remnants of the Cold War and establishing new pacts, like the AUKUS agreement with Britain and Australia and the Quad grouping with Australia, India and Japan to divide the world into ideologically-driven camps and provoke confrontation. Jing, who took no questions, said that by contrast, China, is committed to the region's development and prosperity. Austin sought to assure China that the US remained deeply committed to the longstanding one-China policy, which recognizes Beijing as the government of China but allows informal relations with Taiwan, and continues to categorically oppose unilateral changes to the status quo from either side. He added that Russia's invasion of Ukraine had served to underline how dangerous the world would be if big countries were able to "just invade their peaceful neighbours with impunity. Conflict is neither imminent nor inevitable, Austin said. Deterrence is strong today and it's our job to keep it that way. The whole world has a stake in maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. But Jing accused the US of hollowing out the one-China policy, accusing Washington of supporting Taiwanese separatists without citing any evidence, and reiterating Beijing's claim that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's sovereign territory. There's no room for us to concede or compromise, he said. He added that China has indisputable sovereignty over the South China Sea islands and the adjacent waters. Li, who became China's defense minister in March, declined Austin's invitation to talk on the sidelines of the conference, though the two did shake hands before sitting down at opposite sides of the same table together as the forum opened Friday. Austin said this was not enough. A cordial handshake over dinner is no substitute for a substantive engagement, he said. Li, who was named defense minister in March, is under American sanctions that are part of a broad package of measures against Russia but predate its invasion of Ukraine that were imposed in 2018 over Li's involvement in China's purchase of combat aircraft and anti-aircraft missiles from Moscow. The sanctions, which broadly prevent Li from doing business in the United States, do not prevent him from holding official talks, American defense officials have said. It was not clear whether Li, who is to address the forum Sunday morning, was in the room while Austin talked. He did join the American defense secretary and others later for a ministerial roundtable. Austin reiterated calls that Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese made in his opening address at the forum for China to engage in regular, direct communications to help prevent any possible conflict. For responsible defense leaders, the right time to talk is anytime, Austin said. The right time to talk is every time. And the right time to talk is now. Jing said, however, that lines of communication needed to be based upon mutual respect. But the US has been calling for communications on one hand and undermining China's interests and concerns on the other, he said. The US has noted that since 2021 well before Li became defense minister China has declined or failed to respond to more than a dozen requests from the US Defense Department to talk with senior leaders, as well as multiple requests for standing dialogues and working-level engagements . (AP) RUP RUP Ankara, Jun 3 (AP) The Turkish defence ministry announced on Saturday it will be sending a commando battalion to northern Kosovo in response to a NATO request for troops to help quell violent unrest. The request came from NATO's Joint Force Command Naples, the ministry said in a press statement posted on its official Twitter account, and the battalion will join the alliance's peacekeeping mission in the region, known as KFOR, as a reserve unit. Turkiye did not specify how many troops would be going, but NATO announced on Tuesday that it would be sending 700 troops to bolster the force in the area. All the new troops are expected to come from the same country. KFOR currently consists of almost 3,800 troops, including some 350 from Turkiye. Violent clashes with ethnic Serbs on Monday left 30 international soldiers 11 Italians and 19 Hungarians wounded, including fractures and burns from improvised explosive incendiary devices. The clashes grew out of a confrontation that unfolded earlier after ethnic Albanian officials elected in votes overwhelmingly boycotted by Serbs entered municipal buildings to take office and were blocked by Serbs. We urge restraint and dialogue to resolve these developments in northern Kosovo which endanger regional security and stability, the Turkish statement read. The Turkish commando battalion will be deploying to the Sultan Murat Barracks in Kosovo on Sunday and Monday. (AP) PY PY Chipmaker TSMC needs to hire 4,500 Americans at its new Arizona plants. Its brutal corporate culture is getting in the way On the Glassdoor profile of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, or TSMCthe worlds biggest manufacturer of semiconductor chipscurrent and former U.S. employees swap messages about grueling working conditions. People slept in the office for a month straight, an engineer wrote in August. Twelve-hour days are standard, weekend shifts are common. I cannot stress how brutal the work-life balance is here. TSMC is about obedience [and is] not ready for America, another engineer wrote in January. TSMCs U.S. operations have earned a 27% approval rating on Glassdoor from 91 reviewsmeaning that less than a third of its reviewers would encourage others to work there. Intel, one of TSMCs main rivals, has an 85% approval rating, albeit from tens of thousands more reviews. Complaints like these are common on Glassdoor, where anonymity gives workers cover to dish on past and current employers. But the gripes from TSMC workers point to a bigger problem: The Taiwanese chip giants tough culture is grating on U.S. employees and job candidates, complicating TSMCs efforts to hire enough employees to staff its two new Arizona foundries. Those foundries, in turn, are a cornerstone of the U.S.s $52 billion CHIPS Act aimed at re-shoring the crucial semiconductor industry. TSMC plans to spend $40 billion to build two semiconductor foundries that will churn out the worlds leading-edge chips by 2024 and 2026. President Joe Biden deemed TSMCs investmentone of the largest ever in the U.S. by a foreign companya game changer that will shift critical chip supply chains back to the U.S. amid Washingtons high-stakes, high-tech chips arms race with China. President Joe Biden shakes hands with Mark Liu, chairman of TSMC during a "First Tool-In" ceremony at the TSMC facility under construction in Phoenix, Arizona, in December 2022. (Caitlin O'Hara/Bloomberg via Getty Images) The Semiconductor Industry Association, a trade group that lobbied for the CHIPS Act, estimates the initiative will add 42,000 new jobs by 2030, a figure the Biden administration often cites. TSMC says it will hire 4,500 new workers to support its two Arizona fabs, a sizable chunk of the total new jobs created. But the companys hiring ambitions have clashed with a U.S. semiconductor industry whose in-demand workers are accustomed to working with accommodating, well-paying employers and have bristled at TSMCs tack. TSMC, which employs 65,000 workers worldwide, says it has on-boarded nearly 2,000 staff for its Arizona plants so far, including 600 engineers. But interviews with recruiters indicate those were hard-fought hires since TSMCs harsh working culture, rigid standards, and months-long overseas training requirement are turning off current and prospective American employees. The chip giant says its Arizona hiring is on schedule, but it has introduced new policies of late that suggest its trying to combat a reputation as an unsparing employer among the engineers and technicians it urgently needs. TSMC's rigid expectations for new recruits In Taiwan, TSMC is revered as our guardian, savior, and light, says Chou Kuo-Hua, an accounting professor at Taiwans National Pingtung University and semiconductor industry expert. The company, which earned $75.9 billion in revenue last year, manufactures 90% of the worlds most advanced chips that power high-tech devices. TSMC accounts for 5.7% of Taiwans GDP and is so essential to the global economy that Taipei and its allies consider TSMC a silicon shield that deters China from invading the self-governing island that Beijing claims as its own. At home, TSMC sets a high bar for its employees. Sixty percent of its Taiwanese employeesand over 80% of its managershold a masters degree or higher, according to a 2020 company report. And the company expects employees to know their place. Sure, TSMC might allow a reasonable expression of opinion [on work-related matters]but only from an engineer or deputy manager to the department manager, Joey, who has worked as a 5-nanometer chip engineer for TSMC in Taiwan for nearly six years, told Fortune. Its impossible for managers to express their opinions to upper-level management. This simply cannot be done, Joey said. (He asked to be identified only by his nickname due to fear of reprisals.) Supervisors chastise workers who apply for overtime, Joey said. Most workers accrue overtime to finish their heavy workloads, but many are too afraid to ask to be paid for it. Its all a ruse, Joey said. Fortune contacted several new, U.S.-based recruits and Taiwan-based engineers, but they all declined to talk, citing TSMCs strict privacy policies and concerns about retaliation. Our salary is only [for] 10 hours [a day], [but] we dont leave until were done. And weve never been willing to report it, a member of a private 85,000-person Facebook group for current and former employees of TSMC in Taiwan wrote in February. TSMCs worldwide turnover rate among staff that joined in the previous year surged to 17.6% in 2021 from 11.6% in 2017, according to the companys 2021 sustainability report. NANJING, CHINA - AUGUST 10: Aerial view of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) factory on August 10, 2022 in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province of China. (Photo by VCG/VCG via Getty Images) Still, TSMC is a coveted employer in Taiwan, in large part because it offers relatively high wages. New engineering grads with a masters degree earn on average $65,700 a year, while general full-time staff earn $32,800compared to Taiwans average annual income of $21,700. Chou credits TSMCs highly disciplined work culture that delineates a clear hierarchy between supervisors and subordinates for its dominance. From 2021 to 2022, the chipmakers sales skyrocketed, and its revenue surged nearly 30%, reflecting the supercharged demand for chips during the pandemic. But TSMCs supremacy in pumping out high-tech chips isnt making up for the lopsided bargain its offering highly-educated candidates in the U.S.: a rigid workplace with arduous training requirements in exchange for pay thats lower than rivals. TSMC 'doesnt need all Ph.D.s' Taiwans higher education system, where 31% of university students choose STEM majorscompared to 17.5% in the U.S.has spoiled TSMC. For jobs in its fabs, the company prefers candidates with Ph.D.s and masters degrees more so than peers like Intel, says Dylan Patel, a semiconductor industry expert and author of the newsletter SemiAnalysis. Earlier this year, job listings for engineering roles reviewed by Fortune sought candidates with a Ph.D. or masters degree. Some industry observers argue that TSMCs education expectations are unnecessarily high, especially in the U.S., where decades of offshoring chip manufacturing and the lure of Silicon Valleys high-paying software jobs have created a shortfall of hardware-focused STEM graduates. Consultancy Accenture argues that the U.S. is facing an acute talent shortage across the entire value chain. It estimates that the U.S. needs 70,000 to 90,000 highly-skilled personnel to fulfill domestic demand for critical semiconductor applications alone, in sectors like aerospace, defense, and automotives. High-volume fabs demand some highly-skilled workers, like engineers who research and develop technology to manufacture advanced chips. But the bulk of fab employees work on the production line and dont need more than a bachelors degree, says Santosh Kurinec, a fellow and professor of engineering at the Rochester Institute of Technology. Ph.D.s are necessary in the industry, but it doesnt need all Ph.D.s, she says. Another challenge is compensation. TSMC pays up to $160,000 annually for Ph.D.s with some good experience, says an Arizona-based CEO of a semiconductor recruitment firm hiring for TSMC. That same Ph.D. can earn some $30,000 more at Intel, according to Payscale, a website that tracks company salaries. TSMCs American rivals, meanwhile, are defending against its recruiting onslaught. The recruitment firm CEO says candidates have gotten counter-offers like weve never seen. Intel is... giving [people] $10,000 to $20,000 to stick around. Weve lost people that way. US President Joe Biden (C) speaks during a tour of the TSMC Semiconductor Manufacturing Facility in Phoenix, Arizona, on December 6, 2022. Also pictured, Chairman of TSMC Dr. Mark Liu (L) and CEO of TSMC C.C. Wei (R). (Photo by Brendan SMIALOWSKI / AFP) (Photo by BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images) Anyone whos talented and experienced is highly sought after and making a lot of money. The challenge has been finding folks at Intel [and] GlobalFoundries to make a move without breaking the bank at the same time, the CEO says. Up to 18 months of overseas training Adding to the recruiting challenge is TSMCs demand that new U.S.-based engineering and technician hires ship off to Taiwan for months of training and cultural exposure. Since April 2021, TSMC has sent 600 newly hired U.S. engineers to Taiwan. They are now returning to Arizona armed withthe most advanced semiconductor technology knowledge, a company spokesperson told Fortune. The overseas training component, which requires U.S. staff to spend anywhere from 12 to 18 months in Taiwan, is uncommon among its rivals in the U.S., even foreign-headquartered firms, says Justin Kinsey, president of SBT Industries, a boutique semiconductor recruitment firm. Hiring the first batch of engineers and technicians to train in Taiwan was a heck of a recruiting challenge, says the Arizona-based CEO. Wed send 30 jobs [to 30 qualified candidates] and get maybe one or two people to bite, he said. Recruiters say that some younger engineers viewed TSMCs overseas training as an all-expenses-paid trip to Taiwan to train on the worlds most sophisticated chipmaking tools. But many candidates were unwilling to go to Taiwan because of the strain it would impose on their families. Some worried about catching COVID-19 and the territorys geopolitical tensions with China, while others simply didnt have passports. A corporate trainer who works with TSMC on its home turf says the companys new U.S. trainees are clashing with the companys veteran staff once they land in Taiwan, mostly because Americans dont revere authority as much as their Taiwanese colleagues expect them to. Still, she credits TSMC for trying to bridge the cultural gap. TSMC strives to nurture 'a well-balanced life' TSMC is making changes to better compete in the cutthroat battle for U.S. chip talent. The company increased staff salaries worldwide by 20% in 2021 in hopes of improving hiring and retention. (Recruiters say TSMC rivals have hiked their salaries in return, boosting pay across the industry.) TSMC says it encourages employees to nurture a well-balanced life, with its U.S. facilities offering fitness and health centers, a variety of activities and clubs, and a warm ambience, a spokesperson said. The chipmaker also facilitate[s] several internal communication channels to allow employees to share ideas and concerns regarding work conditions," the spokesperson said. "We actively listen and provide change where needed. TAIPEI, TAIWAN - MARCH 16: Morris Chang, founder of TSMC, gives a speech at the CommonWealth Semiconductor Forum on March 16, 2023 in Taipei, Taiwan. Morris Chang, founder of TSMC, a Taiwanese multinational semiconductor contract manufacturing and design company, said that he supports U.S. efforts to slow China's chip advances at the CommonWealth Semiconductor Forum. (Photo by Annabelle Chih/Getty Images) The company is also upgrading and expanding its Arizona training facilities so fewer recruits are required to train overseas, but there will still be some roles which necessitate training onsite in Taiwan, the spokesperson said. Still, to attract the large numbers of skilled workers it needs, TSMC needs to focus on develop[ing] a culture [where] people want to work and stay, says a Midwest-based recruiter who soon will start hiring for TSMC. Even Intel, an American company with all the benefits, compensation, and years of hiring expertise, will still have difficulties [hiring]. I cant imagine how much harder its going to be for TSMC. TSMC founder Morris Chang, the man credited with establishing Taiwans semiconductor industry, has repeatedly said that the companys success in Taiwan would be difficult to replicate in another country. The U.S.s lack of manufacturing talentsas Chang put itand its expensive production costs make TSMCs U.S. gambit particularly challenging. (Chip costs in Arizona are 50% higher than in Taiwan, and Chang recently warned they could double.) In Chous view, TSMCs decision to expand U.S. production is not economically rational, but the plans geopolitical valueto the U.S. and to Taiwan, in the event of any conflict with Chinamay make it too important to fail. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com Cairo, Jun 3 (AP) Libyan authorities rounded up thousands of mostly Egyptian migrants and amassed them at the border, activists said on Saturday, as Libya continued its crackdown on migrants. The migrants were detained in raids over the past two days on trafficking warehouses in the border town of Musaid and other areas in eastern Libya, said Tarik Lamloum, an activist with the Belaady Organisation for Human Rights. Libya is the dominant transit point for migrants from Africa and the Middle East trying to make it to Europe. The country plunged into chaos following a NATO-backed uprising that toppled and killed longtime autocrat Moammar Gadhafi in 2011. Oil-rich Libya has been ruled for most of the past decade by rival governments in eastern and western Libya, each backed by an array of militias and foreign governments. Human traffickers have benefited from the chaos in Libya and smuggled migrants through the country's lengthy border with six nations. They then pack desperate migrants seeking a better life in Europe into ill-equipped rubber boats and other vessels in risky voyages on the perilous Central Mediterranean Sea route. Lamloum and another local group, al-Abreen, which helps migrants in Libya, estimated that more than 6,000 migrants have been held at the border. Most of the migrants are Egyptians who were taken to the customs hangar of the Musaid crossing point with Egypt, awaiting their deportation to their home country, they said. The Security Directorate of Benghazi, which oversees the police force, reported the raids on migrants in Musaid but gave no further details. It also said they detained five suspected traffickers, including four Libyans and Bengal, on a Europe-bound boat carrying eight other Bengalis. A spokesman for the forces of military commander Khalifa Hifter, which control eastern Libya, did not answer phone calls and messages seeking comment. Al-Abreen posted footage showing large numbers of migrants guarded by security officers, while being marched on foot to the Musaid crossing point. Other footage shows dozens of migrants it said had been freed from a traffickers' warehouse. Esreiwa Salah, an activist with al-Abreen, described the situation at the hangar where the migrants have been held as tragic. The situation is bad and tragic, he said over the phone from Benghazi. The area is not equipped (to host detained migrants). " Many Egyptian migrants were released and deported to Egypt on Friday according to Mahdi el-Omda, a former Egyptian lawmaker who along with other tribal elders in the western Egyptian city of Matrouh mediated the migrants' release with Libyan authorities in Musaid. The detained migrants include Syrians, Sudanese, Pakistanis and Bengals who legally entered Libya over the years through the Benina airport in the eastern city of Benghazi, Lamloum said. Authorities rounded up at least 400 other migrants from Pakistan and Bangladesh from eastern Libya and took them to the Qanfouda detention centre where they await deportation, Lamloum said. The campaign in eastern Libya comes as raids continue in the country's western cities on migrants following clashes between Nigerien and Sudanese migrants in the town of Zuwara. The surfacing of a video in April showing migrants torturing and murdering a Libyan national also fueled anti-migrant sentiment, according to an internal report by the UN refugee agency. Drone raids were carried out on what the government in the capital of Tripoli said were trafficking warehouses in the towns of Zawiya and Maya, major hubs for migrants and fuel smuggling in western Libya, officials said. The UNHCR report, seen by The Associated Press, said the crackdown on migrants in Tripoli and other western towns resulted in the detention of 1,800 migrants over the past month. Most of them were transferred to government-run detention centres for migrants or were in the process of moving from other facilities, the UNHCR said. Such migrant detention centres are rife with abuses, including forced labour, beatings, rapes and torture practices that amount to crimes against humanity, according to UN-commissioned investigators. The UN report expected that the crackdown on migrants will continue to expand and target more areas within Tripoli and beyond. (AP) PY PY Singapore, Jun 3 (PTI) India does not believe in partnering in military alliances but sees itself as an equal participant in all the mechanisms that it is a part of, Deputy National Security Adviser Vikram Misri said here on Saturday. Addressing delegates at the Shangri-La Dialogue organised by the International Institute of Strategic Studies (IISS), Misri said equality is at the heart of many of these mechanisms. India does not believe in partnering in military alliances. We are, however, a partner for many countries including in the military and defence field, he said. Alliances are very different allusions to it and (have) a very different interpretation to it. We are not part of any military alliance. We see ourselves as equal participants in all of the mechanisms that we are part of, he said at the event 'Defence Cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region', which was attended by a high-level delegation from China. Misri, a former Indian Ambassador to China, rebutted a Chinese delegate's question on the India-US alliance in the Indian Ocean. Collaboration should be open and inclusive everywhere it should be open and inclusive and if I am not mistaken it is in Indias concept of the Indo-Pacific," he said. That (it) is for us to describe it as a free, open Indo-Pacific. It is definitely a part of our thinking and our definition of these constructs, he said. Misri directly responded to the Chinese delegate's question, saying, Since you talked about openness and inclusivity in terms of participation, I hope that this principle will be respected equally and by everyone else also in different geographies when it comes to that." He also dismissed questions about the India-US pacts, Misri said, amidst increasing Chinese assertiveness in the region. As sovereign countries, India and the US conclude such agreements as all other countries have it," he said China has slammed the Quad grouping comprising the US, India, Australia and Japan, saying the state-to-state interactions should pursue peace and development and contribute to mutual trust and regional stability rather than exclusivity. Misri also highlighted the success of the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) which is a young organisation but its cooperative activities have been found useful by all participants. He said the CSC brings together some of Indias immediate maritime neighbours on issues related to maritime safety and security, terrorism, trafficking, transnational organisation of crime, cyber security, the protection of critical infrastructure and humanitarian assistance and disasters. The CSC is a regional security grouping, comprising India, Sri Lanka, the Maldives and Mauritius. It has agreed on a roadmap to bolster cooperation in five specific areas including maritime security, countering terrorism and radicalisation and cyber security. The grouping came out with a declaration at the end of its two-day meeting in the Maldives last year. Misri said the responsibility for security in the Indian Ocean region is the first and foremost task of the littoral countries. This calls for sustained engagement with a view to strengthening communications and interoperability, Misri said. It also requires us to take the long-term view and work to sustain and reinforce the building blocks, people's cooperation that is already in place in the Indian Ocean," he said. Earlier, addressing the Shangri-La Dialogue, US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin said Washington would not allow any coercion and bullying of its allies and partners by China. In his speech, Austin, who will pay a two-day visit to India beginning Sunday, called for support for Washington's vision of a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific within a world of rules and rights to blunt growing Chinese assertiveness in the South China and East China seas. Beijing claims almost all of the 1.3 million square miles of the South China Sea as its sovereign territory. China has been building military bases on artificial islands in the region also claimed by Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam. PTI GS MRJ AKJ Kathmandu, Jun 3 (PTI) Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda on Saturday said meeting his counterpart Narendra Modi was the most significant aspect of his four-day visit to India, as the two leaders signed seven agreements and launched six projects, including railway services to further enhance bilateral ties. Prachanda visited India from May 31 to June 3, his first official trip abroad since assuming office in December 2022. His meeting with Prime Minister Modi on Thursday saw the two countries signing seven agreements and launching six projects including new railway services. We discussed matters relating to further deepening the centuries-old close relations existing between Nepal and India in the days ahead, Prachanda said upon his arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport here. The bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Modi at the Hyderabad House was the most significant aspect of the visit and the ties between the two countries have entered a new phase, he said. During the meeting, the two leaders discussed bolstering relations in diverse areas, according to a statement issued by the Prime Ministers Office here. Both Prime Ministers held wide-ranging bilateral discussions marked by traditional warmth and cordiality. During their talks, both leaders reviewed the entire spectrum of the bilateral agenda between India and Nepal covering political, economic, trade, energy, security and developmental cooperation, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement in New Delhi. "Nepal is one of the key partners of Indias Neighbourhood First policy. The visit of Prime Minister of Nepal to India continues the tradition of high-level visits and exchanges between the two countries, strengthening the age-old ties between the two countries," the statement said. "The productive discussions held during the visit helped to widen the understanding between both countries and perspective on the wide range of bilateral agenda and gave a robust direction to take the deep-rooted partnership forward," it added. The six projects inaugurated during Prachandas visit include handing over of the Kurtha-Bijalpur railway line; operation of the cargo railway between Jogbani in India and Biratnagar in Nepal; laying the foundation of Bhairahawa- Sunauli integrated checkpost; inauguration of Nepalgunj- Rupaidiha integrated checkpost; foundation of the second phase of Motihari-Amlekhgunj petroleum pipeline construction and the Butawal-Gorakhput 400 KVtrans-border transmission line. The seven agreements that were signed include the Nepal-India Transit Treaty; an MoU regarding the construction of petroleum infrastructure; an MoU relating to the Dodhara-Chadani Integrated check post and Dry Port; an MoU of Fukot-Karnali 480 MW hydropower project development; 669 MW Lower Arun Hydropower Development Project Agreement; an MoU relating to trans-national electronic payment between National Clearing House Ltd. and Nepal and National Payment Company Ltd. India and an MoU between Foreign Affairs Study Academy of Nepal and Sushma Swaraj Foreign Service Institution, India. Prachanda was accompanied by Foreign Minister N P Saud, Energy Minister Shakti Basnet, Minister for Industry and Commerce Ramesh Rijal and Finance Minister Prakash Sharan Mahat during his trip to India. A portrait of Prachanda made from discarded cloth pieces was gifted to him by Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan as he wrapped up his visit to the state on Saturday. Ranchi, Jun 3 (PTI) Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Saturday expressed grief over the death of 238 people in a train accident in Odishas Balasore district. He wished the speedy recovery of those injured in the accident that occurred on Friday evening. Deeply pained by the heartbreaking Coromandel Express train accident near Bahanaga railway station in Balasore district of Odisha. May God give peace to the departed souls and strength to the bereaved family members to bear these difficult hours of grief. I wish speedy recovery of those injured in the accident, Soren wrote on Twitter. At least 238 people were killed and over 900 injured in the train crash involving the Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express, the Shalimar-Chennai Central Coromandel Express and a goods train. Rescuers worked throughout the night to pull out survivors and the deceased from the mangled steel of the three trains that derailed one on top of another in a horrific sequence. The train crash, the fourth deadliest in India according to available records, happened near the Bahanaga Baazar station in Balasore district, about 250 km south of Kolkata and 170 km north of Bhubaneswar, around 7 pm on Friday, prompting the Railway Ministry to order a probe. In the wake of the tragic incident, Jharkhand BJP has postponed all its programmes on Saturday, a party leader said. "The train accident in Odisha is painful. Praying to God for the speedy recovery of the injured, senior BJP leader and former Jharkhand chief minister Babulal Marandi wrote on the microblogging site. Kolkata, Jun 2 (PTI) The ruling Trinamool Congress in West Bengal on Friday demanded Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw's resignation over the horrific triple train crash in neighbouring Odisha. TMC's national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee alleged that the Centre was spending crores of rupees on software to spy on opposition leaders while neglecting the installation of anti-collision devices in trains to prevent such accidents. He said the Narendra Modi government at the Centre was boasting of Vande Bharat trains and newly-constructed railway stations to bolster political support by "misleading the public", but neglecting the safety measures. At least 70 people were killed, and more than 350 injured in the crash in Balasore district, involving the Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express, the Shalimar-Chennai Central Coromandel Express, and a goods train, officials said. Banerjee said it is the impoverished and marginalised people who bear the brunt of "the apathy of the Centre" and their actions, whether it is demonetisation, GST, lockdowns, farm laws or inadequate railway safety measures. "My heart goes out to the families who lost their loved ones and wishing a speedy recovery to the injured, and if there remains a semblance of conscience, the Railway Minister should resign. NOW!" he wrote on Facebook. The BJP accused the TMC leader of trying to politicise the tragic accident. "When Mamata Banerjee was the railway minister, then too train accidents happened, did she resign? The answer is no. The TMC should stop politicising a tragic accident," BJP state spokesperson Samik Bhattacharya said. Baruipur, Jun 3 (PTI) Three brothers from West Bengal's South 24 Parganas district, who were travelling to Tamil Nadu in search of work, lost their lives in the train crash in Odisha's Balasore, officials said on Saturday. Haran Gayen (40), Nishikant Gayen (35) and Dibakar Gayen (32), residents of Charanikhali village in Basanti Uttar, usually lived in the southern state most time of the year and did menial jobs there. They came home a few days back, and were going back to Tamil Nadu this time in the Coromandel Express in search of work as farm labourers. As the news of their deaths came, a pall of gloom descended on the village. Their wives fell unconscious as neighbours continued consoling them. Haran's wife Anajita is a neurological patient, locals said, adding that her treatment was now in question. He is survived by two married daughters and a son who has recently started working at a local eatery. Besides his wife, Nishikant is survived by a daughter and a son, both minors. Dibakar is survived by two sons and his wife. "My father and uncles are no more, our family is devastated," said an inconsolable Avijit, the son of Haran. Twelve people from the district have lost their lives in the crash, which happened on Friday evening, officials said. A total of 110 people from the district were injured, 44 were missing and 16 have so far returned to their homes, they said. Among those dead, six people are from Basanti block, including the three brothers, two from Kakdwip and one each from Joynagar-2, Baruipur, Canning-1 and Magrahat-1 blocks, they added. While most of the victims from the district were migrant workers, the rest went to Bengaluru for treatment, officials said. The accident in Balasore involving three trains -- Coromandel Express, Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express and a goods train -- killed 288 people, in one of the worst railway tragedies in the country. Amritsar, Jun 3 (PTI) Pakistan has released 200 Indian fishermen, who were handed over to BSF authorities at the Joint Check Post at the Attari-Wagah border here, an official said on Saturday. All the fishermen crossed over to India around 1 am through the land transit route of the Attari-Wagah border using 'Emergency Travel Certificate' issued by the Indian High Commission in Islamabad, the official said. The fishermen were held after their boats allegedly slipped into Pakistan through territorial waters in the Arabian sea. A team of Indian doctors codncuted the medical examination of the fishermen following their repatriation, said the official. The moment they stepped foot on Indian soil, the fishermen bowed and kissed the land, the official said. Fishermen are frequently arrested and their boats seized by both India and Pakistan as the maritime border in the Arabian Sea is poorly defined and many fishing boats lack the technology to ascertain their precise locations, according to officials. New Delhi, Jun 2 (PTI) Rajya Sabha MP and former law minister Kapil Sibal on Friday said the Law Commission's recommendations backing the sedition law are contrary to the ethos and the very foundations of the republic. The commission has proposed retaining the penal provision for the offence of sedition, saying repealing it altogether can have serious adverse ramifications for the security and integrity of the country. Addressing a press conference, Sibal said, "I am disturbed at these recommendations. These recommendations themselves are contrary to the ethos of the republic. They are contrary to the essence of the very republic, they are contrary to the very foundations of the republic." "They have given the status of the government as if the government is the state. Government is installed through the will of the people; it does not represent the state. It works for the state. This is a law that is conceptually flawed," the senior advocate said. After 2014, there have been more than 10,000 cases of sedition out of which there has been conviction only in 329, he said. "You want to shut up those who wants to agitate against the government," Sibal said, slamming the recommendations. Sibal, who was a Union minister during the UPA 1 and UPA 2 governments, quit the Congress in May last year and was elected to the Rajya Sabha as an Independent member with the Samajwadi Party's support. He recently floated the non-electoral platform 'Insaaf', aimed at fighting injustice. The Law Commission, chaired by Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi (retd), also suggested increase in the minimum jail term for sedition offences from the present three years to seven years, seeking to bring it in consonance with the scheme of punishment provided for other offences under Chapter VI of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) which deals with offences against the state. Section 124A of the Indian Penal Code dealing with sedition is at present under abeyance following directions of the Supreme Court issued in May 2022. Amid allegations of misuse, there have been demands for repeal of the provision. Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal said the Law Commission recommendations made in its report 'Usage of the Law of Sedition' were persuasive and not binding and an "informed and reasoned decision would be taken after consultation with all stakeholders. The commission also said that sedition being a "colonial legacy" is not a valid ground for its repeal. Gopeshwar, Jun 3 (PTI) A Bailey bridge has been built by the Border Roads Organisation over river Girthiganga in place of the old bridge which collapsed in April, cutting off nearly half a dozen villages of Niti valley and the border outposts of Niti pass. The portable bridge was operationalised on Friday, restoring direct road connectivity to the villages and the BOPs. It was completed in less than two months. Construction of the bridge connecting Kurkuti-Gamshali-Niti road and Niti pass was important from the social, economic and strategic point of view, Colonel Ankur Mahajan, Commander of the BRO task force told PTI. It was also necessary for the widening and strengthening of the Mana-Mana pass and Joshimath-Malari roads which are to be taken up under the Bharatmala project, he added. Thane, Jun 3 (PTI) A court in Maharashtra's Thane district on Saturday recorded the statement of the complainant who has accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of defaming the RSS by linking it to Mahatma Gandhi's assassination. The `examination-in-chief' (examination of a litigant/witness by a lawyer from his or her own side) of complainant Rajesh Kunte, an RSS activist, began before Judicial Magistrate (First Class) L C Wadikar at a court in Bhiwandi. Kunte had filed a private complaint against the Congress leader over his statement at a rally in 2014 accusing the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh of being involved in Mahatma Gandhi's assassination. The statement was false and tarnished the RSS's image, the complaint claimed. During the hearing on Saturday, Kunte also submitted a DVD of Rahul Gandhi's speech in question to the court. His lawyer also submitted seven new documents as part of evidence, but Rahul Gandhi's lawyer advocate Narayan Iyer took objection, saying that they were not given copies. The complainant's lawyer then provided copies to advocate Iyer. Kunte's examination-in-chief will continue on July 1, 2023. William Burns, the director of the US Central Intelligence Agency, reportedly travelled to Beijing last month to meet with Chinese intelligence officials, another in a series of high-level bilateral engagements that resumed following a freeze in communications earlier this year. Financial Times and Bloomberg reported, citing sources familiar, that Burns had made the trip - his first to Beijing since he became head of the agency in 2021 - as part of efforts to keep open channels between the two countries' intelligence communities. On Friday, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby referred questions about Burns' trip to the CIA, which did not immediately respond to a request for comment. 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. The reports come amid increasing efforts by the Biden administration to resume dialogue with Beijing. US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and the director of China's Central Foreign Affairs Commission, Wang Yi, met in Vienna last month. Burns, then deputy secretary of state in the Barack Obama administration, at Capital International Airport in Beijing on May 1, 2012. His reported trip last month would have been his first as CIA director. Photo: AP alt=Burns, then deputy secretary of state in the Barack Obama administration, at Capital International Airport in Beijing on May 1, 2012. His reported trip last month would have been his first as CIA director. Photo: AP> And last week, Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao met first with US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo in Washington, then with US Trade Representative Katherine Tai in Detroit, Michigan, on the margins of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. While these engagements represent a resumption of cooperation, the two sides remain at a distance regarding defence issues. On Tuesday, Beijing declined an invitation from Washington to a high-level meeting between Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin and Chinese Defence Minister Li Shangfu in Singapore. The two are attending the Shangri-La Dialogue, Asia's main security summit, this weekend, where they appeared together briefly, but without any indication that they will hold substantive talks. Kirby said that Washington is "willing to speak with both Russia and China without preconditions" but "that doesn't mean without accountability". "China has not been transparent; they've not been willing to talk, they've not been willing to share, they've not been willing to join any sort of multilateral arrangement ..." he said. "They've not been willing to engage in a meaningful way with arms control, but that doesn't mean that we're not going to continue to make the case that it's important." Burns' trip would have occurred around the time that Beijing was accusing the CIA of deploying an "empire of hackers" against other countries, including China. Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao met with both US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and US Trade Representative Katherin Tai last week. Photo: Reuters alt=Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao met with both US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and US Trade Representative Katherin Tai last week. Photo: Reuters> The report, jointly released by China's National Computer Virus Emergency Response Centre (CVERC) and the cybersecurity company 360, asserted that the CIA was secretly orchestrating "peaceful evolution" and "colour revolutions" around the world by means of superior technology. Yun Sun, director of the China programme at the Washington-based Stimson Centre, said that she had heard, though without confirmation from the government, that Burns was in China "to discuss counterterrorism" issues. "If that is true, it means the US is reaching out on the functional issue of cooperation with China," she said. "It would show that the US is trying to demonstrate its sincerity in improving relations with Beijing. "Director Burns is senior, credible and has carried many important missions with diplomatic significance for the Biden administration." 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. New Delhi, Jun 3 (PTI) The Supreme Court Saturday stayed an unusual order of the Allahabad High Court asking the head of the department of astrology of Lucknow University to decide whether a woman, an alleged rape victim, is 'manglik' or not. The high court had passed the order on May 23 while hearing the bail plea of a man, accused of raping the woman on the false promise of marriage. Before the high court, the counsel for the man had argued that since she was a 'manglik', marriage between the two could not be solemnised and has been refused. According to Hindu astrology, a person born under the influence of the planet Mars (mangal) is believed to have "mangal dosha" (affliction) and is called 'manglik'. Many superstitious Hindus believe marriage between a Manglik and a non-Manglik is inauspicious and can be disastrous. A vacation bench of the apex court, which took suo motu cognisance of the matter, stayed the effect and operation of the high court order. "This court takes a suo motu cognisance of this case which has been placed before us," said a bench headed by Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia, which assembled to hear the matter on a Saturday, which is a court holiday. The Supreme Court said it is unable to understand why the high court asked both the sides to submit their horoscopes to ascertain whether the woman was a 'manglik' while hearing a bail application. In its May 23 order, the high court had said, "Let Head of Department (Astrology Department), Lucknow University decide the matter whether the girl is mangalik or not and the parties will produce the kundali before the Head of Department (Astrology Department), Lucknow University within ten days from today. The Head of Department (Astrology Department), Lucknow University is directed to submit report in a sealed cover within three weeks to this Court. List this case on June 26, 2023." Thane, Jun 3 (PTI) A 43-year-old man from Dombivli in Thane district of Maharashtra has been arrested on the charge of trying to kill his wife, police said on Saturday. The incident occurred in the wee hours of Friday at their residence in Bopar area of Dombivli, they said. "The couple lives with their 12-year-old daughter. The husband-wife duo frequently quarrelled over some domestic issues. On the day of the incident, they again entered into an argument. In a fit of rage, the man tried to kill her by throttling her," assistant inspector B C Wanzari of Manpada police station said. Their daughter raised an alarm, hearing which the neighbours rushed to their house and saved the woman, 38, he said. Based on a complaint lodged by the brother of the woman, a case was registered against the accused under Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections 307 (attempt to murder), 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 506 (criminal intimidation) and others at Manpada police station, he said. CAMERON CONWAY, Wheeler, Golf, junior; Conway earned medalist honors after shooting 37 in a match with Stonington. Wheeler beat the Bears avenging its only loss of the season to move to 18-1. JOSH MOONEY, Stonington, Boys Track, Mooney, Senior; Mooney broke the ECC championship meet record in the 300 hurdles as he also finished first in the 110 hurdles and javelin. The 300 hurdles record was 25 years old. MICHAEL POOLE, Westerly, Baseball, Sophomore; Poole threw a no-hitter with eight strikeouts in a 1-0 win against Woonsocket. Pooles counterpart, Woonsockets Jaden Violette, also tossed a no-hitter with 12 strikeouts. It was Pooles first no-hitter in high school. ELI SPOSATO, Chariho, Boys Track, Junior; Sposato became the first athlete in school history to run the 400 in less than 50 seconds. Sposato won the event at the Hendricken Invitational in 49.97 improving his own school record. Vote View Results A terrorist who was later identified as an Egyptian policeman shot and killed two IDF soldiers who were guarding a military position on the Egyptian border in the early hours of Shabbos morning. IDF forces were deployed to the scene and carried out searches of the area. On Shabbos afternoon, IDF soldiers spotted the terrorist in Israeli territory and a gun battle ensued. The terrorist was killed in the exchange of fire, and tragically, a third IDF soldier was killed and an officer was lightly wounded. One of the soldiers that were killed on Shabbos morning was identified as Sgt. Lia Ben-Nun, 19, Hyd, of Rishon LTzion, and the second soldier was named as Staff Sgt. Ori Yitzchak Iluz, 20, Hyd, of Tzfas. The soldier killed on Shabbos afternoon was named as Staff Sgt. Ohad Dahan, 20, Hyd of Ofakim. The IDF stated that an investigation is taking place in close and full cooperation with the Egyptian army. Chief of Staff Hertzi HaLevi said: This is a serious incident in which two IDF soldiers and a female soldier fell in an operational activity to maintain security at the Egyptian border. We are investigating the incident in a thorough and in-depth manner together with the Egyptian army. The murders on Shabbos morning by the Egyptian policeman occurred only hours after IDF forces thwarted a major drug smuggling operation on the border. Egypt claims that the Egyptian police officer was chasing after the drug smugglers and has not recognized the incident as a terrorist incident. Following a phone call between Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and his Egyptian counterpart, Gen. Mohamed Ahmed Zaki, about the incident, the Egyptian army issued a statement saying: Mohammed Zaki, the Minister of Defense and Supreme Commander of the Egyptian Forces, spoke on the phone with Minister Yoav Gallant to discuss the circumstances of todays incident and to express his condolences for the dead on both sides. Gallant issued a statement saying: I spoke this evening with my Egyptian counterpart, Minister Mohamed Zaki. I emphasized the importance of our cooperation in the investigation of the severe attack in which three IDF troops were killed. We agreed to work together to prevent terrorism along our border and to further strengthen defense ties between our countries. (YWNs Jerusalem desk is keeping you updated after tzeis haShabbos in Israel.) A husband and wife team are back in charge of the luxury chocolate brand they launched after spearheading a bid to buy it back from its private equity owner. Montezuma's, which is stocked in high-end retailers such as Whole Foods and John Lewis, was recently put up for sale by Scottish investment firm Inverleith, which wanted to offload it quickly. A deal to sell Montezuma's to Paramount Retail Group was struck last week. Paramount has appointed the chocolate brand's founders Helen and Simon Pattinson to run the business, five years after they cashed out. They founded Montezuma's in 2000 and built a reputation selling exotic flavours such as orange and geranium and hot pickle. Inverleith bought the brand in 2018 but it has been lossmaking ever since. The Pattinsons said they want to 'quickly restore the company to its former glory'. Luxury: Montezuma's is stocked in high-end retailers such as Whole Foods and John Lewis But Montezuma's is the latest Inverleith-owned company to change ownership in recent months, as the firm's portfolio of high-end consumer brands has shrunk dramatically. The Mail on Sunday can reveal Inverleith has backed out of four of its seven companies in the last three months, either selling or placing them into administration. Times have been tough for luxury retailers in the UK, including rivals such as Hotel Chocolat, as customers have cut back on spending after the pandemic. Inverleith oversaw the administrations of online butcher Farmison and grocery chain Planet Organic in April. Farmison, which counted Fortnum & Mason among its customers, was rescued by former Asda chief executive Andy Clarke. Planet Organic was bought out by a consortium led by founder Renee Elliott. An Inverleith spokesman said: 'We are disappointed at having to sell Montezuma's, Farmison and Planet Organic at this time. However, the combination of the war in Ukraine, Covid and Brexit have created particularly challenging conditions for small food and drink companies for both trading and funding.' Rishi Sunak made headlines when he criticised the Brecon Beacons National Park for being rebranded Bannau Brycheiniog. Well, love or hate the name, one thing is for sure this 520 sq mile expanse of mountains, rivers and heathland in Wales is the most dramatically wild landscape within range of London and the South East. This largely explains why it has seen spiralling house prices over the past three years. Step back in time: The High Street of Crickhowell in the Usk Valley 'People were drawn to the countryside during Covid and sales went through the roof,' says Anto Clay, of Stacks Property Search. 'Since then people have got used to the idea of working from home, reporting to the office just a few times a month. Abergavenny is only around two hours and 28 minutes from Paddington, so this lifestyle is easily doable.' Figures from Rightmove prove the point overall sold prices in the Brecon Beacons last year were 34 per cent up on 2020. The most popular towns for incomers are to the south of the region, around Abergavenny and Crickhowell, with their good road links down to the M4. Abergavenny is a busy little market town which has developed a reputation for fine dining. It has a lively indoor market, and runs an annual food festival. The Angel Hotel is the place to meet up with the locals, especially on market day. Crickhowell (Crick to its friends) with its pastel-coloured Georgian houses and handsome 18th-century bridge over the River Usk, is altogether more twee. The High Street, lined with traditional independent shops, looks like a page from a 1950s children's book. The town has a buzzing arts scene. There are Open Studios events where more than 300 artists exhibit their work in venues ranging from cafes to their own front rooms. Authors and celebrities regularly give talks, while the Green Man Festival attracts hipsters of every vintage. The comedy festival is good for a laugh, too. 'I lived in Brighton for ten years and there's far more to do here,' says Emma Corfield-Walters, who owns the Book-ish bookshop which hosts events most weeks. 'Crick is a real community and there's always something to look forward to.' Although 60 per cent of the incomers are retirees, according to local estate agents, these towns have their fair share of young people. They are part of the commuter belt for Cardiff, and many parents relocate for the schools notably Christ College Brecon and Crickhowell High which have glowing reputations. There is a lot for young people to do in terms of adventure pursuits in the mountains, and if the poor provision of night buses into Cardiff is a gripe among teenagers, many parents think that's no bad thing. Further to the north you meet the glacier-scarred hills and valleys, all overshadowed by Pen y Fan, at 2,907 ft. This is hardcore Beacons where the SAS train and it attracts a different type of buyer. In the words of one estate agent: 'The off-grid types who come for the solitude, the wildlife and the dark skies'. There are lots of properties for burnt-out barristers and city types. The National Park has about 1,250 farms, most of which can't make a viable living as sheep farms. However, they are ideal for those who want to run a retreat or keep donkeys, alpacas or chickens as pets. Joe Martin of Strutt & Parker says: 'Substantial properties like these don't remain long on the market. It's quite an Anglicised community, the locals are welcoming and prices are half of those in the Cotswolds.' Hay-on-Wye, famous for its literature festival and bookshops, is at the centre of this region. It's worth noting that homes in the town itself are far more expensive than those in the countryside nearby. The average price of a detached house in Hay last year was 591,000. That compares to 308,929 in Brecon, which is less chocolate-box pretty. Although the Brecon Beacons National Park is undeniably beautiful, the area has its drawbacks. The weather can be harsh. 'My advice to newcomers is to visit several times before you buy,' says Anto Clay of Stacks. 'It can take 90 minutes to drive across the Beacons: mileage means little on the mountain roads. Yet do your research and the Beacons offer a wonderful chance to change your lifestyle.' Hudson Pacific Properties, Inc. (NYSE:HPP Get Rating)s stock price traded down 3.9% during mid-day trading on Thursday after Piper Sandler lowered their price target on the stock from $8.00 to $6.00. The stock traded as low as $4.39 and last traded at $4.49. 424,854 shares traded hands during trading, a decline of 87% from the average session volume of 3,291,807 shares. The stock had previously closed at $4.67. HPP has been the subject of several other reports. The Goldman Sachs Group assumed coverage on Hudson Pacific Properties in a research report on Tuesday, March 21st. They set a sell rating and a $5.50 target price for the company. Wells Fargo & Company dropped their target price on shares of Hudson Pacific Properties from $10.00 to $7.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, March 16th. Citigroup lowered their price target on Hudson Pacific Properties from $10.00 to $6.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, March 22nd. StockNews.com initiated coverage on Hudson Pacific Properties in a research report on Thursday, May 18th. They set a sell rating for the company. Finally, BMO Capital Markets cut their price target on Hudson Pacific Properties from $8.00 to $7.00 and set a market perform rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, April 10th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, nine have issued a hold rating and one has given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $10.46. Get Hudson Pacific Properties alerts: Insider Transactions at Hudson Pacific Properties In other Hudson Pacific Properties news, CIO Drew Gordon purchased 25,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Monday, March 27th. The stock was bought at an average cost of $5.96 per share, for a total transaction of $149,000.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the executive now owns 116,958 shares in the company, valued at approximately $697,069.68. The purchase was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. In other news, EVP Arthur X. Suazo purchased 10,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, March 28th. The stock was bought at an average price of $5.86 per share, with a total value of $58,600.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 87,102 shares in the company, valued at approximately $510,417.72. The purchase was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, CIO Drew Gordon purchased 25,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, March 27th. The shares were purchased at an average price of $5.96 per share, for a total transaction of $149,000.00. Following the purchase, the executive now owns 116,958 shares in the company, valued at approximately $697,069.68. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. Insiders acquired 38,975 shares of company stock valued at $232,523 in the last quarter. 2.95% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Hudson Pacific Properties Hudson Pacific Properties Stock Performance A number of institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of HPP. Ameriprise Financial Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Hudson Pacific Properties by 9.9% in the 1st quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. now owns 1,469,948 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $9,775,000 after buying an additional 132,678 shares during the period. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted its holdings in Hudson Pacific Properties by 26.2% in the first quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 839,656 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $5,583,000 after acquiring an additional 174,418 shares during the period. Jane Street Group LLC boosted its position in Hudson Pacific Properties by 199.8% in the 1st quarter. Jane Street Group LLC now owns 464,999 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $3,092,000 after purchasing an additional 309,893 shares in the last quarter. Squarepoint Ops LLC grew its stake in shares of Hudson Pacific Properties by 738.3% during the 1st quarter. Squarepoint Ops LLC now owns 445,999 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $2,966,000 after purchasing an additional 392,799 shares during the period. Finally, First Trust Advisors LP increased its holdings in shares of Hudson Pacific Properties by 25.5% during the 1st quarter. First Trust Advisors LP now owns 347,592 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $2,311,000 after purchasing an additional 70,612 shares in the last quarter. 95.57% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. The firms 50 day moving average is $5.37 and its 200-day moving average is $8.27. The stock has a market capitalization of $700.27 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -12.42 and a beta of 1.08. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.37, a quick ratio of 1.80 and a current ratio of 1.80. Hudson Pacific Properties Announces Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, March 30th. Stockholders of record on Monday, March 20th were paid a dividend of $0.25 per share. This represents a $1.00 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 20.12%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, March 17th. Hudson Pacific Propertiess payout ratio is currently -249.99%. About Hudson Pacific Properties (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. Recommended Stories 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. C3.ai, Inc. (NYSE:AI Get Rating) saw unusually-high trading volume on Thursday after Piper Sandler raised their price target on the stock from $23.00 to $29.00. Approximately 19,815,384 shares were traded during mid-day trading, a decline of 12% from the previous sessions volume of 22,625,129 shares.The stock last traded at $32.90 and had previously closed at $40.01. AI has been the topic of a number of other research reports. DA Davidson cut shares of C3.ai from a buy rating to a neutral rating and set a $30.00 price objective on the stock. in a report on Thursday. Bank of America upped their price objective on shares of C3.ai from $16.00 to $18.00 in a research note on Thursday. Piper Jaffray Companies lifted their target price on C3.ai from $13.00 to $23.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Friday, March 3rd. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft raised their price target on C3.ai from $11.00 to $16.00 and gave the stock a sell rating in a research note on Friday, March 3rd. Finally, JMP Securities increased their price objective on C3.ai from $28.00 to $38.00 in a report on Thursday. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, six have issued a hold rating and two have given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $24.36. Get C3.ai alerts: Insiders Place Their Bets In related news, CFO Juho Parkkinen sold 4,931 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, March 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $21.42, for a total value of $105,622.02. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer now owns 342,888 shares in the company, valued at $7,344,660.96. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. In other news, Director Stephen M. Ward, Jr. sold 120,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Tuesday, May 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $42.09, for a total transaction of $5,050,800.00. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 546,495 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $23,001,974.55. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, CFO Juho Parkkinen sold 4,931 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, March 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $21.42, for a total transaction of $105,622.02. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer now owns 342,888 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $7,344,660.96. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last quarter, insiders sold 178,848 shares of company stock worth $6,718,382. 38.08% of the stock is owned by insiders. Institutional Inflows and Outflows C3.ai Stock Performance Hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Prelude Capital Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of C3.ai in the 1st quarter worth about $385,000. ProShare Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of C3.ai in the first quarter valued at approximately $295,000. Arete Wealth Advisors LLC purchased a new position in shares of C3.ai during the 1st quarter worth approximately $550,000. Anson Funds Management LP acquired a new position in shares of C3.ai during the 1st quarter worth approximately $378,000. Finally, Titleist Asset Management LLC purchased a new stake in C3.ai in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $219,000. 41.97% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $24.31 and a 200 day simple moving average of $19.54. The stock has a market cap of $3.62 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -13.33 and a beta of 1.48. C3.ai (NYSE:AI Get Rating) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, March 2nd. The company reported ($0.57) EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of ($0.69) by $0.12. C3.ai had a negative return on equity of 28.01% and a negative net margin of 100.77%. The business had revenue of $66.67 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $63.89 million. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that C3.ai, Inc. will post -2.16 EPS for the current fiscal year. About C3.ai (Get Rating) C3.ai, Inc operates as an enterprise artificial intelligence (AI) software company. The company provides software-as-a-service applications for enterprises. Its software solutions include C3 AI Suite, a platform-as-a-service application development and runtime environment that enables customers to design, develop, and deploy enterprise AI applications; and C3 AI Applications, which include industry-specific and application-specific turnkey AI solutions. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for C3.ai Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for C3.ai and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE:CMG Get Rating) had its target price raised by stock analysts at Argus from $2,200.00 to $2,400.00 in a report issued on Thursday, The Fly reports. Argus price target would indicate a potential upside of 16.38% from the stocks current price. CMG has been the topic of a number of other reports. Oppenheimer upped their target price on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill from $1,940.00 to $2,050.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, April 26th. KeyCorp increased their price target on Chipotle Mexican Grill from $1,780.00 to $1,870.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Thursday, April 6th. BMO Capital Markets raised their target price on Chipotle Mexican Grill from $1,800.00 to $1,950.00 and gave the company a market perform rating in a report on Wednesday, April 26th. Royal Bank of Canada lifted their price target on Chipotle Mexican Grill from $1,875.00 to $2,050.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, April 26th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company lifted their price objective on Chipotle Mexican Grill from $1,900.00 to $2,050.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, April 26th. Six research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twenty-two have assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $2,039.89. Get Chipotle Mexican Grill alerts: Chipotle Mexican Grill Trading Down 1.0 % Shares of NYSE CMG opened at $2,062.22 on Thursday. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $1,911.12 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $1,666.57. Chipotle Mexican Grill has a 12 month low of $1,196.28 and a 12 month high of $2,139.88. The stock has a market cap of $56.90 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 55.78, a PEG ratio of 1.49 and a beta of 1.34. Insiders Place Their Bets Chipotle Mexican Grill ( NYSE:CMG Get Rating ) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, April 25th. The restaurant operator reported $10.50 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $8.89 by $1.61. Chipotle Mexican Grill had a net margin of 11.49% and a return on equity of 45.01%. The business had revenue of $2.40 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.34 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $5.70 earnings per share. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 18.8% compared to the same quarter last year. Analysts forecast that Chipotle Mexican Grill will post 43.9 EPS for the current year. In other Chipotle Mexican Grill news, CEO Brian R. Niccol sold 1,078 shares of the stock in a transaction on Thursday, June 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $2,058.13, for a total value of $2,218,664.14. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 23,347 shares in the company, valued at $48,051,161.11. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. In related news, CEO Brian R. Niccol sold 1,078 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Thursday, June 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $2,058.13, for a total transaction of $2,218,664.14. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 23,347 shares in the company, valued at $48,051,161.11. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, CEO Brian R. Niccol sold 1,023 shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill stock in a transaction dated Monday, April 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $1,695.00, for a total transaction of $1,733,985.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 23,347 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $39,573,165. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last three months, insiders have sold 13,337 shares of company stock worth $26,227,935. Company insiders own 0.96% of the companys stock. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Chipotle Mexican Grill Large investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. Panagora Asset Management Inc. grew its holdings in Chipotle Mexican Grill by 79.5% in the first quarter. Panagora Asset Management Inc. now owns 948 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $1,500,000 after purchasing an additional 420 shares during the period. Cibc World Market Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill by 15.5% during the first quarter. Cibc World Market Inc. now owns 171 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $271,000 after buying an additional 23 shares during the last quarter. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board grew its holdings in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill by 7.3% during the first quarter. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board now owns 3,032 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $4,796,000 after buying an additional 205 shares during the last quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers grew its holdings in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill by 6.1% during the first quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 777 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $1,229,000 after buying an additional 45 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC grew its holdings in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill by 38.9% during the first quarter. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC now owns 218 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $345,000 after buying an additional 61 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 93.26% of the companys stock. Chipotle Mexican Grill Company Profile (Get Rating) Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc engages in the development and operation of classically-cooked, real food with wholesome ingredients without artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. It offers a focused menu of burritos, tacos, burrito bowls, and salads prepared using classic cooking methods. The company was founded by Steve Ells in 1993 and is headquartered in Newport Beach, CA. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Chipotle Mexican Grill Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Chipotle Mexican Grill and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. StockNews.com downgraded shares of Embraer (NYSE:ERJ Get Rating) from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note issued to investors on Friday morning. Several other equities analysts have also recently issued reports on ERJ. Bank of America dropped their price target on Embraer from $27.00 to $24.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, March 29th. The Goldman Sachs Group boosted their price target on Embraer from $18.00 to $20.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, April 11th. TheStreet upgraded Embraer from a d+ rating to a c- rating in a research report on Wednesday, February 8th. Finally, Citigroup boosted their price target on Embraer from $11.75 to $17.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, March 23rd. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, one has issued a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $19.25. Get Embraer alerts: Embraer Stock Up 1.0 % ERJ opened at $15.66 on Friday. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $15.19 and its 200-day simple moving average is $13.18. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.10, a quick ratio of 0.94 and a current ratio of 1.75. Embraer has a one year low of $7.91 and a one year high of $16.75. The stock has a market capitalization of $2.88 billion, a P/E ratio of -521.83, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.85 and a beta of 1.28. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Embraer Embraer ( NYSE:ERJ Get Rating ) last posted its earnings results on Friday, March 10th. The aerospace company reported $0.24 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.30 by ($0.06). Embraer had a positive return on equity of 0.65% and a negative net margin of 0.08%. The firm had revenue of $1.99 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.02 billion. Analysts anticipate that Embraer will post 1.03 EPS for the current year. A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of ERJ. Eagle Bay Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in Embraer in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $27,000. Atlas Capital Advisors LLC lifted its stake in Embraer by 241.4% in the 3rd quarter. Atlas Capital Advisors LLC now owns 4,404 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $38,000 after buying an additional 3,114 shares in the last quarter. Fifth Third Bancorp purchased a new position in shares of Embraer during the 1st quarter worth $56,000. Advisors Asset Management Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Embraer during the 1st quarter worth $60,000. Finally, Rockefeller Capital Management L.P. lifted its stake in shares of Embraer by 461.3% during the 4th quarter. Rockefeller Capital Management L.P. now owns 6,073 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $66,000 after purchasing an additional 4,991 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 37.89% of the companys stock. Embraer Company Profile (Get Rating) Embraer SA engages in the design, manufacture, and sale of aircraft and its parts for commercial, defense, and executive aviation sectors. It operates through the following segments: Commercial Aviation, Defense and Security, Executive Jet Business, Service & Support and Others. The Commercial Aviation segment is involved in the development, production, and sale of commercial jets; and the provision of support services to regional aviation and aircraft leasing. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Embraer Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Embraer and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Crypto analytics firm Elliptic is integrating artificial intelligence into its toolkit for tracking blockchain transactions and handling risk detection. Using OpenAIs ChatGPT chatbot, the company says that it will be able to organize data faster and in greater amounts. However, it has implemented certain use limitations and does not utilize ChatGPT plug-ins, either. "As an organization trusted by the worlds largest banks, regulators, financial institutions, governments, and law enforcers, its important to keep our intelligence and data secure," an Elliptic spokesperson told Decrypt. "Thats why we dont use ChatGPT to create or modify data, search for intelligence, or monitor transactions. Were very pleased to announce the integration of ChatGPT into our off-chain intelligence and research gathering efforts. Read the full press release herehttps://t.co/YV5BYPCjW2#knowexactly #ChatGPT #blockchain Elliptic (@elliptic) June 2, 2023 Launched in 2013, Elliptic provides institutions and law enforcement with blockchain analytics research for tracking cybercriminals and regulatory compliance related to cryptocurrency. In May, for example, Elliptic reported several Chinese businesses selling the chemicals to make fentanyl accepted cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin. U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren used the report to again call for stricter regulations on cryptocurrencies. Elliptic will use ChatGPT to complement its human-based data collection and organization processes to augment its team's efforts, which it says will allow it to double down on accuracy and scalability. At the same time, the large language models (LLM) organize the data. "Our employees leverage ChatGPT to enhance our datasets and insights," the spokesperson said. "We follow and adhere to an AI usage policy and have a robust model validation framework." Because Elliptic is not using ChatGPT to generate information, the company said that it is not concerned about AI hallucinations or false information. AI hallucinations refer to instances in which an AI generates unexpected or untrue results not backed by real-world data. OpenAI Pledges $1M Towards AI-Driven Cybersecurity Initiatives AI chatbots like ChatGPT have come under increased scrutiny for convincingly providing falsified information about people, places, and events. OpenAI has stepped up efforts using mathematics to address these so-called hallucinations in training its models, calling it a critical step towards building aligned artificial general intelligence (AGI). "Our customers come to us to know exactly their risk exposure," Elliptic CTO Jackson Hull said in a statement. "Integrating ChatGPT allows us to scale up our intelligence, giving our customers a view on risk they can't get anywhere else." Quadrant Capital Group LLC reduced its stake in ZTO Express (Cayman) Inc. (NYSE:ZTO Get Rating) by 21.5% during the 4th quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 5,271 shares of the transportation companys stock after selling 1,447 shares during the quarter. Quadrant Capital Group LLCs holdings in ZTO Express (Cayman) were worth $142,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other hedge funds have also modified their holdings of ZTO. E Fund Management Hong Kong Co. Ltd. lifted its holdings in shares of ZTO Express (Cayman) by 136.0% in the 1st quarter. E Fund Management Hong Kong Co. Ltd. now owns 254,840 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $6,470,000 after buying an additional 146,838 shares during the period. Bank of New York Mellon Corp raised its holdings in ZTO Express (Cayman) by 3.3% during the first quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 415,473 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $10,387,000 after purchasing an additional 13,333 shares during the last quarter. HAP Trading LLC acquired a new position in ZTO Express (Cayman) during the first quarter worth $413,000. Sei Investments Co. raised its holdings in ZTO Express (Cayman) by 753.5% during the first quarter. Sei Investments Co. now owns 69,896 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $1,762,000 after purchasing an additional 61,707 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Canada Pension Plan Investment Board raised its holdings in ZTO Express (Cayman) by 116.2% during the first quarter. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board now owns 839,600 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $20,990,000 after purchasing an additional 451,200 shares during the last quarter. 40.56% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get ZTO Express (Cayman) alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes Several equities analysts recently issued reports on ZTO shares. Bank of America lifted their price objective on ZTO Express (Cayman) from $36.00 to $39.00 in a report on Thursday, May 18th. The Goldman Sachs Group raised ZTO Express (Cayman) from a neutral rating to a buy rating and raised their price target for the stock from $37.00 to $42.00 in a research report on Monday, April 24th. HSBC boosted their price target on ZTO Express (Cayman) from $33.00 to $36.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Friday, March 17th. Finally, StockNews.com upgraded ZTO Express (Cayman) from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Friday, May 26th. Five analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating, According to data from MarketBeat, ZTO Express (Cayman) has a consensus rating of Buy and an average price target of $36.96. ZTO Express (Cayman) Trading Up 2.2 % Shares of NYSE ZTO opened at $26.35 on Friday. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $28.04 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $26.97. ZTO Express has a 52-week low of $16.27 and a 52-week high of $30.05. The stock has a market capitalization of $16.36 billion, a P/E ratio of 19.66, a PEG ratio of 1.09 and a beta of 0.02. The company has a quick ratio of 1.32, a current ratio of 1.32 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.13. ZTO Express (Cayman) (NYSE:ZTO Get Rating) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, March 15th. The transportation company reported $0.37 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.35 by $0.02. ZTO Express (Cayman) had a return on equity of 14.25% and a net margin of 20.76%. The firm had revenue of $1.43 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.34 billion. On average, analysts anticipate that ZTO Express will post 1.42 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. ZTO Express (Cayman) Increases Dividend The business also recently announced a dividend, which was paid on Friday, April 28th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, April 6th were issued a dividend of $0.37 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, April 5th. This is a positive change from ZTO Express (Cayman)s previous dividend of $0.25. ZTO Express (Cayman) Company Profile (Get Rating) ZTO Express (Cayman), Inc engages in the provision of comprehensive logistics services. It offers express delivery and value-added logistics services through a nationwide network partner. The firm also provides digital, privacy waybill and cloud printing. It operates through the Express Delivery and Freight Forwarding segments. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ZTO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for ZTO Express (Cayman) Inc. (NYSE:ZTO Get Rating). Receive News & Ratings for ZTO Express (Cayman) Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for ZTO Express (Cayman) and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria S.A. lifted its position in shares of Ingersoll Rand Inc. (NYSE:IR Get Rating) by 36.8% during the 4th quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm owned 17,567 shares of the industrial products companys stock after purchasing an additional 4,728 shares during the quarter. Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria S.A.s holdings in Ingersoll Rand were worth $918,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Several other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. Cullen Frost Bankers Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Ingersoll Rand by 81.3% during the 3rd quarter. Cullen Frost Bankers Inc. now owns 638 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $28,000 after buying an additional 286 shares during the period. Guardian Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of Ingersoll Rand during the 3rd quarter worth about $30,000. CoreCap Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of Ingersoll Rand during the 4th quarter worth about $41,000. CI Investments Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Ingersoll Rand by 103.1% during the 3rd quarter. CI Investments Inc. now owns 971 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $42,000 after buying an additional 493 shares during the period. Finally, Belpointe Asset Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Ingersoll Rand during the 4th quarter worth about $54,000. 99.73% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Ingersoll Rand alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes Several analysts recently commented on the stock. StockNews.com raised shares of Ingersoll Rand from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Friday. Stifel Nicolaus boosted their price objective on shares of Ingersoll Rand from $60.00 to $61.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a report on Monday, April 17th. Robert W. Baird boosted their price objective on shares of Ingersoll Rand from $62.00 to $66.00 in a report on Friday, May 5th. Morgan Stanley boosted their price objective on shares of Ingersoll Rand from $57.00 to $62.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, February 22nd. Finally, Barclays boosted their price objective on shares of Ingersoll Rand from $64.00 to $65.00 in a report on Friday, May 5th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eight have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Ingersoll Rand has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $60.36. Insider Buying and Selling Ingersoll Rand Stock Performance In other news, insider Vicente Reynal sold 25,000 shares of Ingersoll Rand stock in a transaction dated Monday, March 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $60.00, for a total transaction of $1,500,000.00. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 102,856 shares of the companys stock, valued at $6,171,360. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website . 0.75% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Shares of Ingersoll Rand stock opened at $61.36 on Friday. The company has a 50 day moving average of $57.14 and a 200-day moving average of $55.88. Ingersoll Rand Inc. has a 1-year low of $39.28 and a 1-year high of $61.60. The company has a current ratio of 2.16, a quick ratio of 1.50 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.29. The company has a market cap of $24.82 billion, a PE ratio of 37.88 and a beta of 1.42. Ingersoll Rand Announces Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, June 22nd. Investors of record on Wednesday, May 24th will be given a dividend of $0.02 per share. This represents a $0.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.13%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, May 23rd. Ingersoll Rands dividend payout ratio is 4.94%. Ingersoll Rand Company Profile (Get Rating) Ingersoll Rand, Inc provides a broad range of mission critical air, fluid, energy, specialty vehicle and medical technologies, providing services and solutions to increase industrial productivity and efficiency. It operates through the following segments: Industrial Technologies and Services, Precision and Science Technologies, High Pressure Solutions, and Specialty Vehicle Technologies. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Ingersoll Rand Inc. (NYSE:IR Get Rating). Receive News & Ratings for Ingersoll Rand Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ingersoll Rand and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Don't keep your money in Venmo, PayPal, and other payment apps, CFPB warns The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is warning Americans against keeping their money in a payment app. Funds held in popular apps like Venmo, PayPal, and CashApp are more susceptible to financial uncertainty because their accounts may not provide federal deposit insurance through the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or the National Credit Union Administration, according to a consumer advisory published this week by the federal consumer watchdog. If one of those payment apps failed or went bankrupt, consumers could risk losing their money, the federal agency said, noting that awareness of this kind of deposit insurance had become more important after the failures of Silicon Valley Bank, Signature Bank, and First Republic Bank this year. "Popular digital payment apps are increasingly used as substitutes for a traditional bank or credit union account but lack the same protections to ensure that funds are safe," CFPB Director Rohit Chopra wrote in a press release. In order to avoid risking their money, the CFPB said that consumers should move any money that is held in a payment app to a federally-insured account. Miranda Margowsky, a spokesperson for the Financial Technology Association which represents PayPal and other financial technology companies said in a statement that the millions of Americans and businesses that use payment app accounts are protected. Customers of PayPal, Venmo and CashApp should not store their money for the long term with these apps because their funds might not be safe during a financial crisis, the CFPB warned. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu, File) "These accounts are safe and transparent, with users receiving FDIC Insurance on their accounts depending on the products they use," Margowsky said. "FTA members provide clear and easy-to-understand terms in all their products and prioritize consumer protection every step of the way." In its report, the CFPB outlined the scenarios in which funds transferred through payment apps can be federally insured. For example, Venmo which is owned by PayPal money can receive pass-through insurance if it is added by direct deposit, its cash-a-check feature, or by purchasing or receiving cryptocurrency. Money held in Venmo's program banks Goldman Sachs, Wells Fargo, and Bancorp Bank may be covered by deposit insurance. A spokesperson for Zelle, another popular payment app, emphasized that the app does not hold accounts, transfer funds, or settle transactions, adding that all funds that are transferred through its network are through federally-insured accounts. "Money is typically sent in minutes from one bank account to another for enrolled users money is never in a third-party application," the spokesperson said. Zelle was not listed among other payment platforms in the CFPBs report on these apps and their insurance offerings on deposits. A spokesperson for CashApp did not respond to a request for comment by publication. In addition to finding that funds kept in payment apps lack federal insurance, the CFPB said that 3 in 4 Americans use a payment app, and these companies often invest in the funds that are kept on their apps, allowing them to make money off of their users. A recent Pew Research Center survey found that 34% of payment app users had little or no confidence in the security and privacy provided by those apps. "As tech companies expand into banking and payments, the CFPB is sharpening its focus on those that sidestep the safeguards that local banks and credit unions have long adhered to," Chopra said. Jared Mitovich is a writer at Yahoo Finance. Follow him on Twitter @jmitovich Click here for the latest personal finance news to help you with investing, paying off debt, buying a home, retirement, and more Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance [June 02, 2023] CCAIT (Chatcrypto Token) an AI based crypto token soars to $0.1 price, Increase 100X within 24 hours of launch in Dex Pancakeswap LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM, June 02, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- To address its new approach, ChatCrypto token (CCAIT) is ready to achieve new heights to surge 1000% within 12 hours of its launch on Pancakeswap. With its rapid ascent, CCAIT firmly establishes itself as a force to be reckoned with in the world of cryptocurrencies. CCAIT went to $0.1 in the first 12 hours which is 100x and then went up to $0.3 within 24 hours, 300x from its listing price $0.01. On the day of its highly anticipated launch, the ChatCrypto token (CCAIT) made an impressive entrance into the cryptocurrency industry. 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Website | Telegram | Twitter | Dextools Salmon James CHATCRYPTO pr at chatcrypto.ai [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 02, 2023] Global NLP in Finance Market Analysis Report 2023: An $18.8 Billion Market by 2028 from $5.5 Billion in 2023 - Increasing Demand for Automated and Efficient Financial Services DUBLIN, June 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Global NLP in Finance Market by Offering (Software, Services), Application (Customer Service & Support, Risk Management & Fraud Detection, Sentiment Analysis), Technology (Machine Learning, Deep Learning), Vertical, and Region - Forecast to 2028" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global NLP in finance market is projected to grow from USD 5.5 billion in 2023 to USD 18.8 billion by 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 27.6%. The market is anticipated to grow due to the increasing demand for automated and efficient financial services and rising need for accurate and real-time analysis of complex financial data. By offering, managed services under services segment to register for fastest growing market rate during forecast period The market for managed services in NLP in finance is expected to grow significantly in the coming years due to the increasing demand for NLP capabilities in the finance industry. The market is highly competitive, with several established players offering a wide range of NLP services to financial institutions of all sizes. Some of the key players in this market include IBM, Amazon Web Services, Google, Microsoft, and SAS. These services allow financial institutions to focus on their core business while outsourcing NLP tasks to experts who have the necessary infrastructure, technology, and expertise to provide accurate and efficient NLP solutions. By vertical, insurance segment to register fastest growing CAGR during forecast period Insurance is a financial product that protects against unforeseen events or losses. NLP is increasingly used in the insurance industry to improve various processes, including underwriting, claims processing, customer service, and fraud detection. One of the key areas where NLP is used in insurance is underwriting. Insurance companies use NLP to analyze large amounts of data from various sources, such as social media, credit scores, and medical records, to assess risk and determine premiums. North America to account for the largest market size during the forecast period The presence of a growing tech-savvy population, high internet penetration, and advances in AI has resulted in the growth of NLP solutions used in the finance sector. Most of the customers in North America have been leveraging NLP to improve their efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance the customer experience, ultimately leading to better business outcomes. The rising popularity and higher reach of NLP further empower SMEs and startups in the region to harness NLP technology as a cost-effective and technologically advanced tool for building and promoting business, growing consumer base, and reaching out to a wider audience. Premium Insights Increasing Popularity of Chatbots Across Finance and Improving Performance of NLP Models to Drive Market Growth Customer Service and Support Application Segment to Account for Highest Growth Rate Software and Banking to be Largest Shareholders in North America in 2023 in 2023 North America to Hold Largest Market Share in 2023 Market Dynamics Drivers Increasing Demand for Automated and Efficient Financial Services Worldwide Rising Need for Accurate and Real-Time Analysis of Complex Financial Data Emergence of AI and ML Models Restraints Lack of Standardization in NLP-based Financial Applications and Services Difficulty in Managing Large Volumes of Unstructured Data Complexity in Developing and Training Sophisticated NLP Models Opportunities Development of Customized NLP Solutions for Specific Financial Services and Use Cases Integration of NLP with Blockchain and Big Data to Enhance Accuracy and Efficiency of Financial Operations Growing Adoption of NLP-Powered Chatbots and Virtual Assistants Challenges High Implementation Costs Associated with NLP Limited Availability of Skilled Professionals Data Privacy Concerns Associated with Use of NLP Ethics and Implications of NLP in Finance Bias and Fairness Privacy and Security Intellectual Property Accountability and Responsibility Societal and Economic Impact Ecosystem Analysis NLP in Finance Technology Providers NLP in Finance Cloud Platform Providers NLP in Finance API and As-A-Service Providers NLP in Finance Hardware Providers NLP in Finance End-users NLP in Finance Regulators NLP in Finance Tools and Framework Tensorflow Pytorch Keras Nltk Apache Opennlp Spacy Gensim Allennlp Flair Stanford Corenlp Case Study Analysis Case Study 1: Natwest Improved Speed and Accuracy of Complaint-Handling Process Through IBM Case Study 2: Ayasdi's NLP Platform Helped J.P. Morgan Chase Ramp Up Risk Assessment Techniques Case Study 3: Capital One Eliminated Inefficiencies in Customer Query Resolution Through NLP Case Study 4: Blackrock Identified New Investment Avenues by Analyzing Large Volumes of Unstructured Data Case Study 5: Yseop Assisted Td Ameritrade in Discovering New Customer Insights Case Study 6: Allianz Witnessed Substantial Improvement in Insurance Claims Processing Through NLP Case Study 7: UBS Trained Datasets Through NLP to Augment Risk Management Processes Case Study 8: Citi Added Personalized Touch to Customer Recommendations Via NLP-based Query Analysis Case Study 9: Barclays Scaled Its Trading and Investment Analysis Processes Via Ayasdi's NLP Tool Case Study 10: Goldman Sachs Augmented Its Financial R&D Prowess Case Study 11: NLP Empowered Kabbage with Smarter Decision-Making for Loan Disbursal Case Study 12: Chainalysis Deployed NLP for Fraud Prevention in Crypto Trading Best Practices in Market Domain-Specific Data Selection and Data Cleaning Feature Engineering Model Selection Evaluation Metrics Cross-Validation Regularization Hyperparameter Tuning Transfer Learning Interpretability Regulatory Compliance Backtesting and Deployment Technology Roadmap of NLP in Finance NLP in Finance Roadmap Till 2030 Pre-2020 2020-2022 Short-Term (2023-2025) Mid-Term (2026-2028) Long-Term (2029-2030) Current and Emerging Business Models SaaS Model Consulting Services Model Partner Programs (Revenue Sharing Model) Pay-Per-Use Model NLP in Finance's Impact on Adjacent Niche Technologies High-Frequency Trading and Electronic Trading Platforms Financial Cybersecurity Regulatory Technology (RegTech) Company Profiles Key Players Microsoft IBM Google AWS Oracle SAS Institute Qualtrics Baidu Inbenta Basis Technology Nuance Communications Expert.AI Liveperson Veritone Automated Insights Bitext Conversica Accern Kasisto Kensho ABBYY Mosaic Uniphore Startup/SME Profiles Observe.AI Lilt Cognigy Addepto Skit.AI Mindtitan Supertext.AI Narrativa Cresta For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/prvxqp About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager [email protected] For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/539438/Research_and_Markets_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/global-nlp-in-finance-market-analysis-report-2023-an-18-8-billion-market-by-2028-from-5-5-billion-in-2023---increasing-demand-for-automated-and-efficient-financial-services-301841190.html SOURCE Research and Markets [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Key Insights The projected fair value for SAF-Holland is 12.73 based on 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity With 11.79 share price, SAF-Holland appears to be trading close to its estimated fair value Analyst price target for SFQ is 17.40, which is 37% above our fair value estimate Today we will run through one way of estimating the intrinsic value of SAF-Holland SE (ETR:SFQ) by taking the expected future cash flows and discounting them to their present value. We will take advantage of the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model for this purpose. There's really not all that much to it, even though it might appear quite complex. We would caution that there are many ways of valuing a company and, like the DCF, each technique has advantages and disadvantages in certain scenarios. If you still have some burning questions about this type of valuation, take a look at the Simply Wall St analysis model. View our latest analysis for SAF-Holland The Calculation We are going to use a two-stage DCF model, which, as the name states, takes into account two stages of growth. The first stage is generally a higher growth period which levels off heading towards the terminal value, captured in the second 'steady growth' period. To start off with, we need to estimate the next ten years of cash flows. Where possible we use analyst estimates, but when these aren't available we extrapolate the previous free cash flow (FCF) from the last estimate or reported value. We assume companies with shrinking free cash flow will slow their rate of shrinkage, and that companies with growing free cash flow will see their growth rate slow, over this period. We do this to reflect that growth tends to slow more in the early years than it does in later years. A DCF is all about the idea that a dollar in the future is less valuable than a dollar today, so we need to discount the sum of these future cash flows to arrive at a present value estimate: 10-year free cash flow (FCF) forecast 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 Levered FCF (, Millions) 74.9m 91.9m 79.9m 72.8m 68.2m 65.3m 63.4m 62.2m 61.4m 60.9m Growth Rate Estimate Source Analyst x1 Analyst x4 Analyst x3 Est @ -8.95% Est @ -6.19% Est @ -4.26% Est @ -2.91% Est @ -1.97% Est @ -1.30% Est @ -0.84% Present Value (, Millions) Discounted @ 12% 66.9 73.3 56.9 46.2 38.7 33.1 28.7 25.1 22.1 19.6 ("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St) Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = 411m We now need to calculate the Terminal Value, which accounts for all the future cash flows after this ten year period. For a number of reasons a very conservative growth rate is used that cannot exceed that of a country's GDP growth. In this case we have used the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield (0.2%) to estimate future growth. In the same way as with the 10-year 'growth' period, we discount future cash flows to today's value, using a cost of equity of 12%. Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2032 (1 + g) (r g) = 61m (1 + 0.2%) (12% 0.2%) = 519m Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= 519m ( 1 + 12%)10= 167m The total value is the sum of cash flows for the next ten years plus the discounted terminal value, which results in the Total Equity Value, which in this case is 578m. In the final step we divide the equity value by the number of shares outstanding. Relative to the current share price of 11.8, the company appears about fair value at a 7.4% discount to where the stock price trades currently. Remember though, that this is just an approximate valuation, and like any complex formula - garbage in, garbage out. dcf Important Assumptions 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 SAF-Holland as potential shareholders, the cost of equity is used as the discount rate, rather than the cost of capital (or weighted average cost of capital, WACC) which accounts for debt. In this calculation we've used 12%, which is based on a levered beta of 1.978. 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 SAF-Holland Strength Earnings growth over the past year exceeded the industry. Debt is well covered by earnings and cashflows. Dividends are covered by earnings and cash flows. Dividend is in the top 25% of dividend payers in the market. Weakness No major weaknesses identified for SFQ. Opportunity Annual revenue is forecast to grow faster than the German market. Current share price is below our estimate of fair value. Threat Annual earnings are forecast to grow slower than the German market. Next Steps: Valuation is only one side of the coin in terms of building your investment thesis, and it is only one of many factors that you need to assess for a company. It's not possible to obtain a foolproof valuation with a DCF model. Preferably you'd apply different cases and assumptions and see how they would impact the company's valuation. If a company grows at a different rate, or if its cost of equity or risk free rate changes sharply, the output can look very different. For SAF-Holland, we've compiled three relevant items you should consider: Risks: For instance, we've identified 2 warning signs for SAF-Holland that you should be aware of. Future Earnings: How does SFQ's growth rate compare to its peers and the wider market? Dig deeper into the analyst consensus number for the upcoming years by interacting with our free analyst growth expectation chart. Other Solid Businesses: Low debt, high returns on equity and good past performance are fundamental to a strong business. Why not explore our interactive list of stocks with solid business fundamentals to see if there are other companies you may not have considered! PS. Simply Wall St updates its DCF calculation for every German stock every day, so if you want to find the intrinsic value of any other stock just search here. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. 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 [June 02, 2023] Billionaire Louis Casper Dunweber Revolutionizes the Financial Market with KING AI's Free FOREX Signals Service. DUBAI, UAE, June 02, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- With the new development, Billionaire Louis Casper Dunweber is set to disrupt the financial market with KING AI's free FOREX signals services. This latest approach unveils the future of forex trading with KING AI's cutting-edge technology. With a 14-day trial and a monthly subscription fee of only $7, KING AI is making waves as a game changer in the industry. KING AI offers a unique blend of advanced algorithms and human intelligence. The combination of cutting-edge technology and expert analysis provides users with innovative trading signals. 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With state-of-the-art algorithms, the platform leverages vast amounts of data to identify patterns and trends in the market. This allows for highly accurate and timely trading signals, increasing the probability of successful trades. As a result, traders are able to make daily returns and establish a reliable source of return investment. Furthermore, the platform provides a comprehensive support system, including dedicated customer service, an active online forum and regular webinars. Additionally, Louis Casper Dunweber's presence in the financial industry further enhances KING AI's credibility. About Louis Casper Dunweber: Billionaire CEO Louis Casper Dunweber is a prominent figure in the financial world, known for his exceptional entrepreneurial skills and visionary leadership. As the head of The King's Life Finance, a leading financial institution, Dunweber has solidified his reputation as a wise and astute businessperson. Through his remarkable achievements and dedication to making a difference, Louis Casper Dunweber has undoubtedly established himself as a trailblazing business leader and a true inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs worldwide. Additionally, a billionaire investor and businessman got the top Google search rank. Website | Twitter | Telegram | Instagram | Sales Funnel Louis Casper Dunweber The Kings Life info at thekingslife.com [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 03, 2023] The Patient Safety Movement Foundation Concludes Its 10th Annual World Patient Safety, Science & Technology Summit President Bill Clinton, 42nd President of the United States, headlined day two of the 10th Annual World Patient Safety, Science & Technology Summit, presented by the Patient Safety Movement Foundation (PSMF). This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230602005417/en/ Joe Kiani, founder of the Patient Safety Movement Foundation, discusses efforts to improve patient safety worldwide with former President Bill Clinton at the 10th Annual World Patient Safety, Science & Technology Summit in Newport Beach, California. (Photo: Business Wire) As a long-time advocate of patient safety, President Clinton spoke of the need to develop what he termed a "culture of conversion," where more people within healthcare feel empowered to implement proven practices for eliminating preventable harm within hospitals. "We know enough right now to cut the current problem by half or more," he said. "One of the biggest problems you have in every big, complicated society is that there's an incredibly built-in resistance to being the second, third, fourth, or 100th person to do the same thing, even though it's been proven to work. Which is exactly the reverse of what we should be doing." Reflecting on his time in office during the 1990s, President Clinton said that we could learn much from the example of former South African President Nelson Mandela when it comes to uniting people behind a common cause for good. "Everyone wants to believe they have some piece to add to life's great puzzle," he said. "You need converts to do anything big, and we've got to get more zeaous converts. Nelson Mandela was a genius at this. He was the best I ever saw. He never tried to make people feel bad for what they hadn't done. He tried to make people feel good about what they could do." Having long been a campaigner on the dangers of the opioid epidemic and a supporter of the PSMF since its inception, President Clinton suggested that it is important to focus on collaborating for future good rather than blaming and shaming when it comes to medical errors. "No one wants to see innocent people die, and very few are hard-hearted enough not to care," he said. "You don't have to save everybody; you just have to save everybody that you can." Dr. Michael Ramsay, chief executive officer of the PSMF, told the audience that there is much cause for optimism when it comes to meeting the target of zero preventable deaths by 2030. "I think there's a future now to patient safety," he said. "I think things are going to start happening remarkably fast. Technology is changing, we're gathering more data, and we've got more and more people involved in this movement." Jeremy Hunt, chancellor of the exchequer of the United Kingdom, delivered a video message to the Summit in which he applauded the difference made by the PSMF over the last decade. "We now have the World Health Organization doing an annual World Patient Safety Day, a 10-year plan to reduce preventable deaths, and we had a ministerial summit this year in Montreux in Switzerland with more than 100 countries represented. We're making great progress, but there's a lot of work to do. Even one preventable death is too many. We should be aiming for zero." Following on from President Clinton's remarks about creating the right culture for change within healthcare, Anthony Staines, patient safety program director, Federation des hopitaux vaudois, Switzerland, described the need to address the failings of implementation science, a topic also addressed in a talk from Francisco Valero-Cuevas, a professor at the University of Southern California. "There are many prevention and mitigation solutions, but they are only partly and unsystematically applied," said Staines. "Science has brought us an expanding body of knowledge. The trouble is that it does not reach the patients." There were additional talks from Peter Ziese, chief medical officer at Philips, and Michelle Schreiber of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Schreiber told the audience that while healthcare throughout the United States has made significant improvements in patient safety, the pandemic illustrated how our systems are still not durable and resilient enough for times of stress, and gaps in care and infrastructure continue to persist. Mike Durkin and Sanaz Massoumi, chairman and chief operating officer of the PSMF respectively, gave addresses, and panel discussion topics included the media's role in covering patient safety, opioid safety, and steps that can be taken in the journey to zero harm. Marcelo Ebrard Casaubon, secretary of foreign affairs of Mexico, received the Joe Kiani Humanitarian Award for his work in patient safety. Finally, Kiani, founder of the PSMF, reflected on a decade of achievement and the path forward. "We started as a grassroots organization, and the grassroots movement has done so much," he said. "I think our next step is to demand our elected officials to hardwire patient safety into our system and align the incentives so that every hospital puts evidence-based practices in place." ABOUT THE PATIENT SAFETY MOVEMENT FOUNDATION In 2012, Joe Kiani founded the non-profit Patient Safety Movement Foundation (PSMF) to eliminate preventable medical errors in hospitals. His team worked with patient safety experts from around the world to create Actionable Evidence-Based Practices (AEBP) that address the top challenges. The AEBP are available without charge to hospitals online. Hospitals are encouraged to make a formal commitment to ZERO preventable deaths, and healthcare technology companies are asked to sign the Open Data Pledge to share their data so that predictive algorithms that can identify errors before they become fatal can be developed. The Foundation's annual World Patient Safety, Science & Technology Summit brings together all stakeholders, including patients, healthcare providers, medical technology companies, government employers, and private payers. The PSMF was established through the support of the Masimo Foundation for Ethics, Innovation, and Competition in Healthcare. For more information, please visit psmf.org. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230602005417/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Right now the adventures of Angela inspire our peek at pop culture, community news and top headlines. Check TKC news gathering . . . B-List Good Cause Begins The Big Slick weekend celebrates its 14th year with press conference kick off Yeah, Rudd's up to stuff. // Photo by Emma Hilboldt One of the most anticipated weekends in Kansas City is finally here and the Big Slick hosts kicked it off with a press conference in the newly dubbed Big Slick auditorium at Children's Mercy. Olathe Piscine Me Off Olathe Parks and Recreation, state investigating 'fish kill' at Cedar Lake The Olathe Parks and Recreation Department, along with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, are investigating a "fish kill" impacting portions of Cedar Lake. Numerous fish are dead, according to photos submitted by a KMBC viewer. As of right now, the city believes it's a "naturally occurring phenomenon" and there's no risk to public health. Rock Chalk Weed Stays Losing Medical marijuana advocates in Kansas have one fewer option to legal weed. Here's why. Gov. Laura Kelly has ruled out using her executive powers to allow for medical marijuana possession in Kansas or to decriminalize the drug, a tactic tried in other states nationally. Kelly's comments to reporters recently mean that proponents of medical marijuana have one fewer potential option of adding Kansas to the lengthy list of states with legal weed, as hopes in the Legislature have faded in recent years. Un-Bear-Able Temptation Is it legal to wrestle a bear in Missouri? Police send warning ST. LOUIS - It's that time of year again to be bear-aware. Missouri conservation agents say bears are very active throughout the spring, and their presence around the St. Louis metro seems to be growing in recent years. Human encounters with bears are not particularly common, but they can happen if you venture out into the wilderness. Booze News: Golden Ghetto Triumph 'It's great to have the heartbeat of the brewery back': Dogs allowed back inside Transport Brewery SHAWNEE, Kan. - Dogs are now allowed back inside Transport Brewery in Shawnee, Kansas. "It's great to have the heartbeat of the brewery back," said Christie Jackson, operations manager at Transport Brewery. "When there weren't dogs here, there was something that was missing." Inside The Loop Sneak Peek Take a tour of Three Light, Kansas City's next luxury apartment tower KANSAS CITY, Mo. - With two luxury apartment towers already built, The Cordish Cos. is months away from completing its third. The $140 million Three Light apartment tower, northeast of Main Street and Truman Road, is set to wrap up construction in September. Update For Weekend Warriors Reminder: Parts of I-70 to close this weekend between I-435, I-470 in Jackson County KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Missouri Department of Transportation is reminding Kansas City motorists of the complete closure of a stretch of Interstate 70 this weekend in Jackson County. Crews are set to demolish the Blue Ridge Boulevard Bridge, and in order to do so, need to close I-70 from 2 a.m. More Cash Prizes Awarded At 12th & Oak 'I persisted': Former employee sued Kansas City for retaliation. A jury awarded her millions A Jackson County jury awarded a former employee of Kansas City's Health Department over three million dollars in the culmination of a recent retaliation lawsuit, according to court documents. Shahidah Hazziez, who spent about one year working for the department, accused the city of unfair treatment after she was selected for a random drug test and fired for not being able to complete it due to a medical condition. Kansas City Dump Disputed EPA fines KCMO environmental service company for alleged hazardous waste violations KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Region 7 of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced Thursday its fined a Kansas City, Missouri, environmental service company for allegedly violating terms of its hazardous waste permit. Cowtown Pret-a-Porter Switcheroo Teisha Barber acquires Kansas City Fashion Week - Kansas City Business Journal After 13 years, Kansas City Fashion Week (KCFW) has a new owner. Teisha Barber acquired the business from founder and CEO Philip Willoughby. Financial details were not disclosed. Barber joined KCFW in 2011 and most recently was president. Hottie Still Looks Familiar Adult star Angela White unrecognisable as she rocks different look for day out Angela White has built a huge name for herself in porn. The adult entertainer is known for flaunting her curves and she's certainly not shy of flashing the flesh in public. But now the 38-year-old turned heads as she looked almost unrecognisable in snaps during a trip to Tokyo, Japan. White House Stumbles Response Biden is America's oldest president - but tripping over a sandbag tells us nothing | Jill Filipovic t's a story so benign and unremarkable that it's embarrassing it's getting any coverage at all: man trips, falls, stands back up and walks it off. Except, of course, that the man is Joe Biden, who at 80 and seeking re-election is currently competing to be the oldest president in US history. Fox News: First Son Exposed Nearly 10K photos from Hunter Biden's laptop hit the web: 'Truth and transparency' A trove of photos from Hunter Biden's laptop has been made available to the public through a new website that launched Thursday. The website - BidenLaptopMedia.com - will house almost 10,000 photos spanning from 2008 to 2019 and took months to complete, Garrett Ziegler, the founder of nonprofit Marco Polo, told Fox News Digital. Dead-Tree Demands Journalists to strike June 5 at the largest US newspaper chain Journalists across the U.S. will walk off their jobs next week at roughly two dozen newsrooms run by Gannett, the largest newspaper chain in the U.S., their union said Thursday. The mostly one-day strike, which will start June 5, aims to protest Gannett's leadership and cost-cutting measures imposed since its 2019 merger with GateHouse Media. Lone Star Survivor Story Texas cheerleader shot 3 times after friend got into wrong car recalls harrowing attack and hurdles in recovery Payton Washington, the Texas cheerleader who was shot and critically injured after a friend accidentally got into the wrong car in April, says she didn't even see the shooter and tried to keep her friends calm, even as she was bleeding. Celeb Shares Threat But Doesn't Name Names Elliot Page: 'A-hole' A-list actor said he'd 'f-k' me to make me 'realize' I wasn't gay Elliot Page reveals in his new memoir, "Pageboy," that an A-list actor once verbally assaulted him. The incident occurred after the "Juno" star came out as gay in February 2014 but prior to his gender transition in December 2020. Smut Shows No Mercy Wealthy porn star's brutal message to tenants amid housing crisis One of Australia's top adult entertainers has delivered a brutal message to tenants amid Australia's housing crisis. Hayley Vernon, who became a millionaire off OnlyFans, said she has little sympathy for everyday Aussies who have been kicked out of their rental homes by so-called 'greedy landlords'. Kansas City Answers Addiction With Compassion Kansas City experts fight to end stigma on substance use recovery KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Kansas City resident Keith Gale can still recall his mother's tears as she pleaded with him to begin substance use recovery in 2010. He started drinking heavily in 2008 while, like so many others with substance use disorder, dealing with trauma. Booz-y Good Times Redux Martini Corner sees a surge of redevelopment - and potential - Kansas City Business Journal Part of Paul Nagaoka 's specialty is scouting undesirable buildings and giving them a new purpose. And he found the former Linwood Ice Cream building at Kansas City's Martini Corner particularly undesirable. "It had been abandoned for decades. It looked like it could have been a set for the (horror) movie, 'Saw,'" said Nagaoka, CEO of Kansas City-based Syndicate Real Estate Development. Slum Life Has It Rewards Kansas City apartment residents to receive multi-million settlement after winning class action lawsuit Residents of a South Kansas City apartment complex will receive part of a $2 million payout after winning a class action lawsuit against their former landlord and property manager. Cloverleaf's owners, Stonebridge Global Partners and Cloverleaf Apartments Investors, along with former property manager Seldin Company have settled a lawsuit filed by tenant Dorothy Simpson on behalf of herself and other tenants. Post-Panini Push For Papers Kansas Citians struggling to secure passports ahead of international travel KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Kansas City's airport is seeing passenger numbers inch closer to pre-pandemic levels. KCI is expecting official passenger numbers to hit the 1 million mark in May, something the city has not seen since before the pandemic. There are some growing pains across the nation as travel numbers take off. EPIC GOOD LIFE INSIDE THE LOOP EXPOSED!?!? $8,000 rent in KC? Take a look inside Three Light luxury apartment opening this fall Despite the fact that cement slabs, beams and brick sit exposed as construction workers toil away inside the 25-story building, tenants will move into Three Light - Kansas City's newest luxury apartment building - on Sept. 1. Artsy Instruction Around Metro Kansas City's Mid-America Arts Alliance has shared world class art with small towns for 50 years Art McSweeney is on the front lines of the Mid-America Arts Alliance's mission to get more art in front of more people. "We're trying to get people to know about art and what's out there," McSweeney says. "I'd say we were more of an educational organization." Weather Update For Now Chance of storms remain for Friday, Saturday WORLD TO QUALIFY EXCLUSIVE LIVE RADAR AND NINE DAY FORECAST. SO YOU'LL KNOW FIRST, THIS IS FIRST ALERT WEATHER. THIS IS AN IMPACT DAY. SO MANY THINGS WE'VE BEEN TALKING ABOUT GOING ON THIS WEEKEND. KIND OF HAVE TO BE PREPARED BECAUSE IT'S BEEN HIT OR MISS. Latto - Put It On Da Floor Again (feat. Cardi B) is the song of the day and this is the OPEN THREAD for right now. Our conservative pals perform an EXCELLENT public service by attempting to unpack Mayor Q's legal strategy. Here at TKC we were pre-med and busy studying the anatomy of city college hotties so we often need help with legal fine points. We only know enough to realize that mayor has a HORRIFIC record on his legal arguments. Also . . . OVERTURNING ELECTIONS IS A BAD LOOK FOR ANY POLITICO!!! Still, we appreciate this hot take on one of the finer points of the ongoing argument . . . The mayor argues in his personal lawsuit that state officials erred by telling voters the 25% threshold for police funding wouldnt result in any new costs. Lucas claims the city had told state officials it would cost $38.7 million, though the law doesnt actually call for any new taxes or revenues. One of those state officials Lucass lawsuit decries for not listening to the city is then-auditor Nicole Galloway a Democrat whom Lucas enthusiastically endorsed for governor in 2020 precisely for her independent nature. Shes not listening to directions from Washington, Lucas said at the time. Shes not listening to directions from anywhere else, and shes not someone who will be biased or persuaded by a politician anywhere else whos saying you need to do something thats different from that which is in the best interest of Missourians. Now Lucass lawsuit complains that Galloways fiscal advisory to voters on the amendment last November didnt bend to his will. Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . Police are looking for two men after an aggravated assault investigation in downtown Toronto. Even the biggest winners of Nvidia's stock spike are cutting back as AI hype goes into overdrive A 3D illustration of future financial technology controlled by AI robot using machine learning and artificial intelligence to analyze business data and give advice on investment and trading decisions. Getty Images/3D illustration Nvidia is up 172% this year, and high-profile investors have been cashing in their gains. They're all singing the same refrain: they like the stock, but it's gone up too much, too quickly. Their position-trimming is indicative of the broader risk around a "baby bubble" seen forming in AI. Even Nvidia's staunchest bulls surely couldn't have predicted its surge into the $1 trillion market cap stratosphere. The stock is up an eye-watering 172% this year, having spiked 30% in just the last week or so. It's been the clear winner of the AI boom so far, one that's also seen shares of Meta more than double as Microsoft and Alphabet have climbed roughly 40% apiece. Investors have taken note and are trying to ride the wave higher, pouring a record $8.5 billion into AI tech funds last week alone. But how much is too much? Based on a couple of recent developments in the Nvidia investor community, owners of the stock seem to think it's time to pump the brakes and trim holdings. Edmond de Rothschild Asset Management is one recent high-profile example. In an interview with Bloomberg, the firm's global CIO Benjamin Melman said their overweight position on Nvidia is now "far smaller" than it was before the stock's latest sharp leg higher. In other words, the firm decided to take some profits. The trimmed position is especially notable because Edmond de Rothschild which has $87 billion under management has been a long-time Nvidia bull. The firm has been overweight the stock since at least late 2020, according to Bloomberg. "Would we add to AI tech? We're less and less sure on that as valuations are too lofty," Melman said in the Bloomberg interview. "If the gains continue, we'll be even more cautious." Aswath Damodaran the renowned NYU finance professor, and until recently a Nvidia shareholder made a similar move for a similar reason. An avowed value investor, Damodaran said the stock is simply too fully priced to fit his long-term strategy of seeking bargains, so he sold his stake. "The run-up has been just so astonishing that I cannot in good conscience hold on to it and call myself a value investor," the Stern School of Business professor told the network. While it's not surprising that investors would want to cash in the gains surrounding a prescient stock pick, the common refrain that Nvidia has gotten overextended is cause for concern. It matches recent commentary from Bank of America, which has called the rally in AI stocks a "baby bubble." The firm thinks that while AI may ultimately end up being hugely powerful in the long term, asset prices could still deflate significantly from current levels. The situation is a good reminder that even the strongest and best-performing companies face overvaluation risk as well as subsequent stock sell-offs when investors decide to cash in their chips. Now it's up to Nvidia and its AI counterparts to convince the market otherwise. Nvidia has ripped higher in 2023, especially in the past week or so. Markets Insider Read the original article on Business Insider Even after rising 30% this past week, ACCENTRO Real Estate (ETR:A4Y) shareholders are still down 84% over the past three years This week we saw the ACCENTRO Real Estate AG (ETR:A4Y) share price climb by 30%. But that doesn't change the fact that the returns over the last three years have been stomach churning. To wit, the share price sky-dived 84% in that time. So it sure is nice to see a bit of an improvement. Of course the real question is whether the business can sustain a turnaround. We really hope anyone holding through that price crash has a diversified portfolio. Even when you lose money, you don't have to lose the lesson. While the stock has risen 30% in the past week but long term shareholders are still in the red, let's see what the fundamentals can tell us. Check out our latest analysis for ACCENTRO Real Estate In his essay The Superinvestors of Graham-and-Doddsville Warren Buffett described how share prices do not always rationally reflect the value of a business. 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. ACCENTRO Real Estate saw its share price decline over the three years in which its EPS also dropped, falling to a loss. Since the company has fallen to a loss making position, it's hard to compare the change in EPS with the share price change. But it's safe to say we'd generally expect the share price to be lower as a result! You can see below how EPS has changed over time (discover the exact values by clicking on the image). This free interactive report on ACCENTRO Real Estate's earnings, revenue and cash flow is a great place to start, if you want to investigate the stock further. A Different Perspective We regret to report that ACCENTRO Real Estate shareholders are down 61% for the year (even including dividends). Unfortunately, that's worse than the broader market decline of 3.2%. However, it could simply be that the share price has been impacted by broader market jitters. It might be worth keeping an eye on the fundamentals, in case there's a good opportunity. Unfortunately, last year's performance may indicate unresolved challenges, given that it was worse than the annualised loss of 13% over the last half decade. We realise that Baron Rothschild has said investors should "buy when there is blood on the streets", but we caution that investors should first be sure they are buying a high quality business. It's always interesting to track share price performance over the longer term. But to understand ACCENTRO Real Estate better, we need to consider many other factors. Even so, be aware that ACCENTRO Real Estate is showing 4 warning signs in our investment analysis , and 2 of those are potentially serious... Of course, you might find a fantastic investment by looking elsewhere. So take a peek at this free list of companies we expect will grow earnings. Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on German 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 During the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue security conference in Singapore, Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov and German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius considered further steps in terms of military cooperation. The relevant statement was made by Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov on Twitter, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. The IISS Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore provides an excellent opportunity to synchronize our watches with our international partners. Had a great conversation with my German colleague, Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, Reznikov wrote. In his words, the parties discussed the situation on the battlefield and their next steps in military cooperation. Grateful for Germanys participation in the tank coalition Leopards like our Ukrainian climate. Thank you to the German government and people for the unwavering support, Reznikov added. The IISS Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore provides an excellent opportunity to synchronize our watches with our international partners. Had a great conversation with my colleague Boris #Pistorius @BMVg_Bundeswehr. We discussed the situation on the battlefield and our next pic.twitter.com/NeIcmbqqGX Oleksii Reznikov (@oleksiireznikov) June 2, 2023 A reminder that the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue opened in Singapore on June 2, 2023. The war unleashed by Russia against Ukraine is one of the key issues in its agenda. According to the organizers, more than 600 representatives from 49 countries are expected to take part in the event. Ukraine is working on exporting digital solutions not only to Europe but also to Latin American and African countries. It is also noteworthy that we are developing our cooperation with Estonia and the export of solutions our digital solutions. Earlier, it was from Estonia that Ukrainians took an example in the development of digital solutions. And now, we have reached such a level that on the basis of our Ukrainian Diia a government application will be created in Estonia. What is convenient and useful for millions of Ukrainians will obviously be convenient and useful for other nations. And it is another component of our leadership, Ukrainian leadership. We discussed further cooperation with Mr. President of Estonia, in particular, in digitalization, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky said in his evening address. The Head of State added that Diia will help develop government services not only in European countries but in Latin America and Africa as well. Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov has discussed further support for Ukraine with the defense ministers of the United States and Canada on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue security forum in Singapore. Reznikov reported this on Twitter, according to Ukrinform. "I was happy to meet with my U.S. colleague and great friend Lloyd Austin III on the sidelines of the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue. The Ukraine-US partnership is strong. We will continue working to ensure Ukraine's victory and to restore peace in Europe," he wrote Reznikov also said he had met with his "Canadian colleague and friend Anita Anand." "We discussed the situation on the front lines, our upcoming counter-offensive, and training of Ukrainian soldiers. Ms. Anand reiterated that Canada will continue to support Ukraine in achieving victory in this war, and that it will help with reconstruction. Canada is glad to join the tank coalition and inspired by our resolve to defend ourselves. Each day of our joint work brings victory closer," the minister said. Canada and Poland will closely cooperate in matters of providing necessary defense and other assistance to Ukraine. This is underscored in the joint statement by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki released by the Office of the Prime Minister of Canada. We stand united in our determination to provide Ukraine with the financial, humanitarian, military and diplomatic support it requires, for as long as it takes. Ukraine needs to be able to defend itself against Russia's unjustifiable war of aggression, reads the statement. At the same time, Trudeau and Morawiecki call on Russia to completely and unconditionally withdraw its troops and military equipment from the entire internationally recognized territory of Ukraine. Russia must be held accountable for the crimes committed in Ukraine, the prime ministers stressed. They also urged Belarus to stop its complicity in Russian aggression which constitutes a blatant violation of international law. Moreover, Trudeau and Morawiecki pledge to support Ukraines trans-Atlantic aspirations on the premise that Ukraine is an integral part of the Euro-Atlantic community. Russia is looking to open new theaters of war to distract NATO from further assisting Ukraine in the ongoing war Russia unleashed in Feb 2022. Thats according to the head of the Center for Defense Reforms, coordinator of the interdepartmental platform for countering hybrid threats, which operates within the framework of Ukraine-NATO cooperation, Oleksandr V. Danylyuk, Ukrinform reports citing Guildhall. To this end, Russian intelligence services are engaging with both the Serbs and Kosovars, in order to provoke a conflict in Kosovo, and also intend to push Taiwan to declare formal independence in order to draw China into a major military conflict, the expert believes. The Russian Federation is actively looking for opportunities to open new theaters of war that would distract NATO from helping Ukraine. Kosovo with Prigozhins men (the so-called Wagner Group - ed.) on the Serbian side and Kadyrovs men who pretend to be anti-Kadyrovites, as well as the GRU men (Russias defense intelligence ed.) on both sides - this is about testing the ground,said Danylyuk. The main task is to draw China into a war with Taiwan, and to this end, they will be actively pushing the Taiwanese to declare formal independence, concluded the head of the Center for Defense Reforms. It should be recalled that on May 29, the Kosovo police and members of the NATO-led security forces were forced to defend municipal buildings in Zvecan (Kosovo) from ethnic Serb provocateurs. The attack by ethnic Serbs on the administrative buildings in three municipalities in Kosovo with the aim of seizing them did not lead to a destabilization thanks to the efforts of NATO forces. The NATO peacekeeping mission reported that 25 NATO troops defending municipalities were injured during riots. On May 26, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic put the country's armed forces on high alert, sending soldiers closer to the border with Kosovo. According to the Robert Lansing Institute think tank, the latest car burnings in northern Kosovo, an act orchestrated by Belgrade, now signal Serbia's obstruction of the agreement. Meanwhile, Belgrade said it was pointless to negotiate while the incidents in the north of Kosovo continue. Vucic wants to bring tension back to Kosovo. In March in Ohrid, Vucic and Kosovo's Prime Minister Albin Kurti tentatively agreed on an agreement to normalize relations between the states, but never signed it. In response, Serbian nationalists and Orthodox Christians who advocate Russia ties took to the streets of Belgrade to protest the Western plan to normalize the situation between Serbia and Kosovo. Photo: ua.depositphotos.com Minister of Foreign Affairs Margus Tsakhna of Estonia has arrived in the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv. Thats according to the head of Ukraines diplomacy, Dmytro Kuleba, who broke the news on Twitter. "Good to see Margus Tsakhkna in Kyiv. Estonia is a great friend of ours," Ukrainian minister wrote. Kuleba added that the main topics during the meeting with his Estonian counterpart were Ukraine's accession to NATO and sanctions on Russias missile and drone industry. Good to see @Tsahkna in Kyiv. Estonia is a great friend of ours. Ukraines NATO accession and sanctions on Russias missile and drone industry were two main topics. NATO: working on a step forward in Vilnius. Sanctions: Russian industry of missile terror must be stopped. pic.twitter.com/6R6aZEQjX8 Dmytro Kuleba (@DmytroKuleba) June 3, 2023 As Ukrinform reported, earlier in May, Tsakhna said NATO member states should define concrete steps for Ukraine to join the Alliance. Its not enough anymore just to repeat the already existing position that Ukraine is welcomed to NATO. We must move forward to give a strong message (on Kyivs membership ed.) when the leaders gather for the NATO summit in Vilnius this summer, Tsakhna said. President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine says he is interested in meeting with the President of Brazil, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. The statement came in an interview with Latin American mass media, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. "It is not the first time that I publicly - and not publicly, through someone, through the media and directly to President Lula say, and I can once again confirm, that Im interested in meeting with President Lula. I am interested to have that meeting. I offered any format. I invited the president several times, I invited him to visit Ukraine. We got in touch with President Lula's team when he had meetings in Spain and Portugal, when he was in Europe. I wanted to use that opportunity because the distance is shorter and I want him to find time. Then I had various meetings at the G7, and someone even claimed that we did not find (time to meet - ed.) ... this is nonsense. Theres no point to listen to someone claiming such things there cant be serious and they cant stick to the subject. I am interested in meeting President Lula. And I believe we need to talk," Zelensky said. As the head of the Ukrainian state noted, he needs "as many countries as possible to support Ukraine or not to support Russia in this situation if they arent ready to back Ukraine, unfortunately." "It is very important for me that people understand all the details of whats happening. For me, it is very important that the big powers are involved. Brazil is a large state in Latin America in terms of its actual size and strength. And (I want that ed.) Brazil is also represented at the peace formula summit on par with other states. There may be different views on this or that security block, on this or that direction of the peace formula. We are in dialogue, we are civilized people, and we need to talk about it, and in order to have this talk, we need to be willing to do that. I have offered to meet with the president many times. I think he will find an opportunity. Something didn't work out at the G7... But it definitely wasnt on our side," Zelensky noted. Earlier, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva criticized Russia's invasion of Ukraine while saying he was trying to remain "neutral" to be able to mediate potential peace talks. Some investors rely on dividends for growing their wealth, and if you're one of those dividend sleuths, you might be intrigued to know that Occidental Petroleum Corporation (NYSE:OXY) is about to go ex-dividend in just 4 days. The ex-dividend date is usually set to be one business day before the record date which is the cut-off date on which you must be present on the company's books as a shareholder in order to receive the dividend. The ex-dividend date is important as the process of settlement involves two full business days. So if you miss that date, you would not show up on the company's books on the record date. Meaning, you will need to purchase Occidental Petroleum's shares before the 8th of June to receive the dividend, which will be paid on the 14th of July. The company's next dividend payment will be US$0.18 per share, on the back of last year when the company paid a total of US$0.72 to shareholders. Last year's total dividend payments show that Occidental Petroleum has a trailing yield of 1.2% on the current share price of $59.69. If you buy this business for its dividend, you should have an idea of whether Occidental Petroleum's dividend is reliable and sustainable. So we need to investigate whether Occidental Petroleum can afford its dividend, and if the dividend could grow. View our latest analysis for Occidental Petroleum Dividends are typically paid out of company income, so if a company pays out more than it earned, its dividend is usually at a higher risk of being cut. Occidental Petroleum has a low and conservative payout ratio of just 6.0% of its income after tax. Yet cash flow is typically more important than profit for assessing dividend sustainability, so we should always check if the company generated enough cash to afford its dividend. It paid out 11% of its free cash flow as dividends last year, which is conservatively low. It's encouraging to see that the dividend is covered by both profit and cash flow. This generally suggests the dividend is sustainable, as long as earnings don't drop precipitously. Click here to see the company's payout ratio, plus analyst estimates of its future dividends. Have Earnings And Dividends Been Growing? Businesses with strong growth prospects usually make the best dividend payers, because it's easier to grow dividends when earnings per share are improving. If earnings fall far enough, the company could be forced to cut its dividend. That's why it's comforting to see Occidental Petroleum's earnings have been skyrocketing, up 42% per annum for the past five years. Occidental Petroleum earnings per share have been sprinting ahead like the Road Runner at a track and field day; scarcely stopping even for a cheeky "beep-beep". We also like that it is reinvesting most of its profits in its business.' Another key way to measure a company's dividend prospects is by measuring its historical rate of dividend growth. Occidental Petroleum has seen its dividend decline 10% per annum on average over the past 10 years, which is not great to see. Occidental Petroleum is a rare case where dividends have been decreasing at the same time as earnings per share have been improving. It's unusual to see, and could point to unstable conditions in the core business, or more rarely an intensified focus on reinvesting profits. The Bottom Line Has Occidental Petroleum got what it takes to maintain its dividend payments? Occidental Petroleum has grown its earnings per share while simultaneously reinvesting in the business. Unfortunately it's cut the dividend at least once in the past 10 years, but the conservative payout ratio makes the current dividend look sustainable. It's a promising combination that should mark this company worthy of closer attention. While it's tempting to invest in Occidental Petroleum for the dividends alone, you should always be mindful of the risks involved. For example, we've found 2 warning signs for Occidental Petroleum (1 is potentially serious!) that deserve your attention before investing in the shares. Generally, we wouldn't recommend just buying the first dividend stock you see. Here's a curated list of interesting stocks that are 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 Paris, June 3 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 3rd Jun, 2023 ) :World number four Elena Rybakina withdrew from the French Open on Saturday due to illness, handing an unexpected and significant title boost to defending champion Iga Swiatek as Casper Ruud ended Zhang Zhizhen's dream of making history for China. Rybakina had been due to face Sara Sorribes Tormo of Spain in the third round in the opening match on Court Philippe Chatrier. "I was not feeling good yesterday and the day before. I didn't sleep last night," said the 23-year-old Wimbledon champion. "I had a fever and a headache and it's difficult to breathe. I tried to play in the warm-up but I feel it's the right decision to withdraw." Rybakina had swept into the last 32 without dropping a set and had been seeded to face two-time champion Swiatek in the semi-finals. The Russian-born Kazakh was seen as a potential champion having arrived at Roland Garros with the prestigious Italian Open clay court title under her belt. "I guess with my allergy that my immune system just went down and I picked up something," said Rybakina. "The doctor said there's a virus in Paris." Rybakina said she will focus on recovery ahead of defending her title at Wimbledon which gets underway on July 3. Sorribes Tormo, ranked 132 in the world, will be playing in the second week of a Grand Slam for the first time. She will face either Ekaterina Alexandrova of Russia or Brazil's Beatriz Haddad Maia for a place in the quarter-finals. - 'Sloppy shots' - Later Saturday, world number one Swiatek takes on China's 80th-ranked Wang Xinyu for a place in the last 16 as she continues her bid to become the first back-to-back champion since Justine Henin in 2007. World number four Ruud, the runner-up to Rafael Nadal in 2022, dropped the first set before easing to a 4-6, 6-4, 6-1, 6-4 win over world number 71 Zhang. The 26-year-old Zhang was bidding to become the first Chinese man since 1936 to reach the fourth round in Paris. "It was very tough in the first set, he was hitting many winners and I couldn't find a hole in his game," said Ruud. "At 5-4 in the second set, he played some sloppy shots and that gave me the set, maybe the match," said Ruud who hit 36 winners and saved seven of 10 break points. Ruud, playing in the third round for a fifth successive year, will face either Nicolas Jarry of Chile or Marcos Giron for a place in the quarter-finals. Russian 16-year-old Mirra Andreeva, the breakout star of Roland Garros, faces 2022 runner-up and sixth-ranked Coco Gauff for a place in the fourth round. Andreeva came through qualifying and has made a mockery of her world ranking of 143 by dropping just six games in two rounds in the main draw. The France-based Russian is the youngest player to make the last 32 since 15-year-old Sesil Karatantcheva went to the 2005 quarter-finals. She is just the seventh player under the age of 17 to make the third round in 30 years, a group that includes the likes of serial Slam champions Serena Williams and Martina Hingis. "My dream? I know that Novak Djokovic did 22 Grand Slams so I want to go until 25," said Andreeva who played the junior tournament in Paris last year. Holger Rune, who reached the quarter-finals on his debut in 2022, takes on Argentina's Genaro Alberto Olivieri. The 231st-ranked Argentine has dedicated his run to the third round to his father who passed away during a pandemic. "He was my sidekick, the person who helped me in every way -- psychologically, emotionally," said the 24-year-old. "I always remember him. I hope he is now watching everything that is happening to me this week and that he has an even bigger smile than I do." Kronhe, a leading global manufacturer of industrial measurement and metering technology, has joined the net-zero focused Irena-powered Alliance for Industry Decarbonization as part of its efforts to drive industrial decarbonisation alongside its industry peers. Founded in 1921 at Duisburg, Germany, Kronhe has over the years grown into a global leader in manufacture and provision of process instrumentation, measurement solutions and services in many industries. The 102 year old family-owned German company has been making positive and consistent sustainable business decisions for the last few years and joining this alliance is a logical progression as the group can use its might in the supply chain and through R&D prowess to develop better ways to operate around the world and cut carbon emissions. "We are proud to be continuing our journey towards net zero by 2045 or sooner alongside a strong alliance of solid industry players, brought together by the influential global entity Irena," said Frank Janssens, the Vice President of Kronhe Middle East and Africa. "As part of the UAEs Year of Sustainability and with our focus very much on driving action in the build-up and aftermath of COP28, our efforts and actions in the alliance are sure to move us closer to carbon neutrality goals around the world. All of us are pulling in the same direction for a better tomorrow," he stated. "The continued participation of leading industries in groups like this can benefit business opportunities for green industrialization and highlight the importance of collaboration in developing strategies and sharing best practices to cut industry emissions," he added. According to Kronhe, about 25% of global GDP is produced by the industrial sector, which also emits around 28% of GHG emissions. Partnerships based on dialogue and actions are crucial for industrial stakeholders to best address the challenges and opportunities of a clean energy transition. A multi-stakeholder platform enabling such exchanges and collaboration can accelerate global climate action, it stated. Joining up alongside other industry leaders such as Siemens Energy, Taqa, Technip Energies, EDF Renewables, Tata Steel and Repsol ensures a strong guiding hand in taking positive action, it added.-TradeArabia News Service Here's why the upcoming OPEC meeting will be a 'pivotal' moment as tensions simmer between Russia and Saudi Arabia over global oil supply Saudi minister of energy, Abdulaziz bin Salman Al Saud Getty Images OPEC+ will meet on Sunday to discuss its outlook for oil production among member countries. The meeting comes as Russia continues to pump cheap crude oil into the global market. Tensions have risen as cheap Russian oil drives crude below a key break-even level for Saudi Arabia. The upcoming meeting of OPEC+ on Sunday could be a big moment for global oil production, with tensions in the cartel on the rise as Russia's steady flow of cheap crude helps keep prices down despite vows to cut production. Sources this week told Reuters that it is unlikely that the meeting will result in fresh cuts, despite crude prices remaining under pressure even after steep reductions in output in April. However, it's possible that Saudi Arabia brings a more assertive stance to the table this weekend in response to one key supply dynamic that's disrupting the cartel's plans to push prices higher. "The OPEC+ meeting on June 4 should be pivotal," investor Louis Nevallier wrote in a note on Friday. "[R]ussia has been pumping increasing volumes of cheap heavy crude oil onto world markets, which has been undermining Saudi Arabia's efforts to boost prices." Nevallier said that he expects a "very assertive" Saudi Arabia to show up to the meeting. Russia keeps flooding the market Russia pledged in April to cut output by 500,000 barrels a day, but since then, there's been little evidence that crude flows have ebbed, and certain customers are buying more Russian crude than ever. India, for instance, is gorging on cheap Russian oil at record rates, and Russia has crushed OPEC's market share in the country, even supplanting Saudi Arabia as India's top supplier. But Russian flows aren't just reordering the list of top suppliers. They're dragging prices below a key level needed for Saudi Arabia to fund big projects, and Riyadh is growing annoyed, according to a report in the Wall Street Journal this week. The report said the country's budget needs international oil prices to stay above $81 a barrel. Currently, Brent crude is hovering around $75.70 a barrel, and that's even after prices have gained in recent days as the US debt ceiling deal neared the finish line and US employment surprised to the upside in May. With prices under pressure, sources say it is possible that Saudi Arabia demands further cuts on Sunday. But Russia is unlikely to agree to that given its claim that it is already abiding by the voluntary move to slash output by 500,000 a day barrels earlier in the spring. It also badly needs the money, as energy exports are its biggest lifeline in funding its war on Ukraine. The June 4 meeting comes at the start of summer driving season for many countries, as well. In the US, gas prices rose about $0.03 per gallon over the Memorial Day weekend as Americans hit the road. After the previous round of OPEC cuts, analysts predicted that pain at the pump would be felt as the year went on with millions of barrels a day removed from the market. Any decision on supply this weekend could impact drivers for the rest of the year. In April, analysts said to brace for oil to spike to $100 a barrel on the last round of OPEC cuts. Read the original article on Business Insider WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 03rd June, 2023) US Treasury Under Secretary Jay Shambaugh had a constructive meeting with the newly-appointed Chinese Ambassador to the United States Xie Feng, the Treasury Department said in a press release. "Under Secretary of the Treasury Jay Shambaugh today met with the appointed Ambassador from the People's Republic of China Xie Feng," the release said on Friday. "The meeting was candid, constructive, and part of ongoing efforts to maintain open lines of communication and responsibly manage our bilateral relationship." Shambaugh also emphasized the importance of the US and Chinese economies closely communicating on global macroeconomic and financial issues and working together on global challenges, the release added. The U.N. Security Council called Friday for an immediate cease-fire in Sudan to be followed by a permanent halt to hostilities and fresh efforts to reach a lasting democratic political settlement in the conflict-wracked country. The U.N.'s most powerful body strongly condemned all attacks on civilians since fighting between rival generals vying for power broke out in mid-April. The conflict has led to hundreds of civilian deaths and the flight of almost 1 million people from their homes to try to escape the violence, according to the U.N. The press statement from the council was issued ahead of a vote later Friday to extend the U.N. political mission in the country for six months, instead of a year, to give the council time to consider its future. On Wednesday, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres asked to brief the council behind closed doors for only the fifth time since he took office in January 2017 about the impact of the ongoing conflict on the U.N. mission known as UNITAMS. It was established by the council on June 3, 2020, to provide support to Sudan during its political transition to democratic rule. After his briefing, the U.N. chief told the 15 council members it's up to them to decide whether to continue the political mission to Sudan or whether "it's time to end it." After the ouster of Sudanese strongman Omar al-Bashir in 2019, Sudan embarked on a shaky democratic transition led by civilian and army leaders. But the generals seized complete power in a coup in October 2021, before turning against each other. Sudanese leader General Abdel-Fattah Burhan and General Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, who heads the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), agreed to restore the transition but clashed over the terms of the RSF's merger into the army, a disagreement that exploded into open conflict on April 15. A week ago, Burhan demanded in a letter to Guterres that the U.N. special envoy to Sudan, Volker Perthes, be removed, saying his approach in pre-war talks between the generals helped inflame the conflict and accusing him of "being partisan." The U.N. chief was "shocked" by the letter. After Wednesday's meeting, Guterres said he reaffirmed to the council "my full confidence in Volker Perthes." In Friday's statement, the Security Council reaffirmed support for UNITAMS, which Perthes leads, and underlined the need "for strengthened international coordination and continued collaboration." Late Thursday, the United States and Saudi Arabia announced that they were suspending peace talks with representatives of the two generals that had been taking place in the Saudi city of Jeddah since late May. Sudan's military had suspended its participation in the talks Wednesday, citing "repeated violations" by RSF forces of a U.S.-Saudi brokered humanitarian cease-fire, including their continued occupation of hospitals and other civilian infrastructure in the capital, Khartoum. The RSF said it "unconditionally backs the Saudi-U.S. initiative." The U.S.-Saudi joint statement said the talks were being suspended "as a result of repeated serious violations of the short-term ceasefire and recent ceasefire extension" on Monday. Lebanon's Hezbollah has lashed out at a Lebanese judge for alleging members of the militant group were behind last year's killing of a U.N. peacekeeper, saying the powerful faction had absolutely no relation to the incident. The comments by Hezbollahs chief spokesperson Mohammed Afif came a day after Lebanons military tribunal charged five men with the killing of an Irish peacekeeper in Lebanon's south, a stronghold of the Iran-backed group. The indictment alleges all five men are linked to Hezbollah. The charges follow a half-year probe into an attack on a U.N. peacekeeping convoy near the town of Al-Aqbiya in December. The shooting resulted in the death of Pvt. Sean Rooney, 24, of Newtown Cunningham, Ireland, and seriously wounded Pvt. Shane Kearney, 22. The wounded peacekeeper was medically evacuated to Ireland. Two other Irish soldiers suffered minor injuries. We had nothing to do with the incident, Afif said. He added that the investigative judge at the military tribunal Fadi Sawwan is intentionally offending Hezbollah. Repeated calls by The Associated Press to Sawwan were not answered. A judicial official said Thursday that the indictment includes evidence from bystanders testimonies, as well as audio recordings and video footage from surveillance cameras. In some of the recordings of the confrontation, the gunmen reportedly could be heard telling the peacekeepers that they are from Hezbollah. One of the five indicted, Mohamad Ayyad, is currently in custody of Lebanese authorities. The four others facing charges - Ali Khalifeh, Ali Salman, Hussein Salman, and Mustafa Salman - are at large. Afif refused to say whether any of the charged men are Hezbollah members. He said Ayyad "was one of the residents who were there during the incident. The spokesperson added that Hezbollah helped after the incident in reducing tension through contacts between the army and the U.N. peacekeeping force in south Lebanon known as UNIFIL. He added that Hezbollah later coordinated between residents and the military judiciary to hand over Ayyad. The incident was not intentional and was not pre-meditated. Hezbollah had absolutely no relation to the incident, Afif said. On the fatal night, Rooney and several other Irish soldiers with UNIFIL were on their way from their southern base to the Beirut airport. Two U.N. vehicles reportedly took a wrong turn through Al-Aqbiya, which is not part of the area under the peacekeepers mandate. Initial reports said angry residents confronted the peacekeepers, but the indictment concludes that the shooting was a targeted attack. UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti said Thursday that the indictment was an important step towards justice. UNIFIL was created to oversee the withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon after Israels 1978 invasion. The U.N. expanded its mission following the 34-day 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah, allowing peacekeepers to deploy along the Israeli border to help the Lebanese military extend its authority into the countrys south for the first time in decades. Hezbollah supporters in Lebanon frequently accuse the U.N. mission of collusion with Israel, while Israel has accused the peacekeepers of turning a blind eye to Hezbollahs military activities in southern Lebanon. U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin encouraged China Saturday to keep the lines of communication open between the two powerful countries. Speaking in Singapore at the Shangri La Dialogue, Asias top security summit, Lloyd said, "I am deeply concerned that the PRC has been unwilling to engage more seriously on better mechanisms for crisis management between our two militaries." Austin said that ongoing communication between the two countries is essential to avoid miscalculations that could lead to conflict. We do not seek conflict or confrontation, Austin said in his address at the summit. But we will not flinch in the face of bullying or coercion, he added. Chinese Minister of National Defense Li Shangfu had refused Austins requests to meet this week at the summit. However, the two did shake hands on the summits sidelines Friday. The Pentagon said the two defense officials did not have a "substantive exchange. There are several issues that the U.S. and China do not agree on, including territorial disputes regarding the South China Sea and an alleged spy balloon that was shot down by a U.S. fighter plane after the balloon floated across the United States. Perhaps the most vexing is the issue of Taiwan, a self-governing island that China claims as its own and that it wants to bring under its rule. China has become increasingly aggressive with its moves against Taiwan, setting up a situation that could resemble Russias invasion of Ukraine. That similarity was not lost on Austin, who said Saturday, how dangerous our world would become if big countries could just invade their peaceful neighbors with impunity. He said the United States is determined to maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, and so are a number of countries around the world. Chinas defense minister delivers his address to the summit on Sunday. (Bloomberg) -- Imran Khan said Pakistans military establishment wanted to stop his opposition party from winning the next election, paving the way for a weak government as the country seeks to stave off a financial crisis. Most Read from Bloomberg Speaking in an interview with Bloomberg on Friday evening at his heavily guarded home in Lahore, Khan cited the government and militarys push to arrest his supporters as evidence its looking to crush his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf before a vote that must be held by mid-October. Authorities have said they want to hold accountable anyone who attacked military buildings following his brief time in detention in May. The former prime minister, who is now far ahead in popularity surveys despite losing power in a parliamentary confidence vote last year, denied his supporters and the PTI party were behind the attacks. He accused the government of using the incident as a pretext to carry out an unprecedented crackdown. Its all dependent on the establishment feeling that PTI will no longer be able to win the elections, Khan said. Once they are sure of that, then theyll announce elections. Representatives of the government and the military didnt respond to Bloombergs request for comment on Khans claims. Both have previously said that Khan and his supporters crossed the line with the attacks on state-owned property. Pakistans military is the nations most powerful institution, holding an outsized role in foreign and security policies while ruling directly for much of the countrys modern history. Most prime ministers have depended on the institutions support to stay in power, including Khan, but his ties worsened after he attempted to influence army appointments. In recent months, Khan has stepped up his anti-army rhetoric, breaking a long-established taboo preventing politicians from criticizing the army. He also accused the military of being part of a plan to remove him from power and identified a senior officer of plotting to assassinate him, allegations the generals have persistently denied. In the interview, Khan said it would be hard for any party to win a strong mandate, leading to a fractured government to grapple with a dire financial situation that has forced his successor, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, to seek help from the International Monetary Fund and bilateral donors. The opposition leader blamed the current crisis on mismanagement by Sharifs government. Other parties are now seeking to win over his supporters, he said, including former ally Muttahida Quami Movement a party that has strong support in the financial center of Karachi and a new potential group of former PTI politicians. Its not what Pakistan needs, Khan said. When you have a huge crisis, you look back in history, only very strong governments have dealt with crises. The political chaos has unfolded as Pakistan endures the worst economic crisis in its history. Consumer prices rose to an all-time high this week, growth estimates were slashed, and the prospect of a default has risen. Khan said he has no doubt that a new IMF program is needed. Should he come back to power, Khan wants to lure investment from the Pakistani diaspora a key source of funding and support for him. He also said he wants to rectify loss-making companies and help small exporters to grow. Khan said public support for him and his party was growing even as many key politicians were exiting. The government is just a puppet government, said Khan, who has been barred from leaving the country. A government which is now latching onto the military establishment because they know that if there are elections, theyll be wiped out. (Adds Khan comment on Sharif government in eighth paragraph.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived Saturday at the site of the massive train derailment that claimed the lives of nearly 300 people and injured close to 900. Officials said Saturday that no more survivors have been found. Modi spent about half an hour at the site, surveying the relief efforts and talking to rescue workers. He later went to a hospital where some of the injured are being cared for, speaking to some of them and their doctors. He told reporters the government would do everything it could to help the survivors and punish those found responsible. A report in The Times of India said one of the trains involved in the derailment entered the wrong track just moments before it left the rails. By 10 p.m. (on Friday) we were able to rescue the survivors. After that it was about picking up dead bodies, Sudhanshu Sarangi, director of Odisha state's fire and emergency department, told The Associated Press. This is very, very tragic. I have never seen anything like this in my career. The accident happened Friday night about 220 kilometers south of Kolkata. India has declared Saturday a national day of mourning out of respect to the victims. Emergency workers had to climb on overturned train cars to rescue some victims, while other rescuers cut through the trains cars to provide emergency services. Anubha Das, a passenger on one of the trains, told Reuters he would never be able to forget what he saw. "Families crushed away, limbless bodies and a bloodbath on the tracks," he said. The Times of India reported that eyewitnesses said that the impact of the trains was so great that scores of people were thrown out of the train through the broken doors and windows. Authorities say at least three multicar trains were involved in the derailment. All told, about 15 train cars derailed. People who lived near the scene of the wreck rushed to the site to help in rescue efforts. Likewise, reports say that many people have also gone to the hospital to donate blood. The rescue work was almost done, Amitabh Sharma, a Railroad Ministry spokesperson, said Saturday. Workers will start removing the wreckage and repair the tracks soon, he said. Train crashes are a frequent occurrence in India due to the railways aging infrastructure. More than 12 million people ride thousands of trains across the country every day. The train derailment canceled the inaugural run of a high-speed train between Mumbai and Goa, which Modi was to attend. Some information for this report was provided by The Associated Press. As the 34th anniversary of China's Tiananmen Square crackdown approaches Sunday, many in Hong Kong are trying to mark the day in private ways in the shadow of a law that prosecuted leading activists in the city's pro-democracy movement. For decades, Hong Kong was the only place in China where people held large-scale commemorations about the 1989 crackdown on pro-democracy protesters in which tanks rolled into the heart of Beijing and hundreds, and possibly thousands, of people were killed. People gathered in Hong Kong's Victoria Park annually to mark the June 4 anniversary with a candlelight vigil. In 2020, thousands defied a police ban to hold the event. This Sunday, Victoria Park will be occupied instead by a carnival organized by pro-Beijing groups to celebrate Hong Kong's handover to Chinese rule in 1997. Organizers say it will feature a bazaar with food from across China. As the government arrested activists, publishers and opposition politicians under the sweeping 2020 National Security Law, public shows of opposition have mostly vanished. As authorities erase reminders of the massacre, some Hong Kongers are fighting to keep memories alive by distributing LED candles, writing about the crackdown, or buying books about it. In previous years, Richard Tsoi, a former vigil organizer, would have been having a busy week, preparing for the event and coordinating with police. This year, the 55-year old says he has not decided what he'll do on Sunday. "Over some 30 years, we carried on our work in a struggle of memory against forgetting," said Tsoi, who wore a black T-shirt with the slogan "The people will never forget." "Now, maybe we will have to think about how to keep this message from being drowned out in Hong Kong." Asked whether it is legal to mourn the crackdown in public as an individual, Hong Kong leader John Lee said that if anyone breaks the law, "of course the police will have to take action." The group that formerly organized the Victoria Park vigil disbanded in 2021, after police informed it that it was under investigation for working on behalf of foreign groups, an accusation the group denied, and three of its leaders were charged with subversion. The Tiananmen crackdown left a deep mark on a generation of liberal-minded Chinese people. Tsoi, who was in college during the 1989 democracy movement, said the protests gave him hope for the future of China. When he heard sounds of gunshots on TV, he said, it was saddening and infuriating. "After the crackdown, I wondered what we could still do in Hong Kong," he said. "I could only vow to myself: devote my whole life to China's democracy." Since the enactment of the National Security Law, Tiananmen-related statues have been removed from universities and books about the event have been pulled off public library shelves. Newspaper columnist Johnny Lau, who covered the 1989 crackdown in person as a reporter, wrote that June 4 has become so taboo that it's forcing people to think about it more. Some businesses, he wrote, celebrated a newspaper's 64th birthday by buying ads wishing it a smooth ride to its 65th, a move that avoids printing the sensitive figures 6 and 4 as in June 4 together. As the books were pulled, a public servant called Yau felt she had to buy a new book called "May 35th" whose title is a roundabout way to refer to June 4. She plans to spend Sunday reading a book or watching a documentary about the crackdown, and think deeply about the history, said the woman in her 20s, who asked to be identified only by her surname due to fear of government retribution. She says she plans to remember both Tiananman, and a Hong Kong in which Tiananmen could be freely commemorated. A few small businesses are also participating. Derek Chu, owner of group purchase platform AsOne, said he plans to give away LED candles at his shop Sunday, despite a recent meeting with national security authorities. He was forbidden to give details of the meeting, he said. Chu said no law banned commemorating the crackdown, and people have a responsibility to remember those who sacrificed for democracy and freedom. But he said it's still a risky move. Another small business wrote on Facebook that officers from multiple government departments came to inspect the shop after it announced it would distribute LED candles last week. Last Saturday, Chan Kim-kam put a box of LED candles at the stall where she sells dry goods like incense and stationary. She said they were a reminder of the crackdown, and a way for people who believe in democracy, freedom and humanity "see each other." However, Chan said she had to remove the candles Thursday because of "a decision she was unwilling to make." She said she could not say more. Overseas, members of the Hong Kong diaspora are still planning events. At least some 20 commemoration events are planned in major democracies for Sunday, including the U.K, where 113,500 Hong Kongers emigrated using a special visa that allows them to live and work in the country and apply for British citizenship after six years. Lit Ming-wai, a former leader of the now-disbanded art group behind "May 35th," which was originally a play, moved to the U.K. in 2021. She's organized screenings of the play overseas, and last month published the book in Taiwan. A Taiwanese drama group is also staging the play from Friday to Sunday. While it appears the play can no longer be performed in Hong Kong, she said, keeping it alive elsewhere is a form of resistance against forgetfulness and China's authoritarian rule. "Buy a book, listen to a song, light a lamp or wear a shirt," she said. "It's not meaningless, because you will realize you are not that lonely when you do it." Pretty Peter flipped through frantic messages from friends at home in Uganda. The transgender woman is relatively safe in neighboring Kenya. Her friends feel threatened by the latest anti-gay legislation in Uganda prescribing the death penalty for "aggravated homosexuality." Frightened Ugandans are searching for a way to get out like Pretty Peter did. Some have stayed indoors since the law was signed Monday, fearing that they'll be targeted, she said. "Right now, homophobes have received a validation from the government to attack people," the 26-year-old said, standing in a room decorated with somber portraits from a global project called "Where Love is Illegal." "My friends have already seen a change of attitude among their neighbors and are working on obtaining papers and transport money to seek refuge in Kenya," she said. That's challenging: One message to Pretty Peter read, "Me and the girls we want to come but things a(re) too hard." Another said that just one person had transport, and some didn't have passports. New anti-gay law Homosexuality has long been illegal in Uganda under a colonial-era law criminalizing sexual activity "against the order of nature." The punishment for that offense is life imprisonment. Pretty Peter, who wished to be identified by her chosen name out of concern for her safety, fled the country in 2019 after police arrested 150 people at a gay club and paraded them in front of the media before charging them with public nuisance. The new law signed by President Yoweri Museveni has been widely condemned by rights activists and others abroad. The version signed did not criminalize those who identify as LGBT+, following an outcry over an earlier draft. Museveni had returned the bill to the national assembly in April asking for changes that would differentiate between identifying as LGBTQ+ and engaging in homosexual acts. Still, the new law prescribes the death penalty for "aggravated homosexuality," which is defined as cases of sexual relations involving people infected with HIV, as well as with minors and other categories of vulnerable people. A suspect convicted of "attempted aggravated homosexuality" can be imprisoned for up to 14 years. And there's a 20-year prison term for a suspect convicted of "promoting" homosexuality, a broad category affecting everyone from journalists to rights activists and campaigners. After the law's signing, U.S. President Joe Biden called the new law "a tragic violation of universal human rights." The United Nations human rights office said it was "appalled." A joint statement by the leaders of the U.N. AIDS program, the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief and the Global Fund said Uganda's progress on its HIV response "is now in grave jeopardy," as the law can obstruct health education and outreach. Legal challenges While a legal challenge to the new law is mounted by activists and academics seeking to stop its enforcement, LGBTQ+ people in Uganda have been chilled by the growing anti-gay sentiment there. The new law is the result of years of efforts by lawmakers, church leaders and others. Scores of university students marched Wednesday to the parliamentary chambers in the capital, Kampala, to thank lawmakers for enacting the bill, underscoring the fervency of the bill's supporters. The new bill was introduced in the national assembly in February, days after the Church of England announced its decision to bless civil marriages of same-sex couples, outraging religious leaders in many African countries. Homosexuality is criminalized in more than 30 of Africa's 54 countries. The top Anglican cleric in Uganda, Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba, has publicly said he no longer recognizes the authority of the Archbishop of Canterbury as spiritual leader of the Anglican communion. In a statement issued after the bill was signed, Kaziimba spoke of "the diligent work" of lawmakers and the president in enacting the law. However, he added that life imprisonment is preferable to death for the most serious homosexual offenses. Warning signs There were signs a new anti-gay bill was coming in late 2022. There had been widespread concern over reports of alleged sodomy in boarding schools. One mother at a prominent school accused a male teacher of sexually abusing her son. Even some signs of solidarity or support with LGBTQ+ people have been seen as a threat. In January, a tower in a children's park in the city of Entebbe that had been painted in rainbow colors had to be reworked after residents said they were offended by what they saw as an LBTGQ+ connection. Mayor Fabrice Rulinda agreed, saying in a statement that authorities "need to curb any vices that would corrupt the minds of our children." In Kenya, Pretty Peter has watched the events closely. "Ugandans have in recent days been fed with a lot of negativities towards the LGBT, and the government is trying to flex its muscles," she said of the administration of the 78-year-old Museveni, who has held office since 1986 as one of Africa's longest-serving leaders. Pretty Peter said Kenya, a relative haven in the region despite its criminalization of same-sex relationships, is not as safe as she and fellow LGBTQ+ exiles would like it to be. Still, Kenya hosts an estimated 1,000 LGBTQ+ refugees and is the only country in the region offering asylum based on sexual orientation, according to the United Nations refugee agency. China and Russia on Friday ignored a U.S. call for the U.N. Security Council to unite in condemning North Korea for its attempted satellite launch this week and instead blamed Washington for raising tensions on the Korean peninsula. Robert Wood, a diplomat from Washington's U.N. mission, made the call at a U.N. Security Council meeting organized by the United States and allies to discuss Wednesday's failed launch, which the U.S. said violated multiple U.N. resolutions because it used ballistic missile technology. "We call on all council members to uphold the credibility of the council, join us in condemning this unlawful behavior and urge the DPRK to not follow through on its stated plan to conduct another launch that will further pose a threat to international peace and security," Wood said. DPRK are the initials of North Korea's official name. Following the launch, North Korea's Kim Yo Jong, the sister of leader Kim Jong Un, said her country would soon put a military spy satellite into orbit and vowed that Pyongyang would increase its military surveillance capabilities. Chinese deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, Geng Shuang, told the U.N. meeting North Korea had "legitimate security concerns" and said the Security Council should promote de-escalation and not point the finger at one party. Geng, along with Russia's deputy permanent U.N. representative, Anna Evstigneeva, criticized the United States for raising tensions with joint military exercises with South Korea. After Geng spoke, Wood took the floor again to note that "the representative the Chinese delegation did not at any point condemn this DPRK space launch." Geng responded to this by saying there was a need for real dialogue that took North Korea's concerns into account. "The U.S. has been saying that door of diplomacy is open, but at the same time, they have been consistently doing military activities in the peninsula and surrounding areas," he said. Lana Nusseibeh, ambassador of current Security Council Chair the United Arab Emirates, noted that North Korea had given some advance warning of the launch, but added that "such warnings neither legitimize, nor minimize, the illegality of the DPRK's launch." U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said this week that any launch by Pyongyang using ballistic missile technology breaches Security Council resolutions. Kim Yo Jong called criticisms of the launch a "self-contradiction" as the U.S. and other countries have already launched "thousands of satellites." The number of people killed in days of clashes between Senegalese police and supporters of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko has now risen to 15, including two security officers, the government said Saturday. Clashes continued in pockets of the city Friday evening with demonstrators throwing rocks, burning cars and damaging supermarkets as police fired tear gas and the government deployed the military in tanks. Sonko was convicted Thursday of corrupting youth but acquitted on charges of raping a woman who worked at a massage parlor and making death threats against her. Sonko, who didn't attend his trial in Dakar, was sentenced to two years in prison. His lawyer said a warrant hadn't been issued yet for his arrest. Sonko came in third in Senegal's 2019 presidential election and is popular with the country's youth. His supporters maintain his legal troubles are part of a government effort to derail his candidacy in the 2024 presidential election. Sonko is considered President Macky Sall's main competition and has urged Sall to state publicly that he won't seek a third term in office. The international community has called on Senegal's government to resolve the tensions. France's ministry for Europe and foreign affairs said it was "extremely concerned by the violence" and called for a resolution to this crisis, in keeping with Senegal's long democratic tradition. Rights groups have condemned the government crackdown, which has included arbitrary arrests and restrictions on social media. Some social media sites used by demonstrators to incite violence, such as Facebook, WhatsApp and Twitter have been suspended for nearly two days. Senegalese are blaming the government for the violence and the loss of lives. One woman, Seynabou Diop, told The Associated Press on Saturday that her 21-year-old son, Khadim, was killed in the protests by a bullet to the chest. "I feel deep pain. What's happening is hard. Our children are dying. I never thought I'd have to go through this," she said. This was the first time her son, a disciplined and kind mechanic, had joined in the protests, rushing out of the house as soon as he heard Sonko was convicted, she said. "I think Macky Sall is responsible. If he'd talked to the Senegalese people, especially young people, maybe we wouldn't have all these problems," Diop said. The Associated Press cannot verify the cause of death. The family said an autopsy was underway. Corrupting young people, which includes using one's position of power to have sex with people younger than 21, is a criminal offense in Senegal, punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $6,000. Under Senegalese law, Sonko's conviction would bar him from running in next year's election, said Bamba Cisse, another defense lawyer. However, the government said that Sonko could ask for a retrial once he was imprisoned. It was unclear when he would be taken into custody. If violence continues, it could threaten the country's institutions, analysts say. "Never in their worst forms of nightmare (would) Senegalese have thought of witnessing the prevailing forms of apocalyptic and irrational violence," said Alioune Tine, founder of Afrikajom Center, a West African think tank. "The most shared feeling about the current situation is fear, stress, exhaustion and helplessness. Thus what the people are now seeking for is peace," he said. The West African country has been seen as a bastion of democratic stability in the region. Sonko hasn't been heard from or seen since the verdict. In a statement Friday, his PASTEF-Patriots party called on Senegalese to "amplify and intensify the constitutional resistance" until President Sall leaves office. Government spokesman Abdou Karim Fofana said the damage caused by months of demonstrations had cost the country millions of dollars. He argued the protesters themselves posed a threat to democracy. "These calls (to protest), it's a bit like the anti-republican nature of all these movements that hide behind social networks and don't believe in the foundations of democracy, which are elections, freedom of expression, but also the resources that our (legal) system offers," Fofana said. Three Europeans returned home Saturday a day after being released by Iran in a prisoner swap, and Tehran said there was no reason for Europeans to be arrested if they were not "exploited" by foreign security services. The three men - two with dual Austrian-Iranian nationality and one Dane - were released Friday by Iran in return for Iranian diplomat Asadollah Assadi as part of a swap in which Iran freed Belgian aid worker Olivier Vandecasteele last week, a Belgian government spokesperson said. Assadi was convicted in Belgium in 2021 in connection with a foiled bomb plot in France and sentenced to 20 years in prison. Iran said the charges against him were fabricated. After a stop in Oman and medical tests, the three Europeans were flown to Melsbroek military airport in Belgium, which had helped secure their release. They arrived around 2:45 a.m. (0045 GMT) and were greeted by Belgian Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib, Belgium's Belga news agency reported. Danish citizen Thomas Kjems flew on to Copenhagen, landing at around 11 a.m. (0900 GMT) Saturday. "It's been up and down. I haven't really believed that this was real, but it has happened - I'm in Denmark and logic is back," he told reporters. "There has been no physical torture or anything," he said about his time spent in an Iranian prison. "I've been given my food and drink etcetera, but when your freedom is taken away from you, that's what you think about," he added. Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg tweeted photos of the two Austrians arriving in Vienna. Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian tweeted Saturday that he had told Lahbib that he hoped the prisoners' release would "open a new page" in Iran's relations with Belgium and Europe. "If some European citizens are not exploited by foreign security services, there is no reason to detain them," Amir Abdollahian said. Many Western countries have advised their nationals not to travel to Iran, citing issues including the risk of arbitrary arrests. Spy charges Austria's Foreign Ministry said its citizens, Massud Mosaheb and Kamran Ghaderi, had been released after 1,586 and 2,709 days respectively. In a statement Friday, the Belgian government said the two dual nationals were "wrongfully arrested in ... January 2016 and January 2019," while the Dane was arrested in Iran in November 2022 in connection with women's rights demonstrations. Mosaheb is the co-chairman of the Iranian-Austrian Friendship Society and had been sentenced to 10 years in prison for espionage, while Ghaderi is a businessman who was also sentenced to 10 years for espionage. On Friday, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen declined to give more information about the Danish citizen but said in a statement that he was "both happy and relieved that a Danish citizen is now on the way home to their family after having been jailed in Iran." Kazem Gharibabadi, Iran's top human rights official, said the three men were released on humanitarian grounds, Iranian state media reported. Oman also helped in getting the prisoners freed. The Gulf Arab country has good relations with both Iran and Western countries and has acted before as a mediator. Belgian government officials said that officially there were still 22 Europeans in Iranian prisons, but that no more Europeans would be exchanged for Assadi. They also said that Belgium was continuing to work for the release of Ahmadreza Djalali, a Swedish-Iranian national who guest-lectured at the university of Brussels and who was arrested in 2016 while on an academic visit to Iran. Iran has arrested dozens of foreigners and dual nationals in recent years, mostly on espionage and security-related accusations. Rights groups have criticized the arrests as a tactic to win concessions from abroad by inventing charges, an accusation Tehran denies. Shelling rocked greater Khartoum on Friday as fighting between Sudan's warring generals intensified, despite U.S. sanctions imposed after the collapse of a U.S.- and Saudi-brokered truce. Witnesses reported "artillery fire" in eastern Khartoum and around the state television building in the capital's sister city Omdurman, just across the Nile. For nearly seven weeks, fighting between the regular army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has gripped Khartoum and the western region of Darfur, despite repeated efforts to broker a humanitarian cease-fire. The army announced it had brought in reinforcements from other parts of Sudan to participate in "operations in the Khartoum area." Sudan analyst Kholood Khair said the army was "expected to launch a massive offensive" to clear the paramilitaries from the city's streets. Washington slapped sanctions on the warring parties Thursday, holding them both responsible for provoking "appalling" bloodshed. The U.S. Treasury placed two major arms companies of the Sudanese Armed Forces, Defense Industries System and Sudan Master Technology, on its blacklist. It also placed sanctions on gold mining firm Al Junaid Multi Activities Co and arms trader Tradive General Trading, two companies controlled by RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Daglo and his family. The State Department meanwhile imposed visa restrictions on both army and RSF officials, saying they were complicit in "undermining Sudan's democratic transition." It did not name them. Washington announced Friday that Secretary of State Antony Blinken will next week travel to Saudi Arabia where he will discuss "strategic cooperation on regional and global issues." His trip follows efforts by both countries to broker a durable cease-fire in Sudan. Shot while fleeing Analysts question the efficacy of sanctions on Sudan's rival generals, both of whom amassed considerable wealth during the rule of longtime dictator Omar al-Bashir, whose government was subjected to decades of international sanctions before his overthrow in 2019. So far neither side has gained a decisive advantage. The regular army, led by Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, has air power and heavy weaponry, but analysts say the paramilitaries are more mobile and better suited to urban warfare. After the army announced it was quitting the cease-fire talks on Wednesday, troops attacked key RSF bases in Khartoum. One army bombardment hit a Khartoum market, killing 18 civilians and wounding 106, a committee of human rights lawyers said. The army will want to make "some military gains before committing to any future talks in order to improve their bargaining position", said Khair, founder of Khartoum-based think tank Confluence Advisory. On Friday, the army said it was "surprised" by the U.S. and Saudi decision to "suspend the talks" without responding to an army proposal. After its own representatives decided to "suspend the negotiations," they had "remained in Jeddah with the hopes that the mediators will take a fair and more effective position that will guarantee commitment" to the cease-fire, an army statement said. Since fighting erupted on April 15, more than 1,800 people have been killed, according to the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project. The U.N. says 1.2 million people have been displaced within Sudan and more than 425,000 have fled abroad. Conditions are especially dire in Darfur, where those fleeing the violence told Doctors Without Borders (MSF) of "armed men shooting at people trying to flee, villages being looted and the wounded dying" without access to medical care, the aid group said Friday. U.N. mission renewed Later Friday, the U.N. Security Council extended for just six months the global body's political mission in Sudan, after Burhan accused its envoy, Volker Perthes, of stoking conflict. The mission was previously renewed for one-year durations, its newly shortened time frame underscoring the country's delicate situation. When the fighting began, Perthes had been focused on finalizing a deal to restore Sudan's transition to civilian rule, which was derailed by a 2021 coup by Burhan and Daglo. Growing differences between them were supposed to be ironed out in U.N.-backed talks on the day they turned Khartoum into a war zone. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres repeated his "full confidence" in Perthes. Several other Council members also voiced support for the envoy. "There needs to be regional and continental leadership to resolve this" conflict, the Norwegian Refugee Council's William Carter said. Current council president the United Arab Emirates and its three African members Gabon, Ghana and Mozambique "have exceptional leverage on whichever direction the Council takes on this issue," he wrote on Twitter. The 15 council members also resolved to "condemn the attacks against the civilian population," U.N. personnel and humanitarian actors, as well as the looting of humanitarian supplies. Some 25 million people more than half Sudan's population are now in need of aid and protection, according to the U.N. Aid corridors that had been promised as part of the abortive humanitarian truce never materialized, and relief agencies say they have managed to deliver only a fraction of the needs. Humanitarian agencies have repeatedly warned of the rainy season set to start this month, when the already difficult conditions "will worsen and rivers will flood, complicating movement and supplies," said MSF's emergency coordinator Christophe Garnier. A son of Libyas late leader Moammar Gadhafi, who has been held in Lebanon for more than seven years, began a hunger strike Saturday to protest his detention without trial, his lawyer said. Hannibal Gadhafi has been held in Lebanon since 2015 after he was kidnapped from neighboring Syria where he had been living as a political refugee. He was abducted by Lebanese militants demanding information about the fate of a Shiite cleric who went missing in Libya 45 years ago. Gadhafi was later taken by Lebanese authorities and has been held in a Beirut jail without trial. Attorney Paul Romanos told The Associated Press that his client started the hunger strike Saturday morning and he is serious and will continue with it until the end. Romanos did not go into details of the case as he was not authorized to speak about it to the media. Gadhafi issued a statement describing his conditions. How can a political prisoner be held without a fair trial all these years? Gadhafi, who is married to a Lebanese woman, wrote in his statement. The Libyan citizen added that now that he is on hunger strike, those who are treating me unjustly will be responsible for the results. He added that the time has come to liberate the law from the hands of politicians. Romanos said his client suffers from back pain due to being held in a small cell for years without being able to move or exercise. The disappearance of prominent Lebanese Shiite cleric Moussa al-Sadr in 1978 has been a long-standing sore point in Lebanon. The clerics family believes he may still be alive in a Libyan prison, though most Lebanese presume al-Sadr is dead. He would be 94 years old. Al-Sadr was the founder of a Shiite political and military group that took part in the lengthy Lebanese civil war that began in 1975, largely pitting Muslims against Christians. Born in the Iranian holy city of Qom, al-Sadr came to Lebanon in 1959 to work for the rights of Shiites in the southern port town of Tyre. In 1974, a year before Lebanons 15-year civil war broke out, al-Sadr founded the Movement of the Deprived, attracting thousands of followers. The following year, he established the military wing Amal Arabic for hope and an acronym for the militias Arabic name, the Lebanese Resistance Brigades which later fought in Lebanons civil war. The group is headed by Lebanons powerful Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri. Since al-Sadrs disappearance, Libya has maintained that the cleric and his two traveling companions left Tripoli in 1978 on a flight to Rome and suggested he was a victim of a power struggle among Shiites. Most of al-Sadrs followers are convinced that Moammar Gadhafi ordered al-Sadr killed in a dispute over Libyan payments to Lebanese militias. The Libyan leader was killed by opposition fighters in 2011, ending his four-decade rule of the north African country. Even after his death, al-Sadrs fate is still unknown. Hannibal Gadhafi was born two years before al-Sadr disappeared. He fled to Algeria after Tripoli fell, along with his mother and several other relatives. He later ended up in Syria where he was given political asylum before being kidnapped and brought to Lebanon. Some Hong Kong shopkeepers are quietly commemorating the 34th anniversary of the Tiananmen crackdown despite the specter of a China-imposed national security law and pressure to stay silent on the episode that is censored in mainland China. Hong Kong used to play a leading global role in commemorating the 1989 crackdown by Chinese troops in and around Beijing's Tiananmen Square, in what was long seen as a symbol of the city's relative openness compared with mainland China. However, since Hong Kong's own major pro-democracy movement in 2019, China imposed a national security law in the city and the latitude to commemorate June 4 has shrunk. Beijing says the law was necessary to restore stability after the demonstrations. No public Tiananmen vigils have been held since 2020, while several sculptures on university campuses have been removed, and books on the events taken out of public libraries. The alliance that once organized the vigil has been disbanded following the arrests of several of their leaders in 2021. This year, no local groups have applied to hold a public June 4 event, and at least four activists contacted by Reuters said they had been questioned by police about their plans. Police said they "will make appropriate operational deployment in accordance with the threat to public safety, public order and national security." Hong Kong's top security official, when asked about the matter, warned people Monday not to violate national security laws on "special occasions." Some like Debby Chan, however, the owner of a grocery, said she would continue to give away "June 4" candles to her customers despite a visit to her shop by police officers over the past week. "The commemoration of June 4th cannot be broken. It's a symbol of Hong Kong's civil society," Chan told Reuters. Sum Wan-wah, the owner of a small, independent bookshop, said he still sells books such as 35th of May by Hong Kong playwright Candace Chong, on an elderly couple contending with the killing of their son in the square. "A lot of the books related to June 4 are no longer being published or are out of stock," said Sum, who set up a display of Tiananmen-related books and old newspaper clippings in a corner of his Have a Nice Stay bookshop. "All this makes us try to spend time to preserve books that have disappeared from the public domain." Another bookshop owner, Leticia Wong, who also displays Tiananmen-related books and sells copies of Chong's play, said she had been visited many times by government departments over the past week. "No one said the books we sell are illegal, so I assume they're legal," said Wong, who runs the Hunter Bookstore. The Fire Services Department said late Friday night that "suspected unauthorized building works were noted inside the subject bookstore and the case was referred to the relevant department for follow-up action." Derek Chu, who runs the AsOne online retail business, said he tried to organize a film screening on June 4 at a local cinema, but it was canceled by the cinema. Chu pledged to hand out candles instead. "I won't give in to fear," he told Reuters. Richard Tsoi was attending a university studying mathematics in Hong Kong when pro-democracy protests erupted in Beijings Tiananmen Square in 1989. A student leader at the time, Tsoi organized rallies in the then-British colony - destined to return to Chinese sovereignty in 1997 - to support protesters in neighboring mainland China. We wanted Hong Kong to be democratic and of course we wanted to support the students in the mainland, but none of us couldve guessed that on June 3 and 4, tanks would go into the city and open fire on the people. It was shocking, Tsoi said, recalling that he and other students couldnt sleep the night of June 3rd as they watched live coverage of the bloody crackdown on local TV. I felt very sad and angry we couldnt accept the government opening fire on unarmed civilians and students. After experiencing that night, I felt that I wanted to do what I could to promote Chinas democracy, Tsoi said. Little did he know then that he would later become vice chairman of a Hong Kong pro-democracy alliance that, for the past 34 years, has organized an annual candlelight vigil - the only public commemoration allowed in China and the largest in the world, to remember victims of the crackdown, which killed hundreds and possibly 2,000 people, according to estimates. On the eve of the 34th anniversary, it has become a sad reality to Tsoi and other activists that the vigil, which had attracted tens of thousands of people to Hong Kongs Victoria Park each year, may not be held anymore. At this time, not only is Hong Kong no longer capable of supporting the Chinese democracy movement, theyre also no longer capable of commemorating it. The key organizers of the Victoria Park vigils are all in prison. Theyre under systematic attack, said Wuer Kaixi, a former student leader in the Tiananmen protests. Hong Kong has lost its freedom. Hong Kong has fallen. The last major vigil was held in 2019. That year, Hong Kong saw widespread and sometimes violent protests against a later-rescinded extradition bill that wouldve sent suspects to the mainland for trial. In response, Beijing passed a national security law the following year, outlawing secession, subversion, collusion with foreign forces and terrorism. Analyst Tso Chen-dong said Beijing tolerated the annual vigil for years, but the 2019 protests changed everything. The 2019 protests are an unfortunate incident. It led to the breakdown in the Chinese Communist Partys (CCP) trust in Hong Kong, so its stepping up direct control of Hong Kong, said Tso, a political science professor at National Taiwan University. Its not just about this activity anymore, to the CCP it needs to tighten control and prevent a political strength seen as hostile to the CCP from growing in Hong Kong. In 2020-2021, the government banned the vigils, citing COVID-19 restrictions. Thousands of people defied the ban and 26 were arrested. In 2021, police sealed off the park. That same year, organizers of the vigil, the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China, disbanded after it was investigated for working on behalf of foreign groups an accusation it denied. Three of its leaders are in jail facing trial on charges of inciting subversion. Last year, no one applied to hold the vigil while social distancing restrictions were still in place. This year is the first since Hong Kong has fully reopened from COVID-19 lockdowns, but again no group has applied a reflection of a much-changed political environment. Since the security law was passed, around 250 activists, opposition politicians, hardcore protesters, newspaper publishers and journalists, have been arrested, with 150 charged and 100 convicted, according to the website ChinaFile. A new museum dedicated to teaching people about the crackdown was forced to close two years ago, after a national security investigation. Books with sensitive content, including about the Tiananmen crackdown, have been pulled from public library shelves. Statues commemorating the Tiananmen movement have been removed from universities. Instead of the vigil, the parks open space will be taken up Sunday, June 4, by pro-Beijing groups, which will hold a carnival showcasing food from different parts of China, media reports said. According to the South China Morning Post, Hong Kongs police are planning to deploy as many as 5,000 officers to guard against potential trouble and unauthorized gatherings this weekend. It cited sources saying security would be ramped up around Victoria Park, with officers setting up roadblocks and conducting stop-and-search checks. The government has threatened to take "resolute action" against people who use the special occasion to endanger national security, but has not explicitly said whether mourning the crackdown was illegal. Freedom of assembly and speech are technically still allowed under Hong Kongs Basic Law, but those rights are widely seen as disappearing. At least eight people were apprehended by the police as they sought to commemorate the 1989 Tiananmen crackdown in Causeway Bay on Saturday, according to local media. They reported police confirmed four arrests for alleged sedition and public disorder. Those taken away included two activists who put red tape over their mouth to signify attempts to silence dissent. One of them was seen wearing a t-shirt that was printed with a candle and the Chinese word for truth. Two performance artists were also detained, according to reports. One of them repeatedly shouted dont forget June 4 and Hongkongers dont be afraid as he was escorted to a police car, the Hong Kong Free Press cited footage showing. Despite planned commemorations elsewhere, including in Taiwan and New York, where the shutdown museum reopened this week, Wuer Kaixi said Hong Kongs annual vigils held significance not just because of their size, but because the fate of the people of Hong Kong is tied to that of the mainland. Being a survivor of June 4th, Im extremely grateful to Hong Kong for giving a new significance to the June 4th massacre. The commemorations can take place in other places and have always been taking place in other places, (but) no one can replace Hong Kong, he said. Tsoi, who served eight months in prison after defying the governments ban and holding the vigil in 2020, remains hopeful. Hong Kong definitely has changed. The situation now doesnt make people happy of course, but I dont think its hopeless, Tsoi said. We have to be practical and continue going forward. The method cant be like before, but I believe well find a way. Some shopkeepers are giving out free LED candles while independent bookstores are making books on Tiananmen available. Tsoi said he hasnt decided what he will do. Looking back, I feel proud weve managed to organize the vigil for 30 years, I hope everyone can carry on the legacy, Tsoi said. As to how much space we have to do so, it takes Hong Kong people to continue to test to see. By buying an index fund, investors can approximate the average market return. But many of us dare to dream of bigger returns, and build a portfolio ourselves. For example, the Finsbury Food Group Plc (LON:FIF) share price is up 45% in the last three years, clearly besting the market return of around 5.6% (not including dividends). However, more recent returns haven't been as impressive as that, with the stock returning just 30% in the last year , including dividends . Now it's worth having a look at the company's fundamentals too, because that will help us determine if the long term shareholder return has matched the performance of the underlying business. Check out our latest analysis for Finsbury Food Group While the efficient markets hypothesis continues to be taught by some, it has been proven that markets are over-reactive dynamic systems, and investors are not always rational. 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. Finsbury Food Group was able to grow its EPS at 4.0% per year over three years, sending the share price higher. This EPS growth is lower than the 13% average annual increase in the share price. This suggests that, as the business progressed over the last few years, it gained the confidence of market participants. It is quite common to see investors become enamoured with a business, after a few years of solid progress. The company's earnings per share (over time) is depicted in the image below (click to see the exact numbers). This free interactive report on Finsbury Food Group's earnings, revenue and cash flow is a great place to start, if you want to investigate the stock further. What About Dividends? As well as measuring the share price return, investors should also consider the total shareholder return (TSR). The TSR is a return calculation that accounts for the value of cash dividends (assuming that any dividend received was reinvested) and the calculated value of any discounted capital raisings and spin-offs. It's fair to say that the TSR gives a more complete picture for stocks that pay a dividend. As it happens, Finsbury Food Group's TSR for the last 3 years was 54%, which exceeds the share price return mentioned earlier. And there's no prize for guessing that the dividend payments largely explain the divergence! A Different Perspective It's good to see that Finsbury Food Group has rewarded shareholders with a total shareholder return of 30% in the last twelve months. That's including the dividend. There's no doubt those recent returns are much better than the TSR loss of 3% per year over five years. The long term loss makes us cautious, but the short term TSR gain certainly hints at a brighter future. While it is well worth considering the different impacts that market conditions can have on the share price, there are other factors that are even more important. For example, we've discovered 1 warning sign for Finsbury Food Group that you should be aware of before investing here. If you like to buy stocks alongside management, then you might just love this free list of companies. (Hint: insiders have been buying them). Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on 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 The Kremlin announced that journalists from "unfriendly countries" will be banned from attending the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. This is the first time since 1997, when the forum was first held, that Western journalists are not allowed to attend. Belgorods governor, Vyacheslav Gladkov, said Saturday that two people were killed and two were injured by Ukrainian artillery fire on Belgorods border region with Ukraine. On Friday, attacks in the area prompted about 5,000 evacuees from nearby border villages to find makeshift housing in the city of Belgorod, said the mayor, Valentin Demidov. Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin said Saturday that Kremlin factions are destroying Russia by trying to sow discord between his and Chechen commanders who also fight alongside Russians against Ukraine. An explosion caused by a Russian missile strike near the central Ukrainian city of Dnipro on Saturday damaged a two-story building and injured at least 20 people, five of them children, Ukraine's State Emergency Service said. Three of the injured children are in serious condition, while 17 people in total are hospitalized, said the regional governor, Serhiy Lysak. Rescue teams are pulling residents from under the rubble, Lysak said. "Once again, Russia proves it is a terrorist state," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wrote on Telegram. Pictures from the explosion posted on social media showed rescue teams working at a shattered, smoldering building amid heaps of twisted building materials. In his nightly video address, Zelenskyy reminded everyone of the importance of thanking all of those who have made Ukrainian resistance against Russian invaders possible and effective. Our defense, our active actions, and the independence of Ukraine are not something abstract. These are very particular people, particular actions of particular heroes, thanks to which Ukraine exists and Ukraine will exist, he said. He added, it's important to hear words of gratitude when you fight for your people like this. Bomb shelters unfit About a quarter of Ukraines bomb shelters have been inspected and were found either unavailable or unfit to protect civilians, officials said Saturday. According to the Ukrainian interior ministry, of the more than 4,800 shelters it inspected, 252 were locked and 893 more were unfit for use. Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said civilian safety is compromised by unsuitable shelters during airstrikes in Ukraine. The results of the inspection were announced just days after three people, including a mother and her 9-year-old daughter, were killed while trying to enter a locked shelter in the early hours of Thursday. The husband of another woman killed by missile debris told reporters his wife was trying to get into a shelter in a medical facility, which turned out to be closed. The Kyiv regional prosecutors office reported that four people were detained in a criminal probe into one of the deaths on Thursday. The prosecutors office said that one person, a security guard, who had failed to unlock the doors, remained under arrest, while three others, including a local official, had been placed under house arrest. The prosecutors office says the suspects face up to eight years in prison for negligence leading to a persons death. In a Telegram message on Saturday, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said city authorities have logged more than a thousand" complaints regarding locked, dilapidated or insufficient air-raid shelters within a day of launching an online feedback service. The interior ministry said that more than 5,300 volunteers, including emergency workers, police officers and local officials, would continue to inspect shelters across the country. Some local Russian officials are interpreting Russias draconian wartime legislation, the British Defense Ministry said Sunday, to mean that any public display of blue and yellow items is outlawed because it shows support for Ukraine. Blue and yellow are the colors of Ukraines flag. One person has been reportedly detained, according to the ministry, for wearing a blue and yellow jacket, while someone else was arrested for displaying a blue and yellow flag eventually determined to be the flag of Russias Aerospace Forces. Russias ultra-nationalist, pro-war Liberal Democratic party is an unexpected critic of the arrests, the ministry said, but its logo features yellow on a blue background. Some information in this article came from The Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France-Presse. Latest developments: The Kremlin announced that journalists from "unfriendly countries" will be banned from attending the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. This is the first time since 1997, when the forum was first held, that Western journalists are not allowed to attend. Belgorod's governor, Vyacheslav Gladkov, said Saturday, two people were killed and two injured by Ukrainian artillery fire on Russia's Belgorod region from Ukraine. Britains Defense Ministry said Saturday that Russias airborne forces have assumed an increasingly important role in Bakhmut. The forces' pre-invasion elite status is now much degraded, and the entire Russia force will likely be less flexible in reacting to operational challenges because of the deployment to Bakhmut. About a quarter of Ukraines bomb shelters have been inspected and were found either unavailable or unfit to protect civilians, officials said Saturday. According to the Ukrainian interior ministry, of the more than 4,800 shelters it inspected, 252 were locked and 893 more were unfit for use. Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko rang the alarm that civilian safety is compromised by unsuitable shelters during airstrikes in Ukraine. The results of the inspection were announced just days after three people, including a mother and her 9-year-old daughter, were killed while trying to enter a locked shelter in the early hours of Thursday. The husband of another woman killed by missile debris told reporters his wife was trying to get into a shelter in a medical facility, which turned out to be closed. The Kyiv regional prosecutors office reported that four people were detained in a criminal probe into one of the deaths Thursday. The prosecutors office said that one person, a security guard, who had failed to unlock the doors, remained under arrest, while three others, including a local official, had been placed under house arrest. The prosecutors office says the suspects face up to eight years in prison for negligence leading to a persons death. In a Telegram message Saturday, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said city authorities have logged more than a thousand" complaints regarding locked, dilapidated or insufficient air-raid shelters within a day of launching an online feedback service. The interior ministry said that more than 5,300 volunteers, including emergency workers, police officers and local officials, would continue to inspect shelters across the country. Zelenskyy: Counteroffensive will succeed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Ukraine is ready to launch a counteroffensive against Russia. In an interview with The Wall Street Journal published Saturday, the Ukrainian leader said, We strongly believe that we will succeed. I dont know how long it will take, he said, but we are ready. He said he wished he had more Western weapons, but we cant wait for months. Zelenskyy did not reveal a date for the counteroffensive. In addition, Zelenskyy said he is a bit apprehensive about the outcome of the U.S. presidential election in 2024 because a less supportive administration could win. Meanwhile, in his daily speech, the Ukrainian president addressed the need for a stronger air defense system through further development, supply and production of the necessary missiles in Ukraine. The Ukrainian air shield must continuously have all it needs. We are engaged in the coalition of Patriot systems and the coalition of modern fighters actively every day, he said. Regarding the long-awaited F-16 fighter jets, U.S. Army General Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said they wont be ready for Ukraines upcoming counteroffensive. Upon his arrival in France earlier this week, Milley said, everyone recognizes Ukraine needs a modernized air force, but regarding the delivery of F-16s, it's going to take a considerable amount of time. At a Friday news conference, Zelenskyy also commented on Ukraines coming counteroffensive, saying it is not a movie and adding that it is not easy to publicly describe how it will unfold. "The main thing is for Russia to see it, and not only see it, but feel it. Specifically, we are talking about the forces that have occupied our territory," he added. The Ukrainian president said liberating Ukrainian territories is the main goal of the counteroffensive, and that when that starts to occur, "you will understand what is happening." Blinken: Ukraine peace deal U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Friday that a just and lasting peace deal in Ukraine must include the withdrawal of Russian troops from all Ukrainian-held territories. "A cease-fire that simply freezes current lines in place and enables (Russian President Vladimir) Putin to consolidate control over the territory he seized and then rest, rearm and re-attack: That is not a just and lasting peace," Blinken said. Speaking in Helsinki, the capital of Finland, NATOs newest member, Blinken said such a violation of the United Nations Charter would send Moscow and other would-be aggressors around the world the wrong message. Blinken added that the United States will encourage peace efforts by other nations as long as they uphold the U.N. Charter and Ukraine's sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence. Some information in this article came from The Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France-Presse. Here are some of the Native American-related news stories that made headlines this week: Tribes fear pending Supreme Court ruling could upend sovereignty Native Americans are watching the U.S. Supreme Court for a decision in the case Brackeen v. Haaland, which will decide the fate of the 40-year-old Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA). Congress passed ICWA in 1978 to stop the large-scale removal of Indian children from their families and their placement in non-Native homes, as this was widely viewed as an attack on tribal sovereignty and a continuation of federal assimilation policies. Ahead of ICWAs passage, Calvin Isaac, former chief of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw who died in 2020, argued before the House Subcommittee on Indian Affairs that many of the individuals who decide the fate of our children are, at best, ignorant of our cultural values and at worst, have contempt for the Indian way and convinced that removal, usually to a non-Indian household or institution, can only benefit an Indian child. In 2016, three sets of non-Native foster and prospective adoptive parents, along with the states of Texas, Indiana and Louisiana, took the federal government to court, arguing that the law discriminates based on race and that child welfare should be a matter for states and not the federal government to decide. The Supreme Court heard arguments in the case last November and is expected to rule in the coming weeks. Read more: Remembering fallen Native American service members May 29 was Memorial Day, a day to remember those Americans who have died serving their country. Levi Rickert, a citizen of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation in Kansas and founder/editor of Native News Online, marked the occasion by reflecting on Native Americans long and proud tradition of military service. Among those who have paid the ultimate price is U.S. Army Specialist Lori Ann Piestewa, a citizen of the Hopi Nation, who died when her convoy was ambushed in Nasiriyah, Iraq, on March 23, 2003. She is remembered as the first female soldier to die in Iraq and the first Native American woman to die serving her country. Native Americans and/or Alaska Natives have served in every U.S. war and conflict since the American Revolution, and as Rickert notes, have the highest record of military service per capita of any other racial or ethnic group in the U.S. Read more: U.S. Postal Service commemorates legendary Ponca leader The U.S. Postal Service has released a postage stamp honoring Ponca Tribe Chief Standing Bear, one of the nations most important civil rights figures. He saw his tribe through their forced removal in 1877 from homelands in Nebraska to Indian Country [present-day Oklahoma]. His daughter Prairie Flower died along the way, and within a year, a third of the tribe died of disease and starvation, including his son Bear Shield, whose dying wish was to be buried back home. Standing Bear honored that wish but was arrested for leaving Oklahoma. He sued the federal government for his freedom, arguing before the court, I am a man. The same God made us both." In a landmark ruling on May 12, 1879, Judge Elmer S. Dundy declared for the first time that an Indian was a person within the meaning of U.S. law and therefore deserved all legal protections. Learn more in the video below: Indian? Native American? What to call Americas first peoples? Oklahoma TV station KSWO this week posed that question to two tribal leaders. Theres a lot of terms that have been bounced around, and youll never find any universal acceptance from that from anybody because its just too complex, Kiowa Tribe Chairman Lawrence SpottedBird said. Comanche Nation Vice Chairman Dr. Cornel Pewewardy said he prefers Nmn the People, which is what the Comanche people have always called themselves. But how to refer to Americas original populations generally? Indian was the name that explorer Christopher Columbus gave the people he encountered, assuming he had landed in India. Many Native Americans continue to use the term, as it was the legal term used in treaties with the federal government. Indigenous is a word with different definitions. For some, it refers to an ethnic culture that has never migrated away from its homeland and is neither a settler nor a colonizer. The United Nations defines Indigenous as the descendants of those who inhabited a country or region at the time of conquest or colonization by another group. And some tribes find the term offensive, believing it carries negative implications. Several years ago, VOA asked Chase Iron Eyes, a Hunkpapa Lakota activist from the Standing Rock Reservation in North Dakota. Call me whatever you want, as long as you do it with respect, he answered. See more: The governor of Russia's Belgorod region said four people were killed Friday in two separate Ukrainian shelling attacks on towns near the border, while officials in nearby regions reported overnight drone attacks. Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov wrote on Telegram that shelling had struck the town of Maslova Pristan, some 15 kilometers from Ukraine's northern Kharkiv region, and that fragments had struck passing cars. "Two women were traveling in one of them. They died from their injuries on the spot," he said. Gladkov later said two people had been killed and six injured when rockets hit the town of Sobolevka, 125 kilometers to the southeast of the first incident. The victims had been standing outside close to residential buildings, he said. Sobolevka is 14 kilometers from the border with Ukraine. Russian officials have in recent days reported intensified attacks from northern Ukraine. Pro-Ukrainian forces have repeatedly shelled the town of Shebekino over the past week, Russian officials said. All road and rail travel in the district had been suspended until June 30, Gladkov said. More than 2,500 people were being evacuated from the Shebekino area, he said, given that it was not safe to be there. The governor of the Bryansk region, north of Belgorod, said four homes had been damaged by shelling, while the head of neighboring Kursk region said some buildings had been damaged in an overnight drone attack. Long-range drones also hit two towns in the Smolensk region overnight, the local governor said. Reuters could not independently verify the reported attacks. Russia's Defense Ministry said its forces had repelled on Thursday three cross-border attacks by what it said were Ukrainian "terrorist formations" into the Belgorod region. Ukraine denies its military is involved in the incursions and says they are conducted by Russian volunteer fighters. Editor's note: Here is a look at immigration-related news around the U.S. this week. Questions? Tips? Comments? Email the VOA immigration team: ImmigrationUnit@voanews.com. Texas County's Heat, Brushy Terrain Deadly for Border-Crossing Migrants The U.S. Border Patrol has recorded more than 8,000 migrant deaths along the U.S.-Mexico border since 1998. VOA immigration reporter Aline Barros visited a South Texas county with a high number of migrant deaths. Federal Judge Hears DACA Case; Ruling Months Away The future of a federal policy that protects from deportation hundreds of thousands of immigrants brought to the U.S. as children is in federal court. U.S. District Judge Andrew Hanen heard arguments Thursday in Texas v. United States, a case brought by nine Republican-led states aimed at halting the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. He is to decide on the legality of the DACA rule issued by the Department of Homeland Security in 2022 that tried to fortify the program and correct Hanens earlier objection to DACA. VOA immigration reporter Aline Barros reports. US Expands Slots for Asylum App at Land Crossings as Demand Overwhelms Supply U.S. authorities on Thursday expanded slots to seek asylum at land crossings with Mexico through a mobile app for the second time in less than a month, seeking to dispel doubts it isn't a viable option. There are now 1,250 appointments daily at eight land crossings, up from 1,000 previously and 740 in early May. The Associated Press reports. Seeking Asylum and Work, Migrants Bused Out of NYC Find Hostility Before he left Mauritania, the West African nation of his birth, Mohamed thought of New York as a place of "open arms," a refuge for immigrants fleeing dire circumstances. Mohamed is one of about 400 international migrants the city has been putting up in a small number of hotels in other parts of the state this month to relieve pressure on its overtaxed homeless shelter system. Some of the relocated asylum-seekers say they now regret leaving the city, pointing to a lack of job opportunities and resources to pursue their asylum cases, as well as a hostile reception. The Associated Press reports. 52 Documentary: During the past decades, many Iranian LGBTQ+ refugees made Turkey their new home and found a community. Leo, a gender-fluid belly dancer, is one of these asylum-seekers. She performs and teaches dancing by night and regularly attends protests in Istanbul in front of the Iranian Consulate. Despite the Islamic Republics ban on women dancing publicly, Leos made a thriving career out of her passion, in Turkey. Immigration around the world Anti-Refugee Rhetoric, Forced Deportations of Syrians Increase in Lebanon As many as 1.5 million Syrian refugees have fled death and destruction engulfing their homeland by crossing into Lebanon. Their presence has drawn more hostility from Lebanese since the countrys economic crisis came to a head in 2019. Dale Gavlak reports from Jordan. 'Nothing Left': Refugees Describe City Demolished by Fighting in West Darfur Intercommunal violence and fighting between Sudanese armed forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces in West Darfur state have intensified in recent days, according to reports. Witnesses who escaped the city of Geneina say their hometown is being ripped apart. Henry Wilkins reports from Adre, Chad. Cholera Catastrophe Looming at Kenya Refugee Camp, Aid Group Warns Health care providers in Kenya's Dadaab refugee camp say an ongoing cholera outbreak is becoming a looming catastrophe. Doctors Without Borders has described the six-month-long cholera outbreak as the worst yet, amid an influx of new refugees from Somalia. Produced by Victoria Amunga Call for Better Mental Health Support for Rohingya Refugees in Bangladesh, After Cyclone Mocha On a cold evening, after completing her maghreb (post-sunset) prayer, a woman holds her children close to keep them warm with her threadbare scarf. They sit huddled together outside a now-dilapidated shelter made of bamboo sticks and plastic sheets their home. Shielded from her childrens gaze, the mother of two lets tears slip down her face. Produced by Sarah Aziz. Relocated Refugees in Malawi Decry Dehumanizing Conditions In Malawi, hundreds of people who were forcibly relocated to the country's only refugee camp are complaining of poor conditions with no food, clean water or shelter. The U.N.s refugee agency and the World Food Program say they cannot cater to the needs of those at the highly congested camp because of funding shortfalls. Produced by Lameck Masina. News Brief After 32 years of service to the United States Border Patrol, Chief Raul L. Ortiz announced his retirement. Chief Ortiz tackled some of the biggest challenges the Border Patrol has had to face. He managed the critical transition out of the COVID-19 pandemic and into the enforcement of our traditional immigration authorities under Title 8 of the United States Code, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas wrote in a statement. U.S. Treasury Undersecretary Jay Shambaugh met on Friday with China's new ambassador to the United States, Xie Feng, holding a discussion aimed at maintaining open communications between the world's two largest economies, the Treasury said. "The meeting was candid, constructive, and part of ongoing efforts to maintain open lines of communication and responsibly manage our bilateral relationship," the Treasury said in a statement. Shambaugh, who heads international affairs at Treasury, raised U.S. concerns with Xie but "emphasized the importance of the two largest economies closely communicating on global macroeconomic and financial issues and working together on global challenges." Bilateral engagement on economic issues has increased recently, but tensions remain in security-related areas, with China's defense minister declining a meeting with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin at a security summit in Singapore. Last week, U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo met separately with Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao, with each side stating objections about the other's trade, investment and export policies. U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has expressed hopes for a visit to China this year to meet with her new counterpart, Vice Premier He Lifeng. In April, Yellen gave a lengthy address laying out the Biden administration's objectives for a "constructive and fair" economic relationship with Beijing, saying she wanted to "cut through the noise" and responsibly manage the relationship. Tanzania on Friday declared the end of a deadly outbreak of the Marburg virus, more than two months after it was first confirmed, the World Health Organization said. Nine cases - eight confirmed and one probable - and six deaths were recorded in the outbreak of the hemorrhagic fever in the northwestern region of Kagera, the WHO said in a statement. The U.N. health agency said it was the first such outbreak in Tanzania, an East African country with a population of almost 62 million. The last confirmed case tested negative on April 19, setting off the 42-day mandatory countdown to declare the end of the outbreak, it added. Neighboring Uganda, which witnessed its last outbreak in 2017 and shares a porous border with Tanzania, had gone on high alert after Marburg was confirmed by Tanzania's health ministry on March 21. Uganda had just emerged in January from an almost four-month-long Ebola outbreak, which killed 55 people. The WHO said Tanzania's health authorities, with help from the U.N. agency and other partners, had "immediately rolled out outbreak response to stop the spread of the virus and save lives." The Marburg virus is a highly virulent microbe that causes severe fever, often accompanied by bleeding and organ failure. No vaccines It is part of the so-called filovirus family that also includes Ebola, which has caused havoc in several previous outbreaks in Africa. Fatality rates from Marburg in confirmed cases have ranged from 24% to 88% during previous outbreaks, according to the WHO. The virus is transmitted to people from fruit bats and spreads among humans through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected people, surfaces and materials, it says. There are currently no vaccines or antiviral treatments, but the WHO has said potential treatments, including blood products, immune therapies and drug therapies, as well as early vaccine candidates, are being evaluated. Tanzania's outbreak coincided with cases in the West African state of Equatorial Guinea, where the death toll had risen to 12, according to health ministry figures issued on April 24. WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Friday said the outbreak in Equatorial Guinea "is also expected to be declared there over in the next week, if no further cases are detected." The agency "will continue to support both countries to strengthen their outbreak prevention and preparedness activities," he told reporters in Geneva. Previous Marburg outbreaks and sporadic cases have been also reported in South Africa, Angola, Kenya and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The virus takes its name from the German city of Marburg, where it was first identified in 1967 in a lab where workers had been in contact with infected green monkeys imported from Uganda. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Friday that joining NATO is the best security guarantee for Ukraine but acknowledged that "it would be impossible" for his country to join the alliance before the war ends. In a joint briefing in Kyiv with Estonian President Alar Karis, Zelenskyy said Ukrainians "will not pull any NATO country into a war." The State Department said it is revoking the visas of Russian nuclear inspectors, denying pending applications for new monitors and is canceling standard clearances for Russian aircraft to enter U.S. airspace due to Russia's "ongoing violations" of the last arms control treaty remaining between the two countries. Russia's Defense Ministry said Friday that the "Akhmat" group of Chechen special forces were waging an offensive near the town of Mariinka, in the eastern Ukrainian region of Donetsk. The "Akhmat" group along with the Wagner mercenary group led by Yevgeny Prigozhin, have been one of the main driving forces behind Moscow's offensive in Ukraine. Members of the two groups have openly sparred, while a Chechen commander Thursday cast Prigozhin as a blogger who yells all the time about problems. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Friday that a "just and lasting" peace deal in Ukraine must include the withdrawal of Russian troops for all Ukraine-held territories. "A cease-fire that simply freezes current lines in place and enables Putin to consolidate control over the territory he seized and then rest, rearm and re-attack. That is not a just and lasting peace," Blinken said. Speaking in the capital of Finland, the NATO alliance's newest member, Blinken said "a cease-fire that simply freezes current lines in place" sends Moscow and "other would-be aggressors around the world" the wrong message. Blinken added the United States will encourage peace efforts by other nations as long as they uphold the United Nations charter and Ukraine's sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence. Air strikes Ukraine shelters Meanwhile, officials in Ukraine said Friday the military downed more than 30 Russian missiles and drones over Kyiv. An air force statement said air defenses shot down 15 cruise missiles and 21 drones. Officials said at least two people were injured from falling debris. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy ordered an inspection of all Ukrainian air raid shelters on Friday after a nine-year-old girl, her mother and another woman were killed by falling debris. During the attack, the three victims were locked out on the street after finding a Kyiv shelter shut Thursday morning. The deaths caused a public outcry and prompted a harsh comment by Zelenskyy directed at Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko, a former world champion boxer who has clashed with the president before. The first day of June is observed as International Children's Day by many countries, Zelenskyy noted in his daily address Thursday, "But even on this day... the terrorist state took the life of a Ukrainian child." Zelenskyy said he had ordered Ukraine's strategic industries minister and his interior minister to conduct a "full audit of bomb shelters," adding that shelters "must be kept accessible" and that this was the responsibility of local authorities. In what appeared to be a veiled dig at Klitschko, Zelenskyy said he could deliver a "knockout" blow. This is not the first spat between Zelenskyy and Klitcho. During a confrontation last November Zelenskyy accused Klitschko of doing a poor job setting up emergency shelters to help people without power and heat. START Nuclear Treaty The Biden administration is retaliating after Russia suspended the New START nuclear treaty. The State Department announced Thursday it is revoking the visas of Russian nuclear inspectors, denying pending applications for new monitors and canceling standard clearances for Russian aircraft to enter U.S. airspace. The State Department said it was taking those steps and others in response to Russia's "ongoing violations" of New START, the last arms control treaty remaining between the two countries. "The United States is committed to full and mutual implementation of the New START treaty," it said. "Consistent with that commitment, the United States has adopted lawful countermeasures in response to the Russian Federation's ongoing violations of the New START treaty." Russia suspended its participation in the New START treaty in February in a move that the U.S. said was "legally invalid." Allowing inspections of weapons sites and providing information on the placement of intercontinental and submarine-based ballistic missiles and their test launches are critical components of New START, which then-Presidents Barack Obama and Dmitry Medvedev signed in 2010. The A.I. job culling has already begun and 4,000 people lost work last month to the technology, according to a new report Artificial intelligence taking peoples jobs is no longer a just threat on the horizon. In May, 3,900 people were laid off due to the technology, a new report has found. More from Fortune: 5 side hustles where you may earn over $20,000 per yearall while working from home Looking to make extra cash? This CD has a 5.15% APY right now Buying a house? Here's how much to save This is how much money you need to earn annually to comfortably buy a $600,000 home U.S. companies cut over 80,000 jobs last month, up 20% from April, according to the report by Challenger, Gray & Christmas. Reasons for the layoffs included market conditions, restructuring, and buyouts but also, for the first time, A.I. The nearly 4,000 A.I.-related layoffs were all in the tech industry, Andy Challenger, senior vice president of the recruiting firm, told Fortune. The cuts come amid a major retrenchment for the sector, which this year has had the highest number of year-to-date layoffs since the 2001 dotcom bubble burst. We do believe A.I. will cause more job loss, though we are surprised how quickly the technology was cited as a reason, Challenger said. It is incredible the speed the technology is evolving and being adapted. The Challenger report did not specify which companies had the A.I.-related job cuts. Still, A.I. is creating new jobs while eliminating others. JPMorgan advertised 3,651 new A.I.-related positions between February and April, Bloomberg reported. Many companies aren't getting rid of workers due to A.I., but are instead using it as a tool to help employees by letting it handle some of the grunt work. Most Americans believe that A.I. will eventually affect their jobs, a recent survey by software company Krista found. But there is a major split between what managers think versus rank-and-file workers. Managers are optimistic about the technology being a boon to their work, with only 11% thinking it will negatively impact their jobs. However, rank-and-file workers are far more likely to be concerned that the technology could hurt their careers, with nearly double the number saying A.I. will negatively impact their jobs. In March, Goldman Sachs predicted that 18% of worldwide work and a fourth of all work tasks in the U.S. and Europe could be automated. The same report found that white-collar jobs, including computer and financial jobs and especially administrative and legal work, are at greater risk than blue-collar ones that require physical labor. This is because A.I. can automate tasks such as summarizing fund performance reports, writing code, and other high-level tasks that require years for humans to learn. It can immediately access information that people would have to memorize, and can process reams of data in minutes or seconds. With that kind of computing power, some companies find it cheaper and more efficient to enlist A.I. than employ people. Because A.I. primarily eliminates white-collar jobs, some people who have already been laid off due to the technology have transitioned to blue-collar work. Olivia Lipkin, a former copywriter in San Francisco who was replaced by A.I., is now a dog walker, the Washington Post reported. She told the Post that before she was laid off, coworkers referred to her as Olivia/ChatGPT on the company Slack. As A.I. continues to be improved, the possibility of wide-scale layoffs and workers having to take lower paying jobs increases. The uncertainty lies in whether companies will cite A.I. as a reason [for termination] going forward, Challenger told Fortune. It remains to be seen how investors will react to that sort of adoption that costs human jobs. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com More from Fortune: 5 side hustles where you may earn over $20,000 per yearall while working from home Looking to make extra cash? This CD has a 5.15% APY right now Buying a house? Here's how much to save This is how much money you need to earn annually to comfortably buy a $600,000 home Columbus Mavhunga HARARE, ZIMBABWE Opposition and rights groups in Zimbabwe are bemoaning this week's passing of a so-called "Patriotic Bill" by the lower house of parliament, which they say curtails several fundamental freedoms enshrined in the country's constitution. Lawyers say if President Emmerson Mnangagwa signs the Criminal Law Code Amendment Bill into law, it will not stand in court because it is flagrantly unconstitutional. Among other things, the bill would authorize penalties against people found "willfully damaging the sovereignty and national interest of Zimbabwe." Kennedy Chokuda, clerk of Zimbabwe's parliament, said after the vote, "It's done in the National Assembly, it's now going to the Senate chamber for further debate." Members of Zimbabwe's ruling Zanu-PF party support the bill, which sailed through the lower house. The senate chamber is dominated by Zanu-PF members. Fadzayi Mahere, spokeswoman for the main opposition party, the Citizens' Coalition for Change, described the bill as "dangerous and unconstitutional," and said Zanu-PF is trying to gain an advantage in the August 23 general election. "The bill violates sundry constitutional rights and freedoms including freedom of association, freedom of expression, political rights and others," Mahere said. "Zanu-PF has reduced our great nation into an outpost of tyranny. They are clearly in panic mode as we approach an election and on an unbridled crusade to close the democratic space completely in Zimbabwe." Mahere said Zanu-PF cannot win a free and fair election in Zimbabwe. "So what we have seen is Zanu-PF retaliating with repressive legislation, with the weaponization of the law. Frankly, no amount of panic despotism by Zanu-PF will stand in the way of change whose time has come," Mahere said. ZANU-PF officials could not be reached for comment on the bill Friday. Introducing the bill in parliament late last year, Ziyambi Ziyambi, Zimbabwe's justice minister, said the bill seeks to prohibit private citizens from making false statements or undermining the country, or acting as self-appointed ambassadors meeting foreign officials to undermine national interests. FILE - Musa Kika, a constitutional lawyer, speaks at a Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum, in Harare, in February 2023. (Columbus Mavhunga/ VOA) Musa Kika, a constitutional lawyer who heads the Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum, said it will be unfortunate if Mnangagwa signs the bill into law. "This is an unconstitutional law. It infringes on all sorts of civil and political rights that the constitution gives," Kika said. "In my estimation, this bill is the most draconian law that we have seen in independent Zimbabwe. If this law is [passed and signed], obviously it will be challenged in the court of law. If not all of it, then the significant part of it because the bill is manifestly and patently unconstitutional." It is not clear when or if President Mnangagwa, who is currently in Malawi, will sign the patriotic bill into law. 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. Jokes. Photo: Chelsea Lauren/Shutterstock Just because Never Have I Ever ends on June 8, it doesnt mean Adam Shapiro has stopped leading the youth. Before the Los Angeles premiere of the final season began, Shapiro led the audience of industry folks and young-adult fans alike in a wave that spread across the theater. The actor behind goofy history teacher Mr. Shapiro spoke with Vulture about what its like to see his fake students grow up into real adults, even if they were already real adults to begin with. I loved getting to watch all the kids sort of grow up, especially Darren Barnet, Shapiro said seriously. I mean, he was just such a young 32-year-old, and to see him now at 58, he just looks amazing. Weve been going to the gym together, and Ive been giving him a lot of tips, because he never looks good without a shirt on. He started lifting weights and following my advice, and the proof is in the pudding; he looks great. Just wait for the old Mr. Shapiro shirt-off scene. Yeah, maybe theyll save that for the ten-year high-school reunion. Taylor Swift, call her. Photo: Emma McIntyre/WireImage No matter how much Devi Vishwakumar grew up during the four seasons of Never Have I Ever, shes always going to be a lovable hot mess. Throughout the series, one of her high-school goals was to lose her virginity whether it be to Paxton Hall-Yoshida (Darren Barnet) or Ben Gross (Jaren Lewison). When asked if Devis completion of one of the things on her high-school checklist had changed how she played the role, series star Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (who pays Devi) said that, despite hitting the milestone, Devis insecurities were still there Our anger is still there. All of that is pretty much the same. The only thing that really shifted, that was directly related to her virginity, was she has a very rocky road in communication with Ben. Shes still a hot mess that doesnt change anything. When asked if she saw Devi as the storys antihero, Ramakrishnan referenced musics self-proclaimed antihero. Kind of. Play Taylor Swifts Anti-Hero? she joked. Devis not, like, killing anyone Deadpool style, and thats who I think of when I think of an antihero. But she is the antihero of the story for sure. Because you are rooting for her, but she makes questionable choices. Support Devis right to wrongs on June 8, when it the final season of Never Have I Ever premieres on Netflix. Photo: Kevin Mazur/TAS23/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management Taylor Swift wants politicians to do something, babe. During the first Chicago stop of her Eras tour on June 2, Swift took a moment to celebrate Pride Month and criticize anti-LGBTQ+ legislation. She noted that her shows are a safe, celebratory space for people who are living authentically and beautifully, and added that she enjoys seeing crowds scream the lyrics to You Need to Calm Down. We cant talk about Pride Month without talking about pain, she said. Right now and in the recent years, there have been so many harmful pieces of legislation that have put people in the LGBTQ and queer community at risk. Its painful for everyone. Every ally, every loved one, every person in these communities. Swift said thats why shes always posting about when midterm elections are, in hopes of encouraging people to vote in key primaries. Beyond just showing support during June, she emphasized the importance of researching candidates to see if they are protectors of equality before deciding whether to vote for them. I love you guys so much, and happy Pride Month, Swift concluded. Listen to her speech with bonus commentary from some excited Swifties (She noticed the gays!) below. happy pride month @taylorswift13 i love you SO much! thank you always standing up for your lgbtqia fans and for being on the right side of history #ChicagoTSTheErasTour pic.twitter.com/AckXJRF05m Marissa (Taylors Version) (@bestwornapology) June 3, 2023 One day JPMorgan Chase (JPM) CEO Jamie Dimon will no longer run the nation's largest and most profitable bank. But when? And who would fill his shoes? Its "an issue," said banking analyst Mike Mayo of Wells Fargo. "My best estimate would be the stock declines by 5% if Jamie were to leave suddenly. Which would make him the $20 billion man." The questions about Dimon's future are gaining urgency as JPMorgan increases its hold over the rest of the industry. The bank's May 1 purchase of failed San Francisco lender First Republic increased its reach and influence while adding more to earnings. It also firmly established Dimon as the industry's rescuer-in-chief. The 67-year-old Dimon has made it clear he has no near-term plans to leave. He has, however, also openly mused about life after JPMorgan. "I cant do this forever, I know that," Dimon told analysts on May 22. "But my intensity is the same. I think when I don't have that kind of intensity, I should leave." Jamie Dimon, CEO of JPMorgan Chase. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images) The list of candidates, according to a person familiar with the bank's succession planning, includes longtime JPMorgan executive Daniel Pinto, who could step in if something went wrong suddenly. If Dimon stays another three to five years, this person said, two consumer-banking bosses are considered frontrunners to succeed him: Marianne Lake and Jennifer Piepszak. Other executives could get consideration if Dimon stays longer. JPMorgan Chase declined to comment. Dimon admitted in an interview with Bloomberg last Wednesday that the thought of running for public office had crossed his mind. "I love my country, and maybe one day I'll serve my country in one capacity or another," he said. Scott Siefers, a banking analyst with Piper Sandler, said investors will "almost certainly" expect a transition period that gives Dimon a long sendoff while providing the new CEO time to prepare for the role. "It's a tough balancing act," Sieffers added. Here is a look at how things could play out: The 2026 deadline It is possible Dimon, who became CEO in 2005 and is the longest-serving leader of a big US bank, could stay at least three more years. Why? Well, the board has made it clear it wants him running the bank that much longer. The clue is a special retention bonus of 1.5 million options the board awarded Dimon in 2021. He can't exercise those options until 2026, and he has to stay at the bank the entire time while meeting certain performance targets. The current expected value of the award is around $49 million, according to Andy Restaino of Technical Compensation Advisors. It cannot be exercised unless JPMorgans stock regains $149, its price when the bonus was awarded. The bank's stock closed Friday at $140.47. But the retention plan does have one interesting provision that allows Dimon to exit earlier: He can exercise the options if he leaves for a government job, according to a regulatory filing. Elected or unelected. Dimon has frequently been linked over the years to top roles in Washington. During President Obamas time in office, Dimon was frequently mentioned as a possible Treasury Secretary. Billionaire Warren Buffett even offered his endorsement in 2012, saying Dimon would be the best pick for that job. On Wednesday another billionaire, hedge fund manager Bill Ackman, urged Dimon to run for president in 2024 as a Democrat, saying he could beat President Biden in the primary election and former President Donald Trump at the general election. Jamie Dimon is one of the world's most respected business leaders. Politically he is a centrist. He is pro-business and pro-free enterprise, but also supportive of well-designed social programs and rational tax policies that can help the less fortunate. He is extremely smart, Bill Ackman (@BillAckman) May 31, 2023 Whenever Dimon does step down, he likely will keep some sway over the board. He currently holds dual titles as chairman and CEO, and JPMorgan said in a 2022 regulatory filing that it would split those roles "upon the next CEO transition." In that case "the odds are Jamie will become chairman," said the person familiar with the bank's succession planning. The 'hit by a bus' scenario Inside the bank there is already a plan for what happens if Dimon gets "hit by a bus," meaning the CEO has to step down under sudden or unforeseen circumstances and a new leader has to be named immediately. Dimon himself has used that phrase in his annual shareholder letter. These days, that "hit by a bus" replacement is Pinto, a 60-year-old Argentine who is president and COO of the bank. Pinto also is CEO of JPMorgan's corporate and investment bank. Daniel Pinto, one possible successor to Jamie Dimon. (Photo by Peter PARKS / AFP) (Photo by PETER PARKS/AFP via Getty Images) Pinto's career with the bank stretches back to 1983, when he began working in Buenos Aires as a financial analyst and foreign exchange trader for a predecessor company called Manufacturers Hanover. Pinto could theoretically run the bank for years if he had to take things over. However, as a person familiar with the bank's succession planning put it, that may not be what Pinto or the board wants. "Daniel would be very happy to retire with Dimon. He's not the type of person that's clamoring for the job, this person said. In 2020, Pinto had his chance to step in when Dimon was struck with a sudden and near-fatal heart injury. Pinto served as co-CEO for a month along with Gordon Smith, another executive who at one time was also considered a "hit by a bus" replacement for Dimon. Smith retired in 2021. A planned succession If Dimon's exit isn't sudden, there are other insiders who could assume the role of CEO within three to five years. That list includes Pinto along with Lake and Piepszak, the co-CEOs of JPMorgan's consumer and community banking division. Lake and Piepszak are considered the top contenders. "They're probably the frontrunners," said the person familiar with the bank's succession planning. Marianne Lake in 2006, when she was JPMorgan's CFO. (AP Photo/Richard Drew) The two executives have a lot in common. Both are 53 years old and both previously served as the bank's CFO. In 2021 they became co-CEOs of the massive consumer business, which serves 78 million consumers and more than five million small businesses. In May, Dimon tapped Lake and Piepszak to oversee the integration of First Republic, and both hopped on a plane to California the morning the deal was announced. Roughly 1,000 employees of First Republic have been let go, and 21 First Republic branches are set to be closed by the end of the year. There are other executives who could get consideration as well based on the size of the divisions they manage, said the person familiar with the bank's succession planning. JPMorgan's Jennifer Piepszak, left, sharing a stage in 2016 with Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, middle, and JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon, far right. (Rick Osentoski/AP Images for JPMorgan Chase & Co.) This person said such candidates may include Takis Georgakopoulos, JPMorgan's global head of payments for JPMorgan's corporate and investment bank, as well as global markets head Troy Rohrbaugh and Marc Badrichani, head of global sales and research for JPMorgan's corporate and investment bank. Dimon himself has made it clear he wants "a reasoned and mature process" instead of a "drama." In his 2009 shareholder letter, he said CEO and management succession often seems more like a psychological drama or a Shakespearean tragedy than the reasoned and mature process it should be." "It is in our best interest to avoid such drama," he added. 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 Daniel Pinto JPMorgan JPMorgan Chase, the nation's largest bank by assets, is getting bigger every day. The bank's second-in-command said the fintech threat is driving some of its expansion plans. JPMorgan Chase COO Daniel Pinto made the comments at the Bernstein Strategic Decisions conference. Jamie Dimon's war against fintechs is well documented. The outspoken CEO of JPMorgan Chase has made no secret of his plan to beat financial startups at their own game, an ambition that has led to more than a dozen fintech acquisitions in the last three years. On Friday, Dimon's No. 2, Daniel Pinto, suggested that the looming fintech threat is also responsible for JPMorgan's retail banking expansion in Europe. "In the past, we always said, 'There is no way that we are going to do retail outside the United States," Pinto told the Bernstein Strategic Decisions conference. Pinto went on to explain that "the retail business in the United States is an amazing business, very profitable, massive scale, great set of products, very good," according to a transcript of the remarks provided by financial information services company Sentieo. "But you never know when it could be disrupted by someone, by the technology platform and someone else," Pinto added. "So we see this as a way over the long, long term to diversify and complement our fantastic US retail business." JPMorgan went beyond US banking border for the first time ever in late 2021 with a digital-only retail banking offering in the UK. Germany is next, according to Bloomberg, and the bank is only expected to continue expanding from there, including potentially to Latin America. The comments come as JPMorgan continues to wage war on financial technology startups. The bank has made at least 16 fintech or consumer-focused acquisitions since 2020. It plans to spend $15.3 billion on tech in 2023, up $14 billion from last year. Pinto said the bank expects to make even more acquisitions and to continue to spend on tech as it seeks to keep its competitive edge across business lines. "I will say that technology transformation modernization is the most important thing that this company has to do, without a doubt. And we are somewhere along that journey," he said. He acknowledged that the bank's plan to spend $15 billion on tech "is a lot of money," but said the budget "is really allowing us to scale without extra cost." The bank's efficiencies "will improve as we move a lot of our applications to the new data centers, a lot of our applications to the cloud. So this is something that there is no choice. You have to do it ... it's crucial for the future of the company." Pinto also said the bank is always open to filling in gaps through acquisitions. "We realize that if we ended up buying a particular company, it will accelerate our go-to-market or will bring certain technology that we don't have or certain client base that we don't have." Last month, JPMorgan agreed to pay about $10.6 billion to buy First Republic Bank after the smaller bank was seized by regulators. Read the original article on Business Insider Since taking over the company in 2013, Menezes has cultivated the image of the alcohol giant as a benevolent, forward-thinking employer. Earlier this year Diageo was named a top company for female representation at board level, while Menezes was honoured in a list of bosses who championed inclusion among ethnic minorities. He has previously described himself as being determined to remove barriers, while having a positive impact on our partners, suppliers, and communities: from the way we source service, to the way we progressively portray diversity through our advertising. In a lawsuit, Diddy claimed Diageo has not treated the brands with the same care as those owned by white celebrities such as George Clooney. Credit: Getty Images The company runs a standalone business called Pronghorn in the US which is dedicated to cultivating the next generation of black founders, executive leaders, and entrepreneurs in the spirits industry. Combined with an unrivalled marketing prowess that has turned Guinness, Johnnie Walker, and Smirnoff into household names, Diageos shares have been commonly touted as a sensible bet if not a hugely dynamic one throughout recent global turmoil, rising more than 23 per cent over the last five years. Earlier this year, it emerged that veteran investor Warren Buffett had placed a bet on the alcohol seller, buying a 33 million ($62.9 million) stake. Maintaining an image as a strong and stable organisation has been key for Diageo. Sources say that reputation meant that in the past it would often seem like the company was being run by the head of investor relations (IR). It was such a darling of the City that Diageo wanted to be bang in line with expectations and it didnt want any surprises for investors, and so the head of IR was across absolutely everything, a source adds. Yet court documents filed by Combs paint a drastically different picture of the company one coloured by frustrations and warring between its brands. Combs claims Diageo kneecapped the alcohol labels he worked with them on and had typecast them as black brands that should only be marketed to urban consumers. Meanwhile, the company was allegedly ploughing resources into other celebrity fronted-booze brands such as Casamigos and Aviation Gin, fronted by George Clooney and Ryan Reynolds respectively. According to the documents, major US retailers told Combs that Ciroc and DeLeon were positioned by Diageo as ethnic brands. Diageo bought the Ryan Reynolds-fronted Aviation Gin in 2020. He also accuses the spirits maker of failing to give the products sufficient prominence in its marketing compared to others, pointing to the fact that a black whiskey blender brought a case against Diageo alleging racial discrimination last year. Diageo denies those accusations and the case is currently in arbitration. Cloaking itself in the language of diversity and equality is good for Diageos business, but it is a lie, Combs claim reads. While Diageo may conspicuously include images of its black partners in advertising materials and press releases, its words only provide the illusion of inclusion. Diageo denies all allegations of racism in both cases, and plans to fight Combs in court. This is a business dispute, and we are saddened that Mr Combs has chosen to recast this matter as anything other than that, a spokesman for the company says. Our steadfast commitment to diversity within our company and the communities we serve is something we take very seriously. We categorically deny the allegations that have been made and will vigorously defend ourselves in the appropriate forum. According to the documents, major US retailers told Combs that Ciroc and DeLeon were positioned by Diageo as ethnic brands. For more than 15 years, weve had a productive and mutually beneficial relationship with Mr. Combs on various business ventures, making significant investments that have resulted in financial success for all involved. Former executives at Diageo shrug off accusations of type-casting when it comes to marketing to specific groups, saying instead the spirit owner may try to target certain brands to hip hop lovers, for example, but would not do so along racial lines. Sources point to the partnership that Diageo and Combs had with Ciroc as an example of why wider claims that it was de-prioritising the tequila line do not stand up. After all, it would be hard to write off the performance of Ciroc as anything but a success. The rappers relationship with Diageo began in 2007 when Combs agreed to use his profile and platform to promote the then-struggling vodka. Diddys star power certainly had an effect. According to the documents, Ciroc was selling around 75,000 cases per year in 2007. By 2014 it was selling 2.6 million cases a fact which Combs attributes to his involvement. The rappers relationship with Diageo began in 2007 when Combs agreed to use his profile and platform to promote the then-struggling vodka. Credit: Getty Images One former director at Diageo says Ciroc made Combs 10s and 10s of millions of dollars for him, which is indicative of the kind of support that they generally offer. Bernstein analyst Trevor Stirling adds: Hes on a little bit of a sticky wicket in the sense that clearly Diageo and he cooperated really well on Ciroc. That has been a huge success. While Combs alleges Ciroc has been sidelined in the US, the brand is also a bestseller in the UK and other parts of the world, locales to which the rapper does not have a connection. However, in 2013, Combs and Diageo partnered again to launch DeLeon, a pricey boutique tequila whose bottles are sold for hundreds of dollars. Diageo was only interested in the PR benefits of partnering with a black businessman, Combs alleges, pointing to numerous instances of what he believes amount to a refusal to abide by its obligations and promises by the drinks company. These include discontinuing a 375ml bottle of DeLeon which he says led to a decline in sales, making packaging changes, not following up with retailers who were potentially interested in stocking the brand and not supporting the brand with marketing. But whether these events ultimately demonstrate a systemically racist approach by Diageo may be hard to prove. Its debatable, maybe Casamigos and Don Julio are just better brands than DeLeon, says Stirling. So I think [Combs] has got a very hard job proving it in court that somehow this was a racist behaviour on behalf of Diageo. Diageo owns some of the worlds biggest alcohol brands. It comes at a difficult time for the company, which is ushering in a new chief executive. Credit: AP Diageo could have pushed the brands that are working. So theres a little bit of a virtuous circle there in the sense that if Casamigos and Don Julio are selling well, its understandable that they would have a bigger distribution than DeLeon. Insiders at the company brush off the claims, with one questioning why Diageo would hobble a brand, if it had the opportunity to grow. Priority in marketing, they say, is given to the brands which are growing the quickest. It doesnt make any sense, one source adds. Loading Others close to the company claim that out of 100 celebrity spirit brands that are launched, 99 wont work. One former director says that more often than not, when they do work, thats because the celebrities really put the hours in. No matter how much money Combs partnership with Ciroc has made, it is unlikely executives at Diageo will feel good about continuing with it with the company subjected to claims of racism although the future of the agreement is not yet clear. Diageos spokesman says: We are disappointed our efforts to resolve this business dispute amicably have been ignored and that Mr. Combs has chosen to damage a productive and valued partnership. I think it will be good for the kids to experience a new culture, a new way of life, to be surrounded by kids from all over the world, Jacenko added. I only ever wanted the media attention for the PR business, it was never for me personally, that came as a byproduct. Now Im bored with it, but it has become a bigger issue as the kids have gotten older. Pixie comes back from school upset after being told by other kids her parents have split. They read it on their phones. That can be pretty hard to manage. Roxy Jacenko says she has an unconventional marriage with Oliver Curtis. For the record, Ollie has never liked wearing his wedding ring because he hates jewellery. And to be honest, I never really liked my own wedding ring. We have an unconventional marriage, weve been doing it long distance for a long time. We are not co-dependent and never have been, thats just how we like it. Ollie is my husband, I love him, he is the father of my kids ... and we are moving to Singapore to be a family. Jacenko has shut down her Sweaty Betty publicity business and her daughters Pixies Bows hair accessories business, ending her distribution deal with Myer. Shes also sold off her designer candles start-up and sold her last Fidget toy, but will manage from afar her Ministry Of Talent social media influencer agency, with new offices being set up in Double Bay. Fresh from the $16 million sale of the familys sleek Vaucluse home, which included a professional beauty parlour, gymnasium and an illuminated wall on which to mount her million-dollar Hermes handbag collection, her Paddington sale will bring to a close a major chapter in her much-storied life. Roxy Jacenko and Oliver Curtis during the 2016 trial. Credit: Daniel Munoz In true Jacenko style, theres no time for nostalgia. Despite the building being the scene for several of Jacenkos highest and lowest points over the years, from graffiti attacks to over-the-top product launches, shes more focused on turning a profit. Having bought it for $2.6 million nine years ago, shes set to more than triple her money. Royal study tour At 17, Prince Charles now King Charles III spent six months at the Timber Tops campus of the elite Geelong Grammar School in 1966 to harden him up, later saying the experience in the rugged Victorian alps had bashed the Pommy bits off me. A model royal, Prince Nikolai of Denmark walks the runway for Dior Homme in 2018. Credit: Getty However, thats probably not quite whats in store for the next royal headed Down Under: the extremely photogenic Count Nikolai of Monpezat, who until January had been known as Prince Nikolai of Denmark. His arrival in August has the citys party planners in a lather. Invitations are being prepared. The part-time male model and Copenhagen Business School student will be in Sydney for four months to continue his university studies. The seventh in line to the Danish throne also clearly enjoys the trappings of being a blue blood. Sydney bound: Count Nikolai of Monpezat and his girlfriend Benedikte Thoustrup. Credit: Instagram Scrolling through his social media feeds reveals an enviable life for any 23-year-old, from gracing the cover of Scandinavian Vogue, partying with the stars at a swanky Cartier party and ski trips in the Swiss Alps. He will spend a semester studying at the University of Technology Sydney and is bringing his glamorous social media influencer girlfriend Benedikte Thoustrup with him and has been looking for an apartment in the city. Last year his grandmother Queen Margrethe II of Denmark announced he would be stripped of his princely title in an effort to streamline the Danish royal family. The move shocked Danish royal watchers and left his father, Prince Joachim, underwhelmed. He later announced he was doing a Prince Harry and moving to the US with his wife and two youngest children. Kochies hot seat shuffle Nearly six months after this column first revealed Matt Shirvington would take over David Kochs million-dollar throne at Sunrise, PS hears the behind-the-scenes jostling for position would rival anything occurring in Westeros. And its been going on for years. At one time the front-runner for the chair was Basil Zempilas, a Perth import and a personal favourite of Seven proprietor Kerry Stokes. However he got tired of commuting across the Nullarbor and gave up on his TV ambitions to become lord mayor of Stokes home town, Perth. The contenders to replace David Koch on Sunrise. Credit: Fairfax While the Adele incident played a factor in diminishing Matt Dorans chances, he has settled into his gig on Weekend Sunrise. Mark Beretta is seemingly content to stick with sports, while Michael Musher Usher, once a firm favourite, is sitting pretty doing Sevens news, with his The Latest: Seven News program tracking well. Then there is Larry Emdur. He is happy with the hours of The Morning Show and his natural quiz show habitat doing The Chase, in between managing his multimillion-dollar property flipping business. As for Chris Brown, who is set to join Seven in July, PS hears he was never a serious contender for Sunrise ... yet. Failure to launch On Thursday night the late John Olsens two children, Dinosaur Designs co-founder Louise and gallerist Tim, hosted an intimate dinner at Peter Conistis sandstone Greek brasserie Ploos with gun-barrel views of the Sydney Opera House sails alight with Olsens signature artworks. Tim Olsen shared a story about his HSC days, when his major artwork, a ceramic sculpture, exploded in the kiln a week before deadline. Sydney gallerist Tim Olsen and his late father, artist John Olsen, at Johns home and studio in the NSW Southern Highlands in 2020. Credit: James Brickwood I was distraught. Dad said its OK, we can fix this. He really wanted to help, Olsen drolly shared with the audience. Father and son threw themselves into a series of still life drawings. Dad drew them, and I coloured them in. But it didnt impress the markers, I failed art, and so did John Olsen! Will Trevor wear the crown? Sydney cabaret extraordinaire Trevor Ashley calls it the Eurovision of Drag, and tonight on Paramount+ hell be representing Australia in the new Ru Paul-produced reality TV talent quest Queen Of The Universe during which the drag queens actually sing rather than mime. Our great hope: Trevor Ashley is representing Australia in the Queen Of The Universe competition. Credit: Paramount+ Im going GLOBAL! It was such a wild rollercoaster. We filmed in London last August and I have no idea who won because they havent told any of us. We wont find out for weeks, says Ashley, who has wowed Sydney for years with his shows, from the hilarious Fat Swan to Liza On An E. Fat Swan from 2011. PS gets the feeling hes done pretty well. Ashley, who travelled over with 10 of his own costumes and as many wigs, kept getting through the rounds. We would go back to the hotel and less and less of the other queens would be there, but we were not allowed to talk to each other, he said. Im cautiously hopeful. Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Save articles for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Got it Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size The turtle named Seven Hook is tough and feisty. It was true when she lay riddled with barbed metal and fishing wire on an operating table, surrounded by vets who presumed shed die. And its true two months later, when the scent of the sea has animated her entire 50-kilogram body and she flaps and bobs her head on board the police boat jetting her out between the heads of Sydney Harbour. Seven Hook, a green sea turtle, was the sixth turtle brought into Taronga Zoo Wildlife Hospital this year and the 44th in their turtle tracking program, which after a decade has just collected enough data to start analysing the trajectories of these global travellers. The early findings suggest that turtles lives are far more intimately entwined with ours than researchers expected. A GPS tracker is affixed to the shell of a green turtle named Seven Hook by Taronga Zoos Libby Hall. Credit: Brook Mitchell Seven Hook was found languishing offshore from Lake Macquarie, south of Newcastle, and named for the number of hooks lodged in her guts. Its the most hooks vet Dr Larry Vogelnest has seen in a single turtle, although it was only last month he operated on a young female whod be named Five Hook. Fish hooks in themselves are not a disaster, necessarily. Its the line thats the worst thing, Vogelnest says. Hes just emerged from the hospitals operating room, following another staff member who slipped out holding a set of glass slides smeared with a bloody substance koala bone marrow. Are you guys right with the guinea pig? he calls over his shoulder to affirmative nods. We walk past reception, where a rose-crowned fruit dove in a cat crate awaits attention. Advertisement Hes nonchalant when asked about the variety of anatomies hes called to operate on. Thats what we do as zoo vets, he says. We work on frogs and elephants on the same day. Vogelnests prognosis for Seven Hook was grim. Surgery in turtles is very challenging. Theyre encased in this enormous shell and theres only a couple of little windows that you can actually get in there, he says. I made the incision, went into the body cavity and pulled out the intestines. I could feel the hooks. Its very hard to get a large amount of their intestines out, I had to do it in sections, tugging and pulling. I had very poor expectations about this animal, that it was going to survive. It was five hours of surgery. Advertisement Fishing line bunches up in a turtles digestive system, concertinaing the intestines and slicing through the soft tissue. And then theres the glut of plastic bags, netting, balloons and wet wipes. Often weve found that you open them up, and its just a disaster, and you cant fix it, and we just euthanize them. Vogelnest says. So were pretty thrilled with this outcome. Seven Hook, whos approaching the size of a coffee table with flippers, is likely a 40-year-old female close to breeding age. But most of the sick turtles coming into Taronga are young (closer to the size of dinner plates and serving platters). The movements of these younger turtles in particular have long been an international mystery; precious little is known about where they go between that mad scramble towards the shoreline as hatchlings and their return to that same beach as adults to breed and lay eggs. Ten years ago, the zoos Dr Kimberly Vinette Herrin and Libby Hall began tracking the turtles that survived surgery to see if they could shed light on the mystery. Theres this huge gap in knowledge, says Hall. Theres no information on young turtles, in NSW especially. Theyre called the lost years. Advertisement Shes looking at a map on her computer screen flecked with green and red dots depicting turtle locations. Beside four tracker IDs, a green icon pulses, signifying the tracker is still live and pinging twice a day off the Argos satellite. Now Hall and Herrin have gathered more than 40 datasets since their first tracked turtle in 2013, they can start to unpick patterns. Its early days, but something unexpected has already emerged: the young sea turtle is an urban creature. What some of the Indigenous elders in the area had said is, oh, there are turtles all through the waterways around the Sydney area, Hall says. We listened to that. And they, of course, were right. Some young turtles escorted out beyond the heads shot back towards the Harbour Bridge and travelled deep into urban Sydney waterways. Others frequented Pittwater, swam way up the Hawkesbury River and glided past Gosford. Another, named Shelby, swam straight down the coast to the busy Shellharbour marina she was rescued from. Everyone thinks they go off and out into the beautiful blue ocean. But in fact, theyre coming right up against the shore, coming into where all the people are, Hall says. As Sydneysiders, were living in a beautiful environment, and we know that weve got amazing wildlife. But do Sydneysiders recognise that theyve got marine turtles as neighbours? Advertisement Loading The working theory is that the young turtles head up urban waterways to feast on moon jellies (We call them breast implants, says Hall) before their gut develops to eat seagrass and theyre big enough to survive the open sea. It means they could be far more frequent in busy, hazardous urban waterways than once thought. Seven Hooks hospital mate, an 80-kilogram female named Anna, was rescued near Nelson Bay, which the tracking data has shown is a sea turtle haven. Its known to have a large population of marine turtles and it is a very dangerous place too, Hall says. Theres lots of fishing, traps, netting, debris in the water. Its a very popular space, especially in the summertime. Boat and jet ski strikes are not uncommon. Halls tracking data shows many young turtles hug the coast and enter urban waterways, possibly in search of moon jellies. Credit: Brook Mitchell Anna is missing a flipper, potentially constricted and severed by tight wire or netting, and has a deep grey gash in her head likely inflicted by a jet ski. She was a victim of floating syndrome, when turtles bloated by line and plastic cant dive and are forced to float on the surface where theyre vulnerable to strikes. Post-treatment, Anna is settled comfortably on the bottom of her hospital pond. Advertisement Sydneys skies have cleared into a sunny winters day after being swallowed by fog earlier on Saturday morning, which left the Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House almost invisible. The fog caused delays and diversions at Sydney Airport for a handful of flights. The airport was notified at 6am by Airservices Australia that it would need to begin low visibility procedures, which is when the arrival rate of flights is reduced. The heavy fog didnt deter canoeists at Milsons Point on Saturday morning. Credit: Sam Mooy This caused delays and diversions for some flights and travellers were asked to check in with their airlines for updates. Normal operations resumed at the airport by 9am. Weatherzone meteorologist Aline Ribeiro said a high-pressure system, mixed with low temperatures and light winds was behind the fog, which lifted by mid-morning. Investigations are underway at a Woodside facility in the states north west after a contractor died there in a workplace incident on Friday. The oil and gas company confirmed the worker died about 12pm AWST on Friday at its North Rankin Complex, about 135km northwest of Karratha. Woodsides North Rankin platform, North West Shelf project where a man died on Friday. The worker is believed to be a rope access technician from one of Woodsides contractor companies. All other people on the platform were safe, Woodside chief executive Meg ONeill confirmed. The worst result, after buying shares in a company (assuming no leverage), would be if you lose all the money you put in. But in contrast you can make much more than 100% if the company does well. For instance the Louisiana-Pacific Corporation (NYSE:LPX) share price is 125% higher than it was three years ago. How nice for those who held the stock! We note the stock price is up 2.9% in the last seven days. Now it's worth having a look at the company's fundamentals too, because that will help us determine if the long term shareholder return has matched the performance of the underlying business. View our latest analysis for Louisiana-Pacific To paraphrase Benjamin Graham: Over the short term the market is a voting machine, but over the long term it's a weighing machine. 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 three years of share price growth, Louisiana-Pacific achieved compound earnings per share growth of 828% per year. The average annual share price increase of 31% is actually lower than the EPS growth. So one could reasonably conclude that the market has cooled on the stock. We'd venture the lowish P/E ratio of 9.00 also reflects the negative sentiment around the stock. The company's earnings per share (over time) is depicted in the image below (click to see the exact numbers). We like that insiders have been buying shares in the last twelve months. Having said that, most people consider earnings and revenue growth trends to be a more meaningful guide to the business. This free interactive report on Louisiana-Pacific's earnings, revenue and cash flow is a great place to start, if you want to investigate the stock further. What About Dividends? It is important to consider the total shareholder return, as well as the share price return, for any given stock. The TSR incorporates the value of any spin-offs or discounted capital raisings, along with any dividends, based on the assumption that the dividends are reinvested. Arguably, the TSR gives a more comprehensive picture of the return generated by a stock. In the case of Louisiana-Pacific, it has a TSR of 135% for the last 3 years. That exceeds its share price return that we previously mentioned. And there's no prize for guessing that the dividend payments largely explain the divergence! A Different Perspective Investors in Louisiana-Pacific had a tough year, with a total loss of 14% (including dividends), against a market gain of about 4.2%. Even the share prices of good stocks drop sometimes, but we want to see improvements in the fundamental metrics of a business, before getting too interested. On the bright side, long term shareholders have made money, with a gain of 17% per year over half a decade. If the fundamental data continues to indicate long term sustainable growth, the current sell-off could be an opportunity worth considering. I find it very interesting to look at share price over the long term as a proxy for business performance. But to truly gain insight, we need to consider other information, too. For instance, we've identified 2 warning signs for Louisiana-Pacific (1 can't be ignored) that you should be aware of. There are plenty of other companies that have insiders buying up shares. You probably do not want to miss this free list of growing companies that insiders are buying. Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on American 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 While the physician shortage in Niagara will soon result in reduced services at urgent care centres in Fort Erie and Port Colborne, a Ministry of Health spokesperson says the province is working to make other options available for people in those communities while addressing problems impacting the hospital system. But Niagara Centre MPP Jeff Burch said at a time when emergency departments are in an emergency themselves, the province is blaming volunteer hospital boards for the issues they face. Niagara Health announced Wednesday plans to cut hours at the urgent care centres effective July 5, resulting in nightly closures of the facilities that were previously open 24 hours daily. In an email, Hannah Jensen, press secretary for Health Minister Sylvia Jones, said the provincial government knows emergency rooms have faced capacity pressures year after year and the status quo is not working. She said initiatives launched earlier this year are designed to bolster the health-care workforce across the province such as a program to allow health-care workers from other parts of Canada to immediately start working in Ontario, as well as plans to make it faster and easier for all health-care professionals including those who are internationally trained to register and practice in Ontario. Jensen said the government also has a number of programs available to support hospitals and their staff, such as a program to provide urgent locum coverage to designated hospitals facing significant challenges covering emergency department shifts. Last year, through this program, nearly 1,500 emergency room closures were diverted, she said. She said an extern program, launched in 2020, also offers employment opportunities in hospitals to nursing and medical school students. This program has been very successful in bolstering hospital work forces in communities like Windsor, she said. Patients at rural and remote hospitals are also benefiting from an expanded program that gives emergency department staff virtual support from experienced emergency physicians across Ontario, while a temporary summer locum program has also been expanded. As always, our government will continue to work with any hospital who wants to utilize any of these programs, she said. Burch, however, said he buried his head in his hands in dismay after reading responses from the ministry regarding issues Niagara hospitals. It was one of the first things I read when I woke up, and I just did a face palm. People are already having an emergency and theyre talking about avoiding going to an emergency room It boggles the mind, it really does, he said. Meanwhile, he said its completely unfair for the minister of health to be blaming volunteer hospital board members in the legislature for decisions that are being made about emergency rooms across the province. Jansen said the ministry has received assurances from Niagara Health that they have consistently promoted alternatives to ED presentation through the Know Your Options campaign. As such the communities are familiar with what types of clinical needs are appropriately cared for at the UCC as well as the closest ED alternative, she said. Niagara Health said the plan to reduce UCC hours will have the least impact in the community considering the number of patients using the urgent care departments in the evening, as well as the relatively mild severity of their medical needs. About 75 per cent of UCC patients visit the hospital between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m., and most patients have upper-respiratory infections or urinary tract infections ailments that can now be treated by pharmacists. Niagara Health is also referring patients to other services, such as virtual urgent care through UrgentCareOntario.ca or extended hour pharmacies in the communities. SHARE: HONG KONG (AP) Hong Kong police detained eight people, including activists and artists, on the eve of the 34th anniversary of Chinas Tiananmen Square crackdown, a move that signals the citys shrinking freedom of expression. Police said in a statement late Saturday that four people have been arrested for allegedly disrupting order in public spaces or carrying out acts with seditious intent. Four others were taken away for investigation on suspicion of breaching public peace. For decades, tens of thousands of Hong Kongers held an annual candlelight vigil in Victoria Park each June 4 to commemorate the 1989 crackdown on pro-democracy protesters, in which tanks rolled into the heart of Beijing and hundreds, possibly thousands, of people were killed. During the pandemic, protests in Hong Kong were rare due to COVID-19 restrictions. In addition, many activists there have been silenced or jailed after Beijing imposed a sweeping national security law following massive protests in 2019. When the British handed Hong Kong to Beijing in 1997, it was promised 50 years of self-government and freedoms of assembly, speech and press that are not allowed on the Chinese mainland, but critics say those freedoms are being eroded. This years Tiananmen commemoration is expected to be muted. Many Hong Kongers are trying to mark the event in private ways because it is unclear what authorities might consider subversive. Earlier Saturday, activists Kwan Chun-pong and Lau Ka-yee were detained after appearing near the former site of the candlelight vigil to say they would not eat for around 24 hours to mourn the victims. We will now start fasting at 6:04 p.m., Lau said with flowers in her hand, referencing the June 4 date of the crackdown. They also held papers that said they were fasting and mourning those killed in Tiananmen. This relatively mild act of protest nevertheless prompted police officers to arrive within minutes and cordon off the pair, who later put red tape over their mouths. An officer warned them that they might be breaching the law for having seditious intent, and ordered them to stop their activities or they might be arrested. Minutes later, they were taken away by police. Police said the two were arrested on suspicion of carrying out acts with seditious intent. Officers also arrested another woman for the same offense in a separate incident, they added. As night fell, police took away five others, including two artists, Sanmu Chen and Chan Mei-tung. Surrounded by police officers, Samnu Chen chanted: Hong Kongers, do not be afraid. Dont forget tomorrow is June 4. Chan Mei-tung had been standing and walking on a street in Causeway Bay before being cordoned off by police. Police later said officers ordered Chen to leave after he had drawn the attention of passersby. Chen refused to cooperate after warnings and was arrested for alleged disorderly conduct in a public place, they said. It is unclear whether other activists will show up to publicly commemorate the anniversary on Sunday. The park will instead be occupied by a carnival organized by pro-Beijing groups to celebrate Hong Kongs handover to Chinese rule. Organizers say it will feature a bazaar with food from across China. Read more about: SHARE: QUEBEC - A bridge that provides the only road access to several communities on Quebecs north shore will reopen next weekend after being abruptly closed this week due to a crack. The Touzel Bridge on Highway 138, just over 1,000 kilometres northeast of Montreal, was closed Tuesday after the damage was noticed during a routine inspection. The span crosses the Sheldrake River and connects Sept-Iles to towns including Havre-Saint-Pierre and others in the Minganie region, where about 6,500 people are spread out between 10 communities. Transport Minister Genevieve Guilbault says after the Transport Department performed safety checks, it has been determined the bridge can be reopened to light vehicles starting the weekend of June 10-11. Work to strengthen the bridge will begin Saturday. The province has been using airlifts to bring essential goods to the region and to get people to hospital, and Guilbault says in a tweet that an air link will remain in effect for emergencies. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 2, 2023. Read more about: SHARE: Dan Stevens as David in The Guest/Melissa Barrera as Sam in Scream 6 Melissa Barrera may be reuniting with her Scream directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett for Universal's new Classic Monsters movie, but she promises the horror film will be a very different beast to their previous collaborations. While promoting her new musical Carmen, which releases in the UK today, GamesRadar+ asked her about the upcoming flick, to which she revealed she's currently shooting it in Dublin, Ireland. "We're going to be here for the next two months and it's so cool," Barrera added. "I think it's a very different movie from Scream, you know? It's a completely different kind of vibe. But there's a lot of blood too. "The cast is so great in it; it's a really small cast. It almost all happens in, like, one location so it's one of those... contained movies. I love to watch [those], they're my kind of movie so I'm very excited to be a part of this. I just don't want to say anything about the monster in it, it's a big spoiler. But yeah, it's really cool. We're all having a great time doing it." Given Barrera's fairly tight-lipped response, it won't be a shock to learn that we don't know all that much about the plot of Bettinelli-Olpin and Gillett's next genre outing. For now, all we have been told is that Barrera will share the screen with Matilda the Musical breakout Alisha Weir and Dan Stevens. The Hole in the Ground scribe Stephen Shields is said to have written the script, with revisions made by Guy Bisick, who previously worked with Bettinelli-Olpin and Gillett on Ready or Not, Scream, and Scream 6. For now, plot details remain under wraps, but The Hollywood Reporter has previously suggested that the film was called Dracula's Daughter at one point. According to the publication, then, it was set to follow a group of serial kidnappers who get more than they bargained for when they inadvertently abduct the bloodsucking offspring of the titular vampire. Back in 2017, Universal tried to launch a new era of Classic Monsters movies with The Mummy, starring Tom Cruise. Despite making $410 million at the global box-office, the film was said to have lost around $95m due to high production and marketing costs, and its poor critical reception led to the studio pulling the plug on its mapped-out 'Dark Universe' franchise. In 2020, it teamed with Blumhouse to bring out The Invisible Man, Leigh Whannell's modern take on H. G. Wells' novel of the same name. The film, which was led by Elisabeth Moss, earned glowing reviews and made a respectable $144.5 million of a $7m budget. Carmen, from Dazzler Media, is showing in select theaters across the UK now. For more, check out our list of the most exciting upcoming movies heading our way throughout 2023 and beyond. There are events being held this weekend by land and air. The Warren County Hot Air Balloons and Arts and Crafts Festival took off Friday afternoon. It's being held at Warren Community College, along Route 57 in Washington. The festival runs through Sunday. So long as the weather cooperates, there will be tethered balloon rides. "Balloomination," as glowing balloons take to the sky, is set for Saturday and Sunday after 8 p.m. LIMA, Peru (AP) The chief suspect in the unsolved 2005 disappearance of American student Natalee Holloway is being transferred to a prison near Peru's capital ahead of his pending extradition to the United States to face charges linked to her vanishing, officials said Saturday. The government of Peru, where Dutch citizen Joran van der Sloot was serving a 28-year sentence for the murder of a Peruvian woman, authorized his extradition to the U.S. in May. Maximo Altez, van der Sloots lawyer, said is client was being taken by land from the Challapalca prison in Peru's southern Andes to the Piedras Gordas prison on the outskirts of Lima. In the coming days, the INPE (National Penitentiary Institute) will hand over the condemned man to Interpol Peru with the goal of handing him over to U.S. authorities from the FBI, said a statement from the INPE released Saturday. Altez said that once the bureaucratic procedures are completed and van der Sloot is given a medical exam, his client will be transferred to the U.S. He estimated the extradition could take place on Tuesday, but Peruvian officials did not confirm this day. Van der Sloot has agreed to be sent to the United States where he faces trial for alleged extortion and wire fraud charges linked to the Holloway case, his lawyer said. When asked by the Associated Press why his client agreed, the lawyer responded: He is imprisoned in the worst prison in the world, referring the maximum-security Challapalca prison. Any prison in the United States is a five-star hotel in comparison, he said. Altez said that, according to the treaty between Peru and the United States, van der Sloot is being extradited to the U.S. temporarily for one year to face legal proceedings and in the event of a delay, this period can be extended for another year. At the end of this, he has to be returned to Peru, Altez said. He will spend at most two years in the United States. Altez said his client denies being guilty of the crimes of extortion and fraud. Holloway, who lived in suburban Birmingham, Alabama, was 18 when she was last seen during a trip with classmates to the Caribbean island of Aruba. She vanished after a night with friends at a nightclub, leaving a mystery that sparked years of news coverage and countless true-crime podcasts. She was last seen leaving a bar with van der Sloot, who was a student at an international school on the island. Van der Sloot was identified as a suspect and detained weeks later, along with two Surinamese brothers. Holloways body was never found, and no charges were filed in the case. A judge later declared Holloway dead. The federal charges filed in Alabama against van der Sloot stem from an accusation that he tried to extort the Holloway family in 2010, promising to lead them to her body in exchange for hundreds of thousands of dollars. A grand jury indicted him that year on one count each of wire fraud and extortion, each of which is punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Also in 2010, van der Sloot was arrested in Peru for the murder of 21-year-old Stephany Flores, who was killed five years to the day after Holloways disappearance. Peruvian prosecutors accused van der Sloot of killing Flores, a business student from a prominent family, to rob her after learning she had won money at the casino where the two met. They said he killed her with ferocity and cruelty, beating then strangling her in his hotel room. He pleaded guilty in 2012. Van der Sloot married a Peruvian woman in July 2014 in a ceremony at a maximum security prison. He has been transferred from prisons in response to reports that he enjoyed privileges such as television, internet access and a cellphone, and accusations that he had threatened to kill a warden. A 2001 treaty between Peru and the U.S. allows a suspect to be temporarily extradited to face trial in the other country. It requires that the prisoner be returned after judicial proceedings are concluded against that person, in accordance with conditions to be determined by both countries. A New Mexico man who called 911 to confess to the 2008 killing of his landlord has been arraigned on a charge of first-degree murder. Tony Peralta made his appearance before a state district judge Tuesday. A 911 recording and nearly an hour of police body camera footage obtained by The Associated Press show Peralta repeatedly telling officers that he wanted to confess to killing 69-year-old William Blodgett because he no longer wanted to live with the guilt. Breaking down at one point, he told a detective that Blodgett had been good to him and that he was high on methamphetamine when he killed him. Peralta has pleaded not guilty. His public defender declined to comment Tuesday. NICANOR, Panama (AP) Panama launched a security operation along its shared border with Colombia on Friday to combat criminal gangs and migrant smugglers involved in record-setting migration through the perilous Darien Gap. Security officials said the Shield campaign is part of an agreement reached with the governments of Colombia and the United States in April to stop the flow of migrants through the borders jungle-clad mountains. At a naval air base in Panama's far east Darien province, rifle-toting border police outfitted in camouflage were conducting drills Friday on the tarmac in front of helicopters previously donated by the U.S. government. Panama will dedicate some 1,200 immigration agents, border police and members of the naval air service to what it said will be an air, land and sea effort. The targets will not be the hundreds of migrants traversing the dense jungle each day, but the organized criminal groups that prey on and profit from them on both sides of the border. This is an action by the Panamanian government against criminals who are earning fortunes from human pain, Security Minister Juan Manuel Pino said. The campaign was the first visible example of the efforts promised by the three governments. He said the U.S. is in the process of replacing six of Panama's helicopters with eight new ones. In recent years, the roadless Darien Gap between Colombia and Panama has become a major and increasingly well-established migration route for extra-continental migrants seeking to reach the United States. Its location on the narrow isthmus makes it a natural point to try to gain control of migration flows, but its remoteness and lawlessness have long made that a challenge. On Sunday, Panamanian border police encountered nine people suspected of robbing migrants and police killed three of them in a shootout. Oriel Ortega, director of the border police, said Friday that the dominant criminal group operating in the Darien was Colombia's Gulf Clan. The gang terrorized much of northern Colombia to gain control of major cocaine smuggling routes through thick jungles north to Central America and into the U.S. It also moves weapons and migrants. Smaller gangs work along the Colombia-Panama border as well. The number of migrants encountered at the U.S. southern border has fallen significantly since coronavirus-related restrictions on requesting asylum at the border were lifted and replaced with expanded legal pathways and more punitive measures for those who try to enter illegally. Pino, Panama's security minister, said that gaining control of its border with Colombia was no longer just an immigration problem, but a question of national security. It is easier now to traffic a person than to traffic a kilo of drugs, Pino said. Officials dismissed any suggestion of closing the border or of its militarization. Pino acknowledged close coordination with the United States, but said the operation would be carried exclusively by Panamanian personnel. Our country is not a migratory destination, nor does it produce emigration, but its geographic position makes it an obligatory route for this phenomenon, Pino said. He noted that since 2009, 663,000 people had crossed the Darien, most of them in just the past couple years. Last year, nearly 250,000 people crossed, nearly double the 133,000 in 2021, and a new record. The increase was driven largely by Venezuelans, who accounted for some 60% of migrants crossing there last year. In April, the United Nations warned that the unprecedented number of crossings to start the year suggested that some 400,000 migrants could cross this year. According to government data, nearly 170,000 migrants crossed the Darien in the first four months of the year, five times the number from the same period last year. In conjunction with the additional manpower, Panama plans a publicity campaign to drive home the message that the Darien should not be an option for migrants. Pino noted that about 60% of the people crossing Darien this year have been children. Samira Gozaine, director of Panama's immigration agency, said smugglers lure migrants to the route with false promises that it will take only two days to cross the steep mountains and rushing rivers rather than a week or more. So far this year, Panamanian authorities have reported recovering at least 24 bodies believed to be migrants and have received reports of some 40 missing migrants. Key Insights Meridian Energy's estimated fair value is NZ$7.52 based on 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity Meridian Energy is estimated to be 26% undervalued based on current share price of NZ$5.58 Our fair value estimate is 38% higher than Meridian Energy's analyst price target of NZ$5.46 In this article we are going to estimate the intrinsic value of Meridian Energy Limited (NZSE:MEL) by taking the expected future cash flows and discounting them to their present value. Our analysis will employ the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model. There's really not all that much to it, even though it might appear quite complex. We generally believe that a company's value is the present value of all of the cash it will generate in the future. However, a DCF is just one valuation metric among many, and it is not without flaws. If you still have some burning questions about this type of valuation, take a look at the Simply Wall St analysis model. See our latest analysis for Meridian Energy The Calculation We use what is known as a 2-stage model, which simply means we have two different periods of growth rates for the company's cash flows. Generally the first stage is higher growth, and the second stage is a lower growth phase. To begin with, we have to get estimates of the next ten years of cash flows. Where possible we use analyst estimates, but when these aren't available we extrapolate the previous free cash flow (FCF) from the last estimate or reported value. We assume companies with shrinking free cash flow will slow their rate of shrinkage, and that companies with growing free cash flow will see their growth rate slow, over this period. We do this to reflect that growth tends to slow more in the early years than it does in later years. A DCF is all about the idea that a dollar in the future is less valuable than a dollar today, and so the sum of these future cash flows is then discounted to today's value: 10-year free cash flow (FCF) estimate 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 Levered FCF (NZ$, Millions) NZ$180.7m NZ$207.2m NZ$407.0m NZ$591.0m NZ$779.0m NZ$922.0m NZ$1.05b NZ$1.15b NZ$1.24b NZ$1.32b Growth Rate Estimate Source Analyst x2 Analyst x2 Analyst x1 Analyst x1 Analyst x1 Est @ 18.35% Est @ 13.52% Est @ 10.13% Est @ 7.76% Est @ 6.10% Present Value (NZ$, Millions) Discounted @ 7.0% NZ$169 NZ$181 NZ$332 NZ$451 NZ$556 NZ$615 NZ$653 NZ$672 NZ$677 NZ$671 ("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St) Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = NZ$5.0b After calculating the present value of future cash flows in the initial 10-year period, we need to calculate the Terminal Value, which accounts for all future cash flows beyond the first stage. For a number of reasons a very conservative growth rate is used that cannot exceed that of a country's GDP growth. In this case we have used the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield (2.2%) to estimate future growth. In the same way as with the 10-year 'growth' period, we discount future cash flows to today's value, using a cost of equity of 7.0%. Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2032 (1 + g) (r g) = NZ$1.3b (1 + 2.2%) (7.0% 2.2%) = NZ$28b Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= NZ$28b ( 1 + 7.0%)10= NZ$14b The total value, or equity value, is then the sum of the present value of the future cash flows, which in this case is NZ$19b. To get the intrinsic value per share, we divide this by the total number of shares outstanding. Relative to the current share price of NZ$5.6, the company appears a touch undervalued at a 26% discount to where the stock price trades currently. The assumptions in any calculation have a big impact on the valuation, so it is better to view this as a rough estimate, not precise down to the last cent. dcf Important Assumptions The calculation above is very dependent on two assumptions. The first is the discount rate and the other is the cash flows. You don't have to agree with these inputs, I recommend redoing the calculations yourself and playing with them. The DCF also does not consider the possible cyclicality of an industry, or a company's future capital requirements, so it does not give a full picture of a company's potential performance. Given that we are looking at Meridian Energy as potential shareholders, the cost of equity is used as the discount rate, rather than the cost of capital (or weighted average cost of capital, WACC) which accounts for debt. In this calculation we've used 7.0%, which is based on a levered beta of 0.800. 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 Meridian Energy Strength Earnings growth over the past year exceeded the industry. Debt is not viewed as a risk. Weakness Dividend is low compared to the top 25% of dividend payers in the Renewable Energy market. Opportunity Annual earnings are forecast to grow for the next 3 years. Trading below our estimate of fair value by more than 20%. Threat Dividends are not covered by cash flow. Annual earnings are forecast to grow slower than the New Zealander market. Looking Ahead: Valuation is only one side of the coin in terms of building your investment thesis, and it ideally won't be the sole piece of analysis you scrutinize for a company. It's not possible to obtain a foolproof valuation with a DCF model. Rather it should be seen as a guide to "what assumptions need to be true for this stock to be under/overvalued?" For example, changes in the company's cost of equity or the risk free rate can significantly impact the valuation. What is the reason for the share price sitting below the intrinsic value? For Meridian Energy, there are three further items you should assess: Risks: To that end, you should be aware of the 1 warning sign we've spotted with Meridian Energy . Future Earnings: How does MEL's growth rate compare to its peers and the wider market? Dig deeper into the analyst consensus number for the upcoming years by interacting with our free analyst growth expectation chart. Other High Quality Alternatives: Do you like a good all-rounder? Explore our interactive list of high quality stocks to get an idea of what else is out there you may be missing! PS. Simply Wall St updates its DCF calculation for every New Zealander stock every day, so if you want to find the intrinsic value of any other stock just search here. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. 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 (Bloomberg) -- Microsoft Corp. President Brad Smith will meet with UK Chancellor Jeremy Hunt next week to voice his frustration over the shock decision by Britains competition regulator to block its $69 billion takeover of Activision Blizzard Inc. Most Read from Bloomberg Smith is set to hold talks with Hunt as well as officials from the Competition and Markets Authority, the agency that wielded the April 26 veto, according to people familiar with the discussions, who spoke on condition of anonymity. Microsoft confirmed that Smith will be in London, where hes giving a scheduled talk about the potential of AI and the need for thoughtful regulation of it. Hell also hold private discussions on other issues, including the proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard as we remain committed to finding creative and constructive ways to address remaining regulatory concerns, a Microsoft representative said. Smith is expected to point to the benefits of the acquisition for gamers and push back against the move to block the industrys largest merger a decision that will soon play out in a special UK antitrust court. Hunt previously criticized the CMAs veto, telling a business conference recently that competition watchdogs must understand their wider responsibilities. Despite Hunts comments, one of the people said government ministers were unhappy with some of Smiths criticism of the CMA in interviews in which he claimed that the European Union which approved the takeover was a better place to do business than the UK. The government holds no formal role in the enforcement of the countrys competition rules, but members of the CMA board are appointed by the UKs business department. Smith will also sit down with Microsofts legal representatives to discuss the firms strategy to counter the CMA decision, laying out a series of options that the company could take to save the deal. Read More: Microsoft Gets Date Boost in Appeal of $69 Billion Deal Ban One extreme option could be to bypass the UK order and press ahead with the deal, or withdraw Activision from the UK market, one of the people said, confirming earlier reports by regulatory news outfit Mlex. The company is also likely to draw on the EUs findings in its legal arguments against the CMA, after EU merger officials conditionally approved the record-breaking gaming merger last month. The Chancellors office declined to comment. Activision didnt respond to a request for comment. The confidential discussions will take place as Smith takes part in London Tech Week, an event aimed at boosting the UKs technology industry. While the CMA said the merger would reinforce Microsofts advantage in the cloud gaming market, EU competition chief Margrethe Vestager called it pro-competitive and said that it could kick-start the cloud streaming market. Following the regulators block, Microsoft appealed to the UKs Competition Appeal Tribunal. An opening hearing into the substance of Microsofts appeal is slated for the week beginning July 24. --With assistance from Katharine Gemmell and Dina Bass. (Updates with Microsofts statement in third paragraph.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. Advisors Capital Management LLC lessened its position in Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC) by 0.1% in the 4th quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 655,636 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 521 shares during the quarter. Advisors Capital Management LLCs holdings in Wells Fargo & Company were worth $27,071,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. US Asset Management LLC bought a new stake in Wells Fargo & Company during the 4th quarter valued at about $28,000. Capital Advisors Ltd. LLC lifted its holdings in Wells Fargo & Company by 494.8% during the 4th quarter. Capital Advisors Ltd. LLC now owns 2,754 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $30,000 after buying an additional 2,291 shares in the last quarter. FNY Investment Advisers LLC bought a new stake in Wells Fargo & Company during the 4th quarter valued at about $34,000. Lam Group Inc. bought a new stake in Wells Fargo & Company during the 4th quarter valued at about $37,000. Finally, Morgan Dempsey Capital Management LLC bought a new stake in Wells Fargo & Company during the 4th quarter valued at about $37,000. Institutional investors own 72.24% of the companys stock. Get Wells Fargo & Company alerts: Wells Fargo & Company Stock Performance NYSE:WFC traded up $1.18 during trading hours on Friday, hitting $41.24. 16,906,059 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 20,717,236. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.06, a current ratio of 0.83 and a quick ratio of 0.83. Wells Fargo & Company has a 52-week low of $35.25 and a 52-week high of $48.84. The companys 50 day moving average price is $39.40 and its 200-day moving average price is $42.44. The stock has a market capitalization of $154.74 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.82, a PEG ratio of 0.82 and a beta of 1.12. Wells Fargo & Company Dividend Announcement Wells Fargo & Company ( NYSE:WFC Get Rating ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Friday, April 14th. The financial services provider reported $1.23 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.15 by $0.08. Wells Fargo & Company had a net margin of 15.93% and a return on equity of 10.07%. The business had revenue of $20.73 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $20.06 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $0.88 EPS. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 16.9% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, research analysts forecast that Wells Fargo & Company will post 4.79 earnings per share for the current year. The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, June 1st. Shareholders of record on Friday, May 5th were paid a dividend of $0.30 per share. This represents a $1.20 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.91%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, May 4th. Wells Fargo & Companys payout ratio is 34.38%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of equities research analysts recently weighed in on the stock. Morgan Stanley decreased their price objective on shares of Wells Fargo & Company from $47.00 to $46.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Monday, April 17th. Odeon Capital Group downgraded shares of Wells Fargo & Company from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Monday, March 13th. Raymond James raised their target price on shares of Wells Fargo & Company from $47.00 to $48.00 and gave the company a strong-buy rating in a research report on Monday, April 17th. Barclays cut their target price on shares of Wells Fargo & Company from $64.00 to $54.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, April 12th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada cut their target price on shares of Wells Fargo & Company from $45.00 to $42.00 and set a sector perform rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, March 24th. Seven investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, eight have issued a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $49.45. Wells Fargo & Company Company Profile (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. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding WFC? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC Get Rating). 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. StockNews.com downgraded shares of Asbury Automotive Group (NYSE:ABG Get Rating) from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report sent to investors on Wednesday morning. Separately, Stephens lifted their price target on shares of Asbury Automotive Group to $275.00 in a research note on Thursday, April 27th. Get Asbury Automotive Group alerts: Asbury Automotive Group Stock Performance NYSE ABG opened at $218.36 on Wednesday. Asbury Automotive Group has a 1 year low of $138.88 and a 1 year high of $253.67. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.05, a current ratio of 1.92 and a quick ratio of 0.91. The firm has a market cap of $4.70 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 5.12, a PEG ratio of 0.36 and a beta of 1.12. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $202.28 and a 200-day moving average price of $200.29. Insider Transactions at Asbury Automotive Group Asbury Automotive Group ( NYSE:ABG Get Rating ) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, April 25th. The company reported $8.37 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $7.94 by $0.43. Asbury Automotive Group had a net margin of 6.23% and a return on equity of 29.48%. The firm had revenue of $3.58 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.79 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $9.27 earnings per share. The companys quarterly revenue was down 8.4% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities research analysts predict that Asbury Automotive Group will post 31.52 EPS for the current fiscal year. In other Asbury Automotive Group news, SVP George A. Villasana sold 2,828 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, March 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $235.60, for a total transaction of $666,276.80. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president now directly owns 4,290 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,010,724. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. 0.41% of the stock is owned by insiders. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. HighTower Advisors LLC raised its holdings in Asbury Automotive Group by 47.5% during the 1st quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC now owns 3,671 shares of the companys stock valued at $593,000 after buying an additional 1,182 shares during the period. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. raised its holdings in Asbury Automotive Group by 8.9% during the 1st quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 1,459 shares of the companys stock valued at $233,000 after buying an additional 119 shares during the period. Bank of Montreal Can raised its holdings in Asbury Automotive Group by 1.2% during the 1st quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 6,583 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,099,000 after buying an additional 76 shares during the period. MetLife Investment Management LLC raised its holdings in Asbury Automotive Group by 56.3% during the 1st quarter. MetLife Investment Management LLC now owns 12,440 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,993,000 after buying an additional 4,480 shares during the period. Finally, Rhumbline Advisers raised its holdings in Asbury Automotive Group by 7.3% during the 1st quarter. Rhumbline Advisers now owns 63,891 shares of the companys stock valued at $10,235,000 after buying an additional 4,367 shares during the period. Asbury Automotive Group Company Profile (Get Rating) Asbury Automotive Group, Inc is a franchised automotive retailer. It operates through the Dealerships and Total Care Auto (TCA) segments. The Dealerships segment offers a range of automotive products and services fulfilling the entire vehicle ownership lifecycle including the sale of new and used vehicles and the provision of vehicle repair and maintenance services, replacement parts, and collision repair services. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Asbury Automotive Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Asbury Automotive Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of CAE Inc. (TSE:CAE Get Rating) (NYSE:CAE) have been assigned an average recommendation of Moderate Buy from the nine analysts that are presently covering the company, Marketbeat reports. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the company. The average 1-year price objective among brokerages that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is C$36.56. CAE has been the topic of a number of research analyst reports. TD Securities increased their price objective on shares of CAE from C$34.00 to C$37.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, February 15th. Canaccord Genuity Group increased their price objective on shares of CAE from C$30.00 to C$35.00 in a research report on Wednesday, February 15th. Scotiabank increased their price objective on shares of CAE from C$37.00 to C$38.00 in a research report on Tuesday, April 4th. The Goldman Sachs Group increased their price objective on shares of CAE from C$35.00 to C$37.00 in a research report on Tuesday, April 11th. Finally, National Bankshares increased their price objective on shares of CAE from C$34.00 to C$37.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, February 15th. Get CAE alerts: CAE Stock Performance Shares of CAE stock opened at C$28.80 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 0.97, a quick ratio of 0.71 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 73.28. The business has a 50-day moving average price of C$30.27 and a two-hundred day moving average price of C$29.34. CAE has a 1-year low of C$20.90 and a 1-year high of C$34.81. The company has a market cap of C$9.15 billion, a P/E ratio of 52.29, a PEG ratio of 1.76 and a beta of 2.01. About CAE CAE Inc, together with its subsidiaries, provides simulation training and critical operations support solutions worldwide. It operates through three segments: Civil Aviation, Defense and Security, and Healthcare. The Civil Aviation segment provides training solutions for flight, cabin, maintenance, and ground personnel in commercial, business, and helicopter aviation; flight simulation training devices; and ab initio pilot training and crew sourcing services, as well as end to end digitally enabled crew management, training operations solutions, and optimization software. Read More Receive News & Ratings for CAE Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for CAE and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Central African Gold Inc. (BANC.V) (CVE:BANC Get Rating) shares shot up 8.5% during mid-day trading on Friday . The stock traded as high as C$0.32 and last traded at C$0.32. 80,972 shares traded hands during trading, an increase of 230% from the average session volume of 24,545 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$0.30. Central African Gold Inc. (BANC.V) Trading Up 8.5 % The stock has a market cap of C$11.23 million and a P/E ratio of -0.91. The company has a current ratio of 0.01, a quick ratio of 0.01 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 14.17. The company has a 50-day moving average price of C$0.32 and a two-hundred day moving average price of C$0.32. About Central African Gold Inc. (BANC.V) (Get Rating) Bankers Cobalt Corp., a natural resource company, engages in the acquisition, exploration, development, and operation of cobalt and copper mineral projects in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Namibia. The company explores for nickel, gold, platinum, and palladium deposits. It holds 100% interest in six concessions located in Namibia. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Central African Gold Inc. (BANC.V) Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Central African Gold Inc. (BANC.V) and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Copper Mountain Mining Co. (TSE:CMMC Get Rating)s share price was up 8% during mid-day trading on Friday . The stock traded as high as C$2.44 and last traded at C$2.43. Approximately 845,272 shares traded hands during trading, a decline of 33% from the average daily volume of 1,259,477 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$2.25. Analyst Ratings Changes CMMC has been the topic of several analyst reports. National Bankshares lowered their target price on shares of Copper Mountain Mining from C$2.65 to C$2.60 and set a tender rating on the stock in a report on Monday, May 1st. Scotiabank downgraded shares of Copper Mountain Mining from an outperform rating to a sector perform rating in a report on Tuesday, April 18th. TD Securities downgraded shares of Copper Mountain Mining from a buy rating to a tender rating and lifted their target price for the company from C$2.50 to C$2.75 in a report on Monday, April 17th. Cormark reduced their price objective on shares of Copper Mountain Mining from C$3.00 to C$2.75 in a research note on Tuesday, March 28th. Finally, CIBC raised their price objective on shares of Copper Mountain Mining from C$1.90 to C$2.20 in a research note on Wednesday, February 8th. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and one has issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Copper Mountain Mining presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of C$2.60. Get Copper Mountain Mining alerts: Copper Mountain Mining Trading Up 8.0 % The businesss fifty day moving average is C$2.39 and its 200-day moving average is C$2.11. The stock has a market capitalization of C$520.94 million, a PE ratio of -9.35, a P/E/G ratio of 0.28 and a beta of 2.73. The company has a quick ratio of 0.38, a current ratio of 1.22 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 50.36. Insiders Place Their Bets About Copper Mountain Mining In other Copper Mountain Mining news, insider Zeta Resources Limited sold 200,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, April 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of C$2.60, for a total transaction of C$520,000.00. 3.34% of the stock is owned by 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. Recommended 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. Royal Bank of Canada cut shares of Dr. Martens (OTCMKTS:DOCMF Get Rating) from an outperform rating to a sector perform rating in a report published on Tuesday, The Fly reports. Separately, Barclays decreased their target price on shares of Dr. Martens from GBX 270 ($3.34) to GBX 195 ($2.41) in a report on Friday, February 17th. Get Dr. Martens alerts: Dr. Martens Stock Performance DOCMF opened at $1.79 on Tuesday. Dr. Martens has a twelve month low of $1.58 and a twelve month high of $3.51. The firms 50-day moving average price is $1.96 and its 200 day moving average price is $2.11. About Dr. Martens Dr. Martens plc designs, develops, procures, markets, sells, and distributes footwear in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Americas, and the Asia-Pacific. Its product segments include originals, fusion, kids, and casual, as well as accessories. The company offers its products under the Dr. Martens brand name. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Dr. Martens Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Dr. Martens and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of European Assets Trust PLC (LON:EAT Get Rating) crossed below its two hundred day moving average during trading on Wednesday . The stock has a two hundred day moving average of GBX 92.82 ($1.15) and traded as low as GBX 88.10 ($1.09). European Assets Trust shares last traded at GBX 89.05 ($1.10), with a volume of 986,438 shares traded. European Assets Trust Stock Performance The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.55, a current ratio of 1.72 and a quick ratio of 1.35. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is GBX 91.99 and its 200 day simple moving average is GBX 92.77. The stock has a market capitalization of 331.26 million, a P/E ratio of -191.67 and a beta of 1.06. Get European Assets Trust alerts: European Assets Trust Dividend Announcement The business also recently disclosed a dividend, which was paid on Friday, April 28th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, April 6th were given a dividend of GBX 1.45 ($0.02) per share. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, April 6th. This represents a yield of 1.62%. European Assets Trusts dividend payout ratio (DPR) is -1,250.00%. Insiders Place Their Bets European Assets Trust Company Profile In other European Assets Trust news, insider Pui Kei Yuen bought 10,000 shares of European Assets Trust stock in a transaction dated Monday, May 15th. The stock was bought at an average price of GBX 94 ($1.16) per share, with a total value of 9,400 ($11,616.41). Company insiders own 0.77% of the companys stock. (Get Rating) European Assets Trust PLC is a closed-ended equity mutual fund launched and managed by F&C Investment Business Limited. The fund invests in the public equity markets of Europe, excluding the United Kingdom. It seeks to invest in stocks of companies operating across diversified sectors. The fund primarily invests in stocks of small and mid cap companies with a market capitalization below that of the largest company in the Euromoney Smaller European Companies (ex UK) Index or below Euro 2.5 billion. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for European Assets Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for European Assets Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Global Crossing Airlines Group Inc. (CVE:JET Get Rating) shares traded down 4.9% during mid-day trading on Friday . The stock traded as low as C$1.36 and last traded at C$1.36. 10,010 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 11% from the average session volume of 11,289 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$1.43. Global Crossing Airlines Group Price Performance The companys 50-day moving average is C$1.36 and its 200-day moving average is C$1.36. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 105.95, a current ratio of 1.18 and a quick ratio of 1.04. The firm has a market capitalization of C$63.25 million and a price-to-earnings ratio of -2.57. Global Crossing Airlines Group Company Profile (Get Rating) Global Crossing Airlines Group Inc operates in the airline business. It focuses to fly as an aircraft, crew, maintenance, and insurance (ACMI) and wet lease charter airline serving the United States, the Caribbean, and Latin American markets. The company is based in Miami, Florida. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Global Crossing Airlines Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Global Crossing Airlines Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (Rakez) successfully took part in the second edition of the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technologys (MoIAT) Make it in the Emirates Forum held recently. The two-day event brought together industry leaders, government officials, and prominent stakeholders to discuss the role of industrial zones in driving economic progress. The forum aims to position the UAE as a preferred hub for emerging industries on a global scale and promote local production by attracting investors, innovators, and developers, who can enjoy a world of perks and opportunities provided within the UAE ecosystem. Rakez Group CEO Ramy Jallad who was a key panelist at the forum, discussed the role of industrial zones in attracting local and foreign investors. He also shared insights and forward-thinking perspectives on leveraging industrial zones to propel the growth of the UAE's manufacturing sector. Highlighting the countrys unique value propositions, Jallad said: "The UAE's secret formula is a blend of ambition, strategic positioning, and unwavering support for businesses. We have built a business-friendly ecosystem, quickly customising solutions for both SMEs and large manufacturers." "Our approach is diligent and understanding, aiming for transparency, ease of regulations, and a plug-and-play environment," he stated. During the engaging panel discussion, Jallad emphasised on the vital role that industrial zones play in economic diversification and their potential to attract local and international investments. "Specialised industrial zones are ideal incubators for industrialists driving the UAE's non-oil economic transformation. Rakez supports industrial companies by offering robust infrastructure, access to global supply chains through logistical hubs and ample growth opportunities in a business-friendly ecosystem," he stated. Jallad lauded the economic zone's agility in packaging all the right elements that investors need for their business set-up, operational sustainability and growth in the region. "Investors today are smart and very much capable of conducting their own research when it comes to where and how to set up. Our role here is to market what the UAE has to offer to the industrialists, simplify their navigation and welcome them into our supportive business community," he stated. According to him, Rakez's participation in the forum further solidified its commitment to the national industrial strategy Operation 300bn of facilitating business growth and driving economic diversification. By engaging with fellow industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and government officials, it explored new collaborative opportunities to advance the UAE's industrial sector and promote the country as a thriving business destination, it added.-TradeArabia News Service Netflix investors voted against rich pay packages for the company's top execs amid the ongoing Hollywood writers' strike Ted Sarandos. Getty Netflix shareholders on Thursday voted against pay packages for top execs totaling up to $109 million. The vote is non-binding and could be overruled when the board meets next. The WGA had urged Netflix investors to reject the pay packages amid the Hollywood writers' strike. Netflix shareholders on Thursday voted against executive pay packages totaling up $109 million for the company's top leaders, several outlets including the New York Times reported. Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos stands to earn up to $40 million through a combination of stock options, a performance-based bonus, and $3 million base salary. He made $50.3 million overall last year. C0-CEO Greg Peters, who stepped into the role in January, is in line for a package worth $34.65 million. And founder and executive chairman Reed Hastings, who resigned as co-CEO role earlier this year, is set to earn about $3 million in 2023. The advisory vote, which is non-binding, isn't the first time Netflix shareholders have pushed back on the compensation structure for its top leaders, who are among the best paid in the industry. Amid the ongoing Hollywood writers' strike, the Writers Guild of America had called on Netflix investors to reject this year's executive pay raises. "While investors have long taken issue with Netflix's executive pay, the compensation structure is even more egregious against the backdrop of the strike," WGA West's president Meredith Stiehm wrote in a May letter to Netflix shareholders that was obtained by Deadline. Last year, only 26.9% of voted shares approved the pay packages for Netflix's top executives, which led the company to hold discussions with investors, according to the annual proxy statement. The company has since instituted a $3 million salary cap for its co-CEOs and has tied 50% of the compensation for Hastings, Peters, and Sarandos to the company's stock, among other changes to its executive compensation structure. It's not clear how many votes rejected this year's "Say on Pay" proposal. Comcast shareholders received a similar letter from the WGA West president in May. Their annual meeting is set for June 7. Read the original article on Business Insider Greggs plc (LON:GRG Get Rating)s stock price crossed above its 200-day moving average during trading on Wednesday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of GBX 2,607.57 ($32.22) and traded as high as GBX 2,707.56 ($33.46). Greggs shares last traded at GBX 2,686 ($33.19), with a volume of 283,683 shares. Analysts Set New Price Targets GRG has been the topic of a number of analyst reports. Liberum Capital downgraded Greggs to a hold rating and set a GBX 2,800 ($34.60) price target on the stock. in a research report on Tuesday, May 16th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reissued a buy rating and set a GBX 2,950 ($36.46) price target on shares of Greggs in a research report on Wednesday, March 8th. Berenberg Bank raised their target price on Greggs from GBX 3,000 ($37.07) to GBX 3,200 ($39.55) and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, May 2nd. Shore Capital reaffirmed a hold rating on shares of Greggs in a report on Tuesday, May 16th. Finally, Peel Hunt reaffirmed a hold rating and issued a GBX 2,500 ($30.89) target price on shares of Greggs in a report on Tuesday, May 16th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have given a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of GBX 2,862.50 ($35.37). Get Greggs alerts: Greggs Stock Performance The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of GBX 2,775.32 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of GBX 2,611.70. The stock has a market cap of 2.82 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 2,337.29, a P/E/G ratio of 3.39 and a beta of 1.35. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 67.56, a quick ratio of 0.88 and a current ratio of 1.16. Greggs Increases Dividend Insider Activity at Greggs The company also recently disclosed a dividend, which was paid on Friday, May 26th. Investors of record on Thursday, April 27th were issued a dividend of GBX 44 ($0.54) per share. This is an increase from Greggss previous dividend of $15.00. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, April 27th. This represents a dividend yield of 1.6%. Greggss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 5,000.00%. In related news, insider Richard Hutton sold 6,080 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, March 31st. The stock was sold at an average price of GBX 2,792 ($34.50), for a total transaction of 169,753.60 ($209,779.54). 6.22% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. About Greggs (Get Rating) Greggs plc operates as a bakery food-on-the-go retailer in the United Kingdom. It offers a range of fresh and frozen bakery products, sandwiches, and drinks. The company sells products to franchise and wholesale partners for sale in their own outlets. It is also involved in the property holding, non-trading, and trustee businesses. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Greggs Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Greggs and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Citigroup restated their neutral rating on shares of GSK (LON:GSK Get Rating) in a report released on Tuesday morning, MarketBeat.com reports. A number of other equities research analysts also recently weighed in on GSK. The Goldman Sachs Group set a GBX 2,000 ($24.72) target price on GSK in a research report on Monday, March 6th. Berenberg Bank restated a buy rating and issued a GBX 1,730 ($21.38) target price on shares of GSK in a research report on Wednesday, April 19th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft restated a buy rating and issued a GBX 1,700 ($21.01) target price on shares of GSK in a research report on Tuesday. Shore Capital restated a buy rating on shares of GSK in a research report on Monday, May 15th. Finally, Barclays reaffirmed an equal weight rating and issued a GBX 1,450 ($17.92) price target on shares of GSK in a report on Thursday, April 27th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have assigned a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of GBX 1,573.33 ($19.44). Get GSK alerts: GSK Stock Performance Shares of LON GSK opened at GBX 1,367.60 ($16.90) on Tuesday. The company has a current ratio of 0.95, a quick ratio of 0.73 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 184.80. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of GBX 1,449.61 and a 200-day simple moving average of GBX 1,436.60. The company has a market cap of 55.39 billion, a PE ratio of 1,254.68, a P/E/G ratio of 2.04 and a beta of 0.28. GSK has a 12-month low of GBX 1,280.92 ($15.83) and a 12-month high of GBX 2,280.50 ($28.18). GSK Increases Dividend Insider Buying and Selling The company also recently announced a dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, July 13th. Investors of record on Thursday, May 18th will be given a dividend of GBX 14 ($0.17) per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, May 18th. This is an increase from GSKs previous dividend of $13.75. This represents a yield of 0.93%. GSKs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 5,137.61%. In other GSK news, insider Iain Mackay purchased 200 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, April 18th. The stock was purchased at an average price of GBX 1,493 ($18.45) per share, for a total transaction of 2,986 ($3,690.06). In other news, insider Iain Mackay bought 200 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, April 18th. The stock was bought at an average price of GBX 1,493 ($18.45) per share, for a total transaction of 2,986 ($3,690.06). Also, insider Jonathan Symonds acquired 2,100 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, March 20th. The stock was bought at an average price of GBX 1,399 ($17.29) per share, with a total value of 29,379 ($36,306.23). Insiders have bought a total of 2,309 shares of company stock valued at $3,249,586 over the last three months. 1.75% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. GSK Company Profile (Get Rating) GSK plc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the creation, discovery, development, manufacture, and marketing of pharmaceutical products, vaccines, over-the-counter medicines, and health-related consumer products in the United Kingdom, the United States, and internationally. It operates through four segments: Pharmaceuticals, Pharmaceuticals R&D, Vaccines, and Consumer Healthcare. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for GSK Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for GSK and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Hewlett Packard Enterprise (NYSE:HPE Get Rating) had its target price cut by Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft from $16.00 to $15.00 in a report issued on Wednesday, The Fly reports. HPE has been the topic of several other research reports. Barclays cut their price target on Hewlett Packard Enterprise from $18.00 to $16.00 in a research note on Wednesday. Morgan Stanley lifted their price target on shares of Hewlett Packard Enterprise from $13.00 to $14.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a research note on Friday, March 3rd. StockNews.com upgraded shares of Hewlett Packard Enterprise from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, May 23rd. Citigroup lifted their price target on shares of Hewlett Packard Enterprise from $13.00 to $14.00 in a research note on Friday, March 3rd. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group started coverage on shares of Hewlett Packard Enterprise in a research note on Monday, March 20th. They issued a neutral rating and a $15.00 price target for the company. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, six have assigned a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Hewlett Packard Enterprise presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $16.62. Get Hewlett Packard Enterprise alerts: Hewlett Packard Enterprise Trading Up 3.9 % HPE opened at $15.24 on Wednesday. The firms 50 day moving average is $14.88 and its 200-day moving average is $15.49. Hewlett Packard Enterprise has a 52-week low of $11.90 and a 52-week high of $17.25. The company has a quick ratio of 0.63, a current ratio of 0.87 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.41. The firm has a market capitalization of $19.74 billion, a P/E ratio of 19.53, a P/E/G ratio of 2.24 and a beta of 1.23. Hewlett Packard Enterprise Dividend Announcement Hewlett Packard Enterprise ( NYSE:HPE Get Rating ) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, May 30th. The technology company reported $0.52 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.49 by $0.03. The business had revenue of $6.97 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $7.30 billion. Hewlett Packard Enterprise had a net margin of 3.46% and a return on equity of 5.05%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 3.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $0.19 earnings per share. Analysts expect that Hewlett Packard Enterprise will post 1.32 EPS for the current fiscal year. The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, July 14th. Investors of record on Thursday, June 15th will be paid a dividend of $0.12 per share. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, June 14th. This represents a $0.48 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.15%. Hewlett Packard Enterprises payout ratio is currently 61.54%. Insider Buying and Selling In related news, Director Jean M. Hobby sold 10,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, March 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $15.28, for a total transaction of $152,800.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 46,161 shares in the company, valued at approximately $705,340.08. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this link. In other Hewlett Packard Enterprise news, EVP Alan Richard May sold 703,226 shares of Hewlett Packard Enterprise stock in a transaction on Tuesday, March 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $15.11, for a total transaction of $10,625,744.86. Following the sale, the executive vice president now owns 249,511 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,770,111.21. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, Director Jean M. Hobby sold 10,000 shares of Hewlett Packard Enterprise stock in a transaction on Monday, March 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $15.28, for a total value of $152,800.00. Following the sale, the director now directly owns 46,161 shares in the company, valued at approximately $705,340.08. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 747,314 shares of company stock worth $11,291,569 in the last three months. 0.53% of the stock is owned by insiders. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Hewlett Packard Enterprise Several large investors have recently bought and sold shares of HPE. Federated Hermes Inc. boosted its stake in Hewlett Packard Enterprise by 2.0% during the 3rd quarter. Federated Hermes Inc. now owns 1,316,301 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $15,769,000 after purchasing an additional 25,551 shares in the last quarter. Coldstream Capital Management Inc. bought a new position in Hewlett Packard Enterprise during the 4th quarter valued at $353,000. Two Sigma Investments LP bought a new position in Hewlett Packard Enterprise during the 3rd quarter valued at $13,464,000. Cutter & CO Brokerage Inc. acquired a new stake in Hewlett Packard Enterprise in the 4th quarter valued at about $182,000. Finally, Segall Bryant & Hamill LLC acquired a new stake in Hewlett Packard Enterprise in the 3rd quarter valued at about $130,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 81.36% of the companys stock. About Hewlett Packard Enterprise (Get Rating) Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co is a global edge-to-cloud company, which engages in the provision of information technology, technology and enterprise products, solutions, and services. It operates through the following segments: Compute, High Performance Computing & Artificial Intelligence (HPC & AI), Storage, Intelligent Edge, Financial Services, and Corporate Investments and Other. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Hewlett Packard Enterprise Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Hewlett Packard Enterprise and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Ibstock plc (LON:IBST Get Rating) passed below its fifty day moving average during trading on Thursday . The stock has a fifty day moving average of GBX 168.36 ($2.08) and traded as low as GBX 158.40 ($1.96). Ibstock shares last traded at GBX 162.20 ($2.00), with a volume of 264,336 shares trading hands. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several equities research analysts recently commented on IBST shares. Peel Hunt restated a buy rating and set a GBX 230 ($2.84) target price on shares of Ibstock in a research report on Wednesday, March 8th. Berenberg Bank restated a hold rating and set a GBX 180 ($2.22) target price on shares of Ibstock in a research report on Friday, May 5th. Get Ibstock alerts: Ibstock Stock Up 0.8 % The stock has a fifty day moving average price of GBX 168.28 and a 200 day moving average price of GBX 164.72. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 32.03, a current ratio of 1.67 and a quick ratio of 1.19. The stock has a market capitalization of 642.29 million, a P/E ratio of 743.18, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.66 and a beta of 1.36. Ibstock Increases Dividend Insider Transactions at Ibstock The business also recently declared a dividend, which was paid on Friday, May 12th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, April 20th were issued a GBX 5.50 ($0.07) dividend. This is a positive change from Ibstocks previous dividend of $3.30. This represents a dividend yield of 3.39%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, April 20th. Ibstocks dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 4,090.91%. In other Ibstock news, insider Nicola Bruce acquired 5,939 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, April 28th. The stock was bought at an average price of GBX 168 ($2.08) per share, with a total value of 9,977.52 ($12,330.10). In other news, insider Chris McLeish sold 2,950 shares of Ibstock stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, April 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of GBX 172 ($2.13), for a total value of 5,074 ($6,270.39). Also, insider Nicola Bruce acquired 5,939 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, April 28th. The stock was bought at an average price of GBX 168 ($2.08) per share, for a total transaction of 9,977.52 ($12,330.10). Corporate insiders own 0.24% of the companys stock. Ibstock Company Profile (Get Rating) Ibstock plc manufactures and sells clay and concrete building products and solutions primarily in the United Kingdom. Its principal products include clay bricks, brick components, concrete roof tiles, concrete stone masonry substitutes, concrete fencing, pre-stressed concrete, and concrete rail products. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Ibstock Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ibstock and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Invesco DB Base Metals Fund (NYSEARCA:DBB Get Rating) rose 0.5% on Friday . The stock traded as high as $18.05 and last traded at $17.94. Approximately 207,801 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 4% from the average daily volume of 200,221 shares. The stock had previously closed at $17.85. Invesco DB Base Metals Fund Price Performance The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $19.05 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $19.87. Get Invesco DB Base Metals Fund alerts: Hedge Funds Weigh In On Invesco DB Base Metals Fund A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Toroso Investments LLC acquired a new position in shares of Invesco DB Base Metals Fund during the first quarter worth about $1,048,000. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted its holdings in Invesco DB Base Metals Fund by 7.3% in the first quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 46,708 shares of the companys stock valued at $943,000 after purchasing an additional 3,180 shares in the last quarter. B. Riley Wealth Advisors Inc. acquired a new position in Invesco DB Base Metals Fund in the first quarter valued at approximately $2,022,000. Advisory Services Network LLC boosted its holdings in Invesco DB Base Metals Fund by 18,800.8% in the first quarter. Advisory Services Network LLC now owns 247,034 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,990,000 after purchasing an additional 245,727 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Partners Capital Investment Group LLP acquired a new position in Invesco DB Base Metals Fund in the first quarter valued at approximately $3,523,000. Invesco DB Base Metals Fund Company Profile PowerShares DB Base Metals Fund (the Fund) is a separate series of PowerShares DB Multi-Sector Commodity Trust (the Trust), a Delaware statutory trust organized in seven separate series. The Fund seeks to track changes, whether positive or negative, in the level of the DBIQ Optimum Yield Industrial Metals Index Excess Return (the Index) over time, plus the excess, if any, of the Funds interest income from its holdings of United States Treasury Obligations and other high credit quality short-term fixed income securities over the expenses of the Fund. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Invesco DB Base Metals Fund Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Invesco DB Base Metals Fund and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Neuberger Berman Group LLC raised its holdings in shares of KBR, Inc. (NYSE:KBR Get Rating) by 4.4% during the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 2,166,475 shares of the construction companys stock after acquiring an additional 92,212 shares during the quarter. Neuberger Berman Group LLC owned approximately 1.58% of KBR worth $114,326,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Belpointe Asset Management LLC purchased a new position in KBR during the 4th quarter valued at about $34,000. Fred Alger Management LLC purchased a new position in KBR during the 3rd quarter valued at about $36,000. Quadrant Capital Group LLC grew its stake in KBR by 113.7% during the 4th quarter. Quadrant Capital Group LLC now owns 750 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $40,000 after acquiring an additional 399 shares in the last quarter. WFA of San Diego LLC purchased a new position in KBR during the 4th quarter valued at about $53,000. Finally, Caldwell Sutter Capital Inc. bought a new stake in shares of KBR in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $53,000. Get KBR alerts: KBR Stock Up 3.6 % Shares of KBR stock opened at $61.62 on Friday. KBR, Inc. has a 12 month low of $41.96 and a 12 month high of $61.86. The firm has a market cap of $8.36 billion, a PE ratio of 27.02, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.46 and a beta of 1.13. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $57.29 and a 200-day moving average of $53.86. The company has a quick ratio of 0.99, a current ratio of 0.99 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.83. KBR Dividend Announcement KBR ( NYSE:KBR Get Rating ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Monday, May 1st. The construction company reported $0.67 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.58 by $0.09. KBR had a return on equity of 26.13% and a net margin of 5.30%. The company had revenue of $1.70 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.61 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $0.62 earnings per share. The companys quarterly revenue was down .6% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities analysts predict that KBR, Inc. will post 2.89 EPS for the current year. The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, July 14th. Investors of record on Thursday, June 15th will be paid a $0.135 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, June 14th. This represents a $0.54 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.88%. KBRs payout ratio is 23.68%. Insider Activity at KBR In related news, Director Lester L. Lyles sold 17,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Thursday, March 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $54.81, for a total value of $931,770.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 60,462 shares in the company, valued at $3,313,922.22. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. In related news, Director Lester L. Lyles sold 17,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Thursday, March 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $54.81, for a total value of $931,770.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 60,462 shares in the company, valued at $3,313,922.22. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, CEO Stuart Bradie sold 900 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Tuesday, May 23rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $59.20, for a total value of $53,280.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 669,639 shares of the companys stock, valued at $39,642,628.80. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last ninety days, insiders sold 20,287 shares of company stock worth $1,127,100. 1.03% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Analyst Ratings Changes KBR has been the subject of several recent research reports. Citigroup boosted their price target on KBR from $60.00 to $67.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Friday, February 17th. DA Davidson boosted their price target on KBR from $60.00 to $70.00 in a research note on Tuesday, February 21st. Cowen boosted their price target on KBR from $56.00 to $63.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, February 23rd. StockNews.com started coverage on KBR in a research note on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a buy rating for the company. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus upped their target price on KBR from $70.00 to $72.00 in a research report on Tuesday. Six equities research analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating, According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Buy and an average price target of $67.14. KBR Company Profile (Get Rating) KBR, Inc engages in the provision of differentiated professional services and technologies across the asset and program life-cycle within the government services and hydrocarbons industries. It operates through the following segments: Government Solutions, Technology Solutions, Energy Solutions, Non-strategic Business, and Other. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding KBR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for KBR, Inc. (NYSE:KBR Get Rating). Receive News & Ratings for KBR Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for KBR and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Olympus Co. (OTCMKTS:OCPNY Get Rating) passed below its 200-day moving average during trading on Wednesday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of $18.41 and traded as low as $18.00. Olympus shares last traded at $18.00, with a volume of 400 shares trading hands. Olympus Price Performance The stock has a market capitalization of $23.15 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 21.95, a P/E/G ratio of 1.07 and a beta of 0.70. The company has a quick ratio of 1.48, a current ratio of 1.99 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.59. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $18.00 and its 200-day simple moving average is $18.40. Olympus Company Profile (Get Rating) Olympus Corp. engages in the manufacture and sale of precision machineries and instruments. It operates through the following segments: Medical, Scientific Solutions, Imaging, and Others. The Medical segment covers digestive, surgical, and ultrasonic endoscopy as well as endoscopic treatment tools. The Scientific Solutions segment manufactures and sells biological and industrial microscopes, industrial endoscopes, and non-destructive testing equipment. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Olympus Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Olympus and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft began coverage on shares of PulteGroup (NYSE:PHM Get Rating) in a research report report published on Wednesday, The Fly reports. The firm issued a buy rating and a $95.00 price target on the construction companys stock. Several other analysts also recently issued reports on PHM. Credit Suisse Group upped their price objective on PulteGroup from $52.00 to $61.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, February 1st. Barclays increased their price objective on shares of PulteGroup from $86.00 to $90.00 in a report on Wednesday, May 24th. Royal Bank of Canada boosted their price target on PulteGroup from $54.00 to $68.00 in a research report on Wednesday, April 26th. Wedbush boosted their price target on PulteGroup from $47.00 to $57.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Wednesday, February 1st. Finally, KeyCorp boosted their price target on PulteGroup from $51.00 to $66.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, February 3rd. Four analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and thirteen have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $69.00. Get PulteGroup alerts: PulteGroup Stock Performance NYSE:PHM opened at $69.37 on Wednesday. The company has a current ratio of 0.70, a quick ratio of 0.70 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.22. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $63.95 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $55.08. PulteGroup has a twelve month low of $35.03 and a twelve month high of $70.54. The company has a market capitalization of $15.48 billion, a P/E ratio of 5.97, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.46 and a beta of 1.34. PulteGroup ( NYSE:PHM Get Rating ) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, April 25th. The construction company reported $2.35 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.78 by $0.57. PulteGroup had a net margin of 16.22% and a return on equity of 31.03%. The firm had revenue of $3.58 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.27 billion. During the same period last year, the firm posted $1.83 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 12.2% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, research analysts expect that PulteGroup will post 9.05 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. PulteGroup declared that its board has initiated a share buyback program on Tuesday, April 25th that allows the company to repurchase $1.00 billion in outstanding shares. This repurchase authorization allows the construction company to repurchase up to 6.9% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock repurchase programs are often an indication that the companys board believes its stock is undervalued. PulteGroup Announces Dividend The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, July 5th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, June 20th will be issued a $0.16 dividend. This represents a $0.64 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.92%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, June 16th. PulteGroups dividend payout ratio is presently 5.51%. Insider Activity In related news, Director Brian P. Anderson sold 15,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, April 28th. The shares were sold at an average price of $66.95, for a total transaction of $1,004,250.00. Following the sale, the director now owns 55,886 shares in the company, valued at $3,741,567.70. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. In other PulteGroup news, Director Brian P. Anderson sold 15,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, April 28th. The shares were sold at an average price of $66.95, for a total value of $1,004,250.00. Following the transaction, the director now owns 55,886 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,741,567.70. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, insider Ryan Marshall sold 98,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, April 27th. The stock was sold at an average price of $65.27, for a total transaction of $6,396,460.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 645,574 shares in the company, valued at approximately $42,136,614.98. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last three months, insiders sold 228,102 shares of company stock valued at $15,101,034. Company insiders own 0.83% of the companys stock. Institutional Trading of PulteGroup Large investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. American Century Companies Inc. boosted its position in PulteGroup by 9.5% during the 1st quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 55,196 shares of the construction companys stock worth $2,313,000 after acquiring an additional 4,799 shares during the period. Cetera Advisor Networks LLC acquired a new position in PulteGroup during the 1st quarter worth $221,000. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. boosted its position in PulteGroup by 1.7% during the 1st quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 22,505 shares of the construction companys stock worth $945,000 after acquiring an additional 382 shares during the period. Acadian Asset Management LLC boosted its position in PulteGroup by 11.1% during the 1st quarter. Acadian Asset Management LLC now owns 4,487 shares of the construction companys stock worth $188,000 after acquiring an additional 449 shares during the period. Finally, MetLife Investment Management LLC boosted its position in PulteGroup by 26.7% during the 1st quarter. MetLife Investment Management LLC now owns 70,856 shares of the construction companys stock worth $2,969,000 after acquiring an additional 14,918 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 88.07% of the companys stock. PulteGroup Company Profile (Get Rating) PulteGroup, Inc engages in the homebuilding business. The firm is also involved in mortgage banking and title and insurance brokerage operations. It operates through the Homebuilding and Financial services business segments. The Homebuilding segment includes operations from Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Texas, Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico, and Washington. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for PulteGroup Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for PulteGroup and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. UBS Group started coverage on shares of Rollins (NYSE:ROL Get Rating) in a research report released on Wednesday morning, The Fly reports. The firm issued a buy rating and a $48.00 price target on the business services providers stock. A number of other research firms have also commented on ROL. Stifel Nicolaus raised their price objective on shares of Rollins from $37.00 to $40.00 in a research note on Friday, April 28th. Redburn Partners assumed coverage on Rollins in a report on Wednesday, February 1st. They issued a buy rating and a $62.00 target price on the stock. Finally, StockNews.com assumed coverage on Rollins in a report on Thursday, May 18th. They issued a buy rating on the stock. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $44.17. Get Rollins alerts: Rollins Stock Up 1.0 % ROL stock opened at $40.63 on Wednesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.05, a current ratio of 0.79 and a quick ratio of 0.72. The firm has a market cap of $20.02 billion, a PE ratio of 52.86 and a beta of 0.66. Rollins has a 12 month low of $31.43 and a 12 month high of $43.06. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $39.83 and a 200 day simple moving average of $38.07. Rollins Announces Dividend Rollins ( NYSE:ROL Get Rating ) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, April 26th. The business services provider reported $0.18 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.17 by $0.01. The company had revenue of $658.02 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $643.78 million. Rollins had a return on equity of 31.07% and a net margin of 13.77%. Rollinss revenue for the quarter was up 11.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $0.15 earnings per share. Equities research analysts forecast that Rollins will post 0.85 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, June 9th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, May 10th will be paid a dividend of $0.13 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, May 9th. This represents a $0.52 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.28%. Rollinss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 67.53%. Insider Buying and Selling In related news, major shareholder Timothy Curtis Rollins sold 17,982 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, May 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $41.42, for a total value of $744,814.44. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 138,964 shares in the company, valued at approximately $5,755,888.88. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In other news, Vice Chairman John F. Wilson sold 40,499 shares of Rollins stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, April 28th. The stock was sold at an average price of $42.45, for a total transaction of $1,719,182.55. Following the sale, the insider now owns 743,992 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $31,582,460.40. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, major shareholder Timothy Curtis Rollins sold 17,982 shares of Rollins stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, May 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $41.42, for a total value of $744,814.44. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 138,964 shares in the company, valued at approximately $5,755,888.88. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Corporate insiders own 4.70% of the companys stock. Institutional Trading of Rollins Institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. Ontario Teachers Pension Plan Board grew its stake in shares of Rollins by 144.5% in the 1st quarter. Ontario Teachers Pension Plan Board now owns 35,692 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $1,340,000 after purchasing an additional 21,094 shares during the period. ProShare Advisors LLC grew its position in Rollins by 15.2% in the first quarter. ProShare Advisors LLC now owns 41,203 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $1,546,000 after acquiring an additional 5,426 shares during the period. Toroso Investments LLC raised its stake in Rollins by 6.0% during the first quarter. Toroso Investments LLC now owns 7,978 shares of the business services providers stock worth $299,000 after acquiring an additional 453 shares in the last quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted its holdings in shares of Rollins by 64.6% during the first quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 511,970 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $19,215,000 after acquiring an additional 200,883 shares during the period. Finally, Chevy Chase Trust Holdings LLC boosted its stake in shares of Rollins by 1.4% in the 1st quarter. Chevy Chase Trust Holdings LLC now owns 134,507 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $5,048,000 after purchasing an additional 1,858 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 38.98% of the companys stock. 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. Featured Stories 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. Bright Health Group (NYSE:BHG Get Rating) had its price objective lowered by Royal Bank of Canada from $80.00 to $13.00 in a research report released on Tuesday, The Fly reports. Bright Health Group Stock Up 0.2 % BHG opened at $10.61 on Tuesday. Bright Health Group has a 12-month low of $7.57 and a 12-month high of $171.60. The firm has a market capitalization of $84.35 million, a P/E ratio of -0.06 and a beta of 0.42. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $13.95 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $42.80. Get Bright Health Group alerts: Bright Health Group (NYSE:BHG Get Rating) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, May 9th. The company reported ($14.40) EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of ($8.80) by ($5.60). Bright Health Group had a negative return on equity of 617.31% and a negative net margin of 31.78%. The firm had revenue of $756.34 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $773.19 million. As a group, analysts anticipate that Bright Health Group will post -32.56 earnings per share for the current year. Insider Transactions at Bright Health Group Institutional Trading of Bright Health Group In other Bright Health Group news, CEO George Lawrence Mikan III sold 4,936 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, March 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $32.00, for a total transaction of $157,952.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 2,628 shares in the company, valued at approximately $84,096. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website . In related news, CFO Cathy R. Smith sold 1,427 shares of Bright Health Group stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, March 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $32.00, for a total value of $45,664.00. Following the sale, the chief financial officer now owns 3,614 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $115,648. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link . Also, CEO George Lawrence Mikan III sold 4,936 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, March 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $32.00, for a total transaction of $157,952.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 2,628 shares in the company, valued at approximately $84,096. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . Over the last three months, insiders have sold 7,246 shares of company stock worth $231,699. Corporate insiders own 58.40% of the companys stock. Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in BHG. Mackenzie Financial Corp bought a new stake in Bright Health Group in the 1st quarter valued at $28,000. FineMark National Bank & Trust bought a new position in Bright Health Group during the first quarter worth $30,000. Prudential Financial Inc. bought a new stake in Bright Health Group during the 1st quarter valued at $31,000. Two Sigma Investments LP lifted its stake in Bright Health Group by 60.2% during the 4th quarter. Two Sigma Investments LP now owns 52,503 shares of the companys stock valued at $34,000 after acquiring an additional 19,731 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Barclays PLC raised its stake in shares of Bright Health Group by 533.3% during the 4th quarter. Barclays PLC now owns 51,834 shares of the companys stock worth $34,000 after purchasing an additional 43,649 shares during the period. Bright Health Group Company Profile (Get Rating) Bright Health Group, Inc, a healthcare company, provides health insurance policies in the United States. It operates in two segments, NeueHealth and Bright HealthCare. The NeueHealth segment delivers virtual and in-person clinical care services to patients under contracts through its owned and affiliated primary care clinics. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Bright Health Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bright Health Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. FILE PHOTO: Workers work on a flight of Air China on the tarmac at the Beijing Capital International Airport in Beijing By David Shepardson WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Chinese airlines are avoiding flying over Russian airspace in newly approved flights to and from the United States, according to flight tracking website FlightAware and industry officials. Russia has barred U.S. airlines and other foreign carriers from flying over its airspace, in retaliation for Washington banning Russian flights over the U.S. in March 2022 after the country invaded Ukraine. FlightAware records show Chinese flights recently approved by Washington are not flying over Russia, while previously approved Chinese airline U.S. flights are still using Russian airspace. On May 3, the U.S. Transportation Department (USDOT) said it would allow Chinese airlines to increase U.S. passenger services to 12 weekly round-trips, equal to the number of flights Beijing has permitted for American carriers. Previously, only eight weekly flights by Chinese carriers were allowed. USDOT Assistant Secretary for Aviation and International Affairs Annie Petsonk declined to answer a question about whether the Biden administration had required that the Chinese carriers avoid Russian airspace as a condition of approving four new flights. Petsonk said the gradual rise to 12 flights for China and the United States "is the kind of measured pace that we are likely to see." The 12 weekly flights are a small fraction of the more than 150 round-trip flights allowed by each side before restrictions were imposed in early 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. "There is certainly great interest on both sides in moving forward," Petsonk added. On May 18, USDOT approved a new weekly Air China flight from Beijing to New York, a new weekly China Eastern Shanghai Los Angeles flight, a third weekly Xiamen Airlines flight from Xiamen to Los Angeles and second weekly China Southern flight from Guangzhou to Los Angeles. The Xiamen and China Southern flights were both effective May 30. The Chinese carriers could not immediately be reached. An emailed statement from Liu Pengyu, spokesperson in the Chinese Embassy in Washington, did not address if Chinese carriers had agreed to avoid Russian airspace for new flights. "Direct flights are essential for increasing mutual visits between Chinese and American peoples," he said. "We hope that the restoration of more flights will do good to the flow of people and trade between the two countries." In February, two U.S. senators urged the Biden administration to halt Chinese airlines from flying over Russia on U.S. routes, which gives them an advantage in fuel burn and flying time. At the time, Airlines for America, which represents major U.S. carriers, praised the senators' push, noting longstanding industry concerns about flying over Russia. (Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by David Gregorio) Spirit AeroSystems (NYSE:SPR Get Rating) had its price objective cut by Bank of America from $26.00 to $25.00 in a research report report published on Tuesday, The Fly reports. Several other equities analysts have also weighed in on SPR. Barclays dropped their price objective on shares of Spirit AeroSystems from $50.00 to $40.00 in a report on Tuesday, May 9th. StockNews.com upgraded shares of Spirit AeroSystems from a sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Thursday, May 25th. TD Cowen downgraded shares of Spirit AeroSystems from an outperform rating to a market perform rating and reduced their price objective for the stock from $38.00 to $28.00 in a research report on Thursday, May 4th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their price objective on shares of Spirit AeroSystems from $40.00 to $44.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, February 8th. Finally, Benchmark raised shares of Spirit AeroSystems from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $45.00 price objective for the company in a research report on Wednesday, April 19th. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, five have assigned a hold rating and six have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $35.71. Get Spirit AeroSystems alerts: Spirit AeroSystems Stock Up 2.7 % SPR stock opened at $28.46 on Tuesday. The firm has a market cap of $2.99 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -3.85 and a beta of 1.64. Spirit AeroSystems has a 12-month low of $21.14 and a 12-month high of $38.55. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $29.06 and its 200 day simple moving average is $30.50. Institutional Trading of Spirit AeroSystems Spirit AeroSystems ( NYSE:SPR Get Rating ) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, May 3rd. The aerospace company reported ($1.69) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of ($0.31) by ($1.38). Spirit AeroSystems had a negative net margin of 14.64% and a negative return on equity of 365.67%. The firm had revenue of $1.43 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.52 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $0.03 EPS. Spirit AeroSystemss quarterly revenue was up 21.8% on a year-over-year basis. Research analysts expect that Spirit AeroSystems will post -1.69 earnings per share for the current year. Institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. LPL Financial LLC lifted its position in Spirit AeroSystems by 0.4% during the 2nd quarter. LPL Financial LLC now owns 102,283 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $2,997,000 after acquiring an additional 357 shares during the period. Ancora Advisors LLC lifted its position in Spirit AeroSystems by 6.1% during the 1st quarter. Ancora Advisors LLC now owns 7,000 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $341,000 after acquiring an additional 400 shares during the period. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio lifted its position in Spirit AeroSystems by 0.8% during the 3rd quarter. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio now owns 52,370 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $1,148,000 after acquiring an additional 413 shares during the period. Legal & General Group Plc lifted its position in Spirit AeroSystems by 0.3% during the 2nd quarter. Legal & General Group Plc now owns 141,263 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $4,139,000 after acquiring an additional 460 shares during the period. Finally, Signaturefd LLC lifted its position in Spirit AeroSystems by 39.6% during the 4th quarter. Signaturefd LLC now owns 1,637 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $48,000 after acquiring an additional 464 shares during the period. 85.82% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. About Spirit AeroSystems (Get Rating) Spirit AeroSystems Holdings, Inc engages in the design and manufacture of aero structures for commercial and defense aircraft. It operates through the following segments: Commercial, Defense & Space, and Aftermarket. The Commercial segment designs and manufactures forward, mid, and rear fuselage sections which related to floor beams, nacelles, struts and pylons, horizontal and vertical stabilizers, flaps and slats and wing structures. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Spirit AeroSystems Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Spirit AeroSystems and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Vedanta Resources plc (LON:VED Get Rating)s stock price passed above its two hundred day moving average during trading on Thursday . The stock has a two hundred day moving average of GBX 832.60 ($10.29) and traded as high as GBX 838 ($10.36). Vedanta Resources shares last traded at GBX 832.60 ($10.29), with a volume of 162,101 shares trading hands. Vedanta Resources Price Performance The stock has a 50-day moving average of GBX 832.60 and a two-hundred day moving average of GBX 832.60. About Vedanta Resources (Get Rating) Vedanta Resources plc operates as a diversified natural resources company in India, Zambia, South Africa, Namibia, the United Arab Emirates, Ireland, Australia, and Liberia. It primarily produces zinc, lead, silver, copper, iron ore, and aluminum deposits. The company also explores for, extracts, and processes minerals, as well as oil and gas. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Vedanta Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Vedanta Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Citigroup reissued their neutral rating on shares of Vodafone Group Public (LON:VOD Get Rating) in a report issued on Tuesday, MarketBeat.com reports. Several other equities research analysts have also issued reports on VOD. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced their price objective on shares of Vodafone Group Public from GBX 100 ($1.24) to GBX 95 ($1.17) in a research note on Friday, May 12th. Credit Suisse Group reaffirmed an underperform rating and issued a GBX 90 ($1.11) price objective on shares of Vodafone Group Public in a research note on Thursday, February 2nd. The Goldman Sachs Group set a GBX 130 ($1.61) price objective on shares of Vodafone Group Public in a research note on Monday, February 27th. Barclays reduced their price objective on shares of Vodafone Group Public from GBX 110 ($1.36) to GBX 100 ($1.24) and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, May 17th. Finally, Numis Securities reaffirmed a buy rating and issued a GBX 130 ($1.61) price objective on shares of Vodafone Group Public in a research note on Tuesday, February 14th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have assigned a hold rating and two have given a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of GBX 114.50 ($1.41). Get Vodafone Group Public alerts: Vodafone Group Public Trading Down 0.7 % Vodafone Group Public stock opened at GBX 75.63 ($0.93) on Tuesday. The companys fifty day simple moving average is GBX 88.71 and its 200-day simple moving average is GBX 91.05. The company has a quick ratio of 0.78, a current ratio of 0.89 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 103.71. Vodafone Group Public has a 12 month low of GBX 74.10 ($0.92) and a 12 month high of GBX 132.04 ($1.63). The stock has a market cap of 20.41 billion, a P/E ratio of 210.08, a P/E/G ratio of 0.59 and a beta of 0.56. Vodafone Group Public Announces Dividend Vodafone Group Public Company Profile The company also recently announced a dividend, which will be paid on Friday, August 4th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, June 8th will be given a dividend of 0.05 ($0.05) per share. This represents a yield of 4.34%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, June 8th. Vodafone Group Publics dividend payout ratio is 2,222.22%. (Get Rating) Vodafone Group Public Limited Company engages in telecommunication services in Europe and internationally. The company offers mobile services that enable customers to call, text, and access data; fixed line services, including broadband, television (TV) offerings, and voice; and convergence services under the GigaKombi and Vodafone One names to customers. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Vodafone Group Public Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Vodafone Group Public and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Water Intelligence plc (LON:WATR Get Rating)s share price passed below its 200-day moving average during trading on Wednesday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of GBX 535.74 ($6.62) and traded as low as GBX 417 ($5.15). Water Intelligence shares last traded at GBX 422.50 ($5.22), with a volume of 27,051 shares. Water Intelligence Stock Performance The company has a quick ratio of 2.17, a current ratio of 2.21 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 38.35. The firms 50-day simple moving average is GBX 437.48 and its 200 day simple moving average is GBX 534.95. The stock has a market capitalization of 82.13 million, a P/E ratio of 2,640.63, a PEG ratio of -1.23 and a beta of 0.74. Water Intelligence Company Profile (Get Rating) Water Intelligence plc provides leak detection and remediation services for potable and non-potable water in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and internationally. The company operates through Franchise Royalty Income, Franchise-Related Activities, US Corporate Operated Locations, and International Corporate Operated Locations segments. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Water Intelligence Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Water Intelligence and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Biden addresses nation after avoiding catastrophic default: The stakes could not have been higher Dozens killed and over 300 injured in three train crash in India The art and science of stock market investing requires a tolerance for losing money on some of the shares you buy. But it's not unreasonable to try to avoid truly shocking capital losses. So spare a thought for the long term shareholders of Australian Strategic Materials Ltd (ASX:ASM); the share price is down a whopping 78% in the last twelve months. A loss like this is a stark reminder that portfolio diversification is important. Because Australian Strategic Materials hasn't been listed for many years, the market is still learning about how the business performs. Furthermore, it's down 28% in about a quarter. That's not much fun for holders. 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 Australian Strategic Materials With just AU$4,136,000 worth of revenue in twelve months, we don't think the market considers Australian Strategic Materials to have proven its business plan. You have to wonder why venture capitalists aren't funding it. So it seems that the investors focused more on what could be, than paying attention to the current revenues (or lack thereof). For example, investors may be hoping that Australian Strategic Materials finds some valuable resources, before it runs out of money. We think companies that have neither significant revenues nor profits are pretty high risk. You should be aware that there is always a chance that this sort of company will need to issue more shares to raise money to continue pursuing its business plan. While some such companies do very well over the long term, others become hyped up by promoters before eventually falling back down to earth, and going bankrupt (or being recapitalized). It certainly is a dangerous place to invest, as Australian Strategic Materials investors might realise. When it reported in December 2022 Australian Strategic Materials had minimal cash in excess of all liabilities consider its expenditure: just AU$22m to be specific. So if it hasn't remedied the situation already, it will almost certainly have to raise more capital soon. With that in mind, you can understand why the share price dropped 78% in the last year. You can click on the image below to see (in greater detail) how Australian Strategic Materials' cash levels have changed over time. In reality it's hard to have much certainty when valuing a business that has neither revenue or profit. Would it bother you if insiders were selling the stock? I would feel more nervous about the company if that were so. You can click here to see if there are insiders selling. A Different Perspective While Australian Strategic Materials shareholders are down 78% for the year, the market itself is up 2.0%. While the aim is to do better than that, it's worth recalling that even great long-term investments sometimes underperform for a year or more. With the stock down 28% over the last three months, the market doesn't seem to believe that the company has solved all its problems. Basically, most investors should be wary of buying into a poor-performing stock, unless the business itself has clearly improved. While it is well worth considering the different impacts that market conditions can have on the share price, there are other factors that are even more important. Like risks, for instance. Every company has them, and we've spotted 5 warning signs for Australian Strategic Materials (of which 2 shouldn't be ignored!) you should know about. There are plenty of other companies that have insiders buying up shares. You probably do not want to miss this free list of growing companies that insiders are buying. 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 Veterans for Trump issues an endorsement of Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene for the 2024 congressional election cycle, announced Stan Fitzgerald, VFAF President. POWDER SPRINGS, GA / ACCESSWIRE / June 3, 2023 / The Veterans for Trump endorsement of Rep. Marjorie Greene was issued today by the national veterans organization. Veterans for Trump was founded in 2015 as part of the original Trump Campaign Collation and later operated a non profit known as Veterans for America First. Currently the group is part of the 2024 Trump campaign collation under the direction of Admiral Charles Kubic their national spokesman and President Stan Fitzgerald , a retired police detective. The organization speaks for millions of conservative veterans and is considered an influential primary endorsement. Stan and Donna Fitzgerald with Admiral Kubic The organization also has a Georgia state chapter led by attorney Jared Craig who will be carrying the endorsement of rep Greene at the state level as well. https://georgiavfaf.org Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene spoke last evening at her town hall event, for constituents only, in Cobb County Georgia. Veterans for Trump's Donna and Stan Fitzgerald were among the invited guests. Upon arriving some in the large crowd awaiting entry were expressing their dismay with the debt ceiling vote. Rep Greene took the town hall stage and explained in detail all the factors why she voted the way she did and when the event ended her speech and Q&A session was met with a standing ovation, no further dismay from her voters. The complete speech can be viewed at https://veteransfortrump.us/news "Marjorie was aware that 12 Republicans were signing onto a petition by the Democrats if this was not passed which would have given everything the Democrats and Establishment wanted. Marjorie voted the right way resulting in a 1% decrease and an attachment for dividing future omnibus bills to have sections voted on. This was a win for American conservatives," said Pamela Reardon, a Cobb County Georgia 2020 Presidential Delegate who attended the town hall. "Congresswoman Greene has always been loyal to our country, her constituents, our America First agenda and to President Trump. Rep. Greene stands with our veterans and first responders; in fact, she gave personal assistance from her office to a vet at the town hall meeting last night. At Veterans for Trump we appreciate loyalty and those who fight for our country like Marjorie does so we are announcing today our organizational endorsement for the 2024 congressional election cycle," said Stan Fitzgerald president Veterans for Trump. The Veterans team will be set up at the Georgia state GOP convention June 9th and 10th in Columbus Georgia with FBI Whistleblower Steve Friend doing meet and greets at their tables. The Group also sponsored the John Fredericks bus tour which will be at the convention promoting some of their nationally endorsed candidates including Caroline Jeffords, Salleigh Grubbs, Marci McCArthy and Vikki Consiglio. Contact Information Stan Fitzgerald President Veterans for Trump stanfitzgerald@veteransfortrump.us 770-707-6291 SOURCE: Veterans for Trump . View source version on accesswire.com: https://www.accesswire.com/759091/Rep-Marjorie-Taylor-Greene-Receives-Endorsement-of-Major-Veterans-Organization-for-the-2024-Cycle Do you have any information about the walkout in Glasgow? Help break through the company-union censorship about the brutal revisions and bullying being enforced. Information can be submitted on the form at the bottom of the page and will be anonymised to protect against victimisation. The Communication Workers Union (CWU) is blacking-out news and discussion about an unofficial walkout of postal workers at Glasgows G1-5 Royal Mail delivery office in Baird Street, Glasgow in late May. The Glasgow G1 delivery office [Photo: WSWS] The walkout was reportedly triggered by management bullying during a dispute over holidays. According to one report, management accused a union rep of being intimidating when the rep was simply requesting a day off for a postal worker! The manager refused to continue the meeting. The rep informed the workforce, which walked out on Friday May 19, returning to work early the following week. The CWU leadership has suppressed news of the walkout fearful it will trigger similar unofficial action by postal workers amid mass anger over its agreement with Royal Mail that has already ushered in the biggest attacks on postal workers in history. Postal workers starting their shifts at the Baird Street office told WSWS they had been told not to say anything. They reported that managers and union reps had been pulled in from other parts of the country as workers at the delivery office were being interrogated by management one-by-one. Such interviews are reportedly continuing as of June 2, as managers look for names and a scapegoat. The strike at Baird Street came just as the CWU cancelled a ballot on their pro-company surrender deal with Royal Mail. One worker said the ballot was cancelled just before the strike, but it was the icing on the cake. Several CWU branches in Scotland have opposed the deal. Workers at the delivery office agreed the CWU leadership and Royal Mail are in cahoots, with a postal worker saying this was the general view in the office. Others not immediately involved in the dispute had refused to cross an unofficial picket line set up by the strikers. The CWU leadership know that any publicity for the strike at Baird St will generate further anger at the CWUs agreement, hampering their ability to push the deal through and risking a wave of wildcat action against brutal revisions and management bullying greenlighted by the CWU. News of the strike was greeted enthusiastically by postal workers on social media, with comments including, Well done Glasgow 1-5. Is this the start of something CWU HQ cant control and It should happen everywhere, until its all sorted out. Another wrote, Im surprised that its not happened sooner in DOs. RM seem to be ramming through revisions up and down the country and they dont seem to be taking any notice of the union. Another asked, How come this hasnt spread? Late 80s or could have been early 90s an office near us walked out, their mail was diverted to us, we refused to touch it and we were all suspended. The CWU blackout extended to concealing a strike-breaking operation by Royal Mail during the walkout. Managers from across Scotland were drafted into Glasgow to load and drive vans over the weekend of the strike. The response from local managers was insufficient with only a small number of vans operational Saturday May 20. The following Monday, Royal Mail Operations Development Director Ricky McAulay issued a directive to specific colleagues that as a result of unofficial industrial action, we are asking for your support in our Glasgow Delivery Office... for the remainder of the week. They would be involved in indoor sortation of mail and outdoor deliveries. In the event, the strike was apparently over by Tuesday May 23, having been isolated and opposed by the CWU. On May 24, the CWU announced its second suspension of national balloting on their negotiators agreement with Royal Mail. They clearly feared wildcat action could spread. CWU leaders Dave Ward and Andy Furey reaffirmed their support for the unions surrender document but complained the environment we are attempting to deliver this agreement in remains toxic, noting the company had not stepped back from their attacks in the workplace. Aware of their loss of authority, Ward and Furey complained, Unless Royal Mail Group openly accept that their culture of imposition and the our business to run mantra must go - then the integrity of the negotiators agreement will be irreparably damaged. A delivery worker from the south of England told WSWS he was not surprised the CWU had kept the walk-out under wraps, They obviously want to keep everything quiet because theyre now in bed with management. Theyre like the police arm of management, arent they? Theyre trying to push this deal through because it consolidates their own position. I think its disgusting. Its a betrayal. A Royal Mail worker in Fife, Scotland, said he was not aware of the Glasgow dispute at all. Every office was being left to fight its own battles Its one of the things I said early on, before the strike. There should have been area meetings to prepare the strike, it would have made us stronger. There was none of that. I used to be one of these flying pickets. If there was a strike, we would go around all the other offices. They are trying to stop that happening now. But unity is strength. The Postal Workers Rank-and-File Committee is fighting to break through the disinformation and division being imposed by the CWUs unaccountable bureaucracy. The next rank-and-file committee online Zoom meeting is being held on Sunday June 11 at 7pm. Register here. Work at UPS? Tell us whether you want to strike, and why. All submissions will remain anonymous. A UPS delivery truck leaving the Ontario, California hub. [Photo: WSWS] Less than two months remain before the current contract for 340,000 UPS workers expires on July 31. The Teamsters bureaucracy, in order to quell rank-and-file anger, has pledged over and over again to strike the logistics giant if a new deal is not in place by then. And yet, the Teamsters still have not even sent out strike authorization ballots to the rank-and-file. The new administration of General President Sean OBrien, hailed a militant and even a left or progressive by Teamsters for a Democratic Union, the Democratic Socialists of America and others, is weeks behind the schedule when compared to his hated predecessor James Hoffa Jr. In 2018, during the last contract talks, ballots were already sent out by May 15. Workers voted 93 percent in favor of a strike. But five years ago, the bureaucracy did not even pretend that it might strike the company. Indeed, that contract was rammed through by the bureaucracy using a constitutional loophole, in spite of the fact that a majority of voters had rejected the deal. The delay in the strike vote is intentional. The Teamsters know that the strike vote would provide a focal point for rank-and-file distrust of the apparatus and of the entire contract talks. It would also undoubtedly reveal a near-unanimous desire to strike, which the bureaucracy is determined to avoid at all costs. Last summer, members of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET, which is a part of the Teamsters, voted by 99.9 percent in favor of a national strike. Instead, the BLET and Teamsters attempted to ram through a sellout contract which was brokered by the Biden administration. When this failed to pass at several major unions, the bureaucracy delayed a strike to buy time for Congress to pre-emptively ban it, which it did at the end of November. No doubt the bureaucracy has learned from this experience, and similar back door talks are taking place with the Biden administration to prevent a strike at UPS. Such a strike would be intolerable for the American ruling class because it would not only encourage resistance by workers in other industries, including in auto where a national contract comes up in mid-September, but also represent a serious blow to their plans to mobilize American society for war against Russia and China. There is a continuing blackout of substantive information from the contract talks, which have been taking place since April. Promised regular bargaining updates consist of little more than occasional pictures of negotiators sitting at tables, and broad generalizations about the subject of the talks, with no concrete information. As a matter of fact, the Teamsters submitted to a non-disclosure agreement at the start of the talks. The Teamsters already violated their earlier pledge not to begin national talks until all regional supplemental deals were already in place. Instead, they moved on to national talks with two supplementals still unresolved, including the one covering the massive WorldPort air freight hub in Louisville, Kentucky. According to an update from UPS dated May 26, the company and the union reached agreement last week on operating priorities, the use of technology and in-vehicle camerasand advanced discussions on many other topics, without providing any specifics. According to press reports, they have also reached a deal to limit the routing of UPS deliveries through the US Postal Service. Talks were temporarily suspended this past week and will resume next week with a focus on the last two remaining supplemental deals. Among workers, rumors are swirling about the content of the discussions. One major issue is personal vehicle deliveries (PVDs), an Uber-style system which involves employees delivering packages in their own cars. Unconfirmed leaks claim that union negotiators have already agreed to expand the use of PVDs, prompting a denial on twitter by OBrien. Regardless, the real content of the talks is taking place behind closed doors, and it is impossible for workers to know for certain what is being given up. Meanwhile, UPS is continuing to put the screws on rank-and-file workers. The company has terminated 40 second-tier hybrid driver positions and 20 hybrid positions at the Cerritos and Anaheim hubs in southern California, according to a source. It also recently announced it was cutting Friday shifts for the two-day air hub at Worldport. The response of Local 89 in Louisville, formerly headed by the current general secretary treasurer Fred Zuckerman, was to assert that management has every right to make such decisions. I want to assure you that I and my fellow agents are doing all that we can, but unfortunately options are limited, Brian Hamm, business agent for Local 89, said. I dont have the ability to simply tell UPS they cant do this. No one in our union can. He added, complacently, This isnt just happening here in Louisville, there are hubs across the country that are having entire shifts eliminated, and members laid off completely. There are no mentions of these layoffs anywhere on the Teamsters website. UPS has certain rights under the contract and the law, and one of them is to make changes to their business model, Hamm continued. Thats what UPS is doing. They arent just shifting everyone to Sunday through Thursday for no reason. Theyre doing it because they feel there is no longer a legitimate business need for the Friday shift. In other words, the bureaucracy cedes to the company the sweeping right to make significant changes to staffing and shifts, as long as it has a legitimate business need that is, it believes it will make more money out of it. UPS workers must organize to demand the immediate convocation of a strike authorization vote, under oversight of the rank-and-file. But this in itself is not enough. The entire bargaining process, which began with an NDA signed without their consent and conducted out of view of the membership, outside of the bureaucracys hand-picked rank-and-file bargaining team members, is a sham. Behind angry phrases in public designed to lull workers to sleep, the Teamsters bureaucracy is preparing another sellout. The urgent task facing UPS workers is for them to take genuine control of the struggle through rank-and-file committees. They must demand the right, first of all, to full information about what is being discussed with management and the White House, what has already been given up and fight for the principle that the will of the rank-and-file takes absolute, overriding priority. The rapid and lopsided passage by both houses of Congress of the debt ceiling bill worked out between President Joe Biden and Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, with the Democrats supplying the bulk of the votes, exposes the unbridgeable class chasm between the entire political establishment and the working class. Despite their mutual recriminations, the two parties of American capitalism united in imposing the full cost of war on working people and youth. They used the debt ceiling and the specter of a catastrophic default on US debt obligations to mount an elaborate charade of crisis negotiations as the cover for imposing a brutal package of austerity measures. The final act in the play came during the Senate vote on Thursday, when Republican Senator Lindsey Graham called the bill a gift to China and demanded an even bigger increase in military spending. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer (Democrat) and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (Republican) dutifully replied by issuing a joint statement declaring that the debt ceiling deal does nothing to limit the Senates ability to appropriate emergency supplemental funds to ensure our military capabilities are sufficient to deter China, Russia, and our other adversaries. In other words, while the cuts and caps on social programs are firm, unlimited financing of the US war machine will proceed without interruption. Friday evening, Biden delivered a prime time address praising the agreement and the unity between the two parties in reaching it. No one got everything they wanted, he declared, but the American people got what they needed. In fact, Wall Street and the military got precisely what they wanted, though the bill is only a down payment on what is planned. As for the American people, the working class will be forced to foot the bill. Throughout the process, the financial parasites remained unperturbed, knowing that a resolution entirely favorable to them was assured. The markets did not react to the talk of an impending crisis and celebrated the passage of the so-called Fiscal Responsibility Act with a sharp rise on Friday. The corporate media uniformly promoted the official line, covering up the facts behind the rapid growth of the national debttrillions of dollars in tax cuts for corporations and the rich, trillions more in bailouts of banks and speculators, and record spending on the military. No mention was made of the fact that social spending has declined sharply since the last debt ceiling deal, under the Obama-Biden administration in 2011, while corporate taxes have fallen by 60 percent and profits have repeatedly set new records. The crisis supposedly showed that it was high time to end profligate spending on such things as housing, schools, health care, the environment, public transit and nutrition! The Wall Street Journal editorialized in support of the deal, particularly its new work requirements for older food stamp (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance ProgramSNAP) recipients, on the grounds that it marked a step forward in restoring a culture of work. The agreement includes caps for fiscal years 2024 and 2025 on non-military discretionary spending, rescission of $30 billion in unspent COVID relief funds, a $20 billion cut in Internal Revenue Service tax enforcement, and an August 30 termination of the moratorium on repayment of student debt. Other provisions include the gutting of the 1970 National Environmental Policy Act to green-light fossil fuel drilling and other energy projects. There is also a 1 percent across-the-board cut in domestic spending for this year if Congress fails to enact all 12 appropriations bills by January 1, 2024, something that has not happened since 1997. This penalty would slash more spending than all the cuts spelled out in the rest of the legislation combined. It sets the stage for a budget crisis in an election year and the threat of a government shutdown. As McCarthy repeatedly declared, the cuts included in the debt ceiling deal are only down payments on the gutting of all that remains of a social safety net. In a June 1 editorial, the Democratic Party-aligned Washington Post hailed the austerity measures in the bipartisan bill, estimated by the Congressional Budget Office to reduce federal spending by $1.5 trillion over the next decade, while reiterating its demand that the core entitlement programsSocial Security and Medicarebe slashed as well. It called for structural change to the real drivers of debt and deficits: health care and retirement programs. This is, in fact, the goal of both big business parties, whatever tactical differences they may have over how to get there. The efforts of the so-called progressive wing of the Democratic Party, including the pseudo-left Democratic Socialists of America members in the House of Representatives, to downplay the role of Biden and the Democrats and place the blame for the austerity measures entirely on the Republicans have been shattered by the actual outcome of the voting in both the House and Senate. In the House, which passed the bill on Wednesday, the vote was 314-117, with the Democrats voting 165-46 for the bill (80 percent), compared with the Republicans voting for it by 149-71 (67 percent). Moreover, the Democrats rescued the bill from being blocked in an earlier procedural vote, breaking with convention on such matters and supplying more than 50 votes to overcome opposition from 29 members of the Republican House Freedom Caucus. In the Senate, the bill passed by a vote of 63 to 36, with only four of the Democrats plus the nominally independent Bernie Sanders voting no. Not a single Democrat in either chamber rose to demand a cut in military spending, which under the bill increases by 3 percent this year to a record high of nearly $1 trillion and rises by an equivalent amount next year. Bidens response to Trumps attempted fascist coup of January 6, 2021 was to rescue the Republican Party and work out a modus operandi with it to prosecute US imperialisms aggressive policy toward Russia. Hence his pleas for unity and bipartisanship. Now the program of war abroad is joined with war against the working class at home, and it too is a bipartisan policy. This did not prevent DSA Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez from tweeting: Republicans need to own this vote. This was their deal. This was their negotiations. Theyre the ones trying to come in and cut SNAP, cut environmental protections, trying to ram through an oil pipeline through a community that does not want it. The DSA functions as a faction of the Democratic Party. In 2020 it supported Sanders in the Democratic primaries, and when Sanders pulled out it backed Biden as a lesser evil to Trump. The DSA-aligned Jacobin promoted illusions in Biden, publishing an article after he was declared the victor in November 2020 with the headline: Celebrate Today, Fight Tomorrow. In all of its reporting on the debt ceiling crisis, Jacobin has never raised the issue of the US-NATO war against Russia in Ukraine. That is because it and the DSA support US imperialism and its wars for global hegemony. In the US, as all over the worldFrance, Sri Lanka, Britainthe attempt of the ruling classes to make the working class pay for war by destroying social benefits is fueling a massive upsurge of the working class. It is critical that this movement be given a conscious international and revolutionary socialist perspective, politically independent of all the parties and organizations of the ruling class. Ferat and Nasko with a picture of 26-year-old Refat Suleyman, whose death remains unsolved. Two Bulgarian workers Ferat and Nasko tried in vain to win the support of participants at the Left Partys recent Renewing the Trade Unions conference. Both men are members of the association Stolipinovo in Europe, named after a district of the Bulgarian city of Plovdiv, which is renowned for its great diversity but also for its cultural and economic discrimination. They had sought to inform the conference about their miserable working conditions as temporary agency workers, and in particular the case of 26-year-old Refat Suleyman. Refat Suleyman died last year as a temporary worker on the premises of Thyssenkrupp Stahl in Duisburg under unexplained circumstances. The company, local authorities, the trade union IG Metall and its works council have all shown no interest in uncovering the circumstances and background of his death. Ferat and Nasko were brusquely dismissed by the organisers of the conference. They were also rebuffed by the participants in the workshop in which they planned to speak. Ferat and Nasko wanted to ask the union members in the workshop to support the following demands: a humane working environment for migrant workers in temporary work, compliance with legally prescribed health and safety measures, an investigation into the network of subcontractors employing ThyssenKrupps industrial cleaning staff, an end to temporary work at Thyssenkrupp Stahl and for regular contracts, with safe working hours, the necessary safety training and health checks, supplemented by guaranteed health and social security contributions. These are demands that even the most right-wing trade unionist would have agreed to a few decades ago. Today the same demands are out of the question for the unions and their pseudo-left defenders, who have turned into direct accomplices of the corporations and government. They react to any flare-up of the class struggle with extreme hostility. We spoke to Ferat and Nasko about their attempt to rally support at the conference. WSWS: Thank you very much for your time. Perhaps you could briefly introduce yourselves to our readers? Ferat: I am 45 years old and live in Gelsenkirchen with my wife and three children. I have now started working for Hermes as a delivery driver. Like Nasko, I come from Stolipinovo. This is normally a very lively district in the Balkans, involving many cultures, including members of the Turkish-speaking Muslim community and Roma. Due to high unemployment and low wages, however, most of the people there are moving to other European countries to make a better life for themselves and their families. Nasko: I am 31 years old and live in Duisburg with four children. I am currently unemployed. I also worked as a courier driver before, at Amazon. I was made redundant there because of a lack of work. Now Im looking for work again. WSWS: What was the reason for founding your association Stolipinovo in Europa e. V.? Ferat: We founded the association in Bulgaria as a solidarity association during the period of Corona. Many people had no work at that time, so we supported each other. When we came to Germany, we realised that 95 percent of us were still treated badly. We thought we were social outsiders in Bulgaria, that only there was xenophobia. But here in Germany its not much different. Nasko: We founded the association to protect and defend ourselves. In general, we are denied human rights. Many of us are treated badly at work. The situation for Bulgarian, Romanian and other migrant workers is extremely bad. WSWS: At the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation trade union conference, you also wanted to draw attention to the fate of Refat Suleyman, who died while working at the Thyssenkrupp plant in Duisburg. Did you know him? Nasko: He was not a personal friend, but we are all from the same part of town and feel like family. Everyone says he was a good man who wanted the best for his children and thats why he came to Duisburg. WSWS: How are his wife and children doing now? Nasko: They live on job centre benefits. His wife is doing very badly, she has severe depression, after the death she suffered a mental collapse. The children are still small, they dont understand everything and dont get to know much yet. But they find out later. WSWS: When did you ask the conference organisers to let you speak? Ferat: We had to register to attend the conference beforehand, but as simple participants. On Sunday we asked if we could speak in the workshop. They told us they needed half an hour for consultation but then they did not allow us to speak. They said by way of justification that this was their conference and only their members could make speeches. We, as participants, could only ask questions. We did not get any support from the other participants. They did not even want to give us the five minutes we had asked for. We asked them, why dont you help us in the case of Refat Suleyman? They answered by turning us away. I guess they didnt let us speak because IG Metall works closely with Thyssenkrupp. Yet I believe that union officials from Thyssenkrupp were represented at the conference. This is impossible: a young man dies on the Thyssenkrupp factory premises and nobody answers our questions. His death is still unexplained. We would like to know why Thyssenkrupp and the union are content with saying that nothing can be found out. They dont say it wasnt an industrial accident, they dont say it was a homicide, nothing. But in the end a young man is dead. Nasko: There are cameras everywhere in the factory, but still they dont want to say anything. They would know how Refat died. When someone dies outside of work, everything is done to find out who did it or the circumstances. But here they are quick to say that nothing can be found out. We dont believe that. Thyssenkrupp is a big company, there are cameras everywhere. If he had stolen anything, they would be able to prove it immediately, but when he dies, they dont want to know. Ferat: Its mainly about the role of the subcontractors, Refat worked for Eleman and OPS and was on hire from the firm Buchen Umweltservice. When the search was underway for Refat, I spoke to the head of Refats company. Refat was supposed to go to with the bus for breakfast, which was only 100 metres away. There were supposedly no dangerous places on the way. Normally the workers always have to go in pairs. Now he was allowed to go alone. Why can a worker who has only been working on the factory premises for three days walk alone? Or was he working, alone? He was employed as a cleaner. We suspect he was working alone, and not on break. I believe they claimed that for their own protection. His body was then found at Gate 4. He was working at Gate 2. Normally you couldnt go to Gate 4 alone for security reasons. How was it possible for him? They have CCTV cameras, even if one is broken, there are others. If they say theyre all broken, we think thats a lie. They have to show where Refat was working on his last day. At least one camera must be working. We did not get any explanations to our questions. In a normal case of death, they could certainly prove what happened. The family and their lawyer have still not received the autopsy report. Why have they kept the report secret for seven months? It is strange. Refat was murdered. Maybe not by one person, but he was definitely a victim of murderous working conditions. The US Supreme Court building as seen at dusk in Washington D.C. on October 22, 2021. [AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite] On Thursday, the US Supreme Court handed down a decision that is a massive attack on the right of workers to strike. By an 8-1 vote, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of allowing an employer to file a lawsuit and recover monetary compensation for damages incurred as a result of a strike. Existing labor law requires striking workers to take reasonable precautions to protect the employers property from being unnecessarily damaged by a sudden work stoppage. In its decision Thursday, the Supreme Court invoked and expanded this concept to such an extent that it would, taken to its logical conclusion, make any strike illegal if it causes any harm to the companys bottom line. Damaging the companys bottom line to the maximum extent possible utilizing the power of the organized rank and file is, of course, the whole point of a strike, which is a fundamental democratic right and an essential form of workers collective self-defense. In her dissenting opinion, Ketanji Brown Jackson, the sole justice to vote against the decision, suggested that the issue in the case was nothing less than whether workers are legally free or whether they are indentured servants, who can be prohibited by law from putting down their tools. Workers are not indentured servants, bound to continue laboring until any planned work stoppage would be as painless as possible for their master, Jackson wrote. Existing labor law, she continued, protects the right of workers to a collective and peaceful decision to withhold their labor. The remaining eight Supreme Court justices disagreed. The ostensibly liberal justices Elena Kagan and Sonia Sotomayor joined the six-justice bloc that constitutes the far-right majority in an opinion authored by Justice Amy Coney Barrett, a Christian fundamentalist appointed by former President Donald Trump. Under the legal framework adopted by the majority, as Jackson implies, workers are effectively reduced to the status of unfree laborers by default, bound to work for their employers against their will unless and until special permission is granted from above to stop. The case arose from a strike of cement truck drivers that took place at a concrete works operated by Glacier Northwest in Kenmore, Washington. After the workers contract expired on July 31, 2017 and the company refused to accept the minimal terms put forward by the Teamsters, the union was compelled to call a strike on August 11, 2017. Of the 80 to 90 concrete truck drivers in the collective bargaining unit, 43 were scheduled to work on the day the strike began. On a typical work day, the drivers would pick up and deliver between three and six truckloads of concrete. Meanwhile, the concrete would continuously be prepared (batched) at the work site and loaded onto the trucks throughout the day. The concrete delivery trucks are fitted with rotating drums that prevent the concrete from hardening during transit. When the appointed time for the strike arrived at Glacier Northwest, some of the trucks were at the companys yard in the process of being loaded and some were out for delivery. There were 16 drivers who had undelivered concrete on their trucks at the time the strike started. Ignoring managements demands that they deliver the concrete, those drivers safely returned their trucks to the yard fully loaded. This was accomplished without any damage to the trucks, to any equipment or to the environment. Glacier Northwest claimed that it was damaged by the strike because some of the concrete could not be delivered and therefore could not be used. This is wholly frivolous as a factual matter. Because the concrete is batched and delivered throughout the work day, any work stoppage would necessarily interrupt that process and potentially cause the loss of some of the concrete. More importantly, from a legal standpoint, the drivers contract had already expired, so the company cannot claim to be surprised that the drivers abruptly walked out, given that they had already long since fulfilled the legal requirements of the agreement they had been working under. The union, as required by law, gave management 60 days notice. If anything, management should have been grateful that the trucks were all safely and conscientiously returned after the strike started, instead of left on the side of the road where they could have been damaged by the hardening concrete. Under the circumstances, Glacier Northwest had nobody to blame for any damages but itself. Nevertheless, the company angrily retaliated against the striking workers by sending out discipline letters and filing a lawsuit against the Teamsters local in Washington state court. The union then complained to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) that the discipline letters as well as the lawsuit constituted illegal retaliation. The Washington Supreme Court dismissed the lawsuit, and the NLRB General Counsel sided with the union, issuing a complaint that the lawsuit was meritless and that the companys conduct violated federal labor law. Under the National Labor Relations Act of 1935, the foundation of the labor relations framework imposed under then President Franklin Roosevelts New Deal, employers have historically been prohibited from separately filing lawsuits over strikes, requiring them instead to go through the same state-controlled process that the unions must use, namely the NLRB. In 1959, the Supreme Court announced a rule generally precluding state courts from hearing any lawsuits involving labor activity. The Supreme Courts decision in favor of the Glacier Northwest opens the floodgates for employers to unilaterally file lawsuits in the event of every future strike, claiming that they unfairly suffered damages as a result of workers failure to take reasonable precautions to make sure that the company was not harmed by the strike. If workers at a fast food restaurant walk out over intolerable working conditions, for example, they can now face a lawsuit from the company for the loss of perishable food left out in the open or even the loss of the companys expected profits during the time frame of the strike. Regardless of the ultimate outcome of such lawsuits, they can be filed on the most frivolous or wholly fictional grounds to intimidate and threaten workers and drain their resources. Meanwhile, the Supreme Courts decision will doubtless provide a further pretext for the union bureaucracies themselves not to call strikes, invoking the excuse that we cant go on strike or the company will sue us. The only strikes envisioned under this framework are token, theatrical strikes carefully orchestrated by prior agreement between the union bureaucracy and management so as not to cause any harm to the companys bottom line. As for real industrial actions organized by the rank and file from below, aimed at causing decisive economic injury to a company if workers demands are not met, that kind of activity is to be branded illegal sabotage. The Supreme Courts decision is aimed squarely at keeping the growing tide of workplace militancy in the United States within safe channels as major contract battles loom on the immediate horizon, including in the auto industry and at UPS. Moreover, in the context of the escalating US-NATO war in Ukraine, the decision is a further confirmation of the historical law that imperialist war abroad means attacks on democratic rights at home. While Thursdays decision is a massive and authoritarian attack on the right to strike, the concurring opinions filed by the Supreme Courts most extreme right wing indicated they would go even further. Justice Samuel Alito, joined by justices Clarence Thomas and Neil Gorsuch, would have permitted Glacier Northwest to sue the union simply based on the companys allegation that concrete had been damaged intentionally. Thomas and Gorsuch, in a separate concurring opinion, raised the possibility of overturning outright the 1959 case prohibiting employers from filing lawsuits outside the NLRB. Notably, while President Joe Biden proclaims himself the most pro-union president in history, his administration failed to defend the striking concrete truck drivers in the case before the Supreme Court. The Biden administrations official position was that it was supporting neither party in the dispute and merely arguing that the case should be decided through the NLRB process. But the Biden administration went out of its way to argue in its brief that accepting the allegations made by Glacier Northwest as true, the concrete truck drivers failed to take reasonable precautions to prevent harm to the company. The Biden administrations brief also cited, in an appendix, the findings and declaration of policy of the National Labor Relations Act of 1935 itself, which declared that the governments goal was to eliminate those practices by some labor organizations that have the intent or the necessary effect of burdening or obstructing commerce by preventing the free flow of goods in such commerce through strikes and other forms of industrial unrest or through concerted activities which impair the interest of the public in the free flow of such commerce. In so many words, the Biden administration argued that the existing national legal framework of labor relations should be retained because it was put in place to prevent and control strikes, with the assistance of the trade union apparatus. Thursdays decision attacking the right to strike was handed down by a court that has been stacked with unelected far-right operatives, which is in the midst of waging an unrestrained offensive against democratic rights all down the line (having abolished the right to abortion last year), and which is currently embroiled in a bribery and corruption scandal that calls into question the legitimacy of any of the Supreme Courts decisions over recent decades. At the center of that scandal is far-right Justice Clarence Thomas and his wife Ginni Thomas, a high-level Republican operative and close Trump ally. Among other things, Justice Thomas has been exposed accepting undisclosed luxury vacations bankrolled by billionaire Republican real estate mogul Harlan Crow, a vicious anti-communist and collector of Nazi memorabilia. While Thomas is the most brazen offender, the corruption scandal extends to varying degrees to nearly every justice on the court in recent decades, as well as the current chief justice himself. Jane Roberts, for example, the wife of Chief Justice John Roberts, was paid hundreds of thousands of dollars in purported legal recruiting fees by one of the law firms that went on to argue a case in the court. The decisions emanating from this corrupt court are evermore lawless and reactionary, crisscrossed with tendentious and illogical reasoning and double standards. It is worth pointing out that when socialist autoworker Will Lehman attempted to file a lawsuit in federal court in November 2022 challenging the suppression of the vote in the UAW elections, he was told that he could not file a lawsuit and must instead go through an administrative process. But as demonstrated by Thursdays decision, when an employer wants to dodge that administrative process, the Supreme Court rushes to intervene and bends the law in whichever direction it needs to be bent to deliver a result in favor of management. The Supreme Courts 8-1 decision undermining the right to strike comes on the heels of the joint action by Republicans and Democrats and the Biden administration to block a rail strike in the fall of last year. The decision further underscores the reality that whatever the differences between the Democrats and Republicans over various aspects of policy, the entire political establishment is united when it comes to blocking any attempt by the working class to challenge the capitalist social order. Take a stand against the state-led censorship of opponents of the US-NATO war against Russia! Sign the petition opposing the far-right campaign to cancel the IYSSEs anti-war meeting in Toronto. All of our readers and supporters in the Greater Toronto Area should also show their support by attending the meeting this Sunday, June 4, at 2:30 p.m. EDT at the Toronto Public LibraryLillian H. Smith Branch, 239 College St Auditorium (basement level), Toronto, M5T 1R5. Support among workers and young people in Canada and internationally is building for an anti-war meeting organized by the International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE) on Sunday, June 4, in Toronto. The event, entitled The war in Ukraine and how to stop it, has come under a vicious state-led attack spearheaded by the far-right Ukrainian Canadian Congress, which is seeking to prevail on the Toronto Public Library to cancel the IYSSEs room booking. For a mass movement of youth and students to stop the war in Ukraine! [Photo: WSWS] The public denunciation of the meeting, which will provide an analysis of the historical origins of the US-NATO war on Russia, was launched on Wednesday by the Toronto branch of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) and Marcus Kolga, a notorious right-wing operative associated with the pro-war Macdonald-Laurier Institute. The campaign was joined by Ontario Minister of Labour Monte McNaughton, who gave the Progressive Conservative Ontario governments stamp of approval for the shutting down of the event by slandering the IYSSE as supporters of Russian President Vladimir Putin. He was also joined by Toronto mayoral candidate Brad Bradford, who enjoys semi-official backing from the provincial government and former New Brunswick Education Minister Dominic Cardy. These right-wing and far-right forces feel emboldened to act so aggressively because the war is enthusiastically supported throughout the political establishment. The Trudeau Liberal government has sent over $8 billion in military and other aid to the far-right regime in Kiev since the US-provoked Russian invasion. The trade unions and New Democrats, which are propping up the minority Liberal government, also fully endorse the war. In a statement posted on the World Socialist Web Site, the Socialist Equality Party explained the international significance of the direct state involvement in the campaign to censor opponents of war: The open intervention of a government minister in the campaign to shut down an anti-war meeting organized by the IYSSE marks a new stage in the efforts of ruling elites around the world to censor opponents of imperialist war. It follows an unsuccessful attempt by the UCC in March to block an IYSSE meeting at the University of Waterloo, also in Ontario, and efforts by far-right Ukrainian nationalists and their supporters in Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the United States to disrupt IYSSE meetings held to lay the basis for the building of an international anti-war movement led by the working class. The petition launched by the IYSSE urging the Toronto Public Library to stand by its commitment to allow Sundays meeting to go ahead obtained over 550 signatures within the first 24 hours. Statements of support from workers and young people have also poured in to the World Socialist Web Site since the attempt to shut down the event was first reported. Faced with a powerful counter-offensive to their attempts to censor opponents of the US-NATO war on Russia, the far-right UCC has doubled down on its slanders and historical lies against the IYSSE. On Friday, the UCCs Toronto branch posted multiple tweets comparing Leon Trotsky, the co-leader with Lenin of the Russian Revolution who paid for his struggle against the nationalist and counter-revolutionary Stalinist bureaucracy with his life, with the dictator Joseph Stalin. Stalin = Trotsky. Two fascist leaders and genocidal maniacs, the UCC wrote. Responding to this vile attack, SEP National Secretary Keith Jones, who will give the main report at Sundays meeting, declared in a statement posted on Twitter, In labelling Trotsky a fascist, the far-right nationalists of the UCC are in fact echoing the Stalinist regime and its infamous Moscow frame-up trials. Trotskys name will forever be associated with the fight against fascism, especially Hitler. In a series of penetrating analyses of the nature of Hitlerite fascism that have never been surpassed, Trotsky sought to summon the German workers to meet the Nazi threat. But the bureaucratic workers parties, the KPD and SPD, fatally underestimated the danger and desisted. The UCC is the political descendant of the fascist Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN), which collaborated with the Nazis during World War II and was complicit in the Holocaust. The UCC continues to laud OUN leader Stepan Bandera as a national hero and hail the 14th Division of the Waffen SS as brave freedom fighters. Workers and young people have spoken out powerfully in defence of the IYSSEs right to hold its anti-war meeting in opposition to the threats and intimidation from the far-right UCC and its allies within the Canadian state. Malcolm from British Columbia wrote, Attempts by the UCC and their supporters, including the politicians such as Monte McNaughton and Brad Bradford, to pressure the Toronto Public Library into cancelling the IYSSE anti-war public meeting reveal the deeply anti-democratic and reactionary character of these individuals and groups. They are intent on spreading baseless smears and lies against the IYSSE, the SEP and the WSWS purely to prevent any meaningful discussion about the nature of the war among the working class. This war will not be stopped by appeals to capitalist politicians and governments. The intimidation unleashed against the IYSSE event makes clear that these state actors will not tolerate any discussion about their goals and methods. This is not an academic exercise. The war in Ukraine has escalated relentlessly for the past year and a half. It is a conflict which involves multiple countries with massive nuclear arsenals. It is not hyperbole to suggest that the fate of humanity may well hinge on the international working class asserting its historic role and duty, overturning capitalism and imperialism, and putting an end to this bloodbath. For these reasons, the event must proceed. Greg from Ontario wrote, We need to stand up to creeping fascism and the heavy hand of the state to allow the historical truth to be told. Mark said, Critically analyzing the social and material conditions which led to the war in Ukraine should not be a controversial issue, and its clear that Canadas involvement is purely political in nature. What is also clear is that those who would try and stop this meeting are doing so for political gain. Their principal purpose is to remove from us our charter rights to freedom of speech, freedom of association and the right to peaceful assembly. Why are these agitators afraid? Why is it acceptable for them to protest our rights and actively try and cancel them? Ken, an educator from the York region, said, I am both disgusted and concerned by the behavior of not only the UCC, but also Torontos mayoral candidate Brad Bradford and the Ontario labor minister. The position they all express of trying to shut down democratic debate on NATOs proxy war against Russia is very concerning. At a time when families struggle to make ends meet, our politicians and, lets be honest, the openly fascistic Ukrainian Canadian Congress are trying to take away our rights at home while preparing for World War III abroad. I support the IYSSE meeting in Toronto. We need to hear their perspective. Their voices must not be silenced. Vasili commented, This is not a war for freedom or democracy. Nor is it about Putins ambitions, or Ukrainian sovereignty. The attempt to cancel the IYSSE meeting in Toronto flies in the face of the claims that this war is about democracy. The demand to censor this meeting, which is spearheaded by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, is reactionary and violates our rights to freedom of expression. The IYSSE is not taking an apologist view of the war, as stated, and attempts to stifle alternative views is dangerous and hypocritical. The petition was signed by leading members of the International Committee of the Fourth International around the world. Christoph Vandreier, chairman of the Sozialistische Gleichheitspartei, which the German government is seeking to criminalize for its opposition to militarism and advocacy of social equality, wrote, We protest in the strongest terms against the attempts to censor the IYSSE event in Toronto against the proxy war in Ukraine. That the government, in collaboration with the political descendants of Nazi collaborators, is trying to censor an anti-war event itself shows the reactionary nature of the NATO war against Russia. Denigrating opposition to the war as enemy propaganda is a familiar tool of warmongering. The IYSSE are clear and declared opponents of the reactionary Putin regime, but it shows how the war is systematically provoked and escalated by NATO in order to impose its own imperialist interests on the backs of the Ukrainian population. This position needs to be able to be discussed at the Toronto Public Library. We urge our readers to continue to circulate the petition and make plans to attend Sundays meeting if you live in the Greater Toronto Area. 2011 photo taken at Jeffrey Epsteins Manhattan mansion. From left: James E. Staley, at the time a senior JPMorgan executive; former Treasury Secretary Lawrence Summers; Epstein; Bill Gates, Microsofts co-founder; and Boris Nikolic, who was the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundations science adviser. A psychological examiner reported that Jeffrey Epstein, the deceased financier and sex-trafficker, had no suicidal thoughts and a clear mental status in the days leading up to his death while in prison in 2019, according to documents obtained by the Associated Press. The information about Epsteins time in prison comes as an ongoing lawsuit against JPMorgan Chase continues to reveal information about his relationship with the rich and powerful. The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday that Jes Staley, a major financier and close confidant of Epstein, alleges that he and Jamie Dimon, the CEO of JPMorgan Chase, communicated for years about Epstein. This stands in sharp contrast to Dimons claim to not know anything about Epstein until 2019. The lawsuit is being pursued by the US Virgin Islands and an unnamed woman who was the victim of Epsteins sex-trafficking ring. The suit alleges that JPMorgan Chase facilitated Epsteins sex-trafficking of young women at his Caribbean villa. Staley was a significant player in Epsteins world and was a leading financier himself. The Journal claims JPMorgan Chase has sought to pin the bulk of the relationship [with Epstein] on Staley. The bank has sued Staley on these grounds. Staley was a leading executive at JPMorgan and considered to be a leading candidate to succeed Jamie Dimon, according to the Journal. Following his exit from JPMorgan Chase in 2013, Staley took over Barclays in 2015, one of the largest multinational banks, with assets over 1.5 trillion British pounds. Staley is accused of sexually abusing a young woman through Epsteins trafficking operation, an allegation he denies. He stepped down from Barclays in 2021, following investigations into his well-known relationship with Epstein. Dimon and JPMorgan have both denied Staleys claims. I dont recall knowing anything about Jeffrey Epstein until the stories broke sometime in 2019. I didnt evenhad never even heard of the guy, pretty much, stated Dimon. One entry from Epsteins calendar, dated March 2, 2010, notes a meeting including Epstein, Dimon and Staley. JPMorgan told the Journal that Dimon did not attend. If Staleys claims are true, it suggests that JPMorgan was more conscious of its dealings with Epstein, including the financial backing Epstein required to run his trafficking operation, than the bank lets on. The day after the Journal released this information, on Friday, the Associated Press announced that it had obtained some 4,000 pages of documents from the federal Bureau of Prisons regarding Epsteins imprisonment. The documents, some of which are now publicly available, were obtained using the Freedom of Information Act. While the WSWS has only reviewed some of these documents so far, selections regard Epsteins mental health, following his placement on suicide watch and psychiatric observation in late July, 2019. An official log from his psych examiner notes in his Suicide Risk Assessment: No mental health history, no substance abuse history, no suicide history, no suicidal thoughts. Clear mental status. Later on, in multiple psychological observation follow-ups, the psychologist notes, Denied suicidality; He stated he would never harm himself as he wants to be alive to fight his legal case and go back to live his life. Two days before Epstein died, the final psych check-up reads, No acute symptoms, distress or mental health concerns; denied suicidality, some concerns with sleep. Happy he received his PAC # [Personal Access Code, used to make phone calls] to make phone calls and requested to speak with someone without it being on a speakerphone. Wanting his books he left in the suicide watch area. Interacting and getting along with his cellmate. Getting ready of this [sic] attorney visit. In 2019, following the extraordinary circumstances surrounding Epsteins death, the WSWS wrote that [T]he efforts of the mediaand the New York Times in particularto dismiss out of hand any suggestion that Epsteins death was the result of anything but a suicide reek of a high-level cover-up. The night Epstein died the two cameras outside his cell malfunctioned. Two guards, who were supposed to make regular rounds of his cell, failed to do so. Dr. Michael Badena former New York medical examiner present at the official autopsyclaimed Epsteins wounds were more consistent with strangulation and assault. The chief New York City medical examiner, however, disagreed, stating it was due to suicide. While it is possible that Epstein was misleading his psych interviewer, the observers reports also correspond with those of Epsteins lawyers who stated he was in good spirits before he died. In the coming months, more high-powered figures are expected to give evidence. Sergey Brin, Google co-founder; Michael Ovitz, former president of Disney; Mortimer Zuckerman, real estate mogul; Elon Musk, the worlds richest man; and Thomas Pritzker, executive chair of Hyatt have all been subpoenaed as part of the ongoing Virgin Islands case. On Thursday, the Sydney Morning Herald and the Age, prominent Australian publications, reported new information indicating that the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is continuing a probe of WikiLeaks publisher Julian Assange. Julian Assange being dragged out of the Ecuadorean embassy in London, April 2019 [Photo: Facebook] The article reported that the previous week Andrew OHagan, a British journalist, had been contacted by the FBI, who asked to interview him about Assange. In 2011, OHagan had been contracted to ghost write Assanges autobiography. Like many representatives of the affluent and complacent British upper middle-class, he subsequently became an embittered opponent of WikiLeaks, writing a tedious and mean-spirited account of his relationship with Assange for the London Review of Books. OHagan has indicated that he refused to speak to the FBI. He said he would rather go to prison than cooperate with an FBI operation targeting journalists. That is a principled stand. The apparent probe, however, is disturbing and highly unusual. It has been years since the US government issued an indictment against Assange for exposing American war crimes in Iraq and Afghanistan. The WikiLeaks founder has been detained in Britains maximum-security Belmarsh Prison for more than four years on the basis of the successive indictments and an extradition request. The probe could point to an attempt by the US government to concoct new charges against Assange or even other WikiLeaks representatives. Far more likely, it indicates that after all these years, the American state has no conceivable case against Assange and is continuing to fish for more lies and falsifications to attack him in the current extradition process. This morning, WikiLeaks issued a statement, taking issue with the manner in which the FBI probe had been reported by the Sydney Morning Herald and the Age. Both publications had stated that the OHagan request indicated that the FBI had reopened an investigation into the WikiLeaks founder. WikiLeaks, however, noted: Since the current process was initiated in 2017 under the Trump Administration after pressure from CIA head Michael Pompeo, the investigation has never been closed. It is therefore nonsensical to suggest it has been re-opened. WikiLeaks editor-in-chief Kristinn Hraffnson commented: The FBI has reached an alarming new low by asking a journalist (Mr. OHagan) to reveal his interactions with his source (Mr. Assange). There can be no doubt that the decisions taken in the case of Julian Assange are having a chilling effect on journalists globally. From spying on Julians lawyers, to planning his assassination, the behaviour of his persecutors is opening a Pandoras box of abuses of power. The message that needs to be sent to the Biden administration and the Attorney General Merrick Garland is, for the sake of press freedom all over the world: Drop The Charges. End this now. The statement was referencing well-documented dirty tricks operations against Assange by the American intelligence agencies, which have been central to the attempted US prosecution. This included the revelation, contained in a September 2021 Yahoo! News report, that the Trump administration and the CIA had discussed illegally kidnapping Assange from London or even assassinating him. The Yahoo investigation was based on the statements of at least 30 former US officials. In June 2020, after it had already issued 17 Espionage Act charges against Assange and requested his extradition, the US unveiled a superseding indictment. It was largely based on testimony from Sigurdur Siggi Thordarson, who years earlier had stolen money from WikiLeaks. The aim of the new indictment was to bolster the fraudulent narrative that Assange was a hacker, not a journalist and publisher. In June, 2021, Thordarson admitted that his testimony had largely consisted of lies. It had been proffered to FBI agents, in exchange for an agreement not to prosecute him. Thordarson is a convicted sex offender and conman, previously described by a court-appointed psychiatrist as a sociopath. The WikiLeaks statement added: The case against Julian Assange has no foundation and is politically motivated. The FBIs latest move simply highlights the political desperation of his persecutors. The FBIs efforts to create a case out of thin air include making a convicted fraudster their star witness (who has since recanted his testimony). In other words, the FBI has already plumbed the depths of depravity in its pursuit of Assange, but its efforts are continuing. Given OHagans previous animosity towards WikiLeaks, and the fact that he tape-recorded hundreds of hours of conversations with Assange for the autobiography, it is not hard to imagine why the FBI approached him. Several troubling questions emerge. The first is that the written request from the FBI to interview OHagan was transmitted to him by the Counter Terrorism Command of the London Metropolitan police. Why counter-terror cops would have any involvement in an ongoing US probe of a journalist who has long been under British custody is entirely unclear, but cannot augur well. For many years, leading US politicians obscenely branded Assange a terrorist. Joe Biden, the US president is among them, having once described Assange as a high-tech terrorist. In comments to the Herald and Age, Assanges Australian lawyer Stephen Kenny responded to the OHagan revelation by stating: It appears they are continuing to try to investigate, which I find unusual given the amount of time that has passed since the investigation began. I would think it is of some concern because we have been working to try to secure an arrangement that would see Julian come home. The Australian Labor government claims to have made representations to the Biden administration that Assanges case has gone on too long. Labor has been exceedingly vague about how precisely the case should be ended. But if such representations have been made, it increasingly appears they have been rebuffed. The issue emerged on the Australian Broadcasting Corporations QandA program last week. Host Patricia Karvelas asked Labors assistant foreign minister Tim Watts about the prospects of a deal between the US and Australian governments that would end Assanges prosecution. Watts said: The Americans are in no doubt about what our view of this issue is. Karvelas replied: Ok. If were going to use what youve just said, theyre in no doubt and were a close ally, dont they owe it to us then? Isnt that what you do with a close friend? Watts, visibly squirming, responded: Well, friends frequently disagree. He then rambled on about the difficulties of any more direct intervention by the Labor administration to secure Assanges freedom. Some have noted that the Biden administration is less vocal in its pursuit of Assange than was Trumps. Biden officials, when asked about the WikiLeaks founder, often flatly refuse to discuss his case, or ludicrously present it as a matter for the US Department of Justice and not the administration. But it seems unlikely that FBI agents would be roaming around London, trying to dredge up dirt on Assange, without the approval of the administration, and likely the president himself. The latest developments again point to the improbability of a positive resolution to Assanges case, outside of a mass movement actively fighting for his freedom. The Biden administration is waging a proxy war against Russia in Ukraine that threatens to spiral into a nuclear conflict. Under those conditions, it, together with US allies, including Britain and Australia, is cracking down on national security journalism and anti-war opposition more broadly. A McCarthyite campaign against purported Russian interference, moreover, has been central to the political identity of the Biden administration. Lies and slanders against Assange, completely disproven, have played a central role in that. As it is whipping its upper middle-class base into a Russiaphobic frenzy, it seems highly improbable that Biden is about to extend a hand of benevolence to Assange. The Australian government, for its part, is carrying out an unprecedented military build-up, in preparation for joining a US-led war against China. Such a program, it insists, must be a whole of nation war effort, raising the spectre of even further attacks on democratic rights. It is ever-more apparent that the persecution of Assange is a spearhead of a global campaign of reaction, inextricably tied to a new period of imperialist war. That means that the fight for his freedom must proceed through the development of an international anti-war movement of the working class. North Korea conducted a launch of a military reconnaissance satellite early Wednesday morning, though the satellite failed to reach orbit. The launch drew hypocritical condemnations from the United States and South Korea. The allies will undoubtedly exploit the event to further ramp up militarization in the region, which is ultimately aimed at preparing for war with China. North Korea launches newly developed Chollima-1 rocket carrying the Malligyong-1 satellite at the Sohae Satellite Launching Ground Wednesday, May 31, 2023. [Photo: Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP/WSWS] The rocket, known as Chollima-1, carrying the satellite took off from Tongchang-ri on North Koreas northwest coast at 6:29 a.m., according to the South Korean military, and traveled southward over the Yellow Sea. The rocket flew far west of South Koreas western border island of Baengnyeong and therefore did not represent a danger to the country. Pyongyang stated on Tuesday that the satellite, called Malligyong-1, would be crucial for national defense. Ri Pyong-chol, vice chairman of the Central Military Commission of the Norths ruling Workers Party of Korea, said that it would be indispensable to tracking, monitoring, discriminating, controlling, and coping with in advance in real time the dangerous military acts of the US and its vassal forces, a reference to US allies like South Korea. However, North Koreas state-run media outlet, Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), confirmed on Wednesday that the launch had been a failure. The second stage of the rocket reportedly failed to start properly, resulting in a crash in the Yellow Sea along with the reconnaissance satellite. Kim Yo-jong, the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, said Thursday that another satellite would be launched in the near future. The attempt to place a satellite in orbit was by no means unexpected. Pyongyang notified the International Maritime Organization as well as Japan of its plans beforehand, providing a window of May 31 and June 11. It also came shortly after South Korea conducted its own satellite launch on May 25, firing its rocket called Nuri, which carried a payload of eight satellites. Pyongyangs announcement of its plans drew condemnations from Washington and its allies which claimed the launch violated UN Security Council resolutions as the technology involved was similar to that of long-range ballistic missiles. Prior to Wednesday, North Korea most recently fired a Hwasong-18 intercontinental ballistic missile on April 13. Following Wednesdays rocket flight, Washington led a chorus of condemnations. The spokesman for the US National Security Council, Adam Hodge, declared, The United States strongly condemns the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea for its launch using ballistic missile technology, which is a brazen violation of multiple UN Security Council resolutions, raises tensions, and risks destabilizing the security situation in the region and beyond. South Koreas Joint Chiefs of Staff stated, While elevating its vigilance posture, our military, in close cooperation with the United States, is maintaining a full readiness posture. Hodge went on to claim that the door has not closed on diplomacy with Pyongyang. In reality, however, Washington demands that North Korea entirely abandon its weapons programs without anything in return from the US, let alone the security guarantees Pyongyang has long demanded. These include a peace treaty to formally conclude the Korean War, which ended with only an armistice 70 years ago this July. The Biden administration has shown no serious interest in easing tensions on the Korean Peninsula as it ramps up its confrontation with China across the region. It is exploiting the supposed threat by North Korea to deepen its trilateral military collaboration with Japan and Tokyo. This includes building a ballistic missile system capable of spying on and striking deep into China. During the previous Trump administration, Washington and Pyongyang agreed to a moratorium on North Koreas long-range missile launches and nuclear tests, in return for a suspension of large-scale joint US-South Korean military exercises. The Kim Jong-un regime abided by the agreement, believing it lead to meaningful negotiations. However, this did not take place. Instead, the US continued to threaten the North behind the scenes, content to allow the situation to fester so long as the weapon tests had stopped. The Biden administration continued this policy, prompting North Korea to resume long-range missile tests in 2022 in a desperate attempt to bring the US back to the bargaining table and end its isolation. Already cut off from most of the world through US-led sanctions, Pyongyang has also faced growing economic problems as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Instead, Washington, alongside an increasingly and openly militarist Seoul under President Yoon Suk-yeol, has provocatively resumed large-scale war games with South Korea. As a result Pyongyang has been conducting more and more missile launches. Seouls increased militarization has not been limited to the Yoon administration. When previous South Korean President Moon Jae-in met Biden in May 2021, the two agreed to scrap range limits on Seouls ballistic missiles, which had been capped at 800 kilometers. The situation on the Korean Peninsula is therefore very volatile, with even an accident or miscalculation leading to conflict. Highlighting this, the Seoul city government sent an alert to peoples phones Wednesday morning calling for them to prepare to evacuate the city or take shelter. The message, sent at 6:41 a.m. read, Warning issued in the Seoul area today at 6:32. Citizens should prepare to evacuate, and children and the elderly should be evacuated first. Shortly after 7 a.m., the alert was retracted and declared erroneous. However, questions remain: Why was the alert sent? What are the possibilities of a similar mistake being sent to US or South Korean troops? How would soldiers respond in that situation? Erroneous or not, sending such a message serves a very definite purpose. Seoul is home to some 10 million people. While the government and its allies in Washington and Tokyo have done everything possible to vilify North Korea, widespread support for war does not exist. Stoking fears that the heavily populated city is in danger only assists the Yoon governments efforts to create a political climate for furthering its war preparations. Generally, when a single insider buys stock, it is usually not a big deal. However, when several insiders are buying, like in the case of Ascent Industries Co. (NASDAQ:ACNT), it sends a favourable message to the company's shareholders. While insider transactions are not the most important thing when it comes to long-term investing, we would consider it foolish to ignore insider transactions altogether. Check out our latest analysis for Ascent Industries Ascent Industries Insider Transactions Over The Last Year The President Christopher Hutter made the biggest insider purchase in the last 12 months. That single transaction was for US$54k worth of shares at a price of US$10.76 each. That means that an insider was happy to buy shares at above the current price of US$9.85. It's very possible they regret the purchase, but it's more likely they are bullish about the company. In our view, the price an insider pays for shares is very important. Generally speaking, it catches our eye when insiders have purchased shares at above current prices, as it suggests they believed the shares were worth buying, even at a higher price. In the last twelve months Ascent Industries insiders were buying shares, but not selling. The chart below shows insider transactions (by companies and individuals) over the last year. If you click on the chart, you can see all the individual transactions, including the share price, individual, and the date! There are plenty of other companies that have insiders buying up shares. You probably do not want to miss this free list of growing companies that insiders are buying. Does Ascent Industries Boast High Insider Ownership? I like to look at how many shares insiders own in a company, to help inform my view of how aligned they are with insiders. I reckon it's a good sign if insiders own a significant number of shares in the company. Insiders own 5.0% of Ascent Industries shares, worth about US$5.0m, according to our data. We do generally prefer see higher levels of insider ownership. So What Do The Ascent Industries Insider Transactions Indicate? The fact that there have been no Ascent Industries insider transactions recently certainly doesn't bother us. However, our analysis of transactions over the last year is heartening. While we have no worries about the insider transactions, we'd be more comfortable if they owned more Ascent Industries stock. So these insider transactions can help us build a thesis about the stock, but it's also worthwhile knowing the risks facing this company. Case in point: We've spotted 3 warning signs for Ascent Industries you should be aware of, and 1 of them shouldn't be ignored. 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 The South Australian state Labor government this week finished rapidly pushing through parliament new laws that impose severe punishmentsup to three months jailfor anyone whose activity causes an obstruction in a public place, even indirectly. South Australian Labor Premier Peter Malinauskas. [Photo: @PMalinauskasMP] Under the guise of cracking down on climate change protests that triggered a minor traffic delay, Labor joined hands with the Liberal Party opposition to pass laws that can effectively criminalise any protest, march, rally or demonstration. In fact, they ban any activity at all that allegedly disrupts free passage of a public place. That could include handing leaflets on a footpath or in a public mall, demonstrating outside parliament house, participating in a workers march against low pay and intolerable conditions, or joining a picket during a strike. The legislation was rammed through both houses of state parliament in a matter of hours, despite several hastily-called protests, and shock and condemnation voiced by a wide range of civil liberties, legal and other non-government organisations. With Labor now in office throughout Australia, except for Tasmania, these laws mark an escalation of repressive police-state type of powers introduced over the past several years by federal and state governments. The changes to South Australias Summary Offences Act dramatically increase maximum fines from $750 to $50,000. They add the prospect of imprisonment, for up to three months, as well as possible huge imposts to pay for the alleged costs incurred by police or other authorities in responding to the obstruction. The laws also extend the protest ban to actions indirectly causing obstruction, even if the disruption actually results from the reaction of authorities. A note in the legislation states: For example, a persons conduct may be found to have indirectly obstructed the free passage of a public place if a relevant entity needed to restrict access to the public place in order to safely deal with the persons conduct. Public place is widely defined to include footpaths and open areas of private property, such as a road, street, footway, court, alley or thoroughfare which the public are allowed to use, notwithstanding that that road, street, footway, court alley or thoroughfare is on private property. The amendments were rammed through the states lower house the previous week in just 22 minutesa bipartisan drive that overrode even the appearance of parliamentary debate. There was a revealing display of unity between Premier Peter Malinauskas and the state Liberal leader David Speirs, who spearheaded the passage of the laws by agitating for them on talkback radio. Later, Speirs boasted that the legislation went through parliament in near record time. He caused outrage by declaring that people should be happy because they could be beheaded in other countries for joining protests. This week, the two parties conducted a 14-hour overnight session to push the changes through the upper house by early Wednesday morning, rejecting Greens amendments to include a reasonable excuse test and an expiry date. Malinauskas flatly defended the changes. He gave vent to their thrust of protecting the interests of big business, saying they were intended to stop protests that disrupt business in a way that compromises the ability for people to be able to earn a living. On Australian Broadcasting Corporation radio, Malinauskas falsely claimed: There has been no change to protest laws in South Australia. He insisted that protests could still be held lawfully under the states Public Assemblies Act. But that legislation, as in other states, gives the governments chief secretary or the police chief or a municipal council vague and sweeping power to prohibit a protest that would unduly prejudice any public interest. The laws were passed swiftly, regardless of two protests by hundreds of people and joint calls by about 80 groups, including Amnesty International Australia, the Human Rights Law Centre and the South Australian Council of Social Service, for the government to withdraw the bill. Australian Lawyers for Human Rights said the bill has the potential to impact a wide range of protest activity, including by students, healthcare workers, First Nations people and their allies, environmental campaigners, disabled campaigners or any South Australian resident. In a joint letter to the state government, the Law Society of South Australia and the South Australian Bar Association condemned in the strongest terms, the speed at which the bill was being rushed through parliament, saying it seriously undermines the democratic process. The amendments were triggered by Speirs after protests by members of Extinction Rebellion against an annual Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association (APPEA) oil and gas company conference in Adelaide. The demonstrations included a woman abseiling over a city bridge, causing a main road to be partially closed for about 90 minutes. Ambulance Employees Association SA secretary Leah Watkins rejected government and media allegations that the protest had blocked the passage of ambulances to and from the Royal Adelaide Hospital. During the APPEA conference, South Australian Energy and Mining Minister Tom Koutsantonis laid out Labors support for the fossil fuel conglomerates, saying the state government was at your disposal in his opening welcome of the conference. The federal Labor government backed the anti-protest measures. On ABC radio, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he had every faith that Peter Malinauskas will act responsibly. He echoed Malinauskas unfounded claim that the law change was necessary to prevent blockages of emergency services. Across Australia, Labor and Liberal-National Coalition governments alike have outlawed many forms of anti-corporate political protest, under conditions of growing political discontent, particularly over worsening social inequality, deteriorating living conditions, ecological disasters like floods and fires, and the rising danger of war. Queenslands state Labor government rushed new anti-protest laws through parliament in 2019. Demonstrators using proscribed devices can be jailed for up to two years and police have expanded powers to conduct personal and vehicle searches without judicial warrants. In the same year, the Victorian state Labor government mobilised police who violently attacked several hundred climate change protesters opposing a global mining conference at Melbournes convention centre. Also in 2019, the then federal Labor opposition helped the Morrison Liberal-National government push through parliament laws that could see people jailed for up to five years for using social media, emails or phone calls to promote, or even advertise, protests against agribusinesses. Last year, a chilling message of intimidation was sent when Deanna Violet Coco was sentenced to jail for 15 months for a climate protest that briefly blocked one of five city lanes on the Sydney Harbour Bridge. She was the first person to be sentenced under laws introduced by the New South Wales Liberal-National government, supported by the then Labor opposition, that imposed fines of up to $22,000 and jail terms of up to two years for protests on roads, rail lines, tunnels, bridges and industrial estates. After spending two weeks in prison, Coco later had her sentence reduced to a 12-month good behaviour bond on appeal. The judge said her imprisonment had been based on false police evidence about ambulances being blocked. But more than a dozen climate activists have faced possible jail time over similar protests in Sydney. Regardless of the claims of Malinauskas, Albanese and their counterparts, the anti-protest laws have nothing to do with protecting the public from unsafe or dangerous protests. Rather, they attack fundamental democratic rights, including free speech, freedom of movement and freedom to organise, in order to protect corporate profits. Similar police-state crackdowns are occurring internationally, such as in Germany last month. If we want to find a stock that could multiply over the long term, what are the underlying trends we should look for? Amongst other things, we'll want to see two things; firstly, a growing return on capital employed (ROCE) and secondly, an expansion in the company's amount of capital employed. Basically this means that a company has profitable initiatives that it can continue to reinvest in, which is a trait of a compounding machine. That's why when we briefly looked at Packaging Corporation of America's (NYSE:PKG) ROCE trend, we were pretty happy with what we saw. Understanding Return On Capital Employed (ROCE) For those that aren't sure what ROCE is, it measures the amount of pre-tax profits a company can generate from the capital employed in its business. To calculate this metric for Packaging Corporation of America, this is the formula: Return on Capital Employed = Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT) (Total Assets - Current Liabilities) 0.19 = US$1.4b (US$8.0b - US$829m) (Based on the trailing twelve months to March 2023). Thus, Packaging Corporation of America has an ROCE of 19%. In absolute terms, that's a satisfactory return, but compared to the Packaging industry average of 11% it's much better. View our latest analysis for Packaging Corporation of America roce Above you can see how the current ROCE for Packaging Corporation of America compares to its prior returns on capital, but there's only so much you can tell from the past. If you'd like to see what analysts are forecasting going forward, you should check out our free report for Packaging Corporation of America. How Are Returns Trending? The trend of ROCE doesn't stand out much, but returns on a whole are decent. The company has consistently earned 19% for the last five years, and the capital employed within the business has risen 32% in that time. Since 19% is a moderate ROCE though, it's good to see a business can continue to reinvest at these decent rates of return. Over long periods of time, returns like these might not be too exciting, but with consistency they can pay off in terms of share price returns. The Bottom Line On Packaging Corporation of America's ROCE To sum it up, Packaging Corporation of America has simply been reinvesting capital steadily, at those decent rates of return. And given the stock has only risen 22% over the last five years, we'd suspect the market is beginning to recognize these trends. So because of the trends we're seeing, we'd recommend looking further into this stock to see if it has the makings of a multi-bagger. On a final note, we've found 1 warning sign for Packaging Corporation of America that we think you should be aware of. While Packaging Corporation of America isn't earning the highest return, check out this free list of companies that are earning high returns on equity with solid balance sheets. 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 The Tentative Debt Ceiling Deal Could Affect You More Than You Think President Joe Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) reached a tentative agreement to raise the U.S. debt ceiling over the weekend, allowing a ray of hope to peek through the fiscal cloud that had been hanging over D.C. This deal would avert a potential default, which many economists think would be catastrophic. Heres what you need to know about the deal. A financial advisor can help prepare you for potentially tough economic times. Debt Ceiling Deal Basics The debt ceiling is simply the maximum amount the U.S. government can owe by law.The current borrowing limit is a staggering $31.4 trillion. This number was hit in January. In an interesting twist, the proposed deal suggests a two-year suspension of the debt limit instead of merely raising it. This would mean that the contentious issue of the national debt ceiling would remain off the table until after the 2024 presidential election. A Bipartisan Effort with Significant Implications Should this agreement gain approval from the lawmakers of both sides of the aisle, it would provide the federal government the ability to borrow money to pay its bills until 2025. However, the path to garnering this support is not without its challenges. The proposed deal brings with it a slew of provisions, including several spending cuts favored by the Republicans, alongside increases in defense and veterans spending. If youre ready to be matched with local advisors that can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now. Neither Republicans nor Democrats got exactly the deal they wanted, so both parties will have to sell their more hardline members on agreeing to this proposal. The Deals Impact on Programs and Services One of the standout aspects of this debt ceiling agreement is the full funding for veterans medical care, a provision that is in line with Bidens proposed 2024 budget blueprint. There are also suggested revisions to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP or food stamps as they are commonly deemed). Simultaneously, the deal anticipates some reductions in funding. This includes pulling back on the hiring of new Internal Revenue Service agents and reclaiming an estimated $30 billion in unspent COVID-19 relief money. Controversy and Consequences The specter of a potential default, should the deal not be agreed upon, carries with it the risk of significant global economic disruption. Experts have sounded the alarm over the fallout from such a situation, which could range from an international financial crisis to a domestic recession. A ripple effect that would likely lead to job losses, a spike in borrowing and the possible erosion of household wealth. The Bottom Line A potential debt ceiling deal has been reached between House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and President Joe Biden. The deal would cut some spending but not nearly as much as Republicans initially wanted. If the deal is approved, it would eliminate the debt ceiling for the next two years. Tips on Handling Your Retirement To avoid concerns such as Social Security insolvency and absent Medicare benefits, Americans need to prepare for retirement through proactive measures. A financial advisor is a wise choice when putting a strategy in place that will give you a plan of action for your financial future after your working years are past. Finding a financial advisor doesnt have to be hard. SmartAssets free tool matches you with up to three vetted financial advisors who serve your area, and you can interview your advisor matches at no cost to decide which one is right for you. If youre ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now. To see if your retirement plan is on track, check out SmartAssets retirement calculator. Photo credit: iStock/Douglas Rissing, iStock/wildpixel The post What the Tentative Debt Ceiling Deal Means For You appeared first on SmartAsset Blog. TikTok used to show mental health content on tobacco-related searches. Now these searches return endless streams of substance use and abuse On a previous version of the TikTok app, vaping, smoking and tobacco videos were not easy to find. When users searched for terms like tobacco and juul they were redirected to a special section with educational information about substance use, followed by a curated feed of videos promoting mental health and solidarity in struggles. More from Fortune: 5 side hustles where you may earn over $20,000 per yearall while working from home Looking to make extra cash? This CD has a 5.15% APY right now Buying a house? Here's how much to save This is how much money you need to earn annually to comfortably buy a $600,000 home For example, when Fortune searched the term vape in this version of the app, TikTok returned a video of woman telling viewers that jogging is the best medicine there is when she is having a bad mental health day. But now, in the current version (29.6) of TikTok, searches for the term vape and other tobacco-related searches return videos from TikTok users like "Itshhutsonn." Suck on it, Itshhutsonn says in a video demonstrating his technique for inhaling from a vape pen. "You pull a drag on it and hold it he explains, advising viewers to keep holding it and dont let it out. The clip is just one of an endless stream of similar videos on TikTok that Fortune discovered recently, revealing a clear change in the social media company's efforts to censor (or in this case, not censor) potentially harmful content. Searching terms like vape, hookah cigarettes as well as tobacco and nicotine brands including skoal, zyn and juul yield a treasure trove of content that normalizes and glorifies tobacco and nicotine use, often featuring young users. TikTok now says it made a mistake: the tobacco videos should never have been blocked. A spokesperson for TikTok told Fortune the mental health-related videos should not have been there. A technical problem affecting older versions of the app had mistakenly displayed the videos about jogging and mental health instead of clips about people like "Itshhutsonn" and his vape pen. It might seem like an odd admission, but the company says its policy with regards to tobacco has not changed. So long as user videos dont involve the trade of tobacco, alcohol, or drugs, TikTok will not block them. TikTok will, however, preface the results of these searches with a resource center that links out to content about substance abuse (which users can simply scroll beyond). And for minors, the company says it wont show any such content at all. As Fortune discovered in its own experiments though, TikToks treatment of tobacco-related content often strays from its stated policies, and the supposed glitches affecting its handling of tobacco content raise questions about the companys practices controlling what users see on its service. Side by side comparison of the TikTok app filtered tobacco content on an old version versus the current version. Screenshots from TikTok; Phone by Getty Images Josh Golin, the executive director of FairPlay, a nonprofit dedicated to children's wellbeing online, believes the change in videos that TikTok showed users searching for tobacco suggests that the company isor wasaware of the potential implications of tobacco-focused content on the app. "It's hard to argue that this is all just happening by mistake, right? Because the fact that they have the resource centerthere is a clear indication that they understand that this search is sensitive, and does need some kind of moderation," Golin said. Golin expressed skepticism when told that TikTok ascribed the change to a technical glitch. "It doesn't even matter if it's a technical glitch," he said. "If they don't have the ability to prevent serving harmful content on these searches until they're alerted to it by a reporter, then clearly, they're not doing their due diligence or being responsible in any way." The findings represent another worrying aspect of the social media app used by 200 million Americans at a time when it is already under increased scrutiny for its privacy practices and its influence on the millions of teenagers who use it everyday. Last month, the U.S. Surgeon General issued a report that explicitly calls on policymakers to develop health and safety standards around substance abuse content for children on social media. Its deeper than Googling something like tobacco because the algorithm feeds you more content. So if kids are searching for tobacco on TikTok, theyre constantly being fed similar content, says Fareedah Shaheed, CEO and founder of children-focused cybersecurity company Sekuva. It means that your kid is going to be inundated with content that is harmful. TikTok's weak safeguards for underage users TikTok, like Facebook, Twitter, Snap, and other platforms, accepts neither advertising nor user accounts from tobacco companies. Our Community Guidelines make clear that we do not allow the trade of alcohol, tobacco products or drugs, nor do we allow content showing young people possessing those products. In order to support our community, we also redirect searches on these topics to in-app resources that provide access to expert advice and support, a company spokesperson told Fortune. That said, the platforms have no oversight of influencer brand deals so its plausible that tobacco companies have inked covert agreements with individuals. Jon-Patrick Allum, an assistant professor of research population and public health sciences at the University of Southern Californias Keck School of Medicine who studies tobacco content on TikTok believes this is the case. He suggests that a TikToker who goes by FreezerTarps may be sponsored by nicotine pouch company Zyn, as his channel is almost exclusively dedicated to promoting Zyn and he sells merchandise that integrates Zyn into the branding of large American universities. An example of this is one for the University of Zynnesota with the mascot Goldy Gopher wearing a burgundy Z sweater. (In response to repeated queries from Fortune about his affiliation with Zyn, the user did not respond.) When you look at TikTok, and you see the average age of users, and the fact that the majority of content that each individual user is exposed to is discoverable, you really get this idea that a lot of the content that is tobacco-related can be shaping the attitudes and behaviors of young people, especially when its normalized, says Allum. The TikTok spokesperson said that the platform restricts underage users from viewing content that shows excessive alcohol, tobacco substance consumption. However, multiple Fortune employees, Josh Golin of FairPlay and researchers at University of Southern Californias Keck School of Medicine found virtually no difference between the tobacco use content shown to accounts belonging to underage users and adults. The primary thing this would do is normalize vaping and tobacco use, says Golin, who used an account belonging to a teen to search tobacco terms on TikTok. This is something you would want to be careful withon what your search results are returning to a minor. Its worth noting that after a number of calls and emails with Fortune about this, TikTok seems to have suppressed some tobacco glorification and use content on tobacco-related terms being searched on an account registered to a minor. US Representative Buddy Carter, Republican of Georgia, questions TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew during the House Energy and Commerce Committee hearing on "TikTok: How Congress Can Safeguard American Data Privacy and Protect Children from Online Harms," on Capitol Hill, March 23, 2023, in Washington, DC. (Photo by OLIVIER DOULIERY / AFP) (Photo by OLIVIER DOULIERY/AFP via Getty Images) TikTok's low margin for error TikTok is hardly alone among social media platforms whose practices are under the microscope. In early May, the Federal Trade Commission accused Facebook-parent company Meta of violating users privacy by failing to control communications in its Messenger Kids app, and plans to bar the company from monetizing kid data. But with calls to ban TikTok in the U.S. growing louder, the service has a particularly low margin for error. What TikTok lacks in favor among legislators, it makes up for in popularity among young Americans. In 2022, TikTok was the most-used social media app by children in the United States who spent an average of 113 minutes on the platform every day, per Statista. The company recently rolled out a feature that notifies underage users when theyve used that platform for 60 minutes in one day, though Time reports kids being unmoved by the feature. Similarly, e-cigarettes and tobacco products are addictive substances testing teens and parents. A 2022 survey by the National Youth Tobacco Survey found that more than 3 million middle and high school students currently use tobacco, with 16.5% of high schools student using tobacco products. Alarmingly, another 2022 study found that 10.5% of youth e-cigarette users consume products within five minutes of waking up every day. Those who oppose TikTok in the United States have made a case that the platforms Chinese owners are filling the minds of American youth with quick dopamine hits from senseless short-form video. As evidence, they argue, the apps Chinese equivalent Douyin (TikTok is not available in China) surfaces STEM content, limits usage to 40 minutes per day and is unavailable to users between 10pm to 6am, per CNN. While TikTok and its executives have dedicated extensive airtime and resources to assuring parents that the company has kids best interests at heart, the claim is belied by the companys spotty track record with tobacco. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com More from Fortune: 5 side hustles where you may earn over $20,000 per yearall while working from home Looking to make extra cash? This CD has a 5.15% APY right now Buying a house? Here's how much to save This is how much money you need to earn annually to comfortably buy a $600,000 home (Bloomberg) -- Volodymyr Zelenskiy told the Wall Street Journal that Ukraine is ready for its counteroffensive against Russia, but downplayed the prospects for rapid success and warned of potential heavy casualties. He also called on a signal on NATOs intentions heading into the military alliances summit in Vilnius next month, and said he feared a less-supportive US administration after the 2024 election. Most Read from Bloomberg Russias invasion was a major focus of the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore. Indonesias defense minister floated a cease-fire proposal that would involve freezing Russian and Ukrainian forces in current positions and creating a demilitarized zone. Ukrainian defense chief Oleksii Reznikov said it sounds like a Russian plan. A cease-fire without Kremlin troop withdrawals will allow Russia to win time, Ukraines foreign ministry said. Ukraine protested after a Hungarian government website showed a video in which the Crimean peninsula was labeled as part of Russia, a new point of tension between the neighbors. Russian officials said two people were killed by shelling in the Belgorod region near Ukraines northeast border. Russia has blamed Ukraine for the increasing cross-border skirmishes. Latest Coverage Ukraines Envoy in Hungary Protests Over Russian Crimea Map Indonesia Defends Plan for Ukraine as Kyiv Rejects Its Ideas China Offers All Means of Outreach to Resolve War in Ukraine Shangri-La Latest: Former Chinese Ambassador Slams US and Europe Refugees Boost Latvias Population for First Time Since 1990 Coming Up Russia among the attendees at OPEC+ meeting in Vienna this weekend NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg travels to Turkey for Erdogan inauguration and talks Markets Oil climbed on Friday alongside risk assets, with attention focusing on the OPEC+ deliberations, but is still on pace for a weekly decline amid worries about demand. Wheat prices rose for a third day, extending a rebound from a more than two-year low set earlier in the week tied to booming crops in northern and eastern Europe that could push world production to a new record. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. Evelyn Geer who went missing early Friday morning was found dead in a Florida canal six hours later Charlotte County Sheriff's Office The search for a missing 4-year-old girl had a tragic end on Friday. Evelyn Geer was reported missing at 1 a.m. and was found dead six hours later in Port Charlotte, Florida, according to WINK News. The Charlotte County Sheriffs Office announced the discovery of Geers remains, in a statement on Facebook, writing, We are heartbroken to confirm that the body of 4-year-old Evelyn K. Geer (2-25-2019) has been discovered along the water edge down the canal behind the Vrbo the family was staying in. Please keep the family in your prayers as they go through this unbearable time, the sheriff's office wrote. Related: Body of Missing Girl, 1, Discovered in Retention Pond by Construction Worker Days After Mom Found Strangled Aviation units and a bloodhound were used in the search in the town that is 30 miles north of Fort Myers, according to Today. Claudette Smith, a public information officer with the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office told the outlet it was unclear when an autopsy will be performed. Geer was discovered during a search by a boat belonging to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, according to the sheriffs office. She wandered off from the Vrbo home her family has been staying at on Barksdale St. in Port Charlotte (near Cochran and Collingswood), the statement read. She was wearing a diaper at the time. She was thought to have wandered off toward the canal, ABC 7. Geers family was staying at the rental after being displaced by Hurricane Ian this past September, according to WINK News. At home, the family used a deadbolt lock on the front door because Evelyn had autism, but their rental did not, the sheriff's office said, according to WINK News. In 911 calls released by the Charlotte County Sheriffs office, Geers mother Evelyn said, This cant be happening. Related: Ill. Girl, 1, Is Missing After Her Mom Was Found Slain, Person of Interest Being Questioned in Mo. Story continues When asked to describe her daughter, Evelyn said she was wearing just a diaper. Oh, God. Oh, God! Shes about 3 feet tall with long brown hair and a ponytail, Evelyn said. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Geer was found shortly after 7 a.m. Unfortunately, I am here to provide an update for you. We have located Evelyn deceased, Smith said. Shes located behind the canal, behind the homes on Barksdale Street, Port Charlotte. A neighbor told WINK News he woke up to helicopters at 4 a.m. It startled me, Steve Stotler said. I went out to the street to see what was going on, and thats when the officer told me they were looking for a 4-year-old girl. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. British Airways is launching direct flights from Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) to London-Heathrow Airport on Monday. Pack your bags Cincinnati travelers. We are going overseas. British Airways is launching direct flights from Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) to London-Heathrow Airport on Monday. The inaugural flight will be on a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft. Once up and running, flights will operate five times per week during the summer on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. In the winter, they will run four times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Travel: New security technology at CVG wants to take your picture. Here's what to know News: Uber launching new feature for teens in cities, including Cincinnati. Here's what to know Tickets are on sale now on the British Airways website. According to a press release, British Airways is CVGs 14th passenger airline and the only nonstop flight to the United Kingdom from Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana. The new nonstop flight to London-Heathrow will also be CVG's second direct destination outside of North America after Delta Airlines resumed nonstop flights to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport in August after a temporary halt due to the COVID-19 pandemic. CVG also offers direct flights to the following international destinations: Montego Bay, Jamaica; Los Cabos, Mexico; Cancun, Mexico; Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, and Toronto, Canada. Third-party analysis estimates the CVG-LHR flight will have an annual economic impact of $57 million, CVG spokesperson Seth Cutter confirmed to The Enquirer. The addition of this flight will make Cincinnati the 27th city in the U.S. to offer direct flights to London through British Airways. The new direct flight was named one of 13 best new international airline routes for 2023, according to Forbes. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: CVG launching nonstop flights from Cincinnati to London on Monday Their messages echoed nearly identical themes: Unity, patriotism and American exceptionalism. Their objective was uniform: Defeating President Joe Biden and America's "woke" left. Eight of the Republican Party's top presidential candidates stayed on message and avoided attacking each other Saturday at U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst's annual "Roast and Ride" event at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines. Ernst's motorcycle ride and subsequent circuit of presidential speeches marked a key "cattle call" for Iowa's first-in-the-nation caucus season, featuring a growing Republican field that included Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, former Vice President Mike Pence, U.S. Sen. Tim Scott, former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley and other candidates courting support in the Hawkeye State. U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, right, and former Vice President Mike Pence ride motorcycles during the annual Roast and Ride fundraiser, Saturday, June 3, 2023, on the way to the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines, Iowa. "It's time to kick Joe Biden out of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue," Ernst, who donned a leather Harley-Davidson vest on the ride, shouted in her introductory remarks. After she rallied the crowd around conservative causes and opposition to the president, candidates began to lobby themselves to Iowans as the leader of that opposition. Former President Donald Trump, who remains the front-runner, was the only major candidate not present, but his rivals for the GOP nomination declined to take the opportunity to directly attack him or even mention his name. Instead, they reserved their rhetorical punches for Biden, the federal government and left-leaning policies they disdainfully dismissed as "wokeism." Ernst praised the range of messages and issues from the field in comments to reporters after the event, saying, "I think there are a lot of folks that want to move forward." She, too, stayed on message when asked about balancing attitudes and factions within the GOP. "I know that President Trump has a great base," Ernst said. "It is strong, but at the same time, people don't want to hear about what has happened in the past because we've had two years of a Biden administration that is destroying our nation." Story continues People wave American flags during the annual Roast and Ride fundraiser for U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst, Saturday, June 3, 2023, at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines, Iowa. GOP presidential candidates pitch themselves as the future in Iowa, with Donald Trump absent Though Trump wasn't present he has often disdained group events in favor of holding his own rallies he still loomed large at the Roast and Ride. Volunteers and staff from the campaign roamed the event at the Animal Learning Center, planting Trump signs, donning T-shirts and manning a booth alongside the rest of the campaigns. Attempting to carve a path through the first caucus state and chip away at Trump's support, his Republican challengers used their time to familiarize themselves with voters and outline their priorities. They talked about their upbringings, their parents, the value of hard work and how America is a country of opportunity, not racism. U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst, left, greets Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds during the annual Roast and Ride fundraiser, Saturday, June 3, 2023, at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines, Iowa. Just before riders arrived at the fairgrounds Saturday, DeSantis attracted a mob of supporters and press next to the bus owned by Never Back Down, the super PAC backing him. Back in Iowa after a trip through the state earlier this week, he shook hands and handed out signatures including one on a letter a woman said she wrote him a year ago, addressed to "the future president of the United States." DeSantis continued to embrace the retail politics of Iowa, trying cotton candy-flavored ice cream while his wife, Casey, and his kids played with puppies. He received a standing ovation before his remarks, in which he touted his conservative record in Florida. Republican presidential candidate Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis points to a supporter in the crowd during the annual Roast and Ride fundraiser for U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst, Saturday, June 3, 2023, at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines, Iowa. "I don't just make idle promises that when I get into office I forget," DeSantis said. "I will lean into all the issues that matter." Pence, who is expected to formally enter the race next week in Iowa, was the sole candidate to join Ernst on the ride from Big Barn Harley-Davidson. He donned his own leather vest, featuring a patch from his home state of Indiana. The former vice president, asked early in the day what his lane in the race would be, responded with a joke: "I'm more worried about the lane we're going to be staying in today." And he teased his coming campaign announcement, declaring, "I'm going to do it here in Iowa." Former Vice President Mike Pence rides a motorcycle during the annual Roast and Ride fundraiser, Saturday, June 3, 2023, on the way to the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines, Iowa. Haley, a former South Carolina governor, promised a consistent presence in Iowa, then took a subtle poke at Trump's usual style of campaigning. "I'm not going to do a rally and leave you," Haley said. (Trump visited Iowa earlier this week for a series of smaller campaign stops.) Though direct criticisms of the front-runner were absent from their public remarks, several candidates dinged Trump in interviews with the Register for failing to attend the event, as well as not being the best choice for Republicans. Haley called Trump's absence a "mistake," and candidate and conservative commentator Larry Elder said he didn't believe Trump could win in the general election. "The question is: Can he win against Biden in a rematch in November 2024?" Elder said. "And if I thought the answer was a slam dunk, I wouldnt be here. And candidate and Michigan businessman Perry Johnson acknowledged the rest of the field was playing catch-up with Trump, "now over 50%" in some polling. "So I understand why he's not here," Johnson said. "I'm not saying he shouldn't be here. But I do get it. Trump was extended an invitation to the event, Ernst said, "a couple months ago," when they last spoke. "He has other considerations to think about, whether he does the multi-candidate events or not," Ernst said. "We made that offer, and everyone is welcome here." Some candidates focus on their background, hoping for name recognition and more donors Several of the presidential hopefuls used their time on stage to outline their personal identity and top issues. Scott, of South Carolina, told the crowd that "I scare the dickens out of the radical left and Joe Biden," continuing to strike a chord of optimism while decrying "victim" attitudes and beliefs of systemic racism. Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, who has asked Iowans to donate to his campaign in order to qualify for the Republican National Committee's first debate, pitched himself as a down-to-earth choice who can relate to the state's residents. "After a little visit, they come to me and they say, You know, you seem like a normal person," Hutchinson said. "Is that not just the greatest compliment you can have?" Motorcycle riders arrive during the annual Roast and Ride fundraiser for U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst, Saturday, June 3, 2023, at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines, Iowa. And entrepreneur and author Vivek Ramaswamy made a pitch to millennials, as the first one to run for president as a Republican. "Speaking as a member of my generation, we're hungry for purpose and meaning and identity," Ramaswamy said. Johnson and Elder, who are struggling to register in most national polling, both bemoaned the newly unveiled requirements to qualify for the debate in Milwaukee later this summer, which include having 40,000 donors. Elder called the threshold "onerous," but said he would "play by the rules"; Johnson said it was "kind of ridiculous." Ramaswamy and Haley told the Register their campaigns had already met the requirements to qualify for the debate. Iowans, hearing from nearly the whole GOP field, weigh their options The Roast and Ride offered the opportunity for potential caucusgoers to hear from nearly the entire presidential field at once. A number of potential voters interviewed by the Register on Saturday were still exploring their options, interested in several candidates but not yet committing with the caucuses still months away. Mari Andres of Des Moines said she wanted to see "new blood" in the White House. "I want to see someone younger," Andres said. She said that she's been impressed with DeSantis' leadership in Florida, including parental rights at school and fighting against "woke" culture. And she said she wants to see a Republican president win again. Pat and Lori McCarville, both self-employed Fort Dodge residents, are independents who usually lean Republican. They said DeSantis and Scott were at the top of their lists, believing they could lead a nation with "too much division" and saying they were impressed with their backgrounds. "I voted for Trump because of his policies," Pat McCarville said, but that was no longer enough to retain his support. "He is not a nice man." For Karen Fesler of Coralville, it's between Trump and DeSantis, though she's still "studying" the Florida governor. It's "putting a puzzle together," she said, and "DeSantis is missing a few pieces." While she respects the other GOP candidates, Fesler says she doesn't foresee other candidates rising to the top. It comes down to "name recognition," she said. Despite their candidate not being present, some Iowans who remain loyal to Trump also attended Saturday. "The top of my list and the only thing on my list is Trump," said Lori Gorman, a 73-year-old retiree from Altoona. Gorman has attended four Trump rallies, she said, and has a wall dedicated to the businessman-turned-president in her home, complete with his books. "Trump had four years, and he's been through just about every damn thing they could put him through and he's survived it," she said. Katie Akin, Brianne Pfannenstiel and Stephen Gruber-Miller contributed reporting. This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Republican presidential hopefuls attack Biden, not Trump at Iowa event Montana Rep. Zooey Zephyr speaks during the Pride on the Block on Clematis Street event Saturday in West Palm Beach. Zephyr is the first openly transgender person elected to the Montana Legislature. WEST PALM BEACH A prominent transgender legislator at the center of a national controversy took aim at Florida's recent spate of LGBTQ-restrictive laws Saturday, saying the gay community would not be moved. "We're gonna say we know exactly what these bills are trying to do. They're trying to exterminate us, and we're not going to stand for it," Montana Rep. Zooey Zephyr told a crowd of about 100 people Saturday evening in downtown West Palm Beach. "Trans people, queer people, intersex people exist. We have been here forever, and we're not going anywhere." Zephyr, a Montana Democrat, was the first openly transgender person to be elected to her state's legislature. Since April 20, she has been prevented from speaking on the House floor in Helena after saying to colleagues that they would have "blood" on their hands for supporting a ban on gender-affirming care for youths. Since then, hundreds of protesters have pushed Montana legislators to allow Zephyr to speak on the House floor. Zephyr was one of several speakers Saturday at the annual Pride on the Block festival, which gathered Saturday on Clematis Street in West Palm Beach. Heavy rainfall in the afternoon delayed but did not disrupt the event. U.S. Rep. Lois Frankel, D-West Palm Beach, also spoke, touching on issues including book bans, abortion rights, voter suppression and health care. She urged the crowd to vote for lawmakers who support protecting abortion issues and LGBTQ rights, to ensure that the "rainbow of humanity is respected." LGBTQ advocates attend Pride on the Block on Clematis Street on Saturday. "I know some people want to flee. I know some people want to boycott. But for me, and I hope for you, I want to fight back," Frankel said. Saturday's event also was a fundraiser for Transpire Help, a West Palm Beach-based nonprofit that provides health resources to the LGBTQ community. The LGBTQ community is a very resilient community, said Donna Weinberger, founder of Transpire Help and organizer of the event. Through decades we've had to get through many different situations, and so its just nice to be able to come together and celebrate and have fun and be able to be with peers. Story continues More: Here's a list of hasty, ill-advised, just plain mean bills coming from Florida Legislature More: F1 star Lewis Hamilton rips DeSantis-backed anti-LGBTQ legislation The controversial LGBTQ laws, dubbed a slate of hate by critics, were signed by DeSantis as part of his administrations mission to allow kids to be kids." Those laws include: Gender-affirming services provided to transgender teens, such as puberty blockers, are now prohibited. This law also created restrictions for adults seeking hormone treatments. The Parental Rights in Education law, signed last year banning classroom instruction on gender identity and sexual orientation for kindergarten to third grade, was expanded to eighth grade. Educators are restricted from asking students for their preferred pronouns, and from sharing their preferred pronouns with students if it does not correspond with their assigned sex at birth. Business owners who knowingly allow children at adult live performances are subject to fines or loss of license. This law was aimed, among other things, at book readings for children conducted by performers in drag. People using bathrooms not aligned with their assigned sex at birth can charged with misdemeanor trespassing. This applies to local government buildings, schools, colleges, correctional and detention facilities. LGBTQ advocates attend Pride on the Block on Clematis Street on Saturday in West Palm Beach. DeSantis, who announced his Republican presidential campaign last month, applauded these legislative initiatives. Theres a lot of nonsense that gets floated around, DeSantis said during a May 17 event at a private Christian school in Tampa. What weve said in Florida is we are going to remain a refuge of sanity and a citadel of normalcy." Michael Riordan of the Compass LGBTQ Community Center in Lake Worth Beach attended Saturday's event to talk about the organizations services, which include HIV testing. Riordan said its more crucial than ever to stand up for LGBTQ rights in Florida following the raft of new laws. There is nothing inherently evil, bad, shameful about LGBTQ people, Riordan said. It is more important than ever for us to be in our spaces, to be in safe spaces, to show everyone that we are human beings. Transgender independent journalist Erin Reed, left, and Montana Rep. Zooey Zephyr talk to Florida Rep. Lois Frankel during the Pride on the Block on Clematis Street event Saturday in West Palm Beach. Will Giffen of Delray Beach said LGBTQ people are under attack in Florida, and attending the event is showing people what pride is all about." What we're talking about is human rights, Giffen said. Laws that prevent any type of human rights and equality and equity is just not right. Colleen Brennan, who grew up in West Palm Beach and currently lives in Atlanta, said that the current climate for LGBTQ people is scary. She said it was important "for us to able to show kids that we're here, that they have support, that it's OK to be who they are, "I think it's important that we represent that, Brennan said. Attendees of Pride on the Block walk down Clematis Street in West Palm Beach after afternoon rains subsided. Another speaker, transgender journalist Erin Reed, said efforts to "eradicate" the LGBTQ community won't work. "That is because even if you did, even if you manage to get rid of every last one of us, if you listen to anything that I just said, we will be reborn again because we are part of what it means to be human," Reed said. Lyndsey Saunders, left, of Riviera Beach and Saarika Anand, of Boca Raton pose for a photo at the Rohi's Readery backdrop during Pride on the Block at The Square on Saturday in West Palm Beach. Stephany Matat is a politics reporter for The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY-Florida network. Reach her at smatat@pbpost.com. Support local journalism: Subscribe today. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: LGBTQ community won't be exterminated by Florida laws, Zephyr says Kelly Clarkson just learned all about push presents, though she's already a mother of two. The entire concept was recently explained to her by Priyanka Chopra and former motorcycle racer Carey Hart during a recent episode of The Kelly Clarkson Show. When you have the baby, you should get a gift, Chopra said, to which Clarkson replied, "Well, you get the baby, right? Chopra clarified that a new mother should receive the present from their partner, though no actual pushing is required. The 40-year-old actor welcomed her first daughter, Malta Marie, via surrogate in January 2022, and we can't help but wonder what husband Nick Jonas got for her. Meanwhile, Clarkson shares two childrenRiver Rose, eight, and Remy, sevenwith her ex-husband Brandon Blackstock. I didn't get a present, Clarkson said,."I know, that should have been a red flag. I honestly don't know that he knew. If he wanted to, he wouldjust ask Hart! True to his roots, Hart gave his superstar wife Pink a pretty hard-core push present: a custom motorcycle. Between me and her, it made sense, Hart told Clarkson. I gave this to her as a thank-you for being an awesome mom and birthing my child. Clarkson filed for divorce from Blackstock in June 2020 after seven years of marriage, and it was not a clean break. After a lengthy settlement battle, she was reportedly required to make a onetime payment of $1.3 million to Blackstock in addition to monthly payments of $115,000 for spousal and child support. The former couple splits custody of their two children, but Clarkson is also entangled in an ongoing lawsuit against her former father-in-law's management company. Though Clarkson's upcoming album is called Chemistry, she previously joked it should be titled Red Flag Collector. I regret nothing, Kelly Clarkson said on the Love Someone With Delilah podcast in December 2021, per People. Even unfortunate things that happen in your life or hard things, cause we can do hard things. But also I feel like that's what shapes you, it's what makes you a better person, it's what makes you recognize: Okay, I missed those red flags, I missed that, I ignored that on purpose. She added, I meanI'm just collecting them. I was apparently wanting to do some kind of exhibit with a lot of them. Of all the red flags, Clarkson is now adding two missing push presents to the list. Originally Appeared on Glamour Note: This story discusses suicidal ideation and mental abuse. Growing up in a toxic or difficult family can harbor tough emotions such as wanting to be supportive while also needing to set clear boundaries for your mental health. And even after trying multiple times to make a relationship work, sometimes the best course of action is simply cutting ties. Ljubaphoto / Via Getty Images And since this can happen a lot within people's families but just isn't talked enough about I wanted to ask the BuzzFeed Community : "When was the exact moment you reached your breaking point with your family and decided to cut ties with them?" And the answers were incredibly vulnerable, so here's what they had to say below: 1. "My aunt was going through a divorce, and she often found silly reasons to stop talking to several members of our family, including my mom. After years of avoiding any interaction with all of us, she suddenly started talking to us. I was 13 at the time, and my cousin was also my age. She decided to bring my cousin to my school the next year, hoping that he will become a better student if he was with me. The school year started, and she had me switch classes to be in the same class with my cousin. I was a very shy kid, and going to a new class was really stressful for me. After two weeks of not having any friends in my class and crying all the time, while my cousin was in the same class with all his friends, I asked my teachers if there was any chance I could go back to my old class with my friends. My cousin also insisted I do this as he could see how depressed I was. The teachers realized how anxious and sad I was and agreed to take me back." "My aunt for the whole duration of these two weeks was extremely nice to me and was calling me every afternoon to find out what homework we had. Once she found out that I was switching classes again, she went to the school and started telling the teachers that I was crazy and shouldn't listen to me and that I have mental illness issues. The whole school found out and was making fun of me and my cousin for a long time. Fortunately, the teachers realized who was the problem and got me back to my old class. For a whole month after that, she was calling me every day and put curses on me and used really bad swear words. That was when I decided to never talk to her again. She tried to approach me many years later, but I haven't let her talk to me since." Anonymous, 26, Manchester Maskot / Via Getty Images/Maskot 2. "I grew up with a sometimes verbally abusive and narcissistic mother. The breaking point was when I asked her to go to counseling with me, and she told me she couldn't afford it. I knew she was lying because she and my dad had just split up and received money for half of the house from my father (which was about 300K) and she made a fuss about paying $100 for a counseling session with her daughter. A week later, it was my birthday, and she contacted me asking about wanting to take me shopping. Where was the money issue then? Due to her toxic behavior, I decided to cut off contact. It lasted about five years." "During those years, I felt a lot of guilt, especially if something were to happen to her while we were not speaking. It also caused issues with my maternal grandfather, who would guilt me about upsetting and not seeing her. Eventually, with pressure from my sister (who was unfortunately caught in the middle) and a meaningful apology from my mother, we slowly rekindled our relationship. For the first year, it was only in my sister's presence. Things are better now, but I will never be as close to her as my other parent." Stephanie, 36, Canada Milorad Kravic / Via Getty Images 3. "My MIL told my husband she would consider having a relationship with him if he bought her another car. That was their last conversation." Anonymous, 46, Colorado 4. "When my cardiologist told me my high blood pressure was caused by stress. He asked what my biggest stressor was in my life, and I realized it was my family. Not my husband, not my children, or anyone else. My family fell apart after a dispute over my mother's dividing her assets three ways. She didn't have a will and told me verbally exactly what to do. Those who did absolutely nothing for my mother came with hands outstretched to claim her estate. Many years later, some are still mad because she didn't give her beautiful home to one of her grandchildren. She told me to sell it and split the profits. The love of money is the root of all evil." Anonymous, 59, Tennessee Feverpitched / Via Getty Images/iStockphoto 5. "My kid was in the ICU, and I stayed with him over several nights. I didnt sleep or eat for obvious reasons. When my 'mother' finally came to visit, her first words to me were, 'You look like shit; you should fix that.' And that was the end of a very tedious and abusive relationship. I am so happy to be free." Anonymous, 40, DC 6. "My parents had been distant for a while, and cut communication with my other siblings, but I cut ties when they did not even wish my son a happy first birthday. It broke my heart. They won't have the chance to break his, too." Meagan, 34, Australia Rebecca Nelson / Via Getty Images 7. "I was extremely close to my older brother; we were like friends and hung out together a lot. Things changed when I went to work for him. He would become abusive and would take out his anger and frustrations on me when he was having a bad day. It got so bad that I had to find another job to save my sanity. He didn't like that at all. When our last parent passed, things only got worse, and I decided to keep him at arm's length. It's been over 10 years, and I still am uncomfortable around him on holidays, but at least I am no longer on anxiety meds. Now, we are the only two remaining in our family, and I miss him immensely, but I will not go back to being treated like that ever again. I am worth so much more!" Anonymous, 57, Missouri 8. "When my parents called the hospital we were having our first child in, to find out if Id been admitted after we specifically told them we didnt want anyone else there until we called and said it was ok to come visit. I have an anxiety disorder, and having others there would stress me out. They basically stalked us and then showed up in person in the hospital room without even calling us first. We didnt know they had called the hospital and inquired about us, which I think is illegal anyway! We didnt speak to them for a month afterward and demanded they go to counseling to get a handle on their problems with boundaries." Anonymous, 49, Georgia Purple Collar Pet Photography / Via Getty Images 9. "I forgave my evil step-grandmother for the way she treated my brother and me growing up, and for a while, it looked as if she had done the work and grown. Then, I was visiting my father's house with my 3-week-old newborn and went inside to get something. I looked out the kitchen window, and I saw her look around to see if anyone was watching her. She leaned into the pram and blew a lungful of cigarette smoke into my son's face. After being dragged off her with her skin under my fingernails, I never spoke to her again." perenti 10. "I dropped my moms family when I saw how they treated my cousins after their mothers sudden death. My other aunts and uncle decided they would text my cousins immediately, demanding all my aunts belongings. THE DAY SHE DIED. At her service, the 'family' did nothing but make fun of my cousin for being gay and said my other cousin was rude because he had his head down and didnt greet them at the memorial service. Umm, yeah, because he was CRYING. Mind you, these 'adults' are in their 60s, and my cousins and I arent even 30 yet. Even worse, it will be two years in November, and my aunts and uncles are STILL talking about my cousins." harmonysalazar1 Dana Neely / Via Getty Images 11. "My mother and I were at one of my favorite restaurants, and she brought up politics. Growing up, my mother didn't get involved much with politics, but due to the recent climate, she has become extremely vocal with regard to this topic. I sat mostly silent as I'm not a person who is outspoken about my political or religious beliefs because I believe those things are personal for an individual. Occasionally, however, I would ask a thought-provoking question. She got flustered trying to answer some of the questions and then snapped at me saying, '[Politician X] is a genius! When you grow up, you'll see!' This was on my 45th birthday. I quietly got up, left the restaurant, got in my car, and drove away. I can still remember the smirk on her face after she followed me out watching me drive away. I finally had clarification as to where I fit into her priorities." Jan, 49, Minnesota 12. "After decades of trying to have a relationship with my mother, and receiving some hefty traumas in that pursuit, my last hope was family therapy. After a couple of sessions, she blamed my childhood survival tactic of capitulating to her for the current rift in our relationship. I went no contact shortly after." Anonymous, 41, Pennsylvania Maskot / Via Getty Images/Maskot 13. "My relationship with my sister had been rocky for years. When our grandmother was in her final weeks, my sister accused me of abandoning my family after I told her I couldn't leave my spouse and child to go back to my hometown (I'm the only member of my family who moved away). But the real kicker was when she called me six times in a row, and when I texted her that I didn't want to talk to her, she responded, 'You're a fucking bitch. Nana died.' Nana was very much still alive at that point. I blocked her and haven't lost a wink of sleep." Kristen, 39, Illionsis 14. "I'm gay, and the last time I talked to my super-conservative Christian sister, she said, 'Why can't you just be alone?' She'd rather me be alone forever than be in a loving relationship with another woman." aeaustin1185 Vanessa Nunes / Via Getty Images 15. "It took until my mother died that I really examined it. Then it was too late to talk to her about it." Anonymous, 66 16. "Both of my parents are extreme narcissists so there was a lifetime of things that piled up, but I had a breaking point with each. With my father, it was when my parents were divorcing and he made a huge deal out of how much child support he agreed to and then refused to pay it. It meant I lived in extreme poverty, and he didnt care. With my mother, it was when she left her second husband and moved in with a random guy in another state without telling me. Both incidences were the last straw and made me realize I couldnt have these people who didnt care about me in my life. My mental health is more important than my abuse." carolineb4920ee059 Gcshutter / Via Getty Images 17. "I havent spoken to my parents in nearly seven years. They were always abusive, but I'd put up with it because theyre family, and I felt like it was the right thing to do. In the fall of 2016, a series of things led to me thinking that maybe I didnt want them in my life. The final straw was when they called my 3-year-old son, who had just been diagnosed with autism, the r-word. I probably would have taken their abuse against me for the rest of my life, but I immediately cut them out when they started that shit on my child." "I miss them very much sometimes, but Ive never questioned my choice. I know they love me and theyre just damaged from their own childhood trauma, but its a boundary I needed to set for myself and my family. For anyone struggling with this choice, if cutting them off is realistic for your circumstances, then I would say go for it. Im so much happier, and my life is so much better without my shitty family in it." klh62 18. "My mom and I have always been really close. When my brother was suicidal, my parents just didnt take it very seriously. My husband and I asked my mom, 'What will you do if he goes through with it?!' She spewed back a super religious response, but the next day, she absolutely unloaded on me. Im talking screaming and crying in front of my toddler saying that I blame her for everything, and so on and so forth. It was the straw that broke the camels back. I got into therapy immediately and discovered that my mom is a covert narcissist and I had a very co-dependent/enmeshed relationship with her. My entire existence was to manage her emotions and be the messenger to the rest of the family. Breaking up has been completely freeing. I still miss the idea of a loving mother, but I know that my only real place in her life was to be a continuation of her Ill never be accepted for who I truly am." Anonymous, 36, Texas Sdi Productions / Via Getty Images 19. "I was a love child, and my dad was married with kids already when he had me. By the time my awareness kicked in, I was already in the middle of a bunch of nonsense. Court custody left my dad with once-a-week visitation and a very bitter stepmother. I got all the passive-aggressive jabs, right down to the 'I hope you got that child support your dad just paid,' as well as other snide comments. My breaking point was high school. I enrolled in a private school that was literally down the road from my dad's house. Whenever I'd attempt to stop by after school to see my father, she would send me away because it wasn't 'my day.'" "The final straw was when I had a week's vacation and he said I could stay; his wife was out of state with my little sister. When I arrived, my stepsister called her mom, and she kicked me out from 500 miles away over the phone as my dad feigned ignorance and muttered how 'he didn't even know I was coming.' Great parenting." J.M., 32, New Jersey 20. "When my dad passed away, my mom got 22K in benefits payments. She let my sister have almost all of it, but let me 'borrow' some money to move into a new house. Then, she hounded me relentlessly to pay her back because they were broke and needed the money. They blew through it in a week! After a lengthy talk with my aunt, I told my mother I would not be paying her back, and I cut off contact with her and my sister. Eventually, we worked things out, but it took almost two years of no contact to get them to realize I was serious about moving on." Anonymous, 43, Arkansas Boy_anupong / Via Getty Images 21. "When I realized that they did not know me, and preferred their assumption of who I was to fit their scenario, because anything else would mean they would have to admit they did not participate in any way with the caregiving to other family members and in my life. I'm reminded of a phone call from my auntie who said, 'He who does all the work gets 100% of the blame; you do nothing, you're not to blame.' At the time, I didn't understand her and said, 'Oh, that would never happen.' She was right. Essentially, I realized my feelings did not matter to them that was a mind-blower when I knew for sure I didn't matter. I had always been there for my loved ones, but they never were for me." "They had not been present in my life for a long time. I kept trying to be open and keep the door open, hoping maybe we could have a relationship, hoping to be loved and thought of, but the light came on, and there was no point in pretending anymore. Once I got to that point, I left the guilt behind and cut the cord. It was the love and care of my friends that helped me see that I was okay and worthy of love, not my blood relatives." Anonymous, 65, Washington 22. "When I was in my mid-20s, I was hanging out with some friends one winter evening. At the end of the night, I left and returned home around 11 p.m. to find the front door of my house slightly ajar and my porch light off. Upon closer inspection, I found that my front door had been kicked in and my house was robbed. Being a little traumatized and confused to find my home in this state, I frantically called my parents, who have never been horribly supportive, and my dad answered. I told my father that my house had been broken into. His response to me was, 'What do you want me to do about it?' My mouth hung open, and I sat in stunned silence on the phone. After what seemed like a long pause, he then said, 'I guess I'll be over there in a bit.' After getting off the phone with him, I called my friends who I had previously been hanging out with. Their response? 'Oh, my god! That's awful! What can we do for you?'" "It was at that moment that I realized my dad really didn't want to be bothered by me. It wasn't long after that that I decided to just cut ties with him (especially after it was later revealed that he cheated on my mother, left her on Valentine's Day, and then married his new wife the following Valentine's Day). Looking back while growing up, I've come to the realization that he really only ever cared about himself." Jan, 49, Minnesota Westend61 / Via Getty Images/Westend61 23. "When I realized that I was keeping a relationship with them for the sake of other peoples happiness and at the expense of my own. It was my childhood abuser, and one day, I realized that I didnt owe them a relationship or loyalty, and I shouldnt be expected to offer it to them just to 'keep the family together.'" Anonymous, 41, Ohio 24. "I cut ties with some of my family because it seems that me trying to do better in life meant to them that I felt as though I was better than they were. I have never made anyone feel that way, and because I set boundaries for myself and my family (husband and kids), it was a problem for others in my family. Some people do not want better for themselves, and that is their choice, but that is not the case for me. I work hard to provide a better life for myself and my family, and if that makes others uncomfortable, then I choose to stay away from the toxicity." Anonymous, 35, Florida Momo Productions / Via Getty Images Have you ever experienced a breaking point with your family that made you cut ties with them? If so, tell us what happened and why in the comments below. The National Alliance on Mental Illness helpline is 1-888-950-6264 (NAMI) and provides information and referral services; GoodTherapy.org is an association of mental health professionals from more than 25 countries who support efforts to reduce harm in therapy. The rapper made the claim during a star-studded birthday party hosted by her husband Papoose Johnny Nunez/WireImage Remy Ma celebrated her 43rd birthday on Wednesday with a star-studded party and a confession about her age. According to Vibe, amid a crowd of partygoers that included Fabolous and Fat Joe, the rapper took to the mic and said, "I got everybody in here number. We call, text, we talk sh-t so I appreciate all of y'all coming to my 35th birthday. I don't f--king count the ones when I was in prison, and I don't count the ones from COVID." Related: Bad Bunny Says Taking Month-Long Breaks from Social Media Helps Him 'Breathe Better' (Exclusive) The party was a surprise from her husband Papoose, 45, who also took to Instagram to showcase his love for the musician alongside a clip of Mase. The hip-hop artist surprised those in attendance with a performance of his 1997 single featuring Total, "What You Want." "Surprised the Queen @remyma with 1 of her fav rappers," he explained in the post's caption. "Felt good to see her genuinely surprised & happy. She's made my born day special so many times. This was well deserved. Peace to the Harlem Legend my bro @rsvpmase Real people do real things. Peace to @roseaym @hennessy @tunecore 'Head of Hip Hop.'" The rapper couple welcomed their first child together, daughter Reminisce Mackenzie, in December 2018, and have children from previous relationships. They formally tied the knot in March 2016 in a ceremony featured on season 6 of Love & Hip Hop: New York after Ma was released from prison in August 2014. The female rapper was sentenced to prison at Bedford Hills Correctional Facility for Women in 2008 after being convicted of illegal weapon possession, assault, and attempted coercion. Johnny Nunez/WireImage Speaking about what makes their relationship last, the couple shared with HOT 97 in 2021 a "high level of loyalty, dedication, and sincere love." Story continues Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. The "All the Way" rapper told the radio station, "My favorite part about being married is the high level of loyalty, dedication, and sincere love that we share amongst each other. Theres no other sense of security outside of having that one person that you know, regardless of what will always be there for you and vice versa." She added: "Things in the world these days are so uncertain, tomorrow isnt promised, and you know never know when people are going to change on you but when you take vows under God at your wedding, which your partner, you know its till death do you guys apart. The level of unconditional love." For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. Image Credit: ROH Ring of Honor has confirmed the date and location for its next pay-per-view. As announced during the June 2 episode of AEW Rampage, Ring of Honor will present ROH Death Before Dishonor on Friday, July 21. It will be ROHs second pay-per-view of 2023; ROH Supercard of Honor was held on March 31. ROH Supercard of Honor will be held at the Cure Insurance Arena in Trenton, New Jersey. Tickets will go on sale on Friday, June 9. As announced on #AEWRampage, our next PPV #DeathBeforeDishonor will take place on Friday July 21st in Trenton, NJ at the Cure Insurance Arena!#ROHDBD Tickets on sale Friday, June 9th at 10am ET!https://t.co/jzp8mHNJ5V | https://t.co/LIl1HoEDuW pic.twitter.com/fkkCfPhHUN ROH Ring of Honor Wrestling (@ringofhonor) June 3, 2023 ROH held ROH Death Before Dishonor 2022 at the Tsongas Center in Lowell, Massachusetts, on Saturday, July 23. WrestleZone will have coverage of ROH Death Before Dishonor as it airs on July 21. Catch up on our coverage of the latest episode of ROH TV here. The post ROH Announces Date And Location For ROH Death Before Dishonor 2023 appeared first on Wrestlezone. This Week in Coins: XRP, Litecoin and Solana Outpace Bitcoin in Week of Small Gains Illustration by Mitchell Preffer for Decrypt. Markets managed to finally overcome four weeks of inertia and grow a little this week, but perennial leaders Bitcoin and Ethereum remained virtually flat, with only nominal gains over the last seven days. Bitcoin (BTC) added 1.8% this week and traded on Saturday at around $27,189. It briefly reclaimed $28,000 at the start of the week, however, after U.S. lawmakers ended their standoff over the debt ceiling last weekend with a tentative deal. Ethereum (ETH) outpaced the worlds favorite cryptocurrency this week. It grew 4.1% to reach $1,903 at the time of writing. There were no significant losses among any of the leading cryptocurrencies this week, but a few coins rallied: XRP rose 10% to $0.52, Solana (SOL) grew 8% to $21.18, Litecoin (LTC) rallied 10% to $96.94, and TRON surged 9.4% to $0.083773. On Thursday, dollar-pegged stablecoin Tether (USDT) hit a new all-time high market capitalization of $83.6 billion. Tether Market Cap Sets New All-Time High at $83.6 Billion Regulatory talk in Bali, U.S. and Hong Kong On Sunday, Balia Hindu-majority province of Indonesia and popular holiday destinationreiterated its ban on tourists using crypto to pay for services. Bali Governor Wayan Koster warned increasingly disruptive visitors that crypto use could be punished with deportation and penalties. Indonesian law dictates that all transactions must be settled in the local currency, rupiah. While crypto is currently permitted to be kept as an asset, using it to settle payments in Indonesia is illegal. After details of the agreement reached between President Joe Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy on the U.S. debt ceiling were made public on Sunday, U.S. Congressman Warren Davidson confirmed on Twitter on Monday that the agreement has now blocked an unpopular White House proposal for a 30% excise tax to be applied to crypto firms based on how much electricity they consume. That day, the central banks of Hong Kong and the United Arab Emirates met in Abu Dhabi and discussed plans to strengthen their financial cooperation and work together to regulate virtual assets. Hong Kong began allowing retail investors to trade crypto on Thursday, a move seen as a big step for cryptos drive in Chinaa country that has cracked down heavily on the industry since summer 2021. Crypto 'Is Helping Fund the Fentanyl Trade,' Says Senator Elizabeth Warren In the U.S. on Wednesday, no-coiner Senator Elizabeth Warren continued to sound a note of alarm over crypto. As an example, Warren told a hearing of a Senate Banking Committee that crypto had been used by a criminal organization to buy precursor drugs to manufacture nearly half a trillion dollars worth of the lethal synthetic opioid Fentanyl. A study found that crypto payments to the wallets of some China-based fentanyl precursor suppliers totaled enough to produce pills with a street value of approximately $54 billion, Senator Elizabeth Warren said.https://t.co/pyXpFageUw MarketWatch (@MarketWatch) June 1, 2023 Crypto exchange Gemini announced on Thursday that it has begun the process of acquiring a license to operate in the United Arab Emirates barely a week after announcing its new European headquarters in Dublin, Ireland. In these moves, Gemini follows Coinbase, another popular exchange that has been on a global expansion drive recently as U.S. regulators continue to hit the industry with enforcement actions rather than guidance. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) on Thursday issued a new proposal to revise its risk management rules to account for "evolving technologies" like cryptocurrencies and artificial intelligence. Finally, miners in Texas can breathe a sigh of relief this week. In a meeting of the legislature on Monday, Texas Senate Bill (SB) 1751 did not pass, which means miners in the Lone Star State can continue to enjoy energy credit incentives for cooperating with the local grid in times of peak demand. If youve been embroiled in the royal drama (especially the debates going on on Twitter), then you know all about the breakup and fighting rumors between Kate Middleton and Prince William, along with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. In the past few weeks, there has been an influx of royal rumors and reports saying that both couples are in a bit of a state of turmoil in their relationships. But this new video of Kate and William on their recent visit to Jordan is confirming to a lot of fans that their relationship is much more strained than others thought. More from SheKnows In this video obtained by DailyMail, we see Kate and William in the queue to talk to Crown Prince Hussein of Jordan, and his bride Rajwa Alseif during their marvelous wedding in Jordan. Now, the reason this video is getting so embroiled in the strained relationship speculation is that as Kate is talking happily to Alseif, William is heard saying things like chop chop and lets keep going as the queue starts to pack more people behind it. Kate more or less ignores him, and continues the conversation until she ends it herself. Now, this video has caused a bit of a debate amongst royal fans. Many are saying this video shows a darker side to the couple, with one Twitter user saying, Just imagine how he must be treating Kate behind closed doors. Sad. She is truly married to a bully. Click here to read the full article. Another user added, William really has no manners and shows little respect for his wife in public wonder how he would feel if she did the same to him hes more like his dad than he realises arrogant. However, quite a few have defended the video, calling the moment cute, and even saying it reminded them of their husbands. One Twitter user said, Like William, Id feel anxious looking at the line waiting, but Kate is being her lovely, chatty self, focusing on the person in front of her. He often patiently waits while she says hi to a few more people, plays w a baby, etc. To me, hes being a normal husband! Story continues Another user added, love itjust like every hubby and wife. People never know what relationships are like behind closed doors, but royal fans continue to speculate as each new piece of information comes out. Truly, only time will tell how these royal couples relationships will go. 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. Cinco de Mayo is slated to be celebrated again this year. Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican victory at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, during the Franco-Mexican War. The day is a minor, regional holiday in Mexico, being mainly celebrated in the state of Puebla where the city of Puebla is the capital. Military parades, speeches, and reenactments of the battle are held there. It is also celebrated in Veracruz and Mexico City, but in many other places of Mexico, May 5th is no different than any other day. It is more widely celebrated in the United States, where it commemorates the battle, and celebrates Mexican culture and heritage. It is most celebrated in areas with large Mexican-American populations. Mexican immigrants used the day to show their pride in their Mexican heritage. Source: Checkiday.com This article originally appeared on Fremont News-Messenger: v royals prove pink is this summer's must-do wedding guest dress color Some of the world's most prestigious royals gathered in Jordan for the wedding of Crown Prince Hussein and Rajwa Al Saif, with one particular color standing out as a favorite amongst the sea of incredible gowns worn at the big day. The likes of the Princess of Wales, Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden and Princess Amalia of the Netherlands proved that pink is this summer's must-have color for wedding guest dresses. Wearing various shades from blush to fuchsia, there were plenty of pretty pink gowns to behold at the long-awaited Jordanian wedding. In other royal news, Princess Beatrice's wedding clutch bag was a not-so-subtle message to the world about her relationship and we totally love it! With the Princess of Wales delighting in a blush Elie Saab dress for the high-profile Jordanian wedding, followed by a sparkly pink Jennie Packham gown in the evening, she wasn't the only royal guest opting for pink on the big day. A post shared by The Prince and Princess of Wales (@princeandprincessofwales) A photo posted by on While Princess Beatrice looked incredible in the shimmering blue Celia dress by Needle and Thread during the day before changing into glistening pink with a tiara for the dinner reception, Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden went bold in her hot pink evening gown. Attending with her husband, Prince Daniel Sweden, Crown Princess Victoria stood out in the vibrant Ginkgo Cape Gown by Safiyaa - a number that boasts a $1,304 price and was once worn in blue by Meghan Markle, during her 2018 visit to Fiji. royals prove pink is this summer's must-do wedding guest dress color Meanwhile, Princess Amalia, who is the 19-year-old daughter of Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands, chose a deep-toned, embellished cherry pink gown. royals prove pink is this summer's must-do wedding guest dress color Exuding elegance in the custom-made Jan Taminiau dress, Princess Amalia completed the look with the Ruby Peacock Tiara, an impressive headpiece from the Dutch royal collection featuring diamonds and rubies. royals prove pink is this summer's must-do wedding guest dress color And it was Princess Sophie of Liechtenstein who nailed pink florals as she arrived for the evening dinner celebrations. Appearing with her husband, Prince Alois, Princess Sophie looked totally chic and regal in her silk, floral print gown. The piece featured a billowing skirt with a belted waist detail along with a smart collared neckline and cuffed sleeves. Over 50 members from the New York State Senate and Assembly have signed two separate letters calling on the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers to return to the bargaining table with the Writers Guild. One letter from the senate and one from the assembly were delivered to AMPTP Friday morning, which marks one month since the current writers strike began. The letters, addressed to the studio associations president, Carol Lombardini, urge the group and its affiliated companies to listen to the issues WGA has put forth on behalf of its writers. More from The Hollywood Reporter We understand that, despite many weeks at the bargaining table, the AMPTP rejected a range of Writers Guild proposals that are essential to the well-being of writers in the episodic television, comedy-variety and feature film areas, both letters state. We call on the AMPTP, and its affiliated companies, to listen closely to what their writers are telling them about the difficulties in maintaining careers as streaming continues to transform the industry. We call on you to negotiate in good faith to reach a reasonable agreement with the Writers Guilds. Senator Jessica Ramos and Assemblywoman Latoya Joyner, both Democrats, were the letters chief organizers, and the letters received the support of 19 state senators and 33 assembly members. The writers on strike arent just standing up for dignified wages. This contract fight gets to the heart of existential issues facing the future of work, Ramos said in a statement. My colleagues and I are proud to stand with the Writers Guild in their demands for good faith bargaining. Joyner, who also serves as chair of the Assembly Labor Committee, added in her own statement, The members of the Writers Guild are at the heart of New Yorks creative community, and they bring an incredible energy and vitality that makes our state a truly dynamic and exciting place to live. I am proud to have so many of my colleagues join me in urging the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers to reach a contract with the Writers Guild that truly recognizes the talent of their members and treats them fairly and with respect. Story continues Among the issues addressed in the letters is New Yorks expanded film production tax credit for the 2024 fiscal year. The incentive, the assembly letter notes, provides hundreds of millions of dollars in tax credits every year to companies represented by the Association of Motion Picture and Television Producers. Both letters call it disturbing that the companies that will benefit enormously from this expanded tax credit have failed to negotiate a collective bargaining agreement with the Writers Guilds of America, East and West, whose members are on strike across the country. The letters come just a day after Netflix shareholders rejected executive pay packages for 2023 totaling over $150 million, a move the Writers Guild supported. The vote was non-binding and can be overruled by the streamers board. (The union sent a similar letter to Comcast shareholders, who are set to hold their meeting next week.) Netflixs board needs to spend less time thinking up ways to pay its executive team more money and instead address the writers strike that is delaying major shows like #StrangerThings, the WGA East tweeted out on Thursday. While investors have long taken issue with Netflixs executive pay, the compensation structure is more egregious against the backdrop of the strike, WGA West president Meredith Stiehm wrote in the letter to Netflix shareholders ahead of the vote. Best of The Hollywood Reporter Click here to read the full article. Investigators are probing the digital footprint of Bryan Kohberger, the suspect accused of killing four Idaho college students in an early morning attack last year, according to new court documents. The documents include search warrant applications for some of Kohberger's internet activity and some additional phone records, as well as some of the four victims' social media accounts. There is "probable cause to believe" that those records could yield evidence regarding the November killings of Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle, Ethan Chapin and Madison Mogen at the girls' off-campus home in Moscow, Idaho, the documents say. Though they do not reveal details of what the warrants obtained, the records indicate that prosecutors have launched an expansive examination of Kohberger's activities online as they probe the suspect's possible connection to the victims and the crimes he is accused of committing. PHOTO: Bryan Kohberger enters the courtroom for his arraignment hearing in Latah County District Court, May 22, 2023, in Moscow, Idaho. (Zach Wilkinson/Pool via Reuters) "The case has only just begun once you make an arrest," said Robert Boyce, an ABC News contributor and retired chief of detectives in the New York Police Department. "You want to see what he was looking up. You want to know what he was saying, whether under his or under an assumed name on these platforms." MORE: Idaho college murders: The complete timeline of events "They want to establish his state of mind, who he talks to and what he talks about," Boyce said. "There could be probative materials there." The Latah County Prosecutor's Office, leading the case against Kohberger, did not reply to requests from ABC News for comment. Kohberger, 28, was indicted last month on charges including four counts of first-degree murder and one count of burglary. At his arraignment last week, Kohberger declined to offer a plea, so the judge entered a not guilty plea on his behalf. A trial date was set for Oct. 2. Prosecutors allege that in the early morning hours of November 13, 2022, Kohberger, a Ph.D. student at Washington State University's department of criminal justice and criminology, broke into an off-campus home and stabbed to death four University of Idaho students: Ethan Chapin, 20; Madison Mogen, 21; Xana Kernodle, 20, and Kaylee Goncalves, 21. Story continues After a more than six-week hunt police zeroed in on Kohberger as a suspect, tracking his white Hyundai Elantra, cell phone signal data, and recovering what authorities say was his DNA on a knife sheath found next to one of the victims bodies, according to court documents. He was arrested on December 30 in Pennsylvania, after driving cross-country to spend the holidays at his family home in Albrightsville, PA. PHOTO: In this Nov. 13, 2022, file photo, the home where four University of Idaho students were found dead, is shown in Moscow, Idaho. (Angela Palermo/Idaho Statesman via TNS via Getty Images, FILE) MORE: Idaho college murders strain town financially as investigation expenses mount The murder weapon has not been recovered, authorities have said. Among the new documents are search warrant applications for Kohberger's accounts on Reddit, Google and TikTok, as well as the four victims' Snapchat accounts, and additional records from AT&T. Investigators obtained information from the suspect's Reddit account this spring, including his public posts and private messages with other users; saved files and photos; and location data, court documents show. Investigators had also previously obtained records from Kaylee Goncalves' Reddit account, earlier court filings show. In the affidavit for Kohberger's arrest, officials noted he had previously "posted a Reddit survey which ... asked for participants to provide information to 'understand how emotions and psychological traits influence decision making when committing a crime.'" From Kohberger's Google account, investigators, according to the new filings, have also pulled extensive records: emails, including drafts and trash; "hangouts" and "chats" including photos; his Google Drive, including "documents, spreadsheets, presentations and files, and associated metadata." The warrant also obtained information about his search and browsing history; calendar events and contacts, Google Play purchases, along with his Google Pay transactions; court documents show. "You want to develop a profile of him in your case, sometimes a psychological profile," Boyce said. "They want to put a knife in that sheath, because they don't have it right now. So you want to see if he bought it somewhere online, you're looking at credit card receipts," he added. "The more evidence you can put before a judge, the better you've got." Investigators also obtained additional AT&T records for a subscriber "unknown at this time," for the specific time period of June 23, 2022 to August 1, 2022 "including any messages, records, files, logs, or information that have been deleted but are still available," including cell tower pings that transmitted outgoing and incoming calls. Investigators previously used cell tower data to link Kohberger to the killings' crime scene, court documents show. Records from "Strava," an internet service which allows users to track their physical exercise and share their performance on social networks, were also obtained, filings show including "biometric information" like "exercise data," session logs, geolocation data, contacts and photos. Names and accounts obtained were redacted, but the search warrant application says there is "information related to the investigation" into the students' killings. Records related to the four victims' Snapchat accounts were also obtained, according to the documents, including "communications or other messages sent or received by the accounts," logs of previous snaps, stories and chats, and "all records pertaining to communications between Snapchat and any person regarding the user or the user's Snapchat accounts, including contacts with support services, and all records of actions taken, including suspensions of the accounts." "There's a lot to this case, technology-wise. It's an evolving and changing field but it's the best evidence you have because it's irrefutable, unbiased, human error-free," Boyce said. "It may not be one knockout punch but there could be overwhelming circumstantial evidence." Investigators probe Bryan Kohberger's social media in connection with Idaho college murders originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Black Lives Matter protest to demand justice for death of Jordan Neely - Credit: Andrew Lichtenstein/Corbis/Getty Images Lawyers for the family of Jordan Neely have responded to the first statement from Daniel Penny, the man who killed Neely on a New York City subway last week. The attorneys, Donte Mills and Lennon Edwards, called Pennys statement neither an apology nor an expression of regret but a character assassination. Last Monday, May 1, Neely who was unhoused and seemingly having a mental health crisis, was reportedly yelling and acting erratically on a subway car when Penny put him in a fatal chokehold. An independent journalist captured part of the incident on video and later said Neely had not assaulted anyone before Penny put him in a chokehold for approximately 15 minutes. More from Rolling Stone While the medical examiner has ruled Neelys death a homicide, saying he died via compression to his neck caused by the chokehold, Penny, 24, has not been charged (as of last week, prosecutors were still weighing whether to bring a case against him). Penny has, however, enlisted criminal defense attorneys Steven Raiser and Thomas Kenniff, who released a statement on his behalf last Friday, May 5. In it, they accused Neely of having a documented history of violent and erratic behavior and said he was aggressively threatening Daniel Penny and the other passengers on the subway. In their new statement, the Neely family lawyers fired back, calling Pennys statement a clear example of why he believed he was entitled to take Jordans life. It continues, In the first paragraph he talks about how good he is and the next paragraph he talks about how bad Jordan was in an effort to convince us Jordans life was worthless. The truth is, he knew nothing about Jordans history when he intentionally wrapped his arms around Jordans neck, and squeezed and kept squeezing. Story continues Mills and Edwards also called out the way Pennys statement suggests that the general public has shown indifference for people like Jordan. But, they say, that term is more appropriately used to describe [Penny]. They continue: It is clear he is the one who acted with indifference, both at the time he killed Jordan and now in his first public message. He never attempted to help him at all. In short, his actions on the train, and now his words, show why he needs to be in prison. Pennys lawyers did not immediately return Rolling Stones request for comment. The statement ended with a few words for New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who has drawn some criticism for his response to Neelys killing. Asking Adams to call the Neely family, the statement said, The family wants you to know that Jordan matters. You seem to think others are more important than him. You cannot assist someone with a chokehold. Best of Rolling Stone Click here to read the full article. The Pentagon informed Nevada's Nellis Air Force Base that a previously approved drag show slated to take place on the base on the first day of Pride Month could not take place because it was not in line with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austins recent comments, according to two defense officials. The drag performance would have been held at the Officer's Club at southern Nevada's Nellis Air Force Base on Thursday, June 1, and had been approved by base commanders, just as it had been over the previous two years. Base legal officers and commanders had determined that the event was in line with DOD policy and no department funding would be used for the event, according to the official who spoke to ABC News. The decision on hosting such shows is typically left in the hands of local commanders who follow guidance from military attorneys, but Nellis officials were told earlier his week by the Defense Department that Thursday's event was not consistent with Austin's recent comments to Congress and that it should be canceled or relocated off base, a defense official told ABC News. "Consistent with Secretary Austin's congressional testimony, the Air Force will not host drag events at its installations or facilities," said Ann Stefanek, a U.S. Air Force spokesperson. "Commanders have been directed to either cancel or relocate these events to an off-base location." Military services were informed this week of the clarified guidance that only applies to drag shows held on military bases, another defense official confirmed. PHOTO: Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas. (Las Vegas Review Journal/TNS/Getty Images, FILE) Other LGTBQ+ events scheduled to take place at military bases during Pride Month will not be impacted by the new directive. "Per DoD Joint Ethics Regulation (JER), certain criteria must be met for persons or organizations acting in non-Federal capacity to use DoD facilities and equipment," Sabrina Singh, the Pentagon's deputy press secretary, said in a statement. "As Secretary Austin has said, the DOD will not host drag events at U.S. military installations or facilities," said Singh. "Hosting these types of events in federally funded facilities is inconsistent with regulations regarding the use of DoD resources." Story continues Singh explained this is not a change in department policy. "The Secretary has said DoD will not host drag events at U.S. military installations or facilities, consistent with long-standing policy," she said. "We are proud to serve alongside any and every young American who takes the oath that puts their life on the line in defense of our country," she added. "Service members and their families are often involved in a host of special interest activities related to their personal hobbies, beliefs, and backgrounds." The Human Rights Campaign, an LGBTQ advocacy group, blasted the reversal as "sid[ing] with the politics of fear and discrimination peddled by extreme members of Congress." "For decades, our community has fought for our right to exist without shame or exception, yet [Austin's] decision to ban an event that has happened in prior years reinforces false tropes about LGBTQ+ culture. At a time when we are under attack, the Pentagon is ceding to extremist forces focused on taking away our rights -- leaders responsible for national defense ought to do better. Our people deserve better, the United States military deserves better, and all Americans deserve better," HRC President Kelley Robinson said. In late March, both Austin and Gen. Mark Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, expressed reservations about DOD facilities hosting drag shows when questioned about the matter by Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla. "Drag shows are not something that the Department of Defense supports or funds," Austin said in response to a question from Gaetz. MORE: Drag queens protest against Florida law LGBTQ advocates say targets drag shows Milley said he was unaware of the congressman's reference to drag shows taking place at Ramstein Air Base in Germany and Nellis and asked for more information "because I'd like to take a look at those myself actually -- take a look and find out what actually is going on there." "I'd like to take a look at those because I don't agree with those," he said. "I think those things shouldn't be happening." Gaetz applauded the cancelation of the planned Nellis drag show. "HUGE VICTORY: The Department of Defense has CANCELED a scheduled "child-friendly" drag show after I demanded answers from @SecDef Austin and General Milley! Drag shows should not be taking place on military installations with taxpayer dollars PERIOD!" he tweeted Wednesday night. Austin issued a statement Thursday celebrating the start of Pride Month and the contributions of LGBTQ+ service members. "As Secretary of Defense, I remain dedicated to making sure that our LGBTQ+ personnel across the Joint Force can continue to serve the country that we all love with dignity and pridethis month and every other one. We thank you for your serviceand we thank your spouses and your families, whose support makes your service possible," said Austin. ABC News' Nate Luna contributed to this report. Drag show at Nevada's Nellis Air Force Base canceled by Pentagon originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Kindergartner SirAntonio Brown was playing in his front yard with his sister and little cousins the day he was fatally shot during a drive-by shooting in Kansas City, Kansas. Nearly a month later, his cousins played near a colorful memorial spanning the area where he was killed. Their parents dont let them play outside as often now, but it was allowed Friday, following a march in memory of their 6-year-old friend. And because police were watching chaperoning. Everyone deserves to live in a safe neighborhood, be able to go out and play without fear of rolling gun battles or a school shooting, said Damon Daniel, President of the Ad Hoc Group Against Crime, which hosted Friday evenings march. SirAntonio, a student at West Park Elementary School, was shot in broad daylight, at about 6 p.m. on May 3, while playing in front of his home in the 3100 block of Greeley Avenue. Family said the child was playing outside when three masked men exited a car down the street and started shooting. When I was coming up, there was a street code, and women and children were off limits, Daniel said. Theres no code to the streets these days. He said thats why he believes its everyones responsibility not just that of police to speak up and help solve SirAntonios killing. So far, police have arrested two of the three suspects in the shooting. Lakevis Sloan, 20, was booked Wednesday after he was arrested more then 360 miles north of Kansas City. Sloan and a 17-year-old, both residents of Kansas City, Kansas, were charged last month with second-degree murder, court records show. Sloan is also charged with aggravated assault and aggravated endangerment of a child, according to the Wyandotte County District Attorneys Office. In May, 18-year-old, Cassandra Sledge was accused of lying to law enforcement about the suspects involved in the homicide. The Wyandotte County District Attorney charged her with obstructing prosecution on May 10. Story continues Police are still looking for the third shooting suspect. Its in part why SirAntonios mother was grateful to see so many people gathered for her son on Friday, including Kansas City, Kansas, Mayor Tyrone Garner and Kansas City, Kansas, Police Chief Karl Oakman. She hoped the community wouldnt quickly forget her sons name and face. But shes also waiting on the third arrest. Speak up. Dont be scared, SirAntonios great aunt Shawna Davis-Scott urged those gathered. Mariah Hall, 26, didnt know SirAntonio, but she marched Friday with her 2-year-old, 9-month-old and partner. She said when kids walk out their doorstep, the community is supposed to protect them. I know when my daughters out there, people need to be looking out for her, Hall said. After she learned that a child had been shot in her community, Hill started keeping a closer eye on her daughter, who likes to wander off the porch when theyre outside. She fears the worst. Many of those marching were children, cousins of SirAntonio, who wore shirts in his memory. Some held hands, others chanted Stop the violence, stop the hate. Others wore shirts that read: You OK? It was a question SirAntonio asked often of those around him. It was endearing and wise for someone so young. His godmother, Shyneisha Hill, 25, described him as funny, outgoing, loving, free-spirited and definitely a handful. Photos of 6-year-old SirAntonio Brown help form a memorial on Wednesday, May 10, 2023, in Kansas City, Kan. Brown was killed May 3 while playing outside his home. SirAntonio mattered to us, she said. His name meant the world to our ears. His voice brought joy to our hearts and his smile lightened the entire room. In no world should a 6-year-old be shot and murdered while playing outside of their home, yet this is a reality that our family and many other families around the world are facing. So far, 17 youths under the age of 20 have been killed this year in the Kansas City metro, according to data tracked by The Star, including three in Kansas City, Kansas. Anyone with information regarding any homicide in the metro is asked to call the anonymous TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS. The owner of a Georgia gun shop said he is shutting down his store in the wake of several recent mass shootings that took the lives of children. Im not against the Second Amendment, owner Jon Waldman told NBC News. But just with my conscience, I cant sell it because I dont know who its going to affect and hurt. Thats what eats at me, he added. If it can happen, its only a matter of time until it does happen. Waldman, 43, owns Georgia Ballistics outside of Atlanta, which he opened in March 2021. However, he said a March shooting at a Nashville, Tenn., elementary school and a May shooting at an Atlanta hospital ultimately led him to close the store, according to NBC. Its really the kids, he said in a separate interview with CNN. My son keeps seeing it. My sons going through mass shooting tragedies at school. Hes going through all the training. Its nothing like that when I went to school. Its sad that he has to live like that. But at the same time, its also my responsibility because I sell higher-end items that could be used like that, Waldman added. And I dont ever want to sell something that could be used against my kid, let alone anybody elses. Six people were killed, including three 9-year-olds, at The Covenant School in Nashville, while one woman who worked for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was killed in the Atlanta shooting. There have been 268 mass shootings and 24 school shootings so far in 2023, according to the Gun Violence Archive and Education Week. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Dia Dipasupil - Getty Images This week, it was announced that Kim Cattrall would be reprising her iconic role of Samantha Jones, the insatiable friend who made up the girl group foursome on Sex and the City. In the HBO classic's reboot And Just Like That..., Samantha was nowhere to be seen in season one, but she will now be in a single episode of season two. It was widely reported that Cattrall did not wish to work with her former co-stars again, particularly Sarah Jessica Parker. In season one of AJLT, the character of Samantha is represented by some texts and is supposed to be in London instead of New York. She is now returning for a scene, which was filmed in March this year. Page Six reports that her moment in the show will be a cliffhanger, probably because getting Cattrall on the series required a number of stipulations. To start, Cattrall refused to film with Parker, or co-stars Cynthia Nixon and Kristin Davis. She additionally insisted that the series' showrunner, Michael Patrick King, not be on set. Kim had two stipulations one, that she would not act with any of the other girls, and two, she did not want to see Michael Patrick King, said a source. The source added, She will have gotten a stload of money. It just shows the power of Kim... They still need her on the show. But even though this may get fans thinking shell be back for the next season, shell never do that. She was treated poorly. Im glad she gets to be the hero Im sure it took a lot of massaging to make the cameo happen. A spokesperson for HBO and Max explained the scene by saying, The offer presented to Kim was always to be a phone call, shot alone as most calls would be. This was an easy and convenient way for Samantha to return. We are delighted it worked out. For Cattrall's return, SATC's famous stylist Patricia Field came to set, though she did not work on the reboot. The 82-year-old currently styles Netflixs Emily in Paris. I love Kim, I loved dressing her, it was so cool, said Field. It was a wonderful opportunity. She asked for something specific and I provided it. She was doing this one cameo and I did it for her. Story continues About the on-set and off-set drama, she said, I dont want to get into the middle of anything. But in 2021, Field told the Sunday Times, that there was a vacuum on AJLT without Cattrall, saying, I hear it everywhere. Everyone is mad she wont be in it. You Might Also Like China's Shenzhou-15 astronauts to return to Earth on June 4 Xinhua) 09:09, June 03, 2023 JIUQUAN, June 2 (Xinhua) -- China's Shenzhou-15 astronauts will return to Earth on June 4, having completed all their scheduled tasks, the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) said Friday. The three astronauts handed over the control of the space station to the Shenzhou-16 crew on Friday, completing the country's second in-orbit crew rotation, according to the CMSA. They will touch down at the Dongfeng landing site in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. The landing site has completed the preparations for the return of the three astronauts, the CMSA said. (Web editor: Chang Sha, Hongyu) Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC), the largest privately-funded new city in the world, has been granted a licence for the Special Economic Zone, reported SPA. Situated at the crossroads of global trade routes, the city enjoys direct access to all markets in the Middle East and North Africa region. Spanning a total area of 60 sq km, the zone will be under the direct supervision of the Special Economic Cities and Zones Authority (ECZA), said the report. The SEZ's strategic location facilitates the operations of various logistics services and light industries. It is a promising investment environment, offering economic incentives with globally competitive advantages. The zone benefits from cutting-edge infrastructure, including the King Abdullah Port, the Industrial Valley, and a modern and vibrant community. This community encompasses diverse commercial and social facilities, catering to the needs and aspirations of residents, visitors, and workers in the city, stated the SPA report. Moreover, the Special Economic Zone focuses on economic sectors such as car manufacturing, consumables, food, medicine, logistics, and associated industries. It aims to boost domestic output, attract foreign direct investment, generate new employment opportunities, and maximize the Kingdom's exports by hosting a diverse and extensive range of industries, it added. Signature Theatre is continuing its Stephen Sondheim celebration, taking audiences from the fractured fairy-tale world of Into the Woods and the serenity of the Japan-set Pacific Overtures to the dark, gritty London streets of Sweeney Todd. Staged in the 270-seat Max Theatre, Signature serves up an intimate incarnation of this macabre story, whose folklore roots go back at least 400 years and gained popularity through the Victorian-era penny dreadful serials. Now, the infamous Demon Barber of Fleet Street is making his mark at this Arlington theater and for the fourth time in its history, on Broadway with Josh Groban, and later in 2025 on its recently announced national tour. Director Sarna Lapine, the niece of longtime Sondheim collaborator James Lapine, wields a strong hand with this full-bodied production. Note to the squeamish: No worries about any blood splattering. Long, shiny strips of fabric are expelled when Sweeney attacks each victim. Sweeney Todd is a tragic story and not everyone will get out of this Victorian melodrama alive. The former barber, whos back in London after 15 years in prison, is hell-bent on destroying those who have wronged him. On the top of his hit list: Judge Turpin, who coveted his beautiful wife Lucy and banished him on false charges. Now the predatory and seemingly pious man has his eyes on their Johanna, who became his ward. Reunited with his prized razors and partnered with Mrs. Lovett, his plucky downstairs neighbor, Sweeney begins his quest for bloody vengeance. This minimalist production, immaculately staged by scenic designer Mikiko Suzuki MacAdams, is filled with meaty performances and sumptuous costumes by Robert Perdziola. The 16-piece orchestra, wonderfully led by conductor Jon Kalbfleisch, powers through Sondheim classics from the vigorous opener The Ballad of Sweeney Todd and the enchanting Johanna to the hilariously mad A Little Priest and God, Thats Good ensemble number all robustly sung by the 18-member cast. Broadway actor Nathaniel Stampley ("Paradise Square," The Gershwins Porgy and Bess and The Color Purple) offers a more subdued (maybe too subdued), sophisticated portrayal of the maniacal barber. Not a caricature with a terrific head of hair, hes a far cry from Edward Geros campy and fun take in Signatures 2010 show. Calm and brooding, Sweeney takes his time calculating his moves. This is evident during the barber face-off with the flamboyant Italian hotshot Signor Adolfo Pirelli, whos singing away while Sweeney steadily sharpens his blade. To offset Sweeneys sullen personality, Bryonha Maries Mrs. Lovett is the life of the party. Marie, another Broadway performer, is a scene-stealer as the kooky meat pie shop owner who also has a thing for Mr. T. Together, Sweeney and Mrs. Lovett concoct a twisted plan to dispose of his victims while giving her struggling business a boost. Its so much fun to watch her cruise her way through The Worst Pies in London and By the Sea, in which she envisions their future together. Simple-minded Tobias Ragg, who audiences first meet peddling Pirellis Miracle Elixir, is played with boyish charm by Harrison Smith. Not While Im Around, one of the shows biggest and most beautiful numbers, is a touching duet between the street urchin and Mrs. Lovett, who has become a maternal figure to him. Paul Scanlan is terrific as Anthony Hope, the young sailor who rescues Sweeney and brings him to London. His character is so full of goodness and joy that has yet to be shattered by the increasingly dark world around him. The scenes with Anthony and Sweeney are entertaining because of the sharp contrast in personalities. Scanlan is perfectly matched with the luminous Katie Mariko Murray as Johanna. Their rapid-fire duet "Kiss Me" during the first act is where their vocal gifts shine brightest. Other highlights are Rayanne Gonzales as the Beggar Woman, who pops in and out through the musical with comedic bits; and Christopher Michael Richardson, who brings some flair as the judges terrible henchman Beadle Bamford. With all the incredible talent and artistry (those birdcages!), I cant help but feel that the musical is a bit underbaked, like a spark is missing. Still, Sweeney Todd is a delightfully delicious show to cap off the theaters yearlong tribute to the late, beloved composer. Tuesday's thunderstorm that included booming thunder, an impressive lightning display, up to 2-inch hail and locally-heavy rain in Northern Colorado was just the beginning. More powerful storms with Fort Collins in the bull's-eye are forecast into Thursday, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a flood watch Thursday for all of Larimer County. Here is what's in store for the storm and a look impacts from Tuesday's storm: Tornado watch issued Wednesday for Windsor, Greeley The National Weather Service in Boulder issued a tornado watch until 9 p.m. Wednesday for 12 counties and including Greeley and Windsor on the western edge of the watch area. The watch area stretches along the Interstate 25 corridor from the Wyoming state line to Colorado Springs and east to the Nebraska and Kansas state line. A few tornadoes are possible, scattered hail up to apple size likely and win gusts to 75 mph possible. -- Miles Blumhardt When thunderstorms are expected This is for the Fort Collins, Loveland and Windsor area and foothills and includes the possibility of large hail, damaging wind and tornadoes and flooding Thursday, according to the National Weather Service: 2 p.m. Wednesday: In the foothills (6,000 to 9,000 feet), severe weather potential elevates to moderate before subsiding. 5-8 p.m. Wednesday: In the Fort Collins, Loveland and Windsor area, severe weather potential elevates to moderate. Thursday-Friday: From 6 a.m. Thursday to 9 a.m. Friday, there is a flood watch for all of Larimer, Weld and Morgan counties and parts of Boulder, Grand and Jackson counties, including the Cameron Peak and East Troublesome burn scars and Rocky Mountain National Park. A tornado watch has been issued for parts of Colorado, Kansas and Nebraska until 9 PM MDT pic.twitter.com/slL79fcd3Y NWS Boulder (@NWSBoulder) May 10, 2023 Fort Collins forecast calls for lots of rain through Friday Wednesday: 60% chance of showers and thunderstorms possible in the afternoon increasing to 90% chance of showers and thunderstorms, some severe, at night. High of 71 degrees. Story continues Thursday: 100% chance of showers and possibility of thunderstorms with the potential to produce heavy rain after 8 a.m. and continuing throughout the night. High of 61 degrees. Friday: 70% chance of showers with thunderstorms possible after noon, decreasing to 40% at night. High of 63 degrees. Some weather context: What to know about Colorado's deadliest natural disasters, including key safety tips Trying to provide some timing to storm initiation this afternoon and their severe potential as they move west to east across the region. pic.twitter.com/XJJavtsqLt NWS Boulder (@NWSBoulder) May 10, 2023 Fort Collins-area Tuesday rainfall totals Kersey (1.3 miles west-southwest): 2.01 inches Galeton (1.6 miles east): 1.86 inches Fort Collins (8.6 miles north): 0.98 inches Berthoud (2.2 miles south-southwest): 0.92 inches Eaton: 0.65 inches Wellington: 0.60 inches Greeley (1.3 miles east): 0.60 inches Windsor (1.5 miles west-northwest): 0.59 inches Loveland (3.2 miles east): 0.46 inches Laporte (1.4 miles northwest): 0.33 inches Loveland (1.7 miles southwest): 0.31 inches Fort Collins (2.4 miles east-southeast): 0.22 inches Fort Collins (2.5 miles northwest): 0.21 inches This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: Fort Collins, Larimer County weather: More thunderstorms forecast Dane Scalise was sworn in as the newest member of New Hanover County's Board of Commissioners on April 17. Scalise fills the seat of Commissioner Deb Hays, who died unexpectedly in March. Its been just over three weeks since Dane Scalise was sworn in as the newest member of the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners. Scalise, 38, was unanimously appointed by New Hanover Countys Republican Party to fill the seat left open after the sudden death of Commissioner Deb Hays. He will serve out the rest of Hays term, which runs through December 2024, and has plans to run for the seat following the current term. Scalise sat down with the StarNews to discuss his new role and his priorities for county government. His responses have been lightly edited for clarity and brevity. How have your first weeks in this new role been? They've been busy. We're in the middle of planning for the fiscal year 2024 budget, and there's a lot of work that goes into getting properly prepared for that. More: Republican Party selects Wilmington lawyer to fill vacant board of commissioners seat More: 'Full of life': Wilmington leaders remember Deb Hays with service, tree planting Can you talk a bit about your background? I'm originally from Morganton, North Carolina. I went to UNC Greensboro for undergraduate and then I went to UNC Chapel Hill for law school. In 2012, my wife and I moved to Wilmington. Since then, I've worked as a lawyer and insurance broker. In 2016, I was appointed to serve as Deputy Commissioner of the North Carolina Industrial Commission thats a judge who presides over workers compensation and state tort claim act matters. In 2020, I resigned from government service so that I could return to practicing law in the private sector. I'm married, and my wife and I have two sons together theyre 7 and 4. Dane Scalise was sworn in as the newest member of New Hanover County's Board of Commissioners on April 17. Scalise fills the seat of Commissioner Deb Hays, who died unexpectedly in March. How are you approaching your new role? My approach is shaped by a combination of factors. My professional background as a lawyer, insurance broker and small business owner means I understand the importance of earning enough money to keep yourself and your employees going and not spending any more than is necessary. Story continues My role as a judge gave me important perspective on being fair and equitable and keeping an open mind. Being a husband and father is part of what I bring to the equation, too. As a family, we try to be fair, equitable and supportive of one another. My kids are also growing up here, and I want there to be a good, exciting and safe future for them, as well as the other kids, in New Hanover County. You were appointed to serve out Deb Hays' term. How has Hays affected your approach to this role? Not only did I know Deb Hays, we were very close. We served together on Wilmington Downtown Incorporated for a lot of years. I knew her to be an incredibly dedicated public servant. She was a really, really hard worker. She was always available for people whenever they reached out to her. Because we had a similar approach to life, that's what I'm going to do as a commissioner, too. I'm going to be dedicated to the public's work, I'm going to be a hard worker, and I'm going to be accessible to the public. What life or work experience has prepared you for this new role? Everybody is a combination of everything that's happened to them up to the current moment, so the totality of my life has prepared me for this experience. It's my professional background. It's my personal background. It's the volunteer work that I've engaged in. I'm seeing this as an extension of my public service. It's a different kind because I have an official capacity now versus a volunteer, but it's public service. I'm going to take it as seriously as I take in everything else that I've done in my life. Before you were appointed, were you interested in running for public office? I had intended on running for city council this fall. In fact, just about a week and a half before Deb died, I had filed a notice of intent to open my campaign. As you might expect, I'm not running for city council anymore. I intend to run for county commissioner in 2024, at the conclusion of the current term. Dane Scalise joined the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners last month. What are the top issues facing New Hanover County? As a lawyer and a judge, law and order is an important issue for me. It's really important we support the women and men in law enforcement. Fundamentally, I believe our society requires stability, and stability can only be provided through the preservation of law and order. The safety of our children and all of our citizens is of paramount importance. I want to make sure law enforcement always has the support they need, not only financial support, but moral support, vocal support, so they know they have people in the county government looking out for them as they look out for us. Another top issue is fiscal responsibility. No one loves paying taxes, but people are okay with paying taxes if they know their taxes are going to something meaningful. It's important to me that tax dollars are being spent wisely. How will you make sure youre addressing issues most important to residents? By being accessible. One of the things that I'm committed to doing is answering phone calls, returning phone calls and returning emails. Over the last few weeks, I've endeavored in every phone call and email to respond to let folks know I cared about their perspective, that I took it under consideration and that it was informing my judgment. I am proud of being somebody who's pretty well trained. I think that I'm a reasonably smart guy, but I don't know everything and I can't know everything. I benefit from the public keeping me posted on the things that matter to them. That gives me the ability to do a better job. More: 40 Under 40: Dane Scalise STAY CONNECTED: Keep up with the areas latest development news by following our Growth and Development page on Facebook. A StarNews file photo shows Dane Scalise as he stands along the Riverwalk in downtown Wilmington, N.C. As the countys population climbs, how will you approach managing this growth? You've got to keep an open mind. You can't prejudge any of the proposals because we've got a couple of competing interests. Weve got to make sure public infrastructure can accommodate the growth and development we're contemplating. We've also got lots of people who want to live here. We need to make sure that those folks have affordable places to live -- not everybody has the ability to buy a $300,000 home. We've got to balance the equities to figure out where we can build so that we can provide affordable housing for folks while being cautious not to put onerous conditions on folks who already live here. I can't give you a one-size-fits-all answer because there isn't one. We have to look at it on a case-by-case basis. Anything else county residents should know about you? This is a tremendous honor. Whatever I do in my life, I've worked really hard at. I have found that if you have a good attitude, if you work hard, and you are kind to other people, usually good things happen. That's the approach I am going to bring to this. Reporter Emma Dill can be reached at edill@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Dane Scalise outlines priorities as New Hanover County commissioner Mattia Ozbot / Getty Images A storm on Lake Maggiore in Lombardy, Italy led to the deaths of four people on a boat. However, these werent regular passengers, per The New York Times. It seems a majority of the 23 people on the boat were former spies. Of the 21 people who were ex-operatives, 13 were from Mossad, Israels foreign intelligence service, and eight were Italian agents. A storm with extreme winds took out the boat. A weather warning earlier in the day didnt deter the group from going out onto the lake to celebrate a birthday. Two of the victims worked for Italys intelligence agency, one was reportedly a retired Mossad operative, and the fourth person was a Russian woman who was married to the boats skipper. Theories abounded about what the group was actually doing on the boat, called the Gooduria, a pun on the Italian phrase for pleasure. Some media outlets wondered if the operatives were exchanging information, while others deemed it to be a spy party. Such speculation hasnt been concerning to prosecutor Massimo De Filippo and chief prosecutor Carlo Nocerino, who are investigating the incident. Their main objective is to figure out why the boat capsized and sank. Were not interested in what the passengers were doing, he told The Times. The skipper, Carlo Carminati, is currently being looked at on suspicion of negligent homicide, causing a shipwreck, and being responsible for injuring those who survived. Unfortunately, the team who was tasked with resurfacing the boat has been unsuccessful, as it remains underwater. The Israeli survivors were quickly taken home by an aircraft sent by the Mossad. According to a former official, Mossad and Italian intelligence share information that is of mutual concern, like the war on terrorism or the Iranian nuclear project. The Mossad would not identify its former operative who died. The two Italian spies who passed were Claudio Alonzi and Tiziana Barnobi, and the Russian woman was Anna Bozhkova. Story continues More on this The severity of the story on Lake Maggiore was unexpected. A weather warning in the area said there would be possible thunderstorms that night, with wind speed indicators showing gales of 26 to 37 miles per hour. A group of people had been on a boat on Sunday evening and helped rescue some of the survivors from the Gooduria. The weather had been fine all day, a rescuer, Samuel Panetti said. There was so much rain, and hail, and the wind tossed the boat from left to right. He and his friends then saw the sinking boat and threw anything that floated into the water to help them. It was terrifying seeing all those people in the water it seemed like a scene from a film. I still have a hard time believing it was true, he said. If we hadnt come by, I think they would have all died, he said. The two women who died were found trapped inside the boat after it sank, the third victim was discovered at the bottom of the lake, and the fourth was found floating in the water. FILE: An egret flies over the marsh along the McQueen's Island Trail. Coastal Georgia's wetlands have long been protected by state and federal policy, but a Supreme Court case may make wetlands protections throughout the state weaker. The U.S. Supreme Court recently decided a case that dealt a blow to conservationists by rolling back federal wetlands protections and stands to exclude many Georgia lands from federal oversight. Growing development throughout the state, as well as the controversial proposed mining plan at the Okefenokee Swamp, has brought wetland protections to the forethought of Georgians' minds. Sackett v. EPA's decision may clarify what areas are and are not protected in Georgia and make development easier in wetlands. FILE: Michael and Chantell Sackett of Priest Lake, Idaho, stand in front of the Supreme Court in Washington on Oct. 14, 2011. The Supreme Court on Thursday, May 25, 2023, ruled in favor of the Idaho couple who sought to build a house near Priest Lake in the states panhandle. What was the case? In 2007, the Sackett family in Idaho sued the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency over the rights to fill wetlands on their property to build a house near Priest Lake. The family had filled in wetlands for the project but were notified after that they had violated federal law in doing so due to the wetland's groundwater connection to the lake, and that they would have needed to seek federal permits. Their suit against the EPA contends the wetlands on their property are not under federal jurisdiction and tests the bright lines for what the agency can consider federally protected wetlands. In an opinion written by Justice Samuel Alito and joined by four other conservative justices, the court decided that the federal government's jurisdiction only includes wetlands with a "continuous surface connection" to a larger body of water in a way that makes them "indistinguishable" from those large bodies. Want the deep dive? 'Significant repercussions.' Supreme Court limits government power to curb water pollution Previously: Restored Clean Water protections come to Georgia, but may not change Okefenokee mine This curtails the EPA's ability to control water pollution, because the wetlands in question in the Sackett case still feed into the rivers and lakes that are more explicitly covered by federal pollution regulations. According to Adam Orford, an assistant professor of environment, energy and natural resources law at the University of Georgia School of Law, the decision mirrors the conservative opinion of one of the last major U.S. Supreme Court decisions that attempted to clarify this question, Rapanos v. United States, in which Scalia wrote a similarly limited interpretation of the federal water jurisdiction. Story continues FILE: A paddler inspects a cypress tree on Ebenezer Creek in Effingham County. While the Clean Water Act affords protection for larger bodies of water like Ebenezer Creek, smaller streams and wetlands in the area have had protections questioned by recent federal rules and were dealt a blow in the Sackett v. EPA decision. In Georgia, not all wetlands are protected equally According to Orford, the decision will have big ramifications for Georgia's wetlands, particularly those outside of the coastal region. Wetlands in Georgia extend far beyond the coastal marshes, including wetlands in river basins throughout the state and the mountain seeps and bogs seen in the northern region of Georgia. He said the case comes out of the Clean Water Act, particularly the language it uses to explain what waters the U.S. federal government has jurisdiction over. Those are called "Waters of the United States," also abbreviated WOTUS. "That's a pretty big phrase that isn't well defined," Orford said. Since the act's beginning in the 1970s, Orford said there's been plenty of litigation trying to clear the muddy legal waters of what areas are or are not included in this definition. In Georgia, residents have seen this debate play out in the back-and-forth between developers and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers over whether the Okefenokee Swamp is federally protected. But different wetlands in Georgia enjoy different protections, Orford said. On the coast, the Coastal Marshlands Protection Act is a Georgia state law that regulates activities nearby to ensure the marsh's quality and prevent pollution, and it's a higher level of care than Georgia's upland wetlands like mountain bogs receive. With the Sackett decision, he said the state might see how state protections prevent wetland loss better in some places than others, but ultimately wetlands throughout Georgia will be excluded from federal protections and be vulnerable to destruction. Latest at the swamp: Public comments for Okefenokee Swamp mining plans are open At the gold dome: Okefenokee Protection Act dies in state House; proponents prepare for next year Conservationists' concern for future pollution Conservationists argue the decision will increase the risk of pollution to waterways throughout the state that serve as drinking water sources and recreational spaces. "The health of these rivers is dependent upon the health of the thousands of streams that feed rivers and the health of those streams is dependent on healthy, functioning wetlands," said Rena Peck, executive director of the Georgia River Network. "Wetlands are the kidneys of our river systems and without them, our rivers end up on life support." Both Peck and UGA's Orford said that barring action from Congress, the only way protections can be strengthened in Georgia will be through the Georgia legislature and state-level rulemaking. "The case, Sackett v. EPA, was brought by developers who, along with many industrial polluters, asked the court to overturn decades of bipartisan consistent practice and drastically cut the scope of the Clean Water Act," wrote the Southern Environmental Law Center in a press release about the decision. The group echoed that increased pollution and flooding will come due to decreased wetland spaces, and ultimately that the decision heavily erodes the government's ability to enforce the Clean Water Act. But not everyone agrees. The decision could be a boon for those seeking to develop on wetlands or avoid the procedural points of federal oversight. Georgia Republican congressman Rick Allen, who covers a swatch of east Georgia from Augusta down through Effingham County, said in a news release that "Georgia (Congressional District) 12 farmers, producers, and landowners received a much-needed win ... with the Supreme Court ruling in favor of Michael and Chantell Sackett." He argued that the Biden administration's wetlands policy was overreaching and didn't respect property rights. This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: U.S. Supreme Court decision could leave Georgia wetlands unprotected Courtesy Royal Hashemite Court There was no shortage of royalty in attendance at the wedding of Hussein, Crown Prince of Jordan and Rajwa Al Saif. Included among their number is Crown Princess Mary of Denmark, who turned up to the ceremony looking stylish in an "Agnes" silk floral print gown by Erdem. She paired the look with a femme cornflower blue hair bow that added a daytime touch to the proceedings, as well as matching pumps. The Erdem dress is a favorite of Mary's, and she has worn it on several occasions, including to the 80th birthday celebrations of King Harald and Queen Sonja of Norway in 2017 and at a gala for the The American Chamber of Commerce in Denmark in 2019. She also wasn't the only royal at today's event to take a floral turnboth Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden and Queen Maxima of The Netherlands also opted for flowery looks. Mary and her husband, Crown Prince Frederik, are also likely to appear at a state banquet in Jordan on honor of the wedding this evening, though it's expected that there will be a shift from the more understated daytime styles of the wedding ceremony to more official honors of state for the final event of the wedding day. The princess's appearance honor the wedding of Prince Hussein and Rajwa is only the latest of her appearances at international royal events. Less than a month ago, she made the trip to London alongside her husband Crown Prince Frederik, to celebrate the coronation of Britain's King Charles III. On that occasion, Mary opted for a chic purple look, pairing a wrap-style long sleeved dress with color matched gloves and a veiled headpiece. You Might Also Like The former wife of Missouri doctor John Forsyth is reportedly devastated by his mysterious death. The newly-engaged Forsyth, 49, vanished after leaving his overnight shift at Mercy Hospital in the Missouri Ozarks town of Cassville on 21 May. His body was found nine days later in Beaver Lake in northwest Arkansas with an apparent gunshot wound, authorities say. Authorities have not said whether they believe Forsyth was killed or took his own life, while his family rejected any possibility of the latter. Forsyths recent divorce from the mother of his eight children was amicable, the womans attorney Ryan Ricketts told the Associated Press. The couple married in 1995 in Nevada, and divorced in 2019, before remarrying the next year and finally getting divorced for a second time in April 2022. His ex-wife, who lives in Idaho and did not wish to be identified, was given custody of their underage children, and Forsyth continued to have a strong relationship with them, Mr Ricketts told the AP. She is just devastated and I mean, just shocked. She never saw any of this kind of thing coming, he said. On 10 May, a judge ordered Forsyth to pay his ex-wife $4,000 in child support a month plus another $15,000 a month, according to court records. Missouri doctor John Forsyth was found dead in a lake Arkansas (MP) Nearly two weeks after his body was discovered, the mystery surrounding his death is deepening. His brother Richard Forsyth told the AP that security footage from the parking lot of a public pool had showed the doctor getting into another vehicle before his body was found. Forsyth apparently got out of the car before the driver left the parking lot, and he walked around for 10 to 15 minutes afterwards, his brother has said. He then left his RV unlocked in the parking lot, with valuables including phones and laptops inside. He texted his fiance to say he would see her soon on the day he disappeared, and then stopped responding to messages, Richard Forsyth said. Tightlipped authorities have refused to say how Forsyth travelled the 50 miles from Cassville to Beaver Lake. An autopsy has been completed, but the results are being withheld pending the outcome of the investigation. Story continues Dr John Forsyth vanished on 21 May. His body was found nine days later (Facebook) Richard Forsyth said his brother loved his job at the Mercy Hospital in the small town of Cassville, and rarely missed a days work. He would often sleep in his RV outside the hospital when he was on call, he added. Leaving it unlocked was very uncharacteristic, he added. Forsyth had been previously kidnapped in 2022 before being released, his brother said. Richard Forsyth told Fox News that his brother had not filed a police report because he thought he was no longer in danger. He said police have told family they are investigating the death as a homicide - though officials have not confirmed that publicly. Those who dont learn from history are doomed to repeat it. Exhibit A: the Grand Old Party. A major reason Donald Trump won the 2016 nomination was the massive primary field. Scarred by tangling with the front-runner, Republicans trained their fire on The Donalds top challenger on any given week. Chris Christie kneecapped Marco Rubio, John Kasich blasted Ted Cruz, and Jeb! ended his campaign high-fiving Trump on the debate stage. Like a bucket of crabs, GOP hopefuls pulled down anyone trying to escape, leaving Trump the lone survivor. With 17 declared candidates, what did they expect? Republicans haven't learned from 2016 Republican presidential candidate, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush and Republican presidential candidate, businessman Donald Trump spar as Republican presidential candidate, Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., listens in the middle during a Republican presidential primary debate hosted by ABC News at the St. Anselm College Saturday, Feb. 6, 2016, in Manchester, N.H. Did the Republican National Committee learn their lesson? Of course not. The 2024 campaign is shaping up to be another grasping bucket of crabs. So far, seven have entered: Trump, Gov. Ron DeSantis, Sen. Tim Scott, former Govs. Nikki Haley and Asa Hutchinson, biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, and talk-radio host Larry Elder. Four other no-names have thrown their MAGA hats in the ring, while four bigger names are expected to announce soon: Mike Pence, Chris Christie, and Govs. Chris Sununu and Doug Burgum, of New Hampshire and North Dakota, respectively. Oh, and Tiger King star Joe Exotic, but hes running as an independent. Because, why not? Trump and DeSantis are the only contenders According to early polls and common sense, only Trump and DeSantis have a shot at the nomination. Yet delusion springs eternal for the cellar dwellers. When Fox News host Bret Baier told Asa Hutchinson that he was below 1% in the polls, the former Arkansas governor bragged that he rocketed up to 3% in South Carolina. Chris Christie earned a powerhouse endorsement last month: Anthony Scaramucci, most famous for his 10-day run as Trumps communications director. Perhaps the only good news is most of the 2016 also-rans are sitting out this time. But the way 2024 is shaping up, the debate stage will need bleachers. Most of these candidates have to know they arent going to be the next president, so why are they wasting our time? Ego, mostly. Story continues Long shots run for the brand boost Politicians tend to surround themselves with yes men and true believers. Add in the ease of promotion on social media and the potential for a national network of small donors. If one or two big money types fund a longshot, along come the political consultants eager for a taste of that cash. A failed presidential run also builds a personal brand, which leads to book deals, speaking engagements and maybe a cabinet appointment once the dust settles. Arizona or Florida? GOP has a stark choice about its future Then, theres the most desperate hope of all. What if the top dog suddenly drops out for no expected reason? And so does every other candidate, making the vice governor of East Carolina the last one standing? All that does is help Trump win Whatever the reason, a bakers dozen of hopefuls plays right into Trumps orange hands. To date, the single-digit wannabes are attacking Biden a little, attacking DeSantis most, but are afraid to speak a word against the party leader. After all, Trump might give them a mean nickname, and we cant have that. As the old maxim says, the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over again and expecting a different result. Unless several candidates recognize the 2016 trap, Trump will eke out a primary win with a plurality of voters. All Republicans can expect then is another White House loss in 2024, which Trump will insist was stolen, and run again in 2028. History always repeats. Jon Gabriel, a Mesa resident, is editor-in-chief of Ricochet.com and a contributor to The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com. On Twitter: @exjon. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Trump will win the 2024 primary if the Republican field stays crowded Alice Mahon died from asbestos-linked cancer last December, aged 85. (PA) A former MPs son has called for more action on removing asbestos from buildings following his mum's death last year from cancer linked to the hazardous material. Alice Mahon, who represented Halifax in West Yorkshire for 18 years, died from malignant mesothelioma last December aged 85. The former Labour MP had campaigned for asbestos victims and backed demands for a public inquiry into diseases related to the substance that mainly affected former power industry workers. Her son Kris is now calling for the government to remove the material from all buildings, which can cause cancer when inhaled. Read more: Parliament 'so crumbling and asbestos-riddled it's at risk of being destroyed' Former MP Alice Mahons son has called for more action on the removal of asbestos. (Getty) Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibre which was used on a large scale until the late1990s - mainly in construction. Kris, a law professor in New Zealand, told the BBC: "The government has a duty to protect lives from a known, indiscriminate killer such as asbestos: that requires proactive action to locate and remove asbestos. "Asbestos is in many settings, often mingled with other products, and the argument is often put forward that it is best left in place because it is only a risk if it is disturbed. "But the problem is that buildings deteriorate and need refurbishment, or are knocked down and replaced, and this will lead to asbestos being released in uncontrolled circumstances. The safest thing to do is remove the risk." Mahon claimed she was exposed to asbestos when working as a nurse in West Yorkshire in the 1960s and 1970s. She added she may have been further exposed to the material in her time as an MP in Parliament. Read more: MPs accused of treating staff safety concerns as an 'afterthought' The UK and Australia have the highest occurrence of asbestos-related mesothelioma cancer. NHS trusts in former industrial areas had the highest rates of mesothelioma from 2014 to 2019, according to statistics from the Royal College of Physicians. Story continues The Commons Work and Pensions Committee said last year while the extreme exposures of the late 20th century may be a thing of the past, asbestos remained the biggest cause of work-related deaths in the UK, with more than 5,000 fatalities recorded in 2019. The committee has called for a 40-year deadline for the removal of asbestos from non-domestic buildings. It warned that the problem would likely worsen as the retrofitting of buildings to meet net zero requirements meant more asbestos-containing materials would be disturbed in the coming decades. The parliamentary maintenance services team found asbestos in 680 parliamentary estate rooms. (Getty) The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) estimates that despite being banned for more than 20 years, asbestos may still exist in 300,000 non-domestic buildings and many more homes. The parliamentary maintenance services team found asbestos in 680 parliamentary estate rooms in a survey carried out from 2019 to 2022. Last month, the Public Accounts Committee said up to 2 million a week was being spent patching up the Palace of Westminster but there was still a growing list of health and safety incidents, including some involving the material. In 2018 MPs voted to move out of the Palace by the mid-2020s so it could be repaired but the project has since stalled. A Parliament spokesperson said: As with many historical buildings, asbestos is present and appropriately managed. The risk to anyone on the estate is very low. CEO Sundar Pichai speaks at the Google I/O conference. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images Google has opposed a shareholder's call for more transparency around its algorithms. The proposal was set forth during parent company Alphabet's 2023 stockholder meeting. CEO Sundar Pichai emphasized the potential of new generative AI and added safety is essential. Google's parent company Alphabet opposed a shareholder proposal that sought increased transparency surrounding its algorithms. Trillium Asset Management set forth this proposal during Alphabet's 2023 annual stockholder meeting. Trillium made a similar request last year, before the ChatGPT craze swept over the technology industry. In its proposal, the investor raised concerns around how algorithmic systems can lead to harmful outcomes in areas like criminal justice and medicine. Trillium also cited a report by the New Zealand Royal Commission which found that YouTube content helped radicalize the man behind the 2019 Christchurch shooting. It argued that accountability and transparency in artificial intelligence are needed if the technology is to remain safe to society. Google in its opposition to the proposal said that it already provides meaningful disclosures surrounding its algorithms, including through websites that provide overviews of how YouTube's algorithms sort content, for instance. It added that its proprietary algorithms are foundational to its business, and "could be misused in the wrong hands." "Any consideration of rules around algorithmic transparency must consider the serious risk that information could be exploited by bad actors, user privacy could be impacted, and commercially sensitive information could be exposed," Google said in its opposing statement. Trillium sought more information about "how Alphabet uses algorithmic systems to target and deliver ads, error rates, and the impact these systems had on user speech and experiences." It also suggested that the company consider recommendations from the Mozilla Foundation and researchers from New York University on standards around algorithm and ad transparency. Story continues During a Q&A session towards the end of the stockholder meeting, Google CEO Sundar Pichai was asked how the company intends to maximize the potential of AI while mitigating the risks. "We are seven years into our journey as an AI-first company," Pichai said at the meeting. "We've been working for a long time incorporating AI into our products to make them more helpful. I think AI has the potential to impact nearly every sector, helping radiologists assess medical images. We're approaching it boldly, and we're doing it responsibly." Google recommended that shareholders oppose all 11 proposals set forth by stockholders. Other proposals included one that requested Google reconsider its plans to build a data center in Saudi Arabia over privacy and human rights concerns. Another suggested that Google do more to prevent users' information from being shared with law enforcement when searching for abortion-related services in states where access has been curtailed. Trillium has been a vocal shareholder in Google over the years, and owns approximately $135 million worth of the company's stock according to recent SEC filings. Trillium did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The call for more transparency comes shortly after Google vice president Geoffrey Hinton left the company and made public warnings about the dangers of new AI-based chatbots, saying the potential is "quite scary." And previously, Timnit Gebru, who led Google's AI team in 2020 and conducted research finding that the company's algorithms could perpetuate sexism and racism, said she was fired after she clashed with the company over a paper she co-authored. Algorithmic bias isn't a new concern a 2016 report from ProPublica found that algorithmic software used by US judges was unfairly weighted against people of color and perpetuated racial inequities. Still, the generative AI boom has improved AI's capability to write sentences and even code at an ability almost comparable to humans. Got a tip about Google? You can reach this reporter via email at tmaxwell@insider.com, Signal at 540.955.7134, or Twitter at @tomaxwell. Read the original article on Business Insider Its a growing problem that has United States naval commanders scratching their heads: How to keep up with Chinas ever-expanding fleet of warships. Not only is Chinas navy already the worlds largest, its numerical lead over the US is getting wider, with the head of the US Navy warning recently that American shipyards simply cant keep up. Some experts estimate China can build three warships in the time it takes the US to build one. It is just one of the concerns, alongside Beijings increasing aggression in the South China Sea and around Taiwan, thats likely to be weighing on the mind of US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin as he joins top military figures from across the region at this weekends Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore. The chance of a breakthrough on any of those issues this weekend appears slim, not least because China has pointedly rejected a US proposal for Austin to meet his Chinese counterpart Li Shangfu at the forum. But experts who spoke to CNN before the summit say a potential solution to one of them the Chinese fleets numerical advantage is within reach, if the US is prepared to think outside the box. Washington, they say, has something Beijing doesnt: Allies in South Korea and Japan who are building some of the highest spec and affordable naval hardware on the oceans. Buying ships from these countries, or even building US-designed vessels in their shipyards, could be a cost-effective way of closing the gap with China, they say. Their warships are certainly a match for their (Chinese) counterparts, says Blake Herzinger, a research fellow at the United States Studies Center in Australia, while Japans warship designers are among the worlds best, says Carl Schuster, a former director of operations at the US Pacific Commands Joint Intelligence Center in Hawaii. Both countries have mutual defense treaties with the US, so why doesnt the US team up with them to outbuild China? The problem is, US law currently prevents its Navy from buying foreign-built ships even from allies or from building its own ships in foreign countries due to both security concerns and a desire to protect Americas shipbuilding industry. Story continues Schuster, Herzinger and others are among a growing body of experts who say it may be time to rethink that law to give the US an edge in the battle for the seas. A challenger for Chinas world-beating Type 055s The Pentagon estimates Chinas navy to have around 340 warships at present, while the US has fewer than 300. It thinks the Chinese fleet will grow to 400 in the next two years, while the US fleet will take until 2045 to hit 350. But its not just the increasing vastness of the Chinese navy that has raised concerns. Some of the ships China is churning out arguably have greater firepower than some of their US counterparts. Take Chinas Type 055, in many eyes the worlds premier destroyer. Displacing 12,000 to 13,000 tons, the Type 055 is bigger than typical destroyers (it is nearer in size to the US Navys Ticonderoga class of cruisers) and packs a formidable punch. It has 112 vertical launch system (VLS) cells that fire surface-to-air and anti-ship missiles, which is more than the 96 on the newest of the US Navys Arleigh Burke-class destroyers. It also boasts sophisticated radio and anti-submarine weapons systems. And China is pumping them out. It began building the Type 055s in 2014 and recently commissioned its eighth, the Xianyang. The USs work on its Zumwalt-class destroyers has been much slower; construction began five years earlier, yet only two have entered service. But some Western analysts say the Type 055 may have a peer in South Koreas Sejong the Great-class destroyers. At 10,000 to 12,000 tons displacement, the Sejongs are slightly smaller than Chinas Type 055s, but they have more firepower, with 128 VLS cells and weapons that include surface-to-air, anti-submarine and cruise missiles. The three Sejongs, which cost about $925 million each, are the pride of the South Korean fleet. With this one ship, (the South Korean Navy) can cope with multiple simultaneous situations anti-aircraft, anti-ship, anti-submarine, anti-surface and defend from ballistic missiles, the countrys Defense Media Agency says. Retired South Korean Adm. Duk-ki Kim, the first person to captain a Sejong, says its more than a match for Chinas Type 055. China is focusing on quantity and price competitiveness rather than the quality of its vessels, Kim, now vice president of the Korea Association of Military Studies, told CNN. High-spec, low cost Japan, too, has world class destroyers, said Alessio Patalano, professor of war and strategy at Kings College in London. The countrys newest Maya-class destroyers are armed with 96 VLS cells that can fire both anti-ballistic and anti-submarine missiles, while the quality of its sensors and systems stands at the very top end of the spectrum, according to Patalano. Last November, the Mayas demonstrated their ability to destroy ballistic missiles traveling outside Earths atmosphere. Those 96 VLS cells put the Mayas on par with the newest of the US Arleigh Burkes, but theres a crucial difference between them: The Arleigh Burkes cost $2.2 billion; the Mayas cost a billion dollars less. In other words, the Mayas represent both quantity and quality: They are high-spec, (relatively) low cost and can roll off production lines at speed. If Chinese shipbuilding is showing a remarkable capacity for mass production, Japans is leading the way in affordable quality on a scale larger than most naval powers, without sacrificing commissioning times. That balance, and the experience in the philosophy, are a genuine edge, Patalano said. And its not just the Mayas. Take Japans Mogami-class frigates; speedy, stealthy 5,500-ton warships with 16 VLS cells that fire surface-to-air and anti-ship missiles. All done with a crew of 90 and a price tag of about $372 million each. By contrast, the first of the US Navys under development Constellation-class frigates are expected to cost three times as much and require twice as many crew. Thats less than ideal given the US Navy is having a hard time recruiting the US vice chief of naval operations has said it is likely to miss its recruiting goal by 6,000 this year though the Constellations are expected to have twice as many VLS cells as the Mogamis. Cost comparisons with Chinas Type 055s are harder due to the opacity of the Chinese system; estimates of their costs range anywhere from $925 million to $2.6 billion each. An Asian secret weapon So whats making South Korean and Japanese shipyards so competitive? Cost overruns, endemic in US defense contracting, are not common in Japan, Schuster says, because unlike the US the country holds manufacturers to their estimates. A Japanese shipbuilders bid is an absolute. If they finish it below expected cost, they make a larger profit. If they encounter delays and mistakes, the builder has to correct it at their own expense, Schuster said. That approach was much wiser than that of the US, he claims, pointing to the alleged problems with Zumwalt-class destroyers and littoral combat ships that have seen the Pentagon spend billions on platforms that critics say the US Navy doesnt know what to do with. The US Navys three Zumwalt destroyers have priced out at about $8 billion each, but its unclear how they fit into the rest of the fleet. Meanwhile, some of the USs littoral combat ships, which cost more than $350 million each, are expected to be decommissioned before they have even served a third of their life span. Time for a rethink? All these Japanese and South Korean vessels are designed to incorporate US technology, weapons, spy radars and the Aegis command and control system. Partly this is so that the two navies can operate seamlessly alongside their US counterpart, as they did in joint exercises earlier this year. But then if the US, Japanese and South Korean ships use similar technology and can operate together, why does the law prevent the US from building some of its ships in Japanese and South Korean shipyards? The prohibition isnt just about security concerns. Its also aimed at keeping shipbuilding jobs and expertise within the US. In 2019, total economic activity associated with the US shipbuilding industry accounted for nearly 400,000 jobs and contributed $42.4 billion in GDP, according to the Maritime Administration, with 154 shipyards spread across 29 states classified as active shipbuilders and more than 300 engaged in ship repairs or capable of building ships. The US military is an important source of demand for these shipbuilders; while less than 3% of the vessels delivered in 2020 went to US government agencies, 14 of the 15 large deep-draft vessels went to a combination of the US Navy and the US Coast Guard. Tough call to make Any move that might be perceived as threatening such an important industry would therefore be politically fraught. Shipbuilding representatives argue more needs to be spent on the domestic industry, rather than less, recently telling Congress the single biggest issue facing shipyards was attracting and retaining a quality workforce, according to USNI News. US Navy spokesperson Travis Callaghan said, The Navy currently has a significant number of ships under construction and on contract across several shipyards. We have also made and continue to make significant investments in our shipyards to increase and maximize capacity. The Navy is committed to providing a ready, modernized, and capable naval force that continues to be the nations primary instrument of sea control both now and into the future. There are also those analysts who, while admiring the shipbuilding prowess of Japan and South Korea, say getting them to build ships for the US would be a step too far. Speaking on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue, Nick Childs, senior fellow for naval studies at the IISS, said US cooperation with its allies is already shifting the trajectory of naval power in Asia away from China. Theres a new phase of maritime balance in the region that has it slowly edging back in Washingtons favor, Childs said. However, he doesnt think the answer is building US ships overseas. I think the answer is to learn from the way they do it rather than get them to do it for you, he said. Still, proponents of outsourcing say employing the help of allies offers a more immediate fix and point out the US already outsources designs overseas; its Constellation-class frigates are based on an Italian design and Japan has been mooted as a possible source for future blueprints. But Schuster thinks designs arent enough the US needs more ships now, he says. Since shipyard availability is at a premium in the United States, having a portion of that work done in Japan would address that problem until America can refurbish and expand its shipyards a 10-year process in most defense analysts eyes, Schuster said. Retired South Korean admiral Kim thinks partnering on shipbuilding offers everyone a win-win. Herzinger, too, thinks its time to rethink the law. Japan and South Korea both build very high quality ships on time and on budget, both things (the US has) lost the ability to do, Herzinger said. CNNs Haley Britzky, Gawon Bae, Jiwon Jeong and Moeri Karasawa contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com A car connected to a triple-murder suspect in Prince William County was recovered Thursday evening in Spotsylvania County, police said. The vehicle, which had been reported stolen, was discovered in the Post Oak area. The discovery drew a large police response and a search for the murder suspect, 28-year-old Donald Antonio Barahona Quinonez of no fixed address. It also spurred some online rumors, including one that three people had been killed in the Post Oak area. Spotsylvania Sheriffs Maj. Troy Skebo said that no one was shot in the county and that there were no reported sightings of Barahona Quinonez or anyone else in connection to the car. The stolen vehicle was turned over to Prince William police, who were still looking for Barahona Quinonez on Friday and investigated the slayings. According to Prince William police, the shootings occurred May 26 in a home in the 14700 block of Birchdale Avenue in Woodbridge. Four people were shot and three have since died. The suspect, later identified as Barahona Quinonez, fled immediately after the shootings. The dead were identified as Edwin G. Salmeron, 37, Luis Alonzo Salgado-Rivas, 41, and Kevin Josue Vallecillo Mendoza, 23, all of Woodbridge. Barahones Quinonez is charged with three counts of murder, aggravated malicious wounding, four counts of using a firearm in the commission of a felony and four counts of shooting into an occupied dwelling. The chief justice of the Mississippi Supreme Court has been removed from a federal lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of House Bill 1020, the controversial law that would give the state significant control over Jackson's criminal justice system, including giving state officials the power to appoint people to an unelected court and unelected seats within the existing court. Chief Justice Michael Randolph, who would appoint the judges to those courts, had been named directly by plaintiffs, who include local, state and national chapters of the NAACP, but a federal judge ruled Thursday that his ability to make appointments constitutes a "judicial act," meaning he can exercise his widespread judicial immunity. Mississippi Supreme Court Chief Justice Michael Randolph listens to testimony at a hearing, Wednesday, May 10, 2023, in Hinds County Chancery Court in Jackson, Miss., where a judge heard arguments about a Mississippi law that would create a court system with judges who would be appointed rather than elected. In a 24-page order, U.S. District Court Judge Henry Wingate granted Randolph his request to be removed. Private attorneys representing the chief justice had argued that he was not only immune, but that him remaining a defendant in the case would have set a precedent and potentially forced him to improperly take a position on the law, which may come before his court in a separate state court challenge. "As seen in the foregoing pages, this doctrine of Judicial Immunity shelters judges from lawsuits, whether declaratory or injunctive, when the judge, within his jurisdiction, performs a 'judicial act,' or is about to perform a judicial act," Wingate wrote, citing a number of decisions on judicial acts from various federal courts. "This court has applied their guiding principles and arrived at the only conclusion it could: Chief Justice Randolph must be dismissed from this litigation, which still will continue with the remaining parties to address the constitutionality of H.B. 1020 as a whole," Wingate later wrote. Randolph was already removed as a defendant from that case as well in a Hinds County Chancery Court decision last month. As Wingate suggested, the arguments around whether HB 1020 violates the constitutional rights of Hinds County residents will continue without Randolph. In his Thursday order, Wingate at times hinted to his thinking on that wider question. Story continues At times, Wingate made note of the argument made by plaintiffs, who recently added former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder to their legal team. HB 1020 does not include residency requirements for the appointed judges, and it grants Randolph "unfettered" authority to make appointments, with no role for the executive branch, Wingate wrote. The legislation also does not directly take into account Hinds County's population or caseload, wrote the longtime federal judge. U.S. District Judge Henry Wingate, shown in this Aug. 19, 2022 photograph taken in Jackson. That said, Wingate also seemed moved by the arguments made by attorneys from the state attorney general's office, who argued that HB 1020 is intended to address a crime problem in the state's capital city. "The criminal justice system in Hinds County is in crisis. The capital city of Jackson has led the nation in homicides per capita. The Hinds County District Attorneys docket is overwhelming," Wingate wrote. "Plaintiffs herein do not address the crime problem and whether four (4) additional temporary special circuit judges could assist in alleviating the burgeoning crime problem." Now that a decision has been reached on Randolph, the next step will be for the state to file its response to new evidence filed by the plaintiffs last week. During a hearing last month, Wingate said the state would have two weeks to put together its response to the new filings. Wingate said he would then give plaintiffs 48 hours to file their own response, at which point he would schedule oral arguments. Wingate said he may then issue a "bench ruling," where a judge announces their decision immediately following oral arguments, rather than waiting until the full written decision is ready. In the meantime, a restraining order issued and later extended by Wingate remains in effect, preventing components of HB 1020 from being set in motion. In the state case, Hinds County Chancellor Dewayne Thomas ruled with the state, writing that the legislation does not violate the Mississippi Constitution. That case has been appealed to the state supreme court. This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Chief Justice Michael Randolph no longer named in federal HB 1020 case Former vice president and soon-to-be 2024 presidential candidate Mike Pence made a rare jab at his erstwhile running mate Saturday, saying that no one should be praising the dictator in North Korea or Russian President Vladimir Putin. While he did not name Donald Trump in his comments, the dig came just one day after the former president reupped an article about North Koreas appointment to the World Health Organizations board on social media, writing Congratulations to Kim Jung Un! Trump also stressed in a recent town hall with Fox anchor Sean Hannity that he had a strong relationship with Putin, and has a history of praising authoritarian leaders. Whether its my former running mate or anyone else, no one should be praising the dictator in North Korea or praising the leader of Russia, who has launched an unprovoked war of aggression in Ukraine, Pence said in an interview with Fox News in Iowa. This is a time when we ought to make it clear to the world that we stand for freedom and we stand with those who stand for freedom. During their joint time in office, Trump made unprecedented overtures to the North Korean leader, with the former president meeting Un three times during his four-year term, including in North Korea. Pences comments are the latest sign that the ex-vice president will ramp up attacks against Trump to carve out his own space in advance of the Republican primaries. He is set to announce a bid for president June 7. Trumps former UN ambassador and 2024 candidate Nikki Haley also lashed out on Twitter over the post. Kim Jong Un starves his own people, she wrote. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, also in Iowa, said, "I was surprised to see that. ... Kim Jong Un is a murderous dictator." He then called the World Health Organization "a bankrupt organization." Many of the American soldiers who went ashore in France on D-Day, a scene graphically and brutally depicted in the movie Saving Private Ryan, were trained at Camp Gordon Johnston in Franklin County, Florida. When the Higgins boats landed, and their ramps came down on Omaha and Utah beach, as part of Operation Overlord on June 6, 1944, a newly developed weapon stormed the beach; the Amphibious soldier. Many of these soldiers were trained in Franklin County, located south of Tallahassee. But, how and why was this area selected? Utah Beach Landing at Normandy, France, on D-Day 1944. Build up to war Germany, in their expansionism to develop the Third Reich, began attacking Great Britain with their Luftwaffe air force in July, 1940. The following September, Germany joined together with Italy and Japan to form the AXIS forces. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, clearly seeing the danger, froze all Japanese assets in the United States effectively cutting off their access to U.S. produced oil. No oil, no wheels. World War II history: Tallahassee friends honor a father in new book, 'Brothers Born in Adversity' Blues club: Blues beat will rumble again at another venerable Tallahassee venue Plantation: Museum curator offers insights on Pebble Hill Plantation tours On Dec. 7, 1941, Japanese Imperial Forces attacked Pearl Harbor sinking much of our Pacific Fleet. This was followed by attacks on Guam, Malaya, the Philippines, and other locations to establish access to oil and rubber that they needed to prosecute the war. The United States then entered the war on two fronts: Europe and Asia. Both would require waterborne landings. In an April, 1942 report, Chief of Staff General George C. Marshall declared that the planning, preparation, and training for amphibious operations was so deficient that a combat operation would result in disaster. The report went on to recommend that the Army be charged with training for large-scale amphibious operations and the Navy assist the Army with the shipping and operation of landing craft. Story continues Amphibious Assault Training during WW2 at Carrabelle Beach. LCPRs landing soldiers while barrage balloons fly above. Note the Crooked River Lighthouse in the background. 1943. State Archives of Florida. Developing the amphibious training camp In response, the Army Ground Forces Site Board examined several proposed training sites in Virginia, as well as the Everglades and Venice, Florida, before selecting Carrabelle as the Amphibious Training Centers home. The ATC began operating on Cape Cods Camp Edwards in June, 1942, as a stopgap until construction of facilities were completed at Carrabelle, which was considered the Centers home base. Personnel had only a few weeks to prepare for the arrival of the first training unit, the 45th Infantry Division. Between July and October, 1942, both Divisions trained there. To acquire enough land, the government purchased about 10,000 acres from landowners and leased 155,000 acres, mainly from the St. Joe Paper Company. As a side note, much of the St. Joe land was purchased by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and is now part of the Tates Hell park at St. Teresa Beach. What the old barracks area looks like today in St. Teresa in Franklin County. Much of the St. Joe land was purchased by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and is now part of the Tates Hell park at St. Teresa Beach. While the training area was originally known as Camp Carrabelle, it officially became Camp Gordon Johnston in January, 1943, and was located in three areas: Carrabelle, Lanark Village, and St. Teresa Beach. It was named in honor of Colonel Gordon Johnston, U.S. Calvary, who saw action in three wars and was highly decorated including the Congressional Medal of Honor. Born in 1874, he served in the Spanish-American war, led American troops during the Philippine Insurrection, and served in France during World War I. Camp life While the training area was originally known as Camp Carrabelle, it officially became Camp Gordon Johnston in January, 1943, and was located in three areas: Carrabelle, Lanark Village, and St. Teresa Beach. The barracks were little more than tar paper shacks with no floors. When soldiers learned they were going to Florida they must have envisioned palm trees swaying in gentle, balmy breezes. Instead, they encountered wild hogs, snakes, chiggers, yellow flies, and the famous Florida humidity. It was a hard scrabble place. Living conditions were basic and crude. The barracks were little more than tar paper shacks with no floors. The latrines were outside. Meals were eaten outside from their mess kits they carried in their packs. General Omar Bradley, who would later command U.S. forces on D-Day, arrived at Camp Gordon Johnston in January, 1943. He wasnt shy about his opinion that it was a miserable place but later admitted that the training there was invaluable. While there, General Bradleys wife took up residence at the Wakulla Springs Lodge in nearby Wakulla County. Restored military vehicles from the Military Vehicle Preservation Association are led by CGJ's own WWII DUKW in the Camp Gordon Johnston Veterans Parade, March 11, 2023. To make door-to-door training realistic, a mock German village called Schickelgruber Haven was built in the area of Harbeson City, a pulp wood and lumber harvesting town. Soldiers were trained in urban fighting there. This area was located on the Crooked River in Franklin County. As an interesting footnote to this story, Adolf Hitlers father was born Alois Schickelgruber but later changed his name to Alois Hitler, after the man who married his mother. Between 1942 and 1946 approximately 250,000 men were trained in amphibious warfare at the camp. When Camp Gordon Johnston was decommissioned in 1946, it simply vanished. However, unexploded ordinance was left behind. When the St. Joe Company developed the Summercamp properties, No Trespassing signs were erected with the caveat that there may be live bombs in the ground. Army personnel searched for and cleared out any potential threats. St. Teresa Beach, where soldiers trained during World War II. It officially became Camp Gordon Johnston in January, 1943, and was located in three areas: Carrabelle, Lanark Village, and St. Teresa Beach. The beaches today Today the area where many of the brave soldiers that invaded Europe trained has beachside neighborhoods, pristine white beaches, and a large state park. Children play in the sand where amphibious soldiers stormed ashore on training missions and hikers traipse through the park where the barracks and parade field were located. The Camp Gordon Johnston Museum in Carrabelle, financed by private donations, educates new generations about the sacrifices the men and women who served in the military made during World War II. David Brand, Law Enforcement Coordinator of the Florida Sheriffs Association, is an occasional guest columnist for the Tallahassee Democrat and lives in St. Teresa. The 818th Amphibious Truck Company trained at Camp Gordon Johnston late 1943-early 1944. Deployed to England to prepare for the invasion of Normandy and was attached to the 1st Engineers Special Brigade and landed on Utah Beach, June 6, 1944. If you go What: Special exhibit commemorating D-Day. Opening on the 79th Anniversary of D-Day, Tuesday, June 6, the exhibit will be on display through July 1. Camp Gordon Johnston trained Infantry Divisions in amphibious assault and the soldiers who trained here were put to the test on the heavily fortified beaches of Normandy, France, on D-Day, June 6, 1944 in the largest seaborne invasion in history. The Carrabelle Beach Assault video will be shown throughout the day running every 10 minutes. Where: Camp Gordon Johnston WWII Museum at Carrabelle Beach, at 1873 Hwy 98 West, directly across from the very beach where the beach assault training occurred in 1942-1943. Hours: The museum is open every Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. There is no charge for admission, but donations are welcome. Visit campgordonjohnston.com/ This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: St. Teresa Beach was Florida's training ground for D-Day a man in a blue flight jacket stands in front of a map of Earth Former NASA astronaut Scott Kelly is no stranger to the skies. Kelly, a four-time spaceflyer, one-time space shuttle pilot and three-time International Space Station commander, was a participant in the first public meeting of the NASA study group formed to examine data related to unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAP), a new term for sightings of objects or occurrences in the sky, underwater or in space that can't be immediately explained or identified. The meeting, held on Wednesday (May 31), saw experts from a wide variety of fields present both analyses of UAP sightings and proposals on how NASA and other government agencies might go about collecting better data to help shine a light on the UAP topic. At one point in the meeting, after remaining largely silent, Kelly, a former U.S. Navy captain, stood up to share a UAP experience he had while flying an F-14 Tomcat. "I remember one time I was flying in the warning areas off of the Virginia Beach military operating area there," Kelly said. "And my RIO [radar intercept officer] thought the guy that sits in the back of the Tomcat was convinced we flew by a UFO. So I didn't see it. We turned around and went to go look at it. "It turns out it was Bart Simpson, a balloon." Space.com spoke with Kelly following the meeting to ask more about what the former NASA astronaut and Navy fighter pilot thinks about the current buzz surrounding UFOs/UAP and what sightings might imply about the safety of our skies and the search for intelligent life. Related: UFOs will remain mysterious without better data, NASA study team says We asked Kelly what he thought about the numerous former pilots, intelligence officers and government advisors who have appeared on cable news programs and series in recent years claiming that the U.S. government is aware of objects or craft that defy conventional wisdom about aerodynamics, propulsion and physics. "What was it Carl Sagan said, 'extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence'? You know, they have every right to make extraordinary claims, but without the extraordinary evidence, they're just claims," Kelly said. "In a court of law, eyewitness testimony I'm not positive on this but that's considered evidence. In science, it's part of a hypothesis. It's like, 'Oh, we see this!' Let's go investigate it." Story continues Kelly said that the kinds of extraordinary claims associated with some of the reported UAP sightings popularized in the media in recent years, or mentioned at Wednesday's meeting, is largely due to the fact that when flying over water or in space, it can be difficult to gauge objects' speed and size due to the lack of reference points. "If you see something that you know is an airplane, and you know generally how big airplanes are, you can tell relative distance," Kelly said. "But when you have no reference points, whether it's in space, or flying over the water, it just is really an environment that's really prone to optical illusions." Kelly added that it's not just human eyeballs that are subject to misperceptions, but that many of the sensors aboard fighter jets and other aircraft have the same issues. two people seated at a table beneath a nasa logo Kelly gave an example from when he was flying space shuttles for NASA. During the first few days in orbit, chunks of ice would detach from the shuttle and float nearby. "And oftentimes, like you couldn't even tell what these because they're all different shapes you couldn't tell what that ice was and how far away it was. It could be two feet in front of you or, you know, or 50 miles. You don't know because you have no reference. Unless, of course, you knew specifically what something was." a man looks at a checklist in a cramped cockpit Another example Kelly brought up was a video published in a 2017 New York Times report , titled "GIMBAL," which reportedly showed an encounter between a U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jet and an unknown object in U.S. military airspace that appeared to rotate while hovering stationary in the air. Kelly, however, isn't convinced the video shows anything anomalous at all. "'GIMBAL,' it looks to me like the FLIR [(forward-looking infrared)] camera is just reaching its gimbal limit," Kelly said. (A gimbal is any kind of mount or support that allows an object, such as a camera, to rotate along an axis or multiple axes.) "And it's because it has gimbal limits. You know, it turns 360 degrees in one direction, or whatever the limits are, and it gets to that stop. It's got to turn back around the other way. Kind of what it looks like to me." Another video released by the Washington Post in 2018 just months after the New York Times report, known as "GOFAST," reportedly shows a recording taken by an F/A-18's sensors of an object appearing to soar over the ocean at an incredible speed. However, Joshua Semeter, director of Boston University's Center for Space Physics, presented an analysis of the video during Wednesday's meeting in which he argued that by applying "basic trigonometry" using the information in the video's overlay recorded by the jet, the "GOFAST" object is moving only 40 mph (64 kph). "This example also serves to illustrate the kinds of cognitive bias we have to contend with for UAPs recorded from unfamiliar perspectives," Semeter added. Despite the prosaic explanations for these videos offered by both Kelly and Semeter, time and time again, the three videos released between 2017 and 2018 are cited as evidence of advanced unidentified objects or craft operating in U.S. military airspace. This is despite the fact that a form filed in 2017 to request the public release of the videos notes that the videos' subject area is "UAV, Balloons, and other UAS" (uncrewed aerial vehicles/uncrewed aerial systems). a government form What has followed in the years since the videos' release has been nothing short of a media feeding frenzy that has pushed the topic of UFOs (or, lately, UAP) to the forefront of popular culture and even influenced U.S. government policy . As a result of this, and of the government's increased attention paid to UAP reports, sightings of unexplained objects or craft appear to be rapidly increasing , as documented by the " 2022 Annual Report on Unidentified Aerial Phenomena " published by the Pentagon's Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI). The document notes that the Pentagon's All-Domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) received 366 UAP reports in 2022 alone, many of them from U.S. military personnel. Kelly thinks one reason that UAP sightings seem to be on the rise is that the topic has become destigmatized, particularly in the military. The former astronaut said when he was flying fighter jets in the Navy, if a pilot returned to their carrier and said they thought they saw a UFO, then "Alien" would be their new callsign for the rest of their career. Today, it's much different, and pilots in the U.S. armed services now have formalized processes for reporting unexplained or unidentified phenomena or objects they might see in the air or water. "And I think people should report what they see because there are issues," Kelly said. "I'm not calling into question their integrity at all." Ultimately, though, Kelly believes that any explanation for unexplained things in the air should be grounded first and foremost in concrete evidence. "I am a person that lives in a world of science and facts and data," Kelly said. "And the most compelling, unclassified cases that we have really don't have any data. They're interesting interesting stories. I would like to believe they're true. But I can't until someone shows me the real evidence." Kelly added that "we're told the classified stuff really isn't any more compelling than the unclassified stuff," either, but that images of reported UAP captured by certain sensors cannot be divulged to the public in the name of national security, as the exact capabilities of those sensors remain undisclosed. The former astronaut said that in the absence of real data, he believes what many pilots are seeing likely have more prosaic explanations, such as balloons or drones. "You know, there are 800,000 registered drones in the United States. How many unregistered drones are there? I don't know how many, but probably a lot more than there are registered drones. So who knows if people, you know, are using these in ways that they're not supposed to?" Kelly added that he even has an unregistered drone, but only flies it on his own property to inspect solar panels on his home after hailstorms. Read more: Previous Chinese spy balloons over US were classified as UFOs: report a group of people in suits at a table under a nasa logo This insistence to rely on evidence and data does not necessarily make one an opponent of the UFO community or UAP disclosure movement, Kelly said. This largely online community of enthusiasts believes the U.S. government is in possession of withheld knowledge of UAP and their origins, whether technological, extraterrestrial or otherwise otherworldly. "The community of UFO enthusiasts think I'm somehow against them," Kelly said. "But I actually would think it would be one of the most incredible things if humans ever learned that we are not alone in this universe and that there is intelligent life that has the technology to surmount what we currently believe are the limitations of long-distance space travel because of the physics involved." The former space shuttle pilot directly addressed some of the common claims of the disclosure movement during Wednesday's meeting, namely that NASA routinely cuts camera feeds from the ISS whenever UAP appear or that the agency is hiding images of extraterrestrial technology. "In my 20 years at NASA, no one either officially or unofficially, in my recollection, ha[s] ever discussed or briefed us or had any kind of discussions about anything that would be considered a UAP or UFO or anything like that," Kelly said. RELATED STORIES: Pentagon has 'no credible evidence' of aliens or UFOs that defy physics NASA UFO study team includes former astronaut, scientists and more UFOs 101: Hype, uproar, disinformation and mystery: 'Here we are again.' Kelly acknowledged that those opinions might make him unpopular with the UFO community, and indeed, the division between UFO believers and skeptics was a common topic at Wednesday's meeting of NASA's UAP independent study group. Three different speakers at the meeting brought up the fact that group members have been subject to online harassment due to their involvement in the group and what some in the UFO/UAP community perceived as overly skeptical attitudes towards the topic. However, one thing the UAP/UFO community and the former astronaut have in common is the belief that whatever the explanation(s) for the phenomenon might be, the topic deserves serious scrutiny. "Because there is an issue," Kelly said. "I mean, we have stuff that's flying in our airspace that's supposed to be for mostly commercial air travel. And it shouldn't be there, or at least we should know what it is. So I do think it's worth the investigation." The all electric Volkswagen ID. Buzz is displayed at the New York International Auto Show in New York on April 5, 2023. | Craig Ruttle, Associated Press Ready for a modern twist on a groovy throwback? The new 2024 Volkswagen ID. Buzz will feature the nostalgia of the original hippie dream bus with a bit of an upgrade its electric. How better to embody true hippie nature than by upgrading an old classic to an EV? First debuting in Europe in 2022, a smaller version of the bus was available with five seats. This summer, the three-row, seven-seat version will debut in North America, reported Forbes Wheels. On Friday, the world premiere for the three-row version was livestreamed on YouTube from Huntington Beach, California the home of the original bus and commemorated the companys first International Volkswagen Bus Day. The first-ever International Volkswagen Bus Day The date, June 2, was specifically chosen to commemorate the original bus, type two, said Pablo Di Si, president and CEO of Volkswagen Group of America, at the event. Today we pass the torch onto the next generation. The ID. Buzz is the modern version of the Micro reimagined for the electric future. Practical, sustainable and packaged in a fun way of the modern Volkswagen, he told the crowd. Today we pass the torch onto the next generation. The ID. Buzz is the modern version of the Micro reimagined for the electric future. Practical, sustainable and packaged in a fun way of the modern Volkswagen, Pablo Di Si, President and CEO of Volkswagen Group of America, told the crowd. The company announced it is already looking for new ways to innovate and is working to be net-carbon-neutral by 2050. He also stated that the company has a goal to comply with the upcoming mandate to exclusively sell electric vehicles in the United States by 2035. What else can customers look forward to from the company? A Volkswagen camper is in the future, the company announced. When will the Volkswagen ID. Buzz be available? If you want to get your own electric bus, the company will start to take reservations soon, although an official date hasnt been released yet, Volkswagen has said. Otherwise, first glimpses at the models are expected to roll on U.S. streets in 2023, as 2024 models. Story continues How much will the Volkswagen ID. Buzz cost? When the smaller version of the bus was released in Europe, the price started at $68,000, reported Forbes. Pricing for the larger version hasnt been released yet but should come out at the end of 2023 or early 2024. What will the Volkwagen ID. Buzz range be? The electric bus range is expected to be around 260 miles, since it holds the same battery platform as Volkswagens upcoming ID.7 electric sedan model, per Forbes. What colors does the Volkswagen ID. Buzz come in? Forbes reported the North American version will have more color options compared to the European version. Cabana Blue, Metro Silver and Indium Grey will be added to the color line-up with the European colors of Energetic Orange, Pomelo Yellow and Mahi Green. Related 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. CAPITOL RIOT: David Moerschel, 45, a Florida man who stormed the U.S. Capitol with other members of the far-right Oath Keepers group, was sentenced Friday to three years in prison for seditious conspiracy and other charges in a historic string of sentences in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack. BORDER OPERATION: Panama launched a security operation along its shared border with Colombia on Friday to combat criminal gangs and migrant smugglers involved in record-setting migration through the perilous Darien Gap this year. HAITI: A federal judge in Miami sentenced Rodolphe Jaar, 51, a Haitian-Chilean businessman, to life in prison Friday for his role in helping Colombian mercenaries get weapons to assassinate Haitian President Jovenel Moise in 2021. An additional 10 defendants are awaiting trial in the United States. BORDER ASYLUM: U.S. authorities on Thursday expanded slots to seek asylum at land crossings with Mexico through a mobile app for the second time in less than a month, seeking to dispel doubts it isn't a viable option. There are now 1,250 appointments daily at eight land crossings, up from 1,000 previously and 740 in early May. TAIWAN: The United States signed a trade agreement Thursday with Taiwan over opposition from China, which claims the self-ruled island democracy as part of its territory. The two governments say the U.S.-Taiwan Initiative on 21st Century Trade will strengthen commercial relations by improving customs, investment and other regulation. MILLEY: French President Emmanuel Macron awarded France's highest medal of honor to the U.S. Joint Chiefs chairman, Gen. Mark Milley, on Friday for his role in coordinating support for Ukraine and for his more than 40-year military career spent in defense of democracy. Associated Press This is the chosen week for this type of work to be physically done there, as Monday was a holiday and there is minimal court activity for the rest of the week, Deputy York County Attorney Christopher Johnson told the commissioners during their regular meeting Tuesday morning. It will take the rest of the week before the office is 100% up and running, Johnson said. Everyone is currently working remotely. Zoning, for now . . . there is nowhere to take permits, but we will be physically back as soon as the work is completed. Right now, email is the best way to contact us. New Delhi: Mahindra Chairman, Anand Mahindra, has expressed his condolences for those who lost their lives in the deadly Odisha train accident. He urges that such accidents must not happen again and emphasizes that the scale of this tragedy demands the entire country to pause in silent reflection. Showing his sadness over the Odisha train crash accident that has so far killed over 250 passengers and injured seriously 900, Mahindra urged that we must get to the root cause of this tragedy. Whether human or technical error, neither shoud have resulted in such devastation. We need to re-look at our fail-safe mechanisms in railway operations, he added. A tragedy the scale of which requires the entire country to pause in silent reflection, in memory of those who have lost their lives. Om Shanti We cannot let such accidents happen again. We must get to the root cause of this tragedy. Whether human or technical error, neither https://t.co/fxs2k387YG anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) June 3, 2023 Odisha Train Accident The Odisha train crash stands out as the deadliest train accident in the world since 2004, with the death toll exceeding 200 lives in the Balasore district of Odisha. This catastrophic event has shaken the nation, prompting a collective realization of the need for urgent action to ensure the safety and security of railway passengers. Anand Mahindra's tweet serves as a reminder that tragedies like the Odisha train crash should serve as catalysts for change. It urges the nation to come together, grieve for the lives lost, and work collectively to prevent such accidents in the future. By addressing the root cause, conducting comprehensive investigations, and re-evaluating fail-safe mechanisms, India can strive to create a safer and more secure railway system for its citizens. Every year on June 5, World Environment Day is observed and as the name suggests, the day encourages awareness and action for the protection of the environment. Today, the world is facing many environmental concerns, several of them grave, and they require urgent addressing. Every year, a different theme is chosen for World Environment Day to draw attention to a different aspect of environmental concern. This year, the focus is on beating plastic pollution. World Environment Day 2023: History And Significance Following the discussions on the integration of human interactions and the environment, World Environment Day was established in 1972 by the United Nations at the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment. At the conference, it was discussed how international measures to address alarming environmental issues can be introduced. It was in 1974 that this day was celebrated for the first time. Some of the major environmental challenges the world is facing today include climate change, deforestation, pollution (including plastic pollution), biodiversity loss, and sustainable development. The significance of World Environment Day lies in the fact that it gives people from all walks of life - be it governments, businesses, non-governmental organizations, or the general public - an opportunity to take concrete steps to protect the environment. People are encouraged to live more sustainably by reducing waste, conserving energy, implementing eco-friendly practices, and supporting environmental causes. This is also a global forum where policy debates take place, knowledge is shared sharing, and initiatives for environmental issues are discussed and their implementation processes charted. World Environment Day 2023: Theme The 15th World Environment Day will once again focus on the plastic pollution crisis. From clothes, and packaging to beauty products and kitchen essentials, plastic pervades our everyday life, thanks to its affordability, durability, and flexibility. As United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) points out, plastic pollution chokes marine wildlife, damages soil and poisons groundwater, and can cause serious health impacts. According to the UNEP, humans produce more than 430 million tonnes of plastic per year. Two-thirds of these are short-lived products that soon become waste, filling the ocean and, often, working their way into the human food chain. On their website, Llorenc Mila i Canals, Head of the United Nations Environment Programmes (UNEPs) Life Cycle Initiative, is quoted as saying: "Many people arent aware that a material that is embedded in our daily life can have significant impacts not just on wildlife, but on the climate and on human health." New Delhi: In an important announcement, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially released the Admit Cards for the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) (UG) 2023. The upcoming examination is scheduled to take place on 05, 06, 07, and 08 June 2023. Thousands of candidates have been eagerly awaiting the release of the admit cards in preparation for the examination next week. With the release of the Admit Cards, approximately 173,908 candidates who are registered for the CUET (UG) - 2023 examination can now access their Admit Cards. CUET UG 2023 Admit Card: Steps To Download CUET Hall Ticket Step 1: Visit the official website- https://cuet.samarth.ac.in, Step 2: Click on "Download Admit Card" Tab. Step 3: Fill the necessary details including application number, DoB, and Security Pin. Step 4: Click on Download Admit Card after filling all details and take out a printout for exam hall. Candidates appearing on 05, 06, 07, and 08 June 2023 are advised to follow the Subject-Specific Instructions and other guidelines mentioned in the Question paper. Adhering to these instructions is essential for maintaining the integrity and fairness of the examination process. While the Admit Cards display the subjects for which candidates are scheduled, those with chosen mediums not visible in the Admit Card can expect the City Intimation Slip / Admit Card to be made available shortly. Additionally, candidates with examinations scheduled on 09, 10, and 11 June can anticipate the release of their City Intimation Slip / Admit Cards in due course. It is important for candidates to stay updated by regularly visiting the NTA websites, www.nta.ac.in and https://cuet.samarth.ac.in/, to access the latest information and updates related to the examination. Candidates are advised to regularly visit NTA website(s) www.nta.ac.in, and https://cuet.samarth.ac.in/ for the latest updates regarding the examination. The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati is set to hold the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Advanced on June 4. In order to accommodate candidates in the Persons with Disabilities (PWD) category or those with less than 40 percent disability, the institute will allow them to choose a scribe for the exam. Candidates who have registered and meet the eligibility criteria can select their scribe from the official website of JEE Advanced: https://jeeadv.ac.in/. It is important to note that personal scribes will not be permitted for the examination. On June 3, applicants are allowed to meet the scribe in the presence of IIT representatives, the test centre administrator, and an invigilator. Following this meeting, the candidate can choose a suitable scribe for the test. According to the information brochure for the exam, the assigned scribe will solely read the JEE Advanced question paper to the candidate and write their answer. They are not allowed to provide any explanations or recommend answers to the applicant. Visually impaired candidates, those with severe dyslexia, and individuals with upper limb disabilities are eligible to opt for a scribe during the examination. Candidates with disabilities of less than 40 percent are also entitled to a scribe. The scribes themselves must be Class XI students from the science stream with Mathematics as one of their courses. The JEE Advanced exam is scheduled for June 4 and consists of two papers. The first paper will be conducted from 9 am to 12 noon, while the second paper will take place from 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm. The results will be announced on June 18. Once the results are declared, the category-wise All India Ranks (AIR) of successful applicants will be published on the JEE (Advanced) online portal. Candidates will also receive text messages on their registered mobile phone numbers. IITs provide admission to undergraduate programmes leading to a Bachelor, Integrated Master, or Bachelor-Master Dual Degree in Engineering, Sciences, or Architecture through JEE (Advanced). Candidates participating in dual degree programmes are awarded both Bachelors's and Masters degrees upon successful completion of the course curriculum requirements. The performance of the candidates in the exam will determine their admission into Bachelors, Integrated Masters and Dual Degree Programmes. New Delhi: Former Delhi Deputy Chief Minsiter and AAP leader Manish Sisodia on Saturday arrived at his residence in the national capital after Delhi High Court allowed him to meet his ailing wife. Delhi High Court yesterday allowed Sisodia to meet his ailing wife from 10 am to 5 pm today. The court said that Sisodia will be in police custody during the meeting, Sisodia had earlier moved an interim bail citing his wife's illness. Granting bail to the AAP leader a bench of Justice Dinesh Kumar Sharma said that he (Manish Sisodia) shall not interact with media, use a mobile phone or access the internet. "The court further directed that the medical report be verified and the medical report of Sisodia's wife be furnished by tomorrow evening positively. The Court in order further added that Sisodia will not meet anyone except family members during this period. Sisodia's legal team also moved an interim bail plea in Delhi High Court citing his wife's medical illness. The interim bail is seeking court direction to grant six weeks of bail. The ED on March 9 arrested former Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia in the liquor policy case, after hours of questioning at Tihar Jail. Sisodia was arrested by the CBI earlier in its ongoing investigation of a case related to alleged irregularities in the framing and implementation of the excise policy of the National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD). The City of Fremont was not awarded a critical $1.125 million grant from the State of Nebraska which would have helped fund more than 10% of the costs of renovations and expansions at Keene Memorial Library. Following a tip from several sources, the Tribune made a public records request for any communications from the Nebraska Department of Economic Development to the citys grant coordinator, Angie Olson. Among the documents provided to the Tribune in response to the request was an email from Susan Nickerson, Civic and Community Center Financing Fund program coordinator for the state DED, dated March 31, 2023, informing city officials that their grant application for the library expansion project had been rejected. Your application was not accepted for an award, Nickerson wrote to the city. A committee reviewed 42 applications amounting to over $16.4 million in requested aid. This was a highly competitive application cycle. Many worthy projects could not receive CCCFF aid this year, including yours. Olson forwarded that email to numerous library and city officials, writing that the decision to reject the citys application was, a real bummer. The state awarded CCCFF capital project grants totaling about $4 million, to the cities of Bassett, Imperial, McCook, Waverly, Wayne and Wood River, with each receiving $562,000. The Keene library opened at its current location in 1971, but more than 50 years of use, wear and tear and natural aging of the facility prompted the city to embark on an ambitious renovation and expansion project. The goal of the project including preserving the historical quality of the building while also almost doubling the usable space. Improved Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility, updated technology infrastructure and a dedicated computer lab were also planned. The estimated $9.4 million project was designed by Spangenberg Phillips Tice (SPT) Architects of Wichita and is being constructed by MCL Construction of Omaha. Keene Memorial Library Director Laura England-Biggs said on Tuesday, May 30, that the city had requested $1.125 million in grant funding in their seven-part application to the state for the CCCFF funds. England-Biggs said the rejection of their funding request was, very disappointing. It sets us back, but we are continuing to do what we need to do, she said in regard to the ongoing construction at the library site. (The state) had more requests than they had funds. I believe that is the reason why we were not selected. The library expansion has an estimated price tag of $9.4 million. In January, England-Biggs sent an email to several city officials and Keene Memorial Library Advisory Board President Linda McClain with a pie-chart showing that $7,624,048 in funds had been secured. Of those funds, $2,394,500 was listed as being derived from private/foundation grants. It is not known whether or not the CCCFF grant was part of that total. England-Biggs said the rejected grant funds create a problem with the funding of the library expansion, and said she, library board members and city officials are working on ideas to find and secure the $1.125 million they had asked for in the grant but did not receive. We are not sure yet how we will make up the difference, she said. Library officials have worried about project funding The application for the CCCFF grant submitted by the city to the state in mid-February included seven documents, one of which was described as Readiness and Local Public Support of the citys library. The full application was discussed and formulated over at least four meetings from Jan. 20 through Feb. 15. Other application files included explanations of the library project the citys comprehensive plan as well as Visitor Impact and Resident Impact analyses and a Project Planning explanation. Prior to submitting the grant application, on Feb. 9, 2023, Olson wrote to England-Biggs, McClain and other city officials that the Readiness and Local Support document needed to be, revisited before the application was submitted six days later. Olson also told the group that as part of the Readiness and Local Support document, she needed letters of support from the community, which were described as needing to be, quality letters that support the project, from community members and others. While England-Biggs said she did not know any specific reason why the citys grant was rejected, in January, concerns were voiced among city and library officials about the effect of the controversy over sexual education and LGBTQ-themed books in the library on library expansion project fundraising, according to emails obtained by the Fremont Tribune at the time. As part of news coverage of the book removal efforts led by local activist Sandra Murray, the Tribune had made a public records request to the city seeking communications about the book banning effort between city and library officials. In response to the request, city officials provided the Tribune with dozens of pages of documents which detail various aspects of the response to the book controversy. In an email three days after Murrays first complaints about books at the Dec. 27 city council meeting, Keene Memorial Library Advisory Board President Linda McClain wrote to two library researchers who were working on an article for Public Libraries Magazine. McClain told the duo that she and England-Biggs had raised almost $4 million for the library expansion project themselves. I dont know what the future holds in regard to this recent (book) challenge. Am I looking forward to it? No, McClain wrote. I hate that this issue will take away from all of the momentum and positive energy weve created around our library recently. In a telephone interview in January, Murray said she believed many donors to the library expansion project were unaware of what she calls sexually explicit and inappropriate adult and LGBTQ+ books available in the library. Murray said donors need to be aware of what they are giving money to. Our biggest thing is we want the community to realize what is in their library. Especially the people who donate to (the library) and do not realize what they are donating to, Murray said. They are big donors. England-Biggs said in a January interview she was unaware of attempts to affect potential library donors or supporters, but noted that fundraising is always a concern. I am worried about fundraising all of the time, I dont know if I am worried about this (book issue) affecting it, she said. $2 million library bond funds almost used up During the May 30 meeting of the Fremont City Council, Ward 2 Council Member Glen Ellis and Ward 1 Council Member Paul Von Behren asked City Administrator Jody Sanders for an update on the status of the library construction funds in light of the loss of the grant. With us missing out on the grant, Im not clear where we are with the funding, Von Behren said. Are there outstanding items? Sanders told the council that current construction costs were being paid out of the $2 million library bond, however she noted that were getting close to (having spent) that $2 million, on the contract. The construction on library is in the middle stages of what was expected to be 14 months of work, which has a projected completion date of late November 2023. The groundbreaking for the construction was hosted on Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2022. The renovation and expansion project is being partly funded by donations from the public, a $2 million city bond; grant monies and other sources of revenue such as used book sales from the Friends of Keene Memorial Library. The renovated and expanded library will have designated areas for adults, teens and children, expanded community meeting room space and an outdoor courtyard. It is scheduled to reopen in late November barring any delays in construction. Odisha Train Accident: Mamata Banerjee, the chief minister of Bengal, is currently at the scene of the train accident in Baleshwar, Odisha. Mamata flew out of Dumurjala in Howrah on Saturday morning. On Friday night, Mamata tweeted her sympathies, "On Friday evening, a Shalimar-Karamandal Express carrying passengers from West Bengal collided with a goods train near Baleswar. Many of the injuries were severe. For passengers from our state, we are in contact with the South Eastern Railway and the government of Odisha. In case of an emergency, the control room has also been opened." The Bengal CM expressed her sorrow over the sad tragedy where three trains derailed one on top of the other in a horrifying sequence, killing at least 233 people and wounding more than 900 in Odisha's Balasore district. The Bengal CM kept an eye on the situation from her Kalighat residence for nearly the entire night. She is really concerned and has reached Balasore today to assess the situation. In this context, she has also spoken with Naveen Patnaik, the chief minister of Odisha. The team that she sent to Balasore last night was in contact with her. The Bengal CM has pledged to offer the Odisha government every kind of help with the rescue efforts and medical care for the injured. Delegation Of Mamata Government Late on Friday night, a delegation led by West Bengal Minister Manas Bhuniya and Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha MP Dola Sen arrived at the scene of the train disaster. Two emergency phone numbers, 033-22143526 and 22535185, have been activated by the West Bengal government as of Friday night. PM Modi To Visit Accident Site Following the devastating rail tragedy that claimed over 300 lives, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to Odisha today, according to government sources. He will proceed to the accident scene in Balasore before going to the hospital in Cuttack, according to what they said. In order to examine the situation in relation to the rail tragedy, PM Modi has also called a meeting. The South Eastern Circle commissioner of railway safety is leading a thorough inquiry into the train collision that occurred in Odisha at the same time. Such accidents are examined and scrutinized by the commissioner of railway safety, who works under the Ministry of Civil Aviation. Cause Of Accident The "Kavach" anti-train collision system was not installed on the route where the terrible accident took place, according to the national railway authority. The Shalimar-Chennai Central Coromandel Express, the Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express, and a cargo train were all involved in the catastrophe, which claimed approximately 300 lives and injured over 1000 others. Although the precise reason for the disaster is yet unknown, sources have speculated that a signaling malfunction may have occurred. Preventive Measures The installation of "Kavach," a preventive system created to prevent train crashes, is now being carried out by the railway authorities throughout the network. When a train operator disregards a signal (sometimes referred to as "Signal Passed at Danger" or "SPAD"), which is a major factor in train accidents, Kavach activates as an alert mechanism. If it detects another train on the same track within a certain distance, the system has the potential to immediately alert the train operator, take over control of the brakes, and automatically stop the train. Senior officers from the Railway Board, zonal railways, and divisions were directed to conduct a "thorough review of the working practices" while visiting various sections, crew lounges, maintenance facilities, work sites, etc. to ensure that the safe operational and maintenance procedures recommended to prevent accidents or unusual incidents were being followed. Prime Minister Narendra Modi today convened a meeting to review the situation in the wake of the fatal triple train accident in Odisha's Balasore. According to the reports, PM Modi is monitoring the situation closely while Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishanw has already visited the accident site to take stock of the relief and rescue operations. Prime Minister's Office today informed that PM Narendra Modi will go to Odisha where he will first visit the site of the accident in Balasore and then the hospital in Cuttack where injured are being treated. The railways minister has already ordered a high-level probe into the accident that has claimed around 288 lives so far while over 900 are said to be injured. Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik also visited the accident site to take stock of the situation. The accident took place around 7.20 pm yesterday when Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express derailed and fell on the adjacent track on which the Shalimar-Chennai Central Coromandel Express was running. This led to the collision and derailment of the Coromandel Express which further hit a freight train on the third track. Officials in Bhubaneswar said 200 ambulances, 50 buses and 45 mobile health units, besides 1,200 personnel, are working at the accident site. The rescue operations are still underway. Odisha CM Patnaik has also declared one-day state mourning for today in the wake of the train accident. Indian Railways has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh for the next of kin of the deceased, Rs 2 lakh for those grievously injured and Rs 50,000 for people with minor injuries. PM Narendra Modi also expressed his distress on the accident and announced an additional ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the next of kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured from the PM's National Relief Fund (PMNRF). Amitabh Sharma, Executive Director, Information Publication Railway Board, said that over 100 people have claimed ex-gratia payments so far. "Counters for the same have been set up at three places-Balasore, Soro and Bahanaga Bazar...As of now 48 trains cancelled, 39 diverted and 10 short-terminated," he said. The Odisha government issued helpline 06782-262286. The railway helplines are 033-26382217 (Howrah), 8972073925 (Kharagpur), 8249591559 (Balasore) and 044- 25330952 (Chennai). The world woke up to the tragic news of the Odisha triple train accident in which around 288 people lost their lives while over 900 got injured. While the rescue and relief operations are underway, world leaders have expressed their grief on the loss of lives. Prime Ministers of Canada and Japan, Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen and other leaders joined the world in expressing their condolences. Japanese PM Fumio Kishida in his condolence message to PM Modi said, "I am deeply saddened by the news of the loss of many precious lives and the injuries in the train accident in the State of Odisha. On behalf of the Government of Japan and people, I would like to express our heartfelt condolences to those who lost their lives and their bereaved families. I also pray for the speedy recovery of those who were injured." We share the grief of those who lost their loved ones in this tragic accident and wish a speedy recovery for those injured," said Russia President Vladimir Putin in his message. UN General Assembly President Csaba Korosi expressed his deepest condolence to the families. "I'm deeply saddened to hear the news of the train crash in Odisha, India. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families and with the emergency services. Heartfelt condolences to the people and the Government of India," Korosi tweeted. UK's Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said, "Tragic news of the train crash in India. My heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims. My thought are with the survivors and emergency services." Denis Alipov, Russian Ambassador to India, said, "Deepest condolences to the families of the victims of the tragic train derailment in Odisha. Speedy recovery to the injured." Australia's Minister of Foreign Affairs Penny Wong said that her thoughts are with the people of India. "We send our deepest sympathies following the devastating train crash in India's eastern Odisha state. Our thoughts are also with the many injured, and with the emergency personnel working to assist them," said Wong. Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Ali Sabry said, "Deeply saddened to learn of the tragic train accident in Odisha. My thoughts & prayers are with the families of the victims & those injured. I hope for a speedy recovery for all those affected. Sri Lanka stands with India in this time of grief." Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen stated, "Praying for everyone affected by the train accident in India. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the victims and their families, and hope that rescue operations can save all those in need." Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau said, "The images and reports of the train crash in Odisha, India break my heart. Im sending my deepest condolences to those who lost loved ones, and Im keeping the injured in my thoughts. At this difficult time, Canadians are standing with the people of India." On Friday, in one of the worst railway disasters in India, three trains (two express trains and one freight train) collided following the derailment of one of the two express trains in a horrific sequence in Odisha's Balasore district, setting off a massive rescue and evacuation process. The accident has killed at least 288 people and injured more than 900 others. New Delhi: B-town's one of the most adored couples, Sidharth Malhotra and Kiara Advani, steal attention every time they step out in city. On Friday night, the duo went on a dinner date in Mumbai. Their close friends joined them. A picture from their latest outing has been doing the rounds on the internet. In the image, Kiara and Sidharth are looking stylish as they pose together at a restaurant. The 'Student of the Year' star is seen sporting a denim shirt paired with oversized grey pants. On the other hand, Kiara opted for shiny pink shorts that she paired with a matching blazer. The duo recently returned to India after vacationing in Japan. Sidharth and Kiara tied the knot in an intimate ceremony on February 7 at Suryagarh Palace in Rajasthan. They hosted a reception in Delhi for their close friends and later in Mumbai. Karan Johar, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Alia Bhatt, Kajol, Gauri Khan, Sanjay Leela Bhansali and many more celebs attended the grand reception. They apparently fell in love while shooting for 'Shershaah', which was released in 2021. Meanwhile, on the work front, Sidharth will be seen in his upcoming film 'Yodha'. Apart from that, he will also be making his digital debut with the upcoming web series 'Indian Police Force'. Helmed by Rohit Shetty, the series also stars Vivek Oberoi and Shilpa Shetty in pivotal roles and will stream exclusively on the OTT platform Amazon Prime Video. On the other hand, Kiara will be seen in the upcoming film 'Satyaprem Ki Katha'. She also has 'Game Changer' alongside 'RRR' actor Ram Charan in her kitty. New Delhi: British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is considering a London-based global artificial intelligence (AI) watchdog to oversee any threats posed by the fast-growing technology, according to a UK media report on Saturday. Sunak will discuss ways to cooperate on monitoring AI when he meets US President Joe Biden at the White House next week, according to The Times'. Among the ideas under consideration in Downing Street is setting up a global AI authority in London, modelled on the Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The IAEA, founded in 1957 with 176 countries including India as members, monitors the use of nuclear energy, promotes safe standards, and checks that it is not used for military purposes. A British minister told the newspaper that the UK would be the best place in the world for any new body because many leading companies already have a strong presence here. Though plans are at an early stage, if Sunak pushes ahead, the UK government could seek to recruit rapidly to get the authority up and running. The Prime Minister is very alive to the need for international alignment on the approach to AI as the technology evolves to ensure we can benefit from the opportunities but manage the risks, a government source was quoted as saying by The Times'. The possibility of Sunak creating a regulator comes as the European Union (EU) is refining its Artificial Intelligence Act, which is expected to take a hard line on oversight of the sector. The US is also considering how to regulate but is expected to be less severe, as the world grapples with concerns about the safety of AI technology. A Nepali Sherpa is receiving widespread acclaim for his remarkable and nearly impossible feat, as he successfully accomplished a daring rescue mission in the treacherous death zone of Mount Everest. Gelje Sherpa, a courageous 36-year-old, was guiding a client toward the summit on the morning of May 18, 2023, when he spotted a stranded Malaysian climber. The climber was desperately clinging to a rope, isolated and trembling from the bitter cold in an area known as the death zone, situated above 26,247 feet (8,000 metres). Without hesitation, Gelje made the decision to abandon his own summit push and prioritised bringing the climber safely back to the camp. Displaying incredible strength and endurance, Gelje carried the exhausted climber on his back for nearly six hours, finally getting him some much-needed medical attention. Gelje's heroic act has garnered immense admiration and praise. Sharing the video of the entire incident on his Instagram handle, Gelje divulged details about the rescue, adding that the man is alive and recovering in the hospital. At the Balcony during our summit push around 8,300m I saw someone in danger. A man who needed rescuing and no one else was helping. I made the decision to cancel our client's summit push so that I could bring him down to safety before he died up there alone. I carried him myself all the way down to Camp 4 where a rescue team helped from then on. I will be back up the mountain soon after regaining energy from a huge task but I am so happy to say he is alive and recovering in hospital," he wrote in the post. The video was also shared by the official Twitter handle of Everest. Hailing Gelje's heroic display of strength and endurance, it wrote, "Kudos to Gelje Sherpa for his heroic act! When faced with a choice between personal glory and a fellow climber's safety, he unhesitatingly rescued the Malaysian climber from the treacherous height of #Everest near Balcony (~8300 m). His act of courage shines as bright as the Himalayan sun. The sherpa is also receiving immense appreciation on the internet, with people lauding his gesture and unbelievable endurance. One user wrote, Sherpas are superHuman", while another commented, "Salute to the real life hero." "Thats insane. Its bad enough just to walk on your own but to carry someone else at that clip of speed. Wow," a third user said. It's been months since the release of the film RRR and its chart-topping track Naatu Naatu, yet the frenzy among fans shows no signs of waning. The song, which has already amassed a multitude of accolades, including an Oscar, has truly captivated a global audience. It's no wonder that videos of people grooving to this infectious dance number continue to inundate the internet. One particular video has recently emerged, and it has taken the online world by storm. This time, the setting is war-torn Ukraine, where a group of Ukrainian soldiers joined in on the Naatu Naatu craze. In an awe-inspiring display of their spirit, these soldiers filmed a parody video of the song, incorporating its catchy music and iconic hook line. The video was shared on Twitter by Ukrainian politician Jane Fedotova, who wrote, The military from Mykolaiv filmed a parody of the song #NaatuNaatu from the movie "RRR", the main soundtrack of which won an Oscar this year. In the original scene, the main characters express their protest against the British officer (colonizer) for not allowing them to meet with a song." Fedotova also noted that while the original song is against colonisation, the Ukrainian version is against the Russian Federation. In the two-minute-long clip, the soldiers recreated the entire song, as pictured originally in the film, but with a twist. In the original song, the lead actors expressed their discontent with a British officer who denied their request to gather and express their thoughts through music. In this rendition, the Ukrainian military showcases their distinct interpretation by using the song as a powerful means to protest against Russia. Watch: The original Naatu Naatu song from the film was filmed in Ukraine outside the official residence of Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, months before Russia launched an attack. In the meantime, the video has gained a lot of attention on the internet from fans, social media users, and also from team RRR. The video was retweeted by the official Twitter handle of 'RRR'. Fans also took to the comment section and praised the soldiers' performance. A user wrote, "I hope Ukraine wins the war and emerges as a prosperous country", while another added, "Will be forever grateful for allowing an Indian film crew to dance and record at the Kyiv presidential palace." "That's amazing to see the soldiers from Mykolaiv creating a parody of the song #NaatuNaatu from the Indian film "RRR." It's interesting how they express their side through music. Wishing Ukraine success in their cause. I stand with the right side. Best of luck!", read another comment. From a surge in airfares to rattled aircraft lessors to thousands of employees staring at uncertainty, it has been a month of continued turbulence since cash-strapped Go First suspended flights from May 3. As the government and other stakeholders hope that Go First restarts operations at the earliest, plans are being worked out for the budget airline's revival. A section of Go First staff are optimistic about restarting of operations, another section are pessimistic about the airline's future course considering what had happened to erstwhile Kingfisher Airlines and Jet Airways, according to employees who spoke to PTI. Earlier this week, senior executives of Go First discussed the revival plans with senior officials of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Apart from the uncertainty staring at more than 7,000 Go First staff, a significant fallout is the spike in air ticket prices on certain routes that used to be serviced by the airline, which was operating around 170-180 flights daily. The crisis at Go First, having its roots in non-availability of Pratt & Whitney engines resulting in grounding of more than half of its operational A320 neo fleet, reached a flash point as the promoters of the carrier decided to suspend flights and sought voluntary insolvency resolution proceedings on May 2. The airline has not flown since May 3 and its petition for the insolvency proceedings was admitted by the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) on May 10. Also, many lessors who have leased planes to the no-frills carrier have challenged the insolvency proceedings as they seek to exercise their rights to take back the aircraft despite the moratorium on the carrier's financial obligations and transfer of assets. Travel portal Cleartrip's Vice President - Air Category - Gaurav Patwari said the significant capacity reduction due to Go First being non-operational has contributed to the spike in airfares. "There is a sharp spike in fares especially for travel within D15 which can be attributed to the ongoing Go First issue. The fares within D15 travel have increased by 22 per cent and at the aggregate level up by more than 20 per cent over April for domestic travel," he said. Generally, D15 refers to booking 15 days before travel. "The spot fares in May have risen significantly versus April primarily due to peak season demand and a reduction in capacity due to the grounding of Go First, thereby creating an imbalance in demand and supply. The fares in D0 to 1 window are up by 40 per cent. We expect the current scenario to continue till mid of June," he said. Amid a spike in airfares on certain routes, the civil aviation ministry is doing an analysis of the routes that have been affected by the suspension of flights by Go First. On Thursday, Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said there is an unusual situation due to the Go First crisis and an excess demand on routes that the airline had been operating. In a reflection of the imbalance between demand and supply, airfares on certain domestic routes are much higher than flights to destinations like Maldives and Dubai. "Fares for Leh and Dehradun are currently 30 per cent higher compared to the fares for destinations like Maldives and Dubai. Average fares for Maldives and Dubai are Rs 11,000 whereas for Leh/Dehradun have gone up to Rs 14,200," Patwari said. Meanwhile, with many pilots at the now grounded Go First looking for other opportunities, the airline, in May, offered its captains Rs 1 lakh per month as "retention allowance", in addition to their salary. First officers will get a retention allowance of Rs 50,000. On May 30, Go First announced extending the cancellation of flights till June 4 due to operational reasons. Initially, the flights were suspended for three days till May 5 and subsequently, the suspension has been extended multiple times. According to Patwari, the domestic demand has been robust this summer with daily flown passenger consistently hitting above 4.20 lakh. Consumer sentiment is strong and leisure & VFR (Visiting Friends and Relatives) travel are at an all-time high. Go First had been flying for more than 17 years. New Delhi: Former Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia arrived at his residence from the Tihar jail on Saturday, after getting interim relief to meet his ailing wife, who was taken to a hospital after her health deteriorated prior to the AAP leader's arrival. According to AAP sources, Sisodia's wife Seema was hospitalised as she felt unwell. She is suffering from multiple sclerosis and was hospitalised last month as well. "She was taken to the emergency ward of LNJP Hospital. Sisodia reached AB-17, Mathura Road, to meet his ailing wife at 9.38 am in a prison van. He was taken inside the house amid tight security. "But he could not meet his wife as her health deteriorated and she had to be hospitalised," a party source said. The Delhi High Court on Friday allowed the AAP leader, arrested in cases related to alleged irregularities in the city government's excise policy, to meet his ailing wife at his residence. Also Read: Delhi HC Denies Bail To Sisodia, Says Allegations Against Him Are 'Very Serious' Justice Dinesh Kumar Sharma directed the Tihar jail superintendent to take Sisodia to his residence where he has been allowed to meet his wife from 10 am to 5 pm. A senior jail official said Sisodia was taken to his residence around 9 am under security cover. He will have to report back at 5 pm. Also Read: Delhi Excise Policy Case: Manish Sisodia To Move SC After High Court Rejects His Bail Plea Sisodia was arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on February 26 for his alleged role in the scam and has been in custody since. The high court denied him bail in the CBI case on May 30. He was arrested on March 9 in the case lodged by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and is currently in judicial custody. The high court made it clear that Sisodia shall not interact with the media or any other person except his family members, and also not access phone or the Internet. WASHINGTON: US Congress leaders have invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address a joint meeting of lawmakers during his upcoming state visit in June, setting him up to become the first Indian leader to this rare honor Washington D.C. affords to foreign leaders. There is however, no word yet from New Delhi if the Prime Minister has accepted the invitation. "During your address, you will have the opportunity to share your vision for India`s future and speak to the global challenges our countries both face," House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries jointly wrote in a letter to Modi on Friday. This is a bipartisan invitation that underscores the bipartisan support enjoyed by US ties with India, transcending the parties in power on both sides or the occupants of 7 Race Course and the White House. Prime Minister Modi is coming to the US for his first state visit on June 22 at the invitation of President Joe Biden, with a state dinner, which is being accorded to an Indian leader after 14 years. Then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was the last, hosted by former President Barack Obama in 2009. But Modi will have the singular honor for an Indian Prime Minister to address the US Congress twice. His first was in 2016, and that speech is remembered for a formulation that he had used to describe the arduous journey taken by the bilateral relationship: it had "overcome the hesitations of history". In 2016, Modi became the sixth Indian Prime Minister to address Congress, jointly or separately: Jawaharlal Nehru was the the first, addressing the House and Senate separately in 1949, Rajiv Gandhi became the second in 1985, P.V. Narasimha Rao became the third in 1994, Atal Bihari Vajpayee the fourth in 2000 and Manmohan Singh the fifth in 2005. Modi could now become both the sixth and seventh Indian Prime Minister to speak to Congress, and the first to do so twice. This invitation to Modi was initiated by two members of the House of Representatives who head the India Caucus -- Ro Khanna, a Democrat, and Micheal Waltz, a Republican. They first indicated they were planning to ask Speaker McCarthy to invite Modi at an India summit they hosted on Capitol Hill in April for lawmakers, policy experts and Indian American community leaders to talk about the future of the India-US relationship. They wrote to Speaker McCarthy last week requesting him to invite Prime Minister Modi, and the four congressional leaders, representing both the Democratic and Republican parties, took it up. NE Chamber President Bryan Slone has welcomed Tara Lea to the NE Chamber Foundation team. Lea, who recently served as president/CEO of the Fremont Area Chamber of Commerce, a 600-member organization, a 600-member organization, will serve as Director of the Leadership Nebraska program. Leadership Nebraska was founded in 2006 to identify current and emerging leaders throughout the state, enhance their leadership skills and deepen their knowledge of the challenges and opportunities facing Nebraska. Tara has a strong passion for her state, its communities and the sectors and businesses that fuel local jobs and economies, Slone said in a media release. Her own leadership development path and experiences make her an excellent host for others on their unique leadership journeys. Lea is a native of Hooper. Prior to serving as president/CEO of the Fremont Area Chamber of Commerce, Lea spent four years as the president of the Ralston Area Chamber of Commerce. Lea has served on the board and is a past chair of the NE Chambers Association and the Mid-America Chamber Executives organization. She graduated from the U.S. Chamber Institute for Organizational Management program in 2021 and is a Leadership Nebraska class VII graduate. Lea earned her bachelor of journalism in broadcasting and her master of science in educational leadership from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She lives in Omaha with her husband and their son, Preston, and daughter, London. Leadership Nebraska is the NE Chamber Foundations cornerstone program. The NE Chamber Foundation is focused on meeting the needs of current business, community and state leaders, as well as equipping Nebraskas next generation of leaders. The NE Chamber is the largest, statewide business association, serving its members since 1912. It is where members of the business community gather to help make Nebraska the best place to own, operate and grow a business. Focused on delivering economic and workforce growth and a competitive business climate, members also gain a network of experienced, connected business leaders across the state. NEW DELHI: Clearing the air on speculations around quitting politics, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has said that he has no such plans, while asserting confidently that despite the Opposition`s attempts to corner the Narendra Modi-led government over a number of issues, it will come to power for the third time in 2024 on the plank of positive agenda and developmental works under the leadership of PM Modi. During an interaction with IANS, Gadkari spoke on a range of issues, including the functioning of the government, accusations levelled by the Opposition and speculations suggesting that he might quit politics. Here are the excerpts: Q: The NDA has completed nine years at the Centre. A special campaign is being carried out across the country on this occasion while also listing the achievements of the government. However, the opposition parties, especially the Congress, have been quite critical of the government`s functioning... Gadkari: We are celebrating Amrit Mahotsav on the occasion of the 75th year of the country`s Independence. Of these 75 years, Congress got the opportunity to work for almost 60 years. But we can say that whatever the Congress could not do in 60 years, we have done more than that in nine years. India is a rapidly progressing major economy. In the coming days, India will become a `super economy` of $5 trillion. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s leadership, India will become `Vishwaguru`. We are getting good results and will achieve success in the coming times as well. Q: But the Opposition has been accusing your government of choking democracy, putting pressure on the Constitutional bodies, and Rahul Gandhi is even accusing your government of doing phone-tapping... Gadkari: The Opposition parties have been talking like that just to play its role of being in the Opposition. We will, however, reach out to the people on the strength of our positive work, and seek their support. People can see the development that`s taking place. Highways are being constructed, world-class railway stations and new airports are coming up. Industries are setting up business, and exports are increasing. If we look at the government programmes, every single individual will benefit in some way or the other. Hence, I believe that we will receive the support of the people, and in 2024, our government will get re-elected. Q: The opposition parties are also busy forming fronts against your government for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls... Gadkari: In politics, two plus two is never four. We are confident that we will put up a good performance on the basis of our work under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. People will elect us once again for the sake of the country`s development. Q: What`s the biggest achievement of your Ministry according to you? Gadkari: When I became the Minister in 2014, around 1 crore people were engaged in transporting (carrying) people. Then I brought e-rickshaws into the picture, and today, I can say that the practice of humans transporting humans has almost ended. In fact, today, even specially-abled persons and women are operating e-rickshaws. Around 1.5 crore got employment due to this, and the pollution level has also reduced. This is an affordable option for the under-privileged as four persons can travel together at the same time on an e-rickshaw. I got roads, highways and tunnels constructed, and I consider all these works as my as well as the government`s biggest achievement. Underlining that he believes in the `politics of service more than the `politics of power`, Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari refuted speculations suggesting that he is planning to quit politics, while stating that he is not upset with the BJP`s decision to not include him in the party`s Parliamentary Board. Q: Some of your statements have been in the headlines for the last few months. There were also talks that you would be hanging boots, and won`t contest the next election. Is there any truth in them? Gadkari: I have said that serving the society is politics, and politics is not just about power. Politics means social work, and working for the nation as well as carrying out developmental work. It`s about working for the villages, the under-privileged, the labourers and the Dalits. We need to re-define the meaning of politics and take it to the people. When I spoke about this, some people wrote that I was about to quit politics, whereas I did not say anything at all about contesting polls. I just said that I am more interested in the `politics of service` than the `politics of power`. However, some people wrongly interpreted that. Patna: Former Union Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav on Saturday called for a high-level inquiry into the train crash in Odisha's Balasore in which at least 261 people were killed in an accident involving three trains. Alleging negligence, in an apparent reference to the BJP-led Central Government, without naming them, Yadav said, "The manner in which they showed negligence and didn't show alertness led to such a large number of casualties". "There should be a high-level inquiry and action should be taken against those responsible for it...There was major negligence. They have destroyed Railways," the RJD chief said. According to Railways, the three-way accident on Friday evening led to 261 deaths. The injured have been taken to the Hospitals of Gopalpur, Khantapara, Balasore, Bhadrak and Soro. Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting over the Odisha train accident in the national capital. The scale of the accident was evident from the visuals of the accident site with some bogeys thrown wide off from the track, crushed or in mangled condition and belongings of passengers strewn around. According to a preliminary report released on Saturday by the State Emergency Operation Centre of Odisha's Special Relief Commissioner in Bhubaneswar, the accident took place at around 7 pm at Bahanaga Bazar Station in Odisha's Balasore district. Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said that the rescue operation has been completed and restoration work has started. "The rescue operation has been completed and restoration work has started. We will thoroughly investigate this incident and will ensure such incidents don't happen in future," he said. Odisha has declared a day of mourning in the wake of the accident. PM Narendra Modi today said that Odisha's 'triple-train' accident is a "serious incident" and the culprits of the incident will be given stern punishment. The Prime Minister, speaking to media moments after taking a stock of the situation in Balasore, said that his government will provide every possible help to the victims and their families. "It's a painful incident. Government will leave no stone unturned for the treatment of those injured," PM Narendra Modi said. "It's a serious incident, instructions issued for probe from every angle. Those found guilty will be punished stringently. Railway is working towards track restoration. I met the injured victims," the Prime Minister added. Earlier, PM Narendra Modi had inspected the triple train accident site at Bahanaga in Odisha's Balasore district to take stock of relief operations. He was accompanied by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, and Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and was briefed on the situation by both Vaishnaw as well as officers of the disaster management team which worked overnight to rescue people at the disaster site where at least 261 people have died and 900 more injured. The Prime Minister spoke to the Cabinet Secretary and Health Minister from the site. He asked them to ensure all help needed is provided to the injured and their families, said officials. PM Modi also said that special care must be taken to ensure that the bereaved families don't face inconvenience and those affected keep getting assistance they require. During the visit, he also interacted with Odisha's Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Pramila Mallik as well as local police chief. He also inquired about the progress of restoration work launched at the mishap site. Before reaching accident site at Bahanaga Bazar, the PM had chaired a high level meeting in New Delhi on the train accident. "PM Narendra Modi chaired a meeting to take stock of the situation in the wake of the train mishap in Odisha. Aspects relating to rescue, relief and medical attention to those affected were discussed in the review meeting," his office tweeted. New Delhi: Actress Mouni Roy recently shot for Lifestyle Asia India Magazine and oh boy is she looking hot in the photoshoot! The Brahmastra star dropped a few of her sensational clicks in a blue bodysuit and these have taken over the internet. The actress looks absolutely stunning and fans are in love. In the photos, Mouni Roy was seen posing in blue swimwear. She kept her hair open and has minimal make-up on as she posed for the leading magazine. Mouni Roy's ravishing beach look even got a shout-out from her new-found B-Town BFF Disha Patani, who is another glam star, rocking her svelte figure. Both have a fit hot-bod to die for and recently were papped at various events in Mumbai together. Earlier, Mouni dropped her stunning pictures in blue and white swimwear. She also shares clicks in a fiery orange bikini looking like a snac. Mouni Roy also dropped a video of hers from the same shoot where she can be seen wearing a stunning green bodysuit with a plunging neckline. Meanwhile, on the film front, Mouni received a lot of appreciation for her performance in the sci-fi action film 'Brahmastra: Part 1" which also starred Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt in the lead roles. She will be next seen in the upcoming sci-fi horror comedy film 'The Virgin Tree' along with actors Sanjay Dutt, Sunny Singh and Palak Tiwari. Helmed by Sidhaant Sachdev, the official release date of the film is still awaited. New Delhi: Actress-dancer Nora Fatehi has made a niche place for herself in Bollywood - all thanks to her superlative dancing skills and svelte hot-bod. In her latest interview with BBC Asian Network, Nora talked about her journey in showbiz, struggles and much more. The Moroccan beauty said, "At work, I am a b***h some times, I am difficult, because I dont expect anything but the best, because I have sacrificed so much, and when I go in front of the camera, or when Im on stage, I dont leave any crumbs, I eat." In a year, if 10 songs are offered to me, Ill just say yes to one, or two. And sometimes, I dont say yes to any of them. I dont want to bore the audience I cant do too many songs also, because what happens is, people in our industry can get into the space of typecasting, and then they cant see anything but that. Then you have to open their eyes up unfortunately, because theyre also in tunnel vision. Whatever opportunities I have got have been very last minute and thankfully I was prepared. I remember staying locked up in my room and watching stuff on TV, working on my Hindi. I wouldnt party or make boyfriends like the other girls. I realised in my second month in India I needed to tone down her Canadian accent, tone down my body language and work on my Hindi. I missed out on my brothers wedding, his birthday, everything. So many people were like, Do you want to be like the next Katrina Kaif'?" She also recalled working in a Hookah Bar once and how she picked up the body language of a star. "Its a thing. You just pick up a shisha, just like, Heres your shisha, how is it? Yes! Its not a Oh, you need me. Alright cool, Im here." On the work front, Nora Fatehi has several hit songs to her credit. She became a household name with Dilbar song and later followed by Kamariya, Garmi and several others. While the annual Cannes Film Festival has ended, its enchanting aura continues to captivate social media. Many Bollywood celebrities graced the red carpet in their most fashionable avatars, leaving fans awestruck with their impeccable style. Amid the buzz surrounding the event, actress Richa Chadha has finally revealed the red-carpet outfit that she wore to Cannes this year. Responding to the requests of her fans eager to catch a glimpse of her Cannes outfit, Richa took shared a stunning photo of her red-carpet appearance. In the image, Richa can be seen in an ankle-length pale pink dress embellished with delicate white embroidery and a belt. Completing her elegant ensemble, she chose white heels that perfectly complemented the attire, along with matching earrings. With a subtle makeup look, Richa left her hair untied, exuding effortless charm. Sharing two pictures from her red-carpet outing, Richa also mentioned that the dress was a gift from her husband, actor Ali Fazal. Sharing two pictures of herself, she wrote, I got DMs from some of you asking about my Cannes red carpet look, voila! Wore Zimmerman, Karishma Joolry for the premiere of Jessica Hausner's Club Zero, refreshingly neurotic film! My director Shuchi Talati offered sartorial advice, helped me out, then we walked to the Palais together! A simple, different, creatively exciting Cannes experience for me! Dress present from Ali Fazal. Fans totally loved her outfit and praised her for going all simple and subtle for the event. One user wrote, "Finally someone elegant wearing what one can actually decipher! Looking lovely!", while another one said, "Looking soooooooo beautiful." "I love everything about this!!! You look beautiful and classy as always," a third user commented. Before this, Richa Chadha had shared a video showing glimpses of her outing in the city with Ali Fazal. The video included their candid moments, meetups with friends, and cute selfies. "#Cannes done, first time with Ali Fazal, switching gears again hung with long lost friends who I dont meet enough in Mumbai! And made some new friends! Watched a few cool, brave films and did two red carpets (pictures will follow), learned a lot, took cool meetings and reunited with team #GirlsWillBeGirls!" she wrote. New Delhi: After her visit to Cannes, Shruti Haasan flew to the UK to resume shooting for her international film, 'The Eye'. During a visit to a restaurant in London, the actress wowed everyone there with an impromptu gig. Shruti and her friends and her partner Santanu Hazarika decided to let down their hair and visited a popular restaurant Louie's for a night out. While listening to their in-house band perform foot-tapping music, Shruti decided to enthrall the patrons with an impromptu performance. It was absolutely spontaneous and the restaurant's in-house band played along making it one memorable evening. Shruti said about her impromptu singing, "It was a lovely evening and when they asked me to sing, I was glad to. I loved it and everyone had a fantastic time." Shruti recently attended the Cannes Film Festival in France, where she turned a lot of heads with her stunning black outfit. Always ready to stand out from the crowd with her sartorial choices, Shruti Haasan captioned the photo, Red carpet but always make it black. On the work front, Shruti Haasan was last seen in films like Veera Simha Reddy and Waltair Veerayya. She is now gearing up for the release of Prashanth Neel's Salaar, which also features Prabhas. The film is set to release in September this year. New Delhi: Katrina Kaif and Vicky Kaushal engaged in a romantic banter on social media after the 'Ek Tha Tiger' actor heaped praises on her husband's recent release 'Zara Hatke Zara Bachke'. Katrina took to her Instagram story and shared a poster of Vicky's film. Sharing the film poster, she wrote, "Congratulations to the entire team, a film made with so much heart." Reacting to her wife's post, Vicky re-shared the post and dedicated his film's song 'Phir Aur Kya Chahiye' line "Tu hai toh mujhe phir aur kya chahiye!" Helmed by Laxman Utekar, 'Zara Hatke Zara Bachke' marks Vicky and Sara's first on-screen collaboration. The film is set in Indore and revolves around a middle-class couple. Earlier Vicky described his excitement for the movie saying, "Working with Laxman sir and Maddock has been a delightful experience. I had a great time shooting for the film, especially with Sara, and hope the audiences enjoy the film as much as we did making it." "I am grateful for the opportunity of getting to work with such a talented team. The film has a unique take on relationships, marriages, and I am excited for the audience to witness it", added Sara. Director Laxman Utekar, who has earlier given hits like 'Luka Chupi' and 'Mimi', also shared his thoughts on the film. He said, "This movie is close to my heart. It is a story that will resonate with audiences across the country. It is a film that is a perfect family watch that promises to entertain you throughout." Producer Dinesh Vijan shared, "I truly believe in Laxman's innate ability to understand emotions. Zara Hatke Zara Bachke, with the right sentiment, will not only entertain but also resonate with the masses. Just like our films - Luka Chuppi and Mimi, this too will connect with audiences of all ages. It is a perfect entertainer that families can enjoy together." 'Zara Hatke Zara Bachke' also stars Rakesh Bedi and Inaamulhaq. Meanwhile, Katrina will be next seen in the upcoming action-thriller film 'Tiger 3' opposite Salman Khan. The film is all set to hit the theatres on the occasion of Diwali 2023. Apart from that, she also has director Sriram Raghavan's film 'Merry Christmas' opposite south actor Vijay Sethupathi and Farhan Akhtar's upcoming film 'Jee Le Zara' along with Alia Bhatt and Priyanka Chopra. The film promises to be another tale of friendship following the lineage of 'Dil Chahta Hai' and 'Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara'. Lucy Klocke was studying to become a nurse when she began donating blood. It was 1969. Actually, you could get paid, she said. That was a good deal for a student. She donated more after her aunt became ill with cancer. Years later, Klocke was working at what was then Fremont Area Medical Center, when a Red Cross bloodmobile bus started going there in about 2002. I recruited people for appointments, she said. From those simple beginnings, Klocke began a volunteering effort thats lasted more than two decades. Supporting those who need blood has been important to Klocke whose brothers, Denny and Dave, were blood donors before their deaths in recent years. On Sunday, the American Red Cross is paying tribute to Klocke for her work in hosting blood drives. The public is encouraged to donate blood in honor of Klocke and her family from 7:30 a.m. to noon June 4 at First Lutheran Church, 3200 E. Military Ave., in Fremont. Donors are asked to call 1-800-RED CROSS or go to redcrossblood.org to schedule a blood donation appointment, using Sponsor Code: FirstLutheran. Klocke still recalls when the Red Cross bus came to the hospital for twice-a-year blood drives. After the Health Park Plaza was built, blood drives took place in that facility, she said. I think it (the blood drive) grew from there, Klocke said. People liked coming into the hospital to donate. We fed them well, Klocke said. In the cafeteria, they were great cooks. Donors were treated to soups and sandwiches. We had great things to give them, she said. It (the blood drive) really grew then. Klocke retired as a registered nurse from FAMC in 2008. Then Klocke learned the Red Cross was hosting a blood drive in Arlington, where she and her husband, Dwayne, had moved to years earlier. She became a blood drive program leader in Arlington in about 2008. I didnt know anybody (in Arlington) so I thought, This is a good chance for me to meet people, she said. The Arlington drive started out small with maybe nine or 10 donors. Were up to about 25 donors and good units, she said. So I do know a lot of people in Arlington. It has expanded. Shed lead the blood drive four times a year in Arlington. In the meantime, the Rev. Charlie Axness then pastor of First Lutheran Church in Fremont needed a liver transplant. The churchs health cabinet of which Klocke was a part decided to conduct a blood drive in his honor. They hosted another blood drive when Axness had a successful transplant. The Red Cross asked if the church would host blood drives twice a year. Drives take place in January and June and Klocke has been at the helm of that endeavor for the last eight years. Now after more than 20 years of leading blood drives Klocke is stepping down. I figured its time, she said. Although she wont lead blood drives, Klocke plans to continue being a donor. I will always give blood, she said. Its a passion. Ive seen how much it helps people. It helped my brothers fight cancer. It helped my sister fight cancer. Her siblings all received blood products during their cancer battles. Denny, who was from Ames, Iowa, died seven years ago and Dave of Albuquerque, New Mexico, died in January. Her sister, Lori McNeeley of Des Moines, Iowa, is in remission. Her brothers were blood donors. Denny was very adamant about it, Klocke said. Klockes work in coordinating a blood drive has involved advertising for the event. She said First Lutheran has been good about putting notices, seeking donors and volunteers, in church bulletins. Her work also has involved gathering volunteers to seek donor appointments, register donors and serve food and snacks. Shes sent out emails reminding donors of their appointments. Klocke noted that food stopped being served after the COVID-19 pandemic. The Red Cross provides snacks, juice and water. The goal at First Lutheran is to have 32 donors at each blood drive. They met that goal in January. Shes enjoyed when the drive has met the goal. If I can make my goal every time, thats a great feeling, and I hope others feel that way, too. You want everybody to know that theyre helping people, she said. Klocke commends blood drive volunteers at First Lutheran and in Arlington. I have people that are passionate and that makes a difference, she said. Ive had some good team members. Shes appreciated the donors. I always find it great when our pastors give, she said. That encourages all the congregants. She notes that Don Anderson, whos 95 years old, has donated multiple units and was still donating blood in January. Bob Beaver is getting close to having donated close to 200 units. Donations are vital. One in seven patients entering a hospital will need a blood transfusion, the Red Cross stated in a recent press release. Blood transfusions are one of the most common hospital procedures in the U.S., yet only 3% of the public gives blood. Unlike other treatments, blood cannot be stockpiled or manufactured it can only come from volunteer blood donors, the release stated. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. Although no longer leading blood drives, Klocke said she likes being involved in other church projects. She and her husband also want to continue traveling, something they both enjoy. We have a 67 convertible that we have fun with, she said. You gotta enjoy life. The Lord has given us much. WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. Hundreds of goats munch on long blades of yellow grass on a hillside next to a sprawling townhouse complex. They were hired to clear vegetation that could fuel wildfires as temperatures rise this summer. These voracious herbivores are in high demand to devour weeds and shrubs that have proliferated across California after a drought-busting winter of heavy rain and snow. Its a huge fuel source. If it was left untamed, it can grow very high. And then when the summer dries everything out, its perfect fuel for a fire, said Jason Poupolo, parks superintendent for the city of West Sacramento, where goats grazed on a recent afternoon. Targeted grazing is part of Californias strategy to reduce wildfire risk because goats can eat a wide variety of vegetation and graze in steep, rocky terrain thats hard to access. Backers say theyre an eco-friendly alternative to chemical herbicides or weed-whacking machines that make noise and pollution. But new state labor regulations are making it more expensive to provide goat-grazing services, and herding companies say the rules threaten to put them out of business. The changes could raise the monthly salary of herders from about $3,730 to $14,000, according to the California Farm Bureau. Companies typically put about one herder in charge of 400 goats. Many of the herders in California are from Peru and live in employer-provided trailers near grazing sites. Labor advocates say the state should investigate the working and living conditions of goatherders before making changes to the law, especially since the state is funding goat-grazing to reduce wildfire risk. California is investing heavily in wildfire prevention after the state was ravaged by several years of destructive flames that scorched millions of acres, destroyed thousands of homes and killed dozens of people. Goats have been used to clear fuels around Lake Oroville, along Highway 101, and near the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. My phone rings off the hook this time of year, said Tim Arrowsmith, owner of Western Grazers, which is providing grazing services to West Sacramento. The demand has grown year after year after year." His company, based in the Northern California city of Red Bluff, has about 4,000 goats for hire to clear vegetation for government agencies and private landowners across Northern California. Without a fix to the new regulations, "we will be forced to sell these goats to slaughter and to the auction yards, and well be forced out of business and probably file for bankruptcy, Arrowsmith said. Companies have historically been allowed to pay goat and sheepherders a monthly minimum salary rather than an hourly minimum wage, because their jobs require them to be on-call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. But legislation signed in 2016 also entitles them to overtime pay. It effectively boosted the herders' minimum monthly pay from $1,955 in 2019 to $3,730 this year. Its set to hit $4,381 in 2025, according to the California Department of Industrial Relations. So far the herding companies, which have sued over the law, have passed along most of the increased labor costs to their customers. But in January, those labor costs are set to jump sharply again. Goatherders and sheepherders have always followed the same set of labor rules last year. But a state agency has ruled that's no longer allowed, meaning goatherders would be subject to the same labor laws as other farmworkers. That would mean goatherders would be entitled to ever higher pay up to $14,000 a month. Last year a budget trailer bill delayed that pay requirement for one year, but its set to take affect on Jan. 1 if nothing is done to change the law. Goatherding companies say they cant afford to pay herders that much. They would have to drastically raise their rates, which would make it unaffordable to provide goat grazing services. We fully support increasing wages for herders, but $14,000 a month is not realistic. So we need to address that in order to allow these goat-grazing operations to exist, said Brian Shobe, deputy policy director for the California Climate and Agriculture Network. The goat-grazing industry is pushing the Legislature to approve legislation that would treat goatherders the same as sheepherders. A bill to do so hasn't yet received a public hearing. Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher, who heads the California Labor Federation, said goatherders are among the most vulnerable workers in America because they are on temporary work visas and can be fired and sent back to their home country anytime. Most of them work in isolation, speak minimal English and dont have the same rights as Americans or green-card holders. We have a responsibility as a public to ensure that every worker whos working in California is treated with dignity and respect, and that includes these goatherders, said Gonzalez Fletcher, who sponsored the farmworker overtime bill when she was a state Assemblywoman representing San Diego. Arrowsmith employs seven goatherders from Peru under the H-2A visa program for temporary farmworkers. He said the herders are paid about $4,000 a month and dont have to pay for food, housing or phones. I cant pay $14,000 a month to an employee starting Jan. 1. Theres just not enough money. The cities cant absorb that kind of cost, Arrowsmith said. Whats at stake for the public is your house could burn up because we cant fire-mitigate. Photos: Heat, smoke increase hazard for those fighting California wildfires Stanford scientists have developed a soft and stretchable electronic skin that can directly talk to the brain, imitating the sensory feedback of real skin using a strategy that, if improved, could offer hope to millions of people with prosthetic limbs. We were inspired by the natural system and wanted to mimic it, said Weichen Wang, whose team published its success in the journal Science. Maybe we can someday help patients to not only restore motor function, but also restore their sensations. Much faster, larger and more sophisticated circuitry is needed before so-called e-skin holds promise for people. But, in a milestone, the device showed remarkable success in a lab rat. When researchers pressed the rats e-skin and sent electronic pulses to its brain, the animal responded by twitching its leg. Scientists have long dreamed of building prosthetic limbs that not only restore movement but also provide perception sensing pressure, temperature and vibration, for instance to help restore a more normal quality of life. Skin damage and amputation cause a massive disruption in the loop of perception and movement, so even simple tasks like feeling or grasping an object are challenging. If you pick up a glass of beer and you cant sense that its not cold, then you wont get the right taste, said Ravinder Dahiya, professor of electrical and computer engineering at Northeastern University in Boston, who is also studying the use of flexible electronics to develop artificial skin. Electronic skin also could be used to clad robots so they feel sensations in the same way that humans do. This is critical to the safety of industries where robots and humans have physical interactions, such as passing tools on a manufacturing floor. But the sensation of touch is complicated. Human skin has millions of receptors that sense when they are poked or pressed, squeezed or scalded. They react by sending electrical pulses to the brain, through nerves. The brain responds by sending information back, telling muscles to move. And biological skin is soft and can stretch, repeatedly, for many decades. The Stanford team, led by chemical engineering professor Zhenan Bao, has been working on e-skin designs for several years. But an earlier effort used rigid electronics and 30 volts of power, which requires 10 batteries and isnt safe. And it wasnt able to endure continuous stretching without losing its electrical properties. The hurdle was not so much finding mechanisms to mimic the remarkable sensory abilities of human touch, but bringing them together using only skin-like materials, said Bao, in a statement. The new e-skin is innovative because it uses networked layers of stretchable organic transistors that perceive and transmit electrical signals. When sandwiched, the layers are only about 25 to 50 microns thick as thin as a sheet of paper, similar to skin. Its networks act as sensors, engineered to sense pressure, temperature, strain, and chemicals. They turn this sensory information into an electrical pulse. And the e-skin runs on only 5 volts of electricity. To test the system, the Stanford team implanted it into a live rat. When the rats e-skin was touched, a pulse was transmitted by a wire to the rats brain specifically, an area called the somatosensory cortex, which is responsible for processing physical sensations. The rats brain responded by sending an electrical signal down to its leg. This was done using a device that amplifies and transmits signals from the brain to muscles, mimicking connections in the nervous system called synapses. The rats leg twitched. Significantly, its movement corresponded to varying levels of pressure, said Wang, an engineering PhD and first author on the new paper. For example, the team could increase the legs movement by pushing the e-skin harder, which boosted the signals frequency and the transistors output. If tested in humans, the device would not require implantation of a wire to send sensory information to the brain. Rather, the team envisions using wireless communication between e-skin and an electrical stimulator located next to a nerve. Joe McTernan of the American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association said such research encourages technological advancements that could someday provide real-time biofeedback for people who have lost limbs. Although this skin technology is fairly new, there has been significant research and development in recent years that have focused on creating a positive tactile experience for the patient, he said. The Stanford teams closed-loop system from sensation to muscle movement is very exciting very much a proof of concept, bioelectronics expert Alejandro Carnicer-Lombarte of University of Cambridge told the journal Nature. In the field of artificial prosthetics, most researchers tend to work on individual components, he said. Combining those things, in sequence, is not trivial. The whole field is under development, Dahiya said. It will take many more generations of developments to realize our target. Smart devices that could improve the lives of people with disabilities Smart devices that could improve the lives of people with disabilities Voice assistants Video doorbell Smart locks Smart light bulbs Robotic vacuum cleaners Smart security systems Smart watch Smart smoke detector Video-conferencing devices Smart sensors A judge ruled on Friday that the trial for a Colorado Springs woman accused of murder will be pushed back to November, despite the defendant disagreeing with her attorney and desiring a quick trial. Deka Jean Simmons, 39, appeared in court on Friday for a motions hearing in the case where she is accused of killing 48-year-old Daxcimo Ceja and hiding his body. The prosecution alleges that Simmons shot and killed Ceja on April 7 in a garage on Colorado Springs' north side because she believed he was a child molester, and because Ceja was a registered sex offender for an incident that took place in 1999 in California involving a minor. Ceja's body has yet to be recovered. Simmons trial was originally slated to begin in May but was delayed until late June at a hearing earlier this year. At Simmons' hearing on Friday, her attorney David Lipka informed the court that he would be requesting for Simmons' trial to be continued again. Lipka stated that the motion to continue the trial was as a result of two factors: the first, one of the prosecutors working on the case against Simmons is currently experiencing significant health issues, and won't be able to work for the next several weeks as a result; and second, that there is a large amount of discovery yet to be reviewed by the defense that was only recently admitted by the prosecution. The motion to continue the trial was unopposed by the prosecution, but was opposed by Simmons herself, according to Lipka, who stated Simmons has a desire to move to trial as quickly as possible. Lipka told the court that he disagreed with the stance of his client, and that continuing the trial was the best for her case in the long run. After hearing argument on the issue from Lipka, Judge David Gilbert ruled that he would allow the continuation of the trial despite the objections from Simmons. Simmons' new trial is scheduled to begin on Nov. 13. The remainder of the motions hearing was spent discussing the court and attorney's thoughts on expanded media coverage for trial, with the prevailing narratives being a concern for the safety of witnesses if cameras are allowed in court for the trial, as well as how best to handle certain case issues with the jury. The court made reference to "significant new information" relating to Simmons case throughout the motions hearing, and one of the biggest pieces of information is Simmons' recent arrest on accusations of witness tampering. Last month, Simmons was arrested from the El Paso County jail and charged with tampering with a witness or victim, a Class 4 felony. According to the affidavit, Simmons was in communication with a man named Colby Veil, 56, and the two discussed plans to keep witnesses from testifying in Simmons' trial. 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. In the phone calls, which the affidavit states all took place in January, Veil can repeatedly be heard telling Simmons that the witnesses aren't "going to say nothing," at trial and that he "already took care of it." Three woman are listed as the victims in the new case, but the names of all three have been redacted from the affidavit. Court records show that on May 5, Veil was arrested and charged with tampering with a witness or victim, and that he remains in El Paso County jail on a $25,000 bond. The tampering-with-a-witness case, as well as two additional open cases against Simmons where she faces allegations of assault, menacing and robbery, were not discussed in any significant detail at Friday's motions hearing. Additionally, the Colorado Springs Police Department recently made a second arrest relating to Ceja's death last month. Krista Arellano, 38, was arrested last month and faces three charges: tampering with a corpse, tampering with physical evidence and accessory to a crime. Arellano is scheduled to make her next appearance in court on Tuesday for her preliminary hearing. At Simmons' preliminary hearing in October, detective Nicole Black testified that a confidential informant told her that Simmons had killed at least three other people besides Ceja. During Black's testimony, Viehman briefly mentioned that Simmons is connected to the disappearance of 27-year-old Santino "Tino" Cardella, who was reported missing in April. As of Friday, Simmons has yet to be charged in any additional homicides. Simmons will return to 4th Judicial District Court on Nov. 3. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) said that its Safety Audit for Ground Operations (ISAGO), a global standard for ground handling service providers (GHSPs), has been advancing aviation safety for the last 15 years. It is based on the IATA's Ground Operations Manual (IGOM) standards. Since its launch in May 2008, over 3,000 audits have been conducted worldwide. Over the past 15 years, ISAGO has matured and evolved to become a centre of excellence for safety auditing in ground handling. With 195 organizations onboard it is now the driving force in improving ramp safety, reducing ground damage and enabling standardized and sustainable operations. It also plays a role in mitigating the billions of dollars of damage to aircraft and equipment that happens each year and helps airlines to allocate resources efficiently. More and more governments and airports now recognize ISAGO as part of their safety oversight programs, said Monika Mejstrikova, IATAs Director of Ground Operations. ISAGO Registry Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited (Hactl) and dnata Dubai were the worlds first ISAGO-accredited ground handling service providers and have maintained their ISAGO registration for 15 years. Both companies acknowledge the positive impact of ISAGO in their operations. "ISAGO plays a vital role in enhancing aviation safety levels - in particular, by standardizing many different safety standards and recommended practices and minimizing the potential risks in ground handling around the world. It is an invaluable resource and significant safety driver for all parties," said Wilson Kwong, Hactls Chief Executive. The ISAGO Registry now includes 195 GHSPs that provide services at 324 accredited stations in 206 airports around the world. Over 100 ISAGO airline members have instant access to the ISAGO Registry, where they can access nearly 500 different ISAGO audit reports and drive more efficient oversight of outsourced ground handling services including risk, cost and audit reduction. "ISAGO has been an integral part of our journey towards continuous improvement, and we are proud to have achieved this significant milestone. The positive impact that ISAGO has brought to our operations cannot be overstated, and we remain fully committed to upholding its rigorous standards," said Jaffar Dawood, dnata Senior Vice President Airport Operations UAE, Middle East, and Africa. Future proofing ISAGO ISAGO is constantly evolving to reduce duplicate audits and drive greater standardization of ground handling processes worldwide. And to drive further simplification of audit processes and to ensure GHSPs readiness for the ISAGO audit, IATA launched the free Operational Portal to help GHSPs and airlines to perform a gap analysis between their ground operational procedures and IGOM. The tool helps to identify operational variations with the intention to reduce them and standardize procedures according to IGOM. In addition, a new checklist is being developed that mirrors IGOM and Airport Handling manual requirements, allowing for remote documentation validation through the Operational Portal. We remain committed to evolving ISAGO, said Mejstrikova.- TradeArabia News Service Two men are dead following a reported shooting south of downtown Colorado Springs Friday afternoon, police said. Officers responded to the 1500 block of South Nevada Avenue on reports of a shooting around 2:10 p.m., according to Colorado Springs police. The Colorado Springs Fire Department tweeted that crews were at the scene of the shooting, in the area of 1507 S. Nevada Avenue, which is the address of a Taco Bell. That stretch of Nevada, just south of Interstate 25, contains a string of businesses, including a Wendy's, a KFC and a Dunkin'. Police said there is currently no threat to the community. Anyone with more information, or who is a witness to the shooting, is asked to call the Colorado Springs Police Department at 719-444-700. People who wish to remain anonymous can call the Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 719-634-STOP (7867) or 1-800-222-8477. By Trevor Hunnicutt WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A senior aide to U.S. President Joe Biden expressed concern about events in northern Kosovo in calls with Prime Minister Albin Kurti and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, the White House said on Friday. A political crisis that has spiraled into violence in Kosovo's north has intensified since ethnic Albanian mayors took office in the region's Serb-majority area, a move that led the U.S. and its allies to rebuke Pristina. The majority Serb population had boycotted the April election, allowing ethnic Albanians to be elected. On Thursday, Biden's principal deputy national security adviser, Jon Finer, spoke with Kurti and called for Kosovo "to enable newly elected mayors to carry out their duties from alternative locations and to withdraw police forces from municipal buildings," the White House said. He also welcomed "Kurti's willingness to work towards conditions for new elections," it said. The Biden aide spoke with Vucic on Friday and pushed for Serbia to "to withdraw its armed forces stationed near the border and to lower their state of readiness, as well as to urge protesters to remain peaceful in northern Kosovo," according to the U.S. summary of the call. In both calls, the White House said Finer expressed concern about the situation and pushed for all parties to reduce conflict. Washington also expected both sides to re-engage in a European Union dialogue and "to fully implement the normalization agreement" reached earlier this year. In violence on Monday, 30 peacekeepers and 52 Serbs who protested against the installation of ethnic-Albanian mayors were injured. The violence prompted NATO to announce it would send additional troops on top of 700 already on their way to the Balkan country to boost its 4,000 strong mission. The presidents of Serbia and Kosovo insisted on Thursday that they want to defuse the crisis but have shown little sign of backing down from their opposing positions. (Reporting by Trevor Hunnicutt; Editing by Grant McCool) California police officers split up protesters outside a Los Angeles elementary school Friday morning, as over 100 parents gathered to object to a Pride Day assembly. Parents of students at a North Hollywood elementary school gathered wearing T-shirts with the slogan, "Leave our kids alone." Parents carried signs with messages reading "Parental choice matters," "Teach my kids math, science, and English," "Stop propaganda," and other comments protesting LGBT measures in education, as seen on videos circulating on social media. DEBT LIMIT: THE GOVERNMENT SPENDING STANDOFF THAT COULD COME NEXT "LAPD is at Saticoy Elementary School this morning. We are here to support our LAUSD partners and facilitate a peaceful and lawful exercise of constitutional rights," Los Angeles police headquarters tweeted Friday morning. The parents' group, called Saticoy Elementary Parents, advertised the protest on Instagram, calling the Pride Day assembly "an inappropriate topic for our kids," urging fellow parents to keep their children home on June 2. The group stated in another Instagram post that Saticoy Elementary School has a student body of around 500 and "got over 400 parents' signatures petitioning this event'." The protests come after the LAPD launched a hate crime investigation after an LGBT flag was burned at the same elementary school ahead of a Pride Month assembly. The burned flag was discovered in a planter pot on May 22 by a transgender teacher, sparking disapproval from local lawmakers. "Such intolerance should have no place in our society especially in our children's schools," state Rep. Brad Sherman said in a statement. "I'm troubled by this news and I denounce those who contribute to anti-LGBTQ+ hatred and bigotry." Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA), who is running for U.S. Senate to replace Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), also reacted to the burned rainbow flag. "I am deeply distressed by the burning of the Pride Flag at a San Fernando Valley elementary school," Schiff wrote on Twitter. "Every child deserves safety and acceptance. We must fight against discrimination and create an inclusive environment for all." CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER Eric Early, a GOP candidate running for Feinstein's seat, responded to Schiff's comment, showing his support for the "brave parents" of the school. "I don't care what the gender is of the teachers in question," Early wrote on Twitter. "Get this stuff out of our kids schools! Let children be children." Original Location: California parents clash outside elementary school's Pride Month event Washington Examiner Videos Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) is seeking to win over evangelical voters from Donald Trump, hoping to best the former president with a key voting bloc that could be crucial in winning the Republican nomination in 2024. During his first campaign tour since announcing his presidential campaign, DeSantis visited with conservative voters across Iowa to discuss his campaign platform while touting his policies as governor in the Sunshine State. DeSantis held his campaign launch event at an evangelical church in the suburbs of Des Moines, touting his six-week abortion ban that just took effect in Florida as part of his efforts to win over strong anti-abortion voters. STUDENT LOAN PAYMENT FREEZE GETS END DATE IN DEBT CEILING BILL DeSantis has sought to use that abortion messaging to differentiate himself from Trump, hoping to position himself as further to the right than the former president on the key issue. The move comes as Trump has come under fire from some conservative groups for his stance on abortion, particularly for his hesitancy to say he would support a nationwide ban. The Florida governor especially hit out against Trump for his criticism of DeSantis's six-week abortion ban, implying that the law was "too harsh." DeSantis seized on that messaging, using Trump's comments as evidence he has moved closer to the center. But DeSantis has struggled with finding his footing on the issue after moving on from the socially conservative Iowa to the more moderate state of New Hampshire, where the Florida governor avoided talking about the subject altogether. The move indicates that the Florida governor is carefully toeing the line with abortion by highlighting it in states that are sure to back him while keeping quiet in places where it could be political dynamite. The effort to win over evangelical voters comes as Trump is ahead of DeSantis in polling among the bloc, according to a recent survey by Monmouth University. Trump leads DeSantis by roughly 28 points, the poll shows, which is a jump from the 9-point lead he held in March. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER But there is still hope for the Florida governor, as a different poll from Public Religion Research Institute shows evangelical voters view DeSantis more favorably than Trump, which could give him an edge. There could be a shift in which candidate evangelical voters choose to support in the GOP primary, especially as former Vice President Mike Pence is poised to join the fray. Pence has long been popular among that particular voting bloc because of his conservative policies. Original Location: DeSantis seeks to overtake Trump with key bloc but struggles to find footing on abortion Washington Examiner Videos The state of Hawaii has expanded concealed carry, though many public places where people can carry their firearms have also been prohibited under the governor's watch. Gov. Josh Brown (D) signed the legislation on Friday, which forbids people from carrying their guns to various places, including beaches, hospitals, stadiums, bars that serve alcohol, and movie theaters. If a private business wishes to allow their customers to conceal carry, they must post the proper sign informing the customers that it is allowed, according to the Associated Press. FOOD STAMPS: PAYMENT DATES FOR SNAP BENEFITS IN JUNE 2023 Hawaii Gov. Josh Green signs gun control legislation in Honolulu on Friday, June 2, 2023 as Leia Kandell, left, age 10, and Cole Kandell, age 7, look on. Green signed legislation that allows more people to carry concealed firearms but at the same time prohibit people from taking guns to a wide range of places, including beaches, hospitals, stadiums, bars that serve alcohol and movie theaters. (AP Photo/Audrey McAvoy) Audrey McAvoy/AP "On many occasions in my training back on the mainland, I was one of the physicians that took care of individuals who were victims of gun violence," Green said before signing the measure into law. "Not only that, I lost a loved one to a suicide with a gun. And so anything that we can do, we should." Green has been an advocate for reducing gun violence, describing it as a public health crisis and saying action should be taken to address it. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER Green's latest expansion on concealed carry comes after a Supreme Court ruling last year expanded gun rights for citizens, with the court saying U.S. residents have a right to carry firearms in public for self-defense. Prior to the Supreme Court's ruling, Hawaii allowed county police chiefs to determine whether or not to issue gun owners a permit to carry; though these permits were barely issued. Last year, the state of Hawaii was recorded to have had the second-lowest gun death rate in the U.S., trailing only Massachusetts, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Original Location: Hawaii expands concealed carry paired with bans on guns in public places Washington Examiner Videos Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) changed her stance on the public release of security footage of the Jan. 6 Capitol riot in 2021, claiming the footage could jeopardize the security of the Capitol. Greene, who previously pushed for the public release of the videos, told Real America's Voice on Friday that she was concerned the footage would expose weaknesses in the complex and unjustly endanger protesters who were not committing any crimes. THE GOVERNMENT SPENDING STANDOFF THAT COULD COME NEXT "This is our real concern with the videotapes. If we released these videotapes just widely for the public number one, we put the security of the Capitol at risk because there's over 1,700 video cameras," Greene said. "Number two, we also endanger many Americans that were simply standing on the Capitol grounds, maybe never even walked through the Capitol or committed any crimes, but they could have just walked further than where the barrier was simply because the barrier was torn down by the time they got there," she added. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., speaks during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, May 18, 2023. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) Carolyn Kaster/AP Greene said she was also concerned that left-wing "sedition hunters" could use facial recognition software on the 44,000 hours of footage to identify "innocent" people who only stood at the Capitol on Jan. 6 and still turn them over to the FBI or Justice Department. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER The change comes a day after the Georgia congresswoman said House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) would give unfettered access to the tapes to three news organizations, including Just the News and American Greatness. McCarthy previously released the footage to former Fox News host Tucker Carlson earlier this year. The decision was met with backlash from the left, who claimed Carlson could distort the footage to downplay the events of Jan. 6. Original Location: MTG claims release of Jan. 6 tapes could 'put the security of the Capitol at risk' Washington Examiner Videos By Kanupriya Kapoor and Ju-min Park SINGAPORE (Reuters) - South Korea's defence minister said on Saturday that some countries were "ignoring North Korea's unlawful behaviour", which he said threatens to weaken U.N. sanctions against its missile and nuclear programmes. China and Russia on Friday ignored a U.S. call for the U.N. Security Council to condemn North Korea for a recent attempt to launch a satellite and instead blamed the United States for increasing tension on the Korean peninsula. "This creates holes in sanctions against North Korea passed at the U.N. Security Council," Defence Minister Lee Jong-sup said in a speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Asia's top security summit. On Wednesday, North Korea launched its first spy satellite into space, although it ended in failure with the booster and payload plunging into the sea. It has vowed to conduct another satellite launch soon. "Choosing inactivity to North Korea's unlawful behaviour will worsen the security of not only the Korean peninsula, in the Pacific region but also the entire world," Lee said. The South Korean minister reiterated that coordination with the United States and Japan to deter North Korea was important. The three countries have agreed to begin sharing North Korean missile warning data in real time "within this year", South Korea's defence ministry said in a statement after a meeting between the South Korean, U.S. and Japanese defence chiefs. That is part of a pact agreed in November to speed up information-sharing. The defence ministers "strongly condemned North Korea's recent long-range ballistic missile launch, under the guise of a so-called satellite", the statement said. North Korea argues it has a sovereign right to space development. (Reporting by Kanupriya Kapoor and Ju-min Park; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan, Robert Birsel and Edwina Gibbs) Former President Donald Trump declared that he was "at least as innocent" as his former vice president, Mike Pence, on Friday after the Department of Justice declined to bring charges against Pence for the alleged mishandling of classified documents. Trump, who is the subject of a special counsel investigation related to classified documents found at his Mar-a-Lago resort last year, claimed he should also be exonerated of any wrong-doing that's tied to the documents. ONE QUESTION FOR TRUMP COULD DETERMINE THE RACE FOR THE 2024 GOP NOMINATION "Just announced that they are not going to bring charges against Mike Pence on the document hoax," Trump posted to Truth Social. "That's great, but when am I going to be fully exonerated, I'm at least as innocent as he is. And what about [President] Joe Biden, who is hiding at least 1850 boxes, and some located in Chinatown, DC? When will the witch hunt against 'TRUMP' stop?" The Justice Department recently concluded its investigation into a handful of classified documents discovered at Pence's Indiana home earlier this year. The investigation was significantly different than the FBI raid of Trump's Florida resort last August, which revealed hundreds of top secret or classified documents that were improperly stored. Biden is also the focus of a special counsel investigation. Classified documents from the time he served as President Barack Obama's vice president were discovered at an office in Washington, D.C., and his home in Wilmington, Delaware. The president reportedly alerted the proper authorities upon the discovery in November, but he did not tell the public until after the midterm elections. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER In Trump's case, the FBI raid came after the National Archives and Records Administration allegedly attempted to retrieve the missing documents from the former president for months. Trump has claimed that he declassified the documents when he left the Oval Office, but that has not been proven. The DOJ has not determined whether Biden or Trump will face any charges. The decision to not press charges against Pence comes ahead of the former veep's expected entrance into the 2024 presidential race next week. Pence currently polls in third or fourth place for the Republican primaries, with Trump steadily in the lead. Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) is in second and is considered the biggest threat to Trump. Original Location: Trump claims he's 'at least as innocent' as Pence in classified document scandal Washington Examiner Videos By Chen Lin and Xinghui Kok SINGAPORE (Reuters) -U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin rebuked China on Saturday for refusing to hold military talks, leaving the superpowers deadlocked over Taiwan and territorial disputes in the South China Sea. Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue, Asia's top security summit, Austin said Beijing's reluctance to talk undermined efforts to maintain peace in a region where the two rivals are increasing their military firepower. "I am deeply concerned that the PRC (People's Republic of China) has been unwilling to engage more seriously on better mechanisms for crisis management between our two militaries," Austin told the meeting in Singapore. "The more that we talk, the more that we can avoid the misunderstandings and miscalculations that could lead to crisis or conflict." A senior Chinese military official struck back, saying the United States was responsible for a breakdown in dialogue by ramping up sanctions on Chinese officials and destabilising the Asia-Pacific with its military presence. "China-U.S. military relations are faced with difficulties and the responsibility lies entirely on the U.S. side," Lieutenant General Jing Jianfeng told reporters at the summit. "China attaches importance to developing China-U.S. military relations, and our interactions and communication have never been suspended." A U.S. and a Canadian warship sailed through the Taiwan Strait on Saturday, the U.S. Navy said, a show of military might that has incensed China in the past and is likely to push the two sides further apart. There had been slim hopes that the annual Shangri-La Dialogue would be an opportunity to mend the relationship between the U.S. and China, which is at its lowest point in decades. Washington and Beijing are at loggerheads over everything from the future of democratically ruled Taiwan, territorial claims in the South China Sea and President Joe Biden's restrictions on semiconductor chip exports. TAIWAN IMPASSE China's Minister of National Defence Li Shangfu had this week declined an invitation to meet Austin at the security summit. Li, a general who has been sanctioned by the U.S., delivers his own speech on Sunday. On Friday, the two shook hands on the sidelines of the conference but did not hold detailed talks, the Pentagon said. "A cordial handshake over dinner is no substitute for a substantive engagement," Austin said. Dialogue between the two countries has stalled since U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken cancelled a visit to China in February after a suspected Chinese spy balloon was tracked flying across the United States. One of the thorniest security issues between the two superpowers is over the future of Taiwan, which Beijing wants to bring under its rule. There are increasing concerns that China could invade Taiwan with the U.S. drawn into any conflict. Austin pointed to Russia's invasion of Ukraine as an example of "how dangerous our world would become if big countries could just invade their peaceful neighbours with impunity". He said the U.S. was "deeply committed" to preserving the status quo in Taiwan and opposes unilateral changes from either side. "Conflict is neither imminent nor inevitable. Deterrence is strong today and its our job to keep it that way," Austin said. General Jing said Austin's comments were misleading, accusing Washington stoking tensions by forging direct diplomatic relationships with Taiwan and increasing arms sales to the territory. "The U.S. uses Taiwan to contain China and the Taiwan separatist forces solicit U.S. support to push for independence," Jing told reporters. (Additional reporting by Joe Brock, Greg Torode, Gerry Doyle, Kanupriya Kapoor, Ben Blanchard and Ryan Woo; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan) Christian nationalism refers to a political and cultural ideology that combines elements of Christianity with the idea of a nation-state. Supporters of this view believe that the foundation and identity of a nation should be rooted in a particular interpretation of Christian faith and values and that law and public policy should align with their particular understanding of Christianity. Because of this belief, adherents advocate for the legitimacy of a dominate Christian influence in society, politics, education, and culture. Certainly Christian Nationalism is not representative of all Christians or denominations, but a recent study by the Public Religion Research Institute has shown that 29% of Americans are supporters or sympathizers of this ideology, as are two-thirds of evangelical Christians. Typically proponents of this view believe that the U.S. should be legally recognized as a Christian nation and should prioritize the interests and values of Christians above those of other religious or secular groups, arguing for the infusion of religious symbolism, prayers, or teachings in public spaces and institutions, including schools and government buildings. The objective of their advocacy is to shape legislation and public policy in accordance with their interpretation of Christian morality, especially on such issues as reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ rights, racism, book censorship, education, and religious freedom. In an era of extreme social and political polarization, the question of whether our politics, culture, and civilization need reform is a pressing one. Christian Nationalists and their sympathizers are committed to the notion that our democracy needs to conform to Christian values and principles and reclaim the privileged position of heterosexual marriage and the male-headed family, the right to life for the unborn, and the durability of the sex assigned at birth. It is this melding of Christianity and democracy that suggests that one must be a Christian in order to live and thrive in, as well as contribute to the strength of, this democratic republic. I think this is wrong-headed and misguided. There is great need for reform, absolutely. But I do not believe it is our democracy, its institutions, or its civil, social, and moral values that need reform. Rather, it is Christianity that needs reform, as least that brand of it that animates the ideology of Christian Nationalism. I believe that this brand of Christianity should conform to the values and principles of our democracy. Rather than a religious interpretation of democracy, lets try a democratic interpretation of religion. The church emerged and developed for its first sixteen centuries in the political context of authoritarian imperialism with the consequence that its very structure reflected this imperialist bent. This ethos is embodied in Christian Nationalism. Reforming Christianity to conform to democracy would mean maximizing human freedom, self-determination, human interests and aspirations in religion. Just as democracy is a polity in which the citizens are themselves the deciders and critics of the autocratic rule by leaders, so religion ought to be attuned to the hopes, needs, and cries of all who inhabit the realm, not just the favored few. Right now, we need to make religion safe for democracy so that all may thrive. Douglas R. Sharp, Ph.D., is a retired professor of theology, religion and society. A Colorado House workplace harassment committee has reviewed a complaint filed with the General Assembly's Office of Legislative Workplace Relations, the first time such a filing has been submitted to the formal process the Legislature set up in 2019. According to Ben FitzSimons, director of the legislative workplace office, complaints can be filed against lawmakers or partisan staff. That category can encompass caucus staff, aides, interns or partisan volunteers. The committee discussed the complaint in a closed-door executive session, and then asked for an independent third-party investigation. Lawmakers did not disclose who the complaint was against. FitzSimons told Colorado Politics during the 2023 session that "unless a legislator is found to have violated the workplace harassment policy, specifics regarding complaints and the identities of those involved is confidential. If an investigation concludes that a legislator violated the policy, an executive summary of the report is made available to the public, including the name of the legislator, he said. The workplace harassment complaint system was set up in September 2019, with a separate committee for each chamber. It came more than a year after a report commissioned by the General Assembly found "there have been "real problems of harassment in the General Assembly that have negatively impacted lives, careers and the wellbeing of members of the legislative workplace." The report based on 528 survey responses found almost 30% reported having seen or experienced harassment, while 50% of respondents said they observed "sexist behavior and/or reported episodes of seriously disrespectful behavior." The report, conducted by the Denver-based Investigations Law Group, recommended a stand-alone human resources department, now the Office of Legislative Workplace Relations, along with a process and policy for handling complaints. To date, the office has received 10 complaints but none moved to a formal resolution process that would have put it in front of the House or Senate committees. In 2019-20, seven complaints were received. Five were addressed through "an informal process," according to the 2019-20 report. A sixth resulted in no action at the request of the complainant, and the seventh was not based on any protected classes or affiliations. In 2020-21, one complaint was received, but resulted in no action at the request of the complainant. 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. In 2021-22, the most recent year for which reports are available, two complaints were received. One resulted in no action at the request of the complainant, and the other complaint that was not based on any protected classes or affiliations. The system of dealing with workplace harassment came out of the 2018 session. Rep. Steve Lebsock, D-Thornton, was expelled for sexual harassment against a fellow lawmaker and four other women, allegations found credible by a third-party investigation. He was the first lawmaker expelled since 1915, when Rep. William Howland was thrown out for committing perjury during a bribery investigation. The May 25 meeting of the House committee began with selection of a chair and vice chair. Rep. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont was chosen chair and Rep. Ryan Armagost, R-Berthoud, was chosen vice chair. The committee is six members, with three from each caucus. FitzSimons then explained the process, given that it's the first time the legislative committee has been convened to review a complaint. If a complaint is filed against a lawmaker or partisan staff, and the complainant chooses to use a formal resolution process, then the Office of Legislative Workplace Relations notifies the committee. In the formal resolution process, the committee looks at whether the complaint falls within the scope of the policy. If it does, the office either conducts the investigation or hires a third-party investigator, at the committee's discretion. Once the report is completed, the committee determines whether the workplace harassment policy has been violated. If that is the case, the committee would then submit to the complainant, respondent and caucus leadership an executive summary. The committee also would recommend a range of corrective actions based on the investigation, FitzSimons explained. Any corrective action would fall to caucus or chamber leadership for implementation, or to the supervising member, in the case of staff. Details of complaints are confidential, as are records related to those complaints, Fitzsimons added. The committee then met in executive session to review the complaint. "The evidence that we heard falls within the scope, McCormick said upon the conclusion of the executive session. That became the first of three motions approved by the committee, including the hiring of a third-party investigator. No timeline was identified by the committee for the investigation process. Gov. Jared Polis on Friday signed a measure banning "ghost guns," the fifth major gun legislation from Colorado's 2023 legislative session. Polis called for a ban on ghost guns unserialized weapons that can be made from kits and on 3D printers in his January State of the State address. That call was also echoed by the mayors of Colorado's three largest cities: Mayor Mike Coffman of Aurora, Mayor Michael Hancock of Denver and Mayor John Suthers of Colorado Springs, in a letter published by The Gazette in December. Coffman was on hand for Friday's signing ceremony, along with district attorneys from Denver, Jefferson. Boulder and Adams counties and the 18th Judicial District. Senate Bill 279 is set to follow four other major measure that supporters say would rein in gun violence in Colorado. The governor signed them in April: Expanding the state's "red flag" law, which allows district attorneys, higher education faculty and K-12 teachers and medical professionals to seek extreme risk protection orders. Allowing victims of gun violence to sue firearms dealers and manufacturers in civil court, overturning a 2000 law granting immunity to firearms dealers that gun control advocates called one of the strictest in the nation. Creating a three-day waiting period for delivery of a firearm after purchase or transfer. Raising the age for purchase of a firearm from 18 to 21, although the measure allows for possession of a firearm by those under 21 years old. The latter two are the subject of a lawsuit filed against the state by gun rights organizations. SB 279 bans the manufacture and possession of unserialized frames and receivers, the outer shell that holds the components for a gun, a move that proponents hope would curb the proliferation of ghost guns, which can be assembled with kits that include all or part of a gun, as well as created through 3D printers. However, the bill does not ban the sale of kits that do not include the frames or receivers or components that can be used to create a gun on a 3D printer, so long as the components don't include the frame or receiver. The bill also creates a new misdemeanor charge for possessing an unserialized firearm, which can be made with kits, or even with 3D printers. SB 279 provides an opportunity for owners of ghost guns to get serial numbers added onto their firearms. That can be done by any licensed dealer, but it would also require a background check under existing state law. That window expires at the end of the year. "None of these bills interfere with the legal use of weapons," Polis said. "I believe [SB 279] will make Colorado safer with compromising the right of law-abiding citizens to own firearms," Coffman said. Second Amendment proponents said the package of gun bills pushed by Democrats this year infringe on Coloradans' right to keep and bear arms, arguing they would turn law-abiding residents into criminals. When the governor signed the four gun bills earlier, House Minority Leader Mike Lynch, R-Wellington, called it a "historically dark day." Lynch said most Colorado gun owners follow the law but that Democrats want to punish them for the criminal or tragic actions of a few. 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. At today's signing ceremony, Brian Mason, the district attorney for the 17th Judicial District in Adams County, said he didn't know 10 years ago what a ghost gun was. Now, it's a crisis in every community, state and across the country, he said. He also called the coalition that backed the bill, which involved Republicans and Democrats in many communities, "a special collaboration" that isn't seen very often. Notably, no Republicans in the General Assembly voted for any of the five measures. Polis also signed a proclamation for the ninth annual National Gun Violence Awareness Day, surrounded by students from East High, who joined him in reading the proclamation. "We talked to our legislators, marched across town, registered to vote, testified and helped pass common sense gun laws," said Julia Knox, an East High student. The votes of lawmakers "showed they hear us, represent us and will fight for us." In a statement Friday, Polis said: "I am proud of the achievements reached this year to improve gun safety and reduce crime, but the work is not done." "In order to make Colorado one of the top ten safest states, we must continue to come together to build on these public safety accomplishments," he added. What that could look like is a more robust gun violence prevention office, and "permit to purchase," a license that must be issued prior to buying a gun. Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood, a co-founder of the legislative gun violence prevention caucus, weighed in favor of an enhanced office of gun violence prevention that would help lawmakers look at statistics and where people who shouldn't have guns are getting them. She also spoke in favor of the "permit to purchase" law. In Oregon, where voters approved the concept via ballot measure in 2022, an applicant must first complete a certified firearms safety course and then get a permit application with local law enforcement, which includes a national and state background check. "Because the ATF does not enforce state law, we need mechanism to enforce the good work we've done," Froelich told Colorado Politics Friday. Q: My mother died two years ago. She owned property, but we couldnt find a will. We know her wishes were for me to move back home to take over the property, pay the bills and do the upkeep on the property. Heres my question: How do I get the home transferred into my name? My mother didnt want to leave her home to my brother. He knows this, and so far it hasnt been a problem. But because my mom didnt have a will, I dont know how this will play out. Ive spent a lot of time and money making repairs, and paying the bills and property taxes. My brother is always welcome to visit, but my mom felt she couldnt trust him to keep the home in the family for generations to come. What should I do? A: Youve waited two years to ask this question, and we have no idea why. Well, its past time for you to hire an attorney and get this done. The more time passes, the more things (and peoples minds) can change. Its quite unfortunate that your mother never wrote up a will, put the property into a living trust or took any other measures to ensure the property would become yours once she died. You need to hire an attorney who can assist you in having the title to the home transferred into your name. The process will likely require your brothers cooperation, and your brother may have to formally decline his share of the property. The legal term is that he would disclaim his inheritance. You should know that now that your mom has passed, the title to the home would normally transfer as required under the laws in the state in which the property is located. Usually when a person dies, the property they own goes to their spouse and children. If they dont have a spouse, then to their children. But there are some differences in each states estate laws, and you need to ask the attorney what the law provides for in your state. The attorney may need to open an estate in probate court to have the title to the property transferred from your moms name into your name. Once the probate case starts, your attorney will ask your brother to sign some documents that would allow the home to go into your name. Given that youll need your brothers cooperation through the process, you should get this done as soon as possible. When youre talking with the attorney, you might ask if its worth setting up a living trust for the property. Since this is a property your mother wanted to stay in the family for generations, you could name yourself as trustee and beneficiary. If you want, you can name a successor beneficiary, so the property would flow to that person automatically upon your death. Since youre going to all this trouble now, it would certainly make future transfers easier. A final reminder: People can and do change their minds for all sorts of reasons. If you dont take care of the paperwork as soon as possible, its possible that your brother might want something from you in exchange for the home. Then, youd have to start negotiating how much you have already paid in maintenance and upkeep costs versus the value of the property the day your mom passed. So, while he is in agreement that the property should belong to you, secure his cooperation now and have the title transferred according to your mothers wishes. Bunuel wrote: Which of the following, if true, would most effectively weaken the parents argument? A. Motivation to learn can be improved at home, during time spent with parents. B. The degree of interest in learning that a student develops is a direct result of the amount of time he or she spends in the classroom. C. Making attendance policies stricter will merely increase students motivation to attend classes, not their interest in learning. D. Showing a student how to be motivated is insufficient; the student must also accept responsibility for his or her decisions. E. Unmotivated students do not perform as well in school as other students. Check the links to other Butler Projects: Data Sufficiency Butler Problem Solving Butler Sentence Correction Butler Reading Comprehension Butler Integrated Reasoning Butler This is a CR Butler Question Parents of high school students argue that poor attendance is the result of poor motivation. If students attitudes improve, regular attendance will result. The administration, they believe, should concentrate less on making stricter attendance policies and more on increasing students learning.Which of the following, if true, would most effectively weaken the parents argument?A. Motivation to learn can be improved at home, during time spent with parents.B. The degree of interest in learning that a student develops is a direct result of the amount of time he or she spends in the classroom.C. Making attendance policies stricter will merely increase students motivation to attend classes, not their interest in learning.D. Showing a student how to be motivated is insufficient; the student must also accept responsibility for his or her decisions.E. Unmotivated students do not perform as well in school as other students. Official Explanation: Step 1: Identify the Question Type Step 2: Untangle the Stimulus Step 3: Predict the Answer Step 4: Evaluate the Choices Choice (B) is correct. The word weaken in the stem clearly indicates a Weaken question.The parents conclude that poor motivation by schools causes poor attendance by students and that increasing students learning will boost their attitudes, thus making them more likely to regularly attend school.Notice that the parents argument is essentially causal in nature. According to the parents, the cause is poor motivation, and the effect is poor attendance. Whenever youre asked to weaken a causal argument, always consider the three classic alternative explanations: (1) reverse the cause and effect (poor attendance causes poor motivation), (2) find an alternative cause for the effect (anything other than poor motivation would cause poor attendance), or (3) chalk it up to coincidence (whatever the cause of the poor attendance, it isnt poor motivation). You may not know exactly what the right answer will say, but you can expect it to do one of these three things.(B) posits that the author has confused a cause with an effectthat bad attendance causes bad motivation. Thats reversal of causality, one of the classic weakeners. (B) is the correct answer. (A) suggests that parents can be vital to the development of motivation, but this has no direct link to attendance, so it doesnt weaken the argument. (C) is a 180. It agrees with the parents position that a stricter policy will not lead to increased learning, the very position you are asked to weaken, so it doesnt have any effect; the parents arent looking for the school to tighten attendance policies, so finding out that such tightening wont increase their motivation does nothing to the parents argument. (D) introduces the idea of accepting responsibility, which sounds like a good thing overall but has no direct bearing on improving attendance. Finally, (E) mentions that unmotivated students have poorer performance, but the parents are only interested in ways to get students to improve their attendance, not their performance in school._________________ Email special events to news@registerbee.com. The deadline is noon Wednesday. CELEBRATION SERVICE Chestnut Grove Baptist Church, Semora, North Carolina, will celebrate deacon James Brandon for 50 years of service as a deacon at the church at 3 p.m. June 11 with Rev. Tonya Cunningham from Life Outreach Worship Center of Roxboro as guest preacher. HOMECOMING SERVICE Staunton Baptist Church, 6101 Straightstone Road, Long Island, will be observe its annual Homecoming Day Service on June 11 beginning at 11 a.m. A fellowship meal will be served immediately following the morning worship service. HEALTH & WELLNESS MINISTRY Shockoe Missionary Baptist Church, 857 Java Road, Java, hosts a monthly Wellness Walking Ministry from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., meeting every fourth Saturday. All ages are welcome to participate. The Health and Wellness Ministry will meet at 9 a.m. before each walking session. For information, contact Kathy B. Ramsey at 434-251-0379 or atbjrk@gmail.com. IN PERSON/ONLINE SERVICES Ascension Lutheran Church, 314 West Main St., worships Sundays at 11 a.m. in the sanctuary and live on Facebook at www.facebook/ascensionlutherandanville. Mount Vernon United Methodist Church offers in-person services at 10 a.m. each Sunday as well as online worship services every Sunday at mtvernonumc.org or www.facebook.com/MountVernonUMC. IN-PERSON SERVICES Christ the King Lutheran Church, 1172 Franklin Turnpike, will have in-house worship services on Sundays at 11 a.m. Free books available anytime from a Little Free Library located on a post next to the driveway. Saint Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church, 406 Gay St., has in-person services at 10 a.m. for hour of power on the first and third Sundays. North New Hope Baptist Church, 123 Old Piney Forest Road, has resumed in church worship services at 11 a.m. and Sunday school at 9:30 p.m. Mount Sinai Glorious Church of God, 716 Jefferson St., will hold services in the sanctuary with Sunday school at 10 a.m. and morning worship at 10:30 a.m. Participants are asked to wear a mask and to practice social distancing. The service also will be streamed on Facebook. Mount Freeman Baptist Church, 2100 Laniers Mill Road, hosts in-person service at 11 a.m. Sunday. There will be no Sunday school. ONLINE WORSHIP SERVICES Sacred Heart Catholic Church will livestream worship service at 9 a.m. Sundays in English and noon in Spanish at www.facebook.com/sheartchurch. DRIVE-IN SERVICES Staunton River Baptist Church, Long Island, will hold drive-in services at 10 a.m. each Sunday. ONGOING SERVICES Sacred Heart Catholic Church celebrates Mass every weekend with a vigil Mass at 5 p.m. Saturday and at 9 p.m. Sunday in English and noon in Spanish. Watson Level Missionary Baptist Church holds Sunday worship services each week at 11 a.m. Because of COVID-19, a face mask is required for all attendees and social distancing is mandatory. Calvary Church of the Nazarene, 2450 Franklin Turnpike, from 6 to 7 p.m. every Sunday, will hold Ladies Need Encouragement, an hour of worship and prayer. Participants are asked to bring a Bible and practice social distancing. The event is for ages 10 and up with adult supervision. For more information, call 540-907-8836. Mount Zion Temple, now located at 503 Hughes St., presents The Word Homelitic Institute at 10 a.m. every Sunday. Transportation is provided by calling Bishop David K. Fuller at 434-429-8960. Twenty low-wealth school districts, including Rockingham County Schools, could be penalized $37 million due to a difference in interpretation about how to use state funding to boost teacher pay. The 20 districts were among the North Carolina public schools that received $100 million in new state funding in 2021 to boost the pay of teachers. But the districts didnt follow the legislatures requirements about not using state funds to replace local dollars for teacher salary supplements, according to a report adopted Thursday by the State Board of Education. The state board asked Thursday that state lawmakers modify the law so that those poor districts arent penalized. Any potential relief could come in this years state budget. These are not some of our wealthiest districts around the state, said Alan Duncan, vice chair of the state board. This would have a genuine impact on some districts that would be extremely impactful and negative on their ability to continue attracting quality teachers or educators. New state teacher salary supplement The state pays the base salaries for most teachers. School districts often use local and federal funds to supplement the salaries. In addition, school districts that qualify for low-wealth funding from the state also can use that money to pay teachers. In 2021, the General Assembly created a new state-funded salary supplement for teachers. The pot has risen to $170 million this school year. In return for the new state funding, school districts are to use it to supplement and not supplant non-state funds provided for salary supplements for teachers. Alexis Schauss, chief financial officer of the state Department of Public Instruction, said DPI interpreted it to mean that districts are required to maintain the same level of salary supplement expenditures from local and federal funds. Schauss said the 20 districts did use the new state funding to increase pay for teachers. But she said they also replaced some of the local money used for teacher salaries with funding from the states low-wealth supplemental fund. Difference about interpretation The 20 districts differed with DPIs interpretation of the law. But both the House and Senate budgets side with DPIs interpretation. The state board was supposed to send to the General Assembly by April a report on how schools have used the new state teacher salary supplement. But the report was delayed as DPI tried to resolve the issue with the school districts. It would cost the districts $6.6 million to revise their budgets to stay in compliance with state law. For a district like Cumberland County, it would mean a $160,000 budget adjustment. But Schauss said Nash-Rocky, for example, would need a $1.5 million budget change. Duncan, the state board vice chair, said asking these districts to come up with $6.6 million is not a trivial amount. There has been difference about interpretation, Duncan said. These are not small matters. This is significant money that is involved. NC districts that could lose money Alamance-Burlington Schools Bertie County Schools Bladen County Schools Caldwell County Schools Cumberland County Schools Davidson County Schools Lexington City Schools Thomasville City Schools Weldon City Schools Harnett County Schools Lee County Schools Lenoir County Schools Nash-Rocky Mount Schools Onslow County Schools Person County Schools Rockingham County Schools Clinton City Schools Surry County Schools Elkin City Schools Wilkes County Schools. Banks Bourne made a fortune selling hundreds of millions of COVID-19 tests to the British government during the height of the pandemic. Now, the Charlotte entrepreneur finds himself in a protracted legal fight that could determine how much of the money he gets to keep. A lawsuit filed in the Charlotte federal courts accuses the former Wachovia investment banker, his pharmaceutical-supply companies, and a top associate of improperly withholding hundreds of millions of dollars in profits that were owed to a business partner. FS Medical Supplies alleges that it signed a contract in 2020 to serve as the exclusive middleman between Bournes companies, known collectively as the Tanner Pharma Group, and the Chinese manufacturer of the tests. The amount of money FSMS received under the deal is at the center of a three-year legal fight that has surfaced in two states and may eventually move overseas. According to filings in the case, Tanner Pharma paid FSMS a total of $6.5 million from the profits tied to the UK sales. FSMS claims it is owed more than $200 million. Its lawsuit seeks triple damages, which would bring the amount to more than $600 million. Under the agreement, Tanner Pharma UK LTD., Bournes affiliate in Great Britain, was supposed to buy the COVID tests through FSMS, the lawsuit claims. The two would then split the profits from the sales to the United Kingdom Department of Health and Social Care, which totaled more than $2 billion during 2020-22, according to the complaint and UK government records. Two weeks after signing the agreement, Tanner Pharma UK breached it, the lawsuit alleges. Bournes company in Great Britain began buying directly from the Chinese supplier, concealed details of early contracts with the UK government involving the sale of almost 60 million test kits, and used disputed pricing figures to under-calculate FSMSs share of the profits, the complaint says. We have a lot of confidence in our claims based on the evidence we have seen so far, said Charlotte attorney Lex Erwin, a member of the plaintiffs legal team, and we are looking forward to presenting that evidence to a North Carolina jury. Bourne and the other defendants dispute the allegations. They argue in their filings that the distribution contract both companies signed in September 2020 allowed Tanner to deal directly with the Chinese supplier; that Tanner Pharma UK had largely taken over FSMSs role in acquiring the tests; and that the Tanner partners were clear from the start about the money FSMS would receive. Over the eight months of payments, they say, FSMS, which was created at the start of the pandemic by two venture capitalists and their wives, never once complained about the amounts. In a statement Thursday to The Charlotte Observer, Tanner Pharma UK, which Bourne started in 2015, said it began dealing directly with the Chinese supplier due to the urgent need for tests in Great Britain. At all times, Tanner Pharma UK acted within its contractual rights, and it compensated FS Medical Supplies, LLC as its contract provided, the statement said. While many of the financial details of the various sales have been redacted from the lawsuit, The Guardian, a British newspaper, reported last week that Tanner Pharma UK received 1.5 billion (the equivalent of an estimated $2.4 billion) for the years 2020 to 2022. Thats the fourth highest amount paid by the British government to a pandemic-related supplier. As principal owner of Tanner Pharma UK, Bourne profited mightily from the companys UK sales. According to The Guardian, the Charlottean received a dividend check in 2021 of 73 million. That was close to $120 million, based on the exchange rate at the time. Multi-billion-dollar relationship The lawsuit and other documents in the case offer a glance into the worldwide chaos that ensued after the emergence of the pandemic, when frantic demand and broken supply chains had countries furiously competing against each other for COVID tests, masks and other medical necessities. It also shows how a Charlotte company and its small British affiliate filled a lucrative niche in the global pandemic marketplace. To date, Tanner Pharma UK says it has supplied more than 480 million COVID tests to the UK. Court filings indicate that FSMS played a pivotal role early on obtaining almost 5,000 test kits from the Chinese manufacturer that the British government wanted to analyze before ordering the tests in bulk. FSMS quick actions, according to its lawsuit, paved the way for what would become a multi-billion-dollar relationship. Without FSMSs efforts, none of this would have been possible. The companys first lawsuit against Tanner Pharma in the courts of California in March 2021. The case was moved to the federal courts of the Northern District of California that April and dismissed three months later when a judge ruled that California was not the proper venue for the dispute. The complaint resurfaced in the Western District of North Carolina that September. An amended version filed in September 2022 added Bourne and Stephen Scalia, the Charlotte-based president of the Tanner Pharma Group, as defendants. The amended lawsuit also included a new claim that the defendants had violated North Carolinas law against unfair and deceptive trade practices, which would entitle FSMS to collect triple damages. Last month, both sides spent a full day in the courtroom, arguing over defense motions calling for the case to be dismissed on procedural grounds, or to be thrown out of the North Carolina courts and heard in Great Britain. A ruling is expected within the next month. Bourne, 51, is a graduate of Charlotte Country Day and N.C. State University, according to his LinkedIn profile and company biography. He received a graduate degree from Wake Forest. According to one of his company websites, he is an active supporter of Atrium Healths Levine Childrens Hospital and Levine Cancer Institute and is a co-founder of the Russell Guerin Melanoma Research Fund. Now you see it, now you dont. The curious case of a disappearing Pride symbol from the citys logo created with some justification a certain amount of dyspeptic stomach upset. Not over the citys abrupt decision to remove a rainbow diversity symbol within minutes of its posting online, per se. Rather, it was its original hamfisted explanation that rang hollow - a Barney Fife shot fired into a raging culture war. Seriously City of Winston-Salem, NC Government? Cut the crap and grow a spine, wrote Margaret Taylor not long after the disappearing act. Show your support for historically marginalized members of our community and proudly display the Pride logo. An apology issued Friday morning helped, though. An abrupt change As per usual, the best place to take it is from the top. So here we go. The City of Winston-Salem, through its communications arm, altered its logo Thursday with a rainbow symbol - a harmless tip of the cap to Pride Month, also known as June. Pride Month is rooted in the Stonewall Uprising in June 1969 during which gay people in New York, tired of being harassed and targeted by the city's finest, staged a six-day protest interspersed with violent clashes thats now commonly credited for being a catalyst for the gay-rights movement. Anyhow, less than an hour after the Pride logo popped up on social media, it was yanked down. And the official explanation, which smelled a lot like a 2016 decision that undercut temporarily the annual Veterans Day parade, left much to be desired. City government types cited the fact that June is also recognized as PTSD Awareness Month, Gun National Violence Awareness Month and Alzheimers & Brain Awareness Month. As a matter of fairness we cannot promote one cause over the others through our logo, the communications folks wrote. Given the hysteria over a dang Bud Light, Pride Month displays in retail outlets and drag shows, you can see why some thought the city might have been kowtowing to a loud angry few. It's like the City's recognition of Pride had just...vanished, wrote City Councilman Kevin Mundy. So folks started jumping to the conclusion that the City had caved to the pressure of the haters and erased all traces of rainbow anything. Taylor thought so, too. It seemed to me to be like the (N.C.) Bar Association decision to cancel a drag show, she said early Friday. As a lawyer, shed know. For the rest of us non-lawyers, the president of the state bar association made earlier month a unilateral decision to cancel a drag trivia night. Political viewpoints will be inferred by the General Assembly, president Clayton Morgan told members of a bar-association committee. Given the nature of how drag shows are being used and portrayed, it is likely that our Bar Association-backed legislative agenda will be negatively affected. He wasnt wrong about that. But lacking the guts to stand with someone who might well be your own daughter or uncle is something else entirely. So yeah, its no stretch to think the city might have been doing the same thing. A fairness doctrine While still in full walking-it-back mode Thursday, city officials pointed to other factors such as the fact theres a Pride banner outside City Hall and they'd OKd a rainbow crosswalk in the Arts District. Still, the city initially stuck by that hollow "fairness" argument. Just like some did in 2016 when they threw roadblocks in the way of the Veterans Day parade. That year, in its infinite wisdom, the city held firm in requiring that the veterans groups who ran it get a $50 parade permit, about $500 in liability insurance coverage and obtain the signatures of every business owner along the route verifying that theyd been notified of the date. Notarized, of course. Asked about that, city officials cited fairness in declining to waive and/or cover parade expenses; a handful of aging veterans had been dipping into their own pockets. Make an exception for one, youll have to make it for all. Veterans deserved better. A couple hundred bucks from the city budget is nothing. And a cruise-in isnt the same as a Veterans Day parade. Happily, the Journal, its readers and the Chamber of Commerce stepped up to cover costs and collect the signatures. So here we were again. A different issue, yes, but with the same initial reflexive explanation. This time, however, Winston-Salem changed its tune. By mid-morning Friday, it posted an apology - which its not known for doing - along with a fuller explanation that the initial logo, put up without proper authorization, was taken down due to process rather than fear. And that the city has indeed planned a number of events to show its support throughout the month. The city apologizes for the hurt that was created yesterday among members of the LGBTQ+ community when an unauthorized version of the city logo with a Pride background was briefly posted on our Facebook page and then removed. We should have immediately posted an explanation of why we replaced the logo and stated that the city fully supports Pride Month. We mishandled the situation and regret it. Finally, after 24 hours, the city finally made the right decision. The N.C. General Assembly is proposing to divert millions of taxpayer dollars, in an arguably unconstitutional manner, away from the public schools and into the hands of private and parochial schools with none of the transparency and accountability required of the public schools. Senate Bill 406 and House Bill 832 will use tax dollars to support Opportunity Scholarships for the private education of children, not just from low-wealth families but, for the first time, to wealthy families and those already enrolled in private schools. SB 406 would provide more than $2.2 billion of taxpayer money for private school vouchers over the next 10 years. Egregiously, the General Assembly is allowing these private and religious schools to discriminate against the children of the state based on religious beliefs and the personal characteristics of voucher applicants. Private and parochial schools can pick and choose students who align with their beliefs and reject others. Public schools are open to all regardless of race, creed, color, sexual orientation and religious or political beliefs. It was the genius of the 1868 N.C. Constitution which, in Article 9, made clear that a responsibility of state government is to provide for a free public education for all the children of the state, including children who were historically denied that opportunity due to race, religion or financial resources. The N.C. Constitution did not include provisions for financing private and religious education with public tax dollars. North Carolinas Republican and Democratic governors and enlightened leaders of the General Assembly have long championed, if not always well financed, public education in North Carolina. Rather than divert millions of our tax dollars to unaccountable private and often discriminatory schools, the General Assembly should address the unmet needs of the public schools (mostly rural) across North Carolina, as documented in the long-standing Leandro court case. Embarrassingly, North Carolina now ranks 50th in school funding and 48th in overall funding level according to the most recent Making the Grade report by the Education Law Center. Beginning teacher pay in North Carolina is now below every state in the Southeast, except West Virginia. This state is now nearly $12,000 below the national average for teacher pay. Mississippians can now say, Thank God for N.C. The ideology driving these twin bills is intended to degrade public education. They shift the scales of responsibility from doing what is best for the common good of the people of North Carolina to a self-serving whats in it for me? at taxpayer expense. The great majority of North Carolinians love and support their local public schools and teachers. They also know that a well-educated, civically engaged public is key to creating and sustaining a flourishing state in which to live. We understand what our nations founding fathers understood that public education is essential to maintaining a democracy. The diversion of public money to private and religious education not only undermines our public schools, but it also undermines our free and democratic society. Contact your Senate and House General Assembly members and urge them to reject SB 406/HB 823. More than 300 Capital High School seniors walked across the graduation stage Saturday inside Carroll College's Physical Education Center. "Right now, I just want to congratulate all of you and tell you how proud I am of you," Capital Principal Brett Zanto said. The Montana Association of Student Councils recognized Zanto earlier Saturday as its Principal of the Year. Thirty students graduated as valedictorians with grade point averages of 4.0, and four students finished with a 3.9 GPA. "Wherever you go after today, you'll always be a Bruin," Zanto said. "To the graduating class of 2023, job well done." More than 50 students completed their Capital careers as BEAR award recipients, meaning they completed at least 10 honors credits, a minimum of 26 total credits, with at least a 3.5 GPA. Nearly 60 students received at least some academic scholarship money. "The pages of your book are turning, and it's you who are filling in the words," Selah Fredrickson said during her student address. "Change is scary, but it's necessary to grow," fellow graduate Jayden Duper told her class. "Slow down every once in a while, look back to see how far you've come and keep moving forward." A common theme among classes of '23, the students lamented the timing of their high school days that fell perfectly in line with a global health pandemic, but the message they have all shared this graduation season is one of perseverance and fortitude. Fellow Bruin and successful entrepreneur Merrilee Kick provided the commencement address. Kick encouraged the graduates to remain connected to those family and friends who helped them get to this point even after they have long since moved away for college or a new career. "You have no idea how important these people will be to you over time," she said. She also cautioned them about life's future challenges coming down the pike. "You don't know all the things you're capable of doing yet, but trust your gut," she said. Photos: Capital High School graduates its class of 2023 Montanas Legislature has overridden the governor on one piece of vetoed legislation, showing that lawmakers have at least some degree of appetite for pushing back against a slew of such actions that took place after they adjourned last month. According to results released Friday evening by the Secretary of States office, House Bill 693 will become law despite Gov. Greg Gianforte vetoing it after the biennial session ended in early May. That bill, sponsored by Rep. Bill Mercer, a Billings Republican, says that the executive branch and other government agencies cant deny someones public records request on the basis of ongoing litigation. Two other bills, House Bill 33 and House Bill 748, passed the Legislature by at least two-thirds in each chamber but didnt muster enough votes in the post-session polling to reach that threshold to overturn the governor. If the governor vetoes a bill after the Legislature adjourns, the Secretary of States office automatically sends out a poll to lawmakers to ask whether they want to override the the governor. Traditionally, thats been regarded as a big lift. In the case of HB 33, it sailed through the Legislature on a 90-9 vote in the House and a 49-1 vote in the Senate. But it fell short of an override in the House, with just 55 yes votes. Fifteen representatives didnt respond to the poll at all. House Bill 33 would have specified additional powers for county commissioners to initiate certain civil complaints and recover attorney fees. Its unclear when the last time a poll-style veto override effort succeeded. But until the 2021 session, no veto overrides of any kind had been successful since 2003. That session marked the first time a Republican occupied the governors mansion in 16 years, while the GOP controlled the legislative branch for most of that time. Mercer, one of the most prolific lawmakers during the 2023 session, had been recently lobbying his colleagues via email to override the governors action on his bill. In committee hearings, the Department of Environmental Quality had repeatedly spoken in opposition to HB 693, arguing that it would allow litigants an end-run around the discovery process by duplicating their requests through public records requests. House Bill 693 creates a new litigation tool for trial lawyers and their well-heeled clients from large, out-of-state corporations to well-funded, dark money special interest groups to bombard the state and our courts with concurrent litigation, abusing Montanans right-to-know guarantees for their singular advantage, Gianforte wrote in his veto letter. Mercer, a former U.S. attorney for Montana, rejected the governors logic, calling that argument a red herring. The public has a right to know what is in the possession of a state agency whether litigation is being considered or not, Mercer wrote in an email obtained by the Montana State News Bureau. He added: The bill will minimize the risk of litigation because agencies will have a statutory obligation to provide documents even if litigation on an agency action is possible or on-going. Refusing to do so does cause litigation. The fates of many more bills remain outstanding. At least 17 more await the results of veto override polls, in addition to individual line-item vetoes of appropriations the governor struck from legislation. And a number of additional bills have yet to officially transmit to Gianforte. QUINCY Despite being disappointed by the outcome, the attorney for convicted murderer Timothy Bliefnick was full of praise for the way the trial was conducted, a statement said. As I stated (in my closing argument) it is our belief that the work of the Quincy Police Department exonerated Tim, but obviously the jury felt differently, defense attorney Casey J. Schnack said in a written statement on Friday. As far as the trial is concerned, we are obviously disappointed in the verdict. The statement was written on behalf of Schnack, her client and the Bliefnick family. The Adams County jury needed about four hours Wednesday to convict Timothy Bliefnick, a Decatur native, of murder and home invasion in connection with the shooting death of his estranged wife, Rebecca. Rebecca Bliefnick's father found her dead in her home on Feb. 23 after being alerted by Timothy Bliefnick that she hadn't picked up their sons from school. An autopsy determined she had been shot multiple times. Timothy Bliefnick was arrested March 13 after a multiweek investigation conducted by Quincy police. Evidence presented during the trial focused on the couple's ongoing and bitter divorce proceedings; concerns about her safety that Rebecca Bliefnick had shared with friends and co-workers; and searches on Timothy Bliefnick's computer and cellphone on such topics as forcing a door open with a crowbar and making a pistol silencer. Schnack argued throughout the proceedings that the evidence against her client was circumstantial, leaving room for reasonable doubt. She offered no witnesses and her client did not testify. We felt going into the trial, through the trial and still that there was not enough evidence to convict Tim beyond a reasonable doubt, but obviously the jury felt differently. While we disagree with their verdict, we certainly accept it, the statement said. Schnack said post-trial motions will be filed. Timothy Bliefnick faces natural life in prison when he is sentenced Aug. 11. Lead Trial Attorney Josh Jones said he anticipates asking for a life sentence. The statement thanked the jurors and the Quincy Police Department for the hard work they put into the case, as well as the work by prosecutors Jones and Laura Keck. Schnack reserved the highest praise for Judge Robert Adrian for the manner in which the entire proceeding was conducted. She made specific reference to his decision to keep much of the evidence unavailable to the press and public. We know he was under a lot of pressure to make evidentiary matters open to the press and that he has received criticism for that. Quite frankly, I dont think this case could have been tried in Adams County had it not been for Judge Adrians position in this matter. Adrian issued a March 16 order sealing the motions in the case because of "extensive publicity." The Herald-Whig, along with WGEM and Muddy River News, sought to have motions unsealed and to allow the press to sit in on motion hearings in the case. Schnack expressed some frustration with the press. As far as the media coverage is concerned, I know they have a job to do and I wish they understood that I have a job to do, some of them apparently dont, but me or Josh or Laura commenting on anything while the case is pending can do nothing more than cause problems for everyone concerned. 10 infamous Central Illinois crimes 10 crimes we won't ever forget The Hendricks murders S&S Liquors Jeff Pelo Clinton Lake drownings Jon White Jennifer Lockmiller Beason murders Dalton Mesarchik Duncan and Jack Leichtenberg Jon Morgan sentencing hearing DECATUR By the end of the 1920s, the school in Maroa that housed grades K-12 in one building was so overcrowded that the state of Illinois threatened to remove its accreditation. The district put a referendum on the ballot, which passed, and built a new Maroa Community High School. In September 1930, a little more than a year into the Great Depression, a time capsule was placed into the cornerstone. We know what's in there, said archivist Tina Horve, who found the list of items in the Sept. 20, 1930 edition of the Decatur Herald & Review. It's in a metal box and soldered shut and it seems dry, but you know water can get in anywhere. Buildings and Grounds Director Keith Garner cut off the solder on three sides prior to the public event, saving the final cut for the moment of truth. The box contained a dollar bill and several coins from the era, blueprints of the high school, a yearbook, a copy of the ballot with the referendum and two newspapers, all in good condition, though Horve said she could smell dampness on the paper items. It came out of the cornerstone on May 5 and I knew everybody was anxious to get in there, Horve said. We just wanted to get the stuff out of there and if it was damaged, start preservation work on it. And it's a time capsule, so it's exciting. The items will be placed on display in a glass case. The building that was Maroa Community High School served as the Maroa-Forsyth High School, too, until the current building opened in 2004 and the former high school building became the middle school. A new middle school was opened last year, and the old building is being demolished. A new time capsule was placed in the new middle school, on an interior wall behind a picture that directs the future occupants to the capsule's location. It contains a Chromebook, commonly used by today's students, which might be so outdated by the time that capsule is opened that those people of the future won't even know what it is, Horve said with a chuckle. Robert Gentle's grandparents, William T. and Margaret McLean, were at the event where the 1930 time capsule was placed in the cornerstone, and he attended the opening of it on Thursday with members of his family, including sixth grader Max McLean, who is William and Margaret's great-great-great-grandson. I didn't know they had attended until the last two or three months, Gentle said. There was a picture that was taken, and they were in the picture. Gentle also attended Maroa-Forsyth schools from third grade until his high school graduation in 1951. What's interesting is, he has his grandmother's diaries from those years, said his daughter, Debbie Gentle McKirahan. So he pulled that diary out from September of 1930. She said (in the diary), 'Will and I attended the cornerstone laying,' Gentle said. Today in history: Oct. 29 Video 1929: "Black Tuesday" 1956: The Suez Canal 1960: California Polytechnic State University Football 1987: Douglas Ginsburg 1987: Woody Herman 1994: Francisco Martin Duran 1998: John Glenn 2004: Osama Bin Laden 2011: Afghanistan 2011: Joe Paterno 2011: Snow Storm 2012: Superstorm Sandy 2015: Paul Ryan 2016: Hillary Clinton 2017: Houston Texans 2020: Hurricane Zeta New Braunfels, TX (78130) Today A mix of clouds and sun with a slight chance of thunderstorms this afternoon. High 83F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 30%.. Tonight Some passing clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low near 65F. Winds light and variable. New Braunfels, TX (78130) Today Some sunshine with a thunderstorm or two possible this afternoon. High 83F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 30%.. Tonight Clear to partly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low near 65F. Winds light and variable. ABINGDON, Va. The Washington County rural Democrats will host the public premiere of their 2nd Amendment video and a chance to meet candidates today. The event is scheduled from 2 to 4 p.m., June 4, at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center in Abingdon. The video features three rural Democratic candidates from Washington County, Julianne Miles, Christina Rehfuss and Gary Andis, discussing the 2nd Amendment and why they believe it is essential to the rural experience, according to a written statement. Those three candidates and Commonwealths Attorney, Josh Cumbow, will take questions afterwards in a forum style discussion. Washington County Commonwealths Attorney Josh Cumbow says he and his family have always supported the 2nd Amendment, and that he owns multiple guns and enjoys shooting. He also supports the use of firearms for self-defense, according to the statement. Washington County Treasurer Fred Parker, said the candidates are attempting to separate themselves from those at the far-left end of the Party spectrum who dont understand the rural lived experience with guns, according to the statement. The statement said the state has common sense regulations in Virginia but they also included the following unattributed statement. While military style rifles are legal in Virginia, rural Democrats understand that there is little practical use in civilian life outside of sport shooting competitions for those style weapons. Greater regulation of military style weaponry may be necessary in order to keep children, our most precious resource, safe. There will be an opportunity for questions and discussion, according to the statement. For a child living in Northeast Tennessee, a few miles or a zip code can make a stark difference in their well-being, a new state report shows. With a couple of exceptions, this regions counties ranked from average to poor for economic, education, health and family factors which impact a childs well-being. Many finished in the bottom third of major measures, according to the Tennessee Commission on Children and Youths recently released 2023 County Profiles of Child Well-Being in Tennessee. Each county profile shows how the county ranks in the most important overall areas plus county-level measures on 52 key socio-economic indicators. Information was compiled during 2021 and 2022. Washington County ranked 14th overall among the states 95 counties, based primarily on ranking sixth statewide in education in areas including reading and math proficiency. That lofty ranking can be deceiving, however, since the Washington County also ranked 63rd in the lower third statewide in the category of economic burden and ranked 75th in the category of severe housing cost burden. This years rankings document new measures of child care cost burden, housing cost burden, chronic absenteeism from school, food insecurity, as well as children in single-parent households and victims of abuse or neglect. For Washington County, its child care cost burden ranking improved 10 positions from last year, to 70th in Tennessee, but its actual cost burden rose. A pro-active housing policy that helps ensure affordable housing is available for people to live where they work can improve negative outcomes related to high housing costs. These policies might include approving more apartment construction and allowing rental of accessory dwelling units, creating a standard zoning approval process and applying for affordable housing trust fund competitive grants, according to the state report. Each county profile also provides an analysis of the countys strengths and challenges and policy recommendations to improve outcomes, according to a statement issued by the department. Washingtons next door neighbor Sullivan County, for example, ranked seventh in the state in the overall health category, 37th in education but in the bottom third in economic and family rankings for an overall score of 59th out of 95 counties. The health ranking is because it ranked first in the state with lowest number of children who lack health insurance at 4.1%. The county ranked fourth in the state in 2022 but the percentage rate was unchanged. Also in the health category, Sullivan ranked 36th in babies born at a low birth weight 8.3% and 59th in children who are food insecure. That means more than 14% of the nearly 30,000 children below the age of 18 regularly arent certain they will eat or where the food will come from. The report shows over a fourth of Sullivans students receive supplemental food assistance and 27.2% are classified as economically disadvantaged. More than 20,500, or 58.5%, are on TennCare, the state Medicaid program. The report also shows Sullivans child care cost burden, which was among the topics during a recent conference in Bristol, ranked among the highest in Tennessee at 93rd out of 95 counties. That figure is defined as child care costs for a household with two children as a percent of median household income. The statewide average is 23.9% in Tennessee. Sullivans figure was 27%. This indicator is a major challenge for all of Tennessee, according to the report. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services defines affordable child care as 7 percent of a households income. With a state average of 23.9 percent, and the best performing county at 11.9 percent, affordability is a challenge for every county in Tennessee. Another key indicator from the state study was 18.4% of children statewide were living in poverty. Except for the 18.3% rate in Washington County, the rest of the region ranked below the state average. The rate is 25.3% in Sullivan County, 25.1% in Carter, 22% in Unicoi, 22.7% in Hawkins and 34.1% in Johnson County, which ranked 93rd in the state. Tennessees rate of children who were victims of abuse or neglect was 10.2 per 1,000 in 2021. Clay County had the highest rate at 33.9 and Moore County had the lowest at 0.8 per 1,000, according to the report. Once again, much of Northeast Tennessee fared poorly. The rate in Sullivan was 21.6 per 1,000, which is 83rd out of Tennessees 95 counties. Sullivan previously ranked 67th at 16.3 per 1,000. The rate was 18.7 in Johnson to rank 76th, 17.0 in Hawkins, ranking 69th, 15.7 in Carter, which ranked 65th and 12.7 in Unicoi, ranking 46th. The rate in Washington County was 10.6, slightly above the state average. It ranked 29th. As an agency, we are always working to improve the well-being of children, youth and families across the state, Richard Kennedy, executive director of Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth, said in the written statement. These county profiles always serve as a reminder that the experience, opportunities and access to positive outcomes can look vastly different for each child in Tennessee. To learn more visit https://www.tn.gov/tccy/data-and-research/county-profiles.html Susan Pless of Concord and her family have always enjoyed Halloween. That was the genesis for Pless to write and publish a childrens book. Her daughter, Hanna Smith, of Kannapolis, designed all the bright and colorful illustrations throughout the book. Pless childrens book is called, Scary-O-Typed. Pless said, The childrens book is friendly and not scary. It is about something you thought was scary, but isnt. Like stereotypes. Smith added that the font is big enough for children to read. Most impressive is that the book completely rhymes. Pless said, The book aims to spark childrens interest through colors. Rhyming characters pull the children in and get their attention. Pless and her daughter agreed that Halloween is a time for family. Pless said, Its a fun time to be silly. You can never be too old to enjoy Halloween. Smith wanted to Bring my work to life. She taught herself to design the illustrations for the book. Smith explained, I sketched the illustrations and then scanned them to a computer. Finally, I colored the images with Photoshop. Pless, a mother of two adult children, said, I began writing years ago. English and writing are my passion, and my children were my inspiration. Smith is expecting her first baby this summer. Pless is excited to be a first-time grandmother. Both women grew up in Cabarrus County and graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Pless is working on a book for children in sixth through eighth grades, Lords of Illuminate. Scary-O-Typed is available online from the book store Fiction Addiction in Greenville, South Carolina. Locally, the book is at Goldberry Books on Union Street in Concord and at Editions Coffee Shop and Books on Main Street in Kannapolis. Scary-O-Typed is a warm and happy book that people of all ages can enjoy at all times of the year. It is a beautiful piece of literature. I am proud to have a copy of the book on my bookshelf. Public education is the most important function of state government, and we spend more tax dollars on education than any other budget item. Given those two facts, a reasonable person would assume that everyone in our state, especially our legislators, would be doing everything humanly possible to excel in educating our young all of them. As John Adams, our second president said, Facts are stubborn things and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passions, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence. The stubborn facts are that our GOP legislature is diverting more energy, funding and emphasis into charters and private schools, while diminishing traditional schools. I single out Republicans because they control our legislature, however I also point out I dont hear Democrats loudly and vocally opposing these efforts. Student performance is not what we want and expect and, since the teacher is the single most important person in education, many want to blame them, especially what the right calls the teachers union, NCAE. They scream NCAE is too protective of underperforming teachers, but only 18% of our teachers are NCAE members, so it cant be the reason were not succeeding. While on the subject, I dont hear many of any stripe standing up to support our teachers when students refuse to behave, when governments (legislators!!!) interfere with the education process or when parents treat teachers little better than servants. I would like to hear more from teachers, but they are far too quiet because they fear for their jobs. Heres another indisputable fact: When it comes to public education, the playing field is far from level. We allowed charter schools to open in the late 90s and have greatly increased their numbers. These charters have much more flexibility and fewer constraints than traditional public schools. For instance, charters have more freedom in hiring teachers, dont face the same facility requirements, enjoy fewer curriculum requirements, more leeway to discipline or expel students and greater calendar flexibility. They arent required to have cafeterias or transportation for students, a huge factor for parents in choosing where their child attends school. Perhaps that explains why 61% or more of those attending charters are white. But the single biggest advantage is that charters can pick and choose who they accept in their schools. While state law says student makeup should reflect county demographics, it isnt strictly enforced. Charters dont have the same remediation, medical or special needs requirements, especially federal dictates. Finally, charters have added yet another level of administrative bureaucracy we are paying for. And, with all these advantages, charter school performance outcomes are somewhat better than traditional schools, but not dramatically. Comparing traditional public schools or district schools, (as those on the right prefer to call them) with charters is like comparing apples to elephants. For years, Republicans touted school vouchers, saying parents should have the right to choose where their children go to school. In 2014, the Republican-led legislature introduced opportunity scholarships, vouchers for low-income parents to send their student to private schools. The voucher wasnt enough to pay tuition in most private schools, so lawmakers increased the amount to $6,500 per year. The Assembly appropriated $500,000 to Parents for Educational Freedom, a Republican-aligned group, for a marketing effort to boost enrollments. We knew where this was headed. We currently expend some $133 million for 25,000 children to attend private schools and now Republican leadership wants to offer vouchers to every child, with the voucher amount determined by family income. If the playing field between charters and traditional schools is unlevel, the private school slopes almost 180 degrees. Privates have all the benefits of charters with even fewer restrictions and state oversight. For example, you cannot teach the 10 Commandments in public schools, but private schools regularly include religious instruction in their curriculum. North Carolina law requires every child of school age to attend school and traditional public schools must accept any and all. Judicial verdicts have resulted in the requirement that most every student be mainstreamed, meaning traditional schools cannot segregate students by achievement levels, language levels, emotional, behavioral, income or other discriminants. The traditional school classroom is a mixture of high achievers, those who arent, some who speak English well, others who dont, and most all varieties of special needs. The justification for advocating charters and private schools is that competition will make all schools better. That is a bald-faced lie! Its a shell game, because the competition isnt fair. What will happen if we stay on the current trajectory destroying traditional schools? More students, predominantly white, will leave traditional schools and fewer and fewer dollars will be available to support them. In time, traditional schools will end up with lower performing and higher needs students. Lower test scores and student performance will result with increased demands. We will have gutted our traditional schools and the guarantee of every child having access to a sound basic education. Many scoffed when Governor Cooper declared a state of emergency for public education, claiming he was overdramatizing or grandstanding. I believe he was trying to get our attention, forcing us to focus on a very real threat. Most of us are products of public schools. What would have happened if our parents generation decided it wasnt important? We cannot shirk our obligation to our childrens future and neither can we destroy traditional public schools. All schools who take state or federal tax dollars should operate with the same rules and regulations. MATTOON The International Day of Yoga, or Yoga Day, is Wednesday, June 21. The event was declared by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015 as a way to recognize the benefits of yoga and to celebrate the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. In celebration of Yoga Day, the Mattoon Area Family YMCA and Neal Center YMCA are inviting members of the public to experience yoga with YMCA instructors. There is no charge to participate in these opportunities on June 21. Sunrise Yoga will be offered at 6 a.m. at Heritage Park in Mattoon. Mid-Day Chair Yoga will be offered at noon and Restorative Yoga will be offered at 5:30 p.m. at the Mattoon YMCA. In Toledo, Mid-Day Yoga will be offered at 12:15 p.m. on the Courthouse Lawn. Evening Yoga will be offered at 4:45 p.m. in the Neal Center YMCA. Participants are encouraged to bring their own yoga mats. A raffle will be offered and snacks will be available. For more information, call 217-234-9494 or visit the event page on the Mattoon Area Family YMCA Facebook page. NORMAL Corvettes, Camaros and all kinds of car enthusiasts are driving into Bloomington-Normal this weekend for the Bloomington Gold Corvettes event. "We have a lot of things going on this weekend," said Guy Larsen, president of Bloomington Gold Corvettes. "The show is open to the public; you do not have to own a Corvette to come. You don't even have to have ever ridden one one, just come in and enjoy." The Bloomington Gold Corvettes show is in town this Friday and Saturday at Illinois State University with a plethora of cars on display, including the show's special Gold Collection. This will be the event's 50th year. It began in 1973 as a gathering of Corvette owners at the McLean County Fairgrounds and was first known as the Bloomington Corvette Corral. Over the years, the event has been held in various locations including Springfield, St. Charles, Champaign and Indianapolis. Now over 15,000 people are projected to visit the event, with between 3 to 5,000 Corvettes revving their engines around Bloomington-Normal. Crystal Howard, president and CEO of the Bloomington-Normal Convention and Visitors Bureau, said the direct economic impact of Bloomington Gold is estimated at $1.2 million based on projected attendees and sales from hotels, food, gas and shopping. "It really does enhance our quality of life," Howard said. "It gives our residents events to go to, so anytime we have a show of this magnitude in town, everyone can go and enjoy the show." There will be opportunities this weekend to buy and sell memorabilia or auto parts, along with new and used Corvettes. Also planned are two separate seminars on the 2023 Corvette C8 Z06 and the 2024 Corvette C8 E-Ray, which is the first hybrid all-wheel-drive Corvette. "Some people like to come and see as many Corvettes as they can and a lot of people live in small areas where they only see a couple Corvettes," Larsen said. "They come here and they see thousands, and then the diehard people I would call the Corvette-addicts, they come (because) they want to see their friends that they've known for many years, they want to see technical things on other cars to help them restore their car, and things of that nature." "There's a lot of different reasons why people are here, and we try to aim to please," Larsen added. The seminars will be led by Josh Holder, Corvette chief engineer for General Motors, and will take place both Saturday and Sunday. The 2023 Gold Collection, which is set up in ISU's Bone Student Center, will be a salute to the Corvette Z06, featuring 30 production and competition Corvettes built with Z06 performance packages. The Z06 option came in 1963, about 10 years after Chevrolet engineers first released the Corvette in 1953. Those engineers included Father of the Corvette" Zora Arkus-Duntov, a Belgian-born American engineer who was instrumental in creating the Z06 package as well as the Corvette Grand Sport. The Z06 has since been offered in five out of eight generations, with the most recent being the 2023 Corvette C8 Z06. Each generation has offered a more powerful version than the last. At ISU's CEFCU Arena, Corvette and Camaro owners can have their cars judged and be Gold Certified by experts, as well as compete in other categories. William Baker, division director for 1967 Corvettes at Bloomington Gold, said categories range from Survivor Certification for unrestored Corvettes that are worn in but not worn out in the exterior, interior, chassis and engine; to Gold Certification for Corvettes that are preserved or restored within 95% of the original production of the vehicle. "It's a competition just like anything else," Baker said. "We don't judge against each other; what do judge against is the scoresheet. A lot of guys like to have that. It's their way of competing." Baker added there are only two entities that judge and certify Corvettes in the United States: Bloomington Gold and the National Corvette Restorers Society. "It means a lot for a car to get both awards," Baker said. "If you got a Bloomington guy, he's gonna want to get the NCRS award, and vice versa." Other certifications include a Gold Certification for Camaros, and the Benchmark, which is awarded to Corvettes that attain Gold Certification and excel in all four categories of Survivor Certification during the same weekend. Resto Mod certification is offered to Corvettes that are restored and modified more than 50% from the factory condition in the exterior, interior, chassis and engine. One of the restored cars vying for Gold Certification this weekend is a 1969 C3 Corvette in deep metallic blue with a factory-new LS3 engine that still has a warranty from General Motors and sits on C7 Grand Sport suspension, brakes and wheels. Luke Brophy, service department director at County Corvette in West Chester, Pennsylvania, said the vehicle was built for a customer who wanted something to drive on the weekends, and incorporated an element of luxury with the saddle brown interior inspired by his Aston Martin Vantage. For long drives, the vehicle includes creature comforts like a modern stereo and working air conditioning, but it also has kept a majority of its original knobs, levers and other items on the steering column and on both door side panels. "It's a 'one-of-one' custom build made for that customer and it drives," Brophy said. "For most people, they love the nostalgic cars, but then they get it in their driveway and they go, 'Who would do this for fun?' because it's laboring, it's work, you really need to know what you're doing, and it's a full-blown hobby, whereas this car is brand new. You can just get in and go." Another sight to see is a 1962 C1 Corvette in Sebring orange with an LS3 engine that sits on a Roadster Shop frame with coil overs, Billet Specialties wheels, Wilwood brakes, and a 1960 grill as a personal touch. Owner Chuck Lewis, from Brimfield, Ohio, said he and his friend Michael Capozzio, who owns Classic Corvette Restoration in Chardon, Ohio, built the car over the past four years and just finished it last week in time for the show. They took special attention to keep it clean under the hood and inside the car, with a custom black interior with Sebring orange stitching all throughout, Lewis said. It has air conditioning and even uses the original controls the car had back in the day. Lewis said he keeps the car at home and in pristine condition since it's been restored, the engine has only run for about 11 minutes, and he hasn't put any more miles on it. "My dad gave me the donor car (and he) is now 88 years old," Lewis said. "I've sent him pictures of it, and he called me several times yesterday to see how things were going, but I'm gonna get the top off of it and take my dad for a ride." As for the remainder of the weekend, the event will close out with a Gold Tour drive on Route 66 up to Lake Bloomington on Saturday afternoon. Starting at 7 p.m. Saturday, there will be a Bloomington Gold After Party in uptown Normal with food, drinks, and live music by Karen B and the Baked Potatoes. The party is a free public event hosted by the Town of Normal and sponsored by the Bloomington-Normal Area Conventions & Visitors Bureau. For tickets and more information about Bloomington Gold, go to BloomingtonGold.com. Explore the 17 Carnegie libraries of Central Illinois An often bitter, loud and racially divisive debate played out before, during and after last weeks Chicago city council meeting where members voted to pass a temporary funding package to shelter asylum seekers. The debate pitted mostly older Black alderpersons and moderate-to-conservative whites against Latinos and progressives of all stripes. Much of the division also fell along many of the same council battle lines drawn during the recent campaign between Mayor Brandon Johnson and Paul Vallas. I asked Illinois House Speaker Chris Welch how his own Democratic members avoided being dragged into the same sort of public dispute over how to deal with an even bigger issue: Finding cost-saving solutions to the massive $1.1 billion projected cost growth for undocumented immigrant healthcare services. Speaker Welch explained that his members were able to work things out behind closed doors during private caucus meetings. I think caucuses are very helpful, said Welch, adding, We caucus a lot. Welch added that caucus meetings give people a safe space to have conversations. And while members probably wished the internal debate on the healthcare issue had happened sooner, Welch said, I did think it was important that we had that conversation as a caucus, before you take it to the floor. If you had that conversation on the floor first, it can become kind of chaotic and out of control. You have to give people spaces to share their voice. And that's one of the things that I pride myself on, and I think we've had difficult conversations this session. We're going to continue to have difficult conversations. When you're dealing with a diverse group of people. You're going to have a diverse group of thought. Youve got to do that in a civil and respectful way. Many times I will stand up in caucus and tell them we're gonna have a pretty serious discussion today, and I just ask that we do it in a civil and respectful way, and the caucus abides by that. And that's all I ask. And so you can't duck and dodge issues. You have to hit them head on. And I think we did that several times this session. Members of the legislature can hammer things out behind closed doors ahead of public debates because the General Assembly has long exempted itself from the Illinois Open Meetings Act. So, even if large factions of Chicago city council members wanted to caucus together ahead of meetings, they cant by law. State law says that no meeting can be held if its attended by a majority of a quorum of the members of a public body. The Chicago city councils quorum is 26 of its 50 members. Therefore, only groups of 13 or fewer can meet together in private. The Illinois House Democrats have 78 of 118 members, but theyre exempt, so theyre all allowed to meet. Ill leave the judgement of whether thats good or bad to others, but it was clearly an advantage for Welchs caucus on the healthcare issue. Also, Mayor Johnson had broad support among Welchs membership during the recent campaign while Vallas backing was in noticeably short supply. So there wasnt as much of a built-in conflict going into the House debate as there was on the city council. And, partisanship can often bind legislators together in times of strife (as it clearly did here), which cant happen as easily on the officially non-partisan city council. Speaking of caucus meetings, I asked Welch if his meetings had improved since Rep. Mary Flowers (D-Chicago) was banned from attending them. Members had complained that she had disrupted debates, spoke at length on topics to the point where the caucus meetings endlessly dragged on and personally insulted members and staff. Every single caucus meeting after I made the decision, and I stand by that decision, I think those caucuses were full of healthy discussion, Welch said. People were open and honest about their opinions on various topics. And I was proud of our caucus, and how we carried ourselves this session. I thought those caucus meetings became a lot more productive after I made the decision, and I'm looking forward to seeing that continue to get better. Asked if hed received much internal blowback for his decision, Welch said, I havent seen any blowback. Welch replaced Flowers on his leadership team late last week with Rep. Natalie Manley (D-Joliet). Wells Fargo & Co. has been ordered to pay $38 million in damages to a corporate client for failing to sell hundreds of thousands of the companys shares in a timely manner. The ruling and damages award were disclosed Wednesday in the federal Southern District of Texas. The bank was sued in April 2021 by Occidental Petroleum Corp. and its predecessor Anadarko Petroleum for breach of contract. The court granted the companies motion for summary judgment in August 2022, while denying the banks summary judgment request. At that time, the court said it found that the evidence indisputably show(ed) that Wells Fargo ... accept(ed) Occidentals recommendation as to when to sell the shares, but failed to execute the sales as agreed. Wells Fargo did not reconsider its decision not to sell the shares; through a series of clumsy missteps, it simply failed to do so. The damages award matched the amount Occidental requested. Wells Fargo said the damages ranged from $9.76 million on the low end and $18.53 million on the high end. The court holds that the appropriate method for calculating the damages is the difference between the price of the stock on the dates Occidental and Wells Fargo agreed Wells Fargo would sell, and the price on the dates Wells Fargo did sell, according to the ruling. At the time of the request, the share price ranged from $41.84 to $47.01, according to MSN.com. The financial relationship between the companies began in May 1995 when Anadarko created a rabbi trust with Wachovia Bank as the trustee. Investopedia defines a rabbi trust as an option to support the non-qualified benefit obligations of employers to their employees. Wells Fargo acquired a collapsing Wachovia in December 2008. When Occidental acquired Anadarko in August 2019, the trust held $500 million in assets. In October 2019, a Wells Fargo investment manager recommended to Occidental selling hundreds of thousands of sales. The companies came to agreement to sell 381,420 shares each day from Jan. 6, 2020, through Jan. 20, 2020. Only the first set of 381,420 shares were sold during that agreed-upon timeframe, largely because of a series of miscommunications, according to the court ruling. The remaining 1,114,920 shares were sold in a block on March 20, 2020, at $8.98 a share. The court ruled that Wells Fargo had breached the contract by not selling the 1.11 million shares as agreed upon during the January 2020 time period. Wells Fargo agreed to follow this timing arrangement to reduce the risk of selling all the stock at once, and to reduce the risk of extending the sale dates too far into the uncertain future, according to the order. Knowing these risks and the agreed plan to reduce these risks, Wells Fargo simply failed to execute the sales when and as specified in the agreed plan. The risks materialized. A Forsyth County sheriff's deputy has been been charged with assaulting a woman, the Forsyth Sheriff's Office said Friday. Kenneth Mickens Jr., 30, of Winston-Salem is charged with misdemeanor assault on a female and misdemeanor vandalism of personal property, the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office said. Mickens was being held Friday at the Forsyth County Jail with no bond allowed, the sheriff's office said. Mickens was fired Friday, said Christina Howell, a spokeswoman for the sheriff's office. His annual salary was $53,261. Mickens was hired May 6, 2019, and he became a sworn deputy sheriff on Dec. 20, 2019, the sheriff's office said. Services Ardmore Baptist Church, 501 Miller St., Winston-Salem, will honor its graduates and celebrate Trinity Sunday with services at 8:15 and 10:45 a.m. Sunday. Dane Martin, minister to students, will preach a sermon titled What to do Now. The 10:45 service will be live streamed on YouTube and Facebook. The schedule of summer classes, seminars and camps is available online. For more information, go to www.ardmorebaptist.org. Mount Carmel United Methodist Church, 4265 Ebert Road, Winston-Salem, will have worship at 10 a.m. Sunday. Sunday school is at 8:45 and childrens church starts at 9:30 a.m. There will be a New Beginnings dinner church for all ages from 5:30-6:30 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of June, July and August. Everyone is invited for a free meal, a message and music in the church fellowship hall. Victory on the Frontline Church and Event Center, 4307 Welcome-Arcadia Road, Arcadia, Sunday morning starts at 9:30 with a light breakfast. Sunday school for all ages starts at 10. Victory worship service with Pastor Michael Duffield begins at 11. Victory@pm starts at 6 with Preacher Don Faulkner. Wednesday evening choir practice is at 6, the fellowship meal is at 6:30. The Just As I Am casual and family service with Pastor Mike Duffield is at 7. For more information, please call 336-577-2873 or email mktvfl@att.net. Green Street United Methodist Church, 639 S. Green St., Winston-Salem, will have an in-person service at 8:45 a.m. Sunday. The 11 a.m. service is held in-person and is streamed online via Facebook and YouTube and is a blended service featuring jazz and blues musicians as well as hymns, spirituals and elements of social gospel. The 8:45 a.m. service is a quiet, contemplative space including prayer, scripture, preaching and communion. Masks are optional in the building for services with some exceptions. For more information, go to www.greenstreetumc.org. New Unity Missionary Baptist Church, 2946 Ivy Ave., Winston-Salem, invites you to join Pastor Willie Davidson and the New Unity Church Family each Sunday morning at 10 a.m. for in-person worship service. Let us praise the Lord together. Masks are available. Trinity United Methodist Church, 3819 Country Club Road, Winston-Salem, invites you to worship with us at 10 a.m. each Sunday. The Rev. Doug Miller is the lead pastor. During worship there will be special music, busy bags for children plus a message for kids each Sunday. There are two Sunday school classes for adults. One is at 9 a.m. and the other is at 11 a.m. You are invited to the Connection Cafe which consists of a continental breakfast at 9:15 a.m. in the fellowship hall. For more information, call the church office at 336-765-0150. First Baptist Church East, 700 N. Highland Ave., Winston-Salem, will have a worship service at 10 a.m. Sunday. The Rev. A. Ray Campbell, the interim pastor, will deliver the message, A Lion in a Pit on a Snowy Day. The scripture is I Chronicles 11:22-25. The service is available on Facebook and YouTube. For more information, go to fbcwinston.org. Parkway United Church of Christ, 1465 Irving St., Winston-Salem, worships at 11 a.m. Sunday. The sermon series on Touchstones for Building Trustworthy Community will continue. For more information, go to www.parkwayunited.org, or call 336-723-1395. Lewisville United Methodist Church, 6290 Shallowford Road, Lewisville, will have contemporary worship at 9 a.m. Sunday in the fellowship hall. Sunday school is at 10 a.m. and traditional worship is in the sanctuary at 11 a.m. For more information, go to lewisvilleumc.org. Unity Moravian Church, 8300 Concord Church Road, Lewisville, will have adult Sunday school at 9:45 a.m. and worship service at 11 a.m. Sunday. The service at 11 is in-person and live streamed. A nursery is provided. Childrens church is offered during the worship service. For more information, go to www.unitymoravianchurch.org or call 336-945-3801. Mount Tabor United Methodist Church, 3543 Robinhood Road, Winston-Salem, offers two Sunday services: 9 a.m. modern worship in the Alspaugh Worship Center, and 11 a.m. traditional worship in the sanctuary. Both services are available online at http://youtube.com/MountTaborUMCVideoStreaming and the Mount Tabor United Methodist Church Facebook page. Persons not fully vaccinated, immune-compromised or uncomfortable without a mask, are encouraged to wear a mask and maintain physical distancing. For more information, visit www.mttaborumc.org or call 336-765-5561. Winston-Salem Friends Meeting, Quaker church, meets at Fairview Moravian Church, 6550 Silas Creek Parkway, Winston-Salem. Sunday morning live services begin with Unprogrammed (silent) Worship at 9:15, First-Day (Sunday) school for adults at 9:30, and Meeting for Worship at 10:30. Kim Williams will bring the message Sunday. We are a community of seekers who meet together to worship God. We seek to express our faith through action, focusing on peace and social justice. We seek to find the Light of God in ourselves and in others. We seek to treat all persons with equality and integrity. For more information, email mary.simmons51@icloud.com. New Philadelphia Moravian Church, 4440 Country Club Road, Winston-Salem, will meet in-person at 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. Sunday and will live stream its 9:30 service on Facebook.com/newphiladelphiamoravianchurch. You do not need a Facebook account to view the service. If you are unable to view the live stream, a recorded version is on the churchs YouTube page. Shallowford Presbyterian Church, 1200 Lewisville-Clemmons Road, Lewisville, Shallowford Presbyterian Church, 1200 Lewisville Clemmons Road, Lewisville, offers a service in-person and live stream via YouTube at 10 a.m. Sunday. For more information, go to www.spcnc.org or call 336-766-3178. Ardmore United Methodist Church, 630 S. Hawthorne Road, Winston-Salem, has a traditional service at 10 a.m. and a contemporary service at 11:15 a.m. Sunday. The Rev. Neill Shaw and the Rev. Katy Medinas-Lockley welcome all and lead the worship service. Both services are streamed on Youtube. For more information, go to ardmo-reumc.org or call the office at 336-723-3695. Lewisville Baptist Church, 125 Lewisville-Clemmons Road, Lewisville, invites all to celebrate Jesus Christ at 10 a.m. Sundays. Services are live streamed on Facebook and YouTube. Sunday school is at 9 a.m. There will be midweek activities for all ages at 6 p.m. Wednesdays. For more information, go to lewisvillebaptist.com. Olivet Moravian Church, 2205 Olivet Church Road, Winston-Salem, will have Sunday school at 9 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall and an inside worship service at 10 a.m. Sunday. The worship service will also be livestreamed on Facebook and YouTube. For more information, call the church office at 336-924-8063. Salem Creek Friends Meeting (Quakers) meets in the parsonage of Fries Memorial Moravian Church, 271 N. Hawthorne Road, Winston-Salem. The unprogrammed meeting for worship starts at 10 a.m. each Sunday. For more information, email clerk@salemcreekfriends.org. Burkhead United Methodist Church, 5250 Silas Creek Parkway, Winston-Salem, invites you for worship at 10:30 a.m. each Sunday a.m. Sunday school classes begin at 9:15 and 9:30. The service is also available on the website and the Facebook page. For more information, go to www.burkheadumc.org or call 336-765-6590, ext. 3. Konnoak Hills Moravian Church, 3401 Konnoak Drive, Winston-Salem, will have a worship service at 10 a.m. Sunday. The church receives a drive-thru food offering for Sunnyside Ministry each Sunday. Drop off non-perishable donations from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Primary needs are canned vegetables, crackers, pasta, rice, cereal, dry/powdered milk and bread. For more information, call 336-788-9321. Union United Methodist Church, 8935 Shallowford Road, Lewisville, will have a Sunday worship service at 9:30 a.m. with Sunday school following at 10:45 a.m. For those who cannot be with us in person, the service is streamed live on the Union United Methodist Church Facebook page. A smaller traditional worship experience is offered. Clemmons First Baptist Church, 3530 Clemmons Road, Clemmons, will have Sunday school at 9:45 a.m. The Rev. David Pace will deliver the message. An in-person worship service and live streaming at 11 a.m. Sunday. For more information, call 336-766-6486 or go to cfbctoday.org. First Waughtown Baptist Church, 838 Moravia St., Winston-Salem, front doors open at 8 a.m. Sunday for in-person worship, Sunday school will be at 8:15. This weeks lesson is God Reigns (Devotional Reading Colossians 3:8-17; Background Scripture Isaiah 52:1-12). The worship service begins at 9:45 with devotion and announcements followed by the message. Senior Pastor Dennis W. Bishop will deliver the message, continuing The Love Series. He will lead worshippers in Holy Communion. Completed waiver forms and masks that cover the nose and mouth are required and are available in the church lobby. People who prefer to worship virtually can find the service on YouTube, www.youtube.com (First Waughtown); Facebook, www.facebook.com/FirstWaughtown/; and the First Waughtown website, www.firstwaughtown.org. Services posted online are a one-week delay. Home Moravian Church, 529 S. Church St., Winston-Salem, will have in-person and live stream worship at 10 a.m. Sunday. Bible discussion via Zoom and in-person will be held after the service using the adult programing link on the churchs website. Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church, 1905 N. Jackson Ave., Winston-Salem, will have in-person services each Sunday morning at 11. COVID protocols are practiced. Paul W. Hart is the pastor. Pfafftown Christian Church, 3323 Transou Road, Pfafftown, invites everyone to worship in the sanctuary at 11 a.m. each Sunday. The Rev. Rodney Stilwell is the pastor, and the Rev. Timothy Shoaf is the minister of Music and Programs. Other events and ministries are listed online at www.pfafftownchristian.org. For more information, call 336-692-5214 or the church office at 336-924-9925. New Friendship Baptist Church, 4258 Old Lexington Road, Winston-Salem, will have Sunday school at 9:15 a.m. A morning worship service will begin at 10:30 a.m. For more information, call the church office at 336-788-3112. Clemmons Presbyterian Church, 3930 Clemmons Road, Clemmons, invites you to worship at 10 a.m. in-person and streamed on YouTube at youtube.com/ClemmonsPresbyterianChurch. Guest preacher Tom King will bring the morning message and the Lords Supper will be celebrated Sunday. For more information, go to www.clemmonspresbyterian.org or call 336-766-4631. Kingswood United Methodist Church, 6840 University Parkway, Rural Hall, will have in-house Sunday school at 10 a.m. and worship at 11 a.m. Sunday in the sanctuary. The Rev. Bruce Updyke will lead the service which includes live music. Masks are optional for Sunday school and the worship service. The service will also be available on Kingswoods Facebook page. Visitors are welcome. For more information, email bruceupdyke@yahoo.com or call 336-969-5437. Rural Hall Christian Church, 280 Bethania-Rural Hall Road, Rural Hall, will hold the following in-person services on Sundays: The BLEND at 10 a.m. with Christian classes for all ages and congregational worship at 11 a.m. Youth ministries will continue at 6 p.m. Sundays, unless otherwise announced. For more information, go to RuralHall-Church.org and the churchs social media pages. Shallowford Presbyterian Church, 1200 Lewisville Clemmons Road, Lewisville, offers a service in-person and live stream via YouTube at 10 a.m. Sunday. For more information, go to spcnc.org or call 336-766-3178. The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 4055 Robinhood Road, Winston-Salem, the 10:30 a.m. service Sunday will be held in-person, and also livestreamed at uufws.org/virtualworshipservice. The Rev. Ed Brock will present The Case for Growth, Part 2 focusing on the local fellowship being an important alternative to what is happening in society. The Forum will be at 9 a.m. Angelika Pittet will present, Is it Normal Aging or Dementia. The Forum will be in person, and also live streamed at https://uufws.org/virtualforum. For more information, go to www.uufws.org. St. Philips Moravian Church, 911 S. Church St., Winston-Salem, is worshipping regularly in the brick church in Old Salem at 11 a.m. Sundays. All are welcome for traditional Moravian worship in the historically African American church. Bible Fellowship Baptist Church, 4950 Warner Road, Pfafftown, will have services at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. Sunday. The topic at 11 a.m. will be Discovering the Beautiful Son of God, based on the Gospel of John. The topic at 5 p.m. will be Unusual Things in the Bible. There will be Bible study at 4 p.m. Wednesday. The topic will be Doing the 52, studying 52 chapters, 52 verses, in 52 weeks. For more information, go to BFBCnow.org or call 336-462-4844. Faith and Family Baptist Church, 105 Nathan Ave., Winston-Salem, schedule of services: Sunday worship services are at 10:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Sunday school is at 9:45 a.m. and the midweek service is at 7 p.m. Wednesday. The church live streams all services at www.facebook.com/faithandfamilybaptist. A Facebook account is not required to access the video, scroll down for the live stream. Archive services are available there if you are unable to watch live. For more information, contact Pastor Robert Hutchens at 336-782-3747. Liberty Baptist Church, 1548 Old Hollow Road, Winston-Salem, is open for all services and also broadcasts all services on Facebook Live on Pastor Gary Styers Facebook page. Masks, gloves and hand sanitizer are provided. The entire facility is sanitized each week. For more information, go to www.libertybaptistnc.org. Rural Hall Moravian Church, 7939 Broad St., Rural Hall, has in-person Sunday School for all ages at 10 a.m. Sundays, followed by worship service at 11 with the Rev. Andrew Craver. Worship services are also available via online streaming at https://www.youtube.com/user/RHMoravian. For more information, go to www.rhmc.org. St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, 357 Old Hollow Road, Winston-Salem, will have Sunday school at 10 a.m. and a worship service with Pastor Emily Schlaman Larsen at 11 a.m. Sunday in the sanctuary or in your car (tune to 88.7 FM). Masks are optional. The nursery is open. Weekly sermons are available on YouTube for people who prefer to join worship remotely. Search for: St. Andrews Presbyterian Church Winston Salem NC. For more information, go to www.standrewsnc.org. First Christian Church, 2320 Country Club Road, Winston-Salem, will have an in-person worship service at 11 a.m. Sunday. Childrens worship and youth worship are available. A noon-day prayer service will be held at noon Wednesday. Worship services are also available by online streaming at www.wearefcc.church. For more information, go to www.wearefcc.church or call the church at 336-722-2714. St. Paul United Methodist Church, Winston-Salem, will live stream its 11 a.m. worship service Sunday at www.facebook.com/stpaulumcws/live. Facebook does not require an account for access to the page. Additional information regarding prayer services and Bible study may be found on the churchs website at www.stpaulumcws.org or by calling the church at 336-723-4531. FundraiserBethel United Methodist Church, 2170 Bethel Methodist Church Lane, Winston-Salem, the United Methodist Men will have an all you can eat Ultimate Breakfast from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday. The cost is $10 for adults, $6 for children 6-12 and children under 5 are free. For more information, call the church office at 336-765-8016. Bible Fellowship Baptist Church, 4950 Warner Road, Pfafftown, is accepting donations for its roof replacement project. For more information, call Pastor Loyd Taylor at 336-462-4844. Special eventsLewisville United Methodist Church, 6290 Shallowford Road, Lewisville, will move back into its newly renovated sanctuary on Sunday. There will be one combined worship service at 10:30 a.m. The congregation invites the public to this special service. Burkhead United Methodist Church, 5250 Silas Creek Parkway, Winston-Salem, will have Music on the Hill at 6 p.m. Sunday featuring Richard Harding, and June 11 featuring the Cornerstone Quartet. Free. Refreshments will be available for purchase. The next Third Thursday Health and Wellness will be at 11:30 a.m. June 15. Bring a bag lunch and join us for game day. Bible Fellowship Baptist Church, 4950 Warner Road, Pfafftown, will have a free community fish fry and cookout at 5 p.m. June 10. A church member caught the fish and will be cooking them in his special sauce. Hot dogs will also be available. By Grace, a bluegrass gospel will be the special music guests. The goal is to reach out to the community and meet the neighbors. The church will be open for a tour. At 5 p.m. June 18, Mercys Well, a Southern gospel group, will perform. For more information, call Pastor Loyd Taylor at 336-462-4844. Mount Carmel United Methodist Church, 4265 Ebert Road, Winston-Salem, will have its MAD (Music Arts Drama) Camp from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 26-30. It is for students in kindergarten through fifth grade. Before and after camp care is also available. A Friday night performance and autograph party will conclude the camp at 7 p.m. June 30. Children with special needs are welcome. For more information go to www.mtcarmelumc.org. Information for the Religion Calendar should be emailed to news@wsjournal.com by 3 p.m. the Wednesday before you want it to run. It can be mailed to Religion Calendar, Winston-Salem Journal, 418 N. Marshall St., #100, Winston-Salem, NC 27101. President Joe Biden celebrated a "crisis averted" in his inaugural speech to the nation from the Oval Office. He's ready to sign on Saturday a budget agreement that suspends the nation's debt ceiling. New York Chick-fil-A has become a surprise target of right-wing ire following the discovery that the company has an executive overseeing its diversity, equity and inclusion policies. It joins a growing list of companies that right-wing media and conservatives on social platforms have chastised for so-called woke marketing. But Chick-fil-A is an unusual target for the right wing because of the companys conservative bona fides. What happened? The fact that Chick-fil-A has been trending online and the subject of conservative media news segments shows the power that a few people with large social media followings can have. In a series of tweets, including one that made a transphobic comment, right-wing political commentator Joey Mannarino earlier this week asked if people will the boycott the chain because of the companys DEI efforts. Shortly after, far-right personalities, including Charlie Kirk of Turning Point USA and Ian Miles Cheong, joined in. Whats really going on? The target of their ire was Erick McReynolds, Chick-fil-As vice president of DEI, whos held the position for about three years. Chick-fil-A says it is committed to being better at together. Our founder, Truett Cathy, believed that a great company is a caring company, Chick-fil-A notes on its DEI web page. At Chick-fil-A, Inc., our commitment is to approach this work with intention and humility, always believing the best in one another and striving for common ground. Its unclear why McReynolds is getting attention from some conservatives now. The restaurant chain declined to comment about the so-called controversy and would not make McReynolds available for an interview. Chick-fil-A has long been conservative Chick-fil-A is notoriously conservative. Its restaurants are closed on Sunday for religious reasons and it has donated to anti-LGBTQ organizations in the past (a decision that it reversed in 2019). In 2012, former Chick-fil-A President Dan Cathy spoke out against Americas legalization of same-sex marriage, which sparked boycotts from the left. The company has deep Christian roots. Its DEI page on Chick-fil-As website includes references to God, writing the companys purpose is to glorify God by being a faithful steward of all that is entrusted to us. To have a positive influence on all who come into contact with Chick-fil-A. Its not just Chick-fil-A Its unclear how whether boycott efforts have been successful. Chick-fil-A is privately held and does not routinely announce sales data. Still, it joins a list of companies, including Target (TGT) and Anheuser-Bushs Bud Light, that are dealing with conservative backlash for what some view as woke marketing. Bud Light sponsored a social media post with trans personality Dylan Mulvaney, in which she showed off a custom can that featured her likeness. That set off a firestorm on right-wing channels, and Bud Lights sales have fallen sharply, sinking 25% in May compared to the year prior, according to Beer Business Daily, an influential industry newsletter. Last week, Target was targeted with homophobic attacks for selling pride merchandise, which it has done for several years. The campaign became hostile, with threats levied against Target employees and instances of damaged products and displays in stores. In the end, Target opted to protect employee safety by removing certain items that it said caused the most volatile reaction from opponents. Hurting brands sales and reputations was the stated goal of the campaign: The goal is to make pride toxic for brands, said right-wing commentator Matt Walsh on Twitter. If they decide to shove this garbage in our face, they should know that theyll pay a price. It wont be worth whatever they think theyll gain. But Targets response angered LGBTQ advocates and led to criticism that it was caving to extreme elements of American society. These campaigns also come amid a record number of anti-LGBT bills introduced in statehouses this year and escalating political attacks on transgender people by leading Republican candidates for president. ___ Every major fast-food chain, ranked by customer satisfaction Intro #23. McDonald's #22. Popeyes #20. Jack in the Box (tied) #20. Taco Bell (tied) #19. Wendy's #16. Sonic (tied) #16. Dairy Queen (tied) #16. Dunkin' (tied) #12. Subway (tied) #12. Burger King (tied) #12. Little Caesars (tied) #12. Panda Express (tied) #9. Arby's (tied) #9. Papa Johns (tied) #9. Five Guys (tied) #5. Chipotle (tied) #5. Panera Bread (tied) #5. Pizza Hut (tied) #5. Starbucks (tied) #3. KFC (tied) #3. Domino's (tied) #2. Jimmy John's #1. Chick-fil-A A district judge this week appointed a receiver to develop a plan for a fair distribution of any assets that remain to investors who suffered losses in what's been described as potentially one of the largest bank frauds in Nebraska's history. The move came on a motion by the Nebraska Department of Banking and Finance in its case against Jesse Hill of Hickman, First SOJO Capital Group LLC and other related entities. In December, the state sought to freeze the assets of the group of companies and two investment funds a month after the Banking Department launched an investigation into Hill's companies following the Nov. 2 death of Aaron Marshbanks, a 45-year-old Lincoln real estate investor with ties to Hill. Following Marshbanks' death, bankers across the state began "reporting that they had been victims of a fraud scheme perpetrated by Marshbanks, Jesse Hill and Hills organization, First SOJO Capital Group LLC," according to the lawsuit. The first of more than 20 creditors banks, savings and loans and credit unions started filing demands for notice of an application for informal probate of will and statements of claims within two days of his death. By mid-December, they had topped $45 million. To date, Hill hasn't been charged criminally. But civil and probate cases continue to wind through the courts. At a hearing Tuesday in the civil case, Assistant Attorney General Erik Fern said that in December, there were well over $1 million in assets. But they've since lost 80-90% of their value due to investment losses. "So we're talking about a significant loss of assets already. And in the interest of preserving as much of the assets for the rest of the investors we would like a receiver to address this and to prevent any additional hemorrhaging and get these folks back the money that they're able to," he told Lancaster County District Judge Ryan Post. Fern said the receiver a person appointed to manage debt consolidation for a company would collect and organize the assets and develop a plan to reimburse the investors "as best as possible." He said the receiver would be paid $340 an hour. "We're limited on options on what we can try to do to sort out this mess," Fern said. He said that if the court didn't appoint a receiver, the Banking Department and the AG's office would have to sort it out individually. "There's still an ongoing investigation into this matter, so the Department of Banking and Finance would be investigating this matter as well as trying to fairly arbitrate the reimbursement," Fern said. He said having a third party was the most appropriate way to handle it. "We understand there's a cost, but we don't see a feasible alternative," he said. Hill's attorney, Joshua Dickinson, offered a "soft objection" saying that conceptually the parties want the same thing. "There is money that was invested in these two accounts. That money is just sitting there," he said. And many of the investors were Hill's friends and family, he said. "It does no one any good to have any of this money, whatever is left over, just sitting there," Dickinson said. "So we, too, want this money to be returned to the investors in as efficient a manner as possible." It's just a question of cost and efficiency, he said. Dickinson said he believes the process that needs to be done is relatively simple. Records reflect how much each of the dozen or so investors contributed. They need to determine the percentage each contributed to the funds, which totaled north of $4 million. It's an over-simplification, he said, but not far off. Dickinson suggested a guardrail to try to make sure the receiver tries to get from Point A to Point B as efficiently as possible, "given the significant losses the investors have already experienced." That would benefit everyone involved, he said. Fern said he thought they could work together to simplify the work of the receiver. And Post granted the motion. In the complaint filed in December, Fern alleged that between March 11, 2021, and Sept. 23, 2022, Marshbanks and Hill had made fraudulent statements with at least 14 banks, securing over $20 million in loans. To get the money, he said, Marshbanks provided account statements that he and Hill had falsified showing the purported value of Marshbanks or a Marshbanks entitys accounts at JT Equity or First SOJO Capital Group LP. Fern said the JT Equity accounts that they gave banks security interests to in exchange for the loans didn't exist. Nor did First SOJO Capital Group LP. (Though First SOJO Capital Group LCC did.) Despite that, Hill signed at least 22 control agreements representing to banks that the accounts were real, under his control and could be given as collateral for a loan, the AG's office alleges. The state is alleging Hill, First SOJO and his other entities committed a number of violations of the Securities Act of Nebraska, including: * Executing over 20 fraudulent control agreements to secure nonexistent securities accounts, each of which constitutes a separate violation. * Starting a new private fund in violation of a 2018 agreement with the department. * Lying to investors concerning the value of their accounts. * Failing to send quarterly statements to investors. * And not maintaining a net capital of at least $25,000. Fern said they believe that Hill had been pooling money from multiple investors in his personal account and using it to invest in securities, repeating conduct that had led him to be fined in 2018. 100 least popular jobs in America 100 least popular jobs in America #100. Parking Enforcement Workers #99. Epidemiologists #98. Gambling and Sports Book Writers and Runners #97. Ship Engineers #96. Traffic Technicians #95. 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Timing Device Assemblers and Adjusters #7. Animal Breeders #6. Model Makers, Wood #5. Industrial-Organizational Psychologists #4. Refractory Materials Repairers, Except Brickmasons #3. Prosthodontists #2. Cooks, Private Household #1. Patternmakers, Wood #90. Signal and Track Switch Repairers 100 least popular jobs in America #100. Archivists #99. Helpers--extraction workers #98. Layout workers, metal and plastic #97. Signal and track switch repairers #96. Statistical assistants #95. Textile bleaching and dyeing machine operators and tenders #94. Exercise physiologists #93. Desktop publishers #91. Drilling and boring machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic #89. Cooling and freezing equipment operators and tenders #88. Musical instrument repairers and tuners #87. Orthodontists #86. Extraction workers, all other #85. Hydrologists #84. Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers #82. Agricultural workers, all other #81. Forest and conservation workers #80. 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Occupational therapy aides #49. Bridge and lock tenders #48. Manufactured building and mobile home installers #45. Transit and railroad police #44. Model makers, metal and plastic #43. Geography teachers, postsecondary #42. Pile driver operators #41. Genetic counselors #39. Historians #38. Motorboat operators #37. Fabric and apparel patternmakers #36. Sociologists #35. Makeup artists, theatrical and performance #33. Crematory operators #32. Hydrologic technicians #31. Rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers #30. Animal scientists #29. Hoist and winch operators #28. Family and consumer sciences teachers, postsecondary #27. Forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists #26. Underground mining machine operators, all other #24. Patternmakers, metal and plastic #23. Paperhangers #21. Camera and photographic equipment repairers #19. Mathematicians #19. Models #17. Watch and clock repairers #16. Roof bolters, mining #14. Terrazzo workers and finishers #13. Geographers #12. Industrial-organizational psychologists #10. Forestry and conservation science teachers, postsecondary #10. Animal breeders #9. Communications equipment operators, all other #8. Dredge operators #7. Pediatric surgeons #6. Model makers, wood #5. Cooks, private household #3. Farm labor contractors #2. Timing device assemblers and adjusters #1. Patternmakers, wood Lincolns Google data center project appears to still be moving forward, even as the company pauses other projects elsewhere. Some work has occurred over the past few months at the site on the northwest corner of the 56th Street interchange on Interstate 80, and some public filings suggest additional work is likely to happen soon. Google has never publicly announced it is the company that has proposed the large data center, but the entity that filed for tax incentives is one of the companys subsidiaries. The data center project, originally proposed in 2019, showed a phased build-out that could include as much as 2 million feet of building space and 960 employees at the site by 2040. There has been speculation that the project could be in danger of being shelved, largely because of a lack of work at the site since the announcement but also because of moves by Google elsewhere. For example, in April 2022, the giant technology company announced plans to build a data center in northwest Omaha its third in the Omaha metro area. That move cast some doubt on its need for a fourth data center just an hour away. In December, numerous media outlets reported that Google was halting a data center project in Becker, Minnesota, that appears to be similar in size and scope to the one planned in Lincoln. Also, there was a report in April that Google was putting a planned 80-acre mega campus in San Jose, California, on hold, although the company later disputed that report. In February, Google said in a conference call with financial analysts that it plans to evaluate all of its real estate holdings. In Lincoln, a subsidiary company named Agate LLC paid nearly $18.6 million for about 600 acres. That amount, however, is a drop in the bucket for a company the size of Google, which reported more than $60 billion in earnings in 2022. Google also so far has failed to publicly announce its U.S. capital expenditure plans for the year, something it has done in the spring for several years in a row. But recent applications made to regulatory bodies do seem to indicate that the Lincoln project is continuing to move forward, albeit slowly. In February, the project sought an administrative amendment to its original application to the city of Lincoln, seeking to "provide street profiles, grading and draining, and water quality information so the applicant may proceed with a building permit and/or final plat." Also in February, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy posted a joint public notice that they were reviewing the project for state certification in accordance with the provisions of Section 401 of the Clean Water Act, which ensures that any discharges into regulated bodies of water will comply with regulations. That application shows seven different phases of the project. The entities apparently have since approved a stormwater pollution prevention plan, which shows that mass grading of approximately 400 acres of the site is scheduled to begin sometime in June. And at its May 19 board meeting, the Lincoln Electric System approved a resolution to allow its CEO to negotiate a one-year facility extension and interconnection agreement with Agate LLC. Photos: Google gives search engine an AI makeover Students, faculty and staff at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln will have several opportunities next week to meet the priority candidate to become the next chancellor of the states largest university campus. Rodney Bennett, the former president of the University of Southern Mississippi, was identified as the choice to replace Chancellor Ronnie Green on May 22 following a national search. Bennett is a 30-year veteran of higher education and has held jobs at Winthrop University and the University of Georgia before taking over leadership duties in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, where he was president for nearly a decade. Under state statute, Bennett must undergo a 30-day vetting period where he meets with university stakeholders before his hiring can be approved by the NU Board of Regents. Bennetts appointment will be on the regents June 22 agenda. If hired, he will be the first external candidate picked to lead UNL in more than two decades. NU President Ted Carter said he is excited to introduce Bennett to the UNL community through a series of in-person forums that will also feature Zoom options. I have every confidence that the same qualities that made Dr. Bennett stand out to me in our search process will resonate with Nebraskans his passionate belief in the land-grant mission, his relentless focus on outcomes, his ability to bring people together around a shared vision for excellence, Carter said in a statement. While each of the forums is geared toward a different constituency on UNLs campus, all are open to the public. The meetings are also available to be viewed online at nebraska.edu. The forum schedule includes: Monday Boardroom in the Prem S. Paul Research Center at Whittier School, 2200 Vine St. 2:30 p.m.: Research and Economic Development Tuesday Great Hall of the Wick Alumni Center, 1520 R St. 9:30 a.m.: Fine and Performing Arts and Architecture 11 a.m.: Engineering 1 p.m.: Office of Diversity and Inclusion and Chancellors Commissions 2:30 p.m.: Arts and Sciences 4 p.m.: Journalism and Mass Communications and Libraries Wednesday Great Hall of the Wick Alumni Center, 1520 R St. 9:30 a.m.: College of Business 11 a.m.: Open Forum 2:30 p.m.: Education and Human Sciences 4 p.m.: Staff Senate Thursday Office of the President, 3835 Holdrege St. 2 p.m.: College of Law 3:30 p.m.: Graduate Student/Graduate Student Assembly 5 p.m. Students/Association of Students of the University of Nebraska Friday Nebraska East Union, Great Plains B 9:30 a.m.: College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources 11 a.m.: Agricultural Research Division and Extension 12:30 p.m.: Business and Finance Top Journal Star photos for May 2023 The Nebraska Supreme Court ruled Friday that a 128- to 180-year prison sentence for an Omaha man who committed two murders at age 17 is not excessive. Eric Ramirez, now 30, was 17 when shot and killed 22-year-old Luis Fernando-Silva and 27-year-old Tari Glinsmann during a gang-related string of robberies. A third person, Charles Denton, was also shot but survived. Two other juveniles, then-15-year-old Juan Castaneda and then-18-year-old Edgar Cervantes, were also arrested for taking part in the robbery and killing spree. Cervantes testified for the prosecution at Ramirez's trial and told the jury that Ramirez was the shooter. After his trial in 2010, Ramirez was found guilty on two counts of first-degree murder, one count of attempted second-degree murder, three counts of use of a firearm to commit a felony and one count of criminal conspiracy. He was sentenced to two terms of life imprisonment. But in 2012, the U.S. Supreme Court found it unconstitutional to sentence a juvenile convicted of murder to life in prison without the possibility of parole. In 2014, the Nebraska Supreme Court vacated the sentences for Ramirez and Castaneda and sent the cases back to district court for resentencing. Castaneda was resentenced in 2016 to 105 to 125 years in prison for his role in the killings. Ramirez was resentenced last year to 128 to 180 years in prison. Ramirez appealed this new sentence to the Nebraska Supreme Court, claiming that it was excessive and a "de facto life sentence." He argued that the district court failed to consider the mitigating factors of remorse, background and family history. The high court disagreed. "We are satisfied that the court resentenced Ramirez based upon his involvement in the crimes and having considered the facts and circumstances surrounding his life," the court's opinion states. As for the claim that Ramirez's sentence constitutes a "de facto life sentence," the court also disagreed. He will be eligible for parole in 2072, when he is 80 years old. Castaneda filed a similar appeal in 2017 following his resentencing, and the court came to the same conclusion. Incarceration rate demographics in Nebraska 2022 Incarceration rate demographics in Nebraska Omaha police are investigating a homicide that occurred on Harrison Street Friday night. Police were called to 2754 Harrison St. at around 11:40 p.m. to assist Omaha Fire Department first responders on a person down call. The unidentified person was transported to Nebraska Medical Center, where they were pronounced dead, police said. No information about the person's identity was released Saturday afternoon. The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is urged to contact the OPD Homicide Unit at 402-444-5656, or anonymously contact Omaha Crime Stoppers at 402-444-STOP, at omahacrimestoppers.org or on the P3 Tips mobile app. Tips leading to the arrest of a homicide suspect are eligible for a $25,000 reward. Remembering Lincoln's homicide victims of 2023 1. Julian A. Martinez 2. Rudy Requejo Jr. 3. Ronald Gonzalez Rivas 4. Christopher Karmazin 5. Damien Brave 6. Mark Kruger 1. Yes. Larger buses are seldom full. Driving them around is a waste of money and fuel. 2. Yes. Fixed routes are often cumbersome and inflexible. They dont work for some riders. 3. No. Using small vans to transport riders on demand would not be very efficient. 4. No. If the city cant have an actual bus service, riders may as well call a cab or an Uber. 5. Unsure. The transit business model is changing, but it could prove to be problematic. Vote View Results Killeen, TX (76540) Today Scattered clouds with the possibility of an isolated thunderstorm developing this afternoon. High 81F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.. Tonight Mostly cloudy skies this evening will become partly cloudy after midnight. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low around 65F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph. The Nebraska man who led a plot to start fires inside Walmart stores in the Gulf Coast in 2021 this week was sentenced to 18 years in prison, double the recommended prison term under federal guidelines. This sentence was based on the totality and severity of the defendants actions, FBIMobile Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown said of Jeffery Sikes, a.k.a. Kenneth Allen in a press release that followed. Sikes, 42, is appealing the sentence United States District Judge Terry F. Moorer gave him Tuesday, which included $7,295,533 in restitution, to be paid by Sikes and his co-defendants. Between Tuesday and Friday, Moorer sentenced six members of the conspiracy in all. Brothers Alexander Olson, 23, and Quinton Olson, 22, got 15 years and three years respectively; Sikes wife, Erica Sikes, 41, and Jenna Bottorff, 38, got four years; and Mikaya Scheele, 29, got two years for the parts they played in the crimes. There is no parole in federal prison. Two others, Michael Bottorff and Sean Bottorff, will face sentencing later this summer. United States Attorney Sean P. Costello said the group had deliberately endangered innocent shoppers and destroyed millions of dollars of merchandise when they intentionally and maliciously set fires in four stores in two states. Setting fire to a business isnt an economic or political argument, its a serious violent crime that has serious consequences, he said. In the indictment, Christopher Bodnar, Assistant U.S. Attorney, said the conspirators initially lived in Kearney, Nebraska, but followed Sikes to Alabama, where he fled after pleading guilty to a wire fraud in Nebraska in 2017. By 2021, they were calling themselves The Veterans Order and had drafted a manifesto making demands on Walmart related to the companys commercial practices and sent it to media outlets to draw attention to the arson attacks. First among their list of demands was a pay increase of $18 per hour for all employees, according to Fox 10, a TV station in Mobile, which posted it. They set fires at a Walmarts in Mobile, Alabama, on May 27, 2021, in Tillmans Corner, Alabama, on May 28, and in Gulfport and Biloxi, Mississippi, on June 4. And they threatened to start more if the company didnt comply with their demands. A months-long investigation led to their arrests in February 2022, and they later pleaded guilty to conspiracy to set malicious fires. WASHINGTON As an alternative to affirmative action, colleges from California to Florida have tried a range of strategies to achieve the diversity they say is essential to their campuses. Many have given greater preference to low-income families. Others started admitting top students from every community in their state. But after years of experimentation often prompted by state-level bans on considering race in admissions theres no clear solution. In states requiring race-neutral policies, many colleges have seen enrollment drops among Black and Hispanic students, especially at selective colleges that historically have been mostly white. Now, as the Supreme Court decides the fate of affirmative action, colleges nationwide could soon face the same test, with some bracing for setbacks that could erase decades of progress on campus diversity. A ruling is expected by the end of June. At Amherst College, officials have estimated that going entirely race-neutral would reduce Black, Hispanic and Indigenous populations by half. We fully expect it would be a significant decrease in our population, said Matthew McGann, Amherst's director of admission. Facing a conservative Supreme Court that appeared skeptical from the start, colleges have been preparing for a rollback. Some are considering adding more essays to get a better picture of an applicants background. Others are planning to boost recruiting in racially diverse areas, or admit more transfer students from community colleges. The court took up affirmative action in response to challenges at Harvard University and the University of North Carolina. Lower courts upheld admission systems at both schools, rejecting claims that the schools discriminated against white and Asian-American applicants. Meanwhile, other schools have been taking lessons from colleges that dont consider race. Nine states previously banned affirmative action, starting with California in 1996 and most recently Idaho in 2020. After Michigan voters rejected it in 2006, the University of Michigan shifted attention to low-income students. It sent graduates to work as counselors in low-income high schools. It started offering college prep in Detroit and Grand Rapids. It offered full scholarships for low-income Michigan residents. More recently, it started accepting fewer early admission applications, which are more likely to come from white students. Despite those efforts, the university offers itself as a cautionary tale. The share of Black and Hispanic undergraduates hasnt fully rebounded from a falloff after 2006. And while Hispanic enrollments have been increasing, Black enrollments continued to slide, going from 8% of undergraduates in 2006 to 4% now. The campus is drawing more low-income students, but that hasnt translated to racial diversity, said Erica Sanders, the director of undergraduate admissions at Michigan. Socioeconomic status is not a proxy for race, Sanders said. At the same time, some of Michigan's less selective colleges have fared better. At nearby Eastern Michigan University, the number of students of color increased, reflecting demographic shifts in the state. It illustrates what experts say is a chilling effect seen most acutely at selective colleges students of color see fewer of their peers at places like Ann Arbor, prompting them to choose campuses that appear more welcoming. Growing up in Ann Arbor, there was an expectation that Odia Kaba would attend the University of Michigan. When her application was deferred, she started at Eastern Michigan with plans to transfer to Ann Arbor her sophomore year. By then, Kaba was getting daily texts from her sister, who attended U-M, describing the microaggressions she faced as a Black student on campus. Rooms went silent when she walked in. She was ignored in group projects. She felt alone and suffocated. Why would I go to U of M? Kaba, 22, remembers thinking. I'm just going to be stuck with people that don't look like me, can't relate to me, and with no way to escape it. Kaba stayed at Eastern Michigan and graduated with a degree in quantitative economics this year. Even though it's a mostly white campus, Kaba said she found pockets of diversity that helped make her comfortable. I'm in economics, which is a white male-dominated space. But I can walk out of the classroom and be surrounded by my people, and I just feel safe," she said. The University of California saw similar enrollment slides after a statewide ban in 1996. Within two years, Black and Hispanic enrollments fell by half at the systems two most selective campuses, Berkeley and UCLA. The system would go on to spend more than $500 million on programs aimed at low-income and first-generation college students. The system also started a program that promises admission to the top 9% of students in each high school across the state, an attempt to reach strong students from all backgrounds. A similar promise in Texas has been credited for expanding racial diversity, and opponents of affirmative action cite it as a successful model. In California, the promise drew students from a wider geographic area but did little to expand racial diversity, the system said in a brief to the Supreme Court. It had almost no impact at Berkeley and UCLA, where students compete against tens of thousands of other applicants. Today at UCLA and Berkeley, Hispanic students make up 20% of undergraduates, higher than in 1996 but lower than their 53% share among California's high school graduates. Black students, meanwhile, have a smaller presence than they did in 1996, accounting for 2% of undergraduates at Berkeley. Opponents of affirmative action say some states have fared well without it. After Oklahoma outlawed the practice in 2012, the states flagship university saw no long-term severe decline in minority enrollments, the state's attorney general told the Supreme Court. Justices past affirmative action views, in their own words Chief Justice John Roberts Clarence Thomas Samuel Alito Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh, Amy Coney Barrett Sonia Sotomayor Elena Kagan Ketanji Brown Jackson Sandra Day O'Connor DES MOINES, Iowa Amid plates of sliced pork, statement-making leather ensembles and piles of political T-shirts, eight Republican presidential hopefuls descended on Iowa to pitch themselves to voters and, in Mike Pence's case, hop on a motorcycle. The former vice president and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis were among the White House contenders appearing at a rally at the state fairgrounds near Des Moines hosted by U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst. Her annual political event, the "Roast and Ride" a combination barbecue-rally and motorcycle ride kicks off a busy summer campaign season heading into the state's first-in-the-nation caucuses early next year. Former President Donald Trump, the leading GOP presidential candidate, was notably absent after spending two days in the state this past week. He largely avoids any events that have him sharing the stage with his 2024 rivals. DeSantis, with wife Casey and three young kids in tow, chatted with voters, gave out autographs and signed the Bible of a man who thanked DeSantis for "standing up to Disney." DeSantis just wrapped up his first week as an official candidate with a blitz of campaign stops across three early-voting states. Casey DeSantis wore a black leather jacket in 86-degree weather with the words "Where Woke Goes to Die" and an outline of Florida on the back. It brought to mind comparisons to first lady Melania Trump, who famously sent a message of her own in 2018 with a green-hooded jacket that read " I really don't care do u " as she departed the White House for a trip to visit migrant children in Texas. Pence was the only White House hopeful who participated in a morning motorcycle ride for charity that is a staple of the event. He wore jeans, boots and a leather vest with patches that said "Indiana" and messages supportive of the military. The former Indiana governor, who has made frequent trips to Iowa over the past year, is expected to launch his long-anticipated campaign at an event in Des Moines on Wednesday. "I'll be back a little later next week," Pence teased the crowd when he spoke later at the rally. "I don't have anything to announce today." Earlier in the morning, before setting out on their motorcycle ride, Pence stood with Ernst in the back of a pickup truck and again hinted at his looming candidacy. "One of the reporters just asked me if we're showing up more in Iowa, what our lane would be. I said I'm more worried about the lane we're going to be staying in today," Pence joked. The former vice president, wearing a white motorcycle helmet and a big grin, then rode off on a cobalt blue Harley Davidson. The group rode to the fairgrounds, where candidates gave speeches and chatted with barbecue-eating voters. Other candidates speaking at the event included former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, U.S. Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina, former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, Michigan businessman Perry Johnson, author Vivek Ramaswamy and conservative talk radio host Larry Elder. In their remarks, the candidates tiptoed around mentions of the former president. Haley repeated a version of a line she's been using as a candidate that seems to allude to the 76-year-old Trump and his political career as replete with controversies. "It's time for a new-generation leader. We've got to leave the baggage of the negativity behind," she said. In their speeches, the GOP candidates hit on similar conservative themes: criticizing President Joe Biden, promising tough policies on China and the U.S.-Mexico border and restrictions on abortion and gender-affirming policies. The event had the feel of a large political fair, with about 1,000 people gathered to listen to the presidential prospects speaking in front of bales of hay in a building at the fairgrounds. Many of the campaigns set up tables full of stickers, T-shirts and drink can coolers. Rows of dozens of shiny Harley Davidson motorcycles, of many colors, were parked neatly in the parking lot outside, along with campaign buses for Ramaswamy and the DeSantis super PAC. Nearby was what appeared to be a mechanical bull converted to resemble a motorcycle, surrounded by an inflatable landing area to catch thrown ridersall sponsored by the political super PAC Never Back Down, which supports DeSantis. Marie Andres of Des Moines signed a form, distributed by Never Back Down, to pledge to caucus for DeSantis early next year. "Trump did a great job, but in my opinion, too much drama," the 74-year-old said. She said she committed to DeSantis because she thinks he is "the best we're gonna get." Her husband remains a staunch Trump backer. "Believe me, I've tried" to persuade him otherwise, she said. Jill Villalobos, 54, bought a Haley T-shirt not for herself, but for her brother in Florida. The Altoona resident is planning to support Scott, whom she thinks can bring the GOP and the country together. "I really like his message," Villalobos said, adding that she and her brother "agree to disagree." Ernst, along with Gov. Kim Reynolds, is one of the most sought-after Republican officials in the early stages of Iowa's leadoff caucuses. The senator pledged to remain neutral and not endorse during the caucus campaign. The 2024 presidential field, in the order they've announced Donald Trump, Republican Nikki Haley, Republican Vivek Ramaswamy, Republican Marianne Williamson, Democrat Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Democrat Larry Elder, Republican President Joe Biden, Democrat Asa Hutchinson, Republican Tim Scott, Republican Ron DeSantis, Republican Mike Pence, Republican Montana has made an unprecedented move to become the first U.S. state to ban TikTok. But doubts have been raised over the decisions legal foundation, enforcement mechanisms and underlying motives. While the move draws attention to data security on social media, banning TikTok alone may not provide a comprehensive solution to this problem. For one, the move risks alienating the many young people who have come to rely on the app for meaningful connection, and in some cases their income. It also does little in the way of ensuring better future data privacy and protection for users. Since its meteoric rise in 2020, TikTok has been caught in geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and China. These tensions peaked in late 2020 when then-president Donald Trump signed an executive order directing ByteDance -- the Chinese media giant and parent company of TikTok -- to divest from its U.S. operations, or face being banned. In response, TikTok partnered with Oracle on Project Texas: a $1.5 billion initiative to relocate all U.S. user data to servers outside China. Allegations that China-based employees at ByteDance had accessed the TikTok user data led to TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew appearing before Congress in March amid yet more calls for it to be banned, and reports of the Biden administration pushing for its sale. Throughout these controversies, TikTok has denied sharing user data with the Chinese government, and said it wouldnt do so even if asked. Nonetheless, governments worldwide have banned TikTok on government devices, citing concerns over data protection. Montanas new law will make downloading TikTok within state lines illegal on Jan. 1. The law imposes fines of up to $10,000 per day for entities offering access to or downloads of the app within the state. Users themselves will not incur penalties. The current legislation places responsibility for blocking access on Apple and Google -- the operators of app stores on iOS and Android devices. These companies would be held liable for violations. But they lack the capacity to enforce geofencing at the state level, making it difficult for them to prevent Montana residents from downloading TikTok. As a result, it may ultimately fall on TikTok itself to block usage by Montana residents by collecting geolocation data. But this raises the privacy concerns driving the ban in the first place. For now, the bans enforceability remains to be seen. How will the government of Montana prevent users from using virtual private networks (VPNs) to access TikTok? VPNs encrypt data traffic and allow users to present themselves as being in another location, making it possible for tech-savvy users to bypass bans. Residents also could cross state lines to download the app. Montana may become a testing ground for the "TikTok-free America" that some national lawmakers envision. Apart from TikTok, the ban also targets messaging apps including Chinese-owned WeChat and Russian-founded Telegram -- highlighting growing apprehensions over data security and privacy. But its unclear if such a ban is an effective solution for lawmakers concerns about American users privacy and data security. Even if the ban in Montana is successful, its national impact will be limited. The state has a population of just over 1 million, whereas the U.S. has more than 100 million monthly TikTok users. As such, the ban in Montana will likely affect a few hundred thousand prospective users at best. While TikToks popularity in the U.S. continues to soar, nearly half of all U.S.-based users are the digital-native teens and 20-somethings of Generation Z. TikTok is Gen Zs playground. Young people have protested potential bans by flooding the app with videos mocking lawmakers they see as out of touch with modern technology, further magnifying their disdain for such regulation. Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez supported young protesters, highlighting the unprecedented nature of banning an app that would stifle free speech while raising questions about digital rights in the U.S. Gen Z users express their political views, entertain themselves and interact with their peers on TikTok. Where other platforms might feel saturated with older generations, TikTok provides an environment where young people can safely lower the barriers to meaningful online participation. And its not just a quirky app for dance videos. TikTok has become a golden goose for millions of content creators who rely on the app as their stage to showcase their talents, build their brands and connect with fans and customers. Many local small businesses also rely on TikTok to reach potential customers. With the app now under threat, the future livelihoods of these creators and small businesses are in jeopardy, too. A successfully implemented TikTok ban may drive users to Silicon Valleys big tech platforms. But the security of user data with these companies, including Meta (which owns Facebook and Instagram) and Google, cant be assumed to be more secure than TikTok. They also collect significant amounts of user data that can be shared or sold to third-party entities, including those with connections to China. If data security really is the main concern, policymakers should address the problem comprehensively and systematically across social media platforms. Tackling the root cause is essential. Until thats done, snapping off the branches -- TikTok or otherwise -- will do little to keep users data safe. The Winona Area Public Schools board will discuss at the Thursday, June 8, meeting whether the districts diversity, equity and inclusion committee will meet during the summer. The committee at the Tuesday, May 23, meeting began planning for community input on the districts draft diversity, equity and inclusion policy. The Minnesota Department of Education Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Center recommended the district gather more community input on the policy, said Kristie OBrien, director of learning and teaching with the district. Committee members discussed strategies for gathering input, including holding focus sessions with community and student groups. Well build it for decision later at our next meeting, said OBrien. School board member Stephanie Smith announced the committee would put the June, July and August meetings on hold until September. Outgoing superintendent Annette Freiheit and Smith said the decision was made to give time for the new superintendent, then undecided, time to transition in the district. Committee members voiced disagreement, citing current progress on the diversity, equity and inclusion policy and proposed focus groups. I think meeting in the summer would be important because we just had a whole year. Yes, we have a policy, but now we dont, said Marci Hitz, community member on the committee. Hitz also referenced the districts stakeholder report that found community members wanted the superintendent to have expertise in diversity, equity and inclusion. Board member Pete Watkins said that the committee should continue to meet and that the district was not putting committees on other topics, such as curriculum, on hold during the superintendent transition. I would strongly encourage our group to continue meeting, for the opposite reason of the superintendent coming into an engaged group that wants to make a difference, said Watkins. Board member Karl Sonneman suggested not holding a June meeting, but restarting the committee meetings in July or August with the new superintendent. Smith said she would add the committees meetings to the next school board agenda. For the committee to be able to meet, at least three members who are community members not faculty or students must be present to meet quorum. Of the 11 planned meetings between July 2022 and May 2023, no quorum was present at four. Three community member seats are unfilled and two are pending renewal. Committee members discussed barriers to joining the group at the May meeting after a public comment called to do away with the application process, which can gatekeep community members from joining the group. Not being able to meet by not meeting quorum, but also making it harder to be a part of the committee, you cant juxtapose those two things, said Watkins. Freiheit said the district is considering changing the application to an interest survey to ease the process. The committee also discussed possibilities to improve communication with the public, primarily to provide ways to bring harmful behavior to the committees attention. Public comment is currently the only way to directly reach the committee. Committee members, unless they are faculty or board members, do not have district email accounts. WASHINGTON President Joe Biden lauded the sacrifice of generations of U.S. troops who dared all and gave all fighting for their country and called on Americans to ensure that their sacrifice was not in vain as he marked Memorial Day with the traditional wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. Biden was joined by first lady Jill Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and Harris husband, Douglas Emhoff, for the 155th National Memorial Day Observance. He had a moment of contemplation in front of the wreath, which was adorned with flowers and a red, white and blue bow, and then bowed his head in prayer. We must never forget the price that was paid to protect our democracy, Biden said later in an address at the Memorial Amphitheater. "We must never forget the lives these flags, flowers and marble markers represent. Every year we remember," he said. "And every year it never gets easier. Photos: Biden marks Memorial Day at Arlington National Cemetery Monday's federal holiday honoring America's fallen service members came a day after Biden and Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy reached final agreement on a deal that would raise America's debt limit and that now awaits approval by Congress. As it stands, the agreement would keep nondefense spending roughly flat in the 2024 fiscal year and increase it by 1% the following year. The measure would allow for 3% defense growth in fiscal 2024, to $886 billion, and then another 1% in fiscal 2025, to $895 billion. Biden has taken pride that his Democratic administration has overseen a time of relative peace for the U.S. military after two decades of war in Afghanistan and Iraq. Its been nearly 21 months since Biden ended the United States longest war in Afghanistan, making good on a campaign promise to end a 20-year-old "forever war" that cost the lives of more than 2,400 U.S. service members. The war in Afghanistan, however, ended in chaotic and deadly fashion on Biden's watch in August 2021 with critics blasting the administration's handling of the evacuation of some 120,000 American citizens, Afghans and others as poorly planned and badly executed. The Biden administration last month released a review of the last days of the war, largely blaming his Republican predecessor, President Donald Trump, and asserting that Biden was severely constrained by Trump's decisions. The U.S. now finds itself leading a coalition of allies pouring tens of billions of dollars in military and economic aid into Ukraine as it tries to repel the Russian invasion, which appears to have no end in sight. While making clear that he has no desire for U.S. troops to enter the conflict, Biden has maintained that he sees the Russian effort to grab territory as an affront to international norms and has vowed to help Kyiv win, sending artillery, tanks and drones and recently agreeing to allow allies to train Ukrainian military on American F-16 jets. Biden connected the sacrifices of some 400,000 Americans buried at Arlington to the work of U.S. troops deployed around the world today, saying the impact of the fallen men and women goes far beyond those silent stones of the solemn burial ground. We see the strength of our NATO alliance built from the bonds that were forged in the fires of two World Wars, Biden said. We see it in the troops still standing sentinel on the Korean Peninsula, preserving the peace side by side with allies. We see it in every base, every barrack, every vessel around the globe where our military proudly serves and stands as a force for good in the world. During the Arlington ceremony, Biden also spoke of the need to care for U.S. service members on and off the battlefield. We have only one truly sacred obligation: to prepare those we send into harms way and care for them and their families when they come home and when they dont," Biden said. The president noted legislation he had signed expanding federal health care services for millions of veterans who served at military bases where toxic smoke billowed from huge burn pits, commonly used by the military until several years ago to dispose of chemicals, tires, plastics and medical and human waste. Before Monday's ceremony at the Arlington, Virginia, cemetery, the Bidens hosted a breakfast at the White House for members of veterans organizations, military service and military family organizations, surviving families of fallen U.S. troops, senior Department of Defense officials and other administration officials. The president and the first lady were scheduled to return to their home near Wilmington, Delaware, later Monday to spend the rest of the federal holiday. 60 historic photos from American military history 60 historic photos from American military history 1868: Sioux Wars 1862: Abraham Lincoln at Antietam during Civil War PhilippineAmerican War 1915: Mexican Border War 1927: US occupation of Nicaragua 1934: US occupation of Haiti 1917: Welcoming 1918: Service for war dead 1918: Newspaper headlines on Armistice Day 1919: Ship of soldiers returning home 1941: Attack on Pearl Harbor 1942: Battalion of army engineers Circa 1940s: Women building a bomber 1943: Lockheed P-38 Lightning 1943: Medal of honor 1943: Sailor rescuing pilot from a plane wreck 1944: Paratroopers preparing for D-Day 1944: Operation Overlord 1944: Tuskegee Airmen Circa 1940s: Burial at sea for USS Intrepid casualties 1945: Women's Army Corp 1945: Raising the flag on Iwo Jima 1945: Marine charging during Battle of Okinawa 1945: Sharing food 1945: Leaving Nordhausen 1945: Manhattan skyline 1945: Japan surrenders First Indochina War Circa 1950: Bed of shells 1951: The Mighty Mo 1962: Kennedy and military leaders 1965: US combat unit in Vietnam 1965: US infantry 1965: American soldiers arriving in Vietnam 1967: US Army rifleman charge Viet Cong 1967: Soldiers engaged in long crawl to crest 1968: Soldier shaving colleague's head 1968: Hill Timothy 1969: Naval patrol craft 1975: The fall of Saigon 1975: Evacuation 1989: US soldiers look into a prison cell 1990: Operation Desert Shield 1990: Persian Gulf War 1991: USS America 1991: US soldiers watch oil refinery burn 1991: Kuwaitis with American soldiers 1991: The border Kow in Saudi Arabia 1992: Intervention in Somali Civil War 2003: Shock and awe 2003: Oil fires burn in Iraq 2003: Families mourn soldiers killed during war with Iraq 2003: The fall of Baghdad 2005: 1st Marine division honors comrades killed in Iraq 2006: Marines return after one-year deployment to Iraq 2008: US Army battles Taliban in Kunar Province 2017: United States in Afghanistan 2014: Airstrikes targeting Islamic State group US leaves Afghanistan US sends aid to Ukraine Helga Zepp-LaRouche Again Targetted by Kievs Countering Disinformation Hitlist June 2, 2023, 2022 (EIRNS)Ukraines notorious Center for Countering Disinformation (CCD) published May 31 a Digest of Hate Speech by Russian Propagandists, 05/14/23-05/24/23 that twice accuses Schiller Institute founder and leader Helga Zepp-LaRouche of spreading Russian hate speech against both Ukraine and its allies. CCD labels as Russian propaganda and hate speech any advocacy of peace with Russia, any reference to Western and NATOs responsibility for the war, or mention of swastikas and Hitler symbology adorning neo-Nazis in the ranks of Ukraines government and military. Such CCD lies carry death threats. The CCD is the agency within President Zelenskyys National Security and Defense Council responsible for drawing up lists of alleged foreign enemies for prosecution or elimination as information terrorists threatening Ukraines national security. As EIR documented in its Sept. 2, 2022 dossier, Global NATO Orders a Hit on Advocates of Peace, the CCDcreated, funded and guided by U.S., U.K., and NATO agencieshands over its hitlists to Ukraines Security Service (SBU) and to Myrotvorets, the public kill list established by neo-Nazi networks working with the Interior Ministry after Victoria Nulands 2014 Maidan coup. Zepp-LaRouche was first added to the Myrotvorets kill list on May 28, 2022. Myrotvorets cited as the justification for accusing her of war crime, the CCDs statement, issued that same day, labelling her as a Russian propagandist for having organized an international discussion on the topic of a new security architecture for the world and the threat of World War III two days before. The CCD has kept Zepp-LaRouche at the top of their hitlists ever since. In its latest report, the CCD wrote that employees of the Center for Countering Disinformation in cooperation with the National Council of Ukraine on Television and Radio Broadcasting, having investigated the russian [sic] and international information space, recorded a new series of cases of enemy hate speech directed against Ukraine and its allies. Zepp-LaRouche is named as repeating enemy narratives aimed at discrediting the U.K. on May 14, on the grounds that she reportedly said the U.S., U.K. and NATO is at war with Russia over Ukraine! Her alleged May 24 remark by which she is said to have aimed to discredit Ukraine and the U.K., is that the British are contributing to the escalation of a nuclear conflict between the U.S., U.K. and NATO. The other advocates of peace (in Ukrainian) named in this report include Kim Dotcom, Jackson Hinkle, Sonia van den Ende, George Szamuely and Chay Bowes. Lulas Peace Envoy Warns, Beware a Versailles Treaty vs. Russia, Lest World War III May Result June 2, 2023, 2022 (EIRNS)Former Foreign Minister Celso Amorim, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silvas official foreign policy advisor, exposed the fraud of the NATO-Ukraine gambit to organize a peace conference from which Russia, held solely responsible for the conflict, is to be excluded. Amorim did not mention that peace conference fraud by name in his interview published today in Financial Times. He did not have to. He simply pointed to the Second World War that resulted from the Versailles Treaty, based on similar premises. Amorim reiterated that his government is intent on organizing the club of nations committed to creating conditions for serious peace talks which President Lula has proposed, because we dont want a third world war. And even if we dont have that, we dont want a new Cold War. All concerns of countries in the region should be taken into account, if you want peace. The only other alternative is total military victory against Russia. Do you know what comes after? I dont.... We cannot judge the situation by the last 1.5 years. This is a situation of decades. [Russia has] concerns that have to be taken into account. That is not the fault of Ukraine. Ukraine is a victim, a victim of the remnants of the Cold War. The Financial Times wrote that Brazil is concerned about perceived Western efforts to weaken Russia, to then quote Amorim: I am reminded of the situation in Germany after the First World War: The objective was to weaken Germany at [the Treaty of] Versailles and we know where that led. The City of Londons daily notes that Lula has been accused of maintaining pro-Russian neutrality, and the White House had charged Brazil with parroting Russian and Chinese propaganda after Lula dared say that Ukraine and Washington also bear responsibility for the conflict, and Washington is encouraging the war with its endless supply of weapons. But the financier warmongers admitted that they face a problem: Brazilian neutrality towards Russia has broad, cross-party support and is a rare point of continuity between Lula and the previous rightwing presidency of Jair Bolsonaro. The Getulio Vargas Foundations well-known analyst Oliver Stuenkel told FT: Non-alignment is seen as a safe bet in a world where great power competition will increase. From the Brazilian point of view, the rise of China and re-emergence of Russia is not actually bad ... that is why [Brasilia has] no interest in joining [a] Western coalition against Russia. VOA Learning English presents Americas Presidents. Today we are talking about James Buchanan, the 15th president of the United States. He was the third in a series of unsuccessful presidents. Millard Fillmore and Franklin Pierce had failed to resolve the countrys increasing division over slavery. Democratic Party officials hoped Buchanan could do better. After all, he was a gifted lawyer and had been a member of the U.S. Congress, a secretary of state, and a diplomat. But Buchanan was not so sure he could resolve the countrys problems. He was right. He was the last president before the American Civil War. Early life James Buchanan was born in the northern state of Pennsylvania. His father was a businessman, and his family was financially successful. Buchanan the oldest son in a family with 11 children received a good education. He attended Dickinson College in Pennsylvania and soon began working as a lawyer. His abilities earned him a good deal of money and a place in the states legislature. But they were not able to win him a wife. As a young man, Buchanan fell in love with and proposed marriage to a young woman from a wealthy family. She accepted. But her father opposed the union. One day, his fiancee wrote Buchanan a letter saying she had reconsidered and decided not to marry him after all. Three days later, she unexpectedly died. Buchanan was heartbroken. He promised never to marry anyone else. And he did not. To date, James Buchanan is the only U.S. president who never married. When he entered the White House, his niece served as his first lady. Election of 1856 Even with problems in his personal life, Buchanan went on to have a strong career as a national politician. He hoped his party would nominate him as its candidate for president. But in the 1840s and early 1850s, the Democrats nominated other candidates. Finally, in 1856, the party chose Buchanan. But by then, he was no longer sure he wanted to be president. He believed the country would soon be at war. Violence had already broken out in the western territory of Kansas. White settlers there had clashed over whether Kansas would enter the Union as a slave or free state. In one dramatic event, an anti-slavery activist named John Brown had murdered several pro-slavery settlers. President Buchanan had clear ideas about slavery. He said in his inaugural speech that voters in the territories a group made up of white men should be able to decide the issue for themselves. In the same speech, Buchanan urged Americans to support an important Supreme Court ruling that became known as the Dred Scott decision. Two days later, the courts justices announced the majority opinion in that case. The opinion said the federal government did not have the power to control slavery in the territories. In addition, the court declared that enslaved people were not U.S. citizens. They were property, it said. Enslaved people did not have any more rights than a horse or a chair. Buchanan hoped the decision would stop the countrys debate over slavery. Instead, it made the debate more intense. Presidency During his presidency, Buchanan took two other actions that increased tensions and damaged his public image. First, he tried to persuade Congress to accept a state constitution for Kansas. The constitution permitted slavery, although a majority of Kansas voters had not agreed to it. The U.S. House of Representatives decided not to follow President Buchanans wishes. They permitted Kansans to vote again on the constitution. This time, Kansas voters rejected it. A majority agreed instead to seek admission into the Union as a free state. Buchanans image also suffered because of an event known as the raid on Harpers Ferry. The raid was led by John Brown, the anti-slavery activist who had murdered pro-slavery settlers in Kansas. This time, Brown hoped to create an armed rebellion of anti-slavery activists and freed slaves. To get weapons, Brown and his men attacked a federal arsenal about 110 kilometers northwest of Washington, D.C. The armory was in the town of Harpers Ferry, in todays state of West Virginia. President Buchanan answered the raid by permitting federal troops to use force. The U.S. Marines surrounded Brown and his forces. They killed some and captured others, including Brown. A few weeks later, Brown was brought to trial, found guilty, and hanged. The event further divided Americans. Anti-slavery Northerners believed Brown was a hero. Pro-slavery Southerners believed he was a traitor. In general, Buchanan agreed with the Southerners. He said in a speech that Northerners should not tell Southerners what they could do in their states. But his words did not satisfy either side. For one thing, a main issue was whether slavery should be permitted in any new states. Buchanan did not comment on that point. Election of 1860 At the end of his single term, Buchanan kept an earlier promise not to seek re-election. His party did not urge him to. Instead, Northern Democrats and Southern Democrats split. They nominated two different candidates. The Democrats lack of unity provided an opening for a candidate from a new party. The Republican Party was comprised of northerners who were against slavery. Their candidate was a lawyer without much experience in government. His name was Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln won the presidential election of 1860. In answer, the Southern state of South Carolina withdrew from the Union. Buchanan who was in the last weeks of his presidency did not support the move. But he did not act to stop South Carolina, either. He said the Constitution did not give him the power to force a state to stay in the Union. Following Buchanans inaction, six other slave-holding Southern states also seceded. Legacy Today many historians agree James Buchanan was one of the worst American presidents. Buchanan had many good personal qualities, and he did not want to harm the country. Instead, a common belief is that he did not have the right skills to unite a divided nation. His behavior appeared to be guided by conflicting ideas. Buchanan said he opposed slavery and supported the Union. But he often took actions to protect slavery and help the South. Buchanan largely blamed anti-slavery activists and opposition politicians for the problems during his administration. But the public did not accept Buchanans position. He was not respected after he left office, and he did not appear in public very often. Instead, the former president withdrew to his home in Pennsylvania until his death in 1868. Im Kelly Jean Kelly. Kelly Jean Kelly wrote this story for Learning English. George Grow was the editor. _______________________________________________________________ Quiz - America's Presidents: James Buchanan Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story dramatic - adj. greatly affecting people's emotions inaugural - adj. happening as part of an official ceremony or celebration when someone (such as a newly elected official) begins an important job secede - v. to separate from a nation or state and become independent The American technology company Neuralink has received U.S. government approval to test its brain implant device in humans. The approval came from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Neuralink says the FDAs approval will permit the company to expand its current testing program involving animals. Neuralink is owned by American billionaire Elon Musk. He also owns several other companies, including Tesla, SpaceX and Twitter. The coin-sized device is designed to be placed inside the skull. Small wires connect it directly to the brain. The implant contains a small computer that is built to communicate with the brain. This lets it control operations in the body. Neuralink has said the technology is designed to treat brain disorders and help spinal cord injury victims regain body movement. It might also be able to help blind people see again. Musk has said he believes the device could also be used to improve intelligence to help humans keep up with supercomputers and artificial intelligence (AI) technology. Neuralink said in a statement that the FDA approval was an important first step for the technology. "We are excited to share that we have received the FDA's approval to launch our first-in-human clinical study," Neuralink said on Twitter. Neuralink said it had not yet started the process of choosing human subjects to test the implants on. Musk spoke about the technology during a presentation last December. He said the company had been working hard to be ready for our first human (implant). He added that the company wanted to be extremely careful and make sure the implant works well before putting a device in a human." During the presentation, Neuralink showed several monkeys "playing" simple video games and controlling a computer with use of the Neuralink implant. The company has also tested the device on pigs and sheep. Reuters news agency has reported on the companys animal experiments in the past. Some Neuralink employees told Reuters last year that the company had made mistakes in animal operations. They said the mistakes came because the process was hurried. This led to more animal deaths than necessary, the employees said. Neuralink tested the implant on animals in hopes of producing data that would help the company gain FDA approval for human testing, the employees told Reuters. In one 2021 case reported by Reuters, the company implanted 25 out of 60 pigs with the wrong-sized devices. All the pigs were later killed. Employees told the news agency that such mistakes could have been easily avoided with more preparation. Reuters said it reached out to both Neuralink and Musk for comments on its reports. Neither answered the requests for comments. The Department of Transportation is separately looking into Neuralink, Reuters reported. The departments investigation centers on whether the company illegally transported dangerous pathogens on devices removed from monkey brains without following effective containment measures. Neuralink is also under investigation by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Office of Inspector General, the news agency said. That investigation is looking into possible animal-welfare violations and the USDA's oversight of Neuralink. Several other companies are also working on devices to link the brain to computers. One of them is New York-based startup Synchron. It announced in July it had completed its first brain-computer implant, called an interface, in a human. Rajesh Rao is co-director of the Center for Neurotechnology at the University of Washington. After Musks presentation last year, Rao said he does not believe Neuralink is ahead of other companies in developing brain-computer interfaces. But he said he does think the company is quite ahead in hardware development of the devices. Im Bryan Lynn. Bryan Lynn wrote this story for VOA Learning English, based on reports from The Associated Press, Reuters, Agence France-Presse and Neuralink. Quiz - US Approves Testing of Neuralink Brain Implant in Humans Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz _________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story implant n. a device placed inside the body in a medical operation pathogen n. a small organism, such as a virus or bacterium, that can cause disease oversight n. responsibility for a job or activity that seeks to make sure it is being done correctly skull n. the structure of bones that form the head and face of a person or animal spinal cord n. the large group of nerves which runs through the center of the spine and carries messages between the brain and the rest of the body welfare n. the state of being happy, healthy, or successful; well-being ____________________________________________________________________ What do you think of this story? We want to hear from you. We have a new comment system. Here is how it works: Write your comment in the box. Under the box, you can see four images for social media accounts. They are for Disqus, Facebook, Twitter and Google. Click on one image and a box appears. Enter the login for your social media account. Or you may create one on the Disqus system. It is the blue circle with D on it. It is free. Each time you return to comment on the Learning English site, you can use your account and see your comments and replies to them. Our comment policy is here. China urges U.S. to stop official interactions of any form with Taiwan Xinhua) 09:11, June 03, 2023 BEIJING, June 2 (Xinhua) -- China urged the United States to stop official interactions of any form with China's Taiwan region, and stop pushing forward and revoke at once the "Initiative on 21st Century Trade" and a relevant agreement with Taiwan, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a regular press briefing on Friday. Mao's remarks came after the United States and the Taiwan region signed the first agreement under their "Initiative on 21st Century Trade" in Washington, D.C., on June 1. "China strongly opposes official interactions of any form between China's Taiwan region and countries that have diplomatic relations with China," Mao said, adding that the interactions include negotiating or signing any agreement that implies sovereignty and has an official nature. The U.S. government has deliberately pushed forward negotiations with Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities on the so-called "Initiative on 21st Century Trade" and signed the agreement. Mao said that it gravely violates the one-China principle and the three China-U.S. joint communiques, and contravenes the commitment made by the United States itself of maintaining only unofficial relations with Taiwan. "China strongly deplores this and has made serious demarches to the U.S. side," she said. Under the disguise of trade cooperation, the so-called "Initiative" is just a U.S. tool to rip Taiwan off. The DPP authorities, driven by the selfish separatist agenda, have no scruples about betraying Taiwan compatriots' and businesses' interests or selling Taiwan away. "By signing the agreement, they are offering Taiwan to the U.S. on a plate," said Mao. She said this is the latest example of the U.S. trying to fudge and hollow out the one-China principle. "We once again urge the United States to abide by the one-China principle and the three China-U.S. joint communiques, immediately change course and stop official interactions of any form with Taiwan, stop pushing forward and revoke at once the so-called 'Initiative' and agreement, and stop sending wrong signals to 'Taiwan independence' separatist forces; otherwise, all consequences shall be borne by the U.S. side," said the spokesperson. (Web editor: Chang Sha, Hongyu) CHICAGO During Donald Trump's first visit as president to Chicago, a frequent target in his attacks on urban violence, he disparaged the nation's third-largest city as a haven for criminals and a national embarrassment. At a recent town hall, Republican presidential contender Vivek Ramaswamy sat alongside ex-convicts on the city's South Side and promised to defend Trump's "America First" agenda. In return, the little-known White House hopeful, a child of Indian immigrants, found a flicker of acceptance in a room full of Black and brown voters. The audience nodded when Ramaswamy said that "anti-Black racism is on the rise," even if they took issue with his promise to eliminate affirmative action and fight "woke" policies. "Yes, we criticize the Democratic Party, and for good reason, for talking a big game about helping Black Americans without doing very much to actually show up and help on the ground," he said later. "But we on our side also talk a big game about America First without actually bringing all of America along with us." Race has emerged as a central issue and a delicate one in the 2024 presidential contest as the GOP's primary field so far features four candidates of color, making it among the most racially diverse ever. South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott, the first Black senator in the South since Reconstruction, entered the contest earlier in the month. He joined Nikki Haley, a former South Carolina governor and U.N. ambassador who is of Indian descent, and Larry Elder, an African American raised in Los Angeles' South Central neighborhood who came to national attention as a candidate in the failed effort two years ago to recall California Gov. Gavin Newsom. Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, who is of Cuban descent, says he may enter the race in the coming days. Most of the candidates of color are considered underdogs in a field dominated by Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. Yet the party's increasingly diverse leadership, backed by evolving politics on issues such as immigration, suggest the GOP might have an opportunity in 2024 to further weaken the Democrats' grip on African Americans and Latinos. Those groups have been among the most loyal segments of the Democratic coalition since Republican leaders fought against the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The Republican presidential contenders of 2024 walk a fine line when addressing race with the GOP's overwhelmingly white primary electorate. In most cases, the diverse candidates in the Republican field play down the significance of their racial heritage. They all deny the existence of systemic racism in the United States even while discussing their own personal experience with racial discrimination. They oppose policies around policing, voting rights and education that are specifically designed to benefit disadvantaged communities and combat structural racism. The NAACP recently issued a travel advisory for the state of Florida under DeSantis' leadership, warning of open hostility "toward African Americans, people of color and LGBTQ+ individuals." The notice calls out new policies enacted by the governor that include blocking public schools from teaching students about systemic racism and defunding programs aimed at diversity, equity and inclusion. The Republican presidential candidates of color largely support DeSantis' positions. Marc Morial, president and CEO of the National Urban League, said the GOP's policies are far more important than the racial and ethnic diversity of their presidential candidates. He noted there also were four Republican candidates of color in 2016, the year Trump won the White House after exploiting tensions over race and immigration. "White nationalists, insurrectionists and white supremacists seem to find comfort in the (Republican) Party," Morial said. "I think we're beyond the politics of just the face of a person of color by itself appealing to people of color. What do you stand for?" 'Anti-woke' agenda With few exceptions, the Republican candidates who have entered the presidential primary field have embraced the GOP's "anti-woke" agenda, which is based on the notion that policies designed to address systemic inequities related to race, gender or sexuality are unfair or dangerous. Still, the GOP's diverse field is not ignoring race. Indeed, some candidates are making their race a central theme in their appeal to Republican primary voters even as they deny that people of color face systemic challenges. Scott insisted that America is not a racist country in his recent announcement speech. "We are not defined by the color of our skin. We are defined by the content of our character. And if anyone tells you anything different, they're lying," he said. In her announcement video, Haley noted that she was raised in a small town in South Carolina as "the proud daughter of Indian immigrants not black, not white, I was different." Like Scott, she has defended the GOP against charges of racism. "Some think our ideas are not just wrong, but racist and evil," Haley said. "Nothing could be further from the truth." Elder is quick to criticize the Democrats' "woke" agenda, Black Lives Matter and the notion of systemic racism. As of now, the GOP does not have any Hispanic candidates in the 2024 contest. But Suarez, the Miami mayor, said he may change that in the coming days. "I think it's important the field does have candidates that can connect with and motivate Hispanics to continue a trend that's already happening," he said, noting that he's "very strongly" considering a White House bid. "Democrats have failed miserably to connect with Hispanics." A Madison nonprofit organization that encourages people to shop locally is hosting a series of bus tours dedicated to highlighting city businesses owned by minorities. Dane Buy Local, located at 2801 International Lane, said the aim is to celebrate the variety of cultures, traditions and business owner experiences in Madison. Upcoming events in the Shop Local Tour series include a tour of LGBTQ-led businesses in June and a September tour of businesses owned by Latino and Hmong people. Each bus tour goes from 4 to 8 p.m. and tickets cost $49, but a friend can attend free. More information can be found at danebuylocal.com. We hope to foster a sense of inclusivity and appreciation among all participants, said Colin Murray, executive director of Dane Buy Local. You will not only have the experience and thrill of discovering hidden gems and local treasures but also contribute to the growth and prosperity of these vital businesses. Junes tour will include: Communication Madison, 2645 Milwaukee St.; EarthWise Pet Supply, 3260 University Ave.; Fiddlesticks Knits, 1976 Atwood Ave.; Mala Yoga Center, 5374 Monona Drive, of Monona; and Renu Massage, Energy & Bodywork, 1701 Deming Way, Suite 114. Other bus tours will be of Downtown businesses in July, University Avenue and the Hilldale Shopping Center in August, Atwood and Williamson Street in October and a holiday shopping tour in December. Donna Hart-Tervalon, owner of Hart Beat Boutique, hugs a shopper during Dane Buy Locals May 25 bus tour of Black-owned businesses in Madison. Discussions about bus tours highlighting Madisons diverse business owners began late last year, said Dane Buy Local board member Curt Fuszard. We realized people wouldnt be coming to Park Street to see this business if they werent part of this tour, he said outside of Earthly Temptation LLC, at 1812 Park St., owned by Sarah Branch. When asked about whether there will be future bus tours, Murray of Dane Buy Local said that is uncertain. The May 25 tour highlighted five other Black-owned businesses, and included about 15 attendees, including representatives from the Madison Black Chamber of Commerce, Madison Gas and Electric, and shoppers who just wanted to support businesses owned by people of color. We are working on the most comprehensive Black-owned business directory, Tiffany Kenney, communications director for the Madison Black Chamber, said of why she and CEO Camille Carter were bus tour attendees. She said the research shows that the county has about 650 to 700 Black-owned businesses. DeeAnn Jensen, of Madison, said she was just on the tour for fun. Jewelers on State Street in Madison was part of a recent Dane Buy Local bus tour. The monthly tours are designed to highlight Madisons diverse shopping experiences. I am just really interested in finding out more about more of the businesses in the area that are local, and specifically Black-owned businesses, she said. I like to be supportive of such businesses when I can. This is our community, and I want to be able to help the people who live here. The Black-owned businesses on the May 25 tour included: Earthly Temptation LLCHart Beat Boutique, owned by Donna Hart-Tervalon at 427 S. Yellowstone Drive, No. 115Cannabis store Herbal Aspect, owned by Alex Gish at 3547 University Ave.Jewelers on State Street, owned by Joey Turner at 550 State St.JustVeggiez, owned by James Bloodsaw at 540 State St.Mentoring Positives, a nonprofit that offers youth enrichment initiatives, owned by Will Green at 2844 E. Washington Ave., promoting a pizza business called Muriels Place Its amazing, Hart-Tervalon, who has had her boutique for about seven months, said as the bus tour attendees visited her shop. Its what I was hoping for. I didnt know it was a possibility. All the other business owners expressed similar excitement about being part of the tour that day. Business has been building, Hart-Tervalon said. Its been gradual. I think the fact that Im in kind of a remote location has made it a little more challenging but also thats been manageable for me. I wanted to start small and see how it goes. There used to be far more boutiques. There are fewer now. There are certainly fewer that are Black-owned. Photos: See more of Dane Buy Locals Black-owned businesseses bus tour The city of Madison is seeking to shut down a Far East Side lounge where a man was shot to death in the parking lot last month and already has persuaded a judge to approve a temporary order closing it immediately. Lush Lounge, located in a small strip mall at 3765 E. Washington Ave., hasnt had a liquor license since the end of December. Nevertheless, police allege its been advertising public events on social media in which alcohol has either been sold or cover charges have been used to pay for alcohol given away inside, according to a public nuisance complaint filed Tuesday in Dane County Circuit Court. Lush has been approved to operate since late April as a restaurant and private reception hall, meaning alcohol can only be consumed there if people attending invitation-only private events bring it in themselves or event hosts provide it for free. Police say they responded to a dispute at the lounge just before 1 a.m. May 6, when they found about 20 people in a parking lot and it appeared Lush had been selling tickets to an event there, according to the citys complaint. A little more than two weeks later, on May 21, Raheem D. Blue, 32, died after being shot outside the business at about 1:30 a.m., according to Madison police. When they arrived, police found a chaotic scene, with fighting in the parking lot and people in the midst of leaving a private event there. Police have made no arrests in the fatal shooting, Madisons sixth homicide this year. The city in its public nuisance complaint points to social media posts from Lush advertising a reggae night, lingerie and pajama jam, adult bingo night and Barbie vs. Bratz night with a ca$h prize twerk contest. Some come with a $30 or $40 cover charge and advise those interested to bring their own liquor. On the morning of the homicide police say they obtained video from inside the business the night before that showed owner Alisa Mae Davis and manager Shaniqua Scott serving what appeared to be alcohol from behind the bar and money was exchanging hands. They also say they obtained a guest list for an event the night before that consisted of a piece of lined paper on which patrons appeared to have written their own names, some of which were illegible and some of which were only first or last names, initials or nicknames. It is clear that Lush thought it could get around the liquor laws, and the requirement of a liquor license, by declaring events to be private, the city says in its request for a temporary restraining order. Davis on Thursday agreed to an interview on Friday but then did not respond to messages. Lush had a liquor license until late October, when it was pulled because Davis failed to correct address information on the license, rendering it invalid, according to the citys complaint. Its first day in business on Sept. 24 ended in a large fight in its parking lot. It then had a provisional liquor license from the end of October until the end of December, but its application for a permanent license has been held up twice first because Davis is being sued by her former business partner and most recently because of concerns about public safety and operations at the business from the areas City Council representative, police and the city attorneys office. Assistant City Attorney Jennifer Zilavy said the temporary restraining order closing Lush was served on May 27. Photos: Arrests and protests at State Capitol in support of Rep. Zooey Zephyr Business owner. Social justice advocate. Housing expert. Realtor. These are just a few of the terms that one might associate with Sara Alvarado. Now, author can be added to that list of descriptors. Alvarado recently published her debut memoir, Dreaming in Spanish: An Unexpected Love Story in Puerta Vallarta. Many in the Madison community know Alvarado, 48, for her work in the real estate industry. For years, the co-owner of Alvarado Real Estate Group has been on a mission to address housing inequities and shine a light on topics such as redlining, housing discrimination and white privilege. In 2020, the Alvarado Group launched the OWN IT: Building Black Wealth program, which offers One City families and staff a financial course and a down payment fund of $15,000. So far, nine families have been able to purchase homes thanks to OWN IT. After spending years shedding a light on societal issues, Alvarado is now shifting the lens to some deeply personal moments of her own life. She takes readers through her whirlwind of a journey that includes falling in love with her husband, Carlos, becoming pregnant and learning to embrace motherhood in a foreign country. While her book may be a departure from the work Alvarado has become known for, its a project thats been years in the making. Ive always wanted to write a book, she said. Its terrifying and also what I was meant to do. What inspired you to write this book? I wanted it for my familys sake. Carlos and I have a beautiful love story, and the time that I was in Mexico was full of me learning how to love myself. I struggled with sexual trauma and a healing process that I think a lot of women experience, but we dont talk about it enough. You can go from victim to survivor and you can thrive and you can have a life past some of the hard stuff. So even though the book is a love story, it was important for me to share the messy stuff that happens. What was it like taking a deep dive into some harder moments of your life? A healing journey just changes. Im healed, but in writing the book you have to go to those places. I jacked up my therapist appointments. I wanted to make sure that I was taking care of myself throughout the writing process. The second piece to that question is more related to my experience as a white person because if I would have tried to tell this story 10 years ago, I wouldnt have had the perspective that I do now. I think a lot of white writers who write about culture and other countries focus a lot on the other and how different the culture is. But because of the work Ive done with my racial justice work, I was able to see where my whiteness was getting in the way. A key part of the book is your experience of coming to terms with your white privilege, as you navigate your newfound multicultural marriage and family. How has your journey of examining your privilege evolved since then? This is my origin story. To be a white person living in Mexico, I was faced with conversations and experiences that I wouldnt have had access to. I was examining it but I didnt have the vocabulary or understanding because that was a long time ago. We didnt have conversations about or use the word whiteness or racial equity. I was uncomfortable and I knew I was uncomfortable, but I didnt have that understanding. Then in 2013, the Race to Equity report came out and all the pieces came together. I was given frameworks. I was given spaces like at the YWCA Racial Justice Summit and their teachings. I was given an opportunity to learn what I needed to know but didnt know how to know. What would you like to write about next? I feel like theres a place for sharing some of the hard awakenings of seeing my whiteness and navigating the industry that I have been in. I would like to learn how to write more about what OWN IT is doing. I would also like to talk and write more about what we have learned in a way that will resonate with people who arent in the real estate industry. A lot of people dont understand how financing industries work and how the real estate industry works. People get overwhelmed. How do you connect to the people who are interested in buying or selling their own house and show them how they are a part of this system? Were taught not to see, and it takes a lot of effort to see. This State Journal editorial ran on June 4, 2008: In the back of its collective mind, Janesville seemed to know this was coming for years now the cornerstone of its local economy shutting down. Tuesdays announcement that General Motors is ending production at its 89-year-old Janesville assembly plant marks the sad end of an era. Its difficult to accept emotionally, and it will be harder to handle financially for many of the workers and their families, including those at companies that supplied the plant or catered to its workforce. Yet the terrible news can and should lead to renewal one that accelerates Janesvilles ongoing effort to diversify its economy. Janesville is no longer a one-horse town. In fact, Mercy Health Care now employs more people than the GM plant. ... Dean Health System and the company that owns St. Marys Hospital in Madison also gave Janesville a bit of good news Tuesday. They remain committed to opening a $140 million, 50-bed hospital in Janesville in two years. They wouldnt be investing so heavily in Janesville without confidence in its future. Janesville and surrounding Rock County can boast a skilled and productive workforce. A UW-Madison analysis showed that plastics is one of the areas fastest growing industries, and a local technical college has launched a related training program. Rock County also is an enthusiastic member of Thrive, an eight-county economic development booster. The outside world views Janesville, Madison and south-central Wisconsin as one region. By working together, our region can promote its strengths to draw new employers and to help existing companies expand. Forward Janesville, a local economic booster, compliments the regional effort well. None of that will magically give GM and related workers their jobs back when the Janesville plant shuts down its production of pickups and sport utility vehicles by 2010. High gas prices more than anything reduced demand for the plants low-mileage fleet. Though GM is trying to adapt with higher-mileage cars, some that will use plug-in batteries to power them on short trips, a company official termed it unlikely such a product line would move into Janesvilles aging plant. Wisconsin politicians say theyll fight to keep the GM plant open. But that seems a long shot. Janesville and south-central Wisconsin would be wise to concentrate efforts on retraining workers and fighting to keep and attract employers using the strengths we have. A piece of Janesville and all of Wisconsin died with Tuesdays announcement. But the birth of better times can come. WASHINGTON Thank heaven, our self-induced crisis is all but over. The House on Wednesday evening approved the compromise deal between Speaker Kevin McCarthy and President Joe Biden to raise the nations debt limit and thereby avert a default and economic calamity, at least through 2024. The Senate agree, so Biden can sign the package into law by Monday, the X-date when the Treasury would no longer have authority to cover the nations obligations. With this (relatively) happy ending in sight, Im going to look on the bright side. First, as compromises go, this was the real deal. Both sides came away with wins and losses, though Biden won measurably more. (Theres really just one big loser in this saga, but Ill save the worst for last.) The deal would cap domestic discretionary spending in the next two fiscal years, not slash it by as much as 30% over a decade, as Republicans wanted. It preserves Bidens landmark clean-energy initiatives, rather than repealing them. It modestly adds to existing work requirements for those who get food and welfare benefits, contrary to Republicans stricter proposals, and even expands eligibility for assistance. The compromise increases defense spending, but at the level Biden proposed in his budget. And it makes relatively small cuts in spending for the Internal Revenue Service that Republicans targeted. Its a wonder that McCarthy, R-Bakersfield, leader of a party whose base for years has considered compromise a four-letter word, is getting away with it, for now at least, given the MAGA mutineers in his ranks. That brings us to the second silver lining of this debt-limit denouement: The right-wing radicals to whom McCarthy leased his soul to become speaker are sidelined here. The bills passage in the House as well as the Senate is possible thanks to a rare coming together of a broad political center. As welcome as bipartisanship is, dont expect it to repeat itself often. Its happening now because the stakes are so incredibly high. Most Republicans didnt want blame for an economic disaster, even if they shared it with Biden. Many of them were as scared as Democrats about just how far the far right would go right over the fiscal cliff? and they coalesced for strength in numbers against the crazies. A final positive note on the outcome and, more specifically, about its two negotiators: Weve gotten a window into the ways of both Biden and McCarthy, reinforcing our view of the president and showing us something new in the novice speaker pragmatism and a willingness to stand up, if rarely, to the bomb throwers. First, the president. Yes, Biden is old. But his old-school ways still work. After six terms in the Senate, hes a deal maker at heart. I thought he was correct, if off-brand, to insist for months that he wouldnt bargain over raising the debt limit. But Republicans control the House. Trouble was, Biden couldnt make it clear to the public that he was willing to dicker but only over the budget, not the nations credit-worthiness. OK, hes never been a message-meister. Democrats were justified, I thought, in faulting him for not doing more publicly to counter the spin coming from McCarthy, who met with reporters multiple times daily to shape the narrative. But Old-School Joe saved his words for the backrooms, and raked in the chips. As he teased reporters baiting him for trash talk Tuesday: Why would Biden say what a good deal it is before the vote? You think thats going to help me get it passed? Apparently hes more wily than we knew. Consider: McCarthy and other Republicans taunted Biden for weeks, first for refusing to negotiate, then for his retreat. And once there was a deal, McCarthy to sell it boasted to Republicans that the biggest concession he extracted from the president was getting him to talk. At the White House, the president had to be smiling. Hed maneuvered McCarthy into claiming negotiating was a big win when negotiations were inevitable in divided government and Biden had pocketed the bulk of the real concessions. Yet McCarthy ultimately shone as well. The bill is hardly the transformational legislation he claims, but, hey, if that hyperbole gives Republicans some political cover for their support, I wont quibble. He chose as his chief deputies in the negotiations two of the most pragmatic and politically skilled Republicans in the House, Reps. Patrick T. McHenry of North Carolina and Garret Graves of Louisiana. McCarthy showed some legislating chops. For example, hours after the deal came together over the weekend, he took pains to tell reporters that it included a pet provision of Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky, one of the Houses most right-wing members. Massie ended up being the deciding vote Tuesday in the Rules Committee to send the bill to the full House. The speaker may yet lose his job to a challenge from the right Texas Rep. Chip Roy called for a reckoning but for now hes chalked up a critical win, however you slice it. As for the sagas big loser: That was former President Donald Trump. First, he exposed the depths of his hypocrisy and irresponsibility by urging House Republicans to allow a default if Democrats didnt cave though as president hed said default was unthinkable. And in the end, Trump exposed the limits of his influence when even sycophantic House Republicans led by the man Trump called My Kevin! ignored him. McCarthy shouldnt get credit for compromising in a standoff he shouldnt have provoked in the first place. But I have to give it to him. A man who was employed as a teacher at Wendell High School has been charged with sending nude photos to students last year, court records say. Joseph C. Swainston, 25, faces three misdemeanor charges of disseminating material harmful minors to three male teenagers, all three of them students, and surrendered on a warrant Thursday night and posted a $15,000 bond, said Trevor Misseldine, Gooding County prosecuting attorney. The Times-News was unable to confirm Friday whether Swainston is still employed by the school district. A deputy with the Gooding County Sheriffs Office met with the school principal on May 8, and the school official said he had become aware that Swainston, who at that time was employed as a teacher, is suspected of sending the photos to the teens, ages 16 to 17. Court records say the photos of a man in a shower, showing his genitals, were sent through the social media app Snapchat between June 1 and Oct. 1, 2022. A deputy interviewed Swainston on May 9 at the high school. Swainston said he had taken pictures of himself in the shower but sent the photos to his wife, not the minors. One of the victims said he sent a message to Swainston about the photo, after which Swainston blocked him on the app. Another victim said that he had received weird messages from Swainston but did not go into detail about them with police. Then he said he received a photo of a male in the shower, records say. Both students said they recognized the shower in the photo as being located in Swainstons home. Swainston is scheduled to be arraigned on June 26. I recently had the opportunity, and pleasure, to tour eight public libraries, two school libraries, and one academic library in the Magic Valley. I hope all of you who are reading this will take a few minutes to drop into your local library and see the great things that are happening. The library directors and staff are excited and enthusiastic about what they do to make your libraries a friendly, educational place for their communities. At the Kimberly Public Library, a Chinese lantern caterpillar hung over the childrens corner. The childrens services director showed us art projects for the children, including colorful butterflies that tie in with the caterpillar (and spring) theme. Her enthusiasm is contagious. Her favorite thing about the library? Working with the kids. It shows. The library at Magic Valley High School is a small, safe place for students, many of whom have troubled lives and backgrounds. They come to the library to be, to study, and to communicate with Librarian Lara Erickson. At Twin Falls Public Library, we were treated to a tour of the Idaho history room, which houses an extensive collection of maps, photos city directories, books by Idaho authors, and books about Idaho. Reference Librarian Jennifer Hills loves anything related to the history of our state and our valley. Stop by and see whats there. We also visited the teen and childrens libraries in Twin Falls and learned from Youth Services Department Head Erica Littlefield about the great programs for kids and young adults, including Adulting 101, where they can learn skills needed to be successful adults. We visited the Jerome Public Library with Childrens Acquisitions Director Vicki Leininger. Jerome has a large room dedicated to childrens programs, and it is decorated with wall hangings created by donors. There are literacy kits available in both English and Spanish. These kits help children learn to read and be ready for school. One focus of the Jerome library is the Hispanic population in Jerome, welcoming them to the library and encouraging them to use all the services and programs the library has to offer. The Wendell Public Library is a very small relocatable building next to city hall. Again, we were greeted by enthusiastic Annie Burke and her library staff they love what they do getting the kids to the library, reading and learning. Quote When you hear about what is going on at your local library, stop in, meet the people, and observe what is happening. Your eyes will be opened! In Gooding, Library Director Cindy Bigler gave us a tour, which included a demonstration of the kitchen cart in the childrens section. Childrens Services Director Karen McHan conducts a cooking class each week with the kitchen cart, a remarkable cart procured with a grant. The cart includes all the equipment needed to make simple dishes pancakes, milkshakes, dirt cups I was so happy to see such a great learning activity for the kids. They take the recipes home and feel a sense of accomplishment for not only reading a recipe, but also preparing the food. In Bliss, Superintendent Kevin Lancaster met us at the school library a bright, beautiful, and welcoming space. The library doesnt have much of a budget and relies on donations for its collection. They dont have a librarian, either, so teachers take their classes to the library on a rotating schedule. The Hagerman Public Library is in a new location. Library Director Geri Omohundro enthusiastically pointed out new things in the little library, including furniture donated by The Community Library in Ketchum that became available following a remodeling. The Hagerman library has a large collection of Vardis Fisher first-edition books as well as a large section on Idaho history. Public computers line one wall and are mostly used by the teens. Buhl Public Librarys new director, Maegan Hanson, gave us the tour of the nicely upgraded library and showed us before and after pictures of the changes made in the last 2 years. The library is currently planning new carpet and shelving. The childrens section was welcoming, bright, and beautiful, as evidenced by youngsters playing games and reading while we were there. The library also has a much utilized 3D printer. Maegans enthusiasm in her new job is infectious. At the Filer Public Library, we met Director Debbie Carpenter, Programs Assistant Rachel Dumas, and the teen assistant. Several library board members were in attendance and were obviously proud of their library and the programs they offer, including a monthly coffee with someone of import around Filer last was the mayor. Our last stop was the College of Southern Idaho Library with host Reba Puente. An academic library has a different focus than a public or school library, with the emphasis on research and being a place for students to study. Reba is learning the ropes at the CSI Library and making changes, so its a more engaging learning place for students. Each of these libraries depend on the knowledge and expertise of the staff at the Idaho Commission for Libraries. The ICFL administers grants to libraries to fund continuing education for staff, hiring for summer interns, early literacy, summer reading programs, and reading readiness. When you hear about what is going on at your local library, stop in, meet the people, and observe what is happening. Your eyes will be opened! More millennials and Gen Zs aim to be the captain of their own ship as they see the value of entrepreneurship. Community nurse-turned-entrepreneur Trexie Marie Tan shares the same awareness of entrepreneurial empowerment since starting her business at a young age. While her story started from a rather amusing narrative, her passage as a full-pledged entrepreneur was neither hilarious nor comical. She actively juggled business and academic pursuits, which left her spent throughout the week. Its a funny story to begin with. There was this one time when I really craved for banana chips and my Mom found three pieces of unripe saba [plantain] which she tried to cook into banana chips for me. We thought then, that, probably the remaining bananas that took time to get ripened were really meant to be banana chips, she said. That episode convinced her to set up a home-based enterprise for banana chips production. Incidentally, banana chips is one of her comfort snacks. She had just started her college education but still managed to stretch her time to help her parents operate their small sari-sari store in General Santos City. Starting out a nano enterprise might seem a walk in the park to many, but for Tan, who was in the midst of her nursing degree, the extra effort to maintain the business could have placed her in a stressful predicament, if not for the encouragement of her supportive parents, who continue to assist her up to now. The Philippines as a banana chip republic may have the most number of small enterprises that produce banana chips. This encouraged Tan to be a bit inventive and come up with a distinct product. A common trait of banana chips is its sweetness and crispness which is what Trexies Banana Chips is like, but what sets it apart is its smooth, almost flawless-like texture. Unlike regular banana chips, Trexies Banana Chips removes the portion of bananas embellished with black, pin-prick seeds during the production process. So we take out the part with seeds. We slice the banana by sections, leaving the part with seeds. The end product looks more like a potato chip, which is the look we want to achieve for our banana chips, Tan said, adding that the product, after a few innovations, is now available in different flavorsoriginal, no sugar, barbecue, cheese and sour cream. Sustainability Tan said discarding the banana core is such a waste of good food considering it is also edible. Instead of throwing away the part with seeds, she instead, tried her hand at innovating by drying the waste part to create what she calls green banana flour. As our business matures, we have also bookmarked several observations from our decade long of producing this product. This is why we have a new mantra on zero waste production. We want to be a sustainable and responsible manufacturer of quality, yet healthy products, she said. Next to almond flour, banana is another healthy alternative to regular flour. While a kilogram of banana flour may cost about P400, it is way more affordable than almond flour which retails at P1,000/kg. However, compared to regular or wheat flour, banana flour is a bit pricey. During the 2023 International Food Exhibition Philippines on May 26 to 28, Tan said several manufacturers expressed interest to try using banana flour. There were even proposals for some bakers to try using banana flour as supplement to regular flour. The IFEX stint informally connected Trexies with a major polvoron manufacturer. There is also a proposal from the government to engage Trexies in a product development to use banana flour for a trial production of nutribuna proposed feeding program for grade-school children in public schools. Trexies packaging has evolved with time. From the traditional clear plastic pouch packaging, it is now using stand-up resealable pouches which are more sustainable as it also extends the shelf life of the product up to 18 months. Community nurse-turned-entrepreneur Trexie Marie Tan Accolades Starting her banana chips business when she was about 16 years old, Tan was chosen as one of the recipients of the Most Promising Young Entrepreneur award in Region 12. This boosted her confidence to continue her business despite the challenges. Her green banana flour experiment added another notable citation as she won the Young Farmers Challenge in 2022a program of the Department of Agriculture that seeks to engage young people to invest time and talent into agri-related pursuits. She said the awards she received opened another window for her as an inspirational speaker. I never imagined myself as a resource speaker. However, I get invited to events where I am encouraged to tell my story, hoping that more young people will be enlightened to also try entrepreneurship, she said. Toll operations In 2020, a start-up manufacturing company approached Tan to offer toll packing opportunities. The contract calls for Trexies to manufacture banana chips for the company under a different brand name. The product is mostly for export to the US and Australia. Our partner has a lot of things they want us to engage in. There are products in the pipeline we are still sorting out with them on top of being their source of banana chips, Tan said. Trexies was able to fulfill its first container van of toll-packed banana chips with the help of seven full-time workers. On days when demand is dull, or when production is to satisfy local demand, Tan said they can only hire four workers. I thought that after that first container van, we will be in a better position, financially. It was then that I realized it takes more than just a container van of banana chips to realize our dream to be a major supplier and producer of banana chips. We still need to trek that long road to get to where we want us to be, Tan said. Trexies produces about 40,000 packs of banana chips a month, which is just about the capacity of a nano enterprise. The product is marketed in a 60-gram ziplock stand-up pouch, smaller in terms of volume compared to the toll-packed units which is 100 grams per pack. She said production constraints limited its distribution channels within the boundaries of General Santos City. Although there is a separate facility for production, packaging and storage, lack of financial resources kept operations at the minimum. With constant assistance from the Department of Trade and Industry, Trexies became one of the micro enterprises eligible for a P2.5-million grant under the RAPID Growth program. The grant, Tan said, will be used to expand their processing and production area with a nook dedicated for product development. Through RAPID Growth program, DTI Region 12 successfully linked Trexies with a sustainable plantain supplier through a group of banana planters from Sarangani province. Trexies uses bananas of specific size and maturity, which can only be fulfilled by Saranggani banana farmers. Restocafe From banana chips and flour, Tan expanded her business into a physical store where she sells her products alongside other pasalubong items produced in GenSan and from other areas in Region 12. This is actually one of our goalsto have physical presence since our online presence is not as ideal as we want it to be. We are in major online platforms like Lazada and Shopee, but since our product is perishable and can be easily damaged, we are content, for now, to focus on selling through Trexies Pasalubong Shop and RestoCafe, she said. The restaurant carries the concept of a modern carinderia where there is a daily menu of dishes. With the help of her mom, Tan learned to cook lutong bahay recipes like menudo, dinuguan and other popular carinderia fares. The restocafe also serves coffee and snacks. Tan said she and her husband are open to the idea of franchising as a way to expand their restocafe concept in the next two to three years. The newly-wed couple tied the knot in December 2022. Aside from banana chips and flour, Trexies is also producing sweet and salted peanuts. There is also a standing offer from the World of Peanutsan online shop in malls that sells an assortment of nut preparations from local peanuts to imported nuts for a supply agreement with Trexies. Trexies is also into product innovation on other crops like sweet potato, taro and cassava, while hoping to get the RAPID Growth grant from the DTI, as soon as possible so it can expand its manufacturing area to optimize operations. We also want our brand to reach foreign shores. Exportation is also part of our plan, particularly for our banana chips. This grant that we are excitedly waiting for will help up improve our operations. Right now, our baby is this business, she said. We want to focus on establishing a stable enterprise not only for ourselves. The people who are part of the entire process from the sourcing of raw materials to the finished product are the people will always be part of our success story. We also want them to be able to provide for their family or maybe invest in a home, Tan said. Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. EDOTCO Philippines and Globe Telecoms partnership has helped boost reliable and affordable 4G and 5G connectivity in communities, businesses and government agencies, particularly in Cebu. One of the biggest challenges in providing reliable digital connectivity is proper planning on the placement of infrastructure that is time and cost-efficient. Infrastructure sharing is the way forward as it will drive holistic telecommunications evolution. EDOTCOs role is to make next-generation connectivity universally accessible in order to help nations and societies transform digitally, economically and socially, said EDOTCO Philippines country managing director Suraj Narayanan, With more than 54,000 towers in nine markets, EDOTCO strongly advocates for its customers, primarily mobile network operators (MNOs), on the concept of tower sharing, offering them efficient capital allocation for faster network rollout. A study conducted by EDOTCO Group and Roland Berger in 2022 revealed that MNOs can save up to $10 billion through infrastructure sharing, which translates to a cumulative savings of up to $67 billion for consumers. Tower sharing also encourages sustainable digital connectivity by reducing carbon footprint by up to 17 million metric tonnes. This is aligned with Globes push for equitable access to quality connectivity while at the same time championing network sustainability. Providing reliable and affordable digital connectivity to the wider community requires strong collaboration between MNOs and common infrastructure providers, which this partnership with EDOTCO demonstrates. Having common infrastructures for sharing will accelerate digital connectivity, which is life-enabling for Filipinos, especially those in remote areas. This is also crucial in promoting network sustainability, for which Globe has been globally recognized, said Globe assistant vice president for strategic relationships & business development Bernard Santos. Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) has assured the more than 7,000 Filipino Muslims who will attend the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia next month of speedy and hassle-free immigration processing during their departure from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco said he has issued an operations circular streamlining the BIs procedures in processing the departing Hajj pilgrims. Tansingco said more than 7,000 Filipino Muslims are expected to join this years Haj pilgrimage, thus the need for the BI to adopt measures that will facilitate their speedy and unhampered departure. This is our way of extending support and courtesy to our Muslim brothers who are embarking on this pilgrimage which is considered as one of Islams most sacred and important religious events, Tansingco said. The BI circular directed the bureaus airport terminal heads to designate focal persons who will coordinate with officials of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) in obtaining an advance list of passengers who will be traveling to Mecca for the said pilgrimage. The BI will then subject passengers in the list to advance derogatory checking and verify if any one of them are subjects of hold departure orders or watchlist orders. A special lane for the Haj pilgrims will also be designated by the BI in the different airports to ensure that they are quickly processed by immigration officers before their departure. The BI key personnel were also instructed to establish lines of communication with their counterparts from the NCMF so they can jointly address whatever problems may arise or may be encountered by the pilgrims regarding their travel. Members of the BIs border and control and intelligence unit (BCIU) were ordered to assist the pilgrims in queuing at the airports immigration departure counter prior to their flights. The efforts, Tansingco said, was part of the BI and Department of Justices contribution in assisting Hajj pilgrims. Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. House Ways and Means chairperson Albay Rep. Joey Salceda on Saturday called on the government to ensure contingencies are in place to prepare the country for the rapidly evolving bird flu virus that is now affecting mammals and migratory birds in South America. The nature of these things is that they come. It will come to the Philippines, no doubt, said Salceda, vice chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture and Food. Since first emerging in 1996, the H5N1 avian influenza virus had previously been confined to mostly seasonal outbreaks. But something happened in mid-2021 that made the group of viruses much more infectious, according to Richard Webby, the head of a World Health Organization collaborating center studying influenza in animals. Salceda said Vietnam, Egypt, and China are already undertaking massive poultry vaccination programs, and that France is doing it in the last quarter of the year. There are high risk areas areas where both wildlife avian migration and poultry raising are heavily concentrated. The hotspots will really be Batangas and Cebu since both are heavy on avian migration and heavy on poultry raising number 1 and number 3 for top producing provinces, Salceda said. If any wildlife-to-farm contagion is going to happen in the country with H5N1, you can bet on it happening in these two. So, our surveillance and mitigation efforts should be concentrated in these provinces, he added. Salceda called on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to constitute an Inter-Agency Task Force for Animal Disease. The Department of Agriculture should be able to call upon the resources and expertise of other agencies. So an Inter-Agency Task Force with the DA as chairperson and with key members from other agencies should be on the agenda, the lawmaker said. Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. Two close allies of Colombian President Gustavo Petro stepped down Friday after prosecutors announced the pair would be called to testify in a probe into alleged illegal wiretapping of a nanny. Petros chief of staff Laura Sarabia and ambassador to Venezuela Armando Benedetti are under scrutiny after Sarabias nanny allegedly fell victim to illegal phone tapping following the disappearance of a briefcase containing thousands of dollars at her employers house. To gain access to her calls, a false report was allegedly used to link her to organized crime, Attorney General Francisco Barbosa told a press conference Thursday. The nanny, Marelbys Meza, also claimed she was subjected to illegal interrogation and a lie detector test in January at a building annexed to the presidential palace in Bogota. Authorities investigating the claims have searched the building. Petro on Friday said the pair are withdrawing from their posts pending the investigation. This government respects human rights, does not illegally intercept the phones of anyone, the president insisted at a military ceremony. Barbosa on Thursday condemned what he called Gestapo methods allegedly used against Meza, who had in the past also worked for Benedetti. The attorney general described the allegations as aberrant from a judicial point of view and reminiscent of darker days of human rights violations in Colombia. Colombia has seen several wiretapping scandals, with Petro himself having received compensation for being illegally targeted by a surveillance unit dissolved in 2011. Today is a very regrettable day for the rule of law in Colombia, Barbosa said. Petro became Colombias first-ever leftist president after winning elections in June 2022. According to an Invamer poll, his popularity has dropped from 50 percent last November to 34 percent in May. Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. Eliminate semi-automatic guns, Cora Barnes, a Washington Middle School eighth grader, shouted outside of the Missoula County Courthouse. On Friday, Barnes and about 50 other Missoulians donned orange shirts and rallied against gun violence across the country. Wear Orange is a nationwide movement spurred by the death of Hadiya Pendleton, a young gun-violence prevention activist who was shot and killed on a playground in Chicago in 2013, according to Moms Demand Action volunteer Roxane Weikel. Are you feeling like the problems getting worse? Well, it is, Weikel said of the rising tempo of gun violence incidents across the U.S. Speakers shared ways shootings have impacted their lives, including the fear they feel from working in schools to having children and loved ones going to public education facilities everyday. Barbara Frank has been an educator for over 20 years and now works as an administrator at Missoula County Public Schools. Earlier in her career, she was a few years into being the principal at Belgrade Elementary School. She recalled one day hearing ambulances and shortly later learned a third-grade student from her school was shot and killed. She remembered the trauma of the aftermath, including visiting with the victim's parents. "This is not the way that we should live," Frank said. "This is not what public schools should look like. We should never, ever have to help the police identify a child victim of gun violence, ever." She said the goal isn't to get rid of guns across the board: "We just want to make sure that this is a safe place to live." Recent school violence threats in Missoula have had an impact. In April, Missoula police responded to two threats of gun violence involving Hellgate High School. One incident involving a person posting an airsoft gun (which is visually comparable to an assault rifle) on Snapchat prompted a multi-hour lockdown at the school. According to Everytown For Gun Safety, an advocacy group that studies gun violence, Montana ranks No. 46 in the United States for gun control laws, and an average of 228 people die from gun violence annually in Montana. Weikel said Missoulians are motivated and galvanized by the national statistics and national horror of gun violence. Barnes and Weikel recently started up Students Demand Action in Missoula, a group of young activists dedicated to combating gun violence. If you look back into history, it's the voices of the youth that have made social change, Weikel said. Missoula businesses also lit up in orange on Friday in solidarity with the rally. Because Montanas Legislature adjourned last month, Weikel advised people instead to look to firearm safety to mitigate gun violence. She encouraged people to keep guns unloaded, locked and with ammunition stored in a separate location to prevent suicides and unintentional shootings. Thats a huge thing we can do here in Montana, she said. Applicants hoping to mine rare-earth elements at the southern end of the Bitterroot Mountains are a shell company that traces its ownership to Canada and court records show some of its leaders, including one using multiple names, have histories of fraud. U.S. Critical Materials, which bills itself as a Utah-based company, is actually registered in the U.S. in Nevada, the Missoulian previously reported. On its website and in public statements, company leaders tout U.S. Critical Materials as a way for the United States to develop a "secure supply" of domestically produced elements needed for electric car motors, cellphones and other high technology. U.S. Critical Materials states that another company, U.S. Critical Metals, is a partner. The companies share executives. U.S. Critical Metals is registered in the U.S. in Nevada, but the company describes itself in press releases as "a private mining company incorporated under the laws of British Columbia and with its head office in British Columbia." Resurgent Capital described itself in press releases as "a merchant bank providing venture capital markets advisory services and proprietary financing." The company's website states that it specializes in "'shell restructurings." The company's founder and managing principal, Joel Freudman, is also co-founder and CEO of Toronto-based TRU Precious Metals Corp. He was president and CEO of U.S. Critical Metals until April 2022. Press releases announcing the transaction between U.S. Critical Metals and Holly Street Capital, and depicting the former's Canadian origins, carried a disclaimer in bold text that the information was "Not for distribution to United States newswire services or for release for publication, distribution, or dissemination directly, or indirectly, in whole or in part, in or into the United States." Those revelations and others and an explanation of how a rare-earth mine could pollute the Bitterroot were the subject of a presentation in Stevensville's North Valley Public Library Thursday evening by the researcher Philip W. Ramsey. Ramsey earned a doctorate by studying and quantifying the damage that mining inflicted on the Clark Fork River. U.S. Critical Materials did not respond to a request for comment by press time Friday. The companies hope to mine what they describe as the U.S.'s richest deposit of rare-earth elements. The companies own 223 mining claims across 7 square miles in the Sheep Creek drainage of the Bitterroot National Forest containing "at least 12 of the critical-risk elements as defined by the U.S. Geological Survey." The site, along a tributary to the West Fork Bitterroot River just north of the Idaho-Montana border, sits about 13 miles south of Painted Rocks State Park and about 36 miles south of Darby. Key elements at the site are neodymium and praseodymium, according to the company. The elements have a wide variety of uses, including in electric vehicle motors, tiny speakers in electronics, cellphone screens, hard drives and weapons guidance systems, Ramsey said. The company envisions a mining operation on the site to be operational in about five years with underground mining, open-pit mining or both and ore processing nearby. The company informed the Bitterroot National Forest last month that it will conduct exploration on the site this year using hand tools and existing roads only. Rare-earth mining typically involves excavation of ore-bearing earth followed by chemical leaching in on-site ponds, or by pumping leaching chemicals through pipes directly into the ore beds. Fraud convictions When looking into the corporate origins of U.S. Critical Materials, Ramsey said, "it reminded me of trying to work through Chronicles in the Old Testament: begats and begats and begats and begats." In his research, Ramsey also uncovered a history of fraud among three leaders of U.S. Critical Materials: CEO Geoffrey Williams, Director Ed Cowle and Director Harvey Klebanoff. Klebanoff appears on U.S. Critical Materials' website as "Harvey Kaye." According to Ramsey, Williams and Cowle were previously fired from U.S. Rare Earths Inc. after violating federal law. When researching the pair, he said, "You get all these court records from fraud cases in Nevada this goes deep." Court documents show that "about August 27, 2012, (U.S. Rare Earths) dismissed Defendants Williams and Cowle from the Board of Directors on the ground that they had allegedly violated federal law and otherwise allegedly breached fiduciary duties." The company later retracted that claim as part of a settlement with the pair and others. Latitude Solutions, founded by Klebanoff, was convicted of falsely inflating and selling off shares of the company an illegal scheme known as "pump and dump" according to court records and Ramsey. With their current venture, Ramsey said, "Its hard to know what these guys might have up their sleeve." And, according to court records and a New York Times story, a then 37-year-old Harvey Klebanoff, "AKA Harvey Kaye" in court documents, was convicted and sentenced in 1978 for illegally manipulating the price of Magic Marker Corp. stock. The New York Times reported at the time that "The Cherry Hill, N.J., company's stock reached its peak at $31.58 per share in July 1971 but by September 1972 the price dropped to 37 cents share and innocent investors lost millions of dollars, the lawyers said." Pollution concerns Regardless of U.S. Critical Materials' background, Ramsey also feared that a large rare-earths mine at the headwaters of the Bitterroot River would cause irreparable environmental damage. And in an area that relies heavily on outdoor recreation, such damage would also have an economic impact. "The claims that have rare-earth element concentrations, this is 200 yards from the West Fork of the Bitterroot River," he said. "A big open-pit mine would be perfectly positioned to pollute the Bitterroot, down to the Clark Fork" and beyond. Ramsey questioned whether the company would actually attempt to build a large-scale mining operation at Sheep Creek, but he also cautioned, "Theyre claiming theyre going to drill 500 to 700 feet. Theyre talking to their investors like they want to open a giant pit mine on West Fork." If that were to happen, he said, it would look similar to other large-scale hard-rock mining operations in the West. The ores at Sheep Creek, like other similar deposits, contain iron sulfides. When the material is crushed and exposed to water and air during mining and processing, "they become battery acid," Ramsey said. That creates acid rock drainage, which has caused environmental devastation across the West. "It happens every time its been tried," he said. "Every mine in Montana has acid drainage, and this would be no different. Ramsey said that an analysis of Sheep Creek ore by Chris Gammons, a Montana Tech professor and geologist, showed "Florine, copper, lead and arsenic are whats going to be released. Those are the most toxic ones that I see. "Theres just a linear correlation between lead and intelligence," he said, referring to lead poisoning in humans. "You want your kids to have no lead." Ramsey also noted that rare-earth elements are present in existing but abandoned mines and could be extracted without creating new mines. But CERCLA, the law that created the Superfund remediation program, assigns retroactive liability for contamination under the Clean Water Act to any party that purchases and reopens an old mine. That means that a company hoping to extract neodymium from Butte's Berkley Pit, for example, would have to take on responsibility for the entirety of the pit's past, present and future contamination, Ramsey said. Rare-earth elements are also found in toxic coal ash left over from coal burned in power plants, such as the ones in Colstrip, he said. Extracting the elements from the ash, he suggested, could provide domestic supply while cleaning up the ash. "Im not really against rare-earth mining, Im against this kind of rare-earth mining," he said of Sheep Creek. "If we could use the rare-earth elements and build an economy around them thats based on cleaning up our state rather than messing it up further, that would be great." At the end of his more than hour-long presentation, Ramsey clarified in response to an audience question, "Ive never been an environmentalist Im a researcher. Im thorough, I try to get to the bottom of things." A Hawaii man pleaded guilty Wednesday to intentionally disturbing a bison calf that was struggling in Yellowstone National Park's Lamar River earlier this month, which led park rangers to euthanize the animal. Clifford Walters will have to pay $1,040 in fines, wildlife protection funds and other fees for pushing the calf up from the river and onto a nearby road, the U.S. Attorney's Office for Wyoming announced. Walters approached a struggling newborn bison calf near the confluence of Lamar River and Soda Butte Creek on May 20, the statement said. The calf was separated from its mother when the herd crossed the river. The calf continued to struggle in the water, so he intervened. There was nothing in the report that revealed Mr. Walters acted maliciously, the statement said. Other visitors later spotted the calf walking up to and following cars and people, the statement said. Park rangers repeatedly tried to reunite the calf with the herd, but their efforts were unsuccessful. In the end, rangers were forced to euthanize the calf because it was abandoned by the herd and causing a hazardous situation along the road, the park said. The park defended its decision to destroy the calf rather find a new home for it because state and federal laws would have required the calf to be quarantined first, officials wrote in a follow-up statement. A calf that is not equipped to care for itself is not a good candidate for separation. "We made the choice not because we are lazy, uncaring or inexpert in our understanding of bison biology," the park wrote in the statement. "We made the choice we did because national parks preserve the natural processes." Yellowstone National Park rules require visitors to stay at least 25 yards from all wildlife and at least 100 yards from bears and wolves, the statement said. People who get too close are sometimes hurt or injured. Even if they aren't, they can face fines. The safety of these animals, as well as human safety, depends on everyone using good judgment and following these simple rules, the statement said. Editor's note: This story contains graphic descriptions of autopsy findings. The Montana Department of Justice's chief medical examiner highlighted his autopsy findings during the second day of Leon Michael Ford's trial held at Lewis and Clark County District Court. Ford is accused of killing his neighbor, Michael Crites, in 2011 over a land access dispute in the Birdseye area. The prosecution called forensic pathologist and Montana Department of Justice Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Walter Kemp to the witness stand to begin Friday's court proceedings. Kemp worked for the department was a deputy state medical examiner at the time of Michael Crites' death. Lewis and Clark County Special Prosecutor Leo Gallagher leveled questions at Kemp, intending to lay the evidentiary groundwork for what is expected to be a month-long trial. "It was a complex scene," Kemp told defense attorney Palmer Hoovestal during cross examination. Kemp said he identified the remains as Crites' based on dental records, and it was later confirmed through DNA taken from a piece of Crites' thigh that had not fully decomposed. Crites' body was dismembered by what Kemp believes to be a larger saw. More than 60 of Kemp's autopsy photos, including some taken at one of the sites where portions of Crites' body were dumped on MacDonald Pass west of Helena, were shown to the jury. Kemp said he believes Crites' limbs and head were removed from his torso with a saw as indicated by the marking on and the fracturing of the bones. Both arms were cut through the humerus bones just above the elbows. Both legs were cut through the femur bone just above the knees. Crites' head was removed when his fifth vertebra was sawed in half front to back. Kemp said he believes the same instrument was used to make all the cuts. Four of Crites' fingers on his left hand were also removed with a sharp object. "Scissors would compress the bones, and I would be able to see that," Kemp said of the finger bones. These were not cut in that fashion, leading Kemp to believe "it was likely the same instrument used" to remove the other body parts. A number of teeth in Crites' lower right jaw were also smashed. Kemp determined through his autopsy in October 2011 that the cause of Crites' death was gunshot wounds to the head and the manner of death a homicide. Autopsy images of Crites' skull were displayed in the courtroom. Kemp said the photos indicated Crites suffered one gunshot wound at close range to the lower left of the back of the skull, leaving an exit wound at the upper right side of the front of his skull. A third gunshot wound was found at the lower right side of the back of the skull with no exit wound. A bullet was found inside the skull. Kemp said unburned gunpowder was also discovered inside the skull. "It would have had to have been very close to leave gunpowder unburned inside his head," Kemp said of the range at which the gun was likely fired. Photos taken at the site where his body parts were dumped atop MacDonald Pass show the black plastic trash bags containing Crites' remains along with 12 zip ties the prosecution is using to link Ford to the murder. Two of the zip ties were connected to each other to form a larger loop that Kemp said could have been large enough to bind someone around the torso. Three other zip ties were found connected together as links in a chain that Kemp said could have been used to bind two limbs together. The records from the company that employed Ford in Oak Harbor, Washington, show that before the killing of Crites, Ford checked out special-order cable ties and black garbage bags, both items that were found with Crites remains discovered in two locations in October 2011 and September 2012. Crites, who lived in the rural area of Birdseye, was last seen alive on June 25, 2011, and authorities were contacted about his disappearance by a neighbor on June 28, 2011. The first two bags of Crites remains were found on Oct. 5, 2011, near MacDonald Pass by two U.S. Forest Service employees. More remains were found about a year later in September 2012 west of the Continental Divide near Elliston. U.S. Forest Service Program Manager Roy Barkley on Thursday recalled being near what was once Porcupine Campground halfway up MacDonald Pass that day in 2011 with another employee. At the campground, they noticed the first black garbage bag partially buried, which Barkley said wasnt unusual due to people dumping trash at recreation sites. However, the second black garbage bag partially buried and under a log caught Barkleys eye because of the ropes tied around the outside of the bag. They opened it and found bones inside. They called authorities when they noticed zip ties. There was a long history of property access disputes among the residents on Turk Road with access via Birdseye Road to Three Mile Road. Gallagher highlighted disputes between Ford and Crites dating back to 2002 because Ford wanted to access his property through a road on Crites 80 acres. Ford bought his property near Turk Road in 1993, and Crites moved to his property and built a home on it around 1996. The Fords still own around 90 acres in the area today. The trial is expected to continue Monday. Opa-locka Police Chief Scott Israel officially announced his resignation on Friday, just a year after he took the post. Israel who was Broward County sheriff during the 2018 mass shooting at a Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland and was ousted from the job by Gov. Ron DeSantis over criticism about the law enforcement response said during a press conference that he decided to leave the department on his own terms and wants to spend time with his family. I thank you for the opportunity to have served in this role, Israel wrote in a May 25 resignation letter. It has been my absolute honor to serve the citizens of the City of Opa-locka. I am proud of the accomplishments and improvements the police department has made during my tenure. I have made this difficult decision in the best interest of my family. Israels last day will be July 1. Opa-locka police captain Kenneth D. Ottley will become interim police chief while the city conducts a national search for Israels replacement. A former Marine, Ottley worked for the Miami-Dade Police Department for 32 years before retiring. He joined the Opa-locka Police Department in July 2022. At Fridays presser, Israel called the decision bittersweet and thanked his family and the city for supporting him. Weve taken this police department in the right direction, he said. We treat people with dignity and respect. We dont racial profile, we ride around with our windows down, listening to what the community has to say. Were disciplined, we follow rules and regulations. Opa-locka interim City Manager Darvin Williams said under Israels leadership the citys crime rate decreased 30% in the past 12 months and their crime is the lowest it has been in a decade. READ: Blood-soaked shirt, drugs, knives among likely ruined police evidence in Opa-locka One of the things that Chief Israel and I connected on was community policing, Williams said. It was important that a city thats predominantly African American and Latino have a chief of police that understood the importance of having the community connect with our police. And that has been proven with great results. Opa-locka, a city with a history of turnover and turmoil in its police department, hired Israel as its police chief in May 2022. Opa-lockas police department not unlike the citys government as a whole has experienced scandal among rank-and-file officers and mismanagement in the hierarchy for years. The central Miami-Dade city has been under state oversight since a 2016 FBI investigation into public corruption. More than a half-dozen people were convicted in the probe, including a city commissioner, two top administrators and a lobbyist. Prior to joining the police department, Israel had a long tenure in Fort Lauderdale and a short stint in North Bay Village before before becoming Broward County Sheriff. Israel was sheriff during the Feb. 14, 2018 mass shooting in Parkland. MORE: Florida deputy faces trial for alleged failure to confront Parkland school shooter In 2019, DeSantis removed him from office after a state-appointed panel found that Israels lack of leadership likely contributed to deputies not confronting shooter Nikolas Cruz during shooting, which in which 17 students and staff died and another 17 were injured. Israel said his resignation had nothing to do with the trial of former Broward County Sheriffs Deputy Scot Peterson, who is being tried in federal court on allegations he failed to confront Cruz during the shooting. Peterson faces seven counts of felony child neglect, according to the Associated Press. While Israel said he is not looking for new opportunities, he is open to any that come his way. People make plans, but Gods in charge, he said. Miami Herald staff writers Grethel Aguila and Jay Weaver contributed to this report. One killed in Short North fatal shooting on heels of last week's gunfight in street A close-up photo of police lights by night A man was killed early Sunday morning in the Short North after a fight escalated to gunfire, the second consecutive weekend of gunfire in the popular nightlife area. Around 2:45 a.m., Columbus police responded to a report of a fight in the 900 block of N. High Street in the Short North, near United Dairy Farmers and SeeSaw Columbus restaurant and bar. When police arrived, they discovered Arthur Pickens, 21, suffering from a gunshot wound. Pickens was transported to OSU Wexner Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased at 3:07 a.m. The shooting is under investigation and police have not identified any suspects. More on Short North violence: Columbus police release bodycam videos showing police responding to Short North gunfire In a statement, Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein said "in high-traffic and populated areas like the Short North, the threat (of gun violence) to public safety is magnified when guns mix with alcohol and large crowds of people and vehicles." "While CPD is still investigating all the facts of this incident, what we do know is that something needs to change," said Klein, who is fighting legal challenges against new city firearm ordinances. "We cannot accept gun violence as the norm in the Short North or any Columbus neighborhood." Short North fatal shooting comes on heels of "explosion of gunfire" The Sunday morning shooting comes on the heels of an "explosion of gunfire" between police and suspects last weekend that left 10 injured and still-unanswered questions about whether anybody had been hit by Columbus police gunfire. Last Saturday, officers had gone to the 600 block of North High Street around 2:30 a.m. after getting a report of a shooting. While the officers were on the scene, more gunshots were heard a few blocks north. Body camera footage shows officers firing as they moved toward a gunman who was down in front of Roaming Goat Coffee at 849 N. High St. The video shows one of the officers kicking a handgun away from the man, who was bleeding heavily. The 20-year-old man was handcuffed and transported to Ohio State Wexner Medical Center in critical condition. In all, 11 firearms were recovered from the scene. Police have not said whether any of those injured were struck by police gunfire. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigations is leading the investigation into the incident. @Colebehr_report Cbehrens@dispatch.com This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Man killed after Short North fight turns into fatal shooting A popular downtown Morganton restaurant is being threatened with eviction, with the property owner saying damage has been done to the building. A complaint against Aimee Perez, owner of Root & Vine, accuses her of breaching the conditions of the lease. The complaint was filed May 19 in Burke County. Specifically, it says she breached section No. 8 of the lease which says the lessee shall comply with all the laws, ordinances, and regulations applicable to the property and shall not make any use of the property which causes unusual wear and tear or diminishes the fair market value of the property. The complaint goes to say that E&E Properties RV has demanded the defendant, Perez and Root & Vine, leave but she has refused to surrender the building to them. It says E&E Properties is entitled to take immediate possession of the property. The property is located at 133, 137 and 139 W. Union St., Morganton. The complaint also says the defendant, Perez, owes the plaintiff $62,715 in property damage. Some of the property damage the complaint describes is flooring in the kitchen ($17,250), demolition and repair of wooden subfloor ($17,965), flooring in the wash area ($15,000) and phased construction and equipment moves ($6,000). A hearing date on the complaint was set for May 30 but E&E Properties RV filed a motion on May 24 requesting a continuance of the case due to its attorney having to be in court in Guilford County that day, according to the motion. The attorney for E&E Properties RV is Kenny Rotenstreich with Teague Rotenstreich Stanaland Fox and Holt law firm in Greensboro. The attorney for Aimee Perez and Root & Vine is James Hogan with Starnes Aycock Law Firm in Morganton. E&E Properties RV, whose managers are Samuel Cantor and Edward Cantor, was incorporated in 2019 and had an address in the town of Bostic in Rutherford County but its principal office is in Boca Raton, Florida. Root & Vine has been in the same location since 2011, according to state filings. The News Herald contacted Hogan for comment on Friday. He would not comment except to say they would respond to the complaint in court. A court date for the complaint has been set for June 13, according to Burke County court officials. A previous incident brought additional scrutiny before Muscatine City Council approved KE of Eldridge to for the contract for West Hills Sewer Separation Phase 6. During discussion a the council meeting Thursday, council members questioned the firms $6,543,100 bid, which was considerably lower than any other three bids received. The high bid was over $9.9 million. Both city staff and Muscatine Power and Water recommended the council approve the bid. Public works director Brian Stineman said he didnt know why the bid was so much lower than the others, but said KE is responsible for their bid. Council member Nadine Brockert also commented on a past incident with KE. Im reluctant to give KE the time of day much less a bid, based on their past issues, Brockert said. Stineman explained KE had an issue during phase 4 in which the company had left a hole open over a weekend and the area got a heavy rainfall. This caused water to back up into a residents basement. He also said city inspectors would be on site to ensure the project is done right. I would expect they have learned from that, Stineman said. The city has learned from that. We are confident they have learned from that. They did take responsibility for that and made it right with the property owner. We like the quality of their sewer work. Their paving work is acceptable. I think we are confident it is the responsible bid. Council member Jeff Osborne commented that under KE, Second Street had been plagued with rework. With it being such a low bid, it has all the tells of this just not going well, Osborne said. The council approved the bid 6-1 with Osborne casting the no vote. Partial funding for the project is being provided by the Iowa State Revolving Loan Fund. According to the bid, the city will be responsible for $5,811,452 and MPW will fund $661,648. During the comment section of the meeting, Brockert took the opportunity to inform the council that some of the people who own property along Grandview Avenue could do a better job of maintaining their property. The city has spent millions of dollars to improve our roadways here in Muscatine, Brockert said. I drive Grandview every day, sometimes twice a day and what I see is a Grandview of weeds. The rights of way arent being taken care of like they should be by the property owners." sewer collection 042520-qc-nws-sewer-002 042520-qc-nws-sewer-001 042520-qc-nws-sewer-004 042520-qc-nws-sewer-003 032820-qc-nws-sewer-001 032820-qc-nws-sewer-005 032820-qc-nws-sewer-003 032820-qc-nws-sewer-004 032820-qc-nws-sewer-002 Trent Fuessel and his girlfriend possibly escaped death by eight days. They are among the tenants of at least two apartments at 324 Main St. who complained of cracks in the walls and floors of their units in the weeks before the structure collapsed into rubble on Sunday, a tragedy that leaves three men unaccounted for. Others warned of red flags with the buildings structure in the months, weeks and even hours before the six floors of the Davenport went down, city, county records and interviews show. Even in the days beforehand, a rebuffed masonry contractor told workers to get off the site, warning, Youre going to die, and a chamber employee called 911 Saturday to report a portion of the wall was bulging. The west wall that collapsed was of particular concern, especially in the past five months. The city ordered an emergency site visit by an owner-hired structural engineer in early February, prompted by a complaint that the west wall brick was visibly deteriorating. That engineer specified in work to be done to immediately shore up the west wall and steel beams, and in the following weeks and months to make structural masonry repairs including replacing an internal concrete masonry unit wall and exterior bricks. City inspection records mark the work, which was inspected April 12, 21, and May 1, as completed May 12. In April, as work was ongoing, Fuessel said he and his girlfriend started to notice a thin crack in their west-facing wall at Apartment 311. And the crack started to grow, snaking diagonally from the floor, behind an outlet, to the bottom of their window. It matched a crack on the outside of the building. Fuessel and his girlfriend had more on their list of issues at their unit since they moved in in September 2022: snow blew in from windows they couldnt close, and a botched bathtub drain fix caused water to leak into the unit below. In the first few days of May, the couple decided theyd had enough. They emailed the property management that theyd be breaking their lease because of what they called the unsafe structure of the building and the broken bathtub that drains into the apartment below me, they wrote in an email signed by both of them. They were willing to vacate within 30 days. The structural issues with the building have been a concern for some time, with visible cracks and signs of instability, they wrote in the email. I have also noticed water damage in my apartment, which I believe is a result of the buildings poor condition. The property manager, Sarah Tyler, emailed back May 4. She denied any structural deficiencies within the building, citing a structural engineering report, and said the property management had repeatedly assessed the tub leak. But, she said shed allow them to break the lease so long as they signed a hold-harmless agreement. By chance, Fuessel ran into a city worker in the building, who advised him to submit a complaint to the city, which he did May 15. Fuessel said the city worker gave him a phone number, wrote down his name and complaint. I was like, hey, I got this going on, and shes like, yeah, were trying to get them to fix some of these things, Feussel said. "I feel like she she definitely cared about my wellbeing my living situation," he added. An inspection log from the city states: TRENTS APARTMENT IS THE BACKSIDE WHERE BRICK WALL WAS WORKED ON. TRENT SAYS HIS WALLS ARE GETTING WORSE WITH CRACKS. Fuessel and his girlfriend moved out of the apartment May 20. City workers followed up with Fuessel, and canceled the complaint because he was moving out. Three days later, Bettendorfs Select Structural Engineering came on site again for a follow-up visit, where professional engineer David Valliere noted that large patches of clay brick facade were separating from the substrate and appear ready to fall imminently. Valliere wrote that the facade on and between filled-in windows was bulging and looks poised to fall because the window openings had been filled in with unsupported clay-brick facade, not brick or block. Brick above the windows needed to be secured when making repairs, the report stated to keep the entire face of the building from falling away when the bottom area(s) come loose. Valliere cautioned in that same report that another issue appeared just north of the window openings, where the wall appeared to be losing stability and was visibly bowing. The firm said the culprit could be a weak beam and said a steel column to support it would alleviate the pressure. The May 24 report didnt specify whether the building was unsafe for occupants. That same day, the building owner pulled a city permit to replace 100 linear feet of brick exterior. Four days after the permit was pulled, and eight days after Fuessel and his girlfriend had moved out, their apartment was among those that collapsed. I would have been in that apartment Sunday, Fuessel said. That's my days off work. Same with my girlfriend. So, we would have been resting. We definitely would have been in the middle of that. Fuessel said he felt angry that the collapse could have been avoided, although he's not sure on whom to place the blame. "A lot of different things that a lot of different people could have reported," Fuessel said. "There were way too many signs." Now, theyre in Des Moines, where Fuessels girlfriends family lives, and theyre on the hunt for new jobs. In a strange twist of fate, Fuessel said hes been recovering in the hospital after his lung unexpectedly collapsed the same day his apartment did. Better having a collapsed lung then being in a collapsed building, I guess, he said. In the unit below Fuessels, where water from Fuessels tub would sometimes leak, Shauna Dixon was concerned by and warned property management of large cracks, hers in the floor, as she was preparing to move in to Apartment 210. In April, Dixon looked at a couple of apartments in The Davenport, but the monthly rent was outside her price range. So they showed me one that wasnt renovated, Dixon said. I asked if I could paint and do some renovations in there, and the carpet was really dirty so they said I could pull that up if I wanted to. While doing her own renovations, she pulled up the carpet, and noticed long cracks in the floor, and the floor separated from a bulging wall, she told the apartment manager in an email. The kitchen ceiling, too, was caving in. A large crack traced a path from the middle window up to the ceiling, and she noticed gaps between the windows and the walls. All three windows didnt close all the way, which let in rain and cold. It worried her, and she documented it all in photos and emails to her property manager. I had actually sent the leasing office a message saying I felt like I was going to fall out of the window structurally, she said. On April 17, she wrote that the requested repairs are not only cosmetic but are safety concerns. Maintenance hadnt returned after an initial look at her requests, she wrote, and she questioned when repairs would be taken care of. Village Property Management wrote back the next day, April 18, telling Dixon, they were waiting to hear back from maintenance on scheduling. I know they came once, but they mentioned waiting for some of the exterior masonry work to be completed so that the cracks dont come right back, the management company wrote. I will keep you posted on a timeline. On May 9, Dixon again emailed Village Property Management that she may have to find another place to rent, citing that shed moved in with no toilet seat, no air conditioning and no hot water in addition to the floor cracks and ceiling problems. I cant make this place a home for myself or my dogs with those repairs not completed, she wrote. She moved out the second week of May from the apartment. Shed stayed there only a few nights on an air mattress while she did her own renovations, she said, which she invested about $400 and a lot of time. Now, her unit, too, is a pile of rubble. Thats what made this all more surreal for me because it could have happened then, Dixon said. MidAmerican raised structural concerns in February Inspection notes dated Feb. 3 show energy company MidAmerican made a complaint via phone call to the city about an unsafe and deteriorating wall at the west and southwest corner of the building. The west exterior needed to be shielded with scaffolding before MidAmerican would agree to work in the area, according to the inspection notes. That's about the same time the city ordered an emergency site visit by a structural engineer. That engineer, Valliere, assured the city that the damaged area was not an imminent danger to the entire building and its residents. An evacuation or lockout is not necessary at this time. The damage will still be addressed and repaired, Valliere wrote. A history of complaints The city took 146 actions at 324 Main St. in the past three years, as listed in a city-provided spreadsheet. The city did inspections for building permits, issued violations and once, in 2020, threatened to close the building if repairs werent made. Red flags on the building in the past three years came as early as the first month of 2020, when the building was owned by Waukee Investments, LLC. An inspection notes that Neighborhood Services Director Rich Oswald gave the go-ahead for an inspection of what a city inspector reported could be severe violations. Oswald said, according to the log: IM NOT AFRAID OF CLOSING THE BUILDING DOWN. GO AHEAD AND PROCEED. The log did not detail what those violations were. The city ordered a handful of units to vacate between 2021 and 2023, two of which were for no heat in the unit in 2023. Residents complained of no heat eight times in 2023, with one saying it had not been on since October 2022. Other tenant complaints included no hot water, electricity or ways to contact management. Other moments also detailed issues with the west wall. According to inspection notes, unspecified needed repairs hadn't been completed on the west wall, and that the owner, Mark Roemer, "wasn't allowing" the manager to get bids for roof or exterior wall repair, nor the engineering report. The city wrote that if work wasn't completed, a municipal citation would be written to the owner "to spare the tenants having to move." Later, in August 2020, the fire marshal noticed bricks falling from the building, and the city set up a meeting with then-owner Roemer, as well as masonry and engineering representatives. The recent derecho had blown off some bricks from the southwest corner of the building. In December, inspectors noticed two holes and additional deterioration of the west wall, but wall and roof repairs were completed by May 2021. In May 2021, inspectors found the exterior west wall semi-completed with "scattered ungrouted areas painted over." In July 2021, the city received a complaint from a resident that the drywall around the door to the parking lot wasn't stable and the door was very difficult to open. The tenant questioned whether it was structurally sound. After that, the city inspector wrote that the chief building official agreed "a structural report must be obtained for the first level wall along the west side." According to the citys documents, it received a complaint from a resident at Dixons Apartment 210 dating back to before Andrew Wold bought the apartment complex for more than $4 million in June 2021. In 2020, a tenant complained of falling ceiling tiles, and the ceiling was leaking at the unit. The resident put tarps up, but water continued coming in over the sink and stove, according to city-released inspection notes. The tenant then retracted the complaint because of no rain in the forecast and roof replacement work having started by Alliance Contracting. In July, 2021, the tenant called again about ceiling tiles falling with no response from management, according to the citys inspection notes. Then in early August, a leak was determined to be from a pipe in an upper unit and appeared to be fixed, the resident closed the complaint. Nuisance complaints persist In January and February there were four reports of a nuisance dumpster. The city ordered all trash surrounding the dumpster to be cleaned up immediately. Nuisance abatement of the dumpster was filed Feb. 24 and nuisance clean up Feb. 28. The property was ordered to be immediately cleaned up on March 3, again on March 6 and the dumpster was reported to be overflowing that day. Clean-up was required again March 9 on the west lot and a 24-hours notice was placed March 24. On March 27 it was again declared a nuisance property. In the months following, 11 more complaints were filed regarding nuisance surrounding the dumpster. Property sought state workforce housing tax credit The property at 324 Main St. was one of at least eight properties seeking an Iowa Workforce Housing Tax Credit that came before the Davenport City Council for a resolution of support in June 2022. The competitive state grant program, which planned to give $35 million in 2022 to housing projects across Iowa, puts a cost-of-construction limit per unit but doesn't cap rent at a certain amount or limit housing to a certain income threshold. The city pledged to offer a 10-year 100% tax exemption to the property to throw in city support as required by the grant. On June 22, 2022 the City Council approved it as a routine item, along with three other applications. That property did not receive any state housing tax credits, according to an Iowa Economic Development Authority spokesperson. Project NOW had already started mobilizing when Executive Director Dwight Ford met with community members outside the fencing that surrounds the partially collapsed Davenport apartment building. The nonprofit began receiving information on the collapse, which occurred Sunday afternoon, on Monday, he said, and since then Project NOW has connected with partners and other nonprofits to see how each can help the residents of the building in the aftermath of the event. "We're trying to make it as light and easy as possible for someone that is in this type of distress," Ford said. Illinois support organizations are working together to cross the Mississippi River and provide aid to those impacted by the collapse of The Davenport. Project NOW is partnering with MidAmerican to pay off existing utility bills for former residential and commercial tenants of the building. Ford said the nonprofit would provide the funds to cover bills. For the next month, the nonprofit's 418 19th Ave., Rock Island, location will serve as a drop-off spot for nonperishable food, new clothing, hygiene items and furniture. People can donate items between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. Bethany For Children & Families will also donate furniture acquired through its family program and provide Goodwill vouchers. Project NOW can ferry items to households in Scott, Rock Island, Mercer and Henry counties. If those affected wish to relocate to Rock Island, Henry or Mercer county in Illinois, Ford said Project NOW can offer deposit and rental assistance. The American Red Cross will host a "Multi-Agency Resource Center" 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday at the downtown Davenport YMCA, 630 E. 4th St. Those planning to attend are asked to bring proof of address and a photo I.D. Agencies, including the Red Cross, Quad Cities Open Network and Iowa Legal Aid, will provide disaster recovery assistance and other resources to impacted individuals. Quad Cities Open Network will provide former tenants with $300 Visa gift cards and prepaid cell phones, if they need one, at the event. QCON-HUB Director Cecelia Bailey said funds for the aid were coming from the Quad Cities Disaster Recovery Fund, established by the Quad Cities Community Foundation. Using a person-centered response, Bailey said the network plans to help people access additional dollars over the next 60 days for what they need. The most important first step people affected by the collapse can do is reach out to the Red Cross, Bailey said. Registering with the organization will help them gain access to aid from other groups, including the Quad Cities Open Network, which uses documentation from the Red Cross to determine eligibility. To register, call 1-800-RED-CROSS. Project NOW often works in Iowa to offer support to those experiencing homelessness, but some organizations don't have the ability to cross state lines. Working together is the best way to ensure people get the help they need, Ford said. "The strength of the Quad-Cities is made possible because we are connected," Ford said. "We consider ourself as a region, and what impacts one directly impacts us all indirectly. And that's the beauty of our relationship, and the burden of our responsibility to be there for each other." PHOTOS: Iowa Task Force 1, Urban Search and Rescue search The Davenport building on Thursday A $5 million investment to expand Iowa food bank inventory announced by Gov. Kim Reynolds office is not the best route to solving food insecurity in Iowa, according to one Des Moines area food pantry. Reynolds announced Wednesday the Iowa Food Insecurity Infrastructure Fund is accepting applications for the month of June for projects to build, expand or remodel facilities that experience economic hardship. Facilities must be nonprofit food banks that are bulk food aggregators or distributors or a food pantry network that serves as a primary distribution point, according to a news release from the governor. The funds are not available to food pantries that distribute directly to Iowans. Blake Willadsen, marketing and communications manager for Des Moines Area Religious Council, says investing in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), not food bank buildings, may be the best route to ease food insecurity in Iowa. SNAP has always been the most effective tool for us in the fight against food insecurity, Willadsen said. Its the best way to invest in our people and our people are our biggest infrastructure here in the state of Iowa. He said providing money for food pantries to stock their shelves would also greatly alleviate some of the stress that is happening right now. Im talking about purchasing food, Im not talking about building a new building. Bill awaits Reynolds signature to expand SNAP work requirements Willadsen is referencing Senate File 494, a bill to set a maximum on a familys assets to qualify for receiving SNAP benefits. Reynolds signed the bill Thursday afternoon. It requires families to have no more than $15,000 in assets to be eligible for SNAP benefits. The value of one vehicle and $10,000 of the market value of a second vehicle does not count towards a familys assets, according to the bill. Even without the new law, the DMARC food pantry has already reached record highs this year, serving a high of 20,822 unique individuals in the month of May. Opponents of the bill argue that more restrictions create a bigger barrier between families who need assistance and receiving aid. Willadsen says the red tape from Senate File 494 will increase demand at Iowa food pantries. Not only is Senate File 494 posing a pretty big risk for SNAP recipients, it is going to add a lot of red tape that will probably kick off over 2,800 Iowans off of SNAP and other assistance programs, it is going to put up a lot of administrative hurdles that will make it more difficult for people to enroll in SNAP he said. Willadsen said creating a bigger hurdle to receive SNAP benefits will increase traffic at the DMARC pantries, which has seen record traffic in the last three months, including four of the five busiest days in the organizations 47-year history. More food-insecure households will approach Iowa food banks due to the new requirements for SNAP eligibility, shifting financial responsibility to food banks donors rather than taxpayers. Big picture is that as more people lose access to SNAP, were going to continue to see this trend of more folks seeking out food pantries, Willadsen said. Were going to continue to do the work. According to DMARCs website, the organization is funded through individual donors, in-kind contributions, grants, congregations and events, as opposed to SNAP, which is funded by state governments and the federal government. Federal debt ceiling bill also restricts SNAP A feature of the debt limit bill passed by the U.S. House Wednesday also includes new requirements for SNAP. Currently, people ages 16 to 59 are required to be looking for work, enrolled in a SNAP employment training program or earning wages equal to 30 hours per week of the federal minimum wage. Additionally, able bodied adults ages 18 to 49 must work or participate in a training program for at least 80 hours a month. If the debt limit bill is passed, the age increases to 52 later this year if an applicant does not have dependents and up to age 54 in 2024. Willadsen says the new requirements are not coming at a good time. The changes we are anticipating to see at the federal level with budget talks, which could be up to another 9,000 Iowans getting kicked off SNAP, Willadsen said. If all of this is happening at the same time, we are inevitably going to see an increase at the pantry level. The debt limit bill would create work requirement exemptions for veterans, people without homes and young adults who recently left foster care. PHOTOS: Presidential hopeful Ron DeSantis campaigns in Salix Ron DeSantis Salix campaign Ron DeSantis Salix campaign Ron DeSantis Salix campaign Ron DeSantis Salix campaign Ron DeSantis Salix campaign Ron DeSantis Salix campaign Ron DeSantis Salix campaign Ron DeSantis Salix campaign Ron DeSantis Salix campaign Ron DeSantis Salix campaign Nikol Pashinyan will leave for Sochi Toivo Klaar is coming to Armenia Finance minister: Armenia received less from EAEU customs budget in 2022 than in 2021 Azerbaijan preparing Nakhichevan for Zangezur corridor opening Armenia FM: Development of EAEU trade, economic relations with third countries is stimulus for union Armenia fallen soldiers mother arrested again Armenia, Argentina MPs statement: Importance of restoration of free movement via Lachin corridor underscored Karabakh situation also discussed at Armenia, Latvia MFAs political consultations Baroness Caroline Cox to Karabakh people: Better to endure great sacrifice rather than accepting false promise of peace Finance minister: EU said 2.8bln can be provided to Armenia if there are appropriate programs MFA: Visa regime liberalization is on Armenia, EU countries agenda FM: Armenia-EU relations actively developed in 2022 Armenia MFA: Armenian, Azerbaijani FMs will meet in Washington on June 12 Date of first court hearing in case into Armenia security guard murder by Azerbaijan soldier is announced Armenia FM: No mention of enclaves in draft peace treaty with Azerbaijan 1st court session kicks off in case into abducting Armenia PM Nikol Pashinyan's son Armenia FM on CSTO: Better not to make any statement than to make one that legitimizes Azerbaijan talk FM: We have concerns that there is deliberate attempt to tear off new territories from Armenia Karabakh MOD: Azerbaijan violated ceasefire again Azerbaijan FM announces another meeting with Armenia in Washington in near future Azerbaijan MFA announces refusal to delimit borders with Armenia based on maps Mirzoyan: No final agreement on specific map regarding Armenia-Azerbaijan border delimitation FlyOne Armenia: Impossible to use Turkey airspace when flying to west Armenia, Azerbaijan recognizing one anothers territorial integrity are political statements, Mirzoyan says Armenia FM: We did not receive Karabakh peoples mandate to negotiate their future, we are not negotiating Yerevan Vardavar Lake covered with thin layer, there are dead fish, report says Mirzoyan: Turkey never posited preconditions for normalization of relations with Armenia Floods, landslides kill 15 people in Haiti Armenia MFA expenses increased by 3.8% in 2022, finance minister says shamshyan.com: Large number of dead fish found in Yerevan small lake Custody of Armenia fallen soldiers mother is commuted to house arrest More than 85,000 tourists visit Armenia reserves, museums in May Turkey to increase fee for passage through Bosphorus, Dardanelles Jeep is developing off-road self-driving system Karabakh Defense Army: Azerbaijan violated ceasefire, used rifles Armenian Defense Ministry: The statement disseminated by Azerbaijan is another disinformation Armenia Security Council head: There are many countries with which we are having arms purchase talks Security Council secretary: Unblocking means border guard service will be performed only by Armenia services Ukrainians will meet with success in counter-offensive Armenia Security Council chief: There is chance for peace treaty with Azerbaijan by years end 500 mil people rally in Warsaw against government Rally in support of Artsakh in Georgia $15 mil investment implemented in Jermuk Stoltenberg: Sweden has fulfilled its obligations Iraq, Syria FMs discuss tackling cross-border drug trafficking Muammar Gaddafi son on hunger strike Armenia PM sends condolences over train crash in India Peskov: Russia must finish the special operation Former Armenia president sends condolences to Indian PM New Finance Minister Simsek: Turkey must return to rational ground Erdogan, Stoltenberg meet in Istanbul Expert: Iran turns into Middle East gas hub Artsakh Defence: Azerbaijan distorts reality, tries to justify ceasefire violation Russia is the only country in Europe where food prices fell Belgian PM knocked out after falling off bike Uganda reports 54 peacekeepers killed in Somalia attack Germany to send two warships to Indo-Pacific Second floor of Yerevans SAS food court caught on fire India's railway minister names train crash cause Poland's opposition party holds anti-government rally Man falls under train and dies in Alaverdi China accuses Washington of 'maintaining hegemony' Governor Aksyonov: Crimea attacked by 9 UAVs 18-year-old Spitak resident found with cold weapon 44 parties, coalitions seek participation in Greek parliamentary elections Chinese warship nearly collides with US destroyer in Taiwan Strait Iran VP Mohammad Mokhber calls Turkey important strategic neighbo Death toll in India's train crash passes 300 Cavusoglu to be replaced as MFA Ombudsperson publishes report on aggression towards Armenians by Azerbaijani Armed Forces Death toll in India's train crash reaches 288 Armenia PM attends inauguration of Turkish President Erdogan RA President sends condolences regarding India train crash Armenian-American metallurgical plant is being built in Yeraskh Fresno State University students visit Armenian Genocide Memorial Delegation of 2 Argentina Parliament chambers visits Armenia RA Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan arrives in Turkey Ambassador to Belaus: Russia has no intention to cooperate with EEU countries to detriment of others Zelenskyy: Ukraine is ready for counterattack India investigates causes of major train disaster EU Ambassador to Armenia and Committee of Ministers members discuss RA justice reforms US envoy who caused Erdogan's displeasure to attend inauguration Death toll in India's train crash rises to 261 Typhoon hits Japan US State Secretary to visit Saudi Arabia Worst train crash in 40 years cancels nearly 50 trains in India Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry demands citizens not to visit Iran Over 80 country reps to take part in Turkish presidents inauguration Armenian community of Bulgaria rejects Armenia's position on Artsakh issue 53-year-old woman hit by car dies 15 schoolchildren face Gabriel Sargissian in open-air simultaneous display RA President and Synopsys Armenia head discuss IT industry development IOC President arrives in Baku Largest in last 40 years train crash in India MFA of Armenia saddened by tragic train accident in India Armenia MoD: Azerbaijani Defense Ministry's message is another disinformation Indian PM calls meeting over tragic train crash At least 288 dead in India train crash Agreement reached on Yeraskh-Julfa-Meghri-Horadiz route restoration Armenian Defense Minister speaks with U.S. Undersecretary of Defense for Political Affairs The President of the Republic of Armenia Vahagn Khachaturyan received Yervant Zorian, President of Synopsys Armenia, head of the AGBU-Silicon Valley branch of the Armenian General Benevolent Union. During the meeting, a number of issues related to the continuous development of IT industry and technological innovations were discussed, the Press Service of the President of Armenia informed Armenian News-NEWS.am. The interlocutors talked about stimulating interaction between the scientific and educational sphere, the government, the business community and the formation of a common agenda. The Armenian President expressed his readiness to support initiatives aimed at the development of high-tech industry and technological innovations. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy believes that the only weapon system in the world that is capable of providing protection against Russian missiles is the American Patriot, a surface-to-air missile (SAM) system. Ukraine needs 50 of such systems, Zelenskyy told Wall Street Journal in an interview, RIA Novosti reports. The newspaper did not fully quote what Zelensky said, many of his words were presented on behalf of the journalist. Zelensky told me that he doesnt have enough firepower to defend his entire country, she writes, noting that the interlocutor admits he has to choose where to use the supplied weapons in the rear or on the front lines. At the same time, Zelensky stressed that Kyiv would like to get more Western weapons for the counteroffensive, he cannot wait for them for months. In his opinion, today Ukraine is ready for a counteroffensive. ATK New Delhi [India], June 3: XRP, one of the leading digital assets, has recently found itself entangled in a legal battle with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). This conflict has sparked concerns among investors and enthusiasts alike, raising questions about the future of XRP, the potential implications for the broader crypto market, and the viability of alternative investment options such as meme coin presales, exemplified by Dogetti and AiDoge. In this article, we will delve into the similarities and differences between XRP and the SEC, explore the possibility of XRP losing the legal battle, and assess the potential impact on the crypto market. Additionally, we will discuss whether meme coin presales like Dogetti offer a safer bet for investors seeking the next big crypto investment. XRP and the SEC XRP, a cryptocurrency created by Ripple Labs, has faced scrutiny from the SEC, which alleges that the digital asset qualifies as a security and should be subject to regulation. This legal dispute has raised concerns among XRP investors and holders, as a negative outcome could have significant implications for the future of the token. The SEC's lawsuit against Ripple Labs has caused a great deal of uncertainty, leading some exchanges to delist XRP and causing its value to fluctuate. Potential Impact on XRP and the Crypto Market The outcome of the legal battle between XRP and the SEC could have far-reaching consequences for both parties involved. If the court rules in favour of the SEC, XRP may be subjected to strict regulations, which could hamper its growth and adoption in the cryptocurrency market. Such a decision could also set a precedent for how other digital assets are classified and regulated by authorities worldwide. Moreover, a negative ruling for XRP could potentially lead to a significant drop in its value and trigger a broader market sell-off as investors lose confidence in the cryptocurrency. However, it is essential to note that the crypto market has shown resilience in the face of regulatory challenges in the past, and XRP's fate should not be extrapolated to other digital assets. Meme Coin Presales and the Safer Bet In the midst of uncertainty surrounding XRP, some investors are turning to alternative investment options, particularly meme coin presales like Dogetti and AiDoge. These meme coins aim to capitalise on the popularity of Dogecoin and Shiba Inu by fostering a strong and united community of holders. Dogetti, for example, takes inspiration from mafia-themed books and films, referring to its community as "The Family." The project's goal is to increase the net worth of every member of the "Family" through a reflection protocol. While meme coin presales can offer an exciting and potentially profitable investment opportunity, it is crucial to approach them with caution. These projects often come with higher risks due to their speculative nature and limited utility beyond their community. Investors should conduct thorough research, assess the project's team, and evaluate the long-term viability and potential for growth before investing in meme coins. In the face of regulatory uncertainties surrounding XRP and the potential implications it may have for the broader crypto market, alternative investment options such as meme coin presales like Dogetti emerge as intriguing opportunities for investors. Dogetti's unique approach of branding itself as a family rather than a community fosters a sense of togetherness and belonging among its holders. This distinct concept, combined with the potential for regular rewards through the reflection protocol, creates an attractive investment proposition. While it is essential to approach any investment with caution, Dogetti's meme coin presale stands out due to its creative branding and utility-focused core. By emphasising community engagement and offering potential benefits to its members, Dogetti aims to establish itself as a promising player in the crypto market. Investors seeking the next big crypto investment with utility can consider exploring the world of Dogetti. By joining "The Family," investors have an opportunity to be part of something unique and special, while also potentially benefiting from the growth and success of the project. To explore the unique and captivating world of Dogetti and join "The Family," click here and become a part of this meme coin community. Presale: https://dogetti.io/how-to-buy Website: https://dogetti.io/ Telegram: https://t.me/Dogetti Twitter: https://twitter.com/_Dogetti_ (Disclaimer: The above press release has been provided by ATK. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) NewsVoir Faridabad (Haryana) [India], June 3: Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies has been recognized for its global sustainable initiatives by The Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2023. The Times Higher Education Impact Rankings are the only global performance tables that assess universities against the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The assessment provides comprehensive and balanced comparison across four broad areas: research, stewardship, outreach and teaching. In 2023 rankings, a total of 1591 universities have been assessed from 112 countries across the globe. MRIIRS has ranked 1st in NCR/Haryana, 9th in India, and has been placed amongst the top 200 global institutions (band 101-200) for its contributions towards SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation). In SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), MRIIRS has secured 1st rank in NCR/Haryana, 5th rank In India, and has been placed in the band 201-300 globally. In SDG 3 (Good Health and Well Being), MRIIRS has ranked 2nd in NCR, 3rd in Haryana, 11th In India and has been placed in the band 401-600 globally. In SDG 5 (Gender Equality), MRIIRS has ranked 3rd in NCR, 2nd in Haryana, 12th In India, and has been placed in the band 401-600 globally. It is quite noteworthy that MRIIRS has also secured a glorious place in QS University Asia Rankings 2023 on the basis of the quality maintained in Academics, Faculty-Student Ratio, International Faculty Ratio, International Students Ratio, and International Research Network. As acknowledgment of the strong teaching learning processes, MRIIRS has been rated QS 5 Star for TEACHING, EMPLOYABILITY, ACADEMIC DEVELOPMENT, FACILITIES, SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND INCLUSIVENESS. The university has also been accorded a QS 4-Star rating for the Program Strength of its Computer Science and Engineering degree courses. The rating bestowed by QS is valid for a period of three years (upto July 2023). Expressing his delight, Dr Prashant Bhalla, President, MREI shares, "The Times Higher Education Impact Rankings (2023) has clearly given the institution a new vision to proceed further. With the impressive step of change in the SDGs of the United Nations, it's the unwavering commitment towards a better society, a better world." Dr Amit Bhalla, Vice President, MREI, applauded the efforts of the institutions quoting, "What an exceptional performance by Manav Rachna at The Times Higher Education Impact Rankings (2023). The unwavering commitment towards the SDGs of the United Nations has brought the institution an insight and sense of progress, of how far the influence and symbol created the wave." "The unwavering commitment towards the SDGs of the United Nations has brought the institution an insight and sense of progress, of how far the influence and symbol created the wave," said Dr Sanjay Srivastava, VC, MRIIRS. These rankings reflect the outstanding work and impact of exceptional research work, outreach activities, international exposure, global teaching standards and sustainability initiatives being carried out by Manav Rachna in each of its step. (Disclaimer: The above press release has been provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) PNN Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], June 3: JulyWear, the trailblazing loungewear brand, has made a tremendous impact since transitioning from a nightwear brand to a luxurious loungewear and leisurewear brand. Neha Bajaj, the visionary behind the brand, shows no signs of slowing down. "Our mission at July is to create comfortable and stylish everyday clothing, and we are determined to see our garments become a staple in every girl's wardrobe." Stated Bajaj. July already boasts an impressive portfolio that includes a stunning range of Kaftans, pyjama sets, linen wear and nighties. However, the brand's ambitions reach even further, with plans to expand the product line to include resort wear and a broader selection of loungewear. In 2018, July emerged as a women-led brand, defying the odds in an industry largely dominated by men. Bajaj quickly identified the lack of focus on "nightwear" despite the significant amount of time people spend sleeping. Her research revealed a gap in the market for high-quality leisurewear in India. The events of 2020 highlighted that India had embraced the concept of 'home wear' and 'loungewear' as promising sectors. "We swiftly adapted and dedicated ourselves to creating what our customers desired." Emphasized Bajaj. "At July, we are continuously innovating. Our garments evolve to meet the ever-changing needs and trends of our valued customers," comments Minal Savla, Chief Designer at July. Today, July's products are available in over 150 retail stores and are exported to more than 15 countries. Recognizing the shifting trends and consumer behaviour, Bajaj intends to explore franchise and marketplace opportunities that will undoubtedly attract even more attention. "Despite the rise of online shopping, our customers still appreciate the tactile experience of our products. Therefore, brick and mortar stores remain an integral part of our strategy," emphasizes Bajaj. In 2021, July formally embarked on a strategic repositioning journey from a nightwear brand to a prominent loungewear brand. During this transformative period, Bajaj joined forces with Neel Shah and Shruti Patel, the founders of Mentopreneur, who shared their vision. Together, they successfully revitalized the branding, website, communication, and positioning to align with the new July. "We recognized the demand for a revitalized July in the market. This category was in need of a bold and contemporary brand, and that's precisely what we set out to create," asserts Shruti Patel, Chief of Design at Mentopreneur. Now, it's time to shift into high gear. Over the next couple of years, the team has set ambitious goals to significantly expand its direct-to-consumer business through strategic partnerships and collaborations. They are also in advanced discussions with renowned influencers and celebrities to endorse the brand, although details remain confidential for now. "As our brand continues to evolve, we recognize the benefits of strengthening our backend operations. We are implementing robust CRM tools and models to ensure a seamless shopping experience for our esteemed customers," stated Vikram Ghodekar, Operations Manager, July. With a series of thrilling developments on the horizon and valuable partnerships in progress, July is poised to make every girl proudly embrace their brand. For more information, kindly visit the website www.julywear.com (Disclaimer: The above press release has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) Bajaj Finserv Ltd on Saturday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Maharashtra, to develop Rs 5000 crore projects in Pune, one of the largest financial services investments in the country. The MoU was signed by Harshdeep Kamble, Industry Secretary, Government of Maharashtra and S Sreenivasan, Chief Financial Officer, Bajaj Finserv, in the presence of Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra and Sanjiv Bajaj, Chairman and Managing Director, Bajaj Finserv. Speaking on the occasion, Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, said, "We welcome the investment that Bajaj Finserv is making in the state of Maharashtra. We are proud of Bajaj group's association with Maharashtra and will provide all the necessary support for the development of this project." Sanjiv Bajaj, Chairman and Managing Director, Bajaj Finserv, said, "We believe that growth should not come at the cost of the environment. Thus, in line with our ESG focus, the project is planned as a sustainable development one that meets the highest global standards of certifications with green solutions and a net-zero approach. We thank the government of Maharashtra for the continued support of our Group. Pune is and will continue to be a significant part of Bajaj Finserv's growth journey." The Bajaj Finserv Campus is planned as an iconic landmark in Pune and will house Bajaj Finserv's world-class workspaces. The project is expected to create 40,000 jobs and continue to develop Pune as a financial centre, the statement mentioned. Work on the project will commence in 2023 and envisions state-of-the-art connectivity and facilities for business. The development will have a positive impact, both socially and economically, as it will create new jobs and business opportunities for partners, vendors, suppliers and contractors in and around Pune, as well as globally, the statement added. (ANI) A few days after the Cannes Film Festival ended, actor Richa Chadha posted photos of her Cannes red carpet look in a pink dress that husband and actor Ali Fazal gifted her. Taking to Instagram, Richa talked about the dress she donned at the red carpet and said it was a simple, different, creatively exciting Cannes experience for her. "I got DMs from some of you asking about my Cannes red carpet look, voila! Wore @zimmerman, @karishma.joolry for the premiere of Jessica Hausner's 'Club Zero', a refreshingly neurotic film! My director Shuchi Talati offered sartorial advice, helped me out, then we walked to the Palais together! A simple, different, creatively exciting Cannes experience for me! Dress present from @alifazal9. PS : Did my own HMU in 30 minutes! There's a pearl detail clip too, come on! Hehe. Thanks @anishagandhi3 for being, plz tell @rochelledsa to like me back," she said in a post. https://www.instagram.com/p/Cs_oX-mtb7k/ Richa looked gorgeous as she wore an ankle-length pale pink dress with white embroidered details from Zimmermann that matched a belt. She paired it with white heels and matching earings. She opted for soft glam makeup and left her hair untied and straight. Soon after she dropped the look, fans swamped the comment section with red hearts and fire emoticons.A fan wrote, "Absolutely stunning as always."Another commented, "Finally someone elegant wearing what one can actually decipher! Looking lovely!." "We (me & my husband) saw you at the amazing Thai restaurant at Cannes, we were super shy and didn't want to disturb you, @alifazal9 and others in your group, so we didn't come up for intros/selfies (we got a thrashing for that from our family) but we waved at you guys and you guys waved back and smiled. it was such a heartwarming gesture, it made our day! Thank you so much for being so human in this crazy world!", a social media user wrote. Meanwhile, on the work front, Richa will be seen in Zee's 'Nurse Manjot' and the third instalment of the hit comedy franchise, 'Fukrey 3'. She will also be seen in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's magnum opus Netflix series 'Heeramandi'. (ANI) According to a hospital statement, the six-year-old was declared dead at the hospital while the 5-year-old's condition was sid to be stable. The deceased was identified as Teharin Parvin Mohd Iftekhar, a resident of Chaitanya Colony near the Neha building in Vakola. The police said the incident was reported around 11.46 pm on Friday. The children were electrocuted after coming into contact with a lamp post and were rushed to VN Desai hospital in Mumbai where one of them was declared brought dead, informed the police. (ANI) Naya Jammu and Kashmir has defeated terror and has transformed from an underdeveloped and terrorism-hit region into one of the most vibrant places in the country. After the abrogation of Article 370, a temporary provision in the Constitution, the government has taken numerous reformative and youth-centric steps to open endless opportunities for the socio-economic empowerment of the J-K people and the results are evident. According to the official data, during the past year, more than 82,000 business units have been established in J-K. These ventures have provided direct employment opportunities to around 2.85 lakh youth. Under 'Mission Youth' the government has extended handholding to 70,000 young boys and girls to become self-reliant. Nearly 15000 development projects which were in limbo for the past 10 to 20 years have been completed during the past three years. Summer and winter capitals of J-K i.e. Srinagar and Jammu which were rated poorly in the national and international surveys till 2019 have transformed into smart cities. The Union Territory is at a cusp in its development trajectory. The helmsmen have broken fresh grounds to enable faster growth. From 2019 onwards J-K has witnessed accelerated progress and the region's potential has been explored fully. Youth have emerged as the architects of 'Naya Jammu and Kashmir' as the region, which witnessed Pakistan-sponsored terrorism for three decades, is seeing a steady rise in young entrepreneurs. They are working with dedication to build a prosperous society. The successful conduct of the 3-day G20 summit in Srinagar has opened up a new era of opportunities for Jammu and Kashmir. The G20 participants applauded J-K's saga of development and promised to become the brand ambassadors of the Himalayan region. The people of Jammu and Kashmir are cooperating with the government in every field and are contributing towards fulfilling the mission of Prime Minister, Narendra Modi to build "Viksit Bharat" by 2047. Recently J-K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha inaugurated the much-awaited tourist destination 'Jambu Zoo' at Nagrota. It was taken up under the 'Languishing Project.' The 'Jambu Zoo' is the first full-fledged zoo in the Union Territory and has the potential to boost tourism in the region. The zoo houses an impressive variety of wildlife species and is spread across 3,200 kanals of land. It's home to seventeen species, including leopards, deer, peacocks, and monkeys. The 'Jambu Zoo' missed several deadlines, however, after August 5, 2019--when the Centre announced its decision to abrogate J-K's special status and bifurcate it into two Union Territories--the work on the zoo was expedited. The liberal funding provided by New Delhi led to J-K getting its first zoo. It has an open amusement theatre, a children's park, and a tranquil water body. Battery-operated cars and bicycles have been placed in the zoo to facilitate the movement of visitors. 'Jambu Zoo' being thrown open for people stands as a testament to the government's commitment to building 'Naya Jammu and Kashmir.' As of date Jammu and Kashmir figures among the progressive regions of the country. It's no more infamous for grenade blasts, cross-firing and stone-pelting incidents. Youngsters have become the torchbearers and are leading from the front. They have rejected Pakistan's propaganda by saying no to stone-pelting and guns. The recruitment process in government departments has become transparent, and self-employment schemes have been thrown open for one and all. All the selections are based on merit. Young boys and girls who want to become entrepreneurs are being provided with financial assistance and other support. Pertinently, till 2019 only such people could become entrepreneurs who inherited businesses from their families as setting up any venture was a privilege reserved for a selected class of people. Loans were provided to only those entrepreneurs, who were recommended by politicians or other bigwigs. Common people were asked to complete a long list of formalities before any amount could be sanctioned in their favour. Setting up any business unit in J-K till 2019 was a Herculean task and many youngsters used to give up their ideas and surrender. The lack of avenues and resources led to J-K youth getting disillusioned. Pakistan and the separatists sponsored by it took full advantage of growing unemployment in the region. They lured the young boys by offering them petty amounts to pelt stones, enforcing shutdowns and finally taking up the guns. After 2019 the scenario changed as the government provided a plethora of opportunities to youngsters. The process to set up any business unit was made simple. A single window clearance system was put in place to ensure that aspiring entrepreneurs could transform their ideas into reality. The government encouraged start-up culture and acknowledged the ideas of the young innovators. During the past three years, the government has helped lakhs of J-K youth to stand on their own feet. From a strife-torn region, J-K has turned into a business hub with local youth becoming the role models and inspiration for their successors. Srinagar and Jammu cities which were ranked poorly in national and international surveys till 2019, during the past three years have transformed into beautiful and vibrant cities in the country. During the past three years, the Centre has approved over 276 projects under the "Smart City Mission" in Jammu and Srinagar. These projects have strengthened the urban infrastructure, and improved city services, and public aesthetics. Both cities have become more eco-friendly and clean.The transformation of Jammu and Srinagar cities from highly congested and underdeveloped urban areas to 'Smart Cities' has brought these places to par with the developed cities in the country. Both Jammu and Srinagar are heritage cities but the former rulers didn't pay much attention towards developing these cities. The works that have taken place during the past three years have proven beyond doubt that both these cities were mismanaged. In the past three years, urban governance has improved. The latent creativity and vitality of the historical cities have been unlocked. Both the cities blessed with natural and cultural heritage have become socio-economically vibrant cities in a short span of time. Surveys don't rate these cities poorly anymore. (ANI) According to Indian Army, the teams have been routed from multiple bases so as to reach the place of the incident as early as possible. "Indian Army has been deployed to assist in the evacuation and treatment of injured citizens. Army medical and engineering teams with ambulances and support services have been deployed from the Eastern Command. The teams have been routed from multiple bases so as to reach the place of the incident as early as possible," said Indian Army officials. The death toll in the Odisha train accident involving two express trains -- Bengaluru-Howrah Express and Shalimar-Chennai Coromandel Express -- and a goods train in Balasore has risen to 238, South Eastern Railway said on Saturday. "As per the information received till now, there are 238 casualties. Around 650 injured passengers have been taken to the Hospitals of Gopalpur, Khantapara, Balasore, Bhadrak and Soro," the South Eastern Railway said. According to Railway spokesperson Amitabh Sharma, the accident took place around 7 pm on Friday. Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw reached the spot and supervised the rescue operation. "A detailed high-level inquiry will be conducted and the rail safety commissioner will also do an independent inquiry," Vaishnaw said on Saturday. He added, "Our focus is on rescue and relief operations." (ANI) A special train carrying stranded passengers from Odisha's Bhadrak has left for Chennai following the Balasore train accident. The special train C P13671 EX-BBS-MAS carrying 250 passengers started at 8: 40 AM on Saturday and will halt at all scheduled stops of train no 12841. The special train is scheduled to reach Chennai Central Railway station tentatively at 9 AM on Sunday, mentioned an offical statement. Meanwhile, Army teams have been deployed to assist in the evacuation and treatment of injured citizens in the Odisha triple train accident that claimed the lives of 238 people. According to Indian Army, the teams have been routed from multiple bases so as to reach the place of the incident as early as possible. "Indian Army has been deployed to assist in the evacuation and treatment of injured citizens. Army medical and engineering teams with ambulances and support services have been deployed from the Eastern Command. The teams have been routed from multiple bases so as to reach the place of the incident as early as possible," said Indian Army officials. The death toll in the Odisha train accident involving two express trains -- Bengaluru-Howrah Express and Shalimar-Chennai Coromandel Express -- and a goods train in Balasore has risen to 238, South Eastern Railway said on Saturday. A Help desk has been set up at Bengaluru's Yeshwanthpur railway station for providing assistance to people following Train Mishap in Odisha's Balasore. (ANI) The Chief Minister held a high-level meeting with CMO officials here on Saturday and reviewed the situation. He directed them to be in touch with the officials of the Odisha CMO and Railway Department. The committee expressed shock over the train mishap in Odisha and has constituted a high-level IAS officers committee under the aegis of IT Minister G. Amarnath to visit the site of the accident in which 238 people were estimated killed and over 900 injured The Andhra CM directed the officials to establish enquiry and grievance cells in the offices of District Collectors to deal with grievances and respond immediately. CM Reddy expressed profound sorrow over the accident at Balasore in Odisha and directed officials to check if any passengers from Andhra Pradesh are among the deceased and injured. The IAS officers' Committee comprise Civil Supplies Commissioner Arun Kumar, Joint Commissioner of Commercial taxes Anand and Srikakulam Joint Collector Naveen along with the IT Minister Amarnath. The Chief Minister has directed officials to make arrangements in hospitals of Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram and Srikakulam districts to treat the injured and provide medical treatment and also keep ambulances ready. He also directed them to keep him informed of the latest developments. The Waltair Division of the East Coast Railways zone has set up three helplines at Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram and Srikakulam for relief. (ANI) Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Saturday deployed two teams of doctors from AIIMS Bhubaneswar in Balasore and Cuttack for providing assistance to train mishap victims. "Two teams of doctors from @AIIMSBhubaneswr have been dispatched for Balasore and Cuttack to assist in relief operations at the rail accident site in Odisha. We are providing all required help and medical assistance to the victims of the tragic train accident to save precious lives," Mandaviya tweeted. According to the latest updates from the South Eastern Railway, the death toll in the Odisha train accident involving two express trains and a goods train reached 261. "As per the information received till now, there are 261 casualties. Injured passengers have been taken to the Hospitals of Gopalpur, Khantapara, Balasore, Bhadrak and Soro," as per South Eastern Railway. On Friday, Mandaviya stated that AIIMS Bhubaneswar has been instructed to make plans for emergency, ICU, and OT beds and that all the physicians, nurses, and staff in the hospital have been directed to offer all possible assistance to those injured in the accident. "AIIMS Bhubaneswar has been instructed to provide all possible help to the people injured in the accident while arrangements for emergency treatments, ICU and OT beds, doctors, nurses and staff have been made," he said. The three-way accident involved the Bengaluru-Howrah superfast express, the Coromandel Express and the goods train on three separate tracks at Bahanaga Bazar Station, Balasore district. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw reached the spot on Saturday to supervise the rescue operation. Vaishnaw said that a detailed high-level inquiry will be conducted. The rail safety commissioner will conduct an independent inquiry, he added. (ANI) "From July 1 pilgrimage from all over the country will throng the holy cave shrine of Amarnath. This yatra will end on August 30. The management is working to make this yatra successful," said J-K LG Sinha. The annual pilgrimage to the holy cave shrine of Amarnath will begin on July 1. Earlier on May 26, Deputy Commissioner of Samba, Abhishek Sharma, reviewed the plan formulated for security arrangements while chairing a meeting to discuss and assess the preparations for the upcoming annual Amarnath Yatra. The 62-day yatra, which commences on July 1 and culminates on August 31, is an important pilgrimage for Hindus who visit the Amarnath Cave, believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva. The administration has assured a smooth and hassle-free yatra for all devotees, with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha stating that the government's top priority is to provide the best healthcare and essential facilities to visitors and service providers. The yatra would commence simultaneously from both the Pahalgam track in the Anantnag district and Baltal in the Ganderbal district, giving devotees the option to choose the route that suits them best. The Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) has also enabled live telecasts of morning and evening prayers for devotees across the world. The annual Amarnath Yatra is a significant event in the Hindu calendar and attracts thousands of devotees every year. With the government's assurance of a hassle-free yatra, devotees can look forward to a safe and spiritually fulfilling journey to the Amarnath Cave. (ANI) The accused was identified as Mohammad Nazim. The Delhi Police said that on June 2, it recieved a tip-off regarding drug trafficking near ISBT Kashmere Gate. The police conducted a raid under the flyover, Yudhisthir Setu, leading the road towards Tis Hazari Court. Accordingly, a case u/s 21 NDPS Act was registered at PS Kashmiri Gate, Delhi and investigation was taken up. The accused, Nazim, told the police that his fnancial condition is very poor and that he came to Delhi from his home state, Uttar Pradeh about six months back and started working in a cloth factory. Further, he told the police that a man named Owaisi tricked him into the drug-tarficking business. Later, willing to lead a lavish life and earn more money, he started supplying drugs in various parts of Delhi as well as the National Capital Region, he further told the police. Earlier, the Lieutenant Governor (LG) of Delhi, on April 27, VK Saxena chaired the 5th meeting of the State level committee of NCORD (National Narcotics Coordination) and issued strict instructions to the agencies to make the national capital 'drug-free'. (ANI) The drug peddler was apprehended from Kashmere Gate, Delhi. The officials also seized around 316 grams of heroin from the peddler's possession. The nabbed accused confessed that he used to supply contraband drugs from UP's Badaun. He became a drug peddler as he wanted to earn more money and live a lavish life. More details are awaited in the case. (ANI) The Supreme Court on Saturday put a stay on the order of the Allahabad High Court's Lucknow bench which directed the Head of the Astrology Department in Lucknow University to determine if an alleged rape victim is a Mangali/Mangalik by examining her 'Kundali' and said that right to privacy has been disturbed. In a special sitting, SC took suo moto cognizance and issued notice to Uttar Pradesh state, the complainant and the applicant related to the matter. A special bench headed by Sudhanshu Dhulia said that they stay the operation of the order passed by the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court on May 23. The top court said that they don't understand why the astrology aspect was considered. The court also remarked that the right to privacy has been disturbed along with many other issues. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who has also urged the top court to stay the order, said that he is extremely grateful and the HC court should not have gone into the issue relating to astrology. Allahabad High Court has passed the order on May 23 while considering the bail application in a case of alleged rape through false promise of marriage. The top court said that at this stage they say nothing on the merits of the case except that in the interest of justice. The court said that the matter will be taken up on the next date of listing and will be decided on its merits. The court issued a notice to the concerned parties. In the Allahabad HC, counsel for the applicant argued that the prosecutrix is mangali, therefore, marriage could not be solemnized and the same has been refused. On the other hand, Vivek Kumar Singh, counsel for the prosecutrix has submitted before Allahabad HC that the girl is not mangali. Allahabad High Court said, "Let the Head of Department (Astrology Department), Lucknow University may decide the matter whether the girl is mangali or not and the parties will produce the kundali before the Head of Department (Astrology Department), Lucknow University within ten days from today." HC directed the HOD in Lucknow University to submit a report in a sealed cover within three weeks to this Court. (ANI) As the death toll rose to 261 in the three-way rail accident that occurred on Friday evening involving Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express, the Coromandel Express and a goods train on separate tracks at Bahanaga Bazar Station in Balasore district, AAP minister Saurabh Bhardwaj took a jibe at the Modi government and demanded the resignation of Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. Bhardwaj tweeted, "The way the news of the accident has come, it is India's biggest rail accident in history so far. Three trains have collided. So many people have died. A few days back, the same central government had given a presentation and said that they we have come up with such a system that no train could collide with each other. Was the statement that a system was brought a lie or that because of corruption that system could not work? Somebody should take responsibility for this. Just saying that we have formed a committee is not enough. The central government should take responsibility for this and the railway minister should resign immediately." Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday chaired a meeting to take stock of the situation. PM Modi will visit the accident site in Balasore today and then go to the hospital in Cuttack, sources said. (ANI) National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) on Saturday said that the Periodic table has not been removed from the school education curriculum and it is available in great detail in the Class 11 textbook. In this regard, the official media handle of NCERT took to Twitter and said, "Periodic Table has not been removed from school education curriculum but is, in fact, available in great detail in Unit 3 -"Classification of Elements and periodicity in properties" (Page 74-99) of Class 11th textbook." Earlier in a bid to reduce the burden on students, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) dropped the full chapter on the Periodic Classification of Elements, a full chapter on Democracy and Diversity, a full chapter on Challenges to Democracy, and a full page on Political Parties from the newly released textbooks of Class 10 students. As per the NCERT, the decision has been taken to reduce the content load on students in view of the COVID-19 pandemic. Complete chapters on these above subjects now stand deleted as a part of a "rationalisation" meant to reduce the "burden on students". According to the NCERT website, "The National Education Policy 2020, also emphasises reducing the content load and providing opportunities for experiential learning with a creative mindset. In this background, NCERT has undertaken the exercise to rationalise the textbooks across all classes. Learning Outcomes already developed by the NCERT across classes have been taken into consideration in this exercise. "Contents of the textbooks have been rationalised in view of the Overlapping with similar content included in other subject areas in the same class, Similar content included in the lower or higher class in the same subject, Difficulty level, Content, which is easily accessible to students without much interventions from teachers and can be learned through children through self-learning or peer-learning, Content, which is irrelevant in the present context," NCERT said. (ANI) Asserting that every citizen has the right to a smooth and safe journey, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said on Saturday said that it is the responsibility of the government to ensure a safe journey for the travellers. "It becomes the responsibility of the government to fulfil this right with the utmost sincerity and honesty, considering the trust with which a passenger travels," he said. Flagging off 93 new Rajdhani bus services and seven regular BS-6 buses, the Chief Minister said, "The statistics of deaths resulting from road accidents are extremely alarming. If we were to present the figures of road accidents for Uttar Pradesh within a year, a horrific scenario would unfold." "In one year, more lives are lost due to road accidents than COVID-19 has claimed in three years. Road accidents occur and innocent lives are lost due to overspeeding, poor road engineering, or rules violations", added CM Yogi. He stressed that increasing awareness and obeying the rules of the road can save many lives. "Every life is precious to us, and it is also an invaluable asset for a family, a society, and a country", Yogi said. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has called for a campaign to increase awareness and prevent traffic accidents and the deaths they cause. He stated that launching a comprehensive awareness campaign to prevent deaths from such accidents would be a national program. The central government and the Supreme Court have also expressed concerns about this issue repeatedly. He further added, "On this occasion, arrangements should be made to enhance the existing programs of the Transport Corporation in a more effective manner. It should be our goal to provide this type of service to people who want to use the Transport Corporation's buses for public transportation within Uttar Pradesh. He mentioned that, if required, we must associate private operators with regulations to provide transportation and bus services to every village. If we can provide this facility to every village, it will be convenient for the people, and they will utilize public transport services. Discussing the increasing demand for electric buses, CM stated that wherever electric bus services have been initiated, there is a new demand among the people. "We have currently started electric bus service in 10 cities of Uttar Pradesh. Wherever we go, people are requesting us to start electric bus services in their areas as well. On this occasion, I would like to say that the time has come to ensure that bus stations are well-maintained, safe, and our bus services are in line with the demands of the people", he said. The Chief Minister further asserted that it is not necessary for us to rely solely on government funding to expand the fleet of the Transport Corporation. Our efforts should focus on increasing the existing resources of the Transport Corporation and involving private operators so that every village, every city is connected with excellent bus services. This will not only help in reducing the number of deaths caused by road accidents in Uttar Pradesh but also bring the fatality rate to a minimum level. Earlier, CM Yogi congratulated the Uttar Pradesh Transport Corporation on completing 50 years of journey. At the beginning of his address, he mentioned that just a few months before independence, on May 15, 1947, a state-owned transportation service was initiated in Uttar Pradesh with the aim of providing smooth and safe travel to people. This state-owned transportation service eventually progressed into the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation on June 1, 1972, becoming the largest unit of public transport in the state with the largest population in the country, said Yogi Adityanath. On the occasion, the Minister of Transport, Dayashankar Singh, the Chief Secretary, Durga Shankar Mishra, the Chairman of the Transport Corporation, Prashant Trivedi, the Principal Secretary of Transport, Venkateshwar Lu, MD Masoom Sarwar, and other officials from the Transport Department were also present. (ANI) According to the officials, the accused have been identified as Chilpam Sambaiah (44) and Yadamakanti Ramanaiah (53), Mudda Narasimhulu (46), Nakka Venkatesh (62) and Vanam Chennaiah (70). The police said, "Task force police have arrested five red sandalwood smugglers and seized 62 red sandalwood logs. They were involved in three incidents in Siddawatam, Rajampet and Tamballapally areas of Kadapa district." As per the orders of Kurnool Range DIG S.Senthil Kumar, three teams under DSP Muralidhar and Chenchuraju started combing on Friday. Railway Koduru Sub Control RI Kripananda team along with Forest Beat Officer Mounika carried out combing in Siddavatam range and Muthukur forest area. Giving details, the place said that on reaching the Dabbakona forest area around 4 am on Saturday, some people were seen carrying red sandalwood logs. We surrounded them and managed to catch five people. "26 red sandalwood logs weighing 753 kg and a motorcycle were seized from them," added the officials. The police also informed that the RSI Vinod Kumar team of RI K. Suresh Kumar Reddy similarly took up combing from the Tummalabailu section of Pullampet, Annamaiya district. Some people were seen carrying red sandalwood logs in Karuku Eru area. Before warning them and surrounding them, they dropped the logs and ran away. "8 red sandalwood logs were found in that area," added the police. Further, another team of task force police carried out combing from Porumamilla mandal, Tamballapally section and seized 28 red sandalwood logs," said the police. "Also, the total value of 62 red sandalwood logs is estimated to be up to Rs 60 lakhs," added the police. As per the police, three cases have been registered at the Tirupati Task Force police station, while CI Balakrishna and SI Mohan Naik are investigating into the matter. "DIG Senthil Kumar announced rewards for the teams involved in these operations," added the police. (ANI) Himachal Pradesh doctors have agreed to end their pen down strike after a meeting with Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, said the Chief Minister's office in a press release. During the meeting, the Chief Minister said that the State Government has not abolished Non Practicing Allowance (NPA) for the medical officers but has withdrawn it for the time being. He also accepted the demands of delegating the DDO powers to the Principal of the Medical Colleges, giving representation to the doctors in Himachal Pradesh Medical Corporation and time bound DPCs for the promotion of doctors. He also assured that contractual doctors would not be deprived of the NPA benefits. The Chief Minister said that the doctors' pen down strike was illogical as the State Government has not stopped the NPA of the doctors working in various health institutions and they should have come forward prior to discuss the issues with the Government before going to pen down strike.Chief Minister said that in just five months of assuming the office, the present State Government has taken various measures for the wellbeing of the medical fraternity. To provide better working conditions, the State Government has initiated various reforms in the health sector. Besides, increasing staff strength of doctors, the State Government is also working to create and fill up various posts of para-medical staff. He said that the State Government has decided to create Department of Emergency Medicines in all the medical colleges of the State with a view to strengthen the casualty department. Additionally, doctors were being sent on exposure visits in the reputed health institutions of the world to get acquainted with the modern medical inventions and techniques. The Chief Minister said that a scheme was underway to promote health tourism in the State and deliberations are being held with the giant companies already working in this sector. This will provide employment avenues to the doctors and other health functionaries, he said, adding that the State Government has reinstated the Old Pension Scheme to its employees to provide them social security. He said that Central Government has reduced the loan limit by Rs.5,500 crore to the State and termed it as unfair step of the Union Government because the State Government had restored Old Pension Scheme to its employees. Despite this, the State Government is diligently working for the welfare of the employees. (ANI) Photo: The Canadian Press British Columbia Premier David Eby B.C. municipalities are waiting for help promised by the provincial government to address residents concerns about public drug use in the wake of the provinces move in January to decriminalize possession of small amounts of certain illicit drugs. Several municipalities are proposing bylaws to restrict public drug use, driven by concerns that parks and beaches will become busier with children, families and tourists as summer approaches. In response, some have proposed bylaws to restrict where drugs can be consumed, but health officials say this could lead to an increase in overdose risk. Premier David Eby has promised to do something to address concerns from the municipalities, telling the legislature he will ensure they have the tools necessary to tackle these issues. But at least one city council has been told by health officials that bylaws to restrict drug use infringe on public-health measures and a legal advocacy group said such bylaws are outside of the citys jurisdiction. Jen Ford, president of the Union of B.C. Municipalities, said this has left municipalities worried they will be tied up with legal challenges when trying to control where drugs can be consumed. When parks and playgrounds are open for public drug consumption, thats concerning for us, especially as the summer comes. Two weeks ago the Premier pledged to consult municipalities about open drug use. Ms. Ford said those discussions have yet to begin. The proposed bylaws come as a reaction to the introduction in January of B.C.s three-year pilot project, which decriminalizes the possession of personal amounts of illicit drugs connected with overdoses, such as opioids, cocaine, methamphetamine and MDMA. The province said the move was made to reduce stigma and barriers that may prevent people from accessing life-saving supports. The decriminalization law does not apply to drug possession in certain locations such as schools, child-care facilities and airports. Prince George, Kamloops, Sicamous and Campbell River are among municipalities attempting to put regulations on hard drug use in other public spaces. Campbell River passed bylaws restricting public drug use earlier this year, but rescinded them following advice from health officials and a legal threat from Pivot Legal Society. The society said the municipality did not consult health officials and that the bylaws were out of their jurisdiction. A city must not adopt a public-health bylaw of any kind without consulting its municipal health officer or regional health board, according to Pivot Legal Society. In addition, it said local governments cannot legislate public-health bylaws without provincial approval. However, last month, the council in Campbell River again proposed a bylaw, this time more narrowly targeted to restricting drug use in locations where children frequent, such as playgrounds and parks. Elle Brovold, city manager of Campbell River, said the municipality is proposing the bylaw because of concerns about increasing levels of disorder caused by public drug use. She said these incidents deter people from using parks and other public spaces for leisure activities. For example, we hear stories of parents no longer feeling comfortable bringing their children to our local library. In an April letter to Campbell River council about the most recent proposed bylaw, Dr. Charmaine Enns, medical health officer with Island Health, recommended that Campbell River not proceed with the bylaw amendment and instead gather, review and consider the available evidence before moving forward. For those who live unhoused, and are challenged with substance use, pushing them further away from public spaces, which is often the only space they have, the likelihood of dying from a toxic drug overdose is significantly increased, she wrote. The letter said that evidence indicates drug use does not increase with decriminalization. It is especially concerning that a key rationale for the proposed bylaw appears to be the discomfort of people in shared public places, while generally discounting the distress of and demonstrated harm suffered by those who use substances, wrote Dr. Enns. Ms. Ford said being tied up in court is timely and costly, and local governments need to focus efforts on the residents safety while getting people who use drugs the help they need. We would like the province to step in and help us, not only on the enforcement side or in the exemption side, but also in getting the mental health and support needed to help people find safe spaces. In the legislature last month, Mr. Eby responded to demands by Opposition politicians that the province address open drug use in public places. I am happy to commit to the members on the other side, to all the members of this House, to British Columbians, to parents of kids, that our government will work with local government partners to make sure that those protections are in place. Nobody wants this activity affecting our kids, and we will do something. The Ministry of Health declined to make anyone available to speak to the issue on the record. Ms. Ford said municipalities are looking forward to working with the province. Weve heard from the province that theyre keen to work with us. Municipalities are ready to do that. Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Saturday said that the state government will bring an 'Open Hydro Policy' in order to facilitate the power producers. While presiding over the meeting with the Association of Independent Power Producers (IPPs), Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu assured full support to make their projects economically viable by assisting in removing all the hindrances. "State government would provide handholding in getting all clearances to set up their power projects. If any gram Panchayat does not provide a No Objection Certificate (NOC) in a stipulated time period, it would be considered deemed to be sanctioned. State Government would also bring Open Hydro Policy in order to facilitate the power producers," he said. "Besides tourism, the Hydel sector was the main resource of revenue for the State exchequer. We have enacted Water Cess Act to strengthen the economy of the State," he added. During the meeting, CM Sukhu also sought a self-proposal from the IPPs on the quantum of water cess to implement the Act and said that the government would sympathetically consider their proposal. "The Chief Minister said that the State Government was also taking up the issue of enhancing the royalty in the power projects set up by Central PSUs especially those which have covered their expenses," the official statement said. "On the demand of IPPs, Chief Minister directed the HPPTCL to expedite the laying of power transmission lines in order to evacuate the power supply from generation sites well in time so that they may not have to face the financial losses," it added. The Chief Minister also said that State Government would consider their demand positively for the calculation of power tariffs from the date of commercial operation rather than from the date of the Power Purchase Agreement for 41 power projects. On the occasion, he also said that the State Government would also issue an advisory to Himachal Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission to consider royalty on an actual basis i.e. 12, 18 and 30 per cent. "Chief Minister Sukhu also mentioned that 111 mini and micro power projects were contributing Rs 223.60 crore as annual revenue to the State exchequer. He asked the IPPs to complete their power projects in time bound manner so that the benefits of these projects could be reaped at the earliest. He also said that there was the potential for 3539 MW of power through IPPs out of which only 754 MW has been harnessed so far," the official statement said. "The State Government was also prioritizing harnessing solar and wind energy and has set a target of producing 500 MW of solar power during this year, besides a study is also underway to set up wind energy power projects in the State," CM Sukhu said. (ANI) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday held a review meeting of the ongoing development projects in Varanasi with high-level officials and bureaucrats. During the meeting, the Chief Minister directed the concerned departmental officers to complete the works with quality within the stipulated time on a war footing. Along with this in the meeting, the UP chief minister also gave the officers strict instructions to make sure that no criminal or mafia is ever given a contract of any kind. Regarding the G-20 meeting to be held in Varanasi from June 11 to 13, the Chief Minister directed the officials to facilitate and strengthen the city's traffic system. He insisted on cleanliness and asked them to pay extra attention to any illegal taxi stands along the route. "In order for a large number of people to be involved in keeping the city clean, CM Yogi ordered that the Municipal Corporation form committees at the ward and locality levels and conduct public awareness campaigns. The behavior of the police should also be good with everyone coming to Kashi," an official statement said. The Chief Minister instructed the Vice Chancellor of the Varanasi Development Authority to pay compensation to the remaining farmers at the current rate for the Transport Nagar project and asked the Commissioner to put an end to the agitation right away. The CM placed a strong emphasis on the need for the police administration to pay attention to the urban Naxalites during the meeting. The Chief Minister expressed his strong displeasure over assigning the work of the ghats to UPPCL and said that any work should be given to the same executive body which is in accordance with it and which has assured supply of manpower. He further asked the Chief Secretary to take immediate action on the problem of overloading and work on solving it. In order to support the perception of a safe city, the police department was asked to do more work on foot patrolling, PRV-112. "The chief minister issued an order to strengthen the security system in reference to previous security lapses at the Kashi Vishwanath temple. In order to prevent illegal activities like illegal recovery in the city or operating an illegal taxi stand, the Chief Minister insisted on adding more cameras to the city and connecting them to the control room. The Chief Minister directed NHAI, PWD, and Setu Nigam to ensure the quality of work," the statement read. During the review meeting, Commissioner Kaushal Raj Sharma said that currently, a total of 61 projects of the Center and the State are going on in the city, with a total cost of Rs 10305 crore. Later, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath visited the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Kotwal Kal Bhairav Temple in Kashi. (ANI) The Union Health Ministry is poised for the 3rd Health Working Group meeting as part of the G20 India Presidency, scheduled to be held in Telangana's Hyderabad on Sunday. The side events of the 3rd HWG will highlight research and innovation in the health sector, including pharma, vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics. Lav Agarwal, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare briefed the media ahead of the three days event starting from tomorrow at Hyderabad. Addressing the media, the Additional Secretary elaborated that December 1, 2022 marked a historic milestone for India as it took charge of the G20 Presidency with the theme of One Earth, One Family, One Future, Vasudeva Kutumbakam. Reiterating the Prime Minister's vision for G20 India's Presidency, he stated that "it should be inclusive, ambitious, action-oriented, and decisive." Adding further, Lav Agarwal mentioned that this G20 Presidency presents a unique opportunity to voice the concerns of the Global South as the predecessor (Indonesia) and the successor (Brazil) of India in the G20 Troika both are developing countries which will further highlight and reinforce the challenges facing Global South. Elaborating on the G20 Health priorities, Agarwal stated India's G20 Presidency focuses on three priorities including health emergencies prevention, preparedness and response with a focus on anti-microbial resistance and One Health framework, strengthening cooperation in the pharmaceutical sector with a focus on access and availability to safe, effective, quality and affordable medical countermeasures (Vaccines, Therapeutics and Diagnostics), and Digital Health innovations and solutions to aid universal health coverage and improve healthcare service delivery. In collaboration with these priorities, co-branded events and side events will be hosted for each health working group meeting that concentrates on an emerging aspect in the health sector such as the Medical Value Travel, the Impact of Climate Change on Health, the application and relevance of Traditional Medicine in Health Sector today. The 3rd Health Working Group Meeting will focus on Research and Development and Innovation in its side event. Agarwal also elucidated the deliverables of this presidency, particularly as the voice of the Global South, which will contribute to establishing regional networks catering to vaccine therapeutics, diagnostics, research, and manufacturing networks and the creation of a global medical countermeasures coordination platform. Highlighting the initiatives of Co-Win and Vaccine Maitri, he said India has contributed significantly to addressing the global requirements. He further added that technology has been a great enabler in reaching the last mile via telemedicine, the Co-Win platform, easier identification and access to blood banks. These collective initiatives serve to ensure that health services are within the reach of the poor man. Lav Agarwal further stated, "India has garnered in-principal agreement to the three proposed priorities and seeks to build global convergence on an agile, aligned global health architecture." He emphasized that "global initiatives on managing any future health emergencies should integrate among themselves." Speaking on the upcoming Health Working Group Meeting, Agarwal stated that 180 members, 10 invited countries and 22 international organizations will be participating in this upcoming meeting. Apart from the main event, the side event will focus on deliberating on frameworks for research development and innovation for the creation of a network that would leverage access across the world. Additionally, there will also be a co-branded event on Global Vaccine Collaborative as well as a visit to Genome Valley, showcasing India's prowess in research and development and pharmaceutical manufacturing. Dr Manisha Verma, ADG, PIB, Delhi and Balakrishna, Joint Director, PIB, Hyderabad also attended the meeting. (ANI) The arrests and recoveries were made in Punjab's Jalalabad. An FIR has been registered under Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS) and investigation is ongoing to arrest others involved and destroy the drug supply chain, the police said. "Acting swiftly on secret information @FazilkaPolice has arrested 2 narcotic smugglers and recovered 9.397 Kg Heroin. FIR registered under NDPS Act by PS Sadar, #Jalalabad & Investigation ongoing to arrest others involved to destroy the drugs supply-chain," Punjab's Director general of police official twitter handle tweeted. Meanwhile, a huge consignment of heroin drugs dropped by Pakistani drones at the outskirts of Amritsar, was also recovered in a joint operation of the Border Security Force (BSF) and Punjab Police on Saturday. BSF said in a release that during the wee hours of Saturday, a joint ambush of the security force and Punjab Police heard a buzzing sound of drones and dropping of consignment at the outskirts of Rai village in Amritsar district. The security team started searching the area after which the troops recovered a huge consignment of five packets of suspected Narcotics from a farming field. An iron ring was also found attached to the consignment, BSF added.As per the officials, the gross weight of the recovered consignment of suspected narcotics (Heroin) is around 5.5 Kg (approximately). "Another nefarious attempt of Pakistan to smuggle contrabands foiled due to joint efforts and timely action by BSF and Punjab Police," BSF stated in the release. (ANI) Union Joint Secretary, Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, Central Nodal Officer for Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA)- Catch the Rain (CTR), Angshuman Dey, and Gargee Sharma, Scientist D, CGWB, member of Jal Shakhti Abhiyaan concluded their three-day visit to the Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday. Exhaustive interactions with various stakeholders besides visits to Water Supply Schemes, and related infrastructure marked the conclusion of a three-day visit of the Union Joint Secretary, Angshuman Dey, and Gargee Sharma, member of Jal Shakti Abhiyaan, to the district. During their visit to the district, they interacted with almost 8000 students and teachers, BDC Chairpersons, DDC Councillors, sarpanches, panches, Pani Simitis, and common masses besides officers and officials of the district administration. On the final day of their visit, they inspected GSRs, FHTCs, gravity lines, filter plants, Water Supply Schemes and other infrastructure under Jal Jeevan Mission. They met panchayat people at Dhar Chobia Village and also toured Jai Valley on the last day of their visit. Union Joint Secretary conducted a detailed assessment of various crucial aspects of the program and reviewed the implementation of the programme in the district. He reviewed the financial and physical progress achieved, so far, in the district and appreciated the efforts of the district administration and other stakeholders in effectively implementing the Jal Shakti Abhiyan. He also visited Amrit Sarovar, water sources, streams, rivers, forests, Jai Valley and other important places in the district. He launched a plantation drive at Bhalla tehsil of Bhaderwah sub-district. During the visits, Union Joint Secretary sensitised the locals about the need for water conservation, its judicious use, protection of water sources and rainwater harvesting to make safe and sufficient water available in future. He asked the PRIs to plan under various developmental schemes for the conservation of water and rainwater harvesting. He also emphasised wider publicity and awareness of the importance of rainwater harvesting and its techniques. During the visit, Union Joint Secretary also launched a unique campaign among the students called "Mai Be Pani Champion". He asked the students to share their stories and activities in the conservation of water under the Catch the Rain campaign. District Development Commissioner, Doda, Vishesh Mahajan, presented a detailed report on the steps being taken up by the district administration to harvest the rainwater and recharge the groundwater in the district. DC informed that all the building constructions within the municipal limits of Doda, Bhaderwah and Thathri have been ordered to have mandatory rain harvesting mechanisms in place. He said that every household in rural areas has built soakage pits near their homes under MGNREGA in the previous financial year. "Extensive awareness campaigns are being run in schools through Prabhari Officer to motivate the students to imbibe in them the habits of water conservation", he added. DC further informed that 85 Amrit Sarovar (sacred ponds) have been established last year by the administration. Besides, there is the target of constructing one Amrit Sarovar in all of the 237 panchayats of the district during the current financial year, he added. It was informed that the district has successfully restored 1021 water bodies through various agencies such as RDD, IWMP, Jal Shakti, Horticulture, Agriculture and Forest departments. Additionally, the district aims to restore 792 water bodies this year besides geo-tagging all 492 water bodies in Doda. Pertinently, the Jal Shakti Abhiyan is a flagship program of the Government of India focused on ensuring water security and conservation in the country. The program aims to raise awareness about the importance of water conservation, promote water harvesting and improve infrastructure for water storage and distribution. (ANI) A recent Ipsos survey found that nearly 9 per cent of adults self-identify as LGBTQ in 30 countries across the world, CNN reported. According to the survey, Gen Z and Millennials are more likely than other generations to identify as queer, bisexual, pansexual, omnisexual, or asexual. More than 22,514 persons under the age of 75 who responded to the poll online between February 17 and March 3 are from 30 different nations. According to Nicolas Boyon, senior vice president of research and communications at Ipsos, the poll reveals similarities amongst nations, such as a high level of tolerance for LGBTQ+ rights because more individuals come into contact with them. Boyon said, "Globally, we see an increase compared to two years ago in the proportion of people who have a relative or a friend or a coworker, who is either gay or lesbian, or bisexual, or tran, or non-binary", reported CNN. The survey revealed that more than half of respondents said that they support same-sex marriage where it is legal. Approximately 56 per cent of people in 30 nations believe that same-sex couples should be able to legally wed, while 16 per cent believe that they should be able to get some form of legal recognition but not marriage. According to the report, women are also noticeably more inclined than men to support same-sex marriage. According to the poll, same-sex couples are as likely as other parents to successfully raise children in 26 different nations. Boyon told CNN he was surprised that compared to the US, Eastern Europe, and Great Britain, there was more support for transgender persons in nations like Thailand, Italy, and Spain. Boyon added, "In the US, we see generally less support for a variety of protections or measures than we see in many other countries. For example, allowing people to use public facilities according to the gender they identify with. There is also less support for the health insurance to cover the costs of transition the same way as other medical procedures," CNN reported. (ANI) A cabinet member on Thursday said Pakistan's request to lower the requirement of securing USD 6 billion in additional loans had been denied by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), leaving the government with no choice but to try to salvage the agreement, The Express Tribune reported. Minister of State for Finance Dr Aisha Pasha, in a policy statement delivered during the National Assembly Standing Committee on Finance, stressed that Pakistan's only choice was to return to the IMF. The committee also addressed the idea of invoking the recently passed contempt of the Parliament law against Finance Minister Ishaq Dar for his persistent absence during the meeting, which was presided over by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) MNA Qaiser Sheikh, as per The Express Tribune. Dr Pasha claimed that Pakistan asked the IMF to take into account lowering the USD 6 billion external funding requirement based on fresh data on the current account deficit, but the Fund declined. The other USD 3 billion was to be arranged after the staff-level agreement, she said, but the IMF insisted on "demonstrating the USD 6 billion". She went on to say that there was an understanding to arrange USD 3 billion before the agreement. The statement from the Finance minister showed that the IMF has not altered its position despite a call from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva. Dr Aisha Pasha replied, "There is no option other than going back to the IMF, and I categorically say there is no Plan B," when asked if there was a backup strategy in the event that negotiations with the IMF fall through. She emphasised that the government wanted to continue the IMF programme. Dr Pasha's assertion, however, runs counter to Finance Minister Dar's earlier stance that Pakistan should attempt to cope with or without the IMF. MNA Ali Pervaiz Malik urged Pakistan to use restraint and avoid taking actions like offering amnesty to citizens who have undeclared foreign currency in their possession. The IMF has already paid USD 3.9 billion of the overall USD 6.5 billion rescue package during the past four years, with the remaining amount depending upon the conclusion of three outstanding reviews. MNA Dr Ramesh Kumar blamed Pakistan's foreign policy course for the protracted delay in restarting the IMF programme. Dr Pasha asserted that Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the World Bank, and Geneva Commitments had made arrangements for Pakistan to receive USD 4.5 billion. She pointed out that only after the staff-level agreement is reached can the remaining USD 1.5 billion be set up. Speaking to the business community on Thursday, Dar voiced optimism, saying that Pakistan's external financing is in order and that he anticipates a staff-level deal to be reached this month. Dr Pasha stated that Pakistan has shared its fiscal year 2020 budget with the IMF, and the government is awaiting the lender's feedback. She stated that the budget is generally in compliance with IMF recommendations. According to figures seen by The Express Tribune, the IMF might demand that Pakistan significantly raise its revenue projections and cut back on some expenses. The proposed primary budget surplus is insufficient to meet IMF standards. Members of the committee voiced dissatisfaction with the government's choice to share budget figures with the IMF but withhold them from lawmakers. The PM's decision to create eight different budget committees prevented the budget strategy paper for the fiscal year 2023-2024 from being finished in time for the meeting, according to Dr Pasha. The Public Finance Management Act mandates that the Ministry of Finance prepare and release the budget strategy paper by April 15th, as stated by Nafisha Shah of the Pakistan People's Party (PPP). Pervaiz suggested taking action in response to the finance ministry's violation of the Act of Parliament. Concerns regarding import limitations and rumours of unlawful methods being utilised to import products with postponed payments were also addressed by the committee. Dr Inayat Hussain, the deputy governor of the SBP, acknowledged that they are looking into the specifics of these imports and would take enforcement and remedial action as needed, The Express Tribune reported. (ANI) United Nations General Assembly President Csaba Korosi on Saturday expressed grief over the loss of lives in the train accident in Odisha. Taking to his official Twitter handle, Korosi stated that his thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. Csaba Korosi tweeted, "I'm deeply saddened to hear the news of the train crash in Odisha, India. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families and with the emergency services. Heartfelt condolences to the people and the Government of India." Odisha Chief Secretary Pradeep Jena on Saturday said that the death toll in the train crash that took occurred on Friday has risen to 238. Speaking to ANI, Jena said, "The bogies are severely damaged and they have been compressed from various sides. That's why it is taking time in cutting the bogies. We discussed that we have to do it very professionally. We can't just cut them using cranes. Therefore, we have brought plasma cutters, gas cutters and hydraulic clips. Hopefully, in 2-3 hours, they will be able to get inside the bogie". "Some conflicting figures are coming. Our district magistrate and senior officers are busy coordinating hospitals and other things. Maybe in half an hour, I would be able to give a little closer figure. The last figure the DM confirmed to me was 238. Some media channels are saying the number is 270, 288 and 300 plus. But we can confirm. About 900 people are injured and they are getting necessary treatment," the Chief Secretary said. Pradeep Jena also appreciated the voluntary support being given by the people. He said, "The people are coming voluntarily to donate blood. I am getting requests from many places so it is a good sign. Since the accident now, the local people have been providing a lot of assistance to our rescue professionals." The number of casualties in the three-way train accident on Friday involving the Bengaluru-Howrah superfast Express, the Coromandel Express and the goods train on three separate tracks at Bahanaga Bazar Station in Balasore district has reached 238, the preliminary report on the train accident said. Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw reached the spot and supervised the rescue operation. He said, "A detailed high-level inquiry will be conducted and the rail safety commissioner will also do an independent inquiry." Vaishnaw further said, "Our focus is on rescue and relief operations. Restoration will begin after clearance from the district administration." (ANI) Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' on Saturday departed for New Delhi after visiting Madhya Pradesh's Indore. He will be leaving for Kathmandu at 4:20 pm. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan bid him farewell at the airport. In the visuals captured by ANI, the two leaders were seen talking at the airport before Dahal departed from Indore. Shivraj Singh Chouhan presented a shawl, and bouquet of flowers to the Nepal PM. In a tweet, Nepal PM Prachanda spoke about his visit to the waste management centre in Indore, the special economic zone and the Mahakaleshwar Temple. Nepal Prime Minister's Office in a tweet stated, "We had the opportunity to visit the waste management centre in Indore, the special economic zone and the famous city of Ujjain, the Mahakaleshwar Temple, which has been identified as the cleanest city in India. I express my gratitude to the Governor and Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh for their warm welcome and cordial hospitality." Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal on Friday, along with his cabinet visited Indore's municipal corporations' solid waste management plant and also saw Asia's largest bio-CNG plant. Prachanda, who arrived in India on Wednesday, was briefed about the collection of garbage from homes for this entire plant. Nepal PM stayed for 1 hour and also invited the Indore Municipal Corporation team to visit his country in this regard. He also offered his prayers at the Mahakaleshwar temple in Ujjain. Nepal PM on Friday arrived in Madhya Pradesh on a two-day visit to the state. Dahal was received at the Indore Airport by Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. Dahal, who assumed office in December last year is on an official visit to India from May 31-June 3. This is his fourth visit to India. On Thursday, he participated in the India-Nepal Business Summit that concluded successfully, marking a significant milestone in strengthening economic cooperation and deepening bilateral relations between the two neighbouring nations, informed the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) through an official release on Thursday. Nepal's Prime Minister also called on President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday. During his bilateral engagement with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday and various MoUs were signed between India and Nepal. (ANI) The Ministry of External Affairs, the European Union Delegation to India and the Asian Confluence jointly organized the India-EU Connectivity Conference in Meghalaya on June 1-2 to explore investments in northeastern states. Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma and Minister of State for External Affairs (MoS) Rajkumar Ranjan Singh on Thursday inaugurated the conference, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a press release. The objective of the conference was to explore connectivity investments and to identify concrete projects in northeastern states of India and with India's neighbours - Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh for implementation under the India-EU Connectivity Partnership, which was launched during the India-EU leaders meeting held in May 2021. In his address, Rajkumar Ranjan Singh stressed the importance placed by the Indian government on connectivity initiatives, both within the country and as part of India's Development Partnership abroad. He highlighted the opportunities for India-EU Triangular Development Cooperation in South Asia and the Indo-Pacific. On June 2, Rajkumar Ranjan Singh tweeted, "Participated in the inaugural of the India EU Connectivity Conference along with CM of Meghalaya @SangmaConrad. Highlighted the tremendous opportunities for India-EU Triangular Development Cooperation in South Asia & the Indo-Pacific in this regard." Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma in his address stressed the importance of interstate and cross-border connectivity for the North East region as a whole and for Meghalaya in particular. He referred to India's 'Act East' Policy, within which Meghalaya has an 'Act South' Policy focussing on the need to improve connectivity between Meghalaya and Bangladesh, according to an MEA press release. Sangma suggested a 'Zonal Approach' to connectivity, involving neighbouring states catering to each state's needs. Technical sessions on the themes; Digital Connectivity, Energy Connectivity, Transport Connectivity and Connectivity and Beyond focusing on projects linking the Northeast with India's neighbourhood, as part of the 'Act East' and 'Neighbourhood First' policies were held on the second day of the conference. According to the MEA press release, sessions witnessed participation from senior officials of the Government of India, the EU Commission, governments of northeastern states, the North Eastern Council, stakeholders from Nepal, Bangladesh and executives from the private sector with a presence in the region. The MEA in the press release said, "Deliberations in the panel on 'Connectivity & Beyond' focused on the hurdles and bottlenecks faced by these projects, and on ways to ameliorate their impacts." The panel on 'Digital Connectivity' focused on improving the network penetration in the region by deploying infrastructure and simultaneously building the capacity of the various stakeholders to ensure meaningful connectivity. During the conference, developing localized off-grid solutions through community participation was stressed as the way forward to promote 'Energy Connectivity' in the region. Experts deliberating on 'Transport Connectivity' lauded the several ongoing transformative infrastructure developments in road, rail and waterway connections in the region. They also suggested that there was a need for more. Deliberations also focussed on identifying the right projects to source external funding. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in the press release said, "Going forward, a study on the existing EU Member States driven projects would be brought out by the Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS). MEA, the EU Delegation and other stakeholders such as RIS would identify suitable projects for joint implementation under the framework of the India-EU Connectivity Partnership." The MEA further said, "It will be recollected that the first-ever India-EU Trade and Technology Council Ministerial meeting held in Brussels on 16 May 2023 had prioritised - Connectivity Partnership - as one of the important focus areas of cooperation between India and the EU." (ANI) Photo: The Canadian Press Firefighters' helmets and water bottles rest against the windshield of a truck at a command centre within the evacuated zone of the wildfire burning in Tantallon, N.S., outside of Halifax on Wednesday. UPDATE: 1:40 p.m. Heavy rain and some military reinforcements arrived to assist efforts on Saturday to quell the wildfires that have destroyed homes and caused the evacuation of thousands of people across Nova Scotia. A major Halifax-area wildfire that has destroyed 150 homes was 85 per cent contained and no longer spreading, officials said Saturday. The news was also good across the province, where Premier tim Houston said the total number of active wildfires declined from 10 in the morning to five by mid-afternoon. "If you step outside you will see something beautiful: rain, and hopefully lots of it," he told an afternoon briefing. The only fire that remains out of control is one in Shelburne County in the southwestern corner of the province the largest in Nova Scotia's history which remains "scary," Houston said. Meanwhile, at the provincial wildfire centre in Shubenacadie, north of Halifax, about 20 Canadian Armed Forces soldiers stood in the pouring rain outside a light armoured vehicle, or LAV. Lt.-Col. Michael Blanchette said the initial contingent from CFB Gagetown in New Brunswick had arrived on a "fact-finding mission" to see what military support was needed in the effort to combat the fires. He said the armoured vehicle has a thermal sight system that might be able to detect hidden hot spots, especially at night, while soldiers can provide "low-level firefighting capability" such as stamping out smaller hot spots after firefighters have gone through. Blanchette said military members in Atlantic Canada are used to being called in for floods and winter storms, but he's never before responded to a wildfire. "This is the first time for us," he said. David Steeves, a technician of forest resources with Nova Scotia's Department of Natural Resources and Renewables, told reporters Saturday morning the Halifax-area fire was sitting at 9.5 square kilometres and is unlikely to grow due to a combination of firefighting efforts and long-awaited rain. "We are moving from a state of out of control to a state of being held," he said. "And basically what that means is that, with the current resources that we have on site and with the suppression efforts that have taken place, the fire is not likely to spread." Steeves said a number of areas of concern remain and crews continue to closely monitor hot spots around the fire's perimeter. He warned the blaze was far from out and embers could still hide deep in places where the rain doesn't penetrate, causing a risk of reignition. "We could be here for weeks, we could be here for a couple of months before the incident commander is comfortable in saying this fire is out," he said. The wildfire that broke out Sunday in the Halifax area raced through a number of subdivisions, consuming about 200 structures including 151 homes and forcing the evacuation of more than 16,000 people. Environment Canada Meteorologist Bob Robichaud said between 25 and 50 millimetres of rain had fallen in parts of the province on Saturday, adding temperatures had also cooled. He said air quality across most of the affected areas had also greatly improved. Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency Deputy Fire Chief Dave Meldrum said Saturday morning that the rain has brought relief, but also raises the risk that firefighters could be hurt from slips or falls and makes for difficult working conditions. "Theyre going to be very very dirty, theyre going to be wet, theyre going to be cold," he said of the firefighters. "So we welcome this rain but its going to be a tough working day." He said there were two reported injuries related to heat stress so far, and one firefighter bumped their head while moving equipment, but nobody has been seriously hurt. While he'd said it was unclear when the thousands of evacuated residents would be allowed to go home, at around 4 p.m., an evacuation order was lifted for some Halifax-area residents living on parts of Lucasville Rd, as well as parts of the St. George's Blvd and the Stillwell Lake area. In Shelburne County, meanwhile, 6,700 people about half the municipality's population remained out of their homes as the blaze that forced their evacuation continued to burn out of control The Barrington Lake wildfire, which started Saturday, reached 230 square kilometres the largest recorded wildfire in the province's history. It has consumed at least 50 homes and cottages. Dave Rockwood, a spokesman for the Department of Natural Resources, said there was "cautious optimism" that there would be no further growth and that firefighters could use more direct tactics to contain it. Two other fires considered out of control as of Saturday morning were classified as "held" later in the day, he said. Houston confirmed that schools in Shelburne County would be closed Monday and Tuesday. A contingent of 17 firefighters from the northeastern United States were expected to arrive at the wildfire centre later Saturday, before being deployed to help the fire-fighting efforts. ORIGINAL: 6:25 a.m. Officials in Nova Scotia say the Halifax-area wildfire that forced thousands of residents from their homes over the past week is now considered held. David Steeves, a technician of forest resources with Nova Scotia's Department of Natural Resources and Renewables, says the fire is about 85 per cent contained, sits at 9.5 square kilometres and is unlikely to grow due to a combination of firefighting efforts and long-awaited rain. But he says a number of areas of concern remain and crews continue to closely monitor hot spots and the fire's perimeter. The blaze that broke out Sunday in the Halifax area raced through a number of subdivisions, consuming about 200 structures -- including 151 homes -- and forcing the evacuation of more than 16,000 people. Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency Deputy Fire Chief Dave Meldrum says rain has brought relief today, but notes it also raises the risk that firefighters could be hurt from slips or falls and makes for a tough working day. He says there were two reported injuries related to heat stress so far, and one firefighter bumped their head while moving equipment. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will hold a meeting with his US counterpart Lloyd Austin and German Federal Minister of Defence Boris Pistorius next week, according to the Ministry of Defence press release. Rajnath Singh will hold a meeting with US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin on June 5. He will arrive on an official visit to India starting June 4. On June 6, Rajnath Singh will hold talks with German Federal Minister of Defence Boris Pistorius, who is visiting India for a four-day visit. The issues of bilateral defence cooperation, with a focus on industrial cooperation, are likely to be discussed during the two meetings, added the release. Boris Pistorius will be on a four-day visit to India starting from June 5. He will arrive from Indonesia. Apart from his meeting with Rajnath Singh, Pistorius is likely to meet a few defence start-ups during an event organised by Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) in New Delhi. On June 7, German Federal Minister of Defence Boris Pistorius will visit Mumbai where he is likely to visit Headquarters, Western Naval Command and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, according to a Ministry of Defence press release. Lloyd Austin will arrive in India from Singapore on June 4 for a two-day visit. It will be the US Secretary of Defence's second visit to India. Previously, Austin visited India in March 2021, according to the Ministry of Defence press release. US Defence Secretary will travel to New Delhi on an official visit to India as part of his four-nation tour. The visit holds particular significance considering Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming state visit to the US in June. Lloyd Austin first travelled to Japan where he held a meeting with Japanese counterpart Yasukazu Hamada in Tokyo. Later, from Japan, he travelled to Singapore, where he made remarks at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) 20th Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore. During his stay in Singapore, he will also hold key bilateral meetings to advance US partnerships across the region. Following his visit to Singapore, Austin will travel to New Delhi, on the third leg of his tour. US Department of Defence in an official release said, "After Singapore, Secretary Austin will visit New Delhi to meet with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and other leaders as the United States and India continue to modernize the US-India Major Defence Partnership." "This visit provides an opportunity to accelerate new defence innovation and industrial cooperation initiatives and drive ongoing efforts to expand operational cooperation between the US and Indian militaries," the release further said. While speaking ahead of his four-nation tour, Lloyd Austin said, "I look forward to travelling to Japan, Singapore, India and France next week. We've made ground-breaking progress over the past year alongside our allies and partners towards advancing our shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific." (ANI) The US Special envoy raised her concerns on Friday at the Human Rights Council meeting, and said that there is urgent need for girls' education in Afghanistan. Amiri said, "Every single girl deserves to access quality education," according to Khaama Press. Due to the Taliban's oppressive attitudes towards women and girls, secondary institutions and universities in Afghanistan that accepted female students were forced to close. Afghan women are not allowed to work for UN agencies or international assistance groups as part of the most recent wave of restrictions, which sparked global outcry. Since the Taliban seized control once again in August 2021, the group has consistently placed restrictions on women and girls, preventing them from participating in public life, employment, or education, Khaama Press reported. Taliban leaders have not only disregarded international calls for women and girls to be given access to education and employment. Apparently, they have also issued warnings to other nations not to meddle in Afghanistan's domestic affairs. (ANI) The crew, consisting of nine Indian sailors were released on May 31 and was received by Ambassador to Tunisia Ngulkham Jathom Gangte when they reached Tripoli. They have been accommodated in a hotel there till their exit visa formalities are completed. Of these nine Indians, five are from Uttar Pradesh, and one each from Rajasthan, West Bengal, Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat. Earlier, on February 15, 2023, the group of 9 Indian nationals conveying that Merchant Vessel M.T. Maya 1, on which they were working, approached the Indian embassy in Tunisia. The Indian nationals informed that their MT Maya 1 broke down near the coast of Libya and they have been taken into captivity by a local militia. MT Maya 1 is owned by a Greek company and carried the flag of Cameroon. It was sailing from Malta to Tripoli carrying oil products. Ministry and Mission kept the family members of the Indian nationals posted regularly regarding the developments in the case. (ANI) In his address at the Shangri-La Security Summit in Singapore, US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin warned that the conflict in Taiwan Strait would be a devastating one, criticising China for its actions in the region. "Our policy is constant and firm. It has held true across U.S. administrations. And we will continue to categorically oppose unilateral changes to the status quo from either side. I'd also highlight that conflict is neither imminent or inevitable. Deterrence is strong today--and it's our job to keep it that way," Austin said at the Shangri-La Security Summit in Singapore on Saturday. "You know, the whole world has a stake in maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait--the whole world. The security of commercial shipping lanes and global supply chains depends on it. And so does freedom of navigation world-wide. But make no mistake: conflict in the Taiwan Strait would be devastating," he said in his remarks 'A Shared Vision for the Indo-Pacific' in Singapore. Despite never having governed Taiwan, China's governing Communist Party claims it as part of its territory, and its increasingly frequent military exercises near and surrounding the island have aroused fears about how far it may go to realise that claim. "The US is sincerely committed to maintaining the status quo in the strait, in accordance with our long-standing one-China policy and our well-established duties under the Taiwan Relations Act," Austin added. Saying that US President Joe Biden has always been clear on the issue of Taiwan Strait, and that US will continue to back the self-governing island, he added, "The United States does not seek a new Cold War. And competition must not spill over into conflict. And the region should never be split into hostile blocs." "Instead, we're working to strengthen the guardrails against conflict, and to redouble our diplomacy, and to bolster peace, and security, and stability in the region." Soon after Austin spoke, Chinese People's Liberation Army Lieutenant General Jing Jianfeng told China's state broadcaster CCTV that the US defence chief's remarks on Taiwan were "completely wrong," according to CNN. Jing accused the US of attempting to "consolidate hegemony and provoke confrontation," adding that the US's activities were threatening regional peace and stability. (ANI) The selling of groundwater and spring water in plastic bottles is the biggest scam on earth and China is performing the same tricks with Tibetans, according to Tibet Rights Collective. China is stealing Tibet's groundwater and selling it back to Tibetans, who previously got it for free. In one of the ads, a young Tibetan nomad woman was seen promoting a Chinese brand of bottled water that is actually sourced from Tibet. China has reduced the status of the once-proud and self-sustaining nomads of Tibet to beggars. China has forcefully removed from their traditional grazing lands to make way for so-called 'nature reserves' and now, the nomads are reliant on the Chinese government's meagre subsidies. Except for the tea, all of these were available for free to nomad yak herders. They would camp near rivers, lakes or other water sources to fetch their own water. Now they are reduced to buying water that Chinese entrepreneurs are bottling by tapping into Tibet's abundant groundwater and spring water, reported Tibet Rights Collective. Tibet Rights Collective is a Delhi-based advocacy and policy research group that aims to increase access to information about the politics, culture, traditions and language of Tibet by offering a strategic overview of the ground situation The ad's main intention is to sell bottled water to the Chinese saying that this is the cleanest water for them but it is not. Tibet's once-pristine rivers are no longer trustworthy. As the pollution from rampant Chinese mining ventures has rendered some sections of rivers dangerous, with yaks dying from tainted water. According to this article, China is the biggest plastic polluter on the planet--by some accounts responsible for a third of global plastic waste. Tibet's immense reserves of groundwater were never exploited until the Chinese invasion of Tibet. And not on any scale until 2006, with the arrival of the railway from Golmud to Lhasa. The railway link makes the export of Tibet's bottled water to Shanghai and Beijing economical--and highly lucrative trade. Starting out in 2006 with a few water bottlers on the plateau, the number of enterprises ballooned to almost 30 operators by 2014, encouraged by tax breaks and heavy subsidies from the State. In 2014, the regional government of Tibet signed contracts with 16 major companies to expand the water bottling industry, under an initiative called 'Sharing Tibet's Water with the World.' Facts and figures are hard to come by. In 2017, Xinhua News reported that 800,000 tonnes of water were bottled in Tibet, in an industry employing 20,000 workers, with an income generation of USD 223 million. By 2025, the target is to produce 10 million tonnes of bottled water, an exponential increase. And an eco-disaster in the making for Tibet. There is absolutely no need to share Tibet's water with the world: all that is happening here is sharing China's plastic pollution with mass production of plastic in Tibet, Tibet Rights Collective reported. (ANI) Imran Khan's anti-army narrative has become his albatross. And his Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) party is disintegrating with the establishment, a euphemism for the powerful Army leadership, in overdrive to destroy the former prime minister's support base ahead of polls. The resignations--forced or otherwise-- of his hawkish confidantes like Shireen Mazari and Fawad Chaudhry have kindled the debate on the Minus Imran formula, Delhi-based senior journalist and commentator, Malladi Rama Rao writes. The Shehbaz Sharif government and the Army have mounted an orchestrated campaign to tarnish the image of Imran Khan. The result of this came out in the form of a flood of allegations of serious financial improprieties by him and also morally unacceptable habits in the Islamic nation. The Federal Health Minister has gone to the town accusing Imran Khan of consuming alcohol and drugs and said as a result of this habit he seems to have lost his 'mental balance'. The targeted tirade has clearly shaken the erstwhile playboy. He, however, continues to put on a brave face. He has slapped a defamation case against the Health Minister. And intensified his battle against the Army and the Nawaz- Zardari clique. But luck appears to be deserting him, Rao writes. In a way, Imran Khan has to blame himself for the turn of events. The Army had propelled him to political eminence but he tried to become their nemesis. He has alleged that some top Generals want him assassinated, but has tweaked his strategy of squarely blaming the Army for his ouster through a no-confidence vote in parliament in April 2022. His 'illegal' arrest was set aside by the higher judiciary but that does not preclude another chance of sending him to prison--this time for a period long enough to exclude his participation in the election process whenever it begins. As the sedate Karachi daily, Dawn, observed editorially, Imran finds himself 'losing a ruthless, one-sided war of attrition'. This is a familiar story for politicians of all hues in Pakistan ever since the country was carved out of British India in 1947 as a home for the Muslims. No political party or leader can afford to cross the red line and take on the country's all-powerful establishment. Ironically, Imran Khan is desperate to receive US support in his struggle against the powers that be at home. For weeks he went around accusing the US of hatching a conspiracy to throw him out of power because of his 'independent' policies and clubbed the US with India as countries wanting destruction of the Islamic nation. According to Malladi Rama Rao, the U-turn makes him look weak and vulnerable too. He has hired an expensive lobbyist in the US to get a 'good word' from influential American lawmakers. The Biden administration is in a fix. It can openly support Imran only if it wants a sudden setback to its efforts to renew ties with Islamabad- Rawalpindi. But Washington cannot come to the rescue of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) government either as it handles the maelstrom created by Imran Khan's populist politics backed by a majority of the population. The rich 'brotherly' friends in the Muslim world also face a dilemma. They cannot put all their eggs in one basket. Because all the combatants in Pakistan--the government, the Army, the judiciary-- are fellow Muslims. 'All-weather friend' China is also in a fix. It stands the risk of alienating a large section of Pakistanis if it sides with the ruling coalition, which has become quite unpopular. As it is, Pakistan has already created some problems by failing to curb anger towards China in the restive Balochistan province where many feel that the projects being executed under the multi-billion CPEC (China-Pakistan Economic Corridor) are not going to help them. On his part, Imran Khan is aware that he may be unable to participate in the elections. Mass desertions and incarceration of PTI leaders and workers will continue along with the trial of his party workers in military courts. Yet, he believes that his anti-American rhetoric coupled with a not-so-oblique praise of Islamic extremism will bail him out in any election. His calculations may be misplaced. First of all, the possibility of national polls taking place in October does not look certain, given the utterly chaotic conditions in a deeply divided and nearly bankrupt Pakistan. A lot can change if the polls are delayed as is likely. To believe that Pakistan has institutions that can override the 'establishment', and combinations of the civilian rulers and the Army, to order elections when they are due, is no more than wishful thinking. Even if polls are held before the end of the year there is no guarantee that Imran Khan will win a massive mandate that he hopes for. The 'third umpire', supposedly 'neutral', is clearly poised to thwart Khan's dreams of returning to power. Because, the Army has suffered major blows to its popularity and even its credibility because of Khan's anti-army narratives, according to Michael Kugelman, director of the South Asia Institute at the Wilson Center, Journalist Rao opines. A wounded tiger is determined to settle scores with Imran. Realpolitik has already made Imran Khan climb down from his earlier position of no talks with the government to urgent calls for starting a dialogue. He received a snub from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. His tenure as prime minister exposed him as a poor administrator who pushed the country towards financial bankruptcy. He was selective in weeding out corruption as well. He could barely hide his contempt for democratic practices as he gunned for his political opponents with as much zeal as the present ruling dispensation shows towards him. The message is clear, writes Rao. Despite his popularity among the masses, Imran Khan is running out of friends, who can help him save his PTI from disintegration, and also win his battle against the Army. The writer, Malladi Rama Rao is a Delhi-based senior journalist and commentator. (ANI) President Droupadi Murmu left the national capital for a six-day visit to Suriname and Serbia on Saturday. This is her maiden visit to Suriname and also her first state visit since assuming office in July 2022. https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1665068962957365248 Earlier, on Friday, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Secretary (East), Saurabh Kumar, informed that President Murmu will travel to Suriname and Serbia from June 4 to 9. Briefing about the Suriname leg of President Murmu's visit, he said she will be in Suriname on a state visit from June 4-6, at the invitation of Suriname President Chandrikapersad Santokhi. "This will be her maiden visit to Suriname. Maiden state visit after she assumed the office of President. The visit assumes historical significance as the President will be the chief guest at the 150th-anniversary celebrations of the arrival of Indians in Suriname, which would be celebrated on June 5," the MEA Secretary (East) said during a special briefing on President's visit to Suriname and Serbia. The President is being accompanied by Union Minister of State in the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti and Member of Parliament, Shrimati Rama Devi as well as an official delegation. The President will hold official talks with Suriname President Santokhi. Saurabh Kumar, during the briefing, said the President "will participate in a number of activities to commemorate the arrival of Indians in Suriname and visit the sites associated with their history in that country. The President will also interact with the Indian community". "The last presidential visit from India to Suriname was in 2018. India, Suriname relations are warm and friendly and acquire special significance on account of the Indian diaspora, which is over 27 per cent of the Suriname population," the MEA Secretary (East) said. He said India, Suriname's "bilateral relations span sectors such as trade and commerce, development, partnership, capacity building, agriculture and people to people ties. Suriname has been supportive of India in the international fora". "The Indian diaspora in Suriname acts as a living bridge between the two countries. Despite the passage of time, the diaspora has preserved the customs and traditions it carried from India while adding local flavours," he added. "The Republic of Suriname's invitation to the President to be the chief guest shows the goodwill that prevails there for India as well as India's growing influence and stature on the global stage," he said. "The visit of the President also emphasizes the importance we attach to our relations with Suriname and to the Indian diaspora around the world. The visit will add a fresh momentum too and further strengthen India-Suriname bilateral ties," he added. In the next leg of her tour, Murmu will visit Serbia, which will start from June 7. She received an invitation from Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic. President Murmu's visit to Serbia comes at a time when tensions have been rising in the past week in Kosovo, which declared independence from Serbia in 2008. Several clashes are being reported with protesters over the installation of ethnically Albanian mayors in a disputed election. However, Ministry of External Affairs has said India does not recognise the declaration of independence of Kosovo, and that the situation in the country won't affect President Draupadi Murmu's visit to Serbia. Addressing a special briefing on the President's visit to Suriname and Serbia, MEA's Secretary West Sanjay Verma said, "Well, we are aware of the recent disturbances in Kosovo, which is at the extreme southern tip of Serbia. We have no reason at this point of time, as I say this, to be concerned that those incidents or have any consequence on the state visit of my president, nor have we been suggested otherwise by the hosts." "On the matter of Kosovo, our stance has been quite clear and consistent that we do not recognise the declaration of independence by Kosovo. We, however, also believe that any differences need to be resolved through dialogue," Verma added. He said he was hopeful that the disturbances in the country over the last few days are resolved peacefully through talks and that there is a de-escalation of the situation. Replying to a media query on whether the President's visit was planned before the political crisis, Verma said it was pre-planned. "For a matter of record, this has been a longstanding invitation. I won't remember exactly how long, but at least over a year, year and a half. I think because of the conflict in Ukraine, it was it had to be rescheduled. And now we think it's a conducive time for this visit to take place," Verma added. Serbia does not recognise the sovereignty of Kosovo and has the backing of China, Russia and five other EU nations, which also do not recognise the country. (ANI) Pakistan's anti-terrorism court has discharged Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Yasmin Rashid in the Jinnah House attack case and ordered his immediate release, Dawn reported. The ATC judge Abher Gul Khan issued the order to release her. The order said: "... perusal of record reveals that neither Dr Yasmin Rashid is nominated in the FIR nor involved through supplementary statement and she was summoned in the case on the disclosure of a co-accused which has no evidentiary value in the eye of the court." It added that no "incriminating material" was found against Rashid and ordered her release. On May 13, at midnight, the PTI's Punjab chapter president Yasmin Rashid was arrested, just hours after the Lahore High Court had ordered her release along with 17 other women workers of the party detained under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO), reported Dawn. In a midnight development, Dr Yasmin was 'arrested' again, this time in cases registered at three different police stations in Lahore. However, due to her medical condition, the police decided to keep her at Services Hospital, where she had been taken from Kot Lakhpat jail after the court ordered her release. On petitions challenging the detention of the PTI leaders and workers, Justice Safdar Saleem Shahid of the LHC had ordered the release of the 18 women detained under the MPO, if not required in any criminal case. Earlier, Shireen Mazari, the party's Senior Vice President was arrested by Islamabad Police from her residence in the federal capital during the wee hours, reported Geo News. Shireen Mazari's home was searched by the Islamabad police, according to officials. Following a string of arrests of senior PTI leaders, including Imran Khan, Senator Ejaz Chaudhry, Asad Umar, Fawad Chaudhry, Shah Mehmood Qureshi, and Ali Mohammad Khan, she was taken into custody, according to Geo News. Moreover, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf has called on the cadre to gather near Islamabad HC as Imran is to appear there. "Thousands of peaceful Pakistanis from across the country will gather at Srinagar Highway G-13 Islamabad this morning to express solidarity with Chairman Tehreek-e-Insaf Imran Khan. After appearing in the Islamabad High Court, Chairman Imran Khan will address this place," Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) tweeted. (ANI) Smoke billows behind buildings in Khartoum as fighting between Sudan's warring generals intensified Air raids, artillery fire and explosions rocked Sudan's capital Saturday, as fighting between warring generals entered its eighth week, and after volunteers had to bury 180 unidentified bodies. Witnesses told AFP of "bombs falling and civilians being injured" in southern Khartoum, while others in the city's north reported "artillery fire", days after a US- and Saudi-brokered ceasefire collapsed. Warplanes of the army led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan targeted positions of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of General Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, who responded with anti-aircraft fire, residents reported. Since the fighting between Sudan's warring generals erupted on April 15, volunteers have buried 102 unidentified bodies in the capital's Al-Shegilab cemetery and 78 more in cemeteries in Darfur, a Sudanese Red Crescent statement said. Both Burhan and his deputy-turned-rival Daglo have pledged repeatedly to protect civilians and secure humanitarian corridors. But civilians reported escalated fighting after the army quit ceasefire talks on Wednesday, including one army bombardment that a committee of human rights lawyers said killed 18 civilians in a Khartoum market. Both sides have accused the other of violating the ceasefire, as well as attacking civilians and infrastructure. Washington slapped sanctions on the warring parties Thursday, holding both responsible for provoking "appalling" bloodshed. - Not allowed in - In negotiations in Saudi Arabia last month, both parties had agreed to "enable responsible humanitarian actors, such as the Sudanese Red Crescent and/or the International Committee of the Red Cross to collect, register and bury the deceased". But volunteers have found it difficult to move through the streets to retrieve the dead "due to security constraints", the Red Crescent said. Aid corridors that had been promised as part of the truce never materialised, and relief agencies say they have managed to deliver only a fraction of needs, while civilians remain trapped. The mission of the security forces is "to protect - not endanger - their fellow citizens", a US embassy statement said Saturday. More than 700,000 people have fled Khartoum to other parts of Sudan that have been spared the fighting, in convoys of buses that regularly make their way out of the city. But on their return, bus drivers were shocked to find they "were not allowed into the capital", one told AFP on Saturday, with others confirming authorities had blocked access since Friday, ordering the drivers to turn around. On Friday the army announced it had brought in reinforcements from other parts of the country to participate in "operations in the Khartoum area". That sparked fears it was planning "a massive offensive", Sudan analyst Kholood Khair said. So far neither side has gained a decisive advantage. The regular army has air power and heavy weaponry, but analysts say the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitaries are more mobile and better suited to urban warfare. The RSF announced Saturday their political adviser Youssef Ezzat had met Kenyan President William Ruto in Nairobi, as part of his visits to several "friendly countries to explain the developing situation in Sudan". "We are ready to engage all the parties and offer any support towards a lasting solution," Ruto said on Twitter. - Blackout in Darfur - More than 1,800 people have been killed in the fighting, according to the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project. Entire districts of Khartoum no longer have running water, electricity is only available for a few hours a week and three quarters of hospitals in combat zones are not functioning. The situation is particularly dire in the western region of Darfur, which is home to around a quarter of Sudan's population and never recovered from a devastating two-decade war that left hundreds of thousands dead and more than two million displaced. The RSF is descended from the Janjaweed, a militia armed in 2003 to quash ethnic minority rebels in Darfur. Witnesses reported renewed clashes on Saturday in the North Darfur town of Kutum. Amid what activists have called a total communications "blackout" in huge swathes of the region, hundreds of civilians have been killed, villages and markets torched and aid facilities looted,prompting tens of thousands to seek refuge in neighbouring Chad. According to aid group Doctors Without Borders (MSF), those crossing the border report horrific scenes of "armed men shooting at people trying to flee, villages being looted and the wounded dying" without medical care. The UN says 1.2 million people have been displaced within Sudan and more than 425,000 have fled abroad -- more than 100,000 west to Chad and 170,000 north to Egypt. bur/srm/jsa 21-year-old man dead after Saturday shooting in Shively, police say A 21-year-old man is dead after suffering from a gunshot wound from a Saturday shooting in Shively. Around 2:30 p.m., officers from the Shively Police Department responded to the report of a shooting at a residence on the 2500 block of Ralph Avenue where they found a man who'd been shot, according to a release from department spokesperson Sgt. Jordan Brown. Off the beaten path: 5 hidden Kentucky gems for day trips from Louisville The man was pronounced dead at the scene, police said. A suspect was taken into custody on location soon after the shooting and was charged with murder, Brown said. The victim and suspect's names were not immediately available. Contact reporter Rae Johnson at RNJohnson@gannett.com. Follow them on Twitter at @RaeJ_33. This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Shively shooting leaves man dead Saturday, police say Photo: The Canadian Press Narwhals swim between sea ice floating in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago in this July 22, 2017, file photo. A marine conservation charity and Inuit hunters are praising cruise operators for agreeing to avoid a Nunavut waterway where thousands of narwhal migrate each summer. The Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators recently said its members' ships would not travel through Eclipse Sound this summer and instead go through the Pond Inlet strait. Oceans North and the Mittimatalik Hunters and Trappers Organization had requested the move as numbers of summering narwhal in the area off the northeastern coast of Baffin Island have decreased, which they say is due to increased shipping traffic. Narwhal continue to decline in our area and have not bounced back to historical numbers as we had hoped," David Qamaniq, chair of the hunters and trappers organization, said in a news release. "We thank the cruise ship operators for working with us this year to protect the animals that remain." Aerial surveys have shown a drop in the number of narwhal migrating to Eclipse Sound from Baffin Bay. Surveys conducted for Baffinland Iron Mines Corp, which operates the Mary River Mine, estimate numbers decreased from 5,019 in 2020, to 2,595 in 2021. The company said, however, its 2022 estimate shows an increase to 4,592. Fisheries and Oceans Canada estimated there were more than 12,000 narwhal in Eclipse Sound in 2016 and more than 20,000 in 2004. "This area historically is some of the most important narwhal habitat anywhere in the world," said Chris Debicki, Ocean North's vice president of policy development, noting Milne Inlet, a small arm of Eclipse Sound, is a critical calving area. "Displacing narwhal from that area not only moves narwhal out of their preferred habitat, but also potentially makes it much harder for harvesters to participate in narwhal hunts." Hunters from Mittimatalik, or Pond Inlet, rely on narwhal for food, livelihoods and culture. While cruise ships avoiding Eclipse Sound will make a difference, Debicki said, they make up just a fraction of ship traffic. The Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators said its ships accounted for 14 per cent of those travelling through the area last year with 15 ships making 26 trips. It said 14 of its members have planned 32 stops in Pond Inlet this summer. Oceans North said the majority of ships are travelling to and from the Mary River Mine, with 44 vessels making 76 trips in Eclipse Sound and adjacent fiords in 2022, or around 40 per cent of all ship traffic. A report from working groups from the North Atlantic Marine Mammal Commission and Canada/Greenland Joint Commission on Beluga and Narwhal published earlier this year concluded increased shipping traffic is "by far the most likely cause" of declining narwhal numbers in Eclipse Sound, particularly from the iron ore mine. Baffinland has criticized the report and said factors other than shipping may have led to the decrease. It said that includes changing ice conditions and predator-prey dynamics, which the report disputes. Baffinland spokesperson Peter Akman said the company welcomes the decision by the cruise operators association and "any measures that protect marine life and balance the needs of the local community as a whole." He noted Baffinland has several voluntary mitigation measures including the use of convoys, avoiding restricted areas, using a fixed shipping route and capping vessel speeds at nine knots. Akman added the company employs six full-time and four part-time Inuit shipping monitors in Pond Inlet. Last summer the company raised concerns about cruise ships travelling too fast in the area. Akman said it has continued to reach out to Oceans North, the Association of Arctic Expedition and Cruise Operators and cruise ships approved to travel through the community this summer to support its marine mitigation measures. Baffinland, which began operations in 2015, has a request with the Nunavut Impact Review Board to increase the amount of ore its allowed to ship from the mine to six million tonnes from 4.2 million tonnes, as it has been permitted annually since 2018, using up to 84 ore carriers. It is additionally asking to ship ore that was stranded at the Milne port last year, as well as any that could be left behind at the end of this year's shipping season. Oceans North and the Mittimatalik Hunters and Trappers Organization have called on the federal government to issue an interim order under the Canada Shipping Act to close the Eclipse Sound and adjacent fiord system this summer to all non-essential vessels and enforce a speed limit of nine knots. They said Transport Canada should also work with Baffinland to reduce shipping through Eclipse Sound and Milne Inlet. "We believe these to be the minimum steps needed toward reducing the risk of extirpation of the Eclipse Sound narwhal population," a March letter from the organizations states. Transport Canada did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Photo Illustration by Luis G. Rendon/The Daily Beast/Getty Youre probably getting the wrong idea about artificial intelligenceand its not your fault. The past few months have been filled with tales surrounding the supposed power and abilities of the technology, ranging from the sensational to the outright ludicrous. Its certainly not helped when AI experts and pioneers feed into this by signing open letters calling for a pause in AI research and warning of a looming extinction-level event. AI isnt all chatbots and image generators. Nor is it Skynet threatening to go live and destroy all of humanity. In fact, artificial intelligence isnt even all that intelligentand glossing over its history of hallucinating facts and making wrong decisions has allowed it to cause real harm to humans. While there are a lot of factors at play when it comes to these harms, the vast majority of it can be boiled down to the perennial problem of bias. AI bots like ChatGPT or even the algorithms used to recommend YouTube videos are all trained on massive amounts of data. This data comes from humansmany of whom unfortunately happen to be biased, racist, and sexist. The Race for the Perfect AI Chatbot Forgot About Women For example, if youre trying to build a bot that determines who should graduate from a university, you might upload demographic information for the type of people who have historically obtained degrees. However, if you did that, youd likely end up with mostly white menwhile rejecting large swaths of people of color due to the fact that minorities have historically been disproportionately rejected from universities. This isnt an exaggeration. Weve seen this play out again and again in different ways. Though the public discourse around AI has exploded in recent months, its really been impacting many facets of our lives for years. Before ChatGPT, AI programs were also being used to determine the livelihoods of the unemployed, whether or not you secure housing, and even the type of health care you receive. This context provides a realistic picture of what this technology can and cannot do. Without it, youre liable to fall for AI hype tooand that can actually be incredibly dangerous in itself. With hype comes misinformation and misleading claims about these bots. While there are a lot of different ways that this technology has embedded itself into our lives, here are six of some of the most consequential examples weve seen play out. Home Mortgages If you want to purchase a home, youre likely going to have to go through an algorithm. For example, your FICO credit score is the result of an algorithmic process that greatly determines whether or not you secure a loan of any shape or size. However, youre also likely going to go through an AI approval process. In 1995, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac introduced an automated underwriting software that promised to make the home loan approval or rejection process faster and more efficient by using AI to assess whether or not a potential borrower is likely to default on their loan. While these systems were promised to be color blind, the results were damning. A 2021 report by The Markup found mortgage lending algorithms in the U.S. were 80 percent more likely to reject Black applicants, 50 percent more likely to reject Asian and Pacific Islander applicants, 40 percent more likely to reject Latino applicants, and 70 percent more likely to reject Native American applicants compared to similar white applicants. Lawyer Apologizes for Bogus ChatGPT Court Citations These numbers spiked even higher in cities like Chicago, where Black applicants were 150 percent more likely to be rejected than their white counterparts; and in Waco, Texas, where Latino applicants were 200 percent more likely to be rejected. Jail and Prison Sentencing We think of judges and lawyers when it comes to doling out punishments or showing leniency in the court of law. In reality, a lot of that work is done with algorithms to determine a defendant's potential for recidivismor a tendency to re-offend as a criminal. In 2016, ProPublica discovered that one commonly used AI often helped judges dole out much harsher sentences for Black defendants at double the rate of white ones (45 percent vs 23 percent). Moreover, white defendants were found to be less at risk of reoffending than they actually wereresulting in a skewed recidivism rate. That same bot is still being used today for criminal risk assessment in states including New York, California, Florida, and Wisconsin. How Congress Fell for Sam Altmans AI Magic Tricks Job Hiring As if the job hunting process wasnt infuriating enough, you might have to deal with a racist HR bot reading your resume. Hiring bots come in a variety of different forms. HireVue, an employee hiring company used all over the country in companies such as Hilton and Unilever, offers software that analyzes the facial expressions and voices of the applicants. The AI then scores them, providing companies with an assessment of how they stack up against their current employees. There are also AI programs that run resume analysis to quickly screen your CV for appropriate keywords. This means you might even get rejected before a human HR person even glances at your cover letter. The result, like with so many other AI applications, is a disproportionate rejection of applicants of color when compared to similar white candidates. 60 Minutes Made a Shockingly Wrong Claim About a Google AI Medical Diagnosis and Treatment Hospital systems and doctors offices are no strangers to using automated systems in order to help assist the diagnostic process. In fact, places like the Mayo Clinic have used AI to help identify and diagnose things like heart issues for years. However, bias inevitably rears its ugly head when it comes to AI and medicine is no exception. A 2019 study published in Nature found that an algorithm used to manage health populations often resulted in Black patients receiving worse care than similar white patients. Less funding is invested in Black communities and patients with the same level of need as well. With the rise of ChatGPT and various health tech startups trying to create diagnostic chatbots (to varying degrees of cringiness), many experts are now concerned that these bias issues might be exacerbated by the harms weve seen arise from chatbots already. This also isnt helped by the medical communitys sordid history with scientific racism. This Bot Is the Most Dangerous Thing Metas Made Yet Recommendation Algorithms Perhaps the most visible example of how AI impacts your everyday life is the very same reason you probably stumbled upon this article in the first place: social media algorithms. While these AIs do things like show you your friends latest Instagram photo from their recent vacation in Italy, or your moms embarrassing Facebook status, they can also do things like elevate extremist content on YouTube or push a far-right agenda on Twitter. Historically, these algorithms have been gamed by bad actors in the past to push political narratives. We see this play out time and again on Facebook when massive troll farms based in places like Albania and Nigeria are used to push disinformation in an effort to sway elections. At its best, these algorithms can show you a fun new video to watch on YouTube or Netflix. At its worst, that video is trying to convince you that vaccines are dangerous and that the 2020 election was stolen. Thats the nature of AI, though. These are technologies that have great potential to help make decisions easier and more efficiently. However, when weaponized by bad actors, leveraged by greedy corporations, and lazily applied to historically racist and biased social systems like incarceration, it ultimately does much more harm than it does goodand you dont need an AI to be able to tell you that. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. Come August 2024, if the vision of Scholar Hotel Groups founder/CEO is fully realized, the iconic Nittany Lion Inn on Penn States campus will reopen as the nicest university hotel in the country. Gary Brandeis, a 1988 Penn State grad, has big plans for both the 92-year-old Georgian-style hotel and the 29-year-old Penn Stater Hotel & Conference Center, after his company finalized a deal with the university in March to acquire the two properties under a long-term ground lease. Terms were confidential. Brandeis intends to pour more than $10 million into renovating the historic Nittany Lion Inn (200 W. Park Ave.), which has hosted famous guests such as former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, poet Robert Frost and musician Louis Armstrong. He wants to maintain the history and integrity of the building his company is further incentivized by federal and state historic tax credits while at the same time completely modernizing the interior to reflect a five-star hotel, one that can become a wedding destination while still boasting accessible spaces for students and locals. I feel the weight of the university, I feel the weight of every alumni, and I feel the weight of everyone who lives in State College on my shoulders, making sure we do the right things and well do them, Brandeis told the CDT on a recent afternoon in downtown State College. The university is very important to me as an alum. I spend a lot of time here, and its important we feel that pressure, in a good way, to make sure we deliver an amazing asset while protecting its history and integrity. Vision for an iconic asset Brandeis face should be a familiar one around State College. His company opened the 165-room Hyatt Place State College, the anchor of Fraser Centre, in March 2017. He also took over the historic Glennland Building and took care to honor its history while opening the 72-room Scholar Hotel State College in January 2021. And, last year, he added two more local hotels to his portfolio, in the Residence Inn by Marriott State College (1555 University Drive) and the Courtyard by Marriott State College (1730 University Drive). With the addition of the two longtime Penn State hotels, Scholar Hotel Group now has a half-dozen properties in Happy Valley. But Brandeis acknowledged the famed Nittany Lion Inn is unique. As a Penn State grad and someone whos in this community a lot, the Nittany Lion Inn is probably the second-most important building on campus besides Old Main, Brandeis said, referring to the administrative building that can trace its roots to 1867 but was rebuilt in 1930. Its such an important property. Its such an iconic asset ... so were taking a lot of care in the design and redevelopment and the rebirth of this building as a hotel. At this early point, Brandeis does not yet have interior renderings or detailed plans of the future Nittany Lion Inn. However, he has hired award-winning hospitality design studio KKAD, whose work has been featured in various trade publications, and he hopes to share some early renderings with the public as soon as the end of summer. But that doesnt mean Brandeis doesnt have an early vision. This month, exterior work should begin by replacing the roof and windows, in addition to painting the Nittany Lion Inn. The interior will also soon be redeveloped, with virtually everything taken out, from the bathroom tiles and sinks to the vinyl wall coverings to the carpets. Even the commercial kitchen will see significant upgrades. Penn Stater renovations also ahead Before the anticipated August 2024 opening, Brandeis would like to see three or maybe even four new food and beverage outlets inside the Nittany Lion Inn: a 12-hour-a-day cafe, where students might stop by and study; a redeveloped bar with a new name (no more Whiskers); and a dining room. The patio will also be open. And, once the Nittany Lion Inn reopens, thats when a top-to-bottom renovation will start at the 300-room Penn Stater, which is about 3 miles away. The Penn Stater will remain open during renovations, which will be done in phases. One of the things we promised the university was we would not take rooms out of service at the Penn Stater until the rooms at the Nittany Lion Inn came back into the market, Brandeis added. That makes sense for us from a business perspective, but the university wants to have those rooms available for not only their use but the communitys use. The roots of the deal between Penn State and Scholar Hotel Group began to take shape around 2017, when the university implemented a task force designed to help find new sources of revenue. By 2021, a consultant was hired to begin exploring options involving a potential sale of University Parks on-campus hotels and Scholar Hotel Group then responded to the universitys public request for offers. By June 2022, Penn State publicly named Scholar Hotel Group as its preferred partner. And, in March 2023, a deal was finalized. The university will continue to own the land that the hotels sit on, but the buildings would be owned by Scholar with a long-term ground lease, Sara Thorndike, senior vice president for finance and business, explained last year. Eventually, at the end of the long-term ground lease, the buildings would come back to be owned by the university to reevaluate operations. It is not known how long the ground lease might be they typically range between 50 and 99 years and its also not known how much Penn State received for the sale. A university spokesperson declined to release either figure, and Brandeis would only say the lease is going to outlive me by a mile. Brandeis smiled when asked if he knew the target price yet for a room at the future Nittany Lion Inn. He declined to offer a figure, though he acknowledged it would be priced higher than Scholars other hotels. When were done, its going to be a five-star experience in the guest rooms, in the food and beverage outlets, from the ball room to the conferences and meetings, and social events, he added. ... Its going to be an amazing asset. 8-month pregnant driver who saved students from a burning school bus said her 'mommy instincts kicked in really fast' A screenshot of footage from NBC affiliate TMJ4 News showing a school bus in flames on a road in Milwaukee. Screenshot via TMJ4 News On Wednesday, NBC Milwaukee affiliate TMJ4 News published footage showing a school bus in flames. Imunek Williams told TMJ4 News she was the driver and sprang into action when she saw smoke. Williams evacuated all 30+ students the bus in time, the local outlet reported. A fire broke out on a school bus carrying more than 30 students in Milwaukee this week, prompting the driver to spring into action to save everyone on board, NBC affiliate TMJ4 News reported. The local outlet published footage showing the school bus in flames on Wednesday. The incident happened at approximately 7:50 a.m. near 18th Street and West Highland Avenue, according to TMJ4 News' Julia Marshall. Imunek Williams later told TMJ4 News' Mary Jo Ola that she was the driver of the vehicle, which was headed to the Milwaukee Academy of Science. Williams, who is eight months pregnant, told the outlet the bus was blocks away from the school when she noticed a strange smell and smoke. She told TMJ4 News that she initially attempted to call dispatch through her radio, but smoke was hitting her in the face and eyes making it difficult for her to talk. "I couldn't barely get what I was trying to say out because of the smoke," she said. Instead, Williams said she left the radio and decided she needed to get the kids off the bus, according to TMJ4 News. "I think that's when it was like my mommy instincts kicked in really fast and I was just like, 'OK, come on, mom, let's do it, let's get off the bus," she told TMJ4 News. Williams told the outlet she felt like it was her "job to stay calm" in the moment, and that she double-checked the vehicle after evacuating the students to ensure everyone was out. "I was the last person off," she said of the bus, adding that when she turned around she saw flames. "I wanted to make sure that I was safe, baby was safe, and you know if it was my kid on the bus I would've wanted one of the bus drivers to act the same way that I did," she said. The NBC affiliate reported that Williams was taken to the hospital as a precaution after inhaling smoke but was "doing fine." No one else was reported injured, according to the outlet. Milwaukee Police was investigating the incident, which did not seem suspicious at the time, TMJ4 reported Wednesday. On Thursday, it was business as usual, as Williams told TMJ4 News she and the students could "come to school and come to work the next day." "Everyone's okay so that just makes me happy," she told the outlet. Milwaukee Police Department did not immediately answer Insider's call for comment. Williams did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment. Read the original article on Insider Adventure Landings Shipwreck Island Waterpark in Northeast Florida is hosting a Police, Fire & First Responder Appreciation Weekend on June 3rd & 4th. All police, fire and first responders receive a free waterpark admission to Shipwreck Island. First responders can enjoy a fun-filled day at the waterpark. President and Owner, Hank Woodburn decided to celebrate the first responders at the beginning of the summer season saying, This is a terrific occasion for the first responders who help the community and keep it safe year-round to enjoy a free and fun experience on us! We appreciate all of their hard work and effort. Shipwreck Island Waterpark will be open through September and season passes are on sale now. In addition, the park is also hiring for various different positions, both full-time and part-time, including lifeguards for the waterpark. Benefits include a discount on food, beverage and select merchandise, discounts on park attractions as well additional medical benefits for full-time employees. Anyone interested in applying should apply through the website at https://jacksonville-beach.adventurelanding.com/about-us/employment/ [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] Read: Jacksonville Humane Society challenges the community to provide unique names for kittens Read: Tree Canopy Enhancement Program returns homeowners in city limits invited to apply starting Thursday Read: Recall Alert: 15.3K childrens scooters recalled due to fall hazard [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. SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico A health care worker becomes the bridge between a father with dementia here in San Juan and his daughters on the U.S. mainland. A church starts a charity to coordinate emergency and long-term services for elders. A 74-year-old woman can only watch as her once bustling hometown, with one of the island's highest concentrations of older adults, starts to fade. Puerto Rico is aging faster than most places on earth. Exacerbating the pattern is the exodus of more than 700,000 working-age Puerto Ricans aged 20 to 64 in the last 15 years, according to Amilcar Matos-Moreno, a post-doctoral researcher at Pennsylvania State Universitys Population Research Institute. The U.S. territory is the first place, according to Matos-Moreno, that is experiencing such rapid aging of its population because of recent migration. Older adults who would traditionally rely on multigenerational family networks now find themselves alone with fewer or no close relatives and more dependent on caregivers and social service institutions. The biggest challenge is determining who navigates and coordinates essential services for aging Puerto Ricans when they can't advocate for themselves. Mayra Ortiz Tapia, a clinical gerontologist, believes that 95% of families in Puerto Rico are dealing with this right now. Close to 741,000 Puerto Ricans are 65 or older, according to U.S. census data. Thats roughly a quarter (22.7%) of the islands total population, making its share of older adults the 10th highest in the world, according to Matos-Moreno. Puerto Rican society didnt prepare itself to deal with such a significant increase in elders, and furthermore, for our elders to live longer, Carmen Sanchez Salgado, Puerto Ricos ombudsman for the elderly, said in Spanish. Our government doesnt have enough resources to meet their needs. Caretaking from abroad is 'difficult' Nearly half of adults over 65 on the island (48%) had at least one adult child living outside of Puerto Rico in 2007. That number is probably much higher now, Matos-Moreno said, after a cascade of turmoil, including a financial crisis, hurricanes, earthquakes, a political upheaval and the Covid-19 pandemic, has resulted in more island residents migrating to the mainland. The situation is compounded with an additional set of challenges stemming from lower birth rates and longer life expectancy, Sanchez Salgado said. Being the caretaker of your parent while living abroad is difficult, Yarin Mera, 40, a product designer in San Francisco, said. Over a year ago, Meras 85-year-old father called her after getting disoriented while driving in San Juan. The alarming call sent Mera on a frantic internet search to see what she could do for her father from more than 3,000 miles away. Yarin Mera, her father Virgilio Mera and her sister Jacyline Mera in Augusta, Ga., in November 2019. (Courtesy Yarin Mera) The frustrating experience quickly made her realize she was facing a disjointed service landscape that was often tough to navigate as people are forced to toggle among government agencies, health insurance companies and private organizations, Mera said. Managing the pressure of ensuring that her father is well taken care of is very complicated, she said. Ortiz Tapia, the gerontologist, helped Mera sketch a short-term plan to tackle her fathers immediate needs. The first step was getting him to see a neurologist. Meras extended family on the island accompanied him to the initial appointment. Eventually, Mera and her older sister, who lives in Georgia, took turns traveling to the island for his follow-up doctors visits. It was evident he couldnt be on his own, Mera said. To bypass the long waiting lists for housekeeping and other at-home services, Mera started asking nurses at the cardiovascular hospital where her dad gets his check-ups if they knew of anyone available to help her father at home. She was able to get two part-time caregivers on a rotating basis five days a week. Meras father was recently diagnosed with early stages of Alzheimers disease, prompting the sisters to start creating a long-term plan. We know that, eventually, my dad is going to have to move to a nursing home, Mera said. But for now, were trying to take it month by month. Julia Canals Solis, 96, dances a bolero with her walker as others cheer her on at the Center for Activities and Multiple Uses for the Elderly of Toa Baja in Toa Baja, Puerto Rico, on May 26, 2023. (Erika P. Rodriguez for NBC News) Under the Puerto Rico Department of Family, there are 922 licensed nursing homes, according to Sanchez Salgado. Nursing homes cost an average of $1,500 a month, she said. Under the federal housing department, there are 165 independent living facilities in Puerto Rico, also known as egidas. There are not enough of these facilities to meet the demand, Sanchez Salgado said, adding theres no good data on at-home care services. But theres a great shortage of professionals. The shortages are evident in San Juan and other cities, which have the highest number of older adults, as job listings seeking caregivers for elders pile up. The same pattern is emerging in Hormigueros, Rincon and Guanica: three towns with the island's highest concentrations of older adults. 'They have to leave for a better life' Irma Martinez, 74, has lived in Guanica, on the southwest coast, her entire life. She has seen her hometown lose residents, describing it as "a semi-ghost town following multiple natural disasters, including a string of devastating earthquakes in early 2020. I almost never see a soul wandering around after 2 p.m., she said. But almost all of us are elders here, and we like to stay in early. Residents like Martinez must travel to other towns to run errands like going to the bank, seeing the doctor or even shopping for clothes. Her 67-year-old husband drives 27 miles to nearby San German every 21 days for Martinez to get treatment for her lung cancer. The situation of our people is sad, Martinez said. Irma Martinez and her husband Jose at home in Guanica, Puerto Rico. (Erika P. Rodriguez for NBC News) Hundreds of thousands of working-age Puerto Ricans have left the island seeking better paying jobs, more educational opportunities and a higher quality of life. Such migration has resulted in a reduction of support systems for older adults, Sanchez Salgado, said. A lot of young people who have worked very hard to study, whose parents have sacrificed so much for their education, many leave after graduating because wages here are not worth it, said Martinez, who has a son in Texas working in construction. Ellaine Laboy, 35, moved to the U.S. almost a decade ago after her husband, a mechanical engineer, got a job that paid way more than the $12 an hour he was making in Puerto Rico. Her mother, Carmen Feliciano, 71, said she and her husband, a recently retired public school teacher, are OK for now, living in their hometown, Yauco. Family photographs of the grandchildren of Irma Martinez Rodriguez, 74, and Jose Luis Leon Figueroa, 67, at their home in Guanica, Puerto Rico, on May 29, 2023. (Erika P. Rodriguez for NBC News) We miss them when theyre not here, but we understand they have to leave for a better life, Feliciano said in Spanish about her four children, who all live on the U.S. mainland. But thats not stopping Laboy, a health services coordinator in Texas, from starting to financially plan for her parents' anticipated elder care needs. As the youngest of the four children and the only daughter, she feels that the responsibility disproportionately falls on her shoulders. The pressure became more top-of-mind for Laboy after her father fell in the shower recently and her mother was unable to drive him to a hospital. The mother called Laboys aunt, who then advised her to call an ambulance. My mom told me what happened the next day, and Im over here telling her everything they need to make changes around the house to live better, Laboy said. "Sometimes I feel like theyre too relaxed about it, while Im here worrying. The town hall building in the southern coastal town in Guanica, Puerto Rico, on May 29, 2023. (Erika P. Rodriguez for NBC News) Older adults who grew up in the countryside are used to living without everything they need, Laboy said about her parents, worried that they underplay their needs. Despite the distance, Laboy regularly calls her parents on FaceTime and tries to visit them once a year, in part, to have her 2-year-old son spend time with his grandparents. Redirecting services to changing needs Marya Rivera, the director of a municipal senior center in Toa Baja that's run with federal funds, has been scrambling to allocate resources to better serve an increased need for at-home care. About 60 senior citizens are participating in an in-person program Rivera runs at the Centro de Envejecientes (Center for the Elderly) that provides meals as well as educational, recreational and spiritual activities to residents aged 60 and older. The program is short of the 115 seniors it could serve because the health of our elderly people has deteriorated, Rivera said in Spanish. To be able to join the senior center, they have to be very independent and have some kind of mobility. In contrast, the wait for housekeeping and other at-home services for older adults is so long that Rivera and other directors running similar programs are forced to identify and serve only the neediest. Currently, Rivera has four housekeepers for 50 older adults in need of services. Olga Ayala, 91, left, Emely Santana, 71, center, and Hilda R. Daz, 87, play dominoes at the Center for Activities and Multiple Uses for the Elderly of Toa Baja in Toa Baja, Puerto Rico, on May 26, 2023. (Erika P. Rodriguez for NBC News) I am more interested in having an impact in the homes of those elderly people who cannot leave, who have no one to visit them or families to help them, Rivera said. She saw the benefits of serving people at home during the pandemic while running a home food service program for older people. The food program serves 245 seniors, despite having an authorized enrollment of 175, Rivera said. During the height of the pandemic, they delivered up to 450 lunches to older adults. While at-home services are reaching a new level of demand, face-to-face programs like the senior center in Toa Baja are also crucial to curbing social isolation and ensuring older adults enjoy a high quality of life by increasing their disability free life expectancy, Matos-Moreno said. It marks how many years they can live without any disability. Thats one of the markers of successful aging, he said. Julia Perez, 86, at the Center for Activities and Multiple Uses for the Elderly of Toa Baja in Toa Baja, Puerto Rico, on May 26, 2023. (Erika P. Rodriguez for NBC News) Felipe Deliz, 63, a retired security guard who has lived in Georgia for nearly 16 years, enrolled his 86-year-old mother, Julia Perez, at the Centro de Envejecientes over a month ago. As a widow, Perez said spending time at the center helps her cope with the solitude of living on her own. I have a lot of fun here, Perez said of the center, where enrollees can play billiards or dominoes, go to the mall and attend educational workshops about nutrition and managing medications, among other activities. For the Rev. Samuel Perez, a young Catholic priest in San Juan, elders needs were hard to ignore during the aftermath of Hurricane Maria prompting his church to start SFM Charities, a nonprofit focusing on helping older adults, in 2018. Even some elders who are somewhat independent need supervision because they can easily end up on a slippery slope toward living in inhumane conditions, Perez said in Spanish. The goal is to strike a balance between quickly coordinating to help older adults avoid the worst while also looking for the best alternative in the long term, the priest said. This was the approach he used to help Pablo Luna, 68, one of the more than 500 cases the nonprofit has managed since its start. Workers serve lunch at the Center for Activities and Multiple Uses for the Elderly of Toa Baja in Toa Baja, Puerto Rico, on May 26, 2023. (Erika P. Rodriguez for NBC News) Two years ago, the priest got a call from Pablos younger sister, Carmen Luna, who was living in Orlando. Florida. A court ordered Pablo to be discharged from a hospital after spending six months recovering from his second leg amputation. Carmen, 66, said hospital staff dropped her brother off at the same house where he had been found lying unconscious for an unknown period of time months before. The two-story wooden structure had no water or power. In a matter of hours, Perez and the staff at SFM Charities were able to place Pablo in an elderly group home in Bayamon. Once theyre out of danger, the recovery process starts, Perez, who used to work for the local school system in Orlando, said. Since then, Pablo has been living a stable life. Carmen recently paid him an impromptu visit with his favorite food: Burger King Whoppers and fries. He eats it with such enjoyment, Carmen said in Spanish. And it brings me joy because, at the end of the day, those are the moments we take with us. A man stands next to the monument that marks where the U.S. invaded Puerto Rico in 1898 at the Guanica Bay in Guanica on May 29, 2023. (Erika P. Rodriguez for NBC News) This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Alice Oseman The queen of YA fiction, Alice Oseman, has told the Hay Festival that the second TV series of Heartstopper will "be a little bit darker". The writer and illustrator behind the hit graphic novel series of the same name also said there would be more from the character Isaac in series two. "I'm really excited there's going to be asexual and aromantic representation with Isaac," Oseman said. The British writer, 28, identifies as aromantic and asexual herself. Aromantic is an umbrella term used by people who don't typically experience romantic attraction, while somebody who is asexual does not experience sexual attraction to anyone. Isaac (played by Tobie Donovan in the Netflix show) is a good friend of lead character Charlie (Joe Locke). He was a new character created for the TV series and did not appear in the books. Oseman took to the stage after long queues built up ahead of her event, with many teenagers grasping their books in the hope she would be able to sign them backstage. She was one of the most anticipated literary stars to grace Hay on Saturday, and was thrilled to learn there was even a Heartstopper ice cream on offer at the festival - strawberries and rhubarb, just so you know. "I still can't quite wrap my head around the journey and how much Heartstopper has blown up," Oseman told the crowd. "It's so surreal, especially the (TV) scenes that are word-for-word from the comics. Seeing my imagination come to life is mind-blowing. "I was very committed to prose writing... I thought this would be a one-year project!" We're now seven years in, with two new novels in the works and series two of the TV adaptation dropping on Netflix at the beginning of August. Oseman has adapted Heartstopper for the small screen herself and is also executive producer of the show, with the first series landing a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. "I just care about Heartstopper so much. It was my passion project when I started and it still is. It's so important to me that it never gets taken and twisted into something which I hate, which is always a danger when authors do book adaptations. "But I'm so lucky that I've been able to have so much control. Writing it, being on the set, being really involved in all the different aspects of the show," she said. The new series will follow the continuing romance between Charlie (Joe Locke) and Nick (Kit Connor) as they navigate exams, a school trip to Paris and a prom, while Elle (Yasmin Finney) and Tao (William Gao) work out if they can be more than just friends. "Season two's... aim was to capture the joy and the magic of season one while also feeling that the characters have grown up and matured a little bit, so we're exploring some things that are maybe a little bit darker than season one," Oseman explained. "The romances are getting a little bit more mature... it's like an elevation, I like to think, of season one." Oseman wrote her first book, Solitaire, when she was just 17 and it was published when she was 19. She said she didn't put her age on any of the emails she sent to prospective literary agents, although she said "a good agent would not see your age as being detrimental at all". She's certainly had her hands full since then, with the Heartstopper books, the accompanying web comics, other novels, and the TV series. Oseman had to take time out from updating the Heartstopper web comic last year due to "burnout and intense stress". Speaking at Hay, she told the audience that she is "a workaholic but I do try to make the effort to have downtime". She said she listens to audiobooks to relax but won't be dipping into fan fiction anytime soon. "All authors should stay away from fan fiction," she laughed. "It's dangerous waters." Her fandom is made up of not just teens but older adults, some of who are remembering past experiences, particularly those who grew up gay or had questioned their identity. One woman in the audience said she was at school in the days of Section 28 and didn't come out as gay until her late 20s because "I didn't know it was a thing". She thanked Oseman and said she wished her books had been there for her when she was growing up. "Obviously, the target audience for the books is teenagers but it has really found an amazing audience of older readers and that's been wonderful to see," Oseman said. "It just goes to show that everyone wants to read about queer joy for whatever reason." The Heartstopper books will come to an end at some point and Oseman told the audience she already knows what the ending will be and when it will happen ("roughly when Nick leaves to go to uni.") But we can't see her creative juices drying up anytime soon. "Writing and drawing are my passion and the reason I wake up every day. It's just something that I love and my stories keep me going. They feel like my reason to be." Photograph: Chris Seward/AP As North Carolinas 12-week abortion ban is due to come into effect on 1 July, an analysis from the non-profit Center for Political Accountability (CPA) shows several major corporations donated large sums to a Republican political organization which in turn funded groups working to elect anti-abortion state legislators. The Republican State Leadership Committee (RSLC) received donations of tens of thousands of dollars each from corporations including Comcast, Intuit, Wells Fargo, Amazon, Bank of America and Google last year, the CPAs analysis of IRS filings shows. The contributions were made in the months after Politico published a leaked supreme court decision indicating that the court would end the right to nationwide abortion access. Related: North Carolina bans abortion at 12 weeks, overriding Democratic governors veto Google contributed $45,000 to the RSLC after the leak of the draft decision, according to the CPAs review of the tax filings. Others contributed even more in the months after the leak, including Amazon ($50,000), Intuit ($100,000) and Comcast ($147,000). Google, Amazon, Comcast, Wells Fargo and Bank of America did not respond to requests for comment. An Intuit spokesperson pointed out that the company also donates to Democratic political organizations, and that our financial support does not indicate a full endorsement of every position taken by an individual policymaker or organization. Intuit is non-partisan and works with policymakers and leaders from both sides of the aisle to advocate for our customers, an Intuit spokesperson said in a statement. We believe engagement with policymakers is essential to a robust democracy and political giving is just one of the many ways Intuit engages on behalf of its customers, employees, and the communities it serves. A Bank of America spokesperson pointed to the companys policy that donations to so-called 527 organizations such as the RSLC come with the caveat that they only be used for operational and administrative purposes, not to support any candidates or ballot initiatives. The CPA, meanwhile, argues that since the RSLCs operations are explicitly designed to support candidates and ballot initiatives, such a policy is a distinction without a difference. Although these companies did not directly give these vast sums to North Carolinas anti-abortion lawmakers, the CPAs analysis is a case study in how corporate contributions to organizations such as the RSLC can end up being funneled into anti-abortion causes. When Republican state legislators successfully overturned a veto from the Democratic governor last month to pass the upcoming abortion ban, nine of lawmakers voting to overturn the veto had received campaign contributions from a group with links to the RSLC. The RSLC, which works to elect Republican lawmakers and promote rightwing policies at the state level, is at the top of a chain of spending and donations which eventually connected to rightwing candidates in North Carolina. This type of spending, which relies on channeling money through various third-party groups from larger organizations, is a common part of modern political campaign financing. Companies need to know where their money is ending up Bruce Freed of the Center for Political Accountability In this case, the RSLC gave $5m to the Good Government Coalition political organization between June and November last year, which in turn gave $6.45m to the rightwing political group Citizens for a Better North Carolina. Finally, that organization gave $1m in independent expenditures to support nine anti-abortion state lawmakers who later voted to overturn the governors veto of the abortion bill. These donations are evidence that corporations are proving to be complicit in the broader movement to limit abortion rights, the CPA non-profit argues, even as many of these companies publicly tout womens empowerment and employee access to healthcare. Companies need to know where their money is ending up, said Bruce Freed, the president of the CPA. This should be a lesson a lesson that they should have taken a while ago but that frankly is driven home right now with what has been happening in North Carolina. Several of the companies, including Intuit and Bank of America, made statements last year offering to cover healthcare costs for employees who needed to travel out of state for medical procedures, in some cases explicitly mentioning abortion as an example. Google sent an email to employees acknowledging that Roe v Wade had been overturned and informed them about options for relocating to Google offices in different states. Equity is extraordinarily important to us as a company, and we share concerns about the impact this ruling will have on peoples health, lives and careers, the email stated. The companies which donated to the RSLC are also large donors to Democratic political groups, and tech giants such as Google and Amazon tend to spend millions each year more broadly on lobbying efforts. The RSLC, whose board members include former lawmakers, governors and White House advisers such as Karl Rove, boasts on its website that it spent more than $45m on supporting Republican candidates during the 2021 and 2022 election cycle. In addition to North Carolinas abortion ban, South Carolina also passed a bill last week that would criminalize most abortions at six weeks into a pregnancy generally a period before people know they are pregnant. A state judge issued a temporary halt on the ban within hours of Governor Henry McMaster signing it into law, and it will now be reviewed by the state supreme court. North Carolinas 12-week abortion ban is scheduled to go into effect on 1 July, drastically curtailing abortion access as many other southern states have passed near total bans. MIHAI BARBU Blowback over accused sex criminal Andrew Tates interview with the BBC earlier this week continued, as the kickboxer-turned-influencer stomped his feet on social media over what he described as a sucker punch from the network, and advocates raged at his claim during the sitdown that one of his alleged victims is imaginary. The self-styled king of toxic masculinity, arrested in Romania last year on charges of rape and human trafficking, threw a Twitter tantrum on Saturdayinsisting the BBC had promised him softball treatment, then thrown him a curve ball. They then sat down, threw all of this away and attacked me instantly, an ambush, the internet celebrity wailed in an extended tweet, entering his third day of online whining. A hit job attempt. They attempted to sucker punch me. They failed. The BBC has been begging me for an interview, daily, since I left jail. They promised to discuss the problems with the Romanian justice system, the unfair detention of a man who hasnt been found guilty, the conditions inside of Romanian jail. They sent a list of questions in https://t.co/y2ufMvasqW Andrew Tate (@Cobratate) June 3, 2023 Tate, who has been caught on camera hitting women, wasnt the only unhappy one. The Sun reported that multiple leading activists for women and abuse victims were outraged at Tates insistence in the interview that the case against him is utterly fabricated and that one of his accusers is a media fiction. The activists also assailed Tates efforts to downplay the denigrating remarks about women in many of his internet posts. I am deeply concerned about the impact of this on victims more broadly who may feel that platforming an extreme misogynist accused of violent acts towards women is a slap in the face for them, Dr Charlotte Proudman, the director of womens organization Right to Equality, said in an interview. Deniz Ugur, Deputy Director of the End Violence Against Women Coalition, argued that Tates behavior is typical of abusers. The tactics we saw being used in this interview are nothing new and just the latest in a long line of men using their profile, status or power to dismiss victims and trivialize violence against women, The Sun quoted Ugur saying. That perpetrators continue to regurgitate tired victim-blaming tropesincluding discrediting survivors and those who support them demonstrates the pervasive harm gender inequality has on womens lives, and on our wider society. 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. Nearly nine months after missing out on the 1,500 metres world record by three-hundredths of a second, Kenyas Faith Kipyegon buried the ghost of past disappointments with an emphatic performance at Fridays Florence Diamond League meeting. In Monaco last year, double Olympic and world 1500m champion Kipyegon came agonisingly close to breaking Genzebe Dibabas mark of 3:50.07 set in 2015 as she crossed the line in 3:50.37. Kipyegons narrow miss left her dejected, with the 29-year-old telling Olympics.com, after the finish line, I thought I got the world record. Thats why I went down and slept a little bit, knowing that I got it. But later I saw the screen and it was really disappointing. However, on Friday, Kipyegon did not let up for a moment, doggedly continuing on long after she had left her rivals in the dust to cross the line in 3:49.11 - almost an entire second faster than Dibabas record. When I crossed the finish line, I knew I broke the world record because I had a good finish and felt very strong at the end. I knew everything was possible, Kipyegon said after her remarkable run on Friday. The Kenyan remained behind the pacemakers for the first half of the race before running clear in the final 300m to finish well ahead of Britains Laura Muir and Australian Jessica Hull. After 1,000, when the pacemaker went out, I just pushed myself towards the finish line. And that was what my manager told me anything is possible after the pacemaker, just run your race, Kipyegon said. The world record completes Kipyegons collection of achievements, adding to her two Olympic 1,500m golds and the 2017 and 2022 world titles, Commonwealth Games gold medal from 2014 and three Diamond League titles. This was really important because this was something I was still missing in my career, Kipyegon added. Getting this, it will really motivate me and I left the legacy for the next generation they can say she broke the world record, she was the Olympic and the world champion. It was amazing tonight. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Yeah, thatll end the chase, for sure. Arkansas State Police have a reputation for being quite aggressive in pursuits and this dashcam footage of a trooper flipping a fleeing GMC Sierra will only pour fuel on the fire. After all, troopers are quite aggressive as they keep on this pickup truck, bringing down all hell on it at the end of the chase. Watch Arkansas State Police absolutely wreck a fleeing deported felon here. While plenty of people are saying this is yet another example of how ASP is completely out of control, there is some important context to this chase. The whole thing started when a trooper tried pulling the Sierra over, but obviously the driver didnt comply. Running the plates, the trooper realized the driver was wanted for drug trafficking. That helps explain why the guy wasnt just going to pull over and take the ticket like a normal person. Also, the guy had fled from police two times before in the same month. As if that isnt enough, this same guy had a warrant for his arrest out of Texas. Apparently, ten days before he ran from police in Rockwell County. This guy was out of control, having put countless people in danger on multiple occasions already. That might have put ASP a bit on edge, which is like blowing in a Rottweilers ear. Three troopers try blocking the suspect in with their cars, slowing down the chase. Just as it looks like theyre going to bring the GMC to a halt, the suspect swerves onto the shoulder and punches it. You can see later in the video the lead troopers front guard on the passenger side is pretty mangled, plus the truck was damaged as he rammed past the cops. That only escalates the situation. After trying to lose ASP on the highway, the suspect gets off on surface streets and thats where things get truly crazy. Doubling back, he races through business parking lots, one of the troopers right on his tail, before rocketing down a two-lane road back toward the highway. The trooper thats on him starts pushing on the trucks rear bumper and its able to get the back tires to break free, sending the truck careening toward the sloped shoulder. The Sierra tips over and the troopers cruiser almost does as well, making for one of the best saves weve seen in a while. Its also one of the craziest dashcam videos weve seen recently. Thankfully, the maneuver worked and the chase ended without any innocent bystanders getting hurt. With how recklessly the suspect was driving, it easily couldve ended poorly. What do you think? Was the trooper justified in his actions, or was he dangerously out of control of the situation? What should ASP have done with this suspect? Check out the dashcam footage for yourself, its really something (warning: language). The post Arkansas Police Flip A Fleeing GMC Sierra appeared first on The Auto Wire. Former Chicago police Officer Jeffrey Kriv, shown at a court appearance in March, faces charges in connection with traffic tickets he has disputed. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune) Each time he stood before a Chicago traffic court judge and told his story, the judge asked his name. Jeffrey Kriv, hed say. That was true. Then hed raise his right hand and get sworn in. What came next was also consistent. Well, that morning, I broke up with my girlfriend and she stole my car, Kriv, who had been ticketed for running a red light, testified in January 2021. Yeah, I broke up with my girlfriend earlier that morning, had a knock-down, drag-out fight, verbally, of course. She took my car without my knowledge, he told a different judge when fighting a speeding ticket in August 2021. I broke up with my girlfriend that day and she took my car without my knowledge. I didnt get my car back for like three days. But it was her driving the car, he said while contesting a speeding ticket, once again under oath, in May 2022. The excuse worked, just as it had many times before. At the ticket hearings, Kriv often provided what he said were legitimate police incident reports as evidence of the car thefts; they had officer names and badge numbers, and he explained that he got the reports at police headquarters. But Kriv did not let on that he, himself, was a Chicago cop. As bold as he was when fighting his tickets, he was equally brazen in his professional life. He attracted a remarkable number of complaints from citizens he encountered and even from other officers. And just as he did in his personal life, he defended himself vigorously against the allegations. This investigation is a collaboration between ProPublica and the Chicago Tribune. Subscribe to the Chicago Tribune Kriv doesnt register as one of Chicagos most notorious corrupt cops those who tortured suspects for confessions or shook down drug dealers. But his on-duty conduct regularly flouted rules and disrupted lives. Once, he punched a handcuffed man in the back of his patrol car, records show. But given Chicagos long-standing and dramatic shortcomings in police discipline, none of his on-duty misconduct cost him his badge and gun. It took a tip to an outside agency and questions about Krivs testimony as a private citizen in traffic court to unravel his career. A spokesperson for the Chicago Police Department would not comment for this story or answer any questions. A lawyer for Kriv, informed of the reporting by the Tribune and ProPublica, said many of the facts you compose are incomplete or not true, though he did not say what was inaccurate. The lawyer, Tim Grace, said Kriv had received nearly 150 commendations and recognitions and had earned two awards for saving lives. Officer Kriv has served his city with honor for over 25-plus years, Grace said. Note: If you cant see the video above, click here. His troubles begin In 1996, Kriv was sworn in as a Chicago police officer. The first complaint about him came about eight months later, while Kriv was still a probationary hire. A man said Kriv broke his car window with a flashlight while directing traffic; Kriv was not disciplined in that incident. Supervisors reprimanded him a few months later, however, after Kriv failed to notice there was a marijuana cigarette on the back seat of his squad car. But there was more to come, records show: being rude, offensive or physically abusive; flipping someone off; and writing in a police report that one woman was white trash and a raving lunatic. He was held in contempt of court and arrested after he flung papers into the air and called the judges ruling a joke. He apologized in court the next day, and the contempt charge was vacated. An assistant deputy superintendent recommended against removing his police powers after the incident, records show. In another case, a different judge ordered him removed from a courtroom after he wouldnt stop talking. Most officers face only a handful of complaints over the course of their careers. But at least 92 misconduct complaints were filed against Kriv, according to city and police disciplinary records compiled and analyzed by the Tribune and ProPublica. Even more exceptional: About 28% of complaints against Kriv were found to have merit, compared with about 4% of complaints against all Chicago police officers going back decades. In 2005, after a city Streets and Sanitation Department employee towed his illegally parked personal car, Kriv sent a letter via the citys interoffice mail system threatening to ticket the cars of Streets and Sanitation workers in retaliation. He was suspended for 20 days. In 2006, he left the scene of a vehicle fire he had responded to, removed the numbers that identified his squad car and went into a strip club to visit a waitress, according to internal police investigation records. He was issued a 90-day suspension that was later knocked down to 45 days. In 2009, Kriv was accused of punching a woman whom hed arrested after seeing her arguing with her husband on the street. The woman was found not guilty at trial on charges of domestic battery and resisting arrest. I had to have surgery. I had to have plastic implanted under my eye because of this, said Jessie Wangeman, who lives in Indianapolis. My face is not symmetrical anymore. He really messed me up on the outside. And inside it was a really traumatic experience. Wangeman sued Kriv and the city of Chicago over the encounter; the city paid her $100,000 to settle in 2011. Wangeman declined to talk with investigators looking into Krivs alleged misconduct, and Kriv wasnt disciplined. Meanwhile, Krivs personal vehicles a BMW sedan and a Harley-Davidson motorcycle were ticketed 22 times between 2008 and 2013. He paid some of those tickets, records show. At a traffic court hearing in December 2013, Kriv used the girlfriend alibi for the first time, authorities now allege. May I ask you why youre contesting this ticket, Mr. Kriv? the judge asked. Yes, my ex-girlfriend, well, took my car two days prior after I broke up with her. I filed a police report that it was stolen and they recovered it approximately a week after the fact, he testified. Heres the police report that was done. I did have her arrested approximately three weeks ago and I got a court date coming up in January. The judge reviewed the report and dismissed the ticket. Multiple investigations Kriv was investigated at least 26 times over allegations of dishonesty as a police officer. That included accusations of falsifying records, writing unwarranted tickets, performing improper searches, making false arrests. One man accused Kriv of writing him false parking citations. A woman complained that Kriv issued her eight baseless citations in two weeks while her vehicle was parked in an assigned space on private property. And another man made two other complaints accusing Kriv of repeatedly writing tickets to him at his business as a way to harass him. Department investigators concluded that Kriv wrote unwarranted tickets to that man; investigations into the other allegations could not be pursued because the accusers did not sign formal complaints. As a cop, Krivs specialty was DUI enforcement. He made more DUI arrests in Chicago than any other officer in 2021, and he topped the list statewide the same year, according to one anti-drunken-driving group. But one woman sued him over her 2015 drunken driving arrest after she was acquitted at trial. The lawsuit alleged that Kriv falsely arrested her and made false statements against her. Kriv denied the allegations. He would lie under oath for a piece of bubble gum, the woman, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of retaliation from Kriv, told a reporter. The woman later dropped the lawsuit because she said Kriv was disparaging and intimidating her. Even outside of his job and his chutzpah in traffic court, Krivs history is notable. While Kriv was growing up in Highland Park, his father, an attorney, funded a messy fraud scheme, survived an assassination attempt meant to silence him about it, and was sent to federal prison for a second fraud racket that involved sending falsified accident claims through the mail, according to court records at the National Archives. Krivs father testified at trial in the first fraud case and did not face charges for his role in that scheme. Kriv then attended the University of Iowa for six years. A university spokesperson said he never graduated though he claimed that he had in an application for another city job in 2013. Krivs attorney did not respond to a question about his educational history. When Kriv was in his late 20s, the unemployment insurance division of the Illinois attorney generals office sued him to recoup about $3,800 in benefits for which the government claimed he wasnt eligible, records show. Details about what led to the attorney generals claim are missing from court files, and theres no public record of how it was resolved. Neither the Police Department nor the citys human resources division could locate Krivs initial application to the Police Department, so its unclear how much hiring officials knew about his background. Its also unclear whether the department knew how often Kriv was being ticketed for traffic violations nine times in 2014 alone, records show. He got all of those tickets dismissed, including a speeding ticket issued in the fall for going 21 miles an hour over the speed limit near a school. My ex-girlfriend stole my car, Kriv told the judge. There is this police report over here that was done and, a matter of fact, I had another ticket I contested last week another speed camera. They only charged her with trespassing because it was my girlfriend. She stole my key and racked up all these tickets here. The judge reviewed the report and dismissed the ticket. Other cops complain Krivs conduct as a cop stands out in yet another way: Even other cops complained about him. Internal affairs records show that a police lieutenant filed a complaint against Kriv in 2016 accusing Kriv of failing to arrest an off-duty sergeant who was involved in a crash, even though the sergeant was unsteady, was slurring his speech and had urinated in his pants wasted, according to a police report. Kriv was suspended for 15 days for violating five department rules in that incident. His police partner once reported that he made her get out of their squad car after an argument, forcing her to walk more than a half-mile back to their station. Investigators concluded there wasnt enough evidence in that case to discipline Kriv. In 2014, supervisors including the head of the DUI task force that Kriv was on filed a complaint against Kriv alleging that he disobeyed commands from a higher-ranking officer and impounded a car without justification after a traffic crash. Over the other officers objections, Kriv declared that the driver of the car involved in the crash was drunk, handcuffed him, and put him in the back of his squad car, according to accounts from the driver, Jaime Garcia, and other officers. He also ordered Garcias Nissan Altima towed and impounded. He kept telling me, I know youre drunk, I know youre drunk. I didnt know what to do, I was in shock, I was scared, Garcia said in an interview. The officers on the scene filed the complaint against Kriv. For some reason, he was trying to put a false arrest on this guy. I apologized to him, said, Sorry you had to go through this. I told him about filing a complaint, said retired Lt. David Blanco, the supervisor that night. After its investigation, the department acknowledged Kriv was wrong to have impounded Garcias car, knowing there would be no DUI charges against him. Kriv ultimately wasnt disciplined for his behavior that night, once again benefiting from the Police Departments feeble accountability system, which has long been marked by delays, red tape and lax punishment. Though he regularly escaped punishment altogether for alleged misconduct on the job, in some cases, he was reprimanded or received suspensions of between one and 45 days. The department suspended Kriv at least 20 times for 170 days total, according to a Tribune-ProPublica analysis of his disciplinary records. One citizen told the investigating agency that Kriv was unconcerned when he threatened to file a complaint. Kriv, the man said, told him that complaints are not going to go anywhere, no matter how many an officer was facing. The mans complaint was closed after he declined to participate in the investigation. Kriv appealed disciplinary decisions at least eight times over his career, including through the departments grievance system. A 2017 investigation by the Tribune and ProPublica found that 85% of disciplinary cases handled through the departments grievance process since 2010 had led to officers receiving shorter suspensions or, in many cases, having their punishments overturned entirely. It doesnt hurt to grieve it. Why wouldnt I? Kriv told the Tribune and ProPublica for that story. Kriv got a five-day suspension reduced to a reprimand, another five-day suspension reduced to two days, and a 90-day suspension for going to the strip club while on duty cut in half. It sounds to me like several of these cases each of them standing on its own, independently should have triggered a discharge case, said Mark Iris, who until 2004 was the executive director of the Chicago Police Board, the civilian body that decides disciplinary cases involving Chicago officers. He also studied the use of mathematical analysis to prevent police misconduct and taught at Northwestern University. The unit commanders had to have known this guy was a headache, Iris said in an interview. Records show the department never tried to fire Kriv. Blanco, like many of the people Kriv encountered, said he doesnt get how Kriv remained on the force. Thats what I couldnt understand with all the suspensions, why they didnt get rid of this guy. Theres obviously a red light flashing over this guys head, Blanco told ProPublica and the Tribune. During Krivs career, the Chicago Police Department had eight superintendents, three iterations of an independent police investigation body and at least two versions of an internal affairs division. The Police Department has stalled on at least two attempts to implement an early-warning system to spot problem behavior. In its 2019 consent decree with the Justice Department, the Police Department agreed to develop a system to identify officers at risk of misconduct, alert their supervisors and provide training. That system still has not been implemented, according to the latest consent decree update. In addition, for most of Krivs career, the police unions contract with the department allowed investigators to consider only the most recent five years of an officers disciplinary history. (The current union contract eliminates that requirement). That meant that even officers with extensive histories of misconduct could have looked problem-free when department leaders weighed discipline options. As a result, when investigators in 2013 looked into a complaint against Kriv, his recent disciplinary history was clean, so they proceeded as if hed never been disciplined. The truth was that, by then, he had been suspended or reprimanded for at least 15 different incidents, but the most recent complaints were more than five years old or didnt appear on his record yet because they were still under investigation. As Kriv successfully appealed Police Department discipline, he also was successfully beating more and more traffic tickets. From 2015 through mid-2022, Kriv got 51 tickets but paid only two. Former Chicago police Officer Jeffrey Kriv received dozens of traffic tickets related to his personal vehicles. These are some of the citations he contested. (obtained by ProPublica and the Chicago Tribune) Other tickets issued for reasons including exceeding the speed limit by at least 11 miles an hour, running red lights, blocking an area and parking where he shouldnt were dismissed. He got some tickets dismissed by making technical arguments claiming a ticket wasnt filled out properly, for example but most were dismissed after he blamed his girlfriend, records show. Kriv contested tickets using that defense before at least 23 different judges. Sometimes he went before the same judge with the same story, but those appearances were typically years apart. At a hearing in 2018, he tried to get out of a speeding ticket issued in a school zone. My girlfriend and I got in an argument that morning, he told the judge. We broke up. She took my fob and she took my car and I do have a police report. I didnt get it back until later that night around 9 oclock. And I did have her arrested about a week later. We went to her workplace, but heres a copy of the police report. The judge reviewed the report and dismissed the ticket. The systems like a joke Citywide, its rare for people to succeed in getting their tickets dismissed. In a typical year, the city issues about 1 million automated-camera tickets for speeding and red-light violations. People contest about 4% of those tickets, and about 1 in 10 win, according to an analysis of city ticket data. Theres no indication the Police Department knew how often Kriv was contesting his tickets in court. Theres also no indication in records that the girlfriend he used as his alibi was real. Last year, the citys Office of Inspector General received a tip to look at Kriv not for his work in uniform, but for a potentially fraudulent defense of a parking ticket he had received, records show. The OIG followed that tip and concluded that Kriv had provided false testimony and fraudulent documentation related to parking and traffic violations since 2009, according to prosecutors. Since 2013, he had contested 44 tickets by saying his girlfriend had stolen his car. All 44 had been dismissed. Support local journalism Subscribe to the Chicago Tribune Get daily news updates from the Tribune in your inbox Get ProPublica investigations in your inbox The office notified the Police Department that it was investigating Kriv. The Cook County states attorneys office in October barred Kriv from testifying in court as a witness, placing him on a list of police officers whose truthfulness is in question. Nonetheless, the police department kept him on the streets and he continued to write tickets and make DUI arrests. The final time Kriv took an oath to tell the truth and then blamed his girlfriend for a speeding ticket was in September of 2022, records show. Once again, the story worked. Well, I had her arrested, Kriv said when the judge asked what happened to the woman. They charged her with a misdemeanor trespassing to a vehicle. That pretty much went nowhere. She got, like, three months supervision or something like that. Its kind of a, I dont want to say the systems like a joke, but it didnt really do anything. As Kriv, who is 56, was defending himself in traffic court last year, he also was eyeing retirement, going back and forth with the Policemens Annuity and Benefit Fund of Chicago to sort out his pension benefits. He was told hed gain another year of seniority and a larger pension if he stayed on the force until Jan. 15. On Jan. 12, the department collected his badge and stripped him of police powers. On Jan. 14, Kriv got another speeding ticket. On Jan. 17, Kriv retired. The next day, Krivs car was ticketed again for speeding. On Jan. 31, Cook County prosecutors charged Kriv with four counts of perjury and five counts of forgery, all of them felonies, for allegedly lying to judges under oath and providing fictitious police reports in four traffic ticket cases. The girlfriend story, prosecutors allege, was fake. Prosecutors calculated that, by getting out of 44 tickets, Kriv saved himself $3,665. An excerpt of a police report that Jeffrey Kriv provided to a judge, stating that Krivs girlfriend had taken his car. (ProPublica) The states attorneys office declined to comment about its case against Kriv. Kriv emailed the pension board the day after he was charged and released on $10,000 bond, writing: When do I start getting my pension checks and does it come biweekly or once a month? His pension started at about $6,000 a month, according to the board. Deborah Witzburg, the inspector general whose office helped build the case against Kriv, declined to comment for this story. In a news release about the charges, she said: The truthfulness and credibility of police officers is foundational to the fair administration of justice, and to CPDs effectiveness as a law enforcement agency. Grace, Krivs attorney, noted that the criminal charges are not related to his duties as a police officer. He understands the importance of accountability by all citizens when it comes to paying his outstanding tickets and looks forward to resolving this matter by making good on any oversights he may have, Grace said. In late March, a Cook County judge called out, Jeffrey Kriv, and the former officer stepped forward to be arraigned. He pleaded not guilty. Each offense is punishable by up to five years in prison. When reached by phone, Kriv said he didnt want to talk because nobody gets a fair shake with the media and his attorney had advised him not to say anything. When it is all said and done, this will be dismissed, he said. There is nothing to it. Kriv got three speeding tickets soon after he retired in mid-January. He didnt contest any of them, and he paid the fines. Then he got three more speeding tickets. ProPublica reporter Melissa Sanchez contributed to this story. Asa Hutchinson urges Iowans to donate to his campaign so he makes the GOP debate stage Republican presidential candidate Asa Hutchinson wants to be on stage at the Republican National Committee's first primary debate in August. But first, he has to earn it. Hutchinson along with all the Republican candidates must poll at 1% or higher in a certain number of polls and have a minimum of 40,000 unique donors, with at least 200 individual donors from 20 different states, according to a release from the RNC Friday. The latest requirements set by the committee come amid a quickly expanding field of hopeful Republican nominees, with more announcements scheduled next week. In his latest visit to Iowa, Republican presidential candidate Asa Hutchinson speaks to Roberto and Karen Dubiel during a town hall with the Story County GOP at Mid-States Companies on Thursday, June 1, 2023. Hutchinson said he felt confident about reaching the 1% polling threshold but called on prospective voters to donate to his campaign during a Thursday town hall in his latest visit to Iowa ahead of U.S. Sen. Joni Ernsts annual Roast and Ride. "I want to be on the debate stage in August," the former Arkansas governor told a group of about 30 people who gathered at the Mid-States Companies office in Nevada, Iowa. "We'll get there but we do need your help. $1 counts. $5 counts." The new criteria for the coming debate reflect a different approach from the GOP debate hosted by Fox in August 2015. That debate was split in two, with a prime-time debate for 10 candidates who scored the highest in an aggregate of polls and an earlier one for those who didn't make the top ten. Republican candidates will also have to sign a loyalty pledge requiring contenders to support the eventual GOP presidential nominee if they want to join the 2024 debates, RNC chair Ronna McDaniel told CNNs "State of the Union" in February. 2024 Iowa caucuses: Where and when are presidential candidates visiting Iowa? "The RNC is committed to putting on a fair, neutral, and transparent primary process and the qualifying criteria set forth will put our party and eventual nominee in the best position to take back the White House come November 2024," McDaniel stated in the release outlining the criteria for the first primary debate in Milwaukee on Aug. 23. On Thursday, Hutchinson shared his dislike for the donation requirements, saying it put a priority on spending money instead of emphasizing a candidate's strengths. "That's too high of a threshold. It's the duty of Iowa voters to whittle the field down and they do a good job of that," he told the Register. He declined to comment on the number of donations he has received so far. Ray Dearin, of Ames, told the Register Tuesday night that while he's not sure 40,000 donations is fair, he agreed there needs to be a way to limit the number of candidates. "I hope he makes it. I'm still not sure about the 40,000," Dearin said. But "you've got to set the limit somewhere." In his latest visit to Iowa, Republican presidential candidate Asa Hutchinson speaks to prospective voters during a town hall with the Story County GOP at Mid-States Companies on Thursday, June 1, 2023. Hutchinson spoke to attendees about his top priorities if he were to take office including reducing "excessive" federal spending, increasing energy production in the U.S., securing the southern border and protecting values such as families and "individual lives." He also joked about the sudden popularity of the "non-Trump lane" an opinion that there is a need for "different leadership" a lane that he said walked alone for a long time. More: Donald Trump says 'there's no way we lose Iowa' as he bashes Ron DeSantis in Des Moines "It's not lonely anymore," he said, pointing to a number of Republicans poised to announce their presidential bid. "What does this tell you? It says that leaders of our party are saying we need to have different leadership." Virginia Barreda is the Des Moines city government reporter for the Register. She can be reached at vbarreda@dmreg.com. Follow her on Twitter at @vbarreda2. This article originally appeared on USATNetwork: Asa Hutchinson asks Iowans to donate to campaign to reach debate stage Li Shiu Tong, right, was the boyfriend and intellectual heir of German sexologist Magnus Hirschfeld. Imagno/Getty Images Historians are rediscovering one of the most important LGBTQ activists of the early 20th Century an Asian Canadian named Li Shiu Tong. You probably dont know the name, but he was at the center of the first wave of gay politics. Much has been written about Lis older boyfriend, Magnus Hirschfeld. Hirschfeld was a closeted German doctor and sexologist who became famous in the 1930s as a defender of gay people. In books on Hirschfeld, Li is usually just a footnote. But as I found in my research, Li was a sexologist and activist in his own right. And in my view, his ideas about sexuality speak to our moment better than his much more well-known boyfriends do. When Li died in Vancouver in 1993, his unpublished manuscript about sexuality was thrown in the trash. Luckily, it was rescued by a curious neighbor and eventually ended up in an archive. Since then, only a handful of people, myself included, have read it. In its pages is a theory of LGBTQ people as the majority that would resonate with a lot of young people today. Student and mentor Born in 1907 in Hong Kong, Li was a 24-year-old studying medicine at a university in Shanghai when he met Hirschfeld. Hirschfeld, then 63 years old, had come to China to give public lectures about the science of sex. The year was 1931. The Shanghai newspapers billed Hirschfeld as the worlds foremost expert on sexuality. Li must have seen the papers, because he made sure to catch Hirschfelds very first lecture. In medical school, Li had read all he could about homosexuality, then a very controversial topic. He had often encountered Hirschfelds name, and he knew his reputation as a defender of homosexuals. Whether he suspected that the famous sexologist was gay is a mystery. Almost no one in the 1930s could afford to be out it would have destroyed either mans career. The lecture that afternoon was hosted by a Chinese feminist club at a fancy, modern apartment building. When Hirschfeld finished speaking, Li came up and introduced himself. He offered to be his assistant. It was the beginning of a relationship that would profoundly shape gay history, as well as the rest of both of their lives. With Li by his side, Hirschfeld spoke all over China. Li then accompanied Hirschfeld on a lecture tour around the world, traveling first class on ships to Indonesia, the Philippines, South Asia, Egypt and beyond. In his lectures, Hirschfeld explained his influential model of homosexuality: It was a character trait that people were born with, a part of their nature. It was neither an illness nor a sin, and the persecution of homosexuality was unjust. He gave 178 lectures, plus radio interviews. His ideas reached hundreds of thousands of people. This was the first time in world history that anyone told so many people that being gay was not a bad thing and was, in fact, an inborn and natural condition. A love affair and professional collaboration On the world tour, the two fell in love, though to everyone else, they passed as teacher and student. Hirschfeld decided to make Li his successor. The plan was for Li to return to Berlin with him, train at his Institute for Sexual Science and carry on his research after his death. Their shared dream was not to be. When they reached Europe, Hirschfeld realized he could never go back to his home in Berlin. Hitler was chancellor. The Nazis were after Hirschfeld because he was Jewish and because of his left-wing views on sexuality. He went into exile in France. Nazis select books for burning at the Magnus Hirschfeld Institute for Sexual Science in Berlin. ullstein bild/Getty Images Li stayed by his side and helped him write a memoir of their travels. It is a stunning departure from Hirschfelds earlier work, which trades in racist thinking containing, for example, the claim that Black Americans had stunted brains. In the book he wrote with Lis help, a different Hirschfeld emerges. The text denounces imperialism for example, calling British rule in South Asia one of the greatest political injustices in all of the world. Hirschfeld even saw a link between gay rights and the struggle against imperialism: both grew out of an undeniable human yearning for freedom. After Hirschfeld died in France in 1935, his will named Li, then a student at the University of Zurich, his intellectual heir. Hirschfeld was the most famous defender of gay people the world had yet known. But when Li died in Vancouver in 1993, it seems no one realized his connection to gay rights. Lis vision of sexuality reemerges Yet Lis rediscovered manuscript shows he did become a sexologist, even though he never published his findings. In his manuscript, Li tells how after Hirschfeld died, he spent decades traveling the world, carrying on the research and taking detailed notes while living in Zurich, Hong Kong and then Vancouver. The data he gathered would have startled Hirschfeld. 40% of people were bisexual, he wrote, 20% were homosexual and only 30% percent were heterosexual. (The last 10% were other.) Being trans was an important, beneficial part of the human experience, he added. Li Shiu Tong at the 1932 conference for the World League for Sexual Reform. Wellcome Images/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY Hirschfeld thought bisexuals were scarce and that even homosexuals were only a minor slice of the population a sexual minority. To Li, bisexuals plus homosexuals were the majority. It was lifelong heterosexuals who were rare so rare, he wrote, that they should be classified as an endangered species. Li found same-sex desire to be even more common than had sexologist Alfred Kinsey, whose studies identified widespread bisexuality. Recent polling finds LGBTQ-identifying people at lower percentages, but it also points to the numbers rising. According to a Feburary 2022 Gallup poll, theyve doubled over the last ten years. That same poll found that almost 21% of Gen Z Americans people born between 1997 and 2003 identify as LGBTQ. Some critics have suggested that these numbers reflect a fad. Thats the explanation given by the pollster whose very small survey found that about 40% of Gen Z respondents were LGBTQ. Lis vision conveys a more likely explaination: Same-sex desire is a very common part of human experience across history. Like Hirschfeld argued, it is natural. Unlike what he thought, however, it is not unusual. When Li was a young man in the 1930s, there was a very strong pressure not to act on same-sex desires. As that pressure lessened across the 20th century, more and more people seem to have embraced LGBTQ identities. Why didnt Li publish his work? Im not sure. Perhaps he hesitated because his findings were so different from his mentors. In my book, I investigate another possibility: how the racism in Hirschfelds earlier work may have dissuaded Li from carrying on his legacy. Yet Lis theory was ahead of his time. A queer Asian Canadian at the heart of early gay politics, a sexologist with an expansive view of queerness and transness, he is a gay hero worth rediscovering. This article is republished from The Conversation, a 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: Laurie Marhoefer, University of Washington. Read more: Laurie Marhoefer 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. Attorney arrested in connection with a string of Boston sex assaults to appear in court Monday The New Jersey man suspected in a series of sexual assaults in Boston that took place about 15 years ago is scheduled to appear in court Monday. Mathew Nilo, a lawyer, will be arraigned on rape charges stemming from alleged 2007 and 2008 assaults in Charlestown in Suffolk Superior Court, the district attorney told Boston 25 News. Nilo was arrested Tuesday at his Weehawken home and briefly appeared Thursday in state Superior Court in Jersey City. Nilo is charged with three counts of aggravated rape, two counts of kidnapping and single counts of assault with attempt to rape and indecent assault and battery in connection with the assaults in Bostons Charlestown neighborhood in 2007 and 2008. Nilo is originally from the Boston area and previously lived in the North End during the time of the alleged assaults. Nilo was identified as a suspect with the help of forensic genetic genealogy, which combines DNA analysis with publicly accessible genealogy research and historical records, authorities have said. Nilo has been charged with three counts of aggravated rape, two counts of kidnapping, one count of assault with intent to rape, and one count of indecent assault and battery. 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 Attorney wants to interview surviving child of woman accused of putting 2 of her kids in an oven A woman accused of killing two of her children by putting them in an oven in 2017 was set for a final plea hearing on Friday but chose not to appear. Channel 2s Justin Carter was in the courtroom when her attorney asked the judge for more time to interview a possible key witness. Lamora Williams called police in October 2017 and claimed she came home to find two of her sons, 1-year-old JaKarter Penn and 2-year-old KeYaunte Penn dead. She blamed their deaths on a relative who was caring for them, but police say it was a lie. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] On Friday, Williams attorney asked the judge to delay the plea hearing to give him time to interview Williams surviving child, who is now nine years old, who was inside the home at the time of the incident. Police say the two toddlers were placed in an oven. Autopsy reports showed both boys had been burned. RELATED STORIES: Investigators say Williams video called the childrens father. In 2017, he told Channel 2 Action News that his sons death was like a nightmare. Its like a real horror movie. Its like Friday the 13th, Jameel Penn said. Williams sister told Channel 2 Action News that she had a history of mental illness and her nephews deaths could have been prevented if the state intervened. The judge agreed to reschedule Williams final plea hearing. A date for that hearing has not been set. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] IN OTHER NEWS: Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin warned this week that competition must not spill over into conflict with China as tensions between China and the United States have been on the rise. Austin said in remarks at the annual Shangri-La Dialogue security conference in Singapore on Friday that China continues to carry out an alarming number of risky intercepts of U.S. and allies aircraft flying in international airspace over the South China Sea. He noted the recent incident in which the U.S. military has alleged that a Chinese jet took an unnecessarily aggressive maneuver near a U.S. spy plane over the sea. He said the U.S. does not seek conflict with China but will not flinch in the face of bullying or coercion. President Biden has been clear. The United States does not seek a new Cold War. And competition must not spill over into conflict, Austin said. He said the Indo-Pacific region should not be split into hostile blocs, and that the U.S. is working to increase its use of diplomacy and emphasize peace, security and stability in the region. Austins speech comes as tensions have escalated between the U.S. and China, especially over Chinas territorial claims in the area. China claims most of the South China Sea as its own, while the U.S. and much of the world considers it international waters. The Chinese government has sharply criticized the U.S. for its continued support of Taiwan, a self-governing democratic island that China considers to be part of its territory and awaiting reunification with the mainland. The U.S. pursues a one China policy that acknowledges Chinas claim to be the sole legitimate government but considers Taiwans status to be unresolved. Federal law also requires the U.S. to provide Taiwan support to defend itself from any potential attacks. Austin said the U.S. is deeply committed to preserving the status quo in the Taiwan Strait. He said the entire world has a vested interest in peace continuing in the region, with the security of commercial shipping and global supply chains depending on it. China has periodically conducted military exercises near Taiwan in response to U.S. support for and contact with the island. Austins Chinese counterpart, Li Shangfu, declined to meet with him during the weekend conference despite both attending. Austin said the two of them not meeting was unfortunate and he would welcome any opportunity to engage with leadership. Austin said the U.S. and China must have clear and open lines of communication, especially between defense and military leaders. For responsible defense leaders, the right time to talk is anytime. The right time to talk is every time. And the right time to talk is now. Dialogue is not a reward. It is a necessity. And a cordial handshake over dinner is no substitute for a substantive engagement, he said. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Australia Says US Allies Can Have Productive Ties With China Australia Says US Allies Can Have Productive Ties With China (Bloomberg) -- Australia seeks to balance its economic and security relationship with China even as it maintains a longstanding defense alliance with the US at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions, according to Defense Minister Richard Marles. Most Read from Bloomberg How you navigate those two things is complex, its not obvious, it requires discussion, Marles said in an interview in Singapore Saturday with Bloomberg Televisions Haslinda Amin. We can be an ally of the United States and we can build a productive relationship with China. We firmly believe that is possible and thats the line we seek to pursue. At the same time, Marles expressed anxiety over Chinas continuing military expansion in Asia while supporting the US stance. We are seeing a very significant buildup of its military and thats happening without a sense of strategic reassurance to us, or to the region and the world about its purpose. So weve got our issues, he said about China. Australias position highlights the predicament that many nations find in a region that has become increasingly reliant on Chinas economic engine while requiring support from Americas military to maintain defensive postures. Australia, a longstanding security ally of the US, is seeking to mend economic ties with China its largest trade partner that soured during the pandemic. Read More: US Chides China Over Defense Talks as Navy Sails Taiwan Strait Marless comments come as the US Navy is conducting a transit through the Taiwan Strait. That development occured on the same day that US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin called for greater communication between Washington and Beijing to avoid a conflict that would be devastating to the global economy. Marles defended the transit. International waters, international airspace are there for everyone and the United States is operating in accordance with its rights within those waters, Marles said. At the same time, he said we do have a significant economic relationship with China and we want to manage that as well. Marles is in Singapore to attend the annual Shangri-La Dialogue defense summit, where Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese gave the keynote speech Friday night. Albanese called on the US and China to work together with partners to avoid war in the Indo-Pacific, saying the region was not an arena for the ambition of others. Under Albaneses government, relations between Australia and China have rapidly improved, with top-level ministerial meetings restarting between Canberra and Beijing over the past year and trade sanctions lifted on timber and coal. At the same time, Australias center-left Labor government is keeping its close security alliance with the US. Earlier this year, Marles confirmed Australia would purchase a small fleet of US Virginia-class submarines under the Aukus agreement, while Albanese has attended two meetings of the Quad partnership with the leaders of the US, Japan and India in his first year in office. Australia is currently working to reshape its defense forces, transitioning away from traditional land-based warfare to focus instead on area denial capabilities including long-range missiles and drones. The government also wants to boost Australias domestic military manufacturing. Strategic Review A major defense review commissioned by Marles that was released in April revealed Australias defense forces were not fit for purpose for the new strategic environment in the Indo-Pacific region. On Saturday, the defense minister said the review is being done every two years to make sure our posture is always contemporary. Marles, who is also Australias deputy PM, is scheduled to visit Indonesia and Vanuatu after Singapore. --With assistance from Andy Clarke and Richard Lewis. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. Beanie Feldstein and Bonnie-Chance Roberts, pictured at a New York Fashion Week event, tied the knot in May. (Bryan Bedder / Getty Images for IMG Fashion) "Booksmart" star Beanie Feldstein and producer Bonnie-Chance Roberts' wedding vows came with a side of s'mores. The couple tied the knot in a two-day, summer-camp-themed ceremony in the Hudson Valley in May, Feldstein and Roberts revealed in several joint Instagram posts Thursday. 'As every fairytale comes real...'" read the caption of one post showing a collection of photos of the newlyweds at the altar and on the dance floor. Other photos show Feldstein in her white Gucci wedding gown with lace sleeves and Roberts in a black Bode blazer embroidered with a hot air balloon, stars and a crescent moon. In an interview with Vogue published Friday, Feldstein said the ceremony's outdoor and rustic nature was inspired by "our happy place together." The "Lady Bird" actor told the magazine that she grew up going to summer camp and that her family has a history of finding love in those childhood spaces. "To get married at a camp was a truly beautiful emotional homecoming," she said. According to Vogue, Feldstein met Roberts in London when she auditioned for the 2019 film "How to Build a Girl," on which Roberts was a producer. On June 24, 2022 (Feldstein's birthday), Roberts proposed. "Happy Birthday @beaniefeldstein," she captioned her Instagram post. "I do, too!" The couple has been spotted at several high-profile events, including fashion events for luxury brands Rodarte and Gucci earlier this year. Would it really be a summer-camp wedding without sappy moments with best pals? Vogue reported that Feldstein's co-stars and friends Ben Platt, Sarah Paulson and Kaitlyn Dever were present for her nuptials. "How to Build a Girl" writer Caitlin Moran also reportedly raised a toast to the couple. Adding to the summer-camp feel of the wedding, Vogue reported, were embroidered bandanna napkins, personalized pins and friendship bracelets at every table all provided by female vendors. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Beehives, bouffants and bangs: See SLO students model hair styles of 1960s The 1960s were an era of rapidly evolving fashion, as sock hop styles gave way to mod and hippie looks. At the time the Telegram-Tribune often published local and national stories that tracked trends. Coverage was driven by reader interest. With so much changing, it was a good bet that readers were curious about what might be a fad and what had more staying power. Frequently stories focused on womens groups in San Luis Obispo County raising money through fashion shows, often affiliated with local clothing merchants. The Telegram-Tribune ran pictures of local students modeling bouffants, beehives, bangs and cat eye glasses on Sept. 15, 1966, in a photo feature titled New hair styles help set fashion. Noleen Caselman, left, a junior at San Luis Obispo High School, displays her hair piece, which she wears attached at the top of her head, the caption reads. The hair piece which is blended to match the natural hair color almost perfectly, has become a popular and convenient accessory to a girls wardrobe. Maryann Boyle, San Luis Obispo senior likes a traditional one-length, short hair style which she has to set only once a week. Linda King, a junior at Arroyo Grande High wears one of the new short styles, which features eyebrow-length bangs. Judie Masten, Arroyo Grande senior, also wears a hair piece, but blends it with her natural hair to create a high, smoothly curled style. Judy Rosa, a senior at San Luis Obispo, pulls her front hair back and ties it with a ribbon, creating an effect that makes her already long hair appear longer. Advertisements in that edition showcased the direction fashion trends were taking in the 60s. A Magnavox solid-state stereo console no tubes! could be picked up at Rileys department store starting at $149. Appliance store Holser and Bailey advertising the arrival of avocado green Magic Chef gas ranges. Jost Floor Co. offered gold shag carpet for $8.49 a square yard. Mar Mac Beauty Salon had a special on fall hair styles with a permanent costing $12.50. Bellos Ladies Sport Shop had gym clothes for $4.60. Even fashion-adjacent businesses such as Browns Music Store advertised in the paper, with a list of the local top 20 hit singles sold that week. The No. 1 song that week was Black is Black by the one-hit wonder group Los Bravos, from Spain. Bellingham police hiring increasing after several tough years of being understaffed Bellingham is hiring police officers at a faster pace than in the previous three years, and the city did some budget juggling recently to increase staffing by two more positions this year, moving $705,000 for salaries, benefits and other expenses that were allocated for 2024. City Council members unanimously approved the accounting change at their April 10 meeting. It allows earlier hiring of two positions budgeted for 2024 and doesnt affect total funded positions in the 2023-24 budget cycle, Forrest Longman, assistant finance director, told the council. Its a good problem to have, that we have a pipeline of highly qualified candidates wanting to work for us in the city of Bellingham, Police Chief Rebecca Mertzig said. Our recruiters have been doing a phenomenal job of making personal connections in order to just share what we do and what our departments about. When people are comparing us to others, those personal connections are paying off. In October 2022, the department had 14 open positions, Mertizig said in a memo to the council. Now thats down to six open positions yet to fill, Deputy Chief Don Almer told The Bellingham Herald in an email on Thursday. Applications were up 146% in 2022 over 2021, Mertzig said in her memo. But staffing hasnt returned to levels that would allow the department to activate several special units that were idled last year, Mertzig told the council in April, and Almer repeated this week. It can take nearly two years of training and other steps from date of hire for an officer the hit the streets, Mertzig said. Terminations, resignations and retirements hit the department hard during the COVID-19 pandemic, Almer told The Bellingham Herald in January 2022. Bellingham faced such a shortage of officers that it was staffing only its patrol and investigations divisions, the two units that are key to answering 911 calls and solving serious crime, Almer said at the time, and that still holds true. In a screen grab from video, Bellingham Police Chief Rebecca Mertzig discusses an ordinance to criminalize public use of non-prescription drugs during a meeting of the City Councils Committee of the Whole on March 13, 2023, at City Hall in Bellingham, Wash. Special units idled Special units such as bicycle patrols, drug/gang task force, outreach, behavioral health, school resource officers and motorcycle traffic patrols, all were mothballed in early 2022. Almer said the short-staffing was caused by a combination of the citys COVID-19 vaccine mandate, higher than normal retirements, and a difficulty recruiting qualified candidates in the wake of the murder of George Floyd and the racial justice movement that followed including new Washington state laws aimed at police reform. A national headline tomorrow could change our outlook. The events of 2020 make it very difficult for people to want to apply for this profession, Mertzig told the council. But I think thats changing. Were really trying to emphasize how we do it in Bellingham and how that is best practices, she said. Focus on community policing Over the past several years, Bellingham has focused on community policing and, in partnership with Whatcom County, started programs such as the Ground-Level Enforcement and Coordinated Engagement, or GRACE, program for residents who are the focus of frequent 911 calls. Last year, the city and county partnered on an Alternate Response Team that sends mental health professionals instead of police to 911 calls where an officer isnt required. Further, Bellingham has created a Downtown Ambassador program and hired a private security firm to add eyes and ears that supplement police presence downtown, according to Mayor Seth Fleetwood. Bellingham Police Department employees talk to two job-seekers about job opportunities during a city-sponsored job fair on May 13, 2022, at Depot Market Square in Bellingham. From left are Michelle Doran, a dispatcher with the What-Comm 911 center, Ruth Baker, a receptionist at Bellingham Police headquarters, and Police Lt. Jason Monson. Hiring by the numbers Challenges that the department faces are related to the cost of living in Whatcom County, where the median home price was $560,000 in April and housing costs were the third highest in the state, according to Herald reporting. Starting pay for police officer recruits is $69,852 annually in Bellingham, increasing to $76,836 after graduation from the state law-enforcement academy. A veteran officer with five years on the street earns $101,820 a year, not including incentive pay such as having a college degree or proficiency in a second language, Almer said. Median salary for a patrol officer or sheriffs deputy employed by a local Washington state government in 2022 was $71,390, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Washington state was the second-highest paying state for police officers, with a $92,250 annual mean wage. Bellingham has 128 police officer positions in 2023-24 budget up from 122 in the previous two-year cycle. Police dispatchers fielded 81,306 calls to 911 last year, sending officers to 66,919 incidents up from 60,842 in 2021, Almer said. Some 13 officers are eligible for retirement, he said. As many as 10 more officers could leave within the next two years, and another eight by the end of 2027, he said. Almer told The Herald that Bellinghams reputation and progressiveness is attracting both experienced officers and entry-level candidates. Applicants are becoming more interested in a work/life balance and our patrol schedule is very attractive to that. Our in-house psychologist and therapy dog are also attractive to candidates. The high-quality training and the amount of training hours we provide each year compared to other agencies has also been an advantage and a deciding factor for recruits to come to this agency, Almer said. Bible pulled for younger kids in some Utah schools after vulgar content complaint The Bible will be removed from younger grades in a Utah public school district after a parent complained of violent and vulgar content, according to multiple reports. The book challenge gained national attention after the parent first complained under a new state law passed last year, Fox 8 reported. The parent wrote in their complaint that they were frustrated by the books being removed from school libraries in months prior with conservative groups across the country and in Utah taking aim at literature they call inappropriate, and which has particularly focused on books written about the LGBTQ community, The Salt Lake Tribune reported. Incest, onanism, bestiality, prostitution, genital mutilation ... rape, and even infanticide. Youll no doubt find that the Bible, under Utah Code Ann. 76-10-1227, has no serious values for minors because its pornographic by our new definition, the outlet said the parent wrote, saying it was time to remove one of the most sex-ridden books around. A district committee reviewed the entire text of the King James version of the Bible and found it does not contain sensitive material as defined in Utah Code 76-10-1227, 76-10-1201 or 76-10-1203, Davis School District spokesperson Christopher Williams told McClatchy News in an email. But the committee decided to keep the book on school library shelves only at the high school level based on age appropriateness due to vulgarity or violence, Williams said. Books are pulled immediately after a review committee makes a decision, he said. Now the decision has been appealed, and the Board of Education will ultimately decide whether to restore the book to school library shelves. Williams said the district estimates seven or eight elementary and junior high schools had the Bible on library shelves. School is already out for summer in Davis County and resumes Aug. 17. A 2022 report from PEN America found a vocal group of small, conservative collectives were behind efforts to ban LGBTQ+ books in schools, McClatchy News previously reported. 5 most banned books this year are about LGBTQ people, characters of color, report says Youth leader used church group as dating pool and groomed underage girls, feds say American Girl sticks by LGBTQ+ identities in body image book despite boycott threats Senior CPC official meets with delegations from Russia, CEE countries Xinhua) 09:53, June 03, 2023 BEIJING, June 2 (Xinhua) -- Liu Jianchao, head of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, met with delegations of political parties from Russia and Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries in Beijing on Friday. Liu met with a delegation led by Dmitry Novikov, deputy chairman of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation and first deputy chairman of the Russian State Duma Committee on International Affairs. He met separately with a joint delegation of multiple parties led by Katerina Konecna, chairwoman of the Communist Party of Bohemia and Moravia and member of the European Parliament. Liu exchanged in-depth views with the two delegations on deepening inter-party exchanges and promoting bilateral relations, among other issues. (Web editor: Chang Sha, Hongyu) Thank you for supporting our journalism. This article is available exclusively for our subscribers, who help fund our work at the Chicago Tribune. Norkys Amaro, a recent arrival from Venezuela, sits with her son, Yokender, 14, on the floor where they are staying with other migrants on May 22, 2023, at the Chicago Police Department's 7th District station in the Englewood neighborhood. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune) As more than 10,000 migrants have come to the city since August, overwhelming Chicagos social services, and hundreds of families, mostly from Central and South America, continue to stay on the floor of police stations, nonprofit organizations and faith-based groups said Friday they are stepping up to help the government respond. More than a dozen elected representatives and faith leaders gathered at a church Friday to ask for help from faith communities across the city to respond to the crisis, which deepened Friday when the Cook County medical examiners office confirmed a migrant died that morning at a shelter in Woodlawn. Advertisement The migrant died at the former Wadsworth Elementary school building, where a temporary shelter was placed housing single individuals. Migrants told the Tribune recently they were crammed inside, sleeping close together and sharing few bathrooms. Natalia Derevyanny, a spokeswoman for the medical examiners office, told the Tribune an autopsy would likely be conducted Saturday. Advertisement People outside the entrance of the former Wadsworth Elementary school building, where a temporary shelter was placed housing single individuals June 2, 2023, in Chicago. A person died at the shelter early Friday, according to police. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune) The Rev. Beth Brown, pastor of Lincoln Park Presbyterian Church where the meeting was held, thanked the hundreds of volunteers who have stepped up to provide food and clothing for migrants staying at temporary shelters and police stations. She asked the thousands of faith communities in Chicago to commit to house and support those living in police stations. Brown said that 40 years ago, her congregation partnered with Wellington United Church of Christ to provide sanctuary to people in danger of being deported. In 2019, they started housing and supporting a family of four seeking asylum. They are housing and supporting their fourth asylum-seeking family, she said. A family of four is staying on an air mattress in a big room adjacent to the church kitchen. Another family of four lives on the floor above them. The cost varies depending on whos in the group, but the financial commitment is somewhere between $600 and $900 a month if you can house them in your church, or synagogue, or mosque or temple, she said. Commitments would last one year, and participants would receive help with logistics and case management. She said anyone interested, faith-based or not, should go to lppchurch.org to submit an interest form. Claudia Lucero, executive director of the Chicago Religious Leadership Network told the group that community integration goes beyond housing. She came to Chicago as a refugee, and its not a one-sided relationship, she said. It enriches both asylum-seekers, immigrants and our wider community. By fostering an environment of inclusivity, we give migrants their skills, talents and resilience, she said. But Brown emphasized that integration can be more complicated. Advertisement I want to acknowledge the harm that wealth theft and neglect has reaped in some communities on the South and West sides of Chicago, she said, acknowledging the pushback from some communities where temporary shelters have been placed in shuttered schools. The Rev. Beth Brown of Lincoln Park Presbyterian Church during a news conference on June 2, 2023, about the role religious institutions can play in helping recent migrants from Central America and South America. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune) There are 10 city-run temporary shelters around the city housing 4,482 migrants, said spokeswoman Mary May in a statement Friday. Last weekend, hundreds of migrants were moved into the newest temporary shelter, at Wright College in Dunning. Wright College has capacity for 385 and provides cots for each individual, according to the written statement from the city. It serves families with children under the age of 18. [ Migrants moved to Park District field houses, as South Shore residents criticize city for shelter plans ] Decompressing the Chicago Police Department District stations is a top priority for the city, the statement said. As new arrivals and asylum-seekers continue to arrive in Chicago via bus and other means, city officials are working simultaneously to identify spaces to convert into temporary shelters and to assist individuals and families in identifying more permanent housing opportunities. Migrants are placed at different locations depending on if they are families or singles, said the statement. The decompression process from police stations is informed by needs such as pregnancy or other critical health conditions. There are still 621 migrants in police districts and 17 at OHare International Airport, according to city data Friday. And more people arrive every day. Advertisement Texas Gov. Greg Abbott began sending busloads of migrants to Chicago to protest the influx coming to his state last fall. Former Mayor Lori Lightfoot declared a state of emergency the week before she left office last month in response to the thousands of migrants who have settled in the city. This week, Chicago aldermen voted to spend $51 million on migrant care through June as Mayor Brandon Johnson works to get a handle on the ongoing humanitarian crisis. [ Faces of volunteers: They provide more than donations and shelter to migrants in Chicago. They give love. ] The cry from religious leaders and elected representatives Friday was clear. Movement from the city hasnt been enough. Ald. Maria Hadden, 49th, implored those listening in the airy church to answer the Rev. Browns call. There are so many solutions that we need in our own communities that government cant or wont provide, she said. And while we organize and work to change and form government to do the things we want it to do, we also need nongovernment efforts. Ald. Maria Hadden, 49th, during a news conference on June 2, 2023, about the role religious institutions can play in helping recent migrants from Central America and South America. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune) Rabbi Seth Limmer founder of Open Judaism, opened his remarks by speaking about the Book of Numbers, the fourth book of the Hebrew Bible Advertisement It begins with 600,000 refugees taking account of themselves in the desert, with no city hall or Springfield to send resources, he said. How do you take account of 600,000 men plus women plus children plus the mixed multitude of people who also sought liberation alongside us? Instead of focusing on numbers, Limmer said people should try to focus on care and dignity. We elevate their heads, and we might look into their eyes and take account of their humanity as they take account of our humanity. That is what this incredible project brings to us, he said. Ald. Timmy Knudsen, 43rd, spoke about his experience living in Tijuana at an LGBTQ+ shelter, conducting interviews with asylum-seekers about their journeys and the brutalities many of them faced. On Thursday, four families staying in a police station in his ward moved to a church down the street. My goal is getting people out of those districts as quickly as they arrive. Its a heavy goal, but we can only meet it with the faith community, he said. Advertisement Zainab, an asylum-seeker from West Africa and mother of five came to the U.S. several months ago. She told the audience at Lincoln Park Presbyterian Church that she came to flee violence, looking for security for herself and her children. After staying a few days at a hotel in Chicago, she was connected to several faith-based and nonprofit groups in the city, including United African Organization. These groups have been so very, very supportive to me and my kids, she said. They have helped with housing, food, transportation and many more things. Several people in the audience murmured Amen as she spoke and applauded loudly as she sat down. Fasika Alem, programs director at United African Organization, said aid for refugees is a global issue. She read lines from a poem titled Home by Warsan Shire. No one leaves home unless home chases you. You have to understand that no one puts their children in a boat, unless the water is safer than the land, she said through tears. Messages of hope and resilience were shared in English and Spanish. The speakers words reverberated around the church, over the red velvet carpet and high up to the stained-glass windows. Advertisement The Rev. Tom Terrell, pastor of Christ Lutheran Church of Albany Park, said he became aware of families sleeping on the ground in the 17th District station four weeks ago. We had no plan, we had money, we had no volunteers, Terrell said. Terrell said despite having no resources, they did have building space. They welcomed five families into their church. 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 > It has been powerful for us to be able to offer them privacy, dignity, support and friendship. They may be with us for three months, six months or a year, but it doesnt matter. Theyre welcome as long as they need a home, he said. Lets use our buildings to serve one another. Ald. Mike Rodriguez, 22nd, gave a brief summary of the different groups that have come to Chicago across centuries. Each of these migrant populations were searching for that hope in our great city. And they found it here, and they made this city a much greater city, he said. Advertisement He said that Central and South American migrants and asylum-seekers are coming and searching for the same esperanza, or hope. They will be filling our classrooms. They will be essential workers. They will be a part of our society, he said. After the meeting, leaders thanked and hugged each other and slowly filed out of the dark church into the sunlight. nsalzman@chicagotribune.com Shalanda Young, White House budget director, who was a key part of President Joe Bidens team of negotiators that brokered the debt-limit deal, in Washington, Jan. 26, 2023. (Alyssa Schukar/The New York Times) WASHINGTON Shalanda Young couldnt sleep. A small team of Biden administration officials had spent the past two days in intense negotiations with House Republicans in an attempt to avert a catastrophic government default. Young, the White House budget director, had been trading proposals on federal spending caps with negotiators deputized by Speaker Kevin McCarthy, whose Republican caucus was refusing to raise the nations $31.4 trillion borrowing limit without deep cuts. Now, as she scrolled Netflix in search of bad television to distract her racing mind, Young had a sinking feeling. What if she cut a deal to reduce spending and raise the debt limit, only to see Republicans attempt to force through much deeper cuts when it came time to pass annual appropriations bills this fall? Sign up for The Morning newsletter from the New York Times At work the next morning, Young asked her staff how to stop that from happening. They settled on a plan, which in essence would penalize Republicans most cherished spending programs if they failed to follow the contours of the agreement. Then they forced Republicans to include that plan in the legislative text codifying the deal. That approach reflected a broader strategy President Joe Bidens team followed in the debt limit negotiations, according to interviews with current and former administration officials, some Republicans and other people familiar with the talks. On Saturday, that strategy reached its conclusion as Biden signed the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 into law, just days before a potential default and following weeks of talks and a revolt from right-wing lawmakers in the House that put an agreement at risk of collapse. In pursuit of an agreement, the Biden team was willing to give Republicans victory after victory on political talking points, which they realized McCarthy needed to sell the bill to his conference. They let McCarthys team claim in the end that the deal included deep spending cuts, huge clawbacks of unspent federal coronavirus relief money and stringent work requirements for recipients of federal aid. But in the details of the text and the many side deals that accompanied it, the Biden team wanted to win on substance. With one large exception a $20 billion cut in enforcement funding for the IRS they believe they did. The way administration officials see it, the full final agreements spending cuts are nothing worse than they would have expected in regular appropriations bills passed by a divided Congress. They agreed to structure the cuts so they appeared to save $1.5 trillion over a decade in the eyes of the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office. But thanks to the side deals including some accounting tricks White House officials estimate that the actual cuts could total as little as $136 billion over the two enforceable years of the spending caps that are central to the agreement. Much of the $30 billion in clawed-back COVID-19 money was probably never going to be spent, Biden officials say, including dollars from an aviation manufacturing jobs program that had basically ended. At one point in the talks, administration officials offered to include in the deal more than 100 relief programs from which they were willing to rescind money. The final list spanned 20 pages of a 99-page bill, and McCarthy championed it on the House floor. But because much of the money was repurposed for other spending, the net savings added up to only about $11 billion over two years. One of the programs had a remaining balance of just $40. Many Democrats remain furious that the deal included new work requirements that could push 750,000 people off food stamps, which the Biden team begrudgingly concluded it had to accept. That measure alone could have tanked Democratic support for the deal in Congress, officials knew. So they sought to counterbalance it with efforts to expand food stamp eligibility for veterans, homeless people and others, which Republicans agreed to do. The budget office concluded that the changes would actually add recipients to the program, on net. Some Democrats and progressive groups have sharply criticized Biden for negotiating over the debt limit at all, denouncing the spending cuts and work requirements and saying he cemented Republicans ability to ransom the borrowing limit whenever a Democrat occupies the White House. Republican negotiators sold the deal as a game-changing blow to Bidens spending ambitions. They absolutely have tire tracks on them in this negotiation, Rep. Garret Graves, R-La., said before the House vote Wednesday. Biden views it differently. As the Senate prepared to pass the agreement Thursday evening, he huddled with his chief of staff, Jeffrey Zients; along with Steve Ricchetti, counselor to the president; and other aides, in Zients office in the West Wing of the White House. Biden asked them what might be called a score card question: What percentage of Democrats in the House had voted for the deal, and what share were expected to in the Senate? When Ricchetti told him the number of Democrats would be larger, in both chambers, than the share of Republicans supporting the deal, Biden was pleased. It was validation, in his view, that he had cut a good deal. Zients referred to that vote share in an interview Friday. If you go back a few months ago, no one would have thought this was possible, he said. It was not an assured outcome. The negotiating teams came to the table with divergent views of the drivers of federal debt in recent years. White House negotiators blamed Republican tax cuts. Republicans blamed Bidens economic agenda, including a debt-financed COVID relief bill in 2021 and a bipartisan infrastructure bill later that year. The dispute occasionally grew profane. At one point, after Bidens negotiators criticized the 2017 Republican tax cuts, a very mild-mannered aide to McCarthy stood up, shook his finger at the Biden team and hotly responded that their argument was nonsense, using a vulgarity, Graves recounted. Biden had insisted for months that he would not negotiate over raising the borrowing limit. But privately, many aides had been planning on talks all along although they refused to admit those talks were linked to the debt limit. The Biden team reasoned that it would have to negotiate fiscal issues this year anyway, both on appropriations bills and on programs like food stamps that are included in a regularly reauthorized farm bill. Bidens economic advisers including Lael Brainard, the director of the National Economic Council, and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen had been warning of catastrophic damage to the economy if the government could no longer pay its bills on time. The president appeared to score wins before the talks even started. He goaded Republicans into agreeing, in the midst of his State of the Union address, that Social Security and Medicare would be off-limits in the talks thanks to a spontaneous riff that grew out of a passage in his speech that he had worked on extensively in the days beforehand. He proposed a budget filled with tax increases on the rich and corporations that were meant to reduce debt, but he refused to engage McCarthy in serious talks until Republicans offered a spending plan of their own. In late April, the House passed a bill that included $4.7 trillion in savings from spending cuts, canceling clean-energy tax breaks and clawing back money for COVID relief and the IRS. It featured work requirements and measures to speed fossil fuel projects, and it raised the debt limit for one year. Biden, under fire from business groups and others who feared the standoff could result in the United States running out of money before the debt limit was raised, soon agreed to designate a team of negotiators. The White House team was led by officials including Young and one of her top aides, Michael Linden, who delayed his departure from the White House to help negotiate along with Louisa Terrell, the legislative affairs director, and Ricchetti. McCarthys negotiators gave Biden officials the impression that to reach agreement, they needed at least one talking point from every major aspect of the House Republican debt limit bill. The talks took a few surprising turns. Multiple White House officials say the Republican team briefly entertained relatively modest proposals to raise tax revenue, including closing loopholes that benefit some real estate owners and people who trade cryptocurrency. Those discussions stalled quickly. Democrats agreed to fast-track a natural gas pipeline, in what officials concede was making good on a promise to Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., for backing Bidens signature climate law last year. The spending caps ended up roughly where many Biden aides had predicted they would in private discussions months ago. But few White House officials believed they would have to give up $20 billion of the $80 billion that Democrats approved last year to help the IRS crack down on tax cheats. Biden hammered out the amount in a final call with McCarthy. Young said that cut was painful. And not just for me, she added. Its something we talked to the president about many times. He cares deeply about this. On Thursday evening in Zients office, the president and his team were focused on upsides. They had beaten back Republican attempts to cancel the climate law, to add new work requirements on Medicaid recipients and to impose binding spending caps for a decade. Biden was particularly pleased to spare key veterans programs from cuts. On Friday morning, Zients gathered core officials in his office, as he had every day, seven days a week, for several weeks running. Brainard and the economic team were relieved to have cleared the threat of default not just for this year, but through the next presidential election. Aides worked on honing Bidens planned remarks in an Oval Office address Friday evening. The speech started at 7:01 p.m., unusually prompt for Biden. By then, his staff was already celebrating. An hour earlier, happy hour had begun in Zients office. c.2023 The New York Times Company How the Biden family name became latest wrinkle in Hunter Biden's paternity battle Hunter Biden is nearing judgment day in an Arkansas lawsuit to reduce his child support and prevent his daughter from taking his last name. The president's son faces a deposition this month and a July trial against a woman, Lunden Roberts, who had his daughter Aug. 28, 2018. Biden was ordered in March 2020 to pay child support, but he asked in September 2022 to reduce the amount because of his changing income, which led to the pending trial. Another point of contention deals with the childs name. Roberts wants the child to have Bidens last name because of the family's political prominence and business success, but he is opposed because of the "political warfare" she could face. The case is just one of the legal challenges facing Hunter Biden, who has become a lightning rod for congressional Republicans investigating how he might influence President Joe Biden. House Republicans are probing whether Hunter Biden was rewarded for influencing the administration through lucrative business deals or art sales, allegations he and the White House have denied. Here is what we know about the case: Hunter Biden, the son of President Joe Biden, is seen during the annual White House Easter Egg Roll on the South Lawn of the White House on April 18, 2022. What is disputed in Hunter Biden's paternity case? Roberts filed the case in May 2019 seeking to determine Biden's paternity and obtain child support. Biden initially resisted, but his paternity was established in January 2020. An agreement for child support was reached under a final order in March 2020, retroactive to November 2018. But Biden revived the case by asking to reduce the amount of child support he was paying. His lawyer, Brent Langdon, cited a substantial material change in his financial circumstances. During a May hearing, lawyer Abbe Lowell revealed Biden is paying $20,000 per month in child support for a total of $750,000. Roberts lawyers, Clinton Lancaster and Jennifer Lancaster, opposed the move, citing business deals in Ukraine and China, and art sales House Republicans are investigating. The lawyers noted that Biden paying multiple lawyers, including Lowell for $855 per hour and others who represent "the Hollywood elite," to represent him in congressional inquiries and now the paternity case. However, voluntarily reducing income, or hiding assets, is not a basis for a reduction in support, Clinton Lancaster wrote. Independence County Circuit Judge Holly Meyer set dates June 13 to 16 for Hunter Biden and others to provide depositions in the case before the anticipated July trial. Hunter Biden What's in a name? After Biden filed to reopen the discussion of child support, Roberts filed her motion in December seeking to change the last name of the child, whose initials are NJR, to Biden. Her lawyers said the girl deserved the Biden name because the name is now synonymous with being well educated, successful, financially acute and politically powerful. Hunter Biden is a wildly successful businessman, a powerful lobbyist and apparently, a famous artist, according to the filing. The girls grandparents are the president and first lady. But Biden opposed the change, with his lawyer arguing Roberts was pursuing political warfare against the Defendant and his family. Langdon said Roberts disparaged the Biden family in other filings and the notoriety would no doubt rob the child of peaceful existence. Hunter Biden, right, meets and speaks with his father President Joe Biden, and proceeds to walk back inside of the White House after the President and First lady Jill Biden welcomed and greeted people at the annual Easter Egg Roll on Monday, April 10, 2023. What's next? Biden and Roberts have clashed in recent months over expert witnesses and exchanges of evidence in the case. One of the mothers experts, Garrett Ziegler, repeatedly discusses Hunter Biden on television. He produced a 644-page report on Hunter Bidens laptop, which became a focus of Republican congressional investigations about his finances. His nonprofit, Marco Polo, has parked a truck with the message "BidenCrimes.info" outside the White House, Justice Department and Congress. Biden's lawyers tried to prevent Ziegler from being an expert witness, but the court allowed him. One of Bidens lawyers, Kevin Morris, sued Ziegler and Marco Polo in California Superior Court alleging harassment and invasion of privacy for exposing his contact information, posting pictures of his relatives and addresses of properties he owns. Ziegler and Marco Polo have denied the allegations and argued that the public interest outweighs any of Morris' privacy concerns. Lowell wrote the Internal Revenue Service challenging the nonprofit status of Marco Polo for engaging in political activity. The White House and congressional Democrats have questioned the legitimacy of some information purported to be from the laptop and called the inquiries hyper-partisan. Ian Sams, a White House spokesman has called the GOP inquiries "politically-motivated stunts." Hunter Biden, son of President Joe Biden, talks with his sister Ashley Biden as they attend his daughter Maisy Biden's commencement ceremony at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia on May 15, 2023. What's next? The case has dragged on as the first judge, Circuit Judge Don McSpadden, had warned the participants against. The early part of the case, before paternity and child support were settled, was postponed for months. By March 2020, Judge Meyer rejected a Biden request to postpone the case until after the 2020 election as excessive because interest in his person will continue. After the revival of the case, the deposition could be an opportunity for Roberts lawyers to ask Biden about his income from overseas business ventures and about the sale of his art listed for as much as $500,000. The mothers lawyers have accused Hunter Biden of playing discovery goose chases by not cooperating before the trial. Biden does not want to disclose his income and assets, says that he is somewhat financially destitute, while he lives on a mountain overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Malibu, has Secret Service protection, and enjoys his time abroad, a May filing said. Roberts lawyers asked in January 2020 for the second time to hold Biden in contempt which didnt happen for failing to provide his addresses for him and his wife, phone numbers for both, documentation of his income and any corporate ownership. But Hunter Bidens lawyers said he has provided 2,279 pages of financial documents and an affidavit of financial means. His lawyers said Biden "has in good faith conferred or attempted to confer with Defendant in an effort to avoid court action." This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Hunter Biden paternity case: Fight hinges on money owed, family name President Joe Biden made his first address from the Oval Office on the debt deal President Joe Biden has said raising the US borrowing limit averted "economic collapse", in his first Oval Office address to the nation on Friday. He signed the bill into law on Saturday after it cruised through Congress with bipartisan support. The Democratic president voiced rare praise for his Republican counterparts, saying they "operated in good faith". He said a US default on its $31.4tn (25tn) debt by Monday's deadline would have been "catastrophic". Speeches to the nation from the Oval Office are typically reserved for major crises, such as war or natural disasters. The White House said Mr Biden's decision to make his remarks there underscored the gravity of the situation if the debt ceiling had not been raised at the last minute. For weeks the White House and Republicans debated details of a deal, and there was scepticism about whether the package would actually be finalised before the US government ran out of money on 5 June. The bill passed 63-36 in the Senate on Thursday night, a day after it easily cleared the House of Representatives. The president praised congressional leaders, including Republican Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy and Republican Senate leader Mitch McConnell. "They acted responsibly, and put the good of the country ahead of politics," said Mr Biden, who is running for re-election in 2024. The deal suspends the debt limit until 1 January 2025 and caps non-defence spending, while expanding work requirements for food and healthcare assistance, amongst other provisions. Full funding for the medical care of military veterans would also increase, in line with what President Biden had sought. The legislation will result in $1.5tn in savings over a decade, the independent Congressional Budget Office said on Tuesday. Though it was largely a bipartisan bill, there were Republicans who said the deal did not go far enough with cuts while some Democrats said it went too far. Joe Biden celebrated Congresss approval of a debt-ceiling suspension in a speech delivered from the Oval Office on Friday night, a day after the Senate passed the compromise bill brokered by the president and the Republican House speaker, Kevin McCarthy. Biden described the bills enactment as essential to the progress weve made over the last few years in keeping full faith and credit of the United States of America and passing a budget that continues to grow our economy and reflects our values as a nation. Related: Joe Biden hails big win as bipartisan debt ceiling bill reaches his desk Thats why Im speaking to you tonight: to report on a crisis averted and what were doing to protect Americas future, Biden said. Biden said he would sign the bill Saturday, with just two days left before the 5 June default deadline. Once enacted, the law will suspend the governments borrowing limit until January 2025, ensuring the issue will not resurface before the next presidential election. The speech, which marked Bidens first formal address from the Oval Office, came less than 24 hours after the Senate passed the debt ceiling bill in a bipartisan vote of 63 to 36. A day earlier, the bill had passed the Republican-controlled House in a bipartisan vote of 314 to 117. The signing of the bill will avert the first federal default in US history, which could have upended the American economy and global markets. Economists have warned that a federal default could cause the US unemployment rate to double while significantly damaging Americas gross domestic product (GDP). Passing this budget agreement was critical. The stakes could not have been higher, Biden said. If we had failed to reach an agreement on the budget, there were extreme voices threatening to take America, for the first time in our 247-year history, into default on our national debt. Nothing, nothing would have been more irresponsible. Nothing would have been more catastrophic. Our economy would have been thrown in recession. But the passage of the bill came with some significant drawbacks for Biden and fellow Democrats. Although Biden spent months insisting that Congress must pass a clean debt ceiling bill with no strings attached, he was ultimately forced to the negotiating table with McCarthy after House Republicans passed their own debt ceiling bill in late April. As part of his negotiations with McCarthy, Biden agreed to some spending cuts and new work requirements for benefits programs. Those policies were denounced by progressives in Congress, many of whom opposed the debt ceiling bill in protest. I could not in good conscience vote for a bill that cuts programs for the most vulnerable while refusing to ask billionaires to pay a penny more in taxes, Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, one of the deals critics, wrote in a Guardian op-ed published on Friday. Deficit reduction cannot just be about cutting programs that working families, the children, the sick, the elderly and the poor depend upon. However, the spending cuts included in the final version of the bill were much more modest than those outlined in the original proposal passed by House Republicans, a point that Biden emphasized in his Friday speech. No one got everything they wanted, but the American people got what they needed, Biden said. We averted an economic crisis, an economic collapse. Were cutting spending and bringing the deficits down at the same time. Were protecting important priorities from Social Security to Medicare to veterans to our transformational investments in infrastructure and clean energy. But the compromise struck many hard-right Republicans in Congress as a raw deal, and they voted against the debt ceiling bill over concerns that the legislation did not go far enough to tackle the federal debt of more than $31tn. Those Republicans efforts to block the legislation from advancing repeatedly failed, clearing the way for the final Senate passage of the bill on Thursday. As the US breathes a sigh of relief over avoiding a potentially catastrophic default, lawmakers are already bracing for future fights. Some progressives, including Sanders, have called on Biden to eliminate the debt ceiling by invoking the 14th amendment of the constitution, which stipulates that the validity of the public debt of America shall not be questioned. Such a policy maneuver would kill any future threat of a default. The fact of the matter is that this bill was totally unnecessary, Sanders wrote in his op-ed. I look forward to the day when [Biden] exercises this authority and puts an end, once and for all, to the outrageous actions of the extreme right wing to hold our entire economy hostage in order to protect their corporate sponsors. FILE PHOTO: U.S. President Biden delivers a speech on bipartisan legislation that lifts the federal government's debt ceiling By Trevor Hunnicutt WASHINGTON (Reuters) -President Joe Biden on Saturday signed a bill that suspends the U.S. government's $31.4 trillion debt ceiling, averting what would have been a first-ever default with just two days to spare. The House of Representatives and the Senate passed the legislation this week after Biden and House of Representatives Speaker Kevin McCarthy reached an agreement following tense negotiations. The Treasury Department had warned it would be unable to pay all its bills on Monday if Congress had failed to act by then. Biden signed the bill at the White House a day after hailing it as a bipartisan triumph in his first-ever Oval Office address to the nation as president. The bill signing, which was closed to the press, marked a low-key, symbolic end to a crisis that vexed Washington for months, forced Biden to cut short an international trip in Asia and threatened to push the United States to the brink of an unprecedented economic crisis. "Thank you to Speaker McCarthy, Leader Jeffries, Leader Schumer, and Leader McConnell for their partnership," the White House said in a statement announcing the bill's signing, naming the Democratic and Republican leaders of the House and Senate. Officials later released a ten-second clip of Biden silently signing the document at the White House. "It was critical to reach an agreement, and it's very good news for the American people," Biden said on Friday. "No one got everything they wanted. But the American people got what they needed." The Republican-controlled House voted 314 to 117 to approve the bill, and the Democrat-controlled Senate voted 63 to 36. Fitch Ratings said on Friday the United States' "AAA" credit rating would remain on negative watch, despite the agreement that will allow the government to meet its obligations. (Reporting by Trevor Hunnicutt; Additional reporting by Eric Beech; Editing by Nick Zieminski) President Joe Biden on Saturday signed into law a bill extending the debt ceiling for two years, averting an economically disastrous debt default ahead of Mondays deadline. The Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 suspends the public debt limit through January 1, 2025, after the 2024 presidential elections. If we had failed to reach an agreement on the budget, there were extreme voices threatening to take America, for the first time in our 247 year history, into default on our national debt," Biden said of the deal Friday night in his first televised address from the Oval Office. "Nothing, nothing would have been more irresponsible. Nothing would have been more catastrophic," he added. The Senate passed the bipartisan budget deal in a 63-36 vote Thursday. The House passed the legislation a day earlier by a vote of 314 to 117, with 149 Republicans joining 165 Democrats in favor of the agreement brokered by Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., after months of political warfare over government spending. The legislation caps spending for the next two years and includes conservative measures to claw back about $28 billion in unspent Covid relief funds, as well as eliminating $1.4 billion in IRS funding and shifting roughly $20 billion of the $80 billion the IRS got through the Inflation Reduction Act to nondefense funding. President Joe Biden addresses the nation on averting default and the Bipartisan Budget Agreement, in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, June 2, 2023. (Jim Watson / AFP - Getty Images) It also restarts federal student loan payments after a lengthy pause that began at the start of the pandemic, and adds work requirements for people up to age 55 to get benefits under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, with carve-outs for veterans and homeless people. The current threshold is 50 years old. Biden initially refused to negotiate with McCarthy over the debt ceiling, insisting that the House needed to pass a so-called clean bill without any spending cuts or policy provisions. I will not let anyone use the full faith and credit of the United States as a bargaining chip, Biden said in January. But the new Republican House speaker said the House wouldn't vote to raise the debt limit without significant budget cuts. Despite split factions in the GOP, with hardline Republicans demanding deeper spending cuts and policy changes, McCarthy was able to wrangle his narrow majority to pass a partisan bill in late April that would impose budget cuts in exchange for raising the debt ceiling. House passage of that bill helped force Biden to the bargaining table, setting off weeks of frenzied talks that culminated in a deal late last month. It came together just days before a June 5 deadline. The Treasury Department hit its statutory borrowing limit in January but was able to use extraordinary measures to pay the countrys bills up to a point. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen had warned that the country was at risk of breaching the debt ceiling on Monday. In a May 26 letter to McCarthy, Yellen warned that "we now estimate that Treasury will have insufficient resources to satisfy the governments obligations if Congress has not raised or suspended the debt limit by June 5. Failure to do so, she warned, "would cause severe hardship to American families, harm our global leadership position, and raise questions about our ability to defend our national security interests. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Iranian women walk past a portrait of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini on the occasion of his 34th death anniversary - ABEDIN TAHERKENAREH/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Those who like to consider the worst way to die for Montaigne, it was to be hanged on piano wire; for Orwell, to be eaten by rats need not rack their imagination any longer. It was allegedly inflicted on young women in Evin prison and elsewhere in Iran in 1988. First came the death sentence, then, according to some accounts, forced marriage and rape just before being hanged or shot, in order to deny them the fast track to heaven accorded to virgins in the Mullahs warped theology. When I investigated these prison massacres some years ago, I heard of this horrific allegation but dismissed it for lack of evidence. But I believe there is good reason to return to them now. Many thousands of imprisoned oppositionists were killed at this time by order (a fatwa) of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. Many were students, sentenced years before for minor political crimes like participating in demonstrations or handing out leaflets. Ebrahim Raisi, now president of Iran, is believed to have sat on a death committee, which sentenced them to death without a trial as mohareb (enemies of God) for allegiance to groups that opposed the state or its religion. The whole episode reflects the contempt that women still face in Iran, as its vicious morality police have recently demonstrated. There cannot be much doubt that Raisi knew of these stomach-turning practices. Knowledge can also be imputed to Ali Khamenei, president at the time and now Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic. Of course, this was just the worst part of a colossal crime against humanity as many thousands of political prisoners were put to death. Their bodies were allegedly stacked in refrigerated lorries and buried secretly in a mass grave in Tehrans cemeteries, where even today parents and relatives of the victims are not able to mourn them. Iran has gone to extraordinary lengths to cover up the crime. When some news of it leaked at the time, a naive international agency rapporteur was welcomed to Evin with a brass band, where schooled prisoners pretended they were well-treated. It was only years later, with the publication of the diaries of a senior Mullah who reprimanded the death committee during their work at Evin, that the truth began to come out, but not about the fate of the women who were allegedly raped before execution. The diaries also included a copy of the merciless fatwa issued by the Ayatollah in fury at having to sign a truce in the war with Iraq. There is little prospect of bringing the perpetrators to justice while the Mullahs, whose cruel sexist beliefs contributed to the insupportable treatment of the female prisoners, remain in power. One perpetrator who ventured overseas was caught in Sweden and last year sentenced to life imprisonment. No doubt the Iranians are looking for a Swede they can falsely accuse of espionage in order to swap for him. Belgium recently succumbed to Iranian blackmail and freed a diplomat sentenced to 20 years for planning a thwarted bomb attack against an exiled Iranian opposition group. He was swapped for a Belgian aid worker, sentenced in Iran for espionage. Given the impunity of the Mullahs, the best that can be done is to expose the extent of their crimes as an indication of the barbarity of which their government is capable if, for example, they possess a nuclear bomb. We know how Hitler had the Stauffenberg plotters hanged with piano wire and how he gloated over a film of their death agonies. We did not know, until recently, how a depraved regime put hundreds of young women to the worst of deaths. Geoffrey Robertson KC is founding head of Doughty Street Chambers and the author of Mullahs Without Mercy Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer. The Rowan County Sheriffs Office is searching for a burglar who broke into a Salisbury church twice and stole an $8,000 keyboard. The male suspect pulled up to Cornerstone Church on Webb Road at about 10:30 p.m. on May 22 and broke in. However, he was startled by an employee and sped off in a dark-colored Dodge Charger. On May 25 at the church, someone wearing the same clothing got out of a dark-colored Dodge Charger at about 11:30 p.m. The thief broke into the church again and stole a red Nord Stage 3 keyboard. The male suspect ran off. Call the sheriffs office at 704-603-7366 if you have information. VIDEO: Hickory church members continue outreach after teen shot feet from them California bill would allow Sikh motorcyclists to ride without helmets Satnam Singh travels through Bakersfield as part of a cross-country Ride Against Hate on July 31 to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the mass shooting at a Sikh temple in Wisconsin. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times) Proposed legislation that would exempt those who wear religious or cultural headdresses such as a turban or patka from wearing helmets when riding a motorcycle has cleared the California state Senate. Sen. Brian Dahle (R-Bieber), who introduced the bill, said he was approached by bikers in the Sikh community who said they wanted the ability to practice their religious beliefs while riding motorcycles. There are no helmets that accommodate headdresses. They just want to be able to practice their faith without discrimination, and the Constitution allows us to do that, Dahle said Friday. About 211,000 Sikhs live in California, making up nearly half of the nation's entire community, according to the most recent U.S. Census data. The bill cleared the state Senate on Wednesday, and now heads to the Assembly. Eighteen states, including California, have adopted universal helmet laws since a federal safety penalty was repealed in 1995 . The California Highway Patrol enforces the universal helmet law, and violations are punished with a fine of up to $250 and/or a year on probation. Dahle said the rule doesnt intentionally discriminate against religions, but it limits how certain communities can engage in their customs. The turban I tie is about 7 meters. Its not just a head covering, a member of the Sikh community said during a Senate committee hearing . We are not able to ride our bikes and practice our religion. According to the Sikh Rehat Maryada, a code of conduct for orthodox Sikhism, men are required to wear a turban as a symbol of humility, and children wear patkas a cloth head covering secured with strings. They arent just trying to get an exemption because they didn't want to wear a helmet, Dahle said. It's very personal to them and their faith. The Automobile Club of Southern California opposes the legislation, citing concerns that it would weaken the states universal motorcycle helmet law. The Auto Club supports helmet laws because they save lives and reduce serious injuries in traffic crashes involving motorcycles, a spokesperson said in an email statement. Everyone has a right to self-expression, including while riding a motorcycle or any other form of transportation, but keeping riders safe should always remain a priority. More than 5,500 motorcyclists died in 2020, and more than 180,000 were injured in motorcycle crashes, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Helmets were found to reduce the risk of head injuries from crashes by 69%. The County Health Executives Assn. of California also opposes Dahle's legislation, Senate Bill 847. "CHEAC understands that wearing turbans and patkas are deeply important religious expressions, and we encourage innovation and equity in the design of helmets to accommodate head coverings instead of weakening existing helmet laws and risking the safety of these riders, Michelle Gibbons, the associations executive director, wrote in an email. Dahle acknowledged concerns about road safety and said motorcycles generally dont provide much protection, but said his bills focus is freedom of religious expression. Its an opportunity to give them the freedoms of their faith and let them live the American dream and ride a motorcycle and not have to wear a helmet that doesn't go over a turban, Dahle said. He said his office has discussed methods to distinguish motorcyclists eligible for the exemption, such as a mark on their license or a box to check on the driver's application. According to an analysis of the bill, Sikhs or other groups are not exempt from helmet laws in other states due to religious practices. Several provinces in Canada, including Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba and Ontario exempt Sikhs from helmet laws. Exemptions have also been granted in the United Kingdom and India. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. California's earliest Black settlers bought land only for it to be stolen. Their descendants want it back. It had been nine months since Yolanda Tylu Owens unearthed her ancestors history by researching her family tree. But one evening, quietly sitting at the foot of her bed in her home in Sacramento, California, an idea flashed in her mind. It was like my ancestors spoke to me, Owens said. It was so out of the blue. But it was clear: I should search to see if my great-great-great-grandfather had any land. She scrambled for her laptop. Within minutes, she had to sit back in her chair to process what she had learned. It was there, plain as day, Owens said. There were four deeds in his name. He owned land. And not just anywhere, but in Napa, California, Americas best known wine-growing region, replete with its symbols of wealth and beauty. Three of the deeds showed her ancestor Edward Hatton owned prime real estate on Main Street in downtown Napa. A fourth deed covered 209 acres in the nearby mountains. Owens discovery both that her ancestor owned land and that it was most likely taken away highlights one component of the states effort to consider paying reparations to Black Californians. The document showing that land was granted to Yolanda Owens' great-great-grandfather Edward Hatton, at the site where that property was seized in Napa, Calif., in May. (Marissa Leshnov for NBC News) Californias founding involved the often violent acquisition and theft of land from Native people, including an 1851 order from the states first governor that a war of extermination would be waged until the Indian race becomes extinct, according to the Los Angeles Times. While California was not officially a slave state, it welcomed bringing in enslaved Africans to work and dig for gold. In many cases those men were able to buy their freedom from the gold they found and, in a short period, purchase land and build what could have been generational wealth. That their land was taken away from them or that the landowners were forced to flee because of violent acts crystallizes the dilemma and the arduous pursuit some Black families face in the reverberations of Californias reparations efforts for the harms slavery inflicted on Black residents of the state. The stolen land could be worth millions, and the families efforts to reacquire it as the rightful heirs are steadfast. They view getting the land not only as a chance to earn financial compensation, but also as a matter of principle. The reversion of stolen land is likely to be one of many recommendations the California reparations task force will make by July 1. But some families are taking the lead on their own fate. No ones going to do it for us, Owens said. Left and right: a locked gate at the site where Owen's family owned land in Napa's nearby mountains, with flowers growing on the other side of a gate. Center: Owens at one of the sites on Main Street in downtown Napa. (Marissa Leshnov for NBC News) To Owens and others, the bottom line is clear: Their ancestors land was unjustly taken from them, and they want it back. There are not a whole lot of stories like this, because the priority of enslaved Blacks who were brought to California was to get away, said Jean Pfaelzer, the author of the book California, A Slave State. These men were brought out, but their families were still held hostage on the plantations. So it was much more about finding jobs or starting a business so they could make enough money to buy their families. But there were some bold, ambitious Black people who did buy land. And in many cases their land was taken away from them, often in heartbreaking ways. Here are the stories of three Black families who are grappling with legacies of seized land and lost generational wealth. The Hatton family, Napa Edward Hatton migrated from Norfolk, Virginia, to Napa in the mid-1850s with other formerly enslaved people. He became a 49er, a gold miner. His son Joseph and grandson Edward followed suit and earned their places as respected Black men in Northern California. The eldest Hatton became the first Black barber in Napa and a gold-mine owner. Owens found documents that indicated Hatton owned the three lots in downtown Napa, where a park and Sept. 11 memorial now rests, she said. She acquired the papers from the Napa County clerks office for the lots downtown that show the land remains in Edward Hattons name. Yolanda Owens on land that was seized from her great-great-great-grandfather. The property is now a Sept. 11 memorial in downtown Napa, Calif., in May. (Marissa Leshnov for NBC News) It has not been bought or sold, she said. Napa officials did not find any other deeds on the property. As for the large piece of land in the outskirts of Napa, Owens said the Hattons bought the 209 acres for $1,500 in February 1885. According to her research from various documents and news clippings, white people wanted the land, and in 1893, a white woman claimed the Hattons had defaulted on a $400 payment. The land was later put up for auction at a court hearing at which the Hattons were not present. The woman bought it and then sold it to the county treasurer at the price she had paid for it. The treasurer, who had already owned other large parts of that mountain, put the land in her own name, and that was that, Owens said. They stole it. Soon, an upscale restaurant the Hattons owned, The Arcade, was burned down, Owens said, and her ancestors fled Napa. Thomas Mitchell, a Boston College Law School professor, said that once Black people began to acquire land after having been enslaved, it was considered the norm in the years following the end of slavery for that land to be seized without provocation or justifiable reasons, for it was considered better and higher economic use of the property. The practice underscored that notion that we had to accept that Black peoples lives are just not that important, said Thomas, a 2020 MacArthur Fellow. Their property ownership, their communities are not as important. They should be at the ready to have their rights sacrificed for the greater good. In 1867, Edward Hatton wrote a letter to the editor of The Elevator, a defunct local Black newspaper, that said, in part: Why should we of this State be treated with so much injustice? Are we not as intelligent as any class of the community, and are we not taxed as well as others? Why this distinction? I think it is time we should be doing something for ourselves. The treasurer, who had already owned other large parts of that mountain, put the land in her own name, and that was that, Owens said. They stole it. (Marissa Leshnov for NBC News) The Blue family, Sacramento Les Robinson had to leave a family cookout to compose himself. A cousin told him to look up an ancestor on his phone Daniel Blue. Robinson had never heard of him, but a search revealed the longtime pastor in the Sacramento area, who was integral to the regions Black community. Robinson learned that his great-great-grandfather was brought to Sacramento in 1849 as an enslaved man from Kentucky by John Daugherty, the son of his enslaver. Blue, 53 at the time, worked as a gold miner and discovered enough gold to buy his freedom and become an entrepreneur, opening a dry cleaners and starting a church in his home and later a stand-alone structure. That church St. Andrews AME Church was founded in 1850, and it remains the West Coasts oldest continuous African Methodist Episcopal congregation. Blue also started a school for Black, Latino, Asian American and Native American children. And he bought property. Lots of it 60 acres, according to Robinson, including nine blocks in Sacramento, Californias capital, documents show. On that property today, Robinson said, stands the California Railroad Museum, the Amtrak Station, Sacramento RailYard, the courthouse and the Sacramento County jail. But the question looms: What happened to the property? We dont know, Robinson said. He said his research told a familiar, unnerving story that the property was taken. Les Robinson and Daniel Blue. (Courtesy Les Robinson) Ive been told that it was taken because the railroad needed that land to complete the transcontinental connection, Robinson said. So he basically was booted out. And burned out, as intimidation by whites who did not welcome freed Blacks turned violent. Part of the school was burned down and rebuilt before eventually it closed years later. Blues house was burned in 1869. There was a failed attempt to burn down the church, too, Robinson said. Mitchell said the seizing of property by citizens, law enforcement or the government comes with an additional injustice beyond stunting generational wealth: It destroys culture and history. Whether youre talking about Harlem or southwest Georgia, theres often an erasure of important culture and history, Mitchell said. Much of what Robinson and others in his family have discovered is documented in newspaper articles and other periodicals, which makes it frustrating for Robinson that he cannot locate deeds or ownership documentation. They have not yet presented their findings to state or local officials yet, preferring to do more research and hear what the reparations task force has to say about seized land. But they are clear about what happened. It was obviously taken, Robinson said. He was a smart man. He wouldnt give away 60-plus acres of land. Robinson is working on a book about his ancestor that sums up what having the land returned to him and his family would mean. Yes, he wants the land for its financial value, but also for its sentimental value. Robinson, who founded a church in 1999, said the revelations about his ancestor resonate in a tangible way. Looking back and seeing what his ancestor accomplished, I see parallels in our life even not having ever known him, he said. When I found him, I met him and we have the same spirit. I am doing what he would want me to do. The Burgess family, Coloma, California It was exhausting for Jon Burgess when he learned that an ancestor had been the hangman in the 1800s in Coloma, a small community about 55 miles northeast of Sacramento, where his family lineage traces. Thats not something you want to see, and it floored me for two days, Burgess said. It was the price of digging into his familys history. Burgess and twin brother Matthew have been floored for the last five years for another reason: In the family Bible, where many Black families used to document significant moments of family members lives, Burgess discovered that his great-great-great grandfather Rufus Burgess was one of the states first gold miners and that he built wealth and bought land in California at the end of slavery intent on its staying in the family for future generations. Jon and Matthew Burgess with their family bible. (Courtesy Jon and Matthew Burgess) Using eminent domain, the city seized much of the 420 acres, Burgess said. Much of the land he wants to reclaim is Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park in Coloma. Burgess has testified before the California reparations task force, posted short videos on Instagram about his family findings to educate followers and connected with Gov. Gavin Newsom about the subject. Im just trying to get people to empathize with the fact that we had an inheritance that was supposed to remain in our family for years per those deeds. And yet it was stripped away, he said. Burgess possesses the deed to the land, documentation he believes that when it is properly reviewed will stand up in court, particularly because there is no record of his ancestors selling the land, he said. If we didnt have the deed, it would just be another story, said Burgess, a firefighter. But we do. And the deeds can certainly tell a very different story. Whats next for reparations The story for all these families is unfinished. They hope their gathered documentation will yield a result similar to that of Bruces Beach in Southern California, where Los Angeles County seized land in Manhattan Beach purchased in 1912 by a Black couple, Charles and Willa Bruce. White residents led a petition to have their resort for Black people condemned in 1927 and turned into a park. It was returned to the Bruce family last year. The family sold it back to the county for $20 million. The cases are not parallel to that of Bruces Beach, but it elicits hope for these descendants, especially as California considers reparations in such an aggressive manner. Burgess case has been acknowledged by the California task force as similarly valid to that of Bruces Beach, and may be included in its final report and list of recommendations, which will be issued to the Legislature at the end of June. Land and property are things that my pioneer ancestors did not sell or take for granted, because they knew the value, coming from slave plantations making others wealthy for generations all behind land, Burgess said. Generational wealth means my family and descendants would have the same if not more than the Bogle family, Veercamp family, Gallagher family, Del Monte family and a host of others who came here with nothing prior to 1870 and were left to prosper but also allowed equal protection by the laws. The 209-acres of land Yolanda Owens' ancestor owned in the hills of Napa, Calif., can be accessed only by a winding two-lane road. (Marissa Leshnov for NBC News) This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Thank you for supporting our journalism. This article is available exclusively for our subscribers, who help fund our work at the Chicago Tribune. Chicago gang member Alvin Vaughn was arrested in 2017 on relatively minor federal charges of being a felon in possession of weapons at a suburban gun range, but it was immediately clear that something bigger was brewing. The criminal complaint against him stated investigators were conducting an ongoing investigation into a violent street gang named Goonie Boss, of which Vaughn was a known member. Investigators asked Vaughn specifically about reputed leader Romeo O-Dog Blackman and other associates. And they seemed to already know a lot about the violence the gang had been inflicting on the Englewood neighborhood. Advertisement They had me on (being a) felon at a gun range, Vaughn testified in a federal courtroom Wednesday. But then they got to asking about me and Romeo and everybody else, and thats why I got to talking. Vaughn is now one of several key cooperators in the sprawling racketeering case against Blackman and two of his alleged associates in the Goonie gang, a violent faction of the Gangster Disciples that federal prosecutors say terrorized a small area of the South Side beginning in the late 2010s. Advertisement The indictment alleges Blackman, together with Terrance T Smith and Jolicious Jo Jo Turman, are responsible for 10 slayings and six attempted murders in an 18-month span from 2014 to 2016. Each of the defendants is charged with committing murder in furtherance of a racketeering conspiracy, which carries a mandatory life sentence upon conviction. Testifying over parts of two days, Vaughn, 32, put jurors at the center of the citys modern gang warfare, where splintered groups allegedly engage in a shockingly petty cycle of violence with rivals, shooting at opps as an almost daily routine and bragging about it on Facebook and other social media. He testified about several of the slayings at the heart of the indictment, including the January 2014 killing of Johnathan Johnston, who Blackman allegedly suspected of being a police informant. Months later, Vaughn said, he saw Blackman and Smith retrieve a gun from his home shortly before a shooting outside a nearby convenience store where a young woman was killed. Minutes after that shooting, Smith returned and washed his hands with bleach, Vaughn testified. Dressed in a dark track suit, Vaughn, whose family has long-standing ties to the infamous Gangster Disciples, didnt cut the same profile as other cooperators in recent gang trials. Last year, a series of older, gang lifers, some who were admittedly ruthless killers themselves, lined up to testify in the trial of Wicked Town gang leader Donald Lee and an associate, Torance Benson, leading to sweeping convictions by a federal jury. A similar scenario played out in the 2021 trial of Four Corner Hustlers boss Labar Bro Man Spann, where many co-defendants accused of racketeering and murder cut deals with the government and testified against Spann. Like Lee and Benson, Spann is now facing a mandatory life sentence. Unlike those informants, however, Vaughn is no convicted killer. In fact, aside from the case involving handling guns at the range in Waukegan, for which he received a 20-month sentence, his most serious conviction came more than a decade ago when he pleaded guilty in Cook County Criminal Court to being a gang member in possession of a weapon. Advertisement During his testimony, Vaughn did admit to participating in shootouts with rivals as a youth, but said he doesnt think he ever actually shot anybody. When you a kid, you just shooting, Vaughn testified. On cross examination, attorney DAnthony Thedford, who represents Smith, tried to pin down Vaughn on how he was sure he never hit anyone. An ambulance never came, the police never came, Vaughn said. So that means I didnt hit nobody. The Goonie trial, which is headed into its third week Monday, is the latest in a string of major racketeering cases brought by the U.S. attorneys office aimed at the leaders of Chicagos fractured gang factions that prosecutors say are driving the citys rampant gun violence. Later this year, five alleged members of the South Sides O Block gang faction are set to go to trial on a racketeering conspiracy indictment accusing them of a pattern of violence that includes the downtown slaying of Chicago rapper FBG Duck in 2020. Advertisement In opening statements, Assistant U.S. Attorney Paige Nutini said that under Blackmans tutelage, the Goonies shot first and asked questions later. They targeted people they suspected might be snitching to police, committed many shootings during daylight hours so people would see the chaos, and constantly prowled the neighborhood looking for rival gang members, a routine they called sliding, she said. And to boost the impact, Goonie members often turned to the internet, where they broadcast their violence on social media using Facebook to brag and to taunt their rivals, Nutini said. Lawyers for the defendants, meanwhile, said prosecutors have thin evidence when it comes to many of the individual acts of violence alleged in the indictment, and that many of the governments witnesses including Vaughn cannot be trusted. The defense also warned jurors not to let their feelings about gang violence get in the way of the facts. This case is not a referendum on street gangs, Patrick Blegen, who represents Blackman, said in his opening statement. The government has to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the Goonies were a racketeering enterprise and that they committed these acts. The evidence so far has indeed showed that the Goonie gang wasnt out to protect a lucrative drug market or other illicit business that was raking in cash. In fact, the gang seemed to generate little money at all. Advertisement Vaughn testified that he sold drugs, but only in small amounts. Sometimes to raise money to buy guns, hed take drugs on consignment from a dealer and not pay him back, he said. Id make up a story, tell em the police hit the crib or something, he said. Other than the shootings, a large part of the gangs presence seemed to be online. Prosecutors also took Vaughn through a series of Facebook photos of various Goonie members, including many where theyre holding up the gangs B sign and pointing guns at the camera. There were also numerous Facebook group chat sessions where members allegedly talked about the gangs activities, including one where everyone is reminded to put $10 into the pot as part of a general gang fund. Security has been tight at the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse for the trial, with spectators required to lock up cellphones before entering the courtroom. Court filings detailing the testimony of alleged co-conspirators were also kept under seal, and U.S. District Judge John Robert Blakey has prohibited prosecutors from disseminating trial exhibits to the news media. Weeks before the trial began, Blakey denied a defense motion to allow the defendants to sit at the trial without leg shackles, citing accusations by prosecutors that Blackman had offered a fellow inmate $25,000 to kill one of the cooperating witnesses in the case. A court filing by prosecutors does not identify that witness, but said Blackman knew through evidence discovery in his own case that the witness had testified before a state grand jury. Security became an issue again during Vaughns testimony Tuesday, when Blackmans brother, Rosco, who attended the trial as a spectator, allegedly leaned toward Vaughn as he was being led out of the courtroom during a break and said words to the effect of, Ill get you, according to a criminal complaint filed against Rosco Blackman this week. Advertisement Vaughn later told investigators that hed seen Rosco Blackman in the gallery during his testimony. At one point, Blackman had exited the room and appeared to be looking at Vaughn through the courtroom door window and mouthing words at him, the complaint stated. Vaughn understood the mouthed words to be a threat intended to influence (his) testimony, the complaint stated. Vaughn also told investigators, however, he was not scared of Blackman. Like his brother, Alex, who testified last week, Alvin Vaughn took the witness stand under an immunity deal that shields him from prosecution, as long as he tells the truth. He told jurors that while staying out of prison was certainly on the forefront of his mind when he decided to turn against his fellow gang members, there were also other motives. Among them, he said, was getting justice for three brothers who were felled by gun violence, including his younger brother Atlantis, who was shot in the head at age 16 the year Vaughn was arrested in the gun range case. Advertisement And Vaughn said hed also tired of the gang life and wanted to make a change for himself and his family, including his nine children. Attorneys for the defendants, meanwhile, blasted Vaughns recollection of events and his alleged motives for testifying, suggesting in their cross examinations that his deal was so sweet his testimony could not be trusted. You dont want to be sitting over here, because this is serious business to be over here, attorney Christopher Grohman, who also represents Blackman, asked Vaughn at one point, gesturing toward his client at the defense table. Yes, sir, Vaughn responded. In a sentencing filing in Vaughns federal gun case in 2018, prosecutors said that Vaughn was at a crossroads. He can continue down this violent path that ends in heartache for his family, children and friends or he can make better choices and live a productive life from here on out, Assistant U.S. Attorney Albert Berry, the lead prosecutor in the Goonie case, wrote. If the defendant is the sweet child and awesome father his mother claims him to be, he will show those characteristics with his future actions. He will turn away from his past and look toward his future. Advertisement 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 > Vaughns attorney, Michael Schmiege, said in his sentencing filing that Vaughn had suffered a traumatic childhood beset by violence at every turn. In addition to experiencing three of his brothers being shot and killed, Vaughn was physically abused by his father and sometimes forced to hide his uncles guns and drugs when police came to the housing complex where they lived, Schmiege said. Not only was Vaughn ready to turn away from the lifestyle he had to, Schmiege said. Given the extent of Mr. Vaughns cooperation with the government, he will not be able to return to his former gang-affiliated lifestyle, wrote Schmiege. He will have no choice but to reintegrate himself into society as a law-abiding citizen. Near the end of his testimony Wednesday, Vaughn was asked why he initially lied to police when they questioned him about his role in the Goonie gang in 2017. He paused and said, I felt like they couldnt protect me, (so) I was just trying to see what they had against me. So why did you decide to come clean? he was asked. To make a change, like ... Vaughn said, his voice trailing off without finishing the answer. Advertisement jmeisner@chicagotribune.com FILE PHOTO: Canada's Defence Minister Anita Anand speaks during an interview with Reuters on the sidelines of the 19th Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore By Joe Brock SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Canadian Defence Minister Anita Anand said on Saturday that the country's critical infrastructure was increasingly being targeted by cyberattacks, posing a significant threat to the economy of the world's fourth-largest crude oil producer. The U.S. State Department warned last month that China was capable of launching cyberattacks against oil and gas pipelines and rail systems, after researchers discovered a Chinese hacking group had been spying on such networks. In an interview on the sidelines of an Asian security summit in Singapore, Anand said there had been an increase in cyberattacks across North America, although she did not attribute the strikes to any state-sponsored actors. "We have seen attacks on critical infrastructure in our country and we are very conscious to advise Canadian organisations and Canadian companies to take mitigation measures," Anand said. "The risks can be substantial to our economy and systems that are protecting the lives of our citizens." Canada is home to a number of large oil pipelines that are important for global crude supplies. Multinational energy companies like Exxon Mobil and Royal Dutch Shell have major operations in the country. Anand was speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue, Asia's top security meeting, where rising tensions between the United States and China have dominated proceedings. Chinese military officials have accused the U.S. and its allies of using the conference to gang up on Beijing and open divisions in the Asia-Pacific region. "We have to be eyes wide open on China. They have become an increasingly disruptive global power," Anand said when asked about China's complaints. (Reporting by Joe Brock; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan) Central State University has announced a nationwide search for its next president. >>RELATED: Jack Thomas to step down as president of Central State The CSU Board of Trustees chose an outside search firm to help with the search process, the university announced Friday. The board chair says it is searching for an individual who will help prepare students for a globalized future driven by technology. Current president Jack Thomas announced back in May he will not seek to renew his contract which will expire at the end of the month. An investigation was launched last year after multiple women accused him of creating a toxic work environment. The investigation found no issues related to Thomas leadership style. Dead Guanay cormorants covered a beach in Coquimbo, Chile, but authorities say it does not appear to be related to an ongoing avian bird flu outbreak Early tests indicate that the recent mass death of thousands of seabirds along Chile's northern coast were not caused by avian flu, authorities said Friday. Some 3,500 Guanay cormorants -- once known as the "billion dollar bird" for their connection to the European fertilizer industry -- have been found dead since May 26 near the coastal port of Coquimbo, according to Chile's Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG). Workers in biohazard suits collected hundreds of the dead cormorants, with their distinctive black-and-white coloration, along beaches in sight of restaurants and hotels. Initial tests on the dead birds did not reveal presence of avian flu, which has wracked other parts of Chile, Jorge Mautz, regional director of the service, told AFP. Residents of Coquimbo voiced surprise at the mass seabird deaths. "It's never been seen before. The mortality of these birds is impressive," Edison Alfaro, a 47-year-old fisherman, told AFP. Mautz said "something is happening in the sea" that is causing the death of the birds that feed each day in Pacific waters. The Guanay cormorant holds a place in history books. The once-abundant species was a huge producer of guano on islands off Peru's coast, where the birds nested, in the 19th century, generating huge sums of money for European merchants trafficking in guano for use as fertilizer. Over decades, millions of tons of guano were shipped to Europe, and guano became the main source of Peru's income in the latter half of the 19th century. The extraction was so heavy that it destroyed breeding habitats for the cormorants, triggering a sharp decrease in their population. Today, the Guanay cormorant is considered a threatened species. Since late 2021, one of the worst global avian influenza outbreaks on record has seen tens of millions of poultry culled, mass wild bird die-offs and a rising number of infections among mammals in several countries. Avian flu has plagued the coast of Chile since December 2022, killing thousands of penguins, pelicans and sea lions. Chile estimates that around 10 percent of the 10,000 extant Humboldt penguins, a vulnerable species, have died. In addition, 9,000 sea lions have perished, double the number of all cases recorded in the last 14 years. On March 29, the country's first case of human infection was confirmed, a 53-year-old patient who is still hospitalized. In Cambodia, an 11-year-old girl fell ill in mid-February with a fever, cough and sore throat, and died from the H5N1 bird flu virus, according to the health ministry there. axl/pa/vel/cjc/tjj/des China is drilling a hole over 33,000-feet-deep to explore the Earth's crust This aerial photo taken on May 30, 2023 shows the drilling project of a borehole over 32,808 feet deep for scientific exploration in northwest China's Xinjiang region. Li Xiang/Xinhua via Getty Images China has begun drilling a hole over 10,000 meters (32,808 feet) deep into the Earth's crust. The project will provide data on the Earth's internal structure. Chinese President Xi Jinping named deep Earth sciences one of four strategic frontiers to explore. Scientists in China have begun drilling a hole over 10,000 meters (32,808 feet) deep into the Earth's crust, a report says. The drilling project, led by the country's largest oil producer China National Petroleum Corp., would be among the deepest ever drilled. The project began on Tuesday in the Taklamakan Desert in Xinjiang, according to China's state-run news agency Xinhua. The drilling process will penetrate more than 10 layers of the Earth's crust and reach the Cretaceous system, consisting of rock dating back up to 145 million years. "The construction difficulty of the drilling project can be compared to a big truck driving on two thin steel cables," Sun Jinsheng, a Chinese Academy of Engineering scientist, told Xinhua news agency. Wang Chunsheng, a technical expert part of the operation, said that drilling the borehole is an attempt to explore the unknown territory of the Earth and expand the boundaries of human knowledge, according to Xinhua. The project is expected to take 457 days and will provide data on the Earth's internal structure while using deep underground drilling technologies, Bloomberg reported, citing China National Petroleum Corp. In a statement, the state-owned oil refiner, Sinopec, said the goal was to drill through an "underground Mount Everest," per Metro. Everest in the Himalayas is the world's highest peak at 29,031 feet. In a 2021 speech addressing the nation's top scientists, Chinese President Xi Jinping named deep Earth sciences one of four strategic frontiers to explore. The project could help identify mineral and energy resources and assess the risks of environmental disasters like earthquakes and volcano eruptions, Bloomberg noted. This hole will not be the deepest human-made despite its impressive depth. The deepest hole is still the Kola Superdeep Borehole in Russia, which reached 12,262 meters (40,230 feet) in 1989 after 20 years of drilling. Read the original article on Business Insider Previously approved flights by Chinese airlines to the US still use Russian airspace New Chinese flights recently approved by Washington seem to be affected, as previously approved flights by Chinese airlines to the USA still utilize Russian airspace. Read also: Russias largest air freight companies wind down amid harsh economic sanctions The new flights, approved on May 18 by the US Department of Transportation, involve Air China (Beijing to New York), China Eastern (Shanghai to Los Angeles), Xiamen Airlines (Xiamen to Los Angeles), and China Southern (Guangzhou to Los Angeles). In response to Washingtons ban on Russian flights over the United States since March 2022, following the invasion of Ukraine, Russia prohibited US other foreign airlines from flying over its airspace. Read also: Russian airlines continue flying western aircraft despite sanctions Chinese flights were not affected by these bans, though the new routes seem to be following a voluntary prohibition. 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 Christian radio host Dave Ramsey faces $150 million lawsuit from listeners who say they were defrauded by a timeshare exit company he promoted Dave Ramsey offers Bible-based financial advice on his radio show. The Ramsey Show/YouTube Dave Ramsey faces a $150 million lawsuit from listeners over his promotion of a timeshare exit group. Reed Hein offered to get paying customers out of timeshare deals but often failed to do so. Lawyers say Ramsey was paid $30 million to promote Reed Hein over a period of six years. Christian radio host Dave Ramsey is facing a $150 million lawsuit from 17 listeners who claim he played a role in defrauding them by promoting a timeshare exit company. The lawsuit, filed in April against Ramsey and marketing company Happy Hour Media Group in the Washington Western District Court, argued that the radio host promoted Timeshare Exit Team to the financial detriment of his listeners. The suit was first reported by Religion News Service. Ramsey provides financial advice to millions of listeners on his radio show using teachings from the Bible. Listeners will call to ask for advice on managing their finances, with one couple in May seeking help on their debts of $760,000. The suit said Ramsey was paid millions to advertise Timeshare Exit Team, operated by Kirkland, Washington-based Reed Hein & Associates. Lawyers say Ramsey was paid $450,000 a month by Reed Hein for his services, amounting to $30 million in total. Reed Hein promised to get customers out of timeshare agreements, but often failed to do so, per the suit. In 2017, timeshare operators began launching successful legal action against the company. In 2021 Reed Hein was ordered to stop its deceptive practices, Washington State attorney general Bob Ferguson said, and pay $2.6 million to be used for restitution for victims. The company later stopped trading. Each of the 17 plaintiffs in the April lawsuit say they paid thousands for Timeshare Exit Team's services after listening to Ramsey's promotions. They say they were often advised to negotiate their own settlements with their timeshare companies, and usually found it impossible to contact Reed Hein. Ramsey promoted Reed Hein between 2015 and 2021, and only ceased when the company stopped paying him, according to the suit. During that time, it's claimed he received thousands of letters from listeners who said they were unhappy with the company's services. In the period Ramsey promoted Reed Hein, it's argued the company received $70 million in fees from customers referred to it by the radio host. Lawyers argue that as complaints mounted, Ramsey became increasingly combative about his links to the company. "Instead of acknowledging the deception, Ramsey recorded a nine-minute radio segment in which he lashed out at anyone he felt to be responsible for Reed Hein's woes," the lawsuit stated. Those parties included timeshare companies and the Washington State attorney general. "Ramsey never returned any of the tens of millions of dollars Reed Hein and Happy Hour Media Group paid him from his own listeners' hard-earned money. Instead, Ramsey has chosen to profit from his listeners' money," lawyers say. Ramsey and Happy Hour Media Group didn't immediately respond to requests for comment from Insider, made outside normal working hours. Religion News Service also failed to get responses from Ramsey or Happy Hour. Read the original article on Business Insider Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christies 2024 bid is likely to put his criticism of Donald Trump front and center, offering a test of just how much appetite there is in the GOP for an explicitly anti-Trump candidate. Christies expected presidential bid has been greeted with skepticism from Republicans, some of whom suggest his candidacy is a mere vanity project, while others are quick to point out that Christie, while a vocal Trump critic now, had worked closely to help reelect the former president in 2020. But even some of those Republicans acknowledge that the former New Jersey governors pugilistic style could have an impact on the field, and potentially even damage Trump to a degree. If its not a vanity campaign, I think its valueis that he can go in there and throw the hard punches and maybe other candidates in the field can benefit from that, said GOP strategist Jason Cabel Roe, who worked on presidential campaigns for Sens. Mitt Romney (R-Utah) in 2008 and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) in 2016. Much of the 2024 GOP field has largely avoided taking on Trump as Republican contenders navigate the tricky dance of embracing positions and policies that were popular among conservatives during the Trump administration while differentiating themselves from the former president himself. While presidential primaries generally see candidates volley attacks at each other, 2024 Republican contenders are also keenly aware that attacking Trump could risk alienating those voters theyll need to win over who still admire the former president. But unlike most of the 2024 GOP field, Christie hasnt shied away from taking jabs at the former president. Following disappointing midterm results last November for Republicans, the former New Jersey governor pointed to a number of Trump-backed candidates who lost their races, saying it was a huge loss for Trump. And again, it shows that his political instincts are not about the party, theyre not about the country, theyre about him, he added at the time. During Trumps appearance at CPAC earlier this year, Christie also took a shot at the former president and the size of his audience attending his speech. You saw the scenes at CPAC, that room was half-full, Christie said in March. The reason I dont think the rallies are going on I dont think the rallies would be nearly as big as they were before. Arizona-based GOP strategist and Trump campaign alum Brian Seitchik believed Christies anti-Trump focus might come with some long-term benefits if another Republican gets the nomination and wins the presidency, but suggested its not likely to win over GOP voters for Christie himself. If Trump loses New Hampshire, Christie is going to be a part of it, but I just dont see the voters rewarding him as a result, Seitchik said. Now, that may lead to a future Republican nominee and president rewarding him with [naming him] attorney general, which is not a bad consolation prize, but its hard to see how Christie gets to be the [nominee] playing the role of junkyard dog in this race. GOP strategist Keith Naughton suggested Christie would focus mainly on Trump rather than some kind of different vision for the party. I dont think hes going to offer really some type of alternative platform or anything, I think hes mostly going to be talking about Trump and trying to pick fights with him, Naughton said. At the same time, members of the party acknowledge that Christies feistiness has been effective in the past and could possibly knock Trump down a few pegs. Christie took a number of jabs at Rubio during a 2016 New Hampshire debate, slamming him for returning to a memorized 25-second speech, and has been credited for seriously damaging the Florida senators presidential bid. Rubio later placed fifth in the New Hampshire primary while Christie placed sixth, with the Florida senator acknowledging that he didnt do well the night of the debate. Unlike most of the pack, Christies also the only one who has debated Trump before in 2016. He also assisted the former president in debate prep during the 2020 cycle, giving him better insight into the ins and outs of Trumps thinking on a debate stage. Republican strategist and former Christie aide Colin Reed suggested that forcibly going after Trump would benefit him. History shows that just sitting back and waiting for Donald Trump to implode is not a recipe for success politically, Reed said. The one thing that I think distinguishes him so far from the rest of the field is hes not going to hesitate or shy away from critiques of the former president in articulating why [Trumps] not the right candidate to become the next president, he added. Reed also pushed back on the notion that Christies candidacy wasnt a serious one, saying he wouldnt be embarking on this endeavor if he didnt think there was [a] viable pathway for his own candidacy. Other Republicans, too, are stressing that members of the party need to have an open mind about the burgeoning field, saying its too early to write off candidates like Christie. Donald Trumps the frontrunner, and when he ran the first time, no one gave him a chance. And so I think theres some of those same conversations going on about Mike Pence, right? If Donald Trump is to somehow get knocked off or falter, the race potentially resets, GOP strategist Doug Heye explained. DeSantis is probably in the strongest position of anybody, but if the race resets, no one is smart enough to know exactly in what direction that will happen. And so its premature at this point to write somebody off, especially somebody with the political and communication skills of a Chris Christie, he added. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Christopher Nolan's favorite seats in a movie theater are way up at the front Christopher Nolan's favorite seats in a movie theater are way up at the front Christopher Nolan shared his favorite place to sit at the movies. Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images Christopher Nolan revealed his favorite place to sit at the movies in an interview with the Associated Press. It's the third row from the front. Nolan shared his unusual taste in theater seating while promoting his latest film, "Oppenheimer." Christopher Nolan has an unusual idea of where the best seats in the house are when you go see "Oppenheimer." While promoting his film about the creator of the atomic bomb, Nolan shared with the Associated Press his favorite place to sit when he goes to the movies: up in the front. "I like to be right near the front, middle of the third row," the Oscar-nominated director of "Inception" and "Interstellar" said. If he sees a movie in IMAX, Nolan said he likes to move a bit farther back to mid-way up in the dead center of the theater. Of course, Nolan said, it all comes down to personal preference. Nolan's latest film "Oppenheimer" is one of his most technically ambitious yet. The entire movie was filmed on large film stock, meaning it can be projected at IMAX resolution for the roughly 3-hour runtime. "You're really letting the screen disappear," Nolan told the AP. "You're getting a feeling of 3D without the glasses. You've got a huge screen and you're filling the peripheral vision of the audience. You're immersing them in the world of the film." The upcoming biopic stars frequent Nolan collaborator Cillian Murphy as J. Robert Oppenheimer, the physicist who oversaw the Manhattan Project that created the atomic bomb during World War II. For the movie, Nolan and his team even recreated the famed Trinity Test, the first detonation of a nuclear weapon, using practical effects. "Oppenheimer" will release on July 21 the same day as Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie's "Barbie." Read the original article on Insider Churchill Downs Racetrack, home of the Kentucky Derby, announced Friday that its suspending racing at its facilities following the deaths of a dozen horses. The Louisville track will cease operations from June 7 through the remainder of the Spring Meet, which is scheduled to end July 3, and races scheduled there will be moved to another location. Churchill Downs Racetrack has seen an unusual number of horse injuries over the previous month resulting in 12 equine fatalities, the company said in a statement, noting that in multiple investigations into the horses deaths, no single factor has been identified as a potential cause and no [discernible] pattern has been detected to link the fatalities. Jockey Javier Castellano rides Mage #8 to a win in the 149th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 6, 2023, in Louisville, Kentucky. Jockey Javier Castellano rides Mage #8 to a win in the 149th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 6, 2023, in Louisville, Kentucky. Bill Carstanjen, CEO of the racetrack, added hes hopeful that the tracks closure will allow investigators to find answers. What has happened at our track is deeply upsetting and absolutely unacceptable, he said. Despite our best efforts to identify a cause for the recent horse injuries, and though no issues have been linked to our racing surfaces or environment at Churchill Downs, we need to take more time to conduct a top-to-bottom review of all of the details and circumstances so that we can further strengthen our surface, safety and integrity protocols. The deaths cast a somber mood over the Kentucky Derby in early May, when the sixth and seventh horses to die were injured during their races. Both horses were three years old and euthanized due to knee and ankle injuries. He just took a bad step out there, Jeff Hiles, one of the horses trainers, told The Associated Press at the time. They could do the same thing running in the field as they could on the track. So its very unfortunate. Thats what we deal with. The races scheduled at Churchill Downs will now take place at Ellis Park in Henderson, Kentucky. CORRECTION: A prior version of this article misstated the location of Ellis Park. Related... A day after a jury told Miami Commissioner Joe Carollo to cough up $63.5 million to a pair of Little Havana businessmen who made a persuasive case they had been victims of a years-long political-retaliation campaign, there were some obvious questions: Did Miami-Dade prosecutors know about their allegations that Carollo had weaponized code enforcers and other city staff to target their businesses? Did they ever consider making a criminal case? And if not, why? Read More: Big, expensive legal loss for Joe Carollo. Jury awards Miami businessmen $63.5 million The answer to the first question is a clear yes. William Bill Fuller owner of the popular Ball & Chain nightclub, which was a repeated target of code enforcement told the Miami Herald on Friday that he made several visits to the office of Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle over an 18-month period after he had filed his lawsuit against Carollo in 2018. Fuller said he hoped to convince her office that Carollos actions were criminal. His case wasnt strong enough, Fuller said he was told. He said prosecutors said the commissioner needed to be caught in some clear criminal act, preferably on tape, for any charges to stick. They specifically needed live actions, he said. The answer to the other two questions is much murkier but, technically at least, there is one open investigation into allegations of corruption and abuse of power by Miami city commissioners and administrators, including Carollo. They were raised long after Fuller tried to make his case to prosecutors by someone else fired former Miami Police Chief Art Acevedo. Responsibility for that investigation was quickly transferred to Broward County, which last November got approval from Gov. Ron DeSantis to extend the probe for another year. The Miami-Dade State Attorneys Office, which typically wont confirm or deny any open investigations, wouldnt discuss the Carollo case or the federal civil-court jurys decision to slam the commissioner with a massive liability bill one that financial records indicate he has no chance of paying. Read More: Who will pay Carollos $63.5 million judgment? Probably not Joe, who hasnt got the dough But legal experts told the Herald that the bar for winning a criminal case is much higher than a civil lawsuit proof beyond a reasonable doubt instead of a compelling preponderance of evidence. The complaint brought by Fuller and his business partner, Martin Pinilla, also, in essence, hinged on a free-speech issue. They successfully argued that Carollo had tried to ruin their reputations, damaged their businesses and violated their First Amendment rights simply because they had backed a political opponent of the commissioner in a run-off election. More difficult to make criminal cases Bringing criminal charges against politicians is more difficult, legal experts say, particularly when there is no crystal-clear pay-for-play evidence. Miami attorney David O. Markus, for instance, successfully defended former Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum in a recent corruption trial over allegations that he lied to FBI agents and steered political contributions to personal accounts during his 2018 run for governor. A jury acquitted Gillum of the false-statement charge and a federal judge declared a mistrial on fraud charges after the jury failed to reach an agreement on them. Prosecutors then decided to drop those charges rather than retry him. Markus said that not all civil cases like Carollos are blueprints for a criminal prosecution. Folks are too quick to turn civil cases into criminal matters, Markus said. We really should be doing the opposite asking why we have so many criminal cases when the civil system is the more appropriate forum. Jail isnt always the answer. There is, however, still an open probe of corruption allegations involving Miami City Hall. Where it might go is uncertain. Shortly before Acevedo was forced out in October 2021 by commissioners in a move led by Carollo after a two-day circus-like hearing during which he was ripped for not understanding Miamis Cuban community and for wearing a Elvis costume too tightly he went to the Miami-Dade State Attorneys office with a handful of complaints about commission members. That was some 18 months ago, long after Fuller first paid the office a series of visits. Acevedo allegations cover same ground Chief among Acevedos allegations was that several commissioners were corrupt and had interfered with police matters. By January of 2022, Acevedo filed a lawsuit in federal court against Miami, City Manager Art Noriega and Commissioners Carollo, Alex Diaz de la Portilla and Manolo Reyes. Acevedo claimed the commissioners targeted him for not carrying out their personal agendas and vendettas. One allegation from Acevedo covers some of the same ground detailed in the civil lawsuit filed by Fuller and Pinilla: That police and code-enforcement officers were used to target businesses run by Fuller. In a Miami Herald article written about the lawsuit, Carollo denied any wrongdoing, Noriega called it retaliation for Acevedos own shortcomings and City Attorney Victoria Mendez said she looked forward to defending it in court. Carollo, who plans to appeal the civil verdict, also defended his actions through the two-month trial, saying he properly went through the city manager to try to correct repeated code violations and construction issues at properties owned by the two businessmen. Acevedos tumultuous six-month stay in Miami left him embittered. He willingly flew in from Colorado to take the stand against the politician he considers most responsible for his exit. The former chief testified that even before he was sworn in, he was called to Little Havana late one evening to watch as police officers and code enforcement descended on a business that was owned by Fuller and under construction. He then told jurors how Carollo called late one Friday night during one of Fullers events and said there were Communist agitators here right now and you need to arrest them. Yet within a month of the fired chiefs complaint, Fernandez Rundle, with the consent of the governor, had passed the investigation along to the Broward County State Attorneys Office because of a conflict of interest. Fernandez Rundle said it was discovered that a key witness was the brother of a senior attorney in her office. While Fernandez Rundles office on Friday did not respond to questions about the Carollo civil case, a spokesman referred to the transfer of the Acevedo investigation to Broward prosecutors. That office, which took over the investigation in November of 2021, wont comment on open investigations, the offices public-information officer, Paula McMahon, said Friday. The status of that investigation is unknown, but there has been some activity. Fuller told the Herald he had spoken to investigators with the Broward prosecutors office, though he would not go into details of the discussion. And last November, when the time-limited investigation was set to run out, DeSantis approved a request from Broward investigators for an additional year. At the very least, the Carollo decision and that staggering $63.5 million judgment should put the citys leaders on notice, said University of Miami ethics professor Tony Alfieri. Alfieri, founding director of UMs Center for Ethics and Public Service and Community Equity Lab, had testified earlier against a motion by Carollos defense to dismiss the lawsuit. He said its unclear how the jurors decision might impact potential criminal and ethics cases. But their findings could be influential. The fact that the jury found that Carollo acted intentionally is likely to be highly relevant to both criminal and ethics investigations going forward, Alfieri said. Thank you for supporting our journalism. This article is available exclusively for our subscribers, who help fund our work at the Chicago Tribune. A man with a potential flamethrower stands atop a building in the 4100 block of West Chicago Avenue on June 2, 2023, which prompted a response from ATF and Chicago's SWAT. (E. Jason Wambsgans/Chicago Tribune) A SWAT team was still on the scene in West Humboldt Park Friday evening after reports of a man armed with what appeared to be a flamethrower on top of a roof prompted a standoff around 9 a.m. A Chicago police SWAT vehicle used a battering ram on an alleyway garage door in efforts to breach the building located on the 4100 block of West Chicago Avenue. Advertisement The SWAT vehicle then drove up to the front of the building where there was a group of Cook County Sheriffs police officers. The ram was used to breach the front entrance and the vehicle then returned to the back. It was unclear whether police have made contact with the man on the rooftop. Eric McNair, an Austin area resident, told reporters at the scene that the mans behavior had been drawing attention for the last several months. Advertisement A Chicago police SWAT vehicle uses a battering ram to confront a suspect in a barricade situation in a building in the 4100 block of West Chicago Avenue on June 2, 2023, in Chicago. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune) Hes on a loudspeaker, you know, speaking anti-Semitic things. Hes always playing anti-Semitic music, McNair said. This is something they have to deal with on a daily basis. On Thursday, community members in West Humboldt Park had shared concerns about the man after he had been prominently displaying a red and yellow swastika sign from scaffolding atop the building, which is near Orr Academy High School. [ West Humboldt Park residents seeking action after swastika displayed atop building ] This is not safe, Farrah Walker, coalition secretary of the West Humboldt Park Community Coalition neighborhood group, said Thursday. People are outraged. People are shocked. People are scared. In May 2022, Chicago police responded to a gunshot detection alert near the building where the scaffolding is up when a man on a roof on the same block pointed an unknown object with a laser in the direction of a police helicopter, the department said. Chicago Tribunes John Kim contributed. adperez@chicagotribune.com Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Mike Clevinger throws during the first inning of the team's baseball game against the Detroit Tigers on Friday, June 2, 2023, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley) CHICAGO (AP) Two weeks on the sideline gave Mike Clevinger time to address what was hurting him. And it wasn't just his wrist. Clevinger and four relievers combined on Chicagos fourth shutout, Tim Anderson scored a run and drove in one, and the Chicago White Sox beat the Detroit Tigers 3-0 on Friday. Clevinger pitched three-hit ball over five innings in first start since May 17. He threw 73 pitches, striking out six and walking one after being sidelined because of inflammation in his right wrist. I feel like we really used those two weeks to find some mechanical flaws that I had, he said. I really showed the work that we put in those two weeks. Clevinger felt he could have stayed in longer. But he understood why manager Pedro Grifol removed him when he did, particularly with the bullpen rested following an off day. Keynan Middleton (1-0), Reynaldo Lopez and Joe Kelly each gave up a hit while working a scoreless inning. Kendall Graveman retired all three batters in the ninth for his fifth save and the White Sox came away with the win after losing four of five. Detroit, which won three of four at home against Chicago last weekend, went 0 for 9 with runners in scoring position and stranded nine while spoiling a solid start by Reese Olson (0-1) in his major league debut. The 23-year-old right-hander didn't allow a hit until the sixth inning, when he gave up two runs. He struck out six and walked one. Olson was the first Tiger to hold an opponent without a hit through five in his debut since June 26, 1972, when Bill Slayback threw seven hitless innings against the New York Yankees, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. He had pretty good stuff, Grifol said. He was sinking it. His slider was a good slider, kind of an electric pitch for him. Its got really tight spin, its late. Youre right, the more we see him, the more comfortable we are against him, but he still made some good pitches. BREAKING THROUGH The White Sox broke up the no-hit bid when Romy Gonzalez and Anderson chased Olson with back-to-back singles to start a two-run sixth. Andrew Benintendi drove in the first run when he greeted Will Vest with a single, and Eloy Jimenez added an RBI single, extending his hitting streak to 13 games. The White Sox got another run in the seventh, after Yasmani Grandal drew a leadoff walk against Chasen Shreve. Jake Burger forced the runner, but came around with two out when Anderson drove a double down the left-field line against Mason Englert. A two-time All-Star, Anderson is 11 of 29 in his past seven games. If he starts spraying the ball around like that, thats going to be really good for us, Grifol said. As he goes, we go, right? He makes things happen for us on the top of the order. Hes feeling better. He looks better. He took some good pitches today, had some good ABs. Kelly came on in the eighth and immediately walked Akil Baddoo and gave up a single to Javier Baez. But he got out of that jam when Eric Haase grounded to the pitcher. TRAINER'S ROOM Tigers: RHP Alex Faedo (right middle fingernail soreness) had his scheduled start pushed back to Tuesday. LHP Matthew Boyd will start Sunday in his place, manager A.J. Hinch said. ... RHP Matt Manning (broken right foot) threw live batting practice Friday and will have another session early next week in Philadelphia. ... LHP Tarik Skubal (strained left elbow) is scheduled to begin a rehab assignment with Class A West Michigan on Sunday. ... The Tigers now list OF Riley Greene's injury as a stress reaction in his left fibula after previously describing it as a stress fracture. White Sox: Besides getting Clevinger back from the 15-day injured list, the White Sox reinstated INF Elvis Andrus from the 10-day IL. They designated INF Hanser Alberto for assignment and optioned RHP Jesse Scholtens to Triple-A Charlotte. UP NEXT The weekend series continues with RHP Michael Lorenzen (2-2, 3.50 ERA) starting for Detroit and RHP Dylan Cease (3-3, 4.88) getting the ball for Chicago. ___ AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports Columbus man charged in apparent road rage shooting held without bond in Summit County Jail Dacarrei Tovon Kinard appears on video from Summit County Jail on Saturday during an arraignment in Barberton Municipal Court. The Columbus man charged with murder in an apparent road rage shooting May 17 on Interstate 76 in Norton was ordered held without bond Saturday in Barberton Municipal Court. The arraignment took place in the court of Judge Todd McKenney. Dacarrei Tovon Kinard, the man charged in the apparent road rage shooting death of Akron resident George Jensen, appeared on video from Summit County Jail. At the arraignment, a public defender argued that bond should be considered because Kinard was gainfully employed and the father of two children. Barberton Assistant Prosecutor Jennifer Roberts said Kinard, however, had demonstrated "absolute disregard for human life." A bond hearing with evidence will take place Tuesday in the court. If convicted in the death of 40-year-old Jensen, Kinard could be sentenced to 15 years to life in prison. The Southern Ohio Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team and Columbus police SWAT arrested Kinard on Wednesday after Norton police issued a warrant. Ohio Highway Patrol: Road rage has been elevated in Ohio for 3 years A Norton police affidavit filed with the court states a black Camaro that witnesses said was driven by the shooter exited I-76 eastbound at Barber Road and turned north, where Kinard's license plate was spotted by an electronic license plate reader. The Camaro then entered I-76 westbound and passed the scene. A search warrant for Kinard's phone records "confirmed the device linked to the phone number Kinard listed with the BMV was present at the scene" and traveled from Columbus to Norton and back. The affidavit mentions video gathered from the Ohio Department of Transportation and the Fred Martin Superstore, a car dealership on Barber Road. Police recovered eight shell casings, which the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation linked to an April 13 Columbus shooting. In that incident, shots were seen coming from a black Camaro. Two shell casings that were recovered by the Columbus Police Department have been confirmed to have been shot by the same weapon involved in the Norton incident, the agency said. Jensen was described by friends and family as a passionate opponent of gun violence. He worked as an IT professional, most recently as a senior systems engineer at ECS Tuning in Wadsworth. A memorial service was held May 26 at the Bethany United Church of Christ in Cuyahoga Falls. Leave a message for Alan Ashworth at 330-996-3859 or email him at aashworth@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @newsalanbeaconj. This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Man ordered held without bond in deadly road rage on I-76 in Norton A 14-year-old boy was killed early Saturday morning in a shooting on Columbus' East Side, according to city police. Lorenzo E. Butler Jr. died at a hospital after Columbus police reported finding him with a gunshot wound on the 1200 block of Fountain Lane. Officers responded at 12:31 a.m. Saturday to a report of a shooting in the residential area west of Big Walnut Park, according to a news release from the Columbus Division of Police. As of Saturday morning, homicide detectives had not identified any suspects or a motive for the shooting. Anyone with information can call the Columbus Division of Police's homicide bureau at 614-774-7810 or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614-461-8477. More: Columbus police seek West Side man suspected of shooting into vigil, injuring three women More: Columbus leaders, activists rail against state laws at vigil for gun violence victims elagatta@dispatch.com @EricLagatta This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Teen boy killed in shooting on Columbus' East Side Somkene Okwuego, 23, attends a class at the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC. Okwuego is trying to answer the growing need of healthcare for the aging population. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) As a child raised by a single mother, Somkene Okwuego got her dental work done at a USC clinic that serves patients regardless of financial circumstances. Last week, I met with her in that same building, where the 23-year-old is finishing her first year at the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry. With full concentration, Okwuego sanded and buffed a temporary crown she was making in a lab where dozens of students trained on mannequin heads with full sets of teeth. The patients are dummies; the students are whizzes. The four-hour lab was coming to a close, and professor Daniel Tevrizian came by to check Okwuego's work. Shes got good hand skill, Tevrizian told me as he made a few recommendations to Okwuego and demonstrated how to fine-tune the crown for a perfect fit. Shes a good listener. She follows up on what shes been told. Several months ago, Paul Irving, a scholar-in-residence at USCs Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, advised me to consider the role of young people in addressing the needs of the worlds rapidly aging population, from housing to healthcare and beyond. It was good advice, and when I heard that Okwuego wants to specialize in geriatric dentistry, I reached out to her. Okwuegos resume of jobs, internships and volunteering would take up this entire column, so Im going to have to skim the highlights. She was student body president at her Los Angeles Unified high school, the USC Media Arts & Engineering Magnet; she worked as a volunteer greeter at a Kaiser Permanente facility; she mentored younger students at the 24th Street Theatre; she drove older patients to medical appointments for a Westside nonprofit. Somkene Okwuego, 23, is optimistic about her future while studying at the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry at USC. Okwuego is trying to answer a growing need healthcare for an aging population. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) At the moment, in addition to the demands of dental school, she works on occasion in the dental office of a Skid Row homeless service center. And she's a part-time teaching assistant for a former gerontology professor, John Walsh, who became a mentor. I mentioned that at her age, I was an accomplished slacker. Okwuego smiled and told me she's considering taking another job. What now? She's a certified nurse assistant, she said, and used to work at a nursing facility. They've asked her back, and she might try to squeeze in one day a week. At various times in her earlier years, Okwuego wanted to be an artist, an engineer, a film editor, a heart surgeon and an anesthesiologist. She also wants to become fluent in Korean, a work in progress. Somkene Okwuego makes a crown during a class at USC's Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) Her role models include her grandfather, a doctor in Nigeria, and her aunt, a dentist in Maryland. And then there was her grandmother, Victoria, who was moving from Nigeria to Los Angeles several years ago, suffered a stroke on the plane, and spent her last years in nursing facilities. Id go to high school, then go straight to the facility, said Okwuego, who got to know the nursing staff while visiting her grandmother. She traded shifts with relatives, including her mother, who was college-educated in Nigeria and works in L.A. as a compliance officer. We were there every day and made sure she got all her speech therapy and physical therapies," said Okwuego. While still in high school, Okwuego took a college-credit summer course in neuroscience. It was taught by Walsh, who was as impressed with her as she was with him. She was amazing, said Walsh, who spoke to me by phone from Costa Rica, where hes leading USC students in a project studying the factors involved in longer lifespans in one particular community. (The short answer: a tight-knit community of shared interests, healthy farm-to-table eating habits, and exercise done in the course of work and other daily routines, rather than on gymnasium treadmills.) Somkene Okwuego inserts a crown on a mock patient during a dentistry class at USC's Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) Walsh saw Okwuego as a good candidate for USCs gerontology school, and he admired her desire to seek out a career in the underserved South L.A. community she lives in. I loved her drive so much, and her quest for knowledge, said Walsh, a popular teacher not just for the depth of his knowledge on aging-related disease, but also on fitness and proper nutrition as preventive measures. He's a lifelong surfer who's been known to begin gerontology classes with group stretching. Okwuego said the summer class beat me up the first week, and she told Walsh she wasnt sure she was cut out for science. But she settled in and found the field not just fascinating, but personally relevant. I got what my grandmother was going through on a deeper level, she said, and she became interested in the dynamics of dementia and other age-related diseases. Okwuego won a scholarship to USCs gerontology school, where she earned both bachelor's and master's degrees in just four years. Of course. Along the way, she says, she convinced two friends who werent happy in their majors to switch to gerontology. There are so many aspects to it, Okwuego said. Were all aging every day, and theres something so humanistic to it. Its a perfect way to blend science and empathy. It can be difficult to interest an incoming college student in gerontology, Walsh said, because its a time in life when aging is not on the radar. But Maria Henke, an associate dean, said USCs gerontology program is the largest in the country, and that countless career tracks are available to the schools graduates, whether they go into healthcare, academic research, law, housing, technology, financial management, senior living or government. Somkene Okwuego helped care for her ailing grandmother, then drove patients to doctor's appointments while in high school, before graduating from the Leonard Davis School of Gerontology at USC. She is now in dental school, with the goal of performing geriatric dentistry in South Central, where she grew up. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) There are so many things we have to do to prepare for a world in which older adults will soon outnumber younger adults, said Henke, whos on the board of the American Society on Aging. And gerontology is a good foundation. All dentists can treat older adults, said Piedad Suarez, a USC professor, gerontologist and dentist. But those with geriatric training can be better providers, she said, in the same manner in which pediatric dentists cater to the needs of youngsters. USC announced in January that Okwuego was one of three USC students awarded a National Health Service Corps scholarship that covers dental school costs and requires a two-year commitment to work in an area with a shortage of healthcare access. She told me she's had friends who went years without visiting a dentist. After making a crown in her lab class the other day, Okwuego sat on a bench near the dentistry school and reflected on her grandmother. The first time she saw her after the stroke, her grandmother was unable to speak and her face was drooped. Okwuego was not quite 18 when her grandmother died. She said she later learned in gerontology school how brains work differently after an experience like the one her grandmother had endured. We noticed that music was something she was very responsive to. Her sister helped bring that out because her sister was her best friend, Okwuego said. She lives in London and she flew out here and would sing church music from when they were growing up. Her grandmother still couldnt speak, Okwuego said, but miraculously, she was able to sing. It was so beautiful. steve.lopez@latimes.com This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. A conflict with China over Taiwan would impact the global economy 'in ways that we cannot imagine,' US Defense Secretary warns US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin speaks during the 20th Shangri-La Dialogue summit in Singapore on June 3, 2023. Roslan Rahman/AFP via Getty Images US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin had some harsh words for his Chinese counterparts on Saturday. At Asia's top security summit, Austin said a possible US-China conflict over Taiwan could "affect the global economy in ways that we cannot imagine." It was part of a broader address that rebuked China for not being willing to meet at the summit. US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin spoke at Asia's top security summit on Saturday, issuing a warning that a potential escalation of tensions with China in the Taiwan Strait could have dire economic consequences. It would "affect the global economy in ways that we cannot imagine," he told the audience at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, according to a Bloomberg report. "The whole world has a stake in maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, the whole world," said Austin. "The security of commercial shipping lanes and global supply chains depends on it." The comments were part of a broader address that saw Austin rebuke China for not engaging in military talks. They come after Austin's Chinese counterpart Minister of National Defense Li Shangfu declined a meeting at the summit, although the two did briefly shake hands at a dinner on Friday. The US and China remain at an impasse as a territorial dispute over Taiwan continues. "I am deeply concerned that the PRC has been unwilling to engage more seriously on better mechanisms for crisis management between our two militaries," Austin said at the meeting, according to Reuters. Shangfu did hit back at Austin, saying "China-US military relations are faced with difficulties and the responsibility lies entirely on the US side." Not long after Austin's comments on Saturday, Reuters said a US and Canadian warship sailed through the Taiwan Strait, a routine occurrence that has nonetheless rankled Chinese officials in the past. Concerns around the Taiwan situation have escalated in recent months. Matthew Pottinger, who served as deputy national security adviser in the Trump administration, said in April that there's a more than 50% likelihood that China will invade Taiwan in the next 10 years. In a widely watched CNBC interview last month, mega-billionaire Tesla CEO Elon Musk said a US-China conflict over Taiwan "should be a concern for everyone." Read the original article on Business Insider Connect your home to history through an 'environmental autobiography' | At Home with Marni NO GOING BACK? For better or worse, our childhood home will influence our future homes. Tap into what was positive and integrate the best memories, says design psychologist Toby Israel. One is always at home in ones past. Vladimir Nabokov. This week I came down with a severe case of nostalgia. The word, from the Greek nostos (return home) and algos (pain), perfectly captures the bittersweet agony I, and Im betting you, feel when we long to return to the place we grew up. And cant. What tripped this recent bout was a series of exercises design psychologist Toby Israel recommends in her new book Designing-Womens Lives: Transforming Place and Self (ORO Editions, April 2023). Notably, Israel believes you can go home again by design. The book illustrates how we all, consciously or unconsciously, repeat elements of our early homes in our later homes. If we want to channel the best from the past and not repeat the worst, we should reflect on the homes we knew growing up. OK, thats a lot to unpack. I get Israel on the phone. Everyone accepts that our family of origin influences the partners we choose and how we parent, she explains, but no one talks about how the physical home environment affects us. There again, we either model what we grew up with or do the reverse because we didnt like it. Minimalists are often the product of cluttered homes. She invites those seeking greater domestic awareness (my hand is up) to create their environmental autobiography. Though this seems a bit out there, I plunge into the rabbit hole like a bunny chasing a carrot. Soon I am following her exercises, writing down what I remember of my childhood home growing up, and of my grandmothers homes. I am 6-years-old visiting Grandma Jamesons house in Los Angeles, a wooden bungalow with a big front porch. The daughter of a long line of California ranchers, Dads mom raised nine children, and took in laundry to help feed them. A litter of kittens nestles in her fireplace. Out back is an aviary where dozens of parakeets live in a screened-in shed we could walk in, a magical place for a child. Next, Im inside a two-story, brown, stone-and-stucco home near Scranton, Pennsylvania. It has faded floral wallpaper, cushy upholstered sofas and chairs (some velvet, all with arm protectors), lacy doilies on side tables, and a never-empty cook jar. It smells like dried roses and dinner cooking, and brims with laughter. Here Grandma McCormack, a Scottish immigrant like my mother, lived well into her 90s. Memories of porches and parakeets, kittens and cookies, laughter and lace swirl. I long to go back, to ask questions I will never now have answers to and didnt then care to ask. Now I am in my childhood home, a single-story ranch house, in Orange, California. I can see the Disneyland Matterhorn and Catalina Island from my bedroom window. A bus ride to the beach costs three quarters. Under my mothers sure hand, the house is orderly and serviceable (a word she loved), though not decorated in any coordinated sense. The doors, front and back, are open to friends and neighbors who often drop in just to talk. What do I make of this? I am neither a Western rancher nor a Scottish immigrant, yet I am both. Im supposed to write words describing my childhood home: warm, welcoming, nice but not fancy. By now Im a sentimental sop, calling my older brother, dragging him into this to find out what he remembers that I cant. Why do you want to know? he reasonably asks. So I can design from within! I say. He knows better than to press for an explanation, but after a pause says: Do you remember the parakeets? Messages about self and place remain buried deep inside our psyches, Israel said. Since they unconsciously rise to the surface anyway when we design our homes, we might as well identify them, and use the best and lose the worst. Here are some ways she suggests we tap past place, and design from within: Explore your environmental autobiography. Write down what you loved and didnt about the places you lived or knew as a child. Integrate those best memories into your home through memorable color (a parakeet green cookie jar), texture (velvet pillows), special objects (a conch shell). Also identify what was negative. Perhaps the house felt uninviting. At one of my aunts homes, we were not allowed to go in the living room or use the guest towels. Bypass trends. When we dont follow the ought-to-should-must design directives of the day, or the trends of the moment, and instead tap into past positive influences, we stand a chance of creating emotionally fulfilling environments that feel authentic, Israel said. Ask the deeper question. In addition to asking, Would my blue chairs look good against my yellow walls? Israel wants us to go beyond creating spaces that look good, to creating places that feel good because they positively connect us to our heritage, and to our place in the world. Make room for the future. Set out something that symbolizes what you aspire to. A picture of a mountain peak, for instance, could symbolize the hard work ahead needed to reach a goal. For Israel, her aspirational image was a painting of a warm place by the water. The New Jersey resident now spends three months a year near the beach in Sarasota. Do the work. Places affect us. If we want to live in a place that supports our growth, its up to us to make that place, Israel says. When you transform your home, you transform yourself, because the house is a symbol of self. Feeling nostalgic yet? Marni Jameson is the author of six home and lifestyle books, including What to Do With Everything You Own to Leave the Legacy You Want, Downsizing the Family Home What to Save, What to Let Go, and Downsizing the Blended Home When Two Households Become One. You may reach her at marnijameson.com. This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: MARNI: For an authentic home, write your 'environmental autobiography' Connecticut lawmakers approve use of deadly force against bears just weeks after one broke into a bakery and ate dozens of cupcakes A Brown Bear. Antonio Masiello/Getty Images Connecticut lawmakers approved the use of deadly force against bears as the population grows. The hotly debated legislation stopped short of calling for a culling of the bear population through hunting. In a recent incident, a bear broke into a bakery and ate dozens of cupcakes as scared employees hid. Connecticut lawmakers voted Friday to take steps to protect people from the state's growing bear population. But they stopped far short of a bear hunt and restrictions on people unintentionally feeding the hungry animals. The legislation, which cleared the House of Representatives on a 115-32 vote after being revamped by the Senate, instead explicitly allows someone to use deadly force to kill a bear in Connecticut if they reasonably believe it's inflicting or about to inflict great bodily harm to a person, a pet or is entering an occupied building. "This is just taking away second-guessing to defend what we love," said Republican Rep. Patrick Callahan, whose northwestern Connecticut district has seen a lot of bear activity in recent years. The bill, which now moves to Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont's desk, has been one of the most emotional issues of this year's legislative session. It has pitted legislators who want to protect the animals against those whose constituents are afraid to let their children play in their yards. Reports of bears interacting with humans have become commonplace in Connecticut. Last month, a hungry black bear barged into the garage of a bakery in the suburban community of Avon, scared several employees and helped itself to 60 cupcakes before ambling away. The intrusion was caught on surveillance tape. A 74-year-old woman suffered bites to her arms and legs in April when she was attacked by a bear while walking her dog in a Hartford suburb, the first such attack this year. There were two attacks last year, including one in October where a 10-year-old boy was mauled in a backyard. The state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), which estimates there are 1,000 to 1,200 bears in the state, has advocated for a limited bear hunt. That idea, however, has been very controversial and was removed from the bill in March. According to DEEP, bears entered residential homes 67 times in 2022, eclipsing the previous record of 45 home invasions. The agency said bears entered homes in Connecticut less than 10 times annually just seven years ago. Under the bill headed to the governor, the state agency can issue nuisance wildlife permits to kill "certain wildlife," including bears, that threaten or cause damage to agricultural crops, livestock and apiaries -- a concept supported by many of the state's farmers. In order to obtain a permit, the landowner must prove they have made nonlethal attempts, such as electric fencing, to thwart the bears. Some critics of the bill expressed concern that people might take advantage of these permits, arguing the legislation could be abused. The bill also prohibits people from intentionally feeding potentially dangerous animals, including bears, on private land, making the violation an infraction. Originally, it included restrictions on unintentionally feeding the bears, such as leaving trash accessible and hanging birdfeeders, but that was stripped in the Senate, to the dismay of some House members. Democratic Rep. Mary Mushinsky said Connecticut needs a Bear Smart program to teach residents how to safely coexist with bears, like what is in place in other states. "Remember, we have unfinished business to make our state a Bear Smart state," she told her colleagues. She and other lawmakers predicted the issue will come up again next year. A Brown Bear. Antonio Masiello/Getty Images Read the original article on Insider Sandhill cranes Ohio's sandhill crane population appears to be trending upward. Volunteers observed 357 sandhill cranes in 24 counties across the Buckeye State during the 2023 Midwest Crane Count April 15, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources' Division of Wildlife. It was the the third year in a row that Ohioans participated in the event, which was coordinated by the Division of Wildlife, International Crane Foundation and Ohio Bird Conservation Initiative. Volunteers spotted 160 sandhill cranes across five counties during the 2021 count and 311 across 26 counties in 2022. The Canton Repository followed a pair of volunteers from Suffield Township on the morning of the count. Volunteers searched a 10-square mile survey block and recorded any cranes they spotted using a platform called eBird. Jamey Emmert, communications specialist for ODNR, said the first year served as a pilot and that wildlife experts see the most recent two years of data as the most important. The agency attempted to survey 30 counties this year, meaning they covered more ground. ODNR chose counties based on the availability of wetland habitat cranes use for nesting. Wayne County saw the most cranes this year with 96 followed by Lucas (77), Geauga (63), Ottawa (18), Logan (15) and Williams (15). The Funk Bottoms wildlife area in Wayne County is considered prime ground for sandhill cranes. A sandhill crane is a tall bird with a long neck and bill, gray plumage and a red patch on its forehead. The birds were once rooted out of Ohio, but returned to Wayne County in 1987. Their population has been expanding in recent years, but they are still listed as a threatened species in the state. Emmert said ODNR wildlife experts believe wetland protection and water quality improvement are part of the reason the state's sandhill crane population has grown, citing H2Ohio as an example. "It's projects like that that is leading to the growth of sandhill cranes, and an endless, countless number of other species will benefit," she said. Preliminary results from the ODNR's Division of Wildlife show the number of cranes spotted in the following counties: Ashland: 1 Columbiana: 1 Delaware: 4 Fairfield: 1 Franklin: 10 Fulton: 6 Geauga: 63 Hardin: 2 Holmes: 7 Knox: 11 Licking: 2 Logan: 15 Lucas: 77 Marion: 5 Medina: 1 Morrow: 2 Ottawa: 18 Pickaway: 4 Portage: 6 Summit: 4 Trumbull: 3 Wayne: 96 Williams: 15 Wyandot: 3 Reach Paige at 330-580-8577, pmbennett@gannett.com or on Twitter @paigembenn. This article originally appeared on The Repository: Midwest Crane Count: sandhill population growing in Ohio Los Angeles Unified Supt. Alberto Carvalho, shown in 2022, had been looking for ways to lengthen the school year. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times) A sweeping agreement announced Friday between unions and Los Angeles school officials will result in a longer school year, a return to a three-week winter break and a reboot of controversial acceleration days. The deal, which will be subject to a ratification vote next week, also includes the resolution of legal issues, some of which could have proved to be important test cases for future labor negotiations. Under the pact, each of the next two years will be extended by three days of instruction although teachers' pay will increase by only one day. The district is accomplishing this by eliminating two required days that teachers formerly had to work when no students were on campus. Teachers will have the option, however, of choosing to work one extra day at the beginning of the year to set up and one extra day at the end of the year to put things away days for which they would be paid. L.A. schools Supt. Alberto Carvalho had been looking for ways to lengthen the school year, and he finally achieved that. But he had to give up an attempt to shorten winter break from three weeks to two. He had argued that the longer break made it harder for students to retain learning and harder for low-income families to provide child care. The three-week winter break will return for the next two school years. The district and union will negotiate what happens after that. The district issued a statement that was not attributed to any official: "In all decisions, student learning and the well-being of students, families and employees are the Districts top priorities. We are confident that this agreement supports our north star ensuring every child in the District has the instruction and support needed to graduate ready for the world." Under the deal, the next school year will begin Aug. 14, according to the district's statement. Winter break will begin Dec. 18, with classes resuming Jan. 8, 2024. The last day of school will be June 11, 2024. During the restored three-week break, the district will host three days of optional learning, much like the acceleration days that took place in the current school year. The extra learning time two days during winter break was created to help students struggling with pandemic-related learning setbacks. The acceleration days had limited participation and a mixed reception, although many secondary students effectively used them to raise grades or even move from failing grades to passing grades. While much of the deal affects students and their teachers, who are members of United Teachers Los Angeles, all school-based employees will be affected. Also part of the agreement is Local 99 of Service Employees International Union. Its members will work the required days and receive extra pay and they have opportunities to earn additional compensation on optional days. Local 99 members include bus drivers, teacher aides, custodians and cafeteria workers. Another term of the deal is that the district and unions will dismiss outstanding legal claims. The district will give up on proving its claim that a three-day joint strike by the two unions in March was illegal. The teachers union will give up its challenge of whether the district can impose an instructional calendar. Local 99 will dismiss or work to quickly settle a long list of pending disputes before the state labor board. The teachers union posted information for its members Friday, noting in part that "while UTLA and SEIU 99 remain confident we would prevail in [state labor board] hearings ... it is in the interest of both UTLA and SEIU 99 members to try to reach an agreement on all of the issues within this school year." UTLA's ratification vote will take place Tuesday through Thursday. On its website, SEIU 99 said its members would be voting Wednesday through Friday. Based on district surveys, most parents and teachers had favored the three-week break, but L.A. Unified was generally an outlier in having a winter break that long. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. DeBary man goes on trial accused of killing father to gain control of valuable land Attorneys and Judge Elizabeth Blackburn look at the BBQ grill Friday, June 2, 2023, that Robert Remus Jr. is accused of using to weigh down his father's body in the St. Johns River after killing him in 2012. Remus Jr. is on trial for his father's death. A security video recorded a father and son on a pontoon boat at the Highbanks Marina along the St. Johns River 11 years ago, a prosecutor said Friday during a murder trial. The video also showed a propane grill on the boat. Four days later the body of Robert Remus Sr. was found in the St. Johns River. He had a line tightly wound around his neck. He was tied to a propane grill that had snagged on the river bottom, suspending his decomposing body in the northbound current. And on Friday, his son, Robert Remus Jr., went on trial accused of strangling his 67-year-old father to death, tying him to the grill and disposing of his body in the river. Son arrested in father's killing: DeBary man who got inheritance arrested in river killing of father Body in St. Johns River: DeBary man found dead in river Assistant State Attorney Andrew Urbanak said in his opening statement that it takes three to four minutes to strangle someone to death. "And that is what Robert Remus Jr. did to his father Robert Remus Sr. on Dec. 8 of 2012 suffocating the life out of him on a boat in the dark of night on the St. Johns River," Urbanak said. And he did so, Urbanak said, because he wanted to gain control of land owned by his father in a popular surfing area in Costa Rica which the son believed was worth $2 million. Robert Remus Jr., 54, of DeBary, is on trial charged with first-degree murder in his father's death. He faces a mandatory life in prison if convicted. A jury of 12 women and two men, including two alternates, began hearing testimony Friday before Circuit Judge Elizabeth Blackburn at the S. James Foxman Justice Center. Remus Jr. sat next to his defense attorneys looking ahead most of the day, sometimes speaking to his attorneys or turning to look and gesture at family members in the courtroom. At one point, a bailiff ordered him not to turn around. Remus Sr. lived in Highbanks Marina Park on lot 123. He also owned lot 111 which he was having renovated to flip, according to testimony. The father and son went on the pontoon boat on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012. They fueled the boat at the marina. And thats the last time anyone besides his son saw Remus Sr. alive, said Urbanak, who is prosecuting the case along with Assistant State Attorney Joe LeDonne. Robert Remus Jr. gestures to family members, Friday, June 2, 2023, as he goes on trial for killing his father, Robert Remus Sr., in 2012 while on a boat on the St. Johns River. On Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2012, recreational boaters found Remus Sr.'s body in the St. Johns River. The shoulders and head were above the surface stationary on the west side of the channel. It was a little more than a mile north of the Highbanks Marina, 488 W. Highbanks Road, a report stated. Retired Volusia County Sheriffs Deputy John Jones was on the dive team at that time. He said visibility was poor as he checked the body in the river. He found it was tied to a line and he followed the line to the barbecue grill. The grills propane hose had snagged on either a fishing or trap line, on the river bottom. Prosecutors wheeled the grill into the courtroom to show jurors. It was a large propane barbecue grill with a metal lid and four control knobs. A piece of line like the one attached to the body was still on the side of the grill. Urbanak said Remus Sr. did not have a lot of friends. "But he had one person he was close to and that is his son," Urbanak said. He mentioned the father liked to drink. A medical examiner later testified Remus Sr.'s body had a blood-alcohol content of 0.16 or twice the legal limit at which someone is considered intoxicated for operating a vehicle. Urbanak said the father flipped trailers and apparently owned valuable property in Costa Rica. The father thought the land was worth $4 million or $5 million. His son thought it was worth at least $2 million. After the fathers disappearance, Remus Jr. talked to deputies and mentioned the property. The case went cold and several years passed. In 2019, a new investigator reviewed the case and said it appeared both men's phones were moving around the county together after the father's death. Almost seven years later, the sheriff's office interviewed Remus Jr. again, and he had no explanation for the phones, Urbanak said. Remus Jr. made two trips to Costa Rica, but to this day, he has been unable to obtain ownership of the land, Urbanak said. Volusia County Sherriff's Office Investigator Joshua Mott shows the BBQ grill Friday, June 2, 2023, that Robert Remus Jr. is accused of using to weigh down his father's body in the St. Johns River after killing him in 2012. Remus Jr. is on trial for his father's death. In his opening statement, Assistant Public Defender John Selden, who is defending Remus Jr. along with Assistant Public Defender Courtney Davison, said there was no surveillance video to show what happened after the pontoon boat returned to a dock on a property they were flipping. Selden called the security video Urbanak had referred to as just half of a movie without an ending. He said that once the boat returned, both Remus Sr. and Remus Jr. had other things to do. Selden said that the father's money and cards, kept together with a rubber band, were found in the area by a man who returned them to the family. He said the discovery of the money and cards suggested something else happened. Selden said there was significant possibility or perhaps equal possibility that someone else was involved in what happened to Remus Sr. And Selden said that Remus Jr. did not kill his father. The trial continues Monday. This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: DeBary man accused of strangling father, tying body to grill in river Calley Akouris, right, with her paternal grandmother on the front porch of her grandparents' home in Lebanon, New Hampshire, circa 1951. (Family photo) My mom was not a nice person. I never knew who I was going to get. But I learned a few invaluable things from her. My mother was rude, angry, irritable, judgmental and ill-tempered; she was neither compassionate nor understanding. We fought quite a bit. Id cry to friends about how I was treated, and they couldnt understand why she was the way she was. I knew, and I tried to explain. Advertisement When Calley Akouris died from two massive strokes on May 22 at age 90, she finally put a lifetime of hell behind her. She saw uncles and cousins executed by the Nazis during the German occupation of Greece from 1941 to 1944. She also survived the Greek civil war that went on during World War II. She often spoke of seeing waves of gray uniforms sweep across the mountains of the Peloponnese region where she grew up. It was the Germans, and they gave her nightmares well into adulthood. Advertisement I could see them in the living room, shed tell me when I was young. They were holding guns, and they were standing right over me. My mom was only 8 when the Germans came into her village and you knew they meant business, she said. Most of the men in my mothers family were Greek soldiers or police officers. She said the Germans rounded up the men in her village and shot them, mostly for no reason. She described the execution of one uncle while he stood against a tree. For weeks afterward, she said, his brain matter remained on the bark. Maybe it was this pent-up anger that led her a few years later to mouth off to a rebel soldier during the civil war without knowing if the soldier was a Communist or a Socialist. My mom was out with an uncle on horseback when the rebel soldier appeared. He asked for their papers. She refused. He asked again. She refused again. Keep your mouth shut, the uncle said, or were both dead. She didnt relent, and, in what can only be described as a miracle, the soldier let them both go. These horrors shaped the person she became. It is clear to me now that she had post-traumatic stress disorder. She even hinted at that when I was a teenager. We were at a local library, and she asked me to help her find a book so I can figure out why I am the way I am. We didnt find a book about PTSD, and she never got therapy. Calley Akouris and cousin John in March 1951 at the Parthenon the day she sailed out of Greece for the United States. (Family photo) There were other experiences that likely contributed to my mothers mood swings and anger. She was the eldest of three children, and my grandfather told her that she had to leave Greece to live with relatives she didnt know in a country where she didnt understand the language. The plan most likely was for her to go to the United States first and send for her brother, sister and parents in due time. She was 17 when she got on a boat with a group of teenagers from her village. Once she got to Lebanon, New Hampshire, she was basically by herself. She lived with her paternal grandparents, who set her up with a factory job but made sure to take half her paycheck for room and board each week. Advertisement My mom, a dressmaker, left New Hampshire for better work in Lowell, Massachusetts, before coming to Chicago and working at Marshall Fields in the alterations department. She stayed there for 18 years. It was in Chicago where my mom became a citizen in 1956, taking the oath on her lunch break. When I left the courthouse, I felt so free! I was so happy! It was like my feet werent even touching the ground when I went back to work. She did bring her brother, Lou, here and then her mother, Demetria. But her father, Nicholas, and sister Helen died in Greece from illness. As a child, I never knew what was going to happen when I woke up in the morning. Would I get the nice mom? Or would I get the angry mom who lashed out for no logical reason? I couldnt do a lot of things that my friends did, the normal childhood stuff. You see, my mom didnt have a childhood. She stopped going to school during the occupation because the teachers, all men, went off to war. She couldnt understand why I wanted to just get out of the house and play and be with kids my own age. But she did teach me a few things. Tina Akouris' mother, Calley, shows her grandson Nicholas how to sew a button on a coat in 2017. (Family photo) I learned to be a better mother, giving my sons the childhood I didnt have and breaking the cycle of generational abuse that is so easy to fall into. My sons dont have to wonder if theyre going to get Angry Mom or Normal Mom in the morning. Advertisement When my experiences became intolerable crippling anxiety that prevented me from leaving the house and a battle with cancer I knew that if my mom came out of two wars alive, then I could overcome pretty much anything. In my moms last hours, as she lay unconscious in a west suburban hospital, I talked to her at her bedside. I told her I felt like she never liked me. I asked her what I did that made her so angry. Then I told her I loved her. And then I told her I forgave her. Tina E. Akouris is an editor on the Tribunes audience team. Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com. By Gerry Doyle SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Cooperation, including among countries outside the region, is crucial to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, defence officials from the Philippines, Britain and Canada said on Saturday at the Shangri-La Dialogue security summit. Speaking at a plenary session, they echoed earlier comments by U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, who stressed that communication and collaboration, and not just military might, were essential to keep the region secure and stable. "Canada has a keen interest in building a region that is stable, that is balanced," said Anita Anand, Canada's defence minister. "What does this mean? It means an Indo-Pacific where international rules and norms prevail and all actors engage responsibly, an Indo-Pacific where disputes are resolved peacefully, and ultimately an Indo-Pacific that is free, that is open and that is inclusive." Carlito Galvez Jr., senior undersecretary and officer-in-charge at the Philippine defence department, said increased competitiveness in the region had increased the need for upholding the rule of law and pursuing dialogue. "As the old adage goes, good fences make good neighbours," Galvez said. "It is only when neighbours have clear boundaries and respect for set boundaries that relations remain genuinely amicable." Responding to a question from a Chinese military delegate whether the presence of outside nations in Asia was disruptive rather than constructive, Anand said: "Canada will continue to ensure that we are working on open lines of communication and recognising the need to co-exist responsibly." Ben Wallace, Britain's defence minister, said his country would continue its Indo-Pacific "tilt," and noted that NATO's presence in Asia was not out of line considering that Russia "has been quite aggressive in this region ... it still retains quite a large naval fleet". China's Minister of National Defence Li Shangfu had this week declined an invitation to meet Austin at the security summit. Li, a general who has been sanctioned by the U.S., delivers his own speech on Sunday. On Friday, the two shook hands on the sidelines of the conference but did not hold detailed talks, the Pentagon said. "A cordial handshake over dinner is no substitute for a substantive engagement," Austin said in his remarks earlier on Saturday. (Reporting by Gerry Doyle; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan) A Delta flight made an unscheduled landing after an 'unruly' passenger was reportedly restrained by other travelers The Delta flight from Paris to Detroit was diverted to a Canadian airport. Nicolas Economou/Getty Images A Delta flight had to divert to Canada after a passenger became unruly on the flight, the airline said. The Delta jet was flying from Paris to Detroit but had to land at Stephenville to remove the passenger. An airport official told WXYZ Detroit the passenger broke free of his restraints before the plane landed. A Delta flight made an unscheduled landing on Friday after a passenger reportedly became unruly and "broke free" of his restraints. Tracking data from FlightAware showed flight DL97 departed from Paris Charles De Gaulle Airport in France about 10:30 a.m. Friday local time and was bound for Detroit, Michigan. However, it diverted to Stephenville Dymond International Airport in Canada about six hours later. A Delta representative told Insider that a passenger was arrested after the plane landed. "Delta has zero tolerance for unruly behavior, especially when it potentially compromises the safety of our customers and flight crew. This unruly customer was removed at Stephenville, Newfoundland and Labrador, and remanded to the custody of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police," the representative said. A Canadian airport official told WXYZ Detroit that a passenger broke free of his restraints on the flight and had to be held down by several other travelers until the plane landed in Canada. A video posted online by the ABC affiliate showed a passenger being led off the plane by police. He could be heard saying "What am I under arrest for?" in the video. Dena Haddad, a passenger on the flight, told WXYZ that the arrested man had been "violent and they wouldn't calm down." Stephenville Dymond Airport and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police didn't immediately respond to requests for comment from Insider. The flight departed for Detroit Metro Airport about 90 minutes later, according to FlightAware. Unscheduled landings due to unruly or aggressive passenger are rare but not unheard of. In April, a United flight turned back three hours into its journey after a "disruptive" passenger sat in a crew seat and got into a shouting match with flight attendants. And in February, CNN reported that an American Airlines flight made an emergency landing after a passenger who was denied a drink charged the cockpit. Read the original article on Business Insider Deputy fatally shoots man holding knife to child in Hesperia, authorities said Sheriff's officials investigate after a deputy fatally shot a 44-year-old man who held a knife to a child at an apartment complex in Hesperia, authorities reported. A deputy fatally shot a 44-year-old man suspected of holding a knife to a child at an apartment complex in Hesperia, sheriffs officials reported. Deputies responded at 1:26 p.m. on Thursday the apartment complex in the 8800 block of C Street, near Hesperia Christian School. When deputies arrived, they learned that a suspect had barricaded himself and his family inside their home and was making threats. A woman in the home grabbed her children and tried to escape through a window. The suspect grabbed one of the children and went back inside, according to deputies. Sheriff's officials investigate after a deputy fatally shot a 44-year-old man who held a knife to a child at an apartment complex in Hesperia, authorities reported. Deputies entered the home and found the suspect holding a knife to the child. A deputy then fired and struck the suspect, sheriff's officials said. The child was not injured. Despite lifesaving measures, the suspect died at the scene. His identity has not been released pending notification of next of kin, sheriff's officials reported. The Sheriffs Specialized Investigations Division responded to take over the investigation. Anyone with information regarding this investigation is urged to contact the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Specialized Investigations Division at 909-890-4904. Callers wishing to remain anonymous can contact the We-Tip Hotline at 800-78-CRIME (27463) or wetip.com. This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Deputy fatally shoots man holding knife to child in Hesperia (Refiles to fix typo in word 'want' in para 14) By James Oliphant and Nathan Layne GILBERT, South Carolina (Reuters) - In the first full week of his 2024 presidential campaign, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis worked hard to define himself as a candidate to voters and just as hard to define the man who stands in his way for the Republican nomination. As he toured 12 cities in three early-voting states, DeSantis, 44, made his case that he is the more conservative and consistent alternative to Donald Trump, the former president and current front runner in the race. Trump fired back in a sudden escalation of the war of words between the two men that not only heightened tensions in the Republican race but also provided insight into DeSantis initial strategy. Touring Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina this week, the governor continued to cast himself as an unapologetic warrior on issues such as abortion, immigration, government spending, crime and LGBTQ rights. But for the first time, DeSantis began to draw sharp contrasts with Trump, painting the former president as a politician who had lost his way and who became a creature of the government he was supposed to transform by compromising too readily. Trumps camp has tried to do the same to DeSantis, calling him a swamp puppet and playing down his accomplishments as Floridas governor. In a party where being a political outsider still holds broad appeal, neither wants to be tagged as the candidate of the establishment. Thats why theyre doing it, said David Kochel, a veteran Republican presidential campaign operative in Iowa. Its a dirty word. DeSantis tour of the three states that will hold the first nominating contests of the Republican primary next year was aimed at quickly cementing himself as Trumps largest threat. He largely played to small but packed venues and supportive crowds, even if several voters told Reuters they had not decided on who to vote for. In speeches, DeSantis notably did not criticize Trump by name, but instead made more opaque references, telling audiences that he would be the candidate to finally secure the U.S. southern border or that leadership was more important than building a brand. It was a way of nodding to Trump's supporters that he would continue his work without antagonizing them by insulting the former president, who still has many fiercely loyal supporters. But in speaking to the media, DeSantis was less guarded. He suggested Trump, his main rival for the nomination had moved left during his White House term and that he was no longer the same candidate that ran in 2016. DeSantis called Trumps penchant for giving his opponents nicknames petty and juvenile, in an interview with a New Hampshire radio station on Thursday. I dont think thats what voters want and honestly, I think his conduct, which has been doing for years now, I think thats one of the reasons hes not in the White House now, DeSantis said. DeSantis contrasted Trumps time in office with his own as Florida governor, where he and the Republican legislature have enacted a long string of conservative reforms. Theres always going to be ways you can say you cant do something, DeSantis told a crowd in Gilbert, South Carolina on Friday as he wound up his tour. There will always be easy excuses that you can proffer. Trump dominates the Republican field with 49% support, while DeSantis is next with 19%, according to the latest Reuters/Ipsos opinion poll conducted in May. TRUMP ALTERNATIVE DeSantis message appealed to voters such as Doug Lambert, 58, the vice chair of the Belknap County Republican Party in New Hampshire. "I've witnessed Republican after Republican get elected to whatever office and then they all kind of backed down and compromised, Lambert said. Not that there's anything wrong with sensible compromise, but I really think that if we put conservatism out there, a majority of the American people will realize that it's a good thing." Maureen Plyler, 74, who watched DeSantis event in Gilbert, was more skeptical, saying she favored Trumps business background. Hes just proven, she said. The economy was great. She was unhappy with the increasingly rancorous exchanges the two candidates. Youre not changing my mind, she said. DeSantis moderated his message at times. In his four stops in New Hampshire, with its large pool of independent voters, he didnt mention the strict abortion ban Florida passed this year. But it was a top talking point in Iowa and South Carolina, where evangelical Christians hold more sway. DeSantis also contrasted himself with the billionaire Trump in less obvious ways, calling himself a blue-collar kid who has had to work for everything and telling audiences that he decided to join the military instead of pursuing a lucrative career. He frequently brought his wife, Casey DeSantis, to the stage, where they spoke about raising their young children, a reminder that DeSantis represents a wholly separate generation from the 76-year-old Trump. Bill Hixon, a member of the South Carolina House of Representatives who introduced DeSantis in Gilbert, said he was ready to move on. When Trump became president, Hixon said, I was so excited. But frankly right now, Ive lost my excitement. A woman in the crowd replied with a soft Amen. (This story has been refiled to fix typo in 'want' in paragraph 14) (Reporting by James Oliphant in South Carolina and Nathan Layne in New Hampshire, editing by Ross Colvin and Alistair Bell) Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) is seeking to peel away evangelical Christian support from former President Trump as the group is set to play a pivotal role in the 2024 Republican primary. The competition for the voting bloc was on full display this week in Iowa, where DeSantis held his campaign launch at Eternity Church in Clive. The Florida governors moves come as some evangelicals have criticized Trumps stance on abortion. He appointed three Supreme Court justices that led to the overturning of Roe v. Wade, but since that time, his stance on the sanctity of human life has been unclear. Its been very nuanced, Bob Vander Plaats, an Iowa evangelical political activist who endorsed Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) in 2016, told The Hill on NewsNation earlier this week. I think what voters want to hear is clarity on that issue. Not nuance. And DeSantis allies are taking note. On Thursday, the pro-DeSantis super PAC Never Back Down rolled out an ad in Iowa hitting Trump for saying last month that the six-month ban on most abortions that DeSantis signed into law in Florida was too harsh. The pro-life community expects better than that, Vander Plaats is heard saying in the spot. But despite the criticism the former president has received from figures in the anti-abortion movement, he is still highly regarded by evangelical voters. Weve seen over the last five to six years Trump has a very strong hold and a very strong footing with the evangelical base, said Melissa Deckman, CEO at the Public Religion Research Institute. White evangelical Protestants have stuck by Donald Trump through a myriad host of events including a pandemic, including Jan. 6, including trials were hearing about. Trump retains evangelical backing A Monmouth University poll released earlier this week showed Trump leading DeSantis by 28 points among self-described evangelical voters in a head-to-head matchup in May. The latest polling is a jump for Trump among the voting bloc. In a head-to-head matchup with DeSantis in March, Monmouth found Trump leading by 9 points among evangelicals. In February, the same poll showed Trump trailing DeSantis with the voting bloc by 7 points. The voting bloc boosted the former president in the 2016 and 2020 general elections. According to exit polling conducted by Edison Research, 80 percent of White evangelical Protestants voted for Trump in 2016, while 76 percent backed the former president in 2020. At the end of the day, there is one man responsible for overturning Roe v. Wade and its Donald Trump, said Robert Jeffress, an influential evangelical pastor and senior pastor at First Baptist Church in Dallas. Had there been no Trump presidency, Roe v. Wade would still be the law of the land, and I think in the final analysis thats what evangelicals are going to remember. Jeffress told The Hill that he has supported Trump since the summer of 2015 and that he does not foresee any reason I would be abandoning Trump. Former President Trump visits with campaign volunteers at the Grimes Community Complex Park, Thursday, June 1, 2023, in Des Moines, Iowa. Pastors differ on Trumps abortion stance Other pastors say they are still meeting with the 2024 GOP contenders as they make their way through early contest states like Iowa. Terry Amann, who is the pastor at the Church of the Way in Des Moines, met with Trump and other pastors during the former presidents visit to the Hawkeye State on Thursday. He was very gracious to everyone, Amann told The Hill. Amann said the group of pastors encouraged Trump to take a stronger stance on abortion going into 2024. There was an expression of concern that his position on abortion, that hes not standing as strong as he had in the past, Amann said. His response was the same as its been. In his mind Well, theres political realities out there and I get what I can get. Amann said that the group appreciates what Trump has accomplished so far on abortion, but he added as evangelical pastors, were just going to always press for a total ban. Jeffress, who has also spoken with the former president, said he understands where Trump is coming from in terms of how far he goes politically on abortion restrictions. Ive talked with him about it, Jeffress said, I dont think hes soft on it at all, but I think he realizes that if youre going to have a national policy, theres going to have to be some compromise. Nobody likes to use the word compromise. DeSantis could make gains Republicans were hit hard on the issue in last years midterm elections. Democrats used abortion to go on the offensive in states like Pennsylvania, Michigan, Nevada, Arizona and Georgia, and they found success. Anti-abortion advocates, in turn, have pointed to victories seen by governors with anti-abortion stances like DeSantis. The Florida governor signed the states six-week abortion ban after his reelection in 2022. The other thing [evangelicals] really put into play is, Can you win? And not just win the primary, but can win the general election, Vander Plaats, who has not endorsed a candidate, said in an interview with The Hill. I think that is Trumps highest hurdle and I think DeSantis is saying, Listen, I barely won Florida in 18. I won it in a landslide in 22. We made inroads into demographics that typically dont vote conservative. And while Trump has strong support from evangelicals, polling shows that DeSantis is viewed favorably by the group, which could give him an opening. A survey released by the Public Religion Research Institute in March found that 36 percent of white evangelicals said they viewed DeSantis favorably, while 26 percent said the same about Trump. Deckman noted that in March more voters were unfamiliar with the Florida governor. I think many of Ron Desantis policies in Florida are targeted to win the support of base voters in the GOP, especially cultural conservatives and white evangelicals, Deckman said. I think the question will be is it enough to pull support away from Donald Trump. And there are numerous other Republican candidates who are looking to peel away Trumps support among evangelical voters and the primary base as a whole, including South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott and former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley. Former Vice President Pence, who is set to formally enter the race on Wednesday, has a particularly strong following among evangelical voters. Of all of the candidates running against Donald Trump, he probably has the greatest chance of peeling away some of the evangelical vote, much more so than DeSantis or Haley or any other contender, Jeffress said. That being said, its still going to be an uphill struggle for Mike Pence or anyone going against the juggernaut known as Donald Trump. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. DeSantis is no longer hands off with Trump attacks in 2024 race: 'I'm gonna fight back' WASHINGTON - A once-invisible primary battle is finally starting to come into sharp focus: Ron DeSantis is fighting back against Donald Trump. After months of brushing off Trump's frequent attacks, DeSantis used this week's post-announcement tour of early contest states to clap back at the front-runner who has expanded his lead over the Florida governor and other Republican candidates in recent months. "I think that his conduct - which hes been doing for years now - I think thats one of the reasons hes not in the White House now," DeSantis told radio host Jack Heath during a tour of New Hampshire, site of the first Republican primary. For months, Trump hasn't faced much offense from DeSantis and other Republican candidates, most of whom do not want to alienate his large mass of base voters. Now it's game on, at least as far as DeSantis is concerned. He made that very visible in a round of talk show hits after his announcement and this week's trips to Iowa, New Hampshire, and South Carolina, the states that will host the first Republican delegate contests in 2024. It's Donald Trump v. Ron DeSantis Trump also made clear that he will maintain an aggressive posture against any candidate who dares criticize him - especially DeSantis, who is his closest competitor in a variety of Republican polls. Asked about the size of the Republican field, Trump told Fox News host Sean Hannity: "That's a good thing, isn't it? I think, pretty good. But I don't think it matters. I don't know why people are doing it." Donald Trump's Iowa town hall: Attacks on Ron DeSantis, Joe Biden and criminal charges DeSantis unloads on Trump after 2024 campaign announcement: 'This is a different guy today' DeSantis: Counter-punching Presidential candidate and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis waves to a crowd at a campaign event on June 2, 2023 in Gilbert, South Carolina. The governor had campaign stops scheduled for Beaufort, Columbia and Greenville on Friday. Before he officially became a candidate, DeSantis avoided responding to Trump's frequent barbs, calling them "background noise" and saying he was focused on his job as governor of Florida. Now that he's in the race to stay, DeSantis said he has no choice to respond to Trump, when asked. "So, look, Im going to respond to attacks," DeSantis told reporters in Iowa. "Im gonna counter-punch and Im gonna fight back on it." DeSantis is more reticent about Trump on the stump. As he did during the "invisible campaign" earlier this year, he does not mention Trump by name in campaign speeches, but does make negative references to his record and legal situation. For example, DeSantis says he will need two terms - eight years - in the White House to fully address problems wrought by the bureaucracy and big government. "It really does take two terms as president to be able to finish this job," DeSantis said in the stump speech he echoed throughout his recent trip. The "two terms" riff is also a reference to the fact that Trump, having already served a term as president, could only keep the job for four years if he is re-elected in 2024; the Constitution limits presidents to only two terms. Does Trump put GOP in danger of a sweep? DeSantis also bemoaned a "culture of losing," a reference to the fact that Trump and his MAGA ("Make America Great Again") movement have fared less-than-great in three straight national elections. DeSantis has also made subtle references to the in-fighting and chaos that marked Trump's presidency, as well as the investigations hovering over the former president. "If we get distracted, if we allow the election to become about other things other than Bidens failures ... then we may be in danger of seeing a Democrat sweep in 2024," DeSantis said in his stump speech. Trump: Always on the attack Former President Donald Trump greets supporters at a Team Trump volunteer leadership training event held at the Grimes Community Complex on June 01, 2023 in Grimes, Iowa. Trump delivered an unscripted speech to the crowd at the event before taking several questions from his supporters. Trump's campaign approach has been anything but subtle and has escalated since DeSantis began fighting back. For months, he has launched a constant stream of attacks on DeSantis' record and personality. This past week, Trump questioned DeSantis' constant use of the word "woke," even though he has also used that term to criticize programs to promote diversity and inclusion in businesses and schools. Trump has mocked DeSantis over his dust-up with a reporter and even the pronunciation of his name, claiming the candidate sometimes calls it "Dee-Santis" and other times "Duh-Santis." DeSantis described that dig as "ridiculous" and "stupid," and responded: "Listen, the way to pronounce my last name? Winner." Trump's take on 'woke': Former President Donald Trump said he doesn't like the term 'woke.' Here's what it means. Trump has been fairly courteous to other opponents who have been reluctant to criticize him, a group that includes former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley and current South Carolina U.S. Sen. Tim Scott. He has also been respectful to former Vice President Mike Pence, who is expected to announce his 2024 candidacy next week. The front-runner has been venomous to opponents who have taken him on, whether it's DeSantis or longshots Chris Christie and Asa Hutchinson. Uphill fight for Trump's rivals DeSantis and other Republicans running against Trump have their work cut out for them - he enjoys big poll leads at this point. Patrick Murray, director of the independent Monmouth University Polling Institute, said "DeSantis has started to take him on," while most of other candidates "have been pretty much hands off - a light touch." "Right now, none of them are making any dent in the race," Murray said. According to a Monmouth University Poll this week, 43% of GOP-aligned and leaning voters named Trump as the candidate they would like to see as the Republican nominee in 2024. Only 19% named DeSantis, down from 39% in a similar poll back in December. DeSantis lost ground even before he got out of the starting gate," Murray said. "Republican voters still like him, but they havent heard a convincing case for why he would be the partys best option." Indictments The dynamics of the campaign could change if Trump faces more indictments, though they could just as easily change in his favor. Trump's numbers actually went up after a grand jury in New York City indicted him on charges of trying to cover up hush money payments to two women. The former president remains under investigation on three other fronts: His handling of classified documents, efforts to overturn his loss of Georgia to Biden in the 2020 election, and possible culpability for the insurrection of Jan. 6, 2021. More indictments could make him stronger, Murray said, because many Republicans resent what they see as a Democratic attempt to take down Trump via the legal system. "The bulk of Trump's support is built around the politics of grievance," Murray said. "Not policy." While attacking DeSantis, Trump has also tried to convince voters that the investigations are all political, laying the groundwork to defend himself against future indictments. "It has to do, more than anything else, with trying to interfere with the election," Trump told Hannity. 5 times Ron DeSantis took pointed jabs at Donald Trump while campaigning in Iowa this week Debates? A better opportunity for DeSantis may be debates - if Trump participates. The former president has hinted that he may skip Republican debates because there's no point in appearing on stage with opponents when he is so far ahead. Debates would give DeSantis his best chance to draw the contrasts with Trump he is just starting to make on the campaign trail. The debates tended to benefit Trump during the 2016 campaign because opponents were reluctant to attack him. This time around, Republican political consultant Liz Mair said, DeSantis in recent days "has attacked Trump more than any candidate other than Carly Fiorina or Rand Paul did over the course of the first few months of the 2016 contest." DeSantis' approach has been "pretty good for this stage of the contest," Mair said. "He needs to work up some really good barbs for debates, though." The Republicans are planning to hold a first debate on Aug. 23 in Milwaukee, the site of the 2024 GOP nominating convention. Still early This will all play out for a while. New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu, another potential candidate, told Fox News this week "we're still months away from the first debate," much less actual voting. "We're still waiting to see who can give a punch and take a punch," he said, "who can earn it on the ground door to door." This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How DeSantis is fighting back against Trump in 2024 presidential race DeSantis snaps back as heckler calls him a fascist: Yeah well thank you Ron DeSantis snapped back at a heckler in South Carolina who branded him a f***ing fascist during a campaign rally. The Florida governor was yelled at by a female protester during an event in the state as he discussed his education policies. The right to health care, to their kids health care, youre a f***ing fascist, the woman in the crowd in Lexington, South Carolina, yelled. We say gay. After booing from the crowd, DeSantis responded, Yeah, well, thank you. And he added: Were not going to let you impose an agenda on our kids. Were going to stand up for our kids. Were going to make sure to do it right. Mr DeSantis got a big ovation as the woman was escorted out of the event. Those people like that in Florida are the people we beat every single day on policy, said Mr DeSantis. We do not let them win. We win all these battles. Were not letting them indoctrinate our kids, not on our watch. The governors campaign team posted the clip on social media, telling his supporters to watch as he roasts an angry leftist. Rescuers in India are scrambling to find survivors after a crash involving three trains killed hundreds of people in one of the worst rail disasters the country has ever seen. At least 288 people have been confirmed dead and more than 1,000 injured following the collision between two passenger trains and a goods train in the city of Balasore, in eastern Odisha state, on Friday. But rescuers expect the death toll to rise further, as many people are thought to be trapped under upturned carriages. We are not very hopeful of rescuing anyone alive, Odishas Fire Services Chief, Sudhanshu Sarangi, told local news channel NDTV. The cause of the crash remains unclear but Indian Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw told reporters Saturday that a high-level inquiry has been ordered into the collision, which took place near the Bahanaga railway station. A damaged train carriage, following the deadly collision in Balasore, India, on June 2. - ANI/Reuters The incident has reverberated across India, a nation of 1.4 billion, prompting renewed calls for authorities to address safety issues that have plagued the countrys railways for decades. Indias trains serve 13 million passengers every day, and 8 billion a year. While the government has recently invested millions to upgrade its railways, years of neglect have caused tracks to deteriorate. Video footage and photographs from Fridays crash site show scenes of chaos and despair. Dozens of dead bodies can be seen lying beside the mangled trains, while police officers and survivors stand nearby. Passengers personal belongings can be seen strewn inside carriages and windows have been crushed, spilling glass and metal debris onto the floors. Train carriages have been torn apart. I saw people piled on top of each other One of the passengers sitting in the second to last coach, Anshuman Purohi, told CNN that he felt a massive shake and realized there was something very, very wrong. I opened the door and the scale [of the disaster] revealed itself. We saw the rest of the train in front of us in a ditch. As we walked, all we could here was a huge wail of human cries. Bloodied people, running to our coach for help and water. Purohi, who lives in Singapore and was visiting his family in Odisha, said that a few people he was with began calling emergency services, while he helped provide water. After walking across the tracks, you could start to see the scale of the accident, he said. The site of the crash in Balasore district, in the eastern Indian state of Odisha, on June 2. - Press Trust of India/AP This was only a part of the overall accident. We couldnt see the front. The coaches were on top of each other. Coaches on top of the wagon People thrown out of the trains many feet away. Rohit Raj, a 19-year-old survivor, told CNN: I was sleeping when all of a sudden, I heard a loud crash. There was smoke everywhere, we couldnt see. Everyone was screaming, everyone was in shock. People were trying to run and escape from the train. The coach in front of me was badly mangled. People were badly trapped. I saw people piled on top of each other. My coach derailed, but thankfully I managed to escape. Another survivor who did not share his name told local television he had fallen asleep and was jolted awake when the train derailed, causing about 15 people to fall on top of him. I was at the bottom of the pile. My hand is injured, its hurting a lot, and also the back of my neck, he said. When I came out of the train, I saw someone had lost their hand, someone had lost their limb, someones face was disfigured. Search for survivors Speaking to reporters Saturday, Narendra Singh Bundela, Inspector General of Operations at the National Disaster Response Force (NDRP), said teams have rescued passengers found alive at the site, but many bodies remain trapped under the derailed carriages. The coaches are very heavy and its been a difficult task to remove them and identify bodies, Bundela said, adding 17 coaches were derailed and severely damaged. This is a serious incident and the government has ordered an inquiry, he said. This century for India, as far as I know, it is one of the (most) serious accidents. More than 115 ambulances and several fire service units are involved in the rescue effort. The Indian army, teams from the National Disaster Response Force, the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force, and the states fire services have been dispatched to the site. Hundreds of people have gathered outside local hospitals to donate blood, in a massive show of solidarity and support. About 500 units of blood were collected overnight with 900 units currently in stock. Manish, a volunteer, attempted to donate blood at Soro Block Hospital, but couldnt enter as it was already packed with people offering to help. There are literally dead bodies all around, he said. Injured passengers are being treated outside of the hospital because of lack of beds. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted his condolences on Friday. Distressed by the train accident in Odisha. In this hour of grief, my thoughts are with the bereaved families, he wrote. Modi was on his way to visit the site of the deadly train crash in Odisha on Saturday morning, according to a statement by the Prime Ministers Office on Twitter. Earlier in the day, he chaired a high-level meeting about the crash, his ruling Bharatiya Janata Party said. A day of mourning will be observed in the Odisha on Saturday. Rescuers search for survivors at the site of the crash in Balasore district, in the eastern Indian state of Odisha, on June 2. - Press Trust of India/AP Aging infrastructure Indias extensive rail network suffers from aging infrastructure and poor maintenance factors often cited in accidents. In 2021, more than 16,000 people were killed in nearly 18,000 railway accidents across the country. According to the National Crime Records, most railway accidents 67.7% were due to falls from trains and collisions between trains and people on the track. The death toll from Fridays crash has already surpassed that of another infamous incident in 2016, when more than 140 people were killed in a derailment in northern Uttar Pradesh state. The latest crash comes as India carries out a major overhaul of its infrastructure, with the country investing millions to modernize transport links. In February, Modi inaugurated the first section of a 1,386-kilometer (861-mile) expressway linking the capital New Delhi to the financial hub of Mumbai. Construction is also underway for the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor, which aims to decongest Indias railway network. Later this year, the country will open Chenab Bridge the worlds tallest railway bridge in the countrys Jammu and Kashmir region. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com The ninth Bishop of the Diocese of St. Augustine, Bishop Emeritus, passed away on Monday, May 29 at 88-years-old. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< Bishop Erik T. Pohlmeier, the current bishop of the Diocese of St. Augustine, said, I am grateful for the legacy of Bishop Galeone. As I hear stories of his service in the Diocese of St. Augustine, the fruits of his efforts are obvious. There are many serving today who began their work and ministry under his care. May God welcome this faithful shepherd in the merciful heart of our savior. Bishop Galeone was such a man of prayer. He led the Diocese of St. Augustine by embracing the whole spectrum of the culture of life, said Bishop Emeritus Felipe J. Estevez, the tenth bishop of St. Augustine. The mission of the church was his personal priority giving such care to people on the margins. Bishop Galeone was a bishop who witnessed the truth consistently and at all times he said. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] Bishop Galeone led the Diocese of St. Augustine during some of the most difficult days facing the country and the church. He was consecrated and installed as the bishop of the diocese on August 21, 2001, and during his first staff meeting, on Sept. 11, he received news of the terror attacks on the U.S. The following year the American church was rocked by accusations that priests had sexually abused children. The national scandal resulted in much soul-searching for the church and the implementation of mandatory training and screening procedures. The Great Recession brought new burdens to the diocese. The major growth spurts in the previous decades had left the diocese in debt. Bishop Galeone was forced to make difficult decisions staff layoffs and freezing the salaries of diocesan employees. Visitation 4:30 p.m. on Monday, June 5 Vigil Service 6 p.m. on Monday, June 5 Funeral Mass 10 a.m. on Tuesday, June 6. The main celebrant is Bishop Erik Pohlmeier. The homilist is Msgr. James Farmer of the Archdiocese of Baltimore. Committal will follow the Mass at San Lorenzo Catholic Cemetery, 1635 U.S. 1, St. Augustine. The archives include some of the oldest documents in North America, including the first parish records, the Stetson Collection of papers from the First Spanish Period (1565-1763), the East Florida Papers from the Spanish government 1784-1821 and the records from the founding of the diocese in 1870. In 2006, Bishop Galeone also began the diocesan formation program for the permanent diaconate and ordained the first group of deacons. Up until then, permanent deacons had come from other dioceses. A mission of St. Paul Parish in Jacksonville Beach was established during his tenure, St. Peter Mission, located at 960 Girvin Road in Jacksonville. He retired as bishop in 2011, the year he celebrated the 50th anniversary of his priestly ordination. He spent the early years of his retirement in a Trappist monastery where he did a lot of writing. In 2015 he published a book, Joyful Good News: For Young and Old. As his health began to decline, he returned to Baltimore and lived at St. Martins Home for the Aged under the care of the Little Sisters of the Poor in Baltimore. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] When Bishop Galeone returned to Baltimore, he served as a diocesan priest. He served in several parishes and taught at St. Paul Latin High School during the 1960s. He felt called to mission work and twice served in Peru with the Society of St. James the Apostle during the 1970s and early 1980s. I had it in my blood, he said in an interview in 2010. It was a beautiful experience. They were very poor. The experience with the Latin culture made me much more patient. I learned not to get all up tight. You see life from a different perspective. In 1985, his bishop called him back to Baltimore, to work in parishes. In 1996, he was named pastor of St. Agnes Parish in Catonsville, Md. and was thinking about retiring and returning to the mission field. Out of the blue in 2001 the Apostolic Nuncio called with the news that Pope John Paul II named him the new bishop of the Diocese of St. Augustine. He tried to decline. I diplomatically declined, he said. He told the nuncio that he was too old at the age of 65, lacked the right experience and would be an outsider. When the nuncio replied that I had nine more productive years ahead of me, I knew the pope wanted it, so it seemed the Lord has other plans for me, he said. His ways are so mysterious. Cardinal William Keeler, archbishop of Baltimore, had no reservations. He was a humble person, an excellent leader, an excellent person as far as I was concerned. He was an outstanding priest, the kind of man who would make a good bishop, Cardinal Keeler said. On the occasion of Bishop Galeones retirement, his long-time friend Msgr. James Farmer of the Archdiocese of Baltimore said he thought Bishop Galeone wanted to be remembered as a humble priest who brought Jesus to others. He was an extremely humble man. He never sought honors, never wanted any. He loved being a priest. Having him as a friend is one of the great blessings of my life. Hes a priest in everything he does. Bishop Galeone is survived by his sisters Elisa Lemonds and Rose Marie Sterner and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. The funeral arrangements are as follows. All services will be at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine, 38 Cathedral Place, St. Augustine: Visitation 4:30 p.m. on Monday, June 5 Vigil Service 6 p.m. on Monday, June 5 Funeral Mass 10 a.m. on Tuesday, June 6. The main celebrant is Bishop Erik Pohlmeier. The homilist is Msgr. James Farmer of the Archdiocese of Baltimore. Committal will follow the Mass at San Lorenzo Catholic Cemetery, 1635 U.S. 1, St. Augustine 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. Dont look up: Why some consider June's meteor showers to be invisible Dont look up: Why some consider June's meteor showers to be invisible During the upcoming weeks, several meteor showers will peak, but astronomers warned that because many events are happening in the daytime, North America could be shut out from seeing any spectacles in the sky. The Arietid meteor shower is expected to peak on June 7, zeta Perseid meteors will reach their height on June 10 and the always illusive June Bootids are expected to peak on June 27. Astronomers said if there is a chance to catch the best view, it is around dawn or dusk when there is a transition between the sun and the moon. NASA said a surprise outburst is possible but unlikely. WATCH OUT FOR THESE ASTRONOMICAL EVENTS IN 2023 Astronomical events during the early summer are notoriously difficult to spot due to North America being in the time of year when there is the most daylight. Cities around the country will see daylight hours peak around June 21 on the summer solstice. Before days start getting shorter, Chicago will see more than 15 hours and 31 minutes of sunlight, and Seattles longest day of the year comes in at about 16 hours. SONIC BOOM: HEAR THE SOUNDS OF A METEOR BREAKING UP OVER UTAH If you are a devoted stargazer, meteor showers in the latter half of the year could be more worthwhile. The Perseid meteor shower in mid-August and the Geminids in mid-December could be two of the bigger events due to the barrage of natural space debris and the lack of viewing interference from the sun and the moon. Astronomy experts said that due to the speed and composition of meteors, the space material vaporizes in the upper levels of the Earths atmosphere and does not pose a threat to viewers on the ground. Meteors showers usually lack large amounts of metallic and rocky materials needed to survive a trip through Earth's atmosphere. It is estimated that several hundred meteorites reach Earths surface every year, but less than a dozen are actually found. Donald Trump Is Promising Peace In A Second Term. War With Iran Seems More Likely. To hear Donald Trump tell it, a vote for him in 2024 is a vote for world peace. Were at the brink of World War III, just in case anybody doesnt know it, the former president said in announcing his reelection bid. He has repeatedly blamed President Joe Biden for Russias vicious assault on Ukraine, saying it would not have happened on his watch. Trump claims that Bidens support for Ukrainian resistance risks a nuclear war with Moscow and that he could end the fighting within 24 hours. His supporters, from Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) to Sen. J.D. Vance (R-Ohio), are echoing the refrain: Vance argues that Trump ran the most cautious and the most careful foreign policy weve had in this country in a generation. The narrative serves Trumps goal of seeming like an outsider fighting a flawed establishment and suits his strategy of seeking votes by appealing to Americans fears. But it ignores the issue that would likely pose the biggest foreign policy challenge of a second Trump presidency and one Trump has shown little capacity to handle peacefully: Iran. If he returns to power I think the odds of him being able to deal with Iran are not promising at all, said Ali Vaez, the director of the Iran project at the International Crisis Group think tank. The Islamic Republic looms large for the former president. After leaving the presidency after the 2020 election, Trump reportedly said he kept a Defense Department document about Iran that he knew was classified, according to a 2021 recording whose existence CNN revealed this week. He also retained intelligence findings about Irans missile program, according to The Washington Post. Those files represent some of the most sensitive material in the trove of documents federal prosecutors suspect Trump mishandled. (Trump has previously asserted all the documents he kept were declassified and has denied knowledge of the recording. His attorneys claim they cannot find the document mentioned in the recording, The New York Times reported on Friday.) And as president, Trump vetoed a bipartisan attempt to make it harder for him to order military action against Iran and reveled in torpedoing President Barack Obamas landmark 2015 deal to limit Iranian nuclear development. Trump twice risked a war with Tehran during his last year in office. He first ordered the assassination of Irans top general, risking a cycle of tit-for-tat violence that tenuous diplomacy managed to prevent. After losing the 2020 election, he came close to launching another strike and risking a major conflagration, according to Gen. Mark Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Today, relations between Iran and the U.S. are extraordinarily tense. Trumps decision to scrap the Obama-era deal led Iran to boost its nuclear capabilities, and the Islamic Republic could now build a nuclear weapon within months if it chose to, the U.S. and its allies believe. Trump-era sanctions, which Biden has maintained, are squeezing Irans economy and hardening Iranian leaders position toward the West. Meanwhile, U.S. forces and fighters aligned with Iran are in close quarters in the Persian Gulf and in Syria, where a suspected Iranian drone attack killed an American contractor in March. Post reporting suggests Iran is readying new assaults. The nuclear issue has long been seen as the most likely source of an all-out conflict: U.S. presidents (including Obama) have always said they would consider a military response if Iran moved to develop a nuclear bomb, and Israel has also mooted the idea. Right now, officials working on the issue say they are alarmed by Irans advances in enriching uranium and its approach to the International Atomic Energy Agency and few people involved see hope of a real resolution to the question until after Americas 2024 election, which Trump could win if he becomes the GOP presidential nominee. Irans nuclear program is more advanced now than it has ever been, one Western official said, describing his government as extremely concerned. In 2018, then-President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew the U.S. from the international agreement to limit Iran's nuclear program. In 2018, then-President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew the U.S. from the international agreement to limit Iran's nuclear program. Trump acknowledges the higher chances of Iran obtaining a nuclear weapon and insists he knows how to keep that from happening. Yet in a second Trump term, the U.S.-Iran diplomacy that was at the heart of the last nuclear deal would be difficult to achieve both because of Tehrans view of the former reality television star and real estate mogul and also because of the extremely different circumstances from previous periods of negotiations. Meanwhile, Trumps 2024 agenda would weaken guardrails on his approach to the delicate issue and make it hard to win foreign support that would enable a fresh agreement. Because of what he did by taking Irans nuclear program out of a box and putting it in a microwave, Iran actually has way more leverage than was the case when Trump walked into the Oval Office in 2017, Vaez said. If you look at Trumps career, Irans nuclear program is the only thing that he failed to bankrupt. The upshot: Trump would face an unprecedented challenge with a proven record of seeing violence as the best response. The Trump campaign did not respond to a request for comment. A Crisis Deferred Bidens chance to address the nuclear issue has almost certainly slipped away. After Trump withdrew the U.S. from the 2015 deal, the five other parties to the agreement France, Britain, China, Russia and Germany tried to sustain the accord. They pushed for Iran to comply with limits and monitoring requirements and tried to deliver some of the economic benefits for Iranians the deal was meant to provide. Biden, who pledged to rejoin and build on the agreement during his 2020 campaign, did little to ease U.S. sanctions. His team did participate in European-sponsored indirect talks with Tehran, and by August 2022, both sides weighed in on a draft proposal for restoring the deal. But Iran then sought additional changes to the text, and the U.S. said it could not offer more, in a nod to Bidens sensitivity ahead of the midterm elections. The move frustrated world powers. The Iranians chose not to take the deal, argued the Western official, who was not authorized to comment on the record. Since then, two developments have made the August agreement no longer viable, the official said: Irans domestic crackdown that began in September and Tehrans support for Russias invasion of Ukraine. Those factors make engagement less politically palatable in the West and help Iran skeptics argue the international community must further penalize the regime. All the while, the nuclear problem is getting worse. In February, United Nations inspectors said a heavily protected Iranian nuclear facility contained uranium particles of 84% purity not far off from the 90% purity used in a bomb. Iranian officials, who have long denied wanting nuclear weapons, called the high enrichment level unintentional. The U.N. eventually said it had received a possible explanation from Iran, but expertssaw its new assessment as unlikely to satisfy global concerns about the program. Biden administration officials are now once again indicating they could engage Tehran. Meanwhile, European governments are hoping to deter Iran by warning its leaders they would re-impose embarrassing U.N. sanctions on the country if it crosses the weapons enrichment threshold, Reuters reported. Some onlookers are hoping for a big step toward a resolution: Seyed Hossein Mousavian, a former Iranian diplomat now at Princeton University, argued in a recent opinion article that Biden could establish a new security and cooperation mechanism by talking to Iran directly and offering compromises. Yet the president is already effectively tied up in next years election, and the situation is fundamentally different from where it was last August. There was at that moment a common desire to strictly separate the nuclear file from other sensitive issues, said a second Western official who was not authorized to speak on the record. The most likely positive development would be a modest thaw that is designed to avoid a flare-up or embarrassment a detente involving some kind of halt on Iranian nuclear advances and signs of earnest, if limited, diplomacy. Iran knows that if they go too far it would trigger a major crisis in the region, the second Western official argued. Its program is obviously at a very advanced stage, but we shouldnt necessarily assume that means they are on a path to a weapon, the first Western official said. If they want to come to the table and act in good faith, then were open to talking. Vaez, the analyst, believes both Tehran and Washington would like to put a lid on the situation until there is less uncertainty about the political trajectory of the United States. That requires some kind of an understanding, albeit narrow, that would help them achieve that objective, he continued, noting the possibility of Iran and the U.S. trading detainees. Such a compromise could create time and space for both sides until they know who the next U.S. president would be, Vaez said. I dont expect a deal that would resolve the nuclear crisis in a sustainable fashion. What Else But War? The combination of an urgent nuclear question and a reelected Trump is almost certainly explosive. An essential factor in any renewed agreement would be shifting Irans calculus: convincing Tehran it is worthwhile to change its current course and address international concerns about weapon development. Its hard to see how Trump would inspire goodwill in the regime. His unilateral withdrawal from the 2015 deal despite Irans general compliance began the current crisis. And his killing of Iranian leader Qassem Soleimani is considered an Iranian national tragedy. Theres just so much bad blood there between the Iranian leadership and him as a result of that single act, Vaez said. What the Iranians want to do to him is not to shake his hand but to put a dagger in his back. Trump's killing of Iranian general Qassem Soleimani in 2020 sparked fears of U.S.-Iran war and ignited protests worldwide, such as this one in Seoul, South Korea. Trump's killing of Iranian general Qassem Soleimani in 2020 sparked fears of U.S.-Iran war and ignited protests worldwide, such as this one in Seoul, South Korea. Meanwhile, Trumps talk of peace through strength suggests he would be loath to suggest the kind of U.S. steps that could inspire serious talks by, for instance, easing up on his historic maximum pressure approach to the Islamic Republic. Iran could, in fact, interpret Trumps return as an impetus to become more assertive and speed closer to possessing weapon-grade material, observers worry. Though Tehrans dialogue with its regional rivals notably Saudi Arabia has inspired some calm in the Middle East, it also makes it easier to envision an Iran-U.S. conflict in which the Saudis and other U.S. partners dodge fire as Washington and Tehran focus on each other. Trumps demonstrated instincts and stated second-term goals pose further hurdles to diplomacy. While in office, he alternated his orders for U.S. troop withdrawals with inflammatory rhetoric toward unpredictable players, including the leaders of North Korea,Pakistan and Russia. He is likely to remain close to Iran hawks, such as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and says he would use a second term to increase his control over the federal workforce, which could have a chilling effect on national security experts, stopping them from tempering his approach. Additionally, he wants to inflame U.S. ties with China, a key player in the previous nuclear deal. One of the Western officials said his government believes Beijing could be a moderating influence in any eventual settlement on the nuclear issue. China does not want a crisis in the region that would impact heavily its supply of oil and energy, and they dont want to have a new member of the nuclear club, the official said. Chinas heft has grown because sanctions have made Iran extremely dependent on earning money by selling oil to Beijing, noted the other Western official, calling that sway a significant lever. Still, it remains to be seen to what extent the Chinese are willing to use that lever, the official continued. Trumps most significant diplomatic effort with China was no triumph: Experts say his revised trade deal with the country failed to bolster U.S. exports while his tariffs, sustained so far by Biden, are still hurting U.S. economic growth. And the increasingly anti-China consensus in Washington suggests Trump would see little potential benefit in cooperation with his counterpart, Xi Jinping. To Vaez, another Trump term in the White House means an Iran policy of perpetual danger. Its a formula for another four years of confrontation between Iran and the U.S. without any possible offramps, he said. Related... A week ago, Elon Musks Twitter seemed to be taking shaky footsteps toward a new phase: Mass layoffs had subsided, Musk had hired a new permanent CEO and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis had chosen the site to help launch his Republican presidential bid. Over the course of a day, though, the turmoil that has marked Musks seven-month ownership of the social media platform came roaring back. On Thursday, Twitter was roiled by an organized pressure campaign by conservative pundits seeking to promote a 95-minute anti-transgender video called What Is A Woman? Musk, who has staked out views hostile to transgender advocates, initially responded in ways that seemed to satisfy no one before he eventually relented and agreed to promote the video himself. The incident resulted in two high-level departures within 24 hours. The episode was another window into Musks improvisational approach to rewriting Twitters rules. The chief of Twitters trust and safety division, Ella Irwin, left the company that same day, after a tenure leading its efforts around content moderation. A second executive, A.J. Brown, whose job was to reassure advertisers that Twitter was a safe place for their brands, also decided to quit, The Wall Street Journal reported. A third person, a program manager who worked on brand safety, said on her Twitter profile that she was now ex-Twitter. Musk said in a tweet Friday that the departures were related to his decision to allow the conservative outlet The Daily Wire to post What Is A Woman? a decision that thrust Twitter back into a raging cultural debate. The battle at Twitter over the What Is A Woman? video began early Thursday morning with a complaint from Jeremy Boreing, CEO of The Daily Wire, who said the video was being suppressed. He also said Twitter had canceled a distribution deal with the outlet because the video featured two instances of misgendering trans people. In a thread, he then stated that he considered the incident to be a free speech issue. Misgendering trans people had been restricted on the platform since 2018, but under Musk the company quietly repealed that rule. Musk replied to Boreings thread saying that, although he personally uses peoples preferred pronouns, misgendering is allowed on the platform. This was a mistake by many people at Twitter, Musk tweeted in response to Boreings complaint. It is definitely allowed. Whether or not you agree with using someones preferred pronouns, not doing so is at most rude and certainly breaks no laws. LGBTQ organizations quickly denounced Musks decision, saying it opened the door to more bullying of transgender people online. But the fight over the video didnt end there. After Musk allowed it to be posted, Twitter users were still unable to share the film or comment on it, limiting its spread, Boreing said Thursday night. He pushed Musk to do more. That was fast. Even after @elonmusk said Twitters threat to label What Is A Woman hateful conduct and to throttle the films reach was a mistake, Twitter did that very thing instantly upon the film going live, Boreing tweeted. In a series of tweets Thursday night, right-wing influencer Robby Starbuck called on Musk to take measures against anyone involved in limiting the videos reach. Whoever did this should be fired, Starbuck tweeted. Musk, who has an adult trans daughter who reportedly no longer wants to be associated with him, initially didnt side entirely with the conservative pundits. Hedging his support for the video, Musk tweeted at 8:57 p.m. ET Thursday that the video was sensitive content and that Twitter would not actively recommend it to people. But the pressure campaign continued into the night, with some conservative Twitter users saying that they might cancel their monthly subscriptions to the Twitter Blue premium service if the video continued to be restricted at all. By early Friday, Musk relented and made the video shareable. Works now. Only limit is that it will not be placed next to advertising, Musk tweeted at 8:28 a.m. ET to conservative pundit Matt Walsh, who stars in the video and has gained wide attention for his videos targeting trans people and drag queens. Three minutes earlier, at 8:25 a.m., Musk himself tweeted out the film, adding, Every parent should watch this. The film was pinned to the top of Musks profile on Friday afternoon. By Friday late afternoon, the video had gotten more than 62 million views, according to the tally on Twitter. Neither The Daily Wire nor Walsh immediately responded to requests for comment. But Walsh celebrated on Twitter and called Musks help a huge win. What a great way to ring in Pride Month, Walsh tweeted, referencing LGBTQ Pride month that began June 1. The incident shows the ongoing challenge of stabilizing the situation at Twitter seven months after Musk bought the company for $44 billion. He laid off most of its employees and then rehired some of them, in a chaotic series of events that marked the beginning of his ownership. Musk also has turned Twitter in an ideologically conservative direction, welcoming fired Fox News host Tucker Carlson and eliminating some of Twitters restrictions on bullying and hateful content. Irwin had been among the most faithful supporters of Musk in the company. In January, Bloomberg News called her the chief executor of Musks whims. But within hours of Musks decision to allow the What Is A Woman? video, Fortune reported that Irwins internal Slack account had been deactivated. Irwin, responding to a request for comment, referred to Musks tweet that the departures were related to the fight over transgender rights. Irwin is the second head of trust and safety to quit Twitter during Musks tenure. Yoel Roth left the job in November, saying the company had little need for the position because Musk rewrites the rulebook according to his own edicts. Irwins defense of Musk didnt always win her fans with others who have done similar work. One former Twitter trust and safety employee said that, in their opinion, it was never clear how much influence she even had. We probably will never know how much of it was her responsibility, as opposed to just following orders from Musk, or how much worse things could have been, this person said. Twitter saw an uptick in hate speech against LGBTQ people during Irwins tenure and, overall, since Musk took over the platform. Using pronouns other than what someone prefers is a common way to bully trans people, including on social media. People who are trans or gender nonbinary often feel that misgendering invalidates their identity. Musks views on trans rights put him out of sync with many other Silicon Valley billionaires. Dustin Moskovitz, the CEO of software firm Asana and a co-founder of Facebook, weighed in to suggest that people with views like Musks should speak with more trans people. Actually getting to know some people who transitioned was the single most important part of maturing my views. I highly recommend talking to them rather than just trying to imagine what it is like, Moskovitz said on Twitter. Twitter responded to an emailed request for comment with an automated, noninformational response. Newly hired Twitter CEO Linda Yaccarino, a former ad executive at NBCUniversal, the parent company of NBC News, did not immediately respond to requests for comment. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com A legal battle between the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and a major producer of plastic takeout containers just got a little more complicated, according to a report from The Guardian. The EPA sued the container maker, a Houston-based firm called Inhance, back in December 2022, on the grounds that Inhance had repeatedly lied to regulators about the presence of PFAS a notoriously toxic "forever" plastic known to cause or contribute to serious health problems including cancer, liver damage, decreased fertility, asthma, and thyroid disease in its products. Now, according to the report, a coalition of the consumer groups Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER) and the Center for Environmental Health are getting involved in the suit, too. But PEER is targeting the EPA, which the coalition claims hasn't done enough to battle Inhance and its toxic takeout containers. A fair point, considering that despite the ongoing lawsuit, Inhance which, per the report, is estimated by the consumer groups to produce around 200 million PFAS-contaminated plastic containers every year is still distributing products. "It's a serious and ongoing threat to public health," Bob Sussman, an attorney representing the coalition, told the Guardian. "It involves not only the demonstrated hazards of the PFAS that are in the containers, but the huge number of containers and their economy-wide uses." And more, though court filings and patent applications show that "Inhance appears to have repeatedly lied to regulators and customers about whether its containers shed PFAS," as the Guardian reports, the EPA and the Department of Justice (DoJ) have reportedly failed to bring these inconsistencies up in court. That's a pretty curious thing to leave out of the legal battle, and a misgiving that, per the Guardian, may bolster the coalition's argument that the plastics industry has too much influence over the EPA. To back up for a second: according to the report, the whole ordeal started back in January 2021, when the EPA subpoenaed Inhance "for information about its fluorination process" amid a broader agency review of PFAS and the plastics industry. Then, in a meeting with the EPA later that year, Inhance chose to obscure and dismiss evidence of PFAS in their containers. You know, like innocent companies do. Several months later, in March of 2022, the EPA officially handed Inhance a violation notice, which reportedly included a measure pressing Inhance to cease-and-desist production immediately if they hadn't removed PFAS from their goods; two weeks later, as the Guardian notes, Inhance put out a press release claiming that it was "pleased to announce" that its products weren't riddled with the poisonous plastics. This is a strategy that Inhance appears to have used more than once. According to the newspaper, a September EPA report claimed that Inhance's "container walls leached [PFAS] into the contents of the container." Inhance then told the protective agency that it would comply with a review of its fluorination process, but wouldn't cease production. The EPA, per the Guardian, didn't "file a lawsuit or alert the public, or press Inhance to halt production" at the time. Meanwhile, that same month, Inhance said in a customer-targeted seminar that "our chemistry does not impart any of these [PFAS] that the EPA is concerned about, and never has... We are not sure where EPA thinks its seeing [PFAS] species but it's not from Inhance." Then, just two months after that, the EPA reportedly submitted documents in which the company admitted that it had been aware since January 2021 that nine different long-chain PFAS, describing these toxins as "'an apparently unavoidable aspect of fluorination of [high-density polyethylene] containers.'" "After telling the world there was no PFAS in their containers," Sussman, the lawyer for the coalition, told the Guardian, "they are admitting, basically, the chemicals' presence is unavoidable." If you can believe it, the water gets even murkier from there. In October 2022, about a month after Inhance's eventual admission, the consumer groups in question reportedly filed a notice of intent to sue, a measure that would give the EPA and Inhance 60 days to take action in response. On day 56, the EPA finally sued Inhance but despite this apparent knowledge of PFAS, didn't ask the court to issue an immediate halt on Inhance's production. If at this point you're feeling a bit disheartened: completely fair. PFAS are absolutely terrible for human, animal, and environmental health, and Inhance has already admitted that it's impossible to make their goods which in addition to serving as takeout containers, are used to house personal care products as well without generating PFAS. It feels a little insane that production, and thus distribution, is still ongoing. And unfortunately, as it stands, some of the folks involved in the coalition aren't terribly optimistic about the potential outcome. "Judging from what my clients have told me over the last three years," Kyla Bennett, a former EPA scientist who works with the consumer group PEER, told the Guardian. "I have zero confidence [the new chemicals division is] going to make the right decision on this." More on PFAS: Scientists Discover That Toilet Paper Contains Toxic "Forever" Chemicals (Getty Images) One protester was removed from the track at the Epsom Derby as the race began but the planned greater disruption from the activist group Animal Rising seemed to be thwarted, following arrests earlier in the day over those reported to be involved. A total of 19 people were taken by authorities on Saturday morning, Surrey Police said, following warrants based on intelligence they planned to disrupt the festival. All were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit public nuisance and remain in police custody. Animal Rising had announced their intention to cancel or severely delay the Derby and were recipients of a High Court injunction against doing so. However, the race started on time and passed off without a hitch, though video footage - seemingly taken from the stands - did show one person gaining access to the track along the home straight, before being quickly dragged off by stewards and police. It is unclear if the person was affiliated with Animal Rising or not. This follows severe disruptions at the Grand National in April, when demonstrators made their way onto the track right before the start of the race, resulting in a delay to the start. When one horse then died during the race, the suggestion was made that the animal rights protesters actions had contributed to the animals worsened state of mind. Auguste Rodin won the Derby, a 9/2 shot, ahead of Kings of Steel. White Birch and Sprewell made up the first four. An ER doctor and crypto founder was found dead in an Arkansas lake more than a week after he went missing in Missouri Dr. John Forsyth, a missing emergency room doctor from Missouri was found dead in Arkansas from an apparent gunshot wound, authorities confirmed Wednesday, May 31, 2023 but they're still investigating what happened in the week since he was last seen. Jason Musgrave via AP A doctor in the Ozarks who Forbes called a Bitcoin millionaire went missing in Missouri on May 21. His body was found with an apparent gunshot wound in an Arkansas lake on May 30. Investigators have released few details to his family or the public. A doctor in the Missouri Ozarks went missing for over a week until his body was found in an Arkansas lake. But the case remains mysterious as investigators have released few details to his family or the public. Dr. John Forsyth, 49, was last seen alive on May 21, when security cameras in the parking lot of a public pool in Cassville show him getting into another vehicle after leaving his own car unlocked with his wallet, two phones, a laptop, and other items inside. That's according to his brother, Richard Forsyth, who added that the doctor had texted his new fiancee that morning, saying he would see her soon. His car was found later that day. Investigators haven't said who was driving the other vehicle. A search began after the emergency room physician didn't show up for his May 21 shift at Mercy Hospital in Cassville. There was no sign of Forsyth until a kayaker noticed his body in Arkansas on May 30 at Beaver Lake, some 20 miles from his last known location. His body had an apparent gunshot wound, authorities in Arkansas said. Although Benton County Coroner Daniel Oxford said an autopsy was completed Thursday, the results won't be released until the investigation ends. His family rejects any suggestion he took his own life. Richard Forsyth told The Daily Beast that the doctor's behavior was unusual. "He wouldn't miss a shift even if his eyeballs were hanging out of their sockets," he said. "It was an immediate red flag." Other family members said John Forsyth was a devoted father to his eight kids and seemed happier than he'd been in a long time. They said he never missed a day of work and would often sleep in an RV outside the hospital when he was on call. Dr. Forsyth, who studied mathematics as an undergraduate, founded a decentralized cryptocurrency called Onfo, Forbes reported in 2020. "It became obvious to me that math-based currencies (like Bitcoin) would eventually supplant sovereign notes. I mined Bitcoin and Litecoin very early on and held onto them," he told Forbes. "The massive appreciation of those assets allowed me to invest in other cryptocurrency technology which ultimately led to the development of Onfo, a platform that helps people earn money through network mining." Authorities have not said whether they believe Forsyth was killed or took his own life. Initially, when Forsyth's empty car was found, investigators said there were no signs of foul play. But that was before the body was found. Shannon Jenkins, the Benton County Sheriff's Department spokesperson, said Friday that "there is no immediate threat to the public," but declined to provide more details. She said no further information would be released until the investigation is completed. It's also unclear what Forsyth's connection might be to the second vehicle seen on the surveillance video. Authorities have not confirmed any information about the video, including if it was taken before or after Forsyth may have texted his fiancee. There's also no information on how Forsyth got from Cassville to Beaver Lake, when and where he died, or if investigators have found a weapon. Forsyth was born in Idaho in 1974, according to online records. He was the third of seven children, his sister Gina Forsyth-Farlaino said. Newly engaged, Forsyth was also recently divorced. On May 10 of this year, a judge ordered Forsyth to pay his ex-wife $3,999 in child support a month, plus another $15,000 a month. Missouri court records show he was married and divorced twice to the same woman between 1995 and 2022. Both his brother and Ryan Ricketts, his ex-wife's divorce attorney, said the split was amicable. The pair initially married in Clark County, Nevada. He filed for divorce in April 2019 but the couple remarried in July 2020 in Greene County, Missouri. Court records show that the woman filed a second divorce petition in April 2022, in Lawrence County, Missouri. His former wife lives in Idaho and was given custody of the couple's minor children. Still, John Forsyth continued to have a strong relationship with them, his brother and the woman's divorce attorney said. Forsyth's ex-wife did not wish to be interviewed. "She is just devastated and I mean, just shocked," Ricketts said. "She never saw any of this kind of thing coming." Read the original article on Insider CAIRO, Egypt When fighting first broke out in Sudans capital, he only had $800 in his bank account. As the sole provider for his family of five, high school teacher Shaheen al-Sharif knew that wasnt enough to meet the rapidly rising price to escape, so he resolved to hunker down at his home in Khartoum. Going anywhere with that amount was not very feasible, the 27-year-old told NBC News by phone last month. Soon, an artillery shell had struck the roof and bullet marks scarred the outer walls as the intensifying conflict between Sudans army and a rival paramilitary group engulfed their neighborhood. Heavy fighting has left hundreds of thousands of people facing the hellish decision of whether to flee the only country theyve known as home, with cease-fires failing to stop the deadly battle for power that is fueling a growing humanitarian crisis. Missiles land behind the home of Omnia Ahmed, as Sudanese citizens flee the country for Egypt. (Omnia Ahmed; Abdel Rahman El Mahdi / NBC News) But al-Sharif had more pressing concerns: the hunt for insulin to keep his diabetic grandmother and his 12-year-old sister alive. With no power, pharmacies empty and only enough insulin at home to last them less than a week in the sweltering heat, time was running out. By the ninth day of fighting, he told his family they had to go. He managed to secure an additional $400 from a distant relative, enough for four seats on a bus to the border, with his sister, Talya, sitting on his aunts lap for the entire 18-hour ride. We realized that even if were going to be living in the streets, we need to get out. We cannot stay here any longer, al-Sharif said last month from the border town of Wadi Halfa. NBC News spoke to six Sudanese nationals who described a grueling and chaotic journey from their homes to neighboring Egypt, wracked by fear for their loved ones left in Sudan and doubt over whether they will ever be able to return to their old lives. Unlike the thousands of foreign nationals from the United States and other countries who were whisked out in hectic evacuations, vast numbers of people from Khartoum and across Sudan have been forced to navigate their own paths to safety. That has meant dayslong and even weekslong journeys over land and sometimes water past military checkpoints and through heaving border crossings while short of money, basic essentials and medical necessities. It was the feeling that life is never going to be the same slowly creeping in and the realization that things might not return the same way it once was, al-Sharif said, recounting how he felt on the long, last walk out of the neighborhood generations of his family had called home. Sudan conflict (Khaled Desouki / AFP - Getty Images) Inside Khartoum Omnia Ahmed, 26, woke up early April 15 to the sound of the first shots outside her front door. Initially she was hopeful the fighting would subside quickly, but she said things became bleak once bullets flew through her mothers bedroom and into a sofa. This is what really shook me, she said. She sits there on a daily basis. Ahmed, who had worked for the United Nations aid program in Sudan was not alone in her early optimism that the fighting would simmer down. We Sudanese always believe Khartoum is the safe haven, Zaria Suleiman, 56, a mother of four who works in international development, said about the city she had called home for more than 25 years. With a population of more than 5 million, Khartoum is not just Sudans capital and largest city, but also has long been considered a crucial economic, cultural and transportation hub that has largely escaped the sporadic conflicts focused in the west of the resource-rich country. That is, until now. Zaria Suleiman, right, with her husband and one of her daughters at a university graduation in Khartoum. (Courtesy of Zaria Suleiman) The blaring noise of airstrikes showering over Suleimans home felt paralyzing for her and her daughter, Amna, leading to sleepless nights. Stories of neighbors dying and friends missing began to circulate throughout their community in the north of the capital. It was the fear of our life, she said. I would not sleep before seven oclock in the morning out of fear that I will die in the middle of the night hit by a missile. Water, milk and other essentials in local stores began to run out. With electricity also hard to come by, families tried to ration what they could but some still joined a dangerous search for daily necessities. My heart would be beating that they might not come back, Suleiman said of her husband and sons trips in search of water. She said she saw looters in her neighborhood ransacking homes and shops for sacks of flour, sugar or valuables left behind. Assuming the house was unoccupied, a looter came to her front door while she was still there, but ran away once her husband confronted him. Others werent so lucky. With neighborhoods divided up between the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, or RSF, and the Sudanese military, civilians were often caught in the crossfire. Neighbors suffered bullet wounds as they tried to collect bread to break their fast during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. Despite the dire situation, many were reluctant to flee but ultimately, Ahmed said, the decision was made for us. As Khartoum plunged deeper into violence, prompting the rest of the world to evacuate their citizens and close their embassies, Sudanese nationals scoured WhatsApp groups and meetings at local tea cafes as they searched for a way out. One month since Sudan's conflict erupted, its capital is a desolate war zone where terrorised families huddle in their homes as gun battles rage in the dusty, deserted streets outside. (AFP - Getty Images) At times, just getting to the bus stop was a mission. Heavy gunfire made opening the front door a danger, elderly family members were forced to carry luggage while walking with canes and children became distressed at the sudden upheaval. She was crying the whole way out about leaving our cat, about leaving the house, about potentially dying, al-Sharif said of his sister. Some had to leave loved ones. The fear of not seeing them again, you just dont know, Suleiman said, about leaving her husband and adult son behind to deal with some damage to their home. Haphazard checkpoints dotting the city made every journey a potentially deadly gamble. Ahmed said that as her grandmother fled her home for a safer location across the city, her caretaker was shot and killed in the car seat next to her by an RSF fighter. While army checkpoints were seen as more lenient by locals, their locations and which faction was responsible for them was constantly changing. There is no guarantee, its just your luck, Suleiman said. Initially, chartering a bus for 48 people cost around $15,000. Now fares have skyrocketed to more than $20,000, according to locals; An astronomical price that is out of reach for most people living in Sudan, where almost half of the population lives below the poverty line. The buses are like a rare commodity, so they would have an arrangement with you and then they would be negotiating with three or four other people to get a better price, said Abdel-Rahman el-Mahdi, who runs a local nongovernmental organization. After a bus canceled on him, it took him seven days to eventually escape Sudan. Border chaos As Suleiman peered through her bus window on the drive out of Khartoum, she saw burned bodies and decimated factories. It was a horrific scene, she said. Buses leaving Khartoum for Egypt must cross two bridges into a neighboring state before continuing 14 hours north. Usually stopping overnight for fuel, they then continue an eight-hour drive to either the Argeen border or Wadi Halfa, a parallel border crossing and small town on the other side of the Nile river. Initially, most people opted for Argeen, the safer land crossing. But as it got more congested, thousands headed to Wadi Halfa, as well. I felt like I was a zoo animal, Ahmed said, referring to the scenes at the Argeen border. I just felt like everything has just been stripped away from me. Families like hers were forced to sleep for several nights on either side of the crossing. With no humanitarian groups present, those fleeing said there was no water, medical attention or bathrooms at the border as they gathered in the desert heat. Some described seeing elderly people with no choice but to do their business on themselves, while others witnessed people dying due to pacemakers failing, dehydration or lack of insulin. A shortage of workers and a complex visa process for Sudanese men between the ages of 16 and 49 forced families to split up, with some young men rerouted at the last moment. There were so many men who werent able to go through. I have never seen men so sad, Suleiman recalled. Youre already angry, youre already broken, she added. Al-Sharif and his family had been sleeping on the floor of a mosques outdoor courtyard for several nights when he convinced them to leave him in Wadi Halfa and travel to Egypt, where there was better hope of medical attention or new supplies of insulin. After crossing the border, it would take another six hours to reach Aswan, with his family having to cross the Nile by boat. Most families then try to find a way to Cairo or Alexandria, another 16-hour drive. Shaheen and his friends sleeping on the Mosque floor in Wadi Halfa as they wait for visas to be processed. (Courtesuy of Shaheen Al Sharif) Like thousands of other young Sudanese men, al-Sharif was stuck there alone for three weeks and is now trying his luck at another crossing, Port Sudan. Since the conflict first erupted, the border town has doubled in population, leaving young men sleeping on the streets as they await an Egyptian entry visa, with the backlog growing larger. Suleiman and her husband made it to Cairo, Egypts bustling capital, but her son is still stuck in the border town. As she anxiously awaits news, the uncertainty over whether she will ever be able to return to Sudan has started to set in. This is my home. I dont know where else is, she said. Everything is just blown up in the air, Suleiman added. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Dual revelations about Jack Smiths probe into the mishandling of records at Mar-a-Lago suggest the special counsels probe into former President Trump is advancing on several fronts, bolstering the case against him. Reporting from CNN this week indicates authorities have a recording of Trump discussing his inability to share the contents of a classified document he retained undercutting his long-standing claim he declassified the records in his possession. The special counsel is also seeking more information about the movement of boxes at the Mar-a-Lago carried out by two Trump employees, The Washington Post reported, while Trump attorney Evan Corcoran was waived off from searching certain portions of Trumps Florida home following a subpoena, according to The Guardian. Collectively, the reporting suggests the special counsel is buttressing Espionage Act charges over the episode and still building an obstruction of justice case over the ensuing saga to secure the return of the records. The week was capped with a report from lawyers and former prosecutors who concluded, based on public reporting, that the DOJ has enough evidence in the case to merit charging Trump directly. The Departments own precedent makes clear that charging Trump would be to treat him comparably to others who engaged in similar criminal behavior, often with far fewer aggravating factors than the former president. Based on the publicly available information to date, a powerful case exists for charging Trump, the group wrote in a model prosecution memo published by Just Security. We conclude that Trump should and likely will be charged. The tapes, which have not been directly reviewed by any outlet and only described by sources familiar, capture Trump in summer 2021 discussing a classified document reviewing options for launching a possible attack on Iran. In a short segment of a longer discussion, taped in preparation for a book on Trumps chief of staff, Mark Meadows, Trump apparently suggests he would like to show them the document but cant, given constraints on his ability to declassify documents after leaving office. The tape is significant on two counts. It undercuts Trumps ongoing claim that he declassified the records found at his home, something he at one point claimed a president could do simply by thinking about it. But it also shows Trumps awareness of the rules and processes surrounding the classification process ahead of the special counsels investigation, a key detail for prosecutors who would need to successfully demonstrate the former president willfully retained the records. The tape recording is most probative of Trumps mental state. It shows that he knew the documents remained classified and shouldnt be shared with others, which further undercuts any potential argument that he secretly declassified them, Brian Greer, a former CIA attorney, told The Hill. It also makes it much easier to demonstrate that Trumps retention of the documents was willful, a key element of an Espionage Act charge. Jim Trusty, an attorney for Trump, wouldnt comment on whether the document in question was classified saying during an appearance on CNN that Trump has unfettered authority to both declassify and personalize records from his presidency. Trump, in a Thursday night interview with Foxs Sean Hannity, also defended his actions without getting into specifics. All I know is this everything I did was right. We have the Presidential Records Act, which I abided by a hundred percent, Trump said. Prosecution under the Espionage Act doesnt require that information be classified, just that it deals with information important to the national defense. Plans for responding to Iran would likely qualify. Part of the power of the tape is it allows prosecutors to hear in Trumps voice his awareness of the rules surrounding the handling of sensitive information. If it is accurate as reported, I do think its very powerful evidence. One, it proves Donald Trumps knowledge about the law regarding the handling of classified information. Unlike most laws, where ignorance of the law is no excuse, there are some exceptions to that law and one of them is handling classified information. You do have to know that its illegal when you violate that law, said Barbara McQuade, a former U.S. attorney. Having Trump on tape talking about, I wish I could talk about this, but I cant because its classified and I should have declassified it before I left, thats pretty good evidence of his knowledge. Other developments in the case show the DOJ continues to actively pursue evidence that could lead to an obstruction of justice charge. Justice Department officials recently questioned a second Trump aide who was seen on camera helping Trumps valet, Walt Nauta, in moving boxes at Mar-a-Lago, including the day before DOJ officials came to collect classified material in June following a subpoena. Theyve since asked additional questions about actions taken in July, when the DOJ issued a subpoena for video camera footage at Mar-a-Lago. That tape has been reported to have gaps, and the Justice Department recently spoke with two Trump Organization security officials about the matter. In the warrant to search Mar-a-Lago, authorities said they had evidence of obstructive conduct and said that items were likely concealed and removed from the storage room. Prosecutors also have at their disposal detailed notes from Corcoran, who removed himself from the Mar-a-Lago case after a judge pierced attorney-client privilege in the matter after determining that Trump may have misled him. Judges have the power to strip the privilege if they believe legal advice has been used in furtherance of a crime. Corcoran reportedly told authorities he was waved off of searching Trumps office, where numerous classified records were found during the execution of the search warrant, and he said he was told any classified records would be found in the storage room with the records from Trumps presidency. Its unclear who waved him off. Corcoran turned over 38 classified records in June in response to the subpoena, while the FBI found a little more than 100 more during their August search. McQuade said building the case will involve painting a picture for jurors breaking down the timeline of moving the boxes and other actions taken amid various DOJ and Archives entreaties seeking the return of the documents. You do have to find statements and actions from which you can argue to a jury that we can infer the persons intent, she said, offering the example, This was not an innocent movement of boxes. When they returned a small envelope and it actually turned out that they had 26 boxes, now that was not an oversight. When Corcoran was waved away from Trumps office, that was not an innocent mistake. You know, if you can pile up enough of those at some point the evidence becomes so overwhelming. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Musical celebration at Mansfield church Mount Sinai Baptist Church, 275 Grace St. in Mansfield, is hosting a citywide musical featuring choirs, soloists and praise dancers from various Mansfield churches. It will take place at 5 p.m. today. This event is free and open to the public. Duo to perform at Shelby's First Lutheran SHELBY First Lutheran Church at 33 Broadway St. in Shelby is pleased to announce the return of pianist Timothy Noble and his wife Hosanna for a special worship service at 10 a.m. Sunday. The entire community is welcome to attend, and a love offering will be collected. Timothy and Hosanna Noble will perform during services at First Lutheran Church in Shelby on Sunday. Timothy and Hosanna Noble have become favorites at First Lutheran and return to present their new worship music program, "Creation Sings His Praise!" First Lutheran Church is air conditioned and wheelchair accessible. For more information, please call the church at 419-347-7675. Books to be featured at seminar on Sunday Summer book reads will be the topic of the Sunday seminar at First Congregational Church, 640 Millsboro Road in Mansfield. Members of the seminar committee will discuss books that have inspired them or captured their interest and they will offer some book suggestions for summer reading. The seminar takes place from 9:15am to 10:15 a.m. in the chapel. All are welcome. Rummage sale planned at St. Mary's June 8-10 St. Marys Church at 1630 Ashland Road in Mansfield will hold a rummage sale from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday and Friday and from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday. The sale will take place in the church basement. Mt. Gilead church to hold rummage sale MT. GILEAD North Woodbury Alliance Church at 6385 Ohio 314 in Mt. Gilead will host a rummage sale from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on June 16 and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on June 17. Payments are by your best donation. Proceeds purchase winter coats and school supplies for those in need. Get the word out As a public service, the Mansfield News Journal will publish news of events for area houses of worship at no charge. Those who would like to have an announcement published on the Saturday faith page should send the information by email to yournews@mansfieldnewsjournal.com, no later than the Tuesday before the Saturday print date. Submissions may include concerts, special services, new services, rummage/bake sales, fundraising events, guest speakers, new pastor and other events. Publication of the free submissions is subject to space and other considerations and is not guaranteed. This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Musical celebration, Shelby Lutheran service, book seminar, sales He fed farmworkers during the pandemic. Now chef Juan Sanjuan wants to make 'magic' in L.A. Chef Juan Sanjuan is known far and wide for his spectacular Mascota, Jalisco-style green pozole. Others of us know him for his powerful bravado voice that rates with the best of professional mariachis. Still others, however, know him for his generous heart that led him to help thousands of people during the COVID pandemic. Through his nonprofit organization Chefs Supporting Chefs, he managed to distribute burritos to workers considered essential but who in practice were left with nothing. It was very painful to see them suffering, so together with a group of chefs with whom I had worked on other projects, we decided to go to the agricultural fields to bring them some food and fun, recalls Sanjuan. This effort was transformed into a true production line that came to produce up to 20,000 burritos a day that were handed out in various agricultural fields in the Central Valley. Some heated up the tortillas, others dished up the beans, others the meat or chicken, and so on, until we finished, exhausted but happy. We would set up an entire kitchen in a few hours, says Sanjuan. Farmworkers clear a field of tomatoes in French Camp, Calif., on July 24, 2020. More than 70% of coronavirus cases in the San Joaquin Valley have been among Latino workers. (Max Whittaker) Sanjuan, born in Montebello in the San Gabriel Valley, knows exactly what he's talking about. Since he was a child he has been related to the gastronomic industry. His family founded the well-known Gloria's Restaurant & Bar, which is a true Mexican food institution in Southern California. My parents, who are originally from Mascota, Jalisco, taught me everything, from washing dishes and cooking to accounting. It was my turn, at 12 years old, to call the IRS to tell them that tomorrow we would send them the check," he says with a laugh. Sanjuan fell ill with COVID in December 2021 and thought that he might die when his oxygen levels dropped below 84 points. I felt so bad that I prepared the documents expressing my last will, says Sanjuan. Fortunately, three months later he began to recover, and by April he managed to start walking. The disease made him realize the fragility of life and that his own had to have a higher meaning. Facing death so closely had a very profound impact on me, he says, remembering the feeling of oxygen deprivation, exhaustion and faltering mental clarity. He became certain that helping others was part of his mission, and realized how Chefs Supporting Chefs could fulfill it. "It was something like a mystical revelation," he tells me with conviction. One of the sectors most affected by the pandemic was the restaurant industry. Thousands of restaurants closed, and chefs who had been laid off and had to do anything to survive could be found everywhere. Some owners and workers quit the profession, while others began to develop small projects, such as food trucks or lunch boxes. Juan Sanjuan was looking to start a new restaurant, so when he received a call from a friend offering him a place at 1111 W. Olympic Boulevard in downtown Los Angeles, he knew this was the summons he was waiting for. "My restaurant is going to be called Experiencia 1111. I see it as something mystical," he says, explaining that at this new restaurant he'll serve all kinds of authentic Mexican dishes. I am not a fusion chef or what is considered 'haute cuisine.' My thing is traditional dishes with traditional flavors." But it is not only the restaurant that he is interested in establishing. He wants to create a pueblo magico, a magical town, in the heart of Los Angeles. I asked the owner of the premises, who also owns the alley that is in front of what will be the restaurant, to rent it to me. It's a space that's about 280 feet long by 60 feet wide, and that's where Chefs Supporting Chefs comes in." Food trucks line up at the Los Angeles Street Festival in El Segundo on Sept. 20, 2019. (Allison Zaucha / For Los Angeles Times) His idea is that in the alley, which is located a couple of blocks west of the LA Live complex, he'll create a Mexican-style market where street vendors can offer their products in a professional and hygienic manner. All that generation of chefs that was greatly affected by the pandemic have started their own lunch box businesses, and it is they that we want to support, says Sanjuan. Chefs Supporting Chefs will help them get permits from the department of health, put them in contact, through other nonprofit organizations with which we are working, such as the New Women's Business Center, so that they can obtain loans and economic and business advice," Sanjuan continues. "We will help you register as a business and teach you the basics of bookkeeping and tax preparation. In the case of those merchants who do not have social security numbers, they will be helped to obtain an ITIN." Through T-Mobile, Chefs Supporting Chefs obtained 100 tablets for the street vendors who participate in this project to develop their social networks. A group of students will support them with digital marketing strategies. And since one problem that street vendors face is assault, all transactions will be electronic. Because the project requires funds to be able to offer these services for free or at a very low cost, there are plans to stage a series of cultural, gastronomic and musical events at the proposed market. We want to bring a piece of Mexico to the heart of Los Angeles, says Sanjuan. Imagine a plaza where you can get barbecue, que mole, enchiladas, pan dulce or traditional desserts. Part of the project's aim is to attract other organizations of street vendors, such as those on Avenida 26, to settle there and help establish a night market with a wide variety of regional dishes, in addition to the farmers market, where the same producers can sell their goods. Cooking is exciting and requires exceptional talent. But that's only part of the business, says Sanjuan. The other part, the less fun part is how to run the business, pay taxes, get permits. Many times the success or failure of the company depends on that." "That's why we want Chef Supporting Chefs to take care of that so they can get ahead, so they can build their Mexican dream of having a business in this country." And that is only the beginning of a project that he plans to launch on July 11. From his point of view, the model of the proposed market can be replicated throughout the city. "Where there is vacant land, we can put up a market, so that vendors can rotate from one place to another." But his biggest goal is to help chefs who lost everything during the pandemic to get ahead, so they don't have to work for someone else. "If you think it's less work, you're wrong, because having a business requires a sacrifice of 24 hours a day," says Sanjuan. "But what I can assure you is that, at the end of the day, one can go to sleep with the satisfaction of knowing that we are building our own future. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. FILE - Inmate Michael Tisius, sentenced to death in the killing of two jail officers, shows his tattoos during an interview at Potosi Correctional Center, Missouri's maximum security prison where condemned men live in the general prison population in Mineral Point, Mo., on Jan. 11, 2007. A federal judge on Wednesday, May 31, 2023, halted next week's scheduled execution of Tisius, a man convicted of killing two Missouri jailers, amid questions about the literacy of a juror in the case. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) ST. LOUIS (AP) A federal appeals court has vacated a stay of execution for a Missouri inmate who is scheduled to be executed on Tuesday for his role in the deaths of two jailers. Michael Tisius, 42, was sentenced to death after being convicted of killing Randolph County jailers Jason Acton and Leon Egley during a failed escape attempt. U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough issued the stay on Wednesday and ordered an evidentiary hearing after Tisius' attorneys argued that a juror in his 2010 resentencing was illiterate, which is not allowed under state law. On Friday, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit said the lower court did not have jurisdiction to order the stay. Keith OConnor, an attorney for Tisius, said his team will appeal the decision, the Kansas City Star reported. Missourians to Abolish the Death Penalty and the Missouri NAACP have asked Republican Gov. Mike Parson to grant Tisius clemency, citing a history of abuse, that he was 19-years-old at the time of the killings, and his remorse and rehabilitation since the shootings. In 2000, Tisius and Tracie Bulington went to the Randolph County jail to help Bulington's boyfriend, Roy Vance, escape, prosecutors said. Tisius shot and killed the jailers. The plot failed because the intruders couldnt find the cell keys. Defense attorneys have argued that Tisius intended to order the jailers into a holding cell and free Vance and other inmates. Tisius' defense team issued a video earlier this week in which Vance said he planned the escape attempt and manipulated Tisius into participating. Bulington and Vance are serving life sentences. By Timothy Gardner WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A federal judge has ruled that Tennessee's law restricting drag performances in public or where children were present was unconstitutional, striking a blow to efforts in U.S. states to regulate LGBTQ conduct. Tennessee Governor Bill Lee in February had signed the bill passed by the state's assembly that aimed to restrict drag performances, putting the state at the forefront of a Republican-led effort to limit drag in at least 15 states in recent months. U.S. District Judge Thomas Parker, an appointee of former Republican President Donald Trump, ruled late on Friday that the law was "both unconstitutionally vague and substantially overbroad." The First Amendment to the Constitution commands that laws infringing on freedom of speech must be narrow and well defined, Parker said in the 70-page ruling. "Simply put, no majority of the Supreme Court has held that sexually explicit but not obscene speech receives less protection than political, artistic, or scientific speech," Parker said in the ruling. Under the law, offenders could face fines and up to a year in prison and repeat offenders could have faced prison sentences of up to six years. Ahead of the 2024 elections, Republican lawmakers across the country have introduced more than 500 bills this year regulating the conduct of gay and transgender people, ranging from what can be taught in schools to bathroom use and medical care. At least 48 of those have passed, according to the Human Rights Campaign, an advocacy group. Parker had temporarily blocked the law on March 31, just before it was set to go into effect, siding with Friends of George's, a Memphis-based LGBTQ theater group that filed suit against the state. GLAAD, an LGBTQ advocacy group, praised Parker's decision. "This ruling is a turning point and we will not go back," GLAAD said in a release. "Every anti-LGBTQ elected official is on notice that these baseless laws will not stand and that our constitutional freedom of speech and expression protects everyone and propels our culture forward," the group said. (Reporting by Timothy Gardner; Additional reporting by Eric Beech and Jonathan Allen; Editing by Daniel Wallis) In a significant win for LGBTQ advocates, a federal judge has tossed out Tennessee's controversial law restricting drag performances, after hearings in which the law's necessity and broad language were questioned. Judge Thomas Parker issued his ruling just after midnight Friday, writing that, "the Court finds that despiteTennessees compelling interest in protecting the psychological and physical wellbeing of children the Adult Entertainment Act (AEA) is an UNCONSTITUTIONAL (sic) restriction on the freedom of speech." The bill restricting "male and female impersonators" from performing in public spaces was signed into law by Gov. Bill Lee at the start of March. The bill was one of several to come out of the 2023 legislative session that was said to target LGBTQ Tennesseans. Drag queens walk to their spot in the parade lineup before the Memphis Pride Parade on Saturday, June 4, 2022, on Beale Street. The parade returns in-person this year for the first time since 2019. More: Attorneys finish arguments over Tennessee drag show ban, federal judge set to rule By late March, a Memphis-based theater group, Friends of George's filed suit against the state. The group wrote on its website in March the bill, imperils the lives of "drag performers and seeks to oppress queer culture state-wide." Defense attorneys for the state focused on why the law was necessary to protect any minors that may be exposed to indecency. But, Parker questioned the necessity of the bill, noting Tennessee already had thorough laws on the books that banned obscenity. Parker's decision comes hours before Mid-South Pride hosts the yearly Pride festival in Memphis. Initially, the lawsuit named Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, State Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti and Shelby County District Attorney General Steve Mulroy in his capacity as the ban's enforcer in Shelby County. Both Lee and Skrmetti's names were removed from the lawsuit, but that doesn't mean the ruling won't impact the rest of the state. Because the state's attorney general cannot enforce the law in Shelby County, any subsequent attempts to enforce the ban in other parts of the state would likely be immediately and successfully challenged in court, attorneys said. On Saturday Skrmetti indicated via a statement that he planned to appeal, and that he still considers the law to be in effect throughout the state's other 94 counties despite it being ruled unconstitutional. The scope of this law has been misrepresented in public by those more interested in pressing a narrative than in reading the statutory text," his statement read. "The Adult Entertainment Act remains in effect outside of Shelby County. This narrowly-tailored law protects minors from exposure to sexually explicit performances. Its operative language is rooted in the U.S. Supreme Courts long-established First Amendment precedent. We are reviewing the order and expect to appeal at the appropriate time. Micaela Watts is a reporter for The Commercial Appeal, covering issues tied to education, access, and equity. She can be reached at micaela.watts@commercialappeal.com. This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Tennessee anti-drag law struck down by federal judge In a significant win for LGBTQ advocates, a federal judge has tossed out Tennessee's controversial law restricting drag performances, after hearings in which the law's necessity and broad language were questioned. Judge Thomas Parker issued his ruling just after midnight Friday, writing that, "the Court finds that despite Tennessees compelling interest in protecting the psychological and physical wellbeing of children the Adult Entertainment Act (AEA) is an UNCONSTITUTIONAL (sic) restriction on the freedom of speech." The bill restricting "male and female impersonators" from performing in public spaces was signed into law by Gov. Bill Lee at the start of March. The bill was one of several to come out of the 2023 legislative session that was said to target LGBTQ Tennesseans. Drag queens walk to their spot in the parade lineup before the Memphis Pride Parade on Saturday, June 4, 2022, on Beale Street. The parade returns in-person this year for the first time since 2019. By late March, a Memphis-based theater group, Friends of George's, filed suit against the state. The group wrote on its website in March the bill, imperils the lives of "drag performers and seeks to oppress queer culture state-wide." This win represents a triumph over hate, Friends of Georges in a statement Saturday. Our first amendment rights were affirmed today as drag artists and makers of theatre. Similar to the countless battles the LGBTQ+ community has faced over the last several decades, our collective success relies upon everyone speaking out and taking a stand against bigotry. Defense attorneys for the state focused on why the law was necessary to protect any minors who may be exposed to indecency. But, Parker questioned the necessity of the bill, noting Tennessee already had thorough laws on the books that banned obscenity. Initially, the lawsuit named Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, State Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti and Shelby County District Attorney General Steve Mulroy in his capacity as the ban's enforcer in Shelby County. Both Lee and Skrmetti's names were removed from the lawsuit, but that doesn't mean the ruling won't impact the rest of the state. Because the state's attorney general cannot enforce the law in Shelby County, any subsequent attempts to enforce the ban in other parts of the state would likely be immediately and successfully challenged in court, attorneys said. On Saturday Skrmetti indicated via a statement that he planned to appeal, and that he still considers the law to be in effect throughout the state's other 94 counties despite it being ruled unconstitutional. The scope of this law has been misrepresented in public by those more interested in pressing a narrative than in reading the statutory text," his statement read. "The Adult Entertainment Act remains in effect outside of Shelby County. This narrowly-tailored law protects minors from exposure to sexually explicit performances. Its operative language is rooted in the U.S. Supreme Courts long-established First Amendment precedent. We are reviewing the order and expect to appeal at the appropriate time. 'A stand against bigotry' Mark Campbell, aka Camille Collins, a resident company member and president of Friends of Georges said the nonprofit, Chose to take a stand against bigotry to defend drag artistry and our right to creative expression. The stage should remain a sacred platform where actors and performers can inspire others in a shared space, Campbell said. Our country is built on the bedrock of free speech, and the court affirmed this right through today's decision. We will keep advocating for our fellow drag performers and for the well-being of the entire LGBTQ+ community." This ruling is a turning point and we will not go back, said Sarah Kate Ellis, GLAAD president and CEO. Every anti-LGBTQ elected official is on notice that these baseless laws will not stand and that our constitutional freedom of speech and expression protects everyone and propels our culture forward. Congratulations and thank you to Friends of Georges and their attorneys for speaking up and fighting for everyones freedom. Their bravery will inspire many other challenges to discrimination. 'Wasted our time' State Rep. John Ray Clemmons, D-Nashville, also tweeted about the ruling Saturday morning. As I opined on House floor and as a federal judge has now held, the GOP supermajoritys drag show ban violates the 1st Amendment bc it is unconstitutionally vague and substantially overbroad. The TN GOP wasted our time and tax dollars yet again. https://t.co/McJs62gm7T John Ray Clemmons (@JRClemmons) June 3, 2023 As I opined on House floor and as a federal judge has now held, the GOP supermajoritys 'drag show ban' violates the 1st Amendment (because) it is 'unconstitutionally vague and substantially overbroad.' The TN GOP wasted our time and tax dollars yet again." This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Tennessee anti-drag law struck down by federal judge The US Marshals Service announced 95 people were arrested including more than a dozen wanted for homicide during an operation in Maryland that targeted areas impacted by gang-related violence. The agency led more than 30 law enforcement entities in a large-scale sweep, dubbed Operation Washout, last month for criminals wanted for offenses ranging from robbery to homicide, according to a news release. Federal, state and local authorities teamed up to make arrests that included 17 people wanted for homicide, 16 wanted for attempted homicide, 19 wanted for robbery and seven others on weapons-related offenses, the release states. The operation aimed to target violent fugitives and wanted gang members in specific areas of the state impacted by gang-related violence with a goal to foster safer communities, according to the US Marshals Service. The US Marshals service holds a press conference on Operation Washout on Friday, June 2. - WJZ Among those arrested were six gang members, authorities said, noting the operation led to seizing 10 guns, 78 pounds of marijuana and 78 grams of cocaine. But theres still a long way to go, Erek Barron, a US Attorney for the District of Maryland, said at a Friday news conference. The murder rate in Baltimore, in particular, is unacceptable, but we have made significant strides this year, Barron said. Were on the right track, and were doing it as a team. Baltimore has been riddled with violence for years. Marylands most populous city has surpassed 300 homicides annually since 2015, according to the Baltimore Sun. So far this year, there have been 117 reported homicides in the city. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com (Bloomberg) -- First Abu Dhabi Bank PJSC is hiring two new senior executives in the latest shakeup at the United Arab Emirates largest lender. Most Read from Bloomberg Eric Shehadeh will succeed Karim Karoui as group head of mergers and acquisitions and corporate development, according to a statement from the lender. Karoui, who is retiring, assumes an advisory role overseeing strategic projects across the group, according to the statement. Sameh Al Qubaisi, has been appointed group head of global markets, the statement said. He will be responsible for expanding the business regionally and internationally, according to the statement. Thomas Spitz continues in his current role leading global markets operations, reporting directly to Al Qubaisi, who is a former director general of economic affairs at Abu Dhabis department of economic development and led a 5 billion dirham ($1.36 billion) IPO fund to spur share sales in Abu Dhabi. Shehadeh, who joins from My Money Group and previously worked at GE Capital, will support FABs regional and international expansion strategy, according to the statement. Martin Tricaud, FABs head of investment banking, will continue to oversee the growth and expansion of that business globally. Read More: Abu Dhabi Says Theres More to Come After Years Biggest IPO This isnt Al Qubaisis first stint at the lender. He led the firms wholesale banking division in North East Asia and spent years at the National Bank of Abu Dhabi before the merger that resulted in the creation of FAB, according to his LinkedIn profile. The bank is replenishing its ranks after the departures of several senior executives following a broad management overhaul since Hana Al Rostamani took over as group chief executive officer in January 2021. Earlier this year, FAB hired Lars Kramer from ABN Amro Bank NV as its chief financial officer. Formed from the merger of National Bank of Abu Dhabi and First Gulf Bank in 2017, FAB is roughly half owned by sovereign wealth fund Mubadala Investment Co. and members of the emirates ruling family. --With assistance from Archana Narayanan. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. An experienced Florida diver recently found a 6.25-inch long megalodon tooth, the largest tooth hes found during his 22 years of diving. Michael Nastasio started Black Gold Fossil Charters in Aug. 2020, but hes been hunting since 2011 and has since become an expert on shark tooth hunting in the area. More than luck, its taken him years of preparation with his love of shark teeth hunting only growing stronger. Its one of those things that never gets old, Nastasio said. No matter how many times I find them, the excitement doesnt go away. What is a megalodon? The megalodon is the largest shark to have ever lived in the world's ocean, according to the Smithsonian. The prehistoric shark lived between 23 to 3.6 million years ago and was about three times larger than the modern day great white shark. The largest megalodons were roughly 60-feet in length and weighed up to 50 tons. Ironbound, the great white, is back Elusive 12-foot 4-inch great white shark Ironbound found swimming off South Carolina shore Four-year-old Jazlynn Torres of Bradenton looks at the mouth of a prehistoric megalodon while touring The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature in Bradenton with her family on Saturday. The museum and The Parker Manatee Rehabilitation Habitat have re-opened to the public. How rare are Megalodon teeth to find? Last year there were only five or six 6-inch teeth that were caught between divers in the Venice-area. The massive prehistoric sharks would come to Venice to mate, not to eat, making a large tooth a rare find, Nastasio said. Florida was recognized by the Smithsonian Institution as a prominent nursey habitat for the megalodons looking to nurse their pups. Whats also so rare about the tooth he found was not only its size but also its color. The golden orange hue of the tooth signifies it as a rarity, dubbing it a Golden Beach tooth. Usually shark teeth that are found have a dark silver or black color because of their exposure to the elements, but the golden color of his find tells Nastasio that its a tooth that hasnt been out long enough to mineralize. How can I find megalodon teeth? The best way to find big megalodon teeth is through a guided charter boat, Nastasio said. Theyre professional, certified divers who have been doing it for decades, but beach diving on your own could also lead to finding teeth. Although the Venice Boneyard is considered a staple for megalodon teeth hunting, Nastasio recommends that people avoid overpopulated diving spots because chances are that most of the exposed megalodon teeth were caught for that day. Nastasio generally never goes to the same spot twice. 'I didn't think it was real' 9-year-old girl finds huge megalodon tooth at Maryland beach Woman's leg ripped off by shark Shark bites off leg of 22-year-old US woman snorkeling off Blue Haven Resort in Turks and Caicos For those preferring to be a little closer to the shore, Nastasio recommends going to Peace River to dig and sift for some teeth. The best time to find teeth is after storms when the waves expose a new layer of sand. This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Florida diver finds massive megalodon tooth. Here's how he did it The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine explained to Indonesia why its plan will not work He proposed, among other things, an unconditional ceasefire and the establishment of a demilitarised zone as the current situation negatively affects the people of the entire world and has caused rise in food and energy prices. "First, cease fire and hostilities immediately. Second, deploy the troops on each side 15 kilometers from the current front line and create a demilitarized zone, and third, create a peacekeeping mission under the auspices of the UN that will monitor the observance of the ceasefire regime," Subianto outlined his position, while proposing to hold a "referendum" on the Ukrainian territories occupied by Russia. Read also: Belgorod Oblast raids only the beginning, Moscow and more to come Ukrainian Defense Minister A a ceasefire, however, wouldn't lead to peace but rather to a break for the Russian army that would allow them to gather strength for further aggression, Ukrainian foreign ministry spokesperson Oleg Nikolenko clarified. "There are no disputed territories between Ukraine and the Russian Federation to hold referendums. Having committed an act of aggression, Russia occupied Crimea, parts of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhzia, and Kherson oblasts. It's a fact registered by the UN official documentation..." he wrote on Facebook. "A ceasefire, withdrawal of forces to a 15-kilometer distance, and the creation of a demilitarized zone will not work. Russia is now trying every possible way to disrupt the Ukrainian counteroffensive. A ceasefire without the withdrawal of Russian troops from the territory of Ukraine will allow Russia to win time, regroup, gain a foothold in the occupied territories, and accumulate forces for a new wave of aggression," Nikolenko said. Read also: UN chief says Ukraine-Russia peace talks now impossible, Zelenskyys advisor reacts Besides, Russia is guilty of an extended number of war crimes committed on the occupied areas, he reminded. "In the occupied territories, the Russian army commits war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide. Russia has to get away from Ukraine, and Ukraine needs to regain its territorial integrity within the internationally recognised borders. There are no alternative scenarios... Long-lasting peace in Ukraine means liberation of Ukrainian territories from Russian occupation. This is what the peace formula by President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine is aimed at. We invite Indonesia to join its active implementation," the diplomat added. 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 Former US informant sentenced to life in prison in connection to Haitian presidents assassination A former U.S. informant who pleaded guilty to charges related to the 2021 assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise was sentenced to life in prison on Friday. Multiple news outlets reported that 51-year-old Rodolphe Jarr, a dual Haitian-Chilean citizen, is the first to be sentenced from a plot to kill Moise, who had served as president since 2017. Jarr pleaded guilty in March in U.S. federal court in Miami to charges of conspiring to provide material support, providing material support and conspiring to kidnap and kill Moise. Ten other defendants have been charged in the United States in relation to the assassination, while dozens have been arrested in Haiti. U.S. District Judge Jose Martinez gave Jarr the maximum sentence after a 10-minute hearing, according to The Associated Press. Prosecutors have said they believe most of the planning for the assassination happened in South Florida. Those originally involved in the scheme had planned to kidnap Moise and bring him to an unidentified location by plane, but they could not find a plane or the weapons needed to carry out the plan, according to records. Officials have alleged that the perpetrators wanted to win contracts under Moises successor. Court documents state that Jarr provided weapons, food and lodging for Colombian soldiers and others involved in the plot. He agreed to help federal prosecutors build their case against the other defendants. Jarr has the right to appeal the sentence for up to two weeks, and his attorney said he has not decided whether he will appeal, AP reported. He was previously convicted of drug trafficking in 2013 and sentenced to more than four years in prison. Jarr was also detained in the Dominican Republic last year for the charges for Moises assassination. Moise was shot 12 times at his home in the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince. His death pushed the poverty-stricken country into further turmoil with gangs gaining more territory in a power vacuum. The number of killings, rapes and kidnappings have also spiked since then. The Associated Press contributed to this report. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Four people charged after civilian deaths due to closed shelter in Kyiv Three people died near the closed shelter in the capital polyclinic People weren't able to get into the polyclinic shelter during the Russian overnight air attack on Kyiv on June 1. Three people were killed by falling missile debris because of this. The court sent the security guard of the polyclinic to custody for two months without the right to post bail, Suspilne TV added on Telegram later. The suspect pleaded guilty, admitting that it was unintentional as he just lacked time to open the shelter after the air raid sirens had started to sound and before the incident. The First Deputy Head of Desnianskyi District Administration was also placed under home arrest. Read also: Russia manufactures 30 Kalibr and several Iskander missiles per month Ukrainian intelligence The civilians were killed in Kyivs Desnianskyi District by the Russian ballistic and cruise missile strike overnight on June 1. A 9-year-old girl and two women didn't manage to get to the closed bomb shelter in the local childrens polyclinic. A criminal case has been opened over official negligence that led to grave consequences. Three officials and a security guard at Kyiv's medical facility have been charged. The tragedy triggered a push to inspect the capital's shelters and raised a wave of questions of political authorities and the city's military administration. Read also: Kyiv again under missile attack just a few hours after overnight strike 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 (Getty Images) Elena Rybakina has been forced to withdraw from the French Open due to illness, shortly before her third-round match. The Kazakhstani 23-year-old, who was born in Russia, was due to face unseeded Spanish opponent Sara Sorribes Tormo on Philippe-Chartrier Court to open play on Saturday morning. While Rybakina was out on the clay surface an hour earlier, doing some warm-ups and practice shots, news broke just before the allotted start time that she was withdrawing from the tournament, handing a walkover to Sorribes Tormo - meaning a first-ever appearance in the round of 16 for her. In a short press conference confirming her departure, Rybakina revealed she had been suffering over the past 24 hours since beating Linda Noskova in the second round on Thursday. I didnt feel well yesterday, I had a high fever, headaches and I didnt sleep. Today it is the same. Im far from being 100 per cent, she said. Sorribes Tormo now awaits a fourth-round tie against either 14th-seed Beatriz Haddad Maia or 23rd-seed Ekaterina Alexandrova. More to follow... Freedom of Russia Legion offers residents of the Belgorod Oblast to evacuate to Ukraine Freedom of Russia Legion offers residents of the Belgorod Oblast to evacuate to Ukraine They offer Russian citizens evacuation to Ukraine, claiming that the matter has been coordinated with the responsible authorities. Putins forces persist in their indiscriminate shelling of Belgorod Oblast. Seeking to strike a blow against our forces, the enemy is engulfing populated areas in flames, disregarding civilian casualties, the Legion said Due to the threat to the civilian population, we have agreed with the Ukrainian command to establish humanitarian corridors for the afflicted residents of Belgorod who are suffering from the shelling by the regimes army. Therefore, anyone in need of assistance, by voluntary agreement, can be evacuated deep into Ukraine to provide shelter and all essential necessities, the Legion urged. Read also: Belgorod Oblast raids only the beginning, Moscow and more to come Ukrainian Defense Minister There has been no official confirmation of this decision from the Ukrainian side. The Legion also noted that a special TikTok unit named Akhmat has been deployed to the area of the hostilities in the Belgorod Oblast for information operations. These are special forces employed by Putins generals solely for the purpose of staging videos, masquerading as soldiers from Ichkeria. These actors adeptly simulate combat operations and the capture of settlements, all while staying safely positioned in the rear. As a result, we anticipate the regimes forces to release staged videos of this nature in the very near future, the Legion added. Read also: Unarmed Russian general storms empty street in Belgorod Oblast video 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) -- Protests worldwide over retirement rules and benefits have more than tripled this year as countries from France to Iran to India grapple with demographic changes and the strains they are putting on national finances. Most Read from Bloomberg France has taken center-stage with a series of nationwide strikes and demonstrations that began in January against President Emmanuel Macrons plan to raise the minimum retirement age by two years to 64. There were more than 3,800 French protests through April, according to Bloomberg calculations based on data released by the Armed Conflict Location Event Data Project, which collects local media reports of unrest across the world. Those numbers peaked in March when Macrons government survived no-confidence motions to enable the adoption of the pension reform bill without holding a full vote in parliament and remained elevated in April. State pension costs in developed economies are projected to soar in coming decades as a portion of gross domestic product. While Macron has argued that burden must be reined in, some countries have softened planned reforms as a result of social backlashes. Data from ACLED, which classifies unrest in categories from battles to violence against citizens to riots and protests, shows it is not only Western countries grappling with the worldwide demographic changes. A total of 78 countries have had media reports of protests or riots related to retirement reform this year. Meanwhile, French labor unions have called for a fresh day of nationwide strikes and marches next Tuesday. A poll this week showed they still have majority public backing, even if support has fallen from its peak. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. French Minister Dussopt says 'not exhausted, nor weakened' by favoritism charge The questions to the government session at the National Assembly in Paris PARIS (Reuters) - French Employment Minister Olivier Dussopt said on Saturday he was innocent following a charge of favouritism in the award of a water contract in 2009 and would defend himself against the charge, adding he was "not exhausted, nor weakened". "I expect to convince the court of my good faith and my innocence," Dussopt, who played a key role in President Emmanuel Macron's decision to push through unpopular pension reforms, told France Inter Radio. Dussopt will face a court hearing in November over the allegation, France's financial prosecutor said on Friday. An official at Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne's office said on Friday Dussopt continued to have her backing. The allegation of favouritism relates to before Dussopt took up his current ministerial role and when he was a local mayor. Dussopt played a prominent role during parliamentary debates this year as Macron's government signed into law the decision to raise the French state pension age to 64 from 62, in spite of violent street protests against it. (Reporting by Mimosa Spencer; Editing by David Holmes) Welcome back to Chain Reaction, a podcast that unpacks and dives deep into the latest trends, drama and news with some of the biggest names in crypto breaking things down block by block for the crypto curious. For this weeks episode, Jacquelyn interviewed Gary Vaynerchuk, better known as Gary Vee. He is the chairman of VaynerX and CEO of VaynerMedia and NFT collection VeeFriends. The inspiration behind VeeFriends began between 2018 and 2019 when Vaynerchuk originally wanted to start a line of desktop toys for positive reinforcement. The idea derived from the thousands of direct messages he receives monthly from people saying how they dislike their jobs. One day after reading like five or six of them and going to the laboratory in my office I walked past like 10 desks, Vaynerchuk said. Every one of the desks I walked by my employee had little Simpson figures, little Marvel figures, little Marvel figures, little anime figures. So originally he was going to launch a toy line, but COVID-19 happened and the NFT boom began, which was where Vaynerchuk merged his plan through the digital asset sector. I did have a big audience but I focused on real life utility, Vaynerchuk said. At first I thought I was building Disney, now I think Im building Sesame Street I want to create a universe, and I thought the technology of NFTs was an incredibly fun way to start that. The future of NFTs and IP While some major NFT collections like Pudgy Penguins and Bored Ape Yacht Club are expanding their intellectual property beyond the digital world in areas like toys, apparel and more, Vaynerchuk doesnt think that move is the right one for every project. I dont think everyone is capable of that, you have to be self aware of what youre good at or not but it is something everyone should consider because it provides a lot more opportunities. As for greater mainstream adoption, Vaynerchuk doesnt think digital collectibles are going to be the biggest route forward for NFTs growth. I think its going to be ticketing, contracts, title insurance, things like that. The internet used to be referred to as the information superhighway 30 years ago because it was seen as a place like a library for people to do research, Vaynerchuk said. Today, we know the internet for a lot more. In a similar wave, Vaynerchuk sees NFT collectibles as a part of the ecosystem, but believes in 20 years, when people hear the term NFT, theyre not going to default to thinking its a collectible, theyre going to see it more broadly. We also dove into a handful of topics surrounding the NFT ecosystem today and its future, mainstream adoption and Vaynerchuks advice for other projects. For additional context, Vaynerchuk is a five-time New York Times bestselling author and previously created Wine Library, one of the first e-commerce platforms for alcohol in the early 2000s. In 2009, he co-founded VaynerMedia with his younger brother AJ and fast forward today the company services clients like PepsiCo, GE, Johnson & Johnson, Chase and others. He is a die hard New York Jets fan (and plans to buy the team one day), as well as an investor in a handful of major companies like Twitter, Venmo and Facebook which we talk about in the episode as well. Chain Reaction comes out every other Thursday, so be sure to subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite pod platform to keep up with the latest in web3 and crypto. Germany braces for far-left protests after activists are jailed over attacks on neo-Nazis German police are preparing to mobilize in cities across the country on Saturday, with protests expected amid a mounting backlash after a court sent several left-wing militants to prison over attacks on neo-Nazis. Earlier this week, a court in Dresden convicted four activists, including a well-known student identified in German media as Lina E., of committing violent acts against neo-Nazis, handing them jail sentences ranging from two to five years. Groups sympathetic to Lina E. have been protesting the verdict and are planning more demonstrations this weekend. The city of Leipzig where most of the attacks took place has already banned an anti-fascist march dubbed Day-X because of fears for public safety. The ban has been contested by the protests organizers, according to German newspaper Der Spiegel. Protesters burned flares after Lina E.'s sentencing. - Marcus Brandt/picture-alliance/dpa/AP Leipzig police told CNN that they were preparing a large-scale operation to counter any potential unrest. All the information available to the Leipzig police department suggests that protesters will still gather in Leipzig on Saturday despite the ban, a Leipzig police spokesperson told CNN on Friday, adding that the police was preparing for potential violence. The force believes Saturday could be their largest operation in two years. The spokesperson said the police are expecting that protesters from across Europe might travel to Leipzig. We are still seeing that protests for Day X are being called for on social media. Around 800 people took to the streets in Leipzig in the immediate aftermath of the court verdict on Wednesday. Some demonstrators tried to break through police lines, throwing bottles, stones and fireworks at officers. A laser was pointed at a police helicopter. Five officers reported sustaining minor injuries from having objects thrown at them, according to a police statement, and three people were arrested. As well as in Leipzig, protests are also expected in the cities of Bremen, Hanover, Hamburg and Berlin on Saturday. Prosecutors call the group militant extreme-left The groups ringleader, 28-year-old Lina E., was handed five years in prison for her role in the series of attacks in Leipzig and other German cities. Her three male accomplices, aged between 28 and 37, received prison sentences ranging from two years and five months to three years and three months. Prosecutors said that Lina E. and her three co-defendants, known as Lennart A., Jannis R. and Jonathan M., are proponents of militant extreme-left ideology who carried out attacks on right-wing extremists in Leipzig and nearby towns. Protests are set to spread across the country over the weekend. - Marcus Brandt/picture-alliance/dpa/AP The court found that the four activists spied on and attacked neo-Nazis and alleged supporters of the right-wing scene in Leipzig, Wurzen and Eisenach in the German state of Thuringia between August 2018 and the summer of 2020. Thirteen people were injured during the attacks, with two sustaining life-threatening injuries. The Dresden court confirmed to CNN that among the attacks Lina E. helped to orchestrate is a 2020 incident which saw a group of 15 to 20 assailants beat six people returning from a ceremony to mark the 75th anniversary of the bombing of Dresden in World War II an event which regularly attracts neo-Nazis and other far-right sympathizers. Prosecutors said several victims sustained serious injuries after being kicked and hit with batons. The trial against the group THE FOUR? started in September 2021 and was marked by the highest level of security. The accusations leveled against the group were the most serious faced by Germanys radical left in recent years. According to a report in The Guardian, during the trial, supporters of Lina E. heckled the judge and shouted Fascist friends! The judge acknowledged that right-wing extremism poses a greater threat to German society than left-wing extremism, but said that even proponents of such views have inherent rights. Lina E. had been in police custody since her arrest on November 5, 2020 and has become something of an icon among anarchist circles in Germany, with the Free Lina graffiti featuring on buildings in Leipzig, Hamburg and Berlin. Lina E. was on Wednesday sentenced to five years in prison. - Jan Woitas/picture-alliance/dpa/AP Free Lina! Shortly after the verdict, Germanys Interior Minister Nancy Faeser told journalists that the case highlighted the significant danger posed by far-left militants, who have become less inhibited in attacking political opponents with extreme brutality. In a statement, Faeser said that this radicalization and spiral of violence must not be allowed to continue, adding that there must be no room for vigilante justice in a democratic constitutional state. Faeser added that federal and state police would act decisively if there is a surge in far-left violence in the coming weeks. The far-right Alternative for Germany party, which has come under its own scrutiny from security services for its ties to extremists, welcomed the verdict by the Dresden court. In a statement, the party accused Lina E. and her co-defendents of terrorist methods and lamented that the sentences werent harsher. Meanwhile, a politician for the youth wing of Germanys Green Party, Timon Dzienus, wrote on Twitter that the trial had been a completely exaggerated process based on questionable evidence. What nonsense - thats why #FreeLina! he added. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Gmail is using AI to make searching for emails and attachments on your phone faster and easier Google will soon add an AI-powered "top results" section to Gmail search results. Gmail; Rachel Mendelson/Insider Google is adding a new AI-powered "top results" section to Gmail searches on smartphones. The company said Friday it will be introduced to all mobile users in the coming weeks. It's the latest in a string of AI features announced for Google's range of products and services. Searches in Gmail are set to become more accurate as Google rolls out a new AI-related feature for smartphone users. Alphabet said in a Friday blog post that mobile Gmail users will soon see a "top results" section when searching for old messages or attachments in their Gmail app. The top results section will be assisted by Google's machine learning algorithms, which the company said would use the search term, some recent emails, and other "relevant factors" with the aim of finding what a user is searching for. In its blog post Google said the feature was "highly requested", and said it will be rolling out to all Gmail mobile users over the next two weeks. The post only mentions the mobile version of Gmail, so it's unclear whether the "top results" feature will be added to the browser-based version. Google did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Insider, made outside normal working hours. The new feature is the latest example of Google's recent commitment to introducing AI into its products. The search giant announced several new AI features and services at its I/O developer conference in May so much so that some employees joked internally about how often executives mentioned "AI" during the event. The release of OpenAI's popular ChatGPT in November sparked a flurry of developments and cash injections into generative AI. Earlier this year, reports indicated Google was rushing to catch up with ChatGPT, eventually releasing its own AI chatbot called Bard that will reportedly be integrated into search in the future. Read the original article on Business Insider Since 2017, my life has been dominated by efforts to help Congress and the public discover the truth about unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP), what many still refer to as UFOs. Ive lost count of the number of cities visited, meetings attended, books read, articles written, media appearances and hours spent on the phone. At the outset, my goal was simply to help our government overcome a glaring intelligence failure. UAP were routinely violating restricted U.S. airspace but these encounters, documented on cockpit videos, werent being reported up the military chain of command because of the stigma surrounding this issue. It wasnt clear if these bizarre craft were Russian, Chinese, extraterrestrial or some combination of the above, but it seemed unacceptable and outrageous that no effort was being made by the intelligence community to alert policymakers or undertake an investigation. Working closely with former Pentagon official Lue Elizondo and later a group of U.S. Navy aviators, we quickly captured the attention of Congress. We managed to convince them the phenomena were real and America needed to take action to determine the capabilities of these craft and the identity and intentions of their operators. To my surprise and delight, in 2020 the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence (SSCI) adopted my proposal to seek an official report on UAP from the intelligence community. The resulting Preliminary Assessment arrived in June of 2021. Although it was wildly incomplete, it did identify 144 military UAP encounters since 2004, a figure which has since jumped to over 800 military UAP reports by early 2023. Spurred by growing evidence of the problem, Congress took additional steps, establishing the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO). But despite breakthroughs in government transparency about these sightings, there's one thing the Pentagon and the intelligence community have so far not addressed, and that is whether they have had any direct contact with these objects. There are persistent rumors that the U.S. government recovered crash materials from UAP, and even that the government has been working secretly to reverse engineer the technology. AARO is charged with reviewing all non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) pertaining to UAP; evaluating all historical UAP intelligence documents; and extending protections to anyone who has signed an official U.S. government secrecy agreement related to UAP, thereby allowing them to come forward without fear of prosecution. In one stroke then this new office could resolve one of the greatest government conspiracy theories and most profound scientific questions of all time: Are we alone in the universe? It's time they did. Since AARO was established, I have referred four witnesses to them who claim to have knowledge of a secret U.S. government program involving the analysis and exploitation of materials recovered from off-world craft. Other sources who, rightly or wrongly do not trust AAROs leadership, have also contacted me with additional details and information about an alleged secret U.S. government reverse engineering program. Some have supplied information to the intelligence communitys inspector general, others directly to staff of the congressional oversight committees. As this process has progressed, and the credibility of these claims has grown, so too have my concerns. What if Im helping to pry open a genuine Pandoras box, releasing information that might prove destructive, destabilizing or for many simply terrifying? Ive repeatedly had to ask myself: Is disclosure in the best interest of the public? Am I doing the right thing working to bring what could be Americas most deeply buried secret to light? The most refreshingly clear guidance I have received came from Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), who is chair of the Senate Armed Services Emerging Threats and Capabilities Subcommittee and member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. When the opportunity presented itself during a meeting in the Senate, I asked, Youve launched an investigation that could prove aliens are visiting earth. What if the answer proves to be yes? Would you support sharing that information with the American people? After all, AARO is not required to share its findings with the public, only Congress. Without hesitating she replied, Of course! Why not? I thought it was a great answer because Ive always believed the public has a right to know the truth. However, after much reflection, Ive also concluded the public needs to know the truth. I say this for the following reasons: Democracy requires transparency. In our democracy the American people have a right to know the truth of this matter. Censoring vitally important information is inconsistent with our values and institutions. It would be the modern equivalent of repressing Galileos insights regarding the solar system or Darwins theory of evolution. It hinders scientific and technological progress and undermines faith in government. We own any discovery. Any recovered materials belong to the American people. Any secretive government programs that may have existed were funded by American tax dollars and as such, any proceeds belong to the taxpayer. We can handle it. Although disclosure would initially frighten and shock many people, polling data reveals that most Americans already believe we are not alone in the universe. Further, a high percentage of Americans already believe some UAP are in fact extraterrestrial craft. Our ancestors persevered despite profound fears of the unknown and so can we. We dont control UAP. Commercial satellite imagery is becoming ubiquitous and algorithms are already being written to identify UAP from space. As more powerful, dedicated sensors are deployed to collect UAP data, it is only a matter of time before more compelling UAP imagery and data emerges. Although UAP generally seem to avoid public exposure, there are exceptions. For example: the March 1950 incident in which dozens of UAP flew over Farmington, New Mexico in broad daylight; the famous flyover of Washington D.C.on successive weekends in July of 1952; the Night of the UFOs in Brazil in 1986; and the Phoenix Lights in 1997. The next time there is a mass UAP flyover of a major city, or even an event like the incident at Chicagos OHare airport in 2006, the ubiquitous video cameras and powerful radars that will cover the event are going to provide far more substantial amounts of data with ever-greater levels of detail. Better to have disclosure on our terms rather than a sudden event that might cause panic. Disclosure is only a matter of time. Foreign nations and civilian scientific groups around the world are undertaking ever more sophisticated and extensive UAP collection campaigns. The Galileo Project at Harvard, led by Dr. Avi Loeb, the former Chairman of the Harvard Department of Astronomy, is a case in point. Numerous other domestic and foreign groups ranging from the Scientific Coalition for UAP Studies, to Americans for Safe Aerospace and Enigma Labs are also investigating as are many foreign governments, from Japan to France. Congress is proceeding. A number of credible individuals have shared compelling information behind closed doors in meetings with congressional staff, the intelligence community inspector general and AARO. Congress should seek a report from the ICIG on the evidence it has acquired on the issue of crash retrievals. That alone may be enough to provide leads that confirm the truth of long-standing accusations regarding a cover-up of recovered off-world technology. The goal is not to prosecute or punish, but to bring the truth to light. Secrecy stifles science. If we have recovered off-world technologies, our best and brightest minds should be engaged in evaluating it. Assuming UAP propulsion technology is distinct from anything known to the public, a successful reverse engineering program might bring about a revolution in energy, transportation and materials technologies. We might be able to accelerate a transition to clean and cheap energy; perhaps even develop superconducting materials and propulsion technologies that are now the stuff of Hollywood movies. Time to reduce international tensions. If it turns out that we've had some contact with other life forms, a reframing of international relations would be inevitable, almost certainly for the better. To the degree the U.S. has these materials and our rivals do not, this could provide new and unprecedented leverage for the U.S. Our adversaries will naturally fear unilateral advances on the part of the U.S. that render their defenses and technology obsolete. Adversaries are undeterred if they are ignorant of their opponents military capabilities. Better they know. And if any of these countries have also recovered off-world technology, all the more reason to make the most of what we have rather than risk being overtaken in research, development and deployment. Above all, once it becomes clear we are not alone, this should reduce or divert tensions among the leading nuclear powers. As Ronald Reagan said during an address to the United Nations General Assembly in 1987: No imminent threat. It seems unlikely that revealing the truth would change the pattern of UAP behavior we have been observing for many decades. Furtive activities around the planet and in our oceans are likely to continue. In the unlikely event there is a threat, our chances of survival are obviously far greater if we acknowledge the possibility and work with other nations to develop an effective deterrent. Although we are not experiencing acts of aggression, there is a pattern of persistent surveillance around DoD test ranges and facilities, especially our nuclear weapons capabilities. Hopefully any interest in our military capabilities is purely defensive. Spark vitally needed collaboration. I cannot think of anything more likely to shock humanity out of its present complacence than the revelation we are not alone. Our species and planetary civilization is following a dangerous trajectory, one involving a serious prospect of nuclear conflagration. If that were not enough, all nations face the joint prospect of accelerating ecological devastation, the proliferation of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons and the threat that AI will become weaponized or turned against humanity. As the brilliant Israeli historian Yuval Hariri has observed, What better way to provide an existential catalyst? In conclusion, I believe it is in our interest to follow the facts of the UAP issue wherever they lead. All living things, all nations and corporations, can only survive by continuing to adapt to changing circumstances. But to do so we must know the facts. We cant adapt to what we dont perceive. Concealing such vital information, if indeed we are not alone, poses a huge barrier to understanding and successfully adapting to the world around us. Lies and disinformation are already polluting public discourse. We cant have meaningful debates on policy if we cannot even agree on the basic facts. Admittedly, disclosure would initially be shocking and disorienting, but we would of necessity modify our beliefs to accommodate a new understanding of the universe and our place within it. What is deemed possible technologically would certainly change, but if our government can reveal the truth of such a deep secret it will demonstrate that government can change as well. Maybe we can build on that, perhaps even mitigating the dynamic of our current, frighteningly polarized political process. As Arthur C. Clarke, the brilliant author and inventor of modern communications satellites once said, commenting on the possibility of extraterrestrial contact: Strangeness, wonder, mystery and magic these things that not long ago seemed lost forever, will soon return to the world. Some people will be afraid of change, as always, but change is inevitable and as always those who recognize and embrace it are the most likely to benefit. Thankfully, there are many reasons to believe that if UAP are manifestations of extraterrestrial intelligence, this stunning revelation can work to humanity's advantage. Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley reupped her call for a new generational leader on Saturday, as she and a growing field of 2024 GOP presidential candidates attempt to separate themselves from former President Trump. Weve got to start doing this in a way that we can win a general election, Haley said at Sen. Joni Ernsts (R-Iowa) annual Roast and Ride fundraiser in Des Moines. Its time for a new generational leader. Weve gotta leave the baggage and negativity behind, she continued. Weve got a country to save. The former South Carolina governor and U.S. ambassador to the United Nations has made age and mental fitness a key issue in her campaign. She has repeatedly called for mental competency tests for politicians over 75 years old, taking aim at both 76-year-old Trump and 80-year-old President Biden. Were ready ready to move past the stale ideas and faded names of the past, Haley said at a campaign rally in February. And we are more than ready for a new generation to lead us into the future. She has previously used the concept of new generational leadership to separate herself from Trump, who is polling well ahead of the rest of the Republican field. Look at everything thats wrong in this country and tell me we dont need new leadership, she told Fox News host Sean Hannity, when asked about her differences with the former president. But the difference is we need new generational leadership. We have to leave the status quo. We have to leave this chaos behind and weve gotta start talking about the future, she added at the time. Haley has also taken the most direct aim at Bidens age, suggesting that it is unlikely that he would make it to 86 years old the age he would be at the end of a second term. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. rental homes landlords One in five landlords in England face paying hundreds of thousands of pounds in death taxes because of a government freeze on allowances, analysis shows. More than half a million buy-to-let investors have a portfolio that exceeds the Governments inheritance tax allowance threshold, according to estimates from accountants RSM, with experts warning that accidental landlords are particularly at risk. Chris Etherington, of RSM, said: There is a ticking tax time bomb waiting for the next generation and there is little they can do about it. Thousands of families will not be able to meet a 40 per cent liability without selling up. The Daily Telegraph is campaigning to scrap the divisive 40 per cent death duty. More than 50 MPs including Liz Truss and Nadhim Zahawi have backed the move. The widely unpopular levy is charged at 40 per cent on wealth over the 325,000 threshold, which has been frozen at the same level since 2009. Individuals have an extra 175,000 allowance towards their main residence if it is passed to children or grandchildren, and spouses can share their allowances. James Wood, of the National Residential Landlords Association, said a rising number of buy-to-let investors risked being caught out by the inheritance tax trap. A tax rate of 40 per cent is huge, he said. It is another way in which the current tax regime is just not suitable for landlords. Inheritance tax is going to hit accidental landlords particularly hard people who have for example moved in with their partner and kept their previous home, are unlikely to be aware of the implications of renting out their property and the huge tax bills it could attract. A single landlord living in London with an average portfolio worth 410,000 and a main residence worth an average 523,000, faces a potential inheritance tax liability of 173,200, according to calculations by wealth manager Charles Stanley. This excludes any other possible cash, investments and business interests. Mr Wood added that a rising number of landlords were being pushed to incorporate as a limited company in order to reduce their inheritance tax bill. While incorporations can help landlords to reduce their tax liabilities, there are several pitfalls that can result in a substantial bill if the process is not navigated properly. Anyone moving existing properties into a company structure must sell their property to the limited company, which can incur both capital gains tax and stamp duty. The liability can sometimes be reduced if the landlord qualifies for incorporation relief. However, incorporating also often comes with higher accountancy costs when filing company results. This could prove unaffordable for thousands of landlords, Mr Etherington added. It is not an option for smaller landlords, you need a sizable business for it to make sense, he said. Over the past decade we have had smaller landlords being deterred from the market. Now they are also facing the inheritance tax issue on top of everything else. Mr Etherington noted that if landlords at risk of triggering inheritance tax sold just one of their properties to settle the bill, it could wipe out at least a tenth of the number of rental properties available on the market, putting more upward pressure on prices. Isobel Greenshields, an 80-year-old landlord from Essex, told The Telegraph this week that she felt forced to transfer her rental property to her 18-year-old granddaughter much earlier than expected in order to avoid a big inheritance tax bill. Youre making judgements often bad judgements because of these inheritance taxes, she said. The Telegraphs campaign to scrap the divisive tax comes more than 15 years after the then shadow chancellor George Osbrone pledged to raise the inheritance tax threshold to 1m. The proposals were so popular that it was widely credited with deterring Gordon Brown from calling a snap election. However, the inheritance tax basic threshold has remained at 325,000 for more than a decade and Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has now frozen it until 2028. So far, the proportion of families paying the levy has roughly doubled since the freeze. The average inheritance tax bill cost 215,652 in the 2019/20 tax year, but is now projected to top 300,000 by 2033, according to estimates from the wealth manager Quilter. A spokesman for the Treasury said: Over 93 per cent of estates wont pay any inheritance tax with only the very wealthiest paying more than 7 billion a year to help fund public services like the NHS and schools. Landlords will pay less tax thanks to our cuts to stamp duty, and can claim tax relief on financing their property purchase and day-to-day costs incurred in letting out, such as replacing furniture and lettings agent fees. Were also increasing the supply of affordable homes by investing 11.5 billion to build more of the affordable, quality homes this country needs. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer. Hawaii Gov. Josh Green (D) signs gun control legislation. Audrey McAvoy/AP Photo Hawaii Gov. Josh Green (D) signed legislation on Friday imposing new gun control mandates while also keeping in line with a 2022 Supreme Court decision on the Second Amendment. The legislation, Hawaii SB1230, was passed by the state Senate in April. The bill allows more Hawaiians to apply for concealed carry permits. However, it also "prohibits firearms in certain locations and premises," according to the text of the bill. This includes the banning of firearms in a sweeping array of public venues, including "beaches, hospitals, stadiums, bars that serve alcohol, and movie theaters," The Associated Press reported. Any venue that is allowed to have concealed carry weapons and wishes to do so must also display the required signage. Green is a physician by training who still practices as an ER doctor, according to the AP. He has often taken a hardline stance against gun violence and advocated for stronger firearms legislation. "On many occasions in my training back on the mainland, I was one of the physicians that took care of individuals who were victims of gun violence. Not only that, I lost a loved one to a suicide with a gun," Green said during a signing ceremony, adding, "Anything that we can do, we should." The passage of SB1230 comes after the Supreme Court ruled in 2022 that a New York law restricting concealed carry violated the Second Amendment, which CNN called "the widest expansion of gun rights in a decade" at the time. A number of other states enacted similar laws to Hawaii following the court's decision, which are currently facing their own legal challenges. Green also signed into law HB1239, a state House bill that enhances active shooter training for the Hawaii Department of Education, Maui Now reported. "I firmly believe in providing this potentially life-saving education for our public and charter school students," he said. You may also like Is Trump's wall working? Chris Christie: a scandal-plagued presidential hopeful YouTube to stop deleting false claims about 2020 election The Republican Party in Texas has been thrown into a bit of turmoil in recent weeks as the Republican-controlled Legislature took the extraordinary step of impeaching Ken Paxton, the state attorney general, who is also a Republican. Paxton is now only the third official to ever be impeached in Texas history, and he will soon face trial in the state Senate. Late last month, lawmakers formally accused him of breaking the law, abusing his office, accepting bribes and obstructing justice, and, as dictated by the state constitution, their subsequent impeachment immediately removed him from office pending the results of the Senate trial. If two-thirds of the state Senate votes to convict him on even one of the charges, he will be removed permanently. Paxton's trial will be the first impeachment trial in decades, and it's already gathered national attention as former President Donald Trump and his allies rally behind him. "ELECTION INTERFERENCE! Free Ken Paxton, let them wait for the next election! Trump wrote on social media recently. Heres what you need to know. What are the charges against Paxton? On May 27, the state House impeached Paxton on 20 articles of impeachment, charging him with disregard of official duty, misapplication of public resources, constitutional bribery, obstruction of justice, false statements in official records, conspiracy and attempted conspiracy, dereliction of duty, unfitness for office and abuse of public trust. Many of the charges center on Paxton's relationship with Nate Paul, an Austin real estate investor and wealthy donor whom the Texas Republican helped and protected. Other charges center on his retaliation against whistleblowers who reported his conduct. According to the articles of impeachment, Paxton: Directed his employees to intervene in a lawsuit between a nonprofit group and Paul Issued a legal opinion that helped Paul, disguising his involvement by asking a state senator to solicit the opinion Shared information obtained through his office with Paul Hired an outside attorney to investigate a baseless complaint made by Paul Accepted bribes in the form of renovations to his home and a job for a woman with whom he'd had an extramarital affair Fired and retaliated against whistleblowers in his office, and spent government resources to conduct a sham investigation into their allegations Obstructed justice by delaying the criminal proceedings into his indictment of securities fraud Violated public information laws Many of the incidents are well known; they have been reported by local newspapers and seized on by political opponents, and there's an ongoing federal corruption investigation into Paxton's conduct, according to The Associated Press. House lawmakers say their investigation and subsequent impeachment was triggered by a $3.3 million settlement Paxton struck with the whistleblowers and asked the House to sign off on. "I think the last straw was his belief that he could get the Legislature to just write a blank check for hush money, without any accountability or any attempt to come in and actually give an explanation," said Rep. Ann Johnson, the Houston Democrat and former prosector who presented the case for impeachment to the House. But an attorney hired by the House to bring the case in the Senate, Rusty Hardin, suggested the trial would bring new details to light. I promise you, its 10 times worse than has been public, he said on Thursday. What does Paxton say? Paxton called the impeachment effort "illegal," arguing ahead of the vote that impeaching him would overturn the will of voters who elected him in November and "sabotage" his lawsuits against President Joe Biden's administration. Chris Hilton, one of his top aides, said at that press conference that the claims against Paxton were completely meritless and had been debunked time and time again. "The ugly spectacle in the Texas House today confirmed the outrageous impeachment plot against me was never meant to be fair or just," Paxton said in a statement following his impeachment. "I look forward to quick resolution in the Texas Senate, where I have full confidence the process will be fair and just." Paxton defenders have criticized the House's quick impeachment proceedings over Memorial Day weekend, but the impeachment managers have pointed to a secret investigation that began earlier this winter and quietly continued until the impeachment. The investigators "had gotten to a point where it was very clear based on all of the evidence that was before them ... that there was a real allegation of criminal conduct occurring by the attorney general. And so what do you want to wait on? You don't leave a child abuser in a home, right," Johnson told NBC News. Behind the scenes, a member of the Texas House said Paxton has threatened political consequences for Republicans. "Are you aware that the attorney general himself called members of this House while they were sitting at their desks and threatened them?" Rep. Charlie Geren said during the impeachment proceedings in the House. "God bless the poor senators, I don't know how long it will be if this passes that they're going to have to put up with the same intimidation tactics from a man who does not deserve to be in office," he added. What will the trial look like? "The trial is understood to occur just as a civil or a criminal trial would play out," Rep. Andrew Murr, a West Texas Republican who chairs the board of impeachment managers from the House, said at a press conference Monday. Lawmakers in both chambers have said witnesses will testify under oath about the allegations and face questions from attorneys on both sides, he said. The same rules of evidence used in Texas civil and criminal trials will be used in the proceeding. The 31-member Texas Senate will serve as the jury in the impeachment trial, as laid out in the Texas Constitution. There are currently 19 Republicans and 12 Democrats serving. It's unclear if all will vote in the proceedings; at least two members have personal connections and did not respond to requests for interview. Sen. Bryan Hughes is identified in the articles after Paxton requested he formally seek the attorney general's opinion on a legal matter, and Sen. Angela Paxton is the attorney generals wife. It's unclear if she was involved in the home renovations Paul gifted to the attorney general's home. Members of the Senate have been mum on the impeachment. Republican Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who presides over the Senate, has said he won't address it. Dont ask me any more questions, 'cause I cant answer them. Look at me like a judge before a case, and look at our senators like that. Be respectful of their space and time, this is very serious, he said. Who are the key players? Paxton will be defended by a team of attorneys from the Office of the Attorney General, who have taken a leave of absence to defend their boss at trial, according to The Texas Tribune. The team includes Judd Stone, the office's top appellate lawyer, and Chris Hilton, head of the litigation division. The House has appointed a board of managers to handle the prosecution of Paxton in the Senate. State Rep. Andrew Murr, a West Texas Republican and attorney with a distinctive handlebar mustache, chairs the board, while Johnson, a Houston Democrat and former prosecutor, serves as vice chair. Four other Democrats and six Republicans fill out the committee; all but one are attorneys. The managers have hired Rusty Hardin and Dick DeGuerin, two longtime top lawyers, to prosecute their case in the Senate. Both have a history of defending celebrities and wealthy plaintiffs, and defending or investigating politicians. Together, DeGuerin said, they have more than 100 years of experience. The people of the state of Texas are entitled to know whether their top cop is a crook, DeGuerin said in a press conference on Thursday. When will it happen? A Senate committee is expected to propose rules and procedures to the greater body by June 20. A trial will begin no later than Aug. 28, according to lawmakers. Whenever it happens, expect an explosive event. The historic impeachment is already gathering national attention, particularly from Trump and his allies who have defended Paxton, a key player in the legal effort to overturn Trump's loss in 2020. "The RINO Speaker of the House of Texas, Dade Phelan, who is barely a Republican at all and failed the test on voter integrity, wants to impeach one of the most hard working and effective Attorney Generals in the United States, Ken Paxton, who just won re-election with a large number of American Patriots strongly voting for him, Trump wrote on social media recently. Who is serving as attorney general now? Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican, appointed former Secretary of State John Scott to serve as interim attorney general on Wednesday. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Angelina Jolie "My friend (British photographer and journalist) Giles Duley is in Ukraine and sent me these images of Ukrainian activists and organizations. National social organisations in Ukraine have only received 0.003% of funds raised internationally. This model has to change to more direct support for local organizations. This strengthens civil society, gives more self-determination to local communities, and ensures all funds from donations go to support the local economy. Local organizations with teams from the communities they represent offer the most effective, dignified and sustainable way to support communities dealing with trauma and recovering from war, displacement, and climate change," her message reads. She listed several Ukrainian organisations which need help, including March For Womens Rights. It's a feminist initiative headed by Olena Shevchenko which helps women throughout Ukraine. Read also: Maneskin frontman says f*** Putin at concert in Rome attended by Angelina Jolie and daughter She also mentioned the Help Ukraine charity that uses ambulances to evacuate people from the frontline and newly liberated areas. She also spotlighted GAR, which is an organisation that supports disabled people. They supply high performance wheelchairs and training for people with spinal cord injuries. Jolie visited Ukraine in spring 2022, when she was impressed with the resilience and bravery of Ukrainians. Read also: Hollywood star Orlando Bloom visits children in Ukraine Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine (Reuters) - Police arrested 31 people in connection with plans to disrupt Saturday's Epsom Derby, including a man who was detained after running onto the track, as major sporting events in Britain continue to be affected by protests. Last month, protest group Animal Rising issued a call for volunteers to help disrupt the event by entering the track. Surrey Police made 19 arrests in the build-up to the race, with a further 12 arrested at the racecourse "in connection with planned criminal activity". "One man was arrested after he ran onto the racetrack after a race had started. He was quickly removed by event security and police officers, meaning the race was not disrupted," Surrey Police said in a statement. Animal Rising shared a video of the protester being detained on Twitter, claiming that the individual was a supporter of the group. "Our officers and event security responded quickly and decisively after a man ran onto the racetrack after a race had begun," Chief Superintendent Clive Davies said. "We will not tolerate criminal behaviour which puts lives in danger, including those of the animals, jockeys, security staff and our officers." April's Grand National was delayed by animal rights protesters, while more than 20 people were arrested at the Scottish Grand National. Last year's Epsom Derby was delayed after six protesters from Animal Rising, then named Animal Rebellion, entered the course and had to be removed by the police. (Reporting by Aadi Nair in Nashik, India; Editing by Giles Elgood and Christina Fincher) This story originally published June 1, 2023, at Idaho EdNews. At first, it seemed like all Idaho teachers would be getting a $6,359 raise next school year. Thats the amount legislators set aside for teacher raises, ringing up to a total of $145 million. Politicians from senators to the state superintendent touted the raises, and they urged district leaders to pass the funds directly to teachers. I hope our administrators and our school board members who are going to be at the negotiating table hear this loud and clear: It better get to every single teacher, Sen. Lori Den Hartog, R-Meridian, said during this years legislative session. The last thing we want to hear are teachers who say, We never got any of the raises we were supposed to get, Superintendent Debbie Critchfield told EdNews in April. We dont want that. And most Idaho teachers should be getting raises but many will not end up seeing the full $6,359 in their pocketbooks. Thats because, at the local level, doling out that state cash is not as straightforward as it seems. For example, teachers in Coeur dAlene will get $6,359 raises. But in Pocatello raises will likely be $5,000 and in West Ada $4,965. (More details on contract negotiations in these three districts are below). District leaders are making difficult budget decisions because of the chronic underfunding of education that we have at the state level, said Mike Journee, a spokesman for the Idaho Education Association. The large school funding requests districts made of taxpayers in the March and May elections (more than $1 billion and more than $734 million respectively) demonstrated that the state is not funding school districts as well as it should, Journee said. And we think thats wrong. The state needs to live up to its constitutional obligation to properly fund public education. But Journee said teachers appreciated that Gov. Brad Little and Critchfield have been aggressively pursuing pay raises for educators. That was a very important moment for our members, he said. It provided some validation and a perspective that theyre valued for what they do. Yet, the next time a teacher raise makes headlines, educators should wait to see how much of those funds actually makes it into their paycheck before celebrating, said Quinn Perry, the policy and government affairs director for the Idaho School Boards Association. Dont go out and buy washers and dryers and appliances and commit money until you actually see how it plays out at the negotiation table. Those negotiations are taking place right now, or have recently concluded. In many cases, the teacher raises have turned out to be less than advertised. Heres why, according to education leaders: Federal vs. state teachers: The pay raises are only for state-funded teachers. That means federally funded teachers, like many special education teachers, wouldnt get the same raise unless the district covered it. The bottom line: The district would be on the hook to make up the gap between the funds the state gives and the funds it needs to give all teachers $6,359. Districts hire more teachers than the state allotted for: Legislators issued raises according to the number of teachers the state determines a district needs, rather than the actual number of teachers in each district. Salaries for those teachers fall onto the district and/or taxpayers as would any raises. The bottom line: The district would be on the hook to make up the gap between the funds the state gives and the funds it needs to give all teachers $6,359. Districts paying teachers more than the state allotted for: The state also has a formula it uses to determine teacher pay. However, many districts fund teachers beyond that amount. The extra salary boost is often paid for via supplemental levies and that could make leaders reluctant to ask taxpayers to foot the bill for another raise. Or, districts might want to use the legislative salary funds to reduce the burden on taxpayers. The bottom line: Districts that hire more teachers and provide higher salaries than the state allocates face more obstacles in providing all teachers with the $6,359 raise because more has to come out of their own funds/from local taxpayers. Attendance impacting school funding: Some district leaders are worried that they will lose state funding due to a return to attendance-based funding for the 2023-24 school year. The bottom line: The reversion could mean that some districts will see less state money next school year (only time will tell), so they are making fiscally conservative choices now. Election losses: Some districts are operating on tight budgets after school funding election losses. The bottom line: Districts may not be able to make up the gap after what the state provides without supplemental levy dollars. Concerns over long-term sustainability: If districts put the pay increases into the career ladder (a contractual, long-term plan that lays out gradual pay increases over a teachers career), they are essentially cemented into providing that raise or more every year for perpetuity (or face backlash from teachers who dont want a pay decrease) even though the Legislature may or may not continue to set aside money for raises. The bottom line: A fear that pay increases arent sustainable long term may make some district leaders opt for one-time bonuses rather than set-in-stone raises. In West Ada, teacher raises less than expected In the West Ada School District the states largest nearly all of the above hiccups are impacting teacher raises. The district employs more than 150 certified teachers out of its own budget (rather than from state allocations). And not all of its teachers are state funded some salaries are federally funded and others come from ERI (early reading intervention) money. Plus, the district pays teachers far above and beyond the states salary determinations, according to negotiation minutes. It all comes down to this: giving all West Ada teachers $6,359 more next year would cost $21 million and the district would have to pony up $14 million of that, according to the minutes. On top of that, the return to attendance-based funding means the district could lose an estimated $10 million (though its too soon to say for sure). And then theres the districts recent $500 million plant facilities levy loss. The levy failing affects everything we do, the minutes read. Ultimately, the district and local teachers union agreed to a raise of about $4,965 per teacher so significant just not what was advertised, said Zach Borman, the West Ada Education Associations president. Still, itll be the biggest one-time raise Borman has seen in the district. And union members green-lighted the agreement with a near-unanimous 97% approval as compared to about 80% last spring. Borman said he has been fielding angry text messages from teachers who dont understand why theyre not getting the $6,359 they saw in the news and heard about from politicians. And the explanation is convoluted, but Borman said the district has done its best given the circumstances. District leaders were trying to do their best to ensure that teachers saw a good pay raise, but state-level issues that are entirely out of the districts control did not allow for that headline dollar amount to be negotiated this particular year. In Coeur dAlene, levy helps get full $6,359 pay increase Instead of having to lay off teachers and close elementary schools, Coeur dAlene is giving raises to its staff next school year. Last month voters approved the districts two-year, $50 million supplemental levy request. The districts operating budget relies on the levy to cover 25% of its operating budget. Rebecca Smith, chair of the school board, said: We are also extremely grateful to everyone who gave their time and talent to encourage people to vote on May 16. Without the support of our community, we would not be able to provide the salary increases we approved today. Superintendent Shon Hocker added: The past year has been a challenging one for all of us. We also express our gratitude to Gov. Little and the Legislature for the increased funding to provide competitive pay for our teachers. The states additional funding for raises is not enough to cover raises for all certificated staff, because the district employs more teachers than the state dictates, to achieve smaller class sizes. However, all teachers will receive the $6,359 salary increase by using dedicated funds from the state and funding from the supplemental levy, a district spokesperson said. On Wednesday, the school board and education association unanimously agreed to a new salary package. Removal of all dead zones where staff were ineligible for raises despite their years of service or credit attainment. A $6,359 pay increase for all certificated staff. One year of funding for select hard-to-fill positions. The district will maintain the current Blue Cross driver and buy-up insurance plans with the same coverages and deductibles, and will maintain a medical insurance contribution of 68% and a district contribution of $1,230.03. An increased minimum starting wage for all classified employees from $12.75 per hour to $16 per hour. A $6,359 pay increase for all district administrative staff. We must all work together to be successful, said Scott Traverse, a teacher and negotiating team member. And the unified outcome of our negotiations this year demonstrates we can have different opinions and still work together effectively to achieve a shared desired outcome. In Pocatello, teachers will likely see a $5,000 raise Pocatello-Chubbuck school district teachers will likely see pay bumps of $5,000 next year. The district and the local union tentatively agreed to the pay raise, though the contract is awaiting board approval before its finalized. Mary Anne McGrory, the Pocatello Education Association president, said the full $6,359 figure was not doable because Pocatello-Chubbuck hires more teachers than the state allots, and because of concerns about the switch to attendance-based funding. Every district is very worried about what thats going to do to funding and until we (have a better idea) the district was hesitant to put forth any more money, she said. McGrory said she was extremely pleased with the $5,000 raises on the table and members seem to be as well they unanimously ratified the contract Wednesday. Celeste Saulo was chosen to become the first woman to lead the World Meteorological Organization Celeste Saulo, the incoming head of the UN's weather and climate agency, said she would fight with a passion to combat climate change and its negative impacts on people's lives. In an interview with AFP, Saulo, who has run Argentina's National Meteorological Service since 2014, voiced deep concern that some countries were not getting the message about the effects of pumping ever more greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. But the next head of the World Meteorological Organization insisted it was not too late to change how the climate crisis story ends. "We have no plan B," said Saulo, 59, who will become the WMO's first woman leader when she takes office on January 1. "Are we going to stay waiting for a dramatic end, or are we going to fight for our kids and our future? We are going to fight. I'm sure about that, and I will do that." The Argentinian professor said there was no point waiting for a "miracle" solution to halt and reverse climate change. The answer "is us", she said. "With passion, love, compromise and engagement. It is the only way. We cannot see this as a movie over there on the screen; we are in the movie and we can change the movie. It is our role. It's a must." - Global goals, local action - Saulo was elected by a landslide on Thursday to take over from Petteri Taalas as the WMO's secretary general when his maximum second four-year term finishes at the end of the year. She won the required two-thirds majority on the first ballot with 108 votes, the other three candidates on 37, seven and four votes from member states. Saulo said she was "overwhelmed" by the strength of her support, saying it sent a very clear signal about "the need for change" and new ideas at the WMO. "We are under a huge global crisis which is the combination of climate change and inactivity," she said, vowing to strengthen the WMO's coordination and innovation. The WMO pieces together the work of national weather agencies in monitoring greenhouse gases, sea levels, temperatures, glacier melting and other climate change indicators. Citing as an example the WMO's plans to have everyone on the planet covered by first-class early warning systems for incoming weather hazards, Saulo said her top priority was implementation on the ground. "You have to have global goals but local action," she said. Ultimately, "implementation is about people. And people have their environment, their culture, their necessities, their opportunities and their dreams, and we have to work for them." - 'Stop it' - Saulo has pledged to be a voice for the countries most vulnerable to extreme weather exacerbated by climate change -- nations which often had the least to do with creating it. "In the WMO, we care about what happens with the less-developed world and the small island states. The problem is that we don't have specific programmes to address their needs," she said. Saulo said some countries bearing heavy responsibility for fuelling global warming were "not really" seeing the picture on climate change. "I'm really worried about that. And I will do my best from this organisation to try to convince those that have to do the actual change to really commit." Scientific experts from across the board were sending "such a clear message... stop it. And it worries me a lot that we are not understanding that message." Saulo said the WMO therefore had to decrypt some of its climatological and meteorological terminology. "We have to speak their language," she said. Nonetheless, Saulo is feeling positive. "We have young people. We have people that want to change things," she said. "So I'm optimistic because we can start from small actions, show results and working together, we will make it." rjm/apo/rox/leg Prabowo Subianto, Minister of Defence of the Republic of Indonesia, has proposed his own "peace plan" for Ukraine, which calls for an immediate ceasefire, the creation of a demilitarised zone along the current contact line and a "referendum". Source: Ukrinform, citing Subianto during a speech at Shangri-La Dialogue security forum in Singapore; Oleh Nikolenko, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, on Facebook Quote from Subianto: "First, immediately cease fire and hostilities. Second, withdraw troops on each side 15 kilometres from the current contact line and create a demilitarised zone; and third, create a peacekeeping mission under the auspices of the UN to monitor the observance of the ceasefire regime." Details: After that, Subianto proposes, with the participation of the UN, to organise and hold referendums in the "disputed territories" in order to "objectively establish the will of the majority of the residents of the disputed territories" regarding their vision of their future. Quote from Subianto: "I don't know if my proposal is acceptable, but these are specific recommendations for the decision of the forum for the fastest possible de-escalation and the cessation of bloodshed in this armed conflict." More details: Ukraine replied that it appreciates the attention that Indonesia pays to the issue of restoring peace in Ukraine. At the same time, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasises that there are no disputed territories between Ukraine and the Russian Federation to hold referendums there. Quote from Nikolenko: "Having committed an act of aggression, the Russian Federation occupied Crimea and parts of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson oblasts. The fact is recorded in official UN documents. In the occupied territories, the Russian army is committing war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide. Russia must withdraw from Ukrainian territories, and Ukraine must restore its territorial integrity within internationally recognised borders. There can be no alternative scenarios. A ceasefire, a 15-kilometre withdrawal of forces, and the creation of a demilitarised zone will not work either. Russia is now trying in every possible way to disrupt the Ukrainian counteroffensive. A cease-fire without the withdrawal of Russian troops from the territory of Ukraine will allow Russia to gain time, regroup, gain a foothold in the occupied territories and accumulate strength for a new wave of aggression." Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! By Kanupriya Kapoor SINGAPORE (Reuters) -Indonesia's defence minister on Saturday proposed a peace plan to end the war in Ukraine, calling for a demilitarised zone and a United Nations referendum in what he called disputed territory. Ukrainian foreign ministry spokesperson Oleg Nikolenko dismissed the plan, reiterating Kyiv's position that Russia should withdraw its troops from Ukraine. Prabowo Subianto called on defence and military officials from around the world, gathered at the Shangri-La Dialogue defence meeting in Singapore, to issue a declaration calling for a cessation in hostilities. He proposed a multi-point plan including a ceasefire and establishing a demilitarised zone by withdrawing 15 kilometres (nearly 10 miles) from each party's forward position. The demilitarised zone should be observed and monitored by a peacekeeping force deployed by the UN, he said, adding that a UN referendum should be held "to ascertain objectively the wishes of the majority of the inhabitants of the various disputed areas". "I propose that the Shangri-La dialogue find a mode of ... voluntary declaration urging both Ukraine and Russia to immediately start negotiations for peace," Prabowo said. Nikolenko said Russia had committed the act of aggression, occupying Ukrainian territories, and any proposals for a ceasefire would allow it to regroup and reinforce. "There are no disputed territories between Ukraine and the Russian Federation to hold referendums there," he said. "In the occupied territories, the Russian army commits war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide. Russia is now trying in every possible way to disrupt the Ukrainian counteroffensive." Russia has denied Ukrainian accusations of war crimes and genocide. Indonesia's proposal follows President Joko Widodo's visit last year to Moscow and Kyiv, where he offered to play peacebroker between their leaders and rekindle peace talks. He was chairman of the G20 group of major economies at the time. Speaking on the same panel, Josep Borrell Fontelles, high representative and vice president of the European Union's European Commission, noted that if military support for Ukraine stopped, the war would quickly end - but with that country's sovereignty falling to outside aggression. "We cannot stop supporting militarily Ukraine because we don't want the peace which is ... the peace of the surrender. The peace of the stronger," Borrell said. Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelenskiy has proposed a 10-point peace plan which calls on Russia to withdraw all its troops from Ukraine. Nikolenko urged Indonesia to support Zelenskiy's peace plan. (Reporting by Kanupriya Kapoor; Additional reporting by Olena Harmash in Kyiv; Editing by Gerry Doyle and David Holmes) A view of Men's Central Jail in Los Angeles. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times) An inmate worker at Mens Central Jail has tested positive for hepatitis A, prompting Los Angeles County health officials to warn those who were inside the facility last month that they may have been exposed to the highly contagious virus. Although jail officials said Friday that there are no other suspected cases, its not clear how many people might have been exposed during the viral incubation period from May 13 to Sunday. While that time frame coincides with a large group tour that included a federal judge, U.S. Department of Justice officials and attorneys with the American Civil Liberties Union, leaders in the Sheriffs Department said they did not believe the visitors had been exposed. They did not visit the housing area involved, nor did they eat any food, said Assistant Sheriff Sergio Aloma. The housing area involved, Aloma said, was a dorm in Module 3600 that houses 16 to 20 inmate workers known as trusties. Trusties typically have more freedom of movement than other incarcerated people and visit many locations through facilities in the course of their jobs. Sometimes they are involved in preparing and distributing meals to the jail population. Officials are still working to figure out whether the inmate worker handled food during that time, and what parts of the jail he worked in or visited. We are also investigating any other housing areas he may have been housed in during his stay, Aloma added. In the meantime, the county is offering hepatitis A vaccines to everyone in Mens Central Jail who might have been exposed, as well as anyone who was incarcerated there during the two-week incubation window. That time frame, officials said, was based on when the man reported his symptoms on Sunday. Afterward, Aloma said, he was transferred to Los Angeles General Medical Center and subsequently found to have hepatitis A. As of Friday evening, the man was still hospitalized. Its not clear whether he was infected before being booked into jail or if he contracted the virus behind bars. The confirmed hepatitis A case came as no surprise to Melissa Camacho, a senior staff attorney with the ACLU of Southern California who went along on last months tour. It's overcrowded and people are in close quarters, she said. Those concerns along with issues of poor mental health care, abuse of detainees and abysmal living conditions have played into a trio of longstanding lawsuits against the county alleging that inmates are treated so badly it violates the Constitution. Among the group that toured the jails in May was U.S. District Judge Dean D. Pregerson, who is hearing all three cases one of which is headed for a contempt hearing later this month. Its unfortunate that the DOJ, ACLU, county counsel and Judge Pregerson were potentially exposed, Camacho added, but it's much worse for people who had to live and work there during the entire period of the exposure. Hepatitis A is highly contagious, and people can spread it before they feel sick, according to a statement from the L.A. County Department of Public Health. The virus causes a short-term liver infection and is found in the stool and blood of infected individuals. Its usually transmitted by eating contaminated food or through close contact with someone who is infectious. Symptoms can include fever, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, dark urine or jaundice. Anyone who was incarcerated at Mens Central Jail during the exposure period and later develops hepatitis A symptoms should seek medical care, officials said. There is no specific antiviral therapy for the infection, so officials said vaccinations are the best preventative step. For people who may have been exposed, free vaccines will be available starting Saturday at Obregon Park and Ted Watkins Memorial Park from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays. Vaccines will also be available at the Market Street Center in Santa Clarita, but only on Thursday, Friday and Saturday from noon to 7 p.m., as that site is unavailable after June 11. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. An Israeli soldier cries outside a military base following a deadly shootout in southern Israel along the Egyptian border, Saturday, June 3, 2023. (AP Photo/Tsafrir Abayov) JERUSALEM (AP) A gunbattle along Israels southern border with Egypt left three Israeli soldiers and an Egyptian officer dead Saturday, officials said. It was a rare instance of deadly violence along the frontier. Israel said the Egyptian border guard crossed into Israel and killed the three soldiers before he was fatally shot by troops. Egypt said he had been chasing drug smugglers when he entered Israel. Israel and Egypt have been at peace for over 40 years and have strong security cooperation. Fighting between the sides is extremely rare. Lt. Col. Richard Hecht, an Israeli army spokesperson, said the fighting began overnight when soldiers thwarted a drug-smuggling attempt across the border. He said several hours later, two soldiers in a guard post were shot and killed. Their bodies were found after the shooting, when they did not respond to radio communications. The army said the Egyptian border guard was killed in a second exchange of fire in which a third Israeli soldier was killed. The Egyptian military said an Egyptian border guard crossed the border security barrier and exchanged fire with Israeli forces while he was chasing drug traffickers. It said in a statement that the Egyptian border guard was killed along with three Israeli troops. Hecht said an investigation was being conducted in full cooperation with the Egyptian army. He said troops were searching for other possible assailants. Egypts Defense Minister Gen. Mohamed Zaki spoke by phone with his Israeli counterpart to discuss the shooting on the border, and the mutual coordination to take measures to prevent such incidents in the future, the Egyptian military said in a statement. The Egyptian minister also offered condolences for the dead Israeli troops, it said. It was the first deadly exchange of fire along the Israel-Egypt border in over a decade. The Israeli army said one of the killed soldiers was a woman. Criminals sometimes smuggle drugs across the border, while Islamic militant groups are also active in Egypts restive north Sinai. Israel and Egypt signed a peace agreement in 1979 and maintain close security ties. Fighting along their shared border is rare. The exchange of fire reportedly took place around the Nitzana border crossing between Israel and Egypt. The crossing is located about 40 kilometers (25 miles) southeast of the point where Israels border with Egypt and the Gaza Strip converge. It's used to import goods from Egypt destined for Israel or the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip. Israel built a fence along the porous border a decade ago to halt the entry of African migrants and Islamic militants who are active in Egypts Sinai desert. Demonstrators against the government's judicial overhaul bill throng Tel Aviv for the 22nd week running Tens of thousands of demonstrators thronged Tel Aviv and other Israeli cities on Saturday for the 22nd consecutive week to protest against a controversial plan to reform Israel's judicial system. The government's reform proposals would curtail the authority of the Supreme Court and give politicians greater powers over the selection of judges. In March, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had announced a "pause" to allow for talks on the reforms, which were moving through parliament and split the nation. Israeli media said nearly 100,000 people gathered in Tel Aviv for Saturday's protest. The police do not supply official figures for the number of demonstrators. On Friday, several hundred Israelis had protested outside Netanyahu's private residence in Caesarea north of Tel Aviv in a demonstration police labelled as unauthorised. There were at least 17 arrests. "We will keep demonstrating to show them that even if they have paused in the reform plan we will stay mobilised -- they will not be able to pass laws on the sly," said 55-year-old dentist Ilit Fayn at Saturday's Tel Aviv protest. "It's important for us to eliminate the possibility of Israel becoming a dictatorship," added Arnon Oshri, a 66-year-old farmer. Netanyahu's government, a coalition between his Likud party and extreme-right and ultra-Orthodox Jewish allies, argues that the proposed changes are needed to rebalance powers between lawmakers and the judiciary. But opponents of the plan believe it could open the way to a more authoritarian government. "This corrupt government is full of outlaws who are degrading our country to the level of a third world country," Oshri said. "It took 2,000 years for the Jewish people to have a state, and we cannot lose it because of a bunch of fanatics." sha-dms/srm/jsa Jacksonville Humane Society Challenges Community to Provide Unique Names for Kittens During June Matching Donation Campaign Every year, the Jacksonville Humane Society (JHS) provides compassionate care to more than 4,000 kittens. Donations from community members make it possible for kittens to receive everything from warm blankets to nutritious food and compassionate veterinary care including vaccinations, medications and spay/neuter surgeries. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< Due to kitten season, or the time of year when an influx of kittens are born and end up in area shelters, JHS can take in anywhere from 100-200 kittens every week during warmer weather months like June, July and August. JHS is now challenging the community to help them provide names for each and every kitten. From June 1 to 30, 2023, community members can make a donation and also suggest a name for a cat or kitten who arrives at JHS. Thanks to a generous donor, all gifts up to $30,000 will be matched. This provides JHS with the opportunity to raise up to $60,000 in just 30 days and also collect a wide variety of unique and creative names for the many kittens. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] JHS ran a similar campaign in June of 2022 and some of the stand-out names included celebrity inspired monikers like Meghan Meowarkle, Fuzz Lightyear and Catrick Swayze, while naming kittens after food was also a popular choice with suggestions like Sushi, Pickles, and even Mayonnaise. With so many kittens coming in, we truly need the communitys help and also their creativity, said Denise Deisler, JHS CEO. Weve been through just about every name in the kitten book, and were really looking forward to the new and different ones that this campaign will bring in. We hope they have as much fun suggesting names as we do reading them! A name suggestion can be made with each donation on the JHS website: jaxhumane.org/donate. Donations must be a minimum $5.00 and names must be appropriate. Due to the volume of kittens, JHS cannot send pictures of kittens to donors, however, kittens will appear on the JHS website when they are available for adoption. Donations can be made online via jaxhumane.org or by calling 904.493.4566 and all donations made prior to midnight on June 30, 2023 will be matched up to $30,000 total. [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. SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Japan will not use its growing military strength to threaten other countries, its defence minister said on Saturday, while affirming its aim to prioritise diplomatic efforts and dialogue to avert misunderstandings. "We do not seek rivalry or conflict," Yasukazu Hamada said in a speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue, a security conference in Singapore with 600 delegates from 49 countries. Japanese aggression before and during World War Two is still a cause of tension in relations with some countries, especially South Korea and China. The United States in 1947 imposed a constitution on Japan that renounces war but in recent years governments have been boosting defence capacities and in December, Japan unveiled its biggest military build-up since the war. Hamada said Japan did not aim to establish military power to pose a threat to others. The defence ministry would pursue diplomatic efforts first, he said. "As a nation that generally desire peace, we aim to enhance our own and original deterrent capabilities and promote the resolution to differences in interest and opinions through dialogue," he said. Under a five-year defence, which will double defence spending, Japan will acquire longer-range missiles that it hopes will deter China from resorting to force in East Asia. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's government worries that Russia's attack on Ukraine could embolden China to attack neighbouring Taiwan. (Reporting by Yuka Obayashi and Tim Kelly; Editing by Robert Birsel) Jill Duggar Dillard says she felt pressured to help her family after her molestation was made public All eyes were on Josh Duggar in 2015 when news broke that he had molested five girls as a teenager. But his sister, Jill Duggar Dillard, says she felt pressured to rehabilitate the "19 Kids and Counting'" family's image, even as she was named as one of her brother's victims. The reality star, who is now a wife and mother of three, looks back on her family's public fall from grace in a new Prime Video docuseries. In it, she says she felt pressured to do a TV interview with Fox News' Megyn Kelly after her brother's public scandal. At the time, Josh had acknowledged in a public statement that the sexual abuse allegations against him were true. In hindsight, I wouldnt have done the Megyn Kelly stuff. I felt like I was in a place again of bearing the burden and the weight of (my family). Even though you volunteer, its like you feel obligated to help, she says in the docuseries titled Shiny, Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets." Jill Duggar Dillard and her sister Jessa Duggar Seewald told Fox News they had forgiven their brother and seemed to downplay his actions. At one point, Jill Duggar Dillard said Josh Duggar touched his sisters while they were sleeping and explained that they didn't even realize it had happened until their parents told them about it later on. In the Prime Video docuseries, Jill Duggar Dillard says that she doesn't like to discuss the traumatic experience at length. However, her cousin Amy King offers new details in the same documentary. Jill has strength and tenacity. She is not one to just keep quiet and silent, and so she's the one that really did something about Josh and hit him the night that he tried to do something to her, she says. Robert Wagner And The Duggar Family Visit \ Jill Duggar Dillard's husband, Derek Dillard, also appears in the docuseries, and criticizes Jill's parents, Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar, for asking their daughters to do the interview. "The whole Megyn Kelly thing, I would not call it voluntary. Basically (it was) being called on to carry out a suicide mission: 'Youre gonna destroy yourself, but we need you to take the fall so that we can carry the show forward, because the show cannot fail,'" he says. And they were gonna do whatever they could to get the return on their investment, and if that meant collateral damage that meant collateral damage. TODAY.com reached out to Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar for comment but did not hear back. The couple did share a statement on their official website. They described the docuseries as sad, and said it paints so much and so many in a derogatory and sensationalized way. We have always believed that the best chance to repair damaged relationships, or to reconcile differences, is through love in a private setting. We love every member of our family and will continue to do all we can to have a good relationship with each one, the couple wrote. Jill Duggar Dillard describes her interview with Fox News as something she "felt obligated" to do for "the sake of the show" and her parents. But despite the familys efforts to downplay Josh Duggars actions, 19 Kids and Counting was still canceled and Jill Duggar Dillard says she felt partially responsible. (The Megyn Kelly interview) didnt save everything. It wasnt enough, she says. Megyn Kelly was an NBC correspondent and a TODAY co-host in 2017 and 2018. After "19 Kids and Counting" was canceled, TLC debuted a spinoff show featuring Jill and her sisters, called Counting On. Duck Dynasty's Phil Robertson and The Duggars Speak At CPAC (Kris Connor / Getty Images) Jim Bobs clawing to get the show back as quick as possible. TLC was like, Well we cant focus on you and your wife or any of the kids in the home 'cause thats too close to ground zero,' Derek Dillard says in the docuseries. TODAY.com reached out to TLC for comment, but did not get a response. Jill Duggar Dillard was not exactly psyched to have the cameras rolling once again, she explains in the documentary. We were being pressured to come back. I didnt want to but at the same time, Ive never said No to my family before ... I felt like if I said No, Im not obeying my parents and bad things are going to happen to me, she tells the docuseries filmmakers. Ultimately, the reality star obliged her family's request and appeared on the new series for 11 seasons over the course of five years. When she and her husband were living in El Salvador, filming got a bit tricky. TLC was flying out to the country to film the couple, but when they asked them to return to the United States for a shoot, they say in the documentary that they resisted, calling it a "matter of principle." That was the first time that we really put our foot down and said No. Ive never said No to my family before and just been like No, no, no, we cannot do what youre asking us to do," Jill Duggar Dillard says. "And it was one of those Aha moments for us." One of the docuseries' filmmakers, Cori Shepherd Stern, tells TODAY.com she was impressed with how open the reality star was during the filming process. "She really touched me deeply as a filmmaker. As a human being, I thought she was incredibly brave to come on camera and I hope weve done justice to her story," she says. This article was originally published on TODAY.com From the first time he met Demonte Sherrill, it was clear to Leon Branch what sort of person he was. Branch had been struggling to roll a large stump off his lawn when Sherrill was walking by and noticed his difficulties. The young man immediately went to his house, got a chainsaw and helped Branch dispose of the wood. He was always there to help, Branch said. More than 100 friends and family members, flocking from states as far as California, packed into a small brick church in Kannapolis Saturday afternoon to pay their respects to Sherrill, one of the two construction workers killed in a massive fire that consumed an apartment building under construction near SouthPark Mall last month. Sherrill, a 30-year-old father of four, captured much of the nations attention with his final Facebook Live video, in which he said was trapped inside a burning building and shouted for help. The buildings on fire, and I cant get out, he said into his cellphone while holding cloth to cover his mouth. Its getting harder and harder for them to see us. Sherrills mother told WSOC that she watched the final moments of her sons life on that video, praying he would be able to find his way to safety. But just from the (Facebook) Live and the way the room filled up with smoke, I didnt see there being any hope at that time, she said. Family was everything to him Sherrill loved to fish for bass in Lake Norman, play practical jokes on friends and feast on home-cooked meals, according to family members and friends who attended the memorial service at Covenant Presbyterian Church. But nothing was more important to the man friends called Tey than his four children two boys and two girls, ages 5 to 13, family members said. Sherrills wife, the mother of his four children, died from COVID-19 in 2021. Now the childrens grandparents will care for them. As of Saturday, a Go FundMe effort had raised nearly $25,000 to help support the children. Sherrill, a native of Kannapolis, wanted his children to be able to accomplish something he never go to do: graduate from college. The pride and joy of his life was his children, said Rev. William Eddleman Jr., a cousin of Sherrills. Family was everything to him. Eddleman remembers how Sherrill comforted his daughter after her boyfriend drowned. And how his jokes invariably got his children laughing. He was a joy, Eddleman said. He had one of the purest hearts of anyone I ever met ... He didnt want to hurt anybody. He just wanted to have some fun. But he didnt back down from bullies, said Julisha Massey, a friend who grew up with him. She remembers riding the school bus home with him in elementary school when another boy began picking on her. Sherrill told the boy to back off.. He was just a sweet, loving boy, Massey said. Trapped in an inferno The May 18 fire that claimed Sherrills life was one of the largest blazes Charlotte has seen in decades. Fire officials said the five-alarm blaze was accidental and started in a spray-foam insulation trailer at the construction site. The cause remains under investigation. A structure of a building is seen after the fire at a Charlottes South Park neighborhood Thursday morning. Sherrill and the other victim, 58-year-old Reuben Holmes, were on the sixth floor of the building when the fire broke out. The two men worked for an Atlanta-based company that installed windows and doors. Charlotte Fire Department Chief Reginald Johnson said firefighters who tried to rescue the two men had to call a Mayday because they became trapped on the same floor due to limited visibility. Firefighters rescued 15 other workers, including a crane operator who was stranded 160 feet in the air for more than an hour, with the crane threatening collapse. Fueled by stacks of wood on the construction site, the fire reached temperatures above 2,000 degrees, fire officials said. EVANSVILLE A recent ruling by a federal judge raised fresh questions about Pigeon Township Trustee Mariama Wilson's continued ability to work from the township's Eighth Street offices without violating the terms of her pretrial release agreement. Wilson, who federal prosecutors indicted in April alongside two codefendants for allegedly stealing thousands of dollars intended for a homeless shelter, is barred from contacting potential witnesses or victims, even indirectly, as she awaits trial. But Wilson continues to sporadically work from the township's offices and speaks to a close circle of associates while there. A May 17 order by U.S. District Court Judge Matthew P. Brookman found that township employees were "potential witnesses." The township itself was an "alleged victim," Brookman found. State Audit: Pigeon Township trustee, employee should repay nearly $90,000 Wilson's indictment, which prosecutors unsealed in April, charged her and the township's community relations director, William E. Payne, with five counts of wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, Zach Myers, accused Wilson and Payne of accepting about $19,000 each in illegal payments intended to fund the Dorothea McGregor Family Shelter which sits across the street from the Pigeon Township Trustee's Office. Both Wilson and Payne pleaded not guilty in federal court. A third person, Terrance D. Hardiman, pleaded guilty May 8 to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering for allegedly participating in a kickback scheme with Wilson and Payne. Judge's order blocked Payne from resuming township work The May 17 order from Brookman barred Payne from working for the township after Payne petitioned the court to modify the conditions of his pretrial release agreement. More: Indicted Pigeon Township aide requests approval to return to work Prosecutors opposed Payne's motion and, in a legal filing, alleged Payne had already been fired by the Pigeon Township Trustee's Office effectively rendering his motion moot. Pigeon Township attorney Ryan Hatfield later confirmed Payne's employment with the township ended April 28. Brookman ultimately sided with prosecutors, but his ruling made little mention of Payne's employment status. Instead, Brookman zeroed in on the potential for township work to put a defendant in this case Payne into close contact with witnesses and victims. "Pigeon Township is properly considered an alleged victim, and its employees (are) potential witnesses," Brookman noted in his order. "Therefore, to avoid any contact with a potential victim, witnesses or co-defendant, it would not be appropriate for defendant Payne to work at or for the Pigeon Township Trustee's Office while on pretrial release." In short, Brookman found the risk of Payne coming into contact with potential witnesses and alleged victims too great to justify allowing him to return to work on township property irrespective of his current employment status. But what about Wilson, who has continued to work from Pigeon Township's Eighth Street offices since her indictment? More: Contractor pleads guilty in alleged Pigeon Township kickback scheme According to federal court records, Wilson is bound by the same pre-trial release condition Brookman cited in his order barring Payne from working at the township: Condition 7(g), which states: "[The defendant must] avoid all contact, directly or indirectly, with any person who is or may be a victim or witness in the investigation or prosecution..." It is unclear what measures Wilson has put in place to avoid contact with potential witnesses when she works from the Pigeon Township Trustee's Office, or when she works remotely. The Courier & Press submitted a detailed list of questions to Myers' office. An office spokesperson said there would be "no comment" regarding Wilson's activities. Township attorney says there is no court order barring Wilson from continued work In response to questions about Wilson's continued presence at the township's offices, its attorney, Hatfield, said there was no court order barring Wilson from working there in person. He declined to comment further on matters pertaining to Wilson's criminal case. More: Here's what happens when a township trustee is charged with a crime in Indiana The U.S. Probation Office is tasked with monitoring Wilson as she awaits further court proceedings. Supervisory Probation Officer Sabina H. Delgado, who oversees probation operations for the Southern District in Evansville, said, "we don't talk to the media," when a Courier & Press reporter requested to ask questions about Wilson's pretrial release agreement. Wilson's criminal defense attorney, Jeffrey A. Baldwin, did not respond to a voicemail message the Courier & Press left at his Indianapolis office seeking answers about how Wilson could continue to work for Pigeon Township without coming into contact with potential witnesses. Complicating matters further is the fact state law permits elected officials to continue working even if they are accused of a crime. Wilson can remain in her position if she chooses while court proceedings continue. As of Friday afternoon, federal prosecutors had filed no motions indicating they believed her presence at the township's offices exposed her to improper interactions with potential witnesses. Township cancels closed-door meeting after notice called into question The township's advisory board scheduled an executive session for 4:30 p.m. Friday to discuss "litigation" and "personnel matters." An executive session means the public, and members of the media, are not permitted to attend. But as of Friday morning, that meeting had been canceled marking the second time this week the township canceled a planned executive session. The advisory board had to call off a meeting scheduled for Tuesday evening after it failed to post any public notice, according to Hatfield. A notice of an executive session posted outside the Pigeon Township Trustee's Office stated the meeting had been cancelled on Friday, June 2, 2023. Hatfield posted notice of the rescheduled Friday meeting on Wednesday afternoon. The next day, the Courier & Press reported that the notice lacked specific statutory citations outlining the advisory board's justification for holding the meeting behind closed doors. As of Friday morning, the public notice for the meeting featured the word "canceled" in large, handwritten letters. Houston Harwood can be contacted at houston.harwood@courierpress.com This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: Judge bars William Payne from work at Pigeon Township with Mariama Wilson Jury finds man guilty in 2017 murder of well-known Charlotte store owner Jury finds man guilty in 2017 murder of well-known Charlotte store owner A jury on Friday found a man guilty in the fatal shooting of 45-year-old Massaquoi Kotay, a well-known Charlotte store owner. Shalome Scott and Desmond Black went into the Liberian immigrants North End Convenience Store on Jan. 12 2017, the District Attorneys Office stated in a news release. READ MORE: 2nd man charged in slaying of Charlotte store owner Scott shot Kotay and fled the scene. Kotay died as he ran to a neighboring store for help. Scott was found guilty of first-degree murder and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He was sentenced to life in prison, the DA stated. The trial began on May 15. Black previously pled guilty in connection with the crime. King County official calls out KCRHA on release of 5-year plan A King County official called out the King County Regional Homelessness Authority after the organization released its 5-year plan. Vice Chair Reagan Dunn called for the organization to disband after he saw the plan. He said its vague and doesnt account for what he calls a jaw-dropping multi-billion dollars the KCRHA asked for, but the King County Regional Homelessness Authority said they didnt ask for nearly $12 billion for the plan, and Dunn has his wires crossed. Its insanely high. That would be the entire King County budget and the city of Seattle budget combined for homelessness, said King County Vice Chair Reagan Dunn. If you do the math its about $860k per homeless individual in King County. Thats a lot of money, he added. Dunn is so against the plan he wrote an op-ed for the Seattle Times on Thursday. Friday, the King County Regional Homelessness Authority said that article was full of what they called factual errors. The organization, who declined an in-person interview, said the $12 billion came from the Washington State Department of Commerce and based on modeling from the WA State Department of Commerce, that would be the full cost of creating enough permanent housing and temporary shelter to end homelessness in our community, per their statement to KIRO 7 on Friday. The Homelessness Authority also said, The 5-Year Plan is a strategic plan; it is not a budget request. They said the plan uses money already set aside in annual budgets. The 2023 budget is set for about $253 million and 2024s is projected to be about $250 million. Seattle and King County officials set those numbers, and Dunn said they should be in charge of the homeless response in lieu of the Homelessness Authority. The City of Seattle and King County punted to a regional homeless authority because they didnt have the courage to make the tough decisions, said Vice Chair Dunn. In that 5-year plan, the KCRHA laid out their progress too. They noted a crisis center network in the works, the number of housing units made available and the number of people places into units. They also tout a $150 million state investment for encampment resolution and 13 long-standing camps, resolved. Theres over 400 in the city of Seattle alone. Seattles just one of 39 cities in King County. We have homelessness problems developing rapidly in the unincorporated areas, said Dunn. Dunns main critique of the plan is the emphasis on putting people into homes first. From someone thats in recovery themselves theres nobody youre going to be able to keep in subsidized housing if you dont address the underlying drug problems, mental health problems, said Vice Chair Dunn. The KCRHA argues housing is crucial to help with recovery, Housing first is actually housing + services. It is the stability of housing that allows other services like health care, education, and employment supports to be effective. Dunn says in 2023 the city of Seattle and King County will vote on whether to continue with the King County Regional Homelessness Authority. Dunn said as of now, hes a no vote. Mikhail Bulgakov was born in Kyiv in 1891 when it was part of the Russian empire A defaced plaque on a picturesque Kyiv street has become the latest sign of the culture war simmering in Ukraine as the country battles Russia's invasion. The monument to Russian author Mikhail Bulgakov, author of the classic novel "The Master and Margarita", was recently sprayed with red paint. The plaque is on the facade of the 19th-century house in Kyiv where Bulgakov grew up, which became a museum in the early 1990s. The museum's director, Lyudmyla Gubianuri, told AFP there was no plan to remove the red paint from the plaque. "We aren't taking it off because for us, this is also a kind of communication," she said. "The fact that they threw paint on it, for us it's also a sign that we as a museum haven't done enough work." She has drawn up a sign to hang under the defaced plaque, saying: "history should be studied, not rejected". She also linked the protest to the war. "It's all of course connected with the war with Russia. It's absolutely obvious and clear why it happened." "It's a very difficult time for the country, and people in wartime now think in the categories 'black and white'". - 'Decolonisation' movement - The museum had recently changed the inscription on the plaque. Originally, it was written in Russian and called Bulgakov a "Russian, Soviet writer". A new inscription was put up last month calling him simply a "prominent Kyiv resident, doctor and writer". Bulgakov was born in Kyiv in 1891 when it was part of the Russian empire. He wrote in Russian and spent the last two decades of his life in Soviet-era Moscow, writing novels, plays and newspaper columns. In his work, he made disparaging comments about Ukraine's language and culture and its struggle for independence. The start of full-scale war last year has led to new laws and dismantling of more and more monuments linked to Russian culture. As part of this movement, Ukraine in April passed a law on "decolonisation" of street signs, monuments, memorials and inscriptions. - 'Hater of Ukraine' - A schoolboy, Mykhailo Soboliev, 16, later told AFP he was the one who had sprayed on the paint as "an act of public protest" with the goal of "de-Russification and decolonisation of Kyiv". He and his parents consented to the publication of his name. Soboliev said that he had taken part in protest actions over other Soviet-era monuments in the city, including a graffiti-covered statue of Russian national poet, Alexander Pushkin. In September, protesters sprayed slogans on the Pushkin statue calling for its demolition. Soboliev accused the Bulgakov museum of a kind of "manipulation" to get round decolonisation rules, by removing the inscription saying that Bulgakov was a Russian writer. Bulgakov saw Kyiv as a "province of Moscow," he said. "We believe that the problem is that Bulgakov was against Ukrainian statehood. He was against the Ukrainian language. He ridiculed people who changed their surname in the Ukrainian way." "I don't understand why the Bulgakov Museum is in Kyiv," Soboliev said. The National Union of Writers of Ukraine has also urged the museum's closure. In a statement, it called Bulgakov a "hater of sovereign Ukraine". am/pvh/ach Within a day of the launch of the service for feedback on the state of shelters, Kyiv residents had sent in over a thousand complaints. Source: Kyiv Mayor Vitalii Klitschko on Telegram Details: Klitschko clarified that almost half of the complaints were about shelters being closed, a quarter were that they were in poor condition, and another quarter were that there were no shelters nearby. The mayor stated that this information would be submitted to the Department of Municipal Security and other services by the end of the day. Background: Ihor Klymenko, the Interior Minister of Ukraine, said that as of the morning of 3 June, law enforcement officers had inspected more than 4,800 shelters in the country. Almost 900 were unsuitable for use. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! The St. Johns County Sheriffs Office reported four individuals have sustained injuries in a reported stabbing near a Ponte Vedra Beach restaurant Saturday afternoon. St. Johns County Sheriffs Office (SJSO) responded to a distressing call for service regarding a reported stabbing in the 100 block of Valley Circle near Mr. Chubbys Wings. According to SJSO, at approximately 4:30 p.m., law enforcement agencies descended upon the 150 block of Valley Circle in Ponte Vedra following the alarming call for service. When arriving at the scene, four individuals sustained injuries and were transported to nearby hospitals for immediate medical attention. The SJSO Major Crimes is on the scene and have begun its investigation into the incident, seeking to solve the circumstances behind the violent act. While details surrounding the incident remain scarce, authorities have stated that this appears to be an isolated event, with no outstanding suspects currently being pursued. Eyewitnesses at the scene reported a large police presence, accompanied by the aerial support of a helicopter. Additionally, St. Johns County Fire Rescue was observed lending their assistance, underscoring the severity of the injuries sustained by the victims. Action News Jax is working to learn more details and updates regarding this incident. This is an ongoing investigation and will be updated when details arrive. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] [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. Law enforcers checked 5,000 shelters in Ukraine, almost 20% of them are unsuitable for use Ihor Klymenko, Interior Minister of Ukraine, said that as of the morning of 3 June, law enforcement officers had checked more than 4,800 shelters across the country, and almost 900 of them are unsuitable for use. Source: Klymenko, quoted by the press service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs Quote from Klymenko: "We checked more than 4,800 shelters across the country. 252 civil protection facilities were found to be closed, and 893 were unsuitable for use." Details: Klymenko said that inspections are conducted by more than 5,300 emergency workers, police officers and government officials. Background: On the night of 1 June 2023, during the Russian missile attack in the capital, three people were killed, including a child born in 2013. Residents tried to get into the shelter of a health centre in the Desnianskyi district, but the door was closed. Criminal proceedings have been initiated over this fact. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! Editor's Note: This is part one of A Lawful Life, a two-part series looking at the career of recently retired 97th District Judge Jack McGaughey. He has been active on the legal scene in North Texas for decades, involved in high-profile cases in different roles. Part two is coming soon. Jack McGaughey, who just retired as 97th District Court judge, played a key role in one of Wichita Falls' most sensational murder cases, drawing criticism and political consequences for a controversial decision. Longtime Judge Jack McGaughey retired May 31, 2023, as 97th District judge. He stands in front of the bench at the Clay County Courthouse in Henrietta May 15, 2023, just before a retirement party in his honor. Years passed before time and technology proved McGaughey made the right decision. On Jan. 19, 1985, Toni Jean Gibbs, a 23-year-old nurse at Wichita General Hospital, failed to show up for her late-night shift. Gibbs, a petite blonde woman, was a native of Clayton, New Mexico, who came to Midwestern State University on an art scholarship but switched to nursing. Her parents told investigators their daughter had complained of getting scary phone calls for several weeks in which the caller described what she had been wearing and said nasty things. As authorities and volunteers searched for Gibbs, the community was on edge. Teri Simms, a technician at Bethania Hospital, had been found stabbed to death in a home on Bell Street a month earlier in Wichita Falls. The murder of Toni Jean Gibbs in 1985 captured the headlines in Wichita Falls for weeks, The Gibbs disappearance on the heels of the Simms murder was big news even though authorities denied any connection between the two cases. It made headlines every day and was on the TV news every night for weeks. On Feb. 16, a Texas Electric worker found Gibbs nude body near an abandoned school bus in a field on West Jentsch Road. She had been stabbed repeatedly. Gibbs was murdered barely inside the Archer County line, so McGaughey, a young district attorney for the 97th Judicial District at the time, teamed with Wichita County DA Barry Macha to resolve the case. The 97th District includes Archer, Clay and Montague counties. By mid-April, investigators were eyeing a potential suspect, a 24-year-old nightclub bouncer named Danny Wayne Laughlin. He was called before an Archer County grand jury. He was evasive in a lot of his answers. It was clear from his testimony he knew Toni Gibbs. He worked at a bar or restaurant where she would occasionally come with friends," McGaughey recalled. Laughlin knew the area where the body was found, the retired judge said. "He kind of became a natural suspect, McGaughey said. He also recalled Laughlins behavior was odd. Most people when they become a suspect will try to distance themselves from the investigation. If anything, he wanted to be in the middle of it, McGaughey said. He painted a target on his own back. Nightclub bouncer Danny Laughlin was charged with the murder of Toni Gibbs. A hung jury in the case led to a mistrial. On May 6, Laughlin was indicted for lying to the grand jury about not being in the field where Gibbs body was found. Then in October, the grand jury indicted him for murder although McGaughey had misgivings about the case from the beginning. He said the prosecutors could prove Laughlins presence in the field but not a lot more. Laughlin's murder trial began in Gainesville on a change of venue on April 10, 1986. Barry and I, after looking it over, thought we had a circumstantial case, and we put it to the jury, McGaughey said. A Texas Ranger testified that Laughlin admitted being in the field, seeing Gibbs' body and being aware of evidence that was never publicly disclosed. A woman testified she had seen Laughlin in the field days before body was discovered. An inmate in the Archer County Jail where Laughlin had been held testified Laughlin told him he had killed Gibbs. But the defense presented evidence Laughlin was at work at the time Gibbs vanished. The jury deadlocked with 11 jurors convinced Laughlin was innocent. We couldnt really link him to the crime, McGaughey said. The judge declared a mistrial. Law-enforcement officers, Gibbs family and Macha wanted to move ahead with a second trial. My thought was, we nearly had a disaster here. If its not guilty the next time, thats the end of it, McGaughey said, referring to the possibility of double jeopardy. He dismissed the case against Laughlin in December. It was a difficult decision, he said. It takes a political toll. It may have played a role in the election where I was defeated. Fast forward a dozen years and authorities arrested a suspect in the murder of Terri Sims. DNA eventually led to the conviction of Faryion Wardrip in the murders of Toni Gibbs and four other women. He has been awaiting execution on Texas death row for nearly 24 years. Faryion Edward Wardrip, 39, was eventually also charged in the murders of Gibbs and Ellen Blau, 21, whose body was found in a field in October 1985. He had already served 11 years in prison after he confessed to the murder of Tina Killebrew, 21, found dead in her apartment on Seymour Road in May 1986. Wardrip also confessed to killing Debra Taylor, 25, in March 1985 in Fort Worth. Wardrip was linked to the cases after an investigator, the late John Little of the Wichita County DA's Office, obtained his DNA from a paper cup. Although authorities initially denied any links in the rash of murders of young women here in the mid-1980s, Wardrip became Wichita Falls' first and to date only proven serial killer. I was glad to see that happen, McGaughey said of the conviction that justified the dismissal of the charges against Laughlin. Wardrip was sentenced to death, but through legal maneuvering, he has remained alive on death row for 24 years. Jack McGaughey, recently retired as a district judge, made a controversial call in one of Wichita Falls' highest profile murder cases. Time proved him right. Whatever political damage McGaughey may have incurred as a result of dismissing the murder case against Laughlin was short-lived. McGaughey was eventually appointed to his former post as DA for the 97th District and was elected judge in 2012. He retired from the post May 31. Over a long career he worked several high-profile cases, including that of infamous, self-confessed serial killer Henry Lee Lucas. He was arrested in 1983 in Montague County. Laughlin served prison time in Texas on some burglary convictions and served six months for the abduction and rape of a woman in Arizona. He was killed in a motorcycle accident in Colorado in 1993. McGaughey remembers him as a flamboyant man who liked to focus attention on himself and believes he may have seen Gibbs body in the field before authorities found it. Laughlin's love of the spotlight brought him one juror shy of a murder conviction. He wanted his 15 minutes of fame, McGaughey said. More: Two Wichita Falls cyclists killed in wreck near Dean More: Judge tightens Anthony Patterson's bail conditions This article originally appeared on Wichita Falls Times Record News: McGaughey recalls controversial role in high-profile murder case People stand at the entrance of a destroyed supermarket in Dakar, Senegal, Saturday, June 3, 2023. Senegal's government says at least nine people have been killed in violent clashes between police and supporters of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko, with authorities issuing a blanket ban on the use of several social media platforms in the aftermath of the violence. (AP Photo/Leo Correa) DAKAR, Senegal (AP) The number of people killed in days of clashes between Senegalese police and supporters of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko has now risen to 15, including two security officers, the government said on Saturday. While Dakar was calmer on Saturday, clashes continued into the evening. In residential neighborhoods, protesters threw rocks at police, barricaded roads and set tires on fire. The army patrolled the streets as police fired tear gas at the demonstrators, inspecting and detaining people deemed to be causing trouble. Residents peered over the rooftops of buildings, both shielding for cover and watching the clashes. The clashes first broke out on Thursday, after Sonko was convicted of corrupting youth but acquitted on charges of raping a woman who worked at a massage parlor and making death threats against her. Sonko, who didnt attend his trial in Dakar, was sentenced to two years in prison. His lawyer said a warrant hadnt yet been issued for his arrest. Sonko came third in Senegals 2019 presidential election and is popular with the countrys youth. His supporters maintain his legal troubles are part of a government effort to derail his candidacy in the 2024 presidential election. Sonko is considered President Macky Salls main competition and has urged Sall to state publicly that he wont seek a third term in office. The international community has called on Senegals government to resolve the tensions. Frances ministry for Europe and foreign affairs said it was extremely concerned by the violence and called for a resolution to this crisis, in keeping with Senegals long democratic tradition. Rights groups have condemned the government crackdown, which has included arbitrary arrests and restrictions on social media. Some social media sites used by demonstrators to incite violence, such as Facebook, WhatsApp and Twitter have been suspended, for nearly two days. The U.S. State Department issued a statement deploring the violence. Senegals strong record of democratic governance, rule of law, and peaceful coexistence is something for which the Senegalese people can be rightfully proud. We urge all parties to voice their views in a peaceful manner, departmental spokesperson Matthew Miller said. Senegalese are blaming the government for the violence and the loss of lives. One woman, Seynabou Diop, told The Associated Press on Saturday that her 21-year-old son, Khadim, was killed in the protests, shot by a bullet to the chest. I feel deep pain. Whats happening is hard. Our children are dying. I never thought Id have to go through this, she said. This was the first time her son, a disciplined and kind mechanic, had joined in the protests, rushing out of the house as soon as he heard Sonko was convicted, she said. I think Macky Sall is responsible. If hed talked to the Senegalese people, especially young people, maybe we wouldnt have all these problems, said Diop. The Associated Press cannot verify the cause of death. The family said an autopsy was underway. Corrupting young people, which includes using ones position of power to have sex with people under the age of 21, is a criminal offense in Senegal, punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $6,000. Under Senegalese law, Sonkos conviction would bar him from running in next years election, said Bamba Cisse, another defense lawyer. However, the government said that Sonko could ask for a retrial once he was imprisoned. It was unclear when he would be taken into custody. If violence continues, it could threaten the country's institutions, say analysts. Never in their worst forms of nightmare (would) Senegalese have thought of witnessing the prevailing forms of apocalyptic and irrational violence, said Alioune Tine, founder of Afrikajom Center, a West African think tank. The most shared feeling about the current situation is fear, stress, exhaustion and helplessness. Thus what the people are now seeking for is peace, he said. The West African country has been seen as a bastion of democratic stability in the region. Sonko hasn't been heard from or seen since the verdict. In a statement Friday, his PASTEF-Patriots party called on Senegalese to amplify and intensify the constitutional resistance until President Sall leaves office. Government spokesman Abdou Karim Fofana said the damage caused by months of demonstrations had cost the country millions of dollars. He argued the protesters themselves posed a threat to democracy. These calls (to protest), its a bit like the anti-republican nature of all these movements that hide behind social networks and dont believe in the foundations of democracy, which are elections, freedom of expression, but also the resources that our (legal) system offers, Fofana said. Editor's note: This story has been updated to reflect that Lenawee County Commissioner Dawn Bales, R-Madison Twp., received a phone call from commission chair Jim Van Doren prior to the commission's special meeting Thursday night and that she questioned Van Doren whether he was acting on behalf of the county or Lenawee Now. ADRIAN Lenawee County has yet to receive the results of a forensic audit of Lenawee Nows financials, but that hasnt stopped some on the county commission in trying to get its funding approved. In a special night meeting Thursday, commissioner Dustin Krasny, R-Cambridge Twp., made a motion to approve a $150,000 yearly allocation to the economic development corporation. Lenawee County Commissioner Dustin Krasny, R-Cambridge Twp. The commission had just unanimously approved paying for an audit at an amount not to exceed $20,000 at its personnel ways and means committee meeting last month, but not without heated debate. At Thursdays meeting, commissioner Dawn Bales, R-Madison Twp., took issue with commission chair Jim Van Doren, R-Tipton, calling her on the phone the previous morning and pushing her to vote in favor of providing the funding to Lenawee Now prior to the audit. Lenawee County Commissioner Dawn Bales, R-Madison Township Bales said that Van Doren several times during the conversation brought up her relationship with Premier Bank, which is a Lenawee Now investor. The banks CEO also sits on the Lenawee Now board of directors. Bales is a vice president and community banking center manager for Premier Bank, which has offices in Adrian and Tecumseh. Bales said that when she votes as a commissioner her vote is on behalf of her District 4 constituents in Dover, Madison, Seneca and Fairfield townships, not on behalf of Premier Bank. She pointed out that many on the county commission ran in last years election on campaigns of transparency and questioned whether Van Doren was acting on behalf of the county commission or on behalf of Lenawee Now. Krasny brought up the commissions vote in February to cover an amount not to exceed $520,000 toward paying the bills on a shortfall for the Kiwanis Trail Tecumseh Connection without a forensic audit. That amount allocated to the Kiwanis Regional Trail Authority is being paid for with a $300,000 grant from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and a combination of community organization and private donations. Krasny said that Lenawee Now was the only economic development entity that does work countywide and questioned other commissioners support of training workers and bringing jobs to Lenawee County and said that the audit seemed to be a punitive measure. The commission had pulled Lenawee Nows funding last year just after county administrator Kim Murphy announced that the proposed sports, business and community complex in Tecumseh dubbed Phoenix Project was shelved. At that time, Lenawee Now had asked for an independent audit of the finances of the project. Commissioner David Stimpson, R-Tecumseh, questioned the authenticity of Krasnys motion, saying that he wondered how many of Lenawee Nows investors had contributed to U.S. Rep. Tim Walbergs campaign. Krasny is Walbergs district director of operations. Commissioner Terry Collins, R-Adrian, said that all the commissioners ran on a campaign of transparency, credibility and consistency in November and emphasized that the vote to fund the forensic audit of Lenawee Nows financials last month was unanimous and even Lenawee Nows new executive director Patrick Farver supported the audit while present at that meeting. To compare this to the Kiwanis Trail Authority is not apples to apple, Collins said, noting that the KRTAs funding was a loan with a rebate, and that he was not even made aware that the Lenawee Now funding issue was being brought forward until Memorial Day weekend. He took issue with Krasnys comment that some commissioners do not support economic development. Lenawee County Commissioner Terry Collins, R-Adrian How dare you accuse me of that. I take that as an insult, Collins said. Commissioner Kevon Martis, R-Riga Twp., pointed out that he met with officials and citizens from six of the nine municipalities he represents in District 7. They all support the county restoring funding immediately. None of them could understand the need for a forensic audit. Several talked about the value Lenawee Now has brought to them in the past, Martis said. I told them I only voted for the forensic audit because it was the only path forward which could restore the relationship with Lenawee Now. Lenawee County Commissioner Kevon Martis, R-Riga Twp. He said he also told his constituents that he was disappointed when he found out that Murphy had audit data and tax returns from Lenawee Now and he was not given copies of the documents until after Farver brought them up at the May personnel ways and means committee meeting. Murphy turned those statements over to the countys corporate counsel for review and the firm found the statements incomplete. Ebony Duff, representing the firm Garan, Lucow, Miller P.C. of Detroit, Lenawee Countys corporate counsel, indicated at the committee meeting that a very limited amount of information was provided by Lenawee Now. She said there was not enough information to ensure that the nonprofit's funds are being used in the best interest of the county, however, there was nothing to indicate in what was provided that there were any improprieties or misuse of funds. For that, she said, the firm needs a full forensic review. Representing Garan, Lucow, Miller via video conference during the May committee meeting, attorney Peter Wordon indicated that the cost of the audit would range from $5,000 at the low end up to $20,000 at the high end. He said there were questions surrounding a $240,000 donation made by an organization, which his firm had requested information on to verify whether the donation was actually a loan, but Lenawee Now declined to provide the information. There were also questions surrounding the validity of Lenawee Nows audit because its auditor was named on the organizations website as an investor. Farver said the $240,000 investment Wordon was referring to came from the LION fund. On Lenawee Nows website it mentions that the fund was created by a group of investors and its name is the Lenawee Investment Opportunity Network Fund. The website says the fund is designed to provide entrepreneurs and startups access to funding to start or expand a small business. My opposition to the forensic audit has another root as well, Martis said. "How did a simple contract negotiation morph into an investigation of Lenawee Now? There has never been any claim of impropriety brought to my attention. And as I stated in the past, the timing and sudden nature of the motion and vote to repeal funding of Lenawee Now in relation to Project Phoenix cannot be disguised. But far worse, by continuing to demand a forensic audit of Lenawee Now, arent we really saying that the leadership of Lenawee Now cannot be trusted to be honest stewards of our taxpayers money? I am not willing to say that. Van Doren once again chided some on the commission for bringing up his past relationship with Lenawee Now as its previous executive director. There had been questions surrounding Van Dorens consulting relationship with Lenawee Now after he resigned. Van Doren again said that he no longer holds that position. Van Doren said that Lenawee Now, which was founded in 1916 was the only economic development entity for the county and that it has relationships with the Michigan Economic Development Corp., the Detroit Regional Partnership and the countys school districts. He noted that its board of directors is made up of educators, attorneys, certified public accountants, philanthropists and CEOs from around the county and said that it had positive audits for each year. The commission ultimately voted 4-3 against restoring Lenawee Nows funding prior to the audit. Krasny, Martis and Nancy Jenkins-Arno, R-Clayton, voted in favor of restoring funding and Bales, Stimpson, Collins and commissioner Ralph Tillotson, R-Adrian Twp., voted against the restoration of funding. Commissioner K.Z. Bolton, D-Adrian, was absent. In public comments following the vote, Adrian resident Victoria Powell took issue with Krasny and Martis, saying that the two commissioners were new to the commission and had little knowledge about the countys funding for Lenawee Now. Krasny was appointed in January 2022 to his District 2 seat covering Cambridge, Rome and Woodstock townships to fill the vacancy left by the September 2021 resignation of John Lapham, R-Cambridge Twp. Martis was elected to the commission in November of last year. She also said that it was not Van Dorens place to give a resume for Lenawee Now or to sell it and that Farvers absence from the sparsely attended meeting gives a loud and clear message to the people. It certainly does for me. Scott Peters, a resident in Krasnys district, brought up Project Phoenix and said that Jenkins-Arno was mistreated when she called for more time to study the issue prior to moving forward with the project. He said that he appreciated how Krasny has represented his district and the votes to restore Lenawee Nows funding from Jenkins-Arno and Martis. This article originally appeared on The Daily Telegram: Lenawee County commission divided over Lenawee Now funding The Holosiivskyi court in Kyiv has chosen pre-trial restrictions for the suspects in the case of a locked shelter at a clinic near which three people died on the night of 1 June in the capitals Desnianskyi district. Source: Suspilne Details: The first suspect in the case is Oleh Shyhalevych, director of the clinic. The prosecution requested 24-hour house arrest. The defence lawyer objected and requested that the measure be limited to overnight house arrest. According to the defence, the clinic director is not to blame, since he is not responsible for access to shelters: the clinics security guard is. He was placed under 24-hour house arrest. The second suspect is Vasyl Desyk, deputy director of the technical department. The court also placed him under 24-hour house arrest for two months. The court remanded the clinics security guard in custody for two months without bail. He pleaded guilty, saying that "after the air raid started, he went to open the door of the clinic to let people in, but he didn't have time." The first deputy head of the Desnianskyi District State Administration was also placed under 24-hour house arrest. Background: On the night of 1 June 2023, three people, including a child born in 2013, were killed in the capital during a missile attack by the Russian invaders. Residents tried to get to a shelter at a clinic in the Desnianskyi district, but the door was locked. Criminal proceedings were initiated in this case. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! Time to celebrate love! Kissimmees 2023 Pridefest was ready to fill the streets and celebrate the beginning of Pride Month on Saturday. Organizers said the event was a way to bring awareness and acknowledge the impacts made by the local LQBTQ+ community. Vendors packed Kissimmees Civic Center and the surrounding roads outside for this years event. Amanda Dormaier, owner of A & Z Boutique, was happy to share a message of love at Pridefest. You love everybody, she said. No matter who it is, no matter what race, no matter what color, no matter what anything -- you just love everybody. Read: Back to the run: Wadeview Park filled with love in the 7th Annual CommUNITY Rainbow Run Pridefest featured dozens of vendors, live music, and activities. Beyond the sales, vendors said the festival gives them a space to uplift others. Sabrina and Sarlene Soto, owners of My Small Treasures shop, come to Pridefest to encourage others to be brave. Were here to educate and support other people that are like us who dont always see things like this -- and are scared to be in events like this, they said. " Were like no; were not scared -- Were here. Read: Seven years since Pulse: These events are happening during Pulse remembrance week The festival brings people together who are not that different from each other with a message of love, respect, and pride. Were just like everyone else, Soto said. I dont treat someone differently just because theyre different. You have to treat everybody the same-- the way you want to be treated. The event featured food and craft vendors, local artists, and activities for the whole family. Majority of EU countries against network fee levy on Big Tech, sources say By Foo Yun Chee BRUSSELS (Reuters) -A majority of EU countries have rejected a push by Europe's big telecoms operators to force major tech companies such as Google to help fund the rollout of 5G and broadband in the region, people familiar with the matter said. At a meeting with EU industry chief Thierry Breton in Luxembourg on Thursday, telecoms ministers from 18 countries either rejected the proposed network fee levy on tech firms, or demanded a study into the need and impact of such a measure, the sources said. That echoed comments made last month by EU telecoms regulators' group BEREC. Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Telefonica and Telecom Italia want Big Tech to shoulder part of the network costs on the grounds that their data and content makes up a large part of network traffic. They have found a receptive ear in the European Commission's industry chief Breton, a former chief executive of France Telecom and French IT consulting firm Atos. Yet Alphabet Inc's Google, Apple Inc, Facebook parent Meta Platforms Inc, Netflix Inc, Amazon.com Inc and Microsoft Corp have rejected the idea of a levy, saying they already invest in the digital ecosystem. The European telecom ministers cited the lack of an analysis on the effects of a network levy, the absence of an investment shortfall, and the risk of Big Tech passing on the extra cost to consumers, the people said. They also warned about the potential violation of EU "net neutrality" rules, which require all users to be treated equally, as well as possible barriers to innovation, and a lower quality of products. Critics of a network levy included Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Lithuania, Malta and the Netherlands, the people said. But France, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Spain and Cyprus were among 10 countries which backed the idea, one of the people said. Poland, Portugal and Romania either took a neutral stance or had not adopted a position, the people said, but another person said they favoured a network fee. Breton is expected to issue a report by the end of June with a summary of feedback provided by Big Tech, telecoms providers and others, which will help decide his next steps. Any legislative proposal needs to be negotiated with EU countries and EU lawmakers before it can become law. (Reporting by Foo Yun Chee; Editing by Rosalba O'Brien and David Holmes) A 28-year-old man was found guilty of first-degree murder Friday and sentenced to life in prison without parole in the 2017 fatal shooting of beloved Charlotte store owner Massaquoi Kotay, prosecutors said. The 45-year-old Kotay was a Liberian immigrant who owned Northend Convenience Store on North Tryon Street, according to a news release by the Mecklenburg County District Attorneys Office Friday. The store sold imported African food and was popular with Charlottes Liberian community, The Charlotte Observer previously reported. Since the killing six years ago, the Observer and other Charlotte media outlets have reported the name of the store as Mina African Market, but DA spokeswoman Meghan Cooke McDonald told the Observer the shooting happened at Northend Convenience Store. Massaquoi Kotay, a Liberian immigrant who dreamed of owning a business in America, was shot in killed in his North Tryon Street market on Jan. 12, 2012. Kotay was working in the store in January 2017 when, according to prosecutors, Shalome Scott and Desmond Black entered together and Scott shot Kotay. Kotay died while running for help to a neighboring store, prosecutors said. In a trial that began May 15, a Mecklenburg County Superior Court jury also found Scott guilty of possession of a firearm by a felon. In July 2017, Black pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit robbery with a dangerous weapon. Previous murder and robbery charges against him were dropped. Under the plea agreement with prosecutors, Black was sentenced to 30 months of probation and ordered to wear an ankle monitor for six months and earn a GED. At Blacks sentencing, Esther Kotay told the judge that her husband was a lovely man. He came to America to open a small business, she said, her tribute interrupted by sobs. We were so excited. She and two dozen others in the courtroom had pushed for a much stiffer sentence against Black, the Observer reported at the time. She said her husband was killed over money he gladly would have given away. CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story gave a wrong name of the store where the Mecklenburg County district attorney, in a news release Friday, said the shooting occurred. China firmly opposes signing of 1st agreement under "U.S.-Taiwan Initiative on 21st Century Trade": commerce ministry Xinhua) 09:55, June 03, 2023 BEIJING, June 2 (Xinhua) -- China is strongly dissatisfied with and firmly opposes the signature of the first agreement under the "U.S.-Taiwan Initiative on 21st Century Trade," a spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce said on Friday. The comments came after the United States signed the agreement with the Taiwan region of China and sent government officials to attend the ceremony, in disregard of China's repeated solemn representations. "Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory," the spokesperson said. The spokesperson said that China firmly opposes countries with which it has diplomatic relations conducting any form of official exchange with Taiwan, including the negotiation and signature of economic and trade agreements that have sovereign implications or are official in nature. "We urge the U.S. side to abide by the one-China principle and the three China-U.S. joint communiques, handle economic and trade relations with Taiwan in a prudent manner, and cease any form of official U.S.-Taiwan exchanges," the spokesperson said. (Web editor: Chang Sha, Hongyu) Man repeatedly shocked with Taser by LAPD died from enlarged heart and cocaine use, coroner says FILE - Pictures of Keenan Anderson, who was tasered multiple times during a struggle with Los Angeles police officers and died at a hospital, are displayed at news conference held by his family's attorney Jan. 20, 2023, in Los Angeles. Anderson, a teacher, died from an enlarged heart and cocaine use, according to an autopsy report released Friday, June 2. Anderson's death prompted an outcry over the Los Angeles Police Department's use of force. It was one of three fatal LAPD confrontations, including two shootings, that took place only days into the new year. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes, File) LOS ANGELES (AP) A teacher who was repeatedly shocked with a Taser by Los Angeles police died from an enlarged heart and cocaine use, according to an autopsy report released Friday. The Jan. 3 death of Keenan Darnell Anderson, 31, prompted an outcry over the Los Angeles Police Department's use of force. It was one of three fatal LAPD confrontations, including two shootings, that took place only days into the new year. The specific manner of Andersons death was undetermined but the cause was listed as effects of cardiomyopathy and cocaine use and his death was determined hours after restraint and conducted energy device use, the coroners report said. The familys attorney, Carl Douglas, did not immediately respond to an email from The Associated Press Friday evening seeking comment on the report. Mayor Karen Bass said her thoughts were with Anderson's friends and family "as I know the release of this report will cause them and many Angelenos great pain as they still mourn this loss." "The coroner raises questions that still must be answered and I await the result of the investigation already underway, Bass said in a statement. Anderson was a high school English teacher in Washington, D.C., and a cousin of Black Lives Matter co-founder Patrisse Cullors. He was visiting family members in Los Angeles when he was stopped on suspicion of causing a hit-and-run traffic accident in the Venice area, police said. An officer found Anderson running in the middle of the street and exhibiting erratic behavior, according to a police account. Anderson initially complied with officers as they investigated whether he was under the influence of drugs or alcohol, but then he bolted, Police Chief Michel Moore said. Police chased Anderson and he was shocked with a Taser at least six times during a struggle when he resisted arrest, police said. Theyre trying to George Floyd me, Anderson said as an officer threatened to use a stun gun, which was repeatedly deployed seconds later as Anderson was face down on the pavement and begged for help, saying, Im not resisting. Anderson screamed for help after he was pinned to the street by officers and repeatedly shocked, according to police body camera footage released by the LAPD. Footage also showed an officer pressing his forearm on Andersons chest and an elbow in his neck. Theyre trying to kill me, Anderson yelled. After being subdued, Anderson went into cardiac arrest and died at a hospital about four hours later. His relatives have filed a $50 million claim with the city, which is a legal requirement before filing a lawsuit. The claim alleges officers unreasonably used deadly force, failed to follow training and filed false police reports. Man sentenced to life in prison for raping children under 13, 10 years old in Clermont Co. A Clermont County man was sentenced to life in prison for pleading guilty to raping several underaged children. >> TRENDING: 2 suspects crash stolen vehicle, then flee from authorities in Springfield Allen Johnson, 31, was sentenced Thursday, June 1 for his guilty pleas to four counts of pandering sexually oriented material involving a minor, two counts of raping a child under 13 years old, and two counts of raping a child under 10 years old, a spokesperson for the Clermont County Prosecutors Office said. Johnson was accused of sexually abusing two different children over two years after Clermont County Sheriffs Office investigators found multiple videos and photographs documenting his illicit behavior. The evidence was stored on his phone, which authorities obtained a warrant for. Once authorities discovered the material, Johnson reportedly confessed to his crimes, the spokesperson said. Johnson not only bragged about the abuse to others, but also video recorded the various sexual offenses he committed against the children, the spokesperson said. Johnson was sentenced to life in prison with a chance for parole after 74 years of time served. Man shot, killed by police officers after mother said he made suicidal threats, officials say One person has died after an officer-involved shooting outside a Home Depot in Ocala on Saturday morning, Ocala Police said. Police said they received a call around 8:30 a.m. from a mother concerned for her sons wellbeing. The mother claimed her son was making threats about ending his life. According to a news release, the mother said her son was at the Home Depot on State Road 200, and she gave the police a physical description of her son and his car. Read: Biden signs debt ceiling bill into law When police officers arrived at the scene, they approached the man and talked to him. Police said they tried to de-escalate the situation, but he pulled out a handgun and fired. Officers fired their guns in response and shot the man, who was pronounced dead at the scene. Read: Disney lawsuit judge removes himself from case but not for reasons cited by DeSantis Officials said no officers were injured. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is currently investigating the shooting. 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. Man strips naked at the Vaticans St. Peters Basilica to reveal Save the children of Ukraine message St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City The 34-year-old man is a "Russian citizen with a Polish passport who suffers from severe depression and mental disorders." He came to Italy with the intention of making a "bold gesture" against Russia's full-scale war on Ukraine. Read also: Over 2,000 Ukrainian children abducted to Belarus, says Belarusian opposition The man entered the cathedral on the evening of June 1, when there were few visitors. He approached the main altar, undressed, and climbed up. On his back, there was an English-language message in marker that read, "Save the children of Ukraine." The man was immediately apprehended, handed over to the Italian police, and ordered to leave Italy. Welcome to Favelas Read also: Russia repeatedly violated rights of deported Ukrainian children OSCE report At least 484 children have died since the start of Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine, while over 19,000 have been forcibly abducted to Russia. As a result of the Russian attack on Kyiv on the night of June 1, a 9-year-old girl and her mother were killed. 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 Manhunt launched in Manchester after woman stabbed to death in 'callous attack' Police tape A manhunt is under way for a knifeman after a 44-year-old woman was fatally stabbed in Greater Manchester, the second such incident in the city within 48 hours. Officers were called to Edge Lane, Droylsden, at around 12pm on Friday to reports of a stabbing and confirmed the woman died at the scene. Police said initial reports suggest the male suspect fled the area in an unknown direction. Detectives were unable to confirm whether the victim was known to the attacker. Greater Manchester Police said officers were working with the victims family and members of the public to try to establish what happened. The victims family were being supported by family liaison officers. Chief Superintendent Phil Davies, Tamesides district commander, said: Firstly, our thoughts are with the family and friends of the victim. Our specialist family liaison officers are currently with the victims family to support them through what is an incredibly difficult time. GMP officers and our major incident team are working extremely hard to determine the full circumstances surrounding this incident. We will do everything we can to ensure we locate the person responsible for this callous attack. I understand this news will come as a great shock to those in the Droylsden community. In response, you will see an increased presence of our local officers, who will be patrolling the local community on foot and in vehicles providing added reassurance to the community. It comes as 21-year-old Salah Eldin Adam was killed in Old Trafford on Wednesday night in a separate incident. Police believe he was fatally stabbed while helping a friend being attacked. Locals have expressed their heartbreak over the two stabbings that have rocked the community less than 48 hours apart. Its terrible, a person who witnessed the Droylsden attack told the Manchester Evening News. You cant comprehend it. So sad. There was blood everywhere. I saw someone get taken away in the air ambulance. Angela Rayner, the MP for the local area, said her thoughts were with the family of the 44-year-old woman killed. I am in contact with police as the facts continue to emerge, she said. Officers will remain at the scene to reassure the community. No arrests have been made. Anyone with information, CCTV or video footage to do with the incident can contact GMP by calling 101 or visiting www.gmp.police.uk quoting log 1353 of 02/06/2023. Information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer. Mayday, firefighter down: Call goes out as Kansas fire chief hurt in fire, explosion A Kansas fire chief was airlifted to a Wichita hospital after a structure fire and explosion on Friday night, the City of Russell said Saturday on Facebook. Fire Chief Dylan Riedel was listed in fair condition just after 4 p.m. Saturday at Ascension Via Christi St. Francis. At 9:06 p.m. Friday, the Russell Fire Department was called to a structure fire at a corner-lot home at 1706 N. Main. Shortly after the first units arrived on the scene, a police officer reported an explosion and a firefighter injured, the Facebook post says. Riedel was taken to Russell Regional Hospital and then airlifted to St. Francis burn unit by EagleMed. Russell is about 160 miles from Wichita. Russell has less than 4,500 people. Fire crews contained the fire to the garage, the Facebook post says. Google Maps shows the home has a detached garage. The cause of the fire is being investigated. The Kansas Office of the State Fire Marshal is helping with the investigation. Russell officials could not be reached Saturday for more information about what happened. First-responder organizations around the state shared the Facebook post and noted that they were praying for Riedel. In sharing the post, Russell County 911 Communications said two dispatchers received the panic activation for mayday, firefighter down. Please, if you are able and willing, pray for Dylan Riedel, his family, and these emergency responders, the post says. Dylan, Dispatch is constantly thinking of you and stand ready to help in any way we can moving forward. Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) is winning the trust of Republican senators who were skeptical about his ability to lead his caucus and avoid a crisis over the debt ceiling. Many GOP senators expected President Biden and the Speaker to hit an implacable stalemate that would force Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) to step in and broker a deal, as he has in the past. Instead, McCarthy surprised them and the rest of Washington by passing a debt limit bill through the House in late April a move that served as a turning point, won goodwill amongst his partygoers in the upper chamber and helped put him over the top last week. The unity, the strength of that I think that gave him great momentum coming into this to get the president to the table, said Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), a former House colleague of the Speaker. I think he comes out of this really, really strong. McCarthy was staring down serious headwinds heading into the debt ceiling battle after it took him 15 rounds to win the Speakership gavel in January. Previous GOP leaders had been vexed by conservatives while trying to win support for legislation to raise the debt ceiling. McCarthy, who seemed to enter the debate from a weaker position, would fail, many Democrats and some Republicans believed. Biden was counting on his failure, and he surprised a lot of people. Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas), a top McConnell ally, told The Hill. I dont think hell be underestimated anymore after this. I thought he did a masterful job. McCarthy drove the negotiations, with McConnell, instrumental in previous deals, gladly taking a back seat. Really, all of the senators are appreciative of his candor and the way that he handled it, but obviously theres different opinions among us, said Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), a friend of McCarthys who served in the House for a decade prior to his election to the Senate last year. When he was in negotiations, we had made it very clear we were going to give him all the room we could to negotiate the best bill he could, said Mullin, who backed the legislation. All of us senators, we were staying away from it. We werent really having demands on it and he was appreciative to have the room to do it. The affable McCarthy, long known for his ability to cultivate and maintain relationships, briefed Senate Republicans on a call shortly after the deal was reached last weekend. One GOP source noted that most of the questions posed to McCarthy during the call were about permitting reform, which most Senate Republicans were jacked about. Keeping a dialogue with Republican senators on the negotiations was consistent with a pledge McCarthy had made when to said at the annual Senate GOP retreat in February that the partys appropriators needed to work with one another. I dont think weve had that good of communication between the two chambers since Ive been in office. Serving in 10 years in the House, we never had that kind of communication with the Senate, Mullin said. McCarthy won a majority of House Republicans for the debt deal but only 17 Senate Republicans. Thirty-one voted against it perhaps partly a reflection of the fact that the bills passage was assured in the chamber, given Democratic support. Still, most GOP senators opposed to the bill werent slamming McCarthy, who was also to move some GOP senators. Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), another former House member who keeps tabs on the lower chamber by keeping up appearances in the House gym, made it clear that he was supporting the bill in large part to support the Speakers efforts. I completely respect what Kevin did and Im so proud of him for getting what he got [in the agreement], Cramer said. I dont know how you could have gotten a better deal. Sen. Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), a former two-term House member, said that McCarthy did an incredible job, especially when it came to dealing with his partys conservative faction. I think people underestimate how hard it is to work when you have such a thin margin of the majority. Ive worked a lot with folks in the Freedom Caucus in my life as well, said Marshall, who voted no in Thursday nights Senate vote. So I truly understand. It truly is like herding cats. I think he got the best deal he could get based on the hand he was dealt, Marshall added. McCarthy will face new challenges going forward, including during the appropriations process and government spending battle. But he also won big points with this weeks victory. He did well. He just had to keep it moving and he kept it moving, said Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt.), who served eight terms in the House. And at the end of the day, he pulled the trap door on the Freedom Caucus and hes going to survive another day. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. More Black Folks You Must Know From The Biden-Harris Administration US Vice President Kamala Harris meets with members of the Congressional Black Caucus in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, US, on Thursday, Feb. 2, 2023. Updated 06/04/2023 at 10:00 a.m. ET We all know Kamala Harris made history when she became the first Black woman Vice President. But shes far from the only Black person breaking barriers in the Biden-Harris Administration. Heres a rundown of the Black folks past and present whove been holding down the oval office over the last few years. Read more Kamala Harris LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 19: U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris attends a game between the Phoenix Mercury and the Los Angeles Sparks at Crypto.com Arena on May 19, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. Weve obviously got to start with the woman whos been with President Joe Biden since the campaign trail, Vice President Kamala Harris. She hardly needs much of an introduction. But as the Presidential campaign heats up, Im sure well be seeing a lot more of the powerhouse attorney. Karine Jean-Pierre WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 23: White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre speaks during the daily press briefing at the White House on May 23, 2023 in Washington, DC. If youve watched a White House press briefing, you already know this addition to our list! Press Secretary Karine Jeane-Pierre, a Martinican-born Haitian-American political strategist, joined the administration in May of 2022. She is the first Black person and the first openly LGBTQ+ person to serve as White House Press Secretary. Shalanda Young WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 23: White House Office of Management and Budget Director Shalanda Young testifies during a hearing before the Financial Services and General Government Subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee at Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill We promised a list full of barrier-breaking White House officials, and we aim to keep our promises. Enter Shalanda Young, the first Black woman to run the massively powerful Office of Management and Budget. Young is hardly a newbie to politics or budgets, for that matter. She served as a staffer on the House Appropriations Committee for 14 years. And she ran the OMB as interim director before stepping in to fill the position full-time last spring. Stephen Benjamin President Joe Biden is greeted by Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin and Rep. Jim Clyburn, D-S.C., left, as he arrives at Columbia Metropolitan Airport on Air Force One in West Columbia, S.C., Dec. 17, 2021. Stephen Benjamin was brought into the White House earlier this year to serve as Senior Advisor and Director of the Office of Public Engagement. People may know Benjamin from his time as mayor of Columbia, South Carolina! Marcia Fudge WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 04: Housing and Urban Development Secretary Marcia Fudge speaks during the Freedman's Bank Forum in the Cash Room at the Treasury Department on October 04, 2022 WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 04: Housing and Urban Development Secretary Marcia Fudge speaks during the Freedmans Bank Forum in the Cash Room at the Treasury Department on October 04, 2022 Marcia Fudge, a former Congresswoman turned Housing and Urban Development Secretary, may not have lobbied for the role, but shes certainly made a splash shepherding the agency through the pandemic. Kristen Clarke WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 08: U.S. Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke testifies before the Senate Judiciary Committee at the Dirksen Senate Office Building on March 08, 2022 in Washington, DC. The Judiciary Committee held a hearing on combating the rise in hate crimes. U.S. Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke has been tackling hate crimes head-on over at the Department of Justice! Clarke has been leading the offices Civil Rights Division since May of 2021. Adjoa B. Asamoah Adjoa B. Asamoah Last year, the Biden-Harris White House appointed Adjoa B. Asamoah as racial equity czar for the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Her appointment marked a crucial moment in the administrations promise to foster racial equity. Cedric Richmond Cedric Richmond, director of the White House Office of Public Engagement, wears a protective mask as he participates in the mock swearing-in ceremony for Representative-elect Troy Carter, a Democrat from Louisiana, not pictured, in the Rayburn Room in the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Tuesday, May 11, 2021 Weve been focusing on the powerhouse Black women in the Biden Administration but didnt forget about the men. Cedric Richmond served as Director of the White House Office of Public Engagement before leaving last spring for a role at the Democratic National Committee. Michael Regan WILMINGTON, DE - DECEMBER 19: Nominee for EPA Administrator, Michael Regan, speaks at the Queen theater on December 19, 2020 in Wilmington, DE. We told you we werent going to ignore the men behind the oval office! Micheal Regan made history as the first Black person to lead the Environmental Protection Agency, as the agency tackles climate change and the impacts of environmental racism. Alondra Nelson WILMINGTON, DELAWARE - JANUARY 16: Alondra Nelson, President-elect Joe Bidens pick for OSTP Deputy Director for Science and Society, speaks during an announcement January 16, 2021 at the Queen theater in Wilmington, Delaware. Alondra Nelson may have left the White House, but shes someone we had to have on our list. Nelson was acting director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, during arguably one of the most important times for that position. Bonus, she was the first woman of color to lead the White Houses Office of Science. Nelson then served as Deputy Director for Science and Society before leaving the position in February of this year. Wally Adeyemo Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo arrives for a dinner for Latin American and Caribbean Finance Ministers at the US Treasury Department in Washington, DC, on April 13, 2023. We obviously cant leave off Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo, especially when the economy is on all of our minds. Adeyemo is the number two official in the Treasury Department. Hes no stranger to politics, having served as national security adviser under President Obama. Susan Rice WASHINGTON, DC - AUGUST 24: White House Domestic Policy Adviser Susan Rice listens during a White House daily press briefing at the James S. Brady Press Room of the White House. Susan Rice hardly needs an introduction, but well give her one anyway. Rice, the former national security adviser under Barack Obama, was tapped by Biden to run the White House Domestic Policy Council. Rice recently decided to step away from her role with the White House. Although with Rice, theres always a good chance shell be back. Richard Cesar Richard Cesar Richard Cesar, Director of Intergovernmental Affairs at the U.S Department of Labor, might not be a household name. But this first generation Haitian-American member of the Biden-Harris Administration nabs a key spot on our list. Michael Leach WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 27: Michael Leach, Special Assistant to the President and Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer at The White House. Michael Leach, Special Assistant to the President and the White Houses first Chief Diversity and Inclusion Director, is a new face in politics. Before joining the White House in 2019, Leach worked in the NFL. Keisha Lance Bottoms WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 13: White House Public Engagement Advisor Keisha Lance Bottoms speaks a press briefing at the White House on January 13, 2023 in Washington, DC. We cant leave Keisha Lance Bottoms off our list! Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms served as White House Public Engagement Advisor for the Biden-Harris White House. She announced she was leaving the post in February to return to Georgia. Cecilia Rouse WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 10: Chair of the Council of Economic Advisers Cecilia Rouse speaks during a daily news briefing at the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room of the White House on March 10, 2023 in Washington, DC. We cant make this list without including former Chair of the Council of Economic Advisers Cecilia Rouse. Rouse was the first African American to hold the position. She departed the White House in March. Linda Thomas-Greenfield NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 24: U.S. Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield listens as Russian Foreign Minister and Security Council Acting President for the month of April Sergey Lavrov speaks during a Security Council meeting at the United Nations headquarters on April 24, 2023 in New York City. Theres no way to make this list without including Linda Thomas-Greenfield. The U.S Representative to the United Nations Ambassador and career diplomat more than earns her spot on our list. Lloyd Austin ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND - MAY 26: Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin delivers remarks during the U.S. Naval Academy Graduation and Commissioning Ceremony at the Naval Academy May 26, 2023 in Annapolis, Maryland. Dont think we forgot about Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin. Austin is the first Black American to serve in the position. And hes certainly had his hands full with the militarys racism problem. C.Q Brown UNITED STATES - MAY 3: Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Charles Q. Brown testifies during the Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on the Department of the Air Force in review of the Defense Authorization Request for FY2023 and the Future Years Defense Program, in Dirksen Building on Tuesday, May 3, 2022. Air Force Chief of Staff General C.Q Brown isnt new to breaking barriers. Brown is the first ever Black American to lead a branch of the military. But now, hes potentially stepping into a new role. Biden nominated him to chair the Joint Chiefs, which would make him the most senior uniformed leader within the United States Department of Defense. 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. Sixteen migrants from Venezuela and Colombia were taken from El Paso, Texas, to New Mexico, and then flown by private chartered plane to Sacramento where they were left on the doorstep of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Sacramento. California Gov. Gavin Newsom said Saturday that he and Attorney General Rob Bonta met with the migrants, and that he is working with Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinbergs office as well as area nonprofits to ensure the people who have arrived are treated with respect and dignity, and get to their intended destination as they pursue their immigration cases. My administration is also working with the California Department of Justice to investigate the circumstances around who paid for the groups travel and whether the individuals orchestrating this trip misled anyone with false promises or have violated any criminal laws, including kidnapping, Newsom said. Steinberg likened the act to human smuggling. Whoever is behind this must answer the following: Is there anything more cruel than using scared human beings to score cheap political points? Steinberg said in a statement. Sacramento represents the best of American values. We always welcome the tired, the poor, and the huddled masses, and we always will. Sacramento ACT, a collaboration of area religious congregations, said in a statement that after being processed at the border, the migrants were approached by individuals representing a private contractor who said they would assist them with getting to a migrant center where they would find jobs and free support. They deserve to be treated better The migrants, upon arriving in Sacramento, had no idea where they were and only a backpacks worth of belongings, Sacramento ACT said. The group said that the migrants all have pending court appearances, and that by transporting them to California under false pretenses, there will be a disruption in their legal due process. What has occurred recently with the deceiving drop off of our undocumented brothers and sisters into the Sacramento area grieves my heart. This political polarizing act is heartbreaking and yet I rejoice that I am part of a movement that brings the love of God and goodwill upon the injustices and political wickedness that impacts our vulnerable brothers and sisters, said the Rev. Efrem Smith, Sacramento ACT president, in a statement. Rabbi Mona Alfi, of Congregation Bnai Israel, said that what happened to the migrants was a moral travesty and that these are human beings, no different than you or me, who simply want to take care of their families and live a peaceful life, and they deserve to be treated better. Eddie Carmona, director of campaigns for PICO California, a faith-based community organizing group, said in a statement that the migrants are members of our families, communities, and part of the fabric of our state. Flight chartered to McClellan Airport records from tracking website FlightAware show only one flight between New Mexico and any of the Sacramento-area airports on Friday: A three-hour, 11-minute flight from Deming Municipal Airport in Luna County, about 80 miles northwest of El Paso, to McClellan Airport near North Highlands. A representative for Barry Aviation, a charter service based in San Marcos, Texas, that operated the de Havilland Dash 8 used to ferry the migrants, declined to comment about specifics but described it as a government flight: (Its) something that the government ran. This is not the first time that migrants have been flown to Californias capital. In September 2022, eight Venezuelan migrants, who had crossed the U.S. border at Laredo, Texas, were flown to Sacramento, according to the Los Angeles Times. New chapter in battle between GOP, Newsom Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, both Republicans, have in the past taken credit for busing or flying migrants to various places in the U.S., including New York, Marthas Vineyard and Washington, D.C. The Sacramento Bee has reached out to both governors offices to inquire whether one of them was responsible for this most recent flight. DeSantis, who announced his 2024 presidential bid last month and has been heavily criticized for his hardline stance on immigration, is expected to come to Sacramento himself on June 19 for a fundraising breakfast priced at $3,300 a seat. Newsom has spoken out and aired ads in Florida against DeSantis, whom he labeled Americas chief bully, since they were both elected in 2018. A Milwaukee County sheriff's jail officer was charged Friday with attempting to sexually assault an inmate housed at the County Jail and illegally allowing an inmate to use his phone. Devon Winbush, 29, who was hired as a correctional officer at the jail in July 2022, has been charged with one felony count of attempted second-degree sexual assault of an inmate. If convicted he could face up to $50,000 in fines, 20 years in prison, or both. He has also been charged with one felony count of delivering illegal articles to an inmate, which could result in $10,000 in fines, three years and six months in prison, or both. Between May 17 and May 27, Winbush allowed a female inmate to use his phone for several hours. Detectives investigating the incident reported they found a photo of the inmate Facetiming with her partner, according to the criminal complaint. Winbush also put $35 in her jail account. He set up an alias texting account within the jail's texting system to contact the inmate, writing her messages, including: "Well I cannot lie ever since I laid eyes on you I thought you were cute." The complaint also notes that Winbush made comments to the inmate about her body, came into her cell 30 times during one shift and one time when she was showering, and entered her cell after which he inappropriately touched her when she was lying on her bed. Winbush also exposed his penis to her after entering her cell and asked her to touch it. "This does not exhaust the information in the states possession," according to the complaint. On May 29, Winbush was taken into the County Jail and then transferred to the Racine County Jail, where he is now being held, according to Racine County Jail records. Winbush was on a probationary period for his employment when he was arrested over the incidents. His employment has since been terminated following an investigation by Sheriff's Office's Criminal Investigation Division and an internal inquiry, according to the authorities. The Milwaukee County Sheriffs Office is committed to holding itself accountable, Sheriff Denita Ball said. I have said before and mean it more than ever that no one especially a member of this or any other criminal justice agency is above the law. This former officer is alleged to have broken the law and to have violated the trust put in him to protect the wellbeing of our occupants. He will face consequences as determined by a judge or a jury." An initial court appearance is set for Saturday. Contact Vanessa Swales at 414-308-5881 or vswales@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @Vanessa_Swales. 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 County jail officer charged with attempted sexual assault Missing Texas father is found eight days after vanishing from his own backyard (GoFundMe) A Texas father-of-two who vanished from his own backyard has been found after a week-long search. Colby Richards, 31, was reported missing after he was last seen at around 5am on 24 May, when his wife said he got up early but never returned to their bedroom to get ready for work. His wife said when she went to look for him in the backyard of their home in Spring, she found the back gate open - which is something he never did. The family issued desperate pleas to find him before the Montgomery County Sheriffs Office announced hed been located on Friday. He was taken to hospital for mental health evaluation, authorities said, but no other details were provided. Mr Richards cousin Alison Fox said the family grew concern after the atypical discovery of the open gate. He never leaves the house that way, and they would never leave the gate open anyway because they have a dog and two small children, Ms Fox told Fox News Digital. Police investigating the disappearance soon found a water bottle belonging to Mr Richards near the trailhead of a wooded area behind the family home. Whats frustrating and what is fuelling the online speculation is there is so little to go on, Ms Fox told the Houston Chronicle following online chatter that his famiily was not sharing enough details with the public. There is so little to go off of and we are desperate to find something that would give us more of an idea on where to work. Mr Richards had been known to take walks in the area, although he did not go out regularly for an early morning hike, and left his phone and wallet inside his house before he apparently went out. The family said they had conducted extensive searches of the area, set up a GoFundMe page to help find him and were working with the authorities to help bring him home. Search and rescue, so far, has been out for several days. Weve had everything from people on foot, thermal drones, regular visual drones, people on ATVs, people on horseback and people driving around in their cars checking to see if there are security cameras or doorbell cameras that might have footage, Ms Fox told Fox News Digital, adding that they had encouraged anyone who may have seen anything out of the ordinary on the day of his disappearance or since to contact authorities. An update on the GoFundMe campaign - which raised over $10,300 - announced the news that Mr Richards had been found on Friday. Colby has been found and is now in the hospital recovering, Ms Fox wrote. We are so thankful to know he is alive. We dont know when he will be released, but we know the funds collected will go towards paying the medical bills that will accrue from his admission. Thank you for all your support. Authorities said Mr Richards would be interviewed about the circumstances of his disappearance. A good rum is worth drinking based on its own unique merits and flavor profile, but there are certain expressions that are particularly appealing to whiskey drinkers. That is certainly the case with the new 2023 Master Blender release from esteemed Barbados distillery Mount Gay. The Master Blender series of high-end rums launched in 2018 with the release of XO: The Peat Smoke Expression. Allen Smith was master blender at the time, but the following year that role was taken over by Trudiann Branker, who has made her own imprint upon the collection. Master Blender releases under Brankers watch have included Pot Still Rum, the Port Cask Expression, Andean Oak Cask, and the Madeira Cask Expression. And now we have The PX Sherry Cask Expression, a well-aged rum that will appeal to whiskey drinkers, particularly fans of sherry cask-matured scotch. More from Robb Report The rum was distilled in pot and column stills, and aged for 20 years in American whiskey barrels in Barbados. Thats a particularly long time in a tropical climate, as the heat and humidity are considered to be factors in accelerating the maturation process. The rum then spent an additional year in Pedro Ximenez sherry casks, a type of barrel that also plays a big part in the scotch whisky industry. The Macallan and the GlenDronach, for example, are two single malt distilleries that use this type of cask, along with other types of sherry butts, to mature nearly all of their whisky. Like all Mount Gay rum, no sugar was added to the spirit. I was inspired by the process behind PX sherry, and I wanted to discover how a well matured rum would interact with the richness of the casks used to age these fortified wines, said Branker in a statement. Going through some of our oldest rums to find the right ones was an incredible journey, tasting rums that have been placed in our bonds two decades ago. I was thrilled to find 20-year-old rums that stood up in terms of body and character to benefit from being finished in PX sherry casks, and Im honored to add this to our Master Blender Collection. The rum is bottled at 90 proof and non-chill filtered. The palate is bright despite its age, with rich oak notes followed by black pepper, cinnamon, fig, raisin, molasses, and caramel. The effects of the PX sherry finish are notable, but do not override the core identity of Mount Gays high-quality rum. Just 4,200 bottles are available (SRP $270). If youre a serious rum drinker, or a whiskey fan looking to expand, give this bottle a try. And if you cant find one, you can explore the entire Mount Gay collection (including past Master Blender releases) at websites like ReserveBar. Culinary Masters 2023 Dont miss the food event of the year. Register for Robb Reports Culinary Masters now. Or, for more information on Robb Report experiences, visit RR1. Best of Robb Report Sign up for Robb Report's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. A family keeps a safe distance from rushing water where Parleys Creek flows into the pond at Sugar House Park in Salt Lake City on Thursday, June 1, 2023. Officials are warning people and their pets to stay clear of rivers and creeks swollen by spring snowmelt. | Spenser Heaps, Deseret News Thursday marked the beginning of meteorological summer, and there's still plenty of snow left to melt a lot more than usual at this point of the year at least in some parts of Utah. It's why some local officials are still preaching caution by creeks, streams and rivers for the next few weeks and months, even as the risk of flood-related property damage is slowly subsiding. Statewide, there are still 3.2 inches of snow water equivalent left to melt, according to the Natural Resources Conservation Service data updated Thursday morning. While that's only a little more than one-tenth of this year's peak of 30 inches on April 8, it's about 3 times the normal for June 1, and where the snowpack was at the same point last year. What has melted so far has also helped Utah's reservoir system reach 77% of capacity by Thursday, according to the Utah Division of Water Resources. It's now close to 4 percentage points above the median for June 1. Almost all of what's left to melt now are in areas of elevations above about 9,000 feet, says Glen Merrill, meteorologist and hydrologist for the National Weather Service. "It's our highest elevation watersheds that are still holding onto significant snow for this time of year," he said. Most of the central and southern Utah snowpack basins are either completely melted or virtually melted right now. The Beaver and Upper Sevier basins are the exceptions, which currently hold an average of 9.7 inches and 2.6 inches of water, respectively. The Beaver snowpack basin's median June 1 average is 4.2 inches. As for the northern half of the state, nearly all of its basins also hold snowpack levels that are well above normal for the start of meteorological summer: Weber-Ogden: 5.2 inches (nearly 10 times its normal) Provo-Utah Lake-Jordan: 5.1 inches (more than 4 times its normal) Bear: 4.9 inches (more than 2 times its normal) Duchesne: 3.9 inches (more than twice its normal) Northeastern Uintas: 0.8 inches (slightly above its normal) But those averages also take into account snowpack areas below 9,000 feet. Most high-level sites still have levels well above their current snowpack basin averages. For example, Snowbird still has 33.5 inches of snowpack left to melt into Little Cottonwood Canyon. That's about twice its normal for the beginning of meteorological summer though nowhere near its record of 75.1 inches set in 2011. The pond at Sugar House Park in Salt Lake City is full from spring runoff on Thursday, June 1, 2023. Officials are warning people and their pets to stay clear of rivers and creeks swollen by spring snowmelt. | Spenser Heaps, Deseret News Why flood risks are starting to fade All of this snow left to melt is expected to keep the region's waterways flowing at above-normal rates over the foreseeable future. That's why Salt Lake County and Salt Lake City officials are still urging people who are recreating to avoid many of the region's waterways as a safety precaution. "Things are better as our teams look at managing what we thought could be a frightening situation," said Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson. "But water's running high, and we're really urging people to remember that and be safe." Some of the flood risk is dissipating, though. Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall says that Emigration and Red Butte creeks have each peaked and will begin to wind down in flood risk. City and Parleys creeks are near their peaks but within what she calls "manageable levels." Emigration Creek caused the only real major flooding concern in the city this year, as a large piece of metal clogged a culvert and resulted in a voluntary evacuation of about 40 homes near the creek back in April. Big Cottonwood Creek is expected to reach its peak streamflow next week, and Little Cottonwood Creek is expected to peak the week after that, according to Wilson. Sandy issued a state of emergency on Wednesday so it could prepare for any possible damage because of this and other streams fueled by high-elevation snowmelt. That said, Wilson said that county officials believe both of the larger creeks are "under control" at the moment. In addition to all the flood preparations this winter and spring, the weather in May is a big reason that most of the severe flooding concerns haven't come to fruition. While Salt Lake City broke its May temperature record, the region's consistent mix of warm but not overly hot temperatures, afternoon cloud cover and cool nights helped melt the snow at a more manageable rate, Merrill explained. "It's really maintained that consistency on a day-to-day basis to really melt the snow in a consistent manner and spread it out over time," he said. "We're seeing these really high volumes, these really very high flows being maintained for a long period of time." Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall, left, and her dog Jack, and Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson and her dog Puddles, gather for a press conference on water safety at Sugar House Park in Salt Lake City on Thursday, June 1, 2023. Officials are warning people and their pets to stay clear of rivers and creeks swollen by spring snowmelt. | Spenser Heaps, Deseret News Keeping safe this summer Safety near water is now considered a bigger concern than property damage in Salt Lake County because of the above-normal streamflows that could last into July. Both Wilson and Mendenhall explained that it's easy for someone or something to be swept away in the water. That's especially true with children and pets. There have been multiple cases of pets swept away by high water levels this year, which is why both mayors brought their dogs to remind people to keep their pets on leashes near high-flowing water. Mendenhall said this is a bigger issue for Salt Lake City residents, who tend to have more dogs than children. "It is not safe right now," she said. "No matter how much you think your dog can come to you when you call them, those waters are swift and powerful, and it's absolutely not worth the risk of losing your pet like some sad families have had to deal with this season." Jesse Stewart, deputy director of Salt Lake City Public Utilities, adds that even though many creeks are starting to peak or already have, they are flowing well above normal and well above where they were last year. All three advise that people avoid most waterways until the water subsides. "(The water) is moving swift, high and it's still really cold," he said. "This is going to go on through mid-summer. There was a lot of snowpack and it's coming out of the groundwater now shallow aquifers so it's going to continue to flow high for a while." Nancy Mace is convinced the good folks of the First Congressional District of South Carolina are age bigots whod rather see the U.S. economy tank than support any bipartisan deal that might make President Joe Biden look good. She believes they are extremist idiots who are more interested in being supplied with a quiver of silly political quips popular with the Fox News crowd than being a responsible representative in an age of divided government. She has no respect for the people who sent her to Washington, D.C. Theres no other way to read the statement she decided to tweet while delicate last-minute negotiations for a deal on the debt ceiling were playing themselves out. Washington is broken. Republicans got outsmarted by a President who cant find his pants, the congresswoman tweeted. Im voting NO on the debt ceiling debacle because playing the DC game isnt worth selling out our kids and grandkids. The U.S. could be on the verge of the first default in our history something that cant be undone which could mean a global economic catastrophe that will harm the most vulnerable among us most, and Mace decided to weigh in as though she was trying to win first place in a high school debate for a plastic trophy that will be collecting dust in a few years anyway. Mace gets credit for sounding reasonable on issues such as abortion, where she has spoken against the Republican Partys penchant for six-week abortion bans, which would effectively end abortion access and have put pregnant women in an increasing number of barbaric situations. Shes also spoken in favor of sensible gun control, though did not join a minority of Republicans and most Democrats on fairly recent legislation that pushed us a step in the right direction. She says she doesnt mind bucking her party if its the right thing to do. And yet in this case, shes taken the easy way out and fell in line with the hardliners of her party who are willing to blow up the entire economy just to get their way. For those who dont follow such shenanigans closely, you should know that when Donald Trump was in the White House, Republicans were not big on holding the debt ceiling hostage. They raised it without much of a fuss even while adding trillions of dollars to the debt and deficit, particularly through irresponsible measures such as huge tax cuts that were heavily weighted to benefit the wealthiest. Its a pattern that has repeated itself for several decades now. The deficit usually falls when a Democrat is president and rises when a Republican is in the White House. Republicans scream bloody murder about our childrens future while insisting on cuts to critical programs that help kids and the needy during Democratic administrations but are happy to bloat the deficit when they are in charge. Besides, there should be no debate over the debt ceiling because there should be no debt ceiling. Its akin to running up the credit card balance then refusing to pay if the company doesnt give you concessions. (A debt ceiling compromised pass through the House without Maces help.) Thats the hypocrisy Mace has chosen to adopt. But for her, its worse. She couldnt even just make a political argument about spending and taxes; she had to demean President Joe Biden for his age even though she represents a part of a state that is growing older and whiter. A President who cant find his pants, she mocked. Hilarious. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that the 60 and older population in South Carolina is the fastest growing segment and might comprise 27 percent of the states residents by 2030, a more than 37 percent increase since 2012. Mace is only 45 years old. Maybe thats why cracking wise about another persons age seems appropriate to her. Its a signal to the Fox News mafia that she wont stray too far from the ranch no matter how many times she pretends to be an independent motivated by principle alone. Issac Bailey is a McClatchy opinion writer based in Myrtle Beach. NASCAR driver Kyle Busch is selling his Lake Norman mansion. Heres how much it costs. NASCAR driver Kyle Busch is selling his longtime Lake Norman mansion for nearly $13 million, according to its property listing. NASCAR driver Kyle Busch is shown during Truck Series practice and qualifying at Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Kansas, on May 6, 2023. Busch is selling his Lake Norman mansion. The 13,000-square-foot mansion overlooks a quiet, relatively secluded part of the lake in the gated Norman Estates community. The property is located at the end of Unity Church Road in the eastern Lincoln County community of Denver. Busch bought the mansion at 8465 Norman Estates Drive in 2012 for a then-Charlotte area record $7.5 million, The Charlotte Observer reported at the time. The owners have meticulously maintained the mansion and its 1.3 acres in a community with many high profile homeowners, Realtor Heather Gibbs of Corcoran HM Properties said. The mansion hit the market this week for $12.995 million, The Charlotte Business Journal first reported. Lincoln County property tax records list the owner only as East Denver Revocable Trust, which the Observer confirmed in 2012 was Busch. Tony Forouzad, the luxury homebuilder whose company spent 32 months building the home, and Realtors involved in the 2012 sale said at the time that confidentiality agreements barred them from disclosing the buyers name. Heather Gibbs of Corcoran HM Properties represents the trust in the sale of the seven-bedroom, 15,000-square-foot mansion. The owners are just ready to move elsewhere after living in the home for so long, Gibbs told the Observer on Saturday. Theres no real personal reason behind the decision to sell, she said, declining to name the owners behind the trust. The owners have meticulously maintained the mansion and its 1.3 acres in a community with many high profile homeowners, she said. They have just taken care of it to the highest level. Norman Estates is in a super-quiet area of the lake with little boat traffic, Gibbs said. The mansion for sale has a beach area that never erodes because of the lack of boats, whose wakes cause shoreline erosion, she said. Because few boats pass the relatively secluded Norman Estates community, the beach at the mansion for sale never erodes, Realtor Heather Gibbs of Corcoran HM Properties said. And because Norman Estates is secluded, the Catawba Queen isnt cruising by pointing out homes like it does at The Peninsula, the lakefront mansion community in Cornelius, she said. Owners also love the communitys quick, interstate-free access to Charlotte via N.C. 16, Gibbs said. N.C. 73 also is near. Luxury home designer Jim Phelps spent 1 1/2 years designing the home, Forouzad told the Observer in 2012. The mansion has French, European and Tudor architectural influences, Abigail Jennings, president of Cornelius-based Lake Norman Realty, told the Observer at the time. Her firm listed the sale back then. The home has 180-degree panoramic views of Lake Norman. Interior features include soaring beamed ceilings, travertine and walnut floors and floor-to-ceiling stone fireplaces. The foyer showcases a circular staircase and hand-forged iron railing below the wooden turret ceiling, Jennings said in 2012. According to its listing, the home has such custom and luxury touches as a primary suite with a spa-like bathroom and private elevator to a boutique-style closet. The kitchen underwent a $1 million renovation that included adding two marble waterfall islands, sensor-touch cabinets, a black Dacor stainless steel range and Miele appliances, according to the listing. The home has 180-degree panoramic views of Lake Norman, with a boat dock, covered slip, fully equipped outdoor kitchen and heated swimming pool with a swim-up bar. In 2012, Forouzad said the home took so long to build because of all the detail he and his workers put into it, right down to the tongue-and-groove ceiling in the boat house. Its a true masterpiece, Forouzad said in 2012. Nothing else like it on Lake Norman. ISTANBUL (Reuters) - Turkey plans to send commandos to Kosovo on Sunday and Monday in response to a NATO request to join the alliance's KFOR peacekeeping force following unrest in the north of the country, the Turkish defence ministry said. In a statement on Saturday, the ministry called for restraint and constructive dialogue to resolve a crisis that it said could harm regional security and stability. "Our assigned unit (a commando battalion) is planned to be deployed to ... Kosovo on June 4-5," the ministry said. A political crisis that has spiralled into violence in Kosovo's north has intensified since ethnic Albanian mayors took office in the region's Serb-majority area, which led the U.S. and its allies to rebuke Pristina. The majority Serb population had boycotted the April election, allowing ethnic Albanians to be elected. In violence on Monday, 30 peacekeepers and 52 Serbs who protested against the installation of the mayors were injured. The violence prompted NATO to announce it would send additional troops on top of 700 already on their way to the Balkan country to boost its 4,000 strong mission. (Reporting by Ezgi Erkoyun; Editing by Giles Elgood) A nurse and her boyfriend got high fives from other Southwest Airlines passengers after they saved a man's life on a flight to Baltimore, reports say A Southwest Airlines jet lands at Chicago Midway International Airport on January 28 2021 in Chicago. Scott Olson/Getty Images A nurse was on a Southwest flight when a passenger experienced a medical emergency. Emily Raines and her boyfriend stepped up to help and performed life-saving measures, including CPR. Other passengers high-fived the pair after saving the man's life. A nurse and her boyfriend saved a man who'd stopped breathing while on a Southwest Airlines flight to Baltimore, reports say. Emily Raines and Daniel Shifflett were on board a Southwest flight home when a flight attendant asked for anyone with medical experience to help with a medical emergency, CBS News reported. The couple was flying from Fort Lauderdale to Baltimore after going on a weekend cruise to the Bahamas. Raines, an acute-care nurse at Greater Baltimore Medical Center, and her boyfriend, a former nurse, sprung into action to help the ailing passenger, who had fallen unconscious in his seat and was turning purple, CBS News reported. "It was quite alarming, obviously, seeing his face look that way," Raines told CBS News. "On our way up there, I was trying to pregame, like, 'Hey, if we have to do compressions, I need you to do compressions. I'll take care of everything else,'" she said of her conversation with Shifflett as they went up the aisle. The couple performed chest compressions for 20 minutes before successfully stabilizing the passenger roughly seven minutes before landing, CBS News and WMAR-TV reported. The couple were greeted warmly by fellow passengers, who gave them high fives after they saved the man's life, CBS reported. The plane made an emergency landing in Raleigh, North Carolina, WMAR-TV reported. Upon landing, the passenger was rushed to the hospital by emergency personnel, and it is still unclear what the medical emergency was. "We're still not completely sure what happened. He didn't have a heart attack, but his heart stopped. They believe that multiple factors played a role, mostly due to his low oxygen levels," Raines told the outlet. "We were amped because it's so awesome to have that feeling, and afterward, you're just like, 'Oh wow. We did this. We saved somebody's life!'" she said. Raines later received a text message from the ill passenger's wife. The woman said her husband was "home and doing remarkably well," said Raines, The Guardian reported. "I cannot possibly thank you enough" for saving his life, she told Raines, per The Guardian. "There are no words." Read the original article on Business Insider Theres less of the live-and-let-live attitude: Our tolerance for noise is hanging by a thread (iStock) The slow, rhythmic thud of the flat upstairs washing machine. A dog barking over and over again. The bassline of someone elses speakers. Are you feeling stressed yet? Noise can be subjective it is broadly defined as an unwanted form of sound, and that inevitably differs from person to person. To use the aforementioned dog as an example: one persons endearingly vocal pet is anothers intolerably howling hound. Collectively, though, it seems our tolerance for noise is hanging by a thread. According to the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health, noise is the single biggest cause for complaints made to local authorities in the UK; in a survey released in 2022, they found that noise complaints increased by 54 per cent in England between 2019-20 and 2020-21. Objections were particularly prominent in Greater London, where 508 complaints were recorded for every 10,000 people, more than three times the national average. Separate data compiled in 2022 by Churchill Home Insurance found that almost 450,000 noise complaints had been made to councils over the previous financial year, marking an increase of nearly 70,000 over two years. Noise is an issue that cant be dismissed as rows between curtain-twitchers its a matter of public health. It has been shown very clearly and unequivocally that noise has a terrible effect on human health and wellbeing, says Dr Finnur Pind, acoustics engineer and co-founder of Treble, an Icelandic company that develops sound-simulation technology. The World Health Organisation says that noise is the second most harmful environmental factor affecting human health, after bad air quality. A spate of studies has linked exposure to excessive noise to mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. Could our present preoccupation with noise be rooted in the changes wrought by the pandemic? All of a sudden, the noise of the world is almost switched off, Pind says. Soundscapes did change dramatically towards the beginning of the first lockdown, agrees Dr Neil Bruce, senior lecturer in sound design at Manchester Metropolitan Universitys School of Digital Arts. Planes and transportation noise dropped off significantly, he notes. One study found that environmental noise in London dropped by an average of 5.4 decibels in spring 2020 versus the previous year. For some of us, that meant getting used to the eerie quiet. We were suddenly able to listen a bit more, Bruce says. Because were so busy usually, sound is something we dont often pay much heed to Lockdown did seem to then bring that a bit more to the fore. For others, it meant more time at home to fixate on new noises that punctuated this quiet, often occasioned by pandemic-imposed lifestyle shifts. I think the thing that made us perhaps more sensitive to noise, that changed our attitude, was that our homes were really required for studious work, says Louise Beamish, vice chair of the Association of Noise Consultants and director of acoustics at WSP. This repurposing of our home spaces came at the same point that young kids started to be homeschooled, your DIY-loving neighbour was placed on furlough and everyone seemed to get a dog. Sounds that might have previously seemed innocuous, or part of the fabric of life, became irritants; stuck inside, we couldnt flee them. Having to stay indoors [and] changing the way we work did have an impact, because there was no escape, adds Somayya Yaqub, a member of the CIEHs environmental protection advisory panel and head of corporate health and safety for the London Borough of Ealing. There were complaints about matters that we [as environmental health officers] cant actually do anything about Thats living noise whereas before, youve not ever had your neighbour at home, and youre not there either, so it didnt matter. We have an expectation of how certain places should sound, and when things do not sound as expected, that is when we become annoyed Dr Neil Bruce This leap in complaints, she suggests, might be tied into the slow erosion of community many of us dont know our neighbours, so perhaps it felt easier to passive-aggressively fill out a noise complaints form than to pop round and have a chat. Many streets will be filled with residents on short-term rental contracts, so theyre not interested in building that relationship with a neighbour. Environmental health manager Paul McCullough, Yaqubs fellow advisory panel member, agrees. Theres less of the live and let live attitude between neighbours, he says. People tend not to know their neighbours as much now, whereas things would have been resolved with a quick word in years gone by. As life slowly started to return to normal, so did the noise levels, but our attitudes havent necessarily bounced back to pre-pandemic levels of give-and-take. Bruce says that the idea of expectation is a significant one when it comes to how we relate to sounds. We have an expectation of how certain places should sound, and when things do not sound as expected, that is when we become annoyed, he explains. I think thats one of the issues with some of the things were seeing around noise complaints in city centres. Our fixation on noise is indeed reaching beyond the home. If people moved to a usually bustling area during a period of intense quiet, they will have a different (perhaps even unrealistic) expectation of what constitutes normal noise levels. Pubs, clubs and music venues, which went dark for extended periods during the pandemic, are now feeling the brunt of this. Earlier this year, Night Time Industries Association chief executive Michael Kill told hospitality trade title The Morning Advertiser that noise complaints have been recently exacerbated by residents who experienced lower levels of noise during the pandemic, due to the closure of night-time businesses. Were definitely seeing an increase in the number of venues coming to us with issues to do with noise complaints, says Clara Cullen, venue support manager for the Music Venue Trust. She runs the charitys emergency response service, which helps support grassroots music venues when they are threatened by noise complaints or other legal action. In June 2022, we had five cases to do with noise. Coming [up] to June 2023, well have 12 cases. Not huge numbers, perhaps (the MVT, Cullen notes, relies on venues getting in touch with them; other businesses might be facing these cases on their own), but certainly a significant increase. Anecdotally, she says, in most cases we see, the venues do predate the newer residential accommodation being built in the area. Theres a little bit of a vicious cycle you move to these areas, that creates more residential buildings which circles back around to noise (iStock) One headline-grabbing example is Manchesters Night & Day Cafe. The venue, which has hosted performances by the likes of Arctic Monkeys, Johnny Marr and Ed Sheeran was served a noise abatement order back in November 2021; the complainant had moved into an adjacent flat during lockdown. It appealed the order, and in March the hearing was adjourned until later this year. The agent of change principle was introduced to the UK in 2018, and places the responsibility for mitigating noise from pre-existing activities or businesses on a proposed new development. Apart from in Scotland, though, this is part of planning policy its not legislation, its not law, Cullen explains. And it doesnt just fit neatly within the entire legislative picture, adds McCullough. Unfortunately, that conflicts with the statutory noise-nuisance legislation. So the two things dont work together You cant turn around and say, your property was built after the club was already here, therefore you cant complain. The job of an environmental health officer, he says, is to work between the two parties youve got responsibilities both to the business operator but also to the resident. Often they hope to reach agreement informally; if not, legal action can be costly for night-time businesses that are already operating in financially straitened times. Councils are feeling the pinch too, with less budget available for specialist environmental staff, whose workload has shot up (the CIEHs noise survey found that the workload for environmental health officers across England more than doubled between 2019-20 and 2020-21). There were complaints about matters that we [as environmental health officers] cant actually do anything about thats living noise' (iStock) The pandemic may have intensified the situation, but our complex relationship with noise is rooted in deeper, structural issues too, like where and how were building houses. There is a tension how do we do town planning well, that accommodates the need for residential accommodation but also culture? Cullen asks. Obviously there [are] lots of places in the UK that people want to move to because of the cultural vibrancy. Theres a little bit of a vicious cycle you move to these areas, that creates more residential buildings which circles back around to noise. Many of us live in accommodation that is built to meet certain noise specifications, but that is the minimum specification, as Bruce notes. Mitigating noise, he adds, is expensive in terms of building costs, and can also encroach into internal spaces (its a toss up would you rather a noisier flat or a smaller one?) Can we ever reach a balance, where we dont have to live in a bland soundscape, as Bruce puts it, but we can switch off in our homes too? Pind says that, increasingly, sound is no longer just an afterthought, and is being considered in the early design stages of developments; his company has developed VR software that allows us to hear how a new building will sound before it has been built, thus eliminating some of the guesswork. At the planning stage, there is quite a movement in our industry to better the standards for transfer of sound between dwellings, Beamish says, because that [regulation is currently] seen by a lot of people as being quite inadequate and not protecting the residents as well as it could. So perhaps the big question we have to grapple with is how we want our neighbourhoods to feel, and the compromises were willing to collectively make. Cities and bigger towns, Cullen notes, arent quiet places And obviously peoples lives and priorities have changed as well. Life, she adds, isnt silent. Northeast Florida witnessed a momentous occasion on Wednesday as K9 Maverick, a Belgian Malinois, was officially sworn in as the first-ever K9 officer of the Duval County School Police. With a unique skill set in firearms detection, Mavericks induction ceremony marked a significant milestone for the region. Mavericks achievement was recognized during the special ceremony held at 3:30 PM on May 31, where he took his oath of service in front of his fellow officers. This Belgian Malinois has become the newest member of the force and earned the distinction of being the first certified firearms-detecting K9 in Northeast Florida, having recently completed his National Police Canine Association K9 Firearms Detection Certification on May 25. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] The Duval County Public School District expressed their excitement at welcoming Maverick to the team. His primary responsibilities will include conducting random searches, investigating threats, and assisting in various events throughout the district. With his exceptional skills and training, Maverick is expected to play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and security of the school community. In addition to his impressive credentials, Maverick also boasts a unique taste in food. His favorite delicacy is salmon, adding a touch of charm to his already impressive profile. [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. Occupiers refuse to provide insulin to people without Russian passports in Zaporizhzhia The invaders in the occupied territories of Zaporizhzhia Oblast do not issue insulin to diabetic patients unless they have Russian internal passports. Source: National Resistance Center Quote: "In the temporarily occupied territories of Zaporizhzhia Oblast, people with diabetes cannot receive insulin if they do not have a Russian passport. Insulin is not even given out to Ukrainian citizens who are collecting it for their children." Details: By doing this, the occupiers are trying to force local residents to obtain Russian passports, the National Resistance Center noted. Background: Russian invaders in the temporarily occupied territories of Kherson Oblast are forcing residents to obtain Russian passports by 1 September, threatening to cut off their electricity supply, confiscate their property, and forcibly evict them. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! The 6th annual meeting and academic forum of a science fiction creation and research base took place on Tuesday in Beijing, convening prominent writers and professionals looking to boost China's sci-fi industry. Participants of the annual conference of the China Science Writers Association's (CSWA) Science Fiction Creation and Research Base and the Academic Forum of Science Fiction Works pose for a group photo after the meeting during the China Science Fiction Convention in Beijing, May 30, 2023. [Photo courtesy of Beijing Yuanyu Science Fiction and Future Technology Research Institute] The annual conference of the China Science Writers Association's (CSWA) Science Fiction Creation and Research Base, along with the Academic Forum of Science Fiction Works, was held during the China Science Fiction Convention 2023. The event saw the participation of over 70 experts, writers, editors, entrepreneurs and professionals from the sci-fi sector and associated industries, including acclaimed writers Liu Cixin, Wang Jinkang and Francesco Verso. At the meeting, Wang Weiying, the base's deputy director and secretary-general, provided a summary of the base's achievements in 2022 and outlined the work plan for the upcoming year. She covered areas such as sci-fi book publishing, research and academic exchanges, industrial transformation, and education and talent development in the sci-fi field. She delineated the next steps and stressed that the base would continue its endeavors in creation, research, publishing, international exchanges, and promotional activities throughout the year. Liu Cixin, a prominent Chinese sci-fi writer and the president of the newly inaugurated Beijing Yuanyu Science Fiction and Future Technology Research Institute, pointed out that sci-fi is gradually gaining more attention as an emerging literary form. He emphasized that the research institution has a role to play in advancing technology and cultivating a rich sci-fi culture. "Considering the current developmental bottlenecks in China's sci-fi industry, which is primarily the severe lack of original content, the future of the sci-fi base should focus on strengthening the promotion and publicity of sci-fi creation, enhancing exchanges and collaborations, and fostering cross-disciplinary integration between sci-fi literature and technological arts," Liu said. Francesco Verso, a renowned Italian sci-fi writer, also delivered a speech at the meeting, expressing his hope for Italy and China to build closer connections through sci-fi. He highlighted the importance of hosting the 81st World Science Fiction Convention (WorldCon) in Chengdu, China, for the internationalization of the sci-fi genre. A plaque unveiling ceremony was conducted during the meeting to inaugurate the newly established writers' studios of Ling Chen, Chao Xia, Jiang Bo, and Chen Qiufan. With these new additions, the sci-fi base has now established studios for a total of 14 writers. A book recommendation event and forum followed the ceremony, sparking discussions on "Exploring the New Trends in Science Fiction Reading and Publishing." Renowned sci-fi writer and media mogul Zhu Yuqing highlighted the increasing amount of young sci-fi readers, noting that children's comprehension of technology and information exceeds the adult imagination. He also suggested diversifying channels for disseminating sci-fi content. Children's sci-fi writer Lu Yang proposed that certain science popularization and sci-fi resources should be effectively delivered to children, helping them transition from superficial to deep reading. Meanwhile, sci-fi writer Ah Que stated that sci-fi reading could effectively counterbalance the onslaught of fragmented information, such as short videos. The attending experts later engaged in a dialogue on the topic of "The Value and Perspectives of Science Fiction Research." In the academic exchange segment, Xu Zechen, a distinguished laureate of one of China's highest literary honors, the Mao Dun Literature Prize, and deputy editor-in-chief of "People's Literature" magazine, critically analyzed the sci-fi and quasi-sci-fi works published in "People's Literature." He stated that the freedom, holistic approach, imagination, and socially conscious themes found in sci-fi literature would serve as crucial catalysts for the evolution of traditional literature, providing a source of fresh vitality and inspiration. Yang Feng, founder and CEO of Chinese sci-fi brand Eight Light Minutes Culture, underscored the resilience of Chinese sci-fi and the hard-won status of the sector. She called upon everyone to cherish the present, look forward to the future and strive for China's sci-fi industry to soar to new heights through the collective efforts of enthusiasts. The Science Fiction Base annual meeting, established in December 2016, is an important sub-forum of the China Science Fiction Convention. It serves as a dedicated platform for sci-fi writers and professionals, functioning under the leadership of the China Association for Science and Technology. The conference was sponsored by the CSWA and China Science and Technology Press, organized by the Science Fiction Base and Beijing Yuanyu Science Fiction and Future Technology Research Institute, and jointly coordinated by the Science Fiction Committee of the China Science Film and Video Association and the China Children's Science Fiction Union. The orca boat attacks are likely to escalate, former SeaWorld trainer says. 'Orcas love having fun, but they can have a darker side.' Tourists in a sailboat view an orca which rises above the water in the Strait of Juan de Fuca between north coastal Washington and Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Stuart Westmorland/Getty Images A former SeaWorld orca trainer spoke to Bloomberg about the rise in orca attacks on boats. It was "100% predictable," said John Hargrove. When sailors are out at sea, they should remember they are in the orcas' territory, Hargrove said. A former SeaWorld orca trainer believes the surge in killer whale boat attacks off the coast of the Iberian peninsula is set to escalate. John Hargrove who resigned from SeaWorld theme park in 2012 and now advocates for keeping orcas out of captivity spoke to Bloomberg Opinion in an interview on the latest killer whale vs. boat phenomenon. "Orcas love having fun, but they can have a much darker side to their mischief when they don't like what's been happening to them," Hargrove told Bloomberg journalists Bobby Ghosh and Howard Chua-Eoan. Chua-Eoan and Hargrove co-wrote "Beneath the Surface: Killer Whales, SeaWorld, and the Truth Beyond Blackfish," a book on the "realization that the relationship between the human and animal worlds must be radically rethought." Given his intimate knowledge of killer whales, Hargrove believes the trend of orcas ramming into vessels is "100% predictable." While most orca interactions with boats are harmless, there has been a spike in aggressive behavior toward boats since 2020, Insider previously reported. Comparing orcas hitting boats to when people start "roughhousing" just for fun, it can turn aggressive quickly. "This is exactly what you're seeing with these boats," he said, starting off with the killer whales taking control of the rudder, then pushing boats, then escalating to hitting and making holes in the vessels, he said. Discussing videos of the creatures ramming into boats, "That's nowhere near as hard as those whales can go," he added. Orcas can grow up to 30 feet in length and weigh six tons. "If they wanted to, they could completely tear those boats apart," said Hargrove. He said it was likely that these kinds of attacks, particularly in the region near Spain and Portugal, could increase. "This type of behavior always escalates. We'll be reading more about these events," he warned. Serge Melesan/Getty Images Commenting on the phenomenon that orcas may imitate one another Hargrove noted that it is also possible for pods of orcas to teach other pods their actions. The creatures are "so highly intelligent" they can learn from each other very quickly, he said. While it remains unclear exactly what is causing the interactions between killer whales and boats, the interviewers asked the expert whether people, sailors in particular, should be alarmed. While boaters, especially those sailing around the Iberian peninsula, should be very careful, he said, ultimately, people should remember that they are in orca territory. In the end, "the insurance company is going to take care of the boat," Hargrove said. "That's the risk, you've decided to go out on your boat." The takeaway point, he said, is that water is the orca's world and habitat, and people should respect that. Read the original article on Business Insider The Orlando Veteran Affairs held its annual caregiver support summit earlier this week. Nurses and family members of veterans learned about new resources offered by the VA at the Lake Nona Medical Center on Wednesday. The VA provided some of the areas caregivers with training, counseling, well-being exercises and activities to improve their health. The organization recognized one wife for her caring efforts toward her husband after he was injured in Iraq in 2004. Read: Orlando VA clinic holds food distribution event for veterans, military families Theyre teaching us about taking care of us so (that) we can take care of them, Leyda Rivera said. Michelle Harper, Orlando VA general caregiver support coordinator, said there are two programs. The comprehensive assistance for family caregivers program has 1,550 people, and there are 140 caregivers in the general caregivers support services program. Read: Ocoee holds Memorial Day ceremony for fallen veterans Orlando is the largest caregiver support system in the country, she said. Harper explained that many veterans and families live in the area, and these summits help caregivers in Central Florida. The VA said the events goal is to help veterans reach their full potential with the support of their caregivers. 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. US-POLITICS-BIDEN-DEBT President Joe Biden sits at his desk ahead of addressing the nation on averting default and the Bipartisan Budget Agreement, in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, on June 2, 2023. Credit - Jim WatsonPool/AFP via Getty Images Hoping to impress upon the country how closely the nation veered toward an economically devastating default on its debt, President Biden delivered a live address from the Oval Office to praise the passage of a bipartisan budget deal, making use of one of the most powerful platforms of the presidency for the first time. Biden broke into primetime television less than 24 hours after Congress had passed the measure to raise the governments debt ceiling, which he said averted an economic crisis and an economic collapse. The legislation, which his administration negotiated over several weeks with House Republican leaders, limits some spending and punts the next time the debt limit is likely to be an issue to the beginning of 2025, after his current term in office is over. The Senate passed the budget deal late Thursday, after Speaker Kevin McCarthy earlier in the week held together enough House Republicans to pass it. In both chambers, the support for the measure was bipartisan, as was the opposition. Some Democrats thought the deal gave Republicans too much, and in particular expressed frustration at the imposition of new work requirements on people aged 50 to 54 in order to receive food stamps. Some Republicans complained the bill underfunded the military. Others thought that, in general, McCarthy had let Biden off too easily given that the GOP controlled the House. No one got everything they wanted but the American people got what they needed, Biden said. Along with burnishing Bidens credentials as a deal maker, the address allowed Biden to remind voters he was following through on his promise to work with Republicans to solve the countrys thorniest problems. I want to commend SenatorSpeaker McCarthy, Biden said, briefly flubbing McCarthys title. You know, he and I and our teams, we get along, Biden said that when he ran for President, he was told the days of bipartisanship were over, that Democrats and Republicans no longer worked together. But I refused to believe that. The only way American democracy can function is through compromise and consensus, he continued. And thats what I want to do as your President. Read more: Heres Whats in the Debt Ceiling Deal As Biden spoke to the nation for 13 minutes, Senior Adviser Anita Dunn seemed to follow along with a copy of the speech on her lap, occasionally taking notes with a pen and taking pains to turn the pages without making a sound that could be picked up by the Presidents microphone. Much of the Oval Offices furniture had been removed ahead of the live address, and replaced with television cameras and lights, which surrounded the historic Resolute Desk, made from the oak timbers of a British ship and given to President Rutherford B. Hayes by Queen Victoria. When he was finished and no longer transmitting into homes across the nation, someone said Clear. Aides in the room clapped, and the President smiled broadly. Oval Office addresses are often associated with weighty moments in American history, particularly times of crisis or tragedy. Donald Trump spoke from behind the Resolute Desk when the spread of COVID-19 was declared a global pandemic in March 2020.It was where Ronald Reagan told the country the future belongs to the brave after the space shuttle Challenger exploded in 1986. After the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, George W. Bush pledged to make no distinction between the terrorists who committed these acts and those who harbor them. President Obama addressed the nation from the Oval Office after the San Bernardino terror attacks in 2015, the end of U.S. operations in Iraq, and the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill in 2010. (After Osama Bin Laden was killed by Navy SEALS, Obama forgoed the cramped Oval, and addressed the country from the East Room, which can hold more people.) Biden could have chosen to speak from the Oval Office earlier in his presidency, when a CIA drone strike killed al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahri in Kabul, Afghanistan in July 2022. But that live address was given instead from the Truman Balcony of the White House, with a view of the Washington Monument behind him. Biden picked the Oval Office to discuss the debt ceiling deal because he believes there is a gravity to the moment and he wanted to make sure that the American people understood how important it was to get this done, in a bipartisan way, said White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre. Along with praising the budget deal, Biden made a point of noting that he has signed 350 bipartisan bills so far during his presidency, and touted his work to pass large investments in the nations infrastructure project and incentivize microchip manufacturers to open factories in the US. Biden said he expects to sign the bill lifting the debt limit on Saturday. Imran Khan is still very popular among the military's rank and file It started off as a regular Tuesday evening. Komal, the wife of a Pakistani army officer stationed in a conflict zone, was chopping vegetables for dinner while her two young daughters watched TV. But their military compound, arguably one of the safest places in Pakistan, was about to feel very unsafe. Komal was surprised when her husband rang, much earlier than usual. He told her to keep the doors locked, because military quarters across the country were being attacked by supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. In Lahore, the residence of a lieutenant general had already been set ablaze. "If they could brazenly attack a general's house, will ours be next? The thought of it sent shivers down my spine," says Komal, who doesn't want to use her real name. She immediately locked the doors and windows and put food in the storeroom in case they had to hide. She even thought about how to exit the apartment if it was set on fire - could she jump out of the second-floor window with her daughters? "When I watched videos of the protests, it terrified me," Komal says. "I have never felt so insecure and vulnerable." But she was also torn - as a staunch Khan supporter, she felt let down. "I and many others had supported Imran Khan, hoping for a change, but now, I feel betrayed by the very person I had championed. His irresponsible and inflammatory rhetoric fuelled the hatred and violence that has rocked this country," she says. Deep-rooted narrative The protests were an unprecedented challenge to Pakistan's powerful military who have ruled the country for several decades, with three military coups since independence in 1947. Although military rule officially ended in 2008, many believe that the army remains the kingmaker behind politicians. And Mr Khan was widely believed to have their blessing. Even before his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party came to power in 2018, Khan was known as the "military's darling". His critics say that he was portrayed by the army's social media teams as Pakistan's saviour, and the only leader who would stand up to dynastic politicians and a corrupt ruling elite. After Khan and the powerful military establishment fell out and he was ousted from power last year, the narrative was so deep-rooted that it didn't change the minds of many in the army's rank and files. Army medical officer Gul, who speaks on the condition of anonymity, is apolitical but now furious at Khan's supporters. On the night of the riots she was away on duty while her parents were home with her children. "I wished I were with them. I thought, what if they are attacked or injured or, God forbid, killed? I can't express what was going in my head. I couldn't sleep the whole night. This was all traumatising, especially for a mother who is away from her children," she says. But many in the army continue to support Mr Khan, who has remained the most popular political figure not just among civilians, but also within military rank and file. "If given a choice, among the current politicians, it is no-one else but Imran Khan I'll vote for," one officer told me, on condition of anonymity. Protesters set fire to the residence of a lieutenant general in Lahore Another officer also still supports the former prime minister. "I really feel sorry for what happened at the general's residence in Lahore, but we don't know who did it - Imran Khan says his party workers didn't initiate the attack. But nothing has changed my opinion towards Imran Khan. I still support him as a voter and will continue to do so. For me, he is a motivation and a true leader," she says. A senior officer from a security agency, who did not want to be named, says he regularly fields political questions from his subordinates, whose opinions are also informed by the internet and social media - and who sometimes question the military's influence in how the country is run. "They want concrete evidence that the military establishment does not meddle in politics. They ask questions about its role and we have to answer them convincingly," he says. Retired officers, influential in shaping the army's image, also strongly support Mr Khan. Raja Shahryar, a former officer who retired 15 years ago, voted for him in 2018 - the first time he had ever cast a ballot. "My perspective has not changed but the events of the past few days have angered me because the PTI leadership failed to contain the protesters from attacking government installations and property. They should have acted better than the rest," he says. After the attacks, the army was quick to show a united front. A spokesperson for the armed forces appeared on the Pakistani TV channel Geo News saying the army and its chief believed in democracy. "The army is united, despite propaganda by extremists and enemies both inside and outside the country," he said. Resentment against the military But the country is divided. Shahryar says he has never before witnessed "this level of political polarisation and expression of resentment against the military". And while many military families feel a line was crossed when their cantonments were attacked, and some police officers injured, PTI supporters feel law enforcement went too far. More than 10 protesters were killed during the demonstrations on 9 May. Tariq Nasir spent an hour searching for his brother Omer in a government hospital in Quetta. The 26-year-old had been protesting outside the military's cantonment area in the city, when he was killed. "There was a lot of teargas shelling. Omer was holding salt and water in his hands for people who were affected. He was unarmed, and peaceful, only exercising his right to hold a peaceful protest. They shot him right in his head. Why was he shot when he was unarmed?" he asks. Like many others, including Mr Khan himself, Nasir claimed that those who threw stones at police or attacked army installations were not really PTI supporters. He suspects foul play. The army has announced that those involved in attacks on army installations will be tried in military and anti-terrorism courts. Videos of men apologising for vandalism, claiming it was at the request of PTI leadership, are being circulated by police authorities. But many allege they are being coerced into recording such videos. Mr Khan has said those who attacked military installations were not PTI members and has asked the judiciary to form a commission to investigate the matter. However, dozens of his party leaders and close aides - some of whom were arrested and later released - have also abandoned Mr Khan, condemning the attacks on a general's house and other military installations. Some question whether the violent protests were instigated by authorities "My brother died while doing a peaceful protest," says Nasir. "When he was killed, he had Khan's flag around his neck. He lived for him and he died for him. He wanted a better Pakistan and Khan was his hope. One day, his dream will come true. And maybe, only then, we will get justice." Pakistan's powerful military establishment has long been blamed for interfering in politics, installing and removing governments. Ruling parties have also been accused of using state machinery to violently remove political opponents. Resentment at both the army and the politicians is rising within law enforcement, too. "Like them, I also wear uniform, and I know them all. They think they are above the law. Only Khan can correct them," a police officer told me. "And what do we expect from these politicians? Just a decent salary each month to afford our basic needs. Is that too much to ask for? They have also failed us. The military or politicians, they are all too busy fighting amongst themselves, and the country is going to the gallows." Parents clash in Pride protest at US primary school At one point, police had to intervene between protesters and counter-protesters at the school More than a hundred protesters and counter-protesters stood on opposite sides of a normally quiet suburban Los Angeles street on Friday. The two groups had come for one reason: the local primary school was hosting a Pride Month event. But they had very different views on Saticoy Elementary's choice of programming. One group of parents had launched a boycott of the school, labelling the Pride event "indoctrination" and inappropriate for children. But counter-protesters said the demonstration was discriminatory and that children had the right to learn about different types of families. Retired teacher Linda Blackwell, 71, supports the LGBTQ community At one point, police had to intervene when a fight broke out among protesters. One adult received minor injuries and was treated at the scene, said Los Angeles School Police Department. No arrests were made. A school employee who answered the phone on Friday said that Saticoy Elementary had planned to read a book to students about some children having "two mommies and two daddies". The employee did not provide further details about the event. Renato Lira, the director of the San Fernando Valley LGBTQ Center, took part in the school's assembly. Protesters on Friday outside Saticoy Elementary School He told the BBC that the children enjoyed the event, which he said involved educators reading from a book that talked about families of different cultures, including families with same-sex parents. With the event, "we wanted to show our love, respect, we're united", Mr Lira told BBC. The parents who protested were "trying to bully us", he added. Gay marriage has gained widespread acceptance - including among most Republicans, according to opinion pollster Gallup - since the US Supreme Court legalised same-sex unions in 2015. But over the past couple of years, the teaching of gender and sexuality in schools has provoked a conservative-led backlash. Protesters on Friday outside Saticoy Elementary School Saticoy Elementary - located in one of the most liberal cities in one of America's most liberal states - is the latest battleground in that culture war. The planned boycott of the school's 2 June Pride event was organised online over the past two weeks. An anonymous Instagram account, @saticoyelementaryparents, called for parents to keep their children home from school that day. In mid-May, @saticoyelementaryparents posted the faces, phone numbers and email addresses of officials at the school, as well as other city education officials. Before Friday's rally, the Instagram account said that "our protest is in no way an attack on the LGBTQ community". But critics said some of the demonstrators' signs - including "No sexual indoctrination!" and "The only people who want to teach kids sex: Pedophiles" - were discriminatory. Protesters against the Pride event, however, said that teaching children about LGBT issues is inappropriate and schools should first obtain parental consent for discussing such matters in the classroom. One parent, who spoke to the Los Angeles Times on condition of anonymity, citing the fear that her child at the school might be bullied, said she was tired "of the propaganda". "I didn't come from Armenia for this," she said, noting her child had returned from school last week with rainbow-coloured stickers and other items. "I came for freedom and for my children to learn about math and education, not about this. I might go back home." On the opposite side of the street, counter-protesters waved Pride and transgender flags. Saticoy Elementary is located in one of the most liberal cities in one of America's most liberal states "Today, we're here to celebrate Pride!" one person declared through a bullhorn. A woman held a sign reading: "Hate has no home here." Other parents said that teaching children about same-sex couples simply reflected the reality of American life today. "It's how the world is today and if you shield them from it, then it's just going to make a bigger impact later," one parent, Erica Denesesn, told a local ABC News affiliate. On 22 May, a transgender man who teaches at Saticoy Elementary School reported that a Pride flag in his office had been burned, the Los Angeles Times reported. Protesters on Friday outside Saticoy Elementary School The incident occurred after a different conservative-leaning, parents' rights Instagram account shared what it claimed were photos of the teacher before and after transition. The LAPD was investigating the flag-burning as a hate crime, officer Tony Im confirmed to BBC News. He declined to share more details, citing an ongoing investigation. "We know the flag was burned, we responded," Mr Im said. The teacher and officials at Saticoy Elementary School did not immediately respond to the BBC's request for comment about the incident. United Teachers Los Angeles, the city's powerful teacher's union, condemned "the egregious behaviour by bigoted protestors that outed the gender identity of a teacher at Saticoy Elementary". Patriot air defence systems deprive Russia of its ability to intimidate tens of millions of people Zelenskyy President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that the US-made Patriot air defence system is the only weapon that can shoot down certain types of Russian missiles, and Ukraine needs 50 such units. Source: Zelenskyy in an interview with the WSJ Quote: "Theres currently one weapon capable of stopping some types of missiles launched by the Russian Federation against our civilian population, schools, infrastructure and energy system. The only system in the world is the Patriot. This war taught me that people are time, and thats it. There is a weapon that deprives Russia of its ability to intimidate tens of millions of people. The reality is 50 Patriots, will for the most part, prevent people from dying." Background: On 6 May, Lieutenant General Mykola Oleshchuk, Commander of the Ukrainian Air Force, confirmed that the Ukrainian military had shot down a Russian Kinzhal missile using the Patriot system. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! Phoenix police arrested three people accused of murdering a man and then lying to police about what transpired. Court documents say police responded to an apartment complex near 19th Avenue and Butler Drive on May 9 at around 5:23 a.m. for an emergency welfare check. Officers responded to the north side of the apartment complex where they found a man with multiple gunshot wounds. The unidentified man was pronounced dead at the scene. Officers found multiple 9mm bullet casings north of the body, according to court documents. What happened? Earlier that evening at around 1:30 a.m., Ciera Mickey, 27, told police that she had gotten into a physical fight in her apartment with a man she knew. Documents state the man was intoxicated and refused to leave the apartment. Mickey and another woman, 22-year-old Mariana Zamora, said she also wanted the man to leave. Officers contacted the man, who denied that the argument became physical and said he would call for a ride. Mickey and Zamora told police they still felt unsafe and left the complex in their respective vehicles, according to court documents. Police recontacted Mickey and Zamora when they returned to the complex at 7 a.m. to pick up some belongings after the mans body had been found. Documents say both women volunteered to be interviewed at Phoenix police headquarters. Mickey said she met the man through a dating app while Zamora denied knowing him. The women said they left for Zamoras home before staying with her boyfriend, Gabriel Garcia, at his own residence for the remainder of the evening. Known homicides: Here are all the Phoenix-area homicides that occurred in May 2023 and how to submit tips Caught in a lie However, call records from the victims phone showed three incoming and two outgoing calls between 3:01 a.m. and 3:11 a.m. with location information showing the phone at Mickeys apartment until about 3:17 a.m. when it traveled north close to where police found the body. Documents note that the movement north came minutes before police first received calls about gunshots. Police obtained records from Mickeys, Zamoras and Garcias cell phones and found they contradicted Mickeys and Zamoras initial claims. Location data showed Mickey and Zamora went to Zamoras residence but then returned to Mickeys apartment at about 2:29 a.m. where the devices appeared to move around the apartment until 3:02 a.m. Throughout this time, Zamora and Garcia called each other multiple times throughout the evening and during the time investigators believe the fatal shooting occurred. Video surveillance from nearby apartment complexes also captured Zamoras Chevrolet Tahoe driving through the area multiple times between 2:30 a.m. and 3:19 a.m. Police interviewed Mickey, Zamora and Garcia on May 31, where they all initially denied their involvement in the shooting before ultimately blaming each other. Mickey said Zamora asked Garcia to kill the victim while Zamora said Mickey made the request. Mickey ultimately admitted to owning a 9 mm handgun. Mickey gave Garcia the handgun and Garcia placed the handgun in a safe at his residence, which police later retrieved, according to court documents. Both Mickey and Zamora said Garcia shot the man, documents say. Mickey and Zamora were booked into jail on one count of conspiracy to commit first-degree murder and obstructing prosecution while Garcia was booked on first-degree murder, according to court documents. All three are being held on a $1 million bond. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix police arrest 3 in connection with fatal apartment shooting Police in Surrey, England, arrested 31 people on Saturday in connection with planned criminal disruption at the Epsom Derby Festival, one of the oldest and most famous horse races in the world. The Jockey Club, which runs the Epsom racecourse, won a High Court injunction last month to stop animal rights protesters from disrupting the event. Animal Rising, an animal rights group, had planned to demonstrate at the Derby, calling on as many animal lovers as possible to peacefully descend on Epsom in a post on Twitter. The group posted a video on Saturday showing one protester running onto the racetrack before he was tackled by several police officers and event security personnel, and removed from the track. A protestor was tackled by police and stewards on the racetrack. - Mike Egerton/PA Images/Getty Images The Jockey Club said it had offered Animal Rising an area near the entrance to protest. Photos from the event on Saturday showed a small group of activists had gathered outside the main gates holding signs that read: Animal abuse is not sport and For All Life. Surrey Police said in a statement that 19 people were arrested before the event, 11 in the early hours of the morning following warrants based on intelligence received, while another eight were arrested after their vehicle was stopped. A further 12 people were arrested within the Epsom Downs racecourse during the Derby itself, including the man who ran onto the racetrack, police added in an updated statement on Saturday afternoon. CNN has reached out to Animal Rising for comment and to confirm whether those arrested were members or supporters of the group. Animal Rising called the arrests police overreach in a statement on Saturday, claiming that they were another example of how the Government is attempting to outlaw all protests and ignore critical societal issues, using new policing powers granted under the Public Order Bill. Animal Rising had said that it would protest at the event. - Victoria Jones/Press Association/AP Parts of the bill, which empowers British police to take stronger action against peaceful protesters, came into force last month despite criticism from human rights groups. The Home Office said the measures will give police the powers to prevent disruption at major sporting and cultural events taking place this summer in England and Wales. CNN reached out to the Home Office for comment on the arrests, and Animal Risings statement. Two months ago, in April, more than 100 people were arrested at the Grand National in Aintree, Liverpool, regarded as a national institution by many in the United Kingdom but it is also one of the most controversial horse races in the world. The race, which has been modified in recent years to ease safety concerns, sees a field of up to 40 horses jumping 30 fences roughly the size of small cars. The demanding course has resulted in multiple fatalities over the years. According to animal rights organization PETA UK, 36 horses have died at the festival since 2010. Animal Aid, which was also involved in the protests at the Grand National, has called for jump racing to be banned. The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) condemned the protests at the time, saying they were reckless and potentially harmful. Meanwhile, in the United States, horse safety has also been in the spotlight. After the death of 12 horses in May, the owner of Churchill Downs, the racetrack that hosts the Kentucky Derby, announced it would suspend all racing operations to conduct a top-to-bottom review of all safety and surface protocols. CNNs Matt Foster, Aimee Lewis and Luke McGee contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Police are still looking for the suspect or suspects who shot a teen in the chest early Friday morning at the Keeper of the Plains north parking lot, Wichita police spokesperson Juan Rebolledo said Saturday. He was very lucky to survive, he said. Police are following up on a suspect vehicle and tag that they got using the Flock Safety license plate reader surveillance system, which alerts officers when they spot specific license plates or a make and model of vehicle that police are looking for. Police were called to a Wichita hospital around 3 a.m. Friday morning after a 17-year-old Andover boy showed up with a gunshot wound to his upper chest. The boy, who was seriously injured, was rushed into surgery and listed as stable on Friday. Rebolledo did not know if he was still hospitalized or his condition on Saturday. He said hospital staff only notify them if they succumb to their injuries, which they have not. Officers learned that before the incident, the 17-year-old victim had a brief verbal interaction with an unknown male, and as the unknown male was leaving the scene in a vehicle with other unknown males, shots were fired striking the victim once, Rebolledo said in a news release Friday. At the time of the incident, the parking lot was occupied by several juveniles. Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111, or the See Something Say Something hotline at 316-519-2282. Callers can remain anonymous with Crime Stoppers. Preventable death of child sees Ukraine inspect over 4,800 shelters over 20% closed or unfit for use The Ministry of Internal Affairs checks the state of shelters in Ukraine Among them, 252 were found to be closed, while an additional 893 were deemed unfit for use. The inspections were carried out by over 5,300 rescuers, police officers, and representatives of local executive authorities, as reported by the department. Read also: Elderly man mourns 9-year-old granddaughter killed in Kyiv by Russian missile attack A total of 252 civil defense facilities were found to be closed, and 893 were deemed unfit for use. All violations have been documented, and reports have been handed over to the responsible authorities for remedial action, stated Klymenko. The department said that these inspections will continue in the future. A 9-year-old girl and two women tragically lost their lives in Kyiv on the night of June 1, while being outside during a Russian missile attack, unable to reach a closed shelter. Read also: Four people charged after civilian deaths due to closed shelter in Kyiv This tragedy has prompted a new wave of shelter inspections and raised questions for political authorities and the military administration of the capital. For the second time in the past month, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko initiated shelter inspections in the capital. He stated that shelters in Kyiv should be open 24/7 and promised that on June 8, the Kyiv City Council will address the parliament regarding accountability for preventing access to shelters and the improper functioning of storage facilities. Simultaneously, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy instructed the Minister for Strategic Industries, Oleksandr Kamyshin, to conduct a thorough review of all protective structures in Kyiv, and assigned Minister of Internal Affairs Ihor Klymenko to oversee inspections throughout Ukraine. Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine Lorenzo di Bonaventura, a veteran Hollywood producer known for his work on blockbusters such as the "Transformers" franchise, has expressed his desire to do more U.S.-China co-productions, citing fantastic experiences in the past. Lorenzo di Bonaventura, a veteran Hollywood producer, speaks to China.org.cn in an interview. [Photo courtesy of Paramount Pictures] "I have now done three co-productions with China," he said in an interview with China.org.cn. "All three have been great experiences, and I would love the opportunity to do another one, and it's very fun. Obviously, our culture and Chinese culture, there's a lot of differences, but there's also a lot of similarities. And so bringing people together, you find there are more similarities than differences." The "Transformers" franchise has seen great success in the Chinese market, which led to franchise co-productions, most notably the fourth installment, "Transformers: Age of Extinction," in 2014. The film featured the renowned Chinese actress Li Bingbing and recruited minor Chinese characters through a TV contest on the China Movie Channel. In addition, the movie prominently featured the Wulong Scenic Area in Chongqing and Hong Kong as crucial locations in the story. The installment later grossed 1.97 billion yuan in China, the highest among all the franchise's movies released in the country. Now, the producer has embarked on a new journey with "Transformers: Rise of the Beasts." Directed by Steven Caple Jr. and starring Anthony Ramos and Dominique Fishback, the highly anticipated film takes audiences on a globetrotting adventure with the Autobots in the 1990s and introduces a new faction of Transformers the Maximals as allies in the existing battle for earth against Unicron and Terrorcons. Di Bonaventura stated that involvement in the new faction of Transformers is a response to the long-standing demand of fans. "We always want to please the fans as these movies are made for the fans. So, I think it would be crazy not to [introduce them]. We have been considering the inclusion of the Maximals for quite a while. We have had discussions about them for a long time. It's not easy to simply add such an element to what we were already doing because, think about it, cars and animals, do they mix? It's not simple. So, we needed to find a story that would allow that to happen. And finally, we figured out a story that made it possible." "Also, we thought, let's introduce some new villains. But I'm sure the Decepticons will come back in the future," he added. Regarding what keeps attracting people back to the Hasbro robot franchise, di Bonaventura said, "I think there's one thing that is fundamental. The creators' idea of Transformers is that your car can be a person. That is something that you have a strong relationship with; is something completely different than what you expect. That's really the cornerstone. And then what we have tried to do is create an experience for the audience that is funny, that is action-packed, that is emotional. And it also takes you to places that are really extraordinary. So that's, I think, why we've been able to keep it going." "We make these movies to be fun and to entertain but also to be about something a little more. And that little more is about the world right now, our real world. It's a complicated world, and we all need to figure out how to work together better." A huge Transformers installation consisting of mechanical statues of Optimus Primal and Optimus Prime is on display at the popular commercial area of Sanlitun in Beijing, starting from June 2, 2023. [Photo courtesy of Paramount Pictures] Paramount Pictures and IMAX are now gearing up for the China premiere of "Transformers: Rise of the Beasts" on June 5, followed by a nationwide release on June 9, which is the same date as the North American release and many other markets around the world. Di Bonaventura further shared his observations on the film market in the post-pandemic era. "In terms of the global market, I feel relieved because we didn't know if the audience was going to come back. And now we see the audience has really come back, and I think they will continue to. It's reaffirmed our belief in cinema and that cinema offers something that nothing else can replace. So, on that level, I think that's really fantastic." Founder of Wagner private mercenary group Yevgeny Prigozhin speaks with servicemen during withdrawal of his forces from Bakhmut By Guy Faulconbridge MOSCOW (Reuters) -Russian mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin said on Saturday that Kremlin factions were destroying the state by trying to sow discord between him and Chechen fighters. That row had now been settled but infighting in the Kremlin had opened a Pandora's Box of rifts, he said. Prigozhin, a 62-year-old former restauranteur who founded the Wagner mercenary group and is a member of President Vladimir Putin's wider circle, has gained widespread notoriety during the 15-month war in Ukraine. His troops have spearheaded battles in the city of Bakhmut and elsewhere, but he has also rowed with the Russian military over tactics, logistical support and other issues. Prigozhin said a dispute between him and Chechen forces who are also fighting alongside the Russian army in Ukraine had been resolved. But he laid the blame for the discord on unidentified Kremlin factions - which he calls "Kremlin towers". Their scheming had got so out of hand that Putin had been forced to scold them at a Security Council meeting, he said. "Pandora's Box is already open - we are not the ones who opened it," Prigozhin said in a message posted by his press service. "Some Kremlin tower decided to play dangerous games." "Dangerous games have become commonplace in the Kremlin towers...they are simply destroying the Russian state." He did not identify the Kremlin faction but said that it continued its attempts to sow discord, it would have "hell to pay". The Kremlin did not comment on his remarks. Putin held a Security Council meeting of Friday about what he said were "interethnic" relations inside the country. Prigozhin said Chechen remarks made about him sounded like something out of the early 1990s when conflicts gripped Russian cities after the collapse of the Soviet Union. "Clearly the statements made were rather provocative, aimed at hurting me and freaking me out," Prigozhin said. Prigozhin also said any battle between Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov's Akhmat special forces and Wagner would result in serious bloodshed but there was no doubt who would win. He also again vented his anger about the current state of the war and the culpability of Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov. "The ministry of defence is not in a state to do anything at all as it de-facto doesn't exist - it is in chaos," Prigozhin said. The defence ministry did not respond to a request for comment. Niether Shoigu nor Gerasimov have commented in public about Prigozhin's comments. (Reporting by Guy Faulconbridge; Editing by Angus MacSwan) Protesters back on the streets of Belgrade as president ignores calls to stand down Two people carry their dogs as they attend a protest in Belgrade, Serbia, Saturday, June 3, 2023. Tens of thousands of people rallied in Serbia's capital on Saturday in protest of the government's handling of a crisis after two mass shootings in the Balkan country. (AP Photo/Marko Drobnjakovic) BELGRADE, Serbia (AP) Thousands of people rallied in Serbias capital on Saturday for a fifth time in a month, following two mass shootings that shook the nation, even as the countrys populist president rejected any responsibility for the crisis and ignored the protesters' demands to step down. The crowd, chanting slogans against President Aleksandar Vucic, marched through the capital, Belgrade, to gather in front of his downtown headquarters. They released a large balloon with the inscription Vucic Go Away. University students led the march, holding a banner that read Serbia against violence! The opposition protesters have been demanding the resignations of senior government officials and the revocation of broadcasting licenses for TV networks which, they say, promote violence and glorify crime figures. The protest on Saturday was somewhat different from the ones before. Independent journalists covering the march saw right-wing groups infiltrating the march to promote their nationalist agenda. Analysts say some of these groups have close ties to Serbia's security service. There were reports of ultranationalist supporters attacking a protester with a baton. Some of the attackers had t-shirts with the Russian Z inscription, a symbol of the Russian aggression against Ukraine. The opposition has accused Vucic of fueling intolerance and hate speech during his increasingly autocratic 11-year rule, while illegally seizing control of all state institutions. Vucic has denied this, claiming the opposition groups want him toppled by force. They just need to know that dead or alive, including my children, I will fight against those who support violence," Vucic told a pro-government TV station. They will never scare me. The two shootings on May 3 and 4 stunned the nation, especially because the first one happened in an elementary school in central Belgrade, when a 13-year-old boy took his fathers gun and opened fire on his fellow students. Eight students and a school guard were killed and seven more people wounded. One more girl later died in hospital from head wounds. A day later, a 20-year-old used an automatic weapon to randomly target people in two villages south of Belgrade, killing eight people and wounding 14. Popular Serbian actor Dragan Bjelogrlic told the crowd that we owe a debt to the dead children. We owe them the truth and justice, he said. We owe them what we didnt give them while they were alive. Authorities have launched a gun crackdown in the aftermath of the shootings and sent police to schools in an effort to boost a shaken sense of security. Serbia is flooded with weapons left over from the wars of the 1990s, including rocket launchers and hand grenades. Other gun-control measures declared in the wake of the shootings include tighter controls on gun owners and shooting ranges, a moratorium on new licenses, and harsh sentences for possession of illegal weapons. - Jovana Gec contributed. Patrick T. Conley is Rhode Island historian laureate and a walker. James Marusak is a Providence attorney. As summer arrives, Rhode Islands parks and paths attract public-spirited pedestrians who participate by the hundreds in walks to raise money for health research and other worthy charitable causes. My wife, Gail, and I have engaged in some, but mainly jogged and walked to enhance our own health from our Pleasant Valley Parkway home when we lived in Providence. As we strolled, formerly for three miles each morning and now only one due to age and weak knees, our thoughts turn to a Providence man who can be an inspiration for all walkers. That person, nicknamed the Pedestrian, was Edward Payson Weston, a member of the Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame. Providence native Edward Payson Weston was renowned for his walking feats, including walking from New York to San Francisco in 104 days in 1906. More: His quest? Walk RI's entire coast- But private property and blocked access are a challenge Weston was born in Providence on March 15, 1839, the eldest of four children. He was the son of Silas Weston, a onetime schoolteacher who became a publisher and editor of a semimonthly paper, the Pupils Monitor. Edwards mother, Maria Gaines, was a talented writer who published several poems and novels. As a youth, Edward helped the family by selling the writings of his parents. In 1861, after the election of President Lincoln, Edward, then 22 years old, wagered that he could walk from Boston to Washington in 10 days, in time to attend Lincolns inauguration. Although Weston was of average stature (5 foot 7 inches) and slight build (140 pounds), he made the 453-mile trek to Washington for Lincolns Inaugural Ball but arrived about 10 hours after the inauguration itself. The trip stirred up enough attention that Lincoln made a point of meeting with Weston and offering to pay his way for a ride home. Weston declined and, instead, embarked on a lifetime career as a world-famous professional pedestrian. After the Civil War, his walking career took off at a record pace, and his exploits became the subject of world renown. Among Westons more famous accomplishments was a walk from Portland, Maine, to Chicago (1,326 miles in 25 days). Forty years later, at the age of 68, he made the same walk, beating his old record by 29 hours! In January 1879, he claimed a record for walking 2,000 miles. He also won the Astley Belt, beating British champion Blower Brown in a 550-mile, six-day foot race in London during a lengthy tour of Europe. He went on to claim records for 200, 250 and 300 miles. More: Up for a challenge? Tippecansett South Trail is a rigorous, rewarding workout | Walking RI During the 1870s and 1880s, Westons duels with his nemesis, walker Daniel OLeary, attracted nationwide attention. In all, Weston participated in more than 1,000 professional events spanning nearly seven decades, including two transcontinental walks. Perhaps Edwards greatest feat (no pun intended) was his walk from New York to San Francisco, sponsored by the New York Times in 1906 when he was 70 years of age. He planned to complete the trip in 100 days. When he appeared in San Francisco on day 104, he proclaimed his late arrival as the greatest disappointment in his life. Undeterred, he walked back this time covering the route in a blistering 76 days in an era when only a primitive road system existed across vast stretches of America. His last great journey came in 1913, when he walked 1,546 miles from New York to Minneapolis in 51 days. Bad luck rather than age ended Edwards career. While walking in New York City in 1927, he was struck by a taxicab. The accident, suffered at the age of 88, confined him to a wheelchair for the remaining two years of his life. He died in Brooklyn on May 12, 1929, at age 90. He was buried at St. John Cemetery, Queens, rather than in his family cemetery in Providence. This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Born in Providence in 1839, Edward Payson Weston was a man who can be an inspiration for all walkers. Punching a suspect in the face shouldnt be policy in any police department | Opinion The video posted on Twitter by a Black Lives Matter group showing a Meridian police officer beating a suspect whos lying on the pavement was shocking. As the suspect, Colt James Seward, tries to cover his face, the officer repeatedly punches Seward, pushes his head into the pavement and pins Seward to the ground. As a second officer holds Sewards right hand behind his back, the first officer hits Seward in the face again. In his police mugshot, Sewards right eye is swollen shut, he has blood on his face and he has several cuts on his forehead. It was a gratuitous display of excessive, unnecessary force, for all the world to see. And yet, Meridian Police Chief Tracy Basterrechea said Donald Heida, the officer who punched Seward, acted within policy, adding that these incidents dont happen if the suspect cooperates. This is certainly not to defend Seward, who is charged with driving under the influence and was, according to police, found passed out in traffic reclined behind the wheel of his vehicle, with the engine running, the car in gear and his foot on the brake. Thats obviously inexcusable. Police say that after failing a sobriety test and being taken into custody, Seward slipped his handcuffed hands under his legs and to the front of his body, eventually leading to the altercation caught on video when police attempted to cuff him again. At the beginning of the video, officers are seen pushing Seward down to his knees. Seward falls forward and rolls over, sending Heida rolling backward. That seemed to incite Heida, who appears to lose his temper and acts out of anger as he punches Seward in the head. Outrage over what took place here and over the lack of accountability have nothing to do with defunding the police, backing the blue, Blue Lives Matter, Black Lives Matter or any of that. And no ones saying all police officers are violent. It has to do with the principle that the police should be subject to the same rules as anyone else and anyone else who did what Heida did would be in a lot of trouble. It wasnt an exercise in self-defense. It wasnt proper policing. It wasnt the least bit humane. We recognize and acknowledge that police work is difficult and dangerous, and we know that the vast majority of police officers try to do the right thing. But its the good officers who should be upset that Heida gets off with zero discipline. Many people in the community believe that police act as if they are above the law, that officers protect colleagues bad behavior, that the thin blue line exists. Decisions like this, when there are no repercussions, only serve to confirm those beliefs. Telling the public that punching a subdued suspect who is pinned to the ground multiple times in the face is within policy of the Meridian Police Department sends an awful message. Good police officers who know better should be calling for a different outcome. The city of Meridian should demand accountability. Otherwise, this just paints all police with the same bad brush, and it damages trust in the department and in law enforcement in general. Statesman editorials are the unsigned opinion of the Idaho Statesmans editorial board. Board members are opinion editor Scott McIntosh, opinion writer Bryan Clark, editor Chadd Cripe, newsroom editors Dana Oland and Jim Keyser and community member Mary Rohlfing. Putins exploits as KGB spy likely to have been exaggerated, investigation finds putin - GAVRIIL GRIGOROV Vladimir Putin was not a Soviet super spy in East Germany in the 1980s but a plodding pen-pusher eager to please his superiors, an investigation has found. Germanys Spiegel magazine investigated Mr Putins murky past on the suspicion that stories of his exploits as a KGB agent were exaggerated. Instead of conducting vital missions to hold back the forces of democracy, Spiegel said that Mr Putin was focused on banal administrative work during his KGB posting to Dresden, endlessly sorting through travel applications for West German relatives or searching for potential informants among foreign students. Mr Putin was a 32-year-old officer when he was sent to Dresden in 1985, a tense time with the Kremlins grip over its vassal states fracturing. KGB officers were tasked with supporting East Germanys Stasi secret police. Although the mission ultimately failed with the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 and the collapse of the Soviet Union two years later, stories of Mr Putins alleged valour have become legend. Perhaps the most famous is how in December 1989 he single-handedly faced down protesters planning to storm the KGB headquarters. Facts and fiction sometimes blur However, this probably didnt happen, the magazine reported. According to one version [of the story], a single small man stood at the entrance to the nearby Stasi headquarters and watched the spectacle from a safe distance, Spiegel said. It cannot be proved that the current Russian president was even there. Spiegel also said that witnesses quoted widely on Mr Putins other alleged KGB heroics could not be trusted. A story about Mr Putin helping anarchists in West Germany plot assassinations was based on testimonies from a serial liar with a criminal record, Spiegel said. Another story of how he had groomed a German neo-Nazi leader into an informant was based on interviews with a former Stasi agent who has admitted that he embellished his statements. In fact, there was nothing in the Stasi archives to suggest Mr Putin was anything other than risk-averse, the magazine said. Facts and fiction sometimes seem to blur, Spiegel said. Todays Russian president was probably not a top agent. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer. Putin's family owns lavish mansions in Moscow and France and has spent millions refurbishing them, leaks say Katerina Tikhonova (L), daughter of Russian President Vladimir Putin, dances with Ivan Klimov during the World Cup Rock'n'Roll Acrobatic Competition in Krakow, Poland April 12, 2014. SHAMALOV REUTERS/Jakub Dabrowski TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY Putin's family owns expensive property via offshore companies, according to a Russian investigative outlet. Proekt said the properties are located near Putin's Moscow mansion. The Russian president has long sought to keep secret the vast wealth he and his family own. Russian President Vladimir Putin gifted valuable properties to family members via a network of offshore firms, an investigation by Russian independent media outlet Proekt found. According to the report, the ownership of the properties was established by examining emails by Putin's former son-in-law, Kiril Shamanov, that were leaked to Russian independent media outlets. The emails reportedly show that Putin bought land close to his Novo-Ogaryovo estate near Moscow and gave it to his adult daughters and their mother, concealing its true ownership. Putin has long lived on the estate outside Moscow, that Proekt said is fitted out with a bathhouse, a swimming pool, a gym, and a secret railway line. Earlier in the week, a drone attack was downed by Russian air defense systems near the estate, reports claim. The Russian president is believed to have two adult daughters with his first wife, Lyudmila Shkrebneva, but rarely talks about them and has not confirmed their identities. They are Maria Vorontsova, an academic, and Katerina Tikhonova, an academic and businesswoman who has also taken part in dancing contests, the US government has said. Tikhonova in 2013 married Shamalov, the son of a longtime Putin ally, though the two are reported to have separated. Russian President Vladimir Putin and his ex-wife Lyudmila enter a Moscow polling station, 02 December 2007, to cast their votes in Russia's parliamentary elections. DMITRY ASTAKHOV/AFP via Getty Images According to the emails cited by Proekt, Tikhonova's land was registered firstly in the name of an offshore company and then in the name of her then husband, Shamalov. Meanwhile Vorontsova's land was registered in the name of offshore companies. Proekt said the emails showed that Shamalov and Tikhonova discussed lavish renovations they planned on making to their property, totalling $9 million. Katerina Tikhonova, deputy director of the Institute for Mathematical Research of Complex Systems at Moscow State University and daughter of Russian President Vladimir Putin. REUTERS/Evgenia Novozhenina The couple ordered a custom-made gilded chandelier for their dining room "which came with a price tag equivalent to that of a small apartment in the suburbs of Moscow - $72,000," the report said. Another nearby property was reportedly owned by Shkrebneva, Putin's ex-wife, and her new partner, though was registered in Shamalov's name. As well as the expensive Moscow property, Proekt also reported that Tikhonova and Shamalov owned a mansion in Biarritz, in the south of France, which they lavishly decorated. Proekt reported that after splitting up with Tikhonova in 2018, Shamalov was abruptly stripped of the Novo-Ogaryovo properties, as well as his 20% stake, worth around $2 billion, in Sibur, an oil and gas firm. Putin has long shielded his private life from scrutiny, but is believed to also have children with Alina Kabaeva, his mistress. Russian President Vladimir Putin (left) and his rumored girlfriend and retired rhythmic gymnast Alina Kabaeva (right). Sasha Mordovets/Getty Images Putin's holdings are infamously shadowy and dispersed, and his actual fortune may be entangled with a slew of associates and wealthy Russians, previous reports claim. The US and other Western nations sanctioned Putin and his adult daughters in the wake of the invasion of Ukraine. However, the unknowability of what, exactly, Putin owns makes it difficult to actually gauge what impact a direct sanction would have on his assets, Juliana Kaplan previously reported. Read the original article on Business Insider Wildfire in Canadian province contained, while another burns out of control In this aerial image, an aircraft, center, flies near a wildfire burning near Barrington Lake in Shelburne County, Nova Scotia, on Wednesday, May 31, 2023. (Communications Nova Scotia/The Canadian Press via AP) HALIFAX, Nova Scotia (AP) A wildfire that forced thousands of residents from their homes in Canada's Atlantic Coast province of Nova Scotia is now contained, while a second wildfire remains out of control, officials said Sunday. Nova Scotia's natural resources department said the Tantallon fire northwest of Halifax is now under control, meaning it is not expected to grow but is not yet out. The blaze broke out a week ago, forcing 16,000 people from their suburban homes and destroying some 200 structures, including 151 homes. But in Shelburne County in southwest Nova Scotia the largest in the provinces history continues to burn out of control. The blaze covered 97 square miles (50 square kilometers) as of Sunday morning and has destroyed at least 50 homes and cottages. Canadian soldiers and firefighters from abroad are now on the ground helping the effort to extinguish the blazes that have been burning in several parts of Nova Scotia for the past week. Fighting the wildfires in the province has been helped by long-awaited rains. On Saturday, Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston said the total number of active wildfires declined from 10 in the morning to five by mid-afternoon. Houston confirmed that schools in Shelburne County would be closed Monday and Tuesday. There will be red flags flying almost certainly: High rip current risk this weekend There will be red flags flying almost certainly: High rip current risk this weekend Jacksonville Beach Ocean Rescue wants to remind beachgoers to swim with caution this weekend. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< The conditions are going to be very dangerous, there will be red flags flying almost certainly, said Jacksonville Beach Ocean Rescue Captain, Rob Emahiser. Over the Memorial Day weekend, ocean rescue said they had to pull more than 50 swimmers in distress from the surf. On Sunday, a teen was reported missing in the water just south of the pier, and early Friday, 19-year-old Curtis Newkirks body was identified. A paddleboarder pulled his body in from the water Wednesday morning. Read: Man, son rescued from rip current by marine deputies in Tampa, Florida There was a high risk for rip currents then and The First Alert Weather Team said we can expect the same for this weekend. We have an onshore wind thats been with us for the last couple of days, and thats going to stay with us through the weekend, said First Alert Meteorologist, Corey Sima. Thats really going to keep things a little rough out at the beach. With these conditions, ocean rescue tells Action News Jax you should use extreme caution this weekend if you are going in the water. Read: Body identified that was pulled to shore at Jacksonville Beach by paddleboarder The bottom of the ocean is torn up so a lot of sandbars that people like to walk along with lots of holes and where that hole is, thats where the rip currents are, said Emahiser. Ocean rescue wants to remind beachgoers to swim with extreme caution. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Were going to emphasize to everybody especially, please, please if youre not an expert swimmer, consider staying out of the water and definitely no matter what you are doing try and by near a lifeguard on duty, said Emahiser. STAY UPDATED: Download the Action News Jax app for live updates on breaking stories Repeated signals from the center of the Milky Way could be aliens saying hello, new study claims An illustration of a metallic, orblike alien craft blasting twin beams of blue light into space Could intelligent aliens be lurking at the heart of the Milky Way? A new search for extraterrestrial life aims to find out by listening for radio pulses from the center of our galaxy. Narrow-frequency pulses are naturally emitted by stars called pulsars, but they're also used deliberately by humans in technology such as radar. Because these pulses stand out against the background radio noise of space, they're an effective way of communicating across long distances and an appealing target to listen for when searching for alien civilizations. Scientists described the alien-hunting strategy in a new study, published May 30 in The Astronomical Journal . Researchers led by Cornell University graduate student Akshay Suresh developed software to detect these repetitive frequency patterns and tested it on known pulsars to be sure it could pick up the narrow frequencies. These frequency ranges are very small, at about a tenth of the width of frequencies used by a typical FM radio station. The researchers then searched data from the Green Bank Telescope in West Virginia using the method. Related: Are aliens real? "Until now, radio SETI has primarily dedicated its efforts to the search for continuous signals," study coauthor Vishal Gajjar of the SETI Institute, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the search for intelligent life in the universe, said in a statement . "Our study sheds light on the remarkable energy efficiency of a train of pulses as a means of interstellar communication across vast distances. Notably, this study marks the first-ever comprehensive endeavor to conduct in-depth searches for these signals." related stories Aliens haven't contacted Earth because there's no sign of intelligence here, new answer to the Fermi paradox suggests Why have aliens never visited Earth? Scientists have a disturbing answer 'Leaking' cell phone towers could lead aliens straight to Earth, new study suggests The researchers are listening in to the middle of the Milky Way because it is dense with stars and potentially habitable exoplanets. What's more, if intelligent aliens at the core of the Milky Way wanted to reach out to the rest of the galaxy, they could send signals sweeping across a wide array of planets, given their privileged position at the center of the galaxy. Using narrow bandwidths and repeated patterns would be a prime way for aliens to reveal themselves, as such a combination is extremely unlikely to occur naturally, study co-author Steve Croft , a project scientist with the Breakthrough Listen program, said in a separate statement . The method uses an algorithm that can search through 1.5 million telescope data samples in 30 minutes. Though researchers did not find any telltale signs in their first search, they say that the speed of the algorithm will help improve searches in the future. "Breakthrough Listen captures huge volumes of data, and Akshays technique provides a new method to help us search that haystack for needles that could provide tantalizing evidence of advanced extraterrestrial life forms," Croft said. Photo Illustration by Elizabeth Brockway/The Daily Beast/Reuters Its the little things that killat least, according to the 90s British band Bush. Those post-grunge opening guitar chords always pop into my head whenever someone mentions the debate swirling around how to pronounce Ron DeSantis last name. With so many big things going on in the world, this story feels small and petty. On the other hand, not knowing how to pronounce ones own name is obviously weird, and may serve as a metaphor for deeper concerns about DeSantis. Indeed, Donald Trump is already weaponizing it as I write this. The GOP Campaign Trail Is Already Getting DeSantis-Proofed In case you missed it, we are currently engaged in a great national debate over whether its pronounced Dee-Santis or Deh-Santis. Ron DeSantis cant even seem to make up his mind about it, choosing to oscillate between the two pronunciations. What is more, he wont provide any guidance. It is odd, I have to say, that the DeSantis campaign won't confirm one way or another, how to say his name, MSNBC host Willie Geist said Thursday on Morning Joe. Most recently, DeSantis sought to sidestep the question entirely, saying that the way to pronounce his last name is, Winner. Cute. This has been going on for years. And while its not uncommon for the descendants of immigrants to Americanize names (often, members of the same family insist on different pronunciations or even spellings), it is unusual for a 44-year-old man in a public-facing role not to have settled on a version. A confession: When I first heard about this controversy a few months ago, I happened to be in Miami with my wife, Erin, whose last name is DeLullo (her first cousin is puzzle influencer Samantha DeLullo). As we walked on the boardwalk, I proceeded to list all the reasons this makes DeSantis look like a phony. Then, I smugly said, Your name is DeLullo, and everyone knows its pronounced Deh-Lullo. Her response? I say, Dee-Lullo. Keep in mind, weve been married for seventeen years. I suddenly developed some newfound compassion for the DeSantis conundrum. But for those who doubt whether this silly controversy might actually have legs, I would cite the fact that no-less an expert and putdowns, Donald Trump, has zeroed-in on it. You dont change your name in the middle of a[n] election, Trump said recently. [DeSantis] changed his name in the middle of the election! You dont do that. Say what you will about Trump, but he has a knack for sniffing out peoples fundamental flaws and insecuritiesand exploiting them to the hilt. This is the same guy, after all, who single-handedly destroyed a large 2016 GOP primary field that many observers thought was quite strong. And he did so with (you guessed it!) a bevy of silly attacks (just ask Lil Marco, Low-energy Jeb, or Ted Cruzs wife and father). Have you heard that Rob DeSanctimonious wants to change his name, again. He is demanding that people call him DeeeSantis, rather than DaSantis, Trump continued on the social media platform Truth Social. (Trumps Da is interchangeable with my Deh.) Actually, I like Da better, a nicer flow, so I am happy he is changing it. He gets very upset when people, including reporters, dont pronounce it correctly. Therefore, he shouldnt mind, DeSanctimonious?" When it comes to mockery, I defer to Trumps expertise. The fact that he is spending time on DeSantis last name suggests that he senses there is hay to be made. But what might that be? I have a few theories. As stated above, not knowing how to pronounce your own name at least seems super weird. And considering that DeSantis awkward interactions (including his laugh) have already become something of an internet meme, anything that contributes to this narrativethat invites mockeryis presumably harmful. And theres more: DeSantis wife, Casey, consistently pronounces it Deh-Santis while Ron seems to have previously preferred Duh-Santis, which suggests the politically incorrect conclusion that his wife wears the pants in the family. Considering that Trump fetishizes toughness and masculine dominance, this narrative threatens to undermine DeSantis alpha male status. Relatedly, Casey is (fair or not) garnering a reputation for being something of a Svengali or Lady Macbeth. Shes the power behind the throne, a Republican lobbyist told Politico. This wrinkle suggests that the pronunciation is about more than merely Caseys preferencethat its a political calculation. This, of course, advances the narrative that DeSantis is calculating and overly ambitious. It also speaks to a lack of authenticity, a contrast that clearly favors Trump (say what you will about Trump, but hes off-the-charts when it comes to authenticity). Remember those videos showing Hillary Rodham Clinton speaking with an Arkansas dialect? I always thought they were devastating. Clinton was, after all, from Illinois. The fact that she would obviously affect a southern drawl suggested she was either duplicitous and manipulative, or utterly lacking a set identity. Either option speaks to character. Now, maybe thats not fair to impute motives to something akin to code switching. Maybe we should be allowed to drop our Gs casually, the way someone might dress differently when they move down south. Regardless, many Americans will interpret DeSantis multiple pronunciations as either weird or (worse) tellinglike Hillarys fake Arkansas accent that was symbolic of so much more. Indeed, that seems to be exactly what Team Trump is getting at. Ron DeSantis is a phony who cant decide how to pronounce his name, Trump spokesperson Steven Cheung told Axios. If you cant get your name right, how can you lead a country? Put another way: If DeSantis is willing to pander for votes and flip-flop on something as fundamental as his own identity, what isnt he willing to change his mind about? So what could DeSantis do to put this past him? Simple. Pick a pronunciation today, and stick with it. No need to explain. No need to make an announcement about it. Just make sure everyone on Team DeSantis gets the memo, and keep it consistent, going forward. Otherwise, this will drag on. Whats in a name? It turns out, a lot. 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 Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement came into force in the Philippines on Friday, meaning the world's largest free trade pact is now in effect for all its 15 members. The full implementation of the RCEP is a new stage for the trade bloc with the world's largest population and trade volume as well as the greatest development potential, said China's commerce ministry. It reflects the determination and actions of its 15 members -- 10 Association of Southeast Asian Nations member states, China, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Australia and New Zealand -- to support an open, free, fair, inclusive and rules-based multilateral trading system, the ministry said. Signed in November 2020 after eight years of negotiations, the landmark RCEP agreement covers roughly 30 percent of the world's gross domestic product and population. It entered into force on Jan. 1, 2022, with the aim of gradually eliminating tariffs on over 90 percent of goods traded among its members. The full implementation will inject strong momentum into regional economic integration, comprehensively enhance the levels of trade and investment liberalization and facilitation in East Asia, and contribute to the long-term stable development of the regional and global economies, according to the commerce ministry. Philippine Trade and Industry Secretary Alfredo Pascual described the RCEP agreement as "a modern, comprehensive, high-quality and mutually beneficial economic partnership." "We see RCEP as a critical key toward inclusive economic growth, not only for the Philippines but within ASEAN," he said in a statement released on Thursday, prior to the Philippines' ratification of the pact. INITIAL FRUITS Since the trade pact came into force last year, goods trade ties among RCEP members have become closer, and intra-regional trade is now a key force in stabilizing and boosting the foreign trade of RCEP members, China's commerce ministry noted. In 2022, trade between China and other RCEP members increased 7.5 percent year on year to 12.95 trillion yuan (about 1.82 trillion U.S. dollars), and RCEP investment in China, in actual use, climbed 23.1 percent to 23.53 billion U.S. dollars, data shows. Booming foreign trade has also been reported in other member countries. Thailand's trade with other RCEP members rose 7.11 percent year on year to 300 billion U.S. dollars last year. In the first four months of 2023, Cambodia's exports to RCEP countries surged 16 percent year on year. The RCEP region has continued to be a hot spot for global investment, with most members showing upward trends in their utilization of foreign investment, according to China's commerce ministry. Gu Qingyang, an associate professor at the National University of Singapore's Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, told Xinhua that the vibrant dynamism of the region is also a strong attraction for economies outside the region, which is witnessing increasing non-RCEP investment. Amid declining global openness and rising trade costs, the RCEP is helping to promote opening-up and cooperation in the region and beyond, and is contributing to global economic development, said Rebeca Grynspan, secretary-general of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development. HIGHER-STANDARD OPENING-UP Opening-up commitments, together with high-standard rules in various fields, will greatly facilitate free flows of production factors like raw materials, goods, technologies, human resources, capital, information and data within the region, the commerce ministry said. With the full implementation of the deal, the ministry expects a more prosperous integrated regional market to form gradually, and broader, higher-standard and deeper cooperation to be achieved among member countries. It also hopes that the full implementation of RCEP will give China a strong boost to pursue high-standard opening-up by creating more favorable conditions for the expansion of trade in goods with RCEP members, further opening trade in services and investment, and improving trade facilitation and the business environment. Bi Haijun, an official of Qingdao Customs in east China, said the RCEP agreement has not only eased enterprises' access to free trade benefits, but also integrated regional industrial and supply chains, which will facilitate the high-quality development of intra-regional trade. Local governments in China have also taken the opportunity of the implementation to build a first-class business environment, making continuous efforts to attract industries, capital and human resources, according to the commerce ministry. As the trade pact is now in full force, China will continue to guide local governments, industries and enterprises to ensure the solid implementation of the RCEP, provide improved public services, and create conditions for them to engage further in the RCEP market, the ministry said. China will also work with other parties to fulfill its obligations, strengthen the RCEP mechanism, enhance the overall implementation of the agreement, and provide a strong guarantee for the steady development of RCEP cooperation, the ministry pledged. Foreign ministers of the nations comprising a China and Russia-led economic bloc have made clear that they intend to rebalance global power, claiming to aim for a "multipolar" dynamic even as they work to place themselves at the center. "At the heart of the problems we face is economic concentration that leaves too many nations at the mercy of too few," Indian Minister of External Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said following the meeting of the BRICS countries. Jaishankar stressed that the five nations comprising the group needed to "send out a strong message that the world is multipolar, that it is rebalancing and that old ways cannot address new situations." BRICS, named for its member states of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, met this week in Cape Town. The discussions focused on potential expansion of membership and potential for an alternative currency that could "ensure that we do not become victim to sanctions that have a secondary effect on countries" following sanctions on Russia for its invasion of Ukraine. BUREAUCRATS SHOULDN'T IMPOSE GLOBAL AI POLICY AT FANCY, HIGH-LEVEL MEETINGS, EXPERT WARNS Brazil's Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira, South Africa's Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor and Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov attend a press conference as BRICS foreign ministers meet in Cape Town, South Africa, June 1, 2023. Chinese Vice Minister Ma Zhaoxu voiced strong support for more countries joining the bloc to help expand its influence and increase its power. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP "I believe the enlargement of BRICS will be beneficial to the BRICS countries," he said, claiming the group was "inclusive in sharp contrast to some countries small circle." Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that some dozen or so nations had shown interest in joining, and South Africas BRICS ambassador Anil Sooklal said that countries from Europe have asked about joining, according to South African outlet News 24. The list of potential new members allegedly includes Iran and Saudi Arabia, both of whom had representatives in Cape Town to participate in the BRICS meeting. Other hopeful candidates include Venezuela, Argentina, Algeria and the United Arab Emirates. ISRAEL CALLS OUT NUCLEAR WATCHDOG, ACCUSES THEM OF MAKING EXTREMELY DANGEROUS DEAL WITH IRAN Foreign ministers of BRICS nations pose for a family photo with representatives from Africa and the global South during a summit in Cape Town, South Africa, June 2, 2023. BRICS has recently emerged as an alternative to the G7, which met last month in Japan for its annual summit. The group started off as a loose conglomerate, but China and Russia have given it a more concrete form in the past few years as they look to re-focus world power dynamics. Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira called the group an "indispensable mechanism" to balance against the Western influence of the G7, which is made up of the U.S., Japan, Canada, Britain, France, Italy and Germany. One issue that overshadowed the meeting remained the question of whether South Africa would be obliged to arrest Russian President Vladimir Putin. The International Criminal Court issued a warrant for his arrest in relation to war crimes, specifically the abduction of children, allegedly committed in Ukraine. US URGES SUDAN'S WARRING SIDES TO RESUME CEASE-FIRE AS PEACE EFFORTS COLLAPSE Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud meet on the sidelines of a meeting of foreign ministers from the BRICS countries, in Cape Town, South Africa June 1, 2023. South Africa, as a signatory of the 1998 Rome Statute, would likely be compelled to arrest Putin if he attended this or any future meetings within its borders, but officials have looked at obtaining diplomatic immunity for Putin in order to skirt the issue. "Russia attaches enormous importance to the development of this format of integration. And Russia will take part in this summit at the proper level," Russian press secretary Dmitry Peskov said during a recent press conference. "Of course, we count as a bare minimum on partner countries in such an important format not being guided by such illegal decisions." A statement by Clayson Monyela, head of South Africa's public diplomacy, on Tuesday said it was "standard" practice for Cape Town and "all countries" to issue immunity for officials attending international conferences "irrespective of the level of participation." Fox News Digitals Caitlin McFall and Reuters contributed to this report. By Guy Faulconbridge MOSCOW (Reuters) -Russia warned the United States on Saturday it should stop brandishing ultimatums over the collapse of arms control agreements, saying Moscow would only return to a nuclear arms reduction treaty if Washington abandons its hostile stance. Russia and the United States, by far the biggest nuclear powers, have both expressed regret about the disintegration of the tangle of arms control treaties which sought to slow the Cold War arms race and reduce the risk of nuclear war. Amid the crisis triggered by the Ukraine conflict, President Vladimir Putin announced in February that Russia was suspending participation in the New START treaty - an agreement signed in 2010 that limits the number of Russian and U.S. deployed strategic nuclear warheads. The United States said this week it would stop providing Russia some notifications required under the treaty, including updates on its missile and launcher locations, to retaliate for Moscow's "ongoing violations" of the accord. Russia's point man for arms control, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov, said Washington had informed Moscow about the move ahead of going public with it so it was no surprise. But Ryabkov said the pillars of arms control were collapsing and were in a "semi-lethal" condition due to what he cast as the hostile policies of the United States. "Talking to the Russian Federation in the language of ultimatums just does not work," Ryabkov told Russia's three main news agencies. "Through the fault of the United States, many elements of the former architecture in this area have either been completely destroyed or moved in a semi-lethal state." DETAILED ASSESSMENT The United States is eager to begin discussions with Russia on a strategic arms limitation pact to replace New START when it expires in 2026, U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan said on Friday. Ryabkov said Russia would give a detailed assessment of Sullivan's remarks later. After the fears of nuclear war triggered by the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, the United States and the Soviet Union sought to slow the arms race with what ultimately became a tangle of arms control agreements which gave each side greater understanding of their foe's arsenal and capability. Both Moscow and Washington, which still control about 90% of the world's nuclear weapons, slashed the number of their weapons as the Soviet Union crumbled. The New START Treaty, struck in 2011, obliged the United States and Russia to limit deployed intercontinental ballistic missiles, deployed submarine-launched ballistic missiles, and deployed heavy bombers equipped for nuclear armaments. It also put limits on nuclear warheads on those deployed missiles and bombers and the launchers for those missiles. Both sides reached the central limits of the treaty by Feb. 5, 2018, and the treaty was extended to Feb. 4, 2026. "Our decision to suspend the START Treaty is unshakable," the TASS news agency quoted Ryabkov as saying. "Our own condition for returning to a fully operational treaty is for the U.S. to abandon its fundamentally hostile stance toward Russia." There was one positive glimmer: Ryabkov said the U.S. appeared willing to abide by the 1998 Ballistic Missile Launch Notification Agreement. "Accordingly, a certain transparency and predictability will remain in this area and will allow us to avoid further dangerous exacerbation," he said. (Reporting by Reuters; Editing by Guy Faulconbridge and David Holmes) The Russian forces lost 10 tanks, 32 artillery systems and seven air defence systems in the war against Ukraine just over the past 24 hours. Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Facebook Details: The total combat losses of the Russian forces from 24 February 2022 to 3 June 2023 are estimated to be as follows [figures in parentheses represent the latest losses ed.]: approximately 209,470 (+560) military personnel 3,829 (+10) tanks 7,502 (+12) armoured combat vehicles 3,533 (+32) artillery systems 582 (+7) multiple-launch rocket systems 342 (+7) air defence systems 313 (+0) fixed-wing aircraft 298 (+0) helicopters 3,165 (+28) operational-tactical UAVs 1,132 (+15) cruise missiles 18 (+0) ships/boats 6,289 (+22) vehicles and tankers 475 (+10) special vehicles The data is being confirmed. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! Consequences of the Russian attack on Kyiv, May 30 Read also: NATO chief Stoltenberg backs Ukraine's right to self-defense following Moscow drone attack The relative lull in air strikes over March and April can now be explained by Moscow building up its missile stockpiles before resuming the bombing campaign, Yusov added. We saw that after the so-called winter missile terror campaign, there was a period of a few months when shelling and missile strikes were less intense, he said. Overall, they were gathering, storing, and accumulating (missiles) during this period. Today, Russia is still capable of producing certain types of missile weapons. This does not allow them to replenish the missile stocks that have been depleted since the full-scale invasion, but they can produce up to 30 Kalibrs per month. It's more complicated with Iskanders, it's a custom-made product: they can produce a few pieces per month. Read also: Expert explains why the West can't quickly ramp up weapons production Yusov also noted that the Russian military has large reserves of S-300 anti-air missiles, which can be used in ground-attack mode and pose a significant threat to the civilian population in frontline cities. Read also: Russians flee Berdyansk port after Ukrainian missile strike Melitopol mayor He also said the current wave of missile attacks has ended. "It's undoubtedly a frantic attempt to halt the preparations of Ukrainians for the continued liberation of our territories," he concluded. Read also: Elderly man mourns 9-year-old granddaughter killed in Kyiv by Russian missile attack In May, the Russian military launched nearly 20 attacks on Kyiv, deploying a mix of long-range missiles and drones. Air defense forces managed to intercept and destroy over 90% of these threats, sometimes shooting all of them down. Nevertheless, debris from destroyed airborne targets over the capital have led to civilian casualties in recent weeks. 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 urges its people to sign military contracts for 3-5 months of service to cover losses Ukraine's General Staff Russian authorities in the countrys Altai Krai are encouraging people on parole to join the army for several months of contract service. Source: General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces on Facebook Quote: "To replenish their losses in personnel, the enemy is continuing to recruit its population for military service in various ways. Representatives of the penitentiary service in [the city of] Zorinsk in Altai Krai are conducting outreach work among people on parole. They are urging them to sign a contract for three to five months of military service." Background: In early May, the Russian invaders began a conscription campaign in temporarily occupied Mariupol. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! Russian occupation forces in the city of Henichesk in Kherson Oblast are holding pro-Ukrainian residents in the basement of a building that formerly housed the local tax inspection agency. Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Facebook Quote: "Russian occupation forces are continuing to exert pressure on Ukrainian citizens and to violate their human rights on the temporarily occupied territories. For example, they are forcibly detaining Ukrainian citizens with a pro-Ukrainian position in a basement of a former tax inspection agency in Henichesk, Kherson Oblast." Details: The General Staff also reported that Russian forces are continuing to use civilian infrastructure in temporarily occupied cities and villages to treat wounded Russian soldiers. "The invaders have recently set up a field hospital in a kindergarten in Skadovsk, Kherson Oblast. Over 50 soldiers from the occupation forces with injuries of various degrees of severity are currently being treated there," the General Staff reported. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! Russia's foreign minister accuses the West of 'financial blackmail' as BRICS eye adding Saudi Arabia, Iran to economic bloc Leaders of BRICS countries in 2019. Sputnik/Alexey Nikolsky/Kremlin via Reuters Russia's foreign minister slammed the West for its use of "financial blackmail." That refers to sanctions imposed on Russia after it invaded Ukraine last year. Saudi Arabia and Iran have requested joining the BRICS economic bloc, South Africa said. Russia accused the West of "financial blackmail" for imposing sanctions on the country, as the BRICS economic bloc mulls the addition of Saudi Arabia and Iran. In a meeting Thursday with top officials from other BRICS nations which include Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov slammed Western countries for their use of "financial blackmail," according to a translated comments cited by the AP. That likely refers to sanctions that have been imposed on Russia since it invaded Ukraine last year. They include freezing its currency reserves, ousting Russia from the global financial communication system, and banning imports of Russian oil, a key source of income for the country. Meanwhile, South Africa's ambassador to BRICS also discussed potentially adding Saudi Arabia and Iran to the bloc of developing countries, as both outsider nations have officially requested membership. Lavrov held talks with Saudi Arabia's foreign minister on the sidelines of the BRICS meeting on Thursday, according to the AP. That comes as Russia continues to face pressure from sanctions, which have forced Moscow to strengthen its ties with allies in order to keep its economy running. For instance, Russia has relied more heavily on China's yuan to conduct trade. The Kremlin has also proposed combining its financial system with Iran's, and has floated creating a gold-backed currency between the two countries that could challenge the US dollar. It's also shifted oil exports to China and India at steep discounts after the European Union banned Russian crude imports. Still, Western sanctions will prevent Russia from progressing economically for a long time as the economy faces "yuanization," according to the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center. Read the original article on Business Insider If a satellite falls on your house, space law protects you but there are no legal penalties for leaving junk in orbit It's unlikely falling space junk will destroy property or kill a person. Petrovich9/iStock via Getty Images On May 8, 2021, a piece of space junk from a Chinese rocket fell uncontrolled back to Earth and landed in the Indian Ocean near the Maldives. A year ago, in May 2020, another Chinese rocket met the same fate when it plummeted out of control into the waters off the West African coast. No one knew when or where either of these pieces of space junk were going to hit, so it was a relief when neither crashed on land or injured anyone. Space debris is any nonfunctional human-made object in space. As a professor of space and society focused on space governance, Ive noticed that there are three questions the public always asks when falling space debris gets into the news. Could this have been prevented? What would have happened if there was damage? And how will new commercial companies be regulated as space activities and launches increase exponentially? For space law to be effective, it needs to do three things. First, regulation must prevent as many dangerous situations from occurring as possible. Second, there needs to be a way to monitor and enforce compliance. And finally, laws need to lay out a framework for responsibility and liability if things do go wrong. So, how do current laws and treaties around space stack up? They do OK, but interestingly, looking at environmental law here on Earth may give some ideas on how to improve the current legal regime with respect to space debris. What if a rocket landed on your house? Imagine that, instead of landing in the ocean, the recent Chinese rocket crashed into your house while you were at work. What would current law allow you to do? According to the 1967 Outer Space Treaty and 1972 Liability Convention both adopted by the United Nations this would be a government-to-government issue. The treaties declare that states are internationally responsible and liable for any damage caused by a spacecraft even if the damage was caused by a private company from that state. According to these laws, your country wouldnt even need to prove that someone had done something wrong if a space object or its component parts caused damage on the surface of the Earth or to normal aircraft in flight. Basically, if a piece of space junk from China landed on your house, your own countrys government would make a claim for compensation through diplomatic channels and then pay you if they chose to make the claim at all. While the chances are slim to none that a broken satellite will land on your house, space debris has crashed onto land. In 1978, the Soviet Cosmos 954 satellite fell into a barren region of Canadas Northwest Territories. When it crashed, it spread radioactive debris from its onboard nuclear reactor over a wide swath of land. A joint Canadian-American team began a cleanup effort that cost over CAD million (US.5 million). The Canadians requested CAD million from the Soviet Union, but the Soviets paid only CAD million in the final settlement. This was the first and only time the Liability Convention has been used when a spacecraft from one country has crashed in another. When the Liability Convention was put into use in this context, four governing norms emerged. Countries have a duty to: warn other governments about debris; provide any information they could about an impending crash; clean up any damage caused by the craft; and compensate your government for any injuries that might have resulted. There have been other instances where space junk has crashed back to Earth most notably when Skylab, a U.S. space station, fell and broke up over the Indian Ocean and uninhabited parts of Western Australia in 1979. A local government jokingly fined NASA AUS0 (US1) for littering a fine that NASA ignored, though it was eventually paid by an American radio host in 2009. But despite this and other incidences, Canada remains the only country to put the Liability Convention to use. However, if you owned a small orbiting satellite that got hit by a piece of space junk, you and your government would have to prove who was at fault. Currently, though, there is no globally coordinated space traffic management system. With tens of thousands of tracked pieces of debris in orbit and multitudes of smaller, untrackable pieces, figuring out what destroyed your satellite would be a very difficult thing to do. Every dot in this image represents a known piece of space debris. NASA Orbital Debris Program/WikimediaCommons Space pollution is the bigger problem Current space law has worked so far because the issues have been few and far between and have been dealt with diplomatically. As more and more spacecraft take flight, the risks to property or life will inevitably increase and the Liability Convention may get more use. But risks to life and property are not the only concerns about a busy sky. While launch providers, satellite operators and insurance companies care about the problem of space debris for its effect on space operations, space sustainability advocates argue that the environment of space has value itself and faces a much greater risk of harm than individuals on Earth. The mainstream view is that degrading the environment on Earth through pollution or mismanagement is bad because of its negative impact on the environment or living beings. The same is true for space, even if there is no clear direct victim or physical harm. In the Cosmos 954 settlement, the Canadians claimed that since the Soviet satellite deposited hazardous radioactive debris in Canadian territory, this constituted damage to property within the meaning of the Liability Convention. But, as Article 2 of the Outer Space Treaty declares that no state can own outer space or celestial bodies, it is not clear whether this interpretation would apply in the event of harm to objects in space. Space is shaping up to be a new frontier on which the tragedy of the commons can play out. Removing from orbit existing large objects that could collide with one another would be a great place for governments to start. But if the United Nations or governments agreed on laws that define legal consequences for creating space debris in the first place and punishment for not following best practices, this could help mitigate future pollution of the space environment. [Understand new developments in science, health and technology, each week. Subscribe to The Conversations science newsletter.] Such laws would not need to be invented from scratch. The 2007 United Nations Space Debris Mitigation guidelines already address the issue of debris prevention. While some countries have transferred these guidelines into national regulations, worldwide implementation is still pending, and there are no legal consequences for noncompliance. The chances of a person being killed by a falling satellite are close to zero. On the off chance it does happen, current space law provides a pretty good framework for dealing with such an event. But just like during the early 20th century on Earth, current laws are focusing on the individual and ignoring the bigger picture of the environment albeit a cold, dark and unfamiliar one. Adapting and enforcing space law so that it prevents and deters actors from polluting the space environment and holds them accountable if they break these laws could help avoid a trash-filled sky. This is an updated version of an article originally published on May 17, 2021. It has been updated to clarify the history of falling space debris. This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit news site dedicated to sharing ideas from academic experts. The Conversation is trustworthy news from experts. Try our free newsletters. It was written by: Timiebi Aganaba, Arizona State University. Read more: Timiebi Aganaba does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. WASHINGTON/BEIJING (Reuters) -A senior U.S. State Department official arrived in Beijing on Sunday with meetings planned for the coming week as Washington seeks to boost communication with China at a time of tense relations between the two countries. Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Kritenbrink will discuss "key issues in the bilateral relationship" during his visit to China, the State Department said in a statement on Saturday. He will be joined by the White House National Security Council's senior director for China and Taiwan affairs, Sarah Beran, the statement said. Ties between the world's two largest economies are strained over issues ranging from Taiwan and China's human rights record to military activity in the South China Sea. During his travels through June 10, Kritenbrink will also visit New Zealand to participate in the U.S.-New Zealand Strategic Dialogue, the department said. Kritenbrink's official meetings will begin on Monday, a State Department spokesperson said. While in Beijing, Kritenbrink will raise human rights in his meetings as always, and continue to advocate for people's fundamental freedoms in China, the spokesperson said. The U.S. embassy in Beijing did not immediately respond to a request for further details on Kritenbrink's itinerary. Kritenbrink's arrival coincides with the anniversary of the 1989 crackdown by Chinese troops on demonstrators in and around Beijing's Tiananmen Square that rights groups say killed hundreds, if not thousands, of protesters. Secretary of State Antony Blinken issued a statement on Saturday marking the anniversary of the crackdown, saying, "The victims' bravery will not be forgotten and continues to inspire advocates for these principles around the world." Discussion of the Tiananmen Square crackdown is taboo in China and heavily censored on social media. Kritenbrinks trip follows a visit last month to China by CIA Director William Burns. A U.S. official said Burns had "emphasized the importance of maintaining open lines of communication in intelligence channels" in meetings with his Chinese counterparts. In contrast, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin rebuked China on Saturday for refusing to hold military talks. Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Asia's top security summit, Austin said Beijing's reluctance to talk undermined efforts to maintain peace in a region where the two rivals are increasing their military firepower. Blinken postponed a planned February trip to China after an alleged Chinese spy balloon flew through U.S. airspace over sensitive military sites, kicking off a diplomatic crisis. But the White House has said further efforts were being made to facilitate visits by Blinken, as well as Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo. (Reporting by Eric Beech; Additional reporting by Michael Martina and Laurie Chen; Editing by Cynthia Osterman, Don Durfee and William Mallard) Senior US official to travel to China for rare visit: govt US Secretary of State Antony Blinken (L) and Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Kritenbrink (R), speak on a trip to Hanoi A senior US diplomat will embark on a rare trip to Beijing Sunday, the government said, as Washington seeks to allay tensions between the rival powers. Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Kritenbrink will travel to China and New Zealand from June 410, the US State Department said in a statement Saturday. In Beijing, Kritenbrink will be joined by National Security Council Senior Director for China and Taiwan Affairs Sarah Beran to "discuss key issues in the bilateral relationship," according to the statement. In recent weeks Washington has made efforts to improve relations with China, with both sides warning over the danger of a military conflict over Taiwan. At the G7 meeting in Japan last month, US President Joe Biden predicted that ties between Washington and Beijing would soon thaw, after an alleged Chinese spy balloon was shot down by a US warplane after traversing the country earlier this year. Speaking at a defense summit in Singapore, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said Saturday it was critical to renew dialogue with China to avoid "misunderstandings" that could lead to a conflict between the two superpowers. "The United States believes that open lines of communication with the People's Republic of China are essential -- especially between our defense and military leaders," Austin told the Shangri-La Dialogue. "The more that we talk, the more that we can avoid the misunderstandings and miscalculations that could lead to crisis or conflict." The United States had invited Austin's Chinese counterpart Li Shangfu to meet on the sidelines of the summit, but the Pentagon said Beijing declined. A member of China's delegation told AFP that the removal of US sanctions on its minister is a precondition for talks. Li was sanctioned by the US government in 2018 for buying Russian weapons, but the Pentagon says that does not prevent Austin from conducting official business with him. Kritenbrink's trip will be the latest in a series of engagements between the two countries' officials. CIA Director William Burns made a secret trip to China last month, hoping to shore up lines of communication, and this week the White House said it was ready to engage in nuclear arms talks with Beijing without preconditions. In May, China's Commerce Minister Wang Wentao visited Washington to meet with his American counterpart. Kritenbrink had traveled to China to prepare a long-awaited trip by Secretary of State Antony Blinken in February, which Blinken cancelled after the United States said it spotted a surveillance balloon from China over the US mainland. md/caw Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for shouldering new cultural missions and building a modern Chinese civilization. Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks at a meeting on cultural inheritance and development on Friday. The cultural missions in the new era are to further advance cultural prosperity, to build a leading country in culture and to foster the modern Chinese civilization, Xi said. "With unwavering cultural confidence, a profound sense of mission and a spirit of relentless endeavor, we must unite our efforts to create a new culture for our times," he said. Before the meeting, Xi had visited the China National Archives of Publications and Culture (CNAPC) and the Chinese Academy of History. Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and a member of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, accompanied Xi on the visits and presided over the meeting. On Thursday afternoon, Xi visited the headquarters of the CNAPC in the northern suburbs of Beijing. Following a tour of the exhibition halls, Xi expressed his concern for the invaluable classic publications that have endured the vicissitudes of time. The CNAPC was built to carry forward the Chinese civilization, the only uninterrupted civilization in the world, said Xi. Xi emphasized the institution's primary responsibility of collection, while also encouraging it to strengthen the research on collected items. On Friday afternoon, Xi visited the Chinese Academy of History. He walked into the Chinese Archaeological Museum in the academy and toured exhibitions including one on the origins of civilization. Xi highlighted the integral role of archaeology in deepening the understanding of the rich and profound Chinese culture. He emphasized the significance of conducting research and providing interpretations regarding the origins of Chinese civilization. Xi conveyed his expectations that scholars would continue to enhance their research endeavors and contribute their wisdom and efforts to the advancement of Chinese modernization. Subsequently, Xi participated in the meeting on cultural inheritance and development at the academy. After several professors and scholars spoke, he delivered an important speech. Xi emphasized that the Chinese civilization has a long and continuous history stretching back to antiquity, and said that a comprehensive and profound understanding of that history is essential to promoting the creative transformation and development of fine traditional Chinese culture more effectively, and to developing modern Chinese civilization. PROMINENT FEATURES OF CHINESE CIVILIZATION As prominent features of Chinese civilization, its consistency determines on a fundamental level that the Chinese people must follow their own path, and its originality determines the enterprising spirit of the Chinese people, Xi said. Its unity determines fundamentally that the various ethnic cultures of the Chinese nation are integrated and rally closely together, even when faced with major setbacks, and that a strong and unified country is the pillar upon which the well-being of all Chinese people depends, Xi added. He went on to say that the inclusivity of the Chinese civilization determines the harmonious coexistence of diverse religious beliefs in China, and determines the open-minded and inclusive mentality toward various civilizations around the world. Its peaceful nature determines that China will continue to pursue exchanges and mutual learning with different civilizations rather than cultural hegemony, that China will not impose its own values and political system on others, and that China will promote cooperation rather than confrontation and will not create exclusive blocs. CULTURAL CONFIDENCE AT NEW HEIGHTS Integrating the basic tenets of Marxism with China's specific realities and fine traditional culture is the path that must be taken to explore and develop socialism with Chinese characteristics within the Chinese civilization, which has stretched for more than 5,000 years, Xi noted, adding that this integration is the most important tool for the Party to achieve its success. Despite their different cultural roots, Marxism and China's fine traditional culture are highly consistent with each other, Xi said. The integration of Marxism and China's fine traditional culture will create a new type of culture that fits within Chinese modernization, and it will expand the cultural foundation of the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics, he said. Their integration will provide a broader cultural space for theoretical and institutional innovation for the future, and strengthen the cultural subjectivity of the Chinese people, he said. Their integration highlights that the Party's understanding of the Chinese path, theory and system has reached a new height, as has its confidence in its history and culture, he said. It also shows that the Party's consciousness of the need to advance cultural innovation while inheriting fine traditional culture has climbed to a new level. Since the 18th CPC National Congress in 2012, the CPC Central Committee has prioritized cultural advancement in its overall work, and has put forward a series of new ideas, viewpoints and judgments that are fundamental guidance for the work in communication, ideology and culture fields, according to Xi. To build a modern Chinese civilization at this new historical starting point, China should remain confident in its culture and keep pursuing its own path, and promote the Chinese experience into Chinese theory to realize intellectual independence and self-reliance, Xi said. He also underscored the need to stay committed to openness and inclusiveness, and adapt foreign cultures into China's local context. Presiding over the meeting, Cai Qi called for the guiding principles of Xi's important speech to be upheld. He stressed the importance of efforts to deepen the understanding of cultural advancement, better shoulder the new cultural missions, and make solid progress in building a modern Chinese civilization and turning China into a country with a strong socialist culture. Senior officials including Li Shulei, Tie Ning, Shen Yiqin, Qin Gang and Jiang Xinzhi participated in the activities. Shasta County Jail on June 12, 2020 Shasta County officials continue to shield from the public key information about an investigation into the sheriff's office under former Sheriff Eric Magrini, even after a judge ordered the county to relinquish the documents. In the latest court filings, the county seeks to heavily redact portions of a168-page investigative report, which was was written in 2021. Superior Court Judge Stephen Baker twice has ordered officials to hand over the records to the Record Searchlight. Baker also ordered the county to hand over to the newspaper communications among top county officials regarding Magrinis resignation as sheriff and his appointment as assistant county executive officer. The newspaper also sought communications regarding the county Board of Supervisors appointment of then-Anderson Police Chief Michael Johnson as sheriff. The newspaper and the county went to trial in January to obtain the documents and Baker issued his ruling on April 10 ordering the county to relinquish the materials. He affirmed that ruling in May after denying the countys requests for a delay, a new trial or to vacate his initial order. In response to the judge's most recent order, the county proposed an extensive list of redactions to the report and communications. The list of proposed deletions to the investigative report covers 19 pages. A 95-page list of proposed redactions would include hundreds of separate deletions. Shasta County Sheriff-Coroner Eric Magrini receives his oath office from Supervisor Leonard Moty in the Board of Supervisors chambers on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2020. The investigative report was requested in February 2021 by the Sheriffs Administrative Association, which is composed of captains and lieutenants in the department. The countys attorneys proposed removing from the report all identifying information about witnesses and the names of people who complained about Magrini. The newspapers attorney, Walt McNeill, filed objections to most of the countys requests to redact large portions of the report. I think their redactions have gone overboard, clearly. Especially in instances where they believe they have the ability to completely withhold documents, McNeill said. To me, it looks like they're trying to achieve with redactions what they couldn't get or didn't get in the trial. And so what difference does it make that they produce documents if they are blacked out, or all of the significant parts are redacted? McNeill said. More: Shasta County again ordered to give up sheriff's office report officials claim is secret The countys justifications for the redactions included confidentiality of peace officer personnel records, privacy, attorney-client privilege and unwarranted invasion of privacy. McNeill said the county originally made those arguments when it turned down four requests for records under the California Public Records Act. After the newspaper sued the county, Judge Baker said in his ruling that those were not valid reasons to deny releasing the information to the public. Its almost like a replay of the responses to the public records requests, McNeill said. On numerous occasions the county claims confidentiality because the documents are communications between county officials and their attorneys. But McNeill said the claim is done to keep information secret. This sort of gimmick or gaming of attorney-related confidentiality will not succeed in supporting redactions, McNeill wrote in his objections to the countys proposed redactions. McNeill said the paper would agree to redactions that reveal information such as street addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, private financial information or Social Security numbers. More: Shasta County again ordered to give up sheriff's office report officials claim is secret Shortly before the county hired the law firm Ellis & Makus in March 2021 to conduct the investigation, members of the administrative association and the Deputy Sheriffs Association had approved votes of no-confidence in Magrini, citing poor communication and leadership. By June 2021, less than two years after he was appointed by the Board of Supervisors, Magrini resigned as sheriff. A little more than a month later, the board appointed Michael Johnson as the new sheriff, with little public input and without publicly seeking applicants for the post. McNeill said it will ultimately be up to Baker to decide what is redacted from the documents. The county has not indicated whether it intends to appeal the judges ruling. More: Shasta sheriff's office accused of criminal activity in lawsuit by ex-sheriff's captain Reporter Damon Arthur welcomes story tips at 530-338-8834, by email at damon.arthur@redding.com and on Twitter at @damonarthur_RS. Help local journalism thrive by subscribing today! This article originally appeared on Redding Record Searchlight: Shasta County seeks to heavily redact records judge ordered released The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant has been cut from external backup power supplies for three months, which makes it extremely vulnerable and dangerous in the event of a single power transmission line failure. Source: This is mentioned in the statement of the IAEA Details: It is noted that the ZNPP continues to rely on the only remaining operational 750 kilovolt (kV) power line for the external electricity it needs for reactor cooling and other essential nuclear safety and security functions. A back-up 330 kV power line that was damaged on 1 March on the other side of the Dnipro River as seen from the Russian-controlled ZNPP still has not been repaired, with Ukraine saying that military action has prevented its experts from safely accessing the location situated in territory it controls to repair the line. Quote: " The lack of any back-up options means that when the 750 kV line is cut as happened most recently on 22 May Europes largest nuclear power plant (NPP) is forced to rely on emergency diesel generators as a last line of defence, clearly an unsustainable situation.", the IAEA emphasises. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi stresses the importance of following the five principles established by the agency to protect the site during military conflict. Quote: " One of the five concrete principles that the Director General presented to the United Nations Security Council on 30 May aimed at preventing a nuclear accident states that off-site power to the ZNPP "should not be put at risk" and that "all efforts should be made to ensure that off-site power remains available and secure at all times," the statement said. The other principles outlined in Tuesdays meeting at the UN Security Council included commitments not to launch any attacks from the plant and not to hit it; not to use it as storage or a base for heavy weapons, and to protect structures, systems and components essential to its safe and secure operation from attacks or acts of sabotage. Grossi plans to visit the ZNPP soon, which will be his third visit there. Reminder: Russia has not agreed to abide by the five principles outlined by Rafael Grossi on Tuesday, which are supposed to protect the the ZNPP. Ukraine, in turn, suggested adding two more principles to them. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! An unidentified soldier who was killed during the Korean War was finally accounted for and discovered to be from Miamisburg. >> TRENDING: 2 suspects crash stolen vehicle, then flee from authorities in Springfield The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced that United States Army Private First Class Billy A. DeBord, 18, of Miamisburg, was killed during the Korean War and finally accounted for April 28, 2023. In July 1950, DeBord was a member of F Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, Eighth U.S. Army. He was reported missing in action on July 25 while his unit was engaged by the North Korean Peoples Army near Yongdong, South Korea. Due to the fighting, his body could not be recovered at that time, and there was never any evidence that he was a prisoner of war. The Army issued a presumptive finding of death on Dec. 31, 1953. On April 17, 1951, the 565th Quartermaster Graves Registration Company recovered a set of remains designated Unknown X-945 near Yongdong. There was not enough identifying evidence to associate the remains with DeBord and were declared unidentifiable on April 15, 1955. The remains were sent to Hawaii where they were buried at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, known as the Punchbowl, in Honolulu. In July 2018, the DPAA proposed a plan to disinter 652 Korean War Unknowns from the Punchbowl. On Oct. 21, 2019, DPAA disinterred Unknown X-945 as part of Phase Two of the Korean War Disinterment Project and sent the remains to the DPAA laboratory for analysis. To identify DeBords remains, scientists from DPAA used dental and anthropological analysis, as well as chest radiograph comparison. Additionally, scientists from the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System used mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis. DeBords name was recorded on the Courts of the Missing at the Punchbowl, along with the others who remained missing from the Korean War. A rosette was placed next to his name to indicate he had been accounted for. DeBord was to be buried in Miamisburg, Ohio on Nov. 11, 2023. For family and funeral information, you can contact the Army Casualty Office at 800-892-2490. Son and 8-year old grandson of former Red Sox star George Boomer Scott found dead in apparent murder-suicide The son and 8-year-old grandson of a former Boston Red Sox player were found dead in an apparent murder-suicide in their Massachusetts home Friday as authorities searched for clues about the boys mother who was reported missing more than four years ago, according to local officials. Police found the bodies of George Scott III and his son, Dante Hazard, at their New Bedford home after a relative couldnt reach Scott and asked authorities to do a welfare check Friday morning, according to a news release from the Bristol County District Attorneys Office. Scott is the son of the former Boston Red Sox player George Boomer Scott, according to Gregg Miliote, a spokesperson for the Bristol County District Attorneys Office. Scott played first base for the Red Sox from 1966 to 1971 then again from 1977 to 1979, winning three of his eight career Gold Glove Awards with the team, according to the MLB. He died in 2013 at age 69. The discovery of his son and grandson comes only weeks after a search warrant was executed at the same home in connection to Dantes mother, who remains missing. Scott appears to have killed the boy with a sharp object before taking his own life, according to the district attorneys office. Officials are waiting for more details from the medical examiners office on the deaths, the release said. Lisa Hazard, Dantes mother, has been missing for more than four years, according to a list of missing persons cases on the district attorneys website. The office said in the news release that Scott is considered a person of interest in her disappearance. In March 2019, Hazard, who was 28 at the time, went missing after leaving Scotts home. She was supposed to leave to go to a drug rehabilitation center, according to the district attorneys office. She hasnt been seen since. Detectives investigating her disappearance executed a search warrant at Scotts residence the same home where he and his son were found dead last month, the release states. Her missing persons case is ongoing and the search warrant has been sealed by the court, according to the release. CNN has reached out to the New Bedford Police Department for more information. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com The son of a former Red Sox star and his 8-year-old son were found dead in a New Bedford home in an alleged murder-suicide, authorities said. CBS Boston reported that police went to the home of George C. Scott III, 54, and his son Dante Hazard on Friday morning for a wellness check. The two who had been living in the home on Phillips Road were found dead inside, authorities said. The well-being check was requested by a relative who had not been able to get in touch with the father, the Bristol District Attorney said in a news statement. The District Attorney's office said it appears the father, "killed the boy with a sharp object before taking his own life." Dante Hazard was the son of Lisa Hazard and George Scott III, authorities said. Hazard has been missing since 2019, and Scott is a person of interest in her disappearance, the Bristol District Attorney said in a news statement. Then 28-year-old Hazard was last seen on March 3, in New Bedford, authorities said. At the time she was living on South Main Street in Falls Street, and she was supposed to go to a drug rehabilitation center, the Bristol District Attorney said. The investigation is active and ongoing the Bristol District Attorney said. From the archives: Songwriters Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann Saturday Sessions: The Heavy performs "I Feel the Love" Saturday Sessions: The Heavy performs "Hurricane Coming" The final passage of the debt ceiling deal and the growing field in the 2024 race are likely to dominate the Sunday talk show circuit this weekend. President Biden signed legislation to raise the debt ceiling on Saturday, just days before Treasury officials had warned the nation would run out of money to pay its bills. After weeks of tense negotiations, the White House and Republican lawmakers reached a deal last Saturday to suspend the debt ceiling through January 2025 in exchange for limited spending cuts. The agreement faced pushback from both sides of the aisle but ultimately passed the House in a bipartisan 314-117 vote on Wednesday and the Senate with a 63-36 vote on Thursday. Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), who is set to join Fox News Channels Sunday Morning Futures this weekend, has received his fair share of praise over the deal, which some expected to end in his ouster from leadership. He surprised a lot of people, Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) told The Hill. I dont think hell be underestimated anymore after this. I thought he did a masterful job. McCarthy and Biden have also offered praise for one another and their respective negotiators, since reaching a deal. Very professional, very smart. Very tough at the same time, McCarthy told reporters of his talks with the president last Sunday. I want to commend Speaker McCarthy, Biden said in prime-time remarks from the Oval Office on Friday. You know, he and I and our teams, we were able to get along and get things done. One of McCarthys lead negotiators, Rep. Garret Graves (R-La.), will join CBSs Face the Nation on Sunday to discuss the deal, while Office of Management and Budget Director Shalanda Young, a top negotiator for Biden, will make an appearance on CNNs State of the Union. Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), who scored several major wins in the debt limit deal, will join both NBCs Meet the Press and CBSs Face the Nation this weekend. The agreement expedited permits for the Mountain Valley Pipeline, a 303-mile natural gas project that cuts through the heart of Appalachia. Manchin has long pushed for federal regulators approve its completion. The 2024 presidential election will likely also be a major topic of discussion on the Sunday shows this weekend, as the Republican field continues to expand. Former Vice President Mike Pence and former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie are both expected to launch their bids for the Republican nomination next week. They join a crowded field with heavy hitters like former President Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, as well as more long-shot candidates such as South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott, former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley, former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson and conservative entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy. Ramaswamy will join ABCs This Week on Sunday, while Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) will discuss the 2024 GOP field with Fox News Sunday, as candidates continue to descend on her key early voting state. Below is the full list of guests scheduled to appear on this weeks Sunday talk shows: ABCs This Week Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy; Rep. Mike Turner (R-Ohio) NBCs Meet the Press Sens. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.); Timothy Parlatore, former attorney for President Trump CBS Face the Nation Manchin; Rep. Garret Graves (R-La.); Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan; Ukrainian Ambassador to the U.S. Oksana Markarova CNNs State of the Union Reps. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) and Ken Buck (R-Colo.); Shalanda Young, director of the Office of Management and Budget Fox News Sunday Manchin; Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.); Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds (R); Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.) Fox News Channels Sunday Morning Futures Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.); Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah); Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.), former Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-Ga.); Robert Cahaly, Trafalgar Group senior strategist and pollster For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. (Twitter) A Manchester United supporter was arrested at Wembley on Saturday after being photographed at the FA Cup final wearing a T-shirt with an offensive reference to the Hillsborough disaster printed on the back. The unnamed man had a photo posted on social media showing him wearing a customised United jersey bearing the number 97 and the words Not Enough above them - seeming to reference the number of Liverpool supporters who died at, or afterwards as a result of, the 1989 stadium crush in Sheffield. While the persons face was not shown in the image circulating online, the Metropolitan Police confirmed they had arrested the individual for a public order offence after working with ground staff. A further photo posted by another account showed the man in handcuffs being put into a police van. We are aware of this and have worked proactively with officials at @wembleystadium to identify the individual, they said in a tweet. He has been arrested on suspicion of a public order offence and taken into custody. The FA, Premier League and respective clubs involved have frequently had to call for rival supporters to not make offensive chants and gestures over the past few seasons regarding Hillsborough, as well as the Heysel disaster and the Munich air disaster. The Hillsborough disaster occured at Sheffield Wednesdays ground in April 1989, during an FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest. Meanwhile at Wembley, United lost the match 2-1, Ilkay Gunodgan scoring both goals to see Manchester City complete their domestic double. An SUV has crashed into a building in the Back Bay. According to Boston Fire, crews responded to a car into a building at Hadassah Way in the Back Bay. Companies responding to a car into a building at Hadassah Way in the Back Bay. There are no injuries to report. A building inspector will investigate the damage to the building. pic.twitter.com/pxfWcfjr5Q Boston Fire Dept. (@BostonFire) June 3, 2023 HAPPENING NOW: Crews boarding up shattered glass windows after car crashes into building on Hadassah Way in Bostons Back Bay neighborhood. Crew member says woman was pulling out of the parking garage across the street and slammed into the building. She wasnt hurt @boston25 pic.twitter.com/QmihgOTX2D Julianne Lima (@JulianneLimaTV) June 3, 2023 A building inspector will be investigating the damage the car did to the building. Crew member says a woman was pulling out of the parking garage across the street and slammed into the building. There are no injuries to report. 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 Stockholm - Johner Images Britains bloated tax system is raking in more money than ever from inheritance tax. The Government earned a record 7.1bn last year, and the proportion of deaths hit by a bill has roughly doubled since the Tories came into power. For 14 years the Government has failed to fix a levy that has been condemned as fundamentally un-Conservative and already abandoned by much of the Western world. Sweden said goodbye to inheritance tax almost two decades ago, making it the first country to kill off the tax under a social democrat government. The Telegraphs campaign is calling on the Government to follow in Swedens footsteps and abolish inheritance tax in Britain, which has been wreaking havoc on readers lives. Anders Ydstedt, of the Svenskt Naringsliv, a body which represents Swedish businesses, said the abolition of its inheritance tax was a reform that attracted rare cross-party support. The situation in Britain looks very much like Sweden before we scrapped the tax, he said. It is hitting people who are not really wealthy and it is creating anger in much broader groups. Britains basic allowance for inheritance tax has been frozen at 325,000 since 2009. This, combined with a boom in house prices over the past decade, has dragged a rising number of ordinary families into paying the tax. This is when it starts to get more attention politically, Mr Ydstedt added. In Sweden when it got to this point, all parties, from the Communists to the Conservatives, voted to abolish our inheritance tax. How the Swedish inheritance tax met its end Inheritance tax had existed in Sweden, in various shapes, since around the 17th century. The tax rate was progressive and varied according to the beneficiary but reached a record high in 1983, when grieving families were forced to pay as much as 70pc on their inheritance. This eye-wateringly high rate triggered its gradual wind down and by 2004, the year it was abolished, the rate had fallen to around 30pc. Still, like in Britain, the threshold for triggering an inheritance tax bill remained very low for immediate family, at just 70,000 Swedish krona, or around 101,210 krona (7,462) in todays money. Daniel Waldenstrom, a professor of economics at the Swedish Institute for Business Research, said this meant around a third of families in Sweden had to pay the tax. That is a very high number if you compare it with other countries, he said. Mr Ydstedt added that in thousands of cases widows and widowers were forced to abandon their family homes, with little wealth outside of their property able to foot the bill. Despite the pain this inflicted on thousands of Swedish families, inheritance tax was by no means a significant revenue raiser for the government. Receipts from inheritance and gift taxes peaked in the 1930s, when they accounted for less than 1pc of gross domestic product. Unlike in Britain, Sweden offered no inheritance tax relief for family-owned businesses. This was disastrous for Swedish enterprise, where around nine in 10 companies were owned by people related to each other in 2004. Professor Waldenstrom added: Entrepreneurs left Sweden and in the worst case businesses did not grow as much as they wanted to, he said. Well-known large business families moved abroad in the 60s, 70s and 80s. TetraPak founder Ruben Rausing, Ikea founder Ingvar Kamprad and industrialist Fredrik Lundberg all chose to emigrate before the tax was abolished taking their fortunes and businesses with them. Mr Kamprad returned to the country only after the levy was scrapped. Stefan Rank, head of the family-owned real estate group Einar Mattsson, told the Svenskt Naringsliv employers organisation in 2021: We were probably the last ones to, out of dignity, pay any significant inheritance tax in the country. A lot of work was required to handle the tax, and the issue was present in every strategic decision in the company. The inheritance tax influenced risk-taking and capital structure, and had a limiting effect on the business. The 200 million [krona] we paid in inheritance tax would, for example, have been enough capital to build 1,000 new apartments. Business roars back With powerful families so close to the heart of the Swedish economy, it is little wonder the abolition of inheritance tax helped the nations entrepreneurship to bounce back. There was a boom in ownership transfers, Mr Ydstedt said. Not only between families, but trying to find better external owners for the business. It led to more wealthy people moving back to Sweden, and that ultimately has been a positive for taxes. Meanwhile, the Swedish tax authority found the removal of the tax had encouraged the return of capital back into the country. It received almost 8,000 self-corrections from individuals who chose to report wealth previously kept abroad from 2010 to 2014. Mr Ydstedt added that the abolition of the tax had massively reduced the administrative burden on the Swedish tax authority. They have much less work to do because the levy was one of its most complicated taxes, he said. After we abolished inheritance tax, the removal of wealth tax followed a few years after. Yet while we have lower taxes, we have increased tax revenues it shows that if you abolish a stupid tax that is complicated and forces wealthy people to leave the country, you get more tax revenue when they return. That is the Swedish experience. How has inheritance tax impacted you? Do you have a story for our campaign? Email money@telegraph.co.uk Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer. People rest inside a room in a shopping mall set aside for those wanting to escape high outdoor temperatures in Hanoi Hanoi residents flocked to the Vietnamese capital's air-conditioned shopping malls on Saturday to escape power cuts at home, as the grid struggled to cope with the high demand caused by soaring heat. Vietnam is one of many countries across South and Southeast Asia experiencing record-high temperatures in recent weeks. As the temperature rose to 36 degrees Celsius, Bui Manh Duc Tai and his napping girlfriend were among those at the Aeon shopping mall trying to escape the blistering heat. "Our home was without power since this morning. We came here for some cool air," Tai told AFP. In another corner, student Nguyen Minh Thu sat on the floor trying to finish an assignment on her laptop. "I had to come here for power so I could study," the agriculture student said, adding the electricity at her home had been on and off all morning. Scientists have warned that global warming is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events around the world, including heat waves. Drought and a prolonged heatwave have put a lot of pressure on power supplies in the country's north, according to supplier Vietnam Electricity. At another packed mall outside Hanoi, families with young children sought refuge in the air-conditioning. "I have been here with my two young kids since lunch time. The kids can play, while I can go shopping. We will go back home after dinner. Hoping the power is back then," Do Thuy Dung said. Average power consumption in Hanoi in May increased by more than 22.5 percent compared with April, Vietnam Electricity said. State media also reported power cuts in recent days in Quang Ninh province -- home to the world heritage-listed Ha Long Bay. Several restaurants in Ha Long city were out of food on Friday night because power outages meant people could not cook at home. Power cuts also hit hotels on popular islands. Authorities have also turned off streetlights in some major cities to save power. tmh/lpm/qan Social organizations are being urged to create more jobs for college graduates to boost employment as the jobless rate for youth surpassed 20 percent in April, according to a recently released notice by the Ministry of Civil Affairs. According to the notice, social organizations and communities are encouraged to fully tap into service needs in communities and develop jobs to support employment. Professional social organizations are encouraged to explore needs in the fields of education, medical care, science and technology, culture, social assistance, elderly care services, social work and childcare. Charitable organizations such as foundations should be supported to increase public welfare and charity projects. Internship positions should be offered in line with requirements for high-quality development, strengthening cooperation between universities and communities, which should participate in the "2023 Recruitment Plan for One Million Employment Internship Positions" program. Social organizations are also urged to set up internships. Community social organizations should collect and release employment information to facilitate college graduates finding jobs in the community. Social organizations such as charitable federations, employment promotion associations, and employment foundations should be supported in building employment information platforms, encouraging their members to provide employment services such as the release of recruitment information for free or at a low fee, the notice said. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, the surveyed unemployment rate for people aged 16 to 24 was as high as 19.6 percent in the first quarter of 2023, and even 20.4 percent in April. It shows that youths, especially college graduates, are finding it increasingly difficult to find a job. In addition, the number of college graduates this year is expected to reach a record high of roughly 11.58 million, up 820,000 year-on-year. Tennessee drag ban is struck down by federal judge: Unconstitutionally vague and substantially overbroad A federal judge has tossed out a controversial Tennessee law that restricted drag performances in a significant win for LGBT+ advocates. Judge Thomas Parker issued a ruling on Friday night that the law, one of several anti-LGBT+ bills passed by the Republican legislature this year, was unconstitutionally vague and substantially overbroad. There is no question that obscenity is not protected by the First Amendment, the Trump-appointed judge wrote. But there is a difference between material that is obscene in the vernacular, and material that is obscene under the law. Simply put, no majority of the Supreme Court has held that sexually explicit but not obscene speech receives less protection than political, artistic, or scientific speech. In February, Tennessee became the first state to approve restrictions on where drag shows can be performed. The bill signed into law by Governor Bill Lee effectively banned drag performances on public property or in spaces where minors are present. It didnt explicitly mention drag shows, but called for enforcement of adult-oriented performances that are harmful to minors. Male or female impersonators could face misdemeanour criminal charges, with repeat offenders facing felonies. Pageant winners throw out at the Memphis Pride Festival & Parade. (AP) In March, Memphis-based theatre group Friends of George filed a lawsuit seeking an injunction against the ban, stating on its website that it imperils the lives of drag performers and seeks to oppress queer culture state-wide. The injunction prevented the ban from coming into effect as planned in April. In his ruling, Judge Parker cited an example of a female performer dressed as Elvis Presley could be at risk of punishment under the law because they would be considered a male impersonator. We won! Friends of George declared after the decision was issued. Advocates celebrated the ruling, which came as the LGBT+ community kicked off Pride Month celebrations across the United States. As we always say Tennessee Republicans dont pass laws, they pass lawsuits, the Tennessee Holler wrote on Twitter. And just like that, drag remains legal in Tennessee, civil rights lawyer Melissa Stewart wrote. The demonstrations have tapped into simmering anger at the ruling party Tens of thousands gathered on Saturday for the fifth anti-government protest this month in Serbia's capital Belgrade after two back-to-back shootings that killed 18 people, half of them children. The "Serbia against violence" protests have evolved into some of the largest rallies since widespread demonstrations triggered the fall of strongman Slobodan Milosevic over two decades ago. The protests followed the early May mass shootings that left 18 dead and wounded several others. Nine of the dead were students at a Belgrade elementary school who were gunned down by a 13-year-old pupil. The demonstrations have tapped into simmering anger at the ruling party over what protesters say is a culture of violence fanned by the government and the media outlets they control. "I'm here for all of us, especially my children. So they don't need to protest, but work and live in their country like they should," 33-year-old mathematician Bojana Popovic told AFP during the rally. This week's protest, organised by several pro-European opposition parties, was initially planned for Friday but was moved as a precaution after far-right groups announced they would show up. The demonstrators also want the government to revoke the broadcasting licences of television channels promoting violent content, and a ban on pro-government newspapers that stir tensions by targeting political dissidents. They are also calling for the interior minister and the head of the intelligence service to resign. The rallies were quiet at first, but transformed into a fully-fledged anti-government protest after their demands were met with fierce rebuttals from the president and his allies, who mocked the rallies and hurled insults at the participants. Critics have for years accused Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic of increasingly relying on autocratic measures to keep opposition in disarray and media outlets and state institutions under his thumb. Vucic dismissed the protests as a "political" stunt, and peddled conspiracy theories about foreign powers allegedly orchestrating the rallies. The 53-year-old populist leader also shot down part of the opposition's demand for a transitional government ahead of new elections, saying it would not happen "as long as I live". mbs/lcm Texas became the largest state to ban gender-affirming care for minors on Friday after Gov. Greg Abbott (R) signed a bill into law. The law, which will take effect on Sept. 1, will prohibit health care providers from prescribing hormones or puberty blockers to minors or performing surgeries to help with their gender transition. It includes an exception for youth currently receiving hormones or puberty blockers and those that have attended 12 or more sessions of mental health counseling over a period of at least six months before they began treatment. But, it also requires that they be gradually taken off them in a manner that is safe and medically appropriate. Medical providers who are convicted of violating the law could have their license revoked. With Abbotts signature, Texas joins 18 other states that have banned medication and surgical gender-affirming care for transgender minors, according to the Movement Advancement Project, which tracks state laws affecting the LGBTQ community. Arizona bans gender-affirming surgery but not medication like hormones. Republicans throughout the country have railed against the use of gender-affirming care for minors, especially in the past year, arguing that it could cause irreversible effects at an age when they are too young to decide. Medical associations have emphasized that the care is warranted for adults and children who are experiencing gender dysphoria. Advocates have also argued that the bans only harm transgender youth. The American Civil Liberties Union and other advocacy groups pledged last month to file a lawsuit if Abbott signed the bill to block the ban from going into effect. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. By Daniel Trotta (Reuters) - Texas Governor Greg Abbott on Friday signed a bill that bans transgender healthcare including puberty blockers and hormone therapy for minors, making Texas the largest of the 20 states to have outlawed gender-affirming care. Republican lawmakers across the country have promoted similar bills, saying they mistrust the consensus among major medical associations that endorse gender-affirming care as needed and even life-saving for trans youth after extensive evaluation. Texas, the second most-populous U.S. state, has an estimated 29,800 transgender youth aged 13 to 17, according to the Williams Institute of UCLA. The American Civil Liberties Union and other groups have pledged to fight the law in court, as they have similar legislation in other states. "They (Texas lawmakers) are hellbent on joining the growing roster of states determined to jeopardize the health and lives of transgender youth, in direct opposition to the overwhelming body of scientific and medical evidence," the ACLU said in a statement when the bill passed the legislature. The Texas law creates exceptions for minors who began treatment before June 1 or for those who attended 12 or more sessions of mental health counseling or psychotherapy for at least six months. But those patients "shall wean off the prescription drug over a period of time," the law says. Backers of such laws say government must intervene against the wishes of parents and doctors because they fear it will cause irreparable harm and say children are incapable of acceding to such decisions. Groups including the American Medical Association, the American Psychological Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics oppose the legislation. Republicans introduced more than 500 bills affecting LGBTQ people in 2023, with more than 50 passing, according to the Human Rights Campaign, an LGBTQ rights group. Those numbers are up from 315 bills introduced and 29 passed in 2022. (Reporting by Daniel Trotta; Editing by Edwina Gibbs) This article was originally published in The Texas Tribune. The Texas Legislature gave final approval Sunday to a bill that will criminalize performers that put on sexually explicit shows in front of children as well as any businesses that host them. Originally designed as legislation to restrict minors from attending certain drag shows, lawmakers agreed on bill language that removed direct reference to drag performers just before an end-of-day deadline. The bill now goes to Gov. Greg Abbotts desk. Under Senate Bill 12, business owners would face a $10,000 fine for hosting sexually explicit performances in which someone is nude or appeals to the prurient interest in sex. Performers caught violating the proposed restriction could be slapped with a Class A misdemeanor, which carries a maximum penalty of a year in jail and a $4,000 fine. Get stories like these delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter After lawmakers from both chambers met in a conference committee to hash out the differences between their versions of the bill, the House and Senate released a new one that expanded the penal codes definition of sexual conduct. The bill classifies as sexual conduct the use of accessories or prosthetics that exaggerate male or female sexual characteristics, accompanied with sexual gesticulations. Advocates said this addition is aimed at drag queens props and costumes, which is evidence that lawmakers are still targeting the LGBTQ community. Rep. Matt Shaheen, R-Plano, amended the legislation in the House by removing explicit reference to drag. Shaheen told The Texas Tribune that members had viewed videos of performances in which children were exposed to lewd, disgusting, inappropriate stuff. He said the updated bill addresses what was in those videos. Shaheen did not specify which videos concerned lawmakers. Sen. Bryan Hughes, R-Mineola, authored SB 12 after a small but loud group of activists and extremist groups fueled anti-drag panic by filming drag shows and posting the videos on social media. Those groups characterized all drag as inherently sexual regardless of the content or audience, which resonated with top GOP leaders in the state, including Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick. Advocates say the revisions to the legislation still target drag, even if those types of performances arent directly mentioned in the bill. Brigitte Bandit, an Austin-based drag performer, criticized the addition of accessories or prosthetics to the bill. Drag artists performing in front of children dont wear sexually explicit costumes, Bandit said, adding that this bill creates a lot of confusion over what is and isnt acceptable to do at drag shows. Is me wearing a padded bra going to be [considered] enhancing sexual features? Bandit asked. Its still really vague but its still geared to try to target drag performance, which is what this bill has been trying to do this entire time, right? Shaheen said that including direct reference to drag performers wasnt necessary to the intent of the bill, which was to restrict children from seeing sexually explicit material. You want it to cover inappropriate drag shows, but you [also] want it to cover if a stripper starts doing stuff in front of a child, Shaheen said. Rep. Mary Gonzalez, D-Clint, spoke against the bill Sunday just before the House gave it final approval in a 87-54 vote. She criticized the removal of language that previously narrowed the bills enforcement to only businesses. Gonzalez warned that the bills vague language could lead to a domino effect of consequences. The broadness could negatively implicate even the Dallas Cowboy cheerleaders, said Gonzalez. It can go into your homes and say what is allowed in your homes after the lines commercial enterprise were stricken out. During a House hearing on SB 12, Democrats questioned whether the bills language would also ensnare restaurants like Twin Peaks that feature scantily clad servers. Shaheen said the way the bill is written exempts these types of performances. LGBTQ lawmakers applauded the removal of the direct reference to drag performers. But advocates fear the phrase prurient interest in sex could be interpreted broadly since Texas law doesnt have a clear definition of the term, said Brian Klosterboer, an attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union of Texas who testified against the bill in a House committee. According to the U.S. Supreme Court, the term is defined as erotic, lascivious, abnormal, unhealthy, degrading, shameful, or morbid interest in nudity, sex, or excretion, though the languages interpretation varies by community. This article originally appeared in The Texas Tribune, a member-supported, nonpartisan newsroom informing and engaging Texans on state politics and policy. Learn more at texastribune.org. The Texas cheerleader wounded after her pal got into the wrong car said she tried to keep her friends calm even though she was throwing up blood Woodlands Elite Cheer Company shared a tribute to the teens on Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/p/CrL8sxMOBFO/?hl=en Payton Washington was shot three times in April after her friend accidentally got into the wrong car. The Texas high school cheerleader has spoken out about the ordeal. Pedro Tello Rodriguez Jr. has been charged in connection with the shooting. The Texas cheerleader who was shot three times after her friend got into the wrong car in April said she tried to keep her friends calm even though she was gravely injured and throwing up blood. Payton Washington, who was struck twice in her buttocks and once in her abdomen, told Good Morning America on Friday that she never actually saw the shooter and didn't know she was in danger until she heard the shots. "I was actually eating Twizzlers," Washington said. "I didn't see him honestly." Washington's friend, Heather Roth, accidentally got into the wrong vehicle in a parking lot outside of the H-E-B supermarket in Elgin, a carpool pickup point for cheer practice. Roth quickly exited the car after noticing a man in the front seat. The man, who police identified as Pedro Tello Rodriguez Jr., then followed the girl to the car where Washington and two others were and began firing. "I didn't know where it was coming from or anything but it being so loud that my ears were ringing, I knew to turn and do something," she said. The teens sped off, and that's when Washington realized she was bleeding. "I was throwing up blood and I was like oop that's not normal," Washington recalled. "So that's when I knew something, somewhere was wrong." Despite her injuries, Washington said she tried to stay calm for the sake of her friends. "I was trying to stay as calm as possible for the other people in the car," Washington said. "I could tell how sad and scared they were. The more calm you are, like your body will stay calm as well. Of course, it was scary but I wasn't going to act like I was scared." Police charged Rodriguez with felony deadly conduct, and released him on $100,000 bail, according to NBC News. Rodriguez's lawyer, Charlie Baird, told Insider Saturday that his client was an H-E-B employee who was sitting in his car on a break when an unknown female got into the car. Rodriguez had previously been robbed in his car at gunpoint in the past, was startled, and feared he was being targeted again, Baird said. Baird said Rodriguez, who does not have a criminal record, voluntarily surrendered to police and reliquigished his gun, and although a judge initally set his bail at $500,000, they reduced it to $100,000 after hearing about his ties to the community. "Pedro wishes Ms. Washington a full and speedy recovery," Baird said in a statement. Washington said she continues to recover from the shooting, which left her with holes in her diaphragm and stomach, and a shattered spleen. She was able to walk in her high school graduation last month and hopes to continue cheering. "You can literally do anything if you push and persevere," she said. "Don't doubt yourself ever. Cause you can do anything as long as you're putting your 120% into it." The shooting was the latest in a series of incidents where people were shot for mundane reasons. In April, a man shot teenager Ralph Yarl after he got lost and knocked on his door. That same month, police in North Carolina said a man shot a 6-year-old girl when she tried to retrieve a ball that rolled into his yard. Editor's Note: This story was updated to include comment from Pedro Tello Rodriguez's attorney. Read the original article on Insider A Texas federal judge has banned legal filings that are drafted primarily by artificial intelligence (AI) in his court without a person first checking those documents for accuracy. U.S. District Judge Brantley Starr ordered that attorneys file a certificate before appearing before the court that either AI platforms did not contribute to any part of a filing or that someone checked any language that it drafted for accuracy using print reporters or traditional legal databases. These platforms are incredibly powerful and have many uses in the law: form divorces, discovery requests, suggested errors in documents, anticipated questions at oral argument, a post on Starrs page on the Northern District of Texas court website states. But legal briefing is not one of them. Starr argued that the AI platforms like ChatGPT and Googles Bard are prone to hallucinations and bias. He said they can make up content like quotes or citations and can only follow the code that they are programmed with instead of upholding the law and ethics. As such, these systems hold no allegiance to any client, the rule of law, or the laws and Constitution of the United States (or, as addressed above, the truth), he said in the post. Unbound by any sense of duty, honor, or justice, such programs act according to computer code rather than conviction, based on programming rather than principle. Any filing from a party that does not submit the certification will be stricken. CBS News reported that the order came after a lawyer used ChatGPT to produce a filing in a lawsuit, but the platform made up court cases that did not exist and referenced them in its argument. AI platforms have become increasingly popular in recent months with several Big Tech companies vowing to develop their own versions. But some detractors have warned that advancements in AI technology could come at significant cost such as increasing the spread of propaganda and replacing manual jobs with automated ones. A group of AI experts and industry leaders warned in an open letter earlier this week that mitigating the risk of extinction from AI should be as much a global priority as preventing pandemics and nuclear war. Major technology experts including Twitter CEO Elon Musk and Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak also called for at least a six-month pause on the development of AI technology in March until society can be sure that it can manage the risks. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. By Angie Teo and Jessie Pang TAIPEI (Reuters) - A Taiwan theatre is showcasing a Hong Kong play about Tiananmen Square to mark the 34th anniversary of the crackdown in Beijing, saying almost as much about shrinking freedoms in the former British colony as it does about the 1989 bloodshed. Taiwan's Shinehouse theatre group, with the support of rights group Amnesty International, is putting on six performances of "35th of May" in Taipei from June 2-4. The play is about parents grieving for their son killed in Tiananmen Square. Restrictions on dissent in Hong Kong have all but snuffed out what were once the largest vigils marking the crackdown on pro-democracy protests in Tiananmen Square, leaving cities like London, New York, Berlin and Taipei to keep the memory alive. "It's not only talking about June 4 in 1989, it's talking about all kinds of authoritarian and totalitarian situations," Shinehouses director, Chung Po-yuan, told Reuters, explaining the importance of bringing the play to Taiwan. The last time the play was shown in Hong Kong was in 2020 before the enactment of a national security law that Beijing imposed on the city later that year. It was shown online because of COVID-19 restrictions. The theatre group that staged it, Stage 64, disbanded in 2021, citing pressure under the national security law. The play has not been officially banned in Hong Kong but few doubt that authorities in a city where the Tiananmen crackdown has become taboo would move to block it. An alliance of Hong Kong activists that used to organise the annual Tiananmen vigil was disbanded after the arrest of several of its leaders in 2021. Three were charged with inciting subversion and face up to 10 years in prison. "May 35th", by playwright Candace Chong, is about a husband and wife dealing with the loss of their son who was killed when troops opened fire on democracy protesters in and around Tiananmen Square 34 years ago. 'IMPORTANT PLATFORM' Even in democratic Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its territory, actors have been nervous about taking part in the play, Chung said. Some worried about their careers or the fate of families and friends in China. "Everyone has an invisible fear. The actors are actually quite brave," Chung said. Some actors will use stage names and two Hong Kong actors will wear masks. "On the one hand, we want to safeguard the freedom of performing this show, on the other, we need to ensure that everyone's safe, including families in Hong Kong," said Chiu E-ling, secretary general of Amnesty International Taiwan. The founder of Hong Kong's Stage 64 theatre group, Lit Ming Wai, is working on an English version of "35th of May" to spread its message and keep it alive. "After facing some difficulties in Hong Kong, now we can re-enact this story in another place," said Lit, who is now based in Britain but was visiting Taiwan to see the performance. "Taiwan has become an important platform. Works banned in different places can be published here, everyone has the opportunity to exchange ideas," she said. Chung, like everyone in Taiwan mindful of Beijing's vow to take the island back, by force if necessary, said the play had a simple message: "Freedom and democracy should not be taken for granted." (Reporting by Angie Teo in Taipei and Jessie Pang in Hong Kong; Additional reporting by Fabian Hamacher in Taipei; Editing by Robert Birsel) Image: KWJPHOTOART / Shutterstock.com / Maja Hitij / Staff / Getty Images Last year, Elon Musk made a radical proposal for his shiny new version of Twitter. The little white checkmark in a blue circle that came with verification would no longer signify that your identity had been verified. Instead, it would be a paid feature of Twitter Blue; one that would you $8 a month. For this, you get a boost in the algorithm, the power to change the color of the Twitter icon on your phone, and many other thrilling bonuses. Will wonders never cease. A small but unfortunately loud cadre of very nice boys signed up. If youre a Twitter user, youre now intimately familiar with this eightdollarati, as their tweets and comments show up at the tippy top of your feed. But here at Gizmodo, none of us took the bait. Read more Elon stripped the legacy verification marks from an estimated 407,000 accounts in April, leaving us Gizmodo, Earther, io9, and Spaceflight denizens check-mark-less (Gizmodos official account still has an organizational gold check. io9, as an affiliate of Gizmodo, has a blue one). Theres a freedom that comes with the unverified life, not to mention a decreased likelihood that people will see the things we tweet. The paid Twitter features are alluring, of course, but as the old saying goes, an $8 not given to Elon Musk is an $8 earned. Its put the world of single-digit purchases in a new light. The dog treats, the lattes, the paid podcast subscriptionsthey all have a new, refreshing musk to them. If youre like us and if you look at the abysmal Twitter statistics, you probably are youre not paying for Twitter Blue either. Perhaps, then, you could use a little inspiration for the money burning a tweet-sized hole in your pocket. Heres a list of things we bought instead of giving Elon $8. 5 Cans of Black Beans Photo: The Image Party / Shutterstock.com (Shutterstock) Editor Blake Montgomery spent his $8 on tinned legumes, which he used to make refried beans. The best part is it the grocery store was running a special, and the five cans actually came in at just $7, leaving him with an extra dollar to play with. Now that is a deal. Ticketmaster Service Fees Photo: T. Schneider / Shutterstock.com (Shutterstock) Reporter Mack Deguerin on the tech policy beat spent $8 on a Ticketmaster service fee for an upcoming show from the band Thrice. They are like an aging post-hardcore band, Deguerin said. Trying to see them before they bring the walkers out. Dog Treats, Which Were Quickly Stolen Woof. Tabletop game and nerd culture icon/reporter Linda Codega purchased an $8 bag of dog treats. Despite their best intentions, the treats were sneakily devoured all at once by the dog in question, pictured above. Her name is Zagreus, or Zigzag if you meet her in the streets. Bad dog, Zigzag. Just kidding, we love you and could never be mad at you. The Worlds Greatest Bathmat Screenshot: AliExpress Yours truly shelled out a little over $8 on the greatest bathmat mankind has ever produced. Ive developed an extremely unhealthy obsession with AliExpress. If you havent heard of it, AlixExpress is the greatest and weirdest website on Earth, where everything you can possibly imagine and an endless list of things you cant are available at rock-bottom prices. The only catch to Aliexpress (actually there are probably many catches) is all the products are shipped from China and mostly on container ships, so you have to wait a long, long time for delivery. I havent received my bathmat yet, but you can bet Ill be taking lots of showers when I do. Gay Snacks Photo: Thomas Germain Its official, were at the start of Pride month, and that means the brands are at it again. Is there a better way to show your support for the LGBTQIA+ community that capitalism? Climate reporter Angely Mercado doesnt think so. Angely, one of the more generous Gizmodians, regularly blesses the halls of our office with snacks, and today was no exception. The snacks are here. Theyre queer. Get used to it. Smutty Romance Novel Screenshot: Apple This one is cheating because pop culture writer Mary Kate Carr works at the A/V Club, not Gizmodo, but were all part of the G/O Media Family, and just happy to be here, frankly. And how could we leave her off the list with this scintillating entry, Loretta Chases modern classic Vixen in Velvet, part three in the Dressmakers Series. $8 well spent. Drinky Bird Photo: Ken Freeman / Shutterstock.com (Shutterstock) As weve seen, there are many things you can buy with $8. The truth, as senior consumer tech reporter Andrew Liszewski is well aware, is all the other options pale in comparison to the drinky bird. The bird drinks. It lifts its head up. The bird drinks again. Sometimes life really is that easy. The drinky bird isnt just a constant companion, its also a marvel of modern engineering. Why dont you have one already? A Beefy Melt Burrito, a Soft Taco, and a Spicy Potato Soft Taco Photo: Tada Images / Shutterstock.com (Shutterstock) Its no secret that Taco Bell is the definitive cultural institution of our era. What many people dont realize, however, is just how well you can eat there for a measly eight bucks. Its a lesson breaking science news reporter Kevin Hurler knows well. Through meticulous planning and delicate curation, Hurler managed to construct an $8 meal thats as caloric as it is frugalextremely. Best of all, the Fuego Sauce comes free. What a world. Passion Fruit Green Tea With Chia Seeds and Coconut Jelly Photo: Jon Osumi / Shutterstock.com (Shutterstock) Here at Gizmodo, we hold one ideal above all others: That boba is the way, the truth, and the light. Its perfect for a warm day, especially one spent reporting on just how much warmer things are getting. Climate reporter Angely Mercado is no stranger to the boba scene, and while there are endless flavor combinations, this was her most recent selection. Let it be an inspiration. The JFK AirTrain Photo: Natalia Bratslavsky / Shutterstock.com (Shutterstock) If youve visited New York, youre probably (and sadly) familiar with the John F. Kennedy Airport. The millionaires among us go straight from the plane to a cab or an Uber. For the plebes and climate reporter Molly Taft its the subway. Before you can get to the subway, though, you first have to brave the dreaded AirTrain, a train that takes you to another train but which costs more than the second train. For the privilege, you have a shell out a whopping eight American dollars, which Id called highway robbery if anyone drove in New York City. In this case, its Mollys one way ticket out of here. This marks Mollys last week with Earther and Gizmodo after years of groundbreaking investigative reporting. A Recurring Podcast Donation Image: Delta Green: Dead Channels Consumer tech reporter Kyle Barr is a patron of the arts. The arts he favors happen to be very specific: a series of table-top role playing game podcasts (TTRPG for the cool kids). Barrs favorites include Dungeons and Daddies, Sounds Like Crowes, and Delta Green: Dead Channels, featuring the work of writer Caleb Stokes. According to Kyle, Stokes writes some of the darkest yet well-researched and well-written Call of Cthulhu content Ive ever experienced. Crystals Photo: Thomas Germain Lest you think Gizmodo is to skeptical or cynical for the world of woo-woo, breaking news editor LeAnn Wallace is here to shatter stereo types. $8 bought LeAnn two crystals from a store in beautiful, arid Palm Springs, California. Namaste. More from Gizmodo Sign up for Gizmodo's Newsletter. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. A third arrest has been made in the Hollywood Beach shooting. Two more suspects at large A third suspected shooter involved in the Hollywood Beach Memorial Day shooting was captured Saturday afternoon, but police are still on the hunt for two more men, officials said. Jordan Burton is the newest suspect to be arrested by U.S. Marshals and Hollywood police detectives. He is facing one count of attempted murder in the first degree, eight counts of attempted murder in the second degree and one count of carrying a concealed firearm. We have received several helpful tips from the public to assist us in this investigation, Hollywood police said in a statement. This reflects how the public stands with us, and together, we will not tolerate this type of violence in our community. Two 18-year-old men were arrested Monday night a few blocks away from the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk Morgan Deslouches of Hollywood and Keshawn Paul Stewart of Dania Beach. Arrest warrants were issued for Ariel Cardahn Paul and Lionel Jean Charles Jr., who have yet to be caught. They will face the same charges as Burton. This senseless act of violence has serious consequences under the law and they will have to face these charges and answer for the injuries they caused, police said They let our community down and they need to come forward. If they do not, it is only a matter of time before they will be captured by the various agencies who are deployed to find them and arrest them. Police are also said that those assisting Paul and Charles in their escape can also face legal action. As for the nine people injured in the shooting which included four children seven of the victims have been released from the hospital, while the other two remain hospitalized in stable condition. We are still thinking of those in the hospital and wishing them a speedy recovery, police said. Anyone with tips and information is asked to call Hollywood police at 954-764-4357 or 954-967-4567. Information can also be given to Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-8477 or the FBI at fbi.gov/hollywoodbeachmemorialdayshooting. Pedestrians and bicyclist move around a Hollywood Police Car as it sits parked on the 1214 block of North Broadwalk near Nicks Bar and Grill after police responded to reports of multiple people shot during Memorial Day weekend at Hollywood, Florida, on Monday, May 29, 2023. Tragic Memorial Day shooting On Monday night, authorities received a 911 call detailing shots fired near Johnson Street. Hollywood Broadwalk-goers ran for cover babies and toddlers being shielded by loved ones and carried away, web cams showed. The nine victims were taken to Memorial Regional Hospital and Joe DiMaggio Childrens Hospital in Hollywood. The childrens ages range from 1 to 17 years; the adults ages range from 25 to 65. Detectives believe the gunfire spawned from an altercation between two groups of people. China has been experiencing unusual weather patterns this year as northern regions receive excessive rainfall while southern regions face drought conditions, according to the China Meteorological Administration. Northern regions including Shanxi, Shaanxi and Henan provinces have seen up to a 100 percent increase in rainfall, while southern areas have experienced a 20 to 40 percent decrease in rain, the administration said on Friday. It is expected that in June, the number of days with highs above 35 C in East China, Central China and southern parts of North China, will be close to or exceed those in the same period last year. Southern China has been suffering from a prolonged heatwave since May 26, with 578 weather stations reporting temperatures higher than the historical record by Wednesday. Since May 26, regions including Zhejiang, Fujian, Jiangxi, Hunan and Guangdong provinces have seen temperatures over 35 C, while temperatures in Sichuan and Yunnan provinces have surpassed 40 C. The abnormal weather conditions are expected to continue. From Friday to Wednesday, areas such as south of the Yangtze River, Yunnan and Sichuan provinces will still experience hot and dry weather. Since January this year, the average precipitation in Yunnan province has been 97.6 millimeters on average, the lowest in the same period since 1961. The average number of dry days was 96.5 days, the third highest in the same period since 1961. Severe droughts occurred in this winter and spring, the administration said. On May 18, a factory worker from Shijie town, Dongguan, Guangdong province was diagnosed with heat stroke, Guangzhou Daily reported. According to doctors, the worker had been outside for eight hours straight, prompting symptoms such as dizziness, heavy sweating, shortness of breath and confusion. After being rushed to hospital, the worker's temperature was found to be as high as 41 C, a clear indication of heat stroke. After several hours of medical intervention, the worker's condition was stable. On May 26, in Qiaojia county, Yunnan province, ground surface temperature was a record-breaking 78.8 C. EDDIE KEOGH An Idaho school district has postponed its graduation ceremony indefinitely over what it says are fears of outside groups and agitatorsdays after the school penalized a senior for denying the existence of non-binary people during a recent assembly. The Spokesman-Review reported that local law enforcement had received word that potentially dangerous demonstrators were en route from outside the Kellogg school district to support the student, whom the school barred from walking on graduation day following his remarks. The authorities also reported the school had received menacing phone calls warning of upcoming attacks. We did receive word that a large number of protesters were coming from out of county to organize with our local cause; however, the group is known for violence during protests which is concerning, Shoshone County Sheriff Holly Lindsey wrote on Facebook. In the last few days, KHS also received several phone calls threatening violence. Due to the threat of violence, the Kellogg School District made the decision to cancel tomorrows graduation. There is as yet no information on the specific organization the sheriffs office fears appearing. But the school confirmed its decision on its own social media account. When it is determined that the ceremony can be held safely, that information will be shared, a post made Friday reads. We regret having to make this very difficult decision but the safety of our staff, students, their families and local law enforcement is our top priority. The decision followed a peaceful protest in support of the senior in question, who reportedly declared Guys are guys and girls are girls, there is no in-between at an event where graduates-to-be were supposed to share advice with their younger schoolmates. The Shoshone News-Press has reported that the school punished the student not for the substance of his remarks, but for disobeying instructions to remain on-script, though in some statements he has contested this. 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. Austrian-Iranian citizens Massud Mossaheb (2nd l) and Kamran Ghaderi step off a plane upon arrival at Melsbroek military airport in Belgium following their release from Iran One Dane and two Austrian-Iranian citizens released from detention by Tehran arrived in their home countries on Saturday, after the latest in a series of prisoner swaps. The three Europeans had landed shortly before 2:45 am (0045 GMT) Saturday at Melsbroek military airport just outside Brussels. They had flown there from Muscat, the capital of Oman which helped broker their release. Belgian Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib welcomed them at the airport along with Danish and Austrian diplomats. The trio's release, as well as that of a Belgian aid worker a week earlier, were part of a prisoner swap in which Tehran got back an Iranian diplomat convicted and incarcerated in Belgium on terrorism charges. Vienna reacted with relief at the release of its two citizens, named as Kamran Ghaderi and Massud Mossaheb, who it said had been arrested "unjustly" by Iran in January 2016 and January 2019, respectively. Thanking Belgium, Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg said: "Our years of diplomatic efforts to secure their release have borne fruit... Today is a very emotional day for all of us." Ghaderi and Mossaheb arrived at Vienna airport from Belgium at around 11:30 am (0930 GMT) on Saturday, where they were welcomed by their families and Schallenberg, his spokeswoman Claudia Tuertscher told AFP. The Danish man, identified as Thomas Kjems, landed at Copenhagen airport at around 11:00 am local time, telling reporters that he had been treated well in Iran, without being subjected to torture. Kjems had been arrested in Iran in November 2022 on the sidelines of a demonstration for women's rights, according to Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo. - 'Operation Blackstone' - Melsbroek is the same airport that Belgian aid worker Olivier Vandecasteele arrived at on May 26 upon being freed by Iran after 15 months in captivity. His liberation was obtained in exchange for Belgium freeing Iranian diplomat Assadollah Assadi, who had been imprisoned for a 2018 plot to bomb an Iranian opposition rally outside Paris. Iran had levelled charges of "espionage" at Vandecasteele but his family, the Belgian government and rights groups all say that was a fabricated case used to pressure Brussels for Assadi's release. Belgian government officials said the release of Vandecasteele, the Dane and the two Austrian-Iranians were all part of "Operation Blackstone", in reference to an 18th-century English jurist William Blackstone, who was known for declaring: "It is better that 10 guilty escape than one innocent suffer." De Croo confirmed to Le Soir daily that the three Europeans released on Friday were the second part of the negotiations with Tehran on the exchange between Vandecasteele and Assadi. The exiled Iranian opposition group the National Council of Resistance in Iran, the target of the 2018 bomb plot, has criticised Assadi's release, saying it violated a Belgian court order requiring them to be consulted first. Critics of the prisoner swap said it would encourage Tehran to take more Europeans hostage as bargaining chips to seek the return of agents like Assadi arrested for terror offences in the West. De Croo stressed his government "continues to fight for the respect of human rights and the release of European citizens unjustly detained by Iran". - Dozens still held - The exact number of foreign passport holders still being held by Iran is thought to be in the dozens but is not precisely known, as the families of some detainees opt to negotiate out of the public eye. Belgian government officials said at least 22 "innocent" Europeans remained detained in Iran. France last week gave a figure of more than 30 EU citizens held. Austria's Schallenberg said of his two freed compatriots: "We are especially happy for the brave families who have suffered so much in recent years. Now they can finally embrace their husbands, fathers and grandfather again in freedom." The Gulf sultanate of Oman has emerged as a key interlocutor between the West and Iran. In 2016 it also played a mediator role in the release of Washington Post journalist Jason Rezaian and three other US citizens who had been held by Tehran. In May, Iran released a Frenchman and a French-Irish citizen, both of whom had gone on hunger strike to protest their detention and conditions. bur-leg/kym/pvh By Charlotte Van Campenhout BRUSSELS/DUBAI (Reuters) - Three Europeans returned home on Saturday a day after being released by Iran in a prisoner swap, and Tehran said there was no reason for Europeans to be arrested if they were not "exploited" by foreign security services. The three men - two with dual Austrian-Iranian nationality and one Dane - were released on Friday by Iran in return for Iranian diplomat Asadollah Assadi as part of a swap in which Iran freed Belgian aid worker Olivier Vandecasteele last week, a Belgian government spokesperson said. Assadi was convicted in Belgium in 2021 in connection with a foiled bomb plot in France and sentenced to 20 years in prison. Iran said the charges against him were fabricated. After a stop in Oman and medical tests, the three Europeans were flown to Melsbroek military airport in Belgium, which had helped secure their release. They arrived around 2:45 a.m. (0045 GMT) and were greeted by Belgian Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib, Belgium's Belga news agency reported. Danish citizen Thomas Kjems flew on to Copenhagen, landing at around 11 a.m. (0900 GMT) on Saturday. "It's been up and down. I haven't really believed that this was real, but it has happened - I'm in Denmark and logic is back," he told reporters. "There has been no physical torture or anything," he said about his time spent in an Iranian prison. "I've been given my food and drink etcetera, but when your freedom is taken away from you, that's what you think about," he added. Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg tweeted photos of the two Austrians arriving in Vienna. Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian tweeted on Saturday that he had told Lahbib that he hoped the prisoners' release would "open a new page" in Iran's relations with Belgium and Europe. "If some European citizens are not exploited by foreign security services, there is no reason to detain them," Amirabdollahian said. Many Western countries have advised their nationals not to travel to Iran, citing issues including the risk of arbitrary arrests. SPY CHARGES Austria's Foreign Ministry said its citizens, Massud Mosaheb and Kamran Ghaderi, had been released after 1,586 and 2,709 days respectively. In a statement on Friday, the Belgian government said the two dual nationals were "wrongfully arrested in ... January 2016 and January 2019", while the Dane was arrested in Iran in November 2022 in connection with women's rights demonstrations. Mosaheb is the co-chairman of the Iranian-Austrian Friendship Society and had been sentenced to 10 years in prison for espionage, while Ghaderi is a businessman who was also sentenced to 10 years for espionage. On Friday, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen declined to give more information about the Danish citizen but said in a statement that he was "both happy and relieved that a Danish citizen is now on the way home to their family after having been jailed in Iran". Kazem Gharibabadi, Iran's top human rights official, said the three men were released on humanitarian grounds, Iranian state media reported. Oman also helped in getting the prisoners freed. The Gulf Arab country has good relations with both Iran and Western countries and has acted before as a mediator. Belgian government officials said that officially there were still 22 Europeans in Iranian prisons, but that no more Europeans would be exchanged for Assadi. They also said that Belgium was continuing to work for the release of Ahmadreza Djalali, a Swedish-Iranian national who guest-lectured at the university of Brussels and who was arrested in 2016 while on an academic visit to Iran. Iran has arrested dozens of foreigners and dual nationals in recent years, mostly on espionage and security-related accusations. Rights groups have criticised the arrests as a tactic to win concessions from abroad by inventing charges, an accusation Tehran denies. (Reporting by Louise Rasmussen and Tom Little in Copenhagen, Dubai newsroom, Charlotte Van Campenhout, Bart Biesemans, Andrew Gray in Brussels and Francois Murphy in Vienna; Editing by Hugh Lawson, Mark Potter and Frances Kerry) Israeli soldiers are pictured at the gate of the Mount Harif military base near the city of Mitzpe Ramon in Israel's southern Negev desert, adjacent to the border with Egypt An Egyptian "policeman" killed three Israeli soldiers Saturday in a rare exchange of fire near the border between the two countries in which the assailant was also killed, official sources from both sides said. The Israeli army said an Egyptian assailant shot dead two soldiers "in the early morning... while they secured a military post at the Egyptian border" on Mount Harif, near the town of Mitzpe Ramon in the Negev desert. The discovery of their bodies triggered a manhunt during which the third soldier was killed. An army statement identified the assailant as an Egyptian policeman, saying he was killed by Israeli troops after being found "in Israeli territory". The statement said an investigation was being carried out "in full cooperation with the Egyptian army". A fourth Israeli soldier, a non-commissioned officer, was lightly wounded and evacuated to hospital, the military added. An Egyptian army spokesman said "a member of the security forces... chased drug smugglers. During the chase, the security agent crossed the security fence (border)" and an exchange of fire took place. Egypt's Defence Minister Mohamed Zaki later spoke with his Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant to "discuss the circumstances of today's incident", the defence ministry in Cairo said. Israel's defence ministry said Gallant "emphasized the importance of cooperating further in order to prevent such events in the future". Egypt was the first Arab country to make peace with Israel following the Camp David accords of 1978, though there remains widespread popular opposition towards normalisation in Egypt. Their shared border is largely peaceful, despite an insurgency in Egypt's Sinai Peninsula and occasional exchanges of fire between drug smugglers and Israeli forces. Israel's army had initially declined to confirm media reports of the first two deaths, while the families were being notified. The two soldiers, a man and a woman, were "killed by live fire adjacent to the border", it said in a statement. The female soldier was identified as Lia Ben Nun, 19, and the male was 20-year-old Ori Izhak Iluz. The third soldier killed later was Ohad Dahan, 20. - Border incidents - A barrier runs along the Israel-Egypt border, and an army spokesman said Israel was looking into how it had been breached. Hours before the border post attack, Israeli soldiers had foiled an attempted drug smuggling operation at the border, seizing contraband goods estimated to be worth 1.5 million shekels ($400,000), a spokesman said. The spokesman added that no link had been established between the drugs seizure and the attack. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the incident as "severe and extraordinary" and said it would be "fully investigated". His chief of staff, Herzl Halevi, said: "We are investigating the incident in a thorough, in-depth manner, together with the Egyptian Armed Forces." There have been several previous incidents along Israel's border with Egypt. In 2011, assailants who entered from the Sinai killed eight Israelis in a triple ambush north of Eilat. Pursuing Israeli forces killed seven attackers and five Egyptian police. In 2012, an Israeli soldier and three militants who infiltrated from the Sinai were killed in a clash along the border. In 2014, two Israeli soldiers on patrol were wounded by unidentified men who fired an anti-tank weapon from the Sinai during an attempt to smuggle drugs. And in 2015, rockets fired from the Sinai hit southern Israel without causing any casualties. The Islamic State group later claimed responsibility. dms/anr/jsa/srm Israeli forces have in the past clashed with drug smugglers near the border with Egypt Three Israeli soldiers have been killed by an Egyptian security officer in exchanges of fire on the Israeli side of the border. The armed forces of both countries say they are jointly investigating the unusual incident. Egypt says its officer crossed into Israel while chasing drug traffickers. The Israeli military has said the shootings were assumed to be connected with a drug smuggling operation it had thwarted overnight. According to the army, two Israeli soldiers - a man and woman - posted in a remote spot along the border were shot dead early on Saturday morning. Their bodies were discovered after a senior officer was unable to contact them by radio. Hours later, after a search operation, the alleged attacker was encircled and there was a shootout, the Israeli military says. A third soldier was killed, along with the gunman, who it said was an Egyptian policeman. Another soldier was wounded in that exchange. In a vaguely worded statement, the Egyptian military said that its security officer was pursuing drug smugglers and that a shooting led to the Israeli deaths. It also conveyed "sincere condolences" to the families of the victims. The Israeli military says contraband worth about $400,000 was seized by its forces during the overnight operation against smugglers. The attacks reportedly happened near Mount Harif military base in the Negev desert Soldiers are continuing to search in the area for others that may have been involved, the army says. It is not clear how the policeman managed to enter Israel from Egypt. Israeli media say the attacks happened between Mount Harif and Mount Sagi - which lie in the Negev desert, about half-way between the Mediterranean coast and the Red Sea Israeli resort of Eilat. Israeli military spokesman Richard Hecht told journalists: "Co-operation with the Egyptians is ongoing, it's good. This is not geopolitical." This appears to be one of the most serious border incidents since Egypt became the first Arab country to sign a peace treaty with Israel in 1979. Although the two states are often described as having "a cold peace" in recent years, they have worked together closely on military and intelligence matters, particularly on counter-terrorism. The Israeli air force has supported the Egyptian army in its fight against so-called Islamic State militants in the northern part of the Sinai Peninsula. The most serious infiltration attempt in recent times took place in 2012. Back then, militants attacked an Egyptian checkpoint near to Rafah on the border with the Gaza Strip, killing 16 Egyptian policemen and stealing two armoured cars. They used these to break through the Kerem Shalom border crossing with Israel where one of the vehicles exploded. After a firefight, Israel said the bodies of eight attackers were found. In the past decade, Israel has built a tall border fence to try to keep out militants and to stop people-smuggling from Egypt - in particular migrants crossing from sub-Saharan Africa. However, drug smuggling attempts in the area remain frequent. The border stretches some 255km (160 miles), making it difficult for security patrols. Recent years have seen several cases of gunfire between smugglers and Israeli soldiers. The Egyptian army has also shot at drug smugglers and jihadists which has occasionally led to accidental cross-border fire. Last December, Israeli soldiers shot dead a suspect who was apparently trying to smuggle drugs into Israel. Salespeople promoting Bud Light for a Floridabased distributor have grown accustomed to car horns, middle fingers and jokes amid a weekslong boycott, but say they have struggled to ignore thousands of dollars in lost commission pay, two sales supervisors at the distributor told ABC News. A typical salesperson at the distributor made roughly $2,000 less in May than he or she would have over each of the previous two years, suffering primarily from a decline in Bud Light sales that reached as much as 60% over the week ending on Memorial Day, the sales supervisors said. "This has really, really killed a lot of the guys who are commission-based. That's who it's really hurting," one supervisor said. "There's nothing they could've done -- this was thrown in their faces." PHOTO: In this April 21, 2023, file photo, a sign disparaging Bud Light beer is seen along a country road in Arco, Idaho. (Natalie Behring/Getty Images, FILE) A consumer boycott of Anheuser-Busch InBev over a promotion in April from a trans influencer has pummeled the company's stock, but it has also brought financial pain for thousands of salespeople at independent distributors nationwide, many of whom depend largely on performance-based pay, former Anheuser-Busch InBev executive Anson Frericks told ABC News. Sales of Bud Light have recorded declines for seven consecutive weeks after a product endorsement from Dylan Mulvaney, a transgender influencer, sparked backlash among many conservatives. The boycott gained momentum, meanwhile, after the initial response from the company was perceived as conciliatory by some LGBTQ advocates, prompting frustration on the left. Those losses have slashed the income of salespeople who work for roughly 500 independent wholesalers that sell Anheuser-Busch beverages to restaurants, bars and grocery stores, according to interviews with two distributors, two sales supervisors and Frericks. MORE: 'The biggest losers': Bud Light boycott hammers hundreds of independent distributors The sales supervisors and distributors declined to share their names because they didn't want to be publicly identified speaking about the financial consequences of the boycott. Compensation for salespeople differs widely between different distributors, but a typical salesperson makes about $60,000 a year, including $20,000 in variable pay that depends largely on commission, said Frericks, who left Anheuser-Busch InBev last year. "Good people are going to start leaving because they aren't making money," Frericks told ABC News. On an earnings call last month, Anheuser-Busch InBev CEO Michel Doukeris acknowledged the strain that the boycott has placed on workers in the field. "This situation has impacted our people and especially our frontline workers: The delivery drivers, sales representatives, our wholesalers, Bud owners and servers," Doukeris said. "These people are the fabric of our business. They are our neighbors, family members, and friends. They are in every community in America," Doukeris added. "We've been doing everything we can to support our teams." Anheuser-Busch said in a statement to ABC News that the boycott has had an impact but they remained committed to bringing people together. "Anheuser-Busch employs over 18,000 people and our independent wholesaler partners have an additional 47,000 valued colleagues. The current situation has impacted our people and especially our front-line workers including delivery drivers and sales representatives. These people are our neighbors, family members and friends. They are in every community in America. As we move forward, we will continue doing everything we can to support our teams while working tirelessly to do what we do best - bringing people together over a beer," the statement read. PHOTO: Dylan Mulvaney attends an opening night performance of 'A Transparent Musical' at Mark Taper Forum, on May 31, 2023, in Los Angeles. (Emma McIntyre/Getty Images) MORE: The boycott against Bud Light is hammering sales. Experts explain why. Sales of Bud Light across the U.S. fell nearly 26% over the week ending on May 20 compared to the same period a year ago, according to data from Bump Williams Consulting and Nielsen NIQ reviewed by ABC News. At an Anheuser-Busch distributor in the Midwest, nine salespeople rely on commission for roughly two-thirds of their pay, the president of the distributor told ABC News. The salespeople sustained overall sales declines in May of between 6% and 26% compared to the same month a year prior, which translates into losses ranging from $200 to $900, the president added. At a meeting with the salespeople earlier this month, the president told them, "None of this is your fault and none of this is my fault," he recounted. He vowed to pay them each a lump sum that would put their income for last month at or above where it would have stood without the losses. "I'm frustrated that this has [dragged] on as long as it has," the president of the distributor said. "I'm hopeful that we're moving in the right direction." Anheuser-Busch InBev also provided financial support for frontline workers at independent distributors, Doukeris said on the earnings call last month. The company provided $500 for each employee and additional ad spending last month, the Wall Street Journal reported. To be sure, some Anheuser-Busch salespeople at independent distributors depend on little or no sales commission. MORE: The 4-day workweek is gaining momentum. Could the US adopt it nationwide? The owner of a different distributor in the Midwest said the company previously paid salespeople entirely on commission but stopped the practice in recent years because sales varied significantly between the strong summer months and weak winter ones. "My employees haven't been hurt that bad on it," the owner said, referring to the boycott. Maurice Schweitzer, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School of Business who studies consumer movements, said the losses for some salespeople at Anheuser-Busch distributors mark an unanticipated result of the consumer boycott. "This has a disproportionate effect on a handful of people who had little or nothing to do with the decision that triggered people to be upset," Schweitzer told ABC News. "It has this cascade of unintended consequences." 'Thrown in their faces': Bud Light salespeople say boycott is hurting commission originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Tim Minchin has discussed cancel culture in a powerful interview on BBC Ones Newsnight. The British-Australian comedian and writer, whose musical Groundhog Day is currently playing at Londons Old Vic, is known for challenging convention and speaking out on topics from censorship to Brexit. Speaking on Friday evenings episode of Newsnight (2 June), he said: Oh yeah, Im worried about being cancelled. The language is hopeless, though. There has to be ambiguity, there has to be ambivalence in every conversation. My super progressive lefty friends say, There is no such thing as cancel culture. Its just powerful people getting what they deserve. I mean, that is gaslightingly naive. If you still think that, youre as bad as a climate denier, or if you dont think theres a problem with call-out culture or public shaming. He continued: I prefer to talk about public shaming and its for all people, for women and people of colour. If you think its just working on old rich, you know, stale, pale male dudes, youre not looking at the world. People are hurt by public shaming when they dont deserve to be all day, every day. And its grotesque and its psychopathic and it requires that you dont stand in another persons shoes. While Minchin was talking about cancel culture in the context of policing behaviour and language in art, and did not directly refer to former This Morning presenter Phillip Schofield, celebrities including broadcaster Piers Morgan and actor Rupert Everett have both jumped to Schofields defence this week after a huge public backlash to him admitting to having an affair with a much younger male colleague. Tim Minchin on Newsnight (BBC) Schofield, 61, resigned from ITVs This Morning after admitting to an unwise but not illegal affair with the employee, whom he first met during a school visit when the man in question was 15. Morgan wrote on Twitter: Unless Phillip Schofields ex-lover contradicts his version of events to The Sun [and the] BBC, then its time to stop this relentless persecution of a guy whos lost everything and looks right on the edge to me. In an interview with Channel 4, Everett said the coverage of Schofields affair is homophobic and should be dropped by the media. Schofield, who has quit ITV altogether, gave an emotional interview to the BBC earlier this week, in which he suggested that he had experienced suicidal thoughts, stating that his daughters had saved his life by looking after him in the aftermath of the scandal, and had been scared to let him out of their sight. Tim Scott to Appear on The View to Look Those Ladies in the Eyes Dave Kaup/Reuters Republican presidential hopeful Tim Scott is gearing up for an appearance on The View next week, promising to settle the week-long feud between himself and the daytime TV staple. Scotts feud with the show began shortly after he announced his campaign, when host Joy Behar claimed Scott, the most high-profile Black Republican seeking the partys nomination, doesnt understand racism. Now, the South Carolina senator will have the chance to push back on that argument in person during his scheduled appearance on Monday, June 5. The only problem: Behar wont be there. She gets Mondays off. Instead, Scott will face a panel of hosts including Whoopi Goldberg, Sara Haines, Sunny Hostin, Alyssa Farah Griffin and Ana Navarro, The Wrap reported. The missed opportunity for a face-off with Behar didnt tamp down Scotts enthusiasm when he touted the appearance at a campaign rally in Des Moines on Saturday. I think it's time for a conservative with a backbone to look those ladies in the eyes and say you do not have to be an exception to succeed in America, Scott told the crowd, according to The Daily Mail. In the comments that started the feud, Behar compared Scott to Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, describing both as Black men who dont get systemic discrimination. Hes one of these guys, like Clarence Thomas, black Republicans, who believes in pulling yourself up by your bootstraps, rather than understanding the systemic racism that African Americans face in this country, Behar said. He doesnt get it. Neither does Clarence. Thats why theyre Republicans. Scott fired back at Behar, calling her remarks offensive and disgusting and dangerous. It is literally the dumbest most offensive thing Ive witnessed on TV, to hear these millionaire TV personalities telling me how to live my life as a Black man, he said. Scotts stop in The View studio isnt in response to the war of words between him and Behar, though. Talks about his appearance on the show predate the exchange, beginning when Scott first announced his campaign on May 22, according to The Wrap. 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. (Bloomberg) -- Tim Scott made his second appearance in Iowa as a presidential candidate on Friday, arguing that he can unify the Republican Party by projecting an optimism that will not only lead to victory in 2024 but guide the US into the future. Most Read from Bloomberg Scott, South Carolinas junior senator, faced a friendly audience at a restaurant in Council Bluffs, where he presented himself as an upbeat alternative to the GOP frontrunners, former President Donald Trump and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, though he never mentioned either man by name. In responding to a question about his low poll numbers, he segued into a rationale as to why his contrasting approach would resonate with the GOP base. People are starving for a message of hope and optimism, he said. But what they wont allow, is for a hopeful, optimistic message that lacks conservative principles or a backbone. I got both, he concluded. Scott, the only Black Republican in the Senate, currently sits at 2% in recent polling. He is among several Republicans in the race, including DeSantis and his states former governor, Nikki Haley, trying to emerge as the non-Trump candidate whom voters will embrace. Read More: Christie to Challenge Trump as Ally-Turned Rival Joins 2024 Race I believe that it is time for a change in America, he said. I believe that the best is yet to come America is still the beacon in the midst of darkness. Scott, 57, who often tells of the challenges he faced growing up poor in North Charleston, assured his audience that as the months unfold, our numbers will go up. His advantage over his competitors lies in his fundraising prowess. He raised $43 million for his reelection to the Senate last year and won by nearly 26 points. Filings show he has $22 million left over for his presidential run. His top 10 campaign money sources were employees of Goldman Sachs Group Inc. Blackstone Inc. and JPMorgan Chase & Co. An important benefactor has been Oracle Corp. chair and co-founder Larry Ellison, who plowed $30 million into Scotts allied super political action committee, the Opportunity Matters Fund, during the 2022 campaign. Scotts visit to Iowa, whose caucuses can be crucial in the early weeks of the nomination contest, will continue this weekend with an appearance at the annual Roast and Ride at the State Fairgrounds hosted by one of the states senators, Joni Ernst, a fellow Republican. Other candidates scheduled to attend are DeSantis, Haley, former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson, Michigan businessman Perry Johnson, technology Ohio entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, former California gubernatorial candidate Larry Elder as well as former Vice President Mike Pence, who has not entered the race but is widely believed to be making a run. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. This tiny WA house along the Columbia River is out of this world. Take a look inside The future teemed with possibility when Kurt Hughes graduated from high school in Royal City some 50 years ago. The moon shot era was on and soon, in July 1969, Buzz Aldrin would pilot the Apollo 11 lunar module Eagle to the surface, and Neil Armstrong would make his memorable observation, Thats one small step for man ..., as he stepped toward the surface. Back in Eastern Washington, Hughes was headed to the University of Washington and eventually the University of Hawaiii to study architecture. He formed an interest in designing and building boats, which would lead to a career as a Naval architect. Today, he lives in Bothell and designs multihulled boats catamarans and trimarans on Seattles Lake Union. And when he wants to get away, Hughes drives two or so hours east to his out-of-this-world getaway spot a replica of a lunar lander. His tiny retreat overlooks the Columbia River at Beverly, about 56 miles northwest of Richland. The 250-square-foot dwelling has been profiled in Architecture Digest, newspapers and countless publications dedicated to tiny houses and with good reason. It is the standout feature on Beverlys Shore Drive, a nondescript row of homes set against the stunning backdrop of Sentinel Gap, where the Columbia River carved through Saddle Mountain during Ice Age floods. Kurt Hughes, a Seattle naval architect, sits at Captain Nemos window in the lunar lander tiny house he built as a getaway at Beverly, Wash., on the Columbia River. Space age inspiration Hughes modeled his tiny getaway on an actual lunar lander, down to the steel struts, stabilizing wires and front door/hatch. He made a small concession to the non-lunar location and added a two-person deck to take in the views. QR codes posted outside the building direct the curious to websites where he explains the unusual home. He posted the information for planners and inspectors during the construction process, then left them up because so many passersby on Highway 243 stopped to ask questions. Kurt Hughes, a Seattle naval architect originally from Royal City, poses outside the Lunar Lander Dwelling tiny house he built as a getaway in Beverly, Wash. But the curious must content themselves with reading about the project and taking photos. It is not available for rent, though the house next door is listed on Airbnb. Hughes said he spends two or more weekends a month there. This is my favorite place in the world, he said. The house accommodates two people comfortably, seats four at the table and was once used for a bachelor party for his now son-in-law. Tiny house challenge Building it was a personal challenge, as well as professional one. His daughter, Kiku, attended space camp as a child, fueling her continuing interest in science fiction. There, Fred Haise, an Apollo 13 astronaut and pilot, autographed a 3D model of a lunar lander that the family built. More than a decade ago, the idea to fuse boat designs, tiny houses and lunar landers began taking shape when Hughes took note of the tiny house movement. He saw value in small, affordable homes but he wasnt impressed with early efforts, which he described as heavy and unstable. They were primitive, he said. Architect Kurt Hughes works on the dome of his lunar lander dwelling in Beverly, Wash. He believed the techniques he uses for boat design could make a difference. Epoxy, common in marine designs, would be a better option than wood framing, he concluded. He decided to create a prototype and took his design inspiration from the moon shot era of his youth and his daughters space camp experience. Anyone can do a cube. I decided to do something as an homage to a time when anything was possible, he said. The Beverly house is his proof of concept. Hughes doesnt expect it to revolutionize the tiny house world. The house has been met with enthusiasm, but no copycats. Tiny House Talk called it one of the most unique, innovative, and interesting tiny homes weve gotten to show you, when it featured Hughes in 2019. He did recently sell a plan set to a man in England who has not indicated if he intends to replicate it. Its value as real estate is unclear beyond the obvious location. The Grant County Assessor values Hughes property at $58,000 for the land only. The building, or improvement, has no value, according to county records. Captain Nemos window at the lunar lander dwelling overlooking the Columbia River at Beverly, Wash. Zillow takes a more generous view, placing its worth at $136,000. The lander is not for sale. The location is accidental. His mother paid $10 about $100 today for the lot on Shore Drive at a tax sale in the early 1960s. He bought it from her more than 20 years ago. Weekend project Hughes estimates it took about four years to build the lander and secure an occupancy permit. He started with base panels fabricated from plywood and epoxy in Seattle. He hauled them to Beverly on a flatbed and assembled them into a dish on site. A neighbor with a plasma cutter and a forklift provided major assistance, helping fabricate stairs and other parts and lifting pieces into place. Steep stairs lead to the bedchamber at the base of Kurt Hughes lunar lander home. A glassy dome, welded by his brother, capped the project in 2014. The tiny house may look like a lunar lander but it had to pass muster with Grant County building officials. They were skeptical about everything, he said. Hughes said hes satisfied his tiny house is durable enough to go the distance. After nearly 10 years in a harsh climate, it is holding up well. A ductless heat pump and air-to-air exchange system keep it comfortable when temperatures reach triple digits, common in Beverly. Inside, it offers all the comforts of home. The kitchen galley, compact bathroom and a small banquet table nestled beside Captain Nemos window are on the main level. The bedroom is deep in the belly of the craft, accessed by ladder. Light strikes the dome of Kurt Hughes Apollo lunar lander home in Beverly, Wash. Whimisical features a glow-in-the-dark bathroom floor, a shower head that changes colors as the water heats up and anti gravity pads over the table seats, in case gravity disappears, he joked on camera to Architectural Digest. Local attractions The lunar lander dwelling is one of several worthy sites in tiny Beverly, which is gaining attention courtesy thanks to the Beverly Railroad Bridge. The recently renovated former railroad trestle carries the Palouse to Cascades State Trail over the Columbia. The bridge, about a mile from the lunar lander, provides a link between Washingtons two sides and brings hikers, cyclists and horse riders through the community. Visiting? The Lunar Lander Dwelling is pinned in Google Maps and is at 18374 Shore Drive. Also worth checking out: Burkett Lake Recreation Area, the Wanapum Heritage Center at Priest Rapids and the Ginko Petrified Forest. The South Grant County Chamber of Commerce website is a useful resource as well. Sign Up: Boom Town Tri-Cities Stay up to date on Tri-Cities growth and development with our weekly business newsletter. Get the latest on restaurant and business openings and closings, plus the regions top housing and employment news. Click here to sign up. In your inbox every Wednesday. I took Florida's Brightline train from Fort Lauderdale to Miami for $39. The 'first-class experience' was way better than sitting in traffic. Brightline's train service helped me dodge traffic. Ronny Maye I took the Brightline train from Fort Lauderdale to Miami in premium class for $39. The seats were comfortable and the "first-class experience" came with some solid perks. Overall, it's a little cheaper than a rideshare and better than sitting in traffic. As a former Floridian and frequent traveler, the Florida-based train service Brightline recently caught my attention. I wanted to try the inner-city train service from Fort Lauderdale to Miami, as I'm no stranger to I-95 and the traffic that comes with navigating those popular destinations. So, I booked a one-way ticket and sprung for Brightline's premium class, which advertises a "first-class experience." It was $39 (plus tax), only about $17 more than the basic smart class. I wasn't exactly sure how luxurious a 45-minute train ride could be, but I quickly found out. First of all, booking my ticket was easy Brightline earned points from me for its convenient and seamless booking process. I booked my tickets through the Brightline app, but they can also be purchased with a guest-services agent at the train station, via the self-service kiosk, or the Brightline website. Booking my Brightline train ticket was so easy and quick. Courtesy of Ronny Maye The process was pretty similar to booking any other travel ticket. I chose my ticket type (one way or round trip), cities I was traveling to and from, dates, and number of passengers. Once I found a time that worked, I chose the fare type, provided my traveler information, and selected my seat. Before confirming my purchase, I could select any additional needs for my trip such as Uber rides, parking passes, or checked bags. My ticket was emailed to me and available on the app. The ticket came with great perks before I even set foot on the train At no additional cost for a standard ride, transportation to and from the train stations (within 5 miles) was available through Brightline's partnership with Uber. I selected the time frame most convenient for me during the booking process and Brightline handled the arrangements. Once a ride was secured, I received a phone call and text message alerting me of the Uber's arrival time and driver information. I received a link to track the driver, too. Premium tickets also come with lounge access, which can be utilized up to two hours before train departure. I had to scan my boarding pass to enter, similar to the process at an airport lounge. The Brightline premium lounge was pretty nice and had tons of freebies. Ronny Maye The premium lounge had a beer and wine station, juice, coffee, and a fridge filled with water and soda. Snacks like fresh fruit, muffins, pastries, yogurt, and deviled eggs were also available. The complimentary food and drink offerings were pretty solid. Ronny Maye The lounge was incredibly spacious and I particularly liked the charging stations built into the furniture. Guests in the premium lounge also got priority boarding. An attendant came about 10 minutes before departure to escort us to the platform. I was escorted to the train platform shortly before boarding began. Ronny Maye The premium service continued on board as well A few minutes after boarding, I was greeted with a cool towel infused with essential oils. Next, I was offered a breakfast box or charcuterie box plus my a choice of coffee, tea, juice, water, beer, wine, or cocktails. I grabbed an orange juice and ginger ale, plus a charcuterie box that had Ghirardelli chocolate, grapes, Asiago cheese, dried meat, and crackers. Brightline premium came with onboard complimentary food and drink. Ronny Maye Shortly after, someone also came by with a cart filled with more offerings, including a range of name-brand snacks and candies like Pringles and M&Ms. At one point, someone came around with a cart full of snacks and drinks. Ronny Maye The seats were pretty comfortable and there were a few options on board The premium train car had several seating configurations. Passengers could select an individual seat, double seat, or quad seating. I sat in a double seat. The seats have a few configurations. Ronny Maye Some of the arrangements came with full-size tables with pop-out charging ports. Others were standard equipped with charging ports, a full-size tray table, and a pop-out phone holder. My seat had a fold-down tray table and access to outlets. Ronny Maye My seat had a fold-down tray table that was convenient, especially for the snacks and drinks provided. I thought the reclining seats were extremely comfortable as a plus-size traveler, that's a huge bonus. Overall, Brightline premium was worth the price Overall, Brightline premium was worth the price for me and I preferred it to a rideshare. Ronny Maye Brightline's service is excellent for those who want to avoid unpredictable traffic, want to avoid parking fees if traveling for a sporting event, or want a convenient way to city-hop on a whim. The trains also have restrooms on board. For comparison purposes, Miami and Fort Lauderdale are roughly 30 miles or 45 minutes apart. Depending on the time of day, rideshares between the cities can be costly. The day before my trip, I paid $58 plus a tip for a one-way Lyft that took 49 minutes to go 31 miles. Overall, I think Brightline is worth taking if you need to get from one Florida city to another. Currently, passengers can book a one-way or roundtrip ticket to or from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Aventura, Boca Raton, and Orlando. Read the original article on Insider MOSCOW (Reuters) - President Vladimir Putin's decision to move one of Russia's holiest icons from a museum to a Moscow cathedral highlights his growing reliance on the Church as the Ukraine war drags on, but has also raised fears about the safety of the fragile artifact. Emphasising its importance to the faithful, Putin last month ordered Andrei Rublev's "Trinity" be transferred to the Russian Orthodox Church from Moscow's Tretyakov Gallery for a year. On Sunday, this year's Trinity Sunday, the 15th century artwork will take its place in the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, a vast church that was blown up under Josef Stalin but rebuilt in the 1990s after the fall of the Soviet Union. The transfer of Russia's most famous icon, which depicts the Oak of Mamre where the three angels visited Abraham in the Book of Genesis, underscores the extent to which politics and religion have become intertwined during the war. "Putin has an interest in keeping the Church on his side in this war, to show he respects the Church," said Regina Elsner, a theologian and researcher of the Russian Orthodox Church at the Berlin-based Centre for Eastern European and International Studies. "Putin needs to show that the war is not his personal military activity, but that there is a higher, metaphysical mission in Russia that he is trying to fulfil." Russia's propagandists have used Christian symbolism about fighting the devil and the anti-Christ to try to rally support for a war that has gone on much longer than the Kremlin or the West expected. Putin frames the war as a battle for the survival of Russia. The West says it wants to help Ukraine defeat Russia on the battlefield but does not want to destroy Russia. Ukraine says it wants to eject every Russian soldier from its territory. After its stay at the Christ the Saviour, the icon will be transported to the Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius the spiritual centre of the Russian Orthodox Church outside Moscow where it had been brought just last year for separate religious celebrations. The Kremlin and the Church declined comment. RUSSIAN MONUMENT Just over a century since atheist Bolsheviks came to power in the October 1917 revolution, Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia, the head of the Church, said believers could only have dreamed that the icon would be returned. Kirill, a close ally of Putin's, casts the war a "metaphysical" battle for Russia's survival against evil and a decadent West seeking to destroy Russia. For some, though, there is unease at the sway of the Church - and concern about possible damage to the fragile icon. Ksenia Korobeynikova, a Russian art historian who has spoken out against the transfer on her popular art-focused Telegram channel, told Reuters the icon's importance to Russia was on a par with Leonardo da Vinci's "Mona Lisa" for European culture. Korobeynikova expressed concern about the conditions the icon would be kept in, saying the Tretyakov Gallery had the "intensive care" specialists to attend to it. She quipped that Russian leaders over the centuries have turned to icons in tough situations with the hope of victory. "Perhaps there is something similar here," Korobeynikova told Reuters. "The Church now has a completely new level of authority. If the Church asks for something, then most likely they (Russia's leaders) cannot refuse it." The Church has said the necessary controls will be provided at the Moscow cathedral and that Tretyakov staff will supervise the artwork during its stay. But late last month an archpriest and head of the Moscow Patriarchate's expert council on church art, architecture and restoration was fired "in connection with the obstruction of bringing the icon" to the cathedral. Russian art historians have spoken out against the icon's removal, saying there is no way to safely transport the work, which is made of centuries-old wood and requires strict temperature and humidity controls, across long distances. "Masterpieces of Russian icon painting and national shrines should not be exposed to unjustified risk," members of a cultural council within the Russian Academy of Sciences wrote in an open letter to Russian Minister of Culture Olga Lyubimova. "The only space suitable for placing the icon 'Trinity' by Andrei Rublev is in the halls of the Tretyakov Gallery, which is confirmed by almost a century of practice." (Reporting by Reuters in Moscow and Lucy Papachristou in Gdansk; Editing by Guy Faulconbridge and Mark Potter) Long-time environmentalist Charles has called Transylvania 'literally the last unspoilt, untouched area' After being received with military honours at the Romanian capital Bucharest, Britain's Charles III on Saturday visits Transylvania -- a region the king has said is in his "blood" as a descendant of Vlad the Impaler. The king has frequently praised the charms of picturesque Transylvania in central Romania, where he has bought several traditional houses and set up a heritage foundation. A long-time environmental advocate with a passion for nature, Charles has called Transylvania "literally the last unspoilt, untouched area". As part of his first overseas visit since he was crowned king on May 6, Charles is headed to the village of Valea Zalanului -- some 100 kilometres (60 miles) away from the hamlet of Viscri, where he is expected to wrap up his trip on Tuesday. As prince, King Charles first visited Viscri a quarter of a century ago, in 1998. Dan Spataru from the local mayor's office said his return to the region was being welcomed as an "emotional gesture". But in contrast to earlier visits, his trip as a newly crowned king will take on a "more formal, official" nature amid heightened security. "We are sorry because the atmosphere was more relaxed before. Now it's a little stiffer," Spataru said of the tightened security protocol in place. "Until 10 years ago Charles would walk around, go inside the villagers' courtyards, discover, without someone protecting him," said local guesthouse-owner Alexandru Toader. "Now he can no longer do that because every time he comes it is highly publicised," he added. The 37-year-old said in the past few weeks, authorities have even questioned him about the guests he was about to receive as part of security protocols. - 'Soul connection' - Charles bought his first house in Viscri in 2016, attracted by the region's dirt tracks, horse-drawn carriages and brightly-coloured houses nestled in green hills. Initially intended as an occasional princely residence, it was later transformed into a museum dedicated to botany -- another of the new king's lifelong passions. In Bucharest the royal environmentalist praised Romania for still being "home to many species of flora and fauna that have disappeared or are threatened elsewhere in Europe and the world." Under Charles' sponsorship, the Mihai Eminescu Trust foundation has renovated several properties in Transylvania with traditional methods and materials to preserve the heritage. Caroline Fernolend, president of the Mihai Eminescu Trust, told AFP that about 200 locals are expected to welcome Charles at the UNESCO-listed fortified church on Tuesday. "It will be a unique moment to receive a king in our community," she said, grateful that Charles honours the work done "all these years". Fernolend says there is no need to spruce up the village in anticipation of the king's visit. "We won't prettify anything, the beauty is already there," she said, adding that the value of Viscri lies in its "people and the existing heritage." At the reception in Bucharest on Friday, Charles said he has "always felt rather at home in Romania" in a reference to his links to infamous Vlad the Impaler through his great-grandmother Queen Mary. According to Spataru, the king has always had a particular "soul connection" with Transylvania. "When he comes here, he unwinds, he smiles more -- he is no longer the official, rigorous man," he said. str-kym/rox/ach Attorneys M. Evan Corcoran, left, and David Schoen arrive to represent Steve Bannon on contempt of Congress charges, in Washington on July 20, 2022. (Kenny Holston/The New York Times) Turning on his iPhone one day last year, lawyer M. Evan Corcoran recorded his reflections about a high-profile new job: representing former President Donald Trump in an investigation into his handling of classified documents. In complete sentences and a narrative tone that sounded as if it had been ripped from a novel, Corcoran recounted in detail a nearly monthlong period of the documents investigation, according to two people familiar with the matter. Corcorans narration of his recollections covered his initial meeting with Trump in May 2022 to discuss a subpoena from the Justice Department seeking the return of all classified materials in the former presidents possession, the people said. Sign up for The Morning newsletter from the New York Times It also encompassed a search that Corcoran undertook last June in response to the subpoena for any relevant records being kept at Mar-a-Lago, Trumps private club and residence in Florida. He carried out the search in preparation for a visit by prosecutors, who were on their way to enforce the subpoena and collect any sensitive material found remaining there. Government investigators almost never obtain a clear lens into a lawyers private dealings with their clients, let alone with such a prominent one as Trump. A recording like the voice memo Corcoran made last year during a long drive to a family event, according to two people briefed on the recording is typically shielded by attorney-client or work-product privilege. But in March, a federal judge ordered Corcorans recorded recollections now transcribed onto dozens of pages to be given to the office of special counsel Jack Smith, who is leading the documents investigation. The decision by the judge, Beryl Howell, pierced the privilege that would have normally protected Corcorans musings about his interactions with Trump. Those protections were set aside under what is known as the crime-fraud exception, a provision that allows prosecutors to work around attorney-client privilege if they have reason to believe that legal advice or legal services were used in furthering a crime. Howell, in a sealed memorandum that accompanied her decision, made clear that prosecutors believe Trump knowingly misled Corcoran about the location of documents that would be responsive to the subpoena, according to a person familiar with the memos contents. Corcorans notes, which have not been previously described in such detail, will likely play a central role as Smith and his team move toward concluding their investigation and turn to the question of whether to bring charges against Trump. They could also show up as evidence in a courtroom if a criminal case is ultimately filed and goes to trial. The level of detail in the recording is said to have angered and unnerved close aides to Trump who are worried that they contain direct quotes from sensitive conversations. Corcoran, who was brought into Trumps orbit by a political and legal adviser to the former president, Boris Epshteyn, did not respond to a message seeking comment. Steven Cheung, a spokesperson for Trump, said in a statement that the attorney-client privilege is one of the oldest and most fundamental principles in our legal system, and he accused the Justice Department of trying to deny Trump this basic right. Cheung added that whether attorneys notes are detailed or not makes no difference these notes reflect the legal opinions and thoughts of the lawyer, not the client. And he maintained that Trump had tried to cooperate when Justice Department officials came to the property in last June. In an early scene in his account, Corcoran describes meeting Trump at Mar-a-Lago last spring to help him handle a subpoena that had just been issued by a federal grand jury in Washington seeking the return of all classified material in the possession of his presidential office, the people familiar with the matter said. After pleasantries, according to a description of the recorded notes, Trump asked Corcoran if he had to comply with the subpoena. Corcoran told him that he did. That exchange could be useful to prosecutors as they collect evidence on whether Trump sought to obstruct the subpoena process and interfere with the governments broader efforts to retrieve all of the sensitive records that he took with him from the White House. But people close to Trump have said the conversation could be read in a more favorable light as a client merely asking his lawyer about how he should proceed. The recording also describes how Corcoran conducted a search of a Mar-a-Lago storage room in an effort to comply with the subpoenas request for documents, the people familiar with the account said. Corcoran told a grand jury in May that several employees at the compound had told him everything he needed was being kept in the storage room, located in the basement of the property, according to people with knowledge of the matter. Corcoran subsequently handed over to Justice Department officials more than three dozen documents he turned up in his search and drafted a letter to the department stating that a diligent search had not found any more. The notes in the recording do not suggest that Corcoran was waved away from searching anywhere other than the storage room, the people familiar with them said. But they also indicate that no one at Mar-a-Lago including Trump spoke up to tell him that he should look elsewhere. In the end, it turned out the employees who directed Corcoran to the storage room were wrong. In August, when FBI agents descended on Mar-a-Lago with a court-approved search warrant, they found classified documents not only in the basement of Mar-a-Lago but also in Trumps office. The issue of who moved boxes into and out of the storage room and why has become one of the central parts of Smiths investigation. Prosecutors have focused much of their attention on Walt Nauta, an aide to Trump who took part in moving boxes, and on another Mar-a-Lago employee, Carlos Deoliveira, a maintenance worker who helped Nauta. Smiths team has also focused on a related question: whether there were any efforts to interfere with the governments attempts to obtain security camera footage from Mar-a-Lago that could shed light on how the documents were kept in the storage room and who had access to them. Corcorans notes provide some details about Nautas involvement in the search. They say, for instance, that Nauta unlocked the storage room door for Corcoran, according to the people familiar with them. They also say that Nauta brought Corcoran some tape so that he could seal in a folder the classified documents he found, in preparation for giving them to prosecutors. There is also a reference to Corcorans meeting with the prosecutors, which took place at Mar-a-Lago on June 3, 2022. He and another lawyer for Trump, Christina Bobb, met Jay Bratt, the chief of the counterespionage section of the national security division of the Justice Department, to turn over the documents he found and convey the letter asserting that to the best of their knowledge, no more remained at Mar-a-Lago. The notes refer to Trumps appearance related to Bratts visit, according to one person briefed on the contents of the notes. Howells memorandum compelling Corcoran to answer questions in front of a grand jury and to produce his notes described the lawyer as essentially a casualty of Trumps months of gamesmanship with investigators and National Archives officials about returning the documents, according to a person familiar with the memos contents. As The New York Times reported in April, Howell wrote in the memorandum, according to the person familiar with its contents, that Trumps earlier actions and misdirection of archives officials efforts to retrieve what turned out to be more than a dozen boxes of records were a dress rehearsal for the May subpoena. c.2023 The New York Times Company International Border Wall Between Tecate California and Tecate Mexico. Joey Ingelhart | Gettyimages Republicans have proposed restarting construction on ex-President Trump's unfinished wall. Is the wall effective? Here's everything you need to know: How much wall did Trump build? At a recent CNN town hall, former President Donald Trump claimed that his administration finished building a wall along the 1,954-mile border separating the U.S. and Mexico. But according to a Customs and Border Protection report written two days after Trump left office in 2021, about 458 miles of the wall were completed under his administration, with another 280 miles identified for construction but never finished. Of those 458 miles, just 52 covered sections of the border that hadn't previously had a barrier. The other 406 replaced shorter barriers that already existed with a fence made of reinforced hollow steel bollards ranging from 18 to 33 feet high. In some sections, lights, cameras and sensors accompanied the new barriers; in others, a secondary fence was built to reinforce an existing one. The project cost an estimated $15 billion, with the money coming from Department of Defense funds and appropriations from Congress. Combined with fencing that pre-dated Trump's presidency, about 700 miles mostly along public land in Arizona and New Mexico now have a barrier. In May, House Republicans passed an immigration bill calling for resuming construction. Is the new wall effective? It does not seem to be deterring migrants from coming to or crossing the border. The number of crossings, as measured by apprehensions at the border, rose steeply during Trump's term, more than doubling from 2018 to 2019. The pandemic initially slowed migration, but by spring 2021, the number of unlawful border crossings and arrests separate from those legally applying for asylum had risen above the totals recorded in most months before Trump began building the wall. Border Patrol officials maintain, however, that the towering bollards have served a purpose. "There is a psychological reason," said Chief Patrol Agent Patricia McGurk-Daniel. "It's a high fence. You don't want to cross it, but it's also tall enough our agents can see through." Professional smugglers and determined migrants, however, have found myriad ways to get through and over the wall. How do they do that? Saws and other inexpensive power tools were used to cut holes in the wall more than 3,200 times between 2019 and 2021, costing the government $2.6 million in repairs. From October 2021 to September 2022, the wall was breached 4,101 times, an average of about 11 breaches per day. Some smugglers have essentially created "doors" in the wall by disguising the holes they created in the bollards with tinted putty that they remove every time they want to help people cross. Smugglers have also dug tunnels or climbed over the barrier on ladders, or crossed at one of the wall's many gaps. Contractors working on the wall built new roads to reach remote border areas; those paths now guide migrants who make it across. "There are so many access roads that it's possible for someone to walk right up to places where the wall ends and have someone just pick them up," said conservationist Valer Clark, who is trying to preserve land along the border. Is there a human cost? The wall has made crossing the border more dangerous. Migrants circumventing the wall have drowned swimming across the Rio Grande and collapsed from heat exposure in the desert. Some of those climbing over it with ladders or by hand have fallen as much as 30 feet, suffering severe injuries some fatal. From 2019 to 2021, the University of California at San Diego Medical Center recorded 375 patients admitted due to falls. In fiscal year 2022, at least 853 migrants died crossing the border, breaking the previous year's record of 546. Border Patrol also recorded about 22,000 rescues of distressed migrants in that time, up 72 percent from the previous year. The United Nations-affiliated International Organization for Migration calls the U.S.- Mexico border "the deadliest land crossing in the world." What's changed under Biden? As the clock ran out on Trump's presidency in 2020, construction crews tried in vain to finish the job. Instead, tens of thousands of heavy steel bollards worth $350 million were left unused, rusting in the southwest sun. President Biden, who campaigned on a promise not to build "another foot" of wall, allowed some construction to continue to honor existing contracts and filled some gaps in Arizona, Texas and California. "Some of the construction was going to have to be finished, or else it would create a legal risk," said a former White House senior official. Why the talk of building more? Last month, Biden ended Title 42, the Trump-era immigration policy that allowed authorities to turn back migrants without granting them the right to seek asylum. But it was replaced with a tougher asylum policy, and the predicted surge of migrants didn't materialize. Many migrants are choosing to wait in Mexico to get an official asylum appointment, to cross at a checkpoint, or to cross with the intent of seeking asylum once detained. Still, conservatives remain committed to the wall as a statement about the border, said Andrew Selee of the nonpartisan Migration Policy Institute. "This was always about a larger symbolism about walling off America from outside dangers," he said. The environmental damage To build his wall, Trump had to bulldoze, dig and tear through land along the border, waiving over 50 environmental laws and regulations. The damage drew strong protests from environmentalists, native tribes and private land owners. Construction damaged streams and led to vegetation removal, creating rapid erosion. Near Arizona's San Bernardino National Wildlife Refuge, flash floods tore some of the wall's floodgates from their hinges last year. Rivers that flow south across the border into Mexico are now contaminated with rust from the wall, killing native fish. In Guadalupe Canyon, in southeastern Arizona, construction crews dynamite-blasted into the mountainside to erect a barrier, altering a critical habitat for endangered cross-border species, including jaguars. "Animals have been migrating through this route for tens of thousands of years," said Myles Traphagen, a biologist mapping the impact of the wall. "If we cut off this population, we're essentially altering the evolutionary history of North America." This article was first published in the latest issue of The Week magazine. If you want to read more like it, you can try six risk-free issues of the magazine here. You may also like Is Trump's wall working? The legal ramifications of Trump's classified documents tape 10 states sue FEMA over flood insurance rate hike The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) says the future of airport security is getting faster and more high-tech. The agency is expanding its testing phase of facial recognition technology to make sure you match your ID from 16 to 28 airports nationwide. We have automated what we have been doing manually as a snapshot in time to make sure you who you say you, said Jason Lim, TSAs Identity Management Capabilities Manager. Washington Correspondent Kirstin Garriss went behind the scenes with TSA at the Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) to see the system in action. Lim said the system is only activated when you scan your ID. He explains the live photos and ID scans are also immediately deleted. This is designed to assist the officer in making a security decision in case there are any anomalies, any alarms, or any resolutions that need to happen, he said. We also can rely on the officers [who] can have contextual judgment and his training to make the right call. >>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<< On Capitol Hill, some Democrats worry this technology could disproportionately misidentify minorities. Lawmakers reintroduced legislation earlier this year that would prevent the government from using facial recognition technology. I think that the more this technology is deployed, frankly, the more concerns its going to raise, said Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D Washington State. Washington State Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal is leading this effort in the House. The DC Bureau took those concerns about racial bias with this kind of technology to the TSA then we shared the agencys response with her. After listening to the TSAs response, Rep. Jayapal said she still isnt confident in the agencys use of this technology. Put a moratorium. Lets put a pause on utilizing this technology until we are absolutely confident that we are utilizing it in the best possible way, she said. Read: As 7th anniversary approaches, new plans in works for Pulse memorial TSA officials said this pilot program is voluntary and passengers can have their identification manually checked by an agent. In 2021, TSA worked with the Department of Homeland Securitys Science and Technology Directorate lab to measure the performance of this system. Agency officials said it found no significant differences in accuracy across race and skin tone. Additionally, TSA explains that any biometric technology used at the checkpoints must be able to adeptly meet the challenge associated with matching different demographic variations, such as race and skin tone, according to a written statement. Equity is very important to us because you know the diversity of passengers that we face every day. We want to make sure it works equally well for everybody, said Lim. But Rep. Jayapal said there are already reports of some passengers facing repercussions for opting out. Read: Shoppers rescue 2 kids from car fire while mother was shoplifting at Oviedo Mall, police say Were hearing from a lot of constituents that they were getting bad treatment from the agents who were saying thats a real problem, now we have to find someone to screen you differently. That should not be the case. No one should feel that they are a burden to the system because theyre protecting their information, their faces, their biometric information, and that should be the standard, said Jayapal. A TSA spokesperson said, Transportation security officers are expected to treat all passengers with dignity and respect. They added you can tell the officer at the podium if you dont want to use this technology. Over the last few years, TSA officials said theyve meet with Congress nearly 50 times for briefings and hearings about its use of this technology. But Jayapal said she still wants more information. We shouldnt allow a certain group of people largely Black and brown - or Americans who dont even know their information is being utilized to be sort of the test case for this, said Rep. Jayapal. Read: Tropical Storm Arlene forms in the Gulf of Mexico Lim said this system is still in the testing phase, but hes encouraged by the results. It enhances not just passenger experience, passenger privacy, civil rights and also our security at the airports, said Lim. TSA isnt rolling out this system to every airport yet. Lim said its still the testing phase because theres a high bar the agency must meet. They will need to be satisfied with all the protections we have in place with all the performances we can validate through testing and in order to move forward with full deployment so were still not there yet, said Lim. 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. Two Black Members of Native Tribes Were Arrested. The Law Sees Only One as Indian. A public green in downtown Okmulgee, Okla., May 2, 2022. (Shane Brown/The New York Times) WASHINGTON Early one morning in September 2020, Michael Hill called police after hearing banging on the doors and windows of his home in Okmulgee, Oklahoma part of a swath of the state that the Supreme Court had recently ruled to be tribal land. He eventually realized it was a group of his friends, Hill later recalled in an interview, but police had arrived and proceeded to arrest one of them, Aaron Wilson, for an outstanding warrant. Hill, 40, then got into an altercation with police and was arrested after a struggle. Hill and Wilson are Black and citizens of Native American tribes in Oklahoma. They moved to have their cases dismissed, arguing that as tribal members in tribal territory, they were outside the states criminal jurisdiction. Wilsons case was dismissed, but Hills request was denied. Sign up for The Morning newsletter from the New York Times The key difference in the fate of the two men was race specifically, a small degree of what is known in the courts as Indian blood. Wilson, 44, is one sixty-fourth Creek Indian. Hill is a citizen of the Cherokee Nation through ancestors called Freedmen Black people who were enslaved by Native tribes. Because Hills ancestors did not have Indian blood, he was found in court not to be Indian. Hes a member of the Cherokee Nation, Phillip Peak, Hills lawyer, said in court arguments. Yet when he steps in this courtroom, all of a sudden hes not. Hill is one of several modern Freedmen, as they are known for their ancestry, who have been caught in the middle of a feud between the state of Oklahoma and tribal nations after the Supreme Court ruled in 2020 that much of eastern Oklahoma falls within an Indian reservation. Their problem stems from federal court rulings that define what it means to be considered Indian in the eyes of the criminal justice system. After the Supreme Courts decision in the case, McGirt v. Oklahoma, hundreds of people successfully had their criminal cases in state courts dismissed, as the ruling prevents state authorities from prosecuting offenses committed by Native Americans on tribal land. Instead, those offenses can now be prosecuted only by tribal and federal authorities. But state prosecutors have fought to continue pursuing some criminal cases involving Freedmen in tribal territory. In several cases reviewed by The New York Times, judges rejected arguments by Freedmen that they were outside the states criminal jurisdiction, ruling that the defendants did not meet the legal definition to be considered Indian. Oklahomas highest criminal court sided with the state in one of those cases, paving the way for state prosecutors to continue bringing cases against Freedmen who are tribal citizens but have no Indian blood. The states continued prosecution of Freedmen amounts to a new chapter in their long struggle to receive all the rights of tribal citizenship. Some Freedmen are not even allowed to become tribal citizens, because a handful of tribes exclude them from membership. Theyre being treated differently than other members of the tribe based solely on their race, Matthew Ballard, a district attorney in northeast Oklahoma and chair of the states District Attorneys Council, said of the prosecution of Freedmen in state court. Freedmen who want to be considered Indian in court have a nearly impossible burden to meet, he said. The state of Oklahoma argues that the McGirt decision has created an unequal legal system where tribal citizens have special privileges. State officials have said that crimes that fall under tribal jurisdiction go unaddressed and have highlighted cases of convicted criminals being released as a result of the ruling. In 2021, Oklahoma went as far as to ask the Supreme Court to overrule its own decision. Last year, the court instead narrowed the ruling, allowing state authorities to prosecute non-Indians who commit crimes against Indians on tribal land. Tribal nations have said that state officials have at times refused to cooperate with their courts and police officers, and that working relationships with state agencies have soured after the McGirt ruling. Tribal nations in Oklahoma have criminal justice systems that are generally less punitive than the states. Federal law limits sentencing in tribal courts for any criminal charge to three years and a $15,000 fine, and major crimes that occur in tribal territory are prosecuted in federal court. Many tribal courts also promote sentencing that emphasizes treatment programs for drug and alcohol use and mental illness. People ask, Well, whats the difference between you prosecuting this and the state? said Kara Bacon, lead tribal prosecutor in the Choctaw Nation. From a cultural perspective and from a member perspective, we understand that rehabilitation is important. Caught up in the dispute are the Freedmen. Many tribes allied themselves with the Confederacy and fought to preserve the institution of slavery. After the Civil War, treaties between the federal government and the tribes abolished slavery and granted the Freedmen all the rights of citizens in the tribal nations. But courts have typically used a two-part test to determine who is legally considered to be Indian: whether the person is recognized as an Indian by a tribe or the federal government and whether the individual has Indian blood. Most Freedmen, even if they are enrolled in a tribe, do not satisfy the blood requirement, meaning they are not recognized as legally Indian in court. Sometimes the state courts will say: Well, even though you might meet Part A, you cant meet Part B of this test. Therefore, we are not going to dismiss your case from the state courts, said Sara Hill, attorney general for the Cherokee Nation. It is unclear how many Freedmen who are tribal citizens have been prosecuted in state court since the McGirt decision, because state officials have not specifically tracked those cases. Ballard said prosecutors in Oklahoma had been frustrated by having to navigate sensitive issues about race and identity. Were having to inquire as to the racial identity of people that were prosecuting, Ballard said, adding, That is new territory for us. Frankly, its a little offensive, he said. And we dont like having to do that. But thats what the case law is. Long before the legal wrangling over criminal prosecutions, rules surrounding Indian blood had been used by tribes to segregate and even expel the descendants of Freedmen. The Muscogee (Creek), Choctaw and Chickasaw nations still exclude Freedmen from membership, making it harder for them to seek tribal jurisdiction. Marilyn Vann, a Cherokee Nation citizen and the president of the Descendants of Freedmen of the Five Civilized Tribes Association, said the discriminatory practices of the tribes were now being wielded by the state of Oklahoma in criminal cases. Overturning this policy would take an act of Congress or another ruling from the high courts, Vann said of the states prosecution of Freedmen, adding, If no one is able to take this higher up the ladder, I doubt its going to change. Wilsons path through the legal system he succeeded in winning the dismissal of his case in state court, unlike Hill, on account of his Creek Indian blood illustrates the tensions between state and tribal authorities. Wilson had been arrested on an outstanding warrant for violating his probation after pleading guilty to driving under the influence of alcohol. After his case was dismissed in state court in 2021, he was not immediately charged by the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. But Muscogee tribal officials said that the district attorneys office for Okmulgee County, which had handled the case in state court, never notified them of the dismissal and that they found out about it only when contacted by the Times. The fact that we did not learn of this case until we received notice from a third party speaks to the absence of a cooperative, functional relationship with the Okmulgee County DA following the McGirt ruling, said Jason Salsman, a spokesperson for the Muscogee Nation. An arrest warrant was issued for Wilson days later and remains active, according to the Muscogee Nation. The district attorneys office for Okmulgee County did not respond to requests for comment, and efforts to reach Wilson were unsuccessful. Hill, the Cherokee Freedman who got in the altercation with police, faces several charges from the incident, including assaulting a police officer, and his case has not yet gone to trial. A disabled Army veteran who served in Afghanistan, Hill said that he had struggled to continue paying for his legal defense and that the episode had aggravated trauma from his military service. It just makes things 10 times worse, Hill said. Im more isolated. I dont want to do anything. I stay at home. If Im out somewhere and see the police, I get extremely nervous. Peak, the lawyer for Hill, said seeking tribal jurisdiction in the case was a matter of principle for his client. He enjoys every other benefit, every other responsibility, every other right of being a Cherokee citizen, Peak said. Its backwards. I dont understand it. c.2023 The New York Times Company Two Kansas City Royals nearing injury return, but now Carlos Hernandez could miss time Ahead of Fridays series opener against Colorado, the Kansas City Royals placed reliever Amir Garrett on the 15-day injured list (retroactive to May 29) with left elbow valgus extension overload. Garrett is dealing with inflammation in his elbow. He received an injection to help with the recovery process. Royals manager Matt Quatraro categorized the injury as similar to a bone bruise. There is inflammation and there is also a little bit of irritation, Quatraro said. So, the injection will help limit the inflammation and lubricate the joint a little bit to try to make it a little easier on him as he comes back to throwing. Garrett has appeared in 23 games this season. He owns a 3.00 ERA in 21 innings of work. In a corresponding move, the Royals called up Jackson Kowar from Triple-A Omaha. Kowar was previously with the Royals in May. Brad Keller, Kyle Isbel on the mend Quatraro also provided an update on Brad Keller and Kyle Isbel. Keller, who is nursing right shoulder impingement syndrome, threw a live batting practice before Fridays game. This season, Keller has made nine starts and surrendered 21 earned runs in 43 1/3 innings of work. He has also worked on his delivery and mechanics for this season. Isbel is recovering from a left hamstring strain. He is progressing towards a possible rehab stint after running the bases pregame. I think when we get back off this road trip, hopefully if everything goes well, we will be looking to progress him into rehab games, Quatraro said. Carlos Hernandez nursing callus on thumb The Royals will also monitor reliever Carlos Hernandezs status. Hernandez left Fridays game against the Colorado Rockies after a callus burst on his thumb. Quatraro said it cracked open, started to bleed and get tender. We just didnt want it to get worse, Quatraro said. Its a day-to-day thing. We will cover it up and just let it heal. Hernandez surrendered four earned runs and three hits against the Rockies. Ukraine shelling kills two in Belgorod as hundreds of children evacuated - governor House on fire following shelling allegedly by Ukrainian forces in the village of Sobolevka, Belgorod region MOSCOW (Reuters) -Shelling and strikes by Ukrainian forces on Russia's Belgorod region killed two people on Saturday as hundreds of children were evacuated away from the border, Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said. "The children of Shebekino are very worried about their hometown," Gladkov said on the Telegram channel after escorting about 600 of them from the region's Shebekino and Graivoron districts to Yaroslavl and Kaluga. "I started leaving, they stopped me and with anxiety started asking questions." Shebekino, a town of about 40,000 on the border and other places in the southern Russian region, have been attacked repeatedly the past week, Gladkov has said earlier, forcing the relocation of at least 2,500 people so far. The reality of the war, which Moscow launched in Ukraine in February 2022 has been increasingly brought to Russia, with intensified shelling on border regions but also air strikes deep inside the country, including earlier this week on Moscow. In late May, Russia's military said it had repelled one of the most serious cross-border attacks by a Ukrainian "sabotage group" that had entered Russian territory in the Graivoron district. Ukraine has denied attacking Moscow last week and that its military is involved in the incursions into Russia's Belgorod. It says they are conducted by Russian volunteer fighters. Two people were killed and two injured overnight in the village of Sobolevka and Ukraine continued with shelling and striking the region during the day, Gladkov said, including on Shebekino, damaging buildings. Five people were killed, 16 injured in Ukrainian shelling attacks on Belgorod region on Friday, Gladkov said in an earlier update. Russian mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin, whose Wagner Group has spent months fighting in Bakhmut in Ukraine before leaving the besieged city last week, said on Saturday that his troops may go to Belgorod. (Reporting by Reuters in Moscow and Lidia Kelly in Melbourne;Writing by Lidia Kelly; editing by Guy Faulconbridge and Nick Zieminski) Co-defendants Davion Lee, left, and Sean Thomas, were sentenced Friday for their role in the 2019 killing of 26-year-old Christopher Rashad Ramos. Lee and Thomas were convicted of murder in the first degree, armed burglary of a dwelling, and robbery with a firearm. Lee was sentenced to 35 years in prison. Thomas received a life sentence. A Sarasota judge sentenced two men to 35 years and life in prison on Friday in connection to the 2019 killing of 26-year-old Christopher Rashad Ramos. Co-defendants Davion Lee, 20, and Sean Thomas, 24, were convicted of felony murder in the first degree, armed burglary of a dwelling, and robbery with a firearm during a jury trial in September 2022. Lee was sentenced to 35 years in prison for the three counts, as well as five years for violation of probation to be served concurrently. Thomas received life in prison on all three counts. Both were credited with time served in the Sarasota County Jail. Since Lee was 16 years old when the crime was committed, his sentence will be reviewed in 15 years to determine if he will be released or continue serving his sentence, according to what was presented in court. Davion Lee, right, looks at Assistant Public Defender Marc Gilman Friday after Judge Thomas Krug sentenced him to 35 years in prison for the 2019 killing of 26-year-old Christopher Rashad Ramos. Lee and co-defendant, Sean Thomas, were convicted of murder in the first degree, armed burglary of a dwelling, and robbery with a firearm. More Court News: Sarasota's self-proclaimed 'Annuity King' found guilty in $6.3 million fraud case For Subscribers: Meet the judge set to take over the helm of the 12th Judicial Circuit Court as chief Both Thomas and Lee, who initially declined to give a statement, spoke during sentencing. Thomas said that he felt bad, but he would not apologize or show remorse, as his attorney suggested he do, for something he claims he didn't do. Lee explained that the environment he grew up in wasn't a good influence on him and that he hopes his story will be a cautionary tale to others and influence them not to go down the same path. "I'm not a bad kid. I just grew up in the hood," Lee said, adding that he wasn't a menace or monster. Sean Thomas, right, and his attorney, Jonathan Hackworth, listen to Judge Thomas Krug as he sentences Thomas to life in prison for the 2019 killing of 26-year-old Christopher Rashad Ramos. Thomas and co-defendant, Davion Lee, were convicted of murder in the first degree, armed burglary of a dwelling, and robbery with a firearm. Lee and Thomas were arrested in connection to the shooting death of Ramos after Sarasota County deputies accessed health data and GPS coordinates from an iPhone XR seized during an arrest of one of the suspects on an unrelated charge in March 2019, just days after the shooting. Deputies responded to the shooting in the 2100 block of Banneker Way on March 8, 2019, where they found Ramos dead in a front room with 9mm shell casings lying on the floor near his body, according to previous reporting. During the trial, Charron Xavier Demarquis Martin, a third suspect arrested in connection to the murder, testified against Lee and Thomas. Martin was adjudicated guilty in November 2022 for armed burglary of an occupied dwelling with a firearm with assault or battery and principal to robbery with a firearm or deadly weapon. Martin's punishment included time served and 15 years of probation. Assistant State Attorney Art Jackman said there was a goal of punishment and protecting society with the sentences that were given. "Hopefully the victim's family has some semblance of justice for the loss of their loved one, and there are consequences for people's actions when they go into a residence armed with firearms," Jackman said. Assistant State Attorney William Greiner added that they believed it was entirely appropriate for Judge Thomas Krug to sentence Thomas to life in prison for each count as he was the apparent ringleader. Loved ones take the stand Extra tissue boxes were brought into the courtroom before the hearing started as the room filled with family and friends of Ramos and Lee. Thomas's sister came for part of the hearing but did not testify as she was told by Thomas that she could leave to go to work, Thomas's attorney Jonathan Hackworth told the judge. Greiner called three of Ramos's loved ones to provide statements Friday, including his girlfriend, mother, and sister. Following the conclusion of the hearing, he said he felt it was important that the family had an opportunity to speak about what the loss of Ramos has meant to them, especially his mother. When Teirra Washington, Ramos's girlfriend, stepped up onto the witness stand to give her statement, she took several deep breaths to help calm herself, saying to the judge she didn't realize how hard it was going to be to once again be back in the courtroom. Washington first addressed Thomas before turning to Lee in her brief time sitting in the witness box facing the two men found guilty of killing her partner. "To wish death on you would make me just like you," Washington said, and instead, wished that Thomas would be imprisoned for life. She added that Lee is no different than Thoms and that she hopes to never see him again. Previous coverage: Jury finds two Sarasota men guilty in connection to murder of 26-year-old man When Jacqueline Ramos, Christopher Ramos's mother took the stand, she was one of 12 people in the room wearing a white T-shirt with photographs of her son in a collage and the words "Justice LLR" printed boldly across. She later said the "LLR" means "Long Live Rissy," the nickname she affectionally called Christopher. "I hope you have no mercy on their lives because they had no mercy on my son," Jacqueline Ramos said, echoing her daughter's sentiment that she hoped neither Thomas nor Lee walking on Sarasota County streets again. Jacqueline Ramos, mother of murder victim, Christopher Rashad Ramos, makes a statement in court Friday during the sentencing of the two men convicted of her son's murder. Three of Lee's family members, including his biological father, younger brother, and older sister, each gave a statement Friday. Each offered their condolences to Ramos's family and friends. Autumn Lee asked the judge for leniency on her brother who she said didn't have a positive male role model growing up and a mother who could only do so much. Both her younger brother and Davion Lee echoed a similar thought. Autumn Lee also said to her brother during her statement that being in court was the consequence of his own actions. "I do pray that this is a life-altering experience," she said to her brother, adding that she hopes it sets him on the right path. A special number: "One 5" Krystal Ramos, center, sister of Christopher Ramos, hugs Assistant State Attorney William Greiner, as family members of Christopher Ramos gathered outside the courthouse following sentencing of Davion Lee and Sean Thomas on Friday. Christopher Ramos' mother, Jacqueline Ramos is at left. Brief cheers and a few claps erupted following Judge Krug's decision to give Thomas life in prison before they were quieted after the judge reminded everyone to keep their composure in the courtroom. Once outside, the Ramoses hugged Greiner and thanked him for his work. Jacqueline Ramos also thanked the victim's advocates and said she was pleased with the investigators, officers, prosecutors, and the judge. "My son was born on the 15th, he grew up on 15th street and we got a murder conviction on the 15th," Jacqueline Ramos added, saying the number is a significant part of their family. Gabriela Szymanowska covers the legal system for the Herald-Tribune in partnership with Report for America. You can support her work with a tax-deductible donation to Report for America. Contact Gabriela Szymanowska at gszymanowska@gannett.com, or on Twitter. This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Two Sarasota men sentenced to 35 years, life in prison for 2019 murder U.S. Patriot air defense only to deprive Russia of its ability to intimidate tens of millions of people Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine needs more Patriot systems "There is currently one weapon capable of stopping some types of missiles launched by the Russian Federation against our civilian population, schools, infrastructure, and energy system. The only system in the world is the Patriot. The war taught me that people are time, and that's it. Here is my response: there is a weapon that deprives Russia of its ability to intimidate tens of millions of people," he said. "The reality is 50 Patriots will, for the most part, prevent people from dying," Zelenskyy said. The Ukrainian Air Force confirms that a Russian Kinzhal missile was shot down for the first time on May 6 with the help of a Patriot system. Read also: Patriot air defence system defeats Russia's latest missile attack on Kyiv Read also: Ukrainian Air Force responds to CNN report on damaged Patriot system after Russian strike 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 Richard Wakeling was arrested by Thai police in Bangkok in February A British drugs kingpin has been extradited home from Thailand to serve a lengthy jail term after spending years on the run, UK police said on Saturday. Richard Wakeling, 55, fled Britain in 2018 after he attempted with Dutch accomplices to smuggle 8 million ($10 million) of liquid amphetamine from Belgium into the UK in 2016. He was sentenced in absentia to 11 years and placed on the "most wanted" watch list of the British National Crime Agency (NCA). He had been living in the Thai seaside resort town of Hua Hin for years with a fake Irish passport, according to Thailand's police force, which arrested him in Bangkok in February. He was escorted back to London by specialist UK extradition officers on Thursday and immediately jailed after a brief court appearance, according to the NCA. "Richard Wakeling thought he could avoid facing justice by leaving the UK," NCA regional head of investigations Jacque Beer said. "This case highlights the NCA's global reach, and that we will do everything we can to ensure those who commit serious and organised crime are held accountable for their actions, no matter how long it takes or how far they flee." jit/gil An Animal Rising protester is bundled away by police after running on to the course during the Epsom Derby British police guarding the Epsom Derby on Saturday made multiple arrests including of an activist from the rights group Animal Rising who stormed the track during the blue-riband horse race. The man was bundled away by police and stewards before the 14 horses reached that point of the track, to cheers from massed spectators. One woman was arrested as she tried to clamber over the fence, as Animal Rising slammed race organisers for a "sickening display of profit (over) care for animals". Surrey Police said they had arrested 31 protesters, including 19 activists from the animal rights group in a pre-emptive operation around the Epsom racecourse, near London. All were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit public nuisance, the police force said. "We have been clear in our approach that criminal activity will not be tolerated at the Epsom Derby Festival," senior Surrey officer Michael Hodder said in a statement. One of British sport's highest profile events was won by Auguste Rodin -- beating the pre-race favourite, ironically called Arrest. Animal Rising had said before the race that it was undeterred both by the arrests and a court injunction obtained by the Jockey Club this week. The Jockey Club said it "utterly condemned" the actions of the activists and said it would seek prosecutions. This reckless and illegal behaviour which threatened the safety of our equine and human athletes is a breach of the High Court injunction which The Jockey Club obtained last week and prohibits trespass," it said in a statement. "The court order provides a clear route to prosecution, fines and even the threat of prison for Contempt of Court and we will now take steps to enforce that." Animal Rising activists stormed the Grand National race at Aintree near Liverpool in April, and last week said they had "rescued" three lambs from slaughter on a farm on King Charles III's Sandringham estate. Three horses were destroyed after getting injured during the Grand National steeplechase festival -- proof, the group says, that racing is fatally dangerous. - Suffragette inspiration - The Jockey Club, whose tracks include Aintree, Epsom and Cheltenham, successfully applied for the High Court injunction -- breaches of which would amount to contempt of court, possibly entailing jail time. The injunction prohibited individuals from entering onto the Epsom racetrack, and carrying out other acts with the intention and/or effect of disrupting the races. Jockey Club chief executive Nevin Truesdale had welcomed the court ruling, following what he called the group's "dangerous and reckless behaviour" at Aintree. "Our number one priority will always be to ensure that the safety of all our equine and human participants and racegoers, officials and our own employees is not compromised," he said in a statement. In 1913, the Epsom Derby was the scene of one of the most famous political protests in British history. Suffragette Emily Davison, campaigning for women's right to vote, was trampled to death when she ran in front of King George V's horse. A plaque today marks the tragedy at Epsom's Tattenham Corner. The suffragettes were seen by authorities at the time as dangerous radicals, as groups such as Animal Rising and Just Stop Oil are seen by the government today. Britain's Conservative government has responded to today's wave of direct action groups with strict new legislation. But defying the crackdown, Just Stop Oil continued this week to stage daily go-slow marches along major London roads as it presses for an end to all fossil fuel development. jit/gj/lp Ukraine hosted a drone-building competition to see what new tech could make a difference in the war against Russia Ukrainian serviceman carries a reconnaissance unmanned aerial device near a frontline, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Donetsk region. Anna Kudriavtseva/Reuters Ukraine hosted a drone-building competition to find new tech to use against Russia, CNN reported. The competition took place outside Kyiv and featured unmanned-drone makers from across the globe. Drones had to go through ground target practice, chases, and in-air combat, CNN reported. Ukraine's Ministry of Digital Transformation hosted a drone-building competition to help find new technology to help fight its war against Russia, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Digital Transformation Mykhailo Fedorov told CNN. The event took place outside Kyiv and featured unmanned-drone makers from Ukraine and across the globe. Drone makers were told to show off their drones in ground target practice, chases, and dogfights, also known as in-air combat, CNN reported. "Every few weeks, we conduct various studies, see what is happening in this direction, look for new drone developers, study the results," Fedorov told CNN. "It is very important for us to find companies that can scale, to look at new usage formats, because this is a technological war." The event and studies are part of a Ukrainian campaign called "Army of Drones" to help increase the supply of drones to the military, CNN reported. The campaign, which is part of an online crowdfunding initiative called UNITED24, has received hundreds of millions of dollars and expanded Ukraine's arsenal of drones by the thousands, Insider reporter Jake Epstein previously reported. Drones have been a major part of the war on both sides since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. Fedorov told CNN that first-person-view drones have been a "game-changer" for Ukraine and that the country is also developing some longer-range drones. "We are increasing the production of long-range drones," he said. "I cannot comment on the details of the missions here. But in this direction, a certain revolution is also taking place regarding production scaling." Read the original article on Business Insider Su-24 storm shadow missile ukraine After several weeks of British-supplied Storm Shadow cruise missiles striking Russian targets in Ukraine, theyve finally appeared 'in the wild' on an aircraft before launch. Photos show two of the Storm Shadows onboard a Ukrainian Su-24M Fencer, which we previously assessed as the likely launch platform for the British standoff missiles. That assessment was proven accurate just two weeks ago. https://twitter.com/Osinttechnical/status/1664788986647257090 https://twitter.com/front_ukrainian/status/1664990002768408576 Unlike the previous photo showing Storm Shadows on a Ukrainian Fencer, this appears to be a Su-24M strike variant, not an MR reconnaissance variant, in service with Ukraines 7th Tactical Aviation Brigade. The Su-24M makes perfect sense to carry these relatively large and heavy cruise missiles both in payload and mission profile. Designed as the preferred tactical strike aircraft for the Soviet Air Force, standoff strikes with Storm Shadows are a walk in the park for the Fencer. Compared to the low-level interdiction strikes missions once foreseen in the Cold War, the Storm Shadows range allows much greater survivability for Ukrainian Fencer aircrews. Given the limited supply of Ukrainian Su-24s and the number of losses in this war already, each airframe is precious. While not the only far from traditional East-West collaboration in Ukrainian service, be that Sparrows on Buks or HARMs on MiGs, Storm Shadow-armed Su-24s are indeed strange bedfellows. Theres no way the designers at Sukhoi OKB ever believed their creation would one day carry British cruise missiles used to make precision strikes on Russian targets. Before we head into the latest news from Ukraine, The War Zone readers can catch up on our previous rolling coverage here. The Latest The British Ministry of Defense reports regular Russian units, namely VDV Airborne forces, have continued to redeploy to positions in the Bakhmut sector as Wagner Group PMC forces complete their withdrawal to reorganize after heavy losses fighting for the city. https://twitter.com/DefenceHQ/status/1664861262629556228 In its daily intelligence report, the British MoD assessed elements of the 76th Guards Air Assault Division, the 106th Guards Airborne Division, and two separate VDV brigades are now deployed in increasingly important positions in and around Bakhmut. Ground down from heavy combat losses over more than a year of operations against Ukraine, the Russian VDV is far from its pre-war elite status, the report noted. Despite that attrition, Russian commanders appear to still rely on some of the relatively capable VDV units as an uncommitted reserve. Their deployment to Bakhmut suggests the larger Russian force in the area could be less flexible to react to operational changes if they have indeed committed the VDV to the front. On the opposite side of the frontline, Ukrainian Gen. Oleksander Syrskyi, commander of the Ukrainian Ground Forces, visited commanders in the Bakhmut area to plan further operations in the sector. https://twitter.com/NOELreports/status/1664897404976365568 Fighting around Bakhmut has slowed, per an assessment from the Institute for the Study of War (@TheStudyofWar), which reported no combat engagements in the Bakhmut direction on June 2, with Russian forces instead prioritizing the Marinka direction west of Donetsk proper. https://twitter.com/TheStudyofWar/status/1664806227556151296 However, Russian mil-bloggers are growing increasingly concerned with developments in the Zaporizhzhia direction. Heavy artillery fire has been reported, with one account claiming Ukraine has fire superiority with Russian guns conducting little to know counter-battery fire in response to barrages. https://twitter.com/wartranslated/status/1664922561400938496 Further south near the strategic city of Melitopol, an explosion was reported along a rail line used by Russian forces to transport troops and material to the Zaporizhzhia frontline from Crimea. https://twitter.com/anno1540/status/1664978749123702787 https://twitter.com/NOELreports/status/1664974258462769153 The rail line turns toward Melitopol just before crossing the Tashchenak River and Tashchenak station, a small junction with several sidings. Its unclear what caused the explosion, or whether the station and/or the bridge were targeted. Further explosions were reported Saturday evening both in Meltiopol and on the Sea of Azov at Berdyansk near the port, where a reported Storm Shadow missile struck on Friday. Satellite imagery showed the targeted warehouses were destroyed in Fridays strike. https://twitter.com/NOELreports/status/1665027584403333124 https://twitter.com/NOELreports/status/1665028425394913284 https://twitter.com/NOELreports/status/1665037920091160583 https://twitter.com/COUPSURE/status/1665026179072401409 Partisan attacks continue behind Russian lines, with the latest reports claiming the assassination of Sergei Didovidyuk, a collaborator in the Zaporozhye region. Didovikdyuk and his 33-year-old daughter, Vyacheslav Bednyak, were killed by an improvised explosive device placed on their car. https://twitter.com/anno1540/status/1664957584103682050 https://twitter.com/bayraktar_1love/status/1664983003737587718 Bednyak was reportedly the deputy head of the military-civilian administration in the occupied village of Mikhailovka. Didovikdyuks wife was reportedly injured in the attack. Fighting between Russian forces and Ukrainian-backed groups along the northern border continues, with reported shelling in the Belgorod region. Fires broke out in the Belgorod village of Novaya Tavolzhanka amid reported shelling by Russian forces. https://twitter.com/NOELreports/status/1664899223542792194 https://twitter.com/GlasnostGone/status/1664981135435104256 The success of Ukrainian and 'partisan' hit-and-run raids in the border regions has drawn Wagner Group PMC leader Yevgeny Prigozhins ire. Fresh off the Bakhmut frontline, Prigozhin claimed Wagner would deploy to the Belgorod region to protect our Russian people should the Russian Ministry of Defense fail to stop the attacks. https://twitter.com/UKikaski/status/1664976323750637570 Its not clear how serious Prigozhin is about sending Wagner to Belgorod, the PMC having quickly withdrawn from Bakhmut to reorganize and regenerate its combat capability after horrendous losses in the city. Prigozhin could be using the rather embarrassing strikes on Russian territory to keep up his criticism of the Russian Ministry of Defense. https://twitter.com/Tendar/status/1664972810383507458 https://twitter.com/Flash_news_ua/status/1665002365588570115 Partisan operations on the Russian border are no longer solely kinetic, as a reportedly hacked radio broadcast claimed a looming Sunday referendum for establishing the breakaway Belgorod Peoples Republic. https://twitter.com/KadirHama/status/1664965931972321281 The fallout from the initial cross-border attacks use of U.S.-provided equipment continues, however. The Washington Post reported U.S. intelligence assesses that Russian fighters aligned against Moscow used at least four tactical vehicles given by the U.S. and Poland to conduct the raid. https://twitter.com/washingtonpost/status/1665005166280450052 Three of the International MaxxPro mine-resistant ambush-protected (MRAP) vehicles used in the raid reportedly came from the U.S., while a fourth came from Poland. The incident has reportedly raised doubts about Ukraines commitment to secure weapons and equipment provided through Western aid. On the other side of Ukraine, there are rumors Kyiv may move against Russian forces garrisoned in the Moldovan breakaway state of Transnistria. Some 1,500 Russian soldiers have been in the country as peacekeepers since the Transnistria War during the Soviet Unions collapse, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said they should flee if they want to survive. https://twitter.com/visegrad24/status/1664999710963163136 Concerns about Russia using Transnistria as a springboard for covert or direct attacks against Ukraine have subsided since the wars early months. All sides pointed fingers after a series of explosions in Transnistria in March 2022 as fears grew the war could expand west. Pictures show a train carrying some rather rusty T-80BV tanks through a Russian railyard, ostensibly retrieved from storage and headed to a repair facility for reactivation. Notably, these T-80BVs have been stripped of their Kontakt-1 explosive reactive armor (ERA) bricks. https://twitter.com/ralee85/status/1664929405825871873?s=46&t=WGR8ATVuYlDW934sMHUUhQ https://twitter.com/ian_matveev/status/1664892529823629315 Weve seen Kontakt-1 bricks slapped onto other tanks pressed into service, as well as a few cope cages, since Russia started thrusting its old equipment service. Its unclear whether these rusty T-80s will have their ERA bricks put back on or receive some other variant. Speaking of cope cages, there are two new entries in the list of Russian vehicles sporting the improvised armor. Video from within Donetsk shows a Russian 2S19 Msta 152mm self-propelled howitzer heading down city streets with an overhead canopy. https://twitter.com/666_mancer/status/1664934337077293063 On the smaller scale, pictures from Kherson show a hatchback with all sorts of improvised armor used by Russian soldiers. Given the lack of attention paid to the sides and wheels, its clear this vehicles crew feared drone-dropped munitions. https://twitter.com/RALee85/status/1664956272150716416 Video shows the aftermath of a Russian ZALA Lancet loitering munition strike on a Ukrainian 2S5 Giatsint-S 152mm self-propelled gun, the drone having penetrated the overhead screen and punched through the roof armor. https://twitter.com/RALee85/status/1664961792093614080 Ukrainian drones had a field day against Russian air defense systems this week, with strikes destroying a Buk-M1 (NATO: SA-17 Grizzly) surface-to-air missile system and three 9K330 Tor (NATO: SA-15 Gauntlet) SAM systems. One of the Ukrainian drones narrowly avoids a missile from the Tor during the engagement. https://twitter.com/clashreport/status/1664999000762621952?s=46&t=WGR8ATVuYlDW934sMHUUhQ https://twitter.com/RALee85/status/1664954157067825153?s=20 Drones also captured successful Ukrainian artillery strikes on Russian vehicles, including a T-90M tank. Gun crews using the M777 155mm howitzer with Excalibur guided shells also struck and destroyed a Msta-B howitzer and a BTR-82. https://twitter.com/RALee85/status/1664936075809157120 https://twitter.com/RALee85/status/1664974465191559172 Video also shows Ukrainian crews using a lightweight Spanish-supplied OTO-Melara Mod 56 105mm pack howitzer. Although lacking the same firepower of the larger NATO 155mm guns, the Mod 56s light weight allows it considerable mobility for fire and maneuver to avoid counter-battery attacks. https://twitter.com/Osinttechnical/status/1665049506570813445 Also on the topic of artillery, a video shows a Ukrainian mortar crew firing 40mm high-explosive dual-purpose grenades from its modified 60mm mortar. It looks as though the gunners use a sleeve to keep the 40mm projectile steady on its way out of the barrel, with the entire sleeve dropped into the tube and reloaded for each shot. https://twitter.com/Osinttechnical/status/1664308874873036802 Thats not the only Ukrainian improvisation this week. Video shows Ukrainian engineers having rigged a bridge for destruction with stacks of TM-62 anti-tank mines strapped to the pilings. https://twitter.com/simon_uxo/status/1663843401396043778 Lastly, theres a rather unnerving moment from a Ukrainian all-terrain vehicle crew at a training ground. During maneuvers, the off-road vehicle loses control and rolls as the front-seat passenger films, the dazed crew ending up on their sides. https://twitter.com/GloOouD/status/1664981007081021440 Thats all for now. Well update this story when theres more to report on Ukraine. Contact the author: stetson.payne@thewarzone.com Photo Illustration by Thomas Levinson/The Daily Beast/Reuters Of all the horrors of Putins war on Ukraine, the most disastrous might be his constant threat to Europes largest nuclear power plant. The Zaporizhzhia plant is a ticking nuclear time bomb. Through accident, attack, or sabotage it could become the worst nuclear catastrophe since Chernobyl. Concerns are rising as Ukraine prepares to launch its counter-offensive, which will likely involve intense fighting around the nuclear site. Trump and Putin Are in Deep Trouble and Need Each Other More Than Ever Energoatom, Ukraines state nuclear company, warned that the plant is on the verge of a nuclear and radiation accident. The IAEA said the facility is extremely vulnerable. Workers at the facility told Britains Sky News that they feared that the fighting could trigger the release of radioactive gasses that could cause devastation across much of Europe, Russia, and the Mediterranean. The risk is not of a nuclear explosion like Hiroshima or Nagasaki. The danger comes from the thousands of fuel rods at the plant that could melt down, releasing hydrogen gas that then explodes, spewing radioactive particles in plumes that could travel hundreds or even thousands of miles. Think nuclear Hindenburg. In addition to the hundreds of tons of fuel in the six nuclear reactors at the site, there are more than 3,300 spent fuel assemblies in dry storage outside the reactors, and almost 2,000 in pools. That is a total of 2,200 tons of nuclear material. Much of this fuel is hot. It needs to be constantly cooled. If electricity is cut off, the pumps cannot circulate the water, the fuel rods will heat up and explode. Thus far, the electric power to the plant has been cut off seven times since Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine, most recently on May 6. Backup generators kicked in to keep the water circulating until the power could be restored. But these generators can only work for a few days, if they are in good repair. For months, I and other experts have warned that Zaporizhzhia was hanging by a thread. Here is how that thread might be cut: 1. Fighting around the plant cuts the power lines or knocks out the power supply. This is the most likely scenario, particularly as the coming Ukrainian offensive is likely to try to advance across the Dnipro River and drive Russian occupying forces from the Zaporizhzhia region. One worker told Sky News that the backup generators were not being properly maintained, and he feared that they could not keep the power going. 2. Staff mistakes could trigger a disaster, as they did at Chernobyl and Three Mile Island. Since Russia occupied the plant in March 2022, the number of workers has dropped from 11,000 to about 3,500. Worse, the quality of the workers is lower because the qualified staff left, one worker said. There is now a deficit of workers for repairs who can actually do the servicing and fix problems. 3. A deliberate Russian attack could drain the pools or destroy the concrete domes around the reactors. A Ukrainian attack is unlikelythis is why Russia has now stored scores of military vehicles and munitions at the plantbut this is war and a stray missile or shell could hit a critical node. 4. There is also the possibility that Russia would sabotage the plant. The Russian military could intentionally destroy the plant in order to delay or defeat the Ukrainian advance. There are unconfirmed reports that Russia has planted explosives around key nuclear components at the site. Russia has begun mass evacuations around the plant. We are fortunate that a nuclear accident has not yet happened, IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi warned the United Nations Security Council on May 30. We are rolling the dice and if this continues then one day our luck will run out. What Happens to Russia After It Loses? Grossi has renewed his call for immediately demilitarizing the plant and the surrounding area. Russia refused, as it has since it began its occupation. There is little sign that Putin will change his mind. He wants to keep a plant that once supplied 20 percent of Ukraines energy as a nuclear ace in the hole that he could play. It is an integral part of his game of nuclear chicken. But there is no winning hand here. It is not only Ukrainian drones that can reach Moscow. Winds could carry the radioactive plumes from smoldering Zaporizhzhia fires deep into Russia. A move intended to harm Ukrainians could instead sow new panic among Russians supporting Putins war. At this point, we would have to say that the odds of just such a disaster are better than even. The nuclear time bomb is ticking. 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. Ukrainian Intelligence believes that one of several scenarios in which the situation in the Russian Federation might play out could be a mutiny or a military confrontation. Source: Andrii Yusov, a representative of Ukraine's Defence Intelligence, on the Novyi Vidlik talk show on Suspilne (Ukraine's public broadcaster), as reported by Defence Intelligence's press service Quote: "As a result of the successful actions of Ukraines security and defence forces and the liberation of our territories, internal conflicts within Muscovy itself [i.e. Russia ed.] are possible." Details: Yusov added that this scenario could also be caused by the successful actions of the rebels who are fighting for their rights on Russian territory; these are Russians who hold Russian Federation passports, he said. He noted that operations by the Russian Volunteer Corps and the Freedom of Russia Legion are still underway. "The emperor has turned out to have no clothes on. Everything combat-worthy that moves has been deployed for the occupation of Ukraine. All that remains in the territory of Muscovy is mostly pot-bellied traffic police," Yusov said. According to Yusov, fighting against armed insurgents is not one of the responsibilities of the traffic cops summoned to the border by President Putin as part of his "Edelweiss" plan, who have basically been trained to beat peaceful protesters with batons and take bribes from pensioners. "That's why it's such a failure. That's why we have to bomb and destroy the civilian buildings of the Muscovites themselves with artillery and Grads [multiple-launch rocket systems ed.]. It's all happening live; the whole world is watching," the Defence Intelligence representative concluded. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine has commented on the Hungarian government's video depicting Crimea as part of Russia. Source: the press service of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry, as European Pravda reports "The designation of the Crimean peninsula as a territory that is not part of Ukraine contradicts the repeatedly stated position of the official Budapest on supporting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders," the statement said. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has called on Hungary to stop provocations and to comply with its international obligations as part of its membership in the UN, EU and NATO. "Playing along with Russia's aggressive policy does not contribute to a faster restoration of peace in Europe, which the Hungarian government advocates in public," the ministry said. On behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ukraine's Charge d'Affaires in Hungary made an official demarche to the Hungarian side. Earlier, it was reported that the Hungarian authorities released a video calling for a speedy peace in Ukraine, in which they depicted Crimea as part of Russia's territory. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! Arab League officials see different Xinjiang from the one portrayed by West Xinhua) 13:23, June 03, 2023 URUMQI, June 3 (Xinhua) -- A delegation of diplomats and officials from the Arab League and its Secretariat said that they witnessed a different Xinjiang from the one that has been portrayed by Western media. After attending the 18th senior officials' meeting and the 7th senior official-level strategic political dialogue of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum, the 34-member group visited northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region from Tuesday to Friday. The group visited a number of locations in Xinjiang and said that the region does not match what is portrayed by Western media, and it boasts harmony and stability, a rapidly growing economy and a colorful and prosperous culture, with residents living and working in peace and contentment. While visiting an exhibition on Xinjiang's anti-terrorism and deradicalization work in Urumqi, the regional capital, the delegation hailed Xinjiang's remarkable achievements in respecting and safeguarding human rights. Mohammed Haj Ibrahim, director-general of the Department of Asian and African Affairs under the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said that China has made constructive contributions to the fight against terrorism and extremism. International cooperation on counter-terrorism should be strengthened, including the exchange of information and experience, he said. Elhassan Mohamed Musbha Rabha, division head of the Department of Asian and Australian Affairs under the Foreign Ministry of Government of National Unity of Libya, said that China has made great efforts to ensure the freedom of religious belief, and that people of all ethnic groups can live together in harmony. The delegation visited the Id Kah Mosque and the old town of Kashgar, some 1,500 km southwest of Urumqi. Mohamed Moustafa Kamal Mohamed, permanent representative of Egypt to the Arab League, said he was very glad to see that the historic mosque in Kashgar is well preserved and equipped with modern facilities. The group praised China's 7-billion-yuan (about 987 million U.S. dollars) renovation of the old town of Kashgar, an ancient Silk Road city with a history of over 2,000 years. Mohanad A.A. Alaklouk, permanent representative of Palestine to the Arab League, said he was very happy to see the ancient buildings and experience the long-standing culture of the old town of Kashgar on his first trip to Xinjiang. The Chinese government has made huge efforts to renovate the old town and preserve its wonderful cultural heritage, and all these efforts and achievements are impressive, he said. The delegation also visited the Urumqi International Land Port Area. Xinjiang has done well in all its undertakings and its infrastructure is complete, totally surpassing expectations, said Mohamed Moustafa Kamal Mohamed. Mohammed Haj Ibrahim said the changes taking place in Xinjiang have proved that China has done a great deal to secure jobs and support local economic development. (Web editor: Chang Sha, Hongyu) Ukrainian demining units clearing frontline ahead of counteroffensive The demining operations are carried out manually at night to avoid revealing potential positions from which the offensive will be launched. For obvious reasons, Ukraine has laid thousands of mines along the front line, and now the Armed Forces need to eliminate them in order to advance into occupied territory. The article states that heavy machinery cannot be used for demining due to the need for stealth. Read also: Third of Ukraines territory needs demining, Ministry of Internal Affairs says Therefore, Ukrainian sappers work manually, primarily during nighttime. In an interview with journalists, the 42-year-old commander of the engineering unit, known as Klimat, mentioned that such operations have been ongoing for weeks. Once the path is cleared, signs are installed, some with lighting, indicating the direction of Russian positions. Demining efforts are not limited to controlled territories alone, as Russia has also laid mines along the approaches to its own positions. The Washington Post describes the defensive system of the Russians in Zaporizhzhya Oblast, which often comes up in discussions about the counteroffensive. If Ukraine manages to liberate its territories in this region, it would then be able to cut off the overland corridor to Crimea. To hold the occupied territories in Zaporizhzhya, the Kremlin has transformed vast agricultural land into a fortress with a web of trenches and other obstacles, visible even from space. These defensive fortifications aim to slow down Ukraines potential counteroffensive and channel Ukrainian forces into a narrow passage. This strategic positioning would make it easier for the Russians to attack Ukrainian forces, likely resulting in significant bloodshed. Read also: Over 700 Ukrainian civilians injured by land mines, including up to 100 children Serhiy Matveychuk, a colonel in Ukraines Directorate of Engineer Troops, told the WP that Russia has created a massive system of engineering barriers that pose a serious obstacle to the mobility of troops. He explained that while anti-tank mines can be detected using drones, the situation with anti-personnel mines is more complex. Once the Ukrainians cross their own lines, they will need to break through Russian minefields, which requires greater speed. Although mines can be detonated with artillery fire in theory, the military states that this method does not guarantee their complete destruction. Read also: Ammunition, modern tanks, hypersonic missiles what Ukraine really needs to defeat Russia Tom Cooper A more modern approach involves the use of specialized equipment designed to penetrate such defenses, including mechanized demining systems, linear charges, and engineering tanks. Ukraine possesses its own demining equipment, such as the Soviet-developed UR-77 Meteorit. Western partners have also provided modern engineering tanks, including the anti-mine tank Leopard 2R, a modification of the renowned German battle tank. Matveychuk noted that the Leopard 2R can not only clear mines but also remove other types of obstacles, such as fences and embankments. The M1150 assault breacher vehicle, based on the chassis of the American M1 Abrams main battle tank, is considered the best option for this work. While Kyiv has requested this technology from Washington, it is not currently being supplied. Read also: Two men injured, one loses both legs, after tripping Russian mine in Kherson Oblast Some analysts also highlight another issue: while the West has focused on providing missiles, armored vehicles, and ammunition to Kyiv, it has not provided adequate support for breaking through Russias defenses. Matveychuk identifies the lack of engineering tanks and similar equipment in the Ukrainian army as a problematic issue. Despite the significant amount of armament provided to Ukraine for repelling the aggressors attack, the provision of engineering units with engineering tanks and other equipment remains a problematic issue, he told the publication. Should Ukrainian forces manage to find a path through the minefields, they will need to implement a comprehensive military strategy to achieve a swift breakthrough. In the event of a successful breakthrough, Ukrainian demining units will resume their work of clearing territories along the front line. 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 Ukrainian drone maker said they're building drones that can carry out surprise attacks to target Russia's 'very expensive' equipment A Ukrainian serviceman attaches a 3D version of an explosive as he trains to drop explosives devices from a drone in in Lviv Oblast, Ukraine. Narciso Contreras/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images Drone maker Valeriy Borovyk told CNN that he's building "very stealthy" drones for Ukraine. He said the drones can be used to carry out surprise attacks on "very expensive" Russian equipment. He told CNN that his team is developing some long-range drones, as well. A Ukrainian drone maker said he's building "very stealthy" drones that can carry out surprise attacks on Russian equipment. Drone maker Valeriy Borovyk told CNN that he calls the drones "Vidsyich," which is Ukrainian for "repel." "We mostly concentrate [our attacks] on very expensive [Russian] equipment," he told CNN. With a range of 40 kilometers, or 25 miles, he told the outlet, they can carry a warhead weighing 2-3 kilograms, or 4-6 pounds. He told CNN that his team is developing some long-range drones, as well. "From 15 kilometers to 700 kilometers, depending on the warhead," he said, which would be about nine to 435 miles. "With a 20 kilogram [warhead], we can go all the way to Moscow." Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, drones have been a large part of warfare on both sides. In May, a report from the UK's Royal United Services Institute, citing unnamed Ukrainian officers, estimated that Ukrainian troops are losing up to 10,000 drones a month in combat. James Patton Rogers, a University of Southern Denmark war-studies professor and drone expert, told Insider reporter Mia Jankowicz that most lost drones were likely small surveillance drones. Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Digital Transformation Mykhailo Fedorov told CNN that first-person-view drones have been a "game changer" in Ukraine's fight against Russia. "FPV drones are becoming more and more relevant on the front line because it's an opportunity to do a targeted strike, helping narrow the focus of artillery," Fedorov told CNN. "So we need tens of thousands of FPV drones every month." Read the original article on Business Insider Ukrainian drone operator dodges Russian TOR-2M missile, then catches up to it incredible video Ukrainian drone operator dodges Russian TOR-2M missile, then catches up to it Namely, three Tor-2M SAMs, a Buk-M1, three Nona self-propelled artillery systems, three infantry fighting vehicles, two tanks, an electronic warfare station, and enemy fortifications were taken out in the attack. Artillery also destroyed another 84 units of enemy weapons, including seven tanks, six Grads MLRSs, 11 cannons, six self-propelled artillery systems, 21 armored vehicles, and other equipment thanks to the SBU's adjustments of their fire. Read also: Soldier and former MP Yehor Firsov on modern reconnaissance, destroying Russian Buk SAM system Read also: Ukraine destroys Russian Buk air defense system, over 700 soldiers in last 24 hours The highlight of the attack was the phenomenal reaction of a Ukrainian drone operator who managed to dodge a Russian missile fired at his drone. "A TOR tried to shoot down our suicide drone. But the pilot saved the drone - he manually diverted it from the missile, and then "captured" the target and caught up with the enemy SAM trying to escape," the special service wrote. Read also: Ukrainian defenders strike enemy Buk and Tor air defense systems in last 24 hours 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 Ground Forces Commander visits frontline near Bakhmut to discuss further actions Oleksandr Syrskyi, Commander of the Ukrainian Ground Forces, has visited the positions of Ukrainian soldiers on the frontline on the Bakhmut front and discussed further actions with their commanders. Source: Syrskyi on Telegram Quote from Syrskyi: "Bakhmut front. I continue to work with our soldiers on the frontline. It's important for me to see our troops at the front personally. To hear their challenges and suggestions firsthand. I have coordinated further actions with the commanders of the units and sub-units. Details: Syrskyi stated that Russian forces continue to suffer major losses on the Bakhmut front. Background: Oleksandr Syrskyi reported that Russia changed the operation format on the Bakhmut front, so there is a temporary lull. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! FILE - Philippe Lazzarini, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) speaks during a news conference at their compound following a cease-fire reached after an 11-day war between Gaza's Hamas rulers and Israel, May 23, 2021, in Gaza City. Despite a dire warning from the U.N. chief that the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees is on the verge of financial collapse, donors at a pledging conference on Friday, June 2, 2023, provided just $107 million in new funds significantly less than the $300 million it needs to keep helping millions of people. (AP Photo/John Minchillo, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) UNITED NATIONS (AP) Despite a dire warning from the United Nations chief that the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees is on the verge of financial collapse, donors at a pledging conference on Friday provided just $107 million in new funds significantly less than the $300 million it needs to keep helping millions of people. Philippe Lazzarini, commissioner general of the agency known as UNRWA, said he was grateful for the new pledges but they are below the funds needed to keep over 700 schools and 140 clinics open from September through December. We will continue to work tirelessly with our partners, including host countries the refugees top supporters to raise the funds needed, he said in a statement. At the beginning of the year, UNRWA appealed for $1.6 billion for its programs, operations and emergency response across Syria, Lebanon, the Israeli-occupied West Bank and east Jerusalem, the Gaza Strip and Jordan. That includes nearly $850 million for its core budget, which includes running schools and health clinics. According to UNRWA, donors on Friday announced $812.3 million in pledges, but just $107.2 million were new contributions. The countries pledging new funds were not announced. Lazzarini told a press conference Thursday that UNRWA needs $150 million to keep all services running until the end of the year, and an additional $50 million to start 2024 without liabilities. In addition, he said, the agency needs $75 million to keep the food pipeline in Gaza operating and about $30 million for its cash distribution program in Syria and Lebanon. UNRWA was founded in the wake of the creation of the state of Israel in 1948 to provide hundreds of thousands of Palestinians who fled or were forced from their homes with education, health care, social services and in some cases jobs. Today, their numbers with descendants have grown to some 5.9 million people, most in the Gaza Strip and West Bank as well as neighboring countries in the Middle East. UNRWA has faced a financial crisis for 10 years, but Lazzarini said the current crisis is massive, calling it our main existential threat. It is deepening, and our ability to muddle through is slowly but surely coming to an end, he said. The situation is even more critical now that some of our committed donors have indicated that they will substantially decrease their contribution to the agency. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in a speech read by his chief of staff at the start of the pledging conference that when UNRWAs future hangs in the balance so do the lives of millions of Palestine refugees relying on essential services. Those services include education for over half a million girls and boys, health care for around 2 million people, job opportunities for young people in Gaza and elsewhere, psycho-social support for hundreds of thousands of children, and a social safety net for nearly half a million of the poorest Palestinians, he said. More than 1.2 million Palestinians also receive humanitarian assistance. Taiwan war would be devastating, warns US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin as he criticizes China at Shangri-La security summit A war over Taiwan would be devastating and affect the global economy in ways we cannot imagine, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has warned, as he underlined US support for the island democracy. Conflict is neither imminent nor inevitable. Deterrence is strong today and its our job to keep it that way, Austin said in remarks at the Shangri-La Dialogue security summit on Saturday, which is being attended by representatives from dozens of countries including China. The whole world has a stake in maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. The security of commercial shipping lanes and global supply chains depends on it. And so does freedom of navigation worldwide. Make no mistake: conflict in the Taiwan Strait would be devastating. In a question and answer session after his speech, Austin added: Conflict in the Taiwan Strait would affect the global economy in ways we cannot imagine. Chinas ruling Communist Party claims Taiwan as part of its territory, despite never having controlled it, and its increasingly frequent military exercises near to and around the island have raised concerns about how far it will go to realize that claim. Chinas leader Xi Jinping has pointedly not ruled out the use of force. Shortly after Austin spoke on Saturday, Chinese Peoples Liberation Army Lieutenant General Jing Jianfeng told Chinas state broadcaster CCTV that the US defense chiefs comments on Taiwan were completely wrong. Jing accused Washington of trying to consolidate hegemony and provoke confrontation, adding that US actions were damaging regional peace and stability. Late Saturday afternoon, a US Navy spokesperson said US and Canadian warships were sailing through the Taiwan Strait while the discussions were going on in Singapore. The transit by the destroyer USS Chung-Hoon and frigate HIMCS Montreal was routine and occurred through waters where high-seas freedoms of navigation and overflight apply in accordance with international law, US Navy spokesperson Lt. Kristina Wiedemann said in a statement. Cooperation like this represents the centerpiece of our approach to a secure and prosperous region where aircraft and ships of all nations may fly, sail and operate anywhere international law allows, the statement added. Austins comments earlier came at a tense time for relations between the US and China, as China recently rejected an offer from Austin to meet at the summit in Singapore, citing US sanctions on Chinese officials and companies. Austin addressed the lack of communication in his speech on Saturday, saying that he is deeply concerned that the Peoples Republic of China has been unwilling to engage more seriously on better mechanisms for crisis management. For responsible leaders, the right time to talk is anytime. The right time to talk is every time. And the right time to talk is now, Austin said. Dialogue is not a reward. It is a necessity. Austin noted that he and Chinese Defense Minister Li Shangfu greeted each other with a smile at a banquet Friday night, but called on Beijing to do more. A cordial handshake over dinner is no substitute for serious engagement, he said. Throughout his speech, Austin listed off ways that the US is partnering with allies in the region, saying that those partnerships are bringing the region closer and making it more stable and resilient. Austin reaffirmed that the US will continue to stand by our allies and partners as they uphold their rights, and maintain our vigorous, responsible presence across the Indo-Pacific. Criticizing China for its alarming number of risky intercepts of US and allied aircraft in international airspace, Austin added that the US would support allies and partners against coercion and bullying. We do not seek conflict or confrontation, Austin said. But we will not flinch in the face of bullying or coercion. Austin reaffirmed US readiness in the region. The way that you deter any misguided decisions is by having a combat-credible military, he said in answer to a question, adding that the US will be ready no matter what happens. Drew Thompson, a senior research fellow at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore, said Austin laid out a positive and inclusive vision for the region, adding that it is a vision that has benefited Beijing for decades. The next move will be Beijings. Defense Minister Li addresses the Shangri-La forum on Sunday morning. It will be interesting to see how General Li responds tomorrow, Thompson said. In many ways the door is open for China to engage cooperatively with the US and other countries in the region to contribute to stability, he said. CNNs Eric Cheung contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com US says talks with China 'essential' to curb risk of conflict A screen grab of a video taken on May 26, 2023 and released by the US Indo-Pacific Command shows a Chinese fighter jet flying in front of a US Air Force surveillance plane over the South China Sea US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said Saturday it was "essential" to renew dialogue with China to avoid "misunderstandings" that could lead to a conflict between the two superpowers. The United States had invited Austin's Chinese counterpart Li Shangfu to meet on the sidelines of a defence summit in Singapore, but the Pentagon said Beijing declined. A member of China's delegation told AFP that the removal of US sanctions on its minister is a precondition for talks. "The United States believes that open lines of communication with the People's Republic of China are essential -- especially between our defence and military leaders," Austin told the Shangri-La Dialogue. "The more that we talk, the more that we can avoid the misunderstandings and miscalculations that could lead to crisis or conflict." Austin is on a tour of Asia that previously took him to Japan and will also include a visit to India -- part of a push by top US officials to shore up regional alliances and partnerships to help counter a more assertive China and an increasingly bellicose North Korea. In his speech Saturday, Austin said he was "deeply concerned that (China) has been unwilling to engage more seriously on better mechanisms for crisis management between our two militaries", expressing hope that this would soon change. Li, who will address the meeting on Sunday, was sanctioned by the US government in 2018 for buying Russian weapons, but the Pentagon says that does not prevent Austin from conducting official business with him. Members of the Chinese delegation hit back swiftly over Austin's remarks, with Senior Colonel Tang Hefei, spokesperson for China's defence ministry, saying that the Pentagon chief "made several false accusations". Another Chinese delegation member, Senior Colonel Zhao Xiaozhuo, said Washington had no business telling China what to do. "What we do in the Chinese military is based on maintaining the core interests of China's security, which is fundamental," he said. Zhao said removing the sanctions on Li is "one of the pre-conditions for substantial talks" with Austin. Tensions between Washington and Beijing have soared this year over issues including Taiwan and an alleged Chinese spy balloon that was shot down by a US warplane after traversing the country. Austin and Li shook hands and spoke briefly for the first time at the opening dinner on Friday, but there was no substantive exchange. While high-level military-to-military ties between the United States and China have been cut off for months, other top US officials are still in communication with Beijing. CIA Director William Burns made a secret trip to China last month, while US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and top Chinese diplomat Wang Yi met in Vienna in May. - 'Risky intercepts' - Austin also took aim at Beijing for conducting "an alarming number of risky intercepts of US and allied aircraft flying lawfully in international airspace", including one last week. In that incident, the US military said a Chinese fighter pilot performed an "unnecessarily aggressive" manoeuvre near a US surveillance aircraft over the South China Sea. Video footage released by the US military showed a Chinese jet crossing in front of the US aircraft, which could be seen shaking from the resulting turbulence. But China's military said the US plane "broke into" a military training area. Another recent flashpoint in China-US relations has been high-end microchips. Beijing said last month that US semiconductor giant Micron had failed a national security review and would not be allowed to sell to operators of "critical information infrastructure". The announcement came after Washington and its allies took measures in recent months that China claimed were designed to restrict its ability to purchase or manufacture cutting-edge chips. In April, Beijing launched three days of military exercises around Taiwan, simulating targeted strikes and a blockade of the democratic, self-ruled island. China considers Taiwan a part of its territory to be taken one day and the island lives under the constant fear of invasion. The Chinese exercises came in response to a meeting between Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen and US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy in California. wd/skc/mba/qan The Bible A school district in the US state of Utah has removed the Bible from elementary and middle schools for containing "vulgarity and violence". The move follows a complaint from a parent that the King James Bible has material unsuitable for children. Utah's Republican government passed a law in 2022 banning "pornographic or indecent" books from schools. Most of the books that have been banned so far pertain to topics such as sexual orientation and identity. The banning of the Bible comes amid a larger effort by US conservatives in states to ban teachings on controversial topics such as LGBT rights and racial identity. Bans on certain books deemed offensive are also in place in Texas, Florida, Missouri and South Carolina. Some liberal states have also banned books in some schools and libraries, citing perceived racially offensive content. The Utah decision was made this week by the Davis School District north of Salt Lake City after a complaint filed in December 2022. Officials say they have already removed the seven or eight copies of the Bible they had on their shelves, noting that the text was never part of students' curriculum. The committee did not elaborate on its reasoning or which passages contained "vulgarity or violence". According to the Salt Lake Tribune newspaper, the parent who complained said the King James Bible "has 'no serious values for minors' because it's pornographic by our new definition", referring to the 2022 book-ban law. The Utah state lawmaker who wrote the 2022 law had previously dismissed the Bible removal request as a "mockery", but changed course this week after calling it a "challenging read" for younger children. "Traditionally, in America, the Bible is best taught, and best understood, in the home, and around the hearth, as a family," Ken Ivory wrote on Facebook. The district's ruling determined that the Bible's content does not violate the 2022 law, but does include "vulgarity or violence not suitable for younger students". The book will remain in place in local high schools. Bob Johnson, the father of a primary school student in the Davis School District, told CBS News that he opposes the Bible's removal. "I can't think of what's in the Bible that you would have to take out of it. Its not like there's pictures in it," he said. The district is not the first in the US to remove the Bible from its shelves. A Texas school district last year pulled the Bible from library shelves after complaints from members of the public opposed to conservatives efforts to ban some books. Last month, students in Kansas requested to have the Bible removed from their school library. A Utah school district removed the Bible from some school libraries. Now its received a request to review the Book of Mormon A Utah school district that recently pulled the King James Bible from elementary and middle school libraries has now received a request to review the Book of Mormon for removal, according to school officials. Christopher Williams, director of communications and operations at the Davis School District, said the district received a request Friday to review the Book of Mormon for sensitive material as well. The Book of Mormon is the religious text used in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which is headquartered in Salt Lake City. The Salt Lake Tribune reported the request calls for the book to be reviewed because it contains violence, including battles, beheadings, and kidnappings. Williams told CNN he has not seen the request and does not know the grounds on which it was made. There have been no other requests made regarding other religious texts, Williams said. The district will treat this request just like any other request and will follow the policy as outlined on school library media centers. The request to review the Book of Mormon comes after the district announced they would remove the King James edition of the Bible from the districts elementary and middle school libraries because of vulgarity or violence. The committee decided to retain the book in school library circulation only at the high school level based on age appropriateness due to vulgarity or violence, he wrote in an email. Williams told CNN he estimated seven or eight elementary schools and middle schools had the Bible in their libraries before the decision. He said the school district is attempting to follow House Bill 374, a 2022 law which prohibits certain sensitive instructional materials in public schools and requires a local education agency to include parents who are reflective of a schools community when determining whether an instructional material is sensitive material. The text of the law defines sensitive material as instructional material that is pornographic or indecent material. The original request to review the King James Bible came from a person critiquing the bad faith process for reviewing books, according to CNN affiliate KUTV. Now we can all ban books and you dont even need to read them or be accurate about it, wrote the person in the anonymous request. Heck, you dont even need to see the book. Corinne Johnson, public relations director at Utah Parents United, a nonprofit which advocated for the 2022 Utah law, told CNN the parent who challenged the Bible was clearly doing so in an attempt to undermine parents who are working diligently to protect children from addictive pornographic stimulants. Williams explained the school district has a process allowing certain individuals, including parents, students and district employees, to request books in school libraries be reviewed for inappropriate material. The Sensitive Materials Review Committee consists of a facilitator, at least one administrator working at a district school, a licensed teacher at a district school, a librarian at a district school, and a minimum of four parents with students enrolled at a district school. A list of sensitive material review requests on the Davis school district website shows the district received a request to review the King James Bible on December 11 and completed the review on May 22. They made the decision to keep the book available in the high school library because they determined the book does not contain sensitive material as defined under Utah law. The Book of Mormon does not yet appear under the sensitive materials list on the schools website. The school received a request to appeal the Bible decision on May 31, according to the website. Williams told CNN the Bible will now go to an appeals committee of three members of the Davis School District Board of Education. The appeals committee will make a recommendation to the full Board of Education about keeping or removing the book in schools, and the board will make the final decision. The Davis School District has 73,993 students enrolled in 92 district schools serving students from pre-K to 12th grade, according to its website. The school district is located in Farmington, around 17 miles from Salt Lake City. CNN has requested a copy of the requests for removal for both the Bible and the Book of Mormon from the school district. Several states have passed laws to restrict access to books in school libraries The Davis School Districts requests to review the King James Bible and the Book of Mormon come as a number of states have implemented new laws driving book bans, according to advocates and library officials. An April report from free speech organization PEN America found book bans rose throughout the 2022-2023 school year. Almost a third of the bans were the result of newly enacted state laws, according to the report. The report found book bans were most prevalent in five states: Texas, Florida, Missouri, Utah and South Carolina. A Florida school district has faced lawsuits over its removal of books focused on race and LGBTQ+ issues. And in May, Iowa signed its own bill into law which bans books with sexual content from school libraries and stipulates the libraries can only carry age-appropriate books. Utah Library Association president Patrick Hoecherl told CNN this year has seen an increase in challenges toward books in school libraries across Utah. But he said most of the requests for removals or bans come from a small minority of parents, and do not reflect most parents attitudes. Really, most parents strongly oppose pulling books from school library shelves, he said. They trust their local librarians and teachers over government officials to work with parents locally to make decisions on what books are appropriate for kids. Hoecherl cited the 2022 American Family Survey, conducted by Deseret News and the Center for the Study of Elections and Democracy at Brigham Young University. The study found just 12% of respondents agreed books should be removed from libraries if a parent objects, and only 16% believed public school libraries include inappropriate books on their shelves. He added although the Utah law only specifically prohibits sexual content, in practice, it has mostly been used to target books discussing LGBTQ+ issues and race. Thats concerning to us because we know that pulling books based on topic or viewpoint is a clear violation of the First Amendment, he said. Hoecherl said the Davis districts decision to remove the Bible from elementary and middle school libraries was disappointing. As librarians we want to be providing access to kids, he said. Its important to us that kids have a variety of different viewpoints that are available to them so that they can understand their world and learn about these great works of literature. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com For generations, many people of color have been prevented from taking full advantage of the benefits of homeownership, says Vice President Kamala Harris. The Biden-Harris administration has unveiled steps the White House will take to combat systemic racism and bias in home appraisals across the country. The set of actions, announced by Vice President Kamala Harris on Thursday, is a result of a special task force that was convened by President Joe Biden in 2021 to put forth recommendations to tackle racial disparities in home valuations. The measures are a follow-up to an action plan presented by the Interagency Task Force for Property Appraisal and Valuation Equity (PAVE) in March 2022. Homeownership is an essential part of the American dream, Harris said, adding that its one of the single most powerful engines of wealth building available to American families. U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during the start of a meeting with the Biden administrations Task Force on Reproductive Health Care Access in the Roosevelt Room of the White House on April 12, 2023 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images) We also know for generations, many people of color have been prevented from taking full advantage of the benefits of homeownership, she continued. Harris noted that Black and Latino families are twice as likely than white families to have their homes undervalued and pay more for mortgages, and that they are less likely to get access to home equity lines of credit. Racial bias in home appraisals has been identified by housing and economic experts as a major driver in these disparities. As part of its plan to close the racial gap in home equity, the White House pledged to implement policies that: prevent algorithmic bias in home valuation, increase transparency by leveraging federal data, empower homeowners to take action against racial bias and diversify the appraisal profession. Melody Taylor, executive director of the PAVE task force, told theGrio the measures are intended to create standards and strategies to eliminate racial discrimination in home appraisals. They also have the goal, she said, of improving the process for reconsideration of value, which is when a homeowner can ask a lender to reconsider a home valuation that the consumer believes to be inaccurate. Harris recalled meeting Paul Austin and Tenisha Tate-Austin, a Black couple in California who suspected their initial appraisal was undervalued because of their race. During their second appraisal, the Tate-Austins asked a white friend to pose as the homeowner by putting up photographs of his family and meeting with the appraiser. (Photo: Adobe Stock) As a result, their home was valued 50% higher than it was the first time, the vice president noted. Stories like Tanisha and Pauls are far too common, and they are evidence that systemic change is needed. Taylor said consumers of color should not have to whitewash their home in order to get their property reappraised. For this reason, the task force she is leading has worked with federal banking agencies to propose guidance on how financial institutions may integrate reconsiderations of value policy controls into their current appraisal processes. In addition, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Financial Housing Administration are establishing a working group to increase coordination and develop more consistent standards for reconsideration of value processes of federally-backed lenders. Its been a very significant opportunity for the task force to tackle this particular issue, especially because it has such a huge impact on consumers, Taylor said. She hopes that new appraisal data from the Federal Housing Finance Agency will help stakeholders see trends to better protect consumers. Jesse Van Tol, president and CEO of the National Community Reinvestment Coalition, said in a public statement that he is particularly hopeful that the plans to diversify the appraisal industry will cure one of the core issues in appraisals: the fact that the industry is 97% white and male. Tol added, From what everyone now knows about the nature of implicit bias across all areas of life, its obvious that the uniformity of the population conducting property appraisals is likely generating unjust and discriminatory outcomes whether intentionally or unintentionally. Harris noted that the announcement on home appraisals also marked the 102nd anniversary of the Tulsa Race Massacre. U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during an event at John R. Lewis High School on June 2, 2023 in Springfield, Virginia. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images) A white supremacist mob burned down Black-owned homes and businesses and decimated the Greenwood district known as Black Wall Street, Harris said. And for decades, in communities across our nation, segregation, restrictive covenants, and redlining reinforced these inequities. And today, that legacy of inequities persists, in part, in the home appraisal system, she added. Taylor said its critical to look back at history in order to figure out the path forward, a notion that has guided the PAVE task force. Weve taken a historical perspective around bias and where it originated and how as early as the 30s race and the characteristics of communities were leveraged to devalue a home, she told theGrio. Were trying to create guardrails that will allow industry and others to move forward in a way that reduces the opportunity for bias and, thereby, the policies around reconsideration of value. Most importantly, she said, the administration is educating and empowering homeowners to know what to do if they encounter bias in the appraisal industry and know the value of their property is evaluated fairly and equitably so they can transfer wealth to their families. She added, We as a whole of government can influence the industry to be good corporate citizens around this work. Gerren Keith Gaynor Gerren Keith Gaynor is a White House Correspondent and the Managing Editor of Politics 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 Vice President Harris leads new charge to address racial bias in home appraisals appeared first on TheGrio. Victim probably in his 20s fatally shot near apartments by University of Kansas campus A male victim who police say was probably in his 20s was shot and killed near an apartment complex close to the University of Kansas in Lawrence early Saturday morning. Police are working to identify the victim, who was white and had light brown hair, according to a statement from the Lawrence Police Department. Around 1 a.m., multiple people called 911 after hearing gunshots near W. 24th Street and Cedarwood Avenue, in the area of the Cedar Apartments less than a mile from KUs West Campus. Police arrived on the scene but found no victim. Officers were also dispatched to a nearby hospital, where they saw three males speeding into the Emergency Department. Police pulled the victims body from the back seat, and hospital staff declared him dead. Detectives are working to get more information from the three people in the car with the victim, who say they dont know who the victim is, according to police. Officers have also spoken to dozens of residents who live near the scene of the crime. Police are asking anyone with information to call dispatch or the Crime Stoppers hotline at 785-843-TIPS. JPMorgan/Reuters/Lucas Jackson When JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon was questioned under oath last week over the banks lengthy relationship with sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein, he was asked whether he had received letters from any survivors of Epsteins abuse. A transcript of Dimons depositiontaken as part of two lawsuits accusing JPMorgan of facilitating Epsteins sex ringreveals the executive testified that he didnt recall getting one particular victims mail but that he had enormous sympathy for her. That victim, The Daily Beast has learned, was Haley Robson, who was a Florida high-schooler in 2004 when Epstein exploited her and made her one of his recruiters. Escorts, Investments and Life Lessons: What Epstein Talked About in Prison Dear Jamie Dimon, Robson wrote, according to a copy of the letter reviewed by The Daily Beast. I cannot begin to explain how Epstein has consumed my life. I cannot make you see, force you to feel or even request that you show compassion to all the survivors. I dont understand how so many people, colleagues, knew what was going on, or had evidence and information that could have helped us, and chose not to speak up, she continued, before referring to a past smear campaign launched by Epsteins legal team to discredit victims and help him avoid federal charges in 2008. Why did we all get picked apart publicly when the reality is you and many more knew something and didnt speak up?! I may not be as smart as you, but we should at least agree that the information you withheld has hurt me and many others, Robson wrote. Everyone makes mistakes and has regrets. If you are a good human you will just admit to making a mistake and be the first to try to do what is right to end this chapter on a positive note for all of us. Robson wasnt the only victim to contact JPMorgan bosses in recent weeks. Courtney Wild, who was 14 when Epstein abused her and who sued the government over his lenient plea deal, penned a letter to executive Mary Erdoes last month asking her to support the victims fight for justice. Wild wrote that she believed JP Morgan was Epsteins right hand in allowing him to become the most abusive sex offender in history. Yet, rather than acknowledging a wrong doing, accepting responsibility, making an apology to all of us, and doing what is right, I understand that JP Morgan has unleashed an army of lawyers to torture the victims who brought the cases and put them through even more pain and suffering, Wild wrote. Does nobody at JP Morgan have a conscience? Erdoes, the CEO of JPMorgans asset and wealth management business and a lieutenant under Dimon, testified in a deposition that she communicated with Epstein via email and phone calls and twice visited his New York townhouse. She and other JPMorgan officials including Jes Staley (who is now accused of assaulting an Epstein victim) allegedly held discussions about the accusations against Epstein but decided to keep him as a client. I have fought my entire adult life against Jeffrey Epstein, his powerful associates, his investigators, his lawyers, and even the US government for justice, Wild added. I dont want to have to fight you too. A representative for JPMorgan declined to comment on the letters. Late last year, a victim of Epstein known as Jane Doe and the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) government sued JPMorgan for allegedly enabling and profiting from Epsteins trafficking scheme. The bank has denied any wrongdoing and, in legal filings, pointed the finger at the USVI, claiming it had a quid pro quo relationship with Epstein. JPMorgan is also suing Staley, arguing he should be solely liable if Doe wins her case. In April, Dimon told a CNN reporter, Hindsight is a fabulous gift, when asked whether the bank should have cut ties with Epstein after he pleaded guilty to soliciting a minor in 2008. Throughout his recent deposition, Dimon said he was unaware of internal strife surrounding Epstein and didnt realize Epstein was a JPMorgan customer until his New York arrest. I dont recall knowing anything about Jeffrey Epstein until the stories broke sometime in 2019, Dimon testified, adding that he had never even heard of the guy. Still, Dimon was questioned about Epsteins email exchanges in which he discussed plans to invite Dimon to his Manhattan home; one 2009 email with Staley suggested bringing Jamie to a meeting, but Dimon testified he didnt know anything about it. I didnt know Jeff Epstein, Dimon said. I never met Jeff Epstein. I never went to his house. I never went to his island. And I do not know exactly what hes referring to here. Dimon also testified about a 2010 email from Epsteins executive assistant Lesley Groff, who discussed Epsteins evening appointments with Staley, Dimon, and another person whose name was redacted. Dimon again denied any knowledge of such a meeting. In 2012, according to the deposition, JPMorgan employee Paul Morris emailed Epstein about a partnership with a person whose name was redacted and said, I really appreciate everything youre doing, and this is a fantastic opportunity that you are opening the door to. I briefed our CEO. Dimon testified that he was unaware of Morris apparent plan. When a plaintiffs lawyer asked, Were you aware that Jeffrey Epstein was promoting you to contacts as a candidate for Secretary of the Treasury? Dimon answered, Nope. JPMorgan CEO Points at Other Execs in Epstein Disaster Meanwhile, Erdoes testified under oath that she twice visited Epsteins Manhattan lairin 2011 to settle a lawsuit that Mr. Epstein had against the bank regarding Bear Stearns hedge fund litigation and in 2013 to terminate him as a client. While Erdoes deposition raised questions about some of her emailswhich show she was aware of news reports about Epsteins abuse and had even joked about Epsteinshe testified that she didnt take action to review his accounts. In one 2006 email, Staley told Erdoes that hed attended a Huggy Bear concert the night before and The age differences between husband and wives would have fit in well with Jeffrey. What a joke. Erdoes replied. In 2007, JPMorgan employee Lisa Waters sent a New York Post article about Epsteins trafficking of underage girls to bank executive Phil Di Iorio, who forwarded it to Erdoes. 7 a.m. this morning. Why does Lisa send that stuff? Erdoes replied. Asked whether she ordered any further inquiry into Epstein as a result, Erdoes answered that she didnt recall. Theres a normal process whereby legal risk and compliance will take any negative media searches, Erdoes testified, and escalate them as appropriate to whichever banker is responsible for said relationship and will dispose of that issue one way or another. Erdoes referred to Epsteins sex crimes again in 2010, in an email to Staley. The feds may not be quite done with JE, she wrote, according to her deposition. The banking honcho said she didnt recall asking JPMorgan to probe Epstein that year, instead allowing the process to happen with legal risk and compliance teams. At another point, Erdoes testified that Staley was the most senior executive on the Jeffrey Epstein relationship and should have had the proper conversations with legal risk and compliance about the situation. The deposition also referred to emails among JPMorgan staff about a 2011 meeting addressing concerns over abuse accusations against Epstein. Jes Staley discussed the topic with Jeffrey Epstein, who replied there was no truth to the allegations, no evidence, and was not expecting any problems, one email stated. Erdoes testified that she terminated Epsteins relationship with the bank after Staleys departure in 2013, saying Staley was no longer there to advocate for Epstein and that she had concerns about his large cash withdrawals. Internal bank documents cited in the deposition reveal that Epstein routinely made cash withdrawals of $40,000 to $80,000 several times a month for a total of more than $750,000 a year. Erdoes testified that Epstein claimed the cash was for aviation fuel and landing fees in other countries. (According to police, Epstein paid teenage girls $200 to $300, sometimes even $1,000 after he abused them at his mansions in Palm Beach and elsewhere.) While underage, Courtney Wild was a victim of wealthy sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein. Emily Michot/Miami Herald/Tribune News Service via Getty Images When a lawyer asked Erdoes, Based on what you know now, do you believe that Mr. Jeffrey Epstein was, in fact, involved in sex or child trafficking during the period 2006 through 2013? she answered, I dont know what to believe. In her letter to Erdoes, Wild said that Epstein was able to lure me and many high school kids to his house where he abused us in exchange for paying hundreds of dollars in cash. As an adult, I am now learning how he was able to access an unlimited supply of cash in violation of banking laws, she continued. Wild accused JPMorgan of failing to notify authorities about Epsteins suspicious cash withdrawals. You could have helped us, she wrote. Instead, you chose to help him. Thats just evil. She added that she chose to write to Erdoes because shes a mother herself: If you put yourself in our shoes, you would expect more from someone in your position. We just want someone, some where [sic], to admit wrong doing promise to make changes so this never happens again, and recognize the pain we all suffered. The Daily Beast reviewed a second letter to Erdoes from a former model who signed her name as Another Jane Doe. The woman wrote that Epstein assaulted her when she was 23 and visited Epsteins New York townhouse for what she believed was a job interview. I am beyond shocked and saddened to learn that a well known international banking institution knew about Epsteins heinous crimes against young women and children and did nothing to expose it, she wrote, adding, Please do the right thing and help us now. To date, Robson and Wild say no one at the bank has replied to their letters. No response is a response, Wild told The Daily Beast. JPMorgan has always cared more about protecting Jeffrey or protecting themselves than protecting us. 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. This picture shows the 12th century church of St Michael's with the present prison sports hall visible to the left of the frame in the distance. The new facility would be visible above the tree line - Paul Grover for the Telegraph Villagers in Shakespeare country are facing a David and Goliath battle with the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) to stop a mega-prison on their doorstep. Already blighted by HS2 carving its way through the Vale of Aylesbury, residents in Grendon Underwood and Edgcott in Buckinghamshire are now preparing for the final round in their battle against the MoJs plans for a hilltop jail holding 1,440 male prisoners. The villages, which are recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, have stepped up their campaign, saying a four-storey prison would jeopardise their heritage and struggle to find staff in an affluent, low-employment area that lacks the transport links for inmates families to visit. Villagers affected in a field with the 12thC church of St Michaelas - Paul Grover for the Telegraph They are led by Edgcott resident Daniel Hayes, who is well-qualified for the role: he worked for 28 years in the criminal justice system, first in the prison service, then managing offenders and as a consultant in designing jails. I know this is strategically the wrong place to put a prison of this size and mass, said Mr Hayes, whose expertise was so valued at the public inquiry into the plans that the local councils barrister asked him to help cross-examine the MoJ witnesses. It was definitely David vs Goliath, he added. So important is this battle that Michael Gove, the Levelling up Secretary, has called in the planning application which was rejected by the local Tory-controlled Buckinghamshire council and appealed by the MoJ, sparking a public inquiry. Such a move is only taken where the decision is of national significance. The new Buckinghamshire jail is part of a proposed 4 billion prison-building programme to house the surge in inmates forecast in the next decade. Longer sentences and an extra 20,000 police officers on the streets are expected to lead to some 15,000 more offenders in custody. The problem for the MoJ is that three of their prime sites, including Buckinghamshire, are all subject to planning appeals and furious local opposition. A fourth brownfield site at RAF Wethersfield in Essex for a proposed 3,430-inmate jail has been snapped up by the Home Office for asylum seekers. By calling in the plan, Mr Gove could overrule the inquiry inspectors and give the go ahead even if they back the villagers. Prison will be sensitive to the environment The MoJ says the prison will create 600 new jobs on top of hundreds more during construction and be environmentally sensitive, with landscaping to retain the sites rich heritage and biodiversity. That is not how the villagers see it after fighting and losing battles over HS2 and a huge new incinerator plant. The MoJs response has been that you have already got an HS2 depot a few miles away, you have a new incinerator nearby, you are basically blighted, what difference does it make anyway, said Mr Hayes. Villagers say the project will carve through the undulating ridge and furrows on the hillside, an ancient feature of medieval farming that could be lost forever. No doubt it inspired William Shakespeare. Grendon Underwood is the only place apart from London and Stratford where there is evidence that the playwright was a regular visitor. Tucked into the Vale is Shakespeare House, which sits near such English heritage sites as the 12th century church of St Michaels. More recently Grendon Hall, a grade II listed building in the grounds of the proposed prison, was a Second World War centre for the Special Operations Executive and MI6. Villagers say a four-storey prison comprising six cell blocks is out of sync with the landscape. With his prison expertise, Mr Hayes said that staffing a mega jail there would be impossible given the lack of available workers. There are 10 jails within a 40-mile radius with a significant number already facing chronic staff shortages, leading to inmates being locked up for up to 23 hours a day. The proposed jail is nine miles from the nearest train station in Bicester, although the number 16 bus to Marsh Gibbon does stop outside the site. This, said Mr Hayes, would deprive families of inmates of easy transport links, raising tensions within the prison over lack of contact. The reason he suspects it has been chosen is because the land is already owned by the MoJ, with two low-rise small specialist prisons on the site. It is also greenfield, which, unlike brownfield, can be built on straight away without any clean-up costs. Its like the MoJ has an unwritten policy to only build on land they own as it is quicker and easier, said Mr Hayes. The MoJ said it could not comment while the appeal process was underway. And so, the fate of its prison programme and the Domesday villagers is in the hands of Mr Gove, with a decision expected in weeks. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer. Freshly armed with a supermajority in the state legislature, North Carolina Republicans are picking up an old tactic: making it harder to vote. Republican lawmakers rolled out a bill Thursday that would make sweeping changes to state election laws. The proposed legislation tightens existing rules governing mail-in voting, same-day voter registration and other aspects of election administration. Parts of the bill, such as changes to absentee ballot deadlines, look familiar. The bill would require absentee ballots to be received by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day in order to be counted a proposal vetoed by Gov. Roy Cooper numerous times in recent years. Currently, there is a three-day grace period for mail-in ballots to be received, as long as theyre postmarked on or before Election Day. That grace period was enacted in 2009 with unanimous support. A provision that links jury excuses to voter registration rolls has also received Coopers veto in the past. The bill includes other unnecessary and burdensome requirements, such as signature verification software and two-factor authentication for absentee ballots and provisional ballots for same-day voter registration (which could later be challenged or thrown out). It appears lawmakers may have taken a few pages out of the playbook of Cleta Mitchell, a Republican legal strategist who aided Trump in his scheme to overturn the 2020 election and now traverses the country training a volunteer army of citizens to aggressively monitor elections. The bill would give those citizens even more tools to obstruct legitimate votes. It would allow for public inspection of absentee ballot envelopes and permit anyone to file a formal challenge to a voters absentee ballot. Earlier this year, Mitchell referenced North Carolina in a presentation to top GOP donors, saying she thinks we can fix a few things in the state under the new Republican supermajority. In fact, Republican lawmakers reportedly met with Mitchell in recent weeks, though they deny that she had any role in actually drafting the bill. In a press release, Senate Republicans claimed the bill is necessary because polling shows only 50% of North Carolinians believe elections will be free and fair. But the same poll found that only 31% of respondents believe they wont be and it doesnt specify why they have doubts about our elections, either. Besides, the reason that voters dont have faith in our elections could be because so many politicians imply that they shouldnt, with bills like these that profess to solve a problem that never existed in the first place. Data shows that Republican voters are far more likely than Democrats to distrust election results. Such concerns might begin to fade if GOP leaders spent more time disproving conspiracy theories instead of promoting them. There is simply no evidence of widespread voter fraud in North Carolina, and making it harder to vote certainly wont make elections any freer or fairer. The biggest threat to our elections is bad actors who seek to interfere with or spread conspiracies about the outcome. According to a recent report, North Carolina is at moderate risk for election denial due to a lack of policies that guard against attempts to subvert an election. This bill does nothing to protect against that threat, but rather allows it to loom even larger. While the bill purports to be aimed at building voter confidence, its chief purpose is to exert undue amount of influence over who can vote as well as when, where and how they may do so. In an interview with WRAL, Jim Womack, a Republican Party leader who leads the North Carolina arm of Mitchells election integrity effort, didnt exactly hide his intentions. There was an argument that said its a good thing for conservatives if more people vote, Womack told WRAL. I fundamentally disagree with that. Another unfortunate consequence of this bill is the additional burdens it would place on election officials, who are already overworked and racing to implement voter ID requirements ahead of municipal elections this fall. It also would prohibit county boards of elections from receiving grants to fund election administration, even as many of them face mounting challenges due to a consistent decline in funding. This bill should be an affront to anyone who believes in the right to vote. But given national trends and North Carolinas history of voter suppression, it isnt a surprise its just another example of the Republican Party looking for ways to cling to power. The situation in Bakhmut is "relatively stable" though some Wagner Group fighters remain in the city. Source: Hanna Maliar, Deputy Defence Minister of Ukraine, on Telegram Quote from Maliar: "The situation in the city of Bakhmut is relatively stable. We control the southwestern outskirts of the city. Not all Wagner Group fighters have left the city. Those who remain are training the newly arrived units of the [Russian] army." Details: According to Maliar, the overall situation on the front is somewhat, though insignificantly, shifting. Over the course of the past several months, Russian forces were advancing on four fronts in eastern Ukraine: Avdiivka, Marinka, Lyman and Bakhmut. They then started to become active on two additional fronts: Shakhtarsk and Kupiansk. "Over the course of this time, enemy forces have been unable to advance to the borders of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts. The enemy is now depleted and is rotating its forces and regrouping," Maliar wrote. She noted that the geography of the Russian offensive operations is "somewhat different" compared to the recent months. "Enemy forces did not undertake any offensive operations on three of the said fronts: Bakhmut, Avdiivka, and Shakhtarsk, though they tried unsuccessfully to regain previously held positions on the Bakhmut front. Enemy forces are active on the other three fronts: Kupiansk, Lyman and Marinka, and are conducting rather intensive but unsuccessful offensive operations there," Ukraines Deputy Defence Minister explained. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! Al Manzano, founder of A&M Refrigeration Co., cools his hand on the vent fan outlet on an air conditioning unit on the roof of an apartment building in North Hollywood. (Reed Saxon / Associated Press) Heading into the peak of summer, Los Angeles officials want to know what it would take to require every rental unit in the city to have an air conditioner or central air. Just last year, Southern California was gripped by a 10-day heat wave that smashed temperature records. By the time it subsided, Los Angeles County emergency crews had responded to 146 calls classified as heat defined by the agency as environmental hyperthermia. Now, city staff are studying the costs and feasibility of cooling off all rental units citywide. "At this point in the climate emergency, the ability to cool one's home cannot be considered a luxury and rather must be treated as a necessity," Los Angeles City Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez said in her motion proposing the feasibility study, which would include a cost estimate for updating the city's building code. "Requiring cooling apparati for all residential units could be a lifesaving measure for countless Angelenos during extreme heat events." The council approved the motion Wednesday, and it is expected to come back for public input. A 2021 Times investigation found that 3,900 deaths were caused by extreme heat in California from 2010 to 2019. But access to lifesaving cooling devices and the ability to cover the costs of electricity during a heat wave are often out of reach for low-income and elderly residents on a fixed income. As part of the proposed study, the council asked staff to determine which buildings lack submeters, devices that allow utility companies to track power consumption on a unit-by-unit basis, and also the difference in costs between installing wall air conditioning units versus a central air system for an entire building. Currently, air conditioners or central air are not required to ensure a rental unit is habitable in California, according to the state building standards code. The lack of an air conditioner didn't bother Juliana Wingate when she and her husband moved into their apartment last year near MacArthur Park. Then in late August a record-breaking heat wave hit and Wingate felt miserable. "Our cat spent most of his time in our bathtub because it was so much cooler," said Wingate, who recalls feeling lightheaded and nauseated during the 10-day heat wave, when temperatures topped 100 degrees. She hasn't thought about the lack of a cooling device this year, but now that it's getting warm again she's wondering if it would be better to just leave their second-story apartment. "Clearly, if that's not possible, I will bring it up with our landlord," Wingate said. It's unclear if that would mean her rent would go up, but she's not sure she could stick it out for another summer. "I love that every year just keeps getting hotter," Wingate said sarcastically. California laid the groundwork for an extreme heat action plan last year and earmarked $800 million to address the issue, but also saw a proposal to establish a chief heat officer fail in the state Assembly. A statewide warning and ranking system for extreme heat events is expected to launch by 2025, providing general information to the public, much like the way other states respond to hurricanes. But to advocates such as housing policy coordinator Jovana Morales with Leadership Counsel for Justice and Accountability, a Central Valley advocacy group it feels like the emphasis on addressing climate change and strengthening heat waves is often ignored until summer rolls around and reminds everyone of the danger. "I just don't feel like there is urgency in the Legislature," Morales said. "You know ... we've been working on this, and people have been advocating for solutions, especially ... in the home, but it's just not happening fast enough." Morales' group last year supported Assembly Bill 2597, which sought to update the state's building code to set a safe maximum indoor temperature in new and existing dwelling units. Units found without cooling options would be deemed substandard, according to the bill, which failed to become law. The proposed code update was meant to address workers who live in substandard housing conditions, where temperatures often become so hot that units are unsafe to live in, Morales said. But Leadership Counsel was not focused solely on air conditioners. It pushed for improved insulation, increased shade through landscaping, heat pumps and roofs designed to reflect sunlight. AC units were not an emphasis because they generate greenhouse gas emissions. "Many of the older buildings just don't have that cooling mechanism, and so our bill would have required to set an indoor maximum air temperature," Morales said. Older buildings are often the only units low-income families can afford, Morales said, and they would benefit the most from updates to the housing code to require cooling standards. City leaders directed staff to study an update to the housing code and explore potential programs to help low- and middle-income families pay for the installation and operation of an AC unit. Fred Sutton, senior vice president of local public affairs for the California Apartment Assn., said tenants are aware of the amenities available when they sign a lease. Those tenants can and should approach their landlords if they want to have a cooling device installed in their units, he said. But mandating that all rental units have a cooling device would push the cost onto the landlords and the tenants, Sutton said. "I heard a lot from the city about subsidies for tenants facing extra utility costs," Sutton said. "But what cost would that work mean for the building and the [landlords]?" The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power offers options for low-income residents through the Cool LA program it launched last summer. Those include subsidies to help pay electric bills during a heat wave, rebates to offset costs and other resources meant to help residents weather the heat. The requested report is expected to be presented to the City Council's Housing and Homelessness Committee in the next several weeks. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Where did the city of Lees Summit get its name? The history and legacy is complicated Many assume Lees Summit was named for Confederate General Robert E. Lee, and a reader asked Whats Your KCQ?, a collaboration between The Star and the Kansas City Public Library, to find out the truth. Not only is the Kansas City suburb not named after Robert E. Lee, but the town didnt take its name from anyone named Lee at all. Rather, its named after an early resident, a physician named Dr. Pleasant John Graves Lea. Born in the first decade of the 19th century in Tennessee, Pleasant Lea came to Jackson County around 1850. He settled in the area then known as Big Cedar with his wife Lucinda, their nine children and his brother. The Leas became respected members of the community. Each served a stint as postmaster in the 1850s, and Lea acted as the town physician as well. Dr. Pleasant John Graves Lea However, the Leas were slaveowners and consorted with other slaveowners families like the Howards and Youngers. William Bullitt Howard, considered the founder of Lees Summit, joined the Leas in Jackson County. Howard had moved from Kentucky to Missouri with his wife Maria in 1844. In 1850, the Howards purchased over 800 acres of land near Big Cedar, where they built a large Greek Revival-style home and settled with their three children and 12 enslaved people. William Bullitt Howard Howard came to Big Cedar in anticipation of the Pacific Railroads construction, which was planning a westward expansion connecting St. Louis to Kansas City. However, it would not be until 1865 that his vision for a new town on the railroad would be realized. In the mid-1850s, tensions between anti-slavery free staters who settled in Kansas and pro-slavery Missourians erupted into violence. Confederate guerilla raiders recruited heavily from areas like Big Cedar, where most residents were Southern sympathizers. An illustration of Confederate guerrillas executing a group of free staters during the Marais des Cygnes Massacre on May 19, 1858. Confederate guerillas sabotaged the Union Armys supply lines and frequently raided trains. Consequently, new construction on the Pacific line was halted during the Civil War. Big Cedar became a hotbed of guerilla activity during the war years. Anti-slavery militias such as the Kansas Red-Legs and other Jayhawkers were suspicious of slave-owning families like the Leas, the Howards and the Youngers. A group of guerilla raiders attack a Pacific Railroad train in a painting by Frank Nuderscher. Henry Washington Younger was a prominent local politician, judge and an early resident of Big Cedar whose land abutted both the Leas and the Howards. In 1857, he and his family moved to Harrisonville but still found themselves frequent targets of pro-Union forces. In the fall of 1861, Youngers 17-year-old son Cole armed himself and went into hiding after a squabble with a Missouri militiaman. The following July, Henry was shot and killed while returning home from Westport. Believing that his father was killed by pro-Union forces, Cole joined a band of Confederate raiders led by William Quantrill. Meanwhile, Lea worried about the safety of his family. Following the death of his first wife Lucinda, Lea remarried in 1860 to a woman from Massachusetts. Their marriage reportedly led to harassment by Confederate sympathizers. At the same time, the fact that he was a slave owner led to harassment by Union men. By the time of Henry Youngers murder, Lea had sent his youngest children to live with relatives in Tennessee, and his wife had fled the border violence and joined her parents in Ohio. Lea was left alone to protect their home. What happened next is disputed. Dr. Pleasant Lea was killed, probably on September 12, 1862 this is a matter of historical record. Dr. Pleasant Lea, mural by Aileen Franklin By one account, Kansas Jayhawkers came to Leas home, lured him outside under the pretense of needing directions, and shot him in his front yard, while another account places Leas murder at the site of the future railroad depot. Still another account claims that a messenger arrived at Leas home with news that his son, Joseph C. Lea, was injured while fighting alongside Quantrill and required medical attention on the other side of town, drawing Lea out into the open. This last account is controversial among local historians, as it is often claimed that Joseph and his brothers enlisted with Quantrills men only after the murder of his father. Depending on which of these accounts one believes, Lea was murdered either because of his sons involvement with Quantrill or because he was known to provide medical care to Confederate guerillas. Joseph C. Lea Howard escaped the fate of his contemporaries. A month after Leas death, in October 1862, Howard was arrested as a Confederate sympathizer and imprisoned. He was released on a $25,000 bond under the condition that he and his family return to Kentucky. After the conclusion of the war in 1865, Howard returned to Jackson County and quickly filed a plat for the Town of Strother. He named his new town after his wife, Maria Strother, who had died during their exile. With construction renewed on the Pacific Railroad, Howard laid out downtown Strother along the railroad tracks. According to local historians, Howard soon changed the name of his town after learning of another town in Missouri named Strother. Lees Summit on the Pacific Railroad In honor of his deceased friend, Howard incorporated the town in 1868 as Lees SummitSummit in recognition that the town was the highest point on the Pacific line between St. Louis and Omaha, Nebraska. Alternatively, the name may have come from the railroad surveyors who used the elevated farm of Lea to inspect the land. In both accounts, though, the use of Lee rather than Lea was the result of a simple mistake. An 1870 map of Jackson County showing Big Cedar, Strother, and Lees Summit The accepted story is that Lees Summit was the misspelled name painted on a boxcar parked at the towns first rail depot. The Pacific Railroad employee responsible evidently did not bother to consult with anyone as to the proper spelling of Leas name. After the initial mistake, no correction was made. Evidence also points to an association between the area and Leas name even before Howard first platted the town of Strother. The Pacific Railroad through Missouri In April 1862, five months before Leas death, Brigadier General James Totten issued an order that addressed the bands of desperadoes who were known to and harbored by the farmers of Doctor Lee Prairie, as the town was also known. As further evidence of its shifting name, in the 1990s, local historian Donald Hale uncovered an 1865 handbill which advertised the land in Strother, formerly known as Lees Summit. In the years after the Civil War, both spellings were used in advertisements and train maps. In Cole Youngers autobiography, he variously refers to his childhood home as both Lea Summit and Lees Summit. An 1865 ad for speedy transit to Lees Summit The accidental misspelling story remained unchallenged for over a century, until 1969. That year, The Kansas City Times ran an interview with a man who claimed that this story was nonsense, insisting Lees Summit was named for the Confederate general, Robert E. Lee. How did he know? Howard was his grandfather. After a century of deception, William T. Howard, grandson of the Lees Summits founder, decided it was time to tell the truth. William T. Howard His grandfather had been an educated man, he told the newspaper, who would never have tolerated a spelling error in the name of his town. Furthermore, he stated that his grandfather had been a great admirer of Robert E. Lee and was happy to use the misspelling story as cover against post-war reprisals. For over a century, the younger Howard claimed, the family had quietly smiled at stories about Lea and the boxcar at the depot. It was, he said, a family joke. The younger Howard and his wife May, who later became president of the Lees Summit Historical Society, never wavered in their account. May Howard told The Kansas City Star in 1986 that the story about the misspelling was invented by a Northern sympathizer. In her mind, there was no doubt that the town was named for General Lee. William T. and May Howard examine a map of Lees Summit Local historians have largely dismissed the Howards claims, insisting that there is no evidence to support this version of events, pointing to the areas association with the Lea name prior to Howards 1865 return from Kentucky. Misspellings of Leas name were common both before and after his death. Lt. Larry Waldie, shown here in 2022, has lost his $26-million lawsuit alleging whistleblower retaliation. (Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times) The testimony was alarming. For more than two weeks, jurors heard about deputy gangs, saw their tattoos and logos, learned about their inking parties and listened to witnesses talk about members' alleged control over the sheriffs station in Compton. At one point, a deputy pulled up a pant leg to reveal a tattoo of a flaming skeleton gripping a rifle. But ultimately, none of that mattered: The lawsuit itself a $26-million whistleblower retaliation claim was not about whether deputy gangs exist within the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department, but whether one mans opposition to the so-called Executioners was the reason he couldnt get a coveted promotion. In the end, the jury said it wasnt. On Friday morning, after less than a day of deliberations, plaintiff Lt. Larry Waldie walked away from court empty-handed. All 12 jurors agreed hed acted as a whistleblower. But they also agreed it was unclear whether that whistleblowing activity was the reason he lost his bid to become the permanent captain of the Compton station. We disagree with the jurys decision, but we respect it, said Alan Romero, the attorney who represented Waldie. We are going to avail ourselves of all appropriate remedies under the law. Officials with the Sheriffs Department said in an emailed statement Friday that they were pleased with the outcome. However, it does not diminish our commitment to eradicating deputy gangs and ensuring accountability in our Department, the statement said. Similarly, a spokesperson for the county lauded the jury's decision, calling Waldie's allegations "unfounded" in a statement sent late Friday. "While this particular case has concluded, deputy gangs remain a reality in the Sheriffs Department," the county's statement said. "Both the Office of Inspector General and the Civilian Oversight Commission have active investigations into deputy gangs that are intended to help eradicate them, and we look forward to their findings." During the trial, lawyers for the county repeatedly pointed out that Waldie bore the tattoo of another deputy group the Gladiators and painted him as a disgruntled employee unhappy hed been denied a promotion. A "Gladiator" tattoo on an employee with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. (Keri Blakinger / Los Angeles Times) He is not a whistleblower, attorney Avi Burkwitz said during closing arguments. If anything, he swallowed the whistle. Reports of violent and secretive cliques of deputies have plagued the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department for half a century and led to an array of investigations, studies and legal settlements. In March, the Civilian Oversight Commission released a 70-page report condemning the cancer of deputy gangs, saying they create rituals that valorize violence, such as recording all deputy-involved shootings in an official book, celebrating with shooting parties, and authorizing deputies who have shot a community member to add embellishments to their common gang tattoos. But before the Waldie trial began, Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Maurice Leiter banned the mention of various deputy shootings and oversight investigations, so the court did not hear testimony about the groups alleged links to violence. Still, the case pitted two groups of tattooed deputies against each other, and those groups were the focus of some of the most explosive testimony. Some witnesses named all the deputies theyd seen sporting the groups' tattoos. One witness, Deputy Jaime Juarez, described the inking party in Pomona where he got his own tattoo and said hed later helped decide which deputies would be invited to get a tattoo like it. Last year during depositions, Juarez refused to answer questions about his tattoo, following the advice of county counsel. But during trial, in addition to showing his ink, he explained some of its details. Specifically, he said the tattoo was a positive thing and that its design included the number 18 because he was the 18th person to get that tattoo. In total, roughly 40 deputies have the same tattoo, he said, adding that no one has a full list of them. He also said the group commonly known as the Executioners has no official name. The case that led to the weeks-long trial began in 2020, when Waldie alleged he was demoted after he openly opposed the Executioners control over the Compton station while he was acting captain there. Waldie whose father was once an undersheriff in the same department had been working as the operations lieutenant at Compton station for several months when he took over as the acting captain in January 2019. At the time, Juarez was the Compton scheduling deputy, which gave him power in choosing the training and vacation schedules for others at the station. In early 2019, he approached Waldie with a list of other possible deputies he wanted to take over the scheduling position. But Waldie said he believed Juarez was a tattooed member of the Executioners, and he wanted a new scheduling deputy who was not. So he refused the request, instead giving the position to someone who did not have any gang tattoo. In response, Waldie alleged, Juarez retaliated by initiating a work slowdown at the Compton station. When Waldie complained to higher-ups, he said, Juarez was moved to another station for a few months. Last year, during testimony given under oath as part of the Civilian Oversight Commissions investigation that led to the 70-page report released in March, then-Chief April Tardy seemingly confirmed that narrative. At the time, Tardy who is now the undersheriff said she had moved Juarez to a different station because of the information that I had received about the work slowdown. She went on to testify that shed confirmed Juarez had initiated the work slowdown in response to Waldies refusal to install the scheduling deputy Juarez wanted. But during trial this week, she walked that back, saying that shed misspoken and that she meant to say all the information shed received was only unconfirmed allegations. When I testified, I just didnt say the word allegations, she told the court. Lawyers for the county sought to show this week that there had been no 2019 work slowdown at all, saying the decrease in arrests was only minor. Figures presented Tuesday showed that the Compton stations arrest numbers in March 2019 the month of the suspected slowdown were noticeably lower than the February 2019 numbers but only slightly lower than the March 2018 numbers. Waldie maintained that those same numbers showed there was a work slowdown and that he felt the repercussions for reporting it when he applied to be the permanent captain at Compton in mid-2019. Even though hed been the acting captain for several months by that point, he was eliminated from consideration so quickly that he didnt even make the top 10 candidates. His lawyer, Romero, argued that was an act of retaliation for complaining about gang activity. Lawyers for the county told a different story, aiming to prove that Waldie was simply not the most qualified candidate and that hed moved up the ranks with unusual speed because of his fathers position in the department. They also pointed out that Waldie, too, belonged to a tattooed group. And they alleged hed promoted or given special assignments to people who were fellow members of that group. After both sides wrapped up closing arguments late Thursday, the jury began deliberations and came back with a verdict mid-morning Friday. Moving forward, Waldie's attorney said, he will likely file a motion for a new trial and an appeal. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. White House explains why it does not support calls for ceasefire in Ukraine The United States supports initiatives by any country to establish peace in Ukraine, but opposes calls for an immediate ceasefire. Source: European Pravda; online briefing by John Kirby, Coordinator of the White House National Security Council, as reported by Ukrinform "We will support the efforts of any country if they help to find a way to a lasting peace that is consistent with the principles of the UN Charter. But we cannot and will not support calls for a ceasefire that will simply freeze existing lines of demarcation, legitimise Russia's seizure of territory, and allow Putin to increase his control over regions he has already seized," he said. According to Kirby, the introduction of such a "truce" would give Russia time to rest, rearm and prepare for a new potential attack. He also stressed that Russia has yet to show any signs of readiness to engage in diplomacy to achieve a lasting and just peace in Ukraine. Therefore, the United States will continue to support the peace efforts of the Ukrainian side. Earlier, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken rejected calls for a ceasefire or the ceding of Ukrainian land in any "land for peace" formula prospects which, as he put it, would represent a "Potemkin peace". Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! Why did PSD hire a bus attendant with record of child abuse? Here's what we know about case Poudre School District said it thoroughly reviewed an arrest record for a misdemeanor child-abuse case in 2012 before hiring a paraprofessional bus attendant who now faces nearly 130 charges for assaults, child abuse and harassment alleged to have occurred during his employment with the district. In following applicable laws and standard employment practices, there was no reason to deny Mr. Tyler Zanella employment, PSD spokesperson Madeline Noblett wrote in an emailed response Friday evening to a series of questions asked Thursday by the Coloradoan. PSD is now working with an external party to conduct an independent review, Superintendent Brian Kingsley said in an emailed statement. Zanella, 36, was arrested May 24 on multiple charges, including third-degree felony assault, after Fort Collins police reviewed video surveillance of his interactions with an at-risk kindergarten student on a PSD bus on three different occasions. He was suspended when the investigation began May 23, PSD spokesperson Emily Shockley said, and fired May 24. Additional charges were announced Wednesday, alleging assaults of five other students who police determined to be at-risk based on their disabilities. Zanella faces these charges from the District Attorney's Office for the 8th Judicial District: 30 counts of third-degree assault against an at-risk person, a Class 6 felony. 49 counts of misdemeanor child abuse. 49 counts of misdemeanor harassment. His next court date is Tuesday, June 6. Like members of our community, we are appalled by these events, Kingsley said. Those of us who work in public education dedicate ourselves to our communities students, and it is infuriating and heartbreaking that someone would break this sacred trust with our children and families. What led to the 2012 child-abuse case? Zanella pleaded guilty Jan. 11, 2012, to a misdemeanor charge of negligent child abuse arising out of a case in Adams County, where records show he was living at the time. He was sentenced to 18 months probation that was later reduced to 13, court records show. The victim, who was not physically harmed, was an infant child Zanella was caring for while the childs mother was at work on Jan. 3, 2012, Adams County Sheriffs Office deputies wrote in an incident report obtained Friday by the Coloradoan. The mother came home from work and contacted law enforcement for assistance after discovering Zanella was really drunk, a deputy wrote, causing problems and needed to go to a detoxification center. Her child was sleeping in a swing, with a heavily soiled, leaking diaper that had obviously not been changed for a while when the mother returned home, she told deputies. She was concerned Zanella had left the child home alone before hearing a shower running upstairs. When he came downstairs, he was obviously drunk, she told deputies. Zanella admitted to deputies that he had been drinking, they reported, but declined to take a portable breath test. He asked for his attorney at that point and was taken to the Adams County Detention Center. He was originally charged with two counts of misdemeanor child abuse, but the more serious charge a Class 3 misdemeanor of knowing or reckless negligence resulting in bodily injury was dismissed by the district attorney for the 17th Judicial District, court records show. The negligent child-abuse charge resulting in no injury that he pleaded guilty to is a Class 1 misdemeanor. A protective order also was issued by the court, requiring Zanella to move out of the home. Why did Poudre School District hire someone who had pleaded guilty to child abuse? Although felony child abuse is one of several offenses that automatically disqualify an individual from obtaining or retaining a teaching license, Colorado Department of Education regulations call for a case-by-case evaluation of the circumstances surrounding a conviction for misdemeanor child abuse. Paraprofessionals working in schools are not licensed by the state, so hiring practices are up to individual school districts. PSD follows standard employment practices, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission guidance, the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act and laws, including Colorado Senate Bill 22-099, which calls for the sealing of records after four, seven or 10 years, based on the offenses severity, after the final disposition for certain nonviolent offenses, Noblett wrote. It is our practice to always ask about a child-related conviction or guilty plea, no matter how long ago it took place, she wrote. She wasnt able to say whether or not the district has other employees with misdemeanor child-abuse convictions or guilty pleas on their record or what other misdemeanor offenses its employees might have been found to have committed. We look at convictions and consider the severity of the offense(s), how recently the offense(s) occurred and frequency, she wrote. This is in line with employment standards. Background checks for all employees, Noblett wrote, are thoroughly reviewed before they are hired. District officials obtained the incident report from Zanellas 2012 arrest and questioned him about it during the hiring process, PSD spokesperson Emily Shockley wrote in a previous emailed response to Coloradoan questions. After verifying that his explanation of events matched those on the incident report, a decision was made to hire him as a paraprofessional bus attendant to assist bus drivers on routes where they are needed or required by federal law under a students individualized transportation plan. PSD has 34 paraprofessionals serving students on buses, plus cameras PSD has 34 paraprofessional bus attendants, who work under the supervision of a transportation supervisor and not the bus driver, and 350 students with individualized transportation plans, Noblett wrote. About 8,500 students in all ride PSD buses to and from school each day. All PSD buses are equipped with a minimum of four cameras one in front pointing back, one in the back pointing front, one at mid-bus and one on the left side near the driver, pointing at the door. They record both audio and video, she wrote. District policy requires video footage from all of the districts transportation department vehicles, including buses, to be maintained for a minimum of three school days. Depending on the age of the technology on a particular school bus, video on some is maintained for longer periods of time. What prompted staff to review the video that led to these charges? PSD reviewed surveillance video from the bus serving route No. 2253 following a complaint by a parent the evening of May 22 that Zanella had made an inappropriate comment that day, Noblett wrote. It was during that review of footage (the following morning) that suspected physical abuse was found on camera, prompting the district to review all available footage of Mr. Zanella on buses, record clips of misconduct and send them to police, she wrote. PSD staff notified police immediately after seeing the first clip of suspected physical abuse, she said. Zanella was immediately placed on leave while additional footage was reviewed and fired the following day. All available footage of Mr. Zanella was reviewed by PSD transportation staff May 23-29 and immediately shared with law enforcement as part of the investigation, Noblett wrote. No bus drivers reported any incidents involving Zanella to PSD or law enforcement, she wrote. Although we followed laws and employment practices for Mr. Tyler Zanellas hiring, an external party is conducting an independent review of the situation, Kingsley wrote. District staff will also continue to support any investigation by law enforcement. Reporter Kelly Lyell covers education, breaking news, some sports and other topics of interest for the Coloradoan. Contact him at kellylyell@coloradoan.com, twitter.com/KellyLyell or facebook.com/KellyLyell.news. This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: PSD explains hiring of bus attendant convicted of child abuse Flash China urged the United States to stop official interactions of any form with China's Taiwan region, and stop pushing forward and revoke at once the "Initiative on 21st Century Trade" and a relevant agreement with Taiwan, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a regular press briefing on Friday. Mao's remarks came after the United States and the Taiwan region signed the first agreement under their "Initiative on 21st Century Trade" in Washington, D.C., on June 1. "China strongly opposes official interactions of any form between China's Taiwan region and countries that have diplomatic relations with China," Mao said, adding that the interactions include negotiating or signing any agreement that implies sovereignty and has an official nature. The U.S. government has deliberately pushed forward negotiations with Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities on the so-called "Initiative on 21st Century Trade" and signed the agreement. Mao said that it gravely violates the one-China principle and the three China-U.S. joint communiques, and contravenes the commitment made by the United States itself of maintaining only unofficial relations with Taiwan. "China strongly deplores this and has made serious demarches to the U.S. side," she said. Under the disguise of trade cooperation, the so-called "Initiative" is just a U.S. tool to rip Taiwan off. The DPP authorities, driven by the selfish separatist agenda, have no scruples about betraying Taiwan compatriots' and businesses' interests or selling Taiwan away. "By signing the agreement, they are offering Taiwan to the U.S. on a plate," said Mao. She said this is the latest example of the U.S. trying to fudge and hollow out the one-China principle. "We once again urge the United States to abide by the one-China principle and the three China-U.S. joint communiques, immediately change course and stop official interactions of any form with Taiwan, stop pushing forward and revoke at once the so-called 'Initiative' and agreement, and stop sending wrong signals to 'Taiwan independence' separatist forces; otherwise, all consequences shall be borne by the U.S. side," said the spokesperson. Why some doctors are prescribing yoga to their patients Bija Yoga and Wellness patrons participate in a class in the greenhouse in Orem on Sunday, Jan. 22, 2023. Research into adults who practice yoga regularly has found that it can improve mindfulness and sleep, and lessen anxiety and depression. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News When Chanel Nelson found out she would need to have back surgery to fix two herniated discs, her neurosurgeon recommended she start building up core strength to help her recover afterward. To build up that strength, Nelson committed to going to yoga every day for 30 days. At the end of those 30 days, Nelson noticed her back pain had lessened and postponed the surgery. And then she kept postponing the surgery and kept going to yoga. It brought me back, Nelson told the Deseret News. It was my physical and emotional healing. I like to say yoga saved me from having surgery because I never ended up having surgery. Nelson isnt the only one who has found healing through yoga. While doing yoga might not prevent surgery for everyone, research has found there are many health benefits it can provide if its the right fit for you. Some doctors are even prescribing yoga to patients due to its health benefits. There are now established yoga therapy programs at major health care centers, including The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. According to Yoga Journal, there are more than 500 research papers on yoga therapy (that) have been published in peer-reviewed journals. The practice of yoga is not as easy or as quick as taking medication, but mounting evidence suggests it is worth the effort and investment, Ina Stephens writes about medical yoga therapy for the journal Children. Physical health benefits of yoga Yoga was introduced to the world 5,000 years ago in India, and has been a celebrated practice in the East since. People in the West are slowly starting to be introduced to yoga more than 14% of Americans practiced yoga in 2017, according to a survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. One Harvard study found that people who practiced yoga for at least 30 minutes once a week for at least four years, gained less weight during middle adulthood. A large part of what researchers ascribed to the discovery of weight management in connection with practicing yoga stemmed from not just the physical exercise, but the mindfulness that comes from a yoga practice. Both years of yoga practice and number of minutes of practice per week were associated with better mindful eating scores, the study said. Practicing yoga helps you be more aware how your body feels. Yoga and stress management That mindfulness can help with other areas of life as well, including managing stress, anxiety and depression. One study found that yoga is more effective in decreasing anxiety symptoms than aerobic exercise. When it comes to managing stress, Dr. Doreen Wiggins, a breast surgeon at Lifespan and the director of the Cancer Survivorship Medicine program, prescribes yoga to her patients to help empower patients who are facing cancer treatments. Yin Yoga is a great form of yoga because it allows you to hold poses and to perhaps sit with a little bit of discomfort, so it could actually help us foster some resilience because many of us are sitting with discomfort right now, Wiggins told You Aligned. Bija Yoga and Wellness patrons participate in a class in the greenhouse in Orem on Sunday, Jan. 22, 2023. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News Bija Yoga and Wellness owners Chanel Nelson and Shona Kay Moyer talk with the class prior to a session in Orem on Sunday, Jan. 22, 2023. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News Becca Hammond instructs Bija Yoga and Wellness patrons in Orem on Sunday, Jan. 22, 2023. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News Bija Yoga and Wellness patron Holly Semamoff smiles prior to a class in Orem on Sunday, Jan. 22, 2023. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News Bija Yoga and Wellness patrons participate in a class in the greenhouse in Orem on Sunday, Jan. 22, 2023. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News Janene Crossley participates in a class at Bija Yoga and Wellness in the greenhouse in Orem on Sunday, Jan. 22, 2023. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News Yoga and sleep One aspect of health that Sat Bir Singh Khalsa, a researcher at Harvard Medical School who wrote the book Your Brain on Yoga, touts is how a regular yoga practice can improve sleep. Sleep is actually a very sensitive biological function, Khalsa said during a teleseminar, Your Brain on Yoga, for the Alzheimers Research & Prevention Foundation. This is a very sensitive mind-body marker of chronic stress, and it is something that immediately improves when you start to practice yoga. One study found that a regular yoga practice helped increase the quality of sleep in adults as well as helped lower symptoms of depression. Khalsa says that good sleep comes down to a solid ability to deal with stress, which he says yoga can help with. Many people will get immediate effects from practicing yoga over the course of a few minutes, Khalsa said. As one continues to practice over time, there are structural changes that take place in the brain where people become more resilient to stress and less impaired. To get the best results with better sleep? Practice yoga regularly, not just once a month, he says. Shortly after Nelson discovered her passion for yoga, she became a yoga teacher in addition to working as a surgical tech. She says a lot of the health benefits she finds from her yoga practice stem from just that a practice of it. Its not about handstands or splits, Nelson said. The process to get to those places we talk about the journey thats where we get the benefits. Its the journey. Where to get started with yoga There are many different styles of yoga taught by a variety of teachers. Do your research first to find out what kind fits best for you and check with your doctor before getting started if you have any health conditions that could affect your experience with yoga. Here are some of the most popular styles of yoga: Vinyasa yoga a flow of movement coordinated with breath to flow from one movement to another. Hatha yoga yoga that is grounded in a physical practice and is typically a slower pace than vinyasa. 26 postures or Bikram yoga this practice is always done in a hot sauna-like room and follows a sequence of a set 26 postures. Yin yoga a slower-paced version of yoga that focuses on seated postures that are held for longer periods of time. Many affordable and even free classes are offered online through YouTube or other sites where you can get started. But if you have the ability to attend a class in person, it can be extremely beneficial, especially when it comes to finding community through practice. Nelson advises exercising patience with yourself when youre getting started with yoga or if youre coming back to the practice after a break, and she says she reminds herself that when she first started she couldnt touch her toes. Theres humility in it. Be kind to yourself, Nelson said. Shona Kay owns a greenhouse called Greenhouse Wellness in Orem, Utah, where she hosts wellness workshops and free yoga classes led by different instructors, where students can practice yoga and wellness amid plant life. She told the Deseret News that one reason she practices yoga is to get out of her head. With most other exercises, theres competition how am I doing in terms of this other person or with them? Kay said. With yoga, you can close your eyes the entire time and you still get the benefits. Its just you here. Theres no winning or losing or even arriving. She says that the power of yoga for her is its ability to bring her back into alignment with who she is and what she needs. When that conversation is open, youre connected to your intuition, youre aligned to your purpose to be more of you who you are, Kay said. Thats why yoga is such a whole healing. Its not magic. We arent broken, its just bringing us back into alignment with who we are. Saquan Evans, center, and friends hand out after playing basketball at Wilson Park, which flanks the Interstate 81 viaduct in Syracuse, N.Y., on May 29, 2023. (Benjamin Cleeton/The New York Times) These days, hardly anyone in Syracuse sees the hulking Interstate 81 viaduct as anything but a menace, an ugly 1.4-mile overpass that spews noise and pollution and has steadily worsened race relations in the city. So when the New York State Department of Transportation finally decided in 2019 that the crumbling roadway should be torn down and replaced with a pedestrian-friendly boulevard, the kind of project thats helped rejuvenate other U.S. cities, a lot of people were excited. It sounds crazy, but this project will hopefully be one of the most transformative things to happen in this region in a hundred years, said Joe Driscoll, who left his position on the Syracuse Common Council in 2022 when the city offered him a job as project director for the viaducts removal. Sign up for The Morning newsletter from the New York Times But actually demolishing a highway that nearly everyone seems to hate has proved more complicated than expected. Part of this stems from the fact that the area primarily affected is Syracuses 15th Ward, a historically Black neighborhood that abuts the highway and has long borne the brunt of its impact. Residents in the 15th Ward, despite the promise of the new development, are wary of gentrification and further disruption. But city planners have also faced a string of legal challenges from suburban communities that say the viaducts removal will harm businesses outside the city. Even those who oppose the project, often for different reasons, appear to acknowledge that the viaduct is something of a disaster that must be dealt with. But last year, a group called Renew 81 For All a coalition of suburban towns, local businesses and politicians filed suit to block the citys plans. (It offered a speculative proposal for a sky bridge that would soar over the 15th Ward, nearly 50 feet taller than the existing structure and named the Harriet Tubman Memorial Freedom Bridge.) Justice Gerard Neri of the state Supreme Court was unmoved and allowed initial phases of the project to get underway, such as widening the suburban highway where traffic will be redirected. But in a victory for the Renew 81 camp, he also ordered the state to conduct further environmental and traffic studies. The state appealed Neris ruling, and the projects fate is now in the hands of the New York State Court of Appeals. Today, fewer and fewer people are alive who can remember the neighborhood in its heyday, when its streets were home to flourishing restaurants, barber shops and clothing stores, some of them Black-owned. After World War II, large numbers of African Americans came to Syracuse to work in factories such as Carrier, the air conditioning manufacturer. Virtually all of them moved to the 15th Ward, a sliver of a neighborhood between downtown and University Hill, home to many of the citys colleges and hospitals. They did so largely because restrictive covenants barred Black people from buying or renting elsewhere in the city, according to Kishi Animashaun Ducre, the associate dean for diversity, equity and inclusion at Syracuse University, who has studied housing patterns in the city. But within the 15th Ward, life could still be sweet, recalled Clarence Dunham, who grew up there and has seen the changes firsthand. In Syracuse, the Black neighborhood was very small, Dunham recalled. Most of the families knew everybody. If they didnt know you, their grandparents did. Or they knew your mother, your father, your uncles. It was very tight-knit, and it was lovely. Dunham got his first inkling of the neighborhoods fate when he returned home from an army stint in South Korea in 1959 and took a taxi to his familys 15th Ward home. It looked like a desert, Dunham said. At the time, Syracuse, like many cities, was swept up in urban renewal fever. Over the next decade, houses and businesses would be demolished and residents dispersed under the guise of clearing out blight. As in many places, it was the citys Black neighborhood that felt the greatest disruption. Whole streets disappeared in the 15th Ward. People would learn their homes were marked for destruction by coming home to find Xs painted on their front doors. Among the houses that were demolished was the Harrison Street home where Dunhams family lived, as well as his grandparents place on Madison Street. Youd look up and say, Damn, so-and-so used to be there, Dunham recalled. All those landmarks that were there when you left now theyre gone. Nothing would damage the neighborhood as much as the I-81 viaduct, a bleak overpass that casts a deep shadow over the neighborhood even on sunny days. By the time it was finished in 1966, it created a physical barrier between the 15th Ward and the hospitals and colleges that are the economic engines of the region. Years later, its hard to find anyone with anything good to say about it. The viaducts design predates current safety standards, and the traffic lanes and shoulders are far too narrow. Crashes occur on this stretch of highway at a rate more than three times the state average, and years of heavy traffic and road salt have weakened the structure. Chunks of concrete have been known to fall to the ground. As a struggling community college student, Lanessa Owens-Chaplin lived for a time in the Pioneer Homes, a public housing project built in 1941. Because the viaduct was built right next door, residents could literally watch the cars go by steps away from upper-floor windows. The noise was constant. I would fall asleep with my TV on loud because that was better than what I was hearing outside, Owens-Chaplin recalled. The passing vehicles also emitted pollution. At 19, Owens-Chaplin said, she developed adult-onset asthma, which she attributes to living next to a highway used by an average of 74,000 vehicles a day. Today, Owens-Chaplin is a lawyer and director of the Environmental Justice Project for the New York Civil Liberties Union. She helped persuade the organization to get behind the viaducts removal, and she wrote the amicus brief that it filed in support of the project. For her, getting rid of the highway is an environmental justice issue. Once I-81 cut a swath through the neighborhood, property values plummeted, which led the city to use the 15th Ward as a dumping ground for its less desirable infrastructure projects, such as a sewage treatment facility and a steam plant for Syracuse University. It made the neighborhood only less desirable. Today, the viaduct is in such bad shape that the state says it has no choice but to tear it down. City officials hope to replace the highway with a tree-lined avenue, walking paths and bike lanes, a $2.25 billion project known as the Community Grid. Similar teardowns have been carried out successfully in cities such as Denver, Boston and Rochester, New York. Under this plan, much of the traffic that now uses the viaduct would be rerouted to I-481, which traverses the eastern suburbs and reconnects with I-81 farther north. And thats where much of the opposition comes in. State officials say rerouting traffic would have a minimal impact on suburban towns, a claim that opponents scoff at. With the viaduct gone, fewer motorists would be able to reach the many restaurants, hotels and other businesses that have sprouted along the highway to the north, they say. That includes Destiny USA, the largest shopping mall in New York state. A lot of our commercial corridor was built around the exits that Interstate 81 poured into our town, said Nick Paro, supervisor of the town of Salina. The backbone of the town is those traffic corridors, and unfortunately, we think that the project thats proposed is going to have a significant impact on the businesses. Carmen Emmi Jr. owns and operates four hotels near the intersection of I-81 and the New York State Thruway in Salina: a Super 8, a Hampton Inn and Suites, a Homewood Suites and a Tru by Hilton. He estimates that as much as 15% of his business each day comes from walk-ins off the highways, and with vehicles rerouted to the east, customer traffic is certain to drop off, he contends. Emmi, like many opponents of the Community Grid, is aware that the viaduct damaged the 15th Ward and probably should never have been built there. But now that it was, he said, and its been in place for 50 years, theres been a lot of businesses that have been built up around the highway that rely on the highway. Support for the Community Grid is strongest in the city, but even there, doubts linger. Driscoll, who oversees community outreach for the Community Grid, has met with skepticism even among the neighborhoods that would benefit most. Growing up in Syracuse and attending public schools, Driscoll, who is white, thought of his city as a place where races mixed comfortably. As a young man, he spent years as a musician living in Europe, and touring in the Middle East and Africa, he would brag to people he met that his high school looked like a Benetton ad. Reality has proved a lot more complex. Driscoll returned to the city in 2014 and became involved with the Bernie Sanders presidential campaign before serving on the citys Common Council. He has moved into a tiny, windowless office in City Hall since becoming the Community Grids project director last year. He hasnt had time to decorate yet or even remove the thumbtacks left on the wall by the previous occupant. When I do Zoom calls, people ask me, Are you being held hostage? As a rapper and beatboxer who worked with musicians of different races and nationalities, Driscoll figured he was well positioned to navigate the various factions with a stake in the Community Grid. But the viaduct, coupled with years of other urban renewal projects, had made many residents suspicious of city planners, he learned. A lot of people in those corridors, a lot of the African American community in that corridor, are deeply distrustful of government in all its forms, particularly white folks, he said. Its not hard to see why, he added. The biggest worry many had was about gentrification, Driscoll said. Many of the neighborhoods residents suspect that the potential improvements will drive up property costs, forcing out lower-income residents. In fact, he said, false rumors are rife that the land has already been sold to Syracuse University for student housing. Last summer, Driscoll and the Community Grids design team camped out at an elementary school near the viaduct and invited neighborhood residents to come in and ask questions about the governments plans. They printed out a giant map and laid it on the cafeteria floor to show people the parameters of the project. They also spent time canvassing the neighborhood to talk to residents. It didnt always go well. We had people who didnt want to talk to us, Driscoll recalled. One man in his 60s told him, Youve just come here to chase us out of our homes and knock them down. Driscoll tried to explain what was being contemplated for the neighborhood. Yeah, well see, the man replied. Id appreciate it if youd get off my porch. As critics see it, removing the highway will free up a considerable amount of land next to Syracuse University and several big hospitals, making it an attractive target for developers looking to build high-end residences. Its all about taking down the viaduct so University Hill can be extended into downtown and they can appropriate the surrounding properties, said Charles Garland, an Onondaga County legislator who represents a majority Black district. He is also a major critic of the Community Grid. Garland, who is also a founding member of Renew 81 For All, has some direct experience with urban renewal. His familys funeral home on Fayette Street was torn down in the late 1960s and relocated to the Southside to make way for the Kennedy Square public housing project. Four decades later, that same housing project was demolished, and the land became part of SUNYs Upstate Medical University and College of Environmental Science and Forestry. Concerns like Garlands are not without some foundation. While the city says it would like to preserve land for low-income housing, the property is actually owned by the state, and a definitive plan for the Community Grid is still years away, Driscoll admitted. The highway will have to come down first. One thing they cant do is bring back the 15th Ward the way Dunham remembers it. In the years after the highways construction, Dunham worked for telecommunications companies and served as an Onondaga County legislator. Like many former 15th Ward residents, he now lives on the citys Southside, a short distance away. At 88, he has slowed down a bit, but his voice still tightens in anger when he thinks about how the 15th Ward was decimated. They went to the neighborhood of least resistance, he said. A lot of people complained, he recalled. But they built it anyway. And really, what happened to my neighborhood was, they tore it down. c.2023 The New York Times Company Why Meta may pull news content from Facebook in California Meta, the parent company of Facebook, is inching closer to a faceoff with California over a proposal to require dominant platforms to pay news outlets to distribute their content. The tech giant is using familiar playbook to try and thwart Californias Journalism Preservation Act, which passed the State Assembly on Thursday, by threatening to pull news content off of Facebook in the state. Metas threat is a tactic the company used in opposition to similar federal proposals in the U.S. and other countries, including Australia. On Friday, Meta ramped up its threat in response to a similar Canadian bill, the Online News Act. In a blog post, Meta said it will begin tests on Facebook and Instagram to limit some users and publishers from viewing or sharing some news content in Canada. The News Media Alliance, a non-profit organization that represents nearly 2,000 publishers in the U.S., and is an ardent supporter of such proposals, said in a joint statement with the California Broadcasters Association and California News Publishers Association, that Metas threat in California is undemocratic and unbecoming. As the tech platforms compensate news publishers around the world, it demonstrates there is a demand and economic value for news, the groups said. Meta spokesperson Andy Stone on Wednesday tweeted a statement that the company will be forced to remove news from Facebook and Instagram if the bill is passed. Metas statement slammed the bill as creating a slush fund that primarily benefits big, out-of-state media companies under the guise of aiding California publishers. Despite the threat from Meta, though, Californias bill passed out of the Assembly in a 46-6 vote. It will head to the state Senate next. The bill would require tech platforms that distribute news content to pay outlets for it. News Media Alliance President and CEO Danielle Coffey called the Assemblys vote a strong statement that California lawmakers value quality journalism and a free press. And [they] stood strong today in a vote that allows us compensation from big tech platforms, Coffey told The Hill on Thursday. Meta rolled out the playbook roughly two years ago in Australia. Facebook restricted access to news links in Australia as the nations government proceeded with a bill that required dominant platforms like Facebook and Google to pay outlets for distributing their news. Facebook reversed course after last-minute negotiations and an amendment that added additional time for platforms and publishers to negotiate before a forced arbitration. In December, Meta made a similar threat in the face of U.S. legislation. Amid reports that the controversial Journalism Competition and Preservation Act (JCPA) would be added to a defense authorization bill, Meta spokesperson Stone tweeted that if the bill was passed the platform would be forced to consider removing news from our platform altogether. The bill advanced out of the Senate Judiciary Committee with bipartisan support last year, but never made it into law. Coffey said she wouldnt call Metas playbook successful, pointing to Australias new lawand the movement on similar proposals in Canada and California.The JCPA was also reintroduced in the Senate this year with additional Senate sponsors. The proposals, though, also face opposition from outside groups in addition to Metas backlash. Tech industry groups like Chamber of Progress and the Computer and Communications Industry Association (CCIA), which name Meta and Google among their corporate partners and members, have lined up against the California proposals. Non-profit media advocacy group Free Press is also urging lawmakers against supporting the California measure. Free Press Actions senior director of journalism and civic information Mike Rispoli in a statement said the bill would accelerate the loss of locally engaged outlets while creating a more toxic information environment that rewards sensationalist clickbait over public-interest journalism. The only thing this bill would preserve is the profitable bottom lines of many of the very same corporations and hedge funds that have decimated local news and laid off thousands of hard-working reporters, Rispoli said. The federal proposal, the JCPA, faced similar backlash from the tech industry and advocacy groups often at odds over proposed tech regulation. Dozens of civil society organizations, including the ACLU, Public Knowledge and Free Press, sent a letter to Congressional leaders in December, warning the bill could cause content moderation challenges and force platforms to carry content of any digital journalism provider regardless of how extreme their content may be. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. A woman has been arrested in Washington state after authorities said she refused to seek treatment for tuberculosis for more than a year. The Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department said in a statement on Thursday that the woman, who was not identified, was taken to the Pierce County Jail where she will be housed in a room specially equipped for isolation, testing and treatment. The department thanked the Pierce County Sheriffs Department and deputies for their role in the necessary intervention. We are hopeful she will choose to get the life-saving treatment she needs to treat her tuberculosis, the department said. The department said months ago that the woman had refused to take the life-saving medication that she needs and did not stay in isolation. It said officials had worked with her family and community members for more than a year to try to persuade her to get treatment, but they turned to their last option of having an arrest warrant be issued for the woman. A judge held the woman in civil contempt for violating his order that she take medication or go into isolation and issued the arrest warrant for her to be taken into custody on or after March 3. The department said this case marks only the third time in the past 20 years that it needed to seek a court order to detain a potentially contagious patient who refused to see treatment. It said people can die from tuberculosis if they do not get treatment, and they can unnecessarily expose others to the disease. Law enforcement officials did not immediately detain the woman after the warrant was issued, but they eventually arrested her Thursday. When we face challenges with a person who does not want to take medication or isolate, we connect with family members, friends, and people in their community to help. We work to remove any barriers that may be in the way of them getting the treatment they need, the statement said. When these options dont work, the Health Department has an obligation to the community and the legal authority to seek a court order to persuade patients to comply, the department continued. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Yeshi Kassa, the great-granddaughter of Ethiopia's last emperor, said the late Queen Elizabeth privately supported her new documentary about the horrors her family faced in prison and exile Yeshi Kassa in "Grandpa Was an Emperor," left, and Queen Elizabeth II pictured in April 2022, right. Courtesy of Constance Marks Productions, Dominic Lipinski - WPA Pool/Getty Images Yeshi Kassa is the great-granddaughter of Haile Selassie, the last emperor of Ethiopia. In a new documentary, she shares the horrific treatment her family received during the revolution. Kassa spoke to Insider about the documentary and said the late Queen privately showed her support. Yeshi Kassa was at boarding school in the UK when her great-grandfather, Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia, was deposed by a revolution in 1974. Thousands of miles away in Wales, Kassa and her sister didn't experience the turmoil that unfolded in Ethiopia after the coup. Kassa's mother and grandmother were among the 12 royal family members who were imprisoned, and the emperor was killed by Marxist army officers in 1975, The Washington Post reported in 1994. Initially, there were mixed reports over what happened to Selassie, but in 1994 it was confirmed that he was strangled in his bed as those responsible were brought to trial, the publication added. Kassa told Insider she lived a quiet life in exile; she became a commodity broker in England before relocating to the US several years later with her family after they were released from prison. She didn't use a royal title, and didn't speak publicly about the horrors that she and her relatives endured. But now for the first time, Kassa examines the events that led to the collapse of Ethiopia's 3,000-year-old royal dynasty in the documentary "Grandpa Was An Emperor," which was directed by Constance Marks and premiered on streaming platforms including Apple TV, iTunes, and Amazon on Tuesday. Kassa and Marks spoke to Insider about what it was like to make the documentary. Queen Elizabeth II supported the documentary behind the scenes The documentary, which was delayed in its release due to the pandemic, follows Selassie's 44-year reign, the civil unrest and famine in Ethiopia leading up to the revolution, as well as the struggles that Kassa's family experienced in prison. 12 members of the royal family were held in a 154-square-foot room with no running water and giant rats. Speaking to Insider, Kassa said she and Marks were acquaintances before making the documentary, and the familiarity they had made it easier for the family to open up to her and relive their experiences. Marks is an award-winning director who has been in the industry for more than 35 years, according to her website. A portrait of the Ethiopian royal family before the revolution, which is used in the documentary. Courtesy of Constance Marks Productions. "It was important that my mom felt comfortable with who she was working with. You know, she and all of the family had refused to do interviews, let alone be filmed," Kassa said. "She was ready to tell her story, and I think she instinctively knew she was in good hands," she added. Kassa said her mother died in January, but was able to watch a private screening of the film before the pandemic in 2020. The documentary also touches on the emperor's close working relationship with the late Queen Elizabeth II. The British monarch and Selassie met on a handful of occasions through the years, including during Selassie's state visit to the UK in 1954, according to the Royal Collection Trust, and during the Queen and Prince Philip's state visit to Ethiopia in 1965, according to the website British Heritage. Queen Elizabeth II rides in an open carriage with Ethiopia's Emperor Haile Selassie in London in 1954. Bettmann/Getty Images Kassa said she wrote to the Queen to inform her they were making the film and to ask if she had any photos of the emperor, as all the photos the family previously owned were destroyed in the revolution. "And we got a very polite note back, I remember it saying, 'Her Majesty thinks it's a wonderful project and wishes you the best," Kassa said. "A month later, I got this package, and there was a letter from her lady-in-waiting, saying that Her Majesty went through her personal archives of her visit to Ethiopia, and she's enclosed these pictures for you, which was so lovely," she added. "I wish we'd been able to have a screening for her," she said. The photos provided were of a "personal nature" and were not shown in the film, a spokesperson for the documentary confirmed to Insider after the interview. Kassa added that she's extremely grateful to the British royal family and British public for their support during the revolution. At the time, many people wrote letters to their local MPs, which led to an international campaign that was "instrumental" in saving the family members who were imprisoned, Kassa said. After 14 years in prison, seven female members of the royal family were released in May 1988, AP News reported at the time. Kassa says she has never used a royal title As an award-winning director, Marks is no rookie when it comes to filmmaking. But her experience with royals was limited when she met Kassa's family, she told Insider. "I was always curious, I'll buy the odd magazine and I was a Princess Diana devotee," she said. "But I did feel a little nervous around Yeshi's mom, not because of anything that she did, but just because I understood the importance of her role. But after some time, I really was embracing everybody and starting to feel like family." But one challenge that she experienced was the natural hierarchy that comes with working with royals. "If you want to do something, the question has to go up the chain of command... everything has to go through checkpoints," Marks said. Nonetheless, there are other aspects of Kassa's life that remain very unroyal. She said she has never used a royal title, and her classmates at boarding school in Wales didn't even know she was a royal until the revolution made news in the UK. "I don't assume that I'm a princess. That's something that if it happened, would have been bestowed on me by my grandpa, or the crown prince if he became emperor," she said. "But that ended with the death of Grandpa." Buckingham Palace did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment. Read the original article on Insider A new economic development project in York County could bring $1 billion of new investment. The company hasnt been named. However, there have been negotiations with the county, and a key upcoming decision by York County Council could move the project forward. A resolution up for vote Monday night offers some detail. The resolution by the county calls it Project Cobra, and describes it as a new data center. The resolution would require a first reading and vote for the potential $1 billion project. York County Council would have to pass that, plus two more readings, and hold a public hearing, to finalize an incentive deal. The name Project Cobra does not appear on any other recent documents. An unnamed company informed the county, per the resolution, of plans to invest at least $1 billion and create a dozen new full-time jobs within eight years. The actual requirements of a deal with the county, used to create tax incentives for the company, would be set at $900 million of investment and 10 new jobs. If those thresholds are met, the county would agree to allow the company to pay a fee instead of taxes for 40 years. The deal would set an assessment rate at 4%, well below typical commercial or industrial rates, and an initial millage of 351 mills which could be adjusted every five years. The company would be allowed an additional special source credit against those fee payments of 35% each of the first five years, 30% the next five years, 25% the next 10 years and 20% for the remainder of the deal. Those credits would go toward infrastructure costs. Last fall, York County Council had a proposal, listed as Project Cobra, among several decisions. Its unclear if the current decision and that one are related. The decisions last fall involved county-owned property in Lake Wylie aimed at economic development. York County plans to sell almost 200 acres in Lake Wylie. Heres what we know so far The county had an offer to sell 173 acres at 2157 Handsmill Highway in Lake Wylie. The unnamed buyer proposed a $4.3 million purchase. Further details werent given. The county acquired that Lake Wylie property from Bank of North Carolina in 2013 for $800,000. County land records show a transaction in February for almost $56,000 but a new owner isnt named and the county remains the listed owner, per county land records. This is a developing story. Check back for more details. The YouTube logo seen in London in 2019. Olly Curtis / Future via Getty Images YouTube will no longer remove false claims about the 2020 presidential election, the video-sharing platform said Friday. In a blog post on its corporate website, Google-owned Youtube said that after having removed thousands of videos containing false information, "We recognized it was time to reevaluate the effects of this policy in today's changed landscape." YouTube added that while their removal policy "does curb some misinformation, it could also have the unintended effect of curtailing political speech without meaningfully reducing the risk of violence or other real-world harm." "With 2024 campaigns well underway, we will stop removing content that advances false claims that widespread fraud, errors, or glitches occurred in the 2020 and other past U.S. presidential elections," the blog post said. The rest of YouTube's content policies, including the banning of hate speech and harassment, remain in place. YouTube told Axios, which first broke the news, that it would have more information about content moderation for the 2024 election in the coming months. The decision is a reversal of a policy that YouTube put in place in December 2020, following a slew of misinformation about that year's election. Many social media companies enacted similar initiatives, though as the years have gone on, YouTube remained one of the last brands with this type of policy. Despite over two years having passed since the election, some expressed concerns that YouTube's removal of this policy could see misinformation rise on the platform. The company's decision also comes as former President Donald Trump continues to falsely claim that he won the 2020 election. "[Youtube's] decided to take the easy way out by giving people like Donald Trump and his enablers free rein to continue to lie without consequence about the 2020 elections," Julie Millican, vice president of the liberal-leaning watchdog Media Matters for America, told NPR. You may also like Is Trump's wall working? Chris Christie: a scandal-plagued presidential hopeful YouTube to stop deleting false claims about 2020 election YouTube logo YouTube will stop removing videos with false claims of fraud in the 2020 presidential election, the social media platform announced on Friday. The move, ahead of the 2024 elections, is a reversal of its policy put in place after the 2020 vote. The company said it has deleted tens of thousands of videos questioning the integrity of past elections, but now "it was time to re-evaluate". The policy goes into effect from 2 June. YouTube and other social media platforms have faced intense pressure since the 2016 elections to safeguard against political misinformation. The Google-owned platform says the new policy is being put into place because of today's changed landscape. "In the current environment, we find that while removing this content does curb some misinformation, it could also have the unintended effect of curtailing political speech without meaningfully reducing the risk of violence or other real-world harm," the company said in a statement. YouTube said it would continue to tweak its policies in advance of the 2024 election, but did not provide specifics about what led to the policy change. The BBC has contacted the company for comment. The company added that it will continue to enforce other election misinformation policies - for instance, videos that include misleading instructions on where or how to vote. The election fraud policy was enacted in December 2020 and led to the deletion of a video posted by Donald Trump on 6 January 2021 telling protesters to leave the US Capitol. That video fell afoul because Trump also repeated his false claims of widespread fraud. "This was a fraudulent election, but we can't play into the hands of these people," Trump said in the clip. "We have to have peace. So go home, we love you, you're very special." A video posted by a US congressional committee investigating the Capitol riot was deleted in 2022 because it too contained a clip of Mr Trump repeating election falsehoods. The company lifted restrictions on Mr Trump's YouTube channel - which has more than 2.7 million subscribers - in March of this year. Since then, the former president has posted around 20 short clips in support of his campaign. FILE PHOTO: Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy at a meeting of the European Political Community in Bulboaca KYIV (Reuters) - Ukraine is ready to launch its long-awaited counteroffensive to recapture Russian-occupied territory, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said in an interview published on Saturday. "We strongly believe that we will succeed, Zelenskiy told the Wall Street Journal. "I dont know how long it will take. To be honest, it can go a variety of ways, completely different. But we are going to do it, and we are ready." Kyiv hopes a counteroffensive to reclaim territory will change the dynamics of the war that has raged since Russia invaded its smaller neighbour 15 months ago. Zelenskiy said last month Ukraine needed to wait for more Western armoured vehicles arrived before launching the counteroffensive. He has been on a diplomatic push to maintain Western support, seeking more military aid and weapons, which is key for Ukraine to succeed in its plans. Russia holds swaths of Ukrainian territory in the east, south and southeast. A long spell of dry weather in some parts of Ukraine has driven anticipation that the counteroffensive might be imminent. Over the past several weeks Ukraine has increased it strikes on Russian ammunition depots and logistical routes. On Saturday Ukraine's military said in a daily report that Mariinka in the Donetsk region in the east was the focus of fighting. Ukrainian forces repelled all 14 Russian troops' attacks there, the report said. (Reporting by Olena Harmash; Editing by William Mallard) Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine, has called on fellow Ukrainians to thank the Ukrainian military personally. Source: Zelenskyy's evening address Quote: "And I ask you all: please do not forget to thank our soldiers personally. Those whom you know personally. Those whom you may just follow on social networks. Those you have simply heard about and can tell other Ukrainians, our people. Gratitude is always important, and it is important to hear that you are grateful when you fight like this for your people." Details: In his address, Zelenskyy thanked specific soldiers. Among them is soldier Yaroslav Kan, a paratrooper. "He fought in the hottest spots of the front. Bilohorivka, the defence of Lysychansk, the defence of Soledar. Battles for Svatove, Kreminna, Bakhmut... Four wounds! Now he is undergoing treatment, recovering. And he is ready to return to the front again. This is extraordinary human fortitude! Thank you, Yaroslav!" the president said. He also thanked Staff Sergeant Yevhen Kepsha, an anti-tank missile system platoon commander. "Battles for Bakhmut. A Stuhna anti-tank guided missile. Very accurate, very brave. Together with the boys, together with comrades from their group very good results in destroying the occupiers. Thank you for this, Yevhen!", he noted. Zelenskyy also mentioned Staff Sergeant Maksym Kuzmenko and Junior Sergeant Anton Andriushchenko, soldiers of the 110th Separate Mechanised Brigade, who took part in very tough battles on the Avdiivka front, for "such a necessary result for Ukraine in defence of our positions." "I have already thanked our soldiers from the 55th Zaporizhzhia Sich Artillery Brigade many times. The guys are all great. They fight powerfully, and very efficiently. And today, I would like to specifically mention the artillery battery commanded by Captain Mykola Nosach. Avdiivka front. Very skilful in cutting off Russian assaults. Just what we need. Thank you, Mykola! It's great to see reports of your accuracy," the president said. He also thanked the soldiers of the 128th Separate Mountain Assault Transcarpathian Brigade for the effective work of their artillery. Among them are division commander Lieutenant Colonel Oleksandr Hladysh; battery commander Captain Rostyslav Kmet; platoon commander Senior Lieutenant Oleksandr Shytikov; gun commander, Junior Sergeant Oleksandr Kryshtapiuk, and Private First Class Yaroslav Niul. Zelenskyy also thanked the 1st Marine Battalion of the 35th Separate Marine Brigade, named after Rear Admiral Mykhailo Ostrohradskyi. "And the defenders of our skies, such as soldier Anatolii Pavlenko, a National Guardsman. The Bureviy anti-aircraft missile division. A guy who knows how to shoot down Russian missiles with pinpoint accuracy and with the help of a simple Igla man-portable air-defence system. Thank you for this accuracy!", he said. Zelenskyy also mentioned Staff Sergeant Viktor Sidnev, the senior officer of one of the manoeuvre groups that are working to protect Kyiv. "Excellent coordination of actions, excellent combat skills. And there is a result: fewer of the occupiers' missiles. Thank you!", the president said. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! Zelenskyy doubts that Trump would really be able to stop Russian aggression In such a situation, when support is in place, you fear changes. Ill tell you honestly, when you talk about a change in administration... How do I feel about it? Like any person. You want change for the better, but it can be different, explained the head of state. Regarding Trumps statements claiming that he could stop Russias aggression against Ukraine within a day, Zelenskyy stated that the former US president had the opportunity to halt Russian aggression but failed to take any action. Read also: Zelenskyy meets with Trump-era top diplomat Mike Pompeo and U.S. business leaders Of course, we want to end the war as soon as possible. It is not related to the administration (of the US president). Whether it remains the same or changes. President Biden is the president during a full-scale war, and he has helped us more than President Trump. If we talk about the administration, said Zelenskyy. However, we must understand that there was no full-scale war at that time. I dont know how Trump would have acted. I dont understand why Donald Trump said, I would have seated Putin and Zelenskyy (at the negotiating table) within 24 hours and ended the war. Well, he could have done that when he was (the US president). But it didnt happen. Read also: US will help Ukraine implement 'Peace Formula', White House says Yes, the issue was not as acute at that time because there was no full-scale invasion, if we analyze it. However, our territories were nevertheless occupied, emphasized the Ukrainian leader. Former President Donald Trump was impeached by the U.S. Congress for withholding military aid to Ukraine in an effort to force President Zelenskyy to open a criminal investigation into his political rival current U.S. President Joe Biden. 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 Zelenskyy is ready to fly to Latin America to meet with presidents President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has told the leaders of Latin American countries that he is willing to fly there to meet with them. Source: Zelenskyy in an interview with Latin American media Quote from Zelenskyy: "It is very difficult for me to do this in wartime. But I am prepared to do it. I have asked, believe me, Ive asked almost every country: let's have a meeting with the leaders of your continent. Im prepared to fly there; I want to communicate with them. Your people and your society trust their leaders. And if I talk to you and spend time with you, we will see who Putin is in detail and that he is not that great. His time has passed. And our nations should be friends and develop. Let us tell you what is happening. If you don't have the opportunity to come to us, that's okay. I don't have a crown, and I'm a very unassuming person; I'll come to you. Let's talk together about our steps going forward." Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! Zelenskyy says Ukraine is ready for its counteroffensive but warns that 'a large number of soldiers will die' Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky. Alexey Furman/Getty Images President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told the WSJ that Ukraine is ready for its counteroffensive. But he warned that Russian air superiority would exact a heavy toll on Ukrainian soldiers. Zelenskyy said he would like to wait for more support from allies but isn't willing to wait "for months." Ukraine's long-awaited counteroffensive may be near. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told The Wall Street Journal that his country was ready to start re-taking territory from the Russians. "We strongly believe that we will succeed," he told the outlet. Zelenskyy, who has been campaigning for his allies to provide Ukraine with more weapons including fighter jets said he wasn't willing to wait any longer. He then warned that Russia's air superiority would mean heavy losses for Ukraine's troops. He told the WSJ that he expects that "a large number of soldiers will die." Russia first invaded Ukraine in February 2022. It quickly took large swaths of the country's eastern territory. But its advances have stalled in the last year. Russian forces were soon bogged down in their effort to take the key eastern city of Bakhmut. Ukraine made it a point to try and hold the city, pouring resources into the effort. That gamble by Ukraine has appeared to pay off. Russia's military far outmatches Ukraine's. But much of the Russian military equipment is outdated, and soldiers have complained of equipment shortages. Russia has used decades-old tanks and soldiers have said they are relying on Soviet-era gear. As setbacks mounted for Russia in Bakhmut, the infamous Wagner Group, a Russian mercenary organization, stepped into the fray. It recruited thousands of Russian prisoners, exchanging their freedom for fighting on the frontlines. The arrival of Wagner in Bakhmut created tensions among the various factions of Russian forces. It's in this context that Ukraine, which has been collecting weapons from its allies for months, will mount its much-anticipated counteroffensive. Zelenskyy said Ukraine's forces were "stronger and more motivated" than the Russians. "There is no place for weakness," he told the outlet. Read the original article on Business Insider Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine, has said that if Russia wants a "diplomatic direction" in settlement of the war in Ukraine, it should withdraw its troops from the occupied territories without waiting for Ukraine to liberate them by force. Source: Zelenskyy in an interview with Latin American media Quote: "If Russia wants [to take] a diplomatic direction, they should get out before we have a lot of people killed, and we push them out by force. I think that's a big difference. Yes, the result is the same, on the one hand. [But] I don't think so. I believe that we are liberating our territories. And it is very important for me how to lose people or to reduce losses. And then, again, it depends on whether we are ready for any dialogue." Details: Zelenskyy emphasised that whether Ukraine de-occupies its territory by military means or not depends only on Russia. Quote: "Today, our partners see this. And even those sceptical countries, for example, Germany, Chancellor Scholz, openly says: "I believe that there is nothing to talk about with Russia until it leaves the [Ukrainian] territory." Pay attention, not until Ukraine liberates [it], but until Russia leaves, because that makes sense to me. If you want to talk to me and the civilised world, you should not wait for them to knock you out by force. And they will. Because [by] knocking [them] out by force and [using] the army, we lose people. Time is not an issue let it be, we do not get tired for the sake of victory. If we knock them out by force, then when we push them out of our territory, what should they talk to us about? What is the point of talking? I think that then, Russia will look for other leaders who will be able to find an approach to the entire civilised world, to find an opportunity for some people to sit down with them to talk about something, because after what they have done, no one is ready to have a dialogue with them. [Again, that's] if we knock [them] out with force, that's why there's such a big difference." More details: Zelenskyy expressed confidence that "any other leadership of the Russian Federation will look for a way out of this situation" and even Russian society "already understands that the issue of their internal explosion is a matter of time." The President called the statement of the Russian leadership that if Russia loses this war, there will be no war, a substitution of facts and concepts. "If we fight to the end and push them out by force, they will definitely not be in the form in which they are now. Because they will experience a social explosion, and they will lose the state, and respect, and a place at the diplomatic table, and the army, [they'll] lose everything. There will be more than one revolution within them. Because the [Russian] territory is large, and different people, different nations live there. That's why there will be a lot of things [happening]," Zelenskyy said. According to him, there is no easy way out for the leadership of the Russian Federation today because they are murderers. "But with the least tangible losses, they can find a diplomatic way out of the situation. This means to start leaving our territory without bullets, explosions, or missiles," he said. Previously: Russian Presidential Press Secretary, Dmitry Peskov, has said that Vladimir Putin was open to proposals that would enable the Russian Federation to achieve its goals by means other than the war against Ukraine. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron! A Vinton man has pleaded guilty to charges related to the 2022 death of his infant son. Jordan Cody Scheffler, 21, is charged with second-degree murder and felony child neglect, and pleaded guilty to both charges in Bedford Circuit Court on Friday. Bedford County Commonwealths Attorney Wes Nance told Judge James Updike Jr. Schefflers 2-month-old son was living with his parents and extended family on Saunders Road in the Vinton area of Bedford County at the time of his death. The childs mother left him in Schefflers care on the night of May 16, 2022, Nance said. When she returned home from work the next morning, she saw the child in his bassinet and thought he was asleep, and went to sleep herself. The Bedford County Sheriffs Office responded the next morning to a call about an infant who wasnt breathing, and deputies unsuccessfully tried to resuscitate the child. Nance said the Sheriffs Office began an investigation into the incident, finding the child had suffered multiple injuries, including a broken rib, broken collarbone and blunt force trauma injuries to the head, which were the cause of death. Nance said Schefflet provided inconsistent statements to law enforcement about his sons death, first saying that while playing aggressive airplane with the child, hed accidentally hit the infants head against the wall twice. The sheriffs office found Schefflets statements inconsistent with the childs injuries, and when questioned again the defendant admitted to striking the childs head against the wall two to four times out of frustration, Nance told the court. A sentencing hearing is set for Oct. 10 at 1:30 p.m. in Bedford Circuit Court. Hello from SOLAS, and welcome to the next chapter of cats, cats, kittens! This week, we have a pile of adorableness for you. Lets start right away with Chuckie and Grayson. Here is how they would like to introduce themselves: Hi, we are Chuckie (Chuck) and Grayson, two 9-month old domestic long hair Russian Blue mix. I (Grayson) am the calmer of the two. Just sit me in front of a window and Im good as gold. You can come visit me anytime you like, pet me, kiss me, whatever, but please dont rub my belly, because Im quite ticklish. Other than that, Im sweet as can be. My brother Chuck is a lot shyer and will need some extra attention. We would love to be adopted together and we will need a lowkey home with no young kids, and a human who will continue to help us trust the world. Temptation cat treats helps trust me! Well be shy at first, however we are still young and have the potential to be the best darn lap cats youve ever had! Next we have the sweet family of Mani, Nala, Freya and Finn... Hi Im Mani, Im a 1 year old brown tabby, and Im super-duper sweet! My foster mom tells everyone Im a trooper because I came to her house with my (three) 3-month old kittens, and I also helped her nurse (seven) 10-day old kittens, so that they could grow up to be strong and healthy too. Now that the little ones are getting really rowdy in our one room abode, I really am looking to move out and find a place of my own. Finn (M), Freya (F), and Nala (F) are my fur children, and they will be ready to adopt on June 3, if you are looking to adopt me and/or one of my kittens. Kitties thrive in pairs to chase away each others boredom! Last this week, we have a very special little girl named C.J. She has been in foster care for six weeks and started out full of fear and anger, especially at other cats and dogs. Now she tolerates the dogs and has a cat friend! We no longer think she has to be the only pet in the house (although she wouldnt mind it). She can be with other cats, just needs a longer than usual adjustment time. She is playful, ornery and addicted to wet cat food big time. She loves to jump and climb, whether it be a cat tower or your counters, so watch those leftovers! All SOLAS animals are fully vetted and microchipped prior to adoption. Animals are often available for adoption through their foster homes directly or at PetSmart in Council Bluffs most Saturdays. If you have interest in a particular cat, please email or call us. If you want to help, SOLAS always needs volunteer fosters, or you can donate supplies through our (newly updated) Amazon Wish List at tinyurl.com/solaslist or donate via PayPal at paypal.me/solaspetadoption. Contact info@solaspetadoption.org for info on volunteering, adoption or anything else. You may also call us at 402-577-0213. Tim Scott railed against what he described as a culture of grievances perpetuated by Democratic leadership during a lively town hall Friday in Council Bluffs. Scott, a South Carolina senator who announced his candidacy for the Republican presidential nomination last week, spoke for about 45 minutes to a packed back room at Barleys. He talked about growing up in a single-parent household in the South, his faith and his priorities, should he become the next president of the United States. We are the land of opportunity, not the land of oppression, Scott said. My mother had this conviction that if you shot for the moon, even if you missed, you could be among the stars. Scott was ready and willing to interact with the crowd, hugging and sitting down with members of the audience as he spoke. Raucous laughter followed every joke he made. However, Scott deferred answering a question from the Nonpareil and left without responding. In his remarks, Scott said that, if elected, he would expand border security, including finishing former President Donald Trumps border wall. He said he would stop selling farmland to the Chinese government, and he would seek to make the country energy independent, beginning by finishing the Keystone XL Pipeline. The senator also said that a key step in reducing the United States carbon footprint would be to pursue nuclear energy as an alternative to fossil fuels, which drew a hearty round of applause from attendees. Scott differentiated himself from Trump with what he characterized as a positive vision for the nation. People are starving for a message of hope and optimism, Scott said. What they wont allow is for a hopeful, optimistic message to lack conservative principles or a backbone. I got both. The senator briefly discussed foreign policy, saying he was in favor of funding Ukraine and the United States allies in NATO, so long as it didnt involve putting boots on the ground. He added the caveat that it wouldnt include unchecked resources being sent to the Ukrainian military. Scott was introduced by U.S. Rep Randy Feenstra, a fellow Iowa Republican, who said that Scott is one of the most conservative members of the U.S. Senate, and hes a social and fiscal conservative, and he works at it every single day. Narratives about Scotts faith and hardscrabble roots a Black man raised by a single mother who worked 16-hour days as a nurses assistant have become a bedrock of his political identity and a focus of his campaign. Scott, the only Black Republican senator and the first Black Republican elected to Congress from the Deep South since Reconstruction, rejects the notion that the country is inherently racist. He has routinely repudiated the teaching of critical race theory the besieged academic framework that centers on the idea that racism is systemic in the nations institutions. The senator encouraged Americans to take responsibility for yourself and reject todays cultural victimhood. He said Republicans have to decide between grievance or greatness. Scotts campaign is set to heavily court Iowas influential evangelical voters and lean into his conservative Christian identity. Scott has said he would sign the most conservative, pro-life legislation that could pass Congress. Scott also praised Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds for recently signing a school choice bill, which takes funding out of public schools and places it into schools of the parents choice, depending on where their child goes to school. She passed transformative school choice legislation, giving more parents a choice, and it gives every child a chance to succeed in this state, Scott said. Scott said he would expand school choice nationwide. It has so far been a state-by-state issue. Scott promised to not cut Social Security or Medicare, saying he would attempt to decrease costs by aggressively pursuing preventative measures to avoid more expensive intervention down the line. There are people who need diabetic special stockings that we wont pay for, but well pay for an amputation, Scott said. $10 for the stocking, $10,000 for the amputation. Scott closed the event by discussing mental health and how he would address it as president. One thing you dont hear anywhere, it seems like, is that the gun violence weve seen 60% are suicides, Scott said. We have fewer mental health beds and spaces than we did in the 1980s. We are in the midst of a mental health crisis. I commit to you, as your president, I will put the resources and experts in the field to destroy this myth that America wont care about those who need mental health assistance. He also emphasized a need for expanded telehealth opportunities, specifically in rural areas, for which he has introduced legislation in the Senate already. King Mohammed VI, Commander of the Faithful, has called on Moroccan pilgrims to be ambassadors of their homeland, its ancient civilization and identity, based on the values of openness and tolerance. Be the ambassadors of your religion, showing Islamic brotherhood and moderation in belief and conduct, and rejecting all signs of radicalism, extremism or any cause of discord or strife, said the Sovereign in a message addressed Friday to the first group of Moroccan pilgrims heading to the Holy Places of Islam for the pilgrimage of the year 1444 A.H. In the royal message, read out by Minister of Habous & Islamic Affairs Ahmed Toufiq, the King urged pilgrims to show piety as there is no better provision for this journey than devoutness. The Sovereign called on Moroccan pilgrims to show exemplary morality during this grandiose gathering, where Muslims are obliged to bear in mind two fundamental and complementary truths: their proclamation of faith in the Oneness of God the Most High, and their desire to illustrate their unity and unanimous adherence to Gods unshakeable Law. In Islam, pilgrimage symbolizes the equality of the faithful who, on the occasion of the Hajj, find themselves gathered in a single place: the Sacred Kaaba, Mina and Arafat, wearing the same emblematic cloth of Ihram (the solemn entry into the sacred universe of the Hajj) and blending in with one another without any distinction of title or status, said the King. He reminded pilgrims that their stay in the Holy Places requires the utmost discipline and the sincerest observance of the obligations and canonical rules of pilgrimage. The Sovereign said he is certain that pilgrims have duly prepared for this spiritual journey and urged them to devote all their time to invoking God and imploring His forgiveness, multiplying acts of devotion to enter into the Lords good graces, while avoiding all kinds of trivialities and transgressive behavior. Therefore, do make sure honorable pilgrims to perform your rituals in compliance with the teachings of your religion. Remember to praise and glorify Almighty God, with sincere reverence for Him, so that you may achieve the ultimate goal of pilgrimage, which is to obtain forgiveness and the utmost reward promised by the Almighty, as indicated by Prophet Muhammad may peace and blessings be upon Him, said the Sovereign. He urged pilgrims to comply strictly with the measures taken by Saudi authorities to ensure best conditions for the guests of the Almighty. The goal is to make sure that the Hajj season takes place in a climate of discipline, security, and safety in accordance with the instructions given by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman Bin Abdulaziz, said the royal message. Under-Secretary-General of the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism Vladimir Voronkov has praised Moroccos support to UNOCT, expressing gratitude to the North African Kingdom for hosting the 2nd High-Level Meeting of Heads of Counter-Terrorism & Security Agencies from Africa, Marrakesh Platform. In his opening remarks of the three-day event taking place in Tangier, Mr. Voronkov stressed the importance of the Marrakech forum in strengthening multilateral cooperation in Africa and building a stronger and more cohesive regional response to terrorist threat. Last June, UNOCT opened Rabat Program Office and Training Center for Counter Terrorism in Africa. I am very proud to say that since its opening, the Rabat Office has already conducted important capacity-building activities together with our partners from Morocco, said the UN official, citing in this regard the specialized training curriculum on counter terrorism investigations. I am happy to see the Marrakesh Platform evolving with a growing level of participation and welcome the opportunity to once again have an open discussion with national stakeholders about the strategies and approaches to reinforce regional cooperation on counter-terrorism issues, added the Under Secretary General of UNOCT. The meeting provides an opportunity to address common challenges to interagency cooperation, share good practices for intelligence-led strategic decision-making, and strengthen national intelligence-led approaches to counter- terrorism, said Mr. Voronkov. Furthermore, UNOCT staff members from the Counterterrorism Investigations Program, Kidnap for Ransom Project, and the Global Fusion Cells Program now also operate out of Rabat, ensuring their close proximity to African Member States, and facilitating more tailored and effective delivery, some of which is reflected in a newly produced training catalogue that highlights UNOCTs recent efforts in Africa which remains a priority, said the UN official. According to the 2023 Global Terrorism Index report, the Sahel region is severely affected by terrorism, accounting for more terrorism deaths in 2022 than both South Asia and the Middle East & North Africa combined. Sub-Saharan Africa now accounts for sixty per cent of all terrorism deaths globally. Addressing the gathering, Moroccan foreign minister Nasser Bourita said Africa is the only continent wherein ISIS and Al-Qaeda groups are active, noting that there are 19 armed separatist groups operating in 22 African countries. No State can effectively address alone terrorist threat, said the minister, stressing the need for African countries to strengthen their cooperation and partnership to counter terrorism. Morocco believes in multilateral actions in the fight against terrorism, affirmed Mr. Bourita, voicing the countrys readiness to help African countries and contribute to multilateral efforts in this field. The Minister sounded the alarm against the danger of the nexus between the separatist and terrorist groups which continue to threaten national sovereignty of many countries, saying that terrorists are expanding their activities from the Sahel region toward coastal countries in West Africa. We cannot afford to overlook this threat, said Mr. Bourita, calling for coordinated urgent action against extremist groups. US First lady Jill Biden has arrived Friday in Egypt, second stop on a week-long, four-country tour in the region that reaffirms the commitment of the USA to strengthening partnerships and advancing shared priorities in the region. In Egypt, Jill Biden, according to the US embassy, will meet with women and youth and highlight US investments aimed at supporting education initiatives and increasing economic opportunities. She is also expected to continue to build on her work to empower young people, the mission also indicated. This is the first time for Jill Biden to visit Egypt and the Middle East as the US First Lady. She started her regional tour in Jordan where she attended the wedding of Jordanian Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah on Thursday. After Egypt, Jill Biden will head to Morocco and subsequently to Portugal. The Algerian girlfriend of Head of Qatari Al Jazeera channel is behind the vindictive dismissal of Moroccan presenter Abdessamad Nasser for a tweet defending Moroccan womens honor tarnished by a smear campaign launched by Algerian state media, officials and hired influencers. The channels decision sparked an outcry because the tweet was posted on his personal account and has nothing to do with Al Jazeera social media platforms. Moroccan Press Union expressed solidarity with Abdessamad Nasser, saying Al Jazeeras decision undermines its credibility and violates the press freedom. The TV channels managing director had ordered the Moroccan anchor to remove his tweet or smooth it down to avoid Algerian States ire but Nasser refused to back down. He responded that it is a matter of freedom of expression and opinion and has nothing to do with Al Jazeera. Several Algerian journalists of the channel have posted anti-Moroccan tweets without being bothered or held accountable, leaving everyone scratching their heads in disbelief. The Moroccan press union has defended the right of journalist Abdessamad Nasser to express his opinions outside the media platforms of his employer, blaming the Algerian pressure and lobby inside the channel for abusive politically-motivated decision, exposing the channels double-standard and hypocrisy. In the same vein, the National Association of Media and Publishers (ANME) said that according to the information available to it, immediately after receiving the arbitrary dismissal decision, it appeared that the management of Al Jazeera, or at least the entity behind the decision, has adopted the worst approach in managing the relationship of its journalists with social networks, which allow journalists to express their point of view on professional issues, respect and the right to respond to and defend the vital interests of the country to which they belong, without undermining the editorial line of the media in which they work, and respecting professional ethics. The Association deemed that it has not been proven that this respectful journalist has crossed the limits of decency, even in the worst situations where some members of the Al Jazeera channel and its subsidiaries specializing in sport have uttered the most abject insults and humiliations towards the Moroccan people, their men, women and institutions (including the royal institution) and their sacred territorial unit. ANME also criticized the management of Al Jazeera in its treatment of what other journalists belonging to the Algerian neighbor publish, considering that the decision taken against journalist Nasser is hasty, arbitrary, and a stain on the front of this channel, which enjoys great respect from the Moroccan people, as well as bonds of brotherhood, friendship, cooperation and solidarity with the country from which it emanates. Regardless of the circumstances, the Association confirms that the Qatari channel erred against colleague Nasser with this biased decision that does not respect the rules of respect and decency, nor professional standards, nor respect for others opinions that this channel brandishes as a slogan. In this regard, the Association announced its absolute and unconditional solidarity with Abdessamed Nasser, expressing the determination of all its members not to limit themselves to simple condemnation, but to fight against this infamous and unjust decision by all means available, legal instruments, both national and international. The association stressed that attacking any colleague in any channel or media, in Morocco or abroad, is equivalent to attacking the entire journalistic body. It calls for an urgent meeting of its bodies to take decisive action in the next stages of the protest, exposing the conspiracies being hatched in secret against Moroccos interests through its journalists. The First Lady of the United States, Jill Biden, arrived in Marrakech this Saturday afternoon for a visit to Morocco, part of a tour that already took her to Jordan and Egypt. Upon her arrival at Marrakech-Menara Airport, Jill Biden was welcomed by Princess Lalla Hasnaa, King Mohammed VIs sister. The US First Lady, who is accompanied on this visit by her daughter Ashley Biden and her sister Bobby Jacobs, will meet with women and youth focusing on U.S. investments that help support education programs and efforts to increase economic opportunity. As her spokesperson tweeted on the eve of this trip With her visit to the Middle East and North Africa, the First Lady will continue to build on her work to empower young people, and reaffirm our commitment to strengthen our partnerships and advance our shared priorities in the region. The first lady believes that supporting young people around the world is essential to our shared future, with education, health and empowerment at the heart of it, her spokeswoman, Vanessa Valdivia, said, adding that the first lady will also promote the empowerment of women. Visitors are again enjoying the sight of Smith Falls, Nebraskas tallest waterfall. The waterfall at Smith Falls State Park, and the newly constructed 500-foot boardwalk to it, reopened May 26 with only finishing touches remaining in the process, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission said in a press release. The waterfall, which has long been popular for the thousands of people floating on the Niobrara River each summer, closed September 2022 for replacement of the aging wooden boardwalk. The new boardwalk is constructed of composite decking on a steel frame with aluminum handrails, and is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. New benches provide places for visitors to rest and a platform over the stream has been added midway up the walkway to allow for viewing of the falls from a scenic vantage. Visitors may still access the bottom of the 63-foot waterfall from steps at the boardwalks south end. The project largely was funded by Capital Maintenance Funds, which were established by the Nebraska Legislature in 2016 to help preserve Nebraskas public outdoor recreation facilities and parklands; state and federal funding sources; and Nebraska Game and Parks funds generated from user fees of the state park system. Also reopened to the public is the adjacent 1.5-mile Jim MacAllister Nature Trail. Smith Falls State Park, a 19-mile drive from Valentine, offers non-electric campsites, picnic tables, pay showers and a visitors center with concessions. The waterfall is accessible to pedestrians by the historic Verdigre Bridge that crosses the Niobrara River. A Nebraska State Park Entry Permit is required for vehicles that enter the park. On a peaceful sunny afternoon on Birdwood Lake, Ryan Kelly of the North Platte Plainsmen landed a three-pound swamp donkey. He fought pretty good, just barely landed him. He put up a good fight. He was struggling to let me get the hook out because the hook set up pretty good. He bent my hook as well. Pretty big fish, he said. Whats a swamp donkey? That would be a good size bass, Kelly said. Other names he uses for big fish are tank or hog. Its a lot of lingo depending on where youre from, like in the Midwest, thats mostly what it is. In other areas they call it different things, he said. At least in Illinois, Kelly says, they call them swamp donkeys. Many members of the Plainsmen at the lake enjoying the Community Fishing Event, hosted by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. Members of the public were encouraged to attend. For the anglers on Birdwood Lake Friday, the main term used for a big fish was hog, but they also used terms like donkey, monster, 10-incher, big-momma and mammoth. Major Maydon said he called his biggest ever catch Big Bertha. That was a 62-pound channel catfish he caught in Lake Lyndon B. Johnson in Texas three summers ago. Theres fish bigger out there than that. Theres been 130-pound cats out there recorded so Id like to catch those instead. Those are double the weight so thats what Im going to go after for the rest of the summer when I go back home, Maydon said. To see other community fishing events around the state, go to outdoornebraska.gov/about/press-events/news/2023-community-fishing-events. A Lexington man fled law enforcement through three counties before authorities apprehended him at his home. Jesus Torres, 42, of Lexington was arrested on suspicion of felony flight to avoid arrest, possession of a controlled substance, misdemeanor willful reckless driving, resisting arrest and obstructing a peace officer. According to a press release from the Nebraska State Patrol, troopers were informed by the Logan County Sheriffs Office was in pursuit of a vehicle that fled an attempted traffic stop around 9:15 a.m. Torres was driving a Chevrolet Silverado southbound on U.S. Highway 83 at a high rate of speed, occasionally driving in the north lane at times. The Logan County deputy discontinued the pursuit at the Lincoln County line. Lincoln County Sheriffs deputies and North Platte Police officers picked up the pursuit north of North Platte, but broke the chase off out of concern for public safety after the vehicle entered North Platte at high speeds. About 10 a.m., a trooper saw Torress Silverado and attempted a traffic stop at mile marker 220 on Interstate 80. Torres fled with the trooper in pursuit and Dawson County Sheriffs joined. Torres exited I-80 at mile marker 231, turned east on U.S. Highway 30 and continued to Lexington. The pursuit ended after Torres entered Lexington. NSP dispatch queried and confirmed Torress residence associated with his vehicle registration. NSP Troopers, Dawson County Deputies and Lexington Police responded to his address, discovering the Silverado in his driveway. Torres exited his house and attempted to flee, but was caught. He was lodged in Dawson County Jail. Attendees raise their hands as they worship inside the tent during the ReAwaken America tour at Cornerstone Church, in Batavia, N.Y., on August 12, 2022. Photo: AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster/AP Everyone covering Republican presidential politics knows how important a force conservative Evangelical Christians are in that party, particularly in such crucial precincts as the first-in-the-nation Iowa caucuses. So it has become routine to examine GOP politicians for their adherence to various issue positions of presumed significance to these voters, and to their pulpit-based leaders, who collectively used to be known as the Christian right. Thats still well worth doing at a time when the culture-war issues so closely associated with religious conservatives are red-hot topics in American politics, and of great importance to many of the most likely voters in the Republican presidential primaries. Clearly, Ron DeSantis, Mike Pence, and Tim Scott are particularly focused on letting conservative Evangelicals know how committed they are to the battle against legalized abortion, LGBTQ rights, woke corporations, and government impingements on religious liberty. These candidates are intensely determined to prove they are more faithful to the agenda of the Christian right than their front-running rival Donald Trump. But there are two major problems with any sort of by-the-numbers effort to flip conservative Evangelicals against Trump. First, these voters have an abiding sense of gratitude for what Trump has already done for them. Second, Trump himself is deeply tied to the religious views of a growing subset of Christian Evangelicals. As the 45th president frequently reminds conservative Christian audiences, he was the first Republican president to redeem decades of promises to secure the reversal of Roe v. Wade and the abolition of federal constitutional abortion rights. And more generally, Trump discarded decades of embarrassed Republican efforts to downplay cultural issues in pursuit of upscale swing voters favoring moderation and compromise on topics that Evangelicals considered matters of eternal and immutable principle. He was firmly the enemy of the enemies of the people in the pews, and smote them hip and thigh unscrupulously. It will take more than a slightly higher rating on the latest set of litmus tests laid out by conservative religious leaders for mere politicians to match the founder of the MAGA movement in the esteem of voters who really do want to turn back the clock to a greater America. The second element of Trumps Evangelical primary firewall is the significant and rapidly growing subset of American Evangelicals whose view of politics and its relationship to religion cannot be captured by mere policy issues. Trump plays a larger-than-life role in a supernatural drama of good and evil that many of these believers embrace via the teachings of a new set of prophetic teachers and preachers, as religious scholar Matthew Taylor explains: Trumps most ardent Christian advocates are nondenominational Charismatic evangelicals, a group sometimes referred to by academics as Independent Charismatics or Independent Network Charismatic Christians. Independent Charismatics emphasize a modern, supernaturally driven worldview where contemporary prophets speak directly for God; miracles are everyday experiences; menacing demonic forces must be pushed back through prayer; and immersive, ecstatic worship experiences bolster Christian believers confidence that they are at the center of Gods work in the world. These believers are country cousins to the more denominationally aligned Pentecostal evangelicals, though the lack of denominational oversight and the freewheeling nature of the independent Charismatic sector leaves them more vulnerable to radicalization. Many Independent Charismatics have been radicalized by the passions unleashed by Trump and the conflicts he has engendered. Cultural warfare is for them spiritual warfare in which Trump is literally an agent of the divine will. Independent Charismatics are notably active in Trump-adjacent groups like the ReAwaken America Tour, in which pardoned former Trump lieutenants Roger Stone and Michael Flynn have been conspicuous participants, and a newer group called Pastors for Trump. The 45th president is an irreplaceable and heroic figure in the apocalyptic cosmologies of such groups, who arent about to replace him with some other Republican politician, no matter what more orthodox Evangelicals say or think. Specific political issues are very small in their reckoning of Gods destiny for America. So within the legions of conservative Evangelicals engaged in American politics, Trump has charismatic shock troops whom he can count on to stick with him as though their lives indeed, their souls depend on it. If you add in the Evangelicals who uniquely trust Trump for keeping his promises to them and are grateful for his reshaping of the U.S. Supreme Court to make it a powerful allied force, you can see why hes not as vulnerable to raids on this base of support as you might imagine from the boasts of his rivals that they are nearer to God than he is. The fact that that is his death video is making me sick. I shouldnt have gone online tonight. Reply Thread Link PK stands for player knock-out, the challenges involve one-on-one battles in which influencers compete with each other to win rewards, money and gifts from viewers, and involve punishments for the loser, in this case, drinking Baijiu. Whoa. Reply Thread Link JFC Why? I mean... I want to fucking throat punch people. And I don't want to be that annoying person that says "if so-and-so jumped off a bridge, would you?' but holy fuck. Don't be doing shit that can kill you because someone double dog dared you for likes and shit. Reply Parent Thread Link this era's gladiators :/ Reply Parent Thread Link Clout is one hell of a drug. Reply Parent Thread Link wow that's tragic. i studied chinese in college and one of my professors recommended we just stay away from baijiu completely if we went to china. i went for a summer and a bunch of my classmates bought bottles and did shots of it but i always declined. in retrospect i'm not even sure if it's significantly stronger than the average liquor, but i just didn't really want to get sick drunk while i was there anyway Reply Thread Link It is - Ive had to drink it as part of corporate drinks and its the strongest drink Ive had. Thankfully I was always somewhat spared by colleagues / clients as a thinner woman (they usually accept its too much for me whereas it would be harder for a guy cos its viewed as rude not to drink) Reply Parent Thread Link I personally find the taste nasty, so in my humble opinion you were right to stay away. But the bigger threat is probably, as stillingfleet mentioned, that it's part of (corporate) drinking culture, and once you accept one shot you're pressured to keep drinking. The alcohol content is basically like vodka. Reply Parent Thread Link I studied abroad in Beijing when I was 20 and had very little experience drinking. I managed to get away with only having a little bit, but some of my classmates got absolutely wasted on the stuff. It can be gnarly. The student dorms we were staying in had a live-in dorm mother and she'd lock the doors at 10 PM. If you came in later you'd have to ring the bell to wake her up and open the door. A guy I knew got super drunk by taking baijiu shots and hitting the bars in Wudaokou for more cheap drinks. When he came back, he decided to climb up the building to try and get inside through the 2nd floor balcony rather than wake up the dorm mother. Unsurprisingly, he fell and hurt his leg (he's lucky he didn't get hurt worse) when he landed. And of course, the noise of that woke up the dorm mother. That was a good lesson for all of us to be careful around baijiu. Reply Parent Thread Link Regular vodka is around 37-40%, this being at 60% is like Everclear Reply Parent Thread Link I did stupid shit with alcohol for a long time, it a wonder I am alive today. May he rest in peace. Reply Thread Link same idk how i'm alive. im just glad we can find ways to get that shit under control Reply Parent Thread Link it's nearly been a decade since I "quit" drinking... but yes. I did some really dumb fucking shit with alcohol. Reply Parent Thread Link I remember a teen drank a lot of caffeine a few years ago and ended up passing away cause it was too much for his system. Edited at 2023-06-02 10:55 pm (UTC) Reply Thread Link Jesus. If you've had so much you start shaking it's time to stop. Been there & it's kinda scary. Reply Parent Thread Link People also don't know you can die from drinking too much water, but you can. You should never drink more than 20 ounces per hour. Your body can't handle it. https://www.healthline.com/health/how-much-water-can-kill-you#causes Horrible. It seems like a lot of people have never heard of alcohol poisoning. It's a thing. If you drink too much, you can die, it's not complicated.People also don't know you can die from drinking too much water, but you can. You should never drink more than 20 ounces per hour. Your body can't handle it. Reply Thread Link There are so many things you can 'overdose' on that people think can't possibly hurt you, like water, vitamins, etc. I remember when I had way too much caffeine and I thought I was going to have a fucking heart attack. I can't even imagine attempting to drink that much liquor. I can barely get through a couple glasses of wine now and liquor at the bare minimum. Reply Parent Thread Link Yeah, I remember there being a radio contest that consisted of drinking huge amounts of water and one of the contestants died, basically overdosing on water. Reply Parent Thread Link Where are you getting the 20 ounces figure? That seems very low. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna16614865 Yep, I remember a local woman died when she participated in a water-drinking radio contest to win a wii. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Yep everything in excess cause hurt people to the point of fatal in some cases. Reply Parent Thread Link Apparently drinking a bottle of soy sauce can kill ya too. It always floors me that anyone agrees to doing shit like that. Reply Parent Thread Link one time as a kid i drank 1,5 liter bottle of water in 10 minutes just because i wanted to try... i had no idea water overdose was a thing but let me tell you, the nausea I experienced definitely taught me a thing. Reply Parent Thread Link How awful. Reply Thread Link RIP I hate drinking culture Reply Thread Link idgi, i could understand a teen being missinformed and doing this but a 34 year old? he should have known better Reply 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 This seems like suicide to me. I think most people are fucking dumb but this is pushing the limits of believability to me. Reply Thread Link Yeah, I was wondering if this was intentional because there is no way an adult would be unaware of the consequences of drinking that much alcohol. Reply Parent Thread Link jesus fucking christ Reply Thread Link Buzzfeed reported on this I believe. He did the challenge and I think he chose to drink all 4 bottles for some reason so he wasn't even goaded into drinking that much. Condolences to his family, but I felt like this could've been prevented if he stopped at 1. Reply Thread Link I hate that these stupid stunts are called "challenges." Like, how about don't-do-stupid-dangerous-shit-for-clout challenge? Reply Parent Thread Link Natural selection. Reply Thread Link My God, it's horrible. Yoel Roth, who used to run Trust and Safety at Twitter, said there were multiple layers of redundancy to make sure these sorts of things wouldn't appear. He believes Elon Musk's new administration must have "ripped out" those filters as part of their new "free speech" plan. pic.twitter.com/kIudnYTSap Ben Collins (@oneunderscore__) May 12, 2023 Edited at 2023-06-02 10:47 pm (UTC) I first heard about that video after Local Man took off the filters.My God, it's horrible. Reply Thread Link Musk is trash but I wish the reporting on this covered more than just his sloppy leadership. Whats happening in the videos should be the bigger story here. Reply Parent Thread Link So they doxxed them for being AGAINST animal abuse? The people involved in finding that guy from Don't F**k with Cats should turn the tables on them. Reply Thread Link The people who doxxed them are the ones hurting the cats. Reply Parent Thread Link I could understand (not really) being indifferent to the cause, but who is PRO animal abuse? I dont get it. Reply Parent Thread Link Well people who do it are pro I guess ? Reply Parent Thread Link What kind of psychopaths find it fun to torture living creatures? Like regardless of there being protection laws in place or not (though it's shocking there are none) it's giving serial killer behavior Reply Thread Link 100% sociopathic behavior for sure. Reply Parent Thread Link I truly do hope there is a hell for animal abusers to eternally experience the same cruelty they inflicted on helpless creatures. Scum of the earth. Reply Thread Link I can't believe that standing up for animal rights get you doxxed. I hope the stars who got their info leak has support. People who abuses animals are pos Reply Thread Link from what i saw, wang yibo and his agency have no problem suing stalkers, anti fans and even his own fans who spread untrue rumors about him, so I wouldn't be even remotely surprised if those fuckers had a legal letter already coming on their way. Reply Parent Thread Link I hope so and goo for him. I'm all for celebs fighting back against libels and entitled ass fans / anti fans. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link China They Didn't Reply Thread Link I wish I didn't read that video description that's horrifying. I'm hugging my cat closer Reply Thread Link SAME BB Reply Parent Thread Link I really regret clicking on it. Reply Parent Thread Link This is really disturbing. Reply Thread Link When I read Lusi was a part of this I was like, oh god what did her fans do now? but to see it's an entirely different collection of people ... wtf. I'm rather new to the world of Chinese fandom / cdrama, but the fandom on weibo absolutely terrifies me on how leathal they can get. I hope everyone is okay. Reply Thread Link People who abuse animals deserve life imprisonment. Like you have to be such a sick, useless fuck to do that. Also, I don't know much about Chinese celeb gossip, but the impression I get is that the internet needs to leave Wang Yibo alone. Reply Thread Link Ummmm. as an Asian American. WTF Welllll this is gonna be fuel for racists (the content and the people doing the torturing/killing) I dont know what else to say just the written description was horrifying. I need to go hug my Jelly Bean Reply Thread Link And heres Jelly Bean (her 85 lb brother Ty Ty is her bestie and protector. I wish I could sic him on these psychopaths lol he loves cats - cat food, cat beds, he even pees like one ) OHHH MY GOODNESS, thank you bb!!!! I really needed this heheheAnd heres Jelly Bean (her 85 lb brother Ty Ty is her bestie and protector. I wish I could sic him on these psychopaths lol he loves cats - cat food, cat beds, he even pees like one ) Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Wow so is this related to that weekend on Twitter where people said if you typed cat or dog into the search the first suggested search was for abuse videos? And there are people so into abusing animals that theyre doxxing people who dont think its okay to torture animals for fun??? Wtf Edited at 2023-06-02 11:54 pm (UTC) Reply Thread Link Wow people are awful, hope the actress stays safe. Reply Thread Link i love the idea of taking old clothes to a tailor and having them make a new garment out of it Reply Thread Link I really wish that was more affordable and accessible for people than all this fast fashion. Reply Parent Thread Link I sort of lean on my mother to help me do this, as my own sewing skills are not up there yet. I have taken old knits (sweaters/jumpers and cardigans) that have shrunk too tight in the arms and made them into vests and gilets. I really love deadstock, and upcycling, and in general, modifying the clothing I purchase to make it better suited to me (rather than giving it up to never wear again). Reply Parent Thread Link As long as she credits/compensates/celebrates the rightful creator, then Im all for it. Idk, well see how it goes. Sorry to say but I trust no white women in a philanthropic positions these days. Edited at 2023-06-03 06:53 am (UTC) Reply Thread Link As someone who only tries to do the swapping thing and touched her sewing machine for the third time this year: hurray. Reply Thread Link More than 100 million tons of textile waste dead-end in landfills every year. I really wish there were more organisations around that were affordable and focused on recycling textile items. I'm currently having an issue where I want to get rid of old, damaged bags but I don't want to put them in landfill, but there's nothing near me that will let me recycle them. I also wish old bras and undies were easier to recycle, too. (I'm in Sydney, in case anyone knows of places I can drop these things off to!) I've been trying to reduce my footprint and sort my waste properly over the last six months, and it's really shit me how impossible it is to do that with many textile items that are damaged. (I use a service that lets me donate wearable clothes. It's the ones I don't want to donate because the people receiving them deserve better quality that is proving to be impossible!) Sorry, I have a lot of feelings about this LOL. I hope Angelina makes it affordable and accessible for everyone, not just rich people. Reply Thread Link There's Terracycle but it's so expensive. I wish there were more affordable options. Reply Parent Thread Link I just checked them out and if I want to drop off clothing, I have to go to South Australia lmfao. Why isn't this shit available everywhere! You'd think there'd be a huge demand for organisations to deliver these recycling programs. Reply Parent Thread Link https://youtube.com/shorts/F6sQoloUsMs?feature=share South Australia, you say? Reply Parent Thread Link Now you see why I want to avoid going there to drop off my shit! Reply Parent Thread Link I hope this endeavour goes well, because I love the concept of upcycling and I really want to see more fashion that addresses textile waste. There are some newer, emerging designers out there that have based their modus operandi on sustainability, but they don't have the visibility or reach of a name like Angelina's; I wonder if she might seek them out to partner with them. She's a bigger name, but I understand Gabriela Hearst also does stuff with recycled materials for her own brand + Chloe since she became creative director. Reply Thread Link The font is ugly Reply Thread Link Excited for her/the program but also was that post/article written by AI?? It reads like it's been run back and forth in google translate? Reply Thread Link did they download the font from Font Squirrel? Reply Thread Link one of the writers who quit after season 2 and is featured in the article wrote his own statement afterward that can be found here: http://okbjgm.weebly.com/uploads/3/1/5/0/31506003/final_statement.pdf some of his statements that are worth mentioning: To the charge of hypocrisy, I plead no contest. I cashed the checks. I affected friendships. I handed out high praise (some deserved). I even sought to mend fences with those who broke them well after it should have been clear that the effort was demeaning. Sometimes hypocrisy is the only way people like me can survive people like them. It's very easy, especially twenty years after the fact, to think 'well, it can't have been that bad or someone would have done something.' Let me say it loud and clear: it was that bad, and no one did anything because retribution was a constant and looming presence. A show-runner I worked for in the 90s - one who was later written about and fired in the 2010's after multiple HR investigations - went as far as to brag to his writers that "it's not that hard to ruin someone's career, you just have to whisper something about a drug problem into the right ear". A single word like "difficult" whispered into the right ear can be a death blow to a female or POC writer. In such a climate, you have to assume that anything but complete obeisance will be punished. As far as we think we may have gotten, that culture is still very much alive. I for one have never stopped looking over my shoulder and, after saying all this, probably never will. With news that France is banning short-haul flights, many will be wondering how other countries plan to decarbonize their aviation sectors. France has taken the first steps to changing commercial flying habits in line with the decarbonization of aviation, but other governments are focusing on other ways to reduce emissions caused by flying. Several state powers and private companies are investing heavily in low-carbon aviation fuels, while others are focused on providing immediate, short-term solutions through carbon offset schemes. Before the pandemic, in 2019, the aviation industry contributed around one billion tonnes of CO2 emissions, accounting for 3 percent of the total global emissions. Despite its huge impact on the environment, the demand for air travel continues to grow, with governments doing little to curb the trend. France announced in May that it would be banning public internal flights between French destinations where there is an option of a train journey of under 2 hours and 30 minutes. This was hailed by transport minister Clement Beaune as an essential step in reducing the countrys greenhouse gas emissions. There is an extensive network of high-speed trains in France, allowing travelers to opt for rail travel as an alternative to flying in many cases. Only certain flight routes, such as flights between Paris-Orly and cities like Bordeaux, Nantes, and Lyon will be affected, with no effect on connecting flights. The move has prompted further scrutiny over the use of private jets for journeys. It has also encouraged environmental organizations to ask what actions other governments are taking to decarbonize aviation. Related: Natural Gas Prices Plunge Further Amid Rise In U.S. Stockpiles While this may not seem like a major step in decarbonization, given the short distance of the journey involved, it could provide a blueprint for other countries to replicate and expand upon. If train travel becomes the norm, in countries where this is possible, it could lead to the establishment of more routes and high-speed rail options, leading to the cutting of more short-haul flight routes. Despite optimism around this move, it seems that the U.S. is unlikely to follow in Frances footsteps. While Dan Rutherford, the program director at the International Council on Clean Transportation, believes that replacing flights of under 500 miles with high-speed rail could reduce emissions, the government would face a multitude of hurdles to make this happen. Half of the U.S. domestic air travel market consisted of short-haul flights in 2019. In addition, car travel continues to be far more popular than rail due to the limited availability of high-speed train links. Passenger rail in the U.S. continues to lag behind the rest of the world. Airlines also gain a high proportion of their revenues from domestic flights, meaning they would likely fight the government on any decision to curb short-haul travel. However, the U.S. government, and several other world powers, are not overlooking aviation decarbonization completely, as they pump huge amounts of funding into the research and development of low-carbon aviation fuels. And thanks to that investment, many fuels have already been certified for use in aircraft. Sustainable Aviation Fuels, or SAF, are biofuels, made from different feedstocks, such as crops and municipal waste. For use in existing planes, these SAF are blended up to 50 percent conventional jet fuel, a figure that could shift in favor of biofuels as research and development progress. One of the biggest limitations to the use of SAF is its high cost. These biofuels are typically around eight times more expensive than traditional jet fuel, according to research from Shell and Deloitte on the current state of the aviation sector. There is also a significant lack of cohesion across different state governments on the regulations around emissions reduction and the use of SAF. Due to the complexities of using SAF, many governments have so far opted to introduce carbon offset schemes, aiming to mitigate emissions without cutting flights. Several airlines around the world offer their customers to pay to opt-in to a carbon offset program, through initiatives such as reforestation and investment in renewable energy projects. However, many scientists continue to be skeptical about the effectiveness of these types of schemes, suggesting they are merely a short-term response to the high emissions of the aviation industry, rather than a long-term solution. The World Bank acknowledges that the air transport sector is a vital part of economic growth and development, and as demand for air travel continues to grow, the decarbonization of aviation is key to achieving climate goals by the mid-century. But there is no single agreed-upon way to achieve this decarbonization. While some countries may cut domestic flights, other governments are opting to invest in making aviation cleaner, without reducing flight routes. Realistically, the answer is probably going to be a mixture of the two, with many short-haul routes to be replaced with cleaner, high-speed rail alternatives and SAF used for mid- and long-haul flights. ADVERTISEMENT By Felicity Bradstock for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Instead of being Being Fustest with the Mostest in Central Asia, an area of intense interest to China and Russia, the U.S. and Europe may be too little, too late. The dwindling relevance of Washington and Brussels to Central Asia was on display when Chinese leader Xi Jinping hosted the leaders of the five Central Asia republics at the China-Central Asia Summit in Xian, the terminus of the ancient Silk Road. (In the future, the meetings will alternate between China and a Central Asian capital; the next meeting will be in Astana, Kazakhstan in 2025.) Xi unveiled his vision for Central Asia that was, like most top-level political documents, laden with vague declarations like helping each other, common development, universal security, shared future, and that old Beijing favorite, win-win. Chinas strategy for Central Asia is to secure economic gains and help alleviate the high youth unemployment rate, create prosperity in the Xinjiang region to calm separatist tensions, and to build an alternate trade corridor in the event of a U.S.-led naval blockade of Chinas maritime trade routes. Kazakhstans president, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, responded We consistently assert that Central Asia is a creation place. We oppose turning the region into a place of geopolitical confrontation and Turkmenistans president, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, added, As emphasized, the peoples of our countries have centuries-old friendly relations, a vast experience of interaction and good neighborliness. But despite all the official bonhomie and group pictures the leaders put pen to paper and, according to Silk Road Briefing, approved US$3.72 billion in regional grants, signed 54 major multilateral agreements, created 19 new regional platforms and signed a further 9 multilateral cooperation documents. Related: Natural Gas Prices Plunge Further Amid Rise In U.S. Stockpiles Among the agreed points were to coordinate Chinas Belt and Road Initiative with the republics national development strategies, upgrade border checkpoints, expand agricultural exports to China, award scholarships to Central Asian students to study in China, and develop cooperation in the fields of irrigation and green energy. Kazakhstan and China signed 47 agreements worth $22 billion which should increase trade, a record $31 billion in 2022, and investment. China is one of the five biggest investors in Kazakhstan with a total investment exceeding $23 billion. Kazakhstans exports to Russia increased 15% in 2022, and trade turnover by September 2022 was $18.4 billion, but Astana would be more comfortable if Moscow adopted the philosophy When youre only No. 2, you try harder in its dealings with its now-wary Central Asian neighbor. Uzbekistan and China adopted a comprehensive strategic partnership and inked 41 official documents, and Chinese and Uzbek businesses concluded $25 billion in deals. The official agreements addressed joint efforts in higher education, alternative energy, agricultural innovation, hydroelectric power, and logistics. A comprehensive strategic partnership is just below a comprehensive strategic co-operative partnership, which is generally regarded as the highest level of bilateral relations for China. Uzbekistan now joins Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan as the third Central Asian republic at this level of engagement with China, giving China privileged access to the two biggest economies in Central Asia, and the country with 10% of the worlds natural gas reserves, that all sit astride Eurasias East-West transport links. So where were America and Europe when all this was going on? Their leaders were at the G-7 meeting in Tokyo where they castigated China for economic coercion which probably caused some confusion in Beijing as Washington is the source of economic sanctions that currently cover 29 percent of the global economy and 40 percent of global oil reserves, according to the Quincy Institute. But even if it was momentary bemused by the G-7 outburst, Beijing probably welcomed the opportunity to contrast threats from the G-7 with what it could highlight as practical steps to grow mutually beneficial partnerships. The U.S. announced its strategy for Central Asia in 2019 with an emphasis on the republics sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, but it was in reference to the U.S. occupation of Afghanistan. After the hasty U.S./NATO retreat from Afghanistan in 2021, the republics know their utility to the Americans in limited and they must find partners that will help them increase economic opportunity for their mostly under-30 populations. The U.S. hasnt helped with relatively small projects like the Economic Resilience in Central Asia Initiative that trumpeted a $50 million effort to diversify trade routes, expand investment in the region, and increase employment opportunities which is what China intends to do at industrial scale. (The U.S. did, however, provide significant economic assistance to the republics in the immediate post-Soviet period.) The American actor Woody Allen said, 80 percent of success is showing up and that is something an American president has never done in Central Asia. The presidents of Russia, Vladimir Putin, and China, Xi Jinping, leave nothing to chance: Xi has visited every one of the republics and has been to Kazakhstan four times and Uzbekistan three times; Putin has visited Kazakhstan twenty-seven times (the countries share a 7,644-kilometre border), and has been to Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan at least a dozen times each. Chinas Belt and Road Initiative has pumped about $40 billion into the region, but recent surveys by the Central Asia Barometer showed a decrease in public sentiment towards China, even as China increases local investment. (Positive sentiment was down in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan since 2017, but held steady in Kyrgyzstan.) If Russia has a weak presence in future years this is an opportunity for the U.S., Europe, and India, Japan, Turkey, South Korea, Singapore, and the Persian Gulf petrostates to build grass roots support. The Persian Gulf states have increased their investment in Central Asia and no longer regard the area just as a place to exercise their falcons. The government-led development of the Gulf states appeals to the leaders of the republics and can offer a counter-weight to Chinas projects. The Gulf states have invested in traditional projects, such as coal and chemicals, power generation and distribution, cargo handling, and oil pipelines, and ACWA Power of Saudi Arabia recently committed over $2 billion for a wind farm in Uzbekistans Karakalpakstan region, part of a $12 billion commitment to the country. Aside from all that cash, the Gulf states can create good will by helping the republics rediscover and preserve their history and heritage by assisting the restoration of local Islamic heritage sites, such as the Bibi Khanum Mosque in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. And it gives the local leaders the opportunity to not be beholden to one primary creditor China. Investing in Central Asia also gives Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates the opportunity to establish a foothold to the North of their competitor Iran. Relations between the Arabs and the Islamic Republic are improving lately, but it is prudent for the petrostates to diversity their political portfolio at the same time they are diversifying their foreign direct investment. And allying with the republics gives the Gulf Arabs allies in multilateral organizations such as the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. The U.S. can also make gains even though it cant match Chinas investments in the region. It can deploy the expertise of organizations like the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation to address areas of concern to Central Asia, such as the impact on the cotton crop caused by reduction in the flow of the Amu Darya river due to the Afghan Talibans irrigation canal project. ADVERTISEMENT Washington can also help the region though mechanisms such as the C5+1 Regional Border Security Program, and by helping local participants in the Global Methane Pledge (Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan) achieve their goals, and lobbying Turkmenistan, whose methane leaks exceed the carbon emissions of the United Kingdom, to join the pledge. One element of Chinas progress has been its readiness to transfer technology, which it has done in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. Local leaders may argue that China can advance regional connectivity if it transfers the technology to help the region develop a high-speed rail network, as it recently did in Thailand. The good news for Central Asia is that it has Chinas undivided attention; the bad news is that it has Chinas undivided attention. But the region can pursue its development objectives and not be in thrall to creditor China or the social engineers in the U.S. and Europe. The region used China to balance the U.S., Europe, and Russia, and can now deepen its relations with the Gulf states, Turkey, India, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore to offset the China influence. One result of the China focus may be more local coordination by the republics. Uzbekistans president Shavkat Mirziyoyev started this trend by resolving outstanding border demarcation issues after he assumed office in 2016. The worsening water crisis caused by Afghanistans diversion of the water of the Amu Darya will force close collaboration on this most sensitive issue for the water-starved region between countries with water but little energy (Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan) and countries with energy but less water (Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.) Success in this task will reinforce cooperative habits that will ensure the future benefits of Chinas investments in the republics dont all go one way. In 2017, the Asia Development Bank estimated Asia would have to invest $1.7 trillion dollars annually until 2030 to maintain growth momentum, tackle poverty, respond to climate change, and, now, recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. The funding would be shared by the public and private sectors. Central Asian leaders are acutely aware their plans for economic and liberalization are limited by infrastructure shortfalls and will be receptive to partners who will share funding and know-how to help the region be not just a low-cost workshop or provider of natural resources, but a full partner in 21st century Asia. By James Durso for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: WASHINGTON The Air Force announced the permanent location for many more U.S. Space Force units Wednesday and none of them are in Huntsville, Alabama, suggesting the service may be moving ahead with at least part of the design it originally sought for the new force before it became entangled in politics. Four more Space Force missions will now be based in Colorado Springs, a notable choice during a larger and now politicized battle over where to locate the permanent headquarters of U.S. Space Command. Colorado Springs, which is housing Space Command's temporary headquarters, was the Air Force's preferred location, but Donald Trump, in the final days of his presidency, selected Alabama instead. Offutt Air Force Base reportedly placed third among the six finalists in the selection phase for the permanent headquarters, behind Huntsville's Redstone Arsenal and Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, with Colorado Springs ranked fifth. Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., said Offutt was ranked very high in community support of the base but lost out because the Omaha area lacks space-related business that could support a major military command like U.S. Space Command. While the Pentagon and White House have said the decisions are not directly linked, Alabama has strict anti-abortion laws, and Republican Sen. Tommy Tuberville earlier this year announced he would hold up all military nominations until the Defense Department rescinds a new policy that would allow female service members to be reimbursed for travel costs if they have to go out of state for reproductive care. Tuberville's office was not immediately available for comment. Meanwhile, the Air Force has been moving forward with getting fully dug in at Colorado Springs, where more than 20 of the military's space missions are now based. The Air Force Academy now has a space curriculum and graduates Space Force Guardians alongside its Air Force cadets. The Space Force, founded in December 2019, is the smallest of the military branches, with just under 8,400 personnel. But it has seen its budget rapidly rise as the U.S. has scrambled to defend against a rapid militarization of space, such as North Korea's failed Wednesday launch of a ballistic missile believed to be carrying a spy satellite. The four new missions in Colorado Springs include Delta 15, a headquarters unit for the service's space operations command; Space Delta 12, a test and evaluation unit; and two surveillance squadrons. Other locations announced Wednesday as new permanent homes for Space Force missions are in Florida and New Mexico. LINCOLN A complaint alleging a Nebraska lawmaker had a conflict of interest during the Legislature's debate over gender-affirming care restrictions has officially been dismissed. David Begley, an Omaha lawyer, had filed the complaint against State Sen. Megan Hunt of Omaha. He based his complaint on Hunt having a transgender child, and on her family being covered by Medicaid. Although Nebraska's Medicaid policy explicitly excludes gender-affirming care, Begley alleged in his complaint that Hunt and her child "have a slightly more than average chance of obtaining Nebraska Medicaid coverage," and argued she should have disclosed this prior to the debate on Legislative Bill 574. "If LB 574 does not become law, then Senator Hunt's immediate family member could receive a financial benefit with Medicaid paying for the medical services necessary to transition genders," Begley's complaint stated. The Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission began a preliminary investigation in late March after receiving Begley's complaint. On Friday, the eight-member commission announced they agreed unanimously that "there was no probable cause" to believe Hunt violated the Nebraska Political Accountability and Disclosure Act. "Any financial effect must be reasonably foreseeable," the NADC announcement states. "A financial effect is not considered reasonably foreseeable if it is remote, speculative, contingent or uncertain." Hunt was one of the leading lawmakers opposing LB 574, which ultimately passed and was signed into law by Gov. Jim Pillen two weeks ago. The bill will ban gender-affirming surgeries for people under 19, and impose restrictions on puberty blockers and hormone therapy for the same age group. It also tightened Nebraska's abortion restrictions to 12 weeks past gestation. Hunt shared publicly about her transgender son during the first round of floor debate on the bill, though she noted that many lawmakers already knew prior to the announcement. She said she hadn't planned on going public about it, but she did so in an attempt to explain to LB 574 supporters how gender-affirming care works for Nebraska families. Though Hunt's speech didn't sway any lawmakers into opposing the bill, senators on both sides of the debate offered support for Hunt after Begley filed his complaint. Sen. Tom Brandt of Plymouth, who supported LB 574's passage, called the complaint "offensive" and said lawmakers' families were off-limits. "It is so far out of bounds that it doesn't merit discussion," Brandt said of the complaint. Hunt described Begley's complaint as "a witch hunt," and said she was glad NADC also viewed the complaint as unjustified. "I'm happy the NADC saw the complaint for the frivolous political attack that it was," Hunt said. In an email to The World-Herald, Begley said that just because his complaint was dismissed doesn't mean it was frivolous. US MILITARY FORT LIBERTY, N.C. Fort Bragg shed its Confederate namesake Friday to become Fort Liberty in a ceremony some veterans said was a small but important step in making the U.S. Army more welcoming to current and prospective Black service members. The change was the most prominent in a broad Department of Defense initiative, motivated by the 2020 George Floyd protests, to rename military installations named after Confederate soldiers. The Black Lives Matter demonstrations that erupted nationwide after Floyd's killing by a white police officer, coupled with ongoing efforts to remove Confederate monuments, turned the spotlight on the Army installations. Congress created a naming commission that visited the bases and met with members of the surrounding communities for input. "We were given a mission, we accomplished that mission and we made ourselves better," Lt. Gen. Christopher Donahue, commanding general of the XVIII Airborne Corps and Fort Liberty, told reporters after the ceremony that made the name change official. The base originally was named in 1918 for Gen. Braxton Bragg, a Confederate general from Warrenton, N.C., known for owning slaves and losing key Civil War battles that contributed to the Confederacy's downfall. While other bases are being renamed for Black soldiers, U.S. presidents and trailblazing women, the North Carolina military installation is the only one not renamed after a person. Retired U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Ty Seidule said at a commission meeting last year that the new name was chosen because "liberty remains the greatest American value." "Fayetteville in 1775 signed one of the first accords declaring our willingness to fight for liberty and freedom from Great Britain," Donahue said, referring to the city near the base. "Liberty has always been ingrained in this area." The cost to rename the fort one of the largest military installations in the world by population will total about $8 million, Col. John Wilcox said Friday. The process is ongoing. Fort Polk in Louisiana will be the next installation to change its name June 13 to Fort Johnson, in honor of Sgt. William Henry Johnson. The naming commission's proposed changes must be implemented by Jan. 1. Several military bases were named after Confederate soldiers during World War I and World War II as part of a "demonstration of reconciliation" with white Southerners amid a broader effort to rally the nation to fight as one, said Nina Silber, a historian at Boston University. EMPLOYMENT Teens have long been vital to filling out the summertime staffs of restaurants, ice cream stands, amusement parks and camps. Now, thanks to one of the tightest labor markets in decades, they have even more sway, with an array of jobs to choose from at ever higher wages. To ease the labor crunch, some states are moving to roll back restrictions to let teens work more hours and, in some cases, more hazardous jobs much to the chagrin of labor rights groups, who see it as a troubling trend. Economists say there are other ways to expand the workforce without putting more of a burden on kids, including by allowing more legal immigration. Seeking teen workers At Funtown Splashtown USA, an amusement park in southern Maine, teens play a critical role in keeping the attractions open, which isn't as easy as it used to be. General Manager Cory Hutchinson anticipates hiring about 350 workers this summer, including many local high schoolers, compared with more than 500 in past summers. "We literally do not have enough people to staff the place seven days a week and into the evenings," he said. This summer, Funtown Splashtown will only be open six days a week, and will close at 6 p.m., instead of 9 p.m. In April, nearly 34% of Americans ages 16 to 19 had jobs, according to government data. That compares with 30% four years ago, the last pre-pandemic summer. More jobs are available for those who want them: There are roughly 1.6 jobs open for every person that is unemployed, according to the Labor Department. In normal times, that ratio is about 1:1. At RideAway Adventures in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, which offers kayak, bike and paddleboard rentals and tours, finding enough teen workers hasn't been a challenge. Owner Mike Morrison chalks it up to the fact that RideAway is a desirable place to work compared with other options. "They're not washing dishes and they get to be outside and active," Morrison said. Plus, while he typically starts off new teen hires at $15 an hour, the state's minimum wage, he will bump up the pay of hard workers by as much as 50 cents per hour toward the end of July to help keep them through the end of summer. Choosier teens Maxen Lucas, a graduating senior at Lincoln Academy in Maine, had his first job at 15 as a summer camp dishwasher, followed by a stint as a grocery bagger before getting into landscaping. He said young workers can be choosier now. "After COVID settled down, everyone was being paid more," said the 18-year-old from Nobleboro who'll head off to Maine Maritime Academy this fall. Indeed, hourly pay jumped about 5% in April from a year ago at restaurants, retailers and amusement parks, the industries likely to employ teens. Before the pandemic, pay in these industries typically rose no more than 3% annually. Addison Beer, 17, will work this summer at the Virginia G. Piper branch of the Boys & Girls Club in Scottsdale, Arizona, where she feels a strong connection with colleagues and the kids she helps out. For many teens, the point of a summer job doesn't have to be about finding the highest pay available. "Having a job is just so I can sustain myself, be more independent, not rely on my parents too much," said Christopher Au, 19, who has been dishing out ice cream at a J.P. Licks in Boston for the past few months. Expanding teen hours New Jersey passed a law in 2022 allowing 16and 17-year-olds to work up to 50 hours per week during the summer, when the state's shore economy swells with tourists. The previous limit was 40 hours per week. The measure has earned praise from parents. Sally Rutherford, 56, of North Wildwood, New Jersey, said her 17-year-old son, Billy, was excited about the change. With the money he earns working as a game operator at a Jersey Shore amusement park, he'll be able to help pay for a car. "It makes him much more independent and responsible," she said. Other states are considering a variety of proposals to expand teens' role in the workplace. In Wisconsin, lawmakers are backing a proposal to allow 14-year-olds to serve alcohol in bars and restaurants. In Iowa, the governor signed a bill into law that will allow 16and 17-year-olds to serve alcohol in restaurants, and to expand the hours minors can work. Child welfare advocates worry the measures represent a coordinated push to scale back hard won protections for minors. Immigration is a factor Many resort towns rely on immigrants with summer visas to staff businesses such as restaurants, hotels and tourist sites. But immigration fell sharply during the COVID outbreak as the federal government tightened restrictions. In 2022, nearly 285,000 of the summer visas were issued, down from about 350,000 before the pandemic. The Federal Reserve in March estimated that the overall drop in immigration has cost the United States nearly a million workers, compared with pre-pandemic trends. Immigration is rebounding to pre-COVID levels, but the effects are still being felt. KEARNEY, Neb. The investor who purchased Kearney's Classic Car Collection in 2021 is preparing to sell many of the collection's vehicles. But local volunteers are optimistic the sell-off will open opportunities to stabilize the future of the local attraction. Labeled as one of the United States' top destinations for automobile enthusiasts, the 140 Classic Car Collection vehicles destined for sale will go to the highest bidders via an online auction that opens at 8 a.m. June 13 and closes at 10 a.m. June 20. "It will bring lots of attention to Kearney, Nebraska," said Classic Car Collection owner Alan Gentz of Sterling, Colorado. "We hope a local buyer will buy it and keep it there." Gentz has contracted with the Steffes Group of Fargo, North Dakota, to conduct the online auction. A YouTube video that Steffes produced features some of the collection's rarest autos and at least one with great sentimental value to Kearney enthusiasts, Pete's Patriot. Some Kearney youths were the pit crew for Pete's Patriot, a 1969 AMX SS. The red, white and blue drag racer was the first AMC car to win an NHRA points meet and set a national record. The Steffes Group's website lists dozens of other classic, rare collection vehicles that will be sold to the highest bidders during the online auction. Among those vehicles are: 1930 Lincoln Model L, one of only 119 manufactured. 1914 Locomobile two door roadster. 1917 Locomobile seven-passenger touring sedan. 1922 Pierce Arrow seven-passenger limousine. 1937 Packard two-door convertible. Steffes Group describes the variety of cars offered in the auction as "diverse; ranging from the brass era to the classic era and everything in between. The classic car auction gives buyers the opportunity to own a piece of history that may not exist anywhere else." Potential buyers will have the opportunity to personally view the vehicles for sale, according to the Steffes website. "The Classic Car Collection museum is open Wednesday through Sunday noon-5 p.m." The Classic Car Collection opened in 2012 in east Kearney. The core of the exhibit is the collection of Bernie and Janice Talborg. The Elkhorn couple signed over their collection of 130 cars to a nonprofit controlled by the Kearney Visitors Bureau in 2011 so the cars could be displayed in Kearney. As additional vehicles were donated or loaned, the Classic Car Collection grew to more than 200 vehicles. Although the auction could result in more than half of the Classic Car Collection's vehicles being sold, a volunteer leader of the attraction, Brad Kernick of Kearney, said he and CCC's board intend to press on and keep the attraction open. Ultimately, Kernick said he's optimistic because the attraction can be locally owned. "We currently have over 80 vehicles that will be displayed, including many guest favorites, and are working with several individuals to add additional vehicles to the Classic Car Collection. We are looking at making modifications and improvements to our existing facility and are excited about the future of the collection," Kernick said in a prepared statement. He said a local group secured all the signage and memorabilia currently displayed at CCC and plans to keep the collection open. "We have a strong and committed group of volunteers who are also excited about the next phase of the collection," Kernick said. "We have a top-notch board of directors who look forward to guiding us through these changes." JUNEAU, Alaska An Alaska fishing adventure became a nightmare for a family of eight when disaster struck one of the two boats they chartered over the Memorial Day weekend, leaving three people dead and two more missing despite a desperate search over hundreds of square miles of ocean. The tragedy tore the Tyau family apart: Two sisters and one of their husbands are dead, while the other's partner and the boat captain remain missing off southeast Alaska four days after the boat was found partially submerged off an island. Authorities suspended a more than 20-hour search covering 825 square miles on Monday and have no plans to resume it. The women's parents, older brother, and sister-in-law were on the other charter boat as part of a three-day trip to a destination fishery known for king salmon and groundfish. The sisters and their sister-in-law didn't like fishing but joined the vacation to spend more time with a family that was usually split between Hawaii and Los Angeles. "It was just supposed to be a simple family get-together for eight of us, since we haven't been together in the same spot for so long," Michael Tyau, the older brother, told The Associated Press on Thursday. "For it to turn out like this is really devastating." The Tyau siblings Michael, Brandi and Danielle grew up fishing in Hawaii with their parents. Michael Tyau said his sisters hated being cold and wet but would endure it for their water-loving parents and later their partners. Brandi Tyau's longtime partner, Robert Solis a Navy diver-turned-private investigator who was stationed in Hawaii when they met decades ago was someone for whom "the ocean really was his life," one of Solis' brothers said. So when the Tyau siblings' mother suggested a family trip last year, a fishing vacation in the Sitka Sound won out. "My sisters, I think, reluctantly agreed," Michael Tyau said. He and his wife flew from Los Angeles to Alaska on Thursday with Brandi Tyau, 56, and Solis, 61. They met up with their parents, sister Danielle Agcaoili, 53, and her husband, 57-year-old Maury Agcaoili, all Hawaii residents. The whole family stayed in a lodge owned by charter boat company Kingfisher Charters in Sitka. The small port city with a backdrop of a stunning volcanic mountain is located on the shore of Baranof Island, which is part of a cluster of islands dripping off Alaska's southeast coastline. The area is a "premier fishing destination" because the many bays and passageways created by the islands provide protection from the wind and waves on days when the open sea is too rough, Kingfisher Charters says on its website. Forrest Braden, executive director of the Southeast Alaska Guides Organization, said anglers often stay for days on trips to the region. "It's more of a fishing-themed trip for a lot of people, rather than being one of a variety of activities that they do," he said. The boats the Tyau clan chartered, named the Pockets and the Awakin, set out Friday amid rough conditions. Michael Tyau said his sisters and wife spent the day's voyage seasick in the two boats' cabins and skipped Saturday's trip to recover on land. When Sunday dawned, their last vacation day before Monday flights home, the women rejoined the boats. Danielle Agcaoili said "she didn't want to let anybody down," Michael Tyau recalled through tears. The boat captains opted for different fishing spots. Aboard the Pockets, Michael Tyau said he "in no way felt in jeopardy, like this wasn't safe for us to fish in." The Pockets returned to the lodge Sunday evening, but the family began worrying when Brandi Tyau, Danielle Agcaoili, Maury Agcaoili and Solis didn't respond to text messages and never arrived for dinner. The Awakin hadn't come back, the charter company told Michael Tyau, and they lost radio contact with the captain, 32-year-old Morgan Robidou. What happened aboard the Awakin on Sunday remains unclear. Efforts to recover the 30-foot aluminum vessel have been hampered by rough seas and strong winds. The bodies of Brandi Tyau and Danielle Agcaoili were found inside the cabin. Maury Agcaoili's body was discovered near the boat. Solis and Robidou were still considered missing Thursday. The boat was last seen Sunday afternoon near Sitka, authorities said, but about 7 p.m. Sunday was found partially submerged off Low Island, about 10 miles west of Sitka. Coast Guard investigators are working to determine the timeline and cause of the incident. The area was experiencing 6-foot to 11-foot waves, a Coast Guard spokesperson said. Robidou was "the nicest, quietest, friendliest young fellow you've ever seen," said Thad Poulson, editor of the Daily Sitka Sentinel newspaper where Robidou once worked as a press operator. The two had not seen each other in some time but "we formed a great friendship with him when he was here." "Official boat owner," Robidou posted on Facebook last October, along with a photo with the boat he said he named Awakin. Ahead of the March 9 governorship election, the major political parties in Oyo State have formed alliances toward winning the election and forming a coalition government. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the alliances which commenced in the last 72 hours had begun to yield fruits for some political parties in the state. A former governor in the state, Adebayo Alao-Akala, and his party, ADP, has sealed an alliance with the APC and would be supporting Adebayo Adelabu, the APC governorship candidate. Some opposition parties in the statePDP, SDP, ZLP, ADCwere also in coalition talks toward picking a consensus candidate ahead of the governorship election. Wale Ohu, the Director-General, Akala Campaign Organisation, told NAN on Saturday night, that the former governors campaign team in ADP had aligned with the APC in the state. He said that Mr Adelabus chances of winning the governorship election were very bright with the alliance, describing the coalition by other political parties in the state as meaningless. Adelabus chances are bright in as much as the Akala Campaign Organisation and the ADP have sealed alliance to support him in the governorship election. If you look at the result of the last election in the state, you will realise that all the APC needed was to have a formidable alliance with us. Now that we have sealed the alliance, the APC is sure of victory, he said. The ADP chieftain said that a combination of APCs nine elected representatives with one from the ADP was enough to bring the victory. Mr Ohu added that the voting strength of Ogbomoso would also be a plus for the victory of APC in the state. The opposition parties that adopted Seyi Makinde, the governorship candidate of PDP as their consensus candidate, announced this at the Bodija residence of former Governor Rashidi Ladoja on Saturday. Bolaji Ayorinde, the SDP governorship candidate, told journalists after the meeting that they had all adopted Makinde as their consensus candidate to slug it out with Adelabu of APC. Seyi Makinde Mr Ayorinde, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), said that other opposition parties in the state would join the coalition aimed at forming a government of unity. He said that the decision was an open book for other parties to key in after concluding their various meetings with their caucuses and stakeholders. Mr Ayorinde had on Friday told journalists that a document had been prepared for stakeholders to peruse and sign, saying all grey areas had been sorted out between the stakeholders in the meeting. With the development, as you can see, Engineer Seyi Makinde is here, smiling, I am here and I am smiling, some of our other colleagues are possibly still with their caucuses and I believe they are also smiling. The outcome of our meeting is we are moving forward. We in the SDP have resolved to work with the PDP in Oyo State. We shall be supporting Makinde for governor. The parties remain the same and the party they are. But for the governorship election on the 9th of March, Saturday next week, we have all resolved to work for the candidate of PDP. By now, If I say we are five, by the time we finish talking to you, we may be seven, we may be eight. Every minute, we have been talking on how to come together as a government of unity in Oyo state. It is an open book, we are expecting more and more people to join, he said. Mr Makinde, on his part, expressed optimism that the people of the state would vote for him as the next governor of the state. Like the learned silk mentioned, its an open book, people are free to plug in. SDP, AD have declared before now. You can hear the governorship candidate of the SDP declaring support for us and for unity government in Oyo State. We understand the ADC and ZLP are currently meeting with their caucuses. Its an open book, maybe tomorrow, maybe a day before election, they could also plug in. We leave everything open for now, he said. Mr Makinde while speaking on Alao-Akalas alliance with the APC, said the former governor was very free to make his choice. Its a free world and I believe this election is about godfathers versus the masses. And I can tell you clearly that the masses will prevail, he said. (NAN) Governor Samuel Ortom of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has been declared winner of the Benue State governorship election. Ortom was declared winner on Sunday by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), after the supplementary election held in some polling units across the state. The PDP candidate defeated his main challenger, Emmanuel Jime of the All Progressives Congress (APC), to win his second term ticket. Announcing the result on Sunday, the Returning Officer, Prof Sebastian Maimako, said Ortom of the PDP polled 434,473 votes to humble APCs Jime, who came behind with 345,155 votes, thus, winning with 89,318 margin. Penultimate week, a letter written by the Vice-Chancellor (VC) of Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, Oyo State, Professor Dapo Asaju went viral. In the strongly-worded message to parents and guardians of the institution, the VC expressed his disaffection over what he described as overindulgence of the students by their parents and warned about raising the next generation with the same corrupt and indisciplined ethos that has ruined Nigeria. While I have nothing against some of the rules set by some private varsities in the country, I am concerned that some of these rules and restrictions actually negate what a university stands for. Prior to the letter that instigated this write up, I have had interactions with some lecturers in private universities who regret ever abandoning the public varsity system for private varsities. One of them told me that after attending several interview sessions and asking all the relevant questions needed for him to make a switch, nothing prepared him for what he later witnessed on ground. One week into my employment, it appeared I had walked into a convent and not a university or a learning environment. There were rules for everything, from what you teach, to your academic relationship with your students; you are monitored, he told me. He also pointed out that the students were mostly between 14 and16 years old, and that it is only in extreme cases that you have students of 17 years and above. Another insight he gave which I was already familiar with was that these students mainly attended private secondary schools either as boarders or chauffeur driven to and from school. Many cannot even navigate their streets as they have never walked 500m radius away from home. We have hyper-protective parents who want to practically ensure their children are under protective custody at all times. Since no public varsity can guarantee such protection, the best bet are private varsities which provide safe haven for these students with the attendant repercussions of them being totally cut off from the same society they would eventually be a part of after graduation. The first shock the lecturer said he got was when parents started calling to find out if their children have eaten! This, he told me, is not limited to lectures alone but extends to the VC, Registrar and other principal management staff. Another lecturer told me researchers or visitors cannot freely drive into his university campus except they are invited by a guest. What shocked him to his bone marrow, he told me, was the fact that he has to officially write letters to parents of students whenever they are going for field trips which are prerequisites for certain courses. You are not only to write to the parents, you must wait for their acknowledgement before embarking on such trips. In some extreme cases, a parent may decline. He pointed out. According to him, on one of such occasions, some parents wrote to know the level of security the university has put in place toward the safety of their children and whether bodyguards are part of officials for the trip. The bottom line is that parental consent is needed for any trip outside the campus, even for a basic trip like visiting media houses which mass communications students are compelled to undertake from time to time. From all indication, we are gradually breeding a platoon of irresponsible citizens and an apartheid system that will blow in our face in the future. The university system has an enviable history that dates back to the medieval period. A fundamental characteristic of a university is academic freedom. The first documentary evidence of this comes from early in the life of the University of Bologna, which adopted an academic charter, the Constitutio Habita between 1158 and 1155 which guaranteed the right of a traveling scholar to unfettered passage in the interests of education. In essence, a university is free to engage in a clash of ideas and to interrogate any issue of societal concern. This broadmindedness means that academics and students should not be constrained in the pursuit of knowledge. To this end, the university is not a Nigerian creation, but we have brought our own uniqueness to the system despite the fact that there are universal rules that is why the uni exists in universities! Universities are meant to be great and global learning citadels, with universal rules guiding the academic curriculum, with a great emphasis on intellectual freedom for both faculties and students. So, where do we situate some of these glorified dorms and convents claiming to be private-owned and religious varsities in Nigeria? Some are abnormalities. Of course, they are having their way now, because the Nigerian elite are masters of deception adept at fleeing from their problems. Rather than taking a holistic look at why public varsities are faltering the answer is opening the flood gates to all manner of private varsities and urging those who can afford their huge fees to go patronise them! This is the height of failure in effective policy formulation strategy. Embedded in the VCs letter are some of the contradictions of these abnormalities. That letter itself can be seen as a subtle protest by some parents. A varsity is a place where a student should be allowed to grow and make decisions that would shape his life after leaving the ivory tower. Most of those in my generation that attended public varsities knew there were cult groups and they are still there on campuses, but because we had a clear picture of where we were going we looked the other way and refrained from joining such groups. This is what varsities are; they give individuals the chance to grow their natural souls, driven by free choices. The secret of knowing why we should not cross such lines starts from the home where our value systems are effectively shaped. Why are most families struggling and suffering? They are because parents are absent and their absence impacts the critical development of their children. Fathers are as much critical to their daughters as well as their mothers. Fathers provide half the genetic material for personality development. Studies show that fathers are the primary and most valuable support persons for the mother during pregnancy and childbirth. Also a healthy relationship between children and their fathers are important for good development. Children from homes with absentee parents are more likely to run away from home or live on the street. Studies have also shown that achievement level, sense of mastery, and marital happiness of girls correlate with the presence of an involved father. Security regarding females and their fathers is a key element since it greatly shapes their development Dearth of statistics aside, I am convinced that millions of Nigerian fathers struggle as adult parents because they lacked a model of effective fathering in their own lives. Men who experienced this form of parental neglect from their own families of origin oftentimes become emotionally and physically absent to their own families formed through marriage. There is thus the importance of preparing such fathers for fathering by first helping them overcome detached relationships they had with their own fathers. One would argue that the key to becoming a father isnt merely commitment to wife, children and family, but about prior and primal step of manhood in becoming a son. A Demographic study on fathers absence and divorce which I came across recently indicate that children especially boys growing up without fathers usually have problems in the areas of sex-role and gender-identity development, school performance, physical adjustment, and in the control of anger and aggression. Equally too, the age at which a daughter loses her father is meaningful since it influences her perception of male, the world as well as her academic advancement all because of missing the key element of a father. It is unfortunate that universities which should be at the forefront in proffering solutions to some of the pressing social crises that we are facing as a nations have gone to sleep. Kidnappings, corruption, unprovoked killings, terrorism, intolerance and a whole range of issues we are grappling with today are all social crises which universities are better placed to research upon and proffer workable solutions. About 207 people have been killed and 450 hurt in explosions at churches and hotels in Sri Lanka, the police said yesterday. Eight blasts were reported, including at three churches in Negombo, Batticaloa and Colombos Kochchikade district during Easter services. The Shangri-La, Kingsbury and Cinnamon Grand hotels and one other, all in the capital, were also attacked. A national curfew has been put in place until further notice and social media networks have been temporarily blocked. A foreign ministry official said 27 foreign nationals were among the dead. Reports said seven people have been arrested, but it is not yet clear who is responsible for the attacks. The first reports of explosions came about 08:45 (03:15 GMT) local time with six blasts reported close together at churches and luxury hotels. St Sebastians church in Negombo was severely damaged in one explosion, with dozens killed. There were also heavy casualties at the site of the first blast in St Anthonys, a popular shrine in Kochchikade, a district of Colombo. Robert Tyler, who has lived in Sri Lanka for six years, told said about two of the hotels appeared to have had their restaurants targeted at a busy time for breakfast. The UKs High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, James Dauris, said British citizens were caught up in the explosions, but has not confirmed further details. One Dutch national is among the dead, Foreign Minister Stef Blok said in a statement. Two Turkish citizens were also killed. A seventh explosion was later reported at a hotel near the zoo in Dehiwala, southern Colombo, with police sources reporting two deaths. An eighth explosion was reported near the Colombo district of Dematagoda. Reports said a suicide bomber and three people believed to be security personnel were killed during a police raid. Local media reports that the military have been deployed and security tightened at the countrys main Bandaranaike International Airport. Colombo resident Usman Ali said there were massive queues as he joined people trying to donate blood. He said: Everyone had just one intention and that was to help the victims of the blast, no matter what religion or race they may be. Each person was helping another out in filling forms. Overwhelming response at the National Blood Centre. Its so overcrowded they cannot control the crowd. Currently they are sending back people who have come after taking down name, contact and blood group. Dont rush there now go leisurely as the crowd subsides, Ali tweeted. There have been rumours of more attacks and people have been told to stay inside their houses and remain calm. But there is some element of panic. There is a heavy military presence in front of all major state buildings. President Maithripala Sirisena, in a statement, urged the people to remain calm and support the authorities in their investigations. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe chairs an emergency meeting. He said: I strongly condemn the cowardly attacks on our people today. I call upon all Sri Lankans during this tragic time to remain united and strong. Announcing the curfew, Defence Minister Ruwan Wijewardane said: We will take all necessary action against any extremist group that is operating in our country. All the culprits have been identified and would be taken into custody as soon as possible. President Muhammadu Buhari, Catholic pontiff Pope Francis and other world leaders yesterday condemned the multiple suicide attacks in Sri Lanka that killed more than 200 people. They described the early morning attacks as dastardly and cowardly, pledging their solidarity with Sri Lanka people in the elimination of such heinous crimes. Pope Francis, in his traditional Urbi et Orbi speech at the Vatican, condemned the attacks as such cruel violence which had targeted Christians celebrating Easter. Cardinal Archbishop of Colombo, Malcolm Ranjith, said: Its a very difficult and a sad situation for all of us because we never expected such a thing to happen and especially on Easter Sunday. UK Prime Minister Theresa May tweeted condolences, saying the acts of violence against churches and hotels in Sri Lanka are truly appalling. US President Donald Trump tweeted heartfelt condolences for the horrible terrorist attacks. Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State may have got a good competitor in Governor Okezie ikpeazu of Abia State over owing of salaries to workers in the public service of their respective states. While Governor Bello owes workers about 38 months salary arrears, Governor Ikpeazu of Abia State is owing different categories of workers in the state public service about 25 months salary arrears. While preparing for the November 2019 governorship election in Kogi State, Bello has promised to pay workers salary arrears in the state. Governor Bello owes Kogi workers over two years salaries despite the huge revenue that accrued to the state government, including Paris debt refunds and bailout funds from the federal government. ALSO READ: Yahaya Bello prostrates before Buhari, Tinubu to save job Records show that governor Okezie Ikpeazu is owing workers in different sectors of Abia State public service between 6 and 25 months. the senior citizens are the most neglected by the governor. Some of the sectors include: Hospital Management board 9 months salary arrears; Secondary School Teachers 10 months; ASUBEB 6 months; Arochukwu Technical -15 months and Pensioners 25 months. Many stakeholders have been wondering how ikpeazu won election for a second term in office. By Joan Nwagwu The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) said it would begin a nationwide strike on Wednesday over the current increase in the pump price. Mr Joe Ajaero, NLC President, said this while addressing newsmen at the end of its emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja on Friday. Ajaero said that Labour would embark on strike if the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) fails to revert the current template on the increase in the price of fuel occasioned by the withdrawal of fuel subsidy. Consequently, NLC has decided that If by Wednesday, the NNPCL, a private Limited Liability Company, that illegally announced the price regime in the oil sector, refuses to revert itself for negotiation to continue, the Nigeria Labour Congress and all its affiliates will withdraw their services and commence protest nationwide until this is complied with. The NNPCL does not have the monopoly to fix prices even as a private company. The NLC, therefore, directs all its state councils and industrial unions to commence mobilisation from this moment to make sure that the action is carried out, he said. Ajaero also said that the ongoing negotiation between the NLC and Federal Government might not produce any meaningful result until President Bola Tinubu constitutes his cabinet. He said that it was important that the NLC entered into negotiation with properly constituted government that would see that any decision taken would be binding on it. According to him, it is instructive that until a government is properly constituted and the people who will negotiate with labour are such people with mandate and capacity to commit the government of the day, such negotiations may not be valid. The NLC president, however, said that hence, there was need to revert to the old pump price of petrol as a necessity for labour to continue its engagement with the government. He also called for a wholistic investigation into the fuel subsidy regime to determine the beneficiaries of what he described as the fraud in the system. Ajaero added that this should have been tackled by the current government, rather than going ahead to withdraw subsidy entirely. NNPCL had recently announced a new pump price for petrol ranging from N488 to N570 per liter depending on the region of the country. (NAN) The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) is set emback on a nationwide strike from next Wednesday over the removal of fuel subsidy and hike in petrol prices across the country. In a statement on Friday, the NLC asked the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to revert to the previous pump prices of petrol. The NLC set a deadline of Wednesday for the NNPCL to return to the old price of N194 per litre, or else it would instruct its members nationwide to withdraw their services. The union directed all its affiliates unions and state councils to commence mobilisation in case the government through the NNPCL refuses to revert to the old pump price of PMS. Speaking at a press briefing following an extensive National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja, NLC President Joe Ajaero decried NNPCLs price hike on Wednesday, which increased PMS prices by over 200 percent, reaching between N488 and N557 per litre. Ajaero announced that, in unanimous agreement among NLC affiliates, unions have been instructed to commence mobilization immediately in preparation for a planned nationwide protest. He emphasized, The NLC decided that if by Wednesday next week the NNPCL, a private limited liability company, that illegally announced a price regime in the oil sector, refuses to announce revert itself for negotiation to continue, that the NLC and all its affiliates, will withdraw their services and commence protests nationwide until this is complied with. The NNPCL doesnt have the monopoly to act illegally even as a private company. The NLC NEC therefore directed all state councils and all industrial unions to commence mobilisation from this moment to make sure that this action is enforced. The action has commenced at this moment. Ajaero also called for a thorough investigation into the subsidy regime of the past eight years, including the amount spent on subsidies and the beneficiaries of such payments. He urged the NNPCL to provide transparent details regarding the consumption of petroleum products by Nigerians, including disclosure of subsidy beneficiaries and the landing cost of petroleum products. The Nigeria Labour Congress is calling for a thorough probe in the process of subsidy to know those involved and the amount involved. Investigate it properly before it is swept under the carpet. The current attempt to sweep the fraudulent practices in the subsidy regime should not be tolerated by all well-meaning Nigerians, he added. KanyiDaily recalls that the NNPC had increased its petrol prices across the country after President Bola Tinubu announced the removal of fuel subsidy during his inauguration speech. Related Advertisement The outgone Managing Director/Chairman of the Anambra State Internal Revenue Service, Mr. Christian Madiebo, has been accused of lying about his vacation of office. The AiRS Boss had, on Thursday, announced his resignation from the position while interacting with some staff of the agency. Although, Madiebo did not give any coherent reason for the said resignation, he, however, stated that he had informed Governor Chukwuma Soludo of the decision. According to him, he had earlier told the Governor that he would only serve for one year in the office, when he gave him the appointment. Mr. Madiebo also claimed that he was missing some of his entitlements at the financial institutions where he worked earlier, and would want to go and claim them. In their reactions, however, some residents of the State have dismissed Madiebos claims as lies to cover up his sack. Some concerned citizens who commented on the said resignation insisted that he was either sacked by Governor Soludo or was expecting his sack anytime soon, which made him to hastily vacate office in the guise that he has resigned. They further challenged Mr. Madiebo to publish evidence of where he discussed and agreed with the Governor that he would resign after one year in office, as well as a copy of his resignation letter sent to and approved by the Governor. It is only when I see these evidences that I will believe that you truly and honourably resigned. Until I see them, I dont have reasons to believe anything else, other than that you were sacked, and sacked for corruption and incompetence, Uche Ifeaka, a social media user said. Corroborating what Ifeaka said, another concerned citizen, Clinton Ibe challenged the authenticity of Madiebos claims, and argued that it was not believable to him, that Governor Soludo would go into such agreement that his appointee would resign after one year in office, as such would only amount to gross inconsistency and unjustifiable waste of resources on the side of his government. Recall that Governor Soludo had, few months ago (towards the end of March 2023), decried the drop in the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the State, during which he lamented that the States IGR was not even close to 50% of what he anticipated to achieve. The Governor stressed that he expected to have the State Board of Internal Revenue Service (headed by Mr. Madiebo) to double its initial revenue within its first four months, which did not happen. While emphasizing that the 2023 budget of the State projected the generation of over 4 billion per month, while the current figure then was still far below 2 billion, the Governor then threatened to disband the Board of Internal Revenue Revenue Service if they failed again in achieving an increase in the States IGR as were mandated. Many also speculate that Mr. Madiebo was diverting and pocketing some of the revenues generated for the State, which reflects in the stunted growth of the States IGR. The residents, therefore, are of the opining that Governor Soludo has either completed the arrangement to sack the IGR Board Chairman, Mr. Madiebo, for his obvious incompetence and for not still effecting any rise in the figures of the States IGR. Aside the allegation of corruption and incompetence, there were also speculations that Related Advertisement Advertisement By Chuks Eke An eminent United Nations Peace Ambassador, Ikenna Offor has called on appropriate government authorities concerned to look inwards and rehabilitate the dilapidated roads leading to Anambra International Cargo and Passenger Airport to create an easy access for passengers going to the Airport to fly to their various destinations. He said the manner with which the roads were abandoned to its present state not only constituted an eye-saw to both foreigners and Nigerians passing through them enroute to the Airport on daily basis. Speaking to newsmen at the Airport on his way back to the United Kingdom, UK, his base, Offor, a veteran journalist and former editor of the Peoples Newspaper based in Onitsha, Anambra state, expressed serious concern over the deplorable state of the roads leading to the Airport located at Umueri in Anambra East Local Government Area of the state. According to the global diplomat, Driving straight to the newly built Anambra State cargo/passenger airport through Umueri route which happens to be the shortest route to the only functional airport in Anambra State was quite a disappointing experience. At the time I travelled through the seemingly abandoned roads said to be the shortest route to the only Anambra State passenger/cargo airport, there was no sign of road work or earth moving Equipments at the roads yet were almost in full rainy season. He further declared: Giving the social economic relevance of this road, I hereby challenge the gentlemen of the forth- estate of the realm, as watch dogs of the society to investigate and report accordingly for general good. He lamented that relevant authorities are probably not quite aware of the deplorable state of the roads given the current Anambra state administrations positive drive in infrastructural development aimed at attracting both internal and external investors to the state tagged the light of the nation. As first point of contact for all investors/potential investors and others coming to Anambra by air, this Umueri airport road and other adjoining roads presumably under construction shouldnt be delayed anymore in order not to be completely washed away this rainy season. When completed, he contended, these quite important Umueri airport roads will obviously assist in addressing a number of socio-economic and security challenges in Anambra state. This in turn will also help in driving current administrations endeavour in all fronts aimed at ensuring a sustainable peace and development in the State and the nation at large. Efforts to reach the state Commissioner for Works, Hon. Ifeanyi Okoma was not successful as he did not pick several calls put across to him nor reply texts sent to him as at the time of filing this report. Related Advertisement Tinubu Meets APC Governors, Vows to Adjust Minimum Wage, Revenue Allocation President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Friday in Abuja said improved livelihood for Nigerians remains a top priority of his administration, with more people-focused economic policies, assuring that the national minimum wage needs a review to reflect realities. The President, who received members of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) led by the Chairman, Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, at the State House, said the national and sub-national governments will work together on the minimum wage, which already requires soul searching. We need to do some arithmetic and soul searching on the minimum wage, he said. We will have to take a look at that together, and the revenue. We must strengthen the source and application of our revenue. President Tinubu urged the governors to seize the opportunity of being chosen among millions of citizens in their states to make a difference in the lives of people, adding that he will work for the benefit of Nigerians. This meeting is not strange to me, and the content of the meeting is so valuable. The camaraderie is very stimulating. This is about the Nigerian project, not Bola Tinubu, he said. The President said that the multiple exchange rates will be streamlined, noting that governance was a continuum. I have inherited the assets and liabilities of my predecessor. This is the first time you entered the Council Chambers, and it is my first time too for a meeting. As progressives and thinkers under the umbrella of the All Progressives Congress (APC), you have a role to play in educating our people and making sure we manage ourselves, the President told the governors. President Tinubu said it was a good and encouraging sign that the APC has a majority in the National Assembly and some Houses of Assembly, which will make it easier to develop policies that will directly impact the economy and the people. If we work together, the Nigeria of our dreams is not far away. Rest assured that we will not have multiple exchange rates anymore. You asked for this meeting, and I had to set aside time to be here. We have a political party that we will need to manage, whichever way, we have inherited assets and liabilities, and we cannot complain, he stated. President Tinubu said he would maintain an open-door policy, willing to entertain issues, deliberate, and collectively find solutions to the challenges facing the country, including security. It is in our hands, and I am ready to work and listen at any time, he added. In his remarks, the Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shettima, called on the governors to rally around the President as he tackles the challenges that stagnate the economy, like the oil subsidy and multiple exchange rates. Let us rally around the President and not bulge, there are vested interests that may want to resist the subsidy removal. Its removal will free resources for the development of your states, he added. Earlier, the Governor of Imo State pledged the support of the Progressive Governors to the President, noting that the initial decisions already foretell good intentions for the economy. We are here today as members of the APC to fraternize with you as our leader, and congratulate you on your election as President, and Commander-in-Chief. We are using this opportunity to express our support for you at this trying time in our history, he said. Uzodinma noted that the President had started well, by placing the economy and welfare of the people on a priority list, with honesty of purpose. We are aware of your capacity and excellent track record, the PGF Chairman stated. The Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, said the development of the national and sub-national economies remains interwoven, assuring that President Tinubu would receive their support to succeed. Other governors present at the meeting were Chairman of Nigerian Governors Forum and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Yahaya Bello of Kogi, Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, Mai Mala Buni of Yobe, Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe, and Dikko Radda of Katsina State. Governors Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa, Hyacinth Alia of Benue, Umar Bago of Niger, Nasir Idris of Kebbi, Uba Sani of Kaduna, Umar Namadi of Jigawa, Nwifuru Francis Ogbonna of Ebonyi , Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto, and Bassey Otu of Cross-River State were also present. At the meeting, the President announced the appointment of Femi Gbajabiamila as Chief of Staff, Sen. Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia as Deputy Chief of Staff, and George Akume as Secretary to the Government of the Federation. Director General of the Akpabio/Barau Stability Group campaigning for Senate Presidency for Akpabio has been berated for comparing Senator Godswill Akpabio with Nigerias new President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu on issues of corruption. The Coalition of Yoruba Defenders described Ndumes comparison of the series of corruption cases being faced by Akpabio with what Asiwaju Bola Tinubu passed through before he was elected president as an insult not only to President Tinubu, Yoruba race but to the entire country as a whole. In a statement signed its Chairman, Dr Olukunle Bademosi and released to the media in Ibadan Friday, the group stated that it was wrong and insulting for Ndume to have dragged the name of the president into the challenges being faced by Senator Akpabio in his bid to become President of the Senate maintaining that there was no basis for the comparison. According to the Yoruba Defenders added that Senator Ndume went too far by mentioning the Presidents name in his defense of the humongous corruption cases against the former Governor of Akwa Ibom State which had led the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to invite Senator Akpa severally to his office for interrogations. Senator Godswill Akpabio, Dr, Bademosi said is known worldwide to be at present facing corruption charges and has been invited to meet officials of the anti-graft commission, EFCC by Tuesday, May 9, 2023 over cases of money laundry and theft running to billions of Naira. Among other allegations, Godswill Akpabio has been alleged of perpetrating a 40b Naira fraud when he headed the Niger Delta Development Commission NDDC. In 2020, the Senate and the House of Representatives resolved to probe the alleged 40 billion financial recklessness of the Interim Management Committees of the NDD. Also, there were allegations of over 86 billion Naira contract scams involving the senator elect and a former acting Managing Director of NDDC, Prof Kemebbradikumo Pondei which the EFCC Has been investigating. The EFCC had in the pats arrested Godswill Akpabio over the alleged theft of 108.billion Naira of Akwa Ibom funds. The EFCC had earlier invited Akpabio to appear for questioning on March 29, but his lawyer, Umeh Kalu, SAN, in a letter to the anti-graft agency claimed that his client was suffering from pneumonia and cardiac arrhythmia. For Senator Ndume to now be comparing the aspirant with the President of Nigeria who was never accused of sleaze either while serving as the governor of Lagos State or after serving the state or invited for any interrogation of any such i6 years after leaving office is absurd to say the least The Yoruba Defenders advised Ndume and Akpabio to carry their corrupt-stinking baggage without smearing others with their tainted brush and honor the invitation of the EFCC to clear their names. According to the group, no amount of campaign and insults on exalted and the highest offices in the land could exonerate Akpabio from his corruption-laden baggage. The Coalition maintained it would be foolhardy for any reasonable person to suggest that a person with corruption charges be made the number three man in the country. Ndume had described the allegations against Akpabio as similar to allegations made against President Bola Tinubu during the presidential campaigns. The Yoruba Defenders however pointed out that there was never any allegation of sleaze against the president and neither was he ever invited for interrogations talk less of dodging EFCC invitations at any time. The group, therefore, cautioned Senator Ndume and his group never to drag the name of the nations president in his failed move to install a corrupt-stinking senator as the President of the Senate again adding that any further mention of the name of President Bola Tinubu on the matter would attract serious sanctions from the group. Morning shows the day. Akpabio and his people have not assumed the leadership of the senate and yet they have started tarnishing the image of the President of Nigeria, one can only imagine what they would do when power gets to their hands The group, therefore called on all the senators-elect from Yoruba land and all the parts of the country to vote for only credible and unblemished senators-elect without any case with the anti-graft agencies as their presiding officers. The governorship election petition tribunal in Ibadan, Oyo state capital, has upheld the re-election of Seyi Makinde as the governor of the state. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Makinde, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as the winner of the election held on March 18. He secured 563,756 votes to win in 31 of the 33 local government areas in the state, while Teslim Folarin of the All Progressives Congress (APC) came second with 256,685 votes. Adebayo Adelabu of the Accord Party (AP) came a distant third with 38,357 votes. However, Babatunde Ajala, governorship candidate of the Action Alliance (AA), had challenged Makindes victory. Ajala, in his petition, named INEC as the first respondent, while Makinde and the PDP were the second and third respondents respectively. A three-member panel of the court, led by Ejiron Emudainohwo, while delivering judgment on Friday, June 2, dismissed Ajalas petition. The tribunal also awarded a cost of N600,000 against the AA gubernatorial candidate, N100,000 in favour of INEC, and N250,000 each in favour of Makinde and the PDP respectively. Related President Bola Tinubu has stated the national minimum wage requires a review to reflect realities, emphasising that the improved livelihood for Nigerians remains a top priority of his administration. The President, who received members of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) led by the Chairman, Hope Uzodinma of Imo State at the State House, said the national and sub-national governments will work on the minimum wage, which already requires soul searching. According to a statement by the Director of Information in the State House, Abiodun Oladunjoye, Tinubu also said his administration would be working on more people-focused economic policies. We need to do some arithmetic and soul searching on the minimum wage. We will have to take a look at that together, and the revenue. We must strengthen the source and application of our revenue, he said. Tinubu urged the Governors to seize the opportunity of being chosen among millions of citizens in their States to make a difference in the lives of people, adding that he will work for the benefit of Nigerians. This meeting is not strange to me, and the content of the meeting is so valuable. The camaraderie is very stimulating. This is about the Nigerian project, not Bola Tinubu, he said. The President said the multiple exchange rates will be streamlined, noting that governance was a continuum. I have inherited the assets and liabilities of my predecessor. This is the first time you entered the Council Chambers, and it is my first time too for a meeting. As progressives and thinkers under the umbrella of the All Progressives Congress (APC), you have a role to play in educating our people and making sure we manage ourselves, the President told the Governors. However, the Governors voiced their concern over the sudden hike in petrol prices following the presidents inaugural speech. Related The Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Bamidele Oleyelogun, has dismissed a rumour of his resignation from the position. A letter surfaced on social media during the week that the speaker had resigned from the position ahead of the inauguration of the 10th Assembly in the state. But in a statement issued on Friday in Akure, Oleyelogun described the letter of his resignation as the handiwork of the fifth columnists. He said: The purported letter of resignation which is in circulation is the handiwork of the fifth Columnists who are bent on throwing Ondo State into anarchy, particularly the House of Assembly. The purported resignation is no doubt the figment of the imagination of the peddlers of such heinous act as l did not contemplate or discuss such move with any member of the Assembly or family members. READ ALSO: Ondo Assembly sacks two APC lawmakers for hobnobbing with the opposition Let me tell members of the public that the purported letter of resignation did not emanate from me as it was forged by purveyors of such letter. He added that the Clerk of the Assembly, Mr. Benjamin Jaiyeola, informed him that he did not receive any letter of resignation. I have not informed the Executive Arm of Government of such resignation and I urge my Honourable Colleagues, staffers of the House of Assembly, and members of my constituency to disregard the letter, the speaker added. He urged the security agencies to fish out those behind the letter. Join the conversation Opinions Support Ripples Nigeria , hold up solutions journalism Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs. As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake. If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause. Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development. Donate Now The last is yet to be heard of the crisis rocking the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as a member of the National Working Committee (NWC), Dr Salihu Lukman has declared that no one could stop him from highlighting wrongdoings in the party. Lukman, who is the APC National Vice Chairman, North West, accused the National Chairman and Secretary of the party, Senators Abdullahi Adamu and Iyiola Omisore of bullying and intimidating him over his stance on the way the party is being administered. In an open letter to APC leaders, he maintained that contestation and disagreement are defining attributes of any progressive political party. The Kaduna-born politician, who swore that he cannot be cowed into compromising his stance, dared Adamu and Omisore to expel him from the party. He identified the refusal of Adamu to render accounts of the party for the past one year as part of his grouse against him. We have managed the party since April 2022 without approved budget as required under Article 13.3A(xiv) of the APC constitution. No report of any kind to any organ, not even the NWC. Yet, Article 13.4(ii) and (iv) require the NWC to submit quarterly reports of activities and finances covering income and expenditure to NEC. Billions of Naira have been expended based on discretionary decisions of the National Chairman and National Secretary. Till date, no member of the NWC can claim to know how much is in all the accounts of the party outside Sen. Adamu and Sen. Omisore and perhaps the National Treasurer and National Financial Secretary, he said. Continuing, he noted: By every definition, Sen. Adamus politics is conservative and reactionary. Unfortunately, however, based on all the unfolding realities, he is on a reckless conservative and reactionary politician, who, if left unchecked, can pull the party in the direction of committing political suicide. All party leaders and members must wake up to this reality and stop Sen. Adamu from achieving his mission of self-destroying the APC. Both Adamu and Omisore, from all available reports appeared to be animated that I have resumed public advocacy on the need to save the APC and ensure that the structures of the party are given life in line with provisions of the APC constitution. Yes, I have resumed public advocacy because all the structures that should have permitted internal debates are being blocked from meeting. APC, as a party founded with the vision of being a progressive party, must accommodate debates and contestations. Nobody, no matter how highly placed, should think that the best way to win debates and contestation is to bully and blackmail opponents. No amount of bullying will stop the campaign to return APC to constitutional order. The Vice-Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), North-West, Salihu Lukman, on Friday, dared the partys National Chairman, Abdullahi Adamu, to expel him for making public the wrongdoings in the party. Lukman has repeatedly criticised Adamu and the partys National Secretary, Iyiola Omisore, over the poor handling of the partys affairs. In April, he filed a suit against the duo at the Federal High Court, Abuja, for failing to make public the APCs financial records. Lukman also asked Adamu to give an account of all the funds accrued to the party from the sale of forms ahead of the last general election. He later withdrew the suit following intervention by concerned party members. In his latest letter addressed to Adamu and Omisore, the APC chieftain vowed that he would not be bullied into compromising his position on the management of the party and challenged the two men to expel him for exposing their wrongdoings. He stressed that such expulsion would not stop him from demanding accountability or respect for the partys constitution in handling its affairs. READ ALSO: APC chieftain, Lukman, accuses Adamu, Omisore of anti-north sentiments Lukman wrote: Nobody, no matter how highly placed should imagine that the best way to win debates and contestation is to bully and blackmail opponents. I can guarantee you; no amount of bullying will stop the campaign to return APC to constitutional order. By the way, you are free to expel me from APC, but you cannot expel me as a citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. APC is not a private property. It is a public political organisation with rules, which must be respected. Sen. Adamu and Sen. Omisore can block organs of the APC from meeting to the extent that other leaders of the party are willing to permit. No one can block me, in anyway, from discharging my right to engage the issues both as Nigerian and as a member of APC, expelled or not. For your information, I am currently working to document all these experiences, which I will publish, God willing, so that it contribute to the body of knowledge in the development of party politics in Nigeria. Whether you respect my right to hold membership of APC or not, I can proudly say that my publications will remain references for anyone who wishes to understudy the APC for the foreseeable future. Perhaps, let me also indulge the National Chairman, Sen. Adamu by informing him that contrary to his campaign of slander against me, I consider myself a very successful person. Unlike the lies he enjoys telling NWC members that I was sacked in five places, in all the places I worked, I left credible records, and they are all there to be verified. Join the conversation Opinions Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs. As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake. If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause. Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development. Donate Now President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday in Abuja announced the appointment of the Speaker of House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila as Chief of Staff, and Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, a former Deputy Governor of Jigawa State, as Deputy Chief of Staff. In a meeting with Progressives Governors Forum (PGF), the President also named former Governor of Benue State and immediate past Minister of Special Duties, George Akume as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF). A Presidency statement issued by Director of Information, Abiodun Oladunjoye, confirmed the appointments. The Guardian had exclusively reported last Tuesday that Akume and Gbajabiamila were the preferred choices of the president for the two positions. Meanwhile, the Liberation Forum for Good Governance (LFGG) a support group of Bola Ahmed Tinubu/Shettima under APC Amagamated Registered Support Groups headed by Augustine Onah has congratulated Akume over his appointment as SGF. Onah, who described the SGF appointment as well deserved, said the former Minister of Special Duty was no doubt a round peg in a round hole. The group expressed optimism that the former Benue governors antecedents as a seasoned administrator and leader would come to play in the discharge of his duty. Your hard work and dedication to duties had paid off. I am confident in your abilities to discharge any mandate and overcome any challenges because your patriotism to the Nigerian project is unparalleled, he added. Similarly, a leading aspirant for the speakership seat of the House of Representatives, Dr. Tajudeen Abbas, has said that Gbajabiamila would surely provide the support to President Tinubu to reposition Nigeria to achieve greatness. Abbas in a congratulatory message contended that Gbajabiamilas appointment is a testament of his pedigree, capacity and competence to handle any national assignment given to him. The lawmaker, who represents Zaria Federal Constituency of Kaduna State, hailed President Tinubu for making the right choice. He said Gbajabiamila is bringing to the table two decades of parliamentary experience during which he occupied the positions of Minority Whip, Minority Leader, Majority/House Leader and ultimately the Speaker. Abbas said Tinubu has once again demonstrated that he is truly a talent hunter and a strategist by appointing Gbajabiamila to be his Chief of Staff. I want to appreciate Mr. President for making the right choice in appointing our Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila as his Chief of Staff. To me, this is one appointment that has shown that Mr. President is not only strategic in his thinking but also sagacious in his leadership. I know that the Chief of Staff to the President will work assiduously with Mr. President to make Nigeria great, Abbas said. The Police Command in Oyo State says it has recovered additional weapons at Diamond Hotel, a hideout allegedly being used by the wanted former Chairman of Oyo Park Management Disciplinary Committee, Mukaila Lamidi, aka Auxiliary. The commands spokesperson, SP Adewale Osifeso, disclosed this in a media briefing at the commands headquarters, Eleyele, in Ibadan on Friday. Mr Osifeso said the weapons were recovered upon execution of a search warrant on Wednesday at the hotel owned by Auxiliary, who had since been declared wanted by the police. Weapons recovered, according to the spokesperson, include 70 rounds of AK-47 ammunition, 400 cutlassses, 400 pieces of live cartridges, 13 pieces of 9-MM ammunition and one pump action rifle. Other weapons include nine locally made pistols, nine jack knives, three axes, three swords among others. According to Mr Osifeso, further investigation into the matter is ongoing. Recall that the police had on Tuesday raided the same hotel, arresting 78 members of the Park Management System (PMS) loyal to Auxilliary. During the raid, 724 cartridges, guns and other weapons were found in their possession. Meanwhile, the command has arrested a 39-year-old suspect, who had been on the watchlist of the command, for sales and distribution of drugs. Mr Osifeso said that the man was sighted and arrested during the raid, and had on him 336 wraps of Indian hemp, 450 wraps of skunk and plastic bags containing Colorado. According to the spokesperson, the suspect had voluntarily confessed to the crime, identified his distribution network and clients in Lagos, Oyo, Osun and Ogun. The suspect, Mr Osifeso said, would be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) upon completion of investigation. (NAN) The Lamidi Apapa faction of Labour Party (Labour Party) has urged its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to step down his case at the Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal for lack of merit. According to the faction, the advice became necessary following the incident which happened at the tribunal on Thursday. Politics Nigeria recalls that the court had stepped down hearing of the petition filed by Obi and the LP against the election of President Bola Tinubu. The factional national publicity secretary, Abayomi Arabambi, raised these issues during a press conference in Abuja. He told journalists that Obi has failed to provide any concrete evidence to back this claims since the tribunal began sitting. His words: We have followed with keen interest the shameful developments and approach by the so-called legal team assembled by Peter Obi challenging the outcome of the February 25 presidential election by the Independent National Electoral Commission and we have, like many Nigerians, come to the conclusion that Obi is not only taking Nigerians for a ride but would continue to waste the hard earned resources donated by Nigerians for this purpose to even enrich himself the more. All of you here who have been following this case can recall that the day we had altercation in court with (Julius) Abures group, that INEC announced that Peter Obi could not pay for CTC form EC08 and other documents. That now compelled them to only present 30 per cent of the materials they would need for the hearing at Election Petition Tribunal. How would any right thinking person go to election tribunal with only 30 per cent of documents where none of all them would be accepted or agreed to be tendered by other political parties? Three days ago, they said two of their counsels were sick and yesterday (Thursday), they could not even file a single process with the array of SANs with Obi. This is what we have been saying that they are just trying to hoodwink the public, deceiving the Obidients and giving them false hope that they have something at the tribunal. Advertisement By Joshua Chibuzo Andrew, Owerri A former member of the House of Representatives and one time governorship candidate in Imo State, Hon Tony Nwulu, has been named as deputy governorship candidate of the Labour Party. Hon Nwulu, the initiator of the Not Too Young To Run Law, was unveiled by the partys governorship candidate, Senator Athan Achonu. His emergence according to some opinion moulders in the state have disorganized the Political permutations of the incumbent Governor, hope Uzodinma and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state. The event took place at the campaign headquarters of Senator Achonu at MCC Road, Owerri and was attended by thousands of Labour party chieftains and members in the State. In his acceptance speech, the former federal lawmaker, described the APC led administration of Senator Hope Uzodimma, as a failure, whose reign in the state has impoverished the people. We have issued a quit notice to the present government because they have failed he said Nwulu condemned the level of insecurity in the state, which he noted, has affected its economic development and growth. Bad leadership has affected Imo State. The only thriving sector in the state is insecurity. The State is under siege.The hospitality sector in the state has crumbled because of insecurity. Prominent sons and daughters of the State have gone on exile because of the level of insecurity. We have witnessed high rate of killings, abductions and extra judicial killings. This is a clear testimony that the governor has failed to protect the citizens of the State Nwulu stated. He said the education sector in the State has also collapsed. Our schools are in bad shape, particularly in the rural areas where students and pupils are learning under trees. This is unacceptable. Nwulu also expressed concern over the worrisome condition of youth unemployment in the State. He however stated that his nomination as Deputy Governorship candidate to the labour party governorship candidate, Senator Achonu, is a testimony of the commitment of the labour party to give youths a prominent role in governing the State. I championed the cause of the youths when I was at the House of Representatives. I initiated the Not Too Young To Run Law, which encouraged active youths participation and involvement in governance. I am an advocate of youth empowerment and development. That is what i represent and stand for. The youths of Imo State will have a new beginning when we take over the mantle of leadership of the State. My Nomination as Deputy Governorship candidate of Labour party in Imo state, means the youths have been assigned the governorship of the state he said. In his remarks, the governorship candidate of Labour Party, Senator Athan Achonu, said the choice of Hon Nwulu as his Running Mate, was brilliant choice because of his antecedents and track records, being staunch advocate of youth empowerment and development. Tony Nwulu is a champion of youth development. He is an illustrious son of Imo State who went to the House of Representatives from Lagos State, from yourabland. This tell you he is the right person to be my Deputy to rescue Imo State from misrule Senator Achonu stated. Related Advertisement Three members of the Peoples Democratic Party have thrown their support behind President Bola Tinubu on the removal of petroleum subsidy. The Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, immediate past governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, and former governor of Delta State, James Ibori, made this known when they visited the president at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Friday. Speaking on why the trio were at the villa of the president, Makinde said, To let him know that he has started well and he has the support of the generality of the people. Related News On the subsidy issue, Makinde said, We discussed it. Its something that is on top of public discussion right now. We know its a tough decision for the people and he needs the support of everybody to see this through. Recall that the PDP chieftain, Ibori, and Tinubu served as governors under different political platforms between 1999 and 2007 while Wike and Makinde are members of the PDPs rebel G5 governors that worked against the partys presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar in the February elections. Advertisement By Chuks Eke A critical major stakeholder in the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Hon. Samuel Onuorah has described the party as a believer in one love, brotherhood, justice, equity and above all open-door policy. Speaking to newsmen shortly after the partys national convention in Awka, Anambra state capital, Onuorah noted that the party faithfuls buttressed their high quality standard at the convention when other contestants voluntarily stepped down for the newly elected national chairman of APGA, Barrister Sylvester Ezeokenwa in the keenly contested convention attended by delegates from the 36 states of the federation and FCT. According to Hon Onuorah who was a former Personal Assistant, P. A. to Hon Barr sir Tony Ikechukwu Anthony Ifeanya, immediate past Secretary of APGA in Anambra state and incumbent state Commissioner for Petroleum and Mineral Resources, APGA is the only party that has state and regional offices here in Awka and in Abuja. Onuorah who also doubled as Special Assistant to former Governor Willie Obiano on Community Liaison, further declared: Every other party in Anambra state are under APGA.and the immediate past National Chairman of APGA, Ozor Nkpu Dr Victor Ike Oye from Anambra state handed over to Ezeokenwa also from Anambra state because the party is so formidable in Anambra to the extent of producing sitting governors from time to time. Another good thing about APGA is that the immediate past national chairman, Oye inherited about N20 million from his predecessor, Senator Victor Umeh and handed over a whooping sum of over N300 million, excluding structures housing state and southeast regional offices which he completed and was recently commissioned by the indefatigable Governor Chukwuma Soludo. On the lingering leadership crisis between Oye and Edozie Njoku-led factions, Onuorah dismissed existence of faction in APGA, adding that Oye was the only party chairman recognized by INEC, adding however that the door is still open for Njoku to come in and assume his position as either a member of the Board of Trustees, BoT or any other deserved position. On the performances of APGA during the just concluded general elections in the country, Onuorah declared; In as much as APGA could not win the presidential election, it won national and state assembly elections in various parts of the country, including in Gwagwalada, FCT. The party also produced former Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo state who decamped to APC with APGA banner and so many others. Related Advertisement Hollywood actress, Natalie Portman and her husband, Benjamin Millepied are going through a rough patch in their marriage after he cheated on her with a younger woman. According to French outlet Voici and corroborated by Page Six, Millepied allegedly had an affair with a 25-year-old woman. However, People magazine reported that an insider claimed the affair was short-lived and is now over. The insider described the alleged affair as an enormous mistake, stating that Millepied was fully aware of the gravity of his actions and is now working to mend the damage caused to his relationship with Portman. Natalie Portman, 41, an Oscar-winning actress, and Benjamin Millepied, a 45-year-old dancer and choreographer, have been married since 2012. While a source told Page Six that the couple had briefly separated last year before reconciling, it appears to be unrelated to Millepieds alleged affair with climate activist, Camille Etienne, who is 25. Page Sixs source mentioned that Portman and Millepied are currently making efforts to work through their issues. The source emphasized that Millepied is doing everything he can to seek forgiveness from Portman, expressing his love for her and their family. The source also highlighted Portmans commitment to maintaining privacy when it comes to matters concerning her marriage. Their main focus at the moment is protecting their children, the source added. Natalie Portman and Benjamin Millepied got engaged in 2010 and tied the knot in 2012 in Big Sur, California. Together, they have a son named Aleph, who is 12, and a daughter named Amalia, who is six years old. KanyiDaily had also reported how actor, Al Pacino demanded a paternity test from his pregnant 29-year-old girlfriend, Noor Alfallah, because he doubted his ability to father a child at the age of 83. Related According to him, Tinubu should not appoint politicians or quasi-politicians to his government. Bwala, who recently congratulated Tinubu on his swearing-in, in a tweet on Saturday listed the particular positions these types of politicians should not be appointed into. The positions he listed, included National Security Adviser, Minister of the economy, Director General of SSS, NIA, Minister of Petroleum, and the Central Bank Governor The PDP presidential candidate spokesman argued that if Tinubu does otherwise, he would repeat history. He wrote, No 16th biggest test would the appointment of these; National Security Adviser, Minister of the economy, Director General of SSS and NIA, Minister of Petroleum, Central Bank Governor HE MUST NOT APPOINT A POLITICIAN OR QUASI POLITICIAN FOR ANY OF THESE ROLES, or else he will repeat history. No 16th biggest test would the appointment of these; 1. National Security Adviser 2. Minister of the economy 3. Director General of SSS and NIA 4. Minister of Petroleum 5. Central Bank Governor HE MUST NOT APPOINT A POLITICIAN OR QUASI POLITICIAN FOR ANY OF THESE ROLES, or else D. H Bwala (@BwalaDaniel) June 3, 2023 Meanwhile, Kanyi Daily reported that Tinubu on Friday appointed the immediate past Minister of Special Duties, Senator George Akume as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF). The president also appointed the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila as his Chief of Staff. Related Nollywood actor, Uche Maduagwu has raised questions about the comparisons made between him and American superstar, Rihanna. Taking to his Instagram page, Uche Maduagwu shared new photos of himself dressed as a woman while clarifying that he does not resemble Rihanna. The actor, who described Rihanna as an American music legend, proclaimed himself as the Queen of Lasgidi, the Queen of Luxury Fashion, and the Queen of Luxury Lifestyle in Lagos. He expressed his previous apprehensions about embracing his true identity, stressing that he now exudes confidence to show off his beauty. Why is everyone saying that I look so much like RIHANNA na? No please, I dont look like that American music legend. Im the Queen of LASGIDI, the Queen of Luxury Fashion and Luxury Lifestyle in Lagos. I was so afraid to Embrace my True self. But that was then, yes, I look so beautiful now, but dear Ladies, the True Beauty of a woman dey inside her Heart and not face, Uche Maduagwu wrote. This comes a few days after Uche Maduagwu openly expressed his true sexuality, claiming that he has now embraced his feminine side and is ready to be open about it. Related Shehu Sani, a former lawmaker, has sent a message to Nigerias President, Bola Tinubu. He urged President Tinubu to keep aside party solidarity and tell the country the truth about what he inherited from erstwhile President Muhammadu Buharis administration. Sani claimed it was unfair to ask poor Nigerians to make sacrifices without knowledge of details of what happened under the last administration. The social critics demands were contained in a post via his verified Twitter handle on Saturday. The Tinubu Government must set aside party solidarity and tell the country the truth about what they inherited as contained in the handover book. Its unfair to ask the poor masses to make sacrifices without knowing the details of what happened under the last administration, Sani tweeted. His statement is coming on the heels of the removal of fuel subsidy by the Tinubu government with its consequent hike in the pump price of petroleum products across the country. Meanwhile, the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, had also issued threats that its members nationwide would embark on strike next Wednesday if the government failed to revert to the status quo. He said the command apprehended four suspects Bashir Hassan, Ado Muhammad, Usman Abba, and Yusuf Garba all from the Birnin Kudu local government Four people have been arrested by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC in Jigawa State. They were arrested for allegedly sodomizing minors in the state. The NSCDC spokesman, Jigawa State Command, CSC Adamu Shehu disclosed this in a statement issued to DAILY POST He said the command apprehended four suspects Bashir Hassan, Ado Muhammad, Usman Abba, and Yusuf Garba all from the Birnin Kudu local government. He said the suspected case of homosexuality (unnatural offense) is contrary to section 284 of the penal code law of Jigawa State and punishable under the same section. CSC Adamu said two of the suspects were arrested on Saturday, at about 1330hrs following a complaint lodged by the father of one of the victims while the two others were arrested in the course of investigations. According to him a father of one of the victims stated that he had noticed the constant visitation of his child to Ados Barbing Shop and most of the times will return with some gifts including sweets, therapeutic food popularly known as Tamora and money which heightened his suspicion Upon inquiry, the boy narrated his relationship with Ado (one of the suspects) and his friends, that Ado used to take him and his friend from the neighbourhood to an uncompleted building nearby and have carnal knowledge of them and thereafter, invites his friends to also engage them with a threat to kill them if they dare tell anyone. The victims claim they were abused more than five (5) times. CSC Shehu said a medical examination conducted at the Sexual Assault and Referral Centre, Dutse General Hospital, revealed evidence of repeated sexual penetration. Suspects will be charged in court after investigations. The candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Alhaji Muritala Yakubu Ajaka has said that he was lucky to have escaped assassination today, June 3, Lokoja, capital of the State. He said that his motorcade was attacked by gunmen personally led, allegedly by the State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello. In a statement countering the earlier statement by Governor Yahaya Bellos side on the attack launched on him by thugs of the opposition political party, the SDP candidate, said that he and some vehicles accompanying him were approaching Lokoja at the vicinity of the ram market at about 300pm when two powerbikes and Toyota Hilux overtook his car and forced it to a stop. This assault was heralded by a Mercrdes Benz Limousine with Bellos official crest accompanied by an open pick- loaded with masked and hooded men bearing AK 47 Assault Rifles. The statement issued by Faruk Adejoh-Audu, the Director of Communications to Murtala Yakubu Ajaka Organization, narrated their own side of the story thus: the men jumped down an began shooting at Ajakas car and all other cars in the motorcade. They shot for over 5 minutes at Ajakas bullet proof car unprovoked. All this while Bellos car was parked a few meters in front and was used to barricade the road while the gun men had a field day. When they ceased, Ajakas car, a Lexus SUV though a bullet proof was totally damaged and demobilised. Among the gunmen is one Friday Makama a notorious thug and a former member of the House of Assembly who recently appointed Director General for Fireams Recovery by Mr Bello. Also identified among the hoodlums accompanying the governor is one Bashir Gegu the commissioner for Solid Minerals who has has a gross reputation for thuggery. Mr Ajaka who was on his way to keep an appointment with the Mai Geri, The first class traditional ruler of Lokoja and The Attah Igala in Idah decided to abort the journey and return to Abuja after conferring with the Commander of the Lokoja Naval Base. This again is another low scored by Mr Yahaya Bello in the exercise of crude power and brute force. Bello is on record to have unleashed guns and gunmen on several citizens in the course of his Eight years draconian rule. Several persons have been killed by his hoodlums during electioneering while others are missing . Ajaka until recently was a member of the APC who was forced out of the governorship nomination by Mr Yahaya Bello who used minions and proxies to obtain an injunction from a Lokoja High Court restraining him from participating in the primaries. The brute action today is obviously in a continuation of Bellos desperation to stop Yakubu from continuing in the election. We appeal to the new President of the Federal Republic, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to demonstrate that his administration will not permit the brigandage of the last eight years which has led to the deaths of thousands of Nigeria. Election is still five months away, but if Mr Bello does not get a strong signal that violence would not be allowed in the new administration several of our citizens will be killed by his thugs and gunmen before the polls. There appears to be latent apprehension in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and former Governor James Ibori of Delta State visited President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Friday. While the visit may be generating apprehension in the PDP, Governor Wike dismissed insinuation of any plan to defect to the APC. It was gathered that in an interaction with State House Correspondents after the meeting with Tinubu, the Rivers Governor responding to question on plans to defect to the APC, was cited to have declared Dont say that. Governor Wike had led four other PDP governors, who include Governor Seyi Makinde, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State, and Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State to oppose the emergence of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as PDP candidate for the 2023 general elections, while Iyorchia Ayu was the PDP National Chairman, both from the north. They had demanded the resignation of Ayu as chairman and his replacement with a southern chairman of the party. The PDP G5 insisted on their agitation which was rooted in zoning of the 2023 presidency to the south, and declined supporting Atiku and the PDP in the February 25 presidential election won by Tinubu of the APC. PDP lost Rivers, Oyo and Delta states in the February 25 presidential election. APC won Rivers and Oyo, while Labour Party won Delta, PDP dominated states before the elections. Subsequently, Atiku and the PDP lost the presidential election to Tinubu of the APC, and Ayu was removed as PDP national chairman after the 2023 general elections. There has not been remarkable efforts for reconciliation by the new PDP leadership since the conclusion of the general elections. However, the victory of Tinubu and the APC is being challenged at the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal by Atiku and the PDP, including Peter Obi of the Labour Party. The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students on Thursday threatened to shut down the South African Embassy in Nigeria. The student body also threatened to close down DSTV, MTN among other business operated by South Africans in Nigeria. This threat is premised on rising cases of xenophobic killings of Nigerians in South Africa. In a statement in Abuja on Thursday, NANS President, Danielson Akpan, condemned the recent killing of Mrs. Elizabeth Ndubuisi in her hotel room in South Africa while attending a seminar. Ndubuisi, who was said to be the Deputy Director-General of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN), was found dead in her room at Emperors Palace Casino, Hotel and Convention Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa. Akpan threatened to mobilise the over 40 million Nigerian students to shut down South African businesses in Nigeria to protest the incessant killings of Nigerians in the country. He said: The rascality of South Africans has gotten to an alarming state. As at today, official record of Nigerians killed in South Africa has risen to 127. These are human beings, these are Nigerians. Unfortunately, this figure is just the confirmed and official figure, not to talk about the ones swept under the carpets. Just on the 23rd June, 2019, Mrs Elizabeth Ndubuisi was strangulated in her hotel room (Emperors Palace Hotel & Convention Centre) Johannesburg, South Africa. Shes the Deputy Director General, Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria. READ ALSO: Xenophobia: Two Nigerians stabbed to death in South Africa Consequently, we shall be shutting down all South African reflections in Nigeria-Embassy, DSTV, SHOPRITE, MTN and many more. Since South Africans do not want us in their country, they should leave our land. The Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, had assured that everything would be done to unravel the death of the late Ndubuisi, a Nigerian national who was alleged to have been strangled in in the country. Dabiri-Erewa had in a tweet on July 7th said no cover up would be allowed by Nigeria. She had tweeted: Everything will be done to unravel the death of such a great woman. Our mission in Joburg will ensure that we will not relent Im demanding this. No cover up will be allowed. I have faith in our mission in Jo burg. Investigations will be thorough. Its a painful period. We must ensure matter unraveled, she said. Godwin Abraham (left) was assaulted allegedly on the orders of Imoh Williams (right) Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly on Thursday ordered the suspension of the chairman of Abak Local Government Area, Imoh Williams, for allegedly assaulting an artisan, Godwin Abraham, pending an investigation into the matter. It was gathered that the artisan was tortured by the chairmans aide for demanding the debt of N75000 owed him by the Council. The chairman had since denied assault and had relieved the aide of his position. The suspension announced during Thursday plenary came through a motion moved by the House Leader, Mr Udo Akpan representing Oruk Anam State Constituency and was seconded by Mr Aniekan Uko, representing Ibesikpo Asutan Constituency. Governor Udom Emmanuel had ordered a probe into the alleged assault. Following the directives, the assembly immediately committed the case to its committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to investigate the immediate and remote causes of the act and make recommendations to the house within one month. The house also called on the Nigeria Police to fast track investigation on the criminal aspects of the matter. Speaking with newsmen shortly after the plenary, the Chairman, House Committee on Information, Aniefiok Dennis said the steps were taken to redeem the image of the state and to ensure the protection of citizens of the state. He cautioned public officeholders to be mindful of their public conducts, as the seventh assembly would not tolerate any act of rascality on the part of public officeholders. The lawmaker however assured that due process would be followed and the Abak Council Chairman would be given fair hearing before major decisions are taken on the matter. He said, The seventh assembly owes every Akwa Ibom person, including the victim of that assault protection. But we want to assure the Abak Council Chairman and the people of Abak that he will be given the opportunity for fair hearing. We also want to sound a note of warning to other public officeholders that we would not tolerate any act of assault on members of the public. The Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), a community on Saturday was thrown into mourning mood following the death of a final year student, Opeyemi Dara. OAU The deceased was said to be a student of Faculty of Arts, Department of English Language, who allegedly committed suicide after taking a suspected dose of lethal substance popularly known as snipper. Newsmen learnt that she allegedly took her life following her poor academic performance, although the details of the incident were still sketchy. The authorities of the institution confirmed that the deceased committed the alleged suicide following depression occasioned by poor academic records. Daras academic records obtained indicated that she had five outstanding courses and 12 Special Electives. When contacted, the Public Relations Officer of OAU, Mr Abiodun Olanrewaju confirmed the incident and promised that the institution would investigate and make its findings public. Olarewaju appealed to students not to contemplate committing suicide because of poor academic performance, We sympathise with the parents and guardian of the deceased known as Dara. We just want our students and young ones to know that depression is not a thing they should encourage, no matter the situation or circumstance they find themselves. Some people in the past have passed through the same situation and circumstances and came out clean. Now, suicide can never be an option and people, especially the young ones who believe that taking their own lives is an act of gallantry should know that it is not. We want to appeal to students, particularly OAU students to take things easy. Any child that fails; that is why the university says you can rerun a course, you can resit a course. People out there also face challenges and when you are in school, failure or repetition of a course or particular subject is also part of the challenges students must face. The university will get to the root of the incident and get back to the public, Olarewaju said. Billy Graham Today is a time when Nigerian pastors, some in suits, cassocks, picturesque robes and chasubles will mount the rostrums, belching obstreperous homilies to those they consider hell bound because of their sexual sins that are as red as scarlet. Such preaching, in the seers reckoning, will make the listening sinners as white as snow, ready to be received by no less an extraterrestrial personality than Angel Gabriel himself at the Pearly Gates. However, events in recent times have shown that many pastors themselves may be as guilty as those they try to make holy! For this reason, they too need a word or two on those mechanisms that can make them not only keep away from sins but all appearances of evil, as the Bible admonishes. Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo, founder of the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA), a man alleged to have dalliance with Busola Dakolo and whose case is in court (which has not pronounced him guilty or otherwise) is in the news again. Two pastors who knew the disgraced Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo in Ilorin Kwara state have, as reported by PMNEWS, given some testimony about him, in the wake of the rape allegations by Busola Dakolo. The pastors spoke in almost an hour interview with TV Talkshow host, the beautiful Adesuwa Onyenokwe. It was aired on Arise TV on Thursday night and is trending on You Tube. One of the pastors, Busola Olotu, a lawyer actually said as far back as 2011, Busolas sister, Funmi Ayeni reported to her that Fatoyinbo raped Busola and that the incident had given the young lady a lot of psychological problems, almost to the point of depression. The above shows that men of God are not immune from accusations of immorality. It only means they must be careful. This is where the examples and rules set by Enoch Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) and Billy Graham, the late American televangelist, can be of help to many Nigerian Pastors who may be holy only from their belly buttons up, but below the belt may be monsters. Enoch Adeboye Adeboye gave a formula while delivering a sermon at the RCCG July Holy Ghost Service, saying pastors must not take their anointing for granted by believing that they are above sin. Though he did not mention any pastor, it was at the period when the Fatoyinbo, Daokolo story went viral. He agreed with the Christian Association of Nigeria and the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria that, as The Punch quoted him, the body of Christ would not tolerate rapists among them. Adeboye, reminded the congregation that Samson, a judge in Israel, fell into sexual immorality despite the anointing over him. He said it was for this reason that he never had a female secretary to avoid falling into temptation. He added that anyone who thinks he can commit a sin and it would remain hidden forever was only deceiving himself. In his words: I dont want to comment on some happenings. You know I have always told you when people ask me why I dont talk. I say I am under authority. The Redeemed Christian Church of God belongs to CAN and we belong to the PFN and in CAN we have a president; at the PFN, we have a president. But I feel compelled to say some things. To those who are young and upcoming ministers of God, everything I will say will be from the Bible. Whatever they say, that is what I have said. That is why I keep my mouth shut. But I feel compelled to say some things. To those who are young and upcoming ministers of God, everything I will say will be from the bible. Number one, it is written, there is nothing hid that shall not come to the open or made manifest. Mark 4:22 It doesnt matter how long you think you have done something and it is covered. You think that it will never come to the open? Then you can go throw away your Bible. Because the one who said there is nothing hid that will not come to the open is the truth himself, Jesus Christ, the harbinger of grace. He added: Because there are some of us who think that somebody like me is old fashioned. But according to 2ndTimothy Chapter 2: 22, it said when you find yourself facing youthful lust, temptation, it says dont wait to fight, flee. You know the meaning of flee? Flee means to run as a terror. When you see a sister smiling at you in a koi koi way, run, run as a terror. Dont say I am a great man of God, I am highly anointed. Ask Samson. I know you will say Im old fashioned, I agree. Adeboye himself, at a point, actually resisted and conquered a tempter. He narrated this at the 62nd annual convention of RCCG in August 2014. In his sermon, as recorded by Vanguard and Daily Post, titled; The yoke-destroyer, Adeboye narrated how a high profile woman who was an executive of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), did everything to seduce him. According to him, the woman came to him and announced to him that God had told her that he would be her husband, and immediately he rebuked her, saying you know that I am happily married and have children. That, according to the Pastor didnt deter the woman who continued to pester him, and even came to the camp to threaten him. Pastor Adeboye, according to the report, took the matter to the then Inspector General of Police who immediately invited the woman and her husband to his office and after a meeting banned the randy woman from entering the Redemption Camp or ever making passes at the man of God. But that measure didnt stop her. I travelled to London without telling anybody, to work on the churchs devotional, Open Heaven. As soon as I settled down in the room, the telephone rang and the voice at the other end said: welcome to London. I am coming in 15 minutes. Fatoyinbo and Busola Adeboye told the voice: You dont know anything, you know that the Police in London are very efficient and if you dare come here, I will call the Police for you. There is a Police station a few meters from where I am staying and she must have known that because she didnt come but kept calling me. I cried to God Who told me You know of the scripture that says, whatever you bind on earth is bound in heaven. Believe me honestly, unless God helps, there are things you cannot handle on your own, he stated, urging the large crowd to stand and pray with holy anger. The Billy Graham doctrine is also along this line. It is a practice among some male evangelical Protestant leaders, in which they avoid spending time alone with women to whom they are not married. According to his biographers, It is adopted as a display of integrity, a means of avoiding sexual temptation, to avoid any appearance of doing something considered morally objectionable, and to avoid being falsely accused of sexual harassment It had its ancestry in 1948, when Graham held a series of evangelistic meetings in Modesto, California. Together with Cliff Barrows, Grady Wilson and George Beverly Shea, he resolved to avoid any situation that would have even the appearance of compromise or suspicion. Justin Taylor in an essay Where Did the Billy Graham Rule Come From? published in The Gospel Coalition wrote that the accountability agreement, which has become known as the Modesto Manifesto, covered not only their interactions with women, but also commitments to integrity with respect to finances, their interactions with local churches, and publicity. From that time onward, Graham made a point of not traveling, meeting, or eating alone with a woman other than his wife Ruth. Graham biographer, Grant Wacker in the book, American Pastor, observed that Over the years Graham received intense media scrutiny, but hardly anyone accused him of violating any of those four principles. By Grahams own admission, in Just As I Am : the Autobiography of Billy Graham, he initially refused a lunch meeting with Hillary Clinton on the grounds that he does not eat alone with women other than his wife, but she persuaded him that they could have a private conversation in a public dining room The 48th Vice President of the US, Mike Pence in 2017, adopted the principle too. In March 2017, The Washington Post noted Pence had adopted a version of this rule, in that he will not have dinner alone with any woman other than his wife Karen. However, Emma Green, writing for The Atlantic, noted that the controversy was an example of how notions of gender divide American culture. He added that while socially liberal or non-religious people may see Pences practice as misogynistic or bizarre, for a lot of conservative religious people the set-up probably sounds normal, or even wise Written by Ademola Adegbamigbe At least 228 Prison inmates have reportedly escaped from Koton Karfe Custodial Centre in Kogi State after the building collapsed due to heavy flood. This was made known by an official of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Jafar Ahmed, while speaking with journalists in Koton Kafe. According to him, flood occasioned by heavy downpour on Monday morning aided the prisoners escape from the Medium Federal Prisons, Kotonkarfe. It was gathered that the ensuing flood from the torrential rain submerged the prisons and caused destruction to the structures. Ahmed said there were 228 inmates at the centre at the time of the incident and that due to the flood, they escaped from the prison. According to him, more than one hundred of the inmates had been rearrested and were being transferred to other prison facilities in the state. A 38-year-old suspected internet fraudster, Azeez Adebowale, was caught with a mini coffin suspected to contain fetish materials when operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), raided his house in Ibadan on Monday. In a statement issued by the Acting Head, Media, and Publicity, Wilson Uwujaren, on Tuesday, EFCC revealed that Adebowale claimed to be using the coffin as soap rack to hypnotise his victims. Adebowale was among the six persons arrested following weeks of piecing together tips intelligence received on their alleged involvement in internet fraud. The suspects which included a lady identified as Toyinsola Bolumole, were picked up by men of the Commissions Ibadan zonal office at locations around Oluyole and Alao-Akala Estates of the ancient city. Others are Ifelowo Ololade, Sonuyi Ayodeji, Folarin Oladele Olayinka and Aluko Olawale. Items recovered from them include four cars, various brands of sophisticated phones and an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) card. Suspect Caught With Mini Coffin As EFCC Arrests Six Yahoo Boys In Ibadan A mini coffin suspected to contain fetish materials was found with a 38-year-old suspected internet fraudster, Azeez Adebowale, when operatives of EFCC raided his house in Ibadan on Monday, March 2, 2020. pic.twitter.com/MAMQGSS31m EFCC Nigeria (@officialEFCC) March 3, 2020 ALSO READ: EFCC Storms Notorious Yahoo Boys Club In Ibadan, Arrests 89 Suspected Internet Fraudsters [Photos] Mainland spokesperson rebukes DPP for "selling out Taiwan people" Xinhua) 13:36, June 03, 2023 BEIJING, June 2 (Xinhua) -- A mainland spokesperson on Friday said that the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authority has traded the interests of Taiwan's enterprises and people for "progress" in its relations with the United States. Zhu Fenglian, a spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, made the remarks in response to a media inquiry about the DPP authority's signature of the first agreement with the United States under the "U.S.-Taiwan Initiative on 21st Century Trade" on Thursday. "We resolutely oppose the negotiation and signing of any agreement that has a sovereign implication or is official in nature between the United States and the Taiwan region," Zhu said. The DPP authority's act went against the will of the people and will harm itself and the Taiwan region, she added. (Web editor: Chang Sha, Hongyu) When Sen. Istifanus Gyang (Plateau-PDP) sponsored a bill to amend and pin down the minimum qualification for Nigerias presidential candidates and governors, he had no idea how far the piece of legislature will go if it eventually scales through. Now past its second reading, the bill may ultimately damage lifes dreams of many Nigerian politicians. The most affected will be PDP veteran presidential candidate Atiku Abbakar. The former VP has just a plain old diploma all his lifein civil service and politics. And the Gyang bill is seeking the Higher National Diploma as the minimum. So the billionaire, if hes still bent on shooting for Aso Rock in 2023, must beef up his educational qualificationby enrolling for a four-year-long programme which he must complete in 2023. Thats is starting from scratch. His educational arc, going by public records, was somewhat choppy: He finished secondary school in 1965, passing English and literature, and flunking physics, chemistry, and maths. That result made him drop out of the Nigeria Police College in Kaduna, heading straight to the Kano School of Hygiene in 1966 where he got his first diploma in 1967. Same year, he applied for a law diploma at the Ahmadu Bello University Institute of Administration. That was the highest scroll he ever got. And with it he rose in civil service to the level of deputy comptroller-general in the Nigeria Customs Service, and soared in politics as vice president and PDPs deep pocket and shot-caller. He has been contesting for Nigerias top job for about two decades, presenting the law diploma to INEC as part of his qualifying documents. He might have bee planning t dust it up for the 2023 presidential race for which he is the most experienced and financially capable among the PDP wannabes. Section 131 (d) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) currently provides that a person is qualified as presidential aspirants if he has been educated up to at least School Certificate level or its equivalent. Atiku, thus, makes the cut. But the amendment that Gyang seeks has a new turn to its wording: If he has been educated up to at least HND level or its equivalent. At about 74 now, Atiku could renew his quest for knowledge, and begin to burn the midnight oil again. After all, education starts from the cradle and ends in the grave. But studying to qualify for the next general election in 2023 will tax every nerve of his ageing body. He, however, could have foreseen this, and has been swotting for a degree or a higher diploma or its equivalent. PV: 0 Against the backdrop of the Covid-19 (coronavirus) global health threat and the subsequent social restriction orders imposed by governments at all levels, to enable its containment, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP M.A. Adamu, while enjoining citizens to voluntarily adhere to the orders, directs all Zonal Assistant Inspectors-General of Police and Commissioners of Police nationwide to ensure that all legitimate orders given in pursuant to the containment efforts are strictly enforced within their areas of jurisdiction. The IGP, while urging officers to observe personal safety measures, further directs the Zonal AIGs and Command CPs to ensure that cases of unnecessary arrests and detention of suspects are not condoned. He reiterated that detention of suspects must be reduced to the barest minimum and that only very serious cases such as terrorism, armed robbery, homicide and other non-bailable offences should warrant detention. The IGP further directedthat adequate measures be emplaced to screen persons to be committed into police custody. The IGP enjoined citizens to avoid social visits to police stations and other police offices and minimize official visits, except where absolutely necessary. Meanwhile, the IGP has ordered Command CPs to immediately publicize phone numbers of their Command Control Rooms, Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) and other Tactical Commanders using the conventional and non-conventional media in order to facilitate alternative interacting and reporting options between the Public and the Police Also, in compliance with the Federal Governments directive that all tertiary institutions be shut, the IGP has ordered the immediate closure of the Nigeria Police Academy as well as all Police Primary and Secondary Schools nationwide. Meanwhile, the Force Medical Services has been empowered and directed to step up sensitization programmes across Commands, Formations and Barracks in the country. The Federal High Court, sitting in Osogbo has ruled in Mr Kunle Rasheed Adegoke K RADs favour and compelled APCON to pay N1m in damages for lacking the requisite powers to regulate the onetime Osun State Governorship Canditate, under APC, being a non-advertising practitioner. Justice P. O. Lifu in a judgement delivered on Tuesday the 28th of May, 2019 ruled that APCON, being an advertising regulator had no power to tamper with K-Rads campaign banners and billboards as such powers could only be exercised on her members alone. The judge specifically held that APCON lacked the power to regulate persons who were not advertising practitioners including K-Rad, saying the defendants act of posting removal notice on a campaign billboard belonging to the plaintiff was null and void. Although the judge found that the politician did not convince him on the allegation that APCON was the one that destroyed and carted away his campaign materials and so would not be entitled to his prayer for aggravated damages running into millions of naira, the judge however awarded a sum of N1m general damages against the agency, to be paid to the plaintiff. The court, in addition awarded a cost of N50, 000 against APCON and granted an injunctive order restraining her and her agents from further tampering with the plaintiffs campaign materials. The politician who himself is a lawyer had last year dragged the advertising regulatory body before the Federal High Court in Osogbo in a suit marked FHC/OS/CS/39/2018, accusing the agency of posting removal notices on his campaign banners in the state. The suit was preceded by a letter through the plaintiffs lawyers, by which he described APCONs acts as defamatory and an advertisement of his person to the whole world as a debtor and an irresponsible law breaker. The protest letter was, however, followed by an outright removal and confiscation of the campaign banners in July 2018. Apparently miffed, the lawyer-cum-politician sought a judicial redress and submitted six legal questions for the court to determine, upon which he prayed the court for some nine reliefs against the regulatory agency. K-RADs suit was prosecuted by a team of lawyers comprising Akin Omisade, Abdulrahman Okunade, Muhydeen Abiodun Adeoye and Ahmad Remi AbdulLateef while the duo of Okorie Michael Okorie and Olabisi O. Agberotimi defended APCON. It will be recalled that its barely one year after K-RAD instituted a court action to challenge the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON)s powers to remove his campaign banners and billboards from public spaces in Osun State. Share this: Female protesters outside the World Economic Forum in Cape Town demand for the country to be shut down and a state of emergency to be declared in the wake of a week of violence against women. South Africans have been horrified by the murder of University of Cape Town student Uyinene Mrwetyana. Initial reports suggest that a post office worker has confessed to raping and killing the 19-year-old. There have been calls for a national shutdown to protest femicide in South Africa. Women have taken to Twitter to tweet #AmINext asking if they will become the next victim of murder. The South African police service regularly releases a breakdown of murder victims by age group and sex. Their latest data shows that 20,336 people were murdered in 2017/18. The majority of the murder victims were adult men, accounting for 16,421 deaths. This is equal to one murder every 30 minutes. Watch The Video HERE Rivers state Governor, Nyesom Wike has reversed the permission he granted earlier for some religious activities to hold in churches and mosques in the state. The states Commissioner for Information and Communication, Paulinus Nsirim said the decision was taken after the Rivers State Governor held a meeting with eminent clergy men, well-meaning Nigerians and civil society groups. The statement released by the commissioner reads; BLOOMINGTON Devin Larson of Springfield said he was first drawn to the steampunk community when he was 13 and described it as the first "nerdy" thing that got him involved. Since then, Larson and his partner, Emily Smith, have attended numerous conventions dedicated to steampunk, which is a subgenre of science fiction that infuses 19th century industrial technology into futuristic designs and aesthetics. "I've gone all the way to Baltimore," Larson said. "I've gone to New York, Florida (and) pretty much around the East Coast." Although he didn't plan to attend many events this year, Larson and Smith still made time for the sixth annual Cogs and Corsets steampunk festival in downtown Bloomington this weekend. The event kicked off Friday evening with a promenade to the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts, where dozens of vendors were selling steampunk-inspired clothing and other accessories. Melanie Shellito, the event's organizer, said about 500 people attended the first year of the festival. The event didn't catch on locally at first, with most of the attendees coming from elsewhere in the Midwest. "Over the years, we have gotten a lot more local involvement and we have been pulling from a lot further away from the Midwest," Shellito said. Last year, approximately 2,000 people showed up from as far away as California and parts of Canada. Jeff Platt, a Bloomington Junior High School teacher who also sells steampunk accessories via Highwind Steamworks, said he has participated in steampunk events since 2009 and praises their inclusive environment. "(Cogs and Corsets) is a nice, hometown event that pulls in folks from literally all over," Platt said. "I'm seeing friends from Ohio, Michigan, Georgia, Tennessee, Wisconsin and Missouri." Larson said there was a boom of steampunk events in 2016-17, but the movement has experienced a recent resurgence. Randa Lay of Edina, Missouri, who runs a booth called Pockets Plus that sells pocket watches and other accessories, said she recently attended a steampunk event in Quincy where there were 50 vendors. In previous years, there had been around five vendors at the event. Lay added that she has participated in steampunk activities for the last 10 years. "As you walk around, you're going to find things made out of weird stuff and that's the thing about steampunk," she said. John Mamrak of Bensenville sells custom lamps and light fixtures that he makes with various pipes and vintage objects such as bee smokers. The lamps and piping are fashioned into various humanoid designs, such as a man walking a dog and a man going fishing. Although he doesn't attend many steampunk events, Mamrak said this is the second time he has attended Cogs and Corsets. "It's pretty much a hobby," Mamrak said. "I medically retired after a heart transplant, so this is what keeps me busy now." Saturday is when a majority of the activities took place, including parasol dueling, a fashion show and costume contest, Nerf gun dueling, and live music from John Sprocket of the steampunk music act The Cog is Dead. Vendors and the festival's tea room still will be open Sunday. For more information and the full events lineup, go to cogsandcorsetsil.com. Photos: Steampunk comes to downtown Bloomington with Cogs and Corsets ATLANTA Visitors and Route 66 enthusiasts will notice a few more giants on their way through Atlanta with the addition of a new museum this summer. "It's the first of its kind and it's exciting to see it all come together," said Bill Thomas, treasurer of the Atlanta Betterment Fund and director of the Logan County Economic Development Council. The American Giants Museum will showcase and tell the history of the statues, called "Muffler Men," in a space resembling a vintage Texaco service station at 100 SW Arch St., along the 1926 alignment of Route 66. Thomas said it will be one of the largest Muffler Men collections in one place along the historic route. Muffler Men are gigantic fiberglass characters made in the 1960s and '70s by International Fiberglass, which was in Venice, California, but went out of business in 1976. The figures were scattered across the length of Route 66 to help businesses garner attention and draw in customers. The giants varied in style, with some dressed as cowboys, Vikings, Native Americans and, more notably, as Paul Bunyan. "They're larger than life," said Joel Baker, founder and president of the American Giants Museum. "I didn't have this interest till about 2011, but when I started seeing the story and doing the research, there was just something so drawing about it." The museum will include several different giants, including a 24-foot-tall Texaco "Big Friend" outside the museum. Over the next three years, as Route 66 approaches its 100th anniversary in 2026, the museum will add five more statues, each about 19 feet tall. The first to go up Thursday was the "Half Wit" giant. It's the first one Baker bought, in 2012, from the Wagon Wheel bar in Madison, Ohio. He's since restored it, along with others, in his Carbondale shop. Baker, previously of West Frankfort, now lives in Denver, but stays tied to Illinois with his workshop and, soon, the Atlanta museum. Inside the museum, visitors will find artifacts, photos, documents and giant fiberglass accessories, all telling the story of the giants. Several giant heads will be suspended from the ceiling and there will also be a 7-foot-long Esso Tiger; matching A&W Root Beer Mama Burger and Baby Burger statues; and a waving gas station attendant sign. The space includes storage for rotating exhibits, along with an office for Atlanta Tourism Director Scott McCoy. "It's not even open yet and we already have businesses that are interested in coming to Atlanta and setting up shop here because they know how many travelers come through here," said McCoy, who was mayor of another Route 66 town, Pontiac, from 2005 to 2009. Baker said he went from reading about the giants to meeting a few other enthusiasts, then created documentary videos on YouTube about traveling up Illinois' Route 66 in 2012. During one of those trips, Baker found himself in Atlanta to see the town's Paul Bunyan giant, known for having a hot dog in his hands instead of the more commonly seen ax. According to the City of Atlanta, the hot dog-holding giant had been made in the 1960s for a buyer in Sacramento, California, but when the sale fell through, another buyer, Hamlet Arthur Stephens, purchased the giant for approximately $1,900. Stephens had the giant delivered in three parts to Cicero, where it was assembled, and he had the hot dog specially made to promote his restaurant, named Bunyan's, according to the city. The restaurant closed in 2002, and in 2003, the City of Atlanta acquired the giant on loan from Stephens' family and installed it at 103 SW Arch St. Baker said during his visit in 2012, he had a camera on a tall pole to examine the giant from eye level when he caught the attention of Thomas, who was working in his office nearby. From that point on, Baker and Thomas developed a relationship that involved Baker being invited back to Atlanta a year later to host a talk and explain the history of the Muffler Men. Somewhere along the line, the two started talking about using the Atlanta Betterment Fund, a nonprofit established in 2008 through private donations and administered by a board of directors, to help build a museum devoted to the giants. "A lot of people have childhood images of them or their parents in front of these giants and they want to go back and they want to visit that," Baker said. "Here's a place where they can see so many at once, and also (learn) the history." The museum is slated to open in July, with an exact opening date and museum hours to be announced once they are decided. McCoy said the project will bring about more revenue and add to the tourist attractions in Atlanta that draw in visitors from across the state, country and world. Ultimately, he said he hopes to see Atlanta be one of the top 10 spots on all of Route 66. For more information about the museum, visit www.americangiantsmuseum.com. To learn more about other tourist attractions and events in Atlanta, visit www.atlantaillinois.org. Photos and video: J.B. Hawes Grain Elevator in Atlanta Watch now: Julianna Nordman talks about J.H. Hawes Grain Elevator in Atlanta Watch now: Julianna Nordman talks about tourism in Atlanta 082122-blm-loc-hawes1 082122-blm-loc-hawes7 082122-blm-loc-hawes3 082122-blm-loc-hawes4 082122-blm-loc-hawes2 082122-blm-loc-hawes5 Hawes Grain Elevator 7 080822.JPG 082122-blm-loc-hawes6 Hawes Grain Elevator 9 080822.JPG BLOOMINGTON Two-year-old Leveon Evans of Bloomington caught his first fish on Saturday at Miller Park. It was a little blue gill. He was so happy he started dancing. His mother, Alysha Orrick, was surprised that Leveon wasn't afraid of the fish. Leveon and his family came to Miller Park for the annual Kid's Fishing Derby, hosted by the McLean County Sportsmen's Association. Mike Finley, the association's president, said, "That's what it's all about, kids having a good time, having the experience of doing something that they don't always get the chance to do." Mackenzie Minter, 6, of Bloomington was fishing for the first time with her father, Ian Minter, and grandfather, John Rehtmeyer. She caught one catfish, several bluegill and "a spiky one," she said. Kolton Orrick, also 6 and from Bloomington, caught a pretty hefty catfish. "I knew I was going to get it, and (the fish) was cool and big," he said. He'd already caught two catfish, but this was the biggest one so far. "I think it's going to weigh 4 pounds," Kolton said. Montana Brown, 6 and from Bloomington, caught four bluegill. "We got two from my awesome mom," he said. "I don't know how we caught the other two." Montana's cousin, 7-year-old Jaxon Lewis, reeled in a nice-sized catfish himself. Unfortunately, though, as his grandfather Bill Lewis pulled the fish out in a basket, Jaxon's pole broke in half. But he was still happy with the catch. While not everyone was having the same luck as the Orricks or the Browns and Minters, Kolton had some encouraging words for anglers. "Keep practicing," he said. Association member Dave Nafziger said they spent about $4,000 to host the event. That included prizes, food, extra equipment and 800 pounds of channel catfish. "No albinos (fish). We hoped there would be, because if a kid catches an albino, he gets a $50 gift card," Nafziger said. That doesn't mean they were out of prizes, though. Nafziger said that first place for biggest fish in each of the three age groups would win a Huffy bicycle. "Then we've got reels and tackle boxes and fish baskets," he said. Afterward, everyone was treated to a hot dog lunch, Nafziger said. He said Hy-Vee donated 400 hot dogs for the second year in a row. "We buy the buns, and they donate the hot dogs," he said. But, Finley said the fishing derby wasn't really about the prizes. "It's a great feeling to see that ... child catch their first fish, whether it's a 2-inch bluegill or a 6-pound channel cat," he said. "I don't think it makes a difference. It's just a great feeling for the kids." The derby was started three decades ago by the late Ron Hamilton. He died earlier this year, and both Nafziger and Finley said they were happy to keep the tradition going. Finley said, "It's great looking back and seeing what he has built here and the love he had for the kids." He said Hamilton's goal was "to see them outside, get them to experience fishing and hunting." Nafziger said, "We know he's smiling down on us today." Photos: 2023 Memorial Day parade in downtown Bloomington Technology is the sharpest of double-edged swords. We really dont need to look back any further than the evolution of the internet. It began as a military tool, expanded to academics, then curious people were more likely to spend their time in front of screens hopped on. The world was connected much more intimately than it had ever been. The open exchange of ideas helped conceptualize better relationships. Where are we now? In an artificial intelligence-fueled world. The internet is a place where everyone gets to have their own truths. The exact opposite of the closer world many anticipated. The first things we wonder about technologies are what does it do, how can we make money off it, what kinds of military use does it have, and figuring out some way to serve adults who want to access things adults want to access. Creators and innovators might send their efforts into the world with good thoughts and a positive hope for their use. But ultimately and the 21st century has dozens of examples of this, everywhere you look if a person wants to use the creations to do harm, theres not much creators can do. Creators can insist We never intended it to be this way or This creation was built with superb intentions. Social media companies may not have formed with the idea of fueling hatred and falsehoods, but they werent around long before they figured out that anger instead of joy feeds many of its users. And we interact with those advances in different ways. We balance our willingness to surrender our time and personal information with the necessity or convenience of the tool. If we saw a neighbor looking out his window with a camera in his hand, we might be concerned. But if that same neighbor hangs a home security camera on the outside of his garage, were fine, regardless of the placement of the camera or the quality of its video. Police can request and/or subpoena individuals video recordings. Were far afield from the peaceful free-thinking world that the good-hearted intended. But that goal is always impossible, we cant agree on what those intentions should be. It may seem strange to tumble into a discussion about drones at this point. Drones have been in use for almost a century, and their initial use was to aid in military reconnaissance. But technology has made them more plentiful and more affordable. The number of people reading this who own drones is larger than you might think. All the people delighting in the use of drones and that includes corporate delivery drones arent concocting sinister ways to use them. But some do. And as we expect and as they must, law enforcement gets involved. When any individual or institution wants to monitor people, we expect them to be able to give reasons why. Are we content with the reason that somebody around here just might try something? Illinois lawmakers have passed a bill allowing law enforcement to fly surveillance drones during special events. The news arrives almost a year after the Highland Park mass shooting that left seven people dead and over 30 injured. The new bill includes parades. The drones could not be weaponized and attendees would have to be notified of their use. Facial identity systems would be used, but only in instances to prevent imminent harm to life. If we were convinced that a driving concept behind the law included do no harm, that might might soften our attitude. But we also understand where there is power, there can be an abuse of power. The slippery slope argument is used to the point of wearing it out. So is the Benjamin Franklin quote often applied during public safety overreach: Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety. The reason both are overused is because of how accurate they are. Theres not a tremendous distance between this position and the advocacy of secret cameras everywhere in public. And the argument that you have nothing to worry about if youre not doing anything wrong misses the point entirely. Being under surveillance in the wrong time at the wrong place can mean everything youre doing is seen as a crime. The Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, Cecilia Abena Dapaah has called on residents living around the intake point of the Oda Water Treatment Plant and the Birim River in the Eastern Region to desist from illegal mining to avoid polluting the river. The minister who was obviously not happy about the way the River instead of remaining colourless had turned brownish and muddy, warned that If we do not stop protecting our water bodies posterity would judge us. She made the call during an official tour of the intake point of the Water treatment plant at Oda on Tuesday, May 30, 2023. Mrs Dapaah was accompanied by some officials from the ministry and the Ghana Water Company Limited(GWCL). She interacted with traders at the Oda market and commercial drivers. Minister Abena Dapaah explaining a point The Birim River is one of the main tributaries of the Pra River in Ghana and the country's most important diamond-producing area, flowing through most of the width of the Eastern Region. The river has been degraded as a result of illegal mining activities. Mrs Dapaah said that illegal mining along the banks of the river caused erosion and at times the soil in the mined area caved into the river thereby silting it. She explained that it was necessary for residents to ensure that any human activity carried out must be done 100 meters away from the river but currently, she noted its about 50 meters away stressing that it was not the best. We are here to do advocacy against illegal mining because the President has declared war against galamsey and so we are entreating all to join the fight against illegal mining" she stated. Cost She explained that the more pollution you introduce into the river the more chemicals we will need to make it colourless and the more consumers have to pay for clean or potable water". If we don't stop galamsey there won't be any good water to treat. Therefore the system will cease functioning and there will be no water for the people in the catchment area" Mrs Dapaah warned. She revealed that the GWCL had started using its Internally Generated Funds(IGF) to extend pipelines to the surrounding towns. The River With this happening the project will stall and so it is a very serious problem we are facing; we know that if we decide to desist from illegal mining we can continue with the project" the minister indicated. Ambassadors She appealed to traders, commercial drivers, food vendors, and the general public to support the crusade against illegal mining by becoming good ambassadors of spreading the message about the importance of protecting water bodies. The minister further suggested to the Community Water and Sanitation Agency(CWSA) to look for funds to help plant more trees around the river to protect it. Source: graphic.com.gh 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 Head of Monitoring Unit at the Forestry Commission, Charles Owusu has charged members and supporters of the New Patriotic Party to elect the former Trade Minister, Alan Kyerematen, as their flagbearer. He believed Mr. Alan Kyerematen will win the 2024 elections when elected to lead the NPP. Charles Owusu expressed disappointment in the state of the economy under the administration of President Nana Akufo-Addo saying, "if job creation reduces, it affects offerings in church . . . the church is our (Pastors) economy. If things go well in the country, it affects the church". To him, the former Minister will bring relief to Ghanaians by creating more jobs. He appealed to NPP delegates to give Mr. Alan Kyerematen the nod, come 2024. Watch video below 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 Noella Wiyaala is a star. Shes been in our faces since 2012, when she introduced herself to us via music reality show, Vodafone Icons. And since going solo the following year, the artiste affectionately called Wiyaala, has proved and still proving her mettle. Just weeks ago, the artiste with such an enviable international acclaim and appeal, expressed some misgivings about the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA) and inasmuch as her reservations are understandable, they hold no water. Speaking to Prince Hamdan Banang on The North Podcast, the Rock Your Body hit maker asserted that the VGMA have established criteria for selecting nominees which she believes disqualify her, consequently leading her to cease submitting nominations. She also talked about how the scheme focuses predominantly in projecting only Accra-based artistes while relegating all others and how songs that garner airplay in Accra only get nods at the awards. Incredibly, she then talked about the DJs and presenters lack of comprehension of songs from her side of the country. Disqualification According to Wiyaala, the existing criteria that guide the VGMA bar her from competing; therefore she has made the decision not to file for nominations. To her, the definitions for all the categories of the scheme are not constructed to her benefit so she deems it prudent not to participate. The basic requirements to make the nomination list of the VGMA are having a hit song, album and now, an EP, plus having a good run as an artiste in the year under review. Wiyaala is telling us, that having a hit song and commanding an appreciable audience appeal and popularity during the eligibility year of the scheme does not favour her, so, it is better not to expend time and resources to file for nomination. Interestingly, these are the same requirements, same category definitions that pertained when she was first introduced to the scheme in 2015, the same year she bagged multiple nominations. Popularity in Accra She mulled over songs that make it to the VGMA being popular in Accra. Hear her; In my heart, I believe VGMA is trying to get all of us involved. But lets not tickle and make a fool of ourselves. Its very obvious and glaring what VGMA is all about. You have to be in Accra and your songs have to be popular in Accra. There are songs that were never popular in the North, but they made it, and the criteria keep changing. Its their rules and regulations, if you cannot follow them, you shouldnt enter. As far as the dynamics of the VGMA is concerned, the song must have generated enough or appreciable popularity across the country to gain entry unto the nomination list. King Ayisoba, who hails from Kalaga in the Upper West Region of Ghana, won the ultimate, the Most Popular Song of the Year with My Father in 2007. The song also won Traditional Song of the Year. That song was not only popular in just Accra. Fancy Gadam from Tamale in the Northern Region won the VGMA in 2017 and 2018; New Artiste of the Year, Hiplife Artiste of the Year and Collaboration of the Year with the song, Total Cheat. That song was not popular only in Accra. Comprehension of Songs She also emphasised the lack of deliberate efforts to showcase artistes from other regions whose songs may not be widely known due to language barriers. I can be as popular as any artiste in the Northern Region, but since the programmme is Accra-based and most of the radio stations are Accra-based, its only natural that they predominantly feature songs from Accra. Most DJs do not comprehend our songs, and many people are unwilling to understand them, Wiyaala explained. Possibly, a genuine concern from the artiste but is not factual that DJs and presenters are not playing songs from the North because they do not have a comprehension of the language from there. Most of the Nigerian songs and to some degree, other African songs that dominated our space in the last years are delivered in languages the Ghanaian DJs and presenters do not understand. In 2015, the song Tinambaynyi by Wiyaala, delivered in Sisaala was a banger, played by Accra-based DJs and presenters and accepted by the masses that had no inkling of the lyrics of the song. A VGMA Winner Wiyaala is expressing concerns over the dynamics, the establishment, the criteria and every other element that see to the categorisation, nomination and selection of songs and artistes as winners of the VGMA. Intriguingly, these were the same mechanism that allowed her to garner multiple nominations at the 2015 edition of the awards scheme. In 2015, Wiyaala was nominated for Best Female Vocal Performance, New Artiste of the Year, Album of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, Record of the Year and Afro-Pop Song of the Year. She won Songwriter of the Year and Best Female Vocal Performance. How Wiyaala has concerns over the same set-up that allowed her to win multiple awards some few years ago beat understanding. Maybe, in 2015, Accra-based DJs and presenters understood the lyrics to her song, so they blasted it very well. Maybe, in 2015, Wiyaalas hit song and album was popular only in Accra. Perhaps, in 2015, the criteria of the VGMA was useful to her so there was no need to disqualify herself from the scheme just maybe! Efforts The VGMA is not perfect. It surely has issues, but we must be fair and factual when we place it under scrutiny and also in our bid to proffer suggestions that seek to make the scheme better. While appreciating the fact that, the VGMA must be an-inclusive scheme that would involve songs and artistes across the regions of the country, it is also important to note that Charterhouse has over the years made efforts to ensure theres equal representation. Wiyaala and her team produced a quality album in 2015 and ensured that the project was promoted and marketed, which saw to its popularity and eventual acclaim at the VGMA. The question is; why has the artiste and her team not employed the same strategy that saw her win multiple awards? It is true that the VGMA should never be an Accra Awards but one must also appreciate the fact that the capital of the country, which is also her largest city is an economic and administrative hub, so, extending marketing and promotion of any product is the way to go. Source: Arnold Asamoah Baidoo Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: People rest inside a room in a shopping mall set aside for those wanting to escape high outdoor temperatures in Hanoi. Hanoi residents flocked to the Vietnamese capital's air-conditioned shopping malls on Saturday to escape power cuts at home, as the grid struggled to cope with the high demand caused by soaring heat. Vietnam is one of many countries across South and Southeast Asia experiencing record-high temperatures in recent weeks. As the temperature rose to 36 degrees Celsius, Bui Manh Duc Tai and his napping girlfriend were among those at the Aeon shopping mall trying to escape the blistering heat. "Our home was without power since this morning. We came here for some cool air," Tai told AFP. In another corner, student Nguyen Minh Thu sat on the floor trying to finish an assignment on her laptop. "I had to come here for power so I could study," the agriculture student said, adding the electricity at her home had been on and off all morning. Scientists have warned that global warming is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events around the world, including heat waves. Drought and a prolonged heatwave have put a lot of pressure on power supplies in the country's north, according to supplier Vietnam Electricity. At another packed mall outside Hanoi, families with young children sought refuge in the air-conditioning. Student Nguyen Minh Thu works on an assignment in a room in a mall set aside for people seeking to escape from high outdoor temperatures. "I have been here with my two young kids since lunch time. The kids can play, while I can go shopping. We will go back home after dinner. Hoping the power is back then," Do Thuy Dung said. Average power consumption in Hanoi in May increased by more than 22.5 percent compared with April, Vietnam Electricity said. State media also reported power cuts in recent days in Quang Ninh provincehome to the world heritage-listed Ha Long Bay. Several restaurants in Ha Long city were out of food on Friday night because power outages meant people could not cook at home. Power cuts also hit hotels on popular islands. Authorities have also turned off streetlights in some major cities to save power. 2023 AFP The northern regional office of the Anti Corruption Commission has rekindled the hopes of polio persons in Makeni for a better life by expressing its commitment to working for a corrupt-free Sierra Leone where the socio-economic needs of every citizen would be met. According to a press release from the commission, regional manager Patrick Sandy made this assurance last week during a sensitization meeting with members of the Polio Persons Development Association (PoPDA) at Magbenteh, Makeni. Sandy said the ACC was engaging people with disability in the fight against corruption because of their relevance in the anti-graft campaign. He said some people or organizations might want to take advantage of their disability to secure donor funds for their personal benefits while the polio persons themselves suffered. He mentioned section 37 of the ACC Act of 2008, which makes it an offence for any person who dishonestly appropriates donations for the benefit of the people of Sierra Leone. If ACC does not come to inform you about your roles and responsibilities regarding the fight against corruption, you will be used as prey by corrupt individuals and organizations, Sandi said. He therefore called on them to be watchful and support the ACC through information-sharing. Sandy also informed members of the organization that the ACC had the mandate to investigate Non-Governmental Organizations involved in corrupt practices. He gave examples of individuals and organizations that had been investigated and charged to court by the Commission relating to misappropriation of donor funds meant for people with disability. The Regional Manager reminded them of their civic responsibility to report any act of corruption to the Commission and assured them of the fullest protection but warned against making false report. Public Education Officer, Al-Hassan Sesay said the ACC was not a witch-hunting institution but one working towards the realization of a corrupt-free Sierra Leone. He said the ACC could not fight corruption relating to people with disability without the support and cooperation of the disabled themselves, noting that they had a crucial role to play. Sesay appealed to them to join the fight to make sure their children and those yet unborn realized the benefits of a corrupt-free Sierra Leone. Earlier in his welcome address, Vice Chairman of the Polio Persons Development Association, Raphael Alusine Kamara expressed appreciation for ACCs sensitization drive. He said such would go a long way to minimize incidents of corruption in the country. Secretary General of the Association Sulaiman S. Kamara assured the Commission of their readiness to partner with them and to report corrupt practices. The Washington County Sheriff's Office has released the name of the person killed in a motorcycle crash Thursday night in the town of Kingbury. Alex M. Vega, 20, of Saratoga Avenue, South Glens Falls, died from injuries sustained in an accident after he lost control of a motorcycle he was operating on state Route 149 near the intersection with County Route 43. The sheriff's office said the crash happened around 7:06 p.m. According to a sheriff's office news release, Vega was riding with two other motorcyclists when he lost control going around a bend in the road. He was thrown from the motorcycle, which went off the road and down an embankment. Fort Ann EMS transported Vega to Glens Falls Hospital, but he did not survive the crash. The sheriff's office first reported details of the crash on Friday, but did not release Vega's name until Saturday because family notifications needed to take place. The sheriff's office said it continues to investigate the crash. CORINTH A Corinth man was sentenced on Thursday to 2 years in jail for choking a person during a domestic incident. Gabriel E. Spring, 44, assaulted the victim at a home in Corinth on Jan. 3. The victim reported the incident to police four days later. Spring was charged with a felony count of second-degree strangulation and misdemeanor third-degree assault. He pleaded guilty in Saratoga County Court in February to the strangulation count in satisfaction of the charges. Spring must also serve 3 years of post-release supervision. PLEASE BE ADVISED: Soon we will no longer integrate with Facebook for story comments. The commenting option is not going away, however, readers will need to register for a FREE site account to continue sharing their thoughts and feedback on stories. If you already have an account (i.e. current subscribers, posting in obituary guestbooks, for submitting community events), you may use that login, otherwise, you will be prompted to create a new account. EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP An agreement among county, state and national organizations will allow a section of airspace in the township to be used for military and commercial testing. Howard Kyle, president of the National Aerospace Research & Technology Park in EHT, announced the agreement signed Friday by officials representing U.S. Transportation Command, Air Mobility Command, the NARTP and the Atlantic County Economic Alliance. The agreement will create a test and evaluation corridor for the development of uncrewed aerial systems, or drones, and advanced air mobility technology. The NARTP was awarded $2.249 million in federal funds earlier this year. This agreement is a significant accomplishment and will demonstrate the NARTPs ability to facilitate aviation research, said NARTP Chairman Mark Loeben, a retired Air Force major general and current American Airlines captain, in a news release. USTRANSCOM and AMC are major players in aviation. Their interest in working with the NARTP helps to advance both the development of the NARTP and the emerging aviation industry in New Jerseys Atlantic County. Under the agreement, the parties will develop a prototype dual-use East Coast test and evaluation corridor to be used in demonstrating, developing and evaluating new technology for military, commercial, academic and federal government use. Advanced air mobility involves the use of electric vertical-takeoff-and-landing aircraft to move people and cargo between places not easily served by other modes of transportation. That and the drone technology are being developed rapidly by government and military agencies and private industry, Kyle said, and the testing corridor will help prepare this technology for national airspace. The corridor will run between Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in Burlington County and Dover Air Force Base in Delaware. Facilities involved in the agreement will serve as launching and landing spots within the corridor, including the NARTP. The (agreement) is an outcome of the NARTPs work with AMC and FAA on the Airfield Autonomy Initiative that involves the testing and demonstration of automated lawn mowing, foreign object debris sweeping, and perimeter patrol in both military and civilian airfield environments, Kyle said. The Economic Alliance, which leads economic development in the county, provided funding for portions of the agreement using U.S. Economic Development Administration planning grant funds. "Opening the airspace for military and civilian UAS/AAM research will create significant economic development opportunities that will benefit the entire state of New Jersey, alliance President Lauren Moore said in a news release. ATLANTIC CITY Taylor Ross came prepared Saturday. After grabbing a sample from Chimney Rustic Ales, based in Hammonton, she referred to the notes she was keeping on her phone. She already had tasted about a half-dozen beers in about 90 minutes, and she was ready to find some new favorites the rest of the day. This Chimney Synergy is really good! said Ross, 29, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, as she held up a tiny glass of the brewerys farmhouse ale. Ross joined the sold-out crowd of 8,500 people on the first day of the Atlantic City Beer & Music Festival at Bader Field. The people were there to enjoy samples from the dozens of breweries stretched out over the 1.4-million square-foot space at the site of the former airport. They also were treated to carnival games, food, vendors and music. The Dropkick Murphys, a Boston-based Irish-American punk rock band known for their hit Shipping Up to Boston, performed Saturday night, serving as the headliner for several other acts that played throughout the day. Alternative punk rockers 311, who were big in the 1990s, will headline Sundays musical lineup. The festival, presented by Ocean Casino Resort and produced by Good Time Tricycle Productions, is in its third year at Bader Field. It began in 2006 at the Atlantic City Convention Center. Beer enthusiasts were met Saturday with a cloudy and windy day, but the weather mostly cooperated. Once the beer started flowing, things warmed up. The weekend was expected to bring more than 10,000 people to the city, said Jon Henderson, owner of Good Time Tricycle. This is, for me, like going to the office, Henderson said. I get to hang out with a couple thousand people, shake some babies, kiss some hands and make new friends. I like the social aspect of it. Henderson stood atop a small platform as thousands of people waited at the entrance to be let in. He was joined by Mayor Marty Small Sr., who welcome the crowd to the festival and wished everyone a good time. In the distance, Dropkick Murphys could be heard doing a soundcheck before the people were let in. Shortly after 2 p.m., security pulled back the barrier keeping the crowd away from their suds, and the people made their swift walks toward the beer tents. Ross lives near Troegs Independent Brewing in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Her friend Laura Shields, who grew up in Pottsville, where Yuengling is based, now lives in Point Pleasant and convinced Ross to join her and a group of friends. It took us a long time to get in, like 45 minutes. We didnt anticipate that. But were happy so far, Ross said. Once we got the beer in our hand, we were good, Shields, 29, chimed in. Whole vibe seems pretty cool Mike Ferreira, of Swedesboro, Gloucester County, was attending his second Beer Fest. He was there Saturday mainly to watch Dropkick Murphys perform. Its a little chilly out, but with a couple beers youll warm up, Ferreira said. Rob Rushing, founder and director of Punk Rock Saves Lives, hoped to spread a bit of kindness at the festival this weekend. He is big fan of Dropkick Murphys and a supporter of the bands charity, the Claddagh Fund, which honors the three attributes of the ring the name symbolizes: friendship, love and loyalty. Rushing, whose foundation is from Denver, returned to the festival for a second year. They had free signup sheets for a bone marrow registry as well as Narcan and fentanyl test strips to help combat the opioid crisis in impacted areas. I love the fact that the Atlantic City Beer Fest has a bit of a punk rock feeling. It always has, Rushing said. Theyre so great at bringing in great punk rock bands every year. Joe Havel, a part of the Atlantic City Beard and Mustache Club, has been to quite a few beer festivals. The 70-year-old city resident said it was fortunate it wasnt raining out. I try the local stuff, but Im always open to new things, said Havel, who was there with his daughter Cara, who drove in from Hamilton Township, Mercer County. Havel took a sip from his glass with a beer from Double Nickel Brewing Company out of Pennsauken Township, Camden County. I like it! he said. I know they make good beer. Ive had them every year Ive come here. Tom Biggins, of Ventnor, attended his first beer festival despite having grown up in Brigantine and working as a teacher in Atlantic City. The whole vibe seems pretty cool, everybody seems nice out. Its been good so far, Biggins, 33, said. This is my first time at beer fest and probably not my last time. Emmy Seybold, 39, of Galloway Township, has been going to Beer Fest for a long time. She looks forward to just getting together with friends, calling it an annual tradition. Its more just about always running into people you see, all the different activities, Seybold said, adding Dropkick Murphys performing was the main reason she and her friends attended this year. A benefit to having an outdoor event is that newer vendors could show off their products in ways they couldnt inside the Convention Center. Somers Point Cigar Lounge and Tennessee Avenue Tobacco Company were set up next to each other, selling cigars and offering people an opportunity to light one up. Tennessee Avenue owner Coby Frier, a lit cigar in hand, praised the atmosphere. He said cigars pair well with food, wine and whiskey just as well as they do with certain beers. We talked about (the advantages of being outside), Frier said. I love it at Bader Field. I think it was a great move. I loved the Convention Center, but I think Bader Field is more open, not claustrophobic. I think its great here. NOTE: Parking was on-site, and $5 shuttles were offered to and from Atlantic Citys train station. Tickets for Sunday, when the festival will run from noon to 4 p.m., are available starting at $62 at acbeerfest.com. ... Registration for the Hops Trot 5K ends at 10:53 a.m. Sunday. There is a $120 package for the race and festival, plus a $55 add-on for those who already have festival tickets and want to participate. PHOTOS: Day 1 of the Atlantic City Beer & Music Festival ATLANTIC CITY A city man was arrested after he was found with drugs and two dozen catalytic converters at his residence, police said. Felix Beltran, 50, was charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance, possession with intent to distribute, possession with intent to distribute within 1,000 feet of a school zone, possession with intent to distribute within 500 feet of a public zone, possession of drug paraphernalia, receiving stolen property, criminal mischief and possession of burglary tools. Beltran's arrest stems from a monthlong probe into narcotics distribution, police said Friday in a news release. Detectives executed a search warrant on a home in the 100 block of North Iowa Avenue, finding Beltran there. Recovered from the home during the search were numerous prescription pills and drug paraphernalia, police said, without naming the types of drugs found. Police also found 24 catalytic converters for automobiles, as well as tools to remove those parts from cars. Five converters are tied to unnamed businesses that reported them stolen, police said. Detectives returned those and are working on identifying from where the other devices came, which could lead to additional charges. Anyone with information that could help police can call 609-347-5858. Anonymous tips can be texted to tip411 (847411), beginning messages with "ACPD." VINELAND The Cumberland County Prosecutor's Office on Friday released body cam footage that showed an altercation between police and a city man who was brandishing a knife before being shot by an officer last month. At 11:18 a.m. May 5, police responded to a residence in the 500 block of East Birch Street, where they encountered Luis R. Conde-Perez, 28, who was armed with a large knife. Police alleged Conde-Perez charged toward an officer and another person on the scene, resulting in the officer shooting Conde-Perez twice with his service-issued firearm. The footage, which the Prosecutor's Office posted to its YouTube page, shows police arriving on the scene that morning. It was apparent from the footage police were aware that Conde-Perez was in possession of a knife and that the other person injured was Conde-Perez's father. When officers arrived, they warned a nearby woman on scene to remain in her car. The officer then asked the father if Conde-Perez spoke English, which the father said he did not. Conde-Perez could then be seen on the porch of a residence, with officers confirming he was holding a knife. The officer called out "Hi Luis," who responded in Spanish. As the officer talked with the father, he asked the woman in a nearby car to move down the street. After the car moved, Conde-Perez moved swiftly toward the officer. A Spanish-to-English translation on the body cam showed that Conde-Perez repeated "He will have to kill me" three times. Knife-wielding man shot by Vineland police ordered held in jail BRIDGETON A Vineland man shot twice by a police officer nearly two weeks ago will remain i The father tried to intercept Conde-Perez's advancement against officers' orders. He tried to slow Conde-Perez, who charged toward officers with the knife. Conde-Perez then turned and slashed the knife toward the father, and the officer raised his firearm and fired two shots at Conde-Perez. The father immediately dropped to his knees to check on Conde-Perez, who said, "You called them. I told you Dad, I told you" in Spanish. The officer reported Conde-Perez attempted to stab his father amid the chaos. The father appeared to have a stab wound in his left side when the officer lifted his shirt to check on him, the footage showed. After a few moments of the father trying to comfort Conde-Perez, police ordered another woman to back away from the scene. The officer who fired the weapon then went to his vehicle to grab his emergency kit to administer aide before the footage ended. Conde-Perez was airlifted to Cooper University Medical Center in Camden, where he was listed in stable condition. The father was treated at Cooper and released. Conde-Perez was charged with criminal attempted homicide, two counts of aggravated assault and other weapons-related offenses. He was ordered to remain in jail May 17. His attorney, Dinaz Akhtar, told Cumberland County Superior Court Judge Darrell Fineman there was no probable cause for attempted murder in the case, saying her client was experiencing a mental health crisis and was threatening to harm himself when he was shot by police. Social workers were called to Condes house the morning of May 5 after he threatened to harm himself, Akhtar said. Then the ensuing altercation occurred. OCEAN CITY Among the persistent issues raised by residents at City Council meetings, concerns over the operation of battery-powered bicycles are almost certain to be raised. On Thursday, a resident began talking about e-bikes on the Boardwalk during an emergency council meeting called in response to the huge crowds of teenagers on the Boardwalk over the weekend. The speaker called for tougher controls on the bikes, which currently operate under the same rules as other bicycles. A change may be on the way. Later in the afternoon Thursday, during a news conference, Mayor Jay Gillian said he would recommend a change that would keep the bikes off the boards. At our next council meeting June 8, I also will be recommending an ordinance that will ban e-bikes from riding on the Boardwalk, Gillian said. That was the only mention of the proposed change at the news conference, and later Gillian was not prepared to offer any further details. Reached on Friday morning, he said hed be ready to talk soon. Not yet, he said. It will be up to the seven-member council whether to move forward with a change. Amending the city ordinance would require two votes, one to introduce the change and a second after a public hearing, held after the changes had been advertised. In multiple cases, residents have said the e-bikes are more like motorcycles, traveling at high speeds in areas like the Boardwalk, which on summer mornings can be crowded with families riding bikes and surreys. They go 30 miles an hour, the resident said Thursday. People bring their children out. You have some dude flying by 30 miles an hour. Somethings going to happen. He said many riders do not wear helmets. The battery-powered motors in the bikes provide additional power when someone is pedaling, allowing riders to travel farther and go faster. Some can be operated with a throttle. E-bikes had formerly been governed in the same way as mopeds, which fall under more lenient rules than motorcycles. In 2019, Gov. Phil Murphy signed legislation that categorized low-speed electric scooters and e-bikes in the same way as bicycles. That means they can be operated on streets and bike paths throughout the state. In addition to governing where they can be ridden, the e-bikes do not require registration, insurance or a license. Electric bicycles and motorized scooters offer a fantastic alternative to cars and their use will serve to cut both emissions and congestion in our cities, Murphy said at the time. As we seek to support New Jerseys Innovation economy, this bill will help encourage a true reimagining of urban commuting. Supporters of the change said the powered bikes would mean less emission and be more affordable for commuters. Many of the bikes retail at more than $1,000, which is more than many pedal-powered bikes but far cheaper than a car, and can offer a practical alternative for someone trying to get to work. But the law is limited to bikes that operate at less than 20 mph. Thats a fast pace for most experienced bike riders, and far, far faster than most people on a beach cruiser are likely to reach on a Boardwalk ride to the doughnut shop. There are electric motorcycles, and other electric bikes with top speeds of 32 or up to 45 mph, but those technically fall under different classifications of vehicles. But it can be difficult to tell which are which at a glance, and some of the e-bikes look much the same as any other bicycle, but for an oversized bar. Bikes can be ridden on the Ocean City Boardwalk until noon each day in the summer, with some exceptions such as during the baby parade Aug. 10. In New Jersey, those under 17 are required to wear a helmet while riding a bike, but that rule does not apply to the Boardwalk. Liberty seems to be inherent in all of existence, with all that lives constantly making choices. Often only time will tell whether a choice was good, bad or neither. Some choices increase liberty or limit the ability to further choose. Like many places in America, Middle Township is challenged to deal with the homelessness within its borders. Homeless people have formed encampments around Rio Grande, the townships commercial hub. Many have chosen to live in tents. The ordinary residents and businesses of the township have assumed for generations that conventional laws and regulations regarding dwellings were followed there. They didnt choose to have their township host a population living outside of conventional law and order. People living nearby in tents deprive them of an important part of the law-abiding community they chose. The Township Committee and Mayor Tim Donohue are in the midst of choosing to specifically disallow, outside of licensed campgrounds, the use of temporary structures such as tents for regular human habitation. Use would be limited to seven days within a 180-day period, with possible fines and time in jail for violations. Donahue said the townships code enforcers and police need this additional tool to remove people camping on property they dont own or rent, and to deal with unsanitary conditions, fires, unsafe electric wiring, trash and other issues. If Middle Township gives final approval to the ordinance after a public hearing on June 19, officials will join a nationwide trend that has produced more than 100 such bans the past several years. Legislation to ban living in tents statewide has been introduced in six states. Last July, Tennessee became the first state to make it a felony to live in a tent or sleep on state land. Portland, Oregon, in November banned living in tents and moved people into six city-sanctioned mass encampment sites limited to 250 people. The city plans eventually to require everyone living on the streets to move into shelters. Encampment bans are common in California, which hosts about 170,000 of the 580,000 homeless people counted last year by the federal government. Los Angeles for years has banned tent living in certain areas and last August expanded the prohibition to encampments within 500 feet of schools and day care centers. In February, Culver City, Calif., banned tents and makeshift structures in public spaces. Last year we praised Middle officials for creating the Rio Grande Community Partnership. That is charged with coming up with responses to homelessness and drug use in the area, as well as to petty crime and a shortage of housing. Township police work closely with Volunteers of America a nonprofit that for more than a century has provided affordable housing and other services to connect homeless people with the resources to help them get off the streets. But many choose continued homelessness over getting help. Addiction, mental illness and poor choices in the past can make it nearly impossible to choose well even toward a better, healthier life. At some point for some people, some decisions must be made for them and carried out regardless of their consent if theyre to have a chance to again become fully human and able to make choices. Middle officials have shown compassion and fairness in attending to the interests of everyone in the township. A ban on living in tents may best serve most people, even those refusing help, in the long run. ATLANTIC CITY I went to work, and should have stayed home, said Dorris Aultman, 76, of Atlantic City, speaking of the day in 2012 when Superstorm Sandy hit. Aultman, 66 at the time and still working at the casinos, was living alone in a one-story, ranch-style home on New York Avenue. I got back here. It didnt come into the house (yet), Aultman recalled. I threw some stuff into a big plastic bag, a credit card and a few clothes and walked into that water, which was very dangerous. She was able to get off her front porch easily, navigating the two small steps from her front door to the ground. The challenge began after that, when she stepped into the fast-moving floodwaters. The current was so powerful, I could hardly balance myself, Aultman said. The entire section of the city was underwater, everywhere north of Arctic Avenue on New York Avenue, with a record tide of more than 8 feet above an average low tide. Sandy was an historic event, but in Atlantic City and the neighboring counties on the Shore the threat of high water from storms is growing. And seniors such as Aultman are increasingly at risk. Sea level rise affects almost every facet of life here, from the economy to culture and the physical landscape. To better understand how the sea will reshape our communities, The Press of Atlantic City and Climate Central teamed up to examine these challenges. In South Jersey, senior citizens live in areas subject to flooding at above-average numbers, including the most frail elders, 85 years or older, who can be difficult to evacuate and can face health setbacks when they do. A problem now, a bigger one in the future Roughly 11,000 people in Cape May, Atlantic and Ocean counties 85 years or older would experience some flooding if a storm the magnitude of another Sandy were to strike, according to a Climate Central analysis. Of those, an estimated 1,853 people at or above 85 years old currently live in areas that would be have at least 3.5 inches of water on the ground, according to the 2020 U.S. Census. That includes much of Brigantine, Atlantic City, Ventnor City, Margate City, Ocean City and Long Beach Township. And with rising seas and more intense hurricanes trends largely driven by climate change that flooding scenario is becoming ever more likely. As Aultman fought through the surging waters a decade ago, instinct took hold, she said. She followed a fence, heading to the Old Soldiers Memorial Building. However, water got into that building. So, the National Guard arrived and evacuated her and others to Pleasantville High School, where she stayed for four days. That four-block walk from her home to safety is a journey she will never forget. It was a situation I dont want to have another time, Aultman said. Unfortunately, scientists predict that storm-driven coastal flooding will recur, and become more frequent, in these New Jersey counties heavily populated by vulnerable seniors. A 2019 report by the Rutgers Scientific and Technical Advisory Panel called it virtually certain that future sea level rise will cause greater overall storm flood events. Climate change is contributing to more powerful hurricanes and higher sea levels. On the Jersey shore, it rose 17.6 inches from 1911 to 2019, according to the Rutgers report. Of that, roughly 45% was man-made and 55% naturally occurring, but the man-made component is accelerating. If human carbon emissions continue on a business-as-usual path, flooding now considered disastrous will become routine, said Reza Marsooli, assistant professor in the Department of Civil, Environmental and Ocean Engineering at the Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken. With water levels higher, even less severe storms will cause more flooding on the shore. Marsooli projects that a New Jersey coastal flood with a 1% chance of occurring today will gradually increase to a 100% chance of occurring every year by the end of the century. The biggest reason, his research team found, is because of the rising seas. For the New Jersey area, climate changes impacts on sea level rise will have the greatest impact on how hurricanes impact the region in the future, Marsooli said. So it means that for our region, sea level rise is really a bigger problem in the future, Marsooli said. In Atlantic City, Bill LaBarre, 79, a lifelong resident who lives with his wife on North Newtown Place, said the first floor of their house is nine steps above street level. During Sandy, the first floor was fine. However, he had 3 feet of water in the basement, losing the freezer, washer and dryer. They were lucky. Their son, Chuck LaBarre, who is Margates current Emergency Management Coordinator on Absecon Island, was able to help them collect their belongings and evacuate to the sons Downbeach house for 10 days. However, the comfort and assistance of family is not always available. Its not that theyre not intelligent enough to leave, Mike Cahill, chief of the Ventnor City Fire Department, said of the elderly. Half the time they dont have a place to go because they dont have anybody left. The analysis by Climate Central identified 10 census tracts, relatively permanent small subdivisions of a county, of the South Jersey shore with the highest concentration of residents 85 years or older, where elders aging in place would more than likely require evacuation by emergency services or third parties during a significant flood event. Ocean City between 18th and 32nd streets had the highest number, with 17.7% of the population 85 or older. Ventnor City between Suffolk and Jackson avenues is the third highest, with an estimated 11.6%. During Sandy, the Ventnor City Fire Department made multiple rescues, including seniors, in town. Wed get calls that my aunt is somewhere. ... When are you getting them? Cahill recalled. I said, When are you coming? But at a certain point, it became even too dangerous for the fire department, he said. Move somebody, lose somebody Even seniors who might otherwise be safe at home in a flood face dangers if theyre relying on medical devices that need electricity, so they must be rescued, according to researchers at the University of Iowa. That research also found that 12% of those over 80 lacked mobility to evacuate on their own and 13% would be unable to hear sirens or commands from emergency personnel. Michael Greenberg, an expert in environmental health and risk analysis at Rutgers University, studied the impact of Sandy on seniors. Tragically, he said, nine seniors died just from falling down stairs because they didnt have a working flashlight when the power went out. People become more frail, and that manifests itself typically after the age of 75, Greenberg said. So the kinds of things you could do during a hurricane are hard to do even when you have time to prep. And that has to do with the fact that your muscles are not as strong, your heart is not as strong, all sorts of things that come with age that seem to suddenly sneak up on us and we just cant do what we thought we could do. The Ventnor Fire Department rescued seniors and put them in military vehicles for transport to an auditorium, Cahill said. In one instance, an elderly woman living in a home elevated 4 feet above curb level had 6 inches of water in her home when rescuers arrived, Cahill said. Because pressure from the waters outside had wedged the door shut, rescuers had to instruct the woman to go upstairs so they could blow the door open. We do the best we can because theyre taxpayers and members of the community, Cahill said. But even a successful rescue can be stressful. Dr. David Dosa, a gerontologist and associate professor of medicine at Brown University who conducted studies on Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana during 2005 and Hurricane Ida in Florida during 2021, found the evacuation of nursing homes led to far more deaths in the months after the storms than the number of people who had died while the disaster was ongoing. The common refrain was, Every time we move somebody, we lose somebody, Dosa said. For every solution, a cost Once Sandy passed, the next challenge for many at the shore, including the elderly, was what to do with the new reality that their homes werent high enough to combat the storm surge a problem that will only worsen in the decades to come. Sandy damaged or destroyed 364,000 housing units, and 22,000 of those were rendered uninhabitable, according to information released at the time by Governor Chris Christies office. The increased threat has prompted the Federal Emergency Management Agency to require some homes to be elevated far above ground level. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection is proposing that homes in tidal areas be set 5 feet above the FEMA level for a 100-year storm under a new Inundation Risk Zone to prevent against extreme flooding. For seniors, that means more steps to climb and more money to protect their homes. Seniors adding a flight or more of stairs to the front door can become isolated at home, as the climb becomes a barrier to casual trips, said Anamaria Bukvic, a researcher at Virginia Tech, who studied the problem in Cape May County. Aultman had her Atlantic City home, which is in a flood zone, raised. FEMA approved up to $140,000 to raise her home. Four steps take her up to a landing, where she can rest if need be. Another three steps take her up to her porch. She says she believes shes safe there but cant be too sure. Fury Feraco, 90, has his house atop a 10-foot high dune on Bay Drive in Lower Township, right along the Delaware Bay. However, getting to the beach from his house is not so simple due to ongoing erosion. Now, the bottom of his steps hover 3 feet above the beach. When the tide rises on a calm sunny day, the waters rise nearly as high as they once did during an average storm. A storm with the intensity of Sandy would cause considerable damage, he said. While hes asked the state and township about beach replenishment, he was advised instead to invest in a bulkhead. Unfortunately, 200 feet of bulkhead is above my paygrade, said Feraco, who bought property 57 years ago, when it was on a dirt path. Insurance wont cover the cost. So, to step onto the beach on his beachfront property, he cut a path through a bamboo forest to his neighbors house. The neighbors allow him to use their stairs to get onto the beach. Preparation is critical Despite the challenges for town officials, many refer back to the states Register Ready program as an effort to identify seniors who will need special assistance. Billed as the first step in emergency preparedness for individuals who may need assistance in a disaster, its a voluntary, confidential registry that can be accessed at registerready.nj.gov. The Register Ready program was started in Atlantic County, said Vince Jones, the countys director of emergency management. We have that address so if there was an emergency call, we know we need four to five firefighters to take (that person) out, Jones said. Jones said the office of emergency management contacts people on the list beforehand and asks, Do you need a place to go, or do you need us to help them get out of here? During the blizzard of 2022, on Jan. 29, town emergency managers asked for the list to check on seniors living year-round in their communities. The biggest thing for seniors is, if they cant register themselves, to reach the police department, said Robert Burnaford, chief of police for Harvey Cedars. Always have medication information updates and points of contact listed. Let them know if theyre on oxygen. Burnaford was lauded as a hero for rescues during Sandy, as an off-duty police officer, along with then-mayor Johnathan Oldman. They rescued three families just as the eye of the storm passed through the area, when the ocean breached the dunes. Harvey Cedars lies in a census tract, which it shares with Long Beach Township north of Ship Bottom and Barnegat Light, with an estimated 6.5% of its residents are 85 years or older, according to the 2020 data. A part of the Register Ready asks if they are wheelchair bound or have physical limitations, to let them know. A lot of them have elevators, Burnaford said. As sea levels continue to rise, and as storms intensify, seniors emergency plans will be used more and more often. It is a risk of living near the shore. But for some seniors, it is a risk they are willing to take. Greenberg said that after Sandy, he found many seniors whose homes were damaged declared they would stay and rebuild. He recalled them saying, Im an old person. I love the place. I want to live here. Im gonna die here. Ill will whatever the propertys worth to my children and they can do whatever they want with it. Alanna Elder, of ClimateCentral, contributed data to this story. The Pimpri-Chinchwad police arrested a security guard, (47) of a residential building in Pune for allegedly molesting a minor girl. Mother of the girl filed a case at police on Friday. According to the police, the accused molested the 11-year-old girl on Thursday around 5.15 pm. Accused forcibly confined the girl in the lift of the building where he works as a security guard. He then took the girl to the terrace of the building and allegedly molested her. The girl confessed the entire incident to her mother upon which the mother filed a case against the accused. The police booked the security guard under Section 354, 354 A, 341, and 323 of the Indian Penal Code and various Sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The probe on the case is underway. The officials of the Pune Municipal Corporation on Friday held a meeting with locals of Keshavnagar-Mundhwa over traffic jam issues in their area. The land owners who had been refusing to give their land for road widening were also invited for the discussion. The additional Commissioner of PMC Vikas Dhakne, MLA Chetan Tupe and police personnel attended the meeting. According to reports, the land owners have agreed to give away their land for road widening if the administration gives them compensation. The civic officials are reportedly checking the technical aspects of the matter and a final decision is expected soon. The Mundhwa-Keshavnagar traffic jam has been a major problem of the city. The residents of the area have complained that they often get stuck for over an hour due to this long traffic jam especially in the peak hours. However, the road widening was pending due to land acquisition issues since PMC officials and the local politicians claimed that the villagers were not ready to give away their land. Local MLA of the area Chetan Tupe who was also present at the meeting tweeted that the land owners are ready to give away their lands if they are provided good compensation. A massive fire was reported at a laboratory of SSPMS college located near Regional Transport Office near the Sangam Bridge in Pune on Friday afternoon. The Pune fire brigade control room received a call regarding the fire incident on Friday afternoon. The team with a fire tender and water tanker rushed to the spot and upon reaching, the team douse the fire. According to the officials, the fire broke out at the laboratory of the pharmacy department on the college buildings second floor. The fire was doused in a few minutes and a cooling operation was carried out. No casualties were reported in the incident, a refrigerator, computers and some documents and other materials inside the office were gutted in the fire. The cause of fire is yet to be ascertained said the fire officials. CHICAGO As more than 10,000 migrants have come to the city since August, overwhelming Chicagos social services, and hundreds of families, mostly from Central and South America, continue to stay on the floor of police stations, nonprofit organizations and faith-based groups said Friday they are stepping up to help government respond. More than a dozen elected representatives and faith leaders gathered at a church Friday to ask for help from faith communities across the city to respond to the crisis, which deepened Friday when the Cook County medical examiners office confirmed a migrant died that morning at a shelter in Woodlawn. The migrant died at the former Wadsworth Elementary school building, where a temporary shelter was placed housing single individuals. Migrants told the Tribune recently they were crammed inside, sleeping close together and sharing few bathrooms. Natalia Derevyanny, a spokeswoman for the medical examiners office, told the Tribune an autopsy would likely be conducted Saturday. The Rev. Beth Brown, pastor of Lincoln Park Presbyterian Church where the meeting was held, thanked the hundreds of volunteers who have stepped up to provide food and clothing for migrants staying at temporary shelters and police stations. She asked the thousands of faith communities in Chicago to commit to house and support those living in police stations. Brown said that 40 years ago, her congregation partnered with Wellington United Church of Christ to provide sanctuary to people in danger of being deported. In 2019, they started housing and supporting a family of four seeking asylum. They are housing and supporting their fourth asylum-seeking family, she said. A family of four is staying on an air mattress in a big room adjacent to the church kitchen. Another family of four lives on the floor above them. The cost varies depending on whos in the group, but the financial commitment is somewhere between $600 and $900 a month if you can house them in your church, or synagogue, or mosque or temple, she said. Commitments would last one year, and participants would receive help with logistics and case management. She said anyone interested, faith-based or not, should go to lppchurch.org to submit an interest form. Claudia Lucero, executive director of the Chicago Religious Leadership Network told the group that community integration goes beyond housing. She came to Chicago as a refugee, and its not a one-sided relationship, she said. It enriches both asylum-seekers, immigrants and our wider community. By fostering an environment of inclusivity, we give migrants their skills, talents and resilience, she said. But Brown emphasized that integration can be more complicated. I want to acknowledge the harm that wealth theft and neglect has reaped in some communities on the South and West sides of Chicago, she said, acknowledging the pushback from some communities where temporary shelters have been placed in shuttered schools. There are 10 city-run temporary shelters around the city housing 4,482 migrants, said spokeswoman Mary May in a statement Friday. Last weekend, hundreds of migrants were moved into the newest temporary shelter, at Wright College in Dunning. Wright College has capacity for 385 and provides cots for each individual, according to the written statement from the city. It serves families with children under the age of 18. Decompressing the Chicago Police Department District stations is a top priority for the city, the statement said. As new arrivals and asylum-seekers continue to arrive in Chicago via bus and other means, city officials are working simultaneously to identify spaces to convert into temporary shelters and to assist individuals and families in identifying more permanent housing opportunities. Migrants are placed at different locations depending on if they are families or singles, said the statement. The decompression process from police stations is informed by needs such as pregnancy or other critical health conditions. There are still 621 migrants in police districts and 17 at OHare International Airport, according to city data Friday. And more people arrive every day. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott began sending busloads of migrants to Chicago to protest the influx coming to his state last fall. Former Mayor Lori Lightfoot declared a state of emergency the week before she left office last month in response to the thousands of migrants who have settled in the city. This week, Chicago aldermen voted to spend $51 million on migrant care through June as Mayor Brandon Johnson works to get a handle on the ongoing humanitarian crisis. The cry from religious leaders and elected representatives Friday was clear. Movement from the city hasnt been enough. Ald. Maria Hadden, 49th, implored those listening in the airy church to answer the Rev. Browns call. There are so many solutions that we need in our own communities that government cant or wont provide, she said. And while we organize and work to change and form government to do the things we want it to do, we also need nongovernment efforts. Rabbi Seth Limmer founder of Open Judaism, opened his remarks by speaking about the Book of Numbers, the fourth book of the Hebrew Bible It begins with 600,000 refugees taking account of themselves in the desert, with no city hall or Springfield to send resources, he said. How do you take account of 600,000 men plus women plus children plus the mixed multitude of people who also sought liberation alongside us? Instead of focusing on numbers, Limmer said people should try to focus on care and dignity. We elevate their heads, and we might look into their eyes and take account of their humanity as they take account of our humanity. That is what this incredible project brings to us, he said. Ald. Timmy Knudsen, 43rd, spoke about his experience living in Tijuana at an LGBTQ+ shelter, conducting interviews with asylum-seekers about their journeys and the brutalities many of them faced. On Thursday, four families staying in a police station in his ward moved to a church down the street. My goal is getting people out of those districts as quickly as they arrive. Its a heavy goal, but we can only meet it with the faith community, he said. Zainab, an asylum-seeker from West Africa and mother of five came to the U.S. several months ago. She told the audience at Lincoln Park Presbyterian Church that she came to flee violence, looking for security for herself and her children. After staying a few days at a hotel in Chicago, she was connected to several faith-based and nonprofit groups in the city, including United African Organization. These groups have been so very, very supportive to me and my kids, she said. They have helped with housing, food, transportation and many more things. Several people in the audience murmured Amen as she spoke and applauded loudly as she sat down. Fasika Alem, programs director at United African Organization, said aid for refugees is a global issue. She read lines from a poem titled Home by Warsan Shire. No one leaves home unless home chases you. You have to understand that no one puts their children in a boat, unless the water is safer than the land, she said through tears. Messages of hope and resilience were shared in English and Spanish. The speakers words reverberated around the church, over the red velvet carpet and high up to the stained-glass windows. The Rev. Tom Terrell, pastor of Christ Lutheran Church of Albany Park, said he became aware of families sleeping on the ground in the 17th District station four weeks ago. We had no plan, we had money, we had no volunteers, Terrell said. Terrell said despite having no resources, they did have building space. They welcomed five families into their church. It has been powerful for us to be able to offer them privacy, dignity, support and friendship. They may be with us for three months, six months or a year, but it doesnt matter. Theyre welcome as long as they need a home, he said. Lets use our buildings to serve one another. Ald. Mike Rodriguez, 22nd, gave a brief summary of the different groups that have come to Chicago across centuries. Each of these migrant populations were searching for that hope in our great city. And they found it here, and they made this city a much greater city, he said. He said that Central and South American migrants and asylum-seekers are coming and searching for the same esperanza, or hope. They will be filling our classrooms. They will be essential workers. They will be a part of our society, he said. After the meeting, leaders thanked and hugged each other and slowly filed out of the dark church into the sunlight. Photos: Chicago Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson Election 2023 Chicago Mayor Election 2023 Chicago Mayor Election 2023 Chicago Mayor Election 2023 Chicago Mayor Election 2023 Chicago Mayor Election 2023 Chicago Mayor Election 2023 Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson - 2022 Brandon Johnson - 2023 Brandon Johnson - 2023 Brandon Johnson - File Brandon Johnson - 2022 Brandon Johnson - 2022 Brandon Johnson - 2022 Brandon Johnson - 2022 Brandon Johnson - 2022 Brandon Johnson - 2022 Brigadier General Patrick Pardy, former Assistant Adjutant General, has retired after 36 years of service. He was honored with a retirement ceremony May 5 at Joint Force Headquarters on Camp Rapid. "Every day he lays it out there; in his heart and the way he approaches things and he is an inspiration to be around. The impact you have left on the organization and your legacy of excellence will live in on in those who had the pleasure to serve with you," said Maj. Gen. Jeff Marlette, South Dakota National Guard Adjutant General. Marlette presented Pardy with the Distinguished Service Medal for his 36 years of service and thanked Pardy and his family for their service and commitment to the South Dakota National Guard. Pardy has held several key leadership and staff positions with the 153rd Engineer Battalion, 109th Engineer Group, and 196th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade. He served as a Battalion Commander of the 153rd from 2011 to 2013. He also commanded the 196th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade from 2015 to 2017. Pardy assumed his duties as the Assistant Adjutant General Army for the South Dakota National Guard in October 2021 and served in that position until May 2023. Additionally, he was dual-hatted as the Deputy Commanding General for Reserve Affairs at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, from January 2021 to April 2023. He has completed two combat tours of duty: Operation Enduring Freedom from 2003 to 2005 with the 109th Engineer Group and again in Operation Enduring Freedom as the 196th from 2010 to 2011. He has received multiple awards to include the Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal. Pardy began his military service in 1987 with B/153rd Engineer Battalion in Howard, South Dakota, as a 12B combat engineer and received his commission from the University of South Dakota ROTC program in 1992. Pardy has a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from the University of South Dakota, a Master's Degree in Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College, and a Juris Doctorate degree from the University of South Dakota. Pardy serves as a Circuit Court Judge in his civilian career. The South Dakota Army National Guard promoted Kevin Huxford of Rapid City to the rank of colonel during a ceremony at Joint Force Headquarters June 1. Huxford is a full-time employee of the SDARNG and is assigned as the Deputy Chief of Staff of Operations at Joint Force Headquarters at Camp Rapid. "I'm truly honored and humbled to reach this rank and hold this position, and thank you for the confidence in me, Huxford said. "To watch you grow as a leader and see the humble, strong, intelligent and dedicated leader that you are I really appreciate what you bring to the table, said Maj. Gen. Jeffrey Marlette, South Dakota National Guard Adjutant General. "You have all helped shaped the amazing man that he is today, and he would be the first to tell you that he would be nothing without you, Marlette said to Huxfords family. If you want to know what he's most proud of, it's you," he added. Huxford is supported by his wife, Caren, of 24 years and their four children Caleb, Logan, Cybil and Lenox. He enlisted in the 200th Engineer Company after his senior year of high school and attended basic training in 1995 as a 12C enlisted bridge crew member. In 2001, while attending the University of South Dakota, LTC Huxford commissioned as a 2LT through the ROTC program. "When I joined in 1995, it was how I was going to pay for college and you know, it was one of the best decisions I've ever made," Huxford said. Huxford was mobilized in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from December 2003 to March 2005. During his command in the 155th Engineer Company, the unit's AT period was redirected from Suriname to support rebuilding efforts in Haiti after the devastating earthquake in 2010. He worked in numerous positions at the Battalion, Brigade, and the Headquarters Staff levels before being assigned as the 109th Engineer Battalion Commander in 2020. Huxford is a graduate of Command and General Staff College, the Reserve Component National Security Course, the Army Operations Course Canadian Land Force Command and Staff College, and the Leadership in Homeland Security from the Harvard Kennedy Executive Education course. Ravalli County is rated one of the most at-risk areas in Montana for wildfire, and with smoke from Canada already infiltrating the Big Sky this past May, its a good time to start thinking about fire prevention and risk in the Bitterroot. The Natural Resources Conservation Service is currently offering a funding opportunity for forest treatments on private lands on the west side of the Bitterroot Valley. The application period is currently open and will run until this fall. The project area stretches from south of Conner to north of Florence on the west side of the valley. Funding is for forest thinning and flash treatment with the primary objective of reducing wildfire risk, and improving forest health on private lands. Most of the assessments that have been completed looking at fire and wildfire risk put Ravalli County in the Bitterroot No. 1, top of the list in Montana, said Stacy Welling, NRCS District Conservationist. Theres a lot of momentum right now with the Forest Service, RC&D and NRCS to try to get funding and get technical assistance out there to landowners to help them identify wildfire risk, create safe boundaries around their properties and their homes and improve the overall forest health on their lands. Funding for this project is provided as part of the Fire Adapted Bitterroot Joint Chiefs project, a national funding program of the NRCS in collaboration with the U.S. Forest Service. Property owners can contact NRCS by calling 406-361-6191 to set up a site visit and fire assessment. Applicants will find out if their property is chosen for funding next spring. Well meet with the people on their property, well explain how the program works and the timelines, Welling said. Then we will do some forest inventory so actually look at their stocking rate, try to identify if theres any disease concerns, you know, just kind of educate them on forest health and wildfire risk overall, what the condition of their forest land is. There is no obligation involved with applying, and the funding opportunity is only available for this year. Welling said its a good way for people to learn a little bit more about the condition of their forest and what different opportunities are available to them. Were really trying to let people know because sometimes people think about applying, but they dont often act on it, she said. And then maybe next summer, theyre like, Oh, I should probably give them a call. Well, that opportunity wont be available next year. Valley residents interested in what they can do to protect their homes for this season can contact Fire in the Root or DNRC for a wildfire assessment. Assessments can help identify hazards and inform homeowners of how to create buffer zones of defensible space around structures. Thats always a really good idea, Welling said. I think the best thing for people to do is to just give us a call. HALIFAX, Nova Scotia The largest wildfires ever recorded in Canada's Atlantic Coast province of Nova Scotia continued to grow Thursday, forcing the evacuation of hundreds more people and prompting air quality warnings in U.S. regions as far south as Virginia and Maryland. In all, there were four wildfires in the province burning out of control on Thursday, including the massive Barrington Lake fire in Shelburne County, which grew to more than 77 square miles despite a constant bombardment of water and fire retardant from a fleet of water bombers and air tankers. A much smaller fire that started Wednesday received immediate attention after it prompted evacuations south of Shelburne, home to 1,300 people. Within hours, the local Roseway Hospital was evacuated and residents started preparing to leave. "It jumped up pretty quick with the high winds, low (humidity) and high temperatures," said Dave Rockwood, a spokesman for the Department of Natural Resources, said in a briefing Thursday. "We are hitting it very hard and fast." The National Weather Service in Wakefield issued an air quality alert for Friday for the Richmond area due to smoke from wildfires across the Northeast and Atlantic Canada. St. Mary's County Department of Emergency Services, located about 80 miles south of Washington, D.C., warned residents in a tweet on Thursday that air quality might be impacted by the fires in southeastern Canada. In Pennsylvania, the Chester County Health Department said Thursday in a tweet that the "smoke & haze from wildfires in Canada continue to linger," and warned the air could still be unhealthy for older adults, young children and people with respiratory problems. KOSOVO ZVECAN, Kosovo International efforts to defuse a crisis in Kosovo intensified Wednesday as ethnic Serbs held more protests in a northern town where recent clashes with NATO-led peacekeepers sparked fears of renewed conflict in the troubled region. At a rally, hundreds of Serbs repeated their demand for the withdrawal from northern Kosovo of the special police and ethnic Albanian officials who were elected to mayor's offices in votes overwhelmingly boycotted by Serbs. The crowd then spread a huge Serbian flag outside the city hall in the town of Zvecan. The rising tensions fueled concern about another war like the 1998-99 fighting in Kosovo that claimed more than 10,000 lives, left more than 1 million people homeless and resulted in a NATO peacekeeping mission that has lasted nearly a quarter of a century. Working to avert an escalation, European Union officials met with Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti on the sidelines of a conference in Bratislava, Slovakia. The leaders of France and Germany announced plans to meet top Serbia and Kosovo officials on Thursday at a summit in Moldova. "The current situation is dangerous and unsustainable," EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said. "We need urgent de-escalation." Speaking in Slovakia, Kurti flatly rejected Serb demands but left the door open for fresh local elections. "As long as there is a violent mob outside the municipal buildings, we must have our special units," he said. "If there would have been peaceful protests asking for early election, that would attract my attention, and perhaps I would consider that request." Kurti also suggested that Russia may have a hand in the latest flare-up, pointing to protesters who "do graffiti with letter Z" and show admiration for "despotic" Russian President Vladimir Putin and for the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Russia is a close Serbian ally, though Belgrade populist leaders claim to be seeking European Union membership. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Wednesday that Moscow is monitoring the situation and supporting "all legitimate rights and interests of Kosovo Serbs." A million-dollar donation to Gov. Glenn Youngkin's political action committee from a day-old LLC looks like an eff ort to get around the intent of Virginia's campaign finance law, Democratic legislators say. They say the donation reveals a loophole in the law that the General Assembly needs to close. LLCs limited liability companies are often used to insulate an entity's owners from the outside world. The $1 million donation to the Spirit of Virginia PAC, made May 26, was by an entity called Future of Education LLC of Austin, Texas. The LLC, which was not registered with the Texas Secretary of State, Texas Comptroller or the Virginia State Corporation Commission, was incorporated in Delaware on May 25. The only point of contact was a registered agency firm in Dover, Delaware, which is paid to accept any legal fi lings involving the LLC. "It looks like they were trying to hide who they were," said House Minority Leader Don Scott Jr., D-Portsmouth. "This is an LLC formed the day before and that doesn't seem to do any other business." Unlike most states, Virginia sets no limits on who can give to political committees or how much they can give. Instead, the state relies on disclosure of who donors are and what they do for a living, so that the public can see and so voters can get a sense of whether a politician has conflicts of interest or is being improperly influenced. "This is a loophole in Virginia's law, already so lax, that we want to close," Scott said. Sen. Lionel Spruill Sr., D-Chesapeake, chairman of the Senate Privileges and Elections Committee, said he thinks better disclosure of LLC donations is needed. He said the General Assembly needs to address the dark money in politics and will introduce legislation to do that if he is reelected. The Richmond Times-Dispatch was able to confirm that the donation came from a Texas education reformer named Mackenzie Price through the street address for Future of Education given with the Spirit of Virginia's report to the Virginia Department of Elections. That address was listed in Travis County, Texas, tax records as belonging to a couple named Andrew and Mackenzie Price. Times-Dispatch research found that Mackenzie Price was active in education reform efforts in Austin. When the newspaper asked the PAC if the couple had in fact made the donation, a spokesman confirmed that Mackenzie Price made the contribution because of her interest in the education initiatives Youngkin has been urging. Price is co-founder of ALPHA School, a private institution that uses adaptive software and what it describes as unique motivational strategies to let students work at the pace and in the manner that works best for them. The school says its students spend no more than two hours a day on Common Core curriculum, an initiative used in 41 states but not Virginia to set goals and standards for English language and mathematics. It says afternoons are given over to student projects to enhance life skills. Price's donation was the second $1 million contribution to Youngkin's PAC. The PAC received a $1 million contribution in April from billionaire Thomas Peterffy, chairman of Interactive Brokers, an electronic trading system for stocks, bonds, options and futures. Peterffy, who lives in Palm Beach, Florida, had been a backer of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' presidential bid, but said he was putting that support "on hold" out of concern about DeSantis' stands on abortion and books in school libraries. That donation sparked a new round of pundit and anonymous source predictions that Youngkin would bid for the GOP presidential nomination, although he has repeatedly said he is focused on his Virginia agenda, including passing a budget with his proposed tax cuts and securing Republican control of both chambers of the state legislature. State Department of Elections reports of large $10,000 or more contributions show that in addition to Price's $1 million donation through the LLC to Youngkin's PAC, Spirit of Virginia received nearly $400,000 from other LLCs this year. The biggest of those other donations, for $100,000, came from a Charlottesville firm described on the PAC's filing as an asset management firm. The only information publicly available about the firm from its SCC filing is the name of the Charlottesville attorney designated to accept any legal filings or judgments involving the firm. The film version of how a spicy Cheetos variation was born, called Flamin Hot, is set to debut on Disney+ and Hulu on Friday, rehashing the often-disputed invention of the Frito-Lay snack food. The film covers the underdog story of Richard Montanez, a California janitor who rose through the ranks of Plano, Texas-based Frito-Lay. In his 2021 memoir, Flamin Hot: The Incredible True Story of One Mans Rise from Janitor to Top Executive, he contended he invented Cheetos to appeal to Hispanic consumers. The book was the basis for the film. But for years, the official line from Frito-Lay was that Flamin Hot Cheetos were developed at its Plano headquarters, not in California and not by Montanez, who ascended from janitor to an executive position in marketing at the snack food company. Hes been dubbed the godfather of Hispanic marketing. The food manufacturer owned by PepsiCo even disputed Montanezs story when questioned by the Los Angeles Times as part of an expose on the real story behind the Flamin Hot Cheetos claims. Frito-Lay and its parent company did an about-face, and now the official line from Frito-Lay is that he did important work launching our Hispanic Business Unit and played a key role in accelerating the growth of our Flamin Hot brand and other brands, particularly through his Hispanic marketing efforts efforts that helped grow our business and support our communities, especially in Los Angeles. Montanez, who left Frito-Lay in 2019, is a popular motivational speaker because of his custodian to C-suite story. Either way, the controversy doesnt appear to play much of a role in the film. Actor Eva Longoria picked up the film after she said she was inspired by Montanezs story, a story of a Mexican American one that hadnt been told before. The film was shot neither in California, where Montanez worked, nor in Plano, where Flamin Hot Cheetos were supposedly developed. Instead, it was filmed in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in 2021, according to Searchlight Pictures. It stars Jesse Garcia. Monk and Marvelous Mrs. Maisel actor Tony Shalhoub plays a role in the film along with Dennis Haysbert. Best friends and self-described sisters Sheila Pelkey and Virginia Moon joined thousands of others walking through the streets of Randolph-Macon College in Ashland on a sunny Saturday afternoon. This is where you see people, friends, Pelkey said of the Ashland Strawberry Faire, which has been a popular destination since its debut in the 1980s. They attend for the strawberries, the picturesque campus and the familiarity of the other attendees, they said. Walking past pints of strawberries and flower baskets, Lynda and Ross Wright toted their own haul for the first time in 10 years. The couple, who live a short walk from the event, said they were curious to see what it looked like since they last attended. Its good to be back, Lynda Wright said. The annual event featured 300 vendors, ranging from arts and crafts to nonprofits. Clemonce Cortbawi was in her kitchen Friday from 10 a.m. until midnight making her handmade baklavas, which she and her husband, Karim Cortbawi, sold at the event through their business, Time for Sweets. The Lebanese couple who live in Chesterfield County moved to the U.S. 22 years ago. They heard so many good things about the event they bought a booth. This was the second year the Cortbawis participated. I do the heavy lifting and have fun, Karim Cortbawi said, regarding their joint efforts for the festival. Another booth sold handmade products. Michael Katcham has undergone three surgeries in his arm that make simple tasks, such as buttoning a shirt, difficult for his hands. He was a welder for 32 years and has found a craft that helps his movement. Making jewelry and dealing with these small parts is trying to get momentum back to my hands, Katcham said. He began Mandybear Jewelry in June 2022. It started with making earrings out of guitar picks and bullet casings, but it has evolved to a business with all kinds of vendor shows, Katcham said. He and his wife, Pattie, who helps handle the money, set up their booth at the Ashland Strawberry Faire for the first time this year. I like it, Michael Katcham said. Its fun getting out and meeting new people. Fifty feet above Buford Road, lineman Hunter Curtis grabbed a live wire on a 32,500-volt mainfeeder circuit and, with hand signals and a quiet word or two, directed crew mate Jameson Lane to gingerly move the roller he had locked onto the wire a little lower. When Curtis tied that live wire to an insulator at the top of a new pole the crew had erected the day before, he took one more step on a multiyear, $2.2 billion-and-counting Dominion Energy grid transportation plan to redesign and reconfigure its 66,400-mile-long network of wires connecting more than 2 million customers to its power plants. Virginias push for renewable energy wind- and solar-generated electricity along with the growth of electricity glutton data centers and the rise of electric vehicles will mean a fivefold increase in the rate at which electricity use has been growing and pose never-before-expected challenges to managing voltages on the grid. About the Dominion grid modernization project STARTED: In 2019 after state lawmakers approved a controversial bill allowing Dominion to use some of the excess profits it had earned to finance the effort. THE NETWORK: About 66,400 miles of wires connecting more than 2 million customers to power plants. WHAT'S BEEN SPENT ON UPGRADES: $1.05 billion so far and another $1.17 billion projected over next few years. The grid was basically designed for one-way flows, from generator to substation to customers, said Aaron Tickle, Dominions manager for grid resiliency. Now, we have to think about two-way flows: thousands of power plants, like solar panels on roofs, that come off and on without warning ... electric vehicles that will change demand profiles. Drivers need to charge EVs at not completely predictable times, though Dominion expects many will be plugged in overnight, what used to be our slow time, he said. Fixing voltage islands and voltage optimization The grid modernization program started in 2019 after the General Assembly approved a controversial bill allowing Dominion to use some of the excess profits it had earned to finance the effort. So far, the company has spent $1.05 billion on the project; over the next three years, it expects to spend about $1.17 billion, according to a filing at the State Corporation Commission. Tickle is responsible for the grid projects mainfeeder hardening work the stronger poles and newer poles to be set up on 195 circuits that have seen at least twice as many outage minutes as average for the Dominion system. In some cases, as with a project on his to-do list in Farmville, it means relocating poles and wires there, it will mean running a line that now crosses the Appomattox River after running through a stretch of swampy woods with a new set of poles and wires along a nearby road. The pole Curtis and Lane would spend the day working on is one of hundreds along Buford Road to be replaced in order to make one of Dominions more outage-prone circuits, this one serving 3,560 customers, more reliable. Those poles will stand 5 to 10 feet taller. They will be rooted in much deeper, 6 to 10 feet holes, and will have girths roughly 8 to 9 inches longer than the old poles. They will have lighter, fiberglass cross-arms theyre gray-colored which means if a cross-arm is hit by a falling branch or tree, it will be much less likely to bring down the whole pole. In many cases, poles are spaced closer together. Tickle is also overseeing two other major pieces of grid modernization: fixing the handful of voltage islands on the system, and implementing new systems for regulating voltages voltage optimization that Dominion expects will yield a 1% savings in energy use. All of it is complex, often finicky work. On Buford Road, that days drizzle and the usual 7 a.m. rush to schedule the stepped-up electrical equipment triggers that make working on live electricity safer for some 180 crews working around the state, meant Curtis and Lane probably would not finish that pole that day. The last major act in what Mack Britt, the safety coordinator for contractor Carolina Power said is really a ballet, would be setting and up wiring a new transformer to replace the blackened, rusty one on the old pole. Rain and 32,500 volts dont mix, said Andy Clary, the Dominion Energy supervisor overseeing the Carolina Power crew, keeping a careful eye on the overcast sky. When it gets damp, you can hear the wires start buzzing and VDOT wont let us flag because of the risk of accidents, he said. Adding to the time squeeze, Curtis, Lane and the rest of their crew can only work on the narrow road as cars and trucks and school buses race by on a single lane, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. When the drizzle finally stopped, Curtis and Lane spent most of an hour carefully wrapping rubber sheets on the seven different wires for the two circuits on the pole three for each circuit plus a neutral wire they also linked to one of their bucket trucks to act as ground. They had to maneuver their buckets between wires spaced just 56 inches apart. Theyll duck, sure, Britt said. Dominions contractors are currently working on 44 mainfeeder hardening projects, running over about 261 miles and serving 102,323 customers. It plans to work on an additional 67, serving some 306,889 customers, from 2024 to 2026. In all this work will cost $508 million. It will continue after that, too. Customers on those circuits account for about 12% of Dominions ratepayers but see 42% of the utility systems outages. On average, Dominion customers see 132 minutes of power outages a year, while those on lines the company wants to harden see an average of 469 minutes. In a filing with the SCC, Dominion said a pilot hardening program, on 11 lines running over 60 miles, reduced outages by an average of 50%. During Winter Storm Frida on Jan. 3, 2022, one Goochland County line that had not been hardened sustained seven downed spans of wire between poles and 20 broken cross-arms. Repairs took the better part of two days to complete, and more than 900 customers were without power over that time. Another line feeding off the same substation that had been hardened did not suffer any outages. The new voltage optimization approach that is also a big-ticket part of grid modernization aims for the same basic standard Dominion has long maintained: that the voltage reaching customers at the farther ends of those 66,400 miles of wire, aiming at 120 volts, actually stays within 114 to 126 volts for customers. Voltage optimization is basically a system that gets almost real-time readings on voltages through smart meters on customers homes and businesses and that can then automatically issue commands to the safety devices that regulate voltages on a circuit. It supplants the modeling approaches Dominions grid managers use as they monitor and control the system, moment by moment. The optimization approach provides for more precise settings for voltage control by applying engineering assumptions in the modeling approach, without that immediate read on actual voltages, grid managers build in a buffer to ensure theres always enough juice everywhere in the system. More precise controls mean the system can run on lower voltages while remaining within current prescribed standards and ranges. Dominion wants to target a systemwide 2-volt reduction roughly speaking, the amount of electricity needed to power a small, 1-inch diameter motor that might move a toy car, or to power the chips in two hearing aids. The utility has got elements of the system installed at 145 premises and expects to add 2,315 more by the end of this year, at which point the control systems fed by the continuous stream of voltage readings from those modern meters will be operational. It aims to add 28,000 more premises to its voltage optimization network over the next three years work that will also mean adding or upgrading transformers at its substations and other work on its lines and voltage-regulating gear. In all, this push will cost about $215 million. Think computer screens instead of dials Dominion also wants to tackle voltage islands. These are substations with only one transformer: typically, a truck-sized gray box with pine-tree-like bushings linking it with the substations overhead wiring. Transformers step down voltages to safe levels for the stations mainfeeder circuit. Backups exist in most of the Dominion system. Now, theres such a backup second transformer at Dominions Hanover Substation on Ashcake Road. So far, Dominion has arranged the backups to eliminate three voltage islands and expects to complete that work for two more this year. It wants to eventually address six more over the next three years, at a cost of $25 million. Such voltage islands expose customers to extended outages if a transformer fails, since it can take 24 hours to get one of the utilitys mobile transformers onsite. It can take one to two years for an order for one of these complicated bits of electric equipment to arrive to replace a failed unit. Failures are rare, but when they happen, lights are off for long spells. In August 2021, a transformer failure at its Glasgow substation in the Shenandoah Valley cut power to more than 2,000 customers for more than 19 hours. For the next phase of its grid modernization efforts, it wants to address six more, including Glasgow. These serve 8,169 customers. These efforts are far less costly than mainfeeder hardening: Dominion estimates the six projects will cost $25 million. Grid modernization also includes tree trimming work next to lines. Dominion has removed more than 16,900 ash trees and trimmed trees along more than 22,300 miles of its wires. The project also involves installing intelligent grid devices, which are sensors that can pinpoint faults on lines to speed repair crews or to automatically reroute power flows to keep customers lights on. The program will also involve installing more distribute energy resource devices basically, the relays in substations that trip circuit breakers and switches but unlike older models operate much like the smart meters that are key to the voltage optimization work. Think computer screens instead of dials, as Tickle explained them. 31 photos from The Times-Dispatch archives Air Force Women Broad St. Broad St. Central State Hospital Cloverleaf Mall Country Club of Virginia Dogwood Dell Folk Dancing Hull St. Station Jackson Ward Jackson Ward Reunion Mail box Mailboxes Monroe Park Mooer's Field Noldes Bread O.K. Foundry Piccadilly Cafeteria Remote Controlled Cars Reynolds Metals Richmond Day Richmond Symphony Salt Sobles South Side Health Center The Diamond VA State Capitol VCU Gym Westhamtpon School YWCA Eleanor Hunton Hoppe, the Albemarle County mother with Richmond ties who is charged with distributing child pornography and the attempted exploitation of an 8-year-old girl, is scheduled to appear in federal court in Washington, D.C., next Tuesday. And while a Albemarle judge has sealed her divorce records and there remain questions about Hoppes current charges and what led to her arrest earlier this year, there are now at least some answers regarding her prior arrest in 2019. Arresting officer Kevin Faubion remains tight-lipped about the 2019 incident that led him to arrest Hoppe on a charge of "undressing where prohibited" in Pocahontas State Park. Faubion, the park's former assistant manager, referred questions to the park system's safety director, Scott Vantrease, who did not reply to inquiries. Chesterfield County court records show that Faubion's arrest of Hoppe coincided with his arrest of another individual: Andrew Hersey, a photographer once based in Charlottesville. The charge against Hersey was for conducting an "unauthorized commercial enterprise" in that same park. Chesterfield County prosecutor Stacey Davenport has downplayed Hoppe's arrest because it "did not involve children or any sexual act." Davenport went on to further downplay the incident by noting that the regulation used to charge Hoppe was repealed just one week after the incident. So what happened? Both individuals were charged with a violation of the Virginia State Park regulations. These are Class 3 misdemeanors which, as Davenport noted, are nonjailable offenses with a maximum punishment of a $500 fine. Chesterfield General District Court records show that both Hoppe and Hersey were found guilty in absentia. Hoppe was assessed $172 in fines and fees, which she appealed, while Hersey paid $187. As Hersey's website demonstrates with numerous examples, the primary subjects of his photography are nude women in outdoor settings. And that's all that he was doing that day with Eleanor Hoppe, he told The Daily Progress. "She had seen my work online and contacted me about doing some photos," Hersey wrote in an email. "We shot down at Pocahontas. Park ranger came along and saw her naked." And thus the two misdemeanor counts. Today, Hersey blasts the charge against him. "Seemed like a trumped up charge, but it didnt seem worth fighting," he said. "I mailed Chesterfield County my fine and that was it." Davenport, the Chesterfield prosecutor, noted that Hoppe performed 25 hours of community service in lieu of paying a fine before the commonwealth moved to dismiss the charge in the circuit court. Court records show that Hoppe was represented in that case by her father, Eppa Hunton V, of the Richmond firm Hunton Andrews Kurth, who declined to comment to The Daily Progress for this story. Eleanor Hunton Hoppe, whose family helped found Hunton Andrews Kurth, graduated from the private St. Catherine's School in Richmond. She later graduated from the University of Virginia and was as a victims advocate in the office of the Richmond Commonwealths Attorney. She later worked planning events for various organizations. Hunton appeared in early May in Albemarle County Circuit Court. He was there not as his daughter's lawyer, he told the court, but to look out for the interests of his daughter and her two children in a divorce case. At the close of that May 5 hearing, Eleanor Hoppes ex-husband Joel Hoppe, who is also a federal magistrate judge, emerged with temporary custody of the former couple's two school-age girls. One document previously available in that contentious divorce case suggested that Eleanor Hoppe was suffering from "precarious mental and physical" issues. Now, however, the entire file is hidden from public view after Circuit Judge Claude Worrell sealed the case, according to the clerk of court, Jon Zug. "Both the original divorce file plus the newest file have by court order been sealed in their entirety which includes the order of sealing," said Zug. Megan Rhyne, the executive director of the Virginia Coalition for Open Government, said she finds such level of secrecy concerning. "It is frequently necessary to keep the contents of a court record secret," Rhyne told The Daily Progress. "But the fact of the order should not be confidential because that in essence makes it a secret court proceeding, and we don't have secret courts in America." Meanwhile, Eleanor Hoppe's next hearing is presumably open to the public. It's a virtual status conference set for Tuesday in the federal District Court of the District of Columbia, the city where Hoppe is now incarcerated. She is being held without bail at the D.C. Central Detention Facility, also known as the D.C. Jail. She faces three felony charges stemming from her communications with an undercover FBI agent who was posing as a perverted father interested in getting Eleanor Hoppe's help in abusing his 8-year-old daughter at a Warrenton motel. She was arrested upon arrival at that motel in March. One of the three federal charges, enticement of a minor, carries a maximum life sentence. In statements the 45-year-old defendant made in court and at the scene of the sting, the motel parking lot, Eleanor Hoppe has professed her innocence. 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The board also voted to reduce the base undergraduate tuition and fee increase at UVAs College at Wise from 3% to 2%. If youre a student from Virginia looking to attend the top 50 schools, you cant find one that charges less than UVa, UVa President Jim Ryan said on Friday. For the 2022-23 academic year, first year, in-state students in UVas College of Arts and Sciences paid $14,878 in tuition and #3,358 in fees. With the newly board-approved tuition increase cut, undergraduates in the college will pay $15,324.34 in tuition and $3,458.74 in fees in the 2023-24 school year. The adjustment will save students less than 1% on tuition and fees which, for College of Arts and Sciences undergraduates, will amount to $104 in tuition savings and $23 in mandatory fee savings. Tuition and fee costs vary between UVas various schools, although students in different years at the same school do not pay the same amounts each academic year. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Board of Visitors opted to keep costs low with tuition freezes and rebates over the past few years. VCU will raise tuition by 3% next year An in-state student at VCU will now pay roughly $30,000 for education, room and board. In April 2021, the board voted to keep the cost of tuition the same for the 2020-21 and 2021-22 academic years. In December 2021, the board voted on tuition increases for the next two academic years to provide students and families more transparency and predictability. It approved a 4.7% increase for the 2022-23 year and a 3.7% increase for the coming academic year. Last September, the board voted in favor of a one-time rebate of $690 in the form of a credit to in-state undergraduate students to cancel out the 4.7% tuition increase that it approved in 2021. The University of Virginia has a reputation for offering students a world-class education while keeping tuition costs low, Rector Whittington W. Clement told university-run media outlet UVA Today after Fridays vote. Todays decision is a reminder that that reputation is well-earned. Clements eight-year term will come to an end on June 30, and Robert D. Hardie, who is currently serving as vice rector of the board, will succeed the position for a two-year term beginning on July 1. Hardie is CEO and co-chairman of H7 Holdings, a private holding company that invests in equities, private firms and alternative asset classes, including the Keswick Hall resort outside of Charlottesville. Board members appointed by former Gov. Ralph Northam including CEO of Armada Hoffler Properties Louis S. Haddad and Berkshire Hathaway Housing sales associate Angela Hucles Mangano are also scheduled to end their terms on June 30, but are eligible for reappointment should Gov. Glenn Youngkin choose to do so. Youngkin has not yet announced his appointments for the UVa Board of Visitors or that of any of Virginias other public colleges and universities. Last year, Youngkin announced board appointments on June 30 the last day of the fiscal year. VCU facing up to $25 million budget shortfall The university likely needs staff reductions and a higher tuition price to offset millions in new costs. James V. Reyes, who was originally appointed by Northam in 2015 and reappointed in 2019, will end his final term on the board on June 30. Dr. Susan Kirk, the nonvoting faculty representative to the board for the 2022-23 academic year, will also end her term on June 30. Current UVa Faculty Senate Chair and education professor Tish Jennings will succeed Kirk for a one-year term beginning on July 1. While saying goodbye to its rector and a few members, the board also welcomed its new nonvoting student representative, Lillian Rojas. Rojas is a fourth-year undergraduate student double-majoring in public policy and leadership and religious studies. She says low-income students, safety and security and student self-governance will be her priorities in the new role. Its GOP territory one of the two most Republican state Senate districts in metro Richmond. The race for the Chesterfield County-based 12th District seat is really the Republican primary, with the issue of who is more Republican than whom. The June 20 GOP primary pits a state senator who is the only Republican who is not in the Senate GOP caucus against a former one-term senator and a candidate with a fat war chest from a failed nomination contest for Congress. And it is hard to tell the difference on the issues: state Sen. Amanda Chase, R-Chesterfield, former Sen. Glen Sturtevant and Tina Ramirez all say they will defend gun rights, support school choice and oppose abortion. So, in a way, its been the photos of other people on fliers and mailers and digital ads that tell a tale. That bane of MAGA Republicans, former Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney, on one Chase ad shows up smirking in a black-and-white photo pasted next to a very glum-faced, black-and-white image of Sturtevant. It declares that as a backer of the Equal Rights Amendment, Sturtevant was in favor of abortion and a supposed transgender agenda. A Sturtevant flier features Chases face pasted onto a pink-gowned fairy tale princesss body to remind voters of the time she cursed out a Capitol Police officer after the officer tried to tell the senator to move her car. Former Gov. Terry McAuliffe grins from a Ramirez flier that quotes the Democrat praising Sturtevant for a long-ago vote over a Virginia Supreme Court justice, with a quote that looks like an endorsement but is not. Sturtevants past votes on red flag laws as well as the ERA are a focus of Chases campaign, as is what she calls her 100% record on gun rights. There are three great candidates here, but Im the only one whos carrying, Chase told a forum sponsored by the Virginia Citizens Defense League early in the race. It was a remark that may crystallize what the vote could turn on since Sturtevant then had to say I whiffed it, referring to his vote in favor of a red flag law that would allow judges to take a persons guns if subject to a restraining order. (Sturtevant voted in 2019 for a red flag bill that ultimately was left to die in the Senate Finance Committee. Democrats passed a red flag law in 2020, when they led both chambers, after Sturtevant had left the legislature.) Sturtevant reassured the audience that he now opposes that Virginia law. Ramirez, meanwhile, told the forum there shouldnt be any gun-free zones. She and Chase said all law-abiding citizens should be able to carry guns in schools. The district, which comprises the western half of Chesterfield and the city of Colonial Heights, is very Republican voting 57% for Glenn Youngkin in his 2021 election as governor. About 53% of its voters come from Chases old district and 40% from the northern part of the county that was part of the district Sturtevant represented and that leans less strongly Republican. Some 7% of voters live in a newly added area around Ettrick that votes strongly Democratic. In the fall, the Republican nominee will face Democrat Natan McKenzie, a financial adviser. Besides her voting record on gun rights, Chase stresses her opposition to mask mandates and her stance for parents rights, saying she is pro-God, pro-life, pro-business, pro-veteran, pro-law enforcement and pro-rule of law. Sturtevant says, We have two short years to pass Governor Youngkins agenda to lower taxes, fight for energy independence, protect the sanctity of the unborn, and never back down from the radical Left. Its time to get down to business on day one, and I am the only candidate in this race who is capable of that. Ramirez says shes a single mother of a daughter. Ramirez wants to get government out of the way and put an end to what she describes as toxic cancel culture. Chase is currently not a member of the Senate Republican Caucus. She was censured by the Senate in 2021 for a pattern of unacceptable conduct, including a lack of civility and making false and misleading statements. In 2021, she sought the GOP nomination for governor that went to Youngkin. Sturtevant has been endorsed by several GOP senators, including Majority Leader Tommy Norment, R-James City, and leaders of the caucus conservatives, state Sen. Steve Newman, R-Lynchburg, and Mark Obenshain, R-Rockingham. On abortion, Sturtevant says he is 100% pro-life; Chase this year introduced an unsuccessful Senate resolution declaring that life begins at conception. Ramirez says the government should not be in the business of aborting babies or supporting organizations that do. Education is going to be my top issue, Chase has said. That includes making sure parents have options the Monacan High and Virginia Tech graduate used public schools, private ones and home schooling while raising her four children. This year, she introduced an unsuccessful bill to create educational savings accounts to help parents afford private or religious schools as well as other educational expenses, and she pushed for more transparency about what children are taught and what books they are taking out of libraries, though these initiatives, too, did not make it. Ramirez wants to promote school choice and says parents who home-school should have their expenses covered from the taxes they are paying into the educational system. Sturtevant also favors school choice. He is a former member of the Richmond School Board and founder of the Richmond Public Schools Education Foundation, a nonprofit focused on working with the private sector to support schools. Sturtevants term in the 2016 to 2019 sessions included working on often-technical education measures such as his 2019 bill that created a fast-track program for licensed teachers to earn credentials to teach science, technology, engineering, mathematics and computer science. Chase had little luck on her measures this year ranging from her efforts to repeal the red flag law and local governments case-by-case authorization to keep guns out of parks and government buildings, to her bids to bar discrimination against people who do not have COVID-19 vaccinations, to ban insurance coverage for gender transition for minors, and to allow doctors to prescribe hydroxychloroquine and ivermectin to treat COVID-19. Sturtevant did a bit better in his final year in the state Senate. His proposal requiring insurance coverage for services done by nurse practitioners was enacted, while he won broad bipartisan support for a bill authorizing low-cost health insurance that only covers catastrophic illnesses. In the end, it was vetoed by then-Gov. Ralph Northam. Sturtevants proposal to boost the standard deduction for income taxes from $3,000 for single filers and $6,000 for joint filers to $12,000 and $24,000, respectively, was merged into another bill that finally increased the deductions to $4,500 and $9,000. They have been increased but are still below the level he proposed. A graduate of Catholic University, Sturtevant married his college sweetheart, whose job as a teacher helped put him through law school. He has a nationwide practice emphasizing on medical malpractice and health care cases, including issues involving Veterans Affairs, military health care, the Indian Health Service and vaccine injuries. He and his wife, Lori, have four children, all of whom they adopted. Chase, first elected to the state Senate in 2015, owns a small financial services firm. With her Virginia Tech degree in corporate finance and business management, she has worked for the Federal Reserve Bank, Signet, First North American National Bank and the state governments former Virginia Student Assistance Authorities. She and her husband, Mike, have four children. With her experience working for the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, Ramirez founded Hardwired Global, an organization that develops childrens books and education material to address the causes of religious conflict and to defend the rights of those oppressed for their religion. She failed in a bid for the GOP nomination for the 7th Congressional District in 2020. While politicians and lobby groups have rallied to Sturtevants support, with Dominion Energy giving $30,000 and a PAC associated with Obenshain giving $21,250, few others have done so for Chase or Ramirez, campaign finance reports show. Profiles: Meet the candidates in Virginia's June 20 primary election This is a collection of stories about races in Virginia's primary elections on June 20. A closer look at the cost of participating in a regional greenhouse gas reduction program is leading Dominion Energy to trim the amount it wants to collect from ratepayers to cover the bill, a filing at the State Corporation Commission shows. As the utility and SCC staff pored over actual emissions and price data, they have agreed that the cost of buying Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative carbon allowances the payments a utility must make if it emits more than a set cap of carbon into the air will likely be about 4.4% less than Dominion had suggested when it asked for a surcharge on customers bills earlier this year. That surcharge was to amount to $4.64 for a 1,000 kilowatt-hour monthly bill, which now costs $137. It was to cover a $373.2 million bill for those allowances between August 2022 and Dec. 31 of this year thats when Gov. Glenn Youngkin wants to pull Virginia out of RGGI. Now, Dominion and SCC staff agree that the likely cost of those allowances will be $356.6 million. They have not calculated how that will translate to a 1,000 kilowatt-hour bill. The difference reflects data on actual emissions and on the prices of carbon allowances from three more months than Dominion was able to look at when it first asked for the surcharge this year. After the mildest winter on record and the purchases of allowances that Dominion has already made, it should be able to trim the amount it needs to collect from ratepayers, SCC analyst R. Chris Harris found. He noted that Dominions forecast for the allowances it would need to buy this year was 17% higher than actual allowances needed to cover excess emissions in 2022. The agreement would still have to be approved by the SCC itself now comprising only one of the three commissioners it is supposed to have. If it is approved, that means the total cost to Virginians of RGGI since the state began participating in 2021 will be $623 million. That sum includes the $84 million that Dominion collected through its RGGI surcharge during six months in 2022 and $183 million it covered from its base rate charges the portion of customers bills that go toward the costs of plant and equipment predating 2007, and accounting for roughly half of a typical monthly bill. Since 2007, Dominion covers the cost of more recent investments through a series of surcharges. It suspended its RGGI surcharge in 2022 after Youngkin promised to pull Virginia out of RGGI. Virginia gets money back from RGGI from the allowances utilities buy, and those funds are allocated to the states efforts to deal with climate change and sea level rise. Youngkin said RGGI is essentially a tax on all ratepayers since the states regulatory system keeps the allowances from acting as an incentive to polluters like Dominion to reduce emissions. That is because Dominion can just pass on the cost of those allowances, he said. But environmentalists say RGGI has been effective in reducing carbon emissions and that it generates badly needed funds to deal with energy efficiency programs and sea level rise. East Coast states from Maine to Virginia currently participate in RGGI. The Richmond Times-Dispatch asked local statehouse candidates the same nine questions. Below, see the responses from Sen. Amanda Chase, R-Chesterfield, Tina Ramirez and Glen Sturtevant, who are seeking the Republican nomination June 20 in the 12th Senate District that is based in Chesterfield and includes Colonial Heights. Read our story on the candidates in the 12th District contest here: In November the Republican nominee in the GOP-leaning district will face Democrat Natan McKenzie, a financial adviser and small-business owner. What is one district-specific issue you want to tackle if elected? Chase: Many in the western part of Chesterfield are frustrated by high traffic during morning and evening commutes. For decades now, we've been saying that we should extend the Powhite Parkway between Route 288 and Hull Street Road. I agree but with much input from the affected communities taken into account to minimize any negative impacts and without raising taxes or tolls. Ramirez: Education and the importance of school choice. Sturtevant: Special Education is an issue that needs to be addressed both locally and as a Commonwealth. We need to support families by giving them more options to keep their children safe while also providing the tools needed to be happy, healthy, and successful in life. This can be done at the state level by providing grant programs for students with disabilities who have Individual Education Plans (IEPs). What's the most important bill you would introduce if elected and why is it important? Chase: I will reintroduce the Voter Confidence Restoration Act that I introduced this past year. This legislation restores the election guardrails, that the Democrat-controlled General Assembly removed in 2020. The people deserve to have confidence in the election process, which should be fair, secure and transparent. We need to go back to paper ballots, hand counts and eliminate error-ridden voting computers and tabulators. Ramirez: Providing school choice for parents and students. Sturtevant: I will be introducing Education Savings Account legislation that Lt. Governor Winsome Sears championed last year. Virginia families need more educational choices for their children. This legislation will set aside a portion of state education funding into an education savings account. Parents will then be able to direct funds to various education expenses, including different schooling options and support services that have been pre-approved. Education is not a one size fits all issue. Where do you stand on abortion access in Virginia? Chase: I'm unapologetically 100% pro-life. Killing babies is not a right or a choice, it's murder. We need to promote personal responsibility for one's actions and responsible parenting. We should immediately end all taxpayer-funded abortions. Ramirez: I believe the right to life is absolute. Sturtevant: I am 100% pro-life and I support Governor Youngkin's bill that would ban abortions after 15 weeks. Should individual income tax rates and business taxes be adjusted and if so how? Chase: I will always vote to cut taxes. Period. I voted to cut the grocery tax, as proposed by Governor Youngkin and voted to eliminate the BPOL tax. Any time over the past 8 years that we've had a surplus, I've always voted to give that money back to the taxpayer. You know better than the government how to spend your hard-earned money. I also vote against every fee. Ramirez: Yes, they should be lowered. It makes Virginia less competitive nationally to have higher taxes. Sturtevant: Yes. We must be competitive with other states and Virginia needs to lower the individual and business tax rates and increase standard deductions to help make living in Virginia more affordable. When I was in the legislature, I never voted for any tax or fee increase, and my pledge to the residents of Chesterfield and Colonial Heights is that I never will. How would you approach reducing gun violence? Chase: I'm 100 percent for reducing gun violence. Most gun violence occurs in gun-free zones like schools and many churches. According to the Crime Prevention Research Center, 97.8% of public shootings occur in gun-free zones". I've introduced legislation to repeal the localities' ability to create gun-free zones, which disarm all law-abiding citizens and empowers violent criminals. We should instead eliminate gun free zones and allow law abiding citizens to protect themselves. Ramirez: Addressing mental health, focusing on the root causes of gun violence, and defending law-abiding Virginian's Second Amendment rights. Sturtevant: We need to prioritize mental health, public safety, supporting law enforcement, and keeping guns out of the hands of criminals. We also need to re-implement crime reduction programs including Project Exile and Operation Ceasefire. How do you plan to address opioid deaths and addictions? What about opioid dealers? Chase: Since 2014, weve seen continuous, disturbing growth in the number of deaths due to overdose from synthetic opioids, most of them fentanyl, most of which comes from China. We need to force the federal government to hold China accountable. We need to secure our borders and have swift and severe consequences for opioid dealers. The state should help support successful nonprofit recovery programs and clinical addiction services like the faith-based Mercy House in Chesterfield County. Ramirez: Increasing public and preventative education while providing law enforcement with more support to crack down on drug dealers. Sturtevant: We have to address the mental health crisis we have here in the Commonwealth that exacerbates the opioid epidemic. In Chesterfield, Sheriff Karl Leonard, who began the groundbreaking HARP program, has continued to show that we need to rethink the way we address addiction. Placing addicts in jail and then releasing them is not working. We have to address the root cause of the problem, the addiction. We need to impose tougher penalties on drug dealers, especially when it comes to fentanyl. Should Virginia establish a legal recreational cannabis market? Why or why not? Chase: While we should continue to support children with seizures, veterans with PTSD, and people living with chronic pain from lupus and cancer, through products with low levels of THC, we must also balance that need with ensuring we protect our youth and children from addiction and abuse. While I am not in support of outright legalization of recreational marijuana and use in public spaces, I do support regulated medical use through prescription in lieu of many organ damaging prescription medications. Ramirez: No, because it's a gateway drug to more addictive drugs. Sturtevant: No. There are more important issues facing Virginia than legalizing drugs. Whats a fun fact about yourself or your favorite hobby that people may not know about? Chase: I love playing the piano and enjoy relaxing to classical music. From 4th through 12th grade I learned to play classical piano. My teacher was strict on technique and required me to memorize my cadences and scales. While I may not have appreciated the repetitive practices and drills at the time, I learned the value and importance of discipline. Ramirez: I am the Founder and President of an international religious freedom organization that is advocating for the right to freely worship in some of the most dangerous places. I believe that we are all hardwired for freedom. It is how I operate my nonprofit, and how I will legislate once elected. Sturtevant: I love backpacking through the Appalachian Trail. Lastly, why should people vote for you? Chase: Promises made. Promises kept. You can trust me. I not only walk the walk; I talk the talk. You can trust my 8 year solid voting record which has been rated as 100 percent by many independent nonpartisan grassroots organizations like the Family Foundation, the Virginia Citizens Defense League, the National Federation of Independent Business owners and my A rating with the Virginia Chamber, the NRA and the Conservative Achievement Award with the American Conservative Union. Ramirez: You should vote for me because my life has been about service. I have always operated with integrity, and I will have my constituents' backs in Virginia's State Senate. Sturtevant: Our campaign is building a broad coalition of support amongst all the various coalitions of Republicans as well as independents. In this swing district, we need a representative who is a consensus builder, and is able to effectively communicate Youngkin's common-sense conservative agenda. Together we can move the Commonwealth forward, and make Virginia the best place to live, work, and raise a family. The U.S. Department of Labor has been awarded back wages of more than $22 million for over 7,500 employees working for East Penn Manufacturing Co., a large battery manufacturer. A federal jury concluded that the company failed to pay the employees overtime they were due as required by the Fair Labor Standards Act, passed in 1938. The wage verdict is the largest on record obtained by the Labor department under the FLSA, it said in a news release. The department also intends to ask for liquidated damages an additional $22 million for the workers, consistent with the penalties provided in the FLSA. Under the FLSA, employers must pay employees for all hours worked and must also pay an overtime premium of 1.5 times the employees regular rate of pay for all hours worked over 40 in a workweek. The department had already been awarded summary judgment (judgment as a matter of law) finding that the Lyons Station, Pennsylvania-based company violated the FLSAs overtime requirement when it failed to pay uniformed workers for all working time. The company violated the law by paying workers only for their eight-hour scheduled shift, and not for additional time employees needed to put on and remove protective equipment and to shower to avoid the dangers of lead exposure and other hazards, according to the departments announcement of the verdict. The department presented evidence at trial that the company did not pay employees based on their actual clock-in and clock-out times, but rather adjusted the timesheets to pay employees for only their scheduled shift. The company did this daily for every worker. Decades of settled law states that employers must pay employees for all hours worked, and this includes the time employees spend changing into and out of uniforms and showering where such activities, as here, were necessary and indispensable to their work. Contrary to the law, East Penn allowed employees to work off-the-clock for years, Solicitor of Labor Seema Nanda said in the departments news release. The jurys verdict will go a long way towards making the employees whole and serves as a stark reminder for employers like East Penn to think twice before instituting policies designed to skirt the law. Despite the decades-old FLSA, the law remains a mystery to many employers. The most common violations include: Designating employees as exempt when they are nonexempt and entitled to overtime. Most employees are nonexempt because they perform nonexempt work. Employers too often assume that an employee must be doing exempt work if the employee does office work or is paid a salary. There are limited and narrow qualifiers for the exemption. Paying only for scheduled work time and not actual time worked. Failure to pay for working time or understanding what that is. In this case, the employer failed to pay for donning and doffing as required by the law. Employers also must pay, in some cases, when a worker travels, is engaged to wait, participates in training and when the employee takes short breaks of less than 20 minutes. While breaks are not required under federal law (some states require them), when an employer provides a break, the employer must comply with the FLSA. Failure to properly compensate for meal periods. Although meal periods are not required under federal law (some states require them), a meal period of 30 minutes or more is uncompensated under the FLSA, but many employers interrupt the employee during meal period or ask that the employee eat while working. In these cases, the meal period must be paid. If an employee is asked to do a task 15 minutes into her lunch, the employee is entitled to a reset of the 30 minutes, not simply the 15-minute remaining balance of her meal period. An employee is entitled to compensation unless the employee is fully relieved of duty for at least 30 minutes or more. There remains a mystery in the law about whether an employee fully relieved of duty from 20 to 30 minutes can be considered a bona fide meal period. Adjusting time records because the employee didnt have permission to work overtime. An employee can be disciplined for working without approval, but the employee must be paid. Dont adjust a time record when an employee works the time. The law is old and antiquated, and doesnt necessarily fit in todays flexible work environment. Nonetheless, the law is here to stay, and employers must comply or face large penalties. PHOTOS: Recognize these Richmond-area places? Four walk away in Akumal accident after dozing driver slams into pole Akumal, Q.R. Four people inside a small car that smashed into the base of a metal pole were treated for minor injuries. The accident happened under the Akumal overpass when the driver allegedly dozed while behind the wheel. The dozing driver with three passengers swerved his car, crashing it head on into the metal utility pole. Personnel from Civil Protection attended to the accident victims, which included two men, one woman and one minor. National Guard highways were also sent to the scene to deal with the crushed car and curious motorists until a tow truck arrived to remove it from city property. The four inside the car were not seriously injured. Mexico hosts regional EU trafficking and weapons conference Mexico City, Mexico Mexico held a regional conference with the European Union on the diversion and illicit trafficking of small arms and light weapons. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE), in coordination with the European Union (EU) through the French cooperation agencies Expertise France and the Federal Office of Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA), celebrate the third phase of the Partner to Partner ATT program. This joint program of the European Union and the Government of Mexico began in 2020 and aims to promote international cooperation, legal assistance, and shared responsibility for the phenomenon that firearms violence represents in Mexico and the region. Likewise, the program highlights the importance of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) to strengthen international and regional efforts to address the illicit manufacturing and trafficking of firearms, as well as the relevance of the management of the international transfer of arms and prevent their diversion in order to curb this serious threat to global peace and security, the SRE reported. The conference was attended by dignitaries from around the world. Photo: SRE June 1, 2023. The comprehensive implementation of the ATT in workshops held virtually in the early phases of the program, in 2021 and 2022, demonstrated that collaboration between experts and those responsible for arms diversion will strengthen the exchange of information, good practices, and the use of technology to meet this challenge. The Secretaria de Relaciones Exteriores hosted the conference. Photo: SRE June 1, 2023. It is estimated that in Latin America about 75 percent of homicides are committed with a firearm, which adds to violence against women and other vulnerable sectors of the population, they added. For the EU and Mexico, international cooperation and the fight against transnational organized crime represent a fundamental part of their collaboration. More than 20 countries participated in the program. The Government of Mexico entering agreement with New Fortress Energy Mexico City, Mexico President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador says the Government of Mexico is entering into an agreement with New Fortress Energy. The agreement will be for the creation of liquefaction plants as well as the construction of offshore gas platforms. Although a first stage has already begun in Altamira, expanding to its full capacity would mean an estimated investment of $5.5 billion dollars, he reported in a statement Thursday. Lopez Obrador said the project, which represents progress, jobs and well-being, joins the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) who will obtain profits from sales. The CFE will obtain profits from the sale of liquefied gas in international markets . CFE Internacional will buy the natural gas in the United States and transport it through the Brownsville Pipeline for export to Mexico. CFEnergia will import the natural gas, transport it through the South Texas-Tuxpan marine pipeline owned by Gulf Marine Infrastructure, and sell it to the liquefaction plant, he explained in his statement. He said the infrastructure will be located 26 kilometers from the Altamira coast and contemplates the installation of a platform, which will allow gas to be frozen for special shipments to Europe. This design will be the first of its kind in the national territory, so that Mexico will become an exporter of liquefied natural gas for the first time in history. This is going to produce, it is going to generate jobs, () work for Altamira, he said. Lopez Obrador said that the federation focuses its efforts on rescuing and promoting public companies in the nation such as the CFE in favor of public interest. What we want is for the public to always take precedence. That is the difference we have with our adversaries, who are not our enemies, () but they are two different conceptions since they are betting on privatizing, on converting what is public to private, he explained. His announcement came after a Thursday tour of the Altamira natural gas plant. Justin Sigmon, who was the second-highest-ranking officer in the Franklin County Sheriffs Office, has resigned after being charged in a federal child sex abuse case, the sheriffs office announced Saturday. Sheriffs office staff were told Friday about Sigmons resignation, Capt. Erik Mollin of the sheriffs office wrote in a short statement sent to news agencies. Federal court records said that Sigmon was arrested Monday in Florida on a charge of having abusive sexual contact with a minor under the age of 12. Sigmon had been on a cruise from the Port of Miami to the Bahamas and back, and a witness saw him inappropriately touching a girl who was sitting in his lap, court records said. The witness made a video of the incident and the ships security cameras also recorded it. Sigmon was charged after the ship returned to Florida. Sigmon told investigators that he understood the touching could be seen as inappropriate but that he did not mean it to be sexual, the federal criminal complaint said. After the girl got off his lap, Sigmon was seen covering his crotch with his hands for an extended period of time, the criminal complaint said. He told investigators that he did this because he was cold, the complaint said. As news of Sigmons arrest broke Friday, Franklin County Sheriff Bill Overton declined to comment. Saturdays statement said that the sheriffs office learned recently about the federal charge, and that since that time, we have been working to gather all the information we can based on the limited amount provided by federal authorities. Our prayers are with the Sigmon family, the sheriffs office statement said. Meadowbrook Public Library is once again coordinating the Summer Backpack Program, a community initiative aimed at helping families with children and teens stretch their grocery budget during the summer months. This years program gets underway Tuesday, June 6, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. and will continue every Tuesday through Aug. 8. The Summer Backpack Program provides one bag of food per child per week, available on a drop-in basis for residents of Eastern Montgomery County. Each bag is filled with nutritious food items to ensure children have access to essential sustenance during the break from school. In addition to the weekly food distribution, the Summer Backpack Program will also provide engaging crafts activities for children. Families are requested to utilize the drive-through service at the curbside side of the library. For those unable to pick up their weekly food bags during designated hours, participants can call the library to make an appointment for a later pickup. Funding for the Summer Backpack Program has been provided by local agencies, churches, civic groups and generous private donors. Their support has made it possible to offer this vital program to the community. Meadowbrook Public Library is located at 267 Alleghany Spring Road in Shawsville. For more information or to schedule appointments, call 540-268-1964. - The Roanoke Times DUBLIN More than 1,000 voters turned out to select Del. Jason Ballard as their nominee for state House during a 42nd District GOP mass meeting Saturday. Ballard, of Giles County, received 1,041 out of 1,135 votes cast in the two-man GOP nomination race with Joseph Jody Pyles. Ballard now proceeds unopposed to the general election in November. The two candidates shook hands and spoke briefly after Ballard was announced the winner. There had been some animosity coming into Saturdays meeting about that process and continuing differences among some in the party. Ballard thanked voters for the overwhelming support. We had a record turnout of more than 1,200 voters who came out to have their voices heard at New River Community College today, Ballard said after the result was announced. We have accomplished a lot in the last two years, but there is still work to do to get our commonwealth back on the right track. Voters from Giles, Pulaski and Montgomery counties and the city of Radford waited in an hour-long registration line that stretched out the door of the colleges Edwards Hall. Food trucks and a musician entertained as people waited. After party business, candidates received five minutes each to address the crowd, although neither used his full allotted time. Pyles, an entrepreneur who campaigned as a grassroots candidate, spoke first. Now its time for you to blow your trumpet, raise your sword and fight, Pyles said. If you vote for Joseph Pyles on that ballot, I promise Ill fight for you. I promise I will be a voice for you. Ballard, a trial lawyer who won his first race for state House over Democrat Chris Hurst in 2021, received a lions share of audience applause during his speech Saturday. I cant condense into a five-minute speech what weve accomplished over the last few years, Ballard said. Send me back to Richmond so I can continue working for you. I will show you dignity and respect. Registration ran from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and the crowd got audibly restless as they awaited their chance to hear from candidates and vote. Temporary meeting chair Aidan Williams, of Giles County, addressed the Republican crowd before voting began at 2 p.m. We could have showed up on a Tuesday like normal people and voted in a primary, Williams said to the crowd. I do apologize that everybody has to waste their beautiful Saturday, but this is the process that was chosen. Its out of our control now. He said a majority of the 42nd District legislative committee decided in January to hold a mass meeting instead of a primary, despite some intraparty opposition. On Wednesday, just before the mass meeting, 42nd District Chair Jo Anne Price resigned from her post. She said she remains chair of the Montgomery County Republicans. I stepped down, Price told The Roanoke Times as people voted. Because they did not want to run a smooth process, they intentionally corrupted the process. Price said she blamed the remaining 42nd District committee members for that corruption. Those committee members, including Williams and her temporary replacement, acting chair Chip Craig, on Saturday denied Prices claims. It couldve been a 30-minute meeting, Price said. This is an example of what the establishment will do to keep grassroots out. Less than a week before she resigned from the post, Price appeared in a video alongside 41st District legislative chair Ginny Perfater. Both appeared supportive of Pyles during that video, but Price on Saturday said she did not endorse anyone ahead of the final nomination. To a rumbling crowd, Williams apologized on behalf of the legislative district committee for the mass meeting. After the last vote was cast, he said the event proceeded well, with a stronger turnout than he expected. As the chairman of the mass meeting that I totally disagreed with, having voiced my strong preference for a state-run primary on multiple occasions, I think we ran a smooth process, Williams said. Especially considering it was handed off to us just days before it began. Williams said Republican committee members from Giles County and Radford asked multiple times to reconsider the mass meeting and hold a primary instead. His concerns with holding a mass meeting revolved around disenfranchising active service members and senior citizens who might not be able to attend. It could be one of the last Republican mass meetings held in Virginia to decide a nominee for elected office, according to officials at the meeting. Republican Party of Virginia Executive Director Ken Nunnenkamp said he expects future GOP mass meetings will still decide nominees for local party officials, but probably not for elected officials. Thats partly due to state laws that are changing July 1, but also because of logistics, he said. Legally theres nothing preventing a mass meeting or convention, Nunnenkamp said. But structurally and logistically, I think theyre almost impossible. Donald Trumps lawyers are demanding that the judge in his New York City criminal case step aside, echoing the former presidents complaints that hes a Trump hating-judge with a family full of Trump haters. What to know about the case of the missing Missouri ER doctor found dead in Arkansas The case of a Missouri doctor whose body was found in an Arkansas lake more than a week after he was reported missing remains shrouded in mystery Three chemical manufacturing companies have reached a deal to resolve complaints of polluting many U.S. drinking water systems with compounds known as PFAS Catholic devotees in Bolivia are preparing for one of the countrys biggest religious celebrations this weekend at a time when the church in this Andean country has been rocked by an increasing number of sex abuse scandals " " Even the dead have to get around. Do airlines use special language to refer to the transport of human remains? Leon Neal/Rob Melnychuk/Getty Images According to the internet and urban legend, two things that go hand in hand with a grain of salt, American Airlines uses the code name "Jim Wilson" for human remains being shipped in its cargo hold. But is there any truth to this? After all, it's absolutely true that American, like many other airlines, does ship human remains people die all the time far from their families and final resting places. But no one at American actually uses this code, said an American Airlines (AA) spokesperson we spoke to in 2016, and it's not anything that passengers would ever hear. Advertisement However, the AA spokesperson said that the name appeared to come from the company that manufactured the air trays used to safely transport human remains. According to The Sun, the Alcor 1997 Stabilization and Transport Manual mentions that Jim Wilson trays are often used as shipping containers and are packed with ice to preserve human remains. Currently, the AA website page concerning transporting human remains has no mention of "Jim Wilson." This raises the question, though: Do any other airlines use codes like this to protect the sensitivities of other passengers and offer some privacy for the deceased? If they do, they're keeping it a secret even from some of their employees. Calls placed in 2016 to JetBlue, Alaska Air, and United revealed that they'd never heard of such a thing, but it was intriguing enough that the people who answered the phones were going to look into it. One bewildered JetBlue representative we reached said, "I've never been asked that before." Like everything else related to air travel since Sept. 11, 2001, transporting human remains became more difficult. The Transportation Security Administration partnered with funeral homes to come up with some guidelines to help people transport remains with less hassle and better security. This is especially tricky with cremated remains. Airlines may require that you carry them onto the plane rather than checking them into the cargo hold, which means they must go through the X-ray machine. If the container is opaque to the machine, it cannot go onto the plane. And TSA agents are not permitted to open the container, even if you ask them to. There are travel-friendly containers available made of plastic or wood that work with the X-ray machine, but you have to know that in advance. Now That's Cool You can avoid flying human remains altogether by shipping them via the United States Postal Service, no code name required. You just need an inner container, an outer container, a lot of padding, and to clearly mark the contents on the outside of the box. Advertisement Originally Published: Mar 23, 2016 Prathamesh Prabhudesai, CEO of SafeBVM, was among the 2022 CAPCaT awardees at last year's event. Credit: JODIE ANDRUSKEVICH PHOTO Medtech and life sciences entrepreneurs and investors forging the future of health care will come together Tuesday, June 6, to showcase pioneering technologies and grow the region's medtech ecosystem. The 2023 Point of Care Showcase and Pitch Event will be a free, in-person program beginning at 2 p.m. at Mintz, 1 Financial Center, 40th Floor, Boston, to introduce innovations to improve the well-being of patients with heart, blood, lung and sleep disorders. The event will be hosted by the UMass Center for Advancing Point of Care Technologies (CAPCaT), a business incubator funded by the National Institutes of Health. The center is housed within the Massachusetts Medical Development Center (M2D2), a joint venture of UMass Lowell and Worcester-based UMass Chan Medical School. M2D2 assists entrepreneurs with all aspects of moving new products and technologies from the drawing board to the marketplace. "This year, our keynote session will feature Dr. Maria Berkman, head of medtech for Broadview Ventures, and V. Kadir Kadhiresan, vice president for venture investments at Johnson & Johnson, in what we expect will be a rousing fireside chat on entrepreneurship in biotech," said UMass Lowell's Bryan Buchholz, professor emeritus of biomedical engineering. Buchholz co-directs CAPCaT alongside David McManus, MD, the Richard M. Haidack Professor and chair and professor of medicine of the Department of Medicine at UMass Chan Medical School, where he is the founding director of the program in digital medicine. Entrepreneurs from five companies developing point-of-care innovations will pitch their inventions before a panel of experts. These startups and products, which received funding from CAPCaT last year, include: VoluMetrix A new method of noninvasive blood-flow analysis for heart failure patients A new method of noninvasive blood-flow analysis for heart failure patients VPG Medical A suite of medical-grade, video-based, heath-monitoring software for mobile devices and personal computers Brainstem Biometrics A specific and non-invasive way to measure basic brainstem function A specific and non-invasive way to measure basic brainstem function InfraredRx Innovations to manage peripheral artery disease Innovations to manage peripheral artery disease General Prognostics Technology to remotely monitor blood biomarkers "The CAPCaT collaboration between UMass Chan and UMass Lowell has supported more than 30 small tech companies in their journey from idea to product. By helping these companies to conduct meaningful clinical trials and providing access to patient perspectives, clinician feedback, and entrepreneur communities, we have saved a few wonderful ideas from stalling and have shortened the time it takes others to get their product commercialized," McManus said. "We are very excited to be holding our fourth annual 2023 Point of Care Pitch Event and Showcase featuring five CAPCaT point-of-care testing (PoCT) startups. Join us and open the doors to big company/little company strategic partnerships and grant funding opportunities." Creating a dynamic networking opportunity for attendees, the event's venue is within walking distance of the Boston Convention Center, which will welcome hundreds of other entrepreneurs, researchers and funders working in the medtech and sustainability justice sectors to the 2023 BIO International Convention, from Monday, June 5 through Thursday, June 8. Since its inception in 2007, M2D2 has vetted more than 250 medical device and biotech ventures and supported more than 100 startups. In total, M2D2 resident companies have secured more than $150 million in external funding for their innovations. Individuals interested in attending the CAPCaT event should register here. Provided by University of Massachusetts Lowell Students from Redlands Unified School District take part in a C-STEM RoboPlay competition. The C-STEM program uses robotics and coding to teach algebra and math. Credit: UC Davis C-STEM Twenty-five teachers from Redlands Unified School District in southern California recently completed training in integrating computer science into math education through a joint program offered by the University of California, Davis, and UC Riverside Extension. The Joint Computer Science Supplementary Teaching Credential Authorization Program has helped Redlands address gaps in student opportunity and achievement, and teachers' skills. "Improving math instruction for student success is the most challenging task in education. Redlands partnered with UC Davis to make math instruction with computer science a reality for many of our students who have historically disconnected from learning math," said Ken Wagner, assistant superintendent of Redlands Unified School District. "More students are demonstrating resilience and persistence in their math progression than ever before, which to us, is an immeasurable outcome." Redlands is the first school district in the nation that has 25 teachers who have gone through four college-level courses needed to earn their credential. This innovative practice is transforming public K-12 math and computer science education. "C-STEM training and use of the robotics and programming skills that are taught has been the best professional development training of my 28-year career," said teacher Roland Hosch. "I am very grateful to be a part of it and my classroom is a more efficient and more effective place to learn because of it." Transforming math education The UC Davis Center for Integrated Computing and STEM Education, or C-STEM, program aims to transform K-12 math, computer science and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) education through integrated learning. Students learn to solve math and algebra problems through coding and by programming small, modular robots. The C-STEM Math-ICT curriculumprovides up to 13 years of integrated math and computer science teaching from kindergarten through high school. C-STEM courses have UC A-G status, satisfying admissions requirements for the University of California and California State Universities. Redlands USD implemented the C-STEM program in 2018 to narrow the achievement gap in math and address the opportunity gap in computing. The district has expanded from two middle school teachers initially to 35 teachers, including all the district's middle and high schools as well as six elementary schools, in 2022-23. Redlands has seen results with the program. From the 2018-19 school year to 2021-22, average scores on the mathematics diagnostic testing project (MDTP) rose by more than 13% in C-STEM classes compared to peers in traditional math classes in the same schools. (Redlands students can choose either a C-STEM math track, plus a computer science class, or a traditional math class.) "C-STEM brings joy into the classroom," said Deepika Srivastava, STEAM coordinator for the Redlands school district. If you give a student a worksheet of math problems and they get 20 or 30% right, it tells the student "You're bad at this," she said. "But if they are trying to solve a problem by writing a program, they can get it 20 or 30% right, get some feedback, and improve. When you're solving a math problem by coding, it's an iterative process, there's constant feedback," she said. "It encourages students to keep trying and develops skills in critical thinking, problem solving and perseverance." Further, she said that the C-STEM math classes have become more diverse, with more representation of girls, Black and Latinx students, and students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. Perhaps most significantly, surveys of students entering and completing the program show a big swing from "I hate math" to "I enjoy math." Addressing the opportunity gap "Redlands is a good example of a school district working with C-STEM to address the 'opportunity gap' in math education," said Harry Cheng, director of the C-STEM center and professor in the UC Davis Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. "Schools are working to get students back on track after the pandemic. The students are doing better, closing the achievement gap and teachers are learning new skills, closing the skills gap." Srivastava, who visits all the district classrooms using the C-STEM program, said that the program also has positive effects on student behavior. "When a kid fails at math, they get the message that they're not good at math and then they don't give 100%. But when they're building a robot, their entire attitude changes. I truly believe this is where the future is." The UC Davis Center for Integrated Computing and STEM Education is a comprehensive program that includes the annual RoboPlay competition in which students compete with other schools to solve challenges with coding and robotics. In addition to K-12 curricula and professional development for teachers, the center also supports schools and districts to organize their afterschool and summer programs, including robotics camps, robotics-math camps, the Girls In Robotics Leadership (GIRL/GIRL+) camps, and Ujima GIRL Project for African American middle and high school girls. "Ever since the pandemic, we have been challenged to find new ways to engage our students," said teacher Noah Rosen. "The investment that Redlands Unified has made in my continued training in C-STEM has provided me with a whole new treasure chest of tools that I can use to elevate the effectiveness of my classroom instruction through computer science." Provided by UC Davis US Sentencing Commission releases a few updated "Quick Facts" and latest "compassionate release" data | Main | Start-of-summer round up of a wide variety of criminal justice stories and commentary June 2, 2023 Eighth Circuit panel rejects constitutional challenge to federal felon-in-possession prohibition An Eighth Circuit panel today issued a significant ruling rejecting a federal criminal defendant's claim that "he had a constitutional right under the Second Amendment to possess a firearm as a convicted felon." The ruling in US v. Jackson, No. 22-2870 (8th Cir. June 2, 2023) (available here), should be read in full by anyone following post-Bruen jurisprudence closely. Here are some excepts from the opinion: ackson also appeals the district courts denial of his motion to dismiss the indictment. He argues that 922(g)(1) is unconstitutional as applied to him, because his drug offenses were non-violent and do not show that he is more dangerous than the typical law-abiding citizen. We conclude that the district court was correct that 922(g)(1) is not unconstitutional as applied to Jackson based on his particular felony convictions. The Supreme Court has said that nothing in District of Columbia v. Heller, 554 U.S. 570 (2008), which recognized an individual right to keep and bear arms, should be taken to cast doubt on longstanding prohibitions on the possession of firearms by felons. Id. at 626; see McDonald v. City of Chicago, 561 U.S. 742, 786 (2010) (plurality opinion). The decision in Bruen, which reaffirmed that the right is subject to certain reasonable, well-defined restrictions, 142 S. Ct. at 2156, did not disturb those statements or cast doubt on the prohibitions. See id. at 2157 (Alito, J., concurring); id. at 2162 (Kavanaugh, J., concurring, joined by Roberts, C.J.); id. at 2189 (Breyer, J., dissenting, joined by Sotomayor and Kagan, JJ.). Given these assurances by the Supreme Court, and the history that supports them, we conclude that there is no need for felony-by-felony litigation regarding the constitutionality of 922(g)(1). History shows that the right to keep and bear arms was subject to restrictions that included prohibitions on possession by certain groups of people. There appear to be two schools of thought on the basis for these regulations. A panel of the Third Circuit recently surveyed the history in light of Bruen and concluded that legislatures have longstanding authority and discretion to disarm citizens who are not lawabiding i.e., those who are unwilling to obey the government and its laws, whether or not they had demonstrated a propensity for violence. Range v. Atty Gen., 53 F.4th 262, 269 (3d Cir. 2022) (per curiam), vacated, rehg en banc granted, 56 F.4th 992 (3d Cir. 2023). Jackson contends that a legislatures traditional authority is narrower and limited to prohibiting possession of firearms by those who are deemed more dangerous than a typical law-abiding citizen. While the better interpretation of the history may be debatable, we conclude that either reading supports the constitutionality of 922(g)(1) as applied to Jackson and other convicted felons, because the law is consistent with the Nations historical tradition of firearm regulation. Bruen, 142 S. Ct. at 2130.... In sum, we conclude that legislatures traditionally employed status-based restrictions to disqualify categories of persons from possessing firearms. Whether those actions are best characterized as restrictions on persons who deviated from legal norms or persons who presented an unacceptable risk of dangerousness, Congress acted within the historical tradition when it enacted 922(g)(1) and the prohibition on possession of firearms by felons. Consistent with the Supreme Courts assurances that recent decisions on the Second Amendment cast no doubt on the constitutionality of laws prohibiting the possession of firearms by felons, we conclude that the statute is constitutional as applied to Jackson. The district court properly denied the motion to dismiss the indictment. June 2, 2023 at 07:43 PM | Permalink Comments I think I predicted this as soon as Bruen came down. There will be some nibbling around the edges, and there has been, but the basic FIP statute will stand, as per Scalia's dictum in Heller. It's well-settled in the law at this point, it draws a sensible (although not a perfect line (yes, yes, Martha Stewart), and there is neither a judicial nor a political groundswell against it. Posted by: Bill Otis | Jun 3, 2023 9:12:23 AM Once we abolish/re-amend 2A this will be moot. But apart from that, restrictions after a sentence is complete are tricky. Should people who served time for felony theft be forbidden from things not related to theft (like firearms possession)? I would think not. People with chronic DUIs can lose their license forever, repeat sex offenders have to report. Those seem reasonable (when reasonably written and enforced). But in addition to our insane appetite for over-punishment, we also never want it to end. But, as with everything justice related, its a balance between safety and individual rights, that should skew toward liberty. Posted by: SBradley | Jun 3, 2023 10:29:55 AM It seems to me that the appellant's counsel are trying to set up a grant of Certiorari by the U. S. Supreme Court, trying to change the precedents, in light of Justice Barrett's dissenting opinion in "Kanter v. Barr", No. 18-1478, pp. 27-64 (7th Cir. March 15, 2019). That dissent gives the attorneys encouragement that if they can get an appropriate case before the Supreme Court, Justice Barrett will get enough Justices to change their views, so that for the gun prohibition to apply, the defendant's prior felony conviction must be some kind of violent felony; felony non-support (not paying child support) would no longer disqualify one from possessing a firearm. But it's just a wish. Posted by: Jim Gormley | Jun 3, 2023 11:26:08 AM "Kanter v. Barr", 919 F.3d 437 (7th Cir. 2019). Posted by: Jim Gormley | Jun 3, 2023 11:38:34 AM SBradley -- "Once we abolish/re-amend 2A this will be moot." When will that be? Is there any viable support in either party for doing it? Any other portions of the Bill of Rights that should get tanked? "But apart from that, restrictions after a sentence is complete are tricky." Actually the law is full of them and has been for decades. "Should people who served time for felony theft be forbidden from things not related to theft (like firearms possession)?" Possessing a firearm can come in quite handy if the person who owns what you're in the process of stealing comes home unexpectedly. Posted by: Bill Otis | Jun 3, 2023 2:53:48 PM Bill, Tarls, et al I recently read an article in which it was argued that first time non-violent "non-contact" sex offenders (i.e., those who did not have any contact nor attempted contacts with a minor/others, and are not repeat offenders) should be exempt from 922(g)(1) prohibitions. It was argued that this sub-set of offenders are particularly vulnerable to acts of vigilantism and the like. The article pointed to a recent increase of vigilantism stemming from incendiary propoganda fed to volatile and irrational folks who frequent 4Chan websites, and other Extreme Right/QAnon-like forums. (Far Right politicians, particularly, like to single out these folks, fomenting such vigilante mindsets). As public sex offender registries are now easily accessible nationwide, many of these former offenders have their photos AND addresses displayed for all to see. Everyone living in the household then becomes equally as vulnerable, including spouses, children, parents, grandparents, etc. Would you think it reasonable and rationale for this sub-set of offenders be allowed to possess firearms for self-defense purposes? Arguments could be made that "contact sex offenders" (i.e., had actual contact with a minor, or attempted to do so) present a heightened risk as there exists a potential to use a firearm to commit their crime (although actual use of a firearm or display thereof is not all that common in such offenses), and therefore, should continue to be subjected to the prohibition. I'm also familiar with arguments made for non-violent white-collar criminals, but this sub-set are not particularly vulnerable to vigilante attacks, nor do they have their photos/addresses published on the internet. Posted by: SG | Jun 3, 2023 4:32:28 PM Mr. Otis, you say "Possessing a firearm can come in quite handy if the person who owns what you're in the process of stealing comes home unexpectedly." How likely is that for someone like me who was accused of office burglary 45 years ago, whose record is otherwise perfectly clean before and since, and whose alleged victim was convinced of his innocence, as was the part of the federal government that grants security clearances? If I were to peacefully possess an unloaded deer rifle in my own home, should I really get a mandatory five year prison sentence? The Commonwealth of Virginia thinks so. As for Martha Stewart, perhaps you can explain how someone can be guilty of lying when she claims she didn't commit a crime, while being innocent of that crime. Maybe that makes sense to a prosecutor, but it doesn't make sense to me. I paid my imagined debt to society before most people alive today were born. All of my rights should be restored, and my false conviction should be expunged. Even if I had been guilty, I've obviously long since reformed. Posted by: Keith Lynch | Jun 3, 2023 5:10:05 PM SG -- "Would you think it reasonable and rationale for this sub-set of offenders be allowed to possess firearms for self-defense purposes?" I would think that any individual claiming to fit the very unusual profile you describe should petition the court for relief and make his case. In addition, he can lobby Congress to change the law to fit cases like his and to make the change retroactive. But, as "Mark" pointed while taking time out from smearing my wife's religion, I'm old. I've been around the track a couple of times. I suspect that, if and after you get the very narrow exception you seek in your comment, you'll be back the next day seeking to broaden that exception just a wee bit. And if that works, back the day after that with a little more broadening. Of course, if you affirm that you'd stop, period, with the narrow set of facts you describe (rather than use it as the opening wedge), that might cast things in a different light. Do you so affirm? As to vigilantes: Some would prosecute them to the full extent of the law (and take brickbats for being mindlessly "tuff" on crime). Others would defend them and make one excuse after another for their lawless conduct. I think you know which category I'd be in. Which category would you be in? Posted by: Bill Otis | Jun 3, 2023 6:34:32 PM Keith Lynch -- 1. I've managed to live longer than you without possessing a loaded or unloaded deer rifle, or any other rifle, in my home or elsewhere. It's not a hardship at all, so I wouldn't worry about it. Over 99% of the population does it and never even thinks about it. 2. "As for Martha Stewart, perhaps you can explain how someone can be guilty of lying when she claims she didn't commit a crime, while being innocent of that crime." Easy. Consider this scenario: She tells the agents that she talked to her broker about selling Exxon on December 1 while vacationing in Aruba. But actually she talked to him about selling General Motors on October 1 while at her home in Maine. The misinformation causes the investigators to go down a few blind alleys. Whether of not she turns out to be guilty of the underlying object offense of insider trading, she has still lied to the FBI in a material matter, and is therefore guilty under 1001. This is conceptually similar to what the Special Counsel seems to be gearing up to charge against Trump. It may turn out that the documents he took were not classified, or that the government cannot prove BRD that they were. But if he's moving them around his Florida estate to stay one step ahead of a search warrant or a subpoena, that's obstruction regardless of his guilt or innocence of the underlying crime. You can't play games and you can't lie. That's the law. If you want to get the law changed, talk to your Congressman. As to your own felony conviction, I have two observations since you brought it up. First, if you want expungement, petition the court to get it. I don't know that much about Virginia state law, so I don't know what your chances are. Second, and better than that: Let it go. If it was 45 years ago -- more than half a lifetime -- time to kiss it goodbye. Past time, really. Posted by: Bill Otis | Jun 3, 2023 6:59:07 PM SG, Im not for sex offender registries. Im for putting them in prison and throwing away the key. The damage they do is too great. Posted by: TarlsQtr | Jun 3, 2023 8:52:26 PM Bill, While you seek to minimize this issue by stating these are a 'very narrow set of facts' which are 'very unusual', I would disagree with such characterizations. When reviewing statistics in just the federal system, the total number of individuals who have been convicted of possession/receipt of CP over the past 20 years approximate 30,000 +/-. Each of them are rendered to public registries (with photos and adresses published) for the remainder of their lifetimes. Each of them, as well as whoever may also reside in the households, are subject to the clear and present danger of random attack by the aforementioned vigilantes. If we should then consider similar stats from every State, I approximate the number to be 10 times that of the federal. We're talking 300k or so. And for argument's sake, let's reduce that number by half, just because - that's still 150k. Please keep in mind that these are real people, not just a statistic. And these numbers increase when considering the other occupants of the household who are equally as vulnerable. As to your assumption that I would advocate for further exceptions to the 922 statute (the 'old slippery slope' argument), well, yes...I would so advocate IF another sub-set of non-violent offenders were similarly targeted by psycho vigilantes. As to my position on punishment of such vigilantes? I advocate for the incapacitation of all violent offenders (not just vigilantes) for a reasonable amount of time, after which they would undergo a risk assessment prior to release. As to your 'suggestion' that an offender "can lobby Congress to change the law to fit cases like his and to make the change retroactive". We all know the chance of any elected official sponsoring a bill that effectively "takes the knee off the neck" of a sex offender, is absolute zero, unless there is an elected official who has announced their retirement, and still...very, very unlikely. This is why the Courts are far more likely to be the forum where relief would be sought and gained. Posted by: SG | Jun 3, 2023 9:55:37 PM I would not characterize the third judge in Jackson as dissenting. He concurred in the judgment nothing his belief that Heller was still binding. It is unclear if he disagreed with the Bruen analysis or just felt that it was not needed given the language in Heller. Obviously, with the various opinions floating around, the validity of felon in possession statutes needs to be resolved by the Supreme Court sooner rather than later as what federal laws applies can't be different in different circuits. Posted by: tmm | Jun 4, 2023 11:47:18 AM Mr. Otis, you wrote: > I've managed to live longer than you without possessing a loaded or > unloaded deer rifle, or any other rifle, in my home or elsewhere. > It's not a hardship at all, so I wouldn't worry about it." Millions of people live long and healthy lives without ever possessing a fire extinguisher or a smoke alarm, without ever being vaccinated, and without ever wearing a seat belt when driving. It doesn't follow from that that anyone should get five years in prison for possessing a fire extinguisher or a smoke alarm, for being vaccinated, or for wearing a seat belt. Of course millions of others died young because they failed to possess, do, or use those things. I don't actually want to possess a gun. But I do want the right to possess one. And all other rights. Wouldn't you be bothered by being wrongfully permanently stripped of a right, even one you had no current intention of exercising? I might need a gun someday. Or I might want to accept an invitation from a friend to go target shooting at a range. (NRA headquarters, which includes a range, is in my county.) More importantly, I don't want to be at risk of a mandatory five-year prison sentence if I were to inadvertently possess a gun. I often help friends move house. I have to warn them to set aside any box that may contain a firearm or ammunition, as I'm not allowed to pick it up. And I'm also not allowed to ever be alone in a home, office, or vehicle that contains a gun. There's a case here in Virginia of a boat owner whose boat was inspected. Had it lacked a flare pistol, he would have been guilty of a misdemeanor, as that's a required piece of safety equipment. Unfortunately for him, it *did* have a flare pistol. That made him guilty of a felony. Sucks to be him. There are countless other state and federal restrictions on my rights, with ones being added or removed every year. There's no central location where I can look up the current definitive list. How much of my time should I have to spend to try to keep track of the list? No matter how hard I try, I'm sure there are some I've missed. Especially since according to Gilmore v. Gonzales, 435 F.3d 1125 (9th Cir. 2006), Americans are bound by secret laws. But ignorance of the law is no excuse. > As to your own felony conviction, I have two observations since you > brought it up. First, if you want expungement, petition the court > to get it. I don't know that much about Virginia state law, so I > don't know what your chances are. I've been told by more than one Virginia lawyer that my chances are minuscule, and that representation would be expensive. Of course I could file pro se. It's about like the difference between the odds of winning the lottery by buying a ticket versus the odds of winning the lottery by keeping an eye out for a discarded ticket. My chances are very small with the former and much smaller with the latter. As for "expungement," it's not clear whether that's the same as being officially not guilty, or whether it just means that my records are sealed. If the latter, whom are they still open to? And would I then be lying if I were to claim to have never been convicted? I have already had some of my rights restored, in 2016. Not for any virtue on my part, but because Virginia's governor restored some of the rights of everyone who had completed their sentences, in a failed attempt to get his gang's crook rather than the rival gang's crook elected president in 2016. (I voted -- for the first time in my life -- for a third party candidate.) > Second, and better than that: Let it go. If it was 45 years ago -- > more than half a lifetime -- time to kiss it goodbye. Past time, > really." My alleged crime was 45 years ago. I was released from prison 43 years ago. My parole ended 41 years ago. But the collateral consequences -- which are what this thread is about -- are ongoing. And it's *not* all about me. The system hasn't changed significantly in the past half century. Similar and worse injustices are being done to hundreds of thousands of other innocent Americans every year. Millions every decade. I have first-hand knowledge of this, and I make the world a better place by sharing it. If I'd had a chance to talk to Martha Stewart before she talked to the FBI, I would have advised he to zip the lip and hire the best lawyer she could afford. (Unlike most Americans, she could afford a good one.) As I've said before, if someone were to stomp on my foot, I'd forgive them and move on. But not until they removed their foot from mine. I won't apologize for spending about 2% of my time since my retirement on this. The other 98% of the time I make the world better in other ways. For instance I recently made contributions of original mathematical research to OEIS. Getting back to my case, one irrelevant update is that the office building that I was falsely convicted of burglarizing when it was new, and later worked at for a year, is currently being torn down. This can be seen on YouTube by searching on "RCA Building demo." This puts an end to my faint hope that someday some super-advanced forensic science could rule out my presence in that office 45 years ago, perhaps doing a complete molecular inventory and showing that all my DNA there dates to 43 to 42 years ago, with none older or newer. In another thread this morning, you mention policies that "worship criminals as martyrs." Unless you're speaking of criminals who wear a badge, you're delusional. There are no such policies in the US. Posted by: Keith Lynch | Jun 4, 2023 5:07:14 PM Keith Lynch -- "If I'd had a chance to talk to Martha Stewart before she talked to the FBI, I would have advised he to zip the lip and hire the best lawyer she could afford." Thank you for not disputing my explanation about why Ms. Stewart could be (and is) guilty of obstruction even while being not guilty of the object offense under investigation. P.S. If she'd just told the truth instead of lying, she wouldn't have needed advice from either you or a lawyer. Telling the truth to the FBI is really easy. I've done it dozens of times, never once feeling the need for anyone's legal advice. Posted by: Bill Otis | Jun 4, 2023 7:41:00 PM Post a comment Eighth Circuit panel rejects constitutional challenge to federal felon-in-possession prohibition | Main | Top-side SCOTUS briefs in Pulsifer address FIRST STEP Act's expansion of statutory safety valve June 3, 2023 Start-of-summer round up of a wide variety of criminal justice stories and commentary Though it is not yet officially summer according to the calendar, it certainly feels like summer to me for lots of reasons. Indeed, I already feel behind on summer projects and summer reading. But, in an effort to try to avoid feeling behind on summer blogging, here is a very big round-up of a number of criminal justice stories and commentary that caught my eye in recent days: From the AP, "Oregon, awash in treatment funds after decriminalizing drugs, now must follow the money" From the AP, "Kentucky governor touts big strides in reducing recidivism rate" From Bolts, "Sentencing Reforms for Domestic Abuse Survivors Derail in Oklahoma" From Cato at Liberty, "More Evidence That Opioid Policymakers Keep Aiming at the Wrong Target" From Crux, "Florida bishops appeal to DeSantis to commute death sentence" From the Des Moines Register, "Kim Kardashian gave this Iowa mom a surprise on Mother's Day and a chance at a new life" From the FAMM Foundation, "The Crisis of Conditions in Americas Jails and Prisons" From The Hill, "Black-led organizations are leading charge in reform of prisons and the death penalty" From the Missouri Independent, "Missouri bill ends crack penalty disparity, raises age for trying youths as adults" From NBC News, "Doctors call for changes to laws that criminalize drug use during pregnancy" From the Omaha World-Herald, "Nebraska lawmakers pass multi-year effort on criminal justice reform" From PennLive, "Mercy and compassion are antidotes to fear and hatred" From Politico, "Could Hunter Biden be the next poster child for Second Amendment rights?" From Reason, "Minnesota Caps Length of Probation Sentences" From the Star-Tribune, "With historic settlement, Minnesota to move transgender woman from men's prison to women's facility" From the VT Digger, "New laws make changes at the intersection of criminal justice and health care" June 3, 2023 at 12:08 PM | Permalink Comments It seems criminal justice reform is still a bipartisan issue in states like Missouri, Minnesota, Vermont and Kentucky. Liberals argue about the racial disparities (and costs) and conservatives are concerned about the costs. DeSantis is an outlier as his conservative peers have distanced themselves from the draconian tough-on-crime policies from 3 to 4 decades ago. Posted by: Anon | Jun 4, 2023 3:10:50 AM Anon -- "DeSantis is an outlier..." He won re-election by 19 points in what used to be an evenly divided state. That's no outlier. "...as his conservative peers have distanced themselves from the draconian tough-on-crime policies from 3 to 4 decades ago." Somehow I doubt that you have a portfolio to speak for conservatives. And the "draconian policies" (i.e., any policies that don't worship criminals as martyrs) starting roughly 30 years ago were central to bringing down the crime rate by half. Do you think a big drop in crime is a good thing? Posted by: Bill Otis | Jun 4, 2023 9:55:04 AM A crime drop is a good thing, but that wasn't due to mass incarceration. An aging population,technology, crack use declining in the 90s, and a strong economy led to crime decline. Posted by: Anon | Jun 4, 2023 11:53:33 AM Bill - you may credit "draconian policies" for a drop in crime but the factors that anon mentioned probably had more to do with the crime drop than the "tough" factors of more police/prisons. Reducing prison use will have a long term positive effect on society as fewer and fewer people will be "schooled" by long incarceration terms. Brett Miler Posted by: Brett Miler | Jun 4, 2023 3:32:01 PM Bill et al If there is in fact a decline in crime rates (due to those factors ID'd by anon & Brett), then there should be a shift of resource$ away from "law enforcment and incarceration" and redirected towards the funding of much needed rehabilitation efforts and "community needs" (schools, infrastructure, domestic/marriage counseling, mental health counseling, job training, food banks, housing needs, drug courts, and on). Those investments would pay off exponentially, thus reducing crime rates even further (and further reducing the drain of our recources). Posted by: SG | Jun 4, 2023 5:12:36 PM Anon -- "A crime drop is a good thing, but that wasn't due to mass incarceration. An aging population,technology, crack use declining in the 90s, and a strong economy led to crime decline." You're right in part. It wasn't due to mass incarceration because we don't have mass incarceration -- a phrase invented by the Left to smear the United States. You're also right that technology (surveillance cameras everywhere) and the aging of Baby Boomers contributed to the decrease. But the other factors, the ones you want to pretend for ideological reasons don't exist, are more police, more pro-active policing, and more (but not mass) use of incarceration. P.S. What's your objection to using your name? Doug does. I do. Marc Shepherd does. Brett Miller does. Lots of people do. Why hide? Posted by: Bill Otis | Jun 4, 2023 7:20:38 PM SG -- "If there is in fact a decline in crime rates (due to those factors ID'd by anon & Brett), then there should be a shift of resource$ away from "law enforcment and incarceration" and redirected towards the funding of much needed rehabilitation efforts and "community needs".... Translation: Let's stop funding what we know works to start funding what we know (from the awful Sixties and Seventies) fails. Ummmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.............no thanks. Posted by: Bill Otis | Jun 4, 2023 7:24:22 PM Post a comment PixarToy Story NMN 5 The Henderson3 0.84%19000 6% 3DSE 56900 21500 14300 5PMI57.1 5 RihannaTaylor Swift Pixar75 25% The Henderson 0.54%19000 0.12% 81024 19 5PMI50.6 13 OPEC+ 100 0.34% 0.26% CCL0.61% 2% 4.02% 5.33% 9.5 WASHINGTON Democrats are deeply conflicted about the food aid requirements President Joe Biden negotiated as part of the debt ceiling deal, fearing damage to safety net programs that will be difficult to unravel in the years ahead as Republicans demand further cuts. Bargaining over toughening work requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, commonly known as food stamps, became the focal point for the White House and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., up until the end. Negotiators from both sides made clear, publicly and privately, that it was the biggest area of disagreement and almost led to the talks breaking down several times. In the end, Democrats warily accepted new requirements for some able-bodied recipients of food aid and Republicans agreed to drop some work requirements for veterans, homeless people and others. The result of the tense back-and-forth was a deal that played to both sides, but one that many Democrats agonized over as they weighed whether to vote for the package that Biden signed Saturday. Many struggled to square cutting marginalized communities' access to food with an outcome that allowed the United States to avoid defaulting on its debt. "In order for this country to not default on its bills, we then turned and made our most vulnerable communities default," Rep. Cori Bush, D-Mo., said. Years before she came to Congress, Bush lived in a car with her then-husband and two young children after the family was evicted from their rental home. The federal aid program provides monthly funds sometimes as little as $6 a day to allow low-income individuals and families to buy groceries. It is the largest program in the country focused on fighting hunger, with 41 million people using benefits last year alone to purchase food, according to the Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service, which administers the program. By 2025, new requirements will apply to able-bodied adults from age 49 to 54 without dependents an increase of five years. Those individuals will be required to work or attend training programs for at least 80 hours a month if they want to receive more than three months of SNAP benefits within a three-year period. Republicans tried for decades to expand work requirements for these government assistance programs, arguing they result in more people returning to the workforce despite several studies that found they have little impact on employment. "We're going to return these programs to being a life vest, not a lifestyle. A hand up, not a handout and that has always been the American way," Rep. Mike Johnson of Louisiana, the vice chair of the House Republican conference, told reporters. The White House countered that Republican proposition by getting GOP lawmakers to waive the work requirements for new groups veterans, individuals who are homeless or facing housing instability and youth aging out of foster care to balance out the number of people who now face the new restrictions. The end result could be more people receiving SNAP benefits overall. An estimate from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office released Tuesday said the changes in the debt ceiling package would add almost 80,000 people to the SNAP rolls in an average month. The trade-off of seemingly helping some groups while hurting others still left the left flank of the Democratic Party who supported Biden and helped pass his agenda for the first two years of his term frustrated by the outcome. That was especially the case as advocates, including the nonpartisan National Alliance to End Homelessness, warned of a disturbing trend across the country of an increase in the number of older adults who are becoming homeless, some for the first time. Bush, a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, voted "no" on the debt limit deal Wednesday night after she spent days hearing from advocate groups and constituents on the issue. "I think it's important that (Biden) understands that it's good for us to have a strong, no vote because this isn't a deal that he would have made if we hadn't been held hostage," Democratic Rep. Pramila Jayapal of Washington state, chair of the Progressive Caucus, told The Associated Press this past week. They weren't alone. Several dozen Democrats in the House and a handful in the Senate voted against the compromise, arguing the bill allowed for Republican hostage-taking and could open the door for future cuts to these government programs. "I did not agree to these SNAP restrictions, and I won't give Republicans an opening to try and take food from more food insecure Americans in Farm Bill negotiations later this year," Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., said in a statement. The White House and Democrats who ended up supporting the negotiated deal said they believe the issue of work requirements and risk posed by Republicans have been put to bed. "We are not going to bring it up again in the farm bill," said Democratic Sen. Debbie Stabenow of Michigan, who leads the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee and has been a longtime defender of the SNAP program. "This is not something that's going to be renegotiated. It's done." The debt limit bill was the most substantial change of the work rules for food aid and other government assistance programs since they were put in place in the 1996 welfare overhaul. Still, some of the most conservative Republicans in Congress criticized the plan for being "weak" and are itching to go even further to clamp down on these programs. Where Social Security benefits are highest and lowest relative to local housing costs Where Social Security benefits are highest and lowest relative to local housing costs Where Social Security Benefits Are Highest Relative to Local Housing Costs 2. Lincoln, NE 3. Akron, OH 4. Tulsa, OK 5. Detroit, MI Where Social Security Benefits Are Lowest Relative to Local Housing Costs 2. San Jose, CA 3. Chula Vista, CA 4. Jersey City, NJ 5. Boston, MA Though hes found his calling in the band room, University of Nebraska-Lincoln musical arts doctoral student Trevor Frost has always felt a connection to the outdoors. Hell soon have a chance to pursue both passions simultaneously, having recently been named a member of the six-person Composing in the Wilderness program, which takes musicians on a 10-day journey into the Alaskan frontier led by Austin State University music professor Stephen Lias. Creating a wind band piece, my favorite ensemble to write for, inspired by the Alaskan wilderness, is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, Frost said in a news release about the program. I cant wait to witness the beauty Alaska has to hold and express it through my music. Part camping trip, part music seminar, the Composing in the Wilderness program will kick off its 11th annual adventure on Saturday, shuttling Frost, Lias and five other composers via bush plane to the Southern Alaska rocky forests of Lake Clark National Park. The participants will spend three days among nature before spending another three in a secluded retreat in which they will transform their experiences into wind symphonies that will be performed next year by ensembles in Nebraska, Michigan and Texas. Alaska always has surprises in store for us, and it teaches all the participants both how inspiring the natural world is, but also how small we are in comparison, Lias said in the news release. The final works tend to be highly diverse and compelling and have focused on everything from the graceful movements of the caribou to the slow shifting of tectonic plates and glaciers. I cant wait to see what our 2023 participants create. Natural beauty has always been a fixture in Frosts life, having grown up among the mountains in Milford, New Hampshire, which is also a short drive from the beach. Junes adventure wont be the first time Frost has drawn from nature to compose a work of music. During a summer while he was pursuing his undergraduate degree in music education in New Hampshire, Frost took a day trip down to Cape Cod, Massachusetts. After taking several photos, sound recordings and notes about the landscape, he condensed his findings into a 25-minute wind symphony. The idea is to try to take something visual and turn it into something oral, where Im able to inspire the audience to have those similar experiences, Frost said during an interview with the Journal Star. When he encountered Lias booth for Composing in the Wilderness during a band and orchestra conference in Chicago in late 2021, he was interested based on his past experience. While the trip scheduled for that upcoming summer was already fully booked, and focused on smaller-scale chamber ensemble composition, Lias promised an even more ambitious program for 2023 that would incorporate a wind ensemble. Frost applied the next year, passing through a rigorous selection process that drew from a pool of 23 applicants that ranged anywhere from his age and experience to fully tenured university professors, which he described as an incredibly humbling experience. One of my first reactions was just pure excitement, and just kind of blown away, like, Wow, really? Me? This random person? he said. The selection process was just the first hurdle to clear, however. Frost needed to acquire funding to participate in the program, and after being turned down for a student grant, he turned to GoFundMe to help finance the venture. As of May 25, Frost had reached $3,300 of his $5,000 funding goal, just enough for him to make the trip in conjunction with his own savings. He said he was grateful to those who have helped by contributing, and also thanked his parents for their support. Without their help, I probably wouldnt have been able to go at all, Frost said. Beyond the experience itself, Frost expects the trip to pay major dividends for his future career, serving as a stepping stone into the highly competitive professional composition field. Hell also make beneficial connections with the other composers in the program. Having these connections is kind of spreading awareness of not only my own music, but (their) music as well, he said. Biggest tornadoes in Nebraska of the past decade Biggest tornadoes in Nebraska of the past decade #15. Apr. 14, 2012 #14. Jun. 12, 2017 #13. May. 26, 2021 #12. May. 27, 2013 #11. Jun. 16, 2014 #10. Jun. 25, 2015 #9. Aug. 19, 2017 #8. Oct. 4, 2013 #7. Mar. 18, 2012 #6. May. 17, 2019 #5. Jun. 17, 2014 #4. May. 11, 2014 #3. May. 11, 2014 #2. Jun. 16, 2014 #1. Oct. 4, 2013 A plan that would have Iowa Democrats declare their 2024 presidential preference through mail-in presidential preference cards received unanimous support from the partys state central committee Saturday. The plan, which was released May 3, also would schedule delegate selection precinct caucuses to be held the same night as Iowa Republicans eight days before any other states presidential primary. The approval came during a meeting of the Iowa Democratic Partys State Central Committee in Altoona. This new plan comes after the national party voted to upend Iowa Democrats first-in-nation status and shake up the early primary calendar that has existed for decades, in February. Under the new primary calendar rules passed by the Democratic National Committee, Iowa could lose delegates to the national presidential primary convention if it bucks the DNCs plan. Im pleased our leaders understand the need for flexibility surrounding this draft delegate selection plan as the Presidential nominating calendar remains in flux, Iowa Democrats Chair Rita Hart said in a news release after Saturdays vote. The plan still leaves a timeline up to speculation, with no definitive dates being chosen yet. Iowa Democrats announced a similar plan last year in an effort to keep Iowas coveted first-in-the-nation status. The mail-in preference cards aimed to make the caucuses more accessible, which was one of the main criticisms from national democrats. Iowa Democrats are united in moving forward with the most inclusive caucus process in our history, Hart said. No matter what, we will continue to do whats best for Iowa, whats best for our Party and whats best for democracy. Ed Cranston, chair of Johnson County Democrats and co-chair of the Iowa Democrats Rules committee, said the plan was built so that all Iowans can participate in the partys candidate selection. My mother-in-law is 99, and she cares about our government, Cranston said. He added that this allows Democrats like his mother to participate in the process that was once more exclusionary in that it took hours of time on a winter evening. So this is a way for her to participate, for people that work third shift. People with young kids, folks that don't even want to drive at night, or even in the wintertime at night, he said. The plan would require precincts to pick delegates to the state primary convention on the same date as Iowa Republicans, and at a later unspecified date Iowa Democrats would calculate and announce the results of the presidential preference card votes, assigning delegates to candidates with more than 15 percent of the vote on a county level. Following Saturdays vote, the Iowa Democrats plan will be submitted to the Democratic National Committees Rules and Bylaws Committee for consideration. New Iowa law attempts to preserve Iowas first-in-nation status Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds on Thursday signed into law a bill requiring in-person participation in Iowa caucuses when selecting presidential preference. The law, passed by Iowa Republican lawmakers earlier this year, attempts to thwart state Democrats plans to hold presidential preference selection by mail. Iowa Rep. Bobby Kaufmann, a Republican from Wilton, spearheaded the bill in an effort to keep Iowas first-in-nation status. Other Republicans expressed concerns that New Hampshire would try to supersede Iowa if the new caucus process was put in place, because they felt it was too similar to a primary. New Hampshire Secretary of State David Scanlan said, in a tweet while the bill was being debated by the Iowa Legislature, that if Iowas process looks too much like a primary, New Hampshire -- which is required to have the first primary, by state law -- would jump ahead. Iowa Democrats leaders say the newly-signed law is a partisan attack on the Democrats new plan. It is my solid belief that one political party cannot tell another political party what to do or how to conduct its business, Hart said. So, I remain committed to doing whats best for Iowa Democrats, for the state of Iowa, and for democracy. The law only requires in-person participation for caucuses that select delegates as part of the presidential nomination process, which would allow for Iowa Democrats plan of separating the presidential preference and delegate selection processes. Republicans criticize Iowa Democrats plan Iowa Republican Party chair Jeff Kaufmann criticized Iowa Democrats plan for the 2024 caucus. They bungled their attempts to survive the DNC 2024 calendar reshuffle, and now they are willing to throw away Iowas political clout and make us another flyover state in an attempt to show how woke they are, Kaufmann said in a statement released Saturday. This latest charade will do nothing to make them part of the conversation of being first. It will instead jeopardize the future of the Iowa caucuses. Iowa Republicans still have their first-in-nation spot in the GOP primary calendar. It was either the best deal that could have been reached given the political makeup of the House, Senate and White House, or it was a bad deal that might have been much better had Speaker Kevin McCarthy and House Republicans held out for more. Kevin Roberts, president of The Heritage Foundation, a conservative Washington, D.C., think tank, is on the side of those who think it could have been made better: Most fiscally conservative and pro-growth policies contained in the House-passed (bill) were stripped out or diluted. When Americans last gave their representatives in Washington this much support to rein in the government in 2011, Congress signed into law the Budget Control Act, which cut discretionary spending roughly 15 times more than the deal in front of us today. The new agreement essentially leaves untouched Bidens slush fund for 87,000 new IRS agents to audit American families. Additionally, this bill will likely lead to increased overall spending levels next year, giving up on the $132 billion in real upfront cuts promised by (the bill). In exchange, this bill would give the Biden administration and the federal bureaucracy a blank-check debt limit suspension for two years. On the other side is The Wall Street Journal, which editorialized: The deal is a significant victory for GOP priorities, in return for raising the debt ceiling that had to be raised anyway. Mr. Biden tried to jam the GOP into a clean debt increase, but Republicans forced him to the table when they passed the Limit, Save, Grow bill. The lesson is that political unity pays. There are some good provisions in the agreement, including capping non-defense spending at $704 billion for fiscal 2024, which is higher than Republicans said they wanted when they proposed a return to 2022 spending levels. Clawing back unspent COVID-19 funds is helpful, but will members find a way to spend it on other things instead of applying it to debt reduction? I am doubtful. There are work requirements for some able-bodied people now receiving food assistance. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, mocked the deal and Speaker McCarthys claim that the agreement did not have one thing for Democrats. Cruz said There are $4 trillion things in the deal for Democrats. He was likely referring to an estimated figure of the amount the debt has to increase in order for the country to extend borrowing for two years. Reuters reported the deal lifts the cap by $4 trillion. As mentioned many times in this column, the federal government does not suffer from a lack of revenue; it suffers from a lack of discipline. It spends more than it takes in, but keeps asking for more. How many times do we have to hear from Democrats that the rich arent paying their fair share? Why shouldnt that be turned around and they be forced to defend their wasteful spending and refusal to reform entitlement programs? The agreement is likely to be changed by the time it reaches the presidents desk, if it gets there in time to ward off a default, which itself is a construct that needs to be reformed. The debt ceiling isnt a ceiling. It is an open roof with the sky being the limit for politicians to spend more. Maybe the agreement is a first step and maybe more steps toward fiscal responsibility will be taken should a Republicans win the White House and a congressional majority in the next election. Lets not forget, though, that Republicans dont have clean hands when it comes to spending. As The Wall Street Journal editorial reminds, Donald Trump joined Mr. Biden in attacking entitlement reform. Its not yet a done deal. Plenty more could happen before the measure is approved, or not. Whether approved in the current or another form, given past scenarios it is more likely to benefit the politicians and their careers than a majority of overburdened and fed-up taxpayers. DeSantis may be trailing Donald Trump substantially in the polls, but with the official launch of his campaign (in a less-than-glorious technological disaster hes retconned into an internet-crashing blaze of glory), hes really getting out there. His first in-person campaign events have been a whirlwind of flesh-pressing in industrial and agricultural sites in Iowa. (Florida is the Iowa of the Southeast, DeSantis said.) But his campaign has also been plagued by a realization, alighted upon by the national press, that something strange has been going on in ol Rons head: the man doesnt seem to have a consistent way to pronounce his own last name. Axios, which tracked the inconsistencies between his Dee-Santis and Deh-Santis pronunciations, even quoted a professor of Italian studies who found Dee-Santis to be a somewhat baffling choice. ( 'Day-Sahn-tees' would be proper Italian, the professor said.) A Trump campaign spokesperson told Axios that the waffling proved DeSantis was a phony. And not one to miss out on a names discourse, Trump himself, in one of 19 posts he shared about DeSantis being a loser over the course of 24 hours this week, wrote on his social media site: Actually, I like Da better, a nicer flow, so I am happy he is changing it. He thenagaincalled his opponent DeSanctimonious. (He also tried out Ron DeSaster. ) Up until this point, DeSantis has ignored Trumps comments. But not now that he's an Official Candidate! Asked in a New Hampshire talk-radio program about Trumps posts, DeSantis called them petty and juvenile and one of the reasons hes not in the White House now. (Apparently, just directly resolving the question of how to pronounce his name was not an option.) And in his campaign events, while he hasnt mentioned the former president by name, DeSantis has alluded to Trumps failures in sharp terms in his speeches, pointing out the lack of progress on securing the border and the growth of the national debt, suggesting Trump had decided to move left on some issues, and scoffing at the Republican Partys culture of losing that developed under his presidency. Well, at least DeSantis is starting to look just a tiny bit less like a Trump punching bag! In early May, Pres. Joe Biden announced plans to introduce new regulations that would require airlines to compensate passengers when flight times change drastically due to reasons within their control. Under the proposal, when an airline-caused disruption leads to cancellations or significant delays, customers would have a right to financial compensation in addition to refunds. This announcement came on the heels of a new congressional report revealing that the surge in flight cancellations during the pandemic recovery period was primarily caused by factors within the airlines control, such as maintenance issues and crew shortages. Advertisement According to the report, in 2019, Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines had the highest percentages of cancellations due to airline-controlled issues, accounting for more than 50 percent of each airlines total cancellations. By late 2021, Allegiant Air, Spirit Airlines, JetBlue, and Frontier Airlines boasted similar numbers, with each airline responsible for 60 percent or more of their total cancellations. Further, almost all carriers had more airline-caused delays during the studied period than in prior years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is all compelling evidence that its time for an overhaul of our aviation system. Todays airline industry is the smallest and most concentrated since 1914, with just four airlinesAmerican, Delta, United, and Southwestcontrolling 80 percent of the market. But a comprehensive overhaul that would ensure that airlines provide better and more consistent customer service, across their networks and throughout the year, will take time, resources, and political will that would be hard to rally. Luckily, there are more incremental steps that can still make a difference, especially when it comes to protecting consumer rights. Bidens proposed rules are one example, as is a customer service dashboard recently launched by the Department of Transportation. Ensuring that airline networks, staffing plans, and technology are ready for different types of disruptions through occasional stress tests (as is commonly done for banks) should be the next step. Advertisement The need for reform will likely become even more apparent in the coming months, because things are only about to get more frustrating. Flight delays and cancellations always increase during the peak summer travel monthsJune through August are consistently the months with the worst on-time performance. But this summer, airlines are also battling with staff and tech issues, and weather disruptions could make things worse. Advertisement In New York, severe shortages in air traffic control staff at a key facility in Long Island have resulted in several airlines agreeing to reduce schedules this summer and fly fewer and larger airplanes. To avoid disruptions, airlines are cutting flights at Washingtons Reagan National Airport and airports serving New York City. United Airlines reduced its New York and Newark peak daily departures and trimmed service from New York to D.C. Bigger airplanes with fewer flights create a higher load factor, which leads to more delays impacting more passengers. Since schedules are more concentrated, this results in more congestion at airport security checks and uneven schedules throughout the day. These airports serve as hubs for several of the biggest airlines, so these changes will have ripple effects throughout their networks. From a consumer standpoint, it also means higher costs. Advertisement Advertisement But this summer, consumers will also have a new tool to navigate travel chaos. Last fall, the U.S. Department of Transportation released its Airline Customer Service Dashboard in hopes of enhancing transparency and ensuring compliance with refunds related to delays and cancellations. As of now, the dashboard is nothing revolutionary, per sejust some charts with green checks and red marks that indicate airlines service commitments or lack thereof. But this dashboard is part of a larger aviation consumer protection initiative, and is used to signal to consumers which airlines are invested in improving their on-time performance. If an airline is willing to incur significant costs when delays and cancellations occur, it follows that it will do what it can to avoid those delays and cancellations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its still early to know what the dashboards impact might be, but consumer rights education and regulation do have a good basis in research. When Hinnerk Gnutzmann and Piotr Spiewanowski studied European regulations that require airlines to provide assistance and cash compensation in the case of delays, they found that regulated fights experienced significantly shorter delays. Similarly, research shows that if we increase the amount of competition in the marketplace, consumers might receive better service. For example, when my former colleague Mike Mazzeo analyzed U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics in 2000, he found that both the prevalence and duration of flight delays are significantly greater on routes where only one airline provides direct services. Additional competition is correlated with better on-time performance. Advertisement Related from Slate Lizzie OLeary It Isnt Just You: Air Travel Is Getting Worse Read More But creating additional competition is not easy, especially given unattractive airline economics, significant barriers to entry, and the dynamics of the online marketplace. For example, Itai Ater and Eugene Orlov found that the shift to online distribution channels has changed the way airlines compete for customersfrom an environment in which airlines competed for space at the top of travel agents computer screens by scheduling the shortest flights, to an environment where price plays the dominant role in selling ticketsresulting, in fact, in worse on-time performance. The internet has shifted the airlines incentives from providing high-quality service to providing cheap service. And to achieve lower prices, airlines need to reduce costs, which puts further pressure on staffing and plane utilization, all contributing to more delays. Advertisement Advertisement The clearest examples of this phenomenon are low-cost and ultra-low-cost carriers, which have grown significantly despite their terrible records with delays and consumer compensation. In fact, in 2022, Frontier, Spirit, and JetBlue received the most passenger complaints at the DOT, but those complaints had little impact on their revenue. The rationale is clear: If you need to compete on prices, everything is a trade-offincluding timeliness. Tools like the Department of Transportation dashboard and Bidens proposed compensation rules are a start, because they expand consumer rights and ensure consumers are aware of and able to exercise the rights they already have. But to really improve the airline system for consumers, well need much more regulation. We need to ensure that these rights are being enforced and that customers are aware of these dashboards and other tools available to them. Well also need to make sure that airlines have robust plans to deal with disruptions, such as the one we recently saw with Southwest Airlines. In the meantime, if youre going to travel this summer, the best thing you can do is know your rights as a consumer, be willing to pay more for an airline that is committed to good service, choose a competitive route, and pack your patience. Regardless of who and when you fly, you might be spending more time in the airport that you planned. Future Tense is a partnership of Slate, New America, and Arizona State University that examines emerging technologies, public policy, and society. A Berkeley-based businessman, Larry Kudsk, has been sentenced to a year in prison over employment tax crimes, sparking a pertinent reminder for small business owners on the importance of adhering to tax regulations. Kudsk, the owner of two construction companies, Kudsk Construction, Inc., and M. Gutierrez, Inc., failed to account for and pay over employment taxes, a move that has landed him in hot water with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The two firms have been involved in various construction projects, some even government-affiliated, serving as general contractors or subcontractors. Operating as the decision-maker for both firms, Kudsk was in charge of filing quarterly employment tax returns and ensuring that payroll taxes, deducted from employees wages, were appropriately paid over to the IRS. However, court documents reveal a failure on Kudsks part to fulfill these responsibilities for specified periods between 2014 and 2016. These omissions have caused a tax loss exceeding $250,000 to the IRS. In addition to a years imprisonment, U.S. District Judge Jeffrey S. White mandated three years of supervised release for Kudsk, as well as a restitution payment of approximately $244,973 to the United States. The sentencing was announced by Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Departments Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey for the Northern District of California. The case was investigated by the IRS-Criminal Investigation and prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Julia M. Rugg and Charles A. OReilly of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Lloyd-Lovett of the Northern District of California. For small business owners, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential repercussions of neglecting employment tax obligations. Kudsks story is a cautionary tale that underscores the necessity of understanding and complying with tax regulations. To avoid similar pitfalls, small business owners must ensure timely filing of employment tax returns and prompt payment of withheld taxes to the IRS. Its crucial to remember that as employers, they bear the responsibility for the proper collection and payment of employment taxes. Understanding and complying with tax regulations may seem daunting, especially for newer or smaller businesses. However, numerous resources are available, including IRS publications, tax professionals, and small business advisories, to assist in navigating these essential responsibilities. In the long run, adherence to tax laws and regulations is not only a legal obligation but a fundamental part of operating a successful and sustainable business. By staying on top of their tax duties, small business owners can avoid significant legal and financial headaches, ensure the well-being of their employees, and continue contributing positively to the economy. For the latest, follow us on Google News. When launching your consulting firm, one of the first hurdles is naming your business. This task may seem daunting, but worry not! This guide aims to make the process less stressful by presenting 500 different consulting business names and vital tips for choosing the perfect one for your consulting firm. Why Your Consulting Business Name Matters The name of your consulting business is more than just a title. Its the first impression potential clients get of your firm. A well-chosen name can build trust, convey your firms expertise, and position your business in the market. Your consulting business name is your firms introduction, a brief handshake before delving deeper into what you can offer. General Construction Business Name Ideas Choosing a name for your consulting business can set the tone for your professional image and brand identity. The name should be powerful and authoritative, reflecting the expertise and value you bring to your clients. It should speak to the core of what you do while also standing out in a crowded market. Here are 30 general consulting business name ideas: Apex Advisory Pinnacle Perspectives Peak Performance Consulting Crestview Consultants Strategy Savants Prudent Pathways Consulting Insight Innovators Wisdom Wellspring Consulting Paramount Perspectives Ascend Advisors Knowledge Navigators Broadview Business Consulting Top Tier Tactics Clarity Catalysts Summit Strategy Consulting Intellect Initiators Progress Pioneers Consulting Solution Spectrum Enlighten Enterprise Consulting Mastermind Mentors Pivotal Progression Consulting Nexus Navigators Momentum Makers Consulting Transform Tactics Visionary Vanguard Consulting Influence Instigators Quantum Quotient Consulting Impactful Innovations Driven Dynamics Consulting Premier Progress Consulting These names underscore the guiding, strategic, and transformative power consultants can bring to their clients business operations. They provide a sturdy starting point for developing your consulting businesss brand identity. Classic Business Name Ideas When it comes to naming a consulting firm, classic business names can convey a sense of trust, reliability, and authority. These names often have a timeless quality, and they typically avoid trends and fads. Below are 30 classic consulting business name ideas for your inspiration: Standard Strategy Consultants Proven Path Advisors First Rate Consultants Reliable Results Consulting Distinguished Decisions Premier Pathways Consulting Accurate Analysis Advisors Elite Edge Consultants Superior Strategy Solutions Trustworthy Tactics Consulting Prime Perspective Advisors Established Excellence Consulting Authority Advisors Prestige Partners Consulting Mastermind Management Consultants Legacy Leaders Consulting Wisdom & Wealth Advisors Exemplar Excellence Consulting Timeless Triumph Advisors Prestige Progress Consulting Gold Standard Strategy Apex Achievements Advisors Forefront Foresight Consulting Integrity Insights Advisors Principal Progress Partners Noble Navigators Consulting Classic Catalyst Consultants Distinctive Direction Advisors Solid Strategy Consultants Legacy Logic Consulting Creative Business Name Ideas Creating a unique, engaging brand is an integral part of starting a successful consulting business. A creative name can help your company stand out and attract clients who appreciate innovation and fresh thinking. Here are 30 inventive consulting business name ideas to inspire you: ThinkThrive Consulting Brainwave Advisors Puzzle Piece Partners Ingenuity Incubators MindMap Management Innovision Insight Blueprint Breakthroughs Strategy Sprout Consulting Paradigm Pioneers Quantum Quill Advisors Ideas Infinity Consulting Starlight Strategies Witty Wisdom Consulting Radiant Roadmaps Idea Ignitors Consulting SparkSeed Strategies Creative Catalyst Consulting Bright Bird Advisors Insightful Imagination RippleReach Consulting Zenith Zen Consulting Eureka Effect Advisors ForwardFlux Consultants Dazzling Decisions Lighthouse Logic Consulting CleverCloud Consultants Nova Nexus Advisors Aurora Advisors Illuminated Insights Nexus Navigators Consulting Innovation Impulse Ideas Ignition Consulting Vivid Visionaries These names aim to capture a consulting businesss creative and innovative spirit. Each one is designed to pique the interest of prospective clients and provide a memorable impression of your brand. Modern Business Name Ideas Modern consulting businesses thrive in the digital era, tackling challenges with innovative solutions and a forward-thinking approach. Reflecting this contemporary ethos in your consulting firm name can enhance your appeal to clients seeking contemporary strategies. Here are 30 modern consulting business name ideas: HyperShift Consulting Digital Dynamics Advisors Streamline Strategies FutureScape Consulting NeoNest Advisors QuantumQuotient Consulting PixelPro Partners FluxForward Consulting BinaryBridges InnoEdge Advisors Vortex Vision Consulting MatrixMind Consultants SyncSpark Advisors AgileAtlas Consulting PulsePoint Partners VelocityVista Advisors PixelPivot Consulting TetraTrend Advisors NovaNexus Consulting BitBoost Business Advisors CipherCity Consulting PrismPro Partners ZenithZenith Consulting HyperHub Advisors ProtonPeak Consulting OrbitOptimizers VectorVantage Advisors PixelPioneers Consulting EtherEcho Advisors TechnoThrive Consulting Each of these names conveys a modern, tech-savvy image, perfect for a consulting firm thats at the cutting edge of its industry. They suggest an agile, innovative approach and the capacity to help clients navigate the complexities of the modern business world. Minimalist Consulting Business Name Ideas Simplicity can be a powerful tool, particularly in a business name. It sends a clear message about your consulting firms focus on clarity, efficiency, and streamlined solutions. Here are 30 minimalist consulting business name ideas to inspire you: Clarity Consult PrimePact MonoMind ClearCut SingleSight PurePath LeanLogic EssentialEdge TrimTrust SimpleSignal BasicBridge CoreCrest QuietQuorum CrispCrest StraightStride BareBond ClearCounsel SolidSage PurePinnacle KeyKnot SimpleScope CleanClique NeatNexus MinimalMerge PurePoint BareBond SubtleSolutions PlainPlan SparseSpark EssentialEssence These names suggest a business that values simplicity and effectiveness, delivering clear and concise consulting services without the noise or confusion often associated with business complexity. Playful Business Name Ideas Bringing an element of fun to your consulting business name can be a great way to make it more memorable and approachable. This playful approach can be particularly effective in industries where creativity, innovation, and out-of-the-box thinking are valued. Here are 30 playful consulting business name ideas for your inspiration: ChatterBox Consulting BrainyBunch Consultants WhizKids Advisory GuruGiggles Consulting CleverCloud Counsel SmartyPants Strategies ThinkTank Tickles BrightSpark Savvy WittyWhale Wisdom SunnySide Solutions JesterJive Consultancy MerryMinds Consulting DoodleDream Advisers SillySage Strategies HappyHunch Helpers FunnyFountain Facts GiddyGuru Group ChuckleCharm Consulting ThinkThrive Theatrics BubbleBuzz Business ZippyZenith Zest WhimsyWhirl Wisdom MagicMuse Mastery KookyKite Knowledge DandyDazzle Dynamics JollyJuggernaut Jargon WhimsicalWave Ways LivelyLamp Lighters GiggleGains Gurus FrolicFortune Finders Each of these names suggests a business that doesnt take itself too seriously, bringing a refreshing and engaging twist to the often-serious consulting industry. This could help set your firm apart in a crowded marketplace. One Word Consulting Business Ideas Inspired by Location Your consulting firm name should be as unique and professional as the services you offer. Choosing a powerful, singular word can make a strong impression, conveying confidence, expertise, and value in a succinct way. Here are 30 one-word consulting business name ideas to consider: Empower Elite Ascend Amplify Adept Beacon Criterion Catalyst Clarity Dexterity Envision Excel Foresight Insight Intrinsic Nexus Paragon Progress Quantum Resolve Spectrum Triumph Vanguard Zenith Optimize Precision Luminary Veritas Virtuoso Pinnacle Each of these words conveys a message of excellence, forward-thinking, and proficiency, making them ideal for a consulting business. Its important to remember that your business name is often the first point of contact for potential clients, so choosing a strong, memorable name is crucial. One-Word Consulting Business Ideas Inspired by Industry Terms In the consulting industry, your business name should convey your deep understanding of the subject matter, communicate confidence, and highlight your distinctive approach. Selecting a name inspired by common industry terms can help establish this connection right off the bat. Here are 30 one-word consulting business names inspired by industry terms: Stratagem Synergy Paradigm Pivotal Efficacy Proactive Metrics Benchmark Foresight Momentum Influx Vantage Leverage Momentum Panorama Pragmatic Equilibrium Resilient Interface Endeavor Optimize Catalyst Intuitive Flux Vector Pinnacle Agility Impetus Nucleus Transcend These names project your commitment to delivering strategic, innovative, and effective solutions, which is integral to the consulting firm. Ensuring your chosen name aligns with your brand identity, communicates your business values, and attracts your target audience is important. One-Word Consulting Business Ideas Inspired by Foreign Languages In the world of consulting, the essence of your consulting firm lies in your expertise, innovation, and credibility. One interesting way to highlight these characteristics is through a name inspired by a foreign language. Such a name can lend an air of sophistication and intrigue to your brand, encouraging potential clients to learn more. Here are 30 one-word consulting business names inspired by various foreign languages: Axioma (Latin: Axiom, a statement regarded as being established or accepted) Sapienza (Italian: Wisdom, learning) Perspectiva (Spanish: Perspective) Innovazione (Italian: Innovation) Visionare (German: Visionary) Dynamis (Greek: Power, capability) Veritas (Latin: Truth) Auctoritas (Latin: Authority) Dextral (Latin: Skillful) Genio (Spanish: Genius) Praemium (Latin: Reward, prize) Avancer (French: To advance) Vorwarts (German: Forward) Denkmal (German: Monument, milestone) Conduire (French: To lead) Stratege (French: Strategist) Intelligentsia (Russian: Intellectuals, highly educated) Kreativ (German: Creative) Fortschritt (German: Progress) Konstante (German: Constant) Supremo (Spanish: Supreme) Excelencia (Spanish: Excellence) Futurus (Latin: Future) Klug (German: Clever) Vitesse (French: Speed, rapidity) Visie (Dutch: Vision) Logica (Italian: Logic) Inspiracao (Portuguese: Inspiration) Leidenschaft (German: Passion) Fiducia (Italian: Trust) These names capture the essence of a consulting firm, reflecting wisdom, insight, innovation, and credibility. They also project a global mindset, a quality many clients appreciate. Remember, your business name should align with your brand ethos and resonate with your target audience. One-Word Consulting Business Name Ideas with Acronyms or Abbreviations While pondering over a name for your consulting firm, the use of acronyms and abbreviations can add a dash of intrigue and uniqueness. With this strategy, you get the freedom to experiment with a variety of words and their initials, potentially offering a succinct yet memorable brand image. Here are 30 one-word consulting business name ideas based on acronyms or abbreviations: See Also: 16 Side Business Ideas INSIGHTS (Innovative Solutions and Guidance in Human Resources, Technology, and Strategy) PEAK (Professional Expertise and Knowledge) PACT (Professional Advisory and Consulting Team) IMPACT (Innovative Management Practices and Consulting Techniques) PROBE (Professional Business and Operational Excellence) ASCENT (Advanced Solutions in Consulting, Engineering, and Network Technology) ELEVATE (Empowering Leadership and Effective Value-Added Technology Experts) SOLVE (Strategic Operations and Leadership Value Enhancement) EDGE (Expertise Driven Growth Enhancement) SCORE (Specialist Consultants for Operational and Revenue Excellence) EXCEL (Expertise, Creativity, Excellence, and Leadership) IDEAL (Innovative Development and Effective Advisory Leadership) SCOPE (Strategic Consulting and Operational Performance Excellence) ELITE (Expertise and Leadership in Information Technology and Engineering) ACME (Advisory, Consulting, Management, and Excellence) PACE (Professional Advisory and Consulting Excellence) LEAP (Leadership Excellence Advisory Professionals) SHINE (Specialists in Human Resources, Innovation, Networking, and Excellence) FOCUS (Forefront of Consulting and Unmatched Services) PRIME (Professional Resources and Innovative Management Experts) SPIRE (Specialist Professionals in Resource and Efficiency) FLASH (Forefront Leaders in Advisory and Strategic Help) CORE (Consulting, Operations, Resources, and Excellence) SPARK (Specialist Professionals in Advisory, Resources, and Knowledge) ACES (Advisory, Consulting, and Excellence Services) SMART (Specialist Management and Resource Team) EPIC (Excellence in Professional Innovation and Consulting) TOPS (Technology, Operations, and Professional Services) AIM (Advanced Innovation and Management) LIFT (Leadership, Innovation, and Future Technology) Acronyms and abbreviations allow you to distill the essence of your consulting business into a single, punchy name. As always, choose a name that aligns with your company values and appeals to your target clientele. One-Word Consulting Firm Business Ideas with Puns or Wordplay Injecting puns or wordplay into your consulting business name can provide a dose of humor, cleverness, and memorability. Not only do these witty names resonate with your audience, but they also tend to stand out in business cards and amidst international portability. Here are 30 one-word consulting business name ideas that incorporate puns or wordplay: ConSultana A witty play on consulting and sultana, signifying richness in advice. BrainCompany A playful pun that incorporates the well-known consultancy Bain Company, implying intellectual capacity. RightBite Suggesting the right bite of business advice. ProFit Combines professional and fit, denoting business improvement and growth. AdVice A clever twist on advice, suggesting providing guidance for advertisements. KneadKnow A pun on need to know, implying that your business provides essential information. ProActive A play on words that shows your companys proactive approach. ConSoul A pun on consult, suggesting soulful, empathetic advice. BizWiz A rhyming wordplay signifying business wisdom. BizWhisperer Suggesting that your consulting business understands and tames the complexities of business. PlanVan Implies that your consulting service delivers plans like a reliable delivery van. ThinkTankful Combines Think Tank with thankful, signifying thoughtful insights that clients will appreciate. RiseAdvise Rhyming wordplay suggesting advice that helps businesses rise. ProfitProphet A pun suggesting that your consultancy predicts profitable paths. DeCider A play on decider, implying that your business helps clients make decisions. ChartSmart Suggesting intelligent mapping of business strategies. WisePrize Rhyming wordplay suggesting that your wise advice is a prize in itself. GistTwist Implies that your consultancy can twist the gist of any problem to find solutions. ResultSculpt Suggesting that your consultancy sculpts results for clients. ScopeHope Rhyming wordplay implying that your consultancy provides hope in expanding business scopes. NetVet A pun suggesting expertise in networking or internet-related consultancy. ForecastFast Rhyming wordplay suggesting quick forecasting services. OptiMystic A pun implying that your consultancy brings positive (optimistic) mystique to business problems. StratEggs A pun on strategy, suggesting that your business hatches solid plans like eggs. PlanScan Rhyming wordplay implying that your consultancy scans through various plans to find the best one. Playne A clever twist on plain, suggesting simple and straightforward business solutions. GoalDigger A pun on gold digger, implying that your consultancy helps clients dig and achieve their business goals. EarnCern Rhyming wordplay suggesting a concern towards earning profits for clients. GrowthGroove Suggesting that your consultancy sets the rhythm for business growth. StratChat A playful combination suggesting strategy discussions. When considering puns or wordplay, make sure your chosen name resonates with your target Tips for Naming Your Consulting Business Reflect Your Niche Your business name should clearly reflect your consulting firms area of expertise. This helps clients immediately understand what services you provide. Examples: APlus Strategy Consultants Technical Services Inc. Human Resources Consulting Group Keep It Simple and Memorable A simple, memorable name will stick in the minds of potential clients. Avoid using complicated words or phrases that are difficult to spell or pronounce. Examples: Consulting Crew Expert Advice Inc. Consulting Pros Ensure Its Unique In a saturated market, a unique name helps differentiate your firm from competitors. A distinctive name also helps avoid brand confusion. Examples: Epitome Sky Business Consulting Speedy Advisors Worldly Consultants Check Domain Availability When youve narrowed down your options, check if the corresponding domain name is available. Having a website with a URL that matches your business name can make it easier for clients to find you online. Name Ideas for Your Consulting Business Names That Showcase Expertise Statistics Solutions Enterprise Excellence Consultants Business Evolution Advisors Consulting Business Names with a Twist Que Partners Positive Connotation Consulting Mission Statement Advisors Memorable Consulting Business Names Choose a name that will stick in the minds of your potential clients long after they first hear it. Quantum Quotient Consulting Peak Performance Partners Echelon Excellence Names that Reflect Consulting Industry Trends Stay ahead of the curve by choosing a name that reflects the latest trends in the consulting industry. Disruptive Dynamics Agile Advisors Lean Logic Consultants What to Avoid When Naming Your Consulting Business Avoid cliches and overused terms when naming your consulting business. While you want your business name to be easily understood, you dont want it to blend in with every other consulting firm. Avoid names that limit future growth. If you plan to expand your consulting services in the future, youll want a name that doesnt restrict you to one specific niche. Ensure the name you choose does not infringe on any trademarks. The last thing you want is a legal dispute over your business name. How to Check the Legality of Your Consulting Business Name Before you settle on a name, youll need to check if its already been trademarked. You can do this through the U.S. Patent and Trademark Offices trademark database. Consulting a legal professional can also be beneficial. They can guide you through the naming process, ensuring youre aware of any potential legal implications. Consulting Business Naming Success Stories There are many consulting businesses that have successfully chosen names which have aided in their growth and market positioning. Some of these include global consulting firms such as Boston Consulting Group, McKinsey & Company, and Bain & Company. These names are simple, easy to remember, and have become well-respected brands within the consulting industry. Conclusion Naming your consulting business is a critical step. The right name can make a lasting impression, conveying expertise and creating a brand identity that resonates with your target audience. This guide has given you a wealth of ideas, trends, and tips to help you make a confident decision. Remember, the most effective names are memorable, relevant to your services, and unique in the consulting marketplace. Good luck! Frequently Asked Questions What Makes a Great Consulting Business Name? A great consulting business name is unique, reflects your firms expertise, is easy to remember, and checks all the right boxes in terms of availability and legal requirements. How Can I Brainstorm Consulting Business Names? Start by identifying keywords related to your consulting firms services. Play around with these words, incorporating different naming techniques, and seek feedback from trusted peers. Where Can I Find Unique Consulting Business Names? This article is a treasure trove of unique consulting business name ideas. For more personalized options, consider hiring a naming consultant or using a name generator tool. Are There Any Catchy Consulting Business Names? Yes! Names like Productivity Gurus, Entrepreneurship Alliance, and Small Biz Wisdom are examples of catchy consulting business names that convey the firms services in an engaging way. Remember, the name of your consulting business sets the tone for all interactions clients have with your firm. Choose wisely, and your business name will be a stepping stone to success. Many small businesses never recover after being hit by natural disasters. It can be especially tough for restaurants, many of which are already struggling. But small business grant funding can make it easier to make up for lost time or resources. Read about a new funding round from DoorDash and more below. DoorDash Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund DoorDash just unveiled the 2023 funding round for its Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund. The company partners with Hello Alice and the Global Entrepreneurship Network to support restaurants impacted by natural disasters. The program first launched in 2021. And this year, it will provide 100 grants of $10,000. Previous rounds provided grants to eligible restaurants in the United States and Puerto Rico. And this year, the program is expanding eligibility to include those based in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The first application round is open now through June 30. And there are additional funding rounds scheduled until March 2024. NYFW: The Shows Small Business Grant Supported by UPS and IGM UPS and IMG are teaming up to support student entrepreneurs interested in launching collections during New York Fashion Week. The NYFW: The Shows Small Business Grant will provide a total of $150,000 to three designers from historically black colleges and universities. Applicants must submit designs to a committee of industry experts to be considered for a grant. Applications are available now on the NYFW: The Shows official website. The deadline to apply is June 5. Illinois Federal Grant Support Program Illinois recently launched a $15 million Federal Grant Support Program to help businesses within the state that are applying for federal funding programs. The state-funded program offers matching grants, with the goal of encouraging more Illinois-based businesses, organizations, and local governments to apply for programs that meet the states economic development goals. The program may provide up to $2 million in matching funds to help businesses meet minimum eligibility requirements for various federal grants. Businesses that apply for the state program prior to receiving federal funds will get a letter of commitment for State funding to include in their federal grant application. However, awards are contingent upon receipt of the federal grant award. Pacific Power Electric Mobility Grants Pacific Power is now accepting applications from Oregon businesses, organizations, and government agencies for its Electric Mobility Grants program. The program includes $1.5 million in grant funding to increase electric vehicle access. Local governments, nonprofits, and nonresidential customers can apply for grants to fund various programs like EV charging station projects. The program is funded through the Oregon Clean Fuels Program and administered by the Department of Environmental Quality. The deadline to apply for a grant is August 31. Lubbock Commercial Revitalization Grant Lubbock, Texas is launching a new grant program to support interior and exterior business upgrades for storefronts on 34th Street and North University Avenue. The Commercial Revitalization Grant Program previously launched to support businesses in Downtown and East Lubbock Neighborhood Empowerment Zones. But City Council recently voted to include these two additional areas. To qualify, projects must be approved by the city and cost a minimum of $5,000, and the grant can reimburse 10 percent of the cost. Ocean Wind Pro-NJ Grantor Trust Clean energy provider Ocean Wind 1 is supporting women and minority owned businesses looking to enter the offshore wind industry in New Jersey through its Ocean Wind Pro-NJ Grantor Trust. The grant program initially launched in 2019, pledging a total of $15 million over seven years to support sustainability and inclusivity throughout the regions offshore wind energy initiatives. For this funding round, the company is asking businesses to provide Expressions of Interest by June 5. After that, they will accept formal applications. Get the latest headlines from Small Business Trends. Follow us on Google News. Conversion Conference 2023 is the event for small businesses looking to improve their conversion rates. The conference will feature a lineup of world-renowned experts who will share their insights on increasing website traffic, generating leads, and boosting sales. Attendees will also have the opportunity to network with other small business owners and learn from their experiences. Here are some of the specific topics that will be covered at the conference: How to increase website traffic How to generate leads How to boost sales How to use artificial intelligence to improve your marketing How to create a winning conversion strategy The conference will also feature a number of workshops and hands-on training sessions. This will allow you to learn new skills and put them into practice immediately. Click the red button and register to attend Conversion Conference 2023 in Las Vegas, June 19-22. Register Now Featured Events, Contests and Awards Conversion Conference June 19, 2023, Las Vegas, Nevada The Conversion Conference will leave you knowing how to attract the right audience, align business models with the user experience, optimize the lifetime value of client relationships and introduce you to the right technology to make it all happen. Email Innovations Summit June 20, 2023, Las Vegas, United States Jump ahead of the pack at the most anticipated email marketing conference! By exploring, educating, and discussing the cutting edge of email marketing trends, the Email Innovations Summit is designed to take your email marketing to the next level. More Events More Contests This weekly listing of small business events, contests and awards is provided as a community service by Small Business Trends. You can see a full list of events, contest and award listings or post your own events by visiting the Small Business Events Calendar. In a recent development, Georgina Gonzalez, a tax return preparer and regional manager of several tax preparation businesses in Columbia, South Carolina, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud the United States. She was accused of creating and filing fraudulent tax returns, underlining the critical need for small businesses to employ trustworthy tax preparers. As per court documents and statements made during the proceedings, Gonzalez has been in the tax return preparation business since at least 2013. Originally from Miami, Florida, she temporarily relocated to South Carolina during the 2016 and 2017 tax filing seasons, where she managed several tax preparation offices. The main charge against Gonzalez revolves around the creation of false tax returns that inflated client refunds. These incorrect returns included false claims of business losses, household help income, and education tax credits, including the American Opportunity tax credits. The fees charged to clients for each fraudulent return amounted to as much as $999. Gonzalezs fraudulent activities have caused a substantial loss to the IRS of over $420,000, a stark reminder to small business owners of the perils of unreliable tax return services. Small business owners need to be diligent in selecting their tax return preparers, says a local business owner. They should ensure that these professionals are knowledgeable and strictly adhere to all tax rules and regulations. Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Departments Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Adair F. Boroughs for the District of South Carolina announced Gonzalezs guilty plea. The case is currently under investigation by the IRS-Criminal Investigation department. The sentencing for Gonzalez is scheduled for a later date. She faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison, in addition to supervised release, restitution, and other monetary penalties. U.S. District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis will consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors when determining her sentence. Trial Attorneys Ashley Stein, Francesca Bartolomey, and Jessica Kraft of the Justice Departments Tax Division, along with Assistant U.S. Attorney Winston Holliday of the District of South Carolina, are prosecuting the case. This case serves as a vital cautionary tale for small businesses. It underscores the importance of engaging competent and trustworthy tax preparers, as both fraudulent practices and erroneous filings can lead to severe financial and legal repercussions. A reliable tax professional is not only essential for maintaining compliance with tax laws but also for ensuring the financial health of a business. Small business owners should take heed of this case when making their choices for tax preparation and financial management services. For the latest, follow us on Google News. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230603/biden-praises-debt-ceiling-deal-in-rare-oval-office-address-eyes-saturday-signing-1110867862.html Biden Praises Debt Ceiling Deal in Rare Oval Office Address, Eyes Saturday Signing Biden Praises Debt Ceiling Deal in Rare Oval Office Address, Eyes Saturday Signing In his speech, Biden congratulated the bipartisan effort of his colleagues, while touting some of his own successes as president. Biden, who is running for reelection, also outlined his goals as president for the future. 2023-06-03T01:19+0000 2023-06-03T01:19+0000 2023-06-03T01:14+0000 americas joe biden biden administration oval office debt ceiling us debt ceiling crisis /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/05/09/1110211152_0:278:2653:1770_1920x0_80_0_0_fdde1c596abf5ab7924a76d780a09d85.jpg US President Joe Biden made a rare Oval Office address on Friday praising the passage of the debt ceiling agreement, which he plans to sign into law on Saturday. When I ran for president, I was told the days of bipartisanship were over, that Democrats and Republicans can no longer work together but I refused to believe that, because America can never give in to that way of thinking," Biden said in his opening remarks.Passing this budget agreement was critical: the stakes could not have been higher. If we had failed to reach an agreement on the budget, there were extreme voices threatening to take Americafor the first time in our 247-year historyinto default on our national debt.Nothing, nothing would have been more irresponsible, nothing would have been more catastrophic: our economy would have been thrown into a recession, retirement accounts for millions of Americans would have been decimated. Eight million Americans would have lost their jobs. Default would have destroyed our nations credit rating, the president said, adding that car loans, mortgages, and government funding more expensive.Americas standing as the most trusted, reliable, financial partner in the world would have been shattered.The president later congratulated congressional leaders who put the good of the country ahead of politics.After congratulating the bipartisan work of the legislators who worked on the bill, Biden, who is running for reelection in 2024, took the opportunity to criticize former President Donald Trumps handling of the countrys deficit, as well as the GOPs original bill.Were all in a much more fiscally responsible course than the one I inherited when I took office, said Biden. When I came to office, the deficit had increased every year the previous four years, and nearly $8 trillion were added to the national debt in the last administration. And now were turning things around, and thats good for America.The original House Republican proposal would have cut health care for up to 21 million Americans on Medicaid and I said, No, the president said of the Republicans original budget plan, adding that the GOP wanted to cut funding for veterans health.Some of our Republican colleagues were determined to cut the clean energy investments, and I said, No.The president added that, in addition to controlling spending, he would like to raise revenue by making sure everyone is paying their fair share, referring to tax cheats and cuts for the wealthy.No one making less than $400,000 a year will pay a penny more in federal taxes. But like most of you at home, I know the federal tax system isn't fair, Biden said. Thats why last year I secured more IRS funding to go after wealthy tax cheats.Ive also proposed closing over a dozen special interest tax loopholes from big oil. Crypto traders, hedge fund billionaires, saving taxpayers billions of dollars. Republicans defended every single one of these special interest loopholes. Every single one, said Biden, adding that the average billionaire in the US pays just 8% in federal taxes. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230529/text-of-us-biden-mccarthy-debt-ceiling-deal-bill-released-1110758898.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230602/us-congress-passes-debt-ceiling-deal-to-avert-government-default-1110851577.html americas Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Mary Manley https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/01/0b/1092187887_0:0:2048:2049_100x100_80_0_0_0c2cc4c84f89aff034cc55bb01fb6697.jpg Mary Manley https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/01/0b/1092187887_0:0:2048:2049_100x100_80_0_0_0c2cc4c84f89aff034cc55bb01fb6697.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 Mary Manley https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/01/0b/1092187887_0:0:2048:2049_100x100_80_0_0_0c2cc4c84f89aff034cc55bb01fb6697.jpg biden, joe biden, oval office, debt ceiling crisis https://sputnikglobe.com/20230603/coroner-puts-in-custody-death-of-blm-founders-cousin-down-to-drug-use-heart-condition-1110882038.html Coroner Puts In-Custody Death of BLM Founders Cousin Down to Drug Use, Heart Condition Coroner Puts In-Custody Death of BLM Founders Cousin Down to Drug Use, Heart Condition The death of a cousin of Black Lives Matter co-founder Patrisse Cullors after a run-in with Los Angeles police in January was caused by his heart condition and drug use, the county coroners report has concluded. 2023-06-03T15:13+0000 2023-06-03T15:13+0000 2023-06-03T17:07+0000 americas us blm black lives matter drug addiction drug abuse death /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/06/07/1096100493_0:142:3133:1904_1920x0_80_0_0_50a342ebbab725e64fd26354697ce9e2.jpg Keenan Darnell Anderson, a high school English teacher from Washington DC, died on January 3 after being restrained and repeatedly tased by police responding to a traffic accident. Anderson went into cardiac arrest and was pronounced dead at a hospital hours after being shocked. The autopsy was completed on January 11 and the cause of death was certified on June 1, following the completion and receipt of relevant test results. The Los Angeles Police Departments Force Investigation Division will incorporate these findings into the probe that will guide the Critical Incident Review Division in its evaluation of the officers actions for consistency with the LAPDs use of force policy. The LAPD said in a statement on January 9 that Anderson was detained at the scene of a traffic collision in which witnesses implicated the teacher as the perpetrator. He was running in the middle of the street and "exhibiting erratic behavior," police said. Anderson followed the officers commands at first but then tried to flee, was stopped and tackled to the ground. Officers struggled with Anderson for several minutes, using a taser, firm grips and joint locks to overcome his resistance. Shortly after being taken into custody, he required medical attention. Anderson was transported to a local hospital where he suffered a cardiac arrest and was pronounced dead. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230113/los-angeles-police-open-investigation-into-death-of-blm-co-founders-cousin-1106285478.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 us, black lives matter (blm), drug addiction, los angeles police https://sputnikglobe.com/20230603/esa-livestreams-images-from-mars-in-historic-first--1110869150.html ESA Livestreams Images From Mars in Historic First ESA Livestreams Images From Mars in Historic First A historical feat for the ESA, the Mars Express orbiter livestreamed images back to Earth to celebrate its 20th anniversary of when it was first launched. 2023-06-03T03:58+0000 2023-06-03T03:58+0000 2023-06-03T03:58+0000 beyond politics space space exploration science & tech european space agency (esa) mars /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/0c/10/1105534176_0:448:2049:1600_1920x0_80_0_0_abaa706e58445053b7af8c84753fb45b.jpg The European Space Agency (ESA) on Friday livestreamed images from Mars in a historical first to celebrate the Mars Express orbiters 20th anniversary of when it was first launched. The livestream took place on the orbiters 24,516 orbit around Mars, sending the images a distance of about 190 millions miles, all the way back to Earth.Normally, we see images from Mars and know that they were taken days before, said James Godfrey, spacecraft operations manager at ESAs station in Germany. Im excited to see Mars as it is now as close to a martian now as we can possibly get!The livestream experienced some technical difficulties when it began to rain back in Madrid, Spain, where the images were being received. Even then, over a dozen images were able to reach our planet despite the interference. The ESA adds that images are uploaded regularly to their online account."From these images, we discovered a great deal, including the evolution of a rare elongated cloud formation hovering above one of Mars' most famous volcanoes the 20 km-high Arsia Mons," said ESA's Jorge Hernandez Bernal, who is tasked with studying the images.For those who wonder why the red planet doesnt look so red in its photos, Bernal explains that the livestream is similar to taking a photo with ones cellphone rather than seeing the planet with the naked eye. mars Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Mary Manley https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/01/0b/1092187887_0:0:2048:2049_100x100_80_0_0_0c2cc4c84f89aff034cc55bb01fb6697.jpg Mary Manley https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/01/0b/1092187887_0:0:2048:2049_100x100_80_0_0_0c2cc4c84f89aff034cc55bb01fb6697.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 Mary Manley https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/01/0b/1092187887_0:0:2048:2049_100x100_80_0_0_0c2cc4c84f89aff034cc55bb01fb6697.jpg mars, space, esa, mars express orbiter, science, technology https://sputnikglobe.com/20230603/from-nairobi-to-cape-town-moscow-reaffirms-african-partnerships-1110879605.html From Nairobi to Cape Town: Moscow Reaffirms African Partnerships From Nairobi to Cape Town: Moscow Reaffirms African Partnerships Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has wrapped up his African tour: the top diplomat visited four nations: Kenya, Burundi, Mozambique and South Africa. 2023-06-03T15:57+0000 2023-06-03T15:57+0000 2023-06-03T16:16+0000 africa sergey lavrov kenya mozambique burundi south africa brics /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/06/03/1110880981_0:0:2706:1523_1920x0_80_0_0_6faad3452939b7bc77c93671a03ccaf6.jpg Moscows Assistance to NairobiAs Russia and Kenya prepare to celebrate the 60th anniversary of their diplomatic relations, bilateral trade and investment are gaining new momentum. On May 29, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov arrived in Nairobi to meet with top government officials, giving the go-ahead to the establishment of a commission on cooperation between Russia and Kenya that will start working by the end of this year.During the trip, the Russian foreign minister announced a delivery of free Russian concentrated fertilizers to Kenya. "After it is processed, it will have an enormous value for the agricultural needs of this African country," Lavrov told journalists.More than 35 thousand tons of concentrated product offloaded at Nairobi's port will be used to produce more than 100,000 tons of ready-made fertilizer locally.Burundian Drums and the Lake TanganyikaOn May 30, the Russian delegation arrived at the small airport of Bujumbura, Burundi the economic capital of the nation located on the shores of Lake Tanganyika the second-largest fresh-water lake in the world. The guests were met with local drummers and dancers wearing colorful traditional costumes.Besides being proud of their heritage, the locals seem to have a genuine interest in Russian culture, with Burundi recently establishing a Russian language center.For Russias top diplomat, it was the first visit to Burundi, but he brought with him some serious offers on cooperation in energy, trade and education.Shortly after being greeted in Russian by the Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye, Lavrov told Sputnik that Moscow will help the East African nation develop a nuclear industry, and that the two nations have come up with a road map to accomplish that.In November 2022, Rosatom and Burundi signed a roadmap on the dialogue on nuclear energy. Following the signing, Burundian Energy Minister Ibrahim Uwizeye said that Burundi wants to build nuclear power plants with Russia's assistance in the future.The meeting in Burundi took place amid outstanding Western pressure on the Global South to cut ties with Moscow over its special military operation in Ukraine. The African country, however, has refused to bow its head to that demand.We are a sovereign nation, so we are free to choose our partners, while taking into consideration the interest of our population, Burundi Foreign Minister Albert Shingiro said.A Stop in MaputoOn Tuesday night, the Russian delegation arrived in the capital of Mozambique. Lavrovs schedule in Maputo included talks with the countrys president, top diplomats and other government officials.In the 20th century, Mozambique enjoyed close relations with the USSR, and now Moscow wants to expand cooperation in energy and automotive production.Moscows other plans include doubling the quotas for students from Mozambique studying in Russias colleges, as well as expanding cooperation on an international level, as the two nations share common ground on a majority of UN agenda items.BRICS Ministerial in Cape TownCape Town was the last stop of the African tour of the Russian delegation. Lavrov arrived to attend the BRICS ministerial meeting as well as speak with the Friends of BRICS top diplomats from more than a dozen nations willing to join the organization.The agenda included the potential acceptance of Saudi Arabia as a new member of the club, which currently includes Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, as well as financial issues, such as trade in national currencies between BRICS members.With several countries expressing interest in joining BRICS, including some African nations, the organization, which already represents 42% of the worlds population and occupies 26% of the planets territory, seems to have a lot of potential for growth.BRICS leaders are due to gather in Johannesburg, South Africa, later this year in April. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230602/will-brics-currency-replace-the-dollar-1110861153.html africa kenya mozambique burundi south africa Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Denis Bolotsky https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/06/0b/1083128270_0:0:961:960_100x100_80_0_0_8cd81dafcbaac1c176c25141f8af1d2a.jpg Denis Bolotsky https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/06/0b/1083128270_0:0:961:960_100x100_80_0_0_8cd81dafcbaac1c176c25141f8af1d2a.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 Denis Bolotsky https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/06/0b/1083128270_0:0:961:960_100x100_80_0_0_8cd81dafcbaac1c176c25141f8af1d2a.jpg russia-africa relations, lavrov african tour, lavrov in kenya, lavrov in burundi, lavrov in mozambique, lavrov in south africa, brics ministerial meeting, brics meeting in cape tow, brics summit https://sputnikglobe.com/20230603/head-of-zelenskys-office-says-discussed-ukraines-peace-plan-with-sullivan-1110877091.html Head of Zelenskys Office Says Discussed Ukraine's Peace Plan With Sullivan Head of Zelenskys Office Says Discussed Ukraine's Peace Plan With Sullivan Andriy Yermak, the head of the Ukrainian presidential office, said on Saturday that he had held a telephone conversation with US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and the sides discussed Kiev's peace plan for resolving the Ukraine conflict. 2023-06-03T13:08+0000 2023-06-03T13:08+0000 2023-06-03T13:08+0000 russia's special operation in ukraine ukrainian crisis volodymyr zelensky jake sullivan us arms for ukraine russia-nato showdown /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/02/0a/1107310077_0:0:3071:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_3f4278b745c17f5d8db09d4640f0dd3f.jpg He noted the importance of involving as many countries as possible in supporting the initiative. Zelensky said in November 2022 that Kiev has its own peace plan consisting of 10 points. It includes the mutual exchange of prisoners on the basis of the "all for all" formula, as well as ensuring nuclear, food and energy security. The peace plan also includes points such as the withdrawal of all Russian troops from Ukraine and the restoration of Ukraine's "full territorial integrity". Zelensky also wants security guarantees for Ukraine and the creation of an international mechanism to compensate for his country's "losses" using Russian assets. The Kremlin has previously stated that there are no conditions for a peaceful transition of the situation in Ukraine and that Russia is achieving its goals through its military operation. Russia noted that it appreciates the efforts of all countries that have tried to bring the conflict in Ukraine to a peaceful resolution, but so far this has been impossible. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230427/american-f-16s-might-not-last-very-long-if-delivered-to-ukraine--1109869870.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230526/moscow-summons-us-diplomats-over-sullivans-comments-about-strikes-on-russia-1110602697.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 russia special military operation, ukrainian crisis, russia-nato showdown https://sputnikglobe.com/20230603/indonesian-defense-minister-proposes-korea-style-resolution-of-ukrainian-crisis-1110872007.html Indonesian Defense Minister Proposes 'Korea-Style' Resolution of Ukrainian Crisis Indonesian Defense Minister Proposes 'Korea-Style' Resolution of Ukrainian Crisis Indonesian Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto on Saturday proposed a peace plan for the Ukrainian conflict that would create a demilitarized zone similar to the one between North and South Korea. 2023-06-03T09:40+0000 2023-06-03T09:40+0000 2023-06-03T09:40+0000 russia's special operation in ukraine ukrainian crisis indonesia ceasefire the united nations (un) /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/104048/62/1040486296_0:181:1920:1261_1920x0_80_0_0_33cea67e5242c551ccaf8d798dabb7bb.jpg He also urged defense and military officials participating in this year's Shangri-La Dialogue meeting to sign a joint statement calling on Russia and Ukraine to cease hostilitiesHe also suggested that the UN should "organize, carry out and execute a referendum in the disputed territories to ascertain objectively the wish of the majority of the inhabitants," adding that his country is ready to contribute military observers and units under the UN peacekeeping auspices. Subianto said that these steps have been historically proven to be effective, referring to the Korean conflict, which was resolved, although not permanently, by the cessation of fighting and the creation of a demilitarized zone. He argued that both Koreas have seen five decades of peace, which "is much better than the massive destruction and the killings of many innocent people." The conflict has affected all regions of the world, including the Indo-Pacific, Subianto stressed, adding that "for the security of the world, for the safety of the innocent, we have to achieve a cessation of hostilities as soon as possible." The Shangri-La Dialogue, which is being held for the twentieth time this year, is attended by defense ministers of the Asia-Pacific region and their officials, as well as high-level delegations from the European Union and international organizations. Russia is not participating in the forum for the second consecutive year: in 2022, organizers withdrew Russias invitation on the eve of the summit, while this year the country received no invitation at all. Russia has repeatedly argued that it is all in favor of peace talks as long as Ukraine takes into consideration the situation on the ground, but Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has ruled out the ceasefire option. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230526/moscow-positively-assesses-vaticans-efforts-in-ending-ukraine-conflict---foreign-ministry-1110602577.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230518/moscow-positive-about-african-peace-initiative-on-ukraine-needs-to-be-studied-1110437819.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230525/hostile-actions-of-ukraine-against-russia-continue-1110579622.html indonesia 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 special military operation, ukrainian crisis, un, ceasefire https://sputnikglobe.com/20230603/is-us-dragging-japan-into-conflict-with-russia-and-china-1110876946.html Is US Dragging Japan Into Conflict With Russia and China? Is US Dragging Japan Into Conflict With Russia and China? The Biden administration is reportedly striving to ensure Japan's supplies of TNT for US-made 155mm artillery shells amid Washington's effort to arm the Ukrainian military. What's behind the trend? 2023-06-03T13:27+0000 2023-06-03T13:27+0000 2023-06-03T13:27+0000 analysis japan fumio kishida nato ukraine russia pentagon tnt national security strategy joe biden /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/03/12/1082381456_0:150:3000:1838_1920x0_80_0_0_62546c1223159dbd03e8a37b64632651.jpg "Since coming to power, the Biden administration has been pursuing a very intensive policy of mobilizing and closing ranks with its European allies and allies in Asia," Igor Istomin, lead research fellow at the Center for Advanced American Studies, MGIMO University, told Sputnik. "And in this regard, they are actively trying to engage Asian allies in the strategy of putting pressure on Russia and supporting the transfer of weapons to Ukraine. Therefore, the fact that Japan is involved in this activity is not surprising."Earlier this week, Reuters cited unnamed sources, as saying that, despite Japan's pacifist Constitution, "there is a way for the United States to buy explosives from Japan." The explosive in question is TNT, or trinitrotoluene, which is used in military shells, bombs, and grenades, as well as in industrial uses and underwater blasting. Reportedly, the explosive obtained from Japan is meant to be sent to US army-owned munitions plants that would pack them into 155mm shell cases.Japan's Ministry of Trade, Industry and Economy and Defense Ministry's Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency declined to comment on the matter.Still, Istomin believes that the trend is clear. He particularly referred to South Korea's growing involvement in US adventurism. Earlier, purported Pentagon files disclosed that South Korea finds itself between a rock and a hard place after agreeing to sell artillery shells to help the United States replenish its stockpiles. The problem was that Seoul was worried that Washington would divert munitions to the Kiev regime.Indeed, over the last decade, Japan has been gradually revising its pacifist strategy. In December 2022, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishidas government approved three policy documents the National Security Strategy (NSS), the National Defense Strategy and the Defense Buildup Program which envisaged doubling the nation's defense expenditures within the next five years. Furthermore, Japan has bolstered its rapprochement with NATO, with Kishida becoming the first Japanese leader to attend a NATO summit in June 2022. On May 10, Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi stated that Tokyo is in talks to open a NATO liaison office which would be the first of its kind in Asia.At the same time, Japan's involvement couldn't currently upset the established balance of power both in Europe and in Asia, according to David T. Pyne, a former US Army HQ staff officer.Pyne told Sputnik that Ukraine has no chance to win no matter how many weapons Washington sends it, because "Russia is so much more powerful militarily" than Ukraine is and "the West is unwilling to send any troops to push Russian forces out" of the territories newly incorporated into the Russian Federation.At the same time, the former Pentagon officer believes that Tokyo has no appetite for directly clashing with China, either. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230112/us-japan-military-buildup-in-asia-pacific-shatters-regional-stability-scholars-warn-1106260516.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230428/globalization-ukraine-aid-has-drained-us-militarys-ability-to-fight-great-power-war-1109914803.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230511/natos-liaison-office-in-japan-part-of-plan-to-destabilize-china-and-russia-1110263884.html japan ukraine russia china 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 japan tnt, japanese tnt supplies to us, us-made 155mm shells, us military aid to ukraine, japan defense budget, japan militarization, asia-pacific, indo-pacific, china, taiwan https://sputnikglobe.com/20230603/kremlin-says-france-cannot-mediate-in-ukraine-conflict-1110879250.html Kremlin Says France Cannot Mediate in Ukraine Conflict Kremlin Says France Cannot Mediate in Ukraine Conflict Russia does not see France as a neutral party in the Ukrainian conflict and will not accept its mediation, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Saturday. 2023-06-03T14:57+0000 2023-06-03T14:57+0000 2023-06-03T14:57+0000 russia's special operation in ukraine ukrainian crisis ukraine france emmanuel macron /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/104873/28/1048732822_0:140:3072:1868_1920x0_80_0_0_b3fbaabb7da6f2acf96073b71aaa8674.jpg The US business newspaper reported earlier this week that French President Emmanuel Macron had offered his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelensky, to host a Ukraine peace summit in Paris. France and its NATO partners have been providing Kiev with military assistance for over a year. Peskov said Russian President Vladimir Putin remained open to contacts on the Ukrainian conflict that would allow Russia to achieve its goals by non-military means. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230501/forget-pension-reform-france-faces-bigger-problems-over-ukraine-adventurism-1110013084.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 russia special military operaion. ukrainian crisis, france, mediation https://sputnikglobe.com/20230603/norway-plans-to-spend-over-730mln-annually-on-defense-in-2025-2031---reports-1110876403.html Norway Plans to Spend Over $730Mln Annually on Defense in 2025-2031 - Reports Norway Plans to Spend Over $730Mln Annually on Defense in 2025-2031 - Reports The Norwegian authorities are planning an annual increase in defense spending of 8 billion kroner ($731 million) from 2025 to 2031, doubling the government's initial plan to increase defense expenses to 2% of GDP, the local broadcaster reported on Saturday, citing sources. 2023-06-03T12:29+0000 2023-06-03T12:29+0000 2023-06-03T12:29+0000 military norway nato defense spending /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/105370/00/1053700027_0:179:5382:3206_1920x0_80_0_0_63c09ed65ab02d810660a92730570e37.jpg In early May, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store said Norway planned to increase defense spending to 2% of GDP and reach the level discussed within NATO by 2026. A few days later, Norway's defense commission head Knut Storberget said it was necessary to increase defense spending "to an unrealistically high level" because the current state of affairs in this area was unsatisfactory. The sources said, citing government documents, that the Norwegian armed forces currently lack personnel and experience. "The shortages will lead to serious problems by 2028 if nothing is done," the broadcaster quoted one document as saying. In January, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said that the threshold of 2% of GDP in defense spending could become a minimum, not a maximum, among the bloc's members. In March, Stoltenberg said that seven NATO members had reached the 2% threshold. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230531/us-could-go-with-smaller-defense-budget-if-it-abandons-failed-hegemony-policy-1110810169.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230505/denmark-to-spend-billions-to-plug-holes-in-defense-meet-nato-demands-1110110013.html norway 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 nato, norway, military spending, defense spending https://sputnikglobe.com/20230603/opec-may-decide-on-hefty-new-oil-cuts-1110878578.html OPEC+ May Decide on Hefty New Oil Cuts OPEC+ May Decide on Hefty New Oil Cuts The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies led by Russia decided in April to voluntary cut oil production from May to the end of this year to ensure the global energy market's stability 2023-06-03T14:45+0000 2023-06-03T14:45+0000 2023-06-03T14:45+0000 economy russia saudi arabia opec oil production cuts talks /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 OPEC+ has launched talks that may wrap up with a decision on further oil production cuts of as much as one million barrels per day (bpd), a UK media outlet has claimed, citing unnamed sources as saying. The issue is expected to top the agenda of the oil cartels talks scheduled for Sunday in Vienna.When asked about a possible one million bpd reduction, Iraq's Oil Minister Hayan Abdel-Ghani told reporters, "This number is premature, we didnt go into these things [yet]."United Arab Emirates Energy Minister Suhail Al Mazroui, for his part, stressed that OPEC+ members look forward to a resolution that will secure sustainability of balance of supply and demand."The OPEC+ talks come after Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak insisted in late April that Russia sees no need to deepen OPEC+ production cuts due to slower-than-expected demand growth in China and lower oil prices.When asked by how much the current recovery in oil demand in China is slower than OPEC+ experts believed, he said that the recovery is underway and that the process may be going slower than expected.Novak earlier suggested that other OPEC+ member states may later join additional cuts in oil production announced by some members in April if they deem it necessary for the stabilization of the market.This comes after several OPEC+ countries signaled on April 3 that they plan to carry out a production cut of 1.5 million barrels daily that would add to earlier reductions of 2million bpd since November 2022. The combined 3.7 million barrels per day would remove about 3% of global oil supply.OPEC+ includes major non-member oil producers which agree on supply agreements and other arrangements aimed at keeping global oil prices and supplies stable. Among its members are Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Brunei, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Mexico, Oman, the Philippines, Russia and Sudan.OPEC's 13 members comprise Algeria, Angola, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Venezuela, with the Saudis serving as the oil cartels de facto leader. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230526/opec-to-decide-what-is-better-for-oil-market----russian-deputy-pm-1110599175.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230413/opec-maintains-forecast-for-global-oil-demand-growth-in-2023-by-23mln-bpd---report-1109468385.html russia saudi arabia Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Oleg Burunov https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e4/09/0b/1080424846_0:0:2048:2048_100x100_80_0_0_3d7b461f8a98586fa3fe739930816aea.jpg Oleg Burunov https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e4/09/0b/1080424846_0:0:2048:2048_100x100_80_0_0_3d7b461f8a98586fa3fe739930816aea.jpg News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Oleg Burunov https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e4/09/0b/1080424846_0:0:2048:2048_100x100_80_0_0_3d7b461f8a98586fa3fe739930816aea.jpg opec+ talks, oid production cuts, organization of the petroleum exporting countries and its allies, global energy market https://sputnikglobe.com/20230603/russia-not-certain-us-ready-to-engage-in-talks-with-north-korea---envoy-to-un-1110869401.html Russia Not Certain US Ready to Engage in Talks With North Korea - Envoy to UN Russia Not Certain US Ready to Engage in Talks With North Korea - Envoy to UN Russia is not certain the US is ready to maintain constructive talks with North Korea on the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, Russian Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations Anna Evstigneeva said. 2023-06-03T04:01+0000 2023-06-03T04:01+0000 2023-06-03T04:01+0000 world north korea russia washington korean peninsula un security council (unsc) constructive dialogue /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/03/13/1082387924_0:160:3073:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_7ffafb36210c6702ca53561d94b89053.jpg "We note the readiness for dialogue pointed out by the US representative, while we are not certain that Washington is genuinely ready for a constructive discussion with Pyongyang," Evstigneeva said during the meeting of the UN Security Council on Friday. The military exercises organized by the United States and South Korea are destabilizing the situation, Evstigneeva said. On Wednesday, North Korea unsuccessfully launched the Malligyong-1 military reconnaissance satellite mounted on a Chollima-1 carrier rocket. After the separation of the first stage, the engine of the second stage failed to ignite, causing the rocket to lose thrust and fall into the Yellow Sea, North Korea's space agency said. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230601/north-korea-releases-photos-of-new-satellite-launchpad-1110830085.html russia washington korean peninsula 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, north korea, russian deputy permanent representative to the united nations anna evstigneeva, denuclearization, korean peninsula https://sputnikglobe.com/20230603/russias-medvedev-tells-castro-moscow-appreciates-cubas-support-in-confronting-west-1110879122.html Russia's Medvedev Tells Castro Moscow Appreciates Cuba's Support in Confronting West Russia's Medvedev Tells Castro Moscow Appreciates Cuba's Support in Confronting West Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev told former Cuban President Raul Castro on Saturday that Moscow appreciates Cuba's help in Russia's confrontation with the West under conditions of a hybrid war unleashed against the country by the United States and NATO. 2023-06-03T14:49+0000 2023-06-03T14:49+0000 2023-06-03T14:49+0000 world russia cuba raul castro dmitry medvedev us-cuba relations russia-nato showdown /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/03/17/1108708974_0:182:2933:1831_1920x0_80_0_0_13c8a6e4cb8eece453e2552a08fb8d50.jpg Medvedev congratulated the co-leader of the Cuban Revolution on his 92nd birthday during a phone conversation and conveyed the best wishes of Russian President Vladimir Putin. "During the telephone conversation Dmitry Medvedev said that the dynamics of the Russian-Cuban dialogue reflect a great deal of work to deepen multidimensional ties that will continue to grow in the future. The Russian Security Council deputy chairman added that Moscow appreciates the support of the friendly people of the republic to our state in the confrontation with the collective West, in the conditions of the 'hybrid war' against Russia unleashed by the US and NATO," a spokesperson for Medvedev's office told reporters. He also confirmed to Castro the immutability of Russia's position on the blockade of Cuba. "Dmitry Medvedev also confirmed that Russia's position on the problem of the US trade, economic and financial embargo against Cuba remains unchanged. Our country is in favor of an immediate end to such a regime of restrictions, which contradicts the norms of international law," the spokesperson said. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230427/from-caribbean-to-siberia-fidel-castros-first-visit-to-ussr-1109886956.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230521/cuba-and-russia-unveil-new-economic-deals-as-bilateral-trade-soars-1110492622.html russia cuba 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, russia-cuba friendship, raul castro, dmitry medvedev, us agression, russia-nato showdown https://sputnikglobe.com/20230603/south-korean-defense-minister-calls-for-unified-response-to-dprk-provocations-1110877788.html South Korean Defense Minister Calls for Unified Response to DPRK 'Provocations' South Korean Defense Minister Calls for Unified Response to DPRK 'Provocations' South Korean Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup on Saturday called for new resolutions in the United Nations Security Council if North Korea continues its 'provocations' following Pyongyang's failed satellite launch. 2023-06-03T13:28+0000 2023-06-03T13:28+0000 2023-06-03T13:28+0000 asia asian version of nato north korea south korea /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/03/0a/1108269656_0:0:900:506_1920x0_80_0_0_ac9ff2c976547dbf527df5cc63f27bb1.jpg "If North Korea conducts additional provocations such as nuclear test or ICBM launch, we must demonstrate the international community's resolute and united strength by passing UNSC resolutions," Lee said at the Shangri-La Dialogue Summit in Singapore, organized and broadcast by London's private Institute for International Strategic Studies (IISS). The minister also called on the international community to pass new resolutions in the UN Security Council if the DPRK conducts a nuclear test to show Pyongyang that the cost of nuclear threats outweighed the benefits and led to more international isolation. Lee further claimed that the rights of North Koreans were no longer Pyongyang's internal problem, but a collective challenge for all countries in the Indo-Pacific region. He accused the North of spending money on arms instead of buying food, which, according to the minister, led to a deteriorating situation with human rights in the country and posed a critical threat to universal values and norms of humanity. Seoul will continue to contain the North Korean threat and push the DPRK toward denuclearization through dialogue and diplomacy, the minister said, while also calling on the international community to consolidate efforts to this end. On Friday, Anna Yevstigneeva, the Russian deputy ambassador to the UN, said that the root cause of tensions on the Korean Peninsula was the desire of the US and its allies to increase pressure on the DPRK. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230414/north-korea-tests-first-ever-solid-fuel-hwasong-18-icbm-1109503831.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230220/skorean-ruling-party-head-calls-for-development-of-national-nuclear-arms-media-reports-1107615010.html south korea 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 asian version of nato, north korea, south korea, drpk, nukes, nuclear weapons https://sputnikglobe.com/20230603/the-uniparty-unite-to-indebt-america-for-decades-1110866883.html The UniParty Unite to Indebt America for Decades The UniParty Unite to Indebt America for Decades On todays episode of The Backstory, host Lee Stranahan discussed current events including YouTube reversing its ban on questioning the 2020 US election, and Argentina joining the BRICS bank. 2023-06-03T04:05+0000 2023-06-03T04:05+0000 2023-06-03T10:05+0000 the backstory radio american airforce rasmussen reports cia hbo snowden 911 wikileaks brics bank /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/06/02/1110866710_0:0:1920:1080_1920x0_80_0_0_bdcf7bec04b9417d133b5d6be71cefd2.png The UniParty Unite to Indebt America for Decades On todays episode of The Backstory, host Lee Stranahan discussed current events including YouTube reversing its ban on questioning the 2020 US election, and Argentina joining the BRICS bank. John Kiriakou - Former CIA Officer, Author, and Co-Host of Political Misfits | The Sopranos, RFK Jr Promises Pardons on Day One, and George SorosTed Rall - Political Cartoonist, Syndicated Columnist | The Uniparty Love Pork Filled Bills, the Defense Spending, and Joe Biden's Health In the first hour, Lee spoke with John Kiriakou about Italian American culture, the FBI reopening probe into Julian Assange, and how the CIA recruits. John questioned the reopening of an FBI probe into Julian Assange and RFK Jr pledging to pardon Julian Assange. John talked about the possibility of the CIA being involved with recruiting George Soros and Ukraine running out of ammunition.In the second hour, Lee spoke with Ted Rall about Steve Bannon, the debt ceiling deal, and Biden's health. Ted talked about his concern about Joe Biden's health and John Durham supposed to appear in front of Congress. Ted commented on the media being in favor of Joe Biden and the narrative on Joe Biden's failing health. 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. Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Lee Stranahan https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/02/13/1082125222_0:0:293:292_100x100_80_0_0_a8bc846f559660e5bf7574f8a9608a1d.png Lee Stranahan https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/02/13/1082125222_0:0:293:292_100x100_80_0_0_a8bc846f559660e5bf7574f8a9608a1d.png News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Lee Stranahan https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/02/13/1082125222_0:0:293:292_100x100_80_0_0_a8bc846f559660e5bf7574f8a9608a1d.png fbi reopening probe into assange, how cia recruits, ukraine running out of ammunition, cia recruits soros, us debt ceiling, biden's health https://sputnikglobe.com/20230603/top-brazilian-presidential-adviser-calls-on-west-to-avoid-world-war-iii-1110869013.html Top Brazilian Presidential Adviser Calls on West to Avoid World War III Top Brazilian Presidential Adviser Calls on West to Avoid World War III A top adviser to the president of Brazil has cautioned Western regimes against inciting World War III by provoking Russia, drawing fresh criticism from pro-NATO media. 2023-06-03T03:53+0000 2023-06-03T03:53+0000 2023-06-03T03:53+0000 world lula da silva brazil russia john kirby nato us national security council ukraine crisis /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/03/0d/1108340495_0:161:3071:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_fe05e7785a16b4bd343dfe49fdde3776.jpg A top adviser to the president of Brazil has cautioned Western regimes against inciting World War III by provoking Russia, drawing fresh criticism from pro-NATO media.According to one major British publication, Celso Amorim, who served as foreign minister during President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silvas first two terms and is now his adviser on international affairs, said the Wests belligerent stance against Moscow risked provoking a wider conflict.The only other alternative is total military victory against Russia, Amorim explained, asking the interviewer: Do you know what comes after? I dont.Amorim went on to national security as one of Moscows biggest concerns, reportedly referencing NATOs encirclement of Russia specifically:Russia has concerns that have to be taken into account, he pointed out. Still, that is not the fault of Ukraine, he concluded, adding: Ukraine is a victim a victim of the remnants of the Cold War.The Brazilian presidents senior adviser has visited both Kiev and Moscow in the last weeks, as part of an ongoing diplomatic push to bring an end to hostilities. But he pointed out that Brasilia has serious concerns over ongoing Western efforts to destabilize Russia, and explained that such tactics are likely to expand the scope of the conflict.I am reminded of the situation in Germany after the First World War: The objective was to weaken Germany at [the Treaty of] Versailles and we know where that led.The remarks come as anti-Russian forces have leveled heavy criticism at Brazil for its neutrality in the Ukraine conflict and the perceived refusal to co-sign Western sanctions on a crucial trading partner like Moscow.Lula was heavily attacked in January for suggesting Kiev shared blame for the ongoing hostilities, and that Russias intervention was provoked.In April, US National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby accused Lula of parroting Russian and Chinese propaganda, following the Brazilian presidents suggestion that the US should stop encouraging the conflict. https://sputnikglobe.com/20220505/brazils-ex-president-lula-zelensky-wanted-war-with-russia-west-encouraging-conflict-in-ukraine-1095274546.html brazil russia Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Wyatt Reed Wyatt Reed 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 Wyatt Reed brazil, world war iii, russia, ukraine crisis, brazilian president luiz inacio lula da silva, celso amorim https://sputnikglobe.com/20230603/train-collision-in-eastern-india-took-hundreds-of-lives---reports-1110869537.html Train Collision in Eastern India Takes Hundreds of Lives Train Collision in Eastern India Takes Hundreds of Lives The death toll in the train collision in the Indian state of Odisha has reached 288, as the media reports. 2023-06-03T05:19+0000 2023-06-03T05:19+0000 2023-06-03T11:32+0000 world narendra modi odisha india train accident /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/06/03/1110869647_0:321:3072:2048_1920x0_80_0_0_cbcc0f68f8af2470faab9f04943f5e99.jpg Earlier in the day, Indian media reported that at least 207 people were killed and 900 were injured in a collision between the passenger and the freight trains that occurred at about 19:20 local time (13:45 GMT) near the city of Balasore in the east of India. The passenger train was traveling from Calcutta to Chennai. According to the updated information, as a result of the collision, 10 to 12 cars derailed. After a while, another passenger train crashed into them, as a result, three or four more cars with people derailed.The government of the state of Odisha is reported to provide all the necessary resources that were needed for the work of 14 rescue teams to evacuate the injured.India's prime minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over loss of life in the accident. odisha 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 train accident, odisha, india https://sputnikglobe.com/20230603/us-intel-officials-claim-cia-director-secretly-visited-china-last-month-1110868275.html US Intel Officials Claim CIA Director Secretly Visited China Last Month US Intel Officials Claim CIA Director Secretly Visited China Last Month Anonymous US intelligence officials are claiming that the head of the CIA secretly went to China last month in an effort to smooth relations between Beijing and Washington, Western media is reporting. 2023-06-03T01:40+0000 2023-06-03T01:40+0000 2023-06-03T01:35+0000 world sergei shoigu us us-china relations china shangri-la dialogue high-level security summit lloyd austin /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/0a/11/1089992801_0:0:2905:1634_1920x0_80_0_0_5a8c102eee6f0b9d0e4ecf5d061beaed.jpg Anonymous US intelligence officials are claiming that the head of the CIA secretly went to China last month in an effort to smooth relations between Beijing and Washington, Western media is reporting.Last month, [CIA Director Bill] Burns traveled to Beijing where he met with Chinese counterparts and emphasized the importance of maintaining open lines of communications in intelligence channels, one unnamed US official reportedly told a British outlet.A major American outlet wrote that a separate nameless US official described the trip as an intelligence to intelligence engagement, not a diplomatic mission.If confirmed, Burns trip would mark the highest-level visit to China by a US official since Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Shermans visit to Tianjin in July 2021.Accounts of the alleged visit were published in Western media outlets just days after it was reported that China's Minister of National Defense Li Shangfu declined to hold a meeting at this weeks Shangri-La Dialogue security forum in Singapore with his American counterpart due to ongoing US sanctions targeting him personally.Ultimately, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin reportedly had to make do with a quick handshake and a brief photo-op with Shangfu, with the Pentagon subsequently grumbling that there hadnt been a substantive exchange between the two military chiefs.On Thursday, Austin complained that it was unfortunate that Chinese authorities were apparently uninterested in a face-to-face meet, telling reporters he was concerned about . . . having an incident that could very, very quickly spiral out of control.I think defense departments should be talking to each other on a routine basis, insisted Austin, who last year reportedly went five months without speaking to his Russian counterpart, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu.Austin earlier indicated in May that he had anticipated holding meetings with his Chinese counterpart during the forum; however, China had declined to do so. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230531/musks-beijing-visit-could-lead-to-better-understanding-of-us-china-diplomatic-nuances-1110821851.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230602/china-builds-bridges-while-us-builds-bases-how-washington-beijing-approach-security-in-asia-1110862741.html china Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Wyatt Reed Wyatt Reed 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 Wyatt Reed us, intelligence, cia director bill burns, china, us-china relations, secret meeting https://sputnikglobe.com/20230603/us-navy-orders-3-new-gear-sets-for-aegis-class-missile-destroyers--1110874399.html US Navy Orders 3 New Gear Sets for AEGIS Class Missile Destroyers US Navy Orders 3 New Gear Sets for AEGIS Class Missile Destroyers Timken Gears & Services Inc., King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, was awarded a $119.2 million US Navy modification contract for three main reduction gear shipsets to support DDG-51 class Arleigh Burke-class AEGIS missile destroyers. 2023-06-03T11:22+0000 2023-06-03T11:22+0000 2023-06-03T11:22+0000 military us us navy aegis ddg51 arleigh-burke-class destroyer /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/05/1d/1083030537_0:74:2001:1199_1920x0_80_0_0_2a8953e50502b86f8d7492b9bce3202d.jpg "Timken Gears & Services [of] King of Prussia, Pennsylvania was awarded a $119,280,294 ...modification contract to exercise the options for three Main Reduction Gear shipsets to support DDG-51 class," the release said on Friday. Most of the work on the project will be performed in Santa Fe Springs, California (77%) and Riverside, Missouri (10%) with the rest being done at other locations across the United States, the release added. Work on the contract is scheduled to take four and a half years and is expected to be completed by November 2027, according to the release. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230513/irgc-navy-gets-ultra-long-range-cruise-missile-superior-to-the-tomahawk-1110323093.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 navy, us military, aegis missile destroyers, destroyer https://sputnikglobe.com/20230603/weekly-news-wrap-biden-debt-deal-maduro-lula-reset-africa-reclaims-independence-1110867428.html Weekly News Wrap; Biden Debt Deal; Maduro Lula Reset; Africa Reclaims Independence Weekly News Wrap; Biden Debt Deal; Maduro Lula Reset; Africa Reclaims Independence President Biden agreed to a debt ceiling deal that entrenches neoliberal economics in the US for the foreseeable future. 2023-06-03T04:06+0000 2023-06-03T04:06+0000 2023-06-03T10:07+0000 the critical hour radio china taiwan ukraine brazil cuba ai us debt ceiling crisis /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/06/03/1110867271_0:0:1920:1080_1920x0_80_0_0_d878c643d12b206ec2aa3cd9f5582f3c.png Weekly News Wrap; Biden Debt Deal; Maduro Lula Reset; Africa Reclaims Independence President Biden agreed to a debt ceiling deal that entrenches neoliberal economics in the US for the foreseeable future. Caleb Maupin, journalist and political analyst, joins us to discuss this week's important news stories. The US accuses China of an unprofessional intercept over the South China Sea. Also, the UK detains a journalist and the liberal globalist order is hypocritical and contradictory.Dr. Richard Wolff, professor of economics and host of "Democracy at Work" on YouTube, joins us to discuss this week's important news stories. President Biden agreed to a debt ceiling deal that entrenches neoliberal economics in the US for the foreseeable future. Also, the elderly are suffering at the hands of neoliberal austerity.Dr. Tony Monteiro, scholar and activist, joins us to discuss this week's important news stories. The woke agenda is a thin veneer for neoliberal militaristic expansionism. Also, RFK Jr calls for a mature discussion on Ukraine.Jim Kavanagh, whose work can be found at Jim Kavanagh's Substack, thepolemicist.net, and Counterpunch, and Steve Poikonen, national organizer for Action4Assange, come together to discuss this week's important news stories. Most US voters believe that there is only one gender. Also, Democrats demand more warmongering in Ukraine.Ajamu Baraka, 2016 US vice presidential candidate for the Green Party, and Netfa Freeman, host of Voices With Vision on WPFW 89.3 FM Pan-Africanist and internationalist organizer, come together to discuss this week's important news stories. Venezuela and Brazil are renewing their relationship. Also, President Biden doubles down on the oppression of Cuba and the Uhuru movement faces FBI persecution.We'd love to get your feedback at radio@sputniknews.comThe views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the position of Sputnik. china ukraine brazil cuba Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Garland Nixon https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/02/13/1082125302_0:0:239:239_100x100_80_0_0_d5d43c970b0740f228597fbcdb4ffd66.jpg Garland Nixon https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/02/13/1082125302_0:0:239:239_100x100_80_0_0_d5d43c970b0740f228597fbcdb4ffd66.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 Garland Nixon https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/02/13/1082125302_0:0:239:239_100x100_80_0_0_d5d43c970b0740f228597fbcdb4ffd66.jpg democrats wants warmongering in ukraine, us debt ceiling, julian assange, venezuela-brazil relations https://sputnikglobe.com/20230603/whats-behind-us-new-start-countermeasures-and-whos-poised-to-lose-the-most-1110875137.html What's Behind US' New START Countermeasures and Who's Poised to Lose the Most? What's Behind US' New START Countermeasures and Who's Poised to Lose the Most? Washington's decision to stop giving Moscow some key information on launches of US intercontinental and submarine-launched ballistic missiles amid NATO's proxy war in Ukraine sends a worrisome signal, Russian military expert Vladislav Shurygin told Sputnik. 2023-06-03T12:27+0000 2023-06-03T12:27+0000 2023-06-03T12:52+0000 analysis vladimir putin russia washington moscow nato sputnik treaty on open skies anti-ballistic missile (abm) treaty new start treaty /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/105105/69/1051056911_0:237:4500:2768_1920x0_80_0_0_ca3cb76e016aa8ec2260aa13b5d86d17.jpg The US State Department announced earlier this week that as of June 1 it would withhold notifications required under the new Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) from Russia.The data it plans to withold includes updates on the status or location of treaty-accountable missiles and launchers, as well as telemetric information on launches of US ICBMs and SLBMs. It also looks to revoke existing visas for Russian New START Treaty inspectors and aircrew members. Why has the US resorted to these measures now?The State Department's fact sheet claimed that the aforementioned "countermeasures" had been adopted in retaliation to Russia's temporary suspension of the New START treaty.How Will Countermeasures Affect Russia and the US?Washington's recent "countermeasures" could have very serious consequences, according to Shurygin.Nonetheless, Russia will not find itself in a more disadvantageous position than the Americans after inspections and sensitive data transferals have been canceled, as per Shurygin."It doesn't give them any advantage," he said. "Moreover, geography in itself, dimension - a feature of our terrain, including mountainous and forested, allows us to very quickly hide our systems, especially mobile missile systems, which are now the basis of our strategic nuclear forces, on the ground. So America will not be able to control them and will not know where they are."Why Did Russia Temporarily Suspend New START Treaty?"We were stopped, first of all, by the fact that America completely evaded compliance with [the New START] treaty, from the fact that it created obstacles in every possible way for the implementation of this treaty," explained Shurygin. "The Americans regularly suspended visas for our inspectors. The Americans regularly blocked our attempts, including those related to the implementation of the open skies agreement on our research trips. And, accordingly, there was also a whole list of everything that did not suit us."New START is a nuclear arms reduction treaty between the US and Russia that came into force on February 5, 2011. It was preceded by: the Treaty of Moscow (SORT) which expired in December 2012; the START I treaty which expired in December 2009; and the START II and START III which never became effective.On February 21, 2023, Russia's President Vladimir Putin announced that Russia was "freezing" its participation in New START. The suspension was signed into law on February 28. However, it did not mean that Russia tore the treaty apart: Moscow made it clear that it would continue to comply with quantitative restrictions on strategic offensive arms and exchange notifications with Washington about ballistic missile launches.During his February speech to the Federal Assembly, Putin explained the rationale behind the move.In sum, the president explained that the aforementioned circumstances forced Russia to temporarily suspend its participation in New START. Still, the Russian president made it crystal clear that Moscow is open to dialogue on the issue.How is New START Dependent on Other US-Russia Treaties?According to Shurygin, various arms treaties between Moscow and Washington, including the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty (ABM) of 1972, the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF) of 1987, and START I (Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty) of 1991, de facto constituted a package with the agreements being intertwined. On top of that, in 1992, Moscow and Washington inked the Treaty on Open Skies a program of unarmed aerial surveillance flights over the entire territory of its participants, which came into effect in 2002.Together, the accords envisaged the reduction of the number of missiles capable of carrying a nuclear load, limited Washington and Moscow's ability to build ballistic missile interceptors, and established mutual surveillance. As a result, the package ensured nuclear parity between the nations and prevented either country from trying to gain an advantage over the other which could upset the global strategic balance.However, after the collapse of the USSR, Washington adopted a triumphalist stance vis-a-vis the Russian Federation and began to snub previous agreements under various pretenses.Bush's pull-out opened the door to the Obama administration's establishment of an Aegis Ashore anti-missile defense complex in Europe, namely in Romania and Poland.Nonetheless, Moscow did not give up: one of the provisions of the New START (2011) specifically stated that Russia reserved the right to withdraw from the treaty if the US missile defense reaches the stage of development when it becomes a threat to Russia's security.However, in 2019, the Trump administration dealt yet another blow to the nuclear strategic parity between Russia and the US by pulling out from the INF. He even tried to twist Russia's hand by threatening to suspend New START. In 2020, Washington likewise withdrew from the Treaty on Open Skies.Little by little, the West has ruined what was seen as an ironclad strategic balance between major nuclear powers established brick by brick during and immediately after the Cold War era. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230306/npt--new-start-how-us-disrupted-strategic-nuclear-balance-for-the-sake-of-dominance-1108098500.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230221/whats-new-start-treaty-and-why-did-russia-suspend-it-1107667839.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230221/putins-speech-from-russias-economic-growth--military-advancements-to-new-start-suspension-1107672755.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20221015/us-designed-european-sky-shield-initiative-to-escalate-tension-with-russia-analyst-says-1101880792.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20221213/21-years-ago-today-us-rips-up-abm-treaty-with-russia-starting-slow-slide-toward-current-crisis-1105420298.html russia washington moscow ukraine 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 new start treaty, new start suspension, new start countermeasures, inf treaty, what is abm treaty, when bush withdrew from abm treaty, open skies treaty, cold war, global strategic balance, nuclear paritry, west vowed to impose strategic defeat on russia, russian special military operation, us suspension of new start provisions https://sputnikglobe.com/20230603/white-house-urges-serbias-vucic-to-withdraw-military-from-border-with-kosovo-1110867720.html White House Urges Serbias Vucic to Withdraw Military From Border With Kosovo White House Urges Serbias Vucic to Withdraw Military From Border With Kosovo Principal Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer in a call with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic called on Belgrade to withdraw its forces from the regions bordering Kosovo and to take steps to pacify Serbian protesters. 2023-06-03T00:27+0000 2023-06-03T00:27+0000 2023-06-03T00:22+0000 world aleksandar vucic kosovo serbia kfor european union (eu) white house /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/05/1e/1110787634_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_10526be0cf226e7bd86446d2f87a837d.jpg "Principal Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer spoke with President Aleksandar Vucic of Serbia today. Mr. Finer stressed the United States concern about the tense situation in northern Kosovo and called for all parties to take steps aimed at de-escalating the situation," the release said on Friday. "He urged the government of Serbia to withdraw its armed forces stationed near the border and to lower their state of readiness, as well as to urge protesters to remain peaceful in northern Kosovo."Finer also told Vucic that the United States expect both sides to re-engage in the EU-facilitated dialogue and to fully implement the normalization agreement reached in Brussels and Ohrid earlier this year, the release added. Kosovo, whose independence from Belgrade has not been recognized by Serbia and dozens of other countries, deployed police to the region, while Serbia put its armed forces on full combat alert and started moving them toward the administrative border. NATO deployed its troops in four protesting regions in northern Kosovo and Metohija and announced it was sending additional troops to reinforce the KFOR peacekeepers there. Officers surrounded the local government buildings with rows of barbed wire in advance, with heavily equipped Kosovo Albanian police fighters with armored vehicles positioned behind them. On Monday, thousands of Serbs protested in Zvecan and Leposavic, which escalated into clashes with security forces that left 52 Serbs and some 30 KFOR troops injured. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230530/decisive-steps-needed-to-ease-tensions-in-kosovo-not-wests-half-measures---moscow-1110793799.html kosovo serbia 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 white house, jon finer, aleksandar vucic, serbia, kosovo, protests, kfor https://sputnikglobe.com/20230603/zelensky-wants-ukraine-to-have-50-us-made-patriot-defense-systems---reports-1110875847.html Zelensky Wants Ukraine to Have 50 US-Made Patriot Defense Systems - Reports Zelensky Wants Ukraine to Have 50 US-Made Patriot Defense Systems - Reports Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky believes that the only system capable of intercepting some of Russia's advanced missiles is the US-made Patriot air defense system, and that Ukraine needs 50 such systems, American newspaper reported. 2023-06-03T12:20+0000 2023-06-03T12:20+0000 2023-06-03T12:20+0000 russia's special operation in ukraine ukrainian crisis us arms for ukraine patriot missile system russia-nato showdown /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/105349/33/1053493368_0:10:2858:1618_1920x0_80_0_0_dc849678d0c56d2c06079d68921cab6d.jpg Zelensky told media that he was grateful to Western countries for supplying weapons systems, but said that deliveries should be faster and in greater numbers. He added that Ukraine, in particular, needs more Patriot missile batteries to protect its cities and front-line troops. The Ukrainian president added that Kiev would like to receive more Western weapons for a counteroffensive. In December 2022, the United States announced a $1.85 billion security assistance package for Ukraine, including a Patriot air defense system expected to arrive in the coming months. Germany and the Netherlands followed suit, also pledging Patriots to Ukraine. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230517/nutcracker-what-we-know-about-russias-kinzhal-hitting-us-patriot-system-in-kiev-1110418058.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230516/russias-kinzhal-missile-destroys-patriot-system-in-kiev-1110397858.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 russia special military operation, ukrainian crisis, us arms for kiev, russia-nato showdown The natural world and the built world seamlessly meet this month in the color photographs of Gary Anthes at Middle Street Gallery in Washington, Virginia. His poetic views of plants, animals and farm tools, carefully arranged in an abandoned barn on his Castleton property, evoke the elemental beauty in rural woodlands and meadows, according to a release from Anthes. Partita RusticaLife and Death in a Virginia Barn, opened Friday and runs through July 9 at the gallery. Works by other members of the artists cooperative will also be on display. The barn on my Virginia farm was built 200 years ago and has stood abandoned for 60 years, Anthes said. It once housed a cow, a horse and a few chickens, but it now shelters spiders, mice, wasps and the occasional snake. Despite these creatures, and the perils of copious dust and rusty nails, it was a perfect retreat from a pandemic, and here I discovered the joy of creating still-life art. Set against the interior walls of the structure, featured objects are illuminated by natural light streaming through doors and gaps in the wooden planks. They are at first glance simple things, but the simplicity yields to more complex views on closer inspection, Anthes said. I think of my carefully constructed arrangements as musical compositions employing the elements of melody, harmony, rhythm, and texture to create small works for a chamber ensemble. Anthes will be at the gallery 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on June 18 and July 2. He will donate proceeds to the Humane Farming Association. Middle Street Gallery is located at 311 Gay St., lower level, with an entrance on Main Street across from Ballards. The gallery is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday-Sunday. Visit Middlestreetgallery.org or call 540/227-5066 for more information. Robert James Langhorne Gibbons was 65 in 2014, when he was reported missing by his daughter. Though a search in 2014 came up empty, another one in 2020 on Gibbons Lick Ridge property uncovered his remains. That search also ended in the arrest of Gibbons then-34-year-old son Robert Joseph Gibbons, who was at the time living in Snowshoe, West Virginia. On March 16, 2021, Gibbons was taken to the New River Valley Regional Jail facility in Dublin, and on April 5, 2021, he was charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death of his father. The trial has been delayed five times so far, with Gibbons last appearing in Floyd County Circuit Court in October 2022. The trial is now set for five days, beginning at 9 a.m. on Monday, June 5. Gibbons is represented by Roanoke attorney Anthony F. Anderson.